Disclaimer: Gears of War belongs to Epic Games.

Chapter 3

Vanessa sat outside in what used to be a garden, wiping away her tears. She was hunched over, her shoulder-length red hair which was usually tied up in a tight bun put down and almost touching her knees. She wiped away some more tears from her face. She felt her gloves getting wet so she removed them, revealing several scabs and scars. These were telltale signs that, as an engineer, she tended to work with her hands more than the rest of the military. She ran her hands through her hair again, pulling it back as she sat up. She had tan, almost red skin, from the harsh life that most of the Gears lived. She never had a chance to do some serious grooming: her hair was knotted and her skin dry, given she had been out on the front running intel for the last month. She longed to the opportunity for a good shower. She was almost glad for the armour, giving it hid some of her disheveled state. Her poor hygiene did not bother her as much when she considered many of her squad mates were in a similar situation. Really, Marcus had it good. Given they were so close to Jacinto, he could clean up after each mission. She, on the other hand, would be out for weeks without contact, trying to find evidence of Locust activity.

Vanessa rubbed her face and looked at her hand: it was covered in mud. She chuckled a bit threw the tears; guess she was dirtier then she thought. She looked at her armour and realized there was blood, mud and even some plants rubbed into it. She stood up, still crying some, figuring she should have a shower before she got sent out again. She had been crying because she was frustrated by constantly being shipped around. Honestly, being out on recon had been her best and longest assignment so far. Stealth was essential, so she never had to engage the enemy. Now she was back with a team...she missed having a team, she missed having someone to talk to and someone to watch her back. She barely slept and it showed in her deep eyes, almost glazed from the lack of sleep. On recon, she had nobody to keep watch. With all the destruction from the war there were very few safe and comfortable places to hide.

Lost in her train of thought, she didnt hear Anya walking up to her, only snapping out of it when Anya pushed Vanessas Lancer into her chest.

Coming out of her trance she looked at Anya before hanging her head and saying, Lucky it is you; if it was a Locust I would be nothing but a pile on the ground.... Vanessa laughed a bit before saying, Guess your being here means I have been reassigned. Where am I going this time, breeding farms or back to intel?

Anya looked at Vanessa for a few minutes. She felt pity for the girl before her who honestly wanted nothing more than to help but couldnt. Why are you a solider? she asked. I tried to go through basic training, but I was no good so I chose a desk job. I can do my part to help the COG without worrying about killing.

Vanessa laughed as she sat down beside Anya on a concrete block that bore no resemblance to what it had once been. I suck at math, computer screens give me headaches, I dont look good in skirts, I lost my enrollment papers and oh yes, Ive never been good at sitting still when action breaks out.

Anya couldnt help but smile, Okay I get it: youre a solider. Thats all youre good....that is all you know how to do.

Yeah and I am not even that good at it. Vanessa laughed, knowing Anya had stopped from giving her what could be a compliment. Are those my new orders? she said, pointing to the folder that Anya was holding.

Anya shook her head. Youre not being reassigned. According to Hoffman youre the only one who can do this job. Anya handed Vanessa the folder. He said you should know about this so you can refresh a bit.

Vanessa took the folder before looking at Anya and asking, Why are you here?

Anya smiled and said, Dom asked me to talk to...Marcus...he is a little bit rough, but he is a good guy. He...he isnt all about his dad and his achievements he got through hard work. I know he doesnt come off like that...but he is like me; there was a parent who you needed to follow and no one could see you. I spent my life like that till Marcus saw me...he hasnt seen me in a while, but it was still enough for me to be seen by others.

Oh so your here as damage control trying to create harmony, said Vanessa. I know. I just...I hate the whole Fenix clan. Its because of them that I became who I am. Vanessa realized what she had said and quickly added, Drop it. I will get over it and deal with Marcus for as long as I am assigned, and I will try not to kill anyone.

Anya caught it before Vanessa could change the subject. What do you mean because of them you are the way you are?

Its nothing so drop it, and dont bother looking in my file since you wont find it. Dont dig...or it may cost you more then you know, Vanessa said. She tried changing the subject again. What do you mean Marcus saw you first?

Anya went red as Vanessa smirked. Caught and changed directions. Perfect

Meanwhile.....

Marcus had set up on the other side of the base in the changing rooms. He was sitting on the floor with his Lancer field stripped, cleaning the chainsaw bayonet.

Stupid bitch; I got what I got because I went for it, not because of him, he muttered to himself. He pulled a long piece of Locust out of the teeth and tossed it down the drain, which had been modified for such things.

Dom walked in and saw the almost five-inch long piece slip away and said, Man you got a piece of them today. Dom sat down beside Marcus and began to clean his own weapons in silence.

After about 15 minutes of silence Marcus said, I am not going to say I am sorry. He was tightening his chainsaw blade back into place.

Never asked you to, Dom said brushing a few small pieces of bone from the teeth of his bayonet. You know, I was thinking of the first time Baird mouthed off to you. Took me and Cole all we could to get you two apart; been a while since I saw you get into a fight like that. Must have been the first day we met. Takes a lot to get under your skin but when you go, man you go.

Baird had it coming.

So did Vanessa.

Thats her name?

Yes. You didnt even look before you went off the deep end? Dom asked.

Why learn someone name who you wont know long enough to bother with a name? Marcus said taking aim with his Lancer to make sure it was properly aligned.

She sure knows yours.

Probably saw it on her orders, Marcus mumbled.

Maybe you should give her a chance. Everyones a rookie at one time or another, Dom said finishing his cleaning as he stood up. Remember, Carmine was bad too till you took him under your wing. With that Dom walked out of the room and stood at the door.

Less that a minute later Marcus followed and said, Youre right. Damn I hate when you do that.

Both men laughed a bit as they walked down the hall. Marcus then mumbled, Dont suppose you want to draw straws for who has to train her?

Dom laughed again, slapping Marcus shoulder.

Anya had her hand over Vanessa mouth as Marcus and Dom walked up. She was muttering something about keeping her mouth shut. Vanessa was struggling to get away and seemed to be laughing a bit.

Marcus looked at Dom and said, Look, even Anya can hold her back; she has no chance.

Be nice, said Dom, glaring at Marcus.

Anya noticed them coming up and let Vanessa go before she straightened out. Suppose you got it all solved with Marcus then? Dom nodded.

Vanessa, who had fallen on her back from suddenly being let go, sat up giggling a bit before she saw Marcus and stood up tying her hair back up. They all looked at each other in some what of an awkward silence before Vanessa broke it. I wont say I am sorry.

I am not either, Marcus snapped back.

Anya tried to stop them before they started again. Vanessa, that folder; did you look at it yet?

Vanessa pulled back from her glare at Marcus and went to grab the folder, which had been dropped on the ground. Picking it up she brushed off some mud before opening it to read the contents. After a few second she snapped the folder shut and went storming off, muttering about someone forgetting some details.

Marcus, Dom and Anya all looked a bit stunned before Marcus took the first step to follow Vanessa. He shouted, Youd better be going to Hoffmans office! We have a briefing in 10.

To be continued

Authors note: I realize I put up the wrong first two chapters. The proofread versions should be up soon.