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Chapter 43

Its been a few months since then from being here in Saudi Arabia. For the most part Cobra has been pretty hell bent on taking these oil fields. It's been a slow and steady progress in trying to defend and even taking them back from Cobra. To me they are getting more desperate and, in some cases, more savage in their tactics. We really strive to do our best to keep civilian casualties at a minimum. Usually I get called in to take out those who would do harm to the civilians. I've racked in so many kills that even I lost count.

And even if I could keep count, I wouldn't even want to know. Whenever I have some down time, I would do my best to meditate and relax myself. Music is often the best escape from reality. But even doing this is coming too far and too few in between. In a way we were all being pushed to our limits and beyond. That's what being a Joe is all about, being there when others can't and never quitting until the fight is done.

As for my friends they had their own way of dealing with it. A lot of them would mostly just watch some t.v., read, or just play some card games. Sometimes I would get a crowd of some Joe's looking at me funny whenever I did my meditation. Yet when I'm doing it, I usually don't even notice them. Since I'm in my own world.

I guess the one positive thing about being here, is the chow we get. Again, if were out on mission we are often given some kind rations or M.R.E.'s. But it's always a treat when ever we are at base camp, since we are given fresh hot meals. Especially simple ones, like burgers, pasta, or barbeque. Burgers were my favorite of them all. Even though most of my fellow Joe's could only muster to eat a couple, I would go nuts and eat like five of them with tots of course.

Yet I can't sit here reminiscing about the past few months of my time being here, I got a job to do. I can't get distracted, we are in a fight as we speak. The only difference is that Cobra is not really giving up an inch on this one. Once again, I'm here sniping at a refinery in the middle of the desert. Low-Light was kind enough to be my spotter this time around. He would often pick targets that would most likely give our ground troops the most problems. Then again, there were lots of targets for me to pick and choose. As far as heavy armor goes, we really didn't need any since the place was surrounded my mountains. But that doesn't mean that there was no enemy air power in the area.

Again, it was mostly just helicopters in this fight. Cobra would have their mambas, while we had our dragonfly choppers. But that didn't mean that I wouldn't help with the battle at hand. With my trusty AS50 and some Du penetrators, I would aim for the rotors to bring them down. Of course, they would have to be hovering or at a really low speed for me to get the shot in. It was rare at times, but I would sometimes aim for the cock pit to take out the pilot. Needless to say, this battle lasted a solid six hours before the enemy started to give up.

Once the all clear was given, I thought I was going to be on patrol duty to make sure no one else got the drop on us. Yet Low-Light insisted on me to join him at the recovered refinery. Basically, some green shirt troops were going to take our old position to keep an eye on things. I guess Low-Light wanted me to come along to get in some close distance patrolling of securing the facility. As for my weapons, Low-Light reassured me that the troopers would watch them. I quickly unstrap my A.C.R. and get my helmet on,after all I got to protect my melon.

Once we reach the main group all I could say is dame, this place took a beating. There were bullet holes everywhere. I mean we were really lucky that we didn't set off anything. As for the enemy there weren't too many prisoners for us to take. Just a hand full. It wasn't uncommon for the Cobra officers to aim their own guns to their own troops in order to get them to fight. It just makes me sick to my stomach seeing this happen to a solider, even if they are enemy combatants. As for our losses there were really none this time around, just a few wounded here and there. It was no biggie for Lifeline. So, my help wasn't really needed this time around. In fact, Lifeline was busier with patching up the capture troopers for the most part.

As for me I was pretty much order by Duke to go in pairs to patrol and scout the area at hand. Unfortunately, our partners were randomly picked for us and it was nonnegotiable. So, my partner this time around was none other than Scarlett. To me she was ok, but more on the serious side of things. Every time I ever talked to her, it was always formal and serious. Especially since the last time I worked with her. Yet she seems to be ok with the arrangement. As for the area we were supposed to check out, it was near the rear of the refinery. It mostly had some pipes that went near some rock formations. From what I was told these pipes were used to bring in well water for cooling purposes. I was thinking of starting a short conversation with were walking side by side, when I pop a simple question to her. "So, do you think we'll be here for another month or so Scarlett."

"Why you got an urgent appointment or something Reap."

"Well no Scarlett."

"Well there you go Reap question answered." I could tell from her dry response, that in some way she didn't feel like talking.

So, I just decided from then on just to keep quiet and follow her lead. She had her own special weapon, which was her crossbow. But that didn't mean she didn't have an M4 carbine as a backup on hand. As for our patrol, it was bit dangerous. There were plenty of loose rocks and crevices here and there. The pipes alone just went straight down. All in all, the patrol only lasted a good thirty minutes. Once Scarlett reported the all clear on our end, we were order to go back to the main building and await further instructions.

Yet along the way we passed some loose pipes that were dug into the ground that looked like they went under ground or something. And that's when I heard a faint gruff noise from one of them that made me stop for a second. I took a knee near it as I took my ear to see if it was something. And sure, enough I heard some breathing noises. In an instant I took a small pebble and chucked it to Scarlett, since I didn't want use coms that could otherwise alert the possible threat hiding in this pipe.

Of course, she really looked like she was going to pound me in when I did that, but instantly she saw my hand signals that I might have found something. She signals me back that she'll call for some reinforcements and to hang loose.

Soon some other Joes started to show up. From the looks of it I see Dusty, Lady Jaye, Strike, and Lifeline. When they all came up, they all had their weapons at the ready. Except for Lifeline do to his pacifist beliefs. I guess I don't need to explain anything to them. The only problem was, who was going to be the first volunteer to check it out. I mean the pipe entrance alone couldn't be any more than three feet wide. So, we could only go in at one at a time. Which sucks, since we have no idea what's down there. Normally we would have Tunnel Rat do this sort of thing, since it is his specialty, but he was on the other side of the refinery.

We all looked at each other, thinking we should draw straws. When that didn't work, Scarlett pretty much decided to do it herself. That was a relief since no one really wanted to go first. Yet the challenge for her was to ease herself in with a flash light in one hand and her side arm in the other. Again, we had to use a rope to lower her down face first since the piping wall were rather slick to hang on to.

As we lowered her in face first, she gave the order for us to stop. Only to hear moments later of her struggling with something down there. When we all heard it, we immediately pulled her out. Then we saw her face with a few scuff marks. She was cursing like a sailor after that. "Lousy little piece of shit, I'll smoke you out there."

"What happened in there Scarlett, what's down there," Reaper said.

"That lousily little mutt."

"A dog did this to you."

"No shit sherlock, let's just leave it."

I know that Scarlett is just upset about it, but we all knew we couldn't leave a poor helpless dog to die like that, so I volunteered myself to retrieve it. I took off my A.C.R. and gear in order to get myself to fit inside. Soon I was lowered down next. It really wasn't all that dark down here, since the afternoon sun did reach down hear. So, I put up my flash light. Once I came to the bottom which was only about ten feet down, I started to survey the area. It was some sort of cavern, if not a small cave. There were plenty of rocks and a little bit of trash in here. I scan a bit to see what attacked Scarlett, only for a small furry little friend with a wet nose came at me in a rush. It almost caught me off guard as it leaped into me. I was able to catch it and secure it before it could bite me or harm me.

Oddly enough from the way I held it, it seemed to ease up a bit. "So, you're the one who gave Scarlett a little bit of a fight." As I looked at it, it was a small puppy that sported some golden-brown fur. It had small floppy ears and adorable black eyes. As I pet it, it gave me a few licks. I chuckled at bit saying, "well aren't you a friendly one." I was about to take my furry little friend out of here, when instead it wiggles itself out of grasp and dashed over to a small boulder. When I went to go and retrieve him, that's when I saw something that I wasn't expecting.

It was a small frighten child. She was really scared shaking in fear, while her eyes were really red. I guess from crying and such. Her clothes though intact, did have a few tears, and were dirty from being in the dirt like this. To me she didn't look like a local child from here. Her skin was a bit pale, while she also had long blonde hair. I took a visual inspection of her only notice a few scrapes on her knees. I hold up my hands in a surrendering fashion to let her know, I'm not here to harm her.

Yet she continued to ball up even more and was crying even more. I eased up a bit and did my best to calm her down. "Shh, hey its ok, its ok, I'm a good guy."" What's your name little lady?" I waited to see if she would answer but no dice, she was really scared. I though for a quick moment to see if I can coax into coming over to me. Thinking about how dreadfully hot it is in here, I thought she could use a drink.

So, I take a spare canteen out that I use for medical reasons and offered it to her. Yet she wasn't budging. I quickly un cap it and pour a little smidgeon of water out to show her. "Hey its ok it's just water sweetie." Again, she wasn't really responding. Yet her puppy had no problem coming over trying to lick to wet ground. So, I cup my hand and just pour a handful amount into my hand, as he starts to lick it, while wagging its tail happily. I gave a small chuckle saying, "well aren't you a thirsty one," as I petted him.

I guess once the little girl saw me giving water to her puppy, she started to come over reaching out for the water. So, I kindly gave it to her,and boy she was chugging it down like no tomorrow. But then again, she is small child and I would think being down here in a musty cave would make anyone dehydrated. As she drank the water, she did keep her distance from me. Hmm, maybe if I offered her a snack, I would earn her trust a bit more. So, I reached in to my dry pouch where I keep some extra snacks. I pulled out a protein bar, which I think was banana flavored. As I unwrapped it, again I tried to offered it to her. That is until the puppy snatched it out of my hand. As he tore right through it. "Wow you must be a hungry one as well," I said out loud.

Yet again I had to go with a chocolate bar hoping I could earn her trust. She comes a bit closer and carefully as timidly takes the candy bar from me. She eats it a bit slow at first, but none the less she eats it down. I take this time to crawl a bit closer to her. After all this cave has a very low ceiling, since I can only be on my knees. She allows me to come closer to her, since she doesn't see me as a threat anymore. The only off-putting thing is that she gives me a very tight hug while burying her face into my chest crying profusely again. And again, I do my best to calm her down. "Hey shhh, it's going to alright."" Go ahead cry it out." I waited for a few minutes more till she calmed down at bit. In a way I could feel a little bit of wetness from her tears on my shirt.

I started to crawl back to the tube entrance with her and whistled a bit to her puppy so he could come too. Hoping that she understood me I told her to hold on tight to my chest, while I held on with one hand her puppy. I then yanked to rope to get my fellow Joes to pull me back up. I use my legs and other free hand to move up the tube.

Soon I started to make out Dusty and Lady Jaye as they both were pulling me up a to the tube entrance. I first hold up with my right with the little terror that scuffed up Scarlett. Strike was the first one to grab him. "Awe he's a cutie," Strike said out loud. As the puppy started to lick her face." And he's friendly one too."" Scarlett don't tell me this cute little puppy gave you trouble Strike said teasingly to Scarlett."

"More like a little hell raiser Scarlett scoffed off back."

"She didn't mean that," as Strike said back to the puppy at hand.

Once Reap got his right hand free he uses it to hold on to the edge of the pipe, while using his left to protect the child's head. "Hey guys, I really need you to get me out of here."

"Well Reap, if you use your other arm just try and pull yourself out," Dusty said as he struggled.

"I can't Dusty I'm holding on to something very important."

Once I got out completely that's when everyone around me stood there in a dead silence, as they all saw me holding a small child. The child took a small glance at everyone and just continued to bury her head deeply into my chest.

"Who is that," Lady Jaye spoke up.

"I don't know, it's just that I found her down there along with her puppy."" I don't think she is a local, but she might also need some medical." Scarlett instantly notifies Duke that they had civilian in their mist. Their only orders were to return back to the main building for a debriefing and possible evac. Reap was about to pick up his gear, when instead Lady Jaye decided to help him out on that one. On the way back Reap did his best to help the child relax a bit while shushing her along the way. When they were coming closer and closer to the main building, Reap used his gloved hands to cover the child's sight as best as he could. Since there was still some bodies and carnage from the fighting. He knew enough common sense that this could be traumatizing to a small child.

Once they all made it Duke was waiting for them to report and maybe see this civilian first hand for any important intel they might possess. Yet when he notices that it was a small child, he keeps in his own sigh. And instead lets Lifeline do his work along with Reaper. Strike also decided to stay along since she was holding on to this kid's puppy.

Lifeline tries to take a look at this child, but she was being a bit suborn in not wanting to be handle by anyone else other than Reaper. "Reap I really need to check her out."

"I know Lifeline, but she seems to have a bit of a death grip on me."

So, Reap did his very best to coax her into easing up a bit, which did work up to an extent. As I was able to get her to let go of me so that Lifeline could check her out. I was about to get up and reach for my gear pack, when all of sudden this kid grabbed on to my arm tightly. I guess she didn't want me to leave her. So, I smiled to her and decided to sit next to her to put her at ease.

Lifeline worked rather quickly to check her for injuries. Much to his approval she didn't have any major problems other than a few scrapes and scratches. Which he took care of in an instant. I see Lifeline giving her a big smile saying, "well you're good to go then sweetie."

I sat there for second thinking that we should at least try and communicate with her. "So little lady you got a name?" She looked at me with a plain stare on her face. "Um do you have a name," I asked again. I sighed for a moment, only to pat to my chest saying, "my name is Reap." I did it for a couple of times then saying, "and you are."

She spoke a bit softy, but eventually I made out the name Alla. I smiled again to her and said, "well hello Alla my name is Reap." "That's Lifeline as I pointed to him, and that is Strike over there with your puppy." Then thing that happen next was marvelous yet a bit mysterious. She started to speak to me. Yet I couldn't really understand her at all. It didn't sound Arabic at all. But then Strike spoke up next.

"Hmm it sounds like Russian to me."

I looked over to Strike, "you know what she is saying."

"Well I could give it a try I suppose," Strike said. And that is when I saw a completely different Strike then before. She was actually having a full conversation with her. But even I could tell that the conversation was a bit tense from the way Alla spoke.

"Wow Strike I didn't know you speak Russian?"

"There are lot of things you don't know about me Reap, but I discuss it with you another time. Alla here is child of an important oil executive from Russia. She told me that her father was suppose to come and get her few days ago, before Cobra attacked. Yet when it was too late a worker from the plant hid her in pipes from Cobra as they attacked."

"Hmm maybe you should relay this information to Duke then Strike."

"Oh, I will Reap. I'm going right now to report to him. However, I'm going to leave Boris here with you."

"Boris," Reap said confusingly.

"That's the name of her dog. Anyways I'll be back in a little bit."

Lifeline took off as well, since he told me that he some work to do. So, I guess its just me and the puppy and the kid. It wasn't too long that I got the news from Duke that we were gong to be stationed here for a few days. The reasons were rather simple ones. One we had to secure it till the Saudi forces get here. Two it was a possibility that Cobra could launch a counter attack to take it back. And Three, it was for waiting for Alla's kin to come and retrieve her. We would've done it ourselves, but the air space was still contested between us and Cobra.

Apparently, I was also volunteered by everyone else to be the kid's escort, till her family could retrieve her. I didn't really mind at all doing it, as it did get me off of doing any duties, I was assigned which were mainly chores. Yet it did get a bit bothersome since Alla was a bit of a handful to deal with. Usually we would be assigned here in the main building. After all she would just get in the way of everyone else who was either securing the refinery or doing daily duties.

One time I left her alone for just a couple of minutes so I could relive myself. When I came back she was gone. For second I thought she was playing hide and seek with me, since that does happen to be her favorite game with me. Only this time was different. She wasn't anywhere inside the main building. In fact, she was climbing up nearly to the top of an M.B.T. mauler.

"Shit," I said to out loud to myself. This girl is going to be the death of me. I called out to her name, only for her to turn around and wave to me. I frantically got up there to retrieve and get her down, before anyone saw me and before she hurts herself. Too late was the feeling I got when I heard Cover girl telling me, "did you lose something Reap."

"Uh no, it's just that we were playing king of the mountain."

"On top of a tank," Cover girl said skeptically. "I can see that she's giving you more headaches then most of us would. But it's all right Reap, go on and take her back I won't say a word." I just nodded back to her in approval. I held her up in my arms, while whistling to Boris so he would follow us back to the main building.

Even meal times could be a bit hectic with her. Usually she'll try a pull a fast on me, trying to get to her dessert first before she ate her food. So, I have to keep a watchful eye on her. Yet it wasn't all bad, Strike would often talk to her about her day and whether or not if she like me as her escort. In some matters Strike would also keep an eye on her as well, especially on the cookie thefts. Her puppy on the other hand was more obedient, yet even he'll work the room with all the other Joe's. Even thought I would feed him very well, he would still want seconds, thirds, and even fourths. I would actually watch him go from table to table giving his most innocent look just to get some food. Of course, what person could say no to that puppy dog look.

And finally, at bed time she would often would want me to keep watch over her. I guess in some way she would want me to read her a story. But how could I, I don't even know her language. Yet she would still have a death grip on my arm or on me. So, getting to bed could be a bit challenging. Some nights I would fall asleep myself, and her on top of me. And I only knew this, when Strike came up to check on me, as felt her lifting her up out of arms and getting her to own cot.

Yet as the week wore on, it was still a change of pace for Alla to be around me. I never knew that I was great with kids. But it wasn't long till her family came to get her. Her father Mr. Sergei as he put it, came to retrieve her at last. To me he was a rather slim man with some blonde hair that matched his daughters. His frame was a little stocky. It was a rather joyous occasion when I saw Mr. Sergei crying for joy seeing that his daughter was ok. I see him giving his thanks to Duke for the safe return of his daughter. Strike was also there as well in case if she needed to do some translations. I myself was about to leave, only to hear my name being called out by Duke.

"Reap come on over here for a second." I just looked over and immediately reported to him. Before I could say anything, Duke started first. "As I was saying Mr. Sergei, Reaper here was the first to get your daughter out of harm's way and keep a watchful eye on Alla."

"Thank you, Mr. Reaper for keeping my precious Alla safe."" You have my eternal gratitude."

"Your welcome sir. She was a little bit of a handful at first, but she's a good kid."

"Thank you again Mr. Reaper." I just nodded back to him as he held on to Alla's hand as she held on to her puppy Boris as they were about to start their journey back home.

As for me I started to turn around myself still being happy that they are together, but now I feel a little bit empty inside. I mean she wasn't all that bad, I did have a lot fun with her. I'm going to miss you little Alla. Yet before I could even take a few steps away, I felt a slight tug on my trousers near my right back thigh. I turned around a bit suddenly, but also carefully. I didn't see anyone behind me, until my eyes started to look down. It was Alla all right. She motions me to come down to her level. I didn't hesitate at all as I took a knee to get to her level. Instantly she gives me tight warm hug. I return the favor myself giving her an embracing hug.

She starts to talk to me in her native language. But before I could say anything, Strike who was standing near me open up. "She says she'll never forget you. And that she wants to give you something to remember her." I let her go, only to see her reach for something from her pocket. In her small hands was a small teddy bear. When she placed it in my hand, it fits perfectly in the palm of my hand. It looked rather simple with its light tan brown fur, with small stitched eye's and face. I notice that it had some faint dirt marks on it. I concluded that this was a cherished item of hers. I smiled back to her only to give her one last hug. I made sure to really say goodbye to her, as I waved off to her as she took off on one of our transports with her father.

After dinner I was relaxing a bit on top of a M.B.T., looking up towards the clear night sky. There were a lot of stars out tonight. The moon itself was in its half phase I think. Even though I would say to myself that I wouldn't be sad for little Alla to leave, I miss her already. I tried not to think about it too much. That is until I hear Strike calling to me.

"You mind if I join you," Strike said happily.

"No go right ahead Strike," I said while scooting on over.

"Wow look at all those stars out tonight Reap." I just reply with a small grunt in approval. Strike pauses for a moment only to look over to Reap. Seeing him already in distress, even though he's is trying to hide it from her. Strike lets out a slight sigh, only to turn her attention to Mark. "You miss her already, don't you?" Mark who sat there pretending not to hear Strike's last comment, but knew enough common sense to lie to Strike.

"Maybe," is all he said to her. Strike who smiled a bit to him, only scoot over a bit closer to Mark, while putting her arm around his shoulders.

"Yeah, I kind of miss her too." "But you know what Mark?"

"Hmm?"

"You saved her life, befriended her, and gave her hope. "" You may not think of it yet Mark, but I bet you'll make a great father someday."

"I guess so Strike."

"No, I don't guess so Mark, I know so."

"Thanks, Strike."

"That's what I'm here for Mark."