Skipping Stones

Eric scowled at the medic and attempted to pry her hand off, but to no avail. "Did I fucking stutter? Yeah, one time I called you a stupid bitch and said that Zach had a dumb crush on you just to bug him, but he got more mad that I implied that he liked you then the fact that I insulted you. Wow, he didn't mention that to you? I can't imagine why. Now get your goddamn hand off of me." All the while as she spoke she continued to struggle in the medics grip, not really considering that telling her the whole story probably wouldn't get her a ticket home any time soon.

Upon hearing Eric's words, Fran became deathly quiet, her scowl receding into a look of disbelief. When exactly was Zacharie discussing who he did or did not like? And with an enemy no less? The story reeked of lies. It wouldn't be the first time Eric made things up just to cause trouble.

Fran got an even firmer grip on the scout's arm. "My my, you really are a little devil, aren't you?" She pulled her around so they stood face to face. "Next time I see you near our base, your medic friend can carry you home in a bag." Her voice was low, almost pleasant to someone who didn't know her better. In reality, Eric was quickly wearing down her patience.

"Or in several bags if you don't watch your mouth." She said, making very sure the scout caught sight of the saw clutched in her right hand. Fran was aware herself that she was one wrong word away from losing her cool, something she usually wished dearly to avoid. It would have felt absolutely wonderful to make Eric repay her with the arm she patched up not too long ago, but it would serve no purpose right now.

"Run along now." The medic reluctantly released her grip, sending the scout off with a condescending pat on the head.

She winced slightly at the now iron grip on her arm, a grip that pulled her a mere inch from the woman holding her. A defiant grin crept onto Eric's face as the medic threatened her. What, did this bitch think she was scared? Well she was a bit, actually, but it hardly showed, save for a bead of sweat that moved down her face as she caught sight of the bonesaw in Fran's hand. After a few seemingly endless seconds of the medics threats, she was released, still with a cocky grin on her face.

Eric was more then ready to get her ass out of there, in fact she was about to leave, but a condescending pat on the back quickly changed her mind. Lecturing and threatening were one thing, but did Fran seriously think she scared her and could fight her? Well this bitch had another thing coming. Her smile faded and she balled her hand into a fist, more then ready to punch that smug look off of the womans face, not even hearing what Ian was saying.

A hand around her wrist, however, completely snapped her out of her furious thoughts. Eric turned to see a nervous looking Ian looking back at her, silently pleading for them both to just leave. Reluctantly, she unclenched her fist and glared at the opposite teams medic one last time, before giving in and turning silently to leave.

Fran returned the scout's glare with a faux friendly smile that very clearly said 'don't come back'. Drat. Looks like she won't get to use her weapon after all. Relaxing her shoulders, she turned to Gordon. "Hmm? Oh, yes I am quite fine, thank you." She let out a deep breath of her own. This kind of stress can't be good for her health.

"But Gordon. Next time you see either of them, I do not want you firing any more warning shots. Understood?" Some people in the past had, both jokingly and seriously, referred to her as the team leader, an assertion she'd always denied. No, she hardly considered herself any more qualified for leadership than any of the others on her team. But in that moment, she spoke with a firm authority befitting of the title. The medic softened her orders with a smile, a genuine one this time.

"Though call me first if you get the chance. I'd be more than happy to cut up that satunge myself."

"It means sort of like...'imp' I think is the closest word in English." She said with a shrug as the two trudged back to their base. "Or it's close enough anyway. Honestly I just can't stand that foul-mouthed girl. And she's so dense too. How many times does she have to get hurt before she realizes she shouldn't come around here any more?" Fran shook her head. Such a nasty, vicious little scout. Her parents must be ashamed.

"Perhaps we should make some coffee?" She said. Maybe some caffeine was just what she needed to calm herself down.

As he put his hand around Eric's wrist, he felt her arm muscles relax. Then, she wordlessly turned towards him and began walking away. Ian released his comrade and blinked a few times -- clearly surprised that things had very suddenly settled down... or so it seemed. Silently, he circled away from the two RED mercenaries and followed the Scout's trail.

Ian walked a bit faster to catch up, then slowed his pace to walk next to her. He placed his hands in his pockets and looked down a bit as he stepped along. "Thanks for that." He muttered after a few seconds, his tone sincere. The nervousness was leaving him, relief now taking its place. He felt as if they'd dodged a bullet... not in the most ideal way, but the two them got out of there without a scratch.

And that's all he cared about in the end.

"You didn't hit her." His reply, being practically instantaneous, almost interrupted Eric. He eyes still scanned the floor as he walked along. "As much as you wanted to... you didn't." Then he turned his head towards her, not even considering that she wasn't acknowledging him -- his face expressing just as much seriousness as before. "That's why." From the looks of it, she still hadn't completely gotten over what happened... but it was a start. He hoped that the Scout would just reserve that anger for the battlefield next time.