PR-275 2069+1

Excerpt

Mike had already started his command in a typical, wild session with the Marine commandant. He had come up with Major Pollock a few hours ahead of the other leathernecks.

It had been the major’s first visit to the gigantic vessel, and Mike had taken him through the various compartments.

Some last minute work was being done on the main carrousel, so the forward cabins were weightless. And because both men were wearing full dress uniforms each had snagged a couple of times on outcroppings of equipment.

“Maybe we should take ‘em off,” Mike had suggested.

Returning his knowing grin, the Marine major had complied. As the husky, barrel-chested soldier discarded the last of his accouterments, he glanced sheepishly at his captain. “Er… I never wear shorts in full dress…”

Mike had laughed aloud, running his finger through the seam of his own uniform trousers and allowing the other to see he followed a similar custom. “And the loinstraps are all in our luggage, aren’t they?” he added. But his smile had quickly turned to open-mouthed astonishment. “My God, Al!” he gasped. “Is that all you, or are you projecting… ?”

The Marine shook his head. “It’s all for real!” he replied.