Mikey can’t help but feel for her, knowing all too well the nervous jitters before the first mission. Unfortunately for Liz, she has so much more to worry about than it just being her first. She has been through more than anyone ever should in such a short amount of time. Mikey glances at her, seeing the strength and determination she carries has him beaming with pride. They may not have known each other long, but she has quickly become one of his closest friends.
“Did you hear about the man who installed a window in his butt?” he asks, holding back his laughter. “It was a pane in the ass.”
Liz lets out a melodic giggle, letting it take some of her anxiety with it. She loops her arm through his and lets him guide heracross the courtyard, not speaking again until they reach their destination.
Mikey holds the heavy glass door open for Liz. Only a few small steps into the mess hall and she freezes. A cacophony of voices ring out, making it sound too much like a high school lunchroom. She should be happy with the normalcy of it all, the men and women finding joy in their everyday lives, but she isn’t. She is bitter and jealous that while they get to sit here, laughing with friends, and enjoying their food while so many of their fellow soldiers don’t get to. She hates herself for doing the same thing only moments before when Mikey started joking with her again. How can she let herself feel any type of joy with what is happening to Riley?
A hand finds its way to the middle of her back, pulling her from her thoughts. “They got a table over there in the corner. Pick what you want and load up a plate,” he says, grabbing a tray and plate.
Liz follows his lead, picking up her own tray and following close behind to the salad bar. She watches, slowly putting greens and some veggies onto her plate, as Mikey piles salad onto a second plate. Her eyes go wide as the mountain of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes grows. He finally tops it with two heaping scoops of chicken, cheese, and a rich orange dressing. Liz, on the other hand, adds a small spoonful of chicken and ranch dressing. They make their way over to the hot line. Once more he starts filling his plate with more food than any one person should eat. Chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and broccoli. Despite the amazing smells wafting all around, she can’t bring herself to take more than the measly salad and a bottle of water.
When Mikey’s tray is practically overflowing, they make their way over to the table where the rest of their team waits. A wave of relief washes over her when she sees its only Tyler and Alex sittingat the table. Hopeful that they were able to convince the general to get rid of Matt, she slides into a chair between Mikey and Alex. They have a pleasant enough time eating together. Alex takes time to go over the new plans, breaking everything down for Liz. She knows she will be partnered with Mikey, and he will keep her from making any huge mistakes, but her nerves won’t stop until the adrenaline takes over.
The mood of the entire table shifts when a chair is pulled over and the newest member of their rag tag squad sits down. Liz seethes the moment her eyes land on Matt. She wants to get up and drag him from their table. She wants him to know she will never welcome him into their unit.
Her fork clangs against the plate as she aggressively stabs at her salad. “I thought you guys were getting rid of him,” she snarls before shoving the fork into her mouth, eyeing him with disgust. She can’t help herself; the promise she made was to play nice with the general, not this new man who lobs insults then winks like he did her a favor.
“Woah, what the hell did I do to deserve that?” he asks, clearly taken aback by her anger.
“Oh, you mean other than how you insulted me back in general fuck faces office? We don’t need someone trying to come in and fill the hole Riley left. We are getting him back and our little team will be just fine until then,” she says, staring him down. She doesn’t miss the rest of her team exchanging worried glances.
“First off, that wasn’t an insult. I am genuinely impressed with your dedication to a man who embarrassed you the way he did. Personally, I would let him rot and move on to someone who reciprocates my feelings, but if you want to hold out hope for a man who treats you like that, then that’s your choice to make.” Liz is so angry she cannot even form words, and her jaw drops open as hebegins again. “And second, the only hole that man left behind I wouldn’t mind filling, is yours.”
The chair under her flies back, and she’s on her feet across the table. Before anyone can register what is happening, Liz has brandished her fork like a knife, seconds from plunging it into Matt’s smug face.
Mikey snatches her hand, roughly pinching the area between her thumb and pointer finger. The fork drops to the table with a loud clang, and he shoves her back into her chair.
“Enough. Both of you,” Alex shouts, trying to get control of the situation before more eyes see what is happening.
“Shit, you were really going to stab me, weren’t you?” Matt asks with a smile plastered on his face. “Look, it’s a ten out of ten for the dedication, but we both know this face is too pretty to stab.” Leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed, his hazel eyes scan hers for any hint of amusement. “Has anyone told you you’re like a little honey badger? Small and cute but mean as all hell.”
“I said that’s enough, Solano,” Alex snaps. One look at the mountain of a man now standing over them would get anyone to rethink their choices. “You’re not needed here. Go to hangar two and make sure all our supplies are in order, and if I hear another word out of you, I will throw your ass off the team so fast your head will spin.” Alex slams himself back down into his chair, not bothering to see if his new recruit is doing as instructed. It’s not long before the whispers of what happened start to make their way around the mess hall.
“I’m sorry,” Liz whispers to Alex, knowing her outburst is going to once again make more work for him to deal with. The last thing she wants is to cause problems.
“It’s not your fault. The guy is an asshole, but we need to workon your temper. You can’t go around attacking fellow soldiers,” he says, finishing up the last of his food.
“I know. I promise it’s something I will work on. I tried so hard not to let it get to me. I know Riley didn’t mean what he said, at least I don’t think he did, but the other thing…” She trails off, pushing her still half full tray to the middle of the table so she can lay her head down. “The last thing he said was just too far. I can handle a lot, but I won’t tolerate anyone speaking to me that way.” A soothing hand rubs gently up and down her back, a light, comforting touch of a trusted friend.
“I take things like this very seriously. Right now, we need him to find Riley, but I will talk to him and make it clear I won’t tolerate that shit. He does anything like that again, and he’s gone, no questions. You have my word.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to me, but we both know if you get rid of him, general stupid face will go back on his word. My comfort will never be more important than Riley’s life. I just need to focus on getting him back and not fucking up my first mission.”
CHAPTER 4
The hangar housing the rest of the crew and the C-146A Wolfhound waiting to start the long journey overseas is far more intimidating the closer they get to it. Logically, it doesn’t make sense, but Liz had just assumed they would be taking a helicopter or something similar. No time is wasted as they approach.
Alex barks orders, getting everyone onto the plane and seated so they can take off. Liz did not expect the plane to look so commercial. It’s small, with a bathroom at the front, two rows of seats lining the walls, and a wide walkway down the middle leading to a large door. They hurry down the aisle, taking seats near the back, as the pilot guides them onto the runway before shooting into the air.
The moment the plane is at its cruising altitude, Alex removes his seat belt and stands at the end of the row, facing his soldiers. “Alright, listen up,” he barks with authority. All the voices and chatter cease. “We are in for a long trip. We have six days, most of that will be spent in the air. We will be flying in six-hour intervals, only stopping long enough to refuel. Make sure you are eating andgetting rest while you can. You have all been assigned your duties. Read your briefing packet, and when you finish, read it again. When we reach the drop zone, you will rendezvous with your assigned team. Once your team is together on the ground, you will go on foot to your assigned coordinates and wait for confirmation. When all teams are in position, I will clear you to push into Dmitri's compound. Our goal is to find commander Corson and bring him home. Understood?”
“Yes sir.” The plane responds in unison, sending chills skirting over Liz’s skin.
She read through the small packet of papers Tyler gave her, twice, trying not to get confused by the language she has yet to fully understand. Mikey is doing his best to explain and answer all of her questions on the long flight to the White Sea. She is immensely grateful to Alex and Tyler for making sure she is able to stay with Mikey, being the last pair to go into the drop zone. Her job would seem simple to the more experienced members of the team: stick with her battle buddy, watch his back at all times, keep your gun up, and sweep the cleared areas to find where they are holding Riley. When he is found, radio the rest of the team and call for an extraction.
No one is sure of what awaits them when they finally make it to their destination. The intel they received showed a small group of houses in a clearing just west of the White Sea, but they have been unable to find satellite photos to confirm. After two stops to refuel, and a total of thirteen hours into their flight, Mikey and Alex excuse themselves to help prepare a small dinner for the team.
Mission brief in hand, Liz is ready to focus and read through the plans for the umpteenth time when the seat next to her is filled. Her eyes flutter closed, and she takes a deep, steadying breath before she does something she can’t undo.
