This is the fourth chapter in the series. Please read the earlier chapters,
Peachy Keen, Deployment sex
and
Privileges of rank
for a better perspective.
Comments and feedback are always appreciated.
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It was an overcast and grey morning, a few days before Thanksgiving, as our small convoy of three vehicles pulled onto Bagram Airbase after completing the twenty five mile drive up from ISAF HQ in Kabul. After checking in with the gate guards and going through security inspection, we drove directly to the air terminal to drop off four soldiers from my unit who were going on R & R leave. As the convoy commander, I then staged our convoy in a transient parking lot. After parking, everyone got out of their vehicles and we gathered in a small circle. There were eight of us in total. I knew everyone had some errands to run; whether it be visiting the main Post Exchange, or PX, on Bagram, going to the finance department or catching up with friends stationed at the base, so I told everyone to meet back at the vehicles, by 2 pm, for our convoy back to ISAF.
After everyone departed and went their separate ways, Kristen and I were left standing by the vehicles. She had never been to Bagram before. Having found out yesterday afternoon that I was going to Bagram, she had asked if she could join the mission and after permission from her boss and my boss, both Colonels, she was allowed to come with us. I joked with her that we were like a young high school couple asking our parents for permission to go on a date and take the family car.
I had been to Bagram a few times before so I knew my way around and was happy to be Kristen's tour guide. As I led us along the main street on the base, Disney Drive, so named after Army Specialist Jason A. Disney who died at the base in 2002, a steady flow of traffic, consisting of military vehicles, civilian contractor vehicles and garbage trucks drove past us. I pointed out some of the different amenities on the base, the Pizza Hut, Burger King and the huge PX and Kristen took some pictures. At one point we stopped near a painted mural of the 101st Airborne Division and asked a passing soldier to take a picture of both of us near the mural. We stood next to each other but didn't put our arms around one another.
As we continued walking, light snow flurries began to fall. Kristen said it reminded her of a hallmark movie. I then made fun of her for watching them. Every so often a group of soldiers would walk past us and salute Kristen. The first time this happened, it startled her because she had grown so accustomed to not saluting. At ISAF HQ, soldiers were only required to salute General officers, but here at Bagram, Kristen's rank of Captain actually carried some weight.
Finally, after a ten minute walk, we arrived at the Green Bean's coffee shop. The line wasn't too long and we each ordered a hot chocolate. I insisted I treat and she joked that she'd buy me lunch at the DFAC later.
After getting our drinks, we found a small table in the corner, sat down and took off our fleeces and patrol caps.
"I feel like we're almost back in the war," I said.
"Yeah, we're really roughing it here," she said sarcastically as she held up her cup of hot chocolate.
I laughed.
"Are there any errands you want to get done while we're here?" I asked.
"Maybe I'll check out the PX later, but we have plenty of time," she replied.
I nodded.
"Do you want to check out the Afghan Bazaar on the base?" I asked her.
She thought for a moment.
"No, but I'd like to check out something else," she said with a mischievous grin.
I had no idea what she had in mind. She then leaned towards me and whispered.
