TGoaW-18

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==Chapter 18 - The Glow of a Worm inside a Child's Eye==
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Kowloon System, Lyran Commonwealth - 3026
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"...going to name him Patrick." Hauptmann David Ngo said proudly, holding his son.
"Hhmm, your wife's doing, no doubt." Dinh said grimly. He didn't Like his son's wife. "Two career officers, have you considered that, David?" He asked.
"Dad..."
"Seriously. I was told you re-upped."
"We won, Dad!"
"That, is obvious." the Duke of Kowloon said, "You 'won'...and so, you're staying in. What if you had lost? What if the COMMONWEALTH lost? Would you still be staying in?"
"Obviously."
"So winning a war, isn't an answer." Dinh stated, "I'm not going to live forever, David. Sooner or later you're going to have to come home and be the Duke, which includes managing an economy, boy! Piloting a Battlemech, no matter HOW well, isn't going to teach you what you need to know to do this job!"
"This isn't about ME, it's about Auntie MAI!! and it's about Uncle Truk!!"
"He died screaming David...they let him scream until his throat ruptured and he drowned in his own blood." the older man's eyes blazed over sunken cheeks, "They swore they could do it, and they let him die in unspeakable agony in their damned hospital."
"Dad..."
"You've had your son tested?"
"Clean, dad. He's got none of the genetic markers."
"Well thank god for that." Dinh stated, "David, it's not just MY legacy, it's yours too, and it's HIS" he nodded to his infant grandson. "The war is over, for now. I need you to be ready to step up, not hauling ass over half the inner sphere for Hanse Bloody Davion."
"This is what I'm doing now, Dad, your doctors say you're still in great shape for a man your age..."
"I could die tomorrow, David." Dinh growled, "but...fine...fine. at least one of the two of you should accept a staff assignment so the boy isn't raised by nannies and au-pairs...and I want you home for Independence day celebrations this year-even if I have to ask Her Majesty to make it a ****** order."
"I thought you were on the outs with the Archon after your little fit last year." David said scornfully.
"I'll compromise on the trade agreement, just to make sure my Grandson sees his homeworld at least once before I die." Dinh said grimly. "I don't know what I did, where I went wrong with you...but, David, I'm OLD, if I can't make it up to you. I can at least..." he closed his eyes and turned away.
Dinh felt his son's hand on his shoulder. "Dad...we'll be there. I promise."
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