Well it's been forever hasn't it? Long update is loooong. Quite long, actually. Prepare for dialogue.
general-tommy: Your right. Although Valve hasn't said so, I guess the teams aren't restricted to their bases. I figured it would be easier to keep track of everyone, and if the teams are moving around (like they are in my story) I didn't think they'd have homes near the bases, since they keep moving. But, your point is VERY good, and I'll keep it in mind for future writing. Also, DETAILS. I'm working on it. Promise.
I'm glad to see new readers! You guys are awesome and keep me motivated. Enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: 'Team Fortress 2' and all its characters and concepts belong to the Valve Corporation. I own the writing on this page, the original characters, features and situations upon said page.
The battle for Badlands raged for the rest of the day, ending poorly for the crimson shirted team.
"Eleven to twenty-for?" One of the Scouts commented during the post-war meeting at the end of the day. "That's pretty freakin' bad, even for us." The whole team was sitting in the long, red painted meeting room. Assorted chairs were placed in haphazard rows, all facing a small table that could barely pass for a podium at the front end of the room. Everyone was waiting for the day's final casualties and the team's performance review.
"MAGGOTS!" One of the Soldiers had made his way to the front of the room, "I just have to say all of you did a great job out there today."
The observers in the room exchanged glances.
"NOT!" He bellowed, "This was the sorriest EXCUSE for a WAR I have EVER SEEN! And I have seen more WARS then most of you have seen BIRTHDAY PARTIES! If Sun Tzu saw you PATHETIC PUPPIES, he'd beat the CRAP out of every single ONE OF YOU. AND I'D HELP!"
The Soldier continued to rant and rave for the next few minutes, occasionally bringing up some good points before smashing them down with a misinterpreted biblical reference or such. Fem-Spy waited out his verbal abuse with a tired longing. She wanted to lie down, go to sleep. She was positive no one else wanted to be here. It had been a long, hard day and the ever present fact that the REDs had been failed in winning it was not helping anyone's mood.
Total casualties were three, a Medic, a Demo and a Scout. Fem-Spy bit her lip at the mention of a Scout.
After they were dismissed the classes went their separate ways. Fem-Spy went straight to her room, pushing others out of her way in haste. When the door slammed she ripped off her mask and threw it on her nightstand. She jumped into her bed, disregarding the mirror or the mess on the floor. The sheets were cool, though scratchy. To Fem-Spy they felt like silk. She pressed her sweaty face against the pillow and felt the mattress contouring from the weight of her body. She didn't remember falling asleep.
A sharp knock at the door of Fem-Spy's quarters woke her with a start. The weary woman shifted slightly and turned her head toward the sound. She was still so asleep she must be hearing things. No, there was the knock again. There was someone outside her door.
Now came at time in Fem-Spy's life where she had to make a decision. She could get up from her bed and go see who was at the door. Or, she could stay in this warm, beautiful paradise of blankets and get some more glorious sleep.
Fem-Spy gave a small groan. Whoever it was had better have some life changing news with them.
Fem-Spy pushed herself out of dreamland and her bed. Without opening her eyes, she reached out and felt around her nightstand for her mask. Her hand closed around the familiar fabric and she slipped it over her face. She rubbed her eyes and moved to unlock the door.
She opened it to a Sniper. The same one who had saved her from the BLU Scout. The same one who she waved at earlier today. She would have been surprised, except she was to sleep-drunk.
"G'day Shelia," The Sniper gave her a once over, "Bloody Hell, ya look terrible. Have ya been gettin' enough sleep?"
Fem-Spy had a sudden urge to kick the man in the groin, but restrained it. "What do you want Monsieur Sniper?"
"Well, it's almost seven 'o clock, an' you're not in th' mess hall. I volunteered to go find ya. Quite a few people think ya shouldn't be skippin' meals, eh?"
Fem-Spy leaned back into her room to look at the wall clock. It read 6:48 PM. She frowned. She had slept for an hour and a half? It didn't seem like that long. She pulled herself back towards Sniper.
"Alright. I will go to dinner now Monsieur," She said pointedly. Sniper didn't move. Fem-Spy rolled her eyes. "Is zhere something else you must tell me?"
Sniper grinned and scratched the stubble on his cheek. "Nah, but I'll be takin' ya to the mess, luv. If I let ya out of me sight, ya may just sneak back inta one o' those bloody gloomy meetin' rooms or such."
"Zhey are not 'meeting' rooms Sniper. Zhey 'old zee RED's most valuable information."
Sniper rolled his eyes and began walking as Fem-Spy went on about the Intel rooms. She ran to catch up, continuing to berate him with information he would likely go all his life without needing to know.
Eventually they made it to the mess hall.
"...And zhat is why zee cigarette cases are silver," Fem-Spy finished as they passed through the doors, "Gold simply would not do."
Sniper chuckled. "Whateva ya say Shelia."
Fem-Spy looked across the mess and saw Fem-Demo sitting with her usual crowd of Engineer, Pyro, Fem-Scout and another other Demo. Sniper tapped her on the shoulder.
"Ya got a place to sit?"
Fem-Spy nodded. "'Ave you?"
"Yeh, but it's jus' me and Spoih most of the time," He pointed out his dinner compatriot. Fem-Spy followed his finger. She wasn't surprised when it landed on a Spy. That Spy, of course.
"He's pretty quiet around the rest 'o the team," Sniper remarked. He looked down at her, as if he were expecting something. Fem-Spy saw what he was trying to do and sighed. She pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers. She knew for certain she would regret this later.
"Would you like to sit with my companions and I?" Fem-Spy asked flatly.
A broad grin split Sniper's face. "Luv to Shelia. I'll grab my partner an' be there in two shakes."
As the lanky Australian strode across the mess hall Fem-Spy realized what he said. His partner? He meant partner on the field, right? No, Snipers and Spys would never be working together on the battle field. Their respective roles were too different. Sneaking and ranged shooting did not go well together. So, partners how? In a relationship? In an intimate relationship? Fem-Spy suddenly felt very embarrassed. Relationships were strictly forbidden among teammates, everyone knew that. Maybe Sniper was lying to her. No, Spies lied. Snipers didn't.
She was still pondering this conundrum when she went to get her dinner from the buffet style serving table. Mashed potatoes, broccoli and some kind of chicken. She often wondered by whom the team's meals were served. There seemed to be an invisible staff around both bases. The same staff that served meals, cleaned the washrooms, did the laundry and cleared the battle field after every day of fighting. No personnel were ever seen, of course. It was another of the many mysteries tucked away in the RED base.
She scooped up a cup of hot water for her herbal tea as she made her way to the table. Sniper and Spy were already there. Sniper was at one end of the table, talking and laughing with Fem-Demo and Engie as if the trio had known each other their whole lives. At the other end, Fem-Scout seemed to be trying to explain the purposes of cardio training to Pyro and Demo. Spy sat in between the two groups, not saying a word to either.
Fem-Spy scanned the table. The only place to sit comfortably was directly across from Spy in the center of the table. She swallowed, her stomach feeling tingly. She placed her tray in the empty spot in the middle of the table and sat.
Spy fixed her with a straight stare. She suddenly felt very self conscious of her rumpled jacket and the circles under her eyes. Fem-Spy examined her food. She was still famished, didn't feel like eating anymore.
Spy's voice made her jump.
"I assume you are not 'appy with the day's final standings?"
Fem-Spy blinked. "Are you, Moniseur Spy?"
"Non. I am simply attempting to start a conversation." Spy retrieved the silver rectangle for his jacket and withdrew a cigarette. As he flicked his lighter, Pyro whipped around to face him, as if expecting something. Spy paused a moment and then put out the lighter. He waggled his finger at the masked RED. Pyro turned back to his own conversation, looking dejected.
Fem-Spy smiled at the little exchange. She rested her elbow on the table and placed her chin in her hand.
"Zee days always seem to end with zee two of us conversing," Spy continued, exhaling smoke.
"You don't like zhat?" Fem-Spy arched her eyebrows.
"An observation."
"I enjoy conversing with you," Fem-Spy stated. And she was startled to hear that she was telling the truth.
It was Spy's turn to raise his brows. "Oh really?"
"Oui, you are an intriguing man." Fem-Spy played with her fork.
"'Ow do you know zhat is not an act? Part of my job?"
She placed the fork on the table. "Because I took zee same training as you. I know when a Spy is playing pretend."
Spy gaze a low chuckle. Fem-Spy frowned. "What is funny about zhat?"
"I apologize. I simply keep forgetting you are a Spy."
"Is zhat a good thing?"
"Oui, you are playing your part exceedingly well."
She didn't like that. Fem-Spy chewed on her bottom lip and studied the Spy in front of her. He shifted the cigarette around in his mouth.
"I did pay attention in my training too, Mademoiselle, I know how eet is supposed to feel. Eet is supposed to feel real," He said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"What eef eet was real?" Fem-Spy questioned.
"Zhen we would 'ave a problem, wouldn't we?"
"A problem?"
"Teammates are restricted from 'aving romantic relationships. You know zhat, don't you?" Spy looked down his nose at Fem-Spy. She nodded slowly. Spy inhaled his stick of nicotine once more before putting it out on the edge of his plate. "'Ow would zhat work anyway? Your lover could be dead tomorrow for all you know."
"Zhen," Fem-Spy started, "What about, uh..." She trailed off. Spy looked at her ardently. She cupped her hand around her mouth and leaned toward him, "Vous et Sniper?" She whispered.
Spy just stared blankly for a moment. Realisation flickered in his eyes for a second, before a crooked grin stretched across his face. He began to giggle, which soon had him dissolve into a fit of stifled laughter and snorting. He covered his mouth in his palm in an attempt to quell the sounds and pounded the table with his fist. Fem-Spy regarded the man awkwardly. She looked to see if anyone else had noticed his reaction. She saw Fem-Demo surveying the scene diagonally left, across the table. She offered Fem-Spy a quick grin and thumbs up. Fem-Spy smiled back uncertainly. What was that for?
Spy had just about finished his laughing fit. Fem-Spy felt annoyed now, instead of embarrassed.
"Are you quite done?' She crossed her arms.
Spy snickered. "Just about."
"What was so funny?" Fem-Spy demanded.
"Zee fact you believed Sniper and I were fraternizing romantically," He grinned again, "Be aware, Mademoiselle I am not, nor 'ave I ever been, in any sort of 'omosexual relationship."
Fem-Spy felt a slight heat creeping into her cheeks. "Well, zhen. I'm glad zhat is out of zee way."
Spy fiddled with his lighter. "So you can 'ave me to yourself?" He said with a smirk.
Fem-Spy bit back the urge to deny the suggestion or lash out, which was what she desperately wanted to do. That was exactly what Spy wanted. The man was a master at his trade, having his way with words and mannerisms, making her act the way her wanted her to. Like he was flirting with her, but of course, he wasn't. She had to keep and cool head. Two could play at this game.
"Of course," said Fem-Spy smoothly, "What would I do without your constant degradation of my skills as a Spy?"
"Mademoiselle, I tell you zhese zhings to make you a better at your job."
"Of course you do."
"Indeed. Eef you are doing a poor job, then zee rest of zee team must make up for what you lack."
"What I lack?" Fem-Spy was taken aback, "I do not wish to sound arrogant, but I am confident zhat I am not zee worst Spy here. I believe you nagging come from your distain with women," She inwardly smiled, "Or rather 'aving zhem as work partners."
Spy's mouth twitched upwards. "Ah, forgive me Mademoiselle, but zhat would be true," He eased back on the bench, adjusting his posture, "But, zee last time I completely trusted a women, she 'ad me beaten, tied to a chair and left in a 'otel room for three days."
Fem-Spy just stared at him.
This was not what she had expected at all. "Well, I suppose you concerns are justified," She said. She felt uncomfortable. She couldn't say anything to top that response.
"I'm glad you agree. Besides, you must know why we must keep you alive, non?"
Fem-Spy leaned over the table, "Because you simply love my company?"
A suspicious little half-smile curved Spy's lips, "Zhat as well. But do you 'onestly not realize your importance 'ere?"
"I am on a contract," Fem-Spy drummed her fingers on the table, "Zhis is work. I am one of the first in a, 'opefully, long line of female recruits. What else is zhere?"
"Zhis is not just work," Spy's face was now a mask of seriousness, "You and zee other two ladies are a trial run for females on zee battlefield. Your contract is a test. If two out of zee zhree of you can stay alive for zee duration of four months, zhere will be a serious consideration of keeping females on zee field. Eef you die..." Spy shrugged and reached into his jacket pocket for another cigarette, "Well, let's just say men will be zee only ones to see fighting for a long time."
There was a silence between the pair, offset by the background noise of the mess hall.
Fem-Spy thought about what she had heard. If Spy was telling the truth, this wasn't just a job. She was an unwitting test subject in a, literally, life and death situation. She didn't feel any different about her position. She still planned to stay alive. Though the idea she had been lied to bothered her a bit. That is, if he was telling the truth.
She examined him. Why would he lie? She didn't see any reason for him to do so, unless he really, REALLY liked messing with people. Spy was carefully lighting another cigarette. Pyro didn't turn around this time, but she swore she saw the red fire retardant suit quiver with what could have been excitement. She was tempted to pull a cig out for herself.
"'Ow do you know this?" She asked.
"I am a Spy. It is my job to know zhings." He clicked his lighter closed.
"You seem to know more zhen others."
Spy shrugged. "I 'ave been delving into information concerning my own team members for a while now. You could say eet's a hobby of mine," His face pulled into a smirk, "My current goal is locating zee RED team's personal files."
Fem-Spy wriggled slightly in her seat. Was he lying? Why would he lie about this? A better question was WHY would he do this? That was exactly what Spy wanted her to ask. She could see his careful manipulation of words, inclining her to indulge him in his 'hobby'. What the Hell, she couldn't deny she was curious.
"And why would you want to so deeply invade zee privacy of others? Besides zhat you are a Spy, of course."
Spy grinned. "I am glad you asked."
'I'll bet you are.' Thought Fem-Spy.
He continued, "I am curious about zee origins of some of my fellow team members. Some of zhem are a little bit, I don't know, crazy?" He glanced at Fem-Spy. She gave a small nod, the corners of her mouth reaching upward, "In any case, I trust my life in zheir hands even less zhen in yours and zhat is saying something."
Her smile vanished.
Spy pretended not to notice, "I wish to find out what made zhem zee way zhey are and possibly understand it. I do not wish to change zhem, but understanding zhem would be a great personal help." He inhaled deeply and blew smoke toward her.
A stale silence hung in the air. Fem-Spy broke it.
"Monsieur Spy?" She asked.
"Oui?"
"Eef you do locate zee files, would you possibly consider sharing zhem...With me?"
A raised eyebrow was followed by a devilish smirk. "Why would you want to see zee files Mademoiselle? And why shouldn't you be able to find zhem yourself?"
"I 'ave my reasons." To be honest, Fem-Spy wanted to see Spy's file. She couldn't deny it. He was a mystery, and one she was determined to solve. Fem-Scout and Fem-Demo's previous lives tugged at her brain as well. "Besides, I am supposed to be zee perfect little girl Spy, non? Eef I am caught snooping around for classified information, I will be out of here faster zhen a Scout on Atomic Punch."
Spy considered her answer.
"Fair enough," he said, "Now, I 'ope you realize I will not do zhis out of the goodness of my 'eart. What will you give me in return?"
"Anything I can."
A moment later she realized the implications of what she had said.
Spy placed his elbows on the table and touched his finger tips together.
"Excellent," His voice was smooth and even.
'Oh God,' thought Fem-Spy. She mind dashed around the thoughts of what her previous statement implied. Her pulse quickened in anxiety. 'God, please not what I think he's thinking let him ask for anything else,' Her heart was racing now, 'Not sex please anything but that please God I can't do it I can't-'
"Your Invisibility Watch, s'il vous plait."
Fem-Spy looked at him.
"Pardon?"
"Your Invis Watch, Mademoiselle," He extended his hand, "I damaged my watch in one of zee last battles today. Zee Engineer is currently repairing eet. I believe I will perform better on zee field with a cloak, don't you agree?"
Fem-Spy took a moment to calm her brain. It felt like a light bulb in her head that had grown to hot and exploded. This was not at all what she was expecting. She knew men in the corporate world, and they all wanted the same thing from working women. This was different. She couldn't decide whether this turn of events was pleasant or worrying.
Spy was still waiting with his hand outstretched. He rolled his eyes impatiently, "Come now, you will still 'ave your disguise kit. I will not be leaving you completely 'elpless."
Fem-Spy rolled up her sleeve and removed her Invisibility Watch with deliberate slowness. She dropped it into Spy's waiting palm.
"Merci," He said, donning the watch himself, "Can I assume you will want something of mine as well?" He fiddled with the clasp.
"Of course," Fem-Spy hadn't even thought of that. He was right, if she had just given Spy the watch, there was nothing stopping him from just keeping it. Not that he would. Would he?
"Zhen what of my arsenal would you like?" Spy spread his wide, as if he were putting himself on display. Fem-Spy almost giggled at this. Almost. She was not a teenage schoolgirl, and he wasn't coming on to her. She was being allowed to take (well, borrow) a high grade weapon from a veteran in her field. Fem-Spy considered her options.
"Maybe I should just take your fancy cigarettes and disguise kit and we would be even on zee field." She suggested playfully.
'Not a schoolgirl,' She reminded herself.
"Quoi? I would 'ate to zhink zhat you would deny a man 'is cigarettes. And why waste such a prime opportunity?" Spy leaned back slightly, "Since you do not seem to know what you want allow me to provide some direction," He reached into his jacket and pulled out a gun. It was not just any gun, however. It was his Ambassador.
It was as if a hinge at the back of Fem-Spy's mouth had given way. Her eyes were locked on the beautiful, yet deadly weapon in Spy's grip. The polished wood handle shone in the fuzzy mess hall lights. The golden trigger twinkled mischievously. The engraving of a voluptuous woman on the oversized barrel seemed to wink at her. She couldn't believe it.
"I zhink you might need a little extra firepower eef you cannot cloak on zee field," he smirked.
"I...Suppose." Fem-Spy took the gun from his hand. It was heavier then she expected. As she curled her hand around the handle, she felt the cold metal through her gloves. It felt amazing.
"Merci," She said softly, still taking in the details of the customized revolver. Spy had a smug smile plastered on his face as he watched Fem-Spy.
"Well, I'm glad we are at an agreement. When I find zee files, we shall give back each other's weapons. Agreed?" He extended his hand.
Fem-Spy tore her eyes away from the gun and glanced at the man's hand. She reached out took it, adding a firm shake. He did as well. They both lingered there for a moment, feeling the heat of contact through the two layers of gloves. Fem-Spy retracted her arm and carefully slipped the gun into the currently empty holster in her jacket. Good thing she left her revolver in her room.
She looked up to see Spy was staring at her face. She felt compelled to say something, but the half formed sentences kept slipping off her tongue and down her throat. Nothing was said for a few moments, until Spy turned around from a tap on his shoulder. It was Sniper, and Engie standing behind him.
"Come on mate," he said, "Engie's challenged me to a game of chess, and from what I've heard of his education, I'll be needin' some help." He motioned towards the door before looking up and shooting a smile to Fem-Spy. She returned it.
Spy elegantly stood from the table. He straitened his suit and cast a look toward Fem-spy. "Until our next meeting, Mademoiselle." Then the three men made their way out of the mess hall. Fem-Spy watched them go and released a sigh. That was an interesting dinner.
At that moment, Fem-Demo leaned over to Fem-Spy.
"What was that about?" She asked with a coy grin on her face.
"What was what?" Fem-Spy said, jumping slightly at the woman's voice.
"Y'know, yeh chattin' up that spy fella. The two o' yeh looked pretty chummy, if yeh know what I'm mean."
Fem-Spy cocked her head in an annoyed fashion, "We are nothing of zee sort. We 'ad a conversation, zhat is all."
Fem-Demo hopped around the table and slid down the bench so she was next to Fem-Spy. "Sure lassie. Yeh went right over an' sat in front of 'im. I'm sure yeh wanted to have a 'friendly conversation'. Yeh were gettin' all lovey-eyed. Jus' like a story book," Her voice was teasing, but Fem-Spy couldn't help but feel irritated.
She crossed her arms, "Demo, can I not 'ave a conversation with a man without 'aving feelings for 'im? Zhis is not a love story," She finished in a huff.
Fem-Demo tilted her head downward carefully. She stared at Fem-Spy through her thick eye lashes and said, "Ah never said it was a love story," her voice was even, the teasing gone, "An' he may 'a been your dinner partner, but yeh had more than jus' dinner on the mind."
Fem-Demo stood abruptly and left without another word. Fem-Spy stared after her dumbly. By now most of the tables were empty, and Fem-Spy wanted to go back to her room and think. About what, she didn't know. She made to leave before she noticed something. Her now cold food was still piled on her plate. Her lukewarm tea was still sitting patiently in its mug. She hadn't touched a thing. She'd forgotten all about it.
Some action next chapter, cross my heart and hope to die.
Please rate & review, any critique and comments help me write! No, really!
