Remembering How to Live

by

Christy Kulp


DISCLAIMER :  The characters and situations in this story
are based on the  TV program "Space: Above and Beyond" and
are the creations of Glen Morgan and James Wong, Fox
Broadcasting and Hard Eight Productions, and have been used
without permission.  No copyright infringement is intended.

FURTHER DISCLAIMER :   The other movies, songs etc. that
are also quoted (or more appropriately misquoted) in this
story are also the property of their respective creators
and producers.  No infringement is intended and they are
used out of loving respect and admiration.  (OK more for
comic affect but you get the picture.)

The characters from the 54th and 101st units are of my
creation, so the blame is on me. 
WARNING : To those whom, like myself, love to scroll
through the story looking for the parts with your favorite
character; be warned there are 2 Nathans in this story.

Special thanks to QLHT:TRG  she actually got all my jokes;
"Guacamole, I'm in used old guacamole!"
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	Captain Shane Vansen sat staring at the bottom of the bunk
above her.  She was tired and in not so great a mood.
Though the rest of the Wildcards were in the room, there
was an eerie silence hovering about the room.   Shane
glanced around to see what everyone else was doing.  Cooper
Hawkes was reading his comic books with an occasional
confused look crossing his face.  Paul Wang was sound
asleep but was managing to keep the snoring to a minimum.
Nathan West had been reading a book but was now fast asleep
with his arm dangling down toward Wang's bunk.  Vanessa
Damphousse was experiencing writer's block as she tried to
write a letter home.  With a sigh Shane went back to
thinking of nothing.

"I'm tired of this!"  Finally Shane was determined to shake
the doldrums.  "We have been working hard and we definitely
need to unwind.  Who wants to go to Tun Tavern with me?"  
Shane looked around the room.  Nobody seemed to notice she
had said anything.  "Does anyone want to do anything at
all?"

Coop looked up, "I just got this batch of comics and I
would like to read them, if you don't mind."

"Fine," sighed Shane, "Phousse, how about you?"

With a sigh Vanessa put her letter down. "Sure, I can't
think of anything meaningful to say, anyway.  Should we
wake Paul and Nathan?"

Shane thought about it, "Nah, let sleeping dogs lie.  They
would just be grouchy."

Shane and Vanessa left the room together and silently
walked toward the tavern.  Upon entering they both ordered
beers and chose a seat near the window and sat looking at
the stars.

Vanessa finally broke the silence.  "Man, I don't know what
it is but I am soo tired of this war.  It seems like its
been going on forever.  We have been busting our butts
flying recon, ground pounding, then back in space .  I'm
beginning to wish I had never joined."  

"You don't mean that."

"No, I guess I don't.  Meeting all of you guys has
definitely made this all worth it.  But I sort of feel that
I put the rest of my life on hold.  I miss all my friends
and family.  I can't help but wonder if he would still be
mine if I hadn't left.  It's like life is going on without
me and I want back in."

"Yeah, I know." Shane watched a group of hammerheads
approach the Saratoga.  "I've been thinking of my sisters
and niece lately.  I know I should write but I can't think
of anything to say I haven't already said.  They always
seem to have so much to write about, while for me... well,
flew another sortie today, killed another Chig, ho hum."
Slowly business picked up in the Tavern and someone had
started the Jute box, but the songs were sad and slow.  All
the people who filed in seemed as tired as Shane and
Vanessa.

"I wonder how long this war could go on?"  inquired
Vanessa.  

"Who knows," shrugged Shane. "Most of the world wars went
on for several years.  Boy, that's a depressing thought.
What I need is another trip to the Bacchus."

"Yah, me too but I wouldn't bet on it.  I heard they are
way in another sector.  We probably  won't be near it for
months."

The two noticed a familiar figure in the tavern.  Colonel
T.C. McQueen had come in and taken his usual seat at the
bar.  He sat alone, starring ahead as usual until he
noticed Vansen and Damphousse.  Then, to their surprise, he
approached their table.

"Ladies, mind if I join you?" McQueen asked, "I don't feel
like drinking alone today."  

"Feel free sir, though I don't think we'll do much to cheer
you up." Vanessa pointed to an empty chair.  

The small group sat and watched the stars in silence until
Shane decided to ask the question on her mind.  "Sir, how
do you do it?"

"Do what Vansen?"  

"Stay in the military.  I mean, I really like the Marines
most of the time but the routine and boredom with the
constant threat of death is really weighing me down.
Everybody thinks war is so exciting but they never really
realize how routine and stressful most of it is. How do you
maintain your desire to stay in the military?"

"For me it's easy." replied McQueen.  "I have absolutely
nothing else to do.  I once thought about getting out and
starting a family and becoming some suit monkey downtown.
But when it comes down to it there just isn't anything
else.  This job isn't supposed to be fun.    You want
advice; if you want to be happy, don't re-enlist."  With
that McQueen finished his drink and stood to go.  He
hesitated then turned back around, "I know it can get you
down, you just have to hang in there."  

As Vanessa watched McQueen walk away she sighed, "I think
we managed to get him even more depressed than we are."

"Well, you warned him."   Shane sat there, what had she
expected from McQueen?  He always seemed to be dragging a
huge weight around, anyway.  She had asked the wrong person
for advice on how to cheer up.  "We'd better go, we have a
patrol to fly in the morning."

"Join the Marines and visit exciting new places," remarked
Vanessa as she followed Shane out of Tun Tavern.

As they approached their cabin Shane and Vanessa heard
yelling. They looked at each other.  "Great!" Shane
whispered.   With that the door was jerked open and Nathan
West came storming out.  He practically knocked Shane and
Vanessa over as he barged out of the room.

"Hey, West watched it!  You almost rammed me." Vanessa
exclaimed.  She heard West mumble "Sorry," as he continued
to storm down the hall.   

Shane stepped in the room and heard the door to the shower
room slam shut.  Paul was standing in the room as if he had
just witnessed a nuclear explosion and found himself
standing too close to ground zero.  "What happened?"  Shane
demanded.

Paul looked at them frustrated, "I guess Coop and West have
had enough of each other.  They were arguing about
something or other.  It was like we were back in boot camp
when they almost killed each other.  I just feel lucky to
be alive."

Vanessa walked in and approached her bunk, "I know how you
feel.  Man, could I feel the heat as West stormed by."

Shane approached the shower room door and tried it.  "Coop,
unlock the door!"

"No, not until he apologizes."

"He's not here, now unlock this door so the rest of us can
get ready for bed or I'll make what ever Nathan said seem
like a compliment!"

With that the door soon opened and Cooper exited the room.
"I'll be at the gym!"  Shane watched a second member of the
58th walk out of the room.  Her brain stormed as she took
her shower and got into bed.  I'm losing control of them!
I'm losing control of myself!  We are all jumping at each
other without warning.  I guess this is where we stop being
nice to each other and just get real.  How long can you
expect five people to live in a room the size of a closet
and not go at each other's throats?

Try as she may Shane couldn't get to sleep.  An hour later
Hawkes came in all sweaty but looking like a whipped puppy.
He saw Shane sitting on her bed and looked at her
sheepishly and then went into the shower room.   Shane
waited until he came out and quietly asked Hawkes what the
fight had been about.

He sat down like a little kid who knew he had done
something wrong.  "I don't know Shane.  Some how we just
started pushing buttons and them we were yelling at each
other.  I ... I ..." Hawkes voice became even more quiet,
"I think I said some things I shouldn't have.  You know,
like about Neil and Kylen.   He got me so mad, all those
things I used to feel about him just came to the surface.
But I don't feel that way about him anymore. ...  I don't
know."

Shane thought how much Cooper was acting like her little
sisters.  She wanted to reach out and hug him, but she knew
Coop would get the wrong idea.

"Do you think he'll hate me?"  Coop asked looking at Shane
for guidance.

"No, he won't hate you."  Shane replied.

"Are you sure, how do you know?"

Shane looked at Coop and had to remind herself, he was only
six years old.  "Coop, you just had an argument.  Everyone
has them with people they care about.  My sisters and I
would argue like you wouldn't believe.  I mean there were
times when I could have killed them.  I'm sure Nathan has
had arguments like that with his brothers too.  At the time
you hate each other, but then you cool off and forgive and
forget.  No matter how much I argue with my sisters, I
still love them.  Don't worry, you and Nathan will get over
it... though apologizing would help."

Cooper frowned at that idea but seemed satisfied with
Shane's response.  He quietly got up and went to his bunk.
Soon the only noise was Paul's snoring.  Shane fell asleep
and dreamed of fighting with her sisters.

Shane didn't know how long she had been asleep but the
opening of the door woke her.  The light from the hallway
framed Nathan as he paused at the doorway as if unsure if
he wanted to enter.  With a sigh he entered and shut the
door and went to the shower room.  Shane decided maybe he
needed  to talk too.  She followed him to the shower room
and peered in.  He was standing at the sink looking into
the mirror.  He hadn't noticed her.  Shane was about to
enter when she looked at Nathan's eyes.  They were red and
puffy and his face bore the telling signs of tear trails.
He had been crying.  Shocked, Shane quietly went back to
her bunk.  Shane knew Nathan had a deep heart but he always
seemed to use that as his inspiration to keep himself and
the rest going. She had always relied on that strength of
his, but the evidence of his vulnerability left her shaken.
She could only watch as he silently climbed into his bunk.

*****
Morning came and the 58th went about their usual morning
routine.  Vanessa and Paul jockeyed for position in front
of the mirror and complained.  As usual Nathan was the
first dressed and waiting for the others and Cooper took
his own sweet time.  Shane did notice that Nathan and
Cooper were avoiding eye contact.  Something told her that
the storm warning was still in effect.   

Breakfast wasn't much different.  Nathan was light years
away.  Hawkes sat sulking while Paul tried to cheer
everybody up by making fun of the food.  Finally Paul gave
up and just picked at his eggs.

Everybody jumped when McQueen strode up.  "Let's go
Wildcards, you have a new assignment.  I want you in the
Ready Room in 10 mics.  Finish your eggs and get moving."
He was gone as quickly as he came.


Finally, thought Shane, something to get our minds working
and our butts in gear.  As they entered the Ready Room
Shane noticed a tall, tan skinned Colonel pacing the floor.
She had never seen him before.  In fact he wore patches
that indicated he belonged to a different unit than the 5th
Air Wing.  What was he doing here?

Col. McQueen faced them as they sat down.  "Listen up 58.
This is Colonel Green of the 3rd Air Wing and commander of
the 54th.  He will be telling you your mission."

"Thank you Col. McQueen."  The Colonel approached the
squad.  "I have heard people boast about the 58.  There are
some who say you are the next Angry Angels.  Your commander
has recommended you highly for this assignment.  I hope
they are right.

This is a search and rescue ladies and gentlemen.  Some of
the 3rd Air Wing's units were being used as back up for the
ground forces on Pryderi.  They were fighting to take
control of the ridge but Chig forces have forced our people
back.  The reinforcements have arrived and our unit has
been called to support another unit in the Carteir system.
The only problem is we still have people on the planet who
were separated from the main units when the Chigs took the
ridge.  We will not abandon them and I have been assigned
to the Saratoga to coordinate their recovery, while the 3rd
Wing heads for Carteir.

You will search for four units still unaccounted for on the
east side of the ridge.  The 17th Army, 149th, 54th and
several members of the 101st Marine units.  You will
parachute down into enemy territory, find as many of these
people as you can and will then meet at a pre-determined
evacuation spot.  You have five days people.  We have
received a radio transmission from the 149th and will drop
you near their last position.  Any questions?  Good, your
transport is waiting."

The 58 got up to gather their gear and go.  Paul and West
were conversing in whispers, "54, don't they have the pilot
who shot three Chigs down with one shot?",  "I heard some
people think they are better than us?".  "I heard they are
all crazy," Vanessa chimed in. 

Shane looked at Colonel Green as she stood to leave.  She
saw the unspoken request in his eyes, "Find them."  She
nodded her head to indicate she would.  She could tell that
Col. Green cared as much for the 54 as Col. McQueen cared
for the 58.  

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They all sat silently in the ISSCV waiting for the signal
to jump.  Shane looked at them and remembered last night.
How much longer can we stay together?  What will it take to
bring us all back together?   The light went off and like
the trained soldiers they were, the 58th jumped into the
night.

"OK folks, listen up.  The last transmission received from
the 149th is 5 klicks away, lets find that position and see
if we get lucky."  Shane led the gathered team through the
night.  The eerie glow from their night goggles did little
to comfort them as they quietly moved over the terrain.
They were in enemy territory and Chigs could be anywhere.
They reached a hill just near where the radio transmission
had been from.  Shane signaled the group to stop, and they
all sat and listened.  All Shane could hear was their heavy
breathing.   

She looked around as the Pryderi sun began to rise.  Man,
it is so weird she thought.  Just a few hours ago they had
eaten breakfast and then they had jumped into the dark
night of this planet, and now it was morning again.  She
never could get used to the fact that time on planet never
seemed to match time on the 'Toga.

"West you go left, Hawkes you go right around this hill.
Let us know if it's clear."  Quickly the two approached
their destinations.  Silence, then they heard West; "Shit!"


"What is it?" asked Shane.

"It's clear, come look for yourself."

The rest of the 58 circled around the hill and saw the
remains of five bodies being illuminated by the rising sun.
"There's another one over here," cried Hawkes.

"Strike one."  Muttered Wang as he slowly picked his way
through the mutilated bodies.

"Whew!" exclaimed Damphousse. "They are already beginning
to smell."

"OK, Let's collect their tags, bury them and move on.  We
found the 149th, but there are others down here," Shane
ordered as she began searching the remains.

"They are probably all dead," declared Hawkes as he walked
up.  "Why are we risking our asses just to bury a bunch of
corpses?!"

"Hawkes you have the compassion of a rock!" exclaimed West
as he gently tried to pull a set of dog tags off a body.

Hawkes angrily walked up to West.  He took the dog tags
from him and yanked them over the head of the body.  "We
don't have all day, Mr. Bleeding Heart."

West stood up and balled his fist at Hawkes.  "You dumb
tank, you're just as bad as the Chigs."

Hawkes raised his fist too.  Paul was the one to step
between them.  "Hey you two lets just get our job done.
We'll treat these Marines like we would want to be treated.
Leave your fighting for the Chigs."

Shane spoke up, "Hawkes, go scout for the next position to
head for.  We have five days before we can get off this
rock, so we might as well use them."  Shane wanted to
separate Hawkes and West.  This was going to be a long
week. 
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Back on the Saratoga, Colonel McQueen was surprised to find
someone sitting in his chair at Tun Tavern.  Most of the
people on the Saratoga had long since learned that it was
his spot and usually left it for him out of respect or
fear.  Upon looking closer he realized that it was Col.
Green, he certainly looked like he could use some company.

Giving comfort was not McQueen's talent.  He usually ended
up belting what ever came to his head first without
thinking.  Usually those words were not much of a comfort.
Before he had taken command of the 58th he had never really
thought much else about it.  His kids, the 58, were the
first time he wished he really could say meaningful things.
He had wanted to reassure Vansen and Damphousse the other
night, but he just couldn't think of the words to say.  I
guess it's hard to make others happy if you're not happy.

With a sigh McQueen steeled himself for the coming
conversation.  "Evening, Col. Green."

Colonel Green turned and made room for McQueen.  "Call me
Art.  I never feel like being formal in a bar."

"You can call me T.C., then."  McQueen ordered a drink and
glanced at Green.  "I know you're worried about them.  Let
me assure you, if they are still alive the Wildcards will
find them."  McQueen notice that a picture sat in front of
Colonel Green.  It depicted a large group of young Marines
all mugging for a camera.  "Are they from the missing
units?" 

Colonel Green nodded.  "You know, I never thought I'd ever
care as much about a bunch of looney kids as these."  He
turned and showed McQueen the picture.  "The kids in back
are ... were the 73rd, they all died about a month ago when
their ISSCV exploded.  I can't even hardly remember their
names.  They are like all the other dead to me; but these
kids here in front, the 54, are different somehow.   The
have only been gone for a few days and I all ready miss
them.

Why, I don't know.  They are a commanding officer's
nightmare.   They drive me nuts with their goofing off,
their radio chatter and constant joking.  I gave up trying
to intimidate them.  Those kids are made of Teflon, any
yelling just doesn't stick."  Col. Green sighed and looked
in his glass.
"But those kids make me laugh.  Before they showed up I
hardly ever laughed.  I didn't think life was all that
funny.  It was like I had forgotten how to laugh or care.
I know it's stupid to get so attached to a unit since the
chances of them staying alive are next to impossible, but I
don't know if I could make it through this war without them
now. "   

"I know just what you mean, Art."  McQueen was shocked that
there was someone else who seemed to feel like he did. "I
tried hard not to like the 58.  I tried to convince myself
they were just another bunch of Chig targets, but this
group has gotten to me.  I can't explain it.  Every time
they go on a mission I count the minutes until they return,
and when they return I found myself counting them praying
they are all there.  If one of them even gets a scratch I'm
at sickbay until I know they will be all right.  I think
they are about ready to ban me from sickbay."

Colonel Green laughed.  "T.C. it sounds like you and I have
the same mother hen instinct.  Well, I suppose I should
stop sitting here and sulking.  They would probably be
calling me hound face by now if they saw how low my face is
hanging."  Green turned to McQueen, "Thanks for letting me
vent, T.C.  I really appreciate you letting me use your
unit on this mission.  I have a lot of respect for you and
your kids."  The two Colonels shook hands and Col. Green
left McQueen sitting at the bar thinking about the picture
full of smiling faces and wondering if either of them would
get their kids back.

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The fourth night was quickly approaching.  Shane stood
looking over the valley as the others sat behind her.  This
planet seemed to be all rock and dirt.  It was always hot
and it hadn't rained since they arrived on the planet.
Four days on this planet and all they had done was bury
bodies.  So far they had found no survivors at any of the
locations they had been given.  Everyone was dirty and
tired.  They were all so tired that not even Nathan and
Cooper were glaring at each other any more.  Damn!  All
this time and nothing to show for it.  Shane remembered the
pleading look on Colonel Green's face.  Now they were going
to go back and have only a body count.  They had found the
149th and most of the 17th Army division dead.  There was
not even a boot print to account for the other two units
and they were running out of time.

Shane felt ready to cry.  No! She told herself, we still
have 24 hours to find them.  A lot can happen in that time.
At least they hadn't run into any Chig scouts yet.  Then,
as if Murphy himself had been reading Shane's mind,
Damphousse came back from her scouting.  "Chig unit just
over that rise Vansen."

"Did they spot you?"

"I don't know?"

Chig fire kicking up dirt between Vansen and Phousse gave
the answer.

Shane turned and gave orders for the 58.  "Fall back to
that hill back there, MOVE!"

The 58 turned and scrambled back along the valley toward a
hill they had passed earlier.  The terrain in this valley
was rough with lots of rocks, ditches and arroyos every
where.  It would be easy to get lost if they didn't stay
together.  Shane crested the hill and turned to give
covering fire for the rest of the 58.  The Chig unit was
approaching fast.  Wang and Phousse soon joined her on the
other side of the hill.  Still heading for the hill came
Hawkes, with West bringing up the rear.  

Suddenly West stumbled and cried out in pain.  He
disappeared as he fell down a small bank.  Hawkes had just
reached the top of the hill but the Chigs were quickly
coming into view.  "West!!"  Hawkes screamed when he
realized Nathan had gone down.  He turned to go after him
but the Chigs were firing on them.  Shane reached up and
grabbed Cooper's legs pulling him behind the hill.

"No, we have to go get West."  Hawkes struggled against
Shane as she tried to hold him down.

"We can't reach him if you get your head blown off!  We
have to get rid of these Chigs first."
Shane looked Hawkes in the eye.

"This position isn't going to hold us long!" Warned Wang as
he began firing on Chigs that were approaching from a
different position.  

Wang and Phousse kept their guns firing as Shane looked
around for an escape.  She saw it.  A narrow passage way
behind some rocks that would get them to higher ground.
She tapped Hawkes on the shoulder and pointed for him to
lead the way.  Hawkes took one look back the way they had
come and reluctantly led the way.

After what seemed like an eternity of dodging heavy Chig
fire they reached a defensible position and managed to take
out a few of their tormentors.  Then as quickly as they had
come, the Chigs vanished.  As quiet fell upon the valley
Shane looked for any sign of Chig activity.

Hawkes, eager to look for West, started back the way they
came.  "Their gone let's go."

"Wait," cried Phousse, "they could be waiting to ambush us.
We'd better find a different route back to Nathan."

Shane confirmed.  "Let's not get picked off in that narrow
hole, let's go around and come in the valley from the
south."

By the time they had carefully negotiated the rocky terrain
night was beginning to fall. The group finally reached the
spot where Nathan had disappeared.  Hawkes quickly ran up
and jumped down into the dry streambed.  "West, we're here
man."  Only silence answered.  "West?"  The group
frantically searched around for any sign of Nathan.

Shane found a patch of sand that had been stained with
blood and drag marks that led to the rocky slope near by.
They tried following the obscure foot marks in the loose
dirt but they ended at the rocks. "The Chigs got him."
Shane slowly swallowed the lump rising up her throat.  Even
with night goggles trying to follow a vague trail, after
who knows what, would be very difficult.  She knew the best
decision was to wait until daylight.  Now they had one day
to find Nathan, the other units and get back to the
evacuation point, or risk being stranded themselves.  She
hated the words she had to say.  "We can't follow them in
the dark.  Let's find a place to make camp.  We'll find him
in the morning."  Shane was glad she couldn't see the looks
on the faces of the others as the stars came out to light
the Pryderi night.
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"Damn!"  McKay scooted back from his lookout point where he
had been on watch, slid down the rocky slope and ran up to
the others.  Out of breath, he spat out, "Chigs!"

"Where?"

"Coming down the valley from the North."

"Well so much for our hiding spot." A young female Marine,
with the name Asheton on her chest, picked up her gun.  She
looked at another Marine.  "Let's go put up a no vacancy
sign."

"I'm ahead of you."  The Marine named Burton was already
moving. He headed for the opening to their hiding place,
Asheton and McKay followed.

They could hear Chig fire as they came closer.  Burton beat
Asheton and McKay to the spot and began to inch forward to
see around the rocky structures.

"What are they shooting at?" inquired McKay.

The others just shrugged.  Cautiously Burton kept crawling
forward to get a better view.  "Oh Man!  Cover Me!"  With
that Burton bolted out of cover.

"Wait!" cried Asheton, but he was already gone.

Quickly the other two followed him.  They arrived to find
Burton running up the dry stream bed firing at a couple of
Chigs who were aiming their weapons downward.  Asheton
gasped when she realized they were aiming at a Marine.  He
was lying on the ground, struggling to get his gun into
line on the Chigs.

Without hesitation Asheton and McKay followed Burton into
the stream bed with their guns blazing and Semper Fi on
their lips.

The Chigs noticed their new foe and began firing in their
direction.  Asheton gasped as Burton stumbled, rolled head
over heels but then hit his feet running again.  Burton was
in danger and nothing could stop her from killing the Chigs
that threatened him and the Marine.

"Come on Chigs.  Let's make some Chiggy soup!" she yelled
and quickened her pace to catch up with Burton.

Burton reached the downed Marine, grabbed him by the shirt
collar and dragged him up over a small rocky ledge.

After several of their members fell, the remaining Chigs
figured these humans were too much of a fight and backed
away from the bank.

Asheton reached the spot where Burton and the Marine had
taken shelter.  McKay kept a watch for more Chigs.  Burton
popped over with his catch.  "Look what I found Nat!  Can I
keep him?"

Relieved Asheton helped Burton with the injured Marine.
"Only if you promise to feed and take care of him."

"Come on you guys, let's get back to the others before
those Chigs come back with their big brothers!"

They could still hear firing in the distance.  "Sounds like
they are occupied elsewhere, but we do need to boogie!"
With that Asheton took the other arm of the injured Marine.
She could see he was in a lot of pain and losing
consciousness fast.  Shifting her gun to her other hand she
followed McKay back to where the others were just appearing
from the entrance of their hiding spot.

Captain Johnson approached.  "What was all that shooting?"
she asked.

"There must be some more where he came from." Replied
Burton, "We let the Chigs know we're here, we'd best pack
up and find a new hotel."

"Agreed. Do a quick patch and let's get moving!"  Captain
Johnson led the way back to the main camp.

When they reached their camp Asheton and Burton quickly
went about helping their newest member.  Burton slashed the
Marine's pants open on the lower left leg with his K-bar
and Asheton dug out her first aid kit.  She assessed the
damage and grimaced as she saw the bone sticking out of the
flesh of the groaning Marine.

"Your leg's broken, West" she stated noticing his name tag,
"We'll get you patched up."

"The others, wait ..." he mumbled.

"Hey buddy," said Burton, "I think they are holding their
own.  Worry about yourself."  With that Burton grabbed the
leg and yanked the bone into place.  West let out a scream
of pain and almost passed out.  Asheton quickly applied a
bandage and tightly wrapped the broken limb as fast as she
could.

The captain approached, "That will have to do."  She looked
at the Marine and sighed, "Just what we need, one more."

"OK Goonies, listen up." Captain Johnson addressed the
group, "Asheton take point.  McKay, Linsky take Jared;
Chena and I got Mutambo; Burton you get your little buddy
here.  Freenmen you take the rear.  Wagons Ho!"

McKay and Linsky picked up the improvised stretcher
carrying a groaning Marine and followed Asheton.  Captain
Johnson and another Marine helped another seriously wounded
Marine to his feet.  Burton looked West in the eyes.  He
was starting to show some life again but he was going into
shock.  "Are ya with me?".  "Yeah," came the weak reply.
"Let's Razzle Dazzle!" declared Burton as he helped West to
his feet.

The group of nine Marines and one Army, who was bringing up
the rear, picked their way across the rough terrain.
Asheton returned and indicated she had found a place where
they could wait out the night.  

Burton felt West's legs give way but fortunately Freenmen
was already taking up the other arm.  

"Why are you doing this?" he asked.

Burton turned, surprised that Freenmen had actually spoken.
Ever since they had found him hiding five days ago he had
not said a word.   He had probably seen the slaughter of
the 17th Army and was still feeling the emotional affects.

Freenmen looked very serious.  "Why are you helping him and
me?"

"Because you need help.  Why wouldn't we help you guys? You
would have done the same."  

"No. I would probably have let the Chigs kill him.  I
definitely would not have latched on to a coward like me.
Especially if I was low on food and water."

Burton looked Freenmen in the eyes.  "Who says you're a
coward?"

"I ran when the Chigs attacked us.  I just watched my
friends die and didn't do a thing.  I should be dead with
them."

"Hey, you can't second guess yourself out here Army.  You
are alive because the Creator has a reason.  Surviving for
your friends and family is what matters now."

"I don't know, man.  I feel like a coward."

"Don't worry Freenmen.  Your time for courage will come. We
all have to play the bones sometime."

The group reached their destination just as night was
beginning to fall.  Each soldier had their duty and went
about performing it.   McKay and Linsky started scouting
the perimeter of the area to find all the ins and outs.
Chena began to assemble and account for all the equipment
and supplies.   Freenmen began to help set up a crude
shelter for the wounded while Asheton and Burton dug out
first aid kits to work on their wounds.  

Captain Jessie Johnson sat there watching her people go
about their work.  She thought the next day's plan over in
her head.  They had been stuck on this rock for almost
fifteen days, most of that time had been spent on the wrong
side of the ridge hiding from Chig patrols.  They had kept
moving as much as possible.  Then they ran across the
remains of the 17th Army unit and found Private Freenmen.
They only had time to raid the dead for supplies, food and
ammunition before a Chig patrol had been spotted.  After a
fire fight had insued and another member injured, they had
decided that it was too risky to return to bury the dead;
for the Chigs were surely looking for them.    A rain
shower five days ago had filled the streambeds with water
so they had had plenty, for a while, but they were now
running low again.  When they had found the valley and all
the places to hide they had decided to hole up for a few
days to give the wounded time to get their strength up.
Now the Chigs knew where they were and would be looking for
them again.

How much longer can we keep this up, she thought.  Time was
quickly running out on the ragged group. If we can't get
back to the other side of the ridge we'll never get out.
So far there had been no easy passes.  Jessie didn't want
to abandon the wounded yet, she couldn't.  So far everyone
seemed to be keeping their spirits, except for the Army.
He had hardly uttered a word.   Jessie looked at the new
Marine, maybe ... better not get my hopes up.  She sat
there and watched Asheton and Burton continue their work
with the wounded.

Natalie Asheton checked Jared Rahman, of the 101st, then on
her squad mate Mutambo Sakieli.  She was very worried.  If
they didn't get real medical attention soon, they would
both die.   She sighed and moved over to see how West was
doing.  She looked at Burton, "How is he?"

"He's running a fever."  Burton had taken West's pack off
and was digging through it.  "Ah hah, he's loaded."
Triumphantly Burton opened the first aid kit and pulled out
a package of pain medication.  He handed a couple to
Natalie and she turned to give them to Jared and Mutambo.

The rest of the group began to gather around.  Joe
Chenahentee, aka. Chena, approached, "He must be new if
he's still got all his stuff.  You think they've retaken
the ridge?"

"Who knows?" replied McKay.  "Do you think that firing we
heard means there are others?"

Captain Johnson came over to join the conversation.   "Who
is he?"  

Burton had been giving the man in question one of his
painkillers.  Burton looked at the patches on his chest.
"Says, Lt. West of the 58, Wildcards."  Burton thought on
that a moment.  "Hey, aren't they the unit featured in that
morale movie 'InVitro's to the Corps'.  They have a
commanding officer who is an IV and another member of the
unit, too."

"You know that movie didn't improve my morale any,"
commented Chena glancing at Asheton as she worked.

"Mine neither," smiled McKay. "I still hate tanks."  He
quickly dodged a rock thrown from the other side of camp.
"Yeah, yeah," he laughed, "We all know Asheton's still mad
they didn't ask her to be in it!"

"Damn straight!  Why not include me?" Natalie Asheton held
her head high.  She had always been proud of who she was,
though she knew she was one of the lucky ones.  "I'm
beautiful, smart, talented.."

"A bitch form hell," interrupted Burton.

Jessie laughed as her unit bantered, that meant everyone
was hanging in there.  "Stop picking on the IV guys.  That
bitch from hell has saved your asses more times than you
deserve."

"Thank You."  Asheton stuck her tongue out at her
tormentors with a smug look. Then she noticed the blood on
Burton's uniform.  "Nathan, you're bleeding!"  She
scrambled to his side.

Burton looked down at his side.  "It's nothing Nat.  They
just nicked me."

Natalie knew better than to believe him.  "Let me see." She
opened his shirt and noticed the large purple bruise on his
side.  "Gee and a broken rib.  Nathan Burton will you never
learn!"

"Probably not.  OWW!  Watch what you are doing woman."
Burton winced trying not to show her how much it hurt.  She
would just baby him.  "You sure enjoy torturing me, don't
you."

Natalie giggled and whispered, "I dream about it every
night."

McKay was close enough to hear her and he quickly stood.
"Nat you are one sick woman. I'm out of here."

"Good," Captain Johnson spoke up, "You are on first watch."
She didn't hear what he mumbled as he walked away.

Then she addressed Burton and Asheton.  "So do you think
there may be other units out there?"

"Well," replied Nathan, "I didn't see anyone else, but down
in that streambed we didn't have a very good view. I
certainly heard a lot of gun fire, though.  Some of it
could have been our people."

"You know," Natalie finished wrapping Nathan's wound, "If
the rest of his unit is out there, they will be looking for
him.  Maybe a couple of us should see if they are near by."

"Good idea.  Finish with Burton and you and Chena can take
a looksee.  Just a quick one, I want you back in two
hours." Captain Johnson moved off to work on rationing the
supplies.

"Don't let the bad bugs bite!" Burton warned as Natalie and
Joe headed off into the night.
_____
_____
_____
____________________________________________________________


The night was very quiet.  Shane listened trying to hear
any noise; some sign that there was any life on this planet
except them and a bunch of Chigs.  There was nothing; no
insect noises or animals howling, just the wind.  This
wasn't helping the mood in their camp any.  Shane knew
everyone was tired but no one could sleep.  They were all
worried about West.  She could tell that Coop was taking it
really bad.  She knew he was replaying their argument in
his head and was wishing that his last words to Nathan
hadn't been so harsh.

Vanessa sensed Hawkes's insecurity.  "Don't worry Coop.
We'll find him.  Maybe he just hid somewhere and passed
out?"  She paused and quietly said the next words; "If he
were dead the Chigs would have just left him where he fell.
He's got to be alive."

"We shouldn't of left him."  Hawkes growled.  

"What's done is done." Shane stated firmly.  "We'll find
him.  Now get some sleep.  We will have a long day
tomorrow."

Paul Wang sat at the edge of camp on watch.  He had heard
the conversation and visions of West's mutilated body lying
somewhere out there sent chills through him.  He was so
lost in his thoughts that he thought he was imagining
things when human words floated out of the rocks.

"Knock, Knock," came the voice.

Paul sat up and listened again.  "Knock, Knock."
Uncertain, Paul cautiously replied, "Who's there?"

The feminine voice answered, "Marines."

"Marines who?"  Paul was getting nervous.

"54, who are you?" came the reply.

"58"  

From another direction a male voice called out, "HooYah the
Wildcards.  Jackpot!"

Slowly out of the darkness two forms materialized.  The two
Marines walked softly toward Paul.  

"Trick or treat," giggled the female Marine.

"Take us to your leader human!" growled the male Marine.

"Uh Vansen!" Paul called, as he led the pair toward their
camp.

Shane stood up surprised as Paul came leading the two
Marines.  She looked at the patches on their chest.  They
were from the 54th, one of the missing units.  

The young woman approached Shane, "We heard you guys
talking, thought we'd stop by chat and borrow some sugar.
You wouldn't happen to have a radio would you?"

Vansen smiled, "Don't worry, we are here to find you and
get you out.  Are there other members of your group?"

"Hey," the Marine named Chenahentee looked at Asheton,
"They've noticed we are missing; and Col. Green Meanie
thought no one would ever miss us, even if we were
swallowed by a black hole.  Boy was he wrong."

Asheton giggled, "All members of the 54, two of the 101st,
and one Army are accounted for.  Speaking of missing, you
all wouldn't happen to be missing a Marine with short brown
hair and deep, dreamy, brown eyes; what was his name?"

"Go West young man." was Chenahentee's reply.

Hawkes leaped to his feet. "You found Nathan! Is he all
right?"  Everyone else in the 58 was equally exuberant.

Asheton smiled, "Yeah, he's fine.  A broken leg and a
fever, but other than that, just fine.  Did you say his
name was Nathan?"

"Great we can trade Nathans."  Chenahentee addressed Shane.
"You can have our Nathan and we'll take care of yours.
Ours only has a broken rib, I'd say it's a fair trade."
Asheton shot him a look that only made him laugh.  "We
could use some peace and quiet."

Relief flooded over every inch of Shane.  In one minute
they had not only found surviving members of the 54 but had
learned that Nathan West was alive and safe.  Shane
suddenly realized how tired she was and how much stress had
been on her shoulders.  It was a tremendous weight that had
been lifted.

"That's all right." Shane smiled, man it felt great to
smile, "We are kind of attached to ours.  Where is your
camp?"

"About an hour over there." Asheton pointed over the rocky
slopes.  

"Great, let's move out.  The sooner we reach the evac point
the happier I'll be."  Shane ordered.

"We have wounded, we'll have to wait until morning until we
can get moving." stated Asheton.

"That's all right.  I'll discuss it with your honcho when
we get there."

________________________________

It seemed like an eternity before the 58 and their visitors
reached the 54th's camp.  Shane was tired and wanted some
sleep.  Get a hold of yourself, she told herself.  We've
only been here four days and the 54 have been here two
weeks.  They were surely far more tired than she was.
Shane knew it was up to her and the 58 to keep it together
and get them all off this rock.

Asheton stopped and signaled the rest to do the same.  She
threw a small rock into an opening.  A voice sang out in a
whisper, "Na, na, na, nah, na, na."

Asheton replied back in a sing song voice, "Gettin' chiggy
with it."

A sentry came from behind the rocks,  "Why do you guys say
that?  The word in that song is jiggy not chiggy, and who
are they?"

"Sounds like chiggy to me, Chunk.  Tell Jessie we have
visitors."

"You guys are weird and don't call me Chunk.  I'm not a
Goonie!" Linsky stated indignantly as he led the way
shaking his head.

Shane wondered what all that had been about.   Maybe they
had lost their minds from being stuck on this planet so
long; she had heard of if happening.  Shane found herself
being led into a small and well hidden clearing in the
rocky valley.  She was surprised to see the size of the
group.  Including the guard and the two Marines with them,
there were at least nine people in the group.  She didn't
see the Army, but they said they had one, so that made ten.
She noticed the three wounded Marines lying over against a
rocky slope with another Marine sitting quietly among them.
With relief Shane recognized one of the wounded as Nathan
West.

Hawkes spotted West too and immediately went over to him.
He startled the Marine who was sitting nearby asleep.
Hawkes was equally startled when the Marine reached out a
hand and stopped Hawkes from touching West.  "Don't wake
him.  He needs his sleep," was his quiet command.

Hawkes complied but still hovered about West.  "Is he going
to be all right?"

"Sure, I'd hardly call a broken leg fatal.  Though his
fever indicates he may have picked up an infection or
virus."  Burton looked at Asheton.  "Is this the rest of
the 58?"

"Yes.  They are here to rescue us!" The quietness of her
voice couldn't hide her excitement.

With a smile Burton whispered in a comic voice, "Hurry Sir
Lancelot; I'm ready."  The rest of the 54th camp, who were
now awake, all laughed quietly.

Captain Johnson turned and faced Shane with an inquiring
look.  Shane stepped forward, "I'm Captain Shane Vansen of
the 58th squadron, 5th Air Wing.  Your Colonel Green
assigned us to a search and rescue detail.  We are ordered
to find all surviving units on this side of the ridge.  Our
evac time is tomorrow, so we need to head out for the
coordinates at first light."

Captain Johnson looked like Shane had felt only moments
earlier, like the weight of the world had been lifted from
her shoulders.  "Wonderful.  We'll follow your lead,
Captain Vansen."  With that the group went back to sleep
until the sun rose again on Pryderi.

_____
_____
_____
_____
_________________________________________________________

Shane was awakened by a gentle shake of her shoulder.  She
awoke to see Burton standing near her.  "Everybody out of
the pool!" was his wake up call to the camp as he went
about shaking everyone.  Shane smiled when one of the 54
commented about how he hated people who were cheerful in
the morning.  Burton just laughed and continued around the
camp.
After a quick breakfast of MRE's the two units went through
brief introductions.  

The 54th consisted of Capt. Jessie Johnson, Lt. Joe
Chenahentee, Lt. Nathan Burton, Lt. Natalie Asheton, Lt.
Scott McKay and one of the wounded, Lt. Mutambo Sakieli.
The two members of the 101st were Lt. John Linsky and the
other wounded soldier, Lt. Jared Rahman.  Pvt. Wallace
Freenmen of the 17th Army rounded out the group.

Shane was put in charge of the entire unit and she assigned
Asheton and Wang to the front to scout ahead.  With all the
gear quickly assembled and teams assigned to carry the
wounded the group was off.  The rendezvous sight was at
least four hours away, maybe even longer. They would be
cutting it close.

Silence was golden as the group slowly traversed across the
rocky, dry terrain.  Traveling with three wounded people
considerably slowed the group and the scouts tried to pick
the easiest route.  They had been walking for only an hour
when Asheton reached up and placed her hand on Wang's
shoulder stopping him.  Then Paul saw what she had, a Chig
patrol near the horizon.  Quickly and carefully the two
made their way back to the main group.  Asheton spoke up
first, "Jerk Alert!"

Shane stopped the group and looked at Paul who told her;
"Chigs just over that ridge, maybe 5 klicks away."

Captain Johnson spoke up, "I suggest we keep quiet and hope
they pass by."

Shane nodded.  "OK Asheton, Wang you keep an eye on the
Chigs and signal if they have wind of us.  The rest fall
back to that ditch and keep quiet."

Once the group was situated in the ditch, Burton quietly
went around and warned those tending the wounded to keep
them quiet if they should wake up.  Then all noise, except
their breathing, ceased.  Not even the wind was blowing,
which made the planet seem very eerie.  Time seemed to be
at a stand still.  A groan sounded from West as he stirred
due to his fever.  Burton frantically waved at Hawkes to
quiet him.  Cooper was unsure of what to do; he didn't want
to hurt Nathan.  Damphousse saw his hesitation and she
quickly covered Nathan's mouth with her hand.  Soon West
slipped back into sleep and Vanessa removed her hand.
Silence again.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Wang came back
and whispered that all was clear.  Shane still ordered
everyone to keep the noise to a minimum if possible.
Burton approached Hawkes. "Hey buddy," he whispered, "act a
little faster next time.  Don't worry you won't hurt him."

Hawkes was embarrassed, "Sorry I didn't know what to do."

To Cooper's surprise Burton smiled and gently patted him on
the back.  "Now you do.  Don't worry Goonies make mistakes.
Just don't make anymore."  Burton winked at Cooper and went
over to relieve Linsky from carrying Rahman.

* * * * *
Damphousse and Chenahentee were taking their turn at
scouting.  They were scanning the terrain for any Chigs or
obstacles that would make travel difficult.  Vanessa felt
like they had been walking forever, and the fact that the
terrain seemed to be getting rougher didn't help any.  She
had taken her turn at helping carry the wounded and that
seemed to sap her strength even faster.  The two came to a
rocky slide that ended in a drop.  It wasn't too steep but
there was no telling how far the edge of the slope dropped
down.

Chenahentee paused and looked down it.  "I suppose we
should see how bad it is.  I'll lower you on a rope."

"Sounds like a plan." Vanessa took off her backpack and
took the rope Chena offered and made a make shift harness
then she slowly walked backwards down the slope.  It was
rough going and she was only half way down when the rest of
the group caught up with them.  They watched as she
continued her descent.  Though the slope wasn't very steep,
it was covered with loose rock and dirt that made the
footing slippery.  Vanessa was just about to the bottom
when she slipped and fell over the edge.  Luckily Burton
had already taken up the rope as backup to help Chena and
they were both able to keep a hold on the rope and help
absorb her fall.  Suddenly Vanessa screamed.

Without waiting for orders from Captain Vansen, Captain
Johnson turned to Burton.  "Get down there farm boy."  

"As you wish," he replied.  Burton handed the backup rope
to Hawkes who was about to go down the rope himself.  

Hawkes hesitated to take the rope.  "I'll go help her."  

Burton looked Hawkes in the eye.  "I'll go, I've got more
climbing experience."  Hawkes looked at Vansen, who nodded
her head.  Hawkes reluctantly took the rope.  

Vanessa wasn't screaming anymore but she wasn't making any
other noises either.  Burton just wrapped the rope around
one leg and quickly descended the slope.  Soon he
disappeared over the edge.  He dropped down to the bottom
of the shallow ditch and found Vanessa trying to gain her
composure.  She was still staring at a dead body that lay
in the ditch.  It was a female Marine and the Chigs had
apparently already found her and left their handy work.

Burton approached Damphousse and gently touched her.  "Are
you OK?"

Vanessa turned and nodded her head but the sight still
sickened her.  She had seen this type of mutilation before
but it still got to her and she had not been expecting to
find a body here.  She had almost landed on it.  With a
deep breath she got herself together, took one last look at
the body and walked away.

"Report Lt. Burton."  Vansen's voiced drifted down from up
above.

Nathan hopped out of the ditch and walked back so that he
could look up the slope.  "She just found a Chester
Cooperpot.  She's fine.  This slope is too steep to get the
wounded down.  See if it is easier going to the east.  Hey
Joe, bring me a shovel."

Shane looked at Captain Johnson.  "What's a Chester
Cooperpot?"

"It's a dead body.  Joe better get down there and help
Nathan."  Captain Johnson took his place on the rope.
Jessie couldn't resist and further warned Joe as he headed
down the rope; "Watch out for booty traps."

Joe looked up and smiled, grateful that Jessie was trying
to relieve the tension. "You mean booby traps."  

Wang came back and reported that the slope was much gentler
not very far away, so Vansen called down to the group to
meet them when they were done burying the body.  Vanessa
waved to let Vansen know that the instructions had been
heard, then she turned and helped Burton and Chena bury the
body.  The body's dog tags were already gone so someone
else must have taken them but didn't have time to bury her.
They quickly and quietly finished their work.  Chenahentee
did take the time to take a handful of dirt and turn a
quick circle, releasing some of the dirt at each turn while
speaking some words.  Vanessa didn't understand what he was
saying  but it sounded like a prayer. As they rejoined the
group all Vanessa could think about was if someone would
have the time to say a prayer over her body.

The group continued on now with Vansen and McKay at the
point.  Shane hoped that all the major obstacles were
through with but she knew that it was unlikely.  She tried
to keep her mind from drifting off and she found herself
fighting the despairing thought that they might end up like
the Marine the others had just buried.  Maybe someone would
have to come find their bodies.  Shane was rudely awakened
from deep thought when she and McKay rounded a corner and
found they were facing five Chigs.  The only thing that
saved them was that the Chigs were just as surprised.

Quickly Vansen and McKay leveled their guns and managed to
scatter the Chigs and then take cover on opposites sides of
the opening.  McKay looked at Shane; "Man did you see that
COUS.  That's the biggest Chig I have ever seen!"

Back at the main group, the second shots were fired Capt.
Johnson held up her hand to halt everyone.  She turned
around with immediate instructions.  "Burton, Freenmen keep
the wounded under guard by those rocks.  Damphousse watch
their back.  The rest of you hang with me."   

Johnson, Asheton, Wang, Hawkes, Chenahentee and Linsky
quickly approached the sound of the gunfire.  As they got
closer Johnson again held up her hand to halt the group.
She made a hand signal that Wang and Hawkes couldn't
interpret but Asheton whispered to them; "Stay put guys."
With that Johnson and Chena slowly continued forward while
the others waited.

The two quietly approached the two Marines and Johnson
quietly called out "Na na na nah na na."  McKay turned and
quietly called; "Gettin' Chiggy with it."  Johnson and
Chena approached McKay and Vansen.  

"What's up?" asked Johnson.

Vansen looked around, "We surprised 5 Chigs taken' a break.
We need to take them out, and fast. We are running out of
time. We'll follow them and the rest circle around."

"Agreed." Johnson turned to Chena and said; "Let's play the
bones."

Chena replied, "Razzle Dazzle!"

McKay called out to the pair, "Watch out for the COUS!"

Johnson turned and looked at McKay, "What, Chigs of Unusual
Size, I don't believe they exist."  She winked and then
disappeared.

When she reached the waiting Marines, Johnson gave her
orders.  "OK Pick your partner, circle the wagons and round
up the horses inside.  Be on the look out for 4 and 1 COUS.
Rendezvous at home and don't lollygag, 15 mics.  I'll
spread the word.  Comprende?"

"Yo!" replied Asheton, Chena and Linsky, but Wang and
Hawkes were confused.  Chena turned to Wang, "Just come
with me."  Asheton tapped Hawkes and indicated he should
follow her.

"What are we doing?" demanded Hawkes.

Asheton whispered over her shoulder.  "We are circling
around to try and kill the five Chigs they found.  If we
don't find them by the time we reach the starting point we
have to meet the main group at the wounded and get moving
again.  I hope those Chigs don't mean there are more
nearby."

Hawkes was frustrated as he followed her.  "I didn't get
that from the instructions?  Why do you guys talk so funny?"

Asheton just smiled.  "Sorry, we are used to our little
codes.  We're not used to working with units outside our
ship."

Meanwhile Wang followed Chenahentee as they headed left
around the position that McKay and Vansen were advancing
from.  Based on all the old Westerns he had seen he
understood most of the wording of Johnson's instructions,
sort off.  This unit apparently liked to use codes alot.
Quietly the two hunted for the Chigs.  Finally Wang asked,
"What is a COUS?"

Chena stopped and pointed with his gun.  "That up there!"
He fired on the Chig knocking it down the other side of the
hill.

Wang looked up and saw the biggest Chig he had ever seen
standing up there before Chena knocked him down.  Paul
noticed the other Chigs coming over to see what the noise
was.  With a yell he opened fire and entered the fray.  He
managed to take out two of the Chigs and smelled their
spooge oozing out of their armor as he jumped over them.
Chena was still going after the big Chig and Paul found
himself pinned by the other two.  

Suddenly the two Chigs burst from their cover like startled
rabbits and began to run up a hill farther away.  Wang
recognized Vansen's yell as she and McKay came running from
the right at the Chigs.  McKay managed to get one while
Vansen continued over the hill to get the other one.

McKay approached Wang but they didn't have much time to
speak because they heard Chena let out a yell.  They headed
for it and found Chena facing the large Chig.  Both of them
had somehow lost their guns and they had their knives
drawn.  The big Chig launched at Chena and managed to nick
him on the arm but Chena avoided a more serious wound.  The
two faced each other again.  Chena looked at the Chig and
recited; "My name is Indigo Montoya, you killed my father,
prepare to die."  With that he lashed out at the Chig with
a faint to the left, as the Chig passed him on his right he
switched the knife to his right hand and breached the
Chig's armor with the knife.  The Chig started to spooge
but he still tried one last time to defeat his opponent.
Desperately the Chig flung himself at the Marine but Chena
easily avoided him.  The Chig landed at McKay's feet.

McKay watched as the Chig's life poured out of his suit and
formed a green pool in the dirt.  "I suppose you should
have told him you were not left handed Joe.  It would have
been a better fight."

Chena shoved his knife into the dirt to clean it off.  Then
walked up to meet McKay and Wang.   "Sorry to disappoint
you Scott.  Hey, what are you doing here?"

McKay patted Paul on the back, "Vansen and I were trying to
have a nice peaceful walk and then we heard this
unbelievable yell.  You probably could have heard it back
home in Queens.  We though maybe you'd found something."

With that Vansen came over the rise.  "Did you get him."
Chena nodded at her. "Good, let's get moving again."

McKay turned to Wang, "Man, your captain's worse than ours,
I feel for ya man."

Paul smiled; "You should see her on a bad day."  With a
laugh the three Marines headed for the rest of the group.

Clouds began to form overhead and relieved the group from
the grueling heat but nothing could get their energy back.
After hiking for another hour the group stopped to rest.

"What is the time for the evac?" Captain Johnson asked
Vansen.

"It's in 40 mics and we are not far away."  Shane knew they
were almost there, but they had just been presented with
another problem.  Now there was a cliff in their way.  It
was only about 14 feet tall, but it was tall enough, and it
was too steep to climb.  To find a way around would take up
too much time.

Captain Johnson seemed to be reading her mind.  "That may
be a problem.  Let's take a look over and make sure the top
is clear.  Ash and Burn get up here."

Hearing their nickname called Asheton and Burton
approached.  "I suppose you want a looksee over that
ridge?" asked Asheton.

"If you would be so kind," replied the Captain.  "Also any
suggestions on how to get the wounded up this?"  

Burton looked at it.  "Well at least it's not the Cliffs of
Insanity. The dirt is too loose to climb it sans gear.  We
do have ropes, we could rig something up once we get a few
people up top."  He removed his pack and weapon and placed
them on the ground.  Asheton followed suit except she
handed her weapon to Jessie.

Then Natalie stood in front of Nathan, who put his hands on
her waist.  Natalie bounced up and Nathan held her feet in
his hands and lifted her up shoulder high.  Jessie handed
the weapon back to Natalie and Nathan lifted her up above
his head in a classic cheerleading stance, so that Natalie
could just see over the ridge.

Jessie noticed the surprised look on Vansen's face.  "You
know cheerleaders can actually be of some use.  Surprised
huh."

Shane just shook her head.  "Actually that explains a lot."
All day those two had managed to keep smiles on their faces
and every time they talked one or the other quietly
giggled.  Knowing that they had been cheerleaders seemed to
make sense.  Who else could be that happy when their team
was losing the game?

Burton let Asheton down and she turned to the captains.
"The top looks clear, I suppose we best get up there."
With that she turned to wave McKay up front.  "OK you guys,
nice and easy I'm not a giant wooden rabbit you know."

Burton and McKay faced each other and backed away from the
ridge.  They put their hands together and formed a basket
with their fingers.  Asheton placed her foot in their hands
and prepared to be tossed up to the top of the ridge.
Shane was impressed; that was an ingenious, if not unusual,
way to get up there.  They tossed her up and she flipped
over once and landed on the top of the cliff.  She then
leaned over the edge and the guys tossed up some gear and
her weapon.

Burton turned to Jessie and Shane, "Who wants to go next?"

Shane turned to Jessie, "You'd better go, I don't think I
would make it."  With that Burton and McKay tossed Capt.
Johnson to the top of the ridge.

There was silence as the group waited for Asheton and
Johnson to finish some preparations and then Asheton tossed
down two ropes.  Burton signaled for the wounded to be
brought over and he used the two ropes to rig a way to
carry the wounded up top.  Clearly, by the speed with which
he performed the task, he had done this before.  

Paul had to ask, "Where did you learn to do that?  That
wasn't in any of our survival training courses."

Burton replied as he worked, "Years of camping experience
before I joined the Marines, and the fact that my Mom used
to be a Mountain Rescue EMT helps."  He then called up to
the top.  "First one ready to go Nat."

"Where are you from?" asked Hawkes amazed.

Burton smiled, "Colorado, a small town just west of Denver.
Born and raised on the side of the Rocky Mountains."

After the wounded had been transported up the cliff face
the rest of the group tossed their gear up to the others
and followed by climbing up the ropes.  Hawkes had always
prided himself on being the fastest rope climber in the 58;
but Nathan Burton, from the 54, beat him up the ropes
easily.   He watched in awe as Burton and Asheton each had
the ropes repacked in their packs in a matter of seconds
and were ready to move on.  The time for everyone to get to
the top of the ridge had only taken 20 minutes.  

Shane had to admit that she was impressed by the 54th.
They definitely had their act together.  They had not
panicked and had always managed to be the first unit to
come up with an idea around every obstacle.  The fact that
they were still alive after 15 days on this rock attested
to their abilities.  They followed her commands but somehow
Shane felt like she was really the one following them.  On
top of that they seemed to have a cohesiveness that went
beyond their group.  It seemed like the 101st and the 54th
already knew how to work together. Linsky seemed to fit
right in despite his protests that he was not a Goonie.


For the final leg of the trip to the evacuation site Hawkes
found himself at point with Burton.  Hawkes couldn't make
up his mind whether he liked the guy or not.  Burton made
him feel stupid but then again he was seemed so friendly.
Hawkes decided to ask him.  "Why did you stop me from
helping 'Phousse?  I could have done it."

Burton replied while keeping his eyes on the terrain ahead;
"I know but common sense says that the most experienced
person should be the one to do the job.  I've been mountain
climbing since I was ten.  The Marines tend to just show
you a video and put a rope in your pack."

"How do you know I don't have any experience myself?" asked
Hawkes.

Burton looked at him.  "Hawkes I know you are an InVitro.
That means you can't be any older than 6.  Doesn't give you
much time to learn to mountain climb."

Hawkes was surprised.  "How do you know I am an InVitro?"

"I was raised around InVitros, trust me I know one when I
see one.  Besides I saw the military video about you and
your colonel."  Burton looked up ahead,  "Oh man I don't
believe it."
  
Hawkes and Burton stopped and signaled the rest of the
group to take cover.  Cooper came back to fill in Vansen.
"Man, just our luck.  Another Chig unit is right ahead of
us."

Shane racked her brain.  Any minute now their ISSCV would
be coming and if the enemy were too great they would not be
able to land.  How were they going to get past the Chigs
and make the evac?  Shane knew the answer; they were going
to have to get as close as they could, and when the time
came make a run for it.  "Wildcards, Goonies listen up.  We
will only get one chance.  I want the strongest to help the
wounded.  When the ISSCV shows up you go first and get the
wounded on board.  The rest of us will give cover fire and
run for it when you are on board."

Linsky and Johnson both grabbed Rahman and steeled
themselves.  The ISSCV appeared in the sky and began to
descend.  Wang and Chenahentee grabbed Sakieli, and Hawkes
and Damphousse each prepared to take West.  Shane signaled
to the approaching ISSCV and Asheton shouted that the Chigs
had spotted it and were coming.  "GO!" shouted Shane and
the groups with the wounded bolted for the ISSCV.   The
Chigs were not close enough to make good shots, yet.  Shane
held her breath when she saw Damphousse fall to her knees
but she got up limping and all three groups successfully
made it to the ISSCV and began to give covering fire for
the rest of the group.

However, now the Chigs were in established positions.  This
would be the more dangerous run.  Someone would have to be
last and continue the covering fire, putting them self at
the greatest risk.  Shane was about to speak when Freenman
turned, handed something to Burton and said; "It's my time.
I'll provide covering fire.  GO!"  Freenmen and Burton
exchanged a look that conveyed the thoughts and emotions of
a lifetime in one brief second.  

With that Burton yelled, "NB's of the world unite," winked
at Asheton and took off for the ISSCV. 

Asheton followed, yelling more to Freenmen than anyone
else, "Goonies never say die!  See you there."

Shane followed hot on her heels.  She could feel the Chig
fire coming all around her as she focused on reaching the
ISSCV.  Shane didn't have to look behind her to know that
Freenmen hadn't followed her.  She just knew he was
standing on the top of the hill raining fire on the Chigs
like he was a demon from hell.  She could hear him yelling
over the noise of the gunfire. Shane stumbled as she
reached the ISSCV and Hawkes caught her as she fell in.
The cargo door being slammed shut behind her and the lurch
of the ISSCV as it lifted off confirmed her suspicion that
Freenmen would not be joining them. 

Slowly she stood up and looked in Hawkes's concerned gaze.
Then she turned and noticed Nathan Burton still looking out
the door as the ground fell away.  Natalie Asheton walked
up to him whispered something only he could hear, and
hugged him.   Shane watched as the two embraced each other
with emotion that revealed there was something more between
them than just friendship.

The planet Pryderi fell away from sight and the rest of the
crew stopped firing when they were out of range of the
Chigs.  In a matter of seconds, which had felt like an
eternity, their ordeal on the dusty rock was over.  They
were safe.  The sudden silence, caused by the absence of
firing weapons, was broken by a chanting sound.  Shane
turned and looked at Chenahentee.  He was confirming what
his facial features had hinted at, as he sang the death
song of his Navajo people in honor of Freenmen and the
other soldiers the group had left behind.   Burton walked
up to Shane and handed her Freenmen's dog tags.


Wang was trying to patch up Damphousse's bleeding leg.
Asheton smiled and gently took the first aid kit from Paul.
"I got it."  Paul sat and watched her as she quickly
bandaged the wound.  She looked up at Vanessa, "Don't
worry, it's just a scratch.  It looks worse than it really
is."

Paul again found himself asking, "Where did you get so good
at that?"

Asheton smiled and pointed at Burton, "Go camping with him
and see how good you get at first aid."

Burton turned from where he was tending to Sakieli.  "Hey!
It's a wonder I'm still alive considering."  Asheton just
stuck her tongue out at him as he turned his attention to
Jared Rahman.  

Burton noticed that Jared was actually awake.  "Hey Jared,
how are you feeling?"

The white bandage around his head contrasted with his black
hair and dark Indonesian features, but despite the obvious
pain he was feeling, Jared managed a smile.  "I'm not
dead," was his weak reply.

McKay who had been standing nearby took the cue and looked
at Burton and stated in his best attempt at a British
accent, "I can't take him like that. It's against
regulations."

Burton pleaded, "Oh come on, he'll be dead in a minute.
Could you just wait."

McKay shook his head, "Sorry, I got to go to the
Robinson's, they lost 9 today."

Jared replied in his weak voice, "I feel fine.  I think
I'll go for a walk."

The rest of the 54 were laughing as the skit continued.
Burton looked at Jared, "You're not fooling anyone you
know."

Linsky broke into their skit, "Jared, what are you doing?
You're a traitor. Don't do this to me!"

Jessie looked up from where she was sitting, "It's too
late.  Jared's a Goonie."  She gave a laugh that was to be
interpreted as evil, "and soon you will be too."

John Linsky pretended to be horrified, "No, Never, I won't
do it!"  The rest of the 54 gathered around John and began
to tease him. "Come on John, you want to be a Goonie."

Shane watched the 54 and 101st goofing around.  She just
shook her head.  She definitely did not understand their
humor and, by the looks on their faces, the rest of the
58th didn't either.  Finally the 54 calmed down and they
all took their seats around the ISSCV.  Asheton and Burton
finished checking on the wounded to make sure they were
comfortable for the ride to the Saratoga, then sat down and
talked quietly with each other.

Shane let her self get lost in thought.  They had made it.
Soon she would be back in her bed on the Saratoga.  It
seemed like it had been forever.  That same tired feeling
began to wash over her again.  On one hand she was relieved
that they were heading home, but she dreaded the routine
again.  Shane glanced at where Hawkes sat next to West.
Hawkes had hardly left his side since they had found Nathan
in the 54's camp.  West was still feverish and was not
aware of Hawkes' presence but Cooper stayed by him anyway.
Maybe that problem was solved for a while.  

"Do you hear that?"  

Shane looked at Jessie, who had taken a seat across from
her.  "Hear what?"

"Exactly! Look around."  Jessie pointed around the ISSCV.

Everyone was asleep or near to it.  Paul had his head back
and mouth open, and Vanessa was looking out a window.
Nathan Burton and Natalie Asheton had fallen asleep leaning
against each other.  The rest of the crew had their heads
hanging down and bobbing with the movement of the ship.
Finally a moment had come where they did not have to stay
watchful and alert and everyone had crashed.

Shane smiled and turned to take a really good look at
Jessie.  To Shane it was almost like looking in a mirror.
Jessie had the same dark brown hair and eyes and the same
determined look to keep control on her face.  The only
difference thought Shane was that Jessie was much prettier.
Shane liked her own looks but she always thought of them as
rugged, Jessie had refined good looks.  It was almost like
she should be in a ballgown and a tiara, not battle armor
and a helmet.  Shane wondered why a girl like her would
join the Marines.  

Shane was curious about more than that.  She looked at the
54th's patch.  It showed a human skull with an eye patch
between two crossed sabers with the word 'Goonies' across
the top.  "What is a Goonie, anyway? Is it a pirate?" Shane
finally asked.

Jessie laughed, "No, Goonies are misfits.  We picked that
nickname because we are kind of a bunch of misfits anyway.
I mean, how many units have a cowgirl, an InVitro, a
mountain man, a sheepherder, a beach bum and a New Yorker.
We are kind of a weird mix.  Now the 101st they are all
military brats.  They were all born and raised to be in the
military.  The rest of us just wanted to try it out.

The name actually comes from this old 1980's movie that
Natalie and Nathan made us watch before our first action as
a squad.  It was about a group of kids who called
themselves the 'Goonies'.  They found a pirate treasure map
in their attic and hunted down the treasure of One-Eyed
Willy to save their neighborhood.  It was a good movie and
the name just seemed appropriate."

"So the skull on your patch is One-Eyed Willy.  That's
neat.  I wish we had as good a story.  We picked the
Wildcards because, well we seemed to be the wildest bunch
in the deck.  Most people didn't think we'd make good
Marines."  

Jessie smiled, "Boy were they wrong.  I've heard a lot
about you guys."

Shane smiled back.  "We've heard a lot about you guys too."

"Like what," asked Jessie, "that we're crazy?"

"Yeah, I've heard that.  I'm beginning to think they are
right."

Jessie laughed, "You are very observant Captain Vansen."
Shane and Jessie continued to talk as the ISSCV continued
on its flight back to the Saratoga.

_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________

"Colonel Green," McQueen entered the room that Green was
staying in, "the ISSCV just radio.  They picked them up.
All members of the 58, 54, and 101st accounted for.  The
rest of the units are reported dead."

With relief Col. Green approached McQueen. "When are they
scheduled to arrive?"

"In 20 mics." McQueen patted Green on the back.  "Come on,
I'll help you get accommodations set up for their arrival."
During the time the two Colonels had spent on the Saratoga
they had become friends.  For some reason McQueen found
Col. Green easy to open up to.    

The two relieved Colonels busied themselves finding rooms
and supplies that would be needed by the visiting units and
then found themselves anxiously waiting near the landing
deck for the arrival of the ISSCV.   

McQueen watched as the medical team entered the ISSCV and
began to carry out the wounded first.  McQueen noticed that
West was one of the wounded and he also noticed how close
Hawkes was staying with him.  He had heard about their
fight and was glad to know that they probably wouldn't
fight again for a while.  He saw Vansen come off with the
Captain of the 54 and they both began to approach him and
Colonel Green.

McQueen was about to speak when he was distracted.  He
watched as more Marines left the ISSCV laughing.  Then two
of the Marines exited the ship arm in arm stumbling along
the deck singing and laughing.  McQueen overheard one of
the Marines saying to Wang, "You just had to ask didn't
you!"  McQueen almost laughed as he listened to the words
the dancing Marines were singing.

	"I want to sing and dance, I want to sing and dance.
	  I want to be a pirate in the 'Pirates of Penzance'
	  with me silver buckled slippers and me tight shiny pants.
  	 Boom Boom.  I want to sing and dance."

Colonel Green just shook his head as he saw Burton and
McKay singing as they exited the ISSCV.  Not even 15 days
lost on a desert planet could stop their silliness.  "OK
Goonies and Sharks, listen up.  Vacation is over.  I want
all of you to report to sickbay for a 'complete'
examination."  Colonel Green ignored their collective
groans and continued, "and stay there until I give you
further instructions.  That means all of you."

"Yes sir." The rest of the group left the hanger and
followed the medical crews.  You could still hear their
laughing as they walked down the hall.

McQueen finally turned his attention to Vansen who was
standing in front of him.  "Captain Vansen and Captain
Johnson ready to report sir."

"Did you find any of the other units?" asked Colonel Green.

"Sir," answered Johnson, "The rest are all dead sir.
Captain Vansen has their tags."

"Good work Captains." Answered Col. Green.  "Why don't you
join the rest of the crew in sickbay.  You can give us your
full report later."

"Thank you Sir," both of the Captains turned and walked
away.

McQueen turned to Green with an inquisitive look on his
face.  "Are they always like that?"

Colonel Green sighed, then looked at McQueen with a smile,
"Yep, pretty much."
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________

"Man, do you believe those guys?"  Paul sat down on his
bunk tired.  The 58 had just returned from trying to visit
Nathan West in sickbay.  He wasn't awake yet and the doctor
didn't want him disturbed so the 58 had headed back to
their room.  

"Who the doctors, they are just looking out for Nathan."
Vanessa went to her locker and began to pull out a change
of clothes.

"No, the 54 and the 101st.  I think they are nuts.  I
wonder if they can ever be serious."  Paul leaned back on
his bed.

Shane came from the shower room and had just heard the last
of Paul's words; "Who can't be serious?"

Cooper answered her. "Paul thinks the 54 is crazy, and I
agree.  I couldn't understand hardly anything they said
down on planet.  I mean I knew the words but I didn't get
the meaning."  

Shane held back the urge to laugh at Cooper's nativity.
"Well I must admit they are a little odd, but they handled
themselves very well.  You've got to have respect for a
unit that can stay together like that after being stranded
for 15 days in enemy territory.  Besides you guys do your
fair share of goofing off."

"True," commented Paul as he finally got up to get ready
for bed, "but those guys seem to have it down to a science.
They make us look like amateurs."

Vanessa jumped up to her bunk.  "You do have to admit they
are friendly.  I like them."

Cooper got a mischievous look on his face.  "Oh sure, that
coming from someone who thinks the Chigs are just
misunderstood.  You like everyone Phousse."

"That's not true." Vanessa rolled over with her back to
Cooper, but she couldn't hide her giggle;  "I don't like
you."  

Shane rolled her eyes, as Cooper was about to retaliate,
"Let's just go to bed guys, the war isn't over yet."  As
the lights went out and the room fell silent Shane sighed
as she willed herself to fall asleep.  She stared at West's
empty bunk.  She knew he was safe in sickbay but it
couldn't stop her from thinking that one day one of the
beds could permanently be empty. 'How much longer can I
take this war?' she thought.  With a sigh she closed her
eyes and hoped she wouldn't dream.
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________

All was quiet when Nathan West awoke in his bed in sickbay.
For a brief moment he wondered where he was and how he got
there.  The last thing he clearly remembered was running
from the Chig patrol on Pryderi and then stepping in a
hole.  After that, all he could remember was vague faces
and scenes.  

He tried to sit up but was greeted by a sharp pain in his
left leg and the protest of his throbbing head.  He looked
at the clock, which read 05:45.  He looked around the room.
There was not much activity at this hour.  A few nurses
were moving about and a few of the other patients in the
room were also moving about.  West watched as one patient
sat on his bed putting his boots on as he talked to a young
woman standing near his bed.  They looked vaguely familiar
but Nathan couldn't remember why.  Finally they got up and
began to walk by his bed.  As they approached their voices
sounded even more familiar.

"Hey West, how are you feeling?" the young woman asked.  

"Fine."  He racked his brain trying to remember why he knew
these two.

The young man saw the confused look on his face.  "He
doesn't remember us Nat.  Don't worry West, you'll find out
soon enough.  Stay off that leg."

West watched as the strange Marine moved on to another
patient and greeted him with a high five.  "Hey Mufasa,
stall the Doc until I get back.  I have got to have some
food."

The young black man in the bed smiled at him, "Nate if you
are going to get in trouble, I don't want to be involved.
I still remember how mad Natalie was the last time."

"That's right Mutambo," smiled the girl, apparently named
Natalie, "don't encourage him."

Nathan watched as the two continued on out of sickbay.
They ran into Hawkes as he came in and exchanged a few
words with him.   That's it, remembered Nathan.  Those were
two of the Marines that helped him when he fell down the
bank and broke his leg.  Now he remembered them speaking to
him as they fixed his leg.   That means they must have
found some of the Marines alive down on Pryderi.

Nathan tried to relax as Hawkes came up.  He knew he owed
Cooper an apology.  

"Hey Nate, how are ya feeling?"  Cooper came up and sat
down next to Nathan.  

Nathan smiled, "I'm feeling better.  Hey were those two
part of one of the missing units?"

"Yeah, they are from the 54, Nathan Burton and Natalie
Asheton.  We, or better put, they found us.  All of the 54
and the two from the 101st are safe here.  They had another
member of the 17th Army with them but he didn't make it."

An awkward silence fell on the room.  West and Hawkes both
decided to break the silence simultaneously and smiled when
they realized this.  Nathan looked at Hawkes, "Cooper I
just want to say I'm sorry for all those things I said this
past week."

"Nathan man, I'm the one who should be sorry.  I know I
shouldn't have said some of those things.  I guess, I just
wish, I understood how you feel sometimes."  Hawkes looked
at his feet.

Nathan tried sitting up again, with the same results as
before.  Then he sighed and just laid back.  "Cooper, you
do know how I feel deep down.  You just need the experience
in how to express it.  Anyway, I have no right to judge how
you feel."

For a brief period the two sat in silence.  Cooper sighed
with relief that his apology to Nathan was over.  "Nathan,
I really like you man.  I felt so bad when we lost you, we
were just real lucky that the 54th found you..." Cooper
paused when he realized that Nathan West's eyes were no
longer open.  He smiled and thought to him self, 'Boy were
we lucky.'  With that he quietly left sickbay and headed
for the mess hall.

Meanwhile the rest of the 58 were heading for breakfast
when they ran into the 54 looking for the same thing.  They
all entered and found Burton and Asheton already eating.

Nathan looked up from his meal and waved, "Hey you guys,
good news.  The food is just as bad here as it is on the
Castowa."

Joe Chena laughed, "All right, all the comforts of home!"

Shane just shook her head, 06:00 and these guys were still
happy.  Shane looked at them closer.  They looked different
without all that dirt and grime.  Natalie had light brown,
shoulder length hair and bright green eyes. Jessie was even
prettier then before; Scott McKay actually had blond hair
and blue eyes; Joe had classic Amerindian features and his
black hair glistened in the lights; Nathan had a baby face
crowned with brown hair and brown eyes that sparkled as he
laughed; and John Linsky had red hair and freckles that
Shane hadn't noticed before.  "You know I almost didn't
recognize you guys in the hall without a layer of dirt on
you."

"Do we look better or worse?" asked John.

Paul gave John a serious once over then gave Jessie and
Natalie a good examination.  Paul pointed to the ladies and
replied, "They sure look better, but man are you ugly."
The whole group just laughed knowing Paul was only making a
joke.

Shane found her self amazingly relaxed as she ate breakfast
with this group.  The 54 were telling stories about their
experiences on Pryderi before they met up, including how
they found West.  Finally they spotted Hawkes hurrying to
get his breakfast before the 58th had to go to a briefing.

Hawkes was so eager to join the gang eating that he failed
to notice that he was passing Lt. Hill, the resident tank
hater of the Saratoga.  Hill could never pass up a chance
to insult Cooper.  As Cooper passed by, Hill stuck out his
foot.  Cooper tripped over it and dumped the contents of
his tray on the floor as he fell.  "Watch what you are
doing you stupid tank," Hill snarled.

Hawkes was furious but before he could get up and say
anything to Hill, Natalie Asheton was on her feet and
standing in front of Hill.  "Who are you calling stupid?  I
graduated from high school in the top ten of my class and I
have a degree from the University of Colorado in Human
Genetics, with honors."

Hill was taken aback by Natalie's abruptness, but answered
back, "I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to the tank."

Natalie looked Hill in the eyes, "I am a tank.  I'll ask
you again who are you calling stupid?"

Hill was confused, "If you're a tank, how did you go to
high school?"

"I'm not your ordinary InVitro.  I was encanted at 10 years
old as an experiment."  Natalie replied.

Hawkes stopped in his tracks.  He couldn't believe his
ears.  Natalie was an InVitro too but he had never heard of
an InVitro born before 18.  He could only stand there and
stare at her in disbelief.

Hill could now sense that he had made a tactical error and
tried to back away but he found his way blocked by Nathan
Burton.  Burton grabbed Hill by the collar and slammed his
face onto a nearby table.  Nathan's face was so close to
Hill's that Shane thought he might bite Hill's nose off.
Instead he started yelling at Hill in a way that would even
make their boot camp Drill Sergeant Bougus green with envy.

"You know what you are buddy.  You are a snot nosed, thumb
sucking mama's boy that has yet to learn that being human
has more to do with who you are then how you were born.
How does being squeezed out of a hole the size of an orange
and spending the first years of your life whining and
shitting make you a better human?  You, are what I would
call, a valid excuse for the legalization of abortion.
Just because your mama got drunk one night and made a
mistake doesn't mean you have to take it out on the rest of
the universe.  Now, you pull that excuse for a brain of
yours out of your natural born ass and apologize to Natalie
and Cooper before I make you taste your belly button lint."


"At ease Lt. Burton."  Colonel Green marched into the room
with Colonel McQueen right on his heels.  Hearing the
command Burton immediately released Hill and stood at
attention.

"Explain yourself Lt. Burton."  Colonel Green commanded.

"Sir, this man assaulted Lt. Hawkes.  I was just
restraining him until you arrived."  Burton replied.

"Restraining him my ass.  You leave the lessons in life to
the commanding officers Burton.  That goes for you to
Asheton.  I will have to report this incident and remember
this in NOT the Castowa and the Commodore here may not be
as sympathetic as I am."  Colonel Green then addressed the
rest of the 54th and 101st.  "Remember, you are guests on
this ship and I expect you all to act accordingly.  You
will be on your best behavior.  I do not want to hear of
any fights no matter what happens.  Is that clear?"

The 54th and 101st all responded, "Sir, yes Sir."

Colonel McQueen turned to face Lt. Hill.  "Lt. Hill what is
your explanation for all this?"

"Sir, I was just eating breakfast, Sir."  Hill responded.

"You're a liar.  Help Lt. Hawkes clean up this mess and
then report to your commanding officer."  Colonel McQueen
then addressed the 58th.  "You have a mission briefing in
10 mics, I suggest you finish eating and get moving."

"54 and 101 you are to finish breakfast and report to me
for your assignments for the day.  I hope you all remember
how a broom works." With that Colonel Green and Colonel
McQueen prepared to leave.  Col. Green turned around one
more time, "and Burton, get back to sickbay."

For a brief moment after the Colonels left everyone stayed
frozen at attention then a second later they broke and
began to hurry so that they could finish breakfast and
begin their assigned duties.  

After leaving the mess hall Green shook his head.  "I was
afraid of this.  Those two have been spoiled on the
Castowa.  They haven't had to endure insults of that nature
for a while.  I should have warned them to watch it here."

McQueen looked at Green.  "So Asheton and Burton are
InVitros?"

"No, just Asheton is an IV, but Burton sticks up for her.
I guess old habits are hard to break."  Green replied.  

McQueen looked puzzled, "Old habits?"

"Yeah," said Green, "Ash and Burn have known each other for
a long time.  Their drill sergeant at boot camp never
figured it out.  I tried separating them once but I learned
that the two are a team. They have this special connection.
They seem to operate on their own wavelength, you know what
I mean.    Alone they are average, but together they are
the best Marines I've ever met."
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________

Cooper was tired after the long day.  The 58th had plenty
to keep them busy.  They had been paired with another unit
and had flown a recon mission, then did their paperwork,
received new enemy weapon specs to study and had equipment
to clean.  Still, before he went to sleep, Coop wanted to
see West.  The others had promised they'd join them after
they had a drink.

Cooper entered sickbay to find Nathan Burton sitting on
Nathan West's bed, which had been pulled up next to
Mutambo's bed.  They were involved in a card game and a
conversation.  "Hey guys what's up?"

Burton looked up; "The doctors here suck.  They are making
me stay another night because I skipped out this morning.
Gees, two nights in sickbay because of a lousy broken rib,
I wonder what they do for a broken leg."

"I don't know," commented West, "but I hope it's not much
longer.  I could never stand hospitals."

"Oh please," Mutambo rolled his eyes and put a card on the
stack on his lap, "your suffering pales in comparison to
the suffering of those of us who have to endure your
presence for two days."

"Fine," Burton acted like his feelings had been horribly
hurt, "here I am trying to bring joy into your humdrum life
and all you can do is insult me."

Hawkes laughed.  It looked like West and the rest of the
crew was going to be fine.  Behind him Hawkes heard
laughter coming from a large group entering sickbay.  He
turned and saw McKay carrying Asheton into sickbay over his
shoulder.  He was exclaiming, "A witch, a witch, we've got
a witch."  The rest of the Goonies were not far behind with
Linsky bringing up the rear.

Natalie pounded McKay on the back, "I am not a witch, I am
not!"

McKay put her down in front of Mutambo, "Oh great Mufasa,
we found a witch, may we burn her?"

Mufasa smiled and asked, "How do you know she is a witch?"

Burton answered, "She looks like one!"

"They dressed me up like this.  These aren't my clothes and
this is not my nose. It's a false one."  Hawkes was now
confused, Natalie wasn't dressed any different then the
rest of the group, and she didn't have a false nose on, and
why were they accusing her of being a witch?

McKay spoke up, "Well we did do the clothes... and the
nose.  But she has got a wart!"

Mufasa studied Natalie thoughtfully as she stood there
indignantly.  Mufasa asked, "Well, what  makes you think
she is a witch?"

Burton stood up and pointed a finger at Natalie; "She
turned me into a newt!"

The rest of the group gave Burton an inquiring stare.
Burton looked around then sat back down on West's bed. "I
got better."

Mutambo held up his hands as if to quiet a crowd.  "People
there are ways of telling these things.  Now what do you
burn a part from witches?"

Chena stated enthusiastically, "More Witches!"  The rest of
the group turned and gave him 'shut up stupid' looks. 

Hawkes was really getting confused.  West seemed to be
enjoying the show, however, because he was laughing
hysterically at the scene.

Finally someone said, "Wood?"

"Good," Mutambo continued in his role, "Now then, why do
witches burn?"

The 54 all acted like they were thinking hard, and finally
McKay stated, " Cause they're made of wood?"

Mutambo looked like he was about ready to laugh but he
tried to maintain his composure as he continued, "Right,
now how can you tell if she is made of wood?"

Finally John Linsky threw up his hands and sighed.  "I
can't take this anymore!"  Then he looked at Mutambo and
declared, "Build a bridge out of her!"  The rest of the 54
all burst out laughing.  

Burton stood up and held out his hand to Linsky,
"Congratulations, you are now officially a Goonie.  Welcome
to the group."

Hawkes looked at everyone.  "I don't get it, what was so
funny? And what is a Goonie?"

Asheton smiled and patted Hawkes on the shoulder, "Don't
worry Hawkes you wouldn't get the joke unless you had seen
the movie."

"What movie?"

"What movie!" declared Burton.  "Only the funniest movie
ever created in the universe.  Cooper you have got to see
'Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail' or you
have never truly lived.  We were just reenacting the famous
witch burning scene."

Finally Jessie Johnson spoke up.  "Goonies, Hawkes has a
good point.  I move that we initiate the 58 as part of our
special Goonies' squad.  All in favor raise your hand."
Everyone raised their hands.  "It's official.  I'll speak
with Captain Vansen.  Burton you are in charge of procuring
the initiation materials.  Asheton you locate a room."
Both Asheton and Burton snapped to full attention and
declared, "Aye, Aye Miss America."

West rolled his eyes and said to Hawkes, "I have a feeling
we may regret saving these people."

Hawkes still wasn't sure what was going on.  Asheton just
squeezed his hand and whispered, "Don't worry Hawkes.
Trust us."

Finally one of the nurses came over.  "OK people, you will
have to leave.  You are making too much noise, besides
visiting hours are over."  Everyone protested but the nurse
was insistent and soon had everyone shoed out of sickbay.  

She came back and looked at Burton, "OK Lt. Burton into bed
before I tell the doctors you have had a sudden relapse and
recommend you staying another day."  Then she turned to
West and Mutambo; "You two get some sleep too.  The sooner
I get all of you out of my sickbay the sooner I'll have
some peace and quiet."

Burton knew better than to defy the nurse so he shrugged at
Mutambo and West and headed for his bed.  West leaned back
and sighed.  He didn't know why, but he felt better than he
had for months.
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________


Asheton came into Tun Tavern and sat down frustrated.
"Millions of dollars in genetic engineering and what do
they have me doing, sweeping floors!  That's not a very
good use of an expensive investment."

Nathan West just laughed at her frustration.  He was
sitting with the rest of the Goonies in the tavern
relaxing.    He had been released from sickbay that
afternoon with the promise that he would check in twice a
day.  The air cast on his leg was uncomfortable but it beat
sitting in bed all day.  Jared and Mutambo were still
confined to sickbay and probably would be for the rest of
the week.  That's OK thought West, because as soon as they
are well the 54 and 101st would be heading back to the
U.S.S. Castowa.  

 "You think you've been suffering, I was filing papers all
day.  It's amazing how quickly you forget simple things,
like the alphabet."  Nathan Burton replied.

Jessie laughed, "I guess that's some paperwork that will
never be found."

"Well," stated Burton, "they trained me to be a pilot not a
secretary."

The rest of the group continued to complain until finally
Burton rose to his feet.  "OK people, there is something
wrong with us. Very, very wrong with us, and I know just
how to fix it."  With that he walked over to the jute box
and began to look for songs to select.  Not to be left out,
Natalie followed him.

"I hope the rest of the Wildcards get here soon." stated
Jessie.

"Oh, I passed them earlier," spoke up Joe. "They were going
to get something to eat then meet us here.  I can't believe
they are flying missions again so soon.  This ship must
really be short handed."

"We are." spoke up West.  "On some days we fly two or more
patrols.  I guess that's why we are all so tired lately.
We are supposed to be next in line for a new squad but who
knows when that will be. "

"Personally I wish we were already flying again.  It beats
spending all that time in the equipment room counting
canteens." Linsky got up and headed for the bar, "Anybody
need another drink?"

Not long after he returned with his order Shane, Cooper,
Paul and Vanessa walked into the room.  They looked like
all they wanted to do was crash.  Colonel McQueen followed
them in and went to his spot at the bar.

The 58 came over and sat down at the table Scott McKay had
pulled over next to the 54's.

"Man," said Paul as he sat down, "I don't think I can move
another inch for at east an hour."  He was wrong because
suddenly the jute box kicked in with a song that startled
Paul so much he fell out of his chair.  He turned around
and found Asheton and Burton laughing at the reaction from
the group.  They turned the sound back down to a
semi-reasonable level and Natalie ran up to the table.

"Come on guys, let's dance."  She grabbed Scott and dragged
him away from the table.  Soon most of the 54 had joined
Burton and Asheton in clearing away enough tables to create
a dance floor and were enthusiastically dancing around to
the upbeat, if slightly old, music Ash and Burn had
selected.

Hawkes just shook his head, "How can they have so much
energy?"

Paul put his head down on the table, "I can't watch, or
I'll be tempted to kill them all for being so happy."

West just laughed, he had spent the better part of two days
with the Goonies and was learning to enjoy the 54's upbeat
attitude.  "Hey guys, they spent 15 days stranded on a
planet.  They just need to unwind."

"No," stated Vanessa thoughtfully. "I'm getting the sinking
suspicion that they are like that all the time."

"Maybe someone should tell them there is a war going on?"
Suggested Hawkes.

"What and ruin their party?" asked Shane.  She leaned back
in her chair and watched the group dancing.  She noticed
that some of them were very good dancers; like Nathan,
Natalie, Jessie and even Scott, but the rest all needed
help badly.  Shane couldn't remember the last time she had
really let loose and danced.  Finally she couldn't resist.
"Stay here if you like, but I'm going to bust a move."
With that she got up and joined the Goonies on the dance
floor.

A song came on that inspired the group to pair up.  Burton
approached the table and bowed to Vanessa.  "Miss
Damphousse would you care to dance?"  He held out his hand.
Vanessa blushed but couldn't resist, took his hand and
followed him to the dance floor.  Jessie came up and looked
at West, "Care to dance handsome?"

West just gave her a look and replied, "I'm sorry ma'am but
I seem to have a broken leg."

Jessie acted hurt and then grabbed Paul, "Let's go Wang and
let Nathan be a wall flower."  Paul just shrugged at West
and eagerly followed Jessie.  

Meanwhile, John Linsky had grabbed Shane to dance with and
was busy talking to her.  Scott and Joe were jokingly
dancing with each other declaring that there were not
enough women in the bar.  Natalie laughed and tapped Cooper
on the shoulder.  "Come on Cooper, and don't give me that
'I'm a poor InVitro and don't know how to dance' line; I'll
teach you."  Cooper just looked at Nathan who gave Cooper a
go ahead wave.

As other crewmembers of the Saratoga wandered into the
tavern they were surprised to see the dance floor and hear
the upbeat music.  Natalie and Nathan kept the jute box
running most of the night.  They played a wide variety of
music but most of it was new to Shane.  They even taught
everyone some new dances, like one were you spell YMCA with
your arms and one where everyone linked arms and danced
around the floor kicking their heels up and yelling
'Bullshit'.  Nate and Nat called it the Cotton-Eyed Joe.
Slowly more and more people joined them on the dance floor.
The mood in Tun Tavern was definitely much more positive
than it had been for a while.

Vanessa was having a great time.  Nathan Burton was a great
dancer and kept her laughing the whole time.  As the night
continued they all traded partners.  Vanessa danced with
Scott, Joe and even Coop.  Then she found herself faced by
Paul, it was their turn to dance together.  Vanessa
hesitated and she noticed Paul hesitate as well.  Then they
smiled, clasped hands and danced together just enjoying
each other's company.  It wasn't like on the Bacchus when
they had been sexually attracted to each other or when they
had kissed in panic on planet.  Here they were just two
good friends dancing.  

West sat there at the table and watched the dancing.
People occasionally filtered back to the table to rest and
chat with him only to be grabbed back out onto the dance
floor.  Everyone in the Tavern had a smile on his or her
face.  Even McQueen had consented to dancing with Jessie,
which surprised everyone. West sighed because he was dying
to join them.

Eventually most of the group danced themselves out and
rejoined West at the table.  "Boy," confessed Vanessa, "I
must be out of shape because I am pooped."

Shane shook her head as she watched Nate and Nat picking
another song on the jute box, "How do you handle those two?"

Jessie smiled, "When Ash and Burn get going it is best just
to get out of the way and let them go.  If we could bottle
up their energy I think the military would never have to
buy fuel again."

The song they had chosen had a definite Latino beat to it.
The two faced each other on the dance floor, clasped hands
and began to dance across the floor so well together that
they kept the whole tavern mesmerized.  "Where did they
learn to dance like that?" asked Paul amazed.

"They took a ballroom dance class at Colorado University.
You should see Nathan do that dance with his girlfriend.
They were so hot, I thought they were going to burn the
base down."  Jessie commented.

"Wait a minute," Vanessa was now confused, "you mean
Natalie is not his girlfriend?"

Jessie and the rest of the 54 looked at Vanessa and then
began to laugh.  Scott called out to the two as they were
returning to the table after having entertained the entire
tavern.  "Hey you guys, the 58 wants to know why you two
don't just get a room and let us single people suffer in
silence!"

"Get a room?" exclaimed Natalie.  "What do you think I
would do with him in there?"

Nathan hugged Natalie from behind and declared, "If you
can't keep it in your pants, keep it in the family."

Natalie giggled and shuddered, "Oh god, I just imagined
myself kissing you.  Yuck!!"

Nathan let Natalie go and looked at her like she was some
monster, "Please, stop putting ideas in my head.  I'll have
nightmares."

Shane was now very confused.  Like Vanessa she had assumed
that Asheton and Burton were dating, but if they weren't
dating then why did they seem so close?  She watched them
as they sat down laughing.

Finally Burton spoke up; "Ok maybe we should properly
introduce ourselves.  My full name is Nathaniel Leon
Asheton-Burton and this is my foster sister Natalie Rae
Asheton whom my stepfather stole, I mean acquired, from the
DIVRC.  I just use Burton as my last name unless I have to
sign something official, less confusion that way."

"What's the DIVRC?" asked Cooper.

"The Denver InVitro Recreation, I mean, Research Center,"
replied Natalie with a laugh.  She looked around the table
and noticed the still confused looks on the faces of the
Wildcards.  "OK Nate, maybe we'd better tell the whole
story."

Burton sighed and leaned back, "OK.  I'll start in the
beginning.  My mom got married right out of high school to
this handsome and oh so charming Marine, Captain Alan
Burton.  They had two children, my older sister, Gina and
me.  I was 2 1/2 when he died in the service of his
country.  When I was four my mom married Dr. Morgan
Asheton.  He had just received his doctorate in Human
Development and had received his dream job, a position at
the Denver InVitro Research Center.  Then of course add to
the mix my brothers Davy and Conner.  The story really
starts on my 10th birthday when dad almost missed my
birthday party.  I was mad until I found out why.

I know most people think all IV scientist are these power
hungry god-want-to-bes who like to play with petri dishes
and bully IV's; but most of the scientist I know are no
different than you or I.  My Dad is proud of his work and
believes in its ultimate goal, of creating human life.  He
really cares about the IV's under his care.  

It is not easy working with InVitros, however.  Most people
don't realize only 27% survive from gestation to
incantation.  They can die for any number of reasons; from
a power surge, genetic miscalculation, mechanical
malfunctioning of the tanks, computer error or even
infections taking out entire banks of chambers.  So much
can go wrong in 18 years that getting too attached only
sets you up for a fall.  An InVitro literally dies every
day at the Center.  This has always bothered my Dad.  He
feels for every single one who dies under his care.  He
almost quit a long time ago, but his concern about the
InVitros keeps him there.  As much as he hates it, he knows
there is not much he can do about it but he is determined
to try.  There was one day, my birthday, he couldn't let it
happen."

"That's where I come in," explained Natalie.  "Imagine a
scientist heading home to his stepson's 10 year old
birthday party, with his present in hand.  He's making his
last rounds to make sure everything is OK.  Unfortunately
he finds out that one of the tanks is failing due to a
mechanical problem.  The IV wouldn't have survived the
night. The InVitro was a 10-year-old girl.  I asked Dad why
he did it, he said that he imagined Nathan in that tank.
He also said he couldn't pull the plug on that little girl
and then go home and celebrate the life of his son.  So he
encanted her at 10 years old.  I was supposed to be in that
73% who don't make it.  But because it was April 25th and
the scientist in charge cared, I am alive.

They didn't have the facilities to take care of me.   Dad
had been arguing for years to be allowed to experiment with
younger InVitros.  He believes that if we are raised from
an age earlier than 18 we won't be at such a huge
disadvantage when it comes to dealing with NB's, uh natural
borns.  I was his chance to do that research.  

To buy time, they recorded me as terminated and I lived
with him and his family, until Director Skinner could get
permission for the experiment.  Dad is lucky he didn't lose
his job.  Finally the head office consented and allowed me
to continue living with the Asheton's.  I was officially
released from custody of the Center at 16 and adopted by
the Asheton's."

Nathan Burton looked around at everyone at the table.
"Does that clear things up a might."

Cooper was astonished. Natalie seemed to be full of
surprises.  An InVitro raised with a real family seemed
unreal.  She seemed to be the happiest InVitro he had ever
met. Cooper's experience at the Philadelphia Center had
been very short and very negative.  He had always assumed
that all InVitros had grown up like him. 

"So you weren't raised with other InVitros?" he asked.

Natalie smiled at Cooper.  "Not directly, no.  But I do
know a lot of InVitros.  Dad would take us to the center a
lot so that I could meet others and understand who I was.
I am still friends with lots of the InVitros from my Dad's
banks.  Plus of course, there is the annual reunion picnic
at the center and my Dad always takes his graduating
classes on group camping trips.  So I interact with
InVitros all the time."

"Yeah," laughed Nathan, "we have ruined the innocence of
many an IV.  I still don't get why Director Skinner didn't
like me showing them 'Pinky and the Brain' videos."

Natalie laughed but then sat up serious like and did her
best attempt at imitating Dir. Skinner. "Dr. Asheton I wish
you would keep your IV's in line, I'm not running an
eternal summer camp here.  And I don't appreciate your kids
showing them videos about two little white mice who want to
take over the world! It might give them ideas.  Your kids
are a menace to this entire program."

Burton joined Asheton in the charade, "But sir, would it
make you feel better if you knew the mice never succeed?
Oh and I'm really sorry about the mall incident, I won't
let it happen again."

Natalie began laughing so hard that she almost fell out or
her chair.  "I forgot about that."

"All right you two," Jessie broke in, "fill in the rest of
us.  What was the mall incident?"

Nathan had a mischievous look on his face.  "Oh it was
nothing really.  I found these fake neck navels at this gag
gift store,"

"Was that the same store you found the fake AI contact
lenses that Dad took away from you?" asked Natalie.

"I believe it was, and now that I think about it, I believe
Dad eventually confiscated everything I ever bought from
that store.  But anyway, I bought a whole package of glue
on neck navels.  A whole group of us decided to put them on
and go to the mall.  We were seniors in high school so we
looked fresh out of the tank.  We were minding our own
business when a mall security guard detained us and wanted
to know if we were runaway IV's"

Natalie joined in on the story, "He even called the Center
and had them send a scientist over to confirm we hadn't
escaped.  I thought Dr. Maynard was going to die laughing
when he saw us sitting there."

"I loved the look on the guard's face when Dr. Maynard
ripped the navels off our necks.  I don't think he got the
joke."  Burton just shook his head.  "Dad got called into
the Director's office for that one.  We sure heard about it
when he got home."

The whole table was laughing at the story.  Shane just
shook her head.  She was sure there were more stories where
that one came from.  Ash and Burn were definitely two very
unique people.

It was getting late and the Tavern had quieted down some as
Nate and Nat had told their story.  Through the door
stepped Colonel Green, but he didn't look very happy.  He
hesitated, then approached the group.  He brought a yellow
envelope out from behind his back.  The entire table fell
silent. Each person new what that envelope meant.  No
matter whom it was for, the party was over.

Colonel Green faced Jessie Johnson and held it out to her.
He spoke softly, "I wanted to give you some time to
recuperate from Pryderi before I gave this to you.  I am
very sorry for your loss.  I am just grateful that your
mother didn't have to receive another one."

Jessie's hand shook as she took the envelope.  She had four
brothers and a sister, not to mention cousins, who had
joined the military after the war broke out.  She knew it
would only be a matter of time before she had to face the
envelope, still the moment caught her unprepared. 

The entire Tavern was now deathly silent as Jessie opened
the envelope and read the name.  She looked up at the
others with tears coming to her eyes. "My little brother
Jeremy," was all she could manage to say before she burst
from the table and ran out the door.  Nathan and Natalie
held hands and the rest of the group just sat there
stunned.   Slowly they all got up and left Tun Tavern and
headed for bed.  The war had a way of ruining even the best
of parties.

Colonel Green sighed as he approached McQueen at the bar.
"I hate this job sometimes.  I will never get used to that."

McQueen looked at him. "Art that is what makes war hell.
Everyone knows it will happen to them eventually.  This war
will affect everyone on Earth.  Have a drink on me."

The two Colonels sat in silence next to each other as they
drank.  The true mark of friendship is the ability to give
comfort just by being there and not having to say a word.
They both knew what the other was feeling so no words were
needed.  To McQueen and Green this moment was deep and
binding.  

Finally Colonel Green thanked McQueen for the drink and the
company and left the bar.  McQueen finished his drink and
watched Col. Green and the rest of the 58 and 54 leave the
tavern.  He had heard their entire conversation as he sat
there.  He had wanted to join them so bad, but just didn't
feel like he belonged.  He had reluctantly danced with
Jessie but found that the dance had ended too soon.  The
stories he had heard amazed him.  He wanted to join in
their fun but didn't know how.  McQueen thought to himself,
I have forgotten what its like to be that happy, I would
just spoil their party.  With a sigh McQueen too left the
tavern in silence.
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________


West tossed and turned as he lay in bed.  The evening had
been fun but Jessie's loss now brought back the pain of
losing Kylen and his own brother Neil.  Finally he got out
of bed, quietly dressed and left his squad mates asleep.
He walked along the silent corridors of the Saratoga and
headed for his spot.   He had discovered a place near the
rear of the ship where he could sit and look out a window
and not be disturbed by anyone.  No one in the 58 knew
about it.  That was where he had gone to cry after his
fight with Cooper.  Sometimes he just needed to be alone
and let his feelings out.

As he neared the spot he was surprised to hear sobbing.  He
looked and found Jessie curled up in the corner crying.
Nathan quietly approached.  "Would you like some company?"

Jessie looked up and nodded her head as she attempted to
wipe her tears away with her shirtsleeve.

"I didn't think anyone else knew about this place,"
remarked Nathan as he awkwardly sat down next to her.
Damn, he hated the air cast already.

Jessie smiled.  "I have 15 brothers and sisters.  I could
take my horse to almost any corner of our ranch in Kansas
and someone would always manage to find me. You had to be
real creative to find a place to be alone.    I've found
that talent in hiding comes in handy on a space cruiser."

"You grew up on a ranch!  I grew up on a farm in New
England.  It seems kind of rare to met people like that
anymore."  There was an empty silence as Nathan searched
for what to say next.  "I just lost my younger brother Neil
not to long ago.  I know how you feel."

Jessie looked at Nathan, "I'm sorry."  Then she looked out
the window at the stars. "I knew this would happen
eventually, but I guess you are never ready when it does.
I was afraid Jeremy would be the first, he was always the
vulnerable one."  She smiled softly, "At least I still have
14 more siblings.  I pray that this war doesn't last long
enough for most of them to join."

"I know what you mean.  I still have one brother, John, but
he is still too young to join.  I hope he never does."
Nathan sighed as he thought about how much it would hurt
his mother to lose all of them.

Jessie began to play with her hair.  "I remember the day
Jeremy took the car without permission to take his friends
to a concert.  I was so mad because I was the one who was
supposed to get the car that night.  As punishment Mom made
him clean out all the stalls in our largest horse stable by
himself.

I just sat there watching him, glad that he was being
punished.  He finally apologized to me but I was still mad.
He was only halfway done, but I could tell he was tired and
it was taking him forever.  I finally felt sorry for him
and picked up a shovel and helped him finish.  By the time
we were done, we were laughing and telling each other how
we both looked and smelled like shit!

It's amazing the things you remember.  The little things
are the memories you cherish the most; his smile, the way
he looked in the morning, and the fighting."

Nathan smiled, "I remember all the times Neil and I would
play football in the back pasture.  He always got mad when
he lost, so I'd let him win.  He'd still get mad."

"I know, Jeremy always had to prove himself.  He was the
one who always seemed to break his arm, twist an ankle or
something.  We tried to discourage him from rodeo and
football, but because the rest of us did it he had to too.
I guess all little brothers are that way, sisters too for
that matter."  Jessie burst into tears again.  "I don't
even get to say goodbye.  I haven't seen him since I left
Earth, and never will again."

Nathan reached out and held her, letting her cry on his
shoulder.  He let her release her sorrow and inwardly, he
cried with her.  They just sat comforting each other until
they realized how late it was.

Nathan escorted her back to her room.  As they parted
Jessie gave him a hug and kissed him on the cheek.  "Thank
you for being there and telling me about Neil.  It helps to
have someone around who has been through it and
understands."

As he walked back, Nathan realized that she was right.  The
pain of losing his brother had always seemed unbearable
before but now that he had shared it with someone who
really understood, it didn't seem to be as much of a
burden.  They had shared each other's pain and helped each
other heal.  

Jessie watched all the activity occurring on the bridge of
the U.S.S. Saratoga.  All these people had specific duties
to carry out and knew what to do, but it looked like a riot
at a rock concert.  Someone handed her a note and ordered
her to take it to Commodore Ross.  Happily she took it,
glad to be doing something; anything to keep her mind off
Jeremy, even if it was just delivering messages.  She
handed the message to Commodore Ross who frowned as he read
it.

He turned and called out to Colonel McQueen who was busy
discussing flight schedules with a Naval officer.  "Get the
58 ready to fly now." Commodore Ross commanded.  "There are
Chig squadrons attacking the evacuation ships and their
escorts are asking for backup."

Jessie didn't hesitate for a second, she knew her unit was
ready for combat again.  "Sir, request permission for the
54 and 101st to accompany the Wildcards.  We are ready,
willing and tired of waiting, Sir!"

Commodore Ross looked at Jessie and liked what he saw.  He
had heard terrific things about the 54.  He looked at
McQueen who gave a nod yes indicating he would like to have
them along.  Ross made his decision, "Permission granted.
Colonel McQueen, find her people some wings."

Eagerly Jessie followed McQueen to where the 54 and 58 were
gathering for lunch.  She couldn't help but smile as she
overheard the conversation Nathan Burton and Paul Wang were
having.

"What do you mean you've never heard Elvis? He's only the
King of Rock 'n Roll!" Burton exclaimed.

"Sorry Nate, but I don't recall ever hearing any of his
music." Paul stated.

"Well surely you've heard of Garth Brooks, he's only sold
more albums than any other artist in the past 150 years."
Nathan looked at the ceiling when Paul shook his head no,
as if he couldn't believe it.  He then started rattling off
other famous musicians of the late 1900's, "Madonna,
Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, John Denver, Cherry
Poppin' Daddies, Shania Twain, Snoop Doggy Dog, Funky Green
Dogs from Outer Space, Wynonna Judd, the Beatles,
everyone's heard of the Beatles?"

Paul just shook his head.  Burton finally gave up and threw
his hands in the air.  "You are severely lacking an
education in the musical arts, my friend."

Jessie just shook her head.  Before she had met Nate and
Nat she had never heard of most of those musicians either.
How Nate and Nat knew them she did not know.

Colonel McQueen broke into the conversation, "Wildcards
report to your hammerheads now.  Linsky you will be flying
West's spot.  Goonies follow me."

Without hesitation everyone at the table left their meals
where they were and followed Colonel McQueen.  The Goonies
were all excited that their boredom was coming to an end.
Finally they were going to get back in action.

With anticipation of the coming battle, the preparations
for flight proceeded without a hitch.  Hammerheads and
flight decks were the same on every ship.  The only thing
that reminded Jessie that this was not the Castowa was that
she did not know any of the flight crew.  

The 54 looked over to where Col. Green and West were
watching.  Jessie gave the thumbs up sign.  Col. Green
spoke words to them that he knew would encourage his group,
"Have fun storming the castle."

As the 54 descended into their hammerheads they could hear
Captain Vansen's instructions to the Wildcards as they
prepared to take off.  "OK Linsky you will be West's call
sign, King of Hearts.  I am Queen of Diamonds, Damphousse
is Ace of Hearts, Hawkes is Jack of Spades and Wang is
Joker."  With that the 58th shot into space and headed for
their destination.

Not far behind Captain Johnson gave instructions to her
crew, "OK Goonies, sound off when you reach position."
With that Jessie felt the rush of her hammerhead being
catapulted into space.  When she reached the head of the
formation she called out, "Miss America on the runway."

Burton was next in place, "This is Hyena, laugh track is
on."

Chenahentee took the other wing position and called out,
"Sheep Herder rounded up."

"This is Tank Girl, I was born and bred ready," called out
Asheton.

"Great Scot, at your service." McKay was the last in, "Just
remember we don't have Mufasa."

The 54 flew in position behind the 58 until they approached
the firefight.  Ahead they could see a handful of
hammerheads trying to protect several ISSCV's from Chig
attacks.  

"All right folks," instructed Vansen, "let's scramble and
let those Chigs know we're here."

With that both units broke and headed for the fight.
Despite the fear, speed and need for concentration involved
in a dogfight, Shane found herself listening to the 54
chatter on the radio as they engaged the enemy.  Despite
her own watchfulness of what she was doing Shane found
herself laughing at their talk.  Surprisingly their joking
seemed to ease her tension and added to her awareness.

Jessie was the first one into the fire, "Rock Chalk
Jayhawk, first one's for you Jeremy."  With that she let
loose and a Chig fighter exploded into a million pieces.  

Natalie and Nathan not to be left out in showing school
spirit yelled  "Go Buff's" as they dove into the fight.  As
usual the two worked as a team often going at the same Chig
from different sides so that it had nowhere to go.  Of
course sometimes they get a little too close to each other.
When Natalie's fire came a little too close Nathan called
out, "Light the lamp not the rat, light the lamp not the
rat!"  Natalie just laughed and told him to get out to the
way if he wasn't going to be productive.

As the furball continued the two units found themselves
intermingling in their pursuit of the enemy.  Shane was
homing in on a target when she heard Burton call out,
"Watch your sex Queen of Diamonds!"  

"I'm on it!" Linsky called out as he flashed by Hawkes to
nail the Chig on Vansen's tail.  

Vansen couldn't help but ask, "Did you say sex?"

McKay just groaned into the mic, "Man you mispronounce one
word and they never let you forget it."

"That's right," exclaimed Chenahentee, "not a mistake that
good anyway."

Natalie began to sing a song, "Let's talk about sex baby,
Let's talk about you and me..." as she blew two more Chigs
to pieces.

"Hey you guys," called out Linsky, "I've got an anal probe
coming in fast.  I'm taking fire."

"Got you covered." Wang swept up as he saw Linsky taking
hits.  Linsky's ship took a bad one and Hawkes came in from
the other side to help Wang ice the kill.

"Are you still there Kings of Hearts." Asked Wang.  

"I'm in pieces but it's still holding" he replied.

Meanwhile, Damphousse had one hot on her tail, "I got one
on my six."

"Look out for my Pinchers of Peril, Ace of Hearts. Duck."
Burton headed down toward Damphousse.  She took a steep
dive and went under Burton as he let fire and ended up
flying threw the fiery debris of the Chig fighter.  "Oh I'm
going straight to hell for that one!  Whom ever's plane I'm
using won't like that mark."

Another Chig unit joined the fray and the firefight heated
up.  Wang knew he was in trouble but he couldn't shake this
Chig.  "I need help on my six!"

Everyone was busy with his or her own problems but Asheton
called out.  "Hang on Joker I'm coming as soon as I handle
this bug."  

"Never mind," called out Burton, "I've got it, go get the
other one."  With that Burton took out his own target then
whipped his hammerhead around 180 degrees and took out the
Chig hounding Asheton.  

Wang was still in trouble and was taking hits hard.  "He's
got me locked, I can't shake him!"  Paul took a hard hit
and blacked out.  

Asheton flew in and took aim at the Chig before it could
finish off Wang.  "Come on don't fail me now sweet teeth."
She aimed her guns and fired.  She was afraid she wasn't
going to get it when it suddenly careened off into another
Chig fighter.  "Hooyah!  Double play, all I need is a
triple and I'm on your record, Hyena."

"Keep dreaming Tank Girl, that three-fer shot at Bankton
was pure skill and you'll never reach that."  Burton teased
back.

"Skill your ass," called out McKay, "More like the luck of
the not so Irish."

Vansen noticed Wang's hammerhead was a little of course.
"Paul are you with us?"

Asheton flew by Paul and called out.  "Hey Joker wiggle
your wings if you're still in the game."

Several seconds ticked by as everyone waited to know if
Paul was all right.  Finally his hammerhead wiggled and
Paul responded, "Just taking a nap, I'm back now."

Everyone was so relieved that Paul was OK that they hadn't
noticed, until Chenahentee looked around, "Hey did we order
this meal to go?"

"No.  Why?" asked Burton.

"Because there it goes!"  Chena exclaimed.

"Well I'll be."  Vansen noticed that the remaining Chigs
had broken off the attack and were retreating.

The escort of the ISSCVs called out, "Thanks for the help
Wildcards."

"Anytime guys" Vansen replied.  "OK gang, butter's melted
let's head back to the 'Toga."

"What did she say?" asked Burton.

Johnson sighed, "She said 'Local Boys repel Yankee Horde'.
Return to the Goon Docks."

McKay and Chena both called out in sync; "I hate tourist
season."

"Don't you guys ever use official military lingo out here?"
asked Damphousse.

"Sorry, my dog ate my military lingo handbook."  Commented
McKay as he rejoined the 54's formation.

"My sheep ate mine" replied Chena.

"My foster sister ate mine." Called out Burton.

"I didn't eat it," retorted Asheton, "I shoved it up your
ass."

"Hey now," protested Burton, "Why is it that everything
today has involved something either going in our out of my
ass?"

Natalie giggled and called out, "Nathan, there's a 80 foot
satellite dish sticking out your ass."

Burton replied in a whiny voice, "Sure you guys, whatever.
You can't scare me.  I know you're making it all up."

Meanwhile back on the Saratoga, Col. Green, Col. McQueen
and Nathan West were listening to the two units on the
radio.  McQueen turned to Green, "You were not joking when
you said they chatter a lot."

"Nope," replied Green, "They once made it all the way
through '100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall' on a routine
patrol. I've tried everything, but I get more worried when
they are not chattering then when they are."  West laughed
at that.

McQueen just shook his head in wonder.  The 54 seemed to
break every rule in the book but that only seemed to make
them a better unit.  For some reason it seemed OK to bend
the rules for those kids but McQueen turned to West, "I
don't ever want to hear the Wildcards chatter like that or
I'll ground the whole lot or you."

West replied, "Sir, we wouldn't dream of it Sir."  He
smiled, he knew that was McQueen's way of making a joke,
but West also knew he meant it.  No matter how good the
Goonies were at it that was not the way the Wildcards
worked.  

"Seriously Col. Green," asked Col. McQueen, "how do you
ever maintain discipline with that group?"

Green smiled and shook his head.  "I tried at first, but to
be honest they don't really need me to lead them.  I am
more like a technical advisor.  I give orders and advice.
They know how far they can push it and always put their job
first.  I gave up trying to rein them in because this is
how they work best and during war time we need them to be
their best.  They know during peace they would never get
away with it.  Besides I figure if you can't beat'em,
join'em."

The group continued to laugh as they listened to the two
units chat on their way back to the Saratoga.

"Are you still with us Joker?"  Asked Johnson.

Paul's voice came over the radio, "I think so Miss America.
Hey! Now I know why you look so familiar, you were Miss
America 2061, Miss Kansas!  My buddies all thought you were
the hottest thing on stage!"

"Great, there goes my cover."  Jessie just sighed, "Yes
that was me.  Believe it or not it all got started as a bet
with my boyfriend.  I bet him I could never win a beauty
contest; but I won our local county competition, then Miss
Kansas and the next thing I knew I was 3rd runner up for
Miss Universe.  It was a first and last, no more beauty
pageants for this girl.  Those women are more cutthroat
than some Chigs."

"Hey Joker, " called out Burton, "If you behave yourself
maybe she'll do her catwalk for you."

"What was that song about catwalks?" inquired McKay.

"I'm too sexy for my shirt, so sexy it hurts," sang Burton.

"Keep on dreaming Hyena," laughed Vansen.  The approval of
the rest of the Goonies came over the radio waves as they
laughed at Shane's retort.  

The units landed their hammerheads and were still laughing
as they climbed out of their crafts.  A medical team came
up to take Wang and Linsky to sickbay.  McQueen approached
the Wildcards, "Good job 58.  You have the rest of the
evening off, but remember patrol first thing in the
morning."  McQueen watched them as they left to get cleaned
up, the smiles on their faces was a welcome sight.  The 54
were having a very positive influence on the 58.

In the other hammerhead bay the 58 was also heading for the
showers.  Hawkes caught up to Burton as he left the bay.
"Hey Nate, where's Natalie?"

Burton stopped and pointed inside the bay, "She's still in
there untangling herself from her cockpit."

Hawkes looked at Nathan, "I want to thank you for standing
up for me in the mess hall the other day.  You sure scared
the shit out of Hill."

Burton just laughed, "It was nothing Hawkes.  I've been
doing that sort of stuff for years.  It's not easy being
related to the only InVitro to make it through high school
and college.  I guess being a Tank Lover is just a bad
habit I can't break."  The two shook hands and Burton
followed the rest of the 54 down the hall.

Hawkes entered the hanger bay and found Natalie walking
away from where she had been having a conversation with a
flight crewmember.  She smiled when she noticed Hawkes.
"Hey Cooper."

Hawkes hesitated, almost deciding not to ask her the
question burning in his mind.  "Hey Natalie, can we talk."

"Sure."  She came up to Hawkes and looked up at him.
"What's on your mind?"

"Well first I want to thank you for helping me with Hill at
breakfast the other day.  It's nice to have backup."

Natalie laughed and her green eyes glowed.  "Nathan and I
sort of have this tag team routine worked out for that.  It
was my pleasure.  Don't forget Cooper, I was sticking up
for all of us."
Natalie looked further into Cooper's eyes and knew what was
coming next.

Cooper looked at his feet as he asked the next question.
"Natalie, can you tell me what it's like to have a family?"

Natalie took a deep breath; this was not the first time an
InVitro had asked her that question.  She never really knew
what to say.  "Let's go someplace where we can really
talk."  The two walked into the observation room and sat
down watching the flight crew work.  Natalie then turned to
Cooper, "First tell me about yourself.  You know, what
facility you are from, where you did your first job, that
sort of stuff.  It at least gives me a place to start."

Cooper paused then proceeded to tell Natalie more that he
had ever told anyone before.  He told her about the
Philadelphia facility and about killing the scientist and
running away.  He told her about the loneliness and how
hard it was to keep a job.  Then he told her about the
fight with the construction workers and the judge
sentencing him to the Marines.  He told about how he had
learned to like the Marines and he even told her about
finding a blood sister, Kathy, on a Cargo Hauler, but that
she and the rest of the IV's had been sacrificed so they
could all live.  When he finished Natalie just sat their
silently absorbing all the information.  Cooper was
nervous, he had never revealed himself like that before.
How would she respond?
   
Finally Natalie reached out and grabbed Cooper's hands and
looked him in the eyes.  "Cooper I am sorry about your
sister and about how negative your experience has been.  I
have heard bad things about the Philadelphia Center, you
were right to run away.  Your experience is a lot like
other InVitros I've met.

Cooper, ... I wish you didn't have to live that way.  My
experience was so different, I guess it makes it easier for
me to see being an InVitro in a more positive light.  As
for your question about family, ... I don't think I can
give you the answer you want.  I've always had a family; I
don't know what it is like not to have one.  I sort of know
what it is like to be lonely because I was the only IV at
my high school and at college; but then again I always had
my family and Nathan when times got hard.

I can tell you this, family is not just about blood but
it's about the heart.  Family is not defined by genes but
is about living together and experiencing life together.
Look at my family.  My Dad doesn't love Conner and Davy
more than me or Nathan and Gina just because Conner and
Davy are really his.  There is no blood between Dad, Nathan
and Gina or me but he loves us just the same.  The same
with Mom, she told me she fell in love with me the very
first day I was there.   Our family is proof that love goes
beyond blood.  

Therefore family is about love.  Like the love I have for
my friends and the 54.  I consider them family.  I live
with them, eat, laugh, fight Chigs, and fight each other.
That's a family.  A group of people bonded together by
circumstance not just blood.  Cooper the 58 is your family.
I know they care about you, I can tell.  I know you really
care about them; like West, I could see how much he means
to you because of the way you stayed so close to him on
planet.  That's what having a family is like."

Natalie paused and let Cooper take it all she had said.
"Cooper, don't go looking for something that isn't there.
Being an InVitro isn't easy but being a natural born
doesn't give you all the answers either.  Life is life, no
matter when or how you get started.  Don't waste your life
trying to gain back the 18 years you lost, you'll only
waste the next 18 years of your life. 

My Dad always challenges his InVitro's.  He has this speech
he gives every year at the camping trip before they head
out for their first internship away from the center.   He
always challenges them to make the most of their life, be
happy, stay together, and be proud.  It's like the 3
principles of being an InVitro."  Natalie held up her right
had. She was holding her third finger down with her thumb.

"What's that you're doing?" asked Cooper.

Natalie looked at him in disbelief; "You don't know the IV
pride sign?"  Cooper shook his head.  "It must be a DIVRC
thing," Natalie said.  "Here I'll teach you.  First hold up
your pinky finger.  That means the letter I in sign
language.  That is IV principle #1: be yourself.  Now hold
up your first two fingers as in V for victory.  That is
also the sign language letter for V.  This sign means two
things.  The middle finger by itself means, well you know,
but together with another finger it means unity.  IV
principle #2: InVitros stay together and help each other.
The V sign also stands for Victory over those who want to
keep us down.  IV principle #3: Beat the odds and be happy.
Hold the two letters up together and you spell IV and have
the symbol for IV pride.  One of my Dad's IV's came up with
and we all do it.  Well, Denver IV's anyway."

Cooper tried to make the sign but it didn't feel right.
"What's the point?  Why should I care?"

Natalie stood up and pulled Cooper to his feet.  "You
should be proud to be an IV.  Look at what you have
accomplished in the first 6 years of your life.  It takes
NB's 2 years just to learn how to walk and speak.  We did
it in a matter of days.  It took them over 12 years of
school just to learn how to read and write and we learned
much of that in a matter of years.  They had to wait 18
years to grow up.  We were born ready to go! No
embarrassing baby pictures, no pimples, no junior high, who
needs that stuff.  Look at you Cooper, on your own and
successful at 6 years old.  No natural born can claim that."

Cooper looked at Natalie wanting to understand.  "By why do
they try to make me feel so bad for who I am?"

"Bullies pick on people because they don't understand them.
They are afraid of people they don't understand so they
protect themselves by putting others down.  The kind of
harassment we experience has been going on throughout human
history; IV's are just the next in line. Cooper if you want
to stop the harassment from people like Hill there is only
one way."

"How?" asked Cooper.

"They can't hurt you if you are proud of who you are.  It
was hard for me in high school at first but then Nathan and
I learned that if I fought back and laughed at their
insults, they would quit. Insults only work if you believe
what they have to say.  I am proud to be a tank, a nipple
neck, overgrown algae slime.  There is nothing wrong with
who I am.  I will defy their every insult because I am
proud and happy to be who I am.  That is the secret to
being happy you know.  Be happy to be you!  Now repeat
after me.  I am proud to be an InVitro."

"I am proud to be an InVitro," mumbled Hawkes.

"No," order Natalie, "You've got to say it like you mean
it.  Look at me."  Natalie stood up as tall as she could,
held up the IV sign and smiled.  "I am PROUD to be an
InVitro."

Hawkes felt the pride Natalie was projecting and stood up
taller and tried to make the hand sign again.  "I am proud
to be an InVitro."

"Good, say it again, only louder." Natalie smiled.

Hawkes smiled and yelled, "I am proud to be an InVitro!"

Natalie began to dance around the room cheering him on.
"Louder, let the whole ship hear you!"

Her enthusiasm was catching, Cooper yelled at the top of
his lungs, "I am proud to be an InVitro!"

"Now say  'I will defy the odds and be happy as I am',"
said Natalie.  She grabbed Cooper's hands and began to skip
about the small room.  Cooper repeated her words.

"I am alive because God wanted me to be."  Cooper repeated
the phrase.  

"Suck my neck navel you belly button picker."  Cooper
laughed as Natalie kept popping out phrases to repeat.
They continued to dance around the room shouting, ignoring
the curious stares from the flight deck workers.  Finally
they collapsed into the chairs laughing.   "So," giggled
Natalie, "does that answer your question Cooper?"

"No," smiled Cooper, "but I am sorry I asked."

Natalie smiled, leaned over and kissed Cooper on the cheek.
"Come you handsome IV, let's go get cleaned up and find the
others before they decide to start nasty rumors about what
we like to do in O rooms."

Cooper followed her toward the showers.  He watched her as
they walked down the hall with her head held up high.  He
found himself trying to walk as much as he could like her.
"It must be nice being able to walk through these hallways
without having to duck at every doorway," he commented.

Natalie just laughed over her shoulder.  "Did I tell you I
am proud to be a woman too."

Meanwhile, Paul and John Linsky sat near each other in the
sickbay emergency room.  The nurse was still examining Paul
to make sure he didn't have any other wounds.  "OK," he
finally backed off.  "You two just have minor concussions
and bruises.  We'll keep both of you over night just for
observation."

"Man," groaned John, "We'll miss the movie."

"What movie?" Paul looked at John who quickly shut his
mouth before he said too much.

The rest of the 58 and 54 had just showered and now had
come to sickbay to make sure Paul and John were fine.  They
came in the room and talked with the two as they complained
about the paranoid doctors.  Finally the 54 excused
themselves so they could go talk to Mutambo and Jared.  

Before they left though, Jessie called Shane over and had a
private conversation with her.  Shane just shook her head
as she approached the 58 after Jessie left.  "Man those
guys are weird, can you believe the way they chattered out
there.  Now they want us to meet them in Recreation Room C
at 1800 hours.  They say it's important."

Paul just looked at John, "I think Linsky knows, maybe we
should torture him until he tells us."

John looked horrified,  "No don't torture me, I'll tell
what you want to know."

West, Damphousse and Shane all circled John as if to try
and intimidate him.  "OK, spit it out.  What is this whole
thing about?"  Shane asked trying to sound like an
interrogator.

 John laughed, "They want to initiate you as Goonies.  They
did it to my squad after they lost the 73rd.  They wanted
us to know why they quote all those movies.   All you'll do
is watch a few movies.  They are quite funny, really.  I
hope you like medieval movies because two of them are from
that genre."

Vanessa looked at John, "Why is it so important that we see
these movies?"

John sat back at looked serious.  "When I first met the 54
my whole unit thought they were crazy.  We thought they
goofed around too much and would be one of the first units
to go under.  Instead they are the Castowa's best unit.  We
didn't understand their humor any better then you do, but
then the 73rd all died and the 101st started being paired
with them a lot.  I talked with Scott one day and found out
why they are always quoting those movies.

Their first action as a squad was on Cehchos, the first
major ground offensive of the war.  It was a terrible
ground defeat and only 1,400 soldiers out of 35,000 made it
back.  Col. Green had found out about Nathan and Natalie
and had transferred Natalie to the 73rd.  Because of that
the two units stayed close together on planet.  For some
reason the Chigs seemed to guess every move the soldiers
tried.  The 54 suspected that the Chigs were monitoring the
radio communications some how.  The units that survived
stopped using their radios or, like the 54 and 73rd
developed a code.  Nate and Nat talked to each in code by
quoting movies they had seen.   It kept them away from the
Chigs long enough to be rescued.  Col. Green realized that
Nate and Nat are a team and transferred Natalie back to the
54.

Still, they all almost lost it down there.  They are all so
different from each other that it was hard for them to
really bond, to find anything they had in common.   What
kept them together was the fact that both units had sat
down the night before and watched 'The Goonies' together.
Jessie used the movie to motivate them and keep them all
together.  The one thing they all have in common is that
they have laughed at the same movies.  

The 73rd were really good friends with them.  The two units
were almost inseparable.  They both won the ship talent
show contest by acting out the graduation scene from the
movie 'Stripes' together.  Last month the entire 73rd
squadron died when their ISSCV exploded.   That was the
first time I ever saw any of the 54 cry, even Nathan.  They
have really been in a slump lately, but I think meeting you
guys is getting them back into good spirits.  That's why
they want to show these movies to you guys. They quote
those movies to keep their unit together and they have
developed their own little code with those quotes.  The
101st is just now learning some of those codes.  All I know
is that they are some of the best Marines I have ever
fought with.  I feel lucky that I get to work with them."

Shane and rest of the 58 were silent.  Shane had never
really though about the serious side of the 54.  They had
been through hell just like the 58, and their humor was
what made them a unit.  Shane knew that the 54 had made the
58 much happier.  The blues had disappeared soon after they
had met the Goonies.  She never thought that maybe they
were making the 54 happy again too.   She looked at John.
"We'll be there.  Thanks for telling us." 



The time for the movie had arrived.  The 58 entered Rec.
Room C to find the 54 eagerly setting up the chairs and the
movie.  Natalie greeted them all with a smile and escorted
them to their seats.  Shane noticed her wink at Cooper, and
then she skipped around the chairs humming a tune, which
made Cooper laugh.  Cooper and Natalie had finally caught
up with the group at dinner but neither one would discuss
why they had been so late.  All Shane knew is that Cooper
walked a little straighter and held his head up a little
higher than he usually did.

Col. Green came through the door pushing Paul in a wheel
chair and followed by John in a hospital robe.  "OK guys,
let's get this show on the road, the nurse gave me very
strict rules to have them back on time."

Jessie laughed knowing how hard it must have been for Col.
Green to convince the head nurse to let Wang and Linsky out
of sickbay.  "Oh Uncle Hulka, you are our favorite big toe."

Col. Green rolled his eyes; "Must I remind you dogfaces
that I am your CO!"

"Don't worry sir," declared Joe, "we'll still respect you
in the morning."

"Just use more whip cream" whispered Natalie with a giggle.

"I heard that Asheton."  Col. Green said as he took his
seat.

Burton looked around.  "Where's Col. McQueen, isn't he
going to join us?"

Shane and West looked at each other.  West spoke up; "He
usually does his own thing.  He doesn't hang with us much."

Burton thought on that for a second then replied, "Hold the
movie for a minute, I'll go find him."
Shane was going to stop him but Nate was out the door
before she could say a word.  

"Well," said Jessie, "I suppose now is a good time for a
brief history lesson on medieval England."


Nathan Burton didn't find Col. McQueen at Tun Tavern so he
tried his quarters.  He understood West's hint that McQueen
liked to be alone but Nathan believed that no one really
like to be alone, they just thought they did.  He knocked
on the door and slowly entered when he heard McQueen call
out.

He found McQueen staring out a window with a drink in his
hand.

"Col. McQueen Sir, the 54 and the 58 are getting together
to watch a movie.  We would like to invite you to join us."

McQueen didn't turn around, he just continued to stare
forward.  "I appreciate the offer Lt. Burton but I don't
think I'll join you, if you don't mind.  I'd like to be
alone."

"Permission to speak freely Sir."  Nathan wasn't about to
give up this easily.  

Finally McQueen turned around.  "I suppose so."

"When was the last time you were really happy Sir?"  

McQueen just looked at Burton, "What kind of question is
that?"

"Sir, I have the greatest respect for you as an officer and
a pilot.  I've heard about the Angry Angels, and I know you
killed Chiggy von Richtofen.    I also know you are an
InVitro Sir.  I have done my homework.  I know how InVitros
were used in the early stages of the project.  I can
imagine what you must have gone through.  You have every
right to be angry at the world.

But you have no right to deny yourself a life because of
that anger.  I've been watching you and you definitely need
some lessons on how to be human."

McQueen felt the sting of those words and he approached
Nathan Burton in anger.  He got right in Burton's face and
looked him in the eyes. "You have no idea what I have been
through!  You are just some snot nose kid whose father has
an important job.  What right do you have to tell me how to
live my life?"

Burton looked back at McQueen without flinching.  "Sir the
people who live with you have every right to care about you
and your happiness.  If you keep walking around with that
black cloud over your head it will spread to everyone else
around you, like the 58."

McQueen turned and walked back to the window.  "I'm an
InVitro, I was born so that others could have a life, not
me.  I'm nothing more that a cheap piece of equipment. I'm
not even human so why should you care whether I'm happy."

Nathan knew that getting McQueen's emotions up was the way
to get him talking.  "Oh I see you are one of those
InVitros."

McQueen looked at Nathan.  "What do you mean by that?"

"You just blindly accept what others say about what an
InVitro should be like.  You let others tell you how to
live and behave.  IV's aren't human and don't care about
anything and all that other bullshit, you feel obligated to
prove them right.  What are you afraid of?"

McQueen was confused.  "I'm not afraid of anything?"

"I think you are afraid of feeling what it is like to be
human so you hide behind your InVitro excuse.  It is IV s
like you that make life hard from my sister and my friends
from the IV center.  They care about life and have dreams
but as long as InVitros like you exist they will have to
deal with the hatred you create."

McQueen stayed with his back to Burton.  He could feel that
Burton was not going to back away until he got the response
he wanted.  Damn that kid why did he have to come here and
point out the obvious.  It scared McQueen that this kid
could read him like a book.  "I can't change how natural
borns think about InVitros."

"No," said Nathan, "but you can change how they think about
you.  If you open up and show the people around you that
you care then they will return the favor.  You will all be
happier."
 
Silence filled the room as Nathan waited to for McQueen to
respond.  He couldn't tell if he was having any affect on
Col. McQueen.  Nathan knew that McQueen had not been lucky
like his sister and friends and had not been raised with
support and love.  McQueen had to earn everything the hard
way.  Still, he needed to learn to open up or he would only
end up hurting himself and the people who loved him.
Nathan had seen how much the Wildcards respected McQueen
yet they kept their distance from him.  Nathan felt both
sides needed each but neither was willing to cross that
line to get that support they needed.  

McQueen turned and faced Nathan again.  "I tried once to be
happy.  I got married and thought I'd start a family or
something.  But she divorced me because I couldn't give her
children.  She wanted natural born kids.  She didn't want
to put them through what I go through.  Being with her was
the last true happiness I remember.  I can't get her back.
The military is my life now."

Nathan knew McQueen was softening up.  "You can be happy
now sir."

"There is a war going on son, how can you be so happy?"  

"Cliché, 'Happiness is a state of mind', sir.  I have
learned to find happiness wherever I am.  If I don't have
my old friends with me, I make new ones.  I'm not going to
let those Chigs take everything from me.  It's like a quote
I heard in a movie, 'Every man dies, but not every man
really lives.'  Sir there are people around you who want to
care about you and share their happiness with you.  Let
them."

"Like the 58." McQueen said as he sat down and stared into
his still half-full drink.  He let Burton's words sink in.
"How did you get so good at giving advice?"

Burton smiled.  "I grew up around InVitros.  They have
taught me to appreciate my life and those around me.  I try
to return the favor when ever I can."

McQueen tried to grasp at what Burton was trying to do.  He
knew he should appreciate what Burton was trying to do but
that was hard.  He whispered to himself more than Burton,
"I've forgotten how to be happy, I don't know if I can be
anymore?"

"There's only one way to find out Sir.  We are in Rec. room
C.  Movie starts in 10 mics.  Be there and I'm sure you'll
remember."  With that Burton quietly left the room.  He
knew he had gone as far as he could.  McQueen would have to
go the rest of the way on his own.

McQueen looked up to say something and saw that Burton was
gone.  He sat there staring at where he had been.  Ever
since that kid had stepped on this ship laughter and smiles
always seemed to follow him.  McQueen was jealous.  He
thought about the last time someone had taken an interest
in his personal life.  It had been Kelly Winslow, one of
the long gone members of the 58.  She had asked him out on
a date and he had refused her; then she came to his room to
apologize.  She had been killed the next day by Chiggy von
Richtofen.  He then thought about the Angry Angels.  He had
trained and fought with them but he had never really known
any of them.  He regretted that now.  He thought about all
the people he had cared about and how little he really ever
knew about them.  He had let all those moments slip away.
McQueen stood up determine.  He was not going to let the
moment to know the Wildcards and the Goonies slip away.

He marched toward Rec. Room C.  He knew Nathan Burton had
challenged him to open up and let his emotions out and deep
down McQueen wanted to prove to himself that he could be
happy again.  When he reached the door he paused to gather
himself.  He opened the door and everyone turned to look at
him with smiles on their faces.  Jessie prepared to turn
out the lights.  "Now that everyone is here we can begin."  

McQueen went over and sat down next to Col. Green.  Green
leaned over and whispered, "Don't worry Burton did the same
thing to me.  You know the get happy speech."

McQueen smiled and looked at Green,  "If you can't beat
him..."  

Green laughed and finished the sentence, "Just let Burton
have his way." 

McQueen looked at Burton, who just smiled knowingly and
winked.

The movie started and they hadn't even made it through the
opening credits before the entire room was filled with
laughter.  I didn't take long for McQueen to remember how
to laugh, anyway.
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________


The morning whistle sounded and the lights all came on in
the Wildcard's bunk room.  Shane awoke to start another
day.  She smiled as she kicked her legs free from under her
blanket and stretched.  Two weeks ago she would have had to
gather every ounce of strength just to will herself out of
bed; but this morning she happily got up and watched the
morning wake-up ritual of the rest of the Wildcards.

Vanessa dropped from her bunk fairly quickly and almost
stepped on Shane on her way down.  "Sorry Shane.  You're
usually still in bed," Vanessa apologized as she headed for
the shower room.  She couldn't resist poking Paul as she
walked by; "Let's get up sleeping beauty."

Paul groaned and leaned over the edge of the upper bunk.
To him the ground looked a million miles away.  He groaned
again and covered his head with his pillow.  "The grounds
too far away for mornings.  I'll just wait here until it
gets closer."

Shane laughed; "That ground will get real close, real fast
if Col. McQueen comes in here and finds you still asleep."

Paul raised he pillow and looked at her.  "You know I'm
afraid of heights.  Why did I ever agree to this?"

Below Paul, Nathan West swung his feet out of bed and
stretched.  He rubbed his leg just above his air cast.
"You try getting up there with this thing on your leg.
Man, I hope it comes off soon, I can't stand the smell
anymore."

Paul finally dropped down from the upper bunk usually
occupied by Nathan.  "You can't stand it, think how the
rest of us feel.  We can smell you coming 10 klicks away."
Paul looked at Nathan and pointed a finger at him.  "You'd
just better appreciate the suffering the rest of us are
going through because of you."

Nathan swung his pillow at Paul, but Wang managed to dodge
the blow and laughed as he headed for the shower room.
West called after him; "Oh running away ay.  Come back
here.  I'll bite your legs off!"

Paul called back; "What are going to do, bleed on me?"

Shane shook her head with laughter as West got up and
followed Paul.  Then she looked over at Cooper who was just
sitting on the edge of his bunk.  He didn't look very
happy.  "Coop, what's got you down?"

Cooper looked up; "They're leaving today aren't they?"

Shane's good mood vanished.  Now she remembered that this
was the day that the 54th and 101st would be heading back
to the Castowa.  Could it be that the week was already
over?  It seemed like only yesterday they were on Pryderi
and were trekking across its barren terrain with the
Goonies.  Now already it was time for them to go back to
their own ship.  It wouldn't be the same without them.

As Shane dressed she thought about the events of the past
week.  First meeting this strange unit on planet that
seemed to speak in a weird code and seemed to be eternally
goofing off.  Then getting to to know them those first few
nights on the Saratoga dancing and laughing at their
stories.  Then the past three nights had been spent
watching movies, first "Monty Python and the Holy Grail",
then "The Princess Bride" and "Stripes".  They were all
funny and now Shane actually understood most of the Goonies
jokes and quotes.  Yesterday Jared and Mutambo had finally
been released from sick bay and they had all celebrated in
Tun Tavern until it was time for bed.  Now that she thought
about it, the past week reminded her of the summer camps
her uncle used to send her and her sisters to.  They were
always lots of fun and over way too soon.

The mood of the Wildcards was more somber as they entered
the mess hall for breakfast.  As usual the Goonies were
already sitting at a table eating and chatting up a storm
with each other.
Nathan Burton was waving a fork full of powdered eggs in
Joe's face claiming that they were a secret plan of the
Chigs to poison the entire Earth fleet army.  Joe's reply
was to tell Burton to be quiet and drink his powdered milk.

As the Wildcards approached with their food to join them,
they came in on the end of the Goonie's conversation.

"I bet Matt will be glad to have you two back," Jessie
stated to Jared and John.

"Yeah, he'll be so glad that he'll give us his best
'Marines to the Corp' speech.  Shoot he might even smile."
Jared laughed.  The 101st's squad captain was definitely
born to be a Marine and a damn good one at that, but he had
a tendency to be a little too serious.

John laughed at the thought of their squad leader smiling,
"You know he won't be very happy when he finds out we've
defected to the enemy.  Maybe we shouldn't tell him we are
both officially Goonies now."

"Just you wait guys," said Natalie, "I think Sirello is
softening up.  We'll have him converted in no time."

"That's OK Nat, I think he has given up on us anyway,"
commented John.

Burton picked at his bacon, "I just hope Narisse hasn't
given up on me.  I told her I'd take her out when we got
back, but it's been so long."

Natalie laughed and looked at her brother, "Don't worry
Nathan.  She has been trying too hard to give up on you
yet."

"What do you mean by that?"  Nathan looked at his sister.

Natalie and Jessie exchanged looks.  Jessie shook her head,
"She has been plotting to get her little claws on you for a
long time, flyboy.  Don't worry she is still waiting."
Burton just gave them a confused look, which made Natalie
and Jessie laugh even harder.

"Hey guys, today's the big day huh."  Shane put her tray
down next to Jessie.  She could tell by their conversation
that the Goonies were ready to get back to the Castowa and
all their friends.  She knew she should be happy for them,
for surely their old friends missed them on the Castowa,
but she couldn't help but feel jealous that they couldn't
stay with their new friends.  'Get a hold of yourself girl.
You've only known them for a week.  You shouldn't be that
attached.  You've lost friends before. This is no
different.' For some reason that thought still didn't
comfort Shane.

Jessie looked over as the rest of the Wildcards sat down.
"Yep, as soon as we get packed and the transport is ready.
It sure has been fun though.  You guys have been great,
we'll all miss you."

Colonel Green came up to the table followed by Col.
McQueen.  "Hey gang.  Goonies, Sharks after breakfast you
need to pack.  We leave at 08:00 so you will have some free
time but not much.  Wildcards it's been great getting to
know you.  Everything I've heard about you is true and more
so.  You are definitely the second best unit in the Corp."

"Whose the best?" asked Wang even though he knew the answer
the Colonel would give.

"Why the 54 of course."  Col. Green winked at the Wildcards
and turned to walk away.  

Colonel McQueen shook his head, "I'd challenge you on that
Col. but I don't think we have the time.   Wildcards your
patrol this morning is at 08:15. I expect you to be on
time; what you do until then is up to you." 

The group was relieved, at least they would have time to
say good-bye.  They sat there eating their breakfast, but
conversation was not coming as easily this morning as it
had the past mornings.  Everyone was wishing that they had
a few more days together.  Suddenly Nathan Burton jumped to
his feet.  "Don't go any where guys, I'll be right back."
With that he hurried after the Colonels and stopped Col.
Green with a request.  Col. Green smiled and patted Nathan
on the back as they exited the mess hall.

Cooper looked at Natalie.  "Where is he going?"

Natalie watched her brother leave; she was suspicious but
not sure.  "Rule number one about siblings Cooper, just
because I grew up with him doesn't mean I have a clue about
what tumbles around in his brain."

"If he has one, that is," commented Linsky.  
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________

Commodore Ross stood watching the spectacle in front of
him.  He tried to keep the commanding officer scowl on his
face but he couldn't and found himself smiling.  When
Colonel McQueen and Colonel Green had approached him about
their request he thought it was unusual but he decided to
grant it.  Ross had noticed the effect the Goonies had on
morale on the Saratoga.  Before they arrived morale had
been very low, but it seemed like the 54 had the golden
touch.  Now he passed smiling faces and heard laughter all
over the ship.  Anyone who had any contact with the Goonies
seemed to catch their infectious positive attitude, even
me, thought Ross.  That was more than enough to earn a
request for a picture.

The photographer wasn't very happy about being rushed but
even he couldn't resist laughing as the Goonies and
Wildcards gathered for the picture.  They were all giggling
and positioning themselves and were having a hard time
getting still for the picture.  Finally Col. McQueen spoke
up; "All right guys, stop screwing around and I mean it."

Burton couldn't help it; "Anybody want a peanut?"

The entire group laughed and the photographer snapped the
picture.  

The photo session had taken up most of the free time so the
Goonies hurried back to their quarters and quickly packed
and ran for the flight deck like tourist late for their
flight at an airport.  When they reached the flight deck
they were out of breath but laughing at their ordeal.

The 58 were ready to say good-bye.  The Goonies quickly
dumped their gear in the ISSAPC and turned to face their
friends.  Shane took a deep breath and walked up to Jessie
with an envelope in hand.  "Here we want you guys to have
these."  

Jessie looked inside and smiled as she pulled out Wildcard
patches.  "Thanks guys.  You saved our butts on Pryderi and
you saved our insanity here.  I wish we were serving on the
same ship but then again I'm not sure one ship could handle
us all together."  Jessie then turned and asked Mutambo to
give her the package.  

Jessie turned back to Shane; "We have something to give you
guys too.  We also want to give you Goonies patches but we
will have to mail them to you.  Knowing the military you
should get them in about a year.  This should keep you
occupied for a while until they arrive."

Eagerly the 58 gathered around Shane as she opened up the
package.  Inside was a movie disc of "The Goonies" and a
reservation slip for Recreation Room C for tonight.  Plus
they had added a list of everyone's favorite movies to
check out.  Shane laughed, "You expect us to watch all of
these movies?"

"Well," replied Burton, "I think some of them may be banned
by the Military Moral Code Board but you know, be creative.
Don't worry we won't test you for at least a couple of
months."

The photographer burst onto the flight deck; he was
red-faced and out of breath but he had the pictures for
everyone in hand.  The pilot called out that it was time to
load.   Natalie flashed Cooper the IV pride hand signal and
Cooper signed back.  The two Colonels shook hands silently
not wanting to reveal their true feelings.  Shane couldn't
hold her tears back and gave Jessie, who had a few tears of
her own, a hug.  Burton got a laugh when he dipped
Damphousse and gave her a good-bye kiss.   The rest of the
good-byes were quick handshakes and hugs, then the 54 and
101st reluctantly boarded the APC.  West couldn't resist as
the door closed, he called out; "Have fun storming the
castle."
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________

The Goonies all settled back in the ISSAPC for the long
ride back to the Castowa.  It would take most of the day
but luckily the trip was through friendly space.   They
were just about to start a game of charades when the pilot
called out, "Look out the port side, gang."  They all ran
to the windows and smiled as a group of hammerheads flew
by.  One of the hammerheads wiggled to let the Goonies know
he was all right.  "That was Paul," smiled Natalie, "I'd
recognize that wiggle anywhere."

With the last good-bye over the Goonies set about
entertaining themselves for the trip.

Jessie heard the proximity alarms go off and looked at her
screen.  Several ships showed up on the screen but the
computer confirmed that they were all ships from the 3rd
Air Wing command.  They were finally there.  Eagerly she
woke up the rest of the gang so they could look out the
window as the USS Castowa came into view.

As they exited the APC they found the flight deck full of
their friends waiting for them.  John and Jared immediately
went over to their squad mates; the rest of the 101st had
safely made it off planet during the first evacuation.  The
54 found themselves surrounded by all their good friends
who were eager to hear their stories about Pryderi and the
Saratoga.  Nathan Burton was startled when Narisse O'Conner
came over and gave him a big hug.  "I believe you owe me a
date, flyboy; or did you find another nurse on the
Saratoga?"

Finally Commodore Eireen came in and she reminded everyone
that the war was still going on and that those on duty
would need to return to their posts.  Reluctantly the
flight deck emptied and the Goonies unloaded their gear.
As they turned to leave the Commodore addressed them; "I
spoke with Commodore Ross and he gave you a glowing report.
He wanted to could keep you, but I told him not on the life
of his sweet little Maria.  Welcome back."  She watched as
her best unit left the flight deck and smiled, now life on
the Castowa could get back to normal.  

The 54 headed back to their room grateful just to be home.
However, they paused when they reached their door.  Right
across the hall, the door to the 73rd's room now bore the
emblem of the 192nd Ancient Warriors.  Their friends had
been replaced while they were gone.  With a sad sigh they
entered their familiar quarters.  

They had just started to unpack when the door opened.
Captain Matt Sirello of the 101st entered the room.  He had
the usual serious look on his face.  He stood at attention
and addressed them.  "On behalf of the rest of the 101st,
I'd like to thank you guys for helping Rahman and Linsky;
and we are all glad to have you back."  Then his face
cracked a small smile; "You have orders to get unpacked and
meet everyone at the Bulldog for your welcome home party."  

With that Scott stood up and dumped the contents of his bag
on his bunk.  "Well, I'm unpacked let's go."  With a laugh
the rest of the 54 followed his lead and followed Sirello
out the door and headed for the Bulldog Tavern.  

The party was loud and fun.  Almost all of their friends
were there. Even their flight crew, who complained about
being bored while the 54 were gone.  Narisse kept Nathan on
the dance floor most of the night.  The rest of the Goonies
were kept busy telling their stories over and over.  The 54
did get a chance to meet the new squad that had replaced
the 73rd.  Jessie felt that the two squads would get along
just fine; well at least Joe sure seemed to like Lt. Yen
Low-shing the way the two were dancing so close.  It was
great to be back on the Goon Docks.

After the party, the 54 finished unpacking and were
relaxing in their room.  Natalie lay on her bunk and looked
at the picture that hung on their wall of the 54 and the
73rd together.  Nathan came up and looked at the picture
too.  Everyone watched as he took the picture down.  They
would all miss Chuck, Chi Chi, Naomi, Luc, Carlos and Vince
but it was time to move on.  Nathan handed the picture to
Jessie who placed it on their memory wall; the place
dedicated to all their loved ones who now only existed in
memory.  It was now hanging next to another new picture of
a young teenage boy sitting on his horse, showing off the
cast on his arm.

In the now vacated spot, Nathan put up the picture of the
Goonies and the Wildcards all mugging for the photographer
on the Saratoga.  With that done the lights were turned off
and Nathan hopped into his bunk above Natalie.  As the
Goonies fell asleep he called to Natalie; "Good night Mary
Ellen."

Natalie giggled, "Goodnight John Boy."
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________________________________________________________

On the Saratoga Col. McQueen stood staring out the window
in his quarters.  He was reflecting on the past week and
how the 58 seemed to have changed, and how he had changed.
Smiles and laughter seemed to come easier now.  McQueen
turned and looked at the picture now sitting on his desk.
He noticed that Natalie and Cooper were both holding up
some sort of hand sign, he reminded himself to ask Cooper
about it.  He laughed when he also noticed that Nathan
Burton had given his sister rabbit ears in the photo.  She
would probably kill him when she saw the picture.  Suddenly
he looked at his clock.  'I'd better hurry or I'll be
late.' With that he rushed out the door and headed for the
recreation deck.

McQueen ran into Hawkes as he approached the room.  "Oh I
was just coming to get you, Sir" Cooper stated.

The Wildcards gathered in the room and watched "The
Goonies".  At the end Shane stood up and turned the lights
on.  "There was an envelope in the package that said to
open it after we had watched the movie, so here it goes."
Shane opened the envelope and read what was on the piece of
paper.


"To Our Friends the Wildcards,

You are now officially Goonies and forever a part of our
gang.  We can't tell you in just words how much you mean to
us so we hope this movie demonstrates how we feel.  

What being a Goonie means to us is demonstrated by the
behavior of the characters in the movie.  We are all bound
together, despite our differences, by a common bond: our
home.  We are here together to save our home.  As Goonies,
we are friends to the end and will stick together no matter
what hardships lie ahead.  We support each other even when
we make mistakes and through it all we will share our
successes too.  Adversity strengthens our friendships and
new friends are always welcome.

John told us about his conversation with you, so you are
aware of why this movie means so much to us.  We lost some
very good friends not too long ago and we were letting it
get to us.  Meeting you guys reminded us that life goes on
and friends will come and go.  It reminds me of a poem I
learned back in girl scouts: 		Make New Friends
					But Keep the Old
					One is Silver and
					The Other Gold!

Goonies Never Say Die.  Keep the faith, Semper Fi.

Your friends,

The Goonies."
	

The Wildcards quietly went back to their quarters and got
ready for bed.  Though the lights were out, no one was
asleep.  Shane lay there watching the others as they tried
to fall asleep.  She was still worried that someday they
might not be there but the past week had taught her to
enjoy their friendship while they were here.  She would
worry about missing them later.  She smiled as she thought
about the picture now hanging on their wall and off all the
laughter and smiles of the past week.  Finally Shane spoke
up; "You guys mean the world to me."

Cooper spoke up too, "I felt close to you guys before, but
until now I never really realized how much you really mean
to me.  I feel like now I really know what having a family
is like.  I know we'll fight, but it's okay.  I know we
won't always see eye to eye but I know you'll still be
there for me, and I will be there for you."

Nathan West smiled as he lay quietly in his bunk.  Despite
all he had lost he knew that he had gained just as much and
maybe even more with his experience in the Marines.  As
much as he wanted his girlfriend and brother back, he knew
he would not trade a minute of being a part of the 58.
They were just as important to him now as the rest of his
family.

"Coop, I know what you mean."  Paul sat up and looked
around the room.  "It is almost like I have been sleep
walking through this war and taking all you guys for
granted.  I feel like someone who just woke up after a real
confusing dream to realize that the world is still here and
everything is all right.  I don't know how else to explain
it."

Vanessa finally chimed in.  "I know what it is.  War is
filled with heartache and death and sometimes we forget
that life is still going on and that we are still here.  We
have just now remembered how to live."

Shane knew Vanessa was right, "Here's to being alive for 1
more hour guys!"

THE END
63

    Source: geocities.com/code_name_d