A/N – I wanted to do something light, flirty, and a little cheesy but with an undercurrent of danger. This will be a short one. But, I hope you like it. They are spies and there will be some pretend macking on other people to get information, so know that ahead of time.

Chapter 1 – Turbulence

Jason watched the petite woman walk across the room grab a glass of water. She had on skinny jeans, wedged heels, and a blouse that only had one strap. She was beautiful for sure but he had no idea why they were in the same room together.

Liz could feel the stranger's stare. She was used to people looking at her, but the intensity behind his gaze with those sky blue eyes gave her pause. She looked up at him as she went and sat back down; noticing that he looked tired and very angry.

The door opened up and Director Stowe walked in and sat down. They were all a part of a secret government agency called M.I.A. (Military Intelligence Agency). It was a joint collaboration between the United States and several countries in Europe.

"Agent Webber and Morgan. I need both of your help on a project."

"I work alone." Jason growled.

Liz rolled her eyes. She already was wishing she could get her old partner back, but he had retired.

"Not this time. This is a two part mission."

He handed them both a dossier.

"First, I need the safe transport of this man," He pointed to a picture, "back to the United States."

"Damien Spinelli." Liz read out loud.

"He goes by Spinelli or The Jackal. He's a 23 year old computer hacker. There is a faction out of Dubai who is looking for him because he hacked into their mainframe. We need the information he's carrying and need him delivered to Washington. You have 4 days to locate him and bring him back. He was last seen in Florence two days ago."

"Why do I need her?" Jason asked pointedly.

Liz was fuming.

"She looks like one of his favorite video game characters. We can use that to our advantage. Besides, she speaks Russian."

Jason rolled his eyes.

Director Stowe ignored it. "The second part of this requires your presence in Russia."

He handed them a 2nd dossier. "Nikolas Mikhail Stavrosovich Cassadine"

Liz glanced at the picture. "That's a mouthful."

"He's having a ball on Saturday. Liz, I need you to get close to him. We need information regarding the whereabouts of his Aunt Helena. We don't need you to apprehend her, just give us her coordinates."

"What do you need me for?" Jason asked.

"Helena has a daughter named Irina who lives in the castle with Nikolas. Get close to her and see if you can get any information as well."

"Liz, your name will be Alaina Kovich. Your father is Russian, your mother is Italian."

"Jason, your name will be Michael McDuffe. Your father is Irish and your mother is German."

He handed them documents with their new names.

"I've already procured your tickets to get into the ball. Are there any questions?"

Both of them said no.

"Good. Jason, I need you to stay behind for a moment please."

He looked over at Liz. "Liz, go home and pack and meet Jason at the airport in 2 hours. Your tickets are with your other paperwork as well as the rest of your itinerary. The house you'll be staying in is well equipped with all the weapons you'll need."

Liz smiled and nodded. She grabbed her purse and left.

Director Stowe watched her walk out and turned to Jason. "You still have an attitude problem I see."

Jason just glared at him.

"Elizabeth Webber is very good at what she does. You better find a way to make it work with her. This is your last chance."

"What?" Jason said indignantly.

"You heard me. No one is allowed to work alone anymore. After what happened with your last partner, you are walking on thin ice right now as it is. Make it work or your career is finished."

Jason was seething. What happened last time was not his fault. Agent Williams had gone off, after ditching him, and was killed.

"Dammit Garrett, I am not some baby sitter. You know that wasn't my fault." He said pounding the table.

"Look, you and I both know that you're attitude precedes what happened to Agent Williams. I wasn't even referring to him. Your last partner lasted two days because of your insolence. I get why you're angry but carrying around all of this rage is not what is best for the agency or you. You don't think I understand? He was my nephew." He said loudly.

Jason buried his head in his hands and sighed. He counted to ten in his head before speaking. "Okay. I'll do my best." He grabbed the dossiers and walked out the door. He wasn't about to lose his career when it was all he had left.

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Liz went through security and made her way to the terminal. She sat down and people watched. It was fun making up stories in her head about who people were or what their relationships were. She spent a lot of time in airports. From afar, she saw him walking towards her. He had on a black tee shirt and jeans as well as sunglasses that hid his intense stare. He was definitely getting a lot of attention from females in the area.

Jason knew she was looking at him. He made no attempt to sit next to her even though both chairs on either side of her were vacant. She was different, that he could tell. But, he thought it was better to just be aloof and get the job done. He wasn't used to a female partner and it would take him a little bit to adjust to her.

They called Liz's section so she stood up and boarded. She had just got settled in when she looked up and he was standing there. There were 2 seats instead of 3 on her side of the plane. She heard him sigh as he realized he was sitting next to her. What an asshole, she thought to herself.

He settled into the seat next to her without a word. They leveled off and Jason put on his earphones and shut his eyes. About an hour later, he started watching a movie on the seat monitor. Liz motioned to him to let her out and he got up. He sat back down and buckled his seat belt when the plane hit a big pocket up turbulence. There were several yelps as drinks spilled and someone had fallen. A child was screaming up front. Liz, who had been standing up in the aisle waiting got thrown right onto his lap.

"Sorry." She said looking up at him. She started to try and get up but his arms held her tight.

"Don't move." He said firmly.

He watched as Liz's eyes grew big when the plane lurched again. This time, it was a little more violent and the movement caused her to bounce up and she yelped.

"I've got you." He said softly as he tightened his grip.

Jason wrapped his right arm around her and pulled her close and used his left to move the arm up that was between their seats. He quickly moved her back into her seat and helped her put on her seatbelt just in time for another jostle. He held his arm across her body until he felt it was safe. Liz was surprised at his kind gesture but didn't say a word.