— 6 —
"Excellent, Lieutenant! I hoped to hear you say that!" Colonel Hammer replied. "I'm going to need someone out there with his wits about him." He turned to Smyth. "And what about you, Lieutenant Smyth?"
"Of course, sir. You shouldn't have to ask," Smyth replied. Bromley raised an eyebrow at his second-in-command, wondering if perhaps Smyth wasn't being a bit too testy.
The Colonel paused for a moment, as if to consider Smyth's reply. "Very well, lieutenant," he agreed. "Why don't you issue the warning order to the men and check in at Operations while you're at it?"
Smyth saluted and briskly left the tent.
"I heard about the reason for your fracas," Hammer said. "I don't like it. But now I'm wondering . . ." He shrugged. "I don't have time. If you don't trust Smyth, tell me and I'll replace him. Simon Beirne's his platoon sergeant and an able man."
Bull Bromley recalled the times he and Pete Smyth had worked together, the extreme conciseness of their actions, the way in which they had almost seemed to think the same thoughts. It was this unique blend of tank speed and infantry doggedness that had made Team Foxtrot a legend even in the Slammers. Bromley had thought that it would never end—until last night.
If Bull removes Pete Smyth from command, turn to section 7.
If Bull decides to keep Smyth in command of the infantry platoon of Team Foxtrot, turn to section 8.