Chapter 7: Report

1410 Hours January 25, 2530 (Military Calendar) Epsilon Erindani System, Reach ODST training facility Planet Reach

The tension was so thick Michelle though that she could cut it with her knife. Mark and Lieutenant Matthews had been staring at each other for about 10 minutes now. The silence was finally broken by Strauss' voice over the intercom, "Meyers, report to my office on the double." Michelle gave a sigh, "I guess I better go…" neither Mark nor Matthews acknowledged her. She stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her. Charlie and Brian were there to greet her. "Can we see Mark yet Boss?" "I don't think that's a good idea at the time; make sure the others do go in either." They both responded with "Sure thing Boss."

"Always on time ah Meyers?" Strauss greeted her as she entered her office. "Meyers, why don't you start by you tell me exactly what you did in that jungle?" She sighed, then began, "well sir, I split my team into 3 teams. Brian and Charlie were going after the flag; I then had Mark, Theresa and Lowell follow them in order to retrieve the flag." "Why would you do that?" he asked. "Two reasons really, Brian and Charlie are good at sneaking around but they aren't exactly the fastest of our group, that's what Mark, Theresa and Lowell were for." "OK, what did the rest of your group do Meyers?" "Well…" she began "I decided to try something new sir. While Brian and Charlie were going to the flag, and Mark's group drawing fire, I had my group overpower the gunmen 1 by 1. The first one was the hardest since we didn't have any weapons. But after we had secured an MA5B for each of us it became a lot easier." "I have to tell you Meyers, you have been the first person to ever try that stunt, not only that, but you only had 2 casualties. I'm impressed." "Thank you sir" she said "But, why does it still feel like a loss?" "Because, no commander ever wants to see his men or women die. Unfortunately, that's was war is about, sooner or later you are going to have to send all of them to their deaths." As Strauss said this, his face cringed, "The sooner you accept that, the better." "I don't think I can do that sir…" "I know" he said, "That's why it's up to you to keep them all alive. One last thing Meyers, are you and Tyler an item?" What! Michelle thought to herself. "Well, I never really gave it a though, we've always been so close and all…"

Lieutenant Matthews entered Strauss' office. "Hope I'm not interrupting something." "Don't worry about it Lieutenant, Meyers and I were just raping up, right Meyers." "Yes sir" she said, "I better get back to the squad now." As she was stepping through the door Matthews put his hand on her shoulder. "Michelle, I suggest you give Mark some time, he has a lot to sort through right now." What! Michelle though to herself. I should kick your ass right now! You're lucky you're in uniform. "I'll be sure to do that sir." Michelle stepped out of the room. "What do you want James?" Strauss asked Matthews, "Paul, is that any way to greet and old friend?" Matthews asked Strauss. "Not really, but we aren't really friends anymore. Not after all that's happened." "So Paul, are you going to tell her?" "Why should I James, it wouldn't make any difference anymore. Besides, I left enough clues out there for her to learn the truth, if she feels like looking anyway." "Still Paul, don't you think she deserves to know that she is not alone." "She's not alone James, she's got Tyler to watch her back. But why do you care so much about her anyway?" "It's Tyler I care about Paul, but Meyers in important to him, and I want to see what would happen if… Never mind. But do you think she deserves to know?" "Of course she does James. But I don't deserve to tell her."