Sslaxx was astonished. He'd been working for Lord Farrax for some five years now, but he didn't think of himself as being up to the task of being his adjutant. The eccentric noble's reasons had appeared to be sound, though. Eccentric Farrax was, but he was also certainly not a fool. It would mean Sslaxx would have to wear the warrior armour too, though it'd have to be somewhat modified to take into account his being part Skunk. Which would be interesting in itself; Sslaxx never having worn it before, not being a warrior by training. It certainly was unusual for someone like him to be appointed to the role without prior military experience, but not unknown. He would, presumably, start in the role once he was trained in how the armour - and it's inbuilt weapon - worked.

"Congratulations on your appointment, Sslaxx.", Farrax's outgoing adjutant, Recce, remarked. "Thank you, sir. I only hope I can do as well as you.", Sslaxx replied. Recce smiled. "I am sure you will. You have impressed Lord Farrax with your performance.", he assured him.

Sslaxx pondered. As adjutant, he'd be helping Lord Farrax with the administrative tasks regarding the Nests under his jurisdiction. A glorified gopher position, really, but one which commanded respect. He wondered how his uncle would take to this. Not to mention the rest of his family. Doubtless they would be rather pleased, especially his grandfather. That said, his mother did sometimes complain about the fact that Martian society tended to be male-dominated. That said, at least that was changing for the better.

© 2003, Stuart Moore.
Ice Warriors created by Brian Hayles.
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