ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

DISCLAIMER: Xena (Xora-Xor) and Gabrielle (Brie) are not mine. But the rest of the characters are. X&G belong to MCA, there is no copyright infringement intended.

Although there is lovemaking, if you are below the age of 18 or offended by girls getting their groove on, you better STOP NOW! This is not for you. Also, for the readers that are not familiar with my writing style, please consult the earlier parts for a glossary on the slang language and terms.

NOTE: Also I'd like to thank my new editor and friend Jennifer. You all will grow to appreciate her because she is diligent (yeah that's a good word) about me finishing the parts of Another Time in a orderly and a fashionably timely manner. *Smile* She has been inspiring and very informative.

Written and Copyrighted by: LB Anderson

May 19, 1999

"Brie, I am not going to stand here and argue with you. You are spending the evening with Troy and I, and I don't want to hear anything else about it." Slade snarled rudely.  "Adrienne, you better watch how you talk to me. I am not your bitch, nor are you fucking me." Gabrielle snapped back. Slade whirled around and gave Gabrielle a ghastly glare before approaching her in haste. It irritated the hell out of Slade when Gabrielle verbally challenged her and belittled her at the same time.

"On the contrary LITTLE SISTER, you better watch how you talk to me. And it is definitely a misfortune for you that you aren't my BITCH, because now I won't have any problem beating the taste out your trifling, little smart ass mouth! Capice? " Gabrielle returned her sibling's hostile glare, but she didn't utter a peep. "May I go now your majesty?" Gabrielle huffed testily. The sergeant gazed menacingly down into her sister's face and growled, "Get out of my sight before I knock your teeth in." Gabrielle snickered childishly, and stepped around Slade. Once Gabrielle was well out of sight Slade raised her hands and head toward the colorful dawn sky and implored, "Why me Lord? Did I do something really bad in my previous life and now I'm getting paid back for it. Or did you give her to me on purpose?" Slade finished picking up her traveling bag and headed over to the Drill Hut.

(So), Sylvia thought entertainingly. "I detect a disagreement among the hens. Whatever should I do?" The Lieutenant's eyes watched the Gunny cross the courtyard heading to her platoon's barracks. Slade followed, but not too close. It was obvious the siblings didn't want to be in the same sector as the other. Sylvia leaned forward, dropping her elbows upon her knee to cast a devouring glance upon the Gunny. Her mind was already initiating a rather sporting exercise for the spirited little red head. (The Lieutenant was aware of the Gunny's constant battle for independence and of her overbearing sister that took pleasure in harnessing it).

"Now what has mother always told her girls about fighting among each other?" The Lieutenant inquired diabolically. "Oops, my bad...mommie isn't here is she...but I am." She mumbled. "And I'm going to do my damnedest to make you hate each other by this evening. Ooh, oh, ho, ho, but Sylvie is in no hurry. I've got all week to play. "I think I'll take in the sights today. Befriend the little, low class, trollop, and become understanding to her needs." Pleased with her conniving plan Sylvia fell back into her chair and slammed the pencil she held in her hand against the desk, snapping it in two. "Then, I will remove what you and Xora find so priceless. You little, stripe wearing bitch."

Back to the Barracks...

The day was full of surprises, at least for the privates. Gabrielle seemed more on edge than Shane or Mayo had ever seen. Every thing the privates did was wrong. There was nothing they could do to satisfy their senior drill instructor. From the moment they rose Gabrielle was on them. She accused them of being slothful, inconsiderate and under achievers. She told them that, "If they didn't shape up they all would be recycled and she was going to ask to be their personal instructor as an incentive to finish what they've started.

Mayo pulled Slade discreetly over to the side. Slade knew what was coming so she avoided her friend's distraught glance. "I don't know what's going on between you two, but you better de-claw that little tigress, or we won't have any recruits. She is out of control. I've never seen Brie so vicious toward the privates." Mayo pulled back on Slade's shoulder in order to redirect her attention. "Get Brie under control before the privates write their moms and beg them to talk to their representatives about their senior drill instructor's behavior."

"Alright, but you stay close. The way I feel right now, I'm liable to bash her brains in if she shoots off at me again." "Oh, so we're going through the "you can't tell me what to do" phase, huh?" "Yes, and I swear I am about three quick hunches off her ass." "Well, Slade maybe we should ask Shane to talk to her." Slade's voice rose defensively. "Mayo, she is my sister. So I will talk to her." Mayo threw her hands up as an indication of surrender and followed the dismissed troops out onto the catwalk. The day was spent pretty much like Slade had predicted. Brie was being completely irrational. She wouldn't listen to recommendations. She wouldn't even come near her, and snapped at anyone that tried to relay any messages from her.

Chow time...

"Column...leeeft...arch," Gabrielle ordered as the Assistant Drill instructors watched on. She insisted on taking control of the platoon for the entire day since she wasn't scheduled to stay with them for the night. "Uh left, right-left; Uh left-right-left...Left right, left right, left right left...eft right eft, Plaatooon, Halt." The platoon leaned back and planted their feet firmly upon the pavement ceasing all activities. "Hatch Holders out." Gabrielle commanded, while walking up the right side of the platoon. She took a stationary position in front of the platoon. "Paaaraade Rest," she finalized, turning to step through the open hatches with not so much as a "good job," for the dedicated privates on the doors.

"I bet they're wondering why your majesty is being such a bitch." Mayo mumbled to Shane and Slade. The Lieutenant smirked at the last comment finding the situation quite comical. "Afternoon ladies," She said while stepping around them. Each woman snapped to attention, executed the proper hand salute, and called their troops to attention. "Carry on ladies," The Lieutenant returned sweetly. "I'm just passing through." Slade narrowed her eyes and glared over at Shane and Mayo.

Once inside she scoped the room for Gabrielle. (Ah, there's my little bird of prey). "Hello Gunny, how are things today?" The Lieutenant asked, supposedly concerned. Gabrielle instinctively retrieved the attention stance and awaited further word from the company commander before relaxing again. "Ah do rest Gunny, I just wanted to know how were things going. You know Commander Xor asked me to ensure that you were comfortable while she wasn't here. If you should have any problems...please let me know, and I will correct it immediately." The Lieutenant then gave Gabrielle the biggest and brightest smile she had ever seen.

"Uh-huh," Gabrielle grunted while clearing her throat. She watched her troops move through the line and Slade walk in behind them. Their contempt for each other was obvious as they exchanged hostile looks. This did not go unnoticed by the Company Commander, who was willing to take advantage of the situation as it presented itself. "You know Gunny it seems as if you may need a relaxing drink after work. Would you mind if I treat?" "Well, ma'am I..." "Please, please don't tell me that your friends don't allow you to have other friends. I really want to try and make up to you for my behavior in the Captain's office. I was way out of line. I didn't know that you and her were getting close. Please, I was hoping in her absence that we could set things straight. But..." The lieutenant paused briefly as if to reflect on her actions "If you CAN'T I'll understand. Some friends can be so protective at times. If one isn't careful they could cause you to miss out on a great opportunity to make other friends."

Gabrielle thought about the Lieutenant's last statement. Just the response the Lieutenant was expecting. Gabrielle was so trustworthy, and the company commander knew this. If she could persuade Gabrielle to strike out on her own she would have her right where she wanted her. The Gunny looked up into the Lieutenant's supposedly sincere gaze and agreed to have one drink with her at the Staff NCO (Non-commissioned Officer's) Club. "Great! I'll meet you there." The lieutenant said with an encouraging smile. "I have some things I have to tidy up, but I'll get there as soon as I can. Now don't have too many before I arrive okay?" She chirped playfully, as she gave Gabrielle's shoulder a gentle squeeze before stepping around her to return to her office.

Back in the D.I.'s Hut...

"Brie," Slade inquired cautiously, "What were you and the Lieutenant talking about?" "None of your business," Gabrielle popped back. Slade rose from her desk instantly, drawing Gabrielle's attention to her stance. "I've had about enough of your..." Slade then looked out the window at the privates, bringing her verbal retaliation to a curving halt.

"You know Brie, I don't have to take this shit from you." Slade stated while snatching her night bag up and plopping her cover onto her head. "I have one earth shattering woman waiting for my presence, and if you do not wish to have my company for tonight consider it a done deal. Because I surely don't want to be within five blocks of your trifling ass right now. And to be frank with ya, you can kiss my; what I just finished with." Slade brushed against Mayo as she briskly exited the hut.

"Where is she going? I thought you two were hanging out tonight?" She asked, watching Slade's hasty retreat. "Aw to hell with her, I didn't want to be with her and Troy anyway." Gabrielle stated, closing her field manual. "Brie you promised Xora that you would be with one of us at all times." Mayo whirled around, allowing the move to make her outstretched arms flap carelessly. She stood, staring at the now closed door that Slade stormed out of. "It is Slade's night. Sharonda, Shane and Joy are gone to Atlanta." "Ease up Mayo, I can be by myself for a couple of hours." "No! No that is not what we agreed." Mayo replied harshly. "You PROMISED Xora that you would stick to the agreement until she gets back, and now you're whelching on it. You promised Brie!"

"Well," Gabrielle growled, rising and placing her cover patiently upon her head. "I guess that makes me a liar, huh Mayo?" The Gunny stepped out from around her desk and headed toward the door. Just as she reached the hatch Mayo reached out and snatched her to her. "Brie I can't let you go. You promised." Gabrielle turned her back toward the hatch so that the recruits wouldn't pick up on their conversation. "Get your hands off of me Mayo before I break your fucking nose."

Mayo's mouth fell open. Shocked by Gabrielle's forcefulness. "What is wrong..." Brie snatched away from her reluctant friend and walked out. "I'll see you tomorrow," She called back without turning to gaze upon her friend's panicked features. (Dear God Brie, don't do this. You promised). Mayo ran behind the desk searching for the phone to call Slade.

Later at the Staff NCO Club...

"Ah Gunny, I'm glad you made it." Lieutenant Marks said, indicating where Brie should sat. Brie took the seat to the left of the Lieutenant. Sylvia observed the people in the club. None of them seemed familiar to her, and if she had never made their acquaintance that meant none of them knew her as well.

"What would you like to drink Gabrielle?" The Lieutenant asked casually. "I'll take a coke. I don't feel up to drinking any intoxicates tonight." Sylvia smirked and retorted, "As you wish, goldie." Brie gave the Lieutenant a friendly smile before calling the waitress over. The Lieutenant watched the waitress approach with an expectant smile.

"What may I get you ladies?" She asked kindly. "I'll have a double Johnnie Walker Red on the rocks and my friend will have a coke." "The waitress wrote down the orders and informed the pair she would be back in two shakes. The Lieutenant smiled and nodded her acceptance.

PART XI

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