Disclaimers: All rights for Parker and the gang belong to the PTBs. I'm just taking them for a spin and promise to leave them in the original upright position. (Never fear folks! This is not a Death Fic!)
Spoilers: Probably some for various episode in future chapters
Chapter 1 – The End?
At 0335, Friday, September 21, 2003, Frank Parker died from complications resulting from two bullet wounds to the upper thoracic region received on September 18th.
Olga tried to focus on her computer monitor, but the tears that she had fought for days for Frank's sake, prevented her from seeing it clearly as she made her final medical report for the man that she always affectionately referred to as "Mr. Parker."
Mentally, Olga took a back step to review the events four days ago that turned her world on end. Monday was just another day of meetings and monotony. It didn't start out as a day to save the world. It started out as a day to save Frank's sanity. Little did they know that it would end in a desperate attempt to save Frank's life…
7D7D7D7D7D7D7D7D7D7D7D"Parker, for God's sake. Can't you sit still for even a cotton-picking second? Or, are you squirming around on that chair to create some friction to keep your brains warm?"
Ramsey punctuated his uninspired barb with a smirk. Donovan looked down at that and shook his head in resignation at what he recognized was going to be a very animated sniping session between Frank and Ramsey. Olga was certain from the laser look that Frank was giving the top of Ramsey's head, that some comment about friction and the follicle-challenged was about to be offered.
Frank was clearing his throat when Olga interrupted in the interest of expediency. She had to admit that she was sympathetic to Mr. Parker's antsyness. One of Mr. Ramsey's security protocol lectures could even put her to sleep. And she was quite used to boring marathon lectures from stuffy Soviet propaganda wonks.
"I think that you have made an admirable job of explaining the finer points of security measures involving sphere landings within 15 miles of a population center of more than 20,000 people, Mr. Ramsey." Before she could continue to diffuse the situation, Frank saw his opening went in for the kill.
"Yeah Ramsey. I'm not sure that you've been thorough enough. You only gave me unique security protocols for landing near population centers of 5000, 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000. I think you're slipping. You used to be so much more meticulous. What do I do if I land in the center of the quad cities? Will I have to do the appropriate protocol four times and then do the hokey pokey and spin it all round?"
Frank looked at Donovan and in complete union they finished together in harmony…
"That's what it's all about."
As Olga found in situations so often like this, she hid a grin behind a well placed hand. Dr. Talmadge cleared his throat to get everyone's attention, though Olga noted that the odd squeek at the end seemed to decide this battle of nitwits in Mr. Parker's favor.
Donovan attempted to be a peacemaker, offering one to the few things that could distract Frank.
"What say we all 'blow this joint' as Frank would say and knock back a couple of beers. First round is on me."
"Now that is a protocol that I could get behind!"
Ramsey dropped his pointer and favored everyone in the conference room with a glower. But, instead of complaining, he started packing up his paperwork and charts.
With the esprit de corps of a trio given reprieves from death row both Frank and Donovan offered Olga their arms and she took both, sandwiching herself between twin towers. Frank started whistling a tune that seemed quiet familiar. What is that quaint American movie, Olga pondered to herself.
"Ah yes, I remember now. If I'm Dorothy, than what does that make you two?
Donovan mused abstractedly, "Ramsey thinks I've lost my mind for being Frank's friend so that makes me the Scarecrow."
Olga looked at Frank pointedly, the obvious question apparent in her eyes. "That's easy, you've stolen my heart, Olga, so I must be the Tin Man."
Olga laughed, as she took this comment as she did all of Frank's flirtatious remarks at face value.
Only Donovan noted the fleeting moment when Frank's heart was in his eyes as he gazed at Olga. Then he broke into a big dopey grin that Donovan knew was one of Frank's better weapons of distraction. Olga elbowed Parker in the stomach. Frank grabbed his middle, put on a wounded look and acted like a heavyweight champ had hit him. Olga rolled her eyes and they were off to Parker's favorite dive.
TBC…
Ok gang, This is my first 7 Days fic. Would love any feedback, advice or technical correction/suggestions. Now, I gotta go and update my other stories…