Jewel of the Spring #4

Story by deltroon1986 on SoFurry

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#4 of Jewel of the Spring

Updated.

Comments are Always Welcomed.

" { } " < These signify a different language being used.


Prev- http://www.sofurry.com/view/425006

"Well, you've only got about ten hours to live. Is there anything that I could offer you that might change your mind?" He asked. "Yeah, there's one thing." I replied as I slipped off my hand restraints. "Please, tell me what it is." He smiled. "Tell, your daughter I'm sorry for this." I stated as I stood up and knocked him out. Once his body hit the ground I silently rushed to the nearest exit.

Since the night guards where probably reporting to their stations. I only have a small window to get out unnoticed. Using the skills I learned at the monastery using my body and it's senses to see where I'm going. Comes in handy since they had me drugged when they brought me here. First things I had to find was a weapon and armor in case I'm found. Guns are too nosey so knives are my best option. I'll be real lucky if I find my stuff laying around someplace.

As I walked up to a room I quickly glance in to see if anyone was inside. The room was empty so I stepped in to look for anything I could use. Fishing around for anything I thought would be of any use nothing but, cloth and sewing equipment. So I moved on hoping I find something useful in the other rooms down this hallway. That wasn't the case in this particular part of their base. Though I did find a broom handle with a metal connector on the end. "This is a little shorter than a bow staff but, it should do nicely." I whispered rounding the next corridor.

Sure enough as I reached the end of the hallway I came to a t-section. Two choices only one true way out I could use my best judgment but, it won't be much help. I took a strong inhale the scents entering my nose told me everything I needed to know. Clutching the broom stick in my hand I took off towards the exit. It was rather amazing how fast I traveled down the hallway. Sure enough I came to another t-section this time I could smell fresh air.

I slowly made my way towards the exit making sure no one would catch sight of me. Sometimes fate has a cruel sense of humor sure enough as I walked of the doorway. One of the passing guards spotted me stand there enjoying the air. Before he could raise any kind of alarm I gave him chance to catch up on some sleep. While he laid there I decided to help myself to his armor and knife. The broom handle did come in handy but, now it was pointless keeping it.

I decided to be a nice guy and put the sleeping man against the nearest wall. This way he was safely out of the way until he woke up and sounded the alarm. Though by the time he does actually wake up I should be long gone. Some how I should pay one person a final visit she has tolerated this place for a long time. Granted this might be classified as the dumbest thing I've done. Of course if Erica was around that's exactly what she'd tell me.

Once I picked up her scent I followed it directly to where she was. Sure enough she was at the base's bar at the end of the row drowning her sorrows. So I decided to play it smart and not give myself away or get to close. {Excuse, me ma'am would it be alright if I joined you or would you prefer to be alone.} I replied standing at her side. She didn't bother to look at me she just offered the seat next to her. So I calmly sat down I ask for a glass of water.

{What's on your mind soldier normally I don't talk with the lower ranks. Considering what my father would say about me doing so. So what brings you here anyway?} She replied taking another drink. {Looking for a chance to say thanks to someone who's been nice to me. Before I'm transferred to another base before my service term is over.} I stated. {Ah!, that makes sense but, my question is who are you waiting for?} She asked glancing at me. {Well, not to put too fine a point on the matter you, ma'am.} I smiled.

{I see well you're quite welcomed soldier take care of yourself. I hope we can meet again in the future.} She said lifting her drink to me. I tipped my helmet and left the bar before anything spoiled the moment. Though I did take one last look at her before continuing on my way outside. As I made my way towards the exit I still wanted to find my stuff. So I wandered around to find another soldier to get directions. Sure enough I got my chance a passing patrol guard walked by. {Excuse, me sir I'm a little new here I was wondering where you keep confiscated goods.} I asked formally.

{You're not to far from the building actually, it's the second behind this one, on the left. Would it be too much to ask why you need to find out?} He replied. {The base commander wants me to bring him a specific item. On the off chance someone overlooked something while looking through everything.} I stated. {That's makes it the ninth time that's happened but, it the first time he's wanted to.} He said. {I'm only following orders it's not my place to question them.} I pointed out. {True, alright then don't let me keep you.} He stated walking away.

Five minutes later I entered the building he told to go to without being discovered. Before I did anything I quickly locked and barricaded the door. This would grant me some extra time to make my escape. Once I felt confident in the security of the door, I went in search of my stuff. After i found it I changed out of my current outfit and into my old one. With that matter settled I made my way up to the roof. Taking great care as to see if anyone was inside with me. Much to my relief the entire building was completely empty.

Let's see just how much longer my luck will hold out for. Not that I want to jinx my self but, curiosity killed the cat. Under the cover of darkness I made my escape from this place. I waited for the base to change from afternoon to night guard status. It only about a three minute window but, it was all I had. So I took a deep breath and made my move before anything else took place.

Sure enough by the time they noticed the commander tied up and the sleeping guard I was long gone. I trekked for three days straight, putting as much distance between that place as possible. I knew it might take them while to figure out the direction I took. So that grants me some time but, not sure how much. Now if my memory serves me correct and from what I can gather on these maps. An allied base isn't too far from my current location it's about another three to five day journey.

Before I go anywhere it might be a good idea to get a little rest. So I found a decent shelter for the next couple of hours. While I was resting, a nasty sand storm moved across the area. Once I finally woke up from the looks of it this storm was a nasty one. Still I had little choice but, to trudge through it.. This storm also gave me good cover from anything or anyone looking for me.

I wasn't making any headway due to the storm but, I had to keep moving. Another thing about sandstorms you can't see a blessed thing in them. Especially a dune so sure enough I went for a rough ride. Much to my dismay I hit, four thorn bushes and two cactus plants on the way down. When I finally came to rest I cursed like it was going out of style. As I went to stand up and of course I was more injured than I thought. Naturally I had to break and dislocate a few bones on the way down.

I took my time attending to my minor injuries, so I could focus on the major ones. Once I dealt with them it came time for me to reset my dislocated bones. Thank the spirits that I know how to separate my mind from high levels of pain. When I finished putting my bones back into place. I did my best to set my broken bones. Well to the powers that be that little trip down the dune, put the base into the horizon. With my injuries I had to take my time getting or risk injuring myself further.

From what I could gather the base was still a few miles from my current location. For now I'll take my time I'm in no rush unless my captors find me. Right now the odds of that happening aren't very high at the moment. Then again that particular scale can tip very easily against me. Not something I'm hoping for but, no one can control fate. At the moment I'm free from anyone so I must get to that base before sunset. I got a funny feeling I'm more banged up than what I've repaired so far.

I walked as fast as my body could operate under it's present condition. The base seem still a long distance away until I caught sight of a supply convoy. They were stopping to rest and check on the supplies in back. I had no choice but, to run it was the only way to catch up. With any luck I can get there before they moved out. Once I felt I was within earshot of them I called out.

The security detail caught sight of me coming towards them. They begin creating a defense perimeter around the supply trucks. Two of the closest guards walked towards me guns aimed. I stopped just shy of them then allowed them to come closer. "Alright, state your business and we'll think about sparing you." The Sgt. stated. "I'm, Lt. Corey Rolin I just escaped enemy capture I'm requesting you take me to the nearest base. I'm severely wounded and in need of medical attention. I believe I've got internal injuries along with several broken bones." I replied.

Both soldiers looked at me funny they weren't going to accept my request. They figured it be best just to put me out of my misery. Big mistake on their part before they could fire. My hands flashed forward burying themselves hard into their guts knocking them out. I grabbed both them by their scruffs and dragged them back to the convoy. The other guards saw me with them in tow they knew better than to fire.

"As a superior officer I'm ordering this convoy to escort me to the base this moment. Or I'll personally knock each of you out and leave you to the buzzards." I snapped. They didn't hesitate they hurried to get back underway. In less than two hours the convoy arrived at the front gates of the base. The Mp's walked out of the guard tower and checked the convoy's papers. Once everything checked out permitted the convoy through. The driver was nice enough to take a quick detour to the medical unit.

He stopped briefly to let me get out then they continued to their destination. Once they drove from sight I limped my way towards the largest tent. I no sooner open the flap someone walked out and saw me. "OH, MY, GOD! Someone bring a stretcher out we got an badly injured soldier out here." She screamed. Within seconds three other nurses and one doctor came rushing outside. I simply laid down on the stretcher then they brought me inside.

To make things a lot easier for them since I drifted off to sleep. While I slept they treated all my injuries with the greatest care. When I finally woke up I asked for a nurse. Shortly after I paged for one she entered my room. "Yes, Lt. what do you need?" She asked politely. "How long have I been out for?" I replied. "About two days Lt., why is something wrong?" She said. "No, is there anyway I could contact my unit?" I asked sitting up in the bed. "Of course just give me a minute." She replied. "Just bring me a radio I can do the rest." I pointed out.

She did as I asked of her and left the room to get what I needed. After a while she returned with a doctor in tow. I figured he was here to see how I was recovering. Once he was satisfied with my progress, the nurse handed me the radio. So I turned the radio on and proceeded to punch in my unit's secure line. Hopefully they were in the area to respond to my call. As I waited for a ring tone a nurse came in and brought me food. After a few minutes I got no response so I hung up.

I figured they might be in the middle of something or out of range. So I decided to eat my meal while it was still warm and try again later. About ten minutes later the radio goes off. "How did you get this secure number you prick?" Erica snapped. "I love you too Erica. I'm glad to see you haven't changed." I replied smiling. "Corey?" She said shocked. "Nope, your brother." I teased. "Smart ass, I've got so many question I have no idea where to start." She stated. "Why not track this radio and come to see me in person." I pointed out. "We'll be there ASAP Lt. Rolin." Strife replied as the signal cut off.

After two days of rest I was released from the medical center. Since my unit was due to arrive some time tomorrow. I had to find something constructive to do in the mean time. So I walked down to the shooting range for a little exercise. Once I got there were quite a few lower ranking soldiers there. When one of them caught sight of me he shouted the others to attention. I merely replied as they were and they returned to their business without further incident.

I spent a good while there testing my skills and to see if I got rusty. After I felt that my skills were still up to par I left the range. My next stop was the base commander's office. To see if he could give me something to do to kill some time. For some reason as I arrived I felt a weird feeling crawl up my spine. As I walked to the soldier behind the desk, she was too involved in her work to notice me. Since his door was open I calmly walked inside closing it behind me.

"Is there something I can help you with, Lt.?" He asked looking up at me. "May, I sit down sir?" I asked. "By all means go ahead." He said offering me the chair. The second I sat down he could tell something was on my mind. "I'm sure you have an idea as to why I'm here, Colonel." I said. "I do you want to return to active service once your unit arrives." He replied. "Yes sir that shouldn't be too much of a problem." I stated. "Actually, you won't be able to Lt., you've been listed as MIA. That status has been changed to KIA. What amazes a lot of the troops and myself is you're still alive." He informed.

"So what is the military going to do about my continued service?" I wondered. "Wait, until your unit arrives then I'll go into more details. For now go rest and relax. As of this moment you're civilian with reenlistment pending." He stated. I got up saluted and left his office quietly. I walked around the base to pass the time. There wasn't much going on that I could help out with. There wasn't anything for me to help out with I began pacing around.

One of the patrolling Mp's noticed me wandering around so he stopped and asked me over. I told him I had a lot on my mind and when that happens I tend to walk around. So he left me alone and returned to his duties. I went down to the barracks while on my way I stopped by the mess hall for a snack. Once I finished I continued my to the barracks I was assigned to by the base commander.

It was some time before I stirred from my sleep by someone walking towards my room. I remained quiet since I didn't recognize the person's scent. From what I gathered it wasn't friendly so I readied my large field knife. Sure enough whom ever it was entered my room and made their way to my bedside. The second I went to make my move another scent entered the room and it was one I recognized.

"Kayla, I wouldn't take another step towards him if I were you." Silk stated. "Yes, ma'am." She replied. "You can quit playing possum. Rolin. Let go of that knife you're holding under your pillow." Silk smiled. So I sat up and placed my knife on my lap for them to see. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes Maj., who's the runt?" I stated pointing to her. "New, recruit I'm so glad to see you still alive and in one piece." She smiled sitting next to me. "Where's, everyone?" I wondered looking at her. "At the base commander's office right now. Col. sent me to get you and escort you there." She informed.

"Very well, I've been waiting for a while now for you to arrive. This place is boring as all hell. I've been pacing around like you wouldn't believe." I informed getting up. "Aw!, You poor thing we can cuddle later if you want." She smiled wrapping her arms around me. "Thanks but, no thanks Maj. There's a time and place for everything but, here's not good. Besides you're married if I were you I'd stay faithful to your better half." I pointed out. "You know something you're such a mood killer when you're honest." She replied.

"Would you have me any other way?" I smiled. "Yeah you naked and tied to a bed. While me and my wife have some innocent fun." She teased walking out of the room. I didn't bother to reply I got up, followed her out the new recruit wasn't far behind. There was something about the new girl, like I knew her but I don't remember. I didn't concern myself with it for now I'll talk with her later.

As we arrived at the command center the rest of my unit was standing outside. They were quite shocked to see me in one piece after all this time. I was hounded with questions and friendly childish hazing. When walked into the base commander's office I could sense something wasn't right. After I saluted both officers they told me to have a seat. Judging by look in Col. Strife's eyes this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation. There was an uneasy calm in the room.

"Why do I get feeling I'm no longer staying here and going home after this meeting." I said. "Sadly, yes Lt. you're in fact going home. I've tried to convince the higher ups. They don't think it such a good idea to do so. Go pack up your things a transport plane well be here within the hour to take you and several others back home. I'm sorry I did everything in my power to help. Good, luck Lt. Rolin may you find happiness when you get back." He pointed out. I can't say I wasn't happy to go home nor was I upset about the news.

"Col., I think me and my troops would like to fly back with him. It's our way of saying goodbye to a loyal comrade and friend." Strife replied. "Do as you see fit Col. Strife. I hope your flight is a pleasant one Lt. Rolin take care of yourself." He said standing up and shaking my hand. Strife saluted him and we left his office slowly. I could see he wasn't happy about this either. There was nothing he could've done either to change the way things turned out. My fate as it would seem was taking another turn towards an unknown road.

"Well, Corey this is a hard goodbye for all of us, myself included. It's been a true honor serving with you my friend. Hopefully, we can sit down and have a drink as friends on the outside." He smiled. "I want to thank you all for teaching me so much about myself. I hope you have learn just as much from me after all this time. Maybe we can all meet again when your time here is over." I said. Everyone followed me back to the barracks so I could pack my things.

Afterwards I got to the airstrip where my old unit was waiting for me. It must be hard for them to say goodbye to a good friend. The funny thing is I felt no differently than they did. I'll miss them all deeply but, I can't wait to see my mother again. She's going to be shocked to see me alive and in one piece. If I know her she's going to break down, start crying then hug me so tight I can't breathe. Honestly I don't think she'll be the only one happy to see me home.

Once I boarded the plane it took off shortly after noon time. The flight was going to take roughly nine hours to, Fort Civic. During the flight I slept while the other soldiers on board kept looking at me. "What is the problem?" I asked opening one eye. "Nothing it's just weird for a civilian to be on a marine corps aircraft." He replied. "Well, I was a soldier but, the file states I'm KIA. It's kind of funny as I'm sitting here and talking to you." I pointed out. "Yeah, that is funny sir I didn't mean to pry." He said. "Don't worry about it you were simply curious." I stated.

After our quick chat the pilot stated we are halfway to our destination. There are two things I really hate about flying one sudden problems or turbulence. Sadly this plane is bouncing around enough to make me want to puke. The pilot was nice enough to warn us about it five minutes after it started. Naturally I walked up to the cockpit and gave him a piece of my mind. He was thankful I knocked on the hatch before walking in to yell at him. Though his copilot was shaking quite bit after I shared my opinion with the pilot.

The last four hours of the flight were pleasant and non-turbulent. When the pilot came over the loud speaker he informed we'd be landing soon. I really couldn't wait to get off this plane and get home. Hopefully I don't cause too much of a scene when I arrive. Though it should be interesting either way really. I wonder how much the place has changed since I've been gone. So many questions that would soon be answered in three hours time.

By the time the plane actually landed those doors couldn't open fast enough. I was off that plane before they could ask me for transport papers. Rushed to the parking lot were I parked my truck, thank the spirits it was still there. I'd be walking back to the monastery granted not that it would bother me any. It'll only make the journey home more worth the time taken to get there. Once I jumped into the cab, turned the key the engine fired up without trouble. After the truck was warmed up I backed out of the parking space and drove towards the gates.

Once the Mp's cleared me to leave the raised the gates and I drove down the road. The long two hour drive seemed to fly by even though, I was doing the speed limit. After a long awaited drive I pulled up the monastery gates. I knew better than to drive the truck inside so I parked it off one the side of the road. When I shut off the ignition and walked over to the monk standing by them. She was looking at me kind of funny but, I didn't let it bug me.

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