The Replacements- 2

Chief Anderson appeared busy filing reports as we stood in his doorway. I rapped on the door with my knuckles to let him know we were back inside Center Neptune.

Anderson shut his filing cabinet and turned to talk to us. "Come in and sit down, team. We have a lot to discuss."

I didn't like the tone of his voice.

"Commander, please give me your report." The Chief pressed his fingertips together and peered at Don through his thick glasses.

"Well, sir, the team was reluctant to follow my orders…" Don began.

"Reluctant? I'll give you reluctant…" Jason interrupted. His fists were clenched tightly as he stood up to go after Don.

Tiny grabbed Jason by his shoulders to keep him back. "Whoa, there, buddy…"

"Any Commander of G-Force should be able to make level headed decisions and keep his subordinates in check." Anderson chided Don.

Then he turned to Jason. "And if you expect to lead this team, you have to be able to conceal your emotions, Jason. We can't have you flying off the handle any time things don't go your way."

I could tell the Chief was really miffed, even though he masked himself well. He turned to me. Oh no, what was he going to say, now? I inwardly winced…

"Mark, would you mind telling me what this is all about?"

"Yes, sir," I looked around at my companions. "Well, Jason was shooting bird missiles at the robot planes, and taking them out two or three at a time."

"And Bozo, here, had us go into Fiery Phoenix mode and plow through the units all at once…" Jason growled.

"Enough, Jason, I asked Mark…" The Chief was beginning to lose his patience.

"It's just as Jason says." I bowed my head. "We tried to stop him. I know the Fiery Phoenix is just for emergencies…"

"Not only that, but it's dangerous. That maneuver is to be used with great caution, not to show off with, and certainly not for defeating robot planes in a training mission."

Anderson pushed himself forcefully back in his chair and continued. "The mission was an abject failure. Because of this, I cannot recommend you for the Commanding position, Don. I'm sure you understand."

Don didn't answer. He stood up and stormed out of the room, mumbling something about how no one here appreciated him.

We sat together in silence for a few minutes. Then I spoke up.

"Chief, we'd like to talk to you. It's about Don…" I cleared my throat nervously. I felt like I was treading on thin ice.

Anderson put his hand up. "Mark, you don't have to say a word. Based on his recent performance, Don just isn't cut out for G-Force. I will make arrangements for his dismissal immediately."

I looked at Jason and Tiny. I felt my mouth gaping open in shock. I could see that they were just as surprised as I was. That was easy. I guess the Chief knew more about our team dynamics than we realized.

"You're all dismissed. You will be placed on sabbatical until I can find a replacement for Don."

The chief took off his glasses and casually began to wipe them with a handkerchief.

As we got up to leave, he called my name. "Mark…"

I turned back cautiously. Jason and Tiny took off toward the Ready Room. "Yes, Chief?"

"…I'd like to talk to you alone for a minute. Come sit down."