Ch 7: Drifting away

Disclaimer: Dont own PR.

By the time Jack returned from his walk, it was two in the morning. Miranda had been long gone. He started packing things into his bag. The plane was coming to fetch them the minute their criminal was nabbed.

The plan was, he, Jack to exchange the ammos and other illegal weapons in exchanged for the stolen mask and other precious antiques from all over the world.

Their people had already surrounded the camp. Once they exchanged the items, Jack's people were going down in one swoop and have them arrested. It was all but simple. This was going to be another mission accomplished. They had spent a year on this case already. There was no room for failure.

Jack took out the package that Sky and Sydney had given him during his last stay. It was still neatly wrapped in pink glossy paper. A gift from the both of them. Jack took a slow breath in and out. He tore off the pink wrapper without hesitation and opened the black case to reveal a pair of exquisitely looking Swiss knife.

Beneath the black case was a photograph. Jack picked it up. It was a photo of Sydney. The forever-gorgeous looking blonde smiling back at him. This time with R.I.C version two-point-o barking at the background.

Sydney was so well love by everyone that she was never alone, even in photos. Jack smiled. He finally smiled. He flipped to the back and saw the impeccably neat handwriting.

She is brave. She is a fighter. She thinks of you.

This few words were more than enough. The best gift he had ever received. At least it shows that she had thought of him. That night, he hugged her photo to sleep.

XXX

Back at the academy, things weren't going smoothly. Bridge and Z drifted apart. There were occasional squabbles from the duo. Sydney kept to herself most of the time, locking herself in the room, reading. Sky spent most of his time at the courses, punching and lots of shooting.

By then, Sydney was well enough for gym workouts and course runs although the distressing thing was her loss memory. The doctor had discharged her and added that she was fit for other outdoor activities. Cruger had returned her morpher to her and taught her how to use it. Right now, she wore her A squad pink uniform.

So many things had happened that morning and Sydney did not have the time to announce the news to Sky and the rest yet. Sydney was just walking towards the gym when the door opened and Sky strode out.

They paused momentarily and just stared at each other. Sydney stared at his well worked out arms, the sheen of perspiration that covered it. So manly, like a Greek God. Sky stared at her clothes, her uniform. He was staring at the past Sydney Drew. Had she regain her memory?

"Sky," Sydney muttered. "No, my memory's not back yet." She spoke as if reading his mind. "But my position has been restored. Cruger has already briefed me on my duties." She watched his stern look, "Nothing to be mad about. My active duty begins today. However," she paused staring at his shoes, "Cruger paired me up with you so that you can look out for me. So, what's the agenda for today?" She asked, brightened at the prospect of being able to do something finally.

Sky kept quiet and continued to stare at her. "Sky?" Sydney waved her hand in front of his face.

"Active duty? But you are still too weak to fight." Sky said.

Sydney protested, "What do you mean weak? The doctor discharged me already. I'm fine. I sure feel like kicking some butts now."

Sky paused. That was the way Sydney spoke in the past. She may not know but traces of her character were falling back to her. It wouldn't be long for her to remember the past. He felt a pang of sadness, and then swallowed bitterly. Part of him wanted her to recover, but the selfish part of him wanted not.

"Let me fill you up with the agenda along the way. I need to change back to my uniform."

XXX

That noon, the entire academy was informed that Sydney Drew had been restored to her position and that she was to be respected at all times. Bridge and Z congratulated her and welcomed her with buttery toast and group hugs. There was to be a party held for her later in the evening.

XXX

Jack wanted to send a note to thank Sydney but felt there wasn't a need. Right now, he just wish to end this deal and catch a flight back. What were those people doing? Why haven't they come now? Did they know this was a trap or had he blow his cover already? Jack quickly found that the pacing was not needed. The sound of chopper was heard in the distant gray sky and was approaching. The men in the chopper were dressed to kill, all decked out in full camouflage. Faces painted black, head wrapped in bandannas, bandoliers of ammo draped around their necks.

Jack stepped forward to exchange handshakes. "I've got what you wanted here." Miranda gestured to the weapons behind.

A man grinning from ear to ear stood forward. "Landors, good to have you here. Looks like you kept your promise. And who must that pretty lady standing beside you be?" The man, mob boss gawked at Miranda hungrily while she flashed him daggered eyes.

"She's my capable assistant. She helped me a lot throughout this journey. Where is the mask, Mr. Bernadette? Jack asked.

"Rest-assured I will give it to. As promise." Bernadette spoke, his eyes still staring at Miranda's curvaceous body. She wore an orange tank top and a pair of mini shorts. Damn that bald man, she didn't wear that for him to see.

"Then bring it over now, and those special weapons are yours." Jack persisted.

"Alright, my man, bring it here. Those chests, all of it. Unload them carefully." Bernadette ordered, his eyes not tearing from Miranda.

The instant those illegal weapons were loaded into their chopper, Jack's troops swooped down like eagles. One by one, the men were captured.

"Colonel, one of them escaped." Miranda reported to Jack.

Jack replied slowly, rubbing his temples, "Who?"

"His illegitimate son, Qudamah."

XXX

TBC-Pls R&R