EM7 Episode 3

Fight for Survival

By Aussie Lass

This story and its artwork have been rescued. We have tried to contact the author, but gotten no reply. Since we had permission to list her stories on Lady Angel's M7 Library (now M7FC), and I hate to see good stories lost, we are hosting it here for safe-keeping.

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Part One

The moon hung silent and full in the night sky, towering over the insignificant beings below. Perched on the edge of a cliff, the drug baron’s compound loomed up out of the darkness, illuminated in the pale yellow light.

“It’s a fortress!”

“Relax, Kid. We already knew that.”

The men were crouched several hundred feet from the outer wall of the military style complex. Some were dressed in black. The others, in an unfamiliar uniform. Their faces were darkened with camouflage paint to hide their features. The older men were well experienced in manoeuvres such as this. The younger, while enthusiastic and with considerable practical knowledge, had never been in a situation remotely similar.

“But, Nathan, it’s like a prison!”

“Travis said there were two dozen guards and by the look of it, half of them are patrolling the perimetre.”

“Exactly! How are we gonna get in there? How will Josiah plant the charges without being seen?”

“Relax, J.D. We all know what we have to do. Vin will create an opening.”

J.D. Dunne’s brow furrowed. This was the team’s first mission since Vin Tanner had literally returned from the dead. The members of the former Special Tactics Force One appeared to have complete faith in the sharpshooter. While J.D. implicitly trusted his new friend of only a few weeks, he just couldn’t fathom how anyone could deal with almost twelve armed guards. How could Vin take out so many without attracting the attention of whoever was inside?

Dunne’s mind drifted back to the strategic planning session that had taken place that afternoon in the team’s conference room. A nuclear device had been stolen by a drug lord and Em7 had to put it out of commission - or at least, that was how it had started...

General Travis smiled as he watched Larabee and his men begin to plan their assault - The Magnificent Seven. They were without equal in their field.

The senior soldier turned and headed for the door knowing the situation was in good hands. He got half way out of the room, when his phone barked insistently. The men of Em7 glanced across at him. Travis said nothing, listening carefully for almost two minutes.

Finally, he nodded. “I’ve already handed the situation over to Em7. I’ll update them of the latest developments, Sir.”

“General?” Larabee asked.

Travís’s face was set in a deep frown. “The situation has just become worse. A Cirovian diplomat visiting America with his wife disappeared last night.”

“Kidnapped?” Nathan asked.

“We weren’t sure until a few minutes ago. It seems that he and his wife were hijacked at Washington Airport.”

“Do we know who has him?” Larabee asked.

“The same drug lord who has our nuclear war head, by the look of it.”

“Oh, this situation is just gettin‘ better and better,” Buck muttered.

“Why would a drug lord kidnap an international diplomat?” Ezra inquired.

“Juan Lopez is moving into the weapons black market in a big way. According to our information, he’s negotiating with Belsador. Cirovia and Belsador have been at war for a number of years. By kidnapping the diplomat from Cirovia, Lopez is placing himself in favour with the Belsador rebels who run the country.” Travis paused and lowered his voice instinctively. “No one outside of the American security chief, the President, a handful of people at the FBI, General Collins and myself are privy to this information. I’m sure you can imagine the repercussions if news of the kidnapping got out. There are four hundred and sixty-three Americans in Cirovia. The slightest indication that things aren't going well and their lives will be in danger."

“What‘s the source of your information?” Larabee asked without emotion.

“The FBI has had an agent inside Lopez’s compound for the past five months. In his last communication, Agent Sloane informed us that the diplomat and his wife had been brought to the compound and were going to be flown out of the country on Friday. No prizes for guessing where they’ll be sent."

"That's the day after tomorrow,“ Josiah commented.

"Exactly. We suspect that the diplomat will be turned over to the rebels in Belsador and then used publicly as an example. If that happens, the present government of Cirovia is going to believe that the United States is supporting the rebels in Belsador. Not only will it set back relations between Cirovia and the States, I don’t need to tell you how profoundly embarrassing this will be politically. It will appear that we can't guarantee the safety of our official visitors."

"So we've got to get this guy back quietly and discreetly. Not to mention take the warhead out of commission."

"Exactly. The compound is a regular Fort Knox. Two dozen armed guards, laser and security cameras. Electric fences, etc. They are very well set up."

"I'll need a more detailed map of the area,” Larabee stated. The one J.D. had been given was very general. “Floor plans, and any information about this diplomat you've got."

"The FBI has been ordered to send you all of their files.”

"Their inside man still on the radio?" Buck asked.

"No. He's eight hours overdue." There was no doubt in Wilmington’s mind what that meant.

“The President himself asked that this situation be turned over to you," the General stated.

At this, Larabee’s head came up from the map he was studying. "When can we expect the information from the FBI?"

“It should arrive by security courier in the next hour. Good luck.”

Larabee nodded and watched the general leave. “Buck, Nathan and Josiah, start getting things together. Ezra, chase up the FBI information. I want it in ten minutes.”

“It will be done, Sir.”

“J.D., enhance the building itself.”

**********

At 2:00 p.m. that same afternoon, the men of Em7 recollected in the conference room. Weapons had been checked, aircraft serviced and between them, Vin and Chris had come up with a workable plan. It was not a plan that Larabee particularly liked, but there didn’t appear to be any other way.

"The compound has sophisticated security backed by numbers. Our objective is two fold. To sabotage the warhead and to rescue the Diplomat and his family.” Chris paused and shook his head. He didn’t like this situation. In Katinda, the STF1 had used this type of plan several times and while it had always worked without the team sustaining casualties, it was still a dangerous strategy - one that left one of their members out on a limb.

“Colonel? Did you say family?”

“A wife and child aged around six.” The hard men in the room exchanged uncomfortable looks. It was one thing to be going in with guns blazing to rescue adults, but kids?

“We only have a twelve hour window. According to the information from the FBI, the family will be shipped out of the country tomorrow morning, not Friday as Travis thought. J.D." On his leader’s command, the youth flashed a slide up on the screen behind the Colonel. "This is the place where they're being held." There were murmurs from all as they studied the awesome fortress. Several slides flicked up on the screen in quick succession showing various angles and parts of the structure. "We will be divided into four main groups. A rescue team, whose job it will be to actually locate and rescue the family and an offence unit that will be divided into two sections. Their job will be to ensure that the rescue team achieves its objective. The third group will be responsible for locating and sabotaging the warhead and the final team will be our retreat team, who will be responsible for ensuring our successful retreat once our objective has been accomplished.” The men of Em7 listened intently. They had performed many dangerous and complicated missions in the past, but this one was different. This one involved the rescue of an innocent child.

“Nathan and Ezra will be our rescue team. You must locate the family. Nathan, you take care of any obstacles. Ezra you stay with the family at all times and keep me informed of what is going on. Should anything go wrong and things don't go to plan, then you're in charge and responsible for making the on the spot decisions regarding the safety of the family.” Standish took a deep breath and nodded his understanding.

“Buck, your job is simple." With this comment, an uncharacteristic smile appeared on the Colonel's face.

"Great," Buck muttered. "I just love it when you say that."

"All you have to do is pick up the family and the rescue team and fly them to safety."

"That sounds easy enough. I take it the interesting part is where I have to land to make my pick up."

Larabee nodded. There was no trace of the smile he had worn now as he added, "A narrow corridor between two buildings. It's approximately 12 feet wide."

"Shit, Colonel! That only gives me eight inches leeway each side. You're cutting it a bit fine aren't you?!"

"You don't think it'll be possible?"

"I've never cut it that close before." Buck shrugged. "Yeah, I suppose I can as long as there's no wind."

“The retreat team will consist of J.D. and Josiah. Josiah, your primary objective will be to plant several well placed charges around the compound. Then locate and sabotage the warhead.”

“Understood Colonel.”

“J.D., you'll prepare the equipment for our retreat and Buck., you'll provide cover from the air as we retreat."

“I take it I drop my cargo before then?”

“Yes. We have arranged for the FBI to camp about a mile from the compound. You’ll fly the family there and then return to provide cover.”

Wilmington nodded.

“Vin and I make up the offence team. I’ll go in undercover.”

“How?” J.D. inquired.

“Lopez insists that his men wear their own personal uniform. The FBI have been able to secure a few. Once I get in, I’ll blend in with the other soldiers and attack from the inside.“

“So what’s Vin going to do?“ Ezra asked.

“First, he takes out the perimetre guards. Then he’s going to give the other guards something to do. We need him to draw all of the internal guards outside of the buildings. That will clear the path for our rescue team."

“You want him to keep them busy?” Buck asked, understanding the full ramifications of such a strategy. Simply put, it meant Vin had to consciously make himself a target.

“Can you handle it?” Nathan asked the team’s sharpshooter.

“Just like old times,” Vin muttered.

Chris flicked his eyes to his lieutenant and felt the acid in his stomach rise. It was this part of the plan he was uncomfortable with. In Katinda, they’d had to leave Vin behind to cover their retreat on several occasions because the documents they were carrying were of such vital importance that the sacrifice of one man was deemed acceptable if it meant saving the lives of thousands. However, the waiting, wondering... praying that Vin had somehow got out behind them had almost been too much for Larabee to bare back then. The thought of placing his best friend in such a situation now... now, after having him step back into the team’s lives after having believed he was dead, was more than just difficult. For some reason, Larabee found the justifications that had worked in Katinda didn’t appease his conscience any longer. Retrieving the warhead was essential and would in fact save the lives of thousands, but Chris found himself torn. Vin’s life was more important to the colonel than a million faceless people he didn’t know. The Colonel knew he couldn’t act on his emotions but it didn’t change how he felt.

"Alright, STEP ONE: Everyone except Buck and Vin will make their way to the eastern fence, here. We’ll have to cross three smaller fences that will be electrified and alarmed. There won't be any need to panic or hurry. Josiah and Ezra will be there to assess exactly how the fence is protected. STEP TWO: Vin will take out the perimetre guards and then join us. Once he arrives, he and I will infiltrate the compound by climbing the wall. We‘ll take out any roving guards in the area. As soon as Vin and I have ensured the path is clear, I'll give the rest of you the signal to enter the compound. With the perimetre guards out, there shouldn’t be any chance of the rest of you being seen.”

“Cameras?” Ezra asked.

“Yes, there are a number of them, but we’ll leave them functional at this stage. Later, we’ll have you put them out of commission. J.D. you’ll need to jam their communications at the same point in time. We’ll have ten minutes to get into our various positions. The guards must report in to a central station on a regular basis.”

“Any idea what the interval is between reports?" Josiah asked.

"Thirty minutes. That's why we have to be ready in ten. So STEP THREE is everyone over the fence. STEP FOUR: Three things happen at once. (A) Josiah will set the charges - four in all. We'll have to work out the best places to put them. Then you‘ll move off and sabotage the warhead. (B) J.D. will head straight for the cliffs here," Larabee explained, pointing to the position on the map. "We’re going to use the compound’s position to our advantage.”

“You mean the fact that it’s on the edge of a cliff?“

Vin nodded. “The fortress only has fences on three sides. The final side is the cliff. A 200-foot drop. The water at the bottom is about 120 feet deep and there are no rocks which means we can have a boat anchored,” the sharpshooter explained.

“J.D., your job will be to prepare three abseiling ropes and then abseil down the cliff yourself, load the grenade launcher on the boat and get ready for a quick get away. Then, jam their internal communications. (C) Nathan and Ezra will enter this building. According to the FBI's inside man, the family is being held on either the second or third floor. You‘ll have to find them.. Ezra, as you‘re leaving, you’ll have to make your way to here, link into their security system and throw the camera’s out of action.”

“Not before? Surely it would make more sense to take the camera’s out of action at the earliest possible moment?”

Vin shook his head. “As soon as we start to tamper with any of their security, they’re gonna know we’re there. We need to get the diplomat and his family to the chopper before they even realize we’ve got him. Once the explosions start, that’s when we need their security down.”

“If we have already got the diplomat and his family to safety, surely it would make sense for us to sneak out without causing a fuss?” Ezra pointed out.

Larabee shook his head. “We have to provide Buck with cover when he comes in to pick them up. Without the confusion caused by the explosion and their security net going down, the guards will see and hear the chopper coming and either blow it out of the sky or ground it once it lands.”

“I see.”

“Colonel, what about the FBI agent?" J.D. asked. The older men’s faces set in hard frowns.

"We must assume he’s dead. He's missed his last two communications.” There was no emotion on Larabee’s harsh face. Unfortunately, death was an occupational hazard in this business. The Colonel could not afford to allow such things to affect him. “Josiah, you’ll join me as soon as you’ve sabotaged the warhead and help to attack from the inside.”

“So I’m in their uniform too?”

“You, me, Ezra and Nathan. We’ll be able to blend in with their guards. This will be your position," Larabee informed his sergeant, again indicating on the map. "Once you’re in place, you'll report to me and I'll signal Vin to attack. STEP FOUR: Vin, Josiah and I will strike. Rescue team, you will have no more than fifteen minutes to locate the family and get them to the pick up point here."

"Why fifteen minutes?"

"Because it will take Josiah approximately that long to set the four charges, locate the warhead and then get back to his position. Besides, the three of us can only hold off the guards for so long. We can defeat anything except numbers.”

“There are only two dozen though, aren’t there?”

“That’s enough. Fifteen minutes is all I can give you. Exactly fifteen minutes after Josiah sets the first charge, it will go off. A sizable explosion and well placed for effect. STEP FIVE is the first explosion. The explosion has a specific purpose. It will provide Buck with the cover he needs to land. J.D., it’s your signal to jam the communications.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“STEP SIX: Buck will land and the Rescue Team and the family must board. Buck will not be able to stay on the ground for more than thirty seconds or the guards will ground him. That means that as soon as you hear that explosion, rescue team, you know you must be at the pick-up point.“

Ezra and Nathan glanced at each other and nodded.

“And I need to have taken out the security just before we take them out to board.”

“Exactly. STEP SEVEN: The second explosion. This will be a signal to Josiah and I to retreat to the cliff. By this time, the diplomat should be in the custody of the FBI and Buck should be on his way back to pick up any wounded.”

J.D. swallowed. “Wounded?”

Larabee’s hard green eyes flicked to the boy. “We have to cover all bases. The third explosion signals that Josiah, J.D. and I should be in the boat and that Buck should have picked up the wounded. The fourth explosion is Vin’s signal to head for the cliffs.”

“He’ll have what’s left of the guards following in close pursuit,” Nathan muttered.

“Buck should have dropped any wounded and arrive just in time to provide me with the cover I’ll need as I run to the cliffs and abseil down to the boat to join the rest of you,” Tanner explained. All of the men were frowning.

“Any questions so far?“

“Vin‘s going to be pretty exposed,” Nathan stated. He hated this plan. He had always hated this plan.

“Buck will be there to provide him with cover,” Chris dismissed quickly. “STEP EIGHT: The boat leaves and Buck will provide cover from the air. STEP NINE: We transfer from the boat to Buck’s waiting chopper and get our wounded to hospital. Comments?”

“How will the wounded get to Buck’s chopper?"

"Buck will land here, near the back of the fifth structure. If someone goes down, I’m going to hear it over the headset. I’ll send Josiah to them and he’ll get you to the pickup point.”

“What if it’s Josiah?” J.D. asked.

“Then I’ll get him there.”

"Colonel, the fourth explosion is supposed to be a signal to Lieutenant Tanner to retreat, right?"

"Yes, Ezra." Larabee knew what the next question was going to be.

"If everyone else is already on the boat or on the chopper, who the hell is going to help him if he’s hurt?"

"No one, " the colonel stated without emotion. "Vin will have to get to the cliff the best way he can. I cannot have him picked up by the chopper because he has to keep the guards busy while Buck is rescuing our wounded. He will also be covering the rest of the team’s retreat. Don't worry. He’ll be alright." Larabee had faith in his sharpshooter’s ability, but that didn’t prevent the tendrils of anxiety from playing havoc with his emotions.

"I'm sorry Colonel, I don't like this. Isn't there any other way of getting him out?"

"No, Ezra,” Vin murmured. This was hard enough on Chris as it was. “The survival of the team is the most important thing, more important than the survival of any single person. The team will survive if you lose me. It won't if we lose four or five men.”

“I have to ensure that as many of us get out as possible. Using this strategy, we have guaranteed that six of us will survive with a possibility of all seven of us getting out. Believe me, if there was a way to get everyone out, I'd do it. This is the best Vin and I could come up with. If anyone has a better plan, we'd welcome it."

Ezra stared at his Colonel. He was well aware of the fact that if there was any way Chris could ensure Vin’s safety, he would. Em7 had never handled a mission that left one of their own to cover the other’s retreat. Clearly, such a strategy was one that the STF1 had used in the past.

“Buck will be providing cover from the air as Vin retreats. As soon as Vin appears at the top of the cliff and starts down, J.D. will begin firing the grenade launcher. Unless the guards are really dedicated, they should all stop and try to find cover."

Ezra still appeared concerned.

“Ezra, we’ve done this before. Many times, as a matter of fact. I know what to do,” Vin explained.

Standish said nothing, but he could see that no one was whole-heartedly in favour of this plan.

Larabee glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s three o’clock. We fly out in half an hour. Get yourselves organised. We‘ll go over the fine details on the trip there.”

J.D. glanced up at the huge wire fence about thirty feet in front of him. He, like the others, was lying on his stomach in the echoing silence. The full moon was casting long shadows over the ground just as the Colonel had predicted. Despite lying in the camouflage of one of these shadows, the young man still felt very conspicuous. The squad had already crossed the three smaller fences without tripping any alarms - or at least, they hoped they hadn't. Now they lay staring at the outer perimeter of the main compound. It was so much bigger than J.D. had thought it would be. He could see two guards moving up on the roof of one of the nearest buildings.

“Alright, Lieutenant. Let’s get this show on the road,” Chris ordered via the sophisticated headset that all of the men wore. “We’ll now be going onto single communication,” Larabee ordered. That meant that each man would only be in contact with their leader. “Good luck, boys.”

J.D. felt his chest constrict. There was no turning back now. Once Vin started firing, the plan would be in motion - a plan that J.D. didn’t feel particularly comfortable with. The youth waited, his eyes glued to the guards that were moving around on top the roofs of the buildings inside the compound.

Without warning, the men silently began to fall like dominoes. J.D.’s jaw dropped open. It wasn’t so much the accuracy, but the speed of the firing. There was absolutely no sound. Vin was using the very latest tranquilliser rifle. Each dart was less than a quarter of an inch long and contained a powerful narcotic that acted immediately and lasted for up to eight hours.

J.D. did not take his eyes off the two guards nearest him. Abruptly, the two men disappeared. There was no sound. No sign of what had happened to them. They simply dropped from sight. Tense moments followed as all waited for the tell tale siren or shouting that would mean that someone had seen or noticed the fall of the guards. The seconds became minutes. All was quiet.

From nowhere, Vin soundlessly appeared - calm, serious, yet looking very relaxed. Larabee nodded and the pair set off for the main wall without any discussion. Two grappling hooks were fired with practiced skill. The noise seemed to echo in the tense silence. In seconds, Tanner and Larabee disappeared over the wall.

Now the rest of the group would have to wait - wait, listen and watch.

J.D. couldn’t understand why he was feeling so nervous. True, this mission involved a situation he hadn’t been in before but there had to be more to it than that. The young agent glanced at the three men crouched near him. Ezra’s face was blank. Josiah and Nathan, however, looked almost relaxed and yet, there was a tenseness about their eyes. ‘Vin’, the boy realized. His experienced friends were worried about Vin. Not about him being left behind to cover the other’s retreat, but about how he was going to handle his first time under fire since his return from Katinda... since the partial return of his memory.

“STEP THREE.” The two words echoed in the ears of the men. It was time for them to join their leader on the other side of the fence.

Seconds later, J.D. had landed inside the compound. He glanced instinctively from side to side. It was then he chanced to see a fleeting look exchanged between two of his friends. Larabee and Tanner’s eyes brushed. The single look relayed one thousand messages. The wordless conversation had been brief, both returning immediately to their visual surveillance. It was their job to ensure the safety of the rest of the team as they entered the complex.

As the last two men vaulted the wall and landed silently in a crouch, their Colonel's signal came via the intricate head set. Each man knew exactly where to go and what to do. They had been over it a hundred times on the chopper, so many times, that J.D. felt he could perform any one of his companions’ jobs as well!

STEP FOUR... the clock was ticking. J.D. moved quickly off to the right. He had only just enough time to get to the cliffs, unpack the gear, prepare the ropes, and abseil down to the boat before the first group would arrive ready to retreat. In many ways, his was the most important task for no matter what else happened, the team had to be able to withdraw safely.

Reaching the protection of a shadow, J.D. risked a look behind and caught sight of his team mates melting away. He had joined the CIA for the thrill and excitement. The youth grinned despite the nervous adrenaline zapping around his system. ‘Maybe this is just a little more excitement than I bargained on.’

Nathan and Ezra moved low to the ground as they circled around to the main building. As the pair rounded the outside of one of the sheds, they gasped.

“Colonel, there are a hell of a lot more than two dozen guards,“ Nathan reported quietly. Grouped together in the main courtyard was a squad of twenty men. Vin had already taken out at least ten and there was no telling how many were lurking around or in the buildings.

“I see them ‘Three‘. I’ll let everyone know. Focus on your objective.“

The healer glanced at his partner. “I guess we go around.“ Ezra nodded and led the way to the right. When the pair reached the back entrance of the building they found an obstacle they hadn’t counted on - five guards. They had estimated one, two at the most.

“Do we try to take them?“ Ezra whispered.

Nathan thought about it and finally shook his head. “We can’t afford to attract any attention.“

“So we wait?“

“When the others attack, these guys should take off."

Ezra nodded, but noted the unfamiliar twang of concern in his companion’s voice. All up, the Colonel had given them fifteen minutes to find the family, take out the cameras and get to the pick up point. Fifteen minutes from the time they vaulted the fence. Fifteen minutes, because that was how long after Josiah set the first charge that it would go off... and Josiah would have set the first charge by now. The explosive expert had estimated that it would take him about five minutes to plant all of the explosive devices, three minutes to locate and commandeer the warhead and then two to get back into position. Only then would the others attack. Now Nathan and Ezra had to wait for this attack which would happen only five short minutes before the first explosion. In other words, Nathan and Ezra were going to have five minutes to find the family, take out the cameras and get to the drop point. Ezra had thought that fifteen minutes was cutting it fine, but five! 'Impossible' was a word that popped into the Gambler’s mind, but he knew impossible was not a word in his Colonel’s vocabulary. If five minutes was all they had, then five minutes is what they would achieve their objective in.

**********

Josiah pressed himself back further into the crevice of the building. The two guards came closer. The big sergeant held his breath. To be discovered now would be disastrous. The enemy guards were no more than ten feet from him. Perhaps another may have panicked, but Josiah Sanchez was a professional. A very experienced solider who had been in positions like this numerous times in the past. Sanchez fingered the knife in his hand. He couldn’t use a gun. The sound would alert the whole compound to his presence.

Sanchez inwardly cursed the source of the team’s information. ‘Two dozen guards! More like three dozen!‘ The sentries moved closer, talking quietly amongst themselves. Josiah lifted his arm, ready to attack if he had to. One of the men paused, glanced around, but continued without comment. Josiah did not sigh relief as the men disappeared, he simply went back to work. His squad was waiting on him. Chris and Vin would not spring into action until he completed his task.

The huge man planted the final device and primed it with a flick of a switch. “One, devices set, I’m going for the warhead”.

“Understood,” came Larabee’s emotionless voice in the sergeant’s ears.

Josiah skirted to the left and headed for one of the smaller sheds. According to the FBI’s inside man, the warhead was being stored there. Sanchez eyed the guard on the door. Soundlessly, he approached the other man. The huge soldier’s arm encircled the sentry’s throat. Sanchez pinched the nerve at the base of the other’s neck and the guard slumped in his arms. Josiah dragged the unconscious man back into the bushes and then crept into the shed. The warhead was lying on the table just as he had been told it would be. Josiah reached down into the tool pouch that was part of the webbing he wore. In moments, the veteran soldier had the top of the warhead open, the vital components removed and the device looking as though it had never been touched.

“One, objective achieved. I’m on my way.”

**********

"Four is back in position," Larabee informed his team over the radio. Then he changed frequencies to one that was a specific line of communication to Vin.

"Two, you ready?"

There was a pause. Larabee felt his heart leap into his throat. The Colonel had seen Vin sitting alone on the chopper. He had seen the memories and turmoil in the young man’s face. 'Come on, Vin. Don't fall apart now.' "Two?" Still no reply. Panic invaded the Colonel’s being. If Vin seized up, the entire plan was shot to pieces. The lives of everyone would be endangered.

"Damn it, Vin, respond!" Chris’ heart pounded. He hadn’t even contemplated leaving the sharpshooter behind. His best friend had appeared so together. Had he made a dreadful mistake in bringing the Lieutenant? For the first time, Chris considered that Vin might not be ready to tackle full scale battle yet. Hell, there was no telling what was going through the young man’s mind... what horrific memories may have been jolted lose now that he found himself in a situation that mirrored several from Katinda.

“Two, are you ready?" What if Vin had been captured? What if he had already engaged the enemy and was hurt?! What if... “Vin, report!!"

“One, Two has just signalled me. He's having trouble with his radio," Josiah informed his Colonel calmly. "He's picking me up clearly but can’t get you." Larabee swallowed, relief washing over him. The team were under orders to keep all channels closed except the one to their colonel... unless in an extreme emergency. Vin had clearly taken that option when he suspected that his radio was playing up.

"Is he ready?" A pause as Josiah relayed the message.

"Let‘s get this over with, Cowboy." Though the young man could not pick up his Colonel , Chris could hear his sharpshooter. Vin sounded confident. He sounded serious. He sounded just as Larabee would expect him to sound at this point of a mission. ‘Thank, God.‘ However, the malfunctioning radio was going to be a problem. “Josiah, tell Vin to meet you in your position and see what you can do with his headset.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Larabee opened all channels. “Boys, we‘re going to have a minor delay.”

**********

Nathan glanced at Ezra. “We can’t afford to wait then.”

“One, we have five guards on the back door. We’re gonna take them.”

“Understood, Three. Just do it quietly and don‘t attract any attention.”

“So how do you want to do this?” Ezra asked.

“We could use Vin’s tranquilliser gun right about now.”

“We could use holiday in the Bahamas too. I say we use the direct approach.”

“The direct approach?” Nathan asked. Ezra flashed his partner a smile that left the medic shaking his head apprehensively.

**********

"Colonel, talk to me,“ Vin requested, attempting to establish contact with his Colonel.

“I was thinking we might go out to Four Corners after the mission and ride to the outer perimetre,” Chris stated.

Vin grinned. “Now that sounds real good to me, Cowboy.”

“Well done, Four.” The radio was fixed and it was time to go to work. “Okay Two, you ready?”

“Let’s do it!“

“There are a lot more soldiers than we expected.”

“Noted.“

Good luck, Vin. “Move out!!"

Vin attacked with such speed and force that even his companions would have sworn there must have been at least a dozen. The enemy were left standing flat footed after the first wave. However, the guards recovered quickly and were ready for any second assault. Without a moment’s hesitation, Chris and Josiah merged with the stream of enemy guards that were racing outside in response to the alarm bells. The pair had to ensure that Vin stayed alive to keep the guards occupied. Protecting the life of a person being targeted by well over 25 angry people wasn’t easy, but Josiah and Chris had done it successfully in the past. They would again today, at least, until the second explosion. That was the signal for them to retreat... and then Vin was on his own.

**********

Josiah spotted a number of guards firing in a single direction. The group had to be firing at Vin. Concealing himself behind a tree, the explosive expert opened fire on the group. Several dropped to the ground heavily while the rest raced for cover and redirected their assault. Josiah ran from behind the tree and joined the group. Because he was dressed like Lopez’s troops, the guards believed he was one of them. His cover was perfect. The other soldiers began to fire in the direction of the tree, Josiah standing and firing with them at the non-existent enemy. Vin was safe for the moment.

**********

Nathan and Ezra had made their way to the second floor. They had eliminated the five guards using Ezra’s ‘direct approach’.

Without warning, Ezra stepped out from behind the bushes and walked up to the five men, yelling back to Nathan. “Well, no one has informed me and until I receive orders from Lopez, I am not changing it.”

Nathan shook his head and then followed. The five guards eyed the two men curiously but without any concern. After all, they were in uniform.

“So, have any of you heard about the new ruling?“ Ezra asked the group, stopping in front of them.

“What new ruling?“

“This one!“ Ezra stated, snapping his rifle up. “Drop your weapons.“

“There are five of us!“

“Then I suggest you discuss among yourselves, which of you is to die,“ the Gambler pointed out, withdrawing a grenade and pulling the pin. The guards shed their weapons quickly. “Okay, back up.“ The group were tied and crammed into a cupboard.

Nathan led the way along the corridor, an expensive infrared device out in front of him. Ezra covered his friend’s back. “We’ve got two people in there.”

Ezra moved up beside his companion. “But we don’t know if it is the diplomat?”

Nathan shrugged. The two of them had discussed what to do when they reached this point. There were two possibilities. Either the figures were guards or the hostages they were looking for. Thus, the Em7 agents could break the door down and go in with guns drawn or they could pick the lock and knock. The two men looked at each other.

“Pick the lock,” Nathan decided. He moved back to keep watch while Ezra stepped up to the door and listened. Standish could hear nothing. He knelt down and began to apply some of the skills he had learned in his last occupation.

“Come on, come on,” Nathan urged, glancing at his watch. By his calculations, they had four minutes until the first explosion.

“We’re in,“ Ezra stated. He held is finger to his lips, placed his ear to the door and listened intently. Still nothing. The only sounds were coming from outside... the sounds of men yelling and guns firing. Absolute chaos. Very reassuring. Evidence that the rest of the squad was doing their job to perfection.

Rising to his feet, Ezra knocked and then waited. Nathan moved to his side. Both raised their guns ready. Ezra knocked again.

"Who is it?" came the muffled and very uncertain reply. Without a sound, Ezra eased the door open. Nathan leapt in and covered the right side of the room with his revolver. There was a woman sitting on the end of a double bed. Nathan recognized her from the photos the FBI had sent over. She was the diplomat’s wife. The young female was trembling, her large slender hands covering her mouth. Glancing over his shoulder, Nathan could see his partner covering the rest of the room. It was empty. Quickly, Ezra closed the door.

"It's alright. We have been sent to get you out of here."

The diplomat’s strong features tightened and his eyes became moist. He nodded, too proud to say thank you. "My children are in another room. I do not know where." Nathan and Ezra exchanged a brief look and then dropped their eyes down to the impatient watches on their arms that ticked on mercilessly.

"Children?" Ezra asked. “We were told you had one.”

“No, five.”

They had not counted on this. “Haven’t you ever heard of the contraceptive pill?“ Ezra muttered.

"We'll find your kids,” Nathan assured the hostages. “You stay here."

"No," Ezra disagreed. "One of us will have to get them to the pick up point."

"Where is this pick up point?" The diplomat’s voice was deep and strong. "Tell us and we will go there ourselves and wait for you."

“Ezra?“ Nathan asked.

“Alright.“ After reporting in to the Colonel and having his plan approved, Ezra sent the Diplomat and his wife to wait for Buck while Nathan set off to locate the five children and he went to take care of the security system.

**********

J.D. flipped open his computer and started preparing to jam the enemy’s communications. The youth felt isolated from his companions. He had set up the abseiling ropes and abseiled to the boat as instructed. The grenade launcher was loaded and ready.

“Wings?” the youth asked, tapping into his best friend’s signal.

“Yeah, Kid.”

There was a long pause. “Nothing.”

Buck grinned. J.D. was nervous. “Relax, J.D. Everything is going to plan. I’m about three minutes out.”

“Good luck, Wings.”

“I copy that, Six. Out.”

**********

Absolute chaos had erupted throughout the compound. Men were running in every direction, people shouting, troops diving for cover. The result of at least twenty intruders dressed in black. Twenty? No, one backed by two men undercover.

Josiah sprayed bullets into a large group of enemy troops that were all firing in one direction. The huge man found it impossible to tell where Vin was. The sharpshooter hit and disappeared without a trace. A phantom, but then, that was why he had always handled this role in the past.

The blind confusion that had been evident in the first few minutes of the operation was beginning to be brought under control as Lopez’s troops regrouped. The Colonel had been right in predicting that they would only be able to hold off the guards for a maximum of twenty minutes. Already, the trio was showing signs of being stretched to their very limits.

Up on the roof of one of the large sheds, Chris paused briefly to catch his breath and to listen. There was mild gunfire to his left. That must be where one of his partners was. Larabee estimated that the first explosion and thus the landing of the chopper were due in approximately two minutes. Two minutes and their objective would be fulfilled. It was just a matter of following the precise retreat plan he and Vin and designed.

Chris started to make his way across the roof. Noise behind him. Spinning quickly, the well-trained soldier’s finger began to depress the trigger.

Larabee’s approaching enemy threw down his rifle and lifted his hands above his head. “Don't shoot! Please! My name’s Bradley Sloane. I'm with the F.B.I. You've got to get me out of here. Please!" Chris stared for only half a second. "Two, did you read that?"

"I copy that, One.”

“I’ll take him to the eastern wall. He'll have to get to the pickup point himself. He can fly out with the Diplomat."

“Understood.”

"Come on," Larabee shouted at the man. Sloane stepped forward, leaving his rifle where it had fallen. "I wouldn't leave that behind. We need all the help we can get. I thought you said there were only two dozen guards!"

“A bus load of Belsador soldier’s arrived this morning. I informed my superiors when they arrived.”

A growl rumbled in the back of Larabee’s throat. Someone would pay for the screw up.

Moving swiftly along the roof, the Colonel headed toward his destination. Unfortunately, the FBI agent was not as agile and was having difficulty keeping up.

"Wait, please! You're going too fast!"

Chris didn't have any time to waste. The longer he was out of sight, the more pressure was put on Josiah and Vin. He could not be out of the line of fire for long.

There was a clatter behind Em7‘s leader. Turning, Chris watched as Sloane lost his footing on the dew wet guttering. The man tumbled over the edge. With speed and agility fuelled by adrenaline and training, Larabee threw himself backward. His right hand clamped around Sloane’s arm. The Colonel’s right limb slammed into the side of the building. Gunfire from below! Pain! A burning sting zapped up to Chris’ shoulder as a bullet tore through the muscle in his upper arm. Immediately, Larabee grabbed the agent with his left hand and pulled the other back up onto the roof. Bullets peppered them from three directions. For a split second, Chris stared at the arm hanging at his side. He couldn’t feel his fingers. Blood was slowly oozing from the wound. Larabee reached into his webbing and withdrew a bandage. Without fuss, he tightly wrapped it around the injury, effectively slowing the blood flow.

“One?” Vin asked, his voice cracking with concern. Something in the pit of the sharpshooter’s stomach told him something was wrong. A feeling. There was no acceptable explanation for the sensation. Vin had long ago simply accepted that he and his best friend had a connection and right now, that connection was telling him that something was amiss.

"Two, right arm out of action," Larabee replied calmly, crawling along the roof to avoid the assault from below. He wasn’t surprised to hear Vin’s concerned voice in his ears.

"You losing blood?"

"Not a lot. Arm’s useless, though." Chris was able to shoot with both hands so there was no real problem there. All he had to do was ignore the pain. He couldn’t allow it to interrupt his concentration.

Vin swore. Chris was hurt. Not badly by the sound of it, but any injury was potentially fatal under fire. “You need me to take over?” Vin was asking if Chris wanted him to take over the leadership.

“No, I’m fine.“ Larabee turned to the FBI agent "Come on!"

Sloane stared at him, his mouth open in amazement. "You’ve been shot. You need a doctor. How are you going to continue?" This, Chris had no intention of answering. He was already leading the way to the eastern wall. There he could get rid of this excess baggage. Josiah and Vin had been out there alone for almost two minutes. They could not continue to hold the enemy without something giving and that something could be one of their lives.

---

Part Two

**********

Vin cursed again, his minding filling with concern for his best friend. For the split second his concentration was broken, he found he had become trapped. He was heading into a thin corridor between two buildings - a bottle neck. There were troops right on his tail and he could hear a number coming toward him.

"Shit!" he cursed. His thoughts were not of being captured or of dying, but of his partners. If he were taken down, his team would have to handle the rest of the guards alone.

“Four?”

“Got my hands full, Two.”

“One?”

“At the eastern wall, Two.”

Tanner cursed. There was no one to intercept either group of enemy troops for him. Lopez’s men had him caught in the middle. Vin’s mind raced in a vacuum. There was nowhere to go but up, and if he did that, the guards would easily pick him off before he reached the roof. He was trapped!

**********

Ezra sat down at the control panel and allowed his fingers to dance across the keyboard. He didn’t have time to take out the security system, but J.D. did.

“Time to use the emergency clause in my contract,“ the Gambler muttered as he flicked his headset so that he had a line to the team’s technology expert. “Six, do you read me?“

“Loud and clear, Five.“

“I’m opening up the computer lock on the security system. Can you handle it?“

“As Vin would say, ‘like lickin’ butter off a knife‘. Just hang on, I’m dialling in to you now.“

As he waited, Ezra became aware of the lack of gunfire. There was no shooting. Larabee had said that as long as there was gunfire, they would know Vin was alive and well. The silence from outside sent Ezra to his feet.

“Six, I have to go.”

“It’s alright, I’m in.”

Instinctively, Ezra knew something was badly wrong. The gambler raced out of the building. He heard yelling to his right. Turning, he saw disaster. Vin was trapped! The enemy guards were just about upon him. In about five seconds, the Lieutenant would be in range and caught between the two groups.

Vin stopped running. He stood ready. If he was about to die, then by God he was going to take as many of these bastards with him as possible. The more he killed, the less his team would have to worry about. There were so many more guards than the FBI had told them there would be!

Tanner heard someone approaching on his left. He only caught a glimpse of what looked like a blur as he turned himself and opened fire on the group of four soldiers who had loomed up in front of him. The swift moving blur dived between the outnumbered sharpshooter and the troops advancing behind him. Vin’s savior wiped out the three enemy guards in one movement. As the lieutenant finished cutting down the enemy facing him, he turned to investigate who had protected his back.

Ezra nodded.

Vin grinned. “Thanks, Ez.”

“Any time, my friend. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere else I need to be.”

**********

The final seconds ticked away. The first explosion rocked the compound and achieved the desired effect. Lopez’s troops scattered - all heading for cover. The echoes of the explosion completely masked the sound of Buck’s chopper coming in to land. There was no wind. Larabee had stated there wouldn't be and obviously the elements had taken heed.

The helicopter descended between the buildings. It was a landing that was technically impossible, but Buck did it anyway. To the Captain’s horror, however, he only saw the Diplomat and his wife and some man he couldn‘t identify. There was no sign of the child or the Rescue team that he was supposed to fly out. He could only stay on the ground for sixty seconds.

The FBI agent leapt onto the helicopter only to be met by Buck’s rifle. “Sloane, FBI,“ the man stuttered.

“Sloane/FBI, mean anything to you, Colonel?“ the captain barked into his headset.

“He’s joining you,“ Larabee responded.

Buck lowered his rifle and watched as the Diplomat helped his wife onto the chopper and then waited.

"Colonel, I've got no kid and no Rescue Team," Buck informed his leader. "What do you want me to do?"

"Leave on schedule."

"Yes, Sir." Nathan and Ezra had thirty seconds. Buck knew it would be impossible for the child to abseil down the treacherous cliff face. “Come on, boys. Come on!”

Ten seconds... seven... five... three, two, one.

"Get on!" Buck screamed to the Diplomat.

"But my children!"

"GET ON! I have to get this bird off the ground."

As the man jumped, Buck began to lift off. Out of nowhere, Ezra and Nathan appeared. The pair were sprinting, carrying and dragging the diplomat’s five offspring between them.

Enemy troops appeared, intent on stopping Nathan and Ezra from reaching the chopper. Vin, Josiah and Chris materialized and drove the guards back. Buck spotted his passengers but didn’t put down. He couldn't. He had to get out of there or risk being blown up. Wilmington was experienced enough to ignore everything going on around him. He had to concentrate on his own task. There was only eight inches between the chopper blades and the walls of the buildings. One inch too far either way and he, his chopper and all on board were history. It was Nathan and Ezra's responsibility to get the kids and themselves on board.

As soon as the chopper was clear of the buildings, Buck risked turning to see how many he had in fact picked up. Sloane, the Diplomat, his wife and their five children were all staring back at him. Nathan and Ezra had not made it. Time had beaten them. By the time they had lifted the five children up to the Diplomat, the chopper was out of reach.

As Buck disappeared, Nathan and Ezra were given their orders to retreat. They too would have to escape via the cliffs. When Chris and Josiah arrived, the rescue team would have to be on the boat so that the ropes were free for their mates to use.

As soon as the chopper was safe, Chris, Josiah and Vin scattered. Vin reappeared from nowhere to draw the fire of the enemy guards and then Chris and Josiah once again melted in among the other troops.

There were less of the enemy now, but unfortunately this was working in their favour. The confusion of numbers was no longer an issue and those that were left were the superior soldiers. Lopez’s men were beginning to organize themselves and attack with precision rather than in a haphazard fashion.

The second explosion shattered the air. Again the enemy retreated to safety, but this time, they did not run wildly for cover. The remaining men were professional soldiers.

Neither Chris nor Josiah retreated, despite the fact that it was time for them to head for safety. The explosion may well have signalled their retreat, but it also signalled that one of their own was to be left behind to cover their withdrawal. It was this second part that caused the internal conflict. The enemy were just starting to pull themselves together. Now was the time Vin needed the help of his undercover friends.

Josiah and Chris knew they had to go, but for some reason, their legs were not complying.

"Move out, guys!" Vin ordered. He knew what was going on. “Go on. I’ll draw them away from the cliffs.“

The prompting shocked Josiah and Chris back into action. The two turned and headed for safety, knowing that Vin would protect their retreat. It was impossible to change the plan now. Modifying the strategy without clearly informing every member of the group was far too dangerous. They would have to stick with the original plan.

Chris chanced a look back. There was not one enemy guard even looking in the direction of the retreating men - not one. Vin Tanner knew his job and was performing it flawlessly.

The sound of gunfire echoed in the Colonel’s ears. Every part of him wanted to return and help his mate. Every part of him would have except for the fact that he was responsible for the safe retreat of his entire team. Once he was sure all of the others were safe, then he would be in a position to revise things.

The Sergeant and Colonel reached the cliffs without retaliation of any kind. Chris ordered Josiah to start the climb to safety. He would remain at the top himself to ensure that Sanchez made it.

“You go, Chris,“ Josiah insisted, noting his Colonel’s bleeding arm. None of the other men knew Larabee had been injured. Such information had been deemed unnecessary. The only person who needed to know was the team‘s second in command and Vin well and truly knew his best friend was injured.

“Don’t argue, just go,” Larabee snapped. In that moment, Josiah realized that Chris had no intention of leaving Vin up there on his own. The Colonel planned to go back. The preacher could see it in Larabee’s eyes. There had been so many more guards than they had anticipated. Normally Chris wouldn’t dream of altering a plan in the middle of a mission, but this was different.

“Let me go,” Josiah pleaded.

“Go!” It was an order and Josiah knew better than to defy his Colonel.

Larabee glanced back toward the chaos. Vin was fighting to ensure that everyone else got out safely. The team had not expected the volume of soldiers. If they’d known the numbers, Chris would never have left his Lieutenant alone. Time to remedy that situation.

"Is there any need for me to come and pick up any wounded?" Buck asked over the radio.

"No," Chris replied. “Everyone is safe."

“Good. I’ve taken a hit in the fuel line. It’s going to take me a few minutes to nail it down.”

“Well, hurry up! Two is going to be retreating in a couple of minutes and he needs you to cover him.”

“I copy that, Colonel.”

Chris turned and started to jog back toward the skirmish. He could hear every shot, pant, every grunt of pain his Lieutenant were making. It was not easy being away from the action. Sitting twiddling his thumbs as it were. That was about to change. Larabee reached the main compound and blended in with the troops again.

Vin would begin to show signs of tiring soon. The young man could not possibly continue the pace he was being forced to maintain.

On the boat, the rest of the men waited. Their waiting was rewarded by the distant sound of the third explosion. For one relieved second they thought this was their mate’s signal to retreat. All too quickly they remembered that it was simply to mark that Josiah and Chris should be aboard the boat. It was the fourth explosion that sounded retreat for Vin... and that was a further four minutes away. The men could feel their chests tightening. Now was the time that Vin might falter. He was tired, but more to the point, he knew his team was safe. If he relaxed, it could very well be the last thing he ever did.

“Josiah?” Ezra demanded when the sergeant arrived. “Where’s Larabee?”

“He went back,” the big man informed the others. No one was surprised. Someone needed to. “He‘s been hit. I offered to go but...”

“Damn him!” Nathan grumbled.

“Does Vin know Chris is on his way back?”

**********

“Dammit, Larabee, what the hell do you think you’re doing?!” Vin had spotted his Colonel on the opposite side of the courtyard. It was his partner’s movements that allowed the sharpshooter to identify him.

“Plan‘s revised due to the number of guards!”

“You’re hurt. Get your ass to the cliffs!” Tanner cried. He was on the move, drawing a small group of guards back toward the main house.

“Focus on your objective.”

One simple mistake, a slip, a jammed chamber on their rifle, a second’s loss of concentration and there would be no second chance. Larabee took cover beside a pair of soldiers. Vin appeared. Chris pivoted and took the men down. "Josiah has made it safely to the boat. Wings will not be making the wounded pick-up," Larabee informed his Lieutenant.

“How are you going to abseil down the cliff with only one arm!" Vin demanded.

“Focus on your objective!“

“My objective is to cover your retreat, you stubborn bastard.”

“We’ll go together. There are a lot more guards then we anticipated. The plan needed revising.” Vin considered his Colonel’s words and decided he agreed with the sentiment, but not the choice of person.

“You should have sent one of the others. You’re hurt!”

There was no time for further discussion - the fourth explosion ripped through the night - time for the final two members of Em7 to retreat.

They knew Buck was on his way to provide cover for them once they reached the open space between the buildings and the edge of the cliff. This, and the period of time they were abseiling down to the boat, would be when they were most vulnerable.

As Chris and Vin burst free of the safety provided by the buildings, a chopper loomed ahead of them. It swooped over their heads and sent four spurts of gunfire at the emerging guards. Many ducked for cover - some did not. These men had experience and knew that the chopper, once it had made its pass, would take several seconds to circle back around for its second attack. These soldiers regained their feet quickly and resumed firing at the fleeing figures ahead.

As Buck circled for his second attack, Vin’s voice exploded over the radio. “Wings, pull up!!" Without question, the pilot pulled out of his dive.

“What?“ Off to the right he spotted it. A rocket launcher! Somehow Vin had seen it as he had briefly turned to return fire.

"Get out of here, Wings. They'll blow you out of the sky," Larabee ordered.

Buck paused. If he pulled out, Vin and Chris were on their own. They could not climb down the side of the cliff without someone to cover them. Buck knew what their future held if he left them. They would run until they were backed up against the cliff and then they’d return fire until they ran out of ammunition. Ultimately, they would either be captured or killed.

"NO! I'm making a second pass!"

"Retreat, Wings!" Larabee barked. Buck’s instinct was to automatically follow his leader’s instructions. Following Larabee’s orders had saved his life more times than he cared to think about.

“But Colonel...“ A rocket was launched at the chopper. It exploded only feet from Em7 craft. The concussion from the blast rocked the small military helicopter.

“Buck, get out of here!“

Reluctantly, Wings sent his vehicle arcing to the right. Frustrated, angry and more than anything else, fearing for the safety of his mates, Buck headed back to base. “Good luck, pards.”

Vin watched the helicopter leave. The young man reflected on what it meant. He and Chris were going to have to abseil to the boat with only the cover given by the grenade launcher. Normally, it would be enough because they would be able to return fire themselves as the descended. Unfortunately, Chris was hurt and would not be able to do so.

"Vin, when we get to the cliff, you start down!"

"Like hell. We stay and fight together!"

"That was an order, Lieutenant."

"You can stick your order up your ass. I'm not leaving you."

"YES YOU ARE!"“ The two men were still running and firing at the enemy behind them. They both knew that neither would leave the other.

“Chris, we both go or neither of us go.“

“Agreed.“

“With that arm, you aren‘t going to be able to hold a rifle and abseil. You go first. I‘ll be right behind you. I’ll give you a few minutes head start.“

“Vin...“

“At least I can hold my rifle and pepper them as I go down. ”

“Vin...”

“You haven‘t got a choice, Colonel. You‘re wounded. That puts me in charge. Don‘t make me pull rank."

Larabee’s face descended into hell. It was one of the rules they had made to ensure the team’s survival. If Chris was wounded, Vin had the authority to take over if he felt it necessary.

The pair arrived at the ropes well ahead of the enemy troops. Tanner reached for his Colonel’s arm. I’ll be all right. I’ll get down to the boat, one way or another.

Larabee glared at the younger man annoyed by the situation he found himself in. The Colonel’s injured arm would slow his climb to safety. He would have no way of defending himself without his rifle. Chris would be a sitting duck as he made his way down to the boat. Vin, on the other hand, could still cover himself with a gun.

Consumed with anger and concern and knowing that Vin would not start down until he knew his Colonel was safely aboard the boat, Larabee handed his rifle to his partner and edged over the cliff.

Vin darted away from the verge and took cover behind a boulder about ten feet away. Chris would need twice as long as usual to get to the bottom with his injured arm. The Lieutenant only prayed he had enough ammunition to hold off the soldiers. After that... well, he had an idea, but he would worry about that when the time came. Now his priority was to ensure that his partner reached the boat.

For a split second, Tanner considered the rage in his Colonel’s face as they had glared at each other only moments before. Vin put himself in Larabee’s place. If the roles had been reversed - if Chris had stayed to face the onslaught while he climbed to safety... Vin smiled. If by chance he got out of this, Chris was really going to have a piece of him. Had the tables been turned and they got out of it, he sure as hell would have taken his best friend apart piece by piece.

**********

On board the boat, all eyes were directed skyward waiting for sign of their mates. They had seen Buck's chopper retreat abruptly but they could see no explanation why or, for that matter, any idea of what was going on above. All they knew was that Vin and Chris were still up there somewhere and they had no one to cover them.

J.D., Ezra, Nathan and Josiah listened to the intermittent gunfire. They sensed their mates were in grave trouble. Plagued with helplessness, the group of four began to pace. Each had realized there was nothing they could do but wait and listen.

“They haven’t got a hope,“ Josiah murmured.

“There’s got to be something we can do!“

“Like what?“

“We can’t just sit here and wait for Vin and Chris to be gunned down!”

“Wait a minute!” Josiah shouted to the group, spotting movement at the top of the ropes.

"Here they come!"

“Fire the grenade launcher.”

“No, wait! There’s only one!”

"What?" J.D. screamed frantically.

"Which one is it?"

"It‘s Chris,“ Ezra announced leaping from the boat.

"Oh my God." The men’s racing minds filled with only one question - ‘What had happened to Vin?’

"Chris’ hurt!"

The four men watched with concern and confusion as their Colonel awkwardly made his way down.

"It's his arm," Nathan started, leaping out of the boat and moving to stand at the base of the cliff beside Ezra.

“But where’s Vin?“

Abruptly, there was an explosion of gunfire above. The waiting group froze. Now they understood what was happening. Vin was up there alone. He had taken on the enemy to protect his partner. The horror of the situation paralyzed the soldiers as they continued to stare up at where Vin must be... single-handedly facing the enemy to cover his mate’s retreat.

As Larabee reached the bottom, they heard him yell into his headset. "I’m down, Two!" Chris pushed passed Nathan who attempted to give first aid. The Colonel leapt onto the boat. "Josiah, take us out!"

“What?!” Was Chris ordering them to leave without Vin?!

"Get us out of his way!"

“Out of his way?! What do you mean?!” J.D. shrieked.

Josiah forced the throttle forward. The boat leapt away from the bank. Larabee’s eyes had not moved from the point at the top of the cliffs where the gunfire was emanating. As long as there was gunfire, he knew Vin was okay.

"Bring the boat around! Now, Vin! NOW!!!" Chris screamed.

Suddenly, the other members of the squad realized what was about to happen. Their eyes snapped up to join Larabee‘s.

"Get ready..." Chris breathed.

“He’s not going to...” Vin shot out into the air above them. Sixteen storeys above the water and Vin Tanner had jumped. For a split second, he seemed to be suspended and then the sharpshooter plummeted.

As Vin hit the water, so did Ezra, Josiah and J.D. Chris grabbed the grenade launcher and attempted to fire it with one hand. The enemy troops had appeared above and were beginning to shower the men with bullets. Nathan thrust his Colonel out of the way and took over.

Three launches sent the enemy guards retreating with haste. Chris rushed to the side of the boat. Anxious seconds passed. One by one J.D., Ezra and Josiah resurfaced - without Vin.

Larabee stared wildly into the murky depths "Vin," he murmured, his eyes darting over the surface of the water for signs of movement. The dark uninviting water remained still. Ezra, Josiah and J.D. dived again.

Ezra resurfaced. J.D. followed. Complete silence engulfed the group, broken only by the sound of Ezra and J.D. gulping in air.

Panic seized the usually calm Colonel without warning. Frantically he stepped forward. "Vin!“

It was evident he was about dive in after his missing friend, and would have but for Nathan grabbing him firmly. "No, mate. You won't be any good to him."

Just as the pair in the water prepared to dive back into the icy depths, Josiah burst the surface with Vin firmly in his grasp. As soon as the two broke the water, Vin began coughing violently. This was welcomed by cheers and sighs of relief from those both on the boat and in the water. The barking advertised that their mate was indeed alive and still breathing.

Seconds later, Vin was lifted up onto the boat by Josiah and Nathan, propped up in a seat and wrapped in a blanket. His face was pale and his lips blue from the chilled water, but he was alive. Chris knelt in front of him and watched as Nathan tried to ease the young man’s violent efforts to force water from his lungs.

“Easy, Vin. Try to breath slowly,” the medic ordered.

Josiah sent the boat speeding away toward their rendezvous with the Buck.

Gradually, Vin‘s breathing came under control.

“Okay?” Chris asked, placing his hand on his pale friend’s shoulder.

“Yeah,” Vin shuddered. “Your arm?”

“Got a hole in it.”

“Vin?”

“I’m fine, Nathan. Chris’ arm... is bleeding.“

“Yeah, I know. Alright, get out of those wet clothes before you go hypothermic on me. That goes for the three of you as well. Sit down, Chris and let me take a look at your arm,” Nathan ordered, turning his attentions to Larabee. His Colonel was in considerable pain, but the wound was clean. “Ezra, as soon as you’re dressed, I could use a hand here.“

“Of course, Mr. Jackson.” Ezra stepped up behind Nathan already in dry fatigues. Chris had ordered the men to stow a change of clothes on board the hired boat. Clearly, the Colonel had anticipated the likelihood of the group ending up in the water. In these temperatures, being wet was a threat to their survival and Larabee always planned every mission to cover all alternatives and to counteract all dangers to his men’s survival.

“Hell, the moon’s low tonight, J.D.!” Josiah laughed.

The youth ripped his pants up. “Shut up, Josiah.”

The preacher reached for the radio. “How you doin’ up there, Wings?”

“Josiah, are Vin and Chris...?”

“On board and safe.” Sanchez heard a barely audible ‘Thank, Christ’ muttered. “Vin did a swan dive from the top of the cliff and J.D.’s running around on the boat butt naked.”

“I am not! Give me that radio!”

Josiah handed the receiver to his young companion.

At the other end of the boat, Vin was shivering so violently that he was unable to hold the blanket around himself. His hands were numb. He continued to fumble with the cord on his duffle bag. His fingers just couldn’t negotiate the knot.

“Hey, Buck,” J.D. chirped happily.

“So why are you running around on the boat naked, J.D.? It must be freezing down there.”

“It is.”

“So why you...”

“I ain’t. Hell, Buck you should have seen it. Vin jumped over the edge and Ezra, Josiah and I had to jump in after him. Josiah pulled him out half drowned.”

“He okay?“ Wilmington’s voice was shadowed with concern.

“He’s doing fine, Buck,“ Josiah called over J.D.‘s shoulder. “That’s when J.D. started dancing around the deck without any clothes on.”

“Hell, why is it I miss all the fun?!” Buck laughed. “You really should remember to put camouflage paint on your butt, Kid. Otherwise people will see it for miles in the middle of the night.”

“Shut up, Buck.”

Vin dropped the bag for the fourth time. His chest was starting to ach and his head was swimming. The wind was lashing his wet, freezing body mercilessly. He needed to get into something dry.

“JJJosiah. CCCould yyyou uundo... my... bbbag?”

“J.D., take the controls,” the preacher ordered briskly. “Come on, Vin. Let’s get you out of those clothes.”

“Hhhope that ain’t... sssome sort of... ppproposition,” Tanner stuttered. “Ssshit, it’s cccold.”

“What the hell do you expect, jumping off a cliff in the middle of the night?!”

“Yeah, bbbut wwwhat a rrrusssh!”

Josiah paused and grinned at his young companion. “You’re a mad bastard.”

“Have ttto bbbe to hanggg arrrround... with yyyou lllot.” Vin shuddered fiercely as his body desperately tried to warm itself. Flying along at top speed over the water was not helping.

“J.D., slow down,” the sergeant ordered ripping Vin‘s shirt off.

“Isn’t he changed yet?!” Nathan called across to Josiah. “Get him out of them wet clothes! I got me enough to do without him going hypothermic on me.”

“Fantastic bedside manner you got, Nathan,” Josiah chuckled.

“JJJust hand mmme my ssstuff. I... cccan... dddress... mmmy... sssself. Bbbeen... dddoin’ it... ffffor... yyyearsss.” Vin tried to snatch his clothes from Josiah but his hands were trembling so badly that he couldn’t even grip the cloth. “On.. sssecond thoughtsss... I ggguess... I... cccould ussse... a hhhand.”

“You okay, brother?” Josiah didn’t like the sound of his friend’s shuddering voice. The Preacher reached for a torch from his webbing and shone it in Vin’s face. His young companion was going blue.

Vin swallowed. He understood his body well enough to know it was shutting down. He was going into shock.

“Nathan!” Josiah shouted. “We’ve got a problem over here.”

“Ezra, I’ve stopped the bleeding. The bullet only grazed his arm, but it’s a deep graze that bit into the muscle. He’s going to need several stitches. Just keep your hand there until I get back.”

“Vin?” Chris called, attempting to rise.

“Mr. Larabee, stay put. It is difficult enough trying to maintain my balance on this primitive craft without having to follow you around with my hand attached to your arm.”

Nathan stepped up to Vin. “Relax, Vin. Once we get you dry, you’ll be fine.”

“Nathan, how is he?!” Larabee demanded.

“Outside of a little shock, several scrapes and bruises received during the battle, and the onset of hypothermia, he’s fine. Ezra, how’s Chris’ arm?”

“Exactly as you left it.”

“I won‘t be a minute. Just have to get Vin warmed up. Josiah, help me get him dressed.” Nathan paused and examined Vin with a critical eye. “Soon as we get to the plane we‘ll get some hot coffee into you.”

In seconds, Vin had been reclothed. “Josiah, put your arm around him and help to warm him up.” Nathan crouched in front of Vin, his brow furrowed with thought. “I really should lay you down and get your feet up. You‘re suffering from a bit of shock.“

“III’m ookay.

“You aren’t feelin’ sleepy are you?”

“Nno, I’m okayy, Nathan. Ffeelin’ warmer aallready. Get over there... and hhhelp... Chris.”

Larabee was once again staring back at the cliffs. With relief, the Colonel accepted that they weren't being followed. Larabee glanced across at his best friend. Tanner was sitting wrapped in a blanket, with Josiah hugging him like a teddy bear. That thought caused Larabee to grin. Tanner saw the smile appear on his best friend‘s face. Their eyes met.

We did it, Cowboy.

Larabee nodded. “No thanks to the information from the FBI!” Some bastard is going to pay for that.

"Look, here comes Buck,” J.D. yelled to the others happily. Ezra and Josiah began to wave. Nathan continued to stitch his Colonel’s arm without looking up.

Vin flicked his eyes skyward. Slowly Tanner rose to his feet. Why would the pilot be returning? There was no need. "That's not Bbbuck," Vin muttered.

Josiah rushed to the radio set. "May day. May day. Wings, we've got an armed chopper heading straight for us. I repeat, we've got an armed chopper headed our way!"

"I copy that Four. I’m on my way!" The other men had become quiet, watching the unidentified helicopter approach. Like a huge black vulture, the enemy closed in.

"Enemy craft approaching," Larabee yelled to the group over the sound of the engine. "Find cover!"

Find cover! Where?! The chopper dived toward the boat and opened fire. Bullets tore into the vessel as the helicopter swooped over them. The enemy craft lifted up and started to circle for its second pass.

"Keep your heads down!" Josiah bellowed as he made his way to the grenade launcher. "I'm gonna blow that bastard out of the sky!"

"Another chopper, three o'clock!" Ezra cried.

"Is that Buck?" J.D. asked puzzled. He had thought that his friend would be coming from the opposite direction.

"Shit! Wings, we've got another one coming at us. That makes two!"

"Hang in there guys. I’m coming."

The first enemy chopper moved into position for its second pass.

"Here he comes again!" As the helicopter dived, Josiah took aim and fired. The machine exploded into a million pieces, debris raining down on the water around the team like hail. Loud cheering followed, but was cut short as the second chopper swooped over the tiny boat.

Out of nowhere, Buck appeared like a guardian angel.

"Here comes Buck!!" The Em7 pilot wasted no time letting the enemy pilot know he had arrived. Momentarily, the other chopper retreated to get a look at what it as up against.

One by one, the men on the boat got to their feet. It was painfully evident why Buck was considered one of the best pilots in the world. The manoeuvres he pulled off left the enemy pilot reeling and before long, retreating. Seeing this, the rest of the squad cheered jubilantly.

Moments later, the boat was speeding across the water with Buck beside it on the left, a rowdy sentry ensuring that no further aircraft decided to take pot shots at his team. When the group arrived at the dock, they vacated the boat and boarded the helicopter.

Larabee moved to the front of the craft and sat down beside Buck. Reaching for the radio with the left hand because his right arm was in a sling, the colonel sought Travis. “General, our objective has been met. The Diplomat and his family are in the custody of the FBI. The warhead has been put out of commission. The FBI’s inside man is safe and sound and returned to them. All of my men are present and accounted for. No substantial injuries have been sustained. No one identified us. The mission may be deemed a success.”

“Thank you, Colonel. I shall pass on the report to the ‘President.”

“We need to talk about the information given to us by the FBI.”

Travis noted the harsh tone in his friend’s voice. “Oh?”

“I want some bastard’s head over this.”

“I see,” Travis muttered with concern.

“Larabee, out.” Chris turned and glanced back into the fuselage. Ezra, J.D. and Josiah were stowing their gear and Nathan was crouched in front of the sharpshooter who was complaining about being fussed over. “Boys.“ His men stopped and gave their colonel full attention. “Not a bad night‘s work. I‘ll be ‘talking’ to the FBI in the morning.” ‘Talking’ was probably an understatement. Larabee turned to his pilot. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

“Your wish is my command!” Buck boomed, lifting off and heading for the airport where the men would transfer to their plane. Once on board, coffee would be made for all, after which they would break out the beer and debrief. Debriefing was important. The men had to let go of all that they had seen and done. As they debriefed, the adrenalin rush that had sustained them would subside. Once it did, most would sleep, trusting their pilot to get them home safe and sound.

**********

There was silence on board the plane as it cut through the sky homeward. The occupants were not moving. Two hours earlier they had been high on their own adrenalin and the excitement of success.

Nathan had long since completed patching the minor scrapes and bruises his colleagues had sustained.

There were bodies draped everywhere. Larabee wandered up the centre corridor stepping over various obstacles. He glanced at his men and considered what they had done. It had not been as smooth as he would have liked, but after all was said and done, they had achieved their objective.

As the Colonel passed J.D., the youth shivered. Larabee reached for the blanket that had slid off the youth and pulled it up around him. For a split second, the older man was overcome with a feeling he hadn’t felt in three years. He shook it off. J.D. Dunne was young, but he was a man. A man Larabee could and did depend on... and yet, despite all of his expertise and experience, J.D. maintained a certain innocence and it was this that brought out what could only be described as paternal instincts in his leader.

When the team had first met J.D., he had only just lost his mother. The youth had suddenly found himself all alone in the world. Buck had sensed the boy’s pain and had stepped in as surrogate older brother. The two had become close, and yet it was Chris the boy looked to for approval. Larabee’s chest heaved. Adam had always looked to him for approval.

“Chris?” Nathan asked. He had noted that his colonel was standing staring at J.D. “The kid alright?”

“Yeah.” Chris turned and ran his eyes over the plane. Vin, Ezra and J.D. had taken the three pull down stretchers. Nathan was sitting up reading and Josiah was draped over three chairs snoring like a train.

“We’re headed for Four Corners?”

Larabee nodded, his eyes coming to rest on Vin.

Nathan followed his leader’s gaze. “He’s had a lot of emotion stirred up tonight. Probably a lot of memories with them.” That’s what was concerning Em7’s leader. “He did well though,” Nathan commented.

Larabee had to smile. ‘Well’. ‘A good night’s work’. They had saved the lives of thousands. They had faced up against three-dozen soldiers. They had performed a daring rescue... and his men had done ‘well’. There was certainly no chance of Em7 getting swelled heads!

Josiah snorted loudly. His snoring stopped for a split second as he turned over and then erupted again. Both Nathan and Chris grinned. They were so used to the sound that neither usually noticed it any more. Ezra was a different matter altogether. The first time the men had been forced to bed down in close quarters, neither J.D. nor the Gambler were able to go to sleep as a result of the thundering coming from Josiah. ‘I am certain that would have to be considered noise pollution in most civilized countries in the world! No doubt it could be measured on the Rictor scale!’

“How’s Buck?” Nathan asked. While the other men had effectively turned off for the evening, Wilmington was up front and still alert. It was his job to get the team home.

“Could probably use some company,” Chris agreed. Nathan rose to his feet and entered the cockpit.

Larabee sat down in the chair the medic had vacated and reached for the coffee Nathan had left. Vin moved. A grunt. The young man muttered something. Chris watched him with concern. His best friend was dreaming. His memories were surfacing again as Larabee had expected. The S.T.F.1 had performed three missions very similar to the one tonight. No doubt they were being ‘relabelled’ by Vin’s mind at the moment. Thankfully, none of the missions had been particularly horrific, but any memory of the war was not pleasant.

Vin awoke with a start. He glanced around, his eyes stopping when they reached Chris.

“Coffee?”

Vin pulled himself up. “Yeah.”

Chris refrained from asking if everything was okay. He’d only get his head bitten off. “We’re about twenty minutes from home.”

“Four Corners?”

“Yeah. Thought we should take a few days off.”

“Sounds good to me,” Vin agreed reaching for Larabee’s coffee.

Chris smiled. “It’s cold.”

“Why the hell you drinkin’ cold coffee?”

“Coffee? Where’s the coffee?” Josiah demanded rising.

“Did I hear someone say something about making me a cup of coffee?” Ezra asked.

“Looks like it was me,” Vin grumbled, heading for the back to do so.

“He okay?” Josiah whispered as Vin disappeared.

Chris shrugged. “Hasn’t said anything.”

“He did well tonight.”

“We did more than ‘well’, Sergeant Sanchez. We performed our set task with masterful precision and dexterity. Each and every fragment of Colonel Larabee’s strategy was perfectly executed. A skilful operation performed flawlessly by our good selves. I do believe that...”

“How many for coffee?” Vin called.

“Coffee?” Buck boomed from the cockpit. “Someone making coffee?!”

“I will,” J.D. called sitting up.

“Seven for coffee,” Nathan announced.

“As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted. ” Ezra stated indignantly. “I do believe...”

“We taking some time off?” Josiah asked his leader.

“Couple of days.”

“I do believe...”

“When are you going to approach the FBI?” Nathan asked, emerging from the cockpit.

“After I’ve had some time to cool off.”

“I do believe...”

“According to Sloane, he let his superiors know about the extra guards.”

“Well, that’s interesting.”

“I do believe...”

“Incompetence or a conscious decision to withhold the information from us?” Josiah reflected.

“They wouldn’t do that, would they?” J.D. asked.

“I do believe...”

“It wouldn’t be the first time.”

“You’re kidding?!”

“I do believe...”

“Hell, Ezra. Spit it out. You sound like a broken record!” Vin chuckled, handing Larabee and Josiah a mug of coffee.

“I have been attempting to express my opinion, but these rude, ill-mannered heathens keep interrupting me. So if you don’t mind, I do believe...”

“We’re having nice weather for this time of the year,” Josiah stated innocently.

Ezra snorted in exasperation.

“What were you saying, brother?”

Part Three

**********

The man scanned the details of the contract that was on the computer screen in front of him. He was desperate. Five million dollars! That would solve all of his problems. Hewett scrolled through the information. ‘Vin Tanner. Address unknown. Last seen in D.C. Occupation: Member of Em7.’

“Em7. What the hell is that?”

The man scratched his beard as he studied the picture of the young man that was on the right half of his screen.

“You don’t look like you’re worth five million dollars. Still, five million is five million, Sunshine. You’re mine!”

**********

Ezra walked past the open doorway of the study. Strange gurgling sounds coming from the interior attracted his attention. The Gambler stepped into the room. Buck was seated in front of the computer, literally mesmerized by it. All of a sudden, he started typing madly.

Silently, Ezra approached and peered over his absorbed companion’s shoulder. Buck was on some damn chat line again. The man was amazing.

“Mr. Wilmington, I would have thought that you would be sleeping?“

“Can’t. Have to catch up on all the gossip.“

“Oh, please. You are not wasting time and energy investigating an internet relationship, are you?”

“Ezra, don’t annoy me. I’m on five different chats at the moment. It’s wild.”

Ezra shook his head. “You are quickly becoming addicted, my mindless friend.”

“Yes! Yes!!” Buck shouted.

“What? What?”

“Hot Pants has just signed in!”

“Hot Pants?” Ezra inquired in a voice that showed his disapproval.

“Yeah. We’re gettin’ along real nicely, if you get my meanin’.”

“No, I do not.”

“Do I have to spell it out for you, Ezra?”

“Now, just a minute. Have you ever met this person?”

“No. What difference does that make?” Buck asked puzzled.

“What difference... Mr. Wilmington, I am fast becoming concerned about your mental well-being. For goodness sake, get some sleep!” With that, Ezra left the room shaking his head.

**********

Nathan sighed and glanced at the clock once again. It had been almost twenty minutes. The young man cleared his throat. Josiah glanced up and then returned his attention to the board in front of him.

“Don’t rush me, Nathan.”

“Rush you?!”

“Chess is a game of strategy and patience. Let me work out my strategy while you be patient.” Josiah licked his lips and then tentatively picked up his knight and moved it. He kept his fingers on it and then shook his head and returned the piece to its original position. Nathan rolled his eyes. He had forgotten how infuriating it was to play chess with Josiah!

**********

Ezra made his way into the lounge room and settled in one of the chairs. He glanced across at J.D. who was working away on his computer and then over at Josiah and Nathan. “Vin and Chris back?” the Gambler inquired.

“Chris said they’d probably camp out tonight.”

“In this weather?”

Nathan shrugged. Winter had certainly arrived and while it was midday, there was still a coolness about the air. “I’ll bring some wood in later and get a fire started.”

**********

The two men slowed their horses. They had been riding hard for the last quarter of an hour. Neither spoke. They didn’t need to. Vin and Chris enjoyed the silences they were able to share. Words were almost out of place.

Only fifteen minutes after the team’s plane had put down at Four Corner’s, the pair had saddled their mounts and headed out. Both needed to get away.

The countryside around them was green and peaceful. The tranquil atmosphere permeated the two individuals who had been riding for well over two hours. Much of the tension of the mission was now gone.

“Hungry?” Chris asked, bringing his black to a stop.

“Yep.” Vin reined Dingo in beside his best friend.

“You round us up something to eat. I’ll get a fire going.”

“Rabbit okay?”

“Fine.”

Vin dismounted, handed his reins to Chris, withdrew his rifle from his saddle and headed off into a thickly treed area to the pair‘s right.

**********

An entire world away from the serenity of Four Corners was the concrete jungle that constituted the military base where Em7 worked. In the same building that Chris and his men went every day; a highly secret meeting was taking place. The occupants were responsible for the security of the nation. They had been called together by the leaders of the FBI and CIA.

“So we are all agreed?” Wilkins asked the other six men. Five of the men glanced around unconvinced.

One looked more than convinced. “Absolutely. It’s time someone put them in their place,” Harris growled.

“That is not the issue. The issue is seven men with such unlimited power. Larabee doesn’t have to answer to anyone except the President and General Collins. His men have the authority to walk in and take over any of our operations if they decide they want to. Hell, the way things stand at the moment, they could walk in and start giving any one of us orders!”

“But they don’t,” Jasc argued. “What you’re talking about is a technicality. Larabee and his team have proved very efficient. They have never looked at abusing the power given to them.”

“Yet,” Harris pointed out. The head of the CIA did not like Colonel Christopher Larabee. He would love nothing better than to see the self-reliant Colonel have his wings clipped.

“Em6... or Em7 as they are now called, have never even looked like interfering in any of our business,” another of the security chief’s argued.

“But what if they decide they want to?” Harris asked.

“I think we’re playing with fire,” Brewer cautioned.

“Exactly!” Harris exclaimed. “Larabee is...”

“That’s not what I meant. Em7 was set up to deal with situations none of us would like to touch with a ten foot pole.”

“That’s crap!”

“Harris, calm down. Your ‘concern’ about Em7’s constitution is well known and has already been noted.” The head of the FBI turned back to the group of security chiefs. “I must admit I have some issues with Em7 myself. And it is not only their constitution that concerns me. It is the individual men that make up the group.”

“What exactly are you proposing?” Jasc asked.

Harris and Wilkins exchanged a glance and then the head of the FBI outlined their ‘joint’ proposal.

**********

Night descended on Four Corners. There was a raging fire in the hearth that was warming the entire room. J.D. was sitting on the ground in front of the television watching cartoons. Josiah was staring intently at the chessboard . Nathan was watching Josiah staring at the chessboard. Buck had finally gone to bed and Ezra was in the kitchen cooking up a storm.

“That smells good, Ezra,” J.D. called. What is it?”

“Lasagne a la Standish,” the chef called.

“How long until it’ll be ready. I’m starving.”

“You can not rush a masterpiece, my hungry friend.”

“Yeah, but how long?”

“About another fifteen minutes.”

“Josiah, move already!” Nathan cried. His patience had finally come to an end.

J.D. glanced up at the two men. “You’ve been playing all day.”

“I KNOW!”

“J.D., what Nathan doesn’t fully appreciate is the fact that chess is a game of strategy. You cannot rush it. Moves must be carefully planned and all results of a move calculated.”

“Josiah, why does it take me less than a minute to make my move and half an hour for you to make yours?!”

“Brother, you appear stressed. Perhaps you need to...”

Nathan rose to his feet and left the room shaking his head and muttering curses under his breath.

“Does that mean the game is over?” Josiah called after him.

“I’ll play,” J.D. offered, leaping to his feet with exuberance. “If you’ll teach me.”

“You’ve never played chess?”

“Nope.”

Josiah’s face lit up with true satisfaction. He reached out and patted his young apprentice’s shoulder. “Son, you are about to embark on a journey from which there is no turning back.”

“Oh?”

“Watch, listen and learn.”

**********

The moon lifted into the sky. It wasn’t quite full, but cast a welcoming glow over the land below.

Chris leaned forward and stoked the fire. The temperature had dropped dramatically since the sun had disappeared.

“We headin’ back to work tomorrow?” Vin asked. The sharpshooter was leaning up against a rock, a mug of coffee clutched in his hands. The air had become chilled and both men were feeling cold.

“Thought me might take another day off. What do you think?”

“Ain’t got no arguments from me, Cowboy.”

Chris grinned. The word ‘cowboy’ just rolled off Vin’s lips so easily. “One day I’m going to shoot you for that.”

Tanner smiled. “One day, but not today, Cowboy.”

Silence engulfed the pair. A comfortable warm silence. Larabee picked up the coffee pot and reached across to Vin. Tanner shoved his mug under it to have it refilled.

For a long time, neither man spoke. Finally, Chris decided it was time. “How are you doing?” Vin hadn’t said a word about the memories that had been accosting him since the mission.

“Alright.”

Larabee studied his friend. Vin’s face was particularly blank. Damn him. “Vin?”

Tanner sighed. “Bits and pieces, Chris. Nothing in full. Parts of memories.”

“Maybe I can fill in some of the gaps for you.”

“Not sure I want’ em filled in.”

Chris pursed his lips thoughtfully. Was Vin shutting him out or trying to push the memories themselves away? Larabee didn’t understand exactly what his friend was going through, but he knew enough to realize that Vin needed to face the recollections if healing was to occur. “Is it worse to remember or to sit there wondering and worrying about what you’ve forgotten?”

“Dammit, Larabee, you’ve been spending far too much time with the Preacher!”

Chris smiled.

Vin’s face became serious. Larabee waited but there were no questions or admissions or... whatever it was Chris was waiting for his friend to say. Just a haunting silence. Chris studied Vin. He knew there was a lot more than just the mission and memories going on in his sharpshooter’s head. Chris took a deep breath. “You’re not sure about being part of Em7, are you?”

Vin continued to stare into the fire. The question had taken him by surprise but his face remained blank. “What makes you say that?”

“Come on, Vin. You’re not sure that this is what you want to be doing.”

“Are you, Chris? Are you sure that doing this is what you want to be doing? Shooting at people you don’t know just because they believe something different to us. Does that make them wrong and us right? Does that justify what we did last night?”

Chris considered his words carefully. He knew exactly where Vin was. He’d been there himself when he had first returned from Katinda. For Vin, it was like he’d only been back from the war less than a month. Chris could remember the period just after the war. The self-doubt. The endless questions and attempts to justify everything. “It’ll get easier, Vin.”

“You reckon?”

“We all went through it after the war. Give it time. If you need some space away from Em7, just let me know. Take as much time as you need.”

“And if I decide that Em7 isn’t what I want?”

“Do you believe that?”

“I don’t know.“ The first uncomfortable silence since they had left the livery descended on the pair. Vin thought about what Chris had said. “No. You’re right. When we attacked last night, everything felt right. I knew what I was doing. I won’t say it was easy, but it wasn’t hard either. I guess it is what I should be doing.”

Chris was nodding. Vin needed to talk. Voicing his feelings would help.

“It’s strange, I don’t remember what happened in Katinda in those three missions and yet I knew exactly how to react last night because I’d done it all before... but the ‘all’ that I did, I don’t remember. That sound crazy?”

“No. Coming from you that sounds about normal.”

Vin smirked at the older man.

“Tell me what you do remember?”

“Images. Sounds. People, but nothing is joined together.”

“The first mission involved us breaking into a prisoner of war camp,” Larabee prompted.

Instantly, the mental file Vin had stored the mission in snapped opened. Chris noted and recognized the pinching at the side of his friend‘s right eye - a sign that Vin was consciously remembering something long forgotten. “To rescue that German Colonel?” the sharpshooter murmured.

“That’s right.”

“We freed all of the prisoners.”

“Yep.”

“You and I went in first and cleared the way for Nathan and Josiah. Josiah planted the charges. Nathan located the colonel. I kept the guards busy... it was exactly the same.”

“That’s right.”

“I remember,” Vin whispered. It was like he was watching the mission on fast forward. “When Buck came back to make the wounded pick-up, he blasted a section of the fence down and the prisoners raced into the jungle.”

“Uh-huh.”

The pinching at the side of Vin‘s right eye eased. “I remember.”

“When Josiah, Nathan and I retreated, you stayed behind to cover us and followed about an hour later.”

“Yep.”

“One of the worst hours in my damn life.”

Vin winked at his friend. “You weren’t too happy when he had to use the same plan only a fortnight later.” Everything was there for him to review. He now had access to that small section of Katinda. Countless other incidents remained unlabelled and therefore inaccessible to him but the three missions that were similar in nature to the one he had performed the night before were now part of his conscious memory.

“Second mission didn’t go as smoothly,” Larabee commented.

“We almost lost Nathan,” Vin murmured, picking up a stick and stoking the fire.

“Buck turned up in time.”

“Buck always does.”

**********

“That’s it?!” Buck boomed, staring down at his plate. The five members of Em7 had collected at the huge dining room table. The meal was immaculately prepared and presented. A piece of lasagne about three inches square sitting in the middle of a large plate with a lettuce leaf, two slices of tomato and a piece of cucumber delicately placed to the left of it. Any top class restaurant would be impressed. Unfortunately Buck wasn‘t. “That’s it?!”

“I beg your pardon?”

“This is an entree, right?” Josiah clarified, his own growling stomach announcing his hunger.

“No, that is your meal. Now I realize that you gentlemen probably have not had the benefit of dining in some of the finer...”

“I’m starving and you give me a mouthful?!”

“Of all the ungrateful...” Before Ezra could express his disgust, the cell phone in Buck’s pocket began to ring.

“Wilmington... Oh, hi, Chris. Bet you two are freezing your asses off.” Whatever Larabee said sent Buck into fits of laughter. “Is that right? So, what are you two having for dinner?... Sounds better than the teaspoon of food that Ezra prepared.”

“I take great offence at that remark,” Standish stated, removing his apron and taking a seat at the table.

“So, what time do we expect you tomorrow?... okay. Everything alright?... Oh, I don’t know, Vin seemed a bit distant... Yeah, okay. Well, try to stay warm.” Buck heard Vin shout something. The scoundrel grinned. “I’m starting to get worried about him. Catch you two tomorrow.” Buck grinned as he slipped the phone back into his pocket. “They’re camped just south of Stump Pass. Vin caught rabbit for dinner and they’re freezing their asses off.”

“And loving it,” Nathan chuckled.

Buck nodded. “Vin reckons that if he gets too cold, he’ll sleep with his horse.”

“Vin’s okay?” Nathan asked. He too had noted how quiet his friend had been. Not that being quiet was unusual for Vin, but all of his companions could sense that there was something occupying their companion’s thoughts.

Buck shrugged. “Chris couldn’t say much with Vin listening.”

“If anything is amiss, Chris will put it right before they return,” Ezra stated with confidence. If anyone could it was Larabee.

“The mission last night probably stirred up some memories for him,” Josiah commented.

“At least three were similar to the one we just did.”

“You fellas must have been good,” J.D. muttered. “To perform missions like that in the middle of wartime.”

Buck glanced at the boy and sighed. “It was a matter of having to do what needed to be done.”

“Let’s not talk about, Kat,” Josiah stated. “Alright brothers, let us give thanks to the Lord for this mouthful.”

“Can’t we skip it. He’s probably trying to eat right about now too,” Buck grumbled. Josiah shot the other man a harsh look and then began to say grace.

**********

“You still cold?” Vin asked.

“Freezing.” The two men exchanged a grin. They were seated as close to the fire as they dared.

“Who’s idea was it to come out here? Yours wasn’t it?“

Larabee winked at the younger man. “What are you complaining about? We’ve got fresh air, wide open spaces...“

“Mosquitoes, freezing butts... “ Tanner climbed to his feet. “You ready to bed down?”

Larabee watched as his friend untied Adah and led him toward the fire. “What are you doing?”

“Stand up.” Chris climbed to his feet awkwardly, the arm in a sling unbalancing him.

“Stand right beside me. Now, just let me take your weight and relax. And try to protect your arm as much as possible.” Larabee had no idea of what Vin was doing but he wasn’t in the slightest bit concerned. Without further explanation, Vin pulled Adah’s head sharply, at the same time drawing Chris to the horse. In one smooth motion, Larabee and the horse went down.

“Arm okay?”

“Yeah. There a reason I‘m laying hugging my horse? I mean, I ain‘t that desperate for a bedfellow.”

Vin laughed out aloud. “Give it a minute and you’ll start to feel warmer.”

“You weren’t kidding about sleeping with your horse.”

Vin grinned. “Nope.” The sharpshooter grabbed Larabee’s blanket and threw it over him, the other man lying up against the horse absorbing the animal’s warmth.

“Where’d you learn to do that?”

“I told you about how I spent some time on a reservation. I learnt a lot of things while I was there.” While he was talking, Vin collected Dingo and led him back to the fire. The animal began to move restlessly.

“Easy, boy. I’m not going to hurt you,” Vin whispered. Chris glanced over his shoulder and watched as Vin calmed the flighty horse. Tanner truly had a way with animals. In one movement, Vin and the horse melted to the ground.

“So do we sleep with them all night?” Larabee asked curiously.

“About half an hour. We’ll be warm by then.”

“Have you done this often?”

“Had a horse for a bedfellow?” Vin chuckled. “Yeah, a couple of times. By the way, I haven’t really got around to askin’... you and Mary?”

“Are just friends.”

“You sure about that, Cowboy?”

“Vin.”

“She’s a great lady.”

“Vin.”

“You had feelings for her during the war.”

“Vin.”

“They still there?”

Chris sighed. “Yeah, I guess they are.” Vin knew just how far to push and how to go about it without causing Chris to react defensively.

“So what the hell is taking you so long? Get your ass in gear.” Silence. “Sorry.”

“I just... I guess I’ve tried to ignore...”

“You still love Sarah. You always will. Starting a life with Mary ain’t betraying Sarah. I didn’t know her, but if she loved you, she would want you to be happy.”

“It isn’t that, Vin. At first, I thought it was because I was afraid of having someone in my life and I guess that is definitely part of it. But the main thing is, I don’t just still love, Sarah, I’m still ‘in’ love with her.”

Again a silence descended in the campsite. “Some creatures pair for life,” Vin mused. “If their partner dies, they never try to couple again.” Chris listened to Vin’s quiet wisdom. The young sharpshooter was an intelligent man whose intellect was so much broader then just academic learning. “If you’re sure there isn’t a future for the two of you, then you need to tell her, Chris. Ain’t fair to leave her hopin’.”

Chris sighed. “Trouble is, I’m not sure.” Larabee had never admitted that fact before. Not even to himself. He found it so easy to talk to Vin.

“Then you need to take a chance, Cowboy.”

**********

“Do you think we’ll get the go-ahead?” Harris asked, passing the head of the FBI a shot of bourbon. The other security officials had left. Most had conceded to support an investigation into Em7, if not somewhat reluctantly.

“I don’t know. If we can get the Director General to agree, then we’ve got a chance. I’m having a meeting with him tomorrow afternoon.”

“And?”

“And I think he’ll listen. Then Larabee and his team will be put under the microscope.”

The CIA chief toasted his friend. “To the beginning of the end of Em7.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

**********

“So, why can’t I do that?” J.D. asked. It was late afternoon and the youth and preacher were in middle of a ‘training’ session.

“Because you open up your Queen to your opponent.”

“Oh.”

Ezra entered the room, shook his head at the sight and went and took a seat next to Nathan. “Have you seen Captain Wilmington today?”

“Not since lunch. I think he’s playing on the computer.”

“He is going to end up with square eyes.”

Nathan smiled. “I think Buck has found a girl on-line.”

“Yes, some lady called Hot Pants.”

A sound outside drew the pair’s attention and they caught sight of Vin and Chris guiding their horses into the livery.

“They’re back.”

“Just in time. The temperature is dropping again. It’s going to be colder than last night.”

“I take it that’s a hint to get the fire started.”

Ezra grinned. “Why thank you, my friend.”

**********

Director General Peter Stone sat and listened to Agent Wilkins without interrupting. The meeting had been in progress for over two hours.

“So can you understand our concern?” Wilkins held his breath. Stone was aptly named. His face had remained blank as hard and unforgiving as stone.

The Director General, whose fingertips were pressed together with elbows resting on the desk, pursed his lips thoughtfully. He was a hard man who had been in the legal business a long, long time. “Let me see if I understand correctly. Executive Mediation Seven is a group of mercenaries who legally have the authority to order every other military and security organization around regardless of whether or not they have the experience or expertise?”

The FBI chief relaxed back into his chair. He had been concerned, but obviously there was no need. “That is correct, Sir.“

“A group of men, one of whom is a traitor to this nation, several others who are noted for their insubordination, one who continually hacks into Pentagon computers, one who landed a helicopter on the roof of the Secretary General’s car and one whose mental stability is dubious at best?”

Wilkins smiled. “I think you have it pegged.”

Stone nodded. “And you are asking if I will authorize an investigation into this recipe for disaster? I will have a team on it in an hour, Agent Wilkins. Trust me, I’ll have Em7 closed down by the end of the week.”

“They won’t go down without a fight,” Wilkins warned.

“Good. The more opposition they put up, the more ammunition my investigators will have.”

“Don’t underestimate Larabee.”

“I don’t underestimate anyone. I haven’t got to this position without my fair share of fights. Don’t worry, I know exactly how to go about this. If Em7 want a battle then they will have it. They will very quickly discover that this is a fight for their survival and one they can‘t win.”

Part Four

**********

Em7’s office was alive with activity. Their two days spent at Four Corners to debrief and recover from the mission had been pleasant, but it was back to work as usual for the nation’s top tactics unit. A great deal of work had mounted up in their absence, but their latest mission was their immediate concern. Thus, Nathan was writing up the preliminary report. Ezra was on the phone demanding to speak to the FBI’s liaison officer - Chris wanted to have a ‘chat‘ about their failure to send the most up to date information they had in their possession. J.D. was searching the web for signs of anything that would interest his colonel. Larabee had Josiah tracking down the Hawks. Em7’s leader wanted to know their whereabouts and what they were up to. The group of mercenaries was a constant source of concern to Chris. Kane’s threat to take Vin down personally so that Chris knew it was the leader of the Hawks who had killed the young sharpshooter was like an alarm that refused to be turned off. Larabee knew that Kane had held the grudge since the war and was not likely to let things end as they were. He would try again, it was just a matter of time.

Larabee stepped out of his office. He wanted to know where his men had got to on their assigned tasks. “Ezra?”

The Gambler was still on the phone. Covering the handpiece, the agent nodded. “He’s not in this building at the moment. Apparently he’s across town.” All of the main security organizations had an office in the building where Em7 was stationed, each staffed by various liaison officers. “I think perhaps I may have to go over there in person. Is that alright, Colonel?”

“Do it.”

“Josiah?”

“As of four hours ago, they were in Africa, Sir.”

“Nathan?”

“I’ll have a draft to you in about two hours, Sir.”

“Good. Vin?”

“Just got off the phone, Colonel. The Diplomat is on his way back home.”

“J.D.?”

The youth turned from his monitor frowning. “Sir, something’s going on. It’s hidden but it’s something that involved a number of our counterparts. I don’t know what... yet. Give me another hour.”

“Keep me informed.”

“Buck?”

“Rented boat has been returned, chopper is on its way home, plane has been serviced. I‘m heading over to the hanger to check things out for myself, boss.”

“Good.”

“Lieutenant, my office.” Chris wanted to discuss several aspects of the mission with his second in command. The colonel felt there were a number of areas they could tighten up if they happened to use that particular strategy again and he was interested to know Tanner’s thoughts.

Vin rose to his feet and followed his leader into the office, closing the door behind them.

“FBI liaison officer is over at the Court House. Ezra’s gone there. The boys said you threatened to shove your rifle up his ass.”

Chris smirked and then sat down. Unconsciously he adjusted the sling that held his arm. “I want to run through the mission from beginning to end and see if we can tighten a few things up.”

Tanner nodded and sank down into the seat across from his leader. “The new tranquilliser rifle worked well, Colonel.”

Before Chris could comment, the telephone on his desk rang. “Larabee... Hi, Mary.” Vin grinned, stood and headed for the door. Chris stopped him with a raised hand. “When?... And Travis doesn’t know what it was about?... Yeah, thanks Mary.”

Vin arched an eyebrow? “Trouble?”

“She’s not sure. Apparently, there was secret meeting in this building the other day. All of the top security organizations.”

“We weren’t invited?”

“Not to my knowledge. Get J.D. in here. I’ve got a feeling this is what he was on to.”

“Chris?”

“Travis is looking into it at the moment, but I’d feel better if I knew what was going on.”

**********

Ezra P. Standish. No one knew what the ‘P’ actually stood for. His companions had spent some time trying to guess. Phillip, Percival, and Patrick had received the most votes. Ezra had merely flashed his companions a sly smile and announced that the ‘P’ stood for persuasive. Ezra P. Standish had developed the skill of persuasion to an art form. Before Agent Brett Pascoe knew what was happening, he was accompanying Standish to his jaguar for a short journey to Em7’s office.

When the elevator doors opened, Buck scowled and reached into his pocket. As he passed, Ezra plucked the note from his friend’s fingers.

“Thank you.” Ezra stopped outside Larabee’s office and knocked.

“Come,” came the firm reply.

“Agent Pascoe,” Ezra coaxed, flashing a beaming smile. As the agent walked in, Chris, who was seated behind his desk, sat back in his chair and gave his visitor a hard glare. Pascoe flicked his eyes to Ezra.

“Oh. You mean the impetus for Agent Pascoe’s visit wasn’t your wish to apologize to him, Sir? My mistake, Colonel. Please forgive the lapse in my concentration.” With that, Ezra nodded to his leader and left closing the door behind him.

Brett Pascoe slowly turned to face the leader of Em7. He had thought he had been invited to the sixteenth floor so Larabee could apologise for the deplorable way the Colonel had spoken to him two weeks earlier. Last time the FBI liaison officer had come for an apology, he had ended up running for his life!

“Take a seat, Agent Pascoe.” It wasn’t a request! Larabee’s green eyes showed an intenseness Pascoe had never seen in any other man.

The FBI agent swallowed and melted into the seat across from Em7‘s leader.

“I would like you to explain to me why we weren’t given all of the information you had in your possession regarding the Cirovian Diplomat situation.”

Pascoe swallowed again, withering under the infamous Larabee glare.

“Well, Colonel, you see...”

**********

“Well, Colonel, you see, I had to...”

“Of course you did, Captain Wilmington,” Ezra chuckled. The other men were laughing. Buck huffed good-naturedly and rose to collect the next round of drinks. The men had retired to ‘The Saloon’ for an evening of good company and beer.

“So, Chris, how did everything go with the FBI liaison officer?”

“The normal bullshit. Break down in communication. Profound regrets.”

“And you told him...?”

“That if it happens again, I’ll ‘break’ him down in little pieces and then he‘ll know what it means to have profound regrets.”

“I thought we had decided that Ezra was going to be the team liaison officer and handle that side of things from now on,” Josiah chuckled.

“For normal situations. Not something like this.” The group was plunged into silence. The FBI’s failure to pass on information was serious in itself, but failing to inform Em7 that there was an extra dozen fully armed soldiers waiting for them could have been fatal. It was a sobering thought, particularly in light of the fact that Chris had been injured and Vin had ended up ‘leaping’ to safety. How easily it could have been Chris shot and killed and Vin drowned.

“Hey, Vin, I notice there is some sort of construction going on next door,” Nathan stated, changing the subject. “Any idea what?”

Vin shrugged. “Some sort of office block, I think. The bulldozers moved in yesterday. Can hardly hear yourself think during the day. Inez ain’t impressed.”

“No doubt she let them know about it too,” Josiah stated.

Vin grinned. “Oh, yeah. By the time I got there this afternoon after work, she was surrounded by a group of unhappy builders.“

“Em7 to the rescue?”

Tanner grinned.

“Her knight in shining armour?” Ezra asked curiously. Was Vin taken with the fiery barmaid?

“Not exactly, Ez. I had to rescue the builders. Inez was serving them up a real mouthful and had parked her truck across the access to their equipment.”

There was laughter all round.

**

Across the room, a man watched the group with interest. ‘So that’s Vin Tanner. Still don’t look like you’re worth five million, Sunshine. No matter. Guess we’ll find out tomorrow when I haul your corpse in for inspection.’

**

“Oh, come on, Buck. Play with me,” J.D. begged.

“You brought a chess board to the saloon?” Ezra asked in amazement.

“Well, we usually just sit and play cards. What’s wrong with playing chess instead?”

Josiah grinned. “The boy’s hooked. I’ll get him involved in golf next.”

“No!” cried three voices at once. Josiah was an obsessed golf fanatic. If he had his way, he’d be on the greens twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

“I thought you’d taken up art, Josiah?” Vin asked.

“Please, Buck.” Wilmington shrugged and the youth cleared part of the table and set up the board.

“Art?” Chris asked curiously. This was the first he‘d heard of it.

“Yep. Medicine for the soul. You should give it a go, Chris.”

Larabee’s left eyebrow drew down. “I draw about as well as I do ballet.”

“I don’t draw. I sculpt.”

“Nudes?” Buck asked, his face lighting up. “You use live models?”

“Mr. Wilmington, your expression is positively lecherous.”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about, Ezra. I’ve been considering taking up sculpture for a long time.”

“How long?” Nathan asked grinning.

“At least the last thirty seconds,” Wilmington boomed happily. “So, nudes, Josiah?”

“Well, the human form is certainly interesting but no, I have found inspiration elsewhere I‘m afraid, Buck.”

The pilot’s face fell. “There goes my life as a sculptor.”

“Buck, it’s your move.”

“Yeah, sure, kid.” Buck picked up a piece and moved it, at the same time scooping up his beer and taking a swig.

J.D. looked at him horrified. “Aren’t you even going to think about it?”

“What do you mean? It’s just the first move.”

“So you already have a plan?”

“A plan?”

“A strategy.”

The other men tuned out the arguing pair. “So, how much did you find out ‘bout that meeting we weren’t invited to?” Vin asked his leader.

“Not a lot. What I do know is that everyone was there except us.”

Nathan frowned. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“Chris?”

“Travis wasn’t informed about it either. I’ve got J.D. working on it. Both Mary and the general are looking into it too.”

“What do you think’s going on, Colonel?” Ezra asked, his voice tinged with concern. Ezra’s trust in the nation’s other security organizations had been eroded away when they had left him high and dry and facing a death sentence for treason and murder.

“I don’t know. It may be nothing.”

Vin eyed his best friend. He could tell that Chris wasn’t voicing his own concerns for the team’s sake. “Reckon we’ll face whatever it is when it comes. Ain’t no use worrin’ about it.” It had been the team philosophy during the war in Katinda. A man couldn’t worry about what was inevitable. He just faced it front on when it arrived.

“You can’t do that!” J.D. cried. The other men turned to study the pair.

“Why not?” Buck asked, staring at the board.

“Because a bishop can’t do that.”

“Now, that don’t make sense, boy. A bishop can do whatever he wants, ain’t that right, Josiah? Only fella that can tell him what to do is the Pope.”

J.D. rolled his eyes. “You’re impossible.”

“I know. But I’m loveable!”

“That, Captain Wilmington, is debatable.”

**********

The elevator doors leading into Em7’s sixteenth floor headquarters opened. Buck glanced up from his desk. He was the only one in the office. J.D., Nathan and Ezra were working out in the gym. Vin and Josiah were in the shooting range practising, though why Vin needed to practise, Buck didn’t know. Chris was in his office doing paper work and that left Buck to man the office and phones.

“Howdy,” Buck greeted. “Can I help you?”

The man in the suit looked Buck up and down critically and then scanned the room. “I wish to speak to Colonel Larabee, Captain Wilmington.”

Buck frowned. He was a big believer in first impressions and had just taken an instant dislike to this pompous man dressed in his two thousand dollar suit. “And you would be?”

“I would be the Director General in charge of law and order in this country and I have a grave matter that I wish to discuss with your leader.”

Buck rose to his feet. “I’ll just check and see if he has a minute.”

“I’m afraid he is going to have to give me a lot more than a minute.”

Buck’s face darkened. “Colonel Larabee is a busy man and he doesn’t have to give you a damn thing. So why don’t you get down off your high horse.”

“I beg your pardon!”

“I don’t pardon you.” Buck walked passed the man, his eyes never leaving Stone. Quietly, Buck knocked on the door of Larabee’s office. He knew Chris would have seen the other man enter and heard everything that was said. The two-way mirror and built in security microphone afforded Larabee complete command of his facility.

“Send him in, Captain.”

Buck nodded. “The Colonel will see you.”

The Director General snorted at Buck and entered Larabee’s office. Chris did not get up. Rather, he sat back in his chair and then indicated for Stone to take a seat.

“Colonel Larabee, I’ll get straight to the point. I have grave concerns about your operation, constitution and your personnel.” Stone waited for some sort of comment, but Larabee’s face remained blank. “These concerns were brought to my attention by your peers. For this reason, I am authorizing a full investigation into your team,” Stone stated, passing the official papers across to Chris. Larabee didn’t reach out and accept them. He didn’t move, staring at the Director General with cold hard, yet emotionless eyes.

Stone placed the paperwork on the desk. “I will expect the full co-operation of yourself and your men. My people will begin investigating your operation as of now. All of your files will be inspected, your constitution reviewed and your men interviewed.” Stone paused, still waiting for some discernable reaction from the hard faced man staring at him. “For the moment, you will remain operational. At the conclusion of my team’s investigation, I will review their recommendations and make a decision on your group’s future, whether that be a revised constitution outlining new and curtailed powers or the disbandment of Em7 altogether.” Stone watched as the green eyes narrowed. “Do you have any questions or comments?” He waited for the explosion that Wilkins had promised he would get, but the reaction didn’t come.

“We wondered what the meeting was about. Harris and Wilkins got the others to agree to this, did they?” Chris reached for the paper work and glanced through it. “So what exactly are you looking for Stone?” Larabee’s flagrant disregard for the Director General’s position caused Stone to bristle.

“I am looking for some reason why I should keep Em7 operational. I hope you understand the full implications of what I’m talking about. If I don’t find enough cause to keep Em7 active, I will close you down. I feel it only to fair to warn you that in my opinion your constitution is dangerous and your men are...”

Chris Larabee rose to his feet. “You leave my men out of this.” The words were ejaculated through the Colonel’s tightly clenched teeth. It was the first sign of emotion he had shown. “You do what you want, but if you or your lap dogs so much as look at one of my boys the wrong way, you’ll have more trouble than you can imagine.”

Stone rose to his feet. “Are you threatening me, Colonel?”

The left side of Larabee‘s mouth lifted in what was perhaps a smile but more likely a snarl. “No, I’m making you a &*%@ing promise. My team will give your men every co-operation. We have nothing to hide. We didn’t develop our constitution; it was laid down for us by the President. If you have an issue with it, then I suggest you take it up with him. It’s his signature on the document. As for our operation, you won’t find anything there to use as ammunition.”

Chris walked around the desk and stopped directly in front of Stone. Peter Stone was a tall man. Technically he towered over Larabee, but at that moment he felt like he was disappearing in the Em7 leader’s shadow. “Every co-operation... but if you hassle any of my men, I will be giving them orders to defend themselves using whatever means they deem necessary. I hope you understand the full implications of what I’m talking about!”

**********

Buck watched the Director General leave. The captain jumped up and briskly made his way to his Colonel’s office. Chris was standing, both hands leaning on the desk, his head down.

“Sir?”

A long tired sigh echoed out of Larabee before he brought his head up. Without warning, Chris picked up the file of papers Stone had left and threw them into the wall. It had taken every ounce of control he possessed not to throw the file back in Stone’s face!

“Chris?” Buck prompted again.

Vin appeared behind Buck, his face puzzled. What’s up, Chris?

“Get everyone into the conference room.” Buck spun on his heels to collect the others. There was a firmness about his leader’s voice but something else too. Not fear, but concern and if Larabee was concerned then Buck had reason to worry.

Vin remained, staring at his leader intensely. “This got something to do with that meeting?”

Chris crossed the room and began to scoop up the papers that littered the floor. “They’re trying to shut us down.”

**********

“Why the hell wasn’t I informed of this?!” Travis demanded, pacing back and forth, his cell phone to his ear. “Look, if you shut down Em7, we won’t have anyone to deal with operations like the Cirovian Diplomat situation... oh, you think so, do you?! Larabee and his men deal with situations that you and your men aren’t capable of handling... yes, I do believe that! Wilkins, did it ever cross your mind that the likes of Larabee and his men won’t sit by idly twiddling their thumbs if you shut them down. There are a great many people who would pay big money to have Em7 working for them. Do you think you and your men are capable of coming up against Larabee in battle, because if he decides to sell his services to the highest bidder, we’ve got nothing to combat him. Think about that, asshole!” Travis tossed the phone onto the couch. With a cell phone you didn’t have the satisfaction of slamming the receiver in the other person’s ear. Throwing it just helped to relieve some of the tension.

Mary watched her father-in-law with concern. They both knew that Chris would never sell his services to terrorists, but the General was angry and wanted to scare the hell out of Wilkins. The idea of Em7 changing colours would do just that.

“Then it’s official?”

The general took a long deep breath and nodded. “The Director General has ordered a full investigation into Em7.”

“A witch hunt,” Mary muttered. “Does Chris know yet?”

Travis glanced at his pretty daughter-in-law. “God, I hope not. It will be better coming from me.”

“How do you think he will take it?”

“Badly. Very, very badly.”

**********

There was dead silence in the conference room. The men were stunned.

“But why?” J.D. finally asked. “We haven’t done anything wrong.”

“It hasn’t got anything to do with us, son. It’s the politics of it,” Josiah explained. “We’re considered the best and they want to take us down a peg.”

“They want to do more than that, Sergeant. They want to shut us down,” Ezra corrected.

“What are we going to do?” the youngest member of the Seven asked.

“We fight!” Buck cried aggressively.

“We co-operate,” Larabee ordered.

“Co-operate?! You can’t be serious, Colonel?!”

Chris Larabee glanced across at his second in command. It was up to them to keep their heads and ensure that their men dealt with this calmly and sensibly, no matter how much they wanted to tear someone apart themselves!

“You want us to help these mealy mouthed bastards shut us down?!” Buck shouted.

“Calm down, Buck,” Vin said in an unruffled and hushed tone.

“Calm down? Calm down?! These bastards are shooting us in the back and you want us to do nothing to stop it?!”

“Colonel Larabee is right,” Ezra stated thoughtfully. “We must not give them any reason to shut us down. As J.D. has stated, we have done nothing amiss. Our operation is flawless and all of the paperwork is well in order. They will be hard pressed to find anything improper there. Our constitution has little to do with us, so as Lieutenant said last night, there is little sense in us agonizing over a state of affairs that we are incapable of influencing.”

Vin raised his right eyebrow and glanced at Chris. I said that?

“And the final area concerning the Director General was personnel?” Ezra asked.

Chris nodded. The men eyed each other. Vin Tanner smirked. “We’re cactus!” His companions grinned also. Tanner had an uncanny knack of making some dry comment to relieve tension when it was most needed.

“There is no issue with our operation. If they wish to revise or rewrite the constitution, it is out of our hands,” Larabee reiterated.

“Yeah, but Chris, if they change it, how will we be able to operate?” Nathan asked.

“Depends how much and what they change. We can cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“And personnel?”

“They will be conducting an investigation into each of us. Interview by the sound of it. I want you to give every co-operation. Is that understood?” All eyes turned to Buck.

“What? What?”

“Every co-operation.”

“Okay, okay. Sheesh. Anyone would think I was a trouble maker!”

“You mean you aren’t?!”

The men settled. “Colonel, what chance do you think they have of shutting us down?”

“I don’t know, Nathan. The Director General has the power to do so.”

“But our constitution is signed by the President.”

“Buck has a point.”

“We’ll see, but for now, every co-operation. However, don’t let them push you around. Buck, that’s not an open invitation.”

“Okay, okay, okay! I get it. I’m not allowed to hit anyone. I understand... how ‘bout I just tap ‘em? Real lightly?”

“Yep, cactus.”

**********

“Vin?” Chris caught up with his lieutenant in the parking lot. The rest of the team were getting into their vehicles and heading home. It was only late afternoon, but Larabee had dismissed his men for the day. He wanted them at work fresh and ready to face the onslaught the next morning.

Tanner paused and waited for his boss.

“Thanks.”

Vin nodded. He understood that his Colonel appreciated his support in keeping the boys‘ tempers in check. “Reckon I want to kill some bastard. Don’t suppose you’re open to Buck’s suggestion of just tappin’ them, are ya?”

“If he loses his temper...”

“Reckon when we’re bein’ interviewed we should go in pairs.”

“Good idea.”

“Who you gonna send with Ezra? Reckon that interview could be a might interestin’.”

Larabee smiled. “I think I have to agree with you there.”

Vin tipped his hat and strode across to his pride and joy. A Harley. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he would own a machine like it, but the boys had somehow arranged it. As he switched on the motor, an automatic smile filled his face.

Larabee watched from afar with quiet satisfaction. Vin had never had much in a material sense. Now he had the one thing he had always dreamed about. Tanner pulled out of the parking lot and zoomed off in an explosion of sound.

Buck pulled his ancient bright yellow van up beside Chris.

“You want me to make sure he gets in?” Wilmington had been following the Lieutenant home every night and assuring Vin was locked in. It had been an order from Chris. The bounty on Vin’s head was never far from Larabee’s mind. Besides, Buck only lived around the corner so passing Vin’s place at the back of “The Saloon” was on his way anyway.

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“No problemo, bossman.”

With a crunching of gears, Buck set off. The van backfired twice, engulfing Chris in a thick black cloud. Larabee cursed passionately before heading back to the elevator. He wanted to check and make sure everything was in order. He knew it was, but there was no sense taking any chances.

**********

Buck pulled up on the side of the road.

“Blasted thing!” the captain complained. The ‘Big Banana’, as the van had been affectionately christened by a less than impressed Ezra, was making some unusual noises - more unusual than customary. Buck climbed out of the vehicle, lifted the hood and began to search for a likely cause. The minutes ticked by and the curses increased in intensity.

The van had got him as far as “The Saloon” at least. It was only a short walk home. It wouldn’t be the first time Buck had had to walk home.

Buck exploded with a cascade of curses just as two elderly ladies passed him on the footpath. Thankfully, the noise from the bulldozers, jackhammer and all manner of other machines across the road made it impossible to hear anything. It was still early and the builders were yet to call it a day.

************

Without any real interest, Hewett watched the man who had climbed from the huge van. The professional assassin was waiting. It wouldn’t be long before his target reappeared.

Hewett directed his attention to the ally beside the saloon. His target had just arrived home and no doubt would go for his customary walk in a few minutes. The killer’s attention was drawn back to the moustached man. His eyebrows drew down in concentration. Hewett recognized this guy as one of the men that had been with Tanner the night before. This man was a potential threat to his plan!

************

Buck climbed up onto the bumper bar for leverage and leaned further into the van to get a closer look at the problem. It had to be one of three things, all of which Buck had fixed in the past.

Without warning, someone grabbed Buck’s right shoulder.

**********

Chris sighed long and deep. Why now? Why did this have to happen now when everything had been going so smoothly? They had found Vin. Tanner had fit into the team as if the position had been waiting for him... then, again, Chris reflected, it had been. The position of sharpshooter had always been Vin’s. They were huge shoes to fill. Dusty boots, to be more correct.

Chris smiled to himself with quiet satisfaction. The other security organizations were afraid of his team. Individually, his men were among the best in the world. Each could more than hold his own in his specific field. Together however, they didn’t have an equal. Em7 was a team that thought, acted and moved as one. They had complete faith in one another - that was what made them dangerous and that was what was behind the inquiry. Wilkins and Harris were jealous and scared.

Larabee reached for the papers that Stone had left and began to read through them again. Why did this have to happen now?

**********

Buck hadn’t heard his attacker approach. The professionally trained soldier reacted defensively, but the person behind him was equally trained. Vin grinned at his friend as he leaped back out of arm’s reach.

***********

For a second, Hewett considered putting off his attempt, but decided that he may not get another chance. He would wait. The moment Tanner moved away from his friend, the assassin would strike.

**********

“Shit! Scare a man to death why don’t ya, Kid!” Buck shouted. He had to yell to be heard above the serenade from the building site.

Vin’s face flickered with a touch of annoyance. Kid. He hated that. He didn’t know why. Perhaps because before he had joined Larabee’s unit in Katinda people had judged him based on his appearance and not his ability. Others had used the term in a derogatory fashion. Buck used it as a term of affection and usually only when things were bad or he wasn’t thinking. Vin understood that, but it still caused his blood to boil. He didn’t want to be viewed as a ’kid’. He hadn’t been a ‘kid’ for a long, long time.

“The banana playing up?” Tanner shouted.

Buck nodded, curses erupting from him again. “So, where are you off to?”

“Just like to stretch my legs.”

“Huh?”

“Walk,” Vin shouted.

Buck nodded.

“You need a hand?”

“Nahh, I can handle it. The banana and I have an understanding. It breaks down and I fix the damn thing.” Vin winked at his friend, crossed the road and continued on up the footpath toward the shops.

**********

Hewett smiled. Perfect. Everything was absolutely perfect. Just as he had planned.

**********

“Damn mongrel, sonofabitch! I’ll have you turned into scrap!” Buck threatened as he inspected the problem once again. The captain glanced up the footpath catching a glimpse of Vin ambling along. No one who saw the young man would believe that he was a member of the nation’s top tactics and response unit. One of the best sharpshooters on the planet.

The big man smiled. Many, many years earlier, Chris had asked Buck to, ‘keep an eye on the kid, Buck. He’s the best sharpshooter I’ve ever come across, but he’s young.’

“Still playin’ nursemaid to ya, Kid.” Buck was overcome with happiness. Vin had stepped back into their lives only a few short weeks earlier. Everything had changed that day... well, Chris had changed that day and consequently, one of the most important things in Buck’s life had changed too. He no longer had to worry about Larabee. The gaping hole in Larabee’s soul had been mended when Vin had opened his eyes in the hospital and muttered some sarcastic comment.

Wilmington returned his attention to the van. With a grimace, he glanced across at the construction site. The noise was unrelenting. It was any wonder Inez had complained.

Sighing, the captain walked up along side the banana and opened the side door. He was going to need some tools. As he reached into the vehicle, a car flew passed him travelling at well over 90 miles an hour.

Wilmington withdrew his head. “Slow down you idiot!” Buck watched as the car mounted the footpath. “Crazy bastard!”... and then Buck realized! The car was heading directly toward Vin. Vin who had his back to it and who would never hear it because of the sound from the construction site.

“VIN!”

Part Five

**********

Vin strode down the footpath, his mind blank. He had purposefully forced himself to think of nothing. At the moment, with the threat to Em7 and the memories of Katinda that were plaguing him - something he had not shared with the others - he found it a relief to empty his mind and consciously think of nothing.

**********

The car hurtled toward the defenceless lieutenant. At the last possible minute, Vin appeared to turn. At the same time, the construction noise ceased abruptly. The car loomed up in front of the sharpshooter. Horrified, Buck watched as the murderous vehicle smashed into the slight lieutenant.

“NOOOO!”

Vin flew up, hit the hood of the car, sild across it and then threw himself off the front, rolling out into the middle of the road.

"VIN!!" Buck cried, sprinting toward his downed mate.

A taxi swerved to miss the two men and screeched to a halt. “Jesus Christ!”

"VIN!! Dear, God, no!" The figure lying in the middle of the road didn't move. There was no sound except for the echo of the red car roaring away.

Slowly and painfully Vin rolled over onto his back. Buck reached him, the terror he felt making it impossible for him to breath. The captain was certain he was going to find his young friend in four or five pieces. "Oh, God.”

"I'm alright," Vin growled through clenched teeth as he tried to orient himself. He knew Buck was there, though he couldn’t make anything out.

“Easy, Kid. Easy. I’m here.“ Vin attempted to right himself. “Lay still,” Buck ordered. Skill and training pushed the panic aside. Carefully, the captain began to examine his young companion. “Call an ambulance!“ Buck shouted at the taxi driver who had crouched beside him.

“I’m alright, Buck,“ Vin insisted as he attempted to rise again.

"Don't move, you may be hurt," Buck soothed, forcing his friend back.

“You should listen to him,” the taxi driver agreed standing. “No telling what internal damage was done. I’ll get the ambulance.” Quickly he turned and jogged back to his cab.

Vin blinked up at Buck who had half lifted him and was supporting the sharpshooter‘s weight in his failsafe arms. “Need to get out of the street,” the lieutenant argued. “Help me up.”

“Vin...” Buck started.

Tanner looked up at his friend and flashed Buck a cocky grin. “I feel better than I look. Come on, help me up.”

Buck threaded his arm further around his friend’s back and wrapped the other around his chest. Carefully he lifted Vin to his feet. Tanner grunted and reached for his arm.

“You can put me down, Buck.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah.”

Buck led Vin out of the road and helped to ease him down onto the sidewalk.

“Better tell that fella I don’t need an ambulance.”

“I don’t know. I think you should go to hospital to be checked.”

“I’ve already told you, Buck. I’m okay.”

The captain examined his friend with his eyes. Vin had a small cut at the top of his head and he was still holding his arm. He could argue with Tanner, but that wouldn’t achieve anything. Quickest solution was to call Nathan. The team medic could be there in five minutes. “Alright, but I’m calling, Nathan.”

Tanner considered the statement and then nodded. He didn’t have a choice anyway. Buck wasn’t going to let it go.

As Buck reached for his phone, he asked, “Did you see him?”

Vin Tanner stared down the street where the red car had disappeared. “Oh, yeah. I saw him.” It was a face Vin would not forget. The bastard had actually been smiling at him.

“Nathan? Meet me at Vin’s place. He’s just played chicken with a car... he reckons he is, but I think you should come and take a look at him... no, not yet. I’m calling him next.” Before redialling, Buck coaxed Vin inside the saloon. Inez took one look at the blood trickling from the lieutenant’s head wound and raced around the bar.

“Sit down, Vin. What happened?“ the young woman asked, brushing Vin’s hair off his forehead so she could examine the injury.

“I‘m okay, Inez. I just fell is all.“

“I’ll get something to clean you up.“ With that, she disappeared out the back.

Buck grinned at his companion as he pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “I think she’s stuck on you, pard.”

Tanner rolled his eyes and began to roll up the sleeve on his left arm.

“Hey, Chris. Some bastard just tried to run Vin down... no, he’s okay. Nathan’s on the way... at the saloon. Yep.” Buck replaced the phone. “Chris is on his way.”

“No, kiddin’,” Vin muttered.

Buck crouched in front of his friend and assisted him to roll the sleeve up. As the material reached the elbow, Vin jumped. “Ahh, hell. It’s dislocated,” the young man grumbled, eyeing his elbow that was jutting out at an odd angle.

Buck winced. He knew Vin was in considerable pain. “Whiskey?”

“Now that’s the best thing you’ve said all day.”

Buck reached for a whisky bottle from behind the bar, opened it and handed it to his injured friend. He knew Nathan would have a fit, but Vin needed something. His lips had gone white and Buck knew it was from the pain.

“How did you know he was coming?” Buck asked quietly, hoping to take Vin’s mind off his elbow. There was no way Vin could have heard the car and yet he had turned. He had actually leapt up onto the hood to avoid being struck by the car.

Tanner shrugged. Why he had glanced back over his shoulder he didn’t know. One of his senses had warned him. He couldn’t be sure if it was his ears, or just the sixth sense he had always had, but something had made him glance back. It was Buck’s face that he had seen first. Then the car had loomed from nowhere. Vin knew instantly that he had nowhere to go. He couldn’t dive right, for there was a wall. If he dived left, he wouldn’t get himself clear of the car. He had only one option and so he had taken it. He had leapt up. His well-conditioned reflexes had saved his life.

There was a squeal of tires outside. Buck rose to his feet and pulled his revolver. He was certain it was Larabee, but he wasn’t prepared to take any chances.

Chris strode through the door, his face set in a frown. “What happened?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, Larabee,” Vin muttered. “Thanks for askin’.”

“Did you get the licence plate?!”

“I was a bit busy trying to avoid the car.”

“Have you called the police?!”

“I ain’t in much pain... just hurts like hell.”

Larabee’s face flickered with annoyance. He turned his attention to Buck. “Well?!”

“I’ll see to it, Sir.”

“Ain’t nothin’ for you to be concerned about. Just hit my head. Only hurts when I breathe.”

Chris removed the whisky bottle from his friend’s hand.

“Aww hell, Chris. Give it back.”

“Relax, Nathan’s on his way.”

“Relax! Fu...”

Inez reappeared with a bowl of warm water and a sponge. “Let’s have a look at you.”

“Inez...”

“Don’t you start complaining. You men are all the same. Now, this is going to sting a little.”

Chris stepped back and grinned. He bounced his eyebrows twice. Tanner rolled his eyes.

As the woman moved, she knocked Vin’s arm. Tanner gasped.

Inez glanced down. “Oh my, God. Call an ambulance! Look at his arm!”

Larabee did. “Damn, Vin, why didn’t you say something?!”

“Can I have the whisky back now?”

“Don’t give him anything,” Nathan cried, entering the room.

“He’s dislocated his elbow,” Larabee informed the medic.

“Call an ambulance.”

“Don’t need no ambulance. You can put it back in.”

“No, I can’t. I haven’t got anything to help with the pain.”

Tanner grabbed the whisky from Chris’ hand and tipped it to his lips, guzzling a considerable amount before Nathan could get it from him.

“There. In a couple of minutes, I ain’t gonna feel a thing.” Tanner was not a heavy drinker. He never had been. Unlike Chris, Josiah and Buck who could put the hard stuff away without feeling the effects, Vin, like Nathan and J.D. was basically a social drinker. No one had quite worked out what Ezra was.

“Now what the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

“Not going to any hospital. Won’t be able to see that fella comin’ in a hospital ward.” The alcohol he had consumed before Chris and Nathan’s arrival had already loosened his tongue.

Nathan glanced at his leader. Chris stepped up to Vin and crouched in front of him. “Did you see his face?”

“Oh yeah. Ugly sonofabitch with a beard.”

“Chris, there’ll be time for that later. Has anyone called an ambulance for me yet?”

“No ambulance,” Tanner insisted.

“Alright, I’ll drive you there in my car.”

“No.”

“You want to help me out here, Chris?”

“Can you put it in without causing any damage?”

Nathan began to shake his head with disgust. Vin Tanner always got his way with Larabee. He always had and by the look of things, he always would. “Yeah, I can put it in, but it’s gonna hurt like hell.”

“Give the whisky a little longer to take effect. Looks like he‘s had a bit.”

“Let’s get him to his place, then.“

The men moved to Vin’s flat where Nathan directed his attention to the cut on Vin’s forehead and then began to examine his friend for signs of other wounds.

“His left hip is badly bruised. It’ll stiffen up over night. Some gravel rash and other scrapes and bruises, but otherwise he’s fine. No concussion. Okay, Vin, let’s take a look at that elbow.”

“Just a dull throb now,” Tanner stated quietly.

Nathan grinned. “How much whisky did you drink before I arrived?”

Vin smiled. “Enough, by the feel of it.”

“Oh, you’re gonna feel it in the morning, Kid,” Buck laughed entering the room. “Got the taxi driver’s statement and a couple of statements from the construction site. The foremen was able to give me a partial plate. I’ve got J.D. working on it. It’s probably a rental so he’s starting there.”

Larabee nodded.

Nathan knelt down next to Vin. “This is going to hurt, mate. You sure you don’t want to go to hospital. They’ll put you out when they do it.”

“Go on, Doc.”

The medic glanced up at his leader. Larabee nodded.

“Chris hold his upper arm real still for me. Ready, Kid?” Kid. There it was again. Every time there was trouble the older men on his team brought out that word.

“I ain’t no, Kid. Hell, I’ve...” Vin gasped as Nathan pulled the limb back into place.

“Okay?”

“Yeah. Damn that hurt.”

“Told you it would.”

Larabee studied both Nathan and Vin’s faces trying to ascertain just how much pain his best friend was in.

“Can’t give you anything for the pain at the moment. Not with that whisky you’ve had.“

“I’m fine.“

Chris made eye contact with the team medic. Clearly Chris wanted a full report and the best way to give it without interruptions was to get Vin out of the room.

“Why don’t you go and take a shower, Vin and I’ll get you something to eat,” Nathan suggested.

“Hell, Nathan. Reckon we should all leave and allow Inez to nurse this boy back to health.”

“Shut-up, Buck.”

“Oh, I don’t know, lieutenant. She seems awful keen on you.”

“Buck, I’m warning ya!”

“Sounds like I may have struck a nerve.”

“I’m gonna strike more than that if ya keep it up!”

An hour later, Buck and Nathan had gone home. Chris picked up the plates and began to clear the table. Vin had gone through three stages in the last hour.

First, there had been the anger at being fussed over by his companions.

Then, the alcohol had truly set in and he had become animated, his dry sense of humour entertaining his leader. Vin Tanner was a happy drunk. Alcohol effectively unlocked the young man’s sharp wit and youthful tomfoolery. It didn’t happen often, for Vin liked to be in full control of himself, but when it did happen it left his team mates reflecting on the damage a hard life really had done to their young companion. Beneath the reserved exterior that Vin showed the world, there was a fun-loving man whose nimble mind could turn any situation into a potential joke.

Finally, the lieutenant had returned to his usual self, becoming quiet and reflective.

“How’s your arm feeling?”

“Okay,” Vin muttered adjusting the sling Nathan had insisted he have. “Chris, you don’t have to stay. I’m fine.”

“You’re drunk.”

Vin grinned. “I am, aren’t I?”

Chris turned and smiled. “Reckon I’ll stay the night.”

“I only got one bed!”

“It’s a double isn’t it?“ Larabee chuckled.

“Yeah, but...“

“I guess I can sleep on the couch.”

Vin grinned and watched as his leader began washing up. Tanner took a long deep breath. “I ain’t that drunk that I can’t look after myself, Larabee. You go home. That bastard ain’t likely to try anything again so soon.”

Chris pursed his lips thoughtfully.

“Now don’t you start getting all over-protective on me, Cowboy. We’ve had this discussion before. I ain’t gonna spend my life with you or one of the boys attached to my butt everywhere I go. We gotta learn to live with this contract. It’s me four, them nil.”

“This isn’t a game, lieutenant.”

“I reckon I know that, Colonel.” The pair stared at each other. There had been four attempts on Vin’s life in the last month. One by the Hawks, two by Eli Joe and now a hit and run.

“By the way, I haven’t really got around to asking... you and Inez?”

“Are just friends.”

“You sure about that, Cowboy?”

“Chris.”

“She’s great a lady.”

“Chris.”

“Have you got feelings for her?”

“I seem to remember having this conversation before... only you were the victim.”

“That’s right. And you never answered my question.”

“I don’t know. Only just met her. We’re friends.”

Larabee nodded. “I better be going then.” They were hard words to say. Chris desperately wanted to stay to ensure his best friend’s safety, but he knew Vin was right. They couldn’t allow the contract to interfere in their lives. If they did, Eli Joe had won.

Without comment, the Colonel began to check all of the windows and doors to ensure they were locked. Vin shook his head but said nothing. It would only provoke an argument. At least Chris had consented to leave.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

“Huh?”

“You won’t be able to ride your bike with that arm.”

“Oh. Buck, can pick me up. It’s on his way.”

Chris grinned. “The banana isn’t going anywhere by the sound of it. He asked me to drop by and pick him up too.”

Vin smiled. “Why does he keep that piece of shit?”

“Who knows? We are talking about Buck, remember. Logic isn‘t one of his strong points.”

“Investigation starts tomorrow,” Vin muttered seriously.

Chris nodded. “We’ll get through it. We always do.”

**********

“Why the hell didn’t you ring me?!”

“Calm down, Josiah,” Buck soothed. Ezra, J.D. and Nathan paused and glanced up from their work. Josiah had just arrived for the day and after being told of the attempt on Vin, he had exploded.

“Calm down?! Some bastard tries to run him down and you don’t bother to let me know!”

“He was fine. Is fine. Dislocated elbow and a couple of bumps and bruises.”

“That’s not the point. I had a right to know. Hell, Buck, he could have been killed! So did someone stay to keep an eye on him in case this bastard tried again?”

Vin and Chris stepped out of the office having heard the conversation.

“Josiah. I’m fine.” Vin turned to eye his leader. “And yeah, Chris sat outside my place in his car all damn night. I don‘t know how many times I‘ve got to tell you guys...”

“You were hurt and had more to drink than usual,” Chris stated in a hushed tone.

“Dammit, Chris! We’ve had this conversation. You can’t protect me from every...”

“I can try.”

Vin threw his hand up in defeat, it was like talking to a brick wall.

Josiah shook his head, his face still coloured with anger. “From now on, I want to know when someone tries to kill one of us! Is that clear? Is that too much to ask?”

“Alright, Josiah. You‘ve made your point,” Chris stated with authority.

Ezra studied his leader and second in command. They were standing shoulder to shoulder, both with one arm in a sling. “Twins.”

Vin grinned.

“How’s the head, Vin?” Nathan asked.

“Feels like it’s gonna explode. I don’t know how you fellas do it.”

“Some people are just born with cast iron stomachs,” Nathan chuckled.

“Some of us are men and can hold our liquor,” Buck claimed. “And I ain’t talking about the fairy pee you drink, Ezra.

“I could drink you under the table, Captain Wilmington.”

“A challenge?” Buck asked grinning.

“No,” Chris jumped in. “No drinking competitions until after the investigation. The last thing I need is you two arrested for being drunk and disorderly.”

“I assure you, Colonel, I would never be disorderly,” Ezra claimed.

The elevator doors opened. Two men in suits stepped out. For a full five seconds the two camps stared at each other.

Nathan stepped forward and offered his hand. “Good morning. I’m Sergeant Jackson.”

“We’re here to conduct an independent Inquiry into Em7. I believe you were expecting us?”

“Of course. How can I help you?” The two visitors glanced at each other. They had been warned to expect an abrupt welcome.

“Boys, get back to work,” Chris ordered.

“We need access to your files.”

“If you’ll just follow me,” Nathan offered, leading the men through Chris’ office to a small walk in filing room. “These are the written files,” he stated, pointing to the filing cabinets. “However, most of our records are electronic. Best person to speak to is Agent Dunne. I’ll get him for you, if you like?”

“No, that’s okay. We’ll start here.”

“Fine. If you need anything, just ask. The kitchen’s down the end of the corridor if you want tea or coffee. Bathroom is the first on the left.” Nathan smiled cordially and left.

Larabee nodded to his sergeant as he made his way back through the office. Every co-operation, but then, he knew he could count on Nathan and J.D. As long as they didn’t rub Vin and Josiah the wrong way, they shouldn’t cause any problems. Buck... well, everyone knew to keep an eye on Buck. Most would find it hard to believe that Buck would be the one that needed to be watched. After all, out of all of the team, the captain was the most easy going and fun-loving, but Buck didn’t take kindly to anyone threatening those he cared about, and this was a direct menace to his team.

Chris eyed Ezra through the two-way glass. The Colonel frowned. He really wasn’t sure what to expect from Ezra. Standish was a complex man. Larabee knew that a more loyal man had not been born. Ezra would die for his team. If pushed, Chris couldn’t be certain that Ezra would hold his tongue... his very slick and cutting tongue at that.

**********

By noon, another pair of ‘investigators’ arrived. This group wanted to interview members of the team. Nathan showed them into the conference room. Some moments later, one of the men reappeared.

“Agent Standish. Can we have a few minutes of your time?”

“Of course.” Both Ezra and Josiah rose to their feet and moved to the door.

“Only Agent Standish for the moment.”

“My men will be interviewed in pairs,” Larabee growled from across the hall.

The special investigator opened his mouth to argue.

“You don’t want to make him mad,” Josiah whispered.

“I see.” The investigator eyed Chris cautiously and then nodded to both Josiah and Ezra.

Vin glanced at his leader and grinned. “They have no idea of what they’re in for.”

**********

The men the Director General had sent to interview Em7’s members were absolutely floored. They were experts at finding the truth and or, manipulating it to the point that it supported what they had been sent to find out. Agent Holden and Senior Agent Clemo, however, had met their match. They had given up trying to take any notes.

“.... furthermore, certain informal discussions had taken place, involving a full and frank exchange of views, out of which there arose a series of proposals which on examination proved to indicate certain promising lines of enquiry, which when pursued, led to the realisation that the alternative courses of action might in fact, in certain circumstances, be susceptible of discreet modification, in one way or another, leading to a reappraisal of the original areas of difference and pointing the way to encouraging possibilities of significant compromise and co-operation which, if bilaterally implemented with appropriate give and take on both sides, could if the climate were right, have a reasonable possibility, at the end of the day of leading, rightly or wrongly, to a mutually satisfactory conclusion.” Ezra smiled politely.

The two special investigators exchanged a bewildered glance. Their question had required a simple yes or no answer from Standish.

Josiah cleared his throat. The two men turned to look at him. So far, he had proved invaluable in translating his companion.

“Sergeant Sanchez?”

“Yes, they did a deal.”

“Precisely,” Ezra agreed. “You see, it was considered, at that point in time, to be ...”

“Yes, thank you, Agent Standish. I think we might move on to the final case you performed for the organization ‘Secrets’.”

“Gladly. But before I begin, I must express in the strongest possible terms my profound opposition to what was a newly instituted practice at that time, which imposed severe and intolerable restrictions on the ingress and egress of...”

The two men sent to ‘catch Standish out’, glanced at each other in total bafflement. How could they catch him out? They didn’t understand a single word he said!

Some fifteen minutes later, Ezra paused to take a breath. Agent Clemo jumped in immediately.

“Agent Standish, you said earlier that you felt that the responsibilities given to “Secrets” were not extreme and did not overburden them. If that is true then we already have an organization capable of dealing with situations outside of the mainstream. We really don‘t need the likes of Em7.”

“When I said that “Secrets” was not overstretched, I was of course talking in the sense of total cumulative loading taken globally rather than in respect of certain individual and essentially anomalous responsibilities which are not, logically speaking, consonant or harmonious with the broad spectrum of intermeshing and inseparable functions required and could indeed be said to place an excessive and supererogatory burden on the organization when considered in relation to the comparatively exiguous advantages of their overall consideration.”

Both Clemo and Holden turned to Josiah. The big sergeant smiled. “’Secrets’ can‘t cope without Em7.”

“Agent Standish,” Clemo sighed, closing the file in front of him - he had been out manoeuvred by a master and he knew it. It was time to concede defeat “Thank you for your co-operation.”

“Any time.”

“Just one last question.”

“Anything I can do to help. I have been ordered to give you every co-operation.”

“What do you believe happened to the millions of dollars that disappeared during your last mission?” Ezra opened his mouth to reply. “I mean, do you believe that the missing money was appropriated by one of the parties involved in the transaction? A straight answer,” Holden begged.

Standish smiled. “Well, Sir, if I am pressed for a straight answer I shall say that, as far as I am concerned, looking at it by and large, taking in all the practical and realistic options, it is probably true to say that, at the end of the day, you would find, in general terms, that the mystery of the money should be categorized and classified in the same files as unidentified flying objects, the lost city of Atlantis and the Bermuda Triangle.” While Clemo and Holden were obviously still reeling from Ezra’s ‘straight’ answer, he added for further clarification, “as far as one can ascertain, at this stage.”

“Does that mean yes, or no?” Holden demanded in exasperation.

“Yes and no,” Ezra replied thoughtfully.

“Suppose you weren’t asked for a straight answer?”

“Ah,” Ezra replied, his gold tooth flashing. “Then I should outline...”

“Thank you! Thank you, Agent Standish.”

**********

“It’s a head hunt, pure and simple, Chris. And I’m afraid, it’s your head they’re after,” General Travis stated, handing the Colonel a drink. Em7’s leader had been summoned to his boss’ office to discuss the investigation plaguing his team.

“I take it Wilkins and Harris are behind it?”

Travis nodded as he settled himself in his huge leather chair. “Unfortunately, they seem to have the support of the Director General. He wants to close you down.”

“Yeah, I noticed. Orrin, what about the President?”

“He’s out of the country as you know. I’d prefer not to contact him unless I have to.”

“General Collins?”

“Is watching everything carefully, but doesn’t want to be seen to be interfering. This is an independent investigation. He seems to think you should come through with flying colours.”

Chris frowned. “Stone has already made his decision, he’s just trying to find evidence to support it.”

“Will he be able to?” Travis asked.

“Come on, Orrin. My boys aren’t perfect. They’re good at what they do, but let’s face it, if they start digging into Ezra, hell, even Buck, we’re got problems. Josiah has an interesting history too.”

“The main problem is that the other security organizations don’t see you as one of them.”

“We’re not,” Chris snarled.

“But you are. And it’s about time you started acting like it. There is a conference taking place in Boston starting tomorrow afternoon. I want you to attend it... all of you.”

“General, we both agreed that Em7 wouldn’t have to bow down to the political bullshit that the other organizations go on with.”

“Chris, we have to make you seem like less of an enigma. It may not change the opinions of Wilkins and Harris, but it may sway some of the other organizations. And we may need their support later on. The conference only lasts a couple of days. Everyone is sending five to ten representatives. There’ll be updates on the latest equipment, techniques and brainstorming sessions to come up with solutions to well-worn problems. There will also be an open session where everyone is asked to share ideas. I want you to go.”

Chris placed his glass on the table and rose to his feet. “Alright, Sir. So are you going to tell Stone that we’re leaving the State for a few days, or will I?”

Travis nodded. “I’ve already contacted the Director General and told him that you’re going.”

“You were pretty sure I’d agree.”

“Chris, we’ve got to be sensible. You must get your men to co-operate.”

“They will.”

“So, how have things been going?”

“They’d just finished interviewing Ezra when I came up here.”

Travis smiled. “I see. And how did that go?”

“According to Josiah it was like watching someone grab onto a jellyfish. Every time the investigators thought they had a good grip, Ezra slipped through their fingers while one of his tentacles came up and stung them on the ass.”

“Sergeant Sanchez truly has a way with words.”

**********

“Colonel! We’ve found the car!” Buck cried, snatching the printout from J.D. and rushing it into his leader‘s office.

Larabee rose to his feet as Buck burst in.

“Some rental company not far from “The Saloon” reported that a customer returned a car with the hood dented. The partial plate fits.”

Chris took the piece of paper and stared at it with the blankest expression Buck had ever seen. The captain shuddered. Larabee was at his most dangerous when his face was blank... the calm before the storm.

“Who do you want me to take with me when I go down there?” Buck asked.

“It’s okay, Captain. I’ll handle this one myself.” It was a snarl.

“Chris...” Buck started.

Vin wandered into the room, reached for the piece of paper and passed it back to Buck. “Reckon you should take Ezra, Buck. If anyone can get information out of this guy, it’s Ezra.”

Chris glared at his lieutenant.

“Don’t give me that look, Chris. We both know that you ain‘t the best person to be handlin‘ somethin‘ like this.”

An hour later, Buck and Ezra returned with a description of the man who had rented the car and an address, which turned out to be false. However, the man’s description fit with the one Vin had given. J.D. set about creating a digital image based on the information.

“Vin? That him?”

Tanner leaned over his young companion’s shoulder. “Yep, that’s the sonofabitch that tried to run me down.”

“Okay. I’ll run it through the police, CIA and FBI files. See if we can come up with anyone who looks like this.”

“Thanks, kid.”

Part Six

**********

“I want the window seat!” J.D. cried as Vin appeared about to take it. The sharpshooter shrugged and allowed the boy to squeeze passed him. J.D. settled himself and Vin sat down in the next chair.

Most of the team had been surprised by Larabee’s insistence that they attend the conference. In the past, such requests had ended up in the bin.

“J.D., anything on that picture yet?” Chris asked, dropping into the seat beside Vin.

J.D. flipped open his laptop. “Not yet, Sir.” It was the four millionth time Chris has asked since J.D. had instigated the search the day before. As a matter of fact, Chris had taken to asking every fifteen minutes. “I’ll let you know as soon as there’s something, Sir.”

“I want to know immediately.”

“I require an aisle seat. I don’t always fly well, as you know, and thus I may need rapid access to the rest rooms,” Ezra informed Josiah, who had already taken it. The big sergeant huffed and moved along to take a seat beside a large woman who spilled into his seat.

“Thank you, my friend. I am certain that should my stomach decide that it is less than happy with the captain’s ability to pilot this aircraft, you will be pleased that you allowed me quick access to the restroom.”

Buck grumbled something under his breath. He wasn’t happy. Why the hell had Larabee insisted on taking a commercial flight? They had their own plane!

“The whole idea is for us to appear like everyone else. We can’t arrive in our own plane.”

“All of which suits me fine. At least this pilot will refrain to flying upside down!”

“And what’s wrong with upside down, Ez?” Buck grinned. Before Ezra could make a suitable reply, Buck spotted an airhostess and disappeared up the aisle to chat to her.

“The man is just one big gland,” Nathan muttered, taking his seat behind Ezra.

“Now, would someone explain to me why we aren’t flying first class?” Ezra demanded.

Vin wriggled uncomfortably in his seat. Chris grinned at his companion and watched as his best friend attempted to buckle himself in. The sling got in the way and caused the young man to curse passionately.

“Let me do that for you, Vin,” J.D offered.

“Thanks, Kid.”

“You gonna change before we go to the conference?“ J.D. asked innocently. Vin was dressed neatly in jeans and shirt, but he had insisted on wearing his buckskin coat, which had almost caused Ezra to have coronary. At least he had left his beat up old cowboy hat at home.

“What’s wrong with the way I’m dressed?”

“Nothing.”

“Mr. Dunne, don’t lie so shamelessly. Clearly, Mr. Tanner needs to change his attire before we attend the conference. We don’t want our peers to believe that we are... are...” Ezra paused.

Tanner had leaned forward and was glaring at the other man. “That we’re what, Standish?”

“Oh, please, Mr. Tanner. Surely you have something more fashionably pleasing?”

“Tell me again why we’re goin’ to this crap fest?” Vin grumbled sitting back.

“Every co-operation,” Chris reiterated.

“Sittin’ on our asses listenin’ to a whole heap of crap. You call that co-operation?”

“I’m looking forward to it,” J.D. piped up. “Should be fun to listen to what everyone else thinks. I‘ve heard the food at these things is really good.”

Vin scowled at the youth, slouched down into his chair and closed his eyes. “Wake me when we get there. No, on second thoughts, wake me when it’s all over.”

Moments later, the huge aircraft lifted into the sky and the airhostesses began serving a meal to the passengers.

“Why are we receiving food now? It’s 9:00am in the morning.”

“I didn’t think much of that take-off. Wasn’t very smooth. Reckon I might go and check out the pilot,” Buck stated, squeezing by Nathan. He was far from a good passenger.

“Mr. Wilmington, don’t anger the pilot, please.”

“Buck, they won’t let you into the cockpit,” Josiah warned.

“Of course they will.“ Buck made his way up the aisle, only to be intercepted by two airhostesses. After a short conversation with the women, he disappeared into the cockpit.

“Buck does have a powerful way with the ladies.”

“It is his way with our pilot that concerns me.”

“Chicken, or sausage?” a pretty airhostess asked J.D.

“Chicken, please.” Chris passed the tray over the sleeping man between them.

“Sir?” the woman asked Vin.

Chris shook his head. “He’s fine. I’ll take the sausage.”

“Yes, Sir. Are you sure your friend doesn’t want anything to eat?”

“Positive.”

The woman moved her trolley on. Larabee glanced at his silent lieutenant. Nathan had given Vin some powerful painkillers for his elbow and other injuries. It had been obvious that he was suffering considerable discomfort, though he had made no comment. Thankfully, Nathan was an astute doctor and was used to administering to men who ‘think it’s some sort of damn sin to admit you’re hurting!‘ By the look of it, the painkillers were working.

An hour and a half later, Chris gently shook his best friend. “We’ll be landing in a few minutes, Vin.”

“Great,” Tanner mumbled.

“... and I discovered that the infection under my toenail had become infected. Puss everywhere. Not a pretty sight, I can tell you. And the pain. It was life a knife going through my toe. I have a friend who had an infected finger and the infection moved to her brain and killed her.”

“Is that so, Ma’am.” Josiah sighed. The woman beside him had not shut up since she had stopped eating over an hour earlier. The huge sergeant knew her entire life story. It had started with her affair with Seaman Lightbody when she had been a teenager, moved onto the painful birth of her three children, one of which had started on drugs; and of course there was her every ailment from infected toenails, to suspected cancer of the spleen.

“How are you feeling now, Ezra?” Nathan asked, leaning forward.

“I think I can safely say that muck they served us for lunch is long gone. But thank you, those tablets you gave me have settled my delicate stomach.”

“Does anyone know where Buck went after he came back from the cockpit?”

“Disappeared with one of the airhostesses.”

“Disappeared? How can a man disappear on board an aircraft?”

“When there are women around, Buck can disappear just about anywhere.”

“J.D., have you checked to see if the van we’ve hired is waiting?”

“Yes, Sir. It’s there. And no, there’s nothing on that picture yet.”

**********

The magnificent President’s Place Resort was a sight to behold. The lagoon, golf course and tennis courts served to entertain those guests who enjoyed outdoor pursuits. Ezra was beaming as he and his team entered the lobby that sat grandly below a bedazzling chandelier.

“Now this is far more suitable.”

Chris had booked the team into a simple motel, much to Ezra’s horror. Three twin rooms and one single which had a double bed. Ezra had demanded to have the single room, but it was decided that it should go to Buck - he was the most likely to ‘need’ some privacy.

“Colonel Larabee, I do believe that I will cancel my room at the rat hole and book myself in here.”

“No, you won’t. Come on, we don’t want to be late,” Chris growled. The men moved off toward the conference room. Outside there was a large sign. ’Security Organization Conference - please have ID ready.’

Vin glanced back over his shoulder. Buck had just slipped out into the lagoon area. The sharpshooter turned and pursued his companion.

“Buck.”

“Ohhhhh, mmmyyyyy, God! I’ve died and gone to heaven!” Buck cried, eyeing the dozens of bikini clad ladies lounging around the pool.

“Yeah, well Larabee is ready to send you to hell if you don’t come.” Tanner grabbed Buck’s shoulder and steered back toward the conference room.

“But, Vin. Vin look!”

“Yeah, I got eyes in my head, Buck. Very nice, but we ain’t got time.”

“I’ve always got time for... look, she’s smiling at me.”

Vin glanced at the woman who waved seductively.

“Come on, Vin. Just a few minutes. Pleeeease.”

Tanner took a deeper breath. He did like what he saw.

Buck could see he had his foot in the door. “That sling of yours could get you a lot of sympathy, pard. You could tell them you got it doing something heroic... like dodging a mad assassin who was intent on running you down in a car.”

“You boys coming?” Chris demanded, appearing behind his men.

“I wonder what the voice of God sounds like,” Buck muttered as he and Vin turned and followed their leader away from Paradise.

**********

 “Good morning, Mrs. Travis. Are you here to cover the conference?” Agent Pascoe asked, appearing behind the reporter and picking up Mary’s bags as she paid the taxi driver who had brought her from the airport.

“Agent Pascoe. Yes, I am.”

“Where would you like these?”

“No, that’s okay. I can take them. I’m staying here at the President’s Place.”

“A gentleman doesn’t allow a pretty lady to carry heavy suitcases. I may have my faults, but I am a gentleman.” The man smiled.

Mary didn’t. She didn’t like Pascoe. He had caused considerable problems for Em7. “Agent Pascoe, thank you for your offer, but I am more than capable of...”

“I won’t hear of it.”

“The lady was asking you to leave,” a deep voice growled from behind the pair. “But she was doing it nicely. I won’t.”

“Josiah,” Mary cried with relief as the huge sergeant loomed from out of the front door. He had spotted the reporter through the glass doors.

Pascoe swallowed and lowered the suitcase to the ground. “What are you doing here? Not the conference?!” Em7 never came to any of the conferences or meetings!

“The conference is just about to start, Agent Pascoe. You had better get going and inform Wilkins we‘re here. All of us... including Larabee.”

The FBI liaison officer raced off to do just that. Josiah turned and smiled at Mary. “Ma’am.”

“Thank you. He’s such a leech.”

“Not what Chris called him the other day, but the sentiment is the same. So you’re booked in here?”

“Yes.”

Josiah picked up he woman’s two cases and carried them to the front desk for her. He signalled a porter. “Make sure this lady’s bags are taken up to her room for her.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I better get going. Just stepped out to go to the men’s room. Conference is about to start.”

“How’s Vin? The general said that he was hit by a car.”

“He’s okay, Ma’am. Chris ain’t impressed, if you know what I mean.”

Mary Travis flashed the sergeant a smile. “Of, yes. I know what you mean.”

**********

“What happened? Did you fall in?” Larabee growled as Josiah pushed his way passed to his chair. Larabee and his men had found seats toward the back of the huge auditorium. There were more than two hundred people present from the various organizations that were responsible for the nation’s security.

“Helped Mrs. Travis with her bags. She’s here to cover the conference.”

“Shhh. It’s starting,” J.D. cried.

“Great,” Vin muttered.

The conference chairman moved to the lectern, officially welcomed everyone and then outlined the three topics for the initial session. The first one was ‘Maintaining morale in your organization.’ The speaker took up his position at the microphone and began to outline strategy after strategy for boosting morale.

“... and so it is important that your men have opportunities to interact on a social level to relieve some of the tension. One strategy that has been very successful is having secret Santa’s or birthday buddies. Everyone is given one person who they provide small gifts or notes to over a week just to brighten their day.”

“This is crap,” Vin murmured. Chris glanced sideways. Tanner was slouched in his seat shaking his head. Nathan was beside him doodling on his notepad. Josiah’s head was resting on his chest, though he hadn’t quite fallen asleep. Ezra had the lecture flap down on his chair and was playing solitaire. Buck and J.D. were folding the handouts into paper planes.

“For Christ’s sake, look as though you’re interested,” Chris snarled. He had been ordered to be on his best behaviour. Obviously, he hadn’t communicated the order clearly enough with his men. Travis had meant all of them!

The second topic concerned ‘Effective communication with workmates.’

“This is crap,” Vin grumbled. Nathan continued to doodle. Josiah began to snore like a train. Ezra was practising his elaborate card shuffling and Buck and J.D. had more than twenty paper planes... all named... ready to take flight.

The third topic caused Buck to stop and take notice. First of all, the speaker was a woman and second she was talking about sexual harassment in the workplace.

“She’s magnificent,” Buck muttered.

“This is crap.”

Nathan’s doodle was fast becoming a masterpiece.

Josiah, despite being nudged and woken more than a dozen times had slipped off to sleep again and Ezra had cajoled J.D. into a game of poker.

“Well, ladies and gentlemen, that concludes the afternoon’s session.”

As the words filled the auditorium, a paper plane shot into the air, rode the air currents and came to rest on the podium not three feet from the speaker. The audience started to chuckle.

Chris shut his eyes briefly. “Tell me that wasn’t one of you.”

“I told you it’d make it to the stage,” Buck cried, slapping J.D. on the back.

“Lord, give me strength,” Larabee muttered.

“As I was saying,” the chairman continued, eyeing the plane with disapproval. “We will break now for dinner and reconvene in one hour. A meal has been set up in the main dining room, which is the third door on the left as you leave this room. Thank you.”

“That was a load of crap,” Vin muttered climbing to his feet and stretching his back. Nathan closed his notepad and nudged Josiah.

“What?”

“It’s over, sleeping beauty. Lunch break.”

Ezra deposited his cards into the top pocket of his red jacket and Buck and J.D. collected their remaining planes together and carefully placed in J.D.’s laptop bag... ready for future flights.

The men stood and turned to make their way into the aisle, but Larabee was blocking their path with a less than impressed look on his face.

“What?” Buck asked innocently.

“I want to see more conviction next session.”

“Oh, come on, Colonel. You can’t tell me you didn’t think that was just a load of crap?” Vin cried.

“Not the point, lieutenant. We’re here for appearance’s sake, so let’s try and make that appearance one of efficiency.”

“Yes, Sir,” his men replied as one.

**********

“Josiah, you can come back,” Nathan muttered, eyeing his companion’s plate that was piled high from the smorgasbord.

“I fully intend to, brother.” The team had lined up with the other agents and were filing passed the food table, each man filling his plate with all manner of goodies.

“So where do you want to sit?” J.D. asked Buck, as the two emerged at the end.

Wilmington surveyed the room. “There’s a fella that knows us.” J.D.‘s pupils enlarged. Buck inclined his head and led the young agent toward a table that already had two occupants.

Vin scanned the room for Buck and J.D.’s whereabouts, trying to hold his plate and balance his drink in one hand. “Oh, no.”

Chris turned and followed his lieutenant’s gaze. His jaw locked with a mixture of amazement and annoyance. Buck and J.D. were seated next to two FBI liaison officers, both agents looking shell shocked as Buck engaged them in conversation. “I’m going to kill him.”

As Vin and Chris approached the group, Buck smiled wolfishly and indicated seats around the circular table.

“Colonel, you remember Agent Pascoe? And this is Agent Trent. He works over in California,” Buck introduced helpfully. Larabee nodded to the two men.

“I don’t believe you’ve met our sharpshooter, Pascoe? This is Vin Tanner,” the captain stated happily. Again nods were exchanged.

“What happened to your arm?” Pascoe asked, struggling to make conversation.

“Fell,” Vin informed the man simply.

“It’s not your shooting arm, is it?” the man who’d had to defend the FBI’s recent cock-up asked.

“Nope.”

“Is it broken?”

“Nope.”

Trent eyed the men uncomfortably. He had never met Em7, but he had heard a great deal about them. Some of the stories told of remarkable skill and expertise. Recently, however, the rumours hadn’t been all that flattering.

“So what did you think of the first session, gentlemen?”

Vin started to open his mouth, but Larabee kicked him under the table.

“Well, to tell you the truth, I didn’t mind the last one. Now what was the name of the lady to gave it?” Buck asked.

“Agent Greenalsh?”

“Ahhh. A fine speaker. A mighty fine speaker. And her hips weren’t bad either. “

Chris’ boot lashed out at Buck.

Nathan and Josiah sat down at the table both wide-eyed. “Gentlemen,” Josiah greeted, glaring at Pascoe. Nathan nodded his greeting.

Ezra arrived smiling broadly. “Well, I do believe I shall sit here. The dynamics at this table should prove far more interesting than that twaddle we just sat through.”

Chris gripped his knife and fork more tightly.

“You didn’t find the sessions helpful, Agent Standish?” Trent inquired.

Chris shot his agent a hard glare.

“Apparently, I did,” Standish muttered carefully.

“Do you know what the topics of the next few sessions will be?” Nathan asked Pascoe quickly.

“They are going to be presenting some of the new arms that are on the market. Your team should find that informative. Particularly you, Lieutenant Tanner.”

Vin grunted.

“I’m sure he will, brother, though with our future in doubt, it may be a waste of time. After all, if Stone can find enough evidence to support his need to close us down because of spineless pieces of shit like you who seem to see us as some sort of threat, then knowing about the latest arms will be immaterial.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Sergeant Sanchez. Should we decide to set up private practice it will be invaluable to know just how much the likes of the FBI know about the weapons we will be using.”

Both Trent and Pascoe rose to their feet, the colour draining from their faces.

“Are you threatening us?” Trent demanded.

“We do not appreciate your attitude,” Pascoe stated with more bravado then he felt.

Chris Larabee slowly rose to his feet, the infamous Larabee glare raining down on the two FBI agents.

The confrontation was beginning to attract the attention of those around them.

“Colonel, they aren’t worth it,“ Nathan coaxed.

Pascoe licked his lips noting that he was being watched by dozens of people, including his boss. The liaison officer, whose job it was to deal with Em7, knew he shouldn’t fear Larabee. After all, Larabee had the backing of only six men. Pascoe was part of one of the largest security organizations in the country with thousands of men who would stand beside him. Unfortunately, such knowledge was not a comfort whilst staring into the face of hell itself.

“Excuse us, Colonel Larabee. We have other people we need to catch up with.”

“Leaving so soon?” Buck asked innocently. “And we were so enjoying your company.”

Pascoe practically sprinted out of the room. Josiah, Ezra, Buck and J.D. burst out laughing. Nathan directed his attention to his meal, knowing full well his leader was unimpressed. Vin shook his head with disgust. Men like Pascoe left the lieutenant cold. Chris Larabee’s body was trembling as he slowly eased back onto his seat.

The boys were just givin’ em what they deserved. Vin defended his companions.

Chris shot his lieutenant a look of rage.

Tanner glanced around at the laughing men. Chris had a right to be angry he decided. Perhaps the boys had taken it too far. “You fellas finished?” Vin demanded. The venom in his ice blue eyes drained the laughter from his companions. “We came down here to try and better our case with Stone, not score points against them dickheads. This ain‘t gonna help us.”

Buck swallowed. “Sorry.”

“Lieutenant, while I agree that we are here to show some sort of solidarity with and for our peers, the two men that just vacated this table were not going to be swayed by anything we say or do. We must work our magic on everyone else. Wilkins and Harris have already convinced their people. Pascoe is a lost cause and as such, deserved what we bestowed upon him.”

“It isn’t often that I agree with, Ezra, but I think he’s right,” Nathan stated quietly.

“They want us shut down and nothing is going to change that,” Josiah agreed.

“So there wasn’t really any harm done,” J.D offered. All of the group directed their attention to their leader.

Chris took a long deep breath. He wasn’t angry with them, but with himself. He couldn’t expect his men to sit back like meek mice and take what was being dished out. The FBI and CIA were attacking them. In battle, his men would have taken the threat out. Buck, Josiah and Ezra were frustrated and they were trying to deal with it the best way they could. Chris would have loved nothing better than to have reached out and throttled Pascoe, but he hadn’t. He could have stopped his men when they were toying with the two liaison officers. A single look would have sufficed, but he had allowed them to continue which meant that unconsciously, and perhaps even consciously, he approved of what they had done.

“Alright,” Larabee muttered. “But please... for my sake... try to behave.” His men grinned. Their leader wasn’t angry with them.

“Did you see the looks on their faces?” J.D. giggled.

“Probably off to the can to change their jocks,” Buck agreed.

Mary Travis smiled as she stopped beside Ezra. “Mind if I join you?” All the men rose to their feet.

“Mrs. Travis,” J.D. greeted.

Ezra pulled Mary’s chair and then everyone retook their seats. “Who’s off to change their jocks?“

“No one, Ma’am. Sorry.“

“How are you, Vin?”

“Ma’am?” Tanner noted Mary looking at his sling. “Oh, fine. Car just nudged me.”

“You flew over the top of the hood,” Buck argued. Tanner and Wilmington exchanged a hard look.

“So what did you think of the first session?” the woman asked.

Vin grinned. “Ain’t right for me to say it in front of a lady, Mary.”

The reporter smiled. “Chris?”

“We’re here for appearance’s sake. Nothing more.”

“But what did you think?”

“It was the biggest load of hogwash we’ve ever had to sit through,” Josiah stated. “Birthday buddies and secret Santas!”

Mary smiled at them.

“Travis sent you to keep an eye on us, didn’t he?” Chris asked.

“Colonel Larabee. Such an allegation!” Mary cried, picking up her knife and fork.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“The general is just concerned.”

“Can’t think why,” Vin muttered. “We’ve been the picture of co-operation, ain’t we boys.”

The others all nodded vigorously.

Chris eyed the look of innocence on his men’s faces, smiled and began to shake his head. “If that was co-operation, I‘d hate to see you trying to be down right unfriendly!”

“Us?! Unfriendly?!”

“It’s a contradiction in terms, Colonel.”

**********

Some time later, the men returned to their seats inside the convention centre, all under strict instructions to pay attention... or at least to appear as if they were.

“... and so now I will hand over to Agent Wilkins, the chief of the FBI, who will be introducing this session on arms,” the conference chairmen announced.

“Asshole,” Vin muttered. So that was the man who was targeting his team. Vin had never met him.

As Wilkins stepped up to the microphone, the audience clapped dutifully. Seven sets of hands remained still.

Vin Tanner shook his head. “This is crap. Belly crawling bastards.”

“Sounds like you need another painkiller,” Nathan muttered. Vin glowered at his companion. “Just take the tablet,” the sergeant ordered.

“I don’t need it.”

“You do.” Vin was usually easy going. His mood since the hit and run had been dark and his temper short, which was a tell tale sign that the young man was hurting - either physically or emotionally.

Vin scowled but accepted the small white pill. He felt up tight and knew that the drug would relax him.

Wilkins introduced one of his agents who was the leading authority on arms in the FBI. The man rattled on for some time before... “... but we are in luck tonight. We have an expert on rifles in the audience.”

Wilkins, who was seated on the platform to the right of the speaker, made eye contact with Larabee. Chris frowned.

“I am sure many of you have heard of Lieutenant Vin Tanner,” the weapons expert stated.

Seven faces set like stone.

The audience began to mutter. They had all heard of the sharpshooter who was accurate enough to bring down a chopper.

Mary swallowed and glanced at Em7. This was not good. Vin hated to be on show and his team would not allow anyone to embarrass him.

Harris and Wilkins exchanged a look of triumph. The moment they heard Em7 was attending the conference, they had planned this. Tanner didn’t know anything about the rifles being discussed. Hell, he’d only regained his memory a month earlier and hadn’t had time to even resettle in his team, let alone anything else. The sharpshooter’s public failure would be a victory for Wilkins and Harris - and he would fail. According to the information Stone had retrieved from the doctors who were treating Tanner, the lieutenant was emotionally vulnerable. The horrific memories of the Katinda war that were slowly being regained left the young man drained psychologically. He could not and would not be able to face such a crowd. Tanner didn’t like crowds - both doctors had made that very clear.

“Lieutenant Tanner’s reputation is quite remarkable and I’m sure we would all love to hear his opinion of these three new rifles.” The audience began to clap. The speaker flicked his eyes to his boss and smiled. Wilkins had told him what to do. The chief of the FBI nodded his approval.

Chris Larabee flexed his shoulders. Vin physically restrained his colonel.

Larabee reined in his temper and nodded to the team’s elected liaison officer. Time for Ezra to weave his magic.

Ezra Standish rose to his feet. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure for Em7 to join all of you, our peers, at this very informative convention. With regards to Lieutenant Tanner, he is certainly a sharpshooter of great skill. However, I am sure many of you are aware that Lieutenant Tanner has only recently returned to active service after some considerable time away from the profession. For this reason, he does not feel confident commenting on the rifles in question. He has not had a chance to sample their use in the short four weeks since he was reinstated. While I believe he has used the M89 that you have on display, I don’t believe that he has had the opportunity in the last month to even sight the other weapons. Rest assured that by the next conference, he will be more than happy to give his expert analysis of their performance and the performance of any other rifle you request. Again I bid you all salutations on behalf of Executive Mediation Seven and hope that we will be fortunate enough to meet many of you and exchange views and strategies before the conference is over.”

With that, Ezra retook his seat.

Josiah nodded to his companion. “Very smooth, brother.”

Wilkins smiled. Standish had a slick tongue, but the FBI chief wasn‘t about to lose this opportunity to take Em7 down a peg in front of their peers. “Thank you, Agent Standish,” he stated standing and moving to the microphone. “I must say that we feel honoured that you have deemed us worthy of your presence.“

“Cretin,“ Ezra muttered.

“Lieutenant Tanner, we would be thrilled to know your opinion of the 89 as you have apparently had some experience with it. You are considered to be one of the best... if not ’the’ best sharpshooter in the country. My sharpshooters have found the M89 an invaluable tool and given it their blessing. What do you think of it? As a matter of fact, why don‘t you pop up here and address the conference. A man of your reputation must have an opinion and logical reasons for it,” Wilkins stated. People began turning around in their seats trying to locate Tanner.

Larabee’s left cheek twitched. Clearly, Wilkins was doing this because he had found out that Vin didn’t like being on show. The colonel’s anger began to boil.

Again Vin restrained his leader. I can handle this asshole, Cowboy.

Vin. You don’t have to do this.

Yes, I do.

With the powerful narcotic Nathan had given him surging through his veins and dulling his usual reservations, Vin Tanner set about putting Wilkins in his place. From his seat the sharpshooter called, “Alright. You want my opinion of the M89. It’s merely a lighter version of a 76. The magazines don’t hold as many rounds, so if you’re under heavy fire, you spend half your time changing the damn things. The recoil isn’t as harsh, which means it suits men who aren’t fit enough to carry or handle the 76.“ In other words, that was why Wilkins’ men had found it a valuable tool. The FBI chief‘s face coloured with anger. “Because the M89 lacks the robustness of a 76, it’s harder to hold into your shoulder which means that accuracy could be an issue with a less experienced marksmen - making it dangerous in the hands of men who believe they’re sharpshooters but don‘t have the practical skill or training to use the weapon. The accessories for the M89 are over-priced. Most of the pieces that fit the 76 can be attached to it and are half the price and better quality. The M89 is easier to clean and takes less maintenance than a 76, which is why, I imagine, it is popular with some people. However, if you want something with grunt, I suggest sticking with the 76.”

There was silence.

“Thank you.” Wilkins was both angered and surprised. He had been told that Tanner was reserved and rarely said more than two words. A man who spoke in monosyllables - that he had seen for himself not thirty minutes earlier while watching the episode between Pascoe and Em7. Yet, Tanner had addressed the audience both clearly and confidently and certainly had impressed the other men and women attending the conference - which had not helped Wilkins’ cause.

“An invaluable assessment, Lieutenant Tanner. It is a shame you couldn’t give us a comparison of the three new rifles,” Wilkins dismissed quickly. “Well...”

“I tell you what,” Vin stated climbing to his feet.

“Oh ooo,” Buck murmured.

“Everybody duck,” Josiah mumbled.

“He’s pumped up on painkillers,” Nathan apologized.

“How about you get your expert to bring the three rifles down to me.”

“Vin...” Larabee muttered.

“You want me to test just how accurate those three babies really are? No problem. I need an apple and a volunteer. How about you, Agent Wilkins?”

The entire hall erupted with laughter. Tanner and Wilkins’ eyes met. The sharpshooter’s narrowed. Wilkins held his gaze without flinching. The audience grew silent, realizing that there was much more going on than they had realized.

“Lieutenant, take a seat,” Larabee ordered, his soft voice filling the room.

“Yes, Sir,” Vin growled.

**********

“The man challenged me in front of the entire conference!” Wilkins screamed into his cell phone. “What did he do?! Director General Stone, Larabee and his men are a menace. They show no respect for the ranks of other senior officers. I really think you could gather some useful information if you came down here yourself. Good. Yes, Sir.”

Wilkins thrust his phone back into his pocket and spun around to find himself staring straight into Mary’s face.

“Mrs. Travis. I heard you were covering this event,” Wilkins greeted politely

“I heard what you said,” Mary stated harshly. She hadn’t been able to believe her eyes when Wilkins had put Vin on display and now to overhear his conversation with Stone!

Wilkins licked his lips nervously. He didn’t want his recent skirmish with Tanner to be splashed across the papers. “Mrs. Travis, there is a lot going on here that you don’t understand.”

“So I see. You tried to embarrass Lieutenant Tanner in front of all of those people. Even after Agent Standish explained that Vin hasn’t had a chance to test the rifles, you still pushed him. What are you trying to do?” Mary paused to collect her thoughts because she was well aware of the FBI chief’s plan. “Agent Wilkins, I know you are a powerful man, but I have known Colonel Larabee and most of his team a long, long time. They are good men, but they’ll only take so much. If you push them, they will retaliate. If Colonel Larabee’s men react, you will have a lot more trouble than you can imagine. If you push hard enough and Colonel Larabee himself decides to ‘push’ back, you are going to be very, very sorry. Take my word for it. Colonel Larabee and his men are not agents in some fancy security organization. They are soldiers who survived the Katinda War. They are men... unlike some other people I could mention. Good evening!”

Wilkins watched the woman go and cursed under his breath. No doubt she would go running straight back to Travis. The last thing he needed was the general on his back again.

The FBI agent walked through the lobby, his mind reviewing his encounter with the high-spirited reporter. He really didn’t want to put Mary Travis off side. She had a great deal of influence and power through her words. He would have to do something to get her back on side. As the FBI chief approached the back door that lead to the conference room, a shadow was cast in front of him. Wilkins glanced sideways and stopped dead.

Colonel Christopher Larabee didn’t move, but his presence was so menacing that Wilkins instinctively stepped back. Em7’s leader had left the meeting when he had noticed Wilkins slip out a side door. Travis had warned Chris to co-operate and the colonel had been more than prepared to do that, until Wilkins had blatantly upped the anti by attempting to put Em7 on show in front of all of the other people at the conference. It was time he and the FBI chief had a serious personal chat. Larabee had kept himself in check as instructed, but there was no way in hell he was going to stand back and watch people take shots at his men without doing something about it.

Wilkins stared into the harsh face of the man facing him. He and Larabee had only met on a handful of occasions and while things had been strained, they had always been civil. Somehow Wilkins got the feeling that may not be the case this time.

“Wilkins.” It was a growl that rolled around in the back of Larabee’s throat.

“Colonel Larabee. Your sharpshooter is...”

The venom in the black clad soldier’s face was palpable and caused Wilkins to pause. He knew that Larabee was unpredictable. A cold, hard soldier who had lived through hell and as a result, had become hell itself. God, Larabee wasn’t about to ‘push’ back was he?!

“I’m only going to tell you this once, Wilkins.” Larabee’s voice had a quality the likes of which the FBI chief had never come across. Wilkins felt the hair prickle on the back of his neck. “You, Harris and Stone can do what you want to Em7, but if you single out any of my men again, I will deal with you personally. Understand?”

“Colonel, by inviting your sharpshooter to comment, I was just trying to...”

Chris stepped up so his face was less than inch from the other man‘s. “I know exactly what you were trying to do, you gutless bastard. You had better pray that my boys and I aren’t the unruly psychotic mongrels you seem to think we are, because if you’re right and we are...” Larabee let the sentence hang, turned and strode away. “... then I’d be &*%@ing careful if I were you.”

Part Seven

**********

Vin flopped down onto the bed and grimaced as his swollen elbow connected with the less than soft mattress. It had been a long day.

Larabee watched him with concern. “Okay?”

“Yeah.” It was almost a growl. Since Vin had been hit by the car Chris had noted that his young friend had been almost hostile. Vin Tanner was a lot of things, but aggressive wasn’t one of them. Quiet, reserved, watchful, determined, unyielding, stubborn and as hard as a situation demanded, but not aggressive.

“You want to talk about it?”

“No.” Again it was snapped.

“I’m going to have a shower.”

Tanner grunted.

The small motel room, while clean, was nothing fancy. The décor placed its origin back in the 1980’s. The beds were positioned in the middle of the room a couple of feet apart. There was a bench that obviously served as a table and two simple chairs. Vin’s duffle bag lay against the wall unpacked. Larabee’s was stacked neatly inside the cupboard, his shirts and pants for the next two days hung up.

When Chris re-emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, Vin was sound asleep, the painkillers Nathan had administered allowing him some respite.

Chris stood staring at his friend for a few seconds and then stepped up to the wall and knocked on it twice. Seconds later, Nathan and Josiah arrived at the door.

“Sir?”

“How much have you given him?”

“Painkillers? Not a lot, why? I mean enough to relieve the pain.”

Chris nodded thoughtfully. Nathan glanced at Josiah. The two men had just been discussing their young friend.

“Colonel, he’s got a lot...”

“He’s dealing with it,” Larabee snapped.

“Yeah, he is. He dealt with the initial shock connected with the return of his memory. He dealt with the fact that he can’t read or write any more. He dealt with the trauma of knowing J.D could have lost his life because someone wanted to get their hands on him. He dealt with almost being hung. He dealt with learning he has a contract on his head. He dealt with Eli Joe trying to kill him. He’s dealt with the fact that for the rest of his life he’s going to have assassins targeting him. He dealt with the memories of Kim Mai, even though the experts thought there wasn’t a chance in hell that he’d get through it. He dealt with being hit by that car. He dealt with knowing our team could be closed down. He dealt with whatever horrific memories returned in his dreams last night, and the night before and the night before that. Chris, he’s dealing with everything because Vin’s a strong man, but hell, in the last month he’s had to deal with more than most men do in a life time. It’s too much! Even for him!”

“So tell me how to help him!” Larabee ordered. There was real desperation in his voice. Chris was not used to feeling helpless, but at the moment, his total inability to ease his best friend’s pain left him feeling frustrated and incensed.

“He shouldn’t be here. The last thing he needed was Wilkins trying to show him up in front of all of those people. Vin’s always been nervous in front of a crowd.”

“He dealt with...” Larabee didn’t finish the sentence. “Damn.”

“I think we should send him home to Four Corners away from all of this.”

“I disagree,” Josiah stated thoughtfully. “He needs to be with us. At the moment, we’re the only thing holding his world together.”

The three men became quiet.

“Well, thank God. You bastards finished discussing me?!” The trio turned to find Vin staring across at them. “I ain’t some &*%@ing soap opera!”

“I thought you were asleep.”

“Me and sleep ain’t the greatest friends these days.” Larabee inclined his head and Josiah and Nathan disappeared.

The Colonel crossed the room and sat down on the bed across from his sharpshooter who returned his attention to staring at the ceiling above him. “How much did you hear?”

“How long was I the &*%@ing topic of conversation?!”

“The boys think that your ‘mood’ is because you’re trying to cope with too much.”

“My mood?! What the hell does that mean?!”

Larabee raised his right eyebrow.

Vin sighed and shut his eyes. “Sorry.”

“I think maybe they’re right. Would you like to go home?”

“Home? I don’t know where home is, Chris,” Vin whispered. “Hell, I don’t even know who I am any more.”

Chris moved to the end of Vin’s bed. “You’re a member of Em7. At the moment, you’re a cranky sonofabitch. You’re the best damn sharpshooter in the country... and you’re my best friend.” Larabee watched the disturbed sharpshooter’s Adam’s apple jump. Vin’s hands came up to cover his eyes. He released a long deep breath and allowed his arms to drop as he opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling.

“My head’s all mixed up, Cowboy. Don’t know what to feel or to think. I think I’ve got a handle on it and then...” Vin shook his head as he struggled to put into words how he felt.

Larabee moved up beside the bed and sat down. “When I first came back from Katinda...” Chris paused and chose to look at a spot on the wall. What he was about to say, he wasn’t proud of. “I climbed into a bottle for two months. Dropped everything, went to Mexico and kept myself paralytic drunk.”

Vin ripped his eyes from the ceiling and allowed them to fall of his friend’s face. He never would have believed that Chris would allow himself to completely lose it like that. “The boys finally tracked me down, sobered me up and dragged me home.”

Larabee glanced down at Vin. “The point is, I felt like you do. I didn’t know where home was, or who the hell I was or had become. Other men returned to their families, I returned to two graves. I felt like I had nothing. No job. No home... and to top it all off, I’d left my brother in the middle of a hellhole after promising him I’d always be there for him and that he wouldn’t die alone.”

“Chris...” Vin reached up placed his hand on his best friend’s arm.

“I became an aggressive sonofabitch, but I wasn’t angry at anyone in particular. I was angry with everything.”

“So how did you deal with it?”

“Buck just kept at me. Bastard wouldn’t leave me alone.”

Vin smirked.

“Anyway, finally I... I don’t know. I just started to see sense. Spent a lot of time talk... listening to Josiah.” Chris grinned. A man didn’t talk to Josiah because normally he couldn’t get a word in edge wise. “I think maybe you should try spending some time with him. If you can wade through the crap, there are some powerful messages that you can cling to. He helped the others and I straighten everything out.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Vin agreed. “Sorry about tonight... taking on Wilkins like that.”

“Don’t be. I could have stopped you if I’d wanted to. I knew you could handle it.”

“I didn’t exactly help our cause though did I?”

“I don’t know. The crowd weren’t impressed with Wilkins when they realized what he had tried to do. Besides, the thought of Wilkins standing up there with an apple on his head was worth it,” Chris chuckled.

**********

“I am sorry, Colonel Larabee, but I will not be able to spend another night in that room,” Ezra proclaimed. “On one side I was forced to endure Captain Wilmington and Agent Greenalsh performing a rumba and on the other side I had Sergent Sanchez sounding like a train about to come through the wall. Top that all off with Agent Dunne wanting to chat all night it... it... it’s just too much for a man to bear! This morning I shall be booking myself into the President’s Place. A private suite.”

“Uh huh,” Chris muttered as he and the others entered the plush resort where Ezra was determined to become a guest. The lobby was filled with agents from across the country. “Boys spread out and mingle.” Larabee understood that his men had to counter the bullshit that the FBI and CIA had been peddling. If there were a showdown between Wilkins and Harris and Em7, then it would be useful to have the support of some of the other organizations. “Conference starts in fifteen minutes. Don’t be late. And Buck, there isn’t anyone in the lagoon area that we need you to mingle with.”

“No fair, boss.”

“J.D.?”

“No, Sir. Nothing on the picture since you asked me in the van, three minutes ago.”

Larabee shot the boy a stern look.

“Sorry, Sir.”

“Give the Kid a break, Chris. He’ll tell us the moment anything comes up,” Nathan assured his leader as he turned to seek out conversation.

Larabee watched his men disappear amongst the crowd. Where the hell had Vin disappeared to?! The bastard knew he was supposed to stay with at least one of the boys, particularly after the most recent attempt on his life.

**********

“Hey, William Tell!” Vin glanced across the room. A tall man smiled and strode across to him. “Hey, Vin! Couldn’t believe it when I saw you yesterday!” Tanner stared at the man. He didn’t know who the hell he was.

Seeing the lack of recognition the other man added. “Bobby. Bobby Simpson. Corporal Robert Simpson.” Still Vin’s face remained blank. Simpson’s eyes clouded with puzzlement. “Surely you remember?”

“No, he doesn’t,” Chris stated, stepping up to the pair. “Vin was injured during the war and has very little memory of it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

Chris turned to his sharpshooter. “You knew Corporal Simpson before you came to Katinda. We crossed paths just outside of Hages Village.” Still Vin’s face remained blank. “The two of you caused a riot in a French Mess when they refused to serve that German soldier.” There was a pinching around Tanner’s right eye. A half grin creased his lips and he nodded. Turning he offered his hand.

“So how are Bubba and the boys?”

Simpson returned Tanner’s smile. “Bubba’s working as a security guard up in Canada somewhere. Mick and Tom are still with the army. And me, I transferred to the ECSRU...East Coast Special Response Unit. We handle most of the big stuff on the East Coast.”

Tanner nodded.

“So, Em7. The best of the best.”

“Not according to some people.”

Simpson’s face became serious. “Yeah, I heard. It’s buzzing through the place. Everyone‘s talking about it.”

“What are people saying?” Larabee asked.

“The soldiers aren’t having a bar of it, Sir. You know you have our support. Most of the men who have come up through the ranks of police and stuff are sorting through it. The CIA has been posting stuff to everyone for weeks. We got a copy of your constitution last week. Unlimited power. That scares people.”

“What do you think, Bobby?” Vin asked with interest.

“Me, I think someone needs the authority to pull rank. If we have a crisis and a couple of organizations turn up, there has to be someone put in charge. Better you than anyone else. I‘d be happy to take orders from you, Sir. If you need any sort of support, you know you can count on me.”

“Thanks.”

“Besides, if it comes down to a choice, the soldiers will side with you, Colonel. If you call for allegiance, Sir, thousands of men will leave their posts to come and stand with you. And I’m not just talking about soldiers from this country, Colonel Larabee.”

“We don’t intend taking it that far,” Chris stated quickly, though secretly he felt relieved. Hearing such support was heartening.

The other man turned to Vin and smiled. “So William Tell, if I had produced an apple, would you have done it?”

Vin smiled. “Reckon I might have.”

“You haven’t changed, Tanner!” Bobby laughed.

**********

The morning session ran relatively smoothly and strangely enough, ended with a paper plane arcing through the air and missing the speaker by less than a foot.

“Buck!” Larabee growled.

During the lunch break, Ezra disappeared for several minutes without explanation.

“Where the hell did you get to?”

“I had an urgent matter that needed attending to.”

“Hell, Ezra why don’t you just say that you went to the can!”

“Hey, there’s the general!” J.D. cried, waving to Travis as he entered the large dining room. Larabee and his men rose to their feet.

“Sir?”

“Is there somewhere private that we can talk?” Travis asked.

“Yes. My suite,” Standish offered.

“Your suite?” Chris repeated.

“Colonel Larabee, I explained to you this morning that I could not possibly return to that hideous burrow we had the misfortune of staying in last night. I have just secured a suite on the top floor of this establishment.”

“Hey guys, we’re staying in a suite tonight!” Buck boomed.

“Oh, no you are not!” Ezra exclaimed.

An elevator ride later, Standish unlocked the door of his room and his fellow regulators followed him in.

“Wow!” J.D. exclaimed.

“Hey, look. It’s got them little buttons for opening and closing the curtains!”

“Captain Wilmington, leave them alone.”

“Hey, the fridge is full of goodies. Anyone want a chocolate?!”

“Sergeant Sanchez, put that back!”

“Boys,” Chris called quietly. His men took seats in the plush lounge room. General Travis remained standing in the middle of the room waiting for silence.

“What’s the problem, General?” Nathan asked.

“I was somewhat disturbed by your antics yesterday.”

“Huh?” Buck asked, honestly perplexed by the statement. “We gave only as much as was needed.”

“You are not here to ‘give’ anything. You are here to show the other organizations that you are serious, sensible men who are more than capable of handling the power and authority that the President has seen fit to bestow upon you.” The men of Em7 began to glance around at each other.

“General, I don’t know what Mary told you, but we have tried to co-operate,” Josiah stated.

The others were nodding. Larabee remained silent, his face set in a frown.

“So the paper plane didn’t belong to one of you? Josiah didn’t fall asleep during the lecture? Ezra and J.D. weren’t playing cards? What the hell do you think you’re here for?!”

“Now hang on a minute,” Chris growled rising to his feet. “What the boys did, they did with my blessing.” Larabee and Travis glared at each other. “What the hell do you want from us, General? We’re soldiers. We’re not trained to deal with this political bullshit.”

The general nodded and took a seat himself, Chris following suit. “I know that. Look, I need you to keep a low profile for the next little while.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m working on the leaders of the other organizations. I honestly believe I can convince them of your importance, just so long as you don’t do anything to make them believe that you are less than an efficient fighting unit that easily shoulders the responsibility given to you.”

Chris was nodding. “Alright. We’ll keep a low profile.”

“Good. There’s just one other thing,” Travis stated, turning to Vin. “You’ll need to apologize to Wilkins.”

“Huh?”

“Over my dead body,” Larabee snarled.

“Chris, it’s important. Vin made a fool of him. It may have been seen by others as flagrant disrespect for a senior ranking agent.”

“He had it coming to him,” J.D. argued.

“That is not the point. Lieutenant, I want you to apologize to him,” Travis ordered firmly.

“No way,” Buck cried leaping to his feet. “That asshole was trying to set Vin up.”

“Buck’s right,” Josiah agreed.

“Boys,” Vin assured quietly. “It’s okay. If apologizing is what I have to do, then...”

“Like hell!” Buck exploded. “You don’t have any reason to apologize!”

“Agent Wilkins lined Vin up and was more than happy to leave him twisting in the wind. I felt that Lieutenant Tanner handled the situation beautifully.”

“He shouldn’t have to apologize,” Nathan agreed.

“Guys, it’s okay. This is important. If the general thinks I should do it, then I will.”

“Good. I’m sorry, son. I’d like it done as soon as possible.”

Vin nodded with tired acceptance. “I’ll deal with it, Sir.”

‘Deal with it.’ The words echoed in Larabee’s mind. He glanced at Nathan and Josiah and then shook his head. “He’s not apologizing.”

“Chris...”

“I said you’re not doing it, Lieutenant. The topic is closed.”

Vin eyed his leader curiously. It wasn’t like Chris to disobey an order from Travis.

“I’ll speak to Wilkins and apologize on your behalf,” Larabee growled. His face was set with a mixture of disgust and determination.

“WHAT?!” Buck thundered. “That’s ridiculous!”

“It will have more impact coming from me. I take responsibility for all of your actions so the buck stops with me. I’ll speak to Wilkins.”

Travis considered the proposal and finally nodded. “Alright. Make it before the next session.”

“This stinks!”

“Captain. The topic’s closed.”

**********

“Chris,” Vin called, catching up with his leader in the lobby. “It ain’t right that you have to apologize for me. Not to them. Not with what they’re doing. I’ll do it. I ain’t got no problem doin’ it. I had the fun, I’ll wear the consequences.”

Larabee stared into Vin’s face and then he smirked. “Tanner, I let you make an ass of him. I had the fun, I’ll wear the consequences.”

“Chris...”

“Vin, the topic’s closed.”

The lieutenant shook his head. “Why?”

“Because I say so,” Larabee stated simply. He patted his friend’s shoulder and headed for the lunchroom where he knew the chief of the FBI would be.

“You can be a stubborn asshole, Chris!”

“Takes one to know one, cowboy,” Larabee called back.

The rest of the boys approached the softly cursing lieutenant as Chris disappeared into the dining room.

“So he’s gonna do it?” Buck demanded.

“Stubborn bastard,” Vin growled.

“Gentlemen, I really don’t know what you are so concerned about. Colonel Larabee has merely agreed to apologize.”

“Merely!” Nathan snapped.

“Calm down, my friend. There are many ways to apologize to a person. For example, “ Ezra lowered his face. “Agent Wilkins, please accept my profoundest apologizes for the way my lieutenant spoke to you. We regret the incident and hope that you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive us,” the gambler finished in a voice so sincere Buck felt like he was about to lose his lunch. “Then again, one could say... Wilkins, you obnoxious bastard, I’ve been told to apologize for my sharpshooter who put you in your place, you cretin. So here’s the apology. Feel free to take it and shove it up your ass.”

Vin and Buck shot each other a look. “Oh, shit!” The men of Em7 raced into the dining room just as Chris was approaching the table Wilkins was seated at.

“How are we going to stop him?!” J.D. cried.

“Stop him! I just wanted to come in here and watch,” Buck chuckled.

“Lieutenant? What do you want us to do?” Josiah asked.

Vin stared across the room. “Nothing. Whatever Chris does, he knows he has our support regardless. I’m not about to start questioning his decisions.”

“What do you think he’ll do?” Nathan asked.

“I honestly don’t know,” Vin whispered. “Come on, boys. He doesn’t need an audience.” The members of Em7 followed their lieutenant back into the lobby.

**********

Chris stopped next to Wilkins. The six occupants at the table glanced up and held their breath. What one earth did the leader of Em7 want?

“Agent Wilkins. Yesterday, one of my men was particularly outspoken. He regrets his comments and has been reprimanded. He wanted to apologize to you himself, but I take full responsibility for the actions of any and all of my men. I hope his misplaced sense of humour did not cause you any embarrassment.” The words were stated efficiently and without emotion.

Chris waited for some sort of acknowledgement, but Wilkins was too stunned to reply.

“Your men,” Harris jumped in. He couldn’t believe his luck. Here was Larabee, on the back foot, in front of the chiefs of a number of the other security organizations - the perfect time to personally pull the leader of Em7 down a peg. “Your men don’t seem to be interested in the conference.”

“Who would expect them to be?” Chris stated. “Would you send dentists to ballet classes? My men are soldiers and they have been forced to attend an administrator’s conference.”

“Forced?” Inspector Simon asked.

“We received orders that we had to attend.”

“Orders?” Special Agent Brewer asked curiously. The man seemed genuinely surprised.

“That’s right. General Travis and General Collins both seemed to feel it was necessary for us to attend. We didn‘t have any choice.” The men at the table began to glance around at each other. This was not the impression they had been given. Wilkins and Harris had made it sound as if Em7 did as they pleased and were basically answerable to no one.

“Colonel Larabee. Agent Jasc, head of Security Force.”

Larabee acknowledged the man with a nod.

“You must agree that your men are somewhat unconventional?”

“My men are human. They have human faults and flaws. Some of them are eccentric, but they are very good at what they do.”

“Yes,” Harris agreed quickly, noting with horror that Larabee was actually winning support. “The bottom line is...”

“The bottom line is my men are soldiers. We have never claimed to be anything else. We want nothing more than to be left alone so we can do the job that our team was designed to do. If you’ll excuse me.”

The colonel spun around and strode out of the room.

“I thought you said he was an unreasonable man?” Brewer asked Wilkins with a harsh look.

“Clearly, it was an act to gain your support,” Harris cried.

“Larabee doesn’t seem the sort of man who would be interested in ‘acts’,” Jasc disagreed, rising to his feet. “Excuse me. I have decided that I would like to have a few words with Colonel Larabee myself.”

Wilkins and Harris exchanged looks of concern. Their plan to show Em7 up at the conference was backfiring badly.

“Colonel Larabee?!” Jasc called. Chris and Vin turned. When Larabee had emerged, all of the other men had made themselves scarce.

“Agent Jasc. This is my sharpshooter, Vin Tanner. Better known as William Tell.” The other man smiled and nodded to the lieutenant, a grin on his face.

“I must admit, it was quite amusing.”

“Unfortunately, inappropriate,” Vin stated simply.

“Perhaps. Colonel, I won’t beat around the bush. Your constitution is a concern.”

“Our constitution was written for us. We simply follow the laws it dictates. If you are talking about our authority to take over any situation we please, why would we? I only consent to missions I know we are best qualified to handle. Doing anything else would be stupid and endanger the lives of my men. And I have no intention of doing that.”

Jasc’s brow furrowed with consideration. “You truly are everything I’ve heard about you, Colonel.”

Vin grinned. “What, a cranky old cuss who...”

“Tanner!”

“I’ll be going now, Sir. Excuse me.” Jasc watched the sharpshooter high tail it out into the lagoon area.

“Morale doesn’t seem to be a problem in your unit.”

Chris was smiling. “We have our own way of dealing with things.”

Jasc offered his hand. Larabee accepted it. “It’s been a pleasure, Colonel. Oh, and tell your sharpshooter that his comments may have been inappropriate, but that I enjoyed them immensely... and if your pilot can get one of his paper planes to land on top of Wilkins‘ head, there‘s twenty dollars in it for him.”

“For God’s sake, don’t tempt him.”

**********

Jasc spotted Travis hovering across the foyer.

“General. About that matter we were discussing earlier. The answer is yes.”

Travis shook the other man’s hand. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

When Jasc had gone, the general made his way over to Chris. “Well done.”

“What do you mean?”

“Jasc has just agreed to support us.”

“How?”

“By contacting the president personally to pledge his support for Em7. I don’t know what you said, but it worked.”

“Had nothing to do with me. He just wants to see Buck land one of his paper planes on Wilkins’ head.”

**********

The afternoon session involved security systems, which Ezra found fascinating.

“.... and so, ladies and gentlemen, as I said, this is the latest system on the market.” The commercial developer had just finished his demonstration. His system was based on a number of laser beams that criss-crossed the area to be protected so densely that a mouse would set it off. It was impossible to approach the secured item from above, below or any direction without breaking one of the beams and effectively setting off the alarm. “A sophisticated device that is reasonably priced. We have found it to be very popular and so far, not even our design specialists have found a way to beat it. I know we have a number of security experts in the audience. Is there anyone who would like to try their hand at getting the pen on the table without setting off the alarm? I have brought with me a number of devices to assist you. Everything from infra-red glasses so you can see the beams, to tape measure and pliers.”

There were murmurings in the audience. “The chairman tells me we still have fifteen minutes left in this session, so let’s see if one of you can ‘steal’ the pen.”

Six faces turned to study Ezra. “Agent Dunne, may I borrow your laptop for a second?”

“Sure. You don‘t want to go online though do you? If you do, it means I‘ll have to shut down the search for that fella who tried to run Vin down,” J.D. warned.

“No, I merely wish to do some calculations.”

Two agents attempted to thwart the security device without success, the alarming sounding and filling the room.

“Captain Wilmington, may I have a stick of your gum?” Buck raised an eyebrow, but withdrew a stick from his pocket and handed it to his companion.

The commercial developer was smiling with pride. “No one else?”

“I do believe I would like to attempt to appropriate the pen. I lost mine the other day and that one looks like it may fit my requirements perfectly,” Ezra stated rising to his feet.

“Be my guest. And you are?”

“I am the security officer for an organization known as Em7.” Standish strode up the aisle, stepped up onto the platform and immediately circled the table inspecting it from all angles. Then he walked over to the side of the room and unplugged the alarm’s power supply. The room erupted with laughter.

Vin glanced at Chris grinning. “The simplest methods are always the best.”

“Very amusing, Agent Standish,” Harris growled. “But clearly when the alarm is properly installed such an action will be impossible.”

“True,” Ezra agreed, switching the power back on. Standish climbed back onto the platform, picked up the infra-red glasses and put them on. For a full five seconds he stared at the ceiling. Then he reached for the tape measure and measured something out on the ground. Taking a pencil out of his pocket, he marked the spot he wanted. Then he turned and began to shift the lectern until it was directly over the top of the pencil mark.

The entire room was deathly quiet has they watched this flamboyant man in the red jacket, a member of the group they had all heard so much about recently.

Without a word, Standish climbed up onto the top of the lectern and took a stick of gum out of his pocket. The other agents in the hall began to mutter. Ezra removed the gum from its silver foil wrapper and placed it in his mouth. Seconds later, he attached the sticky mass to the back of the silver foil. Focusing on the ceiling, the agent reached up and with great care stuck the foil to the roof, bending it at a right angle. Then he leaped down from the lectern and dusted himself off.

Once satisfied, he stepped up to the table and picked up the pen, placed it in his pocket and turned to the stunned developer of the alarm system. “Thank you. It is a very nice pen.”

The room was filled with clapping and cheers. More than half the audience rose to their feet.

“Thank you. Thank you. It was nothing, I assure you.”

“Son of a gun!” Buck cried jumping up and wolf whistling loudly. Vin and Chris exchanged a look and then both stood and joined in the acclamation for their team mate.

Shortly after, as the men were heading to the dining room for dinner, the alarm developer caught up with Ezra.

“Excuse me, Sir. I was wondering if you had time to talk to one of our technicians. We need to know why what you did put the entire system down.”

Ezra smiled. “Perhaps it may be more beneficial if I were to give you the name of the person who showed me that little trick.”

“Please.”

“Of course. His name was MacGyver.”

“MacGyver?”

“Yes, a useful television show from which I learned no end of tricks.” With that, Ezra tipped his imaginary hat and moved off to join his companions.

“You don’t think he was serious?” the alarm developer’s assistant asked.

“Shut-up, fool.”

**********

The evening session came and went without incident... or low flying aircraft.

“Well, gentlemen, I bid you good evening,” Ezra stated as his team reached the doors about to make their trip back to the motel.

His companions paused. J.D.’s face fell. “You mean you really aren’t coming back to our room? I have to stay by myself?”

“That’s low, Ezra,” Josiah muttered.

“Oh, please! I’m am not going to give up my luxury three bedroom suite for anything.”

“Night, Ezra,” Vin started disappearing.

“Sleep tight, Standish,” Buck murmured, following the lieutenant.

“It isn’t going to work. I don’t feel the slightest bit guilty.”

“We’ll meet you here tomorrow morning,” Larabee ordered.

Nathan simply shook his head and disappeared.

J.D. continued to stare at his companion. “Good night, Ezra,” he stated in a quiet voice before following the rest of his team.

Standish stood for a few minutes. “You bastards. I don’t feel guilty. I don’t... I don’t.”

***********

An hour later, Ezra was relaxing in a robe sitting in front of the television sipping a scotch. There was a knock on the door. Standish frowned, reached for his gun and then rose to investigate.

“Yes?”

“It’s just me, Ez. I brought your things over. I thought you might need your toothbrush and stuff,” J.D. called. Standish rolled his eyes and unlocked the door. As he did so, it flew open and six men, with luggage, piled in.

“What on earth?!”

“Three bedrooms. You never should have mentioned that, brother.”

“But...”

“I’ll take the sofa bed,” Nathan offered.

“Buck, you and J.D. can take one room. Vin and I’ll take one. And Ezra and Josiah can take the last one.”

“Josiah! No. But he...” Ezra lost the argument even before it started.

“You are pleased to see us though, aren’t you Ez?” J.D. asked.

“Mr. Dunne, I can say without a word of a lie, the emotion I feel at this present moment is enough to make me cry.”

“See, I told you he wouldn’t mind!”

“Now, let’s get some of those goodies out of the fridge,” Josiah stated opening it. “What do you want Nathan?”

“Look, they even got buttons for opening and closing the doors.”

Chris picked up Ezra’s scotch and finished it.

“Hey, I bet I could rewire this place so that if you push the button for the curtains to open the radio would come on instead.”

Standish sank down onto the couch shaking his head in defeat. Vin glanced at Ezra and smiled. “Which way to the bathroom? I need a shower.”

**********

Part 8

“Well, thank God that’s over!”

“Load of crap,” Vin agreed.

“Plane leaves in an hour. Let’s get packed,” Chris ordered. The conference was finished much to the relief of Em7. Over the course of the three days they had gained considerable support from some of their peers, which had been the whole idea.

“Oh, just the thought of returning to my own bed is enough to gladden my heart.”

“J.D., anything on that picture?” his leader demanded.

The youth walked over to his laptop that was sitting on the table. “No, Sir.”

Chris cursed. He had honestly hoped the image would turn up something.

“Relax, Cowboy. The bastard will probably try again anyway,” Vin stated simply.

Larabee shot his best friend a hard stare.

“Can I have a window seat?” J.D. asked.

“I require an aisle seat, as you all know.”

“I’m sitting next to one of you this time,” Josiah complained.

“Thought I might ask the pilot if he’ll let me take the controls for a while.”

“Captain Wilmington, such a suggestion is causing my stomach to turn over and we haven’t even boarded the flight!”

“Why’s your arm out of that sling? I told you to rest it for a full week,” Nathan scolded.

“Has anyone seen my green socks?”

**********

Boston airport was bustling with travellers all in a hurry. The men of Em7 joined the rat race as they headed for their flight’s departure gate.

“Colonel Larabee?” Chris searched for the owner of the voice amongst the sea of people. “Colonel Larabee?!”

Em7’s leader stopped, Vin smashing into the back of him. All of Larabee’s men stopped in single file behind the lieutenant.

“What the hell is going on?” Josiah called.

“Why have we stopped?”

“We’ll miss our flight.”

“Colonel Larabee.“ The caller squeezed passed several people. “Sir,” the man cried saluting. Larabee simply nodded. “Sergeant Luke Field. Sir, I know an airport isn’t the best place to apply for a job, but I was wondering if I could talk to you about joining your unit?”

“I’m sorry. I have no positions available.”

“I think you will find my references and credentials impressive.”

“But clearly not your hearing,” Chris muttered.

“Please, Sir. At least give me a go.”

Larabee ran his eyes up and down the man. He was in his late twenties and powerfully built. “Alright.” Six sets of bags were dropped to the floor behind Chris with accompanying grunts of impatience. “If you can take Buck, I’ll have a look at your references.” The sergeant smiled. “Buck?” Chris called back over his shoulder.

“Yes, Sir?”

“The sergeant here wants an audition.”

Wilmington stepped around his bag and walked up to his Colonel. “This fella?”

“Be easy on him,” Larabee ordered.

“Yes, Sir.”

“What, here?” Field asked. “In the middle of the airport?”

“You want to wait until the ground’s padded or something, son?” Buck asked.

“No, it’s just... okay. Take your best shot.”

Vin sighed. Josiah rolled his eyes. Nathan shook his head. Buck grinned. Less than three seconds later, Field was laying flat on his back. He had made his move and Buck had ‘submarined’ him, to use the Captain’s phrase.

“Sorry soldier. Alright, which gate are we headed for?”

“Thirty-Four.”

“What’s that one?”

“Six.”

“That’d be right.” The line of men moved off, leaving Buck’s hapless victim on the ground where he had fallen.

“What gate’s that?”

“Twenty- nine. We’re getting closer.”

“Aww, hell.”

“What?”

“Nothin’,” Vin grumbled, rubbing his tender arm that had been jostled in the men’s dash.

“I told you to keep that sling on.”

“Nag, nag, nag.

“God, look at the time. We’re supposed to be boarding in a few minutes.”

“What about the bags?”

“We’ll have to take them in the cabin with us.”

“They won’t let us.”

“I’d like to see them try to stop us.”

When the men arrived at the appropriate gate they found that the other passengers were mostly agents from the conference.

“Should be a fun trip home,” Buck muttered.

Before Chris could comment, cell phones started to go off all around the men of Em7. Fascinated, they watched as the agents answered their phones and started running for the exit.

“Now what the hell do you think that was all about?”

“J.D.?” Chris demanded. The youth nodded, sat down and opened his laptop. “I’ll have to turn off the search?”

“Do it.” Clearly, if the image had been going to turn up a match, it would have done so by now.

J.D. Dunne’s fingers danced across the keyboard like lightning. “Hostage situation, about half a block from here. “

“Get me some details.”

“I’m working on it.” His companions crowded around the youth.

“There are going to be a lot of chiefs over there trying to run the operation,” Josiah commented. “CIA, FBI, Security Force and the like.”

“Okay, we’ve got up to nine terrorists holding at least fourteen people hostage on the twenty-fourth floor of a hotel.”

“Who are the terrorists?”

“Hang on... Nope... maybe the CIA... Nope... the FBI... Yep, here we go.” J.D. was hacking directly into the major computer systems of the other key organizations. Wilkins was already on site and everything he was reporting was being placed directly into the FBI’s database. Of course, it was supposed to be hacker proof, but that had never stopped J.D. before. “The Sovereignty Army. Some radical group, but they don’t know anything about them.”

“I do,” Ezra stated. “About twelve months ago the Sovereignty Army took hostages in France. If I remember correctly, they massacred them all.”

“Give me a reference, Ezra,” J.D. ordered.

“About April last year.”

“The French police should have something on the incident,” Nathan stated.

“I’m on it,” J.D. stated, his nimble hands searching cyber space. “And... and... here it is. April 23rd last year. A group of terrorists took nineteen people hostage in a thirty-storey hotel not far from the international airport. They demanded nothing except coverage on all major television networks. Once they were satisfied that they had enough exposure, they requested a helicopter. Five of them took the chopper to safety but the other four stayed, killed the hostages and then turned their guns on themselves.”

“Then they’re likely to do the same thing,” Vin muttered.

“The hostages are dead,” Josiah murmured.

“Chris?”

Larabee considered the risks and his men‘s abilities. “Alright boys, let’s get over there!”

**********

WARNING!!

The next section contains a terrorist attack. It was written long before the horror of Sept. 11th. If you feel you may find reading this upsetting, please scroll through until you find the ###########. Thank you.

The Regency Plaza rose up into the sky, a haven for weary travellers who wanted somewhere to stay after a long international flight... an expensive haven. The thirty-six storey building was not for ‘average’ people. Guests required bulging wallets to grace one of the Plaza’s beds.

Around the base of the building there were dozens of people in suits - men and women from more than ten different law enforcement agencies. Most were standing around waiting for their respective leader to provide them with orders. To one side, confused hotel guests and staff were being interviewed by all manner of people flashing badges in front of their faces.

The local police had cordoned off the area and were attempting to keep the growing numbers of the public and media back from the circus... for a circus it was fast becoming.

“Look, this is our city and our SWAT team is more than capable of handling the situation!”

“These are international terrorists so Security Force should have jurisdiction!”

“You don’t have enough men here,” Harris argued.

“The FBI has a professional negotiator standing by.”

Buck drove the team’s re-rented van up to the nearest barricade, forcing spectators back.

“Move this van!” a uniformed officer called as men began to pour out of it.

Chris flashed his badge. The officer inclined his head. “The rest of the brass is over there arguing over who’s in charge.”

Larabee ignored the comment. “Ezra, I want the building plans.”

“Yes, Sir.” The agent jogged off, and after flashing his badge at a group of agents from various organizations, who had taken up the job of keeping everyone way from the entrance of the hotel, he disappeared inside.

“Josiah, go and find out what the hell is going on over there in that huddle,” Larabee ordered, motioning toward the group of leaders that included both Harris and Wilkins.

“Nathan, we need some equipment. Secure it.”

“Yes, Colonel.” The Sergeant set off to find a SWAT van. It should have everything his Colonel required.

“Buck.”

“Yep.” The big man stepped back into the van, backed it up and drove off. He knew what to do without being told.

“J.D., get me as much information as you can on the hostage situation in France. And find out if this Sovereignty Army has done this anywhere else.”

“I’m on it, Colonel.”

“Vin, check out the perimetre.”

“Sir.”

Larabee watched the last of his men disappear and then glanced at J.D. “Anything?”

“I’m hacking into French police files. If I can’t find anything, I’ll track down whoever was in charge of the investigation and get them on the phone for you, Sir.”

**********

Josiah pulled his sunglasses on and blended into the group of men arguing about who should be in charge and what they should be doing.

“Look, I was here first. I have men here who have experience in dealing with terrorists,” Wilkins stated. “I have my top negotiator waiting to speak to the terrorists the moment they make contact. It only makes sense that I should run the operation.”

“The Secret Service has far more experience dealing with terrorists,” another man argued.

Before anyone else could comment, a flustered looking man raced up to the group. “I’m sorry Agent Harris. According to the manager, the plans for the building are missing from the safe. They must have been stolen.”

“The terrorists are one step ahead of us.”

Josiah Sanchez smiled. No, thanks to Ezra Standish, Em7 was one step ahead of them.

************

“Colonel, can’t see any sign of a retreat vehicle with driver. I reckon they’ll play it out as they did last time,” Vin reported, jogging back up to his leader.

“J.D.’s got the police report from France. This terrorist group hit in Africa two years ago with exactly the same M.O. They took hostages in a large hotel close to the airport. Asked for media exposure and then asked for a chopper. Five took the chopper and four remained and slaughtered the hostages. Read both reports,” Larabee ordered, stepping back from J.D.’s laptop that was balanced on the hood of a police car. Vin glanced at Chris and then at the words on the screen.

“I’ll read it to you, Vin,” J.D. stated quickly. An apology flashed in Chris’ eyes. Vin nodded and listened as J.D. dictated from the reports.

“They didn’t kill the pilot either time,” Tanner commented.

“Which should work in our favour,” Larabee agreed.

Moments later, Ezra appeared with a bundle of plans under his arm. J.D shifted his computer and the Gambler spread out the main floor plans.

“Give me the wiring plan,” J.D. requested.

“Tell me if you can shut down the lifts from a central place,” Chris ordered, studying the chart in front of him. “What room are they in?”

“2405 on twenty-fourth floor.” Ezra turned and pointed. “That one.”

“They used the fire exit to get to the roof,” Vin commented pointing.

“Take them about three to four minutes to get to the chopper.” Chris plucked his mobile out of his pocket. Quickly he sent a text message to Nathan and Josiah. “Return.”

“Vin?”

Tanner glanced at the high-rise building across from the Plaza, another plush hotel. “Yep. I should be able to.” The young man returned his attention to the plans. “Have to be this window,” he claimed pointing.

“How many will you be able to take?”

“We’ve got hostages in there,” Vin muttered. “Two. If everything goes well, three, maybe even all four, but there are no guarantees, Sir.”

“We work on two.”

“There are nine of them,” J.D. pointed out.

“Five of them should leave the moment they hear the chopper... if they follow the same pattern.”

“Can’t see why they won’t. It’s been successful for them the last two times.”

“So what about the other two bastards?” Vin asked.

Larabee’s brow furrowed. Nathan and Josiah appeared. “Josiah?”

“Headless chooks, Sir.”

“Nathan?”

“SWAT team. Everything we need, including headsets. I’ve got them bringing them over to us.”

“Bet we aren’t popular,” J.D. muttered.

“No, they’re more than happy to lend us the gear. They were at the conference and want the opportunity to see Vin in action.”

Tanner shot his companion a blank look.

“The elevator shaft. J.D., can you control the elevators from a central position?”

“Yes, Sir. And Sir, according to these plans, they’ve got security cameras in all the hallways. We’ll be able to tell if they have anyone posted outside the elevator.”

Larabee glanced up as three men in SWAT uniforms arrived with their arms full of gear.

“J.D. take a headset and keep communications open. Go and check out the security cameras and lift controls.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“If we have Ezra and Nathan abseil down the shaft, we should be able to get J.D. to activate and open the doors for them,” Chris mused. As he spoke, Nathan slipped a headset onto his leader’s head, the other men grabbing and pulling one on as well. “You receiving me, J.D.?”

“Loud and clear, Colonel.”

“Wings? You out there?”

There was a crackling sound. “Keep talking boss man. I’m ready to fly when you want me.” Buck had returned to the airport and ‘borrowed’ a helicopter.

“And if there are guards in the hallway?” Nathan asked.

“There won’t be once they hear the chopper. If this Sovereignty Army play it as they have in the past, as soon as they hear the chopper they’ll all head for the roof via the fire exit leaving only the four men in the room with the hostages... so the hall should be clear.”

“We enter the hallway and then storm the room taking out whomever Lieutenant Tanner has missed?” Ezra asked.

“The five who arrive on the roof will be met by the chopper. Vin?”

“Yeah. I can cover it.”

“Good.”

“What about the media coverage?” Josiah asked.

Chris frowned. He really didn’t want to put these loonies on the air.

“Colonel, I’m in the main control room and guess what? This place has a central video system,” J.D. informed his leader happily.

“Speak English.”

“They play rented tapes from here so that all of the rooms have access. If you can get the media to record their report, I can play the tape from here and the terrorists will be able to watch it and they’ll think it’s live.”

“Good work, J.D. Okay, by the numbers, boys. One: Vin, Ezra, Nathan and J.D. take up positions. Two: Josiah contacts the terrorists and begins negotiations. Three: We record the news coverage and get the tape to J.D. Four: J.D. plays the tape.”

“Make it more than one. These miscreants are likely to want to see themselves for a while,” Ezra pointed out.”

Larabee nodded. “Five: They should request the chopper and Wings will head over here. Six: The moment the terrorists move, on my mark, we act. J.D. opens the elevator doors. Nathan and Ezra prepare to storm the room. On my mark, Vin fires and Nathan and Ezra enter the room. The hostages should be secured. Seven: Buck and Vin take care of the terrorists trying to escape. Any questions?”

His men were shaking their heads. “Alright boys.” Larabee placed his hand in the centre of the tight circle. One by one the four men with him placed theirs on top. The group bounced their hands once and then set off. Ezra and Nathan began preparing abseiling ropes from the ones the SWAT team had provided. Vin grabbed a rifle and infrared glasses.

“Josiah, get me a reporter and cameraman and explain the situation to them.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Larabee turned and strode across to the group of chiefs who were still stabbing fingers at one another and trying to establish who should be in charge and whose men would be best qualified to deal with the situation.

Harris spotted Em7‘s leader. “Shit, it’s Larabee!” The group stared at the approaching man, who was wearing a headset and was talking into it.

“J.D.?... uh-huh... how many in the hallway? Alright, monitor it.” Larabee shouldered into the centre of the group of leaders.

“What are you doing here, Larabee?” Harris demanded.

Chris took out his badge and held it up. “Colonel Christopher Larabee. Em7. I am taking over this operation. I would appreciate it if you would contact your men and ask them to pull back.”

“This is what I’m taking about! He has just arrived, knows nothing about what’s going on and thinks he can take over!” Harris cried.

“Your group is under investigation,” Wilkins pointed out. “I don’t know that you...”

“Stone said we’re still active and until that changes, I’m running this operation.”

“You have no idea what’s happening!” Harris blurted out, looking to the other chiefs for support.

“Two?” Chris requested into his headset. “Good. Four and Five?... Fine. Three?... Bring her and her cameraman here now. Six, I need the phone number of room 2405.” Chris glanced at the other men whose mouths were open. “I know exactly what’s going on and in about five minutes my qualified negotiator will be making initial contact with the Sovereignty Army.“

“Yes, but...“ Harris started.

“Gentlemen. I’m not here to argue with you. There are fourteen innocent civilians in that building. I intend getting as many of them out of there alive as possible. To do that, I require your co-operation. Ask your men to move back.”

The Security Force chief studied Larabee’s hard face and then nodded. “Alright, Colonel. Johnson, tell our people to move back. Em7 is running the operation.”

“I guess we get to see first hand, if you are worthy of your reputation and constitution,” another of the security chiefs stated.

Larabee smirked at the speaker. “Perhaps you should step back and have a look at how much your eight organizations achieved in the last ten minutes.” With that, Chris turned to greet the reporter who was with Josiah.

“Arrogant bastard!” Harris exclaimed.

“The man does have a point, though,” Jasc stated smiling. “What have we achieved in the last ten minutes outside of sore throats? None of us had the ability to pull rank. That‘s what the problem was. Travis was right. I think Larabee is the right man to shoulder the responsibility.”

“But is his team qualified to deal with this situation?!”

“I get the feeling his men are able to deal with most situations.”

**********

The manager fumbled with the key. As he opened the door, Vin jogged through the empty room and stepped out onto the balcony. His eyes narrowed.

“No, two more floors up,” the sharpshooter stated.

“But I have guests in that room.”

“I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. Take me there. NOW!”

**********

“Colonel, Four. Five and I are in position. We’re abseiling down the shaft now. Has Six put the elevators out of commission?”

“Affirmative, Four. He has positioned the lift on the twenty third floor. Should give you a base to stand on once you’re level with the twenty-fourth floor.”

“Roger that, One.”

**********

Chris nodded to Josiah... and so the operation was underway. The huge sergeant dialled and waited. He glanced at his colonel and shrugged. Finally the phone was answered.

“This is Sergeant Sanchez. We know you have hostages. Why don’t you tell us what you want and we’ll see what we can do? All we want is the safe return of the innocent people you have.” Josiah listened. “Alright. I’ve got Channel Fifteen News right here... Yes. I understand. If you wish to contact me the number is ...” Once Josiah had repeated his cell phone number he lowered his phone. “Yep. We’re on.” Channel fifteen was the internal video channel so if the terrorists turned to it, they would shortly see one of the three recorded tapes that Em7 had already prepared.

“Six. Put tape one in. Two, are you in position?”

“Yes, Sir. I can see the terrorists. Nine in all. All of the hostages are lined up along the east wall on the ground.”

“Roger. Four and Five, did you copy that?”

“Yes, Sir. The east wall.”

“Wings?”

“Ready and waiting, Colonel.”

“Okay boys. Now we wait and see how much coverage they think is enough. Six, do you have the second tape ready?”

“Yes, Sir. The first one is still playing.”

“Hold your positions boys. Six, how long did they wait in France?”

“Only fifteen minutes before they requested the chopper, Sir.”

“Then it shouldn’t be long.”

**********

“... This is urgent. I must speak with Director General Stone, immediately!” Wilkins demanded.

**********

“I do not believe that the designer of my slacks had abseiling in mind,” Ezra commented quietly as he and Nathan lowered themselves down toward the twenty-fourth floor.

**********

“Josiah, organize for that reporter to record another tape.”

“Yes, Colonel.”

**********

Vin lifted his rifle and sighted the window. He could see men moving around nervously. He could see the terrified faces of the hostages. Terrified faces. From the recesses of his memory an incident from Katinda rose up. A village in the heart of the country. People looking scared as Em7 moved through. People afraid of any and every soldier not knowing whom to trust.

“Two?”

“Several of the terrorists are crowded around the television, Sir.”

“The hostages?”

“Still alive, Sir.”

Chris detected a note in his lieutenant’s voice. “Vin?”

“I’m okay, Colonel.”

**********

Buck tapped his fingers on his leg impatiently. He hated this - the sitting and waiting. As the team pilot, he often had to sit and wait and Buck didn’t wait well.

“Wings?”

“Yep, still here, Colonel.” Wilmington smiled. Larabee knew him well. The checks were a conscious effort to calm Buck.

**********

“One, we’re in position,” Nathan whispered into his headset.

“There’s one man in the hallway covering both the lift and fire exit.

“Copy that.”

**********

“Larabee. I’ve just got off the phone from Director General Stone and...”

Chris spun around. “Wilkins. My men are in position. I’ve got two in an elevator shaft waiting for orders.”

Wilkins glanced at Harris.

“Colonel Larabee, Dir...”

Larabee stepped forward. “My men. My responsibility. BACK OFF! Or by God I’ll do something you’ll regret!”

Josiah stepped up beside his leader. Overt support from a very large and angry looking man who would be more than happy to break Wilkins and Harris into tiny little pieces.

Out of nowhere, General Travis appeared. “Wilkins, Harris, I have just got off the phone from the Vice President who has authorized Em7 to deal with this operation. Colonel Larabee is in charge.”

“You’ve got that right, brother!”

**********

J.D. watched the counter on the video machine. It only had another two minutes before he’d have to insert tape three. The boy flicked his attention to the security monitor. The man in the hallway was pacing nervously. On the wall on the other side of the room were the elevator controls.

“Six?”

“Third tape is ready to go into the machine. What do you want me to do when it runs out?”

“We’ve got a fourth on the... Hang on, Six. Looks like we could be on.”

J.D. took a deeper breath. “I’m ready, Sir.”

**********

Josiah reached for his ringing phone.

Larabee nodded.

“Sergeant Sanchez... yes. Yes, I understand. And what about the hostages? Yes. All we want is the safe return of the hostages. I’ll arrange for a helicopter immediately.” Josiah lowered the phone.

“Boys, we’re on. Wings?”

“On my way, Colonel.”

“Four and Five?”

“Ready.”

“Be careful you two. Two?”

“Yep, there’s a lot of movement in there.”

“Let me know the moment the hostages look like they’re in danger. Six?”

“Standing by at the elevator controls, Sir.”

“Let me know as soon as the hallway is clear. Wings?”

“I’m in the air, Sir. Less than a minute from you.”

Chris glanced over his shoulder. In the distance, he could see the chopper. “Josiah, get around to the other side of the building and let me know the moment those bastards appear on the fire exit.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Boys, we can hear the chopper out here. It is going to be any minute. Good luck, boys.”

**********

J.D. squinted at the security monitor. It wasn’t easy to see from across the room, but he didn’t have a choice. He had to open the doors on the twenty-fourth floor on his Colonel’s signal.

“Colonel, the terrorists are exiting the room,” Vin reported.

“Colonel, five terrorists are moving down the hallway toward the fire exit.... Hallway is clear,” J.D. conveyed

“Colonel, the terrorists have appeared on the stairs and are heading for the roof,” Josiah informed his leader.

Above, Buck’s chopper circled.

“Okay. Lieutenant?”

“Four terrorists are moving around. Hostages are still seated and against the east wall.”

“Here we go. Six, on my mark. 3, 2,1. Mark.”

J.D. Dunne hit the button that released the elevator doors. Nathan and Ezra stepped out of the lift and crossed to room 2405. Vin shifted his rifle and sighted one of the terrorists.

“Two, Four and Five. On my mark. 3, 2, 1. Mark!”

Vin Tanner fired successive shots. At the same time, Ezra and Nathan crashed through the door, their well-aimed rifles taking out the only remaining terrorist.

“Hostages secured,” Ezra reported.

Vin shot across the empty hotel room and headed for the stairs. Thankfully, there were only two flights. The young sharpshooter burst out onto the roof and raced across it, stopping at the edge and crouching on one knee. He was looking down on the building across from him.

“Two in position!”

“Okay, Wings.”

On his Colonel’s signal, Buck started to bring his chopper in to land on top of the building. The terrorists appeared and raced across the roof. The sound of the circling chopper had completely drowned out the rifle fire from below. As the five men narrowed the gap between themselves and their escape, Buck started to lift off. One of the terrorists leapt onto the landing rail, tilting the small chopper. Vin Tanner peppered the other men. They started to return fire, but couldn’t find the sniper and after only a few seconds, the men threw their weapons down and raised their hands.

Buck glanced back and watched as the terrorist who had hooked himself onto the chopper, started to pull himself into the cabin. The captain tilted his helicopter so that it was approaching a 70-degree angle. The other man tumbled back to the roof. When he climbed to his feet, three well-placed shots around his ankles saw him raise his hands also.

“Terrorists under control, Colonel,” Buck reported.

“Put down and assist Two to cover them until the local boys arrive.”

“Roger that, One.”

**********

“Nathan?” Chris asked. The need for official signs was over.

“The hostages are scared but otherwise in good heath. Three of the terrorists are dead, Sir. One needs urgent medical treatment.”

“Paramedics are on the way. Josiah?”

“On my way back, Sir.”

“J.D.”

“On my way out, Sir.”

“Vin?”

“Buck’s just put down. He’s got them on their stomachs with their hands behind their heads. I’ll stay until the police arrive and handcuff them, Sir.”

“Colonel?”

“Yes, Ezra?”

“I have torn my new trousers.”

Chris Larabee smiled and pulled the headset off.

General Travis stepped up to him and offered his hand. “Well done, Colonel.” Chris nodded.

**********
################

THE TERRORIST SCENE IS OVER.

Part Nine

**********

“Explain to me why Buck and J.D. are flying first class and I am stuck back here!” Ezra demanded, trying to get comfortable in his seat.

Em7 were running high on adrenaline. The moment the local police had taken custody of the terrorists, Larabee and his men had disappeared, leaving Travis to talk to the media and inform them of exactly who was responsible for the rescue of the hostages and capture of the Sovereignty Army.

Unfortunately the hostage situation had caused Em7 to miss their booked flight home. While they had been able to find seven seats on another flight, the seats were not all together.

Josiah glanced at Ezra and smiled. He was seated across the aisle from his team mate. “What happened to your trousers, Ez?”

“I’ll tell you what happened...”

Nathan glanced at Chris and grinned. “Ezra’s in good voice.” The pair was seated with Vin; several rows back from the complaining agent.

“Ezra’s always in good voice,” Larabee chuckled. His attention was drawn to the quiet man beside him who had his attention directed out the window. Chris laid his hand on Vin’s arm. Tanner’s chest inflated fully but he didn’t turn. “You okay?

“Yeah.” It was whispered.

Larabee frowned. “You did well, Vin. Everyone did.”

“Yep.”

“We saved fourteen people this afternoon.”

“Yeah.” Still Vin’s voice sounded pained. Chris couldn’t work out why. Had the encounter stirred up memories? Or was it something else? Larabee rose to his feet. Several seconds later, Josiah eased himself into the seat that Chris had vacated.

Vin glanced across at the big man. “Damn, Larabee. I just want to be...”

“Left alone? No, you don’t.”

Vin dropped his eyes.

“What is it, Mate? Come on, son. Talk to me.” Vin swallowed. “You killed three people this afternoon?”

Vin shot a look of rage at his companion but the calm understanding in Josiah’s face dilated the anger immediately. “How did you know?”

“Because you haven’t changed. You value life, Vin and taking it is difficult. Fourteen people owe us their lives. You played a very important part in that. The men you shot chose their path. They chose to place themselves in the path of bullets intended to save innocent people. Each of us is responsible for our own decisions and actions. They were no different. They decided that the murder of innocent civilians was their calling. They put themselves in that room for one reason and that was to kill those people and then turn their guns on themselves. We changed the outcome. The fourteen people are still alive and one of the terrorists is alive. We did what we could... what we had to.”

Vin glanced at Josiah and nodded. “I know. Still feel like shit, though.”

“You feel like shit! Ezra hasn’t stopped complaining about his pants since Chris sat down across from him,” Nathan stated.

Vin glanced at his other companion and grinned. “Chris’ll deck him before the flight’s over.”

“I give him fifteen minutes,” Josiah stated.

“I give him more than that. Chris is getting better at putting up with Ezra. I say twenty-five. Vin?”

“Three.”

“Three?”

“Yep.” The seconds ticked by.

“Standish, if you don’t shut up, I’ll ram my fist down your throat!”

Vin smiled. “Okay, I stand corrected. One and a half.”

In first class...

“J.D., give me the computer!”

“Buck, I’m busy.”

“Give me, give me, give me!” the moustached man insisted, tugging at the laptop on his young companion’s lap.

“What’s got into you?”

“I haven’t been able to check my e-mail for three days because of that search you had going for that bastard that attacked Vin.”

“Chris wants me to reinitiate it.”

“But first I want to see if I have any messages from Hot Pants. Hope she doesn’t think I’m ignoring her. I told her I had to go away for a few days but you know how some women can be.”

“Buck, that’s a sexist comment,” J.D. claimed, allowing Buck to take the laptop.

“J.D., this woman! She’s incredible.”

“What did you call her?”

“Hot Pants, that’s her handle.”

“And what is yours? Casanova?”

“No, nothing so silly.”

“Well?”

“J.D., I’m busy.”

“Buck?... come on tell me?”

“No.”

“Oh, please, Buck. Pretty please?”

“Okay. It’s Pepe le Pew.”

J.D. Dunne burst out laughing. “You mean the skunk from Warner Brothers’ cartoons?”

“Shut up.” J.D. watched as Buck’s brow furrowed. “She hasn’t written. Nothing! What does it mean?”

“She probably got a whiff of you and realized you’re a skunk!”

**********

The weary travellers climbed into Buck’s banana pleased to be back in Washington. “The airport express is now leaving. You all want to go straight home, or should we stop over at the saloon for a drink?” Buck asked. “Myself, I vote for a drink.”

“I’m up for a drink,” Nathan stated.

“Count me in,” Josiah agreed.

“My trousers are ripped.”

“Ain’t no one gonna be lookin’ at you, Ez,” Vin chuckled.

“J.D.?”

“Yeah, but just for a little while. I’m beat.”

“Chris?”

“Yeah, okay.” Larabee’s mind was already on what the next day would hold. No doubt Stone’s men would turn up and want to continue their interviews.

**********

Director General Stone listened to the information being given to him over the phone. “I see. But they did save all of the hostages and capture the terrorists without injury or damage to anyone else?” he clarified. “I agree there may have been an element of luck, but in my experience you make your own luck. Send through the report on the situation. I look forward to reading it... no, no this doesn’t mean that I support Em7’s existence. It simply means that his men are extremely efficient and should be easily incorporated into other security organizations... No, this incident has not changed my opinion. Em7 is an organization with far too much freedom and authority. I intend remedying that situation.”

**********

The group piled out of Buck’s van as he pulled up in the parking lot of the saloon.

“I’m just gonna take my bag inside and I’ll join you,” Vin stated. The others nodded and disappeared into the saloon. Buck greeted Inez like she was a long lost sister.

Chris lit up a cigar. He remained just outside the entrance of the building, waiting for Vin. The noise from the construction site next door was dreadful. Larabee walked down the footpath a couple of paces and peered in through the wire fence. Moments later, Vin spotted him and wandered over to join him.

“What is it going to be?” Larabee inquired, inclining his head toward the construction site.

Tanner shrugged and tipped his hat to the foreman who waved.

“You know him?” Chris shouted over the top of the bellow of the bulldozers.

“We met when Inez was trying to blockade the site with her truck.”

The two men headed back toward the saloon.

“You reckon goin’ to the conference achieved anythin’?” Vin asked loudly, stopping in front of the saloon.

Larabee shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know. I get the feeling that Stone is gonna close us down regardless.”

Vin nodded. Tanner was just turning when he noticed his companion’s eyes enlarge. Chris had obviously caught sight of something reflected in the glass window of the saloon. Vin understood instantly. As Chris slammed into him, Vin jumped backwards, grabbing a handful of his best friend’s shirt and dragging him after him. The blue Ford whizzed by them, crashed back down onto the road and sped off.

Vin and Chris rolled and were on their feet in one movement.

“This way!” Tanner shouted, beginning pursuit on foot. Rather than chasing the vehicle that had tried to run them down, he headed down a side alley at a right angle to the road the car was travelling on. Vin knew the assassin would circle back around to get onto the freeway.

Buck and the rest of the boys burst out of the saloon in time to see Vin and Chris dart down the alley. They had seen part of the attempt to run their companions down. The men drew weapons and took up the pursuit.

Tanner and Larabee powered down the side street and then, without warning, Vin slowed, withdrew his revolver and sited the end of the street. Larabee did the same. If Tanner was correct, the car should fly through the intersection any second.

A green car flashed across the intersection. A white. Another green. A blue Toyota. The two men stilled their trigger fingers.

“Back.”

“Front.”

A white car. A red.

“Boys?” Buck asked, as he and the others arrived.

A blue Ford. Tanner and Larabee fired, Vin’s bullet taking out the front tire, Chris’ the back. The vehicle swerved as the driver lost control and crashed into the side of a parked car.

The men of Em7 sprinted to the end of the street and converged on the car. Buck ripped the door open and dragged the dazed driver from within.

“That’s him,” Vin growled.

Nathan grabbed the bearded assassin and slammed his fist into the middle of his face.

“Nathan!” Josiah cried grabbing the sergeant and hauling him back when it appeared the enraged medic had no intention of stopping.

Buck grabbed the fallen assassin and heaved him to his feet. “You want me to kill him, Colonel?” Hewitt eyed the men glaring down at him. He couldn’t tell if Buck was serious or not.

“Don’t tempt me,” Larabee growled.

Ezra replaced his phone. “A squad car is on the way.”

Josiah released Nathan.

“You two okay?” the medic asked Vin and Chris.

Both nodded as they holstered their weapons. “Told ya he’d try again.”

Chris glared at the younger man but he couldn’t hold the anger. Slowly a grin formed on his face and his slid his arm across Vin’s shoulders. “Drink’s on me.”

“Sounds good to me, Cowboy.”

**********

“Nothing! I can’t believe it. I’ve e-mailed her one hundred and thirty-two times since we’ve got back and nothing. She’s ignoring me!” Buck complained.

Ezra glanced up from his desk and shook his head. The men of Em7 had arrived early. They wanted to get some work done before Stone’s investigators invaded their office.

“Are you doing any work?” The Gambler inquired with disgust.

“This is just a little bit more important, Ezra. Hot Pants has... has dumped me! I haven’t ever been dumped in my life!”

“A tragedy I’m sure.”

Chris walked out into the main office area. “Nathan?”

“The report on the hostage situation is almost complete and ready for your signature, Sir.”

“Vin?”

“Yep, I’m heading down to talk to Hewitt at 10:30. Got the report started.”

“Josiah?”

“The Hawks are still in Africa.”

“J.D.?”

“Nothing out there that appears unusual, Sir. Unless you want to read some of the horrible stuff Wilkins and Harris are writing about you.” The youth grinned at his leader. Chris winked at the boy.

“Ezra?”

“I have found a tailor who feels he will be able to repair my trousers. And the report on our attendance at the conference is coming along nicely.”

“Buck?... Buck?”

“Huh? Sorry, Chris.” The big man began fishing through the papers on his desk. “I’ve got it here somewhere.”

“As soon as you find it, I want to see it.”

“Yes, Sir.”

An hour later, Stone’s men arrived and began their interviews. Nathan’s and J.D.’s were over quickly, but then, Chris had known they’d be hard pressed to find anything out of place with his two least controversial members.

Another man arrived and joined the other two interviewers. “Lieutenant Tanner, please.”

“Vin’s not back yet,” J.D. informed the men helpfully.

“When do you expect him?”

The youth shrugged. “He and the Colonel went down to interview the guy who tried to run Vin down.”

“I see. The moment he returns, we’d like to speak to him.”

Ezra and Josiah exchanged a glance as the men disappeared. “Who are we going to send in there with Vin?”

“I think perhaps you may be the best candidate, my friend. Colonel Larabee and Captain Wilmington are likely to react badly if they begin to make Vin uncomfortable and after Nathan’s reaction yesterday afternoon, I’m not sure he is such a good choice.”

Josiah nodded. “Convincing Chris to wait outside isn’t going to be easy.”

“Convincing Colonel Larabee of anything isn’t easy.”

**********

Just after lunch, the elevator doors opened and Vin and Chris walked back into the office.

“How’d it go?”

Vin shrugged. “What we expected. He found the contract on the net. Didn’t speak to anyone but a computer.”

Before Ezra could inform his companion that he was required for an interview, one of Stone’s men emerged.

“Lieutenant Tanner. We’d like to speak to you.”

“Sure.” Chris fell into step beside his friend.

“Colonel, I thought perhaps I should go in there with Vin,” Josiah suggested.

Vin glanced at his leader. “Probably be better,” he agreed simply.

Larabee’s face darkened, but he nodded. “Josiah...” The sergeant understood. Vin was fragile at the moment. He was not to be pushed.

“Don’t worry, Sir.”

**********

“Please take a seat, gentlemen. I’m Senior Agent Clemo and this is Agent Holden and Agent McGill.”

“Why are there three of you now?” Josiah asked casually, as he took a seat beside Vin around the team’s conference table.

“Agent McGill is a psychologist. We have asked him to sit in on this interview.”

“Why? You fellas think I’m crazy or somethin’?” Vin asked without emotion.

“No, however, we are mindful of the events you have suffered in recent weeks.”

Tanner glanced at Sanchez and then leaned back in his chair. “Alright, let’s get this over with.”

“First of all, we’d like you to tell us how you feel about being a member of Em7?”

Vin shrugged. “Okay.”

“Do you enjoy the work?”

“Suppose.”

“Is there anything else you would prefer to be doing?”

“Reckon not.” Clemo glanced at his companions. From one extreme to the other. Ezra Standish’s answers had been so long they had needed to have a recess in the middle of each one and an interpreter to understand what he was saying. No such need with Tanner. His answers were less than three words long.

“Lieutenant Tanner, how do you feel physically? According to our information, there have been two attempts on your life in the last four days.”

“Reckon I’m okay.”

“You were actually struck by the car in the first attempt on your life?”

“Yep.”

“But you’re okay?”

“Yep.”

“Can you possibly elaborate?” Agent McGill asked.

“Don’t know what you want me to say. I’m fine. Car only nudged me and we got the fella yesterday. End of story.”

“But it’s not the end of the story, is it?” McGill pressed. “The contract is still out there and is likely to be out there for the rest of your life.”

“Yep.”

“How does that make you feel?” Josiah studied his companion, monitoring Vin’s reaction. He was ready to step in the moment he felt Vin needed him.

Tanner stared across at the man. “How would it make you feel?”

“I think I would be angry and just a little scared.”

Vin nodded. “Yeah, reckon I’m a little angry.”

“Scared?”

“Fear ain’t a useful emotion. Anger can be.”

“I see,” McGill stated carefully. “So you are not afraid of losing your life to an assassin?”

“I’ve got six men minding my back day and night.”

“They can’t look after you twenty-four hours a day.”

“I ain’t some defenceless rabbit, mister. Besides, every time anyone’s tried to collect the money, one of the boys have been there.”

“You have a great deal of faith in them.”

“It ain’t just faith.”

“No, then what is it?”

“Mateship.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Nope, don’t reckon you would.”

**********

Chris Larabee continued to pace like a caged animal. “Chris, why don’t you sit down?” Travis suggested. He had dropped in to speak to Em7’s leader only to find Larabee in an ‘unspeakable‘ mood.

“They’ve been in there almost an hour.”

“Josiah’s with him. If he thinks that there is anything...”

“Bastards. We shouldn’t have to go through this!”

“Calm down, Colonel.”

**********

“Moving on to your memory. You are still regaining it?”

“Yep.”

“I imagine that the recollection of some of your memories is painful.”

“Some.”

McGill took a deep breath. Getting answers out of Tanner was more difficult than he had imagined. Time to see if he could provoke a response. “There are some people who think that you are emotionally unstable and not fit for duty.”

“That right?”

“What have you got to say about that?”

“Not much.”

“Are you deliberately trying to be evasive?” Holden demanded.

Vin flicked his calm eyes across to the other agent and then returned to looking at McGill.

“Lieutenant Tanner, in your opinion, are you fit for duty?”

“My opinion don’t count for much.”

“What do you mean?”

“It doesn’t matter what I think or what my Colonel thinks, for that matter. All that matters is what you three think. After sittin’ down with me for a couple of hours you get to decide if I’m fit for duty, so I reckon all these questions about what I think are pointless. The man you should be speaking to about me or any of the rest of us, is Colonel Larabee. He‘s the best God damn leader this country has ever seen. If he thinks I‘m fit for duty, who the hell are you to claim any different?” There was absolutely no anger nor any other discernable emotion in Vin Tanner’s voice.

“You have a very high opinion of Colonel Larabee.”

“You ask any soldier from any country in the world what their opinion of Colonel Larabee is and you’ll find mine ain’t no different to theirs.”

McGill nodded. “Let’s move on.”

Josiah glanced at his watch. It had been three hours. “I think it might be time for a break, gentlemen. Anyone up for some coffee?”

**********

Chris watched as Clemo, Holden and McGill headed for the kitchen. Vin exited the room, nodded to his companion and then strode up to Buck who was signalling him. Josiah entered his colonel’s office and closed the door.

“Well?”

Sanchez shook his head.

“What?”

“The poor bastards are trying hard but Vin ain’t having a bar of it.” Josiah smiled. “Ole Vin is giving them the run around.”

“Then he’s okay?”

“They’ve tried to have him admit he’s unfit for duty, that his memories are painful and that having the contract on his head is a burden, but... hell, you know how exasperating Vin can be.”

Chris sank down into his chair, his entire body relaxing. “Who’s next?”

“They haven’t finished with Vin yet.”

“Oh? It’s been three hours.”

“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry, Chris. Vin can deal with them.”

“I don’t want him having to deal with anything!”

**********

“Are we ready to continue?”

“Can I ask you three somethin’?” Vin asked as the group retook their seats. Josiah held his breath.

“Please.”

“What are you tryin’ to find? I’m just a sharpshooter working in a unit that deals with unusual situations. I know I’ve had a bit of a bad trot lately, what with getting my memory back and the contract, but basically I’m just a soldier doin’ my job.”

The three agents remained silent for several seconds. “Lieutenant Tanner, is that how you see yourself? As just a sharpshooter?”

“How am I supposed to see myself?”

Again there was silence. “Lieutenant, according to our information, you have lost the ability to read and write.”

Vin Tanner’s face flickered with emotion for the first time.

“It isn’t unusual for someone who has been in a coma to lose some academic learning,” Josiah stated carefully.

“That is true, but don’t you think it is dangerous to have a man in a unit like this who is illiterate?”

“Thanks to our technology expert, Vin is able to do all of his reports and take notes without needing to write anything.”

“I’m taking lessons and my reading and writing is improving,” Vin informed the men quietly.

“It must be frustrating for you.”

“Sometimes.”

“Don’t you think it puts you at a disadvantage?”

“Only if I let it. Look, I’m a sharpshooter. The colonel tells me what he wants done and I do it.”

“I hear there was a situation yesterday. You shot and killed three men.”

“Three terrorists.”

“How do you deal with taking other’s lives?”

“That’s it,” Josiah growled standing up. “We’ve sat through all of your useless questions and Vin has answered every one of them. Now you’re asking a man who is a sharpshooter to moralize his profession. Interview’s over.”

“Wait, Josiah. It’s okay,” Vin stated, stilling his friend with a raised hand. “How do I deal with taking other’s lives? I think about the lives I’ve saved. There were fourteen people in that room who had done nothing wrong except be in the wrong place at the wrong time. That could have been your wife, or your children or your parents. Are you telling me that you would want the sharpshooter who was in a position to rescue your family to start thinking about the lives he was going to take to save them?”

“No, I suppose not,” McGill stated quietly.

“Mister, my job ain’t a pretty one, but it’s a necessary one while there are bastards in the world who pick on innocent people. I’d gladly give up what I do if I thought there was no longer any need for sharpshooters.”

Josiah sat down. “You ask yourself, gentlemen. If it had been your family in that room and the only thing that could save them was a sharpshooter, you’d want the best in the world, wouldn’t you?” The three agents remained silent. “Well, you’re looking at him. Vin Tanner is the best there is. And yes, his job requires him to take some lives to save others. He doesn’t make the decision of who to shoot. Our Colonel does. We’re soldiers not florists. We do what we have to, to ensure the safety of innocent people. If the Director General can’t understand that, then he’s living in a fantasy world! Em7 was designed to deal with extreme situations. If you shut us down, innocent people will pay the price for Wilkins and Harris‘ bruised egos.”

Part Ten

**********

The elevator doors slid open. Mary and General Travis stepped into the deserted office.

“They’re not here,” the newspaperwoman commented.

The sound of shouts and clambering reached their ears from the direction of the gym.

“Foul!” Ezra shouted. Unfortunately, the designated umpire failed to notice Buck’s indiscretion. “Foul!” Ezra appealed to Josiah.

Buck passed the ball to J.D. who made the shot.

“Yes!” Wilmington shouted, he and J.D. responding with their traditional celebratory dance. Nathan scooped up the ball and threw it to Chris. Larabee began bouncing it, holding Buck back with one hand.

“Twenty-two, plays twenty-six,” Josiah called.

“Am I the only one who is concerned by Mr. Wilmington’s blatant disregard for the rules?”

“Ezra,” Chris called, bouncing the ball around Buck to the agent who was successfully being ignored by his companions. Ezra raced down the court, scooted around Nathan and passed the ball to Vin. Tanner rebounded the ball off the backboard for another two points.

Ezra and Vin slapped a high five.

Josiah walked onto the court and tagged J.D., the youth immediately retreating to the sideline to take up the umpiring role.

“Foul! Oh, come on, foul!” Ezra petitioned J.D.

Mary Travis and her father-in-law smiled. “And these are the men who saved those fourteen people?” Mary laughed.

“The same,” the general agreed.

“Mr. Wilmington, it is about time you realized that...” The ball was thrown to Ezra. Again, Ezra darted down the court only to be charged by Buck. Standish crashed to the ground. “FOUL!”

“Foul, Buck,” J.D. called.

“If it isn’t about time!“ Ezra cried in exasperation.

“That wasn’t a foul. He ran into me and tripped over his own feet!” Wilmington claimed grinning.

“Yes, and pink elephants drive buses!”

Larabee spotted the visitors and raised his hand to pause the game.

“General. Mary. What can we do for you?”

“I need a few minutes, Chris,” Travis stated seriously.

“I was wondering if I could get an exclusive on the hostage situation?” Mary asked.

“Hit the showers, boys,” Chris ordered. “Then you can call it a day. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

“But my free throws!”

The other men retreated, leaving Ezra standing holding the ball on the free throw line. He had finally earned a penalty and he couldn’t enjoy it. “Oh, typical!”

Larabee and the general retired to the Colonel’s office.

Both men took seats. “What is it?”

“Stone is on his way over here. I think he has already made his decision.”

“He made it long before he started the investigation,” Chris commented.

“You could be right. I want you to let me handle it.” Larabee frowned. He was not in the habit of allowing other people to fight his battles. “Please.” General Travis had a great deal of respect for the Colonel. He had no doubt that Chris could ‘handle’ the situation. It was the way that Larabee would do so that worried him and that was why he had rushed down to Em7’s office. He ’needed’ to be present when Stone arrived.

“Alright, General. I’ll let you handle anything that has to do with Em7.”

The older man eyed Larabee carefully. “What exactly does that mean?”

“I intend dealing with anything that involves my men.”

“Colonel...”

“Orrin, Em7 itself means a great deal to me. The boys and I have worked hard to make it viable. Now that we have Vin back, we’re complete. So I admit, if Stone closes us down, I won’t be happy. However, Em7 and my boys are two different things. I won’t let Stone, or anyone else, interfere with my men.” General Travis nodded. He wouldn’t expect anything less of Larabee.

“I understand, however, if you will let me deal with this, I think we may have a real chance of salvaging Em7.”

“Yeah, but in what form? We aren’t ass kissers. And we aren’t interested in the bureaucratic bullshit that weighs down most of the other organizations.”

“I am aware of that. Just... let me handle it.”

Larabee considered the general’s words and finally nodded. “Okay.”

General Travis took a deep breath of relief. That had been somewhat easier than he had thought.

It wasn’t long before the Director General arrived. Nathan showed him into his leader’s office and then closed the door behind him.

“D-day,” Vin muttered.

“Let us hope it’s good news,” Ezra stated.

“If it isn’t, Stone better be quick on his feet,” Buck claimed as the group stepped into the elevator and headed home. Larabee would call them if he felt there was anything they needed to know.

Director General Stone nodded to Larabee as he entered and then glanced at General Travis. “I am pleased you are here, General. It saves me a trip to your office. I have news regarding the official investigation into Executive Mediation Seven.”

Larabee pursed his lips and inclined his head for Stone to take a seat.

“Thank you. I want you know that I was surprised by my investigators’ findings. Your paper work is exemplary and your records in perfect order.”

Chris continued to stare at the other man without any emotion colouring his face. Travis decided that was good.

“Your constitution, however, is unacceptable. Technically your power is unlimited and while you have never looked like abusing that authority, I don’t feel it is a chance worth taking.”

“Go on,” Travis prompted when Stone paused, obviously wanting some sort of reaction.

“Colonel Larabee, you were correct about your men. They are among the best in the profession. My investigation has revealed that Captain Wilmington is indeed an outstanding pilot; that Sergeant Jackson is far more than a medic; that Sergeant Sanchez is without a doubt the leading expert in the country on explosives, that Agent Standish’s talents are without equal; that Agent Dunne’s computer skills are exceptional; that Lieutenant Tanner is worthy of his reputation and that you are an extraordinary leader.”

“But?” Chris asked in a low voice.

“Yes, I’m afraid there is a very serious ‘but’. Captain Wilmington is reckless. Sergeant Sanchez’s sanity is questionable. Apparently he spoke at length of crows. Agent Standish is a known traitor to this country. Agent Dunne hacks into Pentagon secret files on a regular basis. You show blatant disregard for senior officers and as for Lieutenant Tanner... well, I admit I was amazed. My psychologist found him to be ‘very together’, I think his words were. He is coping well with all that has happened to him. However, the burden he is carrying would not be acceptable in any other organization and I am inclined to think he needs time to deal with his situation.”

“You think,” Larabee growled.

“You didn’t mention Sergeant Jackson,” Travis pointed out.

“Sergeant Jackson has presented as a very efficient and talented man.”

“All of which tells us nothing,” Chris stated.

Stone nodded. “Aright, the bottom line is, I am closing Em7 down. The organization, not your men. I toyed with the idea of simply re-writing your constitution, but that really wouldn’t solve all of the issues. Your men need to be separated and so I have arranged for them to be reassigned. I feel that if Captain Wilmington is put into a regular unit, his behaviour will be curbed. Agent Dunne simply needs some guidance to show him right from wrong, so he will be returning to his former position. Sergeant Jackson will be sent back to Katinda to work with our peacekeepers. Sergeant Sanchez will be placed in an advisory position in the CIA bomb squad so long as he agrees to a psychological analysis. Agent Standish is to be stood down until a full investigation into him is conducted and he is cleared of all charges against him. Lieutenant Tanner is to take three months leave so that he can receive professional help and you, Colonel, will stay here in Washington and develop training courses for our elite squads.”

General Travis shook his head. Not at what Stone had said, but at the fact that he had crossed the line. If he had stopped at closing down Em7 he may have been safe. However, he had just ‘interfered’ with Larabee’s men. Now he would have to face the music and there was little Travis could do to protect the fool.

“Colonel Larabee, those are my recommendations.”

“Stone, you know what you can do with your recommendations!” Chris snarled.

“Colonel,” Travis cautioned, before turning to the Director General. “So you, and you alone have made this decision?”

“I have the authority to do so. And I’m afraid there is nothing you can do about it.”

Chris Larabee rose to his feet. “Stone...”

“Colonel!” Travis cried, placing himself between Larabee and his target. “We aren’t going to sit by and let you do this.”

“It’s already been done. As of 2:40 this afternoon, Em7 ceased to exit. Your men are to report for duty in their new positions at the beginning of next week. If they fail to do so, the soldiers will be considered AWOL and the agents will be severely reprimanded. There is no avenue open to you to appeal. The fight is over, Colonel. To be honest, I am sorry.”

“Not half as sorry as you will be when Em7 is needed,” Travis claimed.

“Em7’s role in the security of this nation can be subsumed by other organizations,” Stone asserted standing. “I’m afraid few, if anyone, will notice its passing.”

Chris Larabee walked around his desk and stopped only when his face was less than an inch from Stone’s. “You have no idea of what you’re talking about. What my team is willing to do can’t be subsumed by other organizations. They don’t have men prepared to do suicide missions. I do. What you and your pathetic investigation didn’t discover is that more than half of the operations we have been involved in were considered suicide missions and that is why other organizations couldn’t and wouldn’t touch them. My men will do anything I ask of them. They aren’t perfect and yes, they’re eccentric, but by God they know how to get the job done! Be it on your head the next time someone dies that we could have saved... or the next time war is imminent and we could have prevented it. We have done so in the past - more than once, while you and the rest of your security organizations were blissfully unaware of what was going on. Now get out of my office before I do something you will regret!”

Stone swallowed. He had never stared into the face of hell. Now he had. Quickly, the Director General turned and rushed from the room.

Chris Larabee broke into a string of obscenities.

“Chris, we’ll fight this,” Travis assured him.

“If it’s a fight Stone wants, then by God, we’ll give it to him, General!”

**********

The wind lashed the lone figure as he stood motionless in the moonlight staring at the shell that had once been his dream... his and Sarah’s dream. How quickly it had been destroyed. His entire life had changed forever in that fireball. Why? Why had it happened? Someone trying to kill him because of his success in Katinda? Someone wanting revenge for something? His family hadn’t deserved to pay the price for his actions or reputation.

Memories accosted the Colonel. He remembered his wedding. He remembered the day Sarah had told him she was pregnant - he was going to be a father. Chris remembered the day he had received a phone call to rush to the hospital because his wife had gone into labour. A smile formed on the silent man’s face. He’d never forget the trip to the hospital. Buck had driven the banana like a man possessed, but thanks to his mad friend, Larabee had arrived in time to witness the birth of his son. He had never been so happy and yet scared in all of his life as the nurse had handed Adam to him. He had brought a life into the world and for the first time he realised what a great responsibility he had taken on. He was responsible for this small person. It was his job to love, support and protect his child.

Chris remembered his son’s first birthday party. He remembered Sarah telling him that Adam wasn’t going to be an only child. Shortly after the wonderful news that he was again to be a father, his world had been destroyed. Chris didn’t really remember the phone call that had called him home - the police officer had been vague but Larabee had sensed the urgency. He didn’t remember the trip back from Cedar Lake where he and Buck had been enjoying their fishing trip. He did remember the overwhelming horror as he had stood staring at the smoking shell that had been his home. He remembered yelling... screaming Sarah’s name. He remembered Buck grabbing and holding him. He remembered staring at the two black body bags that were being loaded into the coroner’s van... one small, one large. He remembered walking into the white sterile room and attempting to identify the charred remains of his beautiful wife and tiny son. Chris swallowed. Now, he wished he had allowed Buck to do it. His friend had offered but...

The sound of a rowdy motor attracted Larabee’s attention. He turned without concern. He sensed more than saw who it was. A single headlight raced toward him. The Colonel watched as his friend dismounted and hung his helmet on the handlebars. The moon was full and seeing was far from a problem despite the late hour.

“Cowboy. Thought you’d be here. Rang Buck to get the address.” You don’t mind some company?

“I come here to think,” Larabee stated, returning his attention to the burnt out shell.

“Stone closed us down?” It wasn’t really a question.

“We’ve all been reassigned. Have to take up the positions at the beginning of next week.” Chris glanced back at his companion. “Ezra’s to be stood down until they complete an investigation into him. Josiah has to agree to a full psychological analysis.”

“His crows?”

“Yeah. And they want you to take three months off so you have time to come to terms with your life.”

“That’s thoughtful of them,” Vin grunted. He could see the turmoil in his best friend’s face. “What are we going to do?”

Chris inclined his head and began to walk away from the house. “After Stone left and Travis calmed me down...” Larabee and Tanner exchanged a wry grin, “he explained that he knows what he’s doing and that we should let him deal with it. We’ve got three days until Monday so we take a long weekend off and at the end of it Travis hopes to have everything sorted out.”

“What do you think, Colonel?” It was an official question, thus the official title.

“I don’t know. Stone’s a powerful man. We leave it with Travis until Monday. Then, we deal with it our way.”

Vin nodded thoughtfully. “Stone give a reason for his decision?” Larabee didn’t reply, continuing to head away from the house. “Is it because of me?”

Chris stopped dead in his tracks. The older man turned to face his serious looking friend. “Yeah, it is. And it’s because Buck landed that plane on top of the Secretary General’s car. It’s because they think Ezra is a terrorist and traitor. It’s because I can’t follow orders. It’s because Josiah went on about his crows. It’s because J.D. keeps hacking into the Pentagon computers... hell, Vin take your pick!”

Chris waited until he saw acceptance of the fact in his Lieutenant’s eyes. The Colonel turned and headed toward his car. “Tomorrow morning when everyone comes in, I’ll tell them. We’re going to have to...”

Larabee paused when he realized Vin had stopped walking. Tanner was focused on something to his right.

Chris followed his gaze. “My family,” he whispered.

Vin walked toward the small fenced area that contained several graves. He studied the three crosses curiously. Chris had spoken little of his wife and child during the war... only that he had loved them and that they were gone.

The crosses were simple wooden structures, not the fancy head stones that one saw at a cemetery. Each had a hand carved message. ‘Rest in peace my darling wife, Sarah’, ‘Always in my heart, my little Adam’... and ‘Please forgive me, Cowboy’.

Vin Tanner stared at the third cross. He swallowed hard. He was looking at his own grave... at the physical symbol of his best friend’s pain. Anger, frustration and grief welled up within him.

Chris moved to his side and slipped his arm across his companion’s shoulders. In the light of the full moon, the pair stood for a long time, both overwhelmed by emotion.

“Damn, Gaston. Damn him to hell!” Vin growled with passion. The general, who had spirited

the sharpshooter home without informing Tanner’s team he was alive, had caused so much grief. Vin could and would never forgive him for that, despite the fact that the man had probably saved his life.

“He was trying to protect you,” Chris whispered.

“He had no right to interfere!”

Chris could feel his friend trembling - perhaps with anger, certainly with raw emotion. “It doesn’t matter. None of it matters. You’re alive and back where you’re supposed to be. Yeah, we’ve got some lost time to make up, but we’ve got a lot of years ahead of us to do it. Unless you’re intending going somewhere?”

Chris was trying to lighten the atmosphere and ease the tension, but Vin wasn’t ready for that.

“Vin, don’t dwell on the past. It’s one thing I’ve learned. You can’t change what’s happened. Think about the fact that we’re all together again... and we’ve got a couple of additions. Ezra’s almost more trouble than he’s worth,” the Colonel grinned. “And J.D. wears me out even when he’s sitting still but...” Vin was shaking his head. Larabee could see he just wasn’t getting through. The older man squeezed his young friend’s shoulder. “I need your help, Cowboy.”

Vin glanced at Chris.

“I need you to be alright.” With all that the Colonel was having to shoulder connected to the closure of his unit, he needed the support of his best friend and second in command. He had asked for Vin’s help a few weeks earlier, when the doctors had said that Tanner had lost his battle with reality. He had needed Vin to be alright for the rest of the team and Vin hadn’t let him down. Now, he needed the lieutenant to be okay for his sake and for the sharpshooter’s. Telling Vin everything was okay didn’t give Tanner the strength he needed to go on. Telling his friend he was needed, did.

Vin stared at the older man and then grinned. “The Seven Musketeers.”

Chris smiled. “Something like that.”

“Don’t worry, Colonel. We’ll get through this. We always do.” Vin walked through the small opening in the fence, reached down and yanked the third cross from the ground. Larabee watched him carefully.

Tanner turned and handed the cross to his friend. “You might want to keep that. Don’t reckon you’ll be needing it any time soon. Besides, the words need to be changed.” Their eyes locked together. You and me ain’t got no reason to apologise to each other. Not ever.

Their arms snapped together in a full forearm shake. It was an action that carried with it more emotion than either man could ever express.

**********

Packard carefully placed the last article into his knapsack. The tall man picked up the photograph and smiled. Vin Tanner. Tanner wouldn’t be an easy mark. Packard had heard of the STT1 sharpshooter. Tanner had worked with Sanchez and Sanchez he knew well. The STT1 had been the best.

“Well, let’s see if you still have what it takes, Tanner, or whether I earn myself five million dollars.”

**********

There was silence in the conference room. Chris had just informed his men of Director General Stone’s decision. He had made it clear that they were not to see it as the end but rather as a long weekend.

“Colonel, are you certain that Travis will be able to handle it?”

“We give him three days.”

“And then?”

“And then you wait for my orders.” The words were said firmly. Standish nodded slowly.

“We aren’t going to let them get away with it, are we Colonel?” J.D. asked. He just couldn’t believe all that was happening.

“Relax son, we won’t go down without a fight.”

“Well, I for one am looking forward to a long weekend. I want to work on my sculpture,” Josiah stated, rising to his feet.

“I’ll contact you if I need you,” Larabee stated.

“See you all Monday,” Buck boomed heading for the elevator.

“Be nice to have some time to myself,” Vin muttered. “Haven’t had that yet.” Wilmington glanced at Larabee.

Chris was watching Vin carefully. “You okay?”

“Yep. Just looking forward to three days on my own. Peace and quiet. No interruptions. Just me and the television set. None of you bastards around to annoy me,” the young man stated grinning.

**********

Vin pulled his bike into the side of the unit. He had stayed back at the office for several hours. He and Chris had discussed what they would do if Travis were unsuccessful. Once they had discounted firebombing Stone’s house and ramming their fists up Wilkins and Harris’ noses, they had come up with a few ideas.

Tanner dug his keys out of his pocket and strode toward the door, his mind focused on Em7 and how they were going to get themselves reinstated. The most serious problem was Ezra. On Monday, he had to agree to a full investigation and they all knew that Ezra would never do that... which meant he would be arrested. Of course, that would only happen over Larabee’s dead body!

Vin closed the door, locked it, turned and took two steps into the room. His eyes narrowed. Something was wrong. Tanner reached into his jacket and pulled out his revolver. He listened intently... sensing. Had he heard something? Smelled something? Vin took another tentative step. There was a loud click. Vin froze, his eyes dropping to his feet.

“Shit!” The sound was unmistakable. Unfortunately, most men didn’t hear the quiet warning. “Grrrreat!“ He’d just stepped on a pressure mine! The device had been placed under the mat. If he moved his foot or adjusted his weight in any way, the mine would activate and Vin Tanner would be little more than a memory. Training took over, immediately. Tanner’s mind moved like lightning. His movements were quick, but calm. Vin replaced his revolver and pulled out his cell phone. Carefully, he turned it off. He couldn’t afford to take the chance that the device he was standing on was radio or sound sensitive.

After shoving the phone back into his pocket, he scanned the room. He could see another slight lump under a mat near the television. “Bastard was thorough.”

Tanner glanced at the clock on the wall. Four thirty-six. ‘See you Monday.’ Today was Friday!

“Thank, God I went to the can before I left the office.” How long would it be before he was missed? The boys may try to call and getting no answer may come around to investigate. Inez may drop by. A lot of ’mays’ . “I got a feeling it’s going to be long weekend.”

Part Eleven

**********

“I just don’t have anyone else I can turn to,” Mary explained.

Chris frowned and then sighed. Finally, he nodded.

Mary Travis flashed the serious man a dazzling smile. “Thank you. Billy will be so excited. I’ll drop him around here this evening around seven, that okay?”

“Fine. I might take him out to Four Corners. There’s more to do there than here at the apartment.”

“I owe you,” Mary stated, turning for the door.

“I just may need to collect before all of this business with Stone is over.”

The newspaper report paused. “I thought The General was handling it. That was why he couldn’t take Billy this weekend.”

“Travis is going to try.”

“I’m sure everything will be okay.”

Chris said nothing. Larabee didn’t like relying on others.

**********

Vin flexed his upper body. He couldn’t afford to move his leg, but standing in the one spot wasn’t easy - though he had one hell of an incentive to do so. The Lieutenant had seen the mess pressure mines could make of person. Images from his past rose up in his mind...

An explosion echoed in the silence. Vin paused and glanced back at his colonel. They both knew that sound. Some unfortunate soul had just stepped on a pressure mine. Someone not that far ahead.

“Keep your eyes away from the corpse,” Chris stated without emotion. Tanner nodded and moved on through the jungle, his team following behind him. To those who didn’t know the Colonel, he would appear like a cold, heartless bastard. Vin knew better. Larabee was what he had to be to survive in this hellhole. Vin owed him a lot. Chris had taught him how to cope. Facing death daily was not easy.

A clearing parted in front of the men. Scattered over the ground were five soldiers, all caught in the mine blast.

Larabee cursed. He had hoped it had just been one. One unlucky fool who had taken a wrong step. Unfortunately the man hadn’t been alone and thus his colleagues near him had also been caught in the explosion.

“Nathan!” the Colonel called, spotting one of the victims moving. The medic rushed forward to tend to the injured soldier.

“If there was one mine, there’ll be more,” Josiah stated with certainty.

“Find them, Sergeant,” Larabee ordered.

“This guy’s alive too,” Buck shouted.

Vin crouched beside another of the victims. His hand reached for the man’s neck. As the sharpshooter laid his fingers on the victim’s throat searching for a pulse, he glanced to the right. Vin pulled his hand back and rose to his feet. This was the guy who had stood on the mine. He had no legs.

Buck hooked his hand around Vin’s arm and pulled him away. “Come on, Kid. Ain’t nothing we can do here. Nathan just lost them other two.”

Tanner nodded. It was times like this that he found it hard to put his emotions aside. These men were his allies. British soldiers who had made a split second, but fatal, error.

“HQ is sending a squad to collect them,” Josiah reported, replacing his radio.

“Come on, we have to keep going. Vin, keep an eye out for landmines, or we’ll end up like them,” Larabee ordered.

As the memory faded, Vin closed his eyes. He had seen a great deal of horror in Katinda. Much of it remained lost in the caverns of his mind, but in the past week, his memories had been surfacing at an increasing rate. The triggers were coming from the simplest things. A word. A smell. A situation. Vin had kept it all to himself, though he knew Chris was aware that something was wrong. Larabee had been quick to ask if he was okay before he had left the office and basically that was unlike Chris. Larabee usually kept his concerns unvoiced.

Vin pushed the thoughts aside and glanced up at the clock. It was eight thirty. He had been clinging to the grim hope that a couple of the boys may have decided to visit the saloon for a drink and would therefore drop around and see if he wanted to join them... but if the boys had been going to do that, they would have arrived by now.

Vin considered shouting for help, but if the mines were sound sensitive, his shouts could set the damn things off. “Yep, it’s gonna be a hellofva long weekend.”

**********

“So, can we go fishing tomorrow?” Billy asked as he followed Chris up to the ranch.

“Yep.”

“Whose horse can I ride?”

“You can take your pick. The boys won’t mind.”

“Yours?” the child asked grinning.

Larabee turned and winked at the little boy. “Don’t push it, kid.”

“Are the others coming out this weekend?”

“Maybe,” Chris answered thoughtfully. “Come on, it’s after nine o’clock. It’s time you went to bed.”

“It’s okay. I can stay up late tonight.”

“Oh?” Chris asked, raising his eyebrow curiously.

“Mama isn’t here.”

Chris smiled. “Yeah, but I am. Come on. We have to be up early tomorrow if we want to catch any decent fish.”

“Okay, Chris.” Larabee watched the child climb the stairs and head for the guest bedroom. This wasn’t the first time Billy had spent a weekend at the ranch. The little boy was more than comfortable around any of the men, but particularly around Chris. Larabee’s chest tightened. His own son would have been Billy’s age now if it hadn’t been for the tragedy that had stolen his life.

Vin‘s words echoed in the hard man‘s ears. ‘Then you need to take a chance, Cowboy.’

**********

...”I told you...”

“Damn it, Colonel! I did what I thought was appropriate.”

“You aren’t here to do what you think is appropriate! You’re here to do exactly what I tell you! Is that clear, Lieutenant?!”

“Larabee, I had to make...”

“You had to follow orders!”

“For Christ’s sake, will you listen to what I’ve got to say?!” Vin shouted, facing off against his leader. They were both running high on adrenaline. The attack from their enemy had been unexpected. They had been badly outnumbered, but skill and training had seen the team survive.

“I told you to take out that shooter! I don’t care if it was a woman!”

“Colonel...” Buck started.

“Stay out of this!” Larabee snapped at the captain. Vin hadn’t followed orders. That was serious. “You shoot when I say and at what I say! Is that clear?!”

“If you’d stop your damn ranting for a second...”

“Tanner!” Chris shouted, grabbing the younger man by the front of his shirt. Vin hadn’t made the shot Chris had asked... ordered... him to make. Instead, he had shot the branch above the KC sniper, causing the woman to be knocked from the tree. However, it had left her alive and once she had recovered, she had aimed her weapon at the young sharpshooter and had Chris not knocked Vin to the ground, Tanner would be dead. “I’m only going to tell you this once. You follow my orders without question, or you’re out of this team. Is that clear?!”

Vin stared into his best friend’s face.

Buck, Nathan and Josiah watched the confrontation uneasily. They knew their colonel’s anger was a result of the fact that Vin had almost been killed.

“Buck was in my sight,” the sharpshooter stated quietly.

Chris’ brow furrowed. Slowly he released the younger man.

“He’s right,” Buck stated. “If he’d pulled the trigger, I would have caught the bullet.”

“I had to aim high to miss him. Taking the branch above her was the only option I had.”

Larabee glanced at the captain who was nodding. The STT1 leader returned his attention to his sharpshooter.

“Colonel, I’ll shoot anywhere you ask me to and at whatever you ask me to, but I wasn’t going to take her out by going through Buck,” Tanner stated. “I know he can be a pain in the ass at times, but let’s face it, life would be dull without him.”

“Hey!” Buck cried, apparently mortified.

Chris sighed and then half grinned. He reached out and squeezed Vin’s shoulder. They had just survived another attempt to wipe out their team. Lately, the KC had been targeting them. They were all sleep-deprived and tempers had been wearing thin.

“I think it might be time we had some R and R,” Josiah proclaimed.

“I think you could be right, sergeant,” Chris agreed.

“I vote we drop everything and fly off to Hawaii for a week or two.” This was Buck’s suggestion at the end of every week. “There’s this woman I know there. She’s got curves that have got curves. What do you say, Colonel?” Buck asked.

Larabee glanced back at Vin.

“Okay, okay, okay. Next time, I’ll shoot through him!”

The memory faded. Vin shuddered. He reached down and began to rub his leg. He needed to keep the blood circulating or he’d begin to cramp. The pressure on the mine had to remain constant or... well, Vin knew exactly what would happen.

The young man squinted at the clock across the room. He couldn’t make out the time, though he guessed it had to be getting close to dawn. He’d been standing in the one spot for almost twelve hours. He felt thirsty, though not hungry.

Perhaps the boys would drop in for lunch. Surely Chris or Buck would attempt to call him and discovering that the phone was turned off, they’d come over to investigate. Surely.

**********

“Come on, Buck! Let me in!” J.D. shouted, pounding on his companion’s door.

“Go away!”

“Are you still in bed?!”

“Go away!”

“Buck, it’s almost eleven o’clock!”

“It’s Saturday morning. I like to sleep in until noon. Go away!”

“You have company last night... oh, hell, you don’t still have company, do you?”

The door whipped open to reveal Buck’s very dishevelled form. “J.D., there had better be a crisis or I’m going to kill you.”

“I was wondering if you wanted to come for a drive with me. I want to give my new car a work out up at Eagle Pass. You up for some off-roading?”

Buck pursed his lips. “Can I drive?”

“Some of the time.”

“Okay. Give me a minute to get dressed.”

“You reckon we should call, Vin? He said he’d like to come when I went.”

Buck thought about it and then shook his head. “Vin wants some time alone. Best if we let him be. Maybe the next time.”

**********

Noon came and went. Vin was just starting to feel tired. He hadn’t eaten since lunch the day before. Worse still, he hadn’t had anything to drink for that long. His throat had become dry and sore. His head was beginning to ache as his body became more dehydrated.

Outside, he heard the back door of the saloon open and close.

“Inez.” He couldn’t afford to shout. He just had to pray that she would drop in. “Come on. Come on.” The minutes rolled by. “I know I said I wanted some time to myself, but I take it back,” Vin muttered, glancing up at the heavens.

**********

There was a light knock on the door.

“Come on in, Nathan. It’s open,” Josiah called. The two sergeants lived in the same apartment block. Josiah was on the second floor, Nathan the fourth. Jackson entered the room and froze.

“What do you think?” Sanchez asked, moving back from his masterpiece.

Nathan’s eyes enlarged. “It’s... I’m honestly speechless.” The team medic approached the sculpture tentatively. He circled it twice.

“Pretty impressive, hey? I never realized I had a talent for this type of thing.”

Nathan’s left eyebrow arched and then he smiled. “Just make sure I’m here when Buck gets a look at it... no, better still, when J.D. lays eyes on it.”

Josiah’s face lit up with a smile the Cheshire cat would be jealous of. Nathan patted his friend’s shoulder, made his way to the fridge and grabbed two beers. He tossed a bottle across to his companion. The two men took seats on the couch facing the sculpture.

“Talk to me, brother,” Josiah coaxed.

Jackson glanced at his best friend and sighed. Josiah always knew when there was something troubling him. Josiah tended to sense when any of his companions were hurting. It was his gift, the big man had once told him. “It’s just all of this business with Stone. How do you think Chris will handle it?”

“Better than he would have a month ago.”

“Yep. Vin definitely has a calming influence on him.”

“They share the load. Still, what on earth can we do?”

“I suggest we leave that to the Colonel. Whatever he decides will be fine by all of us so worrying about it is foolish.”

Nathan nodded. The room was plunged into silence. “You know something, Josiah, I think it’s growing on me,” Nathan stated, staring at the monstrosity that was sitting in the middle of the room.

“Yep. Damn thing keeps growing alright. If it gets much bigger, I won’t be able to get it out of the door!”

**********

Vin found himself studying the contents of his flat. He hadn’t realized how little he actually owned. All of the furniture had come with the place. Hell, what did he have that was his? His buckskin coat. His harmonica. A few pieces of clothing. Thanks to the boys he had a Harley and a horse. Not much to show for his life. His mind wondered back. Once he had had a great deal. A toy box full of toys. A bicycle. A dog...

“Here, Toby! Come on!” The small brown terrier raced across the lawn with a tennis ball in its mouth. Vin dived at the animal, but Toby knew this game and darted around his four-year-old master.

“Vin, dinner’s ready. Before you wash your hands, bring your toys inside.”

“Toby! Toby, bring the ball back. We’ve got to go inside.”

The little dog appeared to understand that the game was over and trotted back toward the small child who was collecting his trucks and toy guns.”

“Kevin?”

“Comin‘, Ma.”

What had happened to all of his toys? What had happened to Toby? When he had packed to go to the ’home’ he had been allowed to select one thing. One! He had wanted to take Toby, but the man had said that animals weren’t allowed. He remembered staring around his room and then going across and picking up his harmonica. His mother had given it to him for his last birthday.

Vin reached into his back pocket and pulled out the small mouth organ. It was scratched and battered now. The palm-sized instrument was always with him. In some small way, it was like his mother was a part of that harmonica.

Vin lifted the mouth organ to his lips and began to puff into it softly. The sound was reassuring.

The minutes continued to tick by slowly.

Vin grimaced. His leg was cramping again. Reaching down, he began to rub it vigorously. His eyes flicked to the clock on the wall - 3:46pm. He’d been standing in the one spot for almost twenty-four hours. He knew that if the boys didn’t take it into their heads to visit, he wasn’t going to last until Monday. He could feel fatigue pulling at him.

“I can hold on,” Vin growled aloud. For Larabee’s sake, he had to hold on!

**********

Billy turned to glance at Chris. The man seated a couple of feet from him had progressively become quieter.

“Chris?”

“Mmm?”

“You like fishing, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Larabee turned to the child who was staring at him with such large eyes. “Sorry, Billy. I’ve got a lot on my mind.” Chris returned to staring into the stream. Worry over Monday was playing havoc with his emotions. In the pit of his stomach he had an ache. The ache was like an alarm that went off inside him when something was wrong. It had started late Friday afternoon and had been growing in intensity since. A type of sixth sense.

Chris shook his head and tried to push the anxiety away, but it wouldn’t go. In the past, he had always been able to control it, but this was more insistent - which meant it was Vin. He was worried about Vin even though he was certain he had no reason to be. His lieutenant had been a tower of strength the day before when they had been planning their next move. Chris had asked for his help and Vin had been there.

So what was it? I’m just being paranoid after the attempt on his life. He’s right. We can’t let the damn contract get to us.

“Chris, when do we have to go home?”

“Back to Washington? Tomorrow afternoon. Why?”

“I like it out here.”

“Yep, me too.” Chris grimaced. The knot in his stomach was tightening. Perhaps there was something wrong? Perhaps he should call just in case? There was no harm in checking. Chris reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone.

“Who you calling?”

“Vin.”

“Why?”

“Because... “ Chris sighed. “Because I’m paranoid”.

“Huh?”

Larabee smiled and thrust his phone back into his pocket. “It means that Vin would not be happy if I called him over nothing. Probably give me an earful.”

Billy had only met Vin a few times, but he liked him. “You and Vin are best friends like me and Robbie.”

“That’s right.”

“He was in the war with you, Buck, Nathan, Josiah and Grandpa?”

“That’s right.”

“How come he didn’t come back with you?”

“Well, Vin got sick and they sent him home, but no one told us he had been sent home.”

“When he got better, didn’t he ring you?”

“No. Vin had amnesia. Do you know what that means?”

“It means you can’t remember your name.”

“Vin couldn’t remember who he was or any of us.”

“Until you found him?”

Chris nodded.

“You are real happy you found him aren’t you?” the child stated smiling.

“Now, what makes you say that?” Chris asked grinning.

“You smile a lot now.”

Larabee considered the comment and his grin matured into a full smile. “Do I?”

“Yep. So you and Vin like to fish together?”

“We haven’t yet, but I guess we will.”

“Me and Robbie have decided we’re gonna be friends forever. You reckon you and Vin will be friends forever?”

“I think we might.”

“Yeah, me too. Mama likes Vin. She’s teaching him to read because he forgot how.”

“I know.”

“Buck said he’s going to teach me how to... Hey! Chris! Look! I got a fish!”

“Reel it in... slowly. Don’t tug on it.” Chris shouted, dropping his own line and springing to his feet.

With Chris’ help, Billy brought the large trout up onto the bank.

“Wow!” the child cried, leaping from foot to foot.

“Well, looks like it’s trout for dinner.”

“You mean it?”

“Yep. But we’ll need another one, so let’s re-bait your line.”

**********

The sound of the clock’s rhythmic ticking resounded in Vin’s ears. The room was getting stuffy. It had been warm and without any ventilation the heat had built up.

Vin winced. His leg was aching. He longed to readjust his weight. He was feeling tied, thirsty and hungry. Perhaps he should chance yelling for help? Maybe the mines weren’t sound sensitive? Maybe... he’d probably blow himself up. Images from the war again rose up in his mind. A gun battle echoing around him. Josiah pinned down. Chris signalling him to retreat. Chaos! Larabee’s voice in his ears again. Josiah cut off from the rest of the team. They’d been ambushed. Someone had sold them out.

“Two, retreat!”

“Yes, Sir.” He spoke the words, his body responded automatically, but his heart was ordering him back. They couldn’t leave Josiah! “Colonel?”

“Three is circling around.” Nathan would get Josiah out.

Gunfire. Vin glanced back.

Chris appeared out of the jungle behind him. “There are more of them! Run!”

“But the others?!”

“Are clear and heading south! Move!”

Vin nodded and with his colonel half a pace behind him he set off darting through the jungle, his rifle held up, his eyes roving the area ahead of him for signs of danger.

“Wings!... Wings!... Damn it, Buck, where are you?!” Chris shouted into his head set as he raced after his sharpshooter.

“I read you, Colonel.” Buck’s voice burst over the airwaves.

“How far out are you?”

“About five minutes.”

“We’re under heavy fire. Three and Four are heading south. Two and I are heading east.”

“I’ll come in from the west, Wings out.”

“Three, Wings is coming in from the west.”

“Copy that One.”

“Four?”

“All in one piece, One. Meet you back at the rendezvous.”

For several minutes, Vin and Chris pounded on. The sounds of the pursing party had all but petered out.

Ahead, Vin slowed. He raised his hand to warn Chris. Larabee slowed and stopped directly behind his lieutenant, his sharpened senses searching for whatever danger Vin had identified. The pair stood silently. Listening. The natural noises of the jungle rose up around them. Tanner stopped breathing. He stopped thinking, looking and hearing. He searched with a sense that was nameless. Vin’s head snapped to the left.

“Company coming,” Vin whispered. Chris followed his lieutenant’s gaze. They waited, rifles at the ready. A grunt. Puffing. Josiah and Nathan burst out of the jungle.

“We found them again. They’re right behind us!” All four men turned and crashed through the jungle, the sounds of the pursuing squad of thirty men, ringing in their ears.

“Wings?!”

“You should hear me any minute!” Seconds later the sound of Buck’s chopper filled the air. The soldiers behind the STT1 began shouting.

“Tell me when?” Buck prompted. He had to shoot before he reached his companions or risk hitting them in the attack.

“A little more... now!”

Buck sprayed the area below him with bullets. Screaming! The captain had been on target.

“Wings, we’re moving back to the rendezvous. We’re all together.”

“Copy that, Colonel. You know, when we get back, we should consider a holiday. I’ve heard Hawaii is nice this time of year. Wings, out.”

“Reckon I wouldn’t mind some time in Hawaii right about now, Buck,” Vin muttered. His voice echoed off the walls. He was completely alone. He hadn’t felt isolated like this in four weeks. His friends were always around him now. Even when he wanted some space they were there. Why hadn’t they called?!

Part Twelve

**********

“That’s it! You’re kidding!” Buck thundered, staring at Josiah’s sculpture.

“What do you mean?” Josiah asked, truly perplexed by his friend’s reaction.

“What do I... oh, hell, Josiah. You need help, man.”

Nathan smiled. It had been worth the wait. Buck and J.D.’s faces had been extremely entertaining.

“It’s just a pile of junk!” Buck claimed, eyeing the sculpture that consisted of an old bicycle, some barbed wire, several empty Coke bottles and a collection of other articles Josiah had collected at the junkyard.

“Buck, my sculpture is a representation of my emotions within.”

“Mate, if your emotions are anything like that, we need to have you committed!”

J.D. grinned. “So this is what you’ve been working on, Josiah?”

“What do you think, son?”

“Well,” J.D. stated carefully.

“It’s a pile of crap!” Buck cried, heading for the fridge to help himself to whatever was in there. There was a knock on the door. All of the men turned. J.D. walked over and opened it.

“Hey, Ezra!”

“Ah, I thought I might find you all here. I have come to look at Mr. Sanchez’s sculpture.” Nathan and Josiah exchanged a glance. No, Ezra had come here because he wanted companionship but their friend would never admit that.

“Well, feast your eyes on it!” Josiah announced.

Ezra’s right eyebrow flashed skyward. “I see. And what, pray tell, is it... exactly?”

“I call it, ‘The Inner Torment of an Intelligent Man.’ What do you think?”

“Yeah, Ezra, what do you think?” Nathan chuckled.

“I think perhaps I need a drink before providing my constructive criticism.”

“Constructive criticism? I’ll have you know that my inspiration for this piece came from the renowned sculpture Kipple. Have any of you seen his Opus 3.1?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea of what the hell you’re talking about. Hell, Josiah, don’t you have any food?”

“I can go out and get us something. How does Kentucky Fried Chicken sound?” J.D. asked.

“Disgusting,” Ezra heaved.

“Greasy,” Nathan muttered.

“Chicken?” Josiah asked unhappily.

“Perfect!” Buck boomed. “Kid, go get us some fried bird.”

“I’ll go with you,” Nathan offered.

Once the two men disappeared, Buck turned to Josiah. “You heard from Chris?”

“No, he’s gone out to Four Corners with Billy Travis. Mary had to cover some story in California.”

“What do you reckon will happen Monday?”

“If everything goes as the general plans, it should be work as usual,” Ezra stated carefully.

“No offence, Ezra, but I ain’t got a lot of confidence in a fairy tale ending this time.”

Josiah sank down on to the sofa and nodded. “Neither do I.”

An hour later, the men were sitting around finishing off their meal and laughing happily.

“So, Buck. How’s Hot Pants? Did she start writing to you again?” J.D. asked.

“Yep, and she’s hot! Boy! I tell you, kid, this is a woman!”

“Internet romance,” Josiah informed Nathan.

“Oh.”

“And you still have not met, spoken to or seen this lady?” Ezra asked with fascination.

“A man don’t need to see someone to know that... oh, Ezra. You have no idea what this woman writes. Hey! I forgot to tell you, she’s a pilot! Yeah, a pilot. I mean, it’s just perfect! I’ve got a sense for this sort of thing and I can tell that this woman and I could make a really good couple.”

“But you don’t know anything about her. Buck, you don’t know what she looks like!” J.D. pointed out.

“Son,” Buck stated, laying his arm across J.D.’s shoulders. “When you have as much experience as I do, you have a feeling for this sort of thing. I can tell you with pinpoint accuracy what this woman is like. She’s a pilot. Probably 6’3 with legs that go on forever. A good brain and in bed.... whoo!”

Ezra was shaking his head. “You are a very sad individual, Captain Wilmington.”

“So, J.D., how’s the chess going?”

J.D. shrugged.

“She beat you again, huh?” Josiah chuckled. J.D. had been challenging Casey to chess matches and unfortunately, the young lady was leading the competition 5 games to 1.

“Oh, no. J.D., you aren’t letting that little filly beat you, are you?!” Buck cried.

“Shut-up, Buck!”

“That’s not good, kid. Not good at all. If you want to...”

“Buck!”

“So, I hear you’re writing a book, Buck?” Nathan asked, coming to J.D.’s rescue.

“Yep.”

“What sort of book?” Ezra asked intrigued. The men were draped around the small lounge room. Nathan and Ezra were side by side on the two seater. Josiah was in the single chair, and Buck and J.D. were on the floor leaning against the coffee table, below Josiah’s masterpiece. There were empty boxes, chicken bones and bottles littering the entire area.

“It’s a novel, if you must know.”

“A novel?” Ezra repeated. “What is the major theme and genre?”

“Huh?”

“What’s it about?” Nathan re-worded.

“It is about this guy who is a pilot.”

“I see.”

“And the pilot’s name would be...”

“Chuck Bloomington.”

“Buck, just let me clarify here. You’re writing a story about Chuck Bloomington... who is a pilot?”

“What?”

“Nothing. So what is the major storyline?”

“Well, you see, Chuck is a Captain and he works with this team of specialists and they end up having to go into the jungle on a mission.”

Josiah was grinning. “And?”

“Anyway,” Buck stated, warming up to his topic. “They meet their objective, but one of the guys is injured.”

“Which one?”

“The explosive expert.”

“Damn, “ Josiah muttered. “I get the feeling he would have been my favourite character.”

“No, he doesn’t die. There’s medic in the team.”

“Ah huh. A young, good-looking fellow?” Nathan asked.

“I guess you could say that. I thought I’d make him an African American with a big heart.”

“Well how unpredictable,” Ezra muttered under his breath with amusement. “Please go on. What about the group‘s leader?”

“A dark Colonel, but a damn good soldier. The sort of fella you can count on in a crisis.”

“There a sharpshooter in this group of yours?” J.D. asked smiling and accepting another beer from Nathan.

“Yep.”

“A quiet sort of fella?”

“You know, I was thinking along those lines. Someone who doesn’t say a lot, but who has a good sense of humour,” Buck stated thoughtfully. “What do you think?”

“Incredible,” Ezra stated, pouring himself another wine.

“Communications operator?” Nathan asked.

“I’ve made him the green horn. Real enthusiastic but someone who needs to be shown the ropes.”

“And Chuck probably takes on that role?” Josiah asked.

“Yeah, well, that’s how I see it at the moment,” Buck agreed. “It may change as I get into the story.”

“And... is there another character?” Ezra asked.

“Yeah. A security expert who is conscripted into the team.”

Ezra nodded, leaned forward and tipped his glass against Josiah’s bottle of bear. “A handsome, highly intelligent man with impeccable taste?”

“Not exactly. He’s a bit finicky, if you know what I mean?”

“I assure you I do not!” Ezra exclaimed.

“Calm down, Ezra. They’re my characters. I’ll write them the way I want. This is an original fiction you know.”

“Original!” Ezra cried.

“Go on, Buck,“ Josiah prompted, trying to look serious and interested.

“Well, I’m only in the planning stages, but I thought that I’d have the Colonel send the communication officer and pilot...“

“Chuck?“

“Yes, Chuck and A.J., off to collect the helicopter.“

“A.J.?” J.D. burst out laughing. Buck stared at the youth puzzled.

“Why? Why are Chuck and A.J. off to collect the helicopter?” Josiah shamelessly prompted.

“Because the only way to get the injured guy, Manchez, out is for...”

“Let me guess,” J.D. cried. “Is for Chuck to dash all of the way back to the helicopter and make a daring rescue?!”

“Yeah!” Buck cried. “How did you guess?”

“But in the process of making the daring rescue, he is shot and conceals his injury so his friends don’t know,” Nathan offered.

“Hey, I like that! Do you mind if I use it?”

“No, please, go ahead. Of course, it isn’t until they land safely that Chuck collapses and the team medic springs into action,” Nathan finished smiling.

“And the communication officer contacts an air ambulance and has it waiting for the team’s arrival,” J.D. added.

“And the explosive expert - my favourite character by the way - is saved,” Josiah finished.

“But the pilot, who is Chuck Bloomington, bleeds to death on the trip to the hospital.”

“What?!” Buck cried horrified.

“He has to die, Buck. Otherwise it loses impact,” J.D. stated.

“Ya reckon?” the captain asked seriously. “I was thinking that he’d get a medal, Presidential citation and the girl.”

“Captain Wilmington, you truly are a very, very sad individual.”

**********

Vin allowed his eyes to close. The ache from his leg was becoming hard to ignore. His muscles were cramping badly. His back was aching. His head was throbbing. His body felt heavy. He wanted nothing more than to shift his weight and sit down.

Tanner opened his eyes and squinted across at the clock. The light from the security lamp at the back of the saloon filtered in through the window and illuminated the large timepiece. Nine-fifteen. Was it Saturday night or Sunday night? He’d lost track of time.

Vin reached into his pocket and withdrew his cell phone. He needed to take a chance and pray that the mine didn’t have a radio trigger. His thumb moved to the first number, but paused.

‘I need you to be alright.’ Vin squeezed his eyes shut again. Chris was depending on him. Larabee rarely asked for or accepted help. The lieutenant thrust the phone back into his pocket. Chris was depending on him. He could make it. He would gladly give his life for Larabee. Right now, he had to save his own life for his Colonel.

**********

Chris stared at the television, though he wasn’t really watching it. The ache in his gut had continued to grow, despite his best efforts to ignore it. He knew something was wrong... or was he just ‘fussin’.

The concerned man glanced at his watch. It flashed 9:25pm. He’d put Billy to bed an hour earlier. The child hadn’t been happy about having to return to Washington, but for some reason, Chris had a need to be close to his team... to Vin. He just couldn’t ignore the feeling his friend was in trouble.

Larabee’s eyes were drawn to the phone sitting on the bench across from him. Maybe he should call? Just to check. Just to put his concerns to rest. But Chris understood that he was walking a fine line. Vin needed some space and having his older friend ‘checking up’ on him would not go down well or, in reality, be wise.

“Damn it, Vin.”

**********

The ticking of the clock on the wall was resounding in Vin’s throbbing head. Tanner was not a stupid man. His leg had gone to sleep. He knew it was only a matter of time before it stopped holding him.

I ain’t gonna make it. Chris, I need help.

**********

“Come on, Billy,” Chris stated, gently shaking the child.

Billy opened his eyes sleepily. “Chris?”

“Get your clothes on.” Larabee’s face was coloured with true worry.

“Why?” the youngster asked puzzled. He knew it was night. “Where are we going?”

“To see Vin.”

“Is he okay?”

“I don’t know.” Hell, I hope so! Larabee had finally lost the battle with his restraint and telephoned, but Tanner’s phone was off. Chris had cursed passionately. He couldn’t count the number of times he had told... ordered... Vin to keep the phone switched on and on him at all times. I’m going to kill, him! I swear, I’m going to wring his damn neck!

**********

“Can‘t believe they‘re all gone. Just like that,” Vin muttered. He was staring at the ground. Larabee was seated beside him. It was Chris’ watch, but after the incidents of the day, Vin had found he was unable to sleep. They had returned to base to report in and had discovered that an entire squad of American soldiers had been wiped out that morning. Men they had sat and shared a beer with the week before.

“Life has a funny way of showing us just how insignificant we are and how small our world is.”

Vin studied at his older friend. The words sounded strange coming from Chris. Larabee rarely spoke so emotionally.

“Kinda makes you think though. All of their families getting the bad news. At least if I get killed over here, ain’t gonna be no one waiting for my body. End up in some military cemetery.”

“That worry you?”

Tanner shrugged. “Haven’t really thought about it before. Just been thinkin’... after what Josiah said today.”

“I’ve got two graves to go back to,” Chris whispered. The colonel shook his head. “Once you’re dead, you’re dead. It doesn’t matter where they throw your bones. Graves aren’t for the dead. They’re for the living.” A profound statement from a man who rarely spoke more than three words in a day.

Vin fingered the rifle in his hand. Chris glanced at him. “You aren’t alone anymore, Cowboy.”

The younger man turned to his friend and nodded. “I know. That’s what worries me.”

“Huh?”

“Like I said, if I get killed over here, I ain’t got anyone back home who gives a damn.”

“What‘s that got to do with...”

“Let me finish, Chris. I ain’t got anyone there, but I feel like I do over here. Makes a man think.”

“Responsibility. You’re right. We’re responsible for each other. All five of us.”

“Now me gettin’ killed does effect other people. Makes things harder.”

“Yeah, it does. That’s the pain of family.”

Vin stared across at his companion. Family? He hadn’t ever considered that word. His brow creased with confusion.

Larabee smiled gently. “We’re family, Vin. I don’t know when it happened. We stopped being friends a while ago. Friends have a commitment to each other but not... not an obligation.” Vin stared at Chris. “What is it they say? You can choose your friends, but not your family. I didn’t choose you, Vin, and you certainly didn’t choose me. It was just something that was there. We weren‘t born brothers, but we are.”

“Chris... I...” Vin struggled to find the words he needed.

“There isn’t anything you’ve got to say, that I don’t already know, Cowboy.”

“Chris... You have more than two graves. I’ll always be there.”

“I expect you to be. Now, why don’t you go and get some sleep.” Vin faces screwed up. “Not a request, Lieutenant.”

“You don’t play fair, Larabee.”

“Never have, never will,” Chris chuckled. The older man watched his best friend rise and cross the camp. “Hey, Vin. You know I’ll always be there for you too.”

“Yep, reckon I do, Cowboy.”

The sound of a car pulling into the parking lot beside the saloon filtered through to Vin. The headlights switched off. Chris.

Vin knew it was Chris. It was just a feeling... a knowing.

“Vin?” Chris called as he jogged toward the small unit his best friend rented from Inez. The closer Chris had come across town, the more he was certain something was wrong. “Vin?!”

Tanner suppressed the urge to yell a reply. He had to wait until Chris was close enough to hear him without raising his voice.

“Vin?!

“Pressure mine... and I‘m standing on the damn thing.”

Larabee, who was less than two steps from the door, heard the muffled warning. “Hang on, Mate!”

The colonel felt his gut lurch as he rushed back to the car where he had left Billy. Instantly, Chris pushed the initial reaction aside. Training took over. Vin needed assistance!

“Billy, run up those steps and wake the lady there. Tell her to keep an eye on you and no matter what happens, stay away from Vin’s unit.”

Billy nodded. He had never seen Chris’ face so intense. The youth leaped from the car and raced across the open square toward the stairs that lead to Inez’s room.

Larabee whipped his cell phone from his pocket. “Josiah, pressure mine, Vin’s place. Call the others.”

Chris raced back to Vin’s front door and dug his keys from his pocket. Vin hadn‘t been impressed when his older friend had demanded to have a set of keys. ’You’re worse then an old she-wolf, Larabee. I’M OKAY! How many times I gotta tell you that?!’ But Tanner had given in when his colonel had made it an order.

Inside, Vin did his level best not to relax, but hell, it was hard. Chris was here. Thank God! Behind him, he could hear the key being inserted in the lock.

The door flew open. “Why the hell wasn’t the dead bolt on?!”

“Shut-up, Larabee.”

“We had the dead bolt installed specially.” Chris scanned the floor between himself and his companion. He couldn’t detect signs of any other mines. “Radio and sound?”

“I don’t know. Wasn’t game to take the chance. There are at least two others.”

Chris circled around Vin and surveyed the ground. “I see them.” Finally, Larabee turned to face Vin. Even in the darkness he could see the fatigue that encircled his best friend’s eyes. Chris stepped forward and extended his arm. He couldn’t do anything that would cause the constant pressure Vin had on the mine under his foot to change. Vin laid his arm on his Colonel’s for support.

“Damn leg’s asleep,” Vin breathed slowly.

“Hang on, Cowboy. Help’s on the way. How long have you been here?”

“Since Friday afternoon.” Vin grimaced as he spoke. Now he felt tired and sore. Relief brought with it a new danger. He no longer had to focus on keeping it together until the boys came to rescue him. With that focal point gone, every ache and pain in his body became evident.

Larabee cursed. He couldn’t believe it. Vin had been standing in the one spot for more than twenty-four hours. Chris mentally kicked himself. He’d known something was wrong! Why the hell hadn’t he listened to his instincts?!

Vin swallowed. “Don’t know how much longer...”

“Just hang on,” Chris encouraged offering his other arm so Vin could lean on him. “Help’s coming. Besides, I haven’t had a chance to change the inscription yet.”

Vin stared into his best friend’s face and he found a grin. Chris was talking about the cross that had marked his grave. “Shit, we can’t have that then, can we? What were you thinking of changing it to?”

“Was thinking of ‘Pain in the Ass’. Vin Tanner smiled a very, very tired smile. Chris nodded his support and strengthened his hold of Vin’s arms. His friend was fading fast. He could see it happening before his eyes. The fatigue that had been isolated to Vin’s eyes had claimed his entire face.

There was a squeal of tires followed by the vehicle backfiring. “Buck,” both murmured.

Wilmington pounded in through the door. “How you doin’ kid?”

“He’s been here since Friday.”

“I’ll get you some water,” the captain offered.

“Watch out, this isn’t the only one,” Chris informed the other soldier.

“Ain’t been a complete waste of time you know,” Vin stated. He needed to keep his mind occupied.

“Oh?” Buck asked, returning and handing Vin a glass of water. The young man accepted it in his trembling hand. He was on the point of collapse. Buck encircled Vin’s hand in his own and steadied it as Vin tipped the water to his lips.

“Thanks.”

The captain took the glass back. “So, you were saying?”

“Huh? Oh yeah. I wanted some time to myself and I got it. Had a lot of time standing here doin’ nothin‘. I’ve decided to paint that wall.”

“What colour?”

“Thought green.”

“Why?”

“Supposed to be calming or some crap.”

“Thought that was blue?” Buck chuckled. Larabee and Wilmington exchanged a concerned look. They could see that Vin was struggling. He wasn’t going to be able to hang on for much longer. Chris nodded. ‘Keep him talking, Buck’.

“How about a mural?”

“Of what?” Vin asked.

“Of us.”

“Us!”

“Yeah. Can’t think of anyone I’d rather have on my wall. Good-looking, handsome fella like me would brighten this room no end.”

“Ya reckon?” Vin chuckled.

“Yeah. Josiah could do it. He’s into art.”

“Thought he liked sculpture?”

“Oh, hell, Vin. You should see his sculpture! It’s a load of crap.”

“I heard that, Buck!” Josiah stated, entering the room. “Radio and sound?”

“We’re not sure.”

“How you doin’, kid?”

“He’s been here since Friday.”

“Then we had better do something about getting you off that thing,” the big man stated squeezing Vin’s shoulder, before crouching beside him. “Okay. Vin, I’m going to peel the mat back and see if I can get a look at this thing... so don’t panic or move on me.”

“Got it.”

“Buck, move off the mat. Chris...” Josiah glanced up. He could see that Vin was gripping both of his Colonel’s arms... or more correctly, Chris was holding onto Vin - holding him up. “Just stay where you are, Chris.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Vin swallowed and nodded. They would go to hell together.

The men waited in silence as their companion examined the device with a small flashlight. “Yep. You can turn the light on, Buck. It won’t set it off. This is top of the range stuff. Someone knew what he was doing.”

“That’s nice to know,” Vin murmured.

“So, how long?” Chris demanded. Vin‘s time was running out. The young man was trembling and Chris knew his best friend well enough to know it wasn’t fear - it was exhaustion.

“I’ve got a bomb squad on the way. As soon as they get here, we’re probably looking at about fifteen minutes.”

“We can hang on another fifteen minutes,” Larabee stated firmly, staring Vin in the face.

“Yeah, no problem,” Vin muttered. “What’s another fifteen minutes between friends?” There was a grin on his face again, but his eyes were veiled with fatigue.

Chris squeezed his companion’s arm. Hang on, Cowboy. We’re all here. We’ll get through it. “Where the hell is Nathan?” Larabee demanded of Buck.

“Outside dealing with Lieutenant Tanner’s public,” Ezra stated, entering the building. “Colonel, what do you require of me?”

Larabee considered the question. He knew with absolute certainty that if he told Standish to come and take his place and to hold onto Vin while Josiah tinkered with the murderous device under the sharpshooter’s foot - a device that could go off at any second - Ezra would do so without question. No doubt the action would be accompanied by a mouthful of false complaints. Those artificial protests always effectively calmed and entertained his companions... but then, Chris knew that was exactly the purpose of the agent’s outbursts.

“You go and deal with the circus. Send Nathan in here.”

“Yes, Sir.” Ezra nodded to Vin and then turned to carry out his leader’s orders. Moments later, Nathan appeared.

“Josiah, bomb squad just arrived.”

Sanchez rose to his feet, winked at Vin and then strode out of the room.

“Hey, Vin. You’ve had a rough night I hear,” Nathan stated easily.

“He’s been here since Friday afternoon,” Buck informed the medic quietly.

Nathan’s face flickered first with surprise and then concern. “Your leg?”

“I can’t feel it no more. If it weren’t for Chris...”

“Buck get him some water,” Nathan ordered, stepping closer and examining Vin’s pupils.

“Already did.”

“Cramps?” Nathan asked, crouching beside Vin’s leg. Nathan could see the slight tremors as Vin’s muscles were slowly losing the battle to remain rigid. “Vin? Your leg cramping?

Tanner nodded.

“Buck, I need some salt.” Wilmington raced off toward the kitchen. “Vin, how do you feel?” It wasn’t a silly question. Nathan was asking for an honest self-assessment. Vin Tanner was a man who had pushed his body to the point of exhaustion before. He would know whether or not he was capable of remaining upright for the required amount of time.

Tanner glanced from Nathan to Chris. “I don’t know how much longer my leg is gonna hold me.”

Nathan rose to his feet. Turning to Buck, who had reappeared, he ordered, “Give him some of the salt. It’ll help with the cramps. I’ll be back in a minute.”

The medic strode quickly from the unit and set off to find Josiah. The area around the saloon had turned into a media circus. There were cars, police, reporters and site-seers everywhere. Ezra and J.D. were holding them back with the aid of a handful of uniformed officers.

Nathan spotted Josiah off to the right.

“This is what I need you to do,” Sanchez snapped at the group of five men who had piled out of the bomb squad van.

“I am in charge of this unit,” a large man pointed out, stepping up to Josiah.

“Sir, this is Sergeant Sanchez. He’s the best there is,” one of the members of the group stated quickly.

The bomb squad leader nodded. “Yeah, I’ve heard of you, Sanchez, but I hope you appreciate that these are my men. I will be making the decisions.”

Josiah’s eyes narrowed with anger. “I hope you appreciate that the man on the mine is a member of my unit! A man who has saved my life more times than I care to count!”

The leader stared at Josiah, glanced at his men and then turned back to the intense sergeant. “I’m listening.”

Josiah offered his hand and the other man took it. He understood Josiah‘s position. If it were one of his men on that mine, he would want to be in charge.

“Thank you. Look, Vin’s been there since Friday afternoon. We need to get him off that thing in the next fifteen minutes.”

“He doesn’t have fifteen minutes,” Nathan interrupted. “He’s on the point of collapse. You’ve got ten minutes tops. Maybe less.” Josiah and Nathan exchanged a look. “I’d say he’s got about five. His leg just isn’t going to hold him.”

Sanchez turned back to the waiting men.

“You tell us what you want us to do, Sanchez, and we’ll do it.”

**********

General Travis turned on the light and reached for the ringing telephone. As he answered, he noticed with annoyance that it was after 1:00am.

“Travis.”

“General Travis. We’ve just had a telephone call from Agent Dunne. He said that you need to get over to ’The Saloon’ at once.”

“The Saloon?” Travis knew the place. The boys drank there all... Vin’s unit! “Did he say anything else?”

“No, Sir. Just that you should...” Travis slammed the receiver down before waiting for the end of the response.

**********

“Sergeant Sanchez, the other two mines have been removed.”

Josiah glanced up and nodded. “Alright. Get Chris into some protective amour,” the sergeant ordered briskly.

The man staring down at Josiah eyed Chris puzzled. “He’s staying?”

“Yes,” Josiah confirmed firmly. They hadn’t discussed this fact... they hadn’t needed to.

“Always said we’d go out with a blast,” Larabee whispered to Vin. Tanner tried to find some response, but he was unable think straight let alone provide some smart-ass comeback. Chris squeezed Vin’s arms. He understood.

“How’s the shelter coming?” Sanchez demanded, standing. His friend’s condition had deteriorated badly in the last few minutes, just as Nathan had predicted. Vin was reaching the end of human endurance. At the moment, his mind was overriding his body’s need to shut down, but that would not, and could not, last. Vin’s fatigue was increasing by the second.

Two feet from Em7‘s lieutenant, a small bomb shelter had been constructed in record time. It was three-foot square and about three and a half foot high. The thick metal structure had a blast blanket draped over one wall.

“It’s ready, Sir,” the bomb squad leader puffed. He and his men had never worked so swiftly.

Two members of the bomb squad produced some heavy padded clothing and began to thread Larabee into it. Before Chris removed his hold of Vin, Buck stepped up and took his place. Wilmington swallowed. He could feel Vin trembling. His young friend’s leg was starting to wobble.

“Hang on, Kid. Only a few more minutes and it will all be over.”

“Yeah, one way or the other,” Vin mumbled. He was trying to focus on his leg. On keeping it still. Time to block out everything and concentrate completely on holding himself upright and maintaining pressure on the mine. The lives of those surrounding him depended on it.

“Alright, Buck,” Chris ordered, moving back into place.

When the bomb squad members attempted to put protective clothing on Vin, Buck grabbed them and forced them back.

“Leave him!”

“But...”

“He’s not strong enough to carry all of that weight,” Nathan informed them as calmly as his voice would allow.

“Alright, I want everyone out. Clear the building and get those vultures outside back,” Josiah ordered.

“Yes, Sir.” The bomb squad leader nodded and then led his team out of the building. Josiah, Nathan, Chris and Buck were left standing around Vin. The room became silent.

“Alright, we’re ready,” Josiah informed his companions. Two men walked through the door. They had entered the danger zone and ignored the protests of the police and bomb squad. They needed to be close to their team. Ezra and J.D. approached their companions and joined the circle of support.

J.D. studied Vin with sympathy. His friend looked dreadful. “You okay?”

Tanner nodded slightly. Nathan patted J.D.‘s shoulder and raised his hand for silence. The sharpshooter was trying to tune out those around him. Nathan had seen Vin do the same thing during the war. In order to make the shot, Tanner would concentrate on one thing and effectively block out everything else.

“I’ve sprayed the mine. The chemical is a freezing agent. It will do one of two things. If we’re lucky, it has completely disabled the device.”

“How do we know if you have been successful?” Ezra asked.

“We’ll know when Vin takes his foot off that damn thing. If we’re unlucky, the mine will still go off, but the freezing agent will give you a two to three second delay. So, the moment Vin moves his foot, you need to get into the shelter and pull the blast blanket over you.” Josiah was talking directly to Chris. It was Chris that needed to understand. “If the mine does go off, it could take this entire building with it. The blast shelter should withstand the explosion and if the ceiling comes down, it’s strong enough to create a pocket for the two of you. Don’t worry, we’ll have you dug out in no time. There’s breathing masks, water, bandages, a cell phone and a flashlight in there just in case it takes us a while to get to you. Any questions, Colonel?”

Larabee shook his head. Vin made no indication that he had heard or understood anything being said.

“Alright, boys. Let’s get out of here,” Josiah ordered. Buck placed his hand on top of Larabee’s white knuckled fist, which was gripping Vin tightly. Josiah laid his down next. Nathan, Ezra and J.D. followed suit.

Vin’s brow was creased with concentration. He appeared totally unaware of what was going on. Tanner was a well-trained soldier. He had learned to zone out - to block out everything apart from his objective and at the moment, his objective was to keep his leg under him and firm pressure on the mine.

“Leg’s gonna go,” Vin whispered, taking a deep breath. “Get out of here, all of you! Chris, I mean you too!”

“We’re ready, Vin,” Larabee assured his friend steadily. “It’s time to get you off that thing.”

“Huh?”

“Come on, boys,” Josiah repeated. All of the men, except Buck, turned and jogged from the room. Wilmington lingered a few more seconds and then he turned and followed his companions outside to safety. Vin and Chris were on their own.

“Vin, we need to jump into the shelter. You hear me?”

Tanner nodded.

“Say it.” Chris had to confirm Vin’s understanding. If the exhausted man pulled in another direction, they would both be killed.

“Have to jump into the... Chris, I don’t know if I can. My leg is...”

“Relax. I’ll get you in there.” Their eyes met.

Vin blinked slowly. “Chris...”

“Stop your talking. Get ready.”

Thanks, Chris.

Larabee smiled. “This is another fine mess you’ve got us into.”

Tanner grinned. “This comin’ from someone who’s dressed like the Michelin man!” The smiles on their faces faded.

“Ready?”

“Yeah.”

“On my mark. Three...” Vin swallowed. “Two...” He braced himself. “ONE!”

Chris Larabee wrenched his best friend off the mine and literally threw him into the reinforced box. Half a second later, the Colonel dived into the protective shelter after his lieutenant, at the same time, reaching up and pulling the blast blanket over the top of them.

Part Thirteen

**********

Travis flashed his badge and pushed his way through the crowd. He spotted the men of Em7 collected together.

“Boys? What’s going on?”

No one answered him. They were all staring intently at the small unit across the open square. The seconds continued to tick away. Their silent prayers continued.

“They would have jumped by now wouldn’t they?” Buck demanded impatiently.

**********

Chris felt around in the dark for the flashlight. His fingers closed on it and he switched it on.

“Vin?”

“Aww hell, get off me, Chris! You weigh a tonne!”

Larabee manoeuvred the light so that it illuminated Vin’s face. The colonel had fallen on top of the smaller man. Chris shifted his weight. Unfortunately, the protective clothing was heavy and bulky and almost impossible to move in, though Chris hadn’t had any difficulty when he’d had to get Vin and himself into the shelter.

A pained breath was released from Vin.

“You okay?” Chris asked, still trying to roll off Vin.

“How long’s it been?”

“More than three seconds,” Chris agreed.

“No, blast.”

Larabee smiled. “No blast.” The colonel shone the flashlight around the small compartment. Picking up the cell phone, he contacted Josiah. “No, blast.”

“Thank, God. Colonel, stay where you are. I’ll get the bomb squad in and have them remove the mine. Repeat, stay where you are until I give the all clear. Confirm?”

“We stay where we are,” Larabee repeated.

“Won‘t be long, Sir. Vin okay?”

Chris glanced at his companion whose breathing was panted. “He will be... once I get off him.”

Larabee placed the phone on the ground and rolled further to the side. Vin slid in the opposite direction. “Have to wait until they remove the mine. You okay?”

“Yeah.” There was controlled pain in Vin’s voice.

“They won’t be long.”

“I ain’t complainin’. It’s good to be off my feet.”

From outside, the pair heard Josiah’s shouted voice. “Buck! Buck stay out of there until I give the all clear. We have to remove the mine! Buck! Dammit, Wilmington!”

Vin grinned. “Buck’s causing havoc.”

“Some things never change,” Larabee chuckled. Relief was flooding the two men. Without warning, the blast sheet was ripped back and light poured in.

“Well, howdy doody!” Buck boomed. “What are you two up to in there all on your own?”

“Has the mine been removed?” Chris asked reaching up. Buck looped his hands under Larabee’s arms and strained to pull him to his feet.

“Yep. They put it in this cooler type thing and took it outside. God, you weigh a tonne.”

Chris glanced down at Vin who hadn’t moved. “It’s over.”

Tanner nodded. His eyes closed briefly. He muttered something under his breath and then began to pull himself up. Chris bent awkwardly and offered his hand, but Vin chose to stand without assistance. The action far from surprised either of his team mates. Vin Tanner was a fiercely independent man and that independence intensified to the point of paranoia when he was tired. His friends knew it was a survival technique. Vin had learned to distrust others and to depend on himself only. It had taken some time before he had been prepared to invest in his companions. Now his trust in them was unquestioned. However, when Vin was tired, he lost perspective and automatically returned to that that had seen him survive the first twenty-one years of his life.

Buck and Chris exchanged a knowledgeable look. They could both read the signs. Vin was exhausted. No doubt their stubborn friend could feel his ability to look after himself slipping from him. Both Buck and Chris knew Vin would fight his fatigue and reject any help offered until he finally succumbed to his exhaustion. It was just a matter of letting nature take its course.

Vin yelped as he placed weight on his right leg and bent over, placing his hands on his knees. His breathing was panted as he tried to get a handle on the sharp ache from his leg. Larabee’s hand came to rest in the middle of his back. Abruptly Vin stood, climbed over the top of the barricade and began to limp across the room. Buck raced after him and attempted to offer assistance, but Tanner pushed him away.

“Quit fussin’, I’m okay.”

“Where the hell are you going?” Chris demanded, shedding the protective clothing.

“The can. That okay with you, Larabee?!”

Vin got half way across the room when his leg buckled beneath him. Buck lunged toward him and stopped him from falling.

“I’m okay!” Vin shouted, shoving Buck out of the way. The young man continued across the room.

Nathan, Josiah, Ezra and J.D. clamoured in through the door.

“Hey, Vin!”

Nathan walked briskly after the sharpshooter. “Vin?”

“FOR CHRIST’S SAKE! I’m just going to the can. I don‘t need no help!”

The others watched him disappear and then began to glance around at each other.

“He’s running high on adrenaline. He’ll crash in a minute.”

“Why’s he so angry?”

“Anger is a powerful emotion, J.D. Another man would have collapsed in a heap long before now. Vin isn’t angry, just beside himself with fatigue. He’ll hit a wall in a few minutes,” Nathan explained. Like Buck and Chris, the medic had seen it before with Tanner. Vin would push himself until his body could do no more. When that happened, his team always made it their business to be there to catch him before he hurt himself.

Moments later, Vin re-emerged, limping badly. Buck walked up to his friend and threaded the exhausted man’s arm over his shoulder.

“’Buck, I’m...”

“Yeah, I know, Kid. You’re fine. Come on, let me help you to the couch.”

Muttering under his breath, Vin allowed Buck to guide him to the sofa and lower him down onto it. As Vin sank down he gasped, reaching for his leg that was cramping viciously. Nathan knelt in front of him and began to massage the limb.

“Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow! Christ, leave it be, Nathan!” Tanner insisted, trying to still Nathan’s hands. “Leg’s hurtin’ enough without you makin’ it worse.”

Jackson pushed Vin’s hand back and continued to rub Vin‘s calf, trying to loosen the knotted muscles.

“J.D.?” Chris asked.

“There’s a media circus out there, Colonel. They’re gonna want a statement.”

“Tell ‘em to take a hike,” Vin growled.

“Ezra, deal with it.”

“Yes, Sir.” Standish headed off to do so.

“You hungry, Vin?” Buck asked.

The seated man shook his head.

“You need to eat something,” Nathan claimed.

“J.D. organize some food.”

“I ain’t hungry,” Vin repeated.

“Yes, Sir,” the youth replied, disappearing in the direction of the kitchen.

“Buck, I want to know how they got in,” Chris ordered. Wilmington patted Vin’s shoulder and then set off to examine the unit for signs of forced entry.

“Josiah, I want as much information about the mines and who set them as you can find out.”

“I’m on it, Colonel.”

“Nathan?”

The medic flicked his eyes to Chris and then let them settle on Vin. “He’s dehydrated and exhausted. Nothing some food, water and a good night’s sleep won’t fix.”

“Then leave my leg alone. Hell, Nathan!”

“Has to be done, Vin.”

Tanner began to pull himself up.

Nathan reached up and forced him back. “Just sit there and shut-up!” the medic ordered firmly. “I ain’t in the mood for your complaints, Vin Tanner! You’re gonna do what I say, or I’ll get a needle and knock you out. You listening to me, you stubborn bastard?!”

“In your ass, Nathan.”

Chris couldn’t help but smile. When Nathan started giving orders and making threats, it meant he was worried... or in this case, had been extremely worried. Larabee crouched beside the medic and patted his shoulder.

“Vin?”

“I’m okay. I keep saying it, but you bastards won’t listen to me!” Chris continued to smile. Vin was certainly pumped up on adrenaline. The adrenaline had enabled him to remain standing when he had needed to. Once the adrenaline ran out, Vin would crash.

“Chris, get him some water and some more salt... and close your damn mouth, Tanner. You haven’t got a choice in this. I’ll hook you up to a drip quicker than you can blink.” Vin scowled but remained quiet.

General Travis entered the unit. “How is he?”

Tanner rolled his eyes. “You bastards been out there sellin‘ tickets. Tell Ezra to make a &*%@ing global announcement. I’M FINE!”

Travis shot a look of surprise at Larabee. The colonel was smiling.

“Shut-up, Chris,” Vin snapped, accepting the glass of water.

“You really are a cranky cuss when you’re tired, Vin,” Buck chuckled.

“In your ass, Buck.”

“Colonel, they came in through the ceiling in the bedroom. Just lifted a couple of tiles.”

“Colonel Larabee,” Ezra stated returning. “The media has been dealt with and the police are clearing the area.

“Good. Ezra I want this place alarmed by the end of tomorrow. Every door. Every window. And I want something done with the ceiling so no one can get in through there either.”

“It shall be done.”

“Be like livin’ in a damn prison.”

“Better than rotting in a coffin!” Chris growled.

“Suppose you think that‘s funny, Larabee?”

Chris sank down onto the couch beside Vin and began to read the riot act. Vin ignored him and continued to abuse Nathan. Nathan, apparently unaffected by his team mate’s insults persisted to manipulate Vin’s leg. Ezra picked up the salt that Larabee had placed on the side table and handed it to his companion, suggesting that perhaps if Vin were to actually swallow the salt rather than assuming that it would somehow transfer across the room and enter his body through some mystical form of osmosis, then he just may start to experience some relief from the cramps. Buck was shouting at Josiah to get the bomb squad to start removing the shelter and Josiah responded with the fact that he was busy and that if Buck wanted the blasted shelter removed right now then he could blasted remove it himself.

General Travis watched them and marvelled. The way these men dealt with life was amazing. Others would be falling all over themselves to thank and congratulate one another on achieving a successful outcome to what had been a potentially fatal situation. These men, on the contrary, were arguing. No, bickering like siblings, the older man realized. There would be time for the thank you’s later - in private. As for the congratulations, Em7 had simply done what was needed. That was what made Executive Mediation Seven stand out from their peers. The general knew he had to keep these men together... not only for their sakes, but also for the country's!

“It’s a strange attempt,” Vin muttered. “I mean, how were they going to confirm they’d got me. Here’s his ear!”

“Lieutenant Tanner, that is not funny!” Ezra cried . All of the former members of the S.T.T.1 were smiling. It was a soldier’s joke. Only men who had lived on the edge could appreciate it.

“Pizza’s on its way,” J.D. announced happily, entering the room.

“Pizza!” Nathan exclaimed horrified. “I meant decent food. Vin needs vitamins and minerals. His body has been through terrible trauma.”

“Where am I supposed to get decent food at this time of night?”

“The kitchen?!”

“That’s Vin’s kitchen!” J.D. argued.

Buck burst out laughing. “Good point, kid!”

**********

The bomb squad was gone. The noise from outside had quietened. Inez had agreed to keep Billy for the rest of the night. Vin, much to everyone’s disbelief, was still very, very awake.

Tanner stared across at his friends. They were collected on the other side of the room, talking in hushed tones. “What are you lot whispering about?”

“We’re talking about you Vin, not to you.”

“Bastards!”

Buck turned back to the others. “He’s beside himself.”

“I would have thought he’d be tired, but he’s wide awake.”

“Not for long,” Josiah stated. “He’ll hit a brick wall shortly. Vin always does.”

Nathan nodded. “Can’t believe he’s lasted this long, though. Might be best if we left. Once we’re gone, he’ll give in to his fatigue.”

“We could ask Inez to open the saloon. Stay there until he crashes,” Josiah suggested. All men glanced at Larabee for approval. Chris nodded.

The group turned and wondered back toward Vin, who had switched on the television and was watching Bugs Bunny.

“We’ll be going, Vin.”

“Probably catch up with you tomorrow.”

Tanner glanced up and watched them move toward the door. “Guys...” The group turned. “Thanks.” It was said quietly and sincerely.

“No problem, Vin. We didn’t have anything planned for tonight anyway.”

“Speak for yourself. I had planned to sit with a wineglass in one hand, Russian caviar in the other and ‘The Maltese Falcon’ on cable.”

“The Maltese Falcon. That’s crap!” Buck exploded.

“I beg your pardon. ’The Maltese Falcon’ is a classic. I’ll have you know that it has been voted the top film of all time.”

“The People who voted must have had taste in their ass.”

“I see, and according to the great Wilmington, what is worthy of classic status?”

“Well, something decent, like ‘Godzilla in New York‘. Now that was a classic! Or ‘Invasion of the Head Shrinkers’, or even ‘The Creature from the Bog’.”

J.D. burst out laughing. “I’ve seen that one. With that fella that’s dressed in a sack that’s supposed to be some sort of creature.”

Ezra shook his head and began to explain to Buck that these were ‘B’ grade movies that were made by people who, if they had an ounce of intelligence, would be dangerous.

Josiah winked at Vin and began to usher the group outside. The door closed behind his friends. Vin glanced across at Chris who had not moved.

“You going too?”

“No.”

“You don’t need to stay. I’m fine.”

“Want something to eat?”

“Ain’t hungry.”

Chris shrugged. “Well, I am.” Larabee disappeared into the kitchen. Vin returned his attention to the television.

Several minutes later, Larabee reappeared with a sandwich in his fist. He settled at the table to wait. The colonel kept his eyes on his sharpshooter. It wasn’t long before Vin began blinking. His chin bobbed, but he pulled it back up. He was fighting sleep. Stubborn bastard!

Chris walked across to his friend. “Stop fighting it, Vin.”

“Fighting what?” Larabee cursed softly. Tanner began blinking again.

“Why don’t you lay back and watch television?”

“Because I don’t want to.” Vin’s body shuddered. He was losing the battle. Chris recognized the signs. “I ain’t really tired.” The blinking became more insistent. “Get out of the way, I can’t see the television.” Vin’s body shuddered again. His head began to sag.

Chris stepped forward, adjusted the cushion, took Vin by the shoulders and eased him down onto his side. Tanner was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

Chris smiled. “Aren’t tired, huh?” the older man murmured, listening to the deep breathing that was echoing out of his companion. Larabee rose to his feet, dug his cell phone from his pocket and phoned Buck.

“He’s crashed... yep.” Chris silently gave thanks, watching Vin’s chest rise and fall. Thank, God he was okay.

The door behind him opened. The other men entered and crowded around the sofa.

“He’s awfully pale,” J.D. whispered.

“It’s just exhaustion, J.D.,” Nathan offered.

“But he’s okay?” the youth whispered.

“No need to whisper, Kid. He can’t hear you. Vin’s dead to the world.”

“Buck,” Larabee ordered. The colonel and captain stepped up to the couch and between them pulled Vin into a sitting position.

“What?” the sleeping man mumbled.

“Easy, Vin. We’re just putting you to bed.”

“I can walk dammit!” His eyes weren’t actually open.

“Yeah, we know you can, Kid,” Buck chuckled as he and Chris pulled Vin to his feet and began to half carry, and half drag the smaller man toward the bedroom.

“Don’t call me that! I’ve been looking after myself since I was a kid.”

“You’re a cranky cuss when you’re tired, Vin Tanner,” Buck laughed.

“Huh?” Vin’s eyes opened. He blinked several times.

“We’re just putting you to bed, Vin,” Chris explained as he and Buck made their way into the bedroom. “You got him, Buck?” Chris asked.

Wilmington, wrapped his arm around Vin’s back. “Yep.” Chris let go of his exhausted charge and pulled down the blankets.

“Sit him down.” Buck did so, holding Vin up while Chris yanked his boots off. “Foot’s swollen.”

“Imagine it would be. He was standing on it for a hell of a long time.”

“I’m sorry, Buck. Didn’t mean to snap,” Vin muttered.

“Huh?”

“Didn’t mean to... to snap at ya.”

“That’s okay, Kid.” Buck and Chris eased Vin back onto the bed.

Vin swallowed. He moved on the bed restlessly. Chris inclined his head. Buck turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.

“Easy, Vin,” Chris whispered, squeezing his best friend’s shoulder in an effort to calm him.

“Didn’t mean to snap.”

“I know.”

Vin shook his head, as if trying to clear it. He was still battling his body - refusing to give in. “Tell, Buck, I’m sorry.”

“I will. Come on, settle down.”

Tanner continued to move around on the bed. Chris shook his head with frustration. “You must have been impossible to get off to sleep when you were a kid.”

“Stop calling me that!”

“Okay, okay. Calm down.” It was strange, Chris thought. He never, at any stage, had thought of Vin as a kid and yet Buck and Josiah always had.

Vin blinked up at Chris. “I snapped again, didn’t I?”

Chris grinned. “I’m used to it.”

“Sorry. Where are the rest of the boys?”

“Outside. Don’t worry. We’re all here to watch your back. Close your eyes and let yourself sleep.”

“Chris...”

“No, not now. Close your eyes and rest.”

“Why are they outside?”

Chris grunted. He’d better think of something. “We’re having a meeting.” Vin began moving around on the bed again. “Settle down. Come on, Cowboy. You need to sleep.”

“Mine’s gone?”

“Yep. Everyone’s safe.” Vin’s chest rose and fell evenly for the first time as he settled. Chris knew he needed to keep talking. “Josiah led the bomb disposal unit. Ezra dealt with the media. Buck... you know Buck. He was everywhere he wasn’t supposed to be.” Vin’s eyelids sank. “J.D. was outside keeping the crowd back. Nathan was... Vin?... Vin?” Larabee carefully released his companion’s shoulder, rose to his feet and crept from the room.

The other men watched as Chris eased the door closed behind him.

“He’s down?” Nathan asked.

“Yep. Finally. Worse than havin’ a three year old when he gets like this.”

“I find it fascinating. He refused to do what was sensible and yet he is inherently a very level-headed and rational man. He was almost out of his mind with exhaustion,” Ezra reflected.

“He’s always been the same. He...”

The bedroom door opened. Vin stood there, filling the opening staring at his companions with piercing eyes. “Thissss about Mondayyyy?”

“What?”

“The meeting. It about Mondayyyy?”

Chris strode back toward him. “Vin, you’ve got to go to sleep.”

“Ain’t tirrrred,” Tanner argued, stepping around his best friend. His voice was slurred. “I’m gonna make sssome coffeeee. You want anyyyy?” Vin limped into the kitchen. Larabee glanced at the others and then followed his friend.

Tanner walked across to the cupboard to get the coffee, Chris was half a step behind him. Vin crossed the room to turn on the jug, and Chris was right there.

“You take milk, don’t ya?” Vin headed across to the fridge... his legs buckled and he collapsed into Larabee’s waiting and failsafe arms without a sound.

Chris glanced down at Vin and smiled. “If it isn’t about time, you stubborn bastard!” Deciding not to take any further chances, Chris shook Vin firmly. “Vin?” He readjusted Vin’s weight and shook his friend again. “Cowboy, you awake?... Thank, Christ. He’s down this time, guys! Out cold. Josiah.”

Sanchez entered the room and scooped Vin up in his powerful arms. Without a word, the sergeant carried the unconscious man back to the bedroom, lowered him onto the bed and pulled the covers up over him. “Sleep well, young brother. You’ve earned it.”

Chris remained staring down at his friend. Josiah laid his arm across his Colonel’s shoulders. “He’s okay, Chris. Just a handful when he’s tired... and when he’s drunk.”

“Come on,” Larabee coaxed. “He’ll sleep for hours.“ The pair left the room and closed the door.

“That was amazing!” J.D. cried. “It was like he was sleep walking.”

“Almost.”

“I get the feeling that this is far from the first time Lieutenant Tanner has acted so out of character.”

“Happened a couple of times in Kat. He pushes himself until he doesn’t know the path back. Becomes so over tired he can’t let go, so he just keeps pushing himself until he finally collapses,” Nathan explained.

“In Kat, he used to start to pace around the camp. One of us would just trail behind him until he collapsed.”

“First time it happened, we didn’t realize. He smashed his head open when he hit the ground and ended up with a concussion and eight stitches. After that, we knew what to expect.”

“A very complex young man,” Ezra commented.

“A stubborn bastard,” Larabee muttered.

“Don’t knock that stubborn streak, Chris. That stubbornness is probably the only reason he was able to stand there for... how long was he there?”

“Must have been around thirty hours.”

“Incredible.”

“Colonel, what are we going to do Monday?” Ezra asked, changing the subject.

“Not now. It’s been a long night. Why don’t the rest of you head home? Nathan, I’d like you to stay, if you don’t mind?”

Nathan nodded. “Was going to anyway, Chris. I’ll see how he is in an hour or so. If he’s still pale, I’ll put him on a drip for a few hours.”

Larabee turned to his other men. “Thanks, boys.” They had come through another impossible situation.

As the men moved toward the door, the doorbell rang. Buck whipped it open, his revolver in his hand.

“Pizza?” the delivery boy squeaked. “I’m sorry, Mister. I really am. I got lost and couldn’t find the place and then the pizza got cold so I went back and got some more and...”

“Relax son,” Buck stated, reaching for the six boxes. “The important thing is you made it. How much do we owe you?”

“Nothing, it’s free.”

“Well, that’s awfully good of you.” The young driver turned and high tailed back to his car as fast as his legs would carry him. “Pizza, anyone?” Buck asked grinning.

Part Fourteen

**********

Vin became aware of sharp pain. He forced his eyes open and searched for the source. He found it in the form of Nathan inserting something into his arm. The medic smiled at him. “It’s okay, Vin. Just putting you on a drip for a few hours. You’re dehydrated.” Vin nodded his understanding. He rolled his head to the other side and found exactly who he was looking for.

Chris crouched beside him. “You’re okay,” he assured his friend. Vin stared at his Colonel with heavy-lidded eyes that were veiled with confusion. “You stood on a pressure mine, but Josiah got you off it. You’re all in one piece. You’re just tired. Understand?”

Vin nodded. He tried to make sense of what was happening, but his mind felt heavy and fogged.

Larabee picked up his friend’s hand and squeezed it as added reassurance. “You feel alright?”

“Thirsty.”

“I’ll get you some water,” Chris offered, moving off to do so.

Vin found his mind clearing. He turned to look at Nathan who was fiddling with the drip. The medic seemed satisfied. “You should start to feel better soon. How’s your leg?”

Vin searched through the darkness blanketing him. “Sore.”

“It will be for a while.” Nathan flashed a small light into Vin’s eyes. “Your pupils are reacting normally. You’re just dog-tired, Vin.”

Chris reappeared and Nathan helped to lift Vin’s head so he could drink.

“Better?”

“Yeah, thanks.” Nathan lowered his patient back to onto the pillow. Chris put the glass on the side table, in case Vin wanted more later. “The others go home?”

“Yes.”

Tanner was aware of sunlight filtering in through the curtains. “What day is it?”

“Sunday. Relax. You’ve got all day to rest,” Chris whispered, patting his friend’s shoulder.

Vin closed his eyes and his chest inflated fully. The stubborn man reached up and began to rub his eyes. Nathan shot a look of concern at Chris. They both knew what Vin was attempting to do.

Larabee reached for the offending hand and encircled it with his own fist. “Now you listen to me, you pig-headed bastard. You have about as much chance of getting out of that bed as Stone has of shutting Em7 down. So close your eyes and go back to sleep or so help me, I’ll knock you senseless!”

A grin creased the pale lips of the man in the bed, but his eyes closed and his fingers curled around Chris‘ hand. “You’re real tough when I ain’t in a condition to take you on, Larabee.“

Chris squeezed his best friend‘s fist. “Go back to sleep, Cowboy. I‘m going to need you tomorrow.”

“You don‘t play fair, Chris.”

“I know.”

“Wake me for lunch.” Nathan and Chris watched as Vin slipped off to sleep. The colonel smiled and laid his best friend’s hand back on the bed.

“You want some more coffee?” Nathan asked as they emerged from the bedroom.

“Yeah. He be up to working tomorrow?”

“He shouldn’t be, but wild horses won’t keep him in that bed - we both know that.” Nathan paused. “Colonel, what are we going to do about tomorrow? We’re supposed to report for new positions... Ezra has to face up to a full investigation.”

“Don’t worry. Vin and I cooked something up. J.D. should be working on it now.”

“Oh?”

**********

J.D. Dunne’s fingers continued to dance over his keyboard. He was almost finished. When Chris had set him this task, he had been unsure, but now, he could fully see the impact of what Larabee was planning.

**********

“He still sleeping?” Buck asked as he entered Vin’s unit at 6:30pm Sunday night.

“Yeah. Nathan had him on a drip on and off throughout the day. His colour has improved.”

“Good. Thought you boys might be hungry.”

“You offering to cook us dinner or did you bring it with you?” Nathan asked in amazement.

“Thought we’d have Chinese.”

“Buck, do you have any idea of what all that rubbish is doing to you inside?”

“I invited the other boys to meet us here. I rang the order through, but Ezra’s picking it up on his way over. Hey, he can afford to pay for it,” Buck stated, pleased with himself. “Oh, Mrs. Travis came over and collected Billy. She said to say hi to Vin. So, he’s basically slept all day?”

“We tried to get him to eat something at lunchtime, but he fell asleep in the middle of it so Nathan put him back on the drip.”

“Yep, that’s what I thought. He‘s probably famished.” Now, both Nathan and Chris understood. Chinese was Vin’s favourite.

“Vin may not be able to stomach something so greasy. Remember, he hasn’t had anything solid since Friday.”

“How about you let me be the judge of that?” Vin argued, entering the room. His hair was dishevelled, his face a little pale, his chin stubbled, but his eyes looked bright and there was a grin on his face.

“Where’s the drip?”

“I pulled it out. Quit fussin’, Nathan.”

“How you feelin’, Vin?” Buck asked, smiling from ear to ear.

Tanner walked across and dropped onto the sofa. “Ask me when I’m awake.”

“You hungry?”

“Reckon I must be. It’s been a while since I’ve eaten... it’s still Sunday, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Chris chuckled, sitting on the armrest beside his best friend. “You haven’t missed anything. You‘re looking a hell of a lot better.”

“Feel it too. So, J.D. able to...?”

“Everything’s ready. He rang me a couple of hours ago.”

“This something you intend sharing with the rest of us?” Buck demanded, trying to interpret the cryptic exchange.

“Just a little surprise we cooked up for Stone, Harris and Wilkins,” Vin informed his friend, winking at Chris. “Harris is gonna shit himself!”

Chris Larabee burst out laughing, his arm sliding across Vin‘s shoulders. His laughter was relief more than anything else. He’d known all along that Vin was okay, but it was good to see his best friend up and about, and back to his normal easy-going self.

**********

Monday morning arrived in a blaze of sunshine. The men of Em7 collected in the conference room where their Colonel filled them in on part one of his and Vin’s plan to have their team re-instated.

“So, Harris, Wilkins and Stone are coming over here this morning?” Ezra confirmed.

Larabee nodded. “Should be here in the next ten minutes. J.D., everything ready?”

“Just need the word from you, Sir.”

“Good.”

“And should part one fail?” Ezra inquired. “There is a part two?”

“I don’t think we need to jump the gun, Ezra. Director General Stone is a tough man. To get to his position, he had to be. But I get the feeling that basically he’s a reasonable man as well.”

Ezra nodded. “We just have to hope that this shows him the folly of his decision.”

“That’s the general idea.”

“Speaking of the general,” Buck stated, inclining his head toward General Travis as he stepped out of the elevator.

“Hey, General,” J.D. greeted carefully as the older man entered the conference room.

“Men. I don’t have good news at this stage, I’m afraid. What I have arranged is a temporary reprieve. I informed Stone of the attempt on Vin’s life and he has agreed that you all need two days to recover from the trauma, so you will be expected to take up your new positions on Wednesday. However, I am still confident that I can... you boys don’t look all that concerned.” Travis noted.

“We have a plan,” Buck explained grinning.

“Oh?” Travis muttered. “What are you planning to do?” Travis turned to Chris. “Colonel?”

“Relax, General. We know what we’re doing.”

“I know that. What worries me, is I don‘t know what you‘re doing.” Chris winked at his long time friend. Now, Travis was really worried. From past experience, he realized that Larabee and his team were at their most dangerous when they had their backs to the wall and were cocky and confident... and that was certainly the case this morning!

“Lord, protect us. How are you this morning, Vin?”

“Tired, but I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Harris is gonna have a cow.”

“Perhaps you should run your plan by me before you...”

“Too late. They’re here,” Buck stated. The men of Em7 lost the grins on their faces. Yes, they had confidence in their Colonel‘s plan, but this was serious. Their team’s survival depended on Stone’s reaction.

The group rose to their feet and followed their leader out into the main office area where Wilkins, Harris and Stone stood.

“Gentlemen. Thank you for coming. We thought it was about time we spoke face to face.”

“That is fine, Colonel Larabee, but the decision regarding Em7 has already been made,” Harris stated with confidence.

“Perhaps. Please, take seats.”

Director General Stone eyed Vin. “Lieutenant Tanner, I did not expect to see you here today. I know you had a very traumatic weekend.”

“Yeah, but the boys got me out of it.” A simple statement of fact.

Larabee turned and nodded to his computer technology officer. “Now, Agent Dunne.” J.D. walked across to his computer and hit the return key.

Stone, Harris and Wilkins exchanged puzzled but concerned glances. “Colonel?”

“Sergeant Jackson,” Chris prompted. Nathan passed a sheet of paper to each of the men including Travis. “Agent Dunne has just sent that message to as many people in the armed forces as we could find. Men and women all over the world are receiving that note as we speak.”

Like Em7’s other visitors, General Travis dropped his eyes and began to read the short letter.

Dear colleague

Tomorrow, at 130 GMT, I am asking every member of the armed forces - regardless of rank - to stop what they are doing and ‘down tools’ for three full minutes. I do not ask this of anyone in the firing zone, nor of anyone who feels that such an action may endanger the lives of others. I cannot tell you my reasons for such a seemingly unimportant request.

Should you wish to confirm the validity of this message, please tune into your local television station at some time after 530 GMT today. I am giving a live interview, which will confirm the authenticity of this message. I am certain that once news of this is released, my telecast will be beamed across the globe. The interview will also be placed on a web page, the address of which is at the bottom of this message.

I thank you for your support

Colonel Christopher Larabee (STF1)

“Jesus Christ,” Wilkins muttered. “What the hell are you intending to do?”

“This is exactly what I was talking about!” Harris cried.

Director General Stone lowered the letter and eyed Larabee intently. “Is this meant to be some sort of example of your power?”

“No, proof of the futility of your decision,” Chris clarified. “You shut us down because you feared the power and authority of Em7.”

“Em7 is nothing more than an artificial contrivance that gave substance to what the S.T.F.1 had already established amongst all other military groups the world over,” Ezra informed the visitors.

“If we’re wrong, at 8:00 o’clock tomorrow morning, nothing will happen,” Vin added. “If we’re right, thousands of men and women in the armed services all of the world will down tools for three full minutes.”

“No, this isn’t a threat of any kind,” Buck stated firmly. “We don’t intend calling for allegiance, nor do we intend causing any problems.”

“Director General Stone, you basically said that the only reason you were shutting us down was because you thought Em7 gave Colonel Larabee too much power. The message does not mention Em7. We intend to prove that the power you fear doesn’t come from Em7,” Nathan explained.

“It comes from proven work in the field and there’s nothing you or Harris or Wilkins can do about that,” Josiah murmured.

Larabee focused his attention on the Director General. “You appear to be a reasonable man, Stone. We’re just trying to show you that disbanding Em7 doesn’t really solve what you seem to perceive as a problem. My team and I have never looked at abusing the power we have. A power that is ours, not through some signed piece of paper or tin badge, but as a result of our own reputation.”

Stone eyed the hard, serious men in front of him. He reflected on the words. “I ‘am’ a reasonable man, Colonel Larabee. I will watch with interest to see what response you get tomorrow morning.”

“And...?” J.D. prompted.

“And I will let you know.” With that, Stone rose to his feet, stepped forward and offered his hand to Chris. “You have given me much food for thought.”

“Then, bon appetite,” Larabee stated, shaking the hand of the man who had it in his power to re-instate his team.

**********

“Yes, yes, yes!” Furious typing followed the outburst.

“He’s not...?” Nathan asked no one in particular.

“He is,” Ezra confirmed. Since the Director General had left, the men of Em7 had gone back to work as usual. True, their team no longer existed, but that had not stopped the work from piling up around them.

Nathan was reading through some reports, Josiah was confirming his suspicions about the person who had laid the mines in Vin‘s unit, Ezra was substantiating the Hawk‘s whereabouts, J.D. was working on his laptop and Vin was dictating into his computer. Buck, on the other hand, was involved in a chat with his ‘girlfriend’.

“You got that right, honey! Ole Buck is a stud!”

“Buck?” Josiah asked grinning, his eyes twinkling with merriment.

“Just a minute... oh, yeah!” The captain went back to typing feverishly. “Yes!” Buck spun around on his chair and beamed at his companions.

“Hot Pants?” Vin inquired.

“Vin, this woman and I are made for each other. She’s a pilot... I’m a pilot. She loves horse riding ... I love horse riding. She’s HOT... and I don‘t think I‘m being modest if I say that...”

“I hate to reiterate this point, my dull friend,” Ezra interrupted. “... but you have no idea what this woman is like. For all you know, she’s a sixty-two year old grandmother who flies a crop duster and rides a draft horse.”

“Ezra, Ezra, Ezra,” Buck scolded. “You just don’t understand women like El Buck.”

“So tell us what you think this woman is like,” J.D. requested, glancing up from his laptop.

“Without a doubt, she is blond.”

“Blond? Now how do you figure that, Buck?” Vin asked smiling.

“Blonds are more sensual and I tell you, this woman is sensual.”

Ezra snorted. Buck shot him a smug look. “Something wrong, Ezra? You jealous? You want me to stop?”

“Oh, please, don’t stop on my account, Captain Wilmington. Pray, tell us more.”

“So we’ve got blond,” Nathan coaxed.

“Yeah. She’s got to be over six feet,” the captain pronounced with certainty,.

“Why?”

“Because...” Buck grinned. “You’re too young to hear what she told me.”

Vin Tanner rolled his eyes. “Hey, Chris. You gotta hear this. Buck’s tellin’ us about Hot Pants.”

“Who?” Larabee asked, stepping out of his office with a mug of coffee in his fist.

“Hot Pants. The woman he’s been e-mailing and chatting with for the past two weeks,” Nathan explained.

Chris Larabee’s brow creased with thought. “And I knew about this?”

“I told you the other night. Remember?” Vin asked.

“No.”

“Shut up, you two. Go on, Buck,” Josiah prompted. “Blond, and over six foot. What else?”

“I think it’s stupid,” J.D. muttered.

“Only because you ain’t got a girlfriend,” Buck spat back.

“Ain’t got nothing to do with it, Buck.”

“Ha!”

“I have got a girlfriend, I just ain’t told you about it.“

“Casey is a pretty little filly, J.D. You could do worse.“

“Shut-up, Buck. She’s not my girlfriend.“ With that J.D. blushed, dropped his head and went back to his laptop.

“Go on, Buck. Blond, and over six foot...?”

“Well, according to her, men with moustaches turn her on, so she’s obviously a woman with impeccable taste.”

Chris glanced at his second in command. Vin was nodding seriously at Buck. “So, Bucklin, we’ve got a six foot blond, who’s turned on by men with moustaches, who loves horse riding and is a pilot in her spare time... who is writing to you every day?”

“Exactly. Isn’t it just amazing?!” Vin Tanner burst out laughing and started shaking his head. It was a genuine full-throated laugh. Chris grinned. It wasn’t often his best friend appeared so relaxed, but then, Vin had a strange way of being at his most relaxed when things were at their worst.

“What? What?” Buck demanded, puzzled by his companion’s amusement.

“Nothin’, Buck.”

“I told her about my book,” Buck announced, dismissing Vin with a shake of his head.

“Chuck Bloomington,” Nathan explained to Chris and Vin.

“Chuck’s a pilot,” Josiah added.

“A regular superman without a cape,” Ezra clarified.

“Modelled on anyone we know?” Vin chuckled. He was truly enjoying this.

“No one in particular,” Buck stated miffed. “Anyway, Hot Pants thinks it’s a brilliant idea and unlike you bastards who think Chuck should die in the end, she thinks he should get the girl.”

“How absolutely astonishing,” Ezra muttered.

Before Buck could reply, there was beep from his computer. The big man almost turned himself inside out trying to turn around. “It’s her!”

“I gotta see this,” Josiah claimed, leaping up and rushing across to stand behind his companion.

Both Nathan and Ezra did the same, the trio reading over Buck’s shoulder.

“Good Lord!” Josiah cried.

“What the hell does she mean?” Nathan asked.

“Such language!” Ezra exclaimed.

Vin Tanner leant back in his chair and began shaking his head with mild amusement.

“Well, answer her!” Josiah cried.

Buck began to type.

“Captain Wilmington, you can’t possibly... oh. Oh, I see.” Ezra turned to Chris. “Colonel, you really are going to have to do something about Buck. I am becoming...”

“She’s replying!”

“What?!” Ezra cried, forcing Nathan aside so he could read the screen.

“Wooooooooohhhh!” Josiah cried.

“What did I tell you?!”

“Chris, you gotta see this,” Nathan called. Larabee glanced at Vin who had a curious grin on his face and then made his way over to the rest of his team.

“Well, answer her, Buck!”

“Don’t worry, fellas. Give me room. I know what I’m doing.” Buck stretched his neck in a circle, flexed his fingers and then set about typing.

“Hell!

“She won’t...”

“She does!”

“But that’s...”

“Good Lord!”

“The woman is perfect!” Buck exclaimed with what could only be described as pride. “Just perfect!”

“No, no, don’t go!” Ezra shouted as Hot Pants signed off.

Ezra, Josiah, Nathan and Buck sighed long and deep.

“See boys. What did I tell you?” Wilmington crowed, lifting his legs up onto the table beside his computer.

Chris Larabee was shaking his head. “You boys are more gullible then that twit Pascoe.”

“Huh?”

“A six foot blond? Who’s a pilot? Who is turned on by men with hair on their upper lip?” Vin chuckled.

“So what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothin’,” Vin stated.

“Go on, tell him,” Chris prompted, his face lit with an uncharacteristic smile.

Vin shook his head. “Don’t reckon I should. Besides, I told you in the strictest of confidence.”

“Told him what?” Buck demanded. He knew they were toying with him, but he was too far hooked to back out now.

“Nothin’.”

“Vin?”

“It’s just that, I’ve met Hot Pants.”

“WHAT?!” Ezra, Buck and Josiah cried as one. Wilmington’s feet came crashing to the floor.

“Came in to talk to you, Buck,” Chris explained seriously.

“She did?! WHY DIDN‘T YOU SAY SOMETHING?!“ Buck Wilmington leaped to his feet and rushed over to Vin. He reached down and grabbed Vin by the shoulders. “What was she like?”

Vin shrugged thoughtfully as he physically removed his friend‘s hands. “Nice enough.“

“So, what’s she look like?“ The other boys began to crowd around Buck and Vin.

“About 5’9, dark hair,” Tanner stated thoughtfully.

“Good looking?” Buck demanded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“I guess some people might say so. Not my type though.” Vin finished glancing at J.D. The youth was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Buck looked at Vin. He looked at J.D. He looked at Vin. The penny dropped! “NO! No, it can’t be... you mean... it was...”

“I ain’t never been described as perfect before, Buck,” J.D. chuckled. “Though I gotta admit, I’m pleased I sound taller over the net!”

Nathan, Vin, Ezra, Josiah and Chris roared with laughter. Buck lunged at J.D. The youth dived out of the way... the chase was on.

“You mean the whole time... it was you?!”

“Yep. Oh, Hot Pants. I quiver at the thought of...” J.D. recited.

“You little...” The two men disappeared down the hallway, Buck bellowing at the top of his lungs.

“When did you realize?” Chris asked.

Vin inclined his head to J.D.’s computer. “Only time Buck stopped receiving messages was when J.D. was running that search to identify Hewett.”

“A regular Sherlock Holmes,” Ezra laughed.

“Besides,” Vin chuckled. “I caught him at it a couple of days ago. You don‘t really think J.D. could write all that bullshit on his own, do ya?”

“Lieutenant Tanner, I never would have taken you for the sneaky type.”

“Don’t know what you’re talkin’ about, Ezra,” Vin stated, his voice oozing with innocence.

Ezra turned to Nathan. “Remind me never to trust him!”

**********

“Colonel, Mary says the broadcast will be ready to go in five minutes,” Buck informed his leader, popping his head into the quiet office.

Larabee nodded. His gaze returned to Josiah. “Go, on.”

“That’s it really.”

“That’s it?! Look, Sergeant, someone laid those mines in Vin’s unit and you’re telling me ‘not to worry‘? It won’t happen again!”

“Sir, I am certain I know the assassin and I can assure you, he won’t try again.”

Chris started to open his mouth but paused and forced his rage away. Josiah wouldn’t make such a claim without reason. “Alright. Let’s hear it.”

Josiah passed an open file over to his leader. Sitting on top of the written documentation was a photograph of a soldier. “That’s Corporal Paul Packard. Thirty-two. Trained in explosives. Packard’s what is called a delusive genius. He has a brilliant mind but questionable reasoning faculties.”

“A psychopath?“

“Pretty damn close.“

“You speak as though you know him?”

Josiah sighed. “I was fortunate enough to be responsible for part of his training. He thrives on competition. He needs to be the best and doesn‘t care much for how he achieves his goals.”

“None of which tells me why he went after Vin and why you think he won’t try again.”

“It’s a guess, but I’d say Packard saw the bounty and viewed it as a challenge for no other reason than he’d heard of Vin and knew he was a worthy opponent. Could also have something to do with the fact he knows that Vin’s a part of my team.”

“This man gunning for you?” Larabee asked carefully. He expected to be informed of such things and Josiah’s failure to do so was surprising.

“No, but beating me is something of an obsession for him. A psychopath’s mind doesn’t operate like the rest of us. His reactions are based on his own peculiar agenda. I have been labelled, rightly or wrongly, one of the best in my field. Packard wants to be the best. To achieve that status...”

“He has to outmanoeuvre you.”

“Exactly. Taking out a member of my unit using my own weapon of choice, as it were, is the sort of thing that would motivate Packard.”

“And he won’t try again because...?”

“Oh, he’ll try to defeat me again, but he won’t use Vin. Beside being a delusive genius... psychopath... Packard’s also part of some strange religion.” At this, Josiah grinned.

Chris smiled at his friend. “You don’t say, Preacher?”

“Seriously. He believes that all fate is in the hands of the Gods... or God... or whatever immortal being he believes in. Every action is judged by his God, who makes the ultimate decision and thus selects the outcome.”

“Vin survived.”

“Yep, which in his eyes will be because his God wanted him to. Packard won’t try again. His Gods have spoken.”

“And you’re sure about this?”

Josiah nodded and reached for the file. “In Kat., if his mines didn’t catch a platoon or kill its victim, he’d go back and dig the damn things up. Was court marshalled for disobeying orders and discharged on the grounds of mental instability. All of that doesn’t change the fact that he’s damn good at what he does.”

Chris nodded.

“Vin’s safe, Sir. Packard’s Gods chose to rescue him.”

“Strange, the way I remember it, it was a big, ugly fella who is the best explosives man I’ve ever met.”

“Who you callin’ ugly?!”

“Well, I’m sorry I missed the beginning of that conversation,” Ezra commented, entering the office. “I am sure I would have found it most amusing.”

“Vin’s apartment?”

“Has been secured, Colonel. The ceiling has been reinforced. Every window has been barred. One in the bedroom and one in the main room have fire-exit hinges so he won’t be trapped should he need to escape in a hurry. All windows and doors are alarmed and I have set movement sensors throughout the house. As long as Lieutenant Tanner remembers to activate everything, he will be well protected.”

“That’s the catch though, isn’t it?” Josiah chuckled. “Vin remembering to do it.”

“He’ll remember. Even if I have to go over there and do it myself,” Chris growled.

“Oh, that‘ll go over well,” Josiah laughed.

“I couldn’t give a...”

There was a polite knock on the door. Mary entered and smiled at the men. “Sorry to interrupt. The live satellite link is ready when you are, Chris.”

Larabee took a long deep breath and rose to his feet. “Let’s get this over with.”

Part Fifteen

**********

The full moon lit the land in pale light. It reminded Chris of the night he and his team had rescued the diplomat and his family. Hell, that seemed a whole world away. So much had happened since that night when Em7 had done what it had been designed to do - to deal with extreme situations using extreme measures.

Larabee dropped his gaze. Only two white crosses marked his loss now. The piece of wood that had represented Vin for two very long years had been discarded... no, replaced by the return of his best friend. Despite the other chaos that was consuming Larabee’s life, that one fact kept him sane.

Chris’s thoughts filled with frustration. Vin was an insubordinate sonofabitch! The Colonel had gone over to his companion’s place that afternoon and watched as Ezra had tried to explain the security system to the team‘s sharpshooter. It was clear from the outset that Vin had no intention of activating any of the safety features. As a result, Chris had lost his temper, Vin had retaliated and Ezra had made himself scarce.

“This is not an over-reaction, Lieutenant! Or have you forgotten about being hit by that car or your thirty hours standing on a land mine?!”

“How can I? You bring it up every couple of hours. Hell, Colonel, anyone would think the damn bounty was on your head!”

“I wish it was!” The two men stared at each other. Larabee swallowed and dropped his face. “I wish to God it was.”

“There’d by no fun in that. At least you’ve got an excuse for over-reacting to everything,” Vin chuckled. Larabee lifted his gaze. “Alright! Alright, Chris. I’ll activate the damn security!”

“It’s for your own safety.”

“It’s a pain in the ass!”

“You’re the pain in the ass!”

At this, the cocky young sharpshooter smiled. “I do my best, Colonel.”

The memory faded leaving a satisfied smile on Chris Larabee’s face. The Colonel pulled his cell phone from his pocket. It wasn't quite dawn, but Chris wanted to put his own mind at rest. If he had done so earlier on the weekend, Vin wouldn’t have had to stand on the land mine for so long.

“What the hell do you want, Larabee? Awww, hell. It‘s five a.m.!” Vin grumbled sleepily.

“Did I wake you?” the older man chuckled.

“Hell, no! I was out mowing the foot square of grass in my back yard by starlight.”

Chris laughed. “Sun’ll be up any minute. I thought you were an early riser?“

“Go away!“

“How are you feeling?“

After Chris had recorded the telecast the group hoped would convince Stone of his error, Nathan had insisted that Vin go home and get some rest. Considering the fact that not twenty-four hours earlier the lieutenant had been on a drip, the medic felt that some rest was in order. Naturally that hadn’t gone down well, but Vin had obeyed and after having the tutorial on how his new security system worked, Tanner had retired. That had been a little after lunch. Chris had checked his friend several times, pleased that Vin appeared to be following doctor’s orders for the first time in his life. “So, everything okay?”

“You mean, did I set the security? I said I would, didn’t I? There are little blinking lights and &*%@in’ buzzing sounds coming from every room.”

Chris could hear that Vin was on the move. “What are you doing?”

“I’m gettin’ myself somethin’ to eat, not that it’s any of your damn business, Larabee. You know, I really think...” All of the sudden a loud blaring filled Chris’ ear. This was followed by shouted curses from his best friend. “Hang on a minute, Chris. The &*%@ing alarm... awww, hell! I’m gonna have to ring Ezra! I can‘t get it to turn off!” The phone went dead.

Chris was still grinning when he returned the phone to his pocket. He was not going to be popular in the morning with either his security expert or sharpshooter. Tomorrow morning... this morning. Larabee sighed. This morning at eight a.m. he would find out if the respect that Vin insisted the rest of the world had for him was as strong as the men would like to think. The word that had filtered back to the team before they had left the office for the day was that there was considerable support and that large numbers of men and women in the United States armed forces would indeed down tools for three minutes at the specified time. There was no word from the rest of the world. However, the more Chris thought about it, the more he discovered he didn’t care. Em7 was important to him, but it would not be the end of the world if Stone shut them down. Ezra’s words echoed in his mind.

“We have no need to worry, Sir. I have enough money for all seven of us to retire. We could travel the world and live like kings.”

Travelling the world held little for the colonel, but the thought of retiring to Four Corners and ‘... riding to the four corners of the globe...’ with his best friend sounded particularly appealing. Larabee knew that after a few months he would tire of all of the free time and no doubt boredom would set in, but not for quite a few months, Chris told himself.

A distant vibration filtered into Larabee’s being. He knew the sensation. A helicopter was approaching. Instinctively the Colonel headed for the thick treed section to his right. Larabee lifted his eyes skyward waiting for the chopper to appear in the lightening sky. Dawn was only minutes away. Chris pulled his phone from his pocket, ready to send a call for help if required.

The blinking lights of the chopper came close enough for Em7’s leader to make out the vehicle. It was a small military helicopter. A searchlight bathed the ground in bright yellow light.

“COLONEL LARABEE. ARE YOU DOWN THERE?” The loudspeaker echoed above Chris. The Colonel moved away from the protection of the trees and walked into the search beam. He had recognized General Travis’ voice.

Upon spotting the Colonel, the chopper set down. General Travis stepped from it and moved across the ground toward Em7’s leader with long quick strides. The helicopter blades slowed and finally became silent.

“Colonel, we have a situation.” Chris stared into Travis’ haggard face. The other man’s eyes were intense and the lines of worry that criss-crossed his features spoke volumes.

“My team no longer exits,” Larabee stated in a deadpan voice.

“The President’s plane went down in the Brazilian Rainforest sixteen minutes ago. Travelling with him were the New Zealand and Australian Prime Ministers. They were on their way to conduct a secret meeting with Pepe Santana to arrange extradition of Georgeo Marx, the international terrorist responsible for downing that New Zealand Airline. 51 Americans, 124 New Zealanders and 78 Australians died. We know that all three leaders and two of their security personnel survived the crash. The pilot, four other security men and two secretaries died on impact. Unfortunately, the plane came down in a section of the forest held by the Ghosts of Freedom Rebels. We know that there has been a great deal of activity at the rebel’s base and that they have sent a squad to find the downed plane. We are certain that they do not know the identity of the plane’s occupants. If the Ghosts of Freedom find out who was on that plane, there is no telling what they will do.” Travis stared into Larabee’s hard and almost emotionless face. “I know your squad has been disbanded, but you may be the only chance we have of saving those men. I’m asking you to rescue our President and two of the world’s other leaders.”

Chris Larabee’s chest inflated fully. His expression remained blank. The Colonel nodded and pulled his phone from his pocket. As he and the general jogged back to the chopper, Larabee sent an emergency text message to six men. “Boys, we’re on. Code Red. Conference room, 30 minutes.”

**********

The elevator doors opened and Vin Tanner stepped out. Buck, Ezra and J.D.’s heads snapped around all hoping it was their leader.

“Lieutenant?“ Buck asked.

“I don’t know, Captain.” Despite his difficulty reading, Vin had been able to make out most of the words in the text message.

The elevator beeped again announcing the arrival of the team’s final two members.

“What’s going on?” Josiah demanded.

Buck held up his hand for silence, watching as Vin telephoned their colonel. “Sir?... Yes, Sir. We’re all here... I understand... How long will you be?... Yes, Sir... Two out.”

“Lieutenant?”

“He’s flying in with Travis. Has to stop over at the Pentagon before coming here.”

“The Pentagon?” Ezra echoed. This had to be big.

“He wants us to get ready for a CC.“ Tanner’s voice was soft, but remarkably firm. The sharpshooter had moved into official mode.

“A CC?” J.D. asked, the boy noting the harsh expression descending on the faces of the former members of the STF1.

“Comprehensive Conflict,” Buck informed the younger man. “Means we’re going to be operating deep in enemy territory without back up.

Ezra and J.D. exchanged an apprehensive look. Most of Em7’s missions were seek and recover and involved avoiding confrontation if possible. While back up was rarely available, the pair got the feeling that ’Comprehensive Conflict’ involved more than they had been told.

Vin’s eyes flicked to Buck. “Sounds like old times.”

The experienced soldier nodded solemnly.

“You have any idea where we’re off to?” Nathan asked.

“The Colonel didn’t say.” Tanner’s face set in a frown. He had detected that familiar twang in Larabee’s voice. A twang that only appeared when a mission was concerning his leader from the outset. “Alright, boys, let’s get ourselves organized. Buck, check on the plane. Make sure it’s fuelled and ready for immediate take off.”

“Yes, Sir.” The Captain moved off swiftly to do so.

“Nathan and Josiah, start pulling the equipment out.”

“Any idea what?”

“All of it. We can always put it back later. I get the feeling we may be leaving in a hurry.”

“Yes, Sir.” The sergeants disappeared.

“Ezra, how are we for ammunition?”

“All stocks were full before our last mission. I have reordered, but the new stock hasn’t arrived.”

“Secure it.”

“Leave it to me, Sir.” ‘Sir’. As Ezra moved off, he reflected on the fact that word had passed his lips. Ezra Standish bowed to no man and the title of ‘Sir’ he had promised himself he would give to no one. At some stage, he had consciously chosen to show his respect for his leader by bequeathing the title upon Chris. Now, it would appear, subconsciously, he had bestowed that privilege on Vin Tanner... but then, Vin Tanner was far more than the team’s sharpshooter. Ezra had seen Vin in action more than once. The quietly spoken and basically easygoing young man was one hell of a soldier... and a leader into the bargain. From the moment Tanner had joined Em7, Josiah, Nathan and Buck had responded to his requests and commands as if the words had come from Larabee. Following the Cirozian Diplomat situation, Ezra understood why. Leadership sat easily on Vin’s shoulders and Ezra was more than happy to follow Tanner’s orders and to provide the young Texan with the respect Ezra felt he deserved.

“J.D., check the atmosphere out there. See if there are any murmurs that may explain all of this. The colonel will want to know as soon as he arrives.”

“Yes, Sir. Lieutenant... when will we know what‘s going on?”

“When the Colonel is able to tell us. I’ll be in the armoury if anyone needs me.”

**********

“How many communications have you had with them?” Chris demanded as he and General Travis strode along the corridors of the Pentagon.

“A couple, but they’re now on radio silence. We know they’re all in one piece and that they’re on the move. One of the security men has military training. At least that’s something.”

Chris didn’t comment. Travis stopped walking. It had been impossible to communicate on the chopper, so Larabee was still very much in the dark as to exactly what the situation involved. “General Hutchinson is in the States for the defence conference. Do you know him?”

“We’ve met.” Hutchinson was Australia’s senior general. Larabee had come across the man in Katinda.

“He knows of the accident and was demanding to be involved in the planing and execution of any mission to rescue his Prime Minister.”

“Was?”

“I informed him that you would be in charge. He said he wanted to talk to you.” With that, Travis flashed his security pass through the panel and the door opened. There were two men in the small white-walled room. One dressed in an Australian military dress uniform and the other in a suit.

Hutchinson rose to his feet as Larabee entered. Chris saluted the general.

“Colonel. I’ve been told that you and your team will be handling the situation.”

“I have only just been informed of the accident and at the moment I know little, General” Chris stated simply.

“But you are in charge of the rescue mission?” the general pressed.

“I am yet to accept the mission, Sir. Once I have read the statistics and I have investigated the circumstances I will be able to make an informed decision,” Chris stated without emotion. Hutchinson flicked his eyes to Travis. “You said Larabee was dealing with the situation!”

“General Hutchinson, I am not prepared to accept any mission until I have a clear picture of what it involves. I’ll be able to inform you of my decision within the hour, Sir.”

Hutchinson studied Larabee carefully and his lips curled into a smile. “You’re a damn good solider, Larabee. If you turn down the mission, I‘d like you do me the courtesy of informing me personally.”

“I will inform personally regardless of my decision, Sir.” Larabee directed his attention to the man in the suit.

“Colonel Larabee, this is Mr. James Krueger. He is New Zealand’s foreign representative.”

Chris nodded a curt greeting.

“Colonel Larabee. I relayed the message that you were going to be heading the task force to rescue our Prime Minster and my government said for me to offer you our full support.”

“Thank you.”

“If Colonel Larabee is not to lead the mission, then the New Zealand government will expect to be fully involved in any and all decisions.”

Hutchinson turned to Travis. “I feel the same way. If Larabee is put in charge, I am happy to play an observation role. If he turns down this mission, I expect to be involved in all negotiations.”

“Of course,” Travis agreed quickly. General Travis glanced at the black clad enigma. These men and their countries were happy to place their complete trust in Colonel Christopher Larabee. On the other hand, if Larabee withdrew, their support was withdrawn with him. Their faith was in the man himself, not in what he represented.

“Now, gentlemen, if you’ll follow me,” Travis prompted. “Our emergency response committee is considering the situation and I feel it is time we joined them.”

“Do they know you came to me?” Chris asked.

Travis glared at his friend. Only Larabee would come right out and say it in front of their international colleagues.

Hutchinson smiled. “This sounds like it could be very entertaining.”

“Calm down, General. The last thing we want or need are fireworks.”

“With you involved, Chris. I’d expect nothing less.”

Travis stopped walking. “I take it you two know each other?”

“A ten minute conversation about five years ago. A group of my boys were led astray by two of Larabee’s one night in Kat.”

Chris winked at the other man. “I claim no knowledge of what you are talking about, Sir. Besides, my boys only masterminded the plan, your boys turned the helicopter upside down.”

“They’d been bribed!”

“A case of beer, wasn’t it?” Chris asked.

“Something like that.”

As the men continued down the corridor, Hutchinson asked, “So what’s the reason for the three-minute stoppage?”

“My team has been disbanded and my current unit shut down based on the assumption that the organization provides me personally with too much authority and power.”

“Bureaucratic dickheads,” Hutchinson murmured.

**********

“If we send in an army we’ll simply alert the rebels to the fact that someone important was on the place!”

“Well, what the hell do you suggest?!”

Tempers were fuelled by frustration, tension and concern. The men were collected around a large wooden table trying to decide what to do. The country’s emergency response policy had been launched the moment news of the accident had reached American soil. These men had been called together as a result. They represented both the military and non-military components of the country’s security.

General Collins called for calm. “Gentlemen. It has now been 42 minutes since the President’s plane went down. Every moment we waste could be critical.”

“Exactly!” General Travis agreed entering the room. “Gentlemen, may I introduce General Hutchinson, of the Australian Army and Mr. Krueger, representing the New Zealand government. I believe all of you know, Colonel Larabee.”

All eyes were drawn to the man dressed in black.

“Why is Colonel Larabee here?” the head of the American Secret Service asked. His voice was coloured with something that was definitely approaching an amalgamation of relief and excitement.

“I thought his team had been disbanded.”

“It has. This has nothing to do with Em7. This has to do with the rescue of three of the world’s leaders and I happen to believe that Colonel Larabee and his team are well qualified to handle the mission,” General Collins stated. “I asked General Travis to call in Larabee.”

“Thank, God,” another of the men cried.

“But...” Wilkins protested. The leader of the FBI wasn’t sure what to say. He had spent the last few weeks plotting the closure of Em7 and the downfall of Larabee, but right at that moment, he couldn’t deny the relief he felt at seeing the hard-faced colonel.

“The Vice President has asked that Larabee head any rescue mission.”

“So does the Australian government,” Hutchinson growled.

“Colonel Larabee has the full support of the New Zealand government and her military forces,” Krueger added.

“Colonel?” Collins prompted.

“As I have already told our international visitors, I have yet to examine the facts. I will let you know within the hour whether or not I accept the mission.“

“You mean he could turn it down?“ Jasc cried, turning to Collins flabbergasted.

“The decision must be left with the Colonel. He will assess whether or not he feels his seven-man unit will be able to handle the situation,“ Collins explained.

“Until that time, I suggest you continue with your own plans. Gentlemen.” With that, Larabee turned and strode from the room.

**********

J.D. rose to his feet as the elevator doors opened. The rest of Em7 poured into the main room as their Colonel arrived.

“Report!” Larabee demanded.

“Plane’s prepared. Equipment is being checked. Rifles are ready. Ezra?” Vin demanded.

“The extra ammunition is on the way over from the Penhall Barracks. Should be here in another fifteen minutes. I asked for it to be loaded directly onto our plane.”

“J.D.?” Vin prompted.

“There’s nothing out there. Not a whisper.”

Chris nodded and patted Vin’s shoulder as he moved by. His second in command had everything ready, but then, Chris expected nothing less of Vin. “Conference room, boys. J.D., there should be some files being sent through to us. I need them the moment they arrive.”

“Yes, Sir,” the boy replied, picking up his laptop and following the rest of his team into the conference room.

As the group took seats, Larabee began to inform them of the state of affairs. “Just on an hour ago, a plane went down in a section of the Brazilian rainforest held by the Ghosts of Freedom Rebels. Ezra?”

“I don’t know a lot about them, Sir. I do know they are soldiers - not just locals who have picked up rifles miffed at the government.”

“I need to know more,” Chris ordered.

“From what I can remember, they are a break away from their country’s armed forces. They have taken over a huge section of the jungle. Formidable foes. I’ll see what else I can find out.” Standish started to climb to his feet.

Chris stilled him with a raised hand. “In a moment. Boys, there were eleven occupants on the plane, including the pilot. Only five survived the crash. Two of them are security men, one of which is supposed to have some sort of military experience. The other three men are the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of Australia and the Prime Minister of New Zealand.”

“Jesus Christ,” Buck murmured.

“I have told General Collins that he will hear from me within the hour. Lieutenant, we need to look at what’s involved here and make a decision.”

Vin nodded.

“J.D. I need the information now!”

“I’m on it, Sir,” the youth responded, his fingers dancing over the keyboard in front of him.

“Ezra, I need all you can find out about the rebels.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Josiah, I need background on all five survivors.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Buck, I need to know about the territory, the climate and what we can expect.”

“I’m on it, Sir.”

“Nathan, check our medical supplies and rations. We may be going in and I don’t know how long we’ll be in there. We’ll need extras for when we catch up with the five that survived. We can only take what we can carry.”

“Understood.”

“J.D.?” Chris demanded as the last of his men disappeared.

“I’m downloading some information now, Sir.”

“Vin, initial thoughts?

For several moments there was silence. “I think I’d like to go back to standing on the land mine.”

Larabee grinned. “Careful what you wish for. From what I’ve heard, the rebels use land mines.”

“Oh, goody.” Tanner’s face became serious. “Five men. It’s not going to be easy.”

“No.”

“If we can’t get a chopper into them, we’re going to have to walk them out.”

“I know.”

“What sort of physical condition are the five survivors in? Are they fit?”

“That’s what I’ve got Josiah looking into.”

“There are only seven of us. We can’t carry them out. How badly are they hurt?”

“I’m hoping the information we’re being sent will tell us.”

“Sir, I’m printing the files now,” J.D. informed the colonel, standing and moving off to collect the printouts.

Chris glanced at the clock on the wall. It was 7:45am. “I have to call Collins by 8:20. That gives us thirty-five minutes to make our decision.”

“And if we decide no?” Vin asked.

“I’ve told the emergency response committee to continue with their own plans.”

Tanner pursed his lips. “Whichever way you look at it, Sir, we’re gonna be their best hope.”

“Perhaps, but we‘re not going in if the situation is beyond us.”

“It’s the President, Sir.”

“I’m well aware of that, Lieutenant. However, we may not be able to secure a satisfactory result and if we feel that is the case we have no choice but to hand the situation back to Collins and the rest of the committee.”

“We do that and we may well be signing the President’s death warrant.” Chris stared into Vin’s face. The young lieutenant’s role was to play devil’s advocate. It was Tanner’s job to disagree at every point until the Colonel had made his decision... then Vin would become his leader’s most staunch supporter.

“I won’t accept a mission when I’m sure we’re going to fail.”

“You think we will?” Vin pressed.

“I won’t know until we’ve read everything. What do you think?”

“I think you sound like you’re thinking straight and that’s good for all concerned.”

Chris found a smile leak onto his face. “I knew there was a reason why I was pleased you came back from the dead.”

“You mean it wasn’t just for my good looks and sense of humour?”

“Colonel, here are the first few pages,” J.D. stated, re-entering the room and handing some papers to his leader.

“You’ll have to tell me what they say, Chris,” Vin muttered.

“No problem.”

J.D. stood and listened as Larabee began to read the papers quickly. The information contained reports on the plane’s crash, transcripts of the final communications with the survivors and information on the rebel’s movements.

Moments later, Larabee and Tanner emerged from the conference room and began asking for updates on any information their colleagues had collected.

“Oh, no!” Buck cried suddenly. The room became silent. “We missed it!”

“Missed it?” Ezra asked. All of the men realized at the same moment, their eyes rushing to the clock. It was eleven minutes past eight!

J.D. walked over to the television and switched it on. There was no need to search for a channel that may have been reporting on the incident... every channel was covering it!

“... without fuss. It was the same story in Germany. Soldiers simply stopped what they were doing and literally downed tools. An almost 100% response.” The footage behind the reporter showed a squad of men seated on the ground, their rifles beside them..

“In Moscow, these soldiers stopped their exercises and lit cigarettes. When asked why, the answer was simple.”

“Because Colonel Larabee asked us to.”

“We had the same response from British, Australian, South African, French, Polish, Italian and Swiss soldiers. For example, in Canada, a parachute regiment delayed their jump for three minutes to show their support. This is what this private had to say.”

“When one of the world’s top soldiers asks for the support of his colleagues, he’s entitled to it. Our commanding officer, Major Welsh, told us that if we felt we wanted to down tools in support of Colonel Larabee, he was happy for us to do so because he was going to himself.”

“And if Colonel Larabee asked you to attack without question?”

“You obviously don’t know Colonel Larabee. I admit, I’ve never met the man, but I’ve heard enough to know that if he’s asking us for something, there’s a damn good reason for it and that’s good enough for me.”

“Obviously it was good enough for a lot of people,” the reporter continued. The images behind him were of soldiers from different countries showing their support in varied ways. “Private Elm’s feelings appear to be echoed regardless of rank or continent. From what we have been able to gather, members of the armed forces in more than forty separate countries stopped work for three minutes for no other reason than an American Colonel asked them to. No one appeared sure of the motivation behind Colonel Larabee’s request and yet this wasn‘t a concern. We asked this French General if such a world wide response surprised him.”

“No. Had it been anyone else, the message would probably have been ignored. However, Colonel Christopher Larabee is a man who earned the respect of his colleagues in a hellish war. He and his team performed the impossible time and time again. If it weren’t for Larabee and his STF1 many more soldiers would have lost their lives in Katinda. I stopped work for three minutes today for one reason. To show my respect for a soldier without peer.”

“A soldier without peer. Colonel Larabee was unavailable for comment. Clearly this is not a man to be pushed considering the support he has, not only from men and woman of his own country but those around the world. All I can say is thank goodness Colonel Larabee is on ‘our’ side. If he wasn’t, I get the feeling we could be in a lot of trouble.”

Vin turned to his leader and raised his hand. Chris high-fived it with a smile of satisfaction.

“Told you so,” Vin stated with a cocky grin.

“That you did.”

“If Director General Stone doesn’t get the message after this, then he is an imbecile,” Ezra proclaimed.

“Boys, let’s get back to work. I want everyone in the conference in five with what you’ve found out. I have to call Collins in ten minutes to let him know whether we are willing to take the mission.”

Moments later the men were collected. “Buck?”

“Terrain is rugged, thick and jungle. We haven’t got a hope in hell of landing a helicopter anywhere close to where the plane went down.”

“Ezra?”

“The Ghosts of Freedom are a well organized guerila force with plenty of weapons and an excess of soldiers all willing to die for their cause.”

“Josiah?”

“Both security men have training and are physically fit. The three leaders are fit enough, but we’re talking about jungle conditions and there’s no telling what injuries they’re carrying.”

“Nathan?”

“I have prepared seven packs - just the essentials. Looks like we may be hiking for days and having to carry people out. We’ve enough food for two days, after that, we’ll have to live off the land. I have basic bandages and things but there’s no room for anything sophisticated.”

“J.D., get me an aerial of where the plane went down.”

“No one is really sure, Sir, but they think it is in this area.” The electronic table surface sprung to life.

“Shit, that’s thick, Sir. We’re gonna have to cut our way through,” Vin muttered.

“The rebels have cut several trails throughout the jungle. We could possibly follow some of them,” Ezra offered.

The room was enveloped in silence. Chris was sitting back in his chair. He had already made his decision, but he was interested in the feelings and thoughts of his men. “Buck?”

“Seven of us, five of them. The odds aren’t great, Colonel, but... it’s the President.”

“Josiah?”

“I ain’t seen any crows, Sir. Like Buck says, it’s the President.”

“Nathan?”

“They need our help.”

“Ezra?”

“It’s the President, Sir.”

“J.D.?”

“I won’t lie. I’m scared shitless, but I’m with you whatever you decide.”

Larabee turned to his second in command. “Vin?”

“Seven of us, five of them. But then, if we send in a larger squad, the rebels will detect them straight away. It’s got to be a small unit that knows what it’s doing. As for carrying anyone - in there, every man is equal unless they’re injured. We get into them and they follow us out, either on foot or crawling on their bellies.”

Chris nodded. The colonel withdrew his cell phone. “General Collins, I accept the mission. Is General Hutchinson there?... General, my team and I have agreed to take responsibility for the situation... thank you, Sir... Could you pass the phone to Krueger... Yes, that‘s right. I‘ll handle it from here. We will. Thank you.”

Chris replaced the phone. “Alright boys, the President’s life, the lives of the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers and the lives of two security men rest on our shoulders. I want to be on the plane in fifteen minutes. We’ll work out our plan on the way. Buck, call Ollie and tell him we need him.”

“Sir?”

“We’re going to need a pilot to drop us in there and it can’t be you. I want you with us.”

“Understood, Sir.”

“Vin,” Chris stated, beckoning his second in command to stay as the others rushed off to prepare.

“Sir?” Vin asked, returning to Larabee’s side.

Chris was bending over the map. “If the plane went down there, how long do you think it will take us to hike in?”

“From where? We can’t parachute anywhere near there, Sir. It’s too thick. We’ll have to...” Vin paused and glanced back over his shoulder. To his shock, Director General Stone was standing behind him.

“I am not too proud to admit that I was wrong - completely and totally amiss in my judgement,” Stone stated quietly. “This country needs Em7 and it needs it in exactly the form it has been. I hope you can accept the apology of a man who thought he was doing the right thing and realizes now that he had no understanding of the fundamental importance of having a group like yours who not only has the right, but the ability, to do what is needed.” Stone swallowed. He had been called into the emergency response meeting after Larabee had left. It had not taken him long to realize the folly of his judgement. Every man in the room, without exception, agreed that Larabee and his team were the only ones who could bring the President home safely. Stone had also watched the television reports that had clearly demonstrated the world’s support, not for Em7, but for Christopher Larabee. Now, he understood what the men of Em7 had been trying to tell him. Larabee’s authority and power came from his reputation, not a badge or piece of paper. “I wish you luck with your current mission. The destiny of three nations rides on its success.” Neither Vin nor Chris moved. “Em7 has been fully reinstated. My prayers go with you.”

The director General stood for several more seconds and then turned and left Larabee and his team to do what they did best. Vin and Chris glanced at each other and then returned their attention to the map J.D. had left illuminated on the table.

“We’ll have to be dropped here on the outside and then hike in. How long?” Vin sighed. “Depends how thick the jungle is.”

Larabee nodded. “Come on.” The two men moved off to join their peers. Moments later, the reinstated Em7 jogged out to their plane on their way to do what their team had been designed to do - deal with an extreme situation using extreme measures.

Em7’s fight for survival was over, but their battle to save three of the world’s most prominent leaders was only just beginning.

The End

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