It wouldn't be hard to return John in a better condition than the army found him. Bill had once feared that his son would either end up in prison or dead. But here John was, winning medals, getting a decent wage, and even being offered a course. Once this mission was over, John might actually settle down. It was still hard to imagine. "Well, I'm thankful anyway," he said. He picked up his bottle and opened it. "To you and the army, for sorting him out and giving him opportunities. Sergeant Major... To think there was a time the station didn't even want him as a porter."