Chapter 37

Within seconds of carrying Hawk into the safe confines of the main building, she sent Cover Girl back into the fray and called the control room where her assistant, Bluebonnet was monitoring the situation.

"Bluebonnet, activate the shield and let our pilots know it's active. And let's get the dragonfly copters up to strafe this field." Her voice, she hoped belying her lack of self-confidence. The last thing she needed was anyone questioning her ability to lead this group during a if she herself was not completely sure about her ability to do the job. Even if she herself would not completely sure about her ability to do the job. Silently, she hoped her new security field was up to task. She wasn't completely sure of her new defense system. While the newly designed and implemented force field wouldn't stop the troopers already on the base, it should stop those trying to breach the perimeter from a half mile away. The problem was, the field had never been tested and she didn't know if it would work. She hoped that even those right at the fence would be hampered in their onslaught.

The only problem besides the lack of field testing was how high it was currently able to reach. Eventually, it was designed to become a dime over the base. But, for now, all of the field generators weren't in place and the field only reached a few hundred feet straight up. Low-flying aircraft may get caught in its electrifying path. High flying aircraft, however, could still breach their defenses as could missiles. Kathleen hoped that since the aircraft were attaching the base, they weren't flying high enough to breach the field.

The call went out a she knew it was working. Screams from the troopers being shocked mixed with the sound of aircraft crashing from their sudden loss of power. The only remaining marauders were those that had already breached the defenses. And those were quickly losing as she ordered a flank attack from both sides. In a matter of minutes, all the original encroaching troopers were either lying dead, were injured or on their way to the Pit's stockade.

Kathleen surveyed the carnage, hands on hips and feet spread apart, looking every bit the commander she was, for now.

She couldn't believe her system had worked.

"Fine job, ma'am." Beachhead's deep Alabama bass drew her from her silent musings.

"Thank you, sergeant."

"To be honest, I wasn't sure of you." When a blonde eyebrow raised in question, he elaborated. "Bein' an Air Force Pogue, that is." At that, Kathleen laughed.

"I'll take that as a compliment, sergeant."

"It is one, ma'am." With that, he walked away.

"Sergeant". She called out.

"Ma'am?" He stopped and turned.

"Put together a detail to clean up this mess."

"Yes, ma'am." Beachhead stood tall and saluted. Kathleen swore she saw a smile under the balaclava.

Ten hours later, Doc walked into the infirmary and found Kathleen fast asleep in a chair. He smiled, she was a lot like his own commander. Hawk would often be found fast asleep in a chair anytime there were casualties from a battle. He didn't want to wake her, but he figured she'd want to know how the casualties had faired.

"Major?" He shook her slightly and knew she was awake as she gasped loudly and jolted up.

"Wha? Is everything okay?" Her voice was deep with sleep.

"Yes, everything is good. All the casualties are going to be fine. General Hawk broke two bones in his right leg. I set those. He has a slight concussion and will be kept overnight for observation. The other injuries are mostly broken bones and two laser wounds. But, none serious." He advised.

"Can I see the patients, Doc?"

"Of course. Follow me." He led her to the main ward of the infirmary where he watched her walk through, talking to each and every one of the infirmed. A smile filling her face as she talked to them, offering them words of encouragement and wishes of fast healing. Her face really lit up once she reached the General.

"Just a broken leg and a concussion, huh?" She smiled.

"Yeah, nothing too serious." He reached for her hand. "Beachhead tells me you did one hell of a job keeping Cobra off the base."

"Well, some still made it onto the base, but they've been neutralized." She replied.

"Still, you did a good job. I'm proud of you.".

"Thank you, but, you were right. I wasn't ready to lead a special operations combat unit into combat. I just got lucky." She shook her head.

"Katie, I didn't bring you onto the team to command the unit. I have enough special operations soldiers to do that. I brought you on to do exactly what you did today. Provide security for the base. Sometimes, that's going to require you to command people in combat. I have complete faith in you when it comes to protecting the base." He smiled

"Thank you. Now, I think you're supposed to get some rest." She smiled back.

"Only if you give me a kiss before you go." She smiled and leaned down and pressed her lips to his as he reached up taking her cheek with his free hand. She slowly ended the kiss and walked away.

Several Days Later

Kathleen, Beachhead, Bluebonnet and Cover Girl stood in Hawk's office receiving the Army Commendation Medal for heroism during the attack on the base. Hawk ambled awkwardly on the crutches as he placed a medal on each of their chests. When he reached Kathleen though, her medal had an addition, a small diamond ring was attached to the pin. She looked down in shock at what she was seeing.

"Major?" Hawk's voice was filled with trepidation, clearly he wasn't sure of her answer. He knew as she smiled and nodded yes.

He leaned down as his crooked finger lifted her chin and he sealed the deal with a kiss. A resounding round of applause filled the air from the officers and team members in the room.

~THE END~