Lighten Up

After making sure there were no officers in the vicinity, Sergeant Yvonne opened her footlocker and came out with her very special water bottle. She took a little pull, wrinkling her eyes and swallowing hard, then passed it over. Party girl to the last, Emily went for a bigger hit. And instantly regretted it.

The Sergeant set her broad shoulders back. "If we're gonna sit around waiting for the fucking bombs to fall, the last thing I want to talk about is what kind of fucking bombs."

Emily tried another jolt. The stuff made her fingernails numb. "Right."

Sarge flapped the collar of her chemical suit, trying to work out a little positive ventilation. "What I want is to lighten up."