Oliver Benjamin
equilibrium, global weather patterns were likely to settle into
another, more pernicious state in which nearly the entire globe was
covered year-round with snow.
“What?” Colin exclaimed, “I thought it was getting hotter.”
“We better score some property in the tropics,” Bennie said.
Sprout returned to the lobby alone and empty-handed.
“They refused?” Izzy said.
“No,” she said, “They just had to get their batteries. They never
go anywhere without them.”
Suddenly a swarm of white-clad soldiers came marching out of
the main workout arena. Each carried a large white plastic box.
Interrupted in the middle of their workouts, many were still
exercising as they walked. They looked like insane cheerleaders
carrying their lunchboxes to the big playoff game at the end of the
world.
“Well, well, well,” Colin cheered, “Here comes the
neighborhood.”
The halfwayers looked quite inferior in comparison and so
generally tried to stand up straighter and puff their chests out a bit.
Tobias Heck edged to the front and shook Sprout’s hand
viciously. He was gigantic, tanned and outrageously handsome. One
could see their reflection in his teeth.
“Hello soldier. I’m General Tobias H. Heck. May I speak to your
first in command?”
“That would be me,” Sprout replied firmly.
“Very good!” he barked, “I’ve just graduated with a degree in
Military Science from U.C.L.A. I trust you’ve drawn up battle plans
and that we will be deployed based on sound scientific military
principles. We…”
“I’ve done nothing of the sort,” Sprout interrupted him. “And I
have no idea how we’ll be deployed.”
“Very good! Improvisation. My soldiers are excellent
improvisers!”
“You’ve already fought somewhere?” Colin asked him
incredulously.
“No,” General Heck replied, “But they regularly get impressive
scores on the battle simulator.”
“You mean, video games,” Colin said.
“Yes,” Heck replied, unflappable.
“Okay, fair enough,” Sprout said, “Let’s move out!”
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