The Orchard

The galley buzzed with conversation. The crew still coming down from the successful rescue mission from that morning. Sticking it where it hurts to ADVENT never got old.

Montoya surveyed the room from his favorite shadowy corner. Only three people weren’t eating. Odd, considering they had just picked up their supplies for the month and they had yet to get through the good stuff.

In the front of the galley, Central and the Commander sat at the officer’s table. Central’s fork had some mash potatoes on it, but he didn’t look in any hurry to eat. Too busy listening to the Commander talk, who thought trying to make Central smile a better use of his time than finishing his lunch…or even starting it.

Montoya turned his attention to the woman sitting three tables away. Her cheek resting on her hand and stirring her vegetables into the potatoes.

He stood, taking his tray with him, to slide onto the bench across from her.

“What’s new, buddy?”

Kelly shifted so she could see him from under her hat.

“Piss off, Harvey.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He took a big bite out of his sandwich, turning away from her to watch Jay levitate a biscuit out of Thomas’ reach.

Kelly sighed, moving a hand to cover her face.

“I fucking miss her.”

“Pretty sure the XCOM field manual specifically advises against falling for assassins.” Montoya grinned. “They’re too flighty for romance.”

“It does not say that,” Kelly said.

“Have you read it?”

 “…No.”

“Central wrote it five years ago. There’s a list of thing XCOM operatives aren’t allowed to do in the back. It’s oddly specific.”

She gave him a look all too familiar to him. An equal combination of: ‘seriously?’ and ‘you’re full of shit’

He knew she’s be digging up her field manual the second she got off duty.

“Well it’s too goddamn late for that.” She buried her head in her arms. “I’d give anything to kiss her again.”

Montoya mulled over that statement as he chewed on his sandwich. He liked Kelly. She had that special kind of courage made up more of madness than bravery. If a situation called for drastic measures you could count on her to step up without hesitation. Montoya always appreciated having someone run ahead of him into the fray.

He put his sandwich down on his tray. Because one does not speak of incriminating connection with their mouths full.