//------------------------------//
// 51. A Military Purpose 
// Story: Time to Shine 
// by Easysnuggler 
//------------------------------//

“Oh, I know you’re in a hurry to grow up, but there isn’t time.”

“I could make time.”

“I’ve been down that road twice before pumpkin, and your aunt Twilight dozens of times.  There are no shortcuts.”

“Sometimes you just must wait for the future to arrive.”

—Mi Amore Cadenza to her daughter



51.  A Military Purpose



On the evening of the 14th day, returning to camp, the Lieutenant went to report to Captain Syrup, his superior.  Two of Major Pane’s staff sergeants stood outside the captain’s tent.  There were sounds of a fight and flesh being struck and sobbing coming from within the tent. 

“I have a report for the captain,” said Risk Taker.

“He’s busy,” said one of the enlisted men.

“Is he engaged in a military purpose?” asked the Lieutenant, narrowing his eyes as the crying from within the tent continued.

“Uh, no” said one of the enlisted soldiers. 

“Stand aside, and report back to your units or I'll have you clapped in irons for impeding lawful orders.”

The bulls looked at each other.

“Now” the lieutenant said.

They turned and jogged away.  Drawing his blade, the lieutenant drew the flap aside and entered the tent.

The captain had a private in a chokehold.

Both bulls were naked but the smaller one, a scrawny private by the look of him, had a bloody lip and a dazed look. 

“Sir!”  Shouted Risk Taker, “Lieutenant Risk Taker here to report on today’s progress.”

The captain looked up.  He threw the young bull off to the side. 

“Risk Taker get out, I’m busy here.”

“It does not appear that you are engaged in a matter of military business and official business always takes precedence.  Are you engaged in a military matter?”

“No”.

Risk taker looked at the private.  “Return to your unit soldier.”  The dazed bull stumbled out.

“You’ve just made an enemy Lieutenant,'' snarled the captain. 

“Very good sir.”  He paused, “This evening's work is complete.  We are dug in, and I will be turning the watch over to Lieutenant Marshal.”

“No Lieutenant, for ruining my fun, I’m going to have you pull a double shift.  Marshal is off tonight.”  Turning the Captain observed the Lieutenant’s naked but lowered steel for the first time.

Risk Taker calmly replied.  “No sir, punishing or oppressing a soldier for performing his duty is counter to regulations.  I may in fact have been in the process of arresting you for apparently failing to perform yours.  It would be a shame if you resisted arrest and became injured.  Shall we take this to the Major and see what he thinks?  Or would you like to perhaps reflect for the rest of the evening off to consider why fraternization with the lower ranks is a military offense?”

“Dismissed Risk Taker.  Steer clear of me Lieutenant.” 

“Very good sir.  Have a pleasant evening.”  He turned and walked outside, sheathing his weapon.  There was no sign of the private or the sergeants. 

Risk Taker seethed with anger and adrenaline for minutes after that brief conversation. Passing the hourglass to Marshal with a brief and quiet conversation he retired to his tent.

Risk Taker’s father was a legal advocate.  He knew this… situation could end badly for him.  He ruminated for a time, and then wrote out two identical statements, gave a copy to the Marshal, and had him watch as he placed a second copy on the major’s desk and turned in.

Sleep didn’t come easily for him that evening.