"You can reinlist, sir," the authorities here made a call to the capitol yesterday, and all hell has broke loose! I have been authorized to offer you a two grade promotion in rank with equivalent pay."
Samuel sat back. "Warlock," he began, "do you have any idea how much I'm worth at the moment? Everything I touch seems to turn to gold. The two million credits I got from the recent seizures has already grown into six. If our corporation succeeds in its latest endeavor they estimate my net worth will increase as much as twenty! An increase in pay means virtually nothing to me. The rank is also virtually useless. What I need Warlock, is personnel."
Samuel rose and went over to the map. "I've got forty people," he continued, "to cover this whole district. I've got twenty construction projects currently, that I would rather spend more time on. What I need, recruiter, is twenty more people, and a highly skilled Warlock that can take over some of my military duties to give me more time for my engineering pursuits. I'm willing to reenlist for another five years. I'm willing to pay the salaries of the troops you send me, out of my own pocket. I'll give you a letter of credit right now, to do it. But unless I can get more personnel I won't even consider reenlisting!"
The Warlock looked at him with a face that bordered on despair. "There isn't a unit, commander," he put in, "anywhere in the Republic that isn't bgging for more personnel. What you're demanding is extremely difficult, even WITH The promise that you will pay the troops' salaries, which is generous, to say the least! I can promise you nothing, but I will take your request to the operations commander. I will see what I can do."
"That's all anyone can ask," Samuel assured. "Then, if you will excuse me, Warlock, I have much to do!"
As the Warlock rose he hesitated a moment. "May I give my congratulations, sir, on your coming children? It's rather the talk of the capital, that all three of your wives are pregnant at the same time! May your children be healthy and wise, sir!"
"Thank you!" Samuel answered.
Samuel had wanted to stretch the children out, not have everybody going at once. But his wives had all insisted that nature be allowed to decide, and nature had worked almost simultaneously! The compound was a buzz of activity, with the approaching births.
The Warlock departed, and Samuel thought very little of it, until two days later. He was walking back to his office when he saw the Warlock's car followed by two trucks come in the gate. He waited as they pulled into the yard. The Warlock got out, walked back to the first truck, and lowered its gate. A husky woman in Republic uniform leaped out, clapped her hands and started screaming orders. Warlock Day went to the second truck, lowered its gate. Some more women in the Republic's uniform poured from the trucks. They quickly shouldered their rifles, grabbed their duffelbags, and formed into ranks, the Warlock barking orders.
They were soon at attention. Samuel walked over. The Warlock spun around, came to attention, and snapped "Warlock Gandhi, sir, third regiment, Indian volunteers reporting for duty with assigned troops. Do you wish to inspect sir?"
"I would be honored!" Samuel answered. He went through the ranks admiring how sharply each fighting person was dressed. He checked several rifles. He wished his men kept their weapons in as good a condition.
"My compliments!" he praised. "Your squad is excellently presented!" He snapped "Clerk!"
"Yes sir!" the clerk cried, running up, staring at the women, some of whom were quite attractive.
"Get the men transferred out of barracks three into the other two barrackses. See that these ladies are properly quartered."
Warlock Gandhi came forward and stomped her feet. Samuel turned to her. "A few words, sir?" she asked.
"Certainly!" Samuel answered.
"We would prefer sir, not to be segregated, but to be put in whatever quarters are available. I will attest to my ladies' good behavior. I am sure we will have no difficulties with the men of this station. The ladies have also asked me to inform you sir, with all respects, that they are seasoned, qualified fighting people. They expect to be treated accordingly, to be given all assignments that the men are given, and not merely used for base duty, barracks cleaning and cooking. We are here to perform the duties for which we were trained for, and we hope you will allow us to perform those duties. Please understand, sir, these comments are given with all respect."
Samuel nodded. "Understood, Warlock," he answered. "But I insist, also, that the ladies understand me. They will take their turn on guard duty, at the post, they will take their turn at policing the camp, and cleaning the barracks. They will take their turn at assisting the cooks in preparing the meals. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir!" the Warlock answered, "And the ladies would expect nothing else."
Major Joseph had come over and heard the last of the conversation. Samuel turned to him.
"Do you think there will be any problem," he asked, "with your people obeying these troops in the field?"
"There hadn't BETTER be!" Joseph answered. "On behalf of my people may I welcome each of your new soldiers!"
"By all means!" Samuel answered. "Clerk!" he snapped, "Assign these ladies to whatever spaces in the barracks that are available. The Warlock will be quartered with me, as is Damon West."
"Yes sir!" the clerk snapped.
"See to the billeting of your people, Warlock!" Samuel snapped, "Then report to my office. I will advise you of

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