Intermission 11-12: Placing the Call
Becker was hesitant in reaching forward and punching in the code that would place a call back to his wife on
Medis, worried that he wouldn't know what to say, or that she'd feel anger toward him for being gone so long, even though it wasn't his choice. He dismissed the fears as simply being nervous, then proceeded to place the call.
A
half-minute wait while a line was connected caused Becker to fidget, but he stopped and nearly breathed a sigh of relief when he heard his wife's beautiful voice.
"Hello?"
"Holly!" he cried out.
"Dennis? Is that you?"
"Yes, of course it is, honey. How are you? How are things back at home? How's
Melissa?"
"I'm... fine. But I miss you so much. It's been very lonely around here. Melissa just started school. Oh, you should see her when she comes back home every day. She's so eager to go back for more."
Becker smiled. "That's good. Learning is a necessity, and if she
enjoys it, all the better."
"Are... are you coming home any time soon?"
"No. I can't. I just got jumped from one world to another, and I think we're going to be here for a while."
"Where are you?"
"I can't tell you, honey. I'm sorry."
"Why not?"
He sighed. "Operational security is what they call it. They're afraid the wrong ears will be listening."
"I understand."
"I knew you would, sweetheart. I'd like to come home as soon as I can, but realistically, I don't think I'll be able to in the coming year."
"Not even a
short visit, Dennis?"
"No, not even that. The most rest we get around here is a day
or two off before being thrown back into the fay again."
"Oh." Holly sounded startled. "How are your, uh, men doing?"
Becker chuckled, but it was without much mirth. "I've got both young boys and girls under my control. They're driving me crazy. But... they're so great, you just can't help but take them in as friends."
"Why is that a problem?"
"I've already lost twenty two of them. And that's with the best casualty rate in the company."
He heard Holly gasp, then say, "That's awful."
"Yes, it is. The problem is only magnified by the fact that they all view each other as family, except for the pairs who've somehow managed to fall in love."
"Love happens, Dennis. I think you'd know that."
He shook his head. "Not in a combat zone. Or at least, I didn't think it did. I keep worrying about whether it's real for them, or just something they do to insulate themselves from the fear they face every day."
"I think it's real, Dennis. You can't fake love with that much raw emotion floating around."
"You're right. I hadn't thought of it that way."
"I hope you take care of
yourself, Dennis. And the people you're leading. They sound like good people. Maybe I'll even get a chance to meet them some day."
"Yeah, maybe... Listen, I have to go."
"So do I. I have to pick up some things for the house."
"I... I love you, Holly."
"I love you too, Dennis. Now and always."
"I'll talk to you later."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Well, I guess this is goodbye."
Becker felt a shiver run down his spine. "Only for now."
"Yes... only for now."
He heard the comm
disconnect, cut off at the other end.
Becker sighed and put the comm down. He looked over at the picture of his wife and his daughter and sighed. What he wouldn't give to see them right now. To embrace them both, to feel his wife's loving hands, enjoy a home cooked meal, and sleep in his own bed for once.
Maybe, just maybe, once these wars were over and the Guard had had their fill of him, he could do that.
Continued in Chapter XII: Offensive Actions
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