[color=lightgray]Though they drank, none of the Steel Tigers had over-did it knowing that, unless stated otherwise, they were supposed to be combat ready 24/7 though through proper rotation no one squad was over-worked. The worst offender in their little party had to be Kiana, who had insisted that Alex piggyback her to their barracks. The other members of the Steel Tigers had dispersed elsewhere leaving the two alone to walk back.

Alex sighed as his hunched form lugged his squad-mate along [color=ed145b]"I can't believe I'm doing this..."[/color] he lamented. The look in his eyes clearly told he was less than enjoying this.

Kiana giggled with her arms loosely around his neck [color=39b54a]"You shouldn't complain getting to carry such a woman like myself. Make sure you watch those hands."[/color] A short laugh came after her slightly slurred words.

He just kept looking forward, rolling his eyes at such a prideful comment [color=ed145b]"A woman who needs to be carried after a few drinks? You're right, I should be honored."[/color] The sarcasm couldn't be any clearer.

Smith could feel the pressure around his neck get a little tighter [color=39b54a]"Now you're getting it. I am so thoughtful, aren't I?"[/color]she shamelessly exclaimed.

It was a good thing there were no other people nearby or he would have dropped her like a rock right there [color=ed145b]"So full of shit more like. Do you talk to yourself in the morning like that?"[/color] He asked getting a little frustrated.

[color=39b54a]"Are you saying you don't? What better way to start you day than some self-motivation?"[/color] Her voice was a little too excitable that time.

A few moments of silence passed [color=ed145b]"You're messing with me."[/color]

[color=39b54a]"Oh totally."[/color] A quick response came.

Alex grunted stopping in his tracks [color=ed145b]"Alright off."[/color] he bluntly stated dropping his hands from holding her up.

Kiana hung on his neck for an extra second before she dropped to the ground with a over-acted pout, walking up to his side [color=39b54a]"Aww but we're almost there..."[/color]

Alex did not seem amused in the least [color=ed145b]"I think you're fine to walk the rest of the way."[/color] He started walking towards the barracks once more.

Kiana rushed to keep up with him [color=39b54a]"Alex, you've been part of this team for a month now and I have never once seen you let loose."[/color] It finally came out then.

He didn't stop walking [color=ed145b]"I'll let loose when Earth is safe."[/color] was his answer. How could he waste time on frivolous things when such a dangerous threat is facing them capable of wiping humanity out?

She was not about to let this side [color=39b54a]"We are a team Alex. You alone can't win this war. Keeping yourself so stressed isn't going to help anyone."[/color] Kiana was much more firm in her approach.

Those words were not what he wanted to hear [color=ed145b]"Messing around won't either. Look, what would make you drop this?"[/color]

A far too devilish grin filled her cheeks [color=39b54a]"You know, start hanging out with us off-mission. Nobody says you gotta be friends with everyone just get to know them."
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Finally they reached their barrack's door [color=ed145b]"Why would I want to do that?"[/color] He asked coldly opening the door.

Kiana replied as she rushed past him [color=39b54a]"Cause you're the rookie of the group and I will keep my mouth shut about how badly I kicked your ass."[/color] The disturbingly nice smile almost concealed the threat.

Alex gritted his teeth as he walked over towards his bed [color=ed145b]"Blackmail huh?"[/color] He sighed [color=ed145b]"You are one sneaky bitch."[/color] He flat out said to her.

The cheek grin as he turned around to look at her told him she seemed quite proud of it [color=39b54a]"You would've known that if you spent time out of the range. That's why you don't cross me. I knew we'd understand each other."[/color] The energy in her voice really hid her deceitfulness. 

There was a digital board within every barracks that displayed the current deployment status for all squads in North America. Due to the low alien activity, All of the NA's bases currently displayed 'on standby', displayed in green,  which was the default setting. However a small electronic noise emitted from the machine, a notification that it was updating, when the status by the special unit 'Artic Wolves' switched to an orange 'Mission Prep'. Alex knew they're getting called because everyone in the squad receives a notice before the board updates.

Kiana stepped over to the board, seemingly curious about something. A finger tapped the Artic Wolves tab on the board, and a list of current members displayed [color=39b54a]"I see they finally cleared her. No rest for the wicked as they say."[/color]

There was no point in asking who she was referring to, Alex already knew. He heard a few soldiers within XCOM talk about the woman, not in the flattering way either. She might not be military, but she survived first contact, abduction, and a crash. That was enough for him to consider her XCOM already [color=ed145b]"Mission Vector?"[/color] he asked ignoring for the moment his grief with her.

A few more taps on the screen [color=39b54a]"Are you concerned?"[/color] she teased him, the serious of his eyes stopped her from contiuning further [color=39b54a]"A ice sheet in north-east Canada."[/color]


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