Legion Of The Damned - 06 - For Those Who Fell by William C. Dietz Page B

in Kuga-Ka’s hand. “Yes, I brought it.”
    â€œThen give it to me.”
    â€œYou have three already, sir. Another could kill you.”
    â€œDon’t be absurd,” the officer replied loftily. “I know how much I can handle. Besides, the battalion is about to lift, and I won’t be able to get any more. Now stop wasting my time and hand it over. Or, would you like a transfer to another company? One where your rather exotic notions of entertainment wouldn’t be tolerated?”
    It was a potent threat and one that would rob the Hudathan of that which he valued most. Kuga-Ka sighed, and the tube changed hands. “I hope you’re right, sir.”
    Gaphy welcomed the coolness of the metal, the moment of anticipation as he unscrewed the lid, and the gentle hissing sound as air pressures were equalized.
    Then, unable to wait a moment longer, Gaphy used his left hand to unbutton his shirt, tapped the cylinder with hisright index finger, and whispered to the creature within. “Time to come out my sweet . . . That’s right . . . You’ll like what you find.”
    There was a wet popping sound as the six-inch-long joy-leech sensed the presence of food, propelled itself out of the canister, and landed on Gaphy’s skin.
    Kuga-Ka heard the human whimper as the alien life-form pushed a needle-sharp penetrator through the surface of his skin. That noise was followed by a long, drawn-out groan of pleasure as the wormlike creature injected powerful endorphins into the company commander’s bloodstream, and a wave of ecstasy carried him away. Gaphy’s eyes rolled back in his head, and he passed out.
    The Hudathan waited for a moment, rebuttoned the officer’s shirt, and extinguished the single light. Loading would continue far into the night, but Kuga-Ka would cover for the officer and wake him just before dawn.
    The NCO exited the tent, paused to let his eyes adjust to the dark, and slipped into the night. Suresee Fareye followed.

3
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    The popular conception of a court-martial is half a dozen bloodthirsty old Colonel Blimps, who take it for granted that anyone brought before them is guilty . . . In reality courts-martial are . . . so anxious to avoid a miscarriage of justice that they are, at times, ready to allow the accused any loophole of escape . . .
    â€”Sir William Slim
    Unofficial history
    Standard year 1959
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PLANET ADOBE, THE CONFEDERACY OF SENTIENT BEINGS
    In spite of the fact that there were three additional people in the room, General Ibo’s office was almost entirely silent as she sat and stared out through the single window. Maintenance bots had washed the entire headquarters building down during the night, but a thin layer of dust had already accumulated on the plastic and distorted the view. It was kind of like trying to look into the future, where one could make out the general outline of what would probably take place, while the all important details remained vague and undefined. Not that the dust mattered, since the real purpose of sitting with her back to the room was to signal the full extent of her displeasure, and provide her subordinates with time in which to stew.
    Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to those whostood waiting, Ibo swiveled her chair back toward them. Colonel Kobbi, along with Captains Calvo and Rono-Ra, kept their eyes focused on a point over the general’s head. They stood at rigid attention. “Well, Colonel,” Ibo began ominously, “let’s begin with you. You command the 2nd Battalion. That’s what it says on the TO (Table of Organization) although some people wonder who’s in charge. Especially your peers, who point to the pirates in your maintenance and supply sections, as being responsible for the recent crime wave.
    â€œThat brings us to you, Captain Calvo, and you, Captain Rono-Ra, who, if the rumors can be believed, organized what