Chapter 81

The Commandant looked back to Matt. "And you're okay with her being married to the most outspoken man in the Resistance?"

"As a matter of fact, sir, I am, though it wouldn't matter if I was or not, sir. They were together before I had a chance to give my blessing and my sister just doesn't give a shit, sir."

The Commandant took a seat on the couch again and pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. "Well, don't that just beat all", he said as he pulled on from the pack. He looked at everyone. "Do you mind if I smoke?"

"Actually, Commandant, we do. My husband and I have a two month old in the house."

He put the cigarette back in the pack, then put the pack back in his pocket. "Not a problem. Far be it for me to damage the lungs of one so small. They may be used to speak words of empowerment one day, much like their father does."

"Oh, all of our children are outspoken", Dan said. "Mine, David's, Mike's and John's kids all speak their mind. We're not raising spineless cowards in this house." The others all agreed.

"Good. No one should have to bridle their tongue and I'm glad that none of you do and that you're teaching your children not to. As long as they know respect, that is."

"Oh, none of us tolerate disrespect", Brie said.

"Good, no parent should. These Utopians don't seem to get the point. You can't remove things like fear and pain from the world because you get a bunch of stupid, disrespectful shit heads. I intend to teach them that the Marine Corps. way."

"OORAH, Commandant", they all said.

Malachai came downstairs and went to his parents. He whispered something to them, and Brie stood up. "Excuse me a moment, Commandant, I have to go tend to one of my children real quick", she said and left the room.

Malachai stayed, snapped to full attention and saluted the Commandant. "At ease, boy, you're not a Marine."

Malachai smiled. "But I will be someday."

The Commandant looked at David. "Who is this boy?" he asked with a smile.

"My eight year old son, Malachai."

The Commandant looked at Malachai. "Drop and give me ten, recruit." Malachai gave him ten perfect push-ups. He was impressed. "Very well done. You'll be a credit to the Corps. in ten years."