chapter four

When they got to the store, Jimmy attached himself to Tony, simply saying, "I have no idea. I'll just buy what you tell me to. Just remember, I'm still a broke student."

Tony laughed softly. "Ok, Jim, I'll take it easy on you. But since we're working out three days a week and running the other three, you need enough to last until your next laundry day."

"That's easy. Mom's still doing my laundry." He ducked his head in embarrassment. "Especially since I washed all my whites with a red t-shirt."

Tony grimaced sympathetically. "Ouch. In that case, you can probably get away with three sets. That's pants, t-shirt, blouse, socks, shorts. And, believe me, you will want a blouse."

Jimmy blinked, knowing he was going to insult someone with the question. "Ok. Blouse? I'm confused."

"It's a shirt. But, the military being what it is, it's called a blouse. A jacket is something else entirely. You'll need three because you'll want it after you sit down to rest. It's getting chilly enough that you'll chill if you sit around in just a sweaty t-shirt." Tony had mercy on his friend because even some military couldn't get it right. "Now, let's get shopping."

Meanwhile, Gibbs was handing Tim things to try on. "And come out so I can see you. I'm not having anyone under my ... in my team running around, looking like a wanna-be."

It didn't take them long to gather up three pairs of A-TAC pants, three A-TAC blouses, a package of OD t-shirts, socks, and a pair of boots for both Tim and Jimmy. Both men were sent into changing rooms to make sure that things fit properly.

Tim came out almost at once, dressed properly. Jimmy took a bit longer, and he looked like he wasn't sure he was even buttoned up straight.

Tony couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Jimmy quailed, "Oh, man, I got it wrong, didn't I? I'm sorry."

Tim gave Jimmy a good look, then looked at himself. He started laughing too.

Gibbs just patted Jimmy on the shoulder. "No, you're fine. AJ, stop laughing like a jackass."

Tony got control of himself, clearing his throat sharply. "A-hem! No, Jimmy, you didn't get it wrong. Just ... Both of you. In front of the mirrors."

When they were in front of the mirrors, Jimmy saw what had made Tony laugh. Tim was in MARPAT while he was in Navy Tricolor Desert Camo. They all had a good laugh over that.

Tony swatted Jimmy on the shoulder and said, "Jimmy, stop worrying so much. You look fine. Pants need a better tuck, keeps the mud, sand and dirt out of them, but other than that? Looks good."

Jimmy didn't realize how good he looked in his A-TAC's. He was 6 feet tall and very well set up. The A-TAC's didn't hide it like his usual baggy scrubs or cargos and sloppy t-shirt did.

Gibbs eyed Tim. Tim's father was really an admiral and it showed. Tim had his pants properly tucked and his t-shirt was 'bloused' per Navy regs, never mind that he was wearing MARPAT. Gibbs nodded once. "Good job."

Tony looked at Gibbs then at the back wall. "Rucks."

Gibbs eyed the mess on the wall then said, "Hey! Ruck, frame, belly band, shoulder straps, extra modules. Not messin' around with search and destroy."

A clerk jumped to and helped them find all the things that Tony and Gibbs agreed that Tim and Jimmy needed. The clerk convinced them that hydration modules were necessary. It didn't actually take that much.

Jimmy eyed the first pack the clerk offered. He didn't like it and said so. "I need one that's more compartmentalized. I'm going to be carrying a full med kit and I don't want to have to fish around for stuff. Seconds count, seconds I waste looking for things."

The clerk nodded. "Ok. I've got several more in mind, this was just the cheapest." He produced a pack with two large compartments and two smaller ones. It was also a MOLLE system. "You can add things with these." he showed them a handful of plastic clips. "We've got several types, quickies, bulldogs, zips. I'd get a few of each so you have a choice."

Gibbs had a fist full of clips. "I'll take these." He had chosen quick clips, zips, and an odd triangular thing he referred to as a dominator.

Jimmy fussed around with the pack, checking to see that there was enough room for all his gear. "I don't know. I think I need a bigger one. If I'm going to carry everything you want me to and everything I need ... I need bigger."

Gibbs shook his head. "No, you don't. You'll carry your medical gear, then anything else you can manage to carry. If you can't carry everything you need ... I'll carry what you can't."

Tony shook his head. "No you won't. We'll carry it. We'll figure out how much he needs that he can't carry and split it between all of us. That means that everyone might have to carry five or six extra pounds. Not that big a deal." Tim nodded his agreement.

Jimmy looked pleased and a bit shocked. "You'd do that for me? Thanks."

Gibbs looked at Jimmy for a moment then said, "Scenario. You're out in the field, someone's shot. You go over and start first aid. You hear more shots and some of the rounds are getting really close. What do you do?"

Jimmy didn't hesitate a second. "First, cover my patient. Then, look around to see how to get them out of the line of fire."

Gibbs nodded. "And that's why I'll carry whatever you need me to. Make sure you eat, have the warm rack, and the dry socks."

Tony just nodded his agreement.

Tim patted Jimmy on the shoulder. "Just enjoy. You're still gonna ache like an abscessed tooth."

They went back to dealing with rucks. Gibbs showed them how to use defenders to gather the slack in the straps, rather than cut it off. If you used a defender, it was there if you needed it. If you cut it, you might have trouble.

Tony helped Jimmy adjust the pack temporarily, just to try out the fit. Jimmy liked it and so did Tony.

Tim also submitted to having a ruck fitted. He sighed. "Man, I'm not going to like this, am I, Boss?"

Gibbs swatted him in the head. "Stop that. You'll do fine. You're going to psyche yourself into a crash an' burn if you're not careful. Just take one step at a time. You'll make it. I won't allow anything else."

Tim couldn't believe how good that made him feel. He felt like, if Gibbs ordered it, it was a done deal. He glanced at Tony to find that he was beaming at Gibbs like he'd accomplished something great.

They paid their bill and left.

.

Next morning Gibbs, Dean and Cosmo shared a quick cup of coffee, glass of orange juice and bitching breakfast. They then headed for Quantico to meet up with Remy, Jimmy, Tim and Tony.

Tony had made arrangements so that they could use the obstacle course there. They'd have to share with a group of SID's but one group would surely outrun the other.

They gathered at the head of the trail and Tony gave instructions. "As I'm still on the sick list, I can't run this dog and pony show. Remy will. As evaluator, he's in charge." Tony eyed Dean and Cosmo. "Obey his orders. I'm going to. Now. Remy?" he turned to his 2IC.

Remy eyed everyone. "Rucks down. We'll circle back here to pick them up. AJ? We need to do a ruck check?"

Tony thought about that for a moment then said, "Not a bad idea. That way everyone has an idea what's available."

Tony went first.

His pack was piggy-backed with his NCIS go-bag, so they opened and inventoried that first. He'd managed to cram an amazing amount of stuff into it.

Gloves, both latex and stick-proof

fingerprint kit

[blood kit] luminol and light

drug test kit

explosives detection kit

trail mix

energy bars

water purification tablets and bottle

water

evidence collection kit. (small, medium, and large evidence bags. small and medium jars. sticky tape)

Crime scene tape

swabs; sterile in packaging and in tubes

drink mix

tissues

first aid kit class 3

grunt candy

C-4 (ball the size of a golf ball) and detonator/remote

Primacord

knives

extra magazines

hold out (Taurus 9mm)

Duct tape

sketch kit (drawing pad, pencil box with pencils, eraser, sharpener)

backpacker's watercolor set

SD cards for camera and cell phone

light sticks and one-shot emergency flares

Then they went into his field pack.

baby wipes

sanitizing gel

MRE - 2 per day

underwear - 1 per day

socks - 1 per day + 2

t-shirt - 1 short, 1 long

bdu - 1 pair

jacket - ez pac

multi tool

folding knife

rigid knife - 2

wire saw/garrote

video iPod

compass

waterproof notebook/pen

batteries for everything that needs them

trail mix - 8oz per day

granola/power bars - 2 per day

flint and steel

water purification system/tabs

cash of country

carabiners

gloves - warm+fingerless leather

super glue

chem lights (glow stix)

para cord

sun screen

towel

wash cloth

soap - all purpose - bar in mesh sack in hard box

eatn'tool

ammo

magazines - gun, not paper

hand grenades

shape charges

Primacord

Simtex or C4

weapon-cleaning kit including whetstone

whistle

GPS system

space blanket - 4

disposable rain poncho - 2

poncho and liner

small binoc

mirror

powdered drink mix

lip balm

Moleskin - 3 4x6 pads

tooth brush/paste

foot powder x 2

high temp chocolate

boot laces - 2 pr

invisible fishing line

personal first aid kit:

2 Bandage, Conforming Gauze, 3 inches

8 Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 2 inches x 2 inches, Pkg./2

4 Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 4 inches x 4 inches, Pkg./2

6 Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3 inches x 4 inches

3 Tape, 1 inches x 20 Yards

80 Acetaminophen (800 mg), Pkg./2

4 Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg) Pkg./4

10 Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2

10 Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2

20 bandaid assorted

10 triple antibiotic cream 1/2oz pillow pac

20 antiseptic towelettes individual pac

Gibbs eyed the pile of stuff, rolled his eyes and snarked, "Only a squid."

Tony got a bit defensive. "Well, I've been out in the field and run out of just about everything at one time or another. I'm only carrying about 70 lbs. So, since SEALs don't wear heavy gear, I'm actually lighter than a ground pounder. What are you carrying?"

Gibbs shrugged. "Usual Scout Sniper pack. Bit of everything. Mostly the same thing you're carrying except not so much water and ammo. Don't usually get up close and personal with tangos. And, if I can't do the job in 20 rounds or so, I deserve to be gacked."

Tim was carrying the same stuff Gibbs was, as was Jimmy, except for the addition of a full field medical kit, which contained:

1 Blood Pressure Cuff Kit

16 Bandage Strips, 1''x3''

1 Cervical Collar

5 Butterfly Strips

1 Pen Light

5 Bandage Strips, 2''x3''

2 Suture Sets

10 Knuckle Bandages

1 EFA - First Aid Book

2 Instant Ice Packs

6 Pairs Latex Examination Gloves

1 EMT Shears

10 Abdominal Pads, 5''x9''

2 Stainless Steel Hemostats

20 Pain Relievers heavy duty

10 pain relievers (ibuprofen)

1 Pair of Tweezers

6 Safety Pins

1 Scalpel handle, #3

2 Emergency Blankets, 52''x84'' *

1 Stethoscope

1 Hand Sanitizer, 2oz.

4 Scalpel Blades

1 Calamine Lotion, 6oz.

5 Tongue Depressors

1 Hand Soap bar

1 CPR Mask

6 After Bite Wipes

30 Antiseptic BZK Wipes

2 Universal Splint

5 Ammonia Inhalants

1 Elastic Bandage, 6''

6 Airways - small to large adult

5 Sterile Sponges, 4''x4''

2 Multi Trauma Dressings, 10''x30''

2 Tape, Rolls, Adhesive

1 Bottle Skin and Eye Wash

6 Bleed Stop Bandages

10 Triple Antibiotic Packages

5 Eye Pads

5 Burn Aid Packages

2 Triangular Bandages, 40''x40''x56''

1 Non-Latex Tourniquet 1 x 18

3 IV Ringers sets (Includes catheters and hang strap)

6 single unit morphine (epi pen style 10 dose ea.)

Tony eyed the pile. "You going to be able to carry all that?"

Jimmy looked grim. "I'm going to have to be, aren't I?"

Remy just watched as everyone repacked their gear. He then produced a hang scale from a box of equipment that the DI's kept there. "Okay, let's weigh this mess."

Gibbs' pack weighed in at 55 lbs. Tony, Dean, Cosmo and Remy's at 75. Tim's was a light 30. But Jimmy's pack was a beast at 90.

Gibbs nodded. "You got any food in there at all?"

Jimmy nodded. "You saw. Four MRE's. That's enough, right?"

Tony barked, "Not! You need at least three times that and twice the water. 72-hour pack doesn't mean exactly that. As SEALs, we hope to get the job done in 48 but plan on 72. I've seen missions that should be done in 24 last more than a week. Hope for the best, plan for the worst and be happy with what you get. So ... carry at least eight MRE's."

Gibbs shrugged. "I'll carry half his extra food and water. That's about ten - fifteen more pounds."

Tony nodded. "Okay."

Tim snorted. "You'll do no such thing. Jimmy and I are battle buddies, I'll carry thirty pounds of his stuff. That puts both of us at 60 pounds."

The rest of the group grinned at him.

It only took them a few minutes to re-distribute things and re-pack.

Then it started. Remy led them over to the map of the course. "Okay, we'll run the first two thirds of the route. The last third has team-building obstacles that we aren't going to run yet. Everyone is on their own. You'll be timed. And no skipping over sets. If you can't complete the number of reps for an exercise, you have to stay and rest until you can."

Tim asked, "Okay, got that. But when do we need our rucks?"

Gibbs scowled for a second then groaned. "Man, after the course, we're doing a ruck run. Ouch."

Remy blew a whistle and yelled, "Okay, you girls, stop whining and start running."

The obstacle course was arranged so that all the obstacles were in a straight line, about 100 yards apart. That didn't mean that anyone ever actually just ran from one end to the other. The path was a different beast entirely. The DI could have his boots run several different ones.

The path that Remy arranged took the group through each obstacle, but between them they ran 200 yards to an exercise area, then 200 yards back to the next one. The full course wasn't called the Grinder for nothing. It could, and had, ground men into paste.

Remy yelled after them, "Follow the blue flags."

So they followed blue flags through running, chin ups, running, Tarzan swing, run, situps, run, barbwire crawl, run, pushups, run, high stepover, and more. Through ten of the fifteen obstacles.

They returned to the staging area, panting and sweating, just in time to run into the SID group.

This group was officially referred to as Special Indoctrination Division, unofficially it was called Sorry I Did it. It was a disciplinary group for individuals that the service, in this case Army, thought could be rehabilitated from smart-mouthed, petty criminals and general fuck-ups, into soldiers worth having. It was pass this or be dishonorably discharged and, perhaps, go to jail.

Tony watched cautiously as the group began their trip through hell. Most of the men were groaning and grumbling, the ones who weren't were sulking.

"Oh, man. I'd hate to have that bunch of morons on my hands." Remy wasn't about to break squares, he just said what he thought.

One of the men overheard and decided to take exception to Remy's comments.

"What you lookin' at, ol' man?" The guy was fairly big, in halfway decent shape and ready to pick a fight. That was the reason he was in SID: he thought he was Mohammed Ali.

Gibbs stood up. "Not sure. Wanna know what I think? I think you're a big girl, got your panties all in a twist. Just because everyone knows you're all hot air. Wanna make something of it?"

The grunt, pushed beyond what his short temper would take, took a swing. His DI yelled; too late, but he tried.

Gibbs ducked the punch and rolled the smart ass over his shoulder, stepped over his arm, with his wrist in a lock. This put him on his face on the ground with his arm in a backward arm-bar lock.

"Now. Your CO is going to explain to you why it's not smart to get mouthy with someone older than you. In detail. Oh, and, just be glad I took you on, instead of the big guy. He's a SEAL and he'd have handed you your head on a cracker. Got me?"

It seemed that he did as he submitted to having his DI grab him by the arm Gibbs let go of. The DI dragged him away, chewing all the way.

Tony snorted. "And that's another thing. Hand-to-hand. We've got to work that in for Tim and Jimmy. Can't have either one of them less than dangerous."

Tim sighed. "I'll never be good at that. I'm just ... hopeless."

That was when Tim realized that Tony was really a bastard at times. He got right in Tim's face. "Damn it, Probie, you'll learn if I have to pound you like a damn drum. And now..."

Remy took over. "Okay, girls, you've rested enough. Rucks up and run."

They all got their packs on, helping each other get all straps fixed properly. Then they ran. Remy had lined out a 'short' run― short for them. It was only five miles.

Tony was happy to find that, even after some severe exercise, his collar bone didn't object to carrying a full ruck. He trotted easily, breathing better than he'd expected.

Remy evaluated his team with ruthless efficiency. His evaluation confirmed his first opinion. Tony needed a refresh, as did Gibbs. Cosmo, Dean and he were in the best shape. Tim was going to need some hard work, but Jimmy was a surprise. He wasn't in as good shape as the SEALs, or Gibbs, but the difference was slight. His big problem was going to be the size and weight of his pack.

Gibbs yelled at Jimmy. "Palmer, drink more."

Tony barked, "Tim, tighten those straps, that pack is bouncing too much. You're going to blister."

Dean grumbled, "Fuck, Cosmo, who the hell has the nerve to call Gibbs old?"

Cosmo answered, "Common Dog Fucker is not so common."

Remy, overhearing, allowed, "True, too true." He was running behind the group to keep an eye on Tony. "AJ! Put a fuckin' wheel under it! You're falling back. Keep your spot."

Tony gave a little extra kick to get back to his assigned position. He'd been falling behind out of habit. He was usually up and down the group, encouraging, nagging, or ass chewing, as needed. Now, that was Remy's place. Old habits, as they say.

As they ran, they passed various groups of runners. The thing that they all found amusing was, they lapped the SID group. The DI's all had fits, yelling at their group that they were a bunch of weak girls and had better hoof it or else.

They got some really dirty looks but the DI's all nodded politely as the group ran past.

They completed the five miles, just barely. Jimmy had to slow down enough that his time sucked. Tim actually tried to fall out. Didn't work, Remy turned into a screaming fiend and nipped at his heels like a rabid Rottweiler for the last quarter mile. He staggered in last and flopped down to pant like a worn-out boiler.

Jimmy just offered him a Gatorade and a commiserating smile. "Here. Drink."

Tim took it. "Well, that wasn't ... horrible."

Remy glanced up from his tablet. "Well, damn, I'm not doin' it right. AJ?"

Tony swallowed his mouthful of water and opined, "Well, it wasn't horrible on my part. Tim! Seriously?"

Tim sighed. "Look at it this way. He only had to yell at me for ... what? A quarter mile? That's not good, but it's not horrible, either. I wasn't expecting to do that well."

Cosmo nodded. "In that case. Not horrible, but ... not super good. You've got a lot of work to do but ... I don't see you failing. I'm gonna be on your tail every step."

Dean nodded. "Me too."

The rest of the team just nodded. Tim grimaced. "Thanks ... I think." he turned to the tablet that Remy handed him and started inputting data.

Gibbs couldn't help a secret smile. His boys were all together, working as a team. That made him happy. He was especially pleased that Tony had quit ragging on Tim and was actually helping him. He now realized that Tony had made the mistake of treating Tim like a SEAL whelp. Not that good an idea, with Tim's self-image and shy personality. But it had served to toughen him up.

Remy insisted on a visual inspection of each of them; feet, shoulders, hips. These were all the wear spots that could blister or bruise.

Everyone was ok in the shoulders and hips but Jimmy had blistered his left heel and Tony had a line of blisters over the knuckles of his toes on his right foot. Gibbs had a couple of hot spots, as did Dean. Remy and Cosmo were happily touting the wonders of silk sock liners while Tim was a bit smug that he'd bought some for himself.

Gibbs eyed Jimmy's foot then asked, "Who's going to medic the medic?"

Jimmy fumbled with his foot, saying, "I can get it. It's okay."

Remy swatted him in the head. "Yes, I don't think so. Feet are impossible. We'll get someone in." Jimmy started to protest and was told firmly, "Shut up, dude. No need for one of us to mess around with it. If we were in the field, one of us would deal. Here, we've got medics and whatnot on call." He looked around, saw a loitering medic and called him over.

The medic ambled over; he didn't see any frantic gestures so he took it easy. "Okay, what's the problem?"

Jimmy squirmed around so the medic could see his foot. "Friction vesicle. Probably only one layer deep."

The medic demanded, "And where is your medic?" at the same time Jimmy was speaking.

Tony just pointed to Jimmy. "He's it, Corpsman."

This got them all a rather annoyed look. "Okay, great. This is how you take care of your medic?"

No one got defensive, it wasn't worth it. Remy just said, "Shakedown. Got to requal three guys, him included."

The Corpsman then turned his annoyance on Jimmy. "You know better. How the hell can you yell at them to take care of themselves if you don't? Numbnuts."

Jimmy sighed. "I know. But ... it sort of crept up on me. Then I just had a few hundred feet to finish and I ... well... um."

Remy exploded. "Damn it, Doc! Why didn't you tell me your feet were crapping out? I'd have let it slide."

Jimmy shrugged. "Yeah? And what good is that going to do me when I'm in the field and can't stop, for whatever reason? I'll be fine. I know what to do to those boots to fix this. And .. ow!"

This yelp was brought about by the medic puncturing the blister. This is not advised, if you have time to stay off it until it drains; but, due to training considerations, they didn't. The corpsman then slathered Jimmy's heel with medicated analgesic cream, put a 4x on it and taped it up. "There. Change that every chance you get. Wash it, soap and water. Failing that, sanitizing gel. Burns like a bitch but it's better than having your foot get infected. And ... Dude, use foot powder. Ok?"

Jimmy nodded. "Yes. Thank you. Um ...Corpsman Phillips?" Jimmy was still trying to get all the rates and ratings straight.

Corpsman Phillips just smiled. "That'll do. Now, who else needs patched up?"

Tony called him over. "I do. Jimmy, stay there. I don't want you on that foot until we have to move out." Jimmy subsided gratefully.

The corpsman scooped up his bag and tended to Tony. He did the same thing to Tony, popping the blisters with a quick poke from a lancet and slathering the tops of his toes with cream. "Got a clean sock? Preferably white cotton."

Tony handed over a white tube sock. "Not reg, but I'll let myself slide."

The medic eyed Tony for a moment, finally noticing the insignia on his collar. "Sir."

"Stand down. I don't need a salute." Tony sighed. "What I really need is ..." A bottle of water landed in the dirt beside him. "that. Thanks, Remy."

Corpsman Phillips finished his work and stood up. "Sir, with all due respect. If I see you with a foot like that again, I'm going to be very pissed."

Tony flushed a bit. "I'll be more careful. And I don't even have the excuse of new boots. Just off the injured list. I'm a bit out of shape. Need to callus up again."

"Sir." Phillips saluted, Tony returned and the corpsman was off about his duties.

Gibbs sighed and heaved himself to his feet. "I'm for something to eat that's not MRE's or other military issue. Come on. Remy can give us his evaluation over real food."

Remy nodded. "Sounds good to me. McGee, get the stats entered ASAP. I'm starved."

Tim finished inputting all the data that Remy had collected and got up with a groan. "Oh, man. Ow."

Jimmy started to put his boot back on but Gibbs stopped him. "Stay off that. Cosmo, team with me."

Cosmo ambled over and, between them, they made a 'chair', got Jimmy settled and carried him to the SUV. Jimmy had to admit that he was glad he didn't have to walk the 100 yards or so. "Thanks, guys, and my feet thank you too." He settled back in the seat. "Gibbs ... um ... Jethro. After everyone's in the SUV, I'd like you to make sure that everyone has a drink. Please."

"Will do. Gotta go see to AJ now." Gibbs smiled slightly. Jimmy beamed back.

Tony didn't need more than Remy's arm around his shoulders to help him hobble to their ride. He'd just put his boot back on, unlaced, and taken it slow.

They all got seated and Gibbs, true to his word, handed out Gatorade, water and juice. Everyone, except Tony and Jimmy, was surprised that Gibbs remembered what they liked.

"Ok, now that we're watered, where do you want to go eat?" Gibbs wanted to shower and change before eating and said so.

Tony shrugged. "Drop me off at my place. Then Tim. Jimmy? You could clean up at my place, if you like. It's way out of your way to go home then come back."

Jimmy took Tony up on his offer. "Yeah, that'd be nice. Thank you. I've got a change in my ruck. Thought it might be a good idea to have civvies."

Tim agreed. "Good idea. We can meet up at ... Tuscany?" He named a new Italian place that was getting good reviews. "We don't need a reservation but I can make one in about three seconds."

The general consensus turned out to be, Italian sounded great. Tim made the reservations for an hour from mark.

Tony and Jimmy were dropped off at Tony's place, Tim at his and the rest of the group went to Gibbs' house. Gibbs wondered, rather vaguely, how he'd wound up with Dean and Cosmo living with him. Not that he minded and he did remember telling them to do so, but where that impulse had come from, he wasn't sure. He was sure that he was happier than he'd been in years.

Remy poked him. "Come on, man, fall asleep after food."

Gibbs grumbled idly but climbed out, moaning as he realized that he'd stiffened up considerably while he'd sat on his ass. He grumbled sourly.

Dean didn't say anything, he occupied himself with digging the rucks out of the back and handing them around.

They all hobbled into the house. Remy grumped, "I just hope there's enough hot water. And who's going first?"

Dean answered. "Gibbs goes first in the master bath. We'll draw for the other. As to hot water: There's now two on-demand hot water heaters. One for the baths and one for the kitchen and laundry. We installed them last night."

They dropped their packs in the back mud room, they could clean them up after they got back home.

Showers didn't take long. Gibbs took five minutes then called Remy in to take his.

It took the four of them twenty minutes to get clean and dressed. Gibbs took time to clean his ruck and repack it, it'd settled a bit and was off balance. The other three men took the opportunity to do the same.

.