Eventually we got to the base. We didn't take long. Thank God we weren't that far. Clark had a concussion. Nothing too serious. Soon enough he was awake again.
-My head...-He whispered.
-Relax man.-We were all there. We never really left his side.
-What happened?
-Well, you made me carry your ass back here. That's what happened.
-Thanks...-He giggled.
-Oh no. Don't thank me. I am sooooo gonna starve you! From today on, the menu for your is salad every day! That and cucumber! I ain't carrying that fat ass again.-They all laughed.-I mean it!
-Me too. Thanks, Ellie.-He looked me deep in the eyes.
-Anytime, man. -I smiled at him, looking him in the eyes as well. From the door, Steve cleared his voice, making his presence noticeable.
-How are you doing, Clark?-He asked. The boys rolled their eyes.
-I'm alright, sir. I'll be back out there in no time.
-Good. Jones.-He looked at me.-You, me, my office, now.-I looked down and smiled.
-What did you do now?-Clark whispered to me.
-Right after you, sir!-He left. The boys laughed.
-Good luck!-Johnathan punched me in the arm softly. I rolled my eyes and followed him. I already knew I was gonna get punished. I was just praying he wouldn't make me clean the bathrooms.
As I got to his office, I heard Steve talking with someone inside and that was when I knew he was not gonna let it slide. I peaked out of the corner and saw the big boss inside. Oh man! I knocked on the door and walked in. I saluted both of them.
-Elizabeth Jones-The big boss put up his had for me to shake. I did right away.-I've been hearing a lot about you.
-I hope that's a good thing, sir.-I was shitting my damn pants!
-Well, bittersweet.-He let go of my hand.-Please, have a seat.
-Oh, sure. Thank you, sir.-I sat down. I didn't even care. If he told me to lick the floor, I would! I just didn't want to go home.
-Steve, your services aren't necessary anymore.-He said and pointed to the exit. The look on Steve's face was priceless. It was a mix of surprise and rage.
-But, sir...
-I told you to leave, Sargent. Do I need to repeat myself?-Big boss was way more aggressive but the calm in his voice was there all along. For some reason, I found it soooo cool!
-No, sir.-Steve looked at me, pissed the hell off. If looks could kill...- If you excuse me...-He left and closed the door behind him. I couldn't help but smile. As I looked back to the boss, he was already staring at me with a confused look in his face. My smile faded and I sat up straight right away.
-What is it between you two?-He asked me. I was caught on that one. I could never tell him Steve and I had a past together. You see, it's all about patent. I was the lowest which meant if someone had to go home, it would be me and not him.
-Nothing, sir. Sarg. Steve is a new acquisition to our team. We're all still trying to get used to it.
-A good acquisition, I hope.
-Well, bittersweet.-I smiled. He cracked a laugh but then got serious again.
-That's exactly why you're here. Besides Steve's complains...-I looked down still smiling.-You're here because of your team.-I looked at him serious.
-Excuse me, sir, but if the matter is my team then I believe we should all be here.
-It's a private conversation for now, Jones... But first, what's the matter with Steve?
-Well... I don't mean to complain, sir, but Steve is not compatible to our team.
-Why's that?-He leaned back in his chair, resting his hands over his belly. For an old man, he was in pretty good shape.
-We've been together long enough to know what to expect out of each other. Steve doesn't know that.
-Which is pretty normal, since he's, like you said, a new acquisition.
-With all due respect, sir, but no. It's not normal. It stops being normal the moment he tells me to go do a sniper's job.
-Well, aren't you all trained to do everything?
-We are, sir.
-What's the problem then? I don't see where you're trying to get to.
-Steve is not a leader. That's the problem. He shouldn't be where he is.
-Woah! That's a big accusation, Jones. Those are some mean words to be said.
-Let me reformulate then, sir. Steve's presence is not necessary in our team.
-You know...-He got closer to me.-I think your problem is the fact that the leadership position you had was stolen from you.
-Well, I admit I'm not happy about it but I wouldn't say I lost that position.
-How's that, Jones?-He raised one of his eyebrows.
-I'm here, ain't I? If you believed Steve was really our leader why would you be talking to me?
-Fair enough. But please explain. Why won't the boys accept his leadership? Is that all loyalty?
-A part of it, yes. But most of all, the boys don't accept him because he came in and took the leash without owning it.-He was confused.-I'm gonna give you an example, if you allow me, sir.
-Proceed, please.
-Steve ordered me to be the sniper. I knew Clark would do it way better than me so I requested his presence and let him do the shooting. I think Steve still doesn't know. Anyway, we had a fast mover blowing us up. Thank God we made it out alive but Clark wasn't conscious. My comms were off. They were probably affected by the explosion or something. I eventually found my team and all but Steve had no idea what to do. That's why all that discussion started. He can't make us feel safe, protected or whatsoever. He may be a good leader, but he hasn't been one for us.
-I see... But what do you suggest, Jones?
-Well, if you allow me, sir. We're a tactical team, an high precision, super fast tactical team. That's what we've been working for. If we're not perfect, I dare to say we're so close it's almost unperceivable.
-You like to use heavy words, Jones. I wish I could make sure that's true... I've heard a lot about your team but when it comes to your experience, it's none.
-I understand, sir.
-Let's imagine I'd make you all my special team. We have some people pretty far we need to get back. Some people we need to capture. You know, those kind of special operations. What can assure me you all aren't just a waste of time?
-Nothing.-I made a pause, looking him in the eyes. Then I smiled.-We can only show you what we're capable off.
-I would be glad to see it.-He smiled as well. I got up.
-See you tomorrow at 9.-I shook his hand.
-Sure, Jones...-He giggled a bit, which concerned me but I just brushed it off and left. I went to near my boys again.
-So?!-Taylor asked.-On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad was it?
-Some negative 10.-I laughed. They got confused.-Well, let's just say I got us something new but you guys are gonna have to trust me on this one...
YOU ARE READING
Army Strong
Teen FictionI was never meant to be a stay at home kind of wife. I was never meant to simply get a job, pay bills and die. I was 19, looking for a purpose. I was just another kid who had finished school but soon found out the whole sea of opportunities they tel...
