Banshee Squadron: Outwardly Mobile

The next day, Alex wandered downstairs in Banshee Squadron HQ late. There wasn't any work for her to do.

They had too many support people and too few Kestrals left anyway, so Grozzik and his crew were hogging the wrench turning.

As Alex got to the bottom of the stairs, she saw Kim Tycho and another figure. It was Garek Loren, the Engineer Kim was going around with.

It seemed to take whole minutes for Alex's mind to process the next detail. They had jump bags. Garek wasn't moving in.

Alex approached them. "Kim? You're leaving?"

Kim Tycho nodded solemnly.

Alex felt another piece of her heart go away. "Were you even going to say goodbye?"

Kim hugged Alex. "I'm not going very far, Alex. Just over to the Officers quarters. But... I'm leaving the Banshees."

"Not that there's much left to leave," went unsaid.

"I..." Alex started.

"I can't do it anymore," Kim said. "Being scared.

Watching people die. I'm... I just can't." Her eyes pleaded for understanding.

Alex grabbed Kim's shoulder and squeezed. "It's okay.

They always said this was a temporary assignment anyway."

"I'll see you," Kim said. "We'll meet at the El Taco, okay?"

"Sure," Alex lied. "Maybe next week?"

"Sure," Kim said.