As they walked down the streets, Scarlett noted the lonely, almost sad look on Snake-Eyes' face. She
wondered what could be troubling him so. She decided to try break the ice. "By the way, Snake-Eyes, I
hope you didn't mind getting thrown around this afternoon."
"Snake-Eyes shrugged. "Don't worry about it, Miss Scarlett. Anyway, I'm glad I didn't hit you too
hard..."
Scarlett laughed. "Actually, I knew you were faking it. You didn't have to pretend to be an amateur."
"How did you know-"
"I'm a qualified martials arts instructress, remember?" Scarlett said lightly. "You've great hand
to hand combat skills. I daresay you're far better than me.Where did you learn?"
Snake-Eyes was impressed. Very few people can do that. The fact that Scarlett sensed his martial talents
hinted at her own skills in the martial arts. He considered her question carefully, mindful of his
oath to his senseis-his mentors-. "Well,I did spend some time in Japan six years ago. I looked up an old
friend and he convinced his family to train me."
"I see. Can you tell me which school you went to? I'd
really like to learn and-"
"Sorry." he shook his head, mindful of a stab of
pain in his heart as he said so. Somehow, it just felt so wrong to refuse her. Again, he wondered why. "I'm
sorry...I'm not really allowed to elaborate. I gave my word."
Scarlett nodded. She didn't want to press if he didn't feel like opening up to her yet. No sense rushing things, she knew, knowing as well that she was lucky
he agreed to have her along. She tried another tack. "By the way, how come you didn't go with the other
guys this enough?"
"I wouldn't fit in," he said simply. Snake-Eyes notee he found it easier to open up to her. "Besides, I-I'm not really a city slicker."
Scarlett noted his lonely tone of voice. "Where are you from? I admit New York can be a bit too metropolitan." She added, "But I got used to in a
few weeks since I transferred from California."
Snake-Eyes smiled. "I know what you mean. Actually, I'm just a guy from a small town in Virginia." his tone become wistful. "It's been a long time since
I've been there. Apart from Stalker, I don't have anyreal friends in the team yet."
"I can be your friend if you want," Scarlett offered gently, her voice warm with kindness.
"I-I'd like that," Snake-Eyes said simply. Strangely enough, he knew he meant it. He gazed at Scarlett, as if really seeing her for the first time. She was
superbly beautiful, of course, he knew that. Yet there was some thing else about her. He sensed her kindness,
her warmth & generousity, as well as her sense of humor.She really wanted to befriend him. 'How like Terri', he thought.
Then it struck him. No wonder he felt attatched to her. She reminded him of his dear sister.He decided
to take a chance.It wouldn't be so wrong to have a friend, would it? After all, fate can't be that cold,
that cruel toward him. Can it? He shook off his doubts. "Tell me, Scarlett..would you like to have dinner with me? We can take the ferry
to Manhattan."
"Why, I'd like that," Scarlett smiled.
They reached the docks on time as the Staten Island Ferry was about to embark. Snake-Eyes paid the fare,
and they found a relatively quiet spot on the lower deck to themselves. It was a clear, star-filled night with a full
moon.The speakers softly played music. Snake-Eyes and Scarlett stood at the railing, contemplating the quiet scene.
"It's such a peaceful evening," Scarlett noted. She turned to Snake-Eyes. "I'm glad we can be friends. I was really intrigued by you back at the Pit. There's
something so different about you..."
"I'm nobody special." Snake-Eyes shook his head. "You know, Scarlett...I like you. You remind me of my sister..."
"I what?!" Scarlett said, a touch of annoyance, even indignation in her voice. Miffed, she turned her back
to him and crossed her arms. "For your information, mister, I'm NOT your sister! If you think for one minute that I'm gonna play substitute for somebody
you miss a lot, you've got another-" 'And I really thought he liked me! Guess I was wrong.' she thought
disappointedly, even sadly. because, in her heart of hearts, Scarlett really wanted to be more than just
his friend."
"No, of course not, Scarlett...sorry." Snake-Eyes said sadly, his voice cracking faintly.
Scarlett whirled, her anger forgotten upon hearing the utter grief in Snake-Eyes' voice. Snake-Eyes continued, almost to himself: "It's just
that you've so much of her traits. I know she can't really be replaced...Just as I know I'll never see her
again."
"W-what happened to your sister?" Scarlett asked, her previous anger fading as she saw whatSnake-Eyes was
going through.
"S-she was killed...along with my parents the day I arrived home from Viet Nam, they were killed in acar crash while on their way to pick me up at the
airport."
"My God..." Scarlett whispered, suddenly feeling ashamed she had lost her temper earlier. "I-I didn't know..I-I.." she didn't know what else to say,
except, "I-I'm so sorry. Forgive me."
"Don't worry, Scarlett. I-I'm not angry at you. It's just that being with you reminded me so much of her.
I used to carry a snapshot of her during my 2 tours of duty...funny, I always believed that as long as that photo was intact, I'd be safe." He turned to look at
her, unconsciously, he took hold of her hand. She didn't mind. "It should've meant she would be safe."
'How does he do it?' Scarlett wondered. 'He's served in a vicious war, lost his family, has no friends-no
real friends...how can he remain so calm, so accepting of his fate.?'
It was then she knew, simply knew in her heart of hearts, that this was her proper role this evening:to offer solace and comfort to the man before her. To
be the real friend wanted-no, to be the friend heNEEDED right now.
"I hope we can still be friends, Scarlett," Snake-Eyes said softly then.
"Yes, so would I," Scarlett replied gently. "By the way, my real name's Shana."
"You can call me John." he said with a smile.
Scarlett wished that moment would never end.
* * * * * * * * *
The Staten Island Ferry-Present Day:
"Penny for your thoughts, John." Scarlett said softly.
Snake-Eyes started, a rare thing. He gathered up his thoughts and focused on the present. "What is it ,
Shana?" he signalled.
Scarlett smiled. "You seemed so lost in thought,pal. Is anything the matter?" loving concern colored her
voice.
Snake-Eyes shook his head and smiled. "Actually, I was thinking about the first time we met. He placed a
hand to her face, traced his fingers down her smooth cheek. He loved so much, and felt so fortunate she
could love and accept him for who he is all these years...
"I don't think I've told you this, Shana, but I'm really glad you've been my friend all these years. Thanks for being there for me when I needed a
friend."
Scarlett blushed lightly at the compliment."I'm glad I got to know you, too, John. I hope that whatever
happens, we'll always be friends."
* * * * * * * * *
Jinx was finishing up the last report on her desk- a recommendation to Hawk on which Joes to send over to
Belgium to join the NATO Special Forces excersices for
this year-when she heard a light knock on her door. "Come in," she said.
Scarlett entered. "Hi, Jinx," she said lightly as she came in. "hope we didn't keep you waiting long."
"I hadn't noticed the time," the Ninja replied. She noted the spring in her best friend's steps. "I take
it you two had a great time," she observed with a smile, glad to see Scarlett look at ease and
relaxed. After her last mission, she deserved it.
Scarlett nodded. "Yeah we sure did. Snake-Eyes and me also took a little trip down memory lane." She went
over to her best friend.
"I'm glad you had a good time," Jinx said.
Scarlett noted her exec was still at work. "Want some help with that?"
"No, thanks. I'm almost done anyway." Jinx said lightly.
"Good," Scarlett said with a twinkle in her eye. "Snake-Eyes was worried you'd still be up." she
glanced at her watch. "It is past your bedtime, young lady."
"Oh, c'mon, Sis!" Jinx laughed. Still, she understood. "Snake-Eyes is a good friend."
"Yes, he cartainly is," affirmed Scarlett. "The two of us are lucky we got to know him," she added with a
smile."
Jinx nodded. "I know what you mean."
~End~
*DD201-US Army Personnel File.
**LRRP-Long Range Recon Patrol: elite US Army Airborne
Rangers trained to operate behind enemy lines. Capable
of mounting hit & run raids, gather tactical
intelligence, and ambushes.