by Nicole Ryan
“What?” She asked nearly breathless. Her face was damp, it was hot here, even at night, and the moist air clung to you. She wiped her brow and looked from Sawyer and me to the buckets, and then shook her head.
“I’ll stay up here. Can’t you wake someone up from the birthing to help you, tell them it’s a real casualty and not simulated?” I asked.
“Yeah, they won’t be happy, but I’ll do it.” She said.
I turned back to Sawyer. “Are you okay?” I asked him.
He nodded, wiping himself down with a rag and water from a new bucket. “Man, this is crazy.” He said shaking his head.
He looked up, and I followed his gaze, Cross and Harlow were coming toward us, their hair wet, their faces red, everything drenched, the smell of fuel was reaching me even in the enormous open hanger bay. Their skin was also bright red. Chemical Burns danced through my mind, and that notion was terrifying to me; I didn’t have the training to know how to deal with it properly, I hadn’t gotten that far yet.
“Shit!” I cried, tears stinging my eyes and blurring my vision as I rushed over to them, pulling at Velcro and zippers savagely yanking them off of their poor stricken bodies.
Johnson came up behind me, “I have three girls from the birthing rotating buckets. What can I do to help?” She asked looking at the guys as I poured water over them with a pitcher someone had placed beside the buckets.
“Um, I need you to go down to medical and get an HM, maybe the one who sings karaoke with us? She is always so willing to help us out. I don’t know what to do with their skin.” My voice cracked as I tried to gently clean Cross and then Harlow, not wanting to let one suffer more than the other.
“Okay.” She squeezed Harlow’s fingers before turning, and running toward Medical.
My eyes widened suddenly when I realized that no one had called the smoke deck Secured on the over head. I ran as fast as I could to the repair locker and dialed DC Central. The Watch answered on the first ring.
“Central.”
“Yes Sir, this is DCFN Carlson. The smoke deck needs to be secured immediately, there is JP5 fuel everywhere and we are cleaning it up as fast as we can Sir.” I said quickly.
“Roger that, thank you.” He said briefly before the line went dead.
As I hurried back to my station I saw that Smith and Cravats had joined the group now, and Johnson was back with the Corpsman I’d sent for, they were both hurrying to get the guys free from their fuel soaked uniforms. Fear washed over me as I looked at Sawyer, Cross, and Harlow whose bodies were all varying shades of pink, it crept up their bodies, and I could almost make out the inside print of the thick fire ensembles on their arms, torsos and chests. The loud speaker came booming around us, stating that all hands were secured from smoking until further notice. When I was beside her, the Corpsman handed me a soft sterile rag, she had brought a couple more Corpsman up with her who were more than willing to help. She was applying a clear ointment to Sawyers chest.
“Here sweetie.” She handed me a pair of rubber gloves. “Put these on, and apply a thin layer of this on his chest and back, then apply a little thicker of a layer on these darker ones here.” She pointed to the purplish spots on his neck with her rubber glove clad finger.
“Okay.” I nodded as I put the gloves on. “Thank you so much for helping us.” I told her, she nodded and smiled at me before going to Johnson and helping rinse the skin of others who were arriving from the scene.
“Are you okay?” Sawyer asked, looking down at me as I applied the ointment.
I craned my neck to look up at him, “You’re asking me?” I almost laughed.
“You look pale, and your hands are shaking.” He said low, so the others couldn’t hear.
“I’m fine.” I swallowed.
“Is this about your accident?” He asked, his deep voice prodding me.
“Maybe, I don’t really know.” I tried to swallow again, the lump in my throat was aching.
“We are all going to be fine, it’s just a little burn it’s no biggie, and we have help.” He gestured to everyone around us. “The spill is being cleaned up, we’re trained to deal with this remember?” He asked, smiling down at me.
I looked down, trying to hold back my tears but when I blinked, they spilled over my lids and down my cheeks. I ignored them; Sawyer reached his thumbs up and slid them along my cheeks, wiping my tears away. I jerked away from him instinctively, and then forced myself to look at him after a second.
“I’m sorry.” He said.
“No, its okay, I’m just panicking… I have to take a few breaths. I’ll be okay in a minute.” I said shakily, before taking several deep breaths.
I closed my eyes and tried to wipe the image of Aden squirming in pain on the bedroom floor of the cabin out of my mind. I felt my chin quivering and I shook my head as I pressed my palms to my eyes, I could almost feel the knife entering my shoulder again as I led the sadistic man away from my friends.
Sawyer’s hands were on my shoulders, bringing me out of my memories.
“Hey.” He said firmly.
I opened my eyes and tears spilled down my cheeks again; he pulled me to his large chest and wrapped his big arms around my shoulders as I trembled against him, my gloved hands pressed flat to his chest while my shoulders quaked under his large biceps. I stared wide eyed into the past, at my memories. Distantly I felt bad for possibly hurting him right now when his skin was so irritated, but I made no effort to move away from his comforting embrace.
“It’s okay baby girl.” He said. “You’re okay. You’re not there. Hear me?” His baritone voice boomed through me, soothing me. “You aren’t there right now Amber.” He reminded me. I slowly stopped shaking, my breathing became deep yet erratic, but I steadied myself on my feet again.
“I’m sorry.” I said as I squeezed more of the ointment onto my finger tips and resumed applying it.
The casualty took several hours to clean up, and when we were finally finished the sun was rising over the water and it was nearly seven thirty in the morning. I stood with three empty buckets hanging from my hands and looked out at the ocean through the open hanger bay doors. We were speeding along, the dark blue water was beautiful with small white caps, and the sky was a vibrant orange color with golden ribbons laced through thin creamy clouds. I felt warmth wash over me, and relief that no one had been seriously hurt, it dawned on me how close I’d grown to these people. I loved each and every one of them. I knew that they would do anything for me, and I would gladly do anything for them, we shared a bond that was greater than any bond I’d known with my civilian friends. I knew that during a fire, or flood, or even a fuel spill, that these men and women would do anything to protect me, and they knew I would too. It was very refreshing, and restored a bit of my faith in humanity.
Chief came up beside me, he reeked of fuel, and his face was stubbly from not shaving this morning. “Sonny, you did really good tonight.” He sounded exhausted.
“Thanks Chief.” I said. He placed his hand on my shoulder.
“The mess deck Chief came to talk to me a couple moments ago, to complain about the way you spoke to him. So if he asks, I gave you a very firm talking to, and I told you to respect those who out rank you, but really as far as I am concerned you did exactly what you were trained to do, and I am proud of you.” He said before walking over to our mustering spot.
The division gathered in ranks before him, everyone looking dazed and haggard, I felt terrible that most of them were even out of their racks.
“I’ve spoke with our division officer and while we can’t afford to give you holiday routine for being up all night, I can give your LPO’s strict instructions to let you catch shut eye in your offices whenever you get a moment to catch up.” He said, groans broke out among the division. “I know it sucks, but it’s the best I can do. Go to your birthing, and unless you’re hurt enough to need to visit medical, you need to shit, shower, and shave quickly. Then muster in your offices with your LPO’
s.” He said, his eyes roamed over us, and it seemed as if pride was hiding there. “Dismissed.”
I walked almost like a zombie toward my birthing. Johnson came up beside me, her pretty blonde hair a disheveled mess; she turned her eyes down to me, one corner of her mouth pulled in as she gazed at me.
“Are you ok?” She asked.
“I think I had a panic attack.” I said, too embarrassed to look at her. “I feel so odd.” I sighed as we climbed the ladder well to our birthing.
I went to my rack and opened it quietly, two girls who had joined our cubicle were night check, and slept during the day so I didn’t want to disturb them, although the more bitchy side of me dared me to slam it shut, and wake them up as I was about to pull a near 48 hour shift. Instead, I quietly pulled out fresh clothes, my shower caddy and softly closed and locked my rack without making a peep.
My body was humming, my heart pounding slowly; I hauled a deep breath into my lungs and held it before slowly exhaling. I placed my hand on the lockers beside me and stood up slowly, before heading to the shower room. Johnson was already in one of the shower stalls; the smell of orange blossoms filled the entire head. I took the stall across from hers and turned the water on, as I lifted my foot to step in the ship lulled to the side suddenly, and then back again, sending my stomach dropping into my groin. I placed my hand on the cold metal lip of the shower, steadying myself as I stepped into the water and slid the curtain closed. As I stood under the water I felt tears sliding down my face again, remembering all of the things that went unsaid. That would forever remain unsaid.
I placed my hands over my face as Aden’s eyes called to me, his dark hair falling boyishly over his brows as he smiled down at me from a memory of summer, at the lake, a warm breeze and the sun kissing our young bodies as we discovered one another. I almost heard Christie laughing somewhere in the water with Alex. A sob escaped my mouth and I quickly clamped my hand over it. My shower curtain opened and Johnson stepped in, closing the curtain behind her, I stared at her for a second and then she wrapped her arms around me pulling me to her naked body. It startled me for a second, but then I crumpled against her and cried softly.
“You’re going to be ok sweet heart.” She said kindly. “I know you must be hurting so badly and you never show it. You’re so strong all the time, I’m afraid someday you’ll just shatter like delicate china.” Her hand stroked my hair gently.
“I miss them so much.” I sobbed.
“I know you do sweetie.” She said.
After a moment she released me, she smiled warmly at me before she stepped out of the shower and I heard her walk over to the sinks. I shut my own water off after quickly washing myself; Jessica was still flossing her teeth as I dried off and got dressed.
“That was scary.” She said.
“What was?” I asked, as I pulled my brush through my hair.
“Last night, the guys… We’ve never had anything like that happen before. I never expected it to hurt their skin like that.” She shook her head sadly.
“I know, it was really scary, hopefully it won’t happen again.” I chuckled nervously.
***
When I entered the shop, it was dark and all I could see was the green light on the computer monitor in front of me. I flipped on the switch, and briefly saw bodies sprawled all over the floor and annoyed groans met me before I quickly flipped it off again.
“I’m so sorry guys. I didn’t think anyone was in here.” I whispered as I carefully stepped over them.
“Come here and lay with me baby girl, Cross is on watch and I told him I’d make sure you were okay.” I heard Sawyer drawl from behind me. I looked over my shoulder as I sat at the computer chair and wiggled the mouse.
“Okay, just let me check my email really quick.” I said quietly. I heard him shift, and someone off to my left yawn, and I smiled inwardly, glad that they were finally able to rest. I opened my inbox and went through the weekly ship announcements, a short email from my mom, and some jokes that were circulating around the ship before I came across an email from Christie. I swallowed as I stared at it for a second before I forced myself to open it.
Darling Amber,
I miss you my dear friend. I am getting better every day and am now permitted to go and visit Alex. He is healing well and he can even walk again with help from his crutches. Can you believe he finally proposed to me? Yep. Over some nasty hospital jello of all things. I said yes of course. I’d love for you to be my maid of honor so we haven’t set a date, we want to wait and be sure you will be there. We miss you dearly, and hope this email finds you well. I love you, and can’t wait until the deployment is over and you can come home. Grandma sends her love.
Christie.
I closed the email smiling. I was too exhausted to reply now; I would call her as soon as I had free time, and access to the ship phone. I sighed as I turned off the computer, slowly I felt my way over to Sawyer, who moved slightly as I crouched down next to him, then let out a bear of a yawn as his gorilla arms wrapped around me and pulled me close on his mat, under the double sleeping bag. It was warm under there, which was oddly welcoming, and I felt the exhaustion wash over me again as I let my eyelids slip closed, and sleep washed over me.
I hadn’t dreamed at all, and it didn’t feel like I’d slept at all when I heard the code being punched into the door, and it cracked open. DC1 Lewis stuck his head in for a moment, and looked around at all of us, as if counting, then quietly closed it again. I heard him mumbling something into his walkie-talkie as his voice traveled farther away. I took a deep breath and stretched, Sawyer’s hand was on my waist, I snuggled closer to him and jumped when I felt his erection against my bottom, my fingers came up to my lips and I tried to hold myself away from him.
“Sorry.” He whispered sleepily, before his breathing became slow and regular again.
My heart flip flopped a little bit at my sudden excitement. I brought my hands to the sides of my face and closed my eyes again, annoyed with my insatiable body. I squeezed the bridge of my nose between my fingers before I tried to find sleep again, but just as I began to feel weary, Sawyers hand began stroking my side, and the swell of my hip. His other hand pulled me closer to him, and I felt him against me again, thick, hard, incredibly alluring. I pushed my bottom against him invitingly and he quietly groaned, my hand went to the button on my coveralls and undid it quickly. Sawyers hand was at my zipper in a second, and he slid his hand against my breast as he slid the zipper down to my waist.
My breathing quickened as his hand slid under my white shirt, along my stomach and up to my breast. I arched, pressing my breast into his palm, and squirmed against him, and his slow, maddening hands. I desperately tried to be silent, so as not to wake the others that surrounded us, as Sawyer turned my body over so I was lying on my back. He took my right leg and draped it over his hip, then slid his hand along the inside of my knee, and up my thigh to the apex of my thighs. His fingers caressed my clothed sex softly, sending thrilling waves through me; I smiled and turned my face into his neck, he smelled of Stetson cologne. He was so soft, and tender. I hadn’t been touched so sweetly in a long time; it made me feel warm all over. Sawyer slid his hand into the waist of my coveralls and slid the zipper down, it reached nearly to my knees. I held my breath as his fingers slipped under the band of my panties, my back raised up off the mat again and his lips pressed against my temple, then slid to my ear.
“You smell so good.” He whispered.
My mouth fell open as he slipped two thick fingers inside me, and dragged my wetness up to circle my clitoris with. My hands clamped down on his wrist, and I put my lips close to his ear.
“Please don’t. I can’t. Not here.” I whispered.
“Why not?” He asked a smile in his voice.
“Because, I… I just can’t.” I said, trying not to laugh as he wiggled his fingers inside me playfully.
I mentally scolded myself as he withdrew his hand and pulled my coveralls closed. He pulled me a
gainst him again, and after a while, I felt my body calming.
***
Several weeks later, with zero casualties since the fuel burst, we mustered at seven in the hanger bay. Chief Morose was present this time for a moment, speaking quietly to Chief Hudson and the first classes, after a few moments he left and Chief Hudson came to stand in front of us, his gaze lingering on me for a moment until I dropped my gaze to the deck.
“Today is DECON day gentlemen, and ladies.” He added looking at Jessica and me. “I want you all to go down to the Decontamination station immediately and await further instruction.” He spoke to the first classes briefly, then turned and made his way all the way Aft and left the hanger bay.
DC1 Lewis stood in front of the division and cleared his throat. “Alright, let’s head down. Ladies, if you’ve got a time of month problem I suggest you take care of it now.” He turned and walked away. We all followed behind him, and Jessica came up beside me.
“This sucks, so much.” She whispered as we walked a few paces behind the others.
“What are we doing?” I asked.
“We are doing a decontamination drill. The water is freezing cold because it comes from so deep down, but it’s not as freezing here as it is back home.” She added as if it were a bonus.
“Great.” I muttered, I remembered DECON well from boot camp, and again in my training school.
We entered the compartment to find Chief and DC1 Lewis waiting for us. There were three large square metal bins on the deck, lined up in a row spaced about a foot apart.
“Fireman Cross and Fireman Smith, you’re on strip duty.” Chief called to them. They both walked over and stood on either side of the metal bins. “Fireman Carlson you’re up first since you’ve never gone before. Do you remember what to do from training school?” He asked.
I nodded and stepped up to the first bin, Cross and Smith were at my clothing in remarkable time. Cross undid my boots and took them off as Smith yanked my coveralls down, I stepped out of them and left them in the first bin and stepped into the second. Cross simulated scrubbing me with a large brush for a moment and then they helped me into the next bin before finally helped me up as I stepped into the DECON chamber.