[Wardad]

Spartan continuation:

Snarf looked past his snout guard at the opposing lines of Dobermans and nervously wrung his claws on his pike. His experience, training, and temperament did not allow for fear. Still he mulled over the situation in his mind that these dogs are so huge and fierce that outnumbering them 5 to 1 may not be enough. He wished tradition would allow for goodbye’s to be said before combat. The survivors, if any, would not have a squad or pack mates to return to. Snarf shifted his thinking back to the briefing and the demand to win this one, this very important round of negotiations. As the drum beats started in the distance he focused on the immediate challenge ahead.
The commander barked “Forward” and Snarf relayed the order to his pike box. The cameras recorded the impressive armor and choreography of the slow advance of the 3 pike boxes, and the 2 sword flanks covering the trailing archers. The Dobermans were likewise drilled and impressively armored and advanced on the flank opposite Snarfs. The melee was fierce and both sides were disciplined to use their tooth and claws only as weapons of Last resort. Soon Snarfs box was engaged in the melee. Pikes hit home, others shattered, and some dogs froze at the Dobermans psychic bark. The line held, then wavered, and then broke. Short swords were then drawn and the clash became a fight dog to dog. Snarf fought bravely and with much skill, but luck was against him. While facing one Doberman, another one fighting nearby kicked him aside for more room. That kick sent him flying over a stack of bodies and onto the hard ground. Snarf was just regaining his breath, when he caught a glance of a Doberman jumping at him. Startled he tried to roll over on his back, he felt trapped and twisted harder. He heard a crack and was on his back as the Doberman flopped down beside him and the half a pike he was holding. He staggered up, look around and shook himself. A whistle went off and other whistles took up the call, the battle was over.
Snarf woke and forced his eyes to focus. An orderly offered him water and when Snarfs dry mouth couldn’t voice an answer the orderly used a bulb and tube to wet it down. The orderly looked down at him and said “It’s been 3 days and you have scars that would be the envy of many veterans, but nothing life threatening. We are attending you 24 hours, so sleep if you need to, eat and drink if you want to.” Snarf wisely at the small portions offered and fell back to sleep. He awoke a day later feeling better and engaged the order in the some games of chance and started joking with the staff. It was an invitation for trouble.
The commander and Talma trotted in. The commander spoke, “Snarf you old war dog. We heard your feeling better. That was quite an impressive upset. We thought that Last Doberman had the better of you, but you came through and saved the negotiations.” Then Talma spoke “Your new hero status can be quite an asset with the Dobermans and as you know there are some rolls a female can not be expected to fill.” The commander added, “Your elder veteran and wounded status will also help you maintain discipline in an instructor and advisor role.” At which Snarf barked many objections and denounced his heroism as desperation and pure luck. The commander replied, “The scars and cut muscles will limit your agility, you are not now and will never be in fighting shape. You will accept your hero honors and can choose to enter a civilian life with full citizenship.” Talma spoke up again “At the troops briefing you demonstrated the possession of knowledge that no civilian would be allowed to have. Please join us. You would be a great asset to the Internal Services. “ The commander lowered his snout and whispered in Snarfs ear “Please don’t be stubborn, I don’t want to lose another friend. Besides, you can handle these *****es and we need some dogs to keep an eye on them.” The commander raised himself to attention and pronounced to Snarf that his acceptance will be accepted concurrent with the hospital discharge in 3 days.
After those two trotted off a deep voice came from behind the curtain across the room. “I’m Glad to hear you’re a humble hero. Otherwise we might have to re-enact the famous Last fight out back. My name is Gruffer and I have been volunteered to be your co-instructor and bodyguard while you’re with us Dobes.
That was quite a way for them to treat a hero. If you ever share any of your secrets with me or the other Dobes, I’ll kill you.” Snarf responded, “The commander thinks I handle the *****es really well.” At that they both exploded into laughter.