The teams were set up and ready for action. The house was completely surrounded by the P.A.W.S and F.B.I. Whoever was inside wasn't getting out.

"Alpha team b, ready for breach," Chase said on the coms.

His responsibility was the back entrance with Rubble, Rocky, and F.B.I agent Alex Zincous. Ryder was at the front with Zuma, Skye, and F.B.I agent Conroe Ace. Marshall was sniper this time. He was planted at a window of an evacuated house.

"Alpha team a, ready for breach," Ryder replied.

"Alright, I count eight tangos, guys, stay ready," Radar said typing at his computer.

Both agents from both sides nodded. Rubble and Rocky used rams to open the door and who was left entered in. The two took the back of the tactical teams as soon as they moved it. Chase had point and caught one guy making a run for his AK-74u.

"P.A.W.S and F.B.I, freeze!" He warned, but it fell on deaf ears.

As soon as the guy picked it up he aimed to fire but Chase took him out before he could make another move. The team resumed their search.

"Dining room, clear!" Chase called.

They heard firing form the other side and hear, "Living room, clear! Moving upstairs!"

"Tango's up top!" Skye shouted taking aim.

Zuma snapped and took them out before she could pull the trigger. He didn't know that Skye was aiming for them, but it didn't bother her that he had taken the lives instead of her.

Ryder took point with his team and climbed the stairs. Someone was dumping white powder inside a toilet.

"Drug house confirmed," Ryder said on coms, "Were in the right place. Keep your eyes peeled for Marco."

"Copy," Chase replied, going do the basement.

He threw a flash bang and waited as soon as he heard the pop and heard the screams he moved in with his team. They began shouting and subduing those who surrendered. In the midst of it they tried to find one that identified as Marco. None of them matched.

"Crud, I don't see Marco," Rocky sighed.

"Did he get away before we got here?" Asked Agent Alex.

Chase sighed and looked around. There was nothing.

"Boss, basements clear, no sign of Marco anywhere. How about you?"

Ryder took out two subjects that fired at him replying, "Bedroom clear. No, I don't see him. Radar, we have all eight tangos, but no sign of Marco."

"Wait, a ninth just showed up, he's making a run for it! How did he dodge the satellite scan?"

"I see him," Marshall called, "Boss, he's making a run for it and he's out of police view. I have a clear leg shot, should I take it?"

"No, we need him alive and unharmed," Ryder replied, "Team, let's move!"

Marshall removed himself from the house and took off after Marco. Marco was a fast runner but not nearly as fast as Marshall. As soon as he got within the range he tackled him. Marco groaned, landing on hard cement and growled.

"Get off me!"

"Not happening," Marshal replied taking cuffs to his hands.

"I got him," Marshall called.

"Marshall, on your six!" Ryder yelled.

Marshall turned and was pistol whipped across the head. He fell off Marco and kicked the attacker.

The gun didn't leave his hand so he shot Marshall on the chest. Marco started to crawl away. The key landed nearby. He was able to grab them and fiddled with them to get the cuffs off. The attacker saw the team catching up. He picked Marshall up and aimed his weapon at his head. Chase, reflexively aimed and took out the man holding Marshall. By that time Marco fiddled out of the cuffs and bragged the gun. He pointed and fired but Marshall tackled him again and recuffed him.

"Not this time, Spanish-boy."

"I'm Mexican," Marco groaned.

Marshall shook his head, "Whatever."

"Conroe," They heard a moan.

Conroe turned widened his eyes, "Alex!"

Alex was bleeding from the throat. Marshall motioned for Chase to take Marco so he could check him out and stabilize Alex.

"Alex, hold on for me buddy, you're going to be okay alright? You're going to be okay," Conroe assured.

"Hold him still," Marshall requested.

He flipped his x-ray open and found the bullet.

"It just missed the jugular vein, but we need to stop the bleeding," Marshall informed Conroe.

He took some heavy gauze from his pack and put it on Alex's throat. Not a minute later did the ambulance get there and take him away. Conroe watched in tears as his partner and best friend was being taken away in that state. He turned toward Marco who was being taken away.

"You son of a…"

"Whoa, hey!" Ryder stopped him from getting close to Marco.

Chase and Rubble were helping him. He started cursing Marco as he was placed in a car and driven off.

"You hear me? You're going to pay!"

"Ace!" Ryder shouted, "That's enough. He'll get what he deserves in court."

Conroe sneered at Ryder, "Court? That kid doesn't even deserve a day in court! He just killed my partner!"

"We don't know that!" Chase argued.

"Didn't you see the condition he was in? You think he's going to survive that?" Conroe screamed.

"He's going to be fine!" Rubble yelled over him, "Marshall said it missed the jugular vein. So he's going to be fine."

Conroe forced his way out of Rubble and Chase's grip and said nothing else. After the team was set to leave, they returned to the HQ and Radar delivered his report. Fortunately, since it was a takedown, there was no need for anyone to justify their shots. All shots were pretty much authorized. It was near end of their shift however and they were packing up to get out.

"It's been a long time since we were called to do a breach," Chase smiled.

"Yeah, talkin' about exciting, right?" Rocky chuckled.

Rubble sighed and said to the group, "I'm a bit worried, Conroe seemed pretty angry when Alex got hit."

The team agreed. Ryder recalled the agent's attitude. He was enraged, not just angry. There was probably a slight chance he would do something about it. The thought was a spooky for Ryder. Conroe was the same agent that showed up for Ajshe's situation. Him and Alex both. It would be a shame to lose them.

"Whelp, it's time to wind down now," Rocky said looking at his watch, "See you guys later."

"Yeah, see you later, Rocky," Rubble replied.

The rest of the team said their goodbyes and departed the building as soon as they could. Marshall was the last one out. He heard his phone vibrate and looked at the text.

We still on tonight?

Marshall grinned and texted back, Yeah, I'll be right there as soon as I can.

K. Love you. Bye.

He took his bag and got on his motorcycle to get to his next destination. It was a restaurant south of the P.A.W.S HQ. It wasn't too far but it had its distance. When he got there he cleared his throat and took a deep breath. It was a pretty expensive place and he wasn't dressed for the occasion. Why couldn't she have thought of that?

He entered in and saw someone raise their hand, "Marshall, good to see you."

Marshall smiled back, "Bentley."

Bentley led him to their table. Marshall smiled at his younger sister.

"Marshall, it's so good to see you," She stood up and hugged him, also planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Hello Maria," He hugged her tight.

He hadn't seen her since she moved out of the Bay. She lived in the big city of New York now. Had a high quality apartment with her husband. Bentley worked with N.Y.P.D most of the time, but he and Maria made room for romance once in a while.

"Evangeline, Sarah, got off your phones and look who it is," Maria scolded.

They looked up and the girl's faces lit up, "Uncle Marshall!"

The two were about a year apart, one being eleven the other being twelve. They ran into Marshall's stomach and nearly toppled him over. He knew to implant his feet and grab on to something before impact, however.

"Uncle Marshall, it's so good to see you," Evangeline hugged.

"It's good to see you two too," He smiled patting their backs.

The girls giggled uncontrollably as he gave them his undivided attention. They pulled him to the table and made him sit between them.

"Guess what, Uncle Marshall!" Sarah smiled proudly.

"Hmm, I don't know, what?" He replied.

Sarah straightened her back and replied, "I made honor student in my school. My teachers say I'm the brightest student they've ever had."

"Very good, Sarah! I ought to take you to Mr. Porter's for a smoothie or some ice cream," Marshall said playing with her hair.

Sarah giggled sighing and leaning into Marshall's right side. Evangeline glared a hateful glare at her and countered with her own accomplishment.

"Well, guess what, Uncle Marshall," She started out.

Marshall pretended to think and replied, "I don't know, what?"

Evangeline beamed and replied, "I became an honor student too. And not only that, but I won the science fair that the school had. They said I was the smartest student they've ever had. They even gave me a big blue ribbon with first place on it."

"Evangeline, that's amazing. That settles it, I should take the both of you out. If that's okay with you two," Marshall smiled at Bentley and Maria.

"Pft, of course," Bentley smiled.

"We can trust you, Marshall," Maria smiled, "I'd be more than happy to give you a day with the girls."

She leaned in and added, "They can be a real handful sometimes but you seem to keep them under good control. How do you do it anyway?"

Marshall shrugged, "I don't know; I just do what I feel like with them."

"Uncle Marshall," Sarah tugged, "When are you going to take us to Mr. Porter's?"

Marshall shrugged and replied, "I'm very busy over the week so I'll call and see if that times a good time."

"Oh, only time is probably a good time. As long as you girls behave," Bentley lifted an eyebrow at them.

"Yes, papa," They replied simultaneously.

Evangeline piped up again, "Oh, Uncle Marshall, can we spend the night at your house?"

Marshall scratched his head, "I don't have a house; I have an apartment."

"Why don't you have a house?" Sarah asked puzzled.

"I don't exactly get that much money," He replied, "I don't think you'll be able to stay either."

The girls groaned, "Oh, why not?"

"My apartment is too small," He replied.

Maria looked at him oddly, "What do you mean too small. Marshall, you didn't get those apartments downtown did you?"

Marshall froze not wanting to answer. Silence answered for him.

"Marshall Adam Benton, You know better. Those apartments don't even get sprayed for pests."

"I know, I know, Maria, but I need someplace to stay. I can't just live with Skye, that would not look well and probably get one of us thrown out."

"Marshall, you don't have to stay with anyone just find a better place. Those two roomed apartments are terrible. Their just as bad as the slum."

Marshall rolled his eyes and replied, "At least it's warm."

Maria covered her eyes and begged him, "Don't say that, Marshall. It sounds worse than it is that way."

"Marshall, I always have money for you to buy a better place. I can pay for a few days and you should be able to get money enough to pay for yourself later," Bentley offered.

Marshall shook his head, "No, I'd better not. The better rooms are just too much for me to like to pay for or let anyone pay for in that instance."

Bentley sighed and looked at his wife. She sighed as well and smiled at her brother.

"Well, as long as you're eating well, staying healthy, and whatever else leads to a good long life, I guess I can get over your living quarters."

Marshall smiled, "Thanks, Maria. And thank you for the offer, Bentley."

"Anytime," Bentley smiled, "I owe you more than you think anyway. That's not just talking about loans."

The waiter came to their table and introduced himself. He handed out some menus and asked if they wanted any beverages.

After Bentley answered Maria leaned over to Marshall and whispered a few more words to move on from the situation, "Now all you need is a girlfriend."

Marshall scoffed to himself but took the words to heart. He wanted one; he really did. But he heard so many horror stories of rushed relationships he tried to be as careful as he could as his choices. Right now, there weren't any to pick from.

X

Rubble returned home and exhaled as soon as he got within his four walls, "Ah, home sweet home. Honey, I'm back!"

Shelby turned the corner and smiled, "Kids, look who's home."

The little girl and boy looked from the dining table and shouted, "Daddy!"

They ran to him and he leaned down to their level greeting them, "Ey! How are my kids doing?"

They giggled as he picked them up with is strong arms and squeezed them. He put them down and took a good look at them.

"I swear, every time I look at them they've grown," He kissed his wife.

"I know!" She exclaimed adding to the act, "There getting to be so big!"

"Daddy, you won't believe what happened in school today!" said the little boy.

Rubble sighed and looked at his wife. Shelby shook her head and he nodded.

"Ron, is this another story about why you need to drop out?" He asked.

Ron didn't answer directly, "But this time it's real!"

"Ron, everyone knows your just trying to get out of school," sighed his older sister, "Not like me. I love school. I get to play with all my friends, I get a nice teacher, and I always get a sticker."

"So what?" Ron sneered, "You don't know if the stories real or not. You weren't there."

Rubble sighed and sat down, "Alright, I'll hear it."

Ron smiled but his sister, properly named Helena, rolled her eyes and got back to her homework. Ron began to tell his story and Rubble listened patiently. He loved his son but he just needed to learn how to tell a convincing story. That was something Ron wasn't good at. Sometimes he wasn't lying, but those stories were hard to distinguish between them and the ones he tells to get out of school.

Rubble sighed as soon as Ron was done and said, "Wow, that was very brave of you. Now go finish your homework and then you can play."

Ron groaned and asked, "Do I have to?"

Rubble lifted his eyebrows and used the silence to answer. Ron sighed again and trudged to the dining room. Rubble chuckled and his wife giggled.

"He's still a work in progress."

She smiled at her husband and sat on the arm of the chair hugging him close, "Well, maybe he would understand better if he just was given the chance to see what the world is like. He needs to understand why he has to go to school. You should take him out sometime."

"You know I can't take him to work. He would get bored. He's too young to see the other stuff," Rubble sighed.

"I didn't say it had to be work," Shelby smiled.

Rubble thought about it for a few second and shrugged, "I'll figure something out."

Shelby kissed him, "Good, make sure to do it quick. He needs his father."

"Yeah, I bet," Rubble exhaled.

He was never home for half the day. Maybe even all of it. Being a strategic response agent was a lot of work. It was life risking, dramatic, even painful. That didn't just mean getting hit. He still had a big pink spot from the shot that one time. He was just glad he wasn't Zuma. His didn't let him sit for an entire month. It might have been longer than that. To the point, most of the team, including him, had to go through some dark places in life. Revisit was probably the right word, actually. At least he had his family. Not many people like him was that lucky. Most often got the Dear John letter. Otherwise, they gave out the Tell my wife. Not many didn't have to give either. But later on, the lucky ones might have their luck run out and have to get the I'm Leaving, Chad. So many possibilities and yet his luck was strong.

"Dad! Can you help me with this problem?" Ron called.

That was his cue. Rubble stood up from his favorite chair and walked over to his son. He knew better than any man that such an act would probably be a privilege.

X

This might be off topic, but far to the east—or perhaps close to the west—in the country of South Korea, deep in the mountains lied a top secret base known as White Hannibal. The base was well known for its involvement in several Korean ops from the Cold War till today. North Koreans had tried to find this base of maneuvers but failed. This was among the safest places for the army and marines to stay while they planned. In particular, there was a soldier, female, who went by Cpl. Winters or, to only her closest, Husky. Her jurisdiction consisted in these mountains, but mostly in scaling or repelling. She was the best known climber they had in their force. A keen shot too. She spent most of her time doing drills or being with her friends. Conversations were small and not quite interesting until today.

"Hey, I heard White Hannibal's finally got the governments eye," Said the eldest one.

Also the one who had been there the longest among the group of three. He goes by Sgt. Dudley, but among the three he was Do-Right. A name he passionately hated to be called by any others. The next was often called Pfc. Morse, but his two friends called him Strat. They always said he looked like a Strat.

"Since when does the government care what happens over here?" Strat asked.

Do-Right chuckled, "Beats me. I'd've thought they would look at hire in bases like Fire Base Phoenix or something but I guess not. Seems their lookin' at us."

Husky chuckled and shook her head, "Maybe they realized that bases like that don't have the best shooters. We do."

"Darn right," Do-Right agreed, "See, this is why we let this girl hang around."

Strat nodded in agreement but she looked at them in a glare. Husky knew pretty well that she was the toughest of the three. As a matter of fact, they did too. But she let the apparent insult slide.

"Yo, Ice Cubes!" Shouted a solder to the three.

Ice Cube was a common nickname for a solder you didn't know the name of around there. It was a bit of an accepted term since there wasn't a better name to call anyone. Husky was a bit of an exception but the soldier didn't take the time to say her name.

"Did you hear the news? The C.I.A is lookin' to pull out a guy for an op," He walked over, "Something you might look into, Husky."

"C.I.A? Your pullin' our legs, the C.I.A don't give two craps about what happens over here," Strat laughed.

"They do now," The soldier replied, "Head over to the pit if you want a chance."

"How 'bout it fellas?" Do-Right asked.

"I'm in," Husky shrugged, "Might be fun, after all. Come on, Do-Right. Time to show them what your made of."

"You know it, Husky darling, I could snipe your puppy butt a hundred miles away!" He grinned.

"Watch it," She warned, "That mouth of yours might get shot straight off if you talk like that."

"Yeah, Do-Right, you can't just say that because she's your friend. This is why we need feminism!"

The three laughed. The phrase was common among them. They made fun of feminism whenever they could.

"This is why we need feminism," Husky laughed, "Don't you get what we women are struggling for, Do-Right? Shame on you!"

"Oh geese," He groaned.

Though it was funny to him, it often turned around to bite him before leaving. But even with their hilarious humor he continued to march alongside them. It was one thing he was better at then the both of them. Husky may have been the toughest, but he was the fastest. The two would prank her quite a few times. When it came to facing her wrath, Do-Right never had to outrun her. He just needed to outrun Strat and he'd be golden… Mostly.

"Everyone take your seats!" Shouted the captain.

They found a random open three seats that were quickly taken by three marines who rudely remarked, "These seats are taken, Ninnies."

"Why you little…"

"Manners, Do-Right, it's what separates up from the animals," Husky stopped him.

"You wanna say that again, pup?" A marine stood up.

"You heard the captain, sit down," She shot back, "And stay down like a good boy. Are you better or are you worse? Either one, prove it."

He chuckled and pointed at her, "Better keep one eye open when you sleep. I might just crawl in."

Husky scoffed and replied, "Go ahead you won't be able to do anything. You don't even have an inch."

His friend laughed quietly at the insult. If she wasn't the toughest, she was the cleverest. He glared at her and sat down. There were many ways he was probably plotting his revenge.

"Alright, all of you come here because of one reason. To show you're the best in this entire freezer. The good news you've all got a fair chance. The bad news, you've all got a fair chance. And yes, I did repeat myself. Now if your brains are too small to comprehend what I just said: I said only one thing. You all will have a fair chance. That means the same course but only one run. Yes, I said once. So if you want to run it again, too bad. Now for the really bad news. There is only one opening for this spot and only one of you may be able to take this spot. This is C.I.A Agent Adam Carson. He will be watching for all of your worst flaws and forget you even have a best should they appear here today. Any questions? Good. Now let's get started."

The names appeared alphabetically. Husky was in the W's. She took a deep breath and accepted her carbine. Many of her colleges, and might one add adversaries, took their turns. Several of them made pretty good times. Some she wouldn't even home beating. However time meant nothing if you hit a bunch of civilians.

"Winters! You're up!" Shouted the captain, "Come on, let's move, we still got others to cover!"

She stepped up to the start quickly. He took a timer and sniffed then blew the whistle. She took off, full stride. The first targets pulled up and she shot them, ignoring the civilian and not even caring to be tactical. Three pops and she vaulted right over the cover. The next showed and she took cover this time and shot the targets. After, she threw a flash in the next room and popped what came out. She took off in a run and again, ignored being tactical or neat and bashed the next target with her rifle. The next few appeared and she finished her clip, then used her sidearm. Something that everyone else seemed to neglect. After that, the last two targets appeared and she ignored reloading. Instead she took out her knife and the used the bottom of her pistol to break the head of the target on her left and stab the one on her right. She rushed to the finish and the whistle blew.

The captain shook his head and shouted, "Winters! What on earth was I seeing? Is that how the Army takes out hostiles? All I saw a bunny running the race! You'd have been dead by now!"

"Too right, Captain," Agent Carson said coolly, "But she's still here and she killed every last one of them. No civilian casualties and the fastest speed yet, I think. What time did she have, captain?"

The captain looked at his stop watch and replied, "Twenty-five seconds, sir."

The soldiers and marines muttered to themselves about the time. None of them could beat that. There was no way in hell.

Agent Carson examined Husky as she stood unmoved by her captain's yelling. She didn't' even seem to care what he was talking about. As a matter of fact, she looked more like she didn't even know.

Agent Carson smiled and looked at the rest of the group, "Who here thinks they can beat that time?"

No one raised their hand. All of them knew pretty well that they couldn't.

"I see. Captain, I believe I've seen enough here. Cpl. Winters, please follow me."

Husky looked at her two friends who urged her along. She swallowed and followed the agent to the next room.

"I admit it, that was extremely sloppy, nothing we can't beat out of you," He smiled.

"Sir?" She asked.

Carson cleared his throat, "You know why I'm here?"

"Yes sir," She replied.

"You know what I want?" He asked additionally.

"Not quite, sir," She replied.

He chuckled and sat down on a chair, throwing a file down onto the desk. On the top, in read lettering was labeled classified.

"Open it," He directed in the midst of the awkward silence.

She sat down and opened the file. Something she knew was dangerous. However, dangerous was often her middle name and the curiosity was too strong to resist. There were various agents' names and different places labeled. Operations and armories were also listed.

"Sir, what is this?" She asked.

"The sign that reads: you belong to the C.I.A now. You won't be staying here anymore, Agent Winter."

She looked up," But I'm not even in the Special Forces. I'm just an enlisted troop. What do you need any of us for?"

Carson chuckled again and stood up, "What makes a special force a special force?"

"Training," She replied.

"And you'll have that. For now, however, being this plan is still… working out its kinks and wholes. We'll be taking you to training then send you somewhere else. Play practice if you could call it that."

Husky squinted and asked, "And what exactly is this, 'play', sir?"

Carson couldn't help but smirk and reply, "Have you ever heard of the Protect And Watch Service, Agent Winters?"

X

To bring us back to the current situation, it is to P.A.W.S's belief that F.B.I Agent Conroe Ace had returned home at the end of his shift. They were wrong. As a matter of fact, he was far to distressed to be home. Conroe and his partner had been close friends since they got to understanding each other. A kid had probably ended that. His partner didn't look so good after getting shot. Finally, a doctor came from the operating room, wiping his forehead.

"How is he?" Conroe asked.

"It's alright, he's going to make a recovery. However he may be unable to return to duty do to his injury. That's if he's lucky."

"How long," Conroe asked, "If he's lucky."

"Six months," Was the reply.

"I can't wait that long. By now I will have to be reissued a new partner," Conroe dug his fingers into his hair.

"I'm sorry it's the best we can do," The doctor apologized.

"Do better!" Conroe shouted, "You're a doctor for God's sake!"

"Sir, please remain calm. We are doing everything we can."

"No you're not," He growled.

"Sir?" A nurse called, "Mr. Zincous requested to see you."

"He's up?" Conroe asked.

"He woke up just now," She replied.

He approached her and thanked her then quickly got into the room. Alex was breathing a bit raspy, and unable to talk but he was there with a smile.

"Hey, Alex, how ya doin'?" Conroe smiled.

Alex smiled bigger to answer. It wasn't' much but it satisfied Conroe enough.

"Good," She grinned and sat next to him.

The smile disappeared making Alex's go too. He could tell there was something wrong.

Conroe sighed, sniffed and explained, "They told me you wouldn't fully recover till six months. That's if you're lucky. You may not even return to duty."

Alex tried to shrug. He couldn't because of the harness, but Conroe got the idea.

"By that time, even if you do make it, I'll have a new partner," He began to cry, "We won't work with each other anymore."

Alex frowned but smiled to comfort his friend. A hand came up to grab his.

Conroe took it and cried into it then looked him into the eye, "I promise you, I'm going to make sure that kids is brought to justice. He won't be able to do this to you or anyone ever again. I swear it."

Alex frowned and pointed to a notebook. Conroe looked around and found the object he was pointing at. He got the notebook and took out his own pen then gave it to Alex. Alex took his time writing then showed Conroe.

Don't worry about it, buddy. I'm alive, your alive, and were still friends. Don't let that kid get in the way of that. Buddies are buddies, no matter what.

Conroe nodded, "Yeah, your right. But that kid… I'm not letting him get away with this."

Alex looked concerned. Conroe put a hand on his and smiled.

"Don't worry about me, pal. Everything will be fine, I promise."

Alex smiled, being assured, and closed his eyes. Conroe took a deep breath and took a shaky breath. After that, he returned home to think. He would probably be doing a lot of it now.

X

Chase stroked Skye's head and she laid on his chest. They were on her couch watching a TV show that Skye had found and pulled Chase into. It became a favorite to the couple and they often watched it when there was nothing else to do. Skye about now had fallen asleep but Chase still was still watching. At least, he tried to. He couldn't really see past his tears. He wasn't crying, but every time he yawned he secreted tears. Eventually, he gave up and turned off the TV near the end of the episode.

"Whelp, time for bed," He grunted, trying to pick up his tired girlfriend.

She stirred and moaned in her sleep, "I don't want you to go. Stay here with me."

Chase laughed quietly and replied, "I never said I was going. But since your offering I suppose I'm sharing your bed."

Skye giggled and asked, "So you think you're ready to graduate from the couch?"

Chase scoffed and replied, "I was kidding, but I'll sleep on the ground at the foot. That's as close as I'm getting."

Skye smiled and moaned, "It's an improvement."

He picked her up and took her to her room then placed her on her own bed. He then proceed to help her get ready, by removing her socks and shoes.

"Can you get my pajamas? I'm too tired to do it myself," She moaned.

Chase sighed and nodded, "Alright, but don't try anything. That last night a few weeks ago was the only acceptation. It was our anniversary when we started dating."

"You remembered," She giggled drowsily.

He removed her shirt and replied, "Yeah, I remember."

He took the pajama top and put her arms through the sleeves then buttoned it up over her upper body. She detested when he got a litter higher.

"Not too high, it'll make he too hot."

"Okeydoke," He sighed.

He then went to her pants and unbuttoned them. He pulled them down, careful not to pull anything else, and slipped her bottoms on.

"Thanks, sweetie," She moaned and balled up into the bed.

He smiled, kissed her cheek, and replied, "It was my pleasure."

She moaned again with a smile, but he wasn't done. He took the blanket and pulled it from under her then picked her up and slid her in. She hugged her pillow and his work was done. A sigh of relief came over him. He left to the quilt closet to gather some bedding and set up a bed on the ground at the foot of Skye's. He laid down and relaxed, happy to get to sleep. Tomorrow was probably going to be a big day. That's what he thought every night anyway.

X

In the morning, Ryder and his team were working on a drill with another drug bust. All they had to do was wait for a warrant. Unfortunately, they were called to duty early for another situation.

"911 call!" Radar shouted, "Downtown police station! It's Conroe!"

"Are you kidding? Is he still hooked up on Marco shooting his partner?" Rubble asked.

"One way to find out," Ryder replied jogging to his gear.

"What about our bust?" Zuma asked.

"Charlie Team is taking it over," Radar answered, "Now let's go!"

"That's Carlos, they'll be fine," Ryder tapped Zuma, "Alright, let's load up, Alpha Team!"

The team got into their respective vehicles and drove for the police station. As soon as the got there the police had spread out to every exit and entrance. Any others on patrol remained on patrol however. Just without help.

"What's the situation?" Ryder asked.

"An F.B.I agent went loony, replied the chief. He's in the interrogation room and somehow got the door shut tight. There's no going in."

"Is Marco inside?" Ryder asked.

"Yeah, he's in there," Replied the Chief.

"Alright, Alpha team let's get a good look inside. Rocky, Zuma, take a shield, Rubble figure out how to get that door open! Everyone else, were behind Rocky and Zuma. Radar you know what to do. I don't want to risk any surprises. Let's move!"

The team moved in with the acceptation of Radar. So far there was nothing to worry about. They got to the interrogation room door and heard shouting.

"Yup, Agent Conroe Ace confirmed," Ryder said quietly to Radar.

"Affirmative," Radar replied, " I recommend you use the other room for visual and I'll see if he's got his phone on 'em."

"Copy, Rubble, look at the door. Rocky stay with him, if he get out you tackle and subdue him, understood. I'm going to talk to him and everyone else, cover the halls. Chase, Skye your with me."

"Got it, Boss," The team replied.

Rubble got to examining the door and looking for weak point. He knew breaching better than anyone. If anyone knew how to get inside, it was going to be him. Ryder went inside the viewing room of the interrogation room.

"He's got his phone, Boss, need me to call and link you in?" Radar asked.

"Do it," Ryder nodded.

X X X

"You and your little drug business! That's all you cared about! Well guess what kid! You lost it! All of it! And now you took my partner's life away from him! You think you could get away from that! Hell no! You going to pay! Right here! Right now!"

"Hey come on, chill, man!" Marco shouted trying to calm him, "Why don't we just talk? You're a cop right? We can come to something!"

"I'm not negotiating with you! Your worth nothing, you druggy!"

The phone rang and Conroe growled at it, asking rudely, "What? Who is this?"

"Agent Conroe Ace, this is Captain Ryder Darien, remember me?"

"Oh, Ryder, how nice of you to drop in. Let me guess: your behind the glass lookin' in? He asked in fake pleasantry.

"Your skills haven't abandoned you, I see," Ryder answered, "Conroe, I know what you going through and I know it hurts, but you need to listen to me. I just want to help."

"Help? Yeah, I know you, Captain. You only ever want to help! Do you think you know anything about how it feels to lose a friend? How it feels to watch the loose their life?"

Ryder paused and replied, "I do, believe it or not, I do, Conroe. You aren't alone in this. I've lost a lot of friends in my past years."

"Did you watch them? Huh? Did you see them on that bed? Fine one day then dead the next! Did you!"

Ryder didn't reply after a while. He feared the answer to his question.

"Conroe, Alex didn't make it, did he?"

Conroe wiped his wrist across his head and eyes trying not to cry. He didn't reply but the answer was pretty strait forward.

"Conroe, I'm so sorry. It's hard to lose a friend, and I know that. I've done jobs like this similar and I've lost a lot of friends. Yes, Conroe, I did see them die. I watched every last one of them. I still remember the words they said to me, the things they said to me. I never forgot them."

"Then you know how I feel. You get why I'm doing this," Conroe said to the mirror.

"I do," Ryder nodded, "And I know you want to kill him but I can't let you do that!"

"He needs to pay."

"He needs to confront the court! He's going to get what he deserves, you don't have to do this!"

"Come on, man listen to him," Marco begged.

Conroe paced back and forth and screamed covering his head, "Shut up!"

Marco shook and started to cry as the gun was pointed at him. Conroe paced more, deep in thought.

X X X

"Boss, he's not biting is he?" Skye asked.

"Just give him time, Skye; He'll come through," Ryder said confidently.

"We need to find out how to get in there if things go south," Chase advised, "Radar might be able to find something that can break through the door."

"It wouldn't be enough time, he'd kill Marco as soon as we made it in," Ryder shook his head.

"We could try to break through the glass," Skye advised.

"Neither may work," Ryder shook his head, "We have to find a better way to get though."

"I don't even know if there is a better way," Chase sighed.

"Man, can't you just talk to them come to an agreement? Just don't kill me!"

"Shut up or I will kill you!"

"Conroe? Conroe, listen you have to remember to be careful with that gun. All that fidgeting may cause it to go off."

"I don't care! Why do you even care? What do you even care! As soon as I'm out of here I'm going into a prison!"

"We can't make a special case for you, your right. But it's not because of who you are; it's the law. We can't just make special cases for the people who enforce it to break it. Then everyone would try to and we can't have that. Everyone gets treated fairly and each punishment is given justly. His will come too."

Conroe broke out crying and stared at Marco. Marco was too. The situation was pretty bad.

"Boss, this door is just reinforced metal, we could blow right through with a thermal breach charge!" Rubble called.

"Negative, that will take too long," Ryder shook his head, "We need something faster."

"A normal breach charge won't make it," Rubble sighed.

"What about the glass?" Chase asked.

"It's blast proof," Ryder shook his head, "We'll figure out something. We'll find a way, just keep thinking, team."

Ryder rubbed his forehead and gave the phone to Chase, "Keep him talking, I need to think. Maybe you might have better luck."

"Sure thing," Chase nodded

Marshall entered the room, "How are we doing, boss?"

"Marshall, what are you doing in here? Stay out in the hall! You're on watch!" Ryder pointed.

Marshall was shocked at the sudden snap and said nothing before peering in and turning to the door. Something got his eye.

"Wait, there sweating a lake," Marshall examined.

"Marshall, you can get a check-up on them when we get in there, got it?" Ryder snapped.

Skye and Chase stared at Ryder, also rather surprised at Ryder's attitude. Chase continued to keep Conroe occupied however.

"No, listen, if their sweating that means the heat is on in there and they're going to get dehydrated. That will only make the whole moment worse!"

"You think that's going to help? Get going!"

Marshall wanted to continue to his plan but he was obviously not wanted. He turned after apologizing and left.

Ryder shook his head but was surprised for Skye to grab him, take him out of the room, and to a separate area. She told Zuma to take some time inside.

'What was that?" She glared.

"What?" Ryder asked, "Skye, this is not important right now!"

"No, it is! You never talk to anyone like that, what's up?" She glared.

"Skye, I don't care about what your trying to do, but the longer you delay me the more you're going to get a suspension."

"Shut up and listen to me! No, in fact, listen to yourself! Marshall was only checking up on us, and trying to tell you something important and you point him to the door. You never do that! So you're going to tell me or you're going to sign my suspension papers. And you are going to do it. Remember that."

Ryder stared her in the eyes and sighed, "I know exactly what he feels like. And I… I don't want to. I did it, Skye. I did exactly what he did but there was no one to stop me."

Skye listened intently. She kept her glare on to make sure he knew she wasn't going to be satisfied until he was done.

"There was a man who killed my entire squad. He nearly made me go mad. I stayed M.I.A for an entire year in his pit. He wanted information, I wouldn't give it to him. He killed every one of my squad members in front of me. The only thing stopping me was what they told me. Every one of them told me the same thing: don't give him the satisfaction. Don't give him the information. They kept on saying it all through they're torture until they died."

Around here Skye was beginning to lose her stare. She tried to stay strong but being the girl she was she couldn't.

"I… I kept on remembering them all through that conversation. I didn't know how to do it anymore. I didn't know how to convince him of anything. Everything I did was just like him. No one ever tried to stop me. How am I supposed to stop him from doing something I support?"

"By telling him," Skye replied, "Ryder, he needs to know that he feels what you do. He doesn't need to know that he's not alone, but he does need to know that he's supported. He needs to hear that story."

Ryder looked at the hall with his team. Marshall was the only one with his back turned. He was "too busy" to give him his eyes.

Ryder nodded and got back to the room. Chase tried to explain he wasn't making any progress but Ryder pat his shoulder and took the phone.

"Good job, Chase, you at least tried. Now listen, Conroe, and listen well because this is going to be out of my box. I support you in everything your doing because I've been there. I've done it. The only difference is that I had no one to stop me when I got the guy. You don't care whether or not you are alone, and I get it but what you need to know is this. I may support you, but I will stop you. You can kill that kid, but your trapped. There's nowhere to go and were just outside that door. We've got a charge ready to blow a hole inside and as soon as your gun goes off and hits that kid it's going to. Just because I am what I am today doesn't mean it's going to be you. I said it before, there's a big difference where we did this. And the destination is going to be different too. You will go to prison, and you will not get out. You know this, buddy. So I'm going to ask you one thing. Put down the gun and don't make us do this."

There was a long pause and he watched Conroe zone out. He still had the phone to his ear but he didn't say a word. He was now fixing his collar so he could breath.

"Do you need some air and time to think about it?" Ryder asked.

"Yeah, I could use that," Conroe replied calmly.

Ryder nodded and walked over to Marshall, who was still diligently watching the door. Marshall ignored his leader as he froze behind him. Ryder's hand pat his shoulder and left to the air-conditioning controls.

"Alright the airs on, you should be getting airflow now."

"Thanks," Conroe replied dully.

Now was the waiting game. Ryder leaned against the hall and stared at Marshall. He wasn't doing a thing but aiming at the door.

"Marshall," Ryder addressed.

"Sir?" Marshall asked.

Since when did he use 'sir'? Ryder wondered, "I want to apologize for the way I snapped at you. If you have a plan I'd like to hear it now."

Marshall looked down and replied, "That was it, sir. I just thought if they had air they might feel better."

Ryder smiled and nodded, "Okay. Well, that' very thoughtful of you. I'll be sure Conroe knows that was your idea."

"Thanks," Marshall smiled briefly.

Ryder passed him up but stopped and stared at his back. Marshall was hiding something.

"Marshall, are you sure you weren't thinking of something else?"

Marshall paused but eventually replied, "If all goes south I was thinking… maybe… well, if would probably work if…"

"Marshall, I'm open for any ideas," Ryder assured him.

"Tear gas," Marshal finally let out, "The ventilation system would be able to brush the gas into the room and he'd pass out in seconds. The effects are worse when dehydration hits. We could breach the room and get them out then. As long as we put a large enough quantity inside he won't be able to shoot."

Ryder widened his eyes, "That it. That's perfect. Call Radar, find out what we can about the ventilation system. Rubble, get that thermal charge. Skye, we need tear gas."

"Copy," They replied and took off.

"Nice Job, Marshall," Ryder pat his back.

"Sure thing, Boss," Marshall smiled.

Ryder returned to the room and looked at Conroe and Marcus. They were pretty calm and silent right now. Nothing was happening between them.

X X X

Conroe stared at the floor, keeping his M9 in his right hand and looking at it once in a while. Marco looked at him uncomfortably but eventually began to ease.

"Listen, I want to say I'm sorry about your partner. I didn't actually mean to kill anyone," Marco started.

"Just… be quite."

"No, please, hear me out. I've never killed anyone before. I just… got to thinking about it and I really am sorry. I lost someone too."

Conroe was open to listening then. He looked up and stared at Marco.

"I have a family. I used to have a sister and mother but now it's just me and my sister. My mother died because of… an illness. Cancer, I think."

Conroe scoffed and asked, "You expect me to believe that?"

"Conroe, we could run a background check if you want," Ryder called.

Conroe didn't reply until he made up his mind to trust them. He nodded and let Marco continue.

"No, I don't actually. You probably heard a lot of stories like this. I… I didn't sell meth because I wanted money. I sold it because I needed the money. I tried getting a job everywhere I went but they didn't give it to me because I didn't have a diploma. I didn't have a license either. I met someone who called himself the Love Man. He helped a lot of people on the street who needed it. Helped me too. But then I asked him for a job and he ran me through some loyalty tests. Soon after is all started getting dark. I never knew he was a drug dealer but I didn't have much of a choice. He paid well and my sister needed it for her treatments. My mother did too. But she's gone now."

"Conroe, his story checks out, there's a hospital account under his name, and it clears as his sister. His mother also died on September eighth. Last month."

Conroe didn't respond. Marco began to cry again.

"Listen, man, if you want to kill me, do it. I don't' care anymore. But when you do, please please please help my sister. She' s all I have left."

Conroe looked up and sighed before taking his gun and putting it on the desk. He picked himself up and went for the door. Marco looked at the gun and back at Conroe.

"Hey, man… If your letting me go then you just tell me what I have to do to pay you back and I'll do it. I'll pay… I'll do everything I can… I swear. I'll do it somehow."

Conroe nodded and opened the door then drew back and took his gun. Then let Rubble and Rocky in. They tried to subdue him, but the gun went to his mouth, and before they could stop him went off.

Marco cried and shouted, "No!"

Conroe was gone. Alpha team watched, horrified at the scene. Marco sobbed watching the body bleed.

"Radar, get the morgue guys down here. He just committed suicide," Ryder called.

The team filled in the reports and what else needed to be done then left the scene. There was nothing more they could do there. After they returned they heard from Charlie team that their bust was a success. Everything was able to shut down for the day. They were free to go.

X X X

"Do you want to stay again?" Skye asked Chase who was on his bike.

Chase took a moment to thin about it and nodded, "Yeah, I think I do. I'm just tired after all that happened."

She giggled and pat his shoulder, "I've got something special for you at my house. It'll cheer you up."

He chuckled as she left. She got to her car and left first. It was a plan of theirs. She would leave first, he'd wait a while and leave second then go straight to her house. Marshall stopped him before he left.

"Hey, Chase!"

"Yeah?"

Marshall caught up to him and said, "Listen, brother, I've been thinking. Lately we've been kind of ignoring each other and I thought I'd break the ice. Tomorrow, wanna get something to eat? I know, you and Skye and everything but…"

"No, it's cool, Marshall, I'll do it. I could use a steak once in a while. French is nice but I'd like some mean grilled food for once."

"Hah, thanks bro. After work?" Marshall asked.

"Yeah, I'll let Skye know. She'll understand," Chase smiled.

"Okay, see you tomorrow!"

"Night!"

Chase left and Marshall started to run to his bike. He froze and snapped his fingers.

"Woops, forgot my bag."

He ran to the door and accidently ran into someone coming out. Whoever it was was caught completely unaware.

"Oof, sorry. Didn't see you there," He laughed.

Oddly, the one he ran into was laughing too, "It's alright, I'm a tough girl."

Marshall smiled and lifted an eyebrow, "I don't believe I've seen you before. You signing up?"

"Yeah," She replied, "I recently moved into town and heard about this place. Just wanted to get in."

He nodded and nodded, "Well, I'll just get past you here and hope I don't run into anyone else."

"Okay, you do that," She smiled, "Oop, behind you."

He turned and unfortunately ran into Radar anyway. He was, again, carrying some paperwork.

"Nooo, Doc, why?" He whined, "I just…"

He tried to pick up the papers and Marshall began to help, "Sorry, Radar."

The woman giggled and approached to help. She was able to gather a few and place it on the desk they were getting to. After they were done Marshall took time to thank her.

"Thanks, and sorry about that. You'd better get going, it's getting late. I'd better get going myself, my apartment curfew is in a quarter till."

"It was nothing, and see you later, uh…"

"Marshall, Marshall Benton," He smiled.

She nodded and added, "I'm Everest. Everest Winters. My friends call me Husky."

"Husky? That's a tough name. You must have been the big one on the street then."

She giggled, "You could say that."

"Well, I'd best get going. Good bye, Everest. I hope you make it. And it was good seeing you."

"You too," She smiled before adding another, "You too."

She turned and put on a look that was almost hurt, "Why didn't he remember me?"

She turned and watched as he picked up his bag and tidied up another mess he made. She giggled and wiped her eyes that started to leak.

"Marshall, it's me… don't you remember?"

He didn't seem to notice her so she left. She never expected to see him here.