The next morning
0541 hours
Tossing and turning in his bed for at least an hour, now, Steve's had enough. Taking care not to wake Danny up, he stealthily slips out from under the covers and gets up, heading for the kitchen to get a drink of water. The house in plunged in quiet darkness, no one stirring, and he feels eerily at peace, allowing his thoughts to run free. He's on edge about the mission, fully aware of the dangers and the possibility that one of them may perish. He really doesn't know if he'll be able to cope with that, but it's too late to back off, now. He called Harry two days ago, and true to form, the former MI6 operative had been more than willing to help. He feels comforted by that, given Harry's skill set and the fact that he has also become a good friend. He needs friends around him, right now, to keep him grounded and prevent him from spiraling out of control.
Suddenly, he's again struck by an uncontrollable desire to watch Catherine sleep. Memories flood him, of their life together in Hawai'i and suddenly, Steve realises how much he had genuinely loved this woman. Of course, at the time, he hadn't taken the time to fully reflect on it, because they were still getting used to living together in one place, permanently – a refreshing change from the Navy life – and he was always on the go, but now, with due distance, he knows. He still hadn't been able to admit it to his conscious self – maybe it's about time – that his actions, or lack thereof, were probably an important factor in her decision to leave, too. He sighs at the regret he feels for having let circumstances and time drive a wedge between them for so long, and makes a mental note to make sure to keep in touch more often. Once this is all over.
A few hours later, they're headed for the airport, where they're met by Junior and Lucia Bama, as well as Wade Gutches. The flight to Laos is relatively uneventful, but gives Steve time to think back to everything that has happened. He thinks of Joe, again and how much he regrets his demise; next, his mind turns to Greer, insides starting to boil, hands balling into fists. He can't believe he let the woman fool him for so long, and wonders what happened for her to go rogue. Could it have been just money? Was she always devoid of humanity, loyalty or love of Country? He was such an idiot! And now, because of it, Joe was dead. Steve sighs again, feeling the full weight of his guilt, absorbed in thought. Catherine's assurance that she will help him find Greer, whatever it takes, comforts him, too, and affords him the levelheadedness he needs to go on with the mission.