Cap Mandrake
Posts: 23184
Joined: 11/15/2002 From: Southern California Status: offline
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*******Office of Sec. of War, Henry Stimson, Washington, March 12, 1942*********** <a portly gentleman, but still evidently thickly muscled through his finely tailored suit, enters the room confidently. He is Congressman Carmine Gamboa, Democrat, from New York's 21st district, which hugs the Hudson River and includes Albany, site of the armory which manufactures the gun for the M3 37mm AT gun. Two even more thickly muscled men follow the Congresman, precisley 2 steps behind and to his flanks, like wingmen. Though their expressions are blank, there is something about the odd deviation and flatness of their noses that suggests a barely controlled malevolence. Sec. Stimson: <rises solicitously to greet the Congressman> Carmine! How good to see you. What can I help you with today? Gamboa: Its about the M3, Henry. Sec. Stimson: Ah..I see. <his expression sours almost imperceptibly. He motions towards the wingmen with his eyes> Gamboa: Wait outside boys. <the wingmen scurry to the anteroom in practiced choreography, closing the door behind them> Sec. Stimson: Carmine, honestly, I can't order any more. We will never use the ones we have. There is a great deal of pressure from Truman's committee... Gamboa: <Gamboa cuts him of with a wave of his hand> Henry, Henry, Henry. Relax, my friend. I know such things. I would not ask it of you. Sec. Stimson: Oh, thank you, Carmine. I'm sorry if I presumed. Gamboa: Not to worry, my friend. There is one small matter, however. Sec. Stimson: Name it, Carmine. Gamboa: It concerns a young Lt. at the Oakland Army Terminal....a certain..<pulls out note from his pocket>...W.F. Buckley. He is quite insolent and is questioning our agreement. I would like him taken care of by your means or I will have to speak to other friends. Sec. Stimson: Understood, Carmine. I'll see to it immediately. <now relieved> May I offer you a fine Cuban? Tell me, how is the harbor sounding project in Sicily going?
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