[Wardad]

EARS UP! Packleader Snarf eyed the troops and they looked tough and sharp. Their ears and back bone were properly pointed to the Heavens, the front paws held together in prayer, weight balanced on the hinds, tail properly curled , and the butt off the ground. Snarf conitinues, I am proud of your progress, your dedication, and your unquestioning devotion to duty. You have been told you were training with traditional melee weapons for the Imperial honor guard. Who ever believes it can take a big step back, the silent may stay. Today we will be briefed by Talma from internal security.
Snarf was rattled when he first saw his former *****. Five years of family service with her is enough for anyone he mulled. In the Masters name, why do we have to work together? It’s just not policy. Then thought of her Master Thesis rose like a cold chill up his spine.
Talma addressed the Pack. K9s! Today you will engage in ritual combat with a fierce enemy for the greater glory of the Big Dog bloodline. The enemy you face is disciplined, cunning, and thrice the dog you are. Their boast of 1 for 5 gives us a slim advantage. Their PSI bark is worse than their bite, but each of you have been selected for your thick headed resistance. You will be facing gifted Dobermans, not the legendary Dobermonsters and you will not need silver bullets. Officially the combat will never have happen and you will report a clash with devolutionist backsliders. Questions?
How can this be, Barked one soldier? We are the gifted. How can there be honor in combat with the ungifted. Talma answers, We are thrice gifted and we continue the Masters work with the lessor gifted.
We must fight them at their level of development for the sake of honor and respect from their leader.
This is wrong! Protested another. The Masters loved us! Talma suck in her breath and barely muttered, the Masters loved sheep too. Instantly Snarf was on her, at her throat, and on top. She lay back submissively and piddled. Snarf growled lowly, no heresy in front of the troops. Snarf was secretly elated by her public submission. Snarf then looked at her guards still standing rigid and slowly realized he had been played. The guards smiled at him knowing that the troops would now defend Talma to the death. Snarf would have to continue the briefing, and by doing so implicate himself.
SNARF, barked the commander, Finish the briefing, and the head for the bath, we can’t have a corpse smelling of *****. Snarfs ears jumped, he was really rattled now. Talma chimed in, There is not enough time for the drying track, a blow dry would look better for the cameras don’t you think. The commander said, Do it Snarf and that’s an order.
Snarf finished the briefing and headed off to the baths. Inside Snarf was sulking, a BATH, a fluffy blow dry, before battle, and in front of cameras. He swore Talma will pay for this.

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We live for the walk, we die for the walk.