Kalico allowed herself a smile. “All right, Private. Come walk with me. Not only will I be safer, but I could use the company.”

“Ma’am?” Michegan called.

At Kalico’s wave, the marine trotted up, eyes nervous.

“At ease, Private,” Kalico told her. “You got a man in your life?”

After the surprised flicker died in her dark eyes, Michegan said, “Uh, yeah, Supervisor. He’s a prospector working a claim out in the Blood Mountains west of PA.”

“Must be tough getting together. You see him much?”

“We work it out.” Dina kept shooting Kalico a wary glance.

“Relax, Private. I could give a hang and hoot about your personal life. In fact, just the opposite. You decide you need some time, let me know. That goes for the rest of you, too. There isn’t a single marine left in this detail who hasn’t carried more than his or her weight. Let’s figure out a rotation for a little time off. What do you think?”

“It would be most appreciated, ma’am.” Michegan smiled.

“I’m remiss for not thinking of it earlier. But, given what happened to Talbot, Shintzu, and Garcia, I think we’ll have to have some ground rules.”

“Yes ma’am. I’d hope we were a little smarter this time around, though I do know that Russ Tanner and Toni Nashala want to do some exploring.” Again, the wary look. “Maybe there might be a way to make trips like those Corporate endorsed? Like for a percentage?”

Kalico gave the woman a thin-lidded look. “Damned creeping capitalistic libertarian crap is infiltrating all the best qualities of solid Corporate doctrine, if you ask me. Which means, fricking aye, we can go percentages.” She paused. “As long as our people use their heads while they’re out in the bush.”

“Yes, ma’am. We know what’s at stake.” Michegan squinted up at the sun as they walked along the tall chain-link. On the other side, the fill dropped off to the forest below. The view through the wire was spectacular across the rumpled forest. Looking out, it was to see the trees in their constant movement, a bobbing sea of blues, greens, teal, and jade as the forest giants shuffled and struggled for position.

Nice distraction. What are you going to do about Dek?

Kalico thought back to the man who’d given her his last energy bar at the foot of the cliff below Tyson Station and lied about it. That bar had kept her going when she’d have played out. Maybe she wouldn’t have died, but her collapse on that dangerous climb would have endangered them all.

Then came the memories of his dimple, of the twinkle in his green-ringed yellow eyes, that devilish smile. The scarred cheek he’d received saving her life. Just thinking of them warmed her heart.

Are you in love with him?

Good question.