“I appreciate your concern, C.H.,” Phule murmured back, “but I suspect Escrima’s a better cook than you’ve seen so far. Even if he isn’t, though, I’m not going to stand by and let an outsider mouth off at one of ours without doing my best to see he gets a chance to his licks in return.”
“Us against them, eh, Cap’n? Okay. I kin relate to that. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thanks, C.H. I’m counting on that.” Phule flashed the sergeant a quick grin. “As to the ‘them against us,’ though … it may be true, but I wish I could offer you better odds. “
“Been up against worse all my life, Cap’n.” Harry winked. “No sense to start holdin’ out for a better hand now.”
The commander waved a farewell as the supply sergeant headed off, then turned back to the front desk.
“Sorry to jump in like that, Bombest, but it seemed the best solution to an awkward situation.”
“No need to apologize, Mr. Phule. Your offer … and solution … were more than generous under the circumstances. Would you like the keys to the penthouse now? You could probably use a little quiet after all this.”
“You’re right … but it’s a luxury I can’t afford. My butler, Beeker, will pick up the keys and see to getting my gear settled. Right now I have to pay a personal call on some key people here in the settlement.”
“The governor?”
Phule managed a weak smile.
“Actually I was thinking more of the chief of police.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Journal File #021
Though it is seldom noted in action/adventure novels dealing with the military, one of the main tasks of a commander is serving as liaison between his or her force and the civilians they come in contact with. Similarly, such contacts in real life are rarely brought to the public’s attention (normal military duty being, almost without exception, exceedingly dull) unless he or she has made a real hash out of dealing with the media, in which case the commander or force in question is inevitably portrayed as being bloodthirsty, stupid, or both.