A/N: Don't own anyone but the OC's...
jag389 – I give props where props are rightfully due!
Sabrialthazar – Your short review is welcome!
nluvwithemmettcullen – Your answer is correct! He was my favorite from the movie aside from Dustin Hoffman's.
Alix1912, karmagrace, and wilde13child– Welcome aboard!
Guantanamo Bay...One year earlier...
"What the..."
The Major stared; simply gawked at the screen. Was this right!?
"I ran this three times!" Her fingers clicked a few keys, recalling the previous screen. "SHIT!" It had to be contamination. The numbers were reading at least 100 times above the maximum limit! "Fuck," she collapsed in the chair, feeling it swerve back then forth lazily. How many hours had she been awake now? Sleep had been nagging her but this was too important NOT to postpone. The quicker she and Rachel achieved their goal, the faster they were back to the States!
Jesus that XO was such a PRICK! He was practically spitting out she was a Russian mole! The Captain should keep him on a leash! Complete with pinch collar! No, a shock collar would be more appropriate for him!
"Rachel," she sat up, hollering at her colleague while tapping her watch. "Let's get some food and coffee."
Rachel nodded and resumed her work. The Major huffed and crossed her arms. She was going to have to go back to square one. Clearly she fucked up somewhere in the process.
Or had she?
Realization slowly overcame her. What if the numbers were right? Science was a process after all. It took multiple theories, trials, and errors before the answer was found. Max Theiler had done it with the yellow fever virus. Of course he had found 99 ways that a vaccine wouldn't work but it didn't deter him. Her heart sprinted against her ribs as excitement saturated her veins and thoughts. She would have to check against the controls again but...
"Alex," Rachel's voice snapped her back from the fog her mind had wandered into.
"Sorry," the Major rubbed her eyes. "I was waiting on the results but still not ready yet."
"Well since you pulled me away from my work let's get moving." She was hovering over, clearly annoyed with the interruption in her labors. Perhaps it was more anxiety than annoyance.
"You know, you shouldn't be afraid to eat with the other officers," the Major casually stretched and cracked her neck. "They don't bite."
"Well if you didn't notice I'm not particularly well liked on this ship."
"Whatever," the Major rolled her eyes. "You mean Slattery doesn't like you. Well he isn't too fond of me either but I'm not going to let him keep me from eating. Let him pout! Let him sulk like a four year old. He's not," she emphasized the second word. "I repeat, not the commanding officer of this vessel. That would be Captain Chandler last time I checked. And right now, we won't be going anywhere. Besides, the virus and all of our work won't grow legs and waltz away. We've been busting our asses since I got here."
Before she could utter a response, the door tore open with Chandler storming through. Slattery was hot on his CO's heels. Quincy brought up the rear; his head hanging down masking the mix of anger and grief.
"Who else was working on the vaccine?" Chandler's tone was hurried. Rachel and Alex felt the burden of his stare drilling down on them both.
"Who wasn't working on a vaccine Captain? Every single nation that had anyone knowledgeable who wasn't dead was in the same ship as us." The Major motioned with a finger to Rachel, herself, and Quincy.
"What if someone had a sample of the primordial strain? Could they do it?" He wasn't deterred, proceeding with question on top of dizzying question.
"If those same people had the right equipment and could run them then yes. But they would be months behind. But that's a best guess and based on last contact." Rachel leaned her hip against the desk, feeling XO Slattery's disbelieving gaze.
"And as far as we know, Rachel and I could be the last two competent ones on the planet." The Major tilted further back in her seat.
"That would be a travesty," Slattery muttered under his breath. The Major and Rachel ignored his remark.
"Dr. Scott, I need a word alone with Major Koch." The Major froze in her seat. Oh boy! Here we go!
"Of course," she motioned for Quincy to follow her lead. Chandler waited until the click of the door announced the civilians' departures. The Major rose and straightened her posture. Hands nested within the other against the small of her back. Her pulse climbed in tempo with her heart as she anticipated whatever the Captain had to say.
"Major, earlier there was an incident between you and XO Slattery which was witnessed by some of the officers."
Uneasiness deepened between all three, threatening brinksmanship with each passing second.
"You're dragging that up?! I was forced to defend myself against accusations launched at me by your XO. I'm sorry if he can't be in the presence of a woman who can handle her own. It's the 21st century; we've gone beyond the kitchen in case he didn't notice."
"You're out of line Major," Chandler stepped closer. Steel blue radiating, no demanding subordination from the younger officer. "XO Slattery has proven himself in the eyes of his CO and the crew of the Nathan James. I will not have anyone speak lesser of him in that respect."
"But-" He sharply silenced her with a hand. Her lips pursed and nostrils flared. Slattery reveled inwardly; elated she was getting kicked off that ivory tower of hers.
"I don't question your valor in the field nor will I Major. For your dedication and willingness to fight this we will be grateful. But, I will not tolerate this behavior. I have already spoken to XO Slattery regarding his actions in the matter." He maintained an even tone, but for how long remained to be seen.
"Alone! I didn't get to be in on that little conversation. But he's," she pointed a shaky finger. "Standing right there, watching me get reprimanded? Oh that's really fair Captain. I get it: We're not liked by everyone. But there is NO way in Hell I'm going to be treated like shit by another officer."
"Then we are at an understanding Major," Chandler nodded. The Major couldn't believe this! Whenever Casey would have to reprimand her at least he had the common courtesy to do it alone with the office door closed. Here? Here she was subject to a level of humiliation. Slattery was allotted the pleasure of one on one where she was denied. His very presence was akin to dumping a gallon of lemon juice into a gaping wound!
"Of course," she felt the mounting tensions subside. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to grab some coffee."
"Dismissed," Chandler allowed her to pass.
"Laugh it up asshole," she muttered once she reached the door as to stay undetected by the men. Chandler noticed the stiff demeanor as the Major retreated. Her shoulders were pensive; even with the slightly baggy shirt hanging from her shoulders.
"I think that went rather well," he looked to Mike who kept any inkling of vindication absent.
The Major kept moving, steering clear of the Ward Room. Right now, the last place she wanted to be was the viper's nest. So, she continued on, making her way along the corridor until she spotted the entrance to the crew mess. Her stomach was growling but hunger she was uncertain of. Emotions fucked with her appetite; one bout she could be eating the entire fridge or ordering and consuming a large meat lover's from Eugene's or in another view food as the enemy; knotting her stomach to the point of vomiting if one morsel crossed her lips.
Right now, she was lodged somewhere in between the pair. Coffee, however, would be permissible.
A few of the enlisted men who were gathered in a far right corner, stopped their conversation that ranged from sports to women and peered at the new arrival with mouths agape. The Major paused and raised an eyebrow, suddenly finding herself reliving part of high school. The table of freshman who had never touched or kissed a girl but kindled the hope to taste the sweet lips or breast of a cheerleader or popular girl.
"That's her?" Cosetti whispered to Miller. "That's the Army officer you guys found? You didn't tell me she was a fox." He grinned wickedly from ear to ear.
Miller rolled his eyes and took a bite of mashed potatoes.
"Cosetti, you couldn't handle that. She broke the neck of an Al Qaeda guy and saved the Captain."
"You didn't tell me that!" The dark chocolate eyes lit up and widened at this. "She snapped someone's neck? Nice..." He grinned wider to himself which invoked another eye roll from his companion.
"You know the rules Cosetti: Officers and enlisted don't fraternize; even if they are different branches and besides," Miller stole a quick glimpse at the Major who was sitting alone off to the right. She was cradling a mug of coffee but not exactly taking in the caffeinated brew. Her eyes were heavy; circled by rich violet crescents indicating the missed blessing of slumber. "She doesn't exactly look like she's in a socializing mood."
"Yeah well," Cosetti shrugged. "Doesn't mean I can't say hi or talk to her. Maybe she can use a shoulder to lean on." His voice was absent of any innuendo.
"If I were you, I would probably steer clear." Miller scooped the last of the reconstituted potatoes up and bused his tray.
"What? You got a thing for her?"
"No," Miller shook his head upon returning. "Because if you saw what she did in the warehouse, you may think twice about your decision."
Cosetti felt his friend's hand slap his shoulder twice as if he was about make good on a death wish. He waited, gathering his composure before possessing the will to push up and away from the table.
The Major overheard the conversation between the two, finding it humorous in light of the stellar day she was having. She had seen Cosetti once before, placing him somewhere in his early to mid 20s as a stretch. Honestly, he didn't look like he was past 16 with the boyish good looks and matching charm. She envied him as he had not been witness to the horrors of Ramses. Ignorance truly was bliss for many of these men and women.
"Uh hi," she peered up from her cup, eyes narrowing not from coldness but curiosity. Cosetti suddenly felt his throat go dry.
"Sit." He dropped into the closest chair opposite of hers. He looked around, down, left, then right, wondering if Miller was right in his initial position. His heart hammered with such force he feared it would rupture his chest while his palms grew slick and hot. "So...you think I'm a fox?"
The Major was looking directly at him; no wait, through him. The penetrative stare seemed to cut through any defense he held. Cosetti flinched like she had just stretched across the table and smacked him on the face.
"Uh...uh..." his tongue turned to stone.
"Don't worry as I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me; and Miller of course." He felt his chest aching for he had been holding his breath. Merriment lined her words, easing his distress. "I find it kind of sweet. Probably the first genuine sentiment anyone has said to me since I came aboard."
"You're exaggerating Ma'am." She sighed in her drink causing Cosetti to reel. Shit!
The Major took a drink before she spoke. "Please, don't call me Ma'am. It makes me feel old. Call me Major."
"Major," Cosetti cracked a smile. "You look like you're having a bad day. I mean officers don't dine up here."
The Major slumped in the hard plastic, slowly rubbing her forehead. The pangs of a migraine were collecting in the center of her mind.
"I'm not exactly the ideal officer." Cosetti frowned.
"What does that mean Major? Forgive me if I'm wrong but when a lower ranking officer risks her own life for a higher officer in the line of fire, I wouldn't say you weren't ideal. Honestly, that's pretty damn ballsy if you don't mind my saying."
The Major chuckled and stood to refill her mug. "I have a tendency to be outspoken in the most inopportune of times in the view of some. My conduct has been considered unbecoming an Army officer. When I was in a meeting with some high ranking government officials, the Secretary of State got a glimpse of that. You want some?"
"Sure," he shrugged. "So, uh, Major, what is it that you do?" He waited.
"I'm an immunologist and microbiologist. My job is to find out why our immune systems can't beat this." She set the mug down as a waitress would for her customer. "See, our bodies have the ability to fight off viruses and bacteria but this Ramses strain, is something entirely new."
"What do you mean 'new'?"
"Most of the viruses and bacteria that are around our bodies have adapted or evolved to recognize those same organisms and create antibodies that capture and destroy them before they can multiply in our bodies, making us sick. Vaccines work the same way. They cause our immune systems to create a response to that virus or bacteria which when those same germs would invade again the body was ready. Memory response. Perhaps a good example is riding a bike; once you learn how to do it you don't forget."
She knew it was a great deal for the young man to digest. The Major studied his body language and facial features for signs of overwhelming him.
"And Doctor Scott is working on a vaccine."
"Correct. Once I can figure out how our immune systems can beat it we can make that vaccine."
"But how long will that take? I mean before we left there wasn't a vaccine for HIV yet."
"And that is the trouble with viruses: They can mutate and outsmart the immune system. It's part of Nature you see which is also a problem for us." She sadly smiled.
"Sorry I asked," he rubbed the back of his neck.
"No," she shook her head. "Don't be sorry. Before you were born, smallpox was a terrible disease. For centuries it was a scourge. No cure or treatment existed and still doesn't."
"I know what smallpox was," Cosetti nodded. "American History in high school."
"Then you know that eventually a viable vaccine was devised leading the eradication of the virus."
A tiny smile poked the corners of his downward lips.
"You think a vaccine will be made?"
This caused the Major to deposit her mug back on the table. She took a moment, outlining her words as to not upset, panic, or on the opposite end instill false securities with her answer.
"Vaccines are not a precise science. They are trial and error; refining and revising. I don't want to give a overinflated impression of success or failure rather I want to approach this in a realistic and honest manner."
"I understand."
"Do you Cosetti?" She inquired warily. During the Pandemic it was misinformation and falsified reports the media eagerly fed the masses which led to much of the anarchy in many cities. Despite the best efforts of her colleagues stateside and across the pond, people consumed the fear mongering like sharks on chum.
"Does it mean we can go home? After the vaccine is found?" He reminded her of a child with his meek voice and head tilted downward.
"That's not my call. But I would imagine once we reach that point it would be the next step. We'll need a facility that can mass produce it. Can't do it here on the James."
"Would that be safe?" His eyes went wide until the sweet brown vanished from his eyes.
"With the proper equipment and PPE the chances of contracting the virus are slim. But right now, you shouldn't worry yourself with what could or could not happen. It'll stress you out and only cause you to have doubts. That's dangerous."
"Your honesty and serenity about this is not causing me to freak out Major. I'll admit it's scary." He peered down, seeing his cup was empty. Cosetti had been drinking without realizing it. Guess that's what happens when one was entranced in a rather colorful discussion with a beautiful woman. Jesus! It sounded like the beginning of a Dear Penthouse letter! Too bad it wasn't going to end like the ones he had read.
"And it's alright to be afraid. But remember, your Captain will do everything in his power to keep everyone on board safe."
She added a warm smile, finding it was reassuring for Cosetti.
"I need to head back," he pushed the mug away and stood from the chair. His ass had fallen asleep from sitting too long.
"Go," the Major waved her fingers in a sweeping gesture. "No need for Master Chief to come down on you."
"Thank you, Major."
She followed him as he scurried out and back to his station. God she hoped he didn't freak out later about this. But lying would've made it worse. Lies only led to bigger deeper ones being piled on like bullshit. That wasn't right by them. If they had questions, the Major was going to answer them to the best of her ability.
Her appetite had not returned so the Major decided to retreat to the lab. She had results to interpret.
Qunicy waited until Rachel had left. With Major Koch taking off, and rather flustered from the flush tinge on her face and neck and the subsequent vulgarities that were typically American which spewed past her mouth. He didn't have a large span of time which prompted him into action. He prepared the transport case, positioning it to receive its precious cargo. The primordial samples, Italian samples, and Egyptian samples were part of the package. He cursed Ruskov for not taking him in place of Major Koch and Rachel but what other choice did he now possess? He shuddered; wishing to block out what they would be forced to endure at the hands of the former Vice Admiral. Once they fulfilled the ends to his means he would probably have had them executed or subjected to some cruel fate making them yearn for the kiss of death. It was how Ruskov operated.
The samples had little under 3 hours before they became compromised.
He expected Rachel and Major Koch back within the hour; if not sooner.
"I'm sorry for what I'm about to do but I have to."
The Major dragged her feet.
She was anxious to return to the lab but now wondered if perhaps her chat with Cosetti wasn't the beginning of anything ominous. But she had not divulged anything outside of what she would've used for any person off the street. Vaccines took time; sometimes years before it was ready for the public. But a part of her, that part of her that wanted to help just couldn't shut up. She wasn't the type to deceive people. Even when she was on active duty not one shard of her body was dishonest.
"Major," Master Chief was closing the distance between them.
"Master Chief," she stopped allowing him to catch up. "Is there a problem?"
"No, no problem." He shook his head. "I uh overheard some of the conversation between you and Cosetti in the mess."
"Oh," she shrugged. "He had some questions and I was up front with him. There is no need to be secretive. Secrets destroy."
"Well, I only hope that your words don't plant any seeds."
"Honestly Master Chief, it's the same schlemiel I would give to a person off the street. Very generic but enough for a person to comprehend. The last thing we need is a spark of fear to fan the flames of panic and supposition. If they have any concerns send them my way. I don't think Captain Chandler would have any misgivings about me calming simple apprehensions. It's best to hear it straight from the scientists' mouths."
"I suppose you have a point Major."
"Look, I can see you have concerns which are well rooted. We don't know what is going on outside of the James. No one can start to fathom the fates of their families and loved ones let alone get any form of closure. At least let me provide some degree of comfort, easement, or however you wish to label it."
Master Chief studied her for a moment. Again, she was fatigued. Her hair was slipping from the bun that was fashioned at the base of her head.
"If you need to tell the Captain about this go ahead." She was tired. Drained of energy from the confrontation with the Captain and Slattery. At that particular instant, the Major could've cared less what the Master Chief did.
"I do not foresee the need to explain this to the Captain. Perhaps it will ease the mind of Cosetti. I know some of the crew have been on edge since we veered away from Florida. The Captain did gather the crew and explain what happened up to the time you arrived here on the James. Maybe hearing some reassurances from someone outside the crew would be beneficial."
"Yeah, Rachel filled me in about that. Look, I just want to do the right thing by the crew. I know a lot of them are anxious but knowledge is power. The more we can take the mystery and uncertainty away, the more receptive they will be when something else happens."
Master Chief took another step closer. "If there is anything I can do to help."
"Well, again, if you need to forward questions to me or if you want me to come up here and talk to crew members I will."
A smile cracked his lips. It disarmed the Major, sending a signal for her body to loosen up a bit.
"I can do that."
"Thank Master Chief."
"Major, I know you are struggling."
The Major sighed and shook her head. SHIT! Had she been that transparent?
"Struggling is trying to grab the life preserver and having it brush your fingers. For me, it's the life preserver being used to keep me under."
Before Master Chief could utter another word, the Major was turning and walking away.
"Hey Rachel, how are those-" the Major froze. Her heart halted as she stood partially in the doorway. "Quincy what in the HELL are you doing!?"
Quincy pointed the Baretta at both women. Rachel had her hands halfway up, petrified at her colleague training a loaded weapon on her. Fear consumed her entire posture; the light tremors racking her body. The Major was experiencing something entirely different. Rage.
"You two come with me NOW!" The Major noticed his hand was shaky as it shifted the firearm between them.
"You're the mole?!" The Major snarled and started for the Brit but Quincy cocked the hammer, demonstrating his intent. "You son of a bitch! Do you realize what you've done?! TWO good men were killed out there because of YOU!"
"Oh shut it!" He honed the gun to her heart. "Now, come with me or I WILL shoot you Major. And I really don't want to do it but I will."
"Quincy don't!" Rachel pleaded. "Please don't." She was astonished her voice had returned.
"Ruskov has my family Rachel. And all because I listened to you and came along."
"Oh my heart's bleeding for you. Really it is," the Major now held her hands up but remained tense. Her options were limited. If Quincy was good on his aim she would be dead before her body smacked the floor. But if she attempted to disarm him, he could fire and hit Rachel.
"Shut up and move!" The muzzle of the Baretta bit into her lower back. The Major snarled but pushed her feet ahead. Rachel was in front of her.
"If we lose those samples you're gonna have more than just a bad day."
Quincy had had enough of her mouth. The attitude and snark spewing from her vile mouth had sent him over. The butt crashed into the center of her skull, hurling the Major towards the shiny tiles below. She couldn't cry out or groan as the abruptness of the blow had stunned every function and nerve in her head. Rachel spun on her heels, gasping in disgust at his actions.
"Alex," she swooped down, grabbing the Major's right arm. "Shit, you're bleeding." Her fingers dabbed slick crimson. "Damn it Quincy!"
The Major felt her world swirling about her, blurring everything within eyesight. The impact of steel to skull had blinded her momentarily, flooding her vision with a bright shower of white. Her body had landed with the left shoulder slamming the side then floor with the rest of her body joining in short fashion. Her hearing was blocked, thunder saturating the canals. She just lay there like an invalid. The pain blasting like spires out of her skull.
"Get up!"
"She's hurt! Can't you see that!?" Rachel fired back, feeling the rush of adrenaline and anger fueling her body as she steadied the Major to her feet. "Alex are you alright?"
"Uhhhhh," she clamped a hand to the side of her head where the pain was greatest. But somehow her body and brain found a connection, igniting the nerves in her legs.
"Don't worry, they won't let her die. They need her."
Rachel let the Major lean into her as they reached the outside. The spray of ocean air danced across their skin, tinging lips and eyes with a mixture of mist and chill. Quincy kept the pair moving until they were along the rail. Then, he paused and gestured with the gun.
"Jump," he coldly instructed. Rachel peered over, incredulous at his instigation.
"You're mad," she spat.
"Understatement," the Major groaned. "More like nuts."
"If you don't jump," he pressed the muzzle to the center left of the Major's chest. "I will shoot her."
"Do it," the Major egged him. "You talk big and bad so why not back it up hmm? Go on; pull the trigger."
Quincy had a split second decision to make. Live up to his promise or...
"HEY! What's going on down there?"
One of the guards had overheard the scuffle. Quincy snapped around and opened fire. Rachel clamped her hand around the Major's wrist and pulled her back inside the ship.
"Head to the Crew Mess."
Rachel heard the partially slurred command and hurried her pace. The Major allowed herself to be guided and focused on keeping her feet moving. The adrenaline was kicking in, quelling any and all pain that was earlier in firm control. Her muscles greedily consumed the sweet nectar, accelerating harder and faster.
Quincy was gaining on them, rushing down the corridor. He should've pulled the trigger and did the world a damn favor. He saw the backside of the Major as she and Rachel dashed deeper into the ship. He was a bit amazed that no personnel had appeared.
Rachel saw the enlisted man pop up from around the corner and extended her free arm out, shoving the bewildered man aside as she and the Major rushed by. Quincy grunted and used his shoulder to plow the same man aside, not caring if he was pressed into the pipes and valves along the wall. His drive was narrowed down to two women.
Rachel caught the doorway to the mess and turned sharp left into the flurry of men and women. The Major felt her boots gliding along the floor, nearly severing the contact between them.
"He's got a gun! Help us!"
Rachel let go of the Major allowing them to split up. Quincy halted with gun raised causing some to run out while others froze where they stood. His nostrils flared like a bull's. The death stare he cast upon them made everyone in the room shudder. The Major was gripping the end of a table, panting out of control. Her chest was aching hard, struggling to catch oxygen. Sweat beaded along her forehead only accentuating her strife. Rachel was shaking hard but she coached herself to stay calm.
"Rachel, you and the Major have to come with me." His voice had lowered and softened. The guards had shown up, ready to use their weapons.
"DROP YOUR WEAPON!" The order went unheeded.
"No way," the Major lifted her head and shook it. A few random splats of blood dotted her hands. Quincy's upper lip quivered as he went to the container and flipped it open. "Oh shit."
"I'll do it," he clutched a vial of the virus in his hand. He positioned his thumb at the edge of the lid. "There is enough virus in here to kill everyone on this ship. Put your weapons down and BACK AWAY!"
"Quincy, Quincy this isn't like you. You aren't like this." Rachel continued reaching out, hoping her comrade would listen.
"I'm sorry." He felt the iron resolve starting to buckle. "But I can't let you go. It's you two they want."
"You don't want to do this. This isn't how we do things. We solve problems." Master Chief was leaning with arm outright. He could see the pain the Major was in despite her best efforts to mask it.
"Put your weapon down." The Captain proceeded with caution. He saw Rachel edging very slowly towards Quincy with the Major now on the move behind him. Now his will had deteriorated, wilting like a tree in the summer heat. The Major cast a short glance then nod as she was less than three feet away. Chandler kept his eyes to Quincy but kept her in his peripheral vision.
"Quincy give it to me," Rachel quietly pleaded. Her hand reached out, a calculated risk. His defenses continued to shatter, his conscious screaming to do the right thing.
Give it to her! You do this and all hope for getting Kelly and your daughter back are GONE.
That part of him, the part that still held decency, took over, passing the vial to Rachel's patient hand. Her warm slender fingers enclosed around the vial, retracting it from his lax grip.
As Rachel retreated, the Major attacked.
The Captain watched as she tackled him with the ferocity of a Patriots linebacker. A few winced at the impact of his face to the table; some wondering if she had broken his jaw as it was the first and hardest blow. The crack of bone and skin against Formica echoed off the walls and ceiling. Quincy didn't see it coming. It wasn't until the shockingly strong arms were tightening around his waist and the air around him was rushing up and away followed by the violent slam of his body to the table. He didn't have time to scream as the air was purged from his lungs and gushing through his mouth.
"Step back!" The Major lifted up allowing for one of the guards to secure him with cuffs. The Captain looked up, seeing her drop into the closest seat. The Major's shoulders slumped forward as though her actions had deprived her of energy. Her face darkened and furrowed as her hand reached behind her.
"Shit," she cursed and closed her eyes.
"Major," he hurried towards her as Quincy was being hauled away in cuffs. "What happened?" He spied the fingertips baked in deep crimson.
"Just a flesh wound," but her grunt of discomfort betrayed her.
"Bullshit," he was tugging her arm and bringing her upright. "You need to be seen by Doc Rios. Now."
HA! Quincy did NOT see that sideline attack! I liked Cosetti...He needs more story time...And yes...Another "love fest" between Mike and the Major...