happy pride month to arthur lester’s aromantic ass

Covert Operations - Chapter 56

DISCLAIMER: This is a modern AU crossover story with Outlander and La Femme Nikita. LFN and its characters do not belong to me nor do those from Outlander.

N.B. This chapter is the beginning of a new scenario for Jamie and Claire that will ultimately test them to the extremes of endurance and perseverance.  They will meet some significant characters that have an intimate relationship with Sun Yee Lok and who will be instrumental in leading to their best lead to capture the elusive leader of the Rising Dragons Triad.

SYNOPSIS:  Operations and Madeline are sending Claire back to Hong Kong for a new mission. 

Chapters 1 - 55 can be found at …https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations

  CHAPTER 56 Section One’s leaders watched Claire Beauchamp’s retreating back as she exited Madeline’s office after their meeting. The one thing that they’d both observed was that, she was just as frustrating as their Level 5 operative James Fraser with her patented demeanour and head held high. They were none the wiser to what she may be thinking especially about what they had just told her and once she had left the office Operations turned to Madeline and asked, “Well, what’s next then?”

“We proceed with new plans,” was her pragmatic reply.

Dougal knew that his second in command was several steps ahead of him at the moment so he asked for further clarification. “Which are?” “We’ve picked up a thread. A few parameters have cropped up that give us a better than 50% chance that this Intel can lead to other triad members as well as Sun Yee Lok.” This was pleasing news.  “Good,” he replied. “We're converging on the Rising Dragons closer to the nucleus of its organisation. It shouldn’t be too long before we have completely annihilated them. We still have a couple of options, so I'd like your input Dougal. “Of course.” “Our Intel has shown that someone in the Hong Kong Organized Crime and Triad Bureau has been making inquiries as to what information the Water Police have on the Rising Dragons and who is providing it.” “Ah, I see. This was what you were studying, is it not?”

“Yes … Intel about the Rising Dragons to the higher authorities has stalled even though the OCTB’s mandate is to investigate all triad activity. We have suspicions that someone is tampering with the Intel.”

“Is there a triad mole in the Bureau?” “It seems so.” “Did Madame Cheung confirm our sources?” “She alluded to an informer within the police ranks, but she didn’t know who it was. Apparently, the mole deals only with Sun Yee Lok personally. He is a chameleon as far as the other triad members are concerned.” “Given this Intel, where are things on our end then? What mode do you recommend?" “A change of scenery for Claire. She is going to be transferred to the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau,” she stated very pleased with what she had just revealed to Operations.   “Madeline ... Your methods always continue to amaze me. We’re profiling the mission?” “Yes. Fergus is working on it as we speak.” “Hmmm? No doubt you have all contingencies covered as per usual.” A wry smile bowed her lips at Dougal’s compliments. He knew just how she operated … always one step ahead and ready to seize the moment if it would be of benefit to Section One.

“You think Claire will flush out the mole?” 

“Exactly … We need her to be visible to anyone who was watching the Water Police. She will be able to flush out any suspicious person in the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau given her close association with the Water Police and vice versa.”

“Won’t this put her in jeopardy if someone at the OCTB makes a connection to her arrival at the Water Police and the deaths of triad members?”

“Of course, … but … if there is someone suspicious of her then this should cause them to reveal their hand and when they do, we will be waiting. Madame Cheung was most helpful with more information on the Rising Dragons and they have become very edgy because of the deaths of some prominent members of the triad. A transfer to the OCTB will place her in a better position to find out who is responsible.”

“Good. So far, all our triad missions have been successful.” “Very ... However, there are still a few high-ranking members that we need to eliminate as well.” “I agree. Has Fergus confirmed that he has finished Claire’s profile yet?” “Not as yet, although it should be forthcoming soon ...” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

While Madeline and Operations were talking, Section’s computer expert broke into the middle of their conversation.  “Sir?” “Yes Fergus?” “The new mission profile is completed.” “Okay, we’ll teleconference.” “Including Jamie?” “No, that won’t be necessary. Just feed through to Madeline’s Office.” “Yes Sir.” Almost immediately a picture of Fergus appeared on Madeline’s computer monitor linked with his computer in Comm. for the video conference. “Information is being uploaded ... The profile's up on your screen for your approval.” “Good.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Once the teleconference was concluded, Operations still had some reservations about the mission and voiced his concerns. “Do you think Claire’s ready to return to Hong Kong so recently after her deep cover?” “I do ... Superintendent Zheng knows nothing of her connection to Madame Cheung. The undercover mission that he believed Claire was on has come to a close. The murders on the junk have been solved hence the Hong Kong Water Police have no further need of her. However, we will increase Claire’s sabbatical leave for a while to keep up appearances for our future purposes.” “And Fraser?  He will resist.” “Then we'll have to change that.” “Yes.” “We have other plans for Jamie. He will do what he is told to do in due course.” Operations was well pleased with her reply and a confident smirk crossed his lips. “Claire can draw on her undercover experiences to execute the new game plan once a transfer is arranged to the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau.” “That was my thinking.” Convinced to the viability of her plan, Operations was confident in his go ahead. “I don't see any flaws in the plan. Proceed as intended.” ~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Once Claire Beauchamp had left Madeline’s office she walked through the main part of the Common area and headed towards Jamie’s office. Her mind though was at sixes and sevens trying to internalise the Intel that her superiors had just told her.

She needed to talk to Jamie for she wanted his counsel on her return mission to Hong Kong. She wondered if he was privy to the Intel they had received and if he knew what her mission would entail. Fergus was prepping the mission; perhaps he would give her details if she asked, but time was of the essence as she had been ordered to leave tonight. On the other hand, she was looking forward to seeing Mei and Angus again for she had become friendly with them while she was at Police Headquarters. Superintendent Zheng however, was another matter. Wouldn’t he think it strange that she had returned after a long stint undercover? No doubt Madeline would relay some plausible scenario to cover her extended absence that would not be cause for interpretation. It really didn’t matter though because there needed to be some closure for the Water Police and her return to Hong Kong was a logical move to offset this. Obviously, Madeline and Operations had received Intel from Madame Cheung that had necessitated a new mission profile. As yet she was unaware of what it would involve but her orders were to remain in her police cover until told to proceed with the new profile. Claire also pondered on the fact that Madeline had indeed praised her for her deep cover mission but she was also wary of her intentions about this new mission profile.

That was a surprise ... she should have known then that her superior was up to something. Nothing in Section One was ever done without an ulterior motive. She could count on one hand the times she had been given recognition for a successful mission ... it was usually to the contrary. This new mission however could be fraught with danger for her if her previous covert operation mission was discovered or if someone at the OCTB connected the dots of her involvement with Madame Cheung.  

She desperately needed to talk to Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Nearing Munitions, Claire noticed the bent, bandanna head of Murtagh Fitzgibbons tinkering on some new gadget at his workbench and sidled over to see what he was doing. “Hi Murtagh.” “Sugar! How you holding up?” He asked alluding to what had happened in the White Room the other day. “All right.” “All that matters to them is the final score you know.” “Yeah ...” “There’s no place for regrets in Section Claire. Nothing should surprise you about this place. Terrorists die ... that’s a fact. Who pulls the trigger is irrelevant.” “Murtagh, sometimes I don't know if you are incredibly wise or ...” They stared at each other, then her friend answered with his playful snarl and twinkling eyes ablaze “Yeah, yeah ...? I know ... full of crap!” Suddenly Claire’s tone of voice changed and she almost whispered, “I’ve got another mission.” Continuing to tinker again Murtagh remarked cynically, “Surprise ... surprise ... let me guess ... Hong Kong?” “You got it in one.” “You must be getting closer to the big Cohuna then.” “What do you think they'll do if we don’t find Sun Yee Lok?” Murtagh looked at her then teasingly replied, “They'll think of something.” He watched her facial reactions as Claire internalised what he’d said before allying any apprehension. “You’ll find him ... don’t worry ... Now, get out of here!” Claire turned to continue on to Jamie’s office but stopped and glanced back to see her friend with his you’ll knock ‘em dead look. She broke into a smile and ordered ... “Get back to work Fitzgibbons!” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Walking by Jamie’s office, Claire glanced in the window and saw that he was sitting at his desk. Obviously busy at some report or debrief from his other mission this past week, Jamie was typing away on his computer lost in concentration. Her eyes shifted towards his closed office door but she hesitated to open it. Collecting her thoughts, she cooled her heels somewhat, before leaning against the hallway wall. Claire recited the words she wanted to say to Jamie over and over in her mind about her upcoming mission, however, she couldn’t remain still and began pacing to and fro outside the door in nervous tension. 

Eventually taking a deep breath, she knocked on his door, then without waiting for an invitation pushed it open and entered his office. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ James Fraser had not been in his office very long and had just begun typing his debrief prior to Claire’s unannounced arrival. Sensing her presence he’d known the minute she had passed by his office. He continued typing but wondered why she hadn’t entered yet. Something must be troubling her as it had been a few minutes and he could hear her pacing outside his door. However, upon hearing her soft knock, Jamie looked up just as Claire ducked her head inside the door. His gaze was ever watchful as he waited for her to speak because of her reluctance to enter sooner. “Jamie, do you have a minute?” “Come in.” Closing the door behind her Claire stepped further into his office. "What is it Sassenach?" He inquired pausing from his typing realising that his Claire had something on her mind that was troubling her. With his patented blank stare, he watched as she walked around his office then continued with his debrief until she decided to speak. Claire strolled over to his window and ran her hand idly up and down the slats of the blinds, then turning around she stared down at Jamie working at his computer. She said nothing but merely looked at him, then walking towards his desk she glanced in the direction of the hidden panel in his drawer. Noting her look, Jamie immediately pulled out a keypad. Tapping in the numbers he deactivated the surveillance by activating his scrambler, then he closed the drawer. Claire waited until the screen was set before talking. Her crystalline blue eyes tentatively looked up into his questioning eyes. “Can I talk to you?” Their eyes immediately locked and Jamie’s burning gaze played havoc with her feelings as the air between them suddenly thickened with too many unspoken thoughts and words. The reason why she was here became secondary as a rush of emotions overwhelmed Claire for all that Jamie had done for her on the Madame Cheung mission particularly knowing what Madeline and Operations had said to her. Reluctantly he severed his gaze regretfully saying, “We’ve only got five minutes.”

Sitting back in his chair Jamie’s eyes travelled across Claire’s worried face and beautiful shapely figure. He watched a gamut of emotions cross her features and wondered what was troubling her.

“What is it mo nighean donn?” His husky voice asked.

Claire trailed her fingers lightly over the chair in front of his desk before finally sitting down, then looking up at Jamie softly said, “I’m being sent back to the Hong Kong Water Police to resume my cover.” “Why? What did they tell ye?” Jamie asked as he pensively stroked his chin before tapping his fingers on the top of his desk. “I’m to be used again for a new profile that is proceeding at the moment.” “Who’s prepping the profile?” “Fergus.” “What’s on yer PDA?” “I haven’t been told yet,” Claire replied nibbling on her lip, half listening for an answer, but half lost in her own thoughts, “Do you know Jamie?” “No. They haven’t posted the new assignments yet.” “So we won’t be on this assignment together?” “If the posting happens soon, there’s still a chance.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jamie rose from his desk and made his way over towards where Claire was seated. Her eyes were downcast; she could not look at him. Reaching out his hand, he gently lifted up her chin, making her do so and captured her gaze in his.

 Claire saw raw emotion darkening Jamie’s eyes but she also saw his inner thoughts as well. He would get to the bottom of the profile that had been developed.  Once she had left his office, he would find out what exactly Madeline and Operations had in mind for her on her new assignment to Hong Kong.

Impulsively and without second thoughts Claire leaned up and kissed him lightly on the lips. The nearness of his body, his tender touch to her chin and the smell of his skin suddenly overwhelmed her. It caught Jamie off guard as well but the kiss was over before it began. With an unsteady breath she stared into his intense eyes glowing with both surprise and longing. The air around them suddenly crackled with the sexual energy they always experienced when near each other. With his lips slightly parted Jamie was just about to say something when Operations’ voice echoing in the room indicated that perhaps they would find out sooner than later.

“Fraser ... Madeline’s office!”

A look passed between them. This may be the call for Jamie to be briefed about the mission too. “Be patient.” He said as he ran his thumb across Claire’s lips. Slowly Jamie traced the softness of her mouth while he held her gaze. Their time was nearly up and he reluctantly returned to his seat at the desk once more, while Claire watched him retreat. “I’ll verify yer panel and synchronize them Sassenach.” “What if your schematic’s a bit different than mine?” “I’ll talk to Fergus.” “Okay. Thank you," she said. Although she didn’t look back at him, Claire felt Jamie’s eyes following her as she left his office. Pausing outside, she took one last look at him through the window; gave him a tentative smile, then turned and walked away.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“There's no such thing as pulling back in our line of work. You know that as well as I do Madeline.” Operations remarked pacing the floor of her office as they waited for James Fraser to arrive. “Perhaps better.” He stopped and stared at his second in command sitting at her desk. Looking her square in the eyes he asked the question, “Is Claire up to this task?” “You know her potential.” “Yes but managing her is not without difficulty.” “In my judgement, she's worth it. Her deep cover proved that.” “Very well.” As they were talking an operative’s voice interrupted their conversation. “Sir, Jamie's here.” “Send him in.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~ James Fraser entered Madeline’s office taking in the deportment of his two superiors.  As usual he was stoic in his appearance and manner but Jamie was here for more than just because of his leaders’ orders.  He was here to gain any information about Claire’s forthcoming mission back to Hong Kong and what if anything he could do to ascertain why she was being sent back to the Water Police.

“Ye wanted to see me?” “Yes. Come in.” “You and Claire carried off what everyone at Oversight considered an impossible task. Capturing one of the Rising Dragons’ inner circle was a coup for Section One.”  Operations relayed. “Thank you.” “However, the mission is not completely over. Oversight wants to bring this mission to a head ASAP. There are far too many loose ends and we still have members of the Rising Dragons that are causing us worry.” “Particularly Sun Yee Lok who is proving to be far too elusive,” Madeline added. “So we have decided to try a different method of attack.” “Which is?” “We're going to have to use Claire again. There's no way to avoid it. She is being sent back to the Hong Kong Water Police.” “There is a Rising Dragons’ informant in the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau that needs investigation.” Continuing Madeline added, “Your role is to facilitate her transfer to the OCTB with Superintendent Zheng.” “I understand.” “One other thing ... although the Intel that Madame Cheung gave us was inconclusive, she did give us some names.” “Do ye think one of these is the spy?” “Possibly ... But the triad members are laying low because of the recent deaths of key members. It’s clear we still have significant work to do to detain these triad affiliates.” “If what our source tells us is true, the Rising Dragons are a little nervous and will implode if the situation worsens. They are suspicious of everyone at the moment and to avoid a triad blood spilling among rival triads, we need to lure them and the mole out into the open.” “And ye think Claire will do this?” “We’ll set up a plausible scenario that will cause one or more of the triad to surface ... if given the right incentive.” Madeline replied in her inimitable way. “Does Claire know?” “She knows all she needs to at the moment,” was Madeline’s brief answer. Jamie, however, knew that as usual, their superiors were suppressing important Intel that Claire was yet to know and needed to know.   “Has the mission profile been set?” “Details will be on her PDA.” Finally he would gain the information he needed about Claire’s new mission back to Hong Kong when he read her personal electronic information device .

“Is that all?” “For the time being ... You can go, Fraser.” 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued