Beyond the Checkpoint

by Addison M. Conley

  As Lynn strolled over to the drink cooler, Ali covered her mouth as if to silence her thoughts. She’s my supervisor for Christ’s sake. Waves of panic spread through Ali’s body as she waited.

  Lynn tossed Ali another milk. “Your personal life is no one’s business as far as I’m concerned. And it’s not against regs since you’re a civilian.” Lynn took a swig of her water. “But we’re deployed. Under DADT, someone could accuse a military person simply by associating with you. Don’t share any more info. You don’t want someone to overhear, and I don’t want someone harassing an important member of the team. I’ve seen bad things happen on other deployments. So, please be careful.” Lynn stood to leave.

  “Got it. I appreciate the advice, Lynn.” Damn, I can’t say anything right tonight. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I meant no disrespect.”

  Lynn sat the tray down and leaned over. “Back in the states, you would outrank me in some situations. I enjoy our downtime together. It’s nice to relax, but I am your superior here. Like the other topic, be careful.” She started to move again but stopped. “Let’s all get home safe and sound, and then you can call me whatever you want. See you at 0600 for turnover.”

  Ali bit her lip as she watched Lynn walk away. The major was attractive. With each encounter, Ali was more drawn to Lynn’s laugh, the brightness of her eyes, and the way she surprised Ali with unexpected humor. But slipups like tonight had to be contained.

  At the door, Lynn paused and glanced over her shoulder. Ali’s body stiffened. She just caught me ogling her. Again. Ali hung her head. Snap out of it.

  Ali’s revelation a couple of days ago had surprised Lynn, but so had a lot of other things. Ali was a lot tougher than she appeared. Brains all wrapped up in a gorgeous package.

  Smack.

  She jumped at the sound of the folder hitting the desk.

  “Why the grin, Major?”

  “Nothing, sir.” Lynn hopped up and stood at attention.

  “Excellent reporting.” The colonel beamed. “The general loved it, particularly Ms. Clairmont’s work. She seems to be a good addition to your team.”

  Lynn breathed a sigh of relief. The hard-to-please colonel could make just about anybody tremble when he was in a foul mood. “Thank you, sir. I’ll be sure to relay the message.”

  “Oh, and the general would like Ms. Clairmont to work with the senior civilian analyst from time to time.”

  “That’s a completely different chain of command.”

  “Do you question the general?” He narrowed his eyes.

  “Of course not. I’m sorry, sir.” Lynn swallowed under his glare.

  “Good. Why don’t you take an hour or two? We need you here late tonight.”

  Lynn fled into the late afternoon sunshine. The smell of coffee wafted in the air, and she changed directions for the small coffee shop run by the Italians. The coffee was expensive, but spectacular.

  “Hey, boss, what’s up?”

  Lynn craned her neck, then saw Ali in sweatpants. With her reddish hair framing her face, Ali reminded Lynn of Amy Adams. Except, Ali had brown eyes and a few more curves. Lynn still couldn’t get over how Ali kept her hair so long and managed to keep it looking beautiful.

  “Taking a walk before chow. What are you doing up almost three hours before your shift?”

  “It’s my grandma’s eighty-ninth birthday. Phones are up at the rec center, and we had a lovely talk. No use trying to get back to sleep, so I hit the gym and went for a run. You know the air is a lot better during the day than at night.” Ali wrinkled her nose and grinned.

  “Yeah. I’m lucky that I only work nights occasionally.” Not wanting to look into Ali’s eyes, Lynn started walking briskly. Ali kept pace with her and chatted about her grandmother, but Lynn was only half listening.

  God, she’s stunning. Lynn mentally slapped herself. Stop it.

  “You’re deep in thought. Thinking of ways to torture your poor team, Major?”

  “Ah…no, just a little preoccupied these days.”

  “I heard a rumor about you.”

  “Oh?”

  “You like to play cards and will be making an appearance at the next Officer’s Club game night. Paul invited me. Of course, provided no emergencies pop up.”

  Excitement and panic hit Lynn. She remembered giving Ali six hours off because of long hours anticipated for a mission at the end of the month.

  “I love cards but don’t always get to join. If I don’t see you, have fun and give my regards to Lieutenant Taylor.” Lynn tapped her watch. “I need to go.”

  “All right. You take care. I need to shower and do a few things. Can’t be late.” Ali smacked her fist into the palm of her other hand. “The boss is a real stickler for being on time.”

  “Yes, I hear she’s a rough one. Better watch it. She can drive you crazy all-night long.” Immediately realizing her double entendre, Lynn hastily added, “And you all are crazy enough on that shift.” Lynn didn’t wait for a response. She turned on her heels and shouted over her shoulder, “Get a move on it, Ace.”

  Ali shouted, “Sure thing, Major. I wouldn’t want you bringing out any whips and chains.”

  Lynn’s legs almost buckled. Keep walking. Don’t respond in any way. Her trance broke as she returned a salute of a captain passing by. He gave her a smirk. Lynn thumbed back in Ali’s direction. “I’m a hard one on my team. Have to keep them chained to the desk.” She kept moving.

  Chapter 5

  “And so, we met again.” Lynn lowered her voice and said, “Let’s keep any jokes on whips and chains out of the conversation today.”

  Ali chuckled. “No problem, ma’am. As I recall, it was a week ago. I’ll try to keep my bad jokes to once a month.” She threw her arms out in a broad sweeping motion. “I love this garden and heard it’s one of the best in Kabul. It soothes me.”

  “Yes, it is one of the best. Lucky us since it was designed to accommodate official ceremonies. Few places in Kabul have such grandeur.”

  “Spring is my favorite time of year.”

  “The scented roses of pink, yellow, and red make me forget about the war for a short time. It’s a pity that there isn’t more beauty throughout the city.”

  “I had no idea you were such a softie, Major.”

  Lynn bent over, and her fingers cupped a petal. She sniffed deeply. “This Damask rose is heaven. Smell.” She held the petal as Ali leaned in. A shiver of delight ran through her body as a wisp of Ali’s hair brushed over her forearm. Lynn swallowed and released the petal. She clasped her hands behind her back and slowly began strolling, but still, the warm tingle lingered. “I think we all would like to see more beauty and a lot less pain and suffering.”

  “Agreed. You’re full of surprises for a hardcore military officer. Are roses your favorite?”

  “A favorite of Aunte Karena. Back in 2004 when I was stationed in England, she came over for a vacation. We met up in London and spent two of our four days in Queen Mary’s Gardens. It’s one of the world’s most beautiful rose gardens.”

  “Sounds like you’re close to your aunt.”

  “Aunt Karena lives in Arlington, Virginia. I’ve been stationed so much in Maryland and Virginia that we’ve grown close.” Lynn began to stroll again. “I was going for a coffee. Can I buy you one?” She longed for some good conversation, and Ali just made her feel alive.

  “I’d like that.”

  The corner booth was empty. The smell of the coffee was grand, but the cookies were even better. Lynn bought both.

  “Thanks, Major.”

  “You’re a cookie monster. I’ve seen you in action. Speaking of which, I’m sorry I missed the card game. I heard you walked away a big winner.”

  Ali’s eyes lit up. “Yes. You didn’t tell me people played for goodies. I won a bag of Skittles, a handful of granola bars, and a box of cookies.”

  “I try to stay away from junk food. I’m not always successful. That’s why I go to the gym.”

  Ali shrugge
d, and her smile dropped. “Yeah, I have a sweet tooth and a few too many pounds to prove it.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything negative. There’s nothing wrong with your weight.”

  “I’m sure I’d be healthier if I lost some, and I’d look better.”

  “Hey, you look fantastic. Be thankful you don’t have to worry about passing any military physical fitness tests during deployment.”

  The corner of Ali’s mouth slowly hitched up. “So, you think I look fantastic?”

  What just slipped out of my mouth? Lynn rushed to respond. “You shouldn’t measure yourself against others. Beauty comes in all forms.” Oh, God, that’s worse. Switch subjects! “Tell me, Ali, what drew you to be a geospatial analyst?” Lynn couldn’t help but notice Ali’s lips as she took a long, slow sip.

  “Don’t laugh. Economics may have been my major, but I was essentially a math geek who liked photography and maps.”

  “The intersection of the two seems to suit you well.”

  “I attended a job fair sponsored by the CIA after graduating college. They liked the fact that I had coursework in cartography and remote sensing. By that time, ESRI was taking off as a premiere geospatial software company.”

  “Huh? What’s ESRI?” Lynn jokingly crossed her arms over her face.

  “A California company. They are number one in the world for geospatial software and development. Anyway, it was the excitement of merging different sources to make interactive maps, rather than a simple one. Even better that someone wanted to pay me to do it.” Ali’s voice grew quiet. “While we can’t talk classified here, you understand the power of people working together melding all data and source material.”

  “Yes, but you seem to pick up the technology piece quite easily. I’m not just talking about mapping software. Not everyone has that talent.”

  “I find it fascinating tackling new technology and presenting data and info into useful products. It’s satisfying to know that I help accomplish the mission.”

  The way that Ali spoke about her work seemed to energize her. Lynn admired her spirit. “I hear you’re working on your master’s degree, and it’s not in economics.”

  “Geographical Information Systems. For my thesis, I’m working with metro police to analyze crime scene data.”

  Lynn raised her hands. “Don’t go too deep into that geospatial mumbo jumbo or you’ll lose me.”

  “Similar to one thing we do here—look for patterns in bad guys’ behavior and nab them. I’ve rattled on long enough. What about you? Why the military?”

  “I was fascinated by the Air Force. Four years of Russian between high school and college got my foot in the door at the NSA. Do you speak any other languages?”

  Ali sipped her coffee and shrugged her shoulders. “I dabble here and there. Mainly for travel and to be polite. People appreciate when you make an effort. By the way, why have you done so many deployments?”

  “Believe it or not, there’s a shortage of specialized soldiers. And unfortunately, the wars have gone on for so long.” Lynn shrugged. “I once thought that I’d do the required service and get out, but like you said, trying to make a positive difference instead of filling a database is satisfying. As the years go on, the fight seems never-ending. Still, I’m committed for at least twenty years.”

  Ali reached across the table, and her fingertips lightly laid on top of Lynn’s hand. “I can’t imagine the suffering that you’ve seen on multiple deployments.”

  Lynn withdrew and waved her hand in the air. “With fourteen years of service, it’s foolish to get out now. I keep going the best I can.” Lynn tapped her watch. “Fifteen minutes before your shift begins. Wouldn’t want to upset the boss.”

  “Not until you tell me your favorite things about your hometown, Sacramento.” Ali rested her chin in her hand, waiting for a reply.

  Lynn finished the bite of her cookie. She couldn’t help but notice Ali’s soft brown eyes. Warm and inviting with a hint of reddish tone. “Besides helping with my family’s construction business, I love to ride my dirt bike or go kayaking. Sacramento’s got a 23-mile slice of heaven called the American River Parkway, and Yosemite’s three hours away.”

  “You miss home. I can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice.”

  Lynn peered into Ali’s face and had to suppress the urge welling up inside—the desire to hug her. She hated how a simple hug, even one by a friend, could be misunderstood. But this was the life she chose. “Yeah. I’m close to my older brother, Ian. It’s our fascination of building things that has kept us close, and politics, particularly, social issues. My sister and I have had our on-and-off periods.”

  “Family. I know how that goes.” Ali’s face changed, and her finger started tapping on the mug. She looked away from Lynn.

  “That seemed to hit a nerve.”

  “I’m the one that brought up home. Guess I should share.” Ali ran her finger around the rim of her coffee cup. “I have an older brother and sister. We get along, but the age difference makes it challenging at times. My younger sister’s cool.”

  Lynn caught the hint of a smile, but it dropped. She waited for Ali to continue.

  “Mom’s okay, but high school wasn’t a good time. My dad’s drinking came into full force,” Ali bit her upper lip. “He was pissed when…” Ali ran her fingers through her hair. “I became my authentic self. We never settled our differences before he died, and my mother didn’t really forgive me for not making an appearance at his funeral. We get along now because she pretends those years didn’t happen.” Ali stared into her coffee. Her jaw tightened.

  Lynn reached out and covered Ali’s hand. “I’m sorry.”

  Ali whispered, “Thank you.”

  “Hey, how’s it going, Ali? Good to see you, Major.”

  Lynn snatched her hand away as Lieutenant Paul Taylor stood over them. God, I hope he didn’t see that.

  “Terrific. You have to try the cookies. They’re homemade today.” Ali grinned.

  “Wow. That doesn’t happen but once in a blue moon.” He was like a little kid excited on Christmas morning.

  Lynn slid out of the booth. “I swear you two are cookie addicts.”

  “Guilty as charged,” Ali said.

  “Take my seat, Lieutenant. Ali, spend an extra fifteen minutes with your friend. And don’t forget to bring cookies for the rest of the team.” She winked. Again, not thinking.

  Ali gave her a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Lynn walked to the Operations Center. I’m such an idiot. I just crossed the line. It can’t go any further. Control!

  Chapter 6

  June 2008 – Kabul, Afghanistan

  The JETT’s eight members all sat in the back-corner row facing toward the center of the main operations room. The room housed forty analysts, and space was at a premium. Lynn emailed turnover notes, then gathered JETT members around a tight circle for a short update between shifts. Turnover was at 0700 and 1900. With twelve-plus-hour shifts, everyone was always anxious to get out.

  Tonight’s turnover had been going smoothly until the Operations Center’s battle captain pulled Lynn aside and waved papers in her face. Her hands rested on her hips, and she nodded. When he marched off, she blew out a huff and walked back to the group.

  “Webster!” Lynn yelled. “The general wasn’t happy earlier with the slides and, as you can see, neither is the battle captain.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Webster flinched.

  In Ali’s opinion, he took too many shortcuts, and his work was sloppy.

  “Henderson, I want you to double-check the slides. If you’re unavailable, then Ace will do it. Lastly, make sure the battle captain approves them before distribution.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Ace. Nice job on the map updates.”

  Ali nodded. “Roger.”

  “Okay.” Lynn smacked her hands together and rubbed them hard. “The weather is perfect for June and volleyball. Provided everythin
g stays calm and we remain ahead of schedule, the game is still on for tomorrow at 1700. Henderson needs one more person for the enlisted team. Anyone interested?” No one raised a hand. “Come on people. Where’s your enthusiasm? Who wants to be humiliated by the Officer Corps?” Lynn jokingly balled her hands into fists and raised them in the air.

  “If you take civilians, I’ll play.” They all turned to Ali. “What? I’m short, but I’m a good volleyball player.”

  “Great Ace. Take off a couple of hours early and get some good shut-eye.” A huge smile swept across Lynn’s face. “Then I’ll see you on the court tomorrow evening for a royal beating.”

  “Careful. Small packages can be too hot to handle.” Ali started to blush. “I have incredible stamina.” Oh my God, that’s worse. In a rush, she blurted out, “Nicole Davis was only five feet, four inches and led USC to their second consecutive NCAA National Championship in 2003.”

  Lynn’s face went blank momentarily before warming up. “That’s right, and the Californian golden girl is going to the 2008 Olympics. Aren’t you stretching it a bit? Are you even five-four?”

  Ali relaxed. “Close. The important thing is that you giants can’t come close to my speed and reaction time.” She lightly punched Henderson’s bicep. “You need me.”

  “Sure, half-pint.” He chuckled.

  Lynn said, “Well, we play for fun. The guys do spike hard, but nothing like me. I’m sure you can take it.” She turned and looked at everyone. “All right team. Excellent research. Let’s work on presentation and not leaving out a key point. Night crew, happy hunting. Dismissed.”

  Chairs screeched backward on the floor and the printer sprung to life. Henderson stuck a lollipop in his mouth and grinned at Ali. She waited until the last person was out of earshot. “Can I help you with something?”

  “Stamina, huh? And how hot are you? Blazing, sizzling, or steaming?”

  “In your dreams.” She turned to the computer. “I need details on those change requests. Please, run over to headquarters and get them for me now. They didn’t come over in email.”

  He put his palms on the desk and leaned over, looking out at the ops floor. In a quiet voice, he said, “I’m going to ask my girlfriend to marry me.”