Opportunities Taken - Chapter 15
The next morning Marshall was again waiting on the front porch awaiting Chase's return from running. He spotted him coming up the drive and began pouring the coffee.
"Morning Chase," said Marshall.
Chase slowed and it was apparent he was upset. Marshall handed him the cup and walked over sitting down. Chase paced a moment and then walked over and sat down.
"So I see you got no sleep at all," said Marshall. "Are you going to tell me, or do I need to get analytical with you?"
Chase started to say something and stopped. He laughed and shook his head. "Maybe I need to just stay here. You can be my full time psychiatrist."
Marshall laughed, "Anytime, Anywhere."
Chase took a deep breath and leaned his head back and explained what he knew so far..
"I can't decide whether I'm upset because they suggested a desk," said Chase," or the fact that maybe they're right to do so."
"Well, you still don't know for sure that's what they are suggesting, correct," asked Marshall.
"No, I'm psyching myself up for a conversation that may not happen," said Chase.
"Obviously I'm going to suggest listening to the proposal first," said Marshall. "You're far too analytical to not scenario the different angles before you get to the fight. Now, I'm not suggesting that is wrong. However, you've got something else going on that is triggering this."
"Like I've said before," laughed Chase, "You know me and my mind better than I do in some cases. Yes, I'm worried that I'm getting older and maybe it's time to consider slowing down a little."
Marshall thought for a moment before speaking.
"Chase," said Marshall, "You've accomplished so much and been practically everywhere. In that time you've never backed down from a fight. They will tell stories of your accomplishments years after we're gone. If that is what you choose is right for you, you have left one hell of a legacy that will not be overlooked ever. Listen to their suggestion and then step back and look at it from all angles, speak with Skye, She's part of this now as well. Then both of you decide what is best for your family and ultimately, your sanity."
Chase closed his eyes, a tear leaked down his muzzle.
"Chase, there is no shame in admitting that you're tired," said Marshall. "You've gone hard for years. The normal pup would have laid down or died of exhaustion years ago but you've never been a normal pup. If you think there's still more for you to do in the field, then offer the suggestion and see what the reception is."
Skye was watching and sensed the appropriate moment to walk out and slowly slipped her paws around Chase's shoulders from behind. She gently kissed his neck and ran her paws through his fur. Chase leaned his head back and moaned with the pleasure of her touch.
"So what time is your meeting honey?" asked Skye.
"0900," said Chase. "I guess I'll shower and get into uniform."
"You need help?" asked Skye.
"No," said Chase, "but your company is never unwanted. Thanks Marshall, I'll let you know what their suggestion ends up being."
Chase walked into the cabin and into the bathroom. He started the shower and began pulling his workout clothes off. Skye had grabbed his uniform out of the closet and set it on the bed. She stepped into the bathroom and heard Chase mumbling to himself.
"Chase?" asked Skye.
"Hum?" replied Chase.
"I know this has upset you," said Skye. "I'm trying to understand why you feel this is a bad thing. Worst case, you move to an office and get to come home each evening. I know it's not as exciting as being in the field, but it is still a necessary part of the job. I will support your decision no matter what. If you choose to stay in the field I'll fly you wherever you need to go. If you decide to take the promotion, I'll fly you to meetings or whatever."
Chase stepped out and dried off, "I appreciate the support. I guess the truth is I had already been thinking about this. It just kind of shocked me when it was suggested before I had made up my mind."
"Well, I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of all you've accomplished," said Skye.
"Your support is more than I ever dreamed," said Chase, "let alone deserve."
"I Love You Chase," said Skye, "I will stand beside you no matter where you are at the end of the day."
Chase kissed her and began putting his uniform on. He walked over to the spare room and set up his desk and computer for the video conference.
About an hour later he came out of the room. Skye was laying on the couch waiting, she sat up as he came out.
"Well?" asked Skye.
"I guess first off," said Chase, "They didn't give me an option on the promotion. I'm now Major Chase regardless."
"Well, uh, congratulations, I guess," said Skye. "And the rest?"
"They want me to take over six teams," said Chase, "Four are operational, and two are training. I would be the commanding officer over roughly 30 to 35 pups and personnel."
"Sorry for not totally understanding the system," said Skye, "would all of those soldiers answer straight to you?"
"No, each team would have a lieutenant or first sergeant, The operations teams would answer to a captain. I would be over the captain and the two training teams. At least until we expand the training units. They said I could still occasionally teach, but would prefer I stay stateside for the most part. If a major incident or operation occurs I would need to head to a command center."
"So where would your base be?" asked Skye.
I could easily have a Secure Comms Office built wherever I want for daily operations," said Chase. "The nearest Command Center is Kentucky at headquarters."
"Ok, I guess first, what are the pro's and con's?" said Skye. "Second, what does this mean for us? And finally, what do you want? What's your first thought?"
"I swore I wouldn't order anyone else to their potential deaths," said Chase. "I realize that's not reasonable unless I get out. Part of me likes the idea of expanding the training aspect. I realize that I'm probably topping out as high as I can go in my lifetime."
"What do you mean?" asked Skye.
"I'm the first canine Major in the army," said Chase. "I don't think I'll be alive for the first colonel. And until they let canines attend West Point there won't be any generals. I never dreamed I'd make it this far."
"Well, I still support you," said Skye, "You mentioned that a captain would be over the operations team. Would you name Rhonda in that position?"
"I don't know," said Chase, "She's capable. I guess first I would have to ask her."
"Well obviously you need to discuss all this with her," said Skye, "She's been with you through most of it. She understands the situation better than I ever could."
"I'll call her," said Chase, walking over to the phone.
Rhonda came over and Skye had made a pie and iced tea. They sat around the table talking about what had been discussed.
"So first off," said Rhonda, "congratulations Major, you more than deserved the promotion. Second, the suggestion. I don't know Chase, it sounds like a great opportunity. You get to design the system, the training. I assume they will let you pick your teams. I guess you want me to ask?"
"What?" said Chase.
"You want me to ask you to consider me as your Captain over the operations teams," said Rhonda.
"I would prefer to have you," said Chase. "I know your mind, I trust you, and frankly I don't want to lose you. I didn't want to assume you'd be interested."
"Well of course none of this matters if you turn it down," said Rhonda.
"Yeah, well there is that," said Chase. "So what do you think?"
"Well, I know you've thought about it," said Rhonda, "While you won't directly order personnel into the field. It will still be your decision that drives the officer to direct the team to deploy. Are you going to be ok?
"Yes, that has occurred to me," said Chase. "I know it's not reasonable to believe I will never send anyone into a potentially dangerous situation. I think now, I can deal with it." Chase squeezed Skye's paw indicating it was because of her.
Rhonda reached across and squeezed Chase's paw as well. "Major, it would be an honor to continue serving by your side. If you trust me enough to oversee your operational personnel, I will do my utmost best to bring them home and uphold your high standards."
"So I'm really doing this?" said Chase. Rhonda and Skye both stood and came over hugging Chase.
"You're not quitting or giving up," said Skye.
"You're expanding your reach," said Rhonda. "You will develop the training and command the best four operational units in the US Army."
"Actually, that is the classified part," said Chase, "We're both joint service operations now."
"What does that mean?" asked Skye. "I know I probably wasn't supposed to hear that and obviously can't brag about that part."
"That means Chase can pick his team's personnel from any branch," said Rhonda. "That was first done with the formation of Delta Squad. Wow, that's incredible. Is this experimental or truely operational?"
"No it's operational," said Chase. "We are definitely code word, but not totally black."
"Chase, add a condition," said Rhonda.
"Is something we need to step into the bedroom for?" asked Chase.
"No, add that we want final say on the final training curriculum for the operators," said Rhonda. "If we're going there, I want to know for a fact that we know the total capabilities of our personnel."
"I think that's agreeable," said Chase. "OK, I'll make the call."
"So can I call it Paw Patrol Extreme Operations," laughed Skye.
"Yeah, I think there might be some copyright issues," laughed Chase. "But we three can call it that."
Chase walked into the spare room again to make the call accepting the position.