“Your first time, huh?” an amused voice asked behind him.
Brutus turned to see a dramatic sight, a rather short woman in a tight black dress and fishnet stockings, combat boots, bright purple highlights streaking through her hair.
“Relax, big man. You’re going to have cramps in those calves by the time they get back.”
“Huh?” he asked, looking down at his feet. “Oh. Yeah, it’s my first time.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve been deflowered twice with this.” The woman chuckled. “Sabby Goodman.”
“Ah.” Brutus got the reference. “You’re the one who texted me. Hollywood’s wife.”
“And Muscle Mommy’s sister,” Sabby added, offering a hand. “And you’re Brutus Townsend.”
“Yeah… say, you’re the artist who’s doing all the logos, right?” Brutus asked.
Sabby nodded.
“I’m impressed.”
“I’ve still got Alpha Company to do, they just changed commanders and their new commander wanted me to make some adjustments.” Sabby shrugged. “But thanks.”
“You look very relaxed about this,” Brutus noted. “Why?”
Sabby tapped her elfin chin, pretending she was thinking before grinning and answering. “Because my sister is the biggest badass in the Army. She’s the bitch Rambo checks under his bed for at night before he goes to sleep. And since Jess trained Logan, that means my husband is a total badass too. And following that chain, since my husband’s a badass, and my sister was on the mission… Linda’s safer than if she was sitting in an office all day.”
“That obvious, huh?”
“Like I said dude, it’s easy to see you’re losing your deployment cherry today,” Sabby said. “Oh wait, I see them now!”
Brutus’s head whipped around as he saw five plain white vans come down the street, turning into the parking lot and pulling around. Brutus was about to rush the van when he felt a tug on his belt, and realized Sabby was pulling him back.
“What-”
“They’re still carrying their weapons,” Sabby said as the doors opened. “Major Kirk’s very clear, they get the guns checked in, then we can help them with their bags if they want it.”
Brutus nodded, and waited. Just seeing Linda get out of the second van helped with his emotions, and when she came out again to get her bag he was there to sweep her into his arms, spinning her around as he embraced her. “You’re safe.”
Linda grunted in pain, and Brutus put her down. “What happened?”
“I… here.” She tugged her undershirt up. Brutus’s eyes widened as he saw the large purplish bruise forming, coming out of the cup of her bra over her left breast. “I’m okay, just a little tender. Let me dump my gear and we’ll talk afterwards.”
“Take your time.” Major Kirk came out of the company offices. “I’m giving the entire company a forty eight hour pass starting now. Headquarters element will take care of barracks NCO detail. Just stay within recall distance, and I’ll see you all on Monday.”
“That’s great sir.” Brutus gave Linda’s hands a squeeze. “What do you say I make a few calls, and get you a place with a tub and room service? Get out of the barracks for a few days?”
“Hey Superstar, can I get some of that action too?” Derrick Jackson, who was carrying his gear, called over. “Man I could use some good grub!”
“Tell you what.” Brutus looked to Major Kirk. “Doesn’t that barbecue place in town deliver on base?”
Major Kirk nodded. “It does.”
“Then dinner for the company’s on me,” Brutus said. “Just get me the numbers Major, and I’ll call it in myself.”
“Oh sure, just buy your friends with barbecue,” Sabby teased as she came by, one arm around Hollywood while she carried her sister’s bag. “What about bowling? Everyone loves bowling, you know! And karaoke!”
“I think Hollywood’s the only eight pound balls you get to play with tonight,” Linda teased the diminutive goth, getting more laughs.
Linda went and got her things while Brutus made the arrangements. As he did he watched Linda move, worry creeping in as he saw the pain she was in. She was limping on her left leg, and regardless of her saying anything about being fine, she wouldn’t carry anything in her left arm at all.
