Astounding Science Fiction (British Edition) — page 7: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE GULF BETWEEN 5 The sergeant craned his neck to stare past Knight with sudden and baleful interest. “‘Here he comes now, down from the Second. Guess he’s makin’ the rounds personally this time.” He scowled at the approaching captain then hurried away, his course such that only his long, fast steps prevented a face-to-face meeting. Knight waited beside the tree and Captain Cullin strode up to him; a big man, heavier than Knight and almost as tall, with an arrogant im- patience to the arch of his nose and a relentless drive in the set of his thick jaw and the iciness of his eyes. He stopped before Knight, with a glance after the rapidly disappearing sergeant, and said acidly: “If the men in my company could be relied upon to display as much determination when sent on a mission as your ser- geant just now displayed to avoid saluting me, I would think I had a first-class combat unit.” ““He’s a good man—none better,” Knight said. “He just didn’t happen to feel like going in for any such melo- drama as: ‘We, who are about to die, salute you!’ ” “Very witty,” Cullin said coldly. “Although your wit, in its implica- tions, is rather melodramatic, itself. But suppose we talk of something a little more important—the action of your platoon in taking that hill. I’ve moved the attack up half an hour. The other platoons are already taking up positions as advanced as _ possible until your own platoon draws the enemy fire.” “I just came down from off the ridge,” Knight said. “I know the lay of the land and I have your orders as given to me by Lieutenant Nayland; to attack as best we can along the southwestern floor of the hill and keep the enemy occupied while the other three platoons close in on their flanks. But the strategy is your own, so I’m> listening if you have anything to add. From you, I get the dope straight from the horse’s mouth.” Cullin stared at Knight, hard lines running along his jaw and the hatred burning deep back in his eyes. “I want to remind you, Knight,”’ he said at last, “that you are my sub- ordinate officer. An officer’s promo- tions are usually in direct ratio to his ability, and we received our second- lieutenant’s bars at the same time— remember? I’m a captain, now, in command of a company; yourre still a second lieutenant in charge of a platoon. I’m your commanding officer and you keep that fact in mind at all times. You will restrain your wit, confine yourself to obeying orders and extend me the same courtesy I de- mand of my other platoon leaders. Is that clear?’ “Very clear,’’ Knight replied. ““Your orders have been and will be, obeyed. When in the presence of others I’ll continue to observe every rule of military courtesy, as I have in the past. But ’ve known you too long and too well to have any desire to go through those antics when you and I are alone.” “Discipline is not an antic, Knight. The purpose of discipline is to condi- tion the soldier into efficient obedi- ence. You will obey me with full mili- tary courtesy and you will not pre- sume an equality with me because of our past friendship.” “Our past friendship is a long way past, and I’m sure neither of us has any desire to ever renew it. I would like to ask you a question, though— why do we attack today when Com- pany B will be up tonight?” “For a very good reason—because I’ve ordered it,”, Cullin said flatly. “That’s all?” Knight asked. “That’s sufficient. It isn’t required of you to seek any other reason.” Comichooksnco im