"Asprin, Robert - Myth 09 - M.Y.T.H Inc. In Action" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asprin Robert)

He picks up the report and tos ses it back down careless-like.

"Now, publicly we have to discourage our soldiers from fighting with civilians, whatever the provocation. Any other position would endanger our welcome in the community... Such as it is. We are aware, however, that there are those who try to exploit our men at any opportunity, and many who frankly resent us... though I never could understand why."

I am willin' to let this pass, but Nunzio doesn't.

"Maybe it's because the army is the major recipient of their tax money," he sez.

"But their taxes are being lowered, not increased by our campaigns," the captain frowns.

Just as it did the first time I heard it, this statement strikes an impure note in my mind. Again, however, I am not allowed time to pursue it.

"Whatever," the captain sez, shakin' his head. "The truth of the matter is, that while we cannot publicly conDone incidents such as the one you were involved in, there are far worse things in the army's eyes than to be willing to fight for your men and the Military code. The fact that you were willing to take this stand against civilians, police even... And after only three weeks in the army too... Tell me, have you men given any thought to going career? Of making the army your permanent occupation?"

This takes us a little aback, as we have given this idea about the same consideration we would give pokin' ourselves in the eye with a sharp stick.

"Ummm... to be honest with you, sir," I manage at last, "We was gonna see how things worked out in our first tour of duty before tryin' to reach any decision."

This struck me as a diplomatic answer, as it is not wise to tell a man you think his career choice stinks on ice... Especially when he is in a position of control over your immediate future. For some reason, however, the captain seems to take my response as an encouragin' sign.

"Perhaps I can make the deci sion a little easier for you," he sez, startin' to scribble in our files. "I'm promoting you both. Nunzio, you're a sergeant now... And Guido, you're getting another stripe. Of course, we can't have you wandering around town now... Or your squad either, for that matter. It might get our civilian hosts upset. Tell you what. I'm going to transfer you and your squad to Headquarters staff. There's always opportunity for advancement there. That's all, men. You can go now... And congratulations!"

I would like nothin' more than a little time to think over this latest development, but it is not to be. Nunzio barely waits until we are clear of the commander's office before he down on me.

"Guido," he sez, "am I crazy, or is the army?"

"Probably both," I sez, "though I'll admit I think the army has an edge on you in the'foo-foo land' department."

"I Don't get it. I just Don't get it," he continues like I hadn't said anythin'. "I mean, we disobeyed standing orders... Even roughed up the cops for cryin' out loud. And we get promoted for that"!"

"It would seem," I sez carefully, "that we're bein' rewarded for' action against the enemy.' I guess we just miscalculated who the army sees as 'the enemy' is all."

We walk on in silence for a few, each of us reflectin' on what has occurred.

"I guess there is a good side to this," I sez at last. "If we are gonna continue our attempts to disrupt the army, headquarters is probably the best place to do it from."

"True enough," Nunzio sighs. "Well, Guido, let me be the first to congratulate you."

"On what?"

"Why,on your promotion, of course," he sez, glancin' side ways at me. "I know exactly how much it means to you."

I think of hittin' him, but he has deliberately stepped out of range as he lays this on me.

"Nunzio," I sez, "let us not forget your own..."

"Hey guys!! Wait up!!"

We look around to find Spyder comin' up behind us.