Звездный десант

           Wewererequiredtokeepkitbagspacked—onceatlunch,allthecadetofficersofmycompanyweretapped;theyleftwithouteatingandIfoundmyselfcadetcompanycommander.

           Likebootchevrons,thisisanuncomfortablehonor,butinlessthantwodaysmyowncallcame.

           IbounceddowntotheCommandant’soffice,kitbagovermyshoulderandfeelinggrand.Iwassickoflatehoursandburningeyesandnevercatchingup,oflookingstupidinclass;afewweeksinthecheerfulcompanyofacombatteamwasjustwhatJohnnieneeded!

           Ipassedsomenewcadets,trottingtoclassincloseformation,eachwiththegrimlookthateveryO.C.S.candidategetswhenherealizesthatpossiblyhemadeamistakeinbuckingforofficer,andIfoundmyselfsinging.IshutupwhenIwaswithinearshotoftheoffice.

           Twootherswerethere,CadetsHassanandByrd.HassantheAssassinwastheoldestmaninourclassandlookedlikesomethingafishermanhadletoutofabottle,whileBirdiewasn’tmuchbiggerthanasparrowandaboutasintimidating.

           WewereusheredintotheHolyofHolies.TheCommandantwasinhiswheelchair—weneversawhimoutofitexceptSaturdayinspectionandparade,Iguesswalkinghurt.Butthatdidn’tmeanyoudidn’tseehim—youcouldbeworkingaprobattheboard,turnaroundandfindthatwheelchairbehindyou,andColonelNielssenreadingyourmistakes.