Codename:  Operation Train of Life

The storm 2

AU:  This one's a little different so bare with me.  I took a ride on the strange train for this one and this is what I got.

Rating: PG-R (I don't do that NC-17 shit!)

A/N:  I don't own 'em.  I only wish I did.  Any and all additional added places, characters and items are mine to use and abuse as I deem necessary.

Sit back and enjoy.

 

                                                                 Chapter 1  

The assignment.

Charles Borden sat in his office at the agency.  His grandson would be starting here at the agency in three days.  He was nervous, but even more so he was worried about the envelope he held clutched in his hands.  He needed to make that fateful phone call.  He had three days in which to do it.  Chaz would be starting the same day.  He'd want to know what was happening, but unfortunately he couldn't know.  The official picked up the telephone and began to dial the number he knew so well.  He stopped abruptly slamming the phone back down, he went back to clutching the envelope.  He hoped that if he clutched it hard enough it would all just go away.

He walked over to the window putting the envelope in his briefcase before doing so he looked down at the street below.  The street was lit by a dim street lamp that was acting as though it would go out at any time.  The rain was pouring hard now. 

He could barely see out the window it was raining so hard.  He stood there in the late hours of the night, the building emptied hours ago.  The room was dark since the recent power outage in the building.  He began running over the past two maybe three months he couldn't remember which it had been so long.  His agents had been wounded and their secret weapon almost taken out, but still they had hung on.

As he reminisced the phone rang out, luckily he hadn't okayed those new high tech phones and had stuck with the old model.  Walking over to his desk and bumping into a chair in the dark on his way he picked up the receiver.

"The official here."

"Have you given it to them yet?"

"No, I don't want to do it too soon."

"I understand, but you have to do it soon, you know that.  They have three days, but you…you only have twenty-four hours.  I'm sorry it has to be this way, but you know that it's necessary."

"I know, I'll do it, the same as usual, just this time my agents are to remain untouched by 'your' so called agents.  They're still recovering, after all.  But, I think they'll do fine, not to worry."

"There better not be anything to worry about.  As for me, my men have their orders.  You just need to fill in your own agents and be sure that they are the 'only' ones that know about our little…arrangement as it were.  And remember, not too much information.  Only the most need to know."

"Yeah, yeah, I know.  Don't worry twenty four hours it is then."

The two men hung up their respective phones abruptly, this was going to be a long four weeks, possibly more if everything didn't go as planned.  The official sat back in his office chair rubbing at his forehead, he contemplated on what he should do, deciding it would all wait until morning, he exited the building and headed for home. 

As Charlie Borden turned to leave, the power came back on.  He looked over at his desk, his briefcase still lay there open with that envelope.  Oh how he wanted that to go away.  Walking over he closed the briefcase, let out a stress filled sigh and shut out the light as he left.

The rain was still pouring, as he put the briefcase in the passenger side a light cracked in the night.  He looked back as the electric sputters from a nearby street lamp sputtered and fell to the ground.  The agency was dark once again.  "Aw crap!"  He exclaimed under his breath as he started the car.  It was a long night and his agents were going to hate him in the morning.  Taking them off of their much needed sick leave would not be a welcome surprise.  He laid his head and arms across the steering wheel sighing in anguish, "why now, why now?"  He cried.

After several moments he drove himself aimlessly home.  He sank himself into a much needed slumber.  All would have to wait.  He only hoped that they would understand.

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Claire woke to the incessant ringing of the telephone and the screaming coming from the next room.  "Claire would ya get that, I would but…" 

She sat up groggily walking to the phone.  "Yes, I know Darien, don't worry I've got it.  Its probably just Bobby checking on you 'again.'"  She sighed annoyed,  'Why' did Bobby need to call so bloody much!

Picking up the phone she said.  "Hello?!"

"Aw yes, Miss Keelpy!  Its Ebert's."

"Why hello 'Albert', what is it?"

"Uhm, it's the official, he… he uh… wants you and Agent Fawkes here at the Agency  in thirty minutes."  Ebert's said apprehensively.

"Did he say why?"

"No, but…um he seems quite agitated so I would get here on time if you can."

"Of course Albert, I'll try, but with Darien and his current condition a half an hour could be pushing it a bit.  But, don't worry Albert I'll try."

"Thanks Claire!"

There was a quick your welcome and the conversation ended.

Claire walked back to Darien's room to inform him of the news.  When she found him however, he was sprawled across the floor trying without success to get backup.  He finally gave up and scooted himself against the bed.  That's when he noticed Claire.  She was standing in the doorway, hands placed gingerly on her hips while shaking her head in disgust.  "Darien what did you think you were doing?"  She finally asked.

"Oh, hey there keep!  I was trying to get to the bathroom over there so I could maybe shower, if you believe that?  I was feeling pretty good … or at least…I thought I was…until my leg and side here decided to get together and bite me in the ass."  He pointed to his injuries as he spoke.

Claire moved into the room to help him up.  "You should know better than that Darien."

"I know its just…I hate this depending on you and everyone else for that matter.  Besides, its about frickin' time I quit getting' hurt and heal don't ya think?"

That did it.  Claire bent down and helped him to the bathroom where he took a much needed shower with the help of a seat in the bathtub and one of those handheld shower heads.  It was great.  It felt so good he wanted to stay there for the next hour, but his wounds and Claire's rushing him wouldn't let him.  Ten minutes and that was it.

Once he was clean and at least halfway dressed, Claire helped him to the wheelchair that had rolled away and his reason for being on the floor earlier.  Once he was settled in the chair Claire bandaged his wounds and they picked up their conversation where they'd left off.

"Darien, that was Ebert's on the phone earlier.  He says that the official wants to see us back at the agency right away…he didn't say why…just that he was quite agitated and to get there as quickly as we could."  Claire looked at Darien for his reaction.  Even though she had a good idea what his reaction would be.

Darien shifted gently in the chair as he turned to face Claire.  He combed his fingers through his wet hair as he readied himself for the reaction Claire was awaiting.  "Claire, you know I can't do the secret-agent thing like this!  What is the boss thinking?!  Besides he's always agitated about something."

"Yes… I know, but it's got to be pretty damn important if he wants to see both of us.  And, besides when was the last time the official has been known to bring 'you' off of medical leave so early?"  Claire asked.

"Well, I guess."  He sunk into his chair further almost sulking, but mostly worried about the whole deal.  He couldn't do much in his current state so what could possibly bring the 'fish' to send for him.  Soon he decided to forget about it and just get ready to leave the best he could.

Claire gave him his shot of counteragent.  Then just as the two were about to leave a knock came at the door.  Bobby, as usual like clockwork.  Everyday he showed up.  At least ten times a day to check on his partner.  But this time he was making sure they all arrived together and as close to on time as possible, which by the way was way past achieving.  Besides that he did kind of want to check up on his partner as usual.

The only thing Hobbes couldn't figure out was why the chief wanted to see Fawkes.  The kid had been through enough as it was.  What with that tree root and that fall Fawkes was lucky he was even alive.  So the question was why was the chief bringing his partner off of medical leave when he was still doing the medical part of the leave?

"Bobby!  How nice of you to come by.  I thought you would be at the agency by now!"  Claire commented.

"Well, I was on my way there…then I thought since it was on my way… and everything and you probably could use the help anyway…"  Bobby went on.

"Bobby, really its quite alright."  Then she looked at his pleading face and just melted.  "Fine, why don't you help me get him to the car?"

With that Bobby took it upon himself to fly happily past Claire and into the room and all of a sudden he was behind Darien.  It took a few minutes of hard work and sweat to get Darien into Claire's SUV, but after some heavy maneuvering on Darien's part Bobby was able to get him settled.

The ride over was a little rough but they made it without incident.  Had Darien been in the van however, that would have been a much different story.

Bobby was a bit overly helpful however.  Before Claire even shut off the car engine Bobby had the wheelchair, which he had stashed in the van and was rapping apprehensively on Darien's side of the car.

Once they were in the office 'the official' was nowhere.  The three of them looked around for the official while wondering what was going on and why on earth did they just go through all of that if the old boss wasn't even going to show.  It was then when Ebert's entered the room a bit overly apprehensive.  Even more so than usual even for him.

"So EBERT'S where is he?  Huh, huh Ebert's?"  Bobby asked accusingly.

"Yes Albert where is the official?"  Claire also asked, just not as accusingly as Bobby had.  Darien just sat there waiting for whatever shoe was about to drop.

"The official was called away on urgent business however he did give me this,"  he held out a videotape which he put into a VCR.  "He asked that you not tell anyone even myself of its contents.  Oh and before I forget,"  He reached into his jacket pocket and handed each an envelope with their names printed on it with silver and gold etching.  With that he pressed play, excused himself, and left shutting the door behind him.

"Hey Hobbes, I wonder what 'this' is all about."  Darien asked while pointing to the screen and trying to get as comfortable as was possible in a wheelchair.  But, before Hobbes could answer the tape began to play.

"Gentleman and *Doctor*, I would have met with you in person, but as Ebert's has indicated I was called away.  I taped this a few hours ago just in case.  Not one of you is to disclose anything that is discussed on this tape.  Ebert's has been ordered to destroy it once you leave.  Now on to the business at hand.

Contained in the envelopes you have before you are invitations to an awards ceremony to be held at the end of your journey.  The three of you will be competing for the top award and a large sum that will be transferred to this agencies bank account should you succeed.  Which as you know would be 'very' profitable to this particular agency and to you Darien.  With this large sum we could possibly further enhance the research in the removal of that gland in your head.  Claire that is just your cover assignment.

Don't worry Fawkes you have a well thought out cover.  You see, none of you will be going as yourselves.  All of that is in a packet you each have down in the keep.  Once we are finished go there quickly and speak to no one.

Now, for the real reason for this little operation.  It's a train trip of mystery of sorts we call it Codename: operation Train of life.  Originally it was a whodunit and each agent would try their best to find the killer, jewel thief, whatever the crime was. They would compete…the winner getting the prize at the end of this little…train trip. 

Well, twelve years ago they were doing a murder mystery the trouble was it wound up being for real.  And has been ever since.  Last year it got a little… out of hand and one of another unnamed agency's agents shot and killed two of my best men.  We thought that he was the culprit of these murders, but the evidence just wasn't enough to stick.  Then after he'd been escorted off of the train at one of the stops another murder occurred with the usual evidence.  A letter and a silk black glove.  The letter always says *You did it once now I do it again…catch me if you can before I kill again.*

It's always the same, never any fingerprints and any time our guys get close they get dead.  So Fawkes, we need your help then maybe, just maybe this can all end.  We need you on this Fawkes.  I know with your condition and all…*he paused.*  That's why the doctor is coming along.  Take care of him doctor.  Now go, you have until three o'clock tomorrow to be on that train.  Now go boys, and …doctor.  And, be careful.

With that the tape went black and they all sat in silence and utter shock.  Then they realized what he had said about the keep and Claire, followed by Bobby and Darien, ran down to the basement.  They entered the keep on a dead run.  On their way Alex tried to get out of them what was wrong, but when she got nothing she figured they were trying to get Darien down to the keep before he went mad.  Funny thing was his eyes didn't 'look' red.  She just shrugged it off and decided it was none of her business anyway and went on her way.

Upon arriving at the keep they found three small packages with each of their names written in Black across the top.  Inside was a note to each telling them who they were, where they would be staying on the train, what their wardrobe would be, and where to obtain it.

Their identities were:

Bobby: Robert Alexander Hutchins  Close friend of Mr. Drake.  They met while vacationing a few years ago in Mexico.  He would give his life for his friend.  He is also a close friend to Miss Keeply.  He in fact, recommended her to Mr. Drake.

Fawkes: Fox Gerard Drake.  He was injured while vacationing in the Alps.  A tree seemingly ran into him 'after' he tumbled down the mountain.  To hear him tell it he was pushed.  He would do anything for Mr. Hutchins.  And he has a close relationship with his doctor Miss Keeply.  She is secretive of her heritage, so some would say they are too close because of this.

Claire: Caitlin Marie Keeply.  Mr. Drakes' doctor, also a close friend of Mr. Hutchins.  She is very secretive in fact Keeply most likely is 'not' her real name.

The two men looked in shock over at Claire when her name was read.  She just shrugged.

Once they were finished they gathered what they needed for the trip which was more than they expected, and were taking Darien back to Claire's.  He had fallen asleep hours ago and needed a bed to sleep in.  Then maybe that crook in his neck wouldn't be permanent.  Arriving home Claire and Bobby helped a sleepy Darien into bed.

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Ebert's watched as the agents left the officials office and took off in a dead run down the hallway of the agency.  He reached into a drawer before getting up and retrieved a high powered magnet.  Entering the office he destroyed the videotape as was ordered.

It wasn't like he didn't already know what was on the tape because he did.  He also knew it was extremely important and that 'NO ONE' know of this or anything that was on the tape.  Once he was finished Ebert's left to join the official.

"None of them have any idea how valuable I really am to this agency."  Ebert's mumbled as he opened the outer agency doors, paused, took a deep cleansing breath, and left the building.  *Alex was now in charge.  However, she had no idea as to why or where everyone had left.*

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Alex had just finished up some reports on her desk when an agent 'bearing gifts' entered her office.  He knocked only as an afterthought and as a bit of a ploy to get her attention.  She jumped in response.  "I need you to sign for this ma'am."  He said as he held out a clipboard and motioned to the large brown envelope under his arm.

"What is it?  I wasn't expecting anything."  Alex asked as she signed her name in the designated spot. 

"Don't know ma'am, sorry.  I don't ask I only deliver."  Taking the clipboard and handing her the envelope he turned to leave.  "Thank you agent"  Alex said absently as he left.  She was 'more' concerned with the package before her.  Removing the papers the first thing she noticed was that it was from the official.

He had sent her a 'TOP SECRET' memo.  In it he said that she would be in charge possibly for the next month or so.  He said that Fawkes, Bobby, Claire, Ebert's, and himself were going underground and were not to be either contacted or looked for.  Outside of that it was on a need to know basis and she did 'not' need to know.

He said that Chaz was starting on Monday and she better watch out for him.  He was his grandson and if she wanted to continue to work for this agency she would insure his safety.  He also said, as almost an afterthought, that Chaz had no idea about any of this and she was to make sure he didn't find out.  As far as he was concerned he was on a sabbatical and couldn't be contacted.

When she finished reading Alex was a bit put off.  But, whatever it was, it was important enough that even Ebert's went along with them.  She figured it all had something to do with the gland.  *Little did she know how wrong she really was*