Dash jumped as a strong hand clapped down on his shoulder. He looked up to find Admiral North chuckling down at him.
“Go!” the Admiral ordered. “We’re underway. There’s nothing more you can do for the moment. I know for a fact you’ve run those simulations a dozen times already. Go see Sal and get some rest. Soon enough we’ll be fighting for real.”
Dash eased back in his chair, surprised at how stiff his back was. How long had he been there? Three hours? Four? He checked the time and was amazed to see it had been nearly seven hours.
He opened his mouth to reply but only a croak came out. The Admiral laughed again, though it quickly morphed into a hacking cough. Dash stood up, concerned, but the older man waved him away.
“I’m fine!” insisted the Admiral, once he’d caught his
