Chapter 1
"I miss Patric," said Lieutenant Andreanne Payne, looking around the interior of the half-filled shuttle. The large farm boy from South Continent, who had been an almost constant companion during her four years at the Academy, was missing and it felt so strange.
"Yeah," muttered Alby Vorsworth from the seat opposite her. "Not the same without the big lunk."
"Well, it was a hard choice for him, but he did what he had to do," said Jer Naddel from beside her. "Sometimes family has to come first."
"I thought we were family," said Alby grumpily.
"Come on, that's not fair," said Jer.
"I sure hope you didn't say that to Patric!" said Anny. "He's got enough to worry about!"
"I'm not that stupid," said Alby defensively. "I just… well, I miss him, too."
Anny smiled and reached over and patted Alby's knee. "Yeah." Their friend, Patric Mederov, was supposed to have been going with them to join their new regiment, but a serious family emergency had forced him to go home instead. He'd managed to wangle a 'temporary' assignment with another regiment stationed near his home. They all hoped it was just temporary, but you could never tell with the military…
Anny looked out the small window beside her. The land beneath them was growing more rugged and tall pine trees covered nearly every bit of ground that wasn't too rough for them to cling to. A few patches of the red-brown native Barrayaran plant life showed through here and there, but Terrestrial vegetation was winning out as it usually did. They were headed to Fort Vorolson, which was in the foothills of the Parnassii Mountains, a towering range in Vortugalov District in the far northeast of North Continent. It was only about a thousand kilometers from Vorbarr Sultana but it was on the edge of the settled territories and beyond the mountains was the desolate north coast of the continent where few people lived. Only a thousand klicks farther north was the legendary Kyril Island. Just the place to put a military base.
The fort was home to several regiments and a number of smaller formations. Their regiment, the 61st Imperial Infantry (Assault), the 'Vorlinton Guards', was supposed to be a pretty good outfit. Anny was sorry that they hadn't been able to join the 42nd Infantry, which they'd been with for their apprentice cruise, but they were the victims of their own success. The 42nd might have been able to absorb four new ensigns all at once, but with Anny, Jer and Alby all commissioned as lieutenants due to their decorations, well, the 42nd didn't rate three lieutenants right now. The assault regiments, with their very high standards, were perpetually short of officers and priorities were set on the basis of need. The 61st was at the top of the list at the moment and even with the influence of Alby's father behind them, if they wanted to stay together it was the 61st or nothing. It had been an easy decision. The four of them had been inseparable at the Academy and while it was inevitable that in time they would be forced to go their separate ways, they wanted to postpone that as long as they could.
What if Jer and I have to go our separate ways?
She glanced at the young man sitting next to her. He was from the planet Komarr and he had been the first one at the Academy to befriend her during her improbable journey as Barrayar's first female officer-cadet. They had become friends and then—as soon as they graduated and the regulations allowed it—lovers. She wanted to stay with him always. Would they be allowed to?
"Whoops," said Alby, "I think that must be the place." He gestured toward the window. Anny looked again and saw that the forest had abruptly ended. A wide valley filled the space between two mountain ridges and Fort Vorolson filled the valley. Or nearly so; dozens of structures were scattered here and there. Large open areas, parade grounds or landing fields were also evident and paved roads crisscrossed the installation. Toward the southern end of the valley, adjacent to the fort, sat a medium-sized town, Malverton. Hundreds of people and many vehicles could be seen busily moving about as their shuttle passed low over the base.
The shuttle's turbines took on a higher pitch as the vehicle slowed, hovered, and finally set down on a concrete pad near what was clearly a hangar. A dozen other shuttles were parked nearby, many of them with their maintenance panels open and crewmen working on them.
"All right, we're here," said Anny unbuckling her safety harness and standing up. "Grab your gear and let's report in. The 61st Infantry is waiting for us!" She spoke lightly and smiled, but inside she was tense and worried. This was no temporary assignment, this was going to be her regiment. For years, possibly for her entire career. What would it be like? Would she be accepted? What if they didn't accept her? She remembered the wonderful sense of comradeship that had existed in the 42nd when they were there. It was the thing her innermost soul craved, what she'd been dreaming of when she began her crazy attempt to join up. But it was a thing that could only be given freely. There was no way to take it by force no matter how determined she was. If the Regiment wouldn't take her in, there wasn't a thing she could do about it. She glanced at Jer and Alby shouldering their duffles. At least I've got them. No one can take that away. But she knew that wasn't really true either… she'd already had Patric taken away….
The shuttle's hatch swung open and Anny headed for it. She was the senior officer aboard and tradition demanded that she exit first. Jer and Alby followed and the half-dozen enlisted personnel who had shared the ride with them held back to let the officers go first. Unlike when they arrived to join the 42nd when they'd been dumped out alone two kilometers from the headquarters building as a prank, there was a sergeant waiting for them with three privates and two utility vehicles parked next to the landing pad. The sergeant saluted her smartly. "Sir? Welcome to Fort Vorolson. The boys will take your gear to your quarters, I'll take you to headquarters."
Anny returned the salute. "Thank you, sergeant." She turned her duffle over to one of the privates and exchanged grins with Alby and Jer. Quite a change!
"Well, this is more like it," said Alby, handing off his own load. They got into the vehicle, Anny sitting next to the sergeant and Jer and Alby in the back. The vehicle started forward and the sergeant steered it onto a road that led away from the shuttle pads and toward a distant group of buildings set against the forest-covered ridge.
"The lads with your gear are just from the duty company, Lieutenant," said the sergeant. "We'll have to get you a proper set of dog-robbers once you're assigned to companies."
"A set of what?" demanded Jer.
"Batmen, sir. Personal orderlies."
"I know what a batman is. Never heard the other term."
"Just a bit of slang we have up here, sir."
"Beautiful day," commented Alby. "Nice and cool. It's sweltering back in Vorbarr Sultana. Does it stay like this all summer?"
"Mostly. We do get some serious thunderstorms at times. But wait until Winterfair, sir. Three meters of snow on the ground. You'll miss the heat."
"So what's the 61st like?" asked Jer. "A happy regiment, I hope?"
"Mostly, sir. A good group of lads. We do have a few… well, not my place to say, sir. But I'm sure you'll do fine." He cast a glance at Anny as if he was reevaluating his last statement. Suddenly he tromped on the brakes and the vehicle slowed sharply. Anny had to put her hand on the dash to keep from being thrown forward. "Bloody hell," growled the sergeant. "Sorry sir." Anny looked ahead and saw that an enormous vehicle was crossing the road in front of them. "Those maniacs know they're not supposed t'do that!"
"Someone from the 283rd, I presume?" said Anny.
"Could hardly be anyone else!" exclaimed Alby. "Look at the size of that thing!"
"A Mark XXI heavy tank," whistled Jer. "Never seen one close up before." Anny stared at the behemoth. It looked to be about half the size of Vorkosigan House. One of the other units at Fort Vorolson was the 283rd Independent Tank Battalion. They had ten of the Mark XXIs. Each vehicle was so big and so powerful it rated as a platoon all by itself.
"Wow," said Alby. "I read that they've got the weapons and shielding of a light cruiser. How'd ya like to command one of those babies?"
"No thanks," said Jer. "Just a big target begging for something even bigger to make it a big hole in the ground. I'll stick with my battle armor, thank you very much."
"Right you are, sir," said the sergeant. "And they're not supposed to drive the damn things on the roads!"
"Well, technically, I don't think it's actually on the road, sergeant," said Alby, pointing. Anny looked and sure enough the tank's mammoth caterpillar treads were not touching the ground. They floated a dozen centimeters above it. The tank was running on its anti-grav units. Indeed, a moment later the whole thing took to the air, turned north in a lazy arc and headed off, gathering speed every second.
"Show offs," muttered the sergeant, setting their own vehicle into motion again.
"It's getting so you can't tell the tanks from the space craft," said Jer.
"Pretty darn impressive, all the same," said Alby, his eyes still following the tank which was dwindling to a speck above the ridge. "Wouldn't mind seeing the whole battalion on the move all at once."
"Not likely to get the chance, sir," said the sergeant. "The great ruddy things cost so much to run and maintain all but three of 'em have been put into storage. Can't say I mind: a lot safer on the roads."
"Huh," said Alby sadly. Next to fireworks and other things that went boom, there were few things Barrayarans liked better than huge, clanking war machines.
Their own vehicle was now passing a large parade ground where several hundred men were engaged in calisthenics. Just beyond the parade grounds were the barracks and other buildings belonging to the 61st Infantry. Or so a large sign next to the road announced. The regimental crest was blazoned on the sign: a pair of crossed bayonets surrounded by fancy scrollwork. Written on a narrow banner below was the regimental motto: 'Give them the cold steel!' Anny glanced at the sergeant and saw that on his collar he had a brass '61' on one side and 'VG' on the other. The 42nd Infantry had worn similar insignia, but they were very particular about who was allowed to wear them. She wondered what she'd have to do to earn hers here.
"Wow, quite a change from Fort Vormeyer!" exclaimed Alby, pointing at the buildings. Anny looked and agreed. The fort on South Continent where the 42nd was stationed had all been squat, flat roofed concrete blocks. The buildings here were mostly made of the local timber. Wood plank siding or sometimes actual logs formed the walls. The roofs were steeply pitched and covered with shingles. In some ways it reminded her of her home village in the Dendarii Mountains, except none of the buildings in Red Rocks were nearly as large as the buildings here—and few were as well kept up. Everything looked freshly painted, indeed, she spotted a work crew on ladders by one of the buildings; lawns were closely mowed, shrubbery pruned, and neat paved walkway, lined with tall pines ran between the buildings.
Their vehicle turned into a circular driveway in front of one of the larger structures. A sign proclaimed it to be regimental headquarters. The other vehicle with their gear continued on its way, presumably to their quarters—wherever they might be.
"Here you are, gentlemen," said the sergeant, bringing the vehicle to a halt. "Just go right through the main doors. There's an information desk just inside. They'll get you to the OOD. Report to him."
"Thank you, sergeant," said Anny, climbing out. Jer and Alby joined her and they headed up the steps. A pair of sentries were flanking the doors and they came to attention as the trio passed inside. As promised, there was a desk inside the doors and an enlisted man gave them direction to the duty office. The interior of the building had lots of wood paneling and wood floors set off by brass hardware on the doors and stair railings. Paintings of famous battles and past colonels hung on the walls.
The Officer of the Day, a lieutenant, was on the comconsole when they entered the duty office so they waited patiently until he was done. "Yes?" he said when he finished.
Anny, as the senior, saluted and said: "Lieutenants Payne, Naddel and Vorsworth reporting for duty, sir."
The lieutenant casually returned her salute. "Your orders?" Anny and the others had them ready and handed over the documents which the OOD tossed into a basket on his desk. "Okay, pretty much everyone's out in the field at present and no one left any orders for you. So, you may as well head over to the BOQ and get yourselves settled. I'm sure the Adjutant is going to want to talk to you before you get your duty assignments. But in the meantime, welcome to the 61st. I'm Nate Gilchrist." He offered his hand and Anny took it and then the others did so as well.
"Glad to be here," said Anny.
Gilchrist snorted. "You won't be. The place is a madhouse."
Anny raised her eyebrows, but only replied: "Well, we better get over to the BOQ. I've downloaded a map of the base so we shouldn't have any trouble finding it."
"I can get a car for you if you want," offered Gilchrist.
"No thank you, sir. It's a beautiful day and we'd like a look at the base. Besides, we've been on a shuttle for two hours. Nice to stretch our legs."
"Suit yourself," said Gilchrist and turned back to his comconsole.
"Madhouse, eh?" said Alby as they went down the steps from the building. "Not sure I like the sound of that."
"Don't pay it any mind," replied Anny. "Commodore Koudelka once told me that every regiment and every ship claims to be the worst madhouse in the service. It's a point of pride."
"Gilchrist didn't seem surprised—or upset—to see you, Anny. I'm hoping that's a good sign," said Jer.
"We can hope," she said. "Or maybe the Colonel just issued the same sort of bloodthirsty orders as Admiral Vorkoff did on our apprentice cruise." During their cruise as cadets the officer commanding the task force had been so worried that Anny's presence as the only woman was going to reduce his command to chaos that he'd exiled her to an isolated ship and ordered his men to not even look at her. Things had worked out okay in the end, but she hoped she wasn't going to face the same treatment in the 61st. She wanted to become a part of the regiment and she couldn't do that if no one but Alby and Jer would have anything to do with her. Well, she would just have to see how things came out. They walked down to the main road and turned right.
The layout of Fort Vorolson had all of the big support structures: hangars, garages, warehouses, maintenance sheds, armories, power and water stations and so forth, on the west side of the valley. The open areas, the parade grounds and exercise fields were to the south which provided a buffer between the base and the town of Malverton. The east side, where they were now, held the barracks and offices of the troops stationed at the fort. In addition to the 61st and the 283rd there was the 139th Infantry, the 32nd Artillery Battalion and a half-dozen smaller units of engineers, transport troops, medical troops and the like. All put together they formed the 25th Brigade under the command of General Vorsilva.
The main road they were following bisected this part of the base. The 61st's structures were along one side and the 139th's on the other. While there was a bustle of activity on the 61st's side, the other side looked nearly deserted. "The 139th must be out on exercises or something," remarked Alby.
"No, I don't think so," said Jer. "They're a reserve regiment, remember?"
"Oh, that's right. Still, they'll probably all come flooding in sometime this summer, I'd think."
Anny looked at the empty barracks across the road. The Barrayaran military boasted over two hundred regiments plus a horde of additional units. It was one of the biggest militaries in the wormhole nexus, probably second only to the Cetagandans. But it hadn't had a serious war to fight in a generation. Keeping a force like that fully mobilized all the time was more expensive than could be justified. So only about a third of the regiments were kept at full strength. The rest were either 'first line reserve' or 'second line reserve'; they would maintain a cadre of officers and NCOs who would keep things organized and train new recruits, but the rest of the men were reservists who would only show up for refresher training a few times a year. In an emergency the reservists could be quickly recalled to the colors, but emergencies were rare and the ones that occurred could usually be handled by the active regiments—like the 61st.
"There's the main mess hall," said Jer. "That smaller building must be the officers' club."
"Then that other building, just beyond, must be the BOQ," said Anny. Sure enough, the small sign next to the walkway leading up to the structure identified it as the Bachelor Officers' Quarters. It was a two-story wood building that didn't quite look like a barracks. They trooped in through the front door.
"How do we know which rooms we're in?' asked Alby.
"I don't suppose they've…" began Jer, looking at a directory board hanging from one wall. "I'll be darned, there we are. Efficient." He pointed and, indeed, their three names were there among the other occupants. "Anny, you're in 219, Alby, 212 and they've put me in 104."
"Jer, if you want to switch with me, I don't mind," said Alby with a grin. When they'd been visiting Alby's home after graduation he'd put them in adjoining rooms and they hadn't really made any secret of the fact that they were sharing a bed.
"I…" began Jer, blushing slightly.
"Let's just stay where they put us for now," said Anny. She looked at Jer and he nodded. They'd discussed their situation at length and they hoped to work out something where they could share quarters once they got settled. But for right now, they wanted to keep their relationship as invisible as they could manage. What they were doing wasn't illegal, but it was by its very nature unprecedented. They weren't sure how others would react.
"Okay, let's get unpacked then. Meet you back here in an hour or so?" They agreed to that and then Anny and Alby went upstairs. Her room was all the way at the end of the hall and her gear had been placed inside. She breathed a silent sigh of relief when she saw the room had its own attached bathroom. While she had forced herself to use communal facilities when necessary, it was still so much simpler if she didn't have to. From the size of the room she guessed that she had been put in a room meant for an officer of considerably higher rank than she held. Most senior officers were married and had their own quarters, or had the means to rent a house or apartment off the base, but occasionally mid-ranking officers came on temporary assignments and needed places to stay. She guessed that these quarters were meant for a major or even higher. Somehow it didn't surprise her a bit that they'd put her here. The same thing had happened on her apprentice cruise. Hell, the same thing had sort of happened during her first two years at the Academy—although in that case her quarters were a wreck for the first year. Apparently the powers-that-be still couldn't quite figure out how to treat her. She was really hoping that she and Jer could find an apartment in town that they could afford and avoid the whole issue.
But the quarters were quite nice. Bed, desk, chest of drawers, closet, carpets on the floor, curtains on the windows, paint on the walls, it was neat and comfortable. A number of thick, fluffy blankets in the closet lent credence to what their driver had told them about the winters up here. She unpacked her stuff and spent a while deciding the most logical places to put it. The thought struck her that when she got her batman—her dog-robber—that he'd probably decide to rearrange everything. She'd heard stories about those men: long service career soldiers who not only acted as servants but also 'took care' of the young officers they were assigned to. She wondered how the man assigned to her would feel when he discovered he was working for a woman? She grinned as she put her underwear in a drawer, was her man going to be able to deal with doing her laundry? Her grin faded when she remembered that she'd have to pay the man a stipend out of her already meager salary. If she and Jer managed to figure out a way to share quarters would they end up with two dog-robbers or just one? So many things I still don't know…
She finished up and sat on the bed. She reached into a pocket and pulled out a credit chit. It was the one that Lord Mark had given to her as a reward for her actions on the apprentice cruise. It held an absurdly large sum of money—more than her and Jer's combined salary for the next ten years would be worth. It would make their lives a whole lot easier—but she couldn't keep it. She'd checked and it was very definitely against regulations for an officer to accept money from a civilian. The rule went back over a century to when the emperor was trying to solidify his authority over the district counts. You couldn't have nobles rewarding army officers. No, she'd have to get rid of this. She'd give it to Lord Vorkosigan. She was quite certain he'd be able to make it vanish with no questions asked.
She was just checking the time when someone rapped on the frame of the door, which she'd left open. She assumed it would be Jer or Alby, but she was surprised to see that it was someone else. A dark-haired man of medium height with a pleasant smile and lieutenant's tabs on his collar leaned in and said: "Hello. You'd be Lieutenant Payne, I'm guessing—but you could hardly be anyone else, could you? Sven, Sven Estaban, B Company. Welcome to Fort Vorolson." He stepped inside and offered his hand. Anny took it and they shook firmly.
"Nice to meet you, Sven. And thanks for the welcome. You knew we were coming, I take it?"
"Oh yes, the rumor-mill was working at full power! It's always an event when we get a batch of new officers, but when we heard that you were coming—well!" He shrugged.
"It did seem like no one was particularly surprised to see me," said Anny. "Rather pleasant, actually."
"I bet you've gotten your share of double-takes."
"More than my share. I'm hoping that given time I'll be accepted as an officer and people will forget that I'm a woman."
"That might be asking a bit much!" chuckled Estaban. "Still, I think you'll find that the 61st is willing to give you a chance. The stories about what you pulled off with the 42nd are damned impressive…"
"And probably totally exaggerated," interrupted Anny.
"Even allowing for that, you've got more real combat experience than most of the officers here, Anny. You don't mind if I call you Anny, do you?"
"Since you outrank me you can call me anything you like, sir," Anny smiled to let him know she was kidding. She was assuming that Estaban had seniority over her—unless he'd been promoted to lieutenant in the last two weeks.
He laughed. "First names between officers of equal rank when off duty is the rule here. Or for officers junior to you, of course. The regiment is pretty relaxed about stuff like that you'll find."
"Good to know. Thanks."
"So have you had a chance to look around?"
"Just the drive between the landing field and HQ and the walk from there to here."
"Can I give you a tour?"
"I'd appreciate that. Let's find the others."
Estaban's pleasant expression faded a bit. "Others? Oh, right, you didn't come alone."
"Nope, there are three of us. Come on, Alby's down the hall." She led Estaban out of the room and then shut the door and after a moment's hesitation locked it with the key she'd found on the chest of drawers. Alby popped out of his room when he heard them coming and introductions were made. Anny took a look into his room and confirmed her suspicions: it was significantly smaller than hers, although still comfortable. Then they headed down the stairs and collected Jer. Estaban seemed a little taken back at the growing size of the group he was now giving a tour, but he remained cordial enough.
"You can eat at the mess hall if you want," he said as they walked past the building. "and a lot of the junior officer will do that for breakfast and lunch to save money. Food's not bad and they have a separate line and seating section for officers. The officers' mess is a lot nicer, though, and most everyone eats dinner there. There's a membership fee, of course and a couple of different meal plans. They'll let new arrivals eat there free for a week or so until they get settled in, so don't worry about today. It's a nice place, really. They have some good parties and on holidays the wives decorate. Sometimes girls from the town will be invited." He gave Anny an odd glance.
"So what's the regiment like?" asked Jer. "How's the Colonel?"
"Vortaglia? Well, to be honest, we hardly ever see him. He's almost eighty and he spends most of his time at his home down on the south coast. Lieutenant Colonel Fetherbay runs things day to day. He's not bad but you can sort of tell he's not happy with the situation." Estaban stopped talking and glanced at each of them, especially Alby, perhaps wondering if he'd said too much.
"The military needs some sort of mandatory retirement policy," said Alby. "My own da stayed on way past his prime. I read that Vortaglia inherited command when the previous colonel got vaporized at Escobar. That was forty years ago! You'd think if he was any good he would have made general a long time ago."
An awkward silence followed. It was a touchy subject: too many superannuated officers occupying too many important positions. Whether for the prestige, the salary, or just love of the military, many officers stayed on active duty until they keeled over dead or were medically retired when it became impossible for them to do their job. A lot of younger, lower-ranking officers were annoyed that they couldn't advance because the upper slots were filled with such antiques.
"Does the regiment get a lot of shipboard assignments?" asked Anny to change the subject. It was something close to her heart. She really wanted to get out there among the stars-again.
"About average, I guess," replied Estaban. "3rd Battalion's with the fleet right now. They're due back in about three months. If the standard rotation holds then it's our turn next. 1st Battalion, I mean. Probably next year some time. Looking forward to that! Have you guys got your assignments yet?"
"No, the OOD said that all the other headquarters officers were out somewhere."
Estaban nodded. "2nd Battalion's doing an exercise with the 283rd today. I guess the HQ people are observing. They ought to back before dinner, though."
The tour continued through the pleasant afternoon weather and Estaban pointed out all of the areas of interest on the east side of the base. There was one building under construction, however, that he was unable to provide any information on. "They've been very hush-hush about it for some reason," he said as they walked past. A while later he checked the time. "We better head back. Overall, things are fairly relaxed here, but they do insist on observing all the forms. Dress parade is at 1700 for the regiment."
"Undress greens okay?" asked Anny.
"Nope, dress greens," replied Estaban. "Sword, medals, the works. Of course since you haven't been assigned, I suppose you could skip it…"
"We're still part of the regiment. We'll attend and stand with the staff."
"Suit yourselves. But it is always a good show. We've got a hell of a band."
They reached the BOQ at 1630 and went to their rooms to get ready. Fortunately, the only real differences between dress and undress greens were the stiff visor-caps instead of the soft fatigue caps, the medals instead of ribbons, white gloves, and their swords. Anny had a second tunic with the medals already on it and she quickly changed into that and then buckled on the sword belt and attached her sword to it. The dress cap with its gold imperial eagle on the front was in its box. She buffed a tiny smudge off the visor and set it on her head and then pulled on the gloves. This was the first time she'd actually had a reason to wear dress greens and she paused for a moment to admire herself in the mirror on the back of her door. She had to admit that she did like uniforms and the Barrayarans had some of the snazziest around.
Estaban had already gone to join his company so Anny collected Jer and Alby and headed out to the parade ground. With 2nd and 3rd battalions away, there were just the four companies of 1st battalion assembling on the edge of the parade ground. Anny was interested to see a sizable crowd of civilian spectators lining the edge of the field. Families of the men, she supposed or just interested folks from the town. She spotted the battalion adjutant with the colors talking to the principal musician by the band and headed over to him. He looked at them in surprise as they came up and saluted. "Sir? We just reported to the regiment today and we haven't been assigned anywhere," said Anny. "Permission to stand with the staff?"
The man looked sharply at her but then shrugged. "Sure, welcome aboard. The staff's lining up over there. We're starting in about three minutes." Anny thanked him and headed over to where several officers and senior NCOs were waiting. They stared with curiosity at the newcomers, but there wasn't even time for introductions before a bugle called them to attention and everyone had to take their places.
The four companies were lined up in march columns on the edge of the parade ground. About a hundred meters in front of them, the adjutant had established the color line. He, carrying the battalion's flag, had posted himself in the exact center. On either side of him, a few paces away, were the two general guides, sergeants carrying small flags called guidons. A hundred meters to one side was the band, posted on the right of the line (although from Anny's perspective it was to her left). When the battalion commander arrived, he would take his position exactly opposite where the adjutant was standing and about thirty meters away. Anny and Jer and Alby and the other staff were to the right and slightly to the rear of that spot, the staff officers closest to the commander's spot, then Anny, Jer and Alby and then the NCOs. She drew her sword and rested her hand on her right hip, the blade of the sword lightly touching her shoulder. It was all prescribed in the regulations.
Everyone was in position and after about a minute a utility vehicle drove up to the edge of the parade ground and two men got out, an officer and an NCO. Anny nodded her head slightly in satisfaction. She'd heard stories about commanders who would keep their men waiting in ranks for a half hour or more before arriving. It was an insult to the men who were here to pay honor to their commander.
For that was what dress parade was all about: the command paying tribute to their commander. It was a ceremonial formation that went back hundreds of years in Barrayaran history and, from what Anny learned in her history classes at the Academy, had been imported almost without change from Old Earth where it had originated over a thousand years ago. That the commander had arrived so promptly spoke well of the 61st.
As the officer got closer Anny was surprised to see that he was only a captain. But then she remembered what Sven Estaban had told them: Colonel Vortaglia was rarely here and the lieutenant colonel, who would normally command the 1st Battalion, was in command of the whole regiment. Which meant that someone else had to command 1st Battalion, probably the senior captain.
The captain was walking to his post when he noticed the extra officers in the staff row. He frowned and made a detour to speak to the adjutant. Anny couldn't hear what was said, but she imagined the captain was wanting to know who the strangers were. After a moment he nodded and walked to his spot. The NCO who had been with him was the battalion sergeant major and he went to his own place, down near the left end of where the battalion line would form.
Everything was ready. The adjutant looked toward the band and nodded his head. A moment later a bugle rang out playing To the Colors. This was one of Anny's favorite bugle calls and it sent a chill down her spine and set her close-cropped brown hair on end, her scalp tingling. Immediately the second company began to move, followed a few moments later by the others. They converged on the adjutant and went from column into line and then halted. The color sergeant stepped forward and took the flag from the adjutant and the companies' captains had the men dress their ranks on the colors.
The band, which had struck up a lively march while the troops were moving, finished up and silence ensued. The adjutant looked to his right and then to his left, seeing that all was in order. Then he stepped back and commanded: "Battalion, Shoulder-Arms! Guides—Post!" The men brought their rifles down to their right sides and all the officers, sergeants, and guides went to their spots, the two general guides taking positions on the extreme ends of the line. The captain commanding the battalion had not moved a muscle, for this was the oddity in dress parade: the commander was just a spectator, the adjutant ran the show.
The adjutant turned to his left and marched down to the right end of the line and faced about, looking back along the line. He put the battalion at parade rest. All the officers rested the points of their swords on the top of their left boots and folded their hands across the hilts.
Then the adjutant took a breath and ordered: "Music! Beat-off!" The principal musician raised his baton and there was a roll of the drums and a trill of the fifes as they did the 'three cheers'. Then they broke into another tune and marched forward and wheeled to their left and moved across the front of the battalion. Estaban was right: they were very good and Anny's hair was soon standing up again. Damn, she loved this! She knew that all this ceremonial stuff served no real purpose and the close-order drill was totally obsolete on a modern battlefield, but she still loved it. She never felt more like a soldier than during these moments. Just a few weeks ago she'd turned down a very tempting offer by ImpSec to serve on the Emperor's—the Emperor's!—security detail. There had been a lot of reasons for her decision, but this was an important one: in ImpSec she wouldn't get to do things like this anymore.
The band reached the far end of the line and countermarched and came back the way it had come, playing another tune. They came opposite their original position, wheeled back into line, countermarched again, and finished up with another 'three cheers'. Anny let out her breath.
The adjutant had the battalion open ranks and then marched across the front of the battalion until he was exactly opposite the commander and then turned and came to a spot about ten paces from him. He turned around to face the battalion and commanded: "Battalion! Present-Arms!" With a slap and a crack, hundreds of rifles were brought forward in front of the men. All the officers raised their swords so the hilts were opposite their right eyes and then they were slowly lowered so that the points were near the ground, pointing slightly to the right. The adjutant spun around again and saluted the commander. "Sir, the parade is formed."
The captain drew his own sword and commanded: "Battalion! Shoulder-arms!" He then quickly ran them through the manual of arms, shifting the rifles from one position to another, ending up with the men back at order arms with the rifle butts on the ground. He then returned his sword to its scabbard and became a statue again.
This was the adjutant's cue. He faced the battalion and ordered: "First sergeants, to the front and center-march!" The four top sergeants stepped out from the ranks, marched to the center and reported the status of their companies. After sending the sergeants back to their posts the adjutant turned and saluted the commander. "All present or accounted for, sir."
"Very good," said the captain returning the salute. "No additional orders at this time, lieutenant."
"Yes sir." The adjutant turned to face the battalion. "Attention to orders! The parade is dis-missed!"
All the officers returned their swords to their scabbards. The adjutant marched forward until he was in line with all the company officers and then turned to face the commander. All the other officers faced in toward the adjutant and marched forward to close on him. The staff officers, Anny, and all the rest went and attached themselves to the end of the line. When all were there the adjutant commanded: "Officers-front! Forward-march!" Everyone turned to face the commander and then marched forward in a line. When they neared the commander, the adjutant halted them and commanded: "Officers, hand-salute!" Everyone saluted and the captain returned it. He then relaxed and smiled.
"Nicely done everyone. Excellent job. As you might have noticed, we have a few newbies with us today," he nodded in Anny's direction and heads turned. "But we'll save introductions until dinner. You can dismiss the men and I'll see you shortly in the mess." They all saluted again and then relaxed. The four company commanders gave small waves of their hands to their first sergeants who immediately marched the companies back to the barracks. The staff NCOs quickly disappeared, but the officers became a rather unmilitary gaggle strolling in the direction of the officer's mess. A few of the civilian women, wives or girlfriends Anny supposed, intercepted some of them and strolled along. Sven Estaban came over and joined Anny and her friends. A number of other officers gathered around them as well.
"So," said Estaban, "what did you think? Are we up to Academy standards?"
"It was wonderful," said Anny and she meant it.
"Very sharp," said Jer.
"As good as I've seen," added Alby.
"Uh…" said Anny, lowering her voice, "who's the captain in command?" She'd memorized the names and faces of the senior officers, but hadn't gotten down to the captains.
"Oh," laughed Estaban. "That's Captain Vorglanov. Fetherbay has brevetted him a major, but it's strictly unofficial, no rank, no pay, not even the tabs. Doesn't seem to bother him. He's all right."
"So, Sven, you appear to know our guests already?" asked one of the other officers.
"Met them at the BOQ this afternoon. Just a lucky encounter."
"Care to tell us their names or is that a secret?" said another.
Estaban seemed to enjoy being the center of attention and he smiled. "Well, Vorglanov did say introductions could wait, but I guess there's no real harm. These are Lieutenants Payne, Vorsworth and Naddel, just joined the regiment today." A chorus of welcomes and names flowed back at them, far too many names to remember, but Anny smiled and nodded her head anyway.
As they walked, the conversation died away when a low rumble caught their attention. Every head turned toward the ridge to the east and a few moments later the rumble grew to a roar as a swarm of dark specks appeared. The specks grew quickly and Anny could see that there were several dozen assault shuttles headed their way. The noise penetrated to her bones as they screamed overhead.
"Second battalion, back from their exercise!" shouted Estaban in her ear.
The noise faded as the shuttles came in to land across the valley from them. "Guess the Old Man will be at dinner after all," commented one of the officers. The conversation started up again as the group strolled down the road toward the Officers' Mess. Various questions were tossed Anny's way, but they were all in the nature of small talk and she was able to field them and toss them back with no problem. As they neared the main mess hall, they saw that the troops had already shed their dress uniforms and were streaming into the building wearing fatigues. A bugle sounded 'dinner call'. Anny raised an eyebrow: a lot of units had done away with most of the old bugle calls for the day's activities, only retaining a few. It seemed like the 61st was clinging to the old ways and Anny found that she approved.
They reached the Regimental Officers' Mess building and went up a short flight of steps and through the doors. A smile came to Anny's face. When they'd been with the 42nd, the regimental officers had created a facsimile of a traditional mess inside a modern steel and concrete building. Here, the 61st had the real thing. From the outside the building had looked like many of the others: timber construction and perhaps three stories high. Inside, it was just one floor with high walls and a towering ceiling which was really the underside of the steeply pitched roof, supported by exposed beams and curving trusses. Tall windows lined two of the walls, some of them with stained glass decorations. And everywhere there was wood. Rich, dark, polished wood. Parquet floors, paneling on the walls and elaborate trim everywhere. Brass chandeliers hung down from the ceiling on long chains and wall sconces held more lights. Just as with the 42nd, old flags and banners hung in rows. Beautiful. Her heart seemed to swell.
There were shelves and rows of wood pegs near the door. Hats and gloves went on the shelves and swords and sword belts were hung on the pegs. White-tunicked stewards were bustling about, setting tables and offering to bring drinks from the bar. Unlike the farewell dinner she'd attended with the 42nd, tonight was just an ordinary night and the officers found tables or stood around as they pleased. Anny got a beer from the bar, as did Jer and Alby. She was getting hungry, but she decided to mingle for a bit longer. She truly wanted to become friends and comrades with these people. She would be here, working with them, for years to come. First impressions were important. She chatted with anyone who came near and most seemed friendly enough. A few scowled and kept their distance and she got some very odd looks from some of the women, but overall it went well.
Captain Vorglanov came by and they talked for a bit. "Fetherbay and the lot from 2nd Battalion will be here shortly, so we'll save the formal introductions for then," he said. "Have you got your assignments yet?"
"Not yet, sir. We're all a bit curious."
"No doubt! No doubt! But no one's told me anything, either. I've got an open slot or two in 1st battalion, but we'll just have to wait and see where they put you, eh?" There was a commotion near the door and some raised voices and heads turned. "Ah, there they are. Come on, I'll introduce you to Fetherbay. Don't worry, he growls, but rarely bites." He led the trio over toward the door where a tall man wearing black fatigues with lieutenant-colonel's tabs was slowly making his way through a small crowd of people. He had a thin face with prominent cheekbones and a long boney nose. His brown hair was close-cropped with a touch of silver at the temples and a small mustache. His eyes were brown, too, and they were twinkling in amusement as he laughed at some joke that had been made.
"Welcome back, Colonel," said Vorglanov when he got close. "Everything went well, I hope?"
"Well enough," replied Fetherbay. "We need to work with the 283rd more often, the coordination still isn't what it ought to be. But who have you got there?" He looked past Vorglanov toward Anny. "Our new lambs?"
"Yes sir, arrived this afternoon. They haven't been formally introduced to the regiment yet. Thought we'd wait until you and the others got back."
"Vorsworth, Naddel and Payne," Fetherbay said nodding toward them. "I was informed you'd be coming. Not much doubt about who's who!" He proceeded to shake hands with all of them. "Vorsworth, I served under your father about a dozen years ago. How is he these days?"
"Well enough, sir, although he's having trouble adjusting to retirement," replied Alby. Anny looked at her friend's face. The truth was that Alby's father, after sixty years in the military, was wasting away. He'd looked ghastly when Anny had seen him at Vorsworth House. She doubted he'd last the year.
But Fetherbay, who hadn't seen him, chuckled. "Yes, retirement doesn't agree with a lot of people!" This produced a number of laughs from the surrounding officers. Had that been some oblique reference to Colonel Vortaglia? "But let's get these introductions over so we can eat," continued Fetherbay. He looked to his adjutant, a captain, who stepped up on to a chair and said in a loud voice:
"Gentlemen! Ladies! If I can have you attention!" He got it immediately and he gestured to Fetherbay.
"Evening everyone," said Fetherbay. "As most of you know by now we've got three new officers joining the regiment today. And apparently the 61st must have done something good because this year they've sent us lieutenants rather than ensigns! Actual proof that it is still possible to be promoted, gentlemen!" This produced a laugh from the officers. Anny and Jer and Alby stood there, feeling a bit awkward. Academy cadets were normally commissioned as ensigns when they graduated. But the three of them had all managed to earn medals while at the Academy and an old rule mandated that they be commissioned lieutenants instead. It didn't happen often and Anny wasn't certain how others might feel about that. She caught sight of at least a half-dozen ensigns in the crowd; they would all have been with the regiment for a year or more and yet she outranked them. Would they resent it?
"So, let me present our new comrades," continued Fetherbay. "Lieutenant Payne, Lieutenant Naddel and Lieutenant Vorsworth. Welcome to the 61st!" Applause and a few restrained cheers erupted from the assembly that went on for half a minute and then petered out. Anny wasn't sure if they were supposed to respond in any way, but as the applause died people began to turn away. Apparently not. Good.
"Gentlemen," said Fetherbay. He was clearly addressing the three of them. "I'm sure you are all eager to know what your assignments will be. Why don't we discuss it over dinner?" He gestured toward one of the larger tables.
Anny blinked in surprise. "Certainly, sir," she managed to blurt out.
Fetherbay collected his adjutant, a captain named Vorjannis, along with Captain Vorglanov and the commander of 2nd Battalion, Major Waski and they all sat down at a round table. Stewards converged on them from all directions and shortly they had drinks and placed orders for their food.
"So, that was quite a little fracas you folks had with the 42nd," said Fetherbay once they were all settled. "It's the most exciting thing that's happened since the 26th put down that triple hijacking out near Botman's Planet, what? Three years ago?"
"Four, sir," said Vorjannis.
"Yes, that's right. But the last time the 61st heard shots fired in anger was twelve years ago and there aren't but a handful of men still with the colors who were there. You three are going to be celebrities for a while, I'm afraid." He swept his gaze over the three of them, but they were spared having to think up some reply by the stewards arriving with their food. Anny had ordered a steak and it was thick and juicy.
"But, as for your assignments," said Fetherbay after a few minutes of uninterrupted chewing. "Lieutenant Vorsworth, I saw in your files that you have a sub-specialty in computers and electronic warfare, correct?"
"Yes sir," said Alby. "It's always been sort of a hobby of mine."
"Well, as it happens, we have need of your talents. We're building a new facility up at the north end of the base." Anny exchanged glances with Jer and Alby; clearly this was the mysterious building Estaban had showed them earlier. "It seems that the bean-counters in Vorbarr Sultana think we're spending too much money keeping the regiment trained. Their solution is to install a simulator facility like they use at the Academy."
Captain Vorjannis snorted loudly. "I've seen what those facilities cost! It'll take fifty years for this one to pay for itself. Typical bureaucratic stupidity!"
"No doubt," said Fetherbay. "I've never had the opportunity to try one of the simulators, myself, but as a veteran of both simulations and real combat, how would you rate them, Lieutenant?"
"Uh, well, they are pretty much indistinguishable from the real thing, sir," said Alby.
"Really?" Fetherbay looked skeptical.
"Yes, sir. When the man next to you gets sliced in two by a plasma arc, the blood and entrails look and smell the same in the simulator as they do in real life."
Everyone at the table was staring at Alby. Including Anny and Jer. Alby had told and re-told the story of his part of the battle on the planet Dounby during their training cruise a dozen times, but he'd never said anything about that! Fetherbay looked taken back. "Uh… well, it's good to know we'll be getting something useful! But in any case, they have a whole crew of technical boffins up there installing these things, but as far I know not a one of them has any combat experience. I'm going to want you to get involved with setting up the facility and getting it operational. If I'm going to be forced to rely on simulations, I want to be sure they are doing the job and not filling the men's heads with computer-generated nonsense! Think you can do that for me, Vorsworth?"
"Yes, sir. It would be my pleasure," said Alby with a smile. Anny was certain the smile was genuine. This would be right up Alby's alley. He loved that sort of stuff and there was no denying he was good with simulator programming! She suppressed a smile of her own at the thought of the prank he had played on a rival company during their second year at the Academy.
"Good! You'll be attached to my headquarters company during the assignment. Later on we can find something else for you to do. Lieutenant Naddel." He looked at Jer.
"Sir?"
"You've had extra training in heavy weapons, correct?"
"Yes sir."
"Then I believe there's a post for you in 2nd Battalion, right, Anthony?" He looked at Major Waski.
"Yes sir," replied Waski. "I can find a place for him in H Company; we've been short an officer for the anti-tank platoon since you 'borrowed' Janowittz and never gave him back."
"Stop bitching, Anthony," said Fetherbay with a smile. "Everyone's short-handed and here I've given you a bright, shiny, new lieutenant. Don't break him, God knows when we'll get any more."
"Yes sir. And thanks. Naddel, report to Captain Adronov in the morning."
"Yes sir," said Jer. He glanced at Anny and smiled, but she didn't return it when she saw that Fetherbay was looking at her now.
"So, Lieutenant Payne, what should I do with you?"
"Sir?" Anny was suddenly tense. "I… I was hoping for an assignment with an infantry company."
"Were you now? I see that you specialized in infantry tactics during your last year at the Academy. You like commanding infantry?"
"Yes sir. I commanded my cadet company for three years and, well, you know what I did with the 42nd."
"Indeed. Your record is very impressive, but that creates certain… problems."
"Sir?" Anny didn't like where this seemed to be going—wherever that was.
"Well, completely leaving aside the fact that you're the only woman in the entire Imperial forces, you also have more combat experience and hold a higher decoration than any officer in the entire regiment, except for our beloved Colonel, of course. And yet at the same time, despite all of that, you are also a wet-behind-the-ears shavetail, fresh out of the Academy. Plunking you down in the midst of a veteran infantry company might cause… friction."
"Sir, I'm sure that I can fit in anywhere you…"
"It has been suggested," said Fetherbay, putting strange emphasis on the last word, "that I find some spot for you on the regimental staff. Operations or Planning, Training, perhaps. Does any of that appeal to you, Lieutenant?"
Anny swallowed nervously. Damn , she hadn't expected a grilling like this! She'd just expected to be assigned somewhere. What she said now might affect her entire future career! She glanced around at the others at the table and every eye was on her. "Sir… I'd be honored to serve the regiment in any capacity you think fit." She forced the words out of her mouth, but they weren't really true. She'd already let herself be talked out of applying for the naval track back at the Academy. She didn't want a staff job, dammit! But it wasn't up to her…
"I read in your file that after you were wounded on Dounby, you spent the rest of your cruise working on the battalion staff. Did you enjoy that?"
After Dounby she'd been under virtual house arrest on the flagship. Did Fetherbay know that? "It… it was interesting work, sir. But I would have preferred to return to my troops."
"But they didn't let you."
"No sir."
"Bastards." The side of Fetherbay's mouth quirked up in a half-smile. Anny was so startled she couldn't think of any reply. Fetherbay took a sip from his wine and put the glass back on the table. "I could find a spot for you on the staff, but… Vorglanov here has been wheedling me for one of you folks from the moment we learned you were coming. Honestly, Alex, you've been like a kid asking to open his Winter Fair gifts early!" He smiled at the 1st Battalion commander.
"Sorry, sir," said Vorglanov, not smiling in return. "But Sergeant Milroy has been commanding 3rd platoon of C Company ever since you brevetted me to take the battalion and Vorstang had to take the company—almost two years, sir. He deserves to go to OCS—you know that, sir—and I just didn't have anyone else to replace him—until now."
"So you'd like to have Lieutenant Payne in your battalion?"
"Yes sir. Well, her or either of the other two, sir, I'm not particular."
"The hell you're not," snorted Fetherbay. "But in any case… very well, she's all yours, Alex. God help you."
"Thank you, sir," said Vorglanov. He turned his gaze on Anny. "Report to Lieutenant Vorstang, C Company, in the morning."
"Yes sir!" said Anny, her face breaking into a smile. Her company back at the Academy had been C Company! A good omen?
The stewards cleared the table of the dinner dishes and set out coffee for everyone. The wine glasses were still there, of course, and they were never allowed to become empty. Fetherbay took another drink from his. Then he leaned back in his chair and smiled. "So, gentlemen, are you all satisfied? Happy with your assignments? Glad you're part of the 61st?"
"Yes sir," said Anny, Jer and Alby in unison.
"Good, good. But now it's time for you to repay our hospitality."
"Sir?" said Anny.
"Well, you see that here, up in the far north, we're pretty isolated. The same ugly faces day after day, year after year. It gets pretty boring. And even when a new face arrives they usually can't provide much entertainment. But you! Well! I'm sure you can provide quite a bit of entertainment!"
A chill went through Anny. What did he mean? Was he talking to all three of them or just her? Surely not just her! Not here in the regimental officers' mess! She glanced at Jer and Alby, but they both seemed as confused—and as apprehensive—as her.
"I… I'm not sure I understand, sir."
Fetherbay smiled. "It's simple enough, Lieutenant: I want a story! I want an eyewitness account of the Battle of Dounby!"
[Scene Break]
The last light of the long summer day had vanished by the time they wove their way back to the BOQ and the stars were shining brightly through the trees. Anny had drunk far more than she should have, although not enough to get completely blasted. Jer and Alby staggered along next to her and somehow they had picked up Sven Estaban again.
"I think I like the 61st!" exclaimed Alby. It was about the tenth time he'd said that since they left the mess, but she had to agree with him. It had been a very pleasant evening. She and Alby had managed to give a reasonably coherent—and she hoped entertaining—account of the 'battle' that had been fought on the planet Dounby during their training cruise. She'd been able to skip over her insubordination, the real reason behind the whole mess, and the bloodier moments during the fighting without ruining the story. She'd made sure that Zac Karal's sacrifice to save her got its full due. Colonel Fetherbay and the others had seemed very appreciative.
"It's a good outfit," said Estaban.
They stumbled into the building. Alby started up the steps, but Anny hung back with Jer. Estaban took a step up and then looked back at her with a confused and disappointed expression on his face. Alby stopped, looked back and grinned. He came back down and took Estaban by the arm. "Come on, Sven, give them some room."
"Oh, it's like that, is it?" said Estaban, frowning.
"Yeah, it's like that. Now come on."
"Damn. Knew I couldn't be that lucky. Oh well…" He turned and followed Alby up the steps.
"So much for keeping it secret," said Anny, smiling at Jer.
"Probably just as well," said Jer, gently pulling her against him. "If everyone thought you were unattached, you'd have 'em lined up outside your door!"
"So instead I'm lined up outside your door."
"Wanna come in for a while?"
She'd really like that, but she shook her head. "Long day. Big day tomorrow. And I'm ready to pass out. And if I did, then—heavens!—you might take advantage of me!" They both laughed and then she leaned closer and kissed him. "See you in th' mornin', Luv."
He pulled her even closer and kissed her back. "Right. Love you."
They parted and she made her way up to her room. Alby still had his door open and she was amused that he stuck his head out until she went into her own room and shut the door behind her. After a moment she locked it.
She made sure her alarm was set and then peeled off her clothes except for her underwear, turned off the lights and crawled into the bed.
Yeah, I think I like the 61st!