A/N: No copyright infringement intended. No money exchanged hands. This was done all in good fun. Warning: Language and possible disciplinary action toward teenagers. Not beta'd, all mistakes are my own. If you don't like by all means stop reading. I am not forcing anybody to do so. As for the rest, enjoy! Remember folks, it's a work of fiction.

Thank you to all of those who have reviewed. Your comments are well appreciated. Also to everyone who has added the story as a favorite or an alert, it too is appreciated.

Chapter 7

"Gentlemen it's time we were on our way." Mantaya spoke to his men "My

Cousin, Miguel, is in need of my services seems some unknown foolish person of interest is trying to take some of his clientele."

"We know how to take care of that type." A wicked grin spread across Jone's features.

"That's why I hired you. Get your things. We leave tonight. Don't be late."

"We'll be there." Another voice confirmed their allegiance.

"Wouldn't expect anything less from men of your status," The notorious arms dealer said.


"Sir, their flight is confirmed."

"Excellent. Arrange to have the Black Marauders here when they make their arrival." Cervantes inhaled deeply on the cigarillo he held between his thin lips.

"Yes sir."


Travis received a call that same day. The voice on the other end said, "It's on."

"Good. Be careful, Mantaya is on the move. You may run into Buck and your father. Remember do not provoke either. Get the job done and perhaps we will all make it out alive."

"I plan on it. I'm only afraid of one thing."

"He'll forgive you."

"No, he'll forgive you Director. Me, I won't be so lucky."


In the following days the Black Marauders proved their weight in gold. They kept Cervantes in the know as to the whereabouts of the ATF courtesy of the false information provided by the Director otherwise known as their snitch. Cervantes was pleased.

Joe was impressed by the digs in which Cervantes dwelled in to bide his time. Jesse and Sly left their friends to see how close they could get to Cervantes within his humble abode. They were putting their stealth to good use. The hand signals they developed worked well in this situation.


"Raphael, I finally have an empire I am proud of, yet there is always someone who wants to topple the king. Why is that?"

The other man remained quiet. He knew it was a rhetorical question. Miguel liked to hear himself talk. Think things through as he pondered his problems out loud.

"I am pleased that the Black Marauders have joined our forces. It keeps the cat away as the mice play for keeps.

"Have you ever heard of these men, Raphael?" Cervantes waved a hand in front of his computer screen. "They have been hired recently by Mantaya. Their names are Ben Jones and Johnny Harper."

Raphael quickly assessed in his head that these must be the two undercover ATF agents. "I have."

Miguel leaned back in his chair, laced his fingers in front of him, and looked the epitome of relaxed. "Tell me what you have heard."

Without any pretense Raphael reported what he knew of the two gentlemen Mr. Mantaya recently hired on. "Mr. Jones is an explosives expert. I have even heard he is one of the most wanted men in the area." At least by the ladies, but Raphael kept that secret to himself.

"And this Mr. Harper what is he like?"

"He's a hard man. Emotionless, except when angered then he is downright dangerous or so I have heard."

Miguel filed that information away. "Well I can't wait to meet these notorious men."


Later that same day, Raphael wondered who would be more surprised ATF or the Black Marauders. His questions were answered by a couple of stealthy shadows outside his quarters. ATF. Without a doubt.

The two men greeted one another with open arms, family, a word that meant something to these infamous men.

"Julio it's been far too long. Como esta?"

"Muy bien and you?"

"I've been better."

"I see life hasn't kept you out of the game."

"I think it's time for some introductions."

"Ah you have heard of my recent acquisitions." Julio boasted.

"I try to stay on top of things. If I didn't I'd be dead."

"Too true."

"They've been the talk of the town."

Mantaya whistled sharply. Two men stepped into the room. Both men were lean and muscular. Raphael was right. Men hardened by life.

Buck the more cordial of the two held his hand out to greet the drug lord. "Ben Jones. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."

Miguel shook hands with the charismatic man. "Then you must be Johnny Harper." He had stepped forward to greet the other man next to Mr. Jones.

This man refused to offer his hand in greeting. A cold calculating glare was all that was offered in return.

"Johnny! Stand down." Julio admonished. "Show some respect." Harper backed off on command, but his facial expression never changed.

Cervantes laughed. "Their reputations precede them. You have done well. Now it is time to meet my affiliates." He nodded to Raphael, who then used a hand signal and the Black Marauders filed into the room.

The two men flanking Mantaya received the shock of their lives. Years of training and experience kept them from reacting in any way, yet their minds were whirling with unanswered questions. What the hell were they doing here?

Julio was far from impressed by his cousin's choice of backup. "Miguel, this is very disappointing coming from an imposing man like you." He locked eyes with one particular boy while he sneered to his cousin. "Little boys? How much help will they be Miguel?"

Cervantes knew what his cousin's answer would be before he even said it. "Oh don't be such a stick in the mud. I've seen firsthand what these so called 'little boys' can do. You too will be amazed."

Unconvinced by Miguel's speech Julio said with as much skepticism as he could, "Then go ahead and amaze me." His tone had the desired effect.

"Maybe you misunderstood your cousin." A bold teen said from the front. "My amigos and I do not perform on command like your two stooges." Jesse purposely brushed open his jacket to reveal a holstered semi-automatic revolver.

It was a small display of intimidation. He was showing this Mantaya guy that he wasn't intimidated by him or the two goons he brought with him. In fact, that was only a piece of his arsenal. He and his gang were heavily armed. Besides the shoulder holster he also had a small caliber gun holstered on the back of his waistband currently concealed by his jacket. Switchblade hidden up his sleeve and a knife tucked away in his boot. They weren't taking any chances.

Julio sniffed disdainfully at the Black Marauders. "You know where I come from little boys who play with guns are soundly spanked."

Is that the best you can do? What a moron, Jesse thought. "Men who resort to such indignities normally are trying hard to compensate for what they physically lack."

Miguel almost bust a gut. He so liked this kid a surprise at every turn. He watched, waiting for his cousin's reaction. No one had ever spoken to Julio in such a manner.

Oh no, he did not just say that! Buck wondered if any of them would survive this fiasco.

Jesse either didn't register the slight shift in body language by Julio or take into account how fast his dad could move. In two angry strides Johnny Harper was in his face holding him accountable for the insult he had thrown at his employer. If he hadn't known this was his father he would be a bit intimidated by the wild eyed man in front of him fisting his shirt.

"Apologize runt!"

"Make me!"

The open handed blow to his left cheek was highly unexpected. So was the shove to the ground. Jesse rolled quickly out of the way, his blade ready to do the talking.

The man known as Julio clapped his hands yelling, "Bravo Miguel! If the rest of them are anything like him then you do have a formidable team on your side. Johnny! That will do."

Harper and Ace openly glared at one another. "This ain't over kid." The man snarled.

Jesse didn't hesitate with his answer. Pure street talk flowed easily off of his silver tongue. "I can take you any time old man."

"Enough! Ace, take your posse and disappear." Cervantes ordered. The Black Marauders openly gave the men a few parting signs before they obeyed Miguel's direct orders. Hostility coated the air.


Later that evening Joe asked Jesse how he was doing. "Reeling. I thought I mentally prepared myself for anything." He took the offered cold can of soda and held it against his throbbing face. He winced as it made contact.

"Man, I can't believe he did that. He never flinched and come to think of it neither did you." The accusation hung in the air. "I can't believe you provoked him. Travis warned you not to try anything."

The scene kept replaying in his mind even as he answered. "Had to know how far he'd take it." The proof of that was on his face.

"And your conclusion?"

"That this gig is going to be tougher than any of us have realized. There is no way Raph or Travis could've prepared us for this. They're going to use any means to prove their loyalty."

It only took a moment for the truth to hit Joe. "What?" Disbelief didn't even begin to cover Joe's expression. "You're telling me they'd kill us."

"Without even blinking," Jesse finished. "Better practice holding your breath."

A whoosh of air left Joe's mouth. "How do you think they'll pull that off?"

"I'm sure they've done it before." He wasn't sure if he sounded convincing, because he too had a bit of apprehension.

"I hope you're right. I wonder what they're thinking."

"Probably planning our demise or at least mine," Jesse ruefully concluded.

Neither said another word. They had a lot to think about and how they would put this new knowledge to use.


Jesse's thoughts weren't too far off as Chris and Buck alias Johnny Harper and Benny "Blow 'em sky high" Jones sat and discussed the previous events. There were few times when Buck and he could really talk, however when they did get a reprieve they used it to their advantage.

Buck finally exploded when they were in the clear. "Chris! Why are the Black Marauders under Cervantes' control? Were you aware of this?"

"Hell Buck! We've been gone five months. Of course I wasn't aware of this! Someone has blindsided us." His gut was in knots. He had no idea why Jesse and his gang were playing the fool for the drug lord. "My biggest fear is that they've gone and got themselves involved and can't get out of it."

"I can tell you one thing. They're in over their heads."

Raking a hand through his disheveled hair, Chris glared at his partner. "Don't you think I know that?" His thoughts lingered on his son. Jesse, what the hell have you gotten yourself into? Chris paced back and forth. "Buck, you have no idea how close I came to breaking cover today."

"I know. It took everything I had not to give in to the slightest form of recognition. Speaking of which…Chris…"

Chris looked at Buck. "What's on your mind?"

"The kid acted like he didn't recognize us either. Not a flicker of emotion. He purposely provoked you. He wanted a reaction. In a way I think we've been had."

"How you figure?"

"Think about it stud: Basic training 101." Buck watched his boss and friend process the information. He also stepped back as not to provide an easy target for the flow of anger that would hit the surface at any moment.

His wasn't in the least disappointed as he heard Chris explode. "No! Why would he…makes no sense…Shit!"

"Was I right?"

"Damn it! They're undercover. Travis is behind this." Chris hissed between clenched teeth as he slammed his fist into a neighboring wall.

"Easy pard. What I don't understand is why would he need Jesse and his friends?"

"Think Buck. Remember when he gave us this assignment."

Flashback

"Gentlemen, if you're ready we'll begin."

The Director's voice was calm and demanding gaining everybody's attention. "We have received word that a new arms and explosives shipment is en route to our fair city. It would seem it may be in conjunction with Cervantes takeover of the Upper East Side. Because of its sensitivity I am requesting that our explosives expert, Buck Wilmington and Team Seven's leader, Chris Larabee will act as the undercover agents on this case.

"Ezra, Vin, your names have been dropped due to your previous case loads. This man Julio Mantaya has many associates that have crossed your paths. I am not taking any chances having this man disappear off the radar."

Chris interrupted. "Director..."

"I know you and Buck haven't been undercover in ages, but you will be provided with an extensive background and you will have five months to ingratiate yourselves into the lion's den.

"As to your concern involving your son, I will personally watch over him. The rest of your team will be your backup when the time comes."

"What about Cervantes? Who's handling that scoundrel?"

Travis didn't miss a beat. "That scoundrel will be the focus of another team. My only fear is the possibility of Cervantes and Mantaya teaming up or beginning a war between their two empires. We will have to wait and see."

End Flashback

"One thing is for certain, the old man was correct on his assumption. Those two bastards did the inevitable: they joined forces."

"The question remains: who are we against? If it is another ATF team will they be aware of the Marauder's involvement?" Chris grimaced as that thought took hold of his gut. He prayed they all escaped without too much damage.

"Don't worry Chris; Orin wouldn't willingly put Jesse or the Black Marauders in the crosshairs. Besides, I'm sure the team knows more of this than we do." Buck fervently prayed his assumption was correct.


Vin's coffee mug hit the floor shattering and spilling its hot contents over everything in its path. "Shit!"

Nathan had just passed the sharpshooter's desk. "Vin, you alright?" He could see the distress in his friend's eyes.

"Does it look like I'm alright?" Vin answered rather sharply. A few more expletives rolled off the Texan's tongue.

By now Ezra, J.D., and Josiah had stopped working. They could feel that all was unwell.

Pressing his luck Nathan asked. "What happened? I saw you pick up your mug and just as suddenly you dropped it. Is it Chris?"

"I think so. Not sure."

"You look like something shocked you."

"That's exactly what it felt like; a jolt of electricity."

J.D. then asked, "Like torture?"

"Not a physical jolt it's more like an emotion."

Ezra's green eyes met Vin's simultaneously as they said in unison. "Jesse."

"Vin, has the Director returned your call."

"Not yet."

"Am I the only one to find that odd? That tells me he knows more than he's been willing to share."

"You know what else is odd?"

"What J.D.?"

"I can't bring the Black Marauders up on the computer. Their files are suddenly classified."

"As of when?"

"That's just it. It doesn't say."

"Wished you looked them up sooner we could've had some answers."

"Gee, you think." J.D. looked at his loaded 'in' box for emphasis.

"Easy there J.D., Nathan didn't mean any harm. Think you can hack into it without setting off any inner alarms?"

"Way ahead of you," J.D. loudly confirmed.

"Now that's what I call motivation."

"I, for one, think it's time we paid our Director an impromptu visit. What's your take on this?" Ezra asked of Vin.

Vin agreed. Things had definitely gotten out of hand and it wasn't like the Director to keep stuff from them, unless…Damn! No way! A random thought hit Vin hard.

Ezra placed a hand on Vin's shoulder momentarily pausing their interim leader. "What is it?"

"We got trouble if the Bureau has done what I think they've done." He immediately called and got Travis' secretary. "Well tell him it's important. Yes, I'll wait."

The rest of them waited for the answer. "Okay, good enough, we'll see him in ten minutes.

"J.D., how's it going?"

"I'm in." There was a slight momentary pause. "Holy crap!"


Ten minutes later the team found themselves in the Director's conference room. Vin took the initiative. "Thanks for meeting with us."

"Cut the formalities Tanner. I know what this is about." Orin had made up his mind when his secretary informed him Team Seven wanted a moment of his time.

"Do Chris and Buck know?"

"They didn't at first, but my sources have informed me that Cervantes and Mantaya have recently joined forces. So I'm guessing they do now."

"Then why?" Vin sounded and looked as perplexed as the others. "Why bring in the Black Marauders?" His worry was sound.

The Director kept eye contact with Vin as he explained. "The same reason as to why you convinced Chris to allow the Marauders to assist your team several months back."

Vin had tried to argue. "But that was…"

"Different? I don't think so. You saw past their reputation and focused on their skills. They may be individuals but they function rather well as a formidable team. A few others and I decided to initiate a pilot program…"

"Involving a young team of boys who…"

"Can't what Ezra? They knew who had entered and taken over their territory. They also knew what they were going to do about it. If I hadn't stepped in they would be in the thick of it with only the skills they had to protect themselves. "

"So you upped the ante and gave them the training and the protection of the Bureau. When did you figure the cousins would join forces?"

"It was inevitable when another factor came into play."

"Team Five."

"Yes."

"You purposely set the ball in motion."

"Yes. It's time those men were brought to justice. Why not give it a shove in our favor."

"What would you have done if it went south?"

"Improvised just like you men do all the time."

"I still don't like using the Black Marauders."

"I understand Vin, and Chris will feel the same. However, you'll see how well those boys do with a little professional guidance."

"Raphael."

Travis nodded. "I see you finally figured that one out."

"Thanks to J.D."

"And what else has J.D. figured out?"

"Uh…"

It was like catching kids red handed with their hands in the forbidden cookie jar before mealtime. When would Team Seven learn that he was on top of things? He knew that J.D. and even Ezra were the computer whizzes of the team. At least one of them would try and hack into the system. "Well, I'm waiting…"

"Well you see…" Of course it would be the silver tongued devil who would try to get their butts out of the proverbial sling. The Director knew it would be a long day.