Eighth Circle

'I want you to give speeches. We can interrupt TV programs.'

Allain turned to Bryn. 'Private Entwhistle. During operations we use titles.'

'Yes. Commander.' Bryn nodded dutifully.

'And there will be no close relationships with persons of the opposite sex. That is bad for discipline and can lead to loss of concentration. I shall place both of you on a charge if I see you so much as holding hands. Lives have been lost when sentries were carousing and not paying proper attention to what was going on around them. Do you understand?'

'Yes. Commander.'

Allain turned to Liala.

'Do you understand, Princess?'

'I do, Commander.'

'We are on operational duty now and shall be for some time. What you do when it is over is entirely your affair.'

He reached for his sleeping bag.

'Private Entwhistle will take first watch ... I'll take second.'