A World Without Heroes, Chapter 10: Meanwhile, in Death Valley…
"We'll set up camp here," Beachhead called to his two companions. "Hpmh," he muttered. He wasn't altogether unhappy with their progress, but Shipwreck's lackadaisical attitude was getting on his last nerves, nevermind that damned bird. He spared a glance toward Lady Jaye, who had stopped the hike at his call. The soldier had set the pace for their hike, but it was clear to him that her mind was not on the mission.
Peeling his pack from his sweaty body, Shipwreck grinned. "Hear that, Polly?" he said, holding up a small cracker from the package he kept in his pocket. He smiled as the bird took it. "It's time for some ghost stories."
Lady Jaye sighed in annoyance at her comrade. Turning around, she started to retrace her steps the few yards it took to rejoin her mates. Setting her pack on the ground, she pulled up her canteen and took a sip, while her eyes scanned the mostly barren desert around her, her eyes catching on the ridgeline and various oases that littered the sand. "Never understood why Dusty felt so at home here," she muttered, before taking another sip.
Beachhead eyed his soldiers warily. "Lady Jaye," he said, trying to keep his voice from an actual bark. "See if you can find us some kindling. Shipwreck," he added, a little more harshly. "See if you can find us some wood."
"A fire?" Shipwreck asked incredulously. "It's still a hundred degrees out here!"
Beachhead squinted his eyes in annoyance at the sailor, then turned his glance to the Western horizon. "When that sun goes down, Shipwreck," he said, indicating the sweat they were all covered in, "you'll want that fire."
Sighing, Shipwreck muttered a few choice words, but did as he was told. "I dunno where we're gonna find some wood out here," he said to Polly, "but see what you can find, girl." The parrot flew off his shoulder, as if the creature understood exactly what Shipwreck said.
The Ranger shook his head and set about creating a fire pit. For all he knew, the parrot actually did understand.
Before long, Lady Jaye returned with some kindling, and Shipwreck had gathered a small amount of wood. The sailor set off to find some more, and Lady Jaye set about starting a fire in the pit Beachhead had made. Eventually, the three settled around the fire and silently ate their MREs.