Tranformation (A Leverage Fanfic) Chapter 2
DISCLAIMER: I do not know nor have I at any point owned any thing associated with the show Leverage be it plot, characters or otherwise. This is for entertainment purposes only and I will not be making any fiscal profit whatsoever.
This is Chapter 2. If you somehow missed the beginning chapter 1 is here.
Please let me know what you think!
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Fire raced through Nate’s arm the moment the sickly looking liquid was forced into his veins. An involuntary groan fought past his lips. The official had moved seconds too late to stop the injection. That didn't stop the momentum he used to force Nate into the wall and belatedly snatching the needle away.
“You fool,” the official barked. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”
A clenched fist was delivered into Nate’s unguarded abdomen making his knees buckle as he crumbled to the ground. He wrapped his arms around the offended area, eyes squeezed tightly shut.
Not wasting a moment the official tangled dark curls into his fist and yanked Nate's head up. “I asked you a question!”
The sound that left Nate's lips was more of a wheeze than the sarcastic comment intended. Another blow was delivered. Air was a precious commodity and he seemed to be having trouble getting any in. Instead he ended up in a coughing fit for his efforts.
“Sir, if I may,” the main white coat stepped in, “the best we can do is observe the specimen and see how he reacts. We can’t stop the process now. It’s already in his bloodstream.”
The official 'hmphed', turning his back on their newest lab rat.
Nate's head was swimming. If it was the effect of the blows to his already weak body or the strange liquid he wasn't sure. Regardless he lowered his forehead until it rested against the cool tile of the floor. The world was starting to spin.
No regret.
Another white coat spoke up. “All other specimens have needed a couple of hours before the formula started showing effect. We should set up the observation unit to contain him. The settings were for the girl.”
“The one we have will work.” The official insisted.
“No sir. There are already too many variables introduced by his body alone. We need to recalculate the data to best adapt the unit for him.”
The official looked ready to deliver another blow but instead settled for a glare. “Set your data then.” He leered down towards Nate. “For your sake you had better hope their recalculations work.”
“Sir, what about the girl?” The man still pinning glaring Parker to the wall asked.
“What of her? She's useless to us now. Leave her with him, let her see what happens. Maybe it'll stop any more foolish ideas of escape. With luck he'll finish her himself.”
“But sir...”
“Leave her,” the official nodded, exiting the room with the others on his heels.
Nate forced his head up long enough to see them go, meeting the bright blue eyes of Parker on the other side of the room. She was frowning with concern shown clearly on her face, “You shouldn't have done that.”
He groaned again, refusing to face the accusation in her gaze as he left his head fall forward. The drunken feeling taking over his senses was an all too familiar one.
Getting no answer she apparently decided to come forward. He had heard no movement but he felt the soft hands cradling his head. Parker shifted him so he was resting against her lap as she gently moved his head up and studied his face, murmuring, “Your eyes are dilated. What does that mean?”
“No idea,” he slurred.
Light fingers traced the line of his cheek, “Your face is pink and your skin is warm.”
She was observing him intently. Tangled blonde hair spilled over her shoulder as Parker cocked her head to the side with a thoughtful look, “How are we going to get out of here now?”
“You're going to take one of the vents...” Nate said after a deep breath.
“Nope. Besides they're watching now.” Another fact the way she said it.
“A few hours they said,” Nate insisted, fighting the heavy feeling settling over his body. “You have to, have to go.”
“Not without you. Besides I...”
“Parker, no. You need to get out. We don't even know what this stuff...” Nate stopped as his words started to blend together. Everything was sluggish and he was having trouble focusing on her blurry face.
“Nate...” She bit her lip as his eyes drifted shut and his body went slack against her.
---
Eliot checked the corridor discretely from where he stood, adjusting his glasses as he seemingly studied the clipboard in front of him.
“You sure this is it?” He demanded sharply under his breath.
“One hundred percent man, they’re in that room right ahead. Just g… Hold up. Disappear, now!” Hardison yelped into the hitter’s ear-piece.
Trusting him enough not to question it Eliot sprung into action, tucking tight around a corner. He had barely gotten out of the hall when a door opened and footsteps were heard going the other way. He looked in time to see a decorated military man leading a group of others in white coats. His lips pressed tight into a thin line as he watched them go. If the irritated chatter and aggravated gait of the military man were a sign then whatever was behind that door was not a good thing.
He didn’t move a muscle until the all clear was muttered in his ear.
“Pull a closer one next time, huh?” Eliot hissed into his com. Double checking to make sure the coast was really clear this time he made his way towards the door again. Forget looking casual. He just needed to get in there.
“My bad man. I’ve got no camera feed in there. Place is blocked off like Fort Knox. I thought they had gone.” Hardison actually apologized. “The rest of the halls are definitely clear though. They look like they’re…”
“Look, I don’t really care what they’re up to so long as they ain’t nowhere near here.”
Sounds of clicking on the keyboard could be heard. “Alright, Sophie’s still got the guards distracted so you don’t have to worry about them. I have the feed looping so you won’t be getting caught on camera.”
“Am I clear or not?” Eliot snarled.
“Clear. Get in there and get them out.”
Eliot didn’t bother to respond as he moved straight towards the door, listening for the audible click that indicated that the hacker had taken care of the locks. He moved quickly, pressing his back to the door when he was in the room. He was ready for anything.
Or so he had thought as he whirled around just in time to catch a fist directed for his throat. He automatically fell into a fighter’s stance, ready to take down his assailant when he met a pair of determined blue eyes.
“Parker.” He barked, the tension coiled in his stomach loosing up a little when he realized who was there. The girl in question blinked, visibly changing gears as she realized who was looking at her.
An array of emotions danced over her features: fear, shock, relief, trust. She finally seemed to decide as she flung her arms around his neck. “Took you long enough.”
Barely given the time to wrap his arms around her waist, she already moved away.
“Nate.” She said, turning on her heel to go to him.
Eliot followed her movements, eyes settling on the prone figure laid out on the floor. His heart clenched as the clipboard hit the ground with a loud clatter. Nate was laying there pale and unmoving with his arm a vivid red.
He moved quickly, squatting by the older man’s side and checking his pulse. It was a little slow but steady. Breathing, that was a good sign.
“He just lost consciousness a couple of minutes before you came in,” Parker answered his unasked question. She looked hesitant, not wanting to go into the rest. Not yet. Instead she looked imploringly to Eliot, “We’ve got to get him out of here. They’re going to be back soon.”
Eliot nodded, careful eyes studying Nate’s face as he tried to make himself focus. He let one of his fingers trail over the line of his jaw, adding his thumb to gently turn his face. He looked like hell. So did Parker for that matter.
Reluctantly he pulled his hands away, running them over his own face as he tried to control the torrent of reactions battling for supremacy.
‘Come on Eliot, focus. You gotta focus here. They’re dependin’ on ya,’ he mentally told himself.
“Can he be moved?” He asked Parker out loud. It wasn’t really an option but it would be good to know about any specific injuries to watch for.
“I think. He was walking earlier,” Parker answered him, her voice firm and face almost void of all emotion now. It was game time and she was letting him take over. The problem with playing lone wolf for so long was that making plans for multiple people didn’t come easy. That’s why Nate usually held all the cards. Now it was was Eliot who needed to get them out. The original plan had not involved him having to haul a man taller than himself out without getting noticed.
Eliot looked at Parker while he tried to straighten everything out in his head. “What about you darlin'? You alright enough to get out of here on two feet?” His voice held concern as he gave her a thorough once over. “You gonna be able to get out of here if we need to split so I can deal with Nate here?”
A firm nod was his answer. He could tell she wasn't as well as he might like but for now he had to trust her judgment that she was healthy enough. He fished a small case from somewhere under his fake lab coat, offering it to Parker. The small thief took it, opening the case and slipping the earbud into place.
Temporarily satisfied Eliot changed his attentions to getting them out of here
“Hardison we’ve got a problem.” Eliot growled into his com.
“You mean besides that I still can’t get video feed in there? What’s all this moving nonsense I’m hearing?” Hardison asked over the earbud.
“Nate’s out cold and it doesn’t look like he’s gonna be getting up anytime soon. Tell me there’s a plan B no one told me about.” Eliot demanded.
“What plan B? Plan A was get in, distract them, grab the crew and get out. There is no plan B.” Hardison squeaked.
“Well get a plan B and quick. You’re the one sitting safely in the van there. We’re sitting ducks.” Eliot snapped, patience wearing thin faster than normal.
“I’m working on it, man. Until then improvise. Bust someone’s head or something.” Hardison suggested.
“Bust someone’s head.” Eliot muttered to himself in an annoyed tone. “I’m gonna bust someone’s head when I get to the van.” While he spoke he made a quick check over Nate to make sure there was nothing glaringly wrong.
“Alright now, there’s no need to get v…”
“Can whatever it is Hardison. I’m getting us out of here. Just make sure the halls are clear.” That said he shifted his weight and gripped Nate’s wrist, the other slipping between his legs as he pulled the man up in a fireman's carry. He turned to look at the blonde who was waiting for orders. “Parker, slip out ahead of us and make sure no one’s coming. It’s better to play it safe. Sophie, get ready to clear out at a moment’s notice. Hopefully this won’t go south.” Eliot ordered calmly into the earbud. There was no room for error here.
Before anyone could act Hardison’s voice sputtered. “Y'all got company on the way. Woman in a lab coat’s heading down the hall.”
Eliot looked around the containment room desperately. There was nowhere to hide. And here he was with an armful of Nate.
“She gonna pass us by?” he asked quietly.
Hardison’s voice was grim. “Incoming in 3, 2, 1.”
A click was heard as the door pushed open.
The woman looked up, startled to see there was someone else in the room.
“Excuse me. This is a restricted area. Exactly what are you doing here?” Her voice was tight without any loose emotion.
Eliot slowly lowered Nate to the ground, careful as he set him down. He sent a quick look Parker’s way which told her to be on guard but to look natural.
Wasting no time Parker backed away, successfully looking like she had just been trying to help the unconscious man. Hopefully she wouldn’t be expected to talk too much. At least some of Sophie’s lessons were working.
Straightening up Eliot sent the woman his most winning smile, pushing some stray hair from his face that had escaped his ponytail, “Nothing to worry about here ma’am. Just following some orders.” His voice was chalked full of the good ol' boy charm.
She didn’t look impressed. “This room is in a strictly classified zone. You shouldn’t have even been able to get in here. I head this area. Who are you taking your orders from precisely?”
Eliot didn’t miss a beat, instead looking at her confused. “Weren’t you informed, ma’am? I was told the right people would be informed. The higher ups sent me in to check on the patients.”
The woman still looked skeptical. Her eyes were narrowed and her mouth was set into a firm line. That wasn’t a good sign.
He pressed a little more, “Sorry ma’am if this is unexpected. I had thought your guys were informed.”
“What did you say your name was?” The woman demanded of him.
Whatever answer Eliot had died on his lips when the door came open with a bang. He instinctively moved so he was standing in front of Nate. He’d fight his way out if he had to. The idea of hitting a woman didn’t much appeal to his home trained manners, particularly an older one, but it was that or surrender.
A tall man wearing a Colonel’s uniform entered and Eliot didn’t have to fake his wide-eyed stare. There with his hands behind his back, spine straight, shoulders squared with an air of authority was Alec Hardison.
Hardison completely overlooked the woman, eyes sternly meeting Eliot’s.
“Williams,” Hardison snapped. “Why are they still here? Didn’t I say time was critical!”
“I… yes Sir. Sorry Sir,” Eliot answered catching on quick. He didn't stop to wonder exactly where the group nerd had gotten a uniform like that at such short notice.
“Don’t sorry me. Get to your job.” His 'superior' barked.
“Yes Sir,” Eliot answered again, breaking eye contact and bending down again to pick up Nate.
The woman crossed her arms, turning a glare on Hardison. “And who may I ask are you?”
“Excuse me?” Hardison ask, his voice pitched and dripping accusation. “Are you questioning me madam? I thought this was supposed to be a top notch base. Don’t you know anything? I shouldn’t even have to answer to you.”
“Indulge me, please,” the woman said a little slower this time, visibly taken back and slightly unsure.
“Just to make this quick I’ll tell you but don’t think I won’t be reporting the lack of carried information around here. I’m Colonel Jameson. This man here is Dr. Williams and was sent to take care of the subjects.” Hardison told her, frowning all the while.
She began, “I wasn’t told anything about…”
“Don’t interrupt me miss and don’t give me that look either. It’s cause I’m half Chinese isn’t it? You aren’t used to seeing a man like me in authority and don’t like taking orders from one. I see how it is. That is definitely going on my report.” the colonel snapped.
“I didn’t mean…” she stuttered.
“Uh-hm. Interrupting me again. Oh the Up and Ups are going to be hearing about this. Total discrimination and disrespect. You making note of all this Williams? I want a witness.” Hardison spared a quick glance at him.
“Making note Sir,” Eliot grunted, Nate back in the fireman’s carry. He just knew the hacker was enjoying this.
“Now Colonel Jameson. I’m sorry about the mix-up. If you’ll just let me contact…” the woman tried to make amends.
“There is no time for silly games here. I need to get these two taken care of.” Hardison marched forward, seizing Parker by her arm and nudging her forward.
“Colonel, sir, all of this seems a little unorthodox. If you’ll just let me…” The woman tried again.
“Are you questioning me again? There is no time woman! Don’t you understand how critical this is?” Hardison pointed towards Nate. “We have to compare the girl. That man needs extra care. He’s no good to the project dead and that’s exactly what he’s gonna be if you don’t let me do my job. Do you want to be the one responsible for the whole thing falling apart?”
Shocked the woman shook her head no.
Hardison continued, “I didn’t think so. I would ask for a gurney but there’s not enough time to worry over it now. You’d probably just get lost on the way. Now clear out. Better yet come with us. I want to make sure there’s no misunderstanding up front seeing as this place severally lacks in communication.”
The woman walked with them to the front desk, giving the all clear sign.
Hardison spotted Sophie. He let himself have a subtle breathe of relief.
“Miss Kidd, one of the patients,” he said letting her take over leading Parker out. As soon as Eliot and Sophie had safely made a get away with their ‘patients’ Hardison about faced.
He turned a hard look on the woman from before. They were away from the rest of the staff. “I have it from here. No questions. You will receive a full report later. Until then do not mention anything. I mean it. The word is there’s been an information leak and someone’s been talking to the enemy. You’ve been marked as trustworthy but we don’t want to take any chances. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes sir,” she replied, still a little shaken.
“Good woman. Now return to your post.”
Seeing her turn to listen and smart enough to know she would eventually start asking questions Hardison made himself scarce as quickly as he could without drawing unwanted attention to himself.
He founded the team loaded into the van, ready and waiting. Eliot was at the wheel with the engine running, his fake ID visible so they wouldn't be questioned on the way out the main gate. No red flags had been raised and getting out was a thankfully quiet affair.
Sophie slid into the passenger seat next to Eliot, slipping a comforting hand over to pat his leg.
“He's going to be okay,” she tried to assure him, not blind to the frantic glances he was subtly trying to cast towards the back of the van. “We got them out in time.”
“Then how come he's not movin?” Eliot asked in a quiet voice.
Sophie sighed, not sure of that answer herself. She looked back observing the strange little group.
Nate had been laid out on a couple of blankets they kept in the van for emergencies, Sophie's doctor jacket from the con tuck under his head for a makeshift pillow.
Despite her usual distance, Parker was tucked close to Nate's side. She couldn’t help but cling close to the man who risked so much for her. She grabbed at one of his hand for a minute then letting it go like she wasn't sure it was okay to touch him.
Hardison was still shaking from how close all of that had come to falling apart. He wasn’t used to everything hinging on him, especially the lives of his friends, his makeshift family. He put a hand over Parker's as she released Nate's hand for the third time.
Sophie turned back to look at the road, pushing her own fears away for now. She'd take care of them for now, keep a straight face until she was somewhere she could let loose or at least know more definitely what might happen.
When she spoke again her tone left no room for argument. “Give them time, Eliot. They're both going to be okay. They have to be. He has to be.”
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Continue to Chapter 3