Unit leader Carleton pulled another Dunhill from the pack, lit it and inhaled deeply, practically feeling the crystallization of her lungs as she did so. She knew smoking was bad, but she needed something to make sure her hands weren’t shaking. “Citizen Soldiers,” she hummed under her breath. Damn.
That she didn’t jump out of her skin as the pale man approached owed more to her training than any personal fortitude. She took another deep inhale, held for a moment and then let the smoke out in a solid stream before tossing the butt down and squashing it out. The woods were humid and damp, but a fire potential was a stupid thing to leave lying around.
She came to attention with a nod to the man. “Sir.”
“At ease.”
Oh, good. He had some idea of military usage and protocol. She looked him over from beneath her lashes. Not too tall, slender build, steel core under that tailored suit. Who wore cream silk in this weather? His men were calm, quiet and professional. She turned her gaze back to the small encampment. One weekend a month, two weeks a year … Fuck.
Two figures in outlandish red suits, correction, space suits, were being taken from her people to his. Somewhere in the darkness sat the vehicle or vehicles that disgorged the two murderous – did she dare think it? – extraterrestrials. Aliens. This was the monthly “keep yourself in shape” training exercise. Out in the forest setting up camp in the almost drizzle of a Georgia summer, they’d started to settle down when Kirby let out a yell and there was live ammo flying.
“Real, hostile, aliens …”
“Yes.”
“What now?” she turned to look into the pale eyes, observing that he looked grim.
“Debrief,” came the short answer.
“And after that, sir?”
“Depends.”
She hated the sensation of suddenly having ice water in her veins. “Could you outline the options, sir?” She turned her attention back to the camp where several of her people were talking to several of his.
“Usually we don’t let people remember such encounters.”
Yipe. “We’re signatories to the National Secrets Act, sir,” she reminded him gently, hoping her voice didn’t shake. The aliens were frightening, the man was terrifying. He literally held their lives in his hand, although she suspected covering up disposing of an entire unit could be a problem. She sensed his focus on her profile and met his look. She prayed he could not tell how nervous he made her.
A smile relieved the grim for a moment, warming the eyes. “I know. Your people did well. We don’t often get live captives.”
What wasn’t he saying? That they didn’t often get survivors either? Shite! Kirby had sprained an ankle as he stumbled backwards. That was all the damage they’d taken. “So, don’t ask, don’t tell?” The reference wasn’t lost on him, but it applied here as well. Ask no questions, don’t say a word. What happened in training, stayed there. She quelled a hysterical laugh.
“Where were you when it started?” Her own debrief began.
Late Sunday Night
Derek Carleton surfaced from a hug and kiss from his still in uniform wife. “Wow. Really bored this weekend, huh?”
“You could say that …”
Dedicated to the people who spend one weekend a month and two weeks a year in training as the National Guard, the Citizen Soldiers, of the United States. Mostly because I have one in the family and I cry every time I hear the song.
Three Doors Down
“Citizen / Soldier”
Beyond the boundaries of your city’s lights,
Stand the heroes waiting for your cries.
So many times you did not bring this on yourself,
When that moment finally comes,
I’ll be there to help.
On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here.
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there.
When there are people crying in the streets,
When they’re starving for a meal to eat,
When they simply need a place to make their beds,
Right here underneath my wing,
You can rest your head.
On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there…
There… there… there…
Hope and pray that you’ll never need me,
But rest assured I will not let you down.
I’ll walk beside you but you may not see me,
The strongest among you may not wear a crown.
On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here!
On that day when you don’t have the strength for the burden you bear,
I’ll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
(Citizen soldiers)
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there.