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"I like it that way," Patel said. He used his cane to help himself sit. "Ahhh. The knees. I stayed too long a Wolf," Patel said.
"You're not listed as a disable."
"If there's a crisis, I don't want to be stuck behind a wheel or a desk," Patel said, rubbing his kneecaps. "I have good days and bad ones. I've been working since morning, so this will be a bad day."
Valentine heard a clatter from the kitchen and the woman's voice, quietly swearing.
"Can I help in there?" Valentine called.
"No," Nadja called back.
"I know this is not a social call," Patel said. "She has guessed too."
"Nilay, you were the best sergeant I ever knew in the Wolves, which makes you the best I ever knew, period. I saw you listed as inactive. I would have called, but-"
We don't have a phone," Patel said, smiling. His teeth had yellowed. "I keep a radio. For emergencies."
Nadja Patel emerged and dropped a sandwich in front of Valentine. "You're welcome," she said, before Valentine could thank her. A quartered watermelon followed.
"Now, Nadi," Patel said.
"I know what he's here for. A sandwich he's welcome to. Another husband he's not."
Valentine thought it best to keep silent.
Nadja returned to the house.
Valentine didn't touch the sandwich. "I'll leave. You two enjoy your lunch. It's a beautiful garden, by the way."
"Sit down, sir! Let me hear what you have to say. You came all this way."
"It's an op. Outside the Free Terr- Republics. I can't say any more. But your legs-"
"Are still fit to carry me. David, I've been retired just long enough to feel the grave close in. With nothing to do I've started smoking again. I should like very much to help." Patel tossed the cane he'd been using into the diggings.
"Here I thought I'd have to convince you," Valentine said, getting up and retrieving the cane. "I've got warrant papers for a star to go in the middle of the stripes. You'll be my top."
"I do not need convincing. She does. That would help."
"Don't you want to talk it over with her first?"
"For three years I have done my best to give her whatever she wants. This, I want. She is upset because she knows me. I said no once before to Captain LeHavre and came to regret it."
"He's still alive, as far as I know. He made it to the Cascades. He's fighting out there now."
"I always suspected there was more to you."
"Tell her it would raise your pension. You'd get a sergeant major's land grant too. You could sell it or add to this spread."
"Thank you, sir. Not for the land; for the chance to get back to important work."
Valentine raised his voice, hoping the woman inside was listening. "It's just for a few months' work, all in the Free Territory. Training. When we step out, you'll come back here with your rank permanently raised. I'll promote someone else into your place."
"We shall see. You say you need men trained? Not Wolves?"
"Unfortunately, no. Regulars, more or less. I'm due at Camp Liberty in six days. Is that enough time to get your affairs in order?"
"Camp Liberty? Yes, if I have the written orders."
