It was full. It was cramped, but sociable. Men from all barracks mingled and mixed as they waited their turn for the radio room, discussing their choices. And some perhaps even making last minute changes on their lists.

And in that radioroom sat Kinch, the operator, and transmitted one set of nominations after the other. "And that is quote number three. And that completes the nominations of Sergeant John Walters."

Walters nodded his thanks, and moved towards the ladder.

"Next!" Newkirk called. But he needn't have bothered - McPherson was already there.

"Here are my nominations." He handed Kinch a scrap of paper, and the Sergeant peered at the scribbly writing by his not so good light.

"Let's see..." He picked up the mike. "Right, Goldilocks, stand by for the next set of nominations. From Sgt. Jock McPherson. Best story of 2013..."

Suddenly a fountain of sparks erupted from the equipment, and Kinch tore off the headset and backed away.

"What's that?" McPherson cowered against the wall.

"Kinch?" Newkirk came running, with Carter on his heels, just as a bright pink flame shot up to the tunnel ceiling.

"Wow! That's some fireworks display!" Carter gasped in awe. "How did you do that?"

"Kinch?" Newkirk pulled McPherson out of the way to get to his mate.

"I'm okay, Newkirk," they heard Kinch's ragged voice through the bellowing smoke. "I am, but the radio isn't. It must have overheated with so many people wanting to send in the nominations."

"What?!"

"But I haven't sent in mine yet!" Carter protested.

"Well, you won't be sending them in over this radio." Kinch appeared out of the smoke curtain. "I bet I'll have to rebuild the radio from scratch. So unless you find another means to let Crittendon know what you want to nominate, I'm afraid it's all out."

"Gee..." Carter put his hands in his pockets. "Well, we better start thinking then. Do you have any idea how many men haven't sent in their nominations yet?"

"Lots," was Kinch's wry reaction. "Actually, Crittendon mentioned that the nominations were finally picking up, but they could really do with some more input. Especially to determine which stories will compete in the Best of 2013 category."

"Well, then we'll have to rig up some other way to communicate with London. Anyone have a helicopter handy?"


.

Yes, my HH friends. Nominations are finally trickling in this week, but we could indeed *really* do with some more input. So if you can spare half an hour today or tomorrow to sit down, check the PBA website and decide on your nominations, we'd be very happy!

For remember: the deadline is Friday (tomorrow!) night, 23.59.59 Hawaii time! So you've got less than two days left to decide! Make sure your favourites get in!