Reinvention

by Elenimou

Stephane has lost everything. She learns who her true friends are which may be more important than love.

20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Thank you for your patience. My muse came slogging home like a wayward trollop. Now we can finish this story...in another few chapters

"Babe."

Michelle leaned back against the headboard in her Rangeman Atlanta room with her cell phone against her ear. The simple word, 'Babe', was filled with so many different meanings. This evening it was a declaration of anguish from their separation.

"I miss you too, Carlos. I had hoped to be in Trenton a few days before we came here. Tank explained the problems with Joe."

Ranger was quiet. "I'd rather not talk about it right now. I want to know how you are and how the Michelle and Tank show is going."

"The Deacon and crew were very receptive to our ideas, but Tank and I are quickly coming to the realization our combined knowledge needs a boost. Our corporate performance analysis skills are good, but we know there are people whose skills are better. The Deacon has been wrestling with resource allocation mainly through trial and error. He needs better direction."

Ranger asked, "Is it time for a corporate performance analysis across the board?"

"Yes, among other analyses. Rangeman is big enough now. You can afford a full-scale review."

"It won't be easy finding someone well versed in Rangeman-type business."

"Yes, the security side shouldn't be the concern, it is the secret government work that could be a problem," she continued. "That's for another day's discussion. Here in Atlanta, it appears we could expand in the near future. The Deacon, Jameson, Tank and I have been looking at future sites."

"In Georgia?" he asked with skepticism.

"No, Atlanta is the major population center and The Deacon has his operations well suited. He should add several auxiliary sites around the metroplex as growth continues. We were looking at Alabama and South Carolina especially along the coast."

"We can't keep you away from the beach," he chuckled.

She giggled, "You know me well. Once we get to Miami I'd like to look at Tampa /St. Petersburg. Tank mentioned you were considering starting an office there. Why didn't you? It fits all the original parameters."

"You."

"Me?"

"Originally Marco was set to open the Tampa office and I would finish with the Miami office and put Santos in charge. I could remain under the radar. But then I met a beautiful, curly-haired brunette and couldn't leave Trenton. So I needed my best men around me for protection: Lester, Bobby, and Tank."

She had another peek behind the Rangeman curtain. Ranger was always a target. He needed to keep moving to throw off the Guzmans but when he settled, he needed protection. Tank, Lester, and Bobby primarily followed by Hal, Cal, and Ram. The Rangeman structure had a purpose built around Ranger. The commander was being protected by his men. Was he safe now? "Where are you?"

"I'm back in Trenton. I went to see Julie for a few days."

"How is she?" Michelle didn't have to be pretending to care, she truly loved Julie.

"She misses you as much as I do."

"Does she know about our plans to get married?"

Ranger chuckled, "Babe, the very first thing she asked me was when you and I were getting married."

"What did you say?"

"I asked her if she had homework to do," he said with a chuckle. "It earned me a quick jab to the upper arm. She is tough."

"Did she hurt you?"

"Babe." It was the exasperated version of the 4-letter word.

"Carlos, you were badly injured. You came home in pieces."

"That was a long time ago. Trust me; I'm back to the way I was before. I've worked hard and had excellent rehab both in Florida and here with Bobby, Tank, and Les. I've been injured before, so I know what I have to do."

She smiled, "So now you are truly my man of steel?"

"Titanium and I can still outrun you. Speaking of which, are you planning to compete in RangemaNinja this year?"

"Patrick mentioned it. I've been so busy I had forgotten. I need to get back and work with Ram and Lester."

"Would you consider staying in Atlanta?"

Michelle was confused. "Why? Does this have to do with Joe? I thought we were passed you telling me what to do, Ranger?" The loving Carlos name was forgotten.

"Please, breathe, Babe. That isn't why I asked. Newell is an excellent swimming coach and The Deacon could help with the small arms instruction. After working with them, you can come back and train further here. The guys are already asking if you are going to repeat last year's performance."

"I'm sorry, Carlos, I slipped again." She hoped she wasn't falling back into Stephanie mode.

"I know you can handle Morelli, but I've seen the video of his recent visit to Rangeman. It was Mean Drunk Joe in our lobby. He's degrading and becoming his father or worse. He's hard to predict. Until Joe regains his sobriety or his mind, you should remain invisible, not only for your safety but for others. I talked to Vito Grizzoli. He is very unhappy with Joe and Terry. Terry may have to make a decision."

"Decision?"

"She is going to have to choose between Family and Joe."

"What will happen if she chooses Joe?"

Ranger hesitated, "If they value their lives they won't be anywhere near New Jersey or the East Coast."

"I can't see her leaving the Family. But without her, what will happen to him?"

"He's not your concern. Turns out, he is the train wreck, not you."

"Tank and I discussed him a bit. I've let go. He is nothing to me other than I'm upset he's keeping me from you."

"No anger?"

"No, Yoda has gotten me beyond anger and revenge."

"Yoda?"

For a moment, Michelle was going to share her nickname for Tank but decided that would remain between Tank and her. "Yes, 'Star Wars' had some excellent insight. It wasn't all lightsabers and Stormtroopers."

"Babe, when have you become so philosophical?"

She wanted to say since she froze her gnu-gnus in the winter basic training in Maine with an extremely intelligent and caring man, Tank. But she would keep the secret. Time to redirect the conversation again, "Do you really think I've been living in my corporate suit for these past few weeks? I'm with Tank. There's no way he would let me sit idle as he checks the readiness of the Rangeman employees. If I don't train alone he threatens to drag me by my hair. Even wearing my hair this short hasn't stopped him. But you are right. I haven't been in the pool for a while. I'll stay down here for a few extra weeks, but I must get back to train with Lester in the trees." She smiled as she thought of their "me Tarzan, you Jane" fun and games last year.

"Babe, thank you."

Please and thank you? Is Carlos becoming civilized? She sighed, "If the saying 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' is true, I'm not sure I can encompass all the extra affection."

"Michelle, we've endured months apart before."

"We had conflicting priorities plus my mind was a mess. Now the priorities are the same and my mind is clear. You have my full attention, total heart, and the burning need to be with you."

"Have you been thinking about when and how we will get married?"

"No big production. I want it small, meaningful and soon. Specifics aren't important except I'd like Julie, Daddy, Grandma Mazur and my nieces there. Plus I want my brothers there or as many as can come. I don't know how much family you will want to attend."

"We will talk about in the near future. In the meantime, sweet dreams, Babe."

"They are sweet when I think about you, Carlos."

00000000

Michelle slipped into the water of the new private 8-lane, 25m pool owned by Rangeman. Previous years they trained at city facilities. The new pool was open only at specific times for high school and private swim teams plus for military rehabilitation. The majority was for use by Rangeman employees and their families. Mitch loved to swim and was grateful Ram had gotten her back into it during her emotional and body rehabilitation. Most recently she relied on the gym and running to stay in her edgy condition, but she knew swimming would enhance her efforts and aid in keeping her calm.

The pool opened at 04:00 and Michelle astounded herself by being one of the first in the water. If you had asked her years ago if she could see herself swimming at 4 o'clock in the morning, she would have laughed. Now it was her special time, often with several other early Rangemen, until Newell arrived at 05:00 for instruction. Then at 19:00 she and Newell met for more training.

At lunchtime, The Deacon would take her to the gun range and work with handguns. She was always afraid of all weapons but with the smaller handgun Ram had introduced her to and custom handgrips, she had progressed rapidly. For some reason she overcame her fear with rifles and shotguns before handguns. Quickly, The Deacon realized her problem was standing still. If allowed to move and switch position frequently, her scores went up.

"You were in the wrong competition last year," Deacon said. "Ram had you in the Static event, point and shoot. You need the action competitions like the Three Gun event. You were on the move and did exceptionally well."

"Deacon, the first time I had to use a handgun I killed someone. Yes, it was self-defense, him or me but it was a trauma. I never got over it."

"You didn't get any counseling?" he asked in horror.

"No, I pretended like it didn't bother me, but it did. Joe yelled at me, my mother yelled and cried. My father was an Army Ranger and could have said something, but didn't. The community decided I was crazy, dangerous, and worthless, upping their rhetoric against me."

The Deacon wanted to wrap her in his arms but saw it wasn't necessary. "At least in the military we are given instruction. It never is enough but our commanders watched us afterward for problems. Why the hell didn't Manoso say something?"

"We only knew each other a few days."

"How did you get over your fear of guns?"

"Who says I have? I guess Tank and his winter survival boot camp and then Ram, Lester and the others working with me. Now I get to add you to my mentor list," she smiled. Turning the conversation back to the Ninja competition, "Deacon, The Weaver, and Chapman shooting positions are similar, one leg forward, and arm position somewhat different. The Isosceles faces me forward, but apparently my legs like to move. Kneeling and even prone makes me think more. I need to keep moving. Maybe it was being a BA: Keep moving and don't become a target."

"Mitch, you've come a long way. You should be proud."

"Deacon, I am. I was down at the bottom wondering if it was worth coming back. Everyone told me I was a failure and ridiculed me because I wasn't what they thought I should be. Ladies don't play with guns, kill people, have dead bodies in their living room, roll in garbage, or have their cars blown up by RPGs. My genetic code isn't preprogrammed for cleaning windows, cooking pot roasts, and being subservient to a husband. I need mental and physical stimulation beyond raising children."

"Then it's time we move you into Action Handgun competition."

The training course was surprisingly small, similar to a mid-20th-century suburban backyard. The targets were far closer in.

"Most gun confrontations occur in small areas, not battlefields," The Deacon explained.

She thought about the times she had been confronted with a gun and agreed, they were always close quarters. Her instruction was how to turn, shoot, roll, shoot. Once again Mitch the Bitch had a smile on her face. How long did it take her to learn she could not be confined, contained, curbed, or cramped? Her need to be free was the very essence of her life.

The Deacon was a year or two younger than she but was amazed how this lithe woman maneuvered through the course, hitting targets with abandon. If she wasn't already wearing Manoso's ring, he would be making a serious play for her. She was beautiful, intelligent, caring, and sexy as hell with a handgun in her hand.

Tank stood behind the protective barrier and watched. "Damn, she is good," he murmured to himself. She had come a long way from the frozen terrain training in Maine.

As they finished, Deacon tallied her score.

"How did I do?" Michelle asked after safing her weapon.

"Yeah, how did she do?" Tank asked, coming out from behind the barrier.

The Deacon looked up with a big smile, "Is there anything you can't do?"

"I can't cook or sing," she laughed. "Plus I'm a one drink wonder."

He and Tank grunted amusement at nearly the same time. Did Ranger's unit ever speak to one another or did they grunt the whole time?

Turning to Tank, the Deacon said, "Bro, we are in trouble. Mitch is going to beat us into the ground. I don't think we've changed much since active service, but now I'm wondering. She's older than me and is bustin' my butt."

As Michelle wandered away to the gun bench to clean her handgun, The Deacon came close to Tank, "Who does she remind you of?"

"More and more like Ranger but not fucked up with combat," Tank whispered. She's a natural leader, super skilled and has more intuition than all of us together. Even Ranger respects her instincts."

00000000

Tank and Michelle returned to Trenton arriving before midnight. He went home to his house and cats and she went to her auxiliary apartment on Haywood. Sleep came easily but she was up and ready for action at 4 a.m. After her workout, shower, and dressing she was in her Haywood office before 06:00. Lester rolled by at 07:00. "Terrain work at 15:00, Jane." Her body, though tired, jumped in excitement. All this training meant she didn't need to feel guilty about lunch at Sal's in Ewing for lasagna. If she went early enough she wouldn't be weighted down for her first session with Lester/Tarzan.

The drive to Rangeman Trenton's training site mentally brought her back to Stephanie's "death" and Michelle's birth. Lester would bring her here to physically work her to exhaustion. How many times did she roll onto the fallen pine needles gasping for air only to have Lester stand above her admonishing her, "Get up recruit! You are still breathing. Let's move it." When she truly had enough, Lester would not carry her to the car. "I carried the incompetent Stephanie; you can get yourself there, Mitch." She hated his callousness but understood he was teaching her there is always something deeper down. Failure was not an option.

"Me Tarzan, you Jane," Lester grunted as she stepped out of her vehicle at the training site.

"Tarzan, you need new lines," she smiled as she locked her vehicle. The relationship between Lester and her was truly like siblings. At one time they might have been lovers, but now they were stronger together as a family.

"Umgahwa," he grunted, mimicking the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan as he led her down the sandy path to the secluded Rangeman property. Located in the Pine Barrens, the trees were mainly short needle pine with straight but narrow trunks. The more scraggly longer needle pitch pine was not suitable for climbing plus they tended to be in the boggier areas of the Barrens. There were other trees, oaks but Michelle didn't know specifics. Botany was not her subject in school.

As she entered into the facility what she saw amazed her. Lester and other Rangemen had been working all year adding training stations to the terrain challenge course. The trees were still there with their ropes, but now the course looked like a military challenge/Ninja training course. There were more upper body strength items which she thought surprising because Lester was not lacking in strength anywhere. She walked around looking at the peg climb, salmon ladder, and unstable bridge. She saw the giant tire climb and walked over to it and stopped in surprise. Climbing through the tires like Spiderman was Carlos. He was clothed in shorts and a formfitting t-shirt. She wondered if he ever wore a baggy shirt. His body looked renewed firm and muscled. As he lowered himself to the ground she saw the scars on his legs. They were far more healed than she expected.

He caught her staring, "Babe?"

"I expected ugly deformed scars, these aren't bad at all."

"They were pretty bad in the beginning, but they are healing nicely."

She realized she had yet to give him a proper greeting and flew into his arms, "Carlos, I've missed you."

They stayed in a long welcoming kiss until they heard Lester whistling as he approached. "Hey Jane, quit messing with Cheetah. Let's get to work."

"He'll pay for that, don't worry," Ranger said. "Now go warm up."

For the next few hours before the sunset, the threesome worked on the new stations as well as the old. Michelle relished the climbs and swings to new stations. Though the most dangerous she truly felt like she was flying. Lester set the pace and she followed. She quit glancing back at Carlos as she realized he was right behind her.

Ranger had not seen her run the entire Challenge course in Atlanta and was amazed at her skill. Her balance was far greater than the hotel ledge crawl in Atlantic City several years ago. Her arms and shoulders hinted at her strength but now in action, he found her comparable to most Rangers in training. She was in her mid-30s but her body was firmer and stronger than those in their 20s.

Quickly, her daily routine became Rangeman work and training. Ram noted her improvement in gun handling and swimming. The Deacon had moved her into Active Handgun competition. Ram had hesitated as she was so good in Three Gun he thought she might be bored. He was wrong. It had been months since she trained with the handgun, rifle, and shotgun together, but any rust was knocked off.

"Mitch the Bitch needs to try sniper," Ram stated one day. Michelle and Cyrene, the new Trenton Rangewoman and former Marine went with Ram to Joint Base McGuire-Dix instead of the Naval Ammunition Station Earle for sniper work. Though a civilian, Michelle was given special permission to train there, as she was part of Rangeman. Michelle had proven once again she had an eagle eye when it came to rifle shooting, but the super long shots with the larger caliber rifles took far too long to set up with calculations for distance, temperature, elevation, and wind. The last vestiges of fidgety Stephanie couldn't sit still. On the other hand, Cyrene's medal as an expert rifleman was soon apparent as she quickly adapted to the distances greater than 1,000 yards with a Cheytac .408 rifle. RangemaNinja would have its first Trenton female sniper contestant, but it wouldn't be Mitch/Michelle.

Back in the pool, Ram was pleased with Michelle's progress under Newell's tutelage. They swam side by side, stroke for stroke for 1,000 meters. "Maybe I need to go down and work with Newell," Ram said. "I was not holding back."

She knew better and simply commented, "Pfft." She knew he was pacing her. Day after day, he swam slightly faster and longer until they reached 5 Km. She remained at his side.

After a short but intense pool workout, she did not stay in the water to cool off, but rather exited. The Deacon had shared a new way to breathe. In through the nose, out through the mouth like a pendulum feeling the oxygen reach through the body relaxing muscles from the toes up. As she practiced she found herself replenishing her air quickly as well as relaxing.

"Breathe in through the nose, breathe out through the mouth, and let your body tell you how much it needs." Tank had tried to instill this in her before, now as she was more relaxed with her new body, the breathing that seems so foreign, came naturally. She was beginning to understand how Ranger, Tank, and the other remained so calm during a crisis or heavy physical effort. There was no gasping for air, no holding one's breath during stress, no overextending the lungs and tightening the upper body muscles. If the body needed more oxygen, the pendulum speed was increased. Naturally the body relaxed and her muscles were soon rejuvenated.

She felt Carlos coming up behind her, "Hello, Carlos," she said without turning around.

"Michelle," he whispered as he neared and then wrapped his arms around her from behind. "If you change from your swimsuit, we can catch a quick dinner."

She turned around and kissed him, "Give me 10 minutes."

Ranger chuckled, "Is that all you need?"

Slipping off her swim cap, "Carlos, having short hair saves at least thirty minutes and a lot of anguish."

He played with her wet hair, "I miss the curls."

Playfully slapping him, she smiled, "They are still there on the top. I'm no longer a Jersey Girl trolling for men with my long hair. I've found my mate and he'll have to play with something else."

As she disappeared, Ranger finally got a better view of the new Michelle body. Up to now, it was hidden under Rangeman uniforms or dresses. She was never fat, maybe a little fleshy if she ate too much junk food in an emotional binge. Now her body was long, lean, and beautifully curved. Her long legs now showed muscle development, her waist, tiny and her shoulders, broad. She moved freely in a natural gait that flowed. He was getting uncomfortable watching her walk away.

Ram came from the pool, "She's stronger than last year. Tank unlocked the natural athlete in her. Her drive to get better is incredible. What a damn shame The Burg fucked her so badly."

Ranger shook his head, "While we can blame The Burg or specifically, her mother, the damage is more widespread. Girls are funneled into girl activities from an early age. For example, the sexy dresses and high heel shoes for four-year-olds. Girls are discouraged from rough and tumble activities because it isn't lady-like. They need to know what their bodies can and cannot do as well as how much play pain they can take, just like a boy. Their natural instinct to explore their developing abilities is curtailed in the name of sexism. Remember the poem what are little boys and girls made of? Girls and young women were sugar and spice and all things nice or ribbons and laces, and sweet pretty faces."

"I've never heard that," Ram laughed. "What then are little boys made of?"

Ranger chuckled, "Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails. Young men are made from sighs and leers, and crocodile tears."

Ram smiled, "Yeah, that pretty well sums it up. I enjoyed the outside exploration but puberty was the pits."

"Now boys are discouraged from playing outside unless it is goal oriented play, soccer or baseball for example," Ranger sighed. "They are discouraged from rough and tumble play or even schoolyard fights in the mistaken belief their natural physical exploration can be reprogramed into calmer, Mother Defined activities. Studies have shown boys kept from the natural, non-structured, and rough and tumble play between ages 4 to about 8 or 9 fail to develop empathy towards others and don't understand their own physical and psychological needs. Later in life they turn to socially unacceptable activities."

"Like drugs?"

"In part, but also mass killers, the ones that go off and kill 40 people for no apparent reason. Celia, my psychiatrist sister told me a study of mass killers all had the same lack of childhood, non-structured play. How many mothers of these broken men weep, 'but he was a good boy?' Sure, he was mommy-coddled to puberty and beyond."

"So how does this apply to Bomber?" Ram asked, referring to Michelle's old nickname.

"She spent her youth chaffing against the 'ribbons and laces, and sweet pretty faces.' She would have been great with 'frogs and snails and puppy dog tails.' What is sad is her mother was a track star in high school. Edna allowed Helen to explore her physical side, but Helen curtailed her daughter's."

"Is this the reason she broke down two years ago?"

"Celia thinks it is a large part of it. All her life Michelle has been the square peg trying to fit into the round hole. Then her relationships continued to try to redefine her instead of letting her finally develop. God knows what Dickie Orr wanted, Morelli wanted a Burg Zombie Wife, and I was an ass being overly protective."

"Thank God for Tank."

"Yeah, his instincts have always been spot on."

"Tank warned us she was given the option of leaving Rangeman. Do you see her leaving us?"

Ranger snorted, "Not a chance. We will all be working for her in a few years."

Dinner was in a quiet restaurant not far from the Rangeman Princeton. Both Ranger and Michelle had grilled fish with radish salad, and a glass of wine. Tomorrow would be more training.

"Michelle, we've talked about Rangeman and the Atlanta event coming up, but we need to talk about us," Ranger began.

She smiled as she wiped her lips with her napkin, "Good, my favorite subject, how much I love you."

He chuckled, "You aren't coy anymore, Babe. You speak your mind with a bit more sass."

"We've been through a lot over these nearly seven years but here we are. I've learned so much about you and hope you are learning about me, the new me."

"A topic I plan to deeply explore, hopefully soon," he smiled.

Michelle readjusted herself. That was a bit too sexual and her underwear was getting damp. "We needed to clean our emotional houses. I can't wait to move on with you." She didn't want to play sexual badminton with Carlos. Remaining celibate was getting harder and harder.

"When you were in Atlanta, I asked if you had thoughts about our wedding. You indicated you had some ideas."

She put down her fork, picked up the wine glass and took a sip. This would be a bizarre request. She needed to prepare herself for the delivery. "I have, and I've come up with an idea but I can't quite work everyone into it. I want my father, grandmother, and nieces to attend. Julie, of course, but I don't know how to work in your family. Then there are my brothers in Trenton and the friends I'm making at the other Rangeman locations. I don't want a huge wedding but it keeps working out that way. Plus I'm also a little worried about the security issues."

Ranger held his concern in check. He couldn't imagine a big church event being Michelle's style, but if that is what she wants, she will have it.

After Michelle outlined her idea, Carlos sat back and chuckled. "You've thought a lot about this? I couldn't see you going for a church wedding but more likely a beach wedding. This didn't even hit my radar."

"I did consider the Haywood gym but I'm not sure there are enough flowers to hide the perpetual male sweat smell. While I don't find it offensive, guests might. Plus all the equipment would need moving. Finally, I don't want to bring that many civilians into the building."

"Thank you, Babe." He noted she did not defer to him with I didn't think you'd want that many civilians in the building. She was taking her partial ownership of Rangeman seriously.

"This way we won't be inundated with gifts in a bridal shower or event. Living in the studio apartments at Rangeman, I've come to appreciate simplicity. Before it was required due to being broke. Now, it's trendy and called Minimalism. Who knew I was so trendy? Regardless, I'm into quality, not quantity."

"Speaking of family, I assume the Florida Plums and Kloughns will be invited."

Of course, and Julie but if you feel Rachael, Ron and the two others are necessary, fine. I don't know about the Newark and Miami Cuban contingent."

"I'll talk to them. We might have a re-vow ceremony in Newark."

"Good idea! The more times I get to marry you, Carlos, the better."

"Do you want your father to give you away?"

She laughed, "I'm not a pubescent virginal princess posing as chattel. We've done that already with Dickie Orr how many years ago? This is me, the new me, not a Plum property. We will walk and stand together."

"Indeed we will. We need a witness."

"There's no way it won't be Tank….and Bobby, Lester, Hector, Ram, Cal, Hal…"

"Whoa!" he laughed then he stopped. "Actually I think we could do that. Have you ever seen an honor guard after a wedding?"

"Wedding sword ceremony?" she almost squealed but squealing was a Stephanie action.

Ranger smiled and nodded one quick nod. "Will it be formal dress and tuxedos?"

She flicked a piece of bread at him, "No way due to location, time constraints, and the fact I don't believe in wear-it-once clothes." She did not say also because it was standard Burg wedding wear. "So do you like my idea?"

"Only you, Babe. I will admit this has deep meaning for me as well. One final thought, 'First comes loves, then comes marriage, and then…?"

"If you are asking me if after all these years of saying no to children I've changed my mind, the answer is yes. As I've gotten to know Charlie's daughter, I began to get motherly feelings. If possible I would love to have children by you if it is also your wish."

"We aren't youngsters. We would have to start immediately…"

"Not tonight dear."

"Babe."

000000

RangemaNinja

The first events at RangemaNinja are the swimming events. Previously they were held the day before the official opening events due to constraints with the public pool. With the new Atlanta Rangeman pool, the problem was eliminated except tradition. The 'fish' formerly called 'seals' would start swimming the night before and finish up in the early hours of the event's opening day.

The first event was the 1000 m swim. As in the year before, Doug and Stew took the first two places and Charlotte the former Olympian from Boston took third. Michelle from Trenton took fourth once again barely behind Charlotte. They did not swim in the same heat but Charlotte went first. When it came to Michelle's turn to swim, Charlotte was her loudest supporter.

The underwater 100 m dash was won by Ram. Michelle had yet to enter this competition but both knew she'd probably beat Ram if she did. Years before her lower muscle mass and poor breath control would not have allowed her to stay below the water level. Now it would not be a problem if she ever entered the competition.

The next event was the crushing 5 Km swim. Since Ram and Michelle would be competing in the gun events after, they were in the first heat. Newell stood to the side with his stopwatch. "Uh oh, Charlotte, we are in deep trouble. They are swimming stroke for stroke and ahead of their usual time."

The Trenton duo became the two to watch in the long distance event. They were lapping other swimmers with abandon yet remained stroke for stroke with each other. Everyone was amazed at Michelle's strength which only began to fail in the last 15m. She touched only slightly after Ram. He slipped under the rope and got behind her and boosted her to the deck as she was spent. Newell from Atlanta grabbed and made her stand. Ram was right behind her, "Breathe, pendulum."

She went to put her hands on her hips and Ram stopped her, "No full body relax." Amazingly she recovered quickly ending with a giant smile, "Almost gotcha!"

Shaking his head, "Yeah, you nearly did."

Newell looked at both of them, "You two were phenomenal. Mitch or Michelle, you made this swimming instructor's heart proud. Of course, Ram had nothing to do with making you great."

Fortunately, this year Mitch had a bit extra time before her first gun event so she spent the time with food, water and a slow walk around the grounds. Rangemen from Boston, Atlanta, and of course Trenton kidded her about almost beating Ram in the Big Swim.

"He won because he has longer arms," she joked. "Or would you believe I didn't want to hurt his feelings?"

To conserve her energy, she didn't shoot in the Static event but was recovered and ready for the Action event. The Deacon appeared as he finished up his round. "OK, Annie Oakley, do your thing." It was the same small field she had been practicing on before, only the targets had been moved around. She looked the ground over very carefully. There were some uneven areas that had caused her to nearly stumble before. Fixing them in her mind and plotting her route around the course she planned her moves and angles. After the safety instructor checked her out, she began her run. The ding and fall of metal targets countered the explosive nature of the bullets. True to Mitch style, she added an unexpected front slide when she missed her footing on a forgotten depression. Still, she made her target, rolled and continued the course. When she was finished she looked down at her grass-stained shirt, "At least it isn't garbage or blood."

With Michelle's traveling, she and Charlie didn't have time to practice their team shooting at the paintball range. Charlie and Bobby teamed up and got through the course unsplattered. In a little over a year, Charlie had become a major member of Rangeman.

Charlie and Mitch did compete against one another in the Three Gun event. A last minute conflict with a monitor had Charlie filling in as Mitch's monitor around the course. In true Rangeman spirit, he counseled her. He wasn't keeping her calm; he was keeping her focused, remembering how she lost the Challenge course last year with a little happy dance.

Evening came and Mitch slowly morphed into Michelle in time to have dinner with Ranger.

"How did you do, Babe?"

She snorted, "I'm pretty sure you already know. I don't care about times or standings, I just want to do my best. All I ask this second year is I'm not in last place for anything."

"So I assume you didn't enter Strongman."

"Ah, no. A woman's got to know her limitations."

"You and I run the Challenge course tomorrow late morning."

"Did you set it up that way? Head to head?" she laughed.

"I had no say so in scheduling," he said, unconvincingly.

"Am I absolutely crazy for running the course tomorrow?"

"Why would you say that? It's your favorite event. I'm surprised you didn't enlist twice under the names Mitch and Michelle," he laughed.

"Dang, I never thought about doing that. It's just last year I did so well, maybe it was a fluke."

"Didn't you just say you'd be happy with anything but last place? Are you slipping?"

She thought for a moment. What was her problem? Then it hit: She'd be competing against Carlos and Lester! This wasn't play time in the Pine Barrens, this was the real deal.

Ranger was reading her mind, one of the few times he actually could. "You train with us, what is the big deal?"

Then she knew: She was hesitant because she wanted to win! How would her two men take her beating them? Would their egos be damaged?

The next morning dawned grey and threatening rain. Michelle looked up at the skies, "Grandpa Mazur, if you have any pull up there, hold off the rain until after all the events. The Challenge and Mt. Manoso are dangerous enough as it is without wet ropes and poles."

As Mitch walked around the Challenge course she saw nothing new. She wondered if all the new stations Lester installed at the Pine Barrens course were for extra arm strength training for Mt. Manoso. Relaxing, she started the course using her new breathing method and after training with Lester and Ranger, this Challenge seemed almost too easy. But she kept her mind focused. She had too much ahead to get sloppy. As she climbed down the rope ladder and back up the parallel logs she knew to concentrate. An overnight rain had made the ground slippery. The long downhill run would be treacherous. The lower portion had been sanded, but the contestants before her might have dislodged the firmer footing. A secure ground was required to get enough speed to grab the rope and swing across the water hazard which had enlarged with the rain. Channeling two years of Me Tarzan, You Jane with Lester she threw herself at the rope pumping it one extra time to gain velocity and then let go. In an instant, she realized she had over pumped and would fly up higher than intended. Keeping herself loose and pendulum breathing, she came in head first, rolling her head, neck, and shoulders just in time to do a perfect roll including grabbing her knees. She was astounded and wanted to think about it, but voices yelled, "Don't stop!" As she crossed the line she turned back to see a cluster of people at the landing zone cheering and applauding. She recognized the faces. Julie broke free and ran to her, "You can really fly! And you kept going this time."

The landing may have been gymnastic perfection, but the mud still existed and she was streaked with Georgia clay from her rump to her shoulders and all over her arms and legs. Looking at Julie, "My hair too?"

Laughing, "Yes, your hair too."

"Has your Dad run yet?"

"No, he should be up at the start. Are you going to stay?"

Of course she'd stay. Charlie wrapped the silver blanket around her to keep her warm. "You look lovely," he laughed as he wiped larger mud chunks off her forehead. "Just like the time you went into the Marigold Bar disguised as a bagwoman." Cell phones were recording her new look. Years ago in Trenton she might have been embarrassed or offended. Today, it was barely worthy of a 'Pfft'.

Julie had her arms around Michelle's waist, Tank wrapped his arm around her should as they waited for Carlos. "It's amazing he can do this course," Julie said. "He was really badly broken. Bobby showed me the x-rays."

"Jules, he has to run this to prove to himself he is back. But don't worry, we've been training together. He's still Batman."

"Here he comes," she heard from the group down by the stream. As she watched him traverse down the slope for the first time she had fear. Should he be jumping with the titanium rods in his legs?

Grabbing the rope, he sailed over the water with ease but landing on the water's edge causing him to stumble to knees. Pulling his legs out of the muck and water he powered himself onto the still wet land and pumped his legs to the finish line. Looking off he shook his head slightly as if telling himself, "Yeah, I'm back."

The onlookers were cheering wildly. They knew how badly he had been injured yet here he was back and apparently in top form again. Julie ran out and grabbed him. Tears streaked down her face, "I never gave up on you, Papa."

He dipped his head to her sobbing shoulder, "Jules, thank you for giving my life back to me."

By now, other Rangemen clustered around and pulled him from the finish line lest he interferes with the next contestant. He looked around for Michelle as the silver blanket was wrapped around him and hands slapped his shoulders and back in congratulatory gestures. She was with Tank wrapped in silver applauding with the rest. He made his way over and looked at her from head to toe.

"You slip?"

She playfully grabbed a handful of mud from the back of her neck and smeared it all over Ranger, "I didn't slip or land in the water like you," pointing to his muddy legs.

Before Ranger could question her Tank responded, "She flew too high and had to tuck and roll in her landing. It was beautiful but messy."

She looked at Tank, "You taught me well…" She almost said Yoda.

Tank looked at the two muddy contestants and knowing they were hardly suitable for the evening ceremonies he said, "You two are a mess. Go shower."

"Sir, yes sir," Mitch responded. Ranger nearly rolled his eyes.

Together they made their way back to base camp being photographed along the way. Tank and Julie followed.

They stopped for water and food before boarding the bus to return to the motel. The Deacon saw both of them. "Are you two already rutting around in the mud?"

Michelle found another mud glob and flicked it at The Deacon. "Bingo!"

After the pair left, the word around RangemaNinja was not to miss the awards ceremony as something special was planned for Ranger.

When the awards ceremony began, people noted the Deacon had changed clothes. Most had heard or seen Mitch flipping mud on him and figured that was the reason for the change.

The Deacon began, "Thank you to all who participated in RangemaNinja this year. This year we added two new competitions to test your skills. This was the largest group to date including three new women leaving me wondering who is home minding the shops in Boston, Trenton, and Miami?"

As The Deacon spoke, non-Rangeman people began slipping in and sitting in chairs in front of the stage. Most people didn't see them enter. When all were seated, The Deacon was given the signal to begin.

"Before we begin the awards I ask you not to immediately leave for Mt. Manoso. We will be having a very special ceremony after the awards and hope all of you will stay.

"Now first up are our swimmers. Originally our swimmers were former SEALS or other Special Forces. Not anymore, they've been infiltrated and are being pushed to work harder and not fall back on their laurels.

Results for the 1,000 m Sprint have not changed over last year: Doug, Stewart, and Charlotte. However, the fourth through eighth places were less than a second behind. Next year, I expect to see a change in the leaderboard.

"The Underwater 100m. was won by Ram. Second goes to Jason, another swimmer from Trenton. I always knew Trenton was inhabited by lead butts. Third place goes to a newcomer, Bill, from Miami. Charlotte from Boston was the highest placing woman. She took 6th. Good swim, lady.

"In the 5 km Swim, last year's winning time was 95 minutes. This year three swimmers broke that record. I'd like to think the new Atlanta Rangeman pool was totally responsible, but only in part. While the Atlanta swimmers did far better than before, we still got skunked by two from Trenton, though one did use our facilities for a few weeks. Without any further excuses, the first place winner for the 5 km in 89.14 minutes, Ram from Trenton. In second place with 89.29 minutes is Mitch from Trenton. She knocked 24 minutes off her time from last year. Third is Mitch's Atlanta coach, Newell with a time of 91.45 minutes. These are not Olympic-worthy numbers but darn good for a bunch of muscle-bound men. Mitch I'm not calling you a man or muscle-bound, don't get offended."

Mitch ascended the stage wearing a trench coat and long boots. Ram was also dressed up in dark slacks and black long sleeve shirt. They were over-dressed but The Deacon didn't call attention to them.

"Our new swimming event was the 4x400 Relay. Since each leg is swum with different strokes and swimmers, this is a team points only, not individual. However, since Atlanta won, I get to announce the names: Newell, Peaches, Micah, and Robert. Miami was second, Boston third. Trenton doesn't have enough people who float to compete.

"The reason why Trenton can't float is they dominated the Strongman competition this year with their big bones and muscles. Strongman winners are first place Tank, second place Hal, and a newcomer, Manny at third.

"Hand to hand is no surprise: Tank, Ranger, and Kyle from Boston. We had several women enter this and are considering making a women-only event. Let us know ladies.

"It is time to move onto the weapons part of the event.

"First up is Static Shooting. Really no surprise here though you young bucks are starting to get pushy. Ranger is first, Tank is second and me, The Deacon is third. Yeah, Company C still has a little something left. Last year, Mitch took 6th. This year she switched to Active Shooting. So the highest woman Static Shooting is a newcomer, Cyrene from Trenton.

"Active Shooting with one of the most amazing and athletic runs I've ever seen including a face down slide is Mitch from Trenton. Second place goes to Thomas from Boston and third to Jameson from Miami." Once again Mitch ascended the stage still wearing her trench coat.

"Stay here, Mitch. Three Gun with a perfect score and the lowest time, the eagle-eyed Mitch from Trenton. Second place was Greg from Atlanta and third was Marco from Miami. Mitch revealed to me a few weeks ago she was afraid of guns, handguns in particular, due to a traumatic event. You can blame the Trenton Core Team working with her and uncovering a remarkable shooter.

"Two-man Team Shooting. Thank heavens Mitch was busy with the corporate reviews to have time to train with her partner. Scores are an accumulation of hits and time. First place goes to Miami's Herman and Chico. Guys, are you spending too much time at the paintball course? Actually, they were precision in motion, well-deserved first place. Second place goes to Charlie and Bobby from Trenton. Good shootin', Doc. Third place goes to Boston Patrick and Houston. Glad to see Patrick gets off his butt once in a while.

"In the Sniper competition, we have a new winner! Using a L115A3 rifle, Cyrene from Trenton made a perfect hit from 1750 yards, which is incredible in today's weather. For those mathematically challenged 1750 yards is just 30 feet short of a mile. Second place goes to Herman from Atlanta and third to Ram. Ram, you are having a heck of a meet this year.

"The Challenge course must be run by all participants unless they have a valid excuse. For those who never went through Basic Training and there are a few of you, this is what the military calls playground equipment. Now I know Trenton has built an amazing Challenge course out in the woods up there. The rest of you might want to visit it someday if you can stand the Trenton hospitality. Winners of the Challenge course are all from Trenton. We know they have a lousy work ethic up there and now we know why, they are out playing around. First place is the miracle man himself who, a year and a half ago, was paralyzed from a fall, Ranger Manoso." The audience gave him an especially loud cheer and HOOHAs. "Second place is no surprise, Lester. Third place goes to Mitch who this year also gets the award for the muddiest contestant for her excellent tuck and roll at the end of the Tarzan swing.

"For the overall RangemanNinja award, the award goes to Team Trenton. I think it is time to send them to Hawaii for the month of November. And yes, Mitch takes top woman…again. We should hope she doesn't take up hand to hand or weight lifting, then we'd have to name these games after her.

"This year's Mt. Manoso will be a repeat of several past years between Ranger and Lester, but two new contestants, young bucks who should give these old farts a run for their money, Michael from Atlanta and Phil from Boston. Before we adjourn for that event I ask you stay where you are."

The Deacon put on his suit jacket. "For the past six or so years, we have heard about Ranger and his on again off again girlfriend, Trenton's Bombshell Bounty Hunter, Stephanie Plum. For those who don't know, Stephanie went through a complete transformation believing Ranger was killed on a military mission two years ago. With the help of the Trenton Rangeman crew, Stephanie reached deep into herself and discovered an amazing woman buried inside. She toughened up her physical and mental self, gained emotional and spiritual stability to be reborn as Mitch the Bitch whom we met for the first time last year. Since then, we have come to know her corporate alter ego, Michelle who is aiding in the redesigning of Rangeman Security.

"It was at this event last year Ranger returned to duty after a long and painful rehabilitation. At the completion of the Challenge course last year Mitch and Ranger ran into each other. One believed the other dead; the other believed the one was lost forever.

"To celebrate that reunion and the beginning of their new life together, Ranger and Mitch, whom we also know as Michelle, will be getting married here, right now. They wanted their family as well as their Rangeman family to witness this joyous event."

People began cheering.

"It is indeed my honor, by the powers granted to me by the state of Georgia to be the wedding officiate. After all, I am The Deacon."

Stephanie stood and kissed her father, grandmother, nieces and Ranger's parents before removing her trench coat to reveal the lovely burgundy dress with the Queen Anne neckline, cap sleeves, coming to just above her knees. Long thigh-high boots protected her feet from any vestiges of mud. Taking Carlos' hand, they ascended the stage together. Ranger was dressed in black trousers and a light grey silk shirt. Tank and Julie followed them up. Then came the honor guard. Following behind dressed in black trousers and black shirts what appeared to be scabbards on their left legs were Ram, Bobby, Lester, Hal, Woody, Charlie, Cal, and Manny. Hector stood to the side and recorded the event. These were the men that "fixed" Stephanie turning her into the incredible Michelle.

The Deacon began, "The men and young lady who followed Ranger and Michelle up here are the ones who fought hard to bring both Ranger and Michelle back to the light from severe PTSD. Many of us have been there and know recovery cannot be done alone. They represent the Rangeman core beliefs, 'to serve our country, to protect its people, and to assist one another.'

As Carlos and Michelle recited their vows to one another, the clouds that had hung over the event all day, parted. The setting sun turned the fleeing clouds into a glorious color display of pinks and oranges providing a heavenly color display in place of flowers. Michelle turned her head up admiring the clouds and said quietly, "Thank you, Grandpa Mazur."

At the end of the service, the couple turned to the crowd, Ranger swept Michelle back into a passionate kiss to the applause and cheers of all in attendance. Tank pulled Julie back behind him and barked out the sword ceremony commands. Under an arch of ceremonial swords, Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Manoso descended the stage stairs and began their life as husband and wife.