A/N: This does have a lesbian context to it, so if offended, stop reading now.
A/N 2: I do not own the characters or the show, so please don't sue me. There is no copyright infringement whatsoever.
A/N 3: Hope you enjoy and review is a yay yay!
CHAPTER ELEVEN:
People continued walking slowly past the landing helicopter, aware of the new arrival but not caring. Hugh stopped singing to look over, putting his hand in his waistband to ensure that he was still carrying a gun. He smiled to himself on feeling the metal. It made him feel safe. It even made him feel sane. He glanced back to Charlie who gave a painful shrug. The British man kept looking ahead ignoring the loud engine, and the sand rising, Hugh looked further back to Sam and Brooke who were holding each other up. Both had slowed their steps with curiosity for their new company. He looked back over and saw men jumping out. He stopped once he recognised they weren't the enemy, yet didn't move his hand from his weapon. These new men were wearing camouflage, and he had learned not to trust that uniform. He waited for Charlie to catch up and the two looked back at the girls, seeing that they also had stopped, as did many people at this point. All of whom were looking at the men approaching them from the helicopter. They all had seen what Hugh had seen to know that these men weren't the enemy. These men were white.
Hugh and Charlie walked back towards the girls. Sam glanced at them as she tried to gain energy to leave Brooke go.
"Army?" Brooke rasped, before coughing.
They watched as the men started running towards Jet's jeep. They looked at each other and Sam smiled as Charlie mouthed for her to go journalize. They walked slowly behind the crowds of people that has past them. They saw that Jet had stopped driving and was in deep conversation with one of these new men. Jet stood on the jeep and tried to shout, but the pain in his side and the lack of water refused to let him do that. Sam glanced up at Brooke, "Do you think they come for us?"
Brooke shrugged and kept her eyes on the scene before them. She watched as one of the men shouted to one of his colleagues. He then stood on the jeep and shouted loudly and clearly, stunning everyone to stop moving.
"My name is Lieutenant Barker. I am here as part of the UN peacekeeper corps. I have been enlisted to bring all foreign nationals to our army base in Khartoum where they will then be transported back to their home countries. We advise that you come with us as there is a war taking place, and we cannot otherwise guarantee your safety."
"What about all of them?" Kenny, an Irish aid-worker asked, pointing to the hundreds of people who were watching the camouflaged men with a hint of hope in their eyes.
Barker looked at them and back at Kenny, "Our orders are to bring only Foreign Nationals. We have been ordered not to assist the movement of refugees."
"Fuck this shit!" Hugh exhaled before walking towards the jeep quickly. He stood tall and straight as he faced the ruddy faced lieutenant. He looked at the people who had started walking onwards, their hope defeated. He glared at Barker, "And what are your orders if we refuse to leave?"
Barker was stunned, but answered the tall sandy-haired man, "We can't force you to leave, but we can't guarantee that you will make it. All borders have been closed."
Sam exhaled loudly and ventured to the jeep, followed closely by Brooke. She watched as some of the aid-workers shook their heads and followed the crowd, only to be pushed back by the new army presence. She laughed bitterly, "You say we can choose whether to stay or to go, yet you force us to go with you!"
Barker studied the exhausted but still attractive brunette, "Where you from?"
Charlie laughed and rubbed his shoulder, "Mate, this is the freakin' desert, not a pick-up bar."
Barker glared at the Brit before returning his attention to the now frowning Sam, "Don't you want to go back to your family?"
He watched as Sam turned to the taller blonde standing beside her, who simply nodded. She turned back to Barker and waited. He cleared his throat. "We are not forcing you to stay here. But we need to ensure that you understand that if you don't leave with us, your chances of survival are minimal."
He saw the group of aid-workers walk away from him and gather around in a circle. They whispered amongst themselves, throwing odd glances in his direction. He sighed and jumped of the jeep and joined his troop. He had seen this all before and never understood why some chose to stay behind. He guessed that it was a different form of army. The aid-workers watched out for each other, like he and his soldiers did.
Naomi looked into the haggard faces of the people she had spent the last year of her life with and sighed. If she was properly hydrated she would cry, but she was thirsty, hungry and exhausted. She knew her decision before Barker finished, "I'm going home."
Hugh nodded and Kenny patted her on the back. They looked to the others and watched as Kit nodded, "I'm going too."
Hank smiled at the petite brunette and gripped her hand, banging their wedding bands together, "Me too."
Sam watched silently, feeling Brooke hold her hand loosely. She watched as the several more made the decision to go home, and even more decided to stay.
Hugh shrugged, noticing very few had spoken including himself, "I'm staying… I've got nothing at home."
"Except beer." Charlie added. Hugh smiled at him and raised a questioning brow. Charlie looked at Petey who shook his head at him. He looked back at his best friend. "I'm sorry mate, but doc tells me I've got to get to a hospital if I'm to be any good… but I'll be back… with beer."
Hugh smiled at the joke and looked to his other friends, and saw that they were both being silent.
Sam thought about home, about her mother and her step-father, and her baby sister. She then thought about her story, and even though she had more than enough she still needed to see the end. She laughed inwardly. This was never going to end. She then allowed herself to think beyond the story and about the people she had been helping for the past nine months. A part of her wanted to stay and keep helping them in any way she knew how. She looked at Brooke and saw in those hazel eyes what the blonde wanted. She thought about her future with the blonde, would it be different when they got back? Would Brooke think that once in the States, she didn't need the brunette anymore? Would their family be okay with the idea of them being together? Would they be able to survive their memories and grow together as a couple? She sighed loudly and knew everyone was waiting for her to speak.
She transported herself back to the dirty, destroyed building where they had been to help the injured rebels. She relived the moments in which she sat on the hardened floor listening to Yuri speak with realism and wisdom about her purpose as a journalist. She thought about his question where the older man had asked with sincerity in his eyes, "Is it worth your life?"
She returned her mind to her present situation feeling twenty seven pairs of eyes on her. She tugged Brooke's hand and looked up at her. She felt Brooke push away some fallen strands of hair from her eyes. She let her other hand take the blonde's fingers and bring them to her side. She let her eyes meet the hazel ones watching her carefully and whispered, "You're worth my life… let's go home."
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The two girls stood back as Hugh pulled Charlie into a tight hug. Both boys ignored the physical pain that the embrace caused. Hugh pulled back and looked to his friends, and grinned.
"It was a hell of an adventure," he spoke with emotions.
Charlie slapped him on the shoulder, "I'll be back soon."
Hugh nodded and looked at Sam and Brooke, "Have a beer for me when you get home." The girls chuckled and heard Barker order them to the helicopter. Hugh glanced at him before looking back at his friends. "You better go… the borders are awaiting my charm."
The three began to crouch as they approached the loud vehicle. Charlie looked back at his best friend and yelled, "I'll see you soon mate!"
Hugh nodded and waved. They both knew that was a lie.
As the helicopter rose to the safety of the sky, the nine new members onboard looked out the windows, watching the people grow smaller. Sam looked into the horizon to see only deserts, before looking back on the people they left behind. She whispered a silent prayer for their safety, hoping they would find a way home as she had just done. She felt the blonde's hand on her back, rubbing it soothingly. She looked up at Brooke and saw that the blonde was focusing on the people below become mere dots. She looked across to see their British friend also staring out the window. She touched his knee with her own knee and he looked at her. He nodded at her, trying to reassure her that he was okay.
The brunette stared out the window and watched as the sand became darker, turning slowly into roads and cities. She could make out crowds on the ground below, but could only hear the loud engine. She felt scared, not sure of what was going to happen next. She was watching a world tear themselves apart below, and it terrified her. She saw a flag waving in the distance. The flag that represents the UN and the sudden realisation that the world was reacting began to kick in.
Brooke studied the frowns on her lover's face and continued to rub her back. The blonde was happy in the knowledge that they were going to be back home soon, but was scared as to what this would mean. How much has she changed? Will she be able to do what she did before with a clear conscience?
As they approached the ground behind the protection of high wires and sturdy walls, they jumped out, running from the loud engine. They watched as the helicopter rose to the sky again and waited to be told what would happen.
"The barracks are up ahead. You will find showers, fresh clothes and food waiting for you."
"Showers? Did he just say showers?" Sam cried out. She looked over to see Charlie chuckling.
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Sam sat on the bed, rummaging through her notes, and feeling pleasure from the drops of waters cascading down her arms from her recent shower. She looked up to see Brooke coming into the room.
"That felt soooooooo good!" Brooke exclaimed as she towel-dried her hair. She smiled at the grinning brunette who was watching her. She dropped the towel on the floor and readjusted her clothes. "I am so skinny." She said as she prodded her ribs.
"I never thought I'd hear you say that," Sam commented as she stood up and wrapped her arms around the taller woman. "You smell good."
"So do you." Brooke whispered as she turned to face the smaller woman, kissing her lightly on the lips.
Sam saw tears brimming in the hazel eyes, and gently wiped away the tears, "Hey, what's wrong?"
"We're almost there," Brooke whispered back, leaning into the contact.
Sam smiled and tip-toed to kiss her, "Yeah, we are."
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Brooke rolled over in her sleep, resting her hand on the bare pillow next to her. She lifted her head and adjusted her eyes to the dim light coming from a small lamp. She sat up and saw Sam sitting on the edge of the bed scribbling her notes down. She moved down on the bed to sit behind Sam wrapping her arms around the smaller woman's torso. "Hey, what you doing?"
Sam smiled as she leaned back, "Writing my article" She whispered so not to disturb the two other people sleeping in their room. She turned her head and kissed the blonde softly before continuing, "I want to finish it before I get back… I want to finish it here."
Brooke nodded, and kissed the brunette's neck lightly. "Don't stay up all night…. We've a long day tomorrow." She felt Sam nod, but she knew that she had lost the brunette to her writings.
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Sam re-read her article as the sunlight started to drift in through the bare windows. She nodded as she read the last sentence, and signed her name to the bottom. "Finished," she whispered to no one. She looked back at Brooke who was fast asleep. She stood, stretching to relieve her muscles smiling as Brooke stretched in her sleep.
The brunette peered out the window, watching the soldiers below practice their drills. She could see Barker shouting orders at the men and women who were incredibly obedient in their actions. She knew that she could never join the army. It required too much discipline, something which she lacked.
"Sam?" The brunette turned to the blonde who was watching her carefully, a smile dancing on her face. Sam grinned at her.
"Hey you," Sam whispered as she approached the bed, "Sleep well?"
Brooke smiled, "Guessing I slept more than you… did you even try to sleep?" She pulled the brunette onto the bed next to her.
Sam let herself be embraced by the taller woman as she answered, "No, I just finished… I love you."
Brooke raised her head at the unexpected declaration of love and saw dark eyes sparkle at her. She bent her head to kiss the lips below her, "I love you too." She mumbled into the lips.
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The blast startled them out of their sleep. Brooke jumped out of the bed, ignoring the pain that occurred as her bare feet made contact with the hard ground. She looked at Sam with panic in her eyes. Sam tried to calm her breathing down as the tremors from the blast sifted through the building. They both stood in silence, waiting for… they didn't know.
On hearing orders being shouted outside, Sam pulled herself out of bed and approached the window, feeling the blonde close behind her. The two watched as the armed men ran to and fro below them, appearing to be chaotic in an organised fashion.
The door burst open behind them and Brooke couldn't help but let out a yelp. The two turned to see Charlie staring at them. He nodded, a small smile on his lips.
"That'll teach you for sleeping in… an old fashioned alarm clock does not work for you!" He said as he played with his sling.
"What was that?" Brooke almost barked out, startling the young man. She noticed his flinch and relaxed herself. She wanted to get home, and was terrified something would step in the way. "I'm sorry…"
Charlie waved it off, "The natives are getting restless… they're delaying our ride home."
Brooke could have punched a wall if it wasn't for Sam taking her hand. She glanced at the smaller woman who seemed calm. She admired Sam for that, for being a rock.
"Why?" Sam asked, sensing her lover's frustration.
Charlie shrugged, "Guy said it is too dangerous to move us today… they're going to try and settle things in town before moving us out. They say at night will be the best bet… "
The three stood in silence, their impatience becoming obvious. Nothing was worse than waiting.
"I hate waiting…" Brooke mumbled as she sat back on the bed.
Sam smiled softly at her, "Same here, baby."
Charlie chuckled, "You know that we spend most of our lives waiting. Waiting for grades, for buses, for a TV show to start, for someone to visit, for the queue to move quicker…"
"What is your point!" Sam laughed, effectively interrupting the blonde Brit.
"I'm just saying… we wait a lot," Charlie shrugged. "Anyway, you guys wanting lunch…"
"Lunch? What happened to breakfast?" Brooke said as she let herself be pulled off the bed by Sam and led to the door.
"You missed it…" Charlie laughed as he led the way to the soldiers mess.
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"So what is the first thing you're going to do when you get home?" Naomi said, her sadness replaced by contentment of going home.
"Am going to go to the pub, and drink the place dry," Charlie answered without looking up from his plate.
"Really?" Naomi asked, almost disgusted.
Charlie nodded and looked up at her, "And then I'm going to go get me a kebab… and then I'm going to watch a movie, and then I'm going to go skiing…"
"Skiing?" Brooke laughed out.
Charlie turned to her, "Yeah… I've never been… and now, I think we should all have new experiences. Every day should be a new experience."
"Here Here!" Sam yelled, raising her tin cup to make the toast.
"What about you Naomi? What you going to do?" Charlie asked, obviously enjoying the light-hearted conversation. It made them temporarily forget those they left behind.
Naomi rested her chin on her hand and looked into Charlie's eyes, "I'm going to have a lot of sex."
The British man choked on his food and felt tears run from his eyes. "Good for you," He spluttered, feeling Brooke hammer her palm against him back.
Brooke tried to control her laughter as she saw Naomi's eyes sparkle. Naomi looked at her, "What about you Brooke? What you going to do?"
The blonde let herself finish chewing, still chuckling from Charlie's animated reaction. She glanced at Sam who was watching her with warm eyes. "I'm going to publish my story and going to see my family and friends… then, well… I don't know."
"You could have lots of sex?" Charlie suggested.
Sam grinned and saw Brooke blush, "I could"
"Excuse me, can I have your attention please?" Barker yelled as he walked amongst the tables in the mess. He waited until he was sure that he had all eyes upon him before continuing, "I know that all of you should be out of Sudan now, but delays couldn't be helped… however, we will be airborne in two hours, heading for our base in Germany. There you shall be put on planes to your own countries… As you are all aware, it is very dangerous here, so we ask that you be prepared on time. We will not be waiting for anyone."
"Are you saying that the army is leaving as well?" Someone yelled out.
Barker looked in the direction of the voice, "I am under orders not to comment."
"Obedience, a wonderful thing," Sam mumbled sarcastically. She knew Brooke heard her as she felt the blonde's fingers entwine with hers.
They watched as the soldiers left before looking at each other. The atmosphere had become heavy again, their jokes and laughter forgotten.
"What about everyone else?" Kit asked, and saw her husband shrug.
"I hate the fuckin' government," Charlie mumbled, as he realised his best friend will become one of the forgottens.
"Hey, the army might be staying… just because he says he can't say anything, means nothing." Brooke said, not really believing her own words.
Sam smiled gently and heard Charlie chuckle. He clapped his hand on the taller woman's back, "Got to love an optimist."
"I do," Sam answered. "I love her, so very much." She let her eyes meet the hazel ones and knew Brooke was surprised by the public revelation of her feelings. Sam was not known to be speaker of emotions, and so saying out loud her feelings made Brooke's heart skip a beat. She leant forward and kissed the smaller woman with passion and love, ignoring the cat calls surrounding them.
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Sam sat on the destroyed wall, letting her feet dangle as she watched Charlie and Brooke get involved in a game of kicking the bricks the furthest away. It was a silly game but it distracted the two from the waiting, and Sam enjoyed any moment she had of watching her lover.
She let her thoughts drift to her family, and their possible reactions to her newfound love. Would they be happy? Would they be angry? She didn't know, but she knew that she didn't care. If there was one thing she could take from her time here, and that was the knowledge that life was far too short to care about what other people think. She was interrupted by Charlie's joyous cheers.
She looked up to see the Brit spinning around and yelling, "I'm the god of footy!" repeatedly. She laughed as she watched Brooke shove him.
Brooke looked over at Sam and grinned. Everything that is Sam, is what she wanted her future to be. She wanted to have every day with the smaller brunette. She wasn't naïve and knew that things would change when they returned home, but she didn't care. She would never stop loving Sam.
"We should get our stuff," Sam suggested as she jumped off the wall. She took the taller woman's hand and waved to the Brit who grinned, "I'm still the God of footy."
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"Here," Sam said as she past her story to Brooke, "Reading material for the plane."
Brooke dropped the disposable camera on top of her used films before looking over at Sam's outstretched hand holding the reason they were both here. She raised an eyebrow and Sam nodded, "Please, I want to know what you think."
Brooke nodded and took it, feeling moved by the gesture. Sam was always private about her work and she felt honoured to have the invite into her world. She placed it gently into her backpack and closed it. She looked up to see Sam smiling at her somewhat bemused. "What?"
Sam laughed, "I've never seen you be so careful with paper before."
Brooke grinned and watched as Sam pulled her own bag over her shoulder. Sam looked around before looking back at Brooke. She could feel tears welling in her eyes, and allowed the taller woman to pull her into a hug.
"I can't believe we're going home," Sam mumbled into the taller woman's chest, "So much… so many people… and nobody… it's not fair."
Brooke could understand Sam's incoherent speech, and hugged her tighter to her. There were no words needed.
She let Sam have a few moments to recover before taking her hand and leading her out onto the last road of their journey.
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The two could see people gather into jeeps and trucks getting ready to leave. They held each other's hands and didn't speak while they crossed the busy yard.
Brooke looked at Sam's profile and saw a mixture of emotions radiate from her beautiful face. She smiled to herself, she knew she was the cause of some of those emotions… the good ones.
"What about you Sam? What you going to do when we get home?"
Sam looked over at her and smiled, "I'm going to go wherever you go."
The noise was deafening and then there was nothing for a moment, before screams, shouts and gunshots filtered the air. Another blast hit the buildings nearby and Sam pushed Brooke away as the walls began to tumble down. She could see nothing as smoke and dust started filling the air and more explosions occurred.
She could feel her feet slipping on the debris beneath her, and she struggled to keep her balance. She tried desperately to find Brooke, but every time she shouted out her throat filled with dust, making her cough. She could barely see and used her hands to feel her way round.
Another blast exploded near her, knocking her to the ground.
Her body ached as she tried to stand. Her ears were ringing, almost deafening her to the surrounding sounds of panic. Her eyes were watering as she tried to see amongst the smoke and dust.
"Brooke!" She cried out as she stood up straight. The fear swept over her as noises began to return to her. "BROOKE!"
Another blast rocked through the grounds and then there was darkness.
