Chapter 46
And so the saga continues, please read and drop a review if you want
Well it's been a few weeks or so, since I've been here in the infirmary. All I can say that it's the pitts. Oh god I hate it. The smell of every thing sterile to the loads of time of doing nothing but watching t.v. And don't get me started on Lifeline. He's a great guy and all, but even I have my limits when comes to do the checks ups. Sometimes I just want to leave, but he is ever so watching all of us like a hawk. Yet he has been lenient on letting us chit chat with one another. I got to see the rest of my friends in here with me. It gives me a little hope that we all could come together. But the one thing that I'm always looking forward to everyday, is my visits with a special guy. I love him so much as he loves me. He brings me fresh new wild flowers, as well as a few snuck in treats from the mess hall. Oh god I love brownies. Even though they are sugar free, they're still good. After all I got to watch my figure, but I digress.
Yet the really good news for today, is that Lifeline is going to take off these pesky bandages and cast. Finally, I can get the use of my left arm again. It won't happen till a little bit after lunch time. Which in that time I could do a little bit of therapy to get my muscles loose, but also for Mark to come by since he didn't want to miss it. Yet oddly enough it's still much better to get an injury above your waist line. I mean poor Lady Jaye and Dusty. They both had some nasty injures on their legs. Nothing too serious, other than flesh wounds. But still not having the ability to walk and move around really sucks. Especially if you have to use the bathroom.
Yet when I make a visit to the both of them, their spirits really do light up. For the most part we would just shoot the shit and talk about whatever. To me they were always in a happy mood no matter what. I guess Mark had something to do with along those lines as well. I mean I did see the same spam can set up of flowers on their respective credenzas near their beds. But none the less they were both ecstatic to see that my bandages and cast were coming off today, as I was happy for the both of them when they will have their own bandages removed in a couple days so they could recover properly.
Once I was done with my visit, I started to make it back to my room. After all lunch was being served. I think today was meat loaf day. And as always, I ate my lunch watching some day time tv. I wasn't really the type that watch this kind of programing. Yet I ate quickly since I was really looking forward to having my cast and bandages to be remove.
And just like clockwork Lifeline came in to greet me.
"Good afternoon Strike how are you doing."
"I'm doing ok, just a bit anxious to get this pesky cast and bandages off my left shoulder."
"Hmm, very well just give me a few minutes while I get my instruments ready." Strike started to sit up straight on her bed, only to think that maybe Reap is running late or something. But those thoughts went away as soon as She saw him coming on in.
"I didn't miss it did I Reap asked Strike."
"No not at all Lifeline is just getting his equipment ready that's all."
"Well that's good, so are you ready?"
"What kind of question is that Reap of course I'm ready, I 've been ready about a week ago. Aside that, how are you doing today Reap."
"Meh just same old same old I suppose."
Yet to Strike she knew something was up with Reap. To her he seemed to be a bit more preoccupied, if not worried. But then again, he and few others have been working in the pit on a skeleton crew ever sine we got back from Saudi Arabia about month ago. I guess he must be tried I suppose. Which is more the reason for me to get back into action.
"You sure you're ok Reap," Strike asked with a little concern to her voice.
"Yeah Strike I'm fine really, other than just putting in a few hours of extra overtime." Before Strike could continue on with Reap, that's when Lifeline enters the room.
"Ok Strike I'm just about ready to go. Now just relax and be patient, is all that I ask of you. I just got to do this carefully ok." Strike just nodded. Reap stood right by my bed side just watching, till I decided to lay my right hand open to him.
I didn't even have to say anything to Reap. I guess his instincts took over as he held on to my right hand with his left. The first part that came off was the cast, as I see Lifeline use a special machine to cut my cast. While at the same time it vacuums any bits left over. I started to feel the cool air as it tingled a bit. That's good news since I could feel it.
Next came the bandages, as I see Lifeline starting to make a few small cuts. He unravels it slowly and carefully. For a second there he stops as he started to inspect my old wound. "Scaring is at a minimum on both the entrance and exit wound. Alright Strike I know your anxious in wanting to start moving your arm and shoulder. But please take it very slowly. Your muscles at first will be tight and stiff. You got to remember that you haven't use it since you got injured a month or so ago. So just do some small exercises first than work your way up."
"Got it Lifeline, but thanks as well."
"Again, not a problem Strike, Now I'll leave you two as I have more patients to attend to."
"How does it feel Strike?"
"It's a bit stiff, but I think I can manage."
"Well that's great Strike, I guess I'll see you after diner time." Before I could say anything, he was literally walking out on me. Huh that's odd I thought for a split moment. But then I smiled to myself, as I reaffirmed my grip to his left hand.
I instantly strong armed him back to face. He did have a rather surprised look on his face once I did that. With a devilish smile to him I said, "where do you think you're going you big lug."
"Uh is there something wrong or something that you need Strike Mark said, a bit confusingly,"
"Well I do have to give you something."
"Ok, um what is it."
"This, "as Strike used both or her hands to clasp on to his head. Even though she felt some pain from her shoulder, she ignored it. Strike tilted her head while leaning forward as she planted a passionate kiss on to Mark's lips.
To her he felt a bit apprehensive at first, but then he relaxed into it. Just the way she likes it, as she started to wrap her arms around him to latch on him even more. Hopefully this would put him at ease to what ever is bothering him as Strike thought to herself.
Once she felt satisfied, she lets him go, only for Mark to ask her something. "What was that for Strike?"
"Oh, just to make sure you're ok, and maybe to repay for the last time."
"Oh, Strike you know I'm ok, I more worried about you. But I do like the attention. Anyways I still got some duties for today that I should attend to. But after dinner I'll be back to visit you and I'll sneak you a few treats as well."
Later on, in next week or so pretty much every Joe and Green shirt that was wounded from the last mission was out of the infirmary. However due to the type of injuries that most of them sustained, therapy was in order. But we all know that Hawk didn't want us to be grounded for month or so. So, he decided that all of us who are able to move should go under some quick physical therapy to get us mobile again.
And once again some of my friends along with my roomie Lady Jaye are going on a mock patrol, with weapons included of course. Basically, it rolled down to a weekend excursion in the deserts of Arizona. Or a hike in our own back yard. About 40 clicks to the north of us. All I know is that Dusty was pretty excited about it. We were to go in groups of five to ten Joes. Of course, our own medic in the group was Reaper. I was just as happy as a few of my friends were going as well. Tunnel Rat, Dusty, Lady Jaye, Cover girl, Scarlett, and Reaper.
As far as transportation is concern, we were allowed to take a tank if we wanted. So, Cover girl opted for an MBT. Mostly so that we could all fit in and ride up to our deployment area. Or at least we thought we could fit. None the less I didn't mind riding out hanging on in the back of the tank. At least I wasn't alone. Lady Jaye was with me.
For the most part we had a pretty nice conversation of the therapy at hand. "So, you looking forward to doing this as much as Dusty is Strike," Lady Jaye asked?
"Eh I'm ok with it I suppose. I mean we get a weekend all for ourselves from any other officers."
"Yeah well, I just hope Reap doesn't start to baby us around."
"What do you mean by that Jaye," Strike asked with some confusion.
"Uh it's nothing really Jaye said back trying to sound innocent."
"Nothing huh, come on Jaye spill it if you have any intel that you weren't suppose to hear."
"Look Strike it nothing really."
"Come on Jaye spill it."
"All right…all right, it's just that I might have over heard a conversation with Lifeline, Hawk, and Reap. Basically, they order Reap to make sure we don't over extend ourselves and to keep a watchful eye incase we get bit uncomfortable. They basically made him acting chief medical officer over the injured, which us, Tunnel Rat, and Dusty."
"I see, well I don't think he'll be that protective. Besides I'm looking forward to this type stuff all the time and God knows we do need to get back into shape to help everyone out at the pit. Poor Reap has been working overtime since we got back from our last mission. I just hope he doesn't over extend himself either, as Strike started to bow her head down in concern."
Lady Jaye just places her hand on to Strike's shoulder to cheer her up. "Hey don't worry about Reap ok Strike. I know you'll keep a close and caring eye on to him as you always have. And I know he'll do the same. So in a way it sort of balances itself out."
Strike lifted her head and gave a nice smile to her roommate. "Thanks Jaye I needed that."
"That's what I'm here for Strike."
The ride lasted for a good two hours till, we found nice a secluded spot amongst the brush, cactuses, saguaros, and small canyons of the foot hills. All of us disembarked from the tank. For the most part we have enough rations and water for a week, even though we were supposed to be here for the weekend. I guess its better to be a little over prepared in case we run into a crisis I suppose.
As far as command goes Scarlett and Dusty were in charge. But none the less Dusty would have a significate say so since he's the expert out here. First things first which was, to stretch ourselves and exercise prep. It lasted a good hour or so. After that we all loaded up on some water. However, Cover girl was going to stay behind along with her radio man Peterson to keep tabs on the area at hand in case we don't run into any trouble out here.
Of course, before we get started on our early morning hike, we get a pep talk and layout of orders from our squad leaders. "All right Joes by now all of you should know that some of you are on mandatory rehab," as Scarlett reiterate to everyone. "It just boils down to some physical therapy, as for today we are going to do some Pt and some hiking. We'll take it slow at first, then work our way up as usual. As for anything that requires first aid or medical, Reap here is our designated medic. Cover girl will be our eyes and ears incase any intruders are out and about. Till then I'll let Dusty have the floor."
"All right gang as you may know, we are in the Sonoran Desert, Dusty explained. Average day time temp runs anywhere between 104 to 118. And as for the low, yes it can drop to 45 degrees. Before we leave make sure to fill up your camels and reserve canteens. As for todays hike, we are going to head over to those canyons to the north of us. I know they look like small foothills in the distance, but trust me they get bigger along the way. The target distance today is 10 kilometers up and 10 kilometers back. Let's do our best to get there by midday. By then we'll have our lunch chow and be back for supper time before the sun sets." Dusty then looked over to Scarlett to let her know he was finish with his two cents.
"All right you all heard Dusty, do a canteen and camel check, stretch yourselves out and be ready to moveout in five. Also, I need a volunteer to bring up the rear." Scarlett waited for a few seconds to see it she got any takers. So far, the only one that volunteer was Reap. She's sighs a bit to herself before she opens up again. "I'm sorry Reap but you I need you be the middle man for both ways." After Scarlett said that, that's when Tunnel Rat raised his hand lazily "You up task Tunnel Rat," Scarlett asked?
"Yeah, Scarlett not a problem. All right then just be ready in five ok." But before they could start Scarlett had to get in one small chit chat with Reaper. Scarlett called out to him, as he was checking up on his gear. Reap looked up for a second and responded with a simple nod to her as he came forward. "I'll keep this short Reap. You know your orders ok. Just keep an eye on all of them and do your routine checkups."
"Don't worry Sergeant you can count of me."
"I know you won't let me down Reap." With that all being said and done, everyone moved on out.
For the most part Strike chose to stay in the middle along with Lady Jaye and Reaper. To the front of her was Scarlett and Dusty. The rear as always was brought up by Tunnel Rat. Every so often Reap would often turn his head around to see if were ok. And every time he did, I would always smile to him.
Good god it was hot today, though there was a slight breeze coming in. We've been walking for a couple of hours now. I sigh to myself only to notice that its 10:00 hours. And of course, all of us was deck out in our own gear with locked and loaded weapons at hand. I take few sips from my camel when I need to as we kept drugging along. I guess this was all part of the plan to get us through rehab. As always, I carry my trusty FN-SCAR, with a modified scope, tactical flash light, and laser sights. Yeah, I love this weapon, not because its really good at doing its job. But it's also a pretty light weapon. It's just the amount of ammo and gear that usually bogs me down.
So, to get my mind off of the heat, I sort of focus a bit towards Reap. Hmm…., he seemed to brought two rifles with him. I know for a fact that he loves his ACR, but I think he also brought along one his sniper rifles. Not to mention that he is also carrying his ammo and gear along with an extra medical kit. Oh well I guess he too is taking this rehab and medic stuff a bit seriously then.
Again, I tried to focus on something else as the heat is starting to get to me a bit. So, I just looked over the surrounding desert. Unlike the last mission in Saudi Arabia, this place does have it's share of beauty. Especially in the flower variety. It only made me smile a bit a looked at the lush foliage. Every color of the rainbow was present from the flowers I saw. Some on cactus and some on some brush. And all I have to thank is one special guy who is in front of me for showing them to me in his own special way. Yeah Mark is really a sweet guy. He loves me and I love him back. Hmm I really should find a way to say thank you to him. If it were up to me, I would just run up to him latch on to him and kiss him deeply with all my heart.
Alas I can't do such a thing, since were out on a mock patrol. I got to follow pit regulations after all. Still it doesn't mean that I can't fantasize about it. Especially if it helps me get through this dame heat.
After an hour and a half, we finally made it to the canyon. Initially we all thought we were going to go up it for exercise purposes. Yet Dusty did relent on that idea after he saw most of us running on empty and a bit ragged from the heat. So instead we chose to sit on the shaded side of the canyon.
Oh, it was such a relief from the sun that tore us up. I literally just collapse and take a huge load off. Lady Jaye and Tunnel Rat were sitting right next to me. As for Reap he sort of ran off but not too far from our sights. I guess he was checking up on Dusty first before he made his rounds to us.
Yet we all got word from Scarlett, that she'll let us have a good hour of relaxing and eating our lunches. Yeah, I didn't beat around the bush when I pulled out my M.R.E. kit. Neither did Lady Jaye or Tunnel Rat, which is great since we could trade out deserts out if we wanted.
Mark was walking around to the front of the pack to do his daily rounds and checkups with the Joe's he was charged with in keeping healthy and healed up. Of course, Scarlett was just lounging around but still keeping watch of her surroundings in case we get into something. But before she could dig into her own meal, Scarlett alerted Cover girl of their position. You know as in a check in sort of way.
Needless to say, I went to Dusty first. He too was sitting along the canyon wall taking a load off, while I smelled the scent of spaghetti and meat sauce. He looked up at me at the last second when I was coming up to him. He gave me a nice smile. "All right Dusty you know why I'm here."
"Yeah, I knew this would come along, so go right ahead."
"Ok well how's your legs doing?"
"They seem ok for the most part."
"Any pain or discomfort in thighs."
"Eh maybe just a little bit of pain, but its manageable."
"Hmm…., well I got two options for you incase it gets a bit unbearable. I can give you some ointment to relax your muscles or a simple non-drowsy pain pill."
"Hmm… could I have both, you know at the end of the day before we turn in."
"Yeah sure why not, just come and remind me ok."
"Will do Reap." I gave Dusty a slight pat on his shoulder then proceeded to continue to make my rounds.
My next patients on ward was none other than Tunnel Rat, Lady Jaye, and Strike. And I only did it in that order since it looks like Tunnel Rat took the most punishment in bringing up the rear. I know he's a tough runt of a Joe and all, but he does have his limits. Also, I remember that day really well when he took bullet to the ribs. From his diagnosis by Lifeline, he suffered a punctured lung in the process of it all. Even after surgery and recovery he was complaining of tightness near his ribs and the muscles around it. Yet out of all of the injured Joes he decided to take one of the heaviest machine guns. The ME294SAW, even though it's considered a light machine gun at best. But it still pretty hefty for its size at twenty pounds. Other than carrying an M4, Tunnel Rat sure loves this gun.
I swear I'm pretty dame sure that I'm the only Joe that carry's around a sniper rifle other than Low-Light. While everyone else either carrying an assault rifle with loads of clips or a machine gun with loads of bullets.
Of course, he's munching away at his lunch to even notice that I was there. So, I start first, while taking a knee to get to his level. "Hey Tunnel Rat, you don't have any pain or discomfort, do you?"
He looks up to me with mouth full of chow saying, "nope."
"You sure?"
He swallows down that last bite only to add "yeah, I'm sure." I know he's lying to me, that being a thing of pride or maybe he's just tired of feeling weak. Either way he's still my responsibility to keep him from getting hurt.
"Ok Tunny I'll take your word for it. But it shouldn't hurt you at all if I give you a nudge here by your ribs." I was about to give a small light punch to that section, when instead he caught my fist at the last minute.
In a way he started to get a bit stern with me. "Look Reap I can mange the pain all right. I don't need to get loopy on pain medication. I can pull my own weight."
"I don't doubt that you can't perform to the best of your ability. But if you do have pain and discomfort, I do have some medication that is mild and if need be, I got some liquid heat and cooling gel to help get your muscles loose and relaxed. I implore you to at least take one if not both options," as I look to him with some seriousness in my own eyes.
It seems like forever at being in this stare down stand off with Tunnel Rat, but without taking his eyes off of me and me doing the same he finally capitulates. He gave me a slight nod that he accepts my terms. "All right then just see me before you turn in tonight."
I then move on to Lady Jaye who was only about ten feet way from Tunnel Rat, but was sitting next to Strike. Unlike Tunnel Rat, Lady Jaye actually had nice smile to greet me. "Hey Reap how's it hanging?"
"I'm doing fine Jaye, but I'm more interested on how you're feeling. Especially around your ankles and shins."
"Eh it could be better I suppose, I mean I do have a little bit of pain on my left ankle that's getting a bit bothersome."
"How bothersome Jaye?"
"I guess on a scale of one to ten, I would say maybe seven or eight."
"Hmm…, well I could give you some medication to deal with it or something else."
"Yeah well Reap, I don't know if medication is going to cut it since we'll be taking off on foot back in about forty minutes or so. So, what's option number two?"
Reap sighed a bit to himself, but answered none the less. "I could try to relax and loose up the muscles in your ankle via manual therapy."
"Say what Reap," Lady Jaye said a bit puzzled.
"Oh, I'm sorry Jaye what I meant to say, is that I could try and massage the muscles with some cooling gel to get them loose."
When Lady Jaye heard the last option, she started to give a sinister smile to herself. Thinking to herself. Is he for real, could I possibly get a foot massage from Reaper? Oh, this is going to be so much fun. I bet it'll even get Strike a bit jealous if I play my cards right. Yeah this going to be sweet. Lady Jaye innocently says, "well Reap if you think that is for the best then go right ahead."
"All right go on ahead and take your left boot and sock off for me. I'll be back in few tics to give Scarlett the heads up to see if she'll allow for a little bit more time before we head out."
Lady Jaye didn't hesitate to take her left boot off in a jiff. However, Strike was looking over to her in some what in disgust. Strike jab at Lady Jaye's shoulder to get her attention. "Come on Jaye what kind of crap are you pulling here, you know very well that your ankles are fine."
"Awe Strike don't be jealous if your guy friend is bit concern for my wellbeing."
"Jealous, don't make me laugh. I just don't like the way you're taking advantage of Reap's trust here." Again, they both are bickering amongst each other till they heard the foot steps of Reap coming their way. At which point they both waited patiently for Reap to come on over.
"All right good news Jaye, Scarlett going to give you guys an extra thirty minutes of break time which is more than enough time for me to treat you."
"Well that's great Reap, uh I all ready got my left boot and sock off like you asked."
"Good, now I just need you to relax and breath ok, while I do my work. it shouldn't last no more than five to ten minutes."
Lady Jaye just smiled as she started to slouch a bit against the canyon wall. Oh, this going to be sweet and relaxing she thought. Reap on the other hand started to pick up Lady Jaye's pale left foot off the ground. He made sure to get his gloves off first and foremost, while sterilizing his hands with sanitizer. To him this was all business. The first thing he did was probe Lady Jaye's foot and ankle to see where the culprit may lie in Jaye's discomfort. He started with top of the foot stopping every few millimeters to give a check. "Do you feel pain here?"
"Nope."
"Ok how about here?"
"Nope."
"All right, just relax a breath." To Lady Jaye this felt really nice to have someone else giving her a foot massage, other than Flint Yet to Mark, he was being very careful, but also mindful on finding the cause of Lady Jaye's discomfort. Hmm, maybe if I check behind the Distal fibula. Possibly the peroneal muscle. Once he was there, he gave a little bit of pressure to see if Jaye would respond. "Ok how about here," as Mark put pressure on it.
Again, it felt nice for Lady Jaye, till Reap found a really sensitive spot. in which Jaye popped up and straighten herself out in an instant, that it got Reaps attention. Reap then went back applying some small pressure. "Nngghhtt…."as Jaye jerked in some pain that she didn't realize she had. "OK ok, I think that's enough for today Reap."
"Nonsense Jaye, I found the culprit to your pain. Not to worry I just got to massage it and loosen it up so you can walk with a bit more ease." Mark then turned his attention towards Strike. "Hey Strike."
"Yeah what is Reap?"
"I need you to maybe hold on to Jaye's hand to give her support, while I treat her."
"Sure, thing Reap" as Strike started to give a mischievous smile to Jaye.
"All right Lady Jaye I just need you to relax, breath, and think happy thoughts while I do my work ok." Lady Jaye was about to protest to the idea, when instead Reap got to work on her muscle relaxation therapy. In an instant she grabbed on to Strike's hand squeezing it hard as she started to grit her teeth at the amount of pain and discomfort she felt, as Reap work her foot over really good. What kind of a foot massage was this she thought? Again, she looked over to Strike with watery and pleading eyes to her.
Only for Strike to smile back at her saying, "So, was it everything you dreamed of?" Even thought the processed alone only lasted a few minutes, it felt like an eternity of pain for Lady Jaye. Then all of sudden it was over she felt the cool breeze on her foot and ankle from the gel liquid that Reap placed on it.
"All right we are done for now Jaye, just sit back and relax a bit and in ten minute you can put your boot on." Lady Jaye didn't really give much of a response after that other than a grunt and a nod, while wiping a few tears from her eyes. Reap then focus his attention to Strike his last patient. "Hey."
"Hey Reap. Um…is Lady Jaye going to be ok."
Reap looked over to Jaye as she was wiping her tears away. "I think so Strike. Lady Jaye is one tough cookie. But I'm more interested on how you are feeling. So, do you have any pain, tightness, or discomfort Strike?"
"Eh nothing I can't handle Reap."
"Is your shoulder hurting a bit that it might need some pain killers or some therapy?"
"No, I think I can manage it."
"All right Strike I'll let you off the hook for now, but when we get back to base camp, I want to take a closer look ok."
"Sounds fair Reap. By the way have you had a chance to eat."
"Uh, well sort of."
Strike looked over Reap again. "It's a yes or no question Reap."
"Then I guess not."
"Well then pull on over and get your M.R.E. out. Were not leaving, till you get some food in your tummy."
"I guess I can never lie to you huh Strike?"
"Yup, that's about right."
Reap wasted no time pulling out his meal pack. His was chicken and pasta, with a brownie. Of course, once he saw Strike eyeballing his dessert, he didn't hesitate to give it over to her. In return she gave him a chocolate pudding. He double timed on his lunch break since he only had about thirty minutes left to eat. Being a medic for the squad did eat up most of his time. So, Mark just pound it down as best as he could. He relaxed for good solid five minutes before they all had to head back to Base camp. He checked his watch only to see that it's 13:30.
He got up first to stretch himself out, then help anyone else up who needed it. Strike didn't mind being helped up to her feet as she held up her hand while Reap took it. Yet Reap looked over to Jaye and Tunnel Rat. Tunnel Rat was able to get up with out much strain, while Lady Jaye looked a bit hesitant at first. Reap sighs a bit, but none the less goes to her to see what's up.
"You need help Lady Jaye," Reap asked?
"No that's ok, I'll get up."
"Well you better hurry because we're about to head out."
"I know Reap, just give me a few seconds." Man, I don't know about this, as Lady Jaye thought. I mean Reap really did hurt me with that so-called massage, what if I get hurt again.
Just then Scarlett called out the all clear to move on out back to Base Camp. "All right Joe's lets move out." Yet as everyone started to fall in, she notices that Lady Jaye was still sitting down while Reap was next to her. Within a few seconds Scarlett was next to Reap. "Come on Lady Jaye we got a schedule to keep. Reap what is the hold up."
Reap looked over to Scarlett and said, "no hold up here Scarlett just seeing if Jaye need some help getting up. Just give us five minutes Scarlett."
"All right five minutes, but we got to move out before it gets dark."
Reap then focuses his attention to Lady Jaye. "Come on Jaye you can do it lets get up."
"I... I…I can't do it Reap" as she said it in a soft voice.
"Why can't you do it Jaye."
"Oh, I don't know maybe it's the way you hurt me with that so-called massage on my ankle."
"Listen to me Lady Jaye, you know very well I wouldn't hurt you. It's all in your mind, you have to trust me on this. Your ankle should be healed from any straining pain. Now lend me your hand and I'll help you to your feet. I'll be right here to make sure nothing happens to you."
All the while Lady Jaye really doubted herself. But more importantly what will the others think of her as she looked very unsure. After all Joe's are suppose to be sure of themselves. Will they think less of her now? Even her roommate Strike was looking over her with some concern on her face.
"Ok Reap, lets get up. Just don't let me fall ok."
Reap smiled back to her nodding. "Don't worry Jaye I won't." Again, Reap held out his hand for Jaye to take. They picked up each other, while Lady Jaye kept her arm attach to Reap. Then Reap decided to get Jaye's confidence up, while he slipped his arm away from Lady Jaye. Which caused her to lose her footing a bit.
Yet she was able to catch herself, by allowing her left foot to balance herself out. "God dame it Reap," you said you wouldn't let me fall down! As Lady Jaye started to get into Reap's face. But then she stops midway only to notice that she doesn't feel any pain at all on her left ankle. "Hey I don't feel any pain at all," as Lady Jaye looked down. At that time
Reap then puts his arm around Jaye's shoulder to pull her into a half hug of his own. "You see I told you I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you, it was just all in your mind."
"I guess you were right Reap, I'm sorry for doubting you."
"Hey no worries Jaye, now let's head back to base camp ok."
Again, it took another couple of hours for all of us to reach base camp by the MBT. it was close to 16:00 hours when I decided to make a makeshift aid station behind the MBT mauler using some thin towing cables and a few blankets. You know to give a little privacy for anyone who needed treatment. For the most part a lot of us were relaxing, while others started to gather some kindle to start a fire. As for makeshift quarters, only a couple were set up for the ladies and gents a few minutes after we came back from our mock patrol.
I know I took part in digging a suitable latrine for the rest of us since we are going to out her for a couple of days. So once all the much-needed work was done, that's when we all decided to take load off. Yet Dusty along with Tunnel Rat decided to go on the hunt for some wild rabbits. I overheard them about making a stew when I was setting up my makeshift aid station
Oddly enough when it comes to relaxing, its nothing more than a loose term for some light duty. In other words, we were doing some minor work like cleaning our weapons, checking up on each other, or in my case helping Cover girl with some mechanical work on the tank.
"So how was the patrol," Cover girl asked me while we were doing fluid checks on the engine.
"It was ok, other than a bit hot. How was it over here on your neck of the woods."
"Boring to say the least. Anyways I think we are good for now," as Cover girl started to close the engine covers up. "Why don't you go ahead and turn on the engine, so we could charge up the batteries for the night."
"Sure, thing Cover girl."
Again, I started to make my way to the driver seat. Of course, I put on my helmet with my coms on, while doing a gauge check and check list to Cover girl. In a few a seconds the engine came roaring to life while leaving it in park. I closed may top hatch and turned on my front sensors. At that same time, I too took a load off relaxing a bit in the driver seat. I then switched on my ac fan to cool myself off.
Since this was an idle run for twenty minutes, I had to do gauge checks every five minutes and report to Cover girl. After all I was recharging the batteries for today. Mostly because this big rig does take a lot of juice to run the radar and other equipment.
Oh god this feels so good, when I relax myself inside the MBT, with my AC of course. Only it didn't last long do to some other concerns I had. Mainly checking up on Strike, Tunnel Rat, Lady Jaye, and Dusty. After twenty minutes had passed, I shut off the engine, lock up my hatch, and made my way out getting my medic bag ready for the mandatory checkups I had to do. I wanted to get a head start, while I still had some sun light left.
Needless to say, both Dusty and Tunnel rat returned with some rabbits in tow. But before I allowed them to go on and make their rabbit stew, I check them out first. My roomy Dusty was first. I check over his injury parts that he had. I basically gave him some muscle relaxing cream and couple of non-drowsy pain pills. As for Tunnel Rat, he kept trying to reassure me that he was ok. But he wasn't fooling me. Instead I gave the liquid heat and cooling gel. I went over with him on how to apply it, as well as giving him some pain pills.
As for Lady Jaye, I check over her left ankle and foot to do another probe. For a moment there I could've swore she was preparing a bite block with her own gloves incase she felt any pain. Yet she did allow me to do another massage on her foot and ankle, since she told that although the pain was gone, she still had some throbbing pain in her joints. I too gave her some pain medication to deal with it.
By the time I got to Strike it was getting dark outside. I set up a tactical light so I could see. I tried to hurry as well since it was starting to cool down a bit outside. Yet I could see the camp fire going off as the rest of the Joes started to gather by it in a circle. Some conversated, while others were trying to get warm, and others started to cook things over the fire.
Once Strike entered my make shift aid station, she had nothing more than a happy smile for me. "All right Reap I'm here as promise. But if you don't mind, I would really like you to join me by the fire and get some stew on tonight."
"I know, I'll do my best to hurry so we can both get there Strike. I just need you to take your shirt off first and turn around."
Strike did as I said by first un buttoning her battle shirt first. Then she lifts her black undershirt as well. As for her undergarments, I her told she could keep them on. But from the looks of it, it sorts of looks like an athletic bra.
From her back side I could see some minor scaring of where the bullet exited out of Strike. I probed her left shoulder blade and muscles to see it she had any pain or discomfort. "Do you feel any pain when I probe you Strike?"
"Not really, it's that my shoulder strains a bit when I'm moving about."
"Oh," is all that I said. But as I continue to look her over, I was starting to get overcome by some emotions of my own. How could have I let this happen to her. I'm supposed to protect her. I can never be hers if I'm not strong enough. Silent tears started to gather in my eyes. As my hands started to shake bit on her shoulders. Again, I tried to control my emotions, but I couldn't as I started to weep silently.
Unknowingly I didn't realize that one of my tears hit on Strike's left shoulder. As for Strike, she thought that she was getting some kind of medicine for her shoulder pain. Yet when she felt the first trickle, it was cold as another fell on to her shoulder and another. It didn't catch her off guard at first since she thought it was some special treatment of Reap's. But what did catch her a bit odd, was a slight shaking feeling from Reap's hands.
"You cold already Reap," Strike said out loud. She waited a few seconds, but found it odd when he didn't respond at all. Till she heard a faint sniff sound from behind her. Strike only turns her head slightly left, till the corner of her eyes seeing Reap weeping. She instantly gets up to see what it wrong. "Reap, what's the matter? What's wrong," Strike said in concern.
With fresh tears flowing down his eyes Reap said, "I'm sorry Strike."
"Sorry for what Reap."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you. I'm sorry for allowing you to get hurt. How can be yours if I can't even defend you in battle."
It didn't take long for Strike to put two and two together on what Reap was talking about. So, she pulls him close to her in an embracing hug of her own, while shushing him. "Oh, Reap you don't need to apologize to me. I always know that you'll be there for me as I am for you. Beside you saved my life and my many others that day and that's what counts. Now let me wipe those tears away ok. I like it better when your happy."
As always Strike always knew how to make me feel better when I'm feeling blue. When I was done helping her as she helped me, we finally made it to the fire to join our friends. We sat there eating rabbit stew and enjoying the night away. Till a new tomorrow.
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