The Soldiers' Perspective by Phillip Murrell

Author:Phillip Murrell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci-fi, Military, Combat, Soldiers, War, Battle, Science Fiction
Publisher: Phillip Murrell
Published: 2020-12-19T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 6

Name: T’azure

Rank: Boss

Age: 28

Army: Outsystem Alliance, Minterean Faction

Location: Space, Kowlar Refueling Station

The Night Shadow was docked at a neutral space station. Workers and bots milled about, refueling and restocking various vessels.

Deep within the station, T’az, Astrid, and Shagar walked along the busy promenade. The walls lining the sidewalk reflected images of a scenic beach paradise. Between billboard panels were shops selling wares varying in expense and quality. Though not as poor as most OA soldiers, T’az knew he couldn’t afford the dinner in one of the posh restaurants often found on the corners. Resigned to his fate, he and his friends meandered through the prongs of off-duty OA soldiers and neutral civilians to the mess hall commandeered by the Mintereans. Of course, having a dozen or so hungry Karlykos made it a straightforward arrangement to have with the technical owner of the kitchen.

Astrid glanced between the pair of Mintereans with her. “You look like children witnessing their first Effulgence Jamboree.”

T’az and Shagar shared a look of confusion.

“The fuck?” Shagar whispered.

Astrid giggled. “You don’t have holidays? You know, Festival of Lights?”

“Sure.” Shagar shrugged. “Why can’t you just call it that?”

“I’ll be sure to use smaller words in the future,” Astrid quipped.

T’az placed both hands on Shagar’s shoulders and gave him a look that meant Shagar better not screw his chances with Astrid. Not after all his efforts.

Shagar gave a subtle nod. “That would help. Thanks, Astrid.”

She giggled again.

T’az considered siding with Astrid and giving Shagar a little extra ribbing, but a commotion near the entrance of the mess hall drew his attention.

Mintereans, most younger than twenty, screamed at the doors. T’az couldn’t quite make out what the fuss was about, but he heard something about the bosses. T’az shook his head and shouldered his way to the front. It sounded like some people with rank were ensuring they got seconds before the grunts even got to see the menu.

Astrid and Shagar were quick on T’az’ heels. The crowd inherently seemed to know to part for them. Shagar’s size helped in this respect.

“What’s going on here?” T’az demanded of the junior officer barring the door with a stun baton in hand.

He had two dozen equally armed Mintereans behind him. All wore stars on their shoulders, indicating they were the lowest of officer rank. Each only had one. T’az’ own uniform had seven stars per arm. These men were seriously over-stepping their importance.

The sole officer with two stars on each shoulder snapped to attention and gave a sloppy salute. “Sir. You may head inside, but your NCO and halfbot need to stay here until the other senior leaders have eaten.”

“This is bullshit!” someone shouted.

Astrid looked about to protest. Shagar chuckled. That deep guttural chuckle that usually ended with trips to the hospital. He would need a lot of alcohol after this.

T’az patted his hands toward the space station floor. “Calm down, everyone. I’ll handle this.”

T’az may have lacked many qualities as a man, but command presence definitely wasn’t one of them. He quickly earned the silence he demanded.

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