Read THE PRIZE: BOOK TWO - RETRIBUTION for Free Online Page B

the usual off-handed wave the Tellurian Officers gave. A quick look was all Cassidy needed to tell him she was no ‘REMF’. The ribbons on her chest spoke volumes.
    “Captain Cassidy, and Sergeant Striker reporting as ordered, sir… Ma'am!”
    “At ease, and take that broom handle out of your ass, you won’t need it here.” She said. That brought a smile to both Cassidy and Striker’s faces, and they relaxed into the at ease position.
    “My name is Ellis, Colonel Ellis.” Ellis dispensed with the Tellurian Sub prefix. She was now just Colonel Ellis of Earth.
    “Pleased to meet you, Colonel.” Striker and Cassidy were familiar with the name, as Ellis had become something of a legend among human troops, but neither of them had ever met her.
    “Same here, sir.”
    “You are probably wondering what this is all about.”
    “We were sort of wondering.” Cassidy answered, also wondering how someone so young had so much combat experience, and had achieved the rank of Colonel. Tellurian’s hated promoting humans, especially females. To their way of thinking, females, especially human females were only good for one thing.
    “In a nutshell, here it is. Imperial intelligence, if you can call it that, discovered that the Thrakee have landed a significant number of troops on this mud ball with the intention of grabbing it away from the Empire. It’s our job to kick their asses back off.”
    “Yes, sir. Do we know why they want this place?”
    “Haven’t got a clue, and wasn’t told, just to get here and get rid of them.” So what else was new Cassidy thought? This wasn’t the first time, and probably not that last time imperial high command had dropped them completely in the shit.
    “Support?” He asked, expecting the worst.
    “Some, mostly artillery, MRL and some air, but not a lot of that.” Bull Striker pulled a face hearing that, but said nothing. It wasn’t his place. Cassidy looked over his shoulder at the men and women milling about.
    “Why only humans?” he asked, looking at Colonel Ellis’ face. It remained blank, unreadable.
    “That I can’t answer, Captain. Like you, I just follow orders.”
    “I do know that you won’t see many Tellurian officers here, if any, so you can run this show any way you want.”
    “That’s a bit of a surprise, how come?”
    “The brown noses have their hands full trying to maintain order. Apparently there was an attempt on the Emperor’s life, and that has every swinging dick Tellurian running around in a dither with their panties in a knot.” Ellis saw the look on Cassidy and Striker’s face, seeing the slight smile on each of them, but gave no indication as to her feelings.
    “Did… I mean was the Emperor hurt?” Bull Striker almost sounded pleased.
    “No, thank goodness. His nibs is well and healthy, but, as you can imagine, IMPSEC is running around looking for someone to execute.”
    “Yeah, and I’m betting they don’t care if he’s innocent or guilty, just as long as they have someone to…”
    “Bull! Put a sock in it!” Cassidy growled softly, eyeing Ellis as he did. Striker pulled himself to attention.
    “Sorry, sir. Won’t happen again.”
    “We are loyal soldiers of the Empire, Sergeant Major.” Ellis took a careful look around before leaning in.
    “I’m with Sergeant Striker on that, Captain, and other than a few ringers, I doubt very much if IMPSEC has had a chance to put anyone on the ground yet.”
    “Won’t that be a change.” Striker added.
    “So, what are my orders, Colonel?” Cassidy asked.
    “As of this moment, as you are senior officer. Get this lot sorted out, and into some semblance of a fighting force. Then go kick ass.”
    “Amen to that.” Striker added.
    “What about supplies and ammo?” Cassidy asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
    “I have it on good authority that supply shuttles will bring in all the necessary supplies, power packs. Ground transport and robo-mules to keep you supplied while on the