“Holo-movie, sir,” the Legionnaire said, flashing another quick smile. “I never could master the Southern American drawl that’s so popular with noncoms, so I settled for the next best thing. Studied every war holo I could find with a proper British sergeant major in it. It may not be authentic, but after forty years, it’s habitual … sir!”
And so it went, hour after hour, volunteer after volunteer.
True to Becker’s prediction, even with making an extra effort to keep the interviews brief, it was late even by Phule’s standards when the last Legionnaire had been dealt with. Finally alone, he tried to review his notes, but set them aside with a sigh when his eyes refused to focus.
He didn’t really need to read the list to confirm what he already knew. While he had more than enough volunteers for a full complement, there was one name missing from the roster, one he had been counting on since receiving the assignment.
Glancing at his watch, he debated briefly over whether he should call it a night and deal with this problem in the morning. At this hour, the Legionnaire in question would probably already be asleep, and …
With a conscious effort, the commander accepted a mental compromise. He’d just make a casual walk-by of the Legionnaire’s room and then, if the lights were out, he’d get some sleep himself.
“Come in, Captain. I’ve been expecting you.”
Sushi set aside the book he had been reading and beckoned his commander through the open door and into a chair.
“Sorry to be calling so late,” Phule managed, sinking into the offered seat, “but there were a lot of volunteers for the new duty-more than I expected, really.”