Generations - Reunion

Even if she hadn’t seen the photographs in Princess’ office, and even if young Chris Shaw wasn’t his image, Jenny would still have known who he was.

There was that aura about him that all of the members of G-Force had. Controlled force, controlled violence, and still a fierce joy in their abilities.

Added to that, there was an air of command about him that none of the others had; an air that told you, despite his mild appearance, when he gave an order, he expected it to be followed.

And she remembered the other stories about him – how he had women falling over themselves to be near him, how he had ignored them all because of his love for the Swan. She could see why the women loved him – he was a very handsome man, deep brown hair with a few grey strands, and vivid blue eyes set in a gentle, almost boyish, face.

Oh yes. He and Commander Romanova would have made a very striking couple.

There was only one member of G-Force that she hadn’t met, and that was about to be remedied.

He came over to her and she found herself standing up, looking down at his outstretched hand, and then being dazzled by his smile.

Oh ye gods. His smile. Now she could really understand why women – and men – were dazzled by him. He had that charismatic ability to seem to focus all his attention on one person. Oh yes. A very dangerous man.

She took his hand and shook it. “I assume you are Colonel Shaw, the new Chief of Security?”

“Yes,” he said and she felt her heart thump again. Even his voice was gorgeous. “And you must be Jenny.” She nodded. “Chief Anderson’s told me that you look after Princess and myself.”

“And Commander Navanzino as well, seeing he’s the Commander of G-Force. He’s not here much, though,” she said. Babbling. She was babbling.

“No. Jason’s not one for office work.”

“Can I get you some coffee, or something, Colonel?” Jenny was surprised to see him frown and wondered what she’d done wrong. “I’m sorry, Colonel. Have I offended you in any way?”

“What? No. Sorry, Jenny, I was thinking of something else. And I’d prefer to be known as Commander Shaw, or even Eagle or Mark. Colonel is a Rigan rank that I held in the Red Rangers these past few years.”

She looked at him, at the Red Ranger uniform he was wearing, her eyebrows raising. He noticed the look and laughed. “Yeah, I know. I’ll have to ask Princess to help me arrange…” he broke off, going red.

Jenny felt for him, for his confusion. “Shall I arrange for you to be outfitted with a new uniform, Sir?”

“Please. Which is my Office, Jenny? And I don’t drink coffee during the day as a rule. Princess should have some tea around, I’ll have that. Black, no sugar.”

Jenny opened her drawer and pulled out a set of keys and held them out. He took them curiously. “Your Office is this one over here, she said, opening the door on the right. The whole suite is inter-connecting. Your Office is the one on this corner of the building. The office of the G-Force Commander is through the door on the right, and Commander Romanova’s office connects through your left.” Jenny turned to the remaining doors. “The door next to the G-Force commander’s office is the bathroom for the suite. There’s also a small shower in there. Over here,” and she opened a glass door, “is the kitchen. If you eat the last chocolate biscuit…”

“Without replacing it you’re a dead man. Trust me, Jenny, I grew up with that rule.” He was laughing and she found herself smiling. “These keys open all the draws and cupboards I take it?”

“In your Office, yes. I’ve arranged for a Security Card for you which gives you access to the whole building. That should be here shortly. I’ll need to confirm what you want on your business cards and stationery. I know how you take your tea, and that you also like chocolate biscuits. I’ll just assume that you also drink hot chocolate, and that you’ll eat the same things as Commanders Romanova and Navanzino.”

He looked pained. “Is it that obvious?”

“It’s logical that if you grew up with the Commanders, then you’ll have much the same habits as they do.” Her tone was slightly disapproving.

“So Princess still doesn’t eat when she’s working flat out?”

“I really couldn’t comment on that, Sir.”

“Good. That’s the attitude I want. Nothing that goes on in this suite is to leave it without my permission. That understood?”

Jenny nodded. “You received a memo from Anderson?” She nodded again. “Then you understand that I’ve also been re-activated as G-Force Commander. I’d ask that you not mention that to anybody. Including Jason and Princess.” At Jenny’s startled look, he continued. “I need to speak to them myself about that. You should also know, Jenny,” and his eyes were twinkling, “I’m not really a morning person. Oh, I’ll be here by 9am, but if you can have a nice strong cup of tea waiting, I’d be grateful.”

“I can do better than that, Sir. I can arrange for a breakfast to be sent up from the cafeteria if you like.”

“Let’s just start with the tea, Jenny. What does Commander Romanova usually do?”

“She has breakfast at home usually. Though she likes some toast in the morning, and we’ve got a toaster here.”

“Then that’s fine by me. Is there anything else I should know?”

“The Chief of Security has a weekly meeting with the President on Wednesday afternoons. She usually comes here as she says it’s more secure. You may want Commanders Romanova and Navanzino to sit in on those meetings. I have a meeting scheduled for you with Commander Romanova for 3 this afternoon. I couldn’t fit it in any earlier as she is training with the Fledglings until then. Commander Romanova has left a report for you on what she’s been doing. Your e-mail address should be functioning by midday and I believe that Chief Anderson has given you all the access codes you’ll need. The most important thing though is that the children have instant access, no matter what the Commanders are doing.”

Mark looked at her sharply. His hacking had revealed the existence of the children, and their parentage. Vivian was another blow to his heart, and yet he was eager to meet the girl. The offspring of Jason and Princess would be – interesting. “Better add me to those the children have instant access too, Jenny. You’ve been trained by Princess, haven’t you.” It was a statement of fact, rather than a question.

“Yes, Sir. I came to work with her twelve years ago when the expanded G-Force program started. I worked with Ann Harper until she decided to stand down, and Commander Romanova trained me to work with G-Force.”

“I thought as much. You’re doing an outstanding job,” and he smiled at her again. “I’ve a lot to catch up on, Jenny. I’ll need reports on the last G-Force missions as well as the latest intel about Spectra and their activities. I’m right with the Rigan situation, so that can be left out. Can you please arrange a meeting with the head of Intel for first thing tomorrow morning, and another with the heads of the armed forces, probably tomorrow afternoon. Any chance of getting me a proper uniform before then?”

“I can see if they can fit you in this morning, Sir,” and she ran her eyes up and down him. “You look about the same size as Commander Navanzino, so there should be less problems.”

“Except I’m a couple of inches short – Jason in a uniform?”

“Birdstyle’s not always appropriate. He doesn’t like it, much, but he does wear it.”

“Jenny, rat me out a picture of Jason in a uniform. That I’ve gotta see. And yeah, set up that meeting. I’d like something by the end of today if possible. If not, something waiting in here tomorrow morning. I definitely don’t want to meet with the Armed Forces wearing Rigan gear.”

“Yes, Commander. Shall I bring in your tea?”

“Toast, too please, Jenny.” He chuckled. “Jason in a uniform. Oh, and my meeting with Commander Romanova – we’ll be having that out of the office.” He walked towards his office, thoughts turning to his wife. What he had to say to here couldn’t be said here. It had to be somewhere they were both comfortable with. Somewhere with memories of intimacy. He’d take her home – to his place on the airfield. The place they’d first made love, the place they spent their wedding night.

The place he felt most comfortable in.

Jenny looked after him and shook her head. She didn’t know what the history was or why he’d been away so long, but he was clearly pleased to be back. “Sir?” He turned. “Welcome home, Sir.”

“Thank you, Jenny. It’s good to be home.”