“I guess it would be too much to hope for.” Phule sighed, deflating slightly. “It just caught me by surprise is all. I hadn’t stopped to think that anything like this might happen.”
“Planned or not, I think it all turned out for the best,” the sergeant said with a smile. “The incident got handled without our uniformed troops raising a hand. Instead of a possible lawsuit, the guy’s going to want to forget about it as soon as possible. There’s no glory in getting taken out by a female half your size, and he’s sure not going to want to publicize it.”
“You’re probably right, Brandy,” the commander said, “but it still worries me. When I sent part of the team under cover, I figured they would be acting as eyes and ears for the company, not as fists. Gathering information is one thing, but if anything goes wrong, if anyone catches on to who they really are, they’re going to be out there alone, without support.”
“Speaking as one of them, Captain,” Brandy drawled, “we figured that danger was a part of the assignment. That’s why you called for volunteers. Besides, nobody joins the Space Legion to be safe.”
“Okay, okay! You’ve made your point,” Phule said, holding up his hands in surrender. “Just”-he glanced away as he searched for the right words-“keep an ear open, will you, Brandy?” The words were so soft they were barely audible. “If you hear of anyone targeting her, don’t wait to check with me or anyone else. Pull her out-quick!”
“Will do, Captain,” the sergeant said, uncoiling from the dresser. “Well, I’ve got to get back to work now.”