Chapter 1: Introduction
Two soldiers could be seen walking in sink together on the side walk jager in an all OD green uniform and matching OD green patrol cap with his M1967 H-harness with but pack attached to his web belt.
Walking alongside him was Liz a buxom, well-endowed woman in the SOG in a similar uniform, also adorned with a patrol cap and an LC-2 Y harness. Her black hair cascaded down her shoulders and her jungle boots clicked rhythmically against the cobblestone streets. They were making their way to a quaint café, tucked away in the heart of the city. The café was a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the city's relentless cacophony, its old-fashioned wood-paneled walls providing a buffer against the city's relentless chaos.
The mellow jazz tunes that played in the background created a soothing atmosphere, the large arched windows offering glimpses of the city's bustling life outside.
“huh never thought I’d make it to the big city ” Jager mentioned as they walked.
Liz chuckled, “why do you think that” she questioned.
“I don’t know, I guess I always imagined the city to be too busy for someone like me, all I’m used to is trees, bullets and mud.” Jager replied, adjusting his M1967 harness which was laden with ammunition pouches.
The two shared a laugh, their camaraderie evident as they walked side by side in their uniforms.
They arrived at the café and its antique wooden door creaked as they swung it open, the soft jazz music of the café immediately enveloping them.
Jager made his way to the counter, greeting the barista with a nod. Liz moved towards a small table near the window. She could feel the weight of stares from a group of women at a neighboring table. They were well-dressed, adorned in expensive jewelry, their perfectly manicured hands holding onto their delicate cups of coffee.
They were the epitome of high society. They whispered amongst themselves, their eyes flicking towards Liz with judgmental stares. Liz wasn’t unfamiliar with such treatment, but it never made it any easier to stomach. She let out a sigh and looked out the window, taking in the view of the city's bustling streets.
Jager returned with their drinks, two steaming cups of black coffee and a plate piled high with pastries. He placed the tray on the table and sat down opposite Liz.
“You ok?” he asked, noticing her clenched jaw.
She forced a smile, “yeah, just great.”
Jager didn't push the matter further, he understood all too well the discomfort of being scrutinized for their occupation, but he knew Liz was strong, capable of handling herself.
They spent the next few minutes savoring the pastries and their coffee, the sweet aroma of the pastry combined with the bitter taste of the coffee was a perfect match.
Jager noticed the group of women whispering again among themselves and chuckled. “Looks like we got some admirers over there.” He said, inclining his head towards the group of women.
Liz frowned, her eyes flicking towards the group of women. She took a deep breath before standing up and walking over to their table, Jager following suit.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” Liz greeted with a friendly smile.
They looked up, surprised, before one of them spoke up.
“Excuse us, miss. But are you a soldier?” her voice dripped with disdain, her eyes roving over Liz's uniform.
Liz held the woman's gaze, unwavering, and nodded. “That I am, ma'am. I am a soldier in the SOG.” She answered
The woman's face twisted in disgust. “That's just not right.
A woman like you,” the woman's voice dripped with disdain as she gestured to Liz's uniform, “should be married to someone of high standing. Not parading around in that get-up, subjecting yourself to danger and discomfort.”
Liz didn't back down, she held her ground, her voice firm as she spoke. “I am proud to serve my country and protect the people I love. That, to me, is what brings true fulfillment and satisfaction.” Liz replied, unflinchingly.
The woman's face turned red with anger, her eyes narrowing as she spat out her next words. “You’re just a disposable tool for the army. Is this what you wanted for yourself? A life of danger and uncertainty? Marriage brings stability and security. Something you will never have in the army.”
Liz felt the weight of Jager's hand on her shoulder, grounding her.
She took a deep breath before speaking.
"I refuse to let anyone dictate my worth or my happiness. I am proud of who I am and what I do, and that is all that matters to me."
The women looked taken aback, their expressions filled with shock. They exchanged uneasy glances before one of them stood up, straightening her skirt.
"Well, I never. I don't have time for this nonsense." She said, her voice dripping with disdain as she turned on her heel and left.
The other women at the table followed suit, their whispers echoing in the café as they left.
Liz stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of their judgmental stares lingering in her chest. But then she shook it off, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly.
"You know, you handle that perfectly." Jager said, stepping closer to her and wrapping his arm around her waist. "You always do."
Liz smiled, leaning into his embrace.
"Thanks, Jager. I couldn't do it without your support."
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, squeezing her tighter. "Always, Liz. You know that."
They stood there for a moment, relishing in the quiet simplicity of the moment. The jazz music continued to play in the background, and the chatter of the other café-goers faded into the background.
After a moment, they returned to their table and finished off their coffee.