"Sure, just give me a sec to finish this up and I'll be right there."
I finished up what I was working on and made my way to Michaels office. Going by Birkoff's desk I was surprised to see him wink at me. He had been acting strange lately though so who knew what was up with him. I just smiled back at him and continued on my way. As I reached Michael's office he must have been looking out for me because just as I was about to knock, he told me to come in.
"What's up?" I asked as I went in and closed the door behind me. I was surprised that Michael had not turned off the surveillance equipment. I went over and sat down in the chair in front of his desk.
"Well, as you know the two of us have been working missions non-stop now for the last 4 weeks and we have been given a few weeks of down time. I was hoping that you would come away with me for a week or so." he stated.
I looked at him and with my eyes travelled over to the panel I knew he had hidden on the right side of his desk to turn off the surveillance and then looked questioningly back at him.
He looked back at me and smiled as he said, "It's fine. No worries. We have permission to have our down time together."
"You sure?" I asked increduously. "Since when are Operatives allowed to fraternise during down time?"
"I talked with Madeline today and then we went to speak with Operations. I reminded them that they allowed me to have a relationship and even marriage with another operative and I more or less guaranteed them that nothing would change in our performance level if they allowed us to become involved. And they agreed."
"They agreed? Doesn't that make you suspicious at all Michael?"
"No it doesn't. I am a Level 5 operative and since you were upgraded 3 missions ago to a Level 3 they are more acceptable."
"You know best I suppose. Now, you were going to talk to me about our down time. What was it?"
"Well, I was thinking, that is if you are agreeable to the idea, that we could go and spend some time in the sun and go boating. I know of an area that I would like to visit and I would like for you to come along with me." Michael answered.
"Boating? Where?" I asked suspiciously. I wanted time alone with Michael but it just seemed strange for him to do this. We'd only been together a short while and he had been with Nikita a lot longer and I knew that they had never gone anywhere together, or at least where it wasn't mission related. Oh well, I thought to myself, if this means some time together then who was I to argue with him.
"There are a small group of islands just off the coast of Barbados and I have wanted to explore them. We can rent some scuba gear and whatever else we would need and take a week to relax."
"That sounds like it could be fun. When would we be leaving?" I asked, in the hopes that it would be soon.
"Would tomorrow be too soon for you? If it is, we could leave the day after or whenever you are ready but I would like to leave as soon as possible. The sooner we leave, the longer we would have." he replied.
I was starting to feel enthusiastic about this. It sounded like it could be a lot of fun, being alone with Michael, on a boat, on the water, no one else around. "Okay, I can be ready in the morning. How will we be travelling anyway?"
"Good. We will travel in the usual way of travellers. I will book us seats on the first available flight tomorrow. It will be an adventure." he said, giving a small smile. "I will pick you up at 7 tomorrow morning. Oh, and bring a false set of papers with you. Even though we are on down time we shouldn't let down our guard." he added.
"Of course."
******
The plane ride went smoothly and it felt almost strange to be on a commercial flight. It had always been that we travelled on planes provided by Section that this seemed almost surreal. If I closed my eyes I could pretend that we were a 'normal' couple in a 'normal' world. Just going somewhere with Michael with Section not looking over our shoulder was a holiday within this holiday.
Just then the pilot came over the intercom to inform us of our descent into the Nassau airport and to please fasten our seatbelts. Both Michael and I complied as we put our seats into position. I couldn't wait until we were on the ground and on the boat. It was nice that he had the connections he did so that everything other than a few essentials would be waiting for us at the Marina.
"Oh, Michael," I sighed, "I think we are going to have a great time this week. I am not going to think of Section for one second. I am going to savour every moment because who knows if we will ever have a chance like this again."
"Yes. I'm sure we will be relaxed." he said as he took hold of my hand. I had to fake a yawn just then to try to pop my ears and he laughed gently. "See, you are relaxed already."
"Not quite. Just trying to clear my ears." I laughed. "I can never get use to that and chewing gum or candy just doesn't work for me."
"Nor I." he replied. He grabbed my hand a little tighter as we were coming closer to the runway. I wondered how hot it was going to be when we stepped off the plane. When we left home it had been cold and snowy and this would make a nice change of pace.
*******
Stepping off the plane the heat hit us full force and in no time at all we were bathed in sweat. Walking quickly to the terminal and inside we were relieved to find it air conditioned. I for one couldn't wait until we were settled on the boat and on the ocean where I figured it wouldn't feel quite so hot.
It took a while for our luggage to come in from the plane so we went and grabbed a cool drink from the lounge while waiting for it. It would take even longer to get through customs so we waited until most of the others had gone before us so the line wouldn't be as long. Shortly after that we were in a cab speeding along the coast and on our way. We made one short stop along the way to grab any personal items that we may need. Then we were at the Marina.
After paying off the cabbie and grabbing our belongings we made our way along the pier to the office. Once the business side of things were taken care of the "Captain" took us along to see the boat and explain how certain things worked. He went over the instructions on how to use the short wave radio and Michael and I managed to look like we were absorbing every word. I think we would have been able to teach him a few things.
I was amazed when I actually managed to look around our home for the next week. The boat was magnificent. The Captain told us it was an 80 footer with an 18' beam. It had plenty of freshwater in the tanks and even had 2 heads (bathrooms) and a guest room. This was a palace on water. I was impressed with Michaels choice and a bit surprised. We were certainly going to travel in style. I couldn't wait to see what the galley looked like. Both of us loved to cook and I had a special meal planned for our first night out.
Our scuba gear was already on board and we both inspected it to make sure all was okay. We wouldn't want to be in the middle of nowhere with faulty equipment and both Michael and I knew better than to take someone else's word for it. There was even fishing gear on board if we wanted to make use of it. We thanked the Captain and got our belongings stowed away.
"I think we will wait until morning to leave dock." Michael said as he came over to help me put the last few things away. "It will give us time to familiarize ourselves with everything on board."
"Sure. Sounds good to me." I agreed. "Would you like something to eat now or would you like to wait for a bit?"
"We can wait for a while, unless you are hungry now. I would like a drink though. Can I get you anything?"
"Mmmm, yeah a nice glass of that chilled wine I saw in the fridge would go good about now. Thanks" I said stretching myself out on the chaise. "I'll make us dinner in a little bit. Just something simple for tonight though, nothing fancy."
"Okay, I'll be right back." he said as he made his way into the galley. It was nice to see him in this setting. He seemed so relaxed and unlike himself. It would take a bit of getting use to.
*******
Having made an early night of it the night before, we were both up at an unearthly hour in the morning. We made sure everything was stowed away before we cast off the mooring lines and headed out towards the open sea.
It had been a beautiful sunrise and the day promised to be a good one. We had gone over the charts the night before and our destination was one of the islands about 40 miles off the coast. We would take our time making our way there as we had decided to take a leisurely approach to our 'vacation'.
Cruising at a steady but leisurely rate we figured we would arrive at the island in time for the romantic dinner I had planned. The morning was spent exploring all the nooks and crannies of the boat and sunbathing. I couldn't remember the last time I had taken the time to actually just do nothing but veg out in the sun and being completely coated in sunscreen.
During lunch we had listened to the marine forecast and heard that there was a possibility of thunderstorms later that evening. We hoped that it would miss us but at least the island we were heading for had a sheltered bay where things would be a bit calmer than out in the open.
Michael put the boat on autopilot after checking our course and joined me on the afterdeck for a little sunbathing of his own. He drew me to his side and gave me a lingering kiss as a prelude to what became a very enjoyable afternoon. And after a bit of lingering we both decided to start getting ready for our arrival at our first destination.
*******
We arrived shortly before 6pm and the cove we chose was sheltered enough that should the storm arrive we would be prepared and protected. Slipping through the entrance to the cove we weighed anchor.
The water was so crystal clear you could see all the way to the bottom. The fish were plentiful and we decided that we would try our luck at fishing the next day. If we were lucky we would catch our lunch.
"Well, while you are getting us secured, I'll go down in the galley and get our dinner started. I sure hope you're hungry." I stated as I made my way.
"Yes, I am famished. I'll help you as soon as I'm done." he answered back.
"NO!" I exclaimed, "I will have everything under control. I'll bring you a drink and you can relax before dinner." I didn't want his help as I wanted to surprise him. Tonight I was planning a nice romantic dinner of Lobster, clarified butter, endive salad and glazed potatoes. Dessert would be strawberries and cream. I loved to cook but never had much time to indulge myself between missions.
After getting Michael his drink I settled down to the business of getting dinner ready. Setting the table with plates and silverware I added the centerpiece I found in the cupboard. Everything looked perfect as I lit the candle and called to Michael.
"Dinner is served, m'lord." I joked as he made his way to the table.
"It looks wonderful Rose." he commented as he leaned over to kiss me before he sat down. "Tomorrow will be my turn to cook."
"Okay, but only if it's the fish you are going to catch! And remember I'll be right beside you so you won't be able to get away with any of those fish stories about "the one that got away" from you."
"Me? Tell stories?? Perhaps you are mistaken." he quipped back as a smile spread across his face.
"Yes, You! I have been on the receiving end of your 'stories' all too often, if you'll remember." I said. "And I am not mistaken."
*******
The sky was still clear byt the time we finished dinner so we just sat and talked for a bit and had a few games of cards. After letting our dinner settle for a while we decided to go for a swim. It was a warm evening and the water looked so inviting. We swam for a little while and then went back to the boat to dry off. The sun was getting pretty low on the horizon and we still didn't see any sign of the weather changing. Maybe it would go past us after all.
As it was starting to get darker, we made our way belowdecks to get changed. We got ourselves comfortable with another glass of wine and the remaining strawberries and cream and the books we had found in the bedroom.
"You know, it is so nice to just sit and relax like this under the stars," I sighed, "If only it could be like this all the time."
"I think you would get bored after a while." Michael replied after taking a sip of his wine.
"You think so? Well, maybe after a long while. But I have never had much of a chance to do anything like this in my whole life. Before I was 'recruited' by Section I didn't have an easy life. There were certainly no frills."
"Let's not spoil this evening with talk of Section. We are here, not there." he gently reminded me.
"You're right. I shouldn't spoil what has been one of the best days I can remember." I say as I start to gather the dishes together.
***
It was almost midnight before we decided to call it a night and head for bed. It had been such a lazy day that we were more tired than we would have thought.
"I'll go round and make sure everything is secure." Michael yawned, as he got up. " I may set out the other anchor as well, just in case we do get that storm during the night."
"Sounds good. I'll make sure everything is secured inside and then I'll make us a drink and we can discuss our plans for tomorrow."
"Fine. See you in a few minutes then."
After all was done we sat discussing our plans for the next day and then we went to bed.
*******
When we woke up the next morning the clouds were just starting to roll in from the south. I made breakfast consisting of waffles and poached eggs and orange juice and tea. We had to put our plans on hold for the morning and hoped that it would clear up by the afternoon.
"Looks like we'll get something after all." I commented as I cleared the table. "You'll have to put the weather cover back up on the flydeck I guess. I'll do the dishes in the meantime."
"I'll join you as soon as I'm done. I'll check the radio again while I'm up there too. See if there is anything new on the marine forecast." Michael then went up the short ladder and disappeared from my view.
Shortly after Michael came into the cabin. "It's just starting to rain. It's gentle right now, but I think it will change soon."
After a while we could hear the change in the tempo of the drops. We looked outside and noticed that there was no lightning. Seeing none in the distance either gave me an idea.
"You feel like having a shower?" I asked.
"No, I had one last night."
"Not even in the rain?" I queried as I looked at him out of the corner of my eye, hoping he would catch on. "It might be fun."
He looked thoughtful for a minute before replying. "Mmmm, you know, you could be right. I'll get the soap." and with that he disappeared into the head only to be back out seconds later.
"Ready."
"You are not!" I laughed. "You still have all your clothes on. Or were you planning on washing them as well?" He looked down at himself and then over to me. I had had a few seconds head start and was just taking off the final pieces of my clothing. He started to laugh as he pulled his shirt off while trying to undo his shorts and not doing a very good job of it.
"Careful, or you'll trip." I couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle he was making of himself in his eagerness to rid himself of his clothes. I turned and made my way out onto the deck and into the rain.
*******
After the initial shock of getting wet, the rain felt really warm. We slowly started to lather each other up with the soap, making sure we didn't miss any spots. Our hands were busy just touching each other all over and lingering a little longer in some areas than others. I had never made love in the rain and here was my chance.
Being more agressive than was usual for me I pulled Michaels face to mine and gave a long lingering kiss as I gently forced him down to the deck. The rain was doing a good job of washing off the soap as I trailed my kisses along his mouth and then moving away and slowly travelling down his body.
His hands moved down to my head to stop my travels and he gently pulled my face towards his. We kissed slowly and deeply as our hands continued to explore the contours of our bodies. We didn't need words to express how we felt about each other. Our bodies were doing the talking for us.
*******
"Oh look. The sun is starting to come out." I said as I awoke after a brief nap. We had fallen asleep in each other's arms after our thirst for our bodies had been slaked.
"Mmmmmm" Michael groggily replied.
"And look, there's a rainbow!!" I nudged Michael with my elbow while pointing over the stern. "It's huge."
"I'm hungry." This being said as he drew himself up off the deck. "Let's make up a picnic and take it into shore."
"Sounds like fun. We can explore the island and pretend we're shipwrecked. You go get ready and launch the dinghy and I'll get lunch packed up."
The afternoon had turned out to be another pleasant interlude. After our picnic lunch we explored the rocks at the far end of the beach and on our way back we came upon a little stream, which we followed for a ways into the trees. It was uphill for a bit but when we got to the top we were presented with a lovely view of a cascading waterfall.
The afternoon had turned quite warm so we took advantage of the fresh water and took a swim in the swirling pool below the waterfall. Feeling refreshed we made our way back to the beach, gathered our belongings together and shoved off. We took our time getting back to the boat. While I rowed, Michael took the time to do some fishing and did manage to catch a few fish for our dinner that night.
"Not a bad catch." I admitted after watching him admire the fish. "It will give us a nice meal."
"Yes. It's been a while since I went fishing. I went with Walter once when I was only in Section for a few years. I enjoyed it." he looked at his watch while saying this. "We should head back. I want to catch the forecast which will be on soon." With that he took over rowing while I lay back to enjoy the sun.
After we got back I put the picnic things away while Michael went to the bridge to listen to the radio. When he came back down he suggested we go get our scuba gear on and do some exploring of the cove.
"The forecast predicted clear skies for the rest of the week. I would like to pull anchor in the morning and we may not have another opportunity in such a clear environment." he explained. "We should reach the next island by just after lunch tomorrow."
"This week is going much too quickly for my liking." I complained. "We only have a few more days left and when we get back it won't be long and it will feel like we were never away. Don't you wish we didn't have to go back Michael?"
"No. My life has been in Section for so long I wouldn't be able to predict how I would do." he then turned and gathered the gear together for our dive leaving the conversation hanging.
It was beautiful seeing the creatures in the water up close. Again, the only diving I had done had been under orders for a mission and never for pleasure. It was amazing at how much pleasure that could be gotten from such a simple thing.
********
Michael had just stowed our scuba gear away and I was looking through the binoculars when I spotted a boat a few miles away. We hadn't seen anyone so far and it seemed like an intrusion to me. I hoped they would go away soon.
"We seem to have company out there." I said to Michael as he came and sat down beside me.
"Yes. I know. I noticed them earlier while I was up on the bridge." He put his arm around me and pulled me close to him for a quick kiss. "Well, I will go and prepare a feast for us. It is your turn to be waited on." and with that he got up and went inside.
It was such a beautiful night we sat outside for a while just listening to music. It was very peaceful and quiet with only the sound of the surf lapping against the side of the boat.
"Why don't we sleep under the stars tonight." Michael suggested. "The forecast is good and it is nice and warm."
"Hmm, sounds good. I'll get our pillows and a blanket. Why don't you get the wine and some glasses and I'll be right back."
Laying there in the dark after having made love and looking at the stars was a contentment that I hadn't ever known. The stars were like a million diamonds glittering against a bed of shimmering black velvet. Everything was perfect until I heard voices floating across the water. I gently nudged Michael awake and told him.
"Go, get dressed. In the front cupboard under the bed you will find our guns. Do it NOW." he said urgently. I didn't even know he had brought the guns.
I didn't understand why he would want the guns but I obeyed him and was quickly by his side again in a matter of moments. He had gotten himself dressed and had extinguished the lantern so that we were left in complete darkness.
"What's going on Michael?" I whispered as I took my position on the opposite side of the boat. I had this gut feeling that I wouldn't like the answer when I asked my next question. "This was a mission all along wasn't it?"
"Yes."
"I guess I should have known better." I said in an angry whisper. "I knew it from the start. There was NO way that Section would have let us go off on a vacation together. Damn you and Section, Michael."
"Now is not the time for this Rose."
"There is never a good time Michael and you know it." I shot back at him. I was angry. Angry at him and even more angry at myself for having fallen for the deception. I felt cheated and used and dirty. At least all the other times when we were acting as a couple I 'knew' it was a mission, but this time I let him know what my feelings were. "I don't understand how you can do this. Doesn't it bother you Michael?"
"NOT NOW!" he shouted as the shots were fired from the other boat.
All of a sudden a flare went up that lit up the whole sky and other boats surrounded the other boat and capturing the people on board. After being given the all clear, Michael and I stood up and walked over to the side.
I glared at him as I spoke. "This isn't over yet Michael. We will continue this discussion. Not now, but we will."
"Get over it, Rose. You know how Section works." he responded but I could see that he was conflicted.
A few minutes later we were joined by Walter and Simmons.
"Hey Rosy!!" Walter greeted me as he came over.
"Don't you Rosy me, mister! You knew all along didn't you?" I slapped his hand away. "I will never get use to the way Section operates as long as I live"
"Sorry, babe. But orders are orders."
I was so angry at all of them and the way I had been deceived that I couldn't answer him.
*******
When we finally arrived back at Section a few days later, I had exhausted my anger. Besides it was pointless and a waste of time. All I knew was that it would take me a long time before I trusted anything Michael told me. We had a briefing in a few minutes and I had to show that I wasn't affected by anything that had happened.
"Well, Rose, I understand the mission was a success." Madeline said as she walked into the briefing area. "I'm sorry, we had to deceive you like that but it had to look real."
"Cute Maddy! For your information it was real. Real to me anyway. How did it happen?"
"How did what happen?"
"How did you turn into such a hard unfeeling bitch? Did you have to work at it or does it come naturally?" my anger was coming out again. I couldn't help it. "Does anyone in this place have feelings?"
"Yes we do. And I won't even dignify your other question with an answer. I could have you disciplined for talking to me like that." she hissed.
"You know what Madeline. I don't care. Give it your best shot. I laid my feelings out to Michael and this is what I get in return. Another damn mission."
"Get over it, Rose." she whispered as the others walked in.