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

"What?"

"Ahh... No, Sergeant?"

"Ah can't hear you!"

"No, Sergeant!"

"Louder! Sound off like you got a pair!"

"NO, SERGEANT!!"

"That's better!" The sergeant nods curtly, then turns his attention to the rest of the formation again.

Viewed correctly, dis is a fascinatin' study in group-type dynamics. By focusin' on one individual, not only has the sergeant let the rest of the group off the hook of tryin' to come up with an acceptable response to his questions, he has impressed on them that they really Don't want to ever be singled out by him.

"My name is Sergeant Smiley, and Ah will be your drill instructor for the next few days. Now, right away Ah want you to know that there are three ways of doing things in this man's army: the right way, the army way, and my Way... We will do things my way! Do I make my self clear?"

"YES, SERGEANT!!" the group is gettin' in to the swing of things now, bellowin' out their responses like a convention of beat cops goin' after a jaywalker.

"Ah right now, listen up! When I call out your name, sound off loud and clear so's I know you're here and not off wandering around somewhere. Understand?"

"YES, SERGEANT!!"

"Bee!"

"Here!"

"HERE WHAT?"

The kid what has just answered is so skinny it is surprisin' he can stand without assistance, but he licks his lips nervously and takes a deep breath.

"HERE, SERGEANT!" he shouts, but his voice cracks in the middle of it, makin' his declaration less than impressive.

"That's better, " the sergeant nods, apparently satisfied with the youngster's effort. "Flie, Hyram!"

"Here, Sergeant!"

"Flie, Shubert!"

"Here, Sergeant!"

The sergeant looks up from his roster with a scowl. "Bee? Flie? What is this, a freaking bug convention?"

"We're brothers, Sarge!" one of the two Flies supplies unnecessarily, as the physical similarities between the two broad-shouldered individuals would be obvious even if their names didn't link them.

"That's right, " the other put in. "You can call me Hy for short, and Shubert there would rather be called Shu, 'cause other wise..."

"Did I ask?"