The Replacements- 3

Anderson tucked his handkerchief in his vest pocket and placed his glasses back on.

"Mark, how do you feel about Commanding the G-Force team?" He leaned over his desk and watched for my reaction.

What? I could feel Anderson's eyes staring straight through me.

My first thought was of Jason. "Sir, Jason hasn't had his turn…" He wasn't going to like this one bit. At least I tried to stand up for my best friend.

"I didn't ask about how Jason felt, I asked about how you felt."

I gulped. "I…I would be honored, Sir."

Anderson smiled warmly. "Well then, it's settled. You will Command the team from now on."

"I know that Jason hasn't had his turn to command, but it has become apparent to me that you are best suited for the job. Your level headed commands are exactly what we need for the missions. Jason is far too argumentative to lead the team." The chief explained his position. I could see why he made his decision.

He stood up to shake my hand. "Congratulations, Commander!"

Commander…it sounded strange. I supposed I could get used to it, but what about the others?

I hesitated before leaving Anderson's office. "Sir, I have one more question…"

"Yes, Mark?"

"How are we going to tell the others?"

"I'll call a meeting this evening. First, however, I have to meet with Don."

"Sir, would it be ok if I told to Jason about this before the meeting? You know, smooth things over a bit?" I could just see Jason storming out of the meeting this evening and not speaking to me for at least a week.

The Chief smiled. "Of course, Mark. You know how to handle Jason very well. I can tell I've made the right choice."

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I drug my feet as I walked over to the Ready Room. Facing the angry Condor was a miserable fate. Why'd it have to be me?

I walked in to see Tiny eating his Space burgers, and Jason sitting on the couch reading a newspaper.

They both looked up when I walked in.

"So what did the Chief want?" Tiny's question came out muffled as he continued chewing his burger. He always forgot his manners when he was eating.

"Oh, not much." I tried to act nonchalant as I plopped down in a nearby chair.

"It had to be something big, or he wouldn't have wanted to talk to you alone." Jason folded the paper and laid it down beside him.

"Yeah, I guess it was big." I took in a deep breath. "You know, Jase, we always said that no matter which one of us Commanded the team, we'd support one another, right?"

"You've gotta be kidding! He made you Commander!" Jason's face turned red with fury. "I haven't even had a chance…" He pounded his fists on the coffee table.

I held up my hands to block whatever might be coming. "I know, Jase, I told him that."

"So what'd he say?"

Here goes…time to brace myself… "He said that you were too argumentative to lead the group. He's made his decision, Jase. We have a meeting tonight to talk about it."

"I just don't get it…" Jason shook his head. "He didn't even give me a chance…"

The angry Condor stalked out of the room, and punched a rather impressive hole in the wall before he left.

Tiny put his burger down. "Mark, I'm real happy for you. I think you'll make a great Commander. Congratulations!"

"Thanks, Tiny…" I sighed heavily. "My first day on the job, and it looks like I've got my work cut out for me."