The Never Ending Call

Title: The Never Ending Call 10/?
Author: Kim Riley a.k.a. MYSTIC
Disclaimer: The characters belong to the producers of Emergency. Also, the character Mike Stoker is in no relation to the real one. Since they are no longer using them I’ve decided to take our boys out of the ‘closet’ and let them play and be happy. Enjoy.
Summary: What should have been a simple response to an emergency turns into what will seem a never ending nightmare.
Warnings: This is an Au story, also language, violence, abuse, attempted rape (I will not be graphic), and death (though not of E characters)
Rating: NC-17 (see warnings and m/m sex)
Pairing: John/Roy (Emergency fandom)
Archived: at (or will be archived at) http://www.geocities.com/mysticmcknight/KimRstorylist.html
If you want to archive it, please do, just let me know.
Feedback: Please! Mysticmcknight@hotmail.com

"The Never Ending Call"

The three suites walked in expecting a gathering, but it looked as if a mob showed up. "Agent Keller, FBI," a tall, Thin sandy brown haired man introduced himself, as he moved farther into the house. "You already know Detective Brennan," he said gesturing to a shorter slightly heavy set older man in a tweed jacket, "and this is Agent Williams, CIA."

"CIA," Joann asked, as she sat between Dixie and Captain Hank Stanley's wife, as the guys from 51, shift A and B gathered along with Kelly Bracket; everyone else not able to be there on edge for news.

"Yes, Mrs. DeSoto," Agent Williams replied. "Since it's been determined that your husband and Mr. Gage are out of the United States, it falls into our jurisdiction," he clarified. "We'll be working closely with the both the local Police and the FBI as well."

"Do you know where they are, it's been over two weeks," Hank Stanley asked, speaking the thoughts of everyone.

The three men sighed and exchanged a glance, "Not really," Agent Williams replied, seeing that he would get stuck as the villain in his scenario. "There have been little to no clues, they could be anywhere…"

"Not true," Brice interjected as he stood up.

"You know something, Mr….?"

"Craig Brice and I have formulated a hypotheses of their approximate locations based on what information given on the planes last whereabouts, the time frame given as to when they said they would reach Mexico City and John Gage's reference to hurricanes."

"Really," Williams replied, trying not to show how absurd that sounded.

Agent Keller however seemed a bit interested, "Care to share?"

Brice moved and pulled out a cover board he had brought with him; once again showing how 'organized' he was. He placed it on a tripod stand and removed the cover. It was a map of Mexico and the pacific cost, covered in strings of various colors. "The green string and tack, represents where the plan was last spotted on radar before its signal was lost," he pointed out. "The bottom green string and Red tack represent where most likely Gage and Desoto stated they would most likely approach Mexico City," he continued, pointing to a green string that was connected to Mexico City and laid out due west. He looked at Bracket, "you said they mentioned that the city would be 'west' of where they were coming from correct," he asked to show where he established is theory from.

"That doesn't exactly narrow anything down," Williams interjected.

"That's because I'm not finished," Brice replied coolly. "Taking into account that Johnny referred to 'hurricanes' and researching the weather in this areas," Brice pointed to the Pacific cost, "Knowing that the plan at some time headed south, the reference to Mexico, I was able to determine that there was a hurricane in this area during the time of their capture," he stated, pointing in the general area between Tijuana and Cedros. "The storm moved angularly farther in land. It is illogical to think that they were any farther inland at the time than on the Baja peninsula," he explained.

"Go on," Keller encouraged, actually impressed with his deduction work.

"Being that they stated they would not arrive in Mexico City for approximately two and half weeks, calculating general travel times…I've deduced that they are most likely on boat," he replied. "A plane would not take as long for transport and they could arrive 'directly' into Mexico City, Gage did not indicate that would be the case," Brice continued. "At an average boat speed, it makes more logical sense that they would arrive within that time frame here," he pointed to an area that included Manzanillo, "and travel east, as they said they would be coming west."

Keller looked at Williams and gave a half snort, "Not bad."

Williams was annoyed, "Okay, then why a boat? Why not tell us where they are?" he asked, placing the man on the spot.

"I can not say 'why' they are the situation they are," Brice replied, trying to appear unruffled, though he had agonized over these calculations…just in case. "They said they 'escaped' which means the robbers didn't exactly approve of their leaving. It's then clear to deduce they are on the run. As to why they can not 'say' who and why…mostly the ones helping them do not wish to be known. One can only conclude they are not…" he thought of how to put this. "Acceptable to the local authority in Mexico."

"You're saying you think they went from one set of bad guys to another," Chet asked, his jaw half hanging open as Brice relayed his 'thoughts'.

"That aspect is purely conjecture," he informed Chet.

Keller snorted, he was impressed and seeing Williams bothered to no ended, only added to the pot. "Well," he said looking at Williams, it won't hurt for some of your men to check out this area," he pointed the same one that Brice did as point of entry for Gage and DeSoto.

Hating to admit it, he grumbled, "I guess not."

Keller looked back at the others, "We have notified the Mexican Government and the American Embassy has also been informed and is ready to offer them assistance once they make contact with them. Unfortunately, again, all we can do is wait, while the CIA investigates."

"You think they're still alive," Joann had to ask, as it was becoming unbearable after such a long time. She loved Roy, he was the father of their children, their provider, and her dear friend, she couldn't imagine him not being there, but…he wasn't.

"Considering they defeated the odds with the Bank Robbers, I'd say the odds are high in their favor," Brice replied for the agents.

"That's true," Detective Brennan agreed with. "I'm not sure how they got away, but it shows they're resourceful. Also, having seen their records, they're an excellent team; so as the young man says, odds are good. They said two and a half weeks, it's been only two since the phone call to Rampart…give them time," he added, hoping his words brought a touch of comfort.

"I just can't imagine what the hell they're doing down there," Chet muttered.

"It is no secret that Mexico is not a safe place in many areas," Marco interjected; having contacted his family down there just incase any of them might learn of something. "But Johnny and Roy have pulled out of difficult situations before…we must have faith, they will do so now."

"I'm with Marco," Mike add, "whatever they are doing, it can't be fun, so we'll just have to trust they'll be alright and wait." He looked at Hank, "I've been in touch with Johnny's landlord and he's allowed me to keep an eye on the place…but ah…rents due. He's not the nicest guy I've ever met…don't think he'll wait much more."

"I'll talk with the Chief see what we can do. You see what bills you can handle for him, and Jo," he said looking at Roy's wife, "You let us know what you need too. We're here for you."

"Thanks," she replied, feeling helpless, but knew everyone in this room felt that way.

"We better get started," Agent Williams commented, showing he was ready to go. "Thank you all for your patients," he added and moved to the door.

"We're stay in touch," Detective Brennan smiled gently, shaking Hank's and Joann's hand, as they were the ones to come forward.

Keller moved to Brice, "If you ever decide you want to change lines of work, give me a call," he chuckled, handing the young man a card. "Nice piece of work," he added as he turned to leave.

"So now what," Chet asked, knowing he was voicing what others were thinking.

"We wait…and we keep going," Bracket replied, since he knew it was all they 'could' do.

***********

It was late and the stars were shining brightly tonight, and music filled the air along with laughter. Roy couldn't help the smirk that filled his face as he stood on the highest portion of the deck, leaning on the railing with a large hot cup of coffee, looking below where his partner and love, once again managed to win over the 'toughest' of men with his personality, as they were playing some game that Roy didn't even 'try' to understand. He shook his head seeing how Johnny had made a niche here just like he did when he first arrived at 51; but it had been a hard earned one…for both of them.

Roy stood and recalled the past two weeks of their journey on the Oscuro Espada {Dark Sword}, as he was told was the name of the boat they were on. The first two days were filled with a lot of suspicious looks and silence as he helped in the kitchen and Johnny mopped; though his coffee really did help break a lot of tension between them and the crew.

Roy chuckled as he watched Ari', short for something neither he or Johnny could pronounce, try and duplicate Johnny's coffee. Roy tried to tell him that no one back at the station could do it either, but he gave the cook effort for trying. He did make 'better' coffee, but it was not Johnny's. Roy had concluded a long time ago what 'he thought' was Johnny's secret and what made it better was even Johnny himself didn't know…it was his touch. Roy recalled a friend of Jo's that couldn't handle beans for once she did, they went sour as they cooked. They tested this theory as he couldn't believe it and sure enough, it was true; she wore gloves when she cooked now a days. Roy figured it out when he saw Gage 'grab' the coffee in his hand to 'measure' it out, saying he needed to get the right feel for it; it was how his Grandfather taught him to do it. Whether or not it was true, didn't matter, that's what he believed and as he sipped his coffee, he was almost convinced he could just get a 'whiff' of Johnny's scent in it.

As laughter rose in the air, Roy smiled, glad to see Johnny doing well with his their new 'friends'; though for awhile he was unsure how things would turn out. On the third day, they had been ordered down below and to 'stay' until called for. They were told to take food and water, for it might be a while and they did. It wasn't until the gun fire half hour later that sent Johnny over the edge...

"No…they can't do this," he shouted and made for the door, but Roy grabbed him.

"We can't stop it, Junior," he told him as he held his love firmly in his arms.

Johnny turned into the embrace and buried his face in his neck, "They're hurting people…perhaps killing…" he muttered.

All Roy could do was hold him as he sat in what he 'hoped' was the best corner to avoided stray bullets should they come this low and rock his lover. Suddenly Johnny took his mouth with his own and started devouring it with an unbridled drive.

…Roy recalled the wild sex they had, and it was sex, not love. Johnny needed a diversion and so every time the Colonel would make his 'raids' they would be in the cabin having wild, raw sex…it helped, but only time could heal. Of course what happened after that set the precident for more of what would be over the next two weeks…

Johnny and Roy were called topside and once there, given first aid materials; Argentine had gathered a good deal on their last stop, and the men were told to care for the injured. Thankfully they were minor…this time. After the last one was done, Johnny was wired with emotion and when he spotted Argentine before Roy could react, he was up in his face.

"What hell is your problem? How can you do this? These men are hurt, and what of the others on the other ship you…targeted," he fumed.

"We are Pirates," Argentine replied, not seeming to be phased by Johnny's temper. "It's part of the job…people get hurt, people die."

Roy could have died in the next instant as Johnny lost it, "you bastard," and punched Argentine, though just barely landing it on his chin, as the man moved back a step.

"JOHNNY, NO!"

Roy moved to get Johnny, but something that the Colonel said, had his men hold him back. He struggled, but was held firm. He looked up to see no one had grabbed Johnny, and Argentine was removing his jacket…smirking.

"You are a wild cat, Mihijo, but even the most wild can be taken down if they have no experience," he stated as if giving a lesson. "Come, let's see what you have," he challenged and let Johnny once more come at him.

Roy was immediately sick with fear of what would happen, as he watched the two men fight, and though Johnny got a few good blows in, Argentine was an experienced fighter and after a bit, quickly pinned Johnny to the deck…he feared this moment most of all.

"Not bad, Mihijo, but you have much to learn," Argentine panted, for he did work up a sweat. He then pulled Johnny to his feet and let him go. "Meir," he called out and a man, not quiet as tall as Johnny, and a bit larger build came forth. "This is Meir, he's one of the best and speaks English. He'll show you how to put all that wild cat to good use. Then, in a week, we'll see if you can do better," Argentine informed Johnny, then laughed, as did the crew, before collecting his Jacket. Then after a long moment he moved back to Johnny, who was still panting, but his temper mostly spent at the moment and whispered something to him; Johnny paled.

…Roy knew from later that Argentine had reminded Johnny that though he was a fair man, he was still incharge and if he 'ever' did anything like that or disrespectful again, it would be him (Roy) that would pay for his mistakes. Obviously Argentine was a keen observe and noticed their bond and would use it to keep Johnny and himself in line. Thankfully it was not necessary to test that threat, as Johnny gathered himself and rallied to the moment as time went on.

And that was sort of their day, odd jobs, Johnny getting 'lessons' in fighting, and both lessons in Spanish. Now they had conversations in broken English and broken Spanish, but they were talking. He wondered at first why Johnny accepted the lessons and Johnny told him, "so I can kick that arrogant ass' ass." Roy noticed that as time went on, Johnny didn't seem to thinch och of Carlos Argentine, for the man mad a conscious effort to be friendly to them, but mainly Johnny…this also seemed to dictate the behavior of the crew.

After the first week, once more Johnny and Argentine met to fight it out, and though Johnny came closer this time to 'kicking is ass' Argentine still won out, playing dirty. "Another lesson," he told Johnny. "Enemies rarely fight fair." After the fight, he gave Johnny a gold handled boot dagger, which Johnny accepted somewhat reluctantly…especially seeing the jealousy in his eyes. Yep, Roy was jealous as hell, as he saw that a bound was forming between Argentine and 'his' Johnny, but was still trying to keep it under control. During their time, both he and Johnny got some new clothes and a backpack and a pair of good boots from Argentine, saying they would need them for the rest of their Journey, but out side of attention, the knife was the first thing he gave Johnny alone.

Thankfully for both of them, Argentine really 'was' a keen observer, for that night he came to Roy, who was doing almost exactly what he was doing now and explained a few things to him…and him alone, as he put it…

Argentine came and leaned on the railing, smoking his cigar, as was his habit, watching the scene below as Johnny good naturedly lost the current round of poker he and a few others were playing. He glanced at Roy, who he could tell was keeping an eye on his partner. "You are very protective of him," he commented casually.

"Yes…I am," Roy replied, letting the undertone of his voice indicate that there wasn't 'anything' he wasn't prepared to do to keep Johnny safe.

"Good," Argentine said after a moment. "He is strong, intelligent, but his heart is too big…many will want to trample it," he added, keeping his eyes on Johnny who had made a joke and everyone laughed.

"And you," Roy heard himself say before he could get his mind to take control of his mouth.

Argentine snorted, then again was silent. Roy had decided it was best to remain such also. After both men, still aware of each other, both observing the young man that seemed to mean a lot to them. "I was not quiet fifteen when I met my Juanita," Argentine suddenly said. "We married almost at once and by the time I was sixteen I had a son; he looked much like his mother so I named him Juan," he continued as casually telling a story. "Times were hard as they always are, and being from a small village that I doubt is on any map, one did what one had too for their family; I joined the militia."

"You're married," Roy asked with some disbelief as it didn't seem that a family man would want to be away so long.

"Was," Argentine replied, a slight hint of emotion that was quickly dispatched. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out something in a cloth. He opened it and handed a worn photo over to Roy. "The last picture of them," he said, as he still kept his eyes on what was happening below on the lower top deck.

Roy took the picture and noticed the beautiful young woman, and then gave a soft gasp as he noticed the young man. With only slight difference it could very well be Johnny at a younger age.

"Juan would be perhaps a year or two younger than your friend," Argentine commented as if he knew what Roy was thinking. He then stood straight and gathered the picture and wrapped it carefully back in its cloth and placed it back in his pocket.

"What happened," Roy asked, wanting to know what motivated this man even more; though his jealousy was now gone with the wind as he now understood, it was Fatherly attention that was being given, not sexual and it was his 'own' insecurities that made him think differently.

Argentine looked down at Johnny once more, than puffed his cigar and took half a step away from Roy as if not going to answer that question. "Let's leave it as I 'hate' rapists," he commented over his shoulder and vanished into the dark, leaving Roy with his thoughts.

It didn't take much to fill many of the gaps even if he didn't have all the pieces. Argentine's family was raped and killed and in the end, that was what mattered and Roy could see being enough to drive a man down dark roads, such as becoming a ruthless pirate.

…Roy came to understand the man a bit more after that night. Colonel Carlos Argentine saw a chance to connect to his son even though he knew Johnny was not; he couldn't begrudge the man. //Colonel,// Roy thought, now seeing the man down below where Johnny and the others had stopped with the game and were telling stories; Seemed Rico was very good at it, and it was not uncommon for the Colonel to sit with Johnny during this time of sharing. Johnny had asked earlier, why a Colonel and Argentine said he made the rank of Colonel in the military; he didn't see any reason to take step down once he was on sea. Of course Johnny pointed out that in the Navy, they were about the same, but Argentine replied…this wasn't the navy. Indeed the bound had grown strong over the two weeks, especially after the Colonel had been shot in one of his excursions. The bullet hit his upper arm and was lodged within. Roy was hard pressed about going after it, but Johnny insisted and so they worked in tandem to remove the bullet. Johnny had been very diligent in the care of the wound, as he was with all the men's wounds, and it was what kept it from becoming infected. The incident has assured their place with the crew and Johnny's place in Argentine's heart, but tomorrow they would reach shore where arrangements were made for them to get to Mexico City; it was time to go home.

Roy sipped his coffee some more and also recalled how there had been some recent resentment on his part on how Johnny was adjusting, as Roy was still focused on getting them home; but it was late one night after making love to his beautiful mate that it dawned on him; it was how Johnny survived…he bounced back and adapted, where he, himself had done something similar; he focused on Johnny, thus nothing else would get to him. It was another test of how strong his lover was and how similar but different they were, and though Johnny adapted to his surrounding, Roy no longer doubted Johnny's love; it shined brightly in his eyes with every look…just like the one he's giving now.

"Hey, Pally, you coming to join us or what," Johnny called out, his smile sincere and warm.

"Coming, Joven," he chuckled, using the Spanish word for Junior…it tickled the Colonel to hear them use their broken Spanish as well as Johnny to hear him do it, as he had not picked up as much as his young partner did and his accent was lousy. He moved down the steps to take a seat on the other side of his lover and join the circle of men this one last night…unsure what was to come in mornings light, but was sure of one thing; he and Johnny would face it together.

****End of Part Ten****