Disclaimer: I do not own Jonny Quest. I am making no money off of this and it is purely for fun and enjoyment.

A/N: This chapter is a bit shorter than my normal ones, but its mainly a transition chapter. More action next chapter!

Chapter 7

"This is so damn frustrating, Phil!" Race exclaimed. He and Phil had returned to the hotel after checking in with Kovar at the crime scene. The INTERPOL man had ensured the two men that any information he learned from Arman's alleged makeshift lab would be passed along to the Intelligence One men as soon as Kovar found out himself.

If that hadn't been frustrating enough, they were not able to locate Jade again since she had taken off on Race when the Russian gunman had started shooting at them in the back alley of Arman's apartment building. A search of the dead Russian had revealed nothing as well, the man carried no identification nor did he possess any documentation that could give the I-1 agents a clue as to the whereabouts of General Vostok.

"Relax, Race," Phil said as he handed a bottle of the infamous Prague beer, Staropramen, to Race before sitting down. "This is the job. It's not all action all the time, you know."

Rubbing a hand over his face, Race replied, "I know, Phil, but this is just crazy. I mean, how do we know that Vostok isn't going to strike tonight?"

"Honestly, Race, we don't." Phil confessed as he took a long swig from his own bottle. "However, it is safe to assume that he's not. I cannot imagine Vostok has the ability to take Arman's agent and weaponize it within a matter of minutes or even hours."

Race nodded. Before opening his beer, he withdrew his weapon, dropped the magazine and ejected the round from the chamber. With the weapon cleared, he began to strip if down so he could clean it. He'd only fired a few rounds, but Race was meticulous about keeping his firearm clean no matter how many rounds he had fired through it. Phil watched his partner with an approving, but also watchful eye.

Deciding to change the subject, Race started to wipe down his handgun and said, "So you've been with Intelligence One longer than I have. Tell me more about it."

"Like what?" Phil asked.

"Like what to expect. Seriously, Phil, this organization is so different from what I thought it was going to be."

"Do you not enjoy what you're doing? It's not that much different than being in the military, just more freedom of movement in my opinion."

Race gave Phil an inquisitive look, "What made you leave the Army to come over to I-1?"

Phil shrugged, "Better opportunities and better pay."

Race could tell Corbin wasn't being completely honest. "Come on, Phil. Let's be honest with each other. You know everything about me. Hell you have my file and you handpicked me to be your partner for this mission, but I barely know shit about you. We need to be able to trust each other."

"I do trust you." Phil said. The dark haired man took another swig of his beer as he looked away. Race could tell something was bothering him.

"So tell me." Race pushed.

"It's complicated, Roger." Phil mumbled.

Caught off guard by Phil's use of his real name, Race set down the pieces of his handgun on the table and directed his complete attention to the other man. "What happened, Phil? I know there was a mission...a specific mission that brought you over. You're an MI guy, worked with Special Operations Command as a Lieutenant with clearances granted at the highest levels. So what happened?"

Race watched as Phil sighed, turning his gaze to stare out the windows. Letting the man compose his thoughts, Race picked up the barrel of his pistol and began to wipe it down again as he watched his partner's facial expressions; whatever Corbin was remembering it affected the veteran agent more than he tried to let on.

Finally Phil turned his gaze towards Race; a gaze that appeared clouded by torture, anger and sadness all at once. "I was the team leader of a five man HUMINT team deployed to the Balkans."

"During the wars?" Race asked gently, referring to the wars in the Balkans where the US military served as part of the NATO peacekeeping force.

Phil nodded, but his eyes remained distant. He cradled the bottle of beer gently in his hands. "Yes, during the early stages of the war."

"Phil, What happened?" Race asked, realizing that whatever his newfound friend was about to share wasn't going to be pleasant.

"We were looking into reports of mass murders of Muslims and ethnic Croats by Serbian soldiers. Local sources had given us the location of a mass grave as well as the possible hideout of those responsible for the massacre. We found the grave." Phil's eyes were lowered as he recalled his tale, but as he spoke the last sentence he lifted his eyes towards Race and he saw the pain and suffering in the veteran's eyes; pain and suffering that pulled at Race's own heart. "A grave that contained over thirty corpses. Women, children, the elderly, and fighting age men and boys. They had been slaughtered like cattle."

Race remained silent, allowing Phil to continue with his tale. "Later, along with a squad of special forces soldiers, we moved in on the hideout, but someone had tipped the Serbs off. They knew we were coming."

"They ambushed you?" Race asked.

Phil drained his bottle, nodding to Race's question. "Yeah. An improvised explosive device took out three of my people and two of the spec ops guys before we even breached the building. A firefight ensued and after all was said and done, only myself and one of my team members survived, along with three of the special forces guys, one of which died a few days later from his wounds. We were cut down by fifty percent, Race, and for what? To arrest some low level thugs? We didn't even get the ring leader responsible for the massacre."

"So you left the Army after that?"

"Only because the Army refused to acknowledge the operation and the deaths of my comrades, but Intelligence One did. They called me in for a debrief and I told them what happened. A week later I-1 had the ring leader in custody and my team had received the proper recognition for the sacrifices they had made for their country. My youngest trooper, Specialist Davis, had only just turned twenty years old a few weeks prior. Not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. Director Stephens personally worked to get me out of my contract and I've been with I-1 ever since."

Race shook his head, but that fact that Corbin remembered his soldier's name was not lost on Bannon. "Unbelievable that the Army would take such a position."

"It was years ago, Race," Phil said with a shrug. "I still have the utmost respect for the Army and what DoD has to do, but I-1 has more leeway in regards to conducting covert operations and protecting America's freedoms."

"I see." Race mumbled as he returned to cleaning his weapon, but he watched Corbin as the man took a moment to remember his fallen comrades before looking back at Race, and a smile, even a forced one, returning to the man's visage.

Race kept his eyes on his partner as the man stood and stretched. Rubbing his face with his hands, Phil said. "You want to get out of here for a while?"

"Huh?"

"Let me call Pavel and we can head down to the Charles Bridge, see if the old pigeon man has found out where Vostok is holed up."

"And if he hasn't?" Race asked as he began to put his Sig back together.

"Then let's enjoy Prague's nightlife. Shit, after the last twenty-four hours I can use a temporary reprieve and I imagine you could as well. Down a few glasses of Absinth and you'll never feel that bullet wound ever again."

"Maybe we'll run into Jade while we're out." Race added as he finished assembling his weapon.

"Only you, Bannon, would want to get with a woman that cracked you in the head with a baton then taunted you as you lie bleeding in an dirty alley." Phil joked.

"You have a thing for the bookworm, Renaissance artsy ladies, Phil. I like the ones with some feistiness to their personas."

Laughing Phil said, "At least the women I'm attracted to don't try to kill me on the first date."

Pointing at his partner as he headed for the door, Race said, "As far as you know." Then as he opened the door he said, "I'll meet you in the lobby in thirty minutes."

"See you then." Phil said as he removed his suit jacket and pulled at his tie, preparing to get into something more comfortable for the evening. Before Race left, Phil called out his name, "Hey, Bannon."

Turning towards the other I-1 Agent's voice, Race said, "Yeah?"

"Thanks, partner. I kind of needed that."

Race smiled and gave the other man a nod, "No problem, Phil. Now let's go get some drinks to honor your fallen comrades."

Phil smiled, "Sounds like a plan."

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"So glad that you could join us, comrade." Vostok growled as Doctor Arman exited the vehicle. He had driven to the desolate farmhouse where General Vostok had set up his base of operations.

"I barely made it out of there, Vostok." Arman replied with a bit of defiance in his voice. "Your man was not very good at doing his job."

"You made it out of there alive, yes? I would say he did his job just fine, Askar." Vostok replied, his face growing dark. "You are not in a position to question the loyalty and dedication of one of my Russian brothers."

Arman gulped nervously, his sudden spike of courage at facing Vostok vanishing completely at the General's words. "I did not mean it like that, Sir."

Vostok dismissed Arman's statement with a wave of his hand, changing the subject. "I trust you at least brought the rest of the agent with you."

"I did," Arman moved to the back of the van, opening it to reveal a metal case, similar to an ammunition can. "They are inside here."

Vostok grinned. Colonel Yasimov motioned to one of his men, who moved forward to secure the can. "Take it inside." The Colonel ordered. The guard nodded and did as instructed.

"Now, Doctor, please to follow me inside. We need to discuss the plan for tomorrow evening."

"Tomorrow evening?" Arman replied, "I thought,"

"There has been a change of plans, Doctor. For now we need to test your new creation to ensure it is as effective as you claim."

"If that woman hadn't of stolen my sample we could have already done so." Arman grumbled as he followed Vostok and the Colonel inside.

"Yes, well, things happen." Vostok laughed maliciously under his breath. "I am giving you the opportunity to make amends for your foolhardy choices as of late."

Stopping just inside the farmhouse, Arman peered cautiously at Vostok's back. "What are you saying, General? I've fulfilled my part of the deal, so where is my payment?"

Vostok stopped, then slowly turned back to face the old scientist. Clasping his hands behind his back, Vostok glared at Arman for so long the other man began to shift nervously once again. Finally Vostok replied, "You will receive your payment once I say so, Askar."

Shaking his head, Arman stammered, "No, I want it now."

Arman caught the subtle nod from the General to Yasimov, but before he could react his arms were seized from behind and yanked with a vicious force behind his back. Crying out in pain, Arman proclaimed, "What are you doing, Vostok?"

"Ensuring you continue to do as you are told, Doctor." Vostok sneered. "Once the device is ready you will carry out one final act before you receive your payment."

"Stop this!" Arman cried as he struggled uselessly against the Colonel's grasp.

"Oh, but you will enjoy this, Doctor. One last act against those that snubbed you and your work all those years ago."

"No, I do not want any more part of this. I don't need payment, just let me go." Arman pleaded.

His desperate cries fell on death ears. "Take him away, Colonel. Ensure he remains under constant supervision until he is needed."

"Yes, Sir." Yasimov replied as he yanked Arman so hard, the man was almost lifted from his feet. "It will be my pleasure."

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Corbin frowned as he slipped his cell phone back into his pocket. Standing on the Charles Bridge next to Race, the cool evening breeze whipped past the two men as onlookers and tourists continued along the famous bridge, eager to enjoy whatever festivities they had planned.

"He's not answering the phone I gave him." Phil placed his hands in his jacket pockets as he looked at Race.

"He probably hasn't found anything yet." Race offered.

"You wouldn't think it would be hard to find a bunch of Russian ex-soldiers running around this place. They'd stick out like sore thumbs."

"Maybe we got them all." Race suggested.

Phil snorted, "You're good, Bannon, but you're not that good. Vostok has an small army surrounding him. It'll take more than a couple of shootouts with them to eliminate his gang."

"So what now?" Race asked. "I'm starving." The evening was growing late and Race suddenly realized he hadn't eaten anything all day.

Phil shrugged as he looked across the water. "I'm open to suggestions."

About to throw out a few ideas, Race was cut off. "What are you boys up to tonight?"

Turning towards the familiar voice, Race saw Jade had sauntered up next to him. Even as the temperature on the cold November night continued to drop, Jade appeared unfazed by the briskness in the air. She was dressed in tight, form fighting slacks, a low-cut emerald green top that showed off her womanly assets, and an unbuttoned light, black leather jacket. She had a small purse in one hand and her other hand was resting carefree on her hip. Race snapped his mouth shut when he realized he was gawking at the sight of her.

"What do you want, Jade?" Phil asked, but Race could tell the other man was also taken aback by the woman.

Jade smiled seductively at the two men and replied, "Just out for a night on the town. After that craziness this morning at Askar's place I needed a drink."

"Why'd you take off on me?" Race questioned as Jade's statement brought him back to reality.

Shrugging, Jade replied, "It was crazy. I'm not used to working my trade when so many bullets are flying back and forth." Making a show of glancing around casually, she asked. "So what's going on here? You two waiting for someone?"

"We were just leaving actually." Phil replied.

"I see," Jade purred.

"I'm ready to get something to eat and maybe a few drinks as well." Race suggested.

"Mind some extra company?" Jade grinned as she slipped an arm through Race's then smiled at Corbin. "I know how you much you must love hanging out with Phil here, but he can be so stuffy at times."

Phil rolled his eyes. "You really enjoy pushing my buttons, don't you?"

"You make it so easy." Jade smiled. "But I know a great little place off the beaten path. You two will enjoy it."

"Phil, come on." Race said, seeing his partner's agitation.

Phil shook his head as his phone beeped. Retrieving it from his pocket, he read the text message, then placed the phone away.

"What is it?" Race asked, dropping Jade's arm.

"Nothing," Phil said. "It's not Pavel." Sighing he looked at his two companions then said, "Look I'm going to head back to the hotel. I'm tired and I have some paperwork to do, thanks to you, Race. So why don't you two go out and enjoy yourselves."

"What? Come on, Corbin." Race protested since it was Phil's idea to go out in the first place.

"I don't want to be the third wheel." Phil smiled. "Seriously, go on. Just be ready to go first thing in the morning. There's a lot to do before the symposium which starts at six tomorrow night."

Race sighed, but acquiesced. "Alright. You're sure?"

Phil smiled, "I'm sure. Just try to stay out of trouble and not shoot anyone tonight." Slapping Race on the shoulder, Phil gave Jade a look then headed off, blending in with the crowd of passer-bys within seconds.

Race watched him go, then turned back to Jade. "Why do you give him so much crap?"

Jade chuckled lightly, "Because he needs to lighten up, he's always so serious."

"Yeah, but, that's just how he is." Race countered.

"Look, handsome, do you want to stand here talking about Phil Corbin all night or do you want to go have some fun? Besides, if you really think he's going back to the hotel to do paperwork, you've got a long way to go in being able to read people."

Taking her by the arm, the couple started to walk off in the direction of Jade's destination. "What's that supposed to mean? If he got a lead, he'd tell me."

Jade rolled her eyes, smiled, then patted Race's forearm. "Believe me, Race, he definitely left to meet someone, but not a lead."

Race smirked and mumbled, "I see. Slick, Corbin, real slick." Inclining his head towards Jade he said, "So what's this place you're taking me to?"

Jade smiled, "Oh just a little hole in the wall restaurant. Trust me, the food is great and you're going to need your strength for what I have planned for the rest of the evening."

Race grinned at the implication as he allowed Jade to lead the way.

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To Be Continued...

A/N: MI = Military Intelligence; Corbin's basic branch in the Army.