A/N: I loved the CM episode The Fallen and this thought sprang into my mind. I know, I'm going back to a story I said I probably wouldn't. I hope none of you are disappointed. ;) But please understand; I'm a huge supporter of the US military, both past and present. I honor their service. International peeps who served as well, no matter the uniform, they also have my deepest respect. And let me be clear: ally or foe. The call to serve, no matter what country; those that answer that call have earned my respect.

I also support Joe Mantegna for all that he does for our US vets. This is a story that is very near and dear to my heart. And I know this episode was very close to Mr. Mantegna's heart. I'm honored to use it in my story.

This is a standalone story. However, one of the main characters is from my FF A Father and His Sons.

As I mentioned, the plot of the episode The Fallen will be part of the background of this story. Rick Dunkle and Danny Ramm wrote the story. Rick wrote the teleplay. All credit goes to them for an amazing episode and my background.

I do not own Criminal Minds or its characters, other than the one I created. All rights go to CBS, ABC Studios and Mark Gordon Productions.

*Knightly bow to Jedi Master* Aka Thn0715. My FF mentor.

Chapter 1

Dave walked into his office on a Friday morning, after the team got back from their third case in four weeks the afternoon before. Strauss had already emailed them on the jet flying back home that they would be on stand down for the weekend, and the week following. He knocked on Hotch's window as he passed, getting a nod from his friend on the phone.

Entering his office, he put his briefcase down and fired up his Bureau laptop. He pulled up his email, after going through the protocol settings that Penelope Garcia had set in place to protect the team.

One look at the list of emails waiting for him, he knew which one he would read first. It caught his eye immediately. The title was Help, and it was from Zach. He opened it.

Uncle Dave, I need your help. I've got a paper to write for my Sociology class by next Friday and I'm stuck. The theme of the paper is "How a regular person can change a life." I could easily go to mom and what happened, but Uncle Dave, I don't want to. All three of us have moved past that awful time, and I really want to keep moving forward. I talked at length with dad last night after Jack went to bed, and he agreed with me and supported my decision. But he really didn't have any ideas. Do you have any? Luvs ya, Zach.

Dave smiled that his nephew respected him enough to ask for his help with a college assignment. Thinking to himself for a second, he knew he had the response. But it would require Aaron's buy-in, which wouldn't be easy. He read the rest of his emails, followed up on the ones that needed it and rose out of his desk chair and headed towards Aaron's office, with a detour to the break room first for a cup of coffee.

The door was open. Dave knocked on it and waltzed in. As much as he respected Hotch as SAC, they were too close and he didn't stand on protocol. Hotch, on the phone, and pretty much feeling the same way about Dave, waved him into one of the chairs in front of his desk.

Hanging up the phone, Hotch looked at Dave. "I know why you're here. You got an email from my oldest son," he slightly smiled.

Dave read his face immediately. "On a suggestion from his father?" Hotch just nodded.

"Well Aaron, I do have a solution, but it is going to require a lot of buy-in on his father's part," Dave slightly smiled himself. Hotch hiked an eyebrow at him. "I'm going to LA this afternoon. I've got something to take care of tomorrow. Please let me take Zach along. It should solve his problem. And I'd love to have some family along with me." He looked at his shoes. "I'd really appreciate it."

Aaron read Dave just as well, simply asking, "Dave?" He knew whatever it was, it was big. Dave wanted family around.

Dave smiled, "Just trust me, and you can read Zach's paper later." Hotch burrowed a look into his best friend's eye. "Hotch please."

Aaron looked at him. "How much is it going to cost to get Zach on that flight with you this late in the game?" This is what Dave expected.

"Nothing; I've got the airline points," he said, smiling. "Aaron please, solve two problems. We're on stand down. You and Jack can have a guy's weekend with Mudg around. Call Beth and have her come over for a cookout." Dave smiled mischievously. "Jack goes to bed early. However, as I said, I'd love to have some family with me; Zach fits the bill and I'm pretty confident the weekend will solve his paper problem."

Hotch shook his head at his dear friend. "Dave, you're paying for his college education…."

"Aaron, damnit stop," Dave's tempered flared. "I've got the money and love those two sons of yours. JJ's as well. I love the fact that I've got some kids around me to spend it on." The two men stared at each other.

"I'm not going to win this conversation with you, am I?" Aaron smiled.

"No my friend, you're not. But your oldest son, knowing him as well as I do, will come home with an assignment that if it isn't finished, he'll have a good start," Dave smiled.

"Can you give me any hints?" Dave shook his head at him. Aaron looked him in the eye. "Does this have anything to do with Sergeant Scott?"

Dave shook his head again. "I schooled you too well." The two men looked at each other.

Aaron looked at his best friend closely. "You OK?"

"I will be if you let me borrow your oldest son for the weekend."

Hotch burrowed an eye into Dave. "I get the feeling this involves getting my oldest son into a suit. That's all on you, my friend," he slightly smiled.

"I can handle that." Dave paused. "Is he mine?"

Aaron smiled and nodded his head. "You work out the details with him."

Dave rose out his chair, pulling his cell out of his pocket to get a text to Zach. He looked back at Aaron as he headed out of his office. "Thank you," he said, looking at his partner.

Hotch smiled. "Dave, I've got game. When you said you wanted to take Zach to LA with you, I was in. I don't want you to do that alone. You do need some family around. I'll help with Zach." Dave nodded his head at Hotch, smiled and left his office.

His first call was to Julia, his travel agent. She quickly made the changes to his travel arrangements, adding Zach to his itinerary and expanding his hotel accommodations. He then texted Zach. I think I've got a solution to your Sociology paper prob, but you have to trust me. However, it will require something you may not like. But Zach, please trust me, I need you to do it. I'll pick you up at 4:45 after your dad gets home. We're flying tonight. Unc D.

Dave's cell phone pinged 30 seconds later. Dave, looking at his watch, knew that Zach was on an hour break between classes. Where we going?

The left coast; and I will need you to bring a suit along. It's important to me. Please trust me Zach. Your dad will fill in some of gaps. Please Zach Dave texted back.

His cell pinged less than a minute later. I trust you every day of my life Unc D. Dave smiled that Zach had added his dad to the text.

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A/N: If you follow the timeline from my original story, Beth doesn't fit into that timeline. Author's choice to include her.