Rescue


Two Hours Later – Rescue Pod

Lieutenant Burt Dawson stood to the back of the two part rescue pod. His crew had worked fast, faster than they ever had. His Commander had gotten a call from Commodore Braddock requesting their assistance in rescuing two SRU officers trapped in a trawler below the water line. All efforts to reach them from above had stalled and the officers were running out of air.

Dawson checked his watch. Damn it was going to be close based on what he had been told about how long the air would last. It was a damned good thing they were in the area doing practice maneuvers when the call came in. Part of him was glad for the call. It gave them the opportunity to test out this new rescue pod in a real world scenario.

The pod was meant to be used for sub rescues or submerged ships. It had two sections. The first section attached to the ship or sub and created a water tight seal. It contained all the latest and fastest tools for cutting through thick steel hulls. The second section detached from the first in case they needed to make several trips to the surface depending on the number of crew being rescued. That section was equipped with basic medical equipment.

He would also be able to evaluate how his crew work a real rescue. They had aced all the practice runs but there was nothing like the real thing to see how the men operated under pressure. And this was real pressure. The Commodore's nephew was one of the SRU officers.

"Sir we are about to start cutting" Able Seaman Jones informed.

"Make it fast" Dawson ordered. He turned to the medics "Be ready. No telling what state we will find them in." The medics nodded and each made sure that they had the portable oxygen tanks. Those would be the primary need.

Time ticked by slowly until Dawson heard Able Seaman Jones say "We're through" and the medics rushed passed him heading for the opening into the Engine room of the trawler. He hoped they had made it in time.


Trawler – Engine Room

The medics rushed forward with the other seamen who had bright lights. The lights landed on two figures lying prone near the stairs. The medics shared a quick look. The officers were lying in each other's arms. The male officer was cradling the female officer in the crook of this shoulder.

Each attended one. "I've got a pulse. Weak" called the medic with his fingers to Sam's neck. He immediately put the oxygen mask over his mouth and turned it to one-hundred percent oxygen.

"Same here" the other medic stated. Gently extracting the female officer from the male officer he laid her down and put the oxygen mask on her too.

Several seaman ran forward with backboards. They handled the female officer first. Once she was strapped on they rushed her to the rescue pod then returned to get the male officer. They started to move him when the medic called out "Careful of his leg. He has a metal shard protruding from his right calf."

Once they were all aboard the second section the sections were sealed off from one another and they began their ascent to the surface. Lieutenant Dawson dialed the number he had been given when it answered he stated "Sergeant Parker this is Lieutenant Dawson. We have your officers. They are alive but unconscious."

[Greg bent over and collapsed into the chair with relief. Emotion overwhelmed him and he could not speak.]

"Sergeant Parker, did you hear me? We got them. They are alive."

["Yes" came out weakly. Then strongly as the information sunk in "Yes I heard you. The EMTs will be standing by when you surface. Thank you. Thank you very much."]

"No thanks necessary. Just doing our job. I'm glad we made it in time. It was close. Very close" the Lieutenant said looking at the male officer. He grinned. The nephew had a strong familial resemblance to the Commodore. Although he had never met him personally the Commodore was well respected and liked by the men in his command. He was glad they were close enough at hand to help. He had also heard of Sam Braddock too. General Braddock would have been none too pleased if they had failed to reach his only son in time.

He looked at his crew and thought; commendations would be in each of their files before weeks' end based on the Commodore's reputation. They deserved it too. Their speed had been phenomenal. Not that he wanted them tested again in a real world situation like this but he was glad his crew was up to the task if need be. He smiled as he pulled out his phone to make a call to his Commander who would then inform the Commodore.


Dock

Ed, Spike and Greg stood back as Jules and Sam were loaded in ambulances. Spike looked at both of them and said "We going?"

Greg patted Spike's shoulder "Yeah. You two head out now. I'll join when this is wrapped up."

Ed saw the deep look of concern that etched Greg's face as he watched the gurney with Jules roll passed. He could tell Greg wanted to go with her to make sure she was alright. They all knew Jules held a uniquely special place in Greg's heart. She was the daughter he never had. Ed looked at Greg "You go. I'll finish up here."

Greg looked at Ed and saw understanding. He hesitated.

"Go. It's what you would do for anyone of us. Go" Ed stated again.

Spike tugged on Greg's arm pulling him in the direction of the SUV "The SUV's over here. Ed we'll see you there shortly. Right?"

"Yeah. Take care of him" Ed said nodding towards Greg.

"Copy that" Spike responded as he guided Greg towards the SUV. He opened the passenger door and nudged Greg to get in. Spike could see that the stress of the past hours had taken a toll on the Sarge.

They had all begun to think that they would not get to Sam and Jules in time. They nearly didn't. Seeing their unconscious bodies unloaded from the rescue pod was a huge beacon proclaiming how close it had been. Now they just had to wait to find out if any damage had been done due to the lack of oxygen.

As Spike drove quickly through the streets he glanced over at Greg. He felt he needed to say something. "It's Sam and Jules. They are tough. They will be okay."

Greg pulled himself from his reverie hearing the mixed emotion in Spike's voice. It was part confidence and part plea. He straightened and said positively "Yes. They will be okay. They are strong."

They shared a glance and both nodded. Only positive thoughts would be allowed.


Hospital – ER Room Three

"Dave keep an eye on him for me please. I need get the latest blood gases report for Dr. Fraser. He needs them before we can transfer him to surgery. Remember if he starts to wake to stand back do not approach him without him knowing you are there. Sam may be disoriented and he is ex-special forces. You may be a pain in the butt but I still like you enough not to wish death on you" Nurse Clare laughed as she instructed the orderly.

Dave grinned "Sure Clare." He was new in the ER but he liked the group of doctors and nurses here. He had been surprised at the amount of activity and preparation that took place when dispatch informed them they would be receiving two SRU officers. The look of concern that crossed Nurse Clare's face when she saw who they were shocked him too.

Since those initial moments he had learned that Sam and Jules and the rest of their team were well respected here. The nurses and doctors went above and beyond for these two. He chuckled when he saw instead of their last names on the ER boards the duty nurse had written JULES and SAMTASTIC.


Hospital – ER Waiting Room

Dr. Fraser opened the door and found Greg, Ed and Spike all pacing. He smiled as he approached them. All three came to a stop as they saw him approach.

"Well it's good to see we didn't see every member of Team One today" Dr. Fraser said as he put his hand out to shake Greg's.

Greg grimaced and shook Dr. Fraser's hand "Would've been none if I had my way. How are they doing?"

Fraser started "First let me update you on Raf. He has a mild concussion and we will be keeping him overnight just for observation. He is doing well. He has been moved to a private room. He wanted me to let you know his girlfriend keeping him company so you should concentrate on Sam and Jules."

Ed blew out a breath "That's good to hear. What room?"

"Room 1009. As for Sam and Jules. We are running tests but things look good. I am just waiting for the latest blood gasses on Sam before we take him up to surgery. Dr. Mallard will be doing the surgery to remove the metal fragment. Doesn't look like it did much damage from the scans but Dr. Mallard will be able to tell once he …."

Whatever else Dr. Fraser was going to say stilled and died on his tongue as the entire ER was rent with Sam's heartbreakingly desolate, pain filled, elongated cry of "JUUUUUUUUULLES."

Followed by an alarm calling for Dr. Fraser for code blue in ER Room Three.

Dr. Fraser pivoted and raced into the ER. On his heels were Ed, Greg and Spike.