Ensconced in his office at Red Star, Seb worked to establish remote access to Airwolf's computer systems via the communications link. Communications even via the radio were sporadic at best, and though he'd spoken with String, it'd been a frustrating experience for all concerned as they'd tried working through the hardware and software issues only to lose radio contact repeatedly. Scowling in frustration, Seb shoved wire-framed glasses up his nose and ran exasperated fingers through his already rumpled blonde hair, standing it completely on end.

Forty-five minutes. That was all the time he had left to make this work - assuming of course, he was even lucky enough to raise his brother on the radio again, a prospect that was looking more remote by the minute.

Finally, the radio link connected. "String? String, do you read?"

"I'm here, Seb," Hawke murmured, the connection staticy. "Make it fast, we're about to be out of range."

"Pick up is in Cordoza. Your contact will be a Raquel Santiago, works for Salvador Guteriez. She's one of ours - black hair, green eyes, slender build. Works at a concrete block building at the edge of town. Mike can give you the landing area. Pick up Santiago as well. Guteriez made her predecessor after the last attempt, and she ended up dead in a rather ugly fashion. Archangel doesn't want the same to happen to Santiago."

"Gotcha," String agreed. "Anything else?"

"Don't get caught. Guteriez would love nothing more than to get his hands on a new guinea pig to test out his drug on and you and Airwolf would give him the perfect opportunity to try it on a large scale. From the sounds of it, it's pretty deadly stuff - highly effective, highly addictive and potentially highly lethal."

"Yeah, figures," String said grimly.


Stepping out of the deepening twilight, Stringfellow Hawke made his way down to the little cantina at the edge of town. His stomach was rumbling from the long wait, and he was pretty sure the slender woman with the long black hair he'd been tailing from the edge of town was Raquel Santiago. Would've been nice to have had a picture of her to compare to, he thought ruefully, but the mannerisms and facial features were wrong for a local. There was just something patently American about the woman somehow.

Seemingly oblivious to her tail, Santiago briskly strode into the adobe cantina, Hawke hurrying to keep her in sight. She disappeared into the building even as he lengthened his stride so as not to lose her. Loping, he cut around the corner of the building, and drew up short, a black, snub-nosed .9mm pointed directly at his chest.

He froze in mid-step, raising his hands.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" she demanded, green eyes glittering dangerously.

Hawke swallowed, straightening and drawing himself up to his full height. The icy blue eyes narrowed as he faced her.

"Spill," she spat. "I don't know you, and I have no compunction about shooting you, so you'd better start talking.

Fingers locked behind his head, Hawke prayed Archangel's intelligence had been good and his own gut was on track, because he was going to need it. "Stringfellow Hawke, I work for the Firm. Archangel sent me." The blue eyes tracked her reaction intently.

Jade green eyes, narrowed thoughtfully as she watched him. "Who're you supposed to meet?"

Hawke frowned. Simple question, not so simple answer. If he was wrong about who she was, not only would his own life likely be forfeit, but Raquel Santiago's as well. He cast about for an answer that didn't risk getting everybody killed. Unfortunately, none came.

"Now!" she ordered, the click of the safety loud in his ears. He had no doubt, she'd be happy to shoot him.

"Raquel Santiago," he sighed, hoping his gut hadn't failed him this time.

Slowly, Jade lowered the gun, still watching him suspiciously, hoping he was who he said he was. Oh, the joys of undercover work, she thought sardonically. Where never knowing who your friends were and putting your life in complete strangers hands was the norm.

Jerking her head to the side, she motioned for him to come with her. "Not here," she muttered. "Guteriez has eyes everywhere."

"Then where?" Hawke demanded tersely, all too aware of the time slipping away and that Saint John and Rivers would come looking for him before much longer.

"Edge of town, one hour. Near the creek bed."

He nodded. "I'll be there." Silently, he turned to go.

Sliding the gun into the folds of her skirt, she watched him go before adding, her voice low, "Don't disappoint me, Mr. Hawke. I'd hate to have to kill you now that we've met," and with that, she disappeared into the shadows of the noisy cantina.

Trudging wearily back the way he'd come, String headed silently towards Airwolf. He only hoped the rest of the mission went more smoothly than it had so far. It was days like this that reminded him why he was no longer an operative for the Firm and Michael.

Quietly, he made his way back along the rock strewn path to update Rivers and Saint John on the new plan.

Stealthy footsteps shadowed him, and despite his keen hearing, never once did Hawke realize they were there the entire way back.