The secret is to always let the other man have your way. - Clay Pell
Stockwell contemplated the man on the tarmac, every little movement, every little shuffle. Every little sigh.
He was well aware of the changes in the lieutenant since that whole Bancroft thing. And yet, he'd pulled himself together admirably during the Hong Kong incident. Insubordination was still insubordination, of course, and the whole team had a habit of pushing the envelope a little too far in that regard. Nevertheless, Face had shown himself to be as competent and capable during that fiasco as he undoubtedly had been in 'Nam. The whole thing had the general looking at Peck in a new light. Seeing what the man might have been, could have been, had circumstances been different. If Hanoi hadn't happened and he hadn't been permanently relegated to his lower rank, always taking orders from Hannibal. And now, of course, not really having anything to do except follow orders...
There was also that argument between Peck and the captain. Stockwell was, after all, an observant man. It didn't hurt that Santana still hadn't learned that some things should not be talked about, or that Murdock's feelings of guilt made him want to 'explain' things to anyone who would actually listen. And while they were very good, nobody could spot all the surveillance equipment.
Oh, the two acted as if they'd put it behind them, but during Stockwell's briefings it was obvious a distance remained. He'd only sent them on a few assignments, necessarily things of minor importance until the Colonel had mended, but it seemed that Smith had also seen it. He started out putting Face and Murdock together as usual. Then the duo switched partners, or became a trio, with either Santana or Baracus. Peck saw it, without doubt. Stockwell's dossier on each man had included their Achilles' heels, and the lieutenant was acutely aware of slights regarding his contributions. Then Murdock being declared a 'god' on that ridiculous little island...
Little cracks in the team. Little now, at least, but...
He would have to see how this next assignment went. They'd be charged with taking down a dangerous arms dealer, one who had a finger in every pie and would know who the team was. Just the kind of challenge Smith loved, and the team excelled at. He'd keep a close eye on how they dealt with Jourdan before taking the next step. If there was one.
He smiled. This would be the kind of challenge Stockwell loved. Mental cat and mouse, and with a very astute con man. But then, Stockwell was a master of manipulation in his own right.
Yes, indeed. Stockwell could feel his influence growing already. No one could beat someone with two A-Teams...