Story 06 – Part 1 – Incoming Flight

“Thanks so much for agreeing to do this, Jordan,” Agent Driver said again.

“No big deal,” Jordan said as he leaned against the car. “But if this contact you guys are supposed to pick up is so important then why didn’t your agency send more guys?”

“We’re a small agency,” Driver explained. “And our boss didn’t want to draw too much attention. That and we’re a little busy. You guys are also unofficially part of the agency so we can get away with using your car.”

“So, who is this guy we’re picking up?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure,” Agent Driver said as he rubbed the back of his head. “We don’t ask. We just do.”

Jordan nodded and looked back toward the airport terminal. Agent Michaels went inside to go and pick up their mystery guest, leaving the other two to stand by the car. Jordan had been a little surprised when they had called him up, asking to borrow his car. Unlike other government cars, Jordan’s was a lime green. Though, his car was probably up to grade with a government escort car. Which was part of the reason why he rarely let anyone else drive it.

“Oh, hey,” Driver called over the car. “I heard about your date with Vire. When is it happening?”

“Nero put you up to this, didn’t he?” Jordan asked. “It’s not a date, and it’s January. It would probably be best to do the course when it’s not frozen over.”

“So you should ask her on another date before then.”

“Michaels will be coming with our pick-up soon. Stop harassing me. I just don’t know what to ask her out to.”

He blinked a few moments and then Jordan smacked his head. He had not meant to say that out loud. Jordan still was not completely sure how he felt about Vire. It was not every day that he found a woman that he could talk explosives with, but if the subject were to ever stray far from weapons or combustion then he was sure to sound like an idiot. It was humorous, no doubt. A tough soldier was at a loss of action when it came to a woman.

“Dude,” Driver said excitedly. “Ask her brother. Carmine’s bound to give you an advantage.”

“I don’t need an advantage,” Jordan scowled. “And where is Michaels?”

“Good question.” Driver pulled out his PDA and scrolled through a few items. “The plane should have landed an hour ago. So, allowing for customs and any possible luggage mishaps, I’d say we’ve still got fifteen minutes.”

“Awfully optimistic.”

“Regg is capable. If there was something to worry about, he would have contacted me.”

Though Jordan still thought it was taking too long, he did have to agree with Agent Driver. Agent Michaels was certainly more responsible. When they had rescued Carmine, though, Jordan had seen why Driver was the senior agent. When he was actually in the middle of a situation, Driver could command and strategize in an instant.

“I do wish he’d hurry though,” Driver whined as he pulled his long coat closer. “It’s freezing out here. You can drive on slushy roads, right?”

“Are you honestly asking me that?” Jordan laughed. “Not only can I drive a myriad of vehicles, but I’m great at parties.”

The two were still laughing when Agent Michaels arrived with their pick up. The man gave Jordan the impression of a mob boss, but with jet lag. That was understandable since the man’s incoming flight had been from the moon. Having taken that shuttle flight several times, Jordan could sympathize with the man. When the man laughed at something Michaels said, though, Jordan had to change his original mob boss opinion. The guy looked like a mob boss, but did not seem to have the personality for it.

“Mr. Giovanno,” Agent Michaels introduced. “This is Agent Driver, and this is Colonel Thompson.”