“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!”