Dead & Alive (Book 1): Survive Read Free Page A

Groves looked at Jack and chuckled, “All is ready Jack, whatever it is you’re doing be careful out there, remember we have our poker game Friday nights,” Johnathan said.
    Jack laughed, “Be back before you know it. “Do me a favor and give me a few moments with Frank?” Jack asked. “No problem, see you tonight,” Johnathan replied. He walked out of the room, knowing Jack wanted privacy he closed the hatch behind him.
    “Jack, I would appreciate you calling me Corporal or Sir in front of other superior officers,” Corporal Adams told Jack, Jack turned to Frank with an angry expression, “I would appreciate you, looking after the team, Frank!” Jack snapped.
    “Why, what is there a problem with them?” Frank asked. “They have all just been told their own lives are worth less than one Doctor,” Jack told Frank. Frank looked lost for words, Jack knew Frank did not mean any harm; he was just not that experienced in command, but his father was a general and used his power to help his son into command.
    “Look Frank, when it comes down to it, all we have is each other out there, we all need to know we can trust the person next to us,” Jack told him in a polite voice.
    Frank gave an awkward smile, “You should be leading this team, not me,” He told Jack.
    “You are in charge, and I have your back. Just make sure the team knows you have their backs too,” Jack replied while placing his hand on Franks shoulder.
    “I know you cannot tell me the details Jack, but you have done this kind of mission before right?” Frank asked.
    Jack stepped back, “No mission is ever the same Frank, but I have been to hell before,” Jack replied. Frank tipped his head in gratitude to Jack; Frank knew Jack had a past and that his military file was sealed.
    Frank could only imagine what Jack was before he joined the Section. “Thanks Jack,” Frank said. Jack smiled, “No problem, Sir” Jack replied.
    Frank laughed, “Jack, call me Frank,” he smiled. “Come on, Frank, the team is getting something to eat and then we are prepping for our mission, come on let’s join them,” Jack replied.
    They both laughed and left the room together to join the team.
    The team was all sitting around a table in the canteen; the table had food all over it.
    They were all laughing and telling obscene jokes to each other. Elle noticed in the hatchway, Corporal Adams and Lance Corporal was entering the room, “ATTENTION!” Elle shouted to the team.
    The Section started to stand, “NO! no, not necessary, sit down, you mind if we join you/” Frank asked. The Section looked shocked, Private Ross was the one to answer, “Of course', Sir,” he told him.
    “Thank You Michael,” Franks replied, both he and Jack sat and joined their team. There was an awkward silence until one of the team broke the silence, “Sir, are you looking forward to getting off the ship,” Private Lewis asked.
    Frank looked towards Lewis, he looked at this short blonde haired, blue eyed woman, “Frank, please call me Frank,” Frank replied.
    Jack smiled, but jumped in, “Only when we are in private, understood,” Jack told them.
    That really broke the silence and everyone laughed. Jack nudged Frank, “Nice work,” Jack whispered to him. Everyone was smiling and enjoying the meal. Frank sat there looking at his team and he smiled.
    The landing deck of the ship was empty; all personnel had been restricted to their quarters until 22:30, just inside the hanger bay the Section waited for their ride to arrive. You could see the team was nervous; they were all dressed in black uniforms.
    “OK, everyone double check your weapons and kit, I don’t want to have to turn back,” Jack told them all. “Where the hell is all the gas masks?” Bray asked.
    “We have been informed since this is non-hostile, they are not needed, so only basic supplies are to be taken,” Frank told a worried group.
    Frank looked around the team, “Everyone, I just wanted to say