ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

DISCLAIMER: Parental Guidance is suggested. Same sex relation is in the works. Xena and Gabrielle are not mine. They belong to MCA, and no copyright infringements are intended.

P.S. Other Characters are mine, such as: Mayo, Slade, Shane, and Lieutenant Marks, which will be described in detail with following parts. Provided my sponsors approve. Xena (Xora - Xor), Gabrielle (Brie) names were changed to unfold the tale.

Note: This was my first attempt at Uber fiction. It was Linda that suggested I try. So what the heck, I tried. I hope it's acceptable. Thanks for the challenge Linda. A few alterations have been made from the original posting. I hope they are acceptable and the story reads more smoothly.

Summary: A new commander is assigned to a Women’s training command. She’s never had the pleasure of working with a battalion complete with women. But hay, there’s a first time for everything. The first day she is there she instantly lay eyes upon the most fascinating creature around. A strawberry blonde, medium build, immaculate dressed Gunnery Sergeant. From that moment on the commander is driven...driven to make that woman her own.

To The man up top and ALL of THE WEB MISTRESSES that graciously allowed LB to camp out at your places...I thank you. I won’t try to name you all, but I am truly grateful. To BOTH, the beta’s that quickly dove in to help, Jennis and Niiicki, I certainly thank you. We have a long way to go, but if we do it right, it should certainly be enjoyable. (Smile)

Written and Copyrighted by: LB Anderson

February 18, 1999 Re-revised: October 6, 2000

"So Brie." Slade started.

"I heard we have a new commander coming on board Monday. Some say she's a tough cookie.  Her past command cheered when she left. I'm thinking about leaving the drill field. What about you?"

Gabrielle tosses Slade a beer and fell down beside her on the crushed designed carpet of her indoor patio.

"Well, all I can say is bring it on. I've been under worst commands. I'm not afraid of a little challenge. In fact, I welcome it."

"Well, I heard not only is she a stickler for the rules, she is also a woman's lady.  She likes women." Mayo finished.

"You are lying girl. We're bringing on board a commander that like dipping in wet playgrounds?" Shane questioned with hoisted eyebrows.

"Hell yeah! And I heard she is a defiler at it too." Mayo drawled with a mischievous smile upon her face.

"Shit, it won't bother me. I've never been with a woman anyway." Gabrielle stated weakly, almost embarrassed by the confession.

"Brie, you don't know what you're missing. Some women can be quite satisfying in the bedroom. I know I've tried a few. And...uh, to be honest, I wanted more and more. You haven't live until you've had a woman popped your top." Mayo panted. "It's pure heaven."

"You know Mayo, you are so nasty, but that's why I hang around you. You're so invigorating." Gabrielle completed with a smile for her stout muscular friend.

"Just wait Brie. There will be someone that come along and popped that clit. And when she does, I'm going to get up in your face and say, Whoop!" Mayo mimicked a person watching a shooting star falling to the earth, "There it goes." The whole room erupted in laughter.

"I could do it, but I don't want too." Mayo added with a wink. Gabrielle threw a pillow at her teasing friend and snorted. "You don't do it because I won't let you."

"Sometimes Brie, I almost believe that you think that you are better than us, almost." Mayo mocked just to see if she could get a rise out of her little friend.

"Mayo I think you are experiencing some form of inadequacy. Beside," Gabrielle paused briefly to give her contender a playful glare. "I don't let just any hot," Gabrielle's ran her fingers tips suggestively down her enticing pale neck, over her revealing collar bone and down over her breast, caressing and fondling it as Mayo watched on licking her lips.

"Wet, oral member dip into this sultriest bowl of ambrosia. Not everyone can handle it."

"Ha, Ha, Ha Brie. That is EXACTLY why I won't touch you, because you make me sick with your prehistoric pledge for innocence and irreproachable attics." Mayo returned wiping the moisture from her quivering lips.

Gabrielle smiled at her angered friend and blew her a kiss.

"Let's get the hell out of here." Gabrielle shouted while springing to her feet.

"I wanna shake this base down." Everyone laughed at their little structured friend. Knowing full well that she, just like the commander, was a stickler for the rules, and on top of it all, she was a goody two shoes.

The Commander’s First day...

Monday morning each drill instructor was ordered to report to the courtyard. Everyone was apprehensive about the meeting. Since no one had ever met her and the rumors were frightening to say the least, each of the drill instructors began to question if they were properly dressed.  Did they have any Irish pendants hanging from their uniform and...what if she really was a hard ass?

"At-ten-tion," The platoon CO ordered as she brought her thumbs sharply back alone the seams of her pants, and straightened her body, while squaring her shoulders.

"Battalion Commander on board."

The tall dark statuesque woman stepped out on to the catwalk and examined her company's drill instructors. Her presentation was nothing more than eminent. She looked powerful and military.

Her uniform was definitely happy thread, because they appeared to embrace and caress every dip and curve of her body. She was impeccable in every way. Not a hair was out of place, which was a lustrous cold black pinned back into a braided honey roll.

"Good morning ladies. My name is Captain Black. But you may call me Commander Xor. I have heard so many impressive things about this training command and I am very excited about getting started. I know you all have heard rumors and most of them may probably be true. Yet, I am willing to take it one day at a time. That way we all can learn from each other."

As she spoke, the new commander casually strolled among her instructors. She was quite impressed with their appearance. They looked every bit of the Elite Devil Dog Unit.  Shirts and skirts were stiffly pressed, sleeves sharply creased, brass gleaming brightly and oxfords shining all aglow.

"Lieutenant Marks, I'd like a brief introduction of all my DI’s." Captain Black ordered.

Whilst viewing the team, her eyes fell upon the most radiant little creature she had ever seen.

She continued to examine the young lady as her company commander gave the dress right dress command. The women's arms and heads snapped sharply to their left and aligned themselves accordingly.

After they achieved the desired positions, they were called to attention again. The battalion commander then pivoted on the balls of her feet and returned to the head of the rank.

Every move she made was graceful and exact. Lieutenant Marks lead the new Company Commander down the rank announcing each one of the ladies name clearly so that New CO could become familiar with their identities.

Finally it was Gabrielle's turn, who was the highest-ranking Non-commissioned officer upon the field. Yet she looked as if she was right out of high school.

"Gunnery Sergeant Smith is it?" The new commander asked.

"Yes Ma'am." Gabrielle responded promptly.

"I'm curious Gunny, how is it that you appear to be the youngest member out here, yet you are the highest ranking official among your comrades. Were you the commander's pet at the other commands?" The new commander implied. Hoping she would get a conviction as to why the smallest one of the group, carried the highest rank.

Most likely if she was out ranking every one there, she was a passionate achiever. And wouldn't stop at nothing until her goal was accomplished or firmly in her grasp.

"No ma’am, Captain Black." Gabrielle's voice almost resembled that of a growl. But everyone knew she wasn't being belligerent, not sweet Gabrielle.

"I achieved this rank with hard work, meritorious promotions and no brown nosing. I believe that no reward should be given if an individual doesn't deserve it. And that sentiment applies double for me. Serving as anyone’s pet is definitely a discredit to me." Gabrielle said in a tone that could almost be considered cutting.

"My, aren't you a little fire cracker." The new Commander purred.

"I am infatuated by your remarks, Gunny. Nothing stirs me more than an impeccable looking Marine, like yourself with exemplary drive. I am honored to meet you, and I hope it's vice versa." Captain Black compliment before stepping around Gabrielle and instructing her company commander to prepare her instructors for a brief inspection.

After the detail had adjusted their positions accordingly. Xora circled around the detail and viewed the rank from the back. Just as she passed Gabrielle, she murmured, "Nice."

The words didn't quite register in the little reddish blonde's head until the detail was dismissed.

"Ooh Brie, I think our new commander has found something she likes." Mayo joked.

"Shut up, you rodent." Gabrielle huffed. "You really make me sick at times."

"My, not the words of a woman that can take a compliment about how good her bootie looks in a skirt." Mayo popped before jogging back to the barracks. Gabrielle snorted and headed off in the same direction that her friend. However, she wasn’t running.

Back in the Commander's Office:

"I think I'm going to like this command. There is one good thing about this command and that is that I don't have to command male Jarheads. Women however, are very receptive and loyal. I enjoy working with women and what better command than one that actually turn civilians into fighting machines." The new Battalion leader said with a smile.

"You know Xora, I'm glad you were assigned this command. The other commander was an old stick in the mud. So...what are you doing this weekend, want to come over to my place?  We can get cozy."

"Sylvia," Xora said calmly.  "As tempting as that sounds, I still have some unpacking to do. However," Xora engaged while gazing over the obviously brown nosing minx's body. "I will take a rain check on your invitation. Now tell me about my Instructors. Afterwards, you can bring me their SRB's (Service Record Books) before I interview them individually."

Lieutenant Marks pulled up a chair and began her brief examination of all the women.

"Uh, that Gunnery Sergeant Smith is extremely delightful. Tell me about her."

"Ah, she's okay I guess. She's a little too perfect for me. She loves training new Marines. Hell one would think that she lives to mold and shape raw recruits. They offered the little vagrant a promotion previously, but she declined it. Saying something about being out there among the new candidates and helping them to become the best that they could be. Doesn't that sound like someone that's missing a couple of steps upstairs?" Lieutenant Marks finished shaking her head in disgust.

The new commander narrowed her eyes and coldly stated, "Not at all, I think she is an asset to this command. And I will not tolerate that kind of talk about any member of this team.  We are all here to form a unit and putting out the best young Marines that we can should be everyone’s goal. If at any time you feel you don't want to be a part of that, you just let me know. I'll see to your reassignment personally." She finished menacingly, while bending down over her desk and glaring distastefully into the brown noser's face.

"I'm going to chow."

The lieutenant was stunned by the new commander's reaction to her examination of the Gunny. As she watched Xora walk out the door, a spark of jealousy rose in her heart.

<No Gabrielle, I won't let you stand between myself and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I'll fight you if I have to. She's mine.>

From that moment on, the gunny cumulated a hostile opponent. One who was willing to do just about anything to lay claim to the new commander?

Lieutenant Marks quickly shove the brief thought from her mind before dashing off behind the new Commander.

At the Chow Hall...

"Single file ladies. Single file," Gabrielle coached as she observed her recruits entering the dining facility.

"Hello Gunny," Captain Black retorted while approaching.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am," Gunnery Sergeant Smith replied, while readily regaining her rigor attention position.

"At ease Gunny. How are the troops today?"

"Just fine, Ma'am."

"And you?" The Captain inquired with concern in her voice.

"I'm doing fine, Ma'am," Gabrielle retorted with a friendly smile.

"That's good, we'll talk later. I'm interested in getting to know you better." The captain finalized as she walked past Gabrielle.

Lieutenant Marks watched the brief conversation with contempt. She paused briefly in front of the Gunny, awaiting her to assume attention. Gabrielle knew what she was expecting and quickly executed the formal position accompanied by a professional salute.

"Stand at ease, Gunny." She spat while continuing into the chow hall.

Gabrielle glared at the arrogant ass wondering what the hell crawled up in her butt today.

The day went off as expected, except for a few unscheduled visits by the new Commander.

"Well Brie, the babies are waiting for mommy to put them to bed." Sgt. Slade reported as she took her seat inside the instructor's hut.

Gabrielle rose with an irritating sigh and slapped her friend on the arm as she passed her.

"Thank you, my honorable comrade."

"Any time, your majesty," Slade said playfully.

"Are you ladies ready to hit the sack?" Gabrielle said audibly.

"Yes Ma'am," the platoon screamed. Just then Captain Black stepped into the recruits quarters.

"Attention on Deck," Gabrielle said strongly while briskly bringing her own body to attention.

"At ease ladies, I'm just here to wish you a good night."

"What do you say to your Captain?" The senior drill instructor asked as she relaxed her body.

"Thank you Ma'am," the privates screamed.

"Alright ladies, let's hit it." Gabrielle ordered. The women quickly climbed into their bunks, pulled up their covers and awaited that head instructor to lead them into their nightly prayer.

Gabrielle turned and clicked the lights off before continuing the platoon's closing rituals for the evening.

The Captain and Slade watched on as Gabrielle's voice took on a soothing bewildering tone.

"I want you to know thirteen <A>, that I am very proud of your performance today. You always manage to make me proud of you each and every day." Gabrielle humbly informed her platoon.

"Thank you ma’am." her privates yelled. Captain Black watched on with nothing, but admiration for the petite leader. The commander was certainly impressed with Gabrielle’s concern for the troops. There is no greater leader than one that values the emotions of those that they lead.

<You are definitely invaluable, aren't you Gabrielle?> The new commander thought. <And you're cute too, real cute>.

Xora listened as Gabrielle's voice rose elegantly, leading her troops into the Father's Prayer.

The commander could feel the sincerity in the lyrics as the recruits followed their small leader in perfect harmony. Not only was the little firecracker a competent leader, she was talented as well. As the song continued, Xora observed her senior drill instructor stroll casually down one isle of the squad bay and up the other. Her movements were alluring and captivating.

<Damn, what a fine specimen of a woman you are.> The new Captain thought as a warmth moved through her body that was alien to her.

Once Gabrielle was finished the song, she faintly wished her little Recruits goodnight.

"GOOD NIGHT GUNNERY SERGEANT SMITH, MA'AM." Her recruits replied loudly.

When the troops seemed to settle in for the night, the gunny invited the new commander to her hut. Captain Black entered first briskly followed by Gabrielle.

Sergeant Slade quickly grounded her feet and regained her stance of attention. Not wanting to appear belligerent in the Captain’s eyes.

"At ease Sergeant Slade, I'm just visiting." The new Captain retorted. Wondering if any of her other drill instructors were interested in Gabrielle, because getting to know her better was definitely at the top of the Commander’s list.

"So," The new captain began.

"When will the troops began their PT (Physical Training)?"

Sgt. Slade stood by observing. She was also checking out the new commander's physique.

<Good Lord this woman is fine. Wonder if she eats Wheaties?> The Sergeant thought to herself.

"They will began their PT segments next week, Ma'am." Gabrielle stated with every inch of professionalism.

"Good," the new Captain said while turning slightly to look at Slade.

"Sergeant Slade, maybe you could give me a tour of the base this weekend?"

Slade gasped as her eyes met the new Commander's. Her breath appeared to stagger from her view. <Damn could her eyes be any bluer?>

"Uh, well, sure any time you like."

<WHY did you have to pick this weekend. Arrrgh! Now, I’m not going to be able to hand out with the girls?>

The Captain knew exactly what she was asking. She knew that Slade was one of Gabrielle's friends and they would probably be congregating together Friday evening. Maybe while giving the commander a tour of the base, the Sergeant will invite her to join them.

That way she could meet Gabrielle on a social basis and find out if her little firecracker was involved with anyone.

"Great," the commander responded, "And I'll see you on the PT field Gunny." She then said her good nights and left.

"Damn, can you believe she picked the weekend we were intending to wreck this town? I'm going to miss all the festivities and it is all because of you Brie. Why couldn't you have asked Mayo to help you put the babies to bed tonight? She would've probably enjoyed the new commander's company."

"Ah Slade, don't be such a grouch. If you thought about it, you may want to invite her over.

It could be a welcome aboard weekend."

"Brie!" Slade exclaimed after giving the brief statement consideration. "You are a genius! That is exactly what I'll do. Wait till the kittens get a load of the panther I'm about to invite to our bunking party." Slade said, thoroughly amused with the idea. Totally ignoring her catatonic friend that was unconsciously staring at the hatch that the new commander exited through.

<I wonder? Nah, as good-looking as she is she would never be interested in someone as common looking as me.> Gabrielle thought with a shrug. <Oh well, you can't win 'em all.>

The gunny concluded, not giving her analysis another thought.

The week passed quickly. The new Commander had conducted several interviews, but none of them was with Gabrielle. She seemed to be picking the women at random. As usual, some of the women had expressed their immediate attraction to the goddess. Hell, they had even started a pool, betting on whom she would bed first. But the small gunny didn't take part in it. She simply smirked at their promiscuous thoughts, already excluding her self from the prospects.

Slade picked up the new commander around 0900 Saturday morning. She drove up extremely fast, coming to a screeching halt right in front of the Captain in her sunroof Z28.

"Good morning ma'am. Sorry 'bout the screeching thing. I'm really a safe driver."

"Yes," the Captain said giving the car a look before gazing over at Slade. That was now standing right out front of her.

"Well, I'm already taken with your promptness, Sergeant. Please, enthrall me some more." Captain Black said while walking to the other side of the car.

Slade slid into her seat rolling her eyes while opening the door for the stern commander.

<Dang, why me lord? Couldn't you have picked someone else to chaperone our new master? Geesh what a day this is going to be.>

"You're quiet. Are you usually like this?"

"No ma'am, I'm not." Slade retorted.

Captain Black tilted her head slightly and turned her sky blue gazed toward Slade.

"Ma'am is so formal. Why don't you call me Xora? We're just two girls out for a little exploring." Slade gazed briefly over at the commander just in time to notice her eyes examining her body.

"Yes Ma', uh I mean Xora." <Oh shit.>

"Where would you like to go first?"

"Oh, I don't know. What would you be doing if I hadn't asked you to show me the base?"

"Ah huh," Slade grunted.

"I...well...we've planned an all girls weekend over Brie's. Uh-huh, I mean Gunnery Sergeant Smith's." Xora held the woman's gaze as if examining the clarity in her statement.

"Well," the new Commander said while taking a deep breath and directing her gaze back out her window.

"After you have shown me the base, we can head over there."

"Ma'am?" Slade questioned. Feeling rather relieved that she didn’t have to inquire about the party in the middle of their tour.

"You don't think they'll mind, do you?" Xora asked coyly while seizing Slade's glance again.

Slade stared back as if she was being hypnotized.

"Uh, what did you say?"

"I said," the Captain grumbled, "You don't think they'll mind do you?"

"Sssh, no Ma', I mean no Xora."

"Good, shall we complete the tour then and head over there?"

"Uh-huh," Slade replied nervously.

Slade gave her new commander a rapid tour of the base and headed out the gate on the way to Gabrielle's.

"The Gunny lives off base?" the commander inquiry quizzically.

"Yeah, she does. She likes fixing up old cars, so that's mainly the reason why she lives off base and she's rather good at it too."

Xora listened to Slade brief statement of admiration for the gunny before speaking again.

"Are you and Gabrielle close?" She asked while gazing blankly out the window.

<What are you asking me? Am I Gabrielle's lover?> Slade thought while glancing over at the new commander confused.

"Gabrielle and I grew up together. We even joined the Corps together. We've just been lucky to still be stationed at the same place and time. Brie is like my sister. Many of the drill instructors on the field admire Gabrielle, but that is as far as it goes. Everyone basically knows that Gabrielle is special and one night stands just isn't her bag." Slade paused in her narration just brief enough to see if the commander was following her. She'd hoped that from her short declaration that the commander would know that Gabrielle wasn't interested in getting involved with anyone on the drill field.

"Does she have a boyfriend?" Xora asked while continuing to look out her window.

"No."

"Why not, she is a very attractive young woman?"

"Well Xora, Brie doesn't think like others. She is modest when it comes to her looks. She'd rather compliment a featherless chicken than herself. Her father is a farmer and her mother a part time seamstress. So you see to a farmer's daughter, vain thoughts are scarce and distant.  Brie is very beautiful, but to her, her merits weigh so much more. And as for your answer to does she have a boyfriend the answer is, no."

"I see you are protective of her, that's good, but I'd like to be the first to inform you that my intentions are sincere. I have no desire to hurt her. And hopefully I never will. All I want is a chance at making her happy. If she will allow it." Xora confessed hoping that Slade wouldn't be disgusted or she would try to alter her pursuit in courting Gabrielle.

Slade looked over at her new Commander with a different expression on her face. It wasn't one of disgust, nor was it one of surprise. It was one of caution.

"Brie can do whatever she wish with her life, with whomever she chooses. If you should achieve your goal of winning Brie, I hope you remember that I'm not far away, and I certainly don't take kindly to anyone harming her in any way. Brie is pure and untouched by the cruelties of society and with the help of all our friends, we intend to keep her that way. Get my drift commander?"

Xora arched her eyebrow and retorted, "Why of course Slade. Your words couldn't be more plainer."

The rest of the trip was quiet. Both women were lost in their own thoughts. About twenty minutes later Slade brought her car to a gentle stop.

"See, I told you I was a safe driver Commander. We are here."

"Hay, what did I tell you about that Commander stuff. Knock it off, people are going to feel uncomfortable with my presence." The Captain said with a wink. Secretly telling Brie's friend that she was glad they had their talk.

"As you wish, Xooorrra."

The minute they got out of the car, they could hear the loud music bumping.

"Ah, Brie's going all out for this one. The house is rocking." She stepped closer to the Captain and whispered, "Maybe she has some idea you might come, ya think?"

Suddenly the Commander's nerves began to play tricks on her.

"Slade, uh, am I dressed appropriate for this shin dig?"

Slade stepped back from the commander and lifted her shades up over her eyes..

"Xora, you are lucky there isn't a police around because they way your body is treating those clothes are definitely a crime. HELP! HELP! SOMEBODY HELP THIS WOMAN'S CLOTHES BECAUSE WHAT THEY ARE CONFINING SOMETHING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS." Slade screamed playfully. The captain still looked bewildered. Slade paused in her steps and set out to reassure their commander that she was in fact, kosher for the meeting going on in the house.

"You look great, Xor. Gabrielle will like it. Now let's get in the house before all the drinks are gone."

Xora ran her hands over her attire once more before following Slade into the house. Although she wasn't dressed formal, she still felt awkward. She wore black name brand jeans and tennis shoes, a commander's T-shirt, and her hair was now wildly hanging over her bosom and shoulders after her ride with Slade.

Once they entered the front door, Slade disappeared in between the dancing pairs, losing herself among the crowd. Xora stood there wondering if Gabrielle really was expecting her.

Her thoughts didn't linger long before the petite gunny was at her side.

"HELLO COMMANDER." 

Xora looked down and smiled. "PLEASE CALL ME XORA, AND HELLO."

The music died down as Gabrielle lead Xora into the kitchen.

"Are you hungry Xora?" The little mechanic asked, just to make conversation.

"Why, yes what ever do you have for me to eat?" Xora asked sarcastically as she gazed around the kitchen at hundreds of food trays.

Gabrielle laughed and Xora felt her heart stall. <Could you be any prettier? Maybe you were expecting me?> The commander silently pondered gazing once more over the kitchen.

"Do you always have so much to eat on your weekend extravaganzas?"

"No, but I wanted to make sure everything was right for the ladies, you know."  Gabrielle replied fidgety.

Xora examined the little instructor's apprehension and smirked. <Yeah, you were expecting me weren't you. Ah, buckle up baby, because I am about to make you mine.>

The Captain slowly approached her intended and snaked her arm around her waist. She then leaned in close to the little woman's ear and whispered, "Everything looks beautiful. And I DO, mean everything."

"Thank...thank you," Gabrielle stuttered faintly. <Was she giving me a compliment? Nah, she was talking about the food that's all.>

"Your home is lovely. Why don't you show me around?"

"Okay," Gabrielle said gleefully while reaching for the new commander's hand. Xora didn't need another invitation. She quickly entwined their fingers and signaled Gabrielle to lead on.

After the tour, the pair headed back downstairs. Music was playing and the girls were watching a very entertaining film.

"HOW IN THE WORLD ARE THEY HEARING THE WORDS?" Xora yelled.

"THEY AREN'T INTERESTED IN THE WORDS. THEY'RE MORE INTERESTED IN THE MECHANICS. THEY LIKE TO MATCH THE RIGHT MUSIC WITH THE RIGHT

MOVEMENTS." Gabrielle yelled back.

The new commander's mouth formed an "O" and rolled her eyes. Gabrielle yanked on the Commander's hand whom fingers was still threaded among hers and then pointed outside.

Xora accepted the suggestion willingly.

"Shush, please tell me you all aren't going to do this all weekend. Because if you are, I may have to take you home with me just to ensure you are in tip top shape Tuesday morning."

"So you're not staying the weekend?" Gabrielle asked curiously and wondering what the hell went wrong with Slade’s invitation to stay the weekend.

"Nah, I'm going to head on back. Besides," Xora stood back and looked over her attire, "I didn't bring a thing to wear."

"Well, that isn't hard to fix. We can always charge you something." The little gunny returned mirthful.

"That sure sounds like an interesting option, but I really must finish unpacking. Would you like to come over and help?" Xora was hoping against everything that the gunny would accept her offer.

"Since you asked so nicely, why not." Both women were enjoying the others company immensely. They walked out to the swimming pool and took seats.

"So Xora, why does your old command's consider you a hard ass?" Gabrielle asked while looking over the lighted pool.

"I am a hard ass, particularly when it comes to slackers wanting to shrug their responsibilities. I believe in an individual giving a hundred percent and sometimes more if demands call for it.  I don't expect any more or any less from any Marine."

Xora looked over at the object of her eye and stated, "Yet I'm almost sure you wouldn't have a problem with that. Especially with that little eloquent speech you gave me the first day." Gabrielle issued an apologetic smile and returned her gazed toward the pool.

"What about the other rumors?"

"Which ones? There seemed to be various tales of me running around." Xora asked mockingly.

"Well," the petite Marine was contemplating the question since it could be embarrassing for each of them if it wasn't true.

"Ah, now Gabrielle, I know your tongue couldn't be tied. And you definitely don't have a problem expressing your concerns. Ask me. What is the worst I can say?"

Gabrielle smiled sweetly and lowered her head. <What if she isn't like that? No I'm not going to ask her that.>

"You know we better head back before Slade gets completely ripped and won't be able to even point you home."

Gabrielle then rose and held out her hand for Xora to take. She didn't know why she wanted to hold her hand, all she knew was that it felt so natural. She was simply captivated by the warmth of her new Commander's hand within her own.

Xora rose and took her hand. She then pulled back gently on Gabrielle's until she was standing directly in front of her. Xora lifted Gabrielle's chin until their eyes met.

"I like you Gabrielle and all I want to do is get to know you and maybe form a relationship with you. Now of course, you know we will always have to be truthful with one another, and I don't think you are being quite honest with me right now. I want you to ask me the question you started to ask before you so tactfully change the subject, inserting Slade into it."

Gabrielle's enticingly emerald orbs bored into Xora's as her mouth fell open. The tall woman's glare was so stirring that Gabrielle could feel her mouth grow dry.

"Is it true about the women?" She spat mindlessly. "Is the rumor of you being the defiler of women a fact?"

"Well, of course it is little one. When I was younger there weren't a woman around that I couldn't get to share my bed. So yes, I like women. Hell, I adore them. But since I've grown older I've set my sights on something more permanent. I'm hoping to find a woman that would sustain me, that will be loyal to me. I'm looking for a woman that loves me for me.  I'm looking for some one like you little one. Would you be interested?"

"Oh I don't know." Gabrielle said, while narrowing her eyes.

"It sound as if your expectations might be too constrictive." Xora smiled and gently placed her hands on each side of her senior drill instructors head and tilted her head. "Oh, I know without a doubt you will meet and exceed all of my expectancies." The pair stood gazing illicitly into each other's mysterious orbs. The stare was so full of imaginative implications that they each became flushed and weak at the knees.

"Hay, Gabrielle," Slade and Mayo yelled in unison as they watched the pair from the indoor patio. "You know you are loosing points for being a gracious hostess, don't you? Get your ass back in here."

"We'd better get back, because they will stand there and haggle me until I do."

"Wait!" Xora snapped more curtly than intended. "When will I get to see you again?"

"Name a day." Gabrielle said curiously.

"How about tomorrow, you can come over and I can cook you something."

"Really, can you cook?"

"No, but right now I will say just about anything to be near you again."

Gabrielle threw her head back and laughed.

"No need to try so hard, my mighty one. I am already fascinated, but I can't do tomorrow.

How about next week?"

"Okay, even though I don't want to be without your company that long. We'll discuss what day when I interview you Tuesday. How's that sound?"

"Sounds like a date. Let's go." The pair joined hands and ran for the house.

On the Way home...

"So Xora, did you enjoy your little outing?" Slade asked curiously wondering if her and Gabrielle had indulged in more than just a hand holding and lustful stares, which was by the way real peculiar behavior for Gabrielle. How could Gabrielle take to this stranger so fast?

She could be some deranged lunatic.

"This evening has been one of the most exhilarating times I have had in a long time. I've never felt so comfortable with anyone as I did with Gabrielle tonight. She is so precious. That girl makes my heart skips beats." Xora said closing her eyes and letting out a lingering moan.

"That girl moves my soul like I've never felt before. How old is Gabrielle?"  Xora ask while directing her gaze to an already staring over protective friend.

"What did you do to Brie while you were upstairs and in that back yard."

"I don't think that is any of your business." The new commander bluntly returned.

"Gabrielle is a pillar of virtue and you better not had done anything to devour that."

"Are you threatening me Slade?"

"Oh no Ma'am, I would never pose a threat to my Commanding Officer. I will, however sternly warn the defiler of women that she’d better not be toying with my friend's emotions."

Xora's stare singed into Slade's adamant gaze before turning to look out her window.

"We did nothing, but hold hands. And I enjoyed it abundantly. When I do feel that Gabrielle is ready to love me like I need it, you or no one else will be able to prevent it. And I'm not issuing a warning to one of my outstanding drill instructions, but I am demanding that an over protective friend heed my words and appropriate accordingly." The two women's eyes met again to reveal their sincerity.

Just like this morning, Slade came to a screeching halt in front of the new Commander's quarters. Both women sat there in silence until Xora looked over at Slade and decided to try one more time to salvage the civil relationship they had developed earlier today.

"Slade," she began quietly. "It doesn't have to be like this between us. I rather like the adventurous side of you. I don't want us to be adversaries I want to try and be friends. If not for our sake, for Gabrielle's."

Slade looked over at the new commander and let out a trembling sigh.

"I don't want us to be at odds with each other either. I just want you to know that Gabrielle's welfare is very important to me. She's not like other women. She's gullible to a lot of things that happens in real life. And I don't want to soil her innocence and good nature by getting involved with someone that is only interested in taking her to bed. I just can't let that happen to Brie. What kind of friend would I be otherwise?"

"A pretty sorry one to say the least, but I've explained my intentions earlier about Gabrielle.  But I see you need insurance. I am no longer the defiler of women, and like I explained to the Gunny, I'm looking for more out of life. I'm looking for a mate, not a quick lay and definitely not with Gabrielle. I want her to be the woman that I wake up with every morning. And just to ensure you of this, we are going to take things slow and allow ourselves to become familiar with the other's do's and don'ts before indulging in a physical relationship."

"Take your time," Slade almost screamed. "Xora, I seen that stare of submission you both were distributing. Hell! If the stare was any more intense, your clothes would have fallen off."

The new commander laughed and assured the gunny's friend that an external enraptures between the two of them will be further down the road.

"Brie has never taken to anyone like she has you." Slade's tone was much calmer now, almost fascinated that her friend found this woman appealing.

"Did she tell you it was her that suggested I bring you to our little get together?"

"No, but she did offer to buy me changing clothes," Xora laughed.

"It was then that I realized it was in fact Gabrielle's idea." Both women laughed again.

"Well, I'll see ya Tuesday and my girl better be in tip top shape when she reports to work. I don't want any excuses about this weekend's rendezvous."

"Aye, Aye Ma'am," Slade teased.

"So, are we friends again?" She inquired with a humble gaze.

Xora gave her a raised eyebrow expression before retorting, "You bet." She then closed the door and slid across the hood of Slade's car repelling over the side.

"Hay, watch it! I just had my baby waxed."

Slade then revved up her motor and told the commander good night. Xora nodded her head and told Slade to be careful, because there were sure to be women and children present wherever she went.

Slade revved up her engine again and slowly crept away from the curb.

PART II

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