“She’s not responding to my calls. She left the ship when we docked yesterday. I think she’s still angry with us.”“You mean me. Protecting her is your highest priority.” Abernathy disconnected.As the Admiral’s image faded from the screen Garner mumbled, “What makes Willa worth the effort? Or the cost? She’s brilliant, sure, but I’ve already lost two pilots, and four fighters trying to protect her.” That’s when he noticed that he was talking to himself.The dialog with himself continued internally, “Dozens of people have died in attempts to kill her, both innocent victims and attackers. Why? We don’t even know who is trying to kill her.“He ordered me to protect her, and her secret. A secret he won’t even trust the Navy to have. I’ve got a carrier to run, weapons systems to develop, a solar system to protect, and this one reckless woman is my highest priority. Collision warning klaxons began to sound throughout the ship. Garner was sprinting before he heard the command, “Captain to the bridge! All hands brace for collision!”
