The Pandora Effect Ch. 07

Adam thought back to the mission on the Naqada. Garrett Brown's thirty years of training kicked in and blended in well with his team. Then he thought of the moment he froze and failed to react as Mansur Alba changed into a form only seen in horror movies. He couldn't blame him really, his own team froze up when Kevin came out of the closet at the hospital.

"You have my word as a SEAL Commander, he'll take anything this mission has to throw at him, and give twice as much back."

"You just watch your six Lieutenant Commander."

"Speaking of my six Neal, what's the possibility of getting some help on backup? I know the others have missions, but I might need some extra people to cover us while we take the virus back."

Neal Hawkins reached into his right hand drawer and pulled a small stack of papers out. He tossed them on the end of the desk at Adam, then reached in again. This time he pulled two very illegal Cuban cigars out and tossed one to his friend.

"I meant to smoke this with you last night, but since I only had two left I waited. We can enjoy the world's finest cigars while you choose your back up."

"Um -- remember that little statement we swore to, you know uphold the constitution, protect others, and obey laws like not smoking illegal cigars?"

"Light your damn cigar, pick out your backup, and get off my ass about contraband."

"Aye, aye Commander," Adam replied in a strict military voice as he reached for the lighter on Neal's desk.

**********

Rashida was seated next to a small table placed near the window. She wore no clothing just in case Bashir needed more stress relief in a moment's notice. She held six different aerial photos from the stack Nadia left with them.

The beauty looked at one of them which showed a cluttered area of buildings that made up the body of the airport. Everything was so packed in; she had trouble picking out which terminal to look over. She looked up to see Bashir studying the environmental controls for the hundredth time.

"Bashir, which terminal do we release the virus into?"

"Terminal one is the best location. The environmental system isn't connected to terminal two, but passengers checking in catch flights there. Flights from either terminal cross Europe and a dozen other countries. Those pathetic humans will transfer the virus all over the world in a matter of days."

"This will work as long as we can get past security at the airport and the ferry terminals."

"That's where that lush body of yours will come in handy. You're going to take the first shift of driving. During the second half, I want you rested and looking your best. Make sure you wear something revealing so if we get stopped or questioned, they pay more attention to you and not where we're going."

"So you want me to dress and act like a slut for -- humans."

"It shouldn't be too hard. Now get over here," Bashir ordered as he moved his chair out to allow room for his mate.

**********

Adam opened the door to the squad room. He still could help but laugh at the idea of hunting down more werewolves, but this time he was going to do it with the rebuilt team that Viljem Kordic took out. The deadly werewolf attack on an unsuspecting SEAL team in Predjama seemed like ages ago, but Bravo's demise still haunted him.

As he entered, he saw one of his intended targets, Lieutenant Jack Patrick. He knew Patrick's fire team was on the short list of teams to have back at Virginia Beach. He put together a group of men that almost came close to his own beloved SEALs. If he needed a backup team, there was no better one in the area.

"Holy shit, look who's turn it is in the shit hole." Jack turned and looked over his shoulder as a few of his team members joined him. When he saw his friend, he jumped off the couch and walked quickly towards him.

"Christ, you mean to tell me some tango hasn't shot your ass yet? How's it going Adam," he exclaimed as he grabbed his hand firmly.

"What gives buddy? You left the beach suddenly and no one's heard a peep about you?"

"I sort of got caught up in helping some people track down some shit and get it back for them."

"Let me guess, CIA."

"How about you gather your guys together and I'll let you know what's up."

"Sure thing Adam. Briefing room in say an hour?"

"You got it. By the way, mind if I borrow your sniper there for a few minutes?"

"Not at all, Wolfie front and center."

**********

Gunners Mate Third Class Mark Wolfhorst silently moved into the SEALs armory where V-man was checking over the SR-25 silenced sniper rifle. As he checked the firing pin for any signs of damage, Wolfie moved behind him and grabbed V-man's waist. Mark ducked as the arm flew harmlessly over his head.

"You're getting slow old man, sure hope your aim is better than your self-defense training," Wolfie said with a short laugh.

"Mark, it's damn good to see you buddy. Your turn in the shit hole huh?"

"Yeah, it's a bit weird though, the last time a Bravo fire team was in this area, they got torn up by some dogs or something. I don't intend to repeat the performance."

Adam walked in with a smile as two of the best SEAL snipers alive were talking and joking with each other. That bond they shared would come in handy if this went down like as he was thinking.

"Is everything ready to go V-man?"

"So far, so good Boss. I was just going over my weapon to see if these clowns took care of her."

"While you're at it Dan, have Wolfie check out the .50 cal. If we get into too much shit, I want something with some kick to care of it. Since we have some time before Kristine comes up with anything, I want you two at the range and zeroing those in for six hundred yards. Anything further than that and I believe you'll be shooting them in the back."

"Front, back, side, in the nuts, makes no difference to me Adam. Dead is dead."

"You have any idea where Bob and Kevin are V-man?"

"Bob and the rest of the guys are getting a late lunch over at the E-club. I think he's looking for that chick from last night. If I was a betting man, I'd say that old SEAL is off the market."

**********

Six muscular men strode into the Enlisted Club and surveyed the area as usual. All of them checked for signs of danger or something out of place, everyone except the new Senior Chief who was looking at the bar staff. Garrett motioned for the team to head to a table that was up against the wall with a good view of the bar area. It wasn't because they were nervous about being attacked, it was just a precaution the trained men always lived by.

A petite dark skinned beauty sashayed over, she pointed her attractive hip to one side as she held the empty tray, and smiled graciously. Her dark enticing eyes lured the men to a sense of calm as she smiled a seductive smile.

She had everyone's attention, save one. Bob Holiday continued to look around the bar. He felt a little silly looking for Karen at this time of day, since she worked last night. He silently hoped Kristine would take a day or so before figuring out where the tangos were.

"I sure hope you gentlemen are here to eat, because I'm starting to get a little hungry too." Garrett looked at the young woman and tried hard not to laugh at her attempt to pick one of them up. By the looks of her, she was probably some Officers kid who just needed a job.

"How about a round of beers and three orders of hot wing, gorgeous."

As she turned to head for the bar, the SEALs couldn't help but overhear her response. "Oh it's hot, but it isn't wings sugar."

Kevin leaned over to his team Chief. "She worked last night Bob, she won't be here yet."

"Shut up Dvorska, I'm just checking out the situation. Men in our business can't be too careful; you never know when trouble is going to pop up."

"Speaking of popping up Senior, was she worth the extra tip we all put in last night?" Carl asked.

"Carl, it's still daylight outside, don't make me beat you where everyone can watch."

The team shared a moment of laughter as they stared at the frowning SEAL. They all knew if it were anyone else, they would have chocked it up as a moment in time. The fact that it was a seasoned Navy SEAL, who rarely showed affection, was something the team just couldn't pass up.

"You guys save me a beer, I gotta call Laura before I get into trouble. Trust me when I tell you, that's one girl you don't want pissed at you," Kevin said as he stood to head for the phones.

As he moved around Doc, the server came up with a tray full of beers. "I'll take that one with me dear." Then leaned in close. "My friend Carl on the end really likes you. He couldn't take his eyes off you as you walked away."

Kevin headed to the phones quickly as she placed the tray down and passed out the drinks. When she handed Carl his, she lightly brushed her fingertips against his hand. "You drink that slow big boy; you never know what the night has in store."

Everyone stared at the table and tried their best not to break out laughing as Carl looked at her with a confused expression. When it dawned on him what just took place, he turned to watch his werewolf friend making a hasty exit.

"Little bastard. If I didn't know you could rip me to shreds, I'd kick your ass all over this club."

**********

The sandy blond haired angel continued to look down through the softy billowing cloud. He couldn't help but feel envious of his friend John Balch, as he watched the guardian angel drinking and laughing with the SEAL team. The last time he was on assignment was almost ninety years ago. He was more than ready to experience all the new things humanity had come up with.

"Looks like John is enjoying himself. I hope he remembers why he's there in the first place." Gabriel stood over the kneeling angel and peered over his shoulder. He had a slight smile on his face as he knew of Peter's silent wish."

"Oh hi Gabriel. He's really not enjoying himself Sir, you know how it is -- gotta blend in with the humans."

"Yes he sure is blending in alright. I'll have to add that to the things we have to discuss when he gets back. Are they making any progress since young Kevin returned?"

"A little Sir, they know the area to look in, but I can sense some frustration in Mrs. Dawson."

"Don't worry my son. You just never know where good intelligence will come from."

**********

Bob finished his beer and placed the empty on the table. His expression was that of calm and controlled fillings, although it couldn't be farther from the truth. Through the years, he had seen SEALs become attached, and he knew after that they had a fifty percent chance on loosing focus and doing something stupid.

"Oh what the hell, guys like me are cut out for a life of..."

"You morons got room for your team leader, or should I sit at the bar?" Adam said as he made a quick move towards the center bar area.

"Hey Boss, pull up a chair and take a load off. I know how hard you must work now that you're a Lieutenant Commander," John said as he scooted over and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Thanks John, and quit playing with your hair before we start calling you GQ again. I swear you're as bad as Wolfie when it comes to your appearance."

"Sorry Adam, I just want to make sure I look good in case some server is going on break."

The team laughed and Adam picked up one of the beers. He took a small drink of the cold liquid. He did not intend to allow his reflexes to become diminished while they waited for an objective. He watched as fellow SEALs took it slow with the alcohol, and he knew they all shared the same sentiment.

He looked over at his friend and saw he was his normal grumpy self as he continued to watch other patrons move about inside the club. His eyes quickly darted towards the back of the room and Adam looked over to see Kevin dodging patrons as he made his way towards them from the phone area.

"Hey Adam, glad to see your tracking skills are still there. I was beginning to think I was the only one with that talent in the team," Kevin said with a short chuckle.

"Don't let all that doggie shit go to your head Dvorska. I was tracking down terrorist, when you were still trying to figure out which part of a ship was aft. How's your better half doing?"

"Wolf's ready to kick a little ass Boss."

"Not that half you moron, I was talking about Laura."

"She's fine Adam. She's been under the weather for the last few days and can't wait for us to get finished. She said something about going..."

Suddenly he stopped and turned his head quickly. As his senses went into overdrive, a slow smile formed on his masculine face. Adam saw the expression and turned around to see what Kevin was sensing.

He didn't have to wait long to see Karen emerge from around the bar as she tied her apron around her flared hips. He joined his Senior Chief in the hopes Kristine would take a day or so before figure out where to go. His longtime friend and mentor deserved it.

Adam Dawson knew it was a matter of time before Karen realized her new friend was in the club, so he acted normal and picked up his beer. His eyes never left Bob Holiday. Kevin watched her out of the corner of his eye and when she saw them, a bright smile formed quickly.

Karen checked her hair, and smoothed the short skirt out. She began walking over towards them, but stopped abruptly and headed towards the bar. It looked like she was chiding herself a bit, and Kevin turned his head slightly to pick it up.

"I can't believe I forgot my tray. Bloody hell Karen, get a hold of yourself! You're acting like a little school girl with her first crush."

When she started towards them, Kevin shifted his focus on Bob and waited for his reaction when she arrived. He smiled inwardly as he remembered when he fell in love with Laura. The warmth she gave him was more than any man could ever hope for, and he prayed that Bob would find that warmth as well.

"Don't you -- men -- ever work?"

Bob was staring towards the other end of the club watching a couple of Army guys slam beer when he heard her alluring accent. Adam thought he might break his neck at the quickness of the movement. When their eyes met, a softness washed over his face like a soft stream flowing around moss covered stones.

"Oh hell, he's got it bad," Adam thought.

"We are at work. This is what we do, we sit and drink beer and try to figure out how to save the world."

"Is there anything I can do to help save the world?"

"How about another round Karen, while we discuss which country needs attention first."

The mature woman looked at the table and saw at least five full beers sitting there waiting for an owner. She smiled at Bob and turned to retrieve the order. Kevin couldn't help but tune in her British accent.

"I know an excellent place you can divert your attention to stud muffin."

Carl Werner looked around the bar and saw the young dark haired beauty serving one of the other tables. When she looked over and saw him staring, she cocked her head slightly and licked her full red lips. Carl quickly turned and picked up his beer.

"Speaking of saving the world Bob, you got any ideas on where to start looking?" Carl said as he took a long pull.

"Well if they were up your ass Werner, I'd know right where to find them."

Jake leaned over towards Kevin with a serious look on his face. "I don't want to sound negative here Kevin, but it's like finding a needle in a hay stack."

"Yeah I know buddy, there must be a thousand ways out of here."

"Hold on a minute you two. Are you losing faith in my wife already? Let's not forget she was the one who figured out the first part. I have half a mind to narc you both out to her."

Bob joined the others in their concern. "I don't usually side with furry little animals..."

"Who the hell you calling little old man?" Jake said with fake annoyance.

"Jake's right Boss, I know Kristine is good but she can only cover about have the area we need to look at."

"Security is tight all over the place, if they smile, we'll know about it," Adam said almost convincingly.

When Karen arrived with the beers, she moved next to Bob and sat her tray down. Her hip touching his taut shoulder did not go unnoticed by the other men at the table. Given their previous conversation, they all had stern faces on as they silently mulled over the possibilities.

"With the look on those faces, you'd think the world was coming to an end," she said as she pressed her hip more firmly against Bob.

Adam wanted to change the subject away from any hint of who they really were. "With that accent, I take it you're not from around the area."

"Actually I'm originally from West Drayton. It's a town west of London. My ex-husband used to work on base and I guess I sort of stayed on."

"So you don't have any family here like kids and such," Bob hinted.

"Nope, just me and my poodle. I have a sister that lives by London Heathrow that I get to see from time to time."

Carl thought about the added security around the world these days and lifted his beer up. "Must be a real pain in the ass to go see her."

"Oh not really love, I use the ferry out of Oostende Belgium. It drops me off at Ramsgate and then it's just a hop, skip, and jump to her flat by Heathrow. Security is so light there you could drive a whole truckload of illegal immigrants through there and no one would know about it.

Karen began picking up the empty bottles as the SEALs all looked at each other. Adam stared down Bob as they both came to the realization of what was going to happen. Everyone stood up quickly, knocking their chairs over as they did. The other patrons of the club watched as seven well-built men sprinted towards the exit.

The other server walked briskly up to Karen as she watched the door swing shut. "I was just starting to make some head way with one of them. What did you say to scare them off?"

"I didn't say anything. I was telling them about my sister."

"Hmmm. Maybe they know your sister."

Briefing Room, SEAL Compound, Aviano Italy.

Alpha fire team, along with Bravo, huddled around the large glossy table as the teams looked over photos of the area. With such short notice, there wasn't much time to put together a formal briefing. Adam was about to start handing out coverage assignments when Neal voice his concern over the Intel source.

"I'm never one to question my team leaders, but we have no solid proof that this is even the route their going to take. The tangos could pop out at any of the fifteen different ferries along the coast. We don't even know if London Heathrow is the intended target."

"This lady has no idea who we are, and she makes an off handed comment about how easy it is to get to her sister's house. She's a damn civilian who has no idea about security, but yet has enough brains to know when a port is lacking it. If she can figure it out, the two tangos can."

"What about Heathrow? They could just take it somewhere else and board a ship."

Kristine pulled an aerial photo of the airport over. "They'd be stupid not to try, and those two are far from stupid. They want to kill as many people as they can, and what better way than to spread that shit in an airport that departs all over the world."

"Neal, I've studied this virus for some time now. If they put it in the environmental system, it would provide a low enough dose that people wouldn't start getting sick for a few days. It only survives for about 24 hours, but just think about how many people go through there in a day."

"Okay, but I won't go along with two of my best teams out of the country. Pick a staging area close to Great Britain and wait for confirmation. Garrett, how many men can you get to Heathrow?"

"Ones that know how to handle themselves? I can put six at the airport, and another six at Ramsgate."