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“Trying for a baby – but I honestly don’t know. I thought I did, but never expected to rank up so quickly, and need to talk to Destiny.”
“Speaking of, in case you didn’t realize it already – you have to watch what you say in front of the others.”
“I already figured that,” Killian began, nodding, his mind whirling. “You led by example - really well, too – I might add.”
“I think you’ll like Cajun. He’s decent and reminds me of Firefly.”
“Whoaaaboy...”
“In a good way,” Reaper chuckled knowingly. “He’s a good guy.”
“Thank you.”
“I know Paradox was expecting the promotion to squadron leader – how do you think he is going to react?”
“He’s going to be angry,” Killian said openly. “Angry, jealous, bitter, and he has some stuff going on personally that has his temper on edge already.”
“What do you suggest to calm him down?” Reaper asked bluntly. “I need to know where my weaknesses are and sometimes, they come from the least likely person. When this all went down with Reilly, Maestro had my back, saving my backside when Reilly tried to sabotage my locker while we were on maneuvers…”
“What?!”Killian hissed.
“Reilly had more than one report filed on him – and don’t you dare breathe a word,” Reaper said tautly. “I’m serious and trusting you, Briscoe. I’m trusting you with my career… and my family’s income with that nugget of information. I expect you to always have my back and I’ll have yours.”
“You’ve got it,” Killian replied. “I think Paradox needs to understand that he wasn’t passed over, but he’s being lined up for command once either of us leaves. I think that would smooth his feathers.”
“Paradox will have a hard time taking leadership if he doesn’t change,” Reaper said sadly. “He’s an amazing pilot, but the strangeness his personality thrives on and the lack of regard for rules? The exuberant wildness within him? All of it combined to him earning a much-deserved call sign. Paradox is hard to pin down or understand. He will struggle, and command will pick someone that is rock-solid after we are gone.”
“I think we both know that,” Killian said quietly, racking his brain, “But if you don’t give him some carrot, something to work for? Then we could lose an excellent pilot and a darn good human being. He is wild enough that he would destroy his career and blame it on someone else – or simply quit - the moment his contract is up.”
“Which is next April – I already looked.”
“Dang… you’re going to be good at this,” Killian shook his head, laughing softly and looking at the other pilot with newfound respect. “No wonder Colonel Bradford bumped you.”
“I’m not just a pretty face,” Reaper smirked – and Killian laughed outright. “Anything else I should know about the team?”
“I don’t think so,” Killian admitted. “Is there anything I should know?”
“Outfield is certainly ‘out there,’ and that is why I put him with me,” Reaper began, letting out a faint laugh, shaking his head. “I think Cajun has a kid, but I’m not sure. I know he’s not from Louisiana, because X-Ray got really snooty one time when I teased him about the accent.”
“Really?”
“Yup. X-Ray said that ‘he was the real Cajun and the other was a mockery’.”
“Pushed his buttons, did you?”
“Apparently.”
“Let’s handle Paradox today,” Reaper suggested. “I want you to invite him to join us for dinner. I think he will respond better to you than he will towards me right now.”
“Will do.”
“Oh – and Ricochet?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Perks of squadron leader – you can use my phone if I am not in my office, so you have privacy to call your wife. Everyone will be watching your every move, and we both need to have someone we can rely on.”
“I appreciate that.”
