Chapter 4
Mark stood to attention in front of the Chief, refusing the latter's invitation to sit. He was alone, having been summoned to Anderson's office as soon as they returned to Center Neptune, and was still in birdstyle, while his team-mates had gone to shower.
Anderson was giving the antacids a run for their money, going beyond the daily limit. He didn't speak for some time, just looked at Mark.
"Well, Commander?"he finally said. "Care to explain what happened?"
Mark winced inwardly. Much as he respected the Chief as a boss and loved him as a father, Anderson's irony was something he could never get used to.
"We were ambushed. They knew we were coming. I ordered Tiny to land in Traitor's Pass and handed the codes to Colonel Cronus. Jason and Princess were covering me. On the way back, Jason stayed behind and continued giving us covering fire, disregarding a direct order to withdraw. When Colonel Cronus was attacked, I had to make a choice. I chose to send the Phoenix to help Cronus. Jason was surrounded. We couldn't get back in time. He was captured and taken on board one of the Spectran ships. You will have my report in writing as soon as possible".
He looked straight at the Chief.
"I take full responsibility for abandoning Jason and I am ready to accept any punishment you decide".
Anderson sighed wearily.
"Sit down, Mark. Please".
Mark was ready to refuse again, but something in Anderson's gaze made him change his mind. He sat down, keeping his posture rigid.
"There is another possibility we have to consider", continued Anderson, in a tired voice. "That maybe there was a plan behind the ambush. That maybe Jason defected".
To be continued
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