I still own no part of Spooks.
Physical Readiness Ch 3
Harry sat at the head of the table in the meeting room, and Ruth took a seat to his right. They were joined by Jo and Zaf, then Adam, Malcolm, and Ros, who seated themselves around the table. Four pairs of eyes switched back and forth between Harry and Ruth, seeking clues as to what might have necessitated their private pre-meeting. Ros doodled.
"Updates. Ruth." Harry requested, starting the briefing. Once Ruth had presented her blessedly non-alarming report, the others spoke one by one. There was nothing earth-shattering, nor even particularly gripping about any of their reports, so Ruth found herself unable to keep focused on their words.
"I can't believe I've gotten so out of shape!" she thought. "Actually not at all surprising considering my current schedule. I thought my lungs were going to burst on that run and it still wasn't fast enough? And those wretched pushups – never been good at them. But at least I thought my situps would have been OK. I don't have time for this. Oh, and I'll have to find my workout clothing. Maybe it's in the box under my bed….
"And so I don't think there's any need for concern there," Adam finished, before Malcolm began something about a new backup system.
"Wait a minute!" Ruth's private thoughts continued. "Five nights a week. 2 hours. With Harry. This might not be all bad…. Except oh crap!" Ruth gasped. "I'll be all sweaty. I'll get all red-faced. I'll probably grunt, too. Oh my God! This could be terrible!" Only when the droning background voice that had been washing over her suddenly became silent did Ruth realize that all eyes were on her, quizzically.
"Ruth, what are you talking about?" asked a confused but grinning Jo. "What's terrible? What would get you all sweaty and red faced and grunting?" Jo was asking, while Ruth's voice froze in her throat. Ruth may have been speechless, but she was certainly able to observe the knowing grins on the faces at the table, even as she realized that a. she must have said that out loud! Bloody Hell! and b. that they all thought she was talking about something much racier than calisthenics. Ruth imprudently retorted with the first thing that came into her head "I'm just looking forward to the joys of menopause, that's all. Carry on please. Errr…sorry to interrupt."
"Bugger bugger BUGGER!" Ruth thought, squirming in humiliation. What is wrong with me? OK. I must stay focused on every word of this meeting."
"Well, on that curious insight into Ruth's psyche, I suggest we adjourn," said Harry. "But before we do, I need to inform you all that the Witch has, in her wisdom, given me a Top Priority Assignment which will necessitate my being off the grid from 7-9 each evening, indefinitely." Meeting Ruth's eyes he amended "No, make that 6:30, actually. Ruth will be with me. So we are both unavailable during those hours until further notice. Adam, you will cover."
Four voices simultaneously blurted out some form of "What is the assignment? What are you doing? Where will you be?" and, "You and Ruth?" Ros tried to look disinterested. Ruth tried to look as cool and professional as possible under the circumstances, and Harry tried to look discouraging as he announced "This is a Need to Know situation, and none of you needs to know. I'll keep you apprised as the situation warrants. Now carry on."