***
Jill had never been on a mission before. She checked the weather at the drop zone in Colombia early every morning, but then she also checked it randomly during the day whenever she started getting nervous. She didn’t even know she was nervous. She would just pick up the phone and call the weather service for an update. Often, because she had just called a short time before, the weather service would say that there was no change and politely hang up. Likewise, she would ask herself questions randomly. Should I call Jack in the mornings instead of the evening? Should I call Jack more than once a day? I wonder what Jack is doing. I wonder if Jack is worried about the success of the mission. I wonder if Jack is thinking about me.
One afternoon just after lunch, she was feeling a bit tired as she sat in her chair in HQ. She had been given a modest desk and cubicle with a telephone and computer to do the work required while waiting for the go-ahead for the mission. Her mind drifted to Jack’s background. I feel so sorry for poor Jack, growing up without any mother, father, or siblings. How sad. He must have been so lonely. Christmas and birthdays must have been especially painful. There was no one to show him love and kindness. I wonder if Jack ever had any close relationships with the foster parents or their children. Why did he have to lose his parents at such a young age? Did he ever develop relationships with friends at school? Did he ever have a girlfriend? How many girlfriends did he—
“Jacobson, in my office, NOW!” Major Phelps barked.
Jill jumped, caught off guard by the major’s loud and sudden voice. She grabbed her pen and notepad and followed the major to his office.
“Close the door and sit down, Jacobson.” The major had that serious look on his face again. “We have gotten the go-ahead for the mission. You are leaving tomorrow morning at zero-three thirty sharp. Will you be ready?”
“Yes, sir. Everything is in place and the weather is going to be excellent.”
“Good. Just remember that this mission, besides being top secret, is also extremely dangerous.”
“Yes, sir.” Jill was hoping that the major was not going to dwell on the danger.
“I’ll look forward to a successful completion of your mission. You are dismissed.”
“Yes, sir.” Jill got up from her chair.
The major got up from his chair and walked around the table to her as she was reaching for the doorknob. “Jill, one more thing.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Please, take good care of yourself and come back in one piece.”
Jill looked into the major’s eyes and thought that they were starting to fill up. “Thank you for your concern, sir.” Jill thought about his emotions at this moment. She wondered if he had any daughters, and if he were wondering what it would be like to send them on a sniping mission to enemy infested jungles of South America.
Jack and Jill: Army Page 28