I was a little surprised at the intensity of her reaction. People who know me can attest I'm not really the expressive type, and public expressions of emotion discomfort me. But I was glad to see someone from the old days. More glad than I'd expected. The military life doesn't let you go easily. Already, in a moment of weakness I'd applied to the Admiralty for some sort of advisory position. They had not replied, but it still showed how much I still longed for something to do.
"Glad to see you, Jane", I said, noticing that she seemed happier than when we'd talked last. The re-enlistment with the Primary probably was the reason. Again, that bit of longing. I stamped it out.
"Bored as hell, but it's a relaxing life. Needed to put the gun down for a bit, you know?"
I stopped, holding back a sneeze. This bar was really not a good choice for a quiet talk. More like the place to get absolutely wasted so you wouldn't notice up from down.
"Heard you re-enlisted. I guess it's hard to let go, huh?"
