I've made a few code words up to make it seem more professional. It'll make sense When you've read it.

Jonas and Mack needed to finalise the plan. The rest of the guys weren't needed and were probably doing target practise or realistically they were at the local bar. They had decided to meet at a place that people stayed away from, because it was so far from base. Rumours were that some rookies were moving survival gear when one of the guys fell backwards and sliced his arm on a benchmade military knife. He felt like he was being pushed back, but his teamate, who was helping him carry out the kit, denied everything. The knife sliced through his radial artery and his teamate nearly broke his neck running out the door to get help before the kid passed out. It was nicknamed "the bloodshack" after that. People were saying that the place was haunted and guys used to bet each that they could stay there all night, but they never did.

Mack lightly opened the door and nodded a hello to Jonas before shutting the door and placing his water bottle on the table. Jonas also had designation papers that he was ruffling in his hands but that was just for show. They had each brought something to distract them when the conversation became too difficult. They sat there in silence. Jonas pretending to read the papers and Mack lifted the bottle up, but never let the water touch his lips. When they were certain that no-one was on the other side of the door, or that no-one was around the area to disturb them Jonas finally spoke.

"So Dirt Diver, are you ready to revisit and find a resolution to the hypothesis section of the desensitization of bloodshack?"

Mack nodded. Jonas realised that Mack was a kind of "less talk and more action" guy and in usual circumstances, well usual for the team, it was a great attitude to have, but not in this case. Jonas needed to have him fully on board and was getting ready to throw quick fire questions at Mack to see if he had done his homework.

"When was this place made?"

"1999, Monday July 14th"

"Why are the wires disconnected and replaced with torches at night?"

"Dogs, and noisy wildlife"

Jonas for a moment felt bad. He didn't want to feel like he was pressurising Mack to do something that he didn't want to do. He was his senior in so many ways and knew that they couldn't afford to have any regret. Part of Jonas wanted to push Mack so hard that he would back out, but Jonas knew he wasn't dealing with some average Joe. This was a guy that would spend 11 hours in the dessert and then some without water to find a theologist that went Awol, or to protect someone, spray bullets as fast as a fingersnap. The guys in the lower ranks joked that he was superhuman. Jonas wondered how this guy protected himself when he was in his own little word. Maybe being around family when he got home made him feel invincible. But Jonas saw something else when he looked at him.

"Where are the nearest SOA's?"

"150 miles from here, including empty dens"

It started to get hot and Mack rubbed the plastic bottle across his forehead. Jonas could tell that he was getting frustrated but at the same time so was he. He wanted Mack to get at least one of these questions wrong so that he could call it off. Now today of all days he was acting like the smartest guy off base and it was getting a little irritating. Jonas suggested one other issue that may put a spanner in the works.

"Do you want to survey this place for another three weeks? Just until-

"We've surveyed it for up to 5 months this fall, I've made 3 locks with keys"

Mack wasn't stupid and was surprised that Jonas was trying to take him for an idiot. He knew what all the questions were really about. He knew Jonas was just waiting for him to back out, but that wasn't gonna happen. Molly had more chance of dropping 40 pounds in two weeks. He lowered his head. He knew he shouldn't be thinking things like that and was glad he didn't say it aloud. Jonas had another think coming if he thought Mack was going to give up. They had known each other for years and it troubled Mack to realise that Jonas still doubted him sometimes.

Jonas knew how hard it was for him to construct the locks along with the keys. The door was made from Oak imported from denver, and was really difficult to cut through. At this point Mack was also difficult to get through to as well, so Jonas decided to use friendliness instead.

"When did you become such a smart ass?"

"The same day you became a coward"

Jonas tried not to look shocked but he couldn't help it. He felt he didn't deserve that comment and was waiting for an apology, but he never got one. Why couldn't he see the reason he pulled back? Jonas didn't want Mack thinking he had the upper hand for too long so decided to use the trump card. He explained to Mack that once everything had been sorted and a time had been set, the flame was lit and the cannon would go off and there was no going back. Jonas explained that he wanted them both to be not a hundred, but one hundred and fifty percent sure that they would arrange this so there was no room for error. Mack rubbed the water bottle inbetween his palms.

"I remember when you were a ranger"

"Rangers grow up"

Mack knew that Jonas was conflicted and wanted to say something to reassure him, but kept his mouth shut. He knew he had crossed a line when he called him a coward, but it was a line he had to cross. He wanted to let Jonas know that he wasn't going to let him down, but felt that he should already know that. They had both waited to do this for such a long time and he didn't want this to be wrecked by Jonas's insecurities or petty name calling. He knew that Jonas and Molly had had their scrapes in their time, but this was different. If Mack went to far, he feared Jonas would detach himself from this, and it would be one hell of a missed opportunity.

"If you're feeling, thinking or breathing doubt, get out"

"Not a chance"

Jonas rested his hands on the table and stared at Mack, he moved the bottle from to the side of the table and gave him the same stare back, the sun revealing freckles on him that Jonas hadn't noticed before.

"Wouldn't Tiffy be more adequate?"

"I've kept tabs on Molly, but she ain't cutting the mustard"

"What? Jonas asked, but Mack ignored him.

"Tiffy's many things, but..........

"But?" Jonas leaned back as Mack forced out the words that made his voice crack.

"But she's not you"