Damage, Inc. Chapter 2: We Are The Ones Who Will Never Be Broken
Summary: Shared secrets. Found family. Kept promises.
Warnings: character death-ish. Grief. Parent loss. Language.
Wayne Munson sits on his sofa contemplating his life. He's dealt with a lot in his 40 some odd years of life. Never did he think he'd have to bury his nephew. Hell he didn't even have a body to bury. Just an empty coffin and a headstone. "I'm sorry Caroline. I couldn't keep him safe." Wayne says to the open air. He then hears a car coming up the driveway, preparing to have to go out and yell at some kids who have decided his home is their latest target for vandalism. He's surprised when he sees a 67 Kaiser pulling in front of his home; he's even more surprised when he sees a 5'1" blonde girl jump out of the jeep.
"Hello sir, are you Wayne?" she asks. "That would be correct. Wayne Munson, what can I do for you?" he responds. "Son of a bitch. My dad will shit a brick." she says gaining a bit of excitement in her voice. "Who's your dad?" he asks. "Eli Hopper." she answers. "General Eli Hopper." "So you're Winnie?" Wayne manages a bit of a smile at the girl who is the age his nephew would have been had he survived the catastrophe. "That I am. Lieutenant Eowyn Hopper, at your service" she offers a salute to the man despite having a higher rank. "You served with my pops and uncle right?" she asks. "That I did." he answers. "Well, how would you feel about lacing up your boots one more time?" she asks. "Listen kid, I had to bury an empty coffin because my nephew's body couldn't be found. The only fighting I'll be doing is to clear his name." he answers.
Eowyn tries to hide her true intentions behind coming here when she answers, "I do not love the sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend." "That was his favorite line from Two Towers" he answers. "You know something don't you." "Perhaps I do." she answers. "Kid it's been two years since he died. Nothing you say can hurt me anymore than I already am" he answers. "He is the man who tamed the shieldmaiden of the north. He is my Faramir." she responds, "he is alive, well, and wants to see you. That is why I am here. We leave at 0600."
She salutes the older man and goes to turn before she suddenly is wrapped in an embrace. "Thank you." Eowyn hugs him back and says "It's nothing. Now he can annoy someone else for a change and I can go and take a relaxing bubble bath." They share a laugh and Eowyn continues "When we found him, and he told me his name the first thing out of my mouth was literally 'Munson….like Corporal Wayne Munson?' and when he said you were his uncle I knew we had to find you. Dad's been trying to locate you for a while but wasn't really able to with his work for the coalition. Eddie doesn't know that I'm bringing you back with me, but he sent me here to let you know he's alive and I quote 'somehow landed the most badass chick on the planet and he hopes you're proud'" she explains, "knowing your background and experience though, I think you might be a perfect asset to our latest squadron of the coalition." "I'll pack up and meet you at Jim's cabin." Wayne says. "Five bucks Eddie shits himself when he sees you" Eowyn says. "I can't bet on a sure thing" Wayne chuckles.
Eowyn climbs into her jeep and heads back to her uncle's cabin. Driving slowly, she takes in the ruins of a once peaceful small town. The town that made her who she is. But there is a bitterness to her thoughts. This town shunned a man who allegedly died to save it. This town led a witch hunt on a man simply because he dared to be his true authentic self; something she would have not been able to do if it hadn't been for that same man she found two years ago. Eowyn was brought into this world kicking, screaming, and covered in someone else's blood. She would have no problem going out the same way; especially if that meant defending the people she cares about most.
