XI
The two F-18's soar through the open sky to where the other two Hornets are fighting for their lives.
"Shadow 1 do you see them?" Sage says.
"Copy that, right above us. Looks like about five, no six bogies in the area."
"Affirmative, follow me in sir."
"Today I'm your wingman Shadow 2, you can drop the sir." Stone replies.
"Understood, Commander Hughes do you copy?"
"Sage, is that you?" Hughes replies.
"Affirmative Commander, I brought backup and we're cruising right behind you." Sage says.
"You're what!?" Hughes says incredulously.
Sage laughs over the radio. "You heard me Commander, now let's get to work and wipe out these Migs."
Suddenly Stone notices Hughes' wingman has a bogie right on his tail! "Commander Hughes, your wingman has got a bogie on his six."
"Flint, break off!" Hughes says to his wingman.
Before he can break off the pursuing Mig fires a missile; the projectile tracks its target and detonates! The three remaining pilots hear Flint's mayday over the radio just before he ejects out of the wrecked fighter.
"Forrestal this is Hughes, we have a bird down, we have a pilot down. Dispatch search and rescue to retrieve."
"Copy Commander." A radioman says. "Do you see a chute?"
"Copy that we have a good chute opening." Hughes replies.
Meanwhile another Mig circles around behind Stone, luckily he notices the enemy fighter on his tails and suggests they split up.
"Breaking right." Stone says.
The enemy plane follows its original target as the three Hornets break away.
"Commander, fall back and cover me." Sage says maneuvering to get behind the Mig's tail.
A moment later the Mig acquires a missile lock on Stone.
"He's locked onto me!" Stone exclaims.
"Shadow 1 break left now!" Sage orders.
Stone does as instructed just as the Mig fires; the projectile misses Stone just as Sage gets a lock on the fighter.
"Firing." She states. A moment later the Mig explodes.
"Thanks Shadow 2." Stone says.
"No problem. You've got one to your right, can you get him?"
"Affirmative."
"We'll stay back and cover you." Sage says.
Stone pulls back on his stick maneuvering right to come behind the bogie. Within a few moments he acquires a lock and fires destroying the Mig.
"Watch out Shadow 1 there's one heading straight at you!" Sage exclaims.
Stone looks dead center to see the Mig-29 firing its guns; he makes a hard right turn downward but is slightly hit by the enemy gunfire.
"I'm hit, I'm hit!"
"Looks like he clipped you under the wing, how's everything look?" Sage asks.
"I think I'm okay, I don't appear to be leaking fuel. I'm okay, let's go get that son-of-a-bitch!" Stone says.
"I'm already on it!" Sage replies.
As Sage goes after the next Mig Hughes spots another coming in from the flank.
"Sage break off there's one on the left." Hughes orders. As Sage breaks away Hughes slows his speed so that the Mig will pass him and he can maneuver behind its tail. His plan works and he quickly destroys the Mig with a missile shot. "Splash three!"
"Commander you have a bogie on your six!" Stone warns.
Hughes hears the tone knowing the enemy has a lock on him; he turns around and spots the Mig just as it fires. Before he can move off his plane is hit!
"Mayday, mayday, I'm going down.
As Sage watches her former Commander go down the same Mig circles around behind her.
"Eject, eject!" She says to Hughes.
"Shadow 2 watch out, behind you!" Stone yells.
Suddenly she snaps back into reality and breaks off to the left as the Mig fires its guns.
Pay attention girl! She chides herself.
Stone meanwhile curses under his breath knowing he came very close to being in this fight alone.
"Forrestal, this is Shadow 1. Commander Hughes has gone down."
"Roger Shadow 1, we're informing search and rescue now."
Stone throttles up chasing down the Mig; within seconds he catches up and attempts a gunlock. He succeeds and fires holding down the trigger! The bullets rip into the Mig's engines and it explodes after a few seconds.
"That's four, how many do we have left?" Stone says.
Sage looks around spotting another Mig bugging off to regroup. "We're clear here, let's go mop up, they're still attacking the carrier."
"Did you see a chute?" Stone asks referring to Hughes knowing the Commander must be on her mind.
"No."
"I'm sorry Sara."
"No time for that now, we've still got Migs to shoot down." Sage replies.
They return to the carrier to find another six Migs still attacking the ship.
"Lock on and take 'em down!" Stone says eagerly.
They both pick their targets each acquiring separate missile locks and fire from a far distance. Both sidewinder missiles find their intended targets, taking the enemy's number down to four. The last four spot the incoming Hornets and counter attack. Sage maneuvers behind one and takes it down with another missile. Then she banks to the right centering herself behind the next bogie. As she attempts to lock on to the fighter she notices this particular Mig-29 is carrying something in its payload she's never seen before.
"Shadow 1 I need your eyes, this Mig is carrying an armament that I can't identify."
Stone catches up with Sage who is still trying to stay on the bogie's tail. When he gets close enough he finally spots what she's looking at.
"That's a radar jammer! That's how their missiles were able to get through the ship's defenses." Stone says just as something in the sky catches his eye. He squints hard realizing there are more enemy fighters inbound! "We're about to be seriously outnumbered Shadow 2, blow that fighter out of the sky and make sure that device goes with it!"
Sage opens fire with her guns the moment she gets a solid lock, the bullets rips through the plane and the jamming device it's carrying under its wing.
"Captain we've got radar capabilities back and we're reading a new group of fighters coming in." a crewman on the bridge of the Forrestal reports.
"All remaining defensive batteries target those Migs and destroy them!" Jameson orders.
Three of the Migs out of the flight of reinforcements are blown to pieces just seconds after Jameson issues the order. Realizing that their jamming capabilities are down the remaining backup fighters break off and retreat.
Sage meanwhile goes after the last two Migs from the original attack force. One of the pilots, noticing that they're beaten, begins to increase his throttle but is killed when Sage's last missile destroys the plane. The last Mig flees but Sage begins to follow.
"Shadow 2 he's buggin' out, let him go." Stone says quickly realizing she is still on the last plane. "Sage, he's retreating." Finally Sage decreases her speed, she regroups with Stone and prepares to land. "It wouldn't have brought him back Sara." Stone says as they line up with the carrier.
"I guess I know how you feel now, about Drake." Sage replies.
"Remember what you said to me?" Stone asks. "He died saving us and everyone on the carrier. I know its not much comfort, believe me, but you were right."
"I know, that's just war huh." Sage says.
"Yeah."
After they both land Watts and McCabe walk over to congratulate them.
"Great work Sara, sir." McCabe says.
"Once you took out that jammer the remaining defense platforms took out three of the Migs that were moving in to reinforce the first wave." Watts explains.
"How's the ship?" Stone asks raising his voice to be heard over the sound of a chopper landing behind them.
"Jameson sent for help, it's still sea worthy but will need some parts to repair the catapults. We won't be going anywhere for a little while." Watts replies. "You guys were lucky to get off the deck when you did."
"No kidding, otherwise we all might have been done for." Stone replies.
"Sorry to hear about your friend Sara." Watts says.
"What's to be sorry about?" Says a voice from behind Sage.
Sage turns around to see Commander Hughes and his wingman Flint walking towards them from the chopper that just landed. Sara grabs his flight gear in a fierce hug.
"I didn't see you eject I thought you were a goner." She says releasing him.
"I almost was my ejection handle was stuck but I finally made it out of the plane at around five hundred feet, my chute didn't open until about three hundred." Hughes explains.
"That landing must have hurt." Stone says.
"It did, I'm just glad I didn't break anything. You must be Stone?" Hughes says noticing the flight gear Stone is wearing.
"That affirmative, it's good to meet you. " Stone replies taking Hughes' extended hand. "You trained her well." Stone adds nodding towards Sage.
"Thank you, you're a damn fine pilot yourself. Now just so I'm clear who exactly are you guys and how is it you're back on the ship Sage?" Hughes asks.
With minimal details Sage informs Hughes about her new job and the mission they just completed. Then about the coincidence of Stone's last visit to the Forrestal with the stolen Harrier six years ago.
"So you've been flying for awhile then." Hughes says asking Stone.
"Well I haven't flown for the military since my tour ended in '94 but there have been a few other times when I've found myself in the cockpit of a plane." Stone replies.
"Navy?" Hughes asks.
"Marine Corps served six years." Stone replies.
"Ah, well I dunno about you two but I'm ready to get out of this flight gear." Hughes says.
As they walk below decks Sage remembers something about the Migs. "Sirs, did either of you happen to notice the marking on those fighters?"
"Iraqi." Stone replies. "Yeah I was wondering about that."
"Yeah well I'd bet those pilots were Iranian." Sage says.
"Why do you say that, just because we hit Khalid's base?" Stone says.
"That but more specifically when Commander Hughes and I rescued Flight 467 we fought against Iraqi Mig-29's with the same tail markings."
"The hijackers just happened to be Iranian." McCabe puts in.
Hearing that Hughes stops in his tracks as he remembers something. He informs them that back when the U.S. took over Baghdad at least one whole squadron of Iraq's fighters was unaccounted for. "It was rumored that shortly before the invasion they were reassigned elsewhere in the Middle East."
"Or maybe they were sold to Iran." Sage suggests.
"Or Fear the Wrath." Stone adds. "We know he's been buying Stingers from the Jackhammer, or was. For all we know he sold them that jamming device, that tech was way too advanced for them."
"Right, Khalid had to have gotten it through the Jackhammer. We've gotta nail this guy soon." Sage replies.
"Problem is without Khalid we don't have any leads." Stone says. "Not to mention it may not be our fight anymore."
While changing out of his flight gear Stone decides to make the phone call he's been dreading for the last few hours to Hayes. He finds his cell phone among his effects as he puts on a fresh set of clothes supplied by Chief Barnes. He quickly realizes due to the time difference that Hayes is most likely sleeping. Her voicemail answers and he decides to leave her a message.
"Hey Kim, its Michael. I just wanted to report in and let you know we succeeded; we got Hudson and Anderson out. However Drake didn't make it, he sacrificed himself to ensure our escape." Stone hesitates a moment. "I don't know what to say Kim, I know I disobeyed orders and my actions may have started a war. In fact they may already have, we're on board the U.S.S. Forrestal. And if you haven't heard by the time you hear this message you soon will; not long after we landed it was attacked by a flight of Iraqi Mig-29's. The same squadron that tried to intercept Flight 467 several months back. We think they're under Khalid's command. Anyway . . . again I'm sorry for everything, you'll have my resignation on your desk when I return."
Stone disconnects the call just as Watts walks in the room informing him that Hudson and Anderson are both doing better. "Hudson's awake and is a little more coherent now."
"Let's go see him then." Stone replies.
The two of them find Sage and McCabe and make their way to the infirmary and walk in finding Hudson looking much better.
"Good to see you alive." Watts says.
"What hap . . . . where am I?" Hudson asks finding his wounded shoulder dressed in a sling.
"You're on the Forrestal." Sage says standing at the foot of his bed while making a conscious effort to not divulge her feelings for him in front of the others. "We went in to get you two out."
Hudson looks over at the bed next to him finding Anderson still out.
"He'll be fine." McCabe offers.
"You mean that wasn't a hallucination, McCabe what happened to you?" Hudson asks.
"Once I split the scene I made my way back to the train station on foot, called Stone and within a day or so he, Sage, Watts and Drake came out, regrouped with me and then we headed for the outpost to find you two."
"Drake? Well where is he?" Hudson says.
Everyone pauses in silence a moment then Stone takes the responsibility. "He didn't make it Will." Hudson's face turns expressionless. "Guys I need a minute alone with Hudson." Stone orders.
Watts and McCabe exit first, Sage lags behind just slightly so she can give Hudson a subtle wink as she leaves while Stone pulls up a chair next to Hudson's bed. The two friends remain silent for a moment, neither knowing what to say considering the last words they exchanged with each other.
Finally Hudson breaks the silence. "How?"
"In combat."
"You actually dragged him into combat, in his condition?" Hudson says incredibly.
"C'mon give me some credit Will, him too while you're at it. I didn't ask him to come he volunteered and he did it to save you.
"You know I still think you were wrong about cutting Sara from the mission but after what happened I have to say I'm glad you did." Glad for the slight subject change Stone says nothing as Hudson pauses for a moment. "I can't imagine the horrors she would have gone through if they had captured her too."
"She's a tough girl, hey I know. I've been in the field with her now and on her wing in the skies."
"What?" Hudson asks.
Stone quickly informs him about the attack on the ship and his and Sage's efforts to defend her.
"Wow, I'm still pissed at you though."
"Look you were right, I was wrong to cut her from the mission. It was a crappy situation and I made a bad judgment call, I'm sorry. But you have to meet me halfway here Will; you put me in that position. We've been friends for years but it wasn't fair for you to hold that over me when you screwed up. I don't have the luxury of just having to worry about Shadow anymore; I've got to look over everyone." Stone says.
"You're right I shouldn't have put you in that position." Hudson replies admitting it. "I'm sorry."
"Thank you, so we good?"
"Yeah." Hudson says extending his good arm.
Stone takes his hand and is pulled into a light hug. "You should have seen Sara today, she's a fighter."
"Yeah? I . . . I just can't believe O'Bryan and Drake are really gone." Hudson says after a few moments.
"I know, when Drake volunteered I denied his request at first but I needed the men, even with him I wasn't sure I was going to pull off this rescue." Stone replies.
"Wh-what do you mean needed the men?" Hudson asks. "Speaking of which I'm surprised Hayes let you lead the rescue personally.
"Well she didn't, I'm acting against orders."
"What?" Hudson says with a look of shock and concern on his face.
"This was the blackest of black ops you could say; my career with Omega is over." Stone replies as he gets up to leave.
"Wh . . wait . . Michael." Hudson says fumbling with his tongue. Stone looks back as he reaches the door. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything, get some rest. I love ya bro." Stone leaves finding Sage eagerly waiting her turn on the other side of the door. "Go on in."
A few hours later an E-2 Hawkeye from another carrier lands on the Forrestal carrying parts and supplies to repair the catapults. Once repaired and operational again Stone and the others prepare to head home via the same Hawkeye. As Stone heads to the flight deck he's informed that Hudson and Anderson, who is now conscious, have not yet been cleared for travel by the ship's physicians. With the ships' current condition he takes up the matter with Captain Jameson to get them at least transferred off the Forrestal to another vessel. However Jameson advises him that the physician's orders super-cede even him when it comes to the care of anyone on board the ship.
"You have my word that as soon as Agents Hudson and Anderson are cleared for travel we'll get them home safely." Jameson explains.
"Thank you Captain.
As Stone and the others begins to board Chief Barnes runs over to intercept them.
"I thought you'd want to know, we just received word that our forces in Baghdad are being attacked by a battalion of Iranian tanks and other ground forces"
"What!?" Stone says.
"Is the Forrestal going to send some air cover?" Sage asks.
"Not with the status we're in, besides they've already got Apache's and A-10's en route." Barnes replies.
"Tank busters." Stone comments as he exchanges curious glances with Sage and Watts.
"If the Jackhammer did send Khalid after us then he couldn't have known which way we were headed." Watts suggests.
"Right, so Khalid attacked both most likely locations." Stone says.
What have I done?
A few minutes later the E-2 takes off heading west for home.
Washington D.C. – After receiving confirmation that Khalid's forces engaged the U.S. on both fronts Roz is reporting to her brother in person per his instructions. She takes a taxi to his house arriving shortly after midnight. She enters the house and disarms the alarm system. Hearing the security system being disarmed Foley awakens in his chair having attempted to wait up for her. Realizing he dozed off he rises from the chair and walks over embracing his sister.
"It's good to see you." He says.
"You too, any updates." Roz says pulling back.
"The Forrestal wasn't sunk but it was severely damaged; she lost several aircraft and most of its pilots due to a well placed missile which struck the pilots quarters." Foley explains. "The CIA also learned that two Federal agents who had just come aboard took to the skies in a couple of F-18's and fought back the Migs. In fact only a few Migs escaped."
"That's good, it should only fuel Khalid's hatred more."
"Yes but take one good guess as to who one of those pilots was?"
Roz eyes him a moment then theorizes it was Stone. "How?"
"He's a former Marine pilot and the other pilot was one of his newest agents. Recently recruited from the Forrestal's own crew." Foley explains.
"What about Khalid's attack on Baghdad?"
Foley informs her that while the U.S. Army took some losses once the A-10 Warthogs arrived on the scene to support their own tanks it didn't take them long to win the day, resulting in an eighty percent loss in Khalid's ground forces.
"Great, our mission is complete then." Roz spreads her arms open wide for a congratulatory hug. "We did it. It's over now."
While Foley allows her to embrace him he doesn't share the sentiment. "What are you talking about?" He says pulling back. "Have you forgotten our primary objective, the U.S. must invade Iran!"
"I'm sure we will after what's happened today, our job is finished. I thought that's why you asked me to come here."
"No we must ensure the invasion." Foley replies.
"Alright so what's next?" Roz asks still somewhat surprised.
Foley begins pacing in the living room, thinking, planning. "We need one last catastrophe, a catalyst to really set off congress enough to declare a state of war. Something to make sure we will invade immediately."
"Okay but I already told Khalid he would never hear from the Jackhammer again. How do you plan to persuade him to do anything else?"
"Then maybe we'll do something ourselves and point the finger at him." Foley suggests.
"What do you mean?" Roz says taken aback.
Foley continues to pace again and then suddenly he remembers Stone. "Stone's people have been investigating the Jackhammer, there's a good possibility they might be on to us."
"How is that possible and what relevance does that have to Khalid?" Roz asks.
"I'm not sure but I'm certain he doesn't have any proof yet. However I've spotted people following me around town recently so it's a good bet he suspects something." Foley says.
"Oh damn." Roz says suddenly realizing something.
"What?" Foley asks concerned.
"That FBI agent who saved me on board Flight 467, I saw him again recently." Roz explains.
"Where?"
"Outside the street after the restaurant bombing." She says. "He was with several other federal agents, in fact he mentioned he was working with a new agency."
"Omega Sector."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, William Hudson's team was leading that investigation. Then later I ran into him and Stone after they had been questioning Hadid. We have to take him out and not just him his whole team, no the entire agency . . . . . the whole damn building."
"You want to destroy an entire building!? John, listen to yourself." Roz says not liking her brother's train of thought. "Our whole objective was to coerce the Iranians into attacking so that we would invade and wipe them out. Now you're talking about taking down buildings like a second 9/11. That means killing Americans, making us the enemy!"
"Roz in a war people die, do you not want to avenge Joseph's death?" Foley barks.
"This isn't war and you know I want justice for Joey but take a step back for a second and think this through."
"If we don't do something about Stone they'll eventually figure it out, trust me I have a plan. Even if they don't find out about us and the U.S. does invade Iran if Khalid is captured he'll rat us out. Do you want to spend the rest of your life in prison or waiting for an execution?" Foley continues with his voice raised.
"Okay stop and breathe for a moment. You said yourself Stone just has suspicions and even if Khalid were caught he doesn't know who we are. All he could give the authorities would be an IP address that is routed through a ghost server. We've covered our tracks; we're safe for now. If we go out and stir up more trouble we're only going to bring more pressure down on us. However if we lay low then this whole thing should blow right over us while the military focuses on the situation in Iran." Roz explains. "We can just disappear and no one will ever know the truth."
"Are you forgetting my position in the CIA Roz, I can't just disappear, people will start looking for me."
"Okay so you just go about your normal life, no more Jackhammer. I can't believe you were seriously thinking about blowing up a building! Regardless of Stone's investigation or suspicions there are innocent people that work in that building." Roz says concerned.
"You're right, I don't know what I was thinking. It's not what we set out to do." Foley says.
"That's another reason to just lie low, I think this entire scheme has taken its toll on you. What's going on in your head to make you even consider blowing up a building."
"I don't know, I guess I'm just tired. We still have to do something about Stone, how about this; I could walk into OS headquarters tomorrow and try to convince Hayes that Stone is the Jackhammer. He already disobeyed orders to send a rescue team to Iran."
"She told you that?"
"No but I didn't buy her story for an instant, I'm positive he's acting against orders. That's why he led the mission himself."
"What if she doesn't believe you or worse yet it only adds to her suspicions of you. It still draws more attention to us." Roz says. Foley is about to suggest that he could kidnap her but she interrupts him. "Why don't you just get some rest, we can talk about our options again in the morning."
Realizing his sister is unwilling to cooperate any further he decides to keep the rest of his plans to himself. "Okay."
"Goodnight, I love you."
"You too sis."
The next morning Stone and the others finally arrive in the states after having to divert their course due to a storm over the Atlantic. After hearing about their change in destination Stone makes arrangements to have a transport to Washington ready for them when they land.
"So where's this transport you got for us?" McCabe says as they step off the E-2 Hawkeye.
"I'm guessing that's it right there." Watts says spotting the brand new HA-420 Hondajet sitting on the tarmac. "I heard O.S. purchased one of those."
"Three actually." Stone says with an excited look on his face. "Let's go, we can be home in less than ninety minutes."
They touch down at the same private airport that they took off from just after eight in the morning.
"It's good to be home." Stone says stepping off the Hondajet.
"I bet your wife will happy to see you." Sage says coming out of the plane next.
"Yeah, the baby is due any day now."
"It's too bad the guys couldn't come home with us." She adds.
"I know, Hudson wasn't too happy about that but they both needed more time in recovery, especially Gage." Stone replies as he sees the Chevy suburban waiting for them.
"Alright, let's get this over with." Stone says.
Everyone gets in the vehicle as it takes them towards headquarters for their expected discharge.
"What will you do now?" Sage asks.
"I'm not sure, I could always reactivate my status in the Corps and go back to training recruits at Annapolis." Stone replies.
"You were an instructor?"
"Yeah." Stone tells her how five years ago he left Omega Sector shortly before he and Robin were married.
"What brought you back?" Sage asks.
"I just felt like I was making more of a difference with O.S. than at the academy."
Meanwhile at the behest of her brother Roz is driving Foley to an appointment downtown. Dressed in a blue pantsuit she pulls up to a parking garage entrance beneath a forty-story skyscraper.
"What are we doing here again?" she asks as the gate guard admits the car in front of them. Attempting to throw off his sister's suspicion by faking a stomach cramp, Foley informs her he has an appointment to check on one of his assets. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I thought about calling in sick today but I have to get this done."
"I think everything you've been through has caused more stress then you'd like to admit. You could probably use a long vacation." Roz says pulling up to the guard gate. "Section Chief John Foley, CIA." She says to the guard.
Once the guard verifies the passenger's identity he lets them through.
"There's a spot." Foley says. "You know maybe you're right, some time off is in order. After I'm done here I'll put in a request to use some of my vacation time and we'll go somewhere."
"That sounds good." Roz says backing the car into the directed spot. "I'm staying here right?"
"Right, I'll be done as soon as I can." Foley says as he checks the contents of his briefcase. Roz sees him put something in his inner jacket pocket before he gets out of the car and walks over to the security station. "John Foley, CIA." He says handing one of the guards his ID.
"One moment sir." The guard says checking Foley's security clearance. Once the guard realizes Foley is allowed access he orders Foley to turn over his weapon.
Foley pulls his .45 caliber Kimber from its holster removing the loaded magazine and hands it to the guard who puts it in a locker. "Would you mind putting this in lockup as well, I just realized I won't be needing it upstairs." Foley says lifting up the case.
"Sure." The guard says locking it away as well. "Please remove all metal from your pockets."
Foley does as instructed as he's done many times before being allowed into Omega Sector headquarters. He empties his pockets into a plastic bin adding his watch and the two spare magazines for his Kimber. After passing through the metal detector he collects his things and steps onto the elevator, beaming on the inside since the metal detector didn't pick up the porcelain made Walther hidden in the small of his back. He grabs one of the spare Kimber magazines from his shoulder holster and removes seven rounds from it, subsequently loading the rounds into the Walther magazine. As the elevator slows to its destination he stuffs the Walther in his belt on his left hip.
A few moments later he walks into Hayes' office after being admitted by her receptionist.
"What is it today Foley?" Hayes asks bluntly.
"I wonder if you know what you're deputy director has been up to lately?"
"Sake John, let's cut the crap shall we. I'm the head of an intelligence agency, of course I know what he's been up to." Hayes says clearly not in the mood for his games.
"Well that's good because I've just learned that he attacked an Iranian outpost outside of Tehran. Now you may stand firm on your claim that he didn't go there against orders but now his actions may have started a war.
"I'm sure you're all broken up over it." Hayes says sarcastically.
Foley simply ignores the quip. "I'm sure you're aware of what's been happening in the gulf; the attack on Baghdad as well as the Forrestal by a squadron of Iranian Mig-29's." Foley asks.
"Again with your pointless questions. Of course I'm aware and my report says they were Iraqi."
"The planes sure but flown by Iranian pilots." Foley says correcting her.
"What's your point?"
"My point is Stone has been insubordinate, he's taken matters into his own hands and his activities are questionable."
"And I think you're trying to place blame where it doesn't belong." Hayes replies.
"Excuse me?"
"Misdirection, what are you really up to Foley?"
"I think you're confused Director Hayes."
"And I think that you're full of it!" Hayes says raising her voice as she rises from her seat. "You come in here trying disgrace my Deputy Director, a man whose put his life on the line time and again for his country while you sit around pointing the finger at others! Now get out of my office before I have security throw you out!" Hayes says reaching for the phone.
Before she can lift the receiver off the base Foley places his hand over hers stopping her! "You don't want to do that Director." Foley says opening his jacket to show the Walther. "You're coming with me."
Hayes suddenly realizes Stone's theory was right. "You bastard, you are the Jackhammer!"
"Not quite, now very slowly walk around the desk. If you make a move, a sound or even a wink of your eye I'll kill you!"
"You do and you'll be killed as well, there are at least a dozen armed agents within a few yards of this office." Hayes says.
"Maybe but is my life worth yours in return?"
"If it saves others, yes." Hayes replies without hesitating.
"But it won't save others my dear Director, there's an explosive device at the base of the building. One move and I'll press the trigger bringing this whole building down along with everyone in it!" Foley says with his hand still atop hers on the phone.
Hayes doesn't respond for a moment, she just exhales a long breath. "You're insane. You were behind that attempt on Hussein's life and you've been selling U.S weapons to our enemies."
"Again I'm not the Jackhammer. Last chance Kim, you come with me or everyone here dies."
"Alright, I'll go."
"Wise choice. If anyone asks you seem to have forgotten that we had a breakfast meeting this morning." Hayes complies as she walks with him to the elevator, as it takes them to the parking level Foley stuffs the Walther back in the small of his back and pulls out the remote detonator embedded inside an electronic car key. "We'll have to stop at security lockup on our way out, try anything funny and . . "
"I understand." Hayes says cutting him off.
When they reach the parking level the elevator doors open and one of the security guards notice Director Hayes with the visitor. Knowing that Hayes just arrived to work less than a half hour ago he finds the situation a little suspicious and walks over as the second guard returns Foley's weapon to him.
"Director Hayes is everything alright?"
Foley watches her out of the corner of his eye as he loads the magazine back into the Kimber and holsters it under his jacket.
"Section Chief Foley and I have a breakfast meeting planned for this morning." She says.
"Ma'am didn't you bring in breakfast with you this morning?" The guard says recalling that Hayes was carrying a cup of coffee and a bag from Starbucks when she arrived earlier.
Hayes grins slightly hoping the guard would remember and that this would conflict with Foley's instructions. Just then the second guard asks Foley if he would like his briefcase back as he curses under his breath knowing he's skating on this ice.
"No thank you I'll recover it when we get back from breakfast." Foley says.
Suddenly Hayes realizes his briefcase must be containing the bomb, since there would be no way to get it past security. She takes a quick look through her peripheral vision finding that Foley's hands are currently empty and decides to take the risk.
"The briefca . . ."
She's cut off as Foley grasps her mouth with his left hand as he draws his Kimber with his right, pointing it at her head!
Meanwhile having been watching from the car Roz has been wondering what her brother was up to when a woman stepped off the elevator with him. As she tries to listen in on the conversation between them and the guards she realizes that the woman is Director Kim Hayes. The moment he takes her hostage she checks the glove box and just as expected finds a loaded weapon inside.
Dammit John!
"On your knees, NOW!" Foley says.
As the guards begin crouching to their knees Foley removes the gun from Hayes' head and points it at them. Hayes grabs his hand assuming he intends to fire and struggles with him for a moment before he backhands her with his left hand. The guards take the lapse in Foley's attention to try and draw their own weapons as Hayes falls to the ground. Two rounds hit the first guard in the chest just before he's about to fire on Foley. His attention is deterred from the fact that his sister took down the first guard and he fires on the second killing him instantly. Foley lifts Hayes up from the floor fiercely and shoves her towards the car.
"C'mon!" Roz yells as she spots more guards racing to the scene from the door leading to the control room. "Watch your back!"
Foley turns and fires taking down two more guards as they file out of the door then shoves Hayes inside the back of the car. Roz fires taking down another then hears the squeal of tires and looks to her left spotting an armed agent jumping out of his truck. She opens fire on him taking him out as well just as Foley shoves Hayes in the back seat. He fires taking down another guard as the barrel on his Kimber slides forward empty.
"Go!" He says climbing inside.
As Roz presses the gas Hayes reaches for the Walther stuffed in Foley's back but he hits her across the head with his Kimber knocking her unconscious. He shoves her over the seat next to him as he pulls the Walther firing out the window as more guards appear on the scene. They open fire but only succeed in hitting the rear bumper as Roz swerves around the truck that stopped in the middle of the driveway. She rams through the gate and makes a sharp turn onto the street.
"What the hell were you thinking!?" Roz says assuming a fleet of police cars will be on her tail within seconds.
"I'm sorry Roz, there was no other way."
"You lied to me, I thought you were going to lie low from here on out."
"I couldn't let Omega Sector bring us down. I tried to get Hayes out quietly but now that we've been made I have no choice but to detonate the bomb." Foley replies.
"What bomb . . . . you son-of-a-bitch! Do you know what you've done to us?"
"I've secured our freedom." Foley says retrieving the detonator from his pocket.
"You've put us at the top of the most wanted list! I thought we agreed on the plan, Khalid was to be the bad guy not us. They attacked the Forrestal, they tried to invade Baghdad, they set off that restaurant bo . . . ." Suddenly the realization hits her. "Oh my god, you set off that restaurant bomb didn't you?"
Foley hesitates for a moment as he locks eyes with her through the rear view mirror. "I'm sorry Roz, it was necessary to motivate Khalid."
Roz turns the wheel hard to the right and hits the breaks bringing the car to a halt. She nearly climbs into back seat hitting her brother with her fists. "You self righteous ass hole!"
Foley deflects a few of her hits then grabs her wrists and shoves her back into her seat. "We don't have time for this, drive!"
"Screw you, you do what you want from here on out. I'm done!"
"I need you Roz, when Stone comes for Hayes I'll kill him then her and then you can leave. You'll never have to see me again if that's what you want."
"I hate you for this, you're the only family I have left John so I won't run but I'll hate you for the rest of my life for what you've cost me!" With tears streaming down her face she puts the car back into drive and continues down the street.
At the same moment the escort carrying Stone and the others has just crossed the Jefferson Davis Highway Bridge. With headquarters now in sight from several blocks away they continue down the street as Stone's cell phone begins to ring. A comms agent on the other end quickly informs him that a shootout just took place moments ago in the parking level security station. Stone listens as he is told that several guards and a member of Saber team that was arriving to work were shot, five of which were killed with the remaining two not expected to survive.
"We've already initiated lockdown procedures and are checking the video feeds for the assailant's identity." The agent explains.
"Oh my god, have you informed Director Hayes?" Stone asks.
"That's the problem sir, we can't find her. We've paged her several times and she's not responded. Her car is still here but we think she . . ."
The line goes dead as Stone and the others are rocked by a massive explosion! Stone looks out the window up at headquarters as the driver stops the car. The blast shatters windows for several blocks as Stone hears static through the phone; suddenly the tower begins to collapse!
"No!" Stone yells as he and the others watch in horror.
Suddenly he hears the driver yelling to clear out as the building comes down, a massive dust cloud begins rolling through the streets as they hear the bone jarring sounds of the tower crashing to the ground!
"Get down!" Stone yells.
Watts and McCabe instinctively jump back into the suburban for cover as Stone and Sage take cover behind the rear bumper as the dust cloud rolls over them like a huge wave carrying a storm of debris!
A few moments later Stone emerges nearly blinded and completely covered in dust, he checks to see if the others are alright then begins running towards headquarters.
"Michael wait!" Watts yells knowing it may not be over yet.
A few blocks later Stone arrives across from what's left of the government building. He tries to wipe the grime from his eyes to get a look at the devastation. When he is finally able to get a decent glimpse of the wreckage it appears that the bomb took out at least two corners of the base which is what caused the tower to fall. With the back wall still standing several stories up Stone begins crawling up the debris hoping to find someone . . . anyone alive but as reality sinks in, as well as the not too distant memory of September eleventh, he slowly falls to his knees with tears in his eyes.
Within minutes multiple news stations begin reporting the situation in downtown Washington under the assumption that the United States is once again under attack. Several news crews are dispatched to the area as fire and emergency service vehicles begin arriving at the scene.
Across town at the White House the Secret Service immediately evacuates the President to his motorcade en route to Air Force One under guard so they can keep him mobile. Once airborne four F-16's encircle the plane to protect it from possible threats as more fighters scramble from Air Force bases around the country to secure and clear the skies in and around America's borders.
At the same time the FAA grounds all flights across the country as Meanwhile on the ground other government buildings and national monuments are immediately evacuated and searched for explosives in preparation for a second attack.
At home in Alexandria Robin catches the news bulletin realizing within a few seconds which building was hit. From that moment on she remains glued to the television, even though she knows Michael is most likely still airborne on his way home per the voicemail message she received this morning. Suddenly the news goes to a live shot of the scene of the pandemonium going on down there. A moment later the camera focuses in on a man covered in dust sitting on his knees in the debris. As the man stands up camouflaged by dirt Robin is shocked to realize it is her own husband! "Oh my god Michael!" Although silently thanking God that he's alive she can't begin to imagine what he's going through at that moment.
A few seconds later Sage and the guys catch up with Stone; McCabe forcing the camera off him once he spots the news crew's attention is on their leader.
"Are you crazy, you could have been buried alive if another explosion had gone off!" Watts exclaims.
Stone says nothing for a moment then he begins to mumble, Watts is the first to realize he's listing names, names of those likely lost.
"Huber, Jefferies, Dyson, Hale, Weiss and Kim."
No one says a thing for a moment until McCabe finally breaks the silence.
"What now Director?"
Stone looks at him with a cold hard stare. "Don't call me that, don't you dare call me that!"
"Michael!" Watts says still grabbing him by the shoulders. "Sir, get a hold of yourself. We're in a bad situation here but he's got a point. You're the acting Director now, what are your orders?"
Stone takes a moment to calm down and focus, and then he looks at Watts and the others. "Start digging, there may be survivors."
A few seconds later a firemen asks them if they're all okay. Watts identifies them all as federal agents.
"How did you guys get here so fast?" the fireman asks.
"This is our building." Watts says.
"This is a government building?"
"Yeah, hey can we borrow your hose for a second?" Watts asks gesturing to primarily Stone and Sage.
The fireman brings over the hose so they can wash the dust and grime from their faces then they continue to assist the rescue crews in looking for survivors.
They dig through the wreckage throughout the entire day and even as fatigue begins to set in they continue on hoping to find anyone alive. Finally at nearly six pm Watts and the others decide it wise to take a break, having only stopped once for water, however Stone continues on. As they sit down on the street corner across from ground zero they are given more water and granola bars which have begun to come in among the supplies and donations for the rescuers.
Watts, still on his feet, is about to sit down when he looks back at Stone just in time to see him nearly collapse from exhaustion! Watts tosses his water and snack on the ground and runs over to help his superior. Sage and McCabe follow suit and help carry Stone away from ground zero.
One of the rescuers notices and comes over to assist as well. "Is he alright?"
"He's just exhausted, he's been working non-stop." Watts says.
"Literally." Sage adds.
"Well then he doesn't need to be here anymore today, he'll just be a hindrance. That goes for you all too, go home and get some rest at least for a few hours."
"Copy that, let him rest here for a few minutes so we can get some water in him then we'll pull out." Watts replies.
They set him down where they were about to take their breaks and someone rushes over handing them a few extra bottles of water. Watts hands one to Stone who drinks down a long gulp then pours the remainder of the bottle onto his face to wash off the new layer of dirt and grime he's acquired throughout the day. Stone then grabs one of the extra bottles and begins drinking it as well. Seeing that he is feeling better Watts and the others sit back in stunned silence as they look across at what was once headquarters.
Over the course of the tragic day only six survivors are pulled from the debris. Although none of which are familiar to Stone or the others. Due to the attacks in the Middle East by Iran over the last day the United States Government quickly concludes that the bombing was the third in its series of attacks made by Iran. However as a massive investigation is launched within the early hours no such proof has yet to be attained. Later that evening the President addresses the nation much like he did four years ago; he makes no mention of invading Iran thus far stating that the situation at home it the top priority.
Back on the streets Watts and the others help Stone to his feet when he feels ready to walk.
"Anyone have any idea how to get home?" McCabe states. "All of our cars were inside the building."
"Take the subway out of ground zero then catch a cab?" Sage suggests.
"No our escort vehicle should still be where we left it, we just have to find the driver." Watts says.
After a few minutes of searching they find their driver helping Red Cross personnel to pass out water and food to rescuers taking a break.
"You're with us, we're taking Director Stone home first." Watts orders.
"Yes sir."
"How are we going to proceed from here?" Sage asks as they all begin walking to the vehicle.
"Kyle." Stone says. "Do you still have your computer?"
"I left it in the suburban, let's hope it still there. Why?"
"We'll need it, for the time being you've just become Omega's entire communications center." Stone says.
"What?" Watts says confused.
"I'll explain tomorrow."
They find the suburban covered in gray concrete dust from this morning and its contents untouched. It takes them nearly a half hour to work their way out of downtown due to all the police roadblocks and emergency service vehicles lining the streets. Once on the highway the driver asks Stone what he is to do with the car once he drops them off.
"I think we'll be needing it." Watts replies first. "Wouldn't you agree sir?"
"Yeah." Stone says. "What's your name?"
"Parker, James L. sir." The driver responds.
"You're a transport liaison, right?" Watts asks.
"That's affirmative sir?" Parker replies.
"Watts after he drops of Andrew and Sara why don't you take Parker here home; get his ID number and contact info for our records. Then pick up Andrew and Sara again in the morning and head over to my house. We'll make our way together back to ground zero then." Stone orders.
"Got it."
They drop Stone off in his driveway and given the state of his clothes he decides to enter through the garage. Inside Robin is still glued to the television when she hears the garage door opening; she slowly gets to her feet, walks into the pantry and opens the interior garage door to the grim sight of her husband. Although filthy from the day's events she wastes no times in taking him into her embrace seeing the look of despair on his face.
"Are you alright?" she asks knowing it sounds like a dumb question. However Stone understands her meaning and quietly responds.
"They're all gone, they're just . . . gone!"
He pulls back after a moment and before taking a step into the house he strips off the filthy clothes and throws them in the washing machine. With a million thoughts racing through his mind, foremost that being the losses they suffered today, he goes upstairs to take a long hot shower. Afterwards he puts on some sweat pants and a T-shirt, he suddenly realizes he hasn't said much to his wife whom he's not seen in days. He walks out of the bathroom to find Robin sitting on the bed waiting for him. He sits down next to her immediately meeting her lips to his own as they lie back on the bed together. After a moment he puts his hand on her belly as she continues to hold him tightly. Struggling to find something, anything to say, Robin breaks the silence first.
"I love you."
He looks deep into her eyes and returns the sentiment.
"I saw you on TV today." Robin says.
"What, when?" he asks not realizing a camera was ever on him.
"It must have been right after the building collapsed, I had the TV on when the news broke in and started reporting the situation. I knew pretty quickly that it was O.S. headquarters. Then they cut to a man covered in dust kneeling in the rubble, when he stood up I realized it was you." Robin explains. "I got your message this morning that you were coming home and figured you were still on your way in."
"Yeah we were just a few blocks away when it blew, we were stuck in traffic."
"Thank God for that." Robin says pulling him tighter for a moment. Then she decides to change the subject. "Did you rescue William?"
Gladly he tells her that he succeeded in that effort but she almost immediately senses there is more bad news to follow.
"They're both fine but Drake didn't make it." Stone replies as he explains how Drake died.
"I'm so sorry sweetie but you did the right thing. Do you think those attacks in the Middle East are linked to the bombing?"
"Without a doubt. In fact we were on the Forrestal when it was attacked."
"What?" Robin says curiously. "I heard it was damaged pretty badly."
"It was, it lost most of her pilots from a missile hit in the hull. Lost few planes too but Sage and I hopped in a couple of F-18's and took off right before the catapults were hit."
"That was you!?" Robin says amazed. "I'm so proud of you Michael."
"Don't be, Kim was right. I have no doubt the Iranian that was holding Will and Gage is behind those attacks, possibly the bombing too. I may have just started a war."
Not sure what she can say to make him feel better she tries changing the subject slightly. "Well there have been several calls for you, the office of the Secretary of Defense for starters. They obviously knew you weren't at headquarters when it fell but do they know you disobeyed Kim's orders?"
"I don't know but either way I'm not sure it matters now, I'm acting Director of the agency for the time being."
Not sure what that means for the time being she changes the subject again. "Are you hungry?"
"Starving." Stone replies.
They walk downstairs together as Stone begins to return some of the phone calls while Robin makes them something to eat. An hour or two later they continue to watch the news reports as rescuers continue to search for survivors.
"I really ought to go back down there tonight."
"Michael you're exhausted, they've got plenty of people down there but Omega has only got one Director now. And your people will need you rested tomorrow if you're going to find out who did this." Robin says.
Stone says nothing but concedes, at nearly eleven he follows her upstairs and crawls into bed with her.
"I can't help thinking about all those people who are going to bed alone tonight because their spouses won't be coming home." Robin says.
"I guess all we can do is pray for them."
"I know." She says. She turns to look Stone in the eyes with a tear running down her cheek. "I know it's selfish but I'm glad I'm not one of them."
"That's not selfish." Stone says wiping the tear from her cheek. "I love you."
