I stared at him miserably, there had already been so much sacrifice and now this!
"Okay I'll do it." I responded gruffly.
Temple nodded and set a folder down on the table, "Everything you'll need to know." He said before leaving the room.
Chantry spoke, "I'm sorry more than you know for having to pull that card out on you John. For the duration of the mission your agent status has been reaffirmed. You are once more agent Logan Sackett." He turned to go, but my words stopped him.
"Why a year Chantry?"
He hesitated in telling me, "You didn't talk the first time so I doubt you will if you're caught again so why not tell you I suppose. We need a year to prepare a coordinated strike with armed forces we are in communication with the world around. The extra time will also hopefully make them go to sleep over this breach so they won't be expecting us when we strike. That's why I need a year. If I haven't come back by then assume the worst and take care of yourself and Asia. Temple is unloading the equipment that she'll need to break the Code. Godspeed Logan." Chantry left the room followed by Maria and I was left alone with my brother.
"Thank you John for honoring Temple's request." Flint said.
I nodded flatly not wanting any further conversation on the topic.
"About the mission I……"
"If you're going to give me a big long spiel about how I shouldn't freely enjoy humanity's last hope then forget it! You heard Chantry she's mine to do with as I please for a year."
Flint's jaw worked powerfully in anger, but he didn't say anything. He stormed out of the house, anger in every movement of his long stride. That was good. As long, as he was angry, he would have no inclination to think. Moments later Maria stepped back inside the room.
I had been headed for my bed and her reappearance was unappreciated, as at this moment the throbbing pain in my head wouldn't even allow a momentary thought of desire to enter my mind.
She looked nervous, as she held something out to me, "Chantry told me to give you these with his apologies for the last two years."
"Thank you." I said gratefully taking the bottle.
She looked at me a little surprised and before she could ask any questions I said, "Now go and rejoin the herd before the big bad predator ties you up to his bed."
She backed away quickly and I soon heard the chopper take off and leave the island. I opened the bottle and chucked two of the blue pills back into my mouth. I set the precious bottle of pills down on the table and collapsed on my bed rubbing at my temples with both hands profoundly grateful for the pills that would take away the brunt of the pain and shorten the duration of the episode. I didn't know for sure what was in the pills, but they always worked.