Futuristic Infantry 16
Once a quarter, duty takes me to a far flung area of the giant city. 4 Metro transfers, but I don't mind. I get to claim the fare on expenses and a chance to read uninterrupted.
The meetings themselves though - uffff - too many long-winded people and pie-in-the-sky ideas.
It's a mil reserve unit, half day meeting of the officers. I am not allowed to be critical. My role is resource person, answer technical and bureaucratic questions. I have no actual authority, any decisions are theirs.
Maj Thompson begins, "all we get today, rest have the flu. Not enough for a quorum - can't conduct any official business. I propose we ask Maj Zamani to speak informally. All in favor."
All hands.
She continues, "Maj, you have demonstrated you are a patient person. Now, answer me one question, if you were in my shoes, what would you do?"
"First, it is a hypothetical question. I would not have to live with the fallout, but you would. Second, I prefer not to, it would be a form of usurping your authority."
"Very well, a vote. Who wishes the Maj to blaze away with both barrels? To give us a Regular Force perspective?"
All hands.
I look out the window, this is gonna be rough, "first, disabuse yourself of notions of chasing more budget money. You don't spend all you get now. Second, forget additional equipment. You have sufficient jeeps and trucks for weekend gigs; can practise on APC's you borrow during summer camp. Third, focus long and hard on nominal roll. Unless and until you can put together a roll of 400 members, forget anything else. You don't have a critical mass; not enough people to take on any roles. With 290, you don't get respect from HQ. Any questions?"
Capt Steiner gives an icy smile, "and would the Maj be so kind as to suggest where to find 110 people?"
"You won't find them in the private sector; most employers won't authorize the time off. Have to concentrate on public sector; where mil leave must be granted."
Sarcastic tone, Capt Steiner, "I see the Maj thinks we are kindergarten children. Don't you think we know that much? Try again."
I sigh inwardly, no backing down now, "my guess here, each of you present knows at most 1 or 2 likely candidates. So it won't happen from the officers alone. If every Sgt and Cpl pitches in, talks to likely friends or co-workers, it might work."
Lt Beauregard gives a gentle smile, polite tone, "Maj, it's already being done. And yet the pace of new people only covers turnover. We just never achieve liftoff. Any other ideas?"
"I almost hate to say this, but are you aware the 382nd, from my side of town, accepts men as members? Their choice, whether to or not. But they have pulled nominal roll up to 410."
Capt Steiner snorts in derision, "I'm afraid our vehicles and tents aren't big enough for the 6 droids each would bring on maneuvers."
From the looks of outrage, I see everyone else ready to attack.
"Ok, let's get things straight. Any decisions are yours, not mine. It was merely an idea that others have used. I'll leave now and let you carry on privately. And if you do decide you don't want me at further meetings, simply notify your HQ. In due course, they will find someone else."
As I close the door, I know in my heart of hearts I went too far. I will, after whatever bureaucratic time delay, receive a mild reprimand for exceeding my authority.
Not wishing to rush back, I decide to check out a used book store near the Metro here.
My intentions are to buy a half dozen novellas, but I decide early to pass on that, take one to the counter. Why? I suspect the cashier is a racist, views all minorities as shoplifters. She's been staring at me, always looks away, just as I glance up.
As I approach her, I realize why she was staring.
Politely I say, "Col Anderson, been awhile. Haven't seen you since Belize days. Been retired long?"
She grins, "yep, not a huge profit in this, but lots less paper."
She takes an electric kettle, makes tea. Our chat wanders from past tours to the economics of selling to a poor group.
"You know," she says in tone of mock outrage, "there were times and places where men actually read. I can assure you, if they did, it wouldn't be buying one novella at a time, it would be a dozen."
I reply drily, "if you are waiting for the Renaissance, don't hold your breath."
She laughs heartily.
I choose a few more novellas, then leave.
On the Metro I turn on my handheld to check news. The Supreme Court has now rendered its decision on the gay case. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms takes precedence over the mere wishes of Parliament. It clearly forbids discrimination based on gender.
Parliament is ordered to rewrite laws within one month giving men the same sexual freedom as women. Specifically, the Supreme Court insits, only bestiality and sex with underage is forbidden.
Acidly I think they should also address issues of economic discrimination.
Reaction has piled up during the day. A prominent economist predicts economic mayhem. Using the 10% figure mooted by the Ancients, he predicts a 10% drop in droid sales.
Another economist rebuts this idea. Has not the droid industry catered to different racial minorities by producing different race droids? Will they not just as capably manufacture gay droids?
Every sociologist under the sun weighs in with guesstimates of population. They all have quasi-logical reasons to estimate anywhere from 1% to 20% of the population being gay.
A small publishing house feels it will be good for business. Shake up the stodginess of modern Lit. Get a few men actually reading again.
Mens' apparel manufacturers welcome the challenge.
The travel industry is over the moon, predicting gay-only cruises and resorts. And, they insist, lotsa money in that market, not like catering to lesbians.
The New Democratic Party says bring it on. According to membership and Member of Parliament figures, they are the clear favorite of women and racial minorities. They promise to vigorously represent gay issues, welcome gay members.
The Conservative Party leader is not to be outmaneuvered. His take is yes you are gay, but you are also well-paid professionals. Your interests are best served by man-to-man solidarity, by voting for a low-tax party. A half dozen of his backbenchers tend to cast a shadow on the degree of welcome open to openly gay members.
Even a human prostitute has a view, states it will be good for business. When the reporter asks why, she replies, "any society that is open, that experiments, that is good for business. Read your history, we seem to be unique in this concept of grossing out. Pretty much any other time and place in history, man-woman sex was the norm."
The reporter gasps, turns pale. Obviously not too open-minded himself.
A magazine publisher, "we have over 100 different titles, cater to mainstream and minority alike. Our experience is any minority not being catered to, simply does not buy magazines, period. We will commence market research, as to how many gay titles we should float."
As I carry my tray, Meena asks, "heard bout the Supreme Court?"
"Yes, news site had lotsa interviews."
"You watch, soon we all find boyfriends."
I raise an eyebrow, "let me get this straight, pardon the pun. This legislation affects gay men only, is totally irrelevent to straight men. So how do you conclude that?"
"Lotsa these guys ain't 100% dyed-in-the-wool gay, but bisexual."
"Perhaps, but how do they make the switch from droid to real woman?"
"Once they have experienced the human warmth, they'll want it."
"All the same, if you are waiting for the Renaissance, don't hold your breath."
We both laugh.
The meetings themselves though - uffff - too many long-winded people and pie-in-the-sky ideas.
It's a mil reserve unit, half day meeting of the officers. I am not allowed to be critical. My role is resource person, answer technical and bureaucratic questions. I have no actual authority, any decisions are theirs.
Maj Thompson begins, "all we get today, rest have the flu. Not enough for a quorum - can't conduct any official business. I propose we ask Maj Zamani to speak informally. All in favor."
All hands.
She continues, "Maj, you have demonstrated you are a patient person. Now, answer me one question, if you were in my shoes, what would you do?"
"First, it is a hypothetical question. I would not have to live with the fallout, but you would. Second, I prefer not to, it would be a form of usurping your authority."
"Very well, a vote. Who wishes the Maj to blaze away with both barrels? To give us a Regular Force perspective?"
All hands.
I look out the window, this is gonna be rough, "first, disabuse yourself of notions of chasing more budget money. You don't spend all you get now. Second, forget additional equipment. You have sufficient jeeps and trucks for weekend gigs; can practise on APC's you borrow during summer camp. Third, focus long and hard on nominal roll. Unless and until you can put together a roll of 400 members, forget anything else. You don't have a critical mass; not enough people to take on any roles. With 290, you don't get respect from HQ. Any questions?"
Capt Steiner gives an icy smile, "and would the Maj be so kind as to suggest where to find 110 people?"
"You won't find them in the private sector; most employers won't authorize the time off. Have to concentrate on public sector; where mil leave must be granted."
Sarcastic tone, Capt Steiner, "I see the Maj thinks we are kindergarten children. Don't you think we know that much? Try again."
I sigh inwardly, no backing down now, "my guess here, each of you present knows at most 1 or 2 likely candidates. So it won't happen from the officers alone. If every Sgt and Cpl pitches in, talks to likely friends or co-workers, it might work."
Lt Beauregard gives a gentle smile, polite tone, "Maj, it's already being done. And yet the pace of new people only covers turnover. We just never achieve liftoff. Any other ideas?"
"I almost hate to say this, but are you aware the 382nd, from my side of town, accepts men as members? Their choice, whether to or not. But they have pulled nominal roll up to 410."
Capt Steiner snorts in derision, "I'm afraid our vehicles and tents aren't big enough for the 6 droids each would bring on maneuvers."
From the looks of outrage, I see everyone else ready to attack.
"Ok, let's get things straight. Any decisions are yours, not mine. It was merely an idea that others have used. I'll leave now and let you carry on privately. And if you do decide you don't want me at further meetings, simply notify your HQ. In due course, they will find someone else."
As I close the door, I know in my heart of hearts I went too far. I will, after whatever bureaucratic time delay, receive a mild reprimand for exceeding my authority.
Not wishing to rush back, I decide to check out a used book store near the Metro here.
My intentions are to buy a half dozen novellas, but I decide early to pass on that, take one to the counter. Why? I suspect the cashier is a racist, views all minorities as shoplifters. She's been staring at me, always looks away, just as I glance up.
As I approach her, I realize why she was staring.
Politely I say, "Col Anderson, been awhile. Haven't seen you since Belize days. Been retired long?"
She grins, "yep, not a huge profit in this, but lots less paper."
She takes an electric kettle, makes tea. Our chat wanders from past tours to the economics of selling to a poor group.
"You know," she says in tone of mock outrage, "there were times and places where men actually read. I can assure you, if they did, it wouldn't be buying one novella at a time, it would be a dozen."
I reply drily, "if you are waiting for the Renaissance, don't hold your breath."
She laughs heartily.
I choose a few more novellas, then leave.
On the Metro I turn on my handheld to check news. The Supreme Court has now rendered its decision on the gay case. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms takes precedence over the mere wishes of Parliament. It clearly forbids discrimination based on gender.
Parliament is ordered to rewrite laws within one month giving men the same sexual freedom as women. Specifically, the Supreme Court insits, only bestiality and sex with underage is forbidden.
Acidly I think they should also address issues of economic discrimination.
Reaction has piled up during the day. A prominent economist predicts economic mayhem. Using the 10% figure mooted by the Ancients, he predicts a 10% drop in droid sales.
Another economist rebuts this idea. Has not the droid industry catered to different racial minorities by producing different race droids? Will they not just as capably manufacture gay droids?
Every sociologist under the sun weighs in with guesstimates of population. They all have quasi-logical reasons to estimate anywhere from 1% to 20% of the population being gay.
A small publishing house feels it will be good for business. Shake up the stodginess of modern Lit. Get a few men actually reading again.
Mens' apparel manufacturers welcome the challenge.
The travel industry is over the moon, predicting gay-only cruises and resorts. And, they insist, lotsa money in that market, not like catering to lesbians.
The New Democratic Party says bring it on. According to membership and Member of Parliament figures, they are the clear favorite of women and racial minorities. They promise to vigorously represent gay issues, welcome gay members.
The Conservative Party leader is not to be outmaneuvered. His take is yes you are gay, but you are also well-paid professionals. Your interests are best served by man-to-man solidarity, by voting for a low-tax party. A half dozen of his backbenchers tend to cast a shadow on the degree of welcome open to openly gay members.
Even a human prostitute has a view, states it will be good for business. When the reporter asks why, she replies, "any society that is open, that experiments, that is good for business. Read your history, we seem to be unique in this concept of grossing out. Pretty much any other time and place in history, man-woman sex was the norm."
The reporter gasps, turns pale. Obviously not too open-minded himself.
A magazine publisher, "we have over 100 different titles, cater to mainstream and minority alike. Our experience is any minority not being catered to, simply does not buy magazines, period. We will commence market research, as to how many gay titles we should float."
As I carry my tray, Meena asks, "heard bout the Supreme Court?"
"Yes, news site had lotsa interviews."
"You watch, soon we all find boyfriends."
I raise an eyebrow, "let me get this straight, pardon the pun. This legislation affects gay men only, is totally irrelevent to straight men. So how do you conclude that?"
"Lotsa these guys ain't 100% dyed-in-the-wool gay, but bisexual."
"Perhaps, but how do they make the switch from droid to real woman?"
"Once they have experienced the human warmth, they'll want it."
"All the same, if you are waiting for the Renaissance, don't hold your breath."
We both laugh.
posted by afghangirlscifi @ 8:50 AM
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