The end is very near my dear ones…..four more chapters (Including this one) and we are done. Things gonna get a bit hairy for the next few, hence the titles…..hang with me…I love HEA's remember….Grab some wine and read on please…..
SM owns it all….still.
AllThatSparkles is my hero. Nuff said.
Chapter 20
THERE WAS A RESCUE
The flight to Morocco was pleasant and uneventful…..well, except for the large knot on Edward's thigh from Bella pinching the shit out of it in retaliation for Emmett and Carlisle's knowledge of the balcony snafu.
Edward smiled to himself, despite the pain. Worth it…every last ache….totally worth it. He patted his jean pocket slightly. That nanny cam would not be out of his eyesight. He gave a brief glance over at Bella, who was sleeping peacefully, a little drool coming out of her mouth.
Edward chuckled and turned back to the itinerary in front of him, going over the plans yet one more time to make sure all was accounted for. Early morning flights suck, he thought, but we'll be in Morocco soon, and there is one more full day before it's all business.
Edward and Bella's plane would land in Kidal first, putting all leads in position for when the others landed. Due to the last minute changes in arrival order, some things needed to be revised.
Edward and Bella's truck was the lead, but they also had to stay at the airstrip to ensure everyone and everything was loaded up properly.
The planes were staggered in their arrivals because the main problem being the airstrip and connecting grounds didn't have enough room for both planes and trucks at once.
Best possible solution would be to have the trucks ready to load with passengers as each plane landed, then send that truck off about 2 miles down the road to wait for the last vehicle, which was Edward and Bella's, to catch up and take lead position. While passengers were being seated in trucks, each plane would then refuel and take off again for Saudi.
Edward was impressed with the Nelson brother's ability to secure Army issue trucks for this convoy. All had bulletproof windshields and side windows, and the tires were made of some high tech rubber that would not succumb to bad roads or the heat of the desert.
Even with all the planning, Edward knew something could go wrong. Murphy's Law he said to himself, hoping that if something did have to go wrong, it was small and uneventful. The plane started descending for the Moroccan airport before Edward finished looking at the itinerary.
This was their last night in luxury before the harsh terrain and living conditions came into play in Mali. Edward wanted to make the most of it, so they could truly enjoy all the area had to offer. Arrangements were made for the group to stay at a resort about twenty minutes from the airport. There, they would be treated to a spa experience, and a truly cultural meal. The accommodations included a tour of the city and its street markets.
Edward had reserved a hide a way bungalow for Bella and himself. While still on the hotel grounds, it was separate from the building and nestled in the trees at the back of the property. There were three of them; all far enough apart from one another to be "secluded", but near enough if they needed anything the hotel itself had to offer.
From the sunken bath to the large lounge pillows on the floor, and the meal they would feed each other much later, Edward had it covered.
Too bad we've not much time this trip….I would like to fulfill a harem fantasy with Bella….and her being the only one in my harem. As the dance of the seven veils played in Edward's mind, the plane taxied to the hangers for custom's checks.
Once all was done, the group departed for the hotel and a quick freshen up before their luncheon and tour.
Edward walked with Bella past the hotel entrance and around to the back side.
"Edward…where are we going…I need to change first" Bella was a tad miffed, she was road trip ucky and needed to wash up.
"This way sweetie….I've a surprise" Edward came to the bungalow and opened it, whisking Bella up in his arms as he walked across the doorway. "So, Bella…." he said as he set her on her feet. "What do you think?"
Bella took in her surroundings and gasped. "Edward..I've never…it's so…so…" the words escaped her as she looked up at him. Bella leaned up a bit and kissed Edward deeply. "Thank you. It's too much, but I love it and I love you for it."
Edward beamed down at her, proud his efforts went over so well.
The room was circular in shape with smooth wood ceiling and a gem stone chandelier. Wooden louver doors opened out into a private patio on one side. A white massive four poster bed with mosquito netting and matching dresser occupied another portion. Between the two was an area filled with ornate rugs and large cushions on the floor. The bungalow's décor was done in deep reds, oranges and gold. Even the doors were red.
A swinging door separated the bathroom from the rest of the space, in it was a mosaic sunken tub and a sink. There was a small corner shower and a toilet in an alcove away from the bath a bit. Around the tub were cast iron candle stands and the spigots were like a fountain.
Bamboo shaded windows on either side of the tub allowed one to see the beautiful grounds still secluded in the private area.
The last door of the room opened up into the butler's room. Here is where last minute preparations on any food would be done before guests were served. It had counters and a sink with cupboards, containing various service ware and snacks for the occupants to use at their leisure.
"Say…we have about a half an hour before we need to meet the group for our luncheon and tour….we..um…Bella, we have time…" Edward's words wandered off a bit as Bella grabbed his face and kissed him, relaying her agreement of his brilliant idea.
Edward removed his jacket and shoes at the same time, hurrying to get undressed. "Faster baby….I am in need…"
Bella was half out of her skirt when a throat cleared. It wasn't Edward's.
"Ahem….Mr. Cullen…um…would you like me to draw a bath?"
Bella gasped and Edward pulled her behind him. "Who the hell are you?" Edward was ready to protect his woman, but there was something peculiar about this man and his uniform.
"The bungalow's each come with a butler sir."
"Your name?" Edward was feeling like he had forgotten something.
"Khalid"
"Well then…Khalid…I don't' remember asking for a butler in the reservations I made."
"It comes complimentary, Mr. Cullen. There is no need to ask for one." Khalid never cracked a smile…standing there extremely professional.
"Um…ok, then Khalid, you are at our beck and call then?"
"Yes sir."
"So, would it be offensive to you if I gave you the next..oh…say…half an hour duty free?"
"As you wish sir. I will just go to the main building and see about your evening meal menu. There is a buzzer on this door behind me" Khalid pointed to the butler's door, "You may push it when you are ready."
"Thank you…Khalid" Edward breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't realized he should have read more thoroughly the accommodations packet when he reserved this bungalow, and he silently chastised himself for not paying attention.
Kahlid stood there waiting patiently.
It took a moment for Edward to catch on. "Thank you again Khalid" he said as he handed him a tip. Geesh…is he gonna expect a tip each time?..damn.
Khalid accepted the tip graciously and left via the butler's room. Edward followed him to make sure that entrance was locked. The needy, urgent feeling had left both of them, and now….Edward just wanted to hold Bella, even if it was in a sunken tub, filled with aromatic water.
Bella wasted no time in getting undressed and starting the water in the large sunken tub. Edward left the blinds down for now, but did light the candles surrounding the tub and added some Jasmine bath foam.
Soon, the whole bungalow smelled of flowers and Bella stepped graciously into the warm, soothing water. Edward followed her in, grabbing towels form the stand on his way.
They sat facing each other, just a breath apart. Edward reached out for Bella's hair and put it up in a lazy bun with a clip. Laying their heads on each other's shoulders, both Edward and Bella let out a sigh. They absorbed the moment of relaxation and savored it. After tonight, who knew when they would get another bath, let alone a moment like this.
Sooner than they were ready, Edward and Bella's time was up. The urgency to make love was no longer there, but their intimacy was fulfilled by simply holding each other in the warmth of the bath. Edward got out of the tub first, securing a towel around his waist and then held Bella's hand as she stepped out. They dried and dressed quietly, no words needed to fill the space and time.
"Babe, after this luncheon and the tour, what do you say we just disappear back here and close out the world for a bit?" Edward paused in tying his sneakers to look up at Bella.
Bella finished the clasp on her sandal and looked back at him. "I say that is a brilliant idea from the mind of a genius."
Hand in hand, they made their way to the hotel and entered the garden area to be used for the luncheon. "So beautiful Edward" Bella gushed at the lush landscaping and the tables with gorgeous centerpieces.
"Um…I didn't order this Bella, it's their standard fare I suppose."
"WOW!" was all Bella could respond with.
Edward and Bella took their seats as the others started filing in and filling up the tables.
A standard Moroccan meal was to be served, Harira, a thick soup of chick peas, lentils, beans flavored with chicken, lemon and tarragon, next, Kefta, spicy meatballs served in a rich egg sauce and served with Couscous. For dessert, they had pastries made with almond paste and coated in icing sugar. They were served Mint Tea to drink, a country tradition of kindness.
After the meal was finished, Garrett got up to speak about the security protocols once they landed in Kidal. When he was finished, Edward had a few words and Carlisle gave a prayer for dismissal.
A tour of the city and it's marketplace ended the days obligations and free time was upon them until six am the next morning. Jet lag hadn't set in yet for this group, but it would, most likely when they reached Kidal.
When the tour bus dropped them off at the entrance of the hotel, Edward and Bella said their good evenings to the group with hugs and excited words of what was to come on this journey. Edward spied a blooming tree off in the distance and tugged Bella toward it. He winked at her and plucked a passionflower bloom off the tree and placed it behind her ear.
"What are you…" Bella started.
"Shhh…love…." Edward said as he admired the flowers beauty in his beautiful girl's hair.
Bella blushed and looked up at Edward, noticing the twinkle in his eyes. What is he up to she mused to herself.
Edward guided Bella back to their bungalow and stopped her at the door, turning to look intently into her eyes. As he leaned down to kiss her she sneezed.
"What the…" Bella sneezed again….three more times. She turned her face, noticeably embarrassed and shook her head. "Must be the flower Edward." Bella said as she sniffed. Either she was allergic to this particular flower, or it's scent was just too much for her senses.
"So much for the romantic gesture." Edward chuckled as he picked the flower from her hair and threw it aside. He opened the door and let Bella go first, smiling despite the awkward moment. Edward's brain rushed into the future and he pondered what the future held for he and Bella.
He knew that there would be ups and downs, he was realistic, but he was hopeful that there would be far more great moments in their future together. Edward would take them all in stride if it meant he got to experience them with Bella. All of it, Edward wanted everything with Bella. Smelly dogs, muddy floors, burnt dinners and cravings in the middle of the night…..and kids. Edward deeply wanted babies that he and Bella made. Wow dude….you are ….in deep. "Yup" Edward answered himself, "and I wouldn't have it any other way".
He felt a flick on his chin. "Earth to Edward." Bella giggled. "Where have you been?" She asked.
"Inside my head…it's quite interesting." Edward smirked.
Bella laughed and walked to the French doors, opening them to the view from their room. Edward came up behind her and clasped his hands around her stomach, snuggling her neck. He kissed his way from her shoulder to above her ear.
"What do you want to do love…we have an hour until our evening meal comes."
Bella smiled and turned in his arms, her hand slipping down his chest and reaching the top of his waistband. " I think I need some exercise Edward. Care to join me?"
Edward tilted his head back and laughed. "What kind of exercise baby?"
"Shower Olympics!" she stated and then walked toward the bathroom while undressing.
Edward wasted no time matching her rapid undressing and slid into the bathroom right behind her. He grabbed towels while Bella started the water. Edward picked her up and walked under the spray of the showerhead, netting a giggly squeal from Bella.
As they stood under the almost too hot water, they embraced and Edward ran his nose up the length of Bella's neck and nibbled her ear. "Mmmmm…..you taste really good right here Bella" Edward said as he licked her ear lobe.
Bella giggled at the sensation and squirmed in his grasp. "That tickles."
Edward chuckled and kissed his way back down her neck and over her collar bone. Then he bent down on his knees and positioned himself between her legs, lifting one over his shoulder. "I wonder if it tickles here too" Edward said as he kissed her stomach. "And here…." Edward kissed her hip. "And here" he said as one final kiss was delivered right on her clit.
Edward looked up into her eyes and smiled, then bent his head back to the morsel of flesh that was in front of him, giving it an open mouthed kiss. "Baby, you taste even better here" he stated as he lapped at her, stroking his tongue up and down her slit without entering into it.
Edward lapped, swirled, licked, and kissed Bella's pussy and sucked hard on her clit until she could take no more and came violently, calling his name out loud. Her knees buckled and Edward reached up and steadied her.
Edward turned her around to face the wall of the shower. "Hang onto something baby… steady yourself." He positioned her underneath the spray so that it hit Bella's lower back, but not her head. One gentle push on her back to arch it and Edward slowly entered her.
"Oh God Edward…..so deep this way…." Bella moaned out, wanting to push back and get some much needed friction, but Edward held her hips steady and she couldn't move.
"Mmmmm…..Baby…..slow Bella…slow….so good …so so so good…" Edward's moans were just as loud as Bella's.
Bella somehow managed to break free of his gentle hold and pushed back only to gasp. The sensations of Edward deep in her and the water hitting her back just so made her come instantly. There was no waiting, there was no warning, she came hard and screamed as it washed over her.
Edward knew he wasn't far behind. This one may be quick, but it was intensely erotic and Edward didn't give a care at the moment. "Bella…so beautiful….so sexy, watching you move on me… watching my cock go in and out of you."
He sped up keeping one hand on Bella's hip and pushing a little further on her lower back so it would arch more. Edward was a deep as he could get and he felt her squeeze and tug on his cock. That was all it took. As his orgasm came upon him, Edward's legs shook and he let loose a string of words that made Bella blush.
When they had regained their senses, they washed quickly and toweled each other dry. As Edward walked toward the bed to get clothes, the buzzer sounded. He quickly put a robe on, and took the other to Bella. Once she was covered, he unlocked the butler's room and greeted Khalid inside.
"These are all the items you requested for your evening repast sir. Please look over the dishes to make sure it is to your satisfaction".
Edward looked at the various dishes and nodded to signal his approval. "Very well done Khalid."
"I shall arrange them on the tray sir, and serve you in the other room then."
"Khalid, I'd like to serve myself please." Edward wanted privacy, and this was the only way to ensure it.
"Very well then sir." Khalid reached up into the cupboard above his head and brought down two fine crystal wine glasses and set them beside the ice bucket, already to go and holding the wine Edward had requested. Khalid then sat the dishes on the large serving tray and retrieved two linen table napkins from a drawer to the left.
"Sir, there is a small serving table in the room, over by the cushions. Shall I arrange that for you before you bring the tray out?"
"No, I think I can get it all arranged, but thank you for your service."
"I will just say goodnight then, and if you need anything Mr. Cullen, just press the buzzer on the door and I will be notified. If not, then be safe on your travels, and it has been my pleasure to serve you."
Edward handed Khalib his tip, this time making the butler's eyes bulge. Edward knew the man hadn't done that much in the way of service, but Edward hadn't exactly allowed him to either. This rather large last tip was to make up for what Khalib may have missed in not being able to serve like he should have.
"That is very generous of you sir…..Thank you, very much." Khalib turned to leave, and Edward locked the outer door as he did so.
Bella was still in the bathroom applying lotion, so Edward quickly took the wine glasses and bucket into the other room and set up the table to the side of two cushions that faced each other. As she came into the room, Edward motioned her to sit on one of the cushions and he went back to get the large tray.
Impressed didn't cover what Bella thought when she saw the amount and variety of food on the tray Edward masterfully brought out. He slid it onto the small serving table and she got a better glimpse. There were 4 small plates on the tray. Each held different things, all cut up into bite sized morsels. Cheeses and olives. Pears, oranges, pomegranates. Avocados, dates, figs and nuts. Chicken and lamb kabobs. Small circular bowls graced the tray as well, nestled inbetween the dishes. They held sauces for dipping, one was olive oil infused with saffron, ginger and hot paprika. Another held a minty gel like sauce with cinnamon added. The remaining spaces on the tray held more of the almond and cinnamon pastries they had had for lunch.
Edward sat in the other cushion facing Bella, their knees touching. "So, Bella…you remember lobster and butter?..." Edward smirked and gave her his best lusty eyes.
"This will be messy Edward, especially the pomegranate seeds…." Bella was a little puzzled as to how to eat some of these things with only fingers. "Ah…well, either I clean you with my tongue when we are done, or we just shower….again…" Edward tapped his chin with his finger and waggled his eyebrows at her.
"It doesn't matter how messy it is baby, it's about the experience….feeling all the sensations and tastes of the different foods. So, here's the deal, we each feed the other with a bite of food, feeder's choice….okay?
Bella nodded her ascent. "Ok, I'm game. Who's first?"
"ME." Edward grinned and picked up a piece of pear.
After they had eaten their fill and the food and wine was nearly gone, Edward got up to move the table out of the way, and then rejoined Bella on her cushion. "So, what do we do now?" He chuckled and moved her robe off her shoulder, kissing the skin.
"Oh, I don't know Edward…I'm really tired…" Bella faked a yawn and looked up at him very innocently.
"I don't need you to be awake you know…."
"Yes, but you like me to be responsive right?" Bella licked her top lip seductively, knowing what it did to Edward.
"You have ten seconds to take that robe off Bella, or I will do it for you."
"What to do…what to do….?" Bella pondered out loud, while trying desperately not to laugh.
"One….Two….Three….and seven is ten…time's up darling…" Edward nuzzled her neck and Bella barked out a laugh. "I plan to show you delights you've yet to see."
"Is that so loverboy?" Bella shrugged out of her robe.
"Oh most definitely."
~OoO~
Morning came too soon, and the couple said goodbye to their bungalow and waited by the hotel doors for transport to the airport.
"Can we come back here again please?..There is so much more I want to see."
"In a heartbeat Bella, we can go where ever your heart desires." Edward held her to him and kissed her temple as the group assembled.
Once they were at the airport and everyone was loaded on the planes, the security team gave the protocol for when they would land in Kidal.
The planes staggered their departures and Bella sat back in her seat, anxious and excited for this next part of the journey to begin. So much hope and promise, she thought, I truly wish for it all to go smoothly. I just hope they are as happy to have us, as we are to be there. She sat there with a grin on her face, looking out the window as Edward watched.
"Why the smile love?"
"I am happy Edward…..so very content."
"Me too….me too." He replied, picking up her hand and kissing her knuckles softly.
Three hours later, Edward and Bella's plane touched down on the small airstrip in Kidal.
As customs came on board to check passports, the chief of customs gave them the usual warnings and restrictions before they were allowed to leave the plane's cabin.
"Please, remember respect for the culture of the people of our country. Women must have their heads, legs and arms covered at all times. We are told that during your training, you were given samples of fabrics that would allow your bodies to breath with the long sleeves and full pants. We hope you paid attention. At all times, stay with your group. Do not wander off on your own for any reason. My assistant will pass out a book for your use. It has basic customs and translations in it. Good day to you all, and enjoy your stay in Mali." As soon as everyone had a booklet, the customs officials departed the plane.
Garrett got up quickly to speak before the group could depart. "A few more things please, before we get off this plane. The security team will be coming around to each of you to secure your device and register it in the computer. I want to show you what happens if something causes the piece to try to be removed. Garrett held up his own arm with the bracelet on it and ripped the leather in an upward motion. Everyone watched with morbid curiosity as the charm dropped down into the bracelet's leather and sunk into his skin. He flinched a bit, then righted himself.
"It hurts, I'm not going to lie to you, but the alternative is much worse. This will give us time to find you quickly should anything happen. Ladies, please remember to keep your heads, arms and legs covered like the customs agent said and men, you may want to wear a cover on your heads too. The desert gets extremely hot in the day, and at night, frigid. You all have a mini back pack that will be issued. It has standard first aid and water, granola and army issue chocolate in it. Keep it with you at all times. Please remember it is for an emergency. You will find also in the back pack a small silver blanket. It is insulated and temperature sensitive. This blanket will shield you in both heat and cold."
Garrett motioned to his assistants, and they moved through the group quickly, one on each side. As soon as one set of ten people were done, they departed and waited under the shade of the hanger. They all had to move quickly, so they could load and take off in the trucks waiting. The next plane would be landing in less than an hour.
"Things seem to be moving quite smoothly." Emmett came to stand beside Edward and Bella as they did a quick inventory of the trucks to be moved.
"Yes they do, and for that I am glad." Bella responded, looking back over her manifesto. "Emmett, go check truck number four, your playground and computer equipment is on it. Let's make sure you have everything you need, down to the extra screws and batteries."
"On it." Emmett walked towards the truck, bouncing on his toes he was so excited.
"Everything looks good on this one Bella." Edward called as he jumped down from truck number two.
"Wonderful." They only had trucks number three and five to go and then they would be able to move the crews faster. Bella hoped to get the inventory done before the next plane touched down so they could get going.
They had to get through Mali in the next month, and there was little time to dawdle. After spending a few weeks right here in Kidal, their next destination would be a small town close to Taoudenni.
Taoudenni was known for its salt mines. The old prison there would serve wonderfully as a hospital, and would serve the region for a long time. Much work had to be done to upgrade it though. Bella remembered the story Garrett told them that night in London. It used to house military post and a prison, which were built in 1969, during the regime of Moussa Traoré.
Many bad things happened during that time. It was eventually closed in 1998 and stood empty since. Bella was hopeful about turning it into a hospital. Maybe the bad memories could be replaced by new ones in that region.
After they were done in Taoudenni, they would go into Algeria and work their way south into Niger and Chad. They had only one month to spend in these three countries, Algeria for two weeks and a week each in Niger and Chad. The last month of this trip, July, would be spent in the Sudan. They would then go north into Egypt, leave the trucks and catch a boat across the Red Sea and into Saudi Arabia for their flights home.
Bella was brought back to the present by Edward's voice. "Baby, truck three and five are all secured and ready. We have everything listed on the manifesto's."
Bella let out a long sigh and smiled. "Great. Let's get something to drink and wait for the next flight." No sooner had she said the words and the second flight touched down. Bella opened the water bottle Edward handed her and took a long drink. It was getting hot already, and she could see why the water was needed in great amounts.
Plane two started to let it's passengers go and they came into the hanger. Bathroom rituals were observed, and security was standing by the trucks to make sure every person boarded.
Their goal today was the Tesslit Cercle. A commune or small region in Kidal. The population was small, so this would be the best place for a novice team to start. Once the two weeks were up, they would move north.
As soon as two of the trucks had begun their journey to the ten mile mark, plane three touched down and Edward and Bella began again. Everything was clicking into place just as it should and quickly, trucks four and five were on their way.
"Are you two ready to go?" Garrett walked toward Bella and Edward, motioning to the remaining truck. He would be on that truck with Bella, Edward and a team of medical professionals.
"Ready as we'll ever be." Edward replied. They had to get to the head of the pack so to speak and lead them into Tesslit. A lunch was to be provided for them, and a string of mud two room houses set to the south of the commune for their stay. Women would stay with women and men with men. One house could sleep up to 10. Mats would be their beds, and a hole in the second room floor their toilet. Showers were set up outside and cold water would be their friend for the next two weeks at least. The mud houses had no heat, or air conditioning.
To eliminate any wondering of who was married and who was not, everyone, single or married wore a wedding ring. The gold band on the left, third finger was a symbol the people from Mali would not mistake. This gave the women of the group extra security. Even though they came on a mission of peace, anything could happen at anytime.
They would all travel together, all five trucks all at the same time, for the length of the journey. Bella and Edward boarded the truck, taking seats on the bench to the side, behind the driver.
"Hold onto the straps when we start moving, and throughout, as there are no tar roads here. It may get quite bumpy." Garrett instructed the passengers, as he sat down in the front passenger seat.
The next ten miles was uneventful, but rather bumpy and before they knew it, they were the lead vehicle. Bella looked at Edward and grinned largely.
"Why are you grinning like that… God I love to see that smile." Edward grinned right back, just as big.
"Because this is happening…it's really happening….thank you Edward for all your hard work. Oh God…it's happening!" Bella couldn't contain her happiness and wiggled a bit in her seat.
"I'd do anything to see that smile baby. Let's go do some good work!" Edward chuckled and leaned in to kiss Bella.
Tesslit Cercle was upon them quicker than Bella expected, and she couldn't wait to leap off the truck and see what was there.
As they stepped off the truck, children came out of nooks and crannies, smiling shyly and clapping. Bella wiped the tear off her cheek and smiled back. This is it…this is right…and I am so glad we are here. She thought as a girl about five came up to her and took Bella's hand, leading her to the lunch that was set out on long tables.