Page 19 of Surrendering the Skies

Another beat of silence elapsed. “Well, darling, I hope you know by now, whatever you choose do with your life, your father and I support you 100 percent.”

“This is the problem, though. I don’t know what I want to do.” Her breath hitched in her chest. “Ever since I was a child, I dreamed about joining the Terran military. It was all I ever envisioned for myself. And I’m afraid if I give it up, I…I’ll be a failure, letting down my past self.”

“Geneva, you are anything but a failure.” The stern tones of Dahlia’s voice sounded oddly comforting. “You’ve been doing this for over ten years now, and you have a long list of accomplishments to your name, which I won’t bother listing because you don’t need me to. If you want to stay there and keep adding to the list, it’s fine. If you want to try your hand at something else, that’s fine, too, because I know you’ll be successful either way.”

She wasn’t convinced yet. “I’m afraid if I quit, though, it could be the biggest mistake of my life.”

“Darling, don’t think of it as quitting, first of all. Put a positive spin on it—you’ve done so much, you’re taking early retirement, and giving the people around you their chance to shine.”

A puff of air left her nose. “You did always know how to make anything sound good.”

“I know you’ve poked fun at me before for trying to maintain a certain image, but I’m glad to hear you acknowledge it has some benefits.” Dahlia sighed. “But maybe you need another opinion to help you out, someone you trust.”

“I don’t want to bother Ash with this,” she said hurriedly.

“I wasn’t referring to him, though I’m sure he doesn’t find you a bother.” The confidence with which she spoke was reassuring. “Go talk to your admiral. Even from the little you’ve told me, I know you’ve looked up to him over the years, and I think he’ll be able to steer you in the right direction, whatever it may be.”

Geneva cringed at the thought of having a similar conversation with Admiral Walker but conceded it might not be the worst idea she’d ever heard. “Maybe I will. And I’ll be sure to make an appointment this time instead of barging into his office like I usually do.”

“That’s probably a good idea.” Dahlia laughed, but it was short-lived. “Sweetie, do you mind if I ask you one more question?”

“Go ahead.”

“Does this have anything to do with that woman Marcus has been seen out and about with?”

Turning her head, she bit back a groan. She’d always guessed her mother had figured out more than she let on about the relationship between her, Marcus, and Ash, but she preferred not to discuss the specific details. “Not really,” she said. “I can’t say I’m thrilled about him dating Adele, but I’ll get over it, and it’s irrelevant anyway. Honestly, this feeling of dissatisfaction has been creeping up on me for quite some time now.”

“Are you sure?” She sniffed. “Because if you’d like, I can start spreading some subtle gossip and rumors. All it takes is a few pointed words to the right people, and she’ll never want to show her face in Pasurea’s social scene again.”

“Mother!” Geneva tried to maintain her outrage, though she was secretly glad Dahlia couldn’t see her amused smile. “No. No, you cannot do such a thing. Please don’t.”

“I can and I will. Just give the order, Commander.”

“You willnot. And that’s not how we talk.” She leaned back in the chair, crossing her ankles in front of her. “I don’t actually dislike Adele. I need a little time to get used to the whole situation.”

“Very well. Let me know if you change your mind.” Compassion crept back into Dahlia’s voice. “For everything else, set up a meeting with the admiral. Talk to George, because I know he’ll be more than willing to listen. Sooner or later, you’ll find the answers you’re searching for.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Her shoulders slackened. “I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”

“Of course. Love you!”

Geneva ended the call. She felt a little better than she had when she’d snuck into the quiet office, and she was glad she’d confided in her mother. Reaching over the desk, she turned on the monitor at the workstation and logged in to the computer to book a slot with Admiral Walker. Despite her improved mood, she hoped whatever confessions she made to him wouldn’t damage the rest of her career.

Chapter Ten

Though nothing had changed about the appearance of the admiral’s door in all the years since Geneva had been assigned to the ship, its mere presence suddenly seemed intimidating and foreboding. She signed in for her scheduled appointment then leaned against the wall next to the terminal. All the words she wanted to speak jumbled together inside her head, and she hoped the meeting wouldn’t be a waste of time, or worse.

“Welcome, Commander Greyson,” came the mechanical voice from the panel. “Admiral Walker will see you now.”

Geneva blew out a stream of air and entered the office. Walker nodded in acknowledgment and gestured toward one of the chairs on the opposite side of his desk. “Commander Greyson,” he said. “How may I help you today?”

She sat and folded her hands in her lap. “First, I want to apologize for anything I said the last time I was in here that may have been out of line. It was a stressful situation, but it’s no excuse, and I do appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

“I’ve certainly heard worse over the years. Perhaps even from you on occasion.” The tiniest hint of a smile curved one side of his mouth. “It’s not necessary, but thank you. However, I’m getting the feeling this isn’t the only reason you came in here today.”

Frowning, she knotted her fingers together and fought to keep her foot from jiggling with anxiety. “Do you ever regret dedicating your entire life to the military?” she blurted out.

He stared at her, a mix of suspicion and confusion reflected in his eyes. “Isn’t this a rather personal question?”

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