Han set the reassignment notice on a table in the barracks and asked the squad leaders to sit.
The paper named a new commander, but it carried no effective date or signature. She had acknowledged receiving it. She had not accepted the transfer.
“I want you to know what the notice says,” she began. “Regional command may replace me for continuing the furnace inspection. You are not required to follow me if I leave.”
Sergeant Pell leaned over the page. “Are we expected to transfer to the new officer?”
“If the appointment becomes official, you’ll receive orders through the station.”
“What if it doesn’t?”
“Then you stay on the current roster.”
A squad leader named Ren rested his hands on his knees. His family lived near the station, and he had two young children. “If I stay here, I can protect them. If command decides I ignored an order, they can move me somewhere else.”
