A/N: I am so sorry to all the readers out there anxiously awaiting this chapter. Life got in the way for so long, but it is now summer, and I finally have the time to write. Hope this lives up to the hype!

"So what is going on, ?" The Governor asks sternly, folding his hands on the large wooden desk. Chin stands in front of him, giving a status update on the two absent members of the 5-0 task force. It is not a task he relishes, but is forced to do all the same.

"At this point in time, extensive efforts have been put into locating both Steve McGarrett and Daniel Williams, with little progress to show. All of their bills were paid off months in advance, their bank accounts were closed, all credit cards have been canceled, and their phones, guns, and badges were left behind. At this point in time, we cannot fathom where they have gone or why they did so. No threatening or suspicious communications have been found, and neither of their families have reported any unusual activity."

The Governor nods slowly, absorbing all information. He only trusts the 5-0 task force as far as he could throw them, and questions internally how hard they would really look. Time and time again, he had seen how far the team would go for each other, and does not doubt that they would help hide the MIA members if the situation called for it. However, he cannot very well use state resources to find two men who clearly do not want to be found.

"Are you confident that you have exhausted every possible avenue? Do you expect to make progress?"

"Given the military history of Commander McGarrett, and the undercover work of Detective Williams, I have no doubts that they are not going to be found until they are ready. We have exhausted every possible avenue, with any effort now being futile."

"Very well. I am now officially suspending both Commander McGarrett and Detective Williams for abandonment of post, and will send you the files of worthy officers for consideration of fulfillment of position. Additionally, I am promoting you to Team Leader, and Officer Kalakaua to the position of second-in-command. The new officers will take both your places. Thank you Detective." Chin nods respectfully and leaves cussing up a storm internally.

Kono and Lou wait in the car parked outside the capitol building. Chin sighs as he got in on the drivers' side.

"Well, how it'd go?" Lou asks. Chin shakes his head.

"Not well. McGarrett and Danny are suspended, I am the new team lead, and Kono is now second in command. They'll send us the files of new officers to consider."

Kono and Lou both sigh at the expected outcome, because electing new members felt like admitting defeat. However, there are still cases that require their attention, and they cannot be expected to chase ghosts forever. For the meantime, they have to trust that the two missing members were safest together, until they were given a reason to believe otherwise.

Xxxxx

Later that evening, in a motel thousands of miles away from the place he called home, Danny Williams watches as both he and Steve are declared suspended. On the evening news, their pictures are shown above a headline of "Officers of Task Force Suspended." He sighs and drops his head as the anchors flip to a press conference the Governor had held earlier in the evening.

Steve comes through the door, carrying a brown bag filled with Chinese food.

"What's the matter," he asks, seeing the slumped posture of his partner.

"Evening news says we've been suspended for 'abandonment of post,'" Danny replies, halfheartedly gesturing to the ancient television. Steve sets the bag down on the counter, and thumps heavily on the bed next to Danny.

"We knew something like this would happen. The team hasn't found anything by now," Steve says, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Is this worth it?" Danny questions. "I just want to go home."

"This is what we have to do to keep them safe. You know that as well as I do."

"Yeah," Danny agrees softly. "I just wish this didn't hurt so damn much."

The two sit in silence for a moment more before Steve gets up to start unpacking the food. The men silently eat, the soft sound of the television the only noise to be heard.

"How does this end?" Danny wonders aloud. He turns to Steve fully. "I mean, really? How can we just pick up the lives we left behind?"

"When we find whoever is after us. Eventually, if we wait long enough, they will make a mistake, reveal their hand. And then, we go after them, and win. And as for the bit about our lives, I don't know. I really don't. All I can do is hope and pray that everyone understands."

Danny stands, paces across the room to the window. He studies the world outside, lit only by street lamps.

"I have a kid, Steve. God, Grace must be a wreck wondering where I am."

"Danny, go home if you feel that's best. I didn't force you to do this."

"The way you made it sound, it seemed like we didn't have another choice. Yet, no one's done anything to try and flush us out."

"Like I said, go home if you'd like, but you know these things take time."

"Yeah, I know. I'm going for a walk," Danny informs him. Silently, he enters the dark night, shutting the door softly behind him.