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risk of weakening their
military position against the rebels. Day after day they sent
hundreds of 'insect' drones flying over the huge city where Amri had
disappeared.
Finally, as their more experienced 'cloak-and-dagger' officers
centered in on several leads, Amri was found by a drone and tagged
with a homing device, and the chase was on. His rebel captors had
treated him badly, and by the time Shardin and Sha'teem caught up with
them and liberated the boy, he was an emotional (and physical) wreck.
Sha'teem had reached the boy's cell first, and found him tied to
a bed in a position that would lead one to some obvious conclusions
concerning what had been done to him. He also showed fresh welts and
belt-marks, as well as a fair number of bruises, on his naked body.
Sha'teem choked back the tears of rage as he untied Amri, and as he
helped the boy to his feet, Shardin rushed in.
Amri bravely stood and saluted his captain. "Cadet Amri ready to
report, my Lord," the boy said in a shaky voice, and Sha'teem saw the
tears spring into Shardin's eyes.
"It's all right, Amri. You're safe now, son," Shardin whispered
in an emotion-
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