Chapter Nine: SNAFU

Three months later…

Jinx, Sidewinder, Cover Girl, Ace, Shipwreck and Shockwave were off the base for a weekend. Jinx suggested that they go up to Shockwave's cabin for the weekend. At first Sidewinder was surprised that Jinx asked her, but ever since Shockwave got out of rehabilitation; both Jinx and Shockwave were a real pleasure to be around. Jinx mentioned to her that the last visit they were out here and the little exploits that they had. Sidewinder thought it was about time for the two of them. Strangely to Sidewinder, she was surprised that she was getting along with Cover Girl and Jinx. They really hit it off; not to say anything against any of the other females Joes. She was even more surprised that she got along with Shockwave and Shipwreck. Shockwave was a down-to-earth guy and a real pleasure to be around. Shipwreck, much to Ace's warning, wasn't all that bad. He was a showoff, but she knew deep down that he was a decent guy. Ace on the other hand was friendly, but had been distant since the night at the bar. Sidewinder took in what the other pilots told her, but still felt that there was hope for him. They found themselves outside near the firepit that Shockwave made near the beach. They started a bonfire and waited for Shockwave to come back with the marshmallows.

"I could get used to this." Cover Girl sighed, taking a sip of her beer. Shipwreck grabbed her beer and took a long drink from it. "Get your own, swabby."

"Yeah the last thing you need is another beer, Court." Sidewinder said, tuning Shockwave's guitar. Cover Girl just stuck out her tongue in response. "Any requests?"

"You know "Hard Luck Woman" by KISS?" Shockwave asked from the path. He held his arms up, showing that he had marshmallows. Jinx got up and met him halfway. She planted a kiss on his lips, which brought groans from the other four Joes.

"Get a room, supercop!" Shipwreck shouted. "Unless we can borrow one from you, that is." He grabbed Cover Girl around the waist and picked her up. Shipwreck lost his balance and fell over with Cover Girl landing right on top of him. Ace made an attempt to help them, but fell over laughing. Jinx, Sidewinder and Shockwave were also laughing at the situation.

"That's it, Hector. No more drinks for the sailor." Sidewinder gasped, out of breath. She shook her head and started to play "Hard Luck Woman". Shockwave smiled and nodded his approval. Jinx started to sing with Sidewinder's playing. They were having a great time. Sidewinder finished the song and lit up. Cover Girl grabbed one and had one with her. Everyone looked at her with surprise.

"Oh for God's sake, I was a model. The agents told me that it helped."

"And if those same agents told you to jump off a bridge?" Jinx asked.

"Watch it roomie; I know where you sleep at night." Cover Girl joked.

"Yeah, in my arms." Shockwave smiled.

"That's sweet, Jason." Jinx smiled back to him. Sidewinder shot off of her log.

"Jason Justice! Why didn't I see it earlier?" Shockwave blushed.

"Well there goes my secret. Who told her?"

"No one." Sidewinder said. "I've been trying to figure this out since I met you three months ago. I thought you looked familiar."

"Guilty, I guess." Shockwave smiled. He reached out for the guitar, which she gave over to him. Shockwave strummed for a few minutes. Sidewinder stared out to the ocean and decided to take a walk.

"I'll be right back." Sidewinder smiled. "Gonna check out the beach."

"You want some company?" Ace asked. It was the first thing he said to her all night.

"Nah, but thanks anyway." Sidewinder walked a bit down the beach. Jinx and Cover Girl took this as a sign. They got up and went after her. This left Ace and Shockwave around the bonfire. Shipwreck was snoring loudly from behind one of the logs. Shockwave strummed a few more chords then stopped. He picked up a marshmallow and pegged Ace in the ear with it.

"Hey! What the hell, Jas?"

"What did you do?" Shockwave asked.

"Nothing Jason, really."

"That's bullshit and you know it. What happened? You were raving over her to me at the last show and now nothing?"

"I rather not, Jas. I think it was a fleeting thing with her." Ace sighed. "Hell who am I kidding? She's all that I think about, man."

"I think you need to tell her this, Brad." Shockwave put a hand on Ace's shoulder. "I think that it's best if she hears it from you. You need to get off your ass and get over to her and tell her what you're feeling. Stop comparing her to Marie; she's a lot of things that Marie never was. Cassie's a hell of a lot better for you, man."

Ace nodded and stood up. He walked off to find Sidewinder. He ran into Cover Girl and Jinx on the way to find her.

"We've done all we can, Brad." Jinx whispered. "It's all you now." They continued walking back to the bonfire. Ace continued from where the two Joes came from. He saw a small dock and a solitary figure sitting on it. She was bathed in the moonlight and Ace thought that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. He had to tell her everything. He walked up to the dock and took a step on the wood. Sidewinder turned and noticed him coming. She turned back to the water and wiped away a tear by using her sleeve. He walked closer and sat down next to her. She took out another cigarette and lit up. They sat for a few moments.

"So, you have something to say to me Brad?"

"I…I owe you an apology for starters." Ace sighed.

"I'm waiting, Brad."

"I'm sorry that I've been treating you badly. You don't deserve it." Ace sighed again. "Look, I've been trying to sort out some things and you have been on the receiving end of it. I've been a real shit."

Sidewinder took another drag. "I don't really blame you, not totally anyway. I'm going through a couple of issues myself."

"What do you mean?" Ace asked.

"Like I told you before, I've never been really good with men. You're the first man that I've fallen for. It's been difficult having to deal with your bullshit, let alone my own."

"I think I'm feeling the same here too." Ace said. He put his arm around her and pulled her close. She looked up at him and smiled. Ace smiled back and leaned in to kiss her. He was an inch away when the searchlight hit them. They were blinded and were trying to figure out what was going on when they heard Wild Bill's voice from the loudspeaker.

"Hate to break up the party, lovebirds. You both are needed for a mission. We need you two right now." A ladder came from the chopper and landed near them.

"You think we can continue this when we get back from the mission?" Ace asked. Sidewinder nodded and started up the ladder with Ace in tow. They were going on a mission; her first.