Author's Note: So sorry for the delay but this chapter had to pretty much wait for inspiration to hit—working on four stories simultaneously is tough! But here the stage is set and Mark and the team are getting the first pieces of the puzzle. Some pretty decent fluff coming up so all you Mark/Princess fans enjoy but it will be the last until the end—I don't want him to be fooled. Thanks all you faithful readers and reviewers. Reviews are welcome.
LOOKS ARE DECEIVING
Later that night, at the airfield left to him by his father in the shack he called home, the G-Force commander tried to sleep, restlessly tossing and turning his mind occupied with several pressing matters. In a rather stressed manner, he went to Chief Anderson to request that he be able to leave Center Neptune for the night to seek after some time alone. Since they were on a Level 2 Alert, the chief reluctantly acquiesced under one condition, that the commander keep his communicator on and he is available the moment he is summoned. Mark agreed and then took off in his plane for a long flight to be alone with his dark thoughts. Those same thoughts were plaguing him as he returned to the airfield and when he retired for the night. There were many things on his mind, one major thing being Zoltar's unusually long hiatus from attacking after his last defeat which had him deeply concerned as to what the mercurial leader of Spectra was planning. But the one issue that was affecting his sleep most, however, was the seemingly subtle undertone he was sensing from the Federation cyber corps lieutenant toward Princess. The fellow was just too close to her for his liking and it was more than mere jealousy, he had a bad feeling about him that was growing proportionately.
Mark sighed as he glanced at the digital clock display and saw the time. 3:35 AM and I'm still wide awake. Damn this isn't good, at this rate I won't get any sleep at all and I need to be alert should Zoltar attack.
With a disgusted sigh, Mark threw the covers off and clad only in his shorts got out of bed to stride over to the window and stare glumly at the nearly full moon, hanging in the sky like a lemon wafer suspended on the ebony clime, lacy cirrus clouds framing it. His thoughts were on Princess and the last time they had both been under a full moon:
Flashback:
It was a memorable evening, one of the best they had experienced during their extended leave from duty. Earlier, they had gone to an outdoor rock concert, content to sit on a blanket together at the rear fringe of the massive crowd, far enough away to enjoy some privacy but still be able to hear the music. Mark was happy that night, happier than he had been in a long time and felt truly free from the shackles of duty and able to act like the 18 year-old young man he was, on a date with a girl he was crazy about. He sat up against a tree, his arms looped around Princess and her fragrance of musk and roses was intoxicating, filling his senses to the point of overload. He had his face buried in the downy raven silk of her hair and savored the feel of it while his mind eagerly contemplated the later time when they would be alone together.
The concert had ended and they both were in his car, heading for a leisurely drive along the beach and to a secluded spot that overlooked the crashing surf, shining like quicksilver in the moonlight. Mark pulled up to the edge, blocked by some large rock formations that kept them at a safe distance but allowed for a perfect view of the breaking waves. He shut off the motor and tuning in some soft music on the radio, turned to Princess who was observing the view with wide forest green eyes that were sparkling enticingly.
"Oh Mark it's so beautiful up here! How did you find it?" she breathed, taken by the majestic meeting of sky and sea.
"Oh I was flying one day over here and saw it so I made a mental note of it and wanted you to see it. So you dig it, huh?"
"Uh-huh." Princess turned to the handsome Eagle whose eyes were lit like twin star sapphires and he smiled, pleased by her approval. He leaned close and stretched his arm to rest it behind her.
She gazed at him raptly as she said, "The concert was really groovy too. I'm having a terrific time."
"Me too." Mark's eyes were mesmerizing azure orbs that were infused with emotions barely held back. He drew slowly closer until they were inches apart.
She became a bit flustered as she continued, "And I really," but her words were silenced by her commander's lips as he touched down on hers, warmly insistent as his other hand reached and cradled her face, holding it captive as he teased her mouth open and tasted her sweetness.
At that moment on the radio the oldie "Sweet Cherry Wine" by Tommy James and the Shondells began playing and Mark found himself musing how Princess tasted just like wild cherries as his tongue continued to explore her mouth. To his delight, she responded to him with equal fervor, unfolding before him like a blossom to the warm spring sun.
When they finally drew apart, both were breathless as the mutual pent up passion that they had held in check for so long burst free like a thermonuclear blast, leveling both emotionally so they were in awe.
"Wow," the Eagle and Swan said in unison, eyes wide in wonder as they just stared at each other. Both blinked as if to say "What was that?" then giggled like children who had experienced true adult feelings for the first time.
"That was unbelievable," Princess said softly.
"Yeah it sure was," Mark agreed as he added with a rakish grin. "but just like eating peanuts, you can't stop at just one."
She arched an inky brow. "Is that so?" she asked coyly.
He leaned in and before he claimed her mouth once more he said, "Uh-huh." And they were again swept away. . . .
End flashback
Mark closed his eyes and he felt a tightening in his loins as the memory lingered in his mind of the exquisite feel of Princess finally in his arms after so many fantasies during their training sessions and lulls in fighting. At last they were able to express their feelings without having to hold back just to have the halcyon time cut short by their never ending duties to the Federation and G-Force. He felt a wave of resentment rise in him at the overwhelming unfairness of things and his own sense of duty re-awoke from its temporary dormant state.
"Damn it to hell!" he ground out savagely as he whirled from the starry skyscape to try to get some sleep. . .
-
The next morning, Mark's communicator went off and indicated an urgent summons by Chief Anderson so he leapt out of bed, dressed, and flew off to Center Neptune to meet with the team in his office. When he got there, the rest of the team, sans Princess were gathered awaiting the directive that was forthcoming.
Anderson turned and addressed G-Force, his face a grave study, "Team, Zark just informed me that he picked up the ionic vibrations that indicated a Spectran craft nearby. An unmanned probe in the area, on the outskirts near the desert reported nothing but since we're on Level 2 Alert we want you to go out on a reconnaissance mission to investigate."
"Is Zark sure that it's a Spectran craft?" Mark inquired.
"Zark said that the signals were indicative that the craft was Spectran. So head out, team!"
They all saluted. "G-Force!" and they were gone. . . .
In about twenty minutes, the sleek ship known as the Phoenix hovered above the desert floor, its landing gear down and jets kicking up sand in a maelstrom as the huge craft got ready to settle down near some cacti. Before she did, however, she opened the compartments at her nose and at the left wing, releasing the G-2 racer and the G-4 ATV, setting both down and then landing a small distance away. The Phoenix became silent as her jets hissed and she was turned off, then the four members in their birdstyle appeared at the top bubble for disembarking. The canopy slid open and they all leapt down beneath the ship by both vehicles to strategize.
Mark addressed the three. "Okay team, here's the drill. I'll go with Jason in the G-2 and we'll head to the north and east. Tiny, you go with Keyop in the G-4 and scout out the south and west and use your ultra high sensors, reporting to me at the first sign of anything suspicious. We'll head out to a ten-mile radius and meet back here when done. Any questions?"
Nobody had one so he continued, "Then let's move out. Be careful." He and Jason headed to climb into the cockpit of the low slung racer as the Sparrow and the Owl got into the ATV.
As Jason fired up and revved the G-2 to life he turned to Mark and asked, "So what exactly are we looking for?" He shifted gears and they took off in a cloud of dust.
"I'm not sure but from what I was able to get on the computer on the Phoenix from Zark, the vibrations match those from the nuclear reactor on the Devil Star." He frowned as he consulted the on dash screen. "But I don't see the vibrations now at all. If it really was the Devil Star that landed here, it appears to have vanished. I don't like it."
Jason snorted, "Typical MO from Zoltar, sneaking in like the snake he is. And since it's the Devil Star you're talking about it means that sweet little sister of his Mala's claws are in whatever they're planning."
Mark grunted in the affirmative as he continued to closely monitor the sensor screen as Jason continued to drive and scan the area. Then, a blip appeared followed by a loud beep that indicated vibrations of radioactivity that got louder as they got closer. Mark leaned forward to remove the sensor from the dashboard and then issued an order.
"Pull over to the right another 25 feet, Jason."
Jason did as he was bid and asked, "You got something there?"
"Yeah maybe. The sensor's singing like a canary." He gestured to a clearing. "Stop there, Jason."
"You got it, Cap." The G-2 screeched to a halt and both the Eagle and the Condor jumped out and began to scout out the territory, using the sensor as a guide. Both men followed along as the tones became more frequent and of longer duration. Then as they reached a rather flattened area, the sensor glowed bright red.
"Bingo!" Mark interjected. "Take a closer look, Jason." The Eagle and Condor both knelt down with the sensor and the glow intensified. "The sensor is picking up residual radioactivity with strong vibrations of a nuclear reactor having been here. Since Spectra uses nuclear reactors to power their ships all this points directly to a Spectran ship having landed here very recently. Question is though, where on Earth are they now, if they're still here?"
"Damn!" Jason said with a scowl. "So where the hell do ya think they could've disappeared to?
"Dunno. It's anyone's guess if they're even still around. I'm sure Zark would've picked up the vibrations as well as BE."
Jason inquired, "Yeah, but isn't BE disabled with the PAX coming online?"
Mark shook his head. "Not completely. Riga or one of the Federation planets that are at full power are monitoring us while PAX is being set up and I'm positive they would have warned us in the event of an invasion by Spectra." He pursed his lips in thought as they both rose.
"So," Jason said pondering, "then it seems that a Spectra ship came and left completely undetected by us. That gives me the willies."
"Uh-huh." Mark turned and said, "We'd better contact the others and head back to Center Neptune to brief Anderson on this." Both sprinted toward the G-2. . . .
Back at the base, the team gathered before Chief Anderson and told him of their discovery. After they finished, Anderson addressed them grimly.
"Well Team, it looks like Spectra has something planned for us. And that means effective immediately we are now at Level 1 Alert status. That means you will remain on base in your quarters and be ready to depart at a moment's notice."
All four young men nodded. "Yes, sir!"
"Dismissed," Anderson said brusquely as they all turned to leave but Keyop remained with a hesitant look on his gamin face. The others stopped to see as chief regarded the youth curiously.
"Yes, Keyop? You have something to say?"
"Brrp-yes, sir."
"Well, out with it," Anderson said with a sigh.
The youngster looked at his teammates and then back at his superior as he stammered, "Brrrp-about Princess."
Anderson skewered the youth with his piercing gaze. "What about her?"
"I think the kid wants to ask what we all want to know," Jason said. "Is she gonna be joining us if Zoltar attacks."
Anderson sighed as he said impatiently, "I should think considering what you and Mark found that the priority of getting PAX fully operational is imperative and that is where she is most needed."
"We know, chief," Mark said dutifully. "We're aware that should Zoltar appear, we would do our very best, even being one down."
"Brrrrp-that's not what I mean," Keyop said a tad irked.
Mark regarded the boy with kind but questioning eyes. "Then what are you getting at, Keyop?"
Keyop swallowed hard as he replied, "Brrrrp-she came to the quarters last night late."
"And?"
The Sparrow looked even more uncomfortable as he lowered his unruly chocolate head and continued, "Brrrp-she wasn't…herself."
Mark's eyes bored into him. "What do you mean 'not herself'?"
Keyop entreated his commander, "She….she—brrrp-was mean to me."
Anderson cast a glance at Mark as if to say you handle this, commander and then said, "I'm sure it was nothing, Keyop. Now if you all would excuse me, I have to meet with President Kane. We'll all meet again tomorrow at 0800 hours. That is all."
This time all four members of G-Force exited in due haste, leaving the chief's office immediately but they all gathered in conference outside. Mark grasped Keyop's arm and demanded, "What happened last night, Keyop?"
The boy's sherry eyes clouded with unconcealed hurt as he replied, "Brrrrp—she came into our quarters really late and when I asked her why, she said to-brrrp-mind my own damned business."
"She did, huh?" Mark's azure orbs darkened with concern as he contemplated the incident, frowning as the same uneasy feeling stirred in the pit of his stomach that something was not right.
"Gee, that's not like Princess at all," Tiny said.
"Yeah, I'd expect her to say something like that to me but not to Keyop," Jason pointed out. He glanced at Mark's thoughtful frown and added, "You thinking what I'm thinking, boss?"
Mark slowly met Jason's sapphire orbs and nodded slowly. He addressed the entire team. "You guys head to the Ready Room and I'll meet you there later."
He turned to head in the direction of the elevator, his destination the main computer control room but a gangly preteen hand detained him. He looked down at the pleading eyes of the Sparrow.
"Brrrp-Mark, you think something's wrong with Princess, huh?"
Mark masked his own emotions by flashing and easy grin at the troubled youth. He ruffled Keyop's hair and said, "Relax, buddy. I'm sure she's just fine. She's just overworked, that's all. But I'm gonna go check on her, okay?"
Keyop's eyes shone in gratitude. "Brrrp—thanks, Mark." He took off down towards the Ready Room as Mark watched, fondness for the youngster making him smile. As soon as Keyop disappeared so did his smile as he then strode purposefully off to the elevator. . . .
In the main computer control room the girl 'Princess' and the lieutenant Randy Addison were hard at work installing and configuring the new hardware to get the PAX system up and running. As Randy did the actual installation, 'Princess' configured the hardware to the operating system and took notations to begin the secondary but arduous task of writing tutorial software that would be duplicated and sent to all planets belonging to the Intergalactic Federation.
'Princess' sat at the keyboard and monitor to watch the schematic as the hardware was linking up in the processor and the screen glowed with a green light indicating success. She smiled in satisfaction as she crowed, "We got it!"
Randy pushed himself from the dolly he was laying on and jumped to his feet to come and see the fruits of their collaborative labor. He placed his hands on her slim shoulders and squeezed them as he complimented her work.
"All right, partner. Way to go."
She gazed up into the dove gray orbs radiating on her as she said, "We make a great team…. Lieutenant." She raised her head up as he leaned down.
"We always did," Randy said as he captured her lips in a kiss. Princess turned herself around in the chair and she stood up and melded into his arms in a full body embrace responding in eager fervor. The two were so intent in their passionate expression that they failed to see that they had a visitor.
Mark entered the area that was the center to the heart of the Federation's massive galactic defense system and made his way through the labyrinth of mainframe computer terminals until he heard voices, one a familiar sweet soprano. He turned and made his way to where the two were and his heart dropped as he came to a stunned halt at what he saw. Surprise immediately morphed into a cold fury as he became sick with envy at the unbridled display of affection.
"Excuse me." His baritone was heavy with sarcasm.
At the sound of another, Princess and Randy broke apart, embarrassed and guilty as she said brightly, "Oh hi Mark. You surprised us."
"Obviously." His eyes became azure slits as he addressed the lieutenant. "Addison, if you don't mind I need to borrow your co-worker for just a few minutes to discuss some pressing G-Force matters." Not even waiting for Randy's response he took Princess by the elbow and hustled her none too gently out through the maze of computers and to the hall, slamming the door. He wasted no time in showing his displeasure.
"Okay, you want to tell me what the hell was that?" Mark snapped as he gripped Princess roughly by the shoulders.
"Mark let go, you're hurting me," she protested, trying to free herself but his hold was like steel.
"I want to know, Princess. Now."
"Then take your hands off me," she said coldly as she wrenched and he released her simultaneously, causing her stumble back. She regained her composure and flipped her raven locks back nonchalantly as she said neutrally, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Mark's eyes widened in total disbelief as if he were hearing things. "You can't mean that you don't have a clue as to why what I just saw was among other things, a major breach in regulations? You gotta be putting me on, Princess."
"Regulations?" she said with a slim brow arched. "Is that what you're so uptight about, Commander?" The inflection in the last word made it sound like an insult, further establishing her blatant defiance that bordered on insubordination.
Mark was trying to keep a firm hold on his temper but it was getting increasingly harder as he saw total indifference in Princess's cold green eyes. He made another Herculean attempt to remain calm as he replied, "Princess, are you trying to get back at me for the other day? Because if you are, this is neither the time or place for displays of that nature."
She gave an unladylike snort as she answered, "Duly noted, Mark. Now if you're finished spying on me, I have to get back to work." Princess made to open the door and leave but Mark stood in front of her, barring her way.
He tried a different tact as he said softly, "I brought you out here because I want to talk to you and find out what the problem is. You're not acting like yourself and we're all worried. Keyop told me you both had words last night when you came in so late. Where were you?"
She crossed her arms over her bosom in an obstinate stance, her delicate chin raised as she retorted, "What is this, a prison? Do I have to be in at a certain time for bed check?"
"Of course not."
"Then maybe it's only you that has the privilege of coming and going as you please, huh Commander? You did head off to your place last night didn't you? Or do the rest of us peons have a chance to have some scrap of a normal life, normal being a relative term?" Her verdant gaze was stormy, like a sea in a hurricane.
Mark closed his eyes and took a deep breath to lower his rising ire. He said dourly, "I'm just concerned about you as are the rest of us, especially Keyop. Your response last night to him being worried about you was uncalled for."
"Oh, I get it. Your role as commander in G-Force crosses over into our private lives now as well, does it?"
That did it. Mark again took hold of her shoulders forcing her to look at him and barked, "Knock off the snide remarks, Princess! We're worried because I thought we all were family and families worry about each other." He lowered his tone and added, "And after the previous month I thought that you and I were…well, you know." His eyes were cerulean pools as his emotions of hurt were displayed.
'Princess' found herself drawn into the summer sky orbs and she suddenly realized why the real Swan was so smitten with the Eagle. With those eyes he was hard to resist so she fell into the role of being contrite.
"I'm sorry, Mark," her voice held a velvety huskiness as it usually did when they were in their times of closeness, a perfect parody of the real Princess. Her eyes entreated him as she lowered her chin.
Completely confused now, Mark saw the instant change of heart and so he treaded with caution. But he decided to play along so he relaxed and said, "Done, but I still don't understand why you and Addison were in such a clutch. I mean if we're an item and besides that, we have to watch our behavior while on duty."
"I know but I can't help it. Randy and I just finished installing a component that had been giving us fits and it finally was accepted so he….kissed me. It didn't mean anything, believe me." She punctuated the last statement with a big-eyed pout.
Mark was torn, wanting to believe her yet unable to get the sight of her in the handsome lieutenant's brawny arms out of his head. Yet those forest pool eyes that served to make his heart pound took control and the uneasiness began to fade as he crushed her petite form to him, giving her the benefit of the doubt.
"It's okay, sweetheart," Mark said against her hair. "I just flipped out when I saw you in his arms."
"I'm sorry. Trust me, it won't happen again." She pulled away and made a cross over her bosom. "Cross my heart."
Now placated, Mark nodded and added, "I believe you. But maybe you can come by the Ready Room later to talk to Keyop. He's pretty down and you know you're like a big sister to him."
She sighed, "I know and I promise I'll come down to talk to him. I'll be staying here anyway with us being on Level 1 Alert now." She gave him a smile as she said, "I have to get back to work now, Mark."
"Okay."
Princess came to him and placed her hands on his brawny shoulders, bringing her soft petal lips to his for a sweetly lingering kiss, which caused his arms to encircle her to deepen the expression. When they drew apart she asked softly, "Friends?"
Mark chuckled, "After that do you have to ask?" He leaned in for another as unknown to the two, they were being observed. . .
A few minutes later, 'Princess' returned to her workstation as Randy stood before her, arms akimbo as he demanded, "So what took so long?"
She gave him an easy smile as she sauntered up to him to lay a soft caress on his cheek. "Nothing for you to worry about, lover. Just playing my part."
He grabbed her wrist in a vice like grip as he warned her, "Yeah well, you just remember that you're just here to convince everyone until we finish our task."
"I know. And it's a good thing you had planted that audio/video bug on the real Princess to let me know what the situation between her and the Eagle was so I could be convincing."
"Well, thank Mala for that little bit of insight," Randy said sardonically. But he grabbed the girl as he added, "But still you watch your step, Rula. I know how much you enjoy the attention of good-looking men and the Eagle and the Swan are very, very close. Don't let your own over enthusiastic nature blow our cover. Trust me he's already suspicious."
The Spectran doppelganger named Rula giggled, as she reassured him, "Don't concern yourself, love. I know what our mission is and I won't get so carried away that I forget."
Randy grunted, "Make sure you don't because I don't have to remind you what will happen to us if you do. If you get caught so will I not to mention what will happenwhen Zoltar or Mala find out."
Rula smiled, "Randy, I assure you I am fully aware that we hang together or for certain we will hang separately."
NEXT-CAPTIVE SWAN