Killed By Death

by mrcookieman36

I don't understand. I thought I was a normal average teenager going through a shit experience. When I thought my troubles where over, more just come piling on. I cant even explain it myself I went in normal, but then came out as a killing machine. Maybe these people could help i suppose, i mean its not like i got anything else better to do.

36. Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Got a new for you readers out there so for the long update, holidays and birthdays in the way. Be sure to read and drop a review if you want.

Again, once I take off my V.R. headset I started to say out loud without really thinking. "Awe man this is going to be my new favorite toy." I looked up only to notice that I was not alone. I cock my head to the side noticing that a couple of familiar ladies were somewhat amused to see me.

I blink a few times only to notice that it was none other than sergeant Scarlett and Specialist Cover girl sitting right across from me. In that moment I knew why they were here. After all I was tipped off by Pop's a little over three weeks ago that they were my supposed tails to keep an eye on me.

But needless to say, I still played it off as if this was a nice surprise. "Oh, hey where did you come from?"

"Hello private it's nice to see you too," Scarlett responded. I could tell in an instant that these two were going to change the subject to throw me off guard, but that's ok I don't mind playing catching up with these two.

So, Cover girl started up next by asking, "hey mark nice tan you got there, so how was it?"

"My vacation, oh it was nice and fun. I got to a lot of swimming, and some sight seeing in Guam. But anyways what are you two doing this side of the world?" Scarlett spoke up quick, while trying to come up with a white lie for private mark.

"Just doing some special marine training on the beaches in the Northern Mariana Islands."

"Huh sounds fun I suppose."

"So, what's that you got there Private," Scarlett asked while pointing out the object in his possession.

"Oh, this is my V.R. head set that I've purchased from a tech shop in Guam. Its pretty cool to say the least."

"V.R.," Scarlett said confusingly.

"It means Virtual reality," Cover girl added.

"Oh, you've heard of this then Specialist?"

"Of course, I have, and what I have told you about calling me by my rank."

"Sorry Cover girl," Mark said.

"Oh, its ok, Mark."

"Do you two want to give it a try," as Mark held up his V.R. set to them. Scarlett nodded her head no, while Cover girl just shrugged her shoulders.

"Well if you're sharing I suppose than yeah why not."

"Cool, here I'll even pick the program venue for you."

"Whatever you say mark," Cover girl added.

I was thinking about what program I wanted to load for her, then I thought of the perfect thing. "I know the perfect program for you to experience Cover girl."" I know you often sort of never liked the music that I was into, but what if I showed you what its like to be in a concert with one of those edm artist."

"Uh I don't know Mark, I mean not a real big fan of listening to music with no lyrics."

"Will you at least give it a shot?"

Cover girl was hesitant at first, but eventually relented." Oh, all right, but make it a short one."

"Ok how about a music video instead."

"Sure thing." I quickly unstrap myself from my seat and started to walk over to where she was at. The band I chose was tritonal, with the song called colors. I see Cover girl putting on the head set minus the gloves. I switched it to more or less a video mode. I also turned to volume up to an acceptable level so I don't blast her ear drums. And soon enough she gave me the thumbs up that the music was on.

At first, Cover girl didn't seem all that interested in it, or that's what I thought at the moment. But soon enough I could see her, motioning her head a bit. While saying out loud huh this song is pretty catchy. I just smiled knowing that somehow, I might have made a new fan of Edm. When all was said and done, I see Cover girl lifting up the V.R. headset. "That was actually pretty good, you got any more."

"I Sure do Cover girl, have you ever heard of Porter Robison?" She shook her head no to me, I smiled as always knowing that she going to have nice treat for her when I play the next track.

Again, I see Cover girl somewhat get into it. I think she's really enjoying it. Alas for her it does come to an end. As once again she takes off the V.R. headset while handing it over back to me. "Thanks Mark that was really nice and pleasant." I look over to Sergeant Scarlett to see if she wanted a try, but once again she nodded no to me. So, I shrugged it off and headed back to my seat and strapped myself in.

"You should get some rest in Private, its going to be a long flight back to the pit," is all that Scarlett said to me. And for once I actually took her advice.

14 hours later. We finally touched down on the tarmac by the pit. All I know is that its close to midnight on Sunday morning. Which was fine by me, since I don't have to get up early for pt. So, I take my stuff and head back to my dorm. Awe man it almost feels a bit strange walking through these corridors in the pit. I mean I've been gone for almost a month now. But before I went to bed, I made sure that I checked in with sentry on duty. You know so that they know that I've checked in from being on leave for so long. I just plopped to my bed and started to catch some zzz from then on out.

In the morning I wake up at my normal hours of 04:30 only to just go to bed since it was still early morning. By 0700 I was wide awake and decided to take a shower first before my roomy Dusty beats me to it. Oddly enough he is still somewhat asleep. After five minutes I finally came out to get dressed only to notice that Dusty was now getting up.

"Hey roomie did you miss me?"

"Huh what, is that you Mark?"

"In the flesh buddy."

"Man were where you, you've must have been gone for month or so."

"Ah nowhere special other than some much needed R&R."

"Oh, so you were on vacation then? By the way you look a bit different, did you get a tan or something?"

"Yeah that happens when you're swimming out in ocean by the beach." "By the way Dusty, I got something for you." I see my roommate somewhat sitting himself up on his bunk to see what I got him. "Here you go roomie, I got you a souvenir from the island." I handed him an extra-large t-shirt of I love Guam and some coconut candy as well.

"Awe thanks little buddy you didn't have to this."

"Eh it was nothing, by the way did I miss anything while I was gone."

"Nah not really other than same old same old training and duties I suppose. "" I guess some of us started to ask around for about a week wondering where you where?"

"Really you guys missed me that much?"

"What kind of question is that, of course we missed you."

" Even Strike," Mark asked a bit curiously.

"Even Strike private. "" That is until Lady Jaye spilled the beans on where you were."

"Huh I guess I never knew, that I had that much of an impact on your lives like that."" Any ways I see you around or at breakfast I suppose, I got get these souvenirs passed out." I quickly take off to get some much-needed breakfast. Of course, I took my duffle bag along with me to pass out my souvenirs to some of the Joe's and green shirts that I knew best along the way. All in all, most of the comments were pretty welcoming to me, if not that I looked a bit different. Which happens to be nice golden-brown tan I now sported on me.

At my table though, it was just Tunnel Rat. I guess I missed both Lady Jaye and Strike since I didn't see them both in here. Yet Tunnel Rat did seem rather happy to see me, as I handed him some island candy and a t-shirt, since he didn't seem too interested in sea shell necklace.

So, after breakfast I decided to stop by the captain's office to see if he was in. And sure enough he was in there. He did have a rather nice smile for me once he saw me come in to take a seat. "Hey Private when did you get in?"

"Last night sir around 2400 hours."

"Hmm so how was your R&R?"

"Huh I don't remember telling you about it, but I guess I shouldn't be asking those type of questions since officers like you will always know what I'm up too."

Psy just chuckles a bit after Mark said that. "Yup pretty much Private." "By the way I see you got yourself a nice little tan on yourself."

"Yes, I know sir, even though I was reapplying as much sun block whenever needed."

"Well either way I'm glad to see you get unwind a bit. "Being here can get even the best of us in a bind with all sorts of stress I suppose."

"Oh yeah speaking of that sir, I got you something?"

"Oh what did you get me, a t-shirt, a decorative paper weight?"

"Even better sir." I pulled out a couple of solar power toys. "I thought you could use this to liven up your desk and surroundings." I pulled out a plastic flower toy and a super lucky cat toy. In an instant they started to move on their own from the power of the lights in the office.

In a way I could see the captain smiling a bit seeing his new toys in action. "Well private I must say that these are some interesting items."

"I know they seem a bit silly sir, but I assure you that it will liven up your day."

"You know private I think it's working." An awkward silence sort of fell upon the both of us. Till the captain started up again.

"Listen mark I know that in some way you may already feel relax and a bit unwired."" Since you've come back from a long R&R."" But your meditation teacher is here on base, so I think it would best if you went ahead with the lessons at hand."

"Well if you think that's for the best Captain, then yeah sure I'll do what you ask of me."

"That's good private, I have you assigned to Jinx in a few days."" Most likely on Wednesday."

"That's sounds good sir, um so do you like what I got you."

"Yes of course private they are nice."

"Well then sir I guess I'll be seeing you.".

"Sure, thing private go on get out here and have a pleasant day."

Once I got out the Captains office, I noticed that it was already lunch time here in the pit. So, I went ahead to get some much-needed lunch. Once again, I didn't see Strike or Sergeant Jaye in the chow hall. Man, I hope they weren't sent out on a mission while I was gone. But none the less I guess I could catch them either at dinner time or after dinner.

So, for the most part of the day, I catch up with some other Joes here on base. In a way I just hoped that I brought enough souvenirs for everyone, as my bag started to get a bit light. For the most part I hooked up my charger for the V.R. set along with any other batteries that needed to be charged up. Of course, my dorm was rather empty to say the least.

So, I made sure that I went over my personal stash of candy and other items that I usually enjoyed. Also, I decided to take a look at the special account number that I had stashed in my dry pouch in my boots. I looked at the numbers one more time, even though I memorized them a few weeks back.

In some small ways I'm sort of a millionaire, yet I really don't feel like that I am one. But from the bank manager, I'll be earning some extra interest from my deposit. I tucked away my deposit number for safe keeping. After all that I decided to take just a huge load off and started to take a nap.

All I can say is that it didn't last long. Soon I get a knock on my door. I sigh a bit to myself wondering who that might be. So, I answer my door, only to get an unexpected surprise from someone that I didn't expect.

"Hey Mark I need you to come with me asap."

"S-Strike, is that you."

"Of course, it is who else were you expecting?"

"No, it's just that I haven't seen you since I left about three weeks ago."

"Well now you have seen me, but welcome back, as Strike gave mark a nice smile. Once again like before with the captain silence fell upon us.

"Uh right I need you to come with me asap ok mark?"

"Uh where to then Strike."

"We got to get to Hawks office."

"Oh well in that case, just wait a sec while I get something." I quickly went to get my duffel bag of souvenirs. I got the perfect gift for general hawk.

After that we left to go to Hawk's office. Of course, on the way I decided to start a small conversation with Strike. "Strike."

"Hmm."

"Are you still mad at me?"

"What!? No of course not why would you think that I'm upset with you?"

"Well its just that a few weeks ago you seem pretty steamed about something."

"Yeah about that, I'm sorry that I took it on you."" It was something that was out of my control and yours."

"So, are you feeling much better now?"

Strike turned her head to me and game me a small smile. "Yeah I'm feeling a lot better now since then."

"So, um how was the pit without me for a few weeks Strike?"

"To be truthful to you mark, we all really missed you."

"Really?"

"Yes, really we did."" By the way you look like you got plenty of sun."

"Yeah I know Strike, I did put on a lot of lotion to combat it."

"So, did you have fun?"

"Yeah I'm really more relaxed now, maybe next time you can come along with me."

"Sure, thing Mark I would like that."

"By the way I got something for you and your roomie as well"". Maybe I'll give them to you before or after dinner. "

"Hmm how about after dinner then?"

"Sure, thing Strike."

Within a span of five to ten minutes we finally reached to Hawks office. Strike knocked on the door, when instead one of the secretaries open up the door for us and closed it as we both enter. In an instant we both sounded off and saluted to hawk. We both remained standing, till hawk asked for the both of us to sit down.

In that moment I didn't realize that we were not alone in office with Hawk. In fact, there were some other Joe's in here as well. I quickly eye ball them all in a span of a few seconds. I noticed that most of them were Joe's that I spent the most time with in my training, as well a few that I don't spend that much time with.

The one's that I notice first was Sergeant Low-Light, Sergeant Scarlett, Life Line, Sergeant Major Beach head, and first sergeant Duke. I tried to take a seat to either to the right or left, but for some reason all the good seats were taken except for one. And that one happens to be right dead center in front of Hawk. Even I can't have a break from these Joe's.

I sat there thinking on what this could be about, was I in trouble, are we going on a mission, or is it something else. I kept quiet since everyone else was quiet. I tried not to eye ball anyone in the room especially the sergeant major. I did it once awhile back in pt, and I instantly regret it.

All I could see on the other side was Hawk going over some paper work. When he finally looked up to me, I really couldn't read any expression on his face. Its like staring at one of those guys who you tell funny jokes to and he doesn't laugh at any of them.

"Welcome back private, I see that you got yourself tan." I sort of froze sitting there wondering if I should respond back to him.

"Um… yes sir I did didn't I", Mark said nervously.

"You ok private you seem a bit nervous."

"Just a little sir."

"Oh, so why are you nervous then?"

"Um…well…uh…," I was just at loss for words. I wanted to look over to Strike or maybe Sergeant Low-Light for some help, but I knew they couldn't help. They were probably just as confused as Hawk is about me being nervous.

"Come on private spit it out."

"Look sir am I in trouble or something."

"Uh no not to my knowledge that you are, unless you brought something illicit back to the pit."

"Well that's good to know sir, but I didn't bring anything illegal back from Guam."

"Then why did you bring a duffle bag into my office then."

"Well sir it just that I got few things for you, that I was hoping to give to you after this meeting personally."

"I see, well then why don't you present it to me right now."

"Are you sure sir?"

"Yes, private I am."

"Very well then."

I reached for my duffle bag, only to bring it to my lap. I started to unzip it while saying a few things to Hawk. "Ok I was thinking about you when I got this over in Guam. "" I thought it be nice, because of how plain and stale your desk looks."" So, I hope these items would bring a little bit of color and maybe brighten your day."

And just like in Captains Psy's office, I pulled out on of those solar power toys. It was yellow flower with a smiley face and couple of plastic leaves in a brown pot. I placed it in front of him, while removing the tape so it can move on its own from the florescent lights in his office. I also pulled out a super lucky frog solar toy as well. "Ok sir, much like Captain Psy who has the super lucky cat toy, I got you the super lucky frog instead."

At the moment, I could've sworn that the Sergeant Major was just covering his eyes while muttering something I couldn't make out. In a way I think he was hiding his embarrassing look from me and everyone else. As for Strike and Sergeant Scarlett, I could've sworn that I heard a few snickers from them. as I turn my head only to notice that the both of them were covering their mouths with their hands trying not to laugh. As for first sergeant Duke, he too turned his head to side while covering it much like the Sergeant Major.

As for Life-Line and Low-Light I really couldn't tell since they were sitting behind me. Next thing I know it, I see Hawk sighing a bit out loud. "You were right private, I should've waited after." I then see Hawk take the two gifts I have given him, as he put in to the side out of sight from everyone. "Now on to new business Private."" In this file in front of me is your evaluations from your instructors and some others, in case you are wondering."

"Low-Light, I see that you have given the ok on the private here, you have anything to add?"

"Sir I have to say without a shadow of a doubt that private Mark here, is one of the best shooters that I have ever seen."" He's good and a quick learner, and I have no doubt that he'll make an excellent addition to our team."

"I see what about you Scarlett."

"Well sir I think that in the time that I had him he was a little bit slow at first."" And at times can be little bit of a handful. "" Yet he follows orders and makes good quick decisions."" He can be a little bit immature at times, but as NCO's sir we like a good challenge and I think we work with him."

"All right then anything to add Life-Line, Hawk demanded?"

"With the right attitude and direction, Private Mark has shown me that he can handle himself and help out others in need of medical."

"Hmm…, I see then."" Beach Head I already know that you approve."" Duke the floor is yours if have anything to add."

"I agree with everyone's assessment here sir, so you got my seal of approval."

" A man of few words I see."

"Strike you have anything to add or say?"

"Well sir much like Low-Lights statements Private mark is a quick learner."" And as to Scarlett's remarks yeah, he can be a little bit of handful."" But I guess we all have to remember that Private Mark, is still pretty young."" So, I guess we all have teach him to be a little better than he already is."" I know that we hit a few rough patches here and there with him. "" But he always found ways to learn from those mistakes."" I know that in some ways that he had to put trust and confidence in us, as we put the same trust and confidence back into him."

"Well said Strike," Hawk said. He then turns his attention to Private Mark. "Well private looks like you nothing but a vote of confidence from your instructions and superiors."" And I have to concur myself as well Private."" You have improved yourself through discipline, training, and guidance."" Let me be the first to welcome you to the Joe team."

Mark had one simple question to ask to Hawk, as he raised his hand to him. "You have something to say private?"

"Uh yes sir I do, um does this mean that I get a raise?" Hawk was a little a taken a back by what Mark had said, but only for a small moment as he looked towards to some of his Joe's for a short moment.

"Oh, so you wish to have a little more responsibility then Private?" I sat there thinking about what Hawk had said. I wasn't too sure on how I should answer back to him. I did my best no to sound too unsure.

"Well…um..." Then I remember how Hawk doesn't like it when people are not sure of themselves. So, I promptly answered back to him in a more confident tone. "If it means that I have to work more for you sir, then yes I would like to have some more responsibility."

"I see then, I guess I have to promote you then private."" From this day forward, you are no longer a private. "" Your new rank will be Private first class, or P.F.C. for short."

"Thank you, sir is, all that I said back to him. "

"I guess the next thing is that, we have to figure out what we are going to call you." "If you give us your approval Mark we'll give you a suitable name within a few days."

"Well sir can I pick it for myself?"

Hawk shook his head in approval. "I don't see why not, but you think about it long and hard ok."

"Yes sir."

"Good I except to know what it is in a couple of days."

"Yes sir." Hawk in an instant stood up as everyone else who did, including Mark.

Hawk then extended his hand out towards to Mark. Mark took his hand shook it with a strong and firm grip. "Welcome to the team Private first-class Mark." Everyone around me pretty much just gave some nice nods and a few handshakes. Needless to say, they all started to file their way out of Hawks office.

I made sure that I was the last out, till I decided to ask Hawk another question. "Uh sir you got a moment."

"Is there something else on your mind Private?"

"Sir did you not like the gifts I got you?"

"Uh well private let's just say it's a bit unexpecting, but it's the thought that counts."' So yes, they are ok but they are a little bit distracting."" So how about this I'll put them here on my credenza behind me."

"Well sir if didn't like I could give you some candy or a t-shirt."

"No, no, no, private that's quite all right I do like the gifts you got me ok."" Now is there anything else?"

"No sir."

"Good you are dismissed, go on and enjoy the rest of your Sunday."

I quietly walked out of Hawks office with my duffle bag. As expected the Joe's that were in there with me pretty much already went about their business, as I was left alone by myself. I made sure I put up my duffle bag back in my dorm.

I checked my watch once again only to notice that I still have at least one hour left before dinner time. I really didn't feel like doing much other than maybe just walk around for a bit. But I made sure to grab a canteen and fill it up with some red stuff. I started to make my way top side as I started to walk around the base area. Man, it was hot outside even for it being close to the late afternoon. I didn't really feel like doing much since I was just strolling around the base. I was making one rotation after another. I guess I was sort of thinking about today. Whenever I got a bit tired, I would just make my way towards the picnic tables near one of the t-shacks. Which was nice since no one really bother me over here. I sat here looking at the desert and the surrounding buildings and vehicles until my tummy started to grumble a bit. I checked my watch once again, only to realize that I've sitting up here for quite some time. So, I just started to make my way to the chow hall.

Usually at this time of hour most of the green shirts and Joe's are pretty much done with dinner. So, at 1800 hours the chow hall is mostly empty for the most part. Luckily for me dinner time last at least two and half hours here at the pit. I sort of contemplated in my head on whether or not to eat dinner outside. Yet I still chose to eat indoors. I loaded up my try with all sorts of eats. From salads to cheese burgers. The only problem of eating this late, is usually the lack of desserts. Even though they then give us sugar free deserts, since they don't want us to get fat I suppose. As for sweets I was usually the go to guy for them. Yet I just grab on as many rice Krispy treats I could get my hands on.

After dinner I started to make my way towards the rec room. As always most of the joe's that are in there are watching some sort of sporting event. As for me I just chose to sit on a couch while resting my eyes away from the crowd.

It lasted for maybe five minutes for me till I felt something tickling my nose. I woke up instantly only to notice that it was Sergeant Jaye. "Hey there Private happy to see me?"

"You know Sergeant you could've at least just tap me on shoulder to wake me up."

"Well it was either this or I dipped your hand in warm water."" So how was your vacation?"

"It was good and relaxing."

"Well that's good. "" You know I think Strike was looking for you at dinner."

"Well it's just that I decided to eat a late dinner."

"Oh, I see then, you know I can go get her if you want."

"Well sure, but I want to stop by my dorm first if we can."

"Ok you lead the way private." We both took off to my dorm. On the way Lady Jaye decided to start a short on conversation with. "I know you get this a lot Mark, but you got a nice tan."

"Thanks Sergeant."

"Also, I heard from the grapevine, that you're becoming one of us now."

"Yeah about that Sergeant, are you guys going to haze me or anything like that?"

"Not to my knowledge, but congrats."

"Yippee for me, I just hope it gets a little bit easier."

"Easy, oh no private we're going to work you even harder than before."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You'll see in time."

I wanted to press on the question even more, but I could tell that Sergeant Jaye wasn't going to spill the beans on this one. Finally, we reached to my dorm, as I grabbed my duffel bag and my V.R. headset and gloves. Once I let sergeant Jaye know that I'm ready, we started to head off to her dorm.

In a few minutes she lets me in, as I see Strike lying on her bottom bunk watching some TV. "Hey Strike I got you guys some souvenirs from the island." Strike sat up while Sergeant Jaye pulled a chair up to see what I got them. "I know its not much, since mostly everyone went through them, but I did save you some coconut candy and a few t-shirts."

"Well thank you Mark, that is really considerate of you," Strike added. Immediately sergeant Jaye tore into hers. As for Strike she took a little nibble from hers. But I could tell that they really enjoyed it.

I was about to suggest to Strike if she wanted to come with me to a more spacious area. Sergeant Jaye then added, "hey um I got go and take care of few things and it looks like you two need to catch up on a few things."" So, I'll be back within five minutes before lights out." Huh I would have never guess that Sergeant Jaye would give me and Strike the dorm to ourselves. I mean lights out was almost three hours away.

Once she left me and Strike we sort of just sat here wondering what to do. But I had a lingering question to ask Strike, that I forgot what I was really there to do or show her. "Hey Strike, can I ask you something?" Strike looks up a bit to Mark while chewing on some coconut candy, but also just nodded to Mark that it was ok to ask her.

"Did you really mean all those things that you said about me in Hawk's office earlier today?" Strike started to finish what she had in her mouth, since Mark asked her a serious question. She takes a couple of breaths of air before she starts.

She smiles towards him while saying, "of course I meant it all."" You may not know it Mark, but you have really improved on everything."" We all know you can handle yourself and be responsible as well."" You may have to learn a few things along the way, but I know you will over come them. "" Even if you need just a little help or a nudge in the right direction."

"So, this promotion then of becoming a Joe, will it be a little bit easier?"

"Mark if was it easy than everyone would be doing what we are doing."" But don't worry I'll help you along the way, as everyone else will when you meet those challenges."

"So, I guess you guys are going to work me like a dog."

Strike wanted to change the subject on something lighter. "Uh…well…um, did you want to show me something Mark?" Mark then looked up again, as Strikes eyes started to point to Mark's other item that he brought with him.

"Oh yeah that's right." "Have you ever heard of Virtual Reality Strike?"

"Hmm…, I think I've heard of the term before, but I never knew of any devices from it."

"Well then Strike you're in luck." I pick up this item while I was in Guam."" So just hold a sec while I power it up and choose a program for you."

I quickly get my V.R. set and gloves ready for Strike, as for the program I pick something close to home for her. I asked her to put on the gloves first, even though she seemed a bit skeptic about them. Next, I asked her to stand up as we moved to a more open space in her dorm, even thought its not much but it will have to do.

"All right Strike just put this over your head and a wait a couple of tics."" Also try not to move around to much since there not a whole lot of space in here."" Oh, a one more thing, try not to lose yourself, also I'll be in here with you to make sure you don't bump into anything."

"Uh what is this Mark?"

"Just a nice new toy that brought back from Guam, but I hope you'll enjoy it." "Ok you ready to go," as I started to slip the headset on to Strike.

"As ready as I'll ever be Mark."

Through Strike's own eyes all she saw was nothing but blackness. But soon that changed when all of sudden she started to hear some wind coming from somewhere. Then a picture started to from in front of her. From her own eyes, it seems to be a video sequence of some random field. From her perspective it looked like a wheat field. It was flat, with some trees here and there. Strike heard some birds chirping about, as one of them flew overhead. So, she looked up only to notice the sky above her was rather clear with a few clouds in the sky. That is until she saw in the distance geese flying in a V formation. "Huh not a bad looking simulation I suppose," Strike said out loud.

Just then she moved a little bit forward, only to instinctively look towards the ground to the tall stocks of wheat before her. That is until she noticed something in the corner of her eye. It was a hand. So, she turned around a bit frantically to see if anyone was behind her, but not a single person. She noticed it again, only to realize that it might have been hers. She experimentally starts to raise up both her hands as she moved them all around. "What the are these my hands," Strike said once again. The weird thing to her was that her hands and arms looked the same. It was so surreal to her. She then tried to touch the wheat in front of her. She gasped a bit to herself when she was actually touching the tops of the wheat with her hand. As she turned around once again, she notices a road sign that said Des Moines fifty miles away. "Des Moines fifty miles away, I'm in Iowa," Strike said out loud.

Mark on the other hand was giving a nice and bright smile for Strike. As to him she looked a bit surprised, but excited to see that she was in her home state of Iowa. But he had to intervene since it looked like that Strike was going to run into a wall. He did switch the mike option on to let Strike know that she's about to run into a wall. In an instant Strike stops, but then starts to take the V.R. head set off.

"Well Strike what do you think?"

"It's a bit exciting and different but thank you for showing me my home again."" It looks so real to me."

"So, you like it then?"

"What kind of question is that Mark, of course I like it."

I looked at my watch only to notice that we still had another hour together. "Hey Strike, how would you like to go to an EDM show?"

"Uh what's an EDM show Mark."

"You know Strike the music I listen to, Electronic dance music."

"They do shows for that?"

"Of course, they do, now how would like to see one."

"Um ok I suppose."

"Great I got the perfect one line up for you. "" It'll probably be better if you stand up next to that wall and stay put." Strike did as mark requested and started to put the V.R. headset back on. In a few seconds she seemed to be standing in a crowd of people in a room that was semi dark. Yet she could tell that people around her had their cells phones on. Soon an announcer was letting the crowd know that a man called Eric Prydz was on next. It started out a bit slow for her, but then it really picked up. First came the laser lights and then the smoke machines. It was loud to her, but catchy none the less. There was so much energy in the crowd all around her. I guess that guy up on the main stage must be that Eric Prydz guy. To her it was a short song, but none the less it was very enjoyable. She was about to take the V.R. set off, but then another song pops up, to her it looked like a music video. The sound alone to her was strange. But it also had a text crawl of the lyrics. Strike started to look at the lyrics only think a bit about it. To her they seemed a bit familiar. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks these were the same lyrics that Mark was saying out loud while on the last mission to Nicaragua. Huh so the band is called M83 and the song is Midnight City. The next song was called the Sun goes down by Robin Shultz but it said original mix. To Strike this was a very pleasant song, even if it didn't have any lyrics. In way her own prejudices started to go away once she started to really hear the music that Private Mark likes to hear.

Once it was done she took off the V.R. set and gloves and handed it back to Mark. "Thank you, Mark, for allowing me to experience some nice and pleasant things."" Especially the music you enjoy." I just smile back to her. I looked to my watch only now to notice that it's close to lights out, so I bided a good night to Strike. As she did the same towards me.