Disclaimer: I do not own Matt Eversmann, Todd Blackburn, Danny Grimes, or Black Hawk Down. They're owned by people, whom I don't know, but that's okay. I'm using the book by Mark Bowden for information and help with writing this. I do own this fan fic idea and Sarah Thompson. Don't take.
Author's Note: This is my first Black Hawk Down fan fic. Please be kind in your reviews/flames. Thanks!
This is the revised chapter. More detailing and everything. Hope it's better.
Todd Blackburn shook his head from side to side, trying to shake off sleepiness. He had fallen asleep on the flight, but the pilot had just announced that they would be arriving in ten minutes. He checked for all of his things and waited to land. Finally, the plane landed and Todd stepped off the plane with his bag. He looked around with butterflies in his stomach. A man in uniform directed him to an office nearby. Todd nodded and walked in after knocking.
"Place your things by the door and stand in front of me."
Todd did as he was told and looked at the man. He sat at a desk and was typing a few things up on a computer. He was Specialist Danny Grimes. He had dark brown hair with matching eyes. Todd stood in front of him, waiting for directions. Finally the man looked up.
"Name."
"Blackburn, Todd."
The man began to type while asking his next question.
"Birthday."
"Twelve, twenty-seven, seventy-five."
Grimes continued to type and Todd looked around nervously before asking a question.
"What's it like here in Mogadishu?"
"Around here it's called Mog."
"Oh."
Todd stood there, trying to think of something to say.
"What's the fighting like?"
"I have special abilities that stop me from fighting. Don't ask."
Todd shut his mouth. His eyes scanned the room, trying to find something. They settled on the keyboard.
"Typing."
Grimes looked up at him.
"I thought I said not to ask. Well, yes."
Todd gulped. He should have probably kept his mouth shut. Grimes then explained a few things and then sent him outside. There was a jeep waiting for him and the soldier told him to get inside. Todd did as he was told and they drove to the training area. They stopped at a tent and they got out.
Staff Sergeant Matt Eversmann watched as the men he was watching over continued their target practice. A jeep suddenly pulled up next to his tent. He walked over as two men got out. One was a new recruit and another was a secretary. The secretary yelled over to Matt.
"Blackburn, Todd."
"He's not with me."
The secretary rolled his eyes. He had been told to drive the guy over here. This is what orders he was given, nothing else. He was supposed to be on break and he would be damned before he drove around trying to figure out where this Blackburn was supposed to be at.
"Well, can I leave him with you?"
Matt looked at the new solider standing in front of him. He had all of his gear and looked like he was about to jump out of his skin with excitement.
Yes. Definitely a new recruit. Well, it wouldn't hurt if he stayed here.
"Sure. I'll take him."
The other man saluted and then jumped in the jeep, driving away. Todd looked at Matt, not knowing what to do.
"I see you've got your gun."
"Yes sir."
Matt grinned. Todd just weakly smiled back, uncertain if it was allowed or not. His eyes glanced around trying to decide whether the place was run strictly or a bit laid back. Nothing suggested either of the two choices. His eyes went back to Matt who was looking him over.
Nervous. Well, let's see how well he can shoot with that?
"Okay. Let's begin."
Matt set Todd up and started his gun targeting practice. Matt noted how he was particularly well with long distance shooting.
Not bad, not bad. He'll need to work on his short distance. Odd, usually new recruits need help on long distance. Oh my!
Then, Sarah came and any prior thoughts were driven out of his head. Matt watched as Sarah came closer, carrying a water jug in her arms.
Sarah was another secretary and medic at the base. She was five foot nine with long, wavy auburn hair, pale green eyes with a tint of silver, and pale skin. Many of the single men at the base found her attractive, but she eyes for none of them.
"Well, hello there Sarah. How are you?"
God, she's beautiful. It's such a shame that she refuses to go out with any of us.
"Fine, Eversmann. I've got some water for your boys if they're thirsty."
"Thanks. Want to stay and have a sip of water with me?"
"No. I can't. Someone broke their ankle and I need to go fix it up. I'll talk to you later."
Sarah left, looking back only once to look at Todd. She quickly noted that he was working with Matt and then dashed off to help the wounded soldier.
Matt sighed as Sarah turned him down. He looked back at his men and called them over for a drink. Most of them had been out all day practicing and were glad to have something to cool their thirst. Matt grabbed himself a drink, gulped it down, and then threw the trash away. He sighed as he thought about visiting Sarah the next. He shook his head and told his men get back to practice. It was going to be a very long day.
Author's Note: I've revised it and guess what…it's pretty long. Three and a half pages…longer than all of my others.