Jay lay in the sun, thinking about all of the things and none of the things. She could smell the warm earth, feel the grass tickling the backs of her knees, hear the drone of the bees. When her eyes were closed, she was enveloped in a peachy cocoon. When she opened them, all she saw was the startling infinity of blue above her. She didn’t dwell on that too long – it made her dizzy – all that nothing between her and space. She was considering a nap when something nudged her foot.

Oh, come on! said a voice. You didn’t even flinch.

Should I have?

I could have been here to eat your brains.

Jay snorted. You could do with them.

Hah hah, like, soooo funny.

Jay could hear the eye-roll. What do you want?

Oh, sorry – interrupting you, am I?

Jay sighed. We aren’t friends. Get to your point.

Ouch! Okay, well. I was wondering if you could help me brush up on my skills? You know, killing them. The other day freaked me out and I know I give you crap all the time but I was seriously impressed at how you handled it. I want to be able to do that, too.

Jay wasn’t succumbing to the flattery. You know I didn’t actually do anything?

But you could have!

Jay prodded for the plot hole in this unlikely story. We do have people here that you actually like, who can help you, you know?

Yeah, but it is embarrassing. I have let my skills and confidence slip and you already know I suck. And…

Jay raised her eyebrows. And what?

You won’t give me any slack, just for being a pretty girl.

Ahhh. So that’s why I always got my ass kicked in training – not pretty enough.

No, that’s not what I meant! I mean – with you around, so competent and passionate, the rest of us were just much spares, who muddled through. Smile nicely and I’d get 20 less push ups.

Riiiiight.

So….?

Jay considered it. She wasn’t doing many patrols and there hadn’t been much action lately. This would keep her a bit more active. Plus, if anything, she might get a few sneaky hits in during training. And a teeny tiny small part of her missed female company. Oh, and besides she didn’t need to give those ‘Rachael might be right, I am too kick-ass’ thoughts any more validation.

Fine, okay.

Yay! Rachael clapped her hands. We can start tomorrow – but first – you have to tell me about the cute guy you met on your last run!

What? No! Jay groaned – how did she even know about that?