Short story guards playing cards in limbo waiting on perimeter breach

[quikk1]

I dont remember much more than four guards were playing cards while waiting on perimeter breaches. This went on for years, less and less over time. Turns out the guards were on a computer and their minds would be transferred to a body to respond to perimeter breaks.
The people breaking in would use faraday cages to breach the walls. It had been a long time since the last breach and a second guard was called up, meaning first was dead. The second contained the breach and brought back a marauder to replace the guard killed.

 

[dwndrgn]

It isn't right but reminds me of a book that of course I can't recall the name of but isn't Callahan's Crosstime Saloon.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

It isn't right but reminds me of a book that of course I can't recall the name of but isn't Callahan's Crosstime Saloon.

LOL it's definitely not that, you're quite correct!

I don't think I've read this one, but I can't help but think it has a John Varley feel to it.

 

[Danny McG]

I've read it!
Sadly I can't remember the details

 

[Punk]

I think this is a story titled "contact", from a collection titled "Body Armor 2000". Edited by Joe Haldeman. I can't recall the authors name.

 

[Danny McG]

I think this is a story titled "contact", from a collection titled "Body Armor 2000". Edited by Joe Haldeman. I can't recall the authors name.

'Contact' in that collection is by David Drake.

However it doesn't match the OP story details, in 'Contact' the main story is about a platoon in Vietnam who inadvertently shoot down a flying saucer and capture a wounded alien.
Then lots of radio arguments because HQ try to prioritise the alien over getting their own wounded back to base.

 

[monkeypooper]

I'm sure I've read this or something very similar but I'm positive it was an epilogue in some book like a thousand years later or something