Resurrection - Chapter 13
Sometimes you wake up in the morning and try to decide if last night you did the right thing. What happens when you wake up to find out that maybe last night could be your last night.
Chapter 13
It seemed that everyone on the bus was relaxing, possibly finding the idea of Phil’s conciliation with Audrey refreshing, or at least a burden lifted. Although none of them spoke of it directly it was clear that the earlier tension was lifted. Skye and Jemma, having returned from their mission, sat together quietly, now and then talking about life, love, and the peculiarities of the world common to a young, unmarried woman.
Trip was alternately napping and reading, choosing to escape reality by wandering into a world created by Heinlein. Now and then he would snort or even laugh when an alien did something that matches the actions of the Asgardians he had encountered personally.
Melinda, as was common, was by herself down on the ramp, deep in the meditative state of Tai Chi as she moved her body through the rhythmic motions of the discipline. Unseen on her face were the joys she felt for Phil, and for Audrey. She hoped that this night's encounter would return even more of the “the old Phil” that she'd known so well.
Eventually they all wandered off to their bunks, deciding that just as Skye had predicted, Phil would not be returning this evening. Without exception, they each thought that was wonderful news, and quietly they wondered if their trip to Portland was going to last more than a few hours. They knew, however, that it was merely a short stay before their search for the missing denizens of the fridge resumed.
As usual, Melinda was up first the next morning, beginning her morning routine long before the world of the northwest came back to life. There was, of course, the usual scurrying around on the airbase outside of the bus, but no one questioned or violated the safety perimeter that was established around the plane. They'd occasionally welcomed Air Force One to their world, and the SHIELD headquarters plane was treated with the same respect.
Somewhere around 8, local time, they were all awakened by the insistent beeping of the sat-comm system, indicating a message from the Hub had arrived. The spinning red badge on the view screens indicated its importance, and dressed informally they gathered in the lounge to see what had happened.
Melinda approached the console and placed her hand on the scanner. “Agent Melinda May,” she said formally and the screen acknowledged her presence. After a moment it cleared and an image appeared.
“Good morning, Agent May,” the man said, his voice sounding a bit mechanical for some reason. “Where is Director Coulson?”
“He is temporarily away.”
The man appeared to be disappointed, “The message I have to deliver is classified Level 10. Can you please identify the others with you?”
Melinda sighed, but understood. “I have with me Agents Jemma Simmons, Level 10, Agent Antoine Triplett, Level 10, and Agent Skye, also Level 10. The man seemed somewhat surprised, and took a deep breath before continuing.
“Very well. This morning we have had three reports from Bahrain that appear to involve unauthorized usage of either gifted individuals or alien technology, or both.”
“Can you be more specific?”
“The individual reports, such as they are at this point, are being dispatched to your plane now. In short, it appears that several robberies were committed, and in at least two cases there is evidence that Chitauri blaster were used.”
Everyone in the lounge took a deep breath, and Melinda responded. “We will ensure that the Director is immediately notified. Who is coordinating at the Hub?”
“Agent Rollins will be the point here, and he will forward any additional information when it becomes available. Agent David Clark is the point man on the ground in Behrain.”
Melinda took a deep breath. Clark had been there when she'd cleared the room before, and she wasn't looking forward to dealing with him again. Hopefully Phil would be able to keep him at arm's length. As the view screens went blank, she turned to look at the rest of the team. “It's a hell of a way to wake up, but I suppose we need to contact Phil and let him know.”
There was a collective nod, and then Skye spoke up. “Maybe it's for the best.”
“How?” Jemma questioned.
Skye turned to her. “This gives him an excuse to leave, without making it seem like he wants to. They can make some plans to see each other in the future...if that's what they want...but he can exit gracefully, with no need to make excuses.” Jemma pondered her words as Skye pulled out her phone, held it up for Melinda to see, and then began composing a text.
Sorry
Some attacks
Probably fridge related
Chitari technology likely
We'll be ready to move when you return
our best to Audrey
* * * * *
The message was received on Ankeny Street, and Phil's phone quietly beeped. He rolled over, reluctant to respond but knowing it would only become both more persistent and louder until he responded. He swiped his thumb across the screen and immediately the beeping stopped. After a few moments the screen resolved and displayed the incoming message icon. He was not surprised to see it came from a Level 10 agent, but he was to see that the content was also Level 10.
His brain came to full life as he tapped the screen and the message appeared. As he soaked in the words he realized yet again that the words he had spoken last night remained true...he was indeed responsible for the security of the whole world at times. This might well be one of those times.
He touched the screen, acknowledging his receipt of the message. What do I tell her? He rolled back over, discovering a still-drowsy Audrey looking at him through dreamy eyes.
“Do you have to go?” she said quietly.
Phil nodded gently. “I’m afraid so. This is one of those things I mentioned last night.”
Audrey sensed his serious demeanor and knew his words were true. “I wish you could stay,” she said simply. “But…I understand.” She smiled. “I really do, Phil.” Before he could speak she continued. “Phil, I understand you have a job. A job that almost nobody wants to do. It comes with risks. I understand that too. I know that when you leave I may never see you again.”
He wanted to stop her, but he also just loved hearing her voice. She could be reading the telephone directory, or maybe the ingredients on an aspirin bottle and he’d still love to listen. It was just something he couldn’t define.
“Phil, go! I’ll be here when you come back. Come back alive and…and we’ll take that trip down the coast. We’ll spend the day walking on the sand. We’ll stop at Moe’s and have clam chowder. We’ll walk the boardwalk along Newport Bay, and then…after we watch the sunset, we’ll spend the night together. Maybe we can catch the Newport Symphony. Did you know I played with them? Back when I was in high school?”
“Audrey, I....” She cut him off.
“Phillip, I prayed you’d come back. Somehow I just never believed you were gone. I don’t know why, but I just didn’t. It just always seemed like you were still there, watching out for me.” She moved over closer and kissed him. “I don’t think you’re going to leave me now either.” She pulled him into her embrace. “I’ll be here when you get back. Promise.”
* * * * *
“So, where are we headed?” Phil asked as he walked up the ramp.
Melinda looked at him, her face displaying some obvious dislike. “Bahrain,” she spat out.
Phil froze in his tracks. “For real?”
“Yeah.”
“Can you fill me in?”
“Skye's got it all set up on the holocom. Between what the reports say, and the information she's been able to locate, we've actually got a pretty decent picture of things. She's ID'd a couple of possible hiding places using the sat feeds, and we may even have ID's on three of the people involved.
“Names?”
“Gross. That one is pretty solid. The other two look like Charles Bowmont - you probably remember him from Kiev - and Gustav Hammerson. I don't know anything about him, but Skye has his file available.” Almost as an afterthought, she added more. “The plane is gassed, the air base replaced a bad tire and checked the rest of them. Skye and Trip picked up some fresh groceries. We're all ready to go.”
He nodded, and prepared to walk on up to his office, but Melinda moved to stop him. “Are you okay, Phil?”
He looked at her. “I'm good, Melinda. We're going to be fine.” He stopped, obviously reliving the events of the past few hours. “You...you and Skye were right. She was...far more understanding than I could have imagined. It's not like we're just picking up where we left off, but I don't think there are any big issues. I told her a little of what happened, and she seems to understand why the charade was necessary.” He stopped, wearing a broad smile. “She even forgave me for not appearing when we came to pick up Daniels.”
Melinda smiled, something she did far too seldom. “It's good to have you back, Phil.” As he nodded his agreement, she continued. “Somehow I don't think Bahrain is going to be any fun this time either.”
* * * * *
It was nearly lunch time before Phil re-appeared. They were roughly half-way between Chicago and New York when he entered the cockpit, advising Melinda of a change in course.
“The sandbox?”
“Yes. We're going to pick up another team member there. Given what we're likely facing, we're going to need some additional help, and I want to be prepared for any eventuality.”
“Who?”
Phil smiled. I'll tell you in a minute. Set the course and then come down to the lounge. I want everybody to hear what's happening.”
Downstairs Skye and Jemma had prepared a little surprise. Traditionally the team usually made their own meals, although they often ate together. Not surprisingly there were large differences in taste, with Fitz and Jemma preferring the foods that they grew up eating, while Ward had been more in favor of typically American foods. Melinda had varied tastes, but they normally leaned towards healthier selections, not big on meats for proteins.
In this case Skye had suggested something pretty middle of the road, a fresh tossed salad, some other vegetables, a selection of sliced meats, and various beverages. However, the crowning element was a cake they’d found at Rose’s. It was termed Double Chocolate, but it was much more than that, and although there was no lettering on the cake, everyone knew the event that drove the celebration.
“Now,” Phil said, scraping the last of the icing off his plate, “let’s talk about the coming mission. I have some really great news.”
to be continued...........
Chapter 13
It seemed that everyone on the bus was relaxing, possibly finding the idea of Phil’s conciliation with Audrey refreshing, or at least a burden lifted. Although none of them spoke of it directly it was clear that the earlier tension was lifted. Skye and Jemma, having returned from their mission, sat together quietly, now and then talking about life, love, and the peculiarities of the world common to a young, unmarried woman.
Trip was alternately napping and reading, choosing to escape reality by wandering into a world created by Heinlein. Now and then he would snort or even laugh when an alien did something that matches the actions of the Asgardians he had encountered personally.
Melinda, as was common, was by herself down on the ramp, deep in the meditative state of Tai Chi as she moved her body through the rhythmic motions of the discipline. Unseen on her face were the joys she felt for Phil, and for Audrey. She hoped that this night's encounter would return even more of the “the old Phil” that she'd known so well.
Eventually they all wandered off to their bunks, deciding that just as Skye had predicted, Phil would not be returning this evening. Without exception, they each thought that was wonderful news, and quietly they wondered if their trip to Portland was going to last more than a few hours. They knew, however, that it was merely a short stay before their search for the missing denizens of the fridge resumed.
As usual, Melinda was up first the next morning, beginning her morning routine long before the world of the northwest came back to life. There was, of course, the usual scurrying around on the airbase outside of the bus, but no one questioned or violated the safety perimeter that was established around the plane. They'd occasionally welcomed Air Force One to their world, and the SHIELD headquarters plane was treated with the same respect.
Somewhere around 8, local time, they were all awakened by the insistent beeping of the sat-comm system, indicating a message from the Hub had arrived. The spinning red badge on the view screens indicated its importance, and dressed informally they gathered in the lounge to see what had happened.
Melinda approached the console and placed her hand on the scanner. “Agent Melinda May,” she said formally and the screen acknowledged her presence. After a moment it cleared and an image appeared.
“Good morning, Agent May,” the man said, his voice sounding a bit mechanical for some reason. “Where is Director Coulson?”
“He is temporarily away.”
The man appeared to be disappointed, “The message I have to deliver is classified Level 10. Can you please identify the others with you?”
Melinda sighed, but understood. “I have with me Agents Jemma Simmons, Level 10, Agent Antoine Triplett, Level 10, and Agent Skye, also Level 10. The man seemed somewhat surprised, and took a deep breath before continuing.
“Very well. This morning we have had three reports from Bahrain that appear to involve unauthorized usage of either gifted individuals or alien technology, or both.”
“Can you be more specific?”
“The individual reports, such as they are at this point, are being dispatched to your plane now. In short, it appears that several robberies were committed, and in at least two cases there is evidence that Chitauri blaster were used.”
Everyone in the lounge took a deep breath, and Melinda responded. “We will ensure that the Director is immediately notified. Who is coordinating at the Hub?”
“Agent Rollins will be the point here, and he will forward any additional information when it becomes available. Agent David Clark is the point man on the ground in Behrain.”
Melinda took a deep breath. Clark had been there when she'd cleared the room before, and she wasn't looking forward to dealing with him again. Hopefully Phil would be able to keep him at arm's length. As the view screens went blank, she turned to look at the rest of the team. “It's a hell of a way to wake up, but I suppose we need to contact Phil and let him know.”
There was a collective nod, and then Skye spoke up. “Maybe it's for the best.”
“How?” Jemma questioned.
Skye turned to her. “This gives him an excuse to leave, without making it seem like he wants to. They can make some plans to see each other in the future...if that's what they want...but he can exit gracefully, with no need to make excuses.” Jemma pondered her words as Skye pulled out her phone, held it up for Melinda to see, and then began composing a text.
Sorry
Some attacks
Probably fridge related
Chitari technology likely
We'll be ready to move when you return
our best to Audrey
* * * * *
The message was received on Ankeny Street, and Phil's phone quietly beeped. He rolled over, reluctant to respond but knowing it would only become both more persistent and louder until he responded. He swiped his thumb across the screen and immediately the beeping stopped. After a few moments the screen resolved and displayed the incoming message icon. He was not surprised to see it came from a Level 10 agent, but he was to see that the content was also Level 10.
His brain came to full life as he tapped the screen and the message appeared. As he soaked in the words he realized yet again that the words he had spoken last night remained true...he was indeed responsible for the security of the whole world at times. This might well be one of those times.
He touched the screen, acknowledging his receipt of the message. What do I tell her? He rolled back over, discovering a still-drowsy Audrey looking at him through dreamy eyes.
“Do you have to go?” she said quietly.
Phil nodded gently. “I’m afraid so. This is one of those things I mentioned last night.”
Audrey sensed his serious demeanor and knew his words were true. “I wish you could stay,” she said simply. “But…I understand.” She smiled. “I really do, Phil.” Before he could speak she continued. “Phil, I understand you have a job. A job that almost nobody wants to do. It comes with risks. I understand that too. I know that when you leave I may never see you again.”
He wanted to stop her, but he also just loved hearing her voice. She could be reading the telephone directory, or maybe the ingredients on an aspirin bottle and he’d still love to listen. It was just something he couldn’t define.
“Phil, go! I’ll be here when you come back. Come back alive and…and we’ll take that trip down the coast. We’ll spend the day walking on the sand. We’ll stop at Moe’s and have clam chowder. We’ll walk the boardwalk along Newport Bay, and then…after we watch the sunset, we’ll spend the night together. Maybe we can catch the Newport Symphony. Did you know I played with them? Back when I was in high school?”
“Audrey, I....” She cut him off.
“Phillip, I prayed you’d come back. Somehow I just never believed you were gone. I don’t know why, but I just didn’t. It just always seemed like you were still there, watching out for me.” She moved over closer and kissed him. “I don’t think you’re going to leave me now either.” She pulled him into her embrace. “I’ll be here when you get back. Promise.”
* * * * *
“So, where are we headed?” Phil asked as he walked up the ramp.
Melinda looked at him, her face displaying some obvious dislike. “Bahrain,” she spat out.
Phil froze in his tracks. “For real?”
“Yeah.”
“Can you fill me in?”
“Skye's got it all set up on the holocom. Between what the reports say, and the information she's been able to locate, we've actually got a pretty decent picture of things. She's ID'd a couple of possible hiding places using the sat feeds, and we may even have ID's on three of the people involved.
“Names?”
“Gross. That one is pretty solid. The other two look like Charles Bowmont - you probably remember him from Kiev - and Gustav Hammerson. I don't know anything about him, but Skye has his file available.” Almost as an afterthought, she added more. “The plane is gassed, the air base replaced a bad tire and checked the rest of them. Skye and Trip picked up some fresh groceries. We're all ready to go.”
He nodded, and prepared to walk on up to his office, but Melinda moved to stop him. “Are you okay, Phil?”
He looked at her. “I'm good, Melinda. We're going to be fine.” He stopped, obviously reliving the events of the past few hours. “You...you and Skye were right. She was...far more understanding than I could have imagined. It's not like we're just picking up where we left off, but I don't think there are any big issues. I told her a little of what happened, and she seems to understand why the charade was necessary.” He stopped, wearing a broad smile. “She even forgave me for not appearing when we came to pick up Daniels.”
Melinda smiled, something she did far too seldom. “It's good to have you back, Phil.” As he nodded his agreement, she continued. “Somehow I don't think Bahrain is going to be any fun this time either.”
* * * * *
It was nearly lunch time before Phil re-appeared. They were roughly half-way between Chicago and New York when he entered the cockpit, advising Melinda of a change in course.
“The sandbox?”
“Yes. We're going to pick up another team member there. Given what we're likely facing, we're going to need some additional help, and I want to be prepared for any eventuality.”
“Who?”
Phil smiled. I'll tell you in a minute. Set the course and then come down to the lounge. I want everybody to hear what's happening.”
Downstairs Skye and Jemma had prepared a little surprise. Traditionally the team usually made their own meals, although they often ate together. Not surprisingly there were large differences in taste, with Fitz and Jemma preferring the foods that they grew up eating, while Ward had been more in favor of typically American foods. Melinda had varied tastes, but they normally leaned towards healthier selections, not big on meats for proteins.
In this case Skye had suggested something pretty middle of the road, a fresh tossed salad, some other vegetables, a selection of sliced meats, and various beverages. However, the crowning element was a cake they’d found at Rose’s. It was termed Double Chocolate, but it was much more than that, and although there was no lettering on the cake, everyone knew the event that drove the celebration.
“Now,” Phil said, scraping the last of the icing off his plate, “let’s talk about the coming mission. I have some really great news.”
to be continued...........