The XO
"The key, of course, is the Executive Officer. Pick the wrong one, and nothing will work right. I could…um…recommend one who I think will fit right in."
Hannibal ruminated on the General's offer as Ray Brenner walked into his office. Despite his conversation with General Walker, Hannibal was still loath to get help with the intimacies of choosing his personnel. And on the face of it, this guy Brenner was exactly who Walker had try to steer him away from. Top of his class at OCS, high marks in Special Forces school and he had a year under his belt in 'Nam. Brenner had also been stationed in two different areas "in-country", so he knew a lot of people. Brenner saluted.
"At ease Captain," Hannibal said, and Brenner was. The Captain's mannerisms suggested an easygoing personality, but his record showed he could keep subordinates in line. An excellent choice for an XO, if the interview went well. Hannibal went over the basics: Brenner's record, why he had joined the military, and insights into the good and bad of some of the missions Brenner had been on. The Captain had the right answer for everything. Now for the loaded questions.
"You know Captain," Hannibal started, "A year ago I lost my entire team, plus our failure was responsible for the deaths of thirty other soldiers." Brenner looked him in the eye.
"Yes sir, I am aware sir."
Well at least he is looking me in the eye, Hannibal thought as he remembered the officers in the bar. Hannibal continued, "I can imagine with your record you are on the radar of a half dozen other COs looking for an exec." Brenner's chest puffed out a bit with pride.
"Yes sir" Brenner said, but he was hard pressed to stop the smile that was tugging at the corner of his mouth. Hannibal decided not to ask him what was so funny. It was obvious the irony of the situation was not lost on Brenner. Someone with his promise dooming his own career by applying to be the XO of the guy whose career crashed and burned last year was ludicrous.
"OK, I'll bite, why are you here then? Why me? Why this team?" Either the guy was career suicidal, had a dark secret past, or he had lost a huge stake to General Walker in a poker game and was still repaying.
"Your reputation sir. At OCS, the instructors said you were the most brilliant tactician that had come through since WWII. That gives me a better chance of staying alive and going home to my fiancé' so she can become my wife. And, you are known for being highly ethical, and quite frankly, since I don't want to be on the butt end of bombing VC hospitals or schools, that's important to me. The men I know who have served with you…" Hannibal cut him off.
"You mean the ones who are still alive."
Brenner sighed. "Yes sir, the ones who are still alive."
Hannibal continued. "I mean, while I appreciate your logic in theory, I did lose my entire team, so not sure why you believe my being your commander will make you live longer."
Brenner decided to tread carefully. "Look sir, the men I know who served with you when you were Colonel Jackson's XO said you were a good officer, hard but fair. They also said you cared about your men, that you didn't expect your men to do anything you weren't willing to do, and you always went in first. Therefore, I have to believe your team had some blame in the outcome. As your XO, I'll damn sure try my hardest to make sure your team doesn't fail you."
Hannibal was a bit stunned, hoping he could live up to Brenner's expectations. He put out his hand and smiled. "Welcome to the team Captain Brenner! I look forward to working with you."