History is Written by the Victor - Part 4
History is Written by the Victor
Rating: NC-17 (overall)
Pairings: Jensen/Jared, Chris/Steve, Tom/Mike
Category: M/M, AU, Futuristic (i.e. it is set in space!)
Summary: The Core planets have declared war on the Rim planets. When Captain Ackles and his squadron are taken prisoner by the enemy, their jailer turns out to be a young man called Jared. What will Jared do when Jensen's interrogation begins?
http://lady-krystal-79.livejournal.com/24010.html
Part Four
Jared landed the fighter next to the other four and shut down the engines gratefully. He was a pretty good pilot, but that had been a stretch of his skills. And, just when he’d thought they were safe, he had been fired on again. Only quick reflexes had saved him. Climbing out, Jared watched the shuttle come to a hesitant landing in the near empty hanger bay. Chris was doing a hasty once over of Steve’s appearance, finding him to be perfectly fine. Tom had his arm slung around Mack’s slim shoulders. To Jared’s surprise, and delight, when he arrived beside them he was included in the congratulatory back-slapping.
“Tom!” Their relieved laughter was interrupted by a voice crying out from the doorway. Jared watched a tall, slim, bald man run across the hanger and launch himself at Tom, who caught him. He guessed that this was the infamous ‘Mike’ when the blue-eyed man began to kiss Tom within an inch of his life. Pulling back far enough to talk, he said, “God, when I heard you’d gone down...”
“Awwww, Mikey, you missed us!” Chris teased, but he knew how it would have affected the other man. They, at lease, had been together. Mike had been here, on his own, with no idea what was happening to the man he loved.
Mike pulled himself together, let go of Tom, and drew himself up straight. In his Lieutenant’s uniform, Jared had to admit that the other man cut a fine figure. The scowl on his face might have even frightened off lesser men. “You, Christian, only mean one thing to me...guaranteed income.”
Mack snorted. “Last I heard, you owed him.”
“Not for long.” Mike gave a crafty smirk and the three friends - Tom, Mack and Steve - groaned. Chris was busy cackling. A frown came onto Mike’s face before his eyes narrowed on Jared. “Where’s Jensen? And who is this?” He took a proprietary step closer to Tom, body language screaming ‘Mine’. Tom rolled his eyes.
“Jen’s in the shuttle.” Chris answered. “And you don’t need to worry about Jared here. He took care of us all, but he only has eyes for our fatally attractive Captain. He’s so far gone he even helped us to escape.”
Jared thought he might have heard Mike mumble ‘good luck’ under his breath, but he was distracted by the opening of the shuttle door. Despite the damage sustained by the craft, the door mechanism seemed to have escaped unscathed. It was Beaver who first appeared in the doorway, and his face was grim. “Someone give me a hand. Captain Idiot is unconscious in here.”
Before anyone else could move, Jared had leaped to the rescue. This time he definitely heard Mike say, “Poor fool. He has no idea.” Jared ignored him, but he couldn’t help but smile when Chris replied, “This one’s different. I think he might have a chance...”
***
Jeff looked in on Jensen through the viewing window. He didn’t want to disturb the younger man, but he needed to see for himself that he was going to be okay. Miraculously, all Jensen needed was bed rest, proper nutrition, and time for his wounds to heal. Jeff had read the squadron’s report on what had happened at the hands of their enemies. His fists clenched in anger as he remembered all that he had read. Against all protocols, and basic human decency, they had tortured a prisoner of war. Jeff wasn’t surprised, he had expected as much, but he was furious.
“You’ve a good man there, Commander.”
Turning to his left, Jeff saw the Doctor who had attended Jensen in his prison, and who had come with them when they escaped. He gave him a half smile. “A stubborn one, at any rate.”
“You know what he went through, don’t you?” Beaver raised an eyebrow.
Jeff’s mouth turned down. “I know. The others made sure to tell me.” He looked back through the window at Jensen’s still form. Without inflection, he asked, “Just how close was it?”
Beaver huffed out a large sigh. “Pretty close. He either would have broken down and told them everything, or died fighting not to. Serum is strong, and he was already weakened. All things considered, it’s amazing that he came through it as well as he did. And to fly the way he did while still under the after effects...” He shook his head.
The two men stood in silence, watching the subject of their surprisingly similar thoughts. After a few minutes, though, Jeff spoke once more. “I’ve read your file...”
“Have you now?” Beaver had expected as much since the moment he arrived on board. “And what did you find?”
“Doctor James Norman Beaver, Jr. Prefers ‘Jim’. 59 years old. Attended medical school on the Core planet of Ennora. Graduated top of the class. Ran a lucrative private practice on Ennora, but resided on the Inner Rim. Drafted to serve in the Core forces, though your wife and daughter continue to live in enemy territory.” Jeff looked at the older man, inviting comment.
“Tamar is home. They wouldn’t leave. And I wouldn’t ask them to.” He added, “I also don’t judge a man as friend or foe depending on where he happens to live.”
Jeff nodded. “Your service in the field is impressive, though that doesn’t really surprise me. I could use a man like you, Doctor, but you aren’t my prisoner. I won’t force you to stay. As much as you would be welcome here, you’re free to go home.”
It had been quite a few years since Beaver had had any choice in this matter, and it threw him just a little. “I’ll need to think on that, Commander.”
“Of course, but I’ll need an answer by the time we leave Tamar.” He saw the Doctor’s surprise and gave a small smile. “We’ll be restocking there before we head out again.”
“That’s...very good of you, Commander.”
Jeff waved off the gratitude. “It’s as easy to go there as anywhere else. Besides,” he looked in at Jensen one last time, “I think I might owe you.” With that, he walked away.
Beaver spoke softly to his patient in the other room. “You’ve earned the loyalty of some strong, powerful men, kiddo. That ain’t just your pretty face.”
***
Three days later they were on the final approach to Tamar, and Jensen was thoroughly sick of his room in the Med bay. His lieutenants - and Mike - had kept him company as often as they could, but they could all see his growing frustration, Chris was there right now, and they were laughing over old times. Eventually, though, their laughter died down in a companionable silence.
“I haven’t seen Jared.” Jensen tossed out a little too casually. Chris was surprised it had taken him this long to ask about the tall man.
“Yeah?” That didn’t mean he had to be helpful.
Jensen shrugged. “I thought...never mind.”
Chris sighed, taking pity on his friend. “No one has seen him, Jen. No one can even find him. Not even Mike.”
“What? Was he arrested?” Jensen’s hands clenched fitfully in the bedcovers.
“Well...not exactly. After he brought you in here,” Chris saw the surprise flit over them other man’s face, “they led him away under guard. He isn’t in the holding cells, or confined to quarters, or anywhere else that we’ve looked. The Doc is wandering around free, so it doesn’t make sense.”
“Have you asked the guards...”
“Of course. They aren’t talking, but we’re working on it.” Chris cut in grimly.
“And we’ve succeeded.” Mike’s cheerful voice pre-ceded him.
“Do I want to know how?” Jensen asked drily.
“High stakes card games, of course.” Tom followed his partner into the room.
Shaking his head at that, he simply asked, “Where did they take him?”
Mike bit his lip and met Jensen’s eyes. “To Commander Morgan.”
***
Jeff was given a moment’s warning by the commotion outside his office door and then Jensen, dressed haphazardly in his uniform, stormed into the room like a thundercloud ready to let loose its awesome fury. He supposed it was only a matter of time. Looking past Jensen, he saw Tom and Chris placating Mike, who sent him an apologetic glance. Jeff suspected it was Mike - and his unholy card shark abilities - that were responsible for the six-foot-one of spitting, green-eyed Captain before him.
“Jensen, take a seat. Mike, close the door please.”
Mike did as asked, but Jensen continued to stand. Jeff was glad he’d had the foresight to block them off from hearing ears when Jensen growled, “With all due respect, Commander, go to hell.”
Jeff’s eyes narrowed. “That wasn’t a request, Jensen. We’re not having this conversation until you sit down.” Three day’s rest was not what the doctors had ordered, and he could still see the bruised colouring around Jensen’s eyes.
Jensen’s desire to rebel fought against his need to know, but he finally sat down with an annoyed huff. “Fine. I’m sitting. What have you done with Jared?”
“I haven’t done anything with him.” Jeff sighed. This was never going to be pretty.
“You were the last to see him.” Jensen accused.
“Possibly.” He conceded, and watched as Jensen’s eyes went wide with horror. Jeff realised how that might have sounded and swore, “Oh, for the love of...” He pressed a button on his comm and spoke into it. “Could you come out to the office.”
It hadn’t been a request, and Jensen was frowning. The door connecting Jeff’s office to his private quarters swished open and Jared walked out. Jensen’s gaze flitted over him, looking for injuries, or any other explanation for his absence about ship. A second, longer look provided Jensen with a few more details. Jared was wearing the brown Airman’s uniform of the Rim forces, not his Core forces black and grey. He was clean and healthy and certainly not anyone’s prisoner. And he had been in Jeff’s quarters all this time. That thought hit Jensen right in the centre of his chest.
Unaware of Jensen’s thoughts, Jared strode forward, a wide smile on his face. “They finally let you out? I’m so glad you’re okay...” He reached out to touch Jensen, but the smaller man stood up and stumbled back and out of reach. Confused, he queried, “Jensen?”
“Jensen.” Jeff echoed, his voice gruff. “I don’t believe you’ve been formally introduced to Airman Jared Padalecki...” He stopped when Jensen made a somewhat choked sound.
“You’re one of us?” Jared nodded happily, not foreseeing the explosion about to come. “The whole time you had us locked up in our jail cells, the whole time you pretended to befriend us, pretended to care, all you were doing was your job?” Jared’s smile dimmed as he began to comprehend just how unhappy Jensen was with this news. “When you offered yourself up as a prisoner, when you were helping us to escape, it was really your own escape you were planning. Well done, Airman. I certainly never suspected. I guess that makes me a trusting fool.”
“No! Jensen. You don’t understand.”
“I understand enough.” He strode forward, right into Jared’s space, and heedless of Jeff’s presence growled, “I trusted you. I even thought you might...but I suppose not. You traded up the chain of command as soon as you got here.”
Jared looked blank, but Jeff knew jealousy when he heard it. “Jesus, Jensen. It isn’t like that!”
“Keeping him in your room was a good plan. No one ever would have looked for him there.” Jensen spat out.
“Which is exactly why he has been staying in my quarters...and I have not. We don’t know if Jared will be required to return under cover, so we don’t want him seen about the ship.”
Jensen shrugged. “So, you’re not an opportunistic slut, just an opportunistic liar. I hope you enjoy your next assignment as much as this one. Take care of yourself. But, then again, that’s what you do best anyway.” Jensen left the office, striding through his surprised friends and tossing over his shoulder, “No need to keep looking. Airman Padalecki is just fine.”
Chris, Mike and Tom looked into the office and saw Jared in his uniform, misery written all over his face. Jeff swore. At this rate, Jared’s identity was soon to be the worst kept secret in the fleet. Chris’ eyes darkened with anger before he followed after Jensen. Tom’s look spoke of disappointment before he took Mike’s wrist and slowly drew him away.
“I knew I should have told them. I knew it almost from the beginning, but I stupidly stayed silent.”
Jeff looked at Jared’s stricken face. “You were only doing what you have been taught. He’ll calm down, Jared.”
“Yeah, he’ll calm down, but that doesn’t mean he’ll forgive me.”
“Forgive you for what? You were following orders. He can understand that. Just give him time.” Jeff had gotten to know Jared over the last few days, and he was sorry to see the gentle giant so upset.
“No, sir. I understand. He feels betrayed. Under the effects of the Serum, he gave me his whole life, without a fight. Now it turns out that I didn’t even trust him enough to let on that I was on their side.” Jared shook his head and ran his fingers through his shaggy hair.
“You care for him, right?” Jeff asked. Normally he kept out of the private lives of his people, but he could see by the severity of their reactions that the two men had been heading for...something. “And I’m going to guess he cares for you, too, since he was willing to turn on me when he thought I’d harmed you. So you’ll find a way. If it is really important to you, you will find a way.”
“Right.” Jared stood a little straighter. “Well, I know the first thing I have to do.”
***
Chris knocked on Jensen’s door. It remained shut. “Jen! Open up.” He called, banging again. Nothing. “Fine.” He muttered and turned to the keypad, entering Jensen’s code. The door slid open and Chris stepped through. Jensen was in the middle of the room, his back to Chris and his body trembling. Softly this time, he said, “Hey, Jen. Come on, now. You’re still not one hundred percent. You need to lie down.”
Ushering his Captain across the room and pushing him down onto his berth with a persistent but kind hand, Chris listened to Jensen’s harsh breathing. “He never trusted us. He used us, Chris. After everything, I thought he was different. I almost let him in. I trusted him, and the whole time he was lying.”
“So, ah, let me see if I understand.” He had to be sure he was giving advice on actual facts. “Jared was undercover in the Core forces, but is actually an Airman in the Rim forces. You think he should have told us and that he was only using us for a chance to come back himself. You think we were betrayed.” And because Chris understood Jensen, knew how deep the other man’s loyalty ran, and how guarded he kept his heart, he couldn’t say that he was overreacting. Jensen gave a curt nod. “Well alright then. You’re entitled to your anger. I can’t say I’m happy about it myself.” He paused. “Are you going to give him a chance to tell his side?”
Jensen sighed. “I don’t know, Chris.”
“You think he might hurt you?” Chris prodded.
“I don’t like that he can.” Jensen admitted.
It was Chris’ turn to sigh. “Well, it’s your heart, Jen. I can’t tell you what to do. What I do know, though, is that if you don’t take a chance some time, you’ll always be alone.” Jensen didn’t say anything, but then, he didn’t really need to. Chris left him to think on his words.
***
Jared went in search of his erstwhile prisoners and found Tom first. He and Mike were in one of the rec rooms hitting golf balls into a simulated, holographic sky. Great; they were armed. With a deep breath, Jared entered the room. Mike saw him first and nudged Tom, making his shot go wild. Tom turned around and glared at Mike before he gave Jared a questioning eyebrow.
“Well? Are you going to explain or not?” Tom prodded when Jared remained silent.
“Iwasundercover.” Jared rushed out. When Tom smirked, he went on more slowly, “I was there to observe and send back any relevant information I came across. No one ever pays attention to the lower ranks, so I got to hear quite a lot. I’ve been there for two years, and then you guys were brought in.”
“You didn’t trust us.” It was almost a question.
“I did! I wanted to tell you, but...Jensen...” Jared threw his hands up helplessly.
“He might have broken at any moment and told them everything.” Tom supplied. “I get it. And I’m not mad, but I’m not like the others. Mack will understand, and Steve too, probably, but Chris and Jensen are different. They’re hard men to fool, and men who find it hard to trust. You got them to accept you, but you kept things from them. All I can say is good luck, and be persistent.” He turned back to his tee.
“Tom? Seriously, thank you.”
The other man shrugged and grinned over his shoulder. “I figured you had enough trouble to deal with. Oh, and don’t worry about Mack. I’ll explain everything to her.”
“Sure. You wouldn’t happen to know where I could find Chris or Steve?”
Mike laughed. “You mean Chris and Steve. You might try their room, but you’ll need to knock real loud.”
Tom elbowed his partner and rolled his eyes. “Chris went after Jensen, so I have no idea where he might be. Steve, though, you might find in the Officer’s Bar. If he’s there, they’ll let you in.”
“Thanks. I owe you.” Jared smiled.
“I’ll hold you to that.” Tom agreed.
***
Steve was in the Officer’s Bar, but it took Jared a while to find him. The place was full, and not only with officers. There were people of all ranks and job description, and they were all trying to get closer to the stage where someone was playing a soft, crooning ballad. Jared had the advantage of height and used it to scan the crowd. So when he glanced across the stage, he almost missed the familiar face of the singer. Jared’s mouth fell open. That low, smooth voice belonged to Steve.
When Steve looked up, he spotted Jared staring almost immediately. Jared had no doubt that the other man had spotted his uniform, even from this distance across a crowded floor, but all Steve did was nod once. Taking that as a signal that Steve would catch up with him when he was finished, Jared settled at the bar with a beer and listened. He wondered if Steve had been a musician before joining the Rim forces, or if it was simply a hobby he was really good at. The man was powerful; break your heart powerful. Jared understood now what Tom had been saying. It was clear that when Steve played, all were welcome to come to the Officer’s Bar to listen.
Steve finished to loud applause and chanting for more. He begged off, holding up his still bandaged arm as an excuse not to play any further, and he was allowed off the stage. Jared gave him a wave, and Steve made his way over. Once he stood beside Jared with a beer of his own, he looked him up and down. “Well, Airman, it looks like you were holding out on us.”
“Steve, I’m sorry...”
Steve waved him off. “With Jensen under such heavy interrogation you might’ve just ended up in the cells with us. Weren’t gonna’ do us any good there.” His gaze sharpened. “Jensen and Chris know?”
Jared winced. “Yes. It didn’t go so well.”
Steve snorted. “No, I wouldn’t imagine so. They’re good men, both of them. Volatile as hell, but soft under it all. You’ll have to make Jensen listen, but he’ll come around.”
“I hope so.” Jared sighed. They both took a mouthful of beer.
A small smile came onto Steve’s face. “Well, here’s your chance to talk to one of them...with plenty of witnesses.”
Jared didn’t have time to answer before Chris was there and growling, “I see you’ve met the Airman.”
“Chris. Be nice.” Steve murmured.
In response, Chris gave Jared a smile that was all teeth. Jared wasn’t reassured. Idly, he asked, “Did you know that Jensen and I are from the same town?”
“No.” Jared drawled the answer, not sure what the trap was, only that there had to be one. He was also surprised; it seems Jensen wasn’t as lost under the Serum as they had imagined. He hadn’t mentioned Chris once in his rambling tale.
“Mmhmm.” Chris kept that predatory smile and Jared shifted where he stood uncomfortably. “And do you know what happens to traitors where we come from?” Jared shook his head. Chris opened his mouth to tell him, then closed it and shook his head. “It’s best I don’t tell you. Trust me, you don’t wanna’ see it coming, or know what follows.”
“I didn’t betray you!” Jared’s voice pleaded to be believed.
“That isn’t what Jensen tells me.”
“I couldn’t tell you.” He hissed. “I knew, just as you did, that as soon as Jensen woke up they would interrogate him. To start with, I didn’t know how long he would last in questioning, and when they tortured him...it wasn’t safe for him to have that knowledge.”
“And us?” Chris asked. “You had days to tell us before Jensen woke up.”
Jared gave an incredulous laugh. “And have you tell him as soon as you had a chance? The loyalty you all value so much is exactly the reason why I couldn’t say anything.”
“Okay,” Chris moved to the next grievance without further comment, “what about using us to make your escape? That’s pretty low.”
“I wasn’t even thinking about it until...”
“Until what?” Chris leaped on his hesitation.
Jared looked at him and blushed. “Until staying with Jensen became more important than staying on my assignment.”
Steve looked up at Chris and lifted his eyebrow. “Satisfied?”
Chris gave a short, sharp nod. Stepping right into Jared’s space, he spoke low, firm and warningly, “Listen. Jensen isn’t reacting to this rationally, which tells me everything I need to know about how he feels for you. You’ve just proved you feel the same. Jensen won’t listen to reason, because it’s hurt that’s driving him. You have to make him stop hurting before anything you say will make a difference.”
“How?” Jared wanted to know.
“Personally, I’d pounce on him, make him forget everything except how good your dick feels, and use the afterglow to best effect.” Chris gave him a wolfish grin. Steve hit him upside the head.
Jared was sceptical. “Jensen isn’t going to let me touch him.”
“You go all pushy and dominant on him and he will.” Chris smirked at Jared’s expression; part shock and part desire. Then Jared’s eyes narrowed.
“Are you speaking from experience?” He was surprised by the flare of jealousy.
“You’re looking at the first man in Jensen’s bed.” Chris admitted with some pride. “He was seventeen and so damn perfect...” Steve cleared his throat, interrupting the reminiscing, not because he was uncomfortable, but because they were in public. Chris glared at Jared again. “You’d better make sure you’re the last, boy. And if you hurt him again...”
“I can’t promise not to.” Jared told him. “I’m sure you and Steve have your moments. But I can promise that I will never mean to hurt him.”
Chris and Steve shared a glance that spoke volumes. “Close enough.” Chris agreed.
http://lady-krystal-79.livejournal.com/24424.html
Rating: NC-17 (overall)
Pairings: Jensen/Jared, Chris/Steve, Tom/Mike
Category: M/M, AU, Futuristic (i.e. it is set in space!)
Summary: The Core planets have declared war on the Rim planets. When Captain Ackles and his squadron are taken prisoner by the enemy, their jailer turns out to be a young man called Jared. What will Jared do when Jensen's interrogation begins?
http://lady-krystal-79.livejournal.com/24010.html
Part Four
Jared landed the fighter next to the other four and shut down the engines gratefully. He was a pretty good pilot, but that had been a stretch of his skills. And, just when he’d thought they were safe, he had been fired on again. Only quick reflexes had saved him. Climbing out, Jared watched the shuttle come to a hesitant landing in the near empty hanger bay. Chris was doing a hasty once over of Steve’s appearance, finding him to be perfectly fine. Tom had his arm slung around Mack’s slim shoulders. To Jared’s surprise, and delight, when he arrived beside them he was included in the congratulatory back-slapping.
“Tom!” Their relieved laughter was interrupted by a voice crying out from the doorway. Jared watched a tall, slim, bald man run across the hanger and launch himself at Tom, who caught him. He guessed that this was the infamous ‘Mike’ when the blue-eyed man began to kiss Tom within an inch of his life. Pulling back far enough to talk, he said, “God, when I heard you’d gone down...”
“Awwww, Mikey, you missed us!” Chris teased, but he knew how it would have affected the other man. They, at lease, had been together. Mike had been here, on his own, with no idea what was happening to the man he loved.
Mike pulled himself together, let go of Tom, and drew himself up straight. In his Lieutenant’s uniform, Jared had to admit that the other man cut a fine figure. The scowl on his face might have even frightened off lesser men. “You, Christian, only mean one thing to me...guaranteed income.”
Mack snorted. “Last I heard, you owed him.”
“Not for long.” Mike gave a crafty smirk and the three friends - Tom, Mack and Steve - groaned. Chris was busy cackling. A frown came onto Mike’s face before his eyes narrowed on Jared. “Where’s Jensen? And who is this?” He took a proprietary step closer to Tom, body language screaming ‘Mine’. Tom rolled his eyes.
“Jen’s in the shuttle.” Chris answered. “And you don’t need to worry about Jared here. He took care of us all, but he only has eyes for our fatally attractive Captain. He’s so far gone he even helped us to escape.”
Jared thought he might have heard Mike mumble ‘good luck’ under his breath, but he was distracted by the opening of the shuttle door. Despite the damage sustained by the craft, the door mechanism seemed to have escaped unscathed. It was Beaver who first appeared in the doorway, and his face was grim. “Someone give me a hand. Captain Idiot is unconscious in here.”
Before anyone else could move, Jared had leaped to the rescue. This time he definitely heard Mike say, “Poor fool. He has no idea.” Jared ignored him, but he couldn’t help but smile when Chris replied, “This one’s different. I think he might have a chance...”
***
Jeff looked in on Jensen through the viewing window. He didn’t want to disturb the younger man, but he needed to see for himself that he was going to be okay. Miraculously, all Jensen needed was bed rest, proper nutrition, and time for his wounds to heal. Jeff had read the squadron’s report on what had happened at the hands of their enemies. His fists clenched in anger as he remembered all that he had read. Against all protocols, and basic human decency, they had tortured a prisoner of war. Jeff wasn’t surprised, he had expected as much, but he was furious.
“You’ve a good man there, Commander.”
Turning to his left, Jeff saw the Doctor who had attended Jensen in his prison, and who had come with them when they escaped. He gave him a half smile. “A stubborn one, at any rate.”
“You know what he went through, don’t you?” Beaver raised an eyebrow.
Jeff’s mouth turned down. “I know. The others made sure to tell me.” He looked back through the window at Jensen’s still form. Without inflection, he asked, “Just how close was it?”
Beaver huffed out a large sigh. “Pretty close. He either would have broken down and told them everything, or died fighting not to. Serum is strong, and he was already weakened. All things considered, it’s amazing that he came through it as well as he did. And to fly the way he did while still under the after effects...” He shook his head.
The two men stood in silence, watching the subject of their surprisingly similar thoughts. After a few minutes, though, Jeff spoke once more. “I’ve read your file...”
“Have you now?” Beaver had expected as much since the moment he arrived on board. “And what did you find?”
“Doctor James Norman Beaver, Jr. Prefers ‘Jim’. 59 years old. Attended medical school on the Core planet of Ennora. Graduated top of the class. Ran a lucrative private practice on Ennora, but resided on the Inner Rim. Drafted to serve in the Core forces, though your wife and daughter continue to live in enemy territory.” Jeff looked at the older man, inviting comment.
“Tamar is home. They wouldn’t leave. And I wouldn’t ask them to.” He added, “I also don’t judge a man as friend or foe depending on where he happens to live.”
Jeff nodded. “Your service in the field is impressive, though that doesn’t really surprise me. I could use a man like you, Doctor, but you aren’t my prisoner. I won’t force you to stay. As much as you would be welcome here, you’re free to go home.”
It had been quite a few years since Beaver had had any choice in this matter, and it threw him just a little. “I’ll need to think on that, Commander.”
“Of course, but I’ll need an answer by the time we leave Tamar.” He saw the Doctor’s surprise and gave a small smile. “We’ll be restocking there before we head out again.”
“That’s...very good of you, Commander.”
Jeff waved off the gratitude. “It’s as easy to go there as anywhere else. Besides,” he looked in at Jensen one last time, “I think I might owe you.” With that, he walked away.
Beaver spoke softly to his patient in the other room. “You’ve earned the loyalty of some strong, powerful men, kiddo. That ain’t just your pretty face.”
***
Three days later they were on the final approach to Tamar, and Jensen was thoroughly sick of his room in the Med bay. His lieutenants - and Mike - had kept him company as often as they could, but they could all see his growing frustration, Chris was there right now, and they were laughing over old times. Eventually, though, their laughter died down in a companionable silence.
“I haven’t seen Jared.” Jensen tossed out a little too casually. Chris was surprised it had taken him this long to ask about the tall man.
“Yeah?” That didn’t mean he had to be helpful.
Jensen shrugged. “I thought...never mind.”
Chris sighed, taking pity on his friend. “No one has seen him, Jen. No one can even find him. Not even Mike.”
“What? Was he arrested?” Jensen’s hands clenched fitfully in the bedcovers.
“Well...not exactly. After he brought you in here,” Chris saw the surprise flit over them other man’s face, “they led him away under guard. He isn’t in the holding cells, or confined to quarters, or anywhere else that we’ve looked. The Doc is wandering around free, so it doesn’t make sense.”
“Have you asked the guards...”
“Of course. They aren’t talking, but we’re working on it.” Chris cut in grimly.
“And we’ve succeeded.” Mike’s cheerful voice pre-ceded him.
“Do I want to know how?” Jensen asked drily.
“High stakes card games, of course.” Tom followed his partner into the room.
Shaking his head at that, he simply asked, “Where did they take him?”
Mike bit his lip and met Jensen’s eyes. “To Commander Morgan.”
***
Jeff was given a moment’s warning by the commotion outside his office door and then Jensen, dressed haphazardly in his uniform, stormed into the room like a thundercloud ready to let loose its awesome fury. He supposed it was only a matter of time. Looking past Jensen, he saw Tom and Chris placating Mike, who sent him an apologetic glance. Jeff suspected it was Mike - and his unholy card shark abilities - that were responsible for the six-foot-one of spitting, green-eyed Captain before him.
“Jensen, take a seat. Mike, close the door please.”
Mike did as asked, but Jensen continued to stand. Jeff was glad he’d had the foresight to block them off from hearing ears when Jensen growled, “With all due respect, Commander, go to hell.”
Jeff’s eyes narrowed. “That wasn’t a request, Jensen. We’re not having this conversation until you sit down.” Three day’s rest was not what the doctors had ordered, and he could still see the bruised colouring around Jensen’s eyes.
Jensen’s desire to rebel fought against his need to know, but he finally sat down with an annoyed huff. “Fine. I’m sitting. What have you done with Jared?”
“I haven’t done anything with him.” Jeff sighed. This was never going to be pretty.
“You were the last to see him.” Jensen accused.
“Possibly.” He conceded, and watched as Jensen’s eyes went wide with horror. Jeff realised how that might have sounded and swore, “Oh, for the love of...” He pressed a button on his comm and spoke into it. “Could you come out to the office.”
It hadn’t been a request, and Jensen was frowning. The door connecting Jeff’s office to his private quarters swished open and Jared walked out. Jensen’s gaze flitted over him, looking for injuries, or any other explanation for his absence about ship. A second, longer look provided Jensen with a few more details. Jared was wearing the brown Airman’s uniform of the Rim forces, not his Core forces black and grey. He was clean and healthy and certainly not anyone’s prisoner. And he had been in Jeff’s quarters all this time. That thought hit Jensen right in the centre of his chest.
Unaware of Jensen’s thoughts, Jared strode forward, a wide smile on his face. “They finally let you out? I’m so glad you’re okay...” He reached out to touch Jensen, but the smaller man stood up and stumbled back and out of reach. Confused, he queried, “Jensen?”
“Jensen.” Jeff echoed, his voice gruff. “I don’t believe you’ve been formally introduced to Airman Jared Padalecki...” He stopped when Jensen made a somewhat choked sound.
“You’re one of us?” Jared nodded happily, not foreseeing the explosion about to come. “The whole time you had us locked up in our jail cells, the whole time you pretended to befriend us, pretended to care, all you were doing was your job?” Jared’s smile dimmed as he began to comprehend just how unhappy Jensen was with this news. “When you offered yourself up as a prisoner, when you were helping us to escape, it was really your own escape you were planning. Well done, Airman. I certainly never suspected. I guess that makes me a trusting fool.”
“No! Jensen. You don’t understand.”
“I understand enough.” He strode forward, right into Jared’s space, and heedless of Jeff’s presence growled, “I trusted you. I even thought you might...but I suppose not. You traded up the chain of command as soon as you got here.”
Jared looked blank, but Jeff knew jealousy when he heard it. “Jesus, Jensen. It isn’t like that!”
“Keeping him in your room was a good plan. No one ever would have looked for him there.” Jensen spat out.
“Which is exactly why he has been staying in my quarters...and I have not. We don’t know if Jared will be required to return under cover, so we don’t want him seen about the ship.”
Jensen shrugged. “So, you’re not an opportunistic slut, just an opportunistic liar. I hope you enjoy your next assignment as much as this one. Take care of yourself. But, then again, that’s what you do best anyway.” Jensen left the office, striding through his surprised friends and tossing over his shoulder, “No need to keep looking. Airman Padalecki is just fine.”
Chris, Mike and Tom looked into the office and saw Jared in his uniform, misery written all over his face. Jeff swore. At this rate, Jared’s identity was soon to be the worst kept secret in the fleet. Chris’ eyes darkened with anger before he followed after Jensen. Tom’s look spoke of disappointment before he took Mike’s wrist and slowly drew him away.
“I knew I should have told them. I knew it almost from the beginning, but I stupidly stayed silent.”
Jeff looked at Jared’s stricken face. “You were only doing what you have been taught. He’ll calm down, Jared.”
“Yeah, he’ll calm down, but that doesn’t mean he’ll forgive me.”
“Forgive you for what? You were following orders. He can understand that. Just give him time.” Jeff had gotten to know Jared over the last few days, and he was sorry to see the gentle giant so upset.
“No, sir. I understand. He feels betrayed. Under the effects of the Serum, he gave me his whole life, without a fight. Now it turns out that I didn’t even trust him enough to let on that I was on their side.” Jared shook his head and ran his fingers through his shaggy hair.
“You care for him, right?” Jeff asked. Normally he kept out of the private lives of his people, but he could see by the severity of their reactions that the two men had been heading for...something. “And I’m going to guess he cares for you, too, since he was willing to turn on me when he thought I’d harmed you. So you’ll find a way. If it is really important to you, you will find a way.”
“Right.” Jared stood a little straighter. “Well, I know the first thing I have to do.”
***
Chris knocked on Jensen’s door. It remained shut. “Jen! Open up.” He called, banging again. Nothing. “Fine.” He muttered and turned to the keypad, entering Jensen’s code. The door slid open and Chris stepped through. Jensen was in the middle of the room, his back to Chris and his body trembling. Softly this time, he said, “Hey, Jen. Come on, now. You’re still not one hundred percent. You need to lie down.”
Ushering his Captain across the room and pushing him down onto his berth with a persistent but kind hand, Chris listened to Jensen’s harsh breathing. “He never trusted us. He used us, Chris. After everything, I thought he was different. I almost let him in. I trusted him, and the whole time he was lying.”
“So, ah, let me see if I understand.” He had to be sure he was giving advice on actual facts. “Jared was undercover in the Core forces, but is actually an Airman in the Rim forces. You think he should have told us and that he was only using us for a chance to come back himself. You think we were betrayed.” And because Chris understood Jensen, knew how deep the other man’s loyalty ran, and how guarded he kept his heart, he couldn’t say that he was overreacting. Jensen gave a curt nod. “Well alright then. You’re entitled to your anger. I can’t say I’m happy about it myself.” He paused. “Are you going to give him a chance to tell his side?”
Jensen sighed. “I don’t know, Chris.”
“You think he might hurt you?” Chris prodded.
“I don’t like that he can.” Jensen admitted.
It was Chris’ turn to sigh. “Well, it’s your heart, Jen. I can’t tell you what to do. What I do know, though, is that if you don’t take a chance some time, you’ll always be alone.” Jensen didn’t say anything, but then, he didn’t really need to. Chris left him to think on his words.
***
Jared went in search of his erstwhile prisoners and found Tom first. He and Mike were in one of the rec rooms hitting golf balls into a simulated, holographic sky. Great; they were armed. With a deep breath, Jared entered the room. Mike saw him first and nudged Tom, making his shot go wild. Tom turned around and glared at Mike before he gave Jared a questioning eyebrow.
“Well? Are you going to explain or not?” Tom prodded when Jared remained silent.
“Iwasundercover.” Jared rushed out. When Tom smirked, he went on more slowly, “I was there to observe and send back any relevant information I came across. No one ever pays attention to the lower ranks, so I got to hear quite a lot. I’ve been there for two years, and then you guys were brought in.”
“You didn’t trust us.” It was almost a question.
“I did! I wanted to tell you, but...Jensen...” Jared threw his hands up helplessly.
“He might have broken at any moment and told them everything.” Tom supplied. “I get it. And I’m not mad, but I’m not like the others. Mack will understand, and Steve too, probably, but Chris and Jensen are different. They’re hard men to fool, and men who find it hard to trust. You got them to accept you, but you kept things from them. All I can say is good luck, and be persistent.” He turned back to his tee.
“Tom? Seriously, thank you.”
The other man shrugged and grinned over his shoulder. “I figured you had enough trouble to deal with. Oh, and don’t worry about Mack. I’ll explain everything to her.”
“Sure. You wouldn’t happen to know where I could find Chris or Steve?”
Mike laughed. “You mean Chris and Steve. You might try their room, but you’ll need to knock real loud.”
Tom elbowed his partner and rolled his eyes. “Chris went after Jensen, so I have no idea where he might be. Steve, though, you might find in the Officer’s Bar. If he’s there, they’ll let you in.”
“Thanks. I owe you.” Jared smiled.
“I’ll hold you to that.” Tom agreed.
***
Steve was in the Officer’s Bar, but it took Jared a while to find him. The place was full, and not only with officers. There were people of all ranks and job description, and they were all trying to get closer to the stage where someone was playing a soft, crooning ballad. Jared had the advantage of height and used it to scan the crowd. So when he glanced across the stage, he almost missed the familiar face of the singer. Jared’s mouth fell open. That low, smooth voice belonged to Steve.
When Steve looked up, he spotted Jared staring almost immediately. Jared had no doubt that the other man had spotted his uniform, even from this distance across a crowded floor, but all Steve did was nod once. Taking that as a signal that Steve would catch up with him when he was finished, Jared settled at the bar with a beer and listened. He wondered if Steve had been a musician before joining the Rim forces, or if it was simply a hobby he was really good at. The man was powerful; break your heart powerful. Jared understood now what Tom had been saying. It was clear that when Steve played, all were welcome to come to the Officer’s Bar to listen.
Steve finished to loud applause and chanting for more. He begged off, holding up his still bandaged arm as an excuse not to play any further, and he was allowed off the stage. Jared gave him a wave, and Steve made his way over. Once he stood beside Jared with a beer of his own, he looked him up and down. “Well, Airman, it looks like you were holding out on us.”
“Steve, I’m sorry...”
Steve waved him off. “With Jensen under such heavy interrogation you might’ve just ended up in the cells with us. Weren’t gonna’ do us any good there.” His gaze sharpened. “Jensen and Chris know?”
Jared winced. “Yes. It didn’t go so well.”
Steve snorted. “No, I wouldn’t imagine so. They’re good men, both of them. Volatile as hell, but soft under it all. You’ll have to make Jensen listen, but he’ll come around.”
“I hope so.” Jared sighed. They both took a mouthful of beer.
A small smile came onto Steve’s face. “Well, here’s your chance to talk to one of them...with plenty of witnesses.”
Jared didn’t have time to answer before Chris was there and growling, “I see you’ve met the Airman.”
“Chris. Be nice.” Steve murmured.
In response, Chris gave Jared a smile that was all teeth. Jared wasn’t reassured. Idly, he asked, “Did you know that Jensen and I are from the same town?”
“No.” Jared drawled the answer, not sure what the trap was, only that there had to be one. He was also surprised; it seems Jensen wasn’t as lost under the Serum as they had imagined. He hadn’t mentioned Chris once in his rambling tale.
“Mmhmm.” Chris kept that predatory smile and Jared shifted where he stood uncomfortably. “And do you know what happens to traitors where we come from?” Jared shook his head. Chris opened his mouth to tell him, then closed it and shook his head. “It’s best I don’t tell you. Trust me, you don’t wanna’ see it coming, or know what follows.”
“I didn’t betray you!” Jared’s voice pleaded to be believed.
“That isn’t what Jensen tells me.”
“I couldn’t tell you.” He hissed. “I knew, just as you did, that as soon as Jensen woke up they would interrogate him. To start with, I didn’t know how long he would last in questioning, and when they tortured him...it wasn’t safe for him to have that knowledge.”
“And us?” Chris asked. “You had days to tell us before Jensen woke up.”
Jared gave an incredulous laugh. “And have you tell him as soon as you had a chance? The loyalty you all value so much is exactly the reason why I couldn’t say anything.”
“Okay,” Chris moved to the next grievance without further comment, “what about using us to make your escape? That’s pretty low.”
“I wasn’t even thinking about it until...”
“Until what?” Chris leaped on his hesitation.
Jared looked at him and blushed. “Until staying with Jensen became more important than staying on my assignment.”
Steve looked up at Chris and lifted his eyebrow. “Satisfied?”
Chris gave a short, sharp nod. Stepping right into Jared’s space, he spoke low, firm and warningly, “Listen. Jensen isn’t reacting to this rationally, which tells me everything I need to know about how he feels for you. You’ve just proved you feel the same. Jensen won’t listen to reason, because it’s hurt that’s driving him. You have to make him stop hurting before anything you say will make a difference.”
“How?” Jared wanted to know.
“Personally, I’d pounce on him, make him forget everything except how good your dick feels, and use the afterglow to best effect.” Chris gave him a wolfish grin. Steve hit him upside the head.
Jared was sceptical. “Jensen isn’t going to let me touch him.”
“You go all pushy and dominant on him and he will.” Chris smirked at Jared’s expression; part shock and part desire. Then Jared’s eyes narrowed.
“Are you speaking from experience?” He was surprised by the flare of jealousy.
“You’re looking at the first man in Jensen’s bed.” Chris admitted with some pride. “He was seventeen and so damn perfect...” Steve cleared his throat, interrupting the reminiscing, not because he was uncomfortable, but because they were in public. Chris glared at Jared again. “You’d better make sure you’re the last, boy. And if you hurt him again...”
“I can’t promise not to.” Jared told him. “I’m sure you and Steve have your moments. But I can promise that I will never mean to hurt him.”
Chris and Steve shared a glance that spoke volumes. “Close enough.” Chris agreed.
http://lady-krystal-79.livejournal.com/24424.html