want?”

“Yes I got it made. Have you any idea where they are going to ship your ass off too?

“Most likely to some diplomatic mission. Most of the top graduates will be sent to posts like that. The rest will be assigned as field interpreters. They are needed there and when they get some field experience under their belts they will be used in more productive means.” Ibrahim said, “but tonight–we celebrate–we are going to take you to the Enlisted Men’s club for a little party and a ceremony called “The wetting of the Stripes”. We have to celebrate that promotion of yours Sgt.”

“Yes, and this party's on me. I’ll pay for everything,” said Joseph getting into the spirit of the occasion. “How many were you thinking of inviting?”

“Well, as long as you’re paying–why not the entire Base?”

“Hey, let’s not blow a whole years salary in one night!”

Laughing Ibrahim said, “You idiot, I was kidding. It is an old army custom that, when a friend gets a promotion, his buddies take him out to celebrate. We are going to pay, not you. Since we were going to be partying tonight anyway, celebrating our graduation, we thought it would be nice to kill two birds with one beer bottle and invite you as our guest.”

After another night of celebration, the next morning the students arose with foggy heads and went to check the company bulletin boards where the duty assignments were posted. It turned out just as Ibrahim had thought. The top students got the ‘prime assignments’. They picked up their papers and travel orders and started to pack their gear. Little by little they came to say their good-byes. Soon it was time for Ibrahim and Joseph to part and each pledged to keep in contact. However, army life being as it is, each knew this was most likely the last time they would see each other. It was a sad parting, but one gets used to them in the service. Joseph sat looking at the open door long after Ibrahim left to go on his14 day’s leave and to go home.

After a while, Joseph reported to Williams and was assigned to his new quarters. It was a nice suite of rooms in the N.C.O. billets. There was a bedroom, combined sitting room and office, a small kitchenette and a bathroom. Although not as spacious as the apartment he had at Fazzi’s place, it was never the less nice and would serve his purposes very well. After settling in he called Barns to fill him in. He also called both Richard and his father. He told Rich he would try to see him Friday evening. When he spoke to Worthington, he was told that Fazzi had already called and they had arranged the Thursday meeting and that he would see him there. After the phone calls, he went to the P.X. to pick up some food for the small refrigerator and also to buy some additional Sgt. Stripes. He might as well have that maid at Fazzi’s place sew them on his uniforms.
Returning to his quarters he found that most, if not all the teachers, had left to go on leave, so he was alone. He used the time to get settled into his new life, and to catch up on some badly needed sleep.

Late Wednesday morning came. He awoke to the ringing of the cell phone. “Hello Sgt. Benson here. What