Max took another unhappy sip. "I thought it was supposed to be the best
drink you could buy. You know, really strong. It's just bubbly wine."
A voice said, dryly, "Your companion doesn't seem to be a connoisseur of
the French vintages, captain."
Joe turned. Balt Haer and two others occupied the table next to them.
Joe chuckled amiably and said, "Truthfully, it was my own reaction, the
first time I drank sparkling wine, sir."
"Indeed," Haer said. "I can imagine." He fluttered a hand. "Lieutenant
Colonel Paul Warren of Marshal Cogswell's staff, and Colonel Lajos
Arpàd, of Budapest--Captain Joseph Mauser."
Joe Mauser came to his feet and clicked his heels, bowing from the waist
in approved military protocol. The other two didn't bother to come to
their feet, but did condescend to shake hands.
The Sov officer said, disinterestedly, "Ah yes, this is one of your
fabulous customs, isn't it? On an election day, everyone is quite
entitled to go anywhere. Anywhere at all. And, ah"--he made a sound
somewhat like a giggle--"associate with anyone at all."
Joe Mauser resumed his seat then looked at him. "That is correct. A
custom going back to the early history of the country when all men were
considered equal in such matters as law and civil rights. Gentlemen, may
I present Rank Private Max Mainz, my orderly."
Balt Haer, who had obviously already had a few, looked at him dourly.
"You can carry these things to the point of the ludicrous, captain. For
a man with your ambitions, I'm surprised."
The infantry officer the younger Haer had introduced as Lieutenant
Colonel Warren, of Stonewall Cogswell's staff, said idly, "Ambitions?
Does the captain have ambitions? How in Zen can a Middle have ambitions,
Balt?" He stared at Joe Mauser superciliously, but then scowled.
"Haven't I seen you somewhere before?"
Joe said evenly, "Yes, sir. Five years ago we were both with the marshal
in a fracas on the Little Big Horn reservation. Your company was pinned
down on a knoll by a battery of field artillery. The Marshal sent me to
your relief. We sneaked in, up an arroyo, and were able to get most of
you out."
"I was wounded," the colonel said, the superciliousness gone and a
strange element in his voice above the alcohol there earlier.
Joe Mauser said nothing to that. Max Mainz was stirring unhappily now.
These officers were talking above his head, even as they ignored him. He
had a vague feeling that he was being defended by Captain Mauser, but he
didn't know how, or why.
Balt Haer had been occupied in shouting fresh drinks. Now he turned back
to the table. "Well, colonel, it's all very secret, these ambitions of
Captain Mauser. I understand he's been an aide de camp to Marshal
Cogswell in the past, but the marshal will be distressed to learn that
on this occasion Captain Mauser has a secret by which he expects to rout
your forces. Indeed, yes, the captain is quite the strategist." Balt
Haer laughed abruptly. "And what good will this do the captain? Why on
my father's word, if he succeeds, all efforts will be made to make the
captain a caste equal of ours. Not just on election day, mind you, but
all three hundred sixty-five days of the year."
Joe Mauser was on his feet, his face expressionless. He said, "Shall we
go, Max? Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure. Colonel Arpàd, a privilege to
meet you. Colonel Warren, a pleasure to renew acquaintance." Joe Mauser
turned and, trailed by his orderly, left.
* * * * *
Lieutenant Colonel Warren, pale, was on his feet too.
Balt Haer was chuckling. "Sit down, Paul. Sit down. Not important enough
to be angry about. The man's a clod."
Warren looked at him bleakly. "I wasn't angry, Balt. The last time I saw
Captain Mauser I was slung over his shoulder. He carried, tugged and
dragged me some two miles through enemy fire."
Balt Haer carried it off with a shrug. "Well, that's his profession.
Category Military. A mercenary for hire. I assume he received his pay."
"He could have left me. Common sense dictated that he leave me."
Balt Haer was annoyed. "Well, then we see what I've contended all along.
The ambitious captain doesn't have common sense."
Colonel Paul Warren shook his head. "You're wrong there. Common sense
Joseph Mauser has. Considerable ability, he has. He's one of the best
combat men in the field. But I'd hate to serve under him."