Bands Of Soldiers

by BigMoose01

G.I. Joe is holding a battle of the bands, and many of the organization's members are looking forward to participating in it. One exception, however, is Flint, who is nervous about performing a duet with Lady Jaye, so he must find the courage to sing on stage with her before the night of the big battle.

One morning at G.I. Joe Headquarters in a meeting room, the commanding officers of G.I. Joe, General Hawk, Duke, Flint, Beach Head, and Sgt. Slaughter, were sitting together discussing something of great importance.

"Alright men, we need to come up with something fast", Hawk said, "our G.I. Joe charity fundraiser is scheduled for this weekend, but we don't have any ideas for what we should do for it."

"I have an idea", Beach Head said, "why don't we set up an obstacle course like the one we use for training so kids can get a taste of how we Joes train."

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Beach Head", Duke said, "an obstacle course like that might be a bit too much for kids."

"I know", Sgt. Slaughter said, "how about we have a wrestling tournament and invite a bunch of pro wrestlers to come here to take on me: Sgt. Slaughter!"

"No offense, Sergeant, but I think you beating the snot out of a bunch of wrestlers is probably gonna get old real fast", Flint said.

"You don't know that'll happen", Sgt. Slaughter said, "even if it is pretty likely."

"Guys, those ideas are all too extreme", Hawk said, "we need to come up with something a bit more family friendly."

"Like what", Duke asked.

"I don't know", Hawk said, "something that people of all ages can enjoy."

The G.I. Joe commanders began pondering ideas for what family friendly activities they could do for the fundraiser, when they heard a noise coming from outside.

"Hey", Beach Head said, "do you guys hear that?"

"I do", Duke said, "what is it?"

Beach Head opened the window and looked outside, and saw Cross-Country playing country music loudly on the radio of his H.A.V.O.C. vehicle, much to his annoyance.

"Hey", Beach Head said, "turn that music down!"

But Cross-Country didn't hear him because of how loud the music was turned up.

"Didn't you hear me", Beach Head asked, "I said turn that down!"

Cross-Country still didn't hear him, and Beach Head angrily shut the window.

"Well, Cross-Country's right about that being fighting music", Beach Head said, "every time he plays that garbage, it makes me want to punch him out."

But Cross-Country's music had given Flint an idea.

"I've got it", Flint said, "why don't we hold a battle of the bands?"

The others were very surprised to hear that idea.

"A battle of the bands", Beach Head asked.

"That's right", Flint said, "one where all the Joes get together and each perform music for the audience to hear at the fundraiser."

"Are you sure about that", Sgt. Slaughter asked, "I don't know if that's the right kind of activity for guys like us."

"No, I think Flint's on to something", Hawk said, "a battle of the bands could be just the ticket to raising enough money for charity."

"Hawk's right", Duke said, "lots of people enjoy watching concerts, so a concert featuring several members of G.I. Joe performing is sure to attract lots of attention."

"Exactly", Flint said, "but most importantly, a battle of the bands is sure to be plenty of fun for everyone, Joes and spectators alike."

"In that case, it's official", Hawk said, "we'll do your battle of the bands idea for the fundraiser."

"Thank you, General", Flint said.

"You're welcome", Hawk said, "now, let's go and inform the other Joes about it."

Later, all the other members of G.I. Joe were gathered together in the conference room to hear Hawk and the other commanders' announcement.

"Thank you all for coming here", Hawk said, "now, as I'm sure most of you are aware of, we've got a big charity fundraising event coming up this weekend."

"And I'm sure you've also been waiting to hear what we'll be doing for it", Duke said.

"I'll say we have", Shipwreck said, "have you guys finally made up your minds?"

"At ease, Shipwreck", Flint said, "if you would let us finish..."

"It gives us great pleasure to announce that for our fundraiser, we will be holding a battle of the bands", Hawk said.

The other Joes were very surprised by Hawk's announcement.

"That's right", Duke said, "the G.I. Joe team's going to face each other in a battle unlike any other we've ever fought in."

"Here's what you need to do", Beach Head said, "everyone with musical talents get together in bands, decide on a song you want to sing, and then practice as much as you can before the fundraiser."

"The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the mess hall", Sgt. Slaughter said, "anyone interested in participating can fill out all the necessary information there."

"And remember", Flint said, "the most important thing about this is to have fun."

"And with that, this meeting is now adjourned", Hawk said, "thank you all for your time, and we look forward to seeing how many of you choose to take part in this exciting event."

The Joes all began walking out of the conference room, some of them talking about being in bands together, and Lady Jaye was looking in Flint's direction when she was approached by her fellow female Joes, Scarlett and Cover Girl.

"Hey, Lady Jaye", Scarlett said.

"Oh, hey, girls", Lady Jaye said, "what's up?"

"We were just wondering if you wanted to be in a band with us", Scarlett said, "you know, us three ladies singing a song together?"

"How does that sound", Cover Girl asked.

"Thanks for the offer you two, but I'm gonna have to pass", Lady Jaye said, "I've got other plans for the battle of the bands."

"Oh", Scarlett said, "what kind of plans?"

Lady Jaye looked back at Flint, who was walking out of the room with the other commanding officers, and smiled.

"Special plans", Lady Jaye said.

Later that day, the Joes were all eating lunch in the mess hall, and Flint was making his way over to the bulletin board where the sign-up sheet was posted.

"I better check to see how many Joes have signed up for the battle of the bands so far", Flint said, "it looked like a few of them were pretty interested when we announced it."

Flint walked up to the bulletin board and looked at the sheet, and there, written on it, were the names of the bands that were participating in the battle, their individual members, and the names of the songs they would be singing.

"Not bad", Flint said, "looks like we're in for one heck of a fundraiser."

"I sure hope so", Lady Jaye's voice said.

Flint turned around and found Lady Jaye standing behind him.

"Oh, Lady Jaye", Flint said.

"Hello, Flint", Lady Jaye said.

"I was just looking at the sign-up sheet to see how many bands signed up for the battle", Flint said.

"Nice", Lady Jaye said, "is there room for one more group?"

"Of course", Flint said, "are you in a band that wants to take part?"

"Yes", Lady Jaye said, "but only if my bandmate is interested in doing it with me."

"Okay", Flint said, "who's your bandmate, if you don't mind me asking."

"You", Lady Jaye said.

"Oh", Flint said, "well, in that case..."

He suddenly realized what Lady Jaye had just said.

"Wait, me", Flint asked.

"That's right", Lady Jaye said, "I was thinking you and I could perform a duet together."

"A duet", Flint said, "on stage?"

"Yes", Lady Jaye said, "doesn't that sound like fun?"

"Um, yeah", Flint said, "I guess that sounds nice."

But secretly, Flint was nervous about singing with Lady Jaye.

"So you're in", Lady Jaye asked.

"You bet", Flint said.

"Great", Lady Jaye said.

She took a pencil out of her pocket and wrote down hers and Flint's names on the sheet, as well as the name of a song.

"I've already got a song in mind for us to sing", Lady Jaye said, "why don't you come by my room later, and I'll play it for you."

"Um, sure, I can do that", Flint said.

"Great", Lady Jaye said, "see you then."

"You too", Flint said.

And with that, Lady Jaye went to go get some lunch, leaving Flint feeling very nervous.

"Oh man", Flint said, "what was I thinking?"

That afternoon, Flint was walking down the hallway where the Joes' sleeping quarters were to Lady Jaye's room, and as he did so, he continued to think about her offer that he had accepted.

"I can't believe it", Flint said, "me, singing a duet with Lady Jaye."

He was still feeling nervous about the whole ordeal.

"I'm not sure I'm up for doing something like that, but I don't want to let Lady Jaye down", Flint said, "I'm in a real pickle here."

Soon, he stopped in front of Lady Jaye's room and knocked on her door, and she answered it.

"There you are, Flint", Lady Jaye said.

"Hey", Flint said, "I'm here to listen to that song you said you were thinking we could sing."

"Okay", Lady Jaye said, "come on in."

Flint entered the room, and Lady Jaye began looking through a box of cassette tapes for the one she was wanting to play.

"So, what kind of song did you have in mind", Flint asked.

"It's a song about two lovers who love each other dearly and want to make sure they know it", Lady Jaye said.

"Lovers, huh", Flint asked, "that's nice."

At last, Lady Jaye managed to find the tape she was looking for.

"Here it is", Lady Jaye said.

She walked over to Flint and showed him the tape, and written on the front of it was:

"'Endless Love' by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross"

"Endless Love", Flint said, "it definitely has a romantic ring to it."

"Believe me, it's one of the most romantic songs ever written", Lady Jaye said, "here, why don't we listen to it so you can hear it for yourself."

Lady Jaye put the tape inside a boombox she had on her bedside table and began playing the song, and Flint listened along to it with her, finding out as he did so that it really was a beautiful song, and when it was over, Lady Jaye took the tape out of her boombox.

"Well", Lady Jaye asked, "what did you think?"

"That was the most beautiful song I've heard for some time", Flint said.

"Glad you think so", Lady Jaye said.

"But are you sure you want to sing it with me", Flint asked.

"Of course", Lady Jaye said, "why wouldn't I want to?"

"Well, it's just that I'm not much of a singer is all", Flint said.

"That doesn't matter to me", Lady Jaye said, "you said it yourself, the battle of the bands is all about having fun."

"True", Flint said.

Lady Jaye walked over to her desk and picked up a sheet of paper, then handed it to Flint.

"Here are the lyrics to the song", Lady Jaye said, "I highlighted your parts so you can practice them."

"Thanks", Flint said.

"Once you've done that, we can practice together a little before the day of the battle", Lady Jaye said, "with any luck, we'll sound just as good as Lionel and Diana did when they sang it."

"Uh, yeah, sure", Flint said.

"I'm really looking forward to the two of us performing together", Lady Jaye said, "I just know we're going to do great."

"Yeah", Flint said, "me too."

Flint left Lady Jaye's room and walked away down the hall, feeling more nervous about singing with her than ever.

"I'm deep in this now", Flint said, "and it doesn't look like there's any way out of it."

Later, Flint was sitting on a bench outside looking worriedly at the sheet of paper with his highlighted singing parts on them, when Duke noticed his comrade looking troubled and walked over to him.

"Hey, Flint", Duke said, "is everything okay?"

"Hello, Duke", Flint said, "yes, I'm fine."

"You don't look fine to me", Duke said, "is there something that's bothering you?"

"It's nothing, really", Flint said, "I'm just a little nervous about singing in the battle of the bands."

"You're taking part in the battle of the bands too", Duke asked, "nice."

"No, not nice", Flint said, "I'm singing a duet with Lady Jaye."

"What's so bad about that", Duke asked, "I thought you had a thing for her."

"It's not that I don't want to sing with her", Flint said, "I'm just a little nervous."

"About what", Duke asked.

"I'm just not sure I can do it", Flint said, "I don't feel like I'm good enough to sing a duet with someone like her."

"Sure you are", Duke said, "if you can lead Joes into battle against Cobra, then singing a duet should be easy for you."

"That's not exactly the same thing", Flint said.

"You know what, I'll help you practice", Duke said, "we'll get you ready for the battle of the bands together."

"You'd do that for me", Flint asked.

"Of course I would", Duke said, "we're not just allies on the battlefield, we're allies wherever we are."

"Thanks, Duke", Flint said.

Flint and Duke both went to the former's room so that he could begin practicing his singing.

"Okay", Flint said, "here goes nothing."

Flint put a cassette of "Endless Love" that he borrowed from Lady Jaye into a tape deck he had in his room and played the song, then sang his parts along to it while Duke listened, and once he finished, he turned off his tape deck.

"Well, how was that", Flint asked.

"There is some room for improvement", Duke said, "but overall, not bad."

"How am I going to make my singing perfect before the battle", Flint asked.

"The battle of the bands isn't until Saturday", Duke said, "all you have to do is practice as much as you can before then, and everything will be just fine."

Just then, Breaker walked into the room.

"Excuse me, Duke", Breaker said, "General Hawk needs to see you right away."

"Tell him I'm on my way", Duke said.

"Yes sir", Breaker said.

Breaker went on his way, and Duke went back to speaking to Flint.

"Well, it sounds like it's time for me to go now", Duke said, "just remember: keep practicing, and your singing will be great in no time."

"If you say so", Flint said, "thanks, Duke."

"Any time", Duke said.

Duke went to see what Hawk needed him for, and Flint looked at his singing parts once again.

"So basically, Duke was saying 'practice makes perfect'", Flint said, "oh well, might as well start doing it now."

So, Flint spent the next few days practicing his singing whenever he wasn't out on a mission, sometimes with Duke listening along and helping him like he did before, and the more he practiced, the better he sounded, and on the night before the battle of the bands, Flint was making his way to one of the headquarters' recreational facilities to meet up with Lady Jaye so the two of them could practice singing together.

"I sure hope all my practicing pays off", Flint said, "I really want this all to go right."

Flint soon arrived at Lady Jaye's room and knocked on her door, and she proceeded to answer it.

"Flint", Lady Jaye said, "you're just in time."

Flint walked into Lady Jaye's room and shut the door behind him, and she began looking around her room for something.

"So, have you been practicing", Lady Jaye asked.

"I sure have", Flint said.

"Good", Lady Jaye said, "because the battle of the bands is tomorrow, and even if it's all for fun, that doesn't mean we shouldn't at least do our best."

She then found what she was looking for in a box on a shelf, which was a pair of microphones, and handed one of them to Flint.

"Now then", Lady Jaye said, "are you ready for us to practice together?"

"As ready as I'll ever be", Flint said.

"Then let's do it", Lady Jaye said.

Lady Jaye pressed play on her boombox, and as "Endless Love" began to play, she and Flint sang along to it, and when the song ended, Lady Jaye pressed stop and spoke to Flint.

"Wow, Flint", Lady Jaye said, "you were great."

"You really think so", Flint asked.

"Absolutely", Lady Jaye said, "you sounded almost as good as Lionel."

"Wow", Flint said, "thank you."

"I just know that you and I are gonna do great in the battle of the bands", Lady Jaye said.

"I sure hope so", Flint said.

"Well, I should probably start getting ready for bed now", Lady Jaye said, "we're both going to need a good night's rest if we want to be ready for the big battle tomorrow."

"You're right", Flint said, "and on that note, I better head back to my room so I can get some sleep too."

"Okay", Lady Jaye said, "see you tomorrow."

"You too", Flint said.

Flint left Lady Jaye's room and walked down the hallway to his own room, now feeling a little more confident in himself after his and Lady Jaye's practice had gone so well.

"Well, that went smoother than I thought it would", Flint said, "maybe I don't have anything to worry about after all."

The following evening, the fundraiser event was underway at Joe Headquarters, with various families in attendance, and on a stage that was set up in the motor pool, Hawk looked from behind the curtain at the crowd of people sitting in front of the stage when Duke walked up to him.

"Checking out the crowd, Hawk", Duke asked.

"I sure am", Hawk said, "this battle of the bands is quite the turnout."

"I'll say", Duke said, "and it's all thanks to Flint and his brilliant idea."

Speaking of Flint, he was also looking at the crowd from behind the curtain, and upon seeing how many there were, began to feel a little nervous.

"Wow", Flint said, "that's a lot of people out there."

Just then, Lady Jaye walked over to him.

"Hey, Flint", Lady Jaye said.

"Oh, Lady Jaye", Flint said, "there you are."

"I was just warming up my singing voice", Lady Jaye said, "are you ready to wow the audience with our performance?"

"Um, yeah, I'm ready", Flint said, "I've been ready for this all week."

On the stage, Hawk walked up to the microphone that was set up on it and addressed the crowd.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen", Hawk said, "I'm General Hawk, and it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the first ever G.I. Joe battle of the bands."

The crowd cheered at Hawk's announcement.

"To start things off for us, here's Lt. Falcon and the Rawhides singing a classic by Stan Bush, 'The Touch'", Hawk said.

Hawk stepped aside, and the curtain on the stage opened up to reveal Falcon holding a microphone and the other Rawhides standing around with musical instruments, specifically Jinx holding a guitar, Chuckles holding a bass, Law standing in front of a keyboard, and Tunnel Rat sitting in front of a set of drums, and as the four of them began playing "The Touch", Falcon sang the song's lyrics, and when they were finished, the crowd all cheered for them.

"Let's hear it again for Lt. Falcon and the Rawhides", Hawk said.

The crowd cheered for Falcon and his bandmates once again, and the five of them all gave a bow before the curtain closed.

"Now it's time move on to our next act for the evening", Hawk said.

Several other bands consisting of G.I. Joe members performed over the course of the night, including Shipwreck, Deep Six, Torpedo, and Cutter, who performed "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon as "The Seamen", Barbecue, Blowtorch, Doc, and Lifeline, who performed "Africa" by Toto as "Fire And Rescue", and Breaker, Mainframe, and Dial-Tone, who performed "If You Leave" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark as "The Behind The Scenes Boys", and as Wild Bill, Gung-Ho, Dusty, and Cross-Country sang "Highwayman" by The Highwaymen as "The Country Commandos", Lady Jaye watched them from behind the curtain.

"I gotta hand it to those guys", Lady Jaye said, "they sure know how to play some good country."

Flint was also watching the Country Commandos with Lady Jaye.

"Yes", Flint said, "they certainly do."

"Oh, by the way, we're up next", Lady Jaye said, "so you might want to do whatever you need to get ready."

"Um, yeah", Flint said, "sure thing."

Lady Jaye walked away, but Flint continued to look at the crowd from behind the curtain.

"I can do this", Flint said, "I can do this."

But as he looked at all the people sitting in the audience, he didn't feel so sure anymore, and pretty soon, he began to imagine the audience saying bad things about him.

"Would you look at that bozo", a man said, "what's he doing up there?"

"He has no right to be singing a duet with a woman as beautiful as her", a woman said.

"He should go back to fighting on a battlefield, because that's where he belongs", a young boy said.

As Flint heard more imaginary comments from the crowd, his previous nervousness about performing with Lady Jaye began to come back to him, until finally, it overcame him, causing him to run away, and not long after he did so, Lady Jaye returned.

"Okay, Flint", Lady Jaye said, "are you ready to..."

She then saw that Flint had left and was nowhere to be seen.

"Flint", Lady Jaye asked, "where'd you go?"

Flint had gone outside the stage and was sitting on the steps that went up to it feeling very upset.

"I can't believe I thought I could do this", Flint said, "I guess I've just been fooling myself this whole time."

At that moment, Duke noticed Flint sitting on the steps and went over to him.

"Flint, there you are", Duke said, "Wild Bill and his bandmates are almost done with their performance."

"So", Flint asked.

"So, you and Lady Jaye are going on after them", Duke said, "you should be getting ready to perform."

"I'm not going", Flint said.

Duke could hardly believe what he had just heard.

"What", Duke asked.

"You heard me", Flint said, "I'm not singing on that stage in front of all those people."

"Why not", Duke asked.

"Because singing in a duet isn't something a man like me should be doing", Flint said.

"That's ridiculous", Duke said, "why would you think something as good as that?"

"Because I know that I'm not good enough", Flint said.

"But you are good enough", Duke said, "you've been practicing for this all week, and you've gotten better and better each day."

"You think so", Flint asked.

"Absolutely", Duke said, "and Lady Jaye's been looking forward to singing with you ever since you agreed to do it."

"She has", Flint asked.

"Yes", Duke said, "I think you can do this, and so does she, but the only doesn't think you can't do it is you."

"I suppose you're right", Flint said.

"All you need is to do is believe in yourself", Duke said, "if you do that, you're sure do great when you perform."

Just as Duke finished his pep talk, the Country Commandos finished their performance, and the crowd cheered.

"Though, you might want to start believing now, because it sounds like you and Lady Jaye are up", Duke said.

"I'll give it a try", Flint said, "thanks, Duke."

"No problem", Duke said.

Flint hurried back to the stage, where he found Lady Jaye waiting for him.

"Flint, there you are", Lady Jaye said, "I've been looking all over for you."

"Sorry", Flint said, "I had a little bit of an issue that I needed to take care of."

"What was it", Lady Jaye asked.

"Well, you see", Flint said, "I..."

But before he could explain what had happened, he and Lady Jaye heard Hawk's voice on stage.

"And now, here's our next performance, a duet by Flint and Lady Jaye, who will be singing the song 'Endless Love' by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross", Hawk said.

The crowd cheered in response to Hawk's announcement.

"Sorry Flint, but it's gonna have to wait", Lady Jaye said, "it's time for us to perform."

The curtain opened, revealing Flint and Lady Jaye to the crowd, and an instrumental version of "Endless Love" began playing on the speakers, and as it did, Flint and Lady Jaye sang the lyrics to the song, and although the former was still a little nervous at first, he believed in himself like Duke had told him, and became more confident as he continued to sing, and when the two of them finished their song, the crowd let out a big round of applause for them, much to their happiness, especially Flint's.

"Well what do you know", Flint said.

The curtain closed on the two of them, and as they walked backstage, they suddenly found themselves being congratulated by several other Joes.

"Fellas, I want you to know that was some of the best dang singing I ever did hear", Wild Bill said.

"I'll say", Shipwreck said, "you two were great!"

"You guys performed so well together", Lifeline said, "I could practically feel the bond between you two."

"It was definitely one of the most romantic performances in the entire battle", Falcon said.

Hearing his comrades' praise made Flint feel even more happy with himself.

"Duke was right", Flint thought, "I really did have it in me to do this after all."

The battle of the bands continued with a few more performances by other bands of Joes, and after they had all performed, Hawk was on stage holding three envelopes in his hand.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to find who the winners of the battle of the bands are based on who you all voted for", Hawk said, "to start, in third place, we have..."

Hawk opened up one of the envelopes and looked at the name of the band written on it.

"Fire And Rescue", Flint said.

The crowd gave the band a round of applause as its four members walked onstage and took a bow.

"Next up, our second place band", Hawk said, "which is..."

Hawk opened up another envelope and read which band was written on it.

"The Country Commandos", Hawk said.

As the members of the Country Commandos walked onstage and took a bow for the cheering crowd, Flint and Lady Jaye watched from behind the curtain.

"Looks like Hawk's about to announce the winner of the battle", Flint said.

"Oh man, I'm feeling kind of nervous", Lady Jaye said, "do you think we won?"

"I don't know", Flint said, "but right now, the best we can do is believe in ourselves."

"Okay", Lady Jaye said, "I'll try."

Back on stage, Hawk was getting ready to announce the winner of the battle.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for", Hawk said, "the winner of G.I. Joe battle of the bands is..."

Everyone waited with anticipation as Hawk opened the letter, and once he did so, he read the name of the winning group, which was:

"Flint and Lady Jaye."

The crowd let out a big round of applause, and backstage, Flint and Lady Jaye were both surprised by what they had just heard.

"I-I don't believe it", Lady Jaye said, "we won!"

"I know", Flint said, "this is so great!"

Lady Jaye took Flint by the hand, and the two of them ran onstage in front of the audience, where they both gave a bow.

"Once more, let's give a big round of applause for all of our talented participants tonight", Hawk said.

The crowd cheered once again, and a big smile appeared on Flint's face, and later, after the event had ended, Flint was making his way back to his sleeping quarters to get some rest, when he was approached by Duke.

"Hey, Flint", Duke said.

"Oh, Duke", Flint said, "did you want something."

"Just to congratulate you on yours and Lady Jaye's big win tonight", Duke said.

"Thanks", Flint said.

"I had a feeling you'd do great tonight, but I didn't think you'd do good enough to win the battle", Duke said, "you really out-did yourself tonight."

"Glad you think so", Flint said, "but I would never have found the confidence to do it if it wasn't for your help."

"Glad I could be of assistance", Duke said.

"Now I know just how far a little a confidence in yourself can go", Flint said.

"And what do we say about knowing", Duke asked.

"That it's half the battle", Flint said.

"You got that right", Duke said.

Duke went on his way, and Flint was then approached by Lady Jaye.

"Hey, Flint", Lady Jaye said.

"Lady Jaye", Flint said, "is there something I can do for you?"

"I just wanted to give you something as thanks for singing with me in the battle of the bands", Lady Jaye said.

"Okay", Flint said, "what is it?"

"This", Lady Jaye said.

Lady Jaye leaned in towards Flint and, to his surprise, gave him a kiss on the lips.

"You were great tonight", Lady Jaye said, "I don't think we would have won if it hadn't been for your amazing singing."

"It was the least I could do", Flint said.

The two of them stood facing each other silently for a moment before Lady Jaye spoke again.

"Well, I should probably be heading back to my room now", Lady Jaye said, "goodnight, Flint."

"Um, yeah", Flint said, "you too."

Lady Jaye walked away to go to her room, and Flint went on his way to his own room feeling very happy about how the evening had turned out.

"Yep", Flint said, "this really was one great night."