"Richard Allen Stotts - [Empire 05] - Citizens Of The Empire" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stotts Richard Allen)

marks!тАЭ Gunnery Sergeant Hanes had done this all before many
times. Still, he took some secret pleasure in making these green
pukes shake and sweat in fear. The good sergeant also knew that he
had a small audience this cool and wet morning, an audience that he
had met on more than one morning like this. All the same it made the
good sergeant do a little sweating himself. Standing back in the
shadows and unnoticed by the rattled recruits was a modest figure
clad in a simple black rain cloak and hood.

If they had the wits and time, the recruits might have taken note
of some very armed and very intense looking Marines scattered
around the lone figure that seemed to be just quietly observing this
age-old process. The Marines wore the black uniforms of the Imperial
Guard and were known for a certain lack of patience with those who
might even appear to pose a threat to the person they were sworn to




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Empire V Richard Stotts


protect. During the time of the Empire of Rome these guards were
called Praetorians.

While the recruits were frozen in place waiting for their local
transport to arrive the hooded figure quietly moved over to where
Hanes was holding forth.

тАЬGood morning, Sergeant. How do they look to you?тАЭ

Hanes snapped to attention and saluted before replying. A few
of the dazed recruits wondered who the mysterious figure might be.
Perhaps he was a senior officer or something?

тАЬAbove average, Your Majesty. Better physical condition than
most.тАЭ

тАЬTheyтАЩre from Germania, arenтАЩt they?тАЭ

тАЬYes, Your Majesty. A lot of good farm muscles from honest
and hard work.тАЭ

тАЬIs there time to inspect a few of them?тАЭ

тАЬOf course, Your Majesty. Transport is still a good half hour
away.тАЭ

тАЬThen letтАЩs have a quick look.тАЭ