Chapter 21
Where It All Begins… Again
1300 hours local time, 4 January 2003, Haifa Lee Breakwater Lighthouse, Port of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Austin groaned pleasure as he opened his eyes, and a beautiful young blonde laying across his chest. He sighed contently as she began to stir. She lifted up her head, showing off her bright blue eyes, as she leaned up to kiss him. "Good morning" she purred in her sexy voice.
"Good morning yourself" Austin smiled back. "So, I had fun last night"
"Me too" she smiled as she slipped out of bed and grabbed her white under garments off the floor. "But we really need to get to work" she smiled.
"What time is it?" Austin asked.
"1300" she said.
"Wow, we are late" he said as he jumped out of bed and scoured the floor for his boxers. Once he finally found him, his companion was already dressed. She walked over and gave him one final kiss before grabbing her car keys and heading for the door. "Liat!" AJ called out. She stopped and turned. "I'll call you" he told her. Liat gave him another smile before heading out the door. "Damn it" said through his teeth once Liat was long gone. His CO's words kept flying through his head.
Don't even, and I mean ever, risk your career, or your life for an asset. There is no exception to that rule. If it comes down to you or them, send flowers
AJ knew that by sleeping with Liat, it would be even harder for him to break it off once he was pulled out of Israel. But he also knew that Liat had access to thousands of classified documents and information that he could never get access to on his own. He sighed as he flipped on the TV, turning it to CNN, listening to it as he got dressed.
"Good Morning America, this is Wolf Blitzer live from the situation room. We are now a full 2 weeks into President Barack Obama's presidency. While critics have claimed that his assentation to power was nothing more than a Coup d'état, both Congress and the Supreme Court seem to disagree. Shortly after Congress confirmed him as President of the United States. The vote was unanimous in the House, and 98-2 in the Senate, with only Senators Palin (R-AK) and Elway (R-CO) voting against. President Obama will indeed serve out the remainder of the term, and will be eligible for re-election in 2004. However, due to the fact that President Obama was sworn in in December, the 22nd Amendment prohibits him from again seeking re-election in 2008, should he still be in office then.
Meanwhile, now that 108th Congress has begun, the search begins for 4 new high level Government posts. Following the arrest of CIA Director Garrison Kershaw, the post now remains vacant, with Deputy Director Tomas Delgado serving as Acting Director. Also remaining vacant are the posts of Attorney General, National Security Advisor and Secretary of Defense; following the resignation of Defense Secretary Peter King, and the arrests of Attorney General Jonathan Moss and National Security Advisor Stephan Ramsay"
0715 hours, 4 January 2003, West Wing, White House, Washington D.C.
Rex Bartlett, the Personal Aide to the President, was preparing the morning's briefing reports for the President, when the President himself stepped in. "Good Morning Sir" Rex said as he stood.
"Rex, we've gone over this before" the President said. "You said good morning to me when you woke me 45 minutes ago. You can only say it once" he smiled.
"Yes Sir" Rex reciprocated the smile. "Coffee Sir?" he asked.
"Black" he said as he stepped into the Oval Office. Rex followed about 30 seconds later with the coffee. "Has Meg arrived yet?" the President asked.
"Not yet Sir, she should be here shortly" Rex replied.
"Have her come in once she arrived" the President said, taking a seat behind his desk. "Also, Rex, find out if Liz Quartermaine is still in D.C., if she is, make a lunch reservation for us at Junior's" he said. "And make sure it's TODAY" he emphasized.
"Why today?" Rex asked.
"Because last night, Ohio State won the National Championship in Double Overtime, and as an alumnus, I have no doubt that Liz will be in a very good mood, and therefore, will also be in a receptive mood" he said.
"Receptive for what Sir?" he asked.
"Just get her on the phone, and find out if she can meet" the President said.
"Yes Sir" Rex replied.
"And after that get your father on the horn. I want him on the schedule for this afternoon. He'll know what it's about"
"Yes Sir"
0730 hours, 4 January 2003, Tactical Operations Center, Unit Compound, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Once upon a time, Tony DiNozzo had attended Ohio State University. While there he had been an above average student, attaining a Master's Degree in Military History. He had originally intended to write his dissertation and get his doctorate, and maybe he still would…one day. While there he had also been a 2 sport athlete, playing both Football and Basketball. In football, he was the starting Quarterback, leading the Buckeyes to 4 straight National Championships, and compiling a 56-0 record, while winning numerous awards himself, including 4 Heisman Trophies.
In Basketball, Tony had also had a successful career. He led Ohio State to 4 straight undefeated seasons, winning the National Championship tournament 4 times running.
Safe to say, after the epic, double-overtime win in Fiesta Bowl the night before, Tony was in an awesome mood, to say the least. In fact, he was in such a good mood, that he danced his way into the TOC, singing Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock n' Roll". For once, it was good to see Tony in a good mood.
The deep divide that had nearly tore the Unit apart before year's end was still prevalent. Even with Cole swapping places on the Alpha Team, sending Tali and Deeks down to Bravo, the problems were still there.
Tony continued singing as he walked down the hall. "Colonel DiNozzo!" a female voice yelled at him.
"Ahh" Tony said. "Damn it Jordan" he said.
"For the last time, my name isn't Jordan" she growled.
"Well, it isn't my fault you're her spitting image" Tony yelled back.
"My name is Major Margaret Saybrooke" she said.
"Well you look like Jordan Parker" Tony said. "And like her, you're also a head shrink" he jabbed. "But that doesn't matter, not today. Today I'm in such a good mood, not even you can spoil it" he said as he kept walking.
"Oh, we'll see about that" she called after him, smiling. Tony ignored her as he stepped into the TOC, where he found Malachi, dressed in his US Fatigues, rather than his IDF ones.
"What's with the get up Blue?" Tony asked.
"Well, it's official. I'm out of Mossad and back with the 212" he smiled. "Surprisingly, my father decided to let me do as I wish. So for the time being, I'm here" he said.
"Well wasn't that kind of the Field Marshall" Tony said as he poured himself some coffee. "Anyway, I'm glad you're here. The President has this crazy scheme that's so crazy, it just might actually work" he said.
"When do we go?" Malachi asked.
"Timeframe is still unclear, and I haven't worked out all the details. But it's gonna happen, and it's gonna be a big one" he smiled.
"Well than count me in" he said. "Sounds just like old times, even that shrink looks like Jordie" he said.
"So you've had the privilege of meeting the late Lieutenant Commander's doppelganger"
"They could be twins, except for their chosen hairstyles"
"It's fucking creepy, that's what it is" Tony said.
"Yeah, so what the hell is she here for?"
"Bridget" Tony replied. Fortunately, before he had to explain further, the phone in Tony's office rang. Tony placed down his coffee and moved to answer it. "Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo" he answered.
"Dad, it's me" Rex said on the other end.
"What's up?"
"The President wants to meet with you this afternoon, say 1345. He said you'd know what its about"
"I'll be there" Tony said, hanging up. "The President wants to see me this afternoon" Tony told Malachi. "Can you hold down the fort until I get back?"
"No problem" Mal replied. Tony made his way out of the TOC, and moving towards the locker room, where Chester was restocking the bar following their New Year's Eve blowout a few night before.
"Ironman, grab your gear. We're gonna pay your wife and her boss a visit" Tony said, leaning in the door.
"Hells yeah" Chester said, as he placed down the case of beer and moved over to his locker. He got it open and grabbed his go bag.
"Take your Service Greens too"
"Right" Chester said as he grabbed the black bag.
"Let's go, wheels up in 20" Tony said.
0800 hours, 4 January 2003, Oval Office, West Wing, White House, Washington D.C.
"Mr. President, Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo is on his way and he'll be here for your meeting at 1345. . You also have a 1215 reservation at Junior's, although, they don't take reservations…"
"I meant make a reservation with Special Agent Pierce. Secret Service is required to secure the building before I can enter"
"Yes Sir, I'll see that its done" Rex said.
"Thank you" the President replied as Rex shut the door behind him. a few seconds later, the door that led to Meg's Office opened and Meg stepped in.
"Good Morning Mr. President" Meg said as she walked in.
"Good Morning Meg. Anything important I should know about?"
"CNP Canada has changed their official name… again" she said.
"What is it now?"
"The Nationalist Canadian State" Meg said. "They have declared themselves allies with all the various assholes around the world: Spain, Libya, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, North Korea, as well as the various Arab Nationalist and terrorists organizations"
"Wonderful" he replied, his voice full of sarcasm. "What the latest on the search for your replacement as White House Counsel?" he asked.
"We're still working. Your predecessor kind of had it on the back burner" she explained.
"Well I want it on the front burner" the President said. "Ainsley is handling twice the work she should be. I'd love to promote her, but she doesn't have the experience or the expertise to be White House Counsel. Get on it" he said.
"Yes Mr. President" Meg replied. "How do you want me to handle the Taylor situation?" he asked.
"I wasn't aware that it had become a situation"
"Mr. President, on National Television she equated the 25th Amendment to a Military Junta" she said.
"Megan, you are my Chief of Staff. I trust you to handle it as you see fit. I will support any decision you make" the President told her.
"Yes Sir. Will there be anything else?"
"Next week I have a Court appointment…"
"The adoption, yes Sir"
"I'm going to need an attorney…"
"I would be honored Sir" she said. "I'm sure Ainsley would love to sit 2nd Chair" she said.
"Thank you Meg" he said.
"My pleasure, Mr. President. I'll handle the Taylor situation forthwith" she said, retreating from the room. She walked back through her office, and into the hall. "Agent Pierce" she said, walking up to the lead Agent on the President's protection detail.
"Yes Mam?"
"I need 2 of your Agents" she said.
"Of course Mam" he replied. "Saunders, Rodgers, with me" Agent Pierce ordered. "Lead the way Mam" he said. Meg nodded and they walked across the floor, and the lobby to the far side of the West Wing, into the Communications Department. She crossed the Communications Bullpen, walking past Will and Gabby's offices, towards the Taylor's office. Taylor was sitting at her desk when Meg walked in.
"Taylor?"
"Yes?" she replied.
"You're fired" Meg said, smiling as she walked out.
1435 hours local time, 4 January 2003, Mossad Headquarters, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
When AJ, undercover as Captain Marcus Sharon, arrived at Mossad Headquarters, the place was buzzing. Either something had happened, or something was about to happen. "Hey, Peter" he called out to Corporal Mars. "What the fuck is going on?" he asked.
"I don't know. But Dana told me there has been a huge uptick in chatter on the usual sites" he said.
"What the hell is going on" AJ said to himself.
1215 hours, 4 January 2003, Junior's House of Ribs, Washington D.C.
When the President arrived, Elizabeth Quartermaine was already waiting for him. "Mr. President" she said, standing, dressed in her Service Greens.
"Mrs. Quartermaine" the President said as they shook hands.
"Oh, please Sir, call me Elizabeth"
"Very well" the President said as they took their seats and ordered. "You're probably wondering why I've asked you here"
"Yes Sir"
"1st, I'd like to say that up until the last few days of his Presidency, I'd always admired your father"
"That's a lot longer than I did" Liz replied. "Up until this past year, I hadn't spoken with my father since 1990" she said. "Many people admired my father for a very long time, I wasn't among them" she said. "But enough about that" she said, trying her best to change the subject.
"Right" the President sighed. "Will don't and never will approve, or even hope to understand the actions your father took in his last few days in office, there are a few things that I will be continuing"
"Such as what?" Liz asked.
"It's my understanding that a few days prior to his removal from office, your father intended to appoint you as our 1st Ambassador to the Compact of Democratic States"
"Yes Sir, he was. He ordered Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo to pressure me into taking the job" she said.
"Well, he was right about one thing, you would make an excellent CDS Ambassador" he said.
"Mr. President I am truly flattered, but the fact of the matter is, I'm no diplomat, and I have 3 children all under the age of 9. Moving to Ireland isn't really an option" she said.
"I'm aware of that, and since I'm hopefully going to become a father in about a week, I do understand. Of course, since we're here, I might as well offer you the job anyway. So, would you like to be the 1st United States Ambassador to the Compact of Democratic States?"
"Mr. President, I truly am flattered, but I must respectively decline" she said.
"Well, if it's not you, who would you recommend for the position?"
"Have you considered Meg?" Liz offered.
"I agree with you that she would be good at it, but I need her in D.C."
"Mr. President, were I in a better position…"
"I understand" the President waived her off as the waitress arrived with their food. "So how long have you known the Lieutenant Colonel?" he asked.
"Since 1971. We were neighbors, and we to school together all the way through college" she said.
"You 2 have been through quite a bit together" he continued. "Panama, Iraq, Kursk…"
"You're fishing Mr. President"
"A couple of weeks ago, I learned of a Prison Camp in Iraq called…"
"Cabanatuan" Liz cut him off.
"So you know?"
"I know that Cabanatuan is an Iraqi POW Camp, used to house allied prisoners from the war. The Iraqi named it as the "ultimate insult to the West" if I recall correctly" Liz said.
"Exactly" the President said. "According to your file, you are one of the State Department's foremost experts on the Middle East"
"I've heard people say that, yes" she replied modestly.
"Well, fill me in. Let's see how good you really are" the President smiled.
"It was built in 1992, and the prisoners were moved in 1993, after Clinton pulled most of our forces out of the Middle East. The Camp wasn't discovered until a few years ago" she said.
"I think you should know, that I've ordered Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo to look into the feasibility of conducting a raid of the camp. Should he decide to proceed, I want you to go with him"
"Me Sir"
"Your MOS is 18 Alpha is it not?"
"Well, yes Sir, but It's been a while…"
"You certainly gave Sergeant Colleton a run for her money" the President said, raising an eyebrow.
"Sir I…"
"Come on, are you really gonna tell me you DON'T miss being a Field Operative?" he asked.
"Ok, I'm in" she smiled.
"Good. I'm meeting with the Lieutenant Colonel after lunch. You should be there. We're gonna need a second opinion"
"What about Meg?" Liz asked.
"Oh, I'm pretty sure that she'll be too busy knocking boots with her husband" the President laughed.
"I swear to God, those 2 are like rabbits" Liz laughed.
1345 hours, 4 January 2003, Mural Room, West Wing, White House, Washington D.C.
Since he had arrived early, Tony had been escorted to the Mural room by his son. Tony was on the 2nd chapter of "American Empire: The Center Cannot Hold" by Harry Turtledove, when the door opened and General Clark stepped in. "General Clark Sir" Tony said as he snapped to attention.
"At ease Colonel" the General said as he took a seat in the arm chair across from Tony. Tony took his seat. "I take it you're here to meet with our new Commander-in-Chief" he said.
"You mean the one that we helped place in power" Tony grinned.
"The Conservative Media is hammering us" the General said.
"Fuck em" Tony replied.
"That would make a great bumper sticker" the General smiled as he looked around. "I was told Master Sergeant Martin would be joining you"
"Check the nearest bloom closet" Tony said.
"Well there's an image that will never go away"
"Just block out Chester's half" Tony said as he picked up his book.
"Hmm" the General said as he thought it over. "Not a bad sight" he commented.
"Watch it, you're a married man"
"So are you" he replied. "You have it easy though"
"I do not" Tony retorted.
"Yes you do. You hate your wife. That makes it easier"
"I do not hate my wife" Tony denied.
"Yes you do" the General said "Anytime you 2 are in the same room together, you're at each other's throats"
"We're having a little rough patch"
"For 2 years?"
"I don't hate my wife, any more than you hate yours" Tony retorted. "And I know that you love your wife. Hell you have 2 kids with her, and I have 3 with mine"
"One of which she gave away at birth…"
"Enough" Tony said. "I don't not hate my wife"
"Sure…" The General trailed off as the door from hallway opened and Meg and Chester rushed in.
"Sorry we're late, we um…" Meg stammered.
"Got caught in traffic" Chester adlibbed.
"So that's what they're calling it these days" Tony said as he turned the page in his book.
"What are you implying?" Meg said, putting her hands on her hips.
"Chester's Jacket is buttoned wrong, your skirt is on backwards, and even from here I can tell you're not wearing a bra" Tony said, not looking up from his book. Tony laughed as they hastily corrected the problems. "Still doesn't solve the bra problem" Tony smiled.
"Shut up!" Meg growled through her teeth.
"Oh, I'm not complaining" Tony chuckled. Before Meg had the chance to reply, the door that led to the outer Oval Office opened and Rex stepped in.
"The President will see you now" Rex announced.
"Let's go" Tony said as he placed his book down and got to his feet. Everyone else soon followed Rex into the Oval Office. When they walked in, the President was sitting behind his desk, and Liz, still dressed in her Service Greens, was standing beside the desk in the "at ease" position.
"General of the Army Wesley K. Clark, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony D. DiNozzo and Master Sergeant Chester C. Martin, reporting as ordered" General Clark said.
"Well, 2 of those things are correct anyway" the President said as he stood up.
"Wait what?" Chester asked as the General Clark, the President. Liz and Tony smiled. Meg was just as confused as her husband.
"Well, we've received some information from up the chain of command that concerns our good friend Chester here" Tony said. "Lieutenant Quartermaine, I believe you have it"
"It's somewhere in all this paperwork" she said as she opened her soft briefcase.
"Is it something I did Sir, Mam?" he asked.
"Apparently so, Son" the President spoke up.
"Got it" Liz said as she pulled a manila envelope and handed it to Chester. "Perhaps it would be best if you opened this yourself.
"What is it?" Meg asked, scared for her husband. Chester opened the envelope and reached in. Inside was a single sheet of paper.
"Hang on, there's something else in here" he said as he reached in. What he pulled out where 2 Chevrons, similar to the ones that he currently wore on his sleeves, as they were 3 on top and 3 on the bottom. On the middle was different. In the middle was an a lozenge, or "diamond" insignia.
"Oh my God" Meg covered her mouth when she saw what it was.
"Master Sergeant Martin, AAA-TEN-HUTT!" Tony yelled. Chester snapped to attention instantly. "For Invaluable Service to the United States of America, and to this Unit, the 1st Special Operational Detachment-Delta, demonstrating exemplary professionalism as a soldier and a leader, both on and off the battle field. With the blessing and under the authority of the Secretary of the Army, I hereby promote Master Sergeant Chester Curtis Martin to the rank of 1st Sergeant" Tony recited. "Congratulations 1st Sergeant" he added as they shook hands. Chester then received handshakes and pats on the back from both the President and General Clark, as well as a hug and kiss on the cheek from Liz.
"Now, I believe that Mrs. Martin, should have the honors" Tony said as he handed her the 1st Sergeant's Chevrons. Meg smiled as she carefully pinned them on his sleeves; they would be sewn on permanently later.
"Oh come here you" Meg said as she pulled her husband into a passionate kiss, getting a laugh from the room.
"Ironman, get a room" Tony said. "In fact, take the whole day off, if that's ok with you Mr. President"
"Fine by me" the President smiled.
"You've got until 0630 tomorrow morning. We're wheels up from Andrews at 0635" he said.
"Yes Sir" Chester smiled as he pulled his wife into a side hung. Meg smiled brightly too as she put her hand over her husband's chest and rested her head on her shoulders.
"Thank you Tony" Meg said softly.
"You just lost 10 seconds" Tony smiled.
"Move!" Meg said as she pushed her husband out of the room, drawing another laugh from the room as the door slammed behind them as they rushed out.
"God help their son and any other children they may have one day" the President said as he took a seat. "Rex, bring us in some coffee, and after that see that we're not disturbed" he said into the intercom. Wes, Tony and Liz are took their seats as Rex brought in their coffee. "So, you're all Democrats…"
"Wait, who told you I was a Democrat? Because I'm not" Tony said.
"Wait, really?" the President asked.
"Yeah, Tony just your plain old jack-booted storm trooper" Liz said.
"Otherwise known as a Republican" Tony corrected her.
"Well, I'm an Independent" the President continued.
"No you're not" Tony told him. "You were an "Independent Democrat" and voted in nearly every vote with the Democrats. In fact, with the exception of Defense and Foreign Policy, your politics tow the line of the Democratic Party. You're pro-tax, pro-gun control, pro-abortion…"
"It's pro-choice"
"Where I come from, we call it Pro-Abortion" Tony said. "Mr. President, let me save you some time. I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that you're gonna run for re-election in 2004. Run as a Democrat, at the very least you'll knock that asshole Dennis Kucinich out of the running" he said.
"Well, that is some good advice, and that's what I was planning on doing anyway" he said. "The reason I've called you here is to discuss the re-staffing of my cabinet. I have 4 positions to fill, not to mention I need a Vice President" he said.
"Mr. President, you're a young guy, the youngest to ever hold office. You have an election in less than 2 years. Don't blow political capital on VP" Liz said.
"I agree" Wes said. Tony remained silent.
"Ok, let's table the VP for now. What about Secretary of Defense? I was think Jack Reed (D-RI)" the President said.
"I know Jack, West Point Grad, Army vet, good man" Wes said.
"Can I be excused from this?" Tony asked.
"No" the President replied. "Senator Reed it is" the President said. "Attorney General?"
"Alan Fisk (D-MS)" Tony said.
"Congressman Fisk has voted with the right on nearly every vote since he took office" Liz said.
"Ok?" Tony replied.
"Fisk is tough on both White Collar crime and the drug cartels when he was the US Attorney in Southern Mississippi" Wes commented.
"Fisk it is" the President agreed. "CIA Director?"
"How about promoting Tomas Delgado?" Tony suggested.
"Tomas is a good man, but he has more enemies than you do, on both sides of the political isle" Wes said.
"True" Tony said.
"How about Oliver North?" Liz suggested.
"As much as we all hate your former CO and Meg's stepfather, I think we should try and avoid convicted felons" Tony said. "Besides, as I said he's Meg's stepfather, it'll reek of nepotism" he added.
"Yeah, North is out" the President said.
"Look, right now, there really isn't anyone that could get confirmed as Director. Just let Tomas continue on as Acting Director until we can find someone" Tony suggested.
"I like that" Wes said. "Tomas is a good man, he'd make an excellent Director" he agreed.
"Ok then, on to other matters" the President said. "Cabanatuan" he said. "Tony?"
"It's 50 miles inside Iraq, and its guarded by the 1st Brigade of the Republican Guard Special Forces"
"So what are you saying?" the President asked.
"If we were trying to destroy the camp, it wouldn't be a problem. But there are at least 45 POWs that we have to get out too. My men don't have the man power to handle it" Tony said. "I need the Rangers, specifically, 1st Battalion" he said.
"That's Major Quartermaine's Battalion isn't it?" the President asked.
"Yes Sir, that's Allen's Unit" Liz said.
"I can arrange for it" Wes said.
"Work out a new plan to include the 1st Battalion" the President ordered.
"Yes Sir" Tony replied. "As long as we have the element of surprise, it shouldn't be a problem"
"I also want Liz here to go with you?"
"Why?" Tony asked.
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"No, I'm just wondering why" Tony replied.
"Well, 1st of all by the way you put it, you need all the help you can get. And because she is the State Department's foremost experts on the Middle East" the President explained.
"I'll be glad to have her along" Tony smiled.
1830 hours, 4 January 2003, Megan Martin's Apartment, Washington D.C.
"I hate that we have to spend all this time apart" Chester said as he locked his arms around Meg's waist, pressing up against his her back as she washed the dishes from dinner. "And I hate being away from little Johnny too" he said.
"I know" Meg replied as turned off the water and dried her hands on her apron. "But it's the life we chose" she said.
"But not the one I promised you" Chester said. Meg threw off her apron and turned around, cupping her hand on her husband's cheek.
"There is no one, and I mean anyone that I am more proud of then you. You saved my life in Iraq. You brought me home. You gave me a life that I never would have had. Everything I have, I have because of you. You are my everything, in this life and the next" she said with tears in her eyes as she leaned in and gave a kiss. "Not a minute goes by where I don't think of the love we share" she said as she intertwined her fingers with his, their wedding bands knocking together.
"I love you so much" Chester said. "I know that you love doing what you do, so I have a deal for you" he said. "January 20th, 2009"
"I'm sorry?" Meg asked, confused.
"Assuming he's re-elected, that's when President Obama will leave office" he said. "I promise you that on that day, you, me, Johnny, and any other kids we have on the way, and we will all walk off into the sunset. We'll buy a house somewhere, and we're grow old together" he said.
"Chester, you love, and I mean love being with the Unit"
"Not as much as I love you"
"Chester, that isn't my point" she said. "My point is, can you handle walking away from it all? Walking away from the Unit?"
"As long as you're the one holding my hand" Chester said leaning in for a very passionate kiss. Once they broke the kiss, Meg leaned back and bit her lower lip. She reached out and took her husband's hands, pulling him towards the bedroom.
2330 hours, 4 January 2003, Benzinger's Bar, Georgetown, Washington D.C.
"You know that even with the Rangers, this won't be easy" Liz said as she and Tony sipped their drinks.
"Yeah I know" Tony said. "The only way this works is if we have total surprise. Without that, we'll be walking into a shooting gallery" Tony said. "I'm giving an order that any man with a family isn't going with us" he said.
"You have a family" Liz pointed out.
"So do you" Tony retorted.
"You said "Men" without families" she smiled.
"Smart ass" he muttered.
"You love my ass"
"I plead the 5th" he laughed as his cellphone rang. "Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo" he answered.
"Colonel, it's me" a man said.
"Hang on" Tony said. "Excuse me" he said as he stood up and walked outside. "Ok go" he said.
"Get to a computer screen. One that's secure. Redirect a satellite towards the 30th Parallel" he said.
"In Kuwait, come on War Machine, I need to know what kind of a shit storm I'm walking into" Tony said.
"Just get somewhere, Sir" he said before hanging up.
2345 hours, 4 January 2003, White House Situation Room, West Wing, White House, Washington D.C.
With Liz right on his heels, Tony burst into the Sit room. "Re-route the nearest satellite to the 30th Parallel on the Iraqi/Kuwaiti Border" Tony ordered one of the technicians.
"Sir I…"
"Do it!" Tony yelled.
"But Sir…"
"God Damn it, do it!" Tony yelled as he drew his Beretta Inox, cocking the hammer and pointing at the young man's head.
"Yes sir" the man replied as he started typing.
"Are you gonna tell me what that call was about?" Liz asked.
"No I am not" Tony replied. "I will tell you that I am doing what the caller suggested"
"Who was it?" she asked.
"No" Tony replied.
"Ok then"
"How much longer Lance Corporal?" Tony asked.
"The Satellite is re-tasking now, Sir" the young Lance Corporal replied. "It's coming on line now" he said.
"Bring it up on the main screen" he ordered. The Lance Corporal did some quick typing and brought it up.
"Is this real? Real-time?" Liz asked, shocked.
"Yes Mam" the Lance Corporal confirmed.
0430 hours, 5 January 2003, Megan Martin's Apartment, Washington D.C.
The alarm clock on Meg's nightstand blared, waking both Chester and Meg from their slumber. Chester and Meg both untangled themselves from each other's arms sitting up in bed. Meg slipped out of bed and placed her phone back in its cradle; they had taken it off the hook earlier in the night. Chester meanwhile slipped on a clear pair of boxers and turned on his cellphone. He found that he had over a dozen voicemails and text messages from Tony. He quickly dialed. "Tony, it's me. What the hell is going on?" he asked.
"Just get dressed and turn on CNN. After that, grab Meg and meet us at the White House" Tony said.
"You wanna tell me what's going on?" Chester asked.
"Just turn on the TV and get your asses over here" Tony yelled, hanging up.
"What did Tony want?" Meg asked as she slipped on clear undergarments.
"He didn't say, but it sounded urgent. He told me to turn on CNN, and then for both of us to get over to the White House" he said as he fumbled around for the remote. He found it and turn on the TV to CNN.
CNN BREAKING NEWS!
IRAQI REPUBLICAN GUARD INVADES KUWAIT!
PLEASE REVIEW
(Chester's Voice)- Next time on "28 Seconds: Walk in Hell"-
As a new war begins, Meg, General Clark and the President must find a way to deal with the Iraqi situation, leading to Meg making a shocking announcement. Tony discovers that if the US returns to Iraq, Three won't be the only family member going with him. Finally, Tony, Chester, Liz and Allen work to find a way to prevent the Iraqis from executing 500 Prisoners of War.