GI JOE Porn Story: Hits of the Year Chapter 9

Brants Apartment
Kiev, Ukraine
12:15 hours, local time

Lady Jaye sat in Brant’s living room. She was alone for the morning, since Brant was at the embassy. She had no plans, which was fine. She had been up half the night thinking about the discussion with Beth at the hockey game last night. Lady Jaye tried to remember the last time she had seen her. There was that time that Beth had gotten a break, and saw Lady Jaye in one of her plays. They had gone out afterwards and Lady Jaye had spent the night avoiding her questions about Flint and the CIA. She wasn’t sure if Beth had been more disappointed over her break-up with Flint, or her refusal to join the CIA. After a couple of beers, Beth had stopped hounding her and they had had a really great night on the town. She definitely wasn’t the bitter woman back then that she had turned into now. Was it her job that turned her that way?

She then began to feel guilty as she realized how little she had been involved in Beth’s life. She could use the job excuses all she wanted, but the fact remained that if she had seen her more than once or twice a year, she might have had a better clue as to what was going on in her life.

She still couldn’t get over the fact that Beth had stooped so low as to be digging up bodies in graveyards to stage flaming car wrecks. Was it the grave-digging, or the car wreck that disgusted Jaye more? She focused on the fact that right now her friends thought she was dead. Did they care? Did he care? She imagined that Flint had to have been shaken up by the news, but by how much? Why was that important? If she found out that he had been in a deep state of mourning these last few days would that change things?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. What the hell? she asked the empty room. She walked to the door, and looked through the peephole. She muttered a string of obscenities, plastered a fake smile on her face and opened the door.

Barbara, Judy, this is a surprise, Lady Jaye said to the two wives she had met the night before at the embassy function. She invited the women into the apartment.

Oh, how quaint. Barbara replied after taking a brief look through the mostly sparse apartment.

Lady Jaye felt an irrational urge to defend her faux lifestyle. I know its not much, but with the number of hours Brant spends at the embassy, and since I only come every once in a while, we really didnt need anything extravagant.

No need to explain, dear. Its really quite lovely. Judy replied while exchanging a look with her friend. We really dont intend to stay long. We were on our way to lunch and a little shopping, and we thought you would like to come with us.

The last thing Lady Jaye wanted to do was spend any amount of time with the plastic wives as Brant had dubbed them. However, she didnt have a plausible excuse to use. Plus, it was probably good for her to get out of the house and focus her anger on someone other than Beth. That sounds like a fabulous idea. Just give me a few moments to change.

Gorman was on his way back to the embassy when his phone rang. He answered it and realized he was in trouble the moment he heard CIA Director Bellows’ voice. “Albert, we have a situation.”

He stopped in his tracks. “Sir?”

“We’ve got intel from the Brits that Cobra is going to pressure Yelchichev to declare martial law. No one has a good feeling about this so most of the embassies are being evacuated by their respective governments,
including us.”

“Isn’t that a little premature? It’s only martial law. I don’t see them rolling tanks down the streets.”

“Not yet. Our team is doing its job, Albert. I want to scale back our operations in Kiev, pull the main
brunt back to Kirovohrad to monitor the situation.

Gorman tried to control his breathing. “Shouldn’t we stay in the city?”

“Normally I’d agree, but in light of our recent failures I’m not sure it would be worth keeping things
active with the current group. We’ll pool our information with what MI-6 is giving us. Right now
we’re going to focus our efforts on further agitating Cobra. Shut down the house in Kiev along with our
embassy operations.”

“Yes, sir.” Gorman knew he wasn’t going to win this argument. “I’ll report to you from the Kirovohrad
house tonight.” He quickly hung up before Bellows could say anything else. He dialed another number as
he turned back towards the presidential palace. “There’s a change in plans.”

Bellows placed the phone back on the cradle in his office. He turned to see his assistant, Jeffries, staring at him. “Something on your mind, Grant?”

“Don’t you think you tipped our hand to him? He’s got to know you were lying about the source of
information. You’re putting a lot of lives in danger.”

“It’s a chance I have to take. Until I get concrete evidence in my hands I’m stuck. Hopefully this will
put him on the defense and he’ll make a mistake.”

“And if he goes on the offensive?”

“Then we’re going to lose some good people.”

Kiev, Ukraine
14:00 hours, local time

Lady Jaye liked to think she tried, that she really tried. When she went into her bedroom to change after agreeing to this lunch date, she mentally prepared herself for this mission. She was determined to have a good time. And she did, for the first half hour. Then she noticed that all of Judy and Barbaras topics of conversations had the same theme snobbery. They talked about their husbands co-workers with such an air of superiority that Lady Jaye spent the second half hour of the lunch restraining her urge to slap both of them. When they commented on how rough things were for them in this God forsaken country she had to bite her tongue from pointing out the plight of the Ukrainian citizens. She then decided that it was best if she just tuned out their conversations all together. It wasnt the first time she had dealt with people like this – in fact from the moment she was born to the moment she left for college just about all of her social engagements (especially the ones her mother had a hand in arranging) had been like this. So she had learned the art of holding up her end of a conversation without actually hearing a word of it.

This luncheon also reminded her of life in Virginia, where she and Flint had moved so he could pursue his post-Joe military career. At first Lady Jaye had relished the idea of experiencing the Army from an outsiders point a view. She had become active in the family support center. She had hoped that she could give the spouses and families a perspective of what Army life was like. But no one had wanted to listen. Sure, some of them had thought her stories were exciting, but the majority opinion was one of non-interest. Most couldnt see past their own issues and problems. Plus, she and Flint hadnt even been engaged at that point. Most had considered her just a girlfriend, and unable to understand the problems associated with a military marriage. Then there had been the issue of rank. The officer wives looked down at the enlisted wives, and the enlisted wives thought the officer wives were stuck-up snobs. With Flint a Warrant Officer, she had been liked by neither side. It was all very childish and immature and after a month of working with the center she had quit in frustration.

She once again smiled and nodded at what seemed to be the appropriate time. She then turned her attention back to her memories until a short time later when her cell phone rang. She excused herself and answered the phone.

Weve got a problem, Brant said simply.

What happened? she asked. She got an idea of the severity when first Judys and then Barbaras phone rang.

To be honest, Im not one hundred percent on the details, but we were ordered to evacuate the embassy and the Ukraine as soon as humanly possible.

Why? What is Cobra Commander up to?

I dont know. Ive spent the last hour trying to get an answer to that question, but Ive been getting the runaround.

Wait! Youve known about this for an hour, and Im just finding out now? Lady Jaye asked.

I was asked to hold off notifying you. Most of the senior staff found out earlier on, but we were asked to wait on calling our families until more information was known. They didnt want to start a panic.

Damn it, Brant. She turned away from the table and lowered her voice. Im not just an ordinary wife. I should have known earlier.

I know that. But my hands were tied.

Lady Jaye knew arguing with Brant was only going to waste more time. So what is the plan now?

I dont feel comfortable talking about it on the phone. Im heading home right now, so meet me there.

Lady Jaye looked over at her lunch mates who were visibly agitated. Sure thing, it just might take me a few minutes.

“Gorman called me.”

“Oh?” Beth put down the file she was reading.

“He wants Charlie and me to set up shop in the safehouse in the city.” Mary’s face was ashen in pallor. “He’s setting us up, isn’t he?”

Beth slowly nodded. “Yeah. Did he mention anything specific?”

“Not really. Just that we need to get over there as soon as possible. He said he’d meet us there this evening.”

“Wow. He is so setting you two up to be screwed. I think it’s safe to say he knows that we know enough to evacuate the embassy.” Beth drummed her fingers on the desk as Mary looked at her expectantly. “I’m assuming that if you have a car he knows what it looks like.”

“I do and he does.”

Beth stood up. “Take me to it.”

So work is going okay? Dial-Tone asked his wife. It was a lame question but he had learned over the last few days that small talk was extremely hard to accomplish over a phone connection thousands of miles long.

No complaints. There is nothing pressing at the moment Linda replied, but her words trailed off at the end.

Hon, are you okay? Dial-Tone asked.

I should be asking you that question. Theres breaking news on CNN. Something about potential trouble in the Ukraine. Theyre talking aboutmartial law?

Dial-Tone quickly rose to his feet. Linda, Ill call you right back. Dont worry about me, Im safe. For the moment,he added silently. He hung up the phone and shouted, Flint! I think we have a situation!

American Embassy
Kiev, Ukraine
15:15 hours, local time

Standing by Marys car, Beth handed her a slip of paper. When you and Charlie are ready to leave call this number. Ask for a car and youll get it.

Not for the first time in the last few hours Mary found herself wanting to ask Beth who she was. She knew, though, that any answer would be a lie, and then only if Beth bothered to answer the question in the first place. The sight of a wallet flying at her broke Marys thoughts. She barely caught it before it hit her in the face. Mary was staring at the wallet and then at Beth who was grinning at her.

If you get surprised by that then you probably need some refresher courses at The Farm.

Should I be on the lookout for any other flying objects?

Nope. Didnt bring the gun.

Mary held up the wallet. If youre going to do what I think youre going to do wont you need this? And a gun?

Beth didnt answer. She just turned and started to walk towards the drivers side. Mary turned back towards the embassy when she heard Beth call her name. Turning back around, Mary looked at Beth and thought she saw a look of doubt on her face. When you guys get into safe territory and contact Bellows someone is probably going to come speak to you in person. Tell them

Mary waited for Beth to finish the sentence. Beth began to pace and mumble to herself. Mary watched in fascination as the cocky faade fell. The grumbling and pacing continued to build until it culminated in a barely audible fuck and Beth slamming her hand on the car roof. She lowered her head trying to collect herself. Shortly afterwards she mumbled something else and Mary took the opportunity to speak. I didnt catch that.

Beth looked back up with a sad smile. No regrets.

I dont understand.

Youre not supposed to.

Mary wasnt sure how to take that. Did you want me to get a message out for you?

Beth shook her head slowly, smiling the same sad smile. No. Before Mary could say anything else Beth got into the car. A minute later she started it up and drove off.

Brants Apartment
Kiev, Ukraine
15:00 hours, local time

Lady Jaye fumbled with the lock to the apartment. She was annoyed with having lost so much time the last hour. Judy and Barbaras reaction to the news had not been what Lady Jaye expected. Instead of being frightened by the news, they were actually excited by it. As Lady Jaye did her best to hammer home how serious the situation had become, they had become more animated, and had started talking about witnessing another Tiananmen Square. She had put up with their bullshit for a few minutes before deciding that they were their husbands problem. It had taken her another five minutes to convince them to leave. She had been at the mercy of Judy, who had been the one that provided the transportation for their luncheon. On the drive back to her apartment, Lady Jaye had tried unsuccessfully to get a hold of Beth, which only added to her concern.

When they had finally reached her apartment, Lady Jaye had tried one last time to explain to the women the seriousness of the situation and told them to go right home. She had then raced into her building and to the door of Brants apartment where she was now faced with a stubborn lock.

She wiggled the key again, cursed loudly in Gaelic, and magically the door opened.

Why hello, dear. Nice of you to come right home. Did you decide to pick up some last minute souvenirs? Brant asked with a smirk.

Lady Jaye cursed in Gaelic once again. If you must know, I was stuck with two of the mostnevermind. Tell me what the hell is going on.

I really dont know much more than what I told you on the phone. A little bit before one Oclock we got the message to evacuate the embassy. At first we thought it was a temporary situation, but once the order came down to take our families and leave Ukraine I knew it was more serious.

Did you contact Beth? Lady Jaye asked.

I tried to with no luck. I called her again a few minutes ago Brants explanation was cut short by the phone ringing. He picked the phone up and Lady Jaye waited for some acknowledgment of who was on the other end. A moment later he said, I missed that, Beth. You sound like youre talking with your mouth full.

Lady Jaye ran into the bedroom to pick up the other line. She caught the tail end of Beths reply, bless capitalism. Its comforting to know the fall of communism allows me to buy a double cheeseburger and a large fry anywhere in the world. I swear they lace these fries with crack.

Cobra may be finally showing their hand and youre waxing poetic about McDonalds, Lady Jaye said.

Im having what may be my last real meal for awhile and Im having this conversation on what most assuredly is an unsecure pay phone in the McDonalds. I was explaining to your husband that if the opportunity presents itself to leave, take it.

Were supposed to start in thirty minutes, Brant said.

Wonderful. Make sure your wife gets on one of the first transports.

Im still on the phone, Lady Jaye said tersely. What do you plan on doing?

Beth took a sip of something before answering. Im gonna make sure the company store is secured. The managing director isnt following orders. Ive sent the others home.

Youre not doing that alone.

Yes, I am. Youve no idea whats going on.

Whatever. Were meeting you there. Lady Jaye hung up before she could listen to Beth protest further. She went into the living room where Brant was still on the phone. He nodded as he agreed with whatever Beth told him and then hung up. Before Lady Jaye could say anything Brant spoke, Are you trying to help tip Cobra off?

Excuse me?

She tells you shes calling from a pay phone and yet you still prattle on like shes on a secure line. Did you pad your resume?

I know what Im doing.

You couldve fooled me. Shes right. You have no idea how ugly this is getting . What she was trying to communicate without tipping anyone who might be listening is that shes shutting down the CIAs safe house in the city. Gormans involved somehow.

Thats all the more reason for us to support her.

No, it means we need to get inside the British embassy where well be safe. I am expected to help in the evacuation and youre expected to be on a helicopter with the other embassy family members. Theres no acceptable reason for us not to be there. And if youre a quarter of the professional your file says you are then you know Im right.

Lady Jaye was silent for a moment. Yeah, I know. Doesnt mean I like it.

You dont have to like it. You just have to do it. Brant grabbed his jacket. Lets go.

The Crimea
16:00 hours, local Time

Anatoly banged loudly on the door. Still no answer. He swore loudly. As he rummaged for his keys he made a mental list of all the bars Shipwreck could be at. He unlocked the door and entered. He couldn’t believe the condition of his place. The man had only been staying with him a few days, but he had really made a mess of things. Anatoly heard a loud snore and saw that the man he was looking for was currently heavily asleep on his couch.

He walked over to the sleeping man and shook him roughly, “Get up you lazy American!”

It took Shipwreck a few moments to return to consciousness. He looked out through bloodshot eyes and asked “What time is it?”

“Almost four in the afternoon. You have slept all day!” Anatoly replied. He then shook his head. “It does not matter. We must be going now.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just give me a few minutes to wake up. Do you have any?

“We no have time for chatting chit! We must be going now. Cobra will be declaring martial law. We must be going to safer house!”

Shipwreck looked utterly confused. He rubbed his hands across his forehead and moaned. “Cobra’s doing what?”

“Look, I explain in the car. We must go now.” He went to help Shipwreck up and then stopped. “Whoa. Maybe we have time for you to take quick shower first.”

British Embassy
Kiev, Ukraine
17:30 hours, local time

The embassy was a scene of organized chaos. Outside, helicopters were loading up embassy staff and their families. Inside, more staff and family members milled about. Some were grouped together waiting for the next available copter, while others rushed up and down the hallway. Everyone seemed to have an air of nervous energy.

Lady Jaye leaned against the wall and watched the scene with a growing frustration. For the fifth time in as many minutes, she looked at her watch. Her foot tapped impatiently against the floor. Lady Jaye felt Brants hand squeeze her shoulder and she had an almost uncontrollable urge to break it. She still couldnt believe that his main concern was keeping up appearances. She began to protest the situation again, but was interrupted by Brants cell phone. He answered it, listened for a moment and said. Yes, Im all set. I have the files with me. As soon as I get my wife loaded on one of the helicopters, Ill head upstairs.

Lady Jaye started to seethe. She glared at Brant until he hung up the phone. Do I have to remind you that I am not getting on any helos?

Brant nervously smiled at a co-worker that passed by. He glanced up and down the hall before leaning in close to her. My apologies, honey. Ill call the ambassador right back and tell him all about our little plan and your real identity.

Lady Jaye ignored his sarcastic reply. Were wasting time. Ive been standing here for the last thirty minutes twiddling my thumbs when I could be doing something a lot more useful. Look, Ive maintained my cover. No one is going to notice now if I get on the transport or not.

As if on cue, a voice called down the hallway Samantha! Lady Jayes face winced, and she slowly turned around. Judy ran up to her. I am so glad to see you. Barbara just left on the last helicopter, so I thought I was going to be all alone on the exodus. Are you waiting for one of the helicopters?

Yes, she is, Brant replied. And its a load off of my mind to see that she will have a friend along.

Lady Jaye whipped around to stare at Brant. She began to wonder if he had truly lost his mind. But then she realized she could use Judy to her advantage. Brant, dear, since Judy is here now, why dont you go back to your office? I know you have quite a bit of work left to do.

I couldnt possibly concentrate on my work, until I knew you were safely on your way. My work can wait for the ringing of his cell phone again interrupted Brant. He answered it and walked a few feet away, out of Lady Jayes hearing.

Lady Jaye half-listened to Judy prattling on, as she watched Brant to get an indication of his phone call. She prayed that it was Beth calling. Brant hung up the phone and walked back to the two women. She stared at him and he shook his head.

Im afraid I will have to leave you two ladies, Brant said as he grabbed Lady Jayes arm. Judy, do you mind if I have a few minutes alone with my wife? Judy nodded and Brant pulled Lady Jaye down the hall.

He pulled her close and into a hug, to give the impression of a man having an intimate farewell moment with his wife.

Just get on the transport and go to London, Brant whispered into her ear. He pulled away, reached into his briefcase and scribbled on a scrap piece of paper. Go to MI6 headquarters and ask to speak to this man. Tell him everything you know and hell get the information to the Americans.

Lady Jaye was going to argue, but she kept quiet. She knew she could make her getaway as soon as he left for his office. She grabbed the paper from his hand and nodded.

He smiled. Good girl. Its really for the best. We can regroup and figure out a new plan once were safely out of the city.

She nodded again; they gave each other one more hug for the audience and then parted ways. She crumpled the piece of paper, stuck it in her pocket and walked back to Judy.

He seems like such a sweet man, Judy remarked. I wish my William was half as affectionate.

Yeah, hes a real sweetheart, Lady Jaye mumbled. She looked down the hall and saw that Brant had gone upstairs. I need to use the restroom. Ill be right back.

You have to use the loo too? I get such a nervous stomach when I travel, and I think one final trip to the loo would be the best idea for me.

Lady Jaye rolled her eyes, but knew she could easily ditch Judy in the bathroom. The two walked down the hall and into the ladies room. Once again Judy talked non-stop. Lady Jaye waited until Judy entered the stall and locked the door. She then silently sneaked out of the bathroom.

Once out in the hall, she hurried for the entrance. The activity level had increased, so Lady Jaye was able to leave without much notice. She quickly headed for the street. She wanted to put as much distance between her and the embassy as possible. As she continued her walk down the street she realized she had no idea what she was going to do next. She knew Beth was at the safehouse, but she had no idea where that was. She pulled out her cell phone, but stared at it blankly. Brant had chastised her earlier for her behavior on an unsecured phone. Was she going to break protocol again and just call Beth and ask her for directions?

She could call the Joes. Flint would probably know where the safehouse was. However, assuming she would even be able to track them down, she still had the problem that they all thought she was dead. She stopped walking and uttered a string of Gaelic curses. She stopped as soon as she sensed a presence behind her. She became aware of her lack of weapons of any kind as she slowly turned around.

She let out a deep breath. Standing behind her was Sergei, the Russian driver working for both Flint and Beth. Come, he ordered. We go to safer house and Beth.

Lady Jaye just nodded, grateful for her luck. She knew she could ask any questions later. The two hurried to his car, where Lady Jaye saw that Sergei had already picked up a passenger. She raced to the car, thinking it was Beth, but when she opened the car door she instead saw a disgruntled Brant sitting in the front seat.

Looks like you got your wish, Brant said.

How? she asked as she climbed into the back seat.

Apparently, Sergei was the emergency I needed to tend to immediately. When I went upstairs to my office, he was waiting for me. Apparently Beth had a feeling youd try something and wanted him to help make sure you got out of here. Imagine my surprise when I found out that you had suddenly disappeared out of the bathroom. Especially after I had told Sergei how I got you to agree to go to London.

Well, here I am. Ill be fine with Sergei if you want to get back to the embassy, Lady Jaye offered.

No, Im here now. Lets go be idiotic.

Outside CIA Safehouse
Kiev, Ukraine
18:45 hours, local time

This is ridiculous. Shes trying to shut a house down by herself. We should be in there helping her, Lady Jaye said. She, Brant and Sergei were around the corner a block away watching the CIA safehouse. Sergei had confirmed that Beth was still inside when he spotted Marys car.

We should be on a transport out of here, grumbled Brant.

Lady Jaye turned towards him, and Sergei worried that he would have to restrain her. I didnt ask you to be here. Nothings keeping you from leaving.

Because it would be completely acceptable to leave without my wife? One of us has to be concerned about maintaining your cover. At this point were the only part of this entire operation Gorman doesnt know about. We should be using that to our advantage, get out of this god forsaken place unmolested, and blow the whistle on his plan.

Im not leaving her behind.

Before Brant could respond Sergei starting waving at them. Brant looked up to see HISS tanks roll down the streets. Sergei started towards the car. We leave now. Brant began to turn until he saw Lady Jaye bolt for the safehouse. He was a half step quicker and grabbed her around the waist just as she was exiting onto the street. He pulled her back around the corner.

Let me go! Lady Jaye thrashed about in Brants arms. He barely avoided a shot to his groin before slamming her against the wall.

Are you trying to get us killed? The crackdown is beginning. If we leave now we may still have a chance. He turned around so both of them faced the street again. As they did so two transport vehicles pulled up. They watched as Xamot, Tomax, and a handful of Crimson Guardsmen set up in front of the storefront. The Twins stepped back as the Guardsmen began to break the door down.

Inside CIA Safehouse
Kiev, Ukraine
18:50 hours, local time

Beth heard the sound of the battering ram faintly from the basement. She had spent the last few hours shredding documents and installing various viruses that would cripple the two computers. Turning towards a monitor she saw the front door violently swing open from the ram and Crimson Guardsmen stream in. Knowing they would make a beeline for the basement she pulled a cigarette lighter from her pocket. Grabbing a file she lit the edge and dropped it in a pile of shredded paper. She threw some more files on the growing fire as she could hear the small barricade she set up leading towards the interior door being cleared.

Praying that the viruses shed loaded had destroyed enough of the system, Beth stepped back to survey the damage as the door leading to the room was forced open. She reached for her cigarettes as she watched a Guardsmen go to the computer while three others tried to put out the fire. The Twins walked towards her just as she finished lighting a cigarette.

What exactly, Tomax said.

do we have here, finished Xamot.

Beth blew smoke in their direction. I would be wrong, but it looks like a fire. She grinned at them while putting the cigarette back in her mouth.

The Twins motioned towards three other guards. Arrest her, they said in unison.

One guard took the lead and smacked Beth across the face, sending the cigarette flying. Beth didnt put up much of a struggle as the other two guards pushed her against the wall and cuffed her hands behind her back.

As they turned back around the lead Guardsmen removed his helmet. Beth kept her face blank as Gorman revealed himself. Who are you?

Not able to stop herself Beth mouthed off. The woman whose cigarette you sent flying.

Gorman grabbed her and slammed his knee up into her midsection. He let her go and she dropped to her knees, the wind having been knocked out of her. He followed that up with a kick to her gut. Leaning down he said, Lets see how smart that mouth is in a few hours. Gorman hauled her back up and threw her towards the other two guards. Get her out of here.

I take it shes not one of your people, said Tomax.

No, but Im confident she works for my now former employers. We just need to get the specifics from her.

Speaking of them, said Xamot, I think we can agree that they know about you.

Gorman began to remove his uniform top revealing a regular work shirt. Possibly. I think its time we threw some doubt in their minds. All three smiled as Xamot opened his cell phone.

Brant kept his hand around Lady Jayes arm as they waited for the guards to reappear. Do you think theres any place she could hide in there? Lady Jaye asked.

Brant shook his head. Not if Gorman is the mole.

They watched with anticipation when a Guardsman ran out of the building. He headed for a transport, signaling the driver to start the vehicle. A minute later he was followed by the two guards bringing Beth out of the building.

Lady Jaye gasped and renewed her struggle to get out of Brants grasp. He cursed as he grabbed her other arm and forced her against the wall. What are you doing? We can take them.

No, we cant. There are more guards inside, we dont have any weapons, and odds are good more troops are coming. Our window of opportunity to get out of here is closing quickly. We need to leave now.

We cant leave her!

She knew what she was doing when she came here. We cant do her any good right now and were not going to help her if we dont make it out of the city. We need to tell our superiors whats happening and I dont think we can trust any of the communication infrastructure to be secure. Brant sighed. You hung up the phone before Beth could tell you to forget the promise. She said you would understand what she was talking about.

Lady Jaye stopped struggling. She gave one last look towards Beth before turning towards Sergeis car. Brant kept a hand on her, worried that she might try to lull him into a false sense of security.

Kirovorhad Safe House
19:15 hours, local time

“Dial-Tone, talk to me. What’s going on?” Flint asked.

“I lost the signal, Flint. I’m trying to get it back,” He replied desperately. They had been watching the events unfold on a local television station, but it had been quickly taken off the air. Dial-Tone had been able to pick up a short-wave radio signal that was keeping them informed, but he had lost it a short time ago.

Flint wasn’t sure what to do. The situation was rapidly going to hell in a hand-basket, and he was sitting here looking at a quiet radio transmitter. The news had reported that Cobra had declared martial law earlier in the day. Flint wondered what had happened to push Cobra Commander into that decision. He had already lost one agent, and only God knew how many more were in danger. He didn’t know whether to try and contact Mary, contact General Hawk, or to keep the line free for anyone else that might need to get a hold of him. He was about to scream at Dial-Tone when there was a knock on the door. Both men looked at each other and then headed towards the door as they reached for their weapons. The knocking began again in earnest and they heard Mary say, ‘Dash, are you in there? Open up if you are.”

Flint quickly opened the door and ushered Mary and Charlie in. “What’s happened? The last piece of useful news we got was that the embassy was being evacuated. Gorman finally realize that something was going on?”

“Some woman named Beth Harkins showed up saying that we needed to clear out. Apparently she’s someone important because one phone call later it was happening. If it werent for her we never wouldve known about what Cobra was planning. She sent us to get you two and take you to a new house that hopefully Gorman doesnt know about. Apparently everything is compromised, including our mission.”

Dial-Tone was already grabbing his tools as Flint said, “Gorman? Why Wait a minute, what about Shipwreck? He’s still in the Crimea.”

“Beth said something about sending someone to get him. Brant will be meeting up with us as well and will be bringing some other people.”

Before Flint could ask any other questions, his phone rang. “Dash, it’s Brant. I dont want to say much, but as you can probably tell the shit hit the proverbial fan on our end. Are Mary and Charlie with you?” Brant asked.

They just got here.” Flint answered.

“Good, we’ll meet you there. You’ll probably get there first.”

“Mary mentioned something about you bringing others. Who’s with you?” Flint asked.

“I’ve got Alison and Sergei with me,” Brant said.

Flint felt the blood rush to his head. His ears were roaring. He swallowed, trying to clear his head, and slowly asked, “Did you say Alison was with you?”

“Yes. We’ll explain everything when we get there,” Brant said before hanging up.

Flint brought the phone away from his ear and stared at it dumbly. Shes alive? Alison is still alive?

The others had heard part of the conversation. “Lady Jaye’s alive?” Dial-Tone asked.

“Thats what Brant just told s alive! he exclaimed with a laugh. He clapped Dial-Tone on the back. “Come on. We need to get out of here.”

With Mary and Charlies help, they quickly packed up the essentials and left the house within a few minutes. The drive took less than an hour. Shipwreck had arrived at the house ahead of them and walked out the front door as soon as they pulled up front. “I’m glad you guys finally showed up. I was starting to worry that Anatoly had set me up. What the hell is going on? Anatoly said something about Cobra cracking down.”

“Unfortunately, that’s not a rumor. Cobra declared martial law a few hours ago. They just cut all the power to the embassies in the capital. We got enough advance warning to get the staff that hadnt been recalled when Cobra took over out of the country, but theyve already entered the American embassy looking for information about us,” Flint explained as he got out of the car.

Shipwreck stopped and looked at him. “For someone who gave some pretty horrible news, you seem awfully happy.”

Flint looked at him and said simply, “Lady Jaye’s alive.” He continued into the house.

Shipwreck remained standing where he was. “Hey! When was she not? How come you guys never tell me anything?”

Hawk furiously flipped between CNN, MSNBC, and FoxNews hoping to find a different image. Unfortunately all three were playing the same video of Crimson Guardsmen leading Albert Gorman out of what looked to be a tailors shop in the middle of Kiev. Luckily for all involved the media hadnt identified him yet, so the title at the bottom of the screen just referred to him unknown citizen. This scene was being played out all over the city as Ukranian officials claimed to be rounding up elements focused on destabilizing the government.

At least that was what President Yelchichev was saying over images of tanks rolling down the streets of Kiev and the other major Ukranian cities when the crackdown began nearly an hour earlier. The United States and England knew that the crackdown was just Cobras way to go after the team. Outside of the footage with Gorman Hawk hadnt seen any footage of any of his other team members being captured. All conventional means of communication had been blocked and Hawk wouldnt let Mainframe attempt to contact Flints team out of fear of alerting Cobra to their location. He could only sit, watch television and hope they found their way out of the country.

He looked at the phone, trying to figure the intercom out. He had asked Mainframe to place a call in to Langley when the footage of Gorman first hit the airwaves. That had been five minutes ago and Mainframe hadnt come back yet. After pushing various buttons with no results Hawk decided to use a tried and true method of reaching him. Mainframe! Why the hell havent you gotten Langley on the phone yet?

Hawk could hear Mainframe grumble and push his chair away from his desk. A second later Mainframe popped his head inside the door. Couldnt remember how to use the intercom, could you, Sir?

Just answer my question.

Youre in the queue, Sir. According to Director Bellows secretary youre fifth in line. Hes currently talking to the President and then theres a couple of cabinet secretaries, the head of the congressional committee on intelligence, and the head of MI6. From the way it sounded were going to be on hold for awhile.

You tell her to get me in after the President. Ive got people over there and unfortunately Im currently in the position of needing him to tell me if theyre alive or not.

Safe House
Classified location
21:30 hours, local time

Flint had been keeping watch out the window. He had not been able to sit down since they entered the house. After what seemed like an eternity, he saw a pair of headlights pull into the driveway. He watched as three figures got out of the car, and he ran out of the house. Mary and Charlie were right on his heels out the door.

“Lady Jaye! Thank God! I ” He stopped in mid-sentence when he saw the look on her face. “What happened?”

Lady Jaye couldn’t answer him, so Brant did. “We had to leave Beth behind.”

“Beth? Who’s Beth?” Flint asked as Dial-Tone and Shipwreck joined them outside.

“She’s my sister.” Lady Jaye replied in a voice just slightly above a whisper.

The group went silent as everyone stared at Jaye. Flint was the first to speak. “Your sister? But I thought”

“Yes, my sister. Beths real name is Katherine Hart-Burnett and I’m not leaving this country without her.” Before anyone could say anything else on the matter Jaye walked into the house and went upstairs.