Demonstration of Power

The surrounding people fell silent again. Kurdak could feel the soldiers' belligerent gaze all over his body.

Looks like we can't avoid a workout tonight, he thought.

"Yes, I'm Kurdak, your major," he told Blackie, "Get everyone who can still move together. I'll have a word or two with all of you."

Blackie gave Kurdak a judging once-over, then nodded.

"Tri, Quint, let's go!"

"Note the time," Kurdak told Vera.

An hour came and went while Blackie and his lackies went around gathering everyone. They started halfway and finished just to five.

"Looks like this'll be a pain," Kurdak murmured, feeling a headache threatening to blossom.

He glanced at the sweaty Blackie and, for all his trepidation, felt a hint of liking for the man. It took much longer than he would have liked to get everyone together, but it wasn't for the man's lack of trying....

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