You've made it this far. (TreeBros)

Chapter 5: Bankruptcy

"Second in command Connor Jet Murphy," Connor looked up from his copy of 'Edgar Allen Poe, a collection of poems'. He saw his commander, standing above him, with a blank stare. Connor placed down his book, and stood. They were outside, training had just finished, and Connor thought he could sit under a tall tree and just unwind, apparently not.

"Yes sir?" He asked, while shoving his hands into his pockets.

"A few days ago I saw you and Mr. Michael Mell around the storage area."
Connor nodded. "Did you enter the containment?" The man asked sternly.

"No of corse not" he lied.

"Well." He coughed "some of the supply's have gone...missing" commander said attitude changing, and now looking rather worried.
"Cedric.. Calm down man, you're just really on edge." Connor spoke, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "I mean, just a month ago, we were just soldiers, now we're both in charge of a platoon. And your even a rank above me. It's stressful, but I know you can handle it." Cedric nodded. Connor had always been good at lying, he used to always lie about who he was, what he wanted, and what he believed. But honestly Cedric only got a higher rank over Connor because he was 10 years older.

"Well... I don't want anyone going in there, so keep a eye on the towns people."

Connor smiled, shaking his head. "Cedri-"
"That's a order." The man spoke harshly.
He has been doing that a lot recently, it's like he has something weighing on his shoulders. And obviously there is something inside the storage he doesn't want anyone to see.

But Connor nodded his head in one quick movement, and Cedric took a deep breath. nodded back, and walked away.
~~~

"So you are spending time with the kid?"

"No no, all I did was help him out, I've paid him back, I'm pretty sure I'll never have to see him again." Connor explained over the brick phone.

Jeremy hummed from the other side. "Well alright...." Then paused, "so you think the kids a fag?" Connor sighed, "yeah.. But it's not like I'd care."

"Yeah.... " pause.
"Also! I got you... A present! Since it's almost Christmas, and after this mission you should be able to come home for a month or two.." Connor could feel Jeremy's grin. "Well I got you a record player!" Connor broke into a smile, of course he did.

"You spoil me, really, last Christmas you got me 37 books, and I still haven't finished them."

"Oh yeah, which one are you on?"

"Poe, quite dark, but nice." Connor answered, Jeremy sipped his coffee from the other side the the line. "Good to know you are enjoying them."

Connor laughed. "Yeah... Thanks, a lot for everything, you know I really love ya man."

"Hey now, don't get sentimental on me.. Not yet! You didn't hear what records I got you!" Connor chuckled even harder. Jeremy always made him feel better.

"The Beatles!" Connor smirked at this, "You sure it isn't for you?"

"Well I mean we can share.." Jeremy wavered off. "Of course.." Connor whispered, smiling once again.
~~~

Connor had gotten to patrol the sector of the town where Evan's family lived.

Earlier that day he spoke to Jeremy for a few hours, just about random things in their lives. Connor still understood he would be absolutely in trouble if he was caught, but Jeremy was worth it.

Apparently he had gotten a new kid around the house. Connor wasn't Jeremy's first act of random kindness. He used to let people crash at his house all the time. But this kid seems to be like Connor, without a home. Jeremy kept telling Him, that he was a good kid, just lost and a little bit of a junky. Jeremy's been helping him get clean. He's 17, named Justin, kicked out by a alcoholic father, then got stuck on drugs.