Thirteen hundred found them back in Lord Bischoff's private offices. Gunnar was in the hot seat. Shady and Hale were standing at attention behind the chair. The Member of Parliament had been reading the doctor's file for several minutes. To his credit, Jensen sat perfectly still, refusing to give into the urge to fidget.

Finally, Farley spoke, "Still using?"

"No, your Lordship, I've been clean for six weeks," Jensen answered directly.

"DTs?"

"No, sir, managed to get through those in the first two weeks I was locked away."

"Mmm," Bischoff responded. "And any desire to use?"

"Every day, your Lordship, and every day I don't I consider it a victory," Gunnar answered honestly.

"How can I be assured you won't lose this battle?"

Jensen smiled, "Because if I use again, the Lieutenant will shoot me. If I disobey orders, the Private will shoot me and if I do anything that jeopardizes the mission, they will both shoot me."

Shady smiled slightly, looking straight forward, corrected, "Actually, we'll draw straws as to who gets to shoot you, Doctor."

Farley looked up at Powell with a mixture of disdain and disbelief but answered, "Very well." He closed the doctor's file and added it to a small stack in the middle of his desk. He pushed it toward Shady and spoke, "You'll be flying a troop transport from here to Australia. Once there, you'll meet your contact from the OSS; a man by the name of Church. He'll give you the rest of your mission briefing then. Lieutenant Colonel McDonough will have the plane waiting for you at Croughton." Bischoff stood then, Jensen following suit. He handed the folders to Powell who stepped forward to take them. "Gentlemen, wait outside, I need a few more minutes with the Lieutenant."

The men nodded and exited. Shady took the folders and waited for the MI6 boss to continue. She didn't wait long. "Powell, do you know what you're getting into?"

She smiled, "Probably not, Sir."

He chuckled, "At least you're honest." His tone became deadly serious as he gave instructions, "Flying over enemy territory, keep it slow and steady. Don't draw attention. It's important that you are able to complete this mission. Good luck and Godspeed."

"Thank you, sir," Shady answered and left the office.

When they arrived back at Croughton, Powell received instructions to take the group to a hangar on the far side of the base. Waiting there was a pristine troop transport that made Shady's mouth water. She parked the jeep and the two men joined her inside. Jensen and Caesar stayed by the door as Powell walked mesmerized to the vehicle. As she strolled around the plane, she was joined by Master Chief George.

"Who's been working on this charge, Master Chief?" Shady asked, touching the tires reverently.

"I have, Lieutenant," Shelley responded.

She turned around, "Then I know it's been well cared for."

"Damn straight, Powell. And you better bring it back here without so much as a scratch or you'll answer to me. Understood?"

Shady smiled, "Understood, Master Chief." Powell appreciated the dual message given by the enlisted man. To bring his charge back unmolested would be to come back from the mission, whole and successful.

The Master Chief then called to the two men with the Lieutenant and instructed them to follow. He had been given orders by Lieutenant Colonel McDonough to prepare them for the trip, including getting them dressed and getting them extra uniform stores.

Shady did a quick preflight but knew there was nothing left to do but get in the cockpit and fly. All Powell needed to do was go pack her bags to leave. As she came back to the tail, she was met by her commanding officer. She immediately snapped to attention, "Lieutenant Colonel McDonough, sir."

"As you were, Lieutenant," McDonough ordered.

Dropping to parade-rest, she waited for him to speak, "Everything ready, Powell?"

She nodded, "Yes, sir. Everything looks good." Shady paused and then added quickly, "Thank you for recommending me, Sir."

"Don't thank me yet, Powell. You have no idea what you're getting into."

"Just the fact that you think I can do it, Sir. I don't know what to say," Shady faltered.

McDonough cleared his throat, "Guess the Master Chief gave you a strong warning about damaging his plane?"

Powell smiled, "He did, Sir."

The Lieutenant Colonel nodded, "You going to make me give you the order, Lieutenant?"

Shady immediately moved back to attention. She remembered a story her father had shared about his first combat mission and how his ranking officer had given him words of encouragement couched in command language. Powell answered softly, "I think it might be necessary, Colonel."

"I figured as much," the Lieutenant Colonel said imperiously, a smile playing at his lips. He walked up behind her, like a drill sergeant instructing a recruit, "Very well, Lieutenant. Your job is not done here. You are expected to return and resume your responsibilities. You are only on loan for this particular mission. Get your ass back here and in one piece. That's an order issued by your commanding officer and if you fail to comply, you will answer to me." By now, he was in front of her, in her face, "Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal, Sir."

"Very good. Dismissed, Lieutenant." McDonough turned on his heel and left Powell standing behind.

She swallowed and said aloud to no one in particular, "Thank you, sir." And she left to ready her go-bag for the mission. Next stop – Australia.