Meeting with the General

“Captain Bendt,” Sarah saluted upon entry.

“At ease,” General Wienfield said in a professional voice, then added in a more relaxed tone, “sit down, Captain,” he gestured towards a chair.

The room was just spacious enough to fit all of the furniture without being crowded. The main element was a large stylish wooden desk; behind it sat the General on a proportionally sizable armchair, in front of it were two smaller chairs, onto one of which Sarah had been invited. In the corner there was a coffee table with two small armchairs on its side. The walls were lined with cabinets, one wall was reserved for photographs, medals and even a sabre. The carpet on the floor was surprisingly thick and soft, apparently boots were not worn in this room too often. Everything was kept in the late Victorian style, or rather its imitation.

General Horace Winfield himself was a tall athletic man in his mid-fifties, with broad shoulders and imposing posture, but also a friendly almost fatherly face which softened his image. His skin was dark brown and it contrasted strongly with the short thick grey hair on his head. The Captain knew that the General was married, an officer had to remember such details about her superiors and subordinates. It was a bit easier in Winfield’s case, because his wife also served in the army, albeit as a surgeon. When Sarah sat down the General spoke.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Captain. Even if it’s a bit overdue.”

“I’m being promoted?” Sarah did not try to hide her surprise.

“You haven’t checked the board?”

“I just finished all the formalities after returning from Fort Holloway.

“That’s understandable,” the General replied with a polite smile, “some say that your promotion had been postponed because your… mouth is too big and your knees don’t bend.”

“There might be some truth to these rumours, General,” Sarah replied innocently.

“While I do believe that proper discipline is necessary, there might be some officers who mistake discipline with servitude.”

“Well phrased, General. I’ll keep that in mind,” she did her best to make her voice sound calm and neutral.

“Speaking of discipline, Captain. I’ve received information that you had used rather… peculiar methods of maintaining discipline among your men in Fort Holloway,” he said in a calm voice. There was not a trace of outrage or disgust which could have been expected in such circumstances.

Sarah held her breath and her heart began to race, she was sure the emotions were showing on her face, but she was not able to hide them. Winfield must have seen them and he quickly added in a equally calm tone:

“Don’t worry, Captain. I have no intentions of using this information against you. Quite the opposite.”

The words and the tone in which they were said were reassuring, but the effect on Sarah was not immediate. She was shocked, astonished and, because of the final part, also curious.

“Thank you, General,” the Captain replied when the initial shock passed, “I appreciate that. What do you mean by ‘the opposite’ though?”

“I had hoped you’d ask,” Winfield replied with a broad smile, “let’s discuss that more comfortably.”

The General stood up, so the Captain did the same; he gestured towards the coffee table.

“I considered proposing to you a coffee,” Winfield continued, ”but it seems that you need something stronger. What would you say to a glass of cognac? I’ll join you and be your partner in crime, hopefully that’ll help you trust me,” he had a quizzical smile on his face.

“Thank you, General. I’ll gladly participate in this conspiracy,” Sarah managed to compose herself and put on a sweet innocent expression.

The Captain sat on one of the armchairs, Winfield brought two small glasses and poured cognac into them. He then sat down, raise his glass and said:

“I propose a toast. To alternative means of discipline.”

“Let’s drink to that,” Sarah replied although she still did not know what kind of game the General was playing. She raised her glass, took a large sip, put it down and waited for Winfield to continue.

“I would like to offer you a proposal, Captain,” he began carefully weighing his words, “one which will be impactful and, I’m certain of that, enjoyable for all parties involved. I also want to assure you that whatever your answer is it will not impact your career one way or another. Before I make that proposal I have a small request. This answer will also not have any impact on your career.”

The General made a pause, so Sarah considered it necessary to add something to the, one-sided so far, conversation.

“Despite the rumours, General, I can be very agreeable when given a fair offer.”

Winfield smile and said:

“Would you be so kind and take off your uniform for me?”