"Doohan, James & Stirling, S M - Flight Engineer 02 - The Privateer 1.0" - читать интересную книгу автора (Doohan James)

surrendering command of her highly specialized group, in order to be in
line for a step up in a more general command position. WAACI pilots didn't
become ship commanders; Speed pilots did. One hoped in the near future.

He met her eyes. Hers were calm, confident.

"It does seem that Speed pilots get promoted faster, doesn't it?" he said
with a smile.

She smiled in return. "Yes, sir."

"All right." He nodded decisively. "If you'll agree to, and pass, a
flight-simulation test, I'll approve your request for a transfer to the
Speed squadron." He rose and extended his hand to her. "Good luck, Lt.
Commander."

Sarah rose and took the captain's hand. "Thank you, sir," she said, barely
able to contain her joy. She saluted, and he returned it, crisply this
time. She pivoted neatly and left his office. Inside she was turning
handsprings.

Sjarhir suggested that they walk. It didn't take a genius to figure out
why.

"It's halfway across the station," Peter protested, half amused. "I'm not
drunk, y'know."

The Indonesian smiled, a mere quirk of the lips.

"I do know. But when dealing with the Marine general it's always best to
have as many of your wits about you as you can manage to scrape together."

Raeder gave him an old-fashioned look. "Oh, yeah? Well, I've never heard a
story about someone who'd scraped together enough to outsmart him."

"That's because," Sjarhir said, starting off, "it takes more than
intelligence." He stopped and looked over his shoulder. "You coming?"

Peter frowned and looked around. Not that he wanted to get into
Scaragoglu's hands any sooner than necessary, but a five-klick walk would
just prolong the agony. He grimaced. There weren't any cabs available
anyway. And Sjarhir was already sauntering off. Raeder watched him go,
certain the captain would turn around again. But he didn't.

With a soft hiss of impatience Raeder started after him. Why should he
wait for me? He knows I've got nowhere else to go.

They walked in silence for awhile. Peter trying to square what seemed to
be a desperate move with himself, and Sjarhir thinking whatever dark
thoughts spooks think.