Born of Ice

Chapter Ten

   Eric woke from his slumber to a soft tapping on the door. He slowly removed himself from Tisha to find out who could be knocking on the door at 2 am. He ground his teeth as he walked to the door, fully intending to tell whoever was on the other side to go fuck themselves. When he tore the door open, he stopped dead in his tracks, the words stuck in the back of his throat. His commanding officer stood before him with a file in his hands. He exited the room, shutting the door with a soft click.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well, it is nice to see you to. We have a few things to discuss if you aren't to busy."
"It's 2 in the morning. This couldn't have waited until the debriefing in the morning?"
"Afraid not. I was sent by her commander as well. As it turns out, you bonding to someone is a hot topic and spread through the ranks like wild fire. We tried to control it, however it did not succeed. No one seemed to be able to believe that you would be able to bond to anyone. Her commanding officer found out that it was her that you had bonded with and is inquiring on what your plans are. It is unheard of for a bonded pair to work in separate sectors, not because it isn't allowed but because they can not stand to be apart for long periods of time. So I have been sent to find out what the plan is as far as who is doing what. Will you be leaving our branch to move to theirs or will she be moving to ours?"
"I do not know. We..uh...we haven't discussed it yet. I do not want to leave our branch, I am used to working alone and I can not ask her to leave her elite unit. Thinking on her unite though, I do have something I need to ask that I swore I would find out if I made it back if you would permit me to ask it."
"You may ask it, however it does not mean you will get an answer."
"Who requested that I be sent to get her?"
"Officially? I can not tell you. Unofficially, a family member that she does not know about requested you to go in and get her."
"How would she not know about her own family?"
"They do not wish for her to know them yet. I can not tell you anymore than I already have. A decision will need to be made before the debriefing at 0600. I would suggest you wake her and discuss it. You will meet with me about it at 0500. Until then, I will head back to the office to finish paperwork from the mission. See you both at 0500."
   With a nod, he turned on his heel and walked stiffly back towards the exit to the hospital unit. He watched him disappear through the door before turning back to his door. When he closed the door with a click, he noted Tisha had shifted in bed, cradling his pillow to her chest as she slept. He just stood and watched her silently as he debated what they were going to do. He supposed he could get used to working with someone after so long of working alone but it couldn't just be anyone. It would have to be her. As long as she was at his side, he could push through anything to make her happy. The revelation shocked him to his core. If he had to move to ensure her happiness, he would gladly sell his home to go with her. He slowly walked over to her, propping himself on the side of the bed to gently wake her. Sleep dazed eyes opened to peer at him in question.
"My commander was here. We have to meet with him at 0500 to discuss what we are planning to do. We need to discuss what that plan is. Are you willing to talk now? It is only 0230 and the discharge papers have already been signed so you could sleep til about 0400 if you would rather?"
"We can talk about it now. What do you prefer we do? If I remain in the elite I will be expected to return within the next few days. If I remain here then I would have to find work."
"If you choose to return to your elite, I would follow after you. I would have to tie things up here but that would not take more than a week. Likewise, I would have to find work when I got there. Truthfully, I will follow wherever you choose to go. My house would not be difficult to sell."
"You have a house here?"
"Well... Yes, I had it built for my needs. I accumulated money with not buying anything but necessities and it was the only thing that I bought other than my vehicle. Do you not own a home where you live?"
"No. I never saw the point in having a house when it was just me. The elite division has apartments for soldiers to use near the base office. They are just efficiency apartments but when you don't spend a lot of time at home that is all that is really needed. The only thing I have holding me there is the elite. Honestly, I have been in need of a change for some time. Most of the elite are men who do not believe that women can function at their level and I have grown weary of proving I can do everything they can. If you are in agreement, I would like to stay here with you. I can find something to do for work here and start over."
"I think that would be a great plan. Are you sure you aren't deciding this because of me? I do not want you to resent me later for giving up your position with the elite. It is difficult to earn a spot with them and clearly you clawed your way there or you wouldn't have gotten the spot."
"This is for me as much as it is for you. I need this change. I will get situated and begin my search for work, if that is acceptable."
"You don't even have to work if you do not wish to. I have saved a large sum of money so we will be ok for many years. Let's get changed to meet the commander. We will have time to eat some breakfast if you are hungry. There is a diner just off base that I have heard about that I would like to try with you."
"That sounds good."
   They changed their clothes, tossing their dirty clothes into the duffels they had from their mission. They exited the room holding hands, waving at the nursing staff as they strolled towards the exit. He hailed a taxi to drive them to the little diner. They held hands during the ride with him marveling at the feel of his larger hand enclosed around her small hand. Things couldn't be more perfect so why did he feel dread building in his chest?