This is an authors universe story
I do not own the rights to either the Joe's comic or the movies, this story is for fun and nothing more.
Someone challenged me to this and said It could not be done
Nina's point of view
I stood silently watching the rain fall and lighting light up the night sky. I sipped my green tea looking back at the clock. I sighed four hours till I had to get up and get ready for the trial. I knew I was not going back to sleep. I have not had one of my nightmares in almost three had months. Due to the trial in the morning, I was bound to have one. I watched as the sky light up reviling the empty streets below.
No one was out tonight, except those whom desired unlawful deeds.
I walked over to my couch and sat down picking up my I pad. I noticed I had an email from Liz and Nick. Liz is my best friend from high school. She had been my back bone the last year and a half and has been their for me in more ways than one. Her husband Nick she met five years ago and it was love at first sight. He is a good man, and loves her more than life its self.
Nick is a Doctor and works long shifts in the ER. Liz works in a Law Firm as an assistant to the lead Attorney. I opened the email and saw a picture of Kimba their three-year old daughter dressing their dog. I smiled and saved the picture to my camera roll. I sent them a reply back about how cute it was and that I felt bad for Dixie their dog. That dog was something else, she was a big marshmallow, perfect for Kimba. Kimba was always dressing Dixie up in some way shape or form.
I decided on doing some reading, I opened my Kindle App and choose a book. I sat back and started reading trying to take my mind off of the events to come in a few hours. I read for about an hour then decided to take a shower and slowly get ready. I choose a simple pair of black dress pants and a silver button down blouse. I pulled back my hair and placed it in a bun, keeping my make-up very light.
I took my time doing everything slowly and soon it was time to meet Liz and Nick at their house.
I pulled up in their driveway and parked my car. I was greeted by Dixie as she bound up to me with a red cape on. I shook my head and pattered her head.
"Who are you today, super dog?" I asked. She barked joyfully and bounced around me as we headed for the door.
Liz was leaning in the door way cup of coffee in her hand, she smiled at me and handed me the cup.
"I figured you would need this." She said to me. I smiled as I took the cup.
"Thanks." I said. "Did you take a picture of Dixie and the cape."
"Yep. She is super dog this morning, by this afternoon who knows who she will be." I shook my head and gave a slight laugh.
"Nina." I turned as Kimba came bounding up to me. I knelt and scooped her up. I twirled around with her in my arms then sat her down.
"How are you today Kimba." I asked
"Good, you see Dixie." She asked
"Yes I did. Is she super dog this morning." I asked already knowing the answer.
"Yep." She said as she darted past me and to her Nanny Kelly.
"Good morning Kelly" I greeted her.
"Good morning Nina." She said back to me her thick New Zealand accent shining through.
Nick and Liz needed help with Kimba because of their jobs. A friend of Nicks knew Kelly and knew she was a perfect match for them. She was great with Kimba, and was the extra set of hands both Nick and Liz needed.
She walked out of the room as Nick walked in and smiled at me. Nick walked by me and gave my shoulder a slight squeeze. He said nothing, but I knew he wouldn't. I took a deep breath and made sure Kelly was gone with Kimba before I spoke.
"Today is the day." I said with an odd voice. Trying my best not to have a breakdown in front of Nick and Liz. Not that they would care.
"It's going to go fine Nina." Nick said
I gave a nod and sat down taking a few sips of my coffee before sitting it down. My head hurt and I felt sick to my stomach. Nick took the cup and walked away towards the kitchen and Liz sat next to me.
"You ok." She asked.
"Yes." She looked at me and said noting to me. She knew I was not really ok, would I ever be. Would I ever be like I once was? Nick said in time, after all time heals all wounds. For me though I was not very sure.
"We should get going." Liz said standing holding a hand out to me. I took it and stood walking with her to the door.
I walked out and over to Nick's car and stood by it. I watched as they said good-by to Kimba and Kelly. I would never have what they have. A deep love. I would never those things. I truly believed this deep with in my heart. Things had changed so much sense that day, well those days. That my life would never be the same.
I had never opened up fully about it. No matter how I tried I just could not do so. Nick said I was too scared to do so. Maybe I was. Maybe I just could not relive those three days in full. I have put up a wall, and at this time just can not have it come crashing down on me.
Besides tell who? Liz so she could have nightmares, Nick so he would just tell me to take some pills that would help the stress or make me sleep, the counselor my job offered. None of them would understand. Could anyone? Could anyone fully understand those three-day, and the living hell I had gone through.
We got in the car and silently drove to the court-house. Their was no real need for words, what would we all say. I watched the view drift bye and my mind could not focus on any one object. They were all just blurs of distorted images.
Outside I was holding my composer, inside I felt like dying. Today I was going to have to relive my hell. Relive those three days. I tried to push it aside, push it back behind my wall.
We pulled into the parking lot at the court-house and got out of the car. We walked slowly in and went through the scanning process.
I was on auto pilot now, nothing more. I walked in sat down and readied my self for the day.
Their was no Jury here, just the Judge. He would decide all. Nick and Liz took a seat a few rows behind me and my attorney from the state.
The Judge walk in and we all stood. The next several hours seamed like forever. It took all I had not to break down and loose it. Finally after what seemed like years the Judge asked us all to stand. With one word he rendered his verdict.
"Guilty" I let out a small sigh and closed my eyes. It was over, not that it would truly ever be.
I sat there for a moment then stood and turned to leave. Liz hugged me her eyes red from crying, Nick just placed a hand on me guiding me towards the door and car.
We left not speaking once more, the ride home was the same as the ride their.
Once their Nick and Liz asked me to stay the night. Said that they were their for me. I declined and told them I needed to be at home. I gave hugs and said good-by. I left and headed home, still on auto pilot from before. I walked in my apartment and fell on my bed crying into my pillow. I fell asleep and woke late that afternoon.
I got up and tried to eat, but could not do so. One would think I would be happy, after all the Judge delivered a guilty verdict. That was something I was not, I still had to live.
I fixed myself a cup of tea and was about to sit down when the phone rang.
"Hello." I said as I answered.
"May I speak with Miss. Nina Stewart." Said a man
"This is she, may I help you." I said.
"Miss. Stewart this is General Hawk, you placed an Application for a civilian position with the Joe's last year." He said to me.
"Yes sir I did." I said not believing what I was hearing.
"Well Miss I would very much like to speak to you about that position if you are still interested." Maybe a new place far from here would help?
"Yes sir I am. What do I need to do?"
"I need you to go to the Air strip ten miles to your east, do you know where I am talking about."
"Yes sir I do."
"Their you will go to hanger D7 and park your car, I will have two men there and a small plane. They will escort you to the base and to our meeting. Pack a small bag and the dress is casual. Be there at 0600 in the morning"
"I will be their, but how will I know who your men are?" He gave a small laugh.
"Trust me Miss you will know my men when you see them."
"Ok." I said
"Good then I will see you tomorrow afternoon when you arrive on the base." The line went dead and I stood there several moments before I hung up the phone.
I sat down and tried to take it all in. I had applied to the Joe's about a year ago, after my boss said it was a good idea. The Joe's were looking for a civilian commutation specialist. As a 911 operator and I also have a degree in commutation I met the qualifications. Liz had said it was a great idea, a new way to start over. I had guessed that after a few months of not hearing they were not interested in me.
I guess I was wrong. I stood taking a deep breath and walked into my room and gathered my things for the trip. I charged my I pad and I phone. I took a showered and placed my PJs on.
I sat on my bed and picked up the phone and dialed Liz's cell.
"Hay blue eyes you ok." She said to me.
"I've been better." I said taking a deep breath. "Do you remember the application I put in last year for the civilian job with the Joe's?"
"Oh my goodness, did they just call you."
"Yes." I answered
"Oh Nina this is great, when do you meet with them?"
"I leave for the airstrip near my house in the morning, their will be two men their waiting for me to escort me to my interview."
"Oh honey that's wonderful." She said with so much joy on her voice.
I paused as she told Nick the news.
"Nick said they would not be doing this if they were not planning on hiring you."
"I hope so." I did want the job and I would take it if offered, even if it means moving away. I needed to get away from her. From this place now full of bad memories.
We spoke a few more minuets than I hung up the phone, set my alarm and then fell into a light sleep.
I awoke early and readied myself. I picked out a sun dress. It was simple not too fancy. With it I choose a light blue dress jacket. I once more pulled up my hair in a bun and wore simple make-up. I picked up my over night bag and headed out the door.
I got in my car in a hurry, it was still dark out and I hated the dark. Once in I locked the doors and started towards the airstrip.
I pulled up to the gate and cracked my window. The guard took my main and then told me where to go to get to D7.
I drove up to the hanger and right away know I was in the right place. Their was a private plane sitting on the tarmac ready to go. I looked around and saw off to the side near the plane two men. The general was right, I knew they were his men right away. The first was a big man, he looked like he could play pro football. He had on military camouflage pants and hat. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back and had a gun strapped to his side.
The other man was a ninja clad entirely in black from head to toe. He also had a gun on his side, but also had some type of sword strapped across his back.
I sat in my car and looked towards them. Both men looked like they could take down anything placed in their way. They both started walking towards my car. I knew I had nothing to fear from either one. Though the first mans size unnerved me greatly. I opened the car door to get out looking towards them. I turned towards the hanger and saw three men walking out. They first looked at me then to the soldiers coming my way. The men must work at the air strip, they looked dingy and unkempt. The one in the middle paused and looked me up and down. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself.
"Best be moving on we're no concern of yours." Came the first soldiers voice. The two of them were no more than a foot from me.
The one man in the middle from before looked them both over then looked at me. I looked away from him and out towards the plane. I could tell he walked away. I looked over towards the two soldiers. The first was in the same place. The second was on my side. I was a little taken back, by his stillness and how close he was. I had not even heard him move. He had his back to me and I knew he was watching the men walk away.
"Miss." The first soldier said to me. "I am Roadblock and that there is Snake Eyes." I gave a nod to the man and then turned to look at Snake Eyes who still had his eyes on the men.
"I am Nina." I said smiling at the first. He gave a nod to me.
"Why don't we head on over to the plane and get you settled in, then I'll move your car so its out-of-the-way and out of sight." I gave a nod to him and turned to get my bag from the back seat. It was already out of my car and on Snake Eyes shoulder.
I could see him better now and could see his entire face was covered and he had a visor across his line of vision. He gave a nod to me and walked along beside me.
The other man took my keys and drove off in my car. We walked into the plane and I took a seat watching as Snake Eyes stored my bag and then he sat next to me. A man walked up to Snake Eyes my guess he was the pilot.
"Sir." He said to Snake Eyes. Snake Eyes looked up at him and gave a nod. "Pre flight checklist in done, we will be ready for take off in five." Snake Eyes gave a nod and a thumbs up to the man. The man looked at me and gave me a smile.
"Morning to you Miss, can I get you something to snack on or to something drink."
"No thank you I am fine." He gave a nod and walked away. I turned to see Snake Eyes looking right at me. I gave him a smile and he gave me a nod.
It was odd that he had not spoken to the man who is the pilot. I knew nothing of Ninjas save what you see on TV and I am quite sure that was not correct.
It would be better not to ask questions to the man who could move faster than a Cheetah, and had a sword. He looked deadly, and I was quite sure that this was the man who taught the Joe's their hand to hand combat skills and probably their close quarter combat. {Yes I knew what those things were}
I looked up at the sound of someone entering the plane to see Roadblock {that was defiantly a fitting nickname for him} he looked at me and Snake Eyes.
"We good." Snake Eyes gave a nod followed by a thumbs up. Roadblock gave a nod turned and took a seat across from me. Moments later the pilot came out closed the door to the plane and then we were on our way.
Roadblock said a good night to both me and Snake Eyes. I sat not knowing what to say or do. I had no idea if the Ninja was doing the same as his partner. I did not want to wake either man from their slumber. I thought about all that had happened the last several days. I felt drained from it all. I had not slept right in days and had eaten very little. I pulled my I phone from my jacket pocket turning on airplane mode and stuck my earphones in it.
I hit auto play, and Jim Brickman's never alone came on. I gave a slight smile. Liz loved the song and often sang it to Kimba. She did not know, I knew but my days in the hospital while I was unconscious she had sung it to me. She had sat by my bedside the entire time praying and singing to me.
I closed my eyes and hoped sleep would find me and it would be dream free. I felt strange as if a sudden feeling I had never had washed over me. As I heard the voice of Lady Antebellum sang. I could not describe it to you. For what ever reason, I let the feeling wash over me and I drifted off to sleep.
Snake Eyes point of view
I watched her as she drifted off to sleep. She was a small frame of a woman. She had on a teal sun dress and a light blue dress jacket. Her make-up was simple not over done like most women wear today. Her hair was in a bun tightly bound up on her head. I could tell her hair was long, by the shape of the bun.
When she first got out of her car Roadblock said she was quite the looker. I would have to admit he was right. Though that is not what I noticed about her at first. What I saw was a timid woman. Her body language told me right away a great deal about her. I watched her look at the men coming out of the hanger and saw her posture as she took them in. That was the one reason I had placed myself on her side. Well that was the first reason, the second was how the one man had looked at her. His actions and thoughts were lees than honorable. I saw that in an instant.
She was also a quiet woman and I could tell she had a great deal on her mind. Not related to this interview. Her eyes said she had not slept much in the past days. I could tell by her breathing she was in a defensive place {yes I could tell that, I am a Ninja after all} I watched her drift off to sleep and knew in an instant by the way she pulled her knees along her side and closed her arms around her what was wrong. I did the math of her action and knew the answer. I watched her eyes move under her eyelids, she was dreaming and by my guess it was not pleasant.
I stood up and got a blanket carefully placing it over her. I sat back down next to her and took out the book I had read on the trip here. As I read I kept a watch on her from the corner of me eye.
She slept about an hour before she opened her eyes, slowly and carefully she took in her soundings. She looked down at the blanket then turned looking at me.
"Thank you." She said , her voice low.
I gave her a nod closing my book and setting it aside. She sat still and looked around at everything. I pulled out my phone knowing I could talk to her though a texting program on it.
I wrote out what I wanted to say then reached over handing it to her. She took it looking down at the phone and my words.
"Are you all right." She looked up at me and gave a half-smile handing me my phone.
"Yes I am ok a little tired that's all." Part of that was true, but the other part was not. I did not expect her to tell me what was wrong. If my guess was right { and it was } that was not something she would not tell someone she never met before.
"Would you like some water." I wrote out for her, once more handing her my phone.
"That would be nice." She said to me
I stood and went to get the water for her. I handed her the water watching her as she took it. She smiled at me and thanked me for it.
"What were you reading." She suddenly asked
I picked up the book and handed it to her, she smiled as she took it.
"I love this book, I have read it several times." she said to me. "I always thought he was such a drama queen and a bit of a coward." She gave a slight laugh.
"Have you seen the movie." It turned out that it was easy to talk to her. She caught on quick about the use of my phone.
"Yes. I loved it. The people they got to do the voices fit the charters wonderfully."
"Yes I thought the same. Have you read the other books?"
"Yes, but I liked this one the most. It was all about them."
"I thought the same, the cat, kitten thing in the second book was rather odd for my taste. If he was a good wizard he would have not messed that spell up on his wife and child." She smiled as she read my words.
"I quite sure he got hell for it." She said
"Quite sure, or she will never let him cast sells around her and her kid again."
We talked that way for a while. Me writing things out on my phone and she answering them. She was a close guarded woman, I could tell what to ask her and what not to. As we talked I took the time to study her and knew what I had guessed about her past was right.
As we commuted back and forth she let me lead the conversation. She answered my questions. Not once did she ask me about my self nor did she give up much information about her self.
We landed and I gave Roadblock a small kick to wake him up.
"Did I miss anything?" He asked me.
I shook my head no and grabbed Nina's bag
She would not walk in front of us, she walked along the side of us or behind us. That also conformed my thoughts about her, she did not like people behind her. I also noticed that she always kept a way for her to escape. She did not like to be boxed in. I made a note to myself to sit down with Hawk and ask him about my theory.
We walked across the tarmac and their by the entrance to the base was Hawk. He stood tall and proud as always hands clasped behind his back. As we approached he walked out to meet us holding his hand out to Nina.
"Miss Stewart General Hawk." He said to her
"Sir." Was her replay
"Were my men respectful Miss." She smiled looking at each of us.
"Yes sir they were."
"Good. Why don't you get some grub and freshen up and meet me in the Pit in two hours. Snake Eyes will show you to the lounge and to where you will sleep tonight as well as escort you to the Pit." He handed her a visitors badge. "I need you to keep this on you all the time."
"I will." She took it and place it on. "Thank you sir." Hawk gave a nod and turned to Roadblock.
"We need to talk." He said to Roadblock then turned to me. "The quarters across from yours is empty, place her there then show her around." I gave a nod and watched them walk away Roadblock smiling and giving Nina a good-by as he left.
I turned to her and pointed the way we needed to go. We walked side by side towards the door that led down to the base. I punched in the key code and then walked in allowing Nina to follow me. Once inside I resumed walking beside her. We walked by other Joe's and civilian employees all doing their daily tasks. We walked up to the door of her quarters. and I punched in the code for her. The door slid open and I walked in followed by her. I sat her bag down on the floor and took out my phone.
"Freshen up and I will be back in a half an hour to get you, if you need anything just come across the hall and knock." I wrote for her.
She gave a nod and thanked me then I turned and left. I walked in my quarters and decided to grab something to eat and drink. I made myself a sandwich and drank some juice. I washed up and then walked over to get her. I knocked and waited for her to open the door. The door slid open and she stood their ready to go.
I pointed to the right and she walked out then I walked along beside her. As we walked along I would point out things and tell her what they were with my phone. As well as introduce her to people we passed by. I noticed her actions as we met people. Bigger men she shied away from, she kept off to the side of me. She would shake their hands but her posture was very rigged. The others did not pick up on it but I did.
We walked into the lounge and she sat down at the island in the middle of the room. In the room, Tunnel Rat and Flint sat watching TV, I induced Nina to them and they each shook her hand. Flint offered her some pizza he and Tunnel Rat were eating along with some soda. She took the food and ate slowly. Once done we left and headed to the Pit.
Their waiting was Hawk and Roadblock. I pulled out a chair for her and she looked surprised by my actions. She sat down and I then walked over to the wall and leaned against it. Roadblock sat down next to Hawk and the interview started. After an hour maybe a little more we were finished. She had asked several question then took the job. Roadblock and myself were to go back with her so she could pack her things and return to the base to start her training right away.
As we readied to leave I gave Hawk my phone with the message already on it.
"Can I have a word with you." I had typed
He gave a nod. Looking at Roadblock "Please show Nina back to her quarters. I need to have a word with Snake Eyes." Roadblock gave a nod. Hawk looked at Nina as he said. "Miss Snake Eyes will come and get you in about an hour for the evening meal."
"Thank you sir." She said. As she walked away I could tell she was uneasy about being with Roadblock. Time I talked to Hawk about all I noticed today.
After the door closed Hawk turned and looked at me.
"What is on your mind Snake Eyes" He asked. He slid me a pad of paper and pin, he hated the phone thing.
"What's her past." I wrote. Hawk shook his head.
"Nothing gets by you does it."
"Is that not what you pay me for."
"Very well." He said as he got up. He walked over and got a folder sitting off to the side. He walked over to me and slid the folder to me. "This is for your eyes only no one and I mean no one is to see this. I am letting you see this because you already figured this out." I took the folder from him. "The pictures in this file are not pretty, and the report is not easy reading." He said to me as he sat down.
I gave a nod and opened the file, and started reading it. Hawk was right it was not easy to read, nor look at the pictures. This woman had been through hell and back. I had a better understanding of her and her actions and knew where to take things from here. I closed the file and thought about all of it for a moment.
"The three are in Jail what about the fourth." I wrote.
"They never caught him, the others would not talk." He said.
"Has she received counseling for this?"
"Some. He former employer offered but she said very little about it. She just wont open up fully. Doc who saw her said she is to scared to really open up about it." I shook my head
"Would you find it easy to talk about this if it was you?"
"No." He said. "Maybe a new job and a new place to live will help." I thought about what he said and then considered other options.
"Seclude her to be with me Tuesday and Thursday after Holly." I wrote down to Hawk.
"You got a plan." He asked.
"Yes. I am going to teach her to defend herself first."
"Then."
"Then maybe when she feels safer about herself she just might open up to someone." I wrote as I stood.
"Maybe. I think she believes if people knew the story they will shun her." I thought about what he had just said. Part of it was possible, but I believe she was afraid of never finding someone to love her once they knew.
I gave a nod to Hawk and walked out the door. I had guessed what had happened to her to an extent. Four men one unarmed woman. The odds alone spelt disaster. I could better understand her fear and better understood her fear of bigger men. I could not change what had happened to her, but I could teach her to protect herself so it did not happen again.
