Operation Phoenix

Chapter Twelve: Descussions, Part 1

Her gloved hand shuffled through a variety of papers, some crinkled from the journey while others remained perfectly intact. Each stamped with another red symbol, differing from one another.

She was finishing signing off on a single letter before she placed her pen down again, looking rather stressed. It was obvious she'd needed a break, but neglected to take one. There were many, many important matters to deal with, but she'd been itching to get to this one since yesterday.

Rolling up a letter and stamping it in a mix of wax, she stood and practically glided across the floor. She was wearing a long blue sundress, one that she wore often and cherished. It reminded her of something her mother used to wear, so having it on brought a strange sense of comfort. As she placed her letter in a canister meant for outgoing mail, her soft eyes swept over the four that stood in front of her--still seeming exhausted.

"Goodness," Elsa sighed, walking--in a way that would have been rushing for her--over to them and clasping her hands together. "I was worried sick. I thought maybe you'd been killed or attacked..." her words slowed when she observed the way Rapunzel seemed to shrink at the words she chose. 'Killed' and 'Attacked'. The blonde was holding Jack's hand tightly, her eyes cast downwards.

Worry became swollen in the platinum blonde, concerned for the kind medic before her. Slowly, she floated backwards and rested a hand on her desk, leaning the weight of her hips on it behind her. "I take it it didn't go well." she stated, looking at the Runner's captain (the one she'd assigned all those years ago) for support.

Jack's hand encased Zellie's, squeezing it in support as her knees trembled from under her. He knew that she wasn't ready to talk about it, telling him was one thing. They were intimate, told each other everything, but telling Elsa was another. Almost humiliating. He understood the way Rapunzel would feel exposed, open, naked. Hiccup and Zel always talked to each other for mutual understanding, and he didn't even know. The only reason Merida knew was because she was there when it happened. Jack was sure that if the circumstances were different, he would've been the only one she told. He made her feel safe, and he was proud of that. No one else could make her feel like that; only him, and he was determined to do whatever it took to keep it that way.

He stepped forward. "We got separated. All of us nearly died in the process, but we made it. Erm," he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Unfortunately, the city is overrun, and one of the exits has been compromised."

Elsa's sympathy turned to suspicion and she eyed each of them. "And how did you come to find this out? From what I recall, your orders were to deliver the missing supplies to New World District. Did you do something other than what I told you?" She asked, firmly.

Jack's head ducked to the floor as he stared at his shoes guiltily. Rapunzel's eyes finally lifted from the ground and looked at him with concern. He knew this was coming. It was only a matter of time before he was punished for being so careless. He'd nearly gotten them all killed, and here he was finally dealing with the price. Elsa would most likely denounce his rank as captain, and he'd be suspended from duty. Not only had he endangered the team, but he'd delayed the mission's delivery by an entire day. The route they were originally going to take would've been easy for a few horses, but no, he took them through the city instead of listening to Merida and taking the longer route. Elsa would probably be more understanding if it was just a delay, but instead he'd had them separated, endangered their lives, compromised the City's exit in the process and caused them to be late on their delivery because he was focusing on his feelings instead of the mission. The only reason they hadn't gotten to New World on time was because he'd waited all night and half the day for the girls.

Previously, he'd thought Elsa would be more understanding about it, but standing here while he realized just how much shit he caused, he knew it wasn't exactly that easy. He shouldn't have underestimated his Leader's dedication and strictness. Disobeying New World put the entirety of Peak's people at risk. Jack thought back to Valka and gulped. He was glad she didn't know about that, or else he'd most likely be kicked off the team and put on probation work.