Re: A lonley Cutter (OPEN FOR ANYONE)

[Xuxa_Rene]

Breathing heavily and still all sweaty she allowed herself to be pulled close to him. She wanted to feel him to touch him and for him to feel her to remind him how she felt and how much she loved him. And that he would always have her. That he was her life and he had something to come back to. The rest of night was great, they showered and used the new toys then showered again then fell asleep in each others arms.

The next few weeks flew by with exams and finals and her getting her dress fitted again then the one last final one. She still missed her brother, in her mind that was the only down side, with her graduation coming up it would mean that he would be graduating from boot camp then leaving for his first tour. She hadn’t heard from him and wondered how he was faring at boot camp

As they pulled up to the spa Dani’s eyes grew big and as he walked her to the spa door they grew even bigger “What are we doing here” She looked over at Alex as he kissed her and was about to ask more questions but he was gone. She turned to the workers and they were all grinning. “Your fiancé set this all up” Dani raised a eyebrow still in shock. The ladies laughed and explained it to a clearly shocked Dani “A massage, a facial, a pedicure and manicure plus makeup and a hair do for your special day”

Suddenly there was a scream at the door and Dani turned around and Debbie was standing there. Dani rushed to her and hugged her. Debbie was grinning there was news to tell Dani and Debbie was bursting to tell her but the ladies rushed to both of them. “Well no time to talk lets get your treatments going you have a special night to get ready for”

For the next few hours Dani had her massage which helped ease all her tension, then while her face had the gunk on it her feet and hands were done up filed all nice and then painted to match her dress. Dani was so relaxed she was nearly asleep but she was happy. Then her face was all done up nice and they started to work on her hair. Finally she was put into her dress and the finishing touches were added. The ladies noticed her necklace and with tears in their eyes thanked her father. Dani nodded. “He would be so happy that you were all so kind”

At that time Debbie came out and she was beautiful too. Again Debbie was about to tell her about her brother being able to come but before she could the two men showed up in complete dress uniform Dani’s mouth dropped and she lifted up her dress and went running. “Alex you got your dress uniform” She kissed him on the lips “Thank you” She then turned her head. “Dustin?” She asked not completely sure that it was him.

[Guest]

Alex went and picked up Dustin at the bus station. He had lost a bit of weight, toned up and his hair had begun to grow out again after having almost all of it cut off. He was in his class A uniform that only sported his expert marksman badge and on his sleaves one stripe. He had gotten his first promotion to Priviet E2. Along with a small suit case with a bit of civilian clothes, he had a suit bag that contained his dress uniform. Both of them went to pick up Alex's. On his dress uniform, there was yet another surprise for Dani. Due to his last tour of duty, and now that he was graduating from highschool, he was going back in as a Sergent E5 instead of a specialist.


Dustin told Alex about his basic training. Alex laughed at some of it remembering his. He would be going to his advanced individual training and for an infantryman that was just almost more of the same. Combat Arms was where one could get promoted alot faster then other fields, though it ment one would be on the front lines more. "You know you should have told your sister that you were coming back for the Prom." he told Dustin. He only smiled and shugged his shoulders, then said, "Well I like surprising her."

Both of them went home and Alex's mother greeted Dustin with a big hug. There were tears in her eyes as she looked at him in his uniform. Dustin got a good hot shower and a good meal before the two of them got dressed and looked sharp in their dress uniforms. He had never had the chance to wear one before but he figured he would have more chances now that he was going back in. When the two arrived at the spa that was in a mini mall, people looked at them wide eyed as they got out of the car. It was indeed a rare sight to see two men in Dress uniform and with Alex sporting his medals.

They were just in time. Dani and Debbie were just coming out in their prom dresses, with makeup and their hair done up. Both looked beautiful. Alex took her into his arms and returned her kiss. Then he chuckled as she looked at Dustin and asked if it was him. Dustin grinned, "Hey sis, how do I look." he chuckled and swept Debbie up into his arms, kissing her deeply. When he broke the kiss, "Didn't think I would miss this did you?" He then took Dani in his arms and hugged her, after Alex let her go. "Missied you sis." he told her.

[Xuxa_Rene]

If Alex hadn’t been holding on to her Dani would have tackled her poor brother to the ground. But she was in still a state of shock. She hugged Alex back then pushed away from him “Hey you knew, you knew and you didn’t tell me?” She was trying to be angry but she was smiling too much. He had gotten his dress uniform, her dream was to get her graduation picture with her father in his dress uniform but her fiancé and brother could do. She stepped towards Alex again and hugged him close. “I love you” She whispered into his ear.

Once her brother had taken her into her arms the tears started flowing she held him close “You look wonderful, so toned and I do believe you have lost weight” but then playfully slapped him “Why didn’t you tell me that you were coming home?” She turned to Debbie “Is this what you were trying to tell me?” Debbie nodded “Yah” The ladies stepped forward “To be honest we are at fault keeping you too separated we wanted you to be surprised” Dani laughed “Well I am definitely surprised” The tears were running down her and Debbie’s checks running their makeup and the ladies clucked and took them away to redo her makeup then brought her back.

The manager walked up to Alex and Dustin as Dani and Debbie were getting their finishing touches. He stuck out his hand and shook Alex’s then Dustin’s “My father was in Vietnam and Korea” She swallowed hard fighting back tears “I saw the Dog Tags on Dani it would honour me greatly if you would allow me to treat your two girls”: She paused “And a men’s full treatment when you two get back” She smiled and waited for their response. The manager was tearing up “I am so proud and thankful for your service” He paused “by the way do you two have a corsage for your lovely ladies”

Dani and Debbie had their make up retouched up and their hair touched up. The ladies fussed over them wanting to delay the girls returning to the guys because they knew the manager was talking to the boys about them. Finally they were all ready to go and Dani and Debbie walked back to the males and grinned Dani spoke first “I want to have our pictures taken please” She said to the two men

[Guest]

Alex chuckled when she tried to be angry about him holding out on her. "Ahhh I didn't want to ruin the surprise. Debbie here was wanting to tell you for some time. It was a devil of a time keeping her quiet." As Dani began crying and the women of the spa took her and Debbie back in to touch up their make up, Alex and Dustin talked to the Manager. "We have everything for the girls." Alex told the manager when asked if they had corsages for them. It seemed that the town was really coming around to supporting the soldiers overseas now.

First the flags and the yellow ribbons everywhere. Then there were groups springing up that were sending packages of goodies to soldiers overseas, sending letters and some even had gotten to talk to them via e-mails. It was not a surprise to Alex when the maager thanked them for their service and acted the way she did. Alex thanked her for her support and when the girls came back, he took Dani in his arms. "I think we can get that done at the prom." He knew that there was a photographer that would be there doing that. "Come on, lets go. I want to show you off to everyone at the prom."

The drive to the hotel where the prom was being held at was not to far from the spa. When they arrived he helped Dani out of the car and Dustin helped Debbie. Together the walked into the ball room. Music was playing, people were dancing and talking, everything stopped as the four of them entered. All eyes turned to the door. "Mmmmmm I think they can believe it is you." he whispered to Dani. "You look so beautiful my love."

[Xuxa_Rene]

Dani couldn’t help but kiss Alex again which resulted in a bunch of “awws” from the staff and other customers and made her blush and giggle. “I forgot we had a audience” She whispered into his ear but then she hugged him again. “I cant believe you got your dress uniform for me” She smiled “Thank you, You have made this day all the more special.” She looked up at him with complete love in her eyes sure she was worried with prom coming up that meant that she would be saying good bye to him all that quicker. Both her fience and brother would be deploying soon. But for now all she wanted to think about was tonight and the prom.

After saying good night to all the staff members she allowed herself to be led to the car. She was nervous though, as most girls were for their prom. But once they got there and Alex helped her out she took his arm and walked in with him. She again blushed at all the attention as all the heads turned to her. “No I believe they are staring at you my love” She smiled. “I don’t think they knew you were as decorated as you are” She grinned and kissed his cheek.

[Guest]

Purple Heart with three clusters, and Bronze star with valor emblem. Not much but alot more then most. The dress uniform though was the clincher though. It stood out, and both Dustin and he wore one. Slowly Alex walked Dani into the ball room, smiling and nodding to those he knew there. Those on the dance floor moved to one side as Alex lead Dani to the middle of it. He looked over at the band and they smiled and began playing a slow song. Taking Dani into his arms he began to move and dance about the middle of the floor with her. They were surrounded by the other couples that had given them room. Then one by one the couples began to join in.


Dustin had followed Alex and Dani with Debbie on his arm. He saw his old foot ball team there and nodded to them. He watched Alex take Dani out on to the dance floor, to its middle and how everyone moved away for them. This was a special night, and a very special one for Dani, and their classmates seemed to understand that. Dustin smiled and was one of the first to take Debbie out to join Alex and Dani. They danced and when the music stopped Both Dustin and Alex held on to their women. "Would you like those pictures taken now?" Alex asked as he slowly lead her off the dance floor.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Standing there with Alex and Dustin both in uniform and Dani and Debbie dressed in their dresses and all done up Dani couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. As Alex walked her into the ballroom, she felt as if she was dreaming. She watched him nod and she smiled and nodded with him. As they made it to the dance floor she watched as the crowd moved for them. News of him leaving was around town and even the students knew that this would be very important to her so allowed her to have this. She snuggled in to Alex resting her head on him as they danced. She wanted to remember this day forever.

When the dance was over she lifted her head, her eyes were misty but she was smiling. “That was lovely” She whispered kissing his lips softly “It was like you planned that with the dance floor emptying and the band playing our song” She raised an eyebrow “What else are you up to” She giggled softly and nodded. “Yes pictures would be good” She walked with him and stood in line.

Once in line she looked up at Alex and his medals she smiled. She licked her lips nervously. She then shook her head NO not today she was not going to think about such things today. She kissed him again. “Have I told you lately that I love you?” She grinned

[Guest]

Both Alex and Dustin took their turn getting the pictures taken with Dani and Debbie. The photographer took several shots from different angles. Alot of the people croweded around looking at Alex's medals. Some knew what they were and explained them to the others that did not. The eyes of all grew large. He had been wounded in action three times and the bronze star with V ment that he had distinguished himself in battle, putting himself at risk. All year they had been going to school with a Vet and one that had been wounded, been in battle and had distinguished himself above others. One that would be considered a true hero. None had known until that night what he had actually been through, except the ROTC instructor. He knew exactly what Alex had through. But he had said nothing to the other students.

He was there as one of the shaparones. He saw the looks, heard the whispers and smiled. He had watched Alex and Dani since the incident in the hall way and was not surprised that he was returning to the Army. He had seen how Dani had become an interagal part of Alex's life, helping him cope with his post traumatic symdrome. None of the people there knew that either. He had checked on Alex at the VA center and hand found how Dani had been helping Alex and others. Dani was a hero also in her own right. He was amazed at how the two of them had effected each other. He would use thier story as a good example for his ROTC classes. People needed heros and he would make sure that others knew what kinde of heros they were.

Alex saw the looks and heard some of the whispers. He was a bit embarassed about that, yet a bit proud also. When she made the comment about him planning everything he chuckled. "Well it is after all a very special day for you. One that I want you to remember." and when she asked him if she had told him lately that she loved him, he pulled her to him and kissed her, "I can never hear it enough." he smiled when he broke the kiss.

He took her back out on to the dance floor and danced some more. The night went on. Alex danced with Dani and Dustin with Debbie. Everyone was enjoying the Prom. Little by little the others began leaving for the after Prom party. Alex lead Dani out to the party. The pool area had been rented for it, so everyone could shed their formal ware for swim ware. Alex grinned. "Bring your bikini?" he asked Dani.

[Xuxa_Rene]

As their pictures were taken Dani was grateful for the different angles and different poses she wanted to get a few of these for remembrance. She asked Alex to wait one moment and got a picture taken with her brother then walked up to Alex as he spoke to the group about his medals she linked her arm around his and smiled to the group. She was still nervous of course but she wanted to enjoy today. She knew the stories of the medals, partly from what he told her and part from the Nightmares she had helped him through, and of course their meetings. She almost chuckled at their surprise that they had been going to school with a decorated Veteran. Dani could tell that Alex was a bit embarrassed but she also knew that he deserved it.

Dani looked around and noticed the ROTC instructor looking at them she nodded her head down in respect. Ever since the incidence in the hallway the ROTC instructor had seemed to keep an eye on her and Alex and even Dustin and Debbie. She smiled at him, she had been told that he had been told of her work in the VA and how he had thought of her as a hero Dani had to disagree, she was no hero she had failed her father and now was trying to make it up for it.

Being led to the dance floor she grinned and danced with him and held him close and stared into his eyes and kissed his lips gently and moving it to passionetly but not a full make out. She being romantic. The night could have lasted forever and Dani wouldn’t have cared but all too soon it was over.

Making it to the after party she noticed the pool she turned to Alex “I believe so” She raised an eyebrow, “I do wonder if you rented us a room in this motel though” She giggled, it seemed like the had been making a lot of secret calls in the last week, some made a lot of sense now, the spa and her brother, maybe even his training but she wondered if there were any other ones. It would be easier to change and then when they were exhausted it would be easier to just go up a elevator to their room.

[Guest]

Alex laughed at her comment. He had been busy making arrangements for the last couple weeks. He had made the arrangements for the spa, photos, music to be played at the Prom when they arrived. He had worked out some of the details with Dustin and Debbie. He had also arranged for the room at the hotel. Everything was to give Dani a night that she would remember for the rest of her life. Changing into swimware it was time for some swimming and fun with the other graduating seniors. Everything went great and was everything that he hoped for. Even though he wanted it to continue forever, it had to end.

The night went on and as the people began to head out, he took Dani up to the room. There was not real hot and long sex that night, just cuddling and being together. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night. The next day again Alex took Dani with Debbie to see Dustin off to return to finish his Basic training.

A week later Alex, Dani, Debbie and Alex's mom and Debbie's parrents were sitting in bleachers watching the graduation of several companies of trainees. There was the pass and revew, some awards, and speaches. Finally when it was all over and the soldiers were released Dustin came up to them and hugged Debbie, then his sister. He looked good in his Class A uniform, sporting his one stripe, Infantry Blue Cord, Blue backing to his Infantry Brass, and his expert "Only have a couple days before I have to report to my AIT." he told them.

[Xuxa_Rene]

The night was prefect, Alex had thought of everything. She found herself wondering how she had been so lucky to snag him, to be engaged to him. To be so lucky as to be able to call herself his fiancé but she was and she loved him. She thought about how much her life had changed since meeting him as she changed out of her dress and into her bikini. She enjoyed the swimming and just hanging out with friends.

When it was time to go up to the room, Dani made sure she was dry before climbing into bed, sure she slept naked but that was just because she wanted to be close to him and love on him to cuddle and just be with him. She kissed him softly and thanked him for the prefect day. And fell asleep in his arms.

The next day she hugged her brother good bye. Holding back the tears she knew the next time she would see her brother would be to say goodbye as he left for Iraq that would mean that Alex wouldn’t be too far behind in leaving for his training. The two most important men in his life would be leaving her then.”

The week flew by, with final exams and final performances in drama and trying to finish up last minute grad preparations. Soon she was sitting there with Alex and His mom and Debbie watching her brother receive the awards then finally come to them. She held him tight as he hugged her. “Congratulations brother” She had tears in her eyes, “I am so proud of you” Her brother laughed “Now sister if you start crying then Debbie will start crying and I doubt that Alex and I can handle both of our girls crying” Dani laughed and whipped her eyes “Alright brother” She then let Debbie have Dustin back and she returned to Alex.

The next couple of days flew by too fast for Dani but soon she was saying good-bye to her brother again. She hugged him again and swallowed hard trying not to cry. She whispered to him “Please come back to me alive” Dustin looked at his sister with sorrow he hadn’t thought how hard this would be on her. She had been the strong one after their father had died and their mother had left them. And now she had to be even stronger to let him go. He hugged her close and nodded “I will write to both of you” He said to her and Debbie.

Soon he was gone and Dani had to get back into the motion of school she passed all her courses with a GPA of 4.0 she passed all her courses with a A+ Average. All her teachers were surprised that she had done so well with all that was going on in her life. And in a meeting they decided that her and Alex should share the Valedictorian status. And in a meeting told them.

The day of commencements both Dani and Alex had the telling yellow sash showing that they were Valedictorians. Dani gave her half of the speech and then Alex. Each received a standing ovation. The principal praised both of them for their hard work and Dani received a full scholarship for a university of her choosing, since Alex got that in Military they promised to support him once he was deployed again.

Dani couldn’t believe it they had graduated. After they had all received their diplomas and had been dismissed Dani took Alex outside and hugged him “We did it” She didn’t want to think about what this meant now but she knew she had to face it. “When do you leave for AIT?”


((Wonding if Dustin as been deployed now??))

[Guest]

Graduation day. Now that was a day that Alex never thought he would see. And to be the Valedictorian now that was different. Dani he could see, but him? When the speaches were all over and the graduation ceremony was all over and done with he relaxed and swepted Dani up into his harms. "Yes we did." he told her. When she asked when he left for his retraining, "In a week." he told her. They had received word from Dustin that he had made it through his AIT and was deployed a week ago. He was in Iraq and with the same battalion that he was going to be assigned to. He would be there in a few weeks himself.

He hated leaving Dani behind but that was something he had to do. He would be going to Fort Hood for his training. He would not be getting off post the whole time. The week was spent at home with Dani and his mother. She was not looking forward to his leaving as well, but like she had done for his father and then him when he left the first time, she held it together with Dani. At least they had each other to be with and support each other. Then there was Debbie, and their friends. Friends that Dani had never knew were there but had come out of the wood work so to speak. Plus Dani had the work at the VA Center. Everyone loved her there and looked forward to her coming in. Now she would be there full time.

The week passed fast and it was time for him to go. He was dressed in his desert camo uniform, sporting his SGT stripes on the front of it. His unit patch on both shoulders, designating that he had been in combat with that unit. His mother drove them down to the post where Alex Kissed Dani and gave her a hug before he had to leave them. "I love you." he told her again, "When I get back we are getting married." Then he was gone. Mary drove Dani back home. "Best not dwell on him being gone. " she told Dani. "Come on and lets get things started for his first care package."

Three weeks past and it was Dani's birthday. Alex had sent a card and a photo of him in his desert uniform. Mary had prepared a cake for Dani and Debbie was over talking to Dani when the door bell rang. Mary answered it and there was two Sergeant First Class in class A uniforms standing there. "We are here to see Miss Blodgette."

[Xuxa_Rene]

The week that Dani had left with Alex went by too fast. Too soon it was time for him to report to Ft. Hood. Dani rode with Mary and Alex. Staring at her man in his desert camos with the stripes she felt a lump go into her throat. But she refused to cry she didn’t want to make it any harder on Alex then it was already. She made small talk trying to put herself Mary and Alex at ease. Along with herself at least a little bit. When they got there Dani held Alex tight not caring who was walking by. She kissed him back then buried her face into his neck “I love you too Alex, I will always love you” She knew that he wasn’t deploying yet but she wasn’t sure if she would be seeing him before he did deploy. “You will always be in my heart” She kissed him again this time gently pushing in her tongue she wanted to remember his taste and smell. When he told her they would get married she smiled “I will look forward to that my love” She held on to him until she had to leave. Then watched him disappears and got back into the car.

On the ride home she nodded to his mom about the care package. “Yes and maybe one for my brother, juice crystals for the water and such” She swallowed hard to avoid the tears. “I was thinking of keeping busy writing letters and working at the VA” She knew her birthday was coming up but she wasn’t in the mood to celebrate. But knowing Alex he had told his mom and had cooked something up.

In the three weeks that came by Dani had sent a care package to Alex, in it she included a picture of herself in a pair of low cut jeans and a tank top, nothing reveling that he could get into trouble for having just something that he could keep on himself and remind himself that she was there for him and always would be. Her letters always had her perfume. She included hygiene stuff she he wouldn’t have to buy it himself. And to her brother Debbie and Dani sent snacks and drink mixes in one package and personal hygiene stuff in another.

The VA work helped keep her mind off of things for a while. But the Veterans were getting younger and younger. And the injuries were getting worse. It seemed the Taliban was getting nastier and although it frightened her Dani had a sinking feeling soon she would be getting a knock on the door telling her that her life had fallen apart again.

When her birthday came she wanted to work at the VA but since Debbie was over she decided to say behind. She knew Mary had made her a cake and she was grateful for that. She stared at the picture of Alex in his desert Cames and kissed it then hanged it up on the fridge, She heard the door opened and at frist thought it was someone for her party and groaned turning to Debbie “I told Alex I didn’t want a big party” She couldn’t go futher though, she heard her name. But her last name only one reason it would be so. Her face lost all colour as she swallowed. Knowing it could only be for reason she attempted to hide it from Debbie. “Excuse me I think Alex planned a surprise for me” She lied then stood and with shaking feet walked to the door.

She looked at the two officers and nearly fell down. When there was two it was always worse news. She had been told when one came someone was injured when there was two it was either death or they had been captured. Dani looked at them both with tears in her eyes and shaking like a leaf. “I…I” She swallowed hard “I am Danielle” She looked up at Mary and then back to the officers trying to ready herself for what news was going to be given to her but Dani was nearly falling over already she feared her brother was dead she looked up at them awaiting their reply. She didn’t want to say anything that Debbie could over hear but her back was to the kitchen so Debbie could have made it but she was shaking too hard to even hear what was happening around her. The world was caving inaround her and her breathing was becoming more erratic.

[Guest]

The two NCO's looked at Dani as she walked up and told them who she was. One spoke, "We have come to inform you that your brother Private Dustin Blodgette is missing. He was with his squad on a routine patrol of an area that they had made some friendly contacts with the local population when insurgents opend fire on them. Your brother was teaching the young locals how to play foot ball. It was considred a safe area. When the squad retreated and regrouped, your brother was not with them. He may have been captured by the insurgents." Being a captive of the insurgents was not a good thing.

They were usually tortured, and forced to make statements that were not true, and usually they wound up dead. "We will keep you informed on any progress we make in finding him." Mary put an arm about Dani when she was told the news and Debbie had come to the door to see who was there and heard everything. "Noooooooooooo." her voice was shaky and she began shaking, her eyes filling with tears.

At the same time word was passed down through the retraining company commander to Alex. The Company Commander that he was going to fall under had heard of the attack and about Dustin being missing. "What is being done to find him." Alex asked. He knew that a search of the area would be made to see if they could find his body if he was dead. But finding anyone that would talk that could shed light on where he might have been taken if captured was very unlikely. He was informed what he had already knew.

"You have maxed everything so far and it is felt that you need no further training to return to your unit. I am recommending that you be reasigned to the company that you are suppose to be assigned to. You will not be deployed for a week or so. So you can return home." The captain told Alex. Alex was packed and at a car rental place with in the hour and driving back home. His orders would be forwarded to his house. A few hours later he was pulling up to the house and running up to the house. He knew that Dani would take the news hard and he wanted to be there for her.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Her world was falling apart. She was not stupid or naïve she knew what happened to Soldiers when they were captured. Her dear brother would never talk and that scared her, he would be tortured maybe even killed. She could picture her dear brother bound, blind folded being totrued. She was about to collapse when she heard the gasp behind her. She turned around and took Debbie into her arms. Facing the two NCO’s she nodded “I will be right back” She helped Debbie to the couch and promised that she would be right back. She walked back to the two men “I know this is a hard job” The tears were brimming her eyes. “Please keep me updated” She swallowed hard as they nodded. “Of course Miss. Blodgett” With that they walked down the stair exchanging looks “Well I figured with her past that would have been harder” The other nodded. “Yes she is a special woman, her father was KIA’d now her brother is missing and I do belive her fiancé is deploying” They both looked at each other then got back into their car.

Dani watched them from the window and then swallowed hard not daring to look at Mary, not now she couldn’t break. Debbie needed her. She went to the distraught Debbie who was already crying so hard that her whole body shook. All Dani could do was hold her. Debbie cried for an hour and half straight then suddenly ran to the bathroom and puked into the toilet Dani held her hair back as she did then got a fresh toothbrush for her brush her teeth then walked Debbie back to the couch who started crying all over again. The words could not be made any sense of so Dani just held her and tried to be reassuring “They are looking for him as we speak Debbie, Dustin is strong he will be strong, just don’t lose hope” After nearly 4 hours of crying Debbie had cried herself into pure exhaustion. Dani gently laid her down and got up herself and started pacing she made herself a tea but then stared at it.

Mary did her best to comfort her but Dani could barely hear the words she was saying and numbly nodded. Then nearly jumped out of her seat when Mary touched her arm “Oh sorry” She smiled worriedly “Debbie cried herself to sleep and I want to jump on the first plane and find my brother” Mary smiled “Your place is here they are doing what they can” Dani shook her head “I cant just sit here like a limp noodle” Before Mary could answer they both heard a car pull up. Dani’s face lost all colour when she heard a car. She shook her head “No, they..” She walked to the door not wanting to wake or upset Debbie again but it wasn’t the NCO’s she saw but her Alex she threw open the door and ran to him throwing his arms around him. “Oh Alex you have heard” The tears were flowing now from her face since Debbie was asleep. She held on to Alex tightly then moved from him “Oh Alex I am so sorry” She whipped the tears from her eyes “I am happy to see you, just not with this circumstances ” She kissed his lips softly and swallowed hard trying to calm herself down. “Come inside” She walked with shaky steps. She looked at Debbie still shaky. “Your mom is in the kitchen go check in with her I am going to go upstairs”

She walked upstairs and laid on her bed, her two trusted pets comet and skye came up to her and laid down. Skye with her head on Dani’s stomach and Comet by her side Dani cried silently thinking on what to do. She would find a way to go there and find her brother. When Alex finally made it back Skye jumped up and stood on the bed licking Alex’s face. Dani got off the bed and hugged him tightly again. “I am coming with you” She said bluntly “I don’t care how its done but I am coming with you to find my brother

[Guest]

Alex swept Dani up into his arms as she came running out of the house and threw her arms around him. He held her tight to him. He could see that she was ready to cry and it was not long before the tears were streaming down her cheeks. "He'll be found." he said with determination. He was going to be leaving soon for Iraq and he would be doing all he could to go search for him. He had already made up his mind on that. He followed her into the house when she slipped from his arms and began to walk back in. He saw Debbie on the counce, her fance streeked with tears stains. He could only imagine how she took the news.

His mother emerged from the kichen and embrased her son. She shook her head as she looked at Alex. "Will they find him?" she asked. Alex nodded and said, "He'll be found. When I get there I will ensure he will be." She looked at him worry in her eyes. She knew by his statment that he was leaving soon. "Don't worry mom. I'll be back and so will Dustin." He kissed his mom on the cheek and then went up to his room. Skye jumped up on him and began licking his face. Dani's dog had taken to him and seemed to have missed him. Dani got off the bed and hugged him again. When she told him she was coming with him to Iraq, he looked at her with a stern face.

"Iraq is no place for you. It is dangerous." he told her. Besides that he could not forsee any way she would be allowed to go there. Civilians were limited to contractors, security forces for high profile people, reporters and some politician's representatives. All of them had to be cleared and they were mainly confined to a certain area that was suppose to be safe.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Feeling his arms around her Dani felt a bit better but she was still panicked on the inside. Her brother was missing, captured being tortured or even killed as she stood there in his arms, she felt helpless and that scared and angered her. She was not supposed to feel like this. She was supposed to be the rock. She nuzzled his neck seeking some comfort from him. She didn’t want him to go to, if her brother had been captured what would happen to her fiancé? She didn’t want to lose both of them.

She had excepted him not to agree with her plans she looked up at him. Her eyes brimming with tears her bottom lip trembling she swallowed hard and fixed her eyes on him “I do not care I will go Alex” She crossed her arms showing that she wasn’t budging. “Make some calls or I will” She looked up at him and lost her composer and threw herself in to his arms and wept into his neck, forgetting for a moment that he was in his uniform “Please Alex I cant stand losing my brother too I promised to take care of him” She swallowed hard trying to take control of her tears. “I do a lot of work at the VA maybe I can go as a counselor to the ones that don’t want to talk to a counselor.” She was grasping at straws.

She then realized she had been crying into his uniform and pushed away slightly and turned from him and began pacing which only upset Skye who began to walk with her whining Dani turned and looked at Alex. “Alex please make some phone calls and try, if there is truly no way then I will fly with you to Germany and wait there but I cant stand here and be helpless as my brother is being” She shook her head unable to go on. “I will be going, I will find a way with or without you, wouldn’t you rather I be going safely?” She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms hoping to stop her shaking like a leaf.

[Guest]

Alex listened to Dani and he could tell that she was still hard headed and stubbron and she had made up her mind and was not going to change it. She cried and pleaded with him to find a way to get her over there with him. He held her to him as she cried on his shoulder and tried to think of a way that she might be able to go. The government would not let her go over there as a private citizen. There was no way that she could get a job with a contractor or security firm and go there. But there was one possible way.

During his time in Iraq, he had saved the life of a congressman. That Congressman had told Alex that if there was anything that he needed that all he had to do was call him and he would do his best to make it happen. Alex of course thought that ment a job or perhaps helping him get back into the Army if he wanted. But now he would put it to the test and see if the congressman could help him get Dani over to Iraq with him. "I may have a way. I am not going to gurentee anything but it is a chance." he told her. He sat down on the bed and opened a drawer in the night stand by the bed. He had thrown the card the congressman had given him into it long ago and dug it out. Taking a deep breath he called the number.

He got the congressman's secretary. She said he was busy and Alex told her to tell him that it was Alex Morgan calling. A couple minutes later the congressman came on the line. Alex told him the situation and asked if there was any thing he could do to help Dani. There was a silence on the other end of the line and then the Congressman told Alex to bring Dani to Washington DC as soon as possible. He got pertanent information from Alex about Dani. Her full name, date of birth, Father and mother's names, social security number and the like. When Alex hung up he told Dani to pack a bag, that they were going to Washington DC.

As she packed he made reservation on an airlines to Washington DC.. His bags were already packed and when Dani was ready he went downstairs and told his mother what was going on. "Get Debbie home and tell her, we are going to make sure Dustin is found and brought back safely." Again he kissed his mome and she hugged him. "Take care of yourself Alex and take good care of Dani." She turned and gave Dani a big hug. "And you take care of Alex." She kissed Dani on the cheek and hugged her again, then the two of them were off to the Airport.

A limo was wating for them at the Airport when they arrived in Washington DC. They were taken to the Congressman's office and escorted through security to his office. Here the Congressman had Dani's picture taken and sent out as he sat behind his desk. "Miss Blodgett, you are now on the payroll of the US Government." he grinned. "You are part of my staff and will be going to Iraq to gather information on the war there and send it back to me." he placed a folder on the desk near Dani. "All the information is in there that is required." A few minutes later the man that had taken her picture returned and handed the congress man a passport. "This is your passport. It shows that you are a government representative and are protected under international law."

He rose and handed the passport to Dani and shook Alex's hand, and placed a hand on Alex's shoulder. "God Speed and Good luck." Alex thanked him and looked at Dani.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Looking at Alex Dani was still shaking there was no way in hell she was going to lose the two most important men in her life. She clenched her jaw trying to prove to him that she was not budging. But to her surprise he relented first. She watched as he made the phone call. Her heart was beating quickly. He was actually talking to a congressman she wondered why he was giving all her personal information could this mean that there was a chance that she was going to be able to go and get her brother?

When he hung up the phone and told her to pack a bag her jaw dropped and she threw her arms around his neck and buried her face into his neck “Thank you my love” She quickly packed her bag, a few clothes and hygiene stuff, her ID, and other necessities she said goodbye to Skye and Comet and then walked downstairs with Alex.

There she said goodbye to his mother and let the sleeping Debbie lay. She gave instructions on her pets to his mother, and then hugged her she smiled “I will take care of him I promise” Then they were gone. The plane ride was nerve racking and although she nearly refused to get into the limo, last time she was in one was for her father’s funeral but she got in. Once at the Congressman place Dani held on Alex’s hand. She was nervous could she really come all this way just to be turned away?

But when her photo was taken she was more at ease. She was going. She turned the congressman and swallowed hard. But when it was explained she broke into a smile “Thank you Sir” She said. Holding back tears. She took the folder and then her passport. She thanked him again then softly kissed Alex on the check.

A woman came in next and called her name Dani stood and was taken into a room that looked much like a doctor office. She saw about 15 needles there. She called for Alex she didn’t want to faint and she knew that with Alex it would be easier. The nurse looked at Dani. “Normally we like to do these over a couple weeks but since you are leaving shortly we are going to have to do it at once. Dani nodded and sat down and rolled up her sleeve the nurse smiled. “I heard what’s happening you are very brave” Dani looked up at her. “I am not the brave one” She squeezed Alex’s hands. The nurse then explained the shots “In your Arm you will have H1N1, the flu, Malaria, Polio, Small pox, Rabies, Hep A and B, your MMR, which is Mumps, measles and rubella, Cholera, and Meningitis” Dani swallowed hard. But the Nurse went on. “And in your buttocks you will have Anthrax” Dani nodded. The nurse looked up at Alex “You probably remember how poorly you felt after you had yours, Miss Blodgett here is going to feel mightily poorly. I suggest you take very good care of her on the plane ride.

With that she began giving the shots. Dani barely flinched. With all meds but she had to be stuck all the different times. So she was beginning to feel a little faint. Then she stood and with help from Alex lowered her pants and was jabbed with the last needle. She cried out softly. The nurse handed Alex some pills “Remember both of you have to take one of this every Monday. Then she was gone. Dani was a bit groggy but she smiled at Alex. “What now?”

[Guest]

Alex knew what it felt like to be a human pin cushion. He had his shots before he had gone over the first time and had a couple bosters when he had arrived at the retraining company. But it was all for the best. They would be in a country that was not the best in health. He stood there and held her hand as she got her shots. With all the stuff they were pumping into her, she defiinately would not be feeling the worlds greatest. When it was all done with, he helped her up and helped her to her feet. The sooner they got over to Iraq the better.

As they were about to leave, an aid handed Alex a large envelope. Opening it he saw his orders. The congressman had gotten it where he was reporting the next day. Also in the envelope was the plane passes for the next flight out. One with some pull can get things going quite rapidly. Once back out side the Limo was there for them. It took them to the airport where the chartered 747 was. The limo driver took their bags to the check in and got everything checked in and gave Alex the baggage claim tickets. A bit later him and Dani were in the waiting area with a lot of soldiers that were being deployed.

It looked as if Dani was the only Civilian that would be going over. Waiting was the worst part of it all. Every minute was precious and ment that something could happen to Dustin. But finally the plane began to board and him and Dani boarded and took their seats. Again it would be several hours before they reached their destination, more waiting. He couldn't tell how the waiting was effecting Dani. He knew she was anxious and nervous but she was keeping a brave face and containing what ever feelings she had about it.

But finally the plane touched down at the Bagdad airport and taxied up to the terminal. Here those on board would be met by representatives of the units they would be assigned to. Alex was no different. "ALEX you dumb ass." came a voice, a familiar one. Pushing through the crowd was Corpral Randy Devan. He came up to Alex and gave him a hug and then stood back. "Damn man, civilian life just wasn't for you eh. Good to see you though." Four more men approached, big grins on their faces. They had been privates and private first classes when he had left, now they were specialists. "Remeber us?" one said with a grin. Jack Armstrong, Kevin O'Riley, Jim Reeves, and John Ford. All of his old squad members. Each inturn gave him a hug and slapped him on the back

Alex stood back and next to Dani. "Dani I want you to meet Randy, Jack, Kevin, Jim and John, my old squad. Guys this is Dani, my fiance sister." They all turned to her eyes lighting up and looking her over. "You old dog you. You go home and find yourself a beautiful woman. Why didn't you write or something and tell us." Randy chuckled. Giving a slight bow to her, "On behalf of the squad, It is an honor to meet you." Then Alex laid the bomb on them, "She is also the Sister of Dustin Blodgett." Their smiles and looks fade from their faces and they looked down at the ground.

Randy looked up and spoke. "Everything is being done that can be, through channels to locate him. No body has been found so we are all certain he is still alive." That was basicly what they had been told already, but it seemed like there was more. Alex gave Randy a hard look and he sighed. "No one is talking. No one can find any of those that Dustin was with. Every one in Charlie company knew he was showing a bunch of the local teenagers how to play football, and makeing a damn good effort at public relations type thing. His squad got to know some of them but not where they lived or anything like that. They seemed to only trust Dustin and haven't come forward with any information."

Typical he thought. The people were afraid of both the americans and the insurgents. If they came forward their familes and themselves might be in peril of losing their lives. Alex nodded and took Dani by the arm. "Lets get going. I need to get body armor, TA 50, protective mask and weapon."

"All taken care of Sarge." Randy said. "Got everything you need over there in that room." he pointed to a room guarded by two soldiers. All the new guys coming in get their gear there."

Alex guided Dani over to the room and Randy opened the door for them. Inside was a large room filled with helmets, body armor, protective masks, loadbearing equipment and things he was going to need. Behind a counter was a supply clerk and he issued everything Alex would need including his rifle. "Going to need body armor and helmet for her also. She is Congressman Reed's representative, and will be going out to our Battalion area." The clerk looked her over and issued her the required body armor and helmet. Alex helped her into hers then put his on along with his protective mask and slung his weapon over his shoulder. "Now lets get her luggage and my duffle bag and we can be on our way. But I want to stop at the area that Dustin and his squad was attacked at.

Randy nodded and took both Alex and Dani out to two HUMMVEs. Jim and John took the turret postion and manned the M60 machineguns, Randy took the drivers seat and Kevin took the front passenger seat. Alex helped Dani into the back seats of the HUMMVE and got in next to her. Once everyone was in they took off and drove from the Airport through Bagdad.

[Xuxa_Rene]

After getting all the shots, Dani felt as if a fright train had ran her over she put on a brave face for Alex’s sake. She also wanted to make sure the Congressman didn’t rethink his plan. Dani wanted to find her brother and she wouldn’t get this far just be turned away for looking weak. She swallowed hard as Alex helped her up she leaned into him slightly. Leaning on him for support he seemed to know that she wouldn’t feel good for he was helping her.

She watched him take the file and her heart began to beat fast. They were leaving right now. She was actually going to go to Iraq, to the place that claimed her father, and His father, and over 3000 other warriors. And now more then likely had her brother somewhere. Being tortured she shuddered to even think about it. Once back in the limo Dani was torn between feeling so ill she wanted to sleep it off to being too nervous to sleep .

Making it to the airport she quickly realized that she was going to be the only civy going. She had a sinking feeling that the Soldiers would see her as a nuisance but she promised herself that she wouldn’t be one. She would not get in the way she would prove to everyone that she would be an asset not a nuisance.

Once on the plane Dani looked around. She listened to the preflight stuff then leaned up against Alex kissing him softly on the cheek. “Thank you for doing this, I love you Alex” She then allowed her exhausted body to take over and she fell asleep against him. She awoke a few times, had a small bit to eat and some liquid but other then that she was pretty quiet next to him. A mixture of all the immunizations and being scared for her brother had made her very quiet. And she didn’t want to voice her concern here the plane was full of warriors going over to fight, and she had demanded to go over so she didn’t feel the right to be nervous or anxious.

Once the plane touched down Dani and Alex exited. She could already feel the difference the air was thick and heavy. When she heard Alex’s name being called she turned around to the voice. She watched as Alex was greeted. She smiled nervously. So they all knew him. That would be good, or it could go bad, she didn’t want to get in the way and if they cared for Alex that might mean they would risk their life for her, hell their training probably demanded it protect the civilians at all cost. She giggled under her breath, so she had been right, civilian life was not for him.

When she was introduced Dani shook their hands. She blushed as they called her beautiful. She kissed Alex’s check softly. Showing that she was not going to be ashamed. She smiled “It is a honour to met you too” When Alex laid the bomb on them she swallowed hard. She remained her composer and when Randy spoke Dani shook her head. “Corporal I have no doubt that you are doing all you can” She nodded and looked at all of them as she spoke. “My brother is very lucky to have you in his squad.” She licked her lips willing the tears not to fall. “I have only two requests, that if the opportunity arises you allow me to talk to the towns people, they might respond to me more then a person in uniform” She paused and looked at all of them in the eyes other then Alex, “And this is most importantly if anything happens you do not under any circumstances risk your life for mine” She knew that they wouldn’t go for it but she wanted to say it anyways.

Once she was suited up and put in the humvee she softly placed her hand on Alex’s knee. She knew it was rough for him having her in such a danger place. She also knew that each person in this squad would lay their life down for her she just hoped that it wouldn’t come to that. She looked out the window as if Dustin was going to be just outside and all right. She knew it was foolish but she wanted to find Dustin and get him and Alex out there. Him staying behind wasn’t even crossing her mind right now.

[Guest]

Her words to his squad was going through his head. Not to risk their lives for her if something happened. Now that was definately something they would not do. Not only was she his fiance but, she was also the representitive of a congressman. They would do everything to ensure her safety. As they drove through the city, Alex's training and instincts began to come into play. He was looking out the windows of the HUMMVE as it passed building after building. There were plenty of people out on the streets and at times they had to slow down in order not to run them over.

Randy Handed him a radio and ear piece which he immediately put on. It would be tunned to the Squad Channel and could be swiched to the company or battalion's. He heard the others talking as he put it on. Randy had to tell them to knock it off, that Alex was now listening in. He had to chuckle as he could imagine what they were talking about. The grin on his face faded and his eyes narrowed a bit as he seen somethingout his door window. "Shit." he said as he threw the door open and brough his weapon up and fliped the safety off.

As he half leaned out of the vehilce he brought the weapon up to his shoulder and began firing. "Jim, John. RPG seven o'clock." Both men spun their M60's around, but before they fired Alex nailed the guy and the RPG round went wild and hit a building acrosse the street from them and exploded. But where there was one insurgent there were others. As the gunfire erupped, people on the streets ran for cover, or fell to the ground, trying to make themselves as small as possible. "Another RPG eleven O'clock came Randy's voice over the radio and in the HUMMVE. Jim swung around again and opened up on that one. John was busy firing up at some with AK47's. The pings of AK47 rounds hitting the armor of the vehicles also could be heard inside.

Randy and the other driver gunned the engines and began racing out of the area as fast as they could, as the chatter of the M60's filled the cab of the vehilce along with shell casings as they fell to the floor of the vehicle. "Damn good eyes Alex." Randy called back to him. "I see you haven't lost your touch. Damn glad you haven't." Soon the ambush site was far behind, but there could be more so everyone was now looking, eyeing the civilians to see if any looked suspicious.

Once they got to the area that Dustin had disapeared in, both vehicles stopped and Alex told Dani, "Stay here till the area is secure." He got out along with the others. Jim and John stayed with the M60's looking the area over as the rest fanned out in a circle around the vehicles. Alex looked around and didn't see anything suspicious so he opened the door for Dani and helped her out. He took his helmet off and his sunglasses and took a better look at the people as they cautiously moved around the vehilces and armed men.

"Not sure if you will have any luck here Dani. These people probably don't have any idea of where Dustin is. That was when a teenage boy in blue jeans and a green shirt cautiously approached the vehilces. Alex immediately placed himself in front of Dani and brought his weapon up. "No, no. I mean no harm." the boy said. "He looked around and took a photo out of his shirt pocket. He looked at it then at Alex. The boy smiled, "You Alex and she Dani? Dustin talked about you much. Gave me this picture of both of you."

Alex nodded to the squad and they let the boy through. "You look for Dustin?" he looked about nervously. "I know where he is. Can lead you there." he said. Alex pondered it a moment. The kid could be a set up for an ambush and they didn't have the ammo for a prolonged battle if it came to that.

"Ok kid." Alex said, "You come with us back to our Company Headquarters and if some of Dustin's friends verify that you are one of those he has been teaching football then we will talk more on it. Get in the vehicle." The boy licked his lips and still nervous did what Alex said. "Alright guys back to base and pronto. "

[Xuxa_Rene]

Dani wasn’t stupid she knew that each of the men here would die in order to protect her. Not only because she was a representative of a congressman, but more importantly she was Alex’s fiancée. She swallowed hard she couldn’t believe it she was in Iraq. She was going to find her brother, get him to Germany if he needed it, and then get her and Dustin and Alex out of the country. She had conveniently forgotten that Alex was due to have his tour on top of finding Dustin. She watched the people in the town and wondered what one if any knew where her brother was. She sighed softly, not even loud enough to be heard over the noises of the humvee. She would find her brother, her dear brother. Had she failed him? She had promised their father that she would take care of him. Now she felt that she had failed her father. She closed her eyes and pictured her brother bound and being tortured. She quickly opened her eyes she had to keep her mind clear. For her brother, Alex and the other men in this squad sake.

Watching Alex don the headphones she had to smile at the guys being told to knock it off. No doubt they were talking about Alex settling down, or sex…they were guys after all shaking her head she looked out the window again. It didn’t bother her what they guys talked about, But she understood, it seemed that they guys were ignoring her wishes even protecting her from their talk. Dani softy laid her hand on his knee again, not enough to be a distraction; just enough for him to know that she was still there and was doing all right. She saw his smile fade and immediately she looked around but as he threw the door open and began to open fire she instinctively ducked so she was completely hidden from view from the outside. She watched though in admiration as Alex fired his gun though he had a gift, a gift to know where the enemy was and their plans. She heard the shells hitting the vehicle but she knew that in here she was safe. She hoped that her ducking didn’t seem as weak; she only did it so that the guys wouldn’t have to worry about her too.

Once they were leaving she sat up again. Looking over at Alex, making sure that he hadn’t been shot. He seemed whole so she licked her lips, okay so she had lived through her first ambush, how many more of those before she would find Dustin and get him and Alex out of here? Once they stopped she nodded as she was told to stay, she wasn’t about to put herself in danger, well just not yet. She watched Alex move around with a new sense of pride; he did know what he was doing. She had always had faith in him but this proved it, although she hated to think of him in war, he was good at it. He was a tuned in warrior.

Once he came back for her she thanked him for his help. She knew that women here were treated like dirt so many men might be offended if she approached them, her plan was to take the picture that was taken at the prom and show the children and women. She nodded “I just want to try” She said in response to being told there wouldn’t be much luck. She went to start her questioning when she was approached. She wasn’t the least bit surprised when Alex stepped in-between her and the boy. She was about to protest when he raised his gun. But knew better to do it right now.

She nearly jumped through Alex when the boy pulled on the picture it took every inch of her will not to do so. She swallowed hard and waited for the boy to be cleared. He knew where Dustin was. She was so excited was it really going to be this easy? She was relived when he was given clearance. She got into the vehicle beside Alex and again swallowed hard. She was going to see her Dustin. She wanted to know how bad he was, but was too frightened to hear the answer, Dustin was stubborn he could be half dead by now. She fingered her fathers’ dog tags nervously. And watched the land slip by them.

She was going to met Dustin’s group know, she hoped that they wouldn’t take it too hard that she had come. She could only imagine the guilt that they were feeling. She looked up at Alex wondering if he was still okay with her being with him, after already being in a fire fight. And now perhaps seeing far worse. Ambushes, IED’s, who know what else. She nodded to Alex and then to the boy, silently thanking him for coming forward.

[Guest]

The two vehicles moved throught the streets and out of the city. Their Battalion had been moved out to a tent city surrounded by high burms of dirt with gun emplacements. They were stopped and asked for th e pass word and then when they saw the kid, "Potential informant with information on our missing soldier." Randy told the guards. "He has been checked out and is cleared." which ment he had no bombs or explosive devices on him.

The guards waved them on and they drove into the protective burm. Tents were everywhere in neat rows. No need for camofluge since the enemy had not air craft to hide from. There were all sorts of expando vans, used for battalion and company headquarters. Randy drove theirs up to one that had a sign out beside a short set of metal steps that said Alpha Comany. Alex got out grabing his orders and helping Dani out. He had to report in and give them his orders. Also to give them a copy of Dani's official orders. He walked up to the stairs and opened the door. A blast of cool air from the airconditioning surrounded him. He waited for Dani to join him as he ented. At the far end was the company commander, Captain Ortiz. He looked up as Alex entered and stood up coming around his field desk to shake Alex's hand. "Sergeant Morgan." he grinned. "Good to have you back." he then looked at Dani.

"Thanks Captain." Alex said as he shook his hand. "This is Dani Blodgett, Dustin's sister, and a representitive of Congressman Morgan." The Captain nodded and shook Dani's hand. "Sir we have a local with us, he was one of the boys that Dustin was teaching football to. He claims to know where he is being held." The captain looked at Alex and returned to his desk.

"We have been ordered not to interfer. There is negotiations going on right now for his return." The captain said. "He looked back at both Dani and Alex. He knew the likely hood that they would be successful was very slim.

Alex also knew the chances. "Sir you know as well as I do, we do not negotiate with terrorists nor insurgents. If they do not get what they want, Dustin will not have a chance. Let me and my squad go in. We can be in and out in no time."

The captain sat down in his chair and shook his head. "I can"t let you do it? Officiall." he looked at Alex raising a brow. "But you and your squad will be on patrol tonight."

Alex knew what he ment. "I under stand sir." he said.

"You are the squad leader of your squad Seargent Morgan. Staff Sergeant Anderson was injured a couple days ago and was medivaced out." the captain said. Alex again nodded, then took Dani by the arm and out side. Randy and the others were there waiting.

"Don't care how you do it Randy but secure enough ammor and anything you think we need. But quietly. Understand?" Alex told him. Randy and the others nodded smiling. They seperated and moved out to grab anything and everything. Alex took Dani and the boy over to the Recration tent, It was a huge tent set up with tables games and the like to help keep the soldiers morale up. There was a large screen TV that was hooked up to Satilite TV. They could get movies, sports, and anything they needed. "You are to stay here. Where we will be going will be even more dangerous then that little ambush."

They were not there long when a group of soldiers came up to them. The boy was nervous but Alex put a hand on his shoulder. The soldiers looked at Alex and then Dani. "Dani Blodgett?" the Staff Sergeant asked. "I am Staff Sergeant Rogers, Dustins Squad Leader, and this is his squad." He looked at the Iraqie boy then at Alex. "Your going for aren't you?" he whispered. and Alex nodded.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Sitting in the vehicle Dani couldn’t help but think about her poor brother, she looked around at the men in humvee they were traveling in, she knew that her words would not come true that each person in here would lay down his life for her and that worried her. She would do her best not to get into a situation where they would need to do so. She still couldn’t believe that he was here; she was going to find her brother, then get him and Alex out of here. She just kept telling herself that, she had forgotten that Alex was gong to be deployed for a while after this; her brother and her fiancé were coming home in her mind. Dani remained silent in the vehicle not wanting to put anyone in danger and not knowing what would distract.

As they were stopped and the password given Dani again swallowed hard and would have squeezed Alex’s but she was too nervous and didn’t want anything to give it away. She wanted to appear strong and like none of this was affecting her. She licked her lips and looked around at all the tents. She knew that the insurgents here didn’t have flying capabilities so that they didn’t need to hide the bases from the sky.

She gladly got out of the humvee and smiled a “thank you” to the driver. Then walked with Alex. She gasped as the cold air hit her so different then what was outside. She swallowed hard she was nervous. This was a Captain, high up there in rank. She remained at his side. Waiting to be introduced. When she finally was introduced she smiled and shook his hand. Dani knew that the captain was high in ranking so she had to be respectful, so although she wanted to cry out and demand they find her brother then she instead remained silent again.

Hearing the conversation happening around her was making her head spin they weren’t going to go after him? Why not? She wanted to cry out for him to get off his ass and find her brother but she simple tightened her jaw and straightened her back She was happy when Alex spoke up, but those hopes were quickly dashed when the Captain shut that done she was going mad. Then it turned to fear and panic as Alex was told he would be on patrol, Dani didn’t like that, she didn’t care she was going to find her brother and that was that.

Once outside she was hit with the wave of heat but ignore it. She watched the men go and get the things needed, She was about to blow her lid, her body was rigid she was trying to catch her breath and hide her state from everyone. She couldn’t believe that Alex would do this and not search for her brother, but orders were orders and she understood that. As much as it upset her.

She allowed herself to be led back to the Tent but froze when Alex told her to stay here. She turned around “NO!” She yelled she looked at him with a look that warned him that she meant business. “I am going to find my brother, put me in the armor, cut my hair, I don’t care but I am going” She was practically growling at him now.

She then noticed the Soldiers coming who more then likely had heard her little outburst she chewed her bottom lip then nodded as they intruded themselves. “It’s a pleasure to me you, my brother was lucky to have you” She glared at Alex “I am going you are going on portal why cant I come and look for Dustin while you do your job” She then heard the whispers “You are going for him?” She swallowed hard. “I still want to come” She crossed her arms on her chest defiantly. Waiting for the Soldiers to back her up, she was too upset to think that it would be too dangerous for them just not her. “I don’t care how dangerous its for me, I want my Dustin back, I promised Debbie that I would bring him back” She continued to stare at Alex and each Soldier in turn.

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