"But I've got a whole ranch. Cows and horses, at least two bunnies left. Bunnies show too easily, so once these pass away, I won't raise more." Philip was going on and on about his ranch in Montana, the chatter in the mess hall nearly drowning him out.

But you were listening. You always listened when your commander spoke.

When you were in high school, everyone knew you as the one who went after the cowboy hats and belt buckles. A buckle bunny, in shorter terms. Commander Graves had already caught your fancy with his southern accent and his attitude, but this was something else. You thought you had left those days behind you.

Philip looked at you, grinning, "Maybe I'll invite ya' when we go on leave next month."