Chapter 9:
The waiting area around the dock was empty except for a civilian clerk waiting at the check in podium. He looked up as we approached, “Chief Perez and aide?” he asked setting down the portable terminal he was reading.
Perez waived me forward with her nose high in the air. I just shook my head and said “Yes” Presenting him with both our paperwork so he could scan them. “The chief would like to board as soon as possible” I said,as he waved a hand scanner over the orders. “Before the good seats fill up” I added.
“Pffft.. that’ll be easy” he snorted. “Officers are already aboard, you two are it for the entire enlisted section” he said as he handed me back our orders.
“Just us?” I said.
“Yeah, you missed the big rush up there last week. I think this is the only trip out there for the rest of the month” he said pulling out our carry on luggage from behind the podium.
“Well she did say that you were very late” Perez said as she grabbed her duffel and a new small bag.
“Now if you’d like to board” the clerk said handing me my duffel and shopping bag. “Colonel Clark would like to begin the launch procedures and get underway as soon as possible.” then he walked forward down the entrance ramp.
“Ahhh, Clark’s onboard, we should make good time then” Perez smiled, and pulled me along.
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