Karen 7

The order picking job demands I know a lot less than the bookstore did. Within days, I'm established, with things going smoothly.
Nathan jokes and clowns around with me - but no more than with anyone else. I'd be deluded if I thought he were interested - there's easily a half dozen others he'd prefer. Still, he always makes a point of buttering me up a bit - no doubt thinking of "life insurance" for the next Lebanon trip.
With life more in order I start to think of my manuscripts. There is a free public lecture on "Comparison of American and Israeli book publishing industries". Despite the fact is it given by Countess Dreckula, who got me fired, I go, sitting at the back.
First half her time, she royally trashes Americans. Quote after quote to show how stratified the American publishing industry has become. This, she asserts, is a sad reflection on American democracy, silencing minorities and only allowing corporate literature to see the light of day.
Then she starts in on Israel. Any figure you care to name, ours is considerably worse than theirs. Unless you are one of the twenty or so A list authors, odds are now lotto odds of being published in Hebrew.
As I leave I feel a mix of emotions. Disappointed, oh yes. But relieved, I had been thinking of translating some of my work from English to Hebrew. Save the effort, it either sells in Canada or USA or it doesn't sell period. So in a way the b**** goddess saved me a lot of work and grief. Sometimes there is justice, at least a little anyhow.
Nathan addresses the assembled Paras, "listen up y'all, we all know our former and unlamented Lt has now moved along to doing his hitch in the reforestation service. With no small thanks to the lotta you."
Roars of laughter.
"Well now, I pulled some strings, got someone a bit different. Meet Lt Karen Zauberman. She has a number of good traits. Happens to hold the IDF record out on the shooting range. You wouldn't believe if I told you, so I'll pass around her score card. A very useful person to have on your side when you're pinned down next to her on some hillside in Lebanon."
Nods, murmurs of agreement.
"Good fitness score, can keep up. Most important though, she ain't your typical officer type. Quiet, shy, just not into all the puffy headed nonsense. So guys, I thank you to keep the jokes on the right side of decent. You women, none of them tricks. Just give her an honest chance, see if it's a good match."
It is. By the end of one month of duty we have gelled into a group, they want me back next year.
Yes, Israel has worked out ok.