Page 7 of Love and Loyalty

“If you or anyone had missed the targets, we would be dead, and that includes everyone on our plane and the other comrades too. Everyone you were trying to save. Safety comes first, next time, understood?”

Drew knew she had to bow to Isabel’s rank but she didn’t like it. Isabel was close to her now and imposing. Drew felt electricity crackling in the air between them.

She wanted to kiss her, but she certainly didn’t dare.

“Yes, ma’am!” Drew replied, bowing her head before she did something she might regret.

“You're dismissed.”

Drew walked away in shame with heavy thoughts. She had never thought her spontaneity could cause harm. She knew she was reckless sometimes, but it wasn't like she hadn’t contemplated other options.

Isabel had made her feel thoughtless and uncertain, as if she were nonchalant about her troops safety. But she wasn't. She cared about them deeply, which was the sole reason behind her decision.

Maybe it was because she wasn't used to being corrected often. Most of her superiors had trusted her wholeheartedly, and she needed to gain Isabel Oakley’s trust too.

Later that night as she lay down on her bed, she wondered if she was thinking too much about the lieutenant colonel. Why did she care how Isabel Oakley perceived her? Why did it matter so much to her?

Every time Isabel looked at her with those intense brown eyes, she felt too self-conscious and too seen. Like the whole world could disappear, and it wouldn't matter.

She wanted to lose herself in Isabel Oakley’s fierce stare.

Something was building up within her, and it wasn't just a spark. It was something deeper, something more, something warm. She shrugged off her thoughts; she'd better catch some sleep before dawn.

A few hours into the night, Drew was jolted awake by a loud crash. The room was pitch black, the air was heavy with the scent of sand and dust, and her nostrils flared. She immediately groped for her flashlight, alerted by the sound that woke her up.

Soon, a cacophony of howls and a deafening roar echoed. Without stepping outside, she knew it was a sandstorm. It was ironic that even though she was adventurous usually, she detested sand storms. They kept her awake and afraid.

“The storm must have caused the blackout,” she muttered to herself. She rubbed her eyes, shaking off the grogginess.

As she stepped outside, she realized the storm was even more intense than she’d thought. Although she wasn’t particularly keen about being outside, she needed to check what was wrong with the power supply.

And with that, she ran along the path that led to the power plant, covering her nose and mouth as she raced.

The wind whipped through the electric poles, causing them to light up and sway ominously. Sand particles danced and twirled vigorously. She picked up the pace and soon arrived at the power plant.

There was someone inside, and Drew wondered if they had tampered with the power supply. Slowly but tactically, she tiptoed behind the figure and captured them, trapping them and eliminating any chance of resistance.

The figure elbowed her, and her flashlight tumbled from her grasp.

Drew winced before looking up to see Lieutenant Colonel Oakley . She seemed to be staring through her or probably checking her out. Maybe both. She swallowed beforeapologizing. “I’m sorry. I thought it was an intruder.” Isabel’s voice was silky and smooth.

Drew winced again, grabbing her ribs in exaggeration. “I'm sorry too. I thought the same thing.”

“It's alright. The storm woke you up?”

“Yes, it did. When I saw the power outage, I decided to come and check it out.”

“Good job, Major.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel.”

“Tonight, you can call me Izzy.” Isabel narrowed her eyes at Drew. She was in what looked like a light sleep shirt and Drew could see the outline of her nipples through it.

“Okay, Izzy,” Drew said, stifling a smile. “Did you find out the problem?”

“Not exactly. My guess is the wind hit the power lines hard, damaging insulation and disrupting the power flow.”

“Most certainly.” It made sense.

---