The Replacements-4

The meeting with Anderson was pretty uncomfortable. I had decided it was in my best interest to let Jason blow off some steam on his own after I broke the news to him.

He didn't look up the entire time. When he was asked a question, he gave a very brief answer. He had cooled down a bit, but I could tell it wasn't over. I wonder how long Jase can hold a grudge?

I was afraid that I was about to find out.

We found out that Don went back to Anderson and resigned soon after he stormed out of our last meeting. I think he must've realized that his relationships with all of us would only get worse. He didn't even say goodbye. Just packed up his things and left. It was just as well, he and Jason never really hit it off, and Tiny and I never felt like we could get close to him.

Anderson also informed us that he would be leaving first thing in the morning, to see a prospect from a Himalayan orphanage who might take Don's place. Probably some kid who had to fight his whole life, and had a chip on his shoulder. I silently prayed that he would be even tempered. I certainly didn't need any more drama in my life.

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After the meeting, I caught up with Jason. "Want to get a cup of coffee?"

"Uh, yeah…" Jason nodded.

We walked silently to the cafeteria and sat down with our drinks.

Jason stirred his coffee absentmindedly, and then began to speak. "I'm not mad at you, Mark."

"I know." I figured I'd let him do most of the talking.

"I'm just disappointed. Anderson judged me before I even had a chance to show what I can do!" Jason's eyebrows knit together as he spoke. "Even criminals get a fair trial!"

"I know, Jase. I tried to talk to him, but he had already made up his mind. He is making you second in command, at least." I did feel bad for the guy. It seemed hard luck followed him around like a dark cloud.

"Yeah, who else would he pick…Tiny?"

Jason's comment was supposed to be serious, but I couldn't hold back my laughter. Jason's face relaxed as he watched me laugh, and ended up joining me in my fit of hysterics.

As our laughter faded, Jason reached out to shake my hand. "Hey, man, congratulations…"

I grasped his hand in a firm handshake, realizing that he really did stand behind me. Jason might have been difficult at times, but I always knew where I stood with him.

A feral grin spread across his face. "Don't screw up, though, because I've got my eye on you!"

I started chuckling again. It was good to have my friend back.

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I spent the next day out at the airfield, working on an old plane that had been left to me by my father. I was determined to get her flying again.

Exhausted, and covered with grease, I went inside my little shack to clean up and get some rest. I thought about calling the Chief to see how things were going. The curiosity was killing me.

I had just gotten dressed after showering, when I heard a knock at the door. I opened it, to find two familiar faces grinning back at me.

"Good evening, Commander." Tiny and Jason both bowed mockingly. "May we come in?"

"Can it, guys…" I laughed.

"We thought we'd bring over some movies and pizza to celebrate your…promotion!" Tiny chirped.

"Sounds good." I could feel a smile spread across my face. It felt good to have their support.

I walked over to the fridge to pull out some drinks.

Jason called to me from the living room. " Hey, Skipper, throw me a beer, will ya?"

I walked back in and plopped back onto the sofa. "Here, Gilligan...and don't call me Skipper!" I grumbled.

That did it. Now that Jase knew I hated his new nickname, I'd be hearing it a lot.

Tiny handed me a plate. "Here ya go, Skip..." He and Jason had a good chuckle at my expense.

No one said this job was gonna be easy.

"So what kind of new guy do you think the Chief will come back with?" I decided to blurt out the question that I knew was coursing through their minds.

"Man, I don't care who they pick, as long as he doesn't tell me how to pilot the Phoenix!" Tiny picked up a slice of pizza and almost ate the whole thing in one bite.

"He better not be like Don. I don't think I could take another jerk like that!" Jason added." And he better be able to keep up with us. He's gonna need a lot of training to catch up!"

I had been giving it a lot of thought. "You know, I don't care either, as long as he's a team player. That's going to be important in order for us to succeed."

"Hey, Mark," Tiny chuckled. "You sound like a Commander already!"

"Thanks, Tiny," I grinned. "Well, the Chief's due back tomorrow. I guess we'll know more then."