Patriotic Duty

“You don’t understand!” I declared as I placed my hands on either side of the desk. The people in the room were starting to look my direction but I couldn't care less. “The Air Force was my last option.”
“I am sorry ma’am but rules are rules” articulated the young lieutenant behind the desk. I could tell by his tone that he really was sorry yet that didn't stop the rage. His eyes darted to the MPs standing by the door. I took a deep breath hoping to calm the anger raging in my core. I couldn’t afford to get kicked out of the federal building that really would not help my cause.
“Is there something wrong Lieutenant Johnson?” Asked an officer as he stepped up beside the desk.
“No sir” Johnson reported and he stood and saluted. I looked over at the man to my left. Judging by his uniform he was a Captain, a well awarded one.
“At ease” The captain ordered as he returned the salute. “Then why does this young lady look about ready to strike you?” He continued gesturing in my directing.
The young lieutenant blushed and stammered “She came in with some recruits, we were doing a standard medical questioner when we discovered that she has had surgery done on her wrist. This surgery resulted in the result of hardware being in place and loss of function.”
“There is no loss of function!” I barked flinging her left wrist around all angles. “See, I have full function and range of my wrist.”
“According to your…” the lieutenant started to retort before the captain silenced him.
“What’s your name miss?” he asked turning to face me.
“Amelia Hawke.” I answered straightening my posture so that I was standing taller.
“Well Miss Hawke why don’t we step into my office and see if we cannot come to some agreement.” He replied with a smile. I gave him a curt nod and followed.

His office was a standard office not too far from where I had been standing. It was furnished much like you would expect an office in a federal building to be. Drab eggshell walls, plan metal desk with a wooden top, standard office chair with standard chairs in front. He motioned for her to have a seat while taking his own. It was quite for a moment as he studied my face. “Why?” He asked finally, “Why are you fighting so much to get in? Is it for the GI Bill? Medical? To see the world?” He pondered as he placed his pointer finger over his mouth and his thumb hooked under his chin.
“No, none of that.” I stated placing a stray hair behind her ear.
“Well there must be something” He verbalized. “I mean there are many things a young girl can do. Have you tried college?”
“Yes, I have tried college it was fine in fact I am only a couple credits away from graduating with a double major. It isn’t for me.” I spoke.
“Then tell me why you want this?” He inquired.
“My grandfather fought in World War II, his father before him in World War I, My father Vietnam and Gulf Storm, and my brother…” I paused taking a calming breath, “he fought in operation Iraqi Freedom, was about to do his third tour in Afghanistan when those things attacked New York. He died saving a little girl and her mother from a bank.” He didn’t say anything he just nodded. “I have to do this” I exclaimed, “I just want to continue the family honor of serving my country.”
“I can understand having such shoes to fill. I myself come from a long line of service. But there are other ways to serve your country Amelia than just being in the Armed Services.” He answered kindly. I sighed frustrated as I ran my hand unaware over my scared wrist.
“I just want to serve sir” I spoke softly “I just want to wear the uniform and defend my home.” He nodded again as he looked at her his eyes shining with understanding. He turned his back towards her, facing out the window. Thinking he stroked a non-existent beard. How could he find a way to help such a passionate young lady serve her country? After a few moments he turned back around with a smile.
“I may be able to help you Miss Hawke, I have a friend who may have some connections. Now I am not making any promises and you wouldn’t exactly be a part of any branch of military but you would be serving your country. So what do you say? Shall I make some calls?” He explained smiling from ear to ear. I smiled with him, my heart skipping a beat as I dared to hope.
“Yes sir!” I exclaimed.
He chuckled as he reached out to hand me a card. “It may take me a day or so to get a hold of my contact and then for him to work it all out. I’ll get you file from Lieutenant Johnson outside and will call you when I have an update. Of course if you have any questions or want to change your mind feel free to call.”
I ,looking up from the card, smiled and replied “thank you Captain Thomas.”
“Talk to you soon Amelia.” He responded.
I walked out of the office with a new found hope. Could I finally have my chance?
++++++++
Captain Thomas leaned back in his chair as he brought the receiver up to his ear. He wasn’t really sure if his contact would be able to answer his call at this exact moment but he figured he could leave a message.
“Agent Coulson.” Answered a man on the other end.
“Hiya Phil.” Thomas said cheerfully. It was good to hear is friend’s voice and he couldn’t really deny the fact that he was happy that he got him on the first try.
“Chris buddy long time” Phil replied a smile evident in his tone. “How’s the wife and kids?” He asked.
“Uh listen Phil, this isn’t exactly a social call.” Thomas responded with a tone of regret. It had been too long since their last phone call and he would have liked nothing better than to be able to shot the bull like they did in their glory days. Unfortunately he had a promise to keep and he was the type of man who kept his promises or at least did his damnedest.
“Ah” Phil said sounding a tad bit deflated “What can I do for you?” Thomas took a few moments to tell him about Amelia. Explaining the situation for her denial, reading tidbits from her file, and describing the passion and drive that he saw in her. Phil listened silently nodding his head as he went along. “I hate to interrupt Chris," Coulson said breaking him off mid sentence "but she seems like a smart passionate girl who clearly scored high on the ASVAB, why do you need me?"
“Ah” Christopher uttered clearing his throat. “ Ya see my hands are uh tied here at this end. This isn’t something thats exactly flexible no matter what her scores you know that.” He paused as he pondered how to put his request into words.
“Which is why you’re calling me” Phil retorted things finally clicking, "we're outside military rules and regulations.”
“Yes” Christopher sighed rubbing his forehead.
“Well I'm flattered Chris, but I don’t have that kind of pull here.” Phil expressed regretfully. He knew that Christopher had a good heart and generally a good eye for recruits but this girl had no training what so ever. Other than her passion and scores there was literally nothing else in her advantage and even though they didn't have to fall under the military's regulations her injury did make her less desirable. He was truly sorry but he was afraid that Christopher had made a promise that he just couldn’t keep.
“I’m not truly sure myself” Chris confessed “but there has to be something you can try? I mean she almost has a degree in political science and history, she has to bring something to the table.”
“Almost doesn’t count.” Phil chuckled slightly.
“Just look at her file, send it on to Fury that’s all I’m asking.” He pleaded. Phil muttered under his breath and then reluctantly agreed to do what he could for Christopher. Captain Thomas offered up a silent pray has he hung the receiver back up. Hopefully his actions would be enough.

Notes

I hope its enjoyable so far. Don't be afraid to comment or review I'm sure I can take it.

PS this has been updated a little, I hope I caught all the mistakes this time so that it reads a little easier.