from home, I want you to remember one thing — that duty demands not what is easy, not what is convenient. It requires doing what is right, time and again, unnoticed and unapplauded. It is your sacred obligation. And one that you will fulfill in the following months with my relief. It has been my pleasure — and my honor — to serve with you.
“I will now read my orders.” Tombstone paused again, staring down at the photocopy of the message traffic he’d received just hours before. He read the originator and the subject line out loud, and then continued with the text. “When relieved, report to commander, Pacific Fleet, for further assignment.” A weaselly assignment, stashed in Hawaii on the PACFLT staff until his next assignment was decided by the higher-ups.
Batman read his orders, a solemn note in his voice. Tombstone tried to remember if he’d ever heard his friend sound so serious. He hadn’t, he decided. He wondered whether he should tell Batman what he’d just realized about the ceremony, and then decided he wouldn’t. Better that his old wingman learn it in his own way.
Finally, it was over. He and Batman exchanged salutes and formally and publicly reported the change of command to their immediate superior, commander of the Third Fleet. They followed the admiral off the podium to the sound of the “Anchors Aweigh” and headed for the reception table set up below on the hangar bay.
“They’re all yours, Batman,” he said quietly. For a moment, just a few seconds, Tombstone felt a deep sense of loss.
“I’ll take good care of them, Tombstone,” Batman said solemnly. Tombstone wondered if there’d been the same look of quiet jubilation in his eyes when he’d taken command of the carrier group. It would come within the next week, he knew. The sudden doubts, the overwhelming burden of commanding such a potent weapon. Batman would find his own way of dealing with it, just as he’d found out how to cope with his earliest doubts about his abilities as a pilot, Tombstone knew. If he had to relinquish command, it could be to no better officer.
“Any idea of what they’ve got planned for you?” Batman asked as a mess management specialist filled his cup with punch.
“Not a word,” Tombstone answered. It bothered him a little, that not even a rumor had leaked out of the E- ring at the Pentagon.
“I might be able to shed some light on that,” he heard a familiar voice say. “Congratulations, by the way, Batman. I know you’ll do a fine job.”
“Thank you, sir. But have you heard anything about Tombstone’s orders?”
Vice Admiral Magruder smiled. “I have, but I’m sworn to secrecy. I can tell you this, Tombstone. Just a hint. If you thought the Spratly Islands and the Chinese were a challenge you’re gonna love the next two years!”
