Author's Note: If you have any writing tips, please feel free to comment.

Again, I gratefully accept constructive criticism as a means to help me develop my skills as a writer.

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Chapter 8

The phone started to vibrate and Malloy extended her hand slamming it on the bed trying to find it blindly as she was still fast asleep. She remembered that she had put it on her desk so she dragged her feet and walked to the desk like a zombie and picked it up.

"Hello?" she said half-asleep rubbing her eyes.

"Honey? Are you ok?" said a woman's voice on the other end of the line.\

"Mum? Why are you calling?"

"Oh I've missed you and I thought I'd give you a call. Were you sleeping? It's almost noon!"

"I had a mission this night that's why I slept in. How's everybody?" she asked sitting back on the bed.

"Well your father is always working and your sister came to visit this morning, she had the day off. How are things there?"

"We've been moved permanently here in the UK with another Task Force. Are you going to stay here or move back to the States?"

"We decided to stay here sweetheart. Your father is needed here mostly; Louise managed to find a permanent job and now you."

"I hope you're not uncomfortable with this Mum, I'm sorry."

"Oh no, it's not your fault! Besides, the neighbors are so friendly here and it's lovely. When are you coming to visit?"

"As soon as they give me permission; chances are very slim though."

"Oh," she sighed. "So, are there any cute boys there?"

"First of all, they're men, not boys we're not in high school. Secondly, seriously Mum? Are you doing this?"

"It would be nice if you settled down like your sister that's all."

"I'm glad she has a husband who loves her but I cannot settle down and you know it."

"You can find another job-"

"No Mum. Listen I have to go. I'll call you later. Love you."

She went back to bed and pulled the covers over her head trying to sleep again. At that moment there was a knock on the door.

"What?!" said Malloy irritated.

The door opened slightly and a head popped in.

"Is this a bad time?" asked MacTavish cautiously seeing her still in bed.

"I'm trying to sleep. Do you need something?"

"We were going to grab something to eat and came to ask you if you wanted to come."

"Thanks, man but I'm not really in the mood."

"I'll see you later then," smiled MacTavish and closed the door behind him.

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It was two o'clock in the afternoon when Malloy woke up feeling rested. She went to take a shower as her room had a small bathroom. As the water was falling on her face she felt relaxed until she remembered what her mum told her earlier. She sighed as she thought about one of the times which made her join the Army.

'Taylor, I miss you so much my friend,' thought Malloy.

She put on black trousers and a black tank top, dried her hair and tied it into a high ponytail and went to the recreation room to read a book until her squad arrives. There were a few men playing billiard and Roach was amongst them and others watching some TV discussing which celebrity they would date. Malloy sat on the couch on the far side of the room as it was empty and did not want to be bothered. She opened her book and continued reading from where she left off.

"Agatha Christie huh?" said a voice and she felt someone sitting down near her.

She lowered her book and saw Ozone smiling at her. However, she ignored him and continued reading.

"So, you like crime novels?" asked Ozone sitting near her on the sofa. At that moment she closed the book realizing that she wouldn't manage to read with him near her.

"When I have time to do so, yes, I like reading crime novels," she replied.

"Have you read 'Murder on the Orient Express'? They say she was in a hotel near the railway when she wrote it."

"Yes, I heard. How did you know?" asked Malloy surprised.

"I'm a fan," he said smiling, "I love Poirot; his ego-centric character really pulls you in."

"Totally! On the other hand, Miss Marple is very sweet," said Malloy enthusiastically.

They continued to talk about books, films, and other things. MacTavish entered the room and asked those who were playing billiard if they had seen Malloy and nodded in her direction. As he turned, he saw her and Ozone laughing together and very close to each other. He walked over to them.

"I do not wish to interrupt but your team has arrived," said MacTavish to Malloy completely ignoring Ozone.

"Excellent, thank you for informing me," smiled Malloy.

"No problem."

Malloy put the book down and proceeded outside with MacTavish and saw a man following him.

"Erm?" stated Malloy.

"It's me, Ghost."

"Oh, sorry I didn't recognize you without the mask," she said embarrassed.

"What were you two talking about back there?" asked MacTavish casually.

"We were talking about books, hobbies etc.," replied Malloy.

There they were, all jumbled up talking, laughing and looking tired.

"Atten-hut!" shouted Malloy and they all ran and formed a line standing straight.

Williams marched near Malloy and saluted her.

"Elite Task Force reporting for duty ma'am," Williams said and Malloy saluted back.

"At ease Lieutenant," Malloy said as she was handed a clipboard.

"Welcome to the base squad. I hope you had a good flight. This is Captain John MacTavish field commander and Lieutenant Simon Riley second in command of Task Force 141."

"General Shepherd welcomes you to the base. He couldn't be here as he had an important meeting to attend to," said MacTavish.

"The same with Major Stevens," continued Malloy. "He said hi and told you not to break anything or kill anyone."

With that, the women chuckled and MacTavish and Ghost looked at each other.

"Let's see who's on the list," she said looking down on her clipboard. "Sergeant First Class Petrov; Sergeants Allen and Daniels; Private First Class Gregory and Private Collins. You're all here?"

"Private First Class Gregory couldn't make it ma'am," said Williams, "she had a family emergency."

"Very well," said Malloy scribbling something down. "I will show you around so you will settle down. Grab your stuff and let's go."

She gave them a tour and showed them where they were going to sleep.

"Gals, Williams and I will be staying within the same quarters as the 141 as I have already settled there and I'm too lazy to move my stuff."

"It looks like you haven't changed that much Captain," laughed Daniels.

"Some things rarely change Sergeant," smiled Malloy. "Settle down and take it easy. We'll meet at 7 in the rec room for anyone who wants to go have a beer down at a bar the guys told me about."

"Hell yeah!" said Allen and everyone cheered.

"Oh, and ladies? Please, no pranks 'kay?" Malloy said looking mostly at Red.

"Why are you looking at me? I never do anything!" smiled Red.

"We have to practice on your lying Alex 'cause you suck at it," said Williams as they laughed.

As they were walking back to their quarters so that Williams could settle down, Malloy turned to MacTavish and Ghost and told them, "You and your team are welcome to come you know so that we could bond and stuff.

"Great, I'll ask them if they want to come. We'll meet you there," MacTavish smiled punching her playfully on the arm as they separated ways.

"What was that?" asked Williams smiling as they walked into the room.

"What was what?" asked Malloy confused.

"Come on girl don't give me that. The way he looked at you all soft and body contact. Is there something goin' on between you?"

"Charlene he's the fuckin' Captain you know how dumb that sounds? Besides, I punched his arm as a joke once it didn't mean anything."

"Mhmm," she said looking at her smiling. "Give it some time."

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Quick Author's Note: We finally met some of the E.T.F. and discovered a bit of Malloy's family :) I appreciate every comment, vote, and read. My only purpose is to entertain you, comrades! 

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