The Replacements- 17

When we arrived back at Center Neptune, I left Jason without saying a word.

I didn't have to say anything. Jason knew what was on my mind, and, even better, he gave me the space I needed to sort things out.

The guy aggravated me a lot, but I at least I always knew where I stood with him.

I retreated to the island where I had first meditated with Princess. It was hard to get my mind off of her, but it was peaceful there, listening to the water thundering and the seabirds crying in the distance. Regrets churned around in my mind like the waves. Perhaps I'd learn from my mistakes. I hoped I'd be given the chance to try to fix them.

When the Chief found out that Princess wasn't coming back, he'd demote me for sure. Jason would probably get his chance to command the team, after all.

Princess seemed so happy with her new civilian life; It seemed as though she really didn't miss us at all. I supposed she was used to transition…people coming in and out of her life as though they were going through a revolving door.

I had to admit that I was a little disappointed in the way she so casually left the team. I really thought she and I had connected. I misjudged her…badly.

I reclined back into the warm sand, folded my arms behind my head, and stared into the infinite, blue sky. Answers. I needed answers.

After a while, I noticed brilliant colors banding across the sky, signaling the beginning of a beautiful sunset. I quickly hopped up from my sandy bed, and went inside to work out a bit before dinner.

I took out my frustrations out in the simulator. I couldn't remember the last time I worked that hard. Every muscle in my body ached, but it felt good to take out those goons, even if they weren't real. As I finished my session, I heard a series of claps echoing throughout the room.

"They didn't stand a chance, did they?" Jason smirked at me and then looked at Tiny as they walked up to meet me.

"Hey, Mark? What did those sweet little innocent goons ever do to you?" Tiny chuckled.

"I have to admit, that felt good." I smiled half-heartedly.

"Hey, Mark," Tiny began, "About Princess. Jason and I were talking, and I think we ought to try to talk to Princess one more time. You know, go back to Jill's place and apologize…"

"I don't know, Tiny, she seems happy. She's got a new job, new apartment, new boyfriend…" My shoulders drooped as I started to trudge out of the simulator.

"Come on, Mark. As long as I've known you, I've never seen you give up." Jason argued. "Are you gonna give up, now?"

His words stopped me in my tracks. I tilted my head to the side and gave in. "Ok, you win, one more try. Let's go to Jill's tonight. I'll go and get cleaned up."

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Tiny and Jason grinning at each other.