Disclaimer: I own nothing, all rights belong to their respective owners.
Time for a long story! I can't say how excited I am about this considering how long it has been since I was last able to get something moving properly. As per usual, thanks to Bee for being a star and beta-ing through all my errors for me!
Hope you like it!
Scott sighed, lying back and draping an arm across his eyes. He hoped it would be enough for his comrades not to talk to him. A third plane this week hadn't returned from a standard scouting mission. His gut told him something was amiss - that they weren't being told everything. A gut feeling wouldn't get him answers though. If the mission was being kept a secret, Scott knew they had good reasons for it. It didn't make him feel any better.
Kevin Briggs had been a good pilot and better navigator. Scott was having a hard time accepting it was the weather that had forced him down. Something didn't seem right and Scott wanted to know what. Not just because Kevin had been a friend, but because of his reputation. Kevin was a good flier; Scott didn't want people assuming it was his skills that had landed him in trouble.
The second plane vanishing had aroused his suspicions, but this was affecting his team now. He was their leader - their captain - and it was down to him to keep them safe. No one knew who would be chosen next, but Scott hoped it wasn't another of his boys. They were a team and these solo missions were lessening their numbers each time someone behind a desk crooked a finger.
"Captain?"
"Go away, Lieutenant." Scott's voice was a pathetic moan. He was in the barracks, dressed in casual training clothes rather than uniform. He wasn't a captain in here, he was just plain Scott Tracy. The same Scott Tracy, however, who was attempting to figure out why he was a team member short. There was nothing plain about him when he was in this sort of mood.
Feeling the bed dip under another's weight, Scott groaned.
"That was an order, Tom."
"Sorry."
Scott finally drew away his arm and propped himself up on his elbows. Lieutenant Tom Lampert was a good man and Scott's closest friend in the Air Force. He had as thrilled as Scott when Scott had received his commission, despite it having been between the two of them. Scott knew as soon as he had opened his mouth that Tom was not going to obey the order. He also knew, however, that Tom wasn't apologising for not doing as he was told. He was saying sorry for the fact there would be another empty bunk tonight and none of them really knew why.
"What's the official story this time?" Deciding if Tom was going to stay he might as well prove useful, Scott sat up properly, swinging his legs over the bed and resting his hands on his knees. Tom was sitting in an identical position and Scott knew they were both too on edge to properly relax.
"That he ran afoul of winds off the South Coast and it brought him down. Unlike the other two though, they are only labelling him MIA."
"Not KIA?"
"Nope. That means…"
"They think Kevin is still out there." Scott was on his feet before he had finished speaking, hope flaring to life as he stared down at Tom. The look on his friend's face, however, stopped him.
"What?"
"The boys already asked that."
Scott knew he wasn't going to like what Tom said next. He had returned to the barracks on hearing the news, wanting to pull himself together before facing his men. He was used to protecting those he watched out for, not failing them. He should have stayed out there though to hear what was being said. He was the captain of this small unit, but all of his men were just as protective of each other. He wasn't the only one having doubts about the way scouting missions were going wrong.
"They aren't sending a search party."
Scott stared. He couldn't find the words, injustice burning deep within him.
"They think he might be alive and they aren't planning on trying to bring him home?" Scott said.
"Not officially, anyway." It was lucky Tom knew his friend well, for even as Scott half turned towards the door, his wrist had been caught and he was tugged back down onto the bed.
"Don't go out there until you've calmed down," Tom cautioned, but Scott wasn't listening.
"Do they know that he is married? That she is expecting? They think he is alive and they are just going to leave him out there? Tom, this isn't right!"
"I know, buddy, I know. But… you know how we don't think they are being truthful about the missions?" Scott nodded slowly, wondering if Tom was on to something. "I don't think they are being truthful about the location either."
"Are you sure?"
"No. But I was in the control room twenty minutes before the distress call supposedly came through. The co-ordinates they have given us for where they think he has landed? I know Kevin is good, but I'm not sure even you would have made that distance in twenty minutes, not if the conditions were as bad as they are saying."
"What are you saying? He came down somewhere else and they aren't telling us?"
Tom nodded and Scott's heart pounded hard. Cover-ups had never been anything more than stories. The idea of one actually happening… This time, Tom wasn't quick enough to stop Scott from jumping to his feet.
"Where are you going?"
"To find out what the hell is going on before they put any more of my men in danger." Scott knew Tom wouldn't stop him; he wouldn't cross Scott's tone of voice. Leaving him there, Scott left the barracks.
Blinking in the bright sunlight, Scott paused as he tried to work out what to do. He knew he couldn't just walk in there and demand answers, regardless of how he was feeling. It had never worked with his father growing up; it wasn't going to work now. He had to find proof; some hint there was more going on than was being reported.
"Captain Tracy?" Hearing his name being called, Scott turned. One of the commanders was heading towards him and Scott instantly saluted.
"Sir?"
"Where are you going?"
"To have a look at the flight chart of Kevin Briggs, Sir." Anyone could access the charts, permission didn't need to be granted. There was nothing out of the ordinary about Scott wanting to see the records, but a look flashed across the commander's face. It was so fast Scott wasn't sure whether he had seen it or just imagined it, but then the man nodded.
"Understandable. I'll accompany you."
"Sir." Scott knew he had no choice and fell into step with the man. Doubt gnawed at him as they crossed the ground to the control centre. The commander pushed open the door and the three men manning the room instantly saluted.
"The flight chart for Briggs, Lieutenant."
"Sir." One of the men instantly moved away and Scott watched closely. His instincts were keeping him on guard. He hadn't partly raised four younger brothers to ignore feelings like that. The man rummaged around on the far side of the room, eventually coming back over with a cluster of papers in his hand.
"Captain Tracy wanted to see them." The commander nodded his head at Scott. Scott took the papers, laying them out on a table and leaning over them. He couldn't see what it was Tom was getting at; this plotted a normal course that made sense with the co-ordinates that had been reported as being Kevin's last contact point. But if everything was normal, then why was the commander breathing down his neck as he looked?
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Scott looked up with a nod of thanks, but his brow was crumpled and troubled.
"I hope that has put your mind at ease, Captain."
Scott nodded at the commander's question, but his attention was still held the maps. As the commander turned away to drill the men about the activity of the day, Scott's hand moved back towards them, making sure no one saw him.
A small piece of paper was tucked in the back of the pile. It had slipped a little, causing it to stick out rather than being lined up with military precision. Scott carefully slid it out, making sure he didn't rustle the others and give away what he was doing. Scott had a strong feeling it wasn't supposed to be in the pile in the first place.
He didn't have much time to look, especially as he was certain he shouldn't be seeing it at all. But by the time the commander turned back to him, asking if he had all the information he needed ease his men's minds, Scott nodded. He did have all the information he needed - everything he required to know they had been lying about Kevin's position. He knew the smaller chart was the true one, the markings the correct ones. He allowed the commander to steer him out of the room and with a final salute, he headed back to the barracks.
He stopped on the way. Tilting his head back, he breathed deeply and tried to process his thoughts. Why were they covering up where Kevin had been? He had no idea. That worried him more than he could say and Scott returned to the bunks.
Tom was waiting for him inside. Scott knew his expression was revealing they had been right thinking something wasn't adding up. It wasn't unusual for missions to be kept quiet, but there had been too much secrecy about this one for it to have just been a scouting trip.
"What did you find out?"
"The reason why they won't launch a rescue operation. Any plane heading to the co-ordinates that are being officially recorded will be miles out from where Kevin last made contact. Looks like you were right about his position."
"What?" Tom breathed and Scott knew they were thinking the same. He hadn't truly thought he would find evidence to indicate they were right about a cover up.
"The official chart got caught up with the others. I wasn't supposed to see it. But they've faked his entire flight path."
"So what the hell was Kevin really doing?"
"Damned if I know. I need to check on the others." Scott knew it was expected of him as a captain to make sure the rest of his men were safe. But he was grateful he had such responsibilities - it took his mind off the unease feeling sitting heavily in his stomach. He knew how to do this. He had been easing troubled minds since he could remember. He had been doing it since Virgil had been born and possible before that when John had come into the world.
Leaving the barracks again, Scott turned in the opposite direction and began moving across the fields towards the training areas. He knew his team were hard at work there; it was where he and Tom were supposed to be. But hearing about the loss of one of their team had given them a free pass to take some time out to collect their thoughts. Scott wasn't sure if it had helped or not, but he couldn't think of that now. Right now, he had to focus on the others.
A couple of hours reassured him they were as well as could be expected at the sudden loss. Their squad usually did things in formation, it was a rarity that one of them had been chosen for a solo mission and had been a cause for celebration amongst them. But Scott knew they all regretted the jealousy they had felt at Kevin's selection. It could have easily been them now reported missing. But Scott wouldn't have been a captain if he didn't take his job seriously and he had made sure they were all coping as well as expected given the circumstances. He kept his suspicions to himself. They were dealing with enough over Kevin's loss, he didn't want to burden them further until he had actual proof.
It was growing dark by the time Scott meandered back towards the barracks. He was exhausted and wondered whether he could get away with putting in a call home tonight considering he had been slacking off all afternoon. Enough senior officers had seen him dealing with his men to enable him to get away with not doing any physical work, but Scott knew not to push it. Their loss might have hit them hard, but it wasn't unheard of. They were in the military after all; grief would only be tolerated so far. Anyone truly struggling received help, and if you didn't seek help, you were expected to perform your duty.
Yawning and running a hand through his hair, Scott paused. If he veered to the left, he would be end up at the head offices where he would be able to make the call. If he went right, the only thing waiting for him would be his bed. Before he had reached a decision, however, Scott frowned as he watched someone slip out of the barracks.
Tom might not have wanted to have be seen, but Scott had done enough night-time exercises with the man to recognise his profile. Frowning, Scott stayed where he was, watching as his friend moved swiftly across the open space. Scott groaned when he realised where Tom was going and jogged after the man. Not only was he the man's captain and therefore responsible for him, Tom was also his friend. If he was about to do what Scott thought he was, the captain wanted to make sure Tom didn't get into trouble.
He caught up with Tom behind the control room, rounding the corner just as Tom had begun working on the back door.
"What the hell are you doing?" Despite his anger at Tom for being so reckless, Scott remembered to keep his voice down in case anyone else was around. Tom still jumped violently, only relaxing when he saw it was Scott.
"You said yourself they didn't intend for you to see that chart. I just want a look at it before they destroy it."
"How do you know they haven't already?"
"I don't. But I need to try, Scott, please. For Kevin? For his wife… we need to find out what happened to him."
"Tom, you can't break in there…"
"What if it was me? Would you do anything you could to find out what had happened to me? What if it was you? Wouldn't you want the truth to be told to your family rather than a cover-up operation meaning no one even went looking for you?"
Scott froze, cursing Tom under his breath for knowing him too well. Tom knew full well that Scott would have wanted his family to be given true closure about what had happened to him if anything ever went amiss. While Scott was getting his brain in gear to know this was a really bad idea, Tom had already broken the lock on the door and darted inside.
"Tom!" Scott hissed, taking a step closer but not entering.
"I won't be five minutes. Keep lookout if you are just going to stand there."
Scott bit his lip, glancing around him. He wanted to enter the room, although he hadn't yet worked out whether it was to look properly at the chart himself or to pull Tom out. In the end, he realised his thoughts had already taken up half the time that Tom had promised and al he had to do was stand there for another few minutes before going to bed. He too wanted to know what had happened to Kevin and a glance at the true chart had sparked his curiosity.
"Hurry up!" he called softly into the room, trying to work out how Tom even knew where to look without turning on the light. Judging by the curse he received in response, the man didn't. Eventually, he called out that he had found the map and Scott had been right in thinking the co-ordinates were off. Just as Scott made to make a comment about what they were supposed to do with the information now, he saw a light heading towards them.
"Get down and shut up!" he hissed at Tom, pushing the door shut again and moving away from it. Making sure he kept quiet, Scott began to edge away from the control room, hoping that if anyone did see him, they wouldn't think anyone was inside. But Scott's luck didn't hold and no sooner had he rounded the corner of the building, he ran into the same commander who had escorted him there earlier.
"Tracy."
"Sir."
Scott made to sidle past, acting as if he had just been out for a walk, but the commander caught his arm.
"Check the room."
One of the men who had been tailing him swiftly ran around the corner and Scott closed his eyes. He heard the door being opened – proof enough that it had been forced open previously – but there was no sound of Tom being discovered. The pilot sent to investigate reappeared.
"Lock bust, Sir."
"What are you doing, Tracy?"
"Nothing, Sir." Scott held the commander's gaze for a long moment, willing himself not to look away. He had mastered this look when he was thirteen, he wasn't about to break now.
"Why were you forcing your way into the control room?"
"Why would I do that?" Scott knew the man had heard the edge in his voice. He was accusing the commander of hiding something, and judging by the way his eyebrows shot up, Scott knew he had hit the truth. He hadn't admitted that he had seen the chart, but it was clear the commander wasn't taking a chance.
"Take him to the holding cells and inform his superior. I expected more of you, Tracy."
Scott didn't offer any resistance as he was led away, but he knew the commander was wrong. He had done exactly as was expected of him; he had protected Tom from being discovered. With a longing sigh when he thought of the bed waiting for him back at his barracks, Scott let himself be steered in the opposite direction as he was instead taken to the holding cells.
It was just another barrack in reality, but one where the beds were in individual rooms and the lock was on the outside rather than the inside. Scott had only been in there when escorting men who had a little too much to drink on a night off and he found himself feeling slightly apprehensive.
"Don't worry, Captain. I'm sure Commander Evans will put in a good word for you, you did save his life after all."
Scott attempted to grin, knowing his escort thought he was nervous about the whole ordeal rather than just a night in the cells. But it did give him hope, knowing if anyone on this base would believe him about a cover-up, it would be the old commander. Then again, Scott thought bitterly, he had no proof that the commander wasn't in on it himself.
His thoughts went no further than that by the time they had reached the cells. The first door was unlocked and another man handed him a roll of clothes. Knowing he had no choice, Scott pushed the door to and quickly changed out of his flying gear and into the plain clothing. As he handed out his belongings and the door was locked behind him, Scott sighed and sank down on the bed.
Was he inventing all of this just because he refused to accept that Kevin had been lost? It certainly reminded him how even an experienced pilot could be brought to ground by the weather. Gordon always said nothing could withstand nature and sometimes it was better to admit defeat rather than fighting against her. Thinking about his brother allowed Scott's mind to drift from his own predicament. Would Gordon hear about this the way Scott heard about his adventures with WASP? The irresponsible young man Scott had left at home when he had signed up certainly seemed to have turned his act around and Scott couldn't be more proud of him. Glancing around at the bare room and lying back, Scott grinned. It wouldn't surprise him if Gordon would be proud of his big brother for managing to get himself into trouble like this.
Whether Scott truly fell asleep or just dozed on and off, he couldn't have said. Thoughts of his family soon morphed into thoughts of Kevin and he wondered where the young man was. Had he truly survived the crash and was out there now, waiting for a rescue that wasn't coming? Or had the weather – or whatever was truly going on – killed him? Not knowing if he had been asleep or not, Scott had no idea if it was the sound of the lock being turned or images of Kevin lying motionless that had him jerking upright with a gasp. As alertness properly returned to him, Scott scrambled to his feet and swiftly gave a salute as Commander Evans walked in.
The old man simply regarded him for a long moment and sighed, sinking down onto the bed.
"At ease, son."
Scott let the tension drain from his body, but stood stock still as he stared at the commander, biting his lip.
"Well, out with it then."
Scott knew he should have known the man would realise he was trying to work out how to say something.
"Sir, I…"
"Have been a complete and utter fool. Yes, I know that, you don't need to tell me. Come on, out with what you have to say."
"I don't think Kevin Briggs was brought down by bad weather and I don't think he is at the co-ordinates reported to us in briefing. Sir." Only just remembering to tag the correct form of address onto his sentence, Scott held his breath. Despite his age, Commander Evans' eyes were bright and alert and he slowly stood up, regarding the young captain closely. Scott knew he had no proof, not unless Tom had been able to take the chart as evidence. But even that would land them in all sorts of trouble in regards to why they had it. If Evans believed him, it was because he was taking Scott at his word.
"You know you are young for your station, Tracy?"
"Sir?" Scott knew this; he knew it had led to hours of debate about whether he should have been given the commission or whether it should have been given to Tom as the man was a few years older.
"You know I fought for your case after you saved my life?"
"And I will always be grateful to you, Sir, but I really don't see why you are telling me this now."
"I'm telling you now, boy," Scott just about held back his flinch, "because the only reason you saved my life was because you listened to your instincts."
Scott stared. Commander Evans had a way of guessing what people were thinking. But right now, Scott could read the old man as easily. He could tell by the look on his face he had had no idea about the cover-up. Unlike the rest of the commanders that Scott detested so much, Commander Evans wouldn't take a desk job despite the fact they were almost begging him to. Instead, he spent his time training the new recruits. With him still technically being out in the field, Scott suddenly realised there was no reason whatsoever for Commander Evans to know about anything else that might have been going on.
"You're listening to your instincts again now, aren't you?" The commander's voice was soft and quiet, and Scott knew the man believed him even if he wouldn't come out and say it.
"Yes, Sir. The co-ordinates don't match and they are hiding the exact route that he took. They are reporting him being MIA but won't authorise a rescue operation."
"And you what? Thought you'd break in, steal the map and show it off as official evidence they have been lying before flying to the rescue?"
"I…"
"If what you are saying is true, Tracy, then those powers that be aren't going to let you off this base without finding out exactly what you know and how you know it."
Scott felt the colour drain from his face, wondering if he had just made a very big mistake. He should have gone straight to bed rather than following Tom. But deep down, he knew if he could rewind the clock, he would have done the same thing again.
"What do I do?" he blurted out, worry coursing through him.
"You grovel," Evans shrugged, looking like it was the most obvious answer in the world. "I know you would have kept your head on your shoulders and not accused anyone of covering things up, so you can just pretend the loss of your friend made you a little wild."
"But something is happening…"
"You know that and I know that. But they don't need to know that you know that, do they?"
"But what about whatever they are covering up?"
"You just leave that to me, lad."
Scott grinned, realising that Commander Evans not only believed him when he said something was going on, but was planning on doing something about it. If anyone could make sure the correct procedures were followed in order to try and bring Kevin home, it would be him.
"Thank you," Scott whispered and he wasn't sure if he had ever meant the words as much as he did in that moment. Evans nodded at him, clearly seeing that Scott was going to follow his lead on this one rather than trying anything else heroic and moved towards the door.
"Now how about we try and get you back to that squad of yours?"
Scott nodded and stepped back, allowing Evans to approach the door first and secure his release. But just as the man knocked sharply in order to be let out, the door opened. Scott found himself taking a step back, his eyes on the floor after saluting as the same commander as before walked in. The worry was gone from his face and Scott's stomach churned at the smile the man flashed his way.
"Captain Tracy?"
"Sir?"
"Well done, Captain. You've just earned yourself the next solo mission. Bring him to the office." Just like that, the men all turned and walked out again. But Scott knew this was no ordinary mission he had just been selected for. He had just been volunteered to be the next pilot to go missing.
And one glance at Commander Evans' face showed there was absolutely nothing the man could do to get him out of this.
He was in trouble, big time.