As Steele was looking out the window, she heard a door open to her left. With out looking away from the window, she asked, “We are above Pandora, are we not?” A woman’s voice replied, “Yes Madam. We are glad to see you finally awake.” Steele let out a sigh as she looked towards to woman. “I did not spend twenty years in the Crimson Lance to be called madam. I am Commandant of D Company, 3rd Starborne Brigade and you will address me as such,” she said with a hint of irritation. She closed her eyes and tried to relax again, but when the young girl was silent for longer than expected, she glanced at her visitor.

Her face was a mask of calmness, but Steele looked past it. She saw a hint of fear in the girls eyes, and something else. “Speak, child! It’s apparent you have something on your tongue.” The woman stiffened as she said, “Commandant Steele, the Crimson Lance is no longer in operation. After the closing of the Atlas…”