Cap Mandrake -> "R" for "Robert" (7/17/2006 3:16:55 AM)
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******USAFFE HQ, Manila, 03:30, Dec 8, 1941 (09:30 Dec 7 in Pearl)**** <Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, RAF Liason to USAFFE enters the room. He is somewhat dishevled having been summoned emergently from his repose> Gen. MacArthur, CIC, USAFFE: Ah..Group Captain, I want you to issue Wing Attack Plan R for Robert immediately. Grp. Captain Mandrake: <looks briefly nonplused, then regains composure> "Ah, yes, an exercise! Splenid! Nothing like a surprise drill at <looks at watch>..at 3:30 in the morning to keep the boys on their toes. MacArthur: This is no drill, Mandrake. Mandrake: But sir, Wing Plan R is the emergency order for unrestricted rules of engagement when command linkage to higher authorities is lost. <looks on earnestly..tiny beads of sweat break out on his brow> MacArthur: Take a look at this, Mandrake. <tosses an air raid warning from Pearl Harbor, dated 07:45 Hawaii time> We're in a shooting war, Mandrake. Mandrake: <quickly scans the message> Oh, bloody Hell! Are the Japs involved, sir? MacArthur: Mandrake, we are waisting time. Execute aircraft dispersal as per Wing Atack Plan R. Mandrake: But sir, shouldn't we get confirmation from Washington? Can you imagine what kind of row there would be if we are wrong? MacArthur: Mandrake, I am not going down in history as the man who let his B-17's get destroyed on the ground 6 hours after a sneak attack by the little yellow bastards. The sun comes up in 2 1/2 hours. Wing Attack Plan R Mandrake. When you are done, come back. We'll share a can of chilled prunes, salted sea urchin roe and a bottle of San Miguel, brewed with pure rain water.
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