"You know Jack", Elliot uncorked his silver hip flask. "We"ve been in India for centuries, yet we"re less part of it now than we ever were. We exist in a regimental cocoon while India lives outside us."
"We"re not in a regimental cocoon for much longer, Arthur, we"re on the road again." Jack leaned against the wall of their shared quarters.
Elliot held out the flask. "I guessed that when Hooky wanted you."
"Do you know him?"
Elliot shook the flask to attract Jack"s attention. "I know that he"s a man best avoided. Where is he sending us?"
Jack took the flask and sipped at the contents. "God that"s rough! What"s it meant to be?"
"Whisky. Campbell"s 79th make their own."
"What do they make it from? Dead horses?" Jack choked down the fiery liquid. "Thanks Arthur, I needed that, and you"
