The Path to Valor

[Kazinsal]

"Alright," said Petrov. "What's the plan?"

To his right stood Jasmine, with Schneider to his left. Keller stood across from them and placed three ship markers on the giant star shape marking Coronado. The table with the star map was covered with markers indicating known position of fleets and fighter wings. Keller grabbed a metal croupier-style rod and pushed one ship from Coronado up to Tau-29.

"Schneider," he said. "This is you. Head up to 29 and go into Kusari." He pushed the little metal fighter figure into New Tokyo. "If you can't find him, head back home."

He reached for the next ship. "This is me," he said, pulling the ship through Cortez and into New London. "I'll look in Bretonia. Same deal if I can't find him."

He reached under the table and grabbed a fourth piece, placing it next to the other ship in Coronado. He pulled both ships into Cortez and further into Liberty, landing them in the center of the map: New York.

"Petrov, you'll take Jasmine and look in Liberty. Take extremely good care of her. Or I will beat you with a lead pipe and then toss you out the airlock without a suit. And then I'll really make you cry. Got it?"

Petrov tightened up. "Aye, sir," he said. He put his hand on Jasmine's shoulder. "I'll take care of her, sir."

"Hand," said Jasmine, narrowing her eyes.

Petrov took his hand away quickly, knowing the power that the young, yet somehow extremely dangerous girl could unleash on him. Just like daddy, he thought, straightening up.

Jasmine smiled a bit.

"Alright, then," said Keller. "Let's move. You have two hours to launch. Colonel Trapper will be in charge of the operations on the station until we return. Dismissed."

---

Retired, permanently.