CHAPTER 4
Having finally arrived in the Vegas sector, Princess begins to reflect on her past not only as a troubled kid but her time spent with Mark. Old feelings begin to resurface and she begins to wonder whether she made the right decision in her quest to learn more about herself and her mother. While at Center Neptune, Mark is questioning his relationship with his elusive girlfriend not to mention his role as G-Force commander under the guise of his superior and Princess' father, Chief William Anderson. A bit of a spoiler alert with regards to my other story "Intervention" but not enough to give away its premise. New characters are being introduced but remember this is an AU story rated "M" for a reason. Again I apologize for the delay but family and work take precedence. Special thanks to MistyGirl1 without whose encouragement I couldn't have completed this chapter. Love you GF! Thanks to those of you who remain interested.
The airplane ride had been uneventful. The hour and a half long trek to the Nevada region had provided Princess with enough time to study the file her father had given her before he left for Center Neptune. She sighed heavily as the plane taxied the runway after it landed; still feeling an insurmountable weight of guilt having left the way she did. Even though Chief Anderson had given her his blessing to leave during a crisis at Center Neptune, she felt selfish-as if though her needs should've been considered secondary. Her father's love and support had encouraged Princess to seek her mother's whereabouts and to put closure on what she felt was causing the disruption in her life. Princess watched the runway lights stream into a jagged current as early evening fell. She nervously contemplated whether or not she made the right decision to come here.
She folded her arms and expelled another long breath, her eyes closing at the one thought her mind could no longer avoid. Subconsciously she traced the pattern within the folds of the G-Force communicator on her left wrist as her thoughts were consumed with Mark. Mark, Princess thought silently, embracing his name with her heart. He's probably livid with me. If I know my father he honored my need for privacy and didn't tell Mark where I was headed. And if I know Mark he's raising hell about it. Princess knew the relationship between the Chief and Mark had been a guarded one this past year particularly after Mark's suspension had been lifted and he'd been reinstated as commander of the G-Force team. It had been a turbulent time for him, having suffered the loss of his father. Mark had placed the team and himself in peril far too many times after that. He had lost his focus and his will to live, relying on sex with prostitutes and drugs to ease the pain and the avoidance of acceptance. An alien derivative had been placed into his system, wreaking havoc on his cerebonic implant's defense mechanism. Fortunately Mark had recovered, conquering his inner demons along with the help of his team mates, and discovering the love of the young woman whose support of him had never wavered. Both Mark and Chief Anderson had been reluctant for him to return to the team. The trust that existed between the two men had become almost nonexistent. Mark felt as if though Anderson could've played a more substantial role in Ken Beckham's (Colonel Cronus') life, maybe discouraging the colonel's choice to sacrifice his life in order to dismantle Spectra's Doomsday Weapon. Anderson felt as if though Mark, being trained as a soldier, should understand that he had little choice but to comply with his father's wishes. He admitted Mark should've been made aware of his father's choices, but he was honoring the request of the man who had not only been his colleague but his best friend. Colonel Beckham had volunteered for what was to be his final mission, not ordered.
Princess had now unwittingly placed herself between Chief Anderson and Mark. She didn't even think about the emotional consequences her absence would have on the men in her life. She had hoped her involvement with Mark would be the bridge to bring the two of them together once more. There was a time that Anderson had looked upon Mark as a son and Mark had felt Anderson filled the father-figure role. That seems like a lifetime ago, Princess thoughtThe airplane shifted and Princess opened her eyes upon realizing the craft was now approaching the loading dock. Somehow I'm going to have to make it up to both of them. I can't believe I pushed Mark away when he was only trying to help. How often have I chastised him for not confiding in me? And now that the tables are turned…God I just know that he's beginning to doubt how I feel about him; about us. To make matters worse, I've left my father to deal with the scope of Mark's anger.
Princess shook her head slightly, deciding to deal with that problem later. She needed to focus on her main reason for coming to the Vegas sector and that was to see her mother. Princess hadn't seen Nina Montgomery since the court had awarded custody to Chief Anderson ten years ago. Nina had been declared unfit to care for Princess Jade Morning Star Montgomery.
The young woman laughed in spite of herself for she always thought her mother either had a flair for the dramatic or was simply going through a phase when she was named as a baby. Princess later discovered that she was a descendant of Cherokee Indians and that 'Morning Star' was her great-great grandmother's name. Princess remembered Mark twirling a sable colored strand around his finger and murmuring in her ear on one particular occasion, "So that explains this jet black hair of yours. But your skin is the color of warm cream." Her looks had, at best, been described by most as exotic. Hair the color of midnight, all sleek and feminine; falling to the middle of her back. Large green eyes, one could compare to a jungle cat with full pillow soft lips and a smooth, flawless beige complexion kissed with a touch of honey. Princess had never known her father so she attributed her coloring from him. Nina had never spoken about him only telling Princess intermittently that she had his huge green eyes.
Nina was only 17 when Princess was born and she ran away from home after giving birth to the baby girl. With only a limited high school education to her credit after a series of dead-end jobs in various cities, Nina chose to solicit and prostitute as a means of getting by once they arrived in the Vegas sector. As a young girl, Jade, as her mother preferred to call her, had been left to fend for herself. Stealing food and pick pocketing had become a way of life for her. Her mother had deemed Jade troublesome. She refused to accept that it was her own irresponsible behavior leaving its mark on an impressionable adolescent. Because Jade's rap sheet was becoming just as lengthy as her own, Nina often resorted to her own method of dealing with the seemingly disobedient preteen. Princess had lost count of the number of times she felt Nina's hand strike her across the face or the shoves up against a wall, leaving behind a trail of scars and bruises she had been too afraid to disclose to anyone. Nina would always apologize later, blaming alcohol for her violent-induced behavior, though Jade suspected a deep rooted rage seeping from her mother's outburst and that unfortunately she was not only the target, but the source.
Princess headed for the plane's exit and followed the other passengers that were now descending from the steps of the loading dock. A sense of deja' vu overwhelmed her as she stepped into the terminal. She looked around the vast space now swarming with people and some inner voice had told her to look over her shoulder. There, to her right, was the security guard's station. In it was the holding cell she had been placed in after stealing the Chief's wallet ten years ago. Princess shrugged, holding tightly onto the straps of her leather tote and proceeded to walk a little further. It was then that she realized she was standing on the spot where Jason had tackled her to the floor right after she'd lifted the Chief's wallet. Princess fingered several strands of hair behind her right ear and a knowing smirk crossed her features. Thanks Jase, I guess I owe you one too. If it hadn't been for you the Chief would've never felt the need to know anything about me, Princess reminisced before turning on her heels and sauntering towards the airport's front exit. I guess I better get a taxi…
During the taxi ride Princess noted, The city sure has grown over the past several years, while she took in the city's brilliant show of lights with its magnificent skyline.The Vegas sector was renowned for its posh hotels, casinos, and nightclubs. Princess had learned that Nina was working in one of the clubs along the city's main strip. Solitaire's was a popular night spot among the locals and tourists. One of the club's main attractions had been their scantily clad cocktail waitresses and Nina was among the throng. There was a part of her that shouldn't have been surprised by Nina's choice of employment; her mother had always liked the night life. What better way to be a part of it than to be in the center of it? Though she would've thought Nina's age would've played a factor. She should be about 39 years old. How the owners of the establishment managed to get past that one raised a red flag in Princess' mind. She shook her head and decided to go to Solitaire's first before finding a room for the night.
The one thing that hasn't changed is the heat, Princess gaped silently as beads of perspiration formed on her brow. Even after the sunset, the desert humidity could linger on for hours. She reached inside her duffle bag and immediately pulled out a multicolored silk scarf that Mark had given her a few months ago. Its design was like that of American Indian tapestry; exhibiting splashes of rich brick red, bold brown and bright gold hues. Princess had fallen in love with the gift on sight even more so because of the thoughtfulness behind it. Her green eyes shimmered at the memory of Mark's smile upon seeing how pleased she was with his choice, his knuckles skimming her cheek, his nose nuzzling hers. Princess' mouth whispered open to reward him with a kiss, but the mood between them had shifted as it usually did. What started out as a tender moment turned into a wondrous sharing of not only their bodies but their souls. Princess bit her bottom lip while placing the intimate memory aside and carefully tied the scarf behind her nape while capturing the heavy mass of hair within its silk folds. Thinking about Mark made this trip all the more difficult because she hadn't shared it with him. It only made it worse when she discovered she was carrying pieces of him with her.
Princess paid the driver his fare and got out of the taxi once she arrived at her intended destination. A huge neon sign flashing Solitaire's loomed over the duplicate set of double doors toward its entrance. A small line of patrons had formed along side the club's wall waiting to get inside. It was early yet and Princess knew that in no time at all this place would be swarming with people. Taking a deep breath and shrugging her shoulders, Princess made her way to the back of the line to gain entrance into the club.
She appreciated the detectors at the club's entrance. The city was littered with Spectran cyborgs; alien operatives, existing in human form created from sophisticated Spectran technology, of the resource starved planet that infiltrated this area many years ago. The cyborgs had been planted into areas that were responsible for a vast majority of the city's revenue; funneling the money to finance Spectra's research and development operation. Cyborgs were treated as outlaws-they were immensely strong creatures, more powerful physically than the majority of G-Force's members with the exception of Tiny Harper, G-5. Most of the ones created by Spectra were designed as males with high levels of testosterone as part of their genetic makeup. This made them known sexual predators and the level of crime that existed in this region was due in part to them. The Federation Alliance had encouraged the use of specially designed scanners to detect a cyborg's presence and to alert them immediately upon recognition so that data could be stored for future use.
Solitaire's was a huge club exhibiting a vast array of lights that were almost mosaic in appearance. Their reflection forming figures and patterns that danced across the atmosphere of the club. Princess noted the disc jockey was the center of attention and it appeared as if though he were just beginning to get his mix together. The dark haired young man skillfully skipping from one hot song to the next as a small crowd began to hit the dance floor. Princess noted the bar to her right, and maneuvered herself between spectators of the dance floor toward an unoccupied stool. There were several people behind the bar dressed in crisp red short sleeved shirts preparing for the night ahead.
A handsome young man with caramel colored skin, dread locks, and a charming island accent asked her loudly above the frantic beat of music playing, "Can I help you beautiful lady?"
Princess placed her leather tote at her feet in front of her and leaned on the counter. "I'll have a club soda please." She wiped at her damp brow for the umpteenth time.
The bartender smirked as he handed Princess her drink, "We do serve liquor here you know?" He wiped at the bar's surface with a white cloth before throwing it over one shoulder.
Princess sipped at the cold beverage as it soothed her parched throat before answering. "I like to keep my wits about me. And in a city like this I think I need to."
"Smart woman. Are you here on business or pleasure?" The bartender continued.
Princess eyed him suspiciously. "Neither. And …," Princess took another sip off of her drink, "I'm not looking for a shoulder to cry on or to share any of my personal life with anyone. Particularly a bartender."
The bartender held up his hands in mock defense. "Hey just making friendly conversation. And the name is Justin by the way." He extended a hand toward Princess and offered a show of sincerity with another brilliant smile. When she declined to reciprocate Justin let out a whistle. "Man are you cold! Just thought you might like to know it."
Princess didn't offer an apology. She was always wary of someone who was overtly friendly towards her. Being a member of G-Force had taught her that. "The name is Jade," she answered. No need to offer him a last name since he hadn't offered his and her stay in this city was only temporary. "I'm not one for making friends easily."
"Listen Jade before you get anymore wound up with me than you already are; let me explain something to you." Justin leaned on the counter while Princess nursed her club soda. "I noticed you when you first came in. You're a looker that's for sure. Hell you're gorgeous. And not many young women come in off the street with a tote bag." He indicated by pointing over the counter at Princess' feet. "And finally, you sort of look like someone I know. You remind me of someone." Justin stared at Princess thoughtfully.
Princess snorted, "I doubt that." She looked over her shoulder as more people began to make their way inside the club. "I am looking for someone though. A woman."
"Damn! And here I am thinking you're straight," Justin grimaced and held up his hand after hearing his name being called from the opposite end of the bar. "Hey man! I'll be there in a second! You know we're a free people now! I'm with a customer here!"
"No that's not what I meant," An actual grin tugged at the corners of Princess' mouth. "I'm looking for…," she stopped midsentence wondering how to proceed, "someone I know. Her name is Nina Montgomery."
"Hell I should've known better!" Justin smacked his forehead. "Of course! The resemblance to Nina is remarkable. Except for the eyes-hers are brown and yours are green! You must be her baby sister!"
Princess puckered and nodded, "Well you've got it half right. Is she working tonight?"
"Yeah she's working," Justin answered lifting his chin. "The waitresses' dressing room is in the back but you can't go there while the club is operating. Nina's shift should be starting soon if she isn't already on the floor." The bartender heard his name being shouted above the throb of the music playing once more. Justin cupped his hand to the side of his face and shouted back, "Hey man I'm on my way!" He turned to Princess before walking off, "Listen Jade if you're going to hang out in the city for a while why don't we get together sometime? You might be able to use a friend while you're here. I'm not that bad once you get to know me."
Princess responded with a warm smile; her instincts telling her that the young bartender seemed on the up and up. "Justin I might take you up on that." Princess downed the last of her drink and made way to pull out her wallet.
Justin held up his hand. "It's on the house Jade. Looking forward to seeing you again."
With that he took off in the direction that had been demanding his attention.
Princess swiveled herself toward the club's lounge and noted several women adorned in harlequin designed bustiers exposing a healthy amount of cleavage with black bikini bottoms wearing fishnet pantyhose in three inch stilettos. All of them were wearing mask so finding Nina wasn't going to be as easy as she had imagined.
One waitress seemed to have her hands full with a male patron who seemed to want more from her than a drink. If his hands around the woman's waist and his eager attempt to coax her into sitting on his lap were any indication. Princess frowned at this, for she had experienced this more than enough times at Jill's Place being a waitress herself. She looked around the establishment and wondered who the owner was. When she didn't see any sign of a bouncer coming over to intervene, Princess looked around hoping some gentleman would save the waitress from her plight. To no avail, none of the men seemed to care. Princess grumbled, Chivalry is truly dead! What a bunch of pricks!
Still this wasn't her concern. This was none of her business. So why am I finding myself walking toward the situation to help this woman out? Princess asked herself as she got up from her place at the bar. She had left her tote bag behind.
"Come on baby. I just want you to feel what you'd be missing if you don't come home with me tonight. I can make it worth your while," the broad shouldered, bald-headed man urged in a gravely voice. He slipped one firm hand between her thighs while the other muscled arm was wrapped securely around her waist, after finally forcing the overwhelmed woman onto his lap.
"Listen I told you I'm not interested," the woman spat quietly as she tried in vain to get out the man's clutches. "I don't want to make a scene. Now let me go." She squirmed in a feeble attempt to free herself.
"Baby your squirming is only making it harder for yourself," he laughed out loud. "And for me!" The man laughed again as the woman froze upon realizing she'd just succeeded in arousing the bastard, feeling the hardened bulge against her behind. The woman was grateful that at least her eyes were hidden behind the mask, but her cheeks were stained crimson with embarrassment and anger. Allowing the rage to overtake her, the woman reached up and slapped the overzealous man with all the strength she could muster.
The slap had enough force behind it to cause people to turn and stare in their direction. Oddly enough, the woman's show of rejection did nothing to deter the man's attention towards her. "Oooh!" The man's black eyes gleamed suggestively. "So you like it rough huh? So do I!" One could literally hear his lips smacking before he planted a wet kiss against her neck. The woman rolled her eyes in disgust.
Princess had enough of this display. "Hey buddy!" she spoke loudly, wanting to be certain he heard her over the roar of the crowd and music blasting from the club's sound system. Princess stood opposite the small glass table from where the man had been sitting at. "Why don't you leave the lady alone and let her do her job?"
The man looked up, his thick eyebrows arching in surprise at the young woman who spoke to him and at the tone in which she used to get his attention. His eyes traveled appreciatively over her exotic features and supple figure enveloped in a snug fitting t-shirt over slim hips clad in thigh hugging denim, but he kept his hands on the waitress in his lap. "Sweetheart this isn't any of your business. But you know if you're interested I'm always up for a threesome." His tone was littered with deviant undercurrents and the woman's face he held contorted at his sick suggestion.
Princess' brows angrily stitched together. She'd had enough of this clown. "Listen bastard…," she began, "Why don't you let the lady go and take that load of crap with you on the way out? No woman wants to be manhandled by a jackass! Least of all one who pretends to carry a big stick between his legs and only has a tiny twig!"
Suddenly the woman was pushed off of the man's lap as he stood up slowly from his seat, rising to his full height. He stood a good 6 foot 5 compared to Princess' 5 feet 7 inches. She stood 3 inches taller than she was because her feet were encased in heels. The man rounded the table to stand only a few feet in front of Princess. His dark face twisted, telling her he was ready to inflict injury. "What the hell did you just say to me bitch?"
Princess took in the man's formidable size, guessing that his arms were as hard as cinderblocks. And if that tattoo with the words Supreme AssKicker emblazoned on his right upper arm were meant to scare off anyone; Princess decided to ignore it. Mark had told her that saucy mouth of hers would get her into trouble. That thought caused a wicked smile to form on Princess' face which the thug believed was meant for him. "I believe you heard me the first time Sasquatch!" Princess retorted holding her hands out at her side. "Can't you get it through that thick head of yours that she's not interested? And I don't just mean that head situated between your legs, but the empty one above your neck!"
By now a small group of spectators had formed a circle around the two of them; laughing at the alien's expense but no one dared to intervene. This brash young woman was on her own. Even the masked woman who's honor Princess was protecting was stupefied. Even more so when she recognized the young woman as her own daughter. Oh my God! It's Jade! Why has she decided to show up now after all these years? The last time she'd seen her daughter was in a courthouse ten years ago after she was led away in handcuffs and later placed in a rehabilitation facility. A flood of bitterness overcame Nina while looking at the young woman who was now defending her. Where was your compassion ten years ago?
The thug swung for Princess' jaw but she quickly deflected the strike, raising her left forearm in front of her. She retaliated swiftly by returning the attack with one of her own. A powerful right punch to the larger man's cheek only caused him to stagger and he rubbed at his face as if though a mosquito landed on it. Even the small audience that had gathered around to watch how this thing would turn out gasped in amazement. Princess' mouth formed into a puckered 'O' and her eyes narrowed shrewdly upon recognizing this character for what it was. "Cyborg," she muttered under her breath and the larger man turned to stare down the young woman with a look seeking vengeance. How in the hell did he get in here?, Princess wondered. Unfortunately she couldn't announce his presence without acknowledging a little about herself. She managed to hit this bastard without breaking her hand. He lifted his hand for a second strike and Princess was geared in defense mode when a young man had made his way through the crowded circle of onlookers and stepped between them both, placing a hand against the cyborg's chest.
"What in the hell is going on here? Coreg are you causing trouble?" The young man demanded suspiciously, his dark eyes darting between the cyborg and Princess. "Hey sweetheart are you alright?" His eyes taking in the most captivating young woman he believed he had ever seen.
Princess recognized the black haired young man as the club's DJ, meeting his perusal of her with one of her own. He was exceptionally handsome, his face angular with narrow dark eyes hooded slightly by thick, wavy hair falling over his brow, a chiseled nose over a set of full, sensuous lips. He was tall, muscular, and lean with features that could've been molded by an artist. Princess shook her head slightly, not quite believing her reaction to a complete stranger. Or was he a stranger after all? She cocked her head to the side. There was something about this guy that was just as familiar to her as…
"Nina? Nina are you alright?" the young man asked expressing concern. One hand still remained on Coreg's chest and he cut a vicious glare in the cyborg's direction. The alien's jaw jutted defiantly.
Princess straightened upon recognizing the name of her mother. "Nina?" she echoed, her eyes leaving the young man to meet with the masked woman who had previously been the center of attention.
The woman walked slowly toward Princess and nodded her head. Ten years had separated mother and daughter; the passage of time that should've allowed old wounds to heal. But Nina had never been one to forgive or forget. So it should've come as no surprise to Princess when Nina stood before her, her rich brown eyes cobra-like, in a voice filled with contempt for her daughter's ears alone, "You've got a hell of a lot of nerve showing up now after all this time!"
No longer the scared 12 year old girl and the fear having long since left her, Princess answered in a cutting tone, "Nice to see you too Mama." Her expression was as grim and as hardened as the woman in front of her.
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That's enough for the night, Mark thought as he exhaled, his body signaling its weariness after having sat in front of his computer for hours. Jason had promptly briefed him on the team's meeting with Chief Anderson earlier. With the information provided by his second in command, Mark had spent the majority of the evening studying the background of Robert Cooper, head of research and development from the Federation's Internal Security Division. Princess had mentioned her run-ins with this guy on a couple of occasions but she couldn't avoid working with him. Her involvement with the I.S.D. included taking orders and reporting her findings to Cooper. It had taken every ounce of effort for Mark to concentrate and maintain his focus on studying Cooper's file but it hadn't been easy. Especially since Princess was connected to Cooper, now a suspect in the security files that had been duplicated quite possibly to allow Spectra to infiltrate Earth's defense line.
Damn it! Where the hell is she? His mind thundered that question seemingly for the hundredth time. Mark lifted his hands to his head and grabbed at fistfuls of his hair, pulling the strands back from his forehead. Why is it that I've allowed her to consume so much of my life that I can't think straight when she's not around? The young G-Force commander leaned back in his chair and pushed away from his workspace. He sighed as he looked up at the ceiling of his officer's quarters and silently berated himself, Because you're in love with her you idiot! He shut his eyes tightly and grimaced. What would my father think of me now? He told me never to get involved with a woman while Earth was at war, least of all my third in command. He'd call me a punk for letting things go too far; for letting my emotions take over common sense. Mark opened his eyes as the words reverberated in his mind. Some leader I've turned out to be, huh dad?
Releasing his hair from his vice like grip, Mark stood up and stretched. He looked around his officer's quarters before his eyes locked onto his single bed. He grimaced once more. Granted he was tired, but sleep wasn't on his agenda at the time. Still he knew he needed to rest. He removed his hooded sweatshirt and jeans, climbed into bed donning only his boxers, and reached for his bedside lamp to turn off the light.
Like lying in an empty bed is going to take my mind of off Prin, Mark fumed silently. It bothered him that she didn't come to him, but went to Anderson instead. Why wouldn't she think that she couldn't come to me? That I wouldn't understand what was going on with her? He stretched again to release some of the day's tension from his muscles. Mark then lifted his arms and placed them behind his head. And to turn to Anderson solely when I could've been just as supportive he is. And that bastard loving every minute of it with that toothy grin of his damned near blinding me underneath his perfectly combed mustache! Prin obviously discussed whatever it was that's been troubling her way before today; her leaving had to have been planned. It pisses me off to think that she makes such a fuss when I don't confide in her yet she does the exact same thing she often accuses me of! He shook his head from side to side, his emotions switching from disbelief to infuriation at his absent girlfriend.
It wouldn't be so bad if their last time together hadn't gone so utterly and completely wrong. Mark frowned at the memory of it. I merely suggested that she give up her association with the I.S.D. She worked hard, managed to hand them valuable information, and capture several key Spectran operatives. Hell I've been more than supportive! I've been a pretty damned good boyfriend! And what does she do? Mark, she says, maybe we should just cool it for a while…I mean my involvement with you isn't helping my situation any! What fucking situation? What in the hell is she talking about? And then that crap about my using her just to get laid? Now that was bullshit! It had been Princess who hammered away at his resistance to establishing a committed relationship over a year ago. Mark had valued his solitude, not allowing anyone to get too close to him with the exception of Jason. Now the solitude he once cherished was threatening to swallow him whole, all because of one lone female.
Mark knew he was letting his temperament get the better of him but by this time he couldn't help himself. It had been several hours since he'd last seen Princess and he hated the way they parted. He was trying not to think about the time they spent together before their fight. Trying not to think about Princess telling him how much she loved him while they lay side by side in her brass bed. Trying not to think about her soft naked body curled into his, her lips whispering erotic secrets into his ear, her special sweet fragrance drifting into his nostrils. Trying not to think about her hands stroking his chest. Trying not to think about her warm tongue dipping into his navel as her long dark hair brushed his…
Mark sucked in his breath sharply as he felt himself harden. Shit! He reached behind his head grabbing one pillow to place over his face and the other strategically between his legs. Great! Not only am I pissed but I'm horny as hell! Like driving a rivet into dried cement! He bit into the pillow over his mouth. If I could smother myself I would, only I don't think it's possible. I've let this woman ruin me! His mind screamed.
Uh uh! No way! Game over! That's it! Mark switched on his bedside lamp and hurried out of bed, kicking the covers off of himself. If this is how she's going to treat me…like some dog jumping up and down for a Scooby snack she's got another think coming! Oh hell no! Not this guy! I am nobody's pushover! Mark snatched off his shorts and rifled through his dresser drawer for a pair of swim trunks. Now all I need to do is submerge myself in several feet of cold water and forget about Prin for the time being! He reasoned as he shoved his legs into his trunks. That's it…just forget about her! He stopped short as he pulled on his hooded sweatshirt and caught a glimpse of himself in his dresser mirror. She's obviously forgotten about you, he thought sadly, the color of his blue eyes fading. Damn it Princess; you could have come to me.
Mark quickly grabbed a towel and hurried for Center Neptune's gym to use the swimming pool. Knowing that no one would be there this time of night, reassured him of the privacy he so desperately craved. Right now he just needed to escape from the confines of his officer's quarters and from the day's events. He didn't want to think about Princess, Anderson, or the assignment for the next half hour or so.
Mark reached the door as the panel slid to his right. He was about to step out but was stopped abruptly by the imposing figure blocking his path. An angry line immediately etched itself over the young man's forehead upon instantly recognizing the face of his superior and his girlfriend's father, Chief William Anderson.
The look Anderson gave the young G-Force commander was implacable. He was not about to be put off. He folded his arms in front of him as he met Mark's icy reception with one of his own, his presence reflecting the seriousness of their situation.
Mark looped the towel around his neck and grinned sarcastically, "Aww hell! As if my night couldn't get any worse. What brings you here Bill?"
The Chief's stance was as rigid as his face after hearing Mark address him by using his abbreviated first name. His tone was dangerously controlled. "You seem to be under the impression that I have a lot to answer for. The sword cuts both ways. You want to talk, then let's talk. But let's get one thing straight…," he added stepping closer to the young man in front of him. "I am this close…," Anderson indicated by holding up his right index finger and thumb in front of Mark's nose, "…to kicking your ass." Before Mark could reply, Anderson brushed heatedly past his shoulder into his officer's quarters. Mark glared at the staunch back of his superior, snatched the towel from around his neck and swore silently as his panel door slid to the left.
Thanks for reading!
