Chapter 2
"You know what it means to be active now, don't you?"
Connor looked over to his left as he finished his set of pull-ups. He did a final one and dropped down. He took a couple of breaths and turned to look at Cormack. "Well this is a step up from staying at the airport, sir," he replied as he wiped the sweat off. "And even a mad scientist needs a break."
Cormack nodded as he stepped forward. "Well you did good on the run."
Connor took a breath and walked back over to the pull-up bar and jumped up to do another set. "Was the basics. My da ran one similar in his day. Fastest on the course along with some bloke that was his best mate."
"So you've had practice."
"Practice makes better." Connor did a couple of pull-ups before stopping. He made a slight face before glancing over towards Cormack. "You know there is the saying healthy body, healthy mind."
"I'm well aware of that Lieutenant." Cormack shuffled on his feet and crossed his arms over his chest. "But you were given orders to report in to your unit."
Connor jumped down finishing his last one. He bounced slightly on the balls of his feet. He walked up and grabbed a towel. "You did sir but it seems that you've forgotten that I'm not exactly the most welcome of people."
"Still orders are orders." Cormack knew that Connor wasn't trying to be difficult on purpose. He was well aware that Connor's personality was not the kind most people would not get along well. The man had tried but during his more difficult times it near caused fights. "You're a part of the task force now."
Connor studied Cormack for a moment before saying, "But it comes down to whether or not I really am. It's one thing to get your foot in the door but another thing entirely to belong." He started walking towards where to store his gear and change. "I think you and I can agree that the fact that I'm the guy that stays at the airport does not exactly warm things up."
This was the moment that Cormack had been waiting for. "And if there was such an opportunity, would you take it?"
"You know me. I get bored easily." Connor gave a grin to indicate that he was teasing even though it was the truth. There was only so much that fixing and improving tech could do. He was good at what he could do and liked doing it but he was human and needed socialization. His skilled were abysmal though and it took certain individuals able to understand him or those willing to understand. He did try thought. "Look, sir, I really don't mind if it is a typical SAR. Just being out in the field is able to give more. I'm ready. Been ready since Knox dragged me on the op in Detroit."
"Well you better be ready," Cormack replied. He opened the door to the locker room. "Cause you're with me."
"Little forward there, sir."
"I'll give you forward Hayfield."
Connor straightened up and sobered. "What's the job, sir?"
Cormack noticed the sudden change. It was typical in mood swings Connor sometimes had when working on a difficult piece of equipment but it was like all traces of joviality were gone. In place was a man ready to work and while disconcerting at first, he was willing to work with it. He glanced at Connor's attire and it was suitable. "Walk with me."
Connor raised his brow slightly as he dropped his gear on the bench. He hesitated slightly but kept up. He was silent since he really hadn't been given leave to speak. He knew he wasn't the best of men to get along with but he took his job seriously and thus gave his undivided attention to his now commanding officer.
If Cormack was expecting a comment or query from Connor, he wasn't going to get one. He continued, "I know you are aware that we have been investigating the attacks Hades has done on the nuclear power plants."
"Yes, sir."
"There is also the information that you brought us… Your suspicions."
Connor paused and stood there looking at Cormack. It always had to come back to that. He blinked as the memories of what happened filtered through. It was like reliving his nightmare except he was awake. He knew something was up and it started with that nightmare. He wished that it wasn't so but it looked like it was going to be that way. He looked up to see Cormack looking at him with concern in his eyes. He got the feeling that he was going to be asked something that would affect his 'normal' sensibilities. "What do you need sir?"
Cormack knew that it was unfair probably since Connor never liked to speak of what happened the day they picked him up. If he did it was to the shrink and she was bound by doctor-patient confidentiality. He saw the flicker in his newest man's eyes and wanted to question the viability of this but the look he was getting… he could tell that Connor was going to see it through. "I believe there is a lot that Atlas knows and they aren't telling."
"I believe I told you that."
"True but at the time…"
"I was the raging nutcase you picked up in the desert with a hole in my chest and suffering from severe dehydration." Connor took in the look that Cormack was shooting him. He added, "I know what the general opinion is of me. Hell I wouldn't believe me either since I was referring to things as gizmos and gadgets and mathematical equations."
Cormack studied Connor, not sure if he should be concerned at the glibness of the man. "But it was enough to keep things in mind."
"Glad to be of help."
"You ready to help out more, Hayfield?"
Connor knew that when Cormack used his surname it meant business. Well he was willing to do it even if it brought up painful memories. "Always am, sir. What do you need?"
Cormack looked around before looking at Connor. This was going to be different than previous missions Sentinel has gone on. "We technically don't have proof to look at Atlas but…"
"Am I going to be correct in assuming that you want me to sneak in, plug into the Atlas network and cyber spy on them and in the process try not to get caught?" Connor sensed the hesitancy and decided to take the bull by the horns. He was the tech genius after all and he used to work for Atlas on some of their more secure projects. "I guess Command found a use for me after all sir. Bloody scapegoat."
"It doesn't exactly have to be that way," Cormack countered. He knew that this was bad especially considering that Command wasn't sure Connor was stable mentally to deal even with the recommendations by Magda Gaines being in a favorable light. "But we do need an inside look. Perhaps tracking down a man who knew Hades and was there when he was EKIA."
Connor wasn't put out with the situation. Hell if he had still been with Atlas he would have done the same thing if someone who was like him now was brought in front of him. "I'm not saying that I agree with the situation but I follow orders. I'll go in."
"You don't have to."
"Like you said, sir, you need the intel and if you want more on this bugger you want to eventually talk to, you need eyes and ears. Besides you and I both know Atlas is a closed system. Some unlucky bastard has to get close enough and it might as well be me."
Cormack was surprised at the attitude Connor was showing but hid it well. He half expected flat out refusal and he wouldn't blame the man. There was also that caustic sense of humor that filtered out as a result of personality and his nationality. "You sure you want to do this?"
"Sir, I wanted back in. I got my foot in the door with help from you and a few others. Now I need to show I belong." Connor shifted on his feet and cleared his throat. He was tripping in terms of the lines of the superior-subordinate relationship but old habits die hard; they died a horrible death. "I know what happened will always have some effect but… I've done my running if you catch my drift."
Cormack nodded in understanding. "I just want to make sure. I think it is unfair to you but it is your choice."
"And I know I can't go crying to Mags if things get tough. Nice and polite way to get rid of me if I screw up." Connor couldn't resist the joke that came through and gave a slight grin. He didn't push it even when Cormack allowed a slight grin. "I can do it. Just tell where, when and I'll get you a link up that even Atlas' own technicians won't notice."
Cormack studied Connor for a little bit before nodded. "Alright Hayfield. You've proven people and even me wrong since you dropped in here. You've made a believer out of me."
"No sir," Connor corrected rather softly. "I just merely performed at the level that is expected of me. Crazy or not."
Cormack was going to accept that since he had long given up on trying to convince Connor of anything different from the truths he perceived. He put a hand on Connor's shoulder, "Then I won't expect anything less than that."
"It's what I do."
Cormack started walking and didn't have to look since Connor would follow. The man followed orders even when he technically didn't have to. "So it's going to be insertion, do what you have to do and get out. No unnecessary risks."
"Wilco."
"I'm serious Hayfield. No unnecessary risks."
"Copy that, sir." Connor kept pace. "It is risky sir. Knowing Atlas, the security, physical security is primed against unauthorized personnel. Where I would need to go is the technician's hub. While any terminal may access the system, the main one I can make it so that it appears nothing is amiss. A quirk."
"A quirk?"
"One that I invented and if luck holds out, Atlas wouldn't have modified." Connor paused a moment before asking, "Apart from plugging in, should I expect anything else?"
"Just watch your back," Cormack replied as they continued to walk. "If anything happens… there really is no chance of launching rescue ops. This is not official so…"
"You have to cut me loose. My kind of job." Connor gave a slight smile to indicate that he was okay with it even though he was nervous about it. He was familiar with security protocols and the fact that he technically didn't exist in Atlas' eyes anymore… He wasn't going to bother Cormack with the details. It was something he could figure out on his own.
"I'm sorry Hayfield but…"
"Like I said, sir. I can do it."
"Prove me right then." Cormack gave a slight smile as the pair continued to walk while he gave a few more details.
It was a standard op. They were supposed to go in and retrieve data on the area; the effects of the destruction of the nuclear sites… all of it was to be recorded and analyzed. It was a recovery mission and he was the guy that could pull data out of the boss' ass in a critical moment. He was called the tech genius. So that was why he was sent in.
There were reports of KVA operating within the area so that added to the challenge. He didn't mind a challenge. He sought them as he developed better means of tactical support for the boots on the ground. He liked 'chasing the leads where none existed'. He also liked doing the job that he trained for and that was being a soldier.
… Your mission is to retrieve the data modules. Do what you have to do, Hayfield. This will determine the viability and rebuilding in the aftermath of the attacks…
He accepted the mission and infiltrated with his squad. They were to make it to one of the operations buildings to see what they could find. Maximum precautions were taken including scans and the area they were in was determined to be okay.
… You know too much…
Connor.
… I'm sorry for doing this…
Connor.
BANG!
"Connor!"
Connor looked up from what he was doing to see a visitor in his work area. He looked down at the Exo suit he was working on and finished what he was doing and put down the tool before addressing his visitor, "A last minute session on the go, Doc?"
Magda looked at the man and walked into the area. Apart from Cormack and Knox, she was one of the few people that ventured into the cave to visit the 'guy that stays at the airport'. It was an odd expression but one that was more polite than calling him the hermit that was bat shit crazy at times. Luckily Connor took the comment and made it into a joke and it was picked up by others. She replied, "You could say that. As long as you don't cause trouble."
"Now you know I don't do that Mags."
"And I told you to stop calling me that." Magda put her hands on her hips. Even though she was a woman, she looked formidable in fatigues.
"You know you like it." Connor looked up and shot a grin at her. "You like it when I'm rude, obnoxious and the very definition of an arsehole with a hero complex the size of an RPG up my arse." He purposely thickened his accent to indicate he was teasing her about the time she made her initial diagnosis.
"And you still have an RPG up your ass," she retorted. She couldn't help but grin since Connor's sense of humor was infectious. It was different and caustic but infectious. "Not to mention that you can be an ass."
"Glad to know that your esteemed opinion holds me in such regard." Connor picked up another tool to make an adjustment. "If you're here to harangue me about my take off time, I'm ahead of schedule. Just making a last adjustment." He snapped his finger to get the worker drone moving.
"You know as well as I that I don't have any clout with you except regarding the fact that you are my patient in all matters mentally and emotionally."
"I sense fighting words."
Magda sighed. She knew that coming down was probably not the best thing but he was her patient and she had been concerned the moment she got the news from Cormack that he was going to send Connor into Atlas territory to do some recon. She had seen patients with PTSD and sometimes when they were introduced to the causes of that… nasty things happened. She just didn't want that to happen to Connor. He might be an ass at times but she liked him.
Connor knew that he may have gone too far. Perhaps he should be grateful that she was still around. Command could have reassigned her now that she was back on but then again since they had a nut case with a gun on base, they were just covering their asses. She wasn't a part of that and he had no reason to be sore at her. He said, "I'm okay if going if that's what you want to know."
"You don't know what I was going to ask." Magda cleared her throat as she shifted in her position. She really didn't like it when he had an answer before she even asked a question. It made her want to throw a book at his head.
"But that is the reason you came down here," Connor pointed out as he finished making his calibration. It was not perfect but it would do since he was going to use the stealth camouflage and had a grappler attached. Plus he tweaked a few things since you never knew. He put his tool down to look at her and leaned against the nearby worktable. "You come down here when I've had a bad day and prefer to hide or when you've noticed signs of relapse or when I'm about to go back to a place that pretty much washed their hands of me in the most unpleasant of ways." He couldn't keep the slight hint of sarcasm out of his tone but he made his point.
"Alright, you have me on that one you egotistical genius," Magda countered. She shook her head slightly in exasperation. "I still have no idea why I accepted this assignment."
"That one's easy, love. You like a challenge… reminds me of me." Connor crossed his arms over his chest and smirked at her as if to dare her to challenge that assessment.
Magda narrowed her eyes at that. True she saw the man as a challenge and while it would be dishonest to say that she didn't like them, she didn't like the fact that she could be called out on it. So she defaulted back to what the official line was, "Actually it was because for some odd reason I seem to have a knack for deal with hard asses."
"Keep telling yourself that and one day it might be true." Connor reached over to pick up his pad to check the last bit of diagnostics. "Now you can go ahead and tell me the usual while I work. Got to get this finished before heading out."
Knowing that the back and forth could be continued on all day and well into the night if necessary, Magda opted to cut to the chase since it would probably end up bad for the both of them and they could both give as good as they had. Sighing she got closer and picked up a gadget that didn't look like it belonged to anything the military would use. She examined it knowing somewhat by know what was safe to touch and what wasn't. "I am concerned. Going back to the very people that caused you such pain…"
"I know. It sounds unfair." Connor plugged into the Exo he was working on and began a scan. "But sometimes you have to do things that aren't fair."
"But this is one of those missions where if you're compromised and caught…"
"Part of the job."
Magda could understand that. She continued to examine the thing that she had no idea what it was. Her finger rubbed along the contours of the thing. "When I took you on, you were…"
"A raving lunatic that found solace in fiddling with wires."
"Do you always have to turn everything into a joke?"
"You asked me that the first session." Connor didn't bother looking up. He knew he was getting the look and was well used to it. "And my answer remains the same. It hurts less and often works when I don't want to talk about it." He made a slight adjustment. "I made the exception for you."
"And why is that?"
Connor made a slight sound and gave a smirk. This was similar to their first conversation. "Because I was taught to always treat a lady well. Even if she is a bossy nag."
Magda shook her head. He gave the same answer as he did when they first started. She had learned that certain responses were the ones he was going to stick with and when he changed them, that meant he trusted the person enough to give a little more. Also he liked to tease her and it got on her nerves. She didn't say anything but continued to watch until she decided to leave. She put the gadget back down and started to walk away.
"I know it's crazy and ill advised to go back but..."
Magda stopped and turned to look at Connor. He had finished what he was doing and was looking at her. There was no hint of humor on his features, only seriousness. She shifted to give him her full attention.
Connor continued when he saw that she was going to stay and listen, "It's something I think I have to do and maybe feel a little bit. I can't explain it but… I get the feeling that whatever happens on this will change things."
"And you want to be a part of it."
"I'm not in it for the glory Mags. Shite that was never the point of service." Connor shifted on his feet and ran a hand through his locks. "You once told me that sometimes you have to face your fears and maybe I have a fear or two of Atlas since hell they fucking ambushed me and I didn't see it coming. It messed me up but… I have to go. Sometimes true courage is getting back up when you think you've fallen too far or something like that. It'll be fine and if I screw up then…" He shrugged his shoulders in an oh well gesture. "Can always make my brother's life miserable."
Magda studied Connor as he turned back to unplug his equipment and give a low cheer. She let him mutter a few things as she thought about what she wanted to say. Finally she said, "Alright then. I just don't want you to fall back down when you've come so far."
"Not happening love." Connor looked at her with a cheeky grin. "They tried to kill me once and it didn't work."
"With you third time's a charm."
Connor couldn't help but laugh at that. He knew that he had her support because she gave a slight smile. He was scared about going back since hell he was not going in with backup but he had done this before and he knew full well the consequences what would happen if he was to be caught again. "Probably. Well… Everything's a go."
"Should I even ask what you came up with for that Exo?"
Connor looked at the Exo he had been working on. He had taken the specialist version and modified it. He let his imagination do the talking while his mind went to work on the technicalities. He glanced back at Magda and saw the look on her face. "Probably not since maybe about half my upgrades would probably be counted as illegal tampering on equipment since technically I am not rated on maintenance and repair. Though I can say that I'll be able to tap into things much more easily and without a computer." He tapped the wrist console that she had been looking at. "Plus I wanted to know the mechanics of a few things that I haven't worked with previously."
Magda looked at the man as a grin was plastered on it. He looked like a little kid who had been given leave in a candy store. "Probably not then. Just be careful Connor. I'd hate to see the good work go to waste."
Connor let her leave with that remark even though he had one ready. He heard a low beep and turned to look at the worker drone. He narrowed his eyes, "What are you looking at you hunk of junk? Come on. Work." He picked up the gear and moved to load up.
A/N: Looks like Connor is being sent out on a mission and tapping into Atlas. Out of the frying pan and back into the fire. This and more next time on From the Ashes...
