The camp was quiet, at least on the Echelon side. The students were exhausted from marching the last few days. But they were half way to Gefford, so at least they'd be through soon. Some of the students, and Zilka included, were beginning to worry about training. If General Marcus were half the ass in Gefford as he had proven to be on the trip, training would be a nightmare.

It was late and Zilka knew she should be in bed, but the fire was warm, and her thoughts would keep her awake anyway. General Marcus was a vulgar slave driver; they would be trained to kill, and then sent to the front lines to use that knowledge. Zilka wasn't sure she could live with herself if she actually killed someone. And if that weren't annoying enough, Anthony had started flirting with the Fire instructor, Janet Aurora.

Aurora was notorious for her fiery temper and dangerous curves. Zilka had curves of her own, but Aurora knew how to use them. Janet was the physical opposite or Zilka, otherwise. She had long, wavy, light brown hair, amber eyes and long lashes. And Zilka had seen her flirting with Anthony.

She had every right to, Anthony was a single, attractive man, but it still hurt. Zilka just wished she had the courage to do the same. But she probably wasn't his type. To most humans, Zilka was just… strange. Maybe if I just… let him know I'm interested? she thought and immediately felt foolish. I'm an adult. It shouldn't be this difficult.

Someone sat down beside her, causing her to jump. Zilka looked over to see Anthony smiling. "What are you doing up so late?"

"Just… thinking," she replied.

"Missing the school? I know I am…"

Zilka shrugged. "Not really. One place is as good as any other… but I am worried about what we're getting ourselves into…" She lowered her voice so that any students who might still be awake in their tents wouldn't overhear. "I'm worried about how many of us will make it through this…"

"With the proper military training, I think you'd be surprised," he said casually. "In fact, they're already pretty well trained. The Weapons Master was very strict. They just need to bolster their confidence."

"You really think? I mean… I'd hate to lose anyone…. I think I'm afraid I've failed them so far…"

"Nonsense!" Anthony said loudly. "You are an excellent instructor and you're students will surpass the Generals expectations with ease!"

Zilka laughed. "I think you give me too much credit."

"I think you give yourself too little," he said seriously.

Zilka blushed. "You're too kind."

"You know, you are an attractive, strong, powerful woman, Zilka, with unique skills. You're one of a kind. You should embrace it."

Zilka blinked. She was at a loss for words.

"I have met plenty of women, and some of them have been pretty special, I mean, consider where we work. But they have nothing on you."

Zilka smiled sheepishly. "Thank you…" she said, unable to think of anything else.

Anthony stood up and dusted off his pants. "I should get to bed. Everything is going to turn out fine," he assured her. "Don't give up hope yet."