PRE-WAR PASSION
CHAPTER ONE
Corporal Hicks watched over his marines carefully, checking their positions and double checking them. He knew he had to be cautious; they were in a dangerous position and the enemy could strike at any moment. The jungle was quiet, too quiet in fact, but still Hicks could see no threat beneath the trees.
"Hey Hicks!" Hudson hissed, "Lets get moving man, I'm bored!" Hicks shot the Private a look: Hudson never could wait patiently for anything.
"The quicker you hush up Private," Hicks replied calmly, "The sooner we can do this."
"Don't you think you're taking this a little too seriously Hicks?" Vasquez questioned, one eyebrow raised. Hicks just sighed. It was his first time leading the squad without Apone being present, so he wanted to get everything right, but the other Marines just didn't understand. All they were interested in was getting back to the mess hall on the Suloco for supper. He shook his head.
�No point trying to explain,� he thought, �It�s best to just let them win.�
"Ok Marines, lets get this show on the road," he whispered hoarsely.
"Affirmative!" Hudson whooped, his voice echoing through the silence. All the Marines flinched.
"So much for the element of surprise", Hicks thought.
-------------------------------------
The Marines moved out through the dark building, following Hicks' tactics perfectly. All except Private Hudson, who was blowing bubbles with his gum as opposed to watching his motion tracker.
"Hudson!" Hicks reprimanded, "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Hudson swaggered over to the Corporal, a huge bubble forming between his lips. The bubble burst, pink gum sticking comically to the Private's face. Hudson grinned, pulling the gum off his face and shoving it back into his mouth.
"What's up man?" he smirked, making a show of being over casual.
"We are not in Kindergarten Private," Hicks glared, "Lose the gum."
"Ahh c'mon man, it's just a little gum!" Hudson rolled his eyes mockingly, "Helps me concentrate!" He blew another large bubble, which popped loudly. Hicks began to lose his patience with the trying young Private. He was so busy trying to control Hudson's childish behaviour, keep an eye on his squad and control his temper, that he didn't notice the soldier creeping through the shadows. Nobody saw him until it was too late.
"Hicks! Hudson! Watch out!" Private Frost yelled, finally alerting the two men of the threat. Hicks threw himself to the ground, diving for cover and pulling Hudson down with him. They tumbled to the floor, landing in a heap with Hudson on top of the Corporal. However, Hicks efforts were in vain; Hudson was shot. Crimson covered his right arm and he cried out in surprise and pain.
"Shit! Those paintballs fucking hurt when they hit!"
