They turned and found Jared Chase walking up to them, his short, vibrant red hair clashing with his pale skin. He'd become a good friend of hers, and a person she often used for demonstrations in the gym. His skill rivaled hers. But she could still beat him. He would joke and say he let her, but she knew better.

"No. I can't ask you to do that," Kara refused, shaking her head. She wasn't going to put his life in danger just for her. Besides, he had his own mother to get back to who was in a nursing home in Alberta.

"Tough. I'm going," he said, resting his machete on his shoulder in his all too familiar cocky pose.

"What about your mom?"

"She's in a safe zone. She'll be fine. I can see her once I know that you're safely with yours."

"Go home to your mom, Jared. I'll be fine." He was a good soldier and a loyal friend, but she had to go through a hot spot, and she wouldn't be able to live with herself if he got killed because of her.

"Take him with you, Lieutenant. That's an order," Colonel Anderson said.

Kara narrowed her eyes and shot the Colonel a look as she squared her shoulders to fight back, but the Colonel wouldn't have it. He put a hand on each shoulder, giving her a look of his own. "You are like family to me. I need to know you are in good hands."

That's the problem. She didn't want to be in his hands. What would her husband think if she spent time alone with him? When you spent so much time away from home, working closely with your unit, you develop close relationships. Sometimes too close and it's hard to stay strong, but she did.

"If you want me to take someone, I will. Just let me pick," she pleaded. "I'll take Sarah or Tammy."

Jared eyed her curiously, clueless as to the thoughts going through her mind. "Are you scared of me, Kara?"

She let out a nervous laugh. "Scared? Me? I pinned you three times during our last sparing session."

"Then what's the problem?" he asked.

Her husband, Shawn, didn't take kindly to her being escorted by unmarried men. She knew if Jared came along, he would assume something happened like he did every time. That's why when her mission here was over, she was going to quit and spend more time at home. Her 4 year old daughter, Selena, could never understand why she had to go away all the time. It tore at her heart every time she had to leave her.

"Fine. Let's go," she growled as she stomped over to where her bag was sitting by the wall. Two against one—the odds were never in her favor. She spun in the direction of her room and was about to leave when she heard the colonel speak again.

"Kara, catch!"

Spinning around, she had just enough time to see a set of keys flying in her direction. She snatched them out of the air and glanced at the fob. "This is your Hummer."

"You'll need it where you're going."

"Colonel, I can't take this."

"Did anyone ever tell you that you like to argue?" Jared said, taking the keys out of her hand. "I'll take good care of it, sir."

Kara shifted her backpack into a more comfortable position and walked off. The last thing she wanted was to be responsible for her superior's car. He was going to expect it back. She also hated driving anyone else's car, it filled her with anxiety.

A few of her cabin mates passed her along the way, sending her their well wishes. They all had their own plans. Some were continuing on with the team. Others were going in search of their own families, but she was the only one left with family in the British Columbia.

Pulling out her cell phone, she tried to call again. But it wouldn't even dial, letting her know that there was still no service. What good was technology if they couldn't even keep it going when you needed it most? She tossed it on the bed and grabbed everything of importance. Reaching over, she carefully removed a picture that was clipped to the canvas beside her bed. Her heart clenched as she brought the picture of her husband and daughter close to her chest, tears burning in her eyes. Selena had to be okay.

Soon, a head poked between the thick canvas curtains at the opening of the women's tent. "Ready?" Jared asked.

Kara quickly wiped the tears away and gathered her composure, carefully putting the picture in the front pocket of her army green attire. "Yes."

"Okay, let's go."