Author: Kimberley Jackson

Sam drew a deep breath. Pine-scented, crisp night air filled her nostrils. The camp lay still except for occasional chatter from the people on watch.

Sleep. Not something she wanted to do yet. Especially because she’d spend another night alone. Jack was on an on-world mission. He’d left about a week ago and was scheduled to be gone for two more days.

How was it that suddenly the days when she didn’t see him had become so much gloomier? Sam sighed and wrapped her arms around herself. Above her the milky way glistened with millions of stars. No moonlight polluted the view tonight. If only the days would pass faster.

Not even the files they’d brought back from the alternate universe could replace the anticipation of having dinner with Jack every day.

A dark figure holding a flashlight came trudging up the hill. Sam recognized one of the new recruits.

“Good evening, ma’am.”

She’d never get used to hearing them call her ma’am. Even with the rank of ensign, she still outranked them.

She smiled. “Evening, recruit. And good night.”

How odd. Not even a year ago, she’d been the new one. Now camp had become her home, and at night, she found her way around even during a new moon without a flashlight. Awareness crashed over her of how much time had passed. Suddenly she was the one helping them through their first days, keeping secrets, always aware she’d most likely never see them again.

Jason. A small sting burned in her heart when she remembered her friend. How many of those new recruits would die before they even made their third month? Bad train of thought. Jason had been an exception, at least in their cell.