Legend of the Nighthawks by Linda

The morning light was beginning to come through the window. He rolled over just to have the light hit him in the face. It felt good but as he raised his head there was the sudden rush of pain. There was the cold realization of the night before and why he was still in bed. The pain was that bad. It would be one hangover that he would remember at least 'til the next one. He tried to remember how it had started. All he knew was that it had been one too many but he wasn't counting. As he lay there he was trying to remember why had he even been at the officers' club. It wasn't his favorite place. Just then the phone rang. He reached over to answer it.

"Hello," asked Chris.

"Colonel Larabee?"

"This is Colonel Larabee. Who are you?"

"We met last night at the O club, do you remember?" Asked the voice.

"Not really... you might want to give me a reminder"

"Does the word Nighthawk mean anything to you?"

"You'll have to give me a minute. I have a hangover that seems to need attention. Okay, you said something about nighthawk? What is it?"

"I would like to talk to you but not on the phone. Do you have a place?"

"Somewhere we can talk? I have a house on Canyon Road. Just follow the signs it's the last house on the right," replied Chris.

He started to roll back over; his hangover was wanting more attention. The only attention it would get would be two aspirin for the pain. He knew had to get up but just for one more minute he wanted to lay there. As he slowly raised his head he knew it would be one of those days. A shower was the first thing on his mind. He slowly walked down the hallway to the bathroom. He was muttering to himself, "next time I have to stop before I get to this point." As he entered the shower the water felt good. He just stood there letting the water hit him. His moment of peace was broken by the sound of the doorbell. Grabbing a towel he wrapped it around him and made his way to the door. Opening the door he looked at the man standing there. His mind suddenly flashed back to last night. This was the man he had met at the O club. This time there was no uniform?

"Colonel Larabee, I presume?" asked the man.

"Yes," answered Chris. "May I ask why you are here?"

"May I come inside please? What I need to say is private between us. My name is General Warren Travis, and I work closely to the President. May I sit down?"

"Yes. I'm sorry... please follow me to the living room."

"Colonel Larabee, I have a request of you. A friend of yours told me that you were the man I could use. What I'm about to tell is classified. There are only a few of us who know what I'm about to tell you."

As Chris showed the General to the living room he realized that he was being looked at strangely. He looked down to realize that he was still wearing a towel.

"Excuse me, sir, but I need to finish getting dressed. I'll be right back."

Chris hurried to bedroom and quickly found a pair of jeans and a T-shirt to put on. He started to wonder... What did this man want with him? He was the man from the O club but he could barely remember what they had talked about. He started to walk back to the living room.

"General I can only recall bits and pieces from last night. One too many to drink."

"That's why I'm here. I was told that you were the man we were looking for."

"Now that you have found me. What can I do for you?" Asked Chris.

"Have you ever heard of a group known as the Nighthawks?"

"No, I haven't heard of them. Who are they?"

"They are a special team of men. All are experts in their field. Just like you, Colonel, they comes from branches of the military. Their identities are top secret. Only the President and myself know who they are. Each man has his own expertise in their field. Such as you Colonel. Your military records say that at one time you were a Navy SEAL. So you understand when I say that the Nighthawks are just as secret as the SEALs."

"Yes, I do, Sir, but what do you want with me?" Asked Chris. "I'm retired From the Navy."

"We know, but the training is still there. We also know that your recovery record was very high. This is what we need on your part. We need to know that if you have to get someone out you can, but there is more for you to know. What I tell you is between us. The Nighthawks were first organized in 1940 by the President. They were given special orders that only came from him. Over the years there have been several teams. With all the terrorist threats the President wants a team put together."

"But why me?"

"Because we know of some activities that you have been involved with and that you have a team of men you already trust," replied Travis.

"What do we get if we agree to this? They aren't in the military anymore. There has to be some kind of payment for them. They don't come cheap," replied Chris.

"I'm sure we can come to an agreement on how to compensate them. Do we have an agreement, Colonel?"

"We have an agreement as long as you keep your end of it," replied Chris.

"I need to meet with them? How long will take to put them together?"

"Give me a few days. I need a number to call when I'm ready."

"This is my private number in my office. It's a secure line. Only I can answer it," replied Travis.

"I'll call when I'm ready," replied Chris.

As he walked the General to the door his mind had already started to think, where would he find them. He had to hope that Josiah might know. He was a former priest who kept busy working with homeless people. I have to find him, but where do I start, thought Chris. Grabbing his keys as he walked out the door. He wondered if Father Steven would know. As he drove ha wondered what this new adventure would be like. Their last one had not gone right. They had almost lost JD but this time no one would get hurt. Turning the corner he was only a few blocks from the church where Father Steven was. As he pulled up he could see him standing in the doorway. He waved to him as he pulled over to he curb. He saw that he had all ready started down the steps. Chris got out of the car to meet him.

"Christopher, may I ask why you are here?" Replied the Father.

He hated being called by his full name, it made him feel like a little kid even at his age.

"Father, I'm looking for Josiah. Have you seen him?" Asked Chris.

"Yes I have. He is inside the church with some of the homeless kids. He is helping the nuns with school lessons for them," replied Father Steven.

Chris followed him through the doors that lead to an inner sanctuary. Several children surrounded him.

"Josiah?"

Josiah looked up to see who was calling his name. A smile came across his face. He slowly stood up and started walking to the person standing there.

"You are the last person I ever expected to seem" replied Josiah. "How can I help you? He asked.

"Do you know where the boys went to?" Asked Chris.

"Last I heard Nathan was working at the local hospital. I saw him a few days ago. He treats the homeless for me," replied Josiah.

"Josiah, do you have any idea where the rest of the boys might be?" Asked Chris.

"Let me have a minute. The last I heard Buck was headed back to his ranch."

"Where's Vin?

"I read somewhere that his company was developing a new weapon for the military. Ezra... that's anybody guess. He could be running his latest con or he could be in some casino playing poker," replied Josiah.

"Does Buck know where JD is?" Asked Chris.

The last time they were together JD had been pretty badly. He could still remember the whole incident.

"I got a letter from Buck a few months back. He said something about JD being there. His whole idea was to recover from his injuries. I have to ask why are you putting the team back together?" Asked Josiah.

"I'll explain everything when we have everyone together. For now you just have to trust me," replied Chris,

It would take a few calls just to reach the boys. His first was to Nathan. He might be able to help find Ezra. If anyone could find him it would be Nathan. His next call was to Buck. As usual a woman answered the phone. She would give Buck the message and tell him to bring JD with him. After hanging up the phone he had to laugh; Buck would never change. He had a number for Vin but he didn't know if it was any good; he would try, though. He dialed the number, and his call went to an answering machine. All he could do was to leave a message and hope.

"All we can do is to wait and see what happens," replied Chris.

"I have some business to care of. I'll meet you at your house when I'm done," replied Josiah.

Josiah slowly walked up the steps to the church. There was one thing he had to do and it concerned his children. He slowly walked back to the Rectory. He would find Father Steven there. What he had to do wouldn't take long. He opened the door to the rectory. Father Steven was sitting behind his desk as usual.

"Can I help you, Josiah?" Asked the Father. "Come in my son and sit down."

"What I have to say won't take long," replied Josiah. "When I first came here I gave you a metal box to hold for me."

"Yes I remember, Josiah."

"This key is to that box. Should anything happen to me you are to open the box and use the contents to help the children here. There is enough there last for a while," replied Josiah.

"I understand, Josiah, and I will do as you asked," replied the Father. "Remember, Josiah, God is always with you."

Josiah walked out into the church. He could hear the kids calling his name.

"Josiah! Josiah! Where are you going?" Asked the kids.

"I have to go away, but I'll be back, just remember to be good for Father Stevens."

"We promise, Josiah."

Walking out the door he could hope to come back.

Chris had made his way back to the house; there was a strange car. It had not been there when he left. He did not recognize it. As he came closer he could see the plates on the car. The letters spelled out the Word SSHOOTER. It could only belong to one person: Vin Tanner. He parked his car and made his way to the front door. Opening the door he could feel the presence of someone else.

"About time you got home," replied Vin as he walked out of the kitchen. "Don't you have anything to eat here?" He asked. "All I could find was beer and more beer."

"I usually grab something to eat on my way home," replied Chris. "Did you get my message?"

"No, a little bird told me. Actually it was a certain General. He asked me if I was Vin Tanner and I said yes. He said I should come and see you. Well, here I am, so what is going on?"

"As soon as the others get here, you'll find out," replied Chris.

There was a knock at the door, but before Chris could open it the door swung open and there stood Buck. JD was not too far behind.

"How did you get here so fast?" Asked Chris.

"It don't take long when you own your plane," replied Buck. "I left it parked at the airport. Start explaining... What are we doing here?"

"Are you okay, JD?" Asked Chris. "The last time I saw you, you looked pretty bad."

"I'm okay now, it only hurts once in a while," replied JD.

But Chris could still remember that night that it happened. He made a promise to himself that it would not happened again. There was knock. The door opened, and it was Josiah. He walked in and sat in the nearest chair.

"Don't close the door," replied Josiah. "Nathan was right behind me, and I think he has Ezra with him."

"I do have him with me," replied Nathan.

"How did you find him?" Asked Chris.

"He kind of found me," replied Nathan, "I was working the ER when the police brought two guys in. They had been in a fight at the casino. So here he is," replied Nathan.

"I might add that I did not start the fight," replied Ezra. "But I could use two aspirin," replied Ezra. "May I ask why we are here?" Asked Ezra.

"Have a seat, Ezra, you'll find out when we do," replied Buck.

The door suddenly opened and everyone looked to see who it was. Closing the door behind him, the General made his way to the living room. As he looked around he could see that everyone was here.

"Before I begin all of you must swear that what you are about to hear stays in this room," requested the General. "For what I'm about to tell you is classified. For the last 60 years there has been a team of experts that the President can call on. The President and myself will know your identity. After each mission you will report to me. I will inform the President."

"Wait just one minute. What are you talking about? What missions are you talking about?" Asked Buck.

"I'm talking about the ones the President will be sending you on," replied Travis. "Your missions will involve special ops that only you can carry out. At one time you all have been in the military. You have certain skills that are valuable to us. Each one of you is an expert in his field. Each team has consisted of 7 men. You 7 will become the President's Team. From now on you will be known as The Nighthawks. Each Of you will be expected to live up to their code of honor."

"Chris you will lead the team, Vin will be second in command. All of you should stay close. Staying here is a good idea. In 24 hours you will receive all of the information you need, including the instructions on where you are to go. At that location you will find everything that you need. From the newest weaponry to the latest plane. At that time you will also receive your first assignment. If there are any problems, Chris will have my number. Before I leave I want to thank you for volunteering for the team. Now I'll leave so you all can talk about this," replied Travis. As he was leaving he could hear the conversation begin.

"He said something about volunteering?" Asked Buck. "I guess I shouldn't ask. Right, Chris?"

"Knew you would want to so I just volunteered you. I knew you wouldn't mind," replied Chris. "I knew you would want to be along so I volunteered you, okay, Buck," replied Chris.

Chris was thinking about what Travis had said. The new address would also be their homebase. He could just imagine all of them in the same place. As he walked around the room he could only think what it would be like. He was starting to wonder if he had made the right decision. He hoped he had made the right one. He slowly made his way to the sliding doors. He knew a walk on the beach would help to release some of the pressure he felt. The sound of the waves helped a lot. He realized that he was having the same feelings he had as SEAL. It had been one of the reasons why he had left the Navy and the SEALs behind. He had crossed over shortly after leaving the Navy. It would let him retire from the military.

Now he was standing here looking at the ocean. It had not been even 24 hours ago that he was worried about his hangover. Now he had a bigger hangover. What had he got himself into? Not just him but 6 of his closest friends.

"Are you all right?" Asked Nathan.

Nathan had startled him. He had been so deep in his thoughts that he didn't hear him.

"What did you ask?"

"I asked if you were all right," asked Nathan.

"I think so, I'll let you know after our first mission," replied Chris.

"How did you come to this decision anyway?" Asked Nathan.

"Last month I was approached by General Travis. He had heard of our past exploits. So he asked me about being part of a team. I told him I would only work with men that I chose. He agreed to it. So here we are."

"I guess we will see if we still have it," replied Nathan.

"I hope so," replied Chris.

As the two men walked back to the house, they could hear the sounds of men loudly talking. This was going to be a rough night at least what was left of it.

"Chris, you had better look out the front door," replied Vin.

He walked to the door. Something didn't feel right. He could hear a voice.

"Can I help you, Colonel," replied the gentlemen.

"What are you doing there?" Asked Chris.

"By orders of General Travis, sir, we are under his command and sworn to secrecy, sir. If you need anything just ask."

Chris closed the door and slowly walked to his room. This was one of those nights that not even a drink would help. He would just go to bed and worry about it in the morning.

It seemed like he had just fallen asleep. It sounded like phone ringing but he thought he was dreaming. There was a knock at his door.

"Chris you need to take this call. It's Travis," replied Vin.

"Colonel, I hope your men are ready? We have situation that only your team can handle. The men at the front door will escort you and your team to your new address. They will give you your orders and then you'll be on your own. Do you have any questions?"

"Just one, everything we need will be there... including all forms of transportation?" Asked Chris.

"Yes, Colonel, including uniforms for you and your men. Your new home base has everything that you need including all the comforts of home. Just one more detail that you must know, the President has added one more person to your team, his name is Lt. Jake Rivers. He will be your pilot on your missions," replied Travis.

"But I have a pilot, sir, Buck is my pilot."

"I realize that. Lt. Rivers will only fly when the plane can't land. Otherwise he will stay at home base and monitor the radio. Just in case he is needed."

"I understand," replied Chris. "He does understand that I give the orders?"

"Yes he does," replied Travis "Good Luck on your first mission."

"That was Travis, we will be leaving here shortly. If you have anything you want take with you had better get it packed," replied Chris. "Before we leave I have to know that everyone agrees to this and that you have taken care of any personal business?"

There was a silence in the room; he knew they were ready and that from this moment on they would stand as one. There came a knock at the door. A man in a dark suit came in.

"If you are ready, Colonel, we'll escort you to your new home", said the man.

"We're ready," replied Chris.

He watched them as they walked out the door, Buck was trying to joke around with JD. He knew Buck was nervous, he would be all right eventually. Ezra was trying to get them in a card game, it might later, but not now. He took one last look, this was to be his place of retiring. Maybe later. He took one last look as he closed the door on this part Of his life. It seemed as if they had been riding a long time. This was an area that he wasn't familiar with. Looking up he saw the look on Vin's face. What did he know?

"Vin, you look like you've been here before?" Asked Chris.

"I have been here, it was a few months ago," replied Vin. "My company was asked to build the compound that we are going to. At the time I didn't know that I would be living in it."

The van made a right turn and stopped, it was as though the driver was waiting on something to happen. Just then Chris noticed that a ramp had appeared. It led to an underground garage. The driver followed it until he came to a door.

"This is where you get out," replied the man. "Behind that door is an elevator, it will take you to your new base. Good luck, gentlemen."

As they walked through the door he could feel the tension. He knew how they were feeling. He had the same ones. The elevator opened out to a large room. As they stepped out Chris realized that there were no windows.

"Gentlemen, you are in an underground compound," replied Rivers.

"You must be Lt Rivers?" Said Chris.

"Yes I am" replied Rivers. "You must be Colonel Larabee and this must be your team. The General said you would be here today."

"Yes, and the name is Chris, the others are Vin, Buck, JD, Josiah, Nathan and that one is Ezra. If you don't want to lose your money, don't play poker with him. One more thing there is no saluting me," replied Chris

"Yes sir, and the name is Jake. There are rooms upstairs for everyone."

"Find a room and then report back, the man in the dark suit gave me our first set of orders," replied Chris.

"Why so soon?" Asked Josiah.

"I'll explain when everyone is here," replied Chris.

He walked up the stairs to the nearest room that he could find. He was listening to the talk. Ezra was all ready trying to get rivers to play Poker. Buck was thinking how he could get a girl in his room. The others were starting to make the adjustment. As for him he would have to get use to it.

"Everyone back down stairs, I need to explain why we have orders now." Chris walked to the living room followed by the others. "The reason we have been given orders is because in the last 24 hours a situation has developed in New York," replied Chris.

"Does the recent news from New York have something to do with the orders?" Asked Nathan.

"Yes," replied Chris. "Now that all of you are here I'll try to explain what the orders are about. If you don't know by now, there was a major blackout in New York and several surrounding states. What has happened is that the Sec of State was giving a report to the UN Security Council on the war in Iraq and the conditions of Liberia, when the lights went out. They were asked to stay seated, but because of recent terrorist threats our people believed it to be the result of a threat. Security moved quickly to get the secretary and his aides out of the building. They were moved through an underground garage. From they're no one knows what happened. They have not been seen or heard from since," replied Chris.

"Do they know anything... like... Who may be responsible?" Asked Josiah.

"Are there any clues?" Asked Nathan.

"Is it possible that in all the confusion they may be simply lost?" Asked Buck

No one had noticed that Rivers had left the room. As he walked back in the room he was carrying a folder. It contained the latest intelligence report. He walked over to Chris and handed it to him.

"You need to read this, it's from Intelligence," he replied.

After reading the report, Chris looked up, He could see the looks on their faces.

"What does it say Chris?" Asked Vin.

"The UN's security people found his car two blocks from the garage. There was only one person in the car. It was one of the two aides. He had been shot. He was able to give them some information. Before they left the garage two men stopped the car and got in. They forced the driver to the area where they found his car," replied Chris.

"Chris, this just came in from General Travis. At 8:00 this morning, someone left a message at the White House switchboard that the Secretary and his aide have 24 hours before they are executed. A Middle East group is claiming to have them," replied Rivers.

"Everything we need is suppose to be here, so let's check it out," replied Buck.

"Come with me," replied Rivers. "I'll show you where your equipment is plus a lot of fancy toys."

Once in the elevator they found themselves several levels down. As the door opened, they couldn't believe what they saw. There in front of them was some of the most advanced weapons that they had ever seen. Buck found himself looking at a plane that made him look twice. He had never seen one like it.

"Vin, are you responsible for this?" Asked Chris.

"For most of it, yes, it came from my company. The General approached me a year ago. He asked if I could have my people design some new equipment for the government. I told him I thought it was possible. The next day these came to my office with plans for this building and the equipment. My people worked night and day until we were done. Buck, what you want is under this floor."

With the push of a button, the floor under them started to retract just enough to let Buck see the planes that they had at their use.

"What we couldn't build we bought or in some cases, we would confiscate it. You're thinking, where is the runway? It's here too. The doors opened wider so that even a C5 can get out. The runway is just past that door, it seemed to go on forever. Each plane or helicopter has had installed a button that you just push. It will open or close the doors to the hangar below," replied Vin.

Chris looking around could see that everyone had found his field of expertise. He could see Rivers working hard, seeing that everyone found things.

"Jake, I need you to find as much information that you can find. That includes calling Travis to see what he has," replied Chris.

"Yes, Colonel Larabee," replied Rivers.

"Oh Rivers, the name is Chris not Colonel Larabee. Do we understand, Jake!" Asked Chris. "Everyone listen up. You have 3 hours to put everything together before we leave for New York. That includes you, Jake, that means move now," replied Chris.

He stood there watching as they hurried to put everything together. He could hear Buck telling them what they would need. From jeeps to the latest weapons. It felt like they had never been away from any of it. They still had that touch that made them a team. There was one thing he had to do. Travis had mentioned a uniform that they would have to wear. He could only imagine what it may look like.

"Jake, you know anything about some uniforms that we are suppose to wear?" Asked Chris.

"Yes, they are behind that door in a closet. They are jumpsuits, combat boots and a beret," replied Jake.

He opened the door that led to the closet. As he looked at them he could see that there was an American flag on the right sleeve. The left sleeve had a military looking patch. It was a shield with two letters N and H. He knew it stood for Nighthawk. The beret carried the same emblem. Finding his size, he took a pair and quickly changed into them. The hat was the last to go on. He walked back into the hangar; he could feel the stares and hear them talking.

"What is that you're wearing?" Asked Buck. "Do you mean that we have a uniform?"

"Yes," replied Chris. "Travis has asked that we wear them on missions. Any other times it's street clothes, or what ever you want to wear."

He watched as they came back out in the hangar, they all looked different. He knew they were ready for their first mission.

"Chris, this just came from Travis, intelligence has a lead on the kidnappers. They are hold-up in a building not far from the UN. The General has men watching the building we have to leave now," replied Rivers.

"What are we waiting for," yelled Chris.

As the men were loading he realized that no one knew how to get out of the hangar. Just as he had said that. He hears the sound of a door moving.

"Just ask," replied Jake. "Another of my jobs is ops."

Chris watched as Rivers pushed buttons on a keyboard. The whole wall seemed to open up. What he saw was amazing. It was the runway, it seemed to stretch for miles. Just then Rivers pushed another button. The floor of the hangar started to move, as the floor opened up the plane slowly rose from below. What he was looking at had only been seen on a carrier. How was this? This was how the Navy stored planes on carriers.

"You like my idea?" Asked Vin. "I had a little help from Rivers. We just the idea from the Navy. If they could store a plane deck. Then why couldn't we store a plane or even a helicopter below the hangar. All those buttons that Jake pushed lead to another computer. They each have their own command code," replied Vin.

"That C131 was in the back? How did you get it up front?" Asked Buck.

"It's the same system that is used on a carrier. One computer tells another computer what you want and it has the floor move until that plane reaches the opening," replied Rivers. "While I was explaining I had the jeep and 2 hummers moved to the opening. They're ready to be loaded on the plane," replied Rivers.

"Anything you want to know about this compound just ask Rivers. He has been here since day 1," replied Vin.

Chris was looking at what was the runway. "Can you fly that plane out of here using that runway?" Asked Chris.

"No problem. Vin says the runway is at least 3 miles long. That's enough to take off. Chris, we need Rivers for this. There's a Helo on the plane just in case things get tight," replied Buck.

"Jake can take the Helo in the air when we land. He can see things from the air that we can't," replied Chris.

"It's time to go," replied Chris.

After boarding the plane, he would go over the plans of the rescue. He could see the looks on their faces. He knew they were ready. As the plane taxied down the runway. He hoped Buck was right. There was a sudden rush in his head; he knew they were in the air.

"Our job is to go in and do whatever it takes to rescue the Secretary and his aide. There is to be no mention of who we are, understood. You all know what you are suppose to do. Jake, your job will be to fly the Helo around the area of the building. Listen to your radio for any orders from me," replied Chris. "There is a possibility that you may have to do a pick-up of the Secretary and his aide or any one of us," replied Chris.

"I understand," answered Jake.

"Just remember one thing... We all come home. No one is left behind," replied Chris.

"Chris! We are close to the airport that Travis told you about. It looks like it's abandoned. I'm landing the plane close to a hangar. That way it'll be out of sight," replied Buck.

The loading ramp was slowly being lowered. JD and Ezra were all ready in the hummers ready to drive them out. A tow strap had all ready been on the Helos so they could pull it out. Jake was all ready checking it over. It was ready to go. His last check was the radio and it worked. All he needed was a signal from Chris to take off. They were ready. Nathan was with Ezra and Josiah was with JD. After a few seconds they could hear the jeep as it came down the ramp. Chris was driving with Buck and Vin. With signals the Helos took off and Chris's voice came over the radio, it was time to move out. They drove to the edge of a clearing. Chris could see the building that Travis had them about. As he looked through the binoculars, he could the men surrounding the building. They needed to get in without hurting anyone. As they drive closer to the building Chris had all ready had a plan on how to get in. They stopped a few yards from the edge of the perimeter. From here they would have to go on foot.

"We are going on foot from here. Take what you need," replied Chris. "Jake, where are you?" Asked Chris.

"I'm just down the road hovering, I'll be ready when you call," replied Jake.

"Just listen for me, so when I give you the signal," replied Chris.

"let's move closer. Vin, find the one in charge and bring him here?" Asked Chris. "Just be nice him."

"Are you in charge?" Asked Chris.

"Yes I am, my name is Captain O'Malley of the NYPD. May I ask who you are?" Asked the captain.

"My name is Chris that's all you need to know. What do you know about that house and the men inside?" Asked Chris.

As he explained everything about the house and the men inside. Chris had started a plan on how to get inside. The last thing he wanted was anyone getting hurt.

"Josiah, do you think you can set some charges around the house, I don't want them getting out. Vin, you move forward and see what you can see in that house. Buck helps Josiah," replied Chris.

Within minutes Vin was back.

"There are 4 men plus the hostages. The hostages are in the same room, there 2 men with them. The other 2 men in what would be the kitchens, I couldn't see anymore," replied Vin.

"What kind of weapons did you see?" Asked Chris.

"I saw a couple AK47s and some assault rifles, other then that there not much in there," replied Vin.

"Who's there?" Asked Chris.

"It's Buck and Josiah, we planted several packs of C4 around the house, so when you're ready."

"You still up there, kid?" Asked Chris.

"I'm here," replied Jake.

"Each of us will take a certain part of the house. Buck you come through the back door, Ezra you'll back him up. Nathan, you and JD will come through that side door. JD remember to duck this time. Vin and I will come through the front door. Everyone understand my orders?" Asked Chris.

"What do you want my men to do?" Asked O'Malley.

"I don't want your men do anything, that's why we are here. We were brought in to do this," replied Chris. "Start moving toward the doors," replied Chris.

As they moved closer Chris could feel his heart racing a little faster.

"Josiah set off one of the charges and every five seconds set off another 'til you have set them all off," replied Chris.

"Understood," replied Josiah.

As they moved faster Chris was standing beside the front door. He could here them inside moving around from the explosives going off. It sounded like there was confusion in the house.

"We are in place came the voices," replied his men.

"On my signal," replied Chris.

Standing next to the door, he moved closer to the front of door. He and Vin kicked the door down, as he gave the signal, he moved in. There was shooting from all directions, Chris and Vin ducked down behind a table. They were trying to see the men who were shooting at them.

"Buck, where are you and Josiah?" Asked Chris.

"Looks like some back room, so far we have not had any resistance."

"Check rooms... the Secretary and his aide are somewhere in this house. We are pinned down in what looks like a front room," replied Chris.

"Chris, JD and I are upstairs and there are no signs of anyone here," replied Nathan.

Chris started yelling at the two men about how they could surrender and end this. The two men said something in Arabic and continued shooting. There was no option left for them as they fired back. The two men fell to the as shots rang out. As they walked over to them, they had only been wounded. Suddenly Chris rose up to hear a door slam and the sound of men running and yelling.

Josiah, Buck, Nathan, JD where are you, as Chris talked into the radio. He and Vin had just come through that same door as they heard shots in the distance.

"Chris, it's Jake. I have them in sight... they are headed back toward you. They are following four men," replied Jake.

He and Vin had just reached the edge of the woods, when they could hear the men yelling. They were trying to make their way back to the house. Suddenly there was loud roar, Chris looked up to see Jake with the Helos, he was trying to pin them down on the ground. He could see the boys coming back toward them. Then he heard what he needed to hear. As they closer they could see that Jake had them on the ground. The boys had their guns on them. Jake backed off so that they could put cuff on them. A call came across the radio. "We have the Secretary and his aide." As they entered the clearing Chris could see that they indeed had them. As they walked closer something didn't look right.

"Chris, you need to talk to the Secretary, he wouldn't say what's wrong," said Josiah.

"Mr. Secretary, my men say that something is wrong," replied Chris.

"Are you in charge here?" Asked the man.

"Yes, I am."

"Then I can tell you, the other man with me... he is not my aide he is one of the kidnappers. He only did it to get closer to me."

"Vin, where is that aide?" Yelled Chris.

"Why?" Asked Vin.

"Because, he not an aide, he's one of the kidnappers," replied Chris. "Jake, can you see the area?" Asked Chris.

"Yes, Chris I can see the area."

"We still have a man out there, I need for you to look--"

"I have him, he's on the edge of the clearing, he trying to hide behind a tree."

"I'm on my way, just keep your eyes on him."

Chris and Vin made their way around the trees, they could see him. He was crouched down behind a tree. Holding their guns on him, they asked him.

"Going somewhere?" Asked Vin.

The man stood up and put his hands up. They escorted him of the woods. They were headed back to the house. He could see everyone standing there.

"Did we get them all?" Asked Chris.

"The Secretary says that there were only 5 men, so it looks like we have them all," replied Vin.

"Captain O'Malley, can your men take these men to the nearest police station, if I turn them over to you?" Asked Chris.

"Yes, Sir, I do believe my men can. Can I ask you a question? Who are you men?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that, but if you need us again we will be back."

As they walked back to their equipment, he could only imagine what their next mission would be. Jake was all ready on the plane, as the ramp came up, they could finally rest. There first one had ended on a good one. Jake started the plane and was taxing down the runway. Buck just looked at him and smiled as the plane lifted off. It turned slowly and headed home. Chris thought about the General, he would contact him tomorrow. Right now all he could think about was that case of beer back at the Base. It would mean another hangover, he would worry about that when he woke up tomorrow.

THE END