Chapter 3

The airstrip with hangar bays was not much to look at but for the past two week it had served as home for the 141 and Shadow Company. MacTavish was comfortable to a degree with it since he had trained at Credenhill and certainly that facility was not designed to be pretty. It was made to be functional and it served a purpose. It had its good side and bad side.

The good side was that it was relatively close to where they needed to get to at a moment's notice and it was spacy. The sort of bad side was that his unit had to share with Shadow Company and he wasn't too sure about it. There were a few good guys that he got along with but there were a few that set his teeth on edge and the main reason was because of Nicolette.

Shadow Company had females in the unit but to MacTavish it seemed that they singled her out for attention and it didn't sit well with him. He was responsible for her wellbeing and that was in part because of her past history which he had a small part in. He didn't like that Shepherd's men picked on her and tried to flirt with her and some went too far and suffered for it.

The first time was when a private hooted at her and like she always did, she ignored it. The bugger was persistent and taunted at the fact that she was in the 141. The private wasn't stupid enough to come out and call her a whore but he implied as much and he would have 'said' something but she beat him to the punch. It was innovative and made its point when she grabbed the private by the balls and laid down some pain.

It helped a little, at least with what MacTavish could see. Whatever happened when she was alone, she wasn't talking about and it had him a little annoyed and a little worried. He had meant what he had said when they were in Hamburg nine months ago, that he would be there if she needed him. He was trying to be patient about it since she still was a bossy nag but she had opened up about a few things that she had concerns about and minor but still it was a start.

The rest of the 141 looked after her as well. MacTavish suspected that a few 'sparring' matches were actual fistfights and it had him wondering for whose sake they called it that for. Other than that, being at this temporary base was like being back at their base. There was training and drills and when they needed to go, they went. This last one though was a bit tough since he had strong objections to it and in private and his reasons for it had a bit to do with the climate of the region but also some other reasons which he preferred to not acknowledge.

"It is nice to see you again Captain MacTavish."

MacTavish looked at the screen realizing he had run into the 'tech' area. It was actually comprised of a laptop, a couple of flat screens and whatever project was in the works and was mostly electrical equipment that needed fixing or tweaking. The laptop was facing him and produced the digital image of a little girl in a white nightgown and long dark hair. He replied, "Nice to see you Addy. Can't you change the look lass?"

Addy looked at herself and then at MacTavish, "Why would I want to change my preference?"

MacTavish had this same conversation before and tried to explain it to the AI and that was the first time they 'met'. It had to do with the trip to Hamburg. Apparently Nicolette was selected to field test a new concept that consisted of pairing up spies in her program with an AI matched in skill set and personality or something like that. Nicolette understood the tech speak and he was able to understand Addy was a learning computer so the more interaction with people, the more she learned. Of course that also fed into her personality. He replied, "Never mind. I went over this previously. Cheeky poppet."

"I am not technically a poppet," Addy replied in her child English accent, again her preference in projection.

"Right software and hardware," MacTavish replied, quoting the AI that was technically called ADI or (Artificial Defense Intelligence). Not really the best in naming as far as the scientists that worked on it went so Nicolette referred to the AI as Addy and the name stuck. "Good job on surveillance and coordination by the way."

"Always happy to help, Captain."

"You're as bloody polite as Nico when she's formal." If MacTavish found being sarcastic to a computer was strange, he didn't show it and he didn't care. The rest of the 141 didn't either. They assumed it was a test program and one more tool in the arsenal to help do their jobs. He had no idea the boundaries Addy had in terms of what she could do but for the past nine months it had been an interesting trial period with Addy coordinating possible escapes and talking through the comms.

"Isn't deferment to rank a sign of respect?"

MacTavish looked at the screen sharply and noted Addy trying to look like a cute school girl. He knew she was messing with him now much like Nicolette did. The similarity was uncanny and it had him wondering if Nicolette had been that way as a child. She certainly alluded to certain pranks she may have pulled and most certainly some childhood memories of her and her brother but this was a little suspect. He replied, "In most cases yes but…"

"S64 tried to explain it too. For some odd reason you both prefer that rank not be an issue when clearly it is… At least in front of the rest of the team." Addy mused a bit and then looked around as if appearing distracted. She said, "Striker 6-4 is delayed a bit. It appears that there was a consensus for the delay."

The nice thing about Addy was that it made it easy to tell if someone was in trouble. MacTavish could recall a few times, since Addy was given the run of their base's systems, she picked up a few pranks in the making on the FNGs and reported them. When Nicolette tapped into this base's systems to give Addy access, she did the same. MacTavish was grateful for that and he replied, "I'm guessing the majority opted for their stomachs."

"Yes."

MacTavish could anticipate the buzz over that. At least it was a change up from the usual. He cleared his throat and asked, "Any problems for Nico, Addy?"

"Can you clarify?"

"Has anyone outside the 141 made things difficult for Nico?" It felt like spying on her but MacTavish just wanted to make sure that she was okay.

Addy looked at the captain and used the laptop's computer to analyze the vital signs like heat signatures. Finally she replied, "The sparring match two days ago initiated by Sgt. Forrester by calling S64 a derogatory name was carried out by Sgt. Gary "Roach" Sanderson." She brought up the images she had captured of the fight. "It appears that Forrester had attempted to flirt with S64 earlier and it didn't go well. Roach held up well and it was settled."

MacTavish already knew about the fight. There hadn't been trouble since then since Nicolette had been in the city to set up today's op. "Surveillance on the city?"

"The mission went well and S64 was not harmed."

"Straight to the point aren't ya poppet?"

"A function that has served well," Addy replied. She paused a moment and then added, "Nico likes the keffiyeh. Much better than the old one."

"And you just figured this out by yourself," MacTavish drawled with a hint of sarcasm.

"There is much to learn from observation apart from interaction," Addy replied in a matter of fact tone. It almost sounded clinical. "For instance the concept of punching each other's shoulders while traditionally associated with violence for dominance, here it is associated with relationship and close trust between two individuals who may have had no reason to trust in the beginning."

MacTavish cleared his throat and asked, "And now you're a bloody shrink?"

"Just an AI, Captain," Addy replied with a smirk on her digital face. "It seems that Striker 6-4 has returned."

At that moment MacTavish could hear the rotors and shouts from the men. No doubt the hunt was successful at the rate the men were cheering. He couldn't help but smile since he could agree that a change in diet was welcome and his Nico was always generous with the things she did. If it was like what no doubt she suggested was brought in, she shared it with both units. He looked at Addy and said, "Talk to you later. Try not to be a bloody shrink with everyone."

"I merely give my observations and conclusions," Addy replied as MacTavish walked away. She watched the captain as far as she could on the laptop. Again he grew evasive when mentioning his choice of gift. It had her wondering and she started running computations to herself.

MacTavish tried not to think about what Addy was doing. No doubt she was watching on the cameras about the place. He really needed to talk to Nicolette about that and it had crossed his mind that this was a start up to something more expansive. He had learned early on that she liked to plan ahead and always liked to have a plan B. The best times were when he caught her off guard and didn't have a plan B.

He passed a group of Shadow Company soldiers toting not one but two ibexes and it looked like they were hit with single clean shots. It looked like they were eating well tonight. He passed Roach and Ghost who nodded as they passed going to put their gear away. Chief and his crew were still at the helicopter and he was talking to Nicolette and she was laughing.

"Okay Chief. Ask and ye shall receive."

From her basket, Nicolette pulled out a cloth covered package. She held it in her hand and handed it over to Chief who was looking at her with a surprised expression. He asked, "You got it? How…?"

Nicolette replied with a grin, "Never underestimate the power of bargaining like an Arab trader and being twice as shrewd." She straightened her shoulders and gave a pat to Chief's shoulder, "Besides, we had a deal."

"I was just kidding."

"I wasn't."

Chief looked at Nicolette and then at what she handed him. "Thanks, Ryan," he managed to say after a moment.

"The thanks is that you have something to give to your special girl for her birthday." Nicolette smiled as she took a step back. Giving a nod she turned to head back to the hangar clutching the basket and robes. She grinned thinking about what it took to get what she brought back for Chief and while she was doing her job.

"Do I want to know what that was about?"

Nicolette looked at MacTavish as he fell in step with her. "Are you being a nosy parker?"

"Just curious considering that you were supposed to just find out about Salaad and it looks like you came back with more than that." MacTavish tried to peer into her basket and almost pouted when she pulled it away. "Come on Nico."

Nicolette looked at MacTavish and the face he was pulling and tried not to laugh but failed and said, "Now I've seen beagles that made better faces than that."

"You wound me, Nico," MacTavish replied as he feigned hurt. "You know I don't like dogs."

"And I still remember when that one little itty bitty puppy decided to follow you at Hereford after the races," Nicolette replied with a smirk.

"You aren't going to let me live that down are you?"

"Nope because it's hilarious."

"I can't win with you can I?" MacTavish looked at Nicolette with a slight smile.

Nicolette paused to think about it some. She made a big deal out of thinking about it and watched MacTavish's expression. She smiled and said, "No… but you get an A for effort."

"What can I say, I'm persistent."

"Most assuredly and it is endearing." Nicolette chuckled and decided to give in. She moved the basket over and revealed fruit. "Just a little something for chow but I call dibs on the casaba."

"What the bloody hell is a casaba?"

"Stick around and you'll find out. I gotta go and check in with Addy. Don't wait up for me."

"Please," MacTavish replied with a slight scoffing tone but didn't mean it. In a gentle tone he added, "Save you a seat."

"I'll be there."

In related news, the Ultranationalist party has been rapidly gaining support for the upcoming elections. After three years, this small political party has rapidly gained popularity in Moscow and spread outward despite accusations of extremists being responsible…

"She's at it again."

"Ever since we've got here it's been nothing but the news."

Nicolette didn't move from her position next to MacTavish as they watched the news on the laptop while she was working on her computer tablet. She said, "Well there is a reason they call it intelligence you troglodytes."

Roach looked up from his book that he was reading and chuckled. The others were moaning at the name she called them and said, "At least it's better than being called animals."

The groans thrown in his direction was met with laughter and Roach took it with good humor as he picked up a piece of the fruit that had been brought in. He went back to reading his book after stealing a glance at the captain and his friend.

The situation in rural Columbia is rapidly deteriorating as the Braga cartel has increased their presence. Assassination attempts on the current president have been linked…

"You know you can take a break from this," MacTavish murmured in Nicolette's ear as she watched the screen. "You just spent a couple of days in the city… alone."

"And how do you think I did my job before this?" Nicolette diverted her gaze to look at MacTavish. "You know this job… at least the special ops part. Sometimes there is no rest for the weary."

"I know but… I also heard from a bossy nag that sometimes you need to take the moments as they come." MacTavish returned her gaze with his own. "Good times then," he added softly.

Nicolette took in MacTavish's gaze and then looked at the work she had on her pad and then at the news that had been playing on the laptop. He just had to use that card; he was getting better. Then again two weeks here gave plenty of time to come up with a few things. Still he was right. She nodded and sighed and switched off her tablet and reached over and flipped the laptop shut. "Okay so… what?"

MacTavish took in the serious expression and knew that he shouldn't take it too lightly. "You got any ideas?"

"No." Nicolette couldn't help but smirk and it turned into a chuckle. "You guys think I'm a boring nerd."

"Hey," the protests came.

"I think the majority protests," MacTavish said before leaning in and adding in a low whisper, "And you know I don't ever think that about you."

Looking at the expectant faces Nicolette nodded. She put her gear down and spent roughly five to ten minutes entertaining them with impressions. Mostly it was of the Shadow Company commander. It was sort of payback for the shit he had been giving her and the 141 about what they do on base, off base and mostly her. The commander didn't like her for whatever reason and he had a few very exceptional females who weren't bad looking like her in his command so it was a mystery why he didn't like her and she didn't care but she took his comments about the unit seriously.

It certainly lifted the mood when she started making fun of the various members of the 141. She had Scarecrow cracking a smile when she poked fun at his meticulous habit regarding his gear. Her imitation of Ghost/Roach since she had an interesting way of combining both of their accents together produced a lot of laughter and Ghost saying that she was going to pay for it with extra training and it ended with her imitating MacTavish and calling him a British Nazi.

It left the unit in a good mood when she picked up her stuff to put it away. She hooked the laptop back up and opened it. Addy's image filled the screen and Nicolette gave a wry look, "I know you heard everything."

"Of course I hear everything. You gave me access to the base systems."

"More liked hacked but why split hairs with you?"

"Because you enjoy it whether it is Addy or me," MacTavish's Scottish brogue filled her ears.

Nicolette almost wanted to jump since he had been so quiet following her. That was in part to the fact that he was SAS and they did things by stealth and he was really good at it when he was trying to get the jump on her and she wasn't expecting it. She figured it was payback for all the times she messed with him. There was also a slight thrill when she felt when he actually got the jump on her and she liked it.

She looked up from her work and replied, "Actually it's because you're easy to split hairs with. Addy is Addy."

"I suppose that is a compliment?" Addy piped up interested in the conversation.

"Best you're getting from me," Nicolette replied with a grin, "Are you ready for bed?"

"Oh so we're tucking in the bairn now?" MacTavish teased Nicolette knowing that he was poking fun at her compulsion to take care of her AI like a mother would.

"I find your need to refer to me as a child rather amusing Captain MacTavish. Shall I call you Da?"

Nicolette couldn't help but burst into laughter especially at the look on MacTavish's face. She found the whole thing hilarious and reminded her how she used to get MacTavish speechless though she thought he was trying not to sound like a swearing sailor when she hit a nerve. She replied, "You could Addy but that would make me Mum and I doubt you'd like that?"

"I might consider it in the future but for now I prefer Nico." The AI had delivered her speech in a matter of fact tone that it was hilarious to people who listened. It certainly amused the rest of the 141 when they were introduced to her nine months ago as a test run. She did have some worries about them knowing but hadn't voiced them to her assigned agent as of yet. "I am ready to power down."

"Don't expect a goodnight kiss from me," Nicolette replied as she powered down the laptop and removed the small memory disk from it. She held it up and inspected it before putting it in the slot of her watch, mimicking what had been shown to her even though the lab rat that showed her held a slight disdain for an older model. "Goodnight Addy."

"So she is a poppet," MacTavish replied, saying the same thing he said a few times every time they went through the 'bed time' ritual. "Cute."

"She projects herself as a little girl. Of course she's cute," Nicolette replied as she made sure her watch was set. "A bit like a Scottish bastard I know at times but cute."

"I was going to suggest she is like an annoying bloody Yank I know but… not as cute," MacTavish replied suddenly feeling his cheeks grow warm and it wasn't the Afghanistan heat. He cleared his throat since he was sure that came out wrong somewhere.

Nicolette looked at MacTavish after rubbing her wrist out of habit when wearing a watch. She wasn't sure what he meant by that and he looked a little uncomfortable about it. She decided to help him out and said, "Well Addy isn't ruggedly handsome like me or third world ugly like you." She gave smile.

"No she isn't," MacTavish agreed thinking that this wasn't where he wanted the conversation to go exactly. He was willing to work with it though. "So… you're heading over to the infirmary?"

"Only place I can sleep knowing that I won't be bothered by leering adolescents," she replied with a slight shoulder shrug.

The fact that she noticed they leered at her and it bothered her had MacTavish feel like grinding his teeth. She wasn't like that. It had him seeing red and reminded him of that pub fight and the reason for it. He kept his temper though and replied as he walked with her, "Well no one messes with my team if it makes them uncomfortable."

"I know. That cheeky sergeant on Alpha team was awkwardly apologetic."

"Maybe Major Olsen gave him a talking to," MacTavish offered. He really needed to tell Addy not to reveal every little thing that the team did when someone insulted her.

"More like a captain of Scottish origin who has a talent for making an ass feel like an ass," Nicolette hinted at. She took in the sort of innocent look MacTavish tried to pull off and smiled. She paused a moment and then added, "And it is real sweet of him."

MacTavish wasn't sure he heard her right and he took a look at her. She was staring at him with wide eyes. "Really?"

"Yeah," Nicolette replied with a slight swallow as she stopped outside the infirmary tent. Clearing her throat slightly and said, "So here's my door."

MacTavish looked at the infirmary door and then at Nicolette who was not sure what to do then. "Well you better go then. You probably have a curfew and the dragon may ground you again."

Nicolette turned to look at MacTavish with a look of exasperation, "Seriously? What is it with you guys? Jolly is not a dragon." She shook her head like he was a child being silly. "She is a caring tough lady."

"I don't know what unit you're serving in but…" MacTavish leaned in and whispered, "She scares the shite out of us."

Nicolette took in MacTavish's expression. She had never seen the man scared of anything in the years she had known him. Maybe intimidated but not scared and especially of Jolly. "Bullshit Soap. You're not scared of anything," she teased. "I've seen you do things most people would scream in terror of."

If only you knew the truth, lass. "Alright maybe Jolly is the only one beside you that could bully me but in all honesty, I'm glad she's here. I know she'll look after ya." MacTavish took in her quiet expression and cleared his throat. "You better go."

Nicolette smiled and opened the door. She looked at him, "Still on for tomorrow?"

"Of course." MacTavish gave a smile. He made a slight face trying to make a decision and finally said, "Good night Nico. Sleep well."

A/N: Looks like good eating for Shadow Company and the 141 along with some downtime and an escort home by MacTavish. Keep watching for more Band of Brothers...