Molly felt nervous. They were in a side room of the ops tent waiting for the Major to finish his briefing. She couldn't talk. She didn't want to say anything as she didn't want to show herself up. It was obvious Kinders knew about her and the Boss Man so by the same reasoning, the Major did as well. She was terrified. She didn't understand how this could happen. The military did not allow couples to be stationed together. That had beenanother reason Charles used when he had been adamant about resigning his commission.
The Major walked into the room. All 3 stood up straight.
'Rest easy guys' the Major said as he leaned against the nearest desk folding his arms and stretching his legs out and crossing his ankles.
'Well, it seems we have ourselves a bit of an unusual situation here. Captain James have you had time to speak with Private Dawes?'
'No Sir. I've not long arrived. I've briefed Corporal Kinders. I'm sure Private Dawes could do with an explanation though before she faints on the spot' smirking in Molly's direction. Charles had served with the Major before. They got on well and he knew he had been briefed whilst Charles was still in the UK as this had needed his authority before it could happen.
Molly was mortified and glanced at the ground before looking up and glaring at Charles. She was so going to kill him.
'Well then Private Dawes, to give you a brief overview, which I am sure you will grill James about later, Captain Johnson has a family emergency which means you are a Captain short here. As you know James intended resigning his commission. Putting in bluntly, it was refused. We don't take it lightly when officers of James's calibre try and leave us. He was the ideal candidate to replace Captain Johnson. Firstly he knows the section and secondly was free to deploy straight away. James advised his superiors at home out your relationship and his feelings about your last mission. As you know couples are not normally allowed to be stationed together in the military. There are exceptions to that rule however and with permission and exceptional circumstances it can happen.'
'But…' Molly interrupted
The Major looked at Molly, cocked an eyebrow and waited.
'Sorry Sir' Molly mumbled. 'I'll shut up.'
The Major smiled. 'Thank You. Well to put in bluntly we needed Captain James here. As you know I was here when you were both posted here last time and I saw nothing that concerned me about your behaviour or your relationship. James here confirmed to me that you agreed to 'wait out' until you got home. I assume you could carry the same restraint this time round whilst you are stationed together?'
Molly went bright red and mumbled 'Yes Sir'
'James?'
'Sir' Charles confirmed.
The Major turned to Kinders. 'OK. Corporal Kinders. You are the eyes and ears of 2 section for Captain James. We need to have the heads up on any issues that arise from the section and report them to James here.'
'Yes Sir. There will be no problems Sir. Shock I would think but the section will be fine Sir.'
'OK then. Dawes, James, I expect complete professionalism whilst you are on duty. I do not expect to talk about this again. I want no public displays of affection' he visibly shuddered at that point. 'I do not expect anyone to see you are a couple whilst you are on duty. In your own time I accept the fact you will be together. I don't want to talk or think about sleeping arrangement. I will leave that to you but please be discreet.I cannot stress enough that this has gone to the highest level to be authorised. Please do not let me down, your unitdown, or yourselves down.'
'No Sir' both Molly and Charles replied.
The Major pushed himself off the table. 'OK then Kinders. How about we give these two 5 minutes alone before they get back to their duties? Dawes looks ready to burst.'
'Yes Sir' Kinders directed to the Major as he left the to Captain James he said 'I'll joint the rest of the lads Sir and catch up with you later?'
'Yes Kinders. We'll talk properly. I'm sure you have questions of your own.'
'Oh like you wouldn't believe Sir' he laughed in reply.
