VOYAGE TO DISCOVERY – Chapter 2
Authors note: The story continues as the team learns the details of their mission. How will Mark and Princess handle their current assignment given their history together? The circumstances of their breakup are revealed as well as startling revelations about the present.
My good friend Summer39 and I continue this collaboration based on a premise that we've both had in our heads for close to 30 years. Only now as adults have we had the opportunity to combine the best of our ideas and create this story for you. So please indulge us as we bring this childhood fantasy to life. Remember, our focus is on the romance, so forgive us for any scientific inaccuracies. We have tried our best to build a plausible story and hope that you can suspend any disbelief and simply enjoy the ride. The usual disclaimer still stands: "BoTP" belongs to Sandy Frank Productions.
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Oww, my feet are killing me! Princess thought to herself as she bent down and pulled off her high heel dress sandals and tossed them on the floor beside her chair. What in the world had she been thinking when she bought these? Oh yes, now she remembered. Jill told her that they were a perfect match for the slinky black dress that she was currently wearing. Plus, they were on sale and Princess was never one to pass by a bargain. As she rubbed the aching soles of her feet, she reminded herself to seriously question the next great deal that came her way.
As she sat alone in the IFPP conference room, she was secretly relieved that no one else had arrived yet. It would give her a few minutes to unwind and prepare her mind to take in the details of what she assumed would be their next mission. She had enough emergency calls in the middle of the night to know what to expect. It was just her luck to get one of those calls on this particular evening, one of the few nights in the recent past that she had actually been enjoying herself. Luckily she had been alone in the ladies room when she received the signal. She was able to respond in private, then return to the club, fake a headache, and excuse herself for the evening. Princess was not too sure that her act was entirely convincing. She took a mental note to make a quick phone call later and hopefully smooth things over.
She padded barefoot over to the coffee machine in the corner of the room. Maybe a little caffeine would give her the boost she needed. As she pondered the myriad of buttons, each specifying a unique brew, she found her thoughts drifting to a certain person that she knew would be arriving soon. Why does this always have to happen? Can't I just get over him?
Unfortunately, it wasn't that easy. Ever since the fateful day when they went their separate ways, Princess couldn't help but recall what had occurred between them.
If only their last moment together weren't so volatile and filled with confusion. It made getting over their relationship so much more difficult...
The Phoenix had just landed at Center Neptune and most of the team wanted to disembark as soon as possible. Anything to get away from their Commander's fulminating attitude, the look on his face evidence of the anger at how the mission had almost cost the lives of G-2 and G-3. All were tired from their ordeal and just relieved that the mission were over. Mark remained silent and immobile, standing stoically next to his command post. While his back was turned away from his team mates, the remaining G-Force members shuffled quietly toward the ship's exit. Instinct and experience reminding them to keep their mouths shut. Even Jason knew not to push his luck where Mark was concerned at the moment. He eyed Princess standing next to the panel door as Keyop and Tiny entered into the small elevator as they waited for him. The Swan nodded reassuringly at the Condor as he met her expressive green eyes with a look of brotherly concern. "I'll talk to the Eagle," she whispered softly. Jason squeezed her upper arm gently and winked mischievously with his right eye before limping into the elevator to join the others, leaving Princess to face Mark alone. As the panel door slid shut, she closed her eyes tightly and leaned against the nearest wall for support. She heard an unrecognizable thud hit the floor. She flinched when that sound was immediately followed by another.
Princess then felt that familiar heat; that magnanimous presence burning near by and instantly opened her eyes to find Mark standing before her. He had removed his helmet, revealing those startling blue eyes of his that seemed to scorch right through her. His face was weary and damp with perspiration, his auburn hair clinging to his forehead, appearing as if though he'd been in a struggle-but rather he was waging an inner battle within himself of which Princess couldn't comprehend. She had wanted to alleviate Mark's anguish but before she could speak, he'd reached up and carefully removed her damaged helmet from her head and cast it aside. He watched her sable colored locks rain onto her shoulders as if mesmerized, sifting his hands through the dark damp strands. Princess licked her lips as she watched him, transfixed on his movements as Mark's gloved hands suddenly grasped her face on either side and rushed his mouth over hers; his tongue seeking and finding entrance between her moist lips.
Princess sucked in her breath as Mark continued to plunder her mouth; his tongue coiling around hers, draining and filling her simultaneously as he pressed his body against hers. Her hands, once clutching at the walls in a fleeting attempt for support, were now splayed upon Mark's chest; her fingers clawing at the material of his uniform as she slowly moved her mouth beneath his. Mark groaned something inexplicable, reluctantly pulling his mouth from Princess' only to drag his lips across her soot stained face. His hands traveled hurriedly down to her shoulders and upper arms before migrating to Princess' waist, fumbling and releasing the catch of her utility belt; allowing the obstacle to drop to the floor and kick it out of the way as Princess slipped one leg between his thighs. Their mouths met again hungrily; their hands exploring each others body with unbearable pleasure. Mark then shifted and lifted Princess against him, cupping her bottom beneath the torn pink skirt of her uniform as he all but tried to fuse himself to her. The friction of their movements had turned the Eagle and Swan into one giant furnace of desire.
It was at that moment when Mark tore his mouth raggedly from Princess', emitting a frustrated, "No!" from his throat as he tried to catch his breath with deep purposeful gulps. His trembling hands were biting into her shoulders as he pushed her almost violently away from him.
Princess felt as if she'd been doused with ice, her body still throbbing with anticipation as she had been ready to give Mark what she would've willingly offered long ago. She queried brokenly through kiss swollen lips, "Mark?" as she reached out to touch his face.
He backed away from her achingly and spoke in a stricken voice, "I can't do this anymore! I can't do this anymore!" He'd shut his eyes after saying that and continued. "Prin this has to stop! I can't be with you and be your superior at the same time! The more involved I am with you the less effective I am as leader of G-Force! Let's just pretend as if...as if these past few months never happened. Maybe then I can salvage what's left of my role as Commander of this team." Mark then looked up and added regretfully, "I'm sorry." He turned on his heel and walked slowly towards the ship's console, placing his palms flat against the surface.
Princess was stunned into silence, not quite believing what she'd just heard. Surely Mark didn't mean that. Not after the time they'd spent together; not after what they shared. Not after what they were about to share; what almost took place between them only moments before.
Stunned and hurt Princess' lips quivered as she asked, "That's it? You're just going to leave our relationship like that?" She walked purposefully toward Mark and reached for his shoulder, forcing him to turn and face her. "Mark I love you and I thought that you loved me...?"
He looked angrily at her and replied in a distinctively cold tone, "I never said that I loved you."
If he had struck her with his hand it would have hurt less...
Princess winced at the thought of his words. They were still painful, even after several months had passed. She shook her head in a vain attempt to shake away the memories. Princess then stared down at the coffee machine and realized that she had just poured herself a cup of Mark's favorite Columbian blend. Damn! What is wrong with me? She set the cup aside and proceeded to select her usual hazelnut cappuccino when she felt a presence behind her.
"Are you going to save some for the rest of us?"
Princess looked up and found herself face to face with the man who had been occupying her thoughts. He was staring quizzically at the two cups of coffee that were set out on the counter before her.
"I…uh…," she stammered in a somewhat startled state. She reached for one of the cups, but instead knocked over a container of swizzle sticks which cascaded across the counter top.
"You caught me by surprise," Princess explained as she began to pick up the sticks and return them to their proper place. Mark quickly reached over to help and in the process brushed his hand against hers. A tingle of electricity shot through her. She knew he must have felt it too as they both suddenly stopped and lifted their eyes to each other.
After everything that's happened, why do you still have this effect on me? Princess silently questioned as she stared into his soulful blue eyes. Although she hated to admit it, he couldn't have looked sexier if he tried! His dark auburn hair was somewhat tousled and his face was shadowed with stubble. She had become used to only seeing the clean cut commander of G-Force in recent weeks, and didn't realize until then how much she missed his "just out of bed" casual look.
He stared intently back into her eyes and seemed as if he wanted to say something to her. Then the moment passed and an awkward silence developed. Although their working relationship had been proceeding "business as usual", this was the first time that they actually had a few moments alone since their breakup.
Feeling uncomfortable and knowing this wasn't the appropriate time to start a long conversation, Princess turned her eyes away and reached over to pick up one of the coffee cups.
"For you," she stated as she handed it to him.
Mark nodded a gesture of thanks as he took the drink from her. Instantly he recognized the familiar aroma. Princess looked on as he gently blew across the top of the cup, his blue eyes giving her a butter melting gaze. He carefully took a sip and let the warmth spread through him. Ahhh…..just the way I like it! He thought to himself as he licked his lips in appreciation. Leave it to Princess to know exactly what I needed.
As the jolt of caffeine began to take effect, he took a closer look at the woman standing before him. It was then that he realized instead of her regular attire, she was wearing a black cocktail dress. Its thin spaghetti straps clung to her shoulders and the bodice, although not incredibly revealing, fit snugly across her chest displaying the slight swell of her breasts and a hint of cleavage. The shimmering knit fabric clung closely to her waist while the skirt fanned gracefully about her hips until it ended a few inches above her knee. This dress was definitely designed for a night out dancing! He returned his attention to her face where he noticed her hair fell loosely in a mass of curls around her shoulders with the top pulled back from her face with a rhinestone clip. Her vibrant green eyes were outlined in dark kohl making them appear much larger than usual. Her skin had an almost luminous glow which was enhanced by tiny flecks of glitter which she had dusted liberally across her face and body.
He was somewhat taken aback by her radiant appearance and was unsure what to say. Clearly she hadn't just arrived from a quiet night at home in front of the television set!
"I didn't expect you to be here first," he commented suspiciously, knowing that her loft apartment was the furthest distance from the IFPP than any of the others on the team.
"Well, I was in the neighborhood," she casually replied.
"Weren't you out a little late?" He responded with a note of concern, "It is almost 4:00 in the morning!"
She shrugged her shoulders and continued to sip her coffee.
"Where were you?" Mark asked curiously, hoping for an innocent explanation for her appearance.
"I was out with a friend," Princess replied vaguely. She was beginning to feel a bit annoyed by all this questioning. She frowned and wondered if Mark really cared who she spent her time with or was just being nosey.
Not satisfied with her response, he pressed on. "Were you out with Jill?" he questioned, feeling certain now that this must be the case. Mark knew that Jill had a weekly "Girl's Night Out" with her friends and often asked Princess to join her. Hmm...but they usually go out on Thursday nights and this was Friday?
She was about to answer when she was interrupted by a whistle from across the room.
"Wow! Did you get dressed up just for us?" Jason exclaimed as he roguishly eyed her ensemble.
Princess turned to see him enter the room along with Tiny and Keyop.
"Of course!" she replied smiling, hoping her confirmation would end any further probing for details.
"Oh, I don't think so!" Jason stated, narrowing his eyes and shaking his head in doubt.
No such luck. Princess thought to herself.
"You wouldn't spend that much time getting yourself to look this good for us. My guess is that you've been out on a hot date!"
Princess blushed and turned her eyes away from the group. Mark looked on with interest.
"You were out with Jeff, weren't you?" Keyop shouted.
Princess' face began to turn an even darker shade of pink, while Mark suddenly coughed as he choked on his last sip of coffee.
"I'm right, aren't I?" the 18 year old stated proudly, "Do I know how to pick them or what?"
"Hey, isn't that the grad student that's been tutoring you?" Tiny asked as he began to rummage through the snacks stored in the small cupboard next to the coffee machine.
"You mean that guy you've been studying with at Jill's Place?" Jason inquired as he muscled around Tiny and grabbed a candy bar.
"Yeah, that's him!" Keyop confirmed. "Jeff's been a big help with pulling up my Philosophy grade this semester at the university. I just knew that he and Prin would hit it off!"
"He seems like a nice guy," Jason remarked as he made his way to a seat. Tiny nodded his head in agreement as he happily munched on a bag of potato chips.
"Besides, you could do worse!" Jason smirked as he shot a quick glance at a stunned Mark.
What the hell is going on? Mark thought to himself as he watched the conversation unfold before him. One minute he was simply enjoying a cup of coffee, and the next he felt like he'd been hit by a truck! How did I not see this coming?
True, he had been avoiding Jill's Place lately, fearing a conversation with Princess might stir up feelings that he wasn't ready to discuss. Yet, he never thought his lack of attention would result in this!
As Princess turned to walk back towards the center of the room, Mark drew himself up along side her.
"You're dating?" he whispered under his breath, his voice conveying a note of shock.
It dawned on Princess that this revelation had caught Mark by surprise. Who does he think he is? Did he actually expect me to wait for him?
"Life goes on …..Commander!" she replied as she raised her coffee cup to him, confidently took a sip, and then turned on her heel.
Mark was speechless! Yet he couldn't have replied even if he was able to, because at that moment the back panel wall slid aside and Chief Anderson entered the room.
"Good morning everyone," the Chief stated as he took a seat at the head of the table. He was dressed in his usual business suit, perfectly pressed. Not a hair was out of place and despite the hour, he appeared to be fully rested. Does the guy even need to sleep? Mark thought to himself as he settled into the chair to Anderson's right while the others took their places at the table.
"I apologize for disturbing you at this hour," he stated, "We had to move quickly on this issue and it couldn't be helped."
With that, Chief Anderson dimmed the lights and clicked the remote to begin his presentation.
"We are on the verge of convincing a brilliant young scientist to sign on as a member of the ISO research team. This is Dr. Elliot Shay"
An image of a young man who appeared to be in his mid 20's was projected on the viewing screen on the back wall.
"Definitely looks like a nerd to me!" Keyop exclaimed as he took note of the wire rimmed glasses and conservative clothing worn by the doctor.
"Takes one to know one!" Jason retorted, after which he immediately felt Keyop's fist connect with his left bicep.
"Dr. Shay's specialty is Quantum Physics," Anderson explained. "He is on the verge of developing a weapons defense system which could permanently eliminate the threat of Spectra and potentially end the war as we know it."
A collective gasp was heard throughout the room. Could the end of the war be near? Although they were young, the team had spent the majority of their lives fighting for peace. Nothing meant more to them than defeating Spectra and having the prospect of a "normal" life.
The Chief clicked the remote further to display a series of schematic drawings and animated simulations of the proposed system.
"His designs are only in the initial stages," Anderson cautioned, "But they have enormous potential. It is crucial that he begin working with our team of scientists to accelerate his progress and prevent the chance of sabotage from our enemies."
"It looks like Dr. Shay has shared much of his research with us already," Mark pointed out. "With so much at stake, does he really have a choice as to whether he works with us? Or do you think he might be holding out for the highest bidder?"
Chief Anderson shook his head as he responded to Mark's accusation. "We had Elliot and his family completely checked out. There is no cause to believe that he would willingly disclose his knowledge to Spectra."
"However, as loyal as Elliot is to Earth's cause," the Chief continued, "He has been wary of sharing his entire set of research findings with the ISO. Up until now, he managed to do his work in relative obscurity. He fears that working with us will make him a prime target."
Mark could see his point. Being a member of G-Force made him well aware of the risk to his life, as well as the lives of the rest of the team. He quickly stole a glance at Princess who had been listening intently to the information that was being relayed to them. It was fear that his feelings for Princess would put the team at even greater risk which drove him to bring a hasty end to their relationship. If he had known it would only lead her into the arms of someone else, he never would have made that decision.
"We've come up with an agreement we believe that will be satisfactory to him, but Dr. Shay will only consider talking with us if we allow him some much deserved and undisturbed honeymoon time."
"The geek is married?" Jason stated incredulously.
The Chief nodded. "This is his new bride, Sabrina Shay."
The image of a voluptuous raven haired beauty replaced the technical drawings which had been displayed on the screen only moments before.
"What a knockout!" Jason exclaimed, "I guess being a scientific genius has its fringe benefits."
"Well, being a genius is something you wouldn't know anything about!" Keyop retorted as payback to Jason's previous dig.
"Hey, being on the racing circuit has its own fringe benefits," Jason said in his defense, "I've got plenty of hot women to choose from."
"I'll say," Tiny nodded in agreement, "That girl you were with at Jill's Place last week almost made me forget my dinner order."
"Must you always focus on appearances?" Princess said with an exasperated tone, "I'm sure there is more behind Elliot and Sabrina's feelings for each other than just what they look like."
"And so you're dating Jeff strictly for his great brain and not his blonde surfer dude looks?" Jason asked.
Princess blushed once again and Mark grimaced at hearing further details regarding the mysterious "Jeff". Intelligent and good looking too! Yup, this just keeps getting better and better!
"So where do we fit into this?" Mark inquired trying to get back to the topic at hand.
"I'm glad that you asked," the Chief returned, "We have booked Elliot and Sabrina Shay on a ten day cruise to the Bahamas which leaves port tomorrow afternoon. Jason, Keyop and Tiny, arrangements have been made for you to work as employees on the ship. Jason, you will be a bartender. Keyop will be a steward. Tiny, you will be on the kitchen staff."
"Sweet! Those cruise ships have great buffets!" Tiny exclaimed with excitement.
"So, I assume Princess and I will be there to provide additional bodyguard protection for the honeymoon couple." Mark stated.
"Well, not exactly," Chief Anderson replied, "We've received new intelligence which indicates that Spectra has become aware of our talks with Dr. Shay. We are concerned that bodyguard protection on the ship alone won't be sufficient under these circumstances."
"So why did you book them on a cruise?" Mark challenged, "That leaves them wide open to a Spectran attack."
"Exactly! Knowledge that they will be easily accessible on the open seas will get Spectra's attention and that is where we are hoping our enemies will focus their resources."
The team looked on with confusion. Why would the ISO want to put Elliot and Sabrina Shay in harms way?
"As far as the world is concerned," Anderson continued, "Dr. Shay and his young bride will be on a cruise in the Bahamas. In actuality we will be sending them to an undisclosed private location where they will be under round the clock protection while they enjoy their honeymoon."
Uh oh, Mark didn't like where this was headed…He took another sip of coffee hoping to gather some strength.
"Mark and Princess, you will be on the cruise acting as decoys for Elliot and Sabrina,"
Princess' mouth dropped open in shock. Mark was taken aback and began to sputter and cough once again.
"Are you catching a cold or something?" Jason asked as he handed Mark a napkin to wipe the coffee stains from his shirt.
Princess and I as a married couple? Mark thought to himself. Was Chief Anderson going insane?
"But we don't look anything like them!" Mark protested as he tried to regain his composure.
"I have to disagree," Anderson responded as he clicked the remote once more to display a photo of the young couple. "If you look closely, your builds and coloring match almost exactly. You only need a few wardrobe changes and perhaps some make-up to complete the effect. No one else would be more perfect to play these roles."
"I guess you're right," Princess consented as she examined the photo once more, "The resemblance is pretty remarkable."
"We are convinced that Spectra will make a move on the Shay's," the Chief said seriously. "We can't take a chance at risking their lives when the prospect for peace hangs in the balance. The two of you are expertly trained to ward off any attempt that will be made. With the rest of the team as backup, we have an excellent chance to apprehend some Spectran criminals while secretly giving the Shay's the honeymoon that they deserve."
Mark couldn't argue with that logic. Yet, he was still concerned the history between him and Princess would make this mission a challenge to say the least!
"Jason, Keyop, and Tiny, I've arranged for you to start orientation for your positions this morning. This will also give you a chance to become familiar with the ship before the passengers arrive. Go home and pack a few of your personal belongings and then head to the Fiesta Cruise ship docked at the marina," the Chief ordered. "An ISO contact will meet you there to provide further instructions."
"Sure thing, Chief!" Tiny exclaimed.
"You can count on us to sniff out Spectra!" Keyop said confidently.
"Hey, congrats on the marriage buddy!" Jason said as he slapped Mark on the back and gave him a wink. "If I had known in advance I would have thrown you a bachelor party!"
Mark returned a threatening stare as a warning that saying any more would have dire consequences!
As the three young men left the room, Anderson turned his attention to Mark and Princess. "I'd like to talk to the two of you privately for a moment." he said quietly as he walked across the room to shut the door.
Princess, who was still sitting in her chair, bent down to retrieve her sandals from the floor. Mark couldn't avoid noticing her dress shifting causing more of her chest to be revealed. He swallowed nervously as he watched her slip the sandals on her feet and wrap the ribbon ties around her supple ankles. Damn, if I'm getting this turned on looking at her with Chief Anderson only a few feet away, what's going to happen when we're alone in the honeymoon suite?
The Chief returned to the front of the room while Mark and Princess positioned themselves before him.
"I've sensed some tension between the two of you lately," he asked. "Is there something that I should know about?"
"No," they both replied quickly in unison.
"Just a minor disagreement," Mark explained.
The Chief narrowed his eyes, obviously realizing there was more to this than the flimsy explanation they provided.
"Well, you will need to put whatever it is aside for the duration of this mission," he stated in an authoritative tone.
Mark and Princess shifted uncomfortably and stole a glance at each other through the corner of their eyes.
"For the purposes of this assignment, you will look and act as a honeymoon couple. Do whatever it takes to make your relationship appear authentic."
Whatever it takes? This conjured up more images than the two felt they could deal with at the current moment. Was the Chief really giving them carte blanche to act as a married couple in every sense of the word?
"At one point I thought you were beginning to have feelings for each other. Obviously I was mistaken. Clearly you both lead separate personal lives," he stated as he cast his eyes upon Mark's scruffy appearance and Princess' festive attire.
"I trust that despite the behavior that is required, you will treat this as any other mission and maintain your professionalism. The focus must be on thwarting any attempts made by Spectra. Any personal feelings you have for each other cannot enter into the equation. Is that understood?"
"Yes, of course," Mark assured him hurriedly, "You can trust that we will treat this as any other civilian assignment."
Princess turned to look at Mark as he stoically responded. Could he really kiss her, hold her….potentially come close to making love to her without feeling absolutely anything at all? Did everything they had shared in the past truly mean nothing to him?
"Are you o.k. with this Princess?" the Chief asked noticing that her mind appeared to be elsewhere.
"Uh…yeah sure. Not a problem," she said hesitantly, still wondering how Mark could so coldly shut down his feelings in circumstances that they would be under.
"Good. I knew that I could count on the both of you," he said smiling confidently.
Mark and Princess each managed to return a false smile to confirm the Chief's trust in them, yet both knowing that this trust would be greatly tested.
"There are some files on Elliot and Sabrina that you both need to take with you to study before you leave for the cruise tomorrow afternoon," he stated as he motioned to the piles of paperwork on the desk in the corner.
"Mark, I need to speak to you alone for a few minutes," the Chief requested, "Princess, you are free to go."
"I'll call you later," Mark whispered.
Princess nodded nonchalantly and turned to walk away.
He watched as she retrieved the files and left the room. From tomorrow afternoon and for the next ten days they would be husband and wife. How the hell was he going to handle this?
"Mark," Anderson replied eyeing the younger man. Mark continued to focus on the door from which Princess recently exited.
"Mark!" Anderson responded in a tone slightly louder than before in an attempt to regain the G-Force commander's attention.
Mark's eyelids blinked several times and he shook his head twice before turning his head in the direction of the Galaxy Security Chief. "I'm ...I'm sorry sir, "Mark stammered. You were saying?"
Anderson leaned against his desk and centered his arms before his chest, regarding Mark thoughtfully as he went on. "Mark, I realize that there's been more going on between you and Princess than you're willing to admit..."
Immediately Mark opened his mouth to rebuke Anderson's statement but the older man held up his hand in a gesture to continue.
"And quite frankly it's really been none of my business to know."
Mark relaxed after this, the tension in his stance easing just a bit as Anderson went on.
"You're both over 21 and whatever occurred between the two of you has obviously been handled with the utmost discretion. For that I'm appreciative. Neither of you have allowed your personal feelings to get in the way of your duties as Federation officers."
Mark grimaced at those words as he thought to himself. That's not entirely true. How are we going to deal with behaving as if we're a newlywed couple when I've been ambivalent about having a relationship with Princess in the first place? Mark walked slowly towards an office window facing east and glanced at the sun rising over the horizon.
He was still having trouble processing all that had taken place that morning. The knowledge that Princess had moved on with someone else was weighing heavily on him. He now realized that he may have thrown away the best thing that ever had happened to him. Yet in a remarkable twist of fate, his personal and professional lives were colliding once more. He struggled to imagine what the results would be given the circumstances.
In watching Mark's reaction, Chief Anderson realized that the burden of responsibility may have begun to take its toll on the young Commander. He couldn't deny that he had reservations about pairing Mark and Princess together on this mission. Never the less, their resemblance to the Shays was a fortunate piece of luck that the ISO couldn't ignore. He had to trust that they would use good judgement and carry out the mission as planned, however difficult that may be.
"Mark, I'm sure you understand the criticality of this mission," the Chief stressed.
Mark drew upon his inner strength, took in a deep breath, and turned to face the Chief.
"Yes, I do," he confirmed, "If what you say about Dr. Shay's research is true, this will bring us another step closer towards winning this battle with Spectra. You can trust that I won't lose site of that goal."
Yes, the goal for now was this mission. Of that he was certain. Yet in the back of his mind Mark had another goal which would sustain him. If Dr. Shay's vision were to become a reality, maybe…just maybe he could reclaim the future that he truly wanted. He just hoped he wasn't too late.