human
I meant that, he said a moment later.
gpt
About good luck to you both. I don't know a thing, but I fancy you didn't go over to Commando H.Q. yesterday just to have a spot of tea. Anyway, mighty glad to have you with us--until you have to peel off, and go on your own. Cheerio, until we meet again sometime!
human
Jeepers! Dave presently ejaculated.
gpt
Maybe we should wear signs on our backs, or something! That Parkinson is no dumb bunny, what I mean!
human
Oh, quite, Freddy said.
gpt
But after all, old chap, we're not strictly R.A.F. these days, you know. And--well, I fancy it must have struck everybody a bit queer, our just joining up with the Squadron wearing U. S. Army Air Force uniforms. Plenty of Yank squadrons over here, now, for us to be assigned to. And that call from Commando H.Q. would start any chap thinking.
human
Yes, I guess that's right, Dave said with a nod.
gpt
But here's hoping the birds on the _other_ side of the Channel aren't so bright. But why should they be? Oh, nuts! I'm just yelling down a rain barrel. Well, Freddy, old tin of herring, Papa will look after you as best he can. But try not to get in my way, and on my neck too much, see? I've got important things to do from now on.
human
You mean that the other way around, I fancy! he snapped.
gpt
And I warn you, young fellow, this is absolutely your last chance! Mess up this show tonight, and I'll definitely leave you behind in all doings in the future. I'm completely fed up with shielding your mistakes from our superiors each time we go out on a show. Those things in the leading edge of your wings are guns, understand? They shoot bullets. But bullets meant for Nazi planes, not British or Yank or French or Polish or Canadian. Please have sense enough to remember this time. So don't forget! This is your last chance to prove you're the type to tackle big things with me.
human
Boy! What a soap box artist you'd make! Dave cried with a chuckle.
gpt
Give that vocation a thought, if you last out this war, Freddy. And right now stop breaking my fingers! What do you think you're doing? Cracking walnuts! Go on! Get into your ship before I break into tears. A tender babe like you, going along on a man's job! There should be a law, or something.
human
Rot! Freddy snapped, but his voice was a little husky.
gpt
Well, happy landings, Dave, old thing. See you anon at that cluster of shell-battered barns over in Occupied France.
human
I'll be there waiting, sweetheart, Dave said. Then as a parting shot,
gpt
And don't forget the rip-cord ring. You have to yank it hard for the thing to open. Very necessary, you know.
human
I'll do my best to remember, Dave,