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.

47. Chapter 47

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Chapter 47

Well it's a new day all right, as I looked over everybody as we continue on our second mock patrol in the desert. Last night was a bit interesting, I mean I got to try some wild rabbit stew courtesy of Dusty and Tunnel Rat. I mean the rabbits tasted a bit bland, but some of the spice did help on that end. So, my overall account on the stew at hand would be a five-star rating.

That's another thing I never really notice amongst the Joe's, the idea of comradery. We all come together as one, even though we are from different backgrounds. Everyone gets along, if not are more relaxed when we are in groups like this. Even sergeant Scarlett would pop a smile and a friendly chuckle. I always thought that she was all business, like the sergeant major. I guess that's what makes us special in our own unique way.

The next day we started bright and early on our second mock patrol. I look over to Strike and smile a bit to her, even though she doesn't notice me at first. Yet she did turn her head and notice me at the last second, only to return the same smile to me. The only thing different on this mock patrol, was the terrain, it was a bit rockier with its small hills and crevices here and there. We only agree to do this since, everyone in the group wanted to get better quick through their own physical therapy. Everyone had the mindset to see this through. I of course was here to make sure no one got hurt in the process. The target goal for today was ten miles up, ten miles back.

Every so often Scarlett would halt the crew and report in to Cover girl for time checks and coordinate checks as well. Then we would just get started again as always. The only thing different about today, was that we all packed on a little bit more water than before. You know so we can keep hydrated. But needless to say, it was going really well. Everyone was in such high spirits, also lunch time was about to start as Scarlett halted all of us to take an hour.

In a way I could see the excitement in Strikes eyes, if not her roomie as well. Not really for the food at hand, but really for the desserts that came with it. Like I said before both Jaye and Strike are chocoholics, puddings and brownies are the main attraction. If they didn't get what they wanted they would sniff around like hound dogs looking to see who has the score. Usually with promises of K.p. clean up or even sentry duty watch exchanges.

As for me I wasn't really too picky on which one I got, but if I did get such a dessert, I would always let Strike have first dibs. So as always, I would open mine and dig out the dessert to see if I got brownie or a pudding. I was about half way opening it up, till I got a call on my com. It was none other than Scarlett on the other line asking me to come to the front. I let out a soft sigh hoping no one had heard it.

Yet as I got up Strike and Lady Jaye notice me only to ask what's up. Strike with a mouth full of chow said, "something wrong Reap."

"Nah not really, I just got to go and see what Scarlett needs that all. Here just watch may lunch until I get back." I started to make my way up towards the front where Scarlett was. For the most part she seemed to have a little bit of a serious tone with me. I guess so she could sound really professional, I guess? Needless to say, I report to her.

"Reaper reporting as order Scarlett." She looked at me with semi serous eyes.

"Don't worry Reap this won't take long ok. The foothills around us are interfering with our communications. So, I just need you to go up on top of them with a hand held relay antenna to see if you can grab Cover girls signal. You think you could do that?"

"Yeah, I can do that Scarlett."

"Good, that's what I like hear Reap, Dusty will get you set up and move on out till you can get a signal."

I just nodded back to her and got with Dusty. Pretty much all he handed me was and handed held antenna/dish that could pick up the radio wave signals. After that Dusty pointed me a route to take up the foothills that would be easiest for me to climb, but also be high enough to catch any transmissions from Cover girl.

Then I was on my way up. My mind was mostly focus on getting this done, since I was getting a little rumble in my tummy. Yet I stilled stayed focus on the task at hand, as I started to make my ways up. The only major set back was the lack of shade up here. And every time I had to rebalance myself my finger tips would touch the hot sand stone rock. To compensate I would change them out with some gloves. Boy it was hot today. I would take a few sips from my camel to quench my thirst. After about six to seven minutes of climbing I was finally up on the top.

I stop for a second to admire the view. Clear blue skies, the desert scenery of cactuses, brush, and foliage all round. Yup, looks good all around. I make a quick com link to Scarlett letting her know that I'm on the top. Then I started on the communications link to Cover girl. I test it out pointing the dish in various directions to get a good signal. Once that was establish, I started call out to her.

"I read you loud and clear Reap, go head and patch me through to Scarlett," as Cover girl demanded of me. Which I did of course, now all that remains is for me just to relax and wait for the all clear. It shouldn't take too long, after all I still got the munchies. I sat here not thinking of much other than, what we might have for dinner again.

Again, I take a few sips from my camel waiting on the all clear from Scarlett, I mean what's taking so long. I take look at my watch noticing that its been at least seven minutes. I sigh a bit out loud and set down the com dish, after all the call of nature is calling me. I walked not more then a few feet to take a much-needed piss. Of course, I take a quick look to see the color. The color of your urine is often a good indicator of whether or not you are dehydrated. In mid-range as said out loud, but also hearing some movement near my position.

I wasted no time zipping up my pants being at the ready. Yet I did get a lovely surprise from Lady Jaye, as I saw her climbing up my way in much haste. I got close to edge ready to help her up, when instead she got herself up to me. I was rather impressed to see that she was no longer having any trouble with her ankles and feet.

"Hey Jaye, did you come up here to enjoy the view and to get in a little rehab fitness in," I said to her in a friendly tone? Yet, as I looked to her eyes, she had a more serious look to them.

"No, not all Reap. I'm here to help you set up for recon."

"Come again," Sergeant Jaye.

"We need to set up a recon nest asap."

"Uh ok, um is this extra training," I said bit confusingly.

"Not at all Reap, let's just set up quickly ok. I'll be your spotter if need be."

I didn't waste time after she said that to me. So, I got my gear to together minus my M.R.E. that is still down by the canyon wall. Normally I would have ghillie suit at the ready, but the fact that its hot is hell prevented me from wearing it. Instead I used it as simple bedding for me lie down on. Mainly so that the hot sand stone rock won't sear my skin through my uniform. I made sure Lady Jaye had plenty for her to use as well. Like me she's covered head to toe in her uniform, but it's a much lighter material than mine. Also, she tends to roll up her sleeves to her elbows. She just tends to wear knee and elbow pads with her uniform. I see her using her standard issue ball cap as her cover, while I flipped mine so I could snipe. After the setup, I get out my trusty M110 at the ready locked and loaded of course. Once I was satisfied, I got down, while alerting to Jaye, that it was ready.

Of course, I was at ready looking through my scope, waiting on a heading from Lady Jaye. After all I have no idea, what I'm aiming at. I was about to speak up, when instead Lady Jaye sounded off to me in a whisper.

"Ok Reap, we got a heads up from Cover girl, that she spotted a boogey in the area. its heading was coming in from the North east."

"That's it Jaye, isn't there anything else."

"That's it Reap, that's all that I was told from Scarlett. They are set up in a defensive position at the bottom of the canyon."

"Ok Sergeant, I'll see if I can spot it."

I shifted my scope to the North east as Jaye said before. The great thing was, that the sun was at our backs. So, no blinding flashes but my back was getting hot as I started to sweat a bit. I reached for my camel hose with my mouth and took a few more sips to quench my thirst. "Nothing yet," as I whispered to Jaye knowing that she was looking through her own specs on her FN-SCAR.

I continue to scan the North east on the horizon as much as I could. Carefully shifting my weight and rifle looking for any signs. Nothing but brush, tall cactuses, and foliage in the distance. I did see a few birds flying by in the distance, but that was it. Its too dame hot for any wildlife to be running about.

Needless to say, I stay on with the task at hand. I continue to look over the area very carefully. In the distance I do see some birds flying up from some bushes here and there. I didn't think much of at first, for all I know it could be a predator in the wild trying to pounce on its prey.

But just like before in Saudi Arabia with the leopard that I saw as it got spooked by a Hiss tank, I stay focus on the bushes in the distance. Who knows maybe It could be a payoff to something? I just hope it wasn't Cobra.

Once again, my intuition paid off completely, as I started to make out a small vehicle in the distance. From the looks of it, it had to be some small personal vehicle. Perhaps an Atv or a dirt bike, I couldn't really tell from the distance. Yet it was moving at a steady pace. From the looks of it, it was also heading in our direction.

I nudge my arm to Lady Jaye letting her know that I've found something.

"What you found something Reap?"

"Heading thirty degrees coming in at north by north east, possible Atv or small vehicle."

"Ok I see it too Reap, good job."

I continue to stay on target of the possible boogey, while Lady starts to radio in the findings to Scarlett.

It didn't take long for Scarlett to talk to me personally. "Reap you copy?"

"Loud and clear Scarlett."

"I need more intel alright, keep and eye on it and report in regularly."

"Got it Scarlett."

I continue to do just that. After few minutes pass by, the unidentified boogey was starting to come out a bit clearer to me. I had Cover girl run another scan of the area so see if she picked up anymore in the area. Alas this seems to be the only one out here.

From the looks of it, it was a small Atv four-wheeler, with a faded red trim. I did make out two individuals a rider and a passenger. As far as identities I couldn't really tell, since they both had helmets on. Yet their direction really didn't change all that much. They were still heading to our position. Of course, I relayed all my findings to Scarlett at hand.

And I know for a fact myself that we are in the middle of the wilderness here. I mean the nearest town, was a hundred miles to the east. There's nothing for miles out here in the middle of the Sonora desert. A million thoughts were going through our minds. They could've been anyone.

A deep cover Cobra agent or spy, drug smugglers, coyotes, or even civilians. Either way we were going to intercept them one way or another, if they don't change directions. Basically, they were coming within a ½ of a mile from our position. Me and Lady Jaye were told by Scarlett to stand down and keep ourselves hidden. After all we did have a sizable force of Joes that could handle it, incase things get dicey. But then again, I bet they are just civilians out on ride in the desert. Yet I still kept myself alert along with Jaye.

Soon I heard the motor of the Atv getting close to the canyon at hand. By that time, I had my ACR at the ready. Yet Lady Jaye just motion me to just relax. Next was silence, since I heard the ATV shut off, then a panicky scuffle to follow. I was getting a bit curious as to what was going on down there, and I'm sure Lady Jaye was the same. Yet before I could say anything, we finally get the call from Dusty that the coast was clear for us and to come back down.

We both sighed in relief, as we look towards each other. I broke the silence first between us. "Um so you want to head on down first Jaye?"

"Sure, Reap why not, but here let me help you put up your gear and we'll go down together." After just a few minutes my gear was packed up along with the com's dish as well. Lady Jaye alerted Dusty, that we were on our way.

By the time we reached the ground level, pretty much everyone was near the base of the canyon. Everyone was here, with the exception of Scarlett and Dusty. The first thing I saw was the vehicle at hand. Yup just as I have reported it as, an ATV that had some rather faded red decals and trim. Hell, even just by looking at this thing, it looked really old and somewhat beat up a bit. Yeah, this thing looked well over passed it's prime.

I was about to ask out loud on who the intruders were, when instead Strike pats me on the shoulder to get my attention. I looked over to her only to smile to see that she's ok. "Hey good job on recon Reap."

"Thanks Strike, so um where are they?"

"Oh, Scarlett and Dusty are doing some interrogation with them."

"Ok, well maybe I can get in a quick nosh." I was about to head on back to our old position in the shade to get my grub on when instead Strike held on to my arm.

"No need for that Reap, I got your MRE right here." Strike handed it to me only to see it was more than slightly open when I last left it. I looked up to Strike, as if I had to ask what gives.

I don't know what it is with you, but you always seem to get the better desserts. So yeah, I cherry picked the brownie and swapped it for a sugar cookie," Strike added.

"Hey no worries Strike I know what you like, now if you don't mind, I'm going to get my grub on."

I started to walk over by the canyon wall to get in the shade and so did Strike, I guess she wanted to join me as well in getting off of our feet. Of course, if wasn't meant to be since Strike got a call on her com from Scarlett.

So, I see her get up and started to make her way towards the front and out of sight.

For Strike, she didn't know what this was all about. Could have been anything in her mind. But once she got to the front Dusty, was keeping an eye on the intruders. For the most part she didn't really get a good look at them, since she was getting to Scarlett quick to see what she needed.

And before long Scarlett was waiting patiently for Strike. Strike was about to open up in a report, when Scarlett beat her to the punch.

"Good you're here Strike, I sort of need you to see if you can coax our special guest here into talking and possibly identifying themselves to us."

"I see, do they speak something other than English?"

"We don't know Strike, but you'll see when you see them."

Strike sort of step back a bit trying to take that in. Wondering what Scarlett meant by that. Yet she tossed those thoughts aside and went on ahead to see if she can get some intel on their guest.

Yet, when Strike finally caught up to Dusty, she finally saw what Scarlett meant. They were just kids, and young ones at that. The boy couldn't have been any other than twelve and the girl had to be around eight or nine. For Strike she thought she was getting a person who spoke some foreign langue not a bunch of kids.

Even though she has a little brother at home, Strike really never saw herself as someone who was really good with kids. But she did know someone who is. Instead Strike backed up to Scarlett and said, "I'm sort of out of my element here Scarlett."

"Hmm…, I see then Strike."

"You know, I bet Reap could get them to talk."

"Really you think Reap could do it?"

"Of course, he can, especially with that little Russian girl from the last mission."

"Hmm, I see well I'll go right ahead and call him over."

"Oh, that won't be necessary Scarlett, I'll go get him myself." Just like that Strike took off to go and get Reap.

Meanwhile back at the canyon wall Reap is really just starting to relax and take a complete load off. At first, he didn't really open up his MRE pack just yet. Being in the hot sun like that really did took a lot of his fluids out of him. So, he made an extra effort to rehydrate as much as he could.

Next, he started to pull out his MRE pack at the ready to open it up and savor the taste. Till he looked on the side of it hmm spaghetti and meatballs with some bread sticks sounds delish. Again, I was about to open it up and dig in, till I see Strike coming my way. Of course, I smiled to her thinking that she wanted to join me once again.

"Hey Strike you're back, want to go hafizes on the bread sticks?"

"What you haven't eaten yet Reap?"

"Well I was just trying to rehydrate myself and relax a bit first before I started to dig in."

"Yeah, well you really should have eaten first."

"Oh, whys that?"

"Because Scarlett needs you on the double right now."

"Awe man not again, what is it this time Strike?"

"She just needs something from you that's all Reap."

Reap sighed a bit out loud, but none the less started to make his way to Scarlett along with Strike. He stuffed his MRE pack back into his gear pack. He double times it on the way up hoping that it's just something minor like a quick report or some minor medical issues.

He finally gets there with Scarlett waiting for him with a plain face. Of course, he couldn't really tell from her facial expression on weather it was something serious or not. Yet he did stay focus.

Before he could report to her, Scarlett opened up first.

"I'll keep this short and sweet Reap, we need you to get some intel out of our unexpected guest."

"You need me to do interrogation?"

"Something like that Reap, just the basics. You up to the task."

"Um, well… Interrogation, is not really my forte. But I suppose I could give it shot. I just don't understand why you would want me to."

"Well its just that you tend to have a special touch with certain individuals. But I'm glad you're up to the task. Now if you please just follow me."

I follow Scarlett till; I finally saw what she meant about special individuals. Our guests were nothing more than a couple of minors, mainly kids. I take a quick look back to Scarlett and Strike, only for the two of them just to shrug their shoulders at me.

I sighed to myself once again thinking that I just got suckered into something. I look over the both of them with some concern. Both kids sported some light brown hair. If I had to guess the boy had to be no older than twelve or thirteen. He was a little taller than the young girl. To me she was like little Alla only slightly older. Again, if I had to guess she couldn't be any older than seven or eight. She also seemed to held on to a stuffed bunny very closely to herself. Their clothes did look old, but were not in tatters. At least they had the common sense to cover up from the sun.

But none the less they were too young to be on their own, especially in the desert like this. They both looked over me with curiosity, but were silent none the less. But all matters aside I think it would have been best to move them to more comfortable area so we could get out of the sun. I got up and asked Scarlett if we could go to a more shaded spot. She agreed with me no questions asked, yet when we tried to move the kids, were a bit hesitant and scared.

I mean If I we're in their shoes I would be too. The sight of extremely armed Joe's would scare any kid. So, I unstrapped my M110 and ACR and handed it over to Strike. When I did that, they seemed to be a bit less skittish. Needless to say, I got Strike, Scarlett, and Dusty to keep their distance from me and the kids.

Once there were out of the way I focus my attention to the two kids. So, I sigh a bit out land and look over to the two of them. "Well it's just us," I said out loud. "So, you two got names I asked?" Nothing but dead silence with a few looks. "I see still giving me the silent treatment. Well I'll introduce myself to you two. My name is Reaper, but everyone calls me Reap. And who might you two be."

Again, nothing but silence and a couple of stares. I sigh out loud again. I feel that we were going to be here awhile so I unstrap my gear pack and laid it down next to me. Of course, I didn't notice that my MRE pack slide out from the top semi open.

Once again, I tried again in trying to at least to get the both of them in giving me some kind of a response. That is until I saw the young girl looking at my MRE with some wanting from her eyes. At first, I didn't look directly to her hoping that she didn't notice that I was looking to her. instead I use my peripheral vision to see what she is doing. I see her lips twitching a bit, while she moistens them as well. It couldn't have hit me harder than a ton of bricks, she was hungry. And I bet the other was just as hungry as her.

So, I looked at her again holding my MRE pack in front of her. "You hungry?" Again, she really didn't say anything but her body langue told me a different story. Needless to say, I still opened it up fully so they could get a good whiff of the meat sauce and spaghetti. Now I had their undivided attention.

But a part of me told me, to just feed them first. And perhaps later I could get a response. "Here you two go, as I handed them both a couple of forks." And sure, enough they were inhaling the food like no tomorrow. Just from the looks alone I could tell that they were either very famish or that they haven't eaten in a few days. They both were polishing the chow off in a matter of minutes. I then reach into my pack to get another MRE at the ready, incase they were still hungry. Just like before I open it up as it smelled of chicken and casserole. Once again, they both went at it.

By this time, I'm pretty dame sure they were thirsty as well. So, I reach for my spare canteen. I was about to handed it to them, when they looked up and were bit concern. So, to easy them both up, I uncap it and pour a small smidgeon out to show them. "Hey its ok, its just water. Would you like some water?" The little girl was the first to act, when she nodded to me in approval.

So, I smiled and handed it to her. Well at least she understands me, but if I just poke a little bit more, I bet I could get her to speak to me. "You know these MRE's usually come with a dessert like a cookie or brownie, would like one." Again, she nods to me with approval. I then handed her the sugar cookie.

Finally, I get my pay off, as she spoke in almost in a whisper saying, "thank you."

"I gave her a bright smile back saying your very welcome little one." But before I could continue. I guess the boy caught on quick and grabbed her arm in an alarming way and nodded his head no to her. I see her look up to him but then look down in shame. To me this was very concerning, in thinking that maybe these two had some falling out either with their parents or they just don't trust adults.

I think for a second to see if I could diffuse the situation at hand. "You know I'm not here to harm you two okay. We're just a little concern that's all. And I promise the both of you that no harm would come to you." As I spoke to them truthfully the little girl looked up to me as well as the boy. I couldn't really tell what they were thinking, but I knew they were listening.

Then I hear another faint voice, only this time it was the boy who spoke to me. "What was your name again?"

I smiled to him saying my official Joe code name and nickname. "My name is Reaper, but everyone calls me Reap."

"That's a funny name," as the little girl spoke next.

I smiled even more and said yeah, "it kind of is isn't it."" What's your name little lady?" Again, I get a little silence from her as she looks towards the boy for approval. "So, I added, I bet it's a beautiful name." She then looked at me and smiled.

"My name is Katie as she said it to me almost in a small whisper."

"Hmm…I was right, it is beautiful name. Nice to meet you Katie," as I extend my hand to hers to shake it. I then look to the other kid hoping he would say something. "What about you?" Instead little Katie answered for him.

"My brother's name is Brian." In which I see Brian looking towards little Katie with little bit of the evil eye. Huh so these two are bother and sister as I thought to myself. I should've known, but what is more important is helping them and finding out where they came from. Yet I kept that to myself so I could introduce myself Brian.

"Nice to meet you Brian," as I once again extended my hand to him. He takes it hesitantly, but still shakes my hand. Katie then opened up some more to me as she started to ask a few questions.

"Mr. Reap can I ask you question?"

I look to her with a nice smile and said, "of course you can Katie what's on your mind."

"Who is that lady over there with the dark hair?"

"Dark hair," as I mutter to myself. I looked over to where she was pointing at. The only people I saw in the distance was Scarlett, Strike, and Dusty. I guess she was referring to Scarlett. So, I reiterated her question back to her. "You mean the one on the left?"

"Yes Mr. Reap."

"Oh, that's a really nice and special friend to me, would you like to meet her?"

I see little Katie nod her head ecstatically to me.

"All right you two just wait right here and I'll go get her." I got up quickly and started to make my way to Scarlett, while turning around every so often to reassure the kids that I'm legit. Once I got within few feet of the trio, Scarlett opened up first.

"So, did you find out about anything?"

"Yeah lots of stuff Scarlett."

"You see I told you that Reap was great with kids," Strike said approvingly.

"Well you sure were right about that one Strike," Scarlett said plainly. "So what intel you got out for me Reap?"

"Well they are brother and sister. The boy's name is Brian and the girls name is Katie." Scarlett then looks at me to see if I had anymore.

"That's it Reap, is that all you got."

"For now, yes but if we sweet talk to them a bit more I bet we could get more intel."

I see Scarlett looking at me then, straitening her stance a bit more. "Wait a minute, what do you mean we could get more intel."

"Yeah speaking on that, Katie really wants to meet you?"

"Why me Reap?"

"She was just asking about the lady with the dark hair. And since you're the only red head for miles, that would mean you."

"Yeah, I'll think I'll pass on that one Reap."

"Awe come on Scarlett what's the harm and besides she looks really excited to meet you."

"Again, Reap I don't know. I'm not really the kid friendly type."

"Hey don't sell yourself short just yet Scarlett, besides I bet you can get even more intel from them if you play your cards right." Next, I see Scarlett sighing a bit out loud but reluctantly comes along with me. So, we started to make our way to them. Of course, for good measure I did tell Scarlett to at least holster her weapons beforehand so she doesn't appear too intimidating. I also tell her to let me do most of the talking and to take a light approach. To me this was rather awesome but also exciting. Its not too often that I get to have my self-defense instructor join me in casual conversation. So, this was a new thing to me as well. I mean Scarlett is after all a more serious by the book type of Joe. I just hope she doesn't grill them too much for info.