Грань будущего

           Hewantedtogohome,butheputthemissionfirst.Ritahadheardthephoneconversation212timesnow.Sheknewitbyheart.

           Ritawasawardedamedalforherdistinguishedserviceinthebattle-theOrderoftheValkyrie,giventosoldierswhokilledoveronehundredMimicsinasinglebattle.Theyhadcreatedthehonorjustforher.Andwhynot?TheonlysoldierontheentireplanetwhocouldkillthatmanyMimicsinasinglebattlewasRitaVrataski.

           WhenthepresidentpinnedthegleamingmedalonRita’schest,helaudedherasanangelofvengeanceonthebattlefieldanddeclaredheranationaltreasure.Shehadpaidforthatmedalwiththebloodofherbrothersandsisters.

           Shedidn’tshedatear.Angelsdon’tcry.