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organization. I guess the good Lord knew better and made you a soldier from the get-go.” Edgar chuckled and pointed at a large oak tree. “Some days, I swear I see you reading a military history book in the shade. It’s like you prepared your whole life for this moment.”
    “It does feel like that way.”
    “Say, do you know what star you’ll be at?” Edgar looked up at the sky.
    Trent thought hard for several seconds before laughing.
    “You know what...I don’t have the slightest idea.”
    ***
    “Daddy, why does everyone keep staring at us? Aren’t they being rude? You and Mom always tell me not to stare.”
    Even before Anna’s observation in the main lobby of the DC shuttle terminal, Trent regretted the decision to wear his Legion blacks on the trip to DC. In a world of nine billion people, only a handful wore the uniform. In a short time, it would be an all too common sight, but those who wore it now were a chosen few.
    “Don’t mind them, honey. They’re just curious about my uniform. That’s all.”
    “They still shouldn’t stare. It’s rude,” she said in a huff. 
    “Hi, guys.” Madison came out of nowhere.
    “Mommy.” Anna leapt into Madison’s arms, “I missed you.”
    “I missed you, sweat pea.”
    “Look what daddy got me. It’s a Legion bear.” She proudly displayed a teddy bear wearing the black uniform.
    “Oh, it’s cute. Where did you get it?”
    “I had it specially made at one of those bear places. The uniform was the special order part. Thought it might help her remember me.”
    “It is...”
    A group of reporters pounced on the unsuspecting family. A young and eager female lunged forward, sticking her thumb, which contained a recorder chip under the nail, in front of Trent’s mouth.
    “Major, Susan Daniels with the World Broadcasting Corporation. Do you have any comments about tomorrow’s launch?”
    “Ummmm. I…I’m sure everything will go fine. The Fleet has been preparing for months.”
    Anna wrapped herself around his leg. He placed a hand on her head to sooth her fear.
    “Do you guys mind if we do this later, at the scheduled press conference. I’m with my family.”
    “One more question, Major,” Susan Daniels begged.
    He nodded.
    “What do you think your odds are of returning home alive? Some say this mission is too dangerous to attempt. What do you say to those critics?”
    “Daddy! What’s she talking about? You might die on your trip?”
    Trent looked down at Anna’s wide open eyes and quivering lip. Madison swooped down low to hurry her away.
    He shot a murderous gaze upon Susan Daniels. The bothersome reporter slithered away.
    “What the hell is wrong with you? That’s my little girl. This whole thing is hard enough without you scaring her.”
    “I...”
    “Your credentials for today’s press conference are revoked,” Trent spat the vengeful words before stomping away to catch up with Anna and Madison.
    ***
    A soft knock, knock, knock yanked Trent’s attention away from the files he was reviewing while relaxing on bed.
    The knocking came from the door connecting his room with Madison and Anna’s. Madison thought it best to start the separation process.  
    He slowly opened the door to find her standing there in the hotel bathrobe, holding a bottle of wine. She had her index finger pressed against her puckered lips.
    Her wavy red hair flowed seductively down to her shoulders that were somewhat exposed by the loose fitting robe. The entire scene thoroughly confused him.
    “Shhh, she’s sleeping. Can I come in?”
    “Umm, yeah, sure.”
    She headed directly for the wet bar where she preceded to uncork the wine. Trent watched, not sure what to make of it.
    With the door closed, she spoke at a normal level, “Anna went down early. I was bored just sitting over there by myself. So I ordered a bottle of wine and thought we could sit around and have a drink. You know, a final toast to our marriage.”
    Unsure how to respond, he muttered,