Transcript: Tomb Raider

[Terry Sheridan]

Title: Search for the Crystal Skulls
Chapter One: Partners

Cast:
Lara Croft: Cat
Terry Sheridan: Mav

NPC's:
Alex West
Eric Powell
Aubury Powell

[Terry Sheridan]

Lara Croft: Her boots echoed. How utterly annoying. The floors more polished that even Hillary kept the Manor's. Appalling. No, again, annoying. Why did she come here again? Oh that's right. They meaning MI6 needed her help. How touching. Laughter threatened to erupt from the British Brat once more as it had done when they had called requesting her services. For Queen and Country they had said. And since when had she, Lady Lara Croft given a true damn about any of those? But then they hit her with a hook and she had taken the bait. The world, not just your monarch and country needs you. The world. That got her right there. The world was indeed most important. More so than Queen and Country.

A mere two hours later Lara found herself here in the British Embassy headed for the main offices to meet the man they were assigning to help her. " But I work alone." She had said, but they countered with some such nonsense about her Majesty's requests. Whatever. Fine, she had replied adding in don't blame me if he comes back in a wooden box. It was then they had laughed at her. How rude. Finally she had found the door she was told to knock upon. With a curtness like none other Lara's knuckles rapt thrice on the wooden door...polished as well and waited," This." She remarked," Had better be worth my ruddy time." With her brown gaze set the Tomb Raider waited for someone to answer the door.

" You've got Five Minutes Mr. Westchester." A snide grin," Excuse. Colonel Westchester." Her tone was beneath her breath and just as snide as the grin that accompanied the words as she waited still unsure why she came in the first place. Toned arms folded and her left boot began to tap against the shiny marble annoyed. Finally the door did open and revealed a tall man with gray and black hair. Lara placed his age to be around fifty. Sixty at the most. His dark eyes looked her over and nodded," Lady Croft." She returned the gesture," Colonel Westchester." He smiled and then reluctantly so did Lara," Come in." Without wanting this to take up any more of her time Lara made her way in without another word and took a seat," So what information have you got for me? They said--"

" It's all right here if you want to take a look. Including information about the Royal Marine we're giving you to make sure you do your job." Lara was stunned," Excuse me. But I--" He moved to cut her off again and thus the brunette scowled," Yes Lady Croft I know you always do your work, but you have such unorthodox ways about it." The Tomb Raider bit the inside of her cheek to keep from saying anything to offend her associate and went about looking over the information in the folders. First and for most she was curious about this Royal Marine they were assigning to her. Slender fingers flipped through the pages, keen eyes scanned the content and suddenly it was very obvious why the men had laughed at her when she made the wooden box comment.

Her so-to-be partner was well...a killing machine," What does this..." she eyed the last name again," Sheridan look like?" Westchester looked up and quirked a brow at the woman then looked to his watch," Hm. He's late. You'll see him when he gets there." The man's large hand moved for the green phone and picked up the receiver," If you don't mind I have a call to make." He smiled, almost acting like the act hurt him," Got to secure your travel arrangements." Again reluctantly Lara returned the smile and went back to silence and looking over the information given to her.


Terry Sheridan: Terrence Patrick Sheridan, rolled over on his large bed and stretched slightly. He never really liked his full name so often he went by Terry, or just Sheridan. Last night he spent dealing with MI-6 and his duty to Queen and Country. Blah, blah. Was what he thought to himself. Of course he offered a sarcastic comment back to MI-6. But he’d take the job. Sheridan was always out for a new adventure, anything was better than trying to deal with new recruits.

He hadn’t been well informed about his mission, all he knew of was that he’d be having a partner. Hmph. Partners were for rookies, not highly trained Royal Marines, of which Sheridan was. Six different languages, numerous forms of self defense, A1 marks men and deadly with a sniper rifle, among other weaponry. It wasn’t hard to see why MI-6 chose him. Peak physical condition, a lean-mean killing machine. And the top of his class, and rank.

Pushing himself up he glanced at the time, “Oh, ruddy hell…” throwing the covers off Sheridan quickly pulled on a pair of dark cargo pants over his boxers and grabbed a gray shirt pulling it over his head, a leather jacket and black boots where finishing touches. Most times he was a bit of a wild card, with a roguish smile that could make most women do a double take. A hand ran through short dark hair as he pulled on his helmet and straddled the Ducati. The motorcycle purred to life and he was off.

A short while later he was taking stairs two at a time before arriving in the hallway. He knew Westchester quite well and didn’t bother to wait and knock, instead he just walked on in. The elder man was on the phone making his arrangements for the two agents. Blue-gray eyes scanned over and stopped looking upon the woman sitting reading a file. A woman? MI-6 had told him one of the top Tomb Raiders and Explorers, they failed to mention the agent was a she.

“Well, isn’t this bloody lovely. I hope MI-6 is done with their little joke. You can’t possibility be Croft. ” Sheridan was making his way towards the woman. Westchester finished his phone call and turned around. “Ah, Sheridan…how nice of you to join us. This…” he extended his hand out towards the dark haired woman. “…Is indeed Lady Lara Croft, you’ll be accompanying her on this mission.” Arms crossed over his chest as he dropped his shoulder against the wall. Lips that usually were a smirk of some sort was set in a bit of a scowl. Yet all he could currently think of was what idiots MI-6 were, those desk boys didn’t know anything but what they were told to do.

With a sigh he pushed away from the wall and grabbed the file from Lara’s hands and started to look over it as he paced. “Well then, exactly why have we been paired together?” the file was waved slightly towards the man. Westchester just walked towards the pair. “Simple…you’re the best at what you do, as is Lady Croft. MI-6 must have some importance on this matter.” Sheridan stopped taking a glance back towards Lara, “When do we leave?” his gaze was set back towards the man “You’ve five hours to get everything you need ready. Good luck, and cheerio.” Westchester waved his hand slightly to usher the two out the door to get started.

[Terry Sheridan]

Lara Croft: South America. Lara's face gave a small hint of a frown. She had been to South America and she wasn't to keen about it. Something about the place...it well gave her the creeps. But the adventure was interesting none the less. Reports had it that some Local farmers had happened upon something they shouldn't have, an ancient map which supposedly from reading the text placed upon it lead to untold treasures and riches. El Dorado, the lost city of gold. But there was another catch. This map also told of something else. Two weeks later the farmers, and their families were found dead and tortured, the map gone.

Briefly Lara paused to glance at her watch then towards Westchester as he waited it seemed for confirmation on something," Who kill them?" " Excuse me? Them?" Frustrated, Westchester glanced towards the woman, “The Farmers. Who killed them?" This piece of information was rather vital to Lara as she rather preferred to know who she was dealing with," It was never confirmed. However we were able to locate the--" At that moment the door seemingly opened to reveal the rather late Marine. Westchester frowned," Sheridan. Your late." No more was said and the Colonel resumed his phone call.

Instantly Lara brown orbs rolled. Men. She stood and looked Sheridan over, studying him. A tough looking man, well built and probably the kind of man who'd never shed a single tear for anything or anyone. Not even his own Mother's funeral," Don't judge a book by it's cover Mr. Sheridan." A wiry grin pressed across the Surrey native's lips," I'm might just be more woman than you can handle." The line was a tease. Indeed the Tomb Raider found herself flirting.


Again the Brit rolled her eyes as Terry took the files from her hands without even bothering to ask. Even as rude as she could get at times, Lara still retained some manners. Quickly biting back a comment, the brunette merely folded her arms and watched the exchange between Westchester and Sheridan a bit amused oddly enough," As soon as--" But Westchester cut her off with an answer of his own as she soon realized the question hadn't been directed towards her anyhow.

Without further questioning or waiting about, Lara moved towards the door. Five hours? Surely not. That was to much idle time in her mind. She was ready to go now. Pausing she waited until Sheridan had left the office as well and joined her in the hall," Surely you don't five hours do you?" Her tone almost sarcastic as she looked him over once more unsure whither or not she liked the idea of working with this sort of a man.


Terry Sheridan: Things were going as well as could be expected in a meeting such as this, eyes moved over looking the woman up and down as she stood. “Same could be said about me, Love.” There was a roguish smirk from the man as he stepped forwards tucking the file under his arm. There was a slight motion as he semi-circled the woman “More woman than I can handle hm?”<br>

“Is that a challenge, Croft? Because I’m always up for one.” Sheridan turned to Westchester and gave a bit of a nod, before voice whispered behind Lara “..And I’m quite keen at handling women.” Another smirk and the man moved around the office. This adventure wouldn’t be quite as dull as he might have expected.

A quick salute towards the Col. and Sheridan was outside in the hallway once more along with Croft. Handing the file back towards her he gave a brief shrug. “I could think of something to do in five hours. I need maybe fifteen to grab some items.” Fingers moved into the inner jacket pocket pulling out a pack of cigarettes placing one between his lips.

“Bloody hot in South America, especially this time of year.” He muttered the cigarette moving against his lips as he spoke, a lighter filled his other hand as he lit the end of it. Smoke blew from his lips as he shifted once again glancing towards Lara. At first glance he knew she’d be trouble. She was too much like him, the same air of arrogance, the sureness of self. Yes it would prove to be interesting.

[Terry Sheridan]

Lara Croft: She was not in the least impressed. Pig. That was the first word that came to mind when she looked at this Terry Sheridan. However Lara simply did as she would do unless he crossed her and bit the bullet. For now. As they moved down the hall, the Tomb Raider began to sort through the rather limited information in her head. This was a big thing, it not only dealt with legend, but facts as well. A real thing was the sum of this entire thing. However her thoughts were soon broken by Mr. Sheridan.

" I doubt it's a challenge you could handle." A brow rose a moment," Plus, this is a serious matter. No time for fun and games." Lara Croft, ever able to keep work and other things separate. Most of the time," I'm sure you are." She quipped at his whispered comment. And despite her obvious scowl at his reply she felt her body react a bit differently than her mind had to his voice in her ear. Subtly she shook this off her shoulders and regained full composure," Before we go to South America, we've a bit of a pit-stop to make in the States." Lara swallowed at his comment towards the five hours and picked up her walked pace somewhat curious as to what Sheridan would do in light of it," As I was saying. We need to stop by Washington. They've got something for me-- us that will help with our mission."

Keeping herself tempered, Lara settled her brown stare a moment on the man," Not hot, mostly humid." A smirk crossed the British Brat's lips," Never been the South America have you?" The smirk however faded at the sight of him lighting up a cigarette," You know smoking takes ten to twenty years of a person's life span," She let her gaze slowly move over his form making it obvious she was checking him out," Even a man like you." by now the afternoon sunlight was falling on them as Lara parted and moved towards her jeep," See you in five hours then. And try to be on time."


Terry Sheridan: “Lighten up, love..don’t go getting you knickers in a bunch.” Was his first response to this Lara Croft, Tomb Raider, the woman he was assigned to help. MI-6 must have really wanted what ever artifact they were going after, to send the both of them. Each being the best there was. Form stretched as he rolled his shoulders slightly looking towards her “The states hm, always fond of them myself…especially Hawaii.” He made a gesture with his hands of a curved woman’s form and then he smirked.

Sheridan was a playboy, and soon enough he’d get under the tomb raiders skin. When she had a pause in telling him what needed to be done and picked up her pace, the marine made a mental note of it. “Depends on what part of South America your in, Love. As with anything.” The cigarette moved against his lips as he blew smoke out to the side gray eyes watching her. There was a slight roll of his eyes as he followed her quick pace making his way outside as well. He’d stopped on the steps and removed the butt from his lips holding it between his index and middle finger “Sound like a mum, saying that…”

He slightly sauntered down the last three steps towards her and leaned forwards " I’m more interested in knowing how many years are going to be taken off my life by being around a woman like you, Lady Croft.” Arching back he moved towards the Ducati parked upon the walk and straddled it, taking one more drag from the cigarette before putting on his helmet. The butt was flicked aside and the dark visor pushed up as the bike revved “All work an no play isn’t good for ya…you’ll end up like the Queen.”

The Ducati moved forwards and Sheridan pulled up past the front end of her jeep. “Shags are good remedies of that, great way to build up stamina too. Looks like you could use a session yourself, love. Ciao.” He eyed her over and winked sliding the visor down and giving the bike gas. Pulling it up on its back wheel he speed of through the traffic of England streets.

[Terry Sheridan]

Lara Croft: Lighten up? Her footsteps quickly paused and the slender form turned, eyes narrowing and locking on the Marine. For a moment she stared at him as if hoping he'd fade away, but he didn't," Keep your mind off my knickers. They are of no concern to you." Her tone was stern. This man was playing with fire and Lara was sure he knew it. This was going to be a long adventure indeed," Second thought." She smirked," I'll hold you to that fifteen minute comment." Enough fooling around and plus the Tomb Raider figured if she kept him busy his mind would have less time to function like that of a normal male's...or not. It seemed he had little trouble function like a normal male in any situation so far.

" You're really not amusing." Again there was a curtness to her tone as the Lady idly wondered what she had done to deserve such horrid men scattered across her life," If I was your mother I would have boxed your ears so much you'd be deaf by now." Breathe. She had to breathe and not let this man get to her as in the past that usually only lead to one thing...well three things. A bed, less than a year and then pure hatred for life. And then he was right in front of her, close enough she could smell the tobacco on his warm breath. Close enough that she could spot flecks of blue within the gray of his eyes.

" Quite a few." She answered without haste to his question. She didn't want to let on he was getting to her that much, enough that for a brief second her breath had caught in her throat. Within her mind, Lara damned herself for being such a woman at times. To her, her gender was her biggest downfall. The twin brown orbs watched the man walk away to his bike and straddle it, every move he made spoke of the sheer power he could deliver. Lara could picture him in her mind killing someone with a single blow or...no. She would not think of him like that. Giving a slight shake of her head to banish her thoughts the Brit climbed into her jeep and took off with a squeal of tires. Already packed she headed in the direction of the Air base.

[Terry Sheridan]

Eric and Aubury Powell: He stared forward, eyes of coal black focused intently on the screen before him. Fingers strong and powerful drummed in an annoyed fashion upon the cherry wood stained desk," Tempus Fugit." The man muttered his accent clearly American, full of depth and knowledge. Indeed this man was quite full of knowledge, his entire blood line was alive with it. Pity he never knew his Father, pity his Father's order had been destroyed before he would have been of age. Damn that English woman, but revenge would be so sweet.

" Mr Powell?" Came a timid voice from the other end of the room that had once been his Father's study.

"What is it Arnando?" His tone annoyed, eyes full of daggers. This bumbling idiot was wasting his time. For a moment his dark stare moved to look at the computer screen again. Still no confirmation.

"Your sister is here." Arnando was an elderly man, about sixty years of age and full blooded Spanish and tended to conveniently not recall English.

Eric Powell sat very quiet for a moment. His sister was here? Why? She wasn't coming for at least another week, something was clearly wrong," Well send her in! Why did you even come and tell me? Go, before I fire you !"

Without a word, Arnando backed up and turned about his face full of fright as he closed the door quickly behind him. A moment later a young woman tall with flowing black hair entered. She stood not to tall, but not short either and eyes of piercing blue graced her features," Hello Eric. I'm afraid I've some bad news." Without pausing in her speaking she sat down in one of the plush wing backed leather chairs.

" Not what I want to hear Aubury. Not. At. All." He glowered at his sister, a year younger than him. She hadn't even got a chance to know her Father, poor girl he thought bitterly," Well?"

"It wasn't there. The key or whatever the hell it is wasn't there." Her stoic stare remained unchanged by the revealing of this major set back and with only the movement of her eyes she watched her brother rise and break the computer mouse in his hand without much effort.

" What do you mean not there?" Stupid woman. Eric thought to himself shaking his head," I knew I should have gone. But no, you insisted you could handle it. Good job sis really. You stupid brat."

Still her features remained locked in the same look that expressed not even a ounce of emotion," It wasn't there. The farmers said something about having sent it away to America before I had them murdered." She stood now, her slender hands coming to rest on the desk in front of her," Careful Brother dear. Your temper tends to get you into rather tight spots, wouldn't want you to ruin our chances of killing that British bitch." Aubury gave a little smirk then patted her Brother's hand," I can still find it."

Eric shook his head and quickly pulled back his hand as though something foul had touched it," Really? And just how do you purpose to do that?"

"Very simple. Croft is going to lead me to it." Without further explanation the young woman removed a cell phone from her purse and opened it," I have inside sources and I know for a fact that Lady Croft is heading for America very shortly. Washington D.C in fact, however there's something we didn't plan on."

Eric frowned," If all you're going to do is give me more bad news than good Aubury you'll no longer be a part of this team."

" Chill it Eric. It's not that big of a problem. Just a man, and men can be killed." Her arms folded as she handed him her cell phone which she had used to pull up rather classified information on a Terrance Patrick Sheridan.

"...A royal marine?! These are the kind of men that are paid to kill people like our father for sport! People like us Aubury! This is going to be a bit of a problem." With a frustrated sigh Eric fell back into his chair and shook his head," I feel a headache coming on."

" I do not believe this." She was laughing," Are you scared of the man Eric? Please. The man can be dealt with very easily. I can handle him myself, I mean come on he's a man and from what I've gathered in reading about him he likes women. Alot." A dark smile slowly pressed across the crimson painted lips of Aubury Powell," And he is rather good looking."

Suddenly Eric found himself feeling not so pressured. Suddenly there was indeed a light at the end of his very dense tunnel," My sister ever the seductress." With a dark smile he stood once more," Perhaps you're on to something. I wonder if Croft herself could be so easily mesmerized by the male sex. If so we can use them both to not only seek our revenge, but to also make two of the biggest discoveries of this century in Archaeology." With a devilish gleam the young Mr Powell moved around his desk and towards the door," Arnando! Find my luggage and be quick about it!" He bellowed out the door before closing it and returning to his computer to begin booking the flights for him and his suddenly smart little sister, who watched on with shared devilish gleam in her own eyes.

Eric smiled resting the phone back onto it's cradle, he had secured a private jet for himself and his sister. He was also packed, Arnando had taken care of that in record time. Good man Eric thought to himself, he'd have to bring him back something. Standing from his desk, the young Mr Powell made his way from his study and into the main areas of his house, which used to be his Father's. Pausing the dark gaze of the young man moved up a large painting of the man whom he resembled quite well," I'm going to make you proud Father."

"As am I." Aubury spoke up from behind her elder brother and also gazed towards the painting a moment in silent respect before directing her attentions back to Eric," The car is packed to go. We best be off, I'd like to beat Croft to the Skulls."

The dark head nodded," Alright." Glancing a last time at the painting, Eric moved down the rest of the stairs and towards the large double front doors of the Venice Estate his sister at his heels.

[Terry Sheridan]

Terry Sheridan: He’d slapped his hand against his chest over his heart as if her words wounded him. “Bugger…I’m too late to save the knickers.” There was a scoff as he moved walking slightly watching her. This woman was intriguing, and he couldn’t miss the curves of her well built form. Sheridan wasn’t a normal male, he was a breed all his own. Believing in work and play all wrapped into one. Yet he could be quiet serious, for now if he was going to be working with this woman he had to keep things light. Something of which she wasn’t grasping.

There was the sound as his tongue clicked against his teeth “Well then it’s a good thing your weren’t my mum.” His eyes watched here once more, her movements, the way she held herself so poised. It would indeed be an interesting assignment. Especially if it meant dealing with this woman the entire time. Already she’d cut his playtime down to fifteen minutes that only left him time to pack his gadgets from his flat.

Sheridan packed all sorts of things, communication devises, satellite transmissions along with a number of weapons. Slipping off the leather jacket he pulled his holster up against his back and ribs, resting the two sigs on either side of his chest in their respective places. His favored sniper rifle was packed in its case and he was ready, strapping them securely against the bike he was off to the Air Force hanger, and Lara Croft.


Lara Croft: The Prince Edward Air Force Base was reached by Lara in a mere ten minutes. Had she been on her Norton she would have cut that time at least in half, but she had taken her Jeep due to having to pack along her equipment and such. Sunglasses perched upon her tanned face the Brit idly checked her watch. Sheridan had five minutes, a hint of an amused grin slowly pressed across her lips at the thought of being able to give him a bad time about being late twice in one day. For a moment she wavered her attention towards the cargo plane they'd been going in to house her Jeep, Lara was glad they weren't going commercial as she tended not to be fond of it and plus it was a pain in the arse to get any sort of a weapon passed Security now days.

Soon the sound of a Motorcycle became louder, Lara's brown stare paused upon the face of her watch curiously," Hm. Three minutes to spare." Her tone almost disappointed as she pushed off from leaning against the side of the plane and moved to board it, pausing to glance over her shoulder," Just drive that thing you call a Motorcycle on into the plane so we can get going. Tempus Fugit." Lara almost swallowed the words as she spoke them, for as soon as they left her lips she instantly recalled the last time they had been spoken.

Shaking past thoughts from her mind, Lara entered the large hull of the plane and moved to the small seating area and took up residence near a window stretching her long legs across the other two seats next to her. She wasn't about to even give Sheridan the chance to even think about sitting next to her as she made herself a bit more comfortable. With some luck she might be able to catch a bit of shut eye during the flight, but then again she really should let her partner in on more information, such as the artifacts they were going after. Better yet, Lara thought suddenly while closing her eyes, if he wants to know, he can ask.


Terry Sheridan: Sheridan smirked from under his black helmet he could almost see Crofts disappointment mounting to the fact he was on time, even 3 minutes early. Clearly she’d been expecting his act from this morning. A boot clad foot rested on the tar-mat a moment as he looked towards Lara. “A ducati, not just any motorcycle Love.” Revving the engine he headed it into the cargo bay of the plane and got off.


Strapping the bike in he looked over Lara’s jeep and shook his head slightly while walking down the loading ramp, his boots making thumping sounds against the metal. Placing his thumb and middle finger between his lips he let out a loud wolf call. And the sound of another engine revved up. He looked back towards the Tomb Raider, “Hope you don’t mind, darling, but I’ve some other items that will be joining us.”

From around one of the hangers came a dark green hued Hummer, the interior filled with things they might find quite useful in any terrain. Behind the hummer was two dirt bikes. all of which filled the last open space within the cargo bay. The younger Marines stood at attention and saluted, Sheridan before heading off the plane. “A little bit of Marine backing for the expedition.”

Terry walked back up the loading ramp and hit the button and mechanical sounds started as the ramp folded up to seal the back end of the plane. He watched as Lara walked past him and took up three seats. Gray eyes rolled skywards and he walked the direction of the Hummer, pulling out a small device from one of his pockets. Reaching in through the open window he changed the dial, and attached a small transmitter to the device. Leaving it within the Hummer.

Rolling his shoulders slightly he removed the leather jacket reveling the duel weapons against his ribs, another gun was against the small of his backside. Moving past Lara he headed to the cock-pit a hand closed against the shoulder of the pilot. “Were all secure in loading.” The pilot looked back, he was larger than Terry was, and his skin the dark hue of chocolate. “Righty-O.”

Sheridan leaned over the man and put on a headset for a brief moment speaking to the tower, when tower responded the runway was cleared he gave the headset over to the other man. “Take her away, Hamilton.” … “Sir.” Was the only response. Walking once more past Lara he gave a little smirk before continuing on with what he had been doing. When music started to sound in the cargo area it was all to clear what the device had been. An MP3 Player.

Moving slightly to the beat, the tall brit walked back to the seats opposite of Lara and dropped into one, lounging slightly. “Long flight, you know.” Boots were kicked up onto a crate and the plane started its dolly. Soon enough they were in the air and on their way.

[Terry Sheridan]

Lara Croft: A frown almost pressed across her lips at the revelation of Terry having a smirk across his face. Obviously the man was relishing in the fact he had surprised her. Let him have his fun for now Lara thought to herself annoyed as she quirked a brow," Ducatis are over used and over rated." Her brow lowered as her eyes for the time being remained closed, but despite this the Brit was highly aware of everything going on around her...but quite suddenly her eyes flickered open at the whistle. Curiously, the British Brat stood and worked her way back to the back of the plane.

" Nice. I could've brought mine." She commented on the Hummer and then arched both brows at the sight of the dirt bikes. Slowly an almost devious smirk crossed her full lips," I like your toys." She commented towards the Bikes. The Hummer was something she had, but her dirt bikes were currently in the shop...for reasons. Namely she tended to be a bit rough on bikes," And of course I don't mind. After all this is I'm sure one of the reasons they included you in on this." Without another word, Lara turned and headed back to her seats and lounged across them once more as though she had never moved in the first place.

With eyes rested closed again for the time being, the Tomb Raider once again allowed her other senses to take over. Namely her hearing, she picked up most of the words exchanged between Sheridan and the Pilot, however at the sound of the music Lara's eyes opened and a sharp look crossed her features," Right." She scoffed," A long flight indeed." Her brown stare eyed Sheridan with sharp daggers hidden in the irises," So what have you been told about this if anything?" Might as well make light conversation the Brit figured, anything to drown out that noise he seemed to think was music.


Terry Sheridan: Sheridan watched as Lara’s expressions changed especially with the revel of the dirt bikes, he looked over with a bit of a smirk when she commented and headed over her direction. “Nice to know you like my toys.”<br>
After things were on there way and the plane had taken off he glanced back towards her, while she tried to talk against the music. Sheridan had a wide range of it, currently it was Muse, he leaned forwards dropping his boots against the metal floor and leaned forwards. Elbows rested on his thighs while hands hung between his legs.

“Most of what you’ve been told, read the file. Ect,ect. Heard some rumors from contacts. Say there’s a crypt of the dead that’s supposed to hold something. Where people go in and never return.” Broad shoulders rolled slightly as he shrugged his head, “The typical south American crime syndicate having most of the control down there. Farmers killed for not following orders. Tourist for stumbling across something there not supposed to. Government run by underworld type bosses, controlling the politicians.”

“So what exactly are we fetching in, D.C? I’ve told you now you tell me.” Brows arched slightly towards her as he leaned back and waved a hand slightly “Like the old ‘I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours’..its clear that MI-6 wants us working together for a reason.”


Lara Croft: " Yes well I do like them." She gave a smirk of her own," But, mine are better." The comment made in a highly nonchalant manner as she watched him for a moment and found it a slight difficult to tear her gaze away this time. So the man was good looking, but the rest of him wasn't so assetable to his looks so far.

As the plane flew and Lara grew more relaxed she was almost glad he seemed willing to talk, even if it took a few moments to get a reply from the Marine. It was also good that he was rather interested at the task at hand, perhaps this team-up would work out okay after all. Lara just had to remind herself that this was merely all business...at the thought of those particular words the Tomb Raider gave a slight frown as she recalled who had said them.

" Rumors are usually false Mr Sheridan." She looked towards the man across from her," And yes we're going to be going somewhere that people who have gone before have not return, but I assure you we will." She seemed to be thinking that in some ways this adventure was to be similar to that of her happenings in Shangri-La," I don't think it was the crime syndicate that killed them. These men and their families were done in non execution style. The South American crime syndicate are infamous for killing in that manner." But that arose other questions now within Lara's own mind...just who had killed them.

*At Terry's question, Lara pushed her own to the back of her mind and handed him a photograph of something," That." She tapped the photo with her slender index finger that showed the image of a perfectly craft human skull made from it appeared to be glass, but it was not. It was something of much more value," Ever heard of the Crystal Skulls?" She waited for a reply, but then decided to make it a rhetorical question," They've been discovered through out South America, Mexico and even some south western areas of the US." She paused and handed him another piece of paper showing different views of the skull," The strange thing about them is two things. One no one can figure out how they were made and two they're made from the same kind of material used in computer chips."

She then sat back and allowed the man to soak in what she had told him and then continued," Some scientists believe they're some form of ancient technology. Possibly the first computers ever created and that they hold some knowledge as to the mysterious of the World. Six of them so far have been discovered, but those six are currently now missing and their owners dead. The one in Washington D.C. is a seventh one discovered by some unknowing farmers near Rio Gallegos in Argentina. Which is our next destination after D.C." Having told him most everything needed to be said, Lara looked out the window to spy the ocean below them and waited for any questions the Marine might have.

[Terry Sheridan]

Terry Sheridan: “Mm..so you go for the toys…I’ll have to keep that in mind.” Both were probably having similar thoughts about each other. Wondering why they’d been paired, thinking they’d be better off alone. Croft was an attractive woman, the long dark hair, brown eyes, feminine body. And her knowledge of bikes, and guns was a hint of a turn on. But for now it was business. Not as if he hadn’t had his thoughts otherwise.

Shoulders rolled once more as he glanced towards the photo, “I see, so the situation has gone further.” He shifted and pushed himself up moving across so she wasn’t leaning and took a closer look at the photo, as he sat down beside her. “And you? I’m sure you must have your own ideas on them. Or are you in it for the archeological find?”

It hadn’t been what Sheridan was expecting as a mission, most of his tended to be in the middle of bad situations, deep cover, or as a clean up job taking out who needed to be taken out. This was like an adventure, something new, and he thrived on such thrills. Besides the thrill of another thing. His gray eyes looked towards Lara. “So in actuality there’s eight that have been found. If were getting one in D.C when six are already missing..and a new one rumored to be found in Argentina.”

Arms folded up behind his head as he rested his clasped hands against the back of his neck. “And as for the killing..true the syndicate tend to use execution style, unless there’s been a new upcoming boss. They’ll kill in a fashion that makes it harder to track, or to have their own death calling card. Word is there had been a few other murders that style started few months back, MI-6 and South American agencies claim their not linked. I think other wise. Especially if its someone trying to make a name for themselves in South America, where crime tends to be tougher and more guerilla than American gangs.” he'd closed one eye and looked towards her once more with the other before closing it as well.

[Terry Sheridan]

Eric and Aubury Powell: With an nervous air, Eric Powell found himself thinking about various things that held little reference to the situation at hand; for example: What sort of plane was Lady Croft traveling by? Did she go commercial? Was she already in the air? and other things. He also found himself looking over her file again, staring at her face and wondering how this very beautiful woman could kill a man with her bare hands," You and I, we have so much in common." He whispered lowly, his fingers almost lovingly tracing across her picture.

Aubury watched from the corner of her eye as her Brother once again stared at the file of Lara Croft. Was he becoming obsessed with the woman? Surely not...surely he was just studying his target. He didn't even know her...how could someone become obsessed with someone they didn't really know? With a frown she took in the words he whispered," You have nothing in common with her. She's a murderer. She killed our Father and she needs to pay for taking him from us!" With a swift motion, the ebony haired twenty year old ripped the file from her brother's grasp and proceeded to tear the flawless picture with in it to shreds.

The tall man, a shadow of his Father felt a swell of rage slowly peak within him. She had crossed a line," Damnit Aubury, don't be such a nasty little bitch all the time. Especially when you don't understand something." He snatched the file back just as swiftly as she had taken it from him," Lady Croft and I have one very important thing in common. You have it in common with her also." Calming his nerves somewhat, Eric placed the file sans the picture now back into his briefcase.

" And just what is it that I-- We have in common with her?" Aubury asked venomously.

" We both lost our Fathers in a tragic manner." He spoke softly, his voice almost a whisper. Delicate, as though speaking to a child.

She had to laugh," You poor simple fool. You're falling in love with her aren't you? A woman you don't really know who killed your...our Father." The dark head shook tossing about the long strands of iron straight hair," Unbelievable." Her liquid tone scoffed.

" I'm not falling in love with her. You presume to much dear sister." Eric was angry now. She had no right to impose such thoughts apon him. The idioticness of such a thing! Really, falling in love with his Father's killer? Please. He was not that low...nor that desperate. Without another word he sat back and crossed his arms. Perhaps a nap would do some good, time would pass by faster. Without a second thought on it, the young Powell closed his dark eyes.

Silence is golden. A saying Aubury Powell held quite dear to her heart, but at times it was almost annoying...silence that is. Her brother ended the conversation by turning to sleep. All in all he was still a fool in her eyes. Throughout their lives he was always getting mixed up with women, strange ones at that. Alot of it she figured having been studying Psychology in school was because they grew up in boarding schools never knowing their Father, or Mother.

But their Mother was a different story, she had died not long after Aubury's birth from complications during Labor. It was not long after that tragedy that Manfred Powell, their father sent both children away to Boarding Schools. Perhaps it was because they looked like a mixure of both their parents. Dark hair, rich naturally tanned skin. Eric with his Mother's dark eyes. Aubury her Father's deep blues, which now fell on the slumbering form of her brother whom deep down she envied. Eric was a year older than she...and he got to know their Mother aswell as their Father and she had not. Sure it hadn't been for long, but all the same it was reason to envy him.

"Miss Powell?"

A calm soft voice came jarring into Aubury's thoughts," Hm?" Her stare lifted and focused on the stewardress who loomed above her.

" We'll be landing soon. The Pilot asked that I should inform you." Without another word the middle aged woman turned and proceeded to gently wake Eric up and repeat the same message.

[Terry Sheridan]

Lara Croft: This man was certainly cheeky indeed. Perhaps too cheeky, not that she couldn't handle it. For a moment the Tomb Raider glanced briefly out the window. They were almost to their destination, which Lara was rather eager to get to. All of this was just too strange and mysterious. It gave her a rather uneasy feeling. Her gaze moved again to fall on the Marine who was checking her out. Just to see what his reaction might or might not be she returned the favor, her eyes pausing on several points of interest along the well build and muscular frame. A killing machine indeed. Idly she wondered about his bed manners.

Business Lara. Remember it's business, nothing else. Ah, but it was possibly becoming difficult not to let it become that 'nothing else'. Slowly she shook her head," No, not really further. Just complicated all the way around." She watched him stand and then settle beside her. He smelled good she suddenly took notice. He smelled like he looked; dangerous, exciting, perhaps even a little mysterious. Focus Lara, she reminded herself and quirked a brow at his question," Me? Oh well..." Brown orbs narrowed," That's a bit of a personal question Mr Sheridan." Defenses still worked, this was good.

" No. Six are missing that had been found by various people over time who are now also dead. The one found in Argentina was recovered at a airport. It didn't make it passed security. And that is the one we're picking up in D.C." She corrected him," But all in all there are actually thirteen. And legends say you must have all thirteen in order to activate their true use." Lara found herself watching his movements, as well as how close he was actually to her now. It wasn't helping any. At all. She listened to every word he had to say, and chuckled," You know I think you just answered a question both of us seem to have. Why in the bloody hell we got stuck together doing this. Because you got knowledge of things I don't and visa versa."

With that the Archaeologist let silence creep in between them as it seemed the Marine wanted to catch a bit of sleep before they landed. Lara pondered doing the same and did for a time until one of the Cargo Plane's crew came and informed them they would be landing soon.


Terry Sheridan: It was interesting indeed. A large web with things snaking off in other directions and they were headed straight to the middle of it. Sheridan studied her with his training, though the back of his mind was studying her as a man would a woman, than a marine would. He would have scowled had she not been looking. The thought of this not even slightly turning into something physical but strictly professional was something they were both telling themselves. He couldn’t keep himself from thinking had they met under other circumstances, he’d have nothing more than compition as to who could get the other into bed first.



From studying her own movements and her file, Sheridan could tell Croft would be up for the challenges that faced them. When it came down to it, he could be quite focused on the task ahead of him. He smirked slightly as she corrected him “Ah…then see I’m still right..theres more than six.” Chest fell as he exhaled some and glanced over “Well, I am a man of many talents, love.” It fell silent between them, even with his eyes closed he could hear her breathing, and the slight perfume she wore, idly he wondered if the sweet sent got stronger as she worked up a sweat.



One of the pilots walked back and alerted them and he shifted standing up. “Alright thanks.” Putting his hand some against his chin he popped the kink out of his neck and rolled his shoulders forwards before continuing on to the cockpit. Sitting within the open chair putting the headset on. “Call sign Bravo-Tango-Charlie 1784 Delta-Alfa-Zeta.” He waited a moment until the call was answered “Landing strip Bravo-9 is awaiting your approach, the United States Army welcomes you.”


As the pilot started to take the cargo plane down Sheridan walked back to the bay and looked towards Lara. “US Army boys will be waiting for us when we land. They’ve got orders to have a car waiting for us.”

[Terry Sheridan]

Lara Croft: She hadn't slept at all and judging by the look on Sheridan's face he hadn't either. Somewhatly this amused her. It was good to know she was not the only one having a hard time keep her thoughts off other things. Her long body stretched slightly, slender arms arching upwards a moment, her full lips parting in a bit of a yawn," I hate flying." She commented, catching the man's stare," To cramped and rather close quarters and all." A teasing wink was sent to the Marine. Lara couldn't help herself, she had to flirt even if it was only a little. And then in the back of her mind she was curious as to how far this man could be pushed before he broke.

" Well. You are partly right yes." She rolled her eyes then mumbled a word beneath her breath," Smartarse." A brow arched and lowered at his second comment," I'm sure you are." Lara would not disagree in the least. Or doubt for that matter and idly wondered what some of those talents were. She could imagine a few of them, but with a almost audible sigh she pushed said thoughts away as he got up and exited towards the cockpit.

Lara sat in silence, studying the various information she had. Both on her partner and the task they were doing. Absorbed in her work, the dark auburn head merely nodded in response to his comment about the Us Army," Good. I'm driving." She wasn't about to let someone who's driving skills she had no clue about shuttle her about D.C. Plus she knew shortcuts and such to get to where they were headed," Invoice says we go to Langley. That our package is waiting there." She commented and stood once the plane had stopped on the run way," Let's get this ruddy show on the road." With that she exited the plane, knapsack in tow and headed towards the car, a smile crossing her face," An Astin. How nice." A car model she was familiar with. Seems the US did their homework.


Terry Sheridan: Sheridan smirked slightly watching her as he headed back. "And here I though I recalled someone saying this was strictly business." came the cheeky response to her wink. he shifted once more and headed to the hummer turning off the MP-3 player that had played a wide range of music durring the 9 hour flight. Shifting he followed behind her as she stood claiming she was driving. "Hm," but he didn't say anything else as the cargo bay opened and she saw the car. "I prefer something a bit my rugged myself...with these American drivers." he didn't bring anything with him but the leather jacket, his sigs still resting in the holsters against his ribs. not bothering with the door since the top was down on the Astin, Sheridan, slightly reluctantly took the passenger side. "So how long do you expect our little, layover to be?"


Lara Croft: Lara gave a distinct frown," So I did. But what about you Mr Sheridan? Is it all just business?" She shot at him, and then placed a pair of shades onto her face," Well. You're the first man not to argue with me over who's driving. Feel special." This was a bit shocking to the Tomb Raider, surely a man like Terry Sheridan enjoyed showing off? Or maybe not. Brows furrowed a moment, was he trying to keep her guessing? Or was he always so well...like this. Such thoughts could be taxing on one's brain. Without a word, Lara got into the car by way of a normal person. Using the door," I hope, not to long." She commented with almost a slight annoyance at even having to make this stop as she started the car and peeled out onto the road.

[Terry Sheridan]

Terry Sheridan: "Depends on the mission." the marine responded taking a glance towards the tomb raider while putting his own pair of sunglasses on against the bridge of his nose. "And stop calling me Mr. Sheridan...that's my father, I'd much rather Sheridan or Terry." a brow rose over the rim of the Raybans before glancing back towards her as they headed to the car. "Mm..don't sound so disappointed you didn't get to argue about driving. I'm sure well have plenty of spats to look forwards too. I'm more concerned about getting on our way." on the way to Argentina he was sure he'd be able to pull down one of the side cots and tried to get a bit of sleep, but he though it'd be highly doubtful. the buckle snapped as arm rested against the car door while they drove. He'd been to the states before, tended to enjoy New York, California, Hawaii and Vegas. D.C didn't fancy him much. Too many stick in the mud suits to deal with. He took a glance towards her with his peripheral vision from the shades as they speed out on to the tour bus crowed streets. "Though lets get something to eat before getting back on the plane."


Lara Croft: The brunette nodded," I see." A hint of a sigh passed her lips, the word father was a touchy subject matter with her. Well, family in general," Alright then. Terry." She decided upon that, she really hated to do the whole military call people by their last names bit. Annoyed her really. Yet she did not mind if people called her just by her last name. Slender hands worked the wheel, weaving the car through traffic and towards Langley.

Lara did not fancy going to Langley at all," Hm. Well, I'm glad you think so." She commented, eyes rolling as she hoped they would not have time to spat as it would waste time. Most likely. Or, well lead to other things. Enough thinking about that," We'll get going as soon as possible. Though Langley can be a right pain in the arse fair warning." She was unsure if the Marine had dealt with them or not before, but sadly Lara had dealt with them to much.

A chuckle escaped her lips," Typical man. Always thinking about one thing or another. Either his stomach or his sex drive." With that she forced the car into a hard right effortlessly and stopped before a small speaker box and pressed a small red button upon it," This is Lady Lara Croft. Verify me." Soon what seemed to be nothing more than a wall opened rather like a garage door and Lara hit the gas taking them inside.


Terry Sheridan: "I'm just stating what I know. Besides, most women enjoy getting their claws out." he shifted against the seat and fell silent watching as things passed. He'd dealt with the US Army and Navy before, a good friend of his had been a Naval Pilot. "Mm." He looked over as they pulled up. Shifting once again he smirked slightly as she commented about men, their stomachs and their sex drives. "Well, I didn't specify what I wanted to eat. And you so kindly took away the bit of fun I would have had concerning my as you put it sex drive, but leaving in 15 minutes than 5 hours." With that the tall Marine nodded his head as they passed someone pulling into Langley.


Lara Croft: Lara removed her sunglasses and drove into what looked like a normal tunnel, lights lining the way and so forth. But soon it was noticeable that a parking garage tucked away from outside eyes was coming into view. A brow arched slowly at his comment," True, but Terry. I'm not like all women." And just to add to her comment she winked at him and stopped the car," Well I'm sure we can find something to satisfy whatever you happen to be in the mood for."

A quite amused look crossed her face as she got out," You know. You're not the first to say that to me. " With that she turned away and moved towards a single elevator and pressed the button," I ruin alot of people's fun. So what about you? You look like the sort of man who could cause all sorts of trouble." She asked curiously stepping into the elevator and leaned back against the cool metal wall after pressing the button for the second floor.

[Terry Sheridan]

Terry Sheridan: As they headed to the parking garage he couldn't keep the roguish smirk from his lips as they exited he walked watching her. "So I've noticed." the doors opened and he stepped into the elevator after her, the smirk still playing against his lips. For the moment he stood against the back wall leaning slightly before breathing out. "Is that an offer Croft?" once the doors closed he stepped forward. -c


"Adventures are always a bit o'fun." he moved slightly until he was standing before her a hand pressed against the elevators wall near her shoulder. "Aye..I'm all sorts of trouble. But I'm sure you'll figure that out on your own." his face had moved closer "Won't you, Croft?" he winked the pushed away from the wall and stood before the doors as the elevator came to a stop and he stepped out before they were all the way open.


Lara Croft/ Alex West: She did not want to do this. But she had to, the world was in peril and she like always needed to save it. Nothing new, just a new adventure that's all. And a new face, soon to become and old face after this. Like all the rest...well not all of them, but some. Her thoughts were suddenly broken," Hm? Oh no, just a ---" She stopped. Cheeky indeed," Yes. They are." She commented regaining composure. He had moved fast. A bit to fast, bravely as well.

Her head had swam for a moment, but she started him right back perhaps unable to look away. Not that she had much option," I'm sure I will." When he had moved away she breathed, air felt good rushing back into her lungs," Tease." The comment was loud enough for him to hear as she followed him out of the Elevator and into a world full of suits, ties and all sorts of undisclosed things. As well as a familiar voice," Hello Lara."

She stopped. She turned and she scowled," Alex West. "The name was spoken like a curse," What. Are you doing here?" brown eyes fell upon the American who's life she had saved not long ago, but was still not on good terms with at all and never would be.


Terry Sheridan: "Not wise to daydream, Lara darhling..might get lost in the thought." he watched her a brief moment longer as she was snapped from her thinking from his comments. the smirk only broadened when she called him a tease. " And who said what I wanted was food..." suits. he hated suits, that’s why he was a Marine. Sure he had his uniform but most of the time he looked just as normal as any other man. the raybans were removed as he stepped into the lobby, his smirk was slowly fading into a scowl with the surroundings.

turning a sound had caught his attentions and he watched briefly the exchange between Lara and this man. This, Alex West. He'd stepped up behind the tomb raider and muttered lightly in a whisper for her to hear "Former shag bunny?" before he stood straight up and looked to the American. "Sheridan. So are you the bloke that has what we've come for. We've other matters than dealing with stuffy Americans."

Sheridan was a good 3 to 4 inches taller than Alex, build better to. he looked soft, like most American's looked to Sheridan. The Marine however held his pose as if he was in front of a higher up, no slouch found to his form.


Lara Croft/ Alex West: " Well. I'm actually dropping off your little package that I babysat." The blonde man held up a black duffel bag, which Lara instantly moved to snatch," Grabby aren't we?" His blue eyes moved to the man he had seen exit the elevator before Lara. Instantly he wasn't sure he liked him. Strong build, chiseled features, but admit his distraction he felt Lara snatch the bag out of his hand," It had better be in here. Or I won't be nice to you anymore."

Alex frowned. He knew what that meant. Not even on speaking terms," Lara...can't you forget about the damn prayer wheels?" The Brit scoffed," Nope. And plus it still does not set well with me that you worked for the Illuminati." " Right. Got it. Greedy, cheap sellout bastard right?" Lara nodded," Glad you remembered." For a moment she thought back about that evening in Venice. Had it been under different circumstances it probably would have not ended with her leaving that room.

Lara's gaze moved to fall on Terry a moment, his comments ringing in her ears. This was not going to turn out well, " Well, we will just be on our way now. It was---" Lara's eyes rolled as Terry decided to get in on the conversation and cut her off," Sheridan? That your first--" Alex stopped. He really did not like this guy at all now. Lara took this moment to quickly interject," As I was saying. Pleasure seeing you again Alex. Goodbye and thanks."

She turned and looked to Terry and then glanced back to Alex," Not worth it." She whispered and moved forward leaving the American to stand there offended and glaring at Sheridan. Lara felt a headache coming on as she reached the elevator and pressed the button again," I had almost forgotten how much that man irks me." She commented and checked the bag. Sure enough, the skull was in there. Surprise, surprise.

To Be Continued...