Beyond Duty by James Buchanan

Author:James Buchanan [Buchanan, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance, sci-fi
Publisher: MLR Press LLC
Published: 2012-12-04T05:00:00+00:00

QC1, PC1, P2, D10

15:00hr

“Your services as a Presenter have been requested.” As was customary, Alad stood along the wall with the other members of Captain Mark’s staff, his hands folded along his tail bone, his feet slightly spread and his posture ridged. The troops had cleared out from their briefing. Now was the time the captain took reports and gave detailed assignments to his officers and non-coms.

“Yes, sir.” Hirah stood up by the captain, before the front-desk. “I’ve half been expecting it given the time frame.”

“What do they mean Presenter?” Alad whispered the question to Sergeant Ninda, who held up the section of wall next to him.

Ninda shifted, probably taking the weight off her knee where she’d been shot. “For the Tithing.” She referenced the yearly ritual of payment for the military’s services from the various guilds. Not every guild or system paid every year, but there was always a Tithing. “You’ve never been to one?”

The pomp and circumstances surrounding the events were almost legendary. Guilds tried to outdo each other on the elaborate banquets and staging. “No.” Few of the lower ranks ever attended, not unless they were part of some honor guard. As a combat monkey, Alad’d never even been on the same planet as one. “Not something a lowly sergeant gets to witness.”

“Watch’d from the nosebleed galleries at one.” Ninda kept her voice low. They really weren’t supposed to be conversing, but Mark was lax on that rule if you kept it low. “The generals don’t speak for themselves. They have orators who give their speeches for them. A couple of them like to have Preacher Man do the honors, you know, because of what he can do with his voice.” Alad had figured out that Hirah had some kind of major vocal control. Nothing spooky or psychic, but just the way he spoke made you want to listen to him, agree with him. He could talk a general out of his pips.

Hirah’s voice broke through Alad’s thoughts. “I’m not sure I understand, sir.” Pisk, Alad kicked himself for missing something.

“The order says that you can bring an attendant at arms.” Captain Mark tapped the data screen. “At your rank, it’s not uncommon.”

“No, sir.” Looking confused, Hirah added, “It’s just that they’ve always assigned me someone out of the honor guard before.”

Captain Mark smiled. “Well, this time, I told them they could borrow you, but you might feel more comfortable with one of your own troops.”

“Very well, sir.” Hirah nodded. “I’ll go through the rosters and consult with my sergeants.” A quick jerk of his head indicated Ninda and Alad. “I’m sure there’s several soldiers on my team who would perform admirably.”

Now the captain looked pained. “You’re certainly allowed to look higher than that.”

“Traditionally, the attendant position is filled by a lance corporal or lower.”

The captain’s personal aid, Warrant Officer Baker stepped forward. “Permission to speak freely, sir,” he barked out, “and smack Lieutenant Gahage in the butt of his brain.”

“Permission is granted to my Warrant Officer.” Alad could tell Mark wanted to laugh, but didn’t want to do it in front of his staff.

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