Page 10 of Love and Loyalty

She liked Lieutenant Colonel Patel's playfulness. Although he was older and had joined the army in his later years, he was still good-natured, though strict when required.

As she entered the medical center, the receptionist greeted her. Sergeant Thompson was sitting beside her.

“Good morning, ma'am,” Sergeant Thompson greeted.

“Good morning, Thompson. Where's Lieutenant Lewis?”

Lewis appeared from within. He was a soft-hearted and efficient doctor who she genuinely adored. He met her with a straight face, steadying his lanky frame.

She addressed them both. “We have an urgent mission. You're to go to the storage unit and check the available resources to see what we can spare. Please report back to me immediately.”

After they left, she made her morning rounds, reminiscing on the feelings brewing between her and Drew. It didn't help that she left Drew all alone this morning, and guilt settled in her stomach.

“Lieutenant Colonel Oakley?”

She turned to see a young private who had been shot on his first mission. Not a serious wound. But a bullet wound nonetheless. He seemed to be doing better; the bandage on his right leg was new.

“How are you feeling?” she asked sincerely.

“I'm feeling much better. I should be able to patrol by next week.”

“Now that's good news. Take your medications, and don't hesitate to ask for help. I'll get the nurses to run a general test on you before next week.”

The young private grinned widely, and she walked to another patient. Sergeant Thompson returned with the information she needed, and she sent him back to retrieve the resources and supplies needed for the mission.

A few minutes later, they started sorting everything. Soon, a little crowd led by Smith- one of the pilots- approached them. “Good morning, ma'am. Lieutenant Colonel Patel directed us to you.”

She was surprised that he didn’t choose Drew. Major Drew Mitchell was the best pilot they had. Surely any of them could see that? Her heart fell that she wasn't the one.

She yearned for the crinkle at the corners of Drew’s sparkling green eyes.

She turned to Smith. “The plan is simple. You're to drop off some resources at an army outpost south and circle back to base. I have entrusted Sergeant Thompson with the necessary information. No slugging or funny business. Understand?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

After completing her rounds at the medical center, she had breakfast, gave a lecture on safety precautions, and then headed back to her quarters to rest.

She hadn't seen Drew all day after she had snuck out of the veranda. Her heart yearned to know if she was okay, but her brain had always led her. She had always thought her emotions should never contradict her professionalism.

As she pulled off one boot, the camp siren bellowed, signaling an emergency that demanded urgent attention.Had they been attacked? Is someone dead or badly injured? Is Lieutenant Colonel Patel fine? Is Drew?

She quickly pulled her boot back on, tied the laces firmly, and hurried to Lieutenant Colonel Patel's office. He was aggravated and tense.

“The mission has been compromised. Black Hawk has been shot down, and our troops are in danger.”

She understood the situation immediately. “I'll handle it from here.” She hurried to the assembly where the soldiers were already gathered.

They immediately quieted down when they saw her, and she ordered some soldiers to go grab a few supplies from the medical center.

“Get any emergency med supplies you can get your hands on. And tell the rest of the medical team to prepare to move.”

As she spoke, she felt the intense gaze from familiar eyes following her movements. She turned briefly and met Drew’s sparkly green eyes, staring back at her.

She held eye contact for a few seconds, and something tingled in her stomach. She turned back toward the crowd and stood at the center of the podium.

“Black Hawk has been shot down, which means that Smith and the rest of her team on that aircraft are in grave danger. They need our assistance as soon as possible.” She paused amidst the gasps of the soldiers.

“We’re taking the Thunderbolt, and just some of you are needed. The rest of you know what to do while we're away.”