The Last Tomato

Clark placed his helmet on the ground and we filled it with water using our water access tubes. We shucked the corn and placed the ears into the water. I grabbed my MPB-92, set it to particle beam mode and gave the helmet a few short bursts. The helmet did its job. It absorbed and evenly distributed the heat around its surface. In combat it was a lifesaver. It could take the hits till you got your head down and pulled it off.

A few more bursts and the water began to boil.

"That'll do it." I said as I stowed my weapon.

We sat down by the boiling water and watched the ears of corn dance as steam rose from the helmet.

"I should have known," a voice thundered behind us.

"Didn't I tell you guys not to do that anymore? Those helmets were designed to save your life?. not boil corn!"

We turned and saw Sergeant Scott looking at us.

"Yeah Sarge?but it may be the last time we ever get a chance to eat fresh corn," Clark responded.

"Want to join us Sarge? We've got an extra ear," I said as I made room for her to sit down.

"I might as well enjoy the time I have left. I'll probably be court marshaled for that stunt I pulled at supply today," she said as she sat between us.

"I heard about that Sarge," I said with a smile. "Even if the supply Sergeant reports it, the Captain will straighten it out...."

"And then the Captain will chew you out!" Clark added as he laughed.

As we sat, Sergeant Scott told me that she had sent the report to the Lieutenant. That's the way she is...all business. She never takes any time to just relax. I wonder if I'll be that way when I make Sergeant? I will if I want to be as good as Sergeant Scott.

"Sarge, how about a couple of tomatoes?" I asked as I held up the bar of chocolate from my rations. I pointed towards the fence where the bartering continued.

"My treat... Last chance you know," I continued as I offered her the bar.

I knew the Sarge loved tomatoes. She had been eating them since we arrived.

"Yeah?. Sounds good," she answered as she took the bar.

The Sarge and I walked over to the fence. She held out the chocolate bar and the Sizan kids immediately began to barter for it.

"Tomatoes?" she asked as the kids began offering vegetables.

"No more tomatoes," one of the older girls said in a squeaky voice.

"No tomatoes?" Scott asked as she shook her head negatively.

"No more," the older girl said as she illustrated by pointing at an empty basket.

"Want some more corn?" Scott asked me as she turned towards me.

"No...guess not. Go ahead and give them the chocolate," I said.

Sergeant Scott pushed the candy bar through the meshed fence and offered it to one of the smaller kids. The young Sizan girl stood there, cocked her head to one side, opened her mouth, and gazed at the offering with an expression of wonder.

"Go ahead....It's okay....You can have it," Sergeant Scott said as she used her hand to move the bar closer to the girl.

The little girl didn't move as she began speaking in Sizanize.

Hearing the little girl, the other kids stopped bartering with the few remaining commandos and turned towards her. All of the kids soon began to stare using the same facial expression exhibited by the little girl. Seconds when by as the kids were awed by the offer. Eventually, the little girl reached out. She moved her tiny hand towards and then past the candy to the bracelet around Scott's wrist. The girl touched the bracelet.

"No honey...I can't give you my bracelet. Take the candy," Scott said as she repositioned her hand and placed the bar in the child's hand.

The little girl wouldn't take the candy. She looked into the eyes of Sergeant Scott as she withdrew her hand. A moment later she turned and ran. The other kids soon followed leaving their baskets of vegetables behind.

Sergeant Scott, totally confused, pulled her hand back through the fence and looked at me.

"What did I do?" she asked.

"Nothing Sarge...she seemed to be more interested in the bracelet," I responded as I studied her face.

"It's like I offended them by not giving the girl the bracelet," she continued.

I could see that Sergeant Scott was concerned. I'd never seen that type of expression on the Sarge's face before. She was almost in tears! She put the candy in her pocket and we began to walk to the tree.

As we walked I began to question myself. Is this the same person whom I'd served with over the last six months? The same person who had never shown any emotion in combat? The tough Sergeant whose bravery and actions helped keep us alive? Did she have emotions after all?

"Get any tomatoes?" Clark asked as we sat down.

"No?they were out," I answered.

I looked at the Sarge. Her tough composure had returned.