He walked up and stood at the counter. He waited for the man at the small desk to look up. When he did, a scowl drew across the overweight Staff Sargent's face.
"I thought I told you that I would call the MP's and have you hauled away, now you're suddenly a Sargent that is the last straw. I have had enough of you smart arse Marines traipsing around here like you own the place. This is the last time I will look the other way, there is no way I will allow a corporal to masquerade as a Sargent."
"I am just following orders, Staff." Costello tried to explain.
"You expect me to believe that the Commanding General of the Army ordered you to come down here and draw food and drink?" The Staff Sargent snapped.
"That's exactly what I expect you to believe." Geraint said from behind the Sargent. The man spun around ready to tear into the new comer, until he saw General Geraint Rolph standing there looking at the man with a look in his eyes that would cause a statue to flinch.
"Ah Sorry Sir, but..."
"But nothing Private, I sent a brave Marine down here to chase up food and drink for some other brave men and women that are doing a job you are too fat and lazy to ever consider doing. Where is the Quartermaster?"
"Warrant Officer Diaz is in his office." The man stuttered.
"Not Harry Diaz?" Snyder asked.
"Ahh, yes Colonel." Snyder walked round the counter and stuck his head in to the hall beyond.
"Diaz, you lazy arse Mexican, get out here." The look on the former Staff Sargent dropped even lower. Seconds later, a very angry and red faced Warrant Officer stormed in to the reception area.
"Who the fuck is looking to die?" He yelled. "He looked up and saw Snyder. "Danny, you old wart." Then he saw Geraint and Arthur and bolted to attention.
"I gather you know W/O Diaz? Daniel?"
"Yes Sir, he was the man that shaped me as a Marine, toughest roughest old Mexican Bastard in the service."
"Shut up Danny that's the Prince." Diaz whispered.
"Don't concern yourself, Mr. Diaz, the Prince and I have formed a strong friendship with Colonel Danny." He chuckled.
"What can I do for you today, Gentlemen?" Diaz asked, more relaxed now.
"Well I sent Sargent Costello down here to get food and drink for those working in the cavern, you know what happened up there?"
"Yes Sir." Diaz responded.
"Not much gets by Harry, Sir."
Nodding Geraint continued, "I waited and then Costello tells me that some fat Staff Sargent told him to leg it or he would be arrested. I am not normally an angry person, you understand, but, Arthur and I have seen some shit that we will never forget, and then this idiot sends my messenger away like he was nothing."
"Did you do that Collins?"
"Yes Sir, but in my defence I didn't think…"
"That's right you didn't think, Collins. Get out of my sight, I will deal with you later." The man almost dragged himself out of the room.
"Come on through Gents, I think I can ease your pain." Diaz said.
"You haven't got some have you?" Snyder asked.
"Have you ever known me not to have it?" Diaz Laughed.
"Oh are you three in for a treat." Costello just stood there dumbfounded, he was being included in the group, with the future King, his most senior General, and his Colonel. They walked down the long hallway and entered a very comfortable office.
"Hell Diaz, you have a nicer office than me." Geraint exclaimed.
"Good things come to those who work for a living, Sir." All five men laughed as Diaz reached over and picked up his phone.
"Yolanda, Harry, yeah I know, five pounds, see me pay day. Listen, get the stash out and prepare to take it up to the cave. Yeah, all of it, this is a priority one situation. Thanks Luv."
"Is that the private stuff Harry?"
"I think this situation calls for it, don't you Danny?" Snyder nodded and stood.
"First up, this is Anthony Costello, newly minted Sargent," Diaz looked up.
"The perfume lad?" Geraint and Arthur nodded. "Son, that was some outstanding thinking, you might not see it, but I know excellence when I see it."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Harry in here lad, we're all friends, or soon will be."
"Which reminds me, Harry Diaz I would like to introduce Prince Arthur Pendragon, our mighty leader and future King, and this is General Sir Geraint Rolph, Chief of the Army and incurable child at heart." Geraint just scowled. "What? I have never seen a man so excited to rip a soldier a new one, seriously Harry, the man was bouncing around like a child on Christmas morning." They all chuckled and Geraint could only shrug and agree with a smile.
"A distinct honour and pleasure, Gents, now for the celebration."
"Celebration?" Costello asked.
"Certainly Lad, your promotion." He reached over and handed Snyder a key. "You know where it is, Danny." Snyder nodded and headed for the imposing looking steel trunk in the corner. He opened it and withdrew a bottle of clear liquid.
"Here we are gents, Tequila from the home of the Diaz Monster."
"Mexico?" Arthur asked.
"Hell no, Durham." Diaz laughed. The rest of the men laughed at the joke.
"His mother makes it." Everyone looked at Snyder like he was a smart arse.
"He's actually right. Mum is Mexican and loves the stuff, but it costs a fortune to get over here, so she makes her own." He explained. "To Sargent Costello, a brilliant Marine." They all saluted the young man and slammed the tequila.
"Oh, that is the best I have ever tasted Harry." Arthur complimented Diaz.
"Somebody slap Costello on the back, I think he is choking." They all laughed again, but it got serious real quick. "So is it that bad Danny?" he asked.
"The worst I've ever seen Harry, women, children, men and even pets. It is truly horrifying." The men all looked at the floor, it was embarrassing for everyone, not only the Loyalists, it was the Royalist Air Force that dropped the Napalm in the first instance. It was accepted as a part of war if the enemy was devastated by an attack, but when there were civilians involved, no one could claim victory. There was no victory in the deaths of innocent women and children.