GhostWatch (FF)

Chapter 24

Charles and Arsenal managed to bring the crate into the dropship as Athena began to pilot it back to base.

"Thanks again Charles. I didn't think I would be able hold them off." Aaron said. "You're welcome man, we heroes look out for each other." Charles said patting him on the shoulder. Arsenal nodded before glancing at Julie who stood next to the ramp as the clouds went by.

"Hey, you sure about her?" He asked nudging his shoulder. "My mom? Yeah she's fine Aaron. Don't get too worked up about it." Charles said with a nod. Arsenal sat on a couch available as he stared at Julie. He remembered Barnes, inches from death and the one to do it was standing in the very same dropship.

"We're almost back to base." Charles informed the two. Aaron nodded as he stood up and walked to the crate. He kept shooting glances at Julie, expecting her to go back to her old ways and try to finish the job she started those many years ago. The dropship landed in the hangar as Aaron and Charles brought the crate out.

"I'll go report to Jack and Ana." Julie said rushing off. "Are you sure about her?" Aaron asked again.

"Yes I'm sure Aaron. She's my mother. If anyone can get through the brainwashing, it's her and my father." Charles assured him. Arsenal sighed as the two carried the crate towards the command center. Hana and Lucio ran up to them and stared at the crate.

"What's in the box?" Hana asked. "Tech that shouldn't be in Talon's hands." Arsenal said. Hana looked at him as she studied his face.

"You seem familiar. From my days as a MEKA pilot for the Korean Army. I think you and other people." Hana said putting a hand on her chin.

"Yeah, I think I saw you when I started the revolt against the Vishkar corporation. I think you were helping us." Lucio said. Aaron looked at Charles for help.

"Everything will be explained all in due time, don't you have training to do?" Charles asked the two. Lucio and Hana nodded before turning and leaving.

"Thanks." "No problem, now let's get this hunk of wood to the center. I know Winston is dying to examine it." Charles joked. As the two squeezed passed agents, Aaron noticed how some would say hello or poke Charles. Tracer blinked over to him and kissed Charles's cheek before he swatted her away. She stopped and stared at Aaron.

"Oh, my, god, MANHATTAN!" She yelled before tackling him in a hug, making him drop the case. "Hey, hey, hey, easy Lena! This is delicate tech in here!" Charles said. Lena blinked up and helped Aaron back on his feet.

"Sorry luv, it's just been too long. I can see you're no longer that scrawny man we dug through the rocks. Look at you, all grown up and more serious than ever." Lena said smiling at him.

"It's nice to see you too Ms. Oxton, and the name is Aaron. 'Manhattan' is only on mission." He replied shooting a smirk at Charles.

"C'mon Romeo, we've got work to do." Charles said making Aaron glare at him. "I'm just kidding, but who knows." He teased.

"Okay, you can do this yourself." Aaron said walking away. "C'mon Richards, it was a joke! I'm only kidding." Charles called after him.

"You are so lucky I don't have a weapon that can beat you." Aaron growled. "Oh come now darling, tis just a joke." Charles said in a British accent. Aaron rolled his eyes as they enter the command center to see Julie and David talking as Jack, Ana, and Winston looked over the maps.

"Ah, Charlie, glad to see you make it back and I see you've made a friend." Jack said looking at Aaron.

"You already know who I am, so it's no point in introducing myself."  Aaron said. "It's good to see you're still alive Aaron." Ana said.