Page 4 of Metal & Mud

Logan soon learned the reason there was an open spot on Adams’s team. Carter’s previous roommate had been shipped out because, as Carter put it, “Adams said he was deadwood. You’re starting behind the eight ball, Hollywood.” Logan wondered if he’d stick around long enough to lose that nickname.

* * *

2

SABBY

Across the base, Sabby Adams maneuvered a small shopping cart through the Fort Pickett Post Exchange, gritting her teeth at the twangy music. She was proud of her sister’s Army service but had zero interest in smothering herself in patriotic decor or clothing. She did, however, appreciate the PX for providing all the practical items she needed, especially her sister’s endless supply of protein powders. Sabby’s style ran closer to goth rock than red, white, and blue, and she knew better than to look for anything trendy here. Tank tops and lingerie were replaced by rows of star-spangled T-shirts and cheap furniture.

After checking out, she hit the base fitness center, a simple but well-equipped spot that functioned for both active duty and dependents like her. Sabby had come a long way in the past few years, moving in with her sister Jessica when life at home fell apart. She’d once considered herself a rebellious teenager with dyed hair and a sharp tongue, but now she kept her head above water with a part-time job on post and online college courses.

She returned to their small duplex to restock supplies and flip laundry into the dryer. Jess needed clean uniforms for the upcoming week. The house was modest, two bedrooms, cool tile floors, and a faulty shower head, but Sabby loved it. She was pulling out her textbooks when the rumble of Jessica’s truck announced her sister’s arrival. Jess came in, uniform top already off, rummaging for her gym bag.

“Busy day, Sabs,” Jess said, arms flexing with her usual energy. “Gotta lift before my date tonight.”

Sabby raised an eyebrow. “Another date? You’d think you’d take a longer break after your last breakup.”

Jess took a swig from her shaker bottle. “I’ve told you, in my world, there’s no such thing as a nice breakup. I’m not letting one bad experience stop me.” She turned, rummaging for fresh clothes. “Anyway, we got a new private in my squad who might drive me nuts, but I’ll sort that out tomorrow. And before you get on it, I’m not a bitch.”

“Yes you are, but I love you being a bitch,” Sabby said. “So how long before you break him?”

“If he can hang, I won’t be breaking him,” Jess countered. “Sabby, you know I can’t tell you everything, but put it this way. I’d rather have a hole in my team than a deadass. You don’t have to drag a hole’s body out of the line of incoming fire.”

Sabby shivered, wishing for the hundredth time that her sister didn’t have such a dangerous job. Every time she left, Sabby had to remind herself that Jess chose the life she was in, that she enjoyed it, and that she was a full on legit badass who would come back home to her sister.

"Will you be okay if I’m late?” Jess asked.

“I’ll survive,” Sabby teased. “I’ve got grilled cheese for dinner and a graphics project to finish.”

“I promise I’ll be home by eleven. This is just a first date, drinks at a bar, and we’ve both got work in the morning. Good luck with your project.” Jess leaned over and gave her a quick hug. “You’re the best roommate a sister could ask for. Thanks for not giving me an earful.”

“I’ll hold the earful for tomorrow,” Sabby laughed, watching Jess race out the door with her gym gear in tow. She sat down at the table, went back to her studying, and wondered if she should worry about her sister dating again. But it was Jess’s life. Sabby had her own challenges to tackle, including finishing school and somehow finding a date who didn’t recoil at her metalhead wardrobe.

She only hoped Logan Goodman, and the rest of her sister’s new teammates, had enough grit to keep up with Jessica Adams, known around the company as the toughest little powerhouse there was. With a resigned smile, Sabby went back to her books, one ear always perked, waiting to hear the door creak open when her sister returned, safe and sound. In a place like Fort Pickett, that was the best comfort of all.

* * *

3

LOGAN

The sun was just lifting over the horizon when Logan joined formation at Fort Pickett. Five thirty was later than he was used to, but his body was still on Benning time, so he felt pleasantly awake. He scanned the faces around him, a mixture of seasoned expressions and new intensity. It was his first day in the new unit, and he could feel a hint of nerves mingle with excitement. The ACU uniform felt heavier than the PT gear he wore through most of basic, but rules were rules. Today was about making a good impression, and he was determined to show his best.

He caught sight of Lieutenant Xavier Parker, the platoon leader, stepping forward. Tall, blond, and sharp-jawed, Parker had a confident presence that made Logan straighten his posture even more.

“Sergeant Lincoln,” Parker said in a crisp voice, returning the platoon sergeant’s salute, “what have we got?”

Sergeant Lincoln gave his report, and Parker turned to the platoon.

“At ease, Third Platoon.”

They all responded in unison, the greeting echoing across the morning air. Logan spotted Carter, who stood next to him with a welcoming grin, along with Bron Davis, a compact wall of muscle who looked like he could bulldoze anything the Army threw his way.

Parker addressed the group. “First off, we’ve got a new member. PFC Goodman, front and center.” Logan stepped out of line, jogged around, and came to attention in front of Parker. “Sir.”

“Relax, Goodman. We’re not that formal here. Third Platoon, meet your new teammate. Give him some love.”

“Run, Motherfucker!” the platoon yelled in unison, drawing laughter from all sides.

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