Author Note: Thanks for reading! This is a rework of my first fic, Blue Bowties. I hope you enjoy, and please drop me a review!
The sun came up over beautiful Fort Benning. It's Georgia location had served as home to the 4th Ranger Training Brigade. The federal Government had recently allowed women to enroll in Ranger training. One woman on the base, had already been training Rangers for a few years now. She was Major Lena Morse.
Lena Morse was a graduate of West Point, at age 20. Her unusual intelligence had put her through high school and West Point very quickly. She graduated with a four year degree in just under two years. Robotic engineering had been her major, how she loved technology.
But she was a born leader, and a born warrior. War always brought out the worst in people, but in the case of one five foot three inch red head, it brought out her best. She had been awarded many medals, the highest of which was the Medal of Honor, for her service in Iraq. She had saved her whole regiment, charging at the enemy alone.
Lena was short by military standards, and when she had been asked to train incoming Rangers, she had to look up at every man. The first day was always the best for her, and worst for the students.
She found it funny, and strange that no matter the rank, she was always saluted. Her ribbon rack held many high honors for her seven years of service. The Medal of Honor being the highest. Among the others, were Army Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement, Presidential Unit Citation, Prisoner of War, Iraq Campaign Medal, NATO Service Medal, Army Service ribbon.
Her courage and dedication to her country had been at a personal loss. She had recently split with her boyfriend of three years. He had been a Pathfinder, and he couldn't allow her to be tougher than he was. He had shown her on more than one occasion, with broken bones, black eyes, and frequent physical, mental, and verbal abuse.
Lena had a new class this week. Her longer than regulation red hair was up in a tight bun, covered by her hat. "Gentlemen," she said loudly as she looked over the students, "Welcome to the 4th Ranger Training Regiment. I am Major Lena Morse, your instructor. Don't mistake me for weak, I'll warn you now. I have already completed this training, and it is up to me whether or not you complete. Look at the men beside you. Make them your friends. In the field, all you have is the man next you. We only graduate the very very best. You will be tested, well beyond your physical and mental limits. So I say this now. Don't make me train your sorry ass if you are thinking about quitting. We begin 0500 tomorrow morning. I cant promise you that you will make it through my course. But I will promise you that you will have the best chance. Dismissed."
"Major Morse?" a young man said from behind her. Lena turned to find Private John Still, looking at her with a salute. "Yes, Priivate?" "Colonel Micks sent me to get you. He would like to see you immediately."
Lena found her CO office, and waited outside. The old, and bald Colonel walked out of the room, and looked at her. She was saluting him. "At ease, Major. I have something I'd like to discuss with you." he said indicating he'd like to see her in his office.
He allowed her to go in first and shut the door behind them. "Have a seat Lena. We need to talk." he said kindly.
Lena sat down, her mind whirring about what he would say. "Lena, you have been training Rangers for a while now. You have taken it upon yourself to train the men with great care, ensuring they will become fine Rangers at graduation. So what I am going to say, saddens me." The Colonel began.
"Sir?" "I have orders, directly from General Morshower, for your immediate reassignment to a top secret unit. You will be serving under Major William Lennox. I assume you know him. He specifically asked for you."
"Major Lennox and I came through Ranger School at the same time, sir." Lena said. "Very well. Here are your orders. You are to head out to Lackland Air Force Base. From there, you will be flown to Diego Garcia. Good luck, Major. Remember this: Rangers lead the way." he said with a smile.