Chapter 195 – Difficult Plans

• The next few hours move strangely, some minutes flying by so quickly that I’m shocked to see the clock when I next glance up, others dripping by so slowly that it agonizes me. Dad organized us quickly, gathering everyone involved in the military together, including us Cadets. He calls in a few of his military advisors as well, wanting their opinions, but he fields suggestions from the rest of us as if we’re just as much a part of it.
• I keep my mouth shut more than the others, listening and considering, not really feeling like I have anything to add. But Jackson and Rafe surprise me especially, chirping in with shockingly helpful suggestions and rather brilliant insights regarding our future plans. Mom, Cora, Juniper, Mark, and Daph all do what they can to pitch in and help out, even if they aren’t directly engaged in the conversation. Isntead, they arrange for meals to be brought up and ensure that the military minds all have paper and pens and maps and schematics and everything else that we need to work.
• But eventually, even the most stoic amongst us grow exhausted. And our time runs short.