Chapter 14 - For What It's Worth, I'm Free
What a field day for the heat, a thousand people in the street.
Singing songs and carrying signs, mostly saying, "Hooray for our side!"
It's time we stop - hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down.
~Buffalo Springfield ('66)
Day of Medal Ceremony
T-minus 3 hours
The unexpected...
"Running away will never make me free, and nothing we sign is any kind of guarantee.
But I want to hold you now, and I won't hold you down.
I'm shaking the past making my breaks. Taking control, if that's what it takes - I'm free!
Heaven helps the man who fights his fear. Love's the only thing that keeps me here.
You're the reason that I'm hanging on. My heart's staying where my heart belongs!
Murdock grinned as the music faded away.
"Good morning out there fellow listeners! We have a nine A.M. major traffic update for you and it is bad news at best. If you're looking to get across the bay anytime soon, I'm afraid you're out of luck because we have multiple reports of a flipped semi on the bridge that's blocking all lanes. Yes, it's one heck of a mess out there folks and no one's going anywhere for quite some time..."
The sound of sliding tires on gravel suddenly overlapped the radio and her frantic yell immediately followed. "What?! Are you kidding me? Not today, dammit!"
With the car now at a complete stop on the side of the road, Murdock's groan of frustration followed.
"Tiger, if we can't get across the bridge, how are we going to make it to D.C.?"
The answer was obvious by the insanity now gleaming in his eyes and the wicked smile spreading across his face. "You aren't thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Oh, yeah... hey, wait - oh, no!"
It was at that moment she found yet another reason why they called him Howling Mad as he spun the car into a gravel throwing u-turn, and flew back to the hangar at top speed.
The detour...
"I'm warning you, Tiger - if you put this thing down anywhere near the White House lawn, you're fired!"
"Relax, Ace!" He smiled at her firm tone flooding his headset. "We're just going back to Langley. I'll try to get B.A. to lend us his van. I shouldn't have any trouble after yesterday and all..."
"Good, because that unauthorized landing on the hospital roof almost put us in hot water - wait a second, what about our uniforms? The guys are going to know something's up, aren't they?"
"Well, let's just try to roll with that when we get there..."
The journey...
"You want what?"
B.A.'s skin crawled. Not only did the sound of the helicopter landing right outside send his anxiety through the roof, but now he was being asked to hand over his most prized possession to the crazy man in an Army dress uniform.
"C'mon B.A., please?" Murdock begged. "I promise I'll bring her back in one piece. Oh, and I need a set of your miniature two-way communicators if you've got 'em. I want to see if they sound better than the CB headsets we've been using."
"Fine, I'll go get 'em. Ugh, here - take this and don't burn it!" B.A. motioned to the pan on the stove then stared at Murdock's uniform. "You know, yesterday I was beginning to think you really weren't crazy - then you start coming around here all dressed up like that. What's goin' on?"
"Thanks a million, B.A." Murdock ignored his question as he took the pan from B.A. and motioned that he was in quite a hurry.
"Morning, Captain! Thought I heard the bird out there."
"You heard the bird? Well, everybody's heard about the bird, b-b-b-bird, bird, bird-"
"Say, what's with the formalities there, Captain?" Hannibal enthusiastically slapped his back of his dress uniform. "Going somewhere special?"
"B-bird's the word, b-b-b- yeah, it is kinda fancy where we're goin', Colonel." Murdock non-nonchalantly focused on the food he was cooking instead of the question. "Just a ceremony lunch thing Ace invited me to, you know how those 'Go big blue-birds' love to get dressed up and celebrate."
"Where's she at, Murdock?"
"Uh, she's outside waiting for B.A. to hurry up with the keys!" He yelled louder, hoping B.A. would hear. "Sorry Colonel, but we're late. Real late, in fact - had to take a detour out here with the bridge closed. Look, there it is on the news over there," he pointed at the T.V. in the next room with one hand, expertly flipped the food with the other, then winked at Hannibal. "Good thing we have an alternate means of transportation!"
"Finally living the good life like the rest of us! Well, I'll let you guys get going then." Hannibal held up his brand new script, the cover colorfully decorated with a huge green mutant. "I'm celebrating today. Why don't you guys stop by tonight?"
"Sure, will do, Colonel!"
B.A. returned from upstairs. "Here," he said, offering the black box he'd brought with him.
"Aw, you proposing? Of course, I will!" Murdock teased, then whistled in awe at what was inside - two well-crafted black miniature microphones and speaker earplugs. "Oh, yeah, I sure do, buddy and these will do just fine. You're the best mudsuckin' teammate a guy could ever ask for!"
"And don't you forget it. So whatcha look like that for, fool?"
Ignoring B.A.'s question again, Murdock grinned and tucked the box inside his dress jacket pocket. Then he flipped the eggs one last time, slid them onto the plate and powdered them with a quick shot of paprika in one perfectly executed move. "Perfect-o!" he exclaimed, then presented the plate under B.A.'s nose. "Now how about those van keys, big guy?"
B.A. eyed the plate for a moment then fished in his pocket without delay.
Murdock leaned over for a smooch as he traded the plate of eggs for the keys, then offered him the most endearing smile he could muster. "Thanks, brother!"
"Not a scratch." B.A. finally smiled back. "You crazy fool."
The arrival...
"Well, we made it finally." Murdock cut the van's engine and looked over at her. "Nervous?"
She nodded. "I told Stockwell I'd never mention the team to anyone. How am I supposed to help you without breaking my word?"
"I - I don't know yet, Ace. I just know we'll find out right now, together. Here," he held out the small box he'd retrieved from his inner jacket pocket.
"Again? I already said 'I do'," she teased. "What's that?"
"This." He opened the box and held up the tiny black circular object, no bigger than a Cheerio. "This is B.A.'s miniature two-way communication system. Now, where to put it..." He eyed her up and down, then came to rest on her uniform. "Aha! C'mere..."
She leaned his way at his request, and watched him stick the mic behind the top of her silver wings.
"It's just like Star Trek!" His eyes sparkled, quite pleased with his idea, then stuck the other mic to his own wings. "And now the receiver," he offered her the tiny speaker, which she stared blankly at and shook her head.
"Uh, Tiger, I don't know how. You know I've never-"
"Oh, right. Here, it goes in like this; kinda like a hearing aid." He helped her tuck the speaker gently inside her ear, then quickly put his own in. "There we go. Testing, six-niner, eleventeen. This is Captain Murdock, requesting beam-up. Do you copy, Alpha-Juliet?"
Her eyes lit up, surprised how clear his voice sounded. She whispered into her pin, "Copy that, Captain, loud and clear. Whisky Tango Foxtrot, stand-by for one beam-up."
He gave a thumbs up and smiled.
"Oh yeah, I have something for you too." She reached into her dress jacket pocket and held out a ring to him. "You'll need a decoy - thought this might fit you."
"Wha...? Where'd you get something like that?"
"It's my Dad's - I found it when I was in his room yesterday. Here, try it on."
Murdock held his hand out and she slid it on his finger. "Aw, Ace..." He stared down at his hand in disbelief that it fit as comfy as a well-worn baseball glove. "I don't know what to say..."
"I do," she teased, then winked at him for a change.
All words aside, he took off his hat so he could lean in closer to...
"Ow, geez!" A.J. winced as she pulled away, covering her ears to no avail. "What's that?"
"Ahh, too loud!" Murdock cringed at the wailing until he leaned back and it finally faded away. "What the - aw man! It looks like we're getting feedback if we get too close, you kiddin' me?" He affixed his hat back on his head and groaned at the very thought. "Well this day just got a lot more difficult."
"For you," she teased. "Now maybe you'll keep your hands off of me for more than five minutes, Tiger!"
"Don't bet on it," he playfully growled, then braced himself and intentionally kissed her as fast as he could. "Ow! Worth it."
"Tiger!" she scolded him for her now sore ear. "C'mon, we're going to be late."
The reunion...
"Welcome to the White House. May I see your credentials please?"
"Of course." She handed the security guard her invitation. "My partner, uh- husband will also be joining me."
The security guard eyed Murdock, then the ring on his finger. "I'm afraid word of mouth isn't enough to grant clearance," he stated firmly. "I'll need to see documentation."
"Sure, no problem." Murdock offered a chipper grin along with the marriage license and the identification in his wallet.
"Just give me a minute to make a call to personnel and verify this information." He walked away, leaving them to stand at the gate and exchange nervous glances while awaiting fate's arrival. Suddenly a commotion picked up behind them...
"Hey, there she is."
"Where?"
"Over there, you blind bird!"
"Hey, Ajax, izat you?!"
They curiously turned around at the loud, gruff voices and she found herself staring at four familiar wrinkle-faced old salts in Air Force dress uniforms that mirrored her own.
"Fellas!" She excitedly called out to them. "You made it!"
"Ajax?" Murdock asked her, confused. "What's that mean?"
"Oh, that would be Razor's 'special' nickname. He started calling me that the day I left for basic." She pursed her lips. "Said a woman's place was in the kitchen to cook and clean - you know, with Ajax, the cleaner."
As Murdock snickered at the thought, she grabbed his arm and pulled him over to the group. This was definitely going to take some getting used to...
"I don't believe it, look at the kid!" The tallest of the bunch pointed to her uniform and hooted, "Looks just like one of us! One of us, one of us!"
"Thanks, Magnet. I always dreamed I'd resemble you jet-jockeys when I grew up. It's all I ever wanted!" she teased, then turned to Murdock. "H.M., I'd like to introduce you to the rest of Dad's squadron." She motioned to each of them. "This is P.I.C. 'Magnet' Miles; F.O. 'Thunder' Joe; Captain 'Home Slider' Stuart; and Lieutenant 'Rippin Razor' Reginald. Guys, I'd like you to meet Captain H. M. Murdock."
"Who's this pongo?" Razor snorted, then looked at the many medals on his chest and quickly backed off.
"Cool it, Reg," she warned him. "Sorry Tiger, someone forgot their manners today."
"They call me Howlin' Mad - pleasure." Murdock smiled at the four men eyeing him up then stuck his hand out. "It really is an honor to shake the hand of anyone who flew alongside the 'Wild One' himself."
A low murmur of approval followed from the group, then Miles stepped forward first and graciously shook Murdock's hand without another word. The rest followed, one by one.
"Howlin' Mad," Thunder Joe repeated in his low, monotone voice. "Yeah, I heard of you– only survivor in your Cav, ain'tcha?"
"Yes sir." Murdock returned a solemn glance of war clouded eyes.
Stu piped up, "You're known to be the best flier to come outta 'Nam, so I hear."
Razor was now thoroughly intrigued as they shook hands. "They said you went crazy, is it true?"
"Well, uh, Reg," Murdock began, fumbling for the right words to answer, when a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"Y'all say crazy like it's a bad thing, ya salty coo-coo birds!"
"Dangerous Dave!" The men hooted back, almost quartet-like. With Dave Magee's arrival finally completing the squadron's roster, they all began to crow their ancient victory call and secret handshakes right there at the White House front gates.
Quite loudly.
"Oh, my - for the love of flyin' I do not know these guys!" A now red-faced A.J. sarcastically muttered to herself. When Murdock's gentle laughter responded, she suddenly remembered the two-way radio and blushed even harder.
"Here, like this," Steve suddenly grabbed Murdock's arm and demonstrated the squadron's secret hand move. "There, you've been officially sworn in as an honorary member. Now howl like this... woo-woo!"
"Woo-woo, yyyyyeahoooo!" Murdock joined in the second round of crowing and was the loudest one of the bunch this time. He looked at A.J., eyes gleaming at their acceptance of him.
"Aren't you gonna join in too?" he teased her.
"Yeah, your daddy would've proudly given the call with us, Ajax." Razor pointed at her. "Unless you're not man enough!"
"You're not seriously gonna make me - fine... woo-woo!" She crowed loudly, and giggled when Murdock winced at the loud volume in his speaker-ed ear.
"Wow, check it out guys!" Stu pointed to the news van off in the distance. "Wonder what's so important that's going on today?"
"Who knows?" Razor grumbled. "War medals were never a big deal to the press before, doubt it's us,"
"Maybe they got one of them protests goin' on?" Magnet wondered.
Suddenly, a stern voice called out, "Okay, Lieutenant Parker - you and your husband's security clearance has been approved and you both can proceed inside."
"Husband?!" Dave's thunderous voice now overpowered the vicinity enough that the secret security briefly jumped to their guns. "Junior, what in the ever-loving hell...?"
"Woo-woo! That's our cue, guys," Murdock grabbed A.J.'s arm and she quickly waved to them as he led her to the entrance. "Hey, it was nice to meet you, we should all hang out and play a few hands, just like the old days!" They passed though the front door, leaving five very dumbfounded old salts standing around gaping.
The ceremony...
"Ladies and Gentlemen - the President of the United States."
The blaring tune of 'Hail to the Chief' played, while dark-suited secret service agents stood on full alert in the room, which were full of rows of gold colored chairs, mostly empty.
For now, they stood at attention, all eyes turned towards...
As the President himself walked from stage right to the podium, they kept a visual the entire time until they were asked to lower their heads in prayer.
It started off with, "Dear Heavenly Father," and ended with Murdock's gentle whisper from the miniature receiver tucked stealthily in her ear. "Amen. Hey, relax, Ace. You're full-on shaking in your boots over there."
She lowered her head to her wings and whispered back, "I'm trying. How are you so calm?"
"Just breathe. Hey, you remember that place between Heaven and Earth we talked about?"
"Face's picture? Yeah..."
"Imagine you're there right now... that's how I do it. Feel that place... that's my secret to not being afraid."
"Okay, I'll... try. Thanks."
"Please be seated."
They sat.
"Good afternoon to everyone in attendance and welcome to the White House. I'd like to apologize for the delay and lack of spectators, due to certain issues that arose on the surrounding premises moments ago. We've had to tighten up security for the time being."
Murdock gulped. The other part of today's plan had begun.
Between Heaven and Earth.
The seconds ticked by as they watched the President poised deep in thought, obviously reminiscing. It was so quiet; he could hear the faint sounds of her nervous breathing in his ear.
"I'd like to start by sharing a little story with you all. The year was nineteen forty-two and I'd just been transferred from the Army to the newly formed Air Corps, which if you all remember your history books, is now the branch of the United States Air Force that serves our country so honorably today."
They smiled as a few quiet hoots called out from the salt squadron behind.
"I hadn't gotten two-feet inside the base when a C.O. halts me, eyes me once over, and then proceeds to give me quite the verbal bashing because one of my insignia was crooked." He gestured to his collar, chuckling. "I think he mentioned something about my boot shine wasn't quite up to par either." He made it a point to look down at his well shined shoes, and the small roomful of people responded with gentle laughter.
"But something he said stuck that day. He said that if I ever wanted to be part of the 'bigger picture', then I better pay a lot closer attention to the smaller details first.' So from that day on, I was double-checking my pins, double-checking my shoes.
That one single encounter had quite a lasting impression. Pretty soon, I was double-checking other things - most importantly - the decisions I was making. And I believe it's because of that very same wisdom that I'm standing before you all today, part of the 'bigger picture' - even bigger than the movie screens I used to be on."
After another round of gentle laughter passed, he heaved a sigh. "That same C.O. I'm referring to is none other than the man we're here to honor today - the late General Allen Ronald Parker of the United States Air Force."
A gentle applause rose, which quickly faded after the President motioned them quiet.
"General Parker had a significant wisdom - one which helped formulate the very building blocks of the branch of military which proudly protects our skies today. He dedicated the latter half of his military career to see that happen, but today, we're here to remember him long before that - when he was known back then as Captain Parker."
".. it is because of this, that we're presenting this second Medal of Honor to him today - to reflect the bravery of his heroic, selflessness acts during the heat of battle."
"Yet in the aftermath of all these accomplishments and career milestones, General Parker remained a dedicated father, despite being widowed early on. We have here with us today his daughter, who also proudly served this country for almost a decade, Lieutenant Acelynn Parker." The President's eyes met A.J.'s "Would you join me up here please?"
Murdock steadied her trembling hand with his own.
"Between Heaven and Earth, Ace."
She quickly shot to her feet and walked to the podium and to the awaiting President.
"It's an honor to present this award to you, on behalf of your father, Lieutenant. I understand that this is his second medal. That just means he truly is one of our countries best and finest."
"Thank you, Mr. President." She snapped a crisp salute, thankful she'd practiced beforehand.
"Would you like to say a few words to everyone out there that's listening?"
"Yes... yes you would!" Murdock's voice hissed in her ear. "Now's your chance!"
She looked down at the medal and her eyes sparkled. "Mr. President, it would be an honor."
The speech...
"Thank you all for coming... for him." She looked up to scan the small audience, and suddenly caught the distinct view of General Stockwell in the far corner of the back of the room, watching her intently.
"Stockwell," she hissed, then quickly tucked her speech back into her uniform pocket. She bit her lip in thought, knowing her planned speech to mention the A-Team's pardons had just crashed and burned with her promise.
"Switch to 'Plan B'."
"Okay." She looked out at the audience in a moment of thought, then began.
"I guess I could stand here and tell you stories about Allen Parker; the pilot, but chances are if you knew him, you've probably already heard them. A lot of times. So instead, I'd like to tell you about Allen Parker; the father, and the day he changed my life. For those of you who weren't here the first time, I got to stand here once before when I was five years old with the late President Kennedy, rest his soul. He asked me in front of everybody if I was going to be a pilot like my dad when I grew up. I told him yes, and that I was going to fly all the way to the moon. He said in front of everybody, 'I'll race you there!'."
The gentle laughter of the audience echoed, Murdock's the loudest, thanks to his microphone.
"He won by the way." She smiled. "My dad didn't just teach me how to fly, he taught me to go above that and to never let go of what's most important." She wiped a tear away, then continued, "I guess the point I'm trying to make here is - we all have heroes in our lives and my dad was mine. He showed me what it really takes to make a person worthy. It's not their rank, or ribbons or medals; it's the values of the person inside." She made it a point to intently stare straight at Stockwell, adding, "Values such as teamwork and keeping one's word and most important, the value of true honor. So with that, I can tell you all how proud it feels to be here accepting this medal today, because of him." She held up the plaque, "not just for my dad, but for all the unsung heroes out there who are still carrying on with their own duties, waiting for their turn. Thank you."
After the gentle, enthusiastic applause finished, she watched Stockwell walk forward and join the president at his side. She stepped off the podium to meet both their awaiting hands. One news camera casually turned towards her as it followed her down.
"Mr. President, I'm honored to be standing here before you today. And General, always a pleasure." She shook both their hands, then motioned to Murdock to join her.
"That was a very... honorable speech, Lieutenant." Stockwell clasped her hand firmly, while the President curiously looked at Murdock who was now standing by her side.
"And who's this fine looking officer with you today, Lieutenant Parker?"
"Mr. President, I'd like to introduce you to General Parker's son in-law, Captain H.M. Murdock, US Army."
Murdock stood at full attention and snapped a textbook salute. "It is an honor and a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. President."
The President eyed the numerous medals and awards on Murdock's chest, then his name tag. Parker. "Pardon me, Captain, but you seem to have misplaced your proper name tag."
"I'm a Parker today, sir," Murdock looked down at his name, then smiled broadly back at him. "And pardons were exactly what I was thinking about today - how about you, Mr. President? General...?"
"Mr. President," Stockwell began, then motioned to Murdock "Captain Murdock here is, as you well know, a member of the A-Team."
"Ah yes, the pilot." The commander in chief eyed him for a moment, then leaned in closer to keep his voice from carrying. "Are you aware of the ever growing situation we have out on my front lawn right now, Captain?"
"Yes sir, a simple, peaceful gathering of support. We were hoping to get everyone's attention today."
"Well... you've got it." The President eyed them both, then A.J. "Are you in on this too, Lieutenant?"
"Yes, Mr. President," she answered honestly, then suddenly felt her confidence peak as if her silver wings were pinned on her chest for the very first time. "We are here on my father's honor, and it is on that same honor that we stand here before you... to ask you to..." She looked at Murdock, then gestured for him to take over. "Captain Murdock... please."
Murdock squared his jaw then stood at full attention, only seeing the bright golden sunlight as it poured into the cockpit window in his mind.
Heaven and Earth.
"Mr. President, as a legal citizen of the United States of America with all sane rights and duties, I, Captain Howland Madison Murdock, formally request the full presidential pardoning of the A-Team, pending the second motion by General Stockwell with his support and confidence."
All eyes were on Stockwell now, and the anticipation climbed.
"General?" A.J. stared at him, her expression also between Heaven and Earth. "Will you second that request? On your word?"
Stockwell eyed her, then Murdock, then the President. As he opened his mouth to speak, he looked to his left and saw a reporter holding out a microphone his way. The sparkling gleam in her eyes reminded him of one Colonel Hannibal Smith.
All he could do was smirk as he answered, "The word is given, Mr. President."
"Okay guys, then let's go to my office to take care of this matter - the oval one. Captain, Lieutenant, you're with me. General, you're dismissed."
The time...
There are times in life when you count just the seconds. When it's counting the seconds to sky-write a perfect letter S, or the last seconds ticking down to end a sports game, the count up from one to ten just before the birth of a child, or the countdown before the space shuttle thunderously lifts off into the heavens...
Right now, Murdock was counting the seconds as he stood at full attention in the Oval Office as he watched the president's accompanying agent thumb through the manila folder he'd just given him moments before. His patience faltered as he eyed the still unsigned pardon requests.
Finally, the President closed the folder and looked up at them. "I've got the media parade up my behind wanting me to make a statement on the commotion going on outside."
"Commotion, sir?" A.J. curiously asked.
The president stood up, walked to the window and pulled the white curtains back, revealing a sea of people covering the lawn outside.
"Oh wow!" she gaped. "Look at that crowd!"
"The last count out there was over one thousand, we've got an official rally on our hands - all here claiming to be supporting the A-Team. There's even rumor about a rolling music stage being set up right out there in the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue. Would either of you know anything about that?"
"I heard it's Rick James and C.J. Mack!" One of the secret service agents standing guard muttered excitedly.
The other agent next to him hissed, "No way, they said it was Stevie Faith herself and Boy George!"
Murdock was one-hundred percent confused as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can assure you, Mr. President, that I have no idea what is going on there. This was suppoed to be a small peaceful gathering."
"Since when does the A-Team do anything small?" The president teased, his knowing smile contagious as Murdock grinned back.
"So, what happens now, Mr. President?" A.J. curiously asked him. "We have the papers here ready to sign, Stockwell gave his okay and... everyone out there is waiting for you."
The commander-in-chief stared at her curiously for a moment, then picked up the phone on his desk. "Get me Howard. Yeah... get the press set up on that stage and let them know I'll be making an official announcement regarding the A-Team's pardons in twenty-minutes."