AN: Thank you to Colorful Raging Cancer, Libragen, USMCKempeitai, corbsxx, the still very mysterious E :p, and DTaylor201989 so much for your reviews! They gave me the strength to keep going and I appreciate each and every one of them. A special shout out to Blood vs Water, thank you for reviewing, but I still hate you :p JK, I love you so much it hurts!
I had to move an entire section of this chapter to the next chapter, so that one should be coming out soon! Also, since I'm finally done with my senior year, I can devote more of my time to writing, so I'll try my hardest to get these chapters out sooner. Until then, reviews = love, and enjoy!
Chapter 8
Oscar Mike
"Time to wake up, princess."
I groaned and shifted over, trying to escape the voice demanding I open my eyes. When I did, however, my stiff joints protested angrily. Pain shot through my shoulder and leg, eliciting another groan from my lips, though this one was purely out of anguish. I needed to ask Doc for more meds.
"What is it?" I sighed, finally opening my eyes.
The ever-present grin of Ray's was the first sight I was met with. "Beauty sleep's over. We're movin' out."
Two days had passed since the assault on the town with relative ease. They'd completed a few other recon missions here and there, but most of our time was spent either idling around or driving to a new area, which also meant a lot of listening to Ray singing and going off about whatever new conspiracy he could come up with. Yesterday it had been the grooming standard, and the day before that it was the ancient equipment they had to use and how Command was trying to "mind-fuck" them. The longer the tangent went on, the more aggravated Brad tended to get, and the more entertaining it became. Even Trombley got in on one of his accusations, much to everyone's dismay.
Suffice it to say, Brad and I hadn't talked much these last couple of days. It seemed he spoke to me only out of necessity. When he did speak to me, however, he appeared indifferent; I didn't sense any amount of animosity in his tone. To be honest, it almost looked like he was just ignoring me.
"Where are we going?" I asked sleepily, trying to get my eyes to adjust to the sudden influx of light to my retinas.
"Hell if I know," he shrugged. "I'm just the driver. Now come on."
"Thanks Ray," I mumbled as I slipped out of the backseat and followed him over to the others.
They were all standing around a group of officers who were giving details about what they would be doing. From what I could gather, we were all to head east towards their next task—setting up a road block. Once they got to the checkpoint, they would be setting up alongside another company, helping them hold several roads.
When they gave the timeframe for the mission, I shifted uncomfortably. Two days? Two whole days! OK, so it wasn't two entire days, but still, this meant I'd have to spend an extended period of time stuck in the Humvee with the glorious band of misfits. Don't get me wrong; traveling with them wasn't all bad. When they actively had something to do, they were all usually alert and on guard, performing their duties accordingly, with Ray's occasional snide comments. The problem arose when we were merely moving from one place to another with nothing to do along the way. Ray would no doubt be signing, Trombley complaining, Walt making comments on Ray's and Trombley's ramblings, and Brad either sitting silently up at the front or reprimanding the others for their actions.
Once they were done, everyone dispersed and headed back to their respective Humvees. I took this chance to peek over to where Brad was. He was standing with Fick, talking about something I couldn't decipher. I skillfully slinked my way around the other soldiers, getting close enough to the two so that I could hear what they were saying, yet positioned so that they wouldn't see me.
"Do you know if they're getting her outta here anytime soon?"
"No, I don't. From what I've heard, most of the units are tied up around Baghdad. They can't spare any right now."
With a sigh, Brad nodded. "Alright."
"If anything comes up, I'll let you know."
They briefly exchanged formalities before parting ways.
I bit my lip and turned, walking back towards the Humvee. Well, it was official; nothing had changed since the first day I'd ended up with them. Brad still wanted me gone, probably more so now than ever. Not that I'd been expecting him to want me to stay, especially after our fight, but he didn't have to be so damned adamant about making sure I left as soon as possible. I'd managed to get on the good side of most of the guys; Walt even admitted that he'd miss me when I left, though he wouldn't miss all the trouble I'd been getting him in. I'd promised him I would try to behave until then, but he knew better and simply smiled at the gesture.
Yet, even now, after hearing Brad's attempt to ship me out, I knew I had to apologize to him. For the past two days the words I'd said to him kept playing over and over in my head. I was angry, I still was for that matter, but I knew that I was out of line. I closed my eyes and tried to shake the memory from my head. Whenever my thoughts drifted to the fight, I was always left with the image of him right before he left, and the look he had on his face. His eyes were cold and distant, as if purposefully proving my accusations true. It still causes a shiver to run through me when I think of it.
"Hey, you alright?" I heard the soothing voice of Walt beside me, breaking me from my reverie.
"Um, yeah," I nodded, forcing a smile to my lips. "Do you know where Doc is? My shoulder is starting to hurt again."
He stared at me for a long moment, his eyes seemingly assessing mine for something. "Yeah," he finally sighed, nodding his head behind me, "he's over there."
"Thanks," I smiled once again, turning and heading off to where he'd directed me.
Before he would give me more meds, Doc insisted on re-bandaging my wound. I complied without argument, and watched with amusement as the guys tried to gather nonchalantly around me, since the task required that I take off my shirt. Thankfully, it was managed without requiring the removal of my bra, the disappointment evident on all of their faces.
I couldn't help the grin that spread across my lips as Doc shook his head at all of them. "Animals," he grumbled as he slowly inserted the needle into my arm, providing sweet relief from my pain. "You should be doing this more often," he suddenly said in a scolding tone.
"What, the drugs or the bandages?"
"Both."
I shrugged. "Don't see the point; I don't want you wasting supplies on me. What if one of these guys gets seriously hurt and needs them? Besides, I can handle the pain."
He raised his eyebrow as he slowly pulled the needle out of my arm.
"Mostly," I mumbled, rolling my eyes.
"It's not wasting supplies—you needed medical attention," he sighed as he began checking over my bandages, "and I'm required to provide you with it."
"So it's not from the kindness of your heart?" I ask, my tone feigning hurt.
"Besides, it was our fault you got into this," he continued, ignoring my comment. "It's the least we can do."
"What the hell is going on here?"
Both of us looked up as Brad walked towards us. From the expression on his face, I could tell he wasn't too happy.
I shifted slightly. "Doc's just re-bandaging my wound," I replied, trying to keep my voice even.
"And you thought now would be the best time?" he said as he stopped in front of us, his voice reflecting his agitation. "Out here?"
I looked around for a moment, my eyes scanning over the convoy of vehicles sitting out in the open and the various groups of men meandering about, before looking back up at him. "I'm sorry, is there a better place for this to happen?"
"Preferably not in front of my men. We're moving out, and you," he paused, his eyes scanning over my body, though they lingered on my bandaged shoulder, "are distracting them."
"All of them?" I asked before I could stop myself. His head turned up and his eyes met mine, and suddenly it felt like a wave was washing over me again, robbing me of the precious air in my lungs.
"Done," Doc announced, bringing us both back.
"Here," Brad said as he picked up my discarded shirt and held it out for me. I took it from his hand, feeling suddenly self-conscious about being topless, especially in front of him. "Get back to the Humvee," he said as he turned to leave. "Oh," he began, stopping in his tracks to turn back, "and, um, try to keep your clothes on from now on, OK?"
I could feel my cheeks burn as I yanked my shirt back down, my arm no longer hindered by the pain. I glared at him as I stood, seeing the hint of a smirk on his lips before he turned and walked away.
"What're you doin' girl?" Doc mumbled, shaking his head as he watched Brad walk away.
I turned back to him, confusion evident in my expression. "What are you talking about?"
"I've never seen the Iceman like this. Ever." He glanced up at me before he began putting all of his supplies away. "You've got some kinda hold on 'im girl."
I rolled my eyes. I didn't have any sort of 'hold on him'; if anything, I would call it the exact opposite. "You don't know what you're talking about. I'm pretty sure he hates me right now."
"Whatever you say," he shrugged.
I shook my head and was about to head back but stopped and turned back to Doc. "Hey, can I ask you something?"
He glanced up at me warily for a moment. "Sure, what is it?"
"Why do you guys call him 'Iceman'?"
A brief smile passed his lips, a rare expression for Doc, before he answered. "Just a nickname; think he got it back in Afghanistan. He's smart, competent in all sorts of military strategies, plus he's always able to remain calm in combat situations."
"Oh." My mind flashed momentarily back to the night the town was attacked, and how he handled that situation. "Yeah, I guess I can see that. Thanks again," I said, referring to my shoulder.
"Don't mention it. Come to me if you have any problems, OK?"
"Will do," I smiled with a nod before heading back to the guys.
"Look who has decided to grace us with her presence."
I sneered at Brad's comment and climbed into the back of the Humvee.
"Is the lady ready to leave now?"
"You done?" I glared at him as I slammed the door closed.
A grin spread across his lips in reply before he turned and climbed into his own seat. "Alright gentlemen, let's go! Pack it up, we're Oscar Mike!"
At his command, everyone finished putting everything away and climbed up into the vehicle. Walt gave me a sideways smile before climbing to the gun up top. After giving the command over the radio once everyone was squared away, we began our journey once more.
I leaned my head against the door, staring out the window as the world passed by, all meshing together into one giant beige blur. Hours slipped away quietly, no noise but the occasional crackle of the radio, the crunch of earth beneath the tires, and the low hum of the engine. I closed my eyes after a while, hoping to catch up on the sleep I was denied earlier. I did manage to fall asleep, but I wasn't sure for how long.
When I woke again, it was still rather quiet; no one was talking. I shifted slightly and turned to look out the window, watching as a few farmers walked leisurely behind a herd of goats.
"Hey!" a voice suddenly broke the silence. "Welcome back to the land of the living!"
I turned my head towards Ray, who glanced back with a broad smile. "Hey," I replied softly, returning his smile with my own. "How long was I out for?"
He shrugged. "A few hours; most of the day, I'd say."
Most of the day? I looked out the window and realized that the sun was hanging low in the sky. "I was out for that long?"
"Yup. Had Trombley worried over there—thought you were dead."
"Did I miss anything?" I asked curiously.
"Corporal Person almost hit a bunch of civilians," Trombley piped up, looking up towards Ray with a sly grin.
"Fuck off, Trombley! I did not! I was nowhere near them! Besides, it would be their fault if I did. You see a giant-ass Humvee coming towards you for like ten minutes and you're natural instinct is to stay on the road? Fuck that! They would have deserved to get hit."
Trombley laughed, a very self-satisfied grin now spread across his lips.
"Don't act like you're the only one. You see, Sam, Trombley over here almost shot a very threatening tire—"
"Hey! It wasn't a tire!"
"Oh, you're right, I'm sorry. It must have been those giant rubber inner tubes they keep around for all the watering sports they partake in. In fact, I'm pretty sure there's a water park around here somewhere—"
"Cut it out you two," Brad sighed. "Ray, focus. We can't afford to miss that turn."
Very quickly, Ray stopped talking, and once again silence fell over us. I sighed, resigning to sit back in my seat and not ask any further questions, afraid that if I did I'd upset Brad further. I took note of his tone when he spoke; he sounded apprehensive about something, but I couldn't guess what.
I turned my head and stared out of the window, noticing that the landscape had changed from a sub-Saharan terrain to somewhat of a grassland. Or, at least that's what I'd equate it to. There were also a few more hills and valleys breaking the horizon than before. All of this was bathed in a soft golden light from the setting sun, and I was once again taken aback by how beautiful this country could actually be.
As I watched the taller grass sway gently in the wind, a flash of light caught my attention. I blinked, wondering if it was just my eyes, but then spotted it again. I immediately sat up and began scrutinizing the area, trying to locate the source of the flashing light. I managed to pinpoint it to the top of a low-lying building I hadn't noticed before. It almost looked like it was carved into the landscape, hiding discretely behind a small hill that carried the same shade as the outside of the building.
"Hey Brad," I spoke softly, shifting forward in my seat.
"What?"
I could hear the tension in his voice, but chose to ignore it. "You see that building over there?"
"Where?"
"At your four."
I saw him glance back at me before turning to look off into the distance. I merely rolled my eyes at his expression. "Yeah, I see it."
"Can you see what's on the roof?"
Brad pulled up his weapon, turning towards the building as he looked through his scope, adjusting it a few times. "It looks like..."
I looked down as I noticed a sudden shift in the grass. I narrowed my eyes, trying to get a better look as I leaned further out of the window.
"It's a guy." Brad pulled back, staring ahead without the aid of his scope. "There's a guy on the roof."
"Brad, at your two," I said, more forcefully than I'd intended. "In the grass."
He shifted again, turning back to where I'd said. He picked up his gun and looked through the scope once more. "Shit," he cursed under his breath. "There are men in the bushes," he announced, his voice suddenly taking on its authoritative tone. "Walt, Trombley, watch your sectors for any movement. Ray, call it in. And Sam," he turned and glanced up at me for a moment before looking back down through his scope, "stay down."
After he was done giving out orders, three evenly timed shots rang out from his gun. A moment of silence passed before he repeated this action. Then, as if the flood gates had been opened, gunfire went off all around us.
I pressed myself into the back of the seat, making sure my head was completely behind the frame of the door. I could hear the clang of bullets hitting the door beside me, making me press even further back into my seat. God, I hated not having a gun.
"Ray, get us out of here!" Brad yelled through the fire.
"I'm trying!" Exasperated, he threw his hands up. "The fuckin' road's blocked, I gotta find another way out!"
"Well hurry!"
All of a sudden, a barrage of bullets began assaulting the vehicle on the passenger side. Brad cursed as he was forced to pull back. Every time he would move to scope out the assailants, more bullets would ricochet off the siding.
"Walt! You got anything up there?"
"I'm taking too much fire!" he yelled in reply. He, too, was dodging an array of bullets targeting him. I heard him curse as he fell back from the gun, seemingly tripping backwards, though he caught himself and got back up to the turret.
I took a deep breath and leaned forward slightly, just enough to peek out and see what was happening. I scanned over the area, watching rounds streak through the air from both the ground and the Humvees. The entire convoy was taking hits at this point, as well as fervently returning fire.
"Sam, I thought I told you—"
"Down there, at your three," I interrupted him, nodding to indicate their location. "There're two of 'em beside the boulder."
With slight hesitation, Brad lifted his gun and instantly scoped out to two, taking them out with perfectly aimed shots.
"Just above them, on the left. See 'em?"
"Got 'em," he replied, taking out three more without hesitation.
Just as the incoming fire began to ease up, the Humvee suddenly lurched forward and a cheer rang out from Ray. "Got it! Now let's get the fuck outta here!"
Within seconds we were driving clear of the enemy's fire, leaving them behind with the setting sun.
"What the hell was that back there?" Trombley said after the sounds of gunfire had all but completely faded away into the distance.
"An ambush," Brad sighed as he picked up the radio, checking in with the other units.
"Holy shit, you were amazing back there Sam," Ray grinned broadly as he looked back at me. "Who knew you'd actually come in handy!"
"Thanks Ray," I mumbled, rolling my eyes at him, though a small smile found its way to my lips.
"Looks like Brad's not the only one with the eye of the tiger now, huh? Better watch out," he said, turning to Brad once he finished on the radio, "girl's givin' you a run for your money."
I couldn't see what Brad did, but Ray's grin only grew wider before he turned back to the road ahead. Brad then glanced back at me, our eyes meeting for a moment as he gave me a curt nod. "Good work back there."
I smiled in response, nodding back. "You weren't too bad yourself, Colbert." I swore I saw a grin touch his lips before falling, his face returning to its usual, serious expression as he faced forwards once more.
I turned and looked around for a moment, glancing at the minor damages that had been inflicted due to the incoming fire. As my eyes wandered around the interior, inspecting it for any major damages, something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention.
"Shit," I gasped, "Walt, you got hit!" The back of his pants around his right knee were stained a deep red, the material torn slightly from the impact of the bullet.
"What?" Walt said, as if just realizing the comment was meant for him. "Oh, it's nothing—don't worry about it. Just grazed the skin is all. I'll have Doc look at it later."
"You sure?" I asked, my voice laced with anxiety. From where I sat, it didn't look too good.
"Yeah," he nodded, giving me a reassuring smile. "I'm fine."
I looked up at him apprehensively, but conceded to let it go when he gave me that look. Brad turned back as well, but Walt did the same in reassuring him that nothing was wrong, though with a little less effort than he took with me.
"Take the turn up here," Brad said to Ray as they began setting up their night vision, darkness quickly descending upon us. "We'll be stopping within a few miles, making sure everyone's OK, and resting up for the night. We're up all tomorrow," he said as he glanced back at us, "so make sure you guys get as much sleep as you can tonight."
