So Close Again, Sprung & A Bit of Heaven

Four Days Later – Humvee Returning From Mission – Sudan

Corporal Mark Vinson sat in the back of the Humvee with two of his new unit mates up front. He liked this unit a lot. Their CO, Lieutenant Jackson Spencer, known to them as Trigger, was a first class leader.

The rest of the unit men were high caliber men too. He was content to just listen to Buzz and Dutch as they bantered back and forth. Those two were long time buddies and best friends and teased each other often.

Vinson was accepted right off by this unit. They code named him Viper because he shot a horned viper from his perch that was about to strike Trigger. He took its head clean off. He smiled.

This was much better than where he was before. He hadn't met Major Pearce yet because his unit was sent out on a mission as soon as he landed. It was critical. They had been successful too.

Things were looking real good for him now. He didn't have to worry if he was gonna be murdered by a unit mate in his sleep. He had actually slept well last night even though it was only a short break as they hiked out of the target zone to the hidden Humvees.

Although it still bugged him that he was not able to get word to Braddock's unit about what he overheard. He didn't have time. He had been called into Colonel Sutton's office and given his new orders with only thirty minutes to grab his gear.

He would have told the Colonel but Major Plouffe showed up just as he was about to say something. The Colonel had dismissed him quickly and ordered Plouffe into his office and promptly closed the door. Then he had to rush off to pack to make it to the plane on time.

Writing a letter to Lieutenant Blain might be an option. But it scared him to put it in writing because he was not sure the mail would be secure. Something like this had to have a secure communication channel.

Vinson leaned back in the Humvee and sighed. He would figure out how. He just needed some time. Vinson was sure an opportunity would present itself.

His attention returned to the conversation Buzz and Dutch were having.

Dutch was finally coming down off the mission and his grip on the steering wheel was lessening as a result. During a mission he and Buzz never discussed personal things because they liked to stay completely focused on the mission. It had saved their lives many times. So it had become a superstition with them. Something they adhered too religiously.

But now that the mission was completed Dutch lamented "Damn I wish we didn't get transferred to the Sudan six weeks ago. I would have liked to been there when his unit brought him in. Damn glad they went rogue. I'm relieved too that the General sanctioned their actions. Even if it was after the fact."

Buzz asked "You think when we get leave we can travel there and check on him?"

Dutch grinned "I'm sure we can but I don't think we are getting leave for a long time given the shit that is going on here. It's been way too long since we saw or talked to the pup."

Then Dutch finally shared the details of a call he had just before they had to leave for the mission. "You know Wilson called just before we left. I didn't have a chance to tell you about it."

Smiling at the mention of their old CO Buzz asked "What did he have to say. I hope all is well with him and Bella. We got to make sure and visit him soon too."

"Wilson is doing good. But he said that Bella was beside herself when she got a call from the General's brother asking her to send some things to Sam. Well actually to Matt for Sam. Asked her to write a letter so that they would think the items came from her" Dutch said.

Buzz looked at him questioningly "What items?"

Dutch shared "A couple of MP3 players and a laptop."

"Why?" Buzz asked.

"Seems that Matt thinks music will be good for Sam. They are hard to get as you know. The General made arrangements with his brother to fly in the package directly" Dutch explained.

Shaking his head Buzz said "No I meant why would they be sent via Bella? Why wouldn't General Braddock just deliver them himself? Why the subterfuge?"

Vinson's ears perked up.

Dutch blew out a breath "Wilson said the General screwed up again. He ordered Sam not to commit suicide instead of showing he cares. Damn he tries but he screws it up so badly. And those two are always at loggerheads. Too much screwed up between them. You remember what Wilson said when we came to help Sam that summer."

Buzz closed his eyes and rubbed his temples "Yeah I remember. This has been screwed up since Sam was nine. Nothing anyone tells him changes what he believes. Sara's death fucked with Sam's mind. I bet the General was dying a bit each day Sam was in captivity. God I wish one day that Sam and his dad work it out. Can you imagine the team they would make if they could just get along? Badass and Badass Jr."

Nodding Dutch responded "Yeah that would be awesome to see them in action together. I hope someday it gets resolved. But for now sending those things to Sam from Bella is the best. Sam will accept them from Bella instead of trashing them if they came from his dad."

Dutch sighed heavily "I wish we could go see how Sam is doing right now."

Buzz asked "Did Wilson say anything about his injuries? Are the rumors true?"

"Yeah, the rumors about Sam being whipped and beaten nearly to death are true. His feet are in pretty bad shape. I can't imagine what three months of captivity did to his mind too. He may not make it back. Sam has a lot of healing both mentally and physically to do" Dutch responded.

Buzz slammed his fist on the dash "God dammit, if we hadn't talked him into joining. If only we had encouraged him to stick it out with the police department or transfer to another city. Dammit I feel responsible."

Dutch put a hand on his shoulder "Easy Buzz. It is not our fault. You can't go carrying guilt for an action not your own. Sam was just unlucky to be caught. It's a risk we all take. Snipers most of all since they are alone in their perch so often. Matt and Sam's unit will take care of Sam regardless of whether he makes it back or not. They won't let him down. It's not like the police department. They have his back. We have his back even if from afar."

Vinson couldn't believe his luck. He smiled. He had a way to warn Braddock. He cleared his throat "You guys know Sam Braddock?"

Buzz turned to Viper. He was a great addition to the unit. Buzz grinned broadly "Known that pup since he was sixteen. I taught him Judo and Dutch here taught him how to not get lost. Why? You know him?"

Vinson started "Not really I just …"

BOOM!

The Humvee rolled three times due to the force of the IED blast. The three were thrown about the interior like rag dolls. When the Humvee settled on its roof all three soldiers were unconscious and bleeding.

Two Weeks Later – Base Hospital – Sam's Room

Sam sat on the side of his bed letting his casted feet dangle waiting to be sprung from the hospital. He was so ready to blow this joint. Five weeks here was more than long enough in his book.

Somehow Patch had talked the doctor into allowing him to move to the unit's barracks. He would continue his physical therapy at the hospital but he was allowed to room with the guys.

They would take him to and from his therapy sessions and checkups because he was not allowed to walk yet. He was sorely tempted to try and stand. But Dr. Parker was insistent that he not do it yet. Said he could set himself back and do more damage. The doctor even threatened to keep him in the hospital longer.

Sam was not about to let that happen so here he sat waiting to be sprung by the guys. The other reason he waited was that in truth he was still weak as a kitten and unlikely to be able to hold himself up. His strength was returning now that he was eating solid foods.

Although very small portions at frequent intervals. Sam was not sure how the guys did it but the food was actually good. It was not the normal crap the hospital was known for. And some of it was stuff he liked. It made eating less of a chore.

And it was a chore. His stomach rebelled almost every time. He was sick of feeling nauseated and having stomach pains as his food digested. Dr. Parker said it would lessen over time. But for Sam he wished it would happen sooner rather than later. The only thing that seemed to settle easy on him was jell-o. But he was getting sick of it. A nice pizza or burger sounded good but the doc said they were too greasy for him yet.

Sam sighed, so many restrictions and conditions. It was so depressing not being able to do what he wanted and eat what he wanted.

The last weeks had been tough. Beyond the physical issues his mind was still muddled sometimes. He awoke often thinking he was still in that hell hole. He was still beating himself up for attacking Matt, Winds and Ripsaw on separate occasions. Each time he had awoken thinking they were trying to hurt him and his survival instinct had kicked in.

Luckily in his weakened state he had not hurt them badly. He had suspicions he was the one responsible for Mason's wrist brace too. But Mason simply shook his head.

Mason had taken to calling him Sunshine when he was in his darkest moods. It pissed him off at first. In one of his worst moods he had retaliated and called him Gorgeous.

He was in such a foul mood and wanted to strike out and hurt someone because he was hurting so badly. Mason's face had once made women swoon. He could have been a GQ model. But that scar from the Humvee and IED had disfigured his face leaving a horrible scar.

As soon as it left his mouth Sam was sorry he said it. Sorry he had lashed out at his brother in such a cruel way. He began to tear up and was about to apologize for being such an absolute ass. But instead of being pissed off at him Mason had laughed deeply and for a very long time. Mason had hugged him and said only you can call me Gorgeous.

It had actually lightened his mood some. Now whenever he was sullen and Mason called him Sunshine he automatically called him Gorgeous. It helped. Sam was not sure why but it did.

And leaving the hospital was going to help his mood too. Sam wished the guys would get here soon.

His wish was granted as Patch opened the door and peeked in "Hey you ready Blondie?"

"Been ready for an hour. What kept you?" Sam said a little petulantly. Being dependent on everyone still stuck in his craw even though he appreciated everything they did for him.

Patch just grinned and opened the door wider.

Matt came in with a huge grin on his face "We couldn't let you leave in just any wheelchair. Took a bit of doing to make it right." He stepped to Sam's side.

Winds pushed in a standard hospital wheelchair that was completely decked out. They had tied red and white balloons on the back. The seat and back were not just a plastic one. They had pillows covered in camo tied to them so they would not move or slide off. The leg rests where his feet would sit were padded too. They had attached a water bottle holder on one side and a pouch on the other.

Sam shook his head looking from Matt to Winds to Mason to Ripsaw to Patch and then to Blaze. These guys had done so much for him lately. He was lucky to have brothers like this. A small smile appeared as he said "Guys you shouldn't have."

They all grinned. It was good to see Blondie smile even if it was little and didn't reach his eyes. The smiles were happening a little more frequently these days but still nowhere near like what they used to be. It was a slow process to bring him back. But they all knew they were making progress.

Mason came up to his bed "Ready to transfer?"

Sam nodded "Yeah. Can't wait to blow this joint."

Dr. Parker walked in as Sam was getting situated in the wheelchair. He grinned. Sam was his favorite patient. Sam had made such amazing progress.

The gashes all except for half a dozen very deep ones had healed over. The daily movements to prevent scar tissue still hurt him but he did them without fail. Sam was slowly regaining his weight. The eating concerned him but his buddies had gone to great lengths to bring Sam food he would eat.

Dr. Parker had been able to remove the IV line because Sam drank enough water to stay hydrated. But they inserted a picc line in his upper arm to administer pain meds and the sedatives so no needles were needed. That would remain in place for several more weeks until they transitioned Sam to oral pain meds and they could ensure his mind was leveling out. But for now he wanted to have the line in case they needed to sedate him quickly like they had to several days ago.

Sam's mind had him trapped in that place. He was having hallucinations and went after Matt. It had really upset Sam when he woke from the sedation that he had hurt Matt. Just like it upset him when he realized he attacked Winds and Ripsaw. Without a way to quickly sedate him he could do real damage to himself and others now that his strength was returning.

Sleeping was still an issue. Sam was plagued by nightmares as was expected but they were slowly reducing in frequency. They had been able to reduce the sedation to only a light sleeping aid over the past week. Jasper was hoping the change in location would help because progress with the emotional issues was slower than the physical ones.

His arm looked very good when they x-rayed it last and the cast should be coming off for good next week. Sam's feet were doing well too though only the physical therapy would tell if he would get full motion back. He had opted to put Sam in the soft walking boot casts after x-raying so they were able to start light, gentle mobility exercises on his feet a few days ago. Sam would be starting physical therapy on his feet next week.

Jasper smiled at the wheelchair and said "Sam you know that the condition for you to leave the hospital is that you use the chair one hundred percent of the time. No walking unless it is under the physical therapist's direction."

Sam nodded "I'd agree to just about anything to get out of here doc. You have my word. No walking."

"Good." Turning to Patch he added "You have my direct line if you need anything." Handing him a locked box he said "Here are his meds. Keep them locked in the barracks."

Nodding Patch took the box. They all understood why. It wasn't worry that Blondie would get into them and overdose on them. It had more to do with other soldiers wanting a drug fix. Their unit had a separate room but he would keep this under lock in his locker too.

Patch asked "When was your last dose Blondie?"

"I'm good about an hour ago. Can we go now?" Sam said impatiently.

Blaze took hold of the wheelchair "Let's go."

Base Mess Hall

Sam was surprised they did not go straight to the barracks as he thought they would. He was a little self-conscious about being pushed in a wheelchair into the mess hall. Blaze pushed him to a table that was empty. Those in the mess turned to look at him as he passed. He felt on display and didn't like it one bit.

"Guys can't we just go to the barracks?" Sam said as his face reddened a bit in embarrassment.

Matt sat down at the table next to where Blaze pushed Sam in at the end of the table. As the others sat Matt said "In a bit. We have a little surprise for you and someone we want you to meet."

A huge hulk of a man approached the table with a large tray. His skin was black as night. His biceps bulged. His strong chiseled face was set in a smile. Sam noticed the man had short military cropped hair and kind brown eyes as he set the tray down in front of him. He looked familiar.

Matt said "Sam this is Jarmal Tate. Jarmal has been the one to fix all your meals for you."

Sam put out his hand out to shake and Jarmal took it and gently shook his hand "Nice to finally meet you Sam. I'm glad you made it out of the hospital."

He was sure he had met Jarmal before. Sam said "Thanks for the meals Jarmal. They were good." He couldn't get it out of his mind he finally asked "Do I know you? I'm sorry if I forgot, my mind is a little scrambled lately."

Shaking his head Jarmal said "No you don't know me but I know you. When you were a cop in Toronto you arrested my older brother for attempting to rob a gas station. He was only seventeen and had a stick he was pretending was a gun. You didn't shoot him outright like a lot of cops would have. You made him show you his weapon. You saw it was a stick."

"It was the best thing that could have happened to him. They sent him to a diversion program and he got away from the gang. That robbery was supposed to be his initiation. He became a firefighter. Set a good example for me and our younger brothers. None of us ended up in gangs because of you" Jarmal shared.

Sam looked at Jarmal stunned "D'Ante Tate."

"Yeah that's my brother" Jarmal said with a grin.

"Wow. You know he was my very first arrest. I was shaking in my boots that day. I was so relieved when it was just a stick" Sam said. Then he added "So you ended up in the Army."

Jarmal smiled "Yep. Travone is going to Law school. He was always the smartest of us all and Marquise joined the Navy. Me I love to cook and thought I'd do a few years in the Army and save up to open my own business one day."

Sam looked at the tray in front of him. There was a small chocolate cake. One small burger and six very large ones and a variety of other items. Sam looked back to Jarmal and said "Thank you. I've been dying for a burger."

Jarmal grinned then said "Patch said you would like it but says you can't have greasy stuff so I made it with extra lean beef. The little bite sized one is for you. You tell Patch what you want to eat while you are recovering and I'll make sure you get it. Enjoy." With that Jarmal headed back to the kitchen.

Sam picked up his burger and took a small bite. He sighed enjoying it. It was a little bit of heaven.

The guys reached for their burgers as they watched the smile on Blondie's face finally reach his eyes.