Sector 12 – 2100 hours
Aki squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. She stood before Gray's barracks room door, scared to death. She didn't know quite what she was going to say, but she had avoided this for the entire day. She hadn't gone down to dinner that night, wanting to avoid seeing Gray again. She still couldn't believe he was here. She was so happy and hopeful, but then she would remember that she had horribly lied to him, and she then she would wish. "Wish for what?" Aki thought to herself as she stood before the door. "Wish I had never met him? Wish I hadn't ever lied to him, about everything? Wish that the phantoms had never come to Earth and caused all this?" But if the phantoms had never come, Aki probably would have never met Gray.
Aki took another deep breath and knocked on the door. She waited for a few moments, listening intently as she heard Gray move towards the door. The door slid open slowly and Gray's face peered down at her. She looked up into his calm brown eyes, with flecks of hazel in them. As she looked down his body, she saw that he didn't have a shirt on, just a pair of USMF navy blue exercise pants and his dog tags. Aki had never seen him without a shirt on, but she had felt what was underneath. Her cheeks flamed with a blush as she looked back up to his face. He seemed oblivious to the situation. Aki looked both ways down the hall, checking to see if anyone was coming. Gray understood and moved aside to let Aki in.
As Aki walk briskly into his room, she noticed how neat everything was. Gray had all his gear carefully stowed along the wall, his bed was made, and his desk was cleared of all clutter except for a t-shirt that was casually draped over the back of the chair. Gray peered out the door down the hall, also checking to make sure no one was there. As he slowly closed the door, Gray grabbed the shirt off chair and put it on. Aki turned just as his head poked through the top. She smiled at Gray's consideration, although she really would have liked the view.
"Gray, I don't know what to say. I am glad to see you." Aki smiled the brightest smile to Gray.
"Why don't you start by telling me the truth, Aki." Gray replied, his face impassive to Aki's smile and happiness. Aki's face fell at Gray's indifferent response, but her disappointment turned to anger as she realized that Gray wasn't going to make this easy.
"The truth?" Aki questioned.
"Yeah, the truth, Aki. You do know what that is? Or have you been lying to me all along?" Gray queried as he moved toward Aki. Aki moved back a step then stopped to "stand up" to Gray questioning.
"The truth is Gray that Hein did all of this! I was trying to protect you for Hein, Okay!! Hein knew about us!! I don't know how long, but he knew. He questioned me that last night I was at the HMA. I was sure that you would get reported, so I lied to him. I risked everything for you!" Aki stood staring at Gray.
"What did you risk, huh, Aki? You make it sound like I didn't risk anything at all!" Gray shouted back at her.
"Of course you didn't! You said it yourself – 'You're cadet leader, you're beyond reproach!' remember. No one was going to accuse you of anything!" Aki shouted with her arms crossed across her chest.
"I wouldn't have denied it if Hein had asked me. I'm not as good at lying as you obviously are." Gray's final comment hit a nerve with Aki, as she gasped in shock.
"You mean you never had too!" Aki retorted.
"I never acquired the comfort for it, either." Gray stated with finality.
"So. This is it. I lie in a obviously vain attempt to save you, and you throw it in my face like I did it for some personal gain."
"I never asked you to save me, Aki. I knew the risks. I was willing…" Gray paused unable to voice the feelings inside his heart and his mind.
"You were willing to what Gray?" Aki questioned, hoping.
"I don't know. All I know is that when I couldn't find you, I was terrified I would never see you again."
"I'm sorry, Aki." Gray moved up behind Aki, laying his hands on her shoulders, the wrapping his muscular arms around her body. Aki turned her cheek towards Gray's head as he nuzzled her neck. "Don't ever do that again." Gray whispered in her ear. Aki sighed as she leaned back to Gray's embrace.
"I'm sorry too, Gray. I've missed you so much. I tried to find you to tell you, I swear, but I couldn't reach you." Aki whispered as Gray continued to hold her.
"Just tell me the truth, always. What ever it is, I can take it. Promise me." Gray implored. Aki's head came up from Gray's shoulder and turned in his embrace to face him. "I promise."
"Where were you?" Aki inquired. Gray explained that he had gone to see his family's graves. He seemed distance and sad as he talked about saying goodbye to his family. He said he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to visit them again, due to his assignment to the DEEP EYES. Gray looked solemnly into Aki's beautiful eyes, eyes he had been entranced by since the first time he gazed into them.
Aki went still as Gray slowly lowered his lips to kiss her. Aki met his lips halfway, wrapping her arms around Gray's neck as the kiss became more and more passionate. They stroked their tongues deeply inside each other's mouths. Gray groaned in response as Aki pressed herself more intimately to him. Gray's arms tightened as the lifted Aki off her feet. Aki broke the kiss in surprised and laughed at Gray's antics. Gray spun her around once in joyous abandon. As they stopped Gray loosened his grip on Aki's body. Aki slowly slid down the front of Gray's body, until her feet just touched the ground. Aki laid her hands on Gray's shoulders, the atmosphere within the little barracks room changed immediately. They both knew that it was prohibited, but they also knew that they weren't kids anymore. And their wasn't the threat of Major Hein anymore. There was nothing to fear. IF they were caught the most that would happen would they would be reprimanded and told not to see each other anymore. One of them could be transferred as well. "Well worth the risk, if it means being with Gray, just this once." Aki thought to herself.
Both seemed unsure as to how to continue. They stood there and staring at each other, both shy. Aki made the first move; she slowly ran her hands off Gray's shoulders down his arms then back up, then she ran them down his chest until they rested at the bottom of his shirt. Aki was too embarrassed to look into Gray's eyes. Gray put a finger under her chin and forced her to look into his eyes. "You don't have to be embarrassed, Aki." Gray replied softly as he stroked his finger along her delicate jaw line.
"I just don't want you to think I'm one of those types of women." Aki replied saucily, reminding Gray of his misconception of her at the HMA. Gray smiled as he remembered his error and leaned down to kiss her lightly on the lips.
"I know exactly what type of woman you are, Ms. Ross."
Aki smirked at Gray's formality, but she would show him. She reached under his shirt and began to run her fingers up and down his chest, through the whorls of chest hair there. Gray's eyes slowly closed in ecstasy.
"And what type of woman to you think I am, Lt. Edwards?" Aki purred at Gray as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss his neck. Gray's mouth feel open as Aki ran her tongue from the base of his neck to his ear. Her hands on his naked chest were bad enough, but this was pure torture. Pure wonderful torture, Gray mused. Gray couldn't take it anymore; he reached up behind him and pulled his t-shirt off, his dog tags bouncing in the process. He reached down to Aki's shirt, which was similar to his, and slowly pulled it up. Aki stopped her ministrations to Gray's neck and allowed him to remove the shirt. Gray flung the shirt haphazardly across the room, and then wrapped his arms around Aki, bringing her naked breasts up against his chest. They fervently kissed as the Gray slowly lowered Aki to the bed behind them. Gray couldn't believe how wonderful it felt to have Aki in his arms. It was beyond his all his fantasies. Aki's breasts were perfect and Gray took his time to admire them. Gray rained kissed down Aki's neck. Aki's breath caught in her throat as Gray's mouth played wondrous music on her body. His mouth circled around her nipples and then he suckled ardently on each until Aki thought she was going to fracture into a million pieces. Gray himself was feeling them same sort of joy from Aki's response to his attention.
Gray moved up over Aki, his dog tags dangling from around his neck. Aki's flushed face and wondrous smile were all Gray needed to see. Aki raised her hands, framing Gray's face in both of her hands. One ran through his short-cropped hair to the back of his neck. The other hand hooked onto the chain with his dog tags. She slowly and gently pulled the dog tags, making Gray lower his face towards hers. As their lips meet, Aki slowly began to remove the dog tags from around Gray's neck. Gray's hand came up to stop her; he looked down as Aki's questioning face.
"I can't take them off. They tell who I am." Gray whispered worriedly as he held Aki's hand next to his neck.
"I know who you are. And for just one night I want us to forget about the DEEP EYES," Aki slowly removed her hand from Gray's grip, and removed the dog tags, then reached up to kiss Gray's furrowed brow. "I want to forget about the phantoms, " Aki kissed his cheek, "and the war. I want us to be together without any disturbances." Aki kissed Gray's lips. Gray responded by wrapping his arms around Aki, and throwing the dog tags across the room. Aki chuckled as she realized that Gray was finally ready to let everything go, for just one night.
"I can tell it's going to be a long night." Gray chuckled as Aki and him rolled around the bed.
Gray's Barracks Room – 0245 hours
Aki laid spread across Gray's body, the single sheet covering her and Gray from the waist down. Gray's chest was covered in sweat and his face showed signs of great excursion. While Aki's back was damp, with faint redness, in the shape of two large hands, shadowing her lower back. Aki pillowed her head on Gray's strong shoulder as he lightly ran his fingertips up and down her back. His other arm was tucked under his head as he stared contentedly up as the ceiling. He loved the way this felt. Aki sighed as she thought the same.
Aki and Gray had made love twice in the passed few hours. The first time was sweet and gentle, each concerned with other's feelings and desires. The second time was more passionate and playful, each enjoying each other's bodies, until the both collapsed as they were now. Aki ran her hand to the taut muscles of Gray's stomach. She circled his belly button playfully, having found out that Gray was extremely ticklish in that area. Gray laughed quietly and tried, half-heartingly, to stop Aki's wandering hand. Aki raised her head, leaning her chin on Gray's shoulder. Gray's eyes were still closed in contentment, but Aki had something else in mind. Aki smiled to herself as she came up with a plan.
"You never answered my question." Aki replied as she continued to run her hand across Gray's stomach.
"What question?"
"The one about what type of woman I am." Aki slowly moved her hand lower towards Gray's groin area, a devilish smile spreading across her face. Gray's breathing hitched up a beat as he waited for Aki's next move.
"Hum, well, I.. I think… think…" Gray rambled as Aki continued to move southward. "I think you're going to get us both in a lot of trouble if you don't stop doing what you're doing." Gray growled as he reluctantly stopped Aki's wandering hand and hauled her on top of his body. Aki laughed at Gray's behavior, still trying to be so straight-laced. Aki knew better. She had witnessed a departure from that oh-so-formal attitude several times, including twice tonight. Aki was determined to make it a third.
Aki snaked up Gray's body, moving sensuously up towards Gray's waiting lips. Which at the moment were fixed in a decidedly cat-that-ate-the-canary grin. Gray knew what Aki was up to, and he was more than obliged to accommodate her. Aki hungrily kissed Gray's lips. Gray ran his hands through Aki's hair, framing her face, and holding it to seemingly devouring them. Aki was just as passionate. Aki's hand curled into claws on Gray's shoulders in delight. Gray groaned in response to the pain/pleasure of Aki's hands. The sheet fell away from their bodies as the surged with passion. Aki straddled Gray's hips in heated abandon, her back arching in pleasure as Gray entered her for the third time that night, Aki's breath seized inside her body. Gray moaned as he lunged up, into sitting position, wrapping his arms forcefully around Aki's body; Aki's long legs and arms wrapped around Gray's body eagerly. The breath that was trapped in Aki's body left with a sudden rush as her body slid deliciously closer to Gray's hard form. Gray and Aki's bodies moved together in silent rhythm as they shared a part of each other's souls. Aki's arced back with desire as Gray's strong firm hands held her. Suddenly Gray lurched up heaving Aki onto her back. As Aki looked up into Gray's fevered face she saw the reason people fell in love. She realized that this what it must feel like when you really love and care for someone. Her emotions must have shone on her flushed face, because Gray paused.
"What's wrong?" Gray croaked as he tried to control his raging body, which screamed for release.
"Nothing. Just….just don't stop, please don't stop."
It was all the encouragement Gray needed. He kissed Aki ardently, his hands threading with hers beside her head, and continued to make love to Aki. Their lips brushed back and forth with their movements, Gray balancing himself on his hands. Aki arced upward, wrapping her arms around Gray's powerful chest, pressing her body against his, kissing, nipping, and licking Gray's upper body. Unable to handle the onslaught, Gray collapsed onto his forearms, his muscles straining. His hands grasped a hold of the bed sheet, wrapping around tightly trying to maintain control of his body. Aki's cry of joy, muffled by Gray's shoulder, was accompanied by a deep masculine groan/moan a few seconds later. Gray slowly collapsed, breathing heavily next to Aki's cheek. Aki didn't feel Gray's 190 lbs at all, in fact she felt weightless, like they were in space. Of all the emotions Aki had ever felt in her young life, this was by far the most incredible.
As the minutes ticked by no words were spoken; what words could be spoken at a moment like this? All words seemed inadequate. Gray's head moved to look at Aki, a smile plastered across his face. Aki turned to look at him; a peaceful look enveloped her entire expression. Gray eased from on top of Aki to her side. The bed was hardly able to sleep Gray's large body, let alone his and Aki's. But Gray didn't mind. Aki looked away, a sigh leaving her well-kissed lips. Gray chuckled at the sound, his hand lying on her bare, flat stomach. Aki shivered slightly; Gray noticed and reached down to grab the discarded sheet from the floor. Aki took it from his hand, wrapped it around herself as she made to leave the bed. Aki's long, luxurious back was visible as she padded towards the bathroom.
While she was in there, Gray took the time to find his underwear and put it on. He glanced around the room; surveying the damage the wrought in his room, Gray suddenly was very happy he had a private room. Gray straightened up the bed a bit before reclining back against the headboard waiting for Aki. He was absolutely grateful that he had a private room when Aki stepped out of the bathroom, again wrapped in only a bed sheet. Aki leaded against the doorjamb, smiling curiously at Gray.
"You seem very pleased with yourself, Lt. Edwards." Aki replied as she gingerly made her way back to the bed.
"I am." Gray replied as Aki flopped back onto the bed and into Gray's waiting arms. Aki laid her head on Gray's shoulder and her hand on Gray stomach. He immediately captured her hand, bringing it up to his lips. "You need to stop that. Otherwise you'll never get out of this room."
"I wish we didn't have to leave this room." Aki replied. Gray sigh heavily as they both realized that the hard part was just beginning. They couldn't "openly" acknowledge their relationship. It would be yet another secret Aki would have to keep.
"It's getting late, Aki."
"Late? You mean it's early." Aki stated as she looked over at the clock on the computer. It was 0340. The first shift would be reporting in at 0500, making this an opportune time for Aki to slip back to her room unnoticed. Aki's mind told her she had to get dressed and go, but her heart wanted to stay.
Gray didn't want to tell Aki she had to leave, but he knew it was time. If they waited any longer it could mean disaster. "Aki, you need to get going." Gray offered gently.
"I know." Aki replied solemnly. Aki unwound her arms around Gray and began searching for her clothes. They both had to search the darkened room. Gray found a sock, Aki found her shirt; between the two of them they managed to crawl around the floor and find Aki's clothes. Gray donned the pair of exercise pants he had been wearing before. Aki found Gray's dog tags next to the door as she went around the room. It was a stark reminder that Gray would be risking his life very soon, and she might loose him forever. She walked back to Gray and placed the dog tags back around his neck. Gray was not oblivious to Aki's actions. Aki smoothed the tags with her hands, laying her hand over Gray's heart.
"I want you to know that I accept who you are and that your DEEP EYES assignment means everything to you. So, if you don't want to, or can't see me after tonight, I'll understand." Aki stammered over the last few words as she turned towards the door to leave. Gray placed a hand on the door to keep it from opening as he hovered over Aki.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" Gray asked casually, a grin splitting his face. Aki looked up, seeing the grin. She smiled back joyfully.
"It depends on what you mean by 'see'?" Aki replied playfully.
"I was thinking maybe a meal would be nice. Y'know we've never eaten together before."
"Won't people get suspicious?"
"C'mon Aki, this is the world, not the HMA. As long as we don't do anything obvious in public, I think we'll be okay."
"Just two peers having a casual meal together, huh?"
"Exactly."
"Okay, how 'bout dinner. Do you think we can be away from each other that long?" Aki asked as she leaned back on the door, Gray's arm extended over her right shoulder. Gray leaned down to kiss her lips and whispered.
"I think I've gotten my fill for a little while." Gray pressed his lips against Aki's tender lips. Aki responded by stroking Gray's cheeks with her fingertips.
"See ya, tomorrow, Ms. Ross." Gray whispered as he stared into Aki's eyes.
"You mean see you tonight. It's already tomorrow, Lt. Edwards" With that Aki reluctantly turned and opened the door. Gray glanced out to see if anyone was coming, then ushered Aki out and down the hall. Aki moved quickly down the hall, and then glanced over her shoulder as Gray's head disappeared inside his room.
5 days later – Sector 12
Gray and Mark Sutton walked to the mission staging area ready for anything. He had known for a few days that he was assigned to this mission, but he hadn't been given any information regarding the objectives. He was unsure as to why everything was so secretative, but trusted his instincts.
As Gray turned the corner to enter, Colonel Hobbs intercepted him. Gray and Mark snapped to attention as Hobbs, again cigar in hand, glanced his way.
"C'mon Edwards, Sutton, let's get this party started." Hobbs called as he entered the staging area. Both of them immediately double-timed it to catch up with the colonel. When they entered the room he saw about eight DEEP EYES soldiers waiting around a digital 3-D topography scanner. They all seemed to be waiting for Gray and Mark, as the colonel looked over the map carefully.
"Alright gentleman, and ladies." Hobbs added as he noticed the med techs just now reaching the meeting.
Everyone, including Gray, glanced in the direction Hobbs was looking at. Gray saw Aki and another female med tech walk up. Aki and Gray's eye locked for a split second, then moved away. Gray glanced down at the floor trying to conceal his warring emotions. He didn't want Aki to go any missions, especially any of his missions. He knew she would go on them, but he didn't want to know about them. This was a scenario that he hadn't thought would happen; this soon anyway. He knew Aki was capable, and since she had been out here long, this was undoubtedly not her first mission, it still bother Gray. Am I afraid of how I might react if Aki were to be in trouble? Gray thought to himself. Or am I just afraid? Gray began to question his abilities, but Hobbs woke him from his thoughts.
"Lt. Edwards! Are you with us in this lifetime?" the colonel asked as he waved his arm in front of Gray's face. The other DEEP EYES laughed at the colonel's actions. Gray smiled ruefully at being caught aware.
"Excuse me, sir. I wasn't paying attention properly. I'll understand if you want to cut me from the mission." Gray replied matter-of-factly.
Colonel Hobbs placed the cigar tip back in his mouth and spoke through his teeth at Gray. "Is that what you want, Lt. Edwards?"
"No, sir!" Gray stopped as the colonel interrupted him.
"You thought that since you mind was on other things, I should cut you from the mission, huh? Well you couldn't be further from the truth." The colonel motioned for everyone to sit on the chairs around the room. Hobbs walked to the front of them all, propping his hip on the desk there. Aki sat first and Gray took a seat behind her. Aki glanced back over her shoulder and saw Gray there. She wanted to smile, but she turned back quickly in nonchalance.
"You are all proven operators according to the HMA. Some of you have seen some action already. For some of you this will be your first taste of hell." Colonel Hobbs walk directly towards the soldier in the front. Hobbs leaned over looking directly in the soldier's eyes, 'reading' them as he stared.
"Are you scared, soldier?"
"No, sir!" the DEEP EYE replied with gusto.
Hobbs smirked wryly and stood up straight. "Well you should be. You all should be scared. This isn't simulation anymore people, this is it. I've chosen you to become the elite guard for this facility. I will train you personally; you will then train the others. I will oversee, but it will be you who pass the knowledge you receive here to your peers. So listen sharp!"
"My training devices are unorthodox compared to what you're accustom to. I want honestly from all of you. If you think I'm wrong, tell me. But you better have an alternative. Don't just whine that I'm wrong, tell me why!" Hobbs walked around the room as he continued to talk. "You med techs will be trained like DEEP EYES, you'll understand all our tactics by the time you leave here. Your medical duties will be suspended while you're training with his team. Allowing you to focus. All of you must be focused on this team. You will get to know each other, probably more than you're used to. I expect you to ask questions and look outside your HMA training. Is that understood?"
The entire group answered with a loud "Affirmative." Hobbs seemed pleased with his choices and began his instruction.
"Now we'll start by me asking a few questions. What makes a good team?" No response came from the group. Hobbs glanced around looking for a spark in anyone's eye.
"Edwards. What do you think makes a good team? And don't bullshit me, tell me what you really think." Hobbs replied as he took a sip from his coffee mug.
"I think you should be able to trust everyone on your team. You don't have to like them, but you have to believe that they will do their job to best of their ability."
Hobbs nodded in agreement and continued to ask different questions to each member. Hobbs was general impressed with their answers. He felt they were somewhat repressed and robotic answers, but what was he to expect. Hobbs continued to quiz them about different scenarios, looking for any weakness or deficiencies. All of them seem very capable. It was time to really test them.
"Alright, I want everyone suited up and ready to rock n' roll in 45 minutes. Meet me in Hanger 4." With that the colonel march off. They all seemed amazed that they were going into the field, with Colonel Hobbs. As each soldier moved quickly towards the door, Gray glanced at Aki as she rush out the door and down the hall.
"Rock and roll? What the hell does that mean?" Mark asked Gray as they both rushed to the equipment & weapons locker room with the other DEEP EYES.
42 minutes later – Hanger 4
A Copperhead transport stood at ready behind the colonel. He lit a fresh cigar while he waited for the team he had selected. He knew the DEEP EYES couldn't be ready in less than 1 hour, but he wanted to see how they handled stress. He was pleased with his choices. All of them seem highly motivated. Even the med techs seem different. The dark-haired one had given some insightful answers regarding mission objectives. She seemed more able to voice her opinion, Hobbs like that in a woman. She was strong, probably stronger than most of the DEEP EYES he had trained. But Hobbs knew that women in generally where more courageous and resilient when in battle. The emotions that normally hurt them in everyday life made them more instinctive in combat.
The minutes ticked by, Ross and Harper showing up first. Both looked around for the rest of the team. All of them came rushing out, in full armor, towards Colonel Hobbs.
"55 minutes! Pretty good. But let's try and get it down closer to 45 minutes next time shall we."
All the DEEP EYES were sweating from their excursions. Some were breathing fairly heavily. Hobbs walked over to the soldiers as they stood side by side. He glanced at each of them, up and down, surveying their armor and equipment. All seem to be loaded down with unnecessary stuff! No wonder their ready to fall over, Hobbs mused. Hobbs stopped in front of Gray.
"Well, first off were going to lighten ya'll's load a bit. Take this off. And this! All of you!" Hobbs began grabbing pieces of nonessential equipment off Gray's armor. The others followed suit. "You don't need this, and this. Tell me Edwards what are going to do with this? Throw it at the phantoms? Get rid of it!"
Gray stood there as Hobbs took almost 25 lbs of scanning and regulation equipment off his suit. The difference was noticeable and welcome. The colonel looked down at Gray's regulation combat bag. Fucking regulations, Hobbs thought. How stupid can they be at the HMA? He grabbed the bag and chucked it. Everyone watched as it sailed across the hanger into the incinerator.
"Sir! That has our survival gear and provisions!" one of the DEEP EYES yelled.
Hobbs turned towards the soldier and stalked up the row. "Survival gear? Provisions? Let me explain something if you are left out there, by yourself, in the midst of a battle – YOU'RE DEAD! You don't need any survival gear or provisions! All you need is this-" The colonel pulled a large, wicked-looking knife from the its sheath strapped to his upper arm. He turned it around, the blade glinting off the lights above.
"But, sir, how is that going to protect us from the phantoms?"
"It won't." Hobbs stated, looking straight into the soldier's wide eyes. "It's not for the phantoms; it's for me." Suddenly everyone understood what Hobbs was telling them. "Dying an honorable death is one thing. But I for one am not letting one of those fuckers steal my soul!" Hobbs announced categorically.
Aki was shocked that a high-ranking member of the military actually thought the phantoms stole your soul, rather than just killing you. Hobbs obviously was well informed on the fact that the phantoms were attracted to a person's energy wave/pattern. Everyone knew that, but the colonel had rationalized that it was his soul they were after, rather than the energy his body produced. Very strange, for a military man to think that; but it gave Aki hope.
"All the survival gear you need is up here." Hobbs stated as he tapped the side of his head. "Even if you don't have a weapon, you can still make it. Never forget that!"
All the soldiers sat up straighter with the last comment. They knew they were getting an education unlike anyone but Colonel Hobbs could provide.
As they filed in the Copperhead each took a seat along the wall. The med tech always sat in the front, and as ranking solider Hobbs and Edwards sat across from them. Aki looked everywhere except at Gray. His helmet was in his lap as they waited for the ship to take off. Colonel Hobbs went up to the cockpit and talked quietly to the pilot. Both laughed as a comment one of them made, the colonel smacking the pilot on the back. As he walked back, everyone seemed curious about the exchange.
"Michaels, up there, was one of you once. I took him and about 20 others at my last command under my wing. When I came here, he insisted that he come with me to be my pilot. And I'm glad he did." Hobbs sat in the seat next to Gray. Looking over at Trish and Aki. The colonel nudged Gray slightly and whispered behind his hand, "Not a bad view up here, if I say so myself." Hobbs motioned towards Aki and Trish. Gray's head snapped around. He knows, Gray thought. As Gray saw Hobbs perplexed expression he realized that Hobbs was making a joke.
"Don't tell me that you're not interested. Hell, I'm 59 years old and I'm interested!" Hobbs laughed at Gray stunned expression, slapping his hand on the front of Gray's suit. Everyone looked towards Gray and the colonel, hearing the colonel's full-throated laugh reverberate through the cabin of the transport.
A few minutes went by as Hobbs detailed the mission. "We're going to provide cover for the engineers so they can repair a busted water pipe" Hobbs punched up the topography of the area. "We will land here, make our way around this cliff and into the area in a z pattern."
Edwards and Sutton looked at each other quickly. The route was too dangerous. They would be blind to what was on the other side of the cliff. Gray decided to speak up.
"Sir. I don't think that would be the best approach."
"Oh, really. And what would you suggest, Lt. Edwards?"
Gray punched a few keys on the topography map, turning it to show a river wash just to the south of where they were to land.
"If we make our way back down here and back up this wash. That way we can have line of sight. Also we can create a perimeter using the rock wall for cover if needed."
Hobbs nodded his head in agreement. "I agree, Lt. Edwards. Anybody else have any suggestions?" Hobbs paused waiting for the others to speak up. "Team 1 will secure the perimeter here. That'll be you Edwards, Sutton, Santano and myself. Team 2 will secure this area. There isn't much left to complete, so we should be out in less than 10."
"Okay, now that we've got our plan, I want you all to relax for a few minutes. Tension is not going to help you." With that the colonel leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes. "Hey Michaels, how about some music?"
"Roger, sir." Michael reached pushed some controls until a strange song started to play over the cabin speakers. Hobbs smiled at Michaels' song selection which seemed almost too appropriate. "Spirit in the Sky" was an oldie when Hobbs had been young, but now it gave him a sense of peace. A sense of connection with a time these soldiers had never known. The beat rapped out of the speakers, making a few feet tap in time with it. Hobbs' eye cracked open as he looked down the line of soldiers. I really need these people to loosen up, Hobbs thought to himself, closing his eye again.
Aki had heard some music before, but nothing like this. It was different. She could quite hear the words, but she liked the rhythm. But as soon as the song was finished, Michaels announced that they were nearing the landing sight. Hobbs' head came up off the back of the seat.
"Okay everyone, helmets on." Hobbs put his helmet along with the others. Aki and Trish put their Halos on as well. Each of the DEEP EYES hefted their Nocturnes. Everyone stood at the back of the Copperhead as the ship touched down. A slight bump was felt as the transport touched the earth.
"I want a 10-second separation as each of you goes out. I'll be out first, then Edwards, Santano, then Sutton. Ross, Harper goes between. Every fan out and keep sharp. Remember – KNOW what you are firing at. Don't just blindly shot. Let's roll!" Hobbs shouted the last as he ran out the back of the Copperhead.
Gray followed exactly 10 seconds later, scanning the area for phantoms. Everybody moved quickly as the fanned out across the river wash. Aki made her way up the side. The discharge from the Copperhead's takeoff churning up dust around them, making it difficult for Aki to see. She glanced down at her wrist, checking for any signs of the phantoms.
"No sign of them, sir." Aki announced over the communication system.
"Okay, Team 1 keep your eyes open! Team 2 spread out." Hobbs stood between Gray and Mark as they continued to remain vigilant.
"This is strange, sir." Mark commented. "From what I've heard this portion of the barrier is always covered in phantoms. It makes me nervous."
"I agree, sir. Something's not right" Gray replied.
"Colonel, repairs should be complete in 3 minutes," announced one of the engineers repairing the water pipe through the intercom.
"Roger! 3 minutes people, stay sharp." Hobbs announced.
The phantoms appeared suddenly, out of nowhere. Aki's Halo barely registered their energy before they appeared. The engineers worked franticly to seal the final weld. The DEEP EYES erupted an explosion of firepower, trying to give the engineers more time.
"Fall back! Get out of there!" Hobbs yelled at the engineering team. "Pull back Team 1! Team 2 lay down cover fire!" Everyone reunited, stood back-to-back as they destroyed more and more phantoms. But they just came on coming. "Jesus Christ" Hobbs whispered as more and more phantoms appeared over the ridge. The transport kept circling, looking for a place to land. From up above it looked like an army of marauding ants climbing down the river wash walls
"Michaels! Try and find a landing spot on the other side of the canyon. " Hobbs yelled into the intercom. "Everyone, new rally point – up on top of the canyon!" Stay formation! We'll make a hole and get to the ship!" Hobbs took the opportunity to throw a grenade into a group of phantoms. It exploded, creating the hole they needed to get up the canyon wall, to the waiting Copperhead.
"Stay where you are! Hold a perimeter around the ship!" Gray ordered everyone in the group. The engineers moved towards the transport, but the phantoms swooped down onto them. Hobbs, Santano and Sutton let go a barrage of Nocturne fire, destroying the phantoms. Hobbs charged in the back of the Copperhead. "Michaels! Get ready to get outta here!" Hobbs yelled. No answer came over the intercom, or any movement of the Copperhead. Hobbs moved cautiously towards the cockpit. As he rounded the corner he saw a human-size phantom breaching the Copperhead's hull, killing Michaels. Hobbs opened fire, blowing a hole in the windshield of the Copperhead. He gingerly removed Michaels' body from the pilot's seat.
"Sorry kid." Hobbs whispered as he climbed into the seat, whipping his helmet off. He could still hear the Nocturne fire outside the ship. As he started the engines he shouted for the others. "C'mon! Edwards, Santano, bring'um in. Stop firing! Get your asses in here. Move! Move!" Hobbs urged them to move quickly.
Trish was attacked by a phantom, her body falling lifelessly to the ground. Aki reached for her body, but Mark stopped her, pulling her back. "There's no time!" He shoved her forward. "GO!" he shouted.
Gray and Santano were inside the ship, Gray looked outside to see who was coming. He saw Aki and Mark running towards the Copperhead, the phantoms coming closely behind. The ship began to lift off, Gray screamed to Hobbs, "No! We've still got 2 out there!!" The ship hover just off the ground. In the cockpit, Hobbs could see the phantoms getting closer to the ship. They had to go; there wasn't anybody else that could pilot the ship but him.
As Gray watched as Aki and Mark made their way to the ship. Aki leapt up into Gray and Santano's arms. Mark was close behind, but as he went to jump up a phantom leapt on top of him.
"NO!!!! Mark!!!!" Gray shouted in horror. Santano pulled Gray back as he tried to reach for Mark. Mark's body fell to the ground in an awkward heap.
"He's gone!! Forget him, he's gone!" Santano shouted over the roar of the engines.
"Spread out more! Don't stand so close back there, or you'll die two at a time!" Hobbs barked as everyone realized that there were phantoms attached to the haul of the ship. "Keep sharp! I'll try to shake'um off. And don't kill each other!"
Everyone looked around warily, waiting for the phantoms to appear. Aki looked down at here Halo monitor; the phantoms were on the right side of the ship. I'm on the right side of the ship, Aki realizes. She jumps the opposite side, pointing her weapon at the bulkhead.
"Their there!" Aki shouted pointing at the opposite wall. Gray moves forward, hefting his Nocturne at the bulkhead.
"Fire!" Gray shouts to the others lined up on the left side. The noise inside the cabin is deafening. Aki looks down to scan for more phantoms. "Their gone." Aki announces quietly as the others lower their weapons: everyone except Gray.
One of the DEEP EYES closed the hatch door as the ship flew away. Everyone was silent as they reentered the barrier.
And it remained silent as they disembarked. Colonel Hobbs the last to step off. He noticed the dismal faces of each of them. Edwards' was the worst; his face could have etched from stone it was so still. He glanced around the other crestfallen faces.
"Get out of those suits and report to sick bay. Then get some rest. You'll all be having dinner together tonight." Hobbs called out as he walked away.