"I'm Private John White, sir. I'm just filling in for Paul Trenton."
I knew that because his name was written in his sleeve. And I saw that while I switched clothes with him. Sergeant Roger must have heard what was going on, so he cut in the conversation.
"Poor Paul. I heard he got compost in his face because of that smuggler fellow. He probably got sick and was sent home."
"Yup. That's him alright. But, why did they just send him home instead of have him go back to work?"
"We used to do that. But all the soldiers and prisoners caught it. Some officers died, and a lot more prisoners caught it as well. So we send sick soldiers home without any escorts. And we never sick ever since that mishap years ago."
Sergeant Roger turned around to leave, but the barrel of his rifle banged against Jame's forehead. He fell down to the ground, a little unconscious.
"Sir, are you ok?" I asked in shock.