Road to Redemption Chapter 13, an our girl fanfic

Road to Redemption

Chapter 13

Love is a Battlefield

Fingers woke up the next morning with a nagging headache having had a very restless night's sleep. He looked across to Marie who was still sleeping next to him. He loved her with all his heart, and he didn't think anything would change that, certainly not last night's conversation.

He did feel a little sad, he and Brains had done many tours together and he thought of him same as Monk as a best friend yet he hadn't told him what he knew. To be fair he had never asked after Molly, never brought the subject up and that's one thing that Brains wasn't and that was a gossip.

"I'm sorry" he hadn't realised that Marie had woken up and was staring at him, "I only know what she told me, and that wasn't much"

"So, what do you know?" he asked as he put his arm around her and kissed the side of her head.

"Just that when they were in the jungle in Belize he blamed himself for Elvis's death and that he would look after her, Elvis had bound them together. Told her that Molly reckoned he was hiding behind his uniform" she stuttered still looking at him "Georgie thought he had played a part as he didn't listen to Maisie Richards when she saw Azizi talking with someone."

"So, he was struggling even then and Molly noticed" he sighed and Marie ignored what he said continuing with what she knew.

"He kept texting her, leaving her messages saying Molly didn't understand" and Fingers snorted a laugh.

"A lot of blokes do that Marie if they're trying to get their end away, don't mean anything" and Marie's eyes filled with tears "But he did chase her Frankie, and he told her Molly wanted to call it a day" Fingers wiped his hand over his face sighing.

"So, what happened, why does Molly hate her?" a tear fell down Marie's face but he didn't comfort her like he always had before.

"After that explosion she felt lonely missed Elvis, had always known that Captain James would treat her well, make her feel wanted, so she went to his room. Told him they could make a go of it that she had been denying her feelings for so long and they slept together."

"Fuck, on tour" hissed Fingers "Fuck, no wonder Molly walked away. So why didn't they stay together then if they cared about each other?" he stated sarcastically.

"Well that was Molly's family fault" she sighed putting her head on his chest "Her Nan made Captain James sign divorce papers and made her feel guilty, threatened them with exposure if he didn't sign."

"So, you've known all this and let me think that it was Molly that walked out when he needed her?" speaking through gritted teeth "When all she did was walk away from her husband and her friend shagging" Marie nodded on his chest another tear falling "I didn't want you to think badly of her."

"But you were happy for me to think badly of Molly?" he sighed.

"She moved away so that all your paths wouldn't cross again" she said sadly "Didn't seem any point" she touched his face "I love you Frankie, we will be alright wont' we?" he wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Yes, Marie we will, I love you too" he sighed "You haven't told me anything that makes me think it was Mollys family that caused them to break up, if anything they gave him his freedom to be with Georgie and for whatever reason they didn't get together."

"She's your sister but it doesn't make it right what she did" he felt weary "It's a mess Marie and from now on you stay well clear of getting involved, sister or not" he paused to cup her chin and make her look at him "She's with Prof now and from what I saw I think Captain James wants Molly back, you leave them all to sort it out. Right?"

Marie nodded with a small smile. She loved him very much and had some news for him that she hadn't told him about yet, she really didn't want to lose the best thing that had happened to her in years.

"Are you looking forward to tonight George" asked Prof with a grin and Georgie nodded. She really was. She would get to see Charlie and hopefully ask if she could be the section medic again. She didn't want to stay in Keogh indefinitely she was getting pretty cheesed off with the way people were treating her, even her CO seemed to have a bee in her bonnet and refused to acknowledge how much experience she had from all those tours.

"I hope to speak with Captain James about coming back into the section."

"Not sure that's a good idea George what with it being a social event" he started "what about us, you can't be in the section if we are together?" and he saw her look before she masked it and his heart sank. He was rather hoping to have his own little announcement later in the evening. He adored Georgie, loved her more than he believed he could after his wife had betrayed him, but he did and was hoping to ask her to marry him.

Jackie was still being snappy with him after what he had said had gone on in the guard hut the other night. She had really let rip at him and it was not often that his Jacs went off on one quite like that.

"Molly is our mate Dangles how could you tell Fingers?"

"I didn't tell him nothing and Captain James is my CO I told you to not get involved."

"I'm not fucking involved" she screamed "She's my mate" Dangles raised his eyebrows.

"I rest my case."

"I didn't even know that you knew what Georgie had done."

"Well I didn't for sure, I wasn't in the section then, or on that tour" he held her hand "but if they want to sort out their problems they will and not with us or anyone else poking their noses in" he looked directly at her with his dark brown eyes that always made her melt "let them work it out, don't interfere" he shook his head "they won't thank you for it if it doesn't work out."

"But she's my mate."

"I know so give her a hug if she wants to talk but don't interfere."

"So, you saying that you don't think they should get back together?"

"No Jacs that's not what I'm saying" closing his eyes and trying to think of the right words "I'm saying let them decide what they want and as mates we will support that."

"When did you get so bloody wise?" she smirked and wrapped her arms round his neck giving him a quick kiss.

New Years Eve and Charles had woken her up with breakfast in bed. A nice strong cup of tea with toast and marmite.

As the day went on they made all the phone calls to family knowing that tonight would be a late and noisy one and they probably wouldn't have an opportunity to phone wishing everyone a happy new year. Charles family were going to a party at one of the neighbours and Molly's all down the Earl of Wakefield.

"Do you want me to get Nan to say happy New Year to Jack and Harry?" she sniggered and Charles raised one of his eyebrows making her fall about laughing.

Molly had phoned Jackie they arranged to share a taxi as they didn't live that far apart and it was going to be hard getting them tonight and the cost is usually doubled.

Everything that Molly was wearing tonight was new. Her underwear black and lacy and she knew he'd love it. The dress was a dark maroon, silky and came down to her calves. The front high around her neck but the back was a cowl neck and fell in folds to just above her waist. She didn't wear heals that often but had found some lovely strappy stilettos that would make her taller, lots taller even though she knew that her feet would hurt by the end of the evening.

She was putting the finishing touches to her makeup and when he came into the bedroom to tell her the taxi was due any minute and was there any chance that she was nearly ready.

She stood and turned to face him with a big grin on her face as she smoothed down her dress. His breath hitched in his chest his mouth forming that perfect O shape as he gazed at her. Within 2 steps he was next to her his hands running down the satin feel of her dress, the way it moved under his hands made his breath huff as he moved closer. He grabbed a handful of her hair wrapping it round his fist to pull her head back and started kissing her neck.

"Why don't we stay in tonight instead, see the New Year in on our own?" he mumbled against her ear causing her to chuckle.

She was equally admiring the way he looked tonight, it wasn't often that she saw him in a suit, he was in camo or jeans mostly, sometimes in his dress uniforms that always made her weak at the knees but rarely did they go anywhere that he wore a suit and tie. Even if they went out for dinner it was trousers, jacket and open necked shirt. There was no two ways about it the way he looked in a suit, the muscles across his shoulders were straining against the cloth, he was drop dead gorgeous.

"Later Charles" she giggled "We gotta go it's for charity" and he nodded still nuzzling her neck and trying to tear himself away when they heard the toot of the taxi arriving.

The venue was all decked out for them, beautifully crafted poppies that could be purchased along with the traditional Christmas decorations, a backdrop digital display of the tower of London and the lights for the centenary of WWI a couple of years ago. A combination of remembrance and celebration, there wasn't one person of in the room that hadn't lost someone or knew someone that still needed support.

Just as Charles thought the three course meal was pretty average, but then they were catering for over two hundred people. Traditional lukewarm fare. He was sitting next to Blue with Molly on his other side, who was animatedly talking with Spanners wife Jenny.

"I hear congratulations are in order Charles?" grinned Blue

"Do you know it always astounds me how quick the bush telegraph makes its rounds" retorted Charles but still smiling.

"You got a posting yet?"

"Nope" he huffed "But then the announcement is not meant to be until after New Year."

"I take it you want to stay in the South?"

Charles nodded, "to be honest I wouldn't mind 1 Rifles based out of Chepstow, at least we would be on the same side of the country."

"Ha ha one of the Chosen then Charles?" said a grinning Blue

"They are mate, Light Infantry is always the first to be deployed and the bedrock of the British Army, it wouldn't survive without us" causing Blue to throw back his head in laughter.

"I'm not having a pop Charles, its where I started out before I wanted to be in Special Forces and probably where I will go back to when I'm finished with it" he coughed "Although don't say that too loud or Nicole will ask if I can dress like Sean Bean in Sharp" both men laughing "But you'll never convince me that the Rifles are fitter and quicker than Special Forces."

"Is that a challenge Captain, your guys against mine" grinned Charles "They have to be ready to be deployed at any time anywhere, they are always fit as you put it."

Blue turned to look at the table next to them, 2 section already looked wasted and it wasn't even halfway through the evening yet, laughing he asked if Charles wanted to help him bring a round of drinks back for the tables and they walked to the bar.

"My team don't know yet so appreciate you not mentioning it" he checked around to make sure none of his team were close "But in March they will be spending a month in Brunei jungle training."

Charles threw his head back in laughter, "you know that Molly doesn't like spiders don't you?"

"I don't want her to have one as a pet mate" he grinned back "Just know which ones she can eat" Charles was doubled up in laughter.

"You wait till you hear her scream down the comms set" still laughing "It can shatter your eardrums."

"I bow to your superior knowledge" still grinning "So how about a small wager yours against mine and who can get out the jungle quicker?"

Turning back to the section laughing on the table "I can have a word with Lt Colonel Beck, see what he thinks about getting them jungle ready, it must be 4 years since we went to Belize" still looking at them "Perhaps they could do with a refresher?" biting the corner of his bottom lip still grinning "What did you have in mind Captain?"

"What about 50 quid my guys get out first?" and putting out his hand to shake his hand "Proceeds to Help the Heros' of course."

"OK I'll bite but make it a round 100" and putting out his hand to shake Blue's both now turning back to the bar to pick up the trays of drinks.

"It will be good for them, they will be training with the best of the best" said Blue as they were walking back.

"What your lot?"

"No, the Gurkha's"

"Oh yes" he grinned "I take it, it doesn't count when they get out first?" both men sniggering when they put the trays of drinks down on the tables.

The comedian was blinding as far as Molly was concerned, she was crying with laughter. The singer was good but not her sort of music so she was happy to look around the room of people. She could see Captain O'Brian on a table with a number of medics including her mates Katy and Lauren, in fact the Medics had a couple of tables. Captain O'Brian nodded in acknowledgement when she saw Molly looking at her. Cripes how that woman had scared her when she was trying to get into the army and she had asked for a chance cos she had never had one. She would always be grateful to that woman for giving her the chance, her life was so different from being a nail bar technician. She gave her a tentative smile and nearly fell off her chair when a broad smile and nod was returned.

She saw a table full of officers and wives, she recognised Lt Colonel Beck and his wife, but she didn't know the others, but why should she. The table next to theirs had 2 section and her and Jackie raised their glasses to each other every now and again just to let each other know they were OK. A couple of tables back she saw the rest of the old 2 section, and when they got up to dance or mingle later she would say hello. It had been sometime since she had seen Kinders, Mansfield, Nudenut and Baz, the last reunion when they went to Laugharne. She saw Georgie on the table with them, every now and then their eyes meeting, Georgie looking at her sourly as if she wasn't pleased that she was there.

The show, raffle and auction were finally over and apparently everything had been sold and it had been a successful event. Someone from Help the Heros' came up on stage to thank them all for their support, to tell them how much had been made so far and how it would be used, even the poppies had been sold which would help the British Legion. He really was a good speaker and had a standing ovation at the end. Told them to carry on as the club had promised some of their bar proceeds to the charity, so keep going to the bar, causing a massive cheer.

Molly had spent most of the evening while at the table talking with Jen sitting next to her and to Laura, who had been a great help when she was setting up home in Cheltenham. Tonight, was the first time she had met Jackson's wife Chris and Blues wife Nicole. Both of them nice she thought and she happily introduced them to the wives and girlfriends of those she knew. Molly had always loved music same as Jackie, it wasn't long before they were up dancing and had dragged up a number of other wives and girlfriends to the floor, all of them laughing and singing to the old tunes. Lauren and Katy also coming up to join in the group. Apart from Peanut and Dangles who got up to dance with the girls, all the rest of the blokes were sitting chatting. In fact, the only table still looking like it was intact was the one Georgie was sat on. Deep in conversation with her sister.

Charles had also moved tables and was talking with Lt Hurst and his wife, asking him how he was. He still had a way to go with the physio but he hoped he would make a full recovery and would be able to get back to the section. Charles asked if he needed extra support as he had been where he is, having been shot in Afghan and then the leg injury in Belize. He had to give Lt Hurst credit, he took full, responsibility for his injuries admitting he shouldn't have got out the armoured vehicle. He had accepted it would be a long road back to full fitness but he'd do it.

He watched as Molly left the dance floor laughing with Jackie, Jenny, Katy and Lauren. She waved at him as she moved across to the back of the club to the ladies. His eyes suddenly drawn to a movement out the corner of his eye and watching in horror as Lane got up and followed her.

He wasn't the only one to notice that Lane had followed Molly to the toilets, she wouldn't be a Captain if she didn't notice things and the fact her Sergeant was following Molly and Lane to the ladies was something she wanted to make sure didn't escalate. Aston was a good sergeant and she had given Dawes her first chance. She wasn't about to see her reputation in tatters because of Lane, she would put a stop to whatever it was that was going on.

Molly came out of the cubicle and headed to the basins to wash her hands when she spotted Georgie already at the sinks.

"Molly we need to talk" Georgie started pleading with her to stay "We're friends."

"No, we don't and no we ain't" trying to move past her but Georgie blocked the way.

"He said he loved me, I was flattered, I was lonely without Elvis and he is so like Elvis that I…"

"I couldn't give a shit Georgie" as she dried her hands and tried to move past, fortunately Jackie came into the toilets.

"But it's not my fault Molly" she bleated "We couldn't help it."

"What couldn't you help Georgie?" she spat, now that Jackie was here she felt that she was in control and wouldn't push her very expensive dental job down her throat "That you didn't notice that he had PTSD, or that you did, or the fact that you have always liked a bit of attention so that you could drop your knickers, or that you went to his quarters with the sole intention of fucking my husband?"

"I'm sorry Molly."

"Save it for someone who wants to hear it and that'll believe you! Do you think that it will all be OK and we'd invite you round for Sunday dinner" glaring at her "Never going to happen, I wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire"

"We only split up because of your Nan" and Molly took two steps towards her, she could feel her breath chugging and her heart racing, she knew that she wanted to hit her at this point. "She was going to report us if we didn't."

The door opened and in walked Captain O'Brian.

"Sergeant Aston, Corporal Dawes it has been a good night for the charity hasn't it?"

"Yes Ma'am" they both answered. Georgie aware that she had been completely ignored. The two girls moved towards the door to leave and didn't notice that she held up a hand to stop Georgie from moving out with them.

"I don't know what you are trying to do here Lane, but if you wish to remain at Keogh then I suggest it stops now."

"It was Molly that went for me Ma'am."

"Was it and I wonder why that was" raising her eyebrow remembering the 19 year old Molly that had stood before her "I first met her before basic, read all the reports about her" she snorted a small laugh "I agree rough around the edges but I really don't think she is the type to have started something, do you Lane?"

"We are at a social event but in the New Year I would like us to have a chat about your future here and in the army" she turned and left.

This is not what Georgie wanted but she knew she had sowed a seed of doubt, she had seen Molly's face when she said they only split out of fear of being exposed.

She went back to her table, Marie and Fingers missing as they were on the dance floor.

Molly went up a gear after that, got involved with shots with the lads and completely ignoring Charles raised eyebrows at her. Was he only with her because her Nan had made him feel guilty?

She knew that she had drunk too much, she was far from trollied but what Georgie said wouldn't stop going round in her head. She hadn't spoken with him again during the evening, both of them knowing people in the room and catching up with them. But he knew something was wrong, she had changed after coming out the ladies. He had seen Captain O'Brian come out after Jackie and Molly followed by a smirking Georgie.

It was coming to the end of the evening and the slow music had started, he grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. Wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close, he didn't have to bend his head far, what with her heels.

"What did she say to you?" he whispered as they swayed to the music.

Her chin on his chest as she looked up at him "That you only split because Nan threatened to expose you."

He pulled her tighter to him one hand on her waist and the other on her cheek his thumb rubbing across her lip "But you know that's not true don't you?" he sighed "That was when I woke up and realised what I had done, what I'd lost and I didn't want you to go" he watched as her eyes filled with tears and she shrugged.

"What did me Nan say?" searching his eyes to see if she could see if he was lying to her.

"Not that much really" he drew in a deep breath "Sort my life out and sign those bloody papers is all I remember."

"So, you didn't split up with her because my Nan threatened you both with exposure"

"No Moll, she was only going to do that if I didn't sign the papers because she knew I didn't want to sign them Molly, but even if I was exposed as a cheat and dishonourably discharged, the gossip and fallout for you would have been bad so I signed them" he shrugged and his eyes never left hers. She knew he was telling her the truth, the tone of his voice, the way he was looking at her.

"I don't know why she said that Molly" his arms holding her tight against him "Maybe she is envious of what we have, but please don't believe her" he gave her a feather light kiss on the lips and pulled her tighter to him "I am exactly where I want to be" and a small grin appeared on his face and he raised an eyebrow. Molly was pressed against him as he held her so tightly and she could feel him. She suddenly felt very happy and laughed out loud throwing her head back in her happiness.

"So, by the feel of it, we are going to be dancing for a bit then Boss?"

"I'm not your Boss" he growled into her ear as her hands moved up his chest and round his neck. "and probably if you keep looking at me like that" his hands sliding down to her hips and pulling her away from him a little bit.

Fingers had his arm around Marie watching what was happening on the dance floor, he squeezed her shoulder and she turned to smile at him.

"They make a nice couple don't they" he said to her nodding in Captain James and Molly's direction and Marie looked across at them. She could see he had his hands on her hips and hers around his neck, they were both laughing and totally wrapped up in each other.

"Looks like they are working it out doesn't it" he said. Marie looked across at her sister to see her glaring at them. She wasn't sure but she didn't think that was love she was seeing on her sister's face, more anger. She looked across at Prof and she could see the sadness in his eyes as he watched Georgie looking on the dance floor. Perhaps she did need to sit down with her and talk. This wasn't just grief at losing Elvis, this was almost as if she didn't want anyone else to be happy either. Perhaps she had PTSD as well, after all she had been taken hostage twice along with all the other tours and Jamie thought she PTSD years ago after Kenya and she had never really stuck to the counselling.

"See" whispered Dangles to Jackie "They can work it out for themselves."

"But you should have heard what she said" whispered back, her face saying it all "If Captain O'Brian hadn't come in I think Molly would have decked her."

"No ,she wouldn't" he replied emphatically "she has more sense than that" kissing her on the cheek "Whatever was said Molly believes him, look" making her look at them on the dance floor "I don't think the Boss will let her down again."

Prof was watching Georgie and the sour expression on her face as she watched Captain James and Molly dancing. Perhaps he would hold fire on asking her to marry him. They may be living together but he had a feeling that she wasn't really his, but he wasn't sure where her heart lay. Was it with her dead fiancée or the man on the dance floor?

"You alright Georgie" grinned Cheese "Fancy a dance" he smirked and she shook her head staring at the dance floor causing Cheese to look in the same direction.

"Looks like Captain James might be on a promise tonight" he laughed.

-OG-

Molly and Charles had long since gone back to their table when the lights went up for the end of the evening. The customary goodbyes made, all promising that they would have another get together soon, it had been a good night.

"I'll wait to hear from you Charles on our little wager" said Blue and Charles snorted a laugh "I think you can guarantee it" All eyes turning to them as they shook hands grinning.

They all filed outside waiting on their pre-booked taxis. Some staying in barracks and the rest either staying in hotels or going to their homes. After dropping off Dangles and Jackie, they sat in the back of the taxi in companionable silence, Molly's hand across his leg and determined that she wasn't going to believe anything that came out of Georgie's mouth. Her thumb rubbing against his thigh not that she was concentrating as her thoughts ran away with her.

"Please tell me you aren't still thinking about what Lane said?" he asked as they were walking up the stairs to his flat.

She shrugged, "But why would she say it?"

They were standing outside his door when he cupped her face in his hands, "perhaps because she isn't happy and doesn't want us to be either?" he shrugged stroking her cheeks with his thumbs "You can always ask your Nan if you don't believe me," she could hear the hurt in his voice and see the sad expression on his face that she was still bothered by what Lane had said.

The festivities over for another year and Molly was back home in Cheltenham. It's such a shame that their training rotation was through the winter months because it was bloody cold on the assault courses that they were meant to run every day. She didn't really like the classroom stuff either, she had got better with it over the years but it was all that tactical stuff and strategies they were meant to learn.

She hadn't spoken to her Nan to ask her what had gone on when she took the divorce papers round. She could tell he wasn't lying to her, but she was struggling with why Georgie would want to be so mean and vindictive. Perhaps Charles was right, she wasn't happy and didn't want them to be either, although when she was alone at night she couldn't help but think it was more than that. She definitely thought it was more than just grief, her judgement was clouded look at how she was on that last tour, she was bordering on being obsessive about being right about Omar, what needed to be done and refused to relinquish any responsibilities to Mimi so she could improve. Perhaps she had PTSD after all and had played the Doctor assessing her?

The announcement finally came, that Captain James was now Major James and 2 section were all happy for him. Asked him if he would meet them for a celebratory drink during the week. He was more than happy to as he was going to be in Cheltenham at the weekend with Molly, having their own celebration about his promotion.

"So Boss, will you stay with us or are you moving somewhere else?" asked Dangles while they were all propping the bar up.

"Don't know Dangles" he grinned "I wouldn't mind transferring to 1 Rifles at least it would be based in the West Country, where all my family live."

"You can't leave us" slurred Fingers.

"Well as Major even if I stayed here Fingers you wouldn't see that much of me anymore" taking a sip of his beer "Your new Captain will have the day to day joy of looking after you lot."

"I think Jacs was rather hoping that you would stay in Aldershot Boss and that Molly might transfer back here" persisted Dangles grinning.

"Is that the dark haired bird you were dancing with at New Year boss?" asked Cheese "I wouldn't kick her out of bed" he laughed taking a mouthful of beer and not noticing Charles eyes narrow in disgust.

"She's well out of your league mate" said Brains giving him a hard stare.

"I can turn on the cheesy charm when I want" not picking up the sudden atmosphere in the group. "Apparently she's a medic and I love a medic me. Perhaps I should transfer out to where she is based."

"Who told you she was a medic" asked Kingy although he didn't know why he was allowing this conversation to continue, he could see that Major James wasn't impressed.

"Georgie I think at the New Year thing" Cheese carried on "Used to be your medic didn't she until Georgie was brought in to replace her?" Even Fingers closed his eyes, what a fucking car crash this night was turning out to be.

"She ain't a medic anymore" laughed Monk "She's Special Forces and will eat you for breakfast."

"Then spit the bones out later" added in Fingers giving him the stink eye and wanting to pin the stupid idiot to the wall.

The poor Captain that had to take this moron on thought Charles, he had seen some of the reports that were worrying to say the least about his general attitude, especially around the locals when they were in Afghan. He walked to the bar and put some money behind it to get them a couple of rounds.

"Well Kingy, keep these reprobates in check" he grinned at him "I've put some money behind the bar for a couple but its time I was off, it's a busy day tomorrow and don't forget we have a 10K run tomorrow morning so don't you lot stay up too late and remember to hydrate."

Charles had his meeting with Lt Colonel Beck this morning and wanted to talk about a jungle training excursion.

He had always had a good working relationship with Beck, with him and the Brig making sure he got all that support he wasn't sure where his career would be now, or even if he would have one.

"I saw you and Blue at the bar grinning like Cheshire cats" smiled Beck "What were you two cooking up that you have come up with this Jungle training exercise? Don't try and pull the wool over my eyes Charles, I know they're due in Brunei for a month in March"

"I just happened to mention that I thought the Rifles were the backbone of the army, that we are the first to be deployed when necessary" he grinned.

"and I suppose he thinks that Special Forces are the fittest, strongest and best?"

"Something like that Sir" he grinned.

"So, I take it a small wager was made" grinned Beck "You do realise that that is totally unprofessional and unbecoming don't you? Not at all in keeping with what we expect from our officers."

"Yes Sir, Sorry Sir."

"Cut the formality Charles" still smiling "the honour of the regiment is at stake here, so what has been agreed?"

"Well, they do the survival course then get dropped into the jungle and have to find their way back out again without getting picked off by the Gurkhas" he grinned "first team out Sir."

"You were always a good strategist Charles" he picked up his pen "How many did you intend do this training."

"I thought the 3 sections about 30 men plus NCO's."

"So, the odds are already against them then, they won't have that many going" Charles grin just got wider as Lt Colonel Beck cottoned on.

"Will Captain Hurst be ready in time? He has just been promoted and it could be a good lead back for him too"

"I can have a word see how he is doing and if he will be fit enough by March."

"What about medics. There is a tropical medical centre there, it might be worth having some of them sent out to support and learn."

"Agreed Sir."

"OK Major James, I'll authorise it and get the ball rolling so that you are out there in March" raising his eyebrows. "One last thing Charles, I know she is not in your chain of command but there will be eyes on Major James."

"Yes Sir" he replied grinning and standing up ready to leave.

"Just don't give Blue any reason to gloat" grinned Beck.