A/N: I know, you guys hate me. I'm so sorry *sob* Life got crazy- my summer vacation is about to end and everything has been jammed up the last few weeks as we try to enjoy what's left before school starts up again. It probably didn't help that this chapter was so damn hard to write- hell, I'm still not okay with it, but I figured might as well give you guys something for all my lolligagging. I kind of lost the drive and inspiration I had when I began this story, but it's back now and hopefully better then ever. So, enjoy chapter 14, and I wouldn't blame you guys for wanting to burn me at the stake for being gone so long.
Chapter 14: Damages
Allena found herself on the other side of the cavern, ushering children towards the centaur with Julia. She refused to look at the older woman; she could feel her keen eyes watching her intently, and it made her uncomfortable. She wasn't aware of any signs that she'd given off to make her think anything was wrong, but something told her that Julia knew. As soon as they had the children on the right path, Julia reached out and pulled Allena to a stop, startling her.
"What happened," she asked instantly, concern in her cool, dark gaze. Allena swallowed, hard, then shook her head.
"I don't know what you mean," she said, surprised by how clueless she could make herself sound. Julia raised an eyebrow, studying Allena's face.
"I know we're not exactly playing for the same team," she began, her tone softening, "but you can talk to me." Allena only gaped for a second, at a loss for words. "We may only have now, but you aren't alone in this."
"We are playing for the same team," Allena finally said, clamping her hand over Julia's and obviously startling the older woman. Understanding flashed in Julia's sharp eyes, and she nodded her head slowly. "I promise, I'm fine," she added. "Let's get the kids into the centaur."
Of course, it wasn't a hard task to get the kids to go towards the hulking metal vehicle, especially once Cole stepped around the corner. Allena watched, amused, as they flocked to him; apparently, they were smitten with the large man. The distrust of their parents did not effect them at all.
"Cole Train," they sang, swarming around his legs. Cole laughed, reaching down to swing one little girl up onto his shoulder.
"Will you tell us more about thrash ball," one of the younger boys asked, hanging onto his arm. The scene was vaguely reminiscent of monkeys climbing a tree at the zoo.
"What's it like," an older boy asked, his brown eyes wide.
"Now now, kids, we gotta get movin' before them nasty Locusts show up," Cole said easily, leading the swarm of children towards the centaur. "Up you go, now." Allena moved over to help Cole lift the children into the back of the centaur, leaving Julia to help organize other things.
"Cole Train, will you sit in the back with us," one of the boys asked as Cole hefted him up. He glanced over at Allena, who looked up at him as she bent down to pick up a small girl. He raised his eyebrow at her questioningly, startling her- did he know what had happened between her and Baird?
"I don't see why he wouldn't," Allena said, even managing a smile as she lifted the girl into the back of the centaur. "I can't think of a better time for him to explain Thrash ball strategy to you." The children cheered, and Cole gave her a look that was a mix of grateful and concerned. One that said we'll talk later, alright? She only shrugged one shoulder and handed the little girl her doll, trying not to think about the ride ahead.
-=V=-
Cole watched as Allena helped the kids into the vehicle, trying to figure out what she was thinking. Of course, Cole was no expert on reading people, but he could sense the uneasiness behind the smile she'd given the kids as she volunteered herself for suicide. Both of them knew that there was only room for one of the Gears in the back with all the Stranded; Cole had been willing to spare Allena the trouble, no matter how hard it would be to break it to the kids (he loved kids. Always had.)
"Hey baby, you sure about this," Cole asked, after the last child had been loaded. She shrugged her shoulders, refusing to look at him for a moment. "I don't mind, cross my heart."
"It'll be fine," she said, her voice soft. "Really. I'd hate for you to have to disappoint the kids." She glanced at the vehicle, where the children were eagerly clustered around the door as they watched Cole. "Besides, I think they'd have a better time talking to you then to me," she added with a short laugh that was almost sincere. Reluctantly, Cole nodded, then patted her shoulder.
"Take it easy, Allena," he said, drawing a smile from her. "You can go on ahead and relax, the Cole Train can handle the rest from here." She nodded once and slipped away, heading back to the centaur. Cole frowned slightly, then pivoted around, scanning the area for Baird.
"Yo, Damon," he called, waving over the blonde once he spotted him. Baird went over, a disdainful look on his face as he glanced at the Stranded around them. "Hey, I'm sitting in the back. Looks like the Cole Train's got some fans who want to talk to him." Baird stared at him for a moment; Cole waited patiently for the implications of such an action to wrap around the man's brain.
"Oh, hell no."
"We ain't got time to discuss this," Cole said, holding his hands up to prevent a tirade. He gave the blonde a smile, shrugging his large shoulders easily. "You wouldn't want to disappoint the kids now, would you?"
"Fuck the kids," Baird half-snarled. "I am not-"
"We better get moving," Cole interrupted easily. "I'll see you at the end of the trip, alright baby?" With that, Cole turned on his heel and began walking away, leaving no room for discussion.
"Dammit, Cole!"
He couldn't help a small chuckle as he swung himself up into the centaur, finding a seat among the kids. Baird needed this sometimes, Cole told himself. He could only pray that things didn't end with them tearing each other to shreds.
-=V=-
Furious was an understatement for how Baird felt. After hustling the rest of the Stranded into the back of the centaur, he went around the front, yanking the door open and hauling himself up. Lo and behold, Allena was already there with that stupid journal, and already carefully ignoring him.
"This is bullshit," he grumbled, turning the centaur on. "Are we ready back there, Cole?"
"Yeah, yeah," the man called back. "Keep your goggles on, baby, we're just buckling down. You can get goin' if you want." Baird shoved the stick into drive, then turned the centaur around, going back the way they came.
The hostility in the front seat was tangible, Baird staring straight ahead and Allena staring at the book in her lap.
"Hey, how you two doin' up there," Cole called back after a few tense minutes, sounding cheery.
"Just peachy," Baird retorted sarcastically, glancing at Allena. She looked at him and scowled, before promptly turning her back on him.
Oh, real fucking mature.
Baird continued to drive angrily, his eyes narrowed into blue chips as the centaur rumbled along the rough, bumpy road. He was sick of having to deal with her- couldn't Cole just understand that? Time and time again, he'd stuck his neck out for her, only to get slapped in the face for it (literally, in one incident)- and people wondered why he was such an asshole. He couldn't wait to drop her ass off at the nearest FOB. Hell, he had nothing against booting her out of the centaur right that instant, if Cole wouldn't have bitched about it.
"You're driving sucks," she said after a moment, grabbing onto the "oh shit" handle over her head as the centaur rocked unsteadily over a pile of rubble. Baird glanced at her, a grimace on his face.
"Oh, bitch, bitch, bitch," Baird snorted, turning sharply. "I didn't know you scientist types spent all your time complaining."
"Shut up," she said, glaring at him. "God, you're irritating."
"Right back at you, sunshine."
She sent him a scathing glare that probably would have had a lesser man scrambling for cover, but Baird wasn't affected. He turned his head to look at her, one eyebrow cocked defiantly. The gauntlet had been thrown down, and she looked ready to pick it up.
He was caught off guard when she threw it full force into his face.
"You chauvinistic, self-centered, arrogant pig," she snapped, her hands balled into fists. "I'm so tired of you and your god-complex, you selfish-"
"Oh, I'm selfish now," he asked, unable to keep his temper in check. She'd just pushed him too far. "I'm sorry, who's the one who punched me in the face when I tried to stop her from getting hurt? You know what, you're right, I'm sorry, I should have learned from the first time and left your pathetic ass to that Stranded guy back there."
"I could have handled it," she growled. "You can't see far enough past your nose to realize that I'm not as helpless as you think I am! But wait, of course, unless the COG trained someone, they aren't worth much to you, isn't that right?"
"I'm not a big fan of them, but I owe them," he snarled at her, barely able to keep his focus on the road. There was nothing he wouldn't have given to be able to pull over and strangle her at that moment. "Thanks to them we have some kind of order. Those Stranded don't believe in any kind of order, they're thieves, cowards and murderers."
"They're trying to survive, just like you and me," she said indignantly. "They were abandoned, Baird, and they don't want this war! They have to do what they have to do to make sure they survive, because the COG sure as hell isn't looking out for them!"
"Just shut up," Baird snapped at her. "Jesus, just because you think the COG is out to get you doesn't mean they're the bad guys."
"I'm sorry, I must have missed the definition then," she said, her eyes narrowing. "They are working against me, Baird, you even said so yourself! Hoffman wasn't expecting me back alive."
"I wasn't expecting you to be alive this long, either," he snorted, earning a scathing glare from her. "It's called logic, sweetheart, you couldn't hold your own in a bar fight. If it hadn't been for us looking out for your sorry ass, you'd be nothing but a pile of rotting bones down there."
"Why would they send me down if they weren't expecting me back," she said pointedly. "Why would you do that unless you want to get rid of someone? Explain that to me."
"You know what, maybe they were just tired of wasting money on you and your 'research,'" he finally said. "They knew you were too stubborn to quit it and they needed the money for more important things, like actually finding a way to win this damn war." A moment of stunned silence settled over the cab, one that actually made Baird feel a bit uncomfortable as the seconds ticked by.
"I guess I was a fool," she finally said, her voice quiet and brittle. "I should have known you'd never understand."
"Oh, and why's that," he asked mockingly. "Because I'm not a bratty little scientist like you?" She shook her head, leaning back in her seat and giving a tired sigh.
"No, Baird," she said, reminding him of a mother scolding her child (which only served to agitate him more.) "You wouldn't understand because all you know is how to fight." She fixed him with a stern look, something flashing in those glacial eyes. "I want to fix our world and our people. I'm sorry you can't see it that way." She turned her face away from him, leaning back into the seat. Baird stared at her for a second; her words hadn't been anything special, nothing for him to cry over, but that look she had given him…
He hated to admit it, but he kind of felt like scum right now, all because of that one little look.
"I can't wait to get away from you," he muttered to himself, turning his attention back on the road.
-=V=-
"Allena."
Allena turned to find Julia approaching her, snow crunching underneath her worn boots. Allena managed a smile, even though she was physically and emotionally exhausted.
"Will you guys be alright," Allena asked, glancing around. They had stopped in a small clearing, where the old man had instructed them to go- apparently, they knew the area, and could find somewhere safe here. Julia only shrugged, then gave Allena a smile.
"We've always been good at surviving," she replied, then reached out and rested a hand on Allena's shoulder. "You take care of yourself, okay?" Allena nodded, suddenly unsure of what to say. "You're a good, sensible young woman."
"Goodbye, Julia," Allena said, suddenly wishing that she could talk to the older woman longer. Allena had never had a mother in the conventional sense, someone who she could confide in and go to for answers, and Julia seemed like the kind of woman who would take in all of Allena's fears and soothe them away with wise words.
"I'll see you on the other side," she said with a more sincere smile and a wink, before turning to help round up some of the children. Allena stood there awkwardly for a moment, unsure of what to do as the Stranded got ready to take off.
"Hey baby," Cole said, startling her as he came up from behind her. "Glad to see you all in one piece."
"Hi Cole," she said, turning to give him a smile. "Have fun back there?"
"Yeah," he said with a deep, throaty chuckle. "The Cole Train always loves talking to a few good fans." He looked and watched the group of Stranded walk away, scanning them all. "That lady with the dark hair was one sharp cookie."
"Julia," Allena asked, looking up at him. He nodded, smiling.
"Yeah, that was her name. Reminds me an awful lot of a lady I know." He suddenly chuckled, nudging Allena. "Hey, you should ask Baird about Boomer-Lady one of these days. Now there's a story worth hearing, even if its mostly Baird bitchin'. He'll make it sound like he's a victim, but don't trust everything he tells ya." Allena stiffened slightly at the mention of the blonde, and the action did not go unnoticed. "You alright?"
"I'm fine," she said, swallowing past a lump in her throat. "Is it okay if I trade seats with you? I want to try and… catch some sleep." Cole examined her, then nodded.
"Sure thing, baby," he said, patting her shoulder. "I'll sit up front and baby-sit Baird, you go ahead and get some rest." She could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew something was up, but was grateful that he didn't ask.
"Thanks, Cole," she said, resting a hand on his arm for a second before turning back and heading to the Centaur, exhaustion hitting her hard as she pulled the door open.
-=V=-
"What did you do to Allena?"
Baird sighed and closed his eyes as Cole climbed into the passengers seat, shutting the door behind him.
"Not now, man," Baird said warningly. Cole rolled his eyes, giving Baird a droll look.
"Don't bullshit me, baby," Cole said, crossing his muscular arms over his chest. "You two were going at it- don't act like I couldn't hear you."
"Is it important? Jesus, Cole, I can't drive with you yapping in my ear," Baird said irately.
"Then don't drive- go back there and talk to her," Cole urged. In response, Baird turned on the centaur and revved the engine, drowning out any possibility for a conversation. Cole waited patiently for Baird to stop revving the engine, giving the blonde a look that told him he knew he was acting like a child. "Damon, you can't run away from this forever." Baird froze, his blood chilling in his veins as the man's words set in.
You can't run forever.
You have to grow up sometime, I didn't raise you to screw around all day.
"I'm not running," he said through gritted teeth, driving angrily over a rocky patch on the road. "I'm getting rid of a problem."
"Is she really a problem," Cole asked, his voice deadpan. This was getting too serious for Baird; he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to concentrate on driving.
"Hell yes," Baird retorted. "She's mouthy, and too smart for her own fucking good, and stubborn as all hell, and she just doesn't get that she can't take on the world all by herself." Cole watched him for a moment, an unreadable expression on his face. Then, suddenly, he grinned, a deep, warm chuckle rising up from his chest. "What the fuck are you laughing about?"
"Now who does that remind you of," Cole said, trying to contain his laughter. "Stubborn, smart as hell? Sounds a lot like you, man." Baird shot the man a dangerous glare, taking his eyes off the road to do it- to hell if they drove off a cliff, he wasn't feeling too hospitable towards the people in the vehicle with him at the moment. "That intimidates you, don't it?"
"What is this, psychiatry hour," Baird asked, trying not to spontaneously combust all over Cole. "Leave me the hell alone so I can fucking drive." Cole shrugged, leaning back easily in his seat.
"Whatever you say, man," he said, sounding amused. "Whatever you say."
-=V=-
Allena felt the Centaur jerk to a stop and opened one eye, staring at the wall opposite her. She'd sincerely tried to sleep- exhaustion had hit her as soon as she'd sat down in the back. Of course, Baird's driving was no better then Marcus' (thankfully they hadn't gone over any jumps). It had been a bumpy, uncomfortable ride, to say the least, and it felt like there was a jackhammer going off in her head.
She sat up as she heard the door open, sunlight spilling across the floor and stopping just shy of her feet. She peered through the bright sunlight, her lip curling slightly as she recognized the person standing in the doorway.
We're here," Baird said, his voice carefully neutral. Allena pushed herself up and made her way to the door, letting her eyes adjust to the sunlight. He reached up to help her; she ignored his offered hand and jumped down herself, her knee groaning in protest.
The temporary field base was bustling with activity, centaurs grumbling past as Gears prepared to deploy. She ignored the curious glances some of them gave her, brushing past Baird to talk to Cole.
"I guess this is it," she said, exhaling slightly as the large man approached her. He offered her a sympathetic smile, reaching out to rest a hand on her shoulder.
"You done good, baby," he said with an approving nod. "You go on home now and get some rest. You deserve it." She tried to smile, but something told her it was a failed effort; she gave up and nodded, lowering her eyes. "What's up?" She shrugged, unsure of what to say.
"Be careful, alright," she finally said, looking up at him. "Stay safe."
"Hey baby, ain't nothing gonna stop the Train," he said confidently. "You just wait, we'll be back home in no time." The smile that touched her lips was a little more genuine this time as she nodded her head. She knew they might not make it, but the man's words made her feel like they really would come back.
"I should go," she said, looking over her shoulder. Baird was there, leaning against the side of the Centaur with his arms crossed over his chest. She looked away before their eyes could meet, tilting her head up to look at Cole. He glanced past her, then smiled and held a hand out. She looked down, confused for a moment, then reached out her own hand. Before she could touch him, he grasped her hand and pulled her close, leaning down so that his lips were at her ear.
"He'll come back for you," he whispered in her ear, startling her. "He may be an asshole, but it's his way of looking out." She looked down as he pulled back, grasping her hand tightly. "You stay safe now, you hear?" She only nodded as he released her hand, taking a step away from him.
-=V=-
Baird couldn't believe he was really about to do this.
As soon as he saw her step away from Cole, he took that as his cue. Cole saw him coming and said something to Allena; he vaguely heard the words "check-in" and "gear", and then Cole was gone.
"Hey," he called out, before she could leave. She hesitated, and for a moment he thought she would just keep on going- but then she turned to face him, her icy eyes narrowed.
"Yes," she asked, the glacial indifference in her voice startling. She looked cool and professional, her expression distant. It was just like the time they had first met. Baird suddenly found himself at a loss for words- how the hell had Cole talked him into this again?
Cole isn't holding your hand here, you can just walk away.
It wasn't as easy as that. She already thought he was an asshole.
Plenty of people think that, what's one more?
"Look, I really don't have time for this," she said impatiently, interrupting his inner monologue. "Neither do you."
"So that's it, then," he found himself saying, his words angrier then he meant for them to be. So much for keeping it cool. "You're just going to leave."
"Isn't that what you wanted," she snapped, fire rearing up in her eyes. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment in an attempt to calm herself. When she opened them, the cool control was back- he really hated this side of her. "You wanted me to go back. Well, I'm gone. Congratulations, Corporal," she said, her expression unreadable. "You've won." She turned abruptly and left, leaving him to stare after her, dumbfounded.
-=V=-
Her hands were shaking as she clenched them into fists, walking away from Baird and the Centaur. She felt as if something inside her were breaking into a million different pieces, and she didn't know why- she could chalk it up to disappointment in herself, for giving up so easily, but deep down inside she knew that wasn't it.
It's over now, she thought to herself, swallowing hard. Just let it die. She focused her energy on walking, even though she didn't know where she was going. For all she cared, she could have walked off the edge of Sera.
"Soldier," someone barked at her, causing her to jump. A grizzled man stalked towards her; he was huge, big enough to actually intimidate her. He wasn't as big as Cole, but the way he held himself made him seem massive. "What the hell do you think your doing, lazing about?"
"Pardon, sir," she managed, startled.
"We're getting ready to deploy," he snarled at her, his eyes narrowed. "You don't even have your gear ready."
"Oh, no, there's been a mistake-" she began, but the man cut her off with a growl and shoved her forward.
"No time for your excuses," he barked sharply. "Get in that medical tent, get your stuff, and get your ass in gear! Move it, private!" He shoved her forward again, giving Allena no choice but to follow. He dragged her through the supply tent, tossing her a medical kit and a new Lancer.
"Sir, this isn't-"
"No more yapping, that's an order," he snapped, dragging her out of the tent and up to one of the rigs. He pushed her up the ladder, following closely behind. As soon as they were on the deck, he grabbed her arm and pulled her over to a lift.
"Wait, please," she began again, in a final attempt to point out the obvious mistake being made here.
"Get in that grind lift, soldier!"
"You don't understand, there's been a misunderstanding!"
Allena could do nothing as she was shoved into a lift, the restraints coming down as soon as she was seated. Another Gear approached and took the seat across from her, looking up at her as the restraints came down.
"Hey, wait a second, you're not Rebecca," he said, startled. She nodded her head, thankful that someone realized the mistake that was being made.
"Hey, wait," the Gear across from her called, but it was already too late- the door had shut, and the red light above their heads began to flash. "Shit," he said, before the lift suddenly rocketed down. Both of them held on for dear life; Allena found herself missing the Centaur and Marcus' driving.
After an eternity (Allena really hated grind lifts now), the lift came to a stop, the door opening easily. Both of them stumbled out, looking around. Allena couldn't help but be amazed- this place was different from the caverns. There was a haunted, regal feel to everything, orange light gleaming off intricately carved walkways. She finally looked at the Gear she had deployed with, the two of them staring one another down for a moment.
"Who are you," he asked, his brown eyes looking her over.
"Allena Duke," she responded, her voice hesitant.
Oh, hey, you're that scientist chick," he said, recognition crossing his features. Allena frowned slightly, one eyebrow raised. "Sorry," he said, giving her a grin. "We heard that you were over with Delta Squad. What are you doing back down here?"
"A mistake," she said, wrinkling her nose. "Your sergeant thought I was your medic, and now-" Both of them looked up in surprise as the roof above them suddenly began to shake, rock bits showering down on them- and then another grind lift came crashing down, barely ten meters from where they were standing. Two more came through seconds later, the Gears stepping out as if they had done this all their lives.
"Let's move, men," someone barked, motioning them forward. Allena and the Gear fell into step behind the others.
"We should tell him," the Gear said, nodding to the Gear in front. Apparently, he was in charge.
"I'll be fine," Allena said with a shake of her head. "There's nothing we can do about it right now." The Gear gave her a doubtful look, then nodded, the two of them jogging along after the others.
"I'm Private Luke Sanders, by the way," he said, not even slightly breathless as they made their way down a path. "Are you sure about this?"
"I went down once and made it out alright," she said with a shrug, wishing it was as easy as he made it look. "Just worry about yourself, Private Sanders, I'll survive." The group slowed to a walk, the sergeant that had taken the lead holding up one fist for them to halt.
"Why haven't we made contact yet," one of the younger Gears up front asked in a whisper that Allena barely heard. The sergeant glanced back at him, a perpetual scowl gracing his features.
"Don't you worry son, we will," he said in a grave voice, not even bothering with a whisper.
It didn't take long for trouble to find them; soon the sound of gunfire was ricocheting off the walls, bullets whizzing through the air. Explosions rocked the ground underneath their feet, men shouting to each other for ammo and covering fire.
"Shit," Private Sanders yelled, grabbing Allena and yanking her down as something exploded right in front of the low wall they had taken cover behind.
"They just keep coming," one of the men yelled, sounding desperate.
"We can't fight them off," another shouted, before a hail of bullets took him down.
"You have to get out of here," Private Sanders said to Allena, popping up and letting loose a spray of bullets.
"I can't just leave you here," she said, her eyes wide. He shook his head, ducking down a little lower. He glanced up at her, soft brown eyes searching hers for a moment.
"You have to," he said simply. "You need to get somewhere safe; there's nothing you can do now except get the hell out of here." She gave him a doubtful look; he offered her a grin. "Don't worry, we'll cover you." She bit on her lip, then nodded, realizing the truth behind his words- she had to leave. There was no other way.
"Hey, wait," he said, before she could get up and run. He reached into his armor and grabbed something, yanking his tags off. He took her hand and slapped them into her palm, closing her fingers over them. "Give that to my wife," he said with a nod. "Tell her I love her." Allena's heart almost broke then and there; she wasn't sure she could just leave these men to die. "Go, now! Before they overrun us!"
Allena pursed her lips, then nodded and scrambled away.
As soon as she could, she got up and ran, the tags clutched tightly in her hand.