Ven: Part 2

Ch. 15 Terrible progress

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"Reporting, sir!" he snaps to attention, his crisp new coat making the satisfying snap only a well starched coat can.

He was recently promoted.

Very recently.

"At ease." I say with a wave of my hand.

He relaxes, the creases from the salute slowly fade away.

"What can I do to help, sir?" he asks seriously.

"I'm running an experiment," I motion him to follow and take off at a brisk pace, "it's of utmost importance that it remains a secret."

"I'm very good at keeping secrets, sir, you won't have to worry." He struggles to keep up. He's at least two foot shorter than I, and his legs are shorter than his torso.

I speed up.

"I'm not worried in the slightest." I say without a hint of irony.

He pants as he struggles to keep up.

I lead him into my workshop. Tools hang in immaculate order, all heavily stained and scuffed from years of use. Hanging over my workbench is a coat of deepest black, a glossy, black number 1 is barely visible on the breast.

He inhales sharply.

"It's beautiful," he breathes, hastily wiping sweat from his brow with his sleeve.

"It's a revolution," I say.

He slowly approaches it, his eyes alight, slowly reaching out to touch it.

I pat him on the back.

"It's a very specific fit." I say.

I turn around and adjust a wrench hanging from the wall.

I turn back, he's gone, nothing but his coat remains.

I turn the coat with one finger, the small metal ball I placed on the back pulses ever so faintly.

A smart rapping on the door pulls my attention.

"Come in." I call.

Meldrina walks in, her steps measured and even.

"You wanted to see me?" She asks.

I can tell from her tone her hands are on her hips.

How big her ego has gotten.

"I have a gift," I turn and gesture to the black coat with a flourish.

"A new coat?" her arms move from her hips and cross themselves tightly in front of her chest.

"Yes, it does seem that way. I also have a special job for you," I gesture to the side wall. Piled in endless layers against the walls are boxes upon boxes. "Get every soldier we have wearing these new uniforms within the week."

"That doesn't seem so special." She huffs.

I slowly walk over to her and gently place my hand on her shoulder. Her defiance melts away immediately.

"You'll see," I say quietly, "get it done, Ms. Dictum."

"Right away, sir," she replies dreamily.