Chapter 11: The Battle of Kleidion

Breakfast the next morning was delicious. Wedge broke out his griddle and made eggs, sausage, and potato patties, which were grilled leftover instant mashed potatoes. He made coffee with a French press, and they ate a wonderful breakfast at the small table in his room. “How long are you going to be in the doghouse?” she asked.

“Only till lieutenant dumbfuck talks to the commander. I’m thinking they’ll come begging for me at nine.”

“Eleven,” said Roxy. “Betcha a fried chicken salad at the Rec Center.”

“You’re on,” he grinned, and he set her off to work with a full tummy, a kiss on the cheek, and a pat on the butt.

At 10:00 AM there was a knock on the door. “First Sergeant,” a voice called.

“You have a key, come on in.”

Sergeant Schaffer opened the door and Wedge looked up from the books and papers he had set out on his table. “Long time no see, what’s up?”

“The lieutenant would like to speak with you.”

“I’m a little busy now, I’m writing a paper on the Battle of Kleidion ... fascinating stuff. In ten fourteen the Byzantine empire and the Bulgarians...”

“Sergeant,” said the nervous lieutenant, “I am ordering you to return to work right now.”

“Aye aye, sir.” Wedge got up from the table and slowly took off his robe, showing that he was wearing sweats underneath. He slowly hung up his robe in his locker and thoughtfully selected a t-shirt. “In my opinion, sir, this is a very unique way of apologizing ... does this t-shirt make me look fat?”

“This is not an apology.”

“So I’m still restricted to my dorm room?”

“Yes ... why are you sitting down sergeant.”

“I was given conflicting orders, both sound lawful enough but ... why am I restricted to my dorm room again?”

“You know why!” snapped the confused lieutenant.

“Because I hurt your feelings,” said Wedge, sounding like a concerned parent. “It happens, but as you grow up...”

“For your insubordination,” said the lieutenant, as Wedge slowly pulled on his BDU pants.

“You asked me for my opinion, and I gave it to you. That is following your directions, tell me how you see that as insubordinate.”

“Sergeant, I...” Lieutenant Kenosha fumed and sputtered as he searched for legitimate reasoning behind his decision.

“Enough of this!” barked the squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Walker, as he stepped into Wedge’s room.

“ROOM, TEN HUT!” shouted Wedge as he snapped to attention.

“Kenosha, my office! Wedge, get your ass back to work.”

“Yes sir!”

Colonel Walker swore, then stepped off down the hallway. As the commander stormed off, Wedge whispered to the Lieutenant, “He’s truly a leader of men. Don’t you think?”

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