After Days - Chapter 9

Zayn drummed his finger against his crossed arm, tapping in time with the clock’s second hand. Ten forty-two, he had been sat for over an hour watching those hands slowly drag around full-circle. Time was his enemy now, this had to be done properly, by the book, this was the only reason he was personally leading this mission. White pilot’s overalls enveloped him, the stitching along his arms was hidden with orange strips of reflective material. His boots buckled on tight, helmet already strapped on with a secure comms line, loaded automatic pistols at each of his hips. He was an inversion of the Whispers, a beacon of light compared to a totem of black.

“You’ll drive yourself insane watching that thing one of these days.” Tessa warned as the automatic doors clamped shut behind her. Her lips pulled into a proud smile, her soft, plump lips glistening in the light. Brunette hair hung straight around her neck, highlighting her gentle, elegant jaw. It sloped into her chin, pointing down towards her body, it too snug inside white and orange overalls. Even though the suit was a size too big, it took nothing away from her flowing curves and slender build.

The office was like a laboratory, pristine, organised, white tiled floors parallel to a white lit ceiling, with a white desk and chair at the head of the white room, sat upon a stage, three stairs high. The only hints of colour came from the many books which lined the desk, and the vast cosmos of constellations and the occasional glimpses of blue from the distant Earth, perfectly visible through the many large windows.

“You know the law, Tes, especially when it comes to this sort of job. If we cock this up, I sure as hell won’t be coming back here again.” He said, his words ringing with suggested fact. Zayn reached a hand back behind his head, rubbing at the top of his helmet in an attempt to scratch his head. ‘Damn this thing’s uncomfortable.’ It had been a while since he had played the pilot, perhaps next time he would just enjoy the back seat. “You think you’re all set to go?”

“Been ready for about a week now, sir.” She confessed, glancing up at the clock, trying to hide her hand as it checked inside her pocket to make sure she wasn’t lying.

“And you say I’m insane.” The pair chuckled, but their moment was quickly broken as the minute hand flicked. Ten forty-three. Zayn’s eyes narrowed, deepening the wrinkles around his tired, ocean blue eyes, knowing that in less than sixty seconds the base would be on full alert.

“You sure he won’t come with us? We could do with the backup.” Tessa asked awkwardly. She had meant to ask him that days ago but couldn’t bring herself to suggest it.

“It makes more sense for him to keep as far away as possible from all of this, especially tonight. He won’t let himself take the risk, not at Berlin.”

“But he’s waited for this day for years, he has to be excited about seeing Leon again. Hell, even I’m looking forward to seeing that kid.”

“There’s no guarantee that this mission will be a success, no point in him getting his hopes up. I have no doubt that he’s going to be watching though, just in case.”

“Well I think he’s crazy for not coming, crazy full-stop. You know he asked for leave, right?” Tessa’s opinion towards the third party seemed to switch suddenly as they entered the last thirty seconds.

“Leave? You never passed on his request.” Zayn’s gaze broke from the clock in surprise, but only for a moment.

“And for a damned good reason too. He wanted to go as soon as this mission was over, so he could leave us to get Leon prepared. Selfish dick. I mean, we don’t even know what we’re going to have to work with here.”

Zayn stood from his desk, shuffling his helmet once again, watching as the clock entered the last few seconds. “He’s been in more Echoes than any of us. I’d be amazed if he never asked for a day off.”

Tessa frowned at her commander, resenting that he had not taken her side on the matter. She could dispute it with him later, but right n- Ten forty-four. The mission was ago.