Retribution Read Online Free PDF

responded. “Kat and I were dammed lucky to survive. Juko and Sammy weren’t so lucky.”
    Dave recognised the fatalism that was so commonly adopted by warriors facing death on a daily basis, especially when so much rested on chance. He nodded and then added “You obviously took the time to get to know them well.”
    “They were good guys. I liked them.”
    “You obviously don’t subscribe to the view that’s pretty common amongst fighter pilots that you don’t get too close.”
    “Nah, life’s too short. I want to feel everyday while I’m alive.” She looked directly into Dave’s eyes. “Even if it involves pain and loss.”
    There was a bit of bravado there but Dave could see that she did mean it. “You OK?”
    “For now. I’ll have a cry later when none of these jokers can see me.” And she gave him a sad smile. Li put his arm around her. Rose accepted it without comment. She inhaled strongly through her nose and was obviously fighting to remain composed. “I tell you what Sir. I’m looking forward to a real steak back at Nova Vista” and she smiled.
    “Yeah a real steak would be good” said Dave. Dave looked at Li but Li’s focus was light years away now. This had not been the first time Li had lost pilots but Dave also knew that it didn’t matter how many you lost you always came away and agonised over what you could have done to have prevented it.
    Li became aware of Dave’s gaze and snapped out of it. “We’ll be fine Sir.”
    Dave nodded and everyone fell silent preferring to focus on their food.
    Rihan looked around and everywhere she looked there were sombre or reflective faces. ‘This was the low’ she thought to herself. After all battles in which friends are lost there always comes a time when you have to confront that loss. She knew what it was like to put that day off, as they had done after the ambush on Josker. But she reckoned it was best done as soon after the event as possible.
    Thankfully on this occasion there was no one that close to her. They had hardly time to introduce themselves before going into battle. She didn’t even recognise some of the names of the marines. It was then that she remembered something.
    “Excuse me darling” she whispered to Dave “I just remembered I have to go and see Cpl Chada.”
    Preserving the subdued state Dave whispered back “Who’s Cpl Chada?”
    “Buster’s girl.”
    “Really? The sly dog.”
    “There’s a lot you miss Captain Warner” said Rihan with a smile.
    “Obviously. OK I’ll see you later then.”
    Rihan took the lift down to D deck where the ‘other ranks’ were quartered. The mess was near full but others were relaxing in the adjacent lounge area and this is where Rihan saw Kali Chada. She was in deep conversation with a trooper but she caught Rihan’s eye and made her excuses and came over to Rihan.
    “Are you right Maam?” she asked.
    “Yeah I’m OK Kali. I just thought I’d drop by and see how you were going.”
    Kali smiled. She was pleasantly surprised that the XO had taken time out to see her. They sat down in one of the lounges.
    “I’m sorry we couldn’t bring Buster back with us” said Rihan.
    “Yeah me too. But don’t feel bad Maam. I wouldn’t want to do anything to risk Buster’s health. As you said, he’ll re-join us soon enough.”
    “I hope so too.”
    “What do you mean ‘hope’?”
    “It’s early days yet but they have to wait and see if he regains full use of his leg. There’s a chance he may not.” Kali felt like someone had punched her in the gut. She sunk back into the seat. Rihan added “But there’s a very good chance he will make a full recovery. So don’t give up heart.”
    Kali shook her head. “No Maam I won’t. He’ll pull through I know. He’s tough.”
    “Had you known Buster before coming aboard?”
    “No Maam. I only really got to know him in the fight for the spaceport.”
    “Really?” asked an incredulous Rihan.
    “Yes Maam” said Kali with a