Here's another one be sure to read and my maybe drop a review if you like

Chapter 29

This was a long and hard battle that Joe's just fought here in the Caribbean low lands of Nicaragua. To some it was business as usual, while to others it just getting hard and hard each time. That was the difference between some of the well season Joe's verses to some of the newer. As the day wore on, it became apparent that Cobra was getting more ruthless with its mercenary troopers. Even when they got them in bottle neck position, these snakes never gave up or give in. It almost came to the point of fighting to the last man.

At least in Strikes mind, that's what she felt when she decided to take load off. The only positive things that came out of this battle was that casualties were low to say the least. We only lost a couple of green shirt troopers. She couldn't say how many of their own tanks got lost in the battle against the Hiss tanks. Yet the panicky chatter went away as soon as the last remaining Hiss tanks got taken out, by somebody. Also, as an added bonus Mark's protein bars did do the trick in subsiding my hunger as well, as Strike thought to herself.

She wasn't the only one taking a breather from the heavy fighting. Along with her was her room mate Lady Jaye and her friends Tunnel Rat, Dusty, and Scarlett. Of course, it didn't long, when Beach Head was coming to them, hopefully not to yell at them for slacking off.

Strike was about to open up first, when Beach beat her to punch. "Looks like I found my volunteers," Beach head said with a small smile behind his balaclava. Again, before any of them could say anything, Beach Head sounded off again. "Ok listen up Joe's, I need the five of you to go help Cover girl out in finding any survivors from the disable wolverine's."

All of them started to get up quickly, while Strike asked a question of her own to Beach." Cover girl made it out ok then Beach?"

"From what I heard over the radio chatter, I thought she was a goner," Tunnel Rat added.

"To answer your question Strike yes, she made out but barely."" All I know is that Duke needs volunteers to help her out, is that understood?"

"Yes, Beach Head they all sounded off."

"Good you'll find her about a half of a klick to the north east from here."" In case you all get lost, just follow the burning black smoke from her position."

They all exited to go and join Cover girl in the distance. When it comes to skirmishes against Cobra, it is often best not to look at the carnage of it all. Especially the bullet riddle bodies and the chard up corpses. Everyone in the group had their game face on. it didn't take long for Strikes group to reach Cover girls position.

All of us were happy to see her ok, as she was motioning to everyone to help her check out the rest of the disable tanks to see if anyone was still alive. Everyone was gearing up for the worst once they open up the top hatches. To their surprise out of the ten, nine survived the encounter. The rest of the green shirt tank drivers did their best to get their respective tanks out of the muck. Once Cover girls tank came out first, they used the heavy duty towing cables to drag the others out. They also made any repairs they could to get them running again.

In the mean time Strike started to wander off from the main group to looked over to the Cobra Hiss tank a few hundred feet away from her position. She has only seen a few of these intimidating tanks up close. But she could tell in that instance that this behemoth was a much different model then what she is use to seeing. For one they were a lot bigger, and from the looks of it they seemed to have a lot of plate armor on the sides. Especially near the lower side of the tank treads. Strike even noticed that it sported more guns on it, than the standard dual cannons turret on the top.

Not too far from it, she also notices the chard up corpse on the ground. Seeing the semi boney hand that held on to a Beretta. "The poor sap must have killed himself, sense he does looked like he was burning to death," Strike said to herself out loud.

"What was that Strike," Tunnel Rat asked? Strike turned around instantly since she did get spooked a bit thinking that she was by herself. Of course, the rest of her friends including Cover girl decided to come out to see what she was doing.

"I said that this poor sap must have killed himself, since he does look like he was in a lot of pain of being burned alive." Tunnel Rat came right next to her as he looked down to the burning corpse.

"Yeah it would seem that way I suppose."" So, what are you doing out here by yourself Strike?"

"Nothing much than looking at this huge Hiss tank."

"Well you're right about this thing being as huge as it is."

"Dude this is the biggest Hiss tank I've ever seen, Dusty added."" So, Cover girl how many of these tanks you took out," Dusty added.

"Well me and my crew took out about twenty of them near the tree line, but the last ten near us was not us."

" What do you mean by that," Tunnel Rat asked confusingly?

"It's exactly what I mean, "Cover girl added. "Me and my crew were completely disable by that shit filled trench over there before we could get these last ten." "I tell you what I would like to get a couple of these back to the pit, so I can dismantle and see how these things tick."" Because even my portable Ant-tank rockets couldn't take out the armor on these things."

"If you didn't take theses out then who did," Strike asked?

They all stood there pondering a bit, till Scarlett noticed something near the front of the tank. So, she asked to get a boost from Tunnel Rat and Dusty. The cock pit height alone from the ground up was close to ten to twelve feet from the ground. But with Dusty and Tunnel Rat giving Scarlett a boost up she was able to get a hand near the edge of the front of the cock pit glass.

The very first thing she notice was a two and a half to a three-inch hole near the bottom edge of the glass. She then pulled out her tactical flash light to see if she could see a bit more inside. To her dismay she couldn't see much sense thick black smoke was blocking her sight. Then motion her manual step ladder to bring her back down.

"Did you see anything," Lady Jaye inquired?

"Not much other than maybe a three-inch entrance shot near the edge of the glass."" Practically almost dead center in between the two drivers," Scarlett added. From the deadly accuracy of the shot alone that took out this tank and many more near the wolverine tanks, could only mean one thing as they all thought to themselves. In that moment all of them smile a bit as started to look over to see where private Mark might be. By that time, they all got the call from Duke that the Nicaraguan army coming through to lend their assistance in dismantling the Cobra base, but not until they remove a few Hiss tanks and any intel that the bases computers might have.

Strike was also given the command by Duke to go ahead and retrieve Private Mark so they can be evac out of there in an hour or so.

In the mean time Mark was lying in wait. He kept a vigilant watch over the area that he was assigned to, after all he's got to watch his friends backs. A part of him wanted to do an ammo count for all of his rifles. Yet he knew that he had a job to do. So, every ten minutes he would scan the Cobra base to see the activity, while most of his time was overlooking the surrounding area behind him.

Once the fighting was done with, the sound of nature returned to the surrounding area at hand. In a way it was sort of peaceful out here. And even in some cases, it was hard to even image that a bloody battle had taken place here. Mark sat there continuing with the job at hand. He couldn't help but think about what had happen earlier, when he was taking out those tanks.

Man, what was that, as I thought to myself. Could I be enjoying this job? Was it me or my instinct. Man, I hope to god that I'm turning into a blood thirsty monster, that enjoys blowing peoples heads off. Hmm maybe I should have a talk with Captain psy when I get back. Before I could ponder on my predicament any further, I notice some movement from the North west of my position. At first, I thought it was just the heat of the sun reflecting from the ground causing a mirage. So, to be sure I take a look through my M110 scope.

It sure as hell wasn't a mirage, no instead it looked like a line of vehicles coming in. From my count I could make out about five of them. I continue to focus on to it to see if I could identify any noticeable markings.

The markings on the side was something that I was not familiar with. Yet they looked rather simple to say the least. Two blue bars with a white bar in the middle, with a triangle in the middle. I quickly radio in my findings with Sergeant Low-Light.

"Private did you see something," as Low-Light responded to Private Mark's com link.

"Yes, Sergeant I did?"

"Hold that thought Private, I'm going to patch you through to Duke."

"This is Duke, did you find something private."

"Uh yes first Sergeant I did."" There are some vehicle's coming in from the North west to your position."

"Ok I see private, you have any more intel for me?"

"Yes, first Sergeant the vehicles had a symbol of two blue bars on the top and bottom with a white bar in the center, and a triangle in the middle."

"Stand down private that's just the Nicaraguan army coming over to assist with the excavation of the Cobra base. "" In the meantime, go ahead and pack up your gear and be ready to go in an hour, I'll be sending someone to collect you."

"Yes, First Sergeant, I'll be ready copy that."

In an instant Mark started to pack up his gear then and there. He decided to pack up both of his long-range rifle up in their respective carrying cases. He kept his ACR out and ready in case something unforeseen were to happen. All in all, he was packed and ready to go in fifteen minutes, which let him some extra time for himself as he decided to move just a little bit away from his position. He chose to sit under a tree with his gear close to him.

For the most part he just started to relax and take a huge load off, while taking in a few sips of water from his camel. The only thing that would make this go any perfect would be the original mix from Robin Schultz Sunset. Too bad I don't have my portable satellite radio, as Mark thought to himself.

Of course, those thoughts went away quick as he heard some rustling from the brush near him. He went into a defensive stance with his ACR out at the ready. But then ease his stance when he saw a familiar face.

"There you are, are you ready to go Mark," Strike asked?

"Yeah," Mark said rather plainly.

"Wow, you got a nice view up here." Strike looks over to Mark as he continued to sit there by the tree rather silently. "You ok Mark," Strike asked with a bit of concern. Mark looked up to Strike then looked back down again saying softy, "yeah."

Even to Strike Marks response sounded rather sadden. Hoping that he wasn't still mad about how she had treated him earlier today with the extra snacks. So, she decided to a seat right next to him. After all they still had a good ten thirty minutes before they had to report to the landing zone so they could be picked up.

"You mind if I join you?" Mark nodded no to her then scooted over so she cold sit down. Silence fell upon them for a long few minutes. "Mark," Strike called to him. In which looked up to her." I'm sorry that I gave away your expensive snacks like that."" I didn't know, but I promise you that I'll pay back every cent to you." Strike was about to go on, till Mark interrupted her.

"It's ok Strike, I know you and Sergeant Jaye were only trying to teach a lesson."" I shouldn't be pretty about things like that."

"Oh, I see then but I'm still going to pay you back for it that's a promise."" Then is there something else bother you then," Strike asked.

"I really don't want to dwell on it much Strike."

"Hmm I see then, but if you ever feel the need to talk I will be here for you."" You know that right." "Besides you did a lot of good today then you may have think."

"I don't know about that Strike."

"Hey you shouldn't feel bad about what you have done today."" I wish we could find another way to settle things like this, but sometimes they leave you no choice."

"I guess so Strike."

"Any ways let me help you out with some of stuff ok, it's the least I could do."

And just like they were off together, both Mark and Strike. Mark tried to put those guilty thoughts behind him when he was doing his best to hold up his gear. Yet Strike did as she promised and helped him with his extra load from out of the brush.

The great thing about their journey back to the Cobra base, was that at least they had a ride courtesy of Cover girl. Mark was really happy see her make it out ok. For the most part he did survey the area around him as he saw all the enemy tanks scatter about. Some on fire, while others were knocked out and smoky.

By the time they made to the Cobra base, Mark did his best not to look at the bodies that litter the ground. Instead he focused on where Lifeline was, as he volunteers himself to help with the wounded. Lifeline as always was very reluctant to let him help him out.

Most of the wounds that he dealt with were mostly patching up some bullet wounds. He made use of his medical kit along with the extra canteen of water. With Mark's added help, Lifeline was able to get thing a bit under control.

Soon the choppers started to come in right around the same time the Nicaraguan army started to roll on through. As always, the wounded was loaded up first, most to head over to some medical ships docked along the Caribbean Sea by one of the American navy task force in the area.

Right after all that was said and done, then the Nicaraguan army rolled in. For the most part their leaders met with ours as they went over the logistics and lay outs to the base at hand. Since technically I was still a green shirt, I was still kept in the dark about any intel that was taken from the base at hand. But with some of the chatter I over heard from some of the green shirts, I heard that the Joe's found a huge cache of info off of the Cobra mainframes. To me I could care less about it, instead I did my best to keep myself preoccupied. I did so by keeping my ACR out while keeping guard on the outside perimeter of the base. No one really bother me about it since it kept me busy. So, I did just that.

Next visible thing I saw was some of those heavy freight choppers. I noticed that they carried away a few of those disable Hiss tanks away, while they also started to load up all the wolverine tanks to be taken back to our sub base fifty miles ahead.

It wasn't before long, till the rest of the choppers came in as we were lead back to our sub base. I was about to get the rest of my gear to head off to the first chopper that came in, till Sergeant Low-Light stopped me. I guess he wanted to make sure that I was going to travel with him again, so I just shrugged it off.

Again, since I was the low man on the totem pole here I had no idea on what was going on, I mean for all I know we could have been staying here a bit longer. By this time in mid flight back to the sub base, I was getting a bit hungry. Man, I hope they had some kind of rations ready for us, that are edible.

It was close to 19:00 hours as we all came back. I looked over to my right and left as I saw all my comrades looking as tired as I am. I tried not to think too much about it. But I was in real need of just finding a place for me to take a real load off.

I was about to sit down by these empty crates near the C.P., when Sergeant Low-Light caught up to me. I was about to say hello again, when instead he just told me to take a seat, and he'll take my extra weapons to put them up for safe keeping. However, I still muster up some strength to say few words

"Hey sergeant can I ask you a question?"

"Sure thing private."

"Are we staying here for the night?"

"I can't really answer that one private, but I think we are getting in some good chow for dinner tonight."

"Really we are getting something edible this time."

"We sure are private just hold for about an hour or so."

Sure, enough Sergeant Low-Light was right after all. Apparently, Hawk was gracious enough with our successful operation, that he chopper in some steaks. I never had New York strip before, but they were prepared by some of the Joe's that were good at cooking.

I got in line quick and got my steak and sides. As for seating, there were some picnic tables set up for everyone, but I chose a more secluded spot from the main group. Instead I chose to sit by the very same crates near the C.P. It didn't last long, as I was about to dig in.

"Hey Mark why are you sitting here by yourself," Strike asked with her chow in hand. I looked up to Strike who seem to have a happy smile for me.

"Uh I couldn't find a place to sit that's all Strike. "

"You could find a place to sit down," Strike said skeptically.

"Yeah that's pretty much it Strike."

"Well you know what Mark?"

I looked up at her again saying," what."

"No friend of mine is going to have his dinner on the ground."" Now come along now I saved you a seat." I hesitated a for a short moment, till Strike grew a bit impatient and scooped her hand underneath my arm to lift me up. "Come on slow poke."

I guess I was going to sit again with Strike. She took me to a familiar place which happens to be sitting with her best friends, Dusty and Tunnel Rat. As always, they say their hellos to me, as I said mine to them. Of course, Strike chose to sit right across from me. It didn't take long for me to see Strike starting to dig in rather quickly.

As for me, I sort of froze and just sat here staring at noting. I guess I was thinking about what had happen today. I tried not to think about the countless lives I have taken. Or even the few green shirts that I couldn't protect. Hell, even that one rude green shirt wolverine driver didn't make it out in time. I never knew his name, all I know is that his tank got taken out when he was disable and trapped.

Before long Strike took notice, as she looked up only to hope to start a short conversation with Mark. She looks at his eyes first, only to come to the conclusion that something is bothering him. So, she did her best to coax into eating first.

"Mark," Strike said softly. Mark then looks up a bit to Strike. In which Strike just tapped her index finger towards Marks tray. "Mark eat ok, you'll feel a lot better." Mark then takes a few small bites into his steak, while chewing a bit slowly. To which Strike game him a small smile. "Eat up ok Mark, besides you can't leave here on a empty stomach." Mark looked up to Strike with a little bit of shock. "That's right Mark, we'll be going back home in a couple of hours ok."

A few hours later Mark has his gear at the ready, once to first of five planes that land on the run way. It didn't take long for him and many others to start to board the plane. Just like before he was put on the first plane with the Joes. He practically chose the same seat before. He stowed away his stuff and strapped himself in. It didn't take long for him to start catching some zzz.

During the flight back to the pit, Scarlett was the unfortunate sap that had to sit next to the kid. She did her very best to get to sleep. However, one of her pupils namely private Mark kept impeding her on that token. Mainly that every time she would rest her head backwards, somehow the kids head would fall on to her left shoulder waking her up. She was really getting annoyed, almost to the point where she was about to lose her cool.

She even got more annoyed at the fact that Strike who was sitting across from them was getting a huge kick from all this. Yet in a way Strike felt for both Mark and Scarlett, that she started to unstrap herself and carefully walked towards her way. Strike immediately opens up first to Scarlett," you want to change seats?"

"Don't need to tell me twice Strike," Scarlett responded.

The exchange happens rather quickly and quietly. It didn't take long for Scarlett to get in her new seat and fall asleep. As for Strike she did sat there somewhat looking around the cargo hold seeing everyone in a fast slumber. Of course, seeing her friends and allies did cause her own eyes to get a bit drowsy herself. She was sleeping for about ten seconds, till Mark's head once again hits and rest on Strike's shoulder this time arounds.

She was awoken a bit suddenly only for her to turn her head and see Mark resting his head comfortable on her shoulder. She just gave a nice warm smile while muttering to herself a bit." Have a nice and pleasant sleep ok Mark," as Strike said while gently rubbing the top of his head. "Just don't drool on me ok." And with that being said Strike slowly but sure went to sleep.