Chapter 29

Somehow The Redmans had gotten word things had not gone as they'd planned. The men had fled leaving their women behind, knowing full well they could not be charged with anything. Again there was a violent coronor's hearing followed by a lawsuit that was quickly dismissed. When these legal challenges were concluded, the Redman women sold off what little of their property that hadn't been seized and boarded aircraft for Europe, to disappear to places unknown a few weeks later.
"At least out of OUR hair!" Samuel thought.
Another graduation came and went. Another year passed peacefully, as far as Samuel was concerned, without incident. Just the ordinary comings and goings of Academy life. But he was beginning to have a worry. He'd graduate in two years. His father's allowance would stop and he did not have the slightest idea what he should do! He didn't have the funds to continue his engineering courses and it would take him another two years of study to get his certificate. The First Speaker winning the presidency had put everybody in a good mood. They knew it meant eight more years of things going well.
One afternoon as he came home Samuel found Speaker Polley sitting in his room playing with Joy. "Samantha took advantage of my visit," The Speaker announced, "to run an errand."
"Is something wrong?" Samuel asked. "You don't usually show up unless something's wrong."
"Well, not really!" The Speaker answered. "I've come to offer you a command!"
Samuel sat down. "A command?" he muttered.
"I've been contacted," The Speaker explained, "by a friend with the Somali peace keeping force. He strongly desires to retire, but there's simply no one to replace him. They need someone with both military and engineering skills. Well, you immediately came to mind., and I got back to them, asking for a proposal. They offer to pay for your last two years of courses if you'll promise to serve for five years. I don't think that's an unreasonable proposal at all."
"Damned reasonable!" Samuel agreed. A peace keeper? That's a glorified policeman, isn't it?"
"Kind of," The Speaker agreed. "You don't have to make a hurried decision. You can talk it over for awhile. Oh, congratulations, by the way!"
"I'm not sure if it should be congratulations or a reprimand!" Samuel objected. "Another baby just about graduation time, is not exactly my first desire. But the boss said 'Now's the time!' So there's not too much I can do."
Sharon came in and laughed. "Don't let him kid you!" she put in. "He wanted another baby just as much as I did. We'll get by. Why fuss about it? It's a damned good offer, and I'm sure the people will be happy to get you. Why don't you just tell him that you'll take the position? A Warlock 2 right after graduation! Now, that's a pretty good start!"
"A 2?" Samuel asked.
"The position would require that rank," The Speaker answered.
Samuel rubbed his chin. "Does it give a spending allowance?"
The Speaker shook his head. "But I could arrange for you to work at the research station this summer," he suggested, "and maybe weekends. That should give you enough to get by."
"Tell them they've got their man!" Samuel finally gave in. "I only hope I can be what they need."
"I think you can be!" The Speaker answered, taking out some papers. "Sign here and here," he instructed. "I'll get the funds on their way. Your tuition should be paid within two weeks."
The word quickly spread through The Academy and everyone was delighted that Samuel was given such an opportunity. Two hours and twenty-six minutes after he graduated little Sam was born. Sharon still had a year to go before she'd graduate, but it was decided they would take a residence off The Academy to make more room for other cadets.
They found a rental with a delightful old couple, The Higginses, who insisted on caring for the children during the day while they were at classes, and wouldn't take a penny for it!
"You young people are working so hard," Mrs. Higgins announced, "You need every bit of help you can get. We can watch these little treasures, it isn't any trouble at all."
The first time Samuel went to work at the solar research station, he was totally amazed. The foreman delightfully gave him the grand tour.

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