It had become obvious even to the major that a certain amount of routine administrative work that needed to be done could most easily be performed by the captain, who after all knew the company’s personnel and history. So the confinement to quarters was modified to allow him to do routine paperwork. With the major having taken over the commanding officer’s office, the captain was allowed to work wherever he could find space. And, as it happened, there was plenty of space in the open air. He opened the case and began to leaf through its contents, not paying any attention to the group of legionnaires a few meters away.
After a minute or so, Brick noticed him sitting there. She nudged one of her companions and said, “Be back in a minute. I’m going to go ask the captain about those renegade robots Chocolate Harry says we might have to fight. He’ll give us the straight story.”
“Sure, let me know what you find out,” said the other legionnaire. Phule had always been open to questions and suggestions from the troops.
“Captain? I’m sorry to interrupt…” Brick hovered near the camp stool where Phule sat, a stack of printouts on the table in front of him.
Phule looked up with a quizzical expression. “Yes, who is it?” he said.
“Oh, I’m Brick, Captain,” she said. “I’m new with the company, so I guess you don’t know me yet…”
“Oh yes, of course,” said Phule, flashing a fixed smile even as his head swiveled from side to side, as if trying to locate the source of Brick’s voice. “What’s the problem, uh, Brick? You don’t have to hide-come on out where I can see you!”