Disclaimer: As in Ch. 1

AN: As I don't have much knowledge about military operation, please pardon me if there are any mistakes.

23rd January 2039

1100 EST

Over Pacific Ocean

Harm and Mac sat side by side inside the COD. Sturgis and Clayton sat across from them. Their journey across the country had been accomplished in almost silence. Sturgis glanced over at Clay who looked back at him and nodded his head toward Harm and Mac direction. The two of them said nothing, as they know well enough that both Harm and Mac tried to hide fear of parents underneath the uniforms they are wearing. The three military officers had decided to wear their uniform and Clay in his typical three-piece suit. Sturgis noticed that once in a while Harm would squeeze Mac's hand and shoot her with encouraging and supporting eyes. Sturgis also notice that Harm is being Harm. Sturgis knew that inside Harm is also sacred to death but he still pretend to be strong Mac. As he watched them, his own emotion swelled. These two had endured so much in their life; they deserved to enjoy happiness in life. Sturgis silently pray that this mission will be a success one.

--------------------

23rd January 2039

0915 PST

Aboard USS Kennedy

Ensign Stacy Young was assigned to be the escort to the four passengers who just arrived twenty minutes ago. Ensign Young didn't realized exactly how important her escorts were, until she saw their uniforms, two full admirals, a general plus a CIA director. She couldn't help it but cringe a bit, even all of them were already retired. It's not very common that you could escort three senior officers and DCI (An: Director of Central Intelligence) at the same time. Captain of USS Kennedy, Reynold Pierce, had welcomed them personally when the COD landed. They headed immediately to the Captain's office with a brief stop at the bridge. Scuttlebutt made a connection between their arrival and the attack on POW camp over at China, but no one knew specifically how those two connected with each other. Ensign Young shook her head, 'I still don't see any connection why three senior officer need to be onboard during the mission.' She looked at her watch and quickly made a beeline toward her duty station. She was order to meet her escorts again at 1030

----------------

USS Kennedy

Debriefing room

1045 PST

Pilot and marine detachment that were about to be deployed are now about to be debriefing by the CAG when they entered. A young Lt. cried, "Attention on deck." Harm, Mac, Clayton and Sturgis followed the Captain to the front of the room.

"As you were, people." Captain Pierce called out. The group cringed a bit to see the other senior officers.

"Let me introduce you all to Admiral Harmon Rabb, Jr., General Sarah Rabb, Admiral Sturgis Turner and DCI Clayton Webb. These officers will stay here during debriefing." He then turned to the CAG, "Carry on, CAG. Pretend that we are not here." Captain said as they took the seats in the corner.

"Aye, Sir."

"OK, now all you listen carefully. Our mission is to attack POW camp over Hangzhou and rescue our personnel inside the camp. Lt. Ethan and Lt. Carson, both of you will provide air support. Man your planes and get ready to attack under order."

"Aye, Aye Sir!"

"Ground troops will be lead by Captain (USMC) Irwin. Let's go over the details. Medical helo will sneak the ground troops proximately 8 miles from the camp at 1400. Be aware that it is daylight, so try to avoid enemy. The attack will take place at the sunset 1800 hours, so you have four hours to get to the camp and get ready. Captain Irwin will go over the details with you in a minute. For air groups, Lt. Ethan, you will be the lead and Lt. Carson will be your wingman. Both of you will launch at 1700 hours. Standby and await orders. Just an hour ago, Marine Recons team confirmed 14 prisoners being held inside the camp. Those included 6 United Nations peacekeepers from Singapore and Australia, 5 of USN pilot and 3 US Marines. Get those people out of there", CAG stopped for a second and added, "I don't care if it is one way or another, just get those people out of there."

"Aye, Aye Sir." The groups responded spontaneously.

"Also be aware of this situation. CIA agent confirmed 2 of the pilots were held separately from the others. Their cells will be the one closest to the interrogation office. Find them and get them out. The list of all the personnel is in the folder in front of you. Is there any questions before I handed the rest of debriefing to Captain Irwin?"

"Sir, there are only 12 personnel in this list. Who are the other two?" one of the marines inquired

The CAG eyed the group in the corner and took a deep breath. "The others two, Lt., are Commander Matthew Rabb and Lieutenant Harmon Rabb III. Their names are on the other side of paper."

After hearing the names, the groups couldn't resist to glance at the Admiral and General at the corner. All of them looked nervous, questions could be read from their expression and exactly at that point CAG cleared his throat to get everybody attention.

"I know what your question is, gentlemen. Yes, Lt. Rabb and Commander Rabb are Admiral and General Rabb's sons. Commander Rabb was recent captured. Chinese assumed that commander will leak out information to them and as for Lt. Rabb, he was captured 12 years ago when he was served aboard USS Kennedy. Find them and bring them home. Are we clear?" The CAG kept emphasizing his point to bring both men home.

"Aye, Aye Sir."

"You got the floor, Captain Irwin." The CAG motion ground troops leader to take over.

The CAG moved to the group by the corner and nodded at them.

"Captain Pierce, I would like a moment with the CAG", Harm said.

"By all mean, Admiral." Captain answered as CAG followed Harm outside the room.

Outside Debriefing Room

"John, thank you for your last emphasize. It mean a lot to me." Harm said to the CAG, his godson, Captain John A. Keteer.

"Sir…" under Harm's stern looks he quickly change, "I mean Uncle Harm, Trey is my best friend. We grew up together, go to academy together and attending flight school together. After Dad and Mom died in the accident, you were there for me. You are just like a second father to me, Trey is my brother and Matt is our little brother. If it wasn't for you and Trey, I might not even finished flight school. Trey had been MIA for 12 years now and all of that is because my fault."

"It's not your fault, John."

"Yes, it was. If that morning I wasn't sick, Trey wouldn't volunteered to replace me. He wouldn't have to miss the morning COD and he would be home as he promised Aunt Sarah. Today, he could be the CAG instead of me. I was all my fault."

"Stop it, John! That thought had been eating you alive for these 12 years. Do you think Trey would be happy that you blamed yourself for him? If you were in Trey's position, do you want him to blame himself for you being MIA?"

John stood in defeat. He knew his godfather is right. He wouldn't want Trey to blame himself if he were in Trey's shoes. "No, Sir."

"Then we reached the common ground. Stop blaming yourself, son. It's not your fault. You knew that, didn't you?"

John hesitated as guilt still invaded him but Harm pulled the rank. "Answer my question, Captain."

"Sir, No, Sir. It wasn't my fault." John snapped to attention.

"Good! Let's go back inside."

John nodded at Mac as he walked pass her and then take his seat next to captain and listened to Captain (USMC) Irwin laid out the details.

TBC….