Chapter 31

The general and the others approached the troopers, Tasha disguised as a trooper, and Joe. “Congratulations, troops,” the general said. “You three are heroes.”

As they watched the general and his staff approach, Tasha sent out mental orders to the two troopers. “Say thank you.”

“Thank you,” both troopers said.

The general looked at Tasha. “Sergeant Stern, why aren’t you talking?”

Tasha sent an order to the other two troopers. “Tell them my comm was broken in the fight with Tasha.”

“Her comm was broken in the fight with Tasha,” both troopers said at once.

The general stopped in his tracks. “All troops raise your weapons and aim at the kid.”

The troops behind the general did as they were ordered.

Natasha stepped forward. “General, what are you doing?”

“Just making sure this isn’t a trick,” he