Friendly Fire

(25) The Real Deal

Private Riley has avoided Cadet Bane at all costs over the past week. Her comment still sinking in deep, however, he is slowly getting better as he watches her train with Lieutenant Davis during his free time.

After another long day, Lieutenant Davis approaches me with a look of confusion on his face.

"Lieutenant Willow... have you noticed anything... off with Cadet Bones?"

I gave him a similar confused look before giving him a response.
"'Off' how?"

His gaze darted off to the side then down at his feet as he was deep in thought.

"Her skill set... she... she isn't new to our drills, she's a skilled fighter... way too skilled for a Cadet for my liking... not to mention she was enlisted alone. That's not normal. Something is up and I can't put my finger on it..."

I shrugged it off, it doesn't seem off to me in the slightest.

"You're paranoid... she got her skill set from hunting for all those years and learned a thing or two from her brothers... as for our drills, well, she's been here for weeks now. I think she's just picking stuff up. And people are enlisted all the time. Some recruits have delayed arrivals sometimes due to personal reasons. Cadet Bones was a victim of Nha Trang. She probably needed a week or two to make sure her life was stable again before joining our ranks."

He gave me a nod.

"You... you're probably right- that makes a lot of sense."

Private Riley returned from his day watch at the Southern tower and approached us.

"Colonel Hitchen has summoned us to the briefing room again."

Shit, what does that prick want now?

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We all gathered around the table once more. My eyes darted from Colonel Hitchen to Sergeant Collins then to Cadet Bones who took a seat between our two higher-ups. Whatever they're about to say can't be good.

"Lieutenants. Private. I am pleased to announce that Cadet Bones will join you on your assignment. She has displayed her skills and is more than ready to be dispatched alongside you."

Double shit.

Cadets never have lasted long out on the field, letting her join us to battle and potentially go to war with these rebel scum will just end up with us watching her back rather than our own. This could get us killed.

"You can't be serious." I piped up.

"Do not question your Colonel." Sergeant Collins replied sternly.

"I didn't question. Only made a statement." I snapped back.

"Enough. I'm joining you three whether you like it or not. I am more than capable of defending myself and following orders. The real question is... can you keep up with me or will I end up carrying your asses through the battlefield. War is upon us. You need me like it or not."

I bared my teeth and clenched my jaw. I wanted to protest. Wanted to challenge this choice further but Lieutenant Davis set a hand on my shoulder and shook his head. A silent warning to let it go, to let it slide.

"Fine."

"Good. I have received word that one of our emergency supply convoys is going to enter our base through Route 2. Your job is to make sure that it gets here. Copy?"

Private Riley just sat there and again ran a hand over his stomach.

"I can't go. Not after what happened last time."

"Don't be a coward. I may not know what the fuck you've been through, Private, but grow some balls and do your job. You're a soldier, a Private. You take my orders and follow them. No. Questions. Asked. Or do you want to be dismembered and sent home because you can't follow through?"

Private Riley hung his head low and sunk into his seat, took a deep breath, and gave an answer.

"I won't let Lieutenant Davis and Lieutenant Willow go there alone. I'll assist them."

I shook my head and completely lost my temper, shooting up from my chair, and slamming a fist firmly onto the table.

"Excuse Private Riley from this assignment at once. He should have the choice to stay or go. Especially after what happened last time we were on those trails. I will not let him go there and get triggered. He will be a danger to himself if he gets triggered or is forced to defend himself again."

Lieutenant Davis yanked at my arm as another silent warning to calm down. I know I'm fueling the fire.

"Insubordination! Look. Stay at base if you must. Be sure to pack your bags while I find you all tickets home. You're all replaceable."

So, we are seen as nothing but pawns

Private Riley lifted his head softly to meet my gaze.

"It's okay.. really.. What are the chances that we will be caught off guard? We have a suspicion that they will be coming for us and the convoy. We just need to think about where exactly they'd be waiting. I'm sure if we study the trail together, we can think of possible places and strategies to counter them."

Lieutenant Davis let out a sigh.

"Then that is what we will do. Colonel. Sergeant. May the four of us have this room to ourselves to make precautionary plans?"

"You may."

My eyes followed both Colonel Hitchen and Sergeant Collins as they prowled out of the room; leaving myself, Lieutenant Davis, Private Riley, and Cadet Bones to our own devices to forge a plan and strategy in the case of being ambushed again.