Page 49 of Metal & Mud

Sabby's voice took on a touch more passion as she described the feeling she wanted to convey. "I want people to look at it and feel that blend of respect and 'don't mess with us' energy."

Remsburg nodded, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. "I could see it. I'd need to talk with Captain Simon, but it fits. Alpha's always had a culture that's sort of robotic, coldblooded. What about Bravo?"

"I had to really quiz my sister on this," Sabby said, "because they almost strike me like the cast of Animal House. In a totally military professional ass-kicking way."

Remsburg laughed, the sound warming the sterile office. "No offense taken, and Major Hulse would love being compared to the Delta House. Did you know he's related to one of the actors from that movie? A distant cousin or something."

"I didn't, but the logo would have to walk a fine line between a group that used to be called 'The Battling Bastards' and military protocol," Sabby said. "Officially I know they're known as The Brave & The Bold, but what about a fighter? Like, a boxer or something, sort of a Rocky Marciano looking character, just with a military feel to them?"

"Hulse would probably prefer a wrestler, he's big into lucha libre and other types of fighting, but I'll talk with him about it, get some ideas from him and his troops," Remsburg replied. "And the battalion? After all, there's an entire company that comprises the battalion command."

"I thought about that, and I thought very straightforward, and a callback to the battalion nickname as 'The Nation's Hand,' the unit that strikes back when our people are hurt," Sabby said. "I mean, it'd be tempting to go silly, and make you the nation's pimp hand, but that wouldn't be good for you."

"Thank you, although I have heard that joke when I've visited the Pentagon."

"I'm sure. Your job is to rebalance the scales of justice, and the 3-3 has been around a long time. So I was thinking a very classic, almost severe figure in a sort of modernized version of the 3rd Infantry's colonial uniform, holding the scales of justice in their hand. Behind them would be the logos for each of the companies for a mural effect."

Remsburg nodded. "And what would you need? Money wise I mean?"

"Ah... more than money, what I need is space to paint the logos, and if the battalion could pay for the paint I'd be grateful," Sabby said. "And if you don't mind, permission to use it for my resume?"

Remsburg laughed, and stood up. "You drive a hard bargain, Miss Adams. I mean, offering me thousands of dollars of graphic design and labor for what, two hundred bucks worth of paint?"

"Well it depends on the size of the logos, sir."

"As big as I can get authorized and you can handle," he said. "So deal. Tell you what, over the next two weeks, develop those other logos based off of what you and I talked about, especially for HQ and Alpha while I talk to Bravo. I've got a couple of ideas for spaces that can be used, but I'll have to check with post command on that. Think you can get it done by Halloween?"

"Long as I've got the signed authorization, sir," Sabby said, winking. "I know how the Army loves paperwork."

Remsburg laughed again, offering a hand. "Very true. Thankfully I've got Major Kota, who's a genius at all of that stuff. But either way, go ahead and whip up those other samples. When we get them authorized and put up, I'm going to include a letter of thanks from the battalion for you to stick in your portfolio."

Sabby excitedly left the battalion headquarters, feeling on top of the world. The concrete steps felt solid beneath her feet, the autumn air carrying a hint of crisp possibility. She had a boyfriend who loved her, a sister who was amazing for her, and now she had a potential four designs to include in her portfolio and a letter to go with it.

Things couldn't get much better, which is why she decided to pick up when she saw the incoming Facetime call from her parents. Since being kicked out of the house, things had been strained between the two halves of the Adams family.

"Hello Mom," Sabby said as the camera came on and she saw her mother.

Victoria Adams was definitely more like her younger daughter, although her hair was dyed an even medium blonde more like Jess's tone. It was their natural hair color, after all, even if Sabby wore hers differently.

"Sabrina, it's nice of you to take my call," Mom said, putting Sabby's teeth on edge.

She hated her birth name; she was no teenage witch. But ever since kicking her out of the house, her mother insisted on it. "It's been too long."

For reasons, Mom. Like you calling me Sabrina, Sabby thought, her heart beating faster with the familiar sense of being diminished. But she was in too good of a mood to just hang up on her mother, despite the still raw feelings. So she moved on. "So how have you been doing?"

"Things are normal around Dr. Edwards's office."

Her Mom waived her hand airily in way of explanation. She was the office manager for an ophthalmologist, and Sabby knew that her mother thought that she was the only reason the walls were still standing. If it wasn't for Victoria Adams, the lights would be off, the walls would fall down, dogs and cats, living together... mass hysteria.

At least in her mother's mind. Dr. Edwards had a different opinion of course, Sabby was sure.

"I see."

"Well, Melanie up and decided to get herself pregnant," her mother continued, "so I'm going to have to find someone to cover her maternity leave. Or I'll have to cover the gap myself."

Oh no. A woman having a baby? The horror!

Sabby bit back the sarcasm, and simply nodded. "I see. I'm sure you can figure it out."

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