Imperial Guard Read Online Free PDF Page B

his weapon at the ready, the guard took a closer look at the solitary figure. “To Earth? What’s a ragtag hayseed like you going to Earth for?” he sneered. “To provide some comic relief?”
    Though still out of breath and groggy, Brogan felt the stirrings of anger. “I’ve been accepted . . . in the Fusiliers. . . . This is my last chance . . . to get to . . . the Military Academy,” he panted out.
    The soldier guffawed. “That’s a good one!” Again he laughed gruffly, slapping his leg. Then he sobered quickly and advanced on Timothy in a threatening manner. “Go on! Get outa here before I stop thinking its funny.”
    Brogan failed to see the humor in the situation. Time was running out, and this buffoon was going to ruin his last chance. Beginning to catch his breath, he straightened up and said, “Captain Darkhow ordered me to report here . . . by 0630 hours, on the 15th, private!” He began to weave with vertigo, wishing he had something to grab hold of.
    “You gonna be smart about this, huh? Just where does a hick like you get off talking down to me like that? I think I’ll just —”
    The guard was interrupted by a sharp question from behind. “What’s all the ruckus about out here?”
    The Corporal of the Guard came up to stand beside the private. “Who are you?” he ordered, looking at the intruder.
    Brogan could not believe how immaculate the COG appeared. The creases on his trousers were sharp as a knife and not a wrinkle showed anywhere. His few ribbons sparkled in the reflected light. His boots shone. Timothy became conscious of how ragged and unkempt he looked. He clutched at his clothing and looked from soldier to soldier.
    “Come on, boy. Speak up!” the COG enjoined.
    Glancing back to the speaker, Brogan screwed up his courage and said, “Sir, I have orders here from Captain Darkhow to report to this gate at 0630 hours on the 15th.” Offering the orders, he added, “I’m a candidate for the Imperial Military Academy.”
    Looking at Brogan skeptically, the corporal took the crinkled paper and scanned it. “That paper is wrinkled almost as much as you are,” the private scoffed with a vicious laugh.
    The COG glared at him. “Be quiet, private!” The soldier snapped to attention. “Your job is to guard against unlawful entry, not to harass people or make Imperial policy!”
    Turning to Timothy he said, “Your papers seem to be in order, Mr. Brogan. If you’ll come with me to the guard shack, I’ll check on the status of the Shark.” Brogan followed obediently. Some shack, he thought with awe as he entered behind the corporal. This is more grand than our house!
    “Have a seat while I give ’em a shout.”
    Turning to the transmitter, he called the interstellar ship. “ H.M.S. Shark, this is COG, Gate Three.”
    Presently a voice replied, “This is Shark, Gate Three. State your business.”
    “I have a recruit here reporting for trans-shipment to the Imperial Military Academy. Are you ready for boarding?”
    “Roger, Gate Three. Send him on over.”
    “ Shark, he seems a little short on gear. Do you have any on board he can use?”
    “Negative, Gate Three. Issue him equipment out of your stores. I’ll send an ensign over to administer the oath of allegiance.”
    “Roger, Shark . Gate Three out.”
    Turning to Brogan, the corporal stuck out his hand. “I’m John Manazes.”
    Rubbing his wet, dirty hand on his equally soiled trousers, Brogan gripped the soldier’s hand. “Timothy Brogan. B-but you know that, don’t you?” he said, grinning.
    “Come on.” Manazes smiled back. “Let’s see if anything in here fits you. But first jump in there and grab a quick shower,” he said, pointing to a doorway. “You’ve got three minutes.”
    *
    “These are the finest clothes I’ve ever seen,” marveled Brogan as he put on his army issue four minutes later. He picked up the leather shoes and stroked them. “Nobody around here wears shoes in the summer months. There