White Flag
Disclaimer:I don't own Captain Planet or any of its characters and I'm not making any money from these fics.
Summary:The Planeteers haven't been seen together for three years and the world has all but forgotten them. Linka sometimes wishes she could forget too but the ache in her heart won't go away and nor will the guilt behind it and deep down she knows that the only way she can move forward is by facing the past.
A/N: Thanks as always go to Becks for help and encouragement. This story is in three parts, I hope you like it…
Part One - Duty
Chapter 1 - I cry silently
The beautiful blond stood staring into space as she waited to board her flight. Though her expression was neutral, there was a sadness in her eyes that would break your heart if you stared into them for too long.
I must be crazy. She thought in her native Russian. What was I thinking when I agreed to this? It has been three years! The world has moved on and so has he, everyone but me has a new life. I have a career, my duty… just like he said.
The pain in her heart grew as her mind drifted back to that fateful summer, and the beginning of what should have been a happy ending…
The yearly Earth Summit had only been going on for about two hours and yet the American Planeteer was already getting bored.
It wasn't that he didn't know what a significant step it was to get all of Earth's leaders in one place, but it was all talk and no action as far as he was concerned. He yawned and Linka nudged him in the ribs without turning around.
Wheeler grinned and kept his eyes on her, studying her profile until she became aware of his attention and gave him a brief smile.
There had been a lot of smiles recently, even when she was lecturing him on what the summit had accomplished over the last few years, and though she was still ignoring his pleas to go out with him, the red-head was hopeful that he would soon wear her down.
The Planeteers didn't always attend the conference, despite its importance, since they had very little say and were usually only called upon to provide expert knowledge and first-hand accounts. This time however, their presence had been requested specifically and they were about to find out why.
This year's elected chairman, (who happened to be the Italian president,) signalled for quiet. "Before we continue with the agenda, we have one more piece of outstanding business from last year."
He was beaming and it was clear that whatever he was going to say pleased him, in fact there were a lot of pleased expressions around the conference room, indicating that the delegates knew what was coming. There were five people present however who clearly had no idea what to expect, as shown by the surprise on their faces when the chairman continued.
"Will the Planeteers, stand please." He waited for them to comply. "As you all know, the Planeteers came together to fight against the evil of this world, regardless of boundaries... what that means of course is that they freely violate our countries borders, and in consequence our laws, without check."
His audience murmured in agreement and the Planeteer's shifted uncomfortably, in various states of disbelief, wondering what was going to happen. The Fire Planeteer in particular bristled with anger, and only calmed when his Russian colleague laid a comforting hand on his arm, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed amongst the delegates.
"No matter how noble their purpose, we cannot condone such action and today we are finally going to do something about it." The Italian signalled to an assistant who arrived promptly at his side with a small flattish box.
Taking the box, he stepped out into the centre of the circular room and made his way over to the five eco-warriors. "It is my honour to award you these, tokens, in recognition of your services to the planet and gratitude for opening our eyes and showing us the way forward," he grinned, "Even when we don't always agree."
The room broke into laughter and applause as the items were handed out, each recipient thanking him in turn, a bit stunned by the proceedings.
Wheeler looked down at the slim book he'd been given taking a few moments to understand the significance of its unique design. The cover was plain black with their Earth emblem etched into it in gold, the words International Passport appeared above it.
Inside was a photo of the American, taken for his conference security pass, and each page thereafter was taken up by an official declaration from each country specifying that he was authorised to travel, work and stay anywhere on the planet without restrictions, and that he was further authorised to take any steps necessary against anyone breaking the laws of any of the listed countries.
Kwame said a few words of thanks on behalf of them all and Wheeler leant towards the pretty blond to whisper. "Free access to Russian soil, you suppose this would work on Hope Island?"
She looked up at him and he waggled his eyebrows suggestively. Linka rolled her eyes but she looked amused rather than annoyed. "It does not say anything about private property Yankee, and there will not be any laws being broken in my cabin either, so there are no excuses for going where you are not invited."
He sighed dramatically, "Where's your patriotic spirit?" Grinning suddenly and leaning closer again, he added. "I'll just have to keep working on getting that invitation then."
Linka laughed. "You can try, Yankee, but I would never issue such an invitation so lightly."
"I know." The young man had dropped his voice and nodded slightly, emphasising his words, and making her cheeks grow warm.
They took their seats again and the conference continued but the eyes of the Russian delegate lingered on the young pair, a speculative look on his face.
To Be Continued
