And we're back, half a month later than I predicted, but such is life in the Marines. Anyways we should be back on track with regularly scheduled updates (with the occasional break for field ops that is).
Alex sat in his hospital bed staring intently at his cell phone as he read about what had been going on in the world while he'd been incapacitated. Harley sat in a chair next to his bed watching his eyes scroll over whatever article he was reading when he finally dropped his phone and sighed.
"Man, I'm out for a few weeks and shit hits the fan. Syria gassing its people so we bomb the fuck out them and then like a week later we drop a MOAB in Afghan…that's fucking tits man! Now there's shit going on with North Korea, man what a time to be alive!"
"Well I'm glad you think so, lotta people are kinda upset about all this." Harley mentioned. People's feelings were definitely mixed on the growing military action.
"Fuck em'. We're kicking ISIS in the dick and that's all that should matter."
"Well yeah, but people are worried about another world war starting up and I'm kinda scared they may be right."
"Why though? We've already been at war for the past few decades and the world is still standing. Trust me, no matter how bad things get no one's gone start dropping nukes because I guarantee that neither side wants the world to end."
"I guess so. I do think it's great that we're cracking down now though, kinda makes me glad that I left that life behind now." Harley admitted to which Alex started laughing.
"Ha, yeah I bet. They coulda dropped a MOAB on your ass."
"Yeah, let's not go there…"
"Fine fine, so getting shot kinda sucked."
"Hmm you don't say?" Harley replied with a raise of her brow.
"Who woulda thought right? Definitely one thing I don't want to do again." Alex looked down at the scar on his chest and frowned.
"I was really worried about you ya know? I saw you passed out and there was so much blood… If Superman hadn't shown up I don't know what I'd have done."
"Come on, it's gonna take more than some stupid bullet to kill me."
"I'm not joking around Alex, I was really scared that you'd die!" She suddenly exclaimed, tears threating to fall.
"Sorry, I didn't know. It means a lot that you care."
"Of course I care, I know we're still figuring out…us, but no matter what you'll always be my best friend."
"Same here. Look I talked to the General earlier and I'm getting out." That got Harley's attention and she brought her head up to look him in the eyes.
"What? I thought you liked being a Marine!" As much as she wanted Alex safe she also knew that being a Marine had become his lively hood and she didn't want him to give that up because of her.
"I do, it's been the best few years of my life, but I want more out of my life than this. My contract ends next January but I've extended for as long as this mission takes and once it's over I'm out. Then we'll have all the time in the world to figure things out."
"Your assuming we all survive this that is." A familiar voice said. Alex and Harley looked over to see Ivy standing in the doorway carrying a small pack on her back."
"Ivy you're here!" Harley exclaimed, jumping up and racing over to hug her friend.
"Yes, it took some convincing but the league finally believed me when I said I wasn't causing trouble. Although this ID card saying I'm with the DOD now certainly helped." She replied, showing off the piece of plastic with her image on it. "It's still good to see you though Harley, Sergeant." Ivy greeted, nodding her head towards Alex.
"Likewise, you're looking well Isley." Alex returned the greeting.
"Yes, well I tend to avoid having metal projectiles shot through my body. Something the two of you need to work on…"
"Hey man, I've spent a year in Afghan without getting shot but as soon as I try to go out with my friend…BAM! I get a sucking chest wound."
"Wait. You two…go out? Harley, you didn't tell me about this!" Ivy replied, a hint of jealousy in her voice as she turned to face Harley.
"Oops, must've slipped my mind red." She replied awkwardly and Ivy sighed in response.
"Ugh, at least he's an improvement over your last one."
"Thanks, I think?" Alex said from where he sat as he watched the two women.
"I mean it Sergeant, although really anyone would be an improvement over that slime. If it had to be someone I'm glad it's you."
"So, your saying I have your approval? I'd wager not a lot of guys can say that."
"You'd be correct, but your definitely in my top three. Now as much as I enjoy spending time with you two I do have an actual reason for being here. I've finished recreating that toxin immunity for you, it won't make you immune to every chemical out there but should give you an advantage over any mild poisons or irritants like that CS gas the New Era used. I can administer it when you're ready."
"Is it gonna hurt?"
"I'm sorry I thought I was talking to a Sergeant of Marines, not some little boy afraid of needles."
"Alright, I get it! Stab away Doc."
Ivy chuckled as she retrieved the syringe filled with a green colored liquid and checked to make sure it was filled with the correct amount of fluid. Seeing that the dosage was correct she proceeded to stick the needle into Alex's arm and inject the serum.
"MOTHERFUCKER!"
...
"Ladies, Sergeant it's good to see you all back in one piece. How are you feeling Sergeant?"
"Ready for some action Sir."
"Outstanding. Now I have word from the SecDef, the New Era has officially been listed as a priority terror threat, every military branch is on alert and the President has been briefed on the status of our operations in Gotham. I'm sure you've all noticed that the military is becoming more aggressive in our actions across the globe and as such the President wants us to take the same stance with our operations. But before we do can do that we need you all spun up on how to conduct warfare in an urban environment. Come zero eight Monday you'll all be transported to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms to receive training in urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations. I recommend taking the next few days to say goodbye to any loved ones as you'll be there for just over sixty days. Sergeant I'll need you to write up and distribute a gear list this evening."
"Got it Sir, anything else?"
"Nothing of importance, just make sure you all show up Monday prepared and ready to train."
...Mission Complete...