Grunts (68 page)

“If they don’t,” Barashkukor offered, “we can always give a large-scale demonstration…”

“Congratulations!” Ashnak walloped Major-General Barashkukor’s shoulder. “You just volunteered for the first mission, too. And I
will
see there’s a medal for you in this.”

“Oh, sir,
thank
you, sir!”

Wide-eyed, ears jutting bolt upright, Barashkukor surveyed the Cave of Portals and the many worlds. “I can see it now, sir. Missions! Campaigns! Wars! Crusades! Empires!”

CIA Chief Lugashaldim mused, “Employers of mercenaries. Regimes to destabilise…”

“Worlds,” Commissar Razitshakra said, “to which we can take the Way of the Orc!”

“R&R,” Master Sergeant Varimnak muttered. Dakashnit bellowed laughter. She elbowed Wing Commander Chahkamnit. “I love it, man! New worlds to conquer, and she’s already thinking about her—”

“Oh, I say!” Chahkamnit blushed.

“I can see it too.” Ashnak grinned. “Rape. Pillage. Massacre. Atrocity…”

Ashnak threw back his head, hairy nostrils flaring, scenting the winds from the arcade of worlds. The great orc in filthy camouflage battledress put his arms around Magda Brandiman as the Otherworld sunrise shone brightly into the eyes of the orc and the halfling and the orc marine officers.

“Yo!” Ashnak yelled. “It’s an orc’s life in the marines!”