“YES, GUIDOW.”
As might be noticed in my manner, I am a bit annoyed at this point, but mostly with myself. I am genuinely irked that I was unable to squelch the sergeant’s move without havin’ to break his arm, and am quite willin’ to take my anger out on the crew. If my speech pattern when addressin’ my colleagues seems uncharacteristic, it is because I discovered quickly that the army’s non-coms have a point … it is the easiest way to shout at an entire formation at the same time.
“Okay, now LISTEN UP!! As Actin’ Squad Leader, I am the rankin’ individual present until such time as the sergeant and corporal regain consciousness. I want one volunteer to get a medic for these two, while the REST OF US CONTINUE WITH THE TRAININ’ EXERCISE!!”
This strikes me as the logical course to follow, as I am not eager to lose a day’s trainin’ whilst waitin’ for our non-coms to wake up. At this point, however, I notice my cousin has raised his hand politely for my attention.
“Yes, Nunzio? Are you volunteerin’ to go for a medic?”
“Not really, Acting Squad Leader Guide, sir,” he sez, sarcastic-Iike. “I was just thinking that, before you assumed command, it might be wise for you to check in with the officer over there who is the ranking individual present.”
Now, as youse will recall, when I pulled this gag on the sergeant, it was a ploy to divert his attention. I’ve played Dragon Poker with Nunzio though, and I can tell when he’s bluffin’ … and this time he wasn’t. With a sinkin’ feelin’ in my stomach, I turn to look in the direction he is pointin’. Sure enough, there is an officer there, the first I have seen outside of our lectures. What is worse, he is comin’ our way with a real grim look on his face.