RED KNIGHT
a STAR FRONTIERS Novel
by Layne K. Saltern
I looked at my chronocom to see the time again: 27:42.
That meant I had been reading Katrina's poetry for nearly and hour. Verse after verse lamented the loss of eternal love.
Katrina was right. This stuff did come from the heart. Too much.
I got up to increase the lighting, not noticing that I didn't need my walker to do it.
27:58.
Admiral Zhelk called me on his chronocom.
"Kro'khan, how are you feeling?"
"Much better. Thank you."
He paused. "Kro'khan, we'll be holding a meeting to discuss our current situation, and what our options are. Only a few of us will be in the meeting, but I'd like you to be there. . .if you can."
"Okay," I replied, flatly.
"Good. It's very important that we get together and organize. We'll see you tonight in the conference room at 32 hundred hours. Zhelk out."
I turned in my bed, unable to find a comfortable position. Then I remembered that 32:00 was when Katrina and I were supposed to meet. I returned to my chronocom.
"Admiral Zhelk, I'm sorry about this, but I just realized I can't make it to the meeting tonight."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sorry. You'll have to get by without me."
It wasn't my fault. He should have chosen a better time.
I got up and removed my ever shining militia uniform, replacing it with a much more comfortable pullover. I took a good look at myself in a full-length mirror. The matte black pullover looked loose and casual, maybe even sloppy. But I was a guest here. I could wear what I wanted.
I paced until 31:45 sharp.
Then I trotted past the bushes in the main area until I got to the tunnel. Two small bubblecars were waiting at the tunnel entrance. One would take me to the section of the base where Katrina would be waiting for me.
I really needed to see her again.