"She actually admitted to missing you?"

Seth Vernier"s eyes widened in surprise as he gaped at his friend.

Uri lowered his gaze. "Yes. It shocked me, too."

The two were standing at the wall of the training arena, observing the goings-on there.

"Well," Jeiel said, eyes crinkling in amusement, as he slapped him companionably on the back. "That sounds like a good sign to me. You"re obviously wearing down her defenses."

The commander snorted softly, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "It would appear so."

"So," Jeiel continued. "What next? Do you have a new job in mind for her?" The larger man stepped away from the wall, moving...