Captain Baron and Half-Pint went into to check on Tariq. "How you doing, Soldier?"

Tariq sighed. "Shit, Sir. I've been a lot better. But, I'm not as bad as the Corporal."

Baron smiled. "Shaver's been here too long. We should have sent him home about 5 months ago, but because he's the best goddamned medic we have, they extended him. Wasn't too happy about it."

Tariq grinned. "Nah. He missed his kids' birthdays. I wouldn't be happy if missed my kids birthdays."

Captain Baron studied the young man. At lunch, his baby told him that she adored this young Soldier. "You married then, son?"

Tariq laughed. "Nah."

"You're Muslim, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Arranged marriage?"

Tariq couldn't get where the questioning was going or why it was happening. "Uh, not that I'm aware of. My parents are in Detroit and, other than the religion, they adopted the American way of life." Suddenly Tariq shuddered. "With everything that's going on, I worry about them. When I joined, it was because of 9/11. I wanted people to see that…"

"Get some rest, son. You'll need it." Captain smiled. Outside, he grinned broadly at his daughter. "So, he's single. He's Muslim. But, I'll see about making sure that, during your deployment here, you're near that team." He then became serious. "But, if I hear of any behavior that is unbefitting of an officer's daughter, I will string you by your toenails. You hear me, Courtney Grace?"

"I hear you, Sir."

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Scream swore at the medic. "Watch it you goddamn idiot. That fucking hurts!" Scream had not noticed that he was hit until about five minutes earlier. The bullet went in and out his bicep.

"Goddamn it, Staff. Hold still or I can't stitch it and you won't be able to use this arm again." The medic replied.

"Bullshit, Shaver. I'll be able to use my fucking arm again. You say that to all the fucking wounded, don't you?"
Shaver made a mental note of the Sergeant's name. Silas. Shit. Hope I never have to run into this screaming asshole again…EVER! He cut the last piece of thread. "There you go. All done." As the Corporal was putting his stuff down, Scream slapped the back of his head. Shaver glared at the Sergeant. "What the fuck was that for?"

"You ever speak to me again like I'm some sort of goddamned two year old, I'll have your head for breakfast. You understand me, asshole?" Scream stood up.

"Yes, sir."

"I ain't no goddamned officer, Corporal. I'm a goddamned Staff Sergeant. Don't EVER call me sir again!"

Shaver said nothing, but rolled his eyes.

Shark ran over to Scream and gave him a hug. "Thank God you're alright."

Scream laughed. "Just yesterday, you were blaming me for Kevin's death."

Shark wiped some tears. "I still do, but I don't hate you. If you had been killed, I would have more guilt than you could ever imagine. Besides, I don't want to make the call."

"They'd be okay. They know this is my life." Scream walked with his arms around Shark's shoulders. "It's okay, Jen. It's okay."

"It's because this is your life they disowned you."

"Was what happened yesterday, the ambush, was that what it was…?"

Scream stopped. "The only thing different is no one died today." He looked at Shark. "If I could do it all again, I'd trade places with him."

Shark looked at him. Are those tears? Is Chris Silas ACTUALLY crying? "I know. I know. I just haven't been able to work through the grief of losing him."

Scream nodded. "It's been a rough year. I've spent a lot of time worrying about you. I knew you got to attend the funeral. I'm just sorry I couldn't."

"You were here, Chris."

"I should have been there. For his family. For you. I mean, goddamnit, Jen. You're all the family I've got left anymore."

Shark smiled at her older brother. "I know. And I'm not going anywhere."