Chapter 13 Summary

Carrying six-platoons, Tours is roomy. Yet it can speedily deliver men anywhere in Federation space and much of Bug space. The MI prefers corvettes to the massive transports the Navy favors. Tours is a mixed (and sexually-segregated) ship, with 15 naval officers (eight female). The MI has eight officers, including Rico. The Skipper is president of the mess, and MI Capt. Blackstone is vice-president. Meals are formal, with seating by declining rank down each side of the table; thus, lowly Rico finds himself beside Capt. Jorgenson, whom he is expected to seat. When she rises, the meal is over, but Blackstone obtains an exemption for his men. Jorgenson personally supervises Rico’s math homework every day.

Blackstone wears two hats, commanding the six MI platoons aboard the Tours and his own Company D, “Blackies’ Blackguards.” The MI has the lowest percentage of officers (3%) of...