Steel Walls and Dirt Drops by Alan Black Read Free Book Online Page B

knew the main difference was that she and her fellow APES would be going into combat together. She knew an AMSF technician could easily leave a valve turned the wrong way or a button unpushed, then calmly go to lunch after launching a FAC off the flight deck, all without any damage to themself. Most AMSF personnel Misha met had too much pride in themselves and their service to do such a thing. However, if a FAC jock insulted and pushed the wrong enlisted person, it would be a long walk back to the mothership, with very little scenery to take their mind off the nagging lack of oxygen in space. Misha met more than her share of this type of officer in her time in AMSF intelligence.
    Misha decided to let Britaine stew in his own juices. He r father taught all of his children to argue, haggle, negotiate and generally verbally twist their way through most conversations. She had never been very good at negotiation, but one phrase she remembered very clearly. She could even hear her father’s voice as he shouted ‘the first man to speak loses’. Besides, in this case it seemed to be much more prudent to remain silent than to draw blood.
    She continued to stare at Britaine in silence.
    Finally he said, “Well?”
    Misha smiled at him and replied, “Pardon me, Colonel. Did you ask something?”
    “You know damn good and well I did, McPherson. I command here. I will not be insulted on my own spacecraft.”
    “Colonel Britaine ,” Misha said, still smiling, “I may be a new third, but I am not ignorant of our respective service's contracts. I agree you are in command of this vessel. Without a doubt, sir, I agree.”
    She stepped toward Britaine, moving quickly to break through his physical comfort zone. Misha didn’t know where the man was from. If he was from one of the crowded worlds, he might have only a few inches of personal space. If he came from one of the agricultural worlds like her home planet of DropSix, he might have come to the AMSF with a bubble space of four or five feet. That much space would be greatly whittled down over the years of spacecraft service. However, she had never met a FAC jock who didn’t get uncomfortable when pressed physically, at least when they were sober. She was pleased to see a flash of concern in his eyes.
    She said calmly, “I have a copy of the APES contract with the AMSF for this deployment. It has been attached as Exhibit 11 of my orders. It is in my glass-pack. Do we need to review them, sir?”
    Britaine’s eyes hardened, “ So you are a barrack's lawyer, McPherson?
    “Hardly, Colonel , it is just that I am not ignorant of my rights and responsibilities.” Misha stared into his eyes with as much control as she could muster. “Our agreement states clearly you are in command.”
    “See there, McPherson.” The man was positively gloating.
    “However,” she said as if she hadn’t been interrupted, “our agreement does not place me under your command nor does it place me on your organizational chart with a few minor exceptions. That would be to repel boarders, assist in a mutiny, or for emergency battle damage while in space. Furthermore, Colonel, my orders are to report to you when my command is present and available for transport. My orders clearly state I have until tomorrow at 17:00 standard hours to report, at which time you will provide my command with transportation into a combat zone. End of relationship.”
    She continued , “I did stop by today as a courtesy call. I would prefer to have an amicable relationship with you and your officers, Colonel Britaine. But, if that is not the case, then I can persevere while you take the 1392nd to our destination.” She smiled sweetly, knowing everyone in the room knew she had just called an AMSF Colonel a glorified bus driver. Britaine’s face was red as he tried to control his temper. Misha could see he was struggling to hold his tongue.
    She said, “Colonel Britaine, it does seem I have interrupted your staff meeting and