Disclaimer: Not mine except new characters.
A/N: Glad I got some concern for Alec after the last chapter, I was beginning to think I could write him out and no-one would notice. I am pleased to say that it also got the quickest reviews, so your concern is noted. But it still had to post before I got the last one, even with someone reviewing 2 of the earlier chapters. If you don't like a character and are still reading I won't be offended if you tell me, I also won't change them.
Many Thanks:
Elle6778: Issy's with him, so the answer's below.
Lakergirl08: Yeah Ben's mellowed, to be proved below. As for Alec would Issy let anything happen to him, I don't think so.
Honey X5-452: What kill off someone who might be useful? Answer below.
Wildsky: I thought it would have to be a dramatic cliff-hanger to beat some of yours, but your answers are in this one.
Darkangelgirl262: Most of your questions answered below if only in part on some.
ThisIsWhereMyNameGoes: Well it worked, quickest reviews I've had for ages and a new reviewer. I thought it was long enough; otherwise most of this chapter would have been included.
Ankari 238: Sorry I'm on this chapter but I appreciate your review for chapters 5 & 6.
7star: Nice of you to review, even though you don't like Issy for Alec, glad you're enjoying reading, many thanks
Who Loves The Teacher?
Chapter Fifty-eight: Mission Accomplished?
As Joshua started to leave Issy shouted, "Josh, get Dage to bring blood and field kit including needles and clamps."
Mole looked at her, "what you thinking?" he asked.
"I need to get closer, see if I can find where the blood's coming from," she replied anxiously as she crawled under the raised end of the beam.
As she did a basic first aid check of Alec, Mole asked, "so how's it looking?"
"If the beam hadn't fallen, I think he would have been ok," she replied trying to be impartial and treat Alec like any other patient. Checking his legs to see where the blood was coming from she continued, "looks like they both landed badly and knocked themselves out, but the beam seems to have something sharp sticking out." Her hand was running down the side of his leg and had found the wound, "the pressure from the beam has slowed the bleeding, if it's lifted wrong the wound will get bigger, just releasing the pressure means I'll have to clamp the wound immediately."
"That's why you asked Joshua to bring the extra equipment?" Mole queried as he stepped closer to the beam.
"Yeah, whatever you do don't put any pressure on the beam," Issy shouted in alarm. "Sam must've landed really awkwardly to break a leg, I don't think Alec's legs are broken just pinned, in more ways then one," Issy continued trying to appear unconcerned.
As Dage, Joshua and some others climbed into the room Issy called, "I need the blood and kit here," as Dage brought it over she continued, "can you get Sam on a stretcher and back to med bay ASAP, while the guys help me get Alec out."
"How you gonna do that?" he asked.
"I'll need Mole, Joshua and Rob," she replied. "While Mole and Joshua are lifting, Rob can pull him out and I'll work on the wound. Soon as he's free I'll clamp it and we can get out."
"What about the blood?"
"He needs that now, the sooner the better," she replied getting first one arm ready and attached and then the other.
"Ok you get going we'll see you in med bay," she ordered.
"Do you want us to wait for you?"
"No you can sort her out; I'll just need a room prepped for when we get there."
Dage knew better than to question whether she should be treating Alec.
Minutes later Sam was being carried out and everyone was getting into position to get Alec out. Slowly two eyes fluttered open and a voice rasped, "so I'm still in hell then," with a grin.
"Yeah but we're working on it princess," Mole replied dryly.
"Where's Issy?"
"Holding your leg together; now shut up and when we lift this give Rob a hand pulling you out," Mole commanded, "One, two, three, lift."
As Mole and Joshua lifted, Rob heaved as fast as he could, as soon as Alec's feet were clear of the beam, Mole and Joshua let it down again carefully. Issy surveyed the damage to Alec's leg and clamped the leaking blood vessels.
As he was lifted on to the stretcher he asked, "how was I supposed to help with needles in my arms and someone holding my legs?"
Issy was confused she had only been holding one leg, "what can you feel in your legs?"
"Not a lot," he replied, then seeing her expression, "that's bad then."
"Maybe, maybe not," she replied casually, "let's get you to med bay and sort out the visible injuries and see what happens." She was still too concerned to argue about what had caused the injuries.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Back in Gillette the teams were gradually letting down their guard and laughing about what they had been doing since finishing their missions and the highlights of their missions. Max was listening in, but not interrupting, sat on a couch trying to relax and leaning against Ben.
Lydecker had gone out leaving them to talk, feeling redundant in the scheme of things at the moment, but knowing it would be his contacts that would get them all back to TC safely. He was concerned about Alec and Sam, but wouldn't voice his fears; he didn't want to appear soft in front of the others.
Judd had volunteered to keep an eye on the computer, while Dara had gone to relieve Raven of guard duty and take Faith some food.
Without warning Judd pushed the chair back, "Umm I think this is what you've been waiting for Max," he called.
Max leapt off the couch and darted behind the computer, "Hi Mole what's the news." Her heart was pounding, they may not be partners but, next to OC, Alec was her best friend.
'They're both alive and in med bay,' he replied cautiously.
"So what's the extent of their injuries?" Max wanted to know Alec was fine, but Mole didn't sound like he was. She knew she couldn't ask outright about Alec otherwise Ben might get upset.
Mole knew she wanted to know about Alec, but he couldn't tell her just yet, 'Sam's got a concussion and broken leg; Dage said she's starting to demand a cigarette,' he laughed.
Max cut him off, "stop stalling what's happened to Alec." Her resolve disappeared, she couldn't stand the suspense any longer, it must be bad.
When they heard Max snap everyone in the room went quiet and Ben got up to join her at the computer. Everyone was listening intently for the answer.
'He's got a concussion, not that you'd notice,' he tried to joke, but it fell flat, 'and a beam fell across his legs, there was blood loss and when we brought him in he couldn't feel them," he rushed breathing a sigh of relief when he finished.
"You mean he could be paralysed," Max replied stunned.
Coming into the picture Issy replied calmly, 'temporarily paralysed, X5s are designed to repair, I think being trapped caused some nerve damage but I expect it to be cleared by morning.'
Max was seething, "so you approved of this stupid escapade where he could have got himself killed?" she accused.
Mole stepped back in front of the camera, nudging Issy out of the way, 'Issy didn't know; Alec only told Biggs and myself, and then only in case something went wrong.'
"Sure but I don't want any more people putting themselves in danger," she replied aggressively, "is that clear?"
'Crystal,' Mole replied knowing that the mission to the cult's base would be doing just that.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Just outside Roslyn Jondy and the team were surveying the fortress like asylum that the cult used as one of their bases. Comparing the positions with their map they ran through their strategy.
Seth and Candi were to maintain a base and keep radio checks on positions in case back-up was needed. Greg was going to walk in the front door with some sorry excuse for why he was there and needed their help. Syl and Krit were going to wait by the secret exit; if anyone came out they would take them out and enter that way, otherwise they would wait for Greg to let them in. Biggs and CeCe were going up the north wall and in through the first floor window of the principles office, collect any information they could and lay charges before taking the corridor to the High Priestess's chamber. Jondy and Zane would be going up the west wall and in through the roof to make their way to the meeting room and lay more diversionary charges before going to the High Priest's chamber.
If everything went to plan they would escape whilst the charges were being detonated and they would be in and out of the secret exit in thirty minutes and back on the road home.
They checked their equipment and the plans one last time before setting off to put the plan into action under cover of darkness.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Max looked at Ben, "what?" she said.
"I just don't get you," he replied, "first you're telling me there's nothing between you and Alec, then you're so uptight when anything happens to him, even having a go at his partner."
"I'm sorry he's been a good friend for so long, I don't want to lose that through some stupidity."
"I heard you say he's always getting into scrapes, but he gets out of them," he replied.
"Yeah usually with my help!" she exclaimed.
"Seems it was your ass he was trying to protect," Ben replied.
Max looked at him quizzically, "how's that?"
"By making White believe that you were dead, you're safe from his attentions, at least for a while," he replied patiently, "he obviously thought the risk was worth it and didn't want to alarm those he cares about most."
"More like didn't want an ear bashing," Max smiled, "thanks for understanding." They had been talking quietly and the others didn't seem to be listening.
"Any chance of us ditching this lot for a while and having some time alone?" Ben asked hopefully.
Max looked at the others resting and talking, "don't see why not, we could leave Raven and Judd to look after things, Tori and Will are still out checking for the returnees."
Max glanced over to Raven, "Ben and I are going for a walk, can you handle the welcoming committee while we're gone."
"Sure enjoy yourselves," she replied in her crisp English accent.
As they left the building Max turned to Ben, "I'm going to have to ask about that later."
"About what?" he replied confused.
"Haven't you noticed the English accents," she replied, "what's that all about?"
"Yeah I noticed Raven, Judd and Faith," he replied, "just thought is was something to do with their mission status."
"Anyway where would you like to go," she teased huskily as her hand snaked around his waist under his shirt.
The sensation made him catch his breath, "anywhere you want to," he replied then a thought hit him, "were you ever like this with him."
"Only until I got what I wanted and he didn't," she laughed.
"Oh, and what about me?"
"Your wish is my command," she replied with a grin, "when we're alone," she finished as he bent to kiss her.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
When Issy returned to med bay after the conversation with Max she was stopped by Dage.
"Sam wants to see the son of a bitch who had her confined with a broken leg," he announced.
"Guess I'd better go and see her then," she replied.
"I don't think it's you she's talking about."
"Well there's not much point her seeing him until he's awake," she replied, "so I'll see her first, how are the others."
"Thanks to Alec's planning it was only scrapes and most are back at work," he replied, "even the NorBAC team were impressed."
"What's it got to do with them?" Issy snapped glaring at him.
"They came and helped out," he replied meekly. "I didn't think it would be a problem."
Her gaze softened, "no, you were right."
Issy entered Sam's room, "I hear you want to complain about being tied to the bed?"
"Where's that son of a bitch who threw me off the roof?"
"If you mean Alec, he's in another room down the corridor," Issy replied calmly.
"Yeah I mean him, wait he says when the bombs start dropping, then grabs me and jumps off the roof," Sam yelled, "couldn't see a thing the dust was so thick, we crashed through a window and I kicked away from him, that's the last I remember."
"So the bad landings are your fault," Issy accused.
"What! You're blaming me, it was him that threw us off the roof," Sam spat.
"But if you'd trusted him, maybe you wouldn't be here and him paralysed down the corridor, you stupid girl," Issy yelled back, all her emotions coming to the surface.
Sam looked at Issy stunned, all she had been thinking about was her own injuries; she'd never thought that anything worse would have happened to Alec. It wasn't in her nature to back down and she wouldn't now, "well if he'd told me what he was doing, maybe I would've trusted him," she replied less venomously.
"Whatever you have to tell yourself, but you've just earned another two days without a cigarette, cuz you can't smoke in here and you stay as long as I say," Issy replied leaving the room, annoyed by Sam's attitude.
"You're for it when I get out," Sam retorted to Issy's back.
"In your dreams," Issy rebuffed, the tears she'd been holding back now streaming down her face.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
It was getting dark in Gillette when Max and Ben returned to the others, Lydecker had returned earlier and they were sorting out some food.
"Glad you're back," Judd commented, "these two arrived a little while ago," he continued indicating to two oriental looking people.
"Hi," greeted Max, "what have the others told you?"
"Seems Manticore got wasted and Lydecker's being trying to keep us out in the field until it was safe to return," replied the female.
"But we got a situation which needs us here now," finished the male.
"Yeah that sort of sums it up," replied Ben.
"Yeah, so what happened on your mission?" asked Max, "we were expecting four of you."
"The mission went sideward's, the others got killed and we got out as quickly as possible," the female replied.
"When did you leave?"
"Six months ago," the male replied and Lydecker snorted, "we pretended to be tourists and have taken in the sights of Hong Kong, Singapore and many other countries on the way back."
"So what are your names, I'm Max, that's Ben and I'm sure the others will introduce themselves over dinner," she asked.
"I'm Lei and this is Fai," the girl replied.
"Pleased to meet you," Max replied, "now I'm sure you're starving, so why don't we all eat."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Leaving Sam's room Issy went straight to see Alec, when she'd left him after patching him up he had been unconscious, she hoped he would be awake now. She felt like doing a Max and punching him for his stupidity, but she was more concerned that he should be alright.
As she walked into his room the only noise were the monitors, she looked at him, with his eyes closed he looked so innocent and childlike her heart felt like it would break.
There was a noise beside her, "I can see why he's so important to you," David interrupted her thoughts.
Wiping a tear from her eye she turned to him, eyes blazing, "and how long have you been sat there?"
"When Dage said you were going to contact Max, I offered to sit with him," he replied, "I thought you'd rather a friend was here."
Issy laughed quietly, "since when have you been a friend."
"We were friends once," he replied, "I'd like to think we could still be friends."
"What friend tries it on with his best friend's girl within weeks of his death," she accused.
"So I made a mistake, but that's the past, I'd like to think we could be friends again," he urged.
There was a groan from the bed and Issy forgot the conversation and rushed over to check the equipment surrounding Alec.
He groaned again as he opened his eyes, "so I'm out of hell," he commented.
"Yeah and not in heaven, so take it easy," she smiled in relief. "How do you feel?"
"You mean can I feel my legs yet," he joked.
"No I mean how do you feel," she replied, "the meds should keep you pain free but might make you feel numb."
"So no chasing the nurses because I'll probably collapse at their feet," he jested. "I still feel woozy, my legs feel tingly and I'm starving."
"I'll get someone to bring you some food but take it slow," she replied, "the tingly feeling is probably the nerves sending messages to your brain; though I'm surprised they're making the effort to compete with your hair-brained ideas. What were you thinking of throwing yourself off the roof without explaining to Sam?"
Alec looked sheepish, "I'd planned to say something, but the bomb hit the building before I explained, so I just followed the plan."
"Yeah well she wants to kill you for getting her hurt, Max wants to kill me for letting you do it and I don't know whether to kill you or kiss you for the pain you've put everyone through," she replied.
"Did it work?" he replied wanting to get up and give her a hug, but unable to move.
"According to Dix, White bought it," she replied.
"Then give me a hug and I'll make it up to you when the doctor let's me out," he replied, "I've heard she's a real tyrant," he joked.
She laughed and went to sit beside him, "you're such a dumbo at times; makes me wonder why I care."
"Because you love me," he replied wrapping his free arm around her.
David had been watching the exchange, unwilling to move in case it disturbed the exchange which he thought was entertaining. "I'll leave you alone and get that food sent down," he said carefully leaving the room as they kissed.
"Thought he'd never leave," Alec grinned as he pulled Issy onto the bed, "so he wants to be friends."
"How long were you listening?" she asked surprised.
"Since you started talking," he grinned at her glare, "I just wanted to know what went on between you."
"Satisfied?"
"Yeah perfectly," he replied smugly, "now when does the patient get to see his family."
"I'll bring Alex down later," she smiled, "or did you mean Mole and Joshua for a TC update."
"That can wait, just you and Alex," then looking uncomfortable he continued, "is there anything you can do for this tingly sensation, it's driving me mad."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Under the cover of darkness Greg walked up to the main gate of the asylum, "hey can someone let me in," he called to the gate house.
"Sorry no-one's allowed, this is a closed hospital," the man replied.
"Tell Matthias, Greg Saunders is here with news of White's latest disaster," he shouted with a grin. He could see Jondy and Zane making their way up the side of the building and thought, 'man I wish I could do that.'
"Just a minute the man replied," and went to phone someone. He came back, "ok keep to the main routes; you'll be watched ad I need to check you for weapons." After a quick frisk Greg continued into the building, he knew where the cameras were hidden and how to avoid them with causing suspicion too quickly.
He quickly found his way to the secret exit and let Krit and Syl into the building. Quietly he said, "I'll join Jondy and Zane, there's a secret passage there which will take you to the rear of the High Priestess' chamber, you should be able to hear when they enter."
He finished explaining their route and got them out of the corridor, then heard some cult members approaching and dashed into the secret passage on the other side of the corridor which would take him to the chamber of the High Priest. As the cult members passed the passage he was relieved that they hadn't sensed him and didn't use the passage.
He made his way to Matthias' room knowing that Matthias would probably be waiting for him with some other members by now. He stepped out of the door into a room decorated in a Gothic style hoping that Jondy and Zane were ready to enter from the corridor.
"Fen'es tol Greg," greeted Matthias with two other members of the cult.
"Fen'es tol Matthias, you really didn't need to bring a company for our talk," Greg replied jokingly.
"You never did take us seriously," was the reply.
"On the contrary, I took you very seriously, that's what worried me," he replied, "you're so wrapped in your 'destroy the world' mentality that you never considered that others might not agree."
"Is that what you came to tell us?" Matthias replied, "hardly worth the effort, but we do need a sacrifice for tonight's ceremony, so at least you'll be useful."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A/N: Hope you're as interested in the mission as Alec and Sam's fate. I'm sure I broke some rules on how shock can kill when lifting a weight off a crush injury, but I wouldn't kill Alec as he's my favourite character. I'm more likely to kill Max than him, so now you know I won't be using that type of cliff-hanger again in this story. 384 reviews before the next.
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