Escrima hesitated for a moment, then bobbed his head again.
“Good,” he said, flashing a quick smile. “Sometimes it’s good not to be in charge. Maybe … how you say … learn something new for a change.”
The commander shook his head slightly. “I was thinking more in terms of possible trouble,” he said. “Say, for example, if someone told you to do something you didn’t want to … or maybe even criticized your cooking techniques.”
Escrima’s dark eyes glittered for a moment. The cook’s temper was legendary, and he was particularly sensitive to slights regarding his culinary skills. In fact, his presence in what was once the problem company of the Legion was due to several such spirited discussions … which led to hospitalization of his critics.
“I promise, Captain. No trouble … I never start trouble.”
“Do you mind if we do this together, Captain? I think it will save time.”
Phule could not keep the surprise off his face.
“Brandy … Super Gnat. Certainly. Come in together if you wish.”
The two women filed into the office, giving the sketchiest of salutes before seating themselves in front of their commander’s desk. Though once standoffish toward each other, they had grown into a close friendship since the company was reorganized and reoriented.
“The reason we’re both here,” Brandy said, taking the lead, “is that we figure you’ll have the same objection to either of us volunteering. This way, we only have to go over it once … win or lose.”
The commander nodded. “Very well. Proceed.”
“The way we see it,” the top sergeant continued, “you’ll figure that we can’t go under cover because of that pinup spread that we did with Mother-that we’d be recognized as part of the company.”