Shino immediately turned to face Riaz, prodding his chest plate, her gloved finger retracting suddenly as it touched the red line, ‘That’s still hot! What the hell does it mean and why didn’t you tell me?’
Riaz seemed confused as Debra Hardie joined them grinning, his shoulders rising to shrug, ‘I dunno what it means…maybe it’s an error…a glitch.’
Shino stuck out her tongue provocatively, ‘Glitch! Hmmpph…indeed! The most advanced race we have ever met and you think they have computer problems!’ Her hands rose to her waist in frustration, cocking her head to one side, ‘Maybe they have a computer virus…some hackers from earth have broken into their system? To do what…just place a red mark on your uniform? Hardly a security breach…’
Riaz backed away, feinting fear as his own gloved hands rose in mock protection, Debra giggling as she interjected, ‘He is Private First Class now…the captain told me earlier. Exceptional performance on the fitness deck…’
Shino turned her head to glare in jest at the airport supervisor, ‘Exceptional? What in? Boring people to death about BMWs?’
Riaz was laughing silently, his eyes moist with emotion, ‘Why are you so competitive? We are in the same squad with Debra and seven others…several are bound to be better than both of us…one that plays computer games like a pro called Phoenix and…’
Shino interrupted in determination, ‘…the other that plays with himself?’
Riaz burst out laughing with Debra, Shino grinning as she began giggling, ‘Just don’t expect me to call you anything special…well, not to your face anyway!’ She slapped his shoulder playfully, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, ‘So what…or who did you do to get this?’
Captain Dugachard stepped next to them, smiling at the laughter as Shino flushed with embarrassment, the officer interjecting, ‘On the contrary, he spent over twice as much time practising as some of the others here, even longer sometimes…the late nights drew our attention most, he really pushed himself when he was alone…’
The captain’s voice trailed off as she glimpsed Shino’s eyes widen in annoyance, the Philippine’s voice lowered and demanding, ‘You went on your own? Where the hell…where was I?’ She glanced at Dugachard, lowering her head, ‘Sorry Ma’am…’
The captain shook her head to dismiss the remark, indicating for Riaz to speak, ‘Tell her…you are in the same unit…’
Riaz cleared his throat, his eyes staring down at Shino before glancing to Debra, ‘You had both gone to bed or were in the bar mostly…it was when I said I had to go to the hold on ration duty.’ He sighed reluctantly, ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t want to tell you…I just did it because I wanted to help you guys…I thought if I was the best I could be, then I could…well…’ His cheeks flushed nervously, ‘…protect you…’
Debra sighed, her eyes glistening as Shino looked up, staring into Riaz’s face, her mind seeming conflicted before her eyes widened, a cheeky sly grin forming across her lips, ‘Very well, PFC Riaz…apology accepted, but I am still a better…hot shot!’
David Bland stepped next to captain Dugachard, Jozefina Kapralova beside him, his eyes strained as he sipped from a wine glass, Riaz indicating for Shino to accompany him to the table for a drink, the Philippine sticking her tongue out again as he chuckled.
Clearing his throat, David’s voice seemed cautious, Debra glimpsing the ‘Yankee’ company name on the back of their helmets as the airport manage spoke, ‘Will we all be together? I mean, I like to look after my staff, but we are in different companies…will we all be placed together?’
Dugachard grimaced, nodding at his question as her head lowered, ‘My apologies David, my intention was to have told you beforehand but I was called away by the admiral. That would have prevented any surprise.’ She glanced round at the soldiers drinking and chatting before looking him directly in the eyes, Debra and Jozefina stepping forward to listen intently as the captain lowered her voice, ‘We were given specific instructions to split the human forces across the units, a maximum of three in each platoon. We cannot afford for mass casualties amongst our allies…for misunderstandings when sent into battle. To higher command a unit is a unit…they have not got time to investigate the nationalities of the soldiers they send into battle. That was the mistake we made before…an innocent one that we have now rectified.’
She drew a deep breath, ‘On Zaxon B, the Heathrow Battalion was sent on front line duties as it was seen mistakenly as an experienced unit in full Trevakian uniform…the casualties reflected the inexperience, although we realise now that this could probably not have been avoided. As a result, we now follow a new protocol…and when I say new, I mean it was determined in last night’s briefing. Debra, Riaz and Shino have seen extensive experience together and as a result were placed together by fleet resource. This prevented any other humans from being placed with their platoon and your close association then designated yourself and Jozefina to a separate company.’ She stepped back, jaw stiffening, ‘I hope you understand…you can apply for a transfer, but until then that is the situation…’
The Trevakian officer shook her head, her eyes darkening, ‘Personally, I would advise against it…close emotional attachment on the battlefield can get you killed. Historically and having read your reports and those of your commandeered transport pilot, your previous actions only prove this further. In short, you are lucky to be alive Lieutenant. If you were Trevakian, you would be facing a court martial.’ She stared sympathetically into his strained eyes once more, ‘Now if you would excuse me, I wish
