The world was not always sunshine and rainbows even though every country did their best to make it seem that way. There were always things that no one understood and that the newsrooms didn't cover that really brought a dark light to the lives of humanity.
The world had a way of maintaining balance through war and destruction and although there were rules each and every country was meant to follow, there was always a country with bigger better weapons ready to destroy the other.
That was when KRATOS stepped in- funny really that our mercenary group was named after the Greek god of Power, but that's what we were. We were the group that stepped in when the weaker side needed help. We would let another Nation attack us and would only interfere in the conflict of other nations when the innocent were being attacked, or if the balance of the world was in jeopardy.
-V-
"Bella?"
I woke up to the most beautiful man staring at me, his crooked smirk dazzling me all the way into pre-wakeup coma. His sculpted chest, his soft lips, and his lustful gaze all belonged to me. Hard to believe I was lucky enough to have this man in my life after what I had done.
I decided not to answer him with words and simply snuggled my head into his chest and wrapped my arms around him, receiving that reaction of laughter I always enjoyed.
"I have to leave now love," he stated giving me a soft kiss on the forehead. I looked up to see him run a hand through his unruly golden hair, "I'll see you when I get home, so please get some sleep, you said you have been feeling quite tired recently, and I don't want to see you sick."
I instantly felt guilty at his concern. Edward Cullen, my boyfriend of three years, had absolutely no idea what I did, or who I really was. That alone was enough to leave me with insomnia.
"I love you," I replied softly hearing his reply back.
It was true; I did love Edward, -The Edward Cullen. Sexiest doctor in the entire world, next to his father of course (Carlisle was definitely dreamy in an older way). I could spout out everything, his blood type, allergies, underwear size, number of dimples, and yet what he knew about me was relatively secret. There were things that would put him in danger if he knew about them.
"You'll open up to me one day."
I hoped that one-day, I would have the courage too.
I pulled myself from my bed with a sigh and proceeded with the daily routine. Teeth brushed, hair in a high ponytail, minimal make-up and of course a white collared shirt and black pants.
I tried my best to get to work on time but today was turning out to be a particularly bad day in the Bella Swan department. The forecast included two cups of spilled coffee and a pissed off superior due to my ability to end up late because the Coffee Wave was overflowing with patrons.
"Next time you're out on a caffeine run Swan, make sure you pay attention."
"Of course Sir!" I responded with a grin hearing what I would've mistaken for teenage giggles, if I didn't know the two culprits.
"Jeez Bells, you really put the commander in a bad mood."
Emmett Joseph McCarty, age twenty nine, blood type O negative, currently sharing affections with Rosalie Hale, of the mechanics division, job name URZU7, Lieutenant Commander in KRATOS.
Emmett was known as Mr. Muscles. Standing a tall six foot three inches he was a giant compared to most of the other mercenaries here. He had dark hair and green eyes that gave the perfect puppy-dog look when he wanted something. Emmett was like the big brother I never had, and was always there giving me shit when I screwed up, and laughing at me when I was a klutz, which happened to be a regular occurrence.
"I wouldn't piss her off if I was you Emmett, we all know what happens when our sweet little Isabella turns from Bruce Banner into the Hulk."
Jasper Louis Whitlock, age twenty nine, blood type AB positive, married to the notorious pixie Alice Whitlock- formerly Cullen- younger sister to Edward Cullen, job name URZU5, Commander in KRATOS.
Jasper joined KRATOS only seven years ago, when his battalion had been shot down in Eastern Europe. He had blonde hair and blue eyes and stood slightly shorter than Emmett at six feet even. He was the only survivor from his group, and after questioning the government's military motives Jasper decided to try and put an end to terrorist organizations with his skills as a soldier. He was also the best Commanding officer a soldier could have.
"Very funny you two, but don't you think that since the captain won't explain the mission to me, something about not showing up on time and trying to teach me a lesson," I mumbled the last bit, "that you should maybe debrief your favourite mercenary?"
I gave them my biggest smile, one that was full of sarcasm from one end to the other as Emmett wrapped his big bulky arm around my shoulder.
"Someone's anxious to get back to her man."
"You would be too, if you were under the same circumstances that I am." I crossed my arms over my chest and pouted like I was in grade school.
"You know Bella; you're going to have to tell him sooner or later. Edward isn't stupid he's only going to believe the entrepreneur shit for a little while longer before things seem off, not to mention he has the all knowing Alice as a sister," I nodded slowly sighing in defeat. "Listen, I know Alice won't tell him anything, but at the same time, wouldn't it be easier on all of us? Then we could get past all the secrets? It's hard having to make up stories every time you're sent to his ER or come home with a new bruise."
"Jazz here is right, Eddie is only going to believe you fell down the stairs so many times, before he starts to get curious, or puts you in a giant bubble."
"I know you guys are right but I need time to think of how to be even bring this subject up. I just feel that he's safer this way. Being who I am-"
"Everyone worries about their loved ones Belly. I even work in the same facility as Rose and I am always afraid something is going to happen. Which is why you have to live your life to the fullest every day, and the only way to do that is to set the truth free, or some Deepak Chopra shit like that."
"Thanks Guru Emmett, but the only way for me to have the chance to do that is to hurry up and get this mission over with so I can spend some time with my man," I countered.
"I believe I can help with that."
I turned saluting with my right hand and stood at attention, something that my superior rolled his eyes at.
"You are all much too serious."
"Captain Marcus Sir!"
Marcus Volturi was known as one of the big three and was one of the founders of KRATOS. He was the also the very reason I was even here, and likely the only reason I was still alive. He was older but no one was sure of his age, he still had dark hair and a medium build.
He pointed to a small table in his office and motioned for us to sit down. I couldn't help but stare at the small folder in his hands, and hearing him clear his throat made me feel like a kid who got caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
"It seems you are a little bit anxious Swan."
"My apologies Sir."
He shook his hand as if to say there was no reason for me to apologize.
"We had some information sent to us from one of our spy satellites, showing that Kazakhstan was harbouring nuclear weapons and possibly other forms of nuclear technology. We are also led to believe that the terrorist group known as Half-Life is behind it."
"So all we need to do is bust in there and kick some Kazakhstan ass right?" Emmett stated crushing his fist into his open palm.
"I am afraid it may not be so easy Mr. McCarty."
"Half-Life also had previous encounters with biochemistry projects against many countries as well right?"
I looked at Jasper and then back at Marcus who was nodding in agreement. Biochemical warfare was nothing to fuck with.
"It's because of this that we must be particularly careful about how the plan is executed. If the plant becomes even remotely damaged, then we must make sure that everything is torched, there mustn't be any room for reaction."
"But at the same time, unless we have an exact location of the nuclear site, there is a chance they could go off as well. We also don't know the full extent of their military forces or who their supplier is do we?"
The Captain shook his head as the three of us sighed.
"Is there any way we can get our hands on that information? Don't y'all have any files that can give us a better understandin' of what we're dealing with?"
Jasper's southern accent always tended to pop out when he got emotional about missions.
"Maybe there is," I muttered causing three sets of testosterone filled eyes to look at me. "I thought that KRATOS had stationed the Alaska faction in that area for research a few months ago. At least, that's what the file said..."
"Thank god someone around here pays attention!"
Emmett raised a fist that he obviously expected me to 'pound', but assuming that would be less than appropriate in front of a superior officer such as a the Captain I simply 'left him hanging'.
"Yes it would appear as though Lieutenant Commander Swan has been paying close attention. However they were pulled out a few days ago."
Shit. I was caught.
"And as much as I would like to reprimand her for snooping through classified information, it happened to be quite helpful perhaps they have some information we could use. Just make sure it doesn't happen again okay?"
"Affirmative Sir!"
Marcus handed the three of us a small bundle of paper before clearing his throat.
"Read through this and make sure you know the place inside and out. The Drumman will be heading out at the scheduled time where you will be equipped with the proper equipment. It shouldn't take more than seven hours to complete the mission and two to arrive at your destination. Remember what KRATOS stands for soldiers, be the power these nations need."
"Yes Sir!" We rang out in chorus as Marcus left.
"Who knew that little miss goody-good here would actually go through the classified information belonging to KRATOS?" Emmett laughed.
"When I do my job, I do it well." I retorted sipping what was last of my coffee that I hadn't managed to spill.
"I bet Edward appreciates that," Emmett snickered as he high fived Jasper.
"Uh-huh, laugh it up you two, but what goes on in my bedroom is for Edward and I to know and you to never find out."
"Don't go prudish on us Bells we're just joking. Besides, we're friends, and friends joke about this kind of stuff."
"Remind me why I am friends with you again?" I asked as the three of us proceeded to walk down the narrow submarine hallway.
"Because you-"
"Love us." Jasper finished.
"Okay you two have obviously been hanging out to much. You're even finishing each other's sentences."
"So see you at dinner Bells?"
"You know Alice, she will kill me if I don't show up."
Jasper simply laughed and waved goodbye as he headed towards his Lamborghini Embolado and Emmett towards his H1 Hummer. Boys and their cars sometimes confused me more than the most complicated mission on the planet.
Being the soldiers we were, meant we got to drive the fastest and newest cars in the worst way possible without trying to scratch them, but usually it was in vain. When Alice heard that Jasper had trashed a Porsche 911 turbo, she wouldn't talk to him for a week. That's why I liked coming home to my Ford Ranger truck that was older than the hills. We had a connection and a bond that made the truck my own.
Driving from the base to Edward's house, or for all intents and purposes our house, gave me time to think, about what the two lugs had said to me. How was it that Jasper could marry Alice, and live happy knowing that every minute of everyday he was in danger? How was Alice able to deal with the fact that Jasper could die at anytime, and because they were together she was also in danger? Somehow I could picture Alice in my mind and knew what she would say.
"Love Bella."
Such a small word, with so much pressure put on those that wanted it. I knew that Edward loved me. I could see it in his eyes every time I said his name, or every time we'd kiss, or even when he was just sitting with his arms wrapped around me. However love was such a fragile thing, and was usually destroyed by lying, something I was accustomed to doing.
It was like an enemy and an ally at the same time. Only I couldn't talk to it for tactics, and it wouldn't fall victim to a gun, it was my own personal kryptonite. Now where is my superman?
I opened the door and practically collapsed on the bed. It was one of the shorter days of work, with the least action, but it seemed to be one of the most emotionally exhausting days of them all.
It was only five o'clock, and Edward didn't get off work till seven. We were supposed to be over at Alice's by nine for dinner, which caused me to sigh. I wish I could call to cancel, but god knows that unless I was on my deathbed, Alice would sure as hell drag me to her house no matter what the circumstance.
I opened the folder making sure to take in every detail. My photographic memory was something of a gift, but sometimes a curse. Like seeing Emmett streak down the base is unfortunately something I would be stuck with forever.
From what I read, even KRATOS didn't have a lot to go on when it came to Half-Life. They were certainly good at hiding their tracks and seemed to use a lot of different channels to fund their ideals. We estimated a minimum of twelve members stationed in Kazakhstan and there was a high possibility that more were stationed in other countries around the world. We also didn't know what sort of firepower we would be dealing with. So even if we did win the battle, the war would be far from over.
I closed the folder and burned it making sure no trace would be found. Noticing I still had some time before Edward walked through the door, a shower seemed like a good idea.
The water seemed to relax me, and perhaps it was making me zone out more than I thought when I felt two familiar arms wrap around me.
"You seem to agree with the idea of water conservation," I stated turning to face my handsome second half. "I never took you for a global warming Al Gore supporter."
"You know me, save the ducks and all that," he laughed with his lips pressed against my neck.
"Well I'm clean."
I hopped out of the shower noticing the predicament I had placed on my dear Edward.
"Isabella Swan that is not fair!"
Wrapping the towel around me I laughed.
"There is plenty of cold water Dr. Cullen!" I called out knowing that if we started something we definitely wouldn't make it to Jazz and Ali's on time.
I picked out a nice pair of jeans and a black V-neck shirt with a scarf. Something nice so that I didn't get my ass reamed out by a certain pixie. Many people had chewed me out for stupid reasons, and Alice was by far the scariest. Her five-foot stature was nothing to shake your head at, the woman could hold her own.
"You look lovely," Edward stated wrapped only in a towel. I had to keep my mind focused so that I didn't decide to call Alice and cancel.
Sorry Alice, we can't make it tonight. I am at home ravishing your brother in as many ways as possible. Can we reschedule?
Oh yeah, that would definitely not go over well.
"Like what you see?" He asked with a smug look.
I smirked and wrapped my arms around his torso, letting my hand drop against his towel clad thigh.
"Of course."
I began my descent down the stairs hearing a loud groan of frustration.
"Love, are you angry with me? Cause getting cock-blocked twice in one hour isn't like you."
"Nope I'm not angry Edward. I promise I'll make it up to you tonight!"
"I'll hold you too that promise!" He shouted from the bedroom.
"I hope you do."
Soon my very own Greek Adonis took my hand in his as he opened the front door.
"Shall we?"
"The mission is two hours. After that abort, abort, abort."
"Got it!"
And with that, I let my thoughts disappear, because being with Edward I wasn't a mercenary, I wasn't different, I was simply Isabella Marie Swan.
I sat in Edward's silver Volvo as we headed towards Alice and Jasper's residence he simply refused to go anywhere in that 'deathtrap' that I called a vehicle. I couldn't help but notice the fact that Edward seemed to have a weird amused look on his face.
"What is it?" I asked looking myself over. I hoped that I hadn't managed to spill anything on me yet.
"You're just amusing."
Well that was a simple response.
"Care to elaborate?" I asked batting my eyelashes for effect as he rolled his eyes.
"I think it's funny that a girl like you knows so much about the military, sometimes you act like a regular US soldier."
I almost froze realizing how true that statement was.
"That's hilarious E. I could never be a soldier, I am too much of a klutz remember? But that doesn't stop me from reading some good war material, or reading about new weaponry, you know that."
He grabbed my hand, the grin never leaving his face, and he held it the entire way into Alice's house. I didn't make it two steps out of the car, when I almost lost my balance due to the flying pixie from hell.
"Bella! I haven't seen you forever!"
Alice Whitlock looked absolutely gorgeous as usual. Her short black hair was spiked to perfection, and I was sure the shirt she was wearing cost more than all my clothes put together.
"Alice we talked yesterday."
"I know that silly, but we haven't talked in person for a long time," She expressed with a smile,
"Yes I know, the hours at the bookstore are getting crazy."
She gave me a sour look, but soon her happy demeanour was back on at full strength.
"What Ali cat? No hello for your big brother?"
"Hello to you too, you big goof. Well we don't want dinner to get cold so let's get inside."
Alice and Jasper were living in the American Dream House. They had everything from extra bedrooms for when the little Alice's and Jasper's were running around, down to the white picket fence around their property. Alice was not only fashionable, but practical as well.
"What's for dinner?" Edward asked as the scent drifted towards us.
"It smells like Chinese food from Chez Jasper's wallet."
Edward laughed and I rolled my eyes. In every way Alice and Jasper were downright perfect for each other. However, neither had any cooking skill what-so-ever. It was surprising since Edward and Alice's mother, Esme, was an amazing cook. Alice, I guess was just never interested.
"Hey there Edward! What's up Bells?"
"The sky, the roof, the moon the-"
"Okay smartass. That's enough."
The meal was quiet with nothing more than pleasant conversation. Having no family of my own, it was nice to know that Jasper, Alice and of course Edward were there for me. They were how I pictured a normal family. So is that why I felt so horrible, guarding so many secrets from Edward.
I helped Alice clean up the minimal dishes and was happy to relax in the living room, since we still had a half hour to go in the Alice's House for Supper mission.
"Alice can I talk to you for a minute?"
That question came from Edward, which surprised me. Even Alice and Jasper looked a little confused. Alice nodded and they both disappeared from the living room, and their steps slowly got softer as they headed down the hallway.
"So do you think the mission tomorrow is going to go over well?" I asked in a voice barely above a whisper.
"It would be better if we knew more. I mean we're kind of charging the enemy blindly."
"I agree, something seems off in the information, but we're a strong team Jazz. I am sure the three of us can handle a mission this small. We've dealt with a lot worse."
He nodded knowing the exact missions I was talking about.
"And we have the best weapon specialist in the world on our side. What luck."
"Flattery will get you nowhere Jasper. I still won't tell you the specs on the new arm cannon in production."
"You're a jerk Bells."
"Yes I am a jerk, but I am a jerk who knows more than your sorry ass!"
I laughed and Jasper shook his head at my childishness. I was the youngest member of our team and because of that I was often teased by my two old men -as I liked to call them. Even around the base, many people wondered how someone so young had managed to get a rank. Until, they found out exactly who I was.
Isabella Marie Swan, blood type B negative, currently infatuated with Edward Anthony Cullen, joined KRATOS at age eight. Weapons specialist and technology expert. Now I was twenty-four years old, and I had been a soldier for sixteen.
I pulled myself out of my mind when the soft sound of footsteps made their way back towards us.
"Well, Isabella and I should head home," Edward stated as I glanced towards the clock. Two hours on the dot. "Thanks for dinner you guys. Maybe we'll have you over for supper this weekend."
"That would be great!" Alice stated, and I could practically see her drooling over my cooking.
"All right, see you guys."
"Ciao!" I stated in perfect Italian as Alice and Jasper waved goodbye.
"Thanks for the rescue my knight in shining armour."
He flashed me a toothy grin and opened my door.
"I thought only damsels in distress needed knights?"
We walked into the house and I began pulling of his jacket, he laughed at my eagerness.
"Well what if I am a damsel?" I asked kissing along his neck making my way towards his chest.
"Well then," He stated using his finger to lift my chin, capturing my mouth with his. "Are you in distress my princess?"
He pulled my shirt over my head and I realized the scenery had changed ever so slightly from the walkway, as we were now in the bedroom.
"How is it you manage to do that," I muttered practically breathless as he ravaged my neck with his tongue.
"Do what?" he asked slipping his jeans down to the floor.
"Dazzle me."
He smirked undoing my bra clutching my right breast in his hand.
"Beautiful." He murmured as we fell onto the bed.
I soon found his mouth on my nipple as I let out a low moan. God this man was perfect and more. His hand brushed against my thigh, deadly close to his target.
Never gonna give you up! Never gonna let you down!
Edward growled as he flipped open his phone, and I sat up wide-eyed. Rick rolled by his ringtone? You had to be kidding me.
"Okay I understand are his vitals are stable? I'll be there as soon as I can, give me thirty minutes."
I looked towards Edward who looked pissed off and sorry at the same time.
"You know what they say honey, third time's the charm," I said trying to lighten the mood.
"Thanks captain obvious, but I doubt all the cold showers in the world could take this away."
"Called in at this time of night why?" I asked wrapping myself in the sheet, as Edward put on some scrubs.
"Bad car accident," he stated.
"Well be safe and see you when you get home."
He rolled his eyes and kissed my forehead.
"The chances of me being back before tomorrow night are slim, I'm just going to have to sleep when I can at the hospital."
"I'll be at work for a long time anyway. Something like an eleven hour shift, so you'll be home before me anyways."
"Why so late?"
"The supplies we ordered to refurbish the back half of the store have arrived so I need to be there to make sure everything is finished properly."
"So I'll see you after work love."
"Miss you."
He smiled and left the room, and I realized that any sexual frustration I had was now gone. I showered and placed on some black sweats and a red long sleeve shirt. I wanted to be comfortable if it was going to be a long day of fighting tomorrow.
A/N: Many moons ago a friend and I co-wrote this story and she posted it on FF. She has since decided to no longer use this site so I have decided that I love this story to much to not post it. So its been heavily edited as we had wrote this over four years ago.
It draws on ideas from full metal panic, but is stand alone and most of the ideas are from my head. It is different from your conventional war story and is made in an alternate universe, one that mirrors our own, but where groups like this exist to help.
If you're wonderful enough to give it a chance I applaud you.
Thanks so much, xxKei
(PS- this is one of the shorter chapters that will be a part of this story.)