Okay - I'm gonna apologise in advance. I reread this chapter after I wrote
it and It's got a very serious Murdock in it which is starting to worry me.
But don't worry I'll soon have him back to your normal crazy pilot - it
might take a while but I'll get him there. Poor Murdock all full of angst
and all that - and I haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet! It's going
kinda slow really but believe me the action is just around the
corner...somewhere...
Part Twelve - Lost Without You
Murdock yawned and rolled over, pulling his eyes open against the light streaming in through the window. For a moment he just laid there staring across the room, then the events of the night before came flowing back, and he turned and looked across at the empty side of the bed. He smiled to himself.
*She's already up. Early bird, some things never change.*
He thought to himself as he dragged himself out of bed. She'd always been the first one up in the mornings. She'd be dressed and ready for another day even before his alarm had gone off. Even in 'Nam she was always up first. She was one of those people that once they were up, they were wide awake. He, however, he'd still be half asleep until he'd had his morning shower. He was still the same after two tours in 'Nam but by the fourth he'd turned into a light sleeper and found he could get by with less sleep and could be wide awake at the first sound of trouble.
He took a quick shower, eager to see Kate, then got changed and bounded down the stairs to find Hannibal on his own in the kitchen.
"Hey Muchacho, where's Kate?"
He said planting his hands into his pockets and half rocking on from his heels to his toes, happily. Hannibal put the kettle back down and turned with the mug in his hand. Murdock noticed the serious expression on his face straight away.
"Take a seat, Murdock."
"What is it?"
Hannibal placed the mug on the breakfast bar and gestured for him to sit down. Murdock shook his head.
"Not until you tell me what's wrong? I know something's up I can tell form the expression on your face. What is it? Is it Kate? Is something wrong with Kate - you're scaring me Hannibal - tell me."
He said, the tone in his voice something Hannibal had rarely heard from the happy-go-lucky pilot. He meant business and Hannibal knew it.
"She's gone."
Murdock's brow furrowed.
"Gone? Gone where?"
"She left early this morning, bout three. She had something she had to do, some business to finish and she'll be back in a couple of days."
It took a moment for Murdock to process what he'd said, then he looked up and stared at him, a glint of something resembling anger in his eyes.
"And you let her go?!"
He half roared, his voice getting louder as he spoke.
"She had good reason."
He replied sharply.
"Yeah, but to let her go alone?! You know there are people out there trying to kill her don't you?! What were you thinking?! Just to let her get up and go - just like that!!"
"It wasn't just like that, Captain!!!"
He stated intensely in his military bark, using the formal rank to show that Murdock was slowly stepping towards the edge of acceptable behaviour. Murdock just stood there glaring at Hannibal, waiting for an explanation.
"She came to me yesterday and told me she had to leave."
"Yesterday? YESTERDAY?! YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS YESTERDAY AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ANYONE?!!!!!!"
"I COULDN'T!!!!" He said fiercely. "NOW CALM YOUR TEMPER CAPTAIN YOU ARE BORDERING ON INSUBORDINATION!!!!!"
At this moment BA and Face entered the kitchen, Face rubbing his eyes.
"What's with all the screaming, guys?"
Face asked clearly frustrated and confused, and slightly angered at being woken up, plus the fact that Hannibal rarely shouted at any of them, let alone Murdock. Both Hannibal and Murdock ignored him.
"I made a promise."
Hannibal stated trying to calm his own temper.
"She made me promise not to tell anyone. She had to leave to finish her assignment. And she had to go alone because it was something she needed to do alone. I didn't want to let her go either but I realised I had no choice. She's a grown woman who can make up her own mind, plus she's got a stubborn streak I wouldn't like to get in the way of."
Face and BA stood there speechless for a moment.
"Little mama's gone?"
BA stated in shock. Hannibal nodded at the both of them, then turned back to look at the Captain who was staring at the floor. Murdock, who was trying to clam his breathing down, looked back up at him.
"Why? Why alone? Why now?"
"There was something she didn't tell us, about the dreams. Something she'd forgotten." He paused, trying to find an easy way to say this. "The man who murdered her parents...is the same man who shot her in that warehouse a year ago and the same man who ransacked her place and knocked her out."
For a long time no-one said anything. Murdock sunk down onto the stool next to him. Face and BA both stared at Hannibal, eyes wide, Face still looking half asleep in his dressing gown whereas BA had actually been dressed when the commotion started. Murdock looked distraught at the thought of everything Kate must be going through, and he took a long deep breath.
"I can't imagine what she's going through right now."
"Neither can I Murdock, neither can I."
Hannibal agreed. Murdock pulled himself out of his thoughts.
"Where did she go? What did she have to do? Did she tell you anything?"
He asked Hannibal.
"She told me that she had some papers to pick up. Something her father left behind - there was incriminating evidence on them to do with the traitors in the CIA. Her father hid them in a special place known only to him and Kate, because he had a feeling that these people knew about him knowing. Kate's gone to collect them and get them back to HQ. Finish her fathers work. She's meeting up with her partner and she said she'd be back in two days."
Murdock nodded. Face looked up.
"How did she leave?"
He asked, knowing that she didn't have her car there. Hannibal smiled at him.
"Oh yeah. Kate apologises and says she'll take good care of it and get it waxed before she brings it back."
"She took my 'Vette? Aww Hannibal..."
He said astonished. Hannibal ignored him.
"And she told me to apologise to you and tell you that she loves you."
Murdock didn't react. Just sat there biting his lip in thought.
"Murdock?"
He looked up.
"You shouldn't have let her go Hannibal. You should have stopped her."
He said simply, then got up and walked out of the back door. Face, Hannibal and BA just stood there.
"You couldn't have done anything Hannibal. You know what Kate's like - once she's made up her mind about something..."
Face didn't finish the sentence.
"No. Murdock's right I should have done something."
And with that he left the room and went out the front, leaving BA and Face standing there, dumbstruck.
"BA, what just happened here?"
"I ain't got a clue, Faceman. But Hannibal and Murdock need to talk about it whatever it was."
"Hm...Well, I'm gonna go take a shower, I don't know about you."
He said and walked out. BA shook his head.
"This whole place's crazy."
He stated, then followed Face out.
*****
Murdock had stormed into the living room and started pacing, then sitting, his fingers drumming together, then he would stand and start pacing again. After a while, his energy seemed to go and he slumped down on the sofa next to the phone and leaned back, looking at the phone as if willing it to ring. He looked away and across the room into oblivion, a blank expression sweeping over his face as he remembered the last time he'd felt like this. It was back in 'Nam. His chopper had gone down with the Team in, excluding Face who was back recovering from taking one in the leg, Kate was looking after him. They'd spent a few hours in the jungle, heading towards the DMZ and keeping out of the way of unfriendlies. Luckily they were spotted by another chopper and picked up and taken to the nearby camp. They'd gone straight to the Communications building and spoken to Face who was assured they were all okay. A Chopper was coming the next day to pick them up so they all headed to the Mess Hall to relax and wait.
A few hours later all hell suddenly broke loose in the camp and rumours were going round that another camp had been bombed and they were to go on alert. An officer came to tell them what had happened. Two bombs had hit a camp, one hitting the LZ and blowing up half a dozen choppers, and the other, which was assumed to be meant for the communications building, missed and hit the hospital. It was only then that they were told it was their base.
Murdock could feel a dull ache swelling in his chest as he realised that Kate was probably in the hospital and so was Face. It had taken both Hannibal and BA to hold him back from jumping in the nearest Chopper. They were told that they would have to wait - there were no choppers available to get them back.
That was the same feeling he had now. Not knowing what had happened, and where she was and if she was even still alive. His chest hurt, and his legs felt weak, the anger having left him. They'd had to wait for three hours before they could get back and no-one had told them anything - the communications were down in the other camp so the only people that knew anything were the soldiers that had gone in to help from nearer camps than the one they were at.
Murdock sighed and remembered everything that Face had told him after the bombs had hit.
Vietnam 1970
Coughing and sputtering Face felt consciousness coming back. He felt like the floor was shaking, but then soon realised it was someone shaking him. He opened his eyes and moaned. John, a friend of Face's was sitting infront of him and shaking him by the shoulders gently.
"Face? Peck, you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine."
He looked around. Flames almost covered his vision as he stared out onto the LZ. Choppers and nearby buildings were alight, there were soldiers randomly laid about the area with a couple soldiers checking on them and rubble and dust covered the place. He could hear cries in the distance and shouting, running footsteps all around and he tried to pull himself up.
"Woah, easy mate."
John said as he helped Face to his feet. Face swayed for a moment, then got his vision and co-ordination back. His head and arm were throbbing as well as he leg wound and he reached up and felt the familiar sticky sensation beneath his fingertips. He also noticed that he now had a bandage on his arm.
"I bandaged your arm up, and it looks like you've got a concussion - you hit the crate pretty hard from what I saw. You've also cracked a rib as well. That's gonna need bandaging up."
Face tried to remember what happened. He'd been heading towards the hospital when he'd heard it. A bomb - next thing he knew he was swept off his feet and thrown 10 feet into the air to land, hitting a crate. Just as consciousness left him he remembered hearing another bomb and he felt his heart leap in his chest. He turned in the direction of the hospital and his worse fears were realised.
"Kate..."
He whispered, the dread in his voice evident. One side of the hospital was in ruins and fires were all over the place. He suddenly pulled away from John and head in that direction, but John grabbed his good arm again.
"Where are you going?"
"I've got to find Kate."
He stated.
"Face, you're in no condition to go looking for people. We have enough soldiers in there now getting the patients and medical staff out. I'm sure she's fine. Besides the bomb hit the hospital wing that's being built and decorated there weren't any patients there."
"Hey! Can you guys help me here!"
A soldier shouted. They turned to see the man lifting a guy up.
"That other man is still alive."
He nodded to the man still on the ground. The hospital forgotten for a second Face and John headed over and picked up the man between them, carrying him over to the Mess Hall where they'd set up a temporary hospital ward. They placed him down on a spare bed and Face wiped his hands down his uniform, trying to ease his breathing as his chest was hurting. They were covered in the mans blood. John moved closer to him.
"Come on, lets get your rib cage wrapped up good. We can go look for Kate after - she may be helping the patients out."
Face nodded and sat down on a chair while John wrapped his mid-section up tightly. Suddenly remembering something Kate had told him, Face turned to John.
"Kate told me that they were transferring equipment over to the new wing today because it was almost finished."
He said limping away, the bullet wound in his leg throbbing as well as his cracked rib. John's eyes opened slightly in realisation and followed him. They soon started scouring the outside, looking into any of the room they possibly could and shouting for Kate.
God was on their side that night as they looked into another room that was still half standing in the new wing. First thing they noticed was that the opposite wall was completely caved in and the room was covered in rubble and dust, equipment was strewn across the floor and the room was dark. As their eyes adjusted Face stopped a woman laid down on the floor, covered in a sheet and she had a splint on her arm. He soon spotted another woman next to the wall. She was leaning against the wall, her eyes closed, a gauze pad on her temple. It was Kate.
"Kate? Kate?!"
He banged in the glass trying to wake her.
"Kate, can you hear me? Pleas be okay!"
He saw her open her eyes and he sighed in relief. She looked over at him.
"Face..."
He saw her mouth in a sigh.
"Are you okay?"
He nodded in question through the glass. She pulled herself up using the wall and nodded.
"I'm fine. But Janet's still unconscious. We need a stretcher."
Face turned to John.
"Go get a medic and a stretcher."
John nodded and ran off. He turned back to Kate.
"Are you okay?"
She asked him before he could say anything else. He knew he must look quite a state. Blood on his uniform, bandage on his arm and head, trickle of blood running down on side of his face.
"I'm okay. I'd just gone past the LZ when the bomb hit, swept me off my feet! Now get back and cover yourselves - I'm gonna have to break the glass."
Kate nodded and moved away. Face bent down and picked up a piece of charred wood nearby. He looked in to see Kate shielding Janet with her body and he swung the wood at the window - the glass shattering everywhere. He then shoved all the glass off the bottom of the ledge and pulling off his jacket, he covered the ledge with it, to stop the remaining glass cutting anyone. He climbed through and saw Kate stand and he went straight over to her and pulled her into a fierce hug, feeling his ribs pull but ignoring them. Then he pulled back and gently touched the area around the gauze she'd tapped to her head.
"It's nothing." She said. "Just a scratch. Head wounds tend to bleed more than others."
"So I noticed."
He said, gesturing to the top of his head.
"Murdock is gonna be so worried about you. Hell I was worried sick about you when I saw the state the hospital was in..."
He trailed off.
"I know - I felt the same when I heard that bomb hit the LZ and then when I heard the other coming...I just pulled Janet under the bed with me..."
He hugged her again.
"Peck!"
Face turned at the voice and saw John passing through a stretcher, a doctor standing beside him.
"Hey Kate - you okay?"
He asked her.
"I'm fine. Just a little singed is all. Janet needs some help though."
She turned back and helped Face roll Janet onto the stretcher, then they lifted her up and passed her through the window to the doctor and John. Face then climbed through and helped Kate through. It wasn't until they were outside that he realised she was limping quite a bit.
"Kate, is something wrong with your leg?"
"I think I've sprained ma ankle, that's all. It's nothing."
"That's not nothing - here."
He suddenly swept an arm behind her and picked her up. She grabbed his neck.
"Face, what are you doing? Put me down! I can walk fine!"
He gritted his teeth just slightly before he answered her.
"No arguments. I told Murdock I would keep an eye on you while he was away and that's what I'm doing. They've changed the Mess Hall into a temporary hospital. You can go and rest in there."
"But I need to help the others!"
She told him.
"Then you can do it while you are sitting down and resting. The bomb hit the unused part of the hospital so there weren't many casualties luckily."
"Face, you need to rest as well. That's an order."
He smiled, in spite of the throbbing in his leg and side.
"Sorry hon, only a doctor can give me that order. Besides I'm okay."
She grumbled under her breath and Face grinned in amusement. He could see her watching him as he walked, then she frowned for some reason, studying his movements.
"What?"
He asked her innocently.
"You haven't whined once Face. You'd moan if you cut a finger."
He tried to stop holding his breath when he stepped with the left foot.
"So?"
He just said. He saw her look down to his chest, then she pressed gently against it and he tensed, but carried on walking.
"Okay - you put me down right now!"
She stated and she meant it.
"We're nearly there."
He just replied. She started to investigate the area the bandage covered. Involuntarily he winced as she touched the cracked rib.
"Lieutenant Peck - put me down!!"
At the use of his rank, he placed her on the floor gently just outside the Mess Hall.
"Happy now? Now get in there and rest - I've got work to do."
She snakes his wrist before he could move away.
"No, I'm not happy. You are coming in with me whether you like it or not!"
She pulled him in after her, trying not to put too much weight on her foot. The room was packed with people - busier than they'd ever seen it. Soldiers, doctors, nurses and patients were scattered all across the place. People laid on beds, covered in dust and blood. Exhausted doctors and nurses rushing round with equipment trying to help everyone. Some tables had been turned into make-shift beds while others had been folded down and stacked in a corner somewhere.
Kate weaved her way through the beds and chairs until she found where Janet was, and she sat Face down in the seat next to her.
"Sit there and don't move."
She commanded. Face rolled his eyes. Kate ignored him and quickly checked Janet's condition. Then she turned back to him.
"Have you had anyone check that, or have you just bandaged it up yourself?"
"It's fine.
"Face...?"
He gave her a look and gave in to her stare.
"John wrapped it. I think I've cracked a rib or two. The blast swept me off my feet and I hit a crate."
She made him pull up his shirt and she tenderly unwrapped the bandage and took a look. It was already bruising and pain swept through Face as she delicately inspected the area.
"You're right, there's probably two maybe three cracked ribs but I don't think they're broken. It's gonna be sore for a while."
"Terrific!"
He replied sarcastically. She wrapped them up again tightly.
"I'll be back in a minute, just got to find some painkillers."
"I'm fine - I don't need any."
"Tough - you're getting them. Besides I could do with some myself."
She said as she moved away before Face could ask her how she was feeling. Face watched her as she limped slightly across the room and over to a doctor. They had a small conversation, then she turned and made her way back. She smiled at him as she got closer.
"Here."
She said as she filled the needle with the bottle the doctor had given her and shoved the needle into his arm. He winced at the sudden pain.
"Ouch!"
He whined.
"Baby."
She threw the needle into the bin, then unwrapped another one for her and injected herself in the arm.
"Now, you are gonna sit down on this seat next to me and rest."
He stated.
"Fine. Just let me - "
"No. You're not the only one who can command people. Now sit down and relax. If I have to suffer sitting here, then you can too."
She let him sit her down and then she just looked around the room at all the people that had been injured. It could have been a lot worse. If that bomb had hit the communications building a lot more people would have been hurt. If that bomb had hit a different part of the hospital then a lot more people would have been hurt. She shook her head to stop those thoughts. It was no use thinking of what might have been, she had to just be glad it hadn't come out any different. And that Murdock hadn't been there. Because if he was he would have surely been out on the LZ with his chopper - he spent a lot of time over there. Her mind wondered onto everything that had happened since. It must have been over an hour since the bombs hit but it seemed like only a few minutes had passed. Everything had gone so slowly since.
"We were lucky you know."
She said quietly. Face turned his gaze towards her.
"Yeah. We were."
With full forth the impact of what had happened just hit her and she could feel the tears welling. Face noticed.
"Oh hey, hey, Kate, it's okay."
He leaned her into him and she rested her head on his shoulder as she tried to wipe the tears away.
"I knew I shouldn't have sat down."
She said, her voice quivering. She paused, then carried on.
"You know we'd only just gone into that room. We'd been in one further down the corridor where the bomb hit."
"Yeah, but you weren't. And you had the sense to get under that bed when you heard it coming."
"You know if Murdock were here, he'd have been by the LZ."
"Yeah I know. Ironically it was lucky that he was shot down."
"Yeah."
She took a deep breath and sighed. The adrenaline was wearing off and she was started to feel really tired. She heard Face stifle a yawn and half smiled to herself, despite the pain in her head from the probably concussion. She felt her eyes getting heavy and she gave in to them. She felt Face relax as she stayed leaned into him and soon both her and Face were drifting off into a dreamless sleep despite the commotion going on all around them.
*****
By this time Murdock was so frantic he had been pacing up and down for the past hour. They'd heard nothing about the other camp expect that the place was in chaos. There had been no other news whatsoever. He was just desperate to get back there and he was worried sick about Kate and his best friend. BA and Hannibal were just sitting there watching him, just as worried as Murdock. Hannibal had gotten through all the cigars he'd had on him and he'd even sub-consciously turned to get one form Face when he remembered that he wasn't there and he sighed. It had been Face who'd somehow found him those rather expensive but very nice cigars and he always seemed to have one on him whenever the Colonel needed one, even in the middle of the jungle, he'd just produce the perfect looking cigar from his war torn uniform. Hannibal didn't know how he did it.
"Sit down Murdock, pacing isn't going to help."
Murdock let out an impatient sigh.
"I don't think I could sit still Colonel."
"I'm sure she's fine Murdock. There's no point thinking the worse, you know that. If we all did that then everyone would be going crazy by now."
"I know, I know - I just can't help it."
They heard the door open and looked up. An officer was standing there.
"There's a chopper just got in, blew up on of Charlie's that dropped a bomb - Pilot said he'd fly you back to camp as soon as his tanks been refuelled."
All the men stood quickly and followed a frantic Murdock out to the LZ.
"Thanks, Lieutenant."
Hannibal said as he passed.
"Sir."
The man nodded. Before they knew it they were all crowded in the Chopper and were flying back to their camp. Before the Chopper had even set down properly Murdock was out the back and running. Hannibal and BA followed. Murdock spotted John and ran over shouting his name. John stopped and looked over in his direction.
"Oh hey Murdock, you're back - glad to see you're in one piece. You too Colonel, Sergeant."
He nodded at Hannibal and BA who were just behind.
"Have you seen Kate - or Face?"
There was a look of complete terror in his eyes and John felt sorry for the guy. He nodded his head.
"Calm down Murdock, Face carried Kate towards the mess hall about half hour ago - it's being used as a temporary hospital. She's okay, she was alive at least. We found her in a room off the wing."
Warm relief spread over Murdock and he squeezed the guys shoulders and ran towards the mess hall. He entered to find the place crowded and he stood on tip toes looking over peoples heads trying to spot Kate. A doctor passed him and he grabbed his arm.
"Have you seen Kate?"
The doctor nodded.
"She's over by the back."
He told Murdock.
"Thanks."
Murdock started heading towards the back wall - weaving in and out of beds and tables. It wasn't long before he saw Face and Kate. They were sitting side by side and Kate was leaned on Face's shoulder. They were both fast asleep. Murdock smiled and carefully moved over. Her uniform was dirty and torn and her hair, which was covered in dust, was all wispy around her face and had fallen out of the high pony tail she always had it in. Her face had small scraps of blood on mixed with dirt and she had a small gauze pad just above her temple. Face looked to be in the same condition but he had more blood on his clothes and a drip of blood down one side of his face.
"Well they're alive at any rate."
Hannibal said from behind Murdock. Murdock turned and looked at him.
"Yeah. "
He smiled slightly and leaned in to get a closer look at Kate.
"They look relatively okay."
"If you call this okay."
Murdock, Hannibal and BA looked at Face to see blue eyes looking back at them.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."
Murdock said.
"Nah, I wasn't asleep, just resting my eyes."
"You both okay, Lieutenant?"
"We'll live."
He replied quietly, so as not to wake Kate.
"What happened?"
"Not too sure to be honest with you Colonel. I was walking past the LZ when I heard them. The bomb hit one of the choppers and three others went up with it - the blast swept me off my feet. It knocked me out but not before I heard another - there was nothing I could do."
He stopped and Murdock placed a hand on his free shoulder.
"What about Kate? Where was she?"
"God, I didn't know where she was - that was the worst. It wasn't until I got bandaged up that I remembered her telling me that she was filling up the new rooms with equipment - my heart just stopped. It took me nearly half an hour but I soon found them trapped in a room right by the explosion. Kate had had the sense to get her and Janet under the bed."
"How badly was she hurt?"
Murdock asked looking across at Kate.
"Luckily she was mostly in one piece. She said she has concussion and she's sprained her ankle. Janet wasn't as lucky - she's broken her arm and she's still unconscious."
"What about you, Lieutenant?"
"Just a few cracked ribs and one hell of a headache!"
Hannibal smiled in spite of the situation. His Lieutenant was okay - he was whining! Face gave him a smile back. Face looked across at Murdock and saw him reaching out to touch Kate, but was reluctant to.
"You know, she's usually a real light sleeper."
Murdock stated, wondering why Kate was sleeping through all this commotion.
"She's exhausted Murdock - plus she's got concussion - she'll probably sleep through everything tonight. Here - take my place."
He carefully moved and Murdock slid into his place, taking Kate in his arms. Face stood and took a breath, holding his side.
"Looks like you need rest too Lieutenant. Come on, back to your tent - and that's an order."
"No argument here."
He said and started to leave. Hannibal nodded at Murdock, who was looking very comfortable holding Kate, and followed Face out with BA.
Murdock leaned back against the seat and held Kate close to him. Finally he felt content. He had Kate back and she was okay. As the place died down, patients having been treated, doctors and nurses resting, soldiers just sitting down anywhere there was a space. Other officers from neighbouring camps slowly starting to go through the rubble, some carrying body bags. Murdock watched the commotion dissipate, waiting for Kate to wake his mind wondering onto the days events. It seemed years ago that he'd been trundling through the forest but it was in fact only a few hours ago. He felt his eyes getting heavy as well and he drifted off into slumber land.
Present
"Murdock? Murdock."
Murdock felt someone shaking his shoulder and he pulled himself back from the sleep that had taken him. He opens his eyes to see Face standing there. He holds a tray forwards to him.
"Food."
Murdock pulls himself up from the slumped position he'd slid into.
"Thanks Muchacho, but I'm not hungry."
He says shaking his head.
"Ah, course you are."
He says placing the tray next to the phone and heading out to leave.
"Hey Face..."
Face turned and looked at him.
"Yeah?"
"Did you know anything about this?"
Murdock asked quietly, a hint of sadness in his voice. Face came and sat down next to Murdock.
"Nothing. Kate didn't say anything to anyone except Hannibal. Maybe because she felt he could be neutral in this. If she had told you, or even me I know I couldn't have let her go."
"Yeah, you're right. Maybe it's for the best that she didn't tell me. She obviously needed to do this, then maybe she can go back to living a normal life."
Face almost laughed.
"Whatever that is!"
That got a laugh out of Murdock.
"She'll be back in no time at all."
Murdock just nodded, but didn't say anything. Face watched him.
"Something else on your mind?"
Face asked. After spending so many years together he found he could read the Captain just as easily as Murdock could read him.
"I was just thinking, you know, back in 'Nam. When I was shot down and the camp got bombed. All I could do was wait for news."
"I remember. Things weren't the same after that." With difficulty he carried on. "Charlie caught us a couple months after that."
"Yeah...and then I lost Kate."
Murdock sighed.
He hadn't been the same after Charlie. He remembered the pain, the humiliation, he enclosed himself off in his mind. And when Kate walked into the room and gasped, his heart had broken. He was reserved and quiet, his mind singing random tunes so that he didn't have to think about anything. He could see the hurt on her face, the need to help him, protect him. Without thinking he started to push her away. He knew now that it was because he hadn't wanted to hurt her even more, hadn't wanted her to see him like that. He knew he was hurting her even more, and then when she had come in with the paper. Her ticket out of that hellhole, he knew she wasn't going to take it, she was going to stay with him. He couldn't allow that. He shouted at her, screamed at her, ignored her - everything he could think to do to make her go. Pleading with her wasn't going to work. He couldn't ever look at her face, he didn't dare look at the pain that might be there. Finally it had worked and she had left. He'd watched her walk out of the room, before he'd been singing loudly, then he'd just stopped and watched her. Her shoulders were shaking and her hand kept going up to her face to wipe away the tears he knew were there, his own running down his face.
"Goodbye."
Was all he'd whispered.
He bit his lip to stop the feelings from coming back and stood, pacing up and down. He hadn't thought about that in a long time, and now he found himself remembering those long minutes in that camp waiting for news that she was okay. He felt like a lion trapped in a cage. He wanted to retreat back into his mind but forced himself to stay out in reality - he had to face this and he knew it. He missed having fun and playing about but he knew that could all wait until he had Kate back, then he could make her smile again.
Face just sat and watched him. Not making a sound. Knowing that Murdock needed to think. He stood to leave him, when Murdock sighed again.
"She better come back this time."
Face squeezed Murdock's shoulder.
"She will Murdock, she will. Now make sure you eat that."
He gestured to the tray, then left Murdock to his own thoughts. Murdock looked over at the tray, the smell of the potatoes and vegetables coming his way and making his mouth water. He grabbed the tray, sitting back down, and picked up the fork.
Once he'd finished he headed into the kitchen, placing the tray in the sink and poured himself a drink of water because his mouth still felt incredibly dry. Then he went and sat back down by the phone, picked up a nearby book, and waited.
*****
It's dark when Murdock glances up to see Hannibal walk in the front door. He'd been out most of the day with BA somewhere.
Hannibal also looked at Murdock still sitting by the phone where Face had told him he was. The stubborn Pilot hadn't moved an inch all day - even for dinner. Face had had to bring it out to him. Hannibal started to head to the kitchen to stay out of Murdock's way and also to grab a coffee when Murdock spoke up.
"Hey Colonel."
Hannibal turned to find Murdock looking over the back of the sofa at him.
"Yeah Murdock?"
"Can I...talk to you?"
"Sure."
Hannibal came and sat down next to him.
"I just wanted to apologise for my outburst earlier. I know what Kate can be like - once she's made up her mind it's very hard to change it."
"That's okay Murdock. Maybe I should have tried harder to stop her from leaving."
"You couldn't have done anything. Kate would have gone with or without your permission even if it meant tying you up to keep you from stopping her."
Hannibal laughed at the mental picture of the four of them tied up in the living room and Kate standing there apologising to them.
"She sure does have a stubborn streak."
Hannibal admitted.
"I think she got some of that off me! ...I've missed her, you know."
"Yeah, I know."
"I think part of the craziness is because I miss her." He said completely sanely. "She always seemed too serious and quiet and I just loved to make her laugh. Get that twinkle in her eye."
"I have to admit, I do miss that old Murdock. That cheerful singing every morning, Billy, and all your other friends."
Hannibal said with a sad expression on his face. Murdock looked sad as well.
"I know Colonel, but he'll be back. He's just vacationing at the moment."
"I certainly hope so. You know, Kate 'will' be fine. She's grown into a strong independent woman. But she still needs you so she'll be back."
"Thanks Colonel."
"Anytime."
Well, wasn't that all sickly sweet near the end - all lovey dovey!!! Next chapter coming real soon - comments would be cool - need to know if you are liking it - I'm really not sure about this chapter - I was going to take some of the Vietnam stuff out because I didn't feel happy writing it - what do you think?
Part Twelve - Lost Without You
Murdock yawned and rolled over, pulling his eyes open against the light streaming in through the window. For a moment he just laid there staring across the room, then the events of the night before came flowing back, and he turned and looked across at the empty side of the bed. He smiled to himself.
*She's already up. Early bird, some things never change.*
He thought to himself as he dragged himself out of bed. She'd always been the first one up in the mornings. She'd be dressed and ready for another day even before his alarm had gone off. Even in 'Nam she was always up first. She was one of those people that once they were up, they were wide awake. He, however, he'd still be half asleep until he'd had his morning shower. He was still the same after two tours in 'Nam but by the fourth he'd turned into a light sleeper and found he could get by with less sleep and could be wide awake at the first sound of trouble.
He took a quick shower, eager to see Kate, then got changed and bounded down the stairs to find Hannibal on his own in the kitchen.
"Hey Muchacho, where's Kate?"
He said planting his hands into his pockets and half rocking on from his heels to his toes, happily. Hannibal put the kettle back down and turned with the mug in his hand. Murdock noticed the serious expression on his face straight away.
"Take a seat, Murdock."
"What is it?"
Hannibal placed the mug on the breakfast bar and gestured for him to sit down. Murdock shook his head.
"Not until you tell me what's wrong? I know something's up I can tell form the expression on your face. What is it? Is it Kate? Is something wrong with Kate - you're scaring me Hannibal - tell me."
He said, the tone in his voice something Hannibal had rarely heard from the happy-go-lucky pilot. He meant business and Hannibal knew it.
"She's gone."
Murdock's brow furrowed.
"Gone? Gone where?"
"She left early this morning, bout three. She had something she had to do, some business to finish and she'll be back in a couple of days."
It took a moment for Murdock to process what he'd said, then he looked up and stared at him, a glint of something resembling anger in his eyes.
"And you let her go?!"
He half roared, his voice getting louder as he spoke.
"She had good reason."
He replied sharply.
"Yeah, but to let her go alone?! You know there are people out there trying to kill her don't you?! What were you thinking?! Just to let her get up and go - just like that!!"
"It wasn't just like that, Captain!!!"
He stated intensely in his military bark, using the formal rank to show that Murdock was slowly stepping towards the edge of acceptable behaviour. Murdock just stood there glaring at Hannibal, waiting for an explanation.
"She came to me yesterday and told me she had to leave."
"Yesterday? YESTERDAY?! YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS YESTERDAY AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ANYONE?!!!!!!"
"I COULDN'T!!!!" He said fiercely. "NOW CALM YOUR TEMPER CAPTAIN YOU ARE BORDERING ON INSUBORDINATION!!!!!"
At this moment BA and Face entered the kitchen, Face rubbing his eyes.
"What's with all the screaming, guys?"
Face asked clearly frustrated and confused, and slightly angered at being woken up, plus the fact that Hannibal rarely shouted at any of them, let alone Murdock. Both Hannibal and Murdock ignored him.
"I made a promise."
Hannibal stated trying to calm his own temper.
"She made me promise not to tell anyone. She had to leave to finish her assignment. And she had to go alone because it was something she needed to do alone. I didn't want to let her go either but I realised I had no choice. She's a grown woman who can make up her own mind, plus she's got a stubborn streak I wouldn't like to get in the way of."
Face and BA stood there speechless for a moment.
"Little mama's gone?"
BA stated in shock. Hannibal nodded at the both of them, then turned back to look at the Captain who was staring at the floor. Murdock, who was trying to clam his breathing down, looked back up at him.
"Why? Why alone? Why now?"
"There was something she didn't tell us, about the dreams. Something she'd forgotten." He paused, trying to find an easy way to say this. "The man who murdered her parents...is the same man who shot her in that warehouse a year ago and the same man who ransacked her place and knocked her out."
For a long time no-one said anything. Murdock sunk down onto the stool next to him. Face and BA both stared at Hannibal, eyes wide, Face still looking half asleep in his dressing gown whereas BA had actually been dressed when the commotion started. Murdock looked distraught at the thought of everything Kate must be going through, and he took a long deep breath.
"I can't imagine what she's going through right now."
"Neither can I Murdock, neither can I."
Hannibal agreed. Murdock pulled himself out of his thoughts.
"Where did she go? What did she have to do? Did she tell you anything?"
He asked Hannibal.
"She told me that she had some papers to pick up. Something her father left behind - there was incriminating evidence on them to do with the traitors in the CIA. Her father hid them in a special place known only to him and Kate, because he had a feeling that these people knew about him knowing. Kate's gone to collect them and get them back to HQ. Finish her fathers work. She's meeting up with her partner and she said she'd be back in two days."
Murdock nodded. Face looked up.
"How did she leave?"
He asked, knowing that she didn't have her car there. Hannibal smiled at him.
"Oh yeah. Kate apologises and says she'll take good care of it and get it waxed before she brings it back."
"She took my 'Vette? Aww Hannibal..."
He said astonished. Hannibal ignored him.
"And she told me to apologise to you and tell you that she loves you."
Murdock didn't react. Just sat there biting his lip in thought.
"Murdock?"
He looked up.
"You shouldn't have let her go Hannibal. You should have stopped her."
He said simply, then got up and walked out of the back door. Face, Hannibal and BA just stood there.
"You couldn't have done anything Hannibal. You know what Kate's like - once she's made up her mind about something..."
Face didn't finish the sentence.
"No. Murdock's right I should have done something."
And with that he left the room and went out the front, leaving BA and Face standing there, dumbstruck.
"BA, what just happened here?"
"I ain't got a clue, Faceman. But Hannibal and Murdock need to talk about it whatever it was."
"Hm...Well, I'm gonna go take a shower, I don't know about you."
He said and walked out. BA shook his head.
"This whole place's crazy."
He stated, then followed Face out.
*****
Murdock had stormed into the living room and started pacing, then sitting, his fingers drumming together, then he would stand and start pacing again. After a while, his energy seemed to go and he slumped down on the sofa next to the phone and leaned back, looking at the phone as if willing it to ring. He looked away and across the room into oblivion, a blank expression sweeping over his face as he remembered the last time he'd felt like this. It was back in 'Nam. His chopper had gone down with the Team in, excluding Face who was back recovering from taking one in the leg, Kate was looking after him. They'd spent a few hours in the jungle, heading towards the DMZ and keeping out of the way of unfriendlies. Luckily they were spotted by another chopper and picked up and taken to the nearby camp. They'd gone straight to the Communications building and spoken to Face who was assured they were all okay. A Chopper was coming the next day to pick them up so they all headed to the Mess Hall to relax and wait.
A few hours later all hell suddenly broke loose in the camp and rumours were going round that another camp had been bombed and they were to go on alert. An officer came to tell them what had happened. Two bombs had hit a camp, one hitting the LZ and blowing up half a dozen choppers, and the other, which was assumed to be meant for the communications building, missed and hit the hospital. It was only then that they were told it was their base.
Murdock could feel a dull ache swelling in his chest as he realised that Kate was probably in the hospital and so was Face. It had taken both Hannibal and BA to hold him back from jumping in the nearest Chopper. They were told that they would have to wait - there were no choppers available to get them back.
That was the same feeling he had now. Not knowing what had happened, and where she was and if she was even still alive. His chest hurt, and his legs felt weak, the anger having left him. They'd had to wait for three hours before they could get back and no-one had told them anything - the communications were down in the other camp so the only people that knew anything were the soldiers that had gone in to help from nearer camps than the one they were at.
Murdock sighed and remembered everything that Face had told him after the bombs had hit.
Vietnam 1970
Coughing and sputtering Face felt consciousness coming back. He felt like the floor was shaking, but then soon realised it was someone shaking him. He opened his eyes and moaned. John, a friend of Face's was sitting infront of him and shaking him by the shoulders gently.
"Face? Peck, you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine."
He looked around. Flames almost covered his vision as he stared out onto the LZ. Choppers and nearby buildings were alight, there were soldiers randomly laid about the area with a couple soldiers checking on them and rubble and dust covered the place. He could hear cries in the distance and shouting, running footsteps all around and he tried to pull himself up.
"Woah, easy mate."
John said as he helped Face to his feet. Face swayed for a moment, then got his vision and co-ordination back. His head and arm were throbbing as well as he leg wound and he reached up and felt the familiar sticky sensation beneath his fingertips. He also noticed that he now had a bandage on his arm.
"I bandaged your arm up, and it looks like you've got a concussion - you hit the crate pretty hard from what I saw. You've also cracked a rib as well. That's gonna need bandaging up."
Face tried to remember what happened. He'd been heading towards the hospital when he'd heard it. A bomb - next thing he knew he was swept off his feet and thrown 10 feet into the air to land, hitting a crate. Just as consciousness left him he remembered hearing another bomb and he felt his heart leap in his chest. He turned in the direction of the hospital and his worse fears were realised.
"Kate..."
He whispered, the dread in his voice evident. One side of the hospital was in ruins and fires were all over the place. He suddenly pulled away from John and head in that direction, but John grabbed his good arm again.
"Where are you going?"
"I've got to find Kate."
He stated.
"Face, you're in no condition to go looking for people. We have enough soldiers in there now getting the patients and medical staff out. I'm sure she's fine. Besides the bomb hit the hospital wing that's being built and decorated there weren't any patients there."
"Hey! Can you guys help me here!"
A soldier shouted. They turned to see the man lifting a guy up.
"That other man is still alive."
He nodded to the man still on the ground. The hospital forgotten for a second Face and John headed over and picked up the man between them, carrying him over to the Mess Hall where they'd set up a temporary hospital ward. They placed him down on a spare bed and Face wiped his hands down his uniform, trying to ease his breathing as his chest was hurting. They were covered in the mans blood. John moved closer to him.
"Come on, lets get your rib cage wrapped up good. We can go look for Kate after - she may be helping the patients out."
Face nodded and sat down on a chair while John wrapped his mid-section up tightly. Suddenly remembering something Kate had told him, Face turned to John.
"Kate told me that they were transferring equipment over to the new wing today because it was almost finished."
He said limping away, the bullet wound in his leg throbbing as well as his cracked rib. John's eyes opened slightly in realisation and followed him. They soon started scouring the outside, looking into any of the room they possibly could and shouting for Kate.
God was on their side that night as they looked into another room that was still half standing in the new wing. First thing they noticed was that the opposite wall was completely caved in and the room was covered in rubble and dust, equipment was strewn across the floor and the room was dark. As their eyes adjusted Face stopped a woman laid down on the floor, covered in a sheet and she had a splint on her arm. He soon spotted another woman next to the wall. She was leaning against the wall, her eyes closed, a gauze pad on her temple. It was Kate.
"Kate? Kate?!"
He banged in the glass trying to wake her.
"Kate, can you hear me? Pleas be okay!"
He saw her open her eyes and he sighed in relief. She looked over at him.
"Face..."
He saw her mouth in a sigh.
"Are you okay?"
He nodded in question through the glass. She pulled herself up using the wall and nodded.
"I'm fine. But Janet's still unconscious. We need a stretcher."
Face turned to John.
"Go get a medic and a stretcher."
John nodded and ran off. He turned back to Kate.
"Are you okay?"
She asked him before he could say anything else. He knew he must look quite a state. Blood on his uniform, bandage on his arm and head, trickle of blood running down on side of his face.
"I'm okay. I'd just gone past the LZ when the bomb hit, swept me off my feet! Now get back and cover yourselves - I'm gonna have to break the glass."
Kate nodded and moved away. Face bent down and picked up a piece of charred wood nearby. He looked in to see Kate shielding Janet with her body and he swung the wood at the window - the glass shattering everywhere. He then shoved all the glass off the bottom of the ledge and pulling off his jacket, he covered the ledge with it, to stop the remaining glass cutting anyone. He climbed through and saw Kate stand and he went straight over to her and pulled her into a fierce hug, feeling his ribs pull but ignoring them. Then he pulled back and gently touched the area around the gauze she'd tapped to her head.
"It's nothing." She said. "Just a scratch. Head wounds tend to bleed more than others."
"So I noticed."
He said, gesturing to the top of his head.
"Murdock is gonna be so worried about you. Hell I was worried sick about you when I saw the state the hospital was in..."
He trailed off.
"I know - I felt the same when I heard that bomb hit the LZ and then when I heard the other coming...I just pulled Janet under the bed with me..."
He hugged her again.
"Peck!"
Face turned at the voice and saw John passing through a stretcher, a doctor standing beside him.
"Hey Kate - you okay?"
He asked her.
"I'm fine. Just a little singed is all. Janet needs some help though."
She turned back and helped Face roll Janet onto the stretcher, then they lifted her up and passed her through the window to the doctor and John. Face then climbed through and helped Kate through. It wasn't until they were outside that he realised she was limping quite a bit.
"Kate, is something wrong with your leg?"
"I think I've sprained ma ankle, that's all. It's nothing."
"That's not nothing - here."
He suddenly swept an arm behind her and picked her up. She grabbed his neck.
"Face, what are you doing? Put me down! I can walk fine!"
He gritted his teeth just slightly before he answered her.
"No arguments. I told Murdock I would keep an eye on you while he was away and that's what I'm doing. They've changed the Mess Hall into a temporary hospital. You can go and rest in there."
"But I need to help the others!"
She told him.
"Then you can do it while you are sitting down and resting. The bomb hit the unused part of the hospital so there weren't many casualties luckily."
"Face, you need to rest as well. That's an order."
He smiled, in spite of the throbbing in his leg and side.
"Sorry hon, only a doctor can give me that order. Besides I'm okay."
She grumbled under her breath and Face grinned in amusement. He could see her watching him as he walked, then she frowned for some reason, studying his movements.
"What?"
He asked her innocently.
"You haven't whined once Face. You'd moan if you cut a finger."
He tried to stop holding his breath when he stepped with the left foot.
"So?"
He just said. He saw her look down to his chest, then she pressed gently against it and he tensed, but carried on walking.
"Okay - you put me down right now!"
She stated and she meant it.
"We're nearly there."
He just replied. She started to investigate the area the bandage covered. Involuntarily he winced as she touched the cracked rib.
"Lieutenant Peck - put me down!!"
At the use of his rank, he placed her on the floor gently just outside the Mess Hall.
"Happy now? Now get in there and rest - I've got work to do."
She snakes his wrist before he could move away.
"No, I'm not happy. You are coming in with me whether you like it or not!"
She pulled him in after her, trying not to put too much weight on her foot. The room was packed with people - busier than they'd ever seen it. Soldiers, doctors, nurses and patients were scattered all across the place. People laid on beds, covered in dust and blood. Exhausted doctors and nurses rushing round with equipment trying to help everyone. Some tables had been turned into make-shift beds while others had been folded down and stacked in a corner somewhere.
Kate weaved her way through the beds and chairs until she found where Janet was, and she sat Face down in the seat next to her.
"Sit there and don't move."
She commanded. Face rolled his eyes. Kate ignored him and quickly checked Janet's condition. Then she turned back to him.
"Have you had anyone check that, or have you just bandaged it up yourself?"
"It's fine.
"Face...?"
He gave her a look and gave in to her stare.
"John wrapped it. I think I've cracked a rib or two. The blast swept me off my feet and I hit a crate."
She made him pull up his shirt and she tenderly unwrapped the bandage and took a look. It was already bruising and pain swept through Face as she delicately inspected the area.
"You're right, there's probably two maybe three cracked ribs but I don't think they're broken. It's gonna be sore for a while."
"Terrific!"
He replied sarcastically. She wrapped them up again tightly.
"I'll be back in a minute, just got to find some painkillers."
"I'm fine - I don't need any."
"Tough - you're getting them. Besides I could do with some myself."
She said as she moved away before Face could ask her how she was feeling. Face watched her as she limped slightly across the room and over to a doctor. They had a small conversation, then she turned and made her way back. She smiled at him as she got closer.
"Here."
She said as she filled the needle with the bottle the doctor had given her and shoved the needle into his arm. He winced at the sudden pain.
"Ouch!"
He whined.
"Baby."
She threw the needle into the bin, then unwrapped another one for her and injected herself in the arm.
"Now, you are gonna sit down on this seat next to me and rest."
He stated.
"Fine. Just let me - "
"No. You're not the only one who can command people. Now sit down and relax. If I have to suffer sitting here, then you can too."
She let him sit her down and then she just looked around the room at all the people that had been injured. It could have been a lot worse. If that bomb had hit the communications building a lot more people would have been hurt. If that bomb had hit a different part of the hospital then a lot more people would have been hurt. She shook her head to stop those thoughts. It was no use thinking of what might have been, she had to just be glad it hadn't come out any different. And that Murdock hadn't been there. Because if he was he would have surely been out on the LZ with his chopper - he spent a lot of time over there. Her mind wondered onto everything that had happened since. It must have been over an hour since the bombs hit but it seemed like only a few minutes had passed. Everything had gone so slowly since.
"We were lucky you know."
She said quietly. Face turned his gaze towards her.
"Yeah. We were."
With full forth the impact of what had happened just hit her and she could feel the tears welling. Face noticed.
"Oh hey, hey, Kate, it's okay."
He leaned her into him and she rested her head on his shoulder as she tried to wipe the tears away.
"I knew I shouldn't have sat down."
She said, her voice quivering. She paused, then carried on.
"You know we'd only just gone into that room. We'd been in one further down the corridor where the bomb hit."
"Yeah, but you weren't. And you had the sense to get under that bed when you heard it coming."
"You know if Murdock were here, he'd have been by the LZ."
"Yeah I know. Ironically it was lucky that he was shot down."
"Yeah."
She took a deep breath and sighed. The adrenaline was wearing off and she was started to feel really tired. She heard Face stifle a yawn and half smiled to herself, despite the pain in her head from the probably concussion. She felt her eyes getting heavy and she gave in to them. She felt Face relax as she stayed leaned into him and soon both her and Face were drifting off into a dreamless sleep despite the commotion going on all around them.
*****
By this time Murdock was so frantic he had been pacing up and down for the past hour. They'd heard nothing about the other camp expect that the place was in chaos. There had been no other news whatsoever. He was just desperate to get back there and he was worried sick about Kate and his best friend. BA and Hannibal were just sitting there watching him, just as worried as Murdock. Hannibal had gotten through all the cigars he'd had on him and he'd even sub-consciously turned to get one form Face when he remembered that he wasn't there and he sighed. It had been Face who'd somehow found him those rather expensive but very nice cigars and he always seemed to have one on him whenever the Colonel needed one, even in the middle of the jungle, he'd just produce the perfect looking cigar from his war torn uniform. Hannibal didn't know how he did it.
"Sit down Murdock, pacing isn't going to help."
Murdock let out an impatient sigh.
"I don't think I could sit still Colonel."
"I'm sure she's fine Murdock. There's no point thinking the worse, you know that. If we all did that then everyone would be going crazy by now."
"I know, I know - I just can't help it."
They heard the door open and looked up. An officer was standing there.
"There's a chopper just got in, blew up on of Charlie's that dropped a bomb - Pilot said he'd fly you back to camp as soon as his tanks been refuelled."
All the men stood quickly and followed a frantic Murdock out to the LZ.
"Thanks, Lieutenant."
Hannibal said as he passed.
"Sir."
The man nodded. Before they knew it they were all crowded in the Chopper and were flying back to their camp. Before the Chopper had even set down properly Murdock was out the back and running. Hannibal and BA followed. Murdock spotted John and ran over shouting his name. John stopped and looked over in his direction.
"Oh hey Murdock, you're back - glad to see you're in one piece. You too Colonel, Sergeant."
He nodded at Hannibal and BA who were just behind.
"Have you seen Kate - or Face?"
There was a look of complete terror in his eyes and John felt sorry for the guy. He nodded his head.
"Calm down Murdock, Face carried Kate towards the mess hall about half hour ago - it's being used as a temporary hospital. She's okay, she was alive at least. We found her in a room off the wing."
Warm relief spread over Murdock and he squeezed the guys shoulders and ran towards the mess hall. He entered to find the place crowded and he stood on tip toes looking over peoples heads trying to spot Kate. A doctor passed him and he grabbed his arm.
"Have you seen Kate?"
The doctor nodded.
"She's over by the back."
He told Murdock.
"Thanks."
Murdock started heading towards the back wall - weaving in and out of beds and tables. It wasn't long before he saw Face and Kate. They were sitting side by side and Kate was leaned on Face's shoulder. They were both fast asleep. Murdock smiled and carefully moved over. Her uniform was dirty and torn and her hair, which was covered in dust, was all wispy around her face and had fallen out of the high pony tail she always had it in. Her face had small scraps of blood on mixed with dirt and she had a small gauze pad just above her temple. Face looked to be in the same condition but he had more blood on his clothes and a drip of blood down one side of his face.
"Well they're alive at any rate."
Hannibal said from behind Murdock. Murdock turned and looked at him.
"Yeah. "
He smiled slightly and leaned in to get a closer look at Kate.
"They look relatively okay."
"If you call this okay."
Murdock, Hannibal and BA looked at Face to see blue eyes looking back at them.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."
Murdock said.
"Nah, I wasn't asleep, just resting my eyes."
"You both okay, Lieutenant?"
"We'll live."
He replied quietly, so as not to wake Kate.
"What happened?"
"Not too sure to be honest with you Colonel. I was walking past the LZ when I heard them. The bomb hit one of the choppers and three others went up with it - the blast swept me off my feet. It knocked me out but not before I heard another - there was nothing I could do."
He stopped and Murdock placed a hand on his free shoulder.
"What about Kate? Where was she?"
"God, I didn't know where she was - that was the worst. It wasn't until I got bandaged up that I remembered her telling me that she was filling up the new rooms with equipment - my heart just stopped. It took me nearly half an hour but I soon found them trapped in a room right by the explosion. Kate had had the sense to get her and Janet under the bed."
"How badly was she hurt?"
Murdock asked looking across at Kate.
"Luckily she was mostly in one piece. She said she has concussion and she's sprained her ankle. Janet wasn't as lucky - she's broken her arm and she's still unconscious."
"What about you, Lieutenant?"
"Just a few cracked ribs and one hell of a headache!"
Hannibal smiled in spite of the situation. His Lieutenant was okay - he was whining! Face gave him a smile back. Face looked across at Murdock and saw him reaching out to touch Kate, but was reluctant to.
"You know, she's usually a real light sleeper."
Murdock stated, wondering why Kate was sleeping through all this commotion.
"She's exhausted Murdock - plus she's got concussion - she'll probably sleep through everything tonight. Here - take my place."
He carefully moved and Murdock slid into his place, taking Kate in his arms. Face stood and took a breath, holding his side.
"Looks like you need rest too Lieutenant. Come on, back to your tent - and that's an order."
"No argument here."
He said and started to leave. Hannibal nodded at Murdock, who was looking very comfortable holding Kate, and followed Face out with BA.
Murdock leaned back against the seat and held Kate close to him. Finally he felt content. He had Kate back and she was okay. As the place died down, patients having been treated, doctors and nurses resting, soldiers just sitting down anywhere there was a space. Other officers from neighbouring camps slowly starting to go through the rubble, some carrying body bags. Murdock watched the commotion dissipate, waiting for Kate to wake his mind wondering onto the days events. It seemed years ago that he'd been trundling through the forest but it was in fact only a few hours ago. He felt his eyes getting heavy as well and he drifted off into slumber land.
Present
"Murdock? Murdock."
Murdock felt someone shaking his shoulder and he pulled himself back from the sleep that had taken him. He opens his eyes to see Face standing there. He holds a tray forwards to him.
"Food."
Murdock pulls himself up from the slumped position he'd slid into.
"Thanks Muchacho, but I'm not hungry."
He says shaking his head.
"Ah, course you are."
He says placing the tray next to the phone and heading out to leave.
"Hey Face..."
Face turned and looked at him.
"Yeah?"
"Did you know anything about this?"
Murdock asked quietly, a hint of sadness in his voice. Face came and sat down next to Murdock.
"Nothing. Kate didn't say anything to anyone except Hannibal. Maybe because she felt he could be neutral in this. If she had told you, or even me I know I couldn't have let her go."
"Yeah, you're right. Maybe it's for the best that she didn't tell me. She obviously needed to do this, then maybe she can go back to living a normal life."
Face almost laughed.
"Whatever that is!"
That got a laugh out of Murdock.
"She'll be back in no time at all."
Murdock just nodded, but didn't say anything. Face watched him.
"Something else on your mind?"
Face asked. After spending so many years together he found he could read the Captain just as easily as Murdock could read him.
"I was just thinking, you know, back in 'Nam. When I was shot down and the camp got bombed. All I could do was wait for news."
"I remember. Things weren't the same after that." With difficulty he carried on. "Charlie caught us a couple months after that."
"Yeah...and then I lost Kate."
Murdock sighed.
He hadn't been the same after Charlie. He remembered the pain, the humiliation, he enclosed himself off in his mind. And when Kate walked into the room and gasped, his heart had broken. He was reserved and quiet, his mind singing random tunes so that he didn't have to think about anything. He could see the hurt on her face, the need to help him, protect him. Without thinking he started to push her away. He knew now that it was because he hadn't wanted to hurt her even more, hadn't wanted her to see him like that. He knew he was hurting her even more, and then when she had come in with the paper. Her ticket out of that hellhole, he knew she wasn't going to take it, she was going to stay with him. He couldn't allow that. He shouted at her, screamed at her, ignored her - everything he could think to do to make her go. Pleading with her wasn't going to work. He couldn't ever look at her face, he didn't dare look at the pain that might be there. Finally it had worked and she had left. He'd watched her walk out of the room, before he'd been singing loudly, then he'd just stopped and watched her. Her shoulders were shaking and her hand kept going up to her face to wipe away the tears he knew were there, his own running down his face.
"Goodbye."
Was all he'd whispered.
He bit his lip to stop the feelings from coming back and stood, pacing up and down. He hadn't thought about that in a long time, and now he found himself remembering those long minutes in that camp waiting for news that she was okay. He felt like a lion trapped in a cage. He wanted to retreat back into his mind but forced himself to stay out in reality - he had to face this and he knew it. He missed having fun and playing about but he knew that could all wait until he had Kate back, then he could make her smile again.
Face just sat and watched him. Not making a sound. Knowing that Murdock needed to think. He stood to leave him, when Murdock sighed again.
"She better come back this time."
Face squeezed Murdock's shoulder.
"She will Murdock, she will. Now make sure you eat that."
He gestured to the tray, then left Murdock to his own thoughts. Murdock looked over at the tray, the smell of the potatoes and vegetables coming his way and making his mouth water. He grabbed the tray, sitting back down, and picked up the fork.
Once he'd finished he headed into the kitchen, placing the tray in the sink and poured himself a drink of water because his mouth still felt incredibly dry. Then he went and sat back down by the phone, picked up a nearby book, and waited.
*****
It's dark when Murdock glances up to see Hannibal walk in the front door. He'd been out most of the day with BA somewhere.
Hannibal also looked at Murdock still sitting by the phone where Face had told him he was. The stubborn Pilot hadn't moved an inch all day - even for dinner. Face had had to bring it out to him. Hannibal started to head to the kitchen to stay out of Murdock's way and also to grab a coffee when Murdock spoke up.
"Hey Colonel."
Hannibal turned to find Murdock looking over the back of the sofa at him.
"Yeah Murdock?"
"Can I...talk to you?"
"Sure."
Hannibal came and sat down next to him.
"I just wanted to apologise for my outburst earlier. I know what Kate can be like - once she's made up her mind it's very hard to change it."
"That's okay Murdock. Maybe I should have tried harder to stop her from leaving."
"You couldn't have done anything. Kate would have gone with or without your permission even if it meant tying you up to keep you from stopping her."
Hannibal laughed at the mental picture of the four of them tied up in the living room and Kate standing there apologising to them.
"She sure does have a stubborn streak."
Hannibal admitted.
"I think she got some of that off me! ...I've missed her, you know."
"Yeah, I know."
"I think part of the craziness is because I miss her." He said completely sanely. "She always seemed too serious and quiet and I just loved to make her laugh. Get that twinkle in her eye."
"I have to admit, I do miss that old Murdock. That cheerful singing every morning, Billy, and all your other friends."
Hannibal said with a sad expression on his face. Murdock looked sad as well.
"I know Colonel, but he'll be back. He's just vacationing at the moment."
"I certainly hope so. You know, Kate 'will' be fine. She's grown into a strong independent woman. But she still needs you so she'll be back."
"Thanks Colonel."
"Anytime."
Well, wasn't that all sickly sweet near the end - all lovey dovey!!! Next chapter coming real soon - comments would be cool - need to know if you are liking it - I'm really not sure about this chapter - I was going to take some of the Vietnam stuff out because I didn't feel happy writing it - what do you think?