told herself.
“I’m not going to be shooting and running around with you guys, if that’s what you’re afraid of, Lieutenant. But if need be, I’m handy with a weapon. I can run the army standard requirement of two miles in seventeen minutes and fifty-five seconds maximum. But, I’m sure you’re all faster than that, so let’s breathe a sigh of relief that you don’t have to worry about my pretty ass out in the field with your big Uzis, hmm?”
That caused a laugh, which was what she wanted. She understood how testy the situation could get if the men had to adjust to someone new, and a woman at that. So she didn’t reveal that she was more than qualified, since speed was one of her strong points. No. She would have to prove that to these men. They would only sneer at the five minutes’ difference that the army generously gave to female recruits. Men were men, after all.
“Our preferred choice of weapons are either the M16 or the CAR-15, Miss Verreau,” Jazz came back. “If need be, which type would you be carrying?”
Vivi cocked her head. “It depends on the situation, Lieutenant.”
“Target acquisition, let’s say.”
“Depends on the duration of the operation.”
“On foot, let’s say, with the surroundings similar to our environment—mountainous and thick jungles. Then a stakeout and surveillance. Perhaps a firefight ground-combat situation. Then an immediate extraction of target and continual rapid-mobility track back to point zero.”
Vivi noted the challenge in Jazz’s voice. He was testing her combat knowledge, trying to gauge her experience, especially in extraction procedure. Even though the men might think she wouldn’t be out in the field with them, they still needed to know she could analyze situations and make good decisions. She didn’t blame him; he was one of the two leaders of these men, and not likely to hand over the reins of command so easily. “Tell me your concerns, Lieutenant.”
He paused a second as he scratched down some notes. “There won’t be any micro-management, where you have to go up the chain of command to get the next order. Since you’re going to be part of this extraction, I think it’s important to know how experienced you are and whether you’re knowledgeable in field operations, since you just told us your main job is observation and negotiation. Those are passive skills.” His eyes were very blue in his tan face. “I need more than your word that you aren’t going to end up a liability.”
This was a new side of Jazz, Vivi realized, the side that wasresponsible for his men. Before he had been alternatively wicked and teasing, cajoling and even macho, when it came to protecting women and children, but this was the Jazz Zeringue that she had read of in those files, the one with the ribbons and badges. He was a warrior through and through. She wondered whether this was the real him. Soldiers. Slash and burn. Take and destroy.
“Yes, I do see your apprehension. However, I can try to convince you that I know what is involved and how to operate within the framework of a field operation. Is that fair for now?”
“Fair, yes, but war isn’t about fairness.”
His curtness grated. He was already assuming that she knew nothing about warfare. Her eyes narrowed slightly, even as she willed herself to relax.
It’s all about power, she repeated to herself. It’s all about who had the knowledge.
Vivi leaned forward a little, as if she was sharing a secret. “You’re right, Lieutenant Zeringue. War isn’t fair. The rules we learned go out the window the moment bullets start showering down on you. And yes, women in combat isn’t about war but fairness, but the arguments against this issue are moot. There aren’t any known women in the front lines today. I don’t intend to argue it with you or”—she paused and looked around, making eye contact, keeping her voice low and confidential—“anyone here in this room. All I care about is for you
“I’m not going to be shooting and running around with you guys, if that’s what you’re afraid of, Lieutenant. But if need be, I’m handy with a weapon. I can run the army standard requirement of two miles in seventeen minutes and fifty-five seconds maximum. But, I’m sure you’re all faster than that, so let’s breathe a sigh of relief that you don’t have to worry about my pretty ass out in the field with your big Uzis, hmm?”
That caused a laugh, which was what she wanted. She understood how testy the situation could get if the men had to adjust to someone new, and a woman at that. So she didn’t reveal that she was more than qualified, since speed was one of her strong points. No. She would have to prove that to these men. They would only sneer at the five minutes’ difference that the army generously gave to female recruits. Men were men, after all.
“Our preferred choice of weapons are either the M16 or the CAR-15, Miss Verreau,” Jazz came back. “If need be, which type would you be carrying?”
Vivi cocked her head. “It depends on the situation, Lieutenant.”
“Target acquisition, let’s say.”
“Depends on the duration of the operation.”
“On foot, let’s say, with the surroundings similar to our environment—mountainous and thick jungles. Then a stakeout and surveillance. Perhaps a firefight ground-combat situation. Then an immediate extraction of target and continual rapid-mobility track back to point zero.”
Vivi noted the challenge in Jazz’s voice. He was testing her combat knowledge, trying to gauge her experience, especially in extraction procedure. Even though the men might think she wouldn’t be out in the field with them, they still needed to know she could analyze situations and make good decisions. She didn’t blame him; he was one of the two leaders of these men, and not likely to hand over the reins of command so easily. “Tell me your concerns, Lieutenant.”
He paused a second as he scratched down some notes. “There won’t be any micro-management, where you have to go up the chain of command to get the next order. Since you’re going to be part of this extraction, I think it’s important to know how experienced you are and whether you’re knowledgeable in field operations, since you just told us your main job is observation and negotiation. Those are passive skills.” His eyes were very blue in his tan face. “I need more than your word that you aren’t going to end up a liability.”
This was a new side of Jazz, Vivi realized, the side that wasresponsible for his men. Before he had been alternatively wicked and teasing, cajoling and even macho, when it came to protecting women and children, but this was the Jazz Zeringue that she had read of in those files, the one with the ribbons and badges. He was a warrior through and through. She wondered whether this was the real him. Soldiers. Slash and burn. Take and destroy.
“Yes, I do see your apprehension. However, I can try to convince you that I know what is involved and how to operate within the framework of a field operation. Is that fair for now?”
“Fair, yes, but war isn’t about fairness.”
His curtness grated. He was already assuming that she knew nothing about warfare. Her eyes narrowed slightly, even as she willed herself to relax.
It’s all about power, she repeated to herself. It’s all about who had the knowledge.
Vivi leaned forward a little, as if she was sharing a secret. “You’re right, Lieutenant Zeringue. War isn’t fair. The rules we learned go out the window the moment bullets start showering down on you. And yes, women in combat isn’t about war but fairness, but the arguments against this issue are moot. There aren’t any known women in the front lines today. I don’t intend to argue it with you or”—she paused and looked around, making eye contact, keeping her voice low and confidential—“anyone here in this room. All I care about is for you
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