You're Fired!

I slowly approached the bodyguard, put my hands on my hips, and blurted out, as if it were stupid to start screaming:

“Let’s clarify things first! I’m a reporter, and you work for me. Please leave your commanding manner behind. Go there, stand at such-and-such a time, and so on—whatever you’re used to. Maybe your other charges have listened too…”

I didn’t get to continue when Elsa’s powerful hand settled on my waist and pulled her closer to the barbarian. Our and the bodyguard’s faces ended up nearly level—so much the valtarh leaned in.

“Let’s make this clear, since you’re so insistent! I’m protecting you. I know better how to act, where to position yourselves on ships, and when to take off so you don’t have to stand in line for space transitions. I understand how to behave on inhospitable planets. So you’ll have to listen and pay attention. Don’t like it? I don’t care! I agreed to protect you, and I intend to do it!”