A/N: The usual disclaimers apply. Still working on the chapters/ending for this and will publish as I can. I have to say, my imagination works faster than my time/typing! Stay tuned. Please read/review, but no flames! Hope you enjoy!
She smiled as she thought of their last night together before he had left on the latest mission. Knowing that their recent schedules would keep them apart for perhaps months this time, they had splurged and taken a romantic getaway, finally making time to be off together.
She sighed. It was the one drawback to their relationship. Often, they were paired together on missions but lately, their talents and expertise had taken them on separate paths. Lady Jaye had just returned from a goodwill political trip with Hawk in DC, trying to charm the politicians into granting them more leniency with their ever-shrinking budget. Hey, fighting terrorism cost money! Of course, it was hard to show that to someone who sat behind a desk all day, she thought with an eye roll. However, it had been somewhat of a success, and at least the committee had listened this time. The updated equipment GI Joe needed would be approved as well as the necessary technology they needed to keep up with today's terrorist organization.
Sensing someone in the doorway to her office, Lady Jaye looked up and smiled as she saw her friend, Scarlett, standing there. The smile quickly faded as she saw the expression in Scarlett's eyes. Instantly, she knew.
"Flint," she said slowly, stating the codename of her boyfriend. She mentally pulled herself together. "What's happened?"
"Hawk needs us in his office ASAP," Scarlett said, her toneless expression not quite matching the concern in her eyes.
Lady Jaye nodded, saving her report on her computer, than locking it. "Let's go, then," she replied, surprised at how calm her voice sounded.
Oh, sure, they were both well aware of the dangers their jobs entailed, and both had said that if something should happen….well, then, life would go on for the other one. She almost snorted at the thought. Yeah, right! They were too involved now to believe that promise they had made early in their relationship. If something had happened….and judging by the concern in Scarlett's eyes, it had….she would do everything in her power to get him back. He would do the same, she was absolutely sure of that.
Hawk gestured for her to shut the door as she and Scarlett entered the conference room. Also present were Duke, the second in command, and Beach Head, who was considered fourth in command, behind Flint. She and Scarlett, covert operations and intelligence, respectively, were also heads of their departments, and often led missions because of it.
In essence, Hawk had gathered all his "officers" for this meeting.
He cleared his throat before beginning. "The team we sent out last month, to monitor that new terrorist cell that appeared on our radar several months ago, has not reported in for over a week. While we realize that things happen, messages get delayed…" he paused, then cleared his throat. "There's another development."
Duke stood, knowing this was his cue. He purposely did not look at Lady Jaye. He knew his best friend and the covert agent were heavily involved, and that she would take the information hard.
"We know that reporting in is necessary and a link to base, but we also realize that at times, it's not feasible," he stated, knowing the assembled Joes were well aware of this. "However, we believe the group had been compromised because last night, their last known location was bombed. We're still awaiting final reports, but based on satellite photos and the information we have….." He paused, drawing on his professionalism that made him second in command of the special unit, "….we don't anticipate any survivors."
Lady Jaye felt Scarlett grip her hand under the table, and she was grateful of the hidden show of support. She managed to stifle the gasp that wanted to escape her lips when she heard the news.
The assembled group wouldn't meet her eye, which was fine with her. She was relieved that they took a moment before Hawk began speaking again.
"Now, we can't be 100% about anything here, but it's best to assume the worst. We'll send in a recovery/investigative team to figure out what happened, but we want to wait for things to cool first."
"Sir," Lady Jaye spoke up, surprised at how calm her voice sounded when her emotions were churning inside her, "don't you think it's best if we strike while the iron is hot, so to speak? We could lose any leads if we delay…."
Hawk cleared his throat. "Yes, I have thought of that as well, Lady Jaye, but we can't risk any more of our team. This very well could be a net that's been cast to see how many fish they can catch." He gave her a rare sympathetic look. "I realize that you all would like to jump in and see to your teammates, but I highly advise against it. I'd like for you and Scarlett to use your resources to find out what information you can. I know Scarlett's already been studying this new cell, but maybe with your help, Lady Jaye, and especially those of your contacts…."
"Yes, sir," she replied. "How soon do you think…."
Hawk interrupted her again. "You and Duke will be heading up the investigative team. Find out what you can for now and we hope to have you out there within the week."
A week? A lot could happen in a week, she thought with a frown as she and Scarlett left the conference room together. Her friend looked at her with concern.
"Are you okay?" she asked in a soft voice. Shaking her head, she apologized. "Of course you're not! Sorry, that was a dumb thing to ask. I know how I'd feel if…"
"It's okay," Lady Jaye replied with a wave of her hand. "Let's just see what we can find out. The sooner we're out there, the more chance we have of a recovery."
She was convinced it would be a recovery. She and Flint had gotten so close. Wouldn't she feel it if he were dead? Surely there would be an emptiness inside her if he were no longer on the earthly plain. Wouldn't there?
She and Scarlett worked late into the night and early into the next morning. Finally, rubbing her eyes, Scarlett declared she needed to get some sleep.
"The pages are starting to blur. I'm afraid I'm going to start seeing things that aren't there or miss something and…."
She looked at Lady Jaye apologetically. "I know you want us to find something now, but…"
Lady Jaye sighed, rubbing her temples. "I understand. I hate to do it, but I think I need a recharge as well. I can't do anything until I hear back from some of my contacts so…" She stood up and stretched. "I'd definitely have a clearer mind if I got a little sleep."
She still felt guilty, though. Flint could be out there, hurt…or worse. However, she wouldn't do him much good if she was dead on her feet, a little voice warned her. A watched inbox yields no results, or at least answers, she thought with a glare at her computer.