Читать книгу Windows of Opportunities - Heinrich Psscht - Страница 39
Order
Оглавление– Sir, there is a package delivered in the transfer device!
– Look what there is this time!
– It is the Order of the Empire! Your reward, sir! It reads that it is for the extraordinary courage shown while rescuing the Nightwalker spaceship last year.
– This is probably the one we’ve pushed through the window of opportunity. They didn’t want to go and offered fierce resistance.
– Yes, sir! You’ve received the Order for “Outstanding Contribution to System Security”.
– Serving the System, Hans!
– Serving the System along with you, sir!
– It is a great honor, Hans, for me and for the ship too! You must call me “sir’ from now on!
– But this is how I’m used to calling you, “sir’, sir!
– “Sir-sir”, that might be too much, Hans. One word “sir’ is enough. Otherwise I will have to call you Hans-Hans!
– Yes, sir! Sir…
– Hans, as I’ve said, you don’t need to repeat “sir’ twice.
– Yes, sir, but look, the box has disappeared and your order has also vanished!
– What The Fume, Hans!
– The fume has disappeared too, sir! Look, here is the holographic message instead: the physical order has been removed due to the policy of economy and modesty. Your title and nomination are retained, but without appropriate treatment and display rights. This is a new rule of the System!
– Serving the System, Hans!
– Serving the System with you, sir!
– It’s even more convenient, Hans, because the order can get lost, sting me with its pin, catch on, damage or scratch something with daily wear. I take it as a safety hazard precaution, Hans!
– Will you suggest these considerations to the High Council, or would you prefer me to do it, sir?
– Be my guest! I will see if you receive the Order “for the outstanding contribution to the security of the System”, which will also disappear without a trace in outer space… Do not forget to point out my efficient and careful leadership!
– Will do, sir!
– It’s a shame I didn’t get any shots taken wearing it.
– I did sir. I’ll print your portrait and embed a copy of the order in it. The order will come out of the plane. You will like it, sir!
– You are a true friend, Hans! I wonder who made the proposal for economy and modesty… I’ve got some clues though…
– I’m at a loss what to say, sir.
– I thought so, Hans! But don’t rush next time. Time must always be considered! Timing is everything in our business!
– Sorry, I don’t quite understand you, sir!
– Never mind! Take it to the left, we need to bypass that overfield.
– Yes, sir!
