On a rare rest day, David dragged his aching body to his terminal and connected to his uncle"s encrypted channel. Perry"s hologram looked more haggard than last time, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes carved deep like knife scars. "Kid, heard you"re doing alright? Nearing the end of mech training? Even scored a f*****g A." Perry got straight to the point, his tone unreadable. "Got lucky, Uncle," David said, wiping sweat from his face, trying to appear relaxed. Every minor movement sent sharp twinges through his overworked muscles. "Lucky?" Perry snorted, his gaze sharpening. "I got the word, David. Stellar Marines. The 42nd Assault Company. They"re asking for you by name. Tell me you haven"t been stupid enough to accept." David"s stomach tightened. He couldn"t hide it. "They… present
