FORESIGHT and SCOPE: BOOK TWO

C H A P T E R S I X T Y-O N E

"Dead."

Athena and Crosshair tailed behind silently, sharing a glance. The former's thoughts narrowed in on what her instincts were detecting: The clone commander seemed competent enough in mind and body, so what was wrong? What exactly are they facing in terms of who was attacking?

While the soldier was merely acting in attention to their Imperial commanding officer, the bounty hunter was studying the atmosphere around her. The conditions were poor; the heating system had even malfunctioned. Athena's breath exhaled like mist passed her lips. The clone commander, and his two fellow soldiers, huddled around a single generator for warmth. All three wore their full gear in order to insulate their body heat. In its glowing aura, Athena took noticed how their armor, particularly the leader's, was disheveled and supplemented with various fabrics to combat the weather conditions... "Hexx, Veetch, and I, we're all that's left." Athena caught the exhaustion in his tone.

Maybe if they had more comfortable living conditions, they would be stronger to face their intruders... Athena internally huffed, recalling her previous notes.

"Your failings will be dealt with later." Nolan stated. "For now, I am in charge here until the cargo is transported."

"I feel safer already." The commander rubbed his gloved hands near the heat generator. Athena turned away to hide her smirk. She covered her snort by clearing her throat.

"Look here, clone, you speak to me with respect." The lieutenant refused to back down, pushing his snobbish demands. His scowl deepened on his already-shrewed face.

"In my experience, respect is something to be earned."

"You have earned mine." Athena finally spoke up. Nolan whipped around and jabbed a finger at her. "I would watch my tongue if I was you, Ensign."

Athena narrowed her eyes in amusement before daintedly tapping her chin. "I forget myself sometimes. I only speak eloquently to those with more honorable experience than I. So, to assess, how many missions have you commanded?" When Lt. Nolan pulled his head back with hesitance, Athena's crimson-red lips curled as she hummed, "That's what I thought."

"Took the words right out of my mouth." the clone commander chuckled. He gestured to his two men. "Boys, why don't you help the new boss get situated?" Hexx and Veetch nodded, rose to their feet while handling their blasters, and led the reluctant lieutenant away.

"What a piece of work." Athena muttered, loosening the parka buttons until the lapels opened at her collarbone. She then flipped back her hood next just as she heard a slight grunt and the creaking of metal on her left. Turning, she found the commander heaving the heat generator to her and Crosshair so they could warm themselves. Graciously, the bounty hunter spread her gloved fingers in front of her and wiggled them. "I meant what I said. About earning my respect. Don't need to know you to see you don't put up with 'nonsense' and that is something we agree on."

"Much appreciated." he chuckled again. "The name's Mayday."

"Athena Quinn."

They both turned to the elite clone, who hesitated before obliging, "Crosshair." He then glanced over to Athena, who moved her hands in a grabbing moment and pulling up while subtly mouthing 'helmet,' but he did not compel to her gesture. In fact, his grip on his rifle tightened. This shocked the bounty hunter, since Nolan was no longer around to govern his uniform.

"How long have you two known the lieutenant?" Mayday asked from the opposite side of the generator. The warm, orange glow radiated off his ragged face, and yet it complimented his casual disposition.

"For about two hours." Crosshair responded.

"Two hours too long if you ask me." Athena shrugged before sucking the cool air between her teeth. "I'm starting to miss my first commanding officer, which is a big deal."