Page 46 of Luck Be Mine
“Timing off, not integrating. It’s like a competition out there instead of an objective,” Mateo bit out. He stared over Hunt’s shoulder and nodded towards Stemmons who was coming down the ladder. “Incoming. Our new LT is smart enough to stay put and stay out of it. Our people are getting it done. Stemmons and his men are not. They have a command position empty on their team, and Chief Riaz is trying as senior, but he’s a rookie at this.”
“Mentor him. Let’s lay a better foundation. You are senior from this point forward and in charge. Take Riaz aside and explain. Get Deter in check. Christ. This is a simple but dangerous scale of the side with Team A to the engine room-bridge and Team B to the cargo hold and crew quarters. It’s not fucking rocket science. The crossfire between Deter and K-Rock should not have happened. I identified who was at fault, but let’s do a general reminder.”
“Copy. What’s the plan?”
“What’s your suggestion?”
“We’re gonna run it back-to-back non-stop until they get it in gear and get it right. Fifty times, if that is what it takes. I’ll review job assignments. Being clear, I will drop them overboard if they don’t get it.”
Hunt snorted. “Do it then.”
“Tommy about to blow.”
“Sit on him, too.”
“Lot of opinions on the how of this. Our team agreed to follow the usual entry basics because no mission is attached to adapt the setup. Of course, we practice together all the time. Their team is arguing.”
“Squash it. Not up to them anymore. Do what you do best.”
Mateo’s eyes gleamed. “I hate working with slackers. Doing this right should be the objective.”
Doogie had remained silent but added his two cents. “A good goal. They need to learn the exhausted way. Do it.”
Mateo acknowledged Stemmons and gave Hunt a fake smile. “Nicely asking, sir, deal with him.”
“I’ve got it. Worry about them.”
Senior Chief marched back to the group and signaled Chief Riaz to join him. He didn’t raise his voice. The man didn’t have to. One glance at his set face combined with a clipped hand signal and half the SEALs snapped to attention. Ego, slack performance, and two operators who didn’t check fire lanes were in his crosshairs. He chewed out action to the last detail right down the line until every man was paying attention. If they didn’t listen now, they needed to get out.
Hunt turned to Doogie. “Stay with Brennan. Stemmons and I are going to have a point-by-point conversation.”
Doogie frowned. “Watch your back, LT, as you reminded me.”
Hunt stifled his temper. “I hear you.” He turned to Gil and pointed away from the practice area.
Stemmons shifted to go around him. “Let me talk to the guys first. Get them settled.”
Hunt stopped him. “Hernandez has it. He’s in charge of this shitshow now. Come with me.” He didn’t wait to see if the man would follow him because if he didn’t, he’d be on his ass in front of the Commander. He made eye contact with Brennan, who’d kept to the command deck. “Stay put and observe.”
Jack had his feet planted and arms crossed. “Yes, sir.”
Hunt walked out of the training area so there weren’t curious eyes on the confrontation. Noting the Master Chief in charge of the training area, he spoke with respect and control. “Would you mind if we borrowed this area for a minute, Master Chief?”
“No problem, Lieutenant. I’ll get coffee.” The big man disappeared.
“Is this necessary? We belong out there.” Gil propped his hands on his hips.
“Standing on the sidelines and watching their screw ups is not a winning strategy. You call this a team functioning well together, Stemmons? Because I don’t.”
The man drew back. “I told you the solution to this ages ago.”
“Yes, the solution was you asked to be on my team.” Hunt crossed his arms, debating whether putting on his mean face would help.
Nope. He saved the lethal expression for combat, the enemy, and anyone who threatened Cait.
He leaned in close to Stemmons, developing a new expression – stern and uncompromising. “You aren’t good enough to be on my team.”
Stemmons drew back, anger flaring in red splotches across his face. He opened his mouth, but Hunt beat him to it.
