A/N: I made mistake about the rank when I post the chapter previously. Albert Rabb is supposed to be in Marine Corps not in the NAVY. Hence, his rank should be Major NOT Lieutenant Commander. Sorry about that.  I caught that mistake when I write the new chapter (ch. 25) *hint, hint*. Yeap, the new chapter coming soon *grin*.

0600 EST

Bethesda Naval Hospital

Bethesda, MD

"Good Morning, Major Rabb" the chief nurse greet him as he walked to his office.

"Morning, Lt."

Before he was able to push his office door, the PA system announced

'Major Albert Rabb and Lt. Commander Bryan Pike, please report to Captain Wadley's office immediately.' PA system went off two more time while Albert let out a single groan. 'So much for an earlier morning cup of coffee'.

He strode toward Captain Wadley office, the Deputy Commander.

"Morning, Albert. Buddy, you like hell." His colleague/friend, Bryan Pike, stated the matter flatly as he cross with Albert.

"Why…thank you, Bryan. Try to have your two years son to have an upset stomach on you the whole night." He stated sarcastically.

"My day for that is over, buddy. My boy is nine next week!" Bryan grinned proudly.

"Lucky you! What the deputy wants from us early in the morning?"

"I have no idea. Shall we find out?" Bryan wicked as he walked inside Captain's office. Albert shook his head, amused at his friend humorous nature.

"Major Rabb and Lt. Commander Pike reported as order, Sir!" Both men stood at attention before the older man.

"At ease. Please have a seat."

"Major, Commander, I want both of you topside to Patrick Henry in an hour."

If they are surprised, they didn't let it show. Instead, Albert inquiry more,

"Where is she, Sir?"

"She is in the Pacific.  A group of POW had been rescued from China. Medics on board Henry are having trouble as half of their staff is down with stomach- flu. Both of you had battleship assignment before so I recommend both of you. They also send in some flight surgeon from Okinawa as well. Do you have questions, gentlemen?"

"No, sir." Albert said as Bryan echoed.

"Btw, Major Rabb, I received a phone call from a Captain Fox in Okinawa this morning. She got a patient with spinal cord injury and asked me send in Neurologist to assist her. Since it is your area of expertise, I say you got the job."

"What is the patient condition, Sir?"

"It seems that the Lieutenant tried to shield his brother during the POW rescue mission. He took a bullet in his back. It loaded right in between spinal cord. Resident physician branded him to wheelchair for the rest of his live but she still waiting for swelling to go down and she want neurologist opinion. You will have the detailed file once you arrived at Okinawa. Reported to Captain Karen Fox." Captain Wadley sighed before continued on.

"I know I didn't give both of you enough time to digest this, but I got no choice. The nature of this mission is still classified. No name will be revealed to us until both of you onboard Patrick Henry. Some of these men endured more than we can think of, we don't need add their burden with newspapers asking questions. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good luck, gentlemen. Dismissed."

"Aye…Aye Sir!" Both men leap to attention and walked out the office.

-----

One hour later

Bethesda Helipad

A brief explanation on the phone to his wife, Albert was ready to board the helo to Pacific. It was that moment that his cell phone rang.

"Rabb!" He yelled tried to overcome the loud rotor sound.

"Al, it's me Nicole!"

"What happened? This is too early for you to call me."

"Listen, we have to talk…Grace said…" her voice was lost in loud helo rotor and Bryan's yells for Albert.

"Albert, come on! You don't have all day!"

"I'm coming!" Albert yelled back and put his attention back to his phone.

"Nic, I cannot hear you. I have to go now. I'll call you later." 'Click' Nicole frantically yelling for him as he hung up the phone.

------

0700 EST

Webb's Residence

Alexandria, VA

"He hung up on me!" Nicole stare the phone in disbelieve.

"Where is he?" Mikey asked.

"I don't know, but I heard helo rotor. Perhaps, he was hurried to accident side or something like that."

"Or some things like that." Jessica added softly but she just didn't buy it. Albert is a neurologist. A neurologist doesn't just jump into a helo to accident side.

"Nic, call Danielle." She suddenly said.

"Now?"

"Now!" At that tone, Nicole froze.

"Did you think as I just think?"

"I don't know but let's hope it's nothing near what we thought." Mikey and Jeremy looked at the twin sisters with confusion write all over their face. Those two had a connection that no one could understand. 'It's one of twin connections thing' is often their reply at people questioning glance.

"Danielle, it's me, Nicole".

"Hi…Do you happen to know where Al goes?"

"Uh…huh…serious? When?"

"Did he say for what?"

"No, it's fine. Thanks." Nicole hang the phone and visibly pale as she turned to her sibling.

"Nic, you ok, honey?" Mikey concerned was visible.

"Al told Danielle that he was order to Okinawa. He briefly mentioned that a group of POW is release from China. One of the Lieutenants serious wounded his spinal while shielding a Navy commander." She state flatly.

"If Trey is at Okinawa as Grace said. I say they get a high chance to meet each other." Jeremy quipped.

"But are you sure that's Trey is alive?" Nicole asked.

"My father will not send Grace the telegram if he is not sure. He knew how Grace will react with the news."

"How things got so complicated? Why nobody is telling us anything?" Jessica almost lost her temper.

"Calm down, Jessi." Nicole tried.

"And how do you suppose I do that? It is Trey we are talking about! Nobody is talking here. Mom and Dad are not talking. Now, Albert is on his way to Okinawa. What if Trey is there? What if Trey is seriously injured and beyond hope? What if…?" Her voice trailed away as she broke down with tears. Jeremy quietly wrapped his arm around his wife.

Nicole and Mikey can only sit on opposite side of the sofa, watching in silence. Everybody knew how close Jessica to Trey is. Trey was overprotective to both girls, much to their annoyed, but Jessica adored his oldest brother. The ghost of his 'death' had just barely passed by when the news of his survival arrived. Now, they cannot do anything but wait for more news.