McCool's Tavern - Freeport 1

[Nick.Walker]

John watched the Hangman leave. He downed his beer and then another shot of whiskey. His eyes scanned the room. Every single person he saw, male and female, were there of their own free will. All them volunteers who wanted nothing more than to have their home and freedom from oppression and occupation.

His thoughts turned to the woman who had replaced his boss when he'd been killed during the shelling. A decade of deep space had hardened this San Savage woman. He admired that he always knew where he stood with her though. She'd tell you flat out what she didn't like, same as a space marine drill instructor. Their feelings were agreed on one thing about this situation. Both preferred peace to bloodshed. The same could be said of the big boss, Administrator Summers.

"Not the kind of leader one would expect, but he's doing the job," he mumbled to himself.