Challenge #00935-B204: Human Terminology

(Came up with this and thought of a certain sawn-off lunatic, but it doesn’t have to be Vorkosigan fic if you don’t want it to be)



“When you say ‘secure on three flanks, with an opportunity to the north’, what you really mean is ‘cut off on three sides, with enemies front’, isn’t it?



“I mean both!”

[AN: SO very tempted to write one of the Vorkosigan brats…]

Hwell returned covered in soot and a light scattering of debris. “Okay,” he panted. “The good news is… we’re secure on three sides.”

“That’s Hwellish for ‘we’re cut off’ isn’t it?” said Ax’and’l.

“Well excuse me for trying to put a positive spin on it,” Hwell pouted. “Positive thinking is the key to success.”

“I’m positively picturing a situation in which I can get away with strangling you,” Ax’and’l growled.

“If you do that, you’ll never find out my secret escape plan.”

“How?” demanded Ax’and’l. “We’re cut off on three sides and the enemy is gathering to the front. Oh. Sorry,” he added thick sarcasm. “We’re secure on three sides with an opportunity on the fourth.”

“Just for that I might hike off and let you dangle,” Hwell turned his back. “I swear you don’t know the meaning of gratitude.”

“It’s moments like this that I’m barely capable of it.” Ax’and’l sighed. “Fine. How are you planning to get us out of here?”

“Sideways,” grinned Hwell.

O Gods. It was going to be one of those.

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