Read Online The Worker Prince by Bryan Thomas Schmidt - Free Book Online

response.
    “It’s quite the operation out here,” Davi said, munching on delicious bread made from fruit and nuts. “Very well organized.”
    “Like I told you, nothing out of hand.” Farien replied as Davi glanced down the table to where a worker was pouring drinks for some soldiers. A soldier stuck his foot out as the worker backed up. The worker tripped, struggling to keep his balance as the pitcher flew, spilling its contents on the floor and the uniform of another soldier.
    “Hey! You watch it, slave!” The angry soldier said, shoving the horrified worker as he stood and wiped at his soiled uniform with a napkin.
    “I’m sorry, sir. It was an accident,” the frightened worker said, bowing his head.
    “Looked to me like he did it on purpose,” said the soldier who had tripped him.
    The angry soldier began shoving the worker. “It’s the truth, right? You think you can ruin my uniform without being reprimanded?”
    “Of course not. I tripped. I’m very sorry,” the worker said.
    “You don’t seem sincere to me,” the angry soldier said, grabbing the worker by his collar and pulling him close so their faces almost touched.
    The worker trembled, eyes frozen wide.
    Davi stood up, trying to control his anger. “Soldier, he already said it was an accident and apologized.”
    The soldiers turned and glared, their faces changing as they spotted Davi’s uniform insignia. He hurried over, Farien close behind.
    “These slaves show no respect,” said the soldier who had tripped the worker.
    “Perhaps you should have a medical officer check your leg to see if it suffered any damage when you tripped him,” Davi answered, shooting him a stern look.
    The soldier reacted with surprise at being caught. “Can I help it if he’s not watching where he steps?” the tripper responded, still trying to pretend it was accidental.
    “No, you can’t control that. What you can control is how you treat workers. Any soldier who treats workers without dignity and respect can expect to be reprimanded,” Davi said.
    “Ah, come on, Captain. It’s a little harmless fun,” said the soldier whose uniform was soiled.
    “Go get these soldiers something so they can clean up the mess.” Davi motioned to the worker, who nodded and hurried off, suppressing a smile.
    “That’s a worker’s job!” The angry soldier objected.
    “Not today it isn’t. You made the mess. You clean it up,” Davi ordered as they both scowled. “If you want, I am sure I can arrange to make cleanup a regular part of your duties.” He glanced at Farien.
    Their faces became apologetic and they shook their heads. Davi returned to his seat at the end of the table.
    As Farien took his seat across from Davi, he glanced back down at the shocked soldiers. “Don’t you think you were a little harsh?”
    “Don’t you think that’s unprofessional?” Davi said right away.
    “A few men trying to have a little fun? Like we did at the Academy?” Farien crinkled his mouth as he finished.
    Farien, Davi, and Yao had had their antics but never at the expense of the service workers. But Davi didn’t correct him. “At the worker’s expense! It’s cruel and unnecessary. It’s your job to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” Davi said.
    Farien bristled at the tone as the worker returned with cleaning materials. He offered them to the soldiers, who stood there in disbelief. Seeing Davi and Farien watching them, their attitudes changed and they set to work on the mess.
    The worker started to leave but Davi motioned for him to stay and watch a moment as the soldiers knelt on the floor and used rags to soak up the liquid, then twist it out into a bucket. One of them glanced up at the worker with murderous intent.
    Davi stood and stared the soldier down as the timid worker slipped away.
    On the way back to the landing pad, Farien remained silent and distant. As they arrived and stepped off the floater, their eyes met.
    “Am I supposed to protect that worker