[reading orders]
Lieutenant John J. Dunbar. [pauses, looks up] Lieutenant John J. Dunbar?
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir. [pause] Indian fighter?
Excuse me?
You're to be posted on the Frontier. The Frontier is Indian country. I deduced that you're an Indian fighter. I didn't rise to this position by being stupid.
No, sir.
No sir. [pause] It says here that you've been decorated.
Yes, sir.
And they've sent you here to be posted?
I'm here at my own request.
Really? Why?
I've always wanted to see the frontier.
See the frontier--
Yes, sir. Before it's gone.
[taking a sheet of paper from the desk drawer, the sound of liquor bottles clinking as he does so]
Such a smart lad, coming straight to me. [scribbling with a quill pen] Sir...Knight, I am sending you on a knight's errand. You will report to Captain Cargill, at the furthermost outpost of the realm, Fort Sedgewick. My personal seal [scribbling] will assure your safety [scribbling furiously] through many miles of wild and hostile country. [He folds the letter into an impossibly tiny square and hands it to Lt. Dunbar]
Yes?
How will I be getting there?
You think I don't know?
No, sir, it's just that I don't know--
Hold your tongue. [pause] I happen to be in a generous mood and I will grant you a boon. [gestures to the window] See that peasant out there? He calls himself Timmons. He is going to Fort Sedgwick this very afternoon. You may ride with him. He knows the way. That is all.
[Dunbar turns to leave. When he gets to the door, the Major calls to him]
Sir Knight?
[Dunbar turns as the Major stands, a dark stain on the front of his trousers]
I've just pissed my pants...and no one can do anything about it.
