Thanks for the various reviews.
Strategic Response Unit Headquarters
Two days later
Kira let the shower water flow over her despite having already showered twice. As her hair was continuously soaked by the water, her mind recollected the scenes from the previous eve t and the subsequent Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The evacuation, Jules shot at, guiding that lady up to the lab, attempting to negotiate with that quite insane guy, dodging bullets and the multiple attempts to disarm the complex bomb. That was not the worst of it as she sat alone through hours of debriefing by Special Investigations Unit (SIU) officials. More like interrogation, especially with the repetitive 'why did you do that', 'did you consider this', 'why didn't you try' questions. "We'll give you our final report by 1200 tomorrow," the final SIU official, dressed in an all-black, in a Darth Vader-like voice.
She thus stood there with water dripping down her body and the events of the latest mission running through her mind. It was probably this constant recollection and increasing pessimism building up in her than she missed Jules' call. "Morning meeting in ten", Winnie called and only after the third time did she switch off the water.
"O...k," was her soft and stretched answer. Kira however, stood there for another few more minutes before she moved to the female changing room. She slowly eased on her panties and sports bra then spotted her SRU T-shirt. Immediately flashbacks of her Basic Tactical Operations Course where she was screamed at for every wrong move and she was scolded by her instructors for getting her teammates in danger. Then, there was Advanced Tactical Operations Course, where she nearly injured herself thrice in a day. Kira continued to stare at her shirt as she recollected her first day back at the SRU.
"This is the SRU, Constable Marlowe. We don't laze around", "But you just killed a hostage and his hostage taker", "Don't know how to unjamm a C8, Constable?", "Pretty good, let's do that again…again?!...you've got an appointment?" ""You just broke two parts of the SRU motto," Jules began. "Connect and Protect." All the negative comments and criticisms from her training flooded back. I'm useless here, I'm useless here, I'm useless…
"Kira? Kira? Meeting's started. Kira?" Winnie's head popped up from around the corner. "Oh my gosh, Kira, get dressed; you'll catch a cold otherwise."
"I'm useless, I'm useless!" Kira cried out loud now, not looking at her colleague.
"Hey now, not sure what you are shouting at. Don't think yelling is a great way to start the day."
"Useless!" Kira bellowed louder and shifted deeper into the ladies changing room. "Kira, Kira, Kira!" Winnie called again and stepped further in.
"Just leave me alone!" Kira snapped, now turning towards Winnie. "I'm an outsider and useless, leave me the bloody hell alone!"
"'Kay, Okay," Winnie replied with a slightly defeatist tone. "Kira, I thought you are a SRU officer. Get a grip." Winnie heard a loud metallic bang and retreated back out. Kira waited and then pulled over her own long-sleeved shirt and three-quarter tights. Then, she picked up parts of her SRU uniform, curled them up, and started throwing them in the nearby rubbish bin.
"I thought this is where I would find the prettiest and youngest SRU officer," Kira spun around to see Jules, her utility uniform half undone and her hair not clipped. Being the junior Constable, Kira instinctively dropped her clothing and came to attention before blurting, "what the hell are you do here?"
"I thought I'll join you; team meetings are kinda boring, especially with two guys."
"I'm not interested in company. In fact, I'll be out here once I dump this shit." Kira proceeded to pick up her uniform but Jules stepped in front of her. "Move away!" The newest Team One member yelled again.
"Did I touch the wrong button?"
"Back off Officer Callaghan, I'm not a subject and you're not going to negotiate with me."
"Did say that?" Jules continued with her pleasant tone.
"Move away Jules; you know I'm redundant. No, I'm useless, let me get rid of..."
"Those are once-in-a-lifetime items," Jules said calmly, only inching closer to Kira. "Who thinks you are useless?"
"You know I am. SIU knows I am. I screwed up that mission. I'm going to get it so let me leave now!"
"Kira, Kira," Jules indicated for her to sit but the young officer refused. "No one thinks that of you. SIU hasn't even produced its final report. Why don't you…"
"I screwed up big time. In the mission, in my trials, in everything! Let me go!" Kira threw her uniform at Jules and ran further inside the changing room.
"Kira! You're right. I don't want to talk you down and you aren't a hostage taker or subject. You're an SRU officer. You were chosen into Team One. You may have stretched the rules, but you didn't screw up. Every one of us has had their flashpoint: I've been held at gun point, Spike lost Lou to a land mine, Ed faced multiple situations and nearly broken down after facing a disturbed man on a ferry. Even Sergeant Parker, Greg was nearly killed by gas and faced death many times as well. You want to throw in the towel so easily? You didn't even face the prospect of seeing a civilian killed like Raf who then left. You're strong Kira, you're an SRU officer." With that, Jules left.
You're strong Kira, you're an SRU officer, the words echoed through Kira's mind as she sat near the shower stall. No, no, Jules is lying, you can't make it, another voice told her. The debate ran back and forth as she sat on the cold and slightly wet floor. Almost two hours later, Kira finally got up and walked back out. She stared at her crumpled uniform near the bin and gave a long thought. Ok, I'll wear it for the last time, say goodbye to the Team and Winnie and make an application to a less stressful unit. Suddenly, she heard familiar voices from the hallway.
Kira waited until the voices disappeared then stepped out to seat the whole of Team One plus Winnie sitting casually around.
"O..k. Don't bother saying it, I'm marked as irresponsible and caused danger in the SIU report. I'll signed the necessary forms and will be out shortly." She turned towards the reception and…
"Kira…" Ed began.
"Kira…" Spike called again but Kira did not turn around.
"Kira…" Leah called.
"Kira.." Winnie moved but then stopped.
"Kira, it's not what you think," Jules said again with an amazing calm voice. "The SIU report said nothing of what you believe. It didn't say you were irresponsible and…"
"You're ly…" Jules pressed the SIU report into her hands. Trembling, Kira opened it and read
"SRU Team One could have acted more in cohesion to avert a less confrontational situation. Constant Marlowe, despite acting in without calling for senior leadership or coordination, managed to contain the situation…" Kira broke down in tears and slumped down
"Kira, you're a SRU officer, no matter what you think. Kira, you're part of Team One." Jules stretched out her hand.
"I guess this means we're alright," Winnie stated.
"Damn right babe!" Spike said in a joyous tone. "Let's go party! Drinks at the Swan!"
"Yeah, you owe me one Mr. Scarlatti."
"Owe you one? I think that's you Mr. Lane. After those bomb calls," Spike retorted.
"Sergeant Lane..,"
"Why don't you boys and Winnie head out first?" Jules interrupted. "We two need to freshen up and have some girlie time."
Kira gave her Team Leader a hug as the two headed back into the ladies changing room.
The End.
Author's note: Will revise the earlier chapters later.