Later that afternoon, Sobel gathered Nixon, Winters and me to the barracks as he ransacked the whole place. He was tossing things onto beds, calling them contraband, and revoking passes. I gritted my teeth, trying my hardest to not explode on the man.

"Pornography, contraband. Non-regulation clothing, contraband. This man," Sobel pointed to a cot," had 200 prophylactic kits in his foot locker...how in the name of God was he going to have the strength to fight the war? And how is it that Private Tipper has so much spare time for correspondence?" Sobel opened a letter, and began reading it. Once he was finished, he began to smell the letter.

"Captain, are personal letters to be considered contraband?" Winters asked. I heard him address his as Captain, and I checked Sobel's shoulders. Sure enough...he had gotten a promotion. Ah hell...

"These men aren't paratroopers yet, Lieutenant. They have no personal property," he threw the letter over his shoulder, picking up something else. "What is this? Anyone?"

Nixon replied," Um, it's a can of peaches, sir."

Sobel looked like he wanted to laugh," Lieutenant Nixon thinks this is a can of peaches. That is incorrect, your weekend pass is revoked. This is United States Army property, which was taken without authorization from my mess facility. I will not tolerate thievery in my unit. Who's foot locker is this?"

"Private Parkes, sir," Winters replied.

"Get rid of him," Sobel spat. I looked over to Winters, expecting some reaction, but getting none.

Sobel began to leave, but stopped at the door," All weekend passes are canceled, officers included. Lieutenant Winters," he motioned for him to follow. Nix and I stood there, watching our friend head outside with the devil.

I looked at Nix," When did Sobel get a promotion?"

Nixon shook his head," A better question would be, how did he get one?"

I laughed," Good point."

I started to inch towards the door, when Nix whispered to me," I wouldn't do that." I stopped, realizing that he was right. If I were to get caught trying to eavesdrop, I would be shot, or thrown out of the regiment, regardless of who my father was.

Instead, I tucked a loose piece of my long dark hair behind my ear," Should we try and clean this up?"

Nixon laughed," Good luck. I don't know have a clue anymore as to what belongs to which locker." I looked around the barracks, taking in what he was saying. It was true. With everything being strewn across the place, it wasn't easy to remember where things went. The men would just have to sort it out themselves, as much as I hated to think that.

Nixon looked at me, as he started on his way out," Come on. I'll buy you a drink."

I laughed," I don't drink Lewis..."

"Then you can keep my company while I have yours," he stated, holding his arm out for me.

A/N: I know, I know, slow moving and short. Stick with me, it picks up! Promise!