SO sorry it took so long to get this up! I started back at college this past week and 4 days into the new semester and I'm already stressed about what's to come. Anyways, here's the next chapter! It's shorter than the past few because, for some reason, this one was just really hard to write. I hope you enjoy.


En route to Winsor Plaza

The drive to Winsor Plaza was an interesting one for all members of Team One. In the first SUV, occupied by Greg, Ed and Wordy, details of the hot call were shared and ideas on different tactical plans were thrown around. Jules and Spike, who were in the second SUV with Sam, gave their input as well and soon they had a plan set up and ready to be put into motion. Greg, concerned by the lack of tactical input from Sam, turned his mic off and signaled for Ed and Wordy to do the same. Once disconnected from the rest of the team, Ed and Wordy looked at Greg expectantly. "What's up Greg?" Ed asked, taking off his aviators to look at his boss.

"Did anyone else notice that Sam was silent during the tact planning?" Greg asked, casting a sideways glance at Ed in the passenger seat and Wordy in the rearview mirror. He watched their faces change as the realization hit them.

"You're right," Wordy said, leaning forward to place himself in between the front seats. "Sam didn't say anything. He loves tact planning and he didn't speak once, not even to argue with Ed or throw in his own suggestions."

Greg nodded and looked over at Ed who seemed to be deep in thought. "Eddy? What do you think?"

"I think there's a reason we haven't had him in a Sierra position since he's been back…" Ed sighed, looking over at Greg and Wordy. "Every time I think he's getting back to the old Sam, he has another flashback and things go back to the way they were when he first stepped off that plane."

"I know what you mean," Wordy added from the backseat.

Greg nodded in agreement. "I understand, but in relation to this call and everything that happened this morning, do you think Sam can handle this?"

"Honestly? I'm not sure. He's passed all of his evaluations and his requalification, and physically he's in tip-top shape so he knows what he's doing and can still do it as well as he always has, but mentally and emotionally—that's an entirely different ballgame. This could be a turning point for Sam or it could be the thing that completely pushes him over the edge."

"Well, for all our sakes, I hope it's the first one; I don't think this team can handle losing him again." Wordy added as he leaned back in his seat. Greg and Ed both nodded in agreement and the rest of the ride was spent in silence as each man contemplated the team's future.

The atmosphere in the second SUV, where Spike, Jules and Sam were was a complete 180 from the first SUV, on the surface at least. Spike and Jules were arguing about last night's hockey game and whether or not the refs cheated the Maple Leafs out of a win. Sam would give the occasional input or a small laugh at Spike's animated arguments but he spent the majority of the ride staring out the window. Whenever Sam would go quiet, Spike and Jules would share a concerned look with each other, saddened by what their teammate and loved one was going through. The memories of his flashback played through their heads and it hurt them to know that Sam was still being tormented by his time overseas.

Jules, having had many "mic off" conversations with Sarge, knew that the silence that filled their comms meant that Greg, Ed and Wordy were having a serious conversation in the other SUV, one that most likely involved Sam. Her heart ached for the man she loved and she only hoped that when Sam agreed to let the team help him this morning he meant it. She wanted her Sam back, not the shell of a man that sat in the seat beside her, and she would do whatever it took to get him back.

Spike had some of the same thoughts as Jules; he had already lost one of his best friends, he would be damned if he lost another. Sam had been through hell, and he along with the rest of the team would make sure that they got their Sam back.

The rest of the ride to Winsor Plaza found 6 SRU officers all lost in their thoughts and eventually, as they drew near to their destination, Greg turned the mics back on and prepped his team for the upcoming call and whatever may come with it.


Hope you enjoyed!