"General Hawk?"
'"Yes, Mainframe. What is it?"
"You have a private call from Admiral Ledger."
"Admiral Ledger?" Hawk looked up from his stack of paperwork, "Now what could that old sea barnacle be wanting…?" he muttered. Hawk had known Admiral Ledger for years. Even though they served different branches in the military, they had worked together many times throughout their successful careers. Ledger was Old Navy…and proud of it. He commanded the men serving under him with authority and pushed them to excellence. Hawk, too, was proud of his men…and women, he smiled, and loved challenging them in both mind and body. He and the Admiral had often engaged in friendly conversations over who had the better team. "I wonder what he's gloating about, now," Hawk smiled indulgently. "Patch him into my office, Mainframe." The paperwork would wait.
"Yes sir."
"General Hawk."
"Admiral Ledger…"
"I would like to extend an invitation to the Joes for this year's Air/Sea Training on the Flagg." He announced, getting right to the point as usual.
"You want the Joes, Admiral?" Hawk was surprised. The special training had always been exclusive.
"Just a couple. Send me a small list of your best pilots, citing years of experience, training and mission highlights. I will personally choose two from your recommendations. They will participate in our tactical training and aerial demonstrations. It is my belief we will both benefit from this joint venture."
"Of course Admiral, and I am sure you will be pleased with whatever men you choose." Hawk smiled confidently, already mentally running through his best pilots. He knew all his Joes well and trusted in their abilities implicitly. Here was a great chance to one up the Admiral, he smirked. "I'll have one of my men get on it right away. We will have a list ready for you in a couple of days."
"That will be just fine. Thank you General. I look forward to reading your report."
"Flint," he spoke excitedly over the intercom. "Report to my office. I have a job for you." a grin spread across his face.