Chapter 4
By the time they checked their go bags, picked up Jane, and headed to the air base, Ernie was waiting for them by the plane with a case full of equipment. Jane smiled warmly at her favorite cyber intelligence specialist and he hugged her before letting out a low whistle.
"So, this is how you ladies spend your weekends? Friday night clubbing and Saturday ops," teased Ernie and Lucy hugged him.
"Something like that," said Lucy.
"Hi Whistler and Whistler's friend," greeted Ernie and Cara gave a wave as Kate smiled at him.
"Thanks for doing this, Ernie," said Kate.
"My pleasure and I promise it isn't as difficult as you may think," he informed as he opened the case to show them the equipment.
"Here's the usual op gear, earpieces, undetectable trackers, and this beauty. It's essentially a detonator, but only for computers. You plug it in to the USB port of the server, it activates and causes the hardware to freeze up, and that makes it overheat. No more files and no more server. It can be controlled remotely or set to activate instantly. Also, Lucy, here is your passport and identification for your new alias."
"Thanks, Ernie, you're the best," said Lucy before kissing his cheek. Jane grabbed the case and carried it onto the plane as Lucy and Cara got on board as well. Kate gave him an appreciative smile.
"Thanks again for meeting us and helping. As usual, everything you were told is classified information."
"I didn't know the DIA went out on field missions like this. They don't, do they?" She eyed him curiously.
"You'd be surprised, but not always, no."
"And Cara is definitely not DIA."
"What are you asking me, Ernie?"
"Whatever you want to tell me. I know you are DIA, but you sometimes do not so DIA things. I also know that Jane respects you and you two share some sort of kinship, maybe from past experiences."
"I always figured if you really wanted to know, you'd just hack into the systems and try to look me up." He shook his head.
"I would never invade your privacy like that, unless to keep you safe. I figured you would tell me when you were ready and if I needed to know."
"Well, since you already know more about this mission than you should and seem to be curious, I will leave it up to you. Do you want to know?"
"I want to help, if I can."
"Okay, short version, I used to be Cara's handler. She needs our help staying safe. If you want to be in our ear to help with that, it would be much appreciated." He nodded and handed her a phone.
"Jane knows to call me when you land. I already begged to be on the op, but she said it wasn't her permission I needed. I've got your back, Kate."
"Thank you. I'm sure Jane will brief you when we arrive," she said as she put the phone in her pocket.
"Stay safe," he called as he waved and she climbed the stairs of the plane.
The long trip to Moscow was mostly spent planning and strategizing. Once they were comfortable with the plan and made sure all their gear was accounted for, they decided to spend the remainder of their time aboard resting. Cara was asleep in the back of the plane and Jane was analyzing every detail she could around the terrain and region they would be in. Lucy and Kate were sitting together toward the front of the plane and the petite brunette had her head on her girlfriend's shoulder.
"I know you are worried, but it's going to be okay. We all know what we are doing," assured Lucy.
"I just wish none of you had to be involved in this. I even tried to talk Jane out of coming."
"I know. I'm surprised you didn't try to pull that again with me."
"I would've given you an out, if I thought even for a second you would take it."
"Of course I wouldn't. There's nowhere else I would want to be. That's what you still don't get. If I stayed behind, I would just go crazy worrying about you. I rather be here with you, helping, doing something. We're better when we are together, Kate, as a team." They heard Jane speaking with someone and looked back to see her on the phone. By her soft tone and the way she was speaking, they knew she was talking to one of her kids. They watched how quickly she transitioned from focusing on the op to being in mother mode.
"Do you think she ever worries about being in a situation like Carlos, having someone find the kids and use them or her past against her," asked Lucy.
"That would never happen."
"That's the only thing I worry about when it comes to having kids someday. Our jobs could really complicate that." Kate laced their fingers together and cleared her throat.
"So um, just so you know, if that was ever in the cards for us, our kids would be firewalled, just like Alex and Julie are."
"Our kids, huh," asked Lucy with a bright grin and Kate blushed.
"Our hypothetical kids, of course."
"Of course," teased Lucy.
"Jane's kids are protected, firewalled, no one can link them back to her time with the CIA. In fact, I'm pretty sure she still has that privilege even though she's out. Besides that, she makes sure she isn't followed home, her house has safety measures, and we were all trained to have backup plans in case something goes wrong, so I know Jane does too. It's one of the only perks of working there. They will hang you out to dry, but your family remains safe. I wish Carlos had that. If he did, maybe he wouldn't be in this mess now."
"I can tell you want to help him, but he did make a choice. He betrayed all of us and even got close to you just so he could."
"That's just it, though, Luce. It was never really a choice. My time with my father and that job taught me a lot about choices. It isn't a choice when you're coerced, when your only two options both result in your greatest fears happening. Choosing to betray us? That was never the choice. He had to choose to either betray his country or kill his family. I've seen a lot of people make that choice over and over again. It's how we coerced Myra. No matter how corrupt or evil, everyone can be coerced and everyone has someone that can be used against them."
"What's going to happen to him, then?"
"It depends on if we can intercept the intel or not. If we can't, he goes to a black site like Maggie did. If we can, I may be able to work something out. I'm really hoping we destroy that intel before the Russians get it. A lot of people are counting on it." Lucy tenderly kissed her and Kate pulled her closer as their lips meshed together.
"What was that for," asked Kate.
"You're an amazing woman. You're always trying to save people, even when they don't realize it. I love that about you," confessed Lucy and Kate kissed her again before pulling her into her arms. Lucy cuddled closer and Kate rested her cheek on the top of her head.
"Get some sleep," whispered Kate, and Lucy was more than happy to fall asleep in her girlfriend's arms.
Moscow was a beautiful, vibrant city and they managed to clear customs thanks to their designations with the U.S. Embassy and Consulate. Once they left the safety of the grounds, the present danger felt like more of a pressing matter and they followed Jane to a rendezvous point she'd used in the past for safe passage. Kate's contact met them there and once they were confident no one was being followed, they headed to the safe house provided by yet another one of her old friends. Lucy wasn't surprised this time when a beautiful woman escorted them down the stairs of a high-rise in the middle of Moscow.
"The building is secure and my credentials are good for two more weeks. The bottom level is the most secure living space. You know how inefficient is it to be up high in our line of work, penthouse suite or not," explained Evelyn and Kate smiled appreciatively as they entered the luxurious apartment.
"I was expecting a hole in the wall. This is more than enough," said Kate as everyone settled in and Evelyn giggled.
"The agency likes to do things with style and a bit of flare."
"That definitely describes this."
"Speaking of flare, far be it for me to tell Americans how to operate, but may I ask what your interests are with the Russians, just enough to know when to take cover if need be, of course," assured Evelyn as she placed a hand on Kate's shoulder. Jane had to hide her smile as Lucy rolled her eyes and bit her tongue to stop from saying anything. Cara, on the other hand, had no problem speaking up.
"It's a simple recon mission. Time sensitive though, so you'll have to try to jump her bones some other time," said Cara. Lucy stifled a laugh and Jane shook her head as Kate rolled her eyes.
"Forgive them, it's been a long trip," said Kate and Evelyn kissed Kate's cheeks.
"Don't worry. I'm used to dealing with American crassness. It's one of the reasons I get on so well with you. You understand the importance of decorum. Feel free to wear whatever you find in the closet. Moscow can be quite chilly."
"Give Fiona and the kids my best."
"I will. Stay safe and try not to make too much noise out there," said Evelyn. She rolled her eyes at Cara before departing and Kate sighed as she locked and secured the door.
"You do know that everyone who is friendly to me isn't trying to have sex with me, right," asked Kate as she looked at Lucy and Cara. Lucy put her hands up in defense.
"I didn't say a word," defended Lucy.
"She was totally thinking it though. Oh and to answer your question, most of the people being friendly to you are trying to jump your bones," said Cara.
"Evelyn is one of my DIA contacts. We often share intel with MI-6 and it can make for some long assignments sometimes. She is happily married and has a family."
"What does that have to do with her wanting to jump your bones," asked Cara and Lucy shook with mirth. Jane pulled out her phone and dialed a number before speaking up.
"We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, so let's focus on the task at hand. Cara, you'll check in. I'll keep an eye on you from a distance. Lucy, Kate, you'll head to the server site. Ernie has some more information for us about the building," said Jane as she put him on speaker phone.
"What do you have for us, Ernie," asked Lucy.
"Glad you made it safely. The server is maintained by a software developing company, Artezio. Their headquarters are where you will be headed tomorrow. I ran the specs and it looks like the server in question is kept in the basement and heavily guarded in a restricted access area. The site is close to Kubinka military base and that's by design. They can swarm in minutes if they need to respond, so you're going to have to be careful. The best time to hit on a Monday will be around noon during the lunch break and shift change. Luce, your alias will get you in the building. You're a recruited software developer from Austin, Texas. I've scheduled a tour for you with your recruiter at 11:30," informed Ernie and Jane nodded in agreement as she started to unpack the equipment.
"Kate, you'll be her backup. I'll be Cara's," added Jane.
"Oh and Lucy, once you plug in the USB, I'll have remote access and do the rest, so plug in, get out, and try not to look too suspicious. I found a backdoor into the building's security, so I'll have eyes on you as well and be able to get you to the server tomorrow."
"You're a lifesaver, Ernie," said Lucy.
"He's right about the military presence. Moscow is a force to be reckoned with on a regular basis, but that building is fortified. The server is there for a reason, so we'll need to be very careful," added Kate.
"Once you're out and the intel is destroyed, I'll retrieve Cara from her handler," said Jane.
"What if they take me in before you can," asked Cara.
"Based on your previous routine when you first arrive, that's unlikely, especially since you aren't needed on base until Tuesday. We should have a 24-hour window to get your out. But if your handler changes the plans and doesn't take you to the safe house for the night, we'll figure something out. Kate and I both have reinforcements and a few favors to call in the region, but neither of us wants to have to use them," informed Jane.
"I'm almost out of all mine and suddenly am racking up quite the debts in the favor department. Let's hope it's a quick retrieval mission," agreed Kate.
"Thanks, Ernie," said Jane before hanging up and Cara yawned.
"I'm going to bed. Looks like there are two bedrooms, so I'll take the couch. I can sleep anywhere and prefer to keep an eye on the door. Night," said Cara as she plopped down on the couch and kicked off her boots.
"Your friend is right. Americans are crass. Goodnight," said Jane as she grabbed her bag and headed for one of the rooms. Lucy headed toward the other and Kate winked at her.
"I'll be right there," assured Kate. Lucy nodded and went to the bedroom while Kate sat down beside Cara on the couch.
"Pretty sure your girlfriend isn't going to let you sleep with me."
"I know you're scared, but you don't have to be," said Kate.
"I'm not. We have a plan. It's going to work."
"Yes, it is."
"And if it doesn't, I die tomorrow, either a quick execution or a slow, painful, tortuous death." Cara grabbed one of the couch pillows and placed it under her head as she fell back on the couch. Kate sighed and slowly nodded.
"I know you aren't a big pep talk fan. It's one of the reasons we get along. I suck at pep talks, but what can I do to put you more at ease?" Cara thought for a moment and smiled mischievously.
"Kiss me." Kate rolled her eyes.
"What else can I do for you," asked Kate, completely unfazed by the response. Cara thought again and her smile faded.
"Make sure my sister knows. I mean…you know. My biggest fear is dying and no one caring or maybe the world would even rejoice when I'm gone."
"That's not true. A lot of people would mourn you."
"Yeah, right."
"You're looking at one of them. You annoy the hell out of me, most of the time on purpose, but I chose to be your handler for a reason, Cara. Sure, you get the job done and already had a great track record, but I chose you because you care. You tell the world that you don't, but you care more than most people ever will and I can relate to that. I need you to remember something when you are out there tomorrow. You came to me and not your handler for a reason. It's because you know come hell or high water, I will get you out, so trust me to do that." Cara smiled at her.
"I do. Now, get off my bed before we make your girlfriend jealous." Kate shook her head in amusement as she stood up.
"Goodnight," said Kate before heading into the bedroom Lucy chose for the night. She sighed in relief when she saw her girlfriend waiting for her in bed in nothing but an oversized shirt. Kate locked the door and took off her shoes before crawling into bed. Lucy curled up beside her and Kate captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Their eyes locked as Kate settled in between her legs and Lucy cupped her cheek.
"Cara's worried," admitted Kate.
"I know and I don't blame her. She's been trained not to trust anyone and now she has to trust us to save her life. That's a big ask. I know you're worried too."
"Luce, I can't lose you."
"You aren't going to," assured Lucy as Kate looked down. Lucy tilted her chin back up to her.
"But I also don't want to go out there tomorrow with words left unsaid between us. I love you, Kate. I have for a while and that's why everything hurt so much when I first saw Cara." Tears filled Kate's eyes as she traced Lucy's lips with her thumb.
"I never expected you, but I can't imagine my life without you anymore. I love you so much, Lucy." Their lips meshed together in a kiss so full of love and desire that nothing else needed to be said. Instead, Kate pulled off Lucy's shirt and her own before showing her just how much she needed her.
AN: I really like UndercoverKacy almost as much as I like DomesticKacy. This story has been fun to write so far and I hope you are enjoying it as well. Next up, the op. More soon.