Resilient, Honorable Men, and Wake the General?

Royal York Hotel – Main Suite - 5:50 pm (1750)

A stunned Team One and the General sat open mouthed at the visage of Sam standing in the doorway asking for something to eat. The JTF2 guys just smiled with 'told ya so' looks and thinking to themselves 'yep just under two; the kid will survive'. They knew he was not out of the woods completely but enough to operate. He would need time to process it completely. Damned resilient.

Winds was closest and trotted over to offer support as he walked Sam to the nearest chair and helped him sit. "Nice to see ya buddy, been a rough one huh. How ya doing?"

Sam replied "I'm fine now but I'll be okay soon." He still needed time to deal with it all. But for the moment it was sufficiently sorted and he needed to be surrounded by his family by warmth. He looked at each one. Blaze, Winds, Patch they were his brothers-in-arms, they had battled with him, fought for him for so long, always keeping him strong, helping him to survive. Team One was family; dad, uncle, brothers, sister – wait not sister – something more; they are connection, a place he could begin to live not just survive. The General, still too mixed, the old doesn't apply … flicker of what could … not ready yet … too raw ….

"What'd do you mean by that?" Ed asked truly confused by his statement, fine and okay were the same.

Sam didn't want to answer that question, so searched for a way to deflect. "So what's a guy gotta do for food?" he said using his lop-sided grin mask.

If anyone had been watching his eyes they would have seen the smile did not register there. Ed realized he did not want to answer. Sam's desire not to answer meant there was a clear distinction between them in his mind. Ed needed to find out but it could wait so he let it drop for now.

The General turned and picked up the phone and ordered dinner for all.

Jules grabbed an apple and bottle of water from the table and walked to Sam. "This will have to do until the feast arrives" she said with a smile handing them to Sam then giving him a gentle hug being careful not to hurt his ribs. "Glad to see ya, just don't scare me like that again."

Sam received hugs or light shoulder pats from all of Team One and his three JTF2 buddies with a variation of glad to see you and a normal quip or comment. The end result created a caring environment and restored a small sense of balance for Sam.

The last to approach him was the General. Tension crept in as Sam unconsciously shifted to an erect soldier-like seated position, back straight, shoulders squared, head up, feet flat on the floor, hands palm down on his thighs. They all saw the shift.

The General knelt down on one knee in front of Sam so their heads were level. Sam was surprised. The General had always towered over him in the past, always in a power position.

Connecting with his son's eyes he let the love, sorrow and hope show in his eyes as he softly spoke "Time Samuel, we need time. We are human and we make mistakes but we have time. We can fix this. It won't be easy and it won't be quick. But we can fix this. We have time. I have hope. I love you son."

Then he utterly and completely shocked Sam as he wrapped his arms around him and gently hugged him for the first time Sam could remember in his life. Sam thought, time, definitely need time as he received but did not reciprocate the hug, body still tense, hands still on his thighs and said nothing in return.

The General released him after a brief hug, stood and went to talk with Wordy. Sam's posture relaxed as the General walked away. Sam sat quietly catching bits and pieces of the conversations around him but not paying much attention as he munched on the apple.

General Braddock spoke barely above a whisper "Thank you for the words. I will keep in mind what you told me. I will be patient. Not patient by nature but I will try. I do love my son. I will work at this."

Wordy nodded with a smile and thought, time they will need time. You cannot undo almost twenty plus years of history in a day or two. I have hope they will fix this.

Jules wasn't kidding Sam thought as he surveyed all the food, feast was an accurate description. Dinner conversation was light and touched on fun and mundane topics. A playful argument broke out between Winds and Ed over which hockey team was the best.

Near the end of dinner as people were starting to scatter Spike piped up looking at Blaze "So who won the bet?" Everyone cringed, Spike could be inept sometimes.

Sam noticed the unease and asked "What bet?"

Spike realized his error and quickly made something up "How much food would be left over? The General here thinks he's feeding an entire army, so much left overs you'd think this was an Italian's home."

It was totally lame and everyone including Sam knew it. But Sam let it drop. He probably didn't want to know what the bet was actually about especially with the daggers glare Jules had given Spike.

Sam was feeling and looking wrung out. He had eaten but not much. He looked over to Patch and said "Any way you would approve me taking a shower? I could really use one before hitting the sack." Sam knew that Patch would most likely say no with the stitches he was sporting in his face and arm. But one would help him not only cleanse his body but also wash away many negative thoughts; let them flow out and down the drain.

Patch gave him an assessing look registering the unspoken need, knowing he should probably say no because of the stitches but replied "Yeah, as long as it's short. I'll redress your wounds when you're done. Let's go buddy."

He helped Blondie rise and head towards the room. The desire for a shower was a good sign. It meant Blondie was coming closer to normalcy. "Greg and Jules went by your place, brought your personal kit and clean clothes too."

As the two moved into Sam's room the conversation in the main suite return to activities around the investigation. Progress had been slow today. Everyone had been distracted. Seeing that Sam would be okay reenergized them and they started back into their tasks with zeal.

Ed went to check with Hal and the rest of his guys. After the first security plan has been shot to hell, they had decided the four unit guys would split into two team and rotate on twelve hour shifts in the hall. With the rest of them in them in the same room as Sam it was sufficient.

The hot shower had helped in many ways but one very nice result was the tension it released from his muscles. He was so stiff and sore every movement ached. As he was standing in front of the sink brushing his teeth he started to assess his physical state.

He was a mess. With the stitches, small cuts, bruises, abrasions and paleness of his face he thought he looked like a Zombie. His right arm burned with movement and the stitches itched. He was disappointed his left wrist was swollen and sore; must be sprained. Holding a gun will be difficult for a while.

It still hurt to take deep breaths, several ribs must be cracked and his left shoulder still hurt. The bruising of his all over his body was still livid but he noted the color change was older than a day. Crap how long have I been out? What is today?

He finished up and dressed in only his pants then returned to the bedroom so Patch could attend to his wounds and re-wrap his wrist. Patch had given him one last dose of intravenous antibiotic and pain meds then removed the IV. He was glad; he hated being tethered. Lastly he had helped Sam put his t-shirt on because it was so difficult to lift his arms fully.

"Better?" Patch asked.

"Much" simply said. Sam knew he did not have to effuse words of thanks. The unit had dispensed with that need years ago. Each knew exactly how the much the others appreciated what they did for each other, no words were needed.

Sufficiently put together and feeling a bit refreshed Sam reentered the suite. Patch stayed close at hand should he falter in his step, which was still shaky but getting stronger. "Boss?" he questioned in a near normal tone.

"Yeah Sam?" Greg asked looking up from the file he was reviewing. He liked what he heard and saw. He was getting closer to the Sam they all knew and loved.

"What is today and how long have I been out of it?" he asked.

"Well today is Thursday. So since Monday night, three days total including today" Greg replied.

"Okay." Wow three whole days. Another thought entered his mind "Boss, did I miss Aaron's funeral?" That got the entire room to stop and listen.

"No it is tomorrow afternoon. But I don't think it is a good idea for you to go given the threat against you. The Major is likely to be there" Greg stated firmly.

"I have to go" Sam stated firmly back.

Greg was against him going but needed to listen to understand Sam's thinking. He remembered all too well the price they all had paid for not listening so he simply asked "Why?"

"Because he was under my command when he died. It would be a dishonor if I did not go. He was a good man." Sam noticed the looks of disgust on many of their faces. He narrowed in on Jules "What is that look for?"

Uncomfortable at being the one called to account for their reaction she firmly stated "Because of Aaron's attitude and behaviors toward you that day and for the things he said about you to Brett and Frank before we set out." She then recounted what they had overheard.

Sam thought only a moment before answering "He was a good man having a bad afternoon. We all make mistakes. One mistake does not discount that he put his life on the line to protect innocent people every day."

"I should not say this because I have not yet met with SIU but in the end Aaron had my back. He did the right thing no matter what he may have thought of me. He came upon me and Basto just as Basto was about to shoot. Basto had his gun leveled at my head, my weapon was not fully raised yet and blood dripped into my eyes."

"Aaron appeared at the top of the ravine and had his weapon pointed at Basto. His yell distracted Basto before he could fire at me. It gave me the time needed to raise my weapon. But the other subject appeared out of nowhere right beside Aaron."

Sam took a steadying breath "As I wiped the blood out of my eyes the subject shot Aaron. I was to slow to save Aaron. I shot the subject. Then Basto and I fired at each other at the same time. I hit Basto and he missed me."

Sam sat quiet for several moments clearly shaken reliving the event. "So whatever he may have said, whatever crap he gave me. Whatever his bastard of an Uncle may or may not have done. Aaron deserves to be honored for the man he was. A good man. An honorable man. I need to pay my respects to him. Without him I would be dead. He saved me, I failed him" he finished resolutely.

Everyone was silent. They had all wondered about the four shots and what had actually happened in the ravine. Each had speculated various scenarios but none had placed Aaron in the role of saving Sam. Lou felt deeply ashamed for one far-fetched scenario he had concocted in his head where Aaron had fired at Sam, since there were four shots and three dead.

Greg sighed, he understood Sam's need but also understood the threat. He was about to say something when Sam looked directly at Ed and softly said "I will go with or without your help. Do not doubt that. Will you help me do it without taking unacceptable risks?"

Ed thought damn he's good; points, shoots, hits a bulls-eye with his words.

Before he could reply the General walked up behind Sam and placed a hand on his shoulder. Unintentionally Sam stiffened to attention. The General inwardly sighed 'would that ever stop, probably not, too ingrained, learn to deal with it' but aloud he said "I understand Samuel's sense of duty and need to honor a fallen officer. I will help him. Who will support me?"

Sam was shocked for the third time by this man's action tonight. He never expected him to be the first to support him or really any support to come from the General. Team One was next to agree to support. Partly because they felt with so many officers present the Major would be unlikely to act.

The JTF2 guys begrudgingly agreed to support because of their first-hand knowledge and history of what the bastard Major had done to Blondie. They did not want to give him even the slightest opportunity to harm Blondie. But if the others were bound and determined to let Blondie do it then they would help.

Blaze mused silently that Blondie's threat about going with or without help was not an idle one. He was too damned skilled. If he wanted out of this room he would get out and most likely undetected by anyone even in his injured state. It was safer for him if they agreed to help.

Worn out now Sam turned to head off to bed but stopped and turned to Greg "Boss, one more thing please. I want to get the five SIU interviews over with. Seeing that the funeral is in the afternoon, can you schedule them for the morning?"

"I'll make the arrangements. Get some rest buddy" Greg replied.

He nodded just before Sam was about to close the door Wordy called out to him "Sam, if you need anything I'll be here all night."

Sam smiled and closed the door. He grabbed beauty, put in the ear buds, turned it on and crept into bed. He was so drained he knew sleep would eventually come but right now his mind was still a jumble of thoughts. Needed to get sorted enough to pull out everything tomorrow morning and deal with Aaron's funeral in the afternoon. Then he'd be able to lock those memories in his safe place and get some peace.

Blaze asked Ed "What's an SIU interview?"

Ed explained what an SIU interview entailed. He felt a slight twinge of guilt remembering that he hadn't even explained it to Sam before he had to participate in one. Christ that first one had been done by Donner. He shuddered slightly. Who knew the man was so unbalanced.

When Ed was done Blaze shook his head "Wow, you mean you have to go through that for every one. That's intense. I mean I get it the reason an all but that's gotta hurt sometimes. I think I'd never be SRU material, don't think I could handle doing that every time. Blondie has to do five of those tomorrow. I hope he's up to it. Hey Patch, do ya have the charger for beauty? Blondie might need it tomorrow morning."

Ed looked at him questioningly and Blaze responded with a smile "Just being prepared."

The General cleared his throat to get everyone's attention "So how are we going to protect Sam tomorrow. What's the plan?"

The group discussed the options for over an hour. They decided that they needed to make the other teams aware of the threat. They needed to enlist their help because they had no idea from what direction the threat might come. However, due to the top secret nature they had to be vague with details.

They decided that they would show a picture of the Major to them so they knew who to watch for but give a vague reason as to why. The reason they settled on was that in his grief the Major may blame Sam for Aaron's death. Not exactly a lie but definitely not the whole sickening truth.

Greg placed a call to the Sergeants of Teams Three, Four and Five asking if they could join the planning session tonight or send a rep. Team Two would not be attending the funeral they were on shift. About twenty minutes later, Rollie and his TL Paul from Team Three and Dale from Team Five arrived.

Dale explained that Sergeant Winter and their TL Carl were unable to make it tonight so he offered to come and would brief them in the morning. Frank from Team Four arrived shortly after. His Sergeant and TL were busy with arrangements for Aaron's parents for tomorrow so he was their rep.

They set to work and developed a plan. It wasn't anywhere near perfect, maybe just adequate because there were too many possibilities. It was just too open and exposed.

As they were wrapping up Blaze, Winds, and Patch walked up to Dale. Blaze as their spokesman said "Dale right?" Dale nodded yes. "My name is Blaze, this here is Winds and Patch" he said pointing at his buddies. "We owe you a debt and would like to say thank you."

Dale was confused "A debt and thank you for what?"

"Do you remember the first time you met Blondie? I mean Sam?" Blaze queried.

"You mean in the mess tent?" Dale responded.

"Yeah, actually outside it, but yeah in the mess tent. We owe you for that" Blaze stated.

"For what talking to him?" Dale said still not seeing why someone would say there was a debt for that. It was only common courtesy.

Winds interceded "What Blaze is muddling up big time is that we want to thank you for saving Blondie that day. Your kindness was what kept him from falling over the edge that day before we could get to him. It was really bad that time. So thank you."

Recognition flared in Dales eyes "That was you guys that came into the tent? Man that was intense. I don't see the guy that talked to him first. Is he here? After the day Sam had on Monday, he could sure use a friend like that. I saw the connection between them, strong, forever."

"Sam looked like he was half dead struggling to stand up outside the tent. Hell he looked half dead most the time he was there. He was always there. Everyone else came and went but he always stayed. Wondered about that. Is that some weird JTF2 thing? Don't you guys get the same down time?" As he continued to speak he noticed the demeanor of the men changing and he sensed anger and pure hatred so he halted.

"Yeah, well we can't say much but no it's not. Our anger is not directed at you. It's just a response where Blondie is concerned. He's our little brother, we protect him. Thank you for taking care of him. I think he ended up at SRU because of what you told him that day." Patch responded. No one had the heart to tell him that Matt was dead but he saw right that connection was forever even if Matt was gone physically.

Not knowing exactly what to say to all of that Dale offered "Well, you're welcome I guess. Glad I could help. Gotta go. See you tomorrow." Dale waved bye to Team One and headed out. That was almost as weird as the first time he thought. I should've asked them what the numbers meant he thought as he exited the door. Nah whatever it was belongs over there not here.

Royal York Hotel – Room on 3rd Floor - 1 am

Phone up to his ear "We are counting on you. It's important that you speak to him alone. [listens] We need to know the truth of how he died no one with tell us. I'm sure he will agree he is an honorable man he wouldn't deny your simple request. [listens] Yes, he must be hurting too; they say he was in charge of Aaron at the time. [listens] I agree completely, we all need to know and you are our best hope of finding out the real truth. [listens] So you are sure you can do this sweetie? [listens] Good. I'll see you tomorrow."

The Major put down the phone and smirked. People are just so easy to manipulate. All it takes are the right words, even if they are pure lies, honorable man my ass. He laughed out loud. His phone rang and he answered it.

"Major Plouffe. [listens] I've made the arrangements. [listens] No she has no clue. [listens] This time you better not fail. [listens] He wasn't supposed to make it out alive you were supposed to see to that. [listens] I don't care if his unit went rogue, off mission to get him back. [listens] You failed and I had a hell of a time covering up that shit. You should've just put a bullet in him and left him in the desert. [listens] I don't care she's expendable. You do what is necessary. I want him dead tomorrow if he shows."

Plouffe hung up somewhat angry and agitated. He silently rolled thoughts around in his warped brain. Damn that idiot never was able to follow through, I better make a backup plan too. My toy soldier will die tomorrow if he is stupid enough to show up at the funeral. He'll never see it coming. Now let's plan the General's demise. Gotta give him a few months of pain after his soft spot is gone before I get rid of him once and for all. Oh what a happy day that will be.

Royal York Hotel – Main Suite - 2 am

Spike could not stop; he had to find the link. He had several convoluted searches running in the background. They had amassed a great deal of evidence against the Major. He was definitely at fault for the non-stop deployments. He covered up the behavior of the unit that left Sam in the field. There was definitely a link between Murphy and Plouffe. They'd even mapped Sam's injuries and found that a high percentage of them were when Sam was assigned to Blake's unit, even before he was in charge of it.

But what started this whole mess? That is the question that bothered Spike the most. He was searching for the answer.

Ping. One search done. Spike looked it over and exclaimed "HOLY SHIT! The General's gonna rage when I tell him this."

"Tell him what?" Wordy asked.

Spike jumped nearly falling out of his seat "Don't do that. You scared the crap outta me. Didn't know anyone was still awake."

Amused Wordy said "So, what's up?"

Spike was looking nervously between Wordy and his monitor "Well I was running a deep search and found something that's bad real bad. I think I should wake the General."