Heroes pt. 7 Lt. Kristin O'Connor, of the EFS Normandy's Gamma Squad, has had some pretty interesting adventures since joining the crew of the Normandy. Not much surprises her anymore. Just yesterday, while sailing along in a boat of a neosapien scientist, named Archamedes, that her and fellow squad mate, Trooper Nicole Montgomery befriended, after being shot down from orbit by a swarm of neo e-frames, they were caught by a group of pirates in a 1500's style ship. Now, those pirates have offered the three to join their ranks, and plunder the neo supply ships that sail along these waters, or die. It wasn't much of a choice, really. They didn't want to become pirates, but they didn't want to die, either. "Well, we really don't have much choice," Kristin said. "We have to join them." "But what about our duties as ExoFleet officers?" Nicole asked. "While staying is preferable to dyeing, I do have my research, and I don't think they would allow me to continue it here," Archamedes said. "We can figure it out later. At least accepting their offer will allow us more time to figure it out, instead of sleeping with the fishes," Kristin explained. "Well, sounds like as good a plan as any. Let's do it," Nicole said. ******************* About two hours later, in the captain's "office". "Have you come to a decision? Will you join us? Or would you like to explore the ocean floor. Without masks." "We want to know a few things first, Blackbeard, such as how you became pirates in the first place, and how were you able to utilize everything here. Tell us all," Kristin demanded, in a calm voice. "You are in no position to demand anything, my dear, but since you are a feisty one, I shall humor you. We were a group of scientists that were doing research in this area when the neos took over. We consist mainly of marine biologists, and archeologists, with some mechanics to keep our research ships operational. We were doing research around this island when the Neos seized control. The archeologists found this ship in a cave on this island, and when a neo patrol happened upon us, we had to use what was at hand to defend ourselves. We managed to destroy them. It was then that we found out what happened. After that, we knew we couldn't go back to our lives as they were. So we decided to become pirates. And we have adapted quite well into the lifestyle. Many of us are happy," The pirate captain explained. "But why won't you let us go? We're obviously ExoFleet officers. And Archamedes over there, all he is interested in is his scientific research, something I am sure you all can relate to," Nicole said, just a little annoyed. "Because the neos don't know about this place, and we don't want them to find out. We know they have ways of making terrans talk. And it isn't because of your neosapien friend, if that's what you're thinking. We have four neos among us right now. Now, enough chatter, have you made a decision?" the captain asked. The three looked at each other with resignation. They hoped they could talk their way out of this. "I suppose we have no choice," Kristin said. "We'll accept." ****************** *This has -not- been my week. Not at all. If I ever get my hands on Phaeton, I am going to bop him one right in the jaw just for causing me all this trouble,* Elan thought, as he trudged through this heavily forested region of Great Britain. *A whole day, and still no sign of the resistance in this part of the world. Well, I guess I can't complain, no sign of Neos, either, although I have had this unshakable feeling of being watched all day.* Elan sighed. Things will get better. *I hope.* After another hour, Elan decided to rest for the night. He had taken it easy, this past day, so as to not aggravate his wounds, (even having wounds is enough to put a scowl on his face. and it wasn't too long before he settled into sleep. ***************** The figure in the shadows had been watching Elan for the last day. Seeing where he was going, and maybe to try and figure out why. The figure smirked at Elan's wounds for what seemed the thousandth time today. *If I know him, it is those wounds which has caused his frowning face more than his seemingly getting nowhere. Well, I think tomorrow I will let him know I am here. Boy, will he be surprised to see me,* the figure thought, bow in hand. **************** A ray of sunlight shone through the trees, waking Elan up from his surprisingly restful night of sleep. Elan sat up and stretched his good arm above his head. "Whoa," Elan muttered to himself, "I don't think I have had such a good night's sleep for months. It almost makes me think things are going to start going my way for once." Elan put his good hand on the ground only to feel it touch something. "What's this?" He said, picking it up and looking at it. "It wasn't here when I went to sleep last night. So someone is following me." Elan studied the item further. "It looks like..........breakfast?! Who would do this? And why?" The item was actually several items in a small bag. Elan opened up the bag and looked inside. There were a couple eggs, some thin slices of ham, and some bread. There was also a small frying pan, and a stand to put the pan over the fire. *Wow,* Elan thought, *This person was prepared. I wouldn't doubt it if this came out of their own supplies. Which means they are probably still around.* Elan stood up and studied his surroundings. "I know you're there! You can't hide from me any longer! You might as well come out now!" Elan yelled, removing the dagger at his waist from its sheath. "Do you really think that you can hurt me with that pearing knife of yours, Elan?" came a woman's voice from the surrouinding forest. The voice was difficult to pinpoint the direction it came from. *She is good, whoever she is. And she knows my name, too,* Elan thought, his curiosity overcoming his slight worry. "After all, you have to get up close. I don't," the woman's voice said, an arrow shooting into the ground at Elan's feet immediately after the words finished. Even though he couldn't see her, he knew she was grinning. The voice still seemed like it came from all around. "But I am sure you would rather eat that dagger of yours than hurt me with it," the voice said, behind him. Elan spun around to see exactly who this woman was. The person he saw was the last person on earth that he expected. To say he was surprised would have been an understatement. "Aria." Aria smiled warmly. "Hello, Elan. It's been a long time," she said, moving closer to Elan. "That it has," he said, moving closer to her, as well. A few seconds later, they were right next to each other. They stared at each other for a moment longer, and then embraced and gave each other a very long, loving kiss. After what seemed like hours (but was only a few minutes in reality), the two released each other. "So what are you doing here?" Elan asked, the surprise in his voice quite evident. "The last I saw, or even heard from you was right after graduation from the acadamy. We were waiting for our first assignment, when you suddenly resigned your commission and disappeared." "It's a long story, Elan. Maybe some other time. As for what I am doing here, I am part of the resistance group here in Great Britain. Come, and I will take you to our base of operations." "But what about-," Elan started. "The man's boat? Already taken care of, my dear," Aria said with a smile. Elan grinned. "I should have known," he said. "So how far is it to your base of operations?" "You haven't changed a bit, Elan. Always getting right down to business. Let's eat first, then we'll go," she said, preparing the ground to make a campfire. "I am a little hungry," Elan confessed, a little meekly, as he went to help her. About fifteen minutes later, The two sat by the fire cooking their breakfast. "So have you ever learned how to cook, or am I gonna have to cook for you still?" Aria said to Elan. Elan flushed. "Uhh.......uhh.......Excuse me a moment, but I need to use the restroom." Aria merely arched an eyebrow and then grinned, as Elan stood up and started walking into a cluster of trees and shrubs. "Well, I can see you haven't learned to cook yet. What ever am I going to do with you? I swear, I intend to see that you can cook gourmet meals for yourself before I die," she called after him. After a few minutes, Elan returned to the campsite. Aria was finishing up breakfast. It smelled nice. Elan sat down next to her and grabbed the bread and broke off a chunk. He took a bite out of it. I was some of the best he had eaten. "How long will it take us to get there?" Elan asked, after swallowing. Aria turned her head to look at Elan, "It will take us at least one full day, if we start within thirty minutes, we should be able to get to an underground transport train. That will take us the rest of the way." The meal went silently, until about half way through, when Aria asked Elan a question. "Are you seeing anyone right now?" Elan nearly choked. Obviously, it wasn't a question he was expecting. "No. I have not been seeing anyone, period, since you," he said calmly. "You?" She put her food down. "Me neither. Whenever someone comes around that I am attracted to, even a little, they don't quite measure up to you," she said, resting her head on Elan's shoulder. Elan put his arm around her. (She sat next to him on his good side.) And they stayed like that for an hour, before they stood up and started clearing their campsite. ********************* *Well, it's better than dying,* Kristin thought to herself for what seemed to be the millionth time today. *At least they have me doing something I know how to do.* Kristin was put in charge of technical maintenance of all equipment. Kristin leaned back for a moment to catch her breath. She was sweating hard. She wiped her face with her sleeve. When she looked up, she saw a face she was very surprised to see. She didn't know his name, but it was a face she won't forget anytime soon. "You?! How did you get here?!" She asked, surprised beyond belief. It was the big burly pirate that she and Elan had gotten into a brawl with on the pirate ship, the Red Dragon, on their way to earth. "I had heard there was a couple ExoFleet officers here. Is that Elan with you?" he asked. "No. I don't know where he is, or any of the others besides Nicole. What happened to you, and your ship?" Kristin asked. "When you and your squad launched from the bay, we were attacked, and our orbit destabilized. We were not able to prevent a hard landing. Most of the crew, including the captain, were killed on impact, even though we hit water. Fortuneatly, these pirates," his voice showing just the slightest hint of contempt on the word, pirate. So little, that one could almost not notice it, "had seen us land and came to help. They offered us survivors to join with them. We accepted. They may not be pirates in truth, but they try," he said, his mouth working into the slightest of smiles. "How many of you are there?" Kristin asked. "About ten of us. I have some news for you that might be of interest. We have about four neos among us. Five, now, including your friend. The reason you haven't seen any is because they are spies for us. Yesterday, we received news that three ExoTroopers had escaped from a base in the Carpathian Mountains, where they were sent after they were captured. The report said they were captured in a battle in orbit. I am guessing that they are three of your squadmates. Which ones, we do not know. Our spy is going to send descriptions of the three in his next report," he told Kristin. Kristin's heart started beating with anxiety. "Is anything going to be done about it? Are we going to go look for them?" she asked the big man. "We are not. If you want to though, me and the rest of us from the Red Dragon will help you escape in order to go look for them," the big pirate said. "It would be remarkably easy. We could have you out of here in a week." "How have you been able to figure that out? You guys yourselves couldn't have been here for more than a week," Kristin informed him. He grinned at her. "They keep this place quite secure. But there are a few cracks we can slip you through. You just have to make sure you don't act suspicious. If there is one thing these guys are good at, it's picking out someone who is hiding something. Remember, it will take about a week," he said, then walked off. ******************* "So, are we there yet?" Elan asked his traveling companion. Aria sighed. She also had an exasperated look on her face, as if that wasn't the first time he'd asked that particular question. She stopped walking and turned her head to look at him. Elan was grinning like an idiot. "I knew it! You just keep asking me that to annoy me! Well, you've achieved your goal, you've annoyed me. Besides, see that cave over there?" she asked. Elan nodded. "Well, we go in there, and that's where we hop onto the underground transport train." Aria explained. So only about five more minutes, to answer your question." "Alright, let's go! My legs could use a rest, as well as the rest of me. I'm a recuperating man, you know. Speaking of my wounds, how about kissing them to speed recovery," Elan said with a grin. "Don't press your luck," came Aria's reply. The two walked into the cave and Aria lighted a torch she got from a disguised part of the wall. The two proceeded to walk to the back of the cave, where Aria pushed in a rock hanging on the wall to reveal a hidden doorway. As the door opened, Elan could see the lighted stairway leading downward. Aria and Elan walked down the stairway, after closing the door, until they got to this wide open cavern. At a spot at the far end of the cavern, Elan could see hovertrain tracks, but no train. "So where's the train?" Elan asked. "Well, it's obviously not here. I swear, how did you get along without me?" she asked, half sarcastically, half serious. "Oh, well, you can thank my friend, and fellow squadmate, Kristin O'Connor for that," Elan told her, as he went over to the wall and sat down against it. "Hmmmm.......sounds like someone I'd like to meet," Aria said, following Elan to the wall. "Well, nothing to do, but wait, I guess. So tell me about this Kristin." "Ok," Elan said, before he started his narrative. ********************* End of part seven.