I dont know. It could be a trap. Whatever happens, you cant go in there alone.
Root nodded. I know. Even I am not that stubborn. Anyway, Trouble will probably have the situation secured by the time I get there. He doesnt like waiting around for the brass to arrive. Like someone else I know, eh, Holly?
Holly half grinned, half grimaced. She had been reprimanded more than once for ignoring the order to wait for reinforcements.
Root raised the soundproof barrier between them and the driver.
We need to talk, Holly. About the major thing.
Holly looked her superior in the eyes. There was a touch of sadness in them.
I didnt get it, she blurted, unable to hide her relief.
No. No, you did get it. Or you will. The official announcement is tomorrow. The first female major in Recon history. Quite an achievement.
But, Commander, I dont think that
Root silenced her with a wave of his finger. I want to tell you something, Holly. About my career. Its actually a metaphor for jour career, so listen carefully and see if you can figure it out. Many years ago, when you were still wearing one-piece baby suits with padded backsides, I was a hotshot Recon jock. I loved the smell of fresh air. Every moment I spent in the moonlight was a golden moment.
Holly had no trouble putting herself in the commanders shoes. She felt exactly the same way about her own surface trips.
So I did my job as well as I could, a little bit too well as it happened. One day I went and got myself promoted.
Root clamped a purifier globe around the end of a cigar so that the smell would not stink up the car. It was a rare gesture.
Major Julius Root. It was the last thing I wanted, so I marched into my commanders office and told him so. Im a field fairy, I said. I dont want to sit behind a desk filling out e-forms. Believe it or not, I got quite agitated.
Holly tried to look amazed, but couldnt pull it off. The commander spent most of his time in an agitated, red-faced state, which explained his nickname, Beetroot.
But my commander said something that changed my mind. Do you want to know what that was?
Root ploughed on with his story without waiting for an answer.
My commander said: Julius, this promotion is not for you, its for the People. Root raised one eyebrow. Do you see what Im getting at?
Holly knew what he meant. It was the flaw in her argument.
Root placed a hand on her shoulder. The People need good officers, Holly. They need fairies like you to protect them from the Mud Men. Would I prefer to be zipping around under the stars with the wind in my nostrils? Yes. Would I do as much good? No.
Root paused to suck deeply on his cigar, and the glow illuminated the purifier globe. Youre a good Recon officer, Holly, one of the best Ive seen. A bit impulsive at times, not much respect for authority, but an intuitive officer nonetheless. I wouldnt dream of taking you off the front lines if I didnt think you could serve the LEP better below ground. Do you understand?
Yes, Commander, said Holly glumly. He was right, even if her selfish side wasnt ready to accept it just yet. At least she had the Fowl surveillance to look forward to, before her new job anchored her in the Lower Elements.
There is a perk to being a major, said Root. Sometimes, just to relieve the boredom, you can give yourself an assignment. Something on the surface. In Hawaii maybe, or New Zealand. Look at Trouble Kelp. Hes a new breed of major, more hands-on. Maybe thats what the LEP needs.
Holly knew that the commander was trying to soften the blow. As soon as the majors acorns were on her lapel, she wouldnt get above ground as much as she did now. If she was lucky.
Im putting my neck on the block here, Holly, recommending you for major. Your career so far has been eventful, to say the least. If you intend turning the promotion down, tell me now and Ill withdraw your name.
Last chance, thought Holly. Now or never.
No, she said. I wont turn it down. How could I? Who knows when the next Artemis Fowl will turn up?
In Hollys ears, her voice sounded distant, as though someone else was speaking. She imagined the bells of lifelong boredom clanging behind her every word. A desk job. She had a desk job.
Root patted her on the shoulder, his huge hand knocking the air from her lungs.
Cheer up, Captain. There is life below ground, you know.
I know, said Holly with an utter lack of conviction.
The police cruiser pulled in beside E37. Root opened the car door and began to disembark, then stopped.
If it makes any difference, he said quietly, almost awkwardly, Im proud of you, Holly. And he was gone, out of the door and into the throng of LEP officers training their weapons on the chute entrance.