Hope you all had wonderful summers…
Sorry for the delays between postings. It has been a busy summer for me, coming and going and coming again. I'm afraid my writing was also been done in haste during those comings and goings. Apologies. I had to go back to the first three chapters and tighten up some dialogue and fix some continuity issues. Should be ok now.
And as for me, the kids are back to school and my life is a little less busy. Thank you for your patience. Hopefully, these next postings will come along more quickly. And as always, thanks again for reading and reviewing.
Oops…I guess I am still stuck in either comings or goings! Thank you Yellow Angela for pointing out some glaring mistakes and rough spots in this last chapter. I went back and reworked it. Hopefully this chapter four will read better.
Thank you for your patience.
"Today we're gonna make fire," Dusty announced.
"Fire?" Ace groaned, wiping away the beads of sweat already forming on his forehead, "Isn't it a little hot for making fire?"
"Yeah…" several Joes near him echoed his complaint.
Dusty sighed, answering with wearied patience, "Normally in the daytime, yes, but as you already know, desert nights get cold, very cold. You have to practice fire making now, so you'll know how to do it when ya need to. Believe me, if yer ever out in the desert at night, you'll appreciate it. Fire will not only keep you warm, but…it will also help protect you from any wild animals you may encounter."
"Wild animals?," a young green shirt near the back gave a nervous squeak.
"Nah, there can't be no wild animals…Ain't nothing can live in the desert," another Green Shirt whispered loudly.
Dusty swallowed another sigh. Some people certainly had wrong ideas about the desert being lifeless. Well, they would learn.
"Back to fire making, folks…," he said, drawing their attention to the front. He keyed his password into his laptop, "As ya can probably guess, plant life in the desert is scarce. Because of that, the materials ya find here to make fire will be different from what yer used to." He pressed a few more keys and then projected the images from his computer up to the larger screen, "Keep a look out for these plants. You'll find that they will more readily make fire than others."
"Oh, and make sure to collect dry brush, not the live stuff. Some of those trees and cacti out there are over a hundred years old. Respect them. Green sticks will only produce smoke anyway….and needless frustration."
"Search the dunes, the dry river beds, scrub brushes growing out of rocks, anywhere dead wood and brush may collect. Be forewarned, it may that more time than you anticipate."
The Joes nodded, taking in every word.
"Now, go find yer fire wood," Dusty released them.
"Yes, Sir," the Joes cried, immediately scampering in different directions across the sand.
Dusty watched them leave with a critical eye.
While all had been required to participate in the desert training, what Hawk had specifically requested from Dusty was a list compiled of Joes who excelled. Dusty's eyes continued to follow the Joes as they spread out, keeping mental notes. His attention was first drawn to the eager faces of Footloose, Gung Ho, Stalker, Alpine, Leatherneck, Roadblock, and a little more surprisingly, Lady Jaye.
His gaze continued to sweep over the Joes, taking note of certain individuals. He had to pause as his eyes came to rest on Shipwreck. He saw him sneaking around one of the fire pits left behind by some night guards, collecting overlooked and half burnt pieces of wood. Dusty shook his head. Shipwreck was another one of those who could survive in the desert but he did it by relying on cunning and cleverness instead of skill and technique and never did an ounce more of work than what was absolutely necessary. No, Dusty removed his name from his mental list, definitely not the kind Hawk was seeking.
Still other Joes fell into the category of "just let me make it through camp." Dusty had already dismissed them.
Thinking it over again, Dusty had to admit he already had his suspicions about who would end up on Hawk's list. The weeding out process was definitely underway.
As he stood on the dune, watching the Joes, the sun became noticeably warmer on his cheeks. It must be getting close to time, he thought, looking up to locate the position of the sun. As he glanced at his watch to confirm, he had to smile. 0850. He'd been right on, as usual. A Team Leader's meeting with Beach Head and Flint was scheduled for that morning. He had just enough time to skedaddle over there before it started.
Cupping this hands over his mouth, he called out loudly, "I'll be back shortly. Keep hunting…Make sure you gather enough."
"You got it, Dusty!"
"Okay…"
"Yes, Sir…,"
He cast one last glance over his shoulder. The Joes were methodically combing the dunes nearby, slowly moving farther and farther away as they continued their search. Occasionally, one would bend down and pull out a new stick, but they were few and far between.
Keep looking, he silently willed them, and don't give up. He knew from experience how much like a treasure hunt it could be. Happy hunting.
Lady Jaye brushed the damp hair from her eyes and smiled. Yes! Another one. She reached down to add the dry twig to the others already grasped in her hands. Eying the small bundle critically, she began wondering how much would be enough. Probably need at least a few more, she finally decided and began winding her way between the next pair of dunes.
As she glanced to the right and left, her thoughts drifted like the sand shifting around her. Flint had told her there was to be a leaders meeting that morning. She vaguely wondered what they would be talking about. Try as she might, she couldn't keep her mind from thoughts of Cobra. It was odd, playing the role of a grunt rather than a leader, but with some effort, she had managed to swallow her pride. It still didn't keep her from wanting to bite off Flint's head for his insensitivity, though.
"Leader's Meeting…" he had said bluntly, with an arrogant squaring of his shoulders.
All she could think about at the time was that she was NOT a leader, and she was NOT liking the feeling of being excluded. Nevertheless, she had to admit, now, as she raised her eyes and looked out at the seemingly endless sand, broken only by a few wandering Joes like herself, she really knew very little about the desert. It had been nice getting the impromptu invitation for the first meeting, but she knew she shouldn't be expecting it each time. Hawk would call her in if he needed her. Her job was before her.
She swept her gaze over the empty dunes ahead as she resumed the search. Just a few more sticks and she would head toward the camp. Her boots once again began leaving indentions in the sand behind her.
Flint found her on the flats later, just as Dusty had suggested, squatting beside a small fire pit. Slightly breathless from hurrying across the sand, he stood quietly at a distance and watched.
Lady Jaye had made a small pile of shavings and was striking rocks together to make sparks. So focused was she on what she was doing she had not even noticed his presence. He broke into a grin when she muttered angrily to herself and sat up, pushing her sweaty hair from her eyes with an impatient gesture and then bent down again, striking the stones together once again.
This time a spark landed and caught and began to send up a fragile wisp of smoke. Her face broke into an eager smile and she leaned in closer…blowing gently. The smoke erupted into a small, flickering flame. She added more shavings, patiently, pinch by small pinch as it slowly grew in strength. When she had finally decided the flame had become large enough, she began adding some twigs, the anxiety in her face melting as they caught and hot flames crawled up their sides.
Flint decided to use that moment to approach.
"Lady Jaye, we've got an assignment," he announced.
"What!," she looked up at him with a frown, squinting against the bright sun. Then her brown eyes traveled slowly from her tiny fire and to the several small sticks clutched in her hand in disbelief, "Right now?"
"Yes," he smothered his smile, "We need to take a V.A.M.P. out to Fort Carson for repairs."
Her eyes narrowed as she fed a few more twigs to her slowly growing fire. "Seriously?" she asked again, an edge to her voice.
"Yes," He lowered his voice, suddenly aware of the other Joes watching them curiously. "I, uh, was thinking we could enjoy a meal out while we're gone," he whispered.
Lady Jaye rocked back on her heels and looked up at him in slow comprehension, "A real meal?"
"Yeah," his eyes twinkled, "So…, what do you think?"
She glanced from her fire to his face, "Are you kidding? Yes!" her eyes sparkled to life as she jumped up and gave him a quick hug. "Just give me one second," she quickly stamped out her fire. "There."
They both watched as the last of the smoke disappeared in the light breeze.
"Never leave a fire burning," she winked.
"You ready?"
"I am, now. So, where are we going?," she asked eagerly.
Flint gave her a lopsided grin and shook his finger, "Oh no. That's a surprise." Dusty had mentioned a great little steak place just outside of Denver. He had a feeling Jaye would love it.
He looked down as his own stomach suddenly rumbled. Come to think of it, he was looking forward to eating something besides MRE's himself. Steak and maybe a little something green, he thought dreamily.
"Come on, Flint! What are you waiting for?"
"I'm coming, Jaye…," he laughed.
The drive out to Fort Carson was nerve wracking, but uneventful. Flint had insisted on driving the damaged vehicle and so took the lead, secretly praying the entire time that it would make it. He had one eye on the dash board indicators and one one the road the whole way, with Lady Jaye following cautiously behind. By the time they finally arrived at the base and pulled up to the guard on duty, more than two hours later, Flint was more than ready to turn the vehicle over to the base mechanics.
The MP's eyes glanced at their badges and then widened as he looked from Flint to Lady Jaye, "You're GI Joe?"
"Yeah, we've got a V.A.M.P here that needs some repairs."
"Does the motor pool know you're coming?"
"I've got the requisition papers right here," Flint handed them over.
The guard flipped through through papers. "Ok, well it looks in order. Their garage is down that way," he pointed, "first right, large building at the end."
"Thanks…" Flint put the V.A.M.P. in gear and tapped the accelerator. Lady Jaye flashed a smile toward the MP and then followed.
They found the motor pool easily, right where the guard had said. It didn't take long before they dropped off the V.A.M.P, signed the requisition orders, and Flint was able to slide into the seat next to Lady Jaye. He sighed gratefully.
"Where to now, Flint?" she asked, her face bright.
"Head back to the highway, we'll exit at 34."
"Ok," She quickly manoeuvred the V.A.M.P. out onto the open road. Once back on the highway, she tapped the accelerator and the engine roared to life. The wind rushed past them, blowing and lifting their hair in all directions.
"Hey, slow down, Jaye," Flint yelled, clinging to the frame, "We don't want to get a ticket."
"Sorry…" she laughed, slowing down only slightly. She couldn't help it, she was hungry.
They finally pulled into the parking lot at the restaurant. It was a quaint little place, with walls of smoke blackened wood. The tables and chairs, scattered around the main dining room, were also made of rustic wood.
"Take a seat anywhere," the waitress smiled as she walked by, carefully balancing several plates, "I'll be right with you."
The smells from the plates lingered behind after she had passed. Flint and Lady Jaye found their mouths watering.
"Shall we?" Flint offered his arm.
"Certainly," she laughed lightly, looping her arm through his. They chose a small private table by a window and Flint went all out, pulling out a chair for Lady Jaye before seating himself. It didn't matter that they were both wearing dusty uniforms or sunburnt; their faces were bright with happiness.
"Menu?"
"Why thank you, Flint."
"You're welcome, Lady Jaye."
After looking for a just a few minutes, they both ended up ordering steaks.
"So Lady Jaye, what do you think?" Flint had leaned back in his chair was was watching her carefully, a smile creasing the corners of his lips.
"Well," she said slowly, gazing into his warm eyes, "It's small and rustic and quaint and …and absolutely perfect," she smiled and took a sip of her water and then placed the glass back on the table.
He reached across the table to take her hand.
"So, how'd you find out about this place?" she asked, lacing her fingers through his, enjoying the fact that they were alone.
"Dusty recommended it."
"It was a good choice."
"I think so, too."
The waitress came and placed their orders on the table. "Here you are…two steaks. Enjoy your meals."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Flint gave Jaye's hand a quick squeeze before releasing her.
"Looks delicious."
"Oh, yeah."
"Bon appetite."
Lady Jaye took a small bite of her tenderloin and smiled, a look of pure contentment crossed her face.
"Mmmm…" she murmured happily.
"I take it you're pleased," Flint chuckled in amusement as he watched her.
"Oh yeah,…..very pleased," she flashed him a bright smile, "It's perfect. I still can't believe you made this happen."
She happily took a bite of her salad.
"I told you I'd figure something out," he grinned.
"I remember," her eyes danced teasingly, "I love you forever for this, you know."
"I thought you already lov…"
She stopped him, placing a finger lightly to his lips. "Then, forever… and a day…," she grinned as she leaned across the table and kissed him, "Thank you."
He laughed, pulling her against him and kissing her back, "You're more than welcome, Lady Jaye."
Listening to her delighted laughter as he held her tightly in his arms, Flint decided that If he had one wish, it would be that he'd never have to let go.
