“I wasn’t trying to pep you up. This is your problem. Joe, out here, those fancy silver eagles on your uniform really don’t mean shit. The Merry Band of Pirates is the most elite military force humanity has ever assembled, and they don’t follow you because UNEF Command says they have to. People like Major Smythe follow you because they have confidence in your ability; confidence gained from experience. The Special Operations people have seen you lead them to succeed against impossible odds, over and over and over. Joe,” he sighed, “much as it pains me to say this, I’ll do it. You are an
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