The Long Road Ahead

Act I

Episode VI

Island Paradise

David was asleep for most of the long trip for Merida Island. To Tessa it was no surprise. Throughout their journey back to their Pacific base she kept a good watch upon him as he slept. Watching him made her smile. David was simpler than everyone around her. Yes, he seemed to have combat experience and was strangely well-mannered, but that didn't matter to her. He was, for a lack of a better word, normal. Given her other Mithril associates were normal people as well, something about David intrigued her. He didn't call her "ma'am." He didn't salute her every time she walked by. Of course, he was a bit strange, but who isn't? In turn, David treated her like a regular person. David didn't, or simply wouldn't, treat her like commanding officer of Mithril. David treated her like she was a normal person, an average Joe. All those thoughts ran through Teletha "Tessa" Testarossa's head as their plane came to a stop on the large Merida Island runway.

The jolt of the plane landing stirred David from his slumber. Lazily his eyes peeled open as he looked around the C-17's open interior. Everyone was seated in their seats. To his right, Mao and Kurz were having a heated conversation about someone named "Sousuke." David couldn't make out the exact details, but it over some woman back in Japan. Still strapped in, he turned his head from side to side, stretching his neck. He looked to his left. Tessa wasn't there. His eyebrow raised in confusion. David wasn't too thrilled in being left alone with this amount of people he didn't know.

Tessa emerged from a small room near the pilot's cabin. Almost nervously she was adjusting her signature Mithril captain's uniform. Her eyes immediately locked onto David with a wide and joyous smile. "Glad to see you're awake, Mr. Reed!"

David looked her up and down with a smirk, seemingly taking in the details of her uniform. He got the image now of what she looked like most of the time.

Walking forward, Tessa made her way over to David. Other Mithril personnel were rising from their seats as the plane began the unloading process. Then Tessa notice the way David looked at her and she was wearing her heels again. One of them got stuck in the metal floor of the plane sending Tessa tumbling head over heels. "Oof!" The captain bellowed as she struck the floor.

Mao and Kurz stayed silent. Both of their mouths snapped shut as they attempted not to laugh or let Tessa know they saw. The pair didn't want to get involved.

David just sat there, eyes wide, head tilting down at her with surprise.

"Oh…Oh…" Tessa stammered as she picked herself up with unbelievable speed. Her hands smoothed out her tan skirt as if she was brushing off her embracement. "…Uh, Sorry." Was all Tessa could say as she picked up her leather suitcase that was next to David's feet.

"Well, good afternoon to you too, Ms. Testarossa." David said with a smile, unbuckling himself from where he sat.

Soldiers on the plane began filing out onto the tarmac. David, Kurz, and Mao gathered around where Tessa was still attempting to compose herself. Within moments they were the only ones in the large empty interior of the C-17 except for the pilots.

Mao flipped over a stack of white documents in her hand. She looked between her little group. "Tessa, I believe Commander Mardukas would like to see you if you have time. He should be waiting for us just outside the plane." Melissa's eyes switched to David. "I think he would like to meet you as well."

"Meet me?" David mumbled, soundly just slightly nervous.

"Yeah, the Commander keeps things under control while Tessa is out having her fun!" Kurz chuckled.

Mao was quick to elbow him in the side.

"Mardukas is second in command under me…" Tessa giggled, partially ignoring Kurz comment about 'fun.' She continued on. "…When I'm not around he keeps the base here running smoothly as well as a number of other operations. The Commander is a nice man, but a little…rough around the edges."

David gave a little shudder at the thought. Meeting someone else in high command wasn't something he wanted. "What does he want with me?"

"He probably just wishes to thank you." Mao chirped. "Mardukas fancies himself something as a father to Tessa."

"Ms. Mao, that's not entirely true." Tessa said happily. "He is just a good officer."

David gave a little whistle of apprehension. He might be getting in a little too far over his head.

"He also seems to figure himself a professor…Boy, does he like to lecture you if you do something wrong!" Kurz groaned, remembering a number of lectures he received from the Commander throughout his time at Mithril.

"Either way, we best not keep Commander Mardukas waiting. Please follow me." Teletha Testarossa replied. She began to make her way out of the C-17, giving David's sleeve a little tug, motioning for him to follow as she lead him out of the plane.

The group slowly strode out of the plane and onto a tarmac. They had parked just in front of a large empty hangar. A single man stood to greet them.

David's eyes locked onto the open space inside the hangar. A smaller two engine propeller plane drew his attention. His eyes looked over it for a few brief moments, thoughts running through his mind. But a strong voice pulled him back to the present.

"Ma'am!" Commander Mardukas barked as his body stiffened and his hand lifted in a salute.

Tessa returned the gesture. She lowered her hand, and Mardukas relaxed his body, his hands going behind his back. "Commander Mardukas." Teletha responded happily, obviously pleased to see her friend.

"Happy to see you've made it back safely, Ma'am!" Mardukas said, inching out a small grin as he adjusted his dark blue hat.

"Thank you Mr. Mardukas." Tessa replied. She side stepped a little closer to David. Placing her hand on his back she pushed him forward slightly. "Commander, this is David Reed. He is the one responsible for my well-being after the incident at the airport."

"Mr. Reed, I personally express my thanks in keeping Madam Captain safe." Mardukas stuck out his hand in greeting.

"C-Commander." David acknowledged with a nod. He gripped Mardukas' hand and gave him a firm handshake "It wasn't a problem."

"Captain Testarossa has mentioned during the plane trip that you had orders of your own to keep her safe?" There was a faint suspicious tone in the Commander's voice. He was quick and to the point, unwanting to take part in any sort of small talk.

David shuddered a bit at the comment. "Y-Yes, that's correct."

Tessa stepped in. "David is a little shy on sharing the detail on his employer. But I can assure you that we can trust him. I'll give you my word, Commander Mardukas. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him."

Mardukas paused for a moment, thinking Tessa's words over in his head. Everyone could tell by the look in his eyes he didn't approve of not knowing such information. "Very well then Ma'am." He turned back to David. "Be sure to extend my complements to your employer after you return to the mainland."

The young man let out a sigh of relief. David was thankful that Tessa was quick on her feet and avoided the conversation entirely. Although he was still mum on whom exactly he worked for. That was the way he wanted to keep it for now.

Mardukas took a step back in the hangar in which they stood. He moved his body, revealing a door behind him, the door that lead into the Mithril base on the island. "Captain, although I do not wish to be rude, I suggest David is escorted at all times around the base. It's just a precautionary measure. I'd rather not have him wander aimlessly into any area in which, for lack of any better word, a civilian shouldn't be."

David continued to stay silent throughout their conversation. He knew himself that he was no common civilian.

"If that is what you suggest is best." Tessa got a grip on David's sleeve as they made ready to move into the base. Her head tilted up to David and spoke in his ear. "I'll be sure to keep someone around during your stay. Hopefully Melissa or Kurz will be able to assist you when I'm unavailable."

"T-That sounds good, Tessa."

"Of course, David." Tessa chirped joyfully "Although my work may keep me at points, I'll sure to make time for you before leave. You're my guest, I'll be sure to treat you as such."

"Oh don't worry…" David began, his head tilted up to the hangar and then to the rest of the runway around him "…I don't expect to be staying too long. Hopefully I'm not too much of a burden on your organization."

"You're no burden, David…"

David cut her off before she could continue. "…Needless to say once I figure it's safe for me to return to my employer I'll let you all know."

Tessa started to stumble over her words. She wasn't exactly sure why David seemed to be in such a hurry to leave. Something about it seemed a little off to her. Ever since they had been rescued by Mithril David seemed a little on edge. Although it quickly returned to her that David wished to return and get his little sister as soon as possible. Opening her mouth to speak again, she was once more cut off by another.

"Ma'am." It was Mardukas "While I don't wish to rush you, I'm curious to see if you have the information from the Council meeting." Mardukas was referring the information labeled 'Case-File TC-1: Classified'. It was the same file Teletha was looking at when she was at the airport just when his all started.

Her eyes darted to the leather suitcase in her hands. Without hesitation she reached into it, grasping the manila file and pulling it out. Tessa held it out to Mardukas. "I believe this is what you're looking for. It's the information over what they call 'The Collective' I believe."

Mardukas took it in his hand. He motioned for the entire group to start moving toward the interior of the base. "Excellent." He uttered, his fingers flipping through the small stack of white papers. "I'll have our intelligence unit look it over right away."

The group started to move in unison. David stood alone slightly behind Tessa and Mardukas while Mao and Kurz bought up the rear of their little collective. They walked toward a large metal door.

Kurz whispered just loud enough for Mao and David to hear. "See? Tessa is just right back to business."

Mao grumbled a little but didn't reply.

Mardukas stepped aside upon reaching the door. He pressed a number of buttons and it slid open to reveal a large corridor leading deeper into the Mithril base. The Commander stood there for a number of moments, having no intention of following them inside. His eyes darted up from the mass of papers he held. "I believe we have a few extra rooms open for Mr. Reed's temporary accommodations."

Tessa eyes lit up again. "That's great!" She took a few steps backward coming to the side of David. "I'll be sure to show David personally to his quarters."

Mardukas continued. He eyed David curiously, like a dog on a scent. "Very good. Now if you'll excuse me I'll deliver this our intelligence operators by hand. I think I can handle operations from this point on if you wish to get some rest Madam Captain before you return to your duties. Mao and Weber, You're dismissed."

David returned the Commander's gaze. There was something about him simply didn't like. It was as if Mardukas was absorbing every single detail he could, even without the use of words.

Mao and Kurz wasted no time entering the base. The pair quickly turned together down the large corridor, vanishing just as they began to bicker comically again.

Teletha gave David another little tug on the arm, leading him through the door way. "Come on, let's go find your room."

David couldn't refuse. Tessa was quick to lead him away. Together they vanished down the same hallway in which Mao and Kurz did only moments before.

Mardukas watched them leave. His eyes didn't shift to Tessa, but they stayed locked onto David like a torpedo. There was something about how the young man acted that made the Commander uncomfortable. Although any of the other Mithril members didn't see it, Mardukas could smell it like a hound. Reaching toward his belt he pulled out a small radio and brought it up to his mouth. With his other hand he adjusted the frequency to connect to the intelligence unit on Merida Island. Pressing the black button on the side the Commander spoke in a cool demanding tone. "Assemble me a profile on this David Reed. I want to know everything."

It's wasn't exactly the largest room. But it was good enough for him. David sat alone in the temporary quarters he was given by Mithril for his stay. Merida Island they all called it. The island was damn near close to the textbook definition of an island paradise. Sun seemed to always shine down upon the sands and the lush greenery was only disturbed by the occasional glint of metal of the Mithril Base. Itself the base was hard to find, tucked away underneath large portions of ground where it could. Otherwise only runways and a few buildings would peek out from the trees and sand. While its location was technically a secret, it seemed that Tessa Testarossa had no problem bringing around a guest when the situation called for it.

David's room on the other hand, wasn't exactly the most glorious thing around. It must've been one of the smaller rooms on the base. It had a bed. There was a small bathroom with an equally small shower. The room had no kitchen, just a small place in the wall where a small refrigerator and microwave stood. But it was cozy. It had a decently sized bed for one person, and it even had a place for a nice TV and a desk for a computer. Although the temperature bothered David just a little bit, it was just a little cold for his tastes. He had worked with the thermostat and hope it would soon kick in. Tucked in the far back of a long dim corridor the room was at the end by itself. If looked at from a distance it might be mistaken for a janitor's closest. Clearly, this room was either meant for someone of low rank or just simply a spare room that no one ever used. In the end, David thought it was just a spare. The amount of dust that lay on each surface gave image of how this lone room wasn't a hot commodity.

Even so David sat on the small two person couch in his room. He sat across from where the TV should be. The room wasn't furnished except for the microwave, the fridge, desk, couch, bed, and a small table in front of him. His eyes looked around lazily as he leaned back against the cushions. In front of him he had laid out what was in the backpack he carried with him since the airport. There was his hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes, that old worn notebook, a couple pieces of paper, and a few other items. That was all he had to entertain himself while Tessa was about doing her business. She said to him that she had some matters to attend to after she left him in this room. Hours had gone by. Tessa Testarossa was going right back to business. But she did say she would return to him later that night when she had the chance.

He couldn't go anywhere as well. Mithril wasn't exactly thrilled about having what they called a "civilian" in their base. That Commander Mardukas stated that he couldn't go anywhere without an escort. And thus, David was stuck in this room. He waited and thought how he would get back to the mainland and to his little sister.

There was a light knocking on the door.

"Come on in." David muttered loudly, still sitting relaxed on the small couch.

The metal door slid open, revealing no one other than Tessa. Her hair was lightly frizzed and she had a weary expression on her face. Before opening her eyes she let out a long sigh. Obviously she had been working furiously over the recent hours. She stepped into the room. "I'm sorry I took so long, Mr. Reed." Tessa began as she stood above David who was still seated. "Missing a few days of work doesn't exactly let me off Mithril's hook."

David could only shrug. "I understand…Aren't you supposed to be taking it easy though?"

"Y-Yes…But, the more I do now the less I have to do later. When you're in my position you can't exactly take a number of days off and expect someone else to do the work for you."

"I can see that."

Tessa continued on. "I'm also sorry about the room. I know it isn't much, but it's all we have at the moment."

Laughing David pushed himself up off the couch. "Don't worry about it, Tessa." He could tell the young woman was having trouble with the amount of work that must've been pushed on her after the previous day's events. "It'll be good enough for me. I don't plan on being a thorn in your side for very long."

She grinned. On one hand she wanted him to stay a little longer. It was nice to have a friend like David around, while on the other she knew that he wanted to get back to his sister as soon as possible and she respected that. "Oh, you're not a pain, David!"

He shook his head lightly. "You know what I meant. But I do plan on getting back to my own work. You know I have a job to do."

"Perhaps." Tessa started to twirl her grey hair again. "Say, David?"

"Hmm?"

"Melissa and Kurz are getting together…Would you mind accompanying me?" Teletha said with a warm smile. "I mean, would you like to join us? They said you're more than welcome. And I know this room isn't exactly exciting."

David looked about with a sly grin. "Well, I was planning on…" He began with a clear sarcastic tone. Tessa was quick to cut him off.

"Oh come now, David." Tessa giggled. "It was a serious question. I'm not too fond of their drinking, so I hope that you'd be there to keep me company as another sober party."

The man gave in. He decided not to joke around anymore. "Sure thing, Tess. I'll come along."

There it was. He called her 'Tess' again.

Author's Notes:

Like I said a shorter episode!

Hope you enjoyed it! And remember only two more Episodes before the end if Act I! Be sure to stay tuned! I can assure you the end of the first Act will be quite the event!

You might expect the next (shorter) episode sometime this weekend, and the final Act I episode sometime next week!

Anyway, please review. I love to hear what people are thinking about the story.

Stay tuned everyone,

Mr-Watch

P.S – And as always, PM me if you find any errors. I'll be sure to fix them ASAP!