“I believe I have a small amount of vacation time accrued, do I not, sir?”
“As a matter of fact, you have a lot of vacation time coming. Why do you ask?”
“I was thinking I might take some of it prior to our arrival on Lorelei … if it’s convenient, that is.”
Phule frowned.
“I can’t say it’s really convenient,” he said, “what with us getting ready for a major relocation. Still … what’s up, Beek? If you don’t mind my asking.”
“I believe your plans call for Lieutenant Rembrandt to depart early? To audition and select a group of actors and actresses to replace those Legionnaires who will be working under cover?”
Phule nodded. “That’s correct.” He had never asked how it was that his butler always seemed to know his plans and decisions without being told … mostly because he wasn’t sure he wanted to know how this miracle was performed.
“Well, sir, I was thinking I might accompany her on her mission. While I’m sure that she is more than capable of completing her assignment on her own, it occurs to me that there will be a myriad of nonmilitary details and arrangements to be handled in connection with her work, things she may only have minimal experience in dealing with. While I would make arrangements to see to the packing and moving of our own gear before I left, I frankly think my services would be more valuable to her than to you in the upcoming weeks.”
“I see,” Phule said, pursing his lips. “I don’t see where there would be any problem in letting you do that. Let me think about it and get back to you with my decision.”