"It's about time Gunny." Webb growls, "What have you found out?"
"Well I have heard some rumors but I can't confirm--"
"Just tell me!" Webb interrupts.
"There is some talk about some American's taking this farmer's plane and following a convoy and blowing it up."
"That sounds like something that they would do. Where is the plane now?" Webb asks impatiently.
"It crashed two days ago." Gunny answers, sighing deeply.
"Every time he gets in a plane he crashes it!! We have to find her!"
"Don't you mean them?" Gunny corrected.
"Yes of course I mean them!" Webb replied biting his head off again. And embarrassed that he let his feelings slip.
"Have you been able to make any contact with the States sir?"
"Yes this morning. They are up to date on our situation. But you knew from the beginning I was on my own for this one. Once we are ready to leave, they will make arrangements to get us home. But until then, things remain status quo. I have to get out of here and we have to find them before Sadik does.
Back at Jag headquarters....
"Admiral, you have a call from Catherine Gale."
"Thanks Tiner."
"Hello Ms. Gale. What can I do for you?"
"Well you can tell me how in the world you let Commander Rabb go to Paraguay?!"
"I didn't LET him go. He resigned his commission and went on his own! I guess this means that you have some news."
"Yes and unfortunately not very good news. Agent Webb told us that Commander Rabb and a Gunnery Sergeant, found he and Colonel Mackenzie where they were held hostage. Webb was in bad shape so the Gunny took him to the hospital and that is when they were separated from Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie. Later, Webb found out that two Americans had taken a civilian plane that later crashed. They have no idea where they are, if it was them and if so, if they survived."
"What is Webb's condition?"
"He was severely beaten, denied food and water. He has been in the hospital for a couple days and probably could stand a few more. But he sounds determined to find the others."
"Well thank you for keeping me informed. I hope to stay in the loop as you get more information."
"I will do my best Admiral."
**************************************************************************** **
It was late afternoon and still no sight of the farmer. Harm gave Mac her second dose of penicillin this morning. He feels like a sitting duck waiting on this guy.
"I think it is time for plan B. He isn't coming back, either he can't or won't." Harm said attempting to sound practical.
"He said he would return when it was safe." Mac reminds him.
"Yes he did. But maybe when he does he will bring bad company with him."
"I don't think he will give us up."
"We both know that Sadik can be persuasive, he may not have a choice." He said gently, trying not to conjure up bad memories.
He begins to gather the few things they have and goes to pick up Mac.
"We are getting out of here." Harm states matter of factly.
"To go where, what is your plan?" She asks raising valid questions.
"Well we will follow the stream and eventually find people." He offers weakly.
"Ok. But how do you know that the people we will find won't hand us over to bad company? Face it we have to wait here. This guy is our best bet right now."
He stood up and dropped the bag, his pretense of practicality fading and his worry and frustrations slipping through. He knows she is right. But he needs to get her out of here and to a doctor. Not to mention back to familiar surroundings.
'I have to get her back to the states.' He thought. 'Maybe when we get back into our lives again she will not feel obligated to Webb. I hope that is all she feels is some sort of obligation. She can't really love Webb, can she?'
"You're right." He says with a deep sigh.
"All this is almost worth it, just to hear you say those words." She smiled.
"Don't think that will happen again any time soon." He replies with a shrewd grin.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Mr. Webb, I have some more news." Gunny pronounces.
"Ok. Don't just stand there. Spit it out." Webb orders.
"I think I have located the farmer whose plane they took off in."
"Well if we were able to find him, then Sadik knows where he is too."
Webb knew that going back to try and see the farmer could mean walking into a trap. All of his instincts told him that he shouldn't go. But he really had enjoyed being Sarah's "husband". And he and Sarah promised that they wouldn't leave each other behind. Webb never had a problem breaking a "promise" before. But this isn't like anything he has ever done. This had stopped being about the mission a long time ago. Now it is personal. He is going to save the woman he loves or die trying.
"Gunny, get me my clothes."
It was dark and again as Harm returned from the stream with water. He was troubled by the lingering absence of the farmer. He was determined that if they didn't see him in the morning that they were leaving no matter what. They couldn't wait around any longer.
"Sarah...I love you. You promised you wouldn't leave me. Where are you?"
"I'm here Clay." Mac murmured in her sleep.
"Where are your friends who blew up my convoy?" An enraged voice demanded.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Clay said as he pulled against the restraints.
"We'll see. You have been through a great deal already. It shouldn't take much more to break you."
"Don't worry Sarah I won't let them hurt you!!"
"NO! Clay! Clay!" Mac screamed.
At the sound of her scream, Harm dropped the water and started running, fear gripping his heart. Back at camp there was no apparent danger. He went in to find Mac sitting with her head in her hands crying.
Harm sat down and took her in his arms to comfort her. She was burning up with fever.
"What is it?" He asked tenderly holding her head to his chest.
"Clay is in trouble." She sobbed.
"It was a dream. You're ok and Gunny took Webb to the hospital remember?"
Mac pushed away and looked at him. "This wasn't a dream Harm. I saw it. He has been captured again. They are torturing him to get information about us."
Mac has had these visions in the past. However they only surfaced when someone she loves was in danger.
'Can this really be happening? Did I really wait to long? Is she in love with Webb?' He thought with the heart wrenching anxiety surfacing again.
"Harm we have to do something!!" Mac said on the brink of hysteria.
"Was Gunny in your vision?" Harm asked firmly.
"NO!"
"Let's take that as a good sign. At least until we can get out of here. We know Gunny has all our six."
"But Harm he is calling for me. I promised I wouldn't leave him behind."
Harm pulls her into a soothing embrace. He could hardly stand to touch her, she was so hot. Harm was getting scared. Forget about losing her to Webb he would eventually find a way to deal with that. But what he couldn't live with is if she died.
"We will get out of this. You hang with me. I came here to get you home and that is exactly what I am going to do. And Marines never leave anyone behind. I will get Webb out too. I promise."
The fever was draining her fast. Her body gave into the fatigue and she fell asleep.
**************************************************************************** *****
"Enter."
"Excuse me sir. I don't mean to bother you." Harriet said cautiously.
"You aren't bothering me Lieutenant, and I know what you are going to ask." AJ responded kindly.
"We are all wondering if there is any news sir."
"Yes, very little, gather everyone around and I will brief one and all on what I know."
Harriet quickly goes out and makes sure that everyone is rounded up and they are all waiting to know what is going on.
"May I have your attention?" The admiral calls. "I know you are all wondering about what is going on with the Colonel and Comm---Rabb. The last report we got was that they were in a private civilian plane and apparently it crashed. The wreckage has not been located. And all contact has been lost with the other operatives on the ground. That is all the information that we have, dismissed."
"Bud they just have to be alright." Harriet says with tears in her voice as she covers her face.
"They will Harriet." Bud said pulling her close, "The commander had such determination when he left. I know he and the Colonel will come home."
"I have been a man of peace for a very long time. And I don't want to change now. So please turn around slowly." The voice came from behind Gunny.
Gunny slowly turned around and saw this older man standing there with a pitch fork.
"Who are you? And don't lie to me. I know that you aren't who you pretend to be and if you don't answer me truthfully, your friends may never make it back home alive."
Gunny's was nearing the end of his rope. He had only been gone a short time, when Sadik's men took Webb from the hospital. Now this man was his only lead to where he could find his friends. He thought quickly but somehow managed the same leap of faith that Harm and Mac did.
"I am who you assume I am, an American. And you are the man my friends got the plane from. Our other associate has been taken, by the terrorists we were trying to stop, to get information on their location. He doesn't know where they are, we were hoping that you did."
This Mennonite Farmer had turned his back on war and violence a long time ago. He was young and lied about his age to get into the military. And by the time he found out what the Reich was really about, he couldn't get out.
When the war was over, he determined to turn his back on violence forever. He embraced his Mennonite roots and years later became a missionary. Now the violence had become overwhelming and he knew that he had to do something to help.
"Sir if you know where they are I beg you, please tell me." Gunny pleaded.
"I have been "questioned" by those who have your associate. It is only because I have lived here so many years and stayed away from violence, that they have left me alone. Yes, I know where your friends are hiding. I took them limited supplies 2 days ago. I intended to go back for them but after I was interrogated, I thought it to dangerous to go back."
"Will you take me to them?"
"Yes. Meet me at 2am and we will go to your friends. She was injured and she needs to get to a hospital."
"Can you also help me get our associate as well?"
"I will if I can."
**************************************************************************** ****
"They should be ahead just a few feet." The old man whispered.
Gunny moved a little faster. "Are you sure this is where you left them?" He asked very agitated.
"Yes I am sure. Maybe they couldn't wait for me any longer."
"Or maybe someone else got to them first." Gunny responded through clinched teeth.
Harm heard their voices but he was watching to see if they were followed before he identified where they were hiding. Finally Harm called to them, "Gunny! Over here."
Gunny rushed over. "Commander, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. But the Colonel is injured and she has developed a fever. Please tell me you two have a plan to get us out of here and to a hospital." Harm implored.
"As a matter of fact I do." The old man interjected. "I know where I can safely get her the medical help she needs. But we cannot go together. We have to split up. If we all go together we will attract too much attention."
"No way am I letting her out of my sight!!" Harm stated protectively.
"I hope I have earned a little bit of trust, but you really don't have any choice. If we all go together, we will be caught and killed." The farmer said quietly.
Harm went over and held Mac in his arms. He knew this man was right. Yet his heart was racing with anxiety, doubt and fear. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she died. But he knew if something wasn't done for her quickly she would die.
He held her close. She was so exhausted and had not spoken in some time, the fever taking its toll.
But he whispered to her anyway," I have to let you go with this man. It is the only way I know to help you. He will get you to a hospital. You must keeping fighting and hang on. I'll get Webb like I promised and then I will come to get you. You must live.I love you."
Harm helped get Mac disguised and let the old man take her.
The old man had given Gunny the details on where they could find Webb. They would meet up after both missions were accomplished.
Before they parted ways Harm looked at the old man and said," You get her to the help she needs. Don't let anything happen to her. And if you double cross us--"
"I won't." He interrupted.
Harm watched them until they were out of sight. He had to get his head focused on saving Webb. The faster he got Webb the faster he would be able to get back to Mac.
**************************************************************************** *******
Back at Jag headquarters.......
"Admiral you have another call from Ms. Gale sir."
"Thanks Tiner."
"What's the news?" He asked knowing that it wasn't going to be good.
"Webb has missed his last two sitreps, since informing us of the plane crash, so we still don't have any idea where the Colonel and Commander are or if they survived the crash. Now with Webb missing, things look pretty grim." Catherine said sounding rather pessimistic.
"I appreciate you candor and the information Ms. Gale, but I know that my people are alive and I am not going to leave them stranded there." AJ affirmed adamantly.
"I am sorry admiral I don't know that you have much choice." She replied apologetically.
"Like Hell I don't!" AJ angrily slammed down the phone. "Tiner! Get the SECNAV on the phone!" He barked.
Admiral Chegwidden spends the rest of the afternoon in the SECNAV's office arguing a case as if before the Supreme Court. But by the time he leaves, AJ has won and he is on his way to retrieve his people, fellow officers-his family. He walks to his car with dreadful uncertainty in his heart. 'How do I tell Meredith?' He wonders, sitting behind the wheel. He pulls his phone from his breast pocket and hits the speed dial.
"Hello, AJ." Meredith's cheerful voice greets him.
"Would it be alright to have dinner early this evening, say 6 at my place?" AJ asked trying not to give anything away.
"I think we can manage that. Shall I stop and get something so we won't have to cook?" She asks sensing something important is coming.
"That would be good. I'll see you soon."
AJ puts his phone back in his pocket and starts the car.
On the way to AJ's that night, Meredith prepared herself for AJ going to Paraguay. Although he hadn't really said much, she knew he was driven to distraction with worry about Harm and Mac.
"Dinner's here." She calls letting herself in.
"I'll be there in a minute." AJ yells from his bedroom.
He went over it again and again in his head about how he was going to tell Meredith he was going after Rabb and Mackenzie. He isn't used to dealing with family issues regarding an assignment or dangerous duty. But now all of that had changed. He was about to be a married man once again. He took a deep breath and went to the kitchen.
Meredith had the table set with a scrumptious Italian dinner waiting.
"Thank you. It looks delicious." AJ said giving her a hug and kiss hello.
"Would you open and pour the wine?" She asks.
AJ gets the glasses and the wine and walks over to the table. He pours the wine and they sit down to dinner.
"I got some more information on Rabb and Mackenzie today. Or should I say the same news."
"They are still missing?"
"I'm afraid so."
"When are you going?" She said more like a statement than a question.
"How did you know?" AJ asks in amazement.
"AJ, I know who you are. You are a career navy man, seal turned lawyer. The people in your command are very important to you, especially Bud, Harriet, Harm and Mac. They are like family. And the need to do something has been eating at you ever since you heard they were missing."
"You're alright with me going?" He replies with surprise in his voice.
"Of course not, I am scared to death. I am new to all this military and danger stuff. But if you're asking me do I understand why you need to go, then yes, I am alright with you going."
AJ takes her hand and pulls her to him. He kisses her gently as to thank her for being so understanding and not making this harder for him.
**************************************************************************** ****
"There it is Commander. Right where our farmer friend said it would be."
Before them was the abandon warehouse in the oldest part of the city. There weren't any guards posted on the outside of the building.
"Do you know anything about this place Gunny?"
"No sir. I was never brought to this location."
"There doesn't seem to be too much activity going on. We are just going to have to get a closer look." Harm says resolutely.
Inside, Webb sits tied to a straight back chair, with two young Arab men, one on each side, taking turns abusing him.
"Once again you filthy American, where are the others and who is working with them? How did they know of the convoy?" One man demands.
Webb was very bloody his body radiating once again with pain. He tried to tell them that he didn't know how they knew or where they got their information. That is wasn't part of the plan. But they of course didn't believe him. Right now all that was keeping him alive was the memory of the kiss that Sarah had given him. He had to stay focused on her. He had to survive this somehow.
Bursting into the room, Gunny caps both men, as Harm moves to Webb and assesses his condition.
"Rabb...." Webb said barely able to talk," I told you to take care of Sarah."
"She is being taken care of." He answers untying the ropes.
Webb slumps in his chair, rubbing circulation back into his hands.
"Can you stand?" Harm asks with genuine concern.
Webb stands and swaggers as if he had one to many. Harm reaches out and props him up.
"What are you doing here? This was your perfect ..... perfect chance to be rid of me." Webb asks breathlessly.
"And compete with a ghost I don't think so." Harm snips.
"So you finally admit it..." Pleased by his choice of words.
"Admit what Webb?"
"That you're in love with her." Webb asserts, trying to provoke an admission.
"We don't have time for this now. We have to get you out of here. Let's just hope that Gunny was able to get us some transportation."
**************************************************************************** *******
Meanwhile, the farmer made good on his promise to get Mac to a medical facility. He is still worried that even though no one would ask any questions about who she is that someone may have be watching and ready to tell Sadik of their arrival.
"The woman you brought in is in grave health." said the doctor. "We have some antibiotics and that we can give her, but she really needs to get to a larger medical facility that can do more than we can."
"Just do all that you can. I will see if we can find a way to get her to another facility."
'I have to get her out soon. I just hope that the Americans can get their job done and fast. ' The farmer thought to himself.
"Harm." Mac moaned
"You are in the hospital and your friends will be here soon."
Mac didn't respond she is delirious with fever.
"Harm......."
**************************************************************************** ********
"Gunny you never cease to amaze me with your resourcefulness." Harm said as he helped get Webb into an old red beat up Ford pick-up, normally used for transporting small farm animals.
"Thank you sir, but somehow this seems too easy." Gunny replied
"I agree." Webb said weakly. "Where is Sarah? The taste of freedom helping him to catch his breath.
"She should be getting medical attention right about now..." Harm started to explain.
"What do you mean should be? I told you to take care of her not put her in a plane and then crash it! What are her injuries?" He demanded.
Harm was trying not to get angry. "She has a badly broken ankle. "
"Where is she? Where is this place that she is getting medical attention?"
"The farmer whose plane we were using found us. He brought some supplies and said that he would come back. When he did he brought Gunny with him. He took Mac to the hospital."
"You let some stranger take Sarah? How do you know that you can trust him? How could you just leave her like that?"
Harm grabbed Webb by the arm," If you weren't already in such bad shape I'd..."
"Don't let that stop you!"
"Don't tempt me Webb. You were the one who brought her here in the first place remember?"
"Yeah but I am not the one who left her with some stranger!"
"I had no choice." Harm said through gritted teeth letting go of Webb.
"What do you mean that you had no choice? What aren't you telling me Rabb?"
Harm was thinking about when he held Mac in his arms. Almost to hot to touch. Did she understand what he had told her? Did she hear him tell her that he loved her? If she died without ever hearing him ......
"Rabb what aren't you telling me?!" Webb yells as he grabs Harm.
"She has developed a fever. I think infection has set in."
"All the more reason for you not to have left her!"
"I did it for her!!" Harm yelled back.
If Webb would have been thinking logically, not out of worry and guilt, he would realize that Mac being taken covertly to the hospital was the right choice. But he wasn't thinking logically. Worry and guilt were eating away at him.
"You didn't come all this way to leave her when she needed you the most. What exactly are you doing for her?" Webb asked very sarcastically.
"I promised her that I would rescue you." Harm blurted out.
Webb had a puzzled look on his face. "Rescue, how did she know that I needed to be rescued?"
Harm realized he used the wrong word. There would be no way of not telling him now.
"How did she know I needed to be rescued? Last she knew I was with Gunny on my way to the hospital."
"She had a vision Webb. She saw that you had been captured again and were being tortured. She was very upset and insistent that we find you. She wouldn't rest until I promised her that I would. I had to keep my promise." His anger relenting.
Webb was speechless. He knew that Sarah had these visions before. But they usually centered on those she loved; Just thinking that he had become important enough to her, to be connected to her like that, touched him deeply.
Seeing how this news affected Webb touched Harm too, but with great pain. This pain keeps changing, growing stronger. He first noticed it when Mrs. Webb asked if her son was in love with this woman. The question had taken Harm by surprise and a tinge of pain was felt. But he was able to dismiss it . News that they were missing came. The fear of losing her was so great it drove him to do anything to get to her. He had to save her-then relief. He had found her in time, but in time for what? To see her kiss Webb!!!! That sight just shot a piercing pain through his heart, and now this vision. She did feel something for Webb. That couldn't be denied. Webb now knew it too.
"Sirs, she is going to need both of you to get her home again. Let's just focus on that for now." Gunny's voice broke the awkward silence.
"Then that explains the ease of our escape." Webb said.
"Sir?" Gunny asked.
"They want us to lead them to Mac and whoever is helping her." Harm replied. Webb just nodded in agreement.
"Well I have heard some rumors but I can't confirm--"
"Just tell me!" Webb interrupts.
"There is some talk about some American's taking this farmer's plane and following a convoy and blowing it up."
"That sounds like something that they would do. Where is the plane now?" Webb asks impatiently.
"It crashed two days ago." Gunny answers, sighing deeply.
"Every time he gets in a plane he crashes it!! We have to find her!"
"Don't you mean them?" Gunny corrected.
"Yes of course I mean them!" Webb replied biting his head off again. And embarrassed that he let his feelings slip.
"Have you been able to make any contact with the States sir?"
"Yes this morning. They are up to date on our situation. But you knew from the beginning I was on my own for this one. Once we are ready to leave, they will make arrangements to get us home. But until then, things remain status quo. I have to get out of here and we have to find them before Sadik does.
Back at Jag headquarters....
"Admiral, you have a call from Catherine Gale."
"Thanks Tiner."
"Hello Ms. Gale. What can I do for you?"
"Well you can tell me how in the world you let Commander Rabb go to Paraguay?!"
"I didn't LET him go. He resigned his commission and went on his own! I guess this means that you have some news."
"Yes and unfortunately not very good news. Agent Webb told us that Commander Rabb and a Gunnery Sergeant, found he and Colonel Mackenzie where they were held hostage. Webb was in bad shape so the Gunny took him to the hospital and that is when they were separated from Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie. Later, Webb found out that two Americans had taken a civilian plane that later crashed. They have no idea where they are, if it was them and if so, if they survived."
"What is Webb's condition?"
"He was severely beaten, denied food and water. He has been in the hospital for a couple days and probably could stand a few more. But he sounds determined to find the others."
"Well thank you for keeping me informed. I hope to stay in the loop as you get more information."
"I will do my best Admiral."
**************************************************************************** **
It was late afternoon and still no sight of the farmer. Harm gave Mac her second dose of penicillin this morning. He feels like a sitting duck waiting on this guy.
"I think it is time for plan B. He isn't coming back, either he can't or won't." Harm said attempting to sound practical.
"He said he would return when it was safe." Mac reminds him.
"Yes he did. But maybe when he does he will bring bad company with him."
"I don't think he will give us up."
"We both know that Sadik can be persuasive, he may not have a choice." He said gently, trying not to conjure up bad memories.
He begins to gather the few things they have and goes to pick up Mac.
"We are getting out of here." Harm states matter of factly.
"To go where, what is your plan?" She asks raising valid questions.
"Well we will follow the stream and eventually find people." He offers weakly.
"Ok. But how do you know that the people we will find won't hand us over to bad company? Face it we have to wait here. This guy is our best bet right now."
He stood up and dropped the bag, his pretense of practicality fading and his worry and frustrations slipping through. He knows she is right. But he needs to get her out of here and to a doctor. Not to mention back to familiar surroundings.
'I have to get her back to the states.' He thought. 'Maybe when we get back into our lives again she will not feel obligated to Webb. I hope that is all she feels is some sort of obligation. She can't really love Webb, can she?'
"You're right." He says with a deep sigh.
"All this is almost worth it, just to hear you say those words." She smiled.
"Don't think that will happen again any time soon." He replies with a shrewd grin.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Mr. Webb, I have some more news." Gunny pronounces.
"Ok. Don't just stand there. Spit it out." Webb orders.
"I think I have located the farmer whose plane they took off in."
"Well if we were able to find him, then Sadik knows where he is too."
Webb knew that going back to try and see the farmer could mean walking into a trap. All of his instincts told him that he shouldn't go. But he really had enjoyed being Sarah's "husband". And he and Sarah promised that they wouldn't leave each other behind. Webb never had a problem breaking a "promise" before. But this isn't like anything he has ever done. This had stopped being about the mission a long time ago. Now it is personal. He is going to save the woman he loves or die trying.
"Gunny, get me my clothes."
It was dark and again as Harm returned from the stream with water. He was troubled by the lingering absence of the farmer. He was determined that if they didn't see him in the morning that they were leaving no matter what. They couldn't wait around any longer.
"Sarah...I love you. You promised you wouldn't leave me. Where are you?"
"I'm here Clay." Mac murmured in her sleep.
"Where are your friends who blew up my convoy?" An enraged voice demanded.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Clay said as he pulled against the restraints.
"We'll see. You have been through a great deal already. It shouldn't take much more to break you."
"Don't worry Sarah I won't let them hurt you!!"
"NO! Clay! Clay!" Mac screamed.
At the sound of her scream, Harm dropped the water and started running, fear gripping his heart. Back at camp there was no apparent danger. He went in to find Mac sitting with her head in her hands crying.
Harm sat down and took her in his arms to comfort her. She was burning up with fever.
"What is it?" He asked tenderly holding her head to his chest.
"Clay is in trouble." She sobbed.
"It was a dream. You're ok and Gunny took Webb to the hospital remember?"
Mac pushed away and looked at him. "This wasn't a dream Harm. I saw it. He has been captured again. They are torturing him to get information about us."
Mac has had these visions in the past. However they only surfaced when someone she loves was in danger.
'Can this really be happening? Did I really wait to long? Is she in love with Webb?' He thought with the heart wrenching anxiety surfacing again.
"Harm we have to do something!!" Mac said on the brink of hysteria.
"Was Gunny in your vision?" Harm asked firmly.
"NO!"
"Let's take that as a good sign. At least until we can get out of here. We know Gunny has all our six."
"But Harm he is calling for me. I promised I wouldn't leave him behind."
Harm pulls her into a soothing embrace. He could hardly stand to touch her, she was so hot. Harm was getting scared. Forget about losing her to Webb he would eventually find a way to deal with that. But what he couldn't live with is if she died.
"We will get out of this. You hang with me. I came here to get you home and that is exactly what I am going to do. And Marines never leave anyone behind. I will get Webb out too. I promise."
The fever was draining her fast. Her body gave into the fatigue and she fell asleep.
**************************************************************************** *****
"Enter."
"Excuse me sir. I don't mean to bother you." Harriet said cautiously.
"You aren't bothering me Lieutenant, and I know what you are going to ask." AJ responded kindly.
"We are all wondering if there is any news sir."
"Yes, very little, gather everyone around and I will brief one and all on what I know."
Harriet quickly goes out and makes sure that everyone is rounded up and they are all waiting to know what is going on.
"May I have your attention?" The admiral calls. "I know you are all wondering about what is going on with the Colonel and Comm---Rabb. The last report we got was that they were in a private civilian plane and apparently it crashed. The wreckage has not been located. And all contact has been lost with the other operatives on the ground. That is all the information that we have, dismissed."
"Bud they just have to be alright." Harriet says with tears in her voice as she covers her face.
"They will Harriet." Bud said pulling her close, "The commander had such determination when he left. I know he and the Colonel will come home."
"I have been a man of peace for a very long time. And I don't want to change now. So please turn around slowly." The voice came from behind Gunny.
Gunny slowly turned around and saw this older man standing there with a pitch fork.
"Who are you? And don't lie to me. I know that you aren't who you pretend to be and if you don't answer me truthfully, your friends may never make it back home alive."
Gunny's was nearing the end of his rope. He had only been gone a short time, when Sadik's men took Webb from the hospital. Now this man was his only lead to where he could find his friends. He thought quickly but somehow managed the same leap of faith that Harm and Mac did.
"I am who you assume I am, an American. And you are the man my friends got the plane from. Our other associate has been taken, by the terrorists we were trying to stop, to get information on their location. He doesn't know where they are, we were hoping that you did."
This Mennonite Farmer had turned his back on war and violence a long time ago. He was young and lied about his age to get into the military. And by the time he found out what the Reich was really about, he couldn't get out.
When the war was over, he determined to turn his back on violence forever. He embraced his Mennonite roots and years later became a missionary. Now the violence had become overwhelming and he knew that he had to do something to help.
"Sir if you know where they are I beg you, please tell me." Gunny pleaded.
"I have been "questioned" by those who have your associate. It is only because I have lived here so many years and stayed away from violence, that they have left me alone. Yes, I know where your friends are hiding. I took them limited supplies 2 days ago. I intended to go back for them but after I was interrogated, I thought it to dangerous to go back."
"Will you take me to them?"
"Yes. Meet me at 2am and we will go to your friends. She was injured and she needs to get to a hospital."
"Can you also help me get our associate as well?"
"I will if I can."
**************************************************************************** ****
"They should be ahead just a few feet." The old man whispered.
Gunny moved a little faster. "Are you sure this is where you left them?" He asked very agitated.
"Yes I am sure. Maybe they couldn't wait for me any longer."
"Or maybe someone else got to them first." Gunny responded through clinched teeth.
Harm heard their voices but he was watching to see if they were followed before he identified where they were hiding. Finally Harm called to them, "Gunny! Over here."
Gunny rushed over. "Commander, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. But the Colonel is injured and she has developed a fever. Please tell me you two have a plan to get us out of here and to a hospital." Harm implored.
"As a matter of fact I do." The old man interjected. "I know where I can safely get her the medical help she needs. But we cannot go together. We have to split up. If we all go together we will attract too much attention."
"No way am I letting her out of my sight!!" Harm stated protectively.
"I hope I have earned a little bit of trust, but you really don't have any choice. If we all go together, we will be caught and killed." The farmer said quietly.
Harm went over and held Mac in his arms. He knew this man was right. Yet his heart was racing with anxiety, doubt and fear. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she died. But he knew if something wasn't done for her quickly she would die.
He held her close. She was so exhausted and had not spoken in some time, the fever taking its toll.
But he whispered to her anyway," I have to let you go with this man. It is the only way I know to help you. He will get you to a hospital. You must keeping fighting and hang on. I'll get Webb like I promised and then I will come to get you. You must live.I love you."
Harm helped get Mac disguised and let the old man take her.
The old man had given Gunny the details on where they could find Webb. They would meet up after both missions were accomplished.
Before they parted ways Harm looked at the old man and said," You get her to the help she needs. Don't let anything happen to her. And if you double cross us--"
"I won't." He interrupted.
Harm watched them until they were out of sight. He had to get his head focused on saving Webb. The faster he got Webb the faster he would be able to get back to Mac.
**************************************************************************** *******
Back at Jag headquarters.......
"Admiral you have another call from Ms. Gale sir."
"Thanks Tiner."
"What's the news?" He asked knowing that it wasn't going to be good.
"Webb has missed his last two sitreps, since informing us of the plane crash, so we still don't have any idea where the Colonel and Commander are or if they survived the crash. Now with Webb missing, things look pretty grim." Catherine said sounding rather pessimistic.
"I appreciate you candor and the information Ms. Gale, but I know that my people are alive and I am not going to leave them stranded there." AJ affirmed adamantly.
"I am sorry admiral I don't know that you have much choice." She replied apologetically.
"Like Hell I don't!" AJ angrily slammed down the phone. "Tiner! Get the SECNAV on the phone!" He barked.
Admiral Chegwidden spends the rest of the afternoon in the SECNAV's office arguing a case as if before the Supreme Court. But by the time he leaves, AJ has won and he is on his way to retrieve his people, fellow officers-his family. He walks to his car with dreadful uncertainty in his heart. 'How do I tell Meredith?' He wonders, sitting behind the wheel. He pulls his phone from his breast pocket and hits the speed dial.
"Hello, AJ." Meredith's cheerful voice greets him.
"Would it be alright to have dinner early this evening, say 6 at my place?" AJ asked trying not to give anything away.
"I think we can manage that. Shall I stop and get something so we won't have to cook?" She asks sensing something important is coming.
"That would be good. I'll see you soon."
AJ puts his phone back in his pocket and starts the car.
On the way to AJ's that night, Meredith prepared herself for AJ going to Paraguay. Although he hadn't really said much, she knew he was driven to distraction with worry about Harm and Mac.
"Dinner's here." She calls letting herself in.
"I'll be there in a minute." AJ yells from his bedroom.
He went over it again and again in his head about how he was going to tell Meredith he was going after Rabb and Mackenzie. He isn't used to dealing with family issues regarding an assignment or dangerous duty. But now all of that had changed. He was about to be a married man once again. He took a deep breath and went to the kitchen.
Meredith had the table set with a scrumptious Italian dinner waiting.
"Thank you. It looks delicious." AJ said giving her a hug and kiss hello.
"Would you open and pour the wine?" She asks.
AJ gets the glasses and the wine and walks over to the table. He pours the wine and they sit down to dinner.
"I got some more information on Rabb and Mackenzie today. Or should I say the same news."
"They are still missing?"
"I'm afraid so."
"When are you going?" She said more like a statement than a question.
"How did you know?" AJ asks in amazement.
"AJ, I know who you are. You are a career navy man, seal turned lawyer. The people in your command are very important to you, especially Bud, Harriet, Harm and Mac. They are like family. And the need to do something has been eating at you ever since you heard they were missing."
"You're alright with me going?" He replies with surprise in his voice.
"Of course not, I am scared to death. I am new to all this military and danger stuff. But if you're asking me do I understand why you need to go, then yes, I am alright with you going."
AJ takes her hand and pulls her to him. He kisses her gently as to thank her for being so understanding and not making this harder for him.
**************************************************************************** ****
"There it is Commander. Right where our farmer friend said it would be."
Before them was the abandon warehouse in the oldest part of the city. There weren't any guards posted on the outside of the building.
"Do you know anything about this place Gunny?"
"No sir. I was never brought to this location."
"There doesn't seem to be too much activity going on. We are just going to have to get a closer look." Harm says resolutely.
Inside, Webb sits tied to a straight back chair, with two young Arab men, one on each side, taking turns abusing him.
"Once again you filthy American, where are the others and who is working with them? How did they know of the convoy?" One man demands.
Webb was very bloody his body radiating once again with pain. He tried to tell them that he didn't know how they knew or where they got their information. That is wasn't part of the plan. But they of course didn't believe him. Right now all that was keeping him alive was the memory of the kiss that Sarah had given him. He had to stay focused on her. He had to survive this somehow.
Bursting into the room, Gunny caps both men, as Harm moves to Webb and assesses his condition.
"Rabb...." Webb said barely able to talk," I told you to take care of Sarah."
"She is being taken care of." He answers untying the ropes.
Webb slumps in his chair, rubbing circulation back into his hands.
"Can you stand?" Harm asks with genuine concern.
Webb stands and swaggers as if he had one to many. Harm reaches out and props him up.
"What are you doing here? This was your perfect ..... perfect chance to be rid of me." Webb asks breathlessly.
"And compete with a ghost I don't think so." Harm snips.
"So you finally admit it..." Pleased by his choice of words.
"Admit what Webb?"
"That you're in love with her." Webb asserts, trying to provoke an admission.
"We don't have time for this now. We have to get you out of here. Let's just hope that Gunny was able to get us some transportation."
**************************************************************************** *******
Meanwhile, the farmer made good on his promise to get Mac to a medical facility. He is still worried that even though no one would ask any questions about who she is that someone may have be watching and ready to tell Sadik of their arrival.
"The woman you brought in is in grave health." said the doctor. "We have some antibiotics and that we can give her, but she really needs to get to a larger medical facility that can do more than we can."
"Just do all that you can. I will see if we can find a way to get her to another facility."
'I have to get her out soon. I just hope that the Americans can get their job done and fast. ' The farmer thought to himself.
"Harm." Mac moaned
"You are in the hospital and your friends will be here soon."
Mac didn't respond she is delirious with fever.
"Harm......."
**************************************************************************** ********
"Gunny you never cease to amaze me with your resourcefulness." Harm said as he helped get Webb into an old red beat up Ford pick-up, normally used for transporting small farm animals.
"Thank you sir, but somehow this seems too easy." Gunny replied
"I agree." Webb said weakly. "Where is Sarah? The taste of freedom helping him to catch his breath.
"She should be getting medical attention right about now..." Harm started to explain.
"What do you mean should be? I told you to take care of her not put her in a plane and then crash it! What are her injuries?" He demanded.
Harm was trying not to get angry. "She has a badly broken ankle. "
"Where is she? Where is this place that she is getting medical attention?"
"The farmer whose plane we were using found us. He brought some supplies and said that he would come back. When he did he brought Gunny with him. He took Mac to the hospital."
"You let some stranger take Sarah? How do you know that you can trust him? How could you just leave her like that?"
Harm grabbed Webb by the arm," If you weren't already in such bad shape I'd..."
"Don't let that stop you!"
"Don't tempt me Webb. You were the one who brought her here in the first place remember?"
"Yeah but I am not the one who left her with some stranger!"
"I had no choice." Harm said through gritted teeth letting go of Webb.
"What do you mean that you had no choice? What aren't you telling me Rabb?"
Harm was thinking about when he held Mac in his arms. Almost to hot to touch. Did she understand what he had told her? Did she hear him tell her that he loved her? If she died without ever hearing him ......
"Rabb what aren't you telling me?!" Webb yells as he grabs Harm.
"She has developed a fever. I think infection has set in."
"All the more reason for you not to have left her!"
"I did it for her!!" Harm yelled back.
If Webb would have been thinking logically, not out of worry and guilt, he would realize that Mac being taken covertly to the hospital was the right choice. But he wasn't thinking logically. Worry and guilt were eating away at him.
"You didn't come all this way to leave her when she needed you the most. What exactly are you doing for her?" Webb asked very sarcastically.
"I promised her that I would rescue you." Harm blurted out.
Webb had a puzzled look on his face. "Rescue, how did she know that I needed to be rescued?"
Harm realized he used the wrong word. There would be no way of not telling him now.
"How did she know I needed to be rescued? Last she knew I was with Gunny on my way to the hospital."
"She had a vision Webb. She saw that you had been captured again and were being tortured. She was very upset and insistent that we find you. She wouldn't rest until I promised her that I would. I had to keep my promise." His anger relenting.
Webb was speechless. He knew that Sarah had these visions before. But they usually centered on those she loved; Just thinking that he had become important enough to her, to be connected to her like that, touched him deeply.
Seeing how this news affected Webb touched Harm too, but with great pain. This pain keeps changing, growing stronger. He first noticed it when Mrs. Webb asked if her son was in love with this woman. The question had taken Harm by surprise and a tinge of pain was felt. But he was able to dismiss it . News that they were missing came. The fear of losing her was so great it drove him to do anything to get to her. He had to save her-then relief. He had found her in time, but in time for what? To see her kiss Webb!!!! That sight just shot a piercing pain through his heart, and now this vision. She did feel something for Webb. That couldn't be denied. Webb now knew it too.
"Sirs, she is going to need both of you to get her home again. Let's just focus on that for now." Gunny's voice broke the awkward silence.
"Then that explains the ease of our escape." Webb said.
"Sir?" Gunny asked.
"They want us to lead them to Mac and whoever is helping her." Harm replied. Webb just nodded in agreement.