because they aren't really warships—as you and I both know. Which means your steam ram is the only thing I've got which can do the job. Maybe. With you in command—you're the only one I trust who can do that—and if you do a brilliant job of captaining it."
And now, with good cheer: "Look at it this way. If it does happen, you'll come back covered with glory."
Trae tried to maintain the sour expression, but it was obviously difficult. "Oh, bah. Nobody'll understand it anyway. Except a bunch of stinking Islander refugees, and who cares what they think."
"Not your own sailors and soldiers, boy," said Demansk forcefully. "They'll know—they'll understand. Don't think they won't."
He finished his wine, set down the goblet on the table, and ended a long day and night of plotting.
"Learn this much from your father, son. You build the respect of soldiers—real respect, not the shit that passes for it at triumphs—starting with the man next to you. Begin with the core, lad, and the rest will come when it comes. Without that core, it won't come at all."
And now, grinning: "As you and I both will soon be demonstrating to that foul bastard Albrecht."
Chapter 17
It took Ion Jeschonyk almost two months to return to Vanbert. Some of that was due to the simple distance—about a thousand miles, in a direct line; and much longer than that, of course, following the actual road. Still, it was a good road, even by Confederate
And now, with good cheer: "Look at it this way. If it does happen, you'll come back covered with glory."
Trae tried to maintain the sour expression, but it was obviously difficult. "Oh, bah. Nobody'll understand it anyway. Except a bunch of stinking Islander refugees, and who cares what they think."
"Not your own sailors and soldiers, boy," said Demansk forcefully. "They'll know—they'll understand. Don't think they won't."
He finished his wine, set down the goblet on the table, and ended a long day and night of plotting.
"Learn this much from your father, son. You build the respect of soldiers—real respect, not the shit that passes for it at triumphs—starting with the man next to you. Begin with the core, lad, and the rest will come when it comes. Without that core, it won't come at all."
And now, grinning: "As you and I both will soon be demonstrating to that foul bastard Albrecht."
Chapter 17
It took Ion Jeschonyk almost two months to return to Vanbert. Some of that was due to the simple distance—about a thousand miles, in a direct line; and much longer than that, of course, following the actual road. Still, it was a good road, even by Confederate