2 comments/ 9638 views/ 2 favorites Out of the Shadows Ch. 04 By: Iread2relax Hello, everyone. I hope you read the previous chapter and enjoyed it. This story is a continuation of the Shadows of Resentment series. In this chapter, we find out what happened with the girls. Again, let me reiterate, I am no expert on anything military, so I used my imagination freely here. It is not my intention to offend any of the great people who have sacrificed and served in any branch of the military. So please remember this in a fictional piece of writing and not meant to be taken literally. I hope you enjoy this chapter and remember to vote and comment after you have read it. Thank you. IR2R, "Derrick, it's Dad. Can you and Dawn come over now? Something has happened." Marvin explained to his son. He had managed to calm Marge down enough to call. After the stroke, he decided that his kids would be the first people he called from now on. He started to dial Sierra, when the door opened and Jasmine rushed in. "Oh God, Marge. They've got to be alright," she sobbed holding onto Marge. Jasmine was followed by Derrick, Sierra, and Gunther, who had just gotten back into town. Dawn, Cameron, and Deidre rushed over from their jobs. All eyes were glued to the television. "Oh God! Darius! If he knows, he's going to... Oh my God!" Deidre whispered as her boyfriend Jason held her. "Deidre, we have to pray that Cynthia and Kerrie didn't get hurt." He whispered. The twins were at daycare, as were Marcus, and DJ. Sierra had her infant son, Ian with her. After Marge's stroke, Deidre discussed it with Darius, and they agreed that it was for the best. However, the girls spent most of their Saturday's with Grandma and Grandpa. Marvin held his wife and they wept as they watched the news. Derrick and Dawn held each other as they watched the news, as did Jason and Deidre. Nick sat with Jasmine and held her hand. Meanwhile, at a base on the other side of the country, a report went out of a shooting at a military hospital. Darius was working on repairing a tank when he heard the news, a sense of foreboding crept over him, but he tried to shake it off. Then his commander shut off the radio. "What the fuck?!' Darius yelled out standing. He looked right in the face of his commanding officer Lieutenant David Brown. Standing in attention, Darius greeted his supervisor as well as the other soldiers. "Sir, Lieutenant Brown, Sir" Darius greeted him. "At ease soldier, I know you all are aware of the shooting. It was at a medical facility. I cut the radio off because-" Darius didn't hear more Cynthia and Kerrie were at a medical facility. "Sir, Tell me my people are alright." Darius demanded. "Stand down soldier. I am your commanding officer." He commanded. Darius took deep breaths to calm down. His palms were sweating, heart pounding, praying that this man wasn't about to tell him Cyn and Kerrie had been shot. "Officer Granger. We need you to come with us." Lieutenant Brown ordered. "Sir, please. Tell me." Darius pleaded. He had yet to disobey a direct order. "Soldier, come with me." Then he turned and started walking. He didn't know how to tell this kid two members of his team may have died. "Lieutenant Brown?"Darius asked when they entered the office. The Lieutenant had a television on. On the screen was the title Shooting at Manglady Army Medical Center. The reporter came out and said, "This morning an unidentified assailant opened fire on the third floor of Manglady Army Medical Center. Over thirty people worked on that floor and causalities have been reported. "Sir, part of my team is at that facility. Are they Alright?" Darius demanded shaking furiously, thinking. Cynthia and Kerrie are at that facility. Oh God please let them be alright. I can't lose her. I can't lose Cynthia. I just found her. Please let him say they are alright. "Son, we don't know. We're getting people out now." Lieutenant Brown explained. "We don't know how many shooters are in the building. We have teams in place assessing the area now." "Sir, I need... I need to go" Darius said. Trying to hold himself together as he felt his world be ripped apart. "Of course son. We have a bird ready to fly you there." Lieutenant Brown answered. Darius knees buckled. It was too much. Cynthia, Kerrie were in that building. They had to be alright. She had to be alright. Fates could not be that cruel. Within minutes, Darius was airborne and being flown to be where his fallen team mates were. When he arrived at the government building which was housing military and civilians that were working this case, Horse, Danny, and Maria were there. "Have you guys heard anything?" he asked praying that if they had it was good news. "Naw, man. Nothing." Horse answered. "I'm gonna see if I can go in and search for them." Horse stood to find a commanding officer. Darius was barely holding on. He could not breathe. The thought of Cynthia being hurt paralyzed him. And if something happened to Kerrie, he didn't know what he'd do." "Officer Granger, you have a phone call Sir. The Lieutenant said to put it through. Darius took the phone. "Hello, Officer Granger." He spoke before he heard his Mom's voice. "Darius, you bring my girls home. You hear me son. Find them and bring them home." Marge Granger sobbed in the phone to her son. Her words broke him and his breath heaved. His team stood around him as two of the higher ups closed off the room to give them privacy. "Momma, I can't lose her. Momma, I don't know..." He whispered into the phone. The thought of losing Cynthia was so devastating that he dropped the phone and Danny picked up. His heart broke as he listened to Mrs. Granger sobs on the other end. "Ma'am," Danny said. "They are going in now. We should know something soon." "Danny, Danny," Marge pleaded. "Look out for my boy. She's his heart. Please help him Danny. Is the rest of the team there?" "Yes Ma'am" he answered through his tears. "Then you all need to be strong for each other. Be strong, Danny." Marge ordered. Lieutenant Strapp came in. "Mrs. Granger, someone is here with news. I gotta go, but I will call back as soon as we know something." "Officers Granger, Tate, Sanchez, and Stephens, the building is secure. Unfortunately, Officers Knicks and Masters were on the floor with the shooter." Darius collapsed, His knees gave out and he fell into a chair behind him. Maria quickly moved to his side. Holding him she tried to reassure her friend. Lieutenant Strapp gave him a moment to gain control before continuing. "We have a team that is assessing the situation on that floor and will let you now more shortly." He informed them. "Lieutenant Strapp, were there casualties?" Maria asked. Inhaling Lieutenant Strapp didn't really want to answer that question. But he wouldn't lie. "Yes Ma'am" "Oh God!" Maria then lost it. Horse held her close and tried to reassure her. Darius had calmed down and was back in control. "Officer Strapp, thank you." He said. "Please let us know when you find them. Meanwhile, back on the floor. Kerrie was laying down wondering why Lieutenant Garner shoved her so hard. Then her brain registered the gunshots. She saw her Lieutenant drop. He fell on top of her. Then it was silent. She lay there and watched in horror as the confused soldier place the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. Cynthia, where's Cynthiashe thought frantically when she spotted her across the room on the floor in a heap. Kerri pushed Lieutenant Garner off and crawled to her friend. "Cynthia," Kerrie sobbed. "Please be alright." Cynthia coughed. She was still breathing. Next to her lay Lieutenant Manson, he was barely breathing. Cynthia woke up and saw that Kerrie was alive. She started to move when she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder. She'd been shot, but she'd survive. Kerrie needed to check on Lieutenant Garner. He had taken a direct hit. His pulse was sporadic and he had lost so much blood. Lieutenant Garner opened his eyes and looked at Kerrie. "Kerrie," he whispered. "You are so damn beautiful. I thought so the first day I saw you walk in." Then he coughed. Blood spewed from his mouth. "I wanted to marry you. I was going to let you go on your mission and then meet you and beg you to marry me when it ended." Kerrie listened to him as she sobbed silently, holding him close. "Would you have done it? Kerrie, would you have married me?" he asked growing weaker by the minute. At that moment medics had arrived and Kerrie, kissed his forehead and answered. I'll answer you when you wake up." Then the medics rushed him to the critical care unit. Two other medics were working with Cynthia. But she was begging them to check on Lieutenant Manson. One of the medics did and he had a slow pulse, so they rushed him to trauma well. Cynthia had a bullet lodged in her shoulder, and needed surgery. So they rushed her to trauma to prep for surgery. A medic examined Kerrie and had a petty officer escort her off the floor. Lieutenant Strapp rushed back over to the conference room where the rest of the team was waiting. "Officers," he yelled. "Your friends are alive. One sustained a gunshot wound, and the other was unharmed." "Yes, thank God" Maria cheered crying, "Can we see them?" she asked. "Of course, give me a minute and I'll be back." Lieutenant Strapp answered. "Wait," Darius stopped him. "Who got shot? Which girl was shot?" he asked shaking. Lieutenant Strapp answered, "I'm not sure, Officer. She's being taken care of." Darius sat down. "I need to call Momma. She's worried sick and that's not good for her." "I'll get a phone." Danny said and he left to get the phone for Darius. Darius dialed his parent's number and Marge answered on the first ring. "Darius, please." She sobbed softly. "Momma they're alive." He said fighting to hold back his tears. "They're alive Momma. Cynthia's didn't leave me." "Oh Thank God," Marge sobbed as she reached for her husband, she dropped the phone. "Marv, they're alive. He said they're alive" Derrick picked up. "Darius, I'm taking the next flight out. I'll be there in a few hours alright." "OK, and Derrick. Thanks" he whispered. "Derrick knew this was serious. Darius didn't say "Don't come." Looking at his wife, he silently asked permission. "I'll pack for you and you tell them to stay strong for me, alright." Soon, Lieutenant Strapp returned. Officers, come with me." He then escorted them to the basement floor of the medical center. As soon as they entered. "Kerrie ran screaming into Danny's arms. Danny was the first person she could get to. Darius was paralyzed, frozen on the spot, his heart stopped as reality sank in, Cynthia was the girl that got shot. "Fuck, where's Cyn. Kerrie." Darius queried nervously. "She's in surgery. She got hit, Darius." Kerrie sobbed. "I'm sorry." Darius held his friend as she sobbed. "Kerrie it wasn't your fault It just happened." Taking a deep breath, Darius reassured his team, "Cyn is strong; she'll be fine." Then the team was taken to the OR waiting room. Sitting quietly the wait seemed like hours. Thirty minutes later a doctor came out and asked for the family of Officer Knicks. Darius and his team stood. "Son," Dr. Kravis addressed Darius. "She's lost a lot of blood and will need a transfusion. The problem is she has a rare blood type. Only several people have this type of blood and they are all related." "So, Doc, what's the problem call them." Darius demanded. He'd pay any price to save her. Even give his own life for hers. She was his heart." "Son, listen. I've already given the name of the nearest person to us to your commanding officer and he has sent two officers to talk to the young woman and her husband." Dr. Kravis stated. "Now we must wait." Maria walked over to him. "Do you want me to call your family and let them know?" "Yea, thanks Maria." Darius whispered as he sat in the hard plastic chair staring at nothing. Maria called and Marvin answered. She told them Cynthia's condition and that a suitable match had been found. Meanwhile in the town of Gospel, Clay was holding a special prayer for the victims and their families of the Manglady shooting, when two army officers walked into the church. The entire congregation turned and looked. They were stunned, silent. "Excuse us pastor, I'm Sergeant Bull and this is Lieutenant Parks. We are sorry to interrupt your services, but can we speak to you privately? It's urgent." "Of course." Said Clay, come to my office. Mysha asked Mother Williams and Sister Jones to watch the children and accompanied her husband to his office. Once inside the office, Lieutenant Parks spoke. "We need your help." "Officer how can we help?" Clay asked, wondering why was the military in his church. "Sir, we are looking for Mysha Knicks. One of the soldiers LaCynthia Knicks was hit and needs a blood transfusion. Mysha is the nearest match according to our data banks." Sergeant Bull explained. A beautiful black woman stood beside him, shock registered on her face. "Cynthia was shot. Oh my God, Clay she's my cousin. I haven't seen her since she was five and we moved away. If I can help my cousin, I will." Mysha declared. Clay nodded, "Alright looks like we're heading to the Manglady Army Center." So within an hour, Mysha and Clay were boarding military aircraft and being flown in to save Cynthia. Mysha called Greg and explained what happened, and he agreed to pick up the children. She told them they'd be with Sister Yvonne. Sister Yvonne lived across the street from them. While waiting to hear whether or not the cousin had been found, Derrick arrived at the hospital. Darius almost broke when he saw his brother, but he held himself together. Thirty minutes later the nurse walked a guy into the waiting room that they had never seen before. Officer Bull introduced him to the team as Clay Richards and explained that his wife, Mysha, had the same blood type as Cynthia. The team could not thank the man enough. Clay assured them that he didn't mind and neither did his wife. Clay noticed Darius sitting with his brother and he sent up a silent prayer for strength for the young man. Dr. Kravis came back out smiling. Darius and his team stood immediately. Gentlemen Officer Knicks is in recovery. We removed the bullet successfully and it avoided any major arteries. The blood transfusion was successful as well. Mr. Richards, you can go back and see your wife now. Clay stood immediately and rushed back to see his wife. Mysha smiled when her husband walked in. "Hey, I know you weren't worried." "No, I prayed. I knew you be alright." He whispered as he kissed her gently. "Where are my babies?" Mysha asked. "Fine, Greg picked them up over an hour ago. You know he spoils them." Clay answered missing their small brood even more. "Clay I want to see my cousin before we leave. She's in recovery, and I want to try and reconnect." Mysha explained. Clay stood and kissed his beautiful, loving, and giving wife and said, "Anything you want sweetness." Dr. Kravis came back into the waiting area to speak with the soldiers once more. Cynthia was asleep and with the heavy medications, probably would not wake until morning. Darius and his team did not move. Derrick stood with his brother. "Can we see her before we go? We won't disturb her. We just want to see her." Darius said in a strained voice. Clay came back out and saw the entire team on alert. He prayed nothing had gone wrong. At that moment the doors opened and a beautiful woman that could have been Cynthia's sister came out in a wheelchair. Mysha could not let her husband leave her without a goodnight kiss and she meant to get one. Clay smiled and embraced his wife kissing her soundly, then Darius walked to her and embraced her, tears streaming down his face. "You gave me back my heart. You saved her." He inhaled. "Thank you. If there is anything I can ever do for you, just name it." Mysha returned his embrace and the nurse said she needed to get back to her room. Derrick stood behind his brother gently stroking his back. Dr. Kravis told the team, "I'll let you in for ten minutes to see her, but then you all need to go rest." Horse, Danny, Maria, and Kerrie went in first. Darius asked them to go on because he didn't think he could handle seeing her hooked up to anything. After a few minutes, Darius and Derrick went in. Aside from the heart monitor, and blood pressure monitor, and IV, she looked like she was sleeping. Everyone touched her and wished her well, Darius kissed her forehead and ordered her to wake up for him. For a brief second, Cynthia opened her beautiful brown eyes and looked into the eyes of the man she loved. Then she went back to sleep. True to their word, the team went to a local hotel along with Darius. Clay was staying at the same hotel so they all hung out together. Derrick called Dawn to let the family know that the surgery was successful and Cynthia should be fine. He also mentioned that the girl that saved her life was her cousin. Everyone was so happy that Marge ordered Derrick to bring Mysha and Clay home to meet the family. Derrick laughed at the order then said to Dawn, "Tell Momma if she keeps adopting kids, her original three might get jealous." The next morning, everyone returned to the hospital together. Mysha was being discharged, but she wanted to see her cousin before she left. Mysha got up early and got permission to go to Cynthia's room. Mysha knocked before entering. Cynthia looked over and was surprised to see her cousin there. Cynthia awoke that morning, grumpy, tired, and hungry. "Mysha, Oh My God." Cynthia was stunned. "When did you? Why did you? Oh my God you're here."And the two women embraced. They spent a few hours catching up. "You're married to a minister." Wow!" Cynthia interjected as her door opened and a gorgeous blond Adonis walked in. "Hey Baby, I was looking for you and the nurse said you were in here." Then he kissed her forehead. Clay was amazed at how much the two women looked alike. He also knew that this young woman was important to his wife. "Hi, I'm the minister husband, you must be the cousin that's causing all of this uproar." Clay teased. Cynthia laughed and it felt good. "Mysha, I like him. He's a keeper." Cynthia told her cousin. Holding Clay's hand, Mysha whispered, "I know." The door opened again and the rest of the team entered. Everyone was glad to see Cynthia alert and moving. Darius sat in a chair and watched her. He didn't talk, didn't move, was hardly breathing . After everyone finished talking to her, he simply asked them to give them some time alone. "I'm gonna go check on Lieutenant Manson and Lieutenant Garner." Kerrie told her friend. Clay and Mysha went back to be discharged. And the rest of the guys waited in the lobby. Once everyone was gone, Darius sat by her bed and took her hand in is. His kissed her palm, the back of her hands, and her knuckles. "Dari-" Cynthia started to say, but he stopped her. "Cynthia, if I lose you. I will die." Darius whispered. "When I heard about the shooting it paralyzed me. I could not function. I can't risk you, Cynthia. I can't lose you." Cynthia knew, before he could say the words, "Darius, I have trained to be on this team. You can't do this to me. I'm just as good as any other mem-" "Cynthia, don't ask me to let you endanger your life every day. Please, I have to think." Darius looked away as he used the techniques he'd learned to keep his emotions in control. Cynthia took a deep breath. "You know I'm out for a while with my shoulder. Also, I will go through a psychiatric evaluation. If I don't pass the evaluation with clear results, I will step down. But if I pass, Darius, I want to stay on the team." Out of the Shadows Ch. 04 "I can't agree to that." Darius explained. "The thing is I froze, Cynthia. When I heard about the shooting and realized you and Kerrie were in danger, I froze." "Dar-" Cynthia started to say, but he stopped her. "It's nothing either of you did, but what if we were in a firestorm. If you were in danger while we were on a mission, I'd do anything I could to protect you, as well as any other person on the team, but you especially." Darius inhaled thinking of the ramifications that these recent events revealed. He needed to see if the women could be taken off the team. They'd be angry and hate him, but at least they'd be a lot safer. "I know we both have a commitment here, but I'm asking you to request permission to leave the team. After your shoulder heals, see if they can station you stateside." Cynthia stared at him, anger feuding with disbelief. Then, he sat by the bed and held her hand tightly. He kissed her knuckles and she saw the tears. Darius could not hide his tears any longer. She knew he loved her and his worse fear was almost realized."Come here." She whispered, and he climbed in bed beside her and held her close. He lay there until the nurse came in to check her vitals, then he started to move. But the nurse told him he was fine and could stay where he was. Meanwhile, Kerrie found out that Lieutenant Garner and Lieutenant Manson would make a full recovery. They were lucky. On that faithful day, six people, including the gunman died. Both men were still unconscious, so she didn't stay long. However, when she sat with Lieutenant Garner, she thought about his question. He was a handsome man, and she had no idea of how he felt. She had a small crush on him, but tried to keep her feelings under wraps. She never knew he found her remotely attractive, and was surprised by his declaration. She had to serve five years, and she knew she wanted to be near this handsome psychiatrist. She just hoped the team, her family, could forgive her for deciding to do something less strenuous. So she hoped that when he woke up, he'd remember the things he'd said. Because, she wanted to say YES! Mysha was released, but she made sure to give Cynthia her numbers, address, and invited her to visit. Darius and the rest of the team were happy that she had a chance to reconnect with her family. Meanwhile in Washington, Major Rick Folgers was facing a conundrum. Major Folgers was instrumental in forming the elite squad. Standing before him, in attention, was the man he'd assigned to put this team together, Sergeant Robert Bull. He knew when he told Sergeant Bull his decision, he would be upset. But after the shooting and witnessing the effect of it on the squad, Major Folgers started to rethink this endeavor. He had to pull a lot of strings to create an elite squad that had both men and women on it. However, theory and reality were two different things. So far the team had not faced any real challenges, but when the two women were in danger. The team was rendered useless. "Sergeant Bull, at ease." Major Folgers ordered. "Sergeant Bull, I wanted to tell you before anyone else." He took a deep breath. "I'm disbanding the elite squad. We're forming a new group, and we'll inform the soldiers later in a conference meeting when they return to their bases. Sergeant Bull was ticked, "Sir, if I may speak freely. Why are you doing this? Those kids worked hard. Sir." These kids worked hard to make this team. They'd survived hell and worse. This was a chance for them and this man was snatching this chance from them. That was not right. He didn't have the right to play with their lives like this. "Sergeant, they are too close. The team almost imploded when the two women were in danger. If that happens on a mission, they could get killed. You trained them, helped them bond, but they are too dependent on each other and that makes them each a liability." He explained. "I'm recommending that they be allowed to continue with their current areas of study and just serve the mandatory tour of duty. At the end of their first five years they can reenlist if they choose." "Wait, Sir, these kids had special circumstances. Joining the squad was conditional that they would have certain benefits." Sergeant Bull interjected. He promised these kids he'd take care of things for them and he planned to keep his word. "I am well aware of their past and how they ended up here." Major Folgers walked over and looked out of the window. "You think you're the only person here that cares about those kids." "Those six kids epitomize what the army is about." Major Folgers said with pride. "Were you aware the Officer Masters and Officer Knicks were in the shooters direct line of fire?" "They should have died, but not only did they survive. They made sure Lieutenant Manson and Garner got medical help. Officer Tate was about to go in without clearance to search for his fallen team mates. Officer Stephens and Sanchez held it together to help Granger. Officer Granger pulled himself back together after almost falling apart twice." Major Folgers stopped speaking for a moment contemplating. Then he continued, "In that moment, they were all vulnerable. On the field, that close connection makes them a liability. So, I have decided to eliminate the team." Sergeant Bull and Major Folgers decided to inform the team of their decision as soon as possible. So they arranged a meeting with Cynthia and Kerrie attending through a conference call. Back at the hospital not aware that major changes were about to occur in their lives, Darius held Cynthia close. He never wanted to let her go again. Darius had actually fallen asleep. Soon, Derrick came in search of his brother and refused to wake him. He and Cynthia talked. "Hey, Cynthia. Girl, I'm glad you're alright. You scared everyone to death." Derrick said as he greeted her. Cynthia smiled, "I'm sorry. Next time, I'll order the guy not to shoot." She said jokingly. "NO! There will not be a next time." Darius interjected, shuddering at the thought of her getting hurt. "Hey, you finally woke up." Derrick teased, honestly he was concerned about Darius. He was proud of his brother, but he knew this was a lot to take. "Yea, guess I was tired." Darius explained. Derrick's phone rang and he stepped out, giving Darius and Cynthia time alone. "Darius, I love you." Cynthia whispered as she held him. Darius needed to hear those words. He needed her. Darius stayed with Cynthia all day. Derrick decided to stay one extra day to make sure Darius was fine and then he'd head home. The next day, Darius and the team were told they could stay for a few days, but at the end of the week they needed to report to Major Folgers office. The team spent the next few days with Cynthia and Kerrie. Derrick went home with promises to hug everyone and relay messages that they were fine. Cynthia and Kerrie called and talked to Marge and Marvin. Both girls felt overwhelmed at the amount of love they received from the older couple. They never wanted to cause them a moment of concern again. Cynthia and Kerrie were moving into a rehabilitation facility within a week. Cynthia was allowed time for her shoulder to heal before beginning therapy to regain usage of the muscles. Kerri, because of the trauma she'd suffered was assigned to therapy to talk about what happened. Cynthia had to go to therapy too. When the team reported back to base without Kerrie or Cynthia, they reported to Major Folgers's office. Major Folgers along with Sergeant Bull informed them that the elite squad was no more. They then explained to the four young soldiers what their new assignments would be. "Excuse me, Sir." Darius spoke up. He'd gone through hell to be a part of this group. There were benefits to being part of the group. "Can you explain why? Is this something you all just decided or has this been on the table for a while?" "Officer Granger, you six soldiers are the best in your area, but you have one weakness." He explained. "That weakness is each other." "With all due respect, Major Folgers" Horse interjected angrily. "We almost lost them. Do you expect us not to care about each other?" "No, Officer Tate. You are supposed to be concerned just not rendered useless." Major Folgers explained. "Sir, we've trained for months. There were conditions in place. If we're not part of the squad, what will happen to us." Danny said. He wanted to go to college and be able to take care of his grandmother. Maria was silent, because even though she should have been upset, she was relieved. She didn't want to do it. She wanted to continue to work in computers and technology. She didn't say anything and now she didn't have to. Major Folgers saw the relief in Maria's eyes and knew he'd made the right choice. Officers, I've talked with Sergeant Bull and I'm aware of your circumstances. The conditions offered to you will be honored, as long as you finish out the first five years of service. The team should have been devastated, but after the past few days they were relieved. Darius wanted to call Cynthia immediately, but she was in the hospital, and she would call as soon as she was settled in and could get to a phone. Several weeks later, Cynthia and Kerrie were going stir-crazy being confined in the treatment center. That afternoon, Kerrie and Cynthia decided to give each other some space. Kerrie sat on the sofa reading a book, when one of the workers called Cynthia to the phone. "Hello." She answered. "Hey beautiful, I needed to hear your voice." He replied. Cynthia's heart melted. She couldn't believe how important this man was to her. "Oh Darius, I miss you so much." She whispered. "I miss you to. So, your final visit with the therapist is Monday." "Yea, and he'll let me know my results and then we'll see if I can continue my training." Cynthia said. Darius smiled, but it was bittersweet. Part of him wanted to see her so badly, but he didn't want her in danger. He was glad the team had been eliminated because it meant that she was out of danger. He also knew that when she went into full medical training they'd be a part even longer. However, she wanted to become a medic and he wanted that for her as well. "Cynthia," Darius took a breath, "I love you. You know that right." "I know," she whispered. "I love you too." Cynthia smile; she was secure in his love for her. He wanted her with him, but they had a commitment to serve five full years. He knew that at the end of this tour, he'd have to find a way for them to be together. Kerrie was reassigned to a veteran's hospital. At first they thought they'd lose her, but she was still a part of their family. She called just as much the other team members to check in. Cynthia decided to extend her studies and become a medic. Lieutenant Manson was her mentor. Horse decided to become an Army Ranger, so he was about to report for training when he saw something that made his eyeballs pop out. Danny had a new friend named Jonathan and they did everything together. One day, Horse accidentally caught Jon and Danny in a compromising position. It was at this point that Danny told his friends his big secret. "Whew, I knew you were keeping something. Danny, you are our brother. We'd never turn on you." Horse sighed upset that Danny thought they'd hurt him. Darius looked at his friend. Danny knew he wanted to say something. But he didn't, he hugged his friend. "Jon's a lucky man." He whispered. Then to Jon, Darius said "Congratulations, man. He's a great guy. You're very lucky that he chose you." Danny was relieved. There were no angry words, no hate filled rants. They stood by him. Darius and Horse accepted him and that was all he needed. Jon held him close and told him that he loved him. He loved Jon. He never thought he'd meet someone, but he'd found the perfect man for him. Now he had to let him meet the girls and get their stamp of approval. But it didn't matter, because Jon was his and he was the one he'd choose regardless. Cynthia had to bite the inside if her cheek when Darius called with the news that Danny was gay. He wasn't mad about him being gay, but that he thought he and Horse would turn on him. So, Danny finally came out and he was alright. Cynthia was happy for Danny. If Jonathan made him feel an ounce of the way she and Darius felt about each other, then Danny was a lucky man. She started to call Kerrie, but she was out on a date with Dr. Garner. So she called Maria. Horse had just left and she knew that Maria might be feeling down. The phone rang. "Hello." Maria answered. "Hey stranger, Long time no see." Cynthia greeted her friend. "I know Horse reported to training. Are you alright?" She queried. "I'm amazed at how much I miss him. Cynthia, I love that big lug, and I didn't realize how much until now." Maria answered. Cynthia's heart broke for her friend, but there was nothing she could say. "Listen, he'll be back and then hopefully, we can find a way for all of us to at least be near each other." Cynthia whispered. "God, I'll be so happy when he comes back. He needs this, you know. His dream is to become a Ranger." Maria sighed. "I'm so proud of him. I just miss him so much and it's only been one day." Cynthia laughed. "I understand. So you're going into computer development and programming. I'm gonna be a doctor and Kerrie's a nurse. What happened to those kickass women we were last year. We're all domesticated." "Maria laughed. "We proved that we're tough and can survive. We don't have to prove it anymore and can just live. I, for one, love being out of danger." "You're right girl. I talked to Kerrie. She has decided to go after Dr. Dreamboat. Now, you've seen Garner, the man is good looking. Baby girl has good taste." Cynthia interjected. "Hmmm. True, but he doesn't hold a candle to my man. Damn, I miss Horace Tate." Maria said. "My man, Darius, is fine as hell. Damn, that boy is fine!," laughing she added. "I'll be glad when it's just the two of us. Damn, I miss that hard headed man." Both women laughed, "Girl, we're branded. Hmm, never thought I'd see the day."Maria added chuckling. "Guess what. Darius called to inform me that Danny is gay. Cynthia added laughing. "He was ticked that Danny thought he'd hurt him." "I know, I had to hold my stomach when I talked to Horse. He caught Danny and his new boyfriend kissing." Maria couldn't stop laughing. "I keep picturing my red-necked boyfriend walking in on two guys making out. Oh, he didn't care about the being gay part, just that Danny didn't really trust him. But they talked and they are alright now." "Does Kerrie know he finally told them?" Maria asked. "I don't think so unless Danny called. Let's call her tomorrow on three way and then we can talk." Cynthia suggested. The two women chatted a little longer and then realizing the time, hung up. Cynthia ended the call with her friend and felt a little better. So she lay back on her pillows and rested. And then fell asleep dreaming about her man, Darius. Meanwhile, back at his base, Darius was thinking about Cynthia. He imagined she was with him. Slowly he stroked his burgeoning member as he thought about her. He remembered the last time she tasted him. Stroking his cock he imagined her beautiful brown lips surrounding his cockhead and she moved sensuously over his cock. He could feel the heat from her mouth covering him. He stroked harder, faster. Soon his heart pounded as he imagined her with him, in all of her naked glory. He pictured her bountiful brown breast with hard dark nipples just waiting for him to taste. He imagined her slim waist and the thick black curtain at the apex of her thighs. Darius never knew that he loved a woman to have hair. Not until Cynthia. Now he abhorred the thought of her shaving. He loved her completely. Before long, his balls contracted and his cum shot from his body. It landed all over his chest. He was content, but only for a moment. He missed Cynthia. He wanted her with him, but they had to wait. So he went to the bathroom and cleaned up, then went back to bed. He lay on his pillow, went to sleep, and dreamt of his woman, Cynthia Thank you again for reading this chapter of the story. Please remember to comment and vote.