Звездный десант

           Acompanyofcadetswereoutontheirparadeground,drillingattrot,lookingforalltheworldlikebootsinBasic.ThesunwashotanditlookednotnearlyascomfortableasabullsessioninthedroproomoftheRodgerYoung--why,Ihadn’tmarchedfartherthanbulkheadthirtysinceIhadfinishedBasic;thatbreaking-innonsensewaspast.

           Iwatchedthemabit,sweatingthroughtheiruniforms;Iheardthembeingchewedout—bysergeants,too.OldHomeWeek.Ishookmyheadandwalkedawayfromthere—wentbacktotheaccommodationbarracks,overtotheB.O.Q.wing,foundJelly’sroom.

           Hewasinit,hisfeetuponatableandreadingamagazine.Iknockedontheframeofthedoor.Helookedupandgrowled,"Yeah?"

           "Sarge—Imean,Lieutenant—"

           "Spititout!"

           "Sir,Iwanttogocareer."

           Hedroppedhisfeettothedesk."Putupyourrighthand."

           Hesworeme,reacheduntothedrawerofthetableandpulledoutpapers.

           Hehadmypapersalreadymadeout,waitingforme,readytosign.AndIhadn’teventoldAce.Howaboutthat?