It had been a week since Sheppard sat down with me at Lunch. To my relief it wasn't a one time occurrence. Every day I had people to sit with for all meals. It's a surreal feeling to finally have friends. There's a first for everything I suppose.
I was currently working in the lab attempting to deconstruct Wraith DNA to try and better understand how it works. I was focused wholly on my work and jumped in the air clutching my heart when Sheppard bent down to wave in my face to get my attention.
"Oh my sweet baby Jesus! You scared the SHIT out of me!" I let out a nervous laugh trying to get my heart rate down.
He looked guilty shoving his hands deep in his pockets. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"Don't stress. I was just really focused. What can I do for you?" I put my laptop on standby and turned in my seat to face him.
"Elizabeth and I were thinking that maybe you should get prepped for going out in the field." He grabbed one of the other chairs and turned it around so he was facing me straddling it.
"Wait what? How come?" I furrowed my brows confused. The field?
"You would actually be really handy to have on missions with your medical background. And you might be surprised how much you could learn out there. According to your file you're a Black Belt in Taekwondo." He said the last part more as a statement.
I sighed before nodding in defeat. "I don't have a choice here do I?"
A big grin appeared on his face. "I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow. Come dressed to train." Then he left as quick as he appeared.
I groaned mentally realising my peace and quiet in the lab was about to end. Why did I have to put down that I'm a black belt? I shook my head before focusing back on my work. Better make the most of it.
The next morning I sat down for breakfast in my blue cargo pants with black Spandex running shorts underneath and paired with a black Spandex sports bra under a simple white tee. That way once I start training I can take the t-shirt and pants off and not have to walk around base half naked. I was eating my usual fruit salad when Sheppard and Ronan joined me.
"Morning." Sheppard greeted me while Ronan grunted. Sheppard eyed me for a moment before asking me. "I thought I said dress for training?"
I laughed lightly shaking my head. "The top and pants are just to wear on top so I'm not walking around half-naked. I've got a sports bra and shorts on underneath. Don't worry, I'm prepared." I gave him a wink returning Ronan's laughter.
"Well alright then!" He seemed happy with my answer but I noticed him still trying to work it out while we ate.
We didn't waste time before we left and made our way to what I assume is the gym. I'm still a bit lost on what exactly is to happen today. I gave myself a mental high five when I saw the gym, the sounds of people already training filtering out to me. I suddenly became really nervous, not sure if I was comfortable training in front of others.
Sheppard noticed my hesitation and grabbed my arm gently, guiding me inside. I was lead to the back where benches had been set up. I sat down heavily kicking off my shoes while they stood and watched a couple of Marines. I chose that moment to strip, shimmying out of my cargo pants and pulling my top off over my head. I folded my clothes and placed them beside me on the bench. I took off my socks placing them on top with my shoes fucked under the bench.
The marines finished up when they noticed our arrival. Seems Sheppard booked ahead for today. I stood from my spot standing next to Sheppard making him glance at me briefly. He did a double take seeing what I was wearing and his mouth opened slightly to form a sort of O-shape.
"You had better close your mouth Sheppard if you don't want to catch flies." I shot him an innocent smile as I watched him compose himself.
Ronan leaned forward slightly to see what the fuss was and simply chuckled shaking his head before doing the same as me and slipping out of his shoes. I watched him tie up his dreads and I realised I was training with him today. FUCK. MY. LUCK.
The two marines finally glanced our way since I had stood up and smirks appeared simultaneously. I felt uncomfortable under their intense gazes but pretended not to notice them. They shared a few words with each other, keeping their voices low so we wouldn't hear but I didn't have to hear to know what they said. Their eyes never left me, roaming freely up and down my body. I wanted to puke.
"Colonel ." They both acknowledged their superior, eyes flickering back and forth between us. "Who's the new recruit?"
Sheppard glanced at me and noticed how uncomfortable I was connecting the dots. He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder giving me comfort. "Connors. Miles. This is Effie. She's a scientist but we are training her for the field."
Connors shared a brief laugh with Miles, both looking amused. "This tiny thing? How much damage could she do?"
I felt anger begin to course through my veins, my nostrils flaring as I tried to calm myself. I went to open my mouth and say what I thought but Sheppard gave my shoulder a squeeze stopping me. I jerked a nod so he knew I understood.
"This tiny thing actually has a black belt in Taekwondo." I nodded my head in approval of his words only making them laugh again.
"Seriously? I highly doubt that." Miles folded his arms across his chest in attempt to intimidate me.
"Why don't we get her to prove you wrong." Ronan surprised me, a most unexpected response to the situation. "Why don't you challenge her?"
The challenge hung in the air, the two of them talking in hushed voices. Didn't take long for them to accept. Game on.