Jason Locke tried not to squirm in the leather chair that had been his designated place for the last five days. It was situated on one side of a large mahogany conference table; on the other sat three middle-aged men who held the fate of the Airwolf project in their hands. Two of the men were Company deputy directors. Locke had never worked with them before but he knew of them; Deputy Director Gordon was an old school intelligence agent who believed hard work beat gadgets and fancy equipment; Deputy Director Evan had a reputation as a tough nut. They were both studying the folders in front of them; the prepared questions for the day's session.

Locke turned his attention to the other man sitting beside them. Nobody had formally introduced him although the man had been referred to as 'Bob' by the other two. He was a little older, just over retirement age, perhaps. He was in better shape than either Company deputy director. Locke noted the trim figure and well kept physique. The man was tanned with a face criss-crossed with faint lines that spoke of a lifetime of experience; he had dark hair littered with a few grey strands at the temple and dark eyes that remained guarded yet assessing throughout the whole procedure. Whoever he was, Locke mused, he knew a lot about the Airwolf project; a whole lot. Although 'Bob' had remained mostly silent seemingly content to let the two Company deputy directors lead the questioning, whenever he had asked a question, it had been well thought and out and showed his immense knowledge of the Airwolf missions. Of the three men, 'Bob' was the one that worried Locke the most.

The African-American agent shifted in his seat a little impatiently. He brushed his hand over the tightly cropped black hair and rubbed a finger over the matching moustache. His hand crept surreptitiously to adjust the charcoal tie that matched his new grey suit. Deputy Director Gordon cleared his throat and Locke straightened in his chair. He was hoping they would render a verdict and let him – and his team – get back to work. After days of unrelenting questioning he was beginning to question the team's decisions even on the missions where he knew everything had gone to plan.

'Agent Locke, thank you for your patience with this proceeding.' Gordon's direct gaze held Locke's dark eyes firmly. 'We have arranged for one more expert testimony.'

Locke nodded wondering who they were going to produce to provide expert testimony. Gordon nodded at the guard by the door; he opened it and motioned for a person waiting on the other side to come in. Locke's eyes widened at the white-suited figure.

Michael Coldsmith-Briggs III pushed his glasses up his nose, his fingers brushing the black eye-patch underneath. It was the only jarring anomaly in his otherwise impeccable appearance; a white, three piece suit and satin tie, polished white Italian leather loafers and a rosewood cane that doubled as a weapon. He sauntered into the room and hooked his cane over the back of the chair Gordon indicated next to Locke and sat down. He glanced briefly at Locke and gave a small nod of acknowledgement.

Locke tried to relax. If anything he believed Michael would be somewhat sympathetic to his team; no doubt Michael himself at been on the other end of some of these reviews in the past.

'State your name for the record.'

'Michael Coldsmith-Briggs III.' Michael stated clearly sitting forward and clasping his hands on the polished wooden table.

Marshall gestured to the left of him. 'I believe you know Deputy Director Evan.'

'Marshall.' Michael used the Deputy Director's first name to greet him; Locke could see it unsettled the other man.

'And I believe you and Bob Delaney have worked together before?' Gordon indicated the man to his right.

Locke's brow furrowed and he was barely aware of Michael greeting the other man as he focused on making the connection to the name; the government task force that had been put together at one time to retrieve Airwolf in '85. Delaney had been the NSA representative. He wondered why an ex-NSA agent was sitting in on a Company review of one of its project's operations.

'You were in the charge of the Airwolf file prior to Agent Locke being appointed.' Gordon stated.

'Yes.' Michael confirmed.

'And you understand you are here today to give this panel an expert view of the current team's operations?' Evan added.

Michael gave a half-smile as he turned to meet Evan's brown eyes with his one good eye. 'I am aware of the purpose of this hearing.'

There was a tense moment as Michael and Evan stared at each other. Evan was the first to back down. Locke wondered at Michael's cryptic comment; maybe he knew something about why the hearing had been called that he didn't.

'Shall we start?' Gordon asked crisply. He fingered the sheet of paper in front of him before raising his grey eyes and pinning Michael with a frank stare. 'What's your overall impression of the team's capabilities given your reading of their mission reports?'

Locke's eyes slid to Michael. As much as he hated to admit it, he was very interested in the other man's response.

'Do you want me to give a response based on the overall team or by individual?' Michael asked.

'Both,' shot back Evan before Gordon could intercede.

Michael nodded. 'Very well. As a team I think they're well balanced in terms of capabilities. Saint John Hawke brings both a strong military and intelligence background to the table and his flying talents are extraordinary. Major Mike Rivers also provides additional military and especially aerial combat expertise. Jason Locke provides additional intelligence experience and he provides the direct liaison back to the Company.' He paused. 'Jo Santini is probably the only individual in the team whose position I would question. However, her lingual skills and past exposure to intelligence work as a translator have served her well. Although she's a good pilot, she clearly excels as a mechanic and in the position of the engineer within the Airwolf machine.'

'And in comparison to the original team?' Gordon asked.

'Which original team?' Michael responded.

'The team led by Captain Stringfellow Hawke.' Evan growled.

Michael returned his sharp gaze to the deputy director. 'Hawke has led three Airwolf teams. Two as her test pilot and one in the field.'

'I meant the team he led in the field.' Gordon confirmed.

Michael considered his answer for a moment. 'On paper, the current team is certainly more capable than the one led by Stringfellow Hawke during the period January 1984 to the summer of 1986.'

'On paper?' Bob spoke for the first time and Michael acknowledged him with a small nod.

'Like his brother, Hawke has a strong military and intelligence background and extraordinary flying skills. He's still the best pilot I know. The second pilot, Dominic Santini was an army trained pilot used to aerial combat and an excellent mechanic. The third member of the team was an ex-police helicopter pilot; again, good flying skills, an outstanding mechanic with additional investigative and field experience.'

'So, on a like for like comparison on paper you would rate the current team over that led by Stringfellow Hawke.' Gordon pressed.

'On paper.' Michael agreed readily. He waited a beat. 'But not in the field.'

Locke's head snapped round to Michael along with those of the three men across the table.

Michael spread his hands out wide. 'In the field, Stringfellow Hawke's team would always win.'

'Why?' Bob asked when the other two men beside him remained silent, seemingly dumbfounded.

'Stringfellow Hawke and his team had a better understanding of Airwolf, and of her capabilities. Hawke was her test pilot; he knew her strengths and her weaknesses inside out while Dominic Santini maintained the helicopter with meticulous care; he knew every inch of the machine and they both taught the third pilot.' Michael took a breath. 'In the air, the combination of Stringfellow Hawke and Airwolf are unmatched.'

'And if you took Airwolf out of the equation,' Gordon began, 'and rated them in the field on a pure intelligence operation?'

'I would still bet my money on Stringfellow Hawke.' Michael said clearly.

'Perhaps we should do a field exercise.' Evan suggested snidely.

'That would be difficult,' Michael said dryly, 'given Dominic Santini is no longer alive.' He raised his hand to stroke his moustache and cover the smile that tugged at his lips. Dom's ghost appeared to him often enough that the concept of death for him had taken on new meaning.

Gordon shot Evan a look and the other man subsided. He shuffled his papers before turning back to Michael. 'Of course, you do have a personal bias.'

Michael smiled not even attempting to duck the question. 'I do. However, I believe you requested my presence to provide an expert opinion on the activities of the current team not to provide a comparison.'

There was a subtle rebuke in the remark and Locke could see both Gordon and Evan flush a little; Delaney seemed amused.

'Moving directly onto the subject as you have raised it,' Gordon said, 'I believe you've read the mission report relating to the Malduke incident?'

Locke sat back and watched as Michael answered Gordon's questions and began to relax as Michael spoke out more times than not in support of the Airwolf team and the decisions that had been taken. He began to notice the underlying sparring that Michael had going with Evan and it was with some surprise that he found himself for the first time since the hearings had begun enjoying the testimony.

It was almost an hour later that Gordon glanced at the clock and turned to his last sheet of paper. 'There are only two incidents remaining that we would like your input, Michael, so if you're happy to continue I suggest we press on rather than take a break.'

Michael nodded, acquiescing, although he reached for his water glass and took a long drink.

'The first of the two incidents concerns a situation approximately three months ago when the Airwolf team were all taken hostage; Agent Locke, here, being abducted in Paris and on information provided by him under torture, the rest of the team being taken at their own Lair.' Gordon didn't spare a glance of sympathy for Locke who had gone rigid at the description of his role in events. 'You and Stringfellow Hawke were pivotal in resolving that situation were you not?'

'Ostensibly under the direction of Deputy Director Evan; yes.' Michael agreed.

Evan shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He had passed off his responsibility for the situation to Michael but nobody in the Company was aware that he had nothing to do with the successful resolution; it had been part of his agreement with Michael. Indeed so fully did the Company believe he had control that he had received a smack on the wrist for the incident leaking to the White House, something he personally blamed entirely on Michael.

'And I believe you prevented a nuclear bomb being detonated and the Airwolf machine being compromised with minimal injury?' Gordon continued.

'Saint John Hawke received a flesh wound and Agent Locke sustained injuries associated with his torture. Both made full recoveries.' Michael turned to briefly give Locke an encouraging glance before his gaze returned across the table.

'Do you believe without your involvement the Airwolf team would have been able to extract themselves from the incident?' Gordon asked.

Michael sighed. 'Unfortunately, while I believe the team at the Lair had the capability to get the better of their captors, I don't believe they would have been able to extract themselves without the second team with the bomb being alerted.'

'I understand the mastermind behind the incident was not contained during the operation.' Gordon said.

'No.' Michael agreed. 'Both the men at the Lair and those at the second location were either captured or eliminated but they were working for someone who remains as yet unidentified.'

'Your team relinquished the investigation of this mysterious individual back to the Airwolf team is that right?' Gordon asked.

'As ordered.' Michael confirmed.

'I believe you were also personally involved with a second attack by this mysterious figure in which the helicopter you were travelling in was disabled and while a team tried to contain your party, another was sent to kidnap Jo Santini.'

'Yes.' Michael confirmed.

'The attack at the cabin was led by an individual identified as Angelica Horn?'

'Yes.' Michael answered.

'Again, you relinquished the investigation back to the current Airwolf team?' Gordon said.

'Again, as ordered.' Michael said.

'Do you know the current status of the investigation?' Evan asked sitting forward.

Locke stirred uncomfortably realising where the line of questioning was heading.

'I believe the interrogations have not been successful in eliciting any information regarding the identity of the individual behind the attacks.' Michael said quietly. His body had imperceptibly tensed as though he too expected a surprise.

'Agent Locke.' Gordon turned to Locke unexpectedly. 'Is this your understanding?'

'Yes, sir.' Locke nodded. 'The interrogations have provided no new information.'

'Even that of Angelica Horn who is supposedly married to the individual in question?' Gordon asked derisively.

'That has never been proven and she has certainly not confirmed it.' Locke stated forcefully.

'Is that because Ms Horn has refused to speak to anyone other than Stringfellow Hawke perhaps?' Gordon said.

Michael froze and he resisted the urge to turn and demand an explanation from Locke.

Delaney stirred and pinned Locke with a dark, frank stare. 'Is that true?'

A muscle worked in Locke's jaw. 'Yes.' He answered tersely.

'I take it you haven't agreed to the request.' Delaney said.

Locke shook his head. 'No. I don't believe she has any information of value to offer and is simply trying a delaying tactic.'

'What's your view, Michael?' Delaney asked.

'Horn had an unnatural interest in Hawke which is shared by his daughter.' Michael said. 'It is possible that she might talk with Hawke.'

'We are ready to declare our verdict.' Gordon said gruffly breaking into the conversation. He looked over at Locke. 'We're agreed that you can no longer continue to operate the Airwolf team with complete autonomy. You and your team will transfer under the jurisdiction of Deputy Director Evan. He will be responsible for deciding appropriate missions and determining whether using Airwolf is the best use of Company expense within mission parameters from this point forward. You will continue to provide day to day support with the team and liaise with Deputy Director Evan.'

Locke stiffened. He'd effectively been demoted, he realised. 'Yes, sir.'

'If the performance of the team continues to be questionable we will have to look at the viability of the entire Airwolf project.' Gordon's eyes flickered to Michael briefly. 'Can you contact Stringfellow Hawke for me, Michael? I'd like him to question Angelica Horn as soon as possible.'

'I'll make the arrangements.' Michael agreed rising.

'That's all.' Gordon was up and out of the room so fast Locke barely had time to assimilate that the hearing was over.

Evan gathered together his notes and looked over at Locke. 'I suggest we reconvene to my office.'

Michael and Locke exchanged an awkward look before Locke followed Evan from the conference room.

Delaney gestured at the door. 'I don't know about you, Michael, but I could do with some fresh air.'

'Sounds good.' Michael said picking up his cane.

They made their way out of the Company building and walked a few blocks to a public park. Michael eschewed the vendor coffee that Delaney bought and they made their way to a bench. They had spoken of inconsequential matters on the way and as soon as they both sat those were dropped in unspoken mutual agreement.

'They really handed Evan control.' Michael said with a hint of disbelief.

'He has a good reputation as a Company man.' Delaney said. 'I'm sure he convinced them that had he only had control of the Airwolf team, the entire situation with the nuclear bomb would not have arisen especially as he received all the credit for containing the situation within the Company.'

Michael harrumphed at the gentle rebuke. 'And our plans?' He asked delicately.

'In place.' Delaney said. 'As far as the Company is concerned, I've simply observed on behalf of the President after his expression of concerns regarding the Airwolf operation which led them to do the hearing in the first place. But if the Company makes another mistake with the Airwolf project, we have a chance.'

'Well, we'll certainly get that.' Michael said. 'Evan is an incompetent.'

'I take it Locke and his team are unaware of our plan.' Delaney noted wryly.

Michael nodded. 'They won't like it although they might appreciate the freedom from the Company if it goes ahead.'

'Locke has a problem with Hawke doesn't he?' Delaney said casually sipping his coffee.

'Yes.' Michael didn't bother pretending otherwise.

'You think Horn will talk to Hawke?' Delaney asked.

Michael sighed. 'I don't know but I do know one thing.'

'What's that?' Delaney asked.

'Hawke will do everything he can to make her talk.' Michael said.

Delaney frowned. 'Isn't that a good thing?'

Michael met his gaze worriedly. 'Let's hope so.'