Sarah's POV
Hilton Hotel
2000 Hours
I had to put him to bed again tonight. I swear he was running on nothing but his stubborn arrogant will. Letting him leave the hospital early had been a bad call on my part. But I have to admit I'm as mule-headed as he is when it comes to hospitals.
After we left the rest of the crew, we ordered sandwiches and ate. The promise of showering together is the only way I got him to stop going over the plans. Using the possibility of shower sex as a distraction was unfair but effective. As I helped wash him he proved that his mind and part of his body was more than willing, but the remainder of his body craved rest. He leaned against the shower wall while I washed him, as tired he was I had to constantly bat away his roaming hands. He offered no real resistance as I hustled him under the covers and he was deeply asleep when I joined him moments later.
0530 Local
Everyone looks younger when they are sleeping and he was no exception. I woke first and propped my head in my hand and studying his face for signs of healing. The swelling was down somewhat, and the bruising was more yellow green than purple, so there was some improvement. Looking at the rest of him I noticed that the two repaired lacerations from the shrapnel were pink and flat, which was good. I was still worried about his eye. He could just open it now. He said that he could see out of it, but things were fuzzy. The doctor had assured him that there was no permanent damage to the eye, but it concerned me just the same.
None of the other men I had been involved with had allowed me to see their vulnerability as Clay has. In the past the only side he showed to me had been the supercilious, arrogant, and heartless operative. The encounter with the prisoners opened my eyes to what was beneath the persona he projected to the world. He let me see beneath to the vulnerable, lighthearted man he could be when he trusted. I plan to live up to his trust in me.
I couldn't resist tracing a line from his brow to his lips. He surprised me by kissing my fingers and smiling. His eyes opened as he moved his hand over my face. When his fingers reached my lips I drew one finger into my mouth sucking on the tip. We both groaned as I moved closer.
"How long have you been awake?" I managed to ask.
He chuckled, "For as long as you've been staring. I felt you move to your side. There are many advantages to sleeping light."
"Well, you look rested. Are you ready to get going? Because I've got a big reason to get this over with. What about you fella?"
"I'd be glad to get going, if you would get off of me. When did you develop this tendency to move like that?" I looked down at our bodies. I was practically lying on top of him. My body was apparently drawn to his like a magnet.
Smiling he said, "Move now, Marine. We've got a mission to complete."
We dressed and packed then joined the others for breakfast. We were on our way shortly there after.
While doing the pre-flight check Harm and Clay razzed each other incessantly. Tracy watched them and didn't quite know how to take it. A full-fledged Rabb/Webb button-pushing contest was something to behold and not for the un-initiated. Jim stepped and told them to cool it and save it for the enemy. They both had the nerve to return identical 'who me' looks. Luckily the plane was ready, and the adults led the pilot and co-pilot on board.
0900 Local
Clay's POV
The hours of careful planning for this phase of the investigation were shot to hell on our arrival. We were met by Indonesian Security (IS) I when we landed in Manado, the largest city on Sulawesi. The Lieutenant in charge proudly informed us that they had arrested Josef Balik. I lost it, and Harm had to pull me off him.
"Why the hell did you arrest him? We were going to use him.." I walked off before I grabbed the frightened man again. The headache that had been gone for twenty-four hours was back in full force. I heard Sarah come up behind me. She simply stood there waiting for me to gain control.
I felt darkness descend on the situation. The only light was standing behind me offering me silent comfort. When I had regained my composure I squeezed her hand and rejoined the group.
"OK, let's look at what we have now. Balik is in custody. No doubt any of his associates have fled. We are going to have to accelerate the plan to go the island interior and get the suspects there."
"Harm we need you to fly your group to the interior. You will work with the IS to try and round up the men we have identified. Jim and Ramon will go with you."
I turned to Sarah. "Since you are the other language expert you'll go with Harm and company. If you run into any al Queda members you may be useful during initial interrogations."
We exchanged silent looks. It acknowledged the need for the separation and regret for it at the same time. With that one glance I knew that my future with this woman was sealed. I turned back to the group.
"My team will start interrogating Balik and work the leads here. I hope he'll roll on the others or we are supremely screwed."
"Clay I want to take at least two of your Marines with us. I'd feel more comfortable with them along where we are going. Their skills will hopefully prove more useful in the jungle than the city. As you said you weren't the target," this from Jim. I could see him adapting our shredded plan and make it workable again.
"That leaves me with the Tracy, Robert and two of the Marines. Whatever you do, watch each other's backs. These guys will not be fooling around."
"Now we need to set up the command center before you head out. The dive boat is a worthless option now. We'll get it cancelled and check into a hotel. Robert where do you suggest?"
At his suggestion we went to a small urban hotel that catered to the locals. After securing the rooms necessary we had a few minutes downtime. I noticed Rabb leading Tracy back to their room as I did the same with Sarah.
"Here are the rules: You will not let that idiot lead you into unnecessary danger. You will check in regularly. You will come back to me in one piece or I will hunt you down and.. Just come back. I have every confidence in the world that you'll be successful. I trust you with my heart, just bring it back, OK?" I don't ever remember being this concerned about a mission before. Something about it was bothering me but again I couldn't put a finger on it.
She held on my shoulders to anchor me.
"Clay, the rules I can live with. It's what I would do anyway. You make sure that you are just as careful. I'm as concerned about you. Now tell me what has you about to crawl out of your skin?"
"Why did they arrest Balik? Jarot knew how we were going to play this. It just doesn't make sense."
"I know, keep it in the back of your mind, but for now stop it. We have just a few minutes. You give me a proper send off, and I can promise you that you will enjoy the return greeting."
I grabbed her and pulled her to me. Her arms went around my waist and held me tightly. Our lips brushed lightly once, twice then she opened her mouth and her tongue met mine. Our tongues dueled with each other, each trying to get the upper hand. It was a draw. Our hands were just as busy. I tried to memorize her every curve from her breasts to her ass. She moved her hands from my waist under the loose shirt I wore to my chest. Her nails moved scrapped over my nipples drawing a groan from deep in my throat.
I pulled her away from me, our lips straining to keep contact.
"I hope that was an adequate send off mademoiselle? I'll be waiting for the return greeting. Now, let's go see if Harm has come up for air."
Later Tracy and I watched the plane take off. I looked at her forlorn face. I knew that she was an excellent lawyer but Rabb had her turned her inside out.
"Trace, I promise not to cry if you don't." She giggled at this.
"OK, Clay let's go interview Balik. That slime has really got me pissed off."
With that the tiny dynamo took off. Balik didn't stand a chance.
In the Air Over
1030 Local
Harm's POV
I have been part of many of Webb's plans that have gone south and had always placed the blame solidly at his feet. I don't know why I let the fact that this one has done the same surprise me. The old saying about the 'best laid plans of mice and men' has once again held true. The difference this time was the simple fact that I had been in on the planning from the beginning. It was now easy to see that Clay had not been responsible for the past mission 'idiosyncrasies' that had developed. Watching him accept that things were 'FUBAR' then plan again was pretty damn amazing. I can see why he had gotten as far as he had in the agency. And I can't figure out why he still calls me friend. I've accused him of being arrogant, but I need to look into my own mirror.
Mac was sitting in the co-pilot's seat on this trip. Ramon offered, but she insisted on sitting up front with me. Per usual she had practically squeezed my bicep in two during take off. She was pensive and I know why. It's the same reason that I was. There was something wrong and we couldn't figure it out. The dynamic duo was in action again, but they had changed sidekicks and left them behind in some unknown danger.
"Hey partner, what's wrong?"
"Something is, and I don't know what it is. I can feel it."
"Having another vision?"
"No, I can't call them up at will. But something isn't right. It started when we found out Balik had been arrested and we had to change everything."
"Yeah, I felt the same. What aren't we seeing? It's got to be something obvious. I thought it was the arrest, but that's not it. We already had him for being part of the conspiracy. He wasn't going anywhere."
Jim and Ramon overheard our conversation and came forward.
"You two are having the same questions we are and we can't come up with anything else. It's Balik, he's the key," said an obviously worried Jim.
Ramon went back to the cabin and started to work on the computer. Shortly after I heard a conversation start up. Mac got up and went back to join him, and Jim took her place.
"I feel that we are flying into and away from danger at the same time. How long until we get there?"
"Fifteen minutes. The IS team will meet and take us to the first location. If that doesn't pan out the next place is thirty-minute drive away. Then we come back here for a half hour flight to the next town."
We landed and met up with the IS forces. Ramon called Webb and told him we had arrived and were on our way to the first of the locations. He said that they were at the local jail waiting to see Balik. Everything was fine on their end. We made arrangements to check in again in two hours.
1330 Local
Our first stop was at the home of Ahmad, one of the men Webb had interrogated in Jakarta. There was no on there. It looked like someone had packed in a hurry. Checks with neighbors were fruitless.
We gathered around our ground transport discussing the zero we had come up with. Ramon was looking around at the dog and pony show we had turned into. In addition to the six of us there were ten IS men that had met up with us.
"Harm we are never going to find anyone with this group going around with us. Let's talk with them and see if we can cut it down to two. We need them to advise us regarding the lay of the land and to translate."
"Yeah, Harm. This is a bit much. The next stop isn't that far away. Hopefully by the time we're finished there it we'll have time to fly to the next stop and check into a hotel. We'll get some rest and start out first thing in the morning." Jim turned to go speak to the IS Lieutenant about the change in plans. He didn't seem too happy about the change in plans but Jim was able to convince him.
Ramon and Sarah were talking on the satellite phone with Bud. He had heard from Tracy and Clay. Balik wasn't talking even with encouragement from IS. Jarot had shown up and was talking his turn with Balik now. They were going to stay there and continue the interrogation.
1700 Local
We were quite a bit luckier at the next place. We didn't find anyone to talk to, but it was a treasure trove of paper. The chemical engineer had definitely been here. The plans for the bomb were found in a box along with bank statements, his passport, and contact names and places. A real find was the receipts for a stay at Balik's resort. We called IS to have them send in forces to secure the location.
Mac put a call through to Bud. He was proving to be invaluable asset several thousand miles away.
"Bud, get a hold of the FBI team in Jakarta. We need them to go over this site. It's part of the main planning operation from what we found. There is information that leads us to believe that our next stop, Kartai will also be useful.
"When are you going there?"
"We're on our way there now, one of the marines will stay here to keep an eye on everything. We'll contact Clay and let him know what we found."
"I just talked with Captain Jarot. He called for Clay. He said that they were on the way to talk with some suspects in a town not far from Manado. They'll probably be out of touch for a couple of hours."
"OK, I'll contact them later tonight. Thanks for the help. We'll talk before we leave in the morning."
Mac turned to us and repeated Bud's side of the conversation. We agreed on our plan and flew on to Kartai.
It was dark by the time we arrived and checked into our hotel. A strong storm front had moved in and the monsoon like conditions had made flying a real picnic. We were all tired and after dinner we tried to contact Webb. We had no luck. We contacted the jail where the interrogations had taken place and were told that he and Tracy had left with Jarot several hours earlier. There had been no contact since then. Bud had no more luck that we did. Webb, Tracy, Robert and the Marine guards had disappeared.
We looked out into the storm and realized we weren't going anywhere tonight.
TBC
BTW: FUBAR=military term for a bad outcome
(F...d Up Beyond All Recognition)
Hilton Hotel
2000 Hours
I had to put him to bed again tonight. I swear he was running on nothing but his stubborn arrogant will. Letting him leave the hospital early had been a bad call on my part. But I have to admit I'm as mule-headed as he is when it comes to hospitals.
After we left the rest of the crew, we ordered sandwiches and ate. The promise of showering together is the only way I got him to stop going over the plans. Using the possibility of shower sex as a distraction was unfair but effective. As I helped wash him he proved that his mind and part of his body was more than willing, but the remainder of his body craved rest. He leaned against the shower wall while I washed him, as tired he was I had to constantly bat away his roaming hands. He offered no real resistance as I hustled him under the covers and he was deeply asleep when I joined him moments later.
0530 Local
Everyone looks younger when they are sleeping and he was no exception. I woke first and propped my head in my hand and studying his face for signs of healing. The swelling was down somewhat, and the bruising was more yellow green than purple, so there was some improvement. Looking at the rest of him I noticed that the two repaired lacerations from the shrapnel were pink and flat, which was good. I was still worried about his eye. He could just open it now. He said that he could see out of it, but things were fuzzy. The doctor had assured him that there was no permanent damage to the eye, but it concerned me just the same.
None of the other men I had been involved with had allowed me to see their vulnerability as Clay has. In the past the only side he showed to me had been the supercilious, arrogant, and heartless operative. The encounter with the prisoners opened my eyes to what was beneath the persona he projected to the world. He let me see beneath to the vulnerable, lighthearted man he could be when he trusted. I plan to live up to his trust in me.
I couldn't resist tracing a line from his brow to his lips. He surprised me by kissing my fingers and smiling. His eyes opened as he moved his hand over my face. When his fingers reached my lips I drew one finger into my mouth sucking on the tip. We both groaned as I moved closer.
"How long have you been awake?" I managed to ask.
He chuckled, "For as long as you've been staring. I felt you move to your side. There are many advantages to sleeping light."
"Well, you look rested. Are you ready to get going? Because I've got a big reason to get this over with. What about you fella?"
"I'd be glad to get going, if you would get off of me. When did you develop this tendency to move like that?" I looked down at our bodies. I was practically lying on top of him. My body was apparently drawn to his like a magnet.
Smiling he said, "Move now, Marine. We've got a mission to complete."
We dressed and packed then joined the others for breakfast. We were on our way shortly there after.
While doing the pre-flight check Harm and Clay razzed each other incessantly. Tracy watched them and didn't quite know how to take it. A full-fledged Rabb/Webb button-pushing contest was something to behold and not for the un-initiated. Jim stepped and told them to cool it and save it for the enemy. They both had the nerve to return identical 'who me' looks. Luckily the plane was ready, and the adults led the pilot and co-pilot on board.
0900 Local
Clay's POV
The hours of careful planning for this phase of the investigation were shot to hell on our arrival. We were met by Indonesian Security (IS) I when we landed in Manado, the largest city on Sulawesi. The Lieutenant in charge proudly informed us that they had arrested Josef Balik. I lost it, and Harm had to pull me off him.
"Why the hell did you arrest him? We were going to use him.." I walked off before I grabbed the frightened man again. The headache that had been gone for twenty-four hours was back in full force. I heard Sarah come up behind me. She simply stood there waiting for me to gain control.
I felt darkness descend on the situation. The only light was standing behind me offering me silent comfort. When I had regained my composure I squeezed her hand and rejoined the group.
"OK, let's look at what we have now. Balik is in custody. No doubt any of his associates have fled. We are going to have to accelerate the plan to go the island interior and get the suspects there."
"Harm we need you to fly your group to the interior. You will work with the IS to try and round up the men we have identified. Jim and Ramon will go with you."
I turned to Sarah. "Since you are the other language expert you'll go with Harm and company. If you run into any al Queda members you may be useful during initial interrogations."
We exchanged silent looks. It acknowledged the need for the separation and regret for it at the same time. With that one glance I knew that my future with this woman was sealed. I turned back to the group.
"My team will start interrogating Balik and work the leads here. I hope he'll roll on the others or we are supremely screwed."
"Clay I want to take at least two of your Marines with us. I'd feel more comfortable with them along where we are going. Their skills will hopefully prove more useful in the jungle than the city. As you said you weren't the target," this from Jim. I could see him adapting our shredded plan and make it workable again.
"That leaves me with the Tracy, Robert and two of the Marines. Whatever you do, watch each other's backs. These guys will not be fooling around."
"Now we need to set up the command center before you head out. The dive boat is a worthless option now. We'll get it cancelled and check into a hotel. Robert where do you suggest?"
At his suggestion we went to a small urban hotel that catered to the locals. After securing the rooms necessary we had a few minutes downtime. I noticed Rabb leading Tracy back to their room as I did the same with Sarah.
"Here are the rules: You will not let that idiot lead you into unnecessary danger. You will check in regularly. You will come back to me in one piece or I will hunt you down and.. Just come back. I have every confidence in the world that you'll be successful. I trust you with my heart, just bring it back, OK?" I don't ever remember being this concerned about a mission before. Something about it was bothering me but again I couldn't put a finger on it.
She held on my shoulders to anchor me.
"Clay, the rules I can live with. It's what I would do anyway. You make sure that you are just as careful. I'm as concerned about you. Now tell me what has you about to crawl out of your skin?"
"Why did they arrest Balik? Jarot knew how we were going to play this. It just doesn't make sense."
"I know, keep it in the back of your mind, but for now stop it. We have just a few minutes. You give me a proper send off, and I can promise you that you will enjoy the return greeting."
I grabbed her and pulled her to me. Her arms went around my waist and held me tightly. Our lips brushed lightly once, twice then she opened her mouth and her tongue met mine. Our tongues dueled with each other, each trying to get the upper hand. It was a draw. Our hands were just as busy. I tried to memorize her every curve from her breasts to her ass. She moved her hands from my waist under the loose shirt I wore to my chest. Her nails moved scrapped over my nipples drawing a groan from deep in my throat.
I pulled her away from me, our lips straining to keep contact.
"I hope that was an adequate send off mademoiselle? I'll be waiting for the return greeting. Now, let's go see if Harm has come up for air."
Later Tracy and I watched the plane take off. I looked at her forlorn face. I knew that she was an excellent lawyer but Rabb had her turned her inside out.
"Trace, I promise not to cry if you don't." She giggled at this.
"OK, Clay let's go interview Balik. That slime has really got me pissed off."
With that the tiny dynamo took off. Balik didn't stand a chance.
In the Air Over
1030 Local
Harm's POV
I have been part of many of Webb's plans that have gone south and had always placed the blame solidly at his feet. I don't know why I let the fact that this one has done the same surprise me. The old saying about the 'best laid plans of mice and men' has once again held true. The difference this time was the simple fact that I had been in on the planning from the beginning. It was now easy to see that Clay had not been responsible for the past mission 'idiosyncrasies' that had developed. Watching him accept that things were 'FUBAR' then plan again was pretty damn amazing. I can see why he had gotten as far as he had in the agency. And I can't figure out why he still calls me friend. I've accused him of being arrogant, but I need to look into my own mirror.
Mac was sitting in the co-pilot's seat on this trip. Ramon offered, but she insisted on sitting up front with me. Per usual she had practically squeezed my bicep in two during take off. She was pensive and I know why. It's the same reason that I was. There was something wrong and we couldn't figure it out. The dynamic duo was in action again, but they had changed sidekicks and left them behind in some unknown danger.
"Hey partner, what's wrong?"
"Something is, and I don't know what it is. I can feel it."
"Having another vision?"
"No, I can't call them up at will. But something isn't right. It started when we found out Balik had been arrested and we had to change everything."
"Yeah, I felt the same. What aren't we seeing? It's got to be something obvious. I thought it was the arrest, but that's not it. We already had him for being part of the conspiracy. He wasn't going anywhere."
Jim and Ramon overheard our conversation and came forward.
"You two are having the same questions we are and we can't come up with anything else. It's Balik, he's the key," said an obviously worried Jim.
Ramon went back to the cabin and started to work on the computer. Shortly after I heard a conversation start up. Mac got up and went back to join him, and Jim took her place.
"I feel that we are flying into and away from danger at the same time. How long until we get there?"
"Fifteen minutes. The IS team will meet and take us to the first location. If that doesn't pan out the next place is thirty-minute drive away. Then we come back here for a half hour flight to the next town."
We landed and met up with the IS forces. Ramon called Webb and told him we had arrived and were on our way to the first of the locations. He said that they were at the local jail waiting to see Balik. Everything was fine on their end. We made arrangements to check in again in two hours.
1330 Local
Our first stop was at the home of Ahmad, one of the men Webb had interrogated in Jakarta. There was no on there. It looked like someone had packed in a hurry. Checks with neighbors were fruitless.
We gathered around our ground transport discussing the zero we had come up with. Ramon was looking around at the dog and pony show we had turned into. In addition to the six of us there were ten IS men that had met up with us.
"Harm we are never going to find anyone with this group going around with us. Let's talk with them and see if we can cut it down to two. We need them to advise us regarding the lay of the land and to translate."
"Yeah, Harm. This is a bit much. The next stop isn't that far away. Hopefully by the time we're finished there it we'll have time to fly to the next stop and check into a hotel. We'll get some rest and start out first thing in the morning." Jim turned to go speak to the IS Lieutenant about the change in plans. He didn't seem too happy about the change in plans but Jim was able to convince him.
Ramon and Sarah were talking on the satellite phone with Bud. He had heard from Tracy and Clay. Balik wasn't talking even with encouragement from IS. Jarot had shown up and was talking his turn with Balik now. They were going to stay there and continue the interrogation.
1700 Local
We were quite a bit luckier at the next place. We didn't find anyone to talk to, but it was a treasure trove of paper. The chemical engineer had definitely been here. The plans for the bomb were found in a box along with bank statements, his passport, and contact names and places. A real find was the receipts for a stay at Balik's resort. We called IS to have them send in forces to secure the location.
Mac put a call through to Bud. He was proving to be invaluable asset several thousand miles away.
"Bud, get a hold of the FBI team in Jakarta. We need them to go over this site. It's part of the main planning operation from what we found. There is information that leads us to believe that our next stop, Kartai will also be useful.
"When are you going there?"
"We're on our way there now, one of the marines will stay here to keep an eye on everything. We'll contact Clay and let him know what we found."
"I just talked with Captain Jarot. He called for Clay. He said that they were on the way to talk with some suspects in a town not far from Manado. They'll probably be out of touch for a couple of hours."
"OK, I'll contact them later tonight. Thanks for the help. We'll talk before we leave in the morning."
Mac turned to us and repeated Bud's side of the conversation. We agreed on our plan and flew on to Kartai.
It was dark by the time we arrived and checked into our hotel. A strong storm front had moved in and the monsoon like conditions had made flying a real picnic. We were all tired and after dinner we tried to contact Webb. We had no luck. We contacted the jail where the interrogations had taken place and were told that he and Tracy had left with Jarot several hours earlier. There had been no contact since then. Bud had no more luck that we did. Webb, Tracy, Robert and the Marine guards had disappeared.
We looked out into the storm and realized we weren't going anywhere tonight.
TBC
BTW: FUBAR=military term for a bad outcome
(F...d Up Beyond All Recognition)