At pinos after a scrape with an FTA (Merry Men and Ranger with Stephanie got interrupted by Morelli flying into Pinos)
Morelli: cupcake! Stop thinking you can keep getting stuff blown up just because you have Manoso and his thugs always backing you up! You're not going to get lucky every time! It's time you play it safe and get another job. That way, I don't have to chug so much Malox that I should be the spokesperson for the brand the way I keep buying it in bulk!
Ranger stands up and is literally a feet away from Morelli's feet, speaking in a menacing but quiet tone:
You've got some nerve coming in here and speaking to her in that tone. Calling us thugs and criminals every chance you get.
What gives you the right to call us thugs and criminals when you were just a sailor who never made it past lieutenant rank for all the three years you've been in the Navy? You've done nothing of substance during your time and you washed out on a dishonorable discharge. I don't really know what pull you had to have made it to be a police officer, let alone a detective but weirder things have happened.
Morelli's eyes widened and his mouth gaped.
Ranger continued:
Most of us are highly decorated and have done more for Uncle Sam and this country than you could ever imagine.
Many of us have been in combat situations in third world countries and places that doesn't even have a name on the map. All in the name of national security and the freedom of this nation. We fought for all of you who gets to say whatever you want to say. If you were to run your mouth like that in any of the countries we've been dropped in, you'd get shot point blank between the eyes before you ever completed your rant. Make no mistake, your freedom does not come free. Someone has to pay the price. Ultimately, those you lump as "thugs and criminals" are usually the ones that has to pay the price of your ignorance and right to a peaceful life on American soil.
You think every country gets to have people walking the streets without fear that they'd be gunned down just for being on the streets? Going to school on a school bus without fearing they'd be kidnapped and sold to human traffickers mid-route? Taking a midnight stroll without being stabbed to death for a dollar?
You may have blinders on, but WE have to see all the gruesome realities of this world. We PROTECT you civilians from having to see the horrors of this world. We pay the price each and EVERY second of the day because we have to relive every single moment of the horrors through our mind. Whether we are awake or asleep. There are no off buttons that we can press to forget everything.
Does the phrase "all pay some, some pay all" sound familiar?
Everyone pays something for the safety of this nation. Whether it be through taxes, blood sweat and tears, or our lives. Everyone pays something.
That is especially true for those in the military. Those you see as thugs and criminals of my organization has paid so much for your safety and security, to have the luxury to go about your day without worry of a missile landing near you or an IED being driven over as you drive your merry way to the grocery to buy your breakfast. We may all look big and tough and no emotions, but what we battle in our head, you will not be able to comprehend. None of you will.
He looks around Pino's, the entire place was silent as can be.
He continued:
Coming back from combat, having to relive every horrible atrocities of this world. We clam up and seclude ourselves because we need to have time to process being back in this environment where not every pop means gunfire and not every boom means IED or the need to yell "INCOMING" before ducking and holding, waiting for the blast to make impact. We need to not have our knives out each time someone gets too close to our back or everyone looks at us with disdain in their eyes.
For all that we do, (Ranger chuckles, eyes glint coldly as he frowns) we get the luxury of coming back to be called "murderers, thugs and criminals" by those we protect. Family/ friends/ strangers. (He looks across the room again) For all of your "out of sight out of mind" thinking, we bear the price. We don't get to single out only those we want to protect. (He looks at Stephanie, who had eyes scrunched together and tears flowing) It's all or nothing. That includes those ungrateful for the protection we pay with our blood sweat tears or lives (looking at Morelli).
I want you to really think about this, in case you never take the time to think about anything that doesn't involve your immediate surroundings. This is a time to reflect.
1: who protects you from terrorists succeeding with their plots to reign terror against this nation, both domestically and internationally? 9/11? That day alone, the entire world went dark for a few days. Whether it was in America or abroad. No one flew, no one went gambling. Everyone was in shock that this could happen on American soil.
Boston marathon? Two IEDs went off and the entire state went into a frenzy.
Those are two widely remembered and reported incidents. Think of how many were prevented or excluded from the media, civilians.
I can guarantee you there have been multiple threats by foreign AND domestic terror organizations that have been planning attack after attack on America and its people. Who stops them? Police? Please. You can only do so much to calm people down after the event has happened. State troopers? Not likely. Feds? Who feeds them the info so they can at least ATTEMPT to thwart it?
2: where do they get the intel that a terrorist attack is going to be happening? They don't just pull it out of their ass and have a magic genie that tells them that. That's for damn sure. From the alphabet agencies to the military, intel is gathered and spread to those with clearance and on a need to know basis.
3: and this is important, where would Americans be without its military presence, both domestic and abroad? There would be no democracy left. We are the last stronghold of democracies around the world. We crumble, autocracies and oligarchies rule this world. There will be NO checks and balances. Whoever has the military power rules.
And your precious first amendment right, freedom of speech press and religion? Yeah... (laughing and shaking his head) that's gone too if we crumble. The leisure of walking down the streets to grab a soda? Nah, no such luxury of that. No weapons on you? You'd be stabbed and shot for no reason other than you looking at someone not to their taste. Cornered? You could be raped and left for the wolves once they've had their fill. It'll be the rule of the jungle at that point, strongest survives. Or whoever you have in your pack makes up your strength. (He shrugs) it's the rule of the animal kingdom, and that's a very likely scenario if democracy is bent on its knees to another country's ruling power or influence.
His speech finished. He says:
So remember this the next time you want to call us thugs and criminals.
We protect your right to say those things, however wrong they could be. We keep your bubble of the world from being popped because we are on the outside always at the ready to defend the freedom of this nation and the people in this country. Your do a disservice to those in the military who protect and serve, currently, formerly or will in the future by running your mouth and labeling the people of the military as thugs and criminals. Rather than labeling those brave enough to defend your rights to freedom as thugs and criminals, you should label them honorable and they should be given the respect they deserve for being in combat situations.
You don't have to wake up or continue having nightmares and flashbacks. We bear that cross.
You don't have to wake up to yourself choking your significant other or loved ones, thinking that we were back there in that horrible place that we can't tell civilians about because it is classified. We have to face that reality. Why do you think so many of us are alone and never spend the night with anyone? Do you think we WANT to be the one responsible for their bruises? Even if you were just trying to have a peaceful dreamless night?
He looks at Stephanie with his blank face but she could tell his eyes look sad with longing.
Do you think we want to let go of our obsession or the person that calms our soul from the horrors we live through each and every second of our lives? We have to do it to protect them. We cut off our ties to them so they could have a chance to live normally and safely. We choose for them so they don't get the chance to choose. We often sacrifice everything to do what we must in the name of freedom for this country.
Unfortunately, you never see that because we never tell you. We won't burden you with that knowledge because you wouldn't know what to do with that information. We protect and serve. We never expect nor require recognition. Often times than not, we get mislabeled because of the fact that we don't talk much. And that right there, is a fucking shame.
Then he puts a few bills to cover the meal and holds his hand out to his Babe. She takes it and leaves with him. The Merry Men follow, never looking back.
The entire crowd of silent patrons at Pino's were still silent, each still in shock from hearing so much being spoken by the leader of the men in black. All taking the time to internalize all he said and thinking "wow. Never thought of them in that light. Why did we think our freedom was free? Someone had to pay the price, we just reaped the benefits without seeing who was the one who exchanged the right to have it with blood sweat and tears. We just blindly believed the lies that they were thugs and criminals. Never looking into their company and what they stood for. Never giving them the respect they deserve just because it is frowned upon by our golden burg boy. We are DAMNED lucky to not see so much terror attacks on the news or otherwise, thanks to the men and women who protect us beyond our views and knowledge. It's a good time to reflect on our misguided views of the men in black and all those who have served, past present and future. Because these are the silent backbone of this country and it's defense of our freedom and democracy."
When the Merry Men and Ranger got back to Rangeman with Stephanie, they were silent, each with their own thoughts.
Stephanie was silent, tears spent and still thinking about all Ranger had said. She gave each and every Merry Men a hug extra tight this time, and let go. She followed Ranger to the elevator. Ranger was extending his hand to press the button for five, but Stephanie's hand stoped him on top of his. He looked back at her and she looked at him, then she pressed the button for seven. He internally sighed. He resigned and waited for the door to open on seven.
They went inside his apartment, she first and he closed the door. She stood with her back to him, thinking of what to say to this misguided man. He waited her out. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Turned to him and gave a neutral face that had her eyebrows resolute to ask him questions. Arms crossed in front of her, seemingly to protect herself from him, emotions because she knew he would never physically hurt her on purpose.
Can I ask you a few questions?
Ranger looked at her, answered: you can ask, I will answer what I think I can. That's the best I can give you right now.
Stephanie gave him a sad smile, " I know"
She went over to the couch, motioning him to sit on the opposite side, but looking at each other. He complied.
She started:
First, I always have looked at you and the Merry Men as heroes and with respect in their own right. Nothing changed that from the moment I met you and them, it's only grown since then.
Secondly, I want to ask you a few questions. I don't want classified information or anything like that. Whatever you can tell me, I would love to listen and hear. I want you and the Merry Men to always know I'm in your corner.
Ranger nodded for her to continue.
She continued: at what point did you ever get the chance to sleep peacefully without nightmares for more than 6 hours?
Ranger said: when you are wrapped up safely in my arms, here on seven, knowing you are safe gives me peace.
She asked: would you ever give me the chance to choose to be with you?
He answered: not this moment, I can't.
Her lips tilted up, seeing the loophole: is there ever going to be a moment that may change? If so, what would be the potential date?
He was silent for a moment: I have three more months on my contract. I have no right to string you along and give you hope that you may be mine until I complete my contract. I'm up for renewal.
She looked nervous and worried. Not looking at him, she whispered: are you renewing?
He said: I don't think I am, no.
She looks up real fast with hope on her eyes: why not? It's been a big part of your life throughout your career.
He smiled: it's a young man's game, and I've paid my dues. It's time for those faster than me to take the reign to protect this country I've given so much for. Once my contract is up, I can pick which assignment I take. I plan to still be involved, but only on instructional and strategic planning capacity. I need to guide the next generation because I need to do my part to protect those I love.
She asked: after three months, can I ask that we revisit this conversation?
He gave her a soft smile: if I get called in the wind and come back after the three month mark, and you still feel like revisiting this conversation, I would be open to it.
She threw herself over at Ranger, tackling them both to be digging into the armrest of the couch, but she knew he would never let her fall. He wrapped her arms around her waist and looked up at her, still smiling.
She asked: so, if I am unattached and right now we're both single, can we do more than avoiding each other? I'm not one to sleep around, but we can do other things.
He raised an eyebrow: not going back on with Morelli?
She shook her head no: that was over with a few weeks ago. Shrugging. I didn't like his putting me down and my mom's constant nagging about him being my last hope.
I'd rather be with someone who respects and lets me fly than go the traditional route of marriage and looking the other way as my husband cheats on with with someone or others. Not saying I'd say no to marriage. I'd say yes, if they're loyal and monogamous.
Ranger asked:
Would you train in self defense and learn to use your gun? My men and I can only protect you from so much. I can't have you for just a moment and have you killed by enemies, be they yours or mine.
She contemplated: hypothetically, if you were to say yes to being together after revisiting this conversation in three months time, then yes. I would train and learn how to use weapons. Not just guns. Rifles and machine guns. Might as well throw in defense driving and tactical maneuvers too since I've always wanted to be Wonder Woman. I've just never had someone to play hero with that would give me commitment. Oh! I would also need you to let me fly, I've always wanted to do fly!
He laughed, shaking his head: if I had known it only took commitment for you to take up self defense and weapons and all that you've thrown in afterwards, it might've been a no brainer. But we've been at this for this long, we can wait three more months. You're more than welcome to start now and get prepared beforehand. Doesn't hurt.
She laughed too: I might ask the Merry Men to help me later, but I've got to make up for some lost time.
He cupped her cheek and said: oh yeah? What did you have in mind?
She smiled leaning into his hand: I want to keep you as close to me as possible before another thing makes you have to be away from me.
Ranger brings her in for a kiss that's been a long time coming, filled with hopes of a better future. They will revisit this conversation in three months time. For now, make the best of the situation and forget the worries. That will come soon enough.
The end!