*Training for the Battle When War's Already Lost*
Jack was awake; it was 4:30 a.m., seemed she was always awake but it was time to get up. Time to go back to what Jack did best, and time for her to get away from Riddick at least for a little while. OORAH to that! She began to roll from the bed but was promptly stopped by an arm; she should have been used to by now.
"Going to P.T. and then reporting for work. Promise." Jack said not even looking over to Riddick.
In a sleepy haze, Riddick barely comprehended, "Oka. Ha fun" he somehow managed to slur out.
"Bye."
Jack quickly dressed and then returned to the bedside and kissed Riddick on the forehead, the action driven by some unexplainable emotion. What was that? It didn't matter. Jack smiled tenderly, and then turned and left the housing unit. Time for work.
*********
Jack walked up to her tin office almost smiling to be back, she walked in the door greet with three pairs of eyes. One pair belonging to Mandol, another to Corigon, and the third. . .to Riddick. What in the hell? Oh no, assessment was over; she'd completely forgotten. Fuck! That meant Riddick would be training under her now, fucking joy. . .wouldn't that be GREAT! No. . .no, she wouldn't be reluctant; he was just like any other goddamned soldier she trained. NO FUCKING DIFFERENT! That's it Jackie girl, just keep thinking like that. Just then Mandol turned, his facing lighting up.
"HOLY SHIT! The dead walks!" Mandol walked to Jack with his arms open.
"Oh, wait. Hold on, I, I got something for you." Jack reached into her pocket and came back out with her hand flicking him off, "Like it?"
Mandol laughed heartily and enveloped Jack, "Fucking damn good to have to back, Mevlivenski!"
"Damn good to be back."
*********
As Riddick watched the scene unfold he wasn't so sure he liked it. As Jack hugged one of the men he felt something in his stomach, a pang of something. What was that? Jealousy? No, how the hell could it be jealous? Anxiety about starting training? Bullshit was what that idea was. Whatever it was it surely wasn't right. Why'd he feel that? What if it had been jealousy what then? What would that mean? Whatever, no time, stay focused. The future has started to begin. No, stay in the now. Always in the now.
*********
Jack parted from Mandol and looked to Corigon, "How're my troops Corigon?"
Corigon shook his head in disgust, "Jack. . .not even the good Lord can help these dickheads! They are fucking ridiculous, and they-"
Mandol shot a warning look to Corigon, "Leave it alone, Corigon."
Jack eyes the two in suspicion, "Leave what alone? What Corigon?"
"You see what you did?! Now she's gonna kill every one of them, Corigon!"
"If you fucking half witts don't tell me I'll rip off your fucking balls! Now WHAT?!"
Corigon looked at Jack, "They were saying some pretty harsh shit while you were gone Jack. Shit about you being dead, and that it was because you couldn't hack it in a man's position. It's shit Jack."
Jack's smile was almost evil, "They'll get theirs. Don't forget I have to train them. Alright guys, well off to PT. Riddick? Coming?"
Mandol and Corigon looked at each other in confusion as Jack exited the office with Riddick trotting behind her. What in the hell had just happened? Clueless, that's what they both were.
*********
As Jack exited the office she made haste to get to her troops, Riddick finally catching up with her. She said nothing just kept her gaze straightforward and determined. Was this how she was always going to be? Of course, they were in her territory now. If a soldier saw Jack treat him differently that'd be a weakness, and she'd never have it-neither would he. Riddick would do a lot of things but never damage her reputation in the service, she was damn good at what she did and he'd never stoop so low as to ruin everything she'd accomplished. She was exceptional, special. She was. . .well, she was. . .Jack the amazing, talented, determined, beautiful, perfect woman he lo-
"Riddick, go tell Captain Bortelli that you are reporting for training and then meet me out on the training grounds, and do it fast." Jack interrupted his thoughts harshly.
"Yes Sergeant Major Melivenski!" Riddick trotted off in the opposite direction.
What had Riddick almost thought? Had he almost thought what he thought he had? No, it couldn't be. Never, it just wasn't like that. No time to think, Riddick was about to begin training and damn, he was almost nervous. Shit, how'd Jack manage that one on him? She was full of surprises.
*********
Her troops were now in view, they were fucking around-go figure. When there was no one there to discipline them of course they were going to bullshit. Where was one of her officers? And why weren't they doing their job? Hell to pay for that one. Just then Sergeant Michaels her officer at hand for the moment fell into her view. . .he was right along with them. He'd pay, Jack was going to kick his sorry ass! Where was Corigon? Oh yeah, she had ordered him to take over on some drills one of the more skilled troops were running. Corigon. . .yeah, he was a damn good solider. Dependable and loyal, she'd die for that man. Of course, she'd die for most anyone on the base but Srgt. Michaels? NO! Absolutely out of the question, something just wasn't right. Jack knew, but everyone else seemed to be oblivious to it. Something in her instincts just felt all wrong about him, she'd figure it out someday but who cared? Right now it was time to whip these sorry excuses for soldiers back into line.
"ATTENTION!" Jack yelled taking a stance before the troop but received nothing in return besides Michaels leisurely making his way to her side. "You pull a fucking stunt like that again Michaels and I'll have you put up for probation and shit detail," Jack gritted through clenched teeth.
"Yes, Ma'am Sergeant Major." Sergeant Michaels dutifully replied.
"ATTENTION!" The soldiers took their sweet time looking at her, "WHAT IN FUCK'S NAME ARE YOU DOING FALL INTO FORMATION YOU DICKHEADS! RIGHT FUCKING NOW!" What was this shit? Were they trying to protest? They still didn't move, "Give me your fucking gun Michaels!"
Sergeant Michaels looked at Jack like she'd gone crazy, "What are you going to do?"
"Give me the fucking gun. . .NOW!"
"C'mon Jack, lay off 'em."
"Back the fuck off and give me the gun!" With hesitation, Michaels handed over the gun and Jack fired off three rounds into the air, "GET INTO FORMATION OR THESE FUCKING BULLETS ARE GOING TO BE AIMED AT EACH ONE OF YOU. . .AND I DON'T MISS!"
The pieces of shit slowly got into formation a trainee by the name of Saurenter standing in the front line summoned Jack's attention, "Sergeant Major, permission to speak."
"Granted," Jack's look was hard. This didn't sound like it was something he wanted ot be saying.
"Uh, Sergeant Major, on behalf of this troop. . .well, the fellas and me don't really want you training us. You're a chick, that just don't look good for us."
Pussies, everyone of 'em. Intimidated that a WOMAN-not a chick-was better than they were. At least Saurenter had the balls to admit it, probably just put up to it. The kid had balls but when it came to defending himself, well to put it perfectly clear he was sorry. Jack would give it to him, he had spirit to succeed-she wouldn't punish him but the rest of the soldiers were going to pay. "Is this how you all feel?"
A collected "oorah" came as her reply.
"Very well, a proposition. . . you pick your best man to fight me. He wins, I'll walk and Sergeant Michaels here will train you. I win. . .I win, I stay and train you. Do we have ourselves a deal?"
There came another "oorah".
"Alright, who am I fighting? Yeah, right now. No more bullshitting. You want me gone, let's do this now."
Idiots. . .why couldn't they just simply understand that she was their trainer for a reason? She was the best at the job, she was the best soldier in the entire Black Knights Special Ops. Delta Force. Jack was a fucking saint to the people that ran that branch of the service. Fucking idiots, whatever. If this was how they wanted it to go down, then it was their choice. The soldiers conversed a few moments and finally a tall, built soldier named Peter Jefferson emerged dubbed their fighter. He had strength but no skill, if he'd lay off the shitty hang up about a woman training him he could have a lot of potential. Easy match, piece of cake but for the guy's sake she'd let him dance a little. Even after Jack won the war was already lost, they'd never respect her. They'd never fully believe she was what everyone said she was. They'd never believe she was qualified enough to train them. Oh well, Jack would keep training them for the battles even if the war was lost.
"Let's go big boy!" Jack motioned for Jefferson to come take his stance.
The man obliged, they began their dance. Jefferson flung out his arm, a completely uncalculated shit move. Jack didn't even have to dodge, she just stepped out of striking range. Why couldn't the guy be a challenge. . .like Riddick? Jack stepped back into range and came at the soldier, she faked a left and then a right and gave the man a swift uppercut. Jefferson stumbled a moment but regained his stance. His fire was stoked now, he launched himself at her with full force. She blocked a quick right and then a left and kick meant to knock her to ground. Jack flew at him again with lightening speed, she landed a left hook and then a roundhouse kick to his rib cage. He came at her again, but Jack used his momentum to pick him up and flip him over her head and onto the ground. Fucking shit! She hadn't meant to do that. Jefferson got up again, he tried another punch combination but failed and then another. Jack punched him in the jaw sending a took flying from his mouth. He reached up feeling the empty space.
"You bitch!"
End of fight, Jack came at him with full speed as Jefferson did the same. Jack shoved out her arm and pulled it around his neck bringing him close to herself in a headlock. She squeezed tightly, almost cutting off all air supply. Then she let him fall to the floor, gasping for air.
"Michaels get this sorry excuse for a soldier out of my sight. Take him to Captain Bortelli and have him court marshaled. . .assault on a superior. Good bye soldier." Jack turned to her astonished troop, "Anyone else want a go?" No one said a word, just stood there looking defeated. "Now, for that little stunt drop! I want push-up until I say stop. GET TO IT!"
The soldiers fell to the ground pumping out push-ups. Hell if anyone of them would ever try something like that again. She was lethal, but none of them would ever admit they were afraid. Most of all, none would admit they actually. . .admired her. Imagine that.
Jack paced before her soldiers letting them think through what they had done. They may never respect her but they'd sure as hell get something out of the time they'd have to spend with her. This was going to be a challenge and that was exactly what Jack had been needing.
*********
Riddick watched from the sidelines as Jack took on the large man. Shit, they guy had to be almost his own stature. Shit, she took him on like it was nothing and defeated him like it was nothing. He had no doubt that she would-that she could-she could match him more than equally in a spar. Amazing. . .always the word that came to Riddick's mind when he thought of Jack. She was so strong. She represented so much to him. Jack was his chance at salvation and dreams, his strength, his heart, his humanity. She was his now, he could only hope she'd be his future. Only time could tell. After Jack had ordered the troop to the ground he walked over to her, and stood before her.
Saluting her respectfully he spoke, "Reporting for training, Sergeant Major Melivenski."
As if Jack hadn't heard him, she looked over Riddick's shoulder. "Everyone up. Twenty miles, GET TO IT!" Jack looked Riddick over, "Fall in soldier!" she motioned towards the troop and he followed orders and fell into formation.
He could handle this, Riddick had been meaning to get himself back into shape. This would be fun. The plus side: he'd get to be around Jack all the time and get to see the full capability of her skills. The troop began to run, Jack at their side spouting off verses that they'd all repeat.
Whatever Jack had to offer. . .Riddick would take it gladly. Bring it on, Jackie girl!
------------- *(AN: Hey! Okay, it's been a few days. . .I know. But hey, shit happens right? Okay, well, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. I should have another either tonight or tomorrow. PLEASE review, I live for it, it makes me happy-and the voices. So review, I LOVE IT! If not it's still all good, it just doesn't give me inspiration to write. Okay, now I sound like I'm begging. Sorry. Okay, well. . .hope you liked it! Peace out!)*
Jack was awake; it was 4:30 a.m., seemed she was always awake but it was time to get up. Time to go back to what Jack did best, and time for her to get away from Riddick at least for a little while. OORAH to that! She began to roll from the bed but was promptly stopped by an arm; she should have been used to by now.
"Going to P.T. and then reporting for work. Promise." Jack said not even looking over to Riddick.
In a sleepy haze, Riddick barely comprehended, "Oka. Ha fun" he somehow managed to slur out.
"Bye."
Jack quickly dressed and then returned to the bedside and kissed Riddick on the forehead, the action driven by some unexplainable emotion. What was that? It didn't matter. Jack smiled tenderly, and then turned and left the housing unit. Time for work.
*********
Jack walked up to her tin office almost smiling to be back, she walked in the door greet with three pairs of eyes. One pair belonging to Mandol, another to Corigon, and the third. . .to Riddick. What in the hell? Oh no, assessment was over; she'd completely forgotten. Fuck! That meant Riddick would be training under her now, fucking joy. . .wouldn't that be GREAT! No. . .no, she wouldn't be reluctant; he was just like any other goddamned soldier she trained. NO FUCKING DIFFERENT! That's it Jackie girl, just keep thinking like that. Just then Mandol turned, his facing lighting up.
"HOLY SHIT! The dead walks!" Mandol walked to Jack with his arms open.
"Oh, wait. Hold on, I, I got something for you." Jack reached into her pocket and came back out with her hand flicking him off, "Like it?"
Mandol laughed heartily and enveloped Jack, "Fucking damn good to have to back, Mevlivenski!"
"Damn good to be back."
*********
As Riddick watched the scene unfold he wasn't so sure he liked it. As Jack hugged one of the men he felt something in his stomach, a pang of something. What was that? Jealousy? No, how the hell could it be jealous? Anxiety about starting training? Bullshit was what that idea was. Whatever it was it surely wasn't right. Why'd he feel that? What if it had been jealousy what then? What would that mean? Whatever, no time, stay focused. The future has started to begin. No, stay in the now. Always in the now.
*********
Jack parted from Mandol and looked to Corigon, "How're my troops Corigon?"
Corigon shook his head in disgust, "Jack. . .not even the good Lord can help these dickheads! They are fucking ridiculous, and they-"
Mandol shot a warning look to Corigon, "Leave it alone, Corigon."
Jack eyes the two in suspicion, "Leave what alone? What Corigon?"
"You see what you did?! Now she's gonna kill every one of them, Corigon!"
"If you fucking half witts don't tell me I'll rip off your fucking balls! Now WHAT?!"
Corigon looked at Jack, "They were saying some pretty harsh shit while you were gone Jack. Shit about you being dead, and that it was because you couldn't hack it in a man's position. It's shit Jack."
Jack's smile was almost evil, "They'll get theirs. Don't forget I have to train them. Alright guys, well off to PT. Riddick? Coming?"
Mandol and Corigon looked at each other in confusion as Jack exited the office with Riddick trotting behind her. What in the hell had just happened? Clueless, that's what they both were.
*********
As Jack exited the office she made haste to get to her troops, Riddick finally catching up with her. She said nothing just kept her gaze straightforward and determined. Was this how she was always going to be? Of course, they were in her territory now. If a soldier saw Jack treat him differently that'd be a weakness, and she'd never have it-neither would he. Riddick would do a lot of things but never damage her reputation in the service, she was damn good at what she did and he'd never stoop so low as to ruin everything she'd accomplished. She was exceptional, special. She was. . .well, she was. . .Jack the amazing, talented, determined, beautiful, perfect woman he lo-
"Riddick, go tell Captain Bortelli that you are reporting for training and then meet me out on the training grounds, and do it fast." Jack interrupted his thoughts harshly.
"Yes Sergeant Major Melivenski!" Riddick trotted off in the opposite direction.
What had Riddick almost thought? Had he almost thought what he thought he had? No, it couldn't be. Never, it just wasn't like that. No time to think, Riddick was about to begin training and damn, he was almost nervous. Shit, how'd Jack manage that one on him? She was full of surprises.
*********
Her troops were now in view, they were fucking around-go figure. When there was no one there to discipline them of course they were going to bullshit. Where was one of her officers? And why weren't they doing their job? Hell to pay for that one. Just then Sergeant Michaels her officer at hand for the moment fell into her view. . .he was right along with them. He'd pay, Jack was going to kick his sorry ass! Where was Corigon? Oh yeah, she had ordered him to take over on some drills one of the more skilled troops were running. Corigon. . .yeah, he was a damn good solider. Dependable and loyal, she'd die for that man. Of course, she'd die for most anyone on the base but Srgt. Michaels? NO! Absolutely out of the question, something just wasn't right. Jack knew, but everyone else seemed to be oblivious to it. Something in her instincts just felt all wrong about him, she'd figure it out someday but who cared? Right now it was time to whip these sorry excuses for soldiers back into line.
"ATTENTION!" Jack yelled taking a stance before the troop but received nothing in return besides Michaels leisurely making his way to her side. "You pull a fucking stunt like that again Michaels and I'll have you put up for probation and shit detail," Jack gritted through clenched teeth.
"Yes, Ma'am Sergeant Major." Sergeant Michaels dutifully replied.
"ATTENTION!" The soldiers took their sweet time looking at her, "WHAT IN FUCK'S NAME ARE YOU DOING FALL INTO FORMATION YOU DICKHEADS! RIGHT FUCKING NOW!" What was this shit? Were they trying to protest? They still didn't move, "Give me your fucking gun Michaels!"
Sergeant Michaels looked at Jack like she'd gone crazy, "What are you going to do?"
"Give me the fucking gun. . .NOW!"
"C'mon Jack, lay off 'em."
"Back the fuck off and give me the gun!" With hesitation, Michaels handed over the gun and Jack fired off three rounds into the air, "GET INTO FORMATION OR THESE FUCKING BULLETS ARE GOING TO BE AIMED AT EACH ONE OF YOU. . .AND I DON'T MISS!"
The pieces of shit slowly got into formation a trainee by the name of Saurenter standing in the front line summoned Jack's attention, "Sergeant Major, permission to speak."
"Granted," Jack's look was hard. This didn't sound like it was something he wanted ot be saying.
"Uh, Sergeant Major, on behalf of this troop. . .well, the fellas and me don't really want you training us. You're a chick, that just don't look good for us."
Pussies, everyone of 'em. Intimidated that a WOMAN-not a chick-was better than they were. At least Saurenter had the balls to admit it, probably just put up to it. The kid had balls but when it came to defending himself, well to put it perfectly clear he was sorry. Jack would give it to him, he had spirit to succeed-she wouldn't punish him but the rest of the soldiers were going to pay. "Is this how you all feel?"
A collected "oorah" came as her reply.
"Very well, a proposition. . . you pick your best man to fight me. He wins, I'll walk and Sergeant Michaels here will train you. I win. . .I win, I stay and train you. Do we have ourselves a deal?"
There came another "oorah".
"Alright, who am I fighting? Yeah, right now. No more bullshitting. You want me gone, let's do this now."
Idiots. . .why couldn't they just simply understand that she was their trainer for a reason? She was the best at the job, she was the best soldier in the entire Black Knights Special Ops. Delta Force. Jack was a fucking saint to the people that ran that branch of the service. Fucking idiots, whatever. If this was how they wanted it to go down, then it was their choice. The soldiers conversed a few moments and finally a tall, built soldier named Peter Jefferson emerged dubbed their fighter. He had strength but no skill, if he'd lay off the shitty hang up about a woman training him he could have a lot of potential. Easy match, piece of cake but for the guy's sake she'd let him dance a little. Even after Jack won the war was already lost, they'd never respect her. They'd never fully believe she was what everyone said she was. They'd never believe she was qualified enough to train them. Oh well, Jack would keep training them for the battles even if the war was lost.
"Let's go big boy!" Jack motioned for Jefferson to come take his stance.
The man obliged, they began their dance. Jefferson flung out his arm, a completely uncalculated shit move. Jack didn't even have to dodge, she just stepped out of striking range. Why couldn't the guy be a challenge. . .like Riddick? Jack stepped back into range and came at the soldier, she faked a left and then a right and gave the man a swift uppercut. Jefferson stumbled a moment but regained his stance. His fire was stoked now, he launched himself at her with full force. She blocked a quick right and then a left and kick meant to knock her to ground. Jack flew at him again with lightening speed, she landed a left hook and then a roundhouse kick to his rib cage. He came at her again, but Jack used his momentum to pick him up and flip him over her head and onto the ground. Fucking shit! She hadn't meant to do that. Jefferson got up again, he tried another punch combination but failed and then another. Jack punched him in the jaw sending a took flying from his mouth. He reached up feeling the empty space.
"You bitch!"
End of fight, Jack came at him with full speed as Jefferson did the same. Jack shoved out her arm and pulled it around his neck bringing him close to herself in a headlock. She squeezed tightly, almost cutting off all air supply. Then she let him fall to the floor, gasping for air.
"Michaels get this sorry excuse for a soldier out of my sight. Take him to Captain Bortelli and have him court marshaled. . .assault on a superior. Good bye soldier." Jack turned to her astonished troop, "Anyone else want a go?" No one said a word, just stood there looking defeated. "Now, for that little stunt drop! I want push-up until I say stop. GET TO IT!"
The soldiers fell to the ground pumping out push-ups. Hell if anyone of them would ever try something like that again. She was lethal, but none of them would ever admit they were afraid. Most of all, none would admit they actually. . .admired her. Imagine that.
Jack paced before her soldiers letting them think through what they had done. They may never respect her but they'd sure as hell get something out of the time they'd have to spend with her. This was going to be a challenge and that was exactly what Jack had been needing.
*********
Riddick watched from the sidelines as Jack took on the large man. Shit, they guy had to be almost his own stature. Shit, she took him on like it was nothing and defeated him like it was nothing. He had no doubt that she would-that she could-she could match him more than equally in a spar. Amazing. . .always the word that came to Riddick's mind when he thought of Jack. She was so strong. She represented so much to him. Jack was his chance at salvation and dreams, his strength, his heart, his humanity. She was his now, he could only hope she'd be his future. Only time could tell. After Jack had ordered the troop to the ground he walked over to her, and stood before her.
Saluting her respectfully he spoke, "Reporting for training, Sergeant Major Melivenski."
As if Jack hadn't heard him, she looked over Riddick's shoulder. "Everyone up. Twenty miles, GET TO IT!" Jack looked Riddick over, "Fall in soldier!" she motioned towards the troop and he followed orders and fell into formation.
He could handle this, Riddick had been meaning to get himself back into shape. This would be fun. The plus side: he'd get to be around Jack all the time and get to see the full capability of her skills. The troop began to run, Jack at their side spouting off verses that they'd all repeat.
Whatever Jack had to offer. . .Riddick would take it gladly. Bring it on, Jackie girl!
------------- *(AN: Hey! Okay, it's been a few days. . .I know. But hey, shit happens right? Okay, well, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. I should have another either tonight or tomorrow. PLEASE review, I live for it, it makes me happy-and the voices. So review, I LOVE IT! If not it's still all good, it just doesn't give me inspiration to write. Okay, now I sound like I'm begging. Sorry. Okay, well. . .hope you liked it! Peace out!)*