Tammyverse Book 13     Royal Retreat Part 14 Video Nasties Shiraz & Snowfall

 

A new week dawned but several people were missing at breakfast so Tammy had no idea what was happening. By consent all their phones remained off but it was abundantly clear from the previous evening that folk knew she was back in the country although her location remained unknown, for now.

They relocated to Tammy & Maisie's room after breakfast, coffee was delivered a few minutes later then the door was closed. Whilst their quarters in St Anne's Hall were luxurious, and the service was exemplary, it did resemble Hotel California. The final lyric seemed oddly appropriate: You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

Lizzie brought the subject up but they all felt the same. "Can't I go home, Tammy? I haven't been there for over a month?"

"Not whilst we are at risk. Your address is in your RAF records but don't forget Marcus Wade will have received access to your personnel file when you were allocated to Broadsword." Tammy looked at her sister and Maisie. "Suzie's home and our house are all known, we're no different, Lizzie."

"Oh, so they might arrest me, us?"

"Given the obvious hate, bigotry and transphobia, they might do rather more than arrest you and ignore any protections you think you have!"

"NO!"

"Hey, there's no need to get angry with me, I'm in the same boat."

"But, Tammy, you're complete?"

"With respect, Lizzie, that won't make a whole load of difference to someone who doesn't accept that transgender people should even exist. These idiots are also using religion or fake science to justify their position regardless of the law. You can't easily argue against an ingrained bigoted belief when they won't accept that you're human."

"You mean it's that bad?"

"Yes, Lizzy. I've come across several of them, including Suzie's father unfortunately."

Her step sister hadn't expected that.

"Tammy, drop it please."

"Sure, sorry Suzie."

Lizzie started to ask a question but Tammy decided enough had been said. "Excuse me, I need to wash and make myself presentable for my next interrogation."

Lizzie and Suzie withdrew to their own rooms. Tammy wanted reassurance and only her fiancée was needed.

"Hold me, Maisie."

"Hey, we'll get through this, you always do."

"I'm not so sure, there's too much hate in the world."

"It'll sort itself out."

"I hope so, I'm frightened for our babe ..."

"You do want a child, Tammy, don't you?"

"Absolutely, yes, and I want you as my bride,"

-o-

After lunch Tammy was invited to a room by a uniformed corporal where a monitor was setup, along with a laptop.

"Col MacTaggart asks that you familiarise yourself with these recordings but you don't share the content with anyone."

"Understood, I don't know who you are?"

"Olivia MacTaggart, Captain."

"Are you related to Sean, the Colonel?"

"He's my uncle, Captain, I hope that won't be an issue?"

"Not at all. Carry on."

First up were the conversations between Kyle and the medical staff, dated the same day that Tammy had detained him. Kyle had obviously woken from his enforced slumber.

"Where's that fake girl?"

"I have no idea who or what you mean?"

"Lieutenant Smart is what he calls himself."

"She's Captain Smart now."

"She??? She might have a fanny but it's fake, I tell you, fake! I ruddy shagged a boy pretending to be a bird!"

The doctor was next seen to be accessing a terminal.

"I believe you're delusional? Captain Smart is female, it's recorded in our local copy of the staff records."

"That Colonel fixed her records? I'll get him shot. Who is the senior man here?"

"Lieutenant Colonel Wells."

"That prick Jeremy? Tell him I want to see him."

The video ended but it was clear that former Captain Kyle Fielding was prepared to spew his diatribe to anyone who would listen.

Next up was a recording when a nurse went to check on Kyle. Tammy had met the girl, she was a trainee nurse working as an orderly on this deployment.

Kyle could be seen reading her name tag.
 

"Chelsea, that's a nice name."

"I'm sorry Mr Fielding, I'm not supposed to talk to you."

"Mister? I'm Captain Fielding, but you can call me Kyle. How old are you?"

"Sorry, I have to go."

"You could stay and play?"

She was seen leaving the bay with a look of disgust.

 
Tammy replayed the video, was Kyle a paedo? At seventeen the girl wasn't under-age under UK law, but she looked younger than her true age. Tammy recalled that her eighteenth birthday would have been a few days earlier and she hadn't been able to wish the girl well for the future.

One thing crossed her mind, there had been a suggestion that Kyle had been promiscuous whilst on Great Abaco? Was there any evidence of his liaisons?

With some trepidation she played the next video.
 

"You asked to see me, Fielding?"

"Jeremy, how do you put up with it?"

"With what?"

"That boy who is prancing around in a swimsuit and calls himself Tammy?"

"That's Captain Smart."

"And that lousy Scot is behind it! Do you think he likes boys, effeminate boys?"

"Stop right there, that is dangerous talk."

"Hey, I was kicked out when I tried to show everyone that they've been fooled."

"You were an idiot, you were lucky not to have had an open court martial?"

"I was advised to accept the decision so it was a rubber stamp job. The Kiwi Government rolled over and accepted the result so they killed my commission."

"Look, Kyle, I can't change that decision so why don't you move on with your life?"

"When I've been wronged? Hey, I tried to expose that fraud but everyone seems to be so far up MacTaggart's arse that they can't see the truth!"

"So where's the evidence?"

"Start with school records, HE attended an all boys school in Thurso, his father is chair of governors at the same school."

"Oh."

"Then there's the medical records. Somehow they were switched, a contact told me she hacked the system to make the changes."

"Who?"

"Helen Bell, but she's in Holloway prison right now."

Jeremy laughed. "You've taken the word of a prisoner?"

"She was working for the Security Service when it was done, did you know your fake girl is also a fake officer, he's a plant from bloody MI5?"

"What? A civvie?"

"A civvie with a weapon and a habit of using it."

"Captain Smart has a full NATO pass."

"I know, I was misled as well."

"So you're saying we've all been fooled? Captain Smart isn't a female and isn't an officer. That's serious."

"Indeed, what are you going to do?"

"There may be grounds for arrest, but we are very close to packing up here."

"So do it!"

"Two issues; she is on good terms with His Highness and the Duchess, and really chummy with the folk who own this island. It's important that the Royal Couple leave the island first."

"Oh yes, the Royals."

"So what were you doing over there?"

"I was told Smart would be on that island as part of the security team?"

"So you weren't there to attack the Royals?"

"Hell, no."

 
Tammy paused, this was deadly serious but what could she do? The recordings were from the previous week and everyone concerned from the British contingent was back in the UK. One thing was clear, she wasn't safe when Kyle could warp Wells' mind so effectively.

She watched more videos. Kyle had no reservations; between ranting about Tammy not being female he made blatant advances to every female that entered the room. Major Dearing threatened to send her husband after Kyle when he tried to grope her, despite being in restraints.

A new video began to play and soon had Tammy's blood boiling, Kimberly and Lonestar's daughter, Mindy, had arrived whilst helping one of the pilots. The Nurse ignored Kyle as her attention shifted to the injured guy.
 

"What's happened?" The nurse asked.

The pilot grumbled. "M' leg's on fire!"

"He got stung by a jellyfish. I tried to help but he won't listen." Mindy explained. "Lucky for him, it wasn't a Box or Man o' war. Those can kill you."

The nurse shook her head while looking at the inflamed area. "Still, it does look rather nasty. I may have some antihistamine cream and tablets, but I'm not sure if it would help and if I gave you those, you'll be grounded for a day or so."

"Just pour some ammonia on it, he'll be fine." Mindy said. "It's what we do all the time. Well, Uncle Rodrick and Uncle Carl say you can just pee on it if you can't wait or don't have any ammonia."

"Let's not go that route. I might try the ammonia, but we didn't pack any." The nurse remarked.

Mindy went over and opened the cabinet beneath the sink and help up a bottle. "We keep some in here."

The nurse shrugged. "When in Rome, as they say."

She drizzled the liquid over his lower leg, eliciting a yelp. A minute later she could see the inflammation calming.

"Well now. That does has an effect." The Nurse commented.

The pilot groused, not happy to face the fact the child had been right. "I can't believe I'm saying it, but she was right. It's stopped burning."

"Go outside and just pour some more on it and that's it. He'll be okay in a couple of hours." Mindy instructed.

The two went out.

"Well aren't you cute." Fielding spoke up.

Mindy turned around, a look of anger was evident. "You keep your mouth shut or Daddy and my uncles will come deal with you. Unless my aunt and her dog get to you first. We know what to do with bad guys around here."

Kyle tried to charm her. "We don't have be like that, now do we?"

Mindy slowly approached, then grabbed a metal bedpan and smacked him on the side of the head with a loud clang then swung it down to hit him in the crotch. "That's what you get for messing with little girls!"

 
Tammy wanted to shout out and laugh in approval of the girl as she turned on her toes and turned to go out, tossing the bedpan over her shoulder and hitting him in the head again by luck.
 

The nurse ran in. "What's going on here?"

Mindy looked over at Fielding and shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe he has an issue going potty?"

Fielding groaned and looked dazed. The nurse waved Mindy out then looked at Fielding.

"I have an idea of what might have gone on, perhaps I should apply some utility tape across your mouth?" The nurse threatened.

 
Not even five minutes later the imposing figure of Lonestar walked in.
 

"May I help you Colonel, I mean, Blackstar?" The nurse asked.

"Out. Now." The muffled voice replied.

 
Quickly the nurse ran out of view. Lonestar moved to stand beside Fielding then rammed a punch into his gut and a second to his mouth. He then drew the large pistol on his hip and aimed the muzzle at Kyle's groin. The microphone couldn't pick up what was said by Lonestar but could hear Fielding.
 

"No Sir! No Sir, I wasn't trying anything with your daughter!" Kyle shook his head in fear. "Please don't! I won't speak to her again! I won't even look at her, Sir!"

 
Traeger walked in and cleared his throat.
 

"What?" Lonestar asked.

Traeger stood casually. "Sir, the patrol craft crew are looking to file their flightplan. I believe their commander is waiting in the tower."

 
Lonestar holstered the pistol and walked out. Kyle let out the breath he had been holding.
 

"I advise you to speak only when spoken to and not to any females other than to request the doctor, Mister Fielding." The S.B.S. Commander stated.

Kyle glared. "Captain Fielding, to you! How can you stand to be around that freak?"

"Firstly; it's COMMANDER, to you. Secondly; you are not an officer in any military. And thirdly; this is the Bermuda Triangle. Just because you arrived, doesn't mean you leave. This place has a history of mysterious disappearances. You just might be next." Treager warned then went out.

 
The rest of the videos were of Kyle continuing to be disgruntled, but cut out his attempts to seduce female members.

Tammy needed some information. It was two in the afternoon in London and some time mid to late morning on Ram's Rock. There was a phone on the desk and she hoped no-one would query the international call.

"RamAir. You call, we haul." Pete answered.

Tammy laughed. "Hi Pete, nice business greeting. It's Tammy."

"Hey, what's up Tammy? We're female-free right now. Everybody HAD to go shopping, or so they said. Heard some shit is going down with your bunch."

"You could say that, can you get a message to Kim or Krystie for me?"

"Sure."

"I need to know if there are any reports from the authorities or media on Great Abaco about Fielding's stay over there; in particular any concerning females. Specifically; young females." Tammy stressed the word 'young'.

"Right. Yeah, I don't know if I should mention this, but."

Tammy interrupted. "Oh, I'm guessing that you are going to mention that the piece of shit was clearly behaving inappropriately with Mindy. Please give her a hug for me and tell her I said she's absolutely splendid!"

"Yep. I can do that. She's getting special treatment today, probably being treated at the spa." Pete said then added. "So you want full checks to see if the fuck-up tried making moves on any jail-bait in the area? Yeah, we can search and report that."

"I could be wrong about him but I don't think so. Regardless, I need evidence either way, you got that Pete?"

"Sure, we got it, Tammy. As soon as they girls back I'll tell them. By the way, I've been reminded that you can get a small care package if you have a problem and need to be assertive. I'm guessing you're in London and not home, right?"

"Yes. Thanks, I'll let you know, but I doubt I can get anything very helpful in here. I do have my make-up and accessories kit though."

He laughed. "Are you planning to incapacitate someone with lip gloss? Hell, you'd be surprised what can be delivered but you need to watch your ass there, Tammy."

Tammy sighed. "I'm doing what I can."

"Oh, wait. I just remembered." Pete interrupted. "There's some instructions here for you,"

"Instructions?" Tammy asked.

Pete affirmed. "Yep. You got your phone with you, right?"

"Yes, but I have it off so I can't be tracked." Tammy replied.

Pete chuckled. "Nice idea but you have a way around that. If you have it in airplane mode you can turn it on in a sec safely."

Tammy retrieved her phone and powered it up. "It is in air-mode. Now what?"

"Go to the secure section and switch to satellite."

Tammy did so. "Right, done."

"Air mode should have gone off? We updated your phone when you were here. Now, go into the uplink settings. You're going to see a long menu list, select Europe then Select NSA."

"NSA. Done." Tammy said.

"Now Connect."

Tammy pushed the Connect button and watched. It took ninety seconds and the phone chimed with connection. Notifications flooded in.

"Oh dear, I have a lot of messages stacked up." Tammy commented.

Pete laughed. "I bet there's a bunch of 'where the hell are you' and 'turn yourself in' in there."

"I imagine there are." Tammy grumbled as she scanned the scrolling screen.

"Let me know if there's one saying they're going to barbecue your ass in molasses." Pete joked.

Tammy sighed. "I have no idea what that would be about and not sure I want to."

"Anyway, nobody can track you but us, not even the Feds. We'll be in touch later. I'm out." Pete disconnected.

Tammy needed to chill after that adrenalin rush so went for a swim in the sub-basement pool, reckoning that if anyone wanted her they could wait whilst she switched off temporarily. Maisie joined her after a few minutes.

“I hope there’s no CCTV down here?”

“Hey, does it matter?”

“Maybe not.”

An hour or so later she had relaxed after her second high, finding Sean on the veranda. She joined him for a coffee, her new confidence was obvious.

"I've asked my friends to check what Kyle was doing before he took the sub ride."

"Is it relevant?"

"It might be, have you watched the videos?"

"Yes. Understood, but don't let this get personal?"

"Hey, that's what he's doing to me and with a terrorist group behind him!"

"Just remember, we're going through the appropriate channels here so don't do anything that will upset our work or bring criticism to yourself or anyone else? Also remember that anything from your friends is unlikely to be admissible in court."

"Understood, but I don't even know what's happening on the other side of these walls."

"What we're doing is marshalling teams we can trust so they can strike all at the same time."

"When?"

"No, Tammy, that's being kept to a very small group of people."

"Today, tomorrow, this week?"

"This week, assuming we have the green light."

"Who signs this off?"

"The Intelligence Oversight Committee."

"Ah, Sir Thomas' lot."

"Indeed, so don't ask him anything; he may well inform you personally when the time is appropriate."

Tammy went back to her room and dug the kit out of her luggage before fixing a barrette into her hair, resolving to keep one on her at all times even in that secure environment.

Then a wild moment of recollection hit. Carefully she dug into the secret compartment of her large case. There at the bottom was the MadDog Operator knife and sheath. Tammy decided she was not to go completely unarmed any longer and fixed it to her leg.

She dressed for dinner, choosing one of the knee length summer dresses that had gone to Rams Rock with her. Of the girls, Lizzie had the most frocks but was annoyingly a dress size smaller than Tammy and the others. In an ideal world Tammy would have had clothes sent from home or would have ordered overnight delivery from known suppliers but that wasn't necessarily a good idea, despite the excellent address.

Sean was heading for the door when Tammy came down the stairs.

"Going somewhere, Colonel?"

"Unfortunately, something has come up. I'll see you tomorrow, if I can."

Sean left the building, but there was a surprise when John Smith from the Security Service joined them at the table. Suzie and Tammy both wanted to ask questions but were subtly signalled to wait. Maisie had encountered John Smith during her induction at AA House, but Lizzie had no idea who he was.

"Well, Tammy?"

"No, Lizzie, just no. You'll be told if you need to know."

Tammy, Suzie and John relocated to a small meeting room once dinner was concluded.

"Okay, ladies, I guess you want to know what's going on?"

"Yes." They answered in chorus, but Tammy added. "Please?"

"Thank you for that. Okay, Suzie, I take it that you want to know whether you still have a job?"

She nodded.

"In short; yes, but it may be better for you to stay on suspension for the next few days. Don't take this the wrong way, but that's your best position right now."

"Yes, but how long and am I being paid?"

"I hope you can be back with us next Monday and you are being paid as normal."

"Okay, thanks, but what happened?"

"There's been a rolling programme of section heads swapping roles with another section for a week in order to get an idea for their work. That's been a part of our staff development for the past year but it's the first time that the European desk has been in the programme since you've been back with us."

"Oh, I'd heard about it but there was no warning?"

"Staff are meant to continue their work regardless. Unfortunately, this meant that someone was put in charge of that unit who wanted you, in particular, out of the way."

"Because of Tammy?"

"Yes, unfortunately."

"I hadn't spoken to Tammy since I drove her to Heathrow a few weeks ago, it was a surprise when she arrived back on Saturday."

"Indeed, but on this occasion you can be applauded for not following the standing instruction."

Suzie nodded but Tammy now spoke up.

"Standing instruction, John? Are my movements being logged regularly?"

"Yes, but this is a precaution as you are technically one of my staff but you play with the military and foreign nationals on a regular basis. We need to be certain that you aren't a security risk so we do a monthly assessment of your movements and activities. That way we can keep your clearance valid, in case anyone challenges it."

Tammy almost bit her tongue to keep from correcting him and instead asked. "Should I be thanking you for keeping tabs on me?"

"We are covering your back from those in the civilian administration who question your loyalties. You are not the only person who we keep tabs on but the issue here is that Suzie was asked directly if you had been in touch and she correctly queried this as a conflict of interest. That was expected and you, Suzie, were suspended for refusal to answer."

"I understand."

Whilst Suzie was satisfied Tammy wasn't, even if it sounded like John was on her side.

"So, John, has this person been removed from the European desk yet?"

"No, Tammy. We're monitoring the situation and this lets us build a case. If they think they haven't been detected then they'll finish their week on Thursday and return to their normal unit. Remember; Suzie and all her colleagues are analysts, not operatives. All they can do is receive and interpret incoming intelligence and package it for dissemination to a range of audiences. That, in Suzie's case, allows the Head of unit to prioritise certain intel sources and to downgrade others."

"How are you dealing with that?"

"Dave Brown was brought in yesterday to set up a small team to re-assess all of the European desk input and to compare it to the team's current output using the same criteria. We've brought back a selection of recently retired analysts to work with him, people who are beyond question."

"Ah, okay."

"Clearly you are not to inform anyone else. Maisie does not need to know the reason for this meeting beyond it being over a staffing matter. Miss Harrison is considered a risk and should not be allowed access to any intelligence until a full assessment can be carried out."

"I may be asked to take her back with me, to Thurso."

"Which would therefore give us a problem. We didn't know about her staying with you until you flew down to overnight at Abigail Adams House."

"Blame the military for that, I had very little notice."

"Believe me, we will be in contact with the military, but who does she, he, work for?"

"She's RAF but on detachment to my unit, Task Force Claymore, under Broadsword of the Army. Her long term designation has not yet been decided."

"Who will decide?"

"Colonel Sean MacTaggart."

"Who was here just before dinner?"

"Correct. There's one thing, John, that I hope you can help me with?"

"And what would that be?"

"Maisie and I deposited some equipment with the armourer at AA House before we flew out. I'd appreciate if it was returned to me. Right now it's not possible for me to collect it personally."

"Understood, I will make some enquiries."

"Thank you."

-o-

Tammy was at least able to keep up to date with the world news by listening to the BBC in the morning before breakfast. One item was prominent on Tuesday’s Today programme.

"News is just emerging of an attempt to release a prisoner from a London prison late yesterday afternoon. The attempt was thwarted and a person has been arrested but no other details have been released. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, ..…"

“Tammy, who could that have been?”

“Well, Sean did go out suddenly.”

The extension in their room rang, Tammy answered.

“Hello?”

“It’s Sean, I’m on an insecure line.”

“Understood, I just heard some news that might affect us.”

“That’s why I’m calling. A serving army officer arrived at Belmarsh Prison at four yesterday with forged orders to release Kyle to military custody.”

“Oh, damn. Someone we know?”

“Someone you've met, I’ll be in touch.”

Tammy repeated to Maisie what had been said.

“Marcus Wade?”

“I don’t know, it could be Wells. Regardless of whom, it could mean the end of his, or her, career.“

“So it wasn’t Marcus?”

“I don’t know, Maisie, and it’s no good speculating.”

“So what’s going to happen today? There’s nothing on the news about a possible insurrection by stealth or any indication when we can return to our normal lives.”

“Normal?”

“Well, that would be great but I don’t suppose everyone gets to stay in Royal quarters, or have a barbecue with a prince or spend two weeks in the Caribbean at someone else’s expense?”

“When you put it that way.”

“What’s normal for us isn’t normal for everyone else, I suppose. One question though, what do we do if Sean wants Lizzie to stay with us?”

“She’s a liability.”

“True, but if it’s an order then we need to accept it and have a plan in place?”

“Okay, but she doesn’t stay at our place. I have a spare apartment, but she’ll have to pay rent, like anyone else.”

“But what would she do? I doubt she would be any use in your office and I don’t want her for my work.”

“Okay, if needs be we’ll take that to Sean. How about a shower?”

“Sure.”

-o-

Tammy and Maisie found Suzie just before lunch.

“I spoke to mum.”

Tammy stared at Suzie. “You did what?”

“I called mum. She was worried as we always talk on a Sunday.”

“There’s every chance the phone back home has been bugged or intercepted. Well done, sis.”

“I didn’t say where we were.”

“You don't have to Suzie. Regardless; I know she would have asked if you'd heard from me, so what did you say?”

“That we were being treated like VIPs and that you and Maisie were here.”

“Great, that’s a breach.”

“What?”

“A security breach, Suzie. You've likely blown our Operational Security. I need to let Sean, John Smith and a few others know. Let’s see if that Corporal is around.”

“Not John?”

“Yes, and right now you should be wondering whether you’ve just lost your job for the second time? Krystel was right, you have zero survival skills.”

Suzie started to cry, Tammy made no move towards her but shook her head and walked out, heading for the manager’s office. She found Corporal MacTaggart and a suited gent who was clearly armed.

“Ah, Captain Smart, how can I help you?”

“My sister has committed a security breach.”

“I see, she needs to do a breach report. Were you involved?”

“No, but she mentioned my name and that of Sergeant Staines during a phone call to her mother.”

“Your mother?”

“My step-mother, Suzie is my step-sister.”

“Did she give this exact location?”

“I don’t believe so, but that’s based purely on what she’s told me so far.”

“Thank you, Ma'am. We’ll take it from here.”

“Our managers will need to be informed.”

“That will be handled, Ma'am, thank you.”

Tammy turned and walked out, hearing the door close behind her. This was a very unwelcome development and she was currently powerless.

-o-

Suzie was absent at lunchtime but thankfully Lizzie didn’t question this. A fresh arrival after lunch answered a few questions but prompted many more.

“And how is my favourite Scottish girl?”

“Feeling special, Dave, as special as I can under the circumstances. I'm so popular now.”

“Unfortunately I need to speak to your sister but first I have something for you.”

“Oh, I suggest we go up to my suite?”

Tammy had located a safe in the room and now was the time to make use of it.

“Firstly let me return your two Glocks, a hundred rounds and both holsters.”

She checked them and then locked the weapons away. The ammunition went into her case. Next was Maisie's Glock, which was locked away as well.

“Thank you, I hope you didn’t have any trouble getting them?”

“None at all, it seems no-one other than the armourer and yourself knew they were at the house.”

“I let Kevin Edmunds know but none of the British military knew I had lodged the guns there.”

“So there are conflicting opinions as to whether you are or are not armed?”

“Correct, Dave, and probably best to leave it that way.”

“Indeed. Anyway, I need to have that conversation with your sister.”

“How bad is it?”

“Luckily there are no intercepts running on your parents’ phones or at the school, but there are on your office and the published home lines.”

That implied that her internet, virtual, line was untouched. “Okay, so no harm done this time.”

“Even so, you have to hope that your parents don’t call your office.”

“Joey is expecting me tomorrow but won’t be able to reach me. She needs to get away, I promised her some time off.”

“I doubt if you will be going anywhere much before the end of the week, young lady.”

“That’s the feeling I’m getting. What happened with Kyle yesterday?”

“Sorry Tammy, I’m not cleared for that. I best go downstairs and get this over and done with.”

As Dave left, Maisie came in. Both decided to change for dinner. Tammy opted for an aqua dress, while Maisie choose blue. Tammy strapped the Knife to the back of her left thigh and the small Glock to her right. For the first time since returning, she felt safer. After dinner Tammy stood outside looking at the palace lights when her phone chimed with a secure call.

Tammy smiled as she answered. "Hello, cousin."

"Hanging out with the Queen now?" Krystel asked.

Tammy laughed. "No, but I did see her with the dogs once."

"I have stuff to tell you so get ready."

"Please be good news." Tammy said more to herself than Krystel.

Krystel retorted. "Define: good. We asked around and got some written complaint filings about Fielding. Those have been sent to MacTaggart, along with a couple of video interviews by a Magistrate. Before you even ask, yeah, a couple were definitely under age."

"Ruddy bastard." Tammy snarled.

Krystel remarked. "No lie, girl, your boy is a creep and a half. Should've waxed him when you had the chance."

"Perhaps. Dead baddies can't talk though." Tammy said then amended. "Granted, the talking he is doing doesn't help at all."

"You got that right. Moving on, we went through all of Lucinda's gear, copied what we wanted and sent the rest to MacTaggart. She's a real piece of work. You'll get the lowdown on her later through your people. I will say this, you were just a pay day to her. It wasn't personal then, but that's changed now. You and your girls have definitely made her personal shit-list. Better hope she never gets loose." Krystel warned.

"Just what I needed; more attention." Tammy groaned.

Krystel laughed. "It's tough being so popular. You just thought it'd be cool to be with the in-crowd!"

"Not what I had in mind!" Tammy retorted.

"Alright, alright. Calm down. I got my giggle off you. Just chill for now and let people do their thing. Yes, we are watching. If shit goes south, we're ready." Krystel soothed.

Tammy sighed. "Lizzie has already asked about going back to the island. I told her no, that job is done."

"Good thing you said that. From her screenings, she wouldn't fit in mentally and emotionally. How to put it; it's like she is going through puberty again, but doesn't have any concept of filtering. She wants to get into everything. Mindy caught her scoping Tiffany's place and sent her off with a warning. She didn't cause a problem for Lyssa, probably because Warlock stayed close to the house with all of you around." Krystel explained.

Tammy said. "I might get assigned her after this is over. But she will not be staying at my house, I'll set her up in an apartment across town."

"That might be the best for a bad situation. I have to ask; are you armed?" Krystel asked.

"Actually yes, I was able to get them back today." Tammy answered.

"Good. Saves us from having to send you a package."

Tammy looked around to see if she was still alone. "I'm curious as to how you were going to do that."

Krystel laughed. "Can't tell, only do. We don't have to now, but please ensure you protect yourself. Well that's all I have for you. I'm out."

"Thank you." Tammy said then disconnected.

-o-

On Wednesday Tammy had opted for her Captain dress uniform, wearing the skirt option and now opened the room safe to extract her Glock 19. She strapped this to her thigh as Maisie looked on.

“Is that necessary?”

“Precautionary. If the various identified groups are being hit then what about the unidentified ones? There is every chance they already know we’re here but we’ve been mostly inaccessible so they have been unable to interfere up to now.”

“So you’re half expecting an attempt here?”

“Yes.”

That morning saw another round of interviews, with the emphasis on verifying what the girls had said and done. Tammy didn't recognise her female interrogator, but Lizzie's description was unusually accurate.

"I'm told you asked Lizzie about the actions I took, even when she wasn't present?"

"Yes, Miss Smart, to back up what you had already told us."

"Perhaps that was to catch me out? What is the agenda here?"

"I'm not aware of an agenda. I was brought in to go through your existing interviews and to identify areas that needed expanding or where there were inconsistencies."

"Inconsistencies?"

"No-one has perfect recollection."

"Especially someone who wasn't there!"

"As we're currently unable to speak to the Special Forces personnel who were present, we're speaking to those who worked with the Special Forces."

"So that's hearsay evidence, not factual."

"Indeed, but it can point to missing testimony. Please understand, Miss Smart, that we want a complete account of this deployment in order to generate a full report on the actions that you and your colleagues took."

"Well, I can see that you have already made a repeated mistake. That calls into question whether any of your so-called investigation can be relied upon."

"That's a very serious mistake to make Miss Smart but as much has come from your own testimony then are you telling me that you have deliberately misled every interviewer?"

Tammy smiled then shook her head.

"Every interviewer before you has correctly called me Captain Smart, yet you have so far avoided my rank three times despite this uniform. Would you care to explain yourself?"

"I meant no offence but questions have arisen whether you are allowed that rank and whether it was properly awarded to you. For that reason I have not used it."

"Oh really? There's only one source of that frivolous allegation and that was True Freedom. This interview is over and you can expect a transfer to military custody as a suspected terrorist."

Tammy opened the door and called for Corporal MacTaggart, she wasn't far away.

"Yes, Captain, Ma'am?"

"This person is to be taken into ....."

The interviewer charged at Tammy who sidestepped and withdrew her weapon.

"STOP or I will fire."

She didn't stop, Tammy fired at her thigh. Tammy hit her mark and dropped the interrogator.

"She is not to be given an opportunity to disclose what she's learned here, Corporal."

"Understood, Ma'am."

The security officer approached. "I have summoned the palace Duty doctor and nurse, they will be a few minutes. Corporal, can you get the first aid and we'll stem the bleeding, I believe that was a through and through?"

The female had passed out, but was secured before any attention was given. The security officer returned to Tammy, who had secured her weapon.

"You didn't arrive with a weapon, Ma'am?"

"I didn't, and it has taken a few days for me to get my Glock back."

"I am not comfortable with that."

"I'm sorry, but I have been a target many times, far too many times, even in secure environments. This incident confirms that, clearly True Freedom now know we are here and they also believed I was unarmed. That means we have a leak. I need Colonel MacTaggart and, no, I will not be surrendering my weapon."

Sean didn't arrive as requested but Commander Geoff Traeger joined them for lunch.

"Good afternoon ladies."

The military personnel duly acknowledged "Commander" whilst Suzie remained silent. Tammy continued, "I had wondered if you would turn up here?"

"Officially; I'm not here, Captain."

"So what is your designation?"

"I'm liaison to DCI Edmunds in the Counter Terrorism Unit."

"We know Kevin, I'm guessing that Wells wanted to know what their investigation was doing?"

"Correct, and to help build a defence for Kyle Fielding."

"Well, welcome, Commander. We had a small issue earlier."

"So I heard. Also that your marksmanship hasn't diminished since our return. Well done."

"What's your role here?"

"I'm due to be interviewed, unfortunately my evidence could lead to a court martial for some officers."

"In the first instance, Commander, we need to protect the Crown, democracy and the safety of the public. Everything is at risk."

"I'm aware."

"Excellent."

Sophie was waiting for them after lunch and took Traeger off for his debriefing. Tammy decided against showing any familiarity and managed to keep the other girls from saying anything in front of the Commander.

They all reconvened for dinner and it was clear that Traeger was staying but Sophie had already left. By consent they all took an early night.

It was approaching midnight when Tammy heard shouting outside, that was followed by intense security lights and the deep barks of a large dog. Maisie had also stirred and they took a look out of the bay windows.

The dog, an Alsatian, had downed a man dressed in black but local security guards had just caught up with the dog and his prisoner. Tammy could hear some obscene shouting being exchanged as the patrol dog was pulled off the intruder but they were slow applying restraints.

Suddenly the man jumped up grabbed something from the ground and began hopping away strangely. The security team stood still for a moment then released the Alsatian. The dog pelted after the intruder and brought him down a second time. He was cuffed and roughly taken away. Tammy briefly saw his face but didn't recognize him. The man continued to shout the whole way from the Palace lawns as the security lighting was extinguished.

The girls returned to bed, confused but glad the intruder had been dealt with.

-o-

Tammy had the Radio 4 Today radio programme on as she was getting herself dressed on Thursday morning.

“Our scheduled interview with a Government Minister has been postponed as we have some breaking news. Major raids are taking place across London and the South East. Police are giving very few details but the Counter Terrorism Unit has issued a press release stating that multiple agencies are involved and that they are co-ordinating the inquiries. We hope to speak to DCI Edmunds from the Metropolitan Police a little later.”

“So it’s happening?”

“Yes, Maisie, but anything could happen now.”

At breakfast Tammy was asked to see the Security Officer.

"Firstly, there is a message from Colonel MacTaggart; he requests you avoid injuring anyone else."

"I'll try, but I take self defence very seriously."

"That's my department, Captain Smart."

"With respect, who let her into the building yesterday?"

"She had clearance."

"That is irrelevant, she shouldn't have been admitted. I took the action required to detain her."

"And you now have to file a report, Captain Smart. Today."

"Fine, I'll deal with that once I have reached a suitable caffeine level. I'm guessing there's a second reason you wanted to see me?"

"We detained an intruder last night."

"I saw, not that I knew who he was?"

"He had scaled the wall as his broom somehow wasn't flying."

"Oh. Wait. Did you say 'his broom wasn't flying'? Tell me that's no what you said." Tammy asked in confusion.

The Security man nodded. "Yes. His broom wasn't flying. He came here straight away from the Ministry of Magic to take up his post as Auror for Her Majesty. He tried to use a silencing charm to get past the patrol, but believes one of them jinxed him instead. He tried to escape on his broom but again, 'it wasn't flying'. His broom and wand were both confiscated."

"Oh dear God, you have to be joking." Tammy shook her head.

"He isn't the first. We get them from time to time over the past few years. He's actually number seventeen if the count is up to date. The patrol handed him over to the police and taken to the London Psychiatric Clinic. He was not believed to be a threat to you or anyone else here."

"I see. Thank you." Tammy said, not envying the Palace guards.

Nothing was happening so Tammy took a book from the library and went back up to her room so she could listen to the radio news. She could also switch her phone on and check for messages without having to explain why she was allowed a phone.

Kevin did do a radio interview just before lunch.

"We have been coordinating a major counter terrorist investigation and whilst I'm unable to give details, some fifty individuals have so far been taken into custody. We are executing warrants to locate a further number and hope to have the vast majority in custody by this evening."

That told Tammy very little but her message feed was more enlightening.

"Burgess went to see Helen Bell this morning at Holloway Prison and was detained at the House of Lords by the Master at Arms. He has gone to Westminster police station."

"Wells was detained at Belmarsh this morning when he went to see Kyle Fielding. He has gone to Paddington Green and will be interviewed by SO15."

Sean returned just before dinner.

"We're nearly done, Tammy."

"Has all of True Freedom been removed?"

"No, and we can't say that we have everyone, but we may have done enough to remove it as a threat. Once the Police have looked at the intel from phones and home addresses then we may identify further operatives. We can never claim to have neutered it. Ultimately the remainder may reform into a new threat."

"What about the Special Forces personnel who were fed those lies about me, us?"

"They will be ordered to disregard it, but I would avoid any dealings with them for a while."

"Fine, I'm going to be busy anyway. Have you decided what to do with Lizzie?"

"Not exactly, but it's clear she has limited use as an operative or intelligence agent."

"Agreed."

"What if she became the logistics arm of Broadsword, helping support deployments and training?"

"She doesn't have a PPL, just a military license."

"Well, what if Broadsword paid for her to have civilian upgrades?"

"That might work."

"Good, take her back with you tomorrow and sort out some courses. I approve."

Tammy sighed."Bloody Hell. Stitched up, again."

"I'll need regular reports, you're her immediate superior."

"I don't do staff reporting."

"You do now, Captain Smart."

{Continues}

	Tammy Beginnings follows sixteen year old Tom Smart as he starts his voyage of self discovery. This is an expanded Preludes story. Part 2 soon.
	Powered armor with a crew of two works best when the man and woman inside are romantically linked. But Dylan’s last love left him without hope and Alison’s experience with abuse has made her afraid of being touched. Contains strong language and adult situations. Can the Self-contained Powered Armor they wear bring them together, or is even trying going to be a disaster? Love is a combination the two can only dream of in this science fiction romance!.