Scarlett Soldier Part 4 (Patreon)

long chapter this time, Cricket learns more about her squad mates and has a very unsettling experience late night. (disclaimer I have never been in the military or been on a military base I have no idea how accurate the depiction of these are because of that. 

Chapter 5

The crack of dawn in the boot camp signaled the commencement of yet another grueling day. The relentless sequence of drills, discipline, and hard work left Scarlett with little time to process her new reality. The blaring bugle, the constant shouting of commands, the bone-weary exhaustion at the end of the day, these were all too familiar, yet strikingly different from her past experiences. The whispers of disrespect and the condescending looks she received only because of her gender were new elements that steadily eroded her patience and tolerance.

She was no stranger to the military's stringent demands. As Captain Mike Ryan, she had thrived in such an environment, having earned respect and admiration for her leadership and strength. But as Scarlett, or Cricket as she was now fondly referred to by her comrades, she was learning about an entirely different face of the military, one that was proving more challenging to endure.

The midday sun was a respite from the physical challenges of the day. The canteen was abuzz with activity as recruits refueled, readying themselves for the afternoon grind. Among the loud, boisterous conversations, a group of recruits - Scarlett and her comrades from the previous night - sat huddled around a table, their plates laden with food. The camaraderie from the previous night carried over into their casual banter, allowing them to momentarily forget their grueling regime.

"Harris, you can't possibly finish that third serving," Lisa teased, her eyes wide with disbelief as she watched Harris pile more food onto his already overflowing plate. Harris merely grinned in response, "A big man's gotta eat, Lisa."

Under the glare of the midday sun, the camp's mess hall was a whirl of activity. Recruits, clad in their fatigues, swarmed around, each one a personification of the stress and anxiety that being in boot camp could bring. Amidst this sea of olive green, a particular group of recruits gravitated towards each other, their collective camaraderie standing out amidst the pervasive tension.

"Good heavens, Harris!" Lisa, a fiery redhead with a Texas twang and a spirit as wild as a mustang, stared at Harris's mountainous plate of food with bemused disbelief. "Are you sure you're not eating for two? That's a meal that could feed a small family."

Harris, a strapping lad from Idaho with broad shoulders that dwarfed even his native state's potatoes, responded with a hearty laugh. "Well, Lisa," he countered, his tone drenched in humor, "big man's got a big appetite, you see."

The table erupted into a fit of laughter, breaking the tension that was a constant companion in boot camp. In this moment, they were no longer just recruits; they were friends sharing a meal and a respite from the demanding regimen. Cricket, dwarfed by the others in size but not in spirit, laughed along, her eyes twinkling in the sunlit room.

Cricket added her own jest to the mix, eyeing Harris's food mountain with exaggerated alarm, "Harris, at this rate, the mess hall is going to run out of food."

Her comment prompted another round of laughter, and for a brief moment, the harsh realities of boot camp faded into the background, replaced by the warmth and camaraderie of shared meals and shared stories. They could forget about their aching muscles, stern instructors, and grueling regime. For now, they were just people connecting over lunch.

As their trays emptied, the conversation flowed and meandered, shifting from tales about boot camp to anecdotes from their respective hometowns. Lisa regaled the group with stories about the Texan rodeos she used to sneak into as a kid, while Harris painted a vivid picture of the sprawling potato fields of Idaho and the grueling harvest season. Each tale seemed to outdo the last, the embellishments growing with each passing turn.

Suddenly, amidst the stories and laughter, a letter, addressed curiously to 'Cricket,' found its way onto the table. All eyes turned to Cricket, an amused anticipation hanging in the air. A round of good-natured teasing ensued, everyone curious about the origin of the curious nickname.

Cricket, her cheeks taking on a slight hue under the attention, explained, "It was my dad. He called me 'Cricket' when I was a kid because I used to hop around all over the place. The name stuck, I guess."

"Cricket it is, then!" Harris declared, raising his fork as if it were a knight's sword, initiating a toast. The rest joined in, each one echoing the name with camaraderie.

The conversation veered into a heated discussion about the perceived ease of women's training compared to the men's. Some argued that the women were given leniencies, while others defended the rigor and fairness of their training regimen. Cricket listened, her lips curved into a knowing smile.

Just as they were wrapping up their meal, Harris, a glint of mischief in his eyes, leaned toward Cricket. "Hey, Cricket," he drawled, his tone playful yet challenging, "how about a little wager? Let's see who finishes the next drill first."

Cricket's eyes sparkled at the challenge. "You're on, Idaho," she shot back, her competitive spirit ignited. "But don't say I didn't warn you when you're left eating my dust."

And so, amid the laughter and playful exchanges, bonds were formed, friendships solidified. These moments would serve as a beacon in the challenging days ahead, a reminder of their shared experiences and the unity born out of their collective struggles.

But this blissful bubble was punctured by an incident that left Cricket feeling vulnerable and fearful. A group of male recruits at a nearby table began hurling lewd comments and snide remarks in her direction, their eyes scrutinizing her petite frame with unhidden contempt. The chattering at their table fell silent as they all turned to watch the unfolding incident. Cricket found herself unable to respond, her fear momentarily paralyzing her. It was Lisa who jumped to her defense, her Texan temper flaring at the disrespect shown towards Cricket. A heated exchange ensued, and the incident was swiftly dealt with by the on-duty drill instructor.

The incident shook Cricket. It revealed the harsh reality of her new identity, a reality that instilled a sense of fear and vulnerability she had never experienced before. It reminded her of the disparity between her past and present experiences, of the discrimination and disrespect she now had to face because of her gender. The weight of her mission seemed to press down on her even more now, the complexity of her assignment becoming more apparent than ever.

Feeling overwhelmed, she retreated to her bunk, needing to distance herself from the suffocating atmosphere of the canteen. Her hands trembled as she dialed her handler's number, her mind still replaying the day's incident.

"Captain Turner, it's Scarlett, or Cricket as they call me here. I... I'm not sure I can do this," she stammered, her voice barely more than a whisper. The events of the day had rattled her, making her question her ability to carry out the mission.

Turner's voice, steady and comforting, flowed through the line. "Cricket, I understand this is tough. But you're a soldier, and you're stronger than you know. Remember why we're doing this. We need you there. We're all counting on you."

Cricket listened, her heart pounding against her chest. She took in a deep breath, attempting to calm her frazzled nerves. "Okay, Captain," she responded, her voice stronger this time. She knew she had to continue, had to push through her fears and apprehensions. The mission had just become a lot more personal.

As she hung up the phone, she realized that her journey had only just begun. The road was rough, fraught with challenges and obstacles. But she was Scarlett 'Cricket' Summers, and she was prepared to face it all, armed with resilience, determination, and the undying spirit of a soldier.

In the underbelly of the night, under the weary artificial lights that served as a dim reminder of the day past, Cricket found herself ensnared within a predicament wholly foreign to her past life. The late hour had rolled around, bringing with it the absolute silence of the barracks that had fallen under a spell of tired slumber. The other recruits were lost in the world of dreams, bodies splayed haphazardly, the harsh trials of their day echoing in the silent snores and grunts that filled the otherwise still air.

Sleep, however, continued to play an elusive game with Cricket, its sweet embrace never quite reaching her. The toll of the day's intense training, the incessant battle with her new identity, the unyielding struggle of staying afloat in this new life, all of it had kept sleep at bay. In a desperate attempt to wrestle some peace, she decided to take a late-night shower, an old habit from her previous life as Mike Ryan that had often proved successful in relaxing her turbulent mind.

Beneath the persistent cascade of hot water, she found a moment's respite. Her eyes shut tight, she allowed the stream to pummel her petite frame, the noise of the water hitting the floor providing a therapeutic rhythm in the silence of the bathroom. She was so lost in her thoughts that the faint noise of the bathroom door creaking open barely registered in her consciousness.

However, the sudden intrusion of boisterous laughter and drunken whispering pierced through the calming noise of the water. The voices belonged to a group of male recruits from another squad, infamous for their brash behavior and disrespectful antics. An alarm bell began to ring loud and clear within her mind as she instinctively tightened her grip on herself beneath the shower curtain.

“Look at this, boys! Got ourselves a little bird chirping in the night.” The crude voice of one of the men slithered through the bathroom, a hint of a smirk playing at his words.

Cricket, paralyzed behind the curtain, folded her arms across her chest. Her heart pounded, the beating growing louder with each passing second. This was a situation she had never encountered before, one that Mike Ryan would have been oblivious to, but Scarlett Summers found herself at the receiving end of a vile reality that was a first for her.

Time seemed to stretch on, the seconds morphing into minutes that crawled by as the snide comments and lewd jokes continued. Cricket felt a growing dread, a sinking feeling as the reality of her situation hit home. Then, without any warning, a hand shot towards her through the curtain, the crude intentions behind the action clear as day. It was a shock to her system, the unexpected invasion of her personal space, a harsh reminder of her new life.

Reacting on pure instinct, she swatted the offending hand away, her voice loud and clear in the echoing space, "Get off!" Her body was on high alert, adrenaline coursing through her veins. The violation was a new experience, one that seemed to slice through the very fabric of her identity.

A momentary silence followed, only to be broken by an uproarious fit of laughter. The laughter ricocheted off the bathroom walls, a chilling reminder of the disrespect and humiliation she was subjected to. It was an unforgettable sound, not for its volume, but for the nauseating undercurrent of disdain and disregard.

Just as abruptly as they had arrived, the men were gone, leaving behind an unsettling silence that was worse than their crude banter. Cricket was left feeling raw and exposed, her body trembling from the violation. She quickly finished her shower, but as she reached out for her clothes, she found them missing, replaced with a crude note that made her heart sink further.

Cricket had braced herself for a further prank, the cruel laughter of the men echoing in her mind as she reached out for her clothes. However, instead of the comforting touch of her uniform, her fingers met the harsh crinkle of paper. As she unrolled the note, her breath hitched, the harshly scrawled words cutting deeper than any physical violation.

"Little bird thinks she can fight back, huh? Seems you didn't like our touch. No need for clothes then. Undressed suits you better."

Walking back to her bunk in nothing but a towel was a new form of humiliation. The barracks were silent, but it felt as if a hundred eyes were on her. Her face burned with embarrassment, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. Lisa, one of her squad members, woke up from the ruckus and looked at her in alarm. In her, Cricket found an ally. Lisa helped her to her bunk, grabbing a spare set of clothes for her.

In a quiet corner of the barracks, Lisa held Cricket, her soothing words working to calm the tremors that ran through her body. Cricket felt vulnerable, a jarring contrast to her previous life where she'd been on top of the food chain. Now, she was made to feel small and insignificant, and the feeling shook her to her core.

Mike Ryan had faced danger and life-threatening situations before, but Scarlett Summers faced something entirely different, something more personal and degrading. As she lay in her bunk, Lisa's comforting presence nearby, the aftershock of the event rooted itself deep into her psyche, a chilling reminder of the challenges she was yet to face in this new life.

The pale and flickering neon lights of the barracks room cast a sickly glow on Cricket’s small, trembling form. Her entire body was quaking like a young leaf in the face of a storm, shuddering in response to the cold that had settled deep within her very bones, as well as the terrible and jarring ordeal she had just experienced. Clad in a hastily borrowed uniform and swaddled in a blanket, she stood on the cool concrete floor, her feet still tinged with the chill of the ground outside, the thin layer of mud beneath her toes a grim reminder of the long, humiliating walk she had been forced to make.

She felt small and fragile, like a porcelain doll that had been carelessly dropped and was teetering on the edge of shattering completely. Her skin, normally glowing and healthy, had taken on an almost translucent quality under the harsh lights, making her appear even more delicate and vulnerable than usual. The violation that had been thrust upon her was still a tangible thing, as if the sensation had been branded onto her skin. She felt alien, as if she had been forcibly yanked out of her own body and shoved into one that was decidedly not her own.

Lisa rose from her bunk as soon as she saw Cricket's figure huddled in the doorway, her heart clenching painfully as she took in the sight of her friend. With hurried, anxious steps, she reached Cricket, her hands deftly helping the shivering woman into a spare uniform, wrapping her in the warmth of a blanket as they sat on the edge of her bunk.

Cricket’s frail, ice-cold form sat in the midst of the semi-lit barracks room, her small frame cloaked in borrowed clothing and a thick blanket. Yet, even swathed in layers, she shivered incessantly. The cold, lodged deep within her core from the humiliating walk back to the barracks, seemed to seep into the very marrow of her bones. The stinging imprint of the violation she had suffered left a raw wound on her spirit, a wound that no blanket or comforting words could heal. The darkness within her, born out of the night’s horrific events, was more profound than the night outside.

Lisa’s heart clenched as she studied her friend. Taking long, hurried strides, she closed the distance between them, her warm, kind hands guiding Cricket into a spare uniform before she enveloped her in a comforting blanket. As they sat on the cold metal edge of the bunk bed, Lisa took Cricket’s trembling hands into her own, their warmth a striking contrast to the cold seeping from Cricket.

“What happened, Cricket?” Lisa asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The silence around them seemed to swallow her words, amplifying the suspense that hung in the room like a thick fog.

Cricket looked up, her eyes filled with the terror of reliving the awful memory. “They…” she began, her voice quaking, mirroring her trembling hands. "They stole my clothes... and they... they touched me." She sobbed, the raw pain of her violation tearing through her as if it were a physical blow. "And... and there was a note..." Her voice faltered, cracking on the last word. The enormity of the situation pressed down on her, her shame and fear tangible in the cold air.

“No… We need to report this, Cricket," Lisa's voice cut through the chilling silence, resolute despite the tremble of shock that permeated it. "This isn't just some cruel prank. It's assault!"

“But how, Lisa? What do we tell them? That I was just showering and some guys thought it'd be funny to take my clothes?" Cricket’s voice pitched, a torrent of words pouring out. "They already see me as a spoiled officer's daughter... I... I think... I want to quit."

The words fell heavily on Lisa's heart, a grim anchor pulling her down. She held Cricket's hands tighter, a lifeline in the raging storm. "You're strong, Cricket. Stronger than any of them. Stronger than they will ever be. You’re a superb soldier. Don’t let them... these monsters take that from you."

As Lisa spoke, Cricket fell silent, her sobs echoing in the quiet room. The sound was a raw, sharp pain in Lisa’s chest. It felt as if she were watching her friend shatter into pieces before her eyes, each sob cracking the shell of the woman she had come to admire and care for.

Desperate, Lisa reached for help. She woke Marley, the woman from Wisconsin with a strong sense of practicality, and Harris, who over the weeks had formed a protective bond over Cricket.

The sight of Cricket huddled and shaking stirred something primal within Harris. His eyes ignited with a raw anger that burned bright in the dimly lit room. "Who did this?" he demanded, his voice a rumbling growl echoing ominously in the room.

"No, Harris," Lisa said, her voice steel cloaked in softness. "Cricket doesn't need you to pick a fight. She needs us. She needs her family."

And with that, Harris was by Cricket's side, wrapping her in a comforting, protective embrace. As he held her, Cricket broke. Her sobs turned into a heart-wrenching wail, a lament that echoed through the barracks, a raw expression of the pain that had built up inside her. It was a cry that spoke of violation and fear, of shame and helplessness. It was a release, a catharsis.

And as the tears flowed and the cries echoed, they sat together, their presence a beacon of solace in Cricket’s storm.Her muffled cries subsided gradually, soaked up by the fabric of Harris's uniform as he held her close, his arms a protective shield against the world. His eyes were hardened, a mix of fury and concern as he watched her. Each sob from Cricket sent a jolt through his heart, fueling his anger and yet, tempering it with an aching helplessness. He whispered soothing words, trying to draw her back from the dark precipice she was teetering on.

"You're not alone, Cricket," he told her, his voice firm but gentle. "We're right here with you."

Meanwhile, Lisa held Cricket's hand tightly, rubbing circles in an attempt to provide some comfort. She shared a look with Marley, their expressions mirroring the concern and the will to do something - anything - to help their friend. Marley reached out, placing her hand over Lisa's and Cricket's intertwined ones, adding her silent support.

An eternity seemed to pass before Cricket's sobs turned into whimpers, her body curling in on itself as she clung to Harris. Her tears had soaked his uniform, but neither of them cared. In that moment, the room was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Cricket's hiccuping breaths and the distant hum of the air conditioning.

"I can't do this," Cricket finally spoke, her voice just a hoarse whisper. "I can't... I can't live like this..."

"You don't have to decide anything right now, Cricket," Lisa replied gently, her hand squeezing Cricket's in a comforting gesture. "Just remember that you're stronger than you think. You're Scarlett 'Cricket' Summers, daughter of a respected Air Force colonel, and one of the most capable people we know. This... this terrible incident, it doesn't define you. We'll get through this, together."

Cricket said nothing in response, but the slight nod of her head indicated that she'd heard. It was a small victory, but one that gave them hope. For now, that was all they could ask for.

In the quiet of the room, with Cricket nestled against him and the other women providing their quiet support, Harris broke the silence. His voice was soft, yet there was a resolute firmness in his tone. "We are here for you, Cricket," he said. "Always."

The night wore on, their solidarity a fortress in the dark. They were soldiers, each carrying their own scars, but tonight, they shared a wound - Cricket's wound. It wasn't just her battle anymore; they had taken it as their own. And as dawn peeked over the horizon, bringing with it the promise of a new day, they sat there, united in their shared silence, ready to face whatever came next. Together.

The morning light had barely made its way through the cloudy sky when Lisa, Marley, and Harris found themselves circled up together, plotting. The urgency was palpable; they had to find an excuse for Cricket.

"What about food poisoning?" Lisa started, her voice shaky. She was still new to this world of deceit and subterfuge. Her hands wrung together in worry.

Marley raised an eyebrow, pondering. "That's not convincing enough, Lis. It's got to be something that Thompson wouldn't question too much."

Harris drummed his fingers on his thigh, deep in thought. "Let's consider our options," he suggested. "Cricket... She's got that girl-next-door look. What if we make up something a bit more... feminine?"

The three fell into silence. Then, Harris snapped his fingers. "Oh, I've got it. Let's tell Thompson that Cricket is suffering from... err... menstrual cramps!" He smacked his thigh, grinning.

Marley winced, cringing at the blatant cliché, but Lisa found herself laughing. "That's terrible, Harris! But you might be onto something."

They spent a few more minutes ironing out the details of their excuse before making their way to Drill Sergeant Thompson. The formidable woman, with her daunting physique and piercing gaze, looked at them with an intense skepticism. "You expect me to believe that? All three of you? What's your game?"

Harris cleared his throat, trying to maintain an innocent demeanor. "We wouldn't lie, Drill Sergeant. Cricket is really under the weather. She's been... err... hit with some serious cramps."

Thompson scrutinized them closely, her gaze nearly setting them on fire. The silence stretched into minutes before she sighed, nodding in reluctant acceptance. "Alright, Summers gets a day's leave. But let me make one thing clear. If I find out you're lying to me, I'll personally ensure you three regret it. Now move along."

Their footsteps echoed in the stillness as they retreated, a collective sigh of relief escaping their lips. Harris let out an exuberant whoop as they turned a corner, Lisa's shaking head doing nothing to hide her wide grin, and Marley simply chuckled, shaking his head.

Meanwhile, Cricket, left alone in the room, reached for her phone. Her fingers trembled slightly as she dialed Turner's number. The rings echoed ominously before Turner answered.

"Agent Carter?" Turner's voice was cool and composed, as it always was.

Cricket swallowed, steeling herself. "Turner... I can't do this. I... I can't... They... I was violated last night. And it's too much. I... I need to stop. I can't continue."

There was a moment of silence, a breath that seemed to stretch out into eternity. When Turner finally spoke, her voice was soft, empathetic. "Cricket, I am so, so sorry you had to experience this. This wasn't something we planned for, not something we ever thought would happen. But listen to me, if this is linked to the mission, we can't turn a blind eye. We need to stay on top of it. If they try to blackmail you, or if any photos appear, we need to know."

"But what if this has nothing to do with the mission?" Cricket's voice cracked, a sob threatening to escape. "What if... what if it's just because I'm... a woman now?"

Turner exhaled, her sigh echoing in Cricket's ear. "Cricket, I don't know. What I do know is that you are strong. You are one of the most tenacious and capable agents I've had the pleasure of working with. You have a team there with you. And remember, I'm here too. We'll get through this. Okay?"

A quiet sob wracked through Cricket, her voice barely audible as she responded. "Okay... I'll... I'll try."

There was a pause, filled only with the sound of Cricket's ragged breathing. Then Turner's voice came through, soft and reassuring, "You're doing an incredible job, Cricket. Remember, you can call me anytime. We're all in this with you. You're not alone."

With a click, the line went dead. Cricket sat there, her heart pounding in her chest, but there was a small, blossoming feeling of relief. Despite everything, she wasn't alone.