“Corporal O'Brian!” a loud voice sharply called out silencing the excited crowd. He released his grip of my arms and I fell to the ground coughing, wheezing, and trying desperately to catch my breath. “Just what in the hell do you think you're doing?” Loud footsteps approached as the men around fell dead silent. “Get him up off the ground. Now!” Hands gripped my arms and quickly lifted me upright. Still looking at the ground I noticed black boots shined like a mirror reflecting the light of the moon. Gazing upward I found myself staring at an Officer, a Captain no less standing before me. “Corporal O'Brian I distinctly remember asking you a question and I expect you to answer in kind. What in the hell do you think you are doing?”
“The new recruit spoke out of line Sir. I was just trying t
