"Ringo,.John.-.Honorverse.SS.-.Mitchell,.Victor.-.A.SHIP.NAMED.FRANCIS" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ringo John)

last cruise that way. Let's just say the Chaplain was not one of
those who did not contract it."

Tyler looked at him questioningly and the warrant shrugged.

"Long story. Stupid story. Maybe some other time."

The chief took another sip, obviously gathering his thoughts.

"It's like thisЧyou know the Grayson Navy has expanded nearly
fifty fold since we joined the Alliance?"

"I'm aware of that, Sir," Tyler said. "Is that part of it?"

"That's most of it," Doc replied. "Whenever you do that fast of an
expansion, you get people who rise beyond their level of
competence. When that is realized, if nobody gets killed by it, you
have a few choices. You can demote the person, which requires a
lot of paperwork and time by competent authorities, time which is in
short supply. Or you can shuffle them off where they aren't going to
be much of a bother. Are you getting my drift?"

"Oh." Sean started to open his mouth and then closed it.

"And, yes," the warrant said dryly, raising his cup, "I'm included in
that bunch. Whatever my competence as a doc, I've . . . got a bit of
a drinking problem. So here I am, exiled to Siberia."

"Well," Tyler said with a laugh, "at least the Exec has a sense of
humor."

"What do you mean?"

"Well," Tyler said, grinning, "when he said they should court-martial
the navigation officer and spЧ" He stopped when he saw the
warrant officer's face. "He was joking, right?"

"Nope," the medic said, pulling out the bladder and taking a squirt
from the neck. "Welcome to Siberia, friend."

"I think I'll have that drink now," Tyler said weakly.

CHAPTER TWO
THE CONSOLATIONS OF FAITH



"Tester, spare us this day from your Tests.