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Ascension: Speak Softly

Ishikawa and Reckall shook hands stiffly, each frowning at the other.

“Captain Ishikawa, if I recall. Please tell your men to surrender their weapons and assemble at the spaceport. You will be debriefed and detained pending charges of piracy and insurrection.”

“Do as he says,” Ishikawa directed his surprised crew. “Take the wounded to the hospital in the city – both sides."

When they were alone, he said, "Now that I’m your prisoner, commander, I’m curious. What’s going to happen?”

“You will be transported to a processing facility.”

“There aren’t any in shuttle range,” Ishikawa pointed out.

“The Juno Detention Center, then.”

“And you’ll return to Earth.”

“Yes.”

“What happens to an officer who returns to base after losing his ship, Commander?”

“That’s not your concern.”

“He’s unwelcome,” Ishikawa ventured. “He’s a Jonah. Perhaps the Academy has a place for him? Or will it be a desk job for the rest of his career?”

Reckall’s face remained calm.

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