Chains of Command

[Boss]

I did my best to keep up with my lists and my studying, and turns out I did okay. I got called into Myer’s office about two weeks later. A spacious place. Tastefully decorated, too, with a few bits of artwork here and there, interspersed with commemorative plaques from various awards and services performed. Big rug on the floor, makes you sink into it about an inch. A tool to keep people off their balance and the Chief in charge of the situation, as was the window behind the desk giving a panorama of the space around One Police Plaza.

"Jim," he said, shuffling his bulk around in his chair. He motioned me to sit, and I did. "I 'ssume you know why you’re here,"

"I think so, sir. The Deputy Chief replacement?" That carpet was working wonderfully. I’d never been so stressed out in my life. If someone walked in with a polygraph machine, I knew I’d have failed any test they asked.

"Mostly. You done good, Markey, and it’s my pleasure t’ promote ya to Deputy of da LPI. Now go take a vacation. Ya been workin’ too hard dese past few days."

"Thank you, sir. Do you have any suggestions on a good place to visit?" I was secretly hoping for somewhere quiet. I never was much of a tourist.

"Try someplace in Kusari, mebbe. Quiet there...‘least fer now." The specter of war was foremost in everyone's mind these days.