Beyond the Checkpoint

by Addison M. Conley

  Ali opened the computer. “Congratulations!” She liked Henderson, but the unpleasant tingle in her spine made her fear where this was going.

  “The entire Operations Center loves you. You take on any job, simple or complex, and get it done without one complaint.”

  “Thanks. And I need that paperwork, please.” Ali typed, hoping he’d take the hint.

  “Don’t trust Captain Stevens or the guys he hangs out with. They’re stuck-up homophobic dickheads.” He straightened and projected toward the others nearby. “I’ll get that report. Need me to pick you up a soda, Ace?”

  Her fingers had stopped typing, and her heart was racing. “No, I’m fine.”

  He slapped her on the back. “Okay, buddy. Be back soon.”

  The next night, Ali joined the others for the volleyball tournament.

  “Glad you could make it.” Lynn waved. “Turns out we need a player for our side.”

  “Boo…Hiss…Don’t join the upper crust…” The enlisted guys were all jeering at once.

  Lynn cupped her hand to the side of her mouth and yelled out, “Ah, you know you’ve met your match.” She turned to Ali. “Tonight, there’s lots of teasing and polite name-calling, but all in good fun. Want to join our motley crew?”

  “Lead the way.”

  As the game progressed, Ali grumbled to herself, “Just for fun, my ass.” Both teams were out for blood. The prize—a special meal in a reserved, back section of the officer’s mess hall. The cherry on top—the losers had to serve the winners before eating.

  “You shouldn’t have joined the brass, Ace,” Henderson shouted from the enlisted side after they tied the score. “Now, to finish you off.” He served.

  Ali dived to pass the ball. “Crap!” Her pass was off the mark to the setter, and Lynn’s spiked ball sailed wide of the boundary line.

  “Oh yeah…You all are going down…” The enlisted side was going nuts as they took the lead.

  Lynn shouted, “Okay, let’s do it.” She clapped her hands. “We can take care of these jarheads and ground pounders.”

  The enlisted team was on the brink of winning. Ali dove for the ball as another team member turned to make the play.

  Smack. His knee collided with her face.

  “God, that hurt,” she choked out. Her fingers touched her face. Warm, sticky blood coated the tips.

  “Oh shit. I’m sorry, Ace!” The alarm in the lieutenant’s voice sounded distant.

  She tried to open her eyes, but everything was spinning. Out of the chorus of concerned voices, she focused on Lynn’s. A soft hand cradled her head then dabbed her face.

  “Try to open your eyes.” Lynn’s voice soothed.

  “I’m dizzy.” The floodlights hurt her eyes, and she squeezed them tight again. “I feel sick to my stomach.” A slight ringing competed with the voices around her, making everything seem like an eerie dream.

  “The medics are on the way. Hang in there, Ace,” Henderson said. “You know we’ve got your back.”

  The whirl slowed, and her nausea eased but didn’t go entirely away. Ali tried again to open her eyes. She put her hand up to block the glare of the lighting. Gradually, Ali could make out Lynn’s face, then the medics rushed in with a gurney.

  “She’s got a broken nose and a small laceration above the left eye, and she’s showing signs of a concussion,” Lynn told the medic.

  “We’ll have to take her to the trauma center for a CT and check her for an orbital fracture.”

  Ali grabbed Lynn’s shirt. “No. I don’t want to go outside the wire.”

  “Easy there five-foot-four monster.” Lynn leaned down near her face and softly said, “It’ll be okay, Ali. Trust me. We need to make sure that hard head of yours isn’t cracked. Can’t have any scrambled eggs on my watch.”

  She liked how it sounded when Lynn called her by name. She let go of Lynn’s shirt but clutched Lynn’s hand hard. “Go with me. I’m scared.”

  “I’ll be with you all the way.” Lynn slightly rose. “Henderson. Go get our battle rattle and meet us at the gate.”

  “Roger, Major.”

  “I’ll get her bug-out bag.” One of the women from Ali’s barracks yelled.

  Lynn’s hand slid away as they loaded her into an MRAP. Ali immediately missed her warmth.

  “We’re in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. So much better than the armored SUVs we typically drive. See, I can say that, I’m better. Do I have to go to the hospital?”

  “Yes,” Lynn answered, “but I’m happy you’re not delirious. You do have one of the hardest heads of anyone I know. I’m going by the rules. So, chill. It’s not that far away. I’m right here.” Lynn’s hand patted her shoulder. “Think of something pleasant.”

  As Lynn’s gentle voice distracted her, the medic swabbed her arm. The scent of rubbing alcohol seeped in and assaulted her nose. Ali grimaced as the needle pierced the skin. The drug’s efficiency was swift, and her pain began to fade. As the vehicle lurched along, she closed her eyes and daydreamed about the handsome major. She imagined them dancing under the stars on a warm summer night. Lynn dressed in a white tux with a blue tie to match her eyes, and herself in a shimmering red dress.

  “What are you thinking, Ace?”

  She pried her eyes open. “I feeeel soooo nicee right nowww.”

  “Good thing I speak slur.”

  “Yourrr eeyes. Soooo cuute…”

  Chapter 7

  Ali woke in a hospital bed, feeling woozy but much better than after the hit. She was the only one in the four-bed room. Light seeped in from the headlights of passing trucks outside. Lynn appeared to be asleep in the chair next to her.

  A woman with a stethoscope draped around her neck walked towards them. Ali took in the green-colored undershirt, and camouflage uniform under her white lab coat. God…women in uniform.

  Lynn jostled and jumped up. “Is everything okay, doctor?”

  “The CT looks clear.” She peeked at Ali over her glasses. “I’m not sure how you didn’t sustain an orbital fracture. Lucky hit. You have a concussion, and your face isn’t going to look pretty for some time, but you will heal. If you have access to ice, wrap some in a towel and apply. It’ll help with the pain and swelling. I’ll release you in the care of the major, but this concussion has to be taken seriously.”

  The doctor handed Lynn some paperwork. “Bed rest for two days and I want her with a twenty-four-hour caregiver. Wake her every couple of hours to make sure she’s coherent. If her balance or vision doesn’t improve or her headaches continue, call the medics. If she vomits, bring her back.”

  “Work…when can I…go back?” Ali’s mouth was dry.

  “Probably by the third day but only if your clinic clears you. Get examined before dinner tomorrow. Also the following day, even if the caregiver doesn’t see any problems. The doctor handed a bottle to Lynn. “They’re not as strong as the shots. Two every six hours and only if she needs it. I want the caregiver in charge of dispersing the pills. All these instructions are in the paperwork.” She patted Ali’s hand. “Your base clinic will prescribe a milder medication after the two days. Okay, you can roll your gear up and be on your way.”

  The doctor walked off, and Lynn started to help her.

  “Vertigo…not too bad…freaking…no reason.”

  “I don’t know if you can hear yourself talk, but you’re having trouble completing sentences. And yes, it was bad. Your eyes were spinning like a pinball machine after the hit. You heard what the doctor said. It’s a concussion. These symptoms are serious.” Lynn held out her hand. “Now come on, let’s get back to base. I’d like to get you in bed.”

  Ali softly chuckled and whispered, “Bold…can’t say that thought.”

  Lynn leaned over. “I didn’t mean it that way,” she said in a whispered shout. “You need rest. At least, you’re not as delirious as earlier.”

  “That’s me. Lost and delirious. Sorry, a slip of the tongue…” Ali snickered and rolled over
into the pillow. She rolled back, and Lynn was squared off with her hands on her hips. Ali slowly calmed down. “These drugs…wowww.”

  “Yes. Let’s get you back before you say or do something you really regret. I’m beginning to think they gave you something like laughing gas in those shots.”

  They rolled onto base and into the faint light of dawn. The rising sun painted the sky a warm pinkish color against the thin layer of clouds.

  “Here. Let me help you. Doctor’s orders.”

  “I can do it myself.”

  “You’re more alert, but I don’t want to take any chances.”

  “Welcome back Ms. Clairmont. If you don’t mind, I need a word with Major Stewart.”

  “Sure, Major Abbott.”

  Ali sat down on a bench but couldn’t help to sneak a peek. Major Vicki Abbott worked directly for the general, and Lynn didn’t look happy. Is there a problem with work? Suddenly, a weird thought shot through her brain. Are they a couple? Stop! That’s got to be the drugs. Yet, the tinge of jealousy wouldn’t go away.

  Abbott left, and Lynn provided an arm to steady Ali. “Let’s get some food in you. Not too much. Strict orders by the doc. I have some crackers and peanut butter.”

  Ali tried to turn towards the MRAP. “My bag and battle rattle are still in there.”

  “I’ve arranged for them to be delivered.”

  “Where am I going?” Thumbing over her shoulder, Ali said, “My barracks is that way.”

  “To my quarters.”

  Ali stopped. In a hushed voice, she said, “Are you crazy?”

  “No.” Lynn shook her head. “There’s no one to check on you. The clinic’s full, and your roommate departs for Bagram today. Major Abbott and I will watch over you.”

  “You room with Abbott?”

  “No. The general heard about your incident. Apparently, he is a big fan of your work and ordered Abbott and me to take turns keeping an eye on you.” Lynn rubbed the back of her neck. “I have the bigger room.”

  “Okay. Just a tad awkward.” God help me if I try to kiss you.

  After a short walk, Lynn helped her up the stairs and unlocked the bedroom door.

  “Oh my.” Ali glanced around. “This must be the penthouse.”

  “Why are you so dramatic?”

  “Are you kidding me? You have a room all to yourself with a window and furniture. There are two to four in an enlisted room. We’re shoved in kid-sized bunk beds. Maybe an end table if we’re lucky but usually the locker is our only furniture.”

  “Only majors and above get a single room. The sofa’s a little lumpy, and the laminate coffee table has seen better days.”

  “I’m crying crocodile tears.” Ali fluttered her eyelashes.

  “Someone’s feeling better.” Lynn took off her body armor and dropped it in the corner. After unstrapping her weapon, she placed it inside the locker.

  Ali examined the few personal items—a slightly crumpled poster of Yosemite taped to the wall, a few photos on the coffee table, and a deck of cards. She smiled. “Maybe we should play.”

  “No. We need to get you in bed.” Lynn blushed. “How’s the headache?”

  “Can’t tell. My whole head hurts.”

  “You’re completing sentences and walking okay.” Lynn looked into her eyes. “Your pupils appear to be normal size.” Lynn handed her two pain pills and a bottle of water. “I’ll sleep on the sofa. You can have the bed.”

  Ali didn’t complain and closed her eyes. When she woke, Lynn was gone, and Major Abbott was studying her.

  Ali sat up, then closed her eyes. The spinning subsided. “I’m sick of this bed.”

  “I was about to wake you. It’s time for your doctor call, followed by a light dinner.”

  “I need to go to work.” Ali swung her legs over the edge.

  “Nice try. How do you feel?”

  Ali scraped her tongue over the sandpaper of her lips. “Hurts like hell, but I’ll live. What do I look like?”

  “You’re a beautiful purple, blue, and black alien with an enormous honker.”

  “Where’s Lynn?” Ali took in a sharp breath. “I mean, Major Stewart.”

  “She went in a couple of hours ago. Seems you’re not the only stubborn one. By the way, you can call her Lynn in private. You’re no longer in her chain of command. The general has gone over everyone’s head. He apparently talked with your agency director. You’ve been removed from JETT and promoted to Special Assistant to the civilian Senior Intel Officer. You now report directly to him and the general.”

  “Wow. That’s a crazy schedule, and I hate to leave JETT in a lurch.”

  Abbott laughed. “Serves you right doing a damn good job on the general’s projects. Don’t worry about JETT. Lynn made a passionate plea to leave you on a couple of operations. Look at the bright side. You’ll work days. Well, some nights.”

  “Yeah, like 0500 to 1900 without stopping.”

  “Another plus. We will be on the same team, and I’m not your supervisor. So, call me Vicki. Oh, and we can also pack up your other things and move them here in the next couple of days.”

  “Huh?” Ali wobbled as she stood, and Vicki rushed to help.

  “Easy there, champ.”

  “Why am I being moved?”

  “The general wants you reassigned to the Officer’s Quarters. You’ll room with Lynn until an empty one opens. The Italian first captain down the hall is leaving in two weeks or so.”

  “Two weeks? With Lynn?” Ali plopped back onto the bed.

  “Why the worry? Does she snore?” Vicki laughed. “You can’t stay with me. I traded my sofa for a recliner, and it broke. Be thankful you’re out of cramped enlisted. Now, it’s time for medical.”

  Sweat dripped down Lynn’s face and soaked her shirt. Holy cow. I can’t believe the general ordered me, in front of everyone, to take Ali as a roommate. Running on the gym’s treadmill always cleared her mind, but today, it wasn’t working. That grin is adorable. Kissing those lips would be amazing. “Frak. Frak. Frak. I can’t focus around her.”

  “You must be a Battlestar Galactica fan. Great classic TV.”

  She jerked her head up but didn’t recognize the guy passing by. “Yeah. The second version’s the best.”

  God, I have to watch my big mouth. That could have been someone from the Operations Center.

  Slowing down from a sprint to an easy jog, her brain went back to Ali. It was getting harder to remain composed. The mere thought of being close to Ali, even just touching her arm, made Lynn’s body pulse. Oh, frak, I’m in over my head.

  Chapter 8

  Ali was staring at the screen, squeezing a stress ball over and over. Damn, another crazy shift. She stood and threw the ball towards the waste can. It circled the rim before sinking.

  “Vicki, I’m taking a break. I’ll be back in an hour.”

  “Ali, there’s no way we can work eighteen to twenty hours after the last couple of days. You’ve been working nonstop for six hours. It’s slow now. Take lunch and go rest. Come back in three hours, and we’ll switch.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Instead of the chow hall, Ali stopped at the snack shop, grabbing a newspaper and granola bar before heading back to the major’s quarters. This should tide me over. I’ll grab a sandwich later.

  Still engrossed in the article she was reading, Ali shoved the key in the lock and walked in. Lynn was in the center of the room, struggling with her clothes. Her pants dropped, and her arms flew up to her chest. Ali gawked. The view of firm breasts under Lynn’s strong hands and her muscular six-pack abs lit Ali like a match starting a brushfire.

  “I thought I—I locked it.”

  Ali swallowed. “And you were scheduled to be at Camp Eggers for the entire day.”

  “We returned early.”

  Snapping back to reality, Ali turned away and muttered, “I’m sorry for the intrusion.” The rustle of clothes filled her ears.

  “Dressed. You can turn around.”r />
  Ali walked over to Lynn who was stuffing her laptop into her satchel. “Lynn, you’ve been avoiding me since I moved in.” Ali reached out, but then thought better, and didn’t touch her. “Look, you’re an attractive woman, but I’d never do anything to damage your career, and I’m not into straight women. I’ll be out of your room soon.”

  “Another month.” Lynn didn’t look up. “The Italian officer’s duty has been extended again. We have to bunk another month.”

  “Oh, shit.”

  Slinging her computer bag over her shoulder, Lynn moved toward the door. She stopped with her hand on the knob. In a faint voice she said, “I’m going to the rec center. I promised to help someone with his resume. He goes home next month.”

  “Dammit, Stewart!”

  Lynn whipped around.

  Aware of the thinness of the walls, Ali whispered, “I’m sorry. Why are you so damned worried? Are you that upset with sharing your room with a lesbian? Or do you think others will assume you are too? I know you have a lot at stake, but it’s not my fault I’m here. We can at least be civil to one another.”

  Lynn appeared unsure and nervous. Her eyes blinked, and she wet her lips. Her mouth moved to speak, but nothing came out. She turned to the door again, and Ali thought she was going to bolt out of the room. Instead, Lynn dropped her bag and leaned her forehead against the door.

  “Well, at least talk to me.” Ali planted her hands on her hips.

  Lynn flipped the lock, turned, and closed the gap between them. Soft lips took command of Ali as one hand cupped her neck and another settled on her lower back. Ali moaned as the kiss intensified with a hunger so deep that her head swirled. The slow burn of desire in her lower body blazed upwards. When Lynn’s tongue entered her mouth, Ali wrapped her arm around her strong shoulders.

  Beep, beep. Beep, beep. Beep, beep.

  Lynn pulled away and shut off her watch alarm, then tenderly rested her palm on Ali’s cheek and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. “I’m sorry for avoiding you because,” she wet her lips, “as much as I hate to admit it, I can’t concentrate since you moved in.”