I walk out of the on-plane shower, my muscles still a bit tingly, but most of my feeling is back.
You and Amber are sitting across from each other, not looking in one another's direction. Both of you have changed into some AIR FORCE sweats.
"Ok Shannan, what the hell is going on?" I ask.
"Jim, sit down. I have a lot to explain."
Amber looks in your direction, not saying a word. Her look though, sends a strong enough message.
"Yea," I begin, "You can start with telling me why you stopped Amber from taking that place down."
"I had a clear shot at him, hun," Amber says. I notice your eye brow raises at the term of endearment.
"Jim, you can't just go blow the entire place up."
"Why not?" I demand, bringing my face close to yours.
You look down, in shame, "Because it's my home."
"What? Your home is here. You were a deep cover..."
"I know all that, you asshole!" you interrupt, "But things change."
Amber reaches over, takes your hand, "Why don't you tell us about it?"
"It's true, the leadership of the KARWA group, they are responsible for the deaths of hundreds. And it's true," your voice trailing off, "that I am responsible for many of those."
"So why not let us bring them down?"
"It's because, underneath it all, it is a good place. It's not some evil terrorist group, not at its heart. And it's not a Cult. It's more of a commune."
"You mean with grass skirts and shit?"
"Don't be a dick. Look, it grew out of a commune from the late 1800's, when the U.S. was experiencing some social changes. It hasn't changed much. It's completely, financially self sufficient. The Asian influence crept into the group in the 40's, about the same time as Fajula's father took over."
"And what did he do?"
"He started the mind control, the para-military aspect. But you have to understand, 90% of those girls and guys, are innocent. They are disenfranchised, choosing to live a life of sensual solitude, but they are not criminals. They need our help. They are little 'me's,' caught up in the same situation I am."
"Look, Shannan, I don't know if Jade is coming back, and I would rather not see her, so lets make this clear, ok? It is my job to protect this nation. Collateral damage is just that."
"Jade is gone. She left when I saw you with...with Phoenix."
At this, Amber gets up and stands by me.
"Shannan," she says, "What do you need us to do."
"Help me take down Fajulah and help me rescue those girls, especially Azure. I don't want her to look back at what she has become and see....me."
With that, you bolt from your seat and rush into your cabin across the room. I hear you sobbing.
"We have to help her." Amber says.
"I know."
Amber turns to me, kisses me deeply, her lips brushing mine as her tongue invades my mouth. With a tear in her eye, she whispers to me, "Go to her."
"Come with me."