Reese and Casteel exchanged glances at the news of the … News.  Then Reese stepped over to another Marine and asked him to take over to deal with the News.  Once more the gunnery sergeant faded.  

Duncan growled in frustration.  “I hate having my picture taken and I suck in in videos.  But when someone wants to say thank you for things like this, you don’t turn your back on them.  I just hope they don’t bring up why I was at the hospital.  Gunny, I’ll try to handle the Press.  Work?”

Reese nodded.  “Things are better for everyone if Casteel and I stay off camera.”

“Understood.”  Duncan didn’t need to ask questions.  His imagination filled in the gaps.  Reese was a trained sniper.  The man had taught him to shoot - though hardly as well.  Casteel was likely much the same.  Odds were they worked counterterrorism.  The last thing they needed was publicity.

And that was exactly how it worked.  Duncan spoke briefly with the Press, giving them a Time Out signal.  They nodded as he worked with them.  He made it very plain he’d simply walk out if they crossed the line.  His mother stepped forward and told them she would have Security toss them out on their butts.  But if they behaved, she would also work with them.  The real surprise was the wounded vet who told them he didn’t care much for being some poster boy, but he’d play nice enough if they did.

Casey was a sweet 8 year old now - and in remission.  She was a natural in front of the cameras.  She introduced the Press to ‘Duncan Bear.’  Duncan was blushing furiously, but used some of his theatrical training and swaggered a little before proclaiming in his best (lousy) Marlon Brando imitation that he was godfather to a teddy bear.  There was a brief scene of Casey blowing out a candle on a cupcake to celebrate another year of life.

Then everyone took a step back while the cameras focused on the other story which was the wounded vet donating the teddy bear he had in his box to another child.  It was surprisingly transformative - both for the child and the vet.  All it took was a hug.  Of course questions like “does it hurt” from the kid didn’t hurt a bit.  The Marine was completely honest about it.  Then he developed a sort of fatherly attitude and consoled the kid.

Duncan bade the Marines a farewell to get Isla out of there early.  Once back at the car he waited patiently for Isla.  Once she was in he spoke, this time a bit less rushed.  “Again sorry.  Busy life.  But I couldn’t see you taking the bus.  So … I have no idea what sort of things interest you.  Albuquerque must be pretty boring after living in Europe.  London area?  I lived in Ankara, Turkey about 6 years ago.  My stepfather was military.  That why it is so easy for me to just jump into a conversation.  As a military brat, moving around all the time, you learn to meet people fast.  But you try not to get too close because you’ll just have to move again in a couple years.”