Double-drabble: Impersonating an Officer

[john_amend_all]

(Sarah Jane Smith, the Minister of Chance)

"That all seemed to go rather—" the Minister broke off abruptly at the rumble of approaching vehicles. "Whatever's all that appalling racket?"

Sarah ran to the window. "UNIT! They must've picked up the signal from Arash's spaceship."

"Much good it'll do them now. You'd better tell them they aren't wanted here."

"They won't listen to me. We need the Brigadier. But even if I call him now I've no idea when he'd get here."

"Nil desperandum, Miss Smith." The Minister put his arm round her shoulders. "Tell me, what does a 'Brigadier' look like?"

Sarah narrowed her eyes. "I've got photos. Why?"

⁂

The first armoured personnel carrier ground to a halt halfway down Bannerman Road. Its commander emerged and stared at the infuriated, bearded, kilted officer blocking its path, as if wondering whether to believe his eyes.

"Well?" the officer roared. "Salute me, damnit, or by thunder I'll have you cleaning every latrine at HQ with a toothbrush!"

The commander threw a hasty salute. "My apologies, sir. We weren't informed of your arrival, Brigadier...?"

"Brigadier... " If the kilted figure seemed to hesitate for a moment, the luckless commander was in no mood to notice. "Brigadier Blaster-Sump — damn you!"

(For those unfamiliar with Brigadier Blaster-Sump, here he is. I'll leave the obvious Thin Blue Line / SJA Doppelgänger Crossover to someone else).