The Green Beret

Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from Analog, January 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
It's not so much the decisions a man does make that mark him as a Man—but the ones he refrains from making. Like the decision I've had enough!
ead locked the door and drew his pistol. Sergeant Rashid handed Premier Umluana the warrant.
We're from the UN Inspector Corps, Sergeant Rashid said. I'm very sorry, but we have to arrest you and bring you in for trial by the World Court.
If Umluana noticed Read's gun, he didn't show it. He read the warrant carefully. When he finished, he said something in Dutch.
I don't know your language, Rashid said.
Then I'll speak English. Umluana was a small man with wrinkled brow, glasses and a mustache. His skin was a shade lighter than Read's. The Inspector General doesn't have the power to arrest a head of state—especially the Premier of Belderkan. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to my party.
In the other room people laughed and talked. Glasses clinked in the late afternoon. Read knew two armed men stood just outside the door. If you leave, Premier, I'll have to shoot you.
I don't think so, Umluana said. No, if you kill me, all Africa will rise against the world. You don't want me dead. You want me in court.
Read clicked off the safety.
Corporal Read is very young, Rashid said, but he's a crack shot. That's why I brought him with me. I think he likes to shoot, too.