Kinch's smile grew as he decoded and wrote down the details of the latest message London was sending. So Newkirk must present the note? After several more minutes, the message was complete and London signed off. Kinch put his headphones aside and grinned as he re-read the transmission he had transcribed. This is gonna be fun! he thought as he formulated a plan to get the note into Newkirk's hands. Satisfied, he headed for the barracks.
Colonel Hogan came out of his quarters at the same moment Kinch came up through the bunk tunnel entrance. Hogan made a bee line for the stove, where he poured himself a cup of coffee. He glanced over at his second in command as the tunnel bunk slammed shut.
"Any word from London, Kinch?"
"Nothing important Colonel," replied Kinch with a straight face. "All seems quiet for now."
Kinch noticed Newkirk getting up from his seat at the table and he had to move fast. He shifted quickly to his right and 'accidentally' smacked right into Newkirk, knocking him off balance. "Oh sorry buddy!" Kinch grabbed Newkirk to steady him and surreptitiously slipped the note into the Brit's pants pocket.
"Blimey Kinch! Why dontcha watch where yer goin' mate?"
Kinch held his hands up defensively, "Sorry Peter! I didn't see you get up."
"Well okay mate. No damage done." Newkirk grinned at his friend and turned to head to the stove for some coffee. He pulled out a ciggie on the way and reached into his pocket for his lighter. He found something else. " 'ey what's this?" He pulled the note out and gave it a quick read through.
Hogan had been headed back to his quarters and turned back at Newkirk's call.
"'ey Gov'nor! It's for you!" Newkirk waved a piece of paper in the air as he approached Hogan. The Colonel turned back and took the note from his English Corporal. He moved to the table and the men gathered round.
"It's another poem!" exclaimed Hogan.
Carter leaned in. "Who's this one about?"
The Colonel looked at his men. "It's a tanka. And apparently it's about me this time."
"Let's 'ear it then!" Newkirk was glad it was going to be about someone other than himself this time.
Hogan sighed and began reading.
Colonel, Commander, Father, Uncle, Brother.
Watching, inspecting and choosing the right men.
He always protects his men.
Secretly planning, plotting, always to con Klink.
He is Hogan. Papa Bear.
"Incroyable!" exclaimed LeBeau. "That is true mon Colonel!"
Hogan shook his head, embarrassed.
"Who wrote that?" Carter wanted to know.
LeBeau took the paper from Hogan's hand. "It says that 'whirlyite's sister' is the author."
"Maybe that means they'll be another story in the works then?" asked Kinch.
"Bloody Nora! I 'ope not! I barely survived 'er last one!" Newkirk cried.
The men all laughed at the undisguised fear in the Brit's voice.
"Well hopefully the only thing we have to look forward to is another poem!" said the Colonel, as he took the paper from LeBeau and put it in his pocket. "Okay fellas, let's get ready for lights out!"
AN: Nothing has been edited by the publisher, Marie1964.