Detente

They were many rules
some to do with safety
lots about behaviour
and some concerning stratification.
Mess
lounges
accommodation
accessible only by hierarchical right, or as guest.

Rules protected and nurtured the hierarchy
NCO’s, officers and supervisors to treat with respect
workers to be respectful.
Insubordination
or tyranny
there were rules for that too.

Rule # 1
go to the bar or party where dissent will intersect
toss a few down quickly
tequila or Jack Daniels the excuse of choice
feign alcohol loosened abandon
stumble into target and slur coiled venom.

Rule #2
Allow recipient to adopt same counterfeit drunkenness.

Rule #3
in the morning find the target
manufacture surprise
mumble hazy non memory
and might have been out of line, line
accept reciprocal insincerity.
Antibiotic charade prevents lethal infection.

For the back story click Backstage