for practical reasons, we're going to have to make each one dedicated. No swapping roles. Paul's men need to be too highly skilled to waste at the training centre, so we'll have to choose men for the training role who really want it."
"That leaves two troops here," said Harry.
"I know," replied Chris, "I feel bad about that."
"Well, if I take eight men with me, and Harry wants the two pilots, that leaves thirty to place." said Al.
"McLeod says the South African Reccondo will take them if they want to go." said Chris.
"That will probably suit some guys," said Harry, "There's a lot of Rhodesians who won't want to leave Africa."
Chris was thoughtful, "Look, if we get a lot volunteering for the Reccondo, we can absorb the rest into Daggers. We'll manage to fit them in somehow."
"Okay, I suppose we'd better go and break the news to them, if that's all settled." said Harry who was not looking forward to the task.
"Not quite," said Chris, "There's McLeod. I would still like to use his contacts and his knowledge. It could be useful for Paul too."
"That's surely not a problem, mate," said Al, "We hardly ever see him personally anyway. He's still only a phone call away, even it is from the other side of the world."
"Okay, that sounds good," said Chris, "We can't put it off any longer, guys. Let's go talk to the Squadron."
Harry picked up the phone and called the troopers to parade. Ten minutes later, the three of them stood on the veranda looking at the faces below them.
Chris' face was grim as his gaze swept over the silent group of forty men. They had heard the news, and were prepared for the worst.
Chris stepped forward and hesitated. He had no idea what he was going to say.
"Don't look so miserable, Boss," shouted a trooper, "We'll send you a Christmas card every year."
Chris grinned as the tension broke, and a buzz of chat and laughter rippled through the crowd.
"I'm sorry, guys," Chris said, "It's not my doing. The new Zimbabwe doesn't want us around, but if any of you know of any other Country which does, we'll look at it."
Chris told them the options open to them. Including the troop currently at Daggers, there were fifty-six men for whom they had to find new careers.
"Look, we've got a few weeks," said Chris, "Take your time to think it over. We would like to know what every one of you wants, and then we can decide if we can give it to you. I promised I wouldn't let you down, and I'll do my damndest to see that you're all fairly treated." he paused briefly, "I just want to say
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