AUTHOR'S NOTE - This story is a part of the series following a squad of Delta Force soldiers. Yes, there's a female Delta Force soldier. YES it is possible for females to be on Delta Force and though the character featured in my story may have an exagerated role, females are not far from being allowed on Delta Force. If you have the same distaste for journalists and the general paparazzi like I do, then read on.

0042 hours

13 October 2004

U.S. Special Forces Camp, Western Dafur (Sudan)

Heavy rain drops splattered against the towering jungle trees and snaked downwards amongst the ferns and other plantation. The thick water splashed unmercifully upon the weary Delta Force team as they made their way back to the U.S. Out-post along the Hiram River. The soldiers of Foxy-Foxtrot were aware of the intense precipitation that beat upon their heads. It was like nails being driven into a piece of plywood; constant hammering and non-relenting. Still, the team paid no mind to the weather as they proceeded into the protected gates of the compound.

Captain Cal Guiry headed the fatigued band of soldiers. Always clean cut and well-groomed, the University of Washington graduate maintained strict discipline through fair and just treatment and training of his unit. Revered by all the men who know him, Guiry has made a name for himself as being a true leader who looks after the well-being of both his men and his mission.

Behind him were sergeants Jake Ronalds and Peter "Pete" Evans. Both sergeants were best friends. They went to the same high school together, graduated from the same NCO academy, and even trained together before finally being assigned to the Foxy Foxtrot unit. Evans and Pete love to joke around with each other as well as pull practical jokes on the other team members, but when it comes time for business, these two comedians turn into hell-hounds that unleash wrath upon the wicked.

Right behind the two was the young Asian kid, Sergeant Jet "Short-round" Chen-Li. Kind of rebellious with his bandanna wearing habit, Short-round is always full of surprises. The men of Foxy-Foxtrot have come to accept Short-rounds unusual taste in music (which ranges from current American punk rock to Indian techno). And though Short-round may seem abrasive, he is actually quite timid around new people and is sometimes quite bashful.

Following Short-round were two other Non-Commissioned Officers, Shane Watkins and Brad Miller. These two soldiers are vital to the team as Miller is the medic and Watkins knows all there is to know about computers and electronics. Though usually unnoticed by other infantry outfits, Miller and Watkins are highly regarded by all of the Delta Force teams and especially by their own fellow squad members.

One member who especially appreciates the talents of the two is Sergeant Paula Rayne. This plucky young female is mostly responsible for the team nickname, Foxy-Foxtrot. Rayne was the first female in recorded history to actually be working in combat situations with an all-male team. When the other guys found out about Foxtrot's new addition, they were quick to label them as being the foxiest squad in the company; thus the nickname. Not to be deterred, Rayne kept to her training and earned herself a reputation for being poised under stress as well as resourceful and caring.

And no one loves the spirited female more than Sergeant Vince Keller. At first Vince resented the idea that Rayne would be a part of their team but after she saved him from a poison arrow, he grew to respect her judgment and decisions. So now the young demolition's expert is even more watchful of his team members and is always keeping to the mission. But of course, he keeps an extra eye on Rayne just to make sure that nothing happens to her.

Captain Guiry halted the men just in front of Base Command, which was a small, one-story building that looked like something straight out of a western comic book with its very rustic, outer appearance. Captain Guiry turned to the men and spoke to them. Even though his whole body was aching for sleep, the captain forced every bit of sleep from his voice to address his men.

"We still need to have a debrief so don't start drifting off to the Caribbean just yet," Captain Guiry reminded them, trying to add a touch of humor to his voice.

The humor failed as the men just sighed in sadness. A dry cot with an old Army regulation sleeping bag was so inviting after a night patrol like the one they just endured. After all, they had been on their feet since sunrise. A quick end to the day might make up for the lack of rest that they had all day.

"Please tell me that Ink Dolly isn't going to sit in on another one of our debriefs, is she, Sir?" Ronalds inquired through a spit of distaste. He like the rest of Foxy-Foxtrot despised the American journalist who had bought and tormented her way into following their unit around on their missions.

"Unfortunately, the likelihood of our patrol being interesting to her is high, so just prepare yourselves for her being there," Guiry replied with a frown. He knew that the guys hated Melissa. And he didn't blame them for all the trouble that Melissa had inflicted on them. First there was the incident in Nigeria and then the parachuting accident; it was only a matter of time before Melissa got someone killed.

A cock of an M-16 was heard. All eyes turned to Rayne. No one despised Melissa Koppler more than Rayne. After all, Melissa and Rayne had gone to the same high school together, competed in the same writing contests, and tried to one-up the other's life. But after graduating from high school, Rayne had gotten wise to Melissa's childish games and had instead decided to follow her dream of being on a Special Forces unit. But then Melissa, after becoming a journalist, decided to go after Rayne by tailing her and her team.

"By 'prepare' I do mean 'be careful of what you say', not 'cock your stock'," Captain Guiry frowned at a grinning Rayne. Guiry did have to admit, Rayne's reflexes were incredible and almost on cue. That girl was brilliant.

"Ah gee Sir, I'm just keeping on guard in the compound," Rayne smiled.

"Uh huh, just try to refrain from having another intellect bashing like you did the last time she sat in on one of our meetings."

"Hey, she started that one! Sides, I wasn't going to let her ridicule Nigeria's current president just because she had to stay there a grand total of three days. And that tart in her face, well yeah, she had that one coming."

Short-round stifled a laugh while Keller placed a gentle hand on Rayne's shoulder. It was a signal for Rayne to be quiet.