Recon 6

Part 2 Ana: Before The Dinner

Meal times were similar to what I was accustomed to. It's almost the same at each base I had been with. I couldn't stand to sit in my newly assigned room and wait around. I strapped my armor plate back on while shoving my feet back in my boots. They were pull tight laces so with two quick tugs, the sides of my boots molded to my skin. A quick check in the mirror to make sure everything was in order while I adjusted the balaclava on my face running my hands over the scar that extended from above my brow to my jaw. It was a sore subject and no one dared to ask how I acquired it.
I stepped out of my dorm to an empty hallway as I made my way to the door that led outside. The sun had started to go down bringing blue and purple skies along with it. I headed towards the outdoor staircase and after a few flights I was on the rooftop. I took in the scenery as the descending sun casted shadows on the mountains in the distance. The air was crisp and touched my skin even through my gear.
Silence was broken as a booming voice yelled in the courtyard where I arrived.
"Merlin! What the fuck!" The man exclaimed. His accent was definitely of Scottish origin.
"Midas! She is going to be an asset to us I have already explained that to you! You watch your fuckin' tone with me!" Merlin responded. They were fighting about me and I haven't been on base for an hour.
"We run dangerous operations Merlin. Bringing her here is signing a death sentence for her! We need men that can fight not tiny women a gust of wind could carry off!" Midas again raised his voice. I couldn't tell the look on Merlin's face as it was masked and eyes covered in tactical goggles over his helmet but judging by his stance he was annoyed.
I made my way down the staircase and approached the two men. Midas was shocked to see me and looked embarrassed.
"Is there a problem with me, Midas?" I said coldly.
"Oh wee lass, I'm doing ya' a favor and trying to save your life here." His deep raspy tone was condescending.
"You know Midas, I'm not opposed to hand to hand combat." I said to him as a warning with my hands clasped tightly together behind my back.
He had to look down to talk to me. His face was rugged and looks as if he hadn't shaved in a few days.
"Ha-haaa! Little lass I wouldn't want to put you in sick bay." He laughed. My ears started to ring. I was slowly getting angrier every time Midas spoke. Sharp words broke my anger immediately.
"Midas! Watch your fucking mouth!" Merlin yelled.
"Oh Merlin you're just proving to me even more she shouldn't be here. Ha-ha-ha. Little thing couldn't even take out a dog if she was commanded to!" Midas continued to laugh arrogantly. I couldn't take it anymore. I jumped on him striking him on the inside of the thigh with my boot as he stumbled from the sudden attack. I used my momentum to pull back causing Midas to fall backwards and wrapped my legs around his neck constricting tightly as I gripped his arm. He groaned trying to use his other arm to free himself to no avail. He was quick to tap out as he slapped the pavement hard. I released him from my grip as I stood up and resumed my previous position trying to conduct myself appropriately.
"Fuckin' spider monkey, eh?" He said angrily getting himself to his feet. He started to rush towards me as Merlin grabbed him by the vest and yanked him away.
"Put yourself together Midas! Bloody hell! She took you out, you own that now." Merlin screamed at him so loudly my ear drums went fuzzy. I glanced around and saw faces peering out of the small slit of glass on the door nearby. I decided to get the jump on my berating before Merlin put his eyes on me next.
"I apologize Merlin." I said putting my head down. "It will not happen again." I added.
"If you are bold enough to take down a fellow soldier in front of a superior, you will get on just fine here." Merlin said placing his hand on my shoulder. "Now, let's go eat, yeah?" He laughed as he walked towards the building.