A loud commercial on the Operation Center's TV woke Lady Jaye. She was miffed, she'd dozed off. She looked at the digital clock above the television set, only 2345. She sighed to herself. she had to deal with a bit more than eight more hours before she got off duty. She looked back down at the three stacks of files on the desk.
Hawk had tasked her with flagging the newest green-shirts that had good Joe potential. It wa a good thing this was only done annually. Since coming on duty at 1800, she'd sorted the 30 folders into three piles: reject, possible potential, and good potential. It wasn't much for close to six hours of work. Hawk would want them all ready for review when she went off shift.
The reject pile held thirteen of the folders, the possible potential held eight. There were actually nine with good Joe potential in this group of Greenies. The seventeen, who hadn't been weeded out yet, would to be looked over, once more. When the folders went back to Hawk in the morning each one would have detailed notes explaining why she felt they had potential and idea on how to improve it, or even just letting him know they needed a chance.
Giving a green-shirt a chance was always risky. If they froze in action, there was the possibility for people to die or be captured by Cobra. Being in the hands of terrorists was never a good thing. Training often weeded out those who couldn't hack it despite their potential. Rigorous training uncovered the majority of those who would be a problem. Just as Basic training didn't always catch those unsuited for military life, their training wasn't a guarantee either.
One of the phones in the room behind her rang. Once more she opened her eyes and checked the clock. Now it read, 0001. From the phone conversation, the young private on duty and his girlfriend wanted to start making their Valentine's Day plans. The phones weren't supposed to be for personal use, but so long as it wasn't abused, it was over looked.
She sighed inwardly. She turned to see where the duty officer was. He was in the hall stretching. At least he didn't seem infected by the commercial holiday, an excuse to force guys to spend money and get in awkward situations with his girl. So much money was spent on candy, flowers, gifts, clothing, food out. They day was supposed to be in honor of martyred saints. Or even in memory of those killed in the Valentine's Day Massacre.
Automatically, she checked the status map and status board. No flights were in the air. The guard posts were doing fine and the security cameras inside and out showed everything was as it should be. The field training was on target, keeping Flint out for the day. It was exactly what she wanted, to be alone on this dumb, pointless day. Nothing had changed in the last few hours.
Last year she'd avoided Flint by being out on a special duty, not only that day but also the day prior and after. The years before hadn't been an issue where he was concerned, and she had been able to hide in an office doing reports or research. If Flint were here, he'd be like the duty NCO's wife. She had just arrived with goodies for her sweetie. Lady Jaye rolled her eyes.
The duty officer let the woman in and the NCO took her behind one of the partitions in the large office to spend time. There were several of the cubicles in the large room. The wall to Lady Jaye's other side held detailed area maps of hot spots around the world and a 90-day planner. None of this was classified since all of the greenshirts had access to this place. While bringing civies on base was frowned on, it wasn't against regs.
Lady Jaye dove back into working on the files. The NCO and his wife were making the same sort of plans as the private, romantic drivel. At least the officer was staying totally professional. But even as she made that note to herself, she saw him place a call to a florist, using the phone book as reference. She could try putting a stop to this, but they'd make her rest of the shift even more miserable for her. Besides, the shop would be closed for several more hours. She sat hard on another sigh.
She already had her plans for the rest of the day. They began and ended with Jim Bean. Several of his friends and relatives were cooling in her room waiting. She wanted and needed this day to pass in a blur, and she'd only be able to sleep for a few hours if she didn't. Hawk and Duke knew better than to bother her at all after she got off duty in seven hours and thirty-one minutes. Falcon would be clued in if needed.
At 0200, Lady Jaye glanced over an unusual file for the fourth time. A first lieutenant, K-9 certified MP with fluency in the major Oriental languages, and several of the European ones. She was young. She'd gotten her GED at 16 and gone straight into ROTC. By taking a killer load, she'd graduated in three years, by age 19. Since then she'd been with the greenies, attending schools and adding even more languages.
There was a transfer request, not to move onto the Joes, but to another post. That was the odd part. Usually green-shirts hoped to be picked up for the Team. Jaye flagged the file for Hawk's serious attention and filled two pages, front and back, with small neat notes. The young officer almost seemed too good to be true, setting off alarms in Jaye's head. Looking at the photo, there was something familiar about her.
The last six hours of duty dragged on. Jaye kept busy. Finally, Clutch arrived to take her place for the next watch. From his grin, he'd had an interesting evening the night before and plans for the end of the normal duty day. Lady Jaye briefed him, dismissed the overnight crew, and signed over the duty. As she headed for Hawk's office to secure the files, she saw pink, red, and white flowers and balloons all over the place. She did sigh this time.
Before anyone could try to offer sympathy for Flint's absence, she finished her task in the office and escaped to the sanctuary of her room. After locking the door she got Jim out of the small refrigerator and fixed a double shot. It burned going down, pushing aside distant memories which were trying to rise. She savored the feeling.
She knew better than to drink too much before she ate. The buzz needed to last all day. She planned for the alcohol to knock her cold around dinner time so she'd be ready for Beach-Head tomorrow. He'd want to put her to extra work for missing out today. The rest of the military might be off on a Saturday, but the Joes were their own law.
She resisted having another shot accompany breakfast preparations, and the meal. She set the dishes to the side and took a shower, then came out, fixed another double, and did the dishes. The buzz had her relaxed, her brain was there, but inactive, as she wanted it. The memories were powerless against the liquid buffer. She turned the water off in time to hear a knock on the door. Curious, she answered the door.
One of the green-shirts, a mail-handler, stood there with a Priority Mailer. Lady Jaye signed for it and closed the door. There was something about the handwriting. She glanced at the return address, downing a third double, having an odd feeling it was fake. Someone who knew without a return address she'd never see it.
She set the box on the table and had more Jim Bean. She sat there, sipping her fourth double, trying to puzzle out the package. It wasn't dangerous. It would have been checked for drugs, explosives, bugs and the like. She did a search on the address and had her suspicion confirmed about the address. It was a vacant field in Martha's Vineyard. Absently, she fixed downed another drink and dressed for bed, fixed and finished yet another drink from a fresh bottle.
Fried, Lady Jaye was unaware of how fast she was fixing and downing the drinks, nerves over the package spurring her on. Finally, she had no more excuses to put off opening the delivery. She had trouble, but wasn't able to realize it was because of how impaired she was, blaming it on nerves instead.
She finally opened the package to see a ring-sized box inside. Hands shaking, she opened the box. She knew the ring she saw. She had hoped to never see it again. One hand clamped the box closed and held it tight. Tears of anger and pain flowed and the memory tried to get loose.
She took a good slug from the almost full bottle bottle, then slammed it on the table. The neck of the bottle shattered, and the table tipped over. Sanity returned long enough for Lady Jaye to realize she'd had way too much and stand. She turned towards the bathroom, but fell over the table. Her head hit the ground hard, as the her force of her fall flipped the table onto her legs. The table's fall broke the rest of the second bottle. The empty bottle had gone to pieces as well in the fall. Vomit and urine mixed with the mess as she passed out.
There was an urgent knock at the door, "Lady Jaye! Are you alright!" Flint called from the hall, "Allie!"
The knob tried to turn but the lock held. There was a failed attempt to open the door, followed by a kick in just the right place. The door splintered as it flew open, losing a hinge. Flint raced in, going to Lady Jaye's side being careful of the broken glass. He checked her over quickly then placed an emergency call to Doc.
Flint gently eased Jaye out of the mess on the floor and began gently removing glass where it wasn't imbedded too deeply. He didn't want to do too much but he saw the empty bottle and the second one partly spilled on the floor. He knew something was wrong just from that. That she had something clenched tightly, even now, in her hand was another clue.
He tried to pry the hand around the ring box open without luck. Even passed out she held the object of her pain tight. Duke arrived, pausing briefly in the doorway. Duke rushed in when he saw the situation. He helped Flint lift Jaye and set her on the bed. There was a slight catch in Duke's breathing when he saw the box.
"What's wrong Duke? You know something I can tell."
"If she doesn't tell you, I can't. I promised her long ago. But there's a walking dead man now."
"Let me guess, there's an engagement ring in that box."
"No comment."
Doc and a medical team arrived and pushed the other men aside. Within a few minutes, Jaye was cleaned up, except for a few shards that were in a bit too deeply to remove easily. She was placed on a stretcher and on the way to medical. Doc had asked enough questions to find that no one knew for certain what had happened.
Duke and Flint followed, after a guard was posted outside of Jaye's place. Until a new door was in place a guard would stay. Duke's manor didn't invite questions. Flint's anxiety grew. He had a feeling his being there had saved her life. But why it had been endangered, he wasn't certain.
The two men paced outside the room Jaye had been taken into, waiting for Doc's report. Time played tricks and felt like hours, but in truth was only half an hour before Doc came to the waiting area. Both Duke and Flint went to him.
"I wasn't able to get that box out of her hand." He sighed. "Alcohol poisoning is her main problem. I've patched up the cuts and she's recovering right now. In fact she ought to be..."
Doc didn't get a chance to finish the statement because the distinctive sound of Jaye's cursing made it superfluous. Duke motioned for Flint to go on in and stayed behind to chat with Doc. Jaye seemed covered more by bandages than by the gown or sheets as she sat up in bed. Flint took a seat by the bed.
"Surprise, I'm back early." Flint smiled at her. "What's in your hand?"
"Go away."
"What's wrong?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Jaye, whatever is bothering you almost killed you. Why did you drink so much? It's not like you at all." His tone was full of worry, his eyes pleaded with her.
Emotions and alcohol got her to say things she never would have. "Tomas Marshal Xavier," she snarled trying for anger over tears.
"Never heard of him."
"You have, and his brother Xavier Marshal Tomas."
"Tomax and Xamot?"
"Yes," she said softly. "I met him at college. We became an item. A year later, he proposed to me on Valentine's Day. I never said yes, but smiled. He … he took liberties with me. Or at least I think it was him. Once I got him off of me I threw the ring at him and fled. This ring." She showed him the ring that had come in the mail.
"You weren't a Joe then. Why did he latch onto you? And you only think it was him?"
"I don't know, maybe for the money I have. Maybe to get me stuck on the other side, if Cobra was even around then. With what I know about Xamot, he might have wanted to get rid of me. God, I hate Valentine's Day."
"I understand why. Get some sleep Allie. Duke and I will settle this and keep you safe. I promise."
"Do me a favor," she asked as sleep pulled at her.
"Anything."
"Shower and change. It's been a week in the field without."
He grinned and chuckled. "Of course."
"I'll stay with her Flint." Falcon said coming in the room. "Hawk doesn't want her left alone and Duke's doing house cleaning for her."
Flint gave Falcon a warning look as he left. Alison let sleep claim her, and hoped the memories didn't invade her dreams. Falcon watched and worried. There was something wrong and he wasn't in the loop. He saw the ring and wondered.
As he stayed with Lady Jaye, who was like a sister to him, one of the guys called checking in almost every 30 minutes. Hawk was keeping Flint busy with the standard after training stuff, and out of Doc's hair. Duke was dealing with her room, and Hawk had to do the base commander thing. It was almost as bad as if they were there checking in so often.
Doc or LifeLine were in and out almost as often, checking her vitals and IV. Psyche-Out even dropped by and watched her thoughtfully for a minute or two before leaving. All of this led to Falcon getting more worried.
Doc entered Alison's room two hours later. Hawk had arrived and was standing at the foot of her bed. Duke still was taking care of business. Falcon stood guard, sort of, in the hall. From Flint's position and the expressions around him, Doc got the idea someone knew what had happened.
He relaxed. No one had told him why Jaye had been so stupid, nor why Duke and Hawk hadn't lectured her. But it was obvious they weren't worried surprised. Flint seemed worried but not over the alcohol issue. Something was off but he knew he'd never get to the bottom of it. He'd have to see if Psyche-Out knew something. If the details were that personal he'd be content to just know there as a good reason.
"I'd like to check on my patient. If she's doing fine, I'll release her to quarters for the rest of the day and light duty tomorrow." Flint got up, kissed Lady Jaye, and followed the rest of her unofficial family from the room. "Alison, I'm worried about you."
"There's no need."
"What happened today raised a red flag. I think you should talk with Ken."
She shook her head, "I know you mean well, but this is very private.
"You need to deal with whatever the problem is. Is there anyone you can talk to?"
"There are people that know. I'll be ok Doc. You don't need to worry. Besides, Flint won't let it happen again. Hawk would kill him."
Doc chuckled, then finished his exam. Once finished, he removed the IV line. Alison smiled, he was springing her. Realizing he didn't need to tell her what to do, he left to do the paperwork officially releasing her. She hurried into the bathroom to change from embarrassing hospital stuff, into comfortable sweats. When she emerged Psyche Out was sitting beside her bed. She froze.
"Can we talk?"
"No," her voice was ice.
"Alison. What happened today has me very concerned. You know I won't judge you or have anything but the same respect I have for you now, no matter what you tell me." Psyche Out uncrossed his legs and stood up looking at her.
"I know all of that. It doesn't change my answer." Jaye shook her head and went to leave the room only to have him block the door. Her eyes narrowed.
"I've been asking questions. You don't deal with February 14th well."
"With respect, butt out and leave me alone."
"Alison…" Psyche Out sighed as she ducked under his arm and left. "Alright. You win, for now." He let her go, knowing Doc was on the way back.
Doc, who read the accusation in her eyes when she saw him with the paperwork and pill bottles.
"I didn't send for him. I did send for these meds. Take the antibiotic. As prescribed this time." Grumbling, Alison took the pill bottles, noting the standard Motrin 800-mg pills in the other bottle. "Come see me after the duty day tomorrow. Desk work only."
"Right. Anything else?"
"Go spend some quiet time with someone tonight. Normally I wouldn't let you go until the morning."
"I will. I owe you Doc."
"Wait till you get the bill."
They laughed at Doc's traditional joke. Her mood was a bit better having escaped but Doc and Psyche-Out. Scarlett caught up with her a few hallways later. The redhead's eyes widened a slight bit as she took in Jaye's condition.
"Fight with Flint?"
"I don't plan on it."
Scarlett chuckled, "Did you have one?"
"I was on duty overnight. He got to watch me sleep," Jaye answered dismissively.
"I need a second set of eyes on some Intel. There's something there, but I can't pin it down. Do you have time tomorrow to help out?" Scarlett asked effectively changing the subject, sensing that Jaye wasn't going to talk about what happened. .
"Sure. You want an excuse to skip out on Beach-Head in the morning," Jaye offered her best friend.
"He doesn't ride me as hard as he does you and Courtney. But what the heck, it'll tweak him."
"Ok. How much stuff do you have to go over?"
"Lots."
"We'll take over the secondary briefing room. Start at 06?"
"Only if we meet in the DeFac and do breakfast and arrange for lunch to be delivered as well as coffee."
"Deal. Bye Scarlett." Jaye waved at her friend as she walked away.
"Jaye, have fun." Scarlett said with a conspiratory chuckle at her friends retreating form.
Jaye went straight to Flint's. As expected they were all there and had brought what she would need if staying there for a few days. They coddled her, and for a while she let them. Hawk knew her well enough to see when she was close to telling them off and took the crew and left. Flint sat back and watched her for a while. He knew she was in pain, and would refuse to admit it.
"Go shower while I fix dinner. Then you can use me as a pillow while we watch movies."
She nodded and got up slowly. It hurt him to see her in pain. It had been like a knife in the gut seeing her on the floor that morning. His stomach was still in knots with worry, a worry that had built as he stayed with her all day. He hoped he could get more of the story from her or at least an understanding of why Hawk and Duke and Falcon were all being so very protective with her.
He whipped up one of her favorite dishes. While it was cooking and she was still occupied in the shower, he took a box, very much like the one she'd been gripping hours ago and hid it well. This wasn't the time for him to play his hand. It had waited this long between them to be right. A few more days or weeks even wasn't going to change things between them..
He was putting the food on the table when Alison came out of the bathroom. She gave him a tired smile as she joined him at the small table. Dash curbed his questions during dinner, and instead amused her with tales from his few days in the field. It worked and helped to bring some of her natural color back.
"Leave the dishes. I'll get them in the morning. Let's go watch something mindless."
"Dawn of the Dead?"
"I'll see if I can find it."
"I'll fix the popcorn while you do. And don't forget the blankets."
Ten minutes later they were settled on the couch, with Alison laying back against Dash. Many nights they had spent this way watching movies, or just talking. Alison, who normally heckled this sort of movie, was very quiet. Dash held his peace and let her be, but it was very hard. The zombie movie finally ended.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Not pestering me with questions, giving me space and just being here with me."
"There is one question that really is bothering me."
"Only one?"
"That is really bothering me."
"Ask, but I don't promise to answer."
"I can get Hawk fussing over you. But why were Duke and Falcon?"
"They are unofficial family."
"Oh?"
"It's a long story."
"Do you have plans I don't know about?"
She chuckled, "Alright. My father's family and Hawks' family have been close for a long time. When my mother basically disowned me and left us I spent a lot of time with Hawk when dad had to go places."
Flint nodded following so far. "Shortly after Duke's dad his mom remarried and they had Vinnie. A few years later Hawk moved in nearby and when I went to visit, we all played together. A few years later, just before Duke left for Basic, their father died. Hawk adopted the boys."
"That explains a lot."
"This goes no further you understand."
"Of course, but I know the games I have to play if I want to stay serious with you."
"Twister, Monopoly, Chess, Gin, ..." Flint stopped her list with a kiss.
Her eyes went wide. "Flint, I ..."
"I know. Bad timing. I just didn't want a list of all the games in existance."
"I wasn't going to list all of them. I don't like Jenga or Aggravation."
"Time to take your pain meds and get some sleep."
She pouted. He replied with a stern look.
"Fine," she growled, but didn't move.
"Allie."
She closed her eyes. "Quiet, I'm trying to sleep."
He started to turn out the lights. He was surprised when she didn't protest. He was surprise a short time later to her she soft snore. he shifted slightly tyo get more comfortable and tried to get some rest himself.