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Show 130 misunderstand. I don't give orders on these matters; you run the Detachments. Since my MPs picked up the cigarettes I'm not out of line, but it isn't an order. Just an idea." The bastard, thought Sid, camouflaging an order as an "idea." Whether it was the oppressive air or the crotaloid indirection, the Major grew mulish. His great head swung about and he looked tha Colonel in the eye. "If it's just an idea, sir, I don't think I will." In the light from the door Sid saw that what little blood there was in the Colonel's skull had drained away, and from the eyes' sunken pits came a humorless metallic glint. "Whatever you say, Major," he barked. Shrugging his shoulders ha turned to the door. "Better get back to the party." He put his hand on the knob, and then turned around. "By the way, Smead's been trying to get hold of Jennings. Called yesterday, but couldn't find him." "He's in Kyoto, sir " "When does he get back?" "Tomorrow." "We can talk Monday. Will you send him over?" "Pardon, sir," said Sid, turning to the Major, "he's going to Osaka: Finance Officer." "Oh?" said the Colonel. "Make it Thursday." Sid fancied a ruby spot in the darkness above the Major's tie. "Sorry, sir," he said, "I signed a TDY this morning: begins Wednesday." |