Days and weeks passed and all events went back to normal with the addition of Christina and Vincent in everyone's lives. Vincent met Roxy and both seemed to enjoy each other's company and Vincent practically worshipping the ground she walked on when he found out she did karate.
James also talked with Christina fairly regularly despite how easy it would have been to cut connections after that last talk. Alastair claimed that it was most likely because she didn't have any true friends, which was sad to think about but most likely true.
Soon though, all paperwork and problems with Eric's will were smoothed out and everyone's lives went back to normal. At least it did so until Alastair was faced with a new mission. It centered around a recent incident in the Middle East.
"A Special Ops team went in. Their goal was to take out this terrorist group but something went wrong. Instead of killing the team, they have been captured to use as ransom for most likely money but probably materials as well," Arthur said.
Alastair nodded in understanding and waited for the man to continue.
"Usually we would let the government handle this but it's come to our attention that these people are also connected with a biological weapons maker from Russia. So ultimately, this is a rescue and information retrieval mission. You'll be with both Galahad and Merlin," added Arthur. "Yourself and Galahad will be in charge of getting those men and women out of their while Merlin gathers any intel he can."
"And the main mission?" asked Alastair.
"Retrieving the intel. Hopefully, it will not come to this but the Special Ops team is expendable if needed," Arthur said as he held out the folder.
Alastair took it. "Understood."
"Good. Suit up in full tactical gear. You're leaving in thirty minutes."
Nodding once more, Alastair left to do as asked. After completely getting dressed with all weapons in place, he looked over the information again. The names and identities of the Special Ops team hadn't been released yet and knowing how paperwork moved, Alastair would probably find the captured team before they ever got confirmation of who they were. Not that it was really necessary but it was always nice to start out with all the information.
Then, right before he left, he made sure to say good bye to James.
"I don't think I've seen you in tactical gear before. I like it," James said with a suggestive smirk.
"Well like it all you want. It's hot as hell and I'm taking it off the moment this mission is finished. Where are you off to?" asked Alastair.
"China. I'll tell you more about it when I get back and it's all declassified and such. It's undercover though so it will probably be some time before I come back," James said, leaning in for a quick kiss. "Stay safe. I'll see you soon."
"Same goes to you. And try to keep a level head? Trigger happy doesn't exactly go well with undercover."
James snorted but nodded and smiled all the same. "I'll keep that in mind."
They gave each other one last, quick kiss before Alastair had to leave with Galahad and Merlin. He hoped the flight over would be silent except for some strategic planning but as it seemed fate was against Alastair, it was mostly filled with Harry bugging him and Merlin yelling at Harry.
"Alright, how do you even know all of this?" asked Alastair in annoyance after another annoying comment, having to shout despite the comms due to the roar of the engine.
"What? Lancelot and I get bored on missions together!" Harry shouted back. "Besides, it's harmless and it's not like you've told him not to tell anyone this!"
"Well if that's how you want to play it, maybe I should get Lancelot to tell me some of the stories you've told him!"
As Harry paled, Merlin let out a groan that was somehow still audible. "I swear if you both don't shut up, I'll throw you both off this plane and finish the mission myself!"
"You wouldn't be able to get through the front door! There's a reason you're our computer wizard!" replied Harry with a small, devious smile.
Now the arguing moved from Alastair and Harry to Harry and Merlin. "Oh really? How about I kick your ass off the plane now and we find out!?"
"You couldn't even try!"
Merlin lurched forward in his seat, something that would have had James cackling if he'd been there but only caused Alastair to roll his eyes in annoyance. "How about you two shut up now and we talk about something of importance?"
Despite his shout, it took several more minutes (though really more like ten or twenty) of Harry and Merlin grumbling to each other before they actually moved their conversation to the mission itself. Several more hours then passed with mostly silence and moments of talk in between. They then parachuted down and the plane above them flew off to an undisclosed location. They were now all on their own.
The mission began to move forward, smoothly and effectively. They went in quietly and split off, Merlin towards what they believed to be the mainframe of their computer network and Harry and Alastair off to look for the hostages. Alastair stayed on the main level as Harry went to the basement.
For about the first ten minutes, the entire operation went as planned. Though taking out the cell was probably the last priority on the mission, they really needed that information about the biological weapons creator, but taking out the men was certainly more efficient than knocking them out.
After those ten minutes passed, that's when all hell broke loose.
"Merlin, are you alright?" asked Alastair as he hid inside a room. "Do you have the information?"
"Yes, now I just need to sabotage the system."
"That wasn't exactly in the mission briefing was it?"
"I am just helping where I can. Galahad, I'm guessing you're the one who made all that noise?"
Sounds of shots fired and shouting were heard on the other end before Harry finally came through. "Basically! I've got three of the team members still with me. I'll meet you at the meeting point."
"Wait, I thought there were supposed to be five?" asked Alastair.
"Two of them ran off before I could explain it to them! Merlin, you done yet?"
"Yes! Finally got it! I'll meet you both at the rendezvous," Merlin responded.
"What about the other two agents?" Alastair questioned.
"Not part of the mission," Harry responded. Nevertheless he immediately added, "But I know what you're thinking. We'll wait as long as possible."
"Good, I'll finish up here," Alastair said. "If you have to leave do so. With or without me. We need that information."
"Understood Percival," replied Harry just as the comms went silent.
Alastair immediately went into action as he left the room, no longer going for silent as he blatantly shot anyone in his way. It seemed that Harry was distracting most of them as he didn't run into a huge crowd of anyone.
He turned a corner, raising his weapon, ready to fire, when he froze instead. In front of him were the other two members of the Special Ops team.
And one of them was Kenton.
"What—"
"Get down!" yelled Alastair just as he fired at the men behind them.
He rushed forward, double checked the hallway they had just come from, and then motioned them to follow. Kenton opened his mouth to say something but Alastair shushed him.
"Now is not the time Kenton!"
"But why didn't you tell me—"
Alastair spun around and covered Kenton's mouth before he could say another word. "Though I can't promise you that I'll answer anything, we can argue about this later, alright? Otherwise, we may not get out of here alive."
Despite his words, Kenton opened his mouth again only to have his teammate hit him in the side. "Shut up Kenton," she growled.
Thankful for that, Alastair used both of their distracted minds to easily push them aside and slice the throat of a guy that had tried creeping around a corner just as he turned and shot two more at opposite ends. His clip empty, Alastair reloaded and ended the smooth continuous motion by cocking the gun.
"Now, are you ready to listen big brother or are we going to keep arguing?" asked Alastair.
"Listen," Kenton replied, eyes struck with wonder. "Definitely listen."
"Good, then just maybe we can get out of here before our ride leaves us."
With that, Alastair dragged the two away and led them to safety.
AN: I hope this story is still interesting and exciting because I seriously love writing this! Hope you enjoyed, until next time!