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Show 39 CHAPTER III As it happened, the Detachments were being discussed across the bay at that very moment. "Nice picnic, Sir," Captain Smead observed to the Colonel. Smead directed his slightly unpleasant yellow grin across, but received in return only tha same cold gaze with which the Colonel customarily greeted the world. "It was okay." "Funny outfit, the Detachments," Smead continued. "Some of their officers are all right. Others - " And he shook his head. He was in a chatty mood, and a skin thicker than the Officers Guide, it was said, made him impervious to the Colonel's indifference. "That second-john Jennings. . . " He held up his hands. "And a doctor named Carlton, along with an old nut Bain. They've got a collection." The Colonel shrugged, busy with his own thoughts, though an edge of irritability began to stir at one side, like a suggish snake. The Colonel was Regular Army; not only had he invested his life in the military, but much of what served for emotion had formed closer allegiances than even he recognized. He liked the Army, stood up for it, and any revelation of weakness in its ranks displeased him. "The men too," Smead continued. "Most of 'em are gooks; couldn't wait to get to Japan to shack up with a native." The Colonel's brows were drawing closer together, but Smead was enjoying himself too much to notice. "Nice pads they fit out; mattresses, blankets, pillows. Gook gal can do a lot with GI issue." He shook his head and chuckled. "That's just the |