Woke Up One Morning... Part 46
Despite our orders to rest, I'm only going on a couple hours of sleep now and I am wide awake. Locked in Heero's arms with my head resting against his shoulder, I listen to his even breathing and stare ahead into the near pitch darkness as my brain runs through wave after wave of thoughts as I prepare for the upcoming mission.
There's just so much riding on our pulling this off. And I know we will, but there is still that anxiety of going into enemy territory whilst not being completely aware of what to expect.
And there's the added knowledge that I will probably be flying into that territory without 'Ro. I had been perfectly fine with watching over the Assembly with him stuck at home... but this is different since there is a known danger involved with this task.
Of course I can handle myself fine. It's just... nice when I can relax a little knowing that I have my safety net there.
Just as I begin to wonder over how my husband is able to sleep so soundly, he says right by my ear, "You should be resting, Duo." I about jump out of my skin... and the bed, but his arms tighten when I jerk in response with a startled profanity.
Ok. So, I'm not the only one here that's having a hard time sleeping.
Chuckling quietly, Heero kisses my forehead and apologizes, "Sorry. I kept my breathing slow to try and get you to relax. Clearly, that wasn't working." I huff and nuzzle the side of my face deeper against his shoulder as he repeats softly, "You really should be resting."
"It's not going to be long before I have to get up," I retort, knowing full well that even if I tried to sleep now, it's not going to happen. "And how long have you actually been pretending to be out?" I ask, a little more harshly than intended, but his light snicker lets me know he's aware I didn't mean it.
His shoulder shrugs against me and he admits, "A few hours now... since I felt you wake up."
Quickly, he throws in to defend, "And it's not just because I'm worried about you probably being sent out without me. I know you're perfectly capable of handling yourself and whatever gets in your way." I feel his hand on my arm trace it lightly as he states, "It's just frustrating that I won't be out there after being so invested in this case."
Now that I can more than understand. I am more than aware of how upset I would be to have to sit back for the same reason. I really do feel bad for 'Ro for that. Squeezing my own arms around him, I offer my silent support since I don't trust my voice right now against the knot that's forming there on his behalf.
"But you're going to be great out there," he tells me softly with all of the confidence in the world. It only managed to make me feel worse over his situation that he's being so encouraging to me.
Words really wouldn't do any justice as far as getting my appreciation across, so I decide to show it through my actions. When I press my lips against Heero's and instantly deepen the kiss, it only takes him a second to realize what my intentions are.
There's no need for the light when we know each other's bodies so well now. Clothes are removed without challenge and the rest is just as easy from there.
Going off of the moans and other signals from my husband, we guide ourselves so that he is kneeling and entering my entrance.
The pace is kept slow and easy for his sake, only causing our lovemaking and ability to finally bond like this again that much more mind-blowing. And somehow, that is only amplified because I am only going on what I can hear and feel since I cannot see too well in the darkness.
It may take us longer to get to the end, but when we do we're still crying out each other's names and whimpering in submission. Panting and still kissing, we clean up as best we can and keep our bodies linked as we shift back down in each other's arms, neither of us looking to separate anytime soon.
Then and only then does sleep finally come for the both of us.
* * * * * *
Coffee in hand a couple of hours later, I head with Heero for one of the larger assembly rooms.
Lady Une's word for a briefing came in moments ago via message through our personal room coms and there are quite a few uniformed agents moving in the same direction we are right now. Stepping into the room, I'm both surprised and not surprised to see that a quick look around the filled chairs that an estimation would put the headcount at nearly fifty.
When the Commander wants to send a message, she sends it loud and fucking clear.
Finding two open seats alongside Wufei, Zechs and Noin, we take our places and listen in on the anxious whispering going on around us. And at a further glance down the line, we're given the pleasant surprise of finding Quatre and Trowa present as well.
Our Arab friend gets to his feet along with his lover to greet us with one-armed hugs and explains, "Lady Une called us about this meeting last night."
Nodding firmly, Tro smirks, "And there was no way we were going to miss out on this." After our little reunions, we all sit and catch up while I check to see who else is in attendance.
I find that as promised to them, Jacobs and Hernandez are here as well. Gathered with a few of their friends near the front, they keep their heads low and muttering down. Further behind us, Danielle and Tyce are close together along with their own respective teams that they had assembled from the start of this investigation.
Well, more than half of the agents here have been involved in this case somehow, whether it was working on one of the many teams in the background or bringing in people of interest for their connections to Ivanov.
Yet few of them have any idea as to how closely their actions were linked to the man responsible for taking out headquarters. By overhearing some of the quiet discussions taking place, several Preventers are hoping that such a big calling for a briefing means they'll be going into action soon to get out some of their built up aggression.
Having seen many of these agents in action, and being personally responsible for even more of their training, I can say with certainty that hell is about to be brought down on that chemical lab.
The doors to the gathering hall open to Howard and several Sweepers that move to stand at the back of the room behind the chairs. On his way past our row of chairs, the old man smiles at me and Heero as we wave and gives a small nod of acknowledgment.
My eyes begin scanning the small crowd that makes up the audience present and I can't help the sudden surreal feeling that comes over me.
Though I've worked with all of these agents for years, it's still a sight to see former members of OZ, White Fang, Mariemaia's movement, civilian military and former Gundam pilots alike making up the group.
Everyone just on the same team now, no one caring about the past, as former enemies sit together and quietly discuss how they want nothing more than to continue to uphold the peace that they have been responsible for protecting.
It's... actually damned moving when you really stop to think about it.
Once again, the side doors open and complete silence falls over the room when Lady Une enters with Agent Storm behind her, carrying a thick stack of papers.
Heather moves for the computer station in the center of the space that controls the overhead projector aimed for the front wall while the Commander takes her place behind the podium before us all.
As she takes her place behind the podium, Une's voice carries over the natural acoustics while she smiles, "Good morning, everyone. I thank you all for responding so quickly to my unexpected calling on you. Your efforts to see that we continue on with business as usual despite our change of environment is one of the many reasons I am so proud to work with all of you."
Taking a deep breath, her mouth curls up further as she announces, "This is the start of a great day for us. And that is because today, we make our first move to personally thank those behind the attack on our headquarters."
Instantly, a roar of cheers, applause and whistles erupts all around as every agent gets to their feet.
Even Heero and I can't help but partake in clapping, even if we knew that this news was coming. Laughing, the Commander raises her hands and gestures for everyone to settle and return to their seats. It takes a couple of minutes before all is calm again.
Heather steps up to the main computer at the station she and Aaron are sharing to type a few commands in that bring the projector to life and the lights in the room down. On the wall to Lady Une's right, an overhead satellite image of a stretch of mountains appears.
All around, notepads and pens fly out so notes can be jotted down and every eye is glued to the front of the room.
"For the last few months," she begins, "every bit of manpower that has been put into our organization has been to track down a man by the name of Sergey Ivanov. This man has connections and resources to create a terrifying weapon in the form of an explosive called Glycaminum. This chemical is what had been used to destroy headquarters and kill many of our own."
Pointing to the image beside her, the Commander smirks, "And this is where we now know one of the main labs where it is being created lies. You are all being sent to take it out."
A few voices call out in hoots and hollers. Her hand rising again, we are ordered, "It is beyond important that whatever information we can obtain from within the lab is gathered before the place is leveled. A team of you will be allocated to go in to take as many prisoners, equipment and anything that you think may be of value to us that we may continue our search for whoever is still linked to this weapon."
In a deep growl, she states, "Once we have all of that, I want whatever is left wiped from the face of the Earth."
Heads begin to nod and quiet affirmative responses fill the air in a firm acceptance of that demand. For as far as I can see at either side of me and behind, there are jaws clenching and eyes narrowing.
"Now, we have little visual assistance from satellite views to show exactly where the lab is located with it being in the side of a mountain," Une goes on while turning to the glowing image beside her as pens return to paper.
Where there is a long, jagged slab of an opening between the mountain ranges, she makes a circle with her hand. "At an altitude of thousands of feet, we are being told that the lab can be found somewhere in this wide crevice in the Alps. Also hidden all around this area is what our source claims to be an army with heavy artillery that will retaliate as soon as they believe they are under attack."
Focusing back on all of us, the Commander frowns, "It is not known exactly where they will turn up, but they will so you are all to proceed with great caution. Between the many nooks and crannies within the mountain itself and the valley of forest far below, there are many places where our enemies can be."
She pauses to state, "What is more, there is a winter storm moving in with heavy snow. We have a window of only a few hours before visibility will become more and more difficult for anyone out there. Normally, I would wait until such a storm cleared out, but it is going to last for days when it begins and I do not believe anyone here would want to wait that long when we have this chance now."
Her arms folding behind her back, she waits for the next slide to appear with a list of names grouped together in neat rows. All together, there are five teams of six or more names each. "These are the teams that you will be working in. If your name is not here, you will be serving as backup where needed," she informs, stepping aside so everyone in the room can find where they fall.
"The name at the top of each group will be your team leader, who has already been informed of your roles in this mission. When this meeting is over, you will be reporting to them to know what your duty will be, whether that is waiting on standby to evacuate anyone that needs help or being on the front lines in action."
I run my eyes over the lists to find that Zechs is leading the team I am in along with Ryan Jacobs, Jose Hernandez and two others agents that do not include anyone in my closest link of friends. A further look over shows that every one of us Gundam pilots are working in different teams. Of course, I am sure that was done on purpose to have our experience spread over.
Heero sighs quietly beside me just as I find his group headed by Heather and my heart sinks as I am sure his is. There had been that slightest bit of hope that maybe he would be given a chance to act out in the field for this. But Agent Storm's team will be staying behind to most likely be the eyes in the skies, well out of harm's way. I peer out of the corner of my eye to see the deep frown that confirms his unhappiness over the situation.
Bottom line, he just is not ready for action. We both know that. And that is why we will not be arguing against the decision to keep him back where he cannot get hurt.
Reaching over, I take his hand in mine and squeeze it. Slowly turning his head to meet my eyes, he puts on a small smile of appreciation that I know is put on for my sake. My stomach only sinks deeper because of it and I raise the back of his hand to my lips to kiss it gently.
That smile on 'Ro's face becomes a little more heart-felt and he shrugs, "It's better than nothing. At least it means I'll be able to keep an eye on you and have some part in this."
Relieved that he is accepting this like an adult, I can't help but do the same and grin back.
Zechs, Noin, Heather, Danielle and Tyce each take spot at either side of the room against the walls as Une calls over the quiet muttering that has begin to fill the room, "At this time, you should all get into your groups to learn more of what to expect of your roles. Those of you that will be leaving Peacemillion leave within the hour."
Nodding to the Sweepers and old man in the back of the room, she asks, "Howard, have you and your men readied the hanger, evac shuttles and Taurus suits?"
"Yes, ma'am," he grins then raises an eyebrow with a smug, "You expected less of us?" I laugh along with the small army gathered around. You just gotta love that feisty old guy.
The Commander giggles and reassures, "Of course not. Thank you." Looking out to the rest of us, she takes a deep breath and says sincerely, "God speed to you, please be careful and best of luck. I know you will all continue to make me proud today."
With that said to conclude the meeting, everyone gets to their feet to gather over by their team leaders. Giving Heero's hand a last squeeze, I release it while we move over to where Zechs and Heather are standing a few feet apart of each other.
As the first to reach Merquise, I give him a friendly smile and handshake that he returns with a pleasant, "Good to be working with you, Max-" He cuts himself off, chuckling and corrects, "Yuy-Maxwell."
"Same to you, Zechs," I snicker as Ryan, Jose and the rest of our team move in. A look at the two former White Fang members joining us, Andrea and Chad, it sinks in how we all have the experience of piloting mobile suits in our backgrounds. So, we will definitely be seeing most of the action, as I had hoped.
Glancing over my shoulder to the other half of the room, I note that Wufei will be teamed with Tyce, Trowa with Noin and Quatre with Danielle. It's pretty easy to guess what they will be doing judging by who is all in their respective packs.
Once my group is all gathered, Zechs informs, "Our role in this attack is simple- spread out and act as the main onslaught against any resistance. We will be the first team sent out to knock out rocket launchers and other artillery that will make a breach into the lab difficult on the others. There is a lot of ground to cover so there should never be a time when we are within view of each other so we can scan as much of the area as possible."
Gesturing to his wife and her team at his right, Merquise states, "They will be guarding close to the actual plant while Tyson's group moves inside to gather up who and what they can. We will have communications with Peacemillion through Danielle's team so radio in if there are any problems where Danielle would need to send out assistance." I nod along with the rest of our unit in understanding and acceptance of the plan.
Zechs asks, "Are there any questions?" Not one comes up and he smirks, "Good. Then suit up and we will meet up in the shuttle in twenty minutes."
I am the last to leave the room, lingering behind for a moment to catch Heero's gaze when he look over from his team for a moment. Mouthing a 'love you' to him, I wave. He gives a smirk and a wink to send me off and I am running from the room to get to the hanger.
As I charge down the hall, I look through the windows that I pass to watch the Earth in the distance and smile. I'm more than confident that we'll pull off a huge victory with this attack.
When we do, we'll finally have an upper hand in this fight.
As my uniform lies gathered in a pile at my feet, I pull the zippering up the front of my skin-tight flight suit. I take up my helmet and step out of the changing stall of the utility room just beyond the hanger.
I'm lost in my thoughts of the battle to come when my arm is suddenly grabbed by a hand that shoots out of one of the empty stalls. Caught completely off-guard, I'm easily pulled back to be pressed against the wall and my mouth is assaulted. It only takes a split second to recognize the feel and taste of my husband to respond. Eyes closing, I moan deeply as my toes curl in my suit boots.
"Damn," I pant when 'Ro pulls back so I can come up for air. Grinning like a fool, I laugh at my smirking husband, "I was afraid I wouldn't get to see you before I had to go."
His smile only growing more smug, he shrugs, "Well, I wasn't about to let that happen." Pausing, his smirk falters a bit and he rests our foreheads together. "Be careful out there," he requests quietly. That sentiment is every bit as good as him telling me that he loves me.
Closing the distance between us, I give him a quick and gentle kiss. "Don't worry," I reassure in a near whisper of my own. "I'll be fine." Heero smiles a bit at that and nods before stepping aside so I can leave the stall and he follows me out.
When we come to a stop before the closed hanger doors, Heero smirks, "Give them hell out there."
I chuckle and wrap my arms around his neck tightly as he pulls me close. "Will do," I reply and pull my head back enough to enjoy another deep kiss. Reluctantly lowering my arms and slipping away from his, I move towards the doors that are now sliding open to me.
Staying here much longer will only make this more difficult on the both of us. So, I give one last smile and wave before floating inside the hanger without looking back.
Behind me, I can hear the hanger doors sliding closed on my world.
TBC...
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