Michael headed across the roof limping a little and didn't comment as Marella fell in step beside him. Neither of them looked behind at the sight of Airwolf sat on the roof the FIRM; it was a bittersweet moment for both of them.

Marella broke the silence first. 'You look very smart in that uniform, sir.'

Michael shot her a look. 'Hmmm.'

'Remind me,' Marella said as they got in the elevator together and the doors started to close, 'who decided on the lilac?'

Michael's gaze snapped to her and he wagged a finger at her. 'Not funny, Marella.'

'Yes sir.' Marella agreed.

Michael pulled at the uniform a little, suddenly self-conscious. 'We need to call Caitlin and tell her Hawke will be delayed. It's going to take him a while to get to Washington and back even in Airwolf.'

'I'll call her.'

'Tell her I'll be by to pick up Angelina tomorrow morning in time to take her to school.'

Marella nodded. 'Yes sir.'

'Oh and Marella,' Michael said as they exited the elevator at their floor, 'you'd better run a full check on Dorothea Connolly.'

'Full check, yes sir.'

'And find out where Zeus took her. I want a word before she gets back into Airwolf.'

'Yes sir.'

'And can you organise a wardrobe of clothes for her?' Michael added as they entered the outer office. 'I'm sure she doesn't want to testify to the Oversight Committee in what she's wearing.'

'This is to get back at me for the crack about the uniforms isn't it?' Marella said before Michael could give her another task.

Michael gave a small smile as another one of his aides handed him his mail and he headed into his office without replying. He showered, redressed in a clean white suit and caught up with Marella before heading to Zeus' office. He swept past Zeus' assistant and entered the other man's office with the briefest of cursory knocks.

'Archangel.' Zeus didn't look up from placing folders into a leather briefcase.

Michael shut the door behind him. 'I want some answers, Zeus.'

'Archangel, this isn't the right time. I'd like to get to Washington before Hawke changes his mind.' Zeus stuffed the last folder in his briefcase.

Michael crossed his arms and held his position. 'Why did the Federal Intelligence Agency try to prevent you from testifying to the Committee this morning?'

'We don't know that they did.' Zeus said dismissively.

'Zeus.' Michael's voice was implacable.

Zeus sighed and rested his hands on his briefcase as he regarded the other man. 'The rumour is that the Senate Committee is looking to reduce the operating costs of the intelligence agencies.'

'I found that out myself.' Michael said.

'Did you find out the way they are considering reducing costs is to amalgamate two or more of the smaller agencies?' Zeus bit out.

Michael blinked. 'No.' He said. 'I didn't know that.'

Zeus sighed. 'Every agency is jockeying for position.'

'I can imagine.' Michael murmured. 'Are we specifically at risk?'

Zeus hesitated and then nodded. 'My sources say it was us or the FIA who were to be targeted, possibly both organisations.'

'Are we at risk because of Airwolf?' Michael asked bracing himself for the answer. 'Is that why I was kept out of the loop?'

'As much as I would like to blame the whole thing on Airwolf, no.' Zeus picked up his briefcase. 'In fact, as much as I hate to admit it, Hawke and that machine are one of the reasons why we still have a place at the table.' He sighed. 'We've had too many failures, Michael and not enough successes. Our operatives are losing ground to the CIA, the NSA and the Company abroad and to the FBI at home. We're not the force we once were.'

'What can I do to help?' Michael asked.

'Forget what I've told you and focus on your work. That's the reason why I kept you out of the loop. I don't want you or anybody else here distracted by this.' Zeus said. 'Now. I have to go and put the FIA out of action with Miss Connolly's help.'

'I'll have someone escort her up.' Michael offered.

Zeus nodded. 'You're intending to offer her a job?'

Michael nodded and opened the door to let Zeus leave. 'Marella checked her out. She has an impressive resume.'

'Good.' Zeus moved past him. 'I'll see you upstairs.'

Michael left Zeus' office and made his way back to his own. Marella had tracked down Dorothea and she was waiting for him.

Dorothea rose to her feet as he entered. He noticed that she had also changed into a new outfit. The simple blue pant suit complemented her colouring. 'Miss Connolly. I won't keep you.' He greeted her with a firm handshake. 'I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for coming forward and helping us.' He sat down in his leather chair and waved her into an armchair.

'Well, Hawke did save my life.'

'He has a knack for doing things like that.' Michael said smiling at her. 'When you get back from Washington, I'd like you to consider coming and working for me.'

Dorothea stared at him. 'You're kidding.'

'I rarely kid.' Michael stated. 'You're a good aeronautical engineer and I have the perfect project for you. I don't need an answer now but if you could think about it I'd be grateful.'

'I'll definitely think about it. Thank you.' Dorothea got to her feet.

'Thank you.' Michael nodded at Marella to escort her back to Airwolf. He poured himself a large glass of bourbon from the bar in his office and sat back behind his desk scowling. He had imagined that the Senate Oversight Committee might have been doing many things in regards to their review; amalgamating the FIRM with another agency wasn't one of them. He sipped his drink and leaned back tiredly.

If the FIRM was taken over by another agency his own position was precarious, Michael realised. The Airwolf project was his ace but in many ways it was also his joker. Airwolf had made him many enemies within the FIRM itself and he only controlled the helicopter inasmuch as Hawke would accept the missions Michael gave to him in return for finding his brother. Anxiety gnawed at his gut and Michael took a deep breath. He put his drink on the table and got out of his chair to stare sightlessly through the windows, his hands deep in the pockets of his white slacks. He understood why Zeus wanted to keep the information under wraps; it was distracting. If the whole agency knew, they'd all be too busy trying to consolidate their positions to focus on their job; keeping the US and her allies safe. Well, he wouldn't let it distract him. Michael turned back to his desk; he had work to do.