Fall of Icarus by Jon Messenger Page A

Warrants on both sides, Fleet and Infantry.   As such, he became an important liaison and mediator during the many disagreements.   Lately, that aspect of his job had taken most of his time; at least the time he wasn’t spending with Keryn.
                “So,” Adam interjected, wasting no time with formalities before getting to the crux of the conversation.   “What do you think this is all about?   My money is on deployment orders.”
                “I don’t know, Adam,” Yen replied.   “I’m as much in the dark as you are.”
                “That’s a load of crap,” Adam quickly responded.   “You’re never in the dark.   You always know more than you let on.   Read someone’s mind, for crying out loud.”
                Yen frowned, but his sentiment wasn’t shared with the rest of the table.   Many laughed.   Keryn, however, raised an eyebrow in surprise.   “You can do that?” she asked.
                “Trust me, sister,” Adam’s date chimed in, “there are few things Yen Xiao can’t do with that crazy power of his.”
                Keryn leaned in close.   Yen could smell the intoxicating perfume she wore.   It was very distracting in the midst of a conversation.   “You ever read my mind, and you’ll never live to regret it.”   She winked at him as she leaned away and rejoined the rest of the table’s conversation.
                Aside from her beauty and intelligence, Yen admired her social relaxation.   Keryn easily slipped into nearly any conversation, having a multitude of stories to share on nearly any topic.   Though she had been on the ship less than a week, she added people daily to her growing circle of friends.
                Their conversation was interrupted, however, by the chiming of silverware off a crystal glass.   Keryn and Yen had to shift their chairs to see the rear doors to the ballroom, where Captain Hodge and her small entourage entered before taking their seats at the head table.   Only Captain Hodge remained standing, obviously planning to speak before sitting with Eminent Merric and Squadron Commander Garrix.
                “Good evening everyone,” she began with simple formalities.   “I’m glad that you were all able to make time in your busy schedules in order to join us for this dinner, though I do realize I didn’t truly leave you much of an option in the matter.”   She paused while flittered laughter rolled through the room.   “There is much that we need to discuss tonight; many rumors that either need to be confirmed or stifled before they get out of hand.   Right now, however, is not the time for long winded speeches.   I find it’s upsetting to be the bearer of important news and then try to eat a heavy meal.   Therefore, I will leave you with only this acknowledgement of your questions: we have broken orbit and are currently flying toward an undisclosed location.   You can speculate amongst yourselves as we eat.   Following dinner, I will tell you everything I know and give you as many answers to your questions as I can offer.   For now, please enjoy both the food and one another’s company.”
                As she took her seat, the room erupted in chatters of conversation.   For many, Captain Hodge’s teasing speech added fuel to an already hotly burning fire of speculation.   For others, there was a worrisome expression on their faces.   Yen not only understood their concern, but was happy to see the reality of the situation finally sinking in for the new pilots and soldiers.   Maybe, if they could understand the dangers associated with real combat, some of them might survive to see how the war develops.   Yen had spent quite a bit of time thinking about what was to come and had come to a realization.   Their attack against the Terran Fleet would be brutal, but would be far from the end of the war.   If