Page 53 of Metal & Mud

"We didn't know the alley was closed, sir. We'll find another place to go."

"Damn right you will, Sergeant," the captain, who Logan saw was named Huffman, said. "This ain't your party. And why the hell are you in the alley, in duty uniforms, during business hours anyway?"

"It's my last day in the unit, sir," Bron offered up, still trying to be respectful. "Our commander cut us loose, suggested we have some fun. I said I wanted to bowl. We didn't know about this ceremony."

"Hmph," the captain said, sniffing. "What sort of unit decides to skip work to go bowling?"

"One that whipped your ass," Carter whispered, and a few people snorted.

The captain noticed. "Did you say something, soldier? Is there a problem?"

"Sir." Nichols stepped up, "I'll deal with it. Please, go back to your ceremony, we don't want to waste your time."

The group turned, and Logan caught Sabby's eyes. He gave her a little nod, and turned to join the rest of the squad. But as he started away, he heard the captain start berating Sabby.

"I knew just looking at your unprofessional appearance that I couldn't expect things to be fully squared away, but how hard is it to tape a single paper sign to a door?"

"Captain, I..."

"I knew you were ate up," the captain interrupted, and Logan stopped in his tracks.

He knew he shouldn't, but Huffman was messing with Sabby again, chastising her far beyond reason and drifting into bullying.

"With that ugly haircut and your horrible screeching that was clear, bitch. But..."

Sergeant Adams growled, her eyes flashing dangerously, but Nichols and Tom Franklin quickly held her back. They knew she was furious at the insult aimed at her sister.

But nobody did anything to stop Logan, and before anyone could stop him, he turned on a heel and walked back to the counter, where the captain was continuing to berate Sabby.

"...and if you were in my unit, you'd be on your way out of the Army before the ink was even dry on your orders. Who do you..."

"Think you are, being such an unprofessional jackass?" Logan asked. "And before you start talking shit, remember who handed your platoon their ass. And who handed you your ass the last time you stepped out of line."

Sabby gasped, but the truth was, Logan didn't care. Insult him? Fine. Be a son of a bitch to his NCOs? Not cool, but he'd go off of their lead.

Sabby was innocent.

"You," the captain growled, his eyes widening in recognition. He smirked, pursing his lips. "You're like a fucking pimple on my ass, aren't you? Constantly an annoying pain."

"I'm who I am," Logan returned. "Why not just go back to your party, captain?"

"Fuck that." The captain gritted his teeth. "I want your chain of command."

"I'm his fire team leader." Sergeant Adams' voice was cold enough to freeze the Sahara. "And I don't see anything wrong with what Hollywood said."

"Fine, then I'll just report all of you to..."

"Their chain of command? Already taken care of," a new voice said, and Logan's eyes cut over to see Captain King come up. The National Guard captain saw him and his eyes narrowed. King explained.

"Carl King, Charlie Company XO. Sergeant Nichols, Major Kirk wanted me to swing by. He forgot to give Specialist Davis a little personal going away present since the Colonel called him to headquarters. So, with Major Kirk's compliments."

King reached into his pocket and handed Sabby a couple of folded over twenties that Sabby took.

"I can't help you, sir. The alley's rented by Captain Huffman here."

"Ah, so that's the problem," King said. "Well then, as long as we're playing who's got the bigger set of railroad tracks, where's your chain of command, Captain Huffman? I'd love to give them my compliments as to your manners and professionalism when interacting with civilian employees and my enlisted soldiers. Maybe we can discuss your tactical proficiency as well?"

"Back off, Captain King," Huffman said. "Your PFC here was totally out of line. I want something done about it. Your people are ruining my promotion party."

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