Airborne over the Atlantic

Dimitri took a seat beside Alex who was holding a sleeping Viktor. Dimitri sighed contentedly watching his little family doze. All around everyone was settling in for some sleep except Anna. He could hear the tapping of her laptop keyboard. He knew Devane women. He wasn't surprised.

Beside him, Alex stirred. "What's the word so far?"

"Clear weather to Vienna. Anton, Gabriel and our security people will meet us there. I want Vik safely back at home," said Dimitri.

"Yeah. We'll come back right after we get Robin," said Alex. "I love Port Charles but I do miss our place, our own life."

"Does this mean you've got an antidote for Compound X?" asked Dimitri winding his arm about Alex's shoulder.

She leaned into him. "I've brought with me what I need to do the work at my lab in the castle. Raine and Matt will continue on their end. And, once we have Robin, our chances of developing an antidote will quadruple. We'll have an antidote. It's just a matter of time."

"What does Anna say?"

"She's fine with it," said Alex. "I think I've reached my adventure quota for the year."

Dimitri smiled. "You're tired?"

"Yes. I admit it. The pace is relentless."

"Anna and Robert and their people thrive on it."

"They're adrenalin junkies to a person," said Alex. "To them, boredom is a disease. If they're not multitasking away at six different things, they're not happy."

"And you aren't like that not even a little?"

"I know when to pull back I AM the laid back twin remember," replied Alex. "Which reminds me, Dimitri. Anna and I were talking post operation earlier."

"Yes, what is it this time? I need to learn how to say no to you."

"And I'll think of new ways to get you to see things my way," Alex smiled. "The Andrassy Foundation will spearhead the effort to identify the victims and notify their next of kin. We will also serve as the main repository for all the data SIMON liberated from their systems."

"Agreed," said Dimitri.

"Oh, good." Alex kissed him. "I knew you'd agree."

Dimitri stroked his son's soft hair. "It's the right thing to do."

Mac checked that Dianara and Maxie were comfortably sleeping before leaving his seat. He went to the front of the plane where Anna had set up a makeshift command center complete with a desk.

"Get some sleep, Anna. I'll take over watch," said Mac.

"After I finish this," said Anna not bothering to look up from her laptop.

Mac sat down next to Anna and spoke softly. "Dia's back safe. We're on our way to get Robin. Things are finally looking up for us. But a lot's still on you."

"I can take it."

"No question."

"You've been hounding me since Robert left."

"He'll have my head on a platter if he sees you the way you are. You're tensed up like a bowstring. Brittle you know," said Mac. "Robin will need her mother at full strength. You know it and I know it. Go get some rest."

"Sean is not speaking to me. Faison has checked out of the hospital and disappeared. We haven't heard from Frisco at all. We've scored a huge coup against the Foundation but we have to keep our fingerprints off it from a covert ops standpoint. That's going to be impossible. Word will get around. Jacques had the knack to keep things under wraps. I do not. A postcard with a mysterious message has arrived for Robert. Strangers are snooping around the Villa. We still are no closer to identifying the mole inside the WSB. Dia's brought back a Pandora's box I'm not sure we ought to be opening. I miss Emma horribly. Then there's my wedding and yours, too," said Anna. "How can I possibly rest?"

Gently but with unmistakeable will, Mac lifted Anna's hands from the laptop and pulled her down the aisle towards the bedroom. He led her inside, admonished her to rest and left her to take over watch duty.

"So much like Robin. Stubborn women. Must be a Devane thing," muttered Mac as he settled down on the desk. He began to study and memorize the city map of Vladivostok.

Duffel bag slung behind him, Robert took the steps two at a time. The team behind him hurried to catch up. He entered the main cabin of the plane and orders began to fly.

"All right. We're all here. Get this plane going. Edgar, take over ops until we land," said Robert. "Everyone else, radio silence is lifted. Get some rest."

Edgar, Nestor and Vincent arrived bearing trays full of dessert cakes and einspaenner and melange coffees. They became very popular.

Mac hugged Robert. "You had everyone worried there, bro."

"Me, too," said Robert. "Where's Anna?"

"Asleep in the bedroom in the back."

"Good. Andrew's asleep, too, I see," said Robert watching his son dozing.

"He took a pill and crashed himself," said Mac.

"Very sensible. Talk to you later," said Robert. He proceeded to the bedroom.

Dianara caught Felicia's eye and pointed in Maxie's direction. Her daughter was still asleep. Felicia flashed a smile and wink at Mac before taking the seat next to Maxie. Felicia spread out a blanket to cover both her and Maxie.

Mac gave Holly a hug. "Long time no see."

"You're looking good. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding."

"Can you make it?" asked Mac.

"I don't believe so. I don't like to stray too far from home these days."

"We have to catch up," said Mac. "Have a seat. You want anything? Alex just made real English tea."

"Anna's twin?" asked Holly. Mischief danced in her eyes.

"She's in the galley."

"I'll say hi to her and get back here, okay?" asked Holly.

"Sure. I'll get Dia. We have a lot to talk about," said Mac.

Robert closed the bedroom door quietly. Anna lay sleeping on the bed. He stripped off his clothes and climbed into the bed. He snuggled close to her.

Anna stirred and opened one eye. "Robert?"

Robert touched her bare forearm. "You're cold."

"Not anymore." Anna turned to face him. She touched and looked her fill of his face before saying, "How are you?"

"The action took a lot of the negative energy away. I'm in control."

Anna began to sit up.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm starving. Going to get us some food."

Robert grinned. "I have ambrosia with me. There in the white bag. I'd go get coffee but we need sleep more."

Anna brought the white bag back to the bed. She sat down under the covers and opened the bag. The wondrous smells wafting from inside was making her mouth water. "You're so good to me."

She took out a bottle of spring water and two colorfully wrapped boxes.

"My German is horrible but I think I told them to put two spoons in there," said Robert. He opened the bottled water.

Anna gasped as she opened the larger box. "Oh, sin and heaven in one."

"The famous Sacher torte chocolate cake drizzled with a touch of whip cream," said Robert.

"Just for this all your future transgressions for a year are forgiven," said Anna. She opened the other box. "I know this. What's it called?"

"Salzburger nockerl." Robert held out one spoon to Anna. "Which will be demolished first?"

"Both," declared Anna. "One bite of the torte then the nockerl and back to the torte."

"Sounds like a plan." Robert filled a spoon with torte and held it out to Anna. "Lady's first."

For some time all that could be heard were the near orgasmic exhalations of culinary bliss. Of course if one were listening at the door, one would easily think something entirely different was going on inside.

Jackie stowed her gear and proceeded to introduce herself to everyone else. She reached the galley and found a dark-haired, bespectacled woman wiping off the counter. "Are you Anna?"

"No," answered Alex. Duly forewarned by Holly, she knew who Jackie was.

"Where is she?"

A faint moan emanated from the bedroom door just behind the galley.

"She's busy getting Robert's, um, report," said Alex.

"He is so whipped. I'd never have believed it."

"Some men find happiness and-"

"Whipped," repeated Jackie. She looked around the main cabin. "Which one is Count Andrassy? I think I missed him."

"He's taking a nap over there to the left."

"What an interview subject he would be. This is his plane. Robert's well connected. The count was one of the most eligible men for the longest time."

"Yes, he was," said Alex. She held out her hand to Jackie. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Alexandra Devane Marick. I'm Anna's sister. You may also address me as Countess Andrassy."

"Oh," said Jackie. "THE Doctor Marick?"

"Just so."

"Anna's twin right?"

"Identical but we're night and day," said Alex. "We have a few more hours to go. I'll be dimming the lights soon. I strongly suggest you go get some rest."

Jackie began to backpedal back into the main cabin. "I'll do that. Thank you, Countess."

"The pleasure was all mine. Believe me." Alex dimmed the lights. "Galley is closed. Let's try for some rest and relaxation everybody."

Perhaps it was the smell of Viennese coffee that woke Maxie. She blinked in bewilderment at Felicia smiling back at her.

"Hey, sleepyhead," said Felicia.

"I didn't even feel us landing. What time is it?" Maxie stretched out her arms.

"Brunch time," said Felicia. "Here's a melange and some cute puffy pastries. Let's eat."

Maxie noticed the bandaid on her mother's left cheek and the bags under eyes. "Was it bad?"

"Fair for the type of operation it was. We all got out," said Felicia. She touched Maxie's face. "I'm here with you. That's all that matters. So, tell me about this boyfriend of yours Damian Spinelli."

"He's just a friend, Mom. Security won't let him into the building anyway," said Maxie. "How's realDad?"

"Your father is finishing up at the Bureau. Let's enjoy our desserts and talk about you."

"Dad tells Dia. Dia tells you. What's left to know?"

"A lot!" Felicia lifted Maxie's wrists and examined them. "Your wrists are still red, sweetheart. Monica said you were okay, right? The heart? Everything?"

Maxie nodded. "My checkup was all good."

"Then I won't feel guilty about all this sugar we're eating."

Maxie took an experimental sip of her coffee. "This is delicious. Do I have a milk mustache?"

"If Spinelli is not the boyfriend, who is?" asked Felicia in mock seriousness.

Maxie wiped her mouth. "No one. I'm too busy anyways."

"I'm hearing another name. Matt? Who's Matt?"

"Okay, where are you getting this from? Who?" asked Maxie. "Never mind. It's the old mom network - Bobbie, Monica, Tiffany, Anna."

"A very reliable network, too. Maxie and Matt. Matt and Maxie. That has a nice ring to it," teased Felicia.

"I want to hear about the mission."

"You know the gist of what happened."

"I want details."

Felicia sighed. "You always loved to hear stories."

"I still do. It's a long flight to Vladivostok."

"True. Can we snuggle while I tell you?"

Maxie hesitated for a brief second then smiled. "Sure. I'd like that."

"Really? You're not just humoring me?" asked Felicia.

"Maybe I'm growing up at last," said Maxie. "I don't know if I'll ever understand why you left me and Georgie behind. I don't need to because that anger is holding me back. I'm going to try letting go of that. It may take years but I have to start. Why not with you?"

Felicia blinked back tears. She couldn't say anything. Instead she opened her arms wide.

Maxie embraced her mother. When they broke apart, she continued. "Look at Emma. She has one parent left. She'll never know her mother. I have Dad, you, Bobbie, realDad and Dia. I know now how hard everyone works and how dedicated they have to be. All that can go poof in a single second. I can't promise anything but I want to know my Mom."

"I want to be in your life, Maxie," said Felicia. "Is that possible even now?"

"Anything is possible," said Maxie. "I'd like that, too."

"And Frisco? Will you give him a chance?"

Maxie groaned. "One parent at a time. Please?"

Felicia nodded in understanding. "Okay, I'll take that. Let's stretch out and start the story."

"Yes!" Maxie closed the window shade and lay close to her mother. It was a good beginning.

Through the open window, gauzy clouds passed by. Desserts finished, Anna and Robert lay entwined on the bed. They were drowsy yet their minds were too filled with thoughts racing for expression.

"It's been too long. My system is in shock," said Anna.

"The sugar rush express," grinned Robert. "At least we're already horizontal when it tapers off and we crash back to earth."

"Yeah," said Anna. Her fingers absently fingered the watch that hung on his wrist. "Don't you want to take this off?"

"Not until we're home with all the family," said Robert. "Tom said I needed a tangible focal point for when I feel overwhelmed or losing control. That's it. Us."

"Our family."

"Goes without saying." Robert twined his fingers around hers. "I remember Elena's face looking up at me just before I left. She really couldn't believe I'd leave her there."

"She did try to kill you. What did she think you were - a good samaritan?" asked Anna.

"She called me an honorable man." Robert looked at Anna. "I told her that I would give her life in exchange for Robin. The look on her face when she realized I had lied. I'll never forget it."

"If you weren't in the elevator, would you have kept to the exchange?"

"I would have pushed her or carried her out of the building myself. I wouldn't have thought twice about it," said Robert. "Let her take her chances in the legal system."

"She wanted escape from prosecution. She would have disappeared if she'd gotten out," said Anna. "Me? I would have lied twice as fast and left her there."

"Well, you side with your heart. You always have. I think I'm getting there, too. It makes decision making so much easier. If I'd known that, I could have retired from the force a long time ago."

With her free hand, Anna stroked Robert's hair. "Not the police force, Robert. It's just you. You're driven to do the right thing. It's your strength, really."

"And my weakness. I begin to see the merits of your approach."

"Oh, please, no. I prefer your way. It's less troublesome to one's conscience."

"I'm glad you've brought the cavalry but where's Sean and Tiffany? Knowing how close they are to Robin, I'd think they'd beaten us here by now."

Anna sighed. "We had words. I lost my temper. He lost his temper."

"Why the blow up?"

"Sean disagreed about my handling of the Faison matter. He feels on the outside of ... of us, our operation. He doesn't like it. What could I say? Nothing," said Anna. "He's not the only one feeling the wall we've put around us. I've gotten the same questions from Alex and Mac."

"Of course, they're not stupid or blind. But we can't expose them more than they already are. They have their own lives to lead. The team will take the risks. That's what they do. I haven't spent all this time building up the team, contacts and the network to put our friends and family front and center as cannon fodder. No way," said Robert. "Our three targets have been dealt with. Domino's organization D99 is neutralized. Helena has lost her power base. Charlotte is dead by all accounts. The old threats are gone. Now, we move to the main issue - Faison. He's our business. As much as I would love to put a bullet through his head, that alone wouldn't end his influence or his operations."

"We want them all put down," said Anna. "No choice really."

"You've gone through things?"

"Yeah. My head has stopped spinning. It's so unbelievable at first but seeing him after Andrew restored his memories, I saw the man behind the curtain."

"The real Faison."

"Yes. I'm afraid I may have made things worse by doing the memory thing."

"He was a dangerous man before and he still is."

Anna shifted to lie on her stomach. Her fingers traced idle lines on Robert's chest. "We've ... I've let loose something that wasn't there before. I could see it in his eyes. Madness. Your dossier on him shows that he'd laid low since the late 90s then his activities dropped to nearly nothing after you got Andrew."

"I don't believe for a second that he was living the life of a hermit or that he'd given up his criminal enterprises," said Robert. "I see his fingerprints everywhere - the DVX, certain world events, trends. We know he's got a mole in the WSB."

"But what if he really pulled back because he changed."

"No one changes that much."

"What if he didn't remember? What if he handed off to his lieutenants, whoever they are? They've been pulling the strings all this time," said Anna.

"The memory wipe was deliberate."

"Had to be. Andrew said that Faison told him it was a way to get rid of the detritus of his old life. That's a reason you would tell a child whose cooperation you wanted. So, you forget and live another life divorced in some ways from your old life," said Anna. "Until, out of the blue, you remember. I know how that feels. It's terrifying and yet exciting, too. It's like discovering a whole new purpose to your life. Faison's whole again or close to it I think."

"And insane."

"I'm afraid so," said Anna. "When he was being put into the ambulance, he looked at me and he said that it wasn't over. The story was new again and he saw new possibilities."

"Meaning Andrew," said Robert. "And you."

"I don't think he wants me in the old sense. He hates me now. That I could see with the madness," said Anna. "I'm terrified. I really am. He'll be more unpredictable."

"All the more reason to step up our Club business. We don't have the distractions of the Helenas, Arielles and Elenas anymore. We go full steam forward on our original agenda. We continue our data gathering. We analyze those curiosity boxes molecule by molecule. We need to understand that Library of his."

"Our plan has to work."

"It will. I mean we've already achieved a milestone."

"What's that?"

Robert smiled. "You shot him not once but twice. That's a biggie in my book, Annie!" He surged forward and scooped Anna into his arms. "Tell me how you shot him. Don't spare the details."

"We need to be resting and you want to talk about Faison."

"Can I help the sheer joy I feel when I imagine the bullet going through his body?" asked Robert.

"I'd much rather think of other things." Anna looked up to Robert's face.

"Like what? Finding Robin? Our wedding? Taking pictures of Andrew's first date?"

"No!" said Anna between giggles. She pointed towards the window. "What do you see there?"

"Sky. Clouds."

"Yes, clouds. A point to Mr. Scorpio, and what are we inside of?"

"A plane," said Robert.

"Two points. Now tell me what a bed is useful for?"

"I'd like to go for the gold medal, teacher."

"Up to it in your beleaguered condition? This teacher can be hard to please," asked Anna. She held his gaze as she straddled him. "Oh, I believe you are. Slow and steady I think. Then sleep."

Robert's hands settled possessively on Anna's hips. "Bronze medal then. Gold medal when we get home?"

Anna kissed his neck, his lips. She whispered. "Platinum medal. I'm ambitious."