Mark T. Hitchcock could tell the difference between a mission that was basically a milk run, and one that might run the chance of him delivering a buddy's extra tag to Boggs' desk. A milk run usually required Troy and Moffitt's attendance at the briefing. The latter required his and Tully's as well as the two Sergeant's attendance at the briefing.
So Hitch knew the next mission had some risk when Troy called him and Tully to attention. "Boys, Boggs said you need to hear today's schedule along with us." He said, his blue eyes a firm, steel color. "C'mon, the Captain is explaining the situation to Moffitt right now." Troy said, beckoning the two Privates out of attention and to follow him.
Hitch looked over at Tully as they both fell in line behind Troy. "What d'ya think Boggs wants us to do?" Mark asked, getting only a shrug in response at first. "Search me.. I just hope it ain't anything too serious." Tully answered when Boggs opened his tent door for them to enter.
"Afternoon boys, come on inside." Boggs said, his friendly smile not covering the seriousness in his blue eyes. Hitch and Tully nodded in greeting before following the Captain into the tent. Hitch knew today's mission was serious just based on Boggs' expression. When he went inside however, that concern turned into confusion. There was a man talking to Moffitt Hitch or Tully hadn't met before.
"I see you've got to know Private Meekin already, Sergeant." Boggs commented, nodding in the stranger's direction before sitting down at his desk. "You're probably all wondering why you were all required to attend this meeting." He began.
"Both Private Meekin and Private Hitchcock specialize in classified areas that are in this mission." Troy knit his brows together and marched over to Hitch. He rested a hand on the boy's shoulder and looked Boggs right in the eye. "Sir? Can you clarify what exactly my soldier is required to do?" Troy asked. Boggs only shook his head in answer.
"I apologize, but I can't, Sergeant." The Captain answered ruefully, "I couldn't even if I had the clearance. I was only given the bare minimum of information." Before Boggs could say anything else, Troy's expression hardened, "Boggs. I can't allow my Private to go into a dangerous situation. The Captain stood up and threw a hand out to appease Troy. "Sergeant! Sergeant. I promise your boy will be fine. I only called you all in here to explain why only Hitchcock was going."
Troy calmed considerably and the worry disappeared slightly from his eyes. He squeezed Hitch's shoulder before letting go. "Alright." He finally agreed, giving a small nod. Hitch nodded too, as well as the other two Rats. "I'll give permission, as long as this isn't a regular occurrence, Captain." Troy added, looking Boggs in the eye.
Boggs nodded in agreement and stood up. "You have my word, Sergeant." He promised. Boggs snapped to attention and saluted, "gentleman, you're dismissed." He said. The Rats and Meekin responded in kind before filing out of the tent. Once outside, Hitch went over to introduce himself formally to Meekin.
Meekin glanced at Mark and stretched out his hand, "You're Hitchcock, right? Captain Boggs said we're partners for the mission today. I already met your Sergeant Moffitt." Hitch nodded, taking Meekins hand and shaking it. "Yessir I am. Although the fellas call me Hitch." He answered with a lopsided grin.
Meekin grinned but Mark thought it odd his smile didn't reach his eyes. He shook the odd feeling quickly however. There was no need to sow distrust against the man he could very well depend his own survival on.