Present Day…
US Marine Base Field Hospital
Kabul, Afghanistan
A black US Government car was waved through the gates of the Marine Base and headed directly for the Field Hospital. A Secret Service security detail emerged and scouted the perimeter of the hospital before allowing their VIP passengers to disembark from the vehicle. When the all clear was given, the doors were opened and the two dignitaries entered the hospital. Their unannounced appearance created an enormous flurry amongst the hospital staff. It was not every day that a Field Hospital in Afghanistan received a visit from such highly ranked government officials.
Maverick woke with a start when he heard the approaching footsteps. He glanced at his watch, surprised that he had fallen asleep over four hours ago. His eyes lingered on Maddie. She hadn't moved at all but he could have sworn that she had a little more color back in her face.
He watched the doorway, expecting to see the other members of his team enter to check on Angel's condition. Instead, he was confronted by two Secret Service Agents, followed closely by two of the highest ranked politicians in the US Government. He jumped quickly to his feet, standing at rigid attention and snapping a smart salute.
"At ease Captain." General Rod Browning, the US Secretary of Defense, barked at him. Maverick allowed himself to relax a little.
"Son, you look like hell." The General observed. "You need to get some rest."
"With all due respect Sir, I will not leave a member of my team until I know for sure that they are out of danger." He told the general.
"And how is our little Angel doing?" William Stanford asked him gently. The US Ambassador to Lebanon was now the US Secretary of State. He moved forward and softly brushed some stray hair away from Maddie's cheek, a concerned expression on his face.
"There's little change, Sir." Maverick answered him. "She lost a lot of blood and has some pretty serious internal injuries, but the doctors seem to think that they've stopped the bleeding, so now it's just a waiting game."
"She saved my life as well as my families, you know." Secretary Stanford said in hushed tones. "She was willing to sacrifice her own life to protect ours. I just wish there was more I could do."
"I know Sir." Maverick replied gently. "I was on the recon team that stormed the embassy. That's where I first met her." The two government officials didn't miss the tone in Captain Mitchell's voice and glanced knowingly at each other.
"She'll pull through this son." General Browning laid a hand on Maverick's shoulder. "She's tough, you know that, and she's getting the best medical care available. As soon as she's stable enough, we'll arrange transport back to the government medical facility in
Washington. It'll be ok, you'll see."
Maverick gave the General a weak smile and they stood quietly for a few minutes, only the beeping of the monitors breaking the peace that had settled over the room.
"Well I say she's faking it just to get out of training exercises." Rainmaker said to his fellow teammates as they walked down the corridor towards Angel's room.
"Don't you let Mitchell hear you say that." Lee grinned at him. "He'll take your head off for making a comment like that about his precious Angel."
"Well I think you should both shut up before I knock your heads together and make you." Kaz glowered threateningly at them, and Watcher nodded in agreeance.
"Angel's in there fighting for her life and you two are busy making jokes." She whacked Rainmaker across the head before pushing open the door to the hospital room and stopping dead in her tracks, causing Lee to run right into the back of her.
"Holy shi…." Lee clamped a hand over her mouth before she could finish the expletive, his eyes widening as he recognized the dignitaries in the room. The Secret Service Agents had drawn their weapons and had them trained steadily on the little group in the doorway.
"It's alright men, you can stand down." Secretary Stanford instructed. "I take it that these are the other members of your team, Captain Mitchell?" Maverick nodded in confirmation.
"Jesus, when Angel used to tell me she had friends in high places, I thought she was kidding." Watcher breathed in amazement.
Kaz recovered from her initial shock and walked over to Maverick, totally disregarding any protocol the situation may have called for.
"So how's she doing Mav?" She asked him gently.
"She still hasn't regained consciousness, but I think she's got a bit more color back in her face, which is a good sign, isn't it?" He turned hopeful eyes towards Kaz.
"It sure is." Kaz agreed with him.
"Captain Mitchell." The General interrupted, "We'd best be going. Our security chief is already having a major hissy fit over this unscheduled visit, but please keep us informed on her progress and I'll arrange that transport as soon as she is stable enough to be moved." He snapped Maverick and the team a smart salute.
Secretary Stanford offered his hand to Maverick in a farewell gesture.
"She'll be ok son." He said reassuringly. "That little girl is a real survivor." He turned to leave, but hesitated for a moment in the doorway.
"By the way, the President asked me to tell you all personally how pleased he is with the work you have all undertaken here. He is following your progress with interest." He smiled before disappearing down the hallway.
"Did he mean President Maybury? The President of the United States?" Rainmaker asked in amazement.
"No stupid." Kaz gave him a withering look. "He meant the President of Disneyland. Of course he meant President Maybury."
"God, if I'd known Angel was that well connected, I'd have convinced her to land us a cushy assignment somewhere on a nice sunny Caribbean Island." Watcher said dryly.