Armstrong said, “Sir, I admire your courage, but you need to designate someone to command in your absence-“
“Jester can do it,” snarled Botchup on his way out the door. “He’s half crazy already. Let the Hidden Ones have their way with him! I’m going to get off this crazy planet while I still have a few brain cells left!” He stormed out and left the other four staring at the doorway.
It was Flight Leftenant Qual who finally broke the silence. “It is a pity he was not more adamant. We did not even get to deploy our most interesting effects.”
“That’s all right,” said Armstrong. “We can save ’em in case General Blitzkrieg ever visits.”
But Rev stood there with a puzzled expression. “I guess y’all are gonna have to let me in on the secret sometime,” he said. “I could swear that feller took one look at me and jes’ flat-out lost his cool. I didn’t think there was anything that disturbin’ about my face.”
Phule grinned. “Rev, I’m not going to explain it until later, but I will say that I’ve never been gladder to see your face than right now.” Armstrong and Qual joined in the laughter.
Chapter 18
Journal #611
Having regained de facto command of Omega Company, my employer moved quickly to solidify his gains. First of all, he made certain that Major Botchup and Lieutenant Snipe were able to leave the planet without undue difficulty or delay. He had no personal animus toward them, although many of his legionnaires seemed to. Besides, getting them to their destination with all due speed and safety would work more in his favor than otherwise.