Outrun the Future - G. Cleven

Ch 5

As the days went by, the 100th were starting to understand the harrows of war. Their latest mission had been one where they were hit hard, losing more friends in the process. Between them and the fighter pilots, it seemed like the numbers were falling faster than the military could replace. There was no healthy way to manage that kind of stress and loss, drinking became a coping mechanism for most. Which is why Marley was currently getting ready to go out that night alongside Betty.

"There have been rumors that your brother is single. Any chance that they are true?" Betty was taking the curlers out of her hair, trying to get as dolled up as she could.

Marley let out a hum of confirmation. "Also has herpes too. I'd steer clear if I were you."

Betty scoffed, hitting the girl on the arm. "Oh stop. Keep saying things like that and the poor guy won't have a lady within ten feet of him."

Marley chuckled, fastening the last button on her uniform. "Serves him right. It took nearly a week for the guys to even look my direction after the threats he handed out."

The two of them headed out to the pub that wasn't too far off base. It was one that both the US and RAF frequented, having felt losses on both sides. Even with the mutual understanding of war, it didn't mean they were understanding of each other.

When they arrived, Betty found some of the nurses from base and bid her friend adieu for the meantime. Marley, on the other hand, grabbed a beer from the bar and went to find her brother. It didn't take much searching on her part when she heard yelling coming from a card table. Money, drinks, and cigarettes were going around the group of B-17 pilots, none of them giving a glance to the other end of the table.

She made eye contact with Buck first, the blonde motioning with his head for her to join them. Bucky saw her after Biddick moved over a seat to allow her room to sit with them all. "I think Marley is going to be my good luck charm this next hand." Bucky glared at Biddick, making the pilot smirk as he got under the Major's skin. "Maybe she can kiss my cards or somethin'. Really seal the deal for me wining."

Marley chuckled at the balls this guy had to rile her brother up in front of everyone. Others seemed to find it amusing as well, biting back smiles so Bucky wouldn't turn on them as well. She put a hand on his shoulder, keeping him from lunging out of his chair. "It's a joke, John. Calm down before you get us all kicked out." He relaxed back in his chair, sending one last glare to his so-called friend.

"You know, I rather admire you Americans." One of the British officers cut in, making the group turn their attention to him. It was something about the tone he used that rubbed Marley the wrong way. She had worked alongside the RAF back at her other base, never having an issue with them. These ones though, seemed like they wanted to start some sort of pissing contest. "You're all up there in broad daylight, seeming oblivious to the downsides."

Jack Kidd shook his head, quickly defending his group. "I don't understand what you are saying, Captain."

The British officer smirked back at him, "Never mind old boy. One for the higher-ups." He took a sip of his drink and continued, "It's a question of philosophies. We bomb at night because it doesn't matter what we hit, as long as it's German. But bombing during the day is suicide. And clearly you are all lacking replacements as they are letting female's join you lot."

Marley took a sip of her beer, waiting to see how it all played out. This wasn't the first time she had be looked down upon for being a female pilot and it surely won't be the last. But the boys around her are experiencing this for the first time.

Bucky shook his head, "Someone seems threatened." He had a calm exterior, not letting the Brit seem like he cared. But everyone around him knew he was a ticking time bomb.