Chapter 6 Summary

The night after Hendrick is kicked out, Rico reaches his lowest point. He is ready to slink back to his father and admit he has been wrong, before he can make a mistake like Hendrick. From the outer office, after Hendrick is led away, Rico overhears Zim request transfer to a combat unit. He and Frankel agree Hendrick does not deserve ten lashes and Zim is to blame for giving him an opportunity to violate Article 9080. Hendrick fears Zim is slowing down, in which case combat is no place for him. Zim admits to liking Hendrick and the remaining recruits who are eager as puppies and likely to make good soldiers. Frankel adds that Hendrick is stupid, blurting out his admission of striking Zim, and says he should have been drummed out earlier rather than coddled. Both are sorry Hendrick must take the...