"Next," Corina said, getting to her feet, "we eat and rest. Those are as important to your progress as the training itself."
X
Corina was awakened by the whooping of a siren, followed by a surprisingly calm voice on the ship's annunciator. "General Quarters— All hands to battle stations. General Quarters—man your battle stations. Rangers Medart and Losinj, Palace assault team, to the hangar bay, please."
Corina scrambled out of bed and into her kilt. "Emperor Chang!"
The ship-comp's voice was unchanged. "Yes, Ranger Losinj?"
"What time is it? What is happening?" The announcement left no doubt, but she wanted details.
"It is 0230, sir. The Prowler requested clearance for Sydney Spaceport, but is on course for the Palace Complex instead. Defsat Five estimates their arrival there in fifteen minutes."
"Blades!" Corina ignored the ship's "I beg your pardon, Ranger?", and sent a hurried thought. *Jim?*
*On my way. We'll land about an hour and a quarter behind them. Another hour to orbit, then fifteen minutes to the Palace. Seems he was closer to ready than you guessed.*