Cloud Invasion: R-D 2 (R-D #2)(2)

"Your eyes are brighter, but that's all I can see-for now," he grinned. "Want me to brush your hair or do you feel strong enough to do it?"

"I'll try," I said, accepting the hairbrush from his hand.

"Look who's awake," Leo Shaw strode into the room.

"Why Dr. Shaw," I muttered, attempting to pull the brush through long, tangled hair, "Whatever brings you here?"

"You should know the answer to that," he grinned. "I'm just glad you're still with us."

"I'm glad you're glad," I shrugged. "Can I have vegetable soup?"

"I'll order it now," he pulled his cell from a pocket and dialed a number.

"You don't want chicken?" Rafe asked.

"Honey, the thought of eating meat sort of makes me feel sick," I sighed. "I'm not sure I can eat it anymore."

"Is this another change?" he sat on the side of my bed and trailed fingers down my face.

"I think so. This is just-so weird," I muttered.

"Then we'll make a menu that will ensure you get plenty of protein. Will it bother you that I continue to be a carnivore?"

"No. Not at all. I just don't think it's for me, now." I looked past Rafe and stared out the window of my room-I was up on a second story somewhere and eventually realized it was the ugly building in Arlington.

"Why here?" I asked.

It took a moment for Rafe and Leo Shaw to understand what I meant.

"Because that thing posing as the Chief of Staff knew about the other building," Leo explained. "We moved out of there the next day. Maye and Nick are elsewhere; we brought you here because it was easier to set up a hospital room for you and get necessary supplies in. Rafe refused to go with Nick and Maye, so you're both here with us under heavy guard."

I took a moment to digest what he'd told me. "Any idea where we'll be moving?" I asked.

"Not yet. The President and Colonel Hunter had a private meeting. I believe they came to a decision, but because of the instability of the situation, they haven't shared with anyone else." I could tell Leo wasn't exactly pleased about being excluded, but I figured he'd know soon enough.

"We have to get you moving," Rafe said, lifting my hand to his lips and kissing it. "We missed you, cabbage. Too much."

*

"Push harder." I had a new slave driver. His name was Marcus and he was a sadist posing as a physical therapist. He'd shown up shortly after lunch and started working with me right away.

I was pushing my hands against his as hard as I could, but that much force and energy wouldn't have given a fly a mild concussion.

"Colonel Hunter wants you able to walk out of here in three days," Marcus grunted, forcing my hands against my chest.

"Then why are we working with my hands?" I asked.

I should have stayed quiet. He started on my legs and that was agony. I resolved never to argue with Navy Lieutenant Marcus Cargill again. By the time he was finished with me, I wanted to ask whether he was bucking for brownie points with Auggie or just looking for a promotion.

The question was moot-he wanted both those things. I'd seen it in his face. If torturing me might get those things, then he was willing to do whatever it took. Rafe was absent, so he agreed with Auggie on getting me prepped and out the door to our new hiding place.

That didn't mean I wouldn't add Marcus and Auggie to my verbal ass-kicking agenda.

"How's the patient?" Auggie walked in wearing a huge grin.

"August Hunter, I swear I'd kick your ass right now if I were able. Then Mr. Cargill's ass for following your orders too strenuously." I pushed Marcus' hands away with my foot and swung both legs over the edge of my bed.

"Are you trying to do that now?" Auggie almost giggled. For a Colonel who also happened to be Secretary of Defense and Director of the Program, that was totally inappropriate.

"Jerks. Both of you. You're banished." I lifted a hand weakly to enhance the royal command and slid off the bed. Yeah, my legs shook, but I was standing.

Marcus thought to put me back on the bed. I moved out of his way so quickly it even surprised me. Auggie just gaped for a moment before closing his mouth.

"I know where you're taking us," I shook a finger at Auggie. "I need windows. End of statement."

*

Notes-Colonel Hunter

"James, we're moving tomorrow. Pack up all unnecessary equipment and be ready at oh-six-hundred tomorrow morning. We're flying out of here on a cargo plane." I stalked past James' desk on the way to my own to let the President know.

Marcus and I had followed Cori on her way to the kitchen. She wobbled several times on the trek down the hall, but she made it to the elevator and then to the first floor. She appeared to get stronger as she went, and managed to search through meager supplies in the pantry for coffee and a granola bar.

Marcus, my choice to bring into the Program as an assistant for Shaw, shook his head at Corinne's miraculous recovery.

"Get used to it-especially from her," I whispered while Corinne settled on a barstool with coffee in hand while crunching on the granola bar.

"Is Cori better?" James asked, pulling me away from my thoughts.

"Cori walked to the kitchen and helped herself to coffee and a granola bar," I shrugged. "Marcus is undeniably impressed."