Special thanks to Google Translate for adding some spezia to the dialog

Spring 1943

With Garrison in London for the day, the Gorillas were relaxing at the Doves. Since he had been injured in their last mission, they had been run through drills and training by the Sergeant-Major and needed a break . Garrison was unable to manage a steering wheel, and had selected the British NCO to drive him, offering the treat of a day in London. It was only the second time he had left the Gorillas unchaperoned. The first time, they had conspicuously behaved themselves. Two in a row was too much, though.

Casino and Goniff were nursing Limey beer, Actor sipping at an aperitif he fancied. Goniff was trying to maintain a shy flirtation with the part-time serving girl he had a crush on.

Chief was involved in a dart game. He still had a few regular challengers, but the odds were heavily inflated. Casino wondered if Chief could afford the round of drinks for the entire pub if he lost or was tied. They were being paid buck private wages now, the armed forces having no pigeonhole for unpaid 'volunteers'.

A cheer went up from the crowd as their Brit challenger scored a bulls-eye. This left him only 30 points behind the American. Chief stepped back to their table and took a swallow of his beer. Yeah, gone flat. He'd better score a fresh one. He decided to end the game mercifully, and hit a double 20. The challenger had to score another bulls-eye to shorten the lead. Of course he failed. Chief sent a lazy double 10. His opponent conceded with a wry grin and motioned to Chet the barman.

Back at the table, Chief straddled a chair and sipped at the foam. He was getting used to warm beer; it certainly had more flavor than the usual stuff back home. Back in the States.

"Eh, look who's 'ere," said Goniff.

Casino slung around. "Hey Sergeant-Major, join us for a round!"

Actor seconded with a flourish of his glass.

The Sergeant-Major, having little sense of humor, strode up to the table and glared at each of them in turn.

"When the cat's away…" he said. "On yer feet, lads, the Leftenant is waiting outside."

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Back at the Manor, they gathered in the common room. Garrison's left arm was still in a sling, but the fresh cast left his fingers free.

"How many of you were raised Catholic?" he asked, looking directly at Casino.

"Yeah, of course," he answered, slightly startled.

"So, do you remember your Latin?" This time, Garrison looked to Actor as well.

"A little, maybe," replied Casino. "In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti…"

"It never quite leaves one," commented Actor. "But why would we need Latin?"

"We're going to the Vatican," answered Garrison. "And the best disguise will be as priests."

"Aw, no way, Warden," Casino said. "I won't wear no dress again."

"It is properly called a cassock," Actor instructed. "And one wears a suit underneath."

Casino shook his head again. "You don't need me. You two are the masters of disguise."

"But we do need you, Casino. We need you inside. There's a safe to crack in the archives. A priest with an American accent will draw little attention, while a priest with a broken arm would really stand out."

Garrison didn't tell them he had had a struggle convincing London that he was fit to go at all, but no way were they ready to do a mission without him. It was clear that his men were the best suited for a slightly irreverent job. However….

He looked at Chief and Goniff. Goniff shook his head, his family was Lutheran. Chief wondered if the Warden knew of his brief stint in a Catholic school, but volunteered nothing. Didn't have no Latin, or Italian either.

"This is really a simple job, easy in and out from Switzerland," he said. "The Vatican is also a neutral state, and we'll have cooperation from the inside. I think you two can stay here this time."

Goniff affected a relieved grin, and Chief shrugged.

"Casino, are you keeping up your Italian lessons with Actor?" asked Garrison. He nodded, and Actor did too, but with a pained expression on his face. Casino's New York Italian was a bastardization of the tongue.

"From here on, you speak only Italian with Actor." Garrison stood up. "We leave at 0800 tomorrow."

He looked thoughtfully at the two remaining Gorillas. It would be the first time he had split the team.

"Try to go easy on the Sergeant-Major, okay?"