"William W Johnstone - Ashes 33 - Enemy in the Ashes (txt)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Johnstone William W)

toward Buddy, sitting across the room. "After extensive consultations
with my fellow officers and the joint chiefs of all the commands, as
well as with the various battalion commanders, we all agreed that Buddy
Raines should take over . . . effective immediately."

"Wait just a minute, Ben," Buddy objected, jumping to his feet. "No one,
least of all me, can take your place!"

Ben shook his head. "You are possibly the only one who feels that way,
Buddy," Ben said. "You've served an admirable apprenticeship, if that's
what it's called, over the past couple of years, and you won't be
exactly taking my place. I plan to stay on board as a sort of advisor,
if you agree, but the ultimate responsibility of the day-today
leadership of the armed forces of the SUSA will fall on your shoulders."

Coop got to his feet and placed his hand on Buddy's

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shoulders as he spoke. "I think I can speak for all of us, Ben, when I
say we don't think you're quite over the hill yet, but I can also say if
you've made up your mind, then Buddy will make a fine leader."

"Hear, hear!" the other members of the team all shouted, getting to
their feet to crowd around Buddy and shake his hand and pat him on the back.

Ben smiled broadly and also got to his feet. He indicated Buddy should
take his chair behind the desk, and stepped to the side.

Shaking his head, Buddy moved to take the commander's chair, standing
for a moment with his hands on the desk. Everyone could see the shiny
film of tears in his eyes at the honor. He glanced at Ben. "I still
think this is unnecessary," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion.

"Of course, as the new commander in chief, you'll be able to pick your
own personal team," Ben said.

Buddy looked around the room. "If it's agreeable to them, I can think of
no better team to help me lead than the one you've used in the past," he
said.

Ben laughed and spread his arms. "I can't either," he agreed. "And I'm
sure they'll give you the same loyalty and fine service they've given me
over the years."

Every man and woman in the room nodded, and there wasn't a dry eye in
the crowd.