Звездный десант

           Hewouldtakeusonaftertheotherinstructorshadworkedusoverandwewerebeginningtofeelcockyandprettygoodatit—thenhewouldputthepolishon.Why,shucks,IoncesawShujumiknockhimunconscious.BronskithrewwateronhimandZimgotupandgrinnedandshookhands—andthrewShujumirightoverthehorizon.

           CaptainFrankellookedaround,motionedatme."You.Flashregimentalheadquarters."

           Ididit,allthumbs,steppedbackwhenanofficer’sfacecameonandlettheCaptaintakethecall."Adjutant,"thefacesaid.

           Frankelsaidcrisply,"SecondBattalionCommander’srespectstotheRegimentalCommander.Irequestandrequireanofficertositasacourt."

           Thefacesaid,"Whendoyouneedhim,Ian?"

           "Asquicklyasyoucangethimhere."

           "Rightaway.I’mprettysureJakeisinhisHQ.Articleandname?"

           CaptainFrankelidentifiedHendrickandquotedanarticlenumber.Thefaceinthescreenwhistledandlookedgrim."Onthebounce,Ian.IfIcan’tgetJake,I’llbeovermyself—justassoonasItelltheOldMan."

           CaptainFrankelturnedtoZim."Thisescort—aretheywitnesses?"

           "Yes,sir."

           "Didhissectionleaderseeit?"

           Zimbarelyhesitated."Ithinkso,sir."

           "Gethim.Anybodyoutthatwayinapoweredsuit?"

           "Yes,sir."

           ZimusedthephonewhileFrankelsaidtoHendrick,"Whatwitnessesdoyouwishtocallinyourdefense?"

           "Huh?Idon’tneedanywitnesses,heknowswhathedid!Justhandmeapieceofpaper—I’mgettingoutofhere."

           "Allingoodtime."

           Inveryfasttime,itseemedtome.