I was bored waiting on a co-worker to set up some tests for me today, so I wrote a little snippet because I couldn't get Mac in his vest out of my brain. Hope you enjoy!
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Mac was leaning against the wall, running statistical probabilities in his head when Jack walked over and held something out to him. Absentmindedly, Mac pushed it back toward him. Jack grabbed Mac’s hand and hung something off his wrist.
“Put it on, bud,” Jack said, breaking Mac’s concentration.
“What?” He looked down and found his hand through one strap of a Kevlar vest. “Give it to one of the civilians,” he said, trying to give it back to Jack.
“They all have one. This one is yours.” Jack crossed his arms over his chest and stood his ground.
“Jack-“
”There’s a lot of bullets flying around, so you’re wearing it. No arguments.”
Mac hated the feel of Kevlar pressed against his ribs. It reminded him of a different place and time with a very different vest strapped tightly around his chest and a timer counting down much too quickly. He shuddered and pushed those thoughts back into their box in his mind.
A burst of gunfire outside startled him, and he looked up into Jack’s eyes. He saw concern and compassion there, and he knew Jack wouldn’t give it to him unless there was no other choice.
Mac slipped the vest over his head and pulled the straps as tight as he could stand. Jack gave him a nod and a slap on the shoulder and then stepped away to check on the civilians. Mac took several deep, calming breaths and forced himself to put his mind to getting everyone out of this siege alive.