Riga Always
This Riga knew it would always be this way. There was always a transporter taking her somewhere. The vehicle to be boarded. Often in a hurry. Make sure not to forget anything. Not herself, her weapons, her colleagues, her Pedro when in company of, her mission aim. Never forget what reality you were in. The military transporter. Even if used by civilians or religious zealots. It was always a military transporter. This one was painted a dirty green. It looked squat and armoured. Business like. Like Riga. Small and dangerous.
Why was it always this way, Riga? You bawled Pedro out for touching your arm. Now he sits silently next to you. Hurt and sulking like a child. Fix this mess damn Riga! Is he mission ready? No. As you upset him. Again! Riga shook her head and looked up at her colleague and sometimes lover. She tapped his arm. He looked away. What a damn bloody bitch I am! The transport left the atmosphere and climbed up steeply. The G-force was not too bad. It passed as they climbed into space.
“I am sorry for being a total bitch with you Pedro. Again. I am sorry. Please don’t be upset or hurt or mad. It’s just that I’ve been stressed and have a lot on my mind. Being in charge is hard… I’m sorry for hurting you and being the bitch that I am… Pedro… Look at me, please Pedro…”
It took slow seconds for the big gunner to acknowledge his small protagonist. He looked down at her and adjusted his battle helmet strap. “It’s always this way, Riga. I say or do something and it triggers you again. You say things, words, that pierce right inside me. Or you do things to hurt me. Or are silent or give me the silent treatment. I am sorry for triggering you Riga. I know you have a lot on your mind. We all do. I just don’t know why you have to take it out on me…”
“Thank you for your reply Pedro. I didn't know I’d hurt you so badly. I am sorry. I will not do it again. This is a hard war. The hardest yet. The generals are asking us to do the impossible. I have to show them the results. The pressure, it gets to me. I’m sorry for snapping and saying words to you Pedro. Command is a lonely hard difficult job. You can find that out if you ever are in a support position. Please accept my apology and know I am truly sorry…”
“I accept your apology Riga. I will try not to trigger you again and I will think before I speak. Though you know me, I am direct. I know the pressure you are under. As we all are. Your stress is different from mine. As you are our boss. I will try to help you more in any way I can Riga. Anything to make things easier for you.” The tanned gunner rubbed his left eye and blinked.
“Thank you for your kind words Pedro. It’s all fine. There is one thing you can do to help me. I was thinking.” Riga paused and thought of the words. “You can be jointly in charge, Pedro. It’s about time you got a high seat position. I need help and support at times. You know, I miss being a grunt. I miss being a battle soldier and taking orders. Can you believe that shit? I miss it. So I’m giving you an upgrade, a promotion. Consider yourself a Captain now. You’re an officer baby! The same as me.”
Riga removed her helmet and untied her hair. She ran her fingers through it and sighed. It had been a long war. A long time in command. Why was it always this way? It simply was. And Pedro and her always interacted this way.
“I thank you for your kind words Riga. I know you are tired, stressed and being a normal soldier. The truth is you are still a normal soldier. Even if you command us and send us into battle. You’re not a distant general behind the lines sending us to battle. You are there with us. And for your promotion of me, I accept. I would’ve done it months ago. All you needed to do was tell me or ask. I’d say yes immediately. I always have your back, you know that. Thanks for the promotion Riga dear. I accept…” Pedro took his comrade’s hand and held it. When their gaze met and remained. Now it was like the old days. The love, respect, trust and sincerity that bound them together was there. It would never leave them.
It was a long flight. They leant against one another held hands. The stardrive engines thrummed over and the hull gently vibrated. Soon both were in a deep sleep. They would need it where they were going. The risks would be many. Would both safely return after being asked to do the impossible? That is performing extreme violence while being extremely smart and supremely resourceful. Humanity and the world depended on their actions on a far off very alien world…
