Islands of Rage and Hope (eARC) Read Online Free Page B

due to exigency of conditions," Walker said. "Again, DX item. Otherwise, good turnout, Marine."
    "Thank you, sir," the PFC said.
    "The PFC is ready for your inspection, ma'am," Walker said.
    Sophia checked the PFC's uniform as if she knew what she was doing, then the staff sergeant's. She didn't find any fault.
    "The order is 'Parade Rest' then 'Rest,' ma'am," Walker whispered in her ear.
    "Marines. Parade rest. Rest," Sophia said, then looked at Walker. The man nodded as the Marines assumed the position of Parade Rest.
    "Ol-- Seaman Apprentice Zelenova! Status on the inbound."
    "One mile out and still closing, ma'am."
    "Radio to have them come up on the port side."
    "Aye, aye, ma'am."
    "Ma'am?" Walker said, taking her arm and drawing her lightly away from the Marines.
    "Problem, Mr. Walker?" Sophia asked.
    "They're facing to starboard," Walker said quietly. "They need to turn around."
    "Okay, well..." Sophia said, starting to open her mouth.
    "If I may," Walker said, pressing on her arm. "Wound tighter than a mainspring on an AK, ma'am?"
    "So they can't turn around?" Sophia said.
    "Start with 'Marine Detail, ten-hut!' Barked, ma'am."
    "Marine Detail, ten- hut !" Sophia said.
    "About face," Walker whispered.
    "About face."
    "And 'Parade Rest,' ma'am."
    "Parade rest," Sophia said. "Was that right?"
    "Do you want me to give you the class on command voice and drill commands?" Walker asked, smiling tightly.
    "What I'd really like to know is how come you know so much about it, Mr. Walker," Sophia said quietly.
    "I'm a man of many parts, ma'am," Walker replied. "And the boat is coming alongside."
    "Celementina," Sophia said. "Mr. Walker. Get the lines."

    "Permission to come aboard, ma'am!" Gunnery Sergeant Sands boomed.
    "Granted, Gunnery Sergeant," Sophia said. "And this Marine detail is yours, Gunnery Sergeant."
    "Detail, ten-shuh!" the gunny boomed as soon as his feet hit the deck. "Parade...Rest! Rest! Decker, Condrey, good to have you back!"
    "Thank you, Gunnery Sergeant!" Staff Sergeant Decker boomed.
    "What's the status on the LT, Staff Sergeant?"
    "The lieutenant is below, Gunnery Sergeant," Decker replied. "The lieutenant is not in optimal condition, Gunnery Sergeant Sands. The lieutenant should have medical attention at the earliest possible instance, Gunnery Sergeant."
    "The LT is a zombie, Decker," Sands said. "Which doesn't mean he's not a Marine. And Marines take care of their own. God knows I've killed enough Marine zombies and I and you and the PFC will keep on killing Marine zombies as long as we have to to secure our nation. But the decision has been made to keep the lieutenant as a psychiatric patient, barring needs of the service saying otherwise. If at some point we can avail ourselves of research facilities, the lieutenant may become a research subject. However, that research will be noninvasive. He will not be dissected, his head cut open or anything else along the lines. He is a Marine officer and will be treated with the most respect possible given his condition. That, Marine, is the final word of the current chain of command. Do you understand?"
    "Yes, Gunnery Sergeant," Decker said.
    "Do you have any questions, Staff Sergeant?"
    "Gunnery Sergeant..." Decker said. "The private first class and I are...familiar with the officer's needs. Would it be possible for us to--"
    "IS YOUR MOS PSYCHIATRIC CORPSMAN, STAFF SERGEANT?" the gunny screamed. "ARE YOU IN THE NAVY , STAFF SERGEANT?"
    "NO, GUNNERY SERGEANT!" Decker replied.
    "We need every Marine we can get, Staff Sergeant," Sands said, more gently. "Your mission, which you achieved against incredible odds, was to take care of your lieutenant. You did that. New mission. Kill every other fucking zombie on Earth until humanity is safe from that Scourge. Do you understand that mission, Staff Sergeant?"
    "Yes, Gunnery Sergeant."
    " Marines ! Do you understand that mission ? I can't heeear you!"
    "YES, GUNNERY SERGEANT!"
    "You ARE going to get your headspace and