Gator stepped protectively in front of her, with Gung Ho and Snake Eyes doing the same. Allie's eyes caught a movement in her peripheral vision again, and she wondered about it. Before, she thought it had been backup for Fordon. Now, she wondered if it was a friend trying to help.
"Uncle," she began in Gaelic, pushing the others to the side, trying to buy some more time, "What do you plan on doing with him?"
Destro looked at her, wondering at her use of the language. She wanted a private conversation…now? He decided to indulge her.
"My dear Alison, there are so many possibilities. I had thought of selling him to the highest bidder. He is quite in demand. However, in the end, he is a friend. I have several uses for him and when I'm done, then I may consider the money."
"And what of us?" she asked.
He looked at her, his head slightly tilted. "I tried with you, dear niece. I did try. I so wanted for us to be on the same side, to go back to the time we had when you were young. I'm not sure if it was your strong will or just your sense of right or wrong, but I think we're just destined not to see eye to eye. Because of that, you…and your friends….will have to be eliminated."
"I don't think so," she said quietly, and released the throwing star from behind her back, hitting one of the guards and causing him to fall against his neighbor. This set off a chain reaction and while the guards and Destro were distracted, the group ran towards the back of the hangar, where at least they'd be able to take shelter behind shipping crates and assorted items.
Allie pressed the buttons on her phone that Crank had told her were for the nerve gas, hoping that at least that was true, and threw it towards Destro and his guards.
There was a loud hissing sound and Allie yelled at her companions to dive behind the boxes.
Because of the size of the hangar, as well as the open bay door, the nerve gas didn't quite have its full effect on the group, but it was enough so that the small band could get their weapons ready. They were grateful that there hadn't been a chance to frisk them before Allie's distraction.
Before they could fire a shot, they heard what sounded to be gunfire coming from outside the hangar.
Gung Ho peeked over the boxes and grinned down at the group. "I think the calvary just got here! I don't know what you said to chrome dome there, Jaye, but it helped stall for a bit!"
"I tried to appeal to his good side. Apparently, that doesn't exist anymore," Allie replied dryly.
A shot hit one of the boxes next to them. "Lady and gentleman? I think our presence is required in this fight!" Gator yelled, returning fire.
A small contigent of Cobra soldiers were making their way towards the group, but were suddenly distracted by what seemed to be metal stars hurling towards them. There was a flash of white, and they were joined by Storm Shadow.
He and Snake Eyes sized one another up before shaking hands. "It's nice to be fighting on the same side again," Storm Shadow told his old friend.
The two signed to one another for a moment, then they both hopped over the boxes and made their way into the melee.
"Okay then," Gator said, giving Allie a strange look. "Ninjas. Go figure."
"I'm out," Gung Ho sighed, throwing down his weapon in disgust. "Let's hope they have a plan."
"Wait! I think things are calming down a bit," Allie said, peeking over the boxes. The number of Cobra soldiers had depleted significantly. "Where are Destro and the Commander?"
"Probably high tailed it into the plane," Gator said in disgust. "If Crank was one of them, then chances are it's not just your heat signature and print that can start that jet up."
Several of the cars had moved or were burning to the side of the jet. However, it was enough to pilot its way through, Allie noticed. "You don't think they…."
"They would," muttered Gung Ho, as they heard the jet power up and begin to move out of the hangar.
He grabbed his weapon in disgust and threw it at the vehicle, where it just bounced off harmlessly.
"It's no use," Gator said, shaking his head, "They're gone."
A Cobra soldier began to sneak up on them, but Gator hit him over the head with the butt of his weapon. "I'm out now, too. Good thing this is almost over!" he said to his companions, throwing the gun where it hit another soldier.
Most of the Cobra soldiers left were lowering their weapons and putting them to the ground, holding their hands above their heads.
Allie watched as unfamiliar men came and gathered up small bands and marched them out past the smoky entrance to the waiting trucks.
She sighed. It was finally over. Well, not quite, she thought as she looked out at the night sky where the jet had disappeared.
"I guess it keeps us employed," muttered Gung Ho, "but damn, we were close!"
Gator put his arm around Allie and pulled her to him. "You okay?" he asked, hugging her.
"If it's all over, then yes," she sighed, searching over his shoulder for a familiar silhouette in the smoky distance.
She was disappointed, but hid it. Instead, she stepped back and looked at Gator. "Were you the mole, or just the right person in the right place?"
The only answer she got was a shrug.
The three began to walk towards the entrance, dodging fallen soldiers and debris. Allie felt exhausted, but managed to put one foot in front of the other. It was almost over, she kept repeating to herself. Almost over.
When an image came of a fat lady singing in her head, she knew she was beyond tired. She accidentally stumbled, and both men reached out to help her.
"You okay?" they both asked, and she mumbled an apology.
"I'll take it from here," came a familiar voice, and she looked up to see him standing in front of her. "You two need to go make your report."
"About damn time. I thought we'd have to start carrying her," Gung Ho joked, nudging Allie playfully. He nodded at Flint, smiling, as he walked off.
Flint held out a hand to Gator as he began to pass. "Thanks."
Gator smiled, shaking his hand, then giving Flint a slap on the back. "You're a lucky guy," he said. "Take good care of her."
"I will," Flint promised, smiling down at her. "Hi, beautiful."
"You took your time getting here," she sighed, her smile betraying the tone of her voice.
"I had a slight snake problem. Taken care of now," he told her.
"Except the two biggest ones got away," she frowned.
He lifted her chin with his fingers. "That can wait until tomorrow. I have plans for us tonight."
He leaned in and gave her a slow, thorough kiss. When he finally released her, she leaned against him and sighed. "I hope they include a massage and a soft bed."
He chuckled. "That can be arranged. Unfortunately, you have to make your report first. Then, we'll see what we can do about the other."
Clasping her hand in his, they walked out of the near empty hangar to the waiting jeep. She glanced up at the sky and saw the first rays of dawn. A new beginning, she thought – it was fitting. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she smiled, thinking it wasn't quite the knight on the white horse she had imagined as a child, but it would definitely do.