A/N first of all I own no claim to Covert Affairs. I just like to play with the characters.
Inspired by a news article I read a few months ago and a scene from the CHAOS ep 'Eaten By wolves'. (Rick the new recruit is looking at the stars when Billy finds him and they talk.)
Italics represent Annie's memory.
THE STARS ON THE WALL
Behind of the walls of Langley the CIA had their own way of remembering their own. The walls of a corridor covered with stars. The hall of honor. Each star representing an agent lost. Victims of the Kenyan Embassy as well as other times; other places. Their names and existence often denied to the outside world. But in there they were remembered. Every year in May before Memorial Day the CIA held their own memorial observation-the reading of the names. It was a solemn ceremony attended by many.
Although Annie had seen the walls before and often stopped and contemplated the stars but this was her first time to attend the reading. As she dressed that morning her mind drifted back to one of her first times she'd been to the walls.
The op had been successful but she and Jai had barely made it out alive. Now after the debriefing was over she had no desire to head on home and pretend to Danielle that everything was okay. So instead she had found herself wandering the corridors until she found herself staring at the walls.
She had been so lost in thought that she hadn't heard the footsteps behind her until she felt the presence of someone close by.
"I thought this was where I'd find you," Auggie said quietly.
"How did you know where to find me?" Annie asked turning around at the sound of his voice.
He shrugged and replied, "A lot of people come here. Especially after they came close to not coming back. I think it's their way of reassuring themselves they will be remembered."
"Have you?" Annie asked after a minute's hesitation.
"A few times in the beginning. Now I just come here for the yearly ceremony," the tech op answered.
"Auggie, I want to be remembered as more than just a star on the wall," Annie said softly.
"Trust me, Annie, you will be," was the reassuring answer. "Now, you want to join me and a few of us at Allen's tonight?"
The young woman laughed lightly and replied, "I knew there was a reason for seeking me out. You need a ride."
He gave her a crooked grin saying, "That and to see if you were okay. I didn't find you in the ladies' room."
"You actually went there?" Annie asked.
"Long enough to tell you weren't there. I didn't smell your perfume. Luckily you're the only one around who prefers that particular scent or I might be in real trouble," Auggie answered. He reached out a hand until he could touch her arm. "Come on, let's get out of here."
Now at the DPD Annie was standing talking with Jai when Auggie approached. Coming to stop beside her he said, "It's time."
Nodding the young woman asked, "Will you walk with me?" as she presented her arm for him to take. Then they quietly they followed the others to the ceremony.