Agent Fox Mulder (i_want_2) wrote in multi_fiction, @ 2008-03-26 05:26:00 |
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Entry tags: | au, gen, rated: adult, s:aab |
Fic: I Am Alive. 1/1 Space: Above and Beyond.
Title: I Am Alive.
Author: Lopaka Tanu
Disclaimer: I do not own Space: Above and Beyond.
Characters: Ensemble
Words: 8525
Prompt: 24 Slaves
Fandom: Space: Above and Beyond
Pairing: Hints of Slash/Het
Rating: Adult
Warnings: Language, Violence
Summary: At the Tellus Military Base, change comes in many forms.
Author's Note: The Invitro Platoons were never dissolved.
______________________________________
It was an unspoken rule among the military that invitros and natural borns did not mix. To that effect, camps were designed in an extreme attempt at keeping them separate. Even on a far world in the part of the galaxy that humanity had no business being there it was enforced. Segregation was an ugly word that the military and governments of the world seriously discouraged use of.
That didn't make it any less real.
Hawkes had escaped his enforced service to the American military establishment when he was only five months old. For five long years he had enjoyed the freedoms of a second class citizen. It wasn't much, but it beat dying in the service of a cause that bred expendable soldiers. The discovery of a hostile species had ended that and forced proscription rounded up every available invitro not already swelling the ranks.
Six months, ten assignments, two carriers changes, and fifty light years later found him a second officer, in command of his own squad. For a life he had openly shunned the better part of his existence, he was surprisingly good at it. Top of his class, the secret file not so securely kept in the General's office had said. Being second in his unit made his squad the top.
That said, it also attracted more than his fair share of unwanted attention.
Coming back from the mess, Hawkes lagged behind the rest of his unit, deep in thought. They were celebrating three days R&R that command had sent down for them. Personally, he was suspicious of the entire thing. They had lost twelve birds and half as many pilots during the last battle. That usually ended with someone's head on the chopping block. Personally, he had been hoping for a dishonorable discharge and his marching papers to Vega colony for invitro ex-cons.
Unfortunately, it looked like someone on the NB side of the fence was going to get the blame. There had been a minor scuffle the night before because some NB chick named Vansen was sent packing. He had met her only in battle, she wasn't bad and he respected her, but only so far. You kept yourself to your own kind, he learned that fast. Still, more people would die without her on the field and he hoped it wasn't his guys.
The loss of Goodman had set him back a fine pilot and a wingman. His replacement was supposed to have been hand delivered by o'eight hundred this morning, which meant some time after lights out in military lingo. This was the cause of his ponderings and why he didn't see the jeep arrive outside his parameter.
Entering the IV barracks, Hawkes ignored the horse play of his unit. Where the NB squads got their own private barracks, an entire unit of Invitros had to share one building. It made for a lot of noise and rowdy behavior, especially among the women. Some times, Hawkes wished for the old sexual segregation of his birth facility. But, so long as they respected their superiors and kept it confined to the barracks, he didn't have a problem.
He was sitting down on his lower bunk when he caught sight of the one across from him. It had been Goodman's, now the mattress was freshly cleaned and new bed clothes put on. In less than twenty-four standard hours a new recruit would be there to take Goodman's place. That left a queasy feeling in Hawkes' stomach, he didn't want a new guy.
Suddenly, the main door to the barracks crashed open and the ensign's whistle erupted. The common signal for the arrival of an officer had the usual effect of silencing the marines. Every IV marine went to the foot of their bunks and stood at attention.
Marching in to the room, Colonel McQueen took in the expressionless faces of his men and women. He looked at each of them before turning to the MPs behind him. "Bring him in."
Two MPs marched a young man in, each holding an arm. His slender appearance belied the strength and will that warranted the handcuffs currently on his wrists.
Reaching in to his pocket, McQueen pulled out a piece of paper folded in half. He unfolded it and scanned it while facing the young man. "This is Private Nathan West, Gene Pool Zero-Alpha, San Diego Facility." A whisper was quickly cut off by a look from the colonel. "There is no batch number because his donors were private stock. For the past twenty-three years, he has lived as a Natural Born. Tell me, Private West, what part of the IV proscription laws did you not understand?"
West's jaw clenched as he raised his head. He wanted to yell at the Colonel, tell him many things, but six days in solitary confinement had taught him to curb his tongue. Instead, he met the man's passionless stare with one of his own. "There is nothing I do not understand, sir."
"Then you must not have thought they applied to you." Stepping in close, McQueen exhaled loudly over West's face. "Do you think you're better than the rest of us? That just because you were created from egg and semen you are some how special?"
"No, sir." Closing his eyes, West's back went rigid. He desperately longed to hit this damned man. Others were to blame for him being here, torn away from everything he had held dear, but only the Colonel was within his reach at the moment.
"No, sir." McQueen snorted. Reaching up behind West's neck, he traced a finger over the spot where the umbilicus should have been. "You may have disfigured yourself, but you can't hide who you truly are from the rest of us." Fingers twisting a circle over the circle, he was proud to see the younger man's eyes glaze over. "We are all tanks here, West, even you."
Nodding, West exhaled in relief when the Colonel released his neck. The sensation of having his neck rubbed in the spot was doing things he hated, but secretly enjoyed. No matter what his parents had tried, the sweet spot had remained.
Stepping back, McQueen nodded to the MPs. "Uncuff him, he's not going anywhere. Isn't that right, private?"
"Yes, sir." This time, there was a modicum of respect in the tone, but West's voice still held a lot of resentment. When his wrists were freed, a duffle was shoved in to his arms and he had to react fast to keep hold. Inside were all his worldly possessions now.
"Captain Hawkes." The Colonel called Cooper over without looking at him.
Quickly moving to the Colonel's side, Hawkes saluted and stood at attention. "Yes, sir?"
"I leave this Tank, in your charge. See to it that he is welcomed in to your squad." This time, McQueen turned to stare Hawkes in the eyes. "His life is now yours."
"Yes, sir." Snapping another salute, Hawkes smiled when it was return.
"As you were, people." McQueen saluted the rest of the unit before marching out, leaving a stiff backed West behind.
As the doors slammed closed, West shuddered. He stood there in the center of the barracks, staring straight ahead without reeling seeing anything. It was a surreal experience, impossible to believe that just scant weeks ago he was engaged to the girl of his dreams working in the colonial program. Now, he was a disgraced tank with nothing but a broken family and empty promises of vengeance.
Thoughts of killing his brother for turning him were interrupted by a woman strutting up to him. She tried to take his bag from him, but didn't get further than putting her hand on his bag before she was sent flying in to foot locker. The pent up rage of the past month exploded in him and he snarled at the surrounding men and women. "Don't fucking touch me! I'll kill the next son of a bitch that even tries to lay a finger on my stuff!"
"Atten-tion!" Hawkes' cry had the immediate desired effect on the Invitros. Three years of training to get them hear could not be easily overcome. Stomping his way over to West, he took his duffle from him. "Private West."
"Yes, sir," West bit out through clenched teeth.
"You will apologize to your unit members for being a sorry excuse of an Invitro. We understand your lack of proper training this one and only time. Any further infractions will result in," Hawkes grinned, "severe penalties. Now, what do you say?"
"I am sorry for being a pathetic invitro." West said it with as much venom as he could.
"Apology accepted." Handing off West's duffle to a Lieutenant, Hawkes cocked his head to the side and smiled. The next instant, his fist swung out and connected with West's jaw. As the other man hit the floor, Hawkes knelt down beside him. "We understand, but we don't forgive. You will work to earn the title of Tank, Private. May be one day, if you are lucky, we will even call you an Invitro."
Standing up, Hawkes accepted the tooth brush the Lieutenant had pulled from West's bag. "For now, we haven't had the latrine cleaned in a while. You can start there." He'd never done something like this before, but he saw this type of punishment in an old vid when he first joined. It seemed apt for this situation. Dropping the tooth brush in West's lap, he walked back over to his bunk and laid back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a week under the tender mercies of Captain Hawkes and his unit of tanks, Nathan was finally able to send a message home. His jaw too bruised for him to speak, he would have to type out what he wanted to say. The live feed allowed him to communicate directly with his family back on Earth. Unfortunately, the time difference made it near impossible to get anyone over the transmitters.
When they did answer, it was the tired face of his brother that greeted him. Nathan sent him a two word message before disconnecting. Angry that he couldn't say hello to his parents, he stormed away from the communications bank and out to the exercise yard. There was one free terminal in the IV sector, the other three were always down, so the line was extremely long. He wouldn't get another chance for another week.
That suited him just fine. The fact that Neil was living in the family home even after what he did meant his parents had forgiven him. Nathan wasn't quite certain how to feel about that, but it sure did lend a lot of credence to his anger. So wrapped up in his own family drama, Nathan didn't see the NB marine before he collided with him. He reached up to steady the man, but found himself bent over and a hand pulling back his collar.
"Watch where you're going." Seeing that West didn't have the umbilicus, the Marine just shoved him away.
Nathan hit the ground with a grunt. His jaw prevented him from making a comment, so he chose to glare a threat at the man.
Hands on hips, the marine started to laugh until he caught the insignia upon West's uniform. "Son of a bitch! What's a clumsy NB doing in a Tank's squad?" He started to reach out, only to have his hand rebuffed by Nathan. "What's your problem? Them damned tanks putting bullshit in your head about your own kind?"
A snort was the first warning before five IV marines put themselves between the NB marine and West. Their leader was a woman with large hands, she cracked her knuckles to emphasize their strength. "You got a problem with Invitros, boy?"
"Yeah, when you're beating on NBs like they're one your own, I do." The marine started to step up to her, but another of his squad put a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Leave off, Wang, we are just discussing the finer points."
"Settle down, Swirko, we don't need any trouble." Wang tightened his hold on Swirko's shoulder. He started to drag him away, but the other marine shrugged him off. "Vansen gave up her career because we screwed up! Are you going to make her sacrifice for nothing?"
"Yeah, well, she wouldn't have had to quit if these fucking tanks had done their jobs!" He started to surge forward to meet the moving Invitros, but Wang jump in front of him again. This time, Swirko was bodily blocked by the other marine.
"That's enough!" Bringing his arm up, Wang slammed Swirko's chin up before hitting him hard enough to wind in the gut. Shoving the other marine towards the NB barracks, he was nearly snarling. "Get your ass moving, grunt!"
Having been stopped from pounding Swirko in to the ground, the Invitros itched to follow. The leader, a lieutenant JG, put out her arms to stop them. "It's taken care of, boys. Pick up the traitor, we're taking him where he can't get in to any more trouble."
Nathan tried to fight them off, but a punch to his already bruised abdomen caused him to go down quickly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What the hell is going on here, Hawkes?" Standing at the infirmary window, McQueen watched through the blinds as West shifted in a vain attempt to get comfortable. "He's got broken ribs and a bruised jaw! I thought I told you to take care of him!"
"We have." Snorting, Hawkes started to smirk only to freeze at the look McQeen shot him. Clearing his throat, he glanced away. "I thought you wanted him put in his place. He's been put there."
"I would expect this kind of brutality from the NBs. They forget we are of the same strain as a matter of convenience." Stepping in close to Hawkes, McQueen dropped the pitch of his voice. "You of above all others should know better than this disgrace."
"Look!" Turning on his CO, Hawkes clenched his fists. "It's bad enough we gotta deal with those assholes during exercises. You can't just drop one of them among my unit and expect everything to end up sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows!"
"Still listening to those ancient compact discs, I see." The moment of musing past, McQueen seemed to swell in anger. For a moment, he felt like he might strike the younger officer, but turned away before his rage took hold. "I'm relieving you of command."
"What?" Eyes bugging out, Hawkes' jaw dropped and he tried to speak. Nothing came out except stunned grunts.
"It's become obvious that you're under too much stress. This recent burden is only the final straw." Raising a hand, McQueen laid it flat on the glass. He paused to consider his thoughts for a moment. It had to be done, no matter how he might feel. "Time I lightened your load. Until he's well enough to complete an obstacle course, your only concern shall be Private West. He doesn't eat, sleep, or take a piss without you there holding his hand. When he's fit, we'll revisit this."
Hawkes wanted to protest, desperation to keep what he had earned warred with the fact that he might lose everything. "What about my unit?"
"I've got someone in mind." McQueen glanced over only long enough to meet Hawkes' gaze. "Someone competent and trustworthy."
That shouldn't have been enough. Hawkes shouldn't have allowed it, they were his men and women. In the end, however, he just ground his teeth and nodded. He couldn't be sure why, but the fact McQueen had reassured him seemed to allay any protests he felt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tray in hand, Hawkes sulked his way across the infirmary. He had been red faced almost the entire way through the chow line. By midday meal, word of his change in position had spread through out the entire IV sector. Hawkes had ignored the gossip, stares, and blatant taunts in favor of getting his meal, one for West, and then getting the hell out of there. His retreat had met with a few snickers for the speed, but he didn't give a damn.
Because West's jaw was currently strapped shut, he could only eat liquid foods. That was okay with Hawkes, he would eat West's steak himself. A rare treat, he was going to take his time and enjoy it while his charge watched. It would serve to piss him off and make Hawkes feel better, it was a win/win situation.
Pulling the swing arm table over West's bed, Hawkes kicked the foot board with his boot to wake him up. "Wakey, wakey, pretty boy. Dinner's here." Hawkes set the tray on the table before pulling up a chair for himself. "We got steak, strained peas, mashed potatoes, and lime jello. Since you can't eat your meat, you won't mind if I do."
Rolling up his bed, West glared at his superior officer. The strap under his chin caused the skin to ache, but it prevented the rest of his jaw from hurting.
Sitting down, Hawkes reached out with his fork, intent on taking West's steak off his plate for his own. When the older man's own fork blocked his, he looked up with a raised eyebrow.
Hoarding his plate to him, West cut off thin strips of the steak. Pursing his lips, he gently slid the strips between his cheek and teeth. He made loud sucking sounds to spite Hawkes.
Face scrunching up in disgust, Hawkes drew back. "Oh, that's just sick. How can you do that to a perfectly nice steak?"
West sucked louder. The taste of the meat was almost enough to make him forget about the rest, but the fact he was having to suck the flavor from it stood as a reminder. When there was little texture and flavor left in the meat, he carefully extracted the pieces. After carefully examining them, he held them up for Hawkes.
With a single shoulder shrug, Hawkes picked them up and stuffed them in his mouth. He made a big deal of chewing the meat before swallowing. Opening his mouth wide, he leaned over and belched in West's face. "You can't out gross me, West." Wiping the his mouth with the back of his hand, he leaned back to enjoy his steak.
Nathan looked down at his own steak, his cheeks paling at the sight. With a burp, he pushed the steak towards Hawkes and laid his head back on his pillow.
Grin in place, Hawkes dumped the steak on to his plate and started to slice. After a few bites, he found himself growing agitated. Something wasn't right. He looked around, noting that West was still suffering from his Hawkes induced nausea. That wasn't bothering him, though. It took him nearly snarling at the sound of a jeep passing by to realize it was the quiet itself.
This would be something readily solved. Standing up reluctantly, Hawkes gave his plate a longing once over. With a sigh, he puffed up his chest and marched over to the one television set in the entire ward. It was in the far corner, no remote, and hardly, if ever, worked.
Turning it on, he found that it still refused to function properly. There were dozens of over lapping pictures, all the channels blurring in to one. The noise of the different programs was indecipherable, but it filled the room even with the volume turned down. Satisfied with the background ambience, Hawkes happily walked back to his lunch.
As he sat down, he got curious look from West, but no comment. Smirking, he stuck out his tongue. West moved fast, but he withdrew his tongue quicker. Instead of grabbing his tongue, West grabbed his chin. Dipping his head, he gave West's wrist a quick kiss and lick before he could withdraw.
Snatching his hand back, Nathan dragged it over the blanket, wiping away the saliva. Grimace in place, he laid back down on his pillow. It would be a long convalescence.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At supper time, word was all over the camp. Hawkes, who had spent the past six hours going insane watching over West, was ready to kill someone by the time he reached the chow line. Marines from the other nine units stationed on Tellus were now watching him, making his skin crawl. To make matters worse, there seemed to be a staff shortage and the line was taking twice as long.
Hawkes was close to chewing the metal tray when the noise in the mess hall was suddenly silenced. Looking up, he frowned. The others in line were turning to face someone at the center of the mess, so he did the same.
Standing there, McQueen was flanked by four MPs and a woman. Arms crossed, he nodded at Hawkes before looking at the gathered heads of each unit. "As you no doubt know by now, Captain Cooper Hawkes was relieved of his command for personal reasons. This does not reflect negatively on him, his unit, or the rest of the Invitros as it happens from time to time. What this does mean, though, is that we are down not only several good men and women, but now, a Unit Commander."
He reached out and gestured to the woman behind him to step forward. "Some of you may have seen her in person, but all of you know her battle record. She has proven herself many times over, saving the lives of Invitro and NB alike." This caused a stir among the gathered marines. Raising his hands, McQueen silenced them. "I am not giving you a choice on this one, as I've not been given one myself. Now, in spite of that, I do fully support this decision."
With a nod from McQueen, she took a calming breath and exhaled loudly. The sound echoed in the mess hall. "My name is Captain Shane Vansen. Until a week ago, I was in command of the fifty-eighth squadron, the airborn division of the one hundred and eighth tactical unit. I am a Natural Born." Shane had heard the invitros refer to her and the others as NB, but never had she thought to identify herself that way. Now, it seemed appropriate that she self address for them.
Taking the lead again, McQueen nodded for her to step back. "High Command has sent down orders, and I agreed. As of o'nine hundred hours tomorrow, Captain Vansen will be in command of the ninth tactical unit. You will follow her orders and respect her in the chain of command. There will not be any complaints." He sent the last comment to the members of Hawkes squadron. The rebellious looks he received told him there would be trouble. "As you were."
Swallowing, Shane watched McQueen walk out. Two of the MP's went to stand by the doorway while the other moved to flank her. She cast them a cursory glance before walking over to join the others in the chow line. Much to her surprise, they didn't make a comment. However, every person in line before her stepped out and signaled her to go ahead.
Not one to pass up an opportunity, Hawkes shot passed Shane up to the food servers. He put two plates out, one for him and one for West. Smiling at the look the man gave him, he tapped one plate. "Nothing solid on this one, he's still gotta weak jaw."
"Right." The server dropped a dollop of mashed potatoes on it, a slice of butter going in the center before adding gravy.
Watching as a porkchop was added to his own plate, Hawkes sucked on his bottom lip. It was his favorite part of any meal. "While you are at it, put one for him on there too. We might be able to fix it for him, some how."
Despite a look, the server did as ordered.
"Excellent!" Taking both plates back on to his tray, Hawkes dragged it down the line to the desserts. He grabbed a piece of pie for himself, and a pudding for West. If the man didn't like it, then he would enjoy it.
"You keep eating like that and they'll be greasing up the doors to get you through them." Her own plate loaded down with more potatoes than meat, Shane grabbed a piece of the same pie Hawkes had. She grinned at his blank expression. "I don't know if it's something in them, or the fact that they serve so many, but I think I'm beginning to become addicted to the potatoes."
Taking a spoonful of her potatoes, Hawkes stuck them in his mouth. Swallowing, he gave a half shrug. "Must be you." Dragging his tray to the drink cart, he grabbed a frozen fruit juice for West and two chocolate smoothies for him.
Putting out her hand, Shane smiled for Hawkes. "Captain Shane Vansen."
Hawkes looked down at her hand then back to her face. "Captain Hawkes." A nod to the cashier, and Hawkes started off across the mess hall.
Groaning, Shane put her tray next to the register. Most of their meals were comped by the military, but frills like the package of skittles next to her pie were extra. Handing over the fifty cents, she picked up her tray and carried it away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still fuming about meeting his replacement, Cooper trudged across the mess' parking lot to the infirmary. He wasn't going to place nice with the woman who had stolen his hard earned promotion. They were ordered to be respectful, but beyond that, he wouldn't do a damn thing. Hawkes was lost in thought, so it came as a surprise when he started to open the door to the infirmary to hear voices.
Frowning, he pushed the door open slowly. His presence had either gone unnoticed or they were ignoring him as they kept talking. Feeling bolder, he let it swing all the way open before stepping in to the room. The only occupant was West watching him. It took Hawkes a minute to realize that West wasn't watching him, but something just beyond him.
Glancing over his shoulder, Hawkes nearly dropped his tray in surprise. The television was working. Not only that, it was working better than any television he had seen on the entire planet. He studied it for a minute to make sure it was indeed the same television. Having confirmed it, he walked over to West's bedside, still a little stunned.
He was about to ask West who had come in and fixed it when he noticed the other man's eyes were at half mast. Setting the tray down on West's table, he grabbed the other man's arm. The pulse was strong, but not rushing. He glanced down at West's hands on a whim and frowned. There were fresh cuts and scrapes.
Looking to the television, then back to West, Hawkes smirked. "You fixed it?"
Nathan closed his eyes in response, taking his hand back. Shortly afterwards, he was snoring in to his pillow.
Chuckling, Hawkes plopped down in to his chair to enjoy his meal and this new revelation. Apparently the little tank had a few tricks up his sleeve. If he knew how to repair a television, what else could he do that he hadn't shared. That thought set Hawkes to frowning again. He hadn't exactly encouraged West to be open with any of them.
That had to change. Since his whole job now centered on getting West back in to peak efficiency, working out what the man could do was now a priority. It would be a whole lot easier if he had access to West's personnel file, but he knew McQueen wasn't going to be sharing that. Oh well, midnight was coming up in five-point-five hours and he had a few tricks of his own.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At five til midnight, the door to the infirmary opened. McQueen stepped through, already knowing that Hawkes had gone on his mission. The low level lights from the two wall sconces lit to allow the nurses viewing access allowed him to see West. Making his way down the central path between the beds, McQueen stopped at the foot of West's.
He stood there watching the young man for a few minutes before he noticed West watching him back. Smiling tensely, he came around the side Hawkes had left a chair on. Uncomfortable standing, McQueen took the seat.
All the while, Nathan followed the colonel with his eyes. This was the man who had assigned him to a pit in hell. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to hate him.
"I suppose you are wondering why I am here." Taking a settling breath, McQueen nodded in thought. "I'm not really certain myself." He looked up, meeting West's gaze. "You are older than I am by about four years, but we'd be the same age if they'd let you fully mature in the tank." It was the last said between them for a while.
Frown creasing his face, McQueen shook his head. "I suppose it was mostly jealousy... the reason I let it go on so long. I cannot fully apologize for what happened to you. A lot of it would have happened either way. Jealousy seems to be common among invitros." Startled, McQueen looked at the hand that gripped his own.
Squeezing the Colonel's hand, Nathan released it. When the other met his stare, he nodded.
"I lied." He went back to staring at his hand. It still felt warm from West's touch. "There are not many from our incept date alive. The AI war and mental stress took a heavy toll on us. You didn't live through it all, but you remember, you know." When he looked up again, for a minute, McQueen could swear he saw someone else laying there. It forced him to look away, closing his eyes during a shuddering breath.
Taking the colonel's hand in his own once more, West laced their fingers together. He desperately wanted to speak, but thought may be it was better this way. The colonel seemed to need contact, may be that was all he should offer.
Lowering his head, McQueen slumped back in the chair. The reassuring grip allowed him to feel as if he could relax.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the infirmary window, Shane and Hawkes watched the two men inside. Standing at attention, she held her hands behind her back. She cast a glance to Hawkes before turning back to the window. "Where did you go?"
"What are you doing here?" Hawkes started to cross his arms, but the file he carried prevented it. Instead, he mimicked her stance.
"I asked first." Her lips twitched, but that was only sign of emotion she allowed to show.
"I had an errand to run. Now, your turn." Uncaring if she saw the file, he put a hand on his hips and one on the window sill. "What are you doing here?"
"West is still listed on active duty. As one of my marines, it's my responsibility to check on him." Matching his stance, she leaned more casually against the glass. "As you are his primary care giver, you will have that information. How's he doing?"
Hawkes' jaw clenched at the mention of his demotion. "West is just fine."
"That's not what I've been told. From the looks of his face, I'm inclined to agree with the nurse." Pushing off the glass, she put a finger to his chest. "Now that I'm in command, this kinda bullshit won't be happening again. I don't give a damn what sacred brother hood crap you had going on before, but as of tomorrow morning, it ends."
"Now, you see, that's where you're wrong. We're tanks, tanks don't take shit from anyone. Especially not some breeder bitch!" Hawkes pushed forward against her finger. He had thought to intimidate her with his size. That's why he wasn't ready when her knee was suddenly planted in his groin.
Slamming her combined fists on his back, she drove him to the ground. "Fine, if that's the way you wanna play it. From now on, you either answer me with yes, sir or yes, ma'am." Bending over, she snatched the file from the floor where he had dropped it. Upon scanning the file head, she smirked. "Thank you, this will come in handy."
Stepping over his prone form, she walked out of the infirmary.
"Bitch." Groaning, Hawkes laid there trying to recover from the pain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At o'nine hundred hours, the troops of the ninth lined up in three rows for inspection, all eighteen of them. Taking her lead in front of them, Shane stood beside Colonel McQueen. Her MP body guards had been released back to their normal service the night before.
She was about to start her inspection when movement to her right drew everyone's attention. Shane cleared her throat, causing her troops to face forward again. Much to her surprise, and pride, Hawkes and West were stopping a few feet away, saluting. Returning their salute, she smiled. "Glad you could join us, gentlemen. Take your place in formation."
West took a wincing step before he fell in line up front. He was pushed back a step to the second row by a hand on his hip by Hawkes.
Careful of the older man's bruises, Hawkes used his fingers to guide West. When he was certain the other was in his place, Hawkes took his spot at the head of the formation. He met McQueen's eyes quickly before staring straight ahead. "Captain Hawkes reporting for duty, sir."
"Very good." Shane performed a quick inspection on each marine. Checking shirt alignments and the polish on shoes, she made a few mental notes. They were pretty well in order this morning, but that would change later on. She had seen the evidence of that first hand. When she was finished, she came to stand in front of McQueen and saluted him. "Troops of the Ninth inspected and approved, sir."
"All right. Take your place, Captain Vansen." Much to his amusement, Shane was less than gentle with Hawkes as she pushed him back to the second row. When West had taken his place on the third, McQueen stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Ladies and Gentlemen, as you know, you have a new commanding officer. Captain Vansen is a competent and experienced soldier. She will lead you well, and you will follow her."
He stopped long enough to watch the invitros for any reaction. Pride filled him when they remained at attention. "Last night, I only informed you of half the orders I was given from command. The rest are as follows. The six pilots lost from your unit will not be replaced by invitros. UN Secretary General Hayden has decreed that you will be part of an experiment to end the segregation." He waited a few minutes to give them time to adjust.
Feeling secure that they wouldn't cause trouble for now, he pressed on. "Of those lost, one has been replaced by Private West, and another, Captain Vansen. The remaining four will be hand selected from among the Natural Borns. They will arrive at your barracks at eleven hundred hours. Treat them as you wish to be treated. Any abuse will result in severe punishment, the details of which I'll let Captain Vansen explain. That is all, you are dismissed!" After saluting them, McQueen marched back to his office. There would be hell and he didn't want to be forced to deal with it. If he had to, it would go in their files.
Fists tight, Shane knew the shit had hit the fan. When she had accepted the assignment, she had thought it would be just herself. She knew she could handle that. Four others meant her life had just been declared worth less than zero. Slowly, she turned to face the glaring marines of her unit, even Hawkes. Centering herself, she tugged on her uniform. "All right, maggots, listen up. I am now your personal god. You do what I say, and you'll forever reside in the land of milk and honey. Disobey, and I have a variety of treatments at my disposal."
She turned to Hawkes, making sure she was in his face. "Get this vagrant off my field and back to the infirmary before he collapses! West. You have five days to get better. After that, I'm coming down on you heavier than the fat lady of the circus on a hot dog! Move it!" Grim satisfaction filled her as they saluted, then hot footed their way back towards the infirmary.
Shifting her attention back to the rest of her unit, Shane gave an inwards sigh. They were still watching her with less than disguised anger, even hatred from a couple. Clapping her hands together, she knew she had a lot of work ahead for her. "As for the rest of you, time to see how good you invitros really are. I've heard a lot of talk, but not much show. Today's a new day and I'm in the mood for a little jog. Question is, can you keep up?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
By the time noon rolled around, Hawkes was bored. The moment they had gotten back to the infirmary, West had collapsed on to his bed and fell asleep. He hadn't moved since. It was in that moment Hawkes truly realized just how bad off they had made him. Still, he refused to feel regret, no matter how much it ate at him.
Standing under the television set, Hawkes flipped through the channels. He would find something interesting and they he would go get their lunch. If West wasn't awake by the time he got back, then he would be once Hawkes kicked his bed. Finding the national news network, he left it on that and headed for the mess hall.
His stomach wasn't really up to what the wind smelled like, but he could eat anything once he set his mind to it. There wasn't much his gut couldn't process. The life he had lead before being recruited had seen to that.
Hawkes was halfway across the parking lot when he spotted Shane jogging in place at the corner of the mess hall. She was making a great show out of checking her wrist watch and looking up. He started to wonder what the hell was going on until the first of his squad came around the building, dragging ass and coughing. She was soon followed by the rest of their unit, all in similar states.
Shaking her head, Shane exhaled loudly. "Disgraceful. There is no excuse for war time marines to be in this pathetic of shape. After dinner, I want all of you out on the practice field. We're going to be running drills the rest of the afternoon. Now, cool down then grab something to eat. You're going to need the energy." Checking her pulse she slowed her jog down to a walk in circle.
To Hawkes' amazement, the rest of their unit did as she said, only slower. He hadn't seen them this exhausted since the first battle. Ordinarily, he would have stood there watching in amusement, but that would mean he was gloating. If he wished to keep their respect, he would just move on. After another glance, he did that.
Upon entering the mess, he found the normally noisy hall dead silent. At the center of the mess sat four people. Their table was the only one no body was watching. From the lack of umbilicus on their necks, he deduced these were the new recruits. He'd let Shane deal with them, when he got his command back, they might not be here.
Grabbing his plates and tray, he entered the line and moved quickly through the servers. Today it was some pasta meat combination that didn't settle well with his stomach. At least the side wasn't mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, it didn't seem a single thing on his plates West would be able to eat, what a shame. He picked up several broth packets and fruit juice pouches for West.
As he headed out of the mess, he passed the stinking remains of his unit. They sent him glares, but said nothing. He smirked at them, carrying his food and went on. Upon entering the infirmary, his jolly mood evaporated. West wasn't in there. "Damn it!" Knowing he would get in trouble if West was involved in another altercation, he set their tray down on the table and rushed out of the infirmary.
He searched the rest of the infirmary offices and wards, finding nothing beyond the medical staff. Invitros were fast healers, preferring to do their recuperating in the barracks. West wouldn't enjoy being locked away any more than the rest of them would.
Hawkes knew none of the other invitros would harbor West. His presence would be clearly signaled. He wasn't going to head for the NB side of the base because they knew about him as well. The work out yard was empty and the mess hall would have alerted the aid station. That left the recreational building, the ammo dumps, and motor pool. Since West hadn't shown any interest in exploring the planet, and the ammo dump was well guarded, that left the rec building.
Hawkes was sprinting across the camp grounds when he spotted something at the communications depot. The usual line was gone due to lunch time. Invitros would give up waiting to make a call to whomever in favor of eating any day of the week. So why were there a pair of legs sticking out of the communications control shed?
Suspicious, Hawkes slowed down his sprint to a walk as he came upon the lean form of his charge. His lower half sticking out, Hawkes had a clear view of the bruised skin of his abdomen. If it weren't for the pretty colors, he might have been considered attractive. Settling down between West's legs, he had a mischievous thought. His fingers settled on the hairy strip of exposed skin and quickly fluttered over it.
West gave a snort before a loud bang indicated he hit his head on something. His legs instantly wrapped around Hawkes' waist, squeezing until the younger invitro cried out. Being dragged out of the console, West glared at Hawkes, wrench and soldering torch in his hands.
"Come on, precious, mommy said you had to get all better. Fixing the communications consoles can wait until you can at least say it without wincing." Taking the torch and wrench from West, Cooper tossed them back in the shack. He stuck an arm under West's knees and the other under his arms. Standing up, he groaned. "Geeze, how much can a skinny runt like you weigh?"
West flipped him off, refusing to struggle. If the idiot wanted to break his back carrying him, then who was he to argue. He pointed at the shack's maintenance door, then the sign that said 'keep closed at all times'.
"You know, you're a real pain in the ass, West." Still, he kicked it shut, hoping it would stick closed. Much to his relief, it did as he wanted it. Shifting his burden, he walked as fast as he could with West in his arms back to the infirmary. The few people they encountered didn't say anything, they were too busy laughing.
He had to let West open the infirmary door and close it behind them. When he reached West's bed, he raised him up, then dropped him. The older man bounced to a satisfying height. West's glare was responded to by a dusting of his hands. "Next time, you'll wait until I say you can leave the bed." Grabbing the broth packets and fruit juice pouches, he tossed them to West. "Eat up."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At midnight, West pushed back his covers. Hawkes was in the adjacent bed, snoring loud enough to vibrate the window shutters. He quickly slipped on a pair of his fatigue pants and then his boots. His plain white shirt would have to be enough since Hawkes had hidden his jacket in the hopes of keeping him put.
It was a simple matter of turning up the television loud enough to cover his opening and closing the door. The patrols were making their rounds, but he knew their schedule and kept to the shadows as he crossed the base. It took fifteen minutes, but he made it to the communications shack. Activating the only working one, he typed in his access code and the destination for his signal.
While the signal went through, he removed the brace holding his jaw shut. The loss of support was almost as painful as stretching the unused muscles. He was stretching his mouth in the shape of an O when a face appeared on the screen. Nathan hadn't realized how much he missed his parents until he saw his mother. Her gasp made his eyes water. "Mom." It came out barely louder than a whisper, but it sent a shock through her body.
"Oh, my precious baby." She leaned away from the screen, waving emphatically at someone he couldn't see. "Nathan, my god, what have they done to you?"
"I can handle it." He took his time, slowly drawing out each word. "How are you and dad?"
As if drawn by name, his dad appeared next to his mother. Wrapping an arm around his wife, he smiled at Nathan. He took a shuddering breath, gritting his jaw to keep it in. "Nathan, my boy, how are you holding up?"
"I'm still fighting." He demonstrated the pale green and yellow bruising on his cheeks and around his eyes. At his father's harsh bark, he smiled. It turned in to a wince as the muscles pulled tender flesh. "I wanted to call while you were awake. Want to see you both. May not get another chance."
"Now don't talk like that! You'll be given leave sooner or later, then you can come visit us." Her voice was tight, as if she didn't believe her words. "We haven't heard any good news, Nathan. They say Omicron fell and no one can raise the seventh fleet."
Nathan shrugged. He didn't know what to say since he hadn't heard any thing about it. There was other important things he wanted to discuss. "Neil..."
"You haven't heard?" His father looked to his mother, who refused to meet his gaze. Sighing, he turned back to Nathan. "Neil's number was picked three days ago. He had to report yesterday for duty, but he never showed up. The county sheriff has a warrant out on him. This whole thing's a mess, no one is safe from the draft anymore. Even your Kylen..." His father trailed off, remembering their last parting. "Damn, I'm sorry. Me and my big mouth, I suppose I'm the one you and your brothers get it from."
"It's okay." And it was. Nathan realized that he had some how forgotten his ex-fiance in past ten days. "Her loss."
"Damn right! She wasn't good enough for you. Judge mental bitch!" Raising his head proudly, his father ignored his mother's reproachful look. "I don't care how you came in to this world, you are my son and that's all that matters."
"You're father speaks for the both of us on this one, Nathan." Her husband's arm settling on her shoulders, she turned in to him. She took several quick breaths, attempting to hold on to her emotions.
Nathan smiled at her, ignoring the pain. "I love you both." A beep came from the communication's console. Checking the stats, Nathan felt his happiness at seeing his parents wane. "I don't have much longer. This thing's about to power down for recharging."
"It is so good to see you, my beautiful, beautiful little boy. Don't take so long to call us next time." Leaning in to the screen, she kissed her palm and pressed it against the screen. "I love you, Nathan."
"And I love you as well." Pulling his wife back so he could be seen, he waved at Nathan. "Take care of yourself, and keep your ears clean."
Snickering, Nathan nodded. "I love you." The console beeped again, then the screen went black.
"So that's what having parents is like."
Nathan spun so fast he nearly fell out of his seat. The sight of Hawkes watching him, head ducked seemed totally out of place. "You were asleep."
"I know, and now I'm not." Crossing the short distance between them, Hawkes knelt down beside West. He placed a hand on the other's knee to stabilize himself. "Look, I'm not good with emotional crap. So, you'll have to cut me some slack."
Shaking his head no, West smirked. "Might hang yourself."
"Oh, funny." He sat there watching the other man. The bruises on West face gave him a hostile air. Before he could stop himself, Hawkes was reaching up to touch them. The wince he caused made him draw back. "Sorry."
Taking Hawkes' hand in his own, West stood up. With it, he tugged the other man to his feet. "I'm hungry."
Smirking, Hawkes jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "We got more broth. If you want, I'm sure we can even find some mashed potatoes." Snickering, he pulled West along.
Stepping out of the shadow on the far side of the communication's depot, McQueen squeezed the call button on his radio. "Signal identified. No further action necessary."
"What was the source, sir?"
"Just a homesick marine. Lose the call information, that's an order." Shutting off his radio, McQueen watched Hawkes drag the laughing West towards the mess hall. If they thought they were being stealthy, he would have to teach them better. But that could wait until tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rolling over in his bunk, Wang dragged the pillow over his head. He caught sight of Damphousse doing the same. Rolling his eyes, he smiled as she had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. He wasn't sure how it had happened, but they had been selected to participate in a joint team.
At first, he had thought the drawn out stuttering was something only the invitros were doing. That had proven false by Vansen. She was on the bunk beneath his and was currently busy trying to cut the legs off their bed if the buzzing sound was anything to go by.
Making a display of covering his ears, Wang pretended to writhe in agony before going slack, tongue hanging out. This time, Damphousse couldn't hold the laughter in. Thankfully, a cacophony of snores drowned out the sound. All except for one person.
The next moment, Wang found himself bouncing off his bed as his mattress bucked up. He hit the ground with a loud thud. Climbing up on his hands and knees, he found Vansen giving him the death glare. Smiling, he mouthed a sorry at her, then climbed up back to his bunk. When he looked back over, Vanessa was in tears as she shook on her bunk.
That was okay, he would get her back tomorrow.
THE END......................