Random Dialogue #2

slavitz’s unit isn’t like other units in the sense that while still very much like other units as far as training, separate bunks and leisure time go, they have a very laid back communications style. In briefings, assignments and planning sessions, the soldiers are not required to use formal address, they are free to speak their minds as and how they wish.

as such, at a meeting for a joint mission, slavitz’s unit and lydecker’s selected team (max, alec, taffy, etc) are sitting around a table discussing a mission strategy.

“It won’t work.”
“That’s ‘It won’t work, sir,” reprimanded 602.
“If you spent as much time thinking your missions through as you did on taking care to address your superior officers with respect, you might have a sound game plan. As it stands, soldier, your strategy is shit and your team is as good as dead. You wanna lead your team to their deaths, so be it, but not my men. So how about we drop the pretenses and get to the business of espionage, alright?”
“Hey! Watch what-,”
“That’s enough, 602. 810 – despite the rude delivery – has a valid point. Let’s follow his lead and forget formalities for the remainder of this meeting.”
“Yes, sir.”

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Later.

“Tom, do your men always speak so openly?”
“Yeah, Don. My unit thinks on their feet. Casual comaraderie gets me results that much faster; for one, I don’t have to listen to them kiss my ass, and two, there is a friendlier bond between them.”
“You know that Manticore doesn’t approve of-,”
“Can it, Deck. I know the drill. No close relationships between soldiers, yada yada yada. But you of all people should know that these personal connections aren’t always detrimental. Point in fact – X5-511’s last mission might have ended with casualties, but I believe it was his friendship with one of the other soldiers that brought them both home safely. If you want to call me up before the board, go ahead, but my method words for me.”
“I don’t know, Tom.”
“Don, trust me. Watch them. See how they work together, play off each other’s strengths. I understand the why Manticore cut back on interactions between soldiers after ’09, but maybe it’s time to reintroduce some level of informality. Besides, some of these kids, Don, are so stiff they won’t past muster in the field, no matter how much ‘Common Verbal’ training they have. It needs to be used, Don, in every day speech – at least some of the time.”
“You know, Tom, I wasn’t sure about you before. In fact, I was wary of approaching you. Some of the other trainers are too scared to question Elizabeth’s directives. It’s refreshing to find someone who is not only willing, but passionate.”
“I knew you would understand.”
“Now, don’t get me wrong, Tom; I don’t see your suggestion going anywhere up the line. Elizabeth is a Nazi when it comes to upholding Manticore policy. But I’d like to try to encourage our kids to be frank and unconstrained in their speech for at least a portion of their training exercises. They can’t fault us for preparing them for the outside world, right?”
A slow grin broke out on Slavitz’s face. “Damn straight, Don. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet, Major. There’s a long way to go before Manticore accepts this into the curriculum, if ever.”
“Understood. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got soldiers to train.”
“That you do, that you do.” pats slavitz on the shoulder. “By the way,” he added as Slavitz turned to leave. “Your 511’s shaping up to be a fine leader. Have you considered promoting him to C.O.?”
“What are you playing at, Deck?” asks with narrowed eyes. “You know 511 isn’t quite ready.”
“I’ve see him work with 494. I’m going ot need two teams field-ready in a few short weeks, Tom. I think you should consider it.”
“I’ll keep it in mind, Colonel.”

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Pulls out a pack of chewing gum and proceeds to remove and unwrap a stick. Other soldier comments.
“Oh, no. No way.”
“Don’t worry, you don’t have to chew it.”
“No, I meant no gum. Period.”
“Wait, did they change the plan or something?”
“No, you idiot. I just don’t need you giving away our position, cracking gum.”
“Were you paying attention when Slavitz mapped out the plan and gave us our supplies?”
“Yes, and chewing gum wasn’t on the list.”
“Of course it wasn’t, you dumbass, but explosives were! See?” points to the stick of explosive material.

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“I’m in position.”
“Copy that. Maintain visual and watch for my signal.”

“Where’s 855?”
“He’s not with you?”
“No. We split up to cover more ground, but he never made it back to the rally point.”
“Dammit! 855, come in, do you read me?”
“He’s not answering?”
“855, abandon your current position and return to the rally point.” pause “855, do you copy?”
“What’s going on, 602?”
“Nothing. Not even burst code transmissions.”
“Shit. I’m going to retrace our steps and see if I can find him.”
“Copy that, 452.”

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“810?”
“Yup.”
“What are you doing here? Where’s 855?”
“Oh, I got tired of 435’s yammering, so I offered to take this position instead. 855 should be on the bridge with 511’s team.”
“And you didn’t think to call it in to let us know?”
“Oh, it crossed my mind, but I kind of enjoyed your confusion.”
“You could have compromised the mission, you ass!”
“Come on, 452. A guy needs a little entertainment once in a while. I’d have called it in eventually.”
“I need to get back to my post, but I will report your ass when this is over.”
“Oooh, I’m quaking in my boots, 452.”

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cups hands together, blows into them and rubs
“It’s fucking freezing out here. Why can’t we ever go anywhere like…Jamaica or Hawaii?”
“Don’t you watch movies? The bad guys cause trouble in Europe and Asia. They retire to places like Jamaica and Hawaii.”
“Great. Stupid Latvians. Stupid Germans. Stupid-,”
“We get the point, ____. Now shut up and pay attention.”
sees soldier rub hands together again
“And quit doing that! Hands on your rifle, soldier!”
(reprimanded soldier) mutters “Jerk.”

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