We got a got a note from a shipmate in Japan about the time we were wrestling the new bookcase in next to the recliner Miles has been using in an attempt to get the new year started in proper fashion. That is normally in keeping with the oriental signs of the Zodiac for all the obvious reasons.

The Chairman’s kids were born in Hawaii in one of those odd breaks in careers after Vietnam, so some of the Chinese imagery carried along behind him mixed up with the Japanese and Korean artifacts of his time in those intriguing nations. He preferred to leave his sign behind, since ‘Rabbits’ are not the image he wants to project.

“So, I think the Chinese character- the strong horse- should show the symbolism of our New Year, the Horse!” He said it fiercely andMiles laughed.

Rocket smiled, since fire is part of his call sign. “That makes it my year,” he said with a weeping hand along the inside of the West Wall. “The Fire Horse.”

Melissa laughed. “That would actually mean either a small horse or a minor fire. How would you care to be characterized this year?”

“I might just go with the horse. But that is what went down in Venezuela this morning.”

Splash slapped his thigh. “Guess the people who drive boats and tankers across the Caribbean ought to pay more attention,” he said with a laugh. “And I think the people of Caracas will sleep a little better even if former President maduro and his wife don’t.”

Holly put her tablet down. ‘Look like President Trump exercised Operation Extended Resolve last night over Caracas to apprehend former President Maduro, It was a meticulous operation that only U.S. Forces could accomplish, said General Dan “Raichristmas, but you know the weather at that time of the year down there. One of our birds took a hit but safely navigated home. There was no death or injury to our forces.’

‘What is going to be done with them?” asked Eddie, wondering if hec ould get assigned to the Southern District coverage team here if they are going to be tried here as former President Noreiga was 29 years ago.

“Dunno,’ said Melissa. “I am pretty sure everyone is guilty who needs to be. In the meantime, I might want to be going a little easy right now if I was Iranian, you know? Seems like Mr. Trump is getting a little cranky these days.;

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