Categories > Movies > Newsies > Times Like These
"It's starting. . ." Sage said softly, leaning back into the couch, her hands over her swelling stomach. Eve Meyers slipped her hand into one of Sage's, the other arm holding a tiny baby boy. Katie Higgins, Rachel Conlon and Crystal immediately stopped their conversation and turned to the television. Liz Donnen picked up the remote and turned up the volume. Hope Masters leaned against the wall, an unlit cigarette in her hand.
"My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger."
The words of President Bush cut like glass through the seven women's hearts. They were crowded in front of the small television in Sage's living room, desperate to hear about their husbands and fiances, all of whom were overseas with the military in Iraq.
"Oh God. . ." Katie whispered, her voice strained. Liz put her arm around her friend reassuringly.
"To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed."
The only sound other than the voice of the president was the innocent sound of young children's laughter; completely oblivious to the danger that their fathers were in. The little ones were happily playing together. Ben, Eve's oldest child, gave up on the game and came to his mother's side.
"Mami, why are you crying?" he asked, looking up at her, his big hazel eyes full of concern. "Papi said I couldn't let you cry. . ." he said firmly, trying to impersonate his father's voice. Eve couldn't help but smile at him. Upon seeing her happy, he returned to the other children, a triumphant grin on his face.
"I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people. And you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done."
Hope scoffed at this.
"You're damn right we're praying for them to come home..." she said, finally lighting the cigarette.
"Do you think he understands what it's like for us?" Katie asked, picking up her three week old baby, who had been sleeping in the stroller next to the couch.
Crystal also had tears in her eyes, this was completely new for her, she'd been engaged for about a month when he was shipped out. She leaned against Rachel, her tears flowing swiftly. Rachel was simply staring at the screen in numbed shock.
"My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others and we will prevail. May God bless our country and all who defend her."
The growing baby within Sage's body kicked hard as Bush spoke his last words. Sage bit back her tears, trying to be strong. Unlike the other girls, her husband, Captain Jack Kelly, had been deployed before. Everyone relied on Sage for strength- strength which every day became more difficult to provide. After her short conversation with Jack, she had been desolate. The first time had been easier; she didn't have three children to take care of, reminding her of him and making her miss him even more.
"They'll be okay." Sage said, as much to convince herself as the others in the room. Tears stung her emerald eyes and she forced a smile. "We need to stick together girls. Anything anyone needs," she looked around the room; most of the girls there young mothers and wives, "we take care of as a group. There's no need to worry the guys about small stuff." Part of her hoped he'd heard what she said and part hoped he didn't so it wouldn't distract him from what he had to do.
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Captain Jack Kelly sat by himself, staring at his hands. His talk with his wife had both exhilarated him and made him long even more for her company. Their conversation played over and over again in his head. "Jack I'm-" and then the line dying. She's what? Is there something wrong? Why didn't I just listen? He said a quick prayer for her and for their three children, Kaitlyn, Faith and Connor, before standing up and going off to find some of his friends.
Tyler "Mush" Meyers and Aiden "Spot" Conlon were embroiled in a passionate discussion as Jack sat down with them to eat his dinner.
"Fellas, what's wrong?" he asked them calmly. Spot glared at Jack.
"Some reporter's coming with us on the mission. . ." Mush answered, his voice full of disdain.
"He's just gonna get in the way..." Spot said icily. "Plus, I don't want Rachel seeing me here... maybe seeing too much for her own good... I mean... the press is gonna show casualties." Spot sighed. His wife was always on his mind. He hadn't spoken to her in months, and her last letter had come three weeks earlier. He was desperate for word from her and their young boys, Sean and Patrick.
The mention of Denton drew Jack's mind away from the present. Sage's face swam before him, her words on that phone haunting him. He got up from the table where the two sat. "Don't worry about Denton. . . he might be useful to us. . ."
"Jack, is it true that you talked to Sage?" Mush asked, his voice cracking. Jack nodded. "God I wish I could talk to Eve. . ." Mush said. He thought of his three children, four year old Ben, Milagros, age two, and tiny Phillip, who was only a few days old when he left. He closed his eyes to keep tears from falling.
"I'll see what I can do," Jack said, placing a hand on Mush's shoulder.
Lt. Alex "Blink" McBride dropped down beside Mush. They'd all been together in the same unit for a long time. "Hey fellas." He forced a smile then sighed when the other two didn't return it. "Thinking bout the girls? What I wouldn't give to talk to Liz. . ." He then looked up at Jack. "Any word from my sister?" he asked softly. Jack nodded. The two had become friends during their basic training, and Blink is the reason that Jack met his future wife. Sage, Blink's sister, came for a visit, and from then on the two were inseperable.
Justin "Skittery" Coulter frowned as he nodded. "The President just gave his speech. That means they know." He toyed with the small golden Star of David around his neck, Crystal, his fiancÉ, had given it to him just before he left. "Crystal's gotta be freaked."
Staff Sgt. Thomas "Guv" Masters lit a cigarette, taking a long drag to steady his nerves. He'd only been married to Hope for two years and he missed her and their year old daughter terribly.
Anthony "Racetrack" Higgins sighed heavily. "I wonder how they're taking it. . ." He smiled sadly, thinking of his gorgeous wife Katie. She had been pregnant when he left, and was due just after her last letter arrived. He was unaware that she had given birth to a healthy baby girl three weeks earlier.
"You heard anything from Katie?" Blink asked. "Wasn't she due recently?" Race nodded.
"Nothin'. I'm dying to know. . ."
"Keep your fingers crossed fellas and you might talk to your wives within the next few days. . ." Jack said softly, not wanting everyone to hear him. This declaration provoked both confusion and ecstatic happiness. Jack was finally able to smile. Thinking of home, no matter how much it hurt the men, helped them to go on doing their jobs, protecting the loved ones and the country they so adored. "Now pack up we're moving out in an hour. . . ." Jack added, his tone authoritative. He pushed Sage from his mind for the moment, forcing himself to focus on the mission at hand. Find a way to Baghdad safely.
TLT Sountrack song:War - Frank Sinatra
"It's starting. . ." Sage said softly, leaning back into the couch, her hands over her swelling stomach. Eve Meyers slipped her hand into one of Sage's, the other arm holding a tiny baby boy. Katie Higgins, Rachel Conlon and Crystal immediately stopped their conversation and turned to the television. Liz Donnen picked up the remote and turned up the volume. Hope Masters leaned against the wall, an unlit cigarette in her hand.
"My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger."
The words of President Bush cut like glass through the seven women's hearts. They were crowded in front of the small television in Sage's living room, desperate to hear about their husbands and fiances, all of whom were overseas with the military in Iraq.
"Oh God. . ." Katie whispered, her voice strained. Liz put her arm around her friend reassuringly.
"To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed."
The only sound other than the voice of the president was the innocent sound of young children's laughter; completely oblivious to the danger that their fathers were in. The little ones were happily playing together. Ben, Eve's oldest child, gave up on the game and came to his mother's side.
"Mami, why are you crying?" he asked, looking up at her, his big hazel eyes full of concern. "Papi said I couldn't let you cry. . ." he said firmly, trying to impersonate his father's voice. Eve couldn't help but smile at him. Upon seeing her happy, he returned to the other children, a triumphant grin on his face.
"I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people. And you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done."
Hope scoffed at this.
"You're damn right we're praying for them to come home..." she said, finally lighting the cigarette.
"Do you think he understands what it's like for us?" Katie asked, picking up her three week old baby, who had been sleeping in the stroller next to the couch.
Crystal also had tears in her eyes, this was completely new for her, she'd been engaged for about a month when he was shipped out. She leaned against Rachel, her tears flowing swiftly. Rachel was simply staring at the screen in numbed shock.
"My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others and we will prevail. May God bless our country and all who defend her."
The growing baby within Sage's body kicked hard as Bush spoke his last words. Sage bit back her tears, trying to be strong. Unlike the other girls, her husband, Captain Jack Kelly, had been deployed before. Everyone relied on Sage for strength- strength which every day became more difficult to provide. After her short conversation with Jack, she had been desolate. The first time had been easier; she didn't have three children to take care of, reminding her of him and making her miss him even more.
"They'll be okay." Sage said, as much to convince herself as the others in the room. Tears stung her emerald eyes and she forced a smile. "We need to stick together girls. Anything anyone needs," she looked around the room; most of the girls there young mothers and wives, "we take care of as a group. There's no need to worry the guys about small stuff." Part of her hoped he'd heard what she said and part hoped he didn't so it wouldn't distract him from what he had to do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain Jack Kelly sat by himself, staring at his hands. His talk with his wife had both exhilarated him and made him long even more for her company. Their conversation played over and over again in his head. "Jack I'm-" and then the line dying. She's what? Is there something wrong? Why didn't I just listen? He said a quick prayer for her and for their three children, Kaitlyn, Faith and Connor, before standing up and going off to find some of his friends.
Tyler "Mush" Meyers and Aiden "Spot" Conlon were embroiled in a passionate discussion as Jack sat down with them to eat his dinner.
"Fellas, what's wrong?" he asked them calmly. Spot glared at Jack.
"Some reporter's coming with us on the mission. . ." Mush answered, his voice full of disdain.
"He's just gonna get in the way..." Spot said icily. "Plus, I don't want Rachel seeing me here... maybe seeing too much for her own good... I mean... the press is gonna show casualties." Spot sighed. His wife was always on his mind. He hadn't spoken to her in months, and her last letter had come three weeks earlier. He was desperate for word from her and their young boys, Sean and Patrick.
The mention of Denton drew Jack's mind away from the present. Sage's face swam before him, her words on that phone haunting him. He got up from the table where the two sat. "Don't worry about Denton. . . he might be useful to us. . ."
"Jack, is it true that you talked to Sage?" Mush asked, his voice cracking. Jack nodded. "God I wish I could talk to Eve. . ." Mush said. He thought of his three children, four year old Ben, Milagros, age two, and tiny Phillip, who was only a few days old when he left. He closed his eyes to keep tears from falling.
"I'll see what I can do," Jack said, placing a hand on Mush's shoulder.
Lt. Alex "Blink" McBride dropped down beside Mush. They'd all been together in the same unit for a long time. "Hey fellas." He forced a smile then sighed when the other two didn't return it. "Thinking bout the girls? What I wouldn't give to talk to Liz. . ." He then looked up at Jack. "Any word from my sister?" he asked softly. Jack nodded. The two had become friends during their basic training, and Blink is the reason that Jack met his future wife. Sage, Blink's sister, came for a visit, and from then on the two were inseperable.
Justin "Skittery" Coulter frowned as he nodded. "The President just gave his speech. That means they know." He toyed with the small golden Star of David around his neck, Crystal, his fiancÉ, had given it to him just before he left. "Crystal's gotta be freaked."
Staff Sgt. Thomas "Guv" Masters lit a cigarette, taking a long drag to steady his nerves. He'd only been married to Hope for two years and he missed her and their year old daughter terribly.
Anthony "Racetrack" Higgins sighed heavily. "I wonder how they're taking it. . ." He smiled sadly, thinking of his gorgeous wife Katie. She had been pregnant when he left, and was due just after her last letter arrived. He was unaware that she had given birth to a healthy baby girl three weeks earlier.
"You heard anything from Katie?" Blink asked. "Wasn't she due recently?" Race nodded.
"Nothin'. I'm dying to know. . ."
"Keep your fingers crossed fellas and you might talk to your wives within the next few days. . ." Jack said softly, not wanting everyone to hear him. This declaration provoked both confusion and ecstatic happiness. Jack was finally able to smile. Thinking of home, no matter how much it hurt the men, helped them to go on doing their jobs, protecting the loved ones and the country they so adored. "Now pack up we're moving out in an hour. . . ." Jack added, his tone authoritative. He pushed Sage from his mind for the moment, forcing himself to focus on the mission at hand. Find a way to Baghdad safely.
"My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger."
The words of President Bush cut like glass through the seven women's hearts. They were crowded in front of the small television in Sage's living room, desperate to hear about their husbands and fiances, all of whom were overseas with the military in Iraq.
"Oh God. . ." Katie whispered, her voice strained. Liz put her arm around her friend reassuringly.
"To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed."
The only sound other than the voice of the president was the innocent sound of young children's laughter; completely oblivious to the danger that their fathers were in. The little ones were happily playing together. Ben, Eve's oldest child, gave up on the game and came to his mother's side.
"Mami, why are you crying?" he asked, looking up at her, his big hazel eyes full of concern. "Papi said I couldn't let you cry. . ." he said firmly, trying to impersonate his father's voice. Eve couldn't help but smile at him. Upon seeing her happy, he returned to the other children, a triumphant grin on his face.
"I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people. And you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done."
Hope scoffed at this.
"You're damn right we're praying for them to come home..." she said, finally lighting the cigarette.
"Do you think he understands what it's like for us?" Katie asked, picking up her three week old baby, who had been sleeping in the stroller next to the couch.
Crystal also had tears in her eyes, this was completely new for her, she'd been engaged for about a month when he was shipped out. She leaned against Rachel, her tears flowing swiftly. Rachel was simply staring at the screen in numbed shock.
"My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others and we will prevail. May God bless our country and all who defend her."
The growing baby within Sage's body kicked hard as Bush spoke his last words. Sage bit back her tears, trying to be strong. Unlike the other girls, her husband, Captain Jack Kelly, had been deployed before. Everyone relied on Sage for strength- strength which every day became more difficult to provide. After her short conversation with Jack, she had been desolate. The first time had been easier; she didn't have three children to take care of, reminding her of him and making her miss him even more.
"They'll be okay." Sage said, as much to convince herself as the others in the room. Tears stung her emerald eyes and she forced a smile. "We need to stick together girls. Anything anyone needs," she looked around the room; most of the girls there young mothers and wives, "we take care of as a group. There's no need to worry the guys about small stuff." Part of her hoped he'd heard what she said and part hoped he didn't so it wouldn't distract him from what he had to do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain Jack Kelly sat by himself, staring at his hands. His talk with his wife had both exhilarated him and made him long even more for her company. Their conversation played over and over again in his head. "Jack I'm-" and then the line dying. She's what? Is there something wrong? Why didn't I just listen? He said a quick prayer for her and for their three children, Kaitlyn, Faith and Connor, before standing up and going off to find some of his friends.
Tyler "Mush" Meyers and Aiden "Spot" Conlon were embroiled in a passionate discussion as Jack sat down with them to eat his dinner.
"Fellas, what's wrong?" he asked them calmly. Spot glared at Jack.
"Some reporter's coming with us on the mission. . ." Mush answered, his voice full of disdain.
"He's just gonna get in the way..." Spot said icily. "Plus, I don't want Rachel seeing me here... maybe seeing too much for her own good... I mean... the press is gonna show casualties." Spot sighed. His wife was always on his mind. He hadn't spoken to her in months, and her last letter had come three weeks earlier. He was desperate for word from her and their young boys, Sean and Patrick.
The mention of Denton drew Jack's mind away from the present. Sage's face swam before him, her words on that phone haunting him. He got up from the table where the two sat. "Don't worry about Denton. . . he might be useful to us. . ."
"Jack, is it true that you talked to Sage?" Mush asked, his voice cracking. Jack nodded. "God I wish I could talk to Eve. . ." Mush said. He thought of his three children, four year old Ben, Milagros, age two, and tiny Phillip, who was only a few days old when he left. He closed his eyes to keep tears from falling.
"I'll see what I can do," Jack said, placing a hand on Mush's shoulder.
Lt. Alex "Blink" McBride dropped down beside Mush. They'd all been together in the same unit for a long time. "Hey fellas." He forced a smile then sighed when the other two didn't return it. "Thinking bout the girls? What I wouldn't give to talk to Liz. . ." He then looked up at Jack. "Any word from my sister?" he asked softly. Jack nodded. The two had become friends during their basic training, and Blink is the reason that Jack met his future wife. Sage, Blink's sister, came for a visit, and from then on the two were inseperable.
Justin "Skittery" Coulter frowned as he nodded. "The President just gave his speech. That means they know." He toyed with the small golden Star of David around his neck, Crystal, his fiancÉ, had given it to him just before he left. "Crystal's gotta be freaked."
Staff Sgt. Thomas "Guv" Masters lit a cigarette, taking a long drag to steady his nerves. He'd only been married to Hope for two years and he missed her and their year old daughter terribly.
Anthony "Racetrack" Higgins sighed heavily. "I wonder how they're taking it. . ." He smiled sadly, thinking of his gorgeous wife Katie. She had been pregnant when he left, and was due just after her last letter arrived. He was unaware that she had given birth to a healthy baby girl three weeks earlier.
"You heard anything from Katie?" Blink asked. "Wasn't she due recently?" Race nodded.
"Nothin'. I'm dying to know. . ."
"Keep your fingers crossed fellas and you might talk to your wives within the next few days. . ." Jack said softly, not wanting everyone to hear him. This declaration provoked both confusion and ecstatic happiness. Jack was finally able to smile. Thinking of home, no matter how much it hurt the men, helped them to go on doing their jobs, protecting the loved ones and the country they so adored. "Now pack up we're moving out in an hour. . . ." Jack added, his tone authoritative. He pushed Sage from his mind for the moment, forcing himself to focus on the mission at hand. Find a way to Baghdad safely.
TLT Sountrack song:War - Frank Sinatra
"It's starting. . ." Sage said softly, leaning back into the couch, her hands over her swelling stomach. Eve Meyers slipped her hand into one of Sage's, the other arm holding a tiny baby boy. Katie Higgins, Rachel Conlon and Crystal immediately stopped their conversation and turned to the television. Liz Donnen picked up the remote and turned up the volume. Hope Masters leaned against the wall, an unlit cigarette in her hand.
"My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger."
The words of President Bush cut like glass through the seven women's hearts. They were crowded in front of the small television in Sage's living room, desperate to hear about their husbands and fiances, all of whom were overseas with the military in Iraq.
"Oh God. . ." Katie whispered, her voice strained. Liz put her arm around her friend reassuringly.
"To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed."
The only sound other than the voice of the president was the innocent sound of young children's laughter; completely oblivious to the danger that their fathers were in. The little ones were happily playing together. Ben, Eve's oldest child, gave up on the game and came to his mother's side.
"Mami, why are you crying?" he asked, looking up at her, his big hazel eyes full of concern. "Papi said I couldn't let you cry. . ." he said firmly, trying to impersonate his father's voice. Eve couldn't help but smile at him. Upon seeing her happy, he returned to the other children, a triumphant grin on his face.
"I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people. And you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done."
Hope scoffed at this.
"You're damn right we're praying for them to come home..." she said, finally lighting the cigarette.
"Do you think he understands what it's like for us?" Katie asked, picking up her three week old baby, who had been sleeping in the stroller next to the couch.
Crystal also had tears in her eyes, this was completely new for her, she'd been engaged for about a month when he was shipped out. She leaned against Rachel, her tears flowing swiftly. Rachel was simply staring at the screen in numbed shock.
"My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others and we will prevail. May God bless our country and all who defend her."
The growing baby within Sage's body kicked hard as Bush spoke his last words. Sage bit back her tears, trying to be strong. Unlike the other girls, her husband, Captain Jack Kelly, had been deployed before. Everyone relied on Sage for strength- strength which every day became more difficult to provide. After her short conversation with Jack, she had been desolate. The first time had been easier; she didn't have three children to take care of, reminding her of him and making her miss him even more.
"They'll be okay." Sage said, as much to convince herself as the others in the room. Tears stung her emerald eyes and she forced a smile. "We need to stick together girls. Anything anyone needs," she looked around the room; most of the girls there young mothers and wives, "we take care of as a group. There's no need to worry the guys about small stuff." Part of her hoped he'd heard what she said and part hoped he didn't so it wouldn't distract him from what he had to do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain Jack Kelly sat by himself, staring at his hands. His talk with his wife had both exhilarated him and made him long even more for her company. Their conversation played over and over again in his head. "Jack I'm-" and then the line dying. She's what? Is there something wrong? Why didn't I just listen? He said a quick prayer for her and for their three children, Kaitlyn, Faith and Connor, before standing up and going off to find some of his friends.
Tyler "Mush" Meyers and Aiden "Spot" Conlon were embroiled in a passionate discussion as Jack sat down with them to eat his dinner.
"Fellas, what's wrong?" he asked them calmly. Spot glared at Jack.
"Some reporter's coming with us on the mission. . ." Mush answered, his voice full of disdain.
"He's just gonna get in the way..." Spot said icily. "Plus, I don't want Rachel seeing me here... maybe seeing too much for her own good... I mean... the press is gonna show casualties." Spot sighed. His wife was always on his mind. He hadn't spoken to her in months, and her last letter had come three weeks earlier. He was desperate for word from her and their young boys, Sean and Patrick.
The mention of Denton drew Jack's mind away from the present. Sage's face swam before him, her words on that phone haunting him. He got up from the table where the two sat. "Don't worry about Denton. . . he might be useful to us. . ."
"Jack, is it true that you talked to Sage?" Mush asked, his voice cracking. Jack nodded. "God I wish I could talk to Eve. . ." Mush said. He thought of his three children, four year old Ben, Milagros, age two, and tiny Phillip, who was only a few days old when he left. He closed his eyes to keep tears from falling.
"I'll see what I can do," Jack said, placing a hand on Mush's shoulder.
Lt. Alex "Blink" McBride dropped down beside Mush. They'd all been together in the same unit for a long time. "Hey fellas." He forced a smile then sighed when the other two didn't return it. "Thinking bout the girls? What I wouldn't give to talk to Liz. . ." He then looked up at Jack. "Any word from my sister?" he asked softly. Jack nodded. The two had become friends during their basic training, and Blink is the reason that Jack met his future wife. Sage, Blink's sister, came for a visit, and from then on the two were inseperable.
Justin "Skittery" Coulter frowned as he nodded. "The President just gave his speech. That means they know." He toyed with the small golden Star of David around his neck, Crystal, his fiancÉ, had given it to him just before he left. "Crystal's gotta be freaked."
Staff Sgt. Thomas "Guv" Masters lit a cigarette, taking a long drag to steady his nerves. He'd only been married to Hope for two years and he missed her and their year old daughter terribly.
Anthony "Racetrack" Higgins sighed heavily. "I wonder how they're taking it. . ." He smiled sadly, thinking of his gorgeous wife Katie. She had been pregnant when he left, and was due just after her last letter arrived. He was unaware that she had given birth to a healthy baby girl three weeks earlier.
"You heard anything from Katie?" Blink asked. "Wasn't she due recently?" Race nodded.
"Nothin'. I'm dying to know. . ."
"Keep your fingers crossed fellas and you might talk to your wives within the next few days. . ." Jack said softly, not wanting everyone to hear him. This declaration provoked both confusion and ecstatic happiness. Jack was finally able to smile. Thinking of home, no matter how much it hurt the men, helped them to go on doing their jobs, protecting the loved ones and the country they so adored. "Now pack up we're moving out in an hour. . . ." Jack added, his tone authoritative. He pushed Sage from his mind for the moment, forcing himself to focus on the mission at hand. Find a way to Baghdad safely.
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