The castle was settled down for the night when Flint came out of the passage, kneeling over Scarlett.
"What? Oh, it's you," she shook herself awake.
"Is she asleep?" He crept to the door, peering towards the bed.
"Yeah...she's been out of it since she came back from that ride. What happened? She stayed in, refusing to go down to the training field. She was spent most of the afternoon sitting on the window seat, reading." Scarlett slipped past him, walking towards the bed.
"COBRA vipers were in the woods," Flint whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed. He looked towards the door.
"It's locked. I secured it when she came back from dinner. No one will come so long as she's asleep. Destro told me to get him if she has another nightmare," Scarlett whispered.
"She'll be fine. I'll stay with her as long as possible. Doc wanted me to give you this," he handed her a bottle of pills.
"What is it?"
"A mild sedative...it's safer than what they've been giving her. If she starts with the headaches, slip one into her drink. If it becomes a migraine, give her two. Three will knock her out," Flint clenched his jaw. "Did you learn anything new?"
"You mean besides the proper way to dust a room," she rolled her eyes, "No. Something big is going down. Margaret knows, but she won't say a word. The woman's gloating about her new assignment."
"What about Ian?" Flint's eyes narrowed on the bed.
"Destro practically ripped him to shreds the last time he caught him in here. He won't be back." Scarlett placed her hand on his shoulder, gently squeezing it. "He's crazy about her.... but I don't see her falling for him." She reassured him, turning towards her small room. "I need to get some sleep. Are you staying a while?"
"Yeah, I'll watch her," he leaned forward, resting his head in his hands.
Flint had just nodded off when he heard her cry out to him. "Easy, sweetheart, I'm here," he slipped into the bed, pulling her into his arms.
"Can't fall asleep...I have to get away," she cried softly, snuggling closer to him.
"Rook," Flint adjusted his earpiece. "It's starting again.... she's having another nightmare." He heard Doc grumble under his breath.
"Talk to her, she needs to hear your voice," Doc pushed Shipwreck to the side, taking his seat at the radio.
"The fire...I have to get away from..." She gasped.
"Convince her she's not in the fire. Tell her she's safe, there's no fire." Doc coached, looking towards the others.
"Feed her some lines," Shipwreck grinned, leaning on his elbow. "This should be good. We all need some fresh material."
"SHIPWRECK!" Beach Head jerked him out of his chair, shoving him to the side. "Tell her we kicked some major snake ass." The ranger sneered at Shipwreck.
"Yeah, go ahead...take a front row seat. Shipwreck muttered, grabbing another chair.
"Shhh...you're safe, now," Flint murmured in her ear, listening to her sigh. She rolled over with a playful smile on her lips. Her arms slipping around his neck, she cooed softly.
"She's settling down," Flint groaned, feeling her hands roam over his chest.
"Ah...maybe....ah...he should turn off the bug," Shipwreck stammered, looking towards Beach Head.
"What the..." Beach Head frowned, scratching his head.
"I mean you know..." Shipwreck grinned with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"Shipwreck, get your mind out of," Doc growled.
"Wait," Flint frowned, tracing his fingers over the necklace she wore. "She was wearing this last night and today."
"What is it?" Doc leaned towards the mic.
"I c...an't get this... off her..." Flint stammered over the static created by the necklace as he tugged on its clasp.
"Oh...this is getting good," Shipwreck leaned over, turning up the volume. He caught Doc's glare while pulling his chair closer. "What? Geesh.... all right.... all right." He sighed, raking his cap from his head. "Flint, I know it's been awhile but maybe you should turn off the listening device. We really don't need to hear you and the lady, especially poor Beach Head over here---he hasn't gotten any since..."
"SHIPWRECK!" Beach Head snapped, yanking him away from the table.
"The necklace, you morons...the damn necklace....I can't get this necklace off of her," Flint growled.
"Knight, I think that's the device. Don't remove it until we figure a way to get it off her. It may have built in safety features that could do further harm to her," Doc snatched the mic up. "I'll let the base know what you've found. Stay close to her."
"Any closer and he'd..."
"SHIPWRECK!" Doc hit him with his notepad.
"Ow...can't a guy just point out the obvious," the sailor grumbled, rubbing his head.
"Keep a close eye on her until I figure a way to deactivate that necklace," Doc growled, switching the radio off. "Showtime's over, Shipwreck. Beach Head, monitor the radio and keep him off of it." Doc stormed off to his room. "I've got to figure out how to get that device shut down before it kills her."
*****************
"Wake up," Scarlett slapped his face lightly. "Flint, get your ass out of there now, before she sees you," she hissed, peeling his arm away from the sleeping woman beside him.
"Huh, five more minutes," he waved her off.
"Five minutes? Are you out of your mind? Get out of here," Scarlett flicked his ear with her index finger.
"Grrr," he opened one eye, deftly catching her hand in his as she went to flick him again. "What time is it?" He took in his surroundings, the morning sunlight creeping into the room.
"The grenadiers are already hitting the training fields," Scarlett walked to the windows, pulling the drapes shut. "She'll be waking up soon. If she catches you," she warned.
"Damn, I've got to get out of here," he fumbled for his boots. "Any idea what's going on today?"
"No, but Margaret will be here soon with her breakfast tray. She said "Ailíse" has a big day," she rolled her eyes.
"Why don't you try to gain Margaret's trust?" Flint raised an eye, catching a dark scowl flash over Scarlett's face. "Ok, I guess not." He chuckled, standing next to the bed. "I'm headed to see what the grenadiers are up to. You keep a close eye on her." He leaned over brushing a light kiss over Lady Jaye's brow before disappearing into the passageways.
***********************
Cobra Commander called a meeting with Mindbender, Zartan, and Major Bludd in the back of a small inn not far from the castle. The three men listened, rolling their eyes as the commander proceeded to blame his recent failures on his men lacking courage.
"How much more of this are we going to take?" Major Bludd grumbled to Zartan.
"As much as he's willing to pay for my time," the mercenary smirked, checking the time. "I'm getting paid by the..."
"Hour...we know," Mindbender shuddered. "I still say I could create a better leader for us," he snorted, watching COBRA Commander waving his arms dramatically before examining his monocle.
"Mindbender, have you heard a word I ssssaid?" COBRA Commander slammed his hands down to the table in front of him.
"Why yes, my dear COBRA Commander?" Mindbender huffed on the monocle, wiping it off with the edge of his cape. "You want to know the status of our attempts to bring you Lady Jaye?"
"Finally, sssomeone who lissstensss!"
"Yes, Commander. I have Major Bludd and Zartan going to speak with Destro.... to make peace with him."
"Peaccce," he hissed.
"Yes, we need to open a dialogue for discussion. Destro has barred me from the castle, preventing me from completing her reprogramming. He refuses access to her if we use any drugs stronger than a sedative on her. I don't believe it's necessary in light of the way she executed that rescue. It clearly showed she's loyal to him. Now, we have to convince
Destro to allow us to use her skills."
"Why is Desssstro protecting her?" COBRA Commander leaned into Zartan's face.
"We still don't know but I have vipers looking for answers as we speak," Major Bludd interrupted, drawing the Commanders attention away from Zartan.
"I'm more concerned with Zarana, she hasn't reported in since the rescue. The Joes may have figured out the switch," Zartan leaned back, studying his reflection in his knife.
"Sssshe wasss paid well enough, let her figure her own way out," COBRA Commander spat.
"Very well," Zartan scowled at the commander's reflection.
"Zartan, I want you and Major Bludd to sssee Dessstro at onccce. Get him
to sssee reassson, or take her by force if necessssary. Do not fail me," COBRA Commander leaned over his shoulder.
"Yes commander..." He replied with a sly grin.
*******************
"Bridget, can you get the door please? If its Ian, tell him I'm not feeling well this morning," Ailíse sat drying her hair.
"Yes...mila...Ailíse," Scarlett frowned, walking towards the door. She looked back at the vanity, opening the door to see Margaret standing with a tray.
"Mornin' milady," the older woman set the tray down on the table. "Bridget, the laird wants you in the kitchens this morning," she nodded towards the door, waiting for her to leave.
"Milady?"
"Go on Bridget, I'll be fine," Ailíse smiled, setting her brush down. She watched her leave, slowly closing the door behind her.
"What's the plan for today, Margaret? Why did he order Bridget to the kitchens?" Ailíse scowled.
"Now, milady, you should be happy. The sun's shinin' and..."
"Margaret, please...I'm not in the mood for old wives tales...what's the plan for today?"
"Break yer fast, and I'll tell ye all in due time," she patted her on the shoulder, nodding to a blonde haired maid in the doorway to enter. "Sara, will take ye ta tha countess' chambers when yer finished. You've a long day, milady."
*******************
"Beach Head, something's going on," Shipwreck frowned, removing his earphones. "They pulled Scarlett away from her."
"Tell Flint. He'll know what to do...we're still waiting on Hawk to get back to us," Beach Head reached for a jacket. "I'm headed down to the pub to see if anything's going on. I'll be back."
********************
Scarlett found Flint in the outer bailey of the castle watching the training sessions.
"They ordered me back to the kitchens," she whispered, walking past him.
"Shipwreck told me," he moved to the side, standing outside the gate. "I'm covering for someone. I'll see what I can find out down here. Ian's not around...his squad's here but he's not."
"He's probably with Liam or Sean."
"I'm not so sure. I've got this sinking feeling he's done something to upset her. Did she say anything to you?" Flint sighed heavily.
"No...she's still out of it though. I'll keep my eyes open. I've got to get back before I'm missed." She glared towards the kitchen doors.
"Radio the others if you find out anything. Here's my replacement. I'll find out where Ian is," Flint growled, walking towards the other grenadier.
********************
"Zartan, Major Bludd, I did not expect to see you so soon. What does Cobra Commander want now?" Destro opened the door to his study.
"You know what he wants, Destro. How about making this easy on all of us and giving Lady Jaye to us? Mindbender won't harm her." Major Bludd pushed past him to the sidebar.
"It's not up for discussion, she stays here." Destro shrugged, taking his brandy decanter away from Major Bludd.
"The commander wants her turned over immediately, or else," Zartan interjected.
"Or what? Cobra Commander knows what we are capable of defending ourselves, and will do so. Now, I suggest you leave or I'll have my grenadiers show you the door. And gentlemen, inform the Commander that if he tries anything to take her from here. He will not get far. We will retaliate," Destro warned.
"Destro, be reasonable. You can't hide her here forever. The Joes probably have figured out the switch. Zarana has not been heard from since you escaped the island," Major Bludd paused in the doorway.
"Hmmm," Destro paused, turning towards the window. "Perhaps we can arrange something...if the Joes have Zarana, they'll be here soon. Send Mindbender to me at once.... then we'll discuss an arrangement. Now, gentlemen, I suggest you locate Mindbender for me immediately," Destro sneered, hitting a small button on his desk, summoning Liam. "The gentlemen have overstayed their welcome...show them out."
Scarlett watched the two mercenaries being escorted through the kitchens. I better warn the others...COBRA's here.
************************
Major Bludd and Zartan returned to find Cobra Commander plotting his next move.
"Destro refuses to turn her over to us until he sees Mindbender," Major Bludd rushed to tell him.
"Dessstro refusssess! Isss ssshe ssstill there? What doessss he want Mindbender for?" COBRA Commander cleared the table with his arm.
"We couldn't get past his study to see if she was around but the grenadiers are training on the fields. She could be out there," Zartan took a seat at the table, kicking back in his chair. He rested his arms behind his head for a moment, waiting for the Commander's orders.
"Forget about the grenadierssss...I want her brought in at once. Mindbender, sssee Dessstro at once!"
Zartan swung his legs down slowly before slipping from the room to find the 'Noks.
"Has anyone heard from Zarana?" Zartan looked from Buzzer to Torch as he kicked Buzzer's chair out from under him.
"Blimey...wha ja do tha' for," Buzzer whined, picking himself up from the floor. Hearing Torch laugh, Zartan grabbed him by the vest, pulling him closer as he snarled. "Check out the Joes base and see if she's still there. If we can't get her out, we'll nab the real Lady Jaye as a bargaining tool. I can't afford to lose Zarana. She knows too much." He sneered towards the other room, listening to COBRA Commander ranting at Major Bludd.
******************
"Flint...Zartan and Major Bludd were here," Scarlett hissed, dusting a suit of armor.
"Were?"
"I saw them leaving a while ago....Ian's still not around and I can't find her any where."
"Keep your eyes peeled, if COBRA showed up once....they'll be back. Ian's probably hiding her." He clenched his fists involuntarily. "I'll catch you later," he fumed, stalking off.
*******************
"First, you won't see me, and then you insult me by having your guards treat me in such a manner..." Mindbender protested as he was searched.
"Unless you want me to have them remove you, I suggest you sit down and we'll discuss the situation at hand" Destro retorted.
"You know our stance. We want Lady Jaye handed over to us. We have plans for her...Cobra Commander demands compensation for the damages sustained to the base
in terms of using her intelligence gathering skills," Mindbender declared, peering through his monocle.
"The problem still remains that her mind is still fighting itself. Can you suppress her memories further without the use of drugs or killing her?" Destro stared through him.
"I can complete the adjustments but she must be turned over soon."
"Fine. Liam, come here. Please find Ian and arrange for Ailíse to be made available to the doctor," Destro paused, seeing Mindbender's gleeful expression. "Mindbender is not to be shown where she is, and if he harms her... Kill him!" Destro sprayed a fine smoke from his wrist in Mindbender's direction, rendering him unconscious before he hit the floor.
************************
"No...I won't allow this," Ian argued.
"You have no choice...the laird was quiet clear. If any harms comes to her, you can kill Mindbender by Destro's orders," Liam growled, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Believe me.... I will," Ian sneered towards the wine cellar of the hunting lodge. He turned his attention towards Ailíse sitting in the den. She was curled up with a book of poetry.
"She's not going to feel any pain so long as he works quickly," Liam closed his eyes, shaking his head. "There's no other choice...do you want her to suffer more than she is now. If he doesn't complete what he started, she'll remain tormented. Is that how you want to start your life together? Is it?"
"No," Ian hung his head low for a moment, opening his hand to receive a vial from Liam.
Liam watched Ian pour her a cup of tea from the serving tray.
"Ailíse, luv, can I get you something to drink?" Ian smiled, walking towards her holding a cup of tea laced with a heavy sedative. Watching as she finished her tea, Ian moved to her side as she fell asleep. He gently lifted her in his arms, nodding to Liam to get Mindbender. He carried her upstairs to her room.
"Ah...there she is," Mindbender shook his frustration, walking towards the bed. He sat on the edge, lifting a small flashlight to check her eyes. "Excellent...I should have her under control in no time," he smirked, opening his bag.
Ian reached for his berretta, unlocking the safety. "I'm warning you...you had better not harm her or..."
"Ian, he knows what he's doing," Liam placed his hand over the berretta lowering it. He watched Mindbender shudder under Ian's glare. "He also knows if he harms her...he's dead. Don't you doctor?"
"Rest assure, she'll be fine. I dare say this is my finest work to date," Mindbender quickly adjusted the necklace around her neck, watching her flinch for a second. He felt the muzzle of the berretta in his back. "It's a reflex...I assure you...she's fine."
"We'll see. Lock him up until she wakes," Ian growled, pulling her into his arms.
Mindbender looked back from the door.
**********************
"Sorry" she yawned, stretching. " I guess I was pretty tired.... didn't mean to doze off on you. Ian...how did I get up here?" She frowned, resting her hand on the pillow behind her head. Ian reached for it.
"How are you feeling, sleepyhead?" He lightly kissed her palm.
"Better with you here," she sighed, smiling at him.
"What? Oh, it's you," she shook herself awake.
"Is she asleep?" He crept to the door, peering towards the bed.
"Yeah...she's been out of it since she came back from that ride. What happened? She stayed in, refusing to go down to the training field. She was spent most of the afternoon sitting on the window seat, reading." Scarlett slipped past him, walking towards the bed.
"COBRA vipers were in the woods," Flint whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed. He looked towards the door.
"It's locked. I secured it when she came back from dinner. No one will come so long as she's asleep. Destro told me to get him if she has another nightmare," Scarlett whispered.
"She'll be fine. I'll stay with her as long as possible. Doc wanted me to give you this," he handed her a bottle of pills.
"What is it?"
"A mild sedative...it's safer than what they've been giving her. If she starts with the headaches, slip one into her drink. If it becomes a migraine, give her two. Three will knock her out," Flint clenched his jaw. "Did you learn anything new?"
"You mean besides the proper way to dust a room," she rolled her eyes, "No. Something big is going down. Margaret knows, but she won't say a word. The woman's gloating about her new assignment."
"What about Ian?" Flint's eyes narrowed on the bed.
"Destro practically ripped him to shreds the last time he caught him in here. He won't be back." Scarlett placed her hand on his shoulder, gently squeezing it. "He's crazy about her.... but I don't see her falling for him." She reassured him, turning towards her small room. "I need to get some sleep. Are you staying a while?"
"Yeah, I'll watch her," he leaned forward, resting his head in his hands.
Flint had just nodded off when he heard her cry out to him. "Easy, sweetheart, I'm here," he slipped into the bed, pulling her into his arms.
"Can't fall asleep...I have to get away," she cried softly, snuggling closer to him.
"Rook," Flint adjusted his earpiece. "It's starting again.... she's having another nightmare." He heard Doc grumble under his breath.
"Talk to her, she needs to hear your voice," Doc pushed Shipwreck to the side, taking his seat at the radio.
"The fire...I have to get away from..." She gasped.
"Convince her she's not in the fire. Tell her she's safe, there's no fire." Doc coached, looking towards the others.
"Feed her some lines," Shipwreck grinned, leaning on his elbow. "This should be good. We all need some fresh material."
"SHIPWRECK!" Beach Head jerked him out of his chair, shoving him to the side. "Tell her we kicked some major snake ass." The ranger sneered at Shipwreck.
"Yeah, go ahead...take a front row seat. Shipwreck muttered, grabbing another chair.
"Shhh...you're safe, now," Flint murmured in her ear, listening to her sigh. She rolled over with a playful smile on her lips. Her arms slipping around his neck, she cooed softly.
"She's settling down," Flint groaned, feeling her hands roam over his chest.
"Ah...maybe....ah...he should turn off the bug," Shipwreck stammered, looking towards Beach Head.
"What the..." Beach Head frowned, scratching his head.
"I mean you know..." Shipwreck grinned with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"Shipwreck, get your mind out of," Doc growled.
"Wait," Flint frowned, tracing his fingers over the necklace she wore. "She was wearing this last night and today."
"What is it?" Doc leaned towards the mic.
"I c...an't get this... off her..." Flint stammered over the static created by the necklace as he tugged on its clasp.
"Oh...this is getting good," Shipwreck leaned over, turning up the volume. He caught Doc's glare while pulling his chair closer. "What? Geesh.... all right.... all right." He sighed, raking his cap from his head. "Flint, I know it's been awhile but maybe you should turn off the listening device. We really don't need to hear you and the lady, especially poor Beach Head over here---he hasn't gotten any since..."
"SHIPWRECK!" Beach Head snapped, yanking him away from the table.
"The necklace, you morons...the damn necklace....I can't get this necklace off of her," Flint growled.
"Knight, I think that's the device. Don't remove it until we figure a way to get it off her. It may have built in safety features that could do further harm to her," Doc snatched the mic up. "I'll let the base know what you've found. Stay close to her."
"Any closer and he'd..."
"SHIPWRECK!" Doc hit him with his notepad.
"Ow...can't a guy just point out the obvious," the sailor grumbled, rubbing his head.
"Keep a close eye on her until I figure a way to deactivate that necklace," Doc growled, switching the radio off. "Showtime's over, Shipwreck. Beach Head, monitor the radio and keep him off of it." Doc stormed off to his room. "I've got to figure out how to get that device shut down before it kills her."
*****************
"Wake up," Scarlett slapped his face lightly. "Flint, get your ass out of there now, before she sees you," she hissed, peeling his arm away from the sleeping woman beside him.
"Huh, five more minutes," he waved her off.
"Five minutes? Are you out of your mind? Get out of here," Scarlett flicked his ear with her index finger.
"Grrr," he opened one eye, deftly catching her hand in his as she went to flick him again. "What time is it?" He took in his surroundings, the morning sunlight creeping into the room.
"The grenadiers are already hitting the training fields," Scarlett walked to the windows, pulling the drapes shut. "She'll be waking up soon. If she catches you," she warned.
"Damn, I've got to get out of here," he fumbled for his boots. "Any idea what's going on today?"
"No, but Margaret will be here soon with her breakfast tray. She said "Ailíse" has a big day," she rolled her eyes.
"Why don't you try to gain Margaret's trust?" Flint raised an eye, catching a dark scowl flash over Scarlett's face. "Ok, I guess not." He chuckled, standing next to the bed. "I'm headed to see what the grenadiers are up to. You keep a close eye on her." He leaned over brushing a light kiss over Lady Jaye's brow before disappearing into the passageways.
***********************
Cobra Commander called a meeting with Mindbender, Zartan, and Major Bludd in the back of a small inn not far from the castle. The three men listened, rolling their eyes as the commander proceeded to blame his recent failures on his men lacking courage.
"How much more of this are we going to take?" Major Bludd grumbled to Zartan.
"As much as he's willing to pay for my time," the mercenary smirked, checking the time. "I'm getting paid by the..."
"Hour...we know," Mindbender shuddered. "I still say I could create a better leader for us," he snorted, watching COBRA Commander waving his arms dramatically before examining his monocle.
"Mindbender, have you heard a word I ssssaid?" COBRA Commander slammed his hands down to the table in front of him.
"Why yes, my dear COBRA Commander?" Mindbender huffed on the monocle, wiping it off with the edge of his cape. "You want to know the status of our attempts to bring you Lady Jaye?"
"Finally, sssomeone who lissstensss!"
"Yes, Commander. I have Major Bludd and Zartan going to speak with Destro.... to make peace with him."
"Peaccce," he hissed.
"Yes, we need to open a dialogue for discussion. Destro has barred me from the castle, preventing me from completing her reprogramming. He refuses access to her if we use any drugs stronger than a sedative on her. I don't believe it's necessary in light of the way she executed that rescue. It clearly showed she's loyal to him. Now, we have to convince
Destro to allow us to use her skills."
"Why is Desssstro protecting her?" COBRA Commander leaned into Zartan's face.
"We still don't know but I have vipers looking for answers as we speak," Major Bludd interrupted, drawing the Commanders attention away from Zartan.
"I'm more concerned with Zarana, she hasn't reported in since the rescue. The Joes may have figured out the switch," Zartan leaned back, studying his reflection in his knife.
"Sssshe wasss paid well enough, let her figure her own way out," COBRA Commander spat.
"Very well," Zartan scowled at the commander's reflection.
"Zartan, I want you and Major Bludd to sssee Dessstro at onccce. Get him
to sssee reassson, or take her by force if necessssary. Do not fail me," COBRA Commander leaned over his shoulder.
"Yes commander..." He replied with a sly grin.
*******************
"Bridget, can you get the door please? If its Ian, tell him I'm not feeling well this morning," Ailíse sat drying her hair.
"Yes...mila...Ailíse," Scarlett frowned, walking towards the door. She looked back at the vanity, opening the door to see Margaret standing with a tray.
"Mornin' milady," the older woman set the tray down on the table. "Bridget, the laird wants you in the kitchens this morning," she nodded towards the door, waiting for her to leave.
"Milady?"
"Go on Bridget, I'll be fine," Ailíse smiled, setting her brush down. She watched her leave, slowly closing the door behind her.
"What's the plan for today, Margaret? Why did he order Bridget to the kitchens?" Ailíse scowled.
"Now, milady, you should be happy. The sun's shinin' and..."
"Margaret, please...I'm not in the mood for old wives tales...what's the plan for today?"
"Break yer fast, and I'll tell ye all in due time," she patted her on the shoulder, nodding to a blonde haired maid in the doorway to enter. "Sara, will take ye ta tha countess' chambers when yer finished. You've a long day, milady."
*******************
"Beach Head, something's going on," Shipwreck frowned, removing his earphones. "They pulled Scarlett away from her."
"Tell Flint. He'll know what to do...we're still waiting on Hawk to get back to us," Beach Head reached for a jacket. "I'm headed down to the pub to see if anything's going on. I'll be back."
********************
Scarlett found Flint in the outer bailey of the castle watching the training sessions.
"They ordered me back to the kitchens," she whispered, walking past him.
"Shipwreck told me," he moved to the side, standing outside the gate. "I'm covering for someone. I'll see what I can find out down here. Ian's not around...his squad's here but he's not."
"He's probably with Liam or Sean."
"I'm not so sure. I've got this sinking feeling he's done something to upset her. Did she say anything to you?" Flint sighed heavily.
"No...she's still out of it though. I'll keep my eyes open. I've got to get back before I'm missed." She glared towards the kitchen doors.
"Radio the others if you find out anything. Here's my replacement. I'll find out where Ian is," Flint growled, walking towards the other grenadier.
********************
"Zartan, Major Bludd, I did not expect to see you so soon. What does Cobra Commander want now?" Destro opened the door to his study.
"You know what he wants, Destro. How about making this easy on all of us and giving Lady Jaye to us? Mindbender won't harm her." Major Bludd pushed past him to the sidebar.
"It's not up for discussion, she stays here." Destro shrugged, taking his brandy decanter away from Major Bludd.
"The commander wants her turned over immediately, or else," Zartan interjected.
"Or what? Cobra Commander knows what we are capable of defending ourselves, and will do so. Now, I suggest you leave or I'll have my grenadiers show you the door. And gentlemen, inform the Commander that if he tries anything to take her from here. He will not get far. We will retaliate," Destro warned.
"Destro, be reasonable. You can't hide her here forever. The Joes probably have figured out the switch. Zarana has not been heard from since you escaped the island," Major Bludd paused in the doorway.
"Hmmm," Destro paused, turning towards the window. "Perhaps we can arrange something...if the Joes have Zarana, they'll be here soon. Send Mindbender to me at once.... then we'll discuss an arrangement. Now, gentlemen, I suggest you locate Mindbender for me immediately," Destro sneered, hitting a small button on his desk, summoning Liam. "The gentlemen have overstayed their welcome...show them out."
Scarlett watched the two mercenaries being escorted through the kitchens. I better warn the others...COBRA's here.
************************
Major Bludd and Zartan returned to find Cobra Commander plotting his next move.
"Destro refuses to turn her over to us until he sees Mindbender," Major Bludd rushed to tell him.
"Dessstro refusssess! Isss ssshe ssstill there? What doessss he want Mindbender for?" COBRA Commander cleared the table with his arm.
"We couldn't get past his study to see if she was around but the grenadiers are training on the fields. She could be out there," Zartan took a seat at the table, kicking back in his chair. He rested his arms behind his head for a moment, waiting for the Commander's orders.
"Forget about the grenadierssss...I want her brought in at once. Mindbender, sssee Dessstro at once!"
Zartan swung his legs down slowly before slipping from the room to find the 'Noks.
"Has anyone heard from Zarana?" Zartan looked from Buzzer to Torch as he kicked Buzzer's chair out from under him.
"Blimey...wha ja do tha' for," Buzzer whined, picking himself up from the floor. Hearing Torch laugh, Zartan grabbed him by the vest, pulling him closer as he snarled. "Check out the Joes base and see if she's still there. If we can't get her out, we'll nab the real Lady Jaye as a bargaining tool. I can't afford to lose Zarana. She knows too much." He sneered towards the other room, listening to COBRA Commander ranting at Major Bludd.
******************
"Flint...Zartan and Major Bludd were here," Scarlett hissed, dusting a suit of armor.
"Were?"
"I saw them leaving a while ago....Ian's still not around and I can't find her any where."
"Keep your eyes peeled, if COBRA showed up once....they'll be back. Ian's probably hiding her." He clenched his fists involuntarily. "I'll catch you later," he fumed, stalking off.
*******************
"First, you won't see me, and then you insult me by having your guards treat me in such a manner..." Mindbender protested as he was searched.
"Unless you want me to have them remove you, I suggest you sit down and we'll discuss the situation at hand" Destro retorted.
"You know our stance. We want Lady Jaye handed over to us. We have plans for her...Cobra Commander demands compensation for the damages sustained to the base
in terms of using her intelligence gathering skills," Mindbender declared, peering through his monocle.
"The problem still remains that her mind is still fighting itself. Can you suppress her memories further without the use of drugs or killing her?" Destro stared through him.
"I can complete the adjustments but she must be turned over soon."
"Fine. Liam, come here. Please find Ian and arrange for Ailíse to be made available to the doctor," Destro paused, seeing Mindbender's gleeful expression. "Mindbender is not to be shown where she is, and if he harms her... Kill him!" Destro sprayed a fine smoke from his wrist in Mindbender's direction, rendering him unconscious before he hit the floor.
************************
"No...I won't allow this," Ian argued.
"You have no choice...the laird was quiet clear. If any harms comes to her, you can kill Mindbender by Destro's orders," Liam growled, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Believe me.... I will," Ian sneered towards the wine cellar of the hunting lodge. He turned his attention towards Ailíse sitting in the den. She was curled up with a book of poetry.
"She's not going to feel any pain so long as he works quickly," Liam closed his eyes, shaking his head. "There's no other choice...do you want her to suffer more than she is now. If he doesn't complete what he started, she'll remain tormented. Is that how you want to start your life together? Is it?"
"No," Ian hung his head low for a moment, opening his hand to receive a vial from Liam.
Liam watched Ian pour her a cup of tea from the serving tray.
"Ailíse, luv, can I get you something to drink?" Ian smiled, walking towards her holding a cup of tea laced with a heavy sedative. Watching as she finished her tea, Ian moved to her side as she fell asleep. He gently lifted her in his arms, nodding to Liam to get Mindbender. He carried her upstairs to her room.
"Ah...there she is," Mindbender shook his frustration, walking towards the bed. He sat on the edge, lifting a small flashlight to check her eyes. "Excellent...I should have her under control in no time," he smirked, opening his bag.
Ian reached for his berretta, unlocking the safety. "I'm warning you...you had better not harm her or..."
"Ian, he knows what he's doing," Liam placed his hand over the berretta lowering it. He watched Mindbender shudder under Ian's glare. "He also knows if he harms her...he's dead. Don't you doctor?"
"Rest assure, she'll be fine. I dare say this is my finest work to date," Mindbender quickly adjusted the necklace around her neck, watching her flinch for a second. He felt the muzzle of the berretta in his back. "It's a reflex...I assure you...she's fine."
"We'll see. Lock him up until she wakes," Ian growled, pulling her into his arms.
Mindbender looked back from the door.
**********************
"Sorry" she yawned, stretching. " I guess I was pretty tired.... didn't mean to doze off on you. Ian...how did I get up here?" She frowned, resting her hand on the pillow behind her head. Ian reached for it.
"How are you feeling, sleepyhead?" He lightly kissed her palm.
"Better with you here," she sighed, smiling at him.
