I have buffed and polished my medals for decades of steady, dedicated watchfulness," the marshal continued, clasping her hands behind her head as she… - Iain Banks

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I have buffed and polished my medals for decades of steady, dedicated watchfulness," the marshal continued, clasping her hands behind her head as she leaned back and relaxed, legs crossed, "counted and re-counted my medals for outstanding work in simulations and exercises, carefully rearranged my medals for heroic bravery under virtual fire, and even found room for my many, many medals for exemplary valour in the face of fellow officers coveting the same promotions as I.