Androvich on the Singer

This scene, cut from the book, takes place while everyone is on board the Singer heading to Homeworld. The relief contingent of Imperial Guards have just arrived and Androvich takes the opportunity to go and see his loyal Infantry squad mates while he still has the chance. 

I make did reference to this happening, but I just did not think the exact narrative was needed in the book, although I hate to cut anything out completely so it has been hiding on my computer for a while.

When Androvich arrived at the Brig the two marines usually on duty there had been replaced by Imperial Guards but they had evidently been told to expect him and they deferred to him without hesitation.

None of the soldiers had been disturbed, they were all still locked into their cells. That would not do. He walked directly to the control station and remotely unlocked each door in turn.

He could have gone straight to his lads then but instead he went to furthest cell and open the door.

Lieutenant Blake looked up from his book and had to double take when he saw the uniform and the man in it. He jumped to his feet, not sure what he was supposed to do.

“Lieutenant,” Androvich was chilly in his formality. “For your information the cell doors will now be left unlocked for your convenience but you're to remain in the Brig for your protection. Given the circumstances I suggest you don't leave your cell, I don't think my lads will be too pleased to see you.”

“I was doing what I had to, I couldn't treat you any differently or my superiors would have known something was wrong and they would have replaced me.”

“I understand that,” Not that Androvich had to like it and he did not like the officer one little bit. It took a lot of self control not to administer some swift and personal retribution for the anguish he had been put through. “But they probably won't. The guards will keep order but don't push your luck.”

Blake had to swallow his pride and he was not going to take any chances when his prime suspect now turned out to be an Imperial Guard. “Understood.”

That unpleasant duty done Androvich walked back down the corridor pushing open each door in turn. “Out you come, lads, shake a leg.”

The soldiers responded to their Sergeant's call, rapidly getting out in case it was a call to arms. When they saw Androvich they froze, not one of them missed the new uniform. It was exactly the uniform the Imperial Guard had been wearing.

“Sarg?” the question was uncertain.

Androvich needed a moment to understand their concern. He could not forget about his new status but he had forgotten the simple change of clothes. It made a big difference. “It's alright,” he spoke as gently as he could. “Pay no never mind to the new glad-rags, you're still my lads and I'll be looking out for you all the while I can.”

“Erm, what's going on, Sarg?” Private first class Jenkins was usually the one to speak up and he did not disappoint.

“We stumbled into the middle of a major conspiracy and you are now under the protection of the Imperial Guards as witnesses to it.”

“But, the IO said we were all going to be shot. He said we were traitors.” Again it was Jenkins who spoke. He would never admit it to anyone but he had spent a lot of the time in his cell in tears at the prospect of being executed.

“He had to say that, I had the same treatment and I know it was rough but trust me you are not going to be shot. I can't promise it'll all be gravy from here, we've all still got a lot of questions to answer but while we're en-route I can promise you no more solitary and no more interrogations. These boys,” he indicated to the silent Imperial Guards at the heavy main door. “Are here to protect you so stay in the Brig and give them an easy job but feel free to wander about in here and relax while you can.”

“Are we allowed to know where we're going now?”

“We're going home. We're heading for the Home World and we'll be there in a couple of days. The thing is, lads, I can't be here the whole time, I've got things I need to do elsewhere, but if there's anything you need to help pass the time more comfortably in here ask nicely and I'm sure these boys will do what they can for you.”

“Sarg, are you still a Sergeant?” the question was hesitant.

“Yes I am. I'm still the same person I was, I've just had a change of uniform.”

“Did you know what was happening before we did?”

“No. I was just as surprised as you.”

“But-”

“Jenkins,” Androvich did not know quite what to say but he had to try. “How long have I been Home Regiment? A hell of a lot longer than you've been wearing the uniform. I do the job in front of me, I always have and there's no ulterior motive. We all got caught out by this one and I told you everything I knew before it all kicked off.”

“You didn't tell us everything.” As far as the soldiers were concerned their Sergeant had been keeping a huge secret from them all along.

“Don't make assumptions, Lou, they might return to bite you in the arse. I told you the op was a front for something much worse and it was, that was everything I could tell you.”

“Erm,” Private Daniels half raised a hand. He rarely spoke, he was far too shy to put himself forward but he was so worried he had to ask.

“What is it, lad?” Androvich prompted gently.

“We did do the right thing, didn't we?”

“What do you think?”

“Well, I guess, I think we did. We were defending the Imperial family, right? That's what we're supposed to do, isn't it?”

“It is. It was the right thing and I'm proud of you all for trusting me like you did.”

“But on a scale of one to ten exactly how screwed are we when we get back to the Home World?” Jenkins took over again. The Screwed Up scale was an accepted measurement within the regiment and certainly within their platoon.

“I'd say you're probably at about a seven, but you'll come out of it just fine if you don't do anything stupid. Me, I think I'm up there at an eleven so think yourselves lucky.”

“You said we did the right thing though and you led us.”

Androvich laughed. “Exactly.” he sighed. There was no way he was going to explain to them what had really happened in such a way that they would believe him and it was probably better if he gave them time to talk it over amongst themselves and come to their own conclusions instead of trying to justify himself to them. It was not becoming of a Sergeant and it would make no difference anyway. “Just chill out and remember you did the right thing. I'll catch up with you later.”

He was soon back in the Officer's Section and strangely relieved to be in the company of the Imperial Guards once again.

“That was quick.” Felton observed quietly as he moved to sit beside her.

“Too quick.” he grimaced. “The lads took one look the uniform and panicked.”

“I suppose that's to be expected.”

“They're never going to trust me again.”

“But they're alive and safe, and they're not really your lads any more, are they. You've got a new job to get on with.”

“I haven't forgotten.” Androvich was glum. “But it's not how I wanted to leave them.” he looked around, searching for a change of subject. “Where's our Princess? Still with the advisor?”

“No, she got dragged in to see the Doctor.”