Uncertain what to do next Tyh continued to stand outside the Quartermaster’s office, behind the Quartermaster’s back. His arms remained slack at his sides. Apparently they only moved when compelled to by Keena and then only to be led around. Bem, content, sipped from a porcelain cup Tyh’d not noticed earlier. Somewhere in the space of time following the Quartermaster’s truncated outburst and the bottom of Bem’s drink Tyh sensed the Quartermaster changed his thoughts from anger to some other consideration. Tyh shifted on his feet and took a breath to speak.
“Behind the door.” The Quartermaster interrupted. Tyh wondered if he’d been commanded behind the door or simply been given information. Either way, the words answered the only question he’d ever asked himself, “What do I do now?”.
Bem glided to the opposite side of the opening and out of Tyh’s way. He set the cup back in it’s saucer on the counter of the Quartermaster’s window. “What must you have done this morning that landed you here this afternoon. And where will you turn up tomorrow? Were you to need anything, please call. It will surely amuse me to learn how this all plays out.”
Bem turned and addressed the Quartermaster, “We may speak more later, sir.” Bem politely went away.
Tyh closed both halves of the door and found an unused broom behind them. He began cleaning.
Day 286