Chapter 10

Kolten I'm coming for you. Earth I'm finally going to see you she thought to herself as she fell back asleep on the transport shuttle.

"Admiral Thompson! Shark Squadron is coming here to join us? That means Tara is going to be here! For an E Defender pilot... This mission is suicidal! I won't allow her to fly. She will remain on board here in our guest chambers." Kolten firmly spoke as he put his foot down.

"My boy. I understand who and what she is to you. In times of war you must think about what's best for Elonis and the galaxy. Tara is the best pilot in the whole damn fleet. Her shark Squadron is the best we have. We need them for this mission! Our success is going to largely depend on them getting us safely on the ground to release the ground troops. Without them we fail. Admiral Thompson trying to reason with Kolten.

Kolten still unhappy with his commanding officer's orders knew this wasn't an argument that he could win. "Yes sir. You're right. This is what must be done. "

The transport shuttle carrying Shark Squadron has finally landed on Mars. Kolten waited anxiously in the hanger to greet Tara. It had only been well over a year and a half. So much has changed. Would she remember him he thought? What if she doesn't like me? No sense in worrying now. Here she comes.

"Kolten... Is that you? You've changed so much I hardly recognize you!" She said jokingly.

Kolten blushes and asks. "Really?"

Smiling she responds. "No. Maybe a few inches taller, but still the same sharp, and handsome mother fucker I remember."

Then she reaches out to give him a hug and kisses his cheek like she did the night the went their own separate ways.

Then they heard a familiar voice.

"Hey Tara, you still fighting your man's battles for him?"

Tara and Kolten sighed in distgus. It was Roger. He was now part of the ground troops that they were taking to Earth's moon.

Tara replied. "Roger. Didn't you learn your lesson already?"

Roger open mouth smiled showing off where she had knocked a few of his teeth out.

"Mam...It's Sgt. Roger now, and I was only kidding. I've done combat with CIT Kolten numerous times over the last year. You should be hella proud of the man and leader he's become."

"Congratulations Sgt. Roger. I hope to see the man he'll be when we get married and live our lives. We both have tons of stories to tell about our adventures. Now... Sgt. Roger. Will you please excuse us. I'm not done kissing this man's face yet." As she looks over and winks at Kolten.

Sgt. Rogers gives off a cheesy grin, and walks away.

"Mr. CIT big shot Kolten. Is there a room we can go "catch up?" Tara flirtatiously questions.

"Tara. As much as I've missed you and want to. Romantic relationships are not permitted on this ship. Until we land back on Elonis. I am the Commander of this mission, and you are the squad leader here to help execute our safe landing. We must keep this military professional. " he responded.

Even though what he said was true. He'd do anything for a night with her. No. He must stick to the mission. If they live... He will have her forever. He'd just pray they make it out alive.

"Well aren't you a fun one. Mr. All Business Professional." she said irritated like. She takes his hands off of her and steps back.

"OK. Meet me at the commons area in two hours. I know a place. " he whispered.

Blushing. Tara smiled and left him with a simple "Yes sir Commander. "

Kolten thought to himself. What the hell am I doing? We could get court marshaled for this. To justify his decision. He told himself either one of them could die within the next few days to a week. This could be his only chance to prove to her his love and affection.