The orders for Tom’s leave came through on 19 August, nearly three weeks after he should have gotten them. Tom was happy to see them until he noticed they were marked "hardship due to death of family member." He was sure it was his grandfather until he read the accompanying e-mail from his sister Genifer. The old warhorse was alive and kicking. In fact, it had been his influence, with Genifer pulling the strings, that had gotten Tom’s leave approved. It wasn’t the way Tom had wanted to get his leave, but with the orders cut, he didn’t see much point in kicking up a fuss.