Page 46 of Crocodile Tears
“I prepared for the possibility that everything would go wrong simultaneously.”
She inspects the contents of my supply cache with the approach of someone conducting inventory analysis.She holds up medical supplies, water purification tablets, emergency rations, and communication equipment with obvious approval for my organizational system.The backpack Margo sent her is long gone, unfortunately, left behind at my cache located near the swampy area I used to approach the facility.
“What’s this?”She examines a compact device she doesn’t recognize.
“Emergency beacon.Military-grade GPS transmitter that connects to satellite networks regardless of local communication infrastructure.”
Her expression shifts to concern.“For summoning backup extraction?”
I finish organizing the supplies while explaining the device’s dual purpose.“For summoning backup extraction or notifying next of kin, depending on circumstances.”
She gives me a look that suggests she finds my contingency planning both practical and morbid.“How optimistic.”
I conduct a quick perimeter check while responding.“I’m a realist.Optimism gets people killed in tactical situations.”
While I assess our defensive position, she continues examining my supplies with the systematic approach of a researcher evaluating experimental equipment.The clearing offers good sight lines and natural defensibility, but staying here longer than necessary increases risk of discovery.
“You’re injured.”I note the blood on her sleeve when I return from the perimeter check.
Becci examines her arm with clinical detachment.“Superficial laceration from broken glass during our exit through the motor pool.Approximately two inches long, minimal depth, and no apparent foreign matter embedded in it.”
I retrieve medical supplies from the cache and approach her position.“You’re documenting your injury like a research specimen.”
She rolls up her sleeve to reveal a graze that’s bleeding but not serious.“I’m assessing the damage objectively to determine appropriate treatment protocols.The wound is healing faster than normal human rates because my shifter physiology is already addressing the tissue damage.”
I kneel beside her with antiseptic and bandages.“May I?”
She extends her arm with the trust of someone comfortable with clinical procedures.“Please, though I should note reptilian shifters often have different pain responses than mammals.”
I begin cleaning the wound while processing this information.“Different how?”
“Higher pain tolerance but increased sensitivity to temperature changes.”She watches my work with professional interest.“Also, we tend to heal with less scarring if the wound is kept at optimal temperature and humidity levels.”
Her pain response is indeed different.She shows less reaction to the antiseptic but obvious awareness of the temperature differential between the cleaning solution and her skin.I adjust my technique accordingly while applying the bandage.
“Your medical knowledge extends to shifter-specific treatment protocols?”
She observes my bandaging technique with obvious approval.“My research requires understanding of how genetic modifications interact with enhanced healing capabilities.I’ve learned more about shifter physiology than most medical professionals.”
I secure the bandage while considering the implications of her expertise.“Including combat applications?”
“Including theoretical combat applications that I hoped never to test in practical situations.”
I finish with the medical supplies and settle against a fallen log across from her.The filtered sunlight creates natural camouflage while providing enough light for conversation.“We need to talk about what happens next.”
She adjusts her position to face me directly.“I assume that involves explaining what you actually do for a living beyond understated security consulting.”
“It involves explaining what I used to do for a living and what I’m trying to transition toward.”
Becci tilts her head with obvious curiosity.“Used to do?”
I decide that someone who’s just helped me conduct tactical sabotage deserves complete honesty about my background.“Military service initially.Army Rangers, specialized in reconnaissance and infiltration operations.”I watch her face for judgment that doesn’t come.“After discharge, I transitioned to private military contracting.”
“Mercenary work.”
I nod while organizing medical supplies.“Mercenary work.International security consulting that operates in legal gray areas and involves clients who can’t or won’t use official channels.”
She processes this information with the same analytical approach she applies to everything else.“Hence your familiarity with building infiltration, electronic security systems, and international criminal organizations.”
