The jungles of South America, like the ones in Vietnam, did not appeal to the man currently trekking his way through the densely packed trees and thick vegetation, which grew in every possible direction. If it wasn't the vines that hung down, it was the roots sticking up, and Face had tripped for the last damn time. It was hot and humid and that did little to improve the lieutenant's mood as he finally collapsed to sit, dropping the heavy pack at his feet.
Right away he felt relief on so many different levels. His back no longer ached, and his shoulders and neck felt much better from having the load removed, though the skin where it was exposed through the very basic vest he wore was chaffed quite badly. Despite the warmth of the place, Face felt it would be better for him to try and tolerate an extra layer if he was to spare his skin more discomfort and irritation. The last thing he needed out here was an infection from something as simple as broken skin. His legs seemed the happiest part of him now he was seated. They'd carried not only the pack but the man himself through miles of the jungle and up a gradual incline. They'd earned the rest.
His feet felt relatively good, and he mentally patted his back for having the hindsight to wear his best hiking boots. They had been expensive (like most of the things he owned) but worth every penny. His mood was dark enough without adding blisters into the equation.
With a sigh the lieutenant grabbed the canteen that was hanging from the pack and took a single glug, swilling the moisture around his mouth before committing to the swallow. He had no time to refill the container with water harvested and purified from the abundant sources around him. He really didn't have time for this little breather, either, but his body was exhausted. One bad fall would see him out of this particular ballgame.
"What's the hold up, Lieutenant?" Face looked up from his musing to the source of the familiar voice, trying to get a glimpse at Hannibal through the trees. It sounded like the older man was ahead of him, and he cursed his luck. If Hannibal had beaten Face to their destination, the younger man would never hear the end of it.
"This is just great…" Face muttered darkly as he screwed the cap back onto the canteen and hoisted the pack back over his right shoulder before starting his journey once again.
The brief respite had done the trick at least. He was taking more care and his legs seemed sure of their stride. The last thing he wanted was to take a fall in front of the team. It was bad enough he seemed to be the last one to arrive, as B.A and Murdock were right there with Hannibal as the colonel looked down at their destination. A small village nestled in the valley below, with homes built from the abundant resources of the jungle. Very basic shelters for a people with a basic lifestyle.
"Well hey there, Facey. Nice of you to join us." Murdock said with a big smile as he openly mocked his 'lil-brother'. They were all dressed in their jungle greens for a job like this, providing not only camouflage but protection from the elements.
Face chose to ignore the comment and dropped his pack to the ground. Feeling pretty miserable, he scaled the final few steps to where Hannibal stood. He'd struggled the entire way and the rest of the team had beaten him to the place and barely broken a sweat. Murdock was just as lively as ever, swinging from a branch and humming some tune, while B.A just glared down at Face like he was deeply disappointed with the lieutenant's performance.
"Yeah, what kept you, Lieutenant?" Hannibal asked, finally lowering the binoculars to look at his soldier.
"Give me a break, Hannibal. It's a hundred degrees out here and that pack's at least a hundred and twenty pounds…"
"You're getting soft, Face. Remind me to double the hours you train." The colonel went back to watching the activity below leaving Face rolling his eyes and he quickly forgot what Hannibal had said.
"Yeah, yeah fine. Is this the place?" Face asked holding his hands out to get a look through the scopes but Hannibal didn't hand them over, leaving the lieutenant feeling like a fool.
"You're gonna have to do some reconnaissance to find out for sure."
"Me!? But I'm exhausted. Can't Murdock go, or B.A? They're nice and fresh." At that B.A snarled in an intimidating manor. Face snapped his mouth shut and took a discreet step away from the big guy, fearing for his life. "Look my head's really ringing too, you know that guy back at the dock hit like a truck… Any relation to you, big guy?" he asked of his muscle-bound team mate who glared back unamused.
"Face, enough of the excuses," Hannibal looked right at the younger man, his eyes hard and almost daring the lieutenant to defy his order again. Face knew better than to do that when Hannibal was in a mood like this. The colonel seldom got so serious, and it left Face wondering what had triggered it.
"Alright," Face conceded with a sigh and back tracked to collect his pack. By the time he hoisted it over his shoulder, the guys had dispersed. "Oh, don't wait up." He grumbled.