Ghost opened her eyes to a familiar ceiling. The persistent beeping of Jude's alarm echoed along the empty walls and in through her open door nudging her into a full state of wakefulness.

She gasped.

The first spears of dawn's pale light were filtering in through the squat window in her room. Dust motes zipped around through the filtered pink-ish light. How long had it been since she'd seen color? She abruptly sat up and the sheets slithered along her skin, not through it.

"Jude?" There must have been some urgency in her words because the half-dressed boy appeared immediately in her door frame.
"What's wrong?"
Ghost ran her thumb along her bottom eyelid erasing any trace of moisture there. She didn't know what to say except... "Your eyes... they're blue!"
Jude blinked for a moment processing what that meant. And then they were hugging and laughing. "Good morning!"
After the joy had settled into a modest simmer, Ghost snapped to attention. All solidity aside, they still had work to do.

"What? Get outta here! Did I say you could come in here? We have a special itinerary today!" She snapped at him, though the threat was somewhat dulled by her smile. Jude yelped and dashed out of her room. "If you're not dressed in the next three minutes I'm dragging your ass down to the gym naked!"

Ghost slammed her door for effect, pleased by the way the wood felt solid under her hand. She leaned her forehead against the wood and felt the grain, saw the slight variance in color that it held. It was a good day.

~~~

After their painfully early training session, Ghost and Jude changed into their pomp and grandeur. They shined every button and shoe until it held a reflective quality and donned their grayish wool uniforms that told their rank in stripes. They even had gloves and hats, though to keep the gloves at their whitest, Ghost tucked them into her pocket. She had extra time to flat iron her hair and make sure her makeup was perfect since she didn't have to inject her power into every item of clothing separately. Not even the interruption of having to pick up some stuffy doctor from the tarmac would ruin her day.

~~~~

She fussed with her pants, making sure the crease lay just right while they waited for the air plane to officially finish taxing. She wasn't surprised that she and Jude were on official greeting duty. Ghost had run the circuit with Dr. Hawley when CB had been announced. She ranked high enough and had enough tact to deal with the droll and the socially inept alike. She brimmed with confidence today, encouraged by her sudden soildness. This was one doctor she could and would handle.

The hatch hissed as the pressure from the cabin was released.
//Showtime!//
Ghost and Jude fitted their hats into place, snapped their gloves and saluted. They were teh perfect amalgamation of training and discipline as they awaited the arrival of the good doctor.

The flight had been terribly long and bumpy. Garrett didn't expect full regalia and first class, but a cargo plane? Well, it made for the only way to do this while the forecasts were good, both weather and Haywire related. A British military transport had been passing through to pick up some equipment from the Antarctic base they had. Garrett and Peter had been waiting at the base's officer area. It was surely more accommodating than the general quarters. Kept them isolated as well, which was good, as many of the human military bases were not pleased with the Colony.

After some identification and paperwork, Garrett and Peter were accompanied by some Special Forces men to the plane. They had initially insisted on separating the steel case that Garrett carried from him, but Garrett made it painfully clear that it wasn't happening. He instructed the men to check with their superiors about that or any other problems they had. After a brief radio call, the officers begrudgingly returned to their posts up front. Peter had snickered over it for a good fifteen minutes until Garrett shot him a look.

Hours stretched as the scenery moved along below them. They were informed at one point that due to mutant alerts in Australia that refueling would occur by air. Portable urinals and rations were passed out to the crew, the soldiers and the two of them. Peter had started to pour his water into the urinal before Garrett explained what the second container was for, soliciting a brief look of disgust and an eye roll. All of this could be looked back on in humor after a portal had been created in London. Until then, it was just business as usual.

Sleep came easily after a while, the chain tethering Garrett's wrist to the case being enough security to let it come. These soldiers would have no use for the samples. It was liquid death to their kind. A patch of turbulence shook them awake and they had seen the orange glow of sunrise peering in through the windows. Garrett took the time to get up and stretch a bit,. He tried making Peter join him in calisthenics, but Peter explained to him that as this was official Colony business, he didn't have to train. Garrett agreed, reminding him of the many, many laps he would be running when they returned. Peter joined him shortly thereafter.

As they entered British airspace, the officers explained to them about the current status of things there. Garrett nodded, knowing most of it from preparation and study. Peter listened slack jawed. Two RAF interceptors flanked them for escort on the way into the airport, peeling off as the plane landed. Peter was visibly nervous, but Garrett reminded him that an explosion with the concentration of Haywire they were carrying would make for an incredibly nasty storm for the many innocent people below. Garrett was good at calming Peter. Considering Peter's amazing gift, he was glad that the young man was on his side.

" Finally, sweet land. I can't wait to feel my feet on solid ground again. How about you, Gary?" Garrett sealed his lips and nodded, standing and straightening his things out. The officers were gathering their bags and cases, but Garrett told them his assistant could get them. They shrugged and loaded Peter down, a look of disappointment on his face. " We are on official business, right? Oh, and Peter? Call me Gary in front of these people and I'll make the bladder control messages stop." Peter was silent as Garrett smiled. He had done it before, he would do it again.

The cabin door hissed as the plane depressurized. Garrett gathered his credentials and looked down at the case. He tried smoothing himself out a bit, but multiple hours on a military plane meant he would just have to deal with it. The door opened and a set of stairs was rolled up to the door. He waggled his eyebrows at Peter." Ready for business?" Poor Peter nodded, loaded down with bags and cases. They stepped down the stairway and on to the tarmac. Peter was pleased to see the CB officers and their vehicle. Less carrying for him. Garrett straightened his tie and shook his shoulders in his jacket, clipping on his Colony ID Badge and directing Peter to do the same.

As they crossed the space between themselves and the officers, who were standing in salute, Garrett felt a funny feeling in his stomach. It was old but familiar. As they approached, his mind snapped to attention like the officers who were saluting. It was Maya. He stopped in his tracks. He knew she worked for CB and had tried to prepare himself for a possible run in, but this was just too much. Peter had made it up to them and stopped, turning around and putting his burden down. " You alright, Dr. Wills? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

His eyes were locked on her, a smile spreading across his lips. "Indeed, I have, Peter."

Finally, after the stairway was rolled up to the portal, figures emerged. The sun glared ferociously against the metal and glass of the plane, but they remained at full attention, never wavering. It stung Ghost's eyes. Though she preferred the brightness and colors in lieu of her form-only vision any day. "On behalf of King, Crown, and Country we welcome you to... the... United..." Ghost trailed off as she noticed the good doctor's identity, but Jude continued unhindered. She didn't even hear the rest of their memorized speech.

Ghost stood for a second dumbfounded as a million thoughts raced through her head. 'Dr. Wills!? How stupid am I? So he finished med school! No, I already knew he had. But he lives in Antarctica now? I think I got a postcard once... Gary said I might know him. He has hair! I'm supposed to show him around?' But one thought resounded clearly above the rest. 'It's Garrett. Garrett is here. in London. with me.'

"Garrett!" She closed the last few steps between the two of them and threw her arms around the man in a ferocious hug that even knocked teh wind out of her. It had been too long! Ghost felt as if time had stopped. Everything seemed to slow to a complete halt with a sharp intake of breath at her actions. This was not the official greeting she'd been assigned.

//...Ghost... you're ... hugging him.//

The mental prod reminded her of her station and duties. She stiffened and stepped back suddenly. "I'm sorry, Garrett. Garrett Wills! Doctor Garret Wills even!"She might never get used to calling him doctor. Ghost clapped Garrett on the shoulder in a somewhat military manor in a feeble attempt to cover her sudden informality. She stepped back to retrieve the hat she'd lost somewhere along the way. Unsure if she'd crossed some forbidden barrier, she started again in her official tone. She fit the cap back on her head and resumed all formality except for the deep red smile that seemed permanently plastered across her face.

"It's so nice to see you, Dr. Wills." She nodded to Jude and together they helped Peter load the bags onto the vehicle. "I trust your journey was as pleasant as a freight plane can allow. This is my Operator and trainee, Mister Jude Coilin. We work as a team in the Controlled Burn program. If you'll step into the vehicle I would love to give you a tour of our facilities."

Ghost bubbled with excitement that only added to her already simmering happiness. She could hardly keep her duties in sight in light of the days surprises.

//Dang. So you guys have history, then.//

She couldn't even manage a scowl at Jude for prying. She was probably thinking too loudly for him to ignore anyway. After everyone was introduced and the bags packed securely, minus Garrett's handcuffed sample box, Ghost motioned for Jude to take the driver's seat so that she could focus elsewhere. He arched his brow but didn't say anything aloud or in her mind. Even when she hadn't been technically allowed to drive, she usually insisted on taking the lead.

Maya changed over the years. Physically, she had matured slightly and exuded confidence and formality that only military training imbued upon a person. Her slight Japanese accent had faded entirely and she sounded as urbane and well-traveled as she was. Mentally, Ghost ran through the good times that she had shared with Garrett. It had been years since she'd seen him... an embarrassing amount of time since she'd even thought of the man. She couldn't help but notice that no one else in the years since they'd drifted apart had ever come to fill the void that he had left.

Today's joys made the recent slew of bad days seems distant and ridiculous. She was secretly glad that she was able to present a solid face to her dear friend. She would hate to show him her weakness and worry him. Especially if they were going to just split ways again.

Maya ran up to Garrett and half tackled him, her arms wrapping around him as she squeezed him tight. Any illusion of formality from her was no down the drain. He wrapped his free arm around her, placing at the small of her back and squeezing back. Her demeanor and style were different but she still smelled the same and felt the same in his arms. It was the best feeling he had had in a long time. Many people at the Colony thought that Garrett was either inept or gay due to the number of women he had turned down. The truth was that there was only one woman for him and she was in his arms now.

Over her shoulder he could see the most hilarious look of confusion on Peter's face. She apparently remembered her duty as she tried to straighten herself up and correct herself. " Maya, you of all people can always call me Garrett. I thought you might be here. I actually saw you in the background once while speaking with Dr. Hawley." Peter was burning with a desire to make a comment. As his mouth started to open Garret mouthed the word 'bladder' to him, looking down that way. He helped Peter put the bags away, keeping the sample case chained to his wrist.

As Peter hopped in and Jude was coming around to the passenger side, Garrett made sure to include him. " By the way, Jude, nice to meet you. I apologize for overlooking you. What is an Operator?" He sat in the car next to Peter, who was making kissy faces at him. Garrett froze his face like that, lips pursed. Peter looked around frantically and craned his neck out the window to hide the new look.

Garrett sat in the seat, placing the sample case carefully on his lap, his hand smoothing it over. He looked up as Maya was getting in. She was adjusting the mirror and he flashed her another smile when its reflection caught her eyes. The seat was luxuriously comfortable in comparison with the metal seat he had been in for nearly a day. He would sit in a cardboard box at the moment, though, as long as it meant Maya was nearby.

Maya was busy grinning like an idiot partly due to her reminiscence and partly because of Garrett's antics with his assistant. She nodded to Jude as they sped along down the tarmac and along beside the mammoth stacked concrete and metallic structures that were the training buildings. She'd let the Operator answer his own question since it was addressed to him.

"It's uhm... Well, as you probably know with the Jump Start Initiative's failed attempt last year," he began in an official tone, "the Controlled Burn program was initiated with that hope that --even though fewer Controllers, ah-that's Ghost and the weather manipulators, volunteered for this project-- the added boost from Haywire will make up the difference and then some. This is where we come in. The Operators have been training with Controllers so that upon the loss of control that comes along with Haywire, we might counteract that loss of control and direct the power where it needs to go... thus restarting the Gulf Stream." Jude shot a look at Ghost as if checking to see if he'd passed the test.
"You've done well, my young padawan." She continued to grin as they pulled around to the southern entrance of the building.
"Have an excellent task-mast-OW!" He'd asked for that bop.

"This building we are approaching now is the Controller quarters. You two will be staying just down the hall so if you need anything feel free to drop in. Operators generally are stationed on the Mental Wing since they have a nasty habit of listening to people's thoughts." Ghost shot Jude a look. He didn't even have the grace to look embarrassed - it was his nature as a telepath. Ghost hopped out of the Jeep as they slowed to a stop and saluted again before flourishing her hand at the glass and metal southern entrance. "Welcome to Weather Island." She lovingly introduced the building by its unofficial name. The breezes were always just the right strength and of the freshest air quality. The temperature was always just right. Such was the result of several weather and air manipulators living in proximity with one another.

She grabbed bags and shuffled the weight around so that Jude and herself were carrying the majority. After all Garrett and his friend were guests. Ghost blinked embarrassed by her social faux paus - she hadn't actually been introduced to the youth that tagged along with Garrett. "By the way, you never introduced you friend, Garrett." Ghost hefted the bag in her hand, glad to be able to carry the weight. "Ghost." She offered her hand as they passed through the automatic doorways. They could sense her today! Her joys never seemed to cease.

"I understand you had some special conditions for you room. All of your conditions should have been met." Jude set his bags down and began typing in the door code. A simple plastic key card was ejected with an arrow indication of which side was to be slipped into the key system. "If there is something more that you require, Jude and myself can be found directly across the hall." Ghost tapped on the metal door directly across from the now open door. Jude handed her the key card and Ghost in turn held the key just out of Garrett's reach. "This card is coded for the week. If you intend to stay longer we can issue you a new code. Don't lose it. They're a bitch to replace." She pressed the card into his palm and ushered the two inside the room. Her tones was that of a well-practiced drill instructor and the pace she kept indicated as much.

Ghost set the bags she had been carrying onto the sitting area's flat and starchy couch. The room was a mirror image of hers with a few minor changes. Jude trudged in with his load and set them near where Ghost had left the other bags. "The requested refrigerator is in the larger of the two bedrooms. Instructions on setting the code are posted on the front." she explained to Garrett and indicated which of the two doors led to his room. The rooms were of decent size with squat windows and pale color schemes. It was no five-star hotel, but it was nice.

"There is a small kitchenette feel free to make use of it, though official meal times are posted on the back of your door. We will be escorting you around the premises and that includes to and from the mess hall. Lights out is at 11 pm sharp so I suggest you get your work finished early, Doctor." Ghost winked in Garrett's direction hardly missing a beat. "You have oh-one-hundred hours to freshen up before your meeting with Dr. Hawley. We'll be back in forty-five." She saluted, turned on her heel and called over her shoulder to her loitering Operator. "Jude?" They left swiftly and the doorway swished closed behind them.

As Garrett and Peter rode in the back Maya and her 'Operator' talked up front. A business trip that had caused him some static with the Colony now had a permanent bright side. The Council was mixed in their opinions about Garrett helping humans and mutants alike. Though the basis of the Colony rested on peace and freedom from the tyranny and oppression of humans, Garrett believed that the JSI and CB especially, was a global issue, not a genetic one. Mutants were the ones with the keys for saving the planet's fragile ecosystem, so if humans couldn't do the job properly, it was up to them.

As they arrived at the appropriately nicknamed Weather Island, Maya was asking about Peter. In his thoughts, he had forgotten about his face so he let it rest. "Sorry, Peter. Yes, this is my assistant, student, and good friend Peter Grimes." He saw Peter's eyes light up at the mention of good friend. Garrett felt a little guilty for leaving his face like that and being harsh with him. It was a remnant of his own master's training style in the monastery. He nodded at Peter to continue as he got out and gathered his things.

" Yeah, Dr. Wills and I have been working together for a few years now. He met me at the Colony and took me in. My parents had an accident before arriving and I was lost. He's been a good friend to me. He has also been training me in martial arts. Shaolin Kung Fu to be specific. You really ought to have him show you sometime." He waggled back at Garrett as he shook Maya's hand. He really was a good kid.

He watched Maya's military demeanor shine as she showed them their room and explained all of the amenities and whatnot. He tried keeping a straight face but it was difficult. She had lost her accent and formality, but it was renewed in this new persona of discipline. He was feeling it all over again. Especially when she caught eyes with him for a moment and winked. In a whirlwind of saluting and crisp turning , she was gone.

He was still smiling at the closed door when Peter spoke up."Sooo, I guess you two were an item? I don't recall you ever being smitten with any of the other CB people like that. Is this where the portal is going?" Garrett feigned the turn Maya had made on her heel. Peter was already unpacking and sorting things. Garrett walked to the refrigerator in his bedroom and set the code, opening it. He was finally freeing himself of the case, rubbing his wrist from the long amount of rubbing it had done.

" Yes, Peter. That was the only woman that ever captured my heart. And it seems she still has it. I don't want to put the portal here. Let's wait to see if we can go off base later and find a suitable spot. It wouldn't serve the program or the Colony for us to accidentally walk in on a meeting. Or even be seen unannounced. We'll settle that in due time, son." Peter had done a good job of mincing truth with fiction earlier. His parents had been killed by a human mob. He only escaped as he was already on the chopper to come over.

Forty five minutes seemed to breeze by. He had the samples secured and they had sorted their belongings. They had also discussed the meditation procedure they had prepared in case of telepathy and finally, the general placement of the London portal. The urge to go across the hall was a bit maddening, but considering her student lived there too, he would just wait until the time was right. Peter was watching some kind of game show on the television. Garrett sat facing the door, waiting to see the most beautiful face in the world.

"You're driving me crazy."
"Don't worry." Ghost turned sharply on her fifty-somethingth tour of the central living quarters. "I'm driving me crazy too."

She couldn't seem to focus on what needed to be done, instead she'd wasted her forty-five minutes reviewing her last few years here in London. She was scouring every memory of contact she'd had with Garrett and it wasn't pretty. It'd been a long time since they'd even spoken. They seemed to slip right back into their previous level of comfort, but she couldn't help but be concerned. She glanced at the clock again. Six minutes.

"You're fine!" Ghost shot him a look for all the laughter she heard in his voice. "He's some Haywire hot shot. You guys obviously never finished whatever you started so I say go for it, honeybun." Jude hoisted himself off of his tenuous perch on the arm of the dull green couch. "Besides, the sooner you get over him and he goes home, the sooner you'll come running into my arms." He teased. Ghost whapped him hard on the arm.
"Yeah. Not used to me being able to do that are you?"
Her words only spurned more pacing though. Sure she was solid today, but how long would it last?

Jude marched to the door.
"Where are you going?"
"You gonna be late for picking up your boyfriend?"
Ghost eeped as she looked at the clock. She brushed past Jude and made it to the door across the hall at the 44 minute mark.
He's here on business not for me and I don't plan to date you anytime ever. She thought as hard as she could toward Jude as she rapped her knuckles against the metallic door.
He chuckled as the door was promptly answered. She'd like to think he got the message.

"All fresh and sparkly? Dr. Hawley appreciates promptness and we have a walk ahead of us." Ghost smiled and ushered them out into the hall like ducklings.

"I don't know how your internal clocks are faring, but after your visit with Hawley we'll be making a stop in the mess for an early supper." She led the group at a swift pace down long corridors, along a breezeway to a second building. This building housed large rooms that were revealed to the corridor by sizable plate glass windows. They were obviously meant for observable practice of various sorts. Ghost pointed out several places of interest along the way. The range used for accuracy in distance. The gym used for strength of power and stamina. Some places seemed fairly recognizable while others housed strange contraptions for specialty training.

From the practice floor they took a lift to the fifth and top floor. The doors opened silently to a placard that announced they were now on the administrative level. Several smaller signs proffered arrows and names. Hawley's office was located on the western most wall. A corner office with large open windows.

Ghost rapped her knuckles on the door listening for the telltale shuffle and quiet call to enter. She offered an encouraging smile to Garrett before opening the door and leading the troupe into the office.

"Doctor Garrett Wills and Peter Grimes to see you, Sir."
Dr. Hawley looked up from his paperwork and he finished scribbling something as he surveyed the group.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance in person, Dr. Wills. Mister Grimes." A smattering of pops announced him as he stood and leaned over the desk to shake both Garrett and Peter's hands.
"Ghost. You look well." There seemed to be immense gravity to the words he spoke. It was easy to see why he was respected and heeded.
"It is a good day, Sir." She was never very good at double speak, but she would try her best to keep Garrett out of her physical troubles.
"Perhaps reuniting with your fellow X-man was the catalyst for your solid reco-"
"Sir!" She interrupted hastily, though it was obvious that she had no idea of what she intended to say. "I-I would appreciate it if-"
"I am not here to cater to your wishes, Ghost. Please, if you insist on interrupting, I would rather you wait in the hall for Doctor Wills and me to finish." His tone was amiable, but the threat was there.
Ghost squared her shoulders, saluted and looked to Jude. Jude in turn looked to Dr. Hawley. He nodded slightly and Jude frowned, but followed Ghost out into the hallway.

Once in the hallway, Ghost pulled her hat off of her head and ran her fingers through her hair.
//That was stupid.//[/color]
"I know." She sighed and leaned against the wall opposite of Hawley's office. She just couldn't seem to keep herself in check these days. Her body sagged as she waited. Gravity was a bitch. She felt as if she'd been sleeping and now that she was awake her muscles and ligaments were rubbery from lack of use. She supposed that in a sense it was true, but the longer she waited, the more tired she felt.

Ghost slid along the wall to a seated position. She tucked her forehead neatly against her closely drawn knees and waited. "If you were thinking of listening in, please don't. Walls and doors are there for a reason, Jude."
He let out an exasperated sigh and took a seat next to Ghost. "You don't want to know what they're talking about?"
"No." She tried not to care so that when Jude examined her mind her word would be true.

A knock at the door. Garrett urged Peter to tear himself away from the boob tube long enough to come with him and take care of business. Maya was again very polished, spewing itinerary as she kept a good pace down the hall. He watched young Jude, wondering if he were trying to probe him even now. He had a general unease with telepaths, mostly due to Architect's searing gaze. A blind man staring into your soul is something that would set anyone off, he thought to himself.

They arrived at the administrative wing and approached Hawley's office. He knew that while Hawley was no telepath, he was a master of deduction and not one to be trifled with. Garrett had learned long ago that remaining silent brought more to the surface than questions. As they entered the office and met Hawley in person, he smiled and shook hands and then waited patiently. He noticed something going on between Hawley and Maya. She seemed to mention some sort of ailment or condition. Whether it was his habit as a doctor, his concern for Maya, or something else, Garrett could tell something was amiss.

Maya's interruption seemed out of character for her polished disciplinary demeanor. Hawley excused her and Garrett smiled at her as she left, firing a small wink to her. As the doors closed, Hawley seemed to regain composure and have a seat, asking the two to also sit. "Maya is quite a character. We are pleased with her progress. I am also glad to see your impact on her condition." Garrett did his best to remain serene. " What condition would that be, Dr. Hawley?" Hawley looked at him, seeming to wear a look of disbelief. "You don't know? Hmm."

Peter was being his usual self in this type of situation. Quiet. Though when they were alone, he was a jabber jaw, he had full knowledge of when it was time to be quiet. Garrett hadn't had to teach him this either. "She's been losing her ability to remain corporeal. Most days she has only a percentage of solidity and it seems to take quite a bit of effort and strain on her part to do so. Today she is completely solid and smiling as well. It is a welcome relief to us all. No doubt it had something to do with the shared look of bliss you two seem to have. I knew you were teammates, but personal relationships rarely make it into my files."

Garrett understood now. He felt for her and immediately his mind started to run, thinking of possible treatments. Hawley picked up on his lack of attention, clearing his throat to regain it. " I'm sorry, Braden. I really didn't know. Yes, we had history. I'm sorry. Let's return to business." 'Well, actually, before we deal with official business, I was wondering if you might deal with some unofficial business for me first." His gaze shifted over to Peter, who squirmed in his seat under the man's eyes. "You don't get to where I am in life by not being aware of things. I know what your assistant does." Both men straightened up quickly in their seats. "There's no reason to panic. I won't let it leave this room, provided you agree not to have any exits or entrances within our military installations, including this one."

"Now, if you decided to make one somewhere else in the city and subsequently decided to slip Maya away for a week or so, while we analyze the samples, that would be not only permissible, but appreciated."Garrett was slightly taken aback. He had been given permission, no asked to kidnap Maya. He smiled and nodded to Hawley. " Considering your discretion concerning Peter, I would happily do this favor for you. And for Maya." And for myself, he thought.

Once this bit of business was over, they discussed the particulars of the samples and the tests that would occur in a few weeks. all in all, it looked promising. His main issue now would be getting Maya off base, separating her from her especially clingy Operator, finding a suitable portal location without the knowledge of either and escaping to the Colony. There was also the Council, but Hawley gave him clearance and promised to transmit said clearance for Maya's forced vacation to the Colony should there be any problems. With both bits of business cleared up, he rose and shook hands with Hawley, gaining a new respect for the man. Perhaps all humans weren't so terrible.

It was like waiting for the principal when you knew you'd just tossed a baseball through his window. Jude shifted positions, choosing to stand for a bit to relieve the prickly tenseness in his buttocks. He hadn't thrown any balls, but his Controller had. She'd tossed it right in Hawley's face and now here they were. For a time he'd heeded Ghost's words and left the business between the good doctor and papa bear. He'd listened to Ghost's thoughts as they drifted into a more nonsensical nature. It didn't take long for her to reach the blissfully innocent sleep. Her mind was now a quiet hum in the back of his mind. Jude envied her ability to sleep anywhere.

With no one to entertain him, Jude's mind wandered. He thought back to the time when he had been assigned the role of Ghost's Operator, a dual responsibility. He'd been allocated to live with his general instructor since her disposition and health had soured. Hawley had made it clear to him that it was his unofficial, official duty to make sure his old chum's daughter didn't collapse in on herself bringing down the program down with her. It was Jude's responsibility to make sure she didn't self destruct.

Ghost'd been a cornerstone in recruiting and training the Controllers. She was a hard woman to say no to. Without her, CB probably wouldn't exist. At least as as successfully as it had been so far. Of course she'd baulked at first to being assigned a live-in Operator. They'd blamed it on the nature of his power. Proximity helped him build a solid and durable psychic link. The truth was that proximity also afforded him so subtle manipulation over her emotional state. He'd eventually won her over and so began their raucous relationship.

The real test was yet to come, though. If the Operators could prove their sync-ability, Controlled Burn would have all red tape removed and get the final green light or go-mode. They really might get this thing fixed this time. Jude mentally probed for the assistant that had been identified as Peter. He didn't want to listen to the boy's thoughts, only tap into his hearing like one might intercept a radio station. He really wanted to be in on the ground floor with the Haywire stuff. It was really interesting.

Unfortunately, by the time he was able to 'tune in' things seemed to be wrapping up. That Peter must have had some mental training. Jude nudged Ghost so she could begin the waking up process. He was actually glad that she was 'mentally challenged' as it made her easier to tune in to, easier to sync with and easier to manipulate. When she stopped freaking out long enough to calm down, Ghost's mind could actually be a pleasant place. He understood why so many looked up to her. She was genuine. Her thoughts and actions were singular. She had a kind nature even if she was a bit strict.

~~~

Ghost blinked slowly against the wool of her dress pants. It took a moment for her to remember how and why was sitting in the administrative hall, but as soon as she did she snapped to attention. She jumped to her feet, knocking her head against Jude's chin... hard.

She swore and slammed her hat over her head where it felt like her skull was now splitting. "Don't lean over a sleeping officer!" She hissed grumpily. She was worried about how long she'd been out, but it didn't seem to matter as the door handle was just now jiggling signaling the imminent departure of her wards. She slipped to a place next to the door so she could greet Garrett and Peter outside of Hawley's field of vision. Though if Hawley didn't call her in for a quick reprimand, she'd be worried. That meant he had something much more devious planned.

Jude was rubbing blood from his mouth and chin. "Ghost. I need to hit the medical bay. I'll catch up to you guys at mess." He gurgled. She blinked a bit surprised. She smiled warmly to Garrett as he emerged, but stepped back toward Jude.

"Didn't know I hit you that hard." She mumbled to him as he passed. She felt each word like a pulse against her skull. If he was bleeding that didn't bode well for her scalp, but she'd much prefer to spend her time with Garrett rather than detour to the medical bay. "You gonna be okay, kid?"

He waved over his shoulder as he passed, his hand clamped firmly over his mouth. //Enjoy your date.// He sounded glum. Ghost was worried enough about her Operator that she didn't even notice that Hawley didn't call her in for a chat.

Ghost sighed, but looped her arm into Garrett's. "Hope you're hungry." She led him by the arm toward the lift. "We typically like to go early. Early birds get to pick, late comers get leftovers." Her free arm pressed the buttons. Mess was a level below administrative. As the lift traveled she pressed the sensitive place on her head. Augh. Her day had suddenly taken a dive.

It seemed that Hawley and Garrett had everything sorted out. They had the what, the who, and the why as far as Maya's unscheduled vacation. the where and the when would be figured out before long. It would still require leaving the base before that. Peter had been the one to come up with a fitting scenario to set this up. He had suggested that he go and retrieve the samples for Hawley while Garrett went with Maya to lunch. Peter knew that Garrett wanted some quality time with her anyway. The Operator posed a problem, but Hawley said he would call him in shortly, leaving them to chat.

They were all in agreement so they headed out to put the plan into action. As they opened the door, they found Jude had apparently bumped into Maya or injured himself. She was grimacing in pain and he was heading off to the medical bay. The three men flashed looks of surprised satisfaction to each other. Maya linked arms with Garrett and headed off toward the elevator. Peter trailed behind purposefully as the two stepped into the elevator. It seemed like an accident but it only seemed that way. as the doors closed, Garrett turned to Maya. For a brief moment, they were alone and in dangerously close proximity to each other.

He looked at her and saw her touch her head. " Did you hurt yourself? Better let me take a look. I am a doctor, you know." He smiled and winked at her, brushing his fingers lightly through her hair. there was a small bump. It had to be painful though. Another stroke of his fingers and it was no longer painful. He wondered if she would be impressed with his new control. It was a fleeting thought as the temperature seemed to rise sharply in the elevator. Or maybe it was just him.

"Did you hurt yourself? Better let me take a look. I am a doctor, you know."

Ghost pulled her hat off of her head and tilted her head so that he could see the bump. She winced slightly, but then the pain was gone. She blinked and suddenly realized that they were alone in the elevator and he was caressing her hair. She blushed. The action felt foreign as she was unused to feeling the blood rush about in her body. She had to lean against him to keep from swooning. The heaviness in her limbs was also gone, her energy renewed by her small nap.

"Ehm... did I walk too fast for your assistant?" She didn't mind being alone with Garrett she didn't even mind the physical contact, but visitors weren't supposed to wander around unattended. Ghost had been known to loose a few new recruits with her brisk pace and she was a bit caught up with Garrett. It came as no surprise to her that they were alone. It bothered her that they'd need to go back for Peter, although.... she could send a quick note to the infirmary for Jude to find the lost puppy. Her plans for a nice quiet lunch formed as the doors slithered open quietly.

The elevator doors opened to the main eating area. Maya hastily stepped away from the doctor and plopped her hat hastily back on her head, though the curious looks already told her that she'd be hearing about it later. Was she really that easy to read all the time? Maya dragged Garrett by the arm toward the metallic counter. It was a typical cafeteria: chubby and often cranky lunch ladies wearing hair nets, questionable food stuffs, and sectioned trays. They were in time to still have the option of a veggie cutlet with some kind of gravy substance or a pork cutlet wearing the same questionable gravy. Maya chose the veggie cutlet which probably spoke of the quality of meat they often supplied.

Typically, Ghost sat at the lower ranked tables for the social aspect, but today was special. She was escorting the Haywire specialist around the grounds today and that surely would explain why she chose to sit at the officer tables at the back of the quickly crowding cafeteria. It was as close to being alone as they would get for a time.

Maya slid her tray onto the small round table. It was probably large enough for four people, but typically officers ate alone often absorbed in their work. She excused herself momentarily as she slipped over to a small electronic device on the wall. She was excited to use the module. When incorporeal not only could she never activate the touch screen, but she could not read the display. She sent a quick note to the infirmary on Jude's encryption explaining how she'd lost Peter and could he pretty please find him. After business was all taken care of, she slid back into her seat next to Garrett with a smile.

"So," She began awkwardly, unsure of how to pick up the pieces of their relationship, "What has the good doctor been up to in the Antarctic these days?"

With a touch and a small amount of manipulation, her pain was gone. Her cheeks flushed red, something Garrett particularly enjoyed seeing after so long. She seemed a bit woozy and leaned against him, close and warm. He slid his arms around her for a moment, partly to support her and partly to feel her in his arms again. She asked him about Peter's pace. Thinking on the fly, he answered." Actually, I believe he was going to check the samples." She regained her composure and stood up again, freeing herself from his grip, but not completely. Their eyes locked for a moment as the doors opened to the noise of the mess hall.

She again snapped herself into her military demeanor, though eyes of onlookers reflected the fact that more than a briefing had been exchanged in the elevator. She grabbed him and led him to the lunch line. While most of the food might look unappealing to the casual observer, choices had been slim so far in the Colony. With a lack of populous wildlife and mostly the crops manipulated in the harvesting dome, Garrett was glad to have whatever Maya was having. They made their way to what seemed to be the officers' tables. He was glad as she was probably already going to be the talk of the base due to their exit from the elevator.

She used an electronic device to contact someone about Peter. This was fine. He would normally worry over the situation, but knowing he had Hawley's cooperation, he relaxed a good deal. They both began to eat and Maya asked him what he had been up to in the Colony. No time like the present to explain her future destination, whether she knew it or not.

" I am doing quite well, actually. I've been studying treatments for Haywire as well as preparing for CB. I developed a testing device that gauges the presence of Haywire in a subject and separates latent strain versus airborne. At the Colony, we quarantine any new arrivals with the airborne strain until it is treated. Remember Ali? Raven Fire from the team? She is living there now. As well as Pluto, the nicest of Abyss' clones. Without being a clone of him, you'd never know they had anything to do with each other." Hearing it all come out of his mouth, he felt rejuvenated at the success he had there. He was really making an impact.

Ghost noticed that Garrett actually seemed to salivate at the vegetable cutlet as she spoke. She couldn't help but smile and shake her head. Once he'd been here for a week or so, she'd see if he still enjoyed the food.

She listened politely as she spoke interjecting when she'd heard that Ali was at the colony. "Ali? I haven't heard from her in years! I hope she's not mad at me, though, since last time I saw her I snuffed her raven. I can't help but be wary of her little friend - you know he almost torched me on one our missions?" Ghost laughed reminiscing. It was funny now, but it was one of those situations that was only a happy memory now that it was over.

She cut off a chunk of the fried vegetable medley and speared it with her fork before popping it into her mouth. "I'm a bit surprised to hear Pluto made it up there, but like you said - he always was the nicest. He's behaving, I guess?" She chomped happily at her food. It actually was good to talk about something not work related for once. Maybe Hawley had something in his suggestion. The cogs in her mind were turning slowly. Hawley had mentioned that she take a vacation. She really wasn't the beach type anyway... but then again who would take over her regiment while she was away? She chewed things over as they ate.

"I don't feel like I have much to tell you about what's been going on here since you're already involved in the project." Maya shrugged and hungrily cleaned the last bits of food from her tray. She hadn't noticed that she was hungry until she'd begun eating. In the end everything was finished and she was disappointed that it was all gone. Ghost peeked at the now abhorrently long lunch line. Seconds were pretty much out of the question if they were going to finish their scheduled itinerary. Maybe they could stop by the room for a snack later. Civilians liked snacks, didn't they?

"We have plenty grounds to tour if you have the energy. I'm supposed to keep you busy until my final class. Not sure if you want to sit in on a psychic class, but after that we can head out to the X-Force headquarters if you'd like..." Ghost adjusted her hat on her head and straightened her officer's jacket. She'd be glad to get out of her formal regalia for class - even if it was psychic class. "That's essentially the plan, though I'm open to modifications."

Garrett was thoroughly enjoying regular chatter with Maya. It wasn't the intimate dinner he would have enjoyed, but that would come in due time.

"Ali? I haven't heard from her in years! I hope she's not mad at me, though, since last time I saw her I snuffed her raven. I can't help but be wary of her little friend - you know he almost torched me on one our missions?[/i]"

" I don't recall in particular, but I always did want to see if they couldn't develop some kind of flame retardant suit for you that wouldn't impede your abilities. Sort of a catch-22, eh?"
There had been many heart racing moments in their time together as X-men. He was constantly watching her out of the corner of his eye. Neena occasionally had chided him for disregarding other teammates in favor of Maya. He couldn't help it though. he wasn't in love with the other teammates.

"I'm a bit surprised to hear Pluto made it up there, but like you said - he always was the nicest. He's behaving, I guess?[/i]"

" He's actually doing better than merely behaving. He has become a well rounded colonist, doing much to help us establish ourselves. I have a bit of history with him, actually. When he first came, many of the other colonists thought he was Abyss and were ready to blast him to smithereens. It took quite a bit of diplomacy on my part to talk them down and ultimately accept him. We've had no problems since." Sometimes Garrett's role as doctor at the Colony called for alot of healing that didn't involve physical wounds.

Garrett then listened to Maya's suggestions as to the rest of their day. A psychic class sounded interesting, he as well as Peter could always use any help they could get in that department. Especially in the current situation. When she brought up the X-Force visit, the dim bulb of his mind brightened as this would make for an excellent portal spot. Working out the particulars would have to be done in the moment, but he and Peter were well versed on planning without plans.

" A psychic class sounds fun. I'd be up for it and I know Peter would be as well. He is generally up for whatever I am. Works out well that way. Meeting the X-Force also sounds appealing. I doubt it will be the last time I will see them, as the Colony will no doubt be around for a long time as they will as well. Should I wear my old X-Men uniform? I brought my Colony mission uniform as well. A little different. You haven't seen it yet." He was excited about sliding into the old war gear again, even if it was just for a visit. He hadn't had a chance to don his new identity publicly, so the thought of doing so before Europe's mightiest mutant force definitely seemed appealing.

"I don't recall in particular, but I always did want to see if they couldn't develop some kind of flame retardant suit for you that wouldn't impede your abilities. Sort of a catch-22, eh?"

"Augh. You know we've been over this a hundred times already. The flame-proof stuff just doesn't breathe right. you try manipulating nerves without your own." She shrugged in a swift, bird-like mannor and fell silent as he explained about Pluto. Who'd've thought the clones would split up enough for one to break free of their previously poor habits?

"A psychic class sounds fun. I'd be up for it and I know Peter would be as well. He is generally up for whatever I am. Works out well that way."

She was actually rather hoping that he'd not sit in on that class. You always wanted the people you liked to see the best sides of yourself... not the worst. "It's a control class." She figured the best way to scare him off was to tell him the dirty details about it. At the very least it would let him know that he probably couldn't participate. "Yep. Controllers gotta work on controlling these slippery minds and powers. No way around it. Nope. You wouldn't be able to participate unless you want Jude taking control of your body and mind."

She grinned. In all truth she and Jude had never fully synced enough for him to access her power. Her body and mind were typically simple enough to access, but her power's nature was chaotic and the sheer bulk of it had eluded him. They'd actually tried for Jude to help her become corporeal again, but due to Ghost's mental state, he'd been wholly unable to help. There were many reasons why Hawley had assigned Ghost to participate in extra remedial psychic classes.

She waited until he was done before scooping up her try and his and dumping them off on the conveyor belt. She tossed the utensils into their respective bins listening as Garrett finished talking about visiting the X-Force and his new Colony uniform. She debated which would be better: introducing her old teammate or seeing his Colony uniform. She smiled.

"I would love to see your new outfit, but it's up to you who you want to be introduced as... either way, I really want to see that Colony get up."

She ushered him back toward the lift, her military pace and demeanor seemed wholly lost now to her grin. She only had eyes for one person and it was obvious she no longer entertained worries about what others would say. "We've got a few hours to burn, psychic class is last class of the day. I'd like to stop by the rooms first if that's okay. Jude and Peter will meet us there as soon as they find themselves. Until then I'm all yours."