Jungle Rot (3/?)
Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 12:55 am
Jungle Rot
By: Wildfire Sky
Ok...I just have to address this because I laughed my ass off when I read it. To Mr. darkchibi-whatever, yes, hangovers ARE bad, but I think you might be referring to cliffhangers. Don?t take offense, but I just found that really entertaining because I?d just gone partying the night before. Glad to see everyone is enjoying this! Please, R&R and enjoy!!
Jungle Rot
Chapter Three
*****************************************************************
?Are you kidding me?? Relena snapped, glaring at the impassive man before her as she held the clothing out. ?Do you really expect me to wear this??
Heero sighed, staring down into angry aqua-blue eyes. He had expected resistance, perhaps even a good (but easily won) argument; however, he had never expected Relena to come charging back from the shrubbery, shaking the clothing at him. She needed to be comfortable seeing as with the rising sun they would have to relocate, and besides, proper clothing was essential in the jungle and this was as close as he could get.
?Relena put it on. It?s for your own good.?
She stamped her foot angrily, hands on her hips. ?I am not wearing that! I can?t believe you even thought that I would...?
Heero could feel his temper flaring, annoyed at the costly delay she was causing. ?Goddamn it, Relena, stop acting like such a brat and put the damn uniform on!?
For a moment, they stood there, silently regarding each other in the tinted sunlight. As realization of what he?d said sank in, he immediately wanted to apologize, explain to her the situation...but his pride got in the way. Instead, Heero turned his back to her, observing the surrounding forest as if scanning for predators. As the uncomfortable silence lingered, he began to sweat, the heat, and shame, starting to get to him.
?Relena...? He heard her shift and turned to see her staring pointedly at the ground, the clothing hanging loosely in her hands. ?It was the only thing I could find...? He took a deep breath, stepping towards her, ?I know it might be uncomfortable at first, but in a survival situation...?
Relena?s gaze slowly slid up to his face, and he was momentarily at a loss for words at the hurt expression. A sudden urge to kick himself threatened to overwhelm his logic and he reached out towards her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. ?Relena...?
She pulled away from his touch, once again lowering her eyes to the ground. ?I?m sorry I seem like such a brat to you, Heero,? she said bitterly, ?I?m just not comfortable putting on a dead man?s uniform.?
Heero winced at her tone, the urgings of self-abuse increasing. It was unfair of him to demand that she take the clothing of the dead pilot and wear them, in fact, in any other scenario, the thought wouldn?t cross his mind, but the pilot had been dressed for the jungle, donning a mid-length shirt, jacket, pants and boots. These were the things that could keep Relena safe, and probably physically unharmed (although mentally she would be hurting), and damn it Heero would make sure that she was safe, no matter what he had to do.
Relena, tired of waiting for an apology that would never come, turned away and began stripping off her suit jacket and tossing it to the jungle floor, uncaring as to how dirty it might become. There goes two hundred credits...
Heero watched in stunned amazement as she peeled off her clothing layer by layer, captivated by the sight. ?Wh...What are you doing?? He managed to say as Relena?s hands traveled up to her blouse buttons. ?Go behind a tree or something.?
She turned towards him, annoyed blue eyes connecting with his own. ?To be honest, I want you within hitting distance should there be anymore surprises...?
Recovering from his embarrassment, Heero scowled at her and turned away, refusing to respond to the obviously empty threat. She was acting ridiculous, not to mention a little crazy...usually she was modest, her face flushing should she even reach to unbutton the first button on her blouse, but now, she seemed almost irritated that he?d been embarrassed to look at her. Such a development was unfortunate in their situation; he couldn?t have them fighting and making things even more difficult...
Curbing his pride, he turned, opening his mouth, only to find his face colliding with her blouse. Ripping it away, he glared at her, the corner of his lips turning down into a fierce snarl. Relena merely regarded him with an uninterested stare, stuffing the dark blue shirt into her long, slightly baggy jeans.
?My shoes?? she demanded, holding out a hand impatiently.
His glower deepening, Heero duteously gave her the boots of the pilot, waiting as she slipped them on and tied them. He didn?t bother warning her about the size, because, frankly, at that moment he didn?t much care. Her attitude was grating on his nerves and he wanted to be through with their interactions.
?They...they fit nice...?
He?d barely heard her small comment, already aware of the size. Of course they fit nice, the pilot had small feet. What he didn?t want to admit was that he knew Relena?s exact shoe size...and believe it or not, her feet were a bit big for a woman?s, but only by a size. Heero shook his head, clearing the thought path. Now was definitely not the time to be thinking about Relena?s anatomic sizing.
Hefting the duffle bag across his back, he motioned with his head. ?Let?s go.?
Relena looked up at his dead tone, trying to ignore the hurt. It was technically her fault that he was in a bad mood; after all, she had thrown a fit because of some bloody clothing. Heero was still in his torn garments, clothing that he was willing to give up on a whim. But that didn?t mean she wasn?t justified in some aspect. She was just as stressed out as he was, damn it!
Relena picked up the pilot?s jacket and followed Heero?s quick pace into the dark unknown of the Amazon Jungle...
******************************************************************************
Duo checked his watched for what seemed like the fifth time, his foot tapping impatiently on the linoleum floor of the Buenos Aires Airport, waiting for confirmation of the arrival of Relena?s plane to this old and run down airport that has stood since the days before space colonies had ever existed, historical evidence of the past. They had no runways for space shuttles, no shuttle launchers, nothing modern at all that could be described as such by the people of the Sanc Kingdom. It only enforced the image of the many needs that South American was short.
Reaching into the pocket of his brown and green jacket, Duo resisted the urge to pull out the cell phone stuffed inside. He could handle this...he would just find the control tower, he?d be able to get some answers...the only problem was that the tower was across the runway from the terminal, and the heavy, black clouds hanging overhead discouraged him from making the short journey.
Cursing his ill-luck, Duo slumped down into an old waiting chair, its upholstery worn down into patches from what might have been an orange to a dull yellow. The dust seemed to plume up around him, causing him to choke and cough, burning his eyes. Rubbing at his irritated eyes, Duo blinked, glancing at his surroundings.
Even with the prospect of the Vice Foreign Minister arriving to Buenos Aires for such an important event as the base opening, the press was nearly no existent. There were a few desperate newbie reporters, hoping for the big break in their career that will elevate them to popularity amongst the people of the world. They sat in waiting chairs, or leaning against the terminal windows, staring out into the rainy surroundings, looking for Relena?s plane much as he had been only moments earlier. Some had even tried to get a statement from him, obviously bored and wanting someone to practice their interrogating skills on. At first, he?d been polite in turning them away, but as his anxiety increased, so did his temper. Now they avoided him, occasionally throwing confused glances his way, wondering why he was being so rude.
Better get used to it, buddies...he thought bitterly. If they really desired to know what it was like as a reporter, they?d better be prepared to face many more like him, if not worse than him.
He heard footsteps approach and stiffened, his glare already in place for whatever reporter was coming over to bug him. ?And just what the hell do you want??
There was a tiny feminine squeak, ?I...I?m very sorry, sir...?
Duo blinked, turning his head towards the voice, an apologetic smile instantly washing over his face at the sight of the beautiful, yet bashful terminal attendant slowly making her retreat. ?Uh...? he laughed nervously, ?Sorry about that, I thought you were...um, can I help you with something??
The attendant stood there for a moment as if weighing her options between running and staying. Nervously licking her lips she risked speaking again. ?Are you Agent Duo Maxwell??
Instantly, Duo was on alert, climbing to his feet and facing her. ?Yes I am, what can I do for you??
?Mr. Herald Issen would like a word with you in his office.? She held out a hand, motioning for him to follow her. Duo adjusted his jacket, snatching a glance at the lower extremities of the woman in front of him, before quickly following to catch up.
?Issen?? Duo inquired, ?That doesn?t sound Latino to me...where is he from??
The attendant shrugged, ?A country in Northern Europe, near the Sanc Kingdom or some such city.? The left the main terminal and turned down a narrow hallway that would barely have fit two people shoulder to shoulder. The peeling walls were decorated with ancient and weathered pictures of airplanes from pre-colonial days.
Duo blinked. ?The Sanc Kingdom? Are you sure about that??
?Quite sure, Agent Maxwell.? She stopped in front of a stained wood door, stepping to one side. On the door was a mounted brass plate with the name and title ?Issen. Head of Air Control? engraved in its metal. Giving the door a soft knock, she waited for the gruff: ?Enter!? before twisting the knob and throwing the door open.
Duo gave her an appreciate nod before entering the small, cramped looking office. He allowed himself a glance around the plain, bare walls before his eyes settled on the large form sitting behind the small desk in the center of the room. Herald Issen was indeed a foreigner to South American, his blue eyes and blonde hair an obvious sign of his European heritage. When he spoke, his voice held accent from this land, his proper speech leading Duo to believe he was not from the Sanc Kingdom as the attendant had said, but mostly likely from Britain.
?Agent Maxwell, I presume? Allow me to introduce myself; I am Herald Issen, the Head of Air Control here at the Buenos Aires Airport.? He firmly shook Duo?s hand before motioning for him to sit. ?I apologize for not offering you anything to drink, but I?m afraid there is more urgent business at hand. As I?m sure you are aware, Vice Foreign Minister Relena Dorlain was scheduled to arrive here quite some time ago...unfortunately, with our laws we cannot report any plane missing for at least another six hours.? He smiled nervously, ?I?m jumping the gun by announcing this to you so early, but considering the political status to the missing person...?
Duo smiled appreciatively. ?The Preventers appreciate it. I?ll be sure to tell my boss how helpful you were, but if you excuse me, I have some phone calls to make.?
Herald blinked, holding up a hand to stop Duo from rising. ?One moment, Agent Maxwell, please. I?m afraid that you?re announcement to your organization would alert both my employer and the government that I?ve broken the law by declaring a plane missing so early.?
?Dare I ask why there is a law like that?? Duo asked, his voice dripping with suspicion. ?I?ve never heard of it in any other country...or continent for that matter.?
Herald leaned back in his seat, pressing his fingertips together. ?That would be because of the geography and environment of South America. Usually, flights that take longer distances around the continent are reported missing earlier because they?re not as likely to interact with weather that might slow or hinder them. We report those with in two hours of their being declared late...? he heaved a sigh, averting his gaze from Duo?s, ?But because of the Vice Foreign Minister?s flight path across the Amazon, and in the rainy season, we won?t know their status until they?ve cleared the jungle.?
Duo cocked an eyebrow. ?Then how do you know the flight is missing and not landed somewhere??
Herald shook his head, placing both hands down on the desktop. ?To be perfectly honest, I?m not completely sure, but the evidence points to it. The control tower received an incoming message from a private airstrip announcing that they received pieces of a distress call from a plane flying over the Amazon jungle. Unfortunately, the plane identification numbers were cut off, as well as most of the message.?
?Do you have the transmission tape??
?Of course, Agent Maxwell. But for fear of this going public...?
Duo smirked. ?Say no more, buddy-o! Your secret?s safe with me!?
?And the Preventers?? Herald set him with a stern glare. ?The Head of Preventers can not be notified of this or the government with become involved. I am doing this as a favor to a good woman, and nothing else.?
Duo waved a hand absentmindedly. ?Yea, sure, whatever you say! If you hand over the tapes, I?ll make sure no one who doesn?t need to will find out about this, alright??
Herald smiled and gave a sharp nod. ?Very good then, sir. Follow the attendant to the control tower and they will have the log ready for you.?
Duo stood and gave the man?s hand a firm shake. ?Thanks a bunch, pal-o-mine! I?ll see my way out.?
Herald waited until Duo had left to let out a small sigh. He was worried, not to mention fearful, that the braided one had seen through his little game, but then again, he?d said nothing to make such suspicions true. He nearly jumped out of his skin when his desk phone rang. Snatching it up on the second ring, he cleared his throat before answering.
?Good morning, this is Herald Issen. How may I...?
?It?s me.?
Herald sat straighter in his chair, cradling the phone to his ear. ?I didn?t realize you?d be calling so soon Mr...?
?Don?t say my name out loud you idiot. We don?t know if your paranoid government has the line tapped.?
?Of course, sir, I apologize.?
?Did you do as instructed??
Herald nodded eagerly. ?Yes...yes, I?ve done as you asked. Now what about my end of the bargain??
?Once it?s complete you?ll have your pardon. Until then, keep up your act and help the Preventers with whatever they need. Do they have the tape??
?Of course. I?ve done everything you?re told me to...?
?Very well. The packages will be arriving today and three o?clock. Meet them at the terminal gate and make the delivery.?
Herald blinked as the line went dead before throwing the offending item back down and flopping back in his chair. Reaching into his desk, he pulled out a small canteen and took a deep, heart-felt swig. Sighing, he leaned back in his chair, throwing an arm over his face.
?I need a vacation...?
*****************************************************************************
Next chapter out...I just finished filming so I?m a bit tired and a bit out of it. If the ending (or any part) didn?t make sense, please tell me and I?ll see if I can re-write it to make easier reading. If any of you thought Duo was a little OOC, meh, oh well, like I said, I?m tired and a bit cranky.
[/i]
By: Wildfire Sky
Ok...I just have to address this because I laughed my ass off when I read it. To Mr. darkchibi-whatever, yes, hangovers ARE bad, but I think you might be referring to cliffhangers. Don?t take offense, but I just found that really entertaining because I?d just gone partying the night before. Glad to see everyone is enjoying this! Please, R&R and enjoy!!
Jungle Rot
Chapter Three
*****************************************************************
?Are you kidding me?? Relena snapped, glaring at the impassive man before her as she held the clothing out. ?Do you really expect me to wear this??
Heero sighed, staring down into angry aqua-blue eyes. He had expected resistance, perhaps even a good (but easily won) argument; however, he had never expected Relena to come charging back from the shrubbery, shaking the clothing at him. She needed to be comfortable seeing as with the rising sun they would have to relocate, and besides, proper clothing was essential in the jungle and this was as close as he could get.
?Relena put it on. It?s for your own good.?
She stamped her foot angrily, hands on her hips. ?I am not wearing that! I can?t believe you even thought that I would...?
Heero could feel his temper flaring, annoyed at the costly delay she was causing. ?Goddamn it, Relena, stop acting like such a brat and put the damn uniform on!?
For a moment, they stood there, silently regarding each other in the tinted sunlight. As realization of what he?d said sank in, he immediately wanted to apologize, explain to her the situation...but his pride got in the way. Instead, Heero turned his back to her, observing the surrounding forest as if scanning for predators. As the uncomfortable silence lingered, he began to sweat, the heat, and shame, starting to get to him.
?Relena...? He heard her shift and turned to see her staring pointedly at the ground, the clothing hanging loosely in her hands. ?It was the only thing I could find...? He took a deep breath, stepping towards her, ?I know it might be uncomfortable at first, but in a survival situation...?
Relena?s gaze slowly slid up to his face, and he was momentarily at a loss for words at the hurt expression. A sudden urge to kick himself threatened to overwhelm his logic and he reached out towards her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. ?Relena...?
She pulled away from his touch, once again lowering her eyes to the ground. ?I?m sorry I seem like such a brat to you, Heero,? she said bitterly, ?I?m just not comfortable putting on a dead man?s uniform.?
Heero winced at her tone, the urgings of self-abuse increasing. It was unfair of him to demand that she take the clothing of the dead pilot and wear them, in fact, in any other scenario, the thought wouldn?t cross his mind, but the pilot had been dressed for the jungle, donning a mid-length shirt, jacket, pants and boots. These were the things that could keep Relena safe, and probably physically unharmed (although mentally she would be hurting), and damn it Heero would make sure that she was safe, no matter what he had to do.
Relena, tired of waiting for an apology that would never come, turned away and began stripping off her suit jacket and tossing it to the jungle floor, uncaring as to how dirty it might become. There goes two hundred credits...
Heero watched in stunned amazement as she peeled off her clothing layer by layer, captivated by the sight. ?Wh...What are you doing?? He managed to say as Relena?s hands traveled up to her blouse buttons. ?Go behind a tree or something.?
She turned towards him, annoyed blue eyes connecting with his own. ?To be honest, I want you within hitting distance should there be anymore surprises...?
Recovering from his embarrassment, Heero scowled at her and turned away, refusing to respond to the obviously empty threat. She was acting ridiculous, not to mention a little crazy...usually she was modest, her face flushing should she even reach to unbutton the first button on her blouse, but now, she seemed almost irritated that he?d been embarrassed to look at her. Such a development was unfortunate in their situation; he couldn?t have them fighting and making things even more difficult...
Curbing his pride, he turned, opening his mouth, only to find his face colliding with her blouse. Ripping it away, he glared at her, the corner of his lips turning down into a fierce snarl. Relena merely regarded him with an uninterested stare, stuffing the dark blue shirt into her long, slightly baggy jeans.
?My shoes?? she demanded, holding out a hand impatiently.
His glower deepening, Heero duteously gave her the boots of the pilot, waiting as she slipped them on and tied them. He didn?t bother warning her about the size, because, frankly, at that moment he didn?t much care. Her attitude was grating on his nerves and he wanted to be through with their interactions.
?They...they fit nice...?
He?d barely heard her small comment, already aware of the size. Of course they fit nice, the pilot had small feet. What he didn?t want to admit was that he knew Relena?s exact shoe size...and believe it or not, her feet were a bit big for a woman?s, but only by a size. Heero shook his head, clearing the thought path. Now was definitely not the time to be thinking about Relena?s anatomic sizing.
Hefting the duffle bag across his back, he motioned with his head. ?Let?s go.?
Relena looked up at his dead tone, trying to ignore the hurt. It was technically her fault that he was in a bad mood; after all, she had thrown a fit because of some bloody clothing. Heero was still in his torn garments, clothing that he was willing to give up on a whim. But that didn?t mean she wasn?t justified in some aspect. She was just as stressed out as he was, damn it!
Relena picked up the pilot?s jacket and followed Heero?s quick pace into the dark unknown of the Amazon Jungle...
******************************************************************************
Duo checked his watched for what seemed like the fifth time, his foot tapping impatiently on the linoleum floor of the Buenos Aires Airport, waiting for confirmation of the arrival of Relena?s plane to this old and run down airport that has stood since the days before space colonies had ever existed, historical evidence of the past. They had no runways for space shuttles, no shuttle launchers, nothing modern at all that could be described as such by the people of the Sanc Kingdom. It only enforced the image of the many needs that South American was short.
Reaching into the pocket of his brown and green jacket, Duo resisted the urge to pull out the cell phone stuffed inside. He could handle this...he would just find the control tower, he?d be able to get some answers...the only problem was that the tower was across the runway from the terminal, and the heavy, black clouds hanging overhead discouraged him from making the short journey.
Cursing his ill-luck, Duo slumped down into an old waiting chair, its upholstery worn down into patches from what might have been an orange to a dull yellow. The dust seemed to plume up around him, causing him to choke and cough, burning his eyes. Rubbing at his irritated eyes, Duo blinked, glancing at his surroundings.
Even with the prospect of the Vice Foreign Minister arriving to Buenos Aires for such an important event as the base opening, the press was nearly no existent. There were a few desperate newbie reporters, hoping for the big break in their career that will elevate them to popularity amongst the people of the world. They sat in waiting chairs, or leaning against the terminal windows, staring out into the rainy surroundings, looking for Relena?s plane much as he had been only moments earlier. Some had even tried to get a statement from him, obviously bored and wanting someone to practice their interrogating skills on. At first, he?d been polite in turning them away, but as his anxiety increased, so did his temper. Now they avoided him, occasionally throwing confused glances his way, wondering why he was being so rude.
Better get used to it, buddies...he thought bitterly. If they really desired to know what it was like as a reporter, they?d better be prepared to face many more like him, if not worse than him.
He heard footsteps approach and stiffened, his glare already in place for whatever reporter was coming over to bug him. ?And just what the hell do you want??
There was a tiny feminine squeak, ?I...I?m very sorry, sir...?
Duo blinked, turning his head towards the voice, an apologetic smile instantly washing over his face at the sight of the beautiful, yet bashful terminal attendant slowly making her retreat. ?Uh...? he laughed nervously, ?Sorry about that, I thought you were...um, can I help you with something??
The attendant stood there for a moment as if weighing her options between running and staying. Nervously licking her lips she risked speaking again. ?Are you Agent Duo Maxwell??
Instantly, Duo was on alert, climbing to his feet and facing her. ?Yes I am, what can I do for you??
?Mr. Herald Issen would like a word with you in his office.? She held out a hand, motioning for him to follow her. Duo adjusted his jacket, snatching a glance at the lower extremities of the woman in front of him, before quickly following to catch up.
?Issen?? Duo inquired, ?That doesn?t sound Latino to me...where is he from??
The attendant shrugged, ?A country in Northern Europe, near the Sanc Kingdom or some such city.? The left the main terminal and turned down a narrow hallway that would barely have fit two people shoulder to shoulder. The peeling walls were decorated with ancient and weathered pictures of airplanes from pre-colonial days.
Duo blinked. ?The Sanc Kingdom? Are you sure about that??
?Quite sure, Agent Maxwell.? She stopped in front of a stained wood door, stepping to one side. On the door was a mounted brass plate with the name and title ?Issen. Head of Air Control? engraved in its metal. Giving the door a soft knock, she waited for the gruff: ?Enter!? before twisting the knob and throwing the door open.
Duo gave her an appreciate nod before entering the small, cramped looking office. He allowed himself a glance around the plain, bare walls before his eyes settled on the large form sitting behind the small desk in the center of the room. Herald Issen was indeed a foreigner to South American, his blue eyes and blonde hair an obvious sign of his European heritage. When he spoke, his voice held accent from this land, his proper speech leading Duo to believe he was not from the Sanc Kingdom as the attendant had said, but mostly likely from Britain.
?Agent Maxwell, I presume? Allow me to introduce myself; I am Herald Issen, the Head of Air Control here at the Buenos Aires Airport.? He firmly shook Duo?s hand before motioning for him to sit. ?I apologize for not offering you anything to drink, but I?m afraid there is more urgent business at hand. As I?m sure you are aware, Vice Foreign Minister Relena Dorlain was scheduled to arrive here quite some time ago...unfortunately, with our laws we cannot report any plane missing for at least another six hours.? He smiled nervously, ?I?m jumping the gun by announcing this to you so early, but considering the political status to the missing person...?
Duo smiled appreciatively. ?The Preventers appreciate it. I?ll be sure to tell my boss how helpful you were, but if you excuse me, I have some phone calls to make.?
Herald blinked, holding up a hand to stop Duo from rising. ?One moment, Agent Maxwell, please. I?m afraid that you?re announcement to your organization would alert both my employer and the government that I?ve broken the law by declaring a plane missing so early.?
?Dare I ask why there is a law like that?? Duo asked, his voice dripping with suspicion. ?I?ve never heard of it in any other country...or continent for that matter.?
Herald leaned back in his seat, pressing his fingertips together. ?That would be because of the geography and environment of South America. Usually, flights that take longer distances around the continent are reported missing earlier because they?re not as likely to interact with weather that might slow or hinder them. We report those with in two hours of their being declared late...? he heaved a sigh, averting his gaze from Duo?s, ?But because of the Vice Foreign Minister?s flight path across the Amazon, and in the rainy season, we won?t know their status until they?ve cleared the jungle.?
Duo cocked an eyebrow. ?Then how do you know the flight is missing and not landed somewhere??
Herald shook his head, placing both hands down on the desktop. ?To be perfectly honest, I?m not completely sure, but the evidence points to it. The control tower received an incoming message from a private airstrip announcing that they received pieces of a distress call from a plane flying over the Amazon jungle. Unfortunately, the plane identification numbers were cut off, as well as most of the message.?
?Do you have the transmission tape??
?Of course, Agent Maxwell. But for fear of this going public...?
Duo smirked. ?Say no more, buddy-o! Your secret?s safe with me!?
?And the Preventers?? Herald set him with a stern glare. ?The Head of Preventers can not be notified of this or the government with become involved. I am doing this as a favor to a good woman, and nothing else.?
Duo waved a hand absentmindedly. ?Yea, sure, whatever you say! If you hand over the tapes, I?ll make sure no one who doesn?t need to will find out about this, alright??
Herald smiled and gave a sharp nod. ?Very good then, sir. Follow the attendant to the control tower and they will have the log ready for you.?
Duo stood and gave the man?s hand a firm shake. ?Thanks a bunch, pal-o-mine! I?ll see my way out.?
Herald waited until Duo had left to let out a small sigh. He was worried, not to mention fearful, that the braided one had seen through his little game, but then again, he?d said nothing to make such suspicions true. He nearly jumped out of his skin when his desk phone rang. Snatching it up on the second ring, he cleared his throat before answering.
?Good morning, this is Herald Issen. How may I...?
?It?s me.?
Herald sat straighter in his chair, cradling the phone to his ear. ?I didn?t realize you?d be calling so soon Mr...?
?Don?t say my name out loud you idiot. We don?t know if your paranoid government has the line tapped.?
?Of course, sir, I apologize.?
?Did you do as instructed??
Herald nodded eagerly. ?Yes...yes, I?ve done as you asked. Now what about my end of the bargain??
?Once it?s complete you?ll have your pardon. Until then, keep up your act and help the Preventers with whatever they need. Do they have the tape??
?Of course. I?ve done everything you?re told me to...?
?Very well. The packages will be arriving today and three o?clock. Meet them at the terminal gate and make the delivery.?
Herald blinked as the line went dead before throwing the offending item back down and flopping back in his chair. Reaching into his desk, he pulled out a small canteen and took a deep, heart-felt swig. Sighing, he leaned back in his chair, throwing an arm over his face.
?I need a vacation...?
*****************************************************************************
Next chapter out...I just finished filming so I?m a bit tired and a bit out of it. If the ending (or any part) didn?t make sense, please tell me and I?ll see if I can re-write it to make easier reading. If any of you thought Duo was a little OOC, meh, oh well, like I said, I?m tired and a bit cranky.
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