This chapter moves fast!

Please read the author's note at the end, thank you!

The Long Road Ahead

Act II

Episode VIII

Tuatha De Danaan

That old familiar scent of sea water hit Tessa's nose like a ton of bricks. She stepped off the helicopter. Putting one foot in front of the other the Captain carefully made her way off the military machine and onto the large flight deck of the Tuatha De Danaan, Mithril's most advanced submarine, her submarine. Even on the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean the shear mass of the vessel was enough to make the submarine still as the grave. Tessa could hear the waves washing up against the metal hull and the warm summer sun shown down from above. The TDD-1, the submarines shorter abbreviation, rode softly across the waves, far enough from any eyes that might be looking during the machines brief appearance above water to take on its precious cargo…Now on the metal flight deck, Tessa Testarossa somehow felt oddly at home. This was her machine after all, the place she could do the most good. Yet, in another fashion, the circumstances were purely different than any time before…

Glancing behind her, Tessa noticed the armed Mithril soldiers flanking all sides of David Reed, front to back, left to right. Hands still locked together, the man slowly strode out of the helicopter's open back hatch. Clouseau wasn't far behind. That man stayed a few steps behind David with his hand resting on his sidearm. To Tessa, as much as she hated it, there was no surprise in how Mithril was reacting. She wished to help. But doing so would only dig her in deeper at this point. The only way David could get out of this was through the information he stole from The Collective. Maybe then with that slim chance would her organization take pity of his actions, yet even that was doubtful.

Not too far behind the first group, the rest of her friends emerged onto the flight deck. Kaname, Sousuke, Kurz, and Mao all strode somewhat disheartened behind the last remaining Mithril officers to exit the helicopter. They too knew they were in deep. Kaname was perhaps the only one who might make it out relatively unfazed. Thankfully, she hadn't gotten too involved in Mithril affairs. Kaname was a citizen after all.

The sounds of a voice and the sudden lurch forward of the TDD-1 brought Tessa's attention back front. Her mind was still rushing with all the details and her fingers twiddled with the data drives that were stuff in the pockets of the Mithril Uniform she was brought to wear.

"Captain Testarossa!" The stern and familiar voice called out from the large lift that led deeper into the TDD-1's hull.

Head hanging low on her head, Tessa strode toward the familiar voice. That hat on the top of his head gave him away. "Mr. Mardukas…" She mumbled knowing what kind of parental like scolding she was most likely in for.

For a moment, Mardukas simply stood there, his eyes looking down upon Tessa like the eyes of a hawk locking onto its prey. Even though the platinum haired young woman outranked her, their relationship had developed into something near a father and daughter like state. On more than one occasion had Mardukas put Tessa back in line when she needed it…After the brief silence Mardukas cleared his throat to speak. His hands fidgeted with an item he held hidden behind his back. "I'm not going to explain to you the wrongs of your actions, Captain Testarossa…"

Tessa flinched; yes, she knew her wrongs all too well. Her eyes darted toward the metal deck below her.

"…You've cause us quite a lot of trouble. You choice to go AWOL damn near got your submarine removed from your command…"

Just slightly, Teletha breathed a sigh of relief. At least she still had the TDD-1. That had to mean something at least.

"…I'm not going to lie to you; your choice of involving Ms. Kaname in this little vacation of yours also doesn't fly with your usual sense of logic and reason." Mardukas adjusted himself where he stood. The look on his face shown that he wasn't taking pleasure in scolding the young woman, but he also understood it was a necessary evil. "Not only did you put yourself in danger at a time like this, but you also put Kaname's life on the line as well." Once again Mardukas messed with whatever he was holding behind his back.

Coming up from behind, Clouseau pushed David Reed forward toward Mardukas. The man gave a brief nod, showing that he would deal with the man in a moment after he had finished with Tessa.

Tessa glanced back. Oddly enough, there was a content smirk on David's face, one that was aimed right toward her. It gave her a strange sense of comfort. She knew that David was still counting on her to get Bethany back from The Collective and his smile only made his emotions set in concrete

Mardukas let out a long sigh and adjusted the glasses on his face. His face softened before he began talking once more. "But, unlike the Council, I believe you had your reasons." Finally, the trust the two had bubbled to the surface. "While it might not have been the best method, I assume you accomplished what you set out to do and find out what you needed to." There was an odd stressing on Mardukas' words as if he knew something he wasn't saying. He messed with the item behind his back once again. "I'd be more than welcoming to your explanation now, Captain Testarossa."

It took a few seconds for Mardukas' words to sink in, but after those fleeting moments of silence Tessa timidly began her excuse. Her head sunk low as she began speaking, sounding quite ashamed after being cornered by Mardukas this way. "Mr. Mardukas, I firmly believe that David isn't our enemy anymore."

"Oh?" Shifting once more where he stood, the man's eyes darted between Tessa and David who was still handcuffed and guarded a few feet behind her.

Tessa still tried to sound as proper as possible, each word she spoke building up her confidence. "It's come to my knowledge that David Reed has been working on his own accord." She reached into her pocket and pulled out the two small black data drives she had been hiding, holding them in her palm for Mardukas to see. "After we followed him to Chicago, he handed me these. If what David says is true, these should give us enough information to strike back at The Collective before they can do any damage to anyone." Even though she didn't say it, Tessa also meant that they could get back Bethany Reed before The Collective found out what they were up to. "While my words not mean much at this point, all I can ask for is for you to trust me."

Gently, Mardukas removed the two drives from Tessa's palm. Lightly bouncing them in his hand, he finally returned his eyes to his Captain. Then, almost out of nowhere, a rare bright smirk crawled across the man's face. Still he continued to hold the two objects, and every few seconds his eyes would dart between Tessa, David, and the rest of the Mithril operatives who had since gathered around. "I see, Captain."

Speechless, Tessa tilted her head off to the side, wondering how or why in the world Mardukas was smiling as such. It didn't take long for Tessa to get her answer…

"You know, Ms. Testarossa…" Mardukas began his voice now oddly jovial for the man. "…The General Council wanted to take the TDD-1 away from you. But, after some convincing, I made them think otherwise. They wanted to ground our entire division." He held out the two drives back to Tessa which she soon took. "I'm glad you've not lost sight of what you want. I'm happy to see that you're willing to listen to your head and gut instead of just following orders." Then, out of nowhere, Mardukas let out a stern laugh. "That's why I've taken the liberty of outfitting the TDD-1 for a full combat operation. I hope that what you've brought back was worth it."

Tessa face became more and more confused. Mardukas was getting at something.

After a momentary pause, Mardukas revealed what he had been holding behind his back, a worn notebook, David's notebook. Sighing, Mardukas nodded affirmatively. "You see, Captain, while you may not have liked my actions, I too had to act on my gut…" Looking up, his eyes met Tessa's and then David's.

David fidgeted where he stood, seeing what Mardukas held in his hands and that now he was being addressed.

"…David, while I am by no means forgiving you for the trouble you've cause not only Mithril, but Ms. Testarossa, I now can see that I can't throw a man behind bar for acting as you did. I would be a hypocrite to say I wouldn't do the same as you for my family." Mardukas then put the notebook in Tessa's hands. "Mr. Reed, this doesn't let you off the hook. As you've probably guessed, you've made life hell for a great deal of people. I'm not promising you a warm welcome into Mithril's arms. You have just enough trust left with me to let you finish your work." His eyes motioned to Tessa. "And if you ruin anything for the Captain, I can assume you my wrath will be swift and just…But, I can proudly say, I'll do everything in my power to return your sister to you." Lifting one hand, Mardukas waved to the guards surrounding David. "Release him."

It was as if the air became pure oxygen. Tessa's heart jumped as she saw the guards remove David's handcuffs. Turning back to Mardukas, Tessa lurched forward, wrapping her arms around her father-figure and giving him a brief yet tight embrace. Mardukas himself coughed at the touch, both surprised, and somewhat a little annoyed seeing as it was an action unbecoming of a Mithril Officer. "T-Thank you, Mr. Mardukas!" Tessa shouted happily before releasing him.

Still, Mardukas managed a smile. "Tessa, David, don't make me regret my choice. The General Council wants David locked up, only I know about the notebook. What the TDD-1 does from here on out is left up to you, not the council. We can't return to Merida now until we finish the job. Myself, the crew, your friends, we are all putting our chips behind you. I'm praying to god what David brought back is worth the risk we all are taking right now."

It was now that David spoke up. "Mr. Mardukas…" He said softly, coming up to Tessa's side. "…I-I understand. Thank you. Thank you for leaving some trust with me…Once this is all over, I'll take my punishment." Reach out a hand, David prayed for Mardukas to take it.

Wasting little time, Mardukas reached out; giving David's hand a firm shake. He uttered a few silent worked before releasing his grip and walking away. "David, don't make me regret this…Don't make Tessa regret this…Now, let's get started…"

After many long and strenuous hours, the time had finally arrived. Captain Teletha Testarossa's hands were slowly starting to sweat under the pressure. The TDD-1 was now cruising full speed beneath the waves toward the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, a location reveal by David Reed's stolen data. And deep within the confines of the De Danaan's hull the members of Mithril's Special Response Team awaited their first and final briefing on their task…The small; auditorium-like room was packed to the brim with bodies. Most of the SRT were seated in the few desks that filled the dimly lit space, their hands each held a small manila folder, still sealed and waiting for the briefing to begin. Sousuke, Kurz, Mao, and Clouseau all sat together in the front row with David Reed filling the desk closest to Tessa's area near the front of the room. Even Kaname was in attendance, sitting in a small chair next to Sousuke. The time was now.

Tessa stood up from her desk, a sign for the briefing to begin. A large dim blue screen flickered to life on the front wall, slowly growing brighter with each passing second. Bodies shifted to a more attentive state as the Captain moved in front of the screen. Pausing, Tessa's eyes scanned the room, confirming to herself that everyone was here and ready. Giving herself a brief nod, she spoke up, addressing the members of Mithril's Special Response Team. "Good evening."

There was a faint yet stern reply of "Good evening, Ma'am" from the rest of the crowd. David himself only gave a nod.

It was odd, Tessa felt that lump in her throat return. Even though she had done this many times before and many different occasions, it felt different this time, harder than ever before. Taking in a deep and relaxing breath, she pushed on. "Please, open up your briefing packets." Pausing, Tessa's ears were filled with the sound of folders being ripped open and papers being pulled out and set on desk. Once the sounds subsided, she continued. "Tomorrow will be our first move against the organization known as The Collective." Holding a small remote tightly in her hand, with a press of a single button on its surface the screen shifted. An array of pictures from the case files which started it all appeared on-screen. "From what we understand, The Collective is a criminal organization seeking to acquire Black Technology, our information on them is currently limited. But after recent events I've decided to make the first move and strike at the heart of their Research…"

A faint murmur erupted from the SRT, one that quick fell to silence once more.

"…With the information David Reed has provided us, it has become known to Mithril that their main research facility is located on the Aleutian Island of Yunaska in the Bering Sea. This facility is known as Boreas." Tessa pressed another small button on the remote and the picture shifted to one of the island. Immediately what seemed to be a series of buildings dotted the once unpopulated island. The main facility, the one labeled BOREAS on-screen was nestled in the middle between what seemed to be two volcanic peaks. Perhaps its most distinguishable feature was the airstrip and large circular building on its northern end. Only a few, smaller, buildings dotted the island connected by an array of small roads. Giving the SRT a brief moment to look over their papers, Tessa continue. "This base, code named Boreas, is the location of The Collective's research branch, the one developing their piece of Black Technology. It's here where we will make our first move."

Tessa was about to shift slides when a voice rang out from the SRT members. "Excuse me, Ma'am?"

"Yes?" The captain replied politely, her eyes locking onto the SRT soldier in the middle of the room.

"If I may say, that doesn't look like a research facility to me." The soldier's hand motioned at the image of the Boreas Base. "It's too small, am I missing something here?"

Nodding, Tessa was expecting such a question. "Ah, yes…" Turning to David, she motioned for him to stand up. "It's now I'm going to employ the help of Mr. Reed. He has had more time to go over this information than any of us." With a friendly grin, Tessa motioned to David.

As he stood, there was another faint murmur from the SRT. But, this clamor of voice was more unhappy, untrusting than what Tessa had hoped for. She could see the look on David's face as the voices reached his ears as he stood. It wasn't comforting. "Thanks, Tes-." He cut himself off and changed his words to better fit the situation. Best not make things worse for himself than it already was. "Thank you, Captain."

Tessa replied with a nod and handed him the small remote. She made her way over to David's desk and sat down next to Kurz.

It took a few moments, but David finally turned to address the room. He pressed a button on the remote and the image shifted to a diagram of a massive multi-floored underground structure located beneath the circular building. It looked like a massive labyrinth of hallways and room. It was all seemingly attached to a spine like set of circular chambers in the center, each placed on top of the other as the structure pushed deeper underground. Aside from the main circular building above ground, only a few other entrances remained. Those being long stretched out hallways that looked like veins underground, only coming to the surface under small shed like buildings dotted around the Boreas airstrip…David gave everyone a moment to look over the underground research facility before giving his unrehearsed explanation. "This is the Boreas research facility. As you might have noticed, almost all of this structure is located underground, much larger than it appears on the surface."

More mumblings from the SRT.

A faint whisper from a random SRT solider reached Tessa's ear along the lines of "Why on earth are we listening to this guy? The traitor!" But as much as she wanted to lash out, now wasn't the time.

"The facility it split into tiers." David pressed a button on the remote which zoomed in on the structure. The images moved up and down, left and right, showing many elevators and staircases that separated the floors. Finally, the screen settled on the two bottom, and smallest floors. "While each floor has its own purpose, it's on these two bottom floors where your objective will be located." David motioned to the SRT and then back to the screen using his free hand to point out two specific rooms, one on each of the two bottom-most floors. "It's in these two areas where The Collective is storing both the piece of Black Technology known as The Puppet Master and…" David trailed off momentarily, his voice growing softer as his mind wandered in thought. "…and the Whispered which they developed it from."

Tessa winced. She knew it must've been hard for David to refer to Beth in such a way.

David switched the image again. This time the screen showed a small octagonal device that look a little similar to a large computer server with wires stretching out like spider legs in all directions. "Now then, about The Puppet Master. Even from what I stole, a lot of what I know is limited. But Captain Testarossa and I both believe that it works in a similar fashion to a computer virus or Artificial Intelligence, only in physical form…The Puppet Master is able to wirelessly work its way into a electronic network and take it over entirely on its own, bypassing and destroying any security in its way, giving the owner complete control over the network and all its functions…I don't think it's beyond reason that having one of these machines exist creates a heavy risk of disaster depending on where such a device might be deployed, whether in a military function or otherwise." David then returned his gaze to Tessa. "Captain, would you mind taking back over, I think I've run out of my usefulness at this point."

Nodding, Tessa pushed herself up out of her chair, quickly making her way over to David. As they passed, David set the remote gentle in her hand. His eyes briefly met hers before each darting away as David and Tessa returned to their areas in the room.

"Now, let's go over the operation itself." Pressing the remote once again, the image returned to that of the full island, this time with specific markings detailing the mission at hand. "The SRT will split into two main groups; the first and largest contingent will be led by Urzu 1, First Lieutenant Belfangan Clouseau." The captain's eyes met Clouseau's and he gave a nod in acknowledgement. "Your primary objective will be to first remove the Boreas' base communication tower, cutting it off from the rest of the island's facilities. The communication tower is located on the northwestern side of the airfield. Cutting the lines should buy us enough time to work as needed. Second, you'll then proceed to the airstrip, securing it and planting detonation charged as key points, the hangar, as well as any target of opportunity you find fit."

"Yes, Ma'am." Clouseau replied sternly.

"Good, now for the second SRT group…" Tessa's eyes then shifted to Melissa Mao. "…The second and smaller SRT group will be led by Second Lieutenant Mao, Urzu 2. Her team will consist of Sergeant Weber and Sergeant Sagara, Urzu 6 and Urzu 7…" Tessa flipped the image back again to the diagram of the underground structure. One of the long hallways jutting out toward a back entrance was highlighted. "…Their primary objective will be to enter the Boreas facility from one of the outer north eastern access points and secure the captured Whispered known as Bethany Reed."

Immediately the room fell deathly silent. An image of the young girl popped up onto the screen. It was the scanned picture of David and Bethany at the baseball game in Chicago. Some of the SRT was at a loss for words while others looked angry and others looked distressed.

Teletha Testarossa pushed on, fighting the feeling of that lump in her throat and resisting the urge to let a tear fall from her eye. "Bethany Reed will go under the call-sign of Seraphim. Once the Whispered is secure, Mao's team will plant detonation charges on The Puppet Master as well as any targets of opportunity on their way out of the structure…" Tessa returned her attention the rest of the room. "…Once all objective have been accomplished the SRT teams and Seraphim will be extracted via ECS equipped MH-67 Pave Mare's. It's then the charges will be detonated and the Boreas base and the equipment destroyed."

"Ma'am?!" Another SRT member chirped up with a raised hand.

Nodding, Tessa urged him to continue his inquiry.

"Will we be receiving Arm Slave support? Wouldn't a full assault on the island be easier?"

"Negative, this quick silent operation where time is of the essence. All weapons will be suppressed and any use of an AS would and could be too time consuming. In addition the deployment of any AS unit runs the risk of alerting the rest of the Island's facilities. Preferably, firearms will only be used when needed. Our job is to get in and get out quickly with minimal loss of life on both sides. In addition, the use of an AS could trigger unwanted side effects. The risks it holds to the life of Seraphim would be too great to justify Arm Slave deployment…That said, the TDD-1 will be on station to provide assist if needed. We are not here to get into a firefight. Only go loud if our cover is lost. The SRTs will not leave the island without the rescue of Seraphim complete. All other objectives fall behind that. Understood?"

There was a uniform "Yes, Ma'am" from most of the SRT soldiers.

"Now then…" Tessa began again. "…Get some rest, get some food, and read over your packets, tomorrow night we will be deploying to Boreas. Dismissed!"

That night came and went and the clock ticked ever closer to the time of deployment. Since the briefing, Tessa Testarossa's night was sleepless and fraught will an uncomfortable feeling in her gut like she was missing something. As the clocked moved to the next day's night, nothing changed. That feeling remained as she entered the large under-deck hangar of the TDD-1. In front of her all the members of the SRT were going over their gear. The time was now. All of the SRT soldiers were dressed in their green BDUs, vest covered with gear and ammunition in preparation for that night's events. Weapons were suppressed and each soldier took time looking over the man and woman to his or her left and right. Even the Pave Mares were placed on the lift ready to take off once they reached their destination. Glancing to the clock above the door behind her, it read 22:00. This operation was to take place in the dead of night. For Tessa, until this job was all said and done, it would be a sleepless one…

Ever since the briefing the day before, Tessa lost track of David Reed, only catching a glimpse of him speaking with Mardukas, Kurz, Mao, or Sousuke. Strangely, she felt like he was avoiding her. It surely didn't bring any more comfort to say the least. But now the Captain couldn't dwell on such assumptions. She was in command now. It was her turn to help David. With the crew of the TDD-1 behind her, Tessa knew that this would be her chance to make things right and even with David Reed and then maybe, they could put everything behind them and move forward…

Tessa finally reached the small three man team under Mao, with the addition of Kaname off to the side. Kurz and Melissa were busy chatting away about their roles while Sousuke was attempting to reassure Kaname about the entire ordeal…Kaname was the first to notice Tessa's approach, like a bolt of lightning she detached herself from the conversation with Sagara and moved toward her friend.

"How are you feeling? Kaname asked kindly, tilting her head off to the side. It was now that the rest of the group began to circle around Tessa.

"A little nervous to say the least." Tessa admitted with a large sigh. "It's been a long time since something like this." Anxiously, the girl smoothed out her tan captain's uniform. "I'd appreciate it if you joined me on the bridge during this, Kaname. If you're up for it, it'd be nice to have a friend close by…I would've asked David, but I can't seem to find him."

Kaname gave a little nod in reply. "Of course, I will, Tessa. What kind of friend would I be if I said no?!"

"Don't worry, Tessa!" Kurz chirped happily in response, wrapping his arm around Sousuke and Mao's shoulders. "We'll get the job done. You've done your part with planning; now it's up to us to do what we do best!"

Even Sousuke managed some words of encouragement. "Affirmative, Madam Captain, I can assure you that we've been through more difficult situations before." He adjusted the silenced P90 and slung it over his shoulder. "You can count on us."

It was now Mao's turn to speak, yet she looked over Tessa's shoulder, raising her eyebrows in an amused sort of way. "And I think I know where David is heading, Tessa…" With a point of her chin, she motioned for the group to take a look as the sliding door to the TDD-1's hangar slid open revealing two new bodies. "…Take a look."

Tessa cranked her waist around to see the approaching figures. Her eyes grew wide in surprise to see David and Mardukas walking side by side. "D-David?!"

Striding forward with Mardukas in tow, David Reed made his way toward Tessa. No longer was he dressed in his casual attire, instead, he now wore something new. Like a scavenger, David's uniform changed. Wearing a black hooded sweater with a dark grey vest full of gear and ammunition pulled over it, David's true old colors shown through. Tessa could only assume this is what David looked like back during his days in the CIA. Yet still, Tessa took in all the information. On his head he wore a black baseball cap, pulled reverse around his head and around his neck was scarf that looked Middle Eastern in style. But, David's dark blue jeans, not covered with black knee pads and combat boots, still gave some testament on how he used to look…Finally, slung across his chest was David's silenced rifle, a matte black G36C he had borrowed from the armory. David has no plans of staying on the TDD-1 during the night. He was going with the SRT. He was going to rescues his sister with everyone else.

David strode up and stopped in front of Tessa. He had that odd smirk on his face that she remembered from their days on the road together. It took a few seconds, but after a small chuckle David said something. "Sorry, I didn't tell you sooner, Tessa. I didn't want your plans to change simply because I wanted to go along."

Tessa heart lightened. "I-I see that, David." She replied, trying to stop her face from turning read. Even though it wasn't a true uniform, David did look like something else. Looking him up and down, Tessa's face too changed into an old familiar grin. "Don't worry, I'm not going to try and talk you out of going along. I know you can handle yourself."

Behind them a small alarm sounded, signaling the teams to start boarding their helicopters…

The captain took a small step forward. "Just promise me one thing, David."

"Hmm?"

"Come back safe…For me…"

A/N:

Well, this is it everyone…We've finally reached the finale of Act II!

In the next two chapters, you'll read the (hopefully) pulse pounding climax of Act II that I've been planning since the beginning of the story. You might want to get a seatbelt for your chair; you're going to need it…Along with a few other things…

I'm not going to reveal anything yet, but I assure you, you will not be disappointed with what happens next…

So stay tuned… Part I and II of Flight of the Seraphim will keep you on the edge of your seat till the bitter end!

Thanks for everything my faithful readers. You've meant the world to me. Please leave a review and tell me what you think!

Thanks,

Mr-Watch

P.S – PM me if you find an error, I'll fix it ASAP.