Another random emoticon just because I want to.

The second-in-command (my first editor, Lex Nakashima)in this story is a lot like the quiet second-in-command in The Enemy Below.  He keeps his mouth shut unless he thinks it’s really necessary.

I have three of those black wool berets now.  They’re so useful!  They’re warm, durable, crushable, washable, they can be pulled down over the eyes if the sun comes out, the loose fold can be used to hold coins and keys, they can be used to carry anything from mushrooms to a kitten or two, and they look pretty natty on anybody, which can’t always be said for any style of hat.

No, wait, I have five.  Two of them are military berets given me by fans and friends.  One’s a genuine red-army beret, and one’s a British army beret.  I don’t wear them, and keep them in the guest room (read: storage and organization), but just in case, they’re there.  I can always ebay them.