“Men!” he shouted. “Give me your attention. Snap into it!”
The men faced him and silence filled the room. “I’m sorry Colonel Fuller can’t be here. I’ll just have to introduce myself. I’m Nick Munson, test pilot from the U.S.A. And I’m your new instructor.” He let his eye rove over the men. His gaze flecked over Stan and Allison, seemed to pause a moment, then it moved on.
“What do you think of that?” Stan muttered.
“I’m not saying,” Allison answered.
“Just keep your lips buttoned up and listen to me.” Nick glared directly at Stan and Allison, though he could not have heard what they said.
The men moved in closer and frowns creased many faces. The Flying Tigers were easy-going, loose on discipline, deadly in the air. Many of them were veterans of the China Army. They didn’t like this new colonel’s attitude.
“I see some of you need a bit of military training,” Nick snapped. “I’m here to kick some action out of you birds. And I’ll do it or hand in my papers.”
The men stared at him, but no one said a word.
“I don’t want any more exhibitions like we had this afternoon. One famous R.A.F. pilot who thought he knew all about flying had a plane burned from under him and got himself shot up. You birds play this game my way or you’ll stay on the ground.”
Stan felt his hands clench into fists.