Darlene took her seat and looked briefly at Jenny who was sitting there with a frown on her face."Darlene, I am disappointed in you to say the least. ...ow long have you worked for me?" Nine years this month." You have always done a wonderful job and been a very loyal assistant. Sometimes I wonder how I would have ever gotten things done around her without you. Unfortunately, I am going to have to let you go." Oh God, no!" Darlene said and immediately began to cry."Do you know why I am letting. I had switched from wearing a formal uniform to my class C.The one thing I refused to do was stop wearing Thumper. Apparently the emperor knew because the word came down to leave me alone. I was part of his inner security for his monthly speech in the Assembly Hall. There were only three doors into the huge room. The ceiling had a dozen glazed skylights high above us.Assembly Hall was in the middle of the city and a long way from his estate. Intel said there was no risk and no threat but I had. Swede, the foreman, started yelling at two guys near me, and one of them ran toward a mobile crane that was parked at the other end of the fenced lot. Rick stood there with his arms crossed, watching everything. He had a reserved look on his face, as if he were waiting to see what happened. The crane drove up and Rick took my arm and led me out of the way. That put me close to him, so I looked him over.He was tall, just over my height, rather slim, had a very slight pot belly showing under his. This bastard has made my life hell in every debriefing. Half my article 15's came from him. What the hell does his fat ass want to go into the field for? He is so out of shape he wouldn't last an hour if we have a running fire fight. Oh boy, first a Kit Carson and now Grimes. Chung is gonna have a fit when I spring this one on him. Grimes called him a little slant eyed prick a month ago, and Chung swore he would get even if it took him years. Cap, I don't think the General knows what he's.