Day One : Holidays: Grateful
The core team was gathered around the table in Barracks Two. This time however, they weren't there to discuss a mission. Between LeBeau and Newkirk, they had managed to beg, borrow and steal the ingredients for a decent meal. Newkirk was pretty sure Klink wouldn't miss the plump hen he'd swiped, and if he did, the men could always blame it on some mysterious forest creature. Klink was superstitious enough to believe it.
It was Thanksgiving in the United States, and the Americans wanted to celebrate. Newkirk and LeBeau just figured it as an excuse for a good meal. Little did they know their Colonel had something else in mind for all of them.
It was something his family had done when he was a boy, and he missed the tradition. So this year, he had gathered a handful of small, smooth stones (though at home they used buttons) and he waited till the end of the meal.
Before anyone could leave the table, Hogan spoke up. "Okay fellas. I'm gonna hand around these stones and I want each of you to take one. Then I'll tell you what to do when that's done."
Newkirk raised an eyebrow. "We playin' some sort of game, Guv?
Hogan smiled. "Not exactly. Hold on and I'll explain."
After everyone had their stones, Hogan took one himself. "Now, we're gonna go around and when it's your turn, put your stone on the table and tell us something you're grateful for. Then it's the next guy's turn. We'll go around until everyone has put their stones on the table."
There were a few groans, and Newkirk predictably scowled. Others smiled…one was Andrew Carter, who immediately raised his hand. "Can I start?"
Hogan chuckled. "Sure, Carter, go ahead."
Carter put down his stone. "I'm grateful to be here instead of back in Stalag 5."
There were nods all around. They were all aware how much better off they were in Stalag 13, even if things got rough sometimes.
Newkirk set down his stone. "If I have to be stuck here, I'm glad it's with you blokes and not a buncha bloody toffs."
That drew a chuckle and Hogan eyed Newkirk. "Thanks, I think."
LeBeau took his turn. "I am grateful that I found my friend Newkirk so early in my captivity or I should not have survived."
Newkirk smiled grimly at his little mate. "Feelin's mutual."
Kinch spoke up next as he dropped his stone on the table. "I'm grateful this team is colorblind."
Hogan met Kinch's eyes directly. He was proud of his second in command, and both men were aware how rare the working relationship they had really was.
Hogan placed his stone on the table and said, "I am most grateful for the commitment and loyalty you all have shown to me and to this team. It means the world to me. Thank you."
There were several mumbled responses, but mostly the men just nodded, and Newkirk looked askance at him. "Now do we get some o' that pie LeBeau's been fussin' over all afternoon?"
The End
A/N: We used to do this as a family when my kids were growing up. I miss those years.
