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Once out of the house, Derrick ihed, and slu wheel

“Okay, now you’re going to talk,” I ordered, done asking nicely

“Sorry There was no news That was a relieved sigh, not a sad one,” Derrick said as he put the car in gear

Not mollified, I made a frustrated noise “No news about what?”

“I don’t know for sure yet—”

“I’m okay with uncertainty,” I lied Uncertainty sucked I’d spent large chunks of , where would we be stationed next, ould be ether”

“Fine Not being alone inout of the neighborhood and back to the highway “Right before I ca officer and chief of the boat called me in”

“Never a good sign” My sto, but I tried to keep

“Yeah So to like it And it turns out there’s a situation on another sub Their sonar chief is sick and likely needs a medical evac They need a replacement ASAP if they pull the chief”

“Oh” The sick feeling intensified, like a little kid on a roller coaster with a too-full stomach

“Anyway, this is a situation they’reto see what develops”

“Isn’t there anyone else they could ask?” I knew even before he shook his head what the ansould be

“The navy doesn’t ask They order They’re looking at a few options, including other chiefs, but honestly I’oing, I’”

“Yeah That’s how it goes” I took a deep breath, which helped not at all “You’ve got to follow orders”

“Yup” Derrick nodded sharply, ever the good sailor,my jaw clench “Also, on a personal level, I knohat it’s like being down someone key It sucks I feel bad for that crew, and if I can help, I want to do that”