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The valley looked peaceful from the double glass doors of the mansion. Hawk Prentice stared at his own house several acres below. Whitney had left two hours ago. The study door opened. Hawk Prentice turned and watched his boss, Brent Valdemar enter. Brent was in his early thirties. He was a handsome man with medium brown hair and a well-toned body.
Brent smiled lightly. �You're forever looking out that window. I think I'll have that view painted for you.�
Hawk laughed softly. Brent took a seat behind the large desk and propped his feet up. Hawk slowly took his seat before the desk.
�It's not so much the view I stare at,� Hawk announced simply while remaining deep in thought.
�Your daughter again?� Brent asked with a raised brow.
�What else could it possibly be?�
�Would you like to discuss it?� Brent questioned.
Hawk shook his head. �No, I don't think this is an appropriate time or place.�
Brent shrugged. �You know I'll gladly listen.�
�You're kind, Brent, but I'd rather work and not think about Whitney.�
Brent nodded and placed his feet flat on the floor. �Then it's back to business. I've received some new information, and this should bring a smile to your face.� Brent tossed a letter across the desk.
Hawk slowly picked it up and read it. His eyes widened and a smile crossed his once solemn face. He looked up. �This is what we've been waiting for. This is a golden opportunity.�
�My thoughts exactly. Once we tackle this assignment, we'll be back in the pilot's seat.�
�This is wonderful,� Hawk announced with a bright smile. �Nothing could bring me greater pleasure--well, except sending my daughter someplace safe.�
Brent continued to smile as he reached for the letter and removed it from Hawk's hand. �Why don't we discuss what's really troubling you? It's rather obvious you're distracted.�
Hawk cringed. �I really hate to bother you with my personal problems.�
�I consider you my friend, Hawk, maybe you'll feel better if you get it off your chest.�
Hawk inhaled deeply then sighed while leaning back in his chair. �My daughter thinks she's some sort of warrior. I know it's only a matter of time before she gets herself into something serious. She's all I have left in this world. I�ve tried to stop her, but I no longer have any control. She takes my authority in circles. If this war doesn't end soon, I'm going to lose her.�
Brent remained reclined and looked at the pen he now played with. �I could arrange for her safe transportation to another planet until this is all over.�
Hawk's eyes sparkled for a brief moment, and then he smiled lightly and shook his head. �That's a generous offer, but she'd never go.�
�She wouldn't have to be given a choice,� Brent remarked softly.
�No, absolutely not,� Hawk suddenly announced. �She's highly skilled at defending herself. Someone would be hurt, and I wouldn't want it risked.�
Brent threw his hands in the air slightly. �I can't have a spy sent to her group, that would be too dangerous. I understand your concern, but we'll just have to wait it out.�
�That's difficult. My daughter intends to be right in the middle of this damned revolution.�
�I understand your anguish,� Brent replied. �She's a very attractive young woman.�
�Young woman--� Hawk scoffed. �A twenty-three-year-old barbarian.�
Brent chuckled softly. �Surely you exaggerate.�
�You've seen my daughter,� Hawk remarked.
�Yes, many times,� Brent remarked softly while looking at his desktop.
�Don't let her warm, innocent looks fool you. Speak to her sometime. Mention the rebellion and watch her claws shred a chair like a scratching post.�
Brent then glanced up. �Bring her over tomorrow night. Insist she come. I'd like to see just how wild she's become.�
He gave his employer an odd look. �I don't think I could drag her here. You're the enemy in her eyes.�
�Me? What have I done?� he asked with a humored smile.
�All men of wealth and power are against the rebellion. I was told they sit silently by and allow the peasant people to do all the dirty work.�
�You'll find some excuse. I'd like to meet her in person,� he announced simply.
�I'll do my best.�
There was a knock on the door. Ella, an older woman, entered and looked to Brent before she spoke. She appeared upset.
�What is it, Ella?� Brent asked while wearing a tiny smile.
�It's Byon,� she announced softly. �He's been involved in an alien attack. His ship went down. He didn't survive.�
Brent suddenly slammed his fist on the desk and shot upward from his chair. �Damn those bastards,� he growled lowly. �I'll need a moment,� Brent remarked then stormed from the room.
Ella looked at Hawk. He appeared pale. She turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.
�Byon--� Hawk mumbled softly then stood. He was their best pilot and taxi man. Hawk was his only equal in the air. He slowly walked toward the double glass doors and peered out once more.
Brent returned to the office several minutes later. Hawk was still standing before the glass doors, but this time he didn't turn around. Brent sat behind his desk and sighed deeply.
�I'll have to replace Byon,� Brent announced. �On your rounds, inform Meldin he has the new assignment.�
�I want it,� Hawk announced almost so faintly Brent couldn't hear him.
Brent turned in the chair and stared at Hawk's back for a long moment. His expression stiffened. �No.�
Hawk suddenly spun around. �Why not?�
Brent slowly and coldly stood. �A twenty-three-year-old reason, that's why! You're needed right where you are. What in the world has come over you?�
�Pressure, Brent. You have an assignment, and I want it. I'm also the most qualified and you know it.�
�What about your daughter? What happens to her while you're off becoming a hero?�
�I don't want any glory for this job. I want to do something to serve,� Hawk informed him. �I no longer have respect for myself--even Whitney won't listen to me. I'll figure out what to do with her. You have to give me this assignment.�
