“Faith, an’ you’ll get busted for sure,” O’Malley added. “I’ll be after havin’ a word with Chiang Kai-shek himself.”
Stan laughed. “I have to get something out of being in command of a lot of lunatics. This time I aim to do as I please. I merely mention my plans to you fellows because I am forced to put Allison in command while I am away. I have called Major O’Malley in simply as a witness.”
Allison leaned back. “It’s a three-man job, Colonel. Put Kirby or Texas in command and we’ll go along.”
“You boys are on regular patrol and combat duty. I’m just an extra around here,” Stan said. “The full strength of the squadron is needed right here. We are likely to get shoved back into China as it is. The full force stays here on the job.”
“Meanin’ the force can afford to lose a colonel but not a combat major?” O’Malley asked sourly.
“That’s about it,” Stan agreed.
“As flying leader I will patrol certain areas beyond the Salween River during your absence,” Allison drawled.
“You’ll patrol and protect the Rangoon area, unless you get orders to shift base,” Stan snapped.
“Sure, an’ you wouldn’t be after bringin’ Nick Munson back? You spoke only of this colleen,” O’Malley teased.
“I may not have to bring him back,” Stan said grimly.