Ah, update. For real. Bleh, been busy with other stories and this semester is crazy. No joke. It is. Hope you enjoy this one.
I still don't own any of it. Which, is actually quite sad.
I stared out the window. The rain had finally started falling. By this point, the pizza had been delivered and quickly eaten. The two boxes that were ordered seem to be fine with everyone. We had showed Horatio the guest room where he and Yelina could stay. Danni had a trundle under her bed that Lori could use, and Ray had offered to take the pull out couch in the front room.
But, now I stood staring at the rain through the window. The rain, it was a sign. A sign of what was to come. What was already coming. There was now no way to stop it. We'd gotten in contact with some of the others who were working underground. It was official that they were all reorganizing.
It was settled that Horatio and the rest would be living with us for now, since no houses were for sell. Horatio and Ray could get a job with Eric, since they were looking for more people. Yelina could stay home, which would provide some much appreciated company for me. And, Lori would start school with Danni. Lori starting school would arise questions. New students weren't unheard of, but they were rare, since you couldn't move. International students would pop up every now and again.
I knew that they'd have to work to get some credibility. New comers were always seen as threats. The possibility that they could have been working under cover. The Powers would make a visit soon. But, Horatio had the flight tickets to prove that they were from out of country. And, for the time being, they'd be safe.
A pair of arms snaked their way around my waist and I leaned back into Eric's embrace. I was scared. I knew that he knew it. Just like I was the first go around. I had doubts, worries where this would lead. Last time, it led to the deaths of Ryan and Calleigh. I'm scared to think where it could this time.
"I'll be okay," his voice was soothing and I couldn't help but relax against him. He could still get me to do that. Forget and stop worrying. Even if it was only for a few seconds or however long his embrace lasted.
It turned this time. Didn't last as long as it would… As it should. I felt a tear escape and make it's way down my face. I turned and buried my head into his chest, shaking my head, "I'm scared. There's so much at stake. So much to be lost."
"But, there's so much to gain. It's worth the fight. For Danni to be able to go outside. Down to the beach. Without the fear of The Powers taking her. Using her. She could dance in the rain like you use to do. Everyone can relax at her games and they can be watched without fear of something happening," Eric whispered to me gently. Reminding me of all the reasons why we should do this.
"And, what would it all be worth, if we lost her along the way? Nothing would be worth it, Eric. The whole thing would be pointless. I still wouldn't be able to live free. I'd be barred down by the hurt from losing our daughter," I told him, looking up into his eyes. I saw the same fear in his eyes.
Before he could say anything her voice interrupted our conversation as she stated, "I find it worth it. I find it all worth it. So, worth it." We turned and looked at her and saw the determination in her eyes. "I wanna know what it's like to live. Live like you guys did, like Ray was telling Lori and me about. Think about all the other kids. They all have something to gain from it, too. I'd feel awful selfish sitting here telling you not too for me, when there are thousands of others that need it, as well. So, it'd be worth it."
"But, in the end, we could lose you," my eyes were still tearful at what she was saying.
She shook her head and smiled, "One for a thousand. The odds are pretty good. They deserve as much as I do. Do this for them, too." She walked over and hugged us before heading up the stairs, "Night."
I turned and looked at Eric. He had that look. That look that meant he was thinking. Our daughter surprised us sometimes. Random times of seriousness in between her ten years old crazy times. Eric nodded, "She's my inspiration. I'm going to do it for her, but also the other children just like her." I looked at him a nodded, though I was sure that I still had hesitation in my eyes. He bent down kissed me, "I'm going on up."
He went up the stairs and I returned to staring out the window. The doubts, they weren't gone. The feeling that something horrible was going to happen still sickened my stomach. I wouldn't go away. I knew this. Same as last time. When it all started, I knew something horridly bad would happen. And, it had. I just prayed that it was wrong this time.
"They are both right," Horatio's voice surprised me and I spun around to where he was leaning just inside the doorway. "You need to believe that this is all for the best. I know that you do. Just like you did ten years ago when you refused to run away from the danger even though you we're pregnant."
"And, now you know that I'm not going to run this time," I smiled slightly. "It's just, at that point, no one had been lost. The danger wasn't imprinted into my mind from an image. By people I knew. This time, I know how it can all end from experience. I can lose everything."
"If you don't think you can take this risk. And, Natalia, the risk is big this time. They are going to play all out. They won't leave one of us behind. If you don't want to, the private flight that got Yelina and I here, can get you and Danni out," he told her, giving her an out.
She shook her head and let out a soft laugh, "Now, H, you know me better than that. Offering something so sweet, yet knowing I won't be able to bring myself to take it. There are still a few safe places here. The lab is untouched. If worse comes to worse, we'll find a way to keep her safe. She'd be just against leaving Eric here as I would be."
Horatio nodded and a knock sounded through the house. I moved to the door and pulled it open. I looked into the face of Jeremy Cooke. He played messenger for the fighters. Phone lines, even cells, weren't reliable and The Powers could easily listen in on your conversations. The mail was checked and read before being dispersed. So, Jeremy took on the task that not many would. He delivered messages along a system. About forty different drop off stations that he'd check daily or drop off messages for the next messenger to pick up. A risky business, for if you were caught, you'd surely be dead.
I took the box of chocolates, which I knew would contain the letter and asked him to wait for a second. He came into the house and I called Eric down. He came down followed by everyone, including Danni and Lori. I opened the box to find two letters. She opened the first letter to see the familiar writing of a fellow CSI from New York.
N-It's starting. I'm not sure if H came back. I'm sure he will once he catches on to this. But, if he's not, I hope you and E are in. There should be an organization setting up there. Though, I'm sure that you are part of the group heading it.
Be careful. I'm sure it'll get bad. Write us back.
-M
Natalia had also written and received the letters, so she was the most prominently know one to write to and was the one addressed. I looked at the second one and opened it to find it from the CSI team from Las Vegas.
N-I'm sure you have been contacted by M at this point. And, I'm just as sure that H is there. We are all in this. First attack is planned for tomorrow here. I'm not sure how organized you have everything there. But, we want it all to be as corresponded as possible and around 3 our time.
Be send on to M. Be careful and good luck.
-G
I wrote back simply on the first one, H is here. All is safe and we have been talking. We shall be heading to meet others tomorrow to organize. G is planning a simultaneous attack at three their time. You be careful as well.
To the second, my reply was, The word has been sent and we will participate. The group has only been partially started. H is here. Good luck.
I handed him the letters in two different gift boxes, "I trust these to be delivered promptly and before three Las Vegas time."
"Of course, Mrs. Delko. As always. Word has been sent of a meeting at the undersides of Carrington's Bar. For three in the morning, Mrs. Delko," he responded.
"Thank you, Mr. Cooke. And, do be careful," she opened the door and he walked out telling her that he would be careful.
She shut the door and looked at everyone and nodded, "It's started."
So, there's an update. Yay! Hope you liked it. Review with criticism. Constructive criticism. Tell me what you think. And, for an update.
