Chapter 10

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They had few more weeks until Spec Opps tests started and most x-5s were sent on various missions. Alec, Biggs, Cole and Drake were somewhere in Uzbekistan's sandy deserts, Bella, Kira and Elena were in Prague and Jeremy, Clay and Bree were on their own solo missions. Most of unit 5 was also all over the world. Only nine of them remaining. At least less of them to give Jondy a hard time. Things were more tensed than ever. Jokes about traitors and deserters were now on every day menu. Not that Jondy cared much about it. Her ignorance only riled them more which resulted in couple physical fights.

Sandoval called what was left of her unit on a meeting. She sat and waited for the rest of them. When some unfamiliar soldiers entered she was surprised but when she meet their eyes, their hatred was even bigger shock. She was so used to unit 4 and their friendship that she often forgot that other people weren't as good with her past. Their hostility was explained when 382 entered. That was her unit.

Sandoval started debriefing them on the mission. They were supposed to enter some foreign espionage boat and retrieve data they had about Manticore. Twelve of them was supposed to be enough. 119 was CO and 382 SIC. Ohh that's gonna be fun.

As usual Sandoval dragged the meeting over humanly possible extensions and Jondy left for common room feeling like she just spent hours dying. She spotted Emma and Chad playing pool in the corner and dragged one of those soft huge armchairs with herself, jumping on it.

-Hey Jonds, what's up? -Chad asked aiming little ball carefully. Emma stood behind him and gave him a kiss on the ear. He jumped slightly and missed. -That was such a cheap move!

Jondy and Emma just laughed. -But it works every time. -Emma winked. -Where were you by the way?

-Debriefing. I'm going on a mission with unit 6 first thing in the morning.- Jondy rolled her eyes.

-Men everyone is having a life and look at us. We're stuck here playing pool. -Chad whined.

-And you call that playing. -Jondy mocked. -When are others coming home?

-Alec, Cole and Biggs by the end of the week if nothing went wrong.

-Even if it did it's not like Manticore would have told us.

All three of them made faces.

-Bella, Kira and Elena too. Hope they will bring us something. -Jondy commented thinking about those sweets Riley brought from his last mission.

-What do you care? You can bring your own tomorrow. How long will you be gone anyway?

-Four days, mostly on trip. It's simple in and out mission. And I doubt I'll have opportunity to buy anything so...save me something! -she begged her friends.

-Even if you had opportunity I doubt those automatons there would let you. -he was looking at the door where part of Jondy's unit entered.

-I never thought I was gonna say this, but I can't wait to come back.

-You didn't even leave yet.

-Tell me about it. -Jondy whined.

Both Chase and Emma laughed friendly and Emma even hugged her. They remained in common room bickering and playing the most of the night but even Jondy, with her shark DNA, needed to rest before her mission.

Next morning went by fast and so did the rest of the day. She mostly ignored both units hoping they would just let her be. She wasn't that lucky.

The mission itself was interesting and thrilling and if she was here with her friends they would have had so much fun. She wasn't that lucky either.

It was middle of the night and soldiers were creeping around the boat divided in four teams. Jondy was with two boys she completely disliked. 290 from her unit and 863 from another. The mission was going well until Alpha team got caught in cross fire.

Her team was called to help and she followed. They rescued them and were now running from bullets, shot their way. Jondy hissed when one hit her in upper leg, but adrenalin rush helped her to continue running. One of her unit mates fell and she helped him up and to the doors in front. He just shook her arm from around him and went through the door, not waiting for her. Before Jondy had the chance to leave behind him, he slammed them shut. She tried opening them but it was locked.

They left her there and that was first time she feared for her life. She felt sickening fear creeping his way into her bones but once again she did her best to focus. Her fear was replaced with anger and she hurryingly entered first room on her left and sneaked into ventilation. Crawlingly making her way toward the deck she furiously gave herself strength thinking about all the different ways she could kill them. How could they purposely leave her here to die?

She found her way up but didn't know what to do next. She didn't even know whom can she trust. Before she had time to work out her next move 290 noticed her. Blood loss was making her sloppy.

He kicked her and she tried to duck but his next move also found its way to her. Kick to stomach left her without breath and without much fuss he pushed her in dark waters over the fence. Last words she heard were -Will you ever die?

Since 2009 119 despised traitors and every person having and showing traitorous tendencies wasn't welcome in his unit. No whishes to escape, no liking 09ers no disobeying, especially not him, no questioning orders.

The worst thing that could happen to him really came true when Lydecker summoned him to his office and told him an 09er was joining his unit. The girl was hot. But he grew up surrounded with perfection. Still she was new and guys couldn't take their eyes off of her. First day she was perfect Manticore soldier and he thought it wouldn't be so bad. He could boss her around and she won't complain. He had to have some vent since she was the reason for his unit's embarrassment. The second day she started showing attitude. It was big difference but not such surprise from little rat she was. The biggest blow was when she started hanging around with 715 and unit 4. That's when he decided it's time to get rid of her. On his first mission he found himself an associate. If it was only him and 382 with her in Florida they would have had it done already, but with the rest of the soldiers who happened to like her, their work stayed merely on plans.

This mission came as ordered and they worked the plan perfectly. He was dragged from his thoughts when 290 came to him.

-It's done.

119 nodded and together they sat in last of their boats. Rowing from the enemy boat they glanced one last time just as the chargers they set, went off in big flames.

The first thing Jondy felt was horrible throbbing in her head. The pain was so bad she thought she was gonna puke. The next thing she felt was that she was horribly cold. Her whole body was shaking. She was also wet. Finally making herself to open her eyes all she could see was darkness. Then her night vision kicked in and she figured she was lying on some old wooden dock. The tide probably spitted her out.

Just as she was about to get up she heard gun clicking behind her.

She turned her head toward the voice supporting herself on elbows.

-I wouldn't move if I were you. -familiar voice said -electricity and water don't do good mixing.

-Yeah. I've heard 'bout that.

-I'm guessing this is not how you imagined the escape? -Dan asked.

-The escape? -her foggy mind fought to understand. Suddenly Jondy realized what he must have been thinking. She laughed weakly, humorlessly. -I wasn't trying to escape Dan. I go on missions all the time. Why would I do it now?

-You tell me. -he started to sound pissed.

-What are you doing here anyway?

-I had a mission nearby with two more soldiers when Sandoval called saying there 's some Manticore property we have to pick up.

-Nice words. You really know how to charm a girl. Tell her she's someone's property.

-Why did you have to do this?

-I didn't. I got shot. When I fainted I fell from the boat. I'm really lucky to be alive... to be honest I have no idea how am I alive. -she said and Dan thought she was starting to sound weird. He came closer just at the moment her muscles couldn't hold her anymore. She laid back down and looked at him.

-My unit wanted to get rid of me. -she said tiredly.

-You don't have to explain yourself to me 210. It's Sandoval and Lydecker that you will have to convince and frankly, I don't really believe you. Doubt they will.

He picked her up and she let out her breath in pain.

Dan and his unit mates didn't have much more than simple first aid kit so there wasn't much they could do for that bullet stuck in her thigh. Most of the ride home she spent in feverish delirium.

Once they got there she was put in some sterile room on cold examine table. It's coldness was hurting her too hot skin but there wasn't much she could do. Their bodies were made that way. She couldn't get infected but if the bullet was stuck in her body, it was recognized as foreign object and her body was trying to destroy it.

In her state she wasn't able to count how long has she been here but it felt too long. Why was nobody trying to help her?

Kira came home from her mission with Bella and Elena and before she could go to common room greet her friends she had to go to the barracks. Entering the room, her unit looked at her weirdly. Not knowing know what was that about she put her stuff on the bed and noticed bed by was made too perfectly. Jondy never made her bed that way. Also her stuff was nowhere to be found. Weird feeling crept to her and she hurriedly went to common room. Most of unit 4 was together in one corner whispering something.

-What's going on? -Kira asked carefully.

-Alec was first one to look her in the eyes. -Jondy ran away.

Kira narrowed her eyes but didn't say anything.

-Since she was flight risk they put a tracker in her. They found her within few hours and brought her back. -Alec explained in cold voice.

-It's not true. -Kira said confidently.

-Kira that's what happened. I understand that she was your friend but... -Chad tried to reason her but she cut him off.

-She was a friend to all of us. Or did you suddenly forget that? We all know her. Do you really believe she would bail on us?

-We didn't really know her. -Biggs joined -She was fun and all but she didn't talk much.

Kira's dark eyebrows went up in amused question. A few people snickered and Biggs continued with a smile. -You know what I mean. She didn't say much. She talked all the time but it was just babbling.

-When she gets back and I tell her you said she's babbling she's gonna kick your ass.

-She's not coming back Kira. -Alec said in harsh voce. -She's too much of a risk for them to put her back in units. Obviously PsyOps didn't do much of a job and if they can't make her obedient, she's useless.

Kira paled and her voice turned out shaky. -No. I know she didn't do anything! We should do something to help her.

Emma hugged her and bunch of other girls surrounded her providing comfort but Alec stayed cold. -She betrayed us. Again. There's nothing we should do. She brought this to herself! -with that he turned on his hill and left the room.

Although nobody else said anything she could feel they felt the same way as Alec. That was so unfair!

Lydecker was in LA following the new trail some of his kids left behind, when his phone rang with very bad news. As soon as Sandoval informed him he travelled back to Wyoming. Some delays happened and his one day trip turned out to be more like four day. First because of some accident on the road he missed his plain. Then they had to land on some small airport because of snow storm that lasted two days and then when he finally arrived nobody was sent to pick him up. When he finally got there he sat in his office calling for Sandoval.

-So wanna tell me what happened with 210?

-She tried to escape during her unit's mission. We tracked her down and next day she was brought home by 800 and his team.

-Did you put her in PsyOps?

Sandoval shifted in his chair uncomfortably.

-Sandoval? -Lydecker's harsh voice made him speak.

-No. There's no use of her anymore. One of scientists decided to leave her the way she was with that bullet in her thigh to see how her body reacts. I approved that. If she doesn't survive she will be harvested and if...

Lydecker's angry expression made him shut up.

-You had no right to decide that without me! -he said in low but dangerous tone. -I'm in charge of 09ers. Get her to surgery and when she wakes, call me. When I speak to her I will decide what will happen to her.

Jondy was lying in her wet clothes on the table but she didn't know whether it's still sea water on her or her own sweat. One moment she was burning and wanted to just lay in snow and just minutes later she would be freezing. Although her brain wasn't working very well at the moment, she figured they left her this way on purpose.

Again she almost fell asleep when doors opened and lab tech came in. He stuck needle in her arm and she felt that her consciousness was slipping from her.

When she wake up she was lying in hospital bed, machines around her were beeping and she felt better. Her mind was still a bit fogy but pain in her leg was lesser and the fever was gone. The doors on her left opened and Lydecker entered. -Hello Jondy. -he said in familiar fatherly voice.

-Sir. -she answered, her voice husky.

-Do you know why I'm here?

Jondy had couple smart ass retorts in her sleeve but she figured her future depended on this conversation so she answered soldierly -While returning me back to Manticore 800 mentioned he thinks I tried to escape. I believe that's why you're here, sir.

-But that's not what happened?

-No sir. I got shot and when I finally reached the top I fainted from blood loss falling to water.

-That's not what your unit mates said. They said you were running.

-I was evading people who were shooting at us. I understand how that may have looked. Their misinterpretation of my actions is understandable sir.

-Is that so? -he said suspiciously.

-Yes sir. That's what happened.

-Alright. I believe you and you will be able to return to your unit. But just to be safe you will spend a few days in PsyOps when you heal. For evaluation. Understand soldier?

Jondy paled hearing him but made her voice clear. -Yes sir.

It wasn't something Lydecker wanted to do, but to keep his ass safe, it was necessary.

It's been two weeks since Jondy returned from that mission and Kira still didn't work out her plan how to help her. There really wasn't anything she could do. She was on her way out of barracks when she bumped into someone.

-Watch it! -she yelled before she figured who that is.

-You know chocolate helps with bad mood or PMS. -came smart answer.

Kira just stood there bewildered staring in blue eyes and cocky grin on her best friend's face. She launched herself on Jondy and hugged her with all her might.

-What the hell?

-Did you miss me? -Jondy hugged her back.

-I heard what happened. How did you make them let you come back?

-What did you hear?

-That you tried to escape again.

Jondy sighed and grabbed her friends arm dragging her toward some more quiet place.

-I got shot and fell from the boat. They thought I ran off. But I didn't. I would never leave you again. -Jondy didn't feel ready to share the truth so she went with semi one. She felt like a fool already and didn't want anyone's pity.

-Our unit presented it like you took off on purpose.

-Of course they wouldn't miss an opportunity like that. -Jondy said bitterly. -Oh man... people will hate me even more now!

-Don't worry. You just have to tell unit 4 what happened. You don't need anyone else.

-Please don't tell me they believe the rumors?

Kira lowered her gaze, obviously uncomfortable. -Don't worry. You just have to talk to them.

Jondy felt hurt but nodded her head. Weren't they her friends? She didn't get her chance for the rest of the day. Her unit had trainings alone the whole day and she and Kira almost missed the lunch. By the time they got there unit 4 has already left.

In the evening Kira went to common room to talk to their friends and Jondy left for barracks, not feeling like seeing them at the moment. She graved for one hot shower. When she entered the room to pick up her stuff she was thrown into the wall and strong grip on her neck held her a few inches above the ground.

-What the hell are you doing here 210? -119 asked her in low voice. The rest of the unit came closer and now they surrounded her. What a déjà vu.

She just looked at him hatefully and tried to kick him with her leg but failed.

-We got rid of you. At least that's what we thought. When we found out you survived we kind of counted on them getting rid of you. You know, too many mistakes make you unnecessary. But you showed up in training again.

-Sorry to disappoint. -Jondy bit back with venomous voice, clawing at his arm with her nails.

He threw her on the floor and kicked her ribs with a leg. But just once wasn't enough so he kicked his leg out, again. Only this time, Jondy was ready. She caught his foot and threw him on the floor beside herself. In less than a sec she was back on her feet. The rest of the unit hurled to help their CO. Finally she ran out of the room evading their flying fists. She came in the bathroom and looked herself in the mirror. She had a few bruises and cuts but she gave more than she took. Small grin broke on her face when she remembered a few kicks she threw at them. They weren't bad fighters but they didn't know how to play dirty. Well at least not too dirty. Although ambushing someone from the door wasn't by the book either.

Jondy spent that night in her attic. Next morning, she found Kira in the mess hall. -Jesus Jondy where were you?

-The attic. I had a little... fight...with the unit.

-Yeah I figured that much from their bruises and conversations. They also said when they get rid of you, I'm next.

Jondy rolled her eyes. -Don't worry. You're safe. I'm not going anywhere. -she paused on a second unsure how to continue. -Did they say something?

Kira instantly knew who they were. She made sore face.

-Oh. That well huh? -Jondy fell silent.

-It's not as bad as you probably think now. They all believe you. Well all except one. Alec. Ever since this shit happened he's been acting weird. He said that 09ers abandoned us all and that you are one of them and something 'bout nobody liking 09ers. That I shouldn't either. He said me believing every word you say is foolish. -Kira rolled her eyes.

It was already the end of a day and only sparring was left for today. Alec was distracted ever since everything with Jondy happened. Was he a fool for believing her? He wanted to believe Jondy because he liked her, very much. Although he tried to ignore it, he knew he was starting to feel something more toward her, than just like. But what if she was only playing him? No chick plays him! With him yes. he grinned inwardly, but not this way. The real problem was, she was too close to him. If he lets her in, he could get hurt. That was why he was making himself believe what everybody was saying. It was easier. After all he already had the whole unit to care about. If something happened to one of them...

On the other side he was never the one to run from the problem.

But she waaas an 09er. Did he really know her as well as he thought.

If he didn't come to the training grounds he would probably go crazy. And yet there she was. The heart of his problem She was standing by Kira, chatting with her happily. Getting closer he saw bruises on her face. He wondered how she got them... wait No! it's not his problem.

His inner fight was interrupted when trainer came and the sparring started.

-334 and 013 on the mat. -Trainer said and Bree and dark haired beauty from unit 5 started circling each other. After few minutes 013 won. It wasn't surprising but still, Alec didn't like it. Bree had a big gash on her forehead and it was bleeding. Trainer sent her to infirmary.

-518, 930 you're next. This time his unit mate won. Clay did a great job, especially that last punch to 930's head.

Trainers next words froze him in place.

-494, 210!

Jondy stepped on the mat and finally he joined her.

-Go easy on me champ. I'm not in the best shape. -she whispered so low that only he could hear her.

He felt his bile rise with anger. What the fuck? Is she manipulating him, to win? Well, like he said, nobody's playing him!

-You should have thought about it before you tried to escape.

He saw some emotion in her eyes but she put her stony mask too soon for him to read it. He attacked first, but she ducked and avoided his blow. She tried to punch him in the guts but missed. Finally he backhanded her face. She swayed but too late he realized she was faking it. She swept his feet from under him and he fell flat on his back. Hard. He only had second to react and he aimed from the floor and hit her ribs. Sickening crack was heard and she fled to the floor. He got back on his feet but she stayed on the ground, coughing. Struggling to breathe.

-210 join 334 in infirmary. 926, 751 next.

Alec watched Cole and Kira fight but his thoughts were with Jondy. There was no way that his punch could cause such damage,hi didn't kick her that hard, he convinced himself, but then remembered her words. Obviously she wasn't lying. When training was over and trainer left, Emma punched him on the back of his head.

-Oww! What was that for?

-I get that you're just trying protect yourself but your act isn't fooling anyone. Now go and apologize!

-There's nothing I have to apologize for!

It was Bella's turn to punch him.

-OWW! Fine, fine. I'm going. But just because I have to check on Bree.

-Whatever you need to tell yourself. Just get it done.

Alec entered the infirmary and was glad to see that Rode was there.

-Hey buddy. Bree is in another room. I'm gonna leave her here over night on observation. Don't worry. It's just minor concussion. -Rode found out from them about their names and used them with joy.

-Actually I'm here for the other one.

-She's still here too, making her company. -he paused for a sec -She's from other unit and yet you care for her.

-I kicked her. That's why she's here. -he ignored Rode's statement and tried to ease his conscience instead.

-Oh it's not your fault. You weren't the first one. Your kick wouldn't cause that much damage if it wasn't injured already. The bruising she has is at least day old.

-Is it a lot of damage?

Rode rolled his eyes. -Stop worrying and go visit. Charm her or whatever you do. I'm sure she'll forgive you. -he winked.

Alec sighed and entered the small hospital room. Only one bed was occupied. Jondy was holding laptop on her thighs and was sitting over the blankets on Bree's bed, they were both laughing at something.

-Knock, knock.

They both looked at him.

Alec stared straight in Jondy's eyes but talked to other girl. -How are you feeling Bree.

-I'm fine, thanks for looking out for me. But I'm not the one you were supposed to ask that.

-Jondy? -he asked.

-Yeah?

-How you feeling?

-Fine.

There was a long pause.

-I'm sorry.

-You seem to be telling that quite often.

-And every time I do you're sick or injured. Quite convenient. Make people feel sorry so no one can be mad at you. -his words were harsh, but little grin and his light tone reviled what he was actually thinking. -No really, Jondy. I'm sorry, I didn't know.

-But I told you.

-I wasn't listening.

She just raised her perfectly shaped blond brow.

-How did you get that anyway?

-You were right. Nobody likes 09ers. -she said words roughly, looking him straight in the eyes.

-I didn't really mean that. Someone did this to you cause you're an 09er? Who? -He looked pissed.

-Guys, my shift is over, so I'm gonna need my laptop back. -Rode came in interrupting with gentle smile. Bree nodded and gave it back falling back in pillows.

-You should sleep Bree. -he looked like worried parent. -See you tomorrow.

That was also Alec and Jondy's clue to leave.

They walked back in silence.

-You should talk to me Jondy. -Alec's voice sounded much louder in empty hallway.

-What's the point if you wouldn't listen. I may as well talk to the wall.

Alec grabbed her hand and pushed her in to the wall. She gasped from the impact. He didn't push her too strongly, but her sore ribs protested anyway. He winced when he figured what he did, but held her in place.

-I'm sorry. I can repeat it hundred times. I really am. I care for you Jondy. A lot. That's why I was so pissed. I thought you left us. Like we didn't mean anything to you. It hurt us. It hurt me. I wouldn't wanna be in this place without you.

Jondy's eyes widened while he was pouring his hearth out. When he finished, they were just staring in each other's eyes. He started to lower his lips toward hers.

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