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en to order the return of their
ammunition and an immediate withdrawal the moment the first part of Ripleys
hitherto unbelieved story was vindicated. Not that taking their ammo had been
necessary in the first place. A "make safe all weapons, no firing unless
attacked" order would have been adequate. Instead, he had chosen to insult
their combat-proven ability.
Money over Men? Preserve the station at all costs? Perhaps his seeming
ignorance was more like following company policy to the letter.
A soldier NEVER officially questions a superior's worthiness of his rank,
but he wasn't going to rest on this one. He had a measure of rage to work out
as soon as he was able.
For now, sluggish dreams, each moment dragging out for minutes of real time
while the Ship monitored itself and its fragile occupants.
Several weeks after departing Acheron orbit, an undistinguished yellow star
appeared directly ahead. This one didn't move aside when the ship approached,
it stayed there, glowing brighter by the minute. Abruptly the blue hyperdrive
corona switched off, leaving the ship almost stationary about 2 solar system
radii away.
Immediately the main drive activated to continue the approach to Earth at a
more manageable pace, while the Sulaco b
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