Chapter 15 - Promised Land of Confusion

I've got something to tell you, I've got something to say.
I'm gonna put this dream in motion, never let nothing stand in my way.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going...

~Billy Ocean ('85)

Langley Compound
17:00

"And tonight's top story, exclusive here only on Channel Nine News, has to be the surprise announcement out of the White House this afternoon, as our Commander-in-Chief issued full Presidential pardons for the legendary 'A-Team'. That's right, the 'A-Team' - Colonel John Smith, Lieutenant Templeton Peck, and Sergeant B.A. Baracus, who..."

"Hannibal! Face, get in here quick!" B.A. yelled across the house at the top of his lungs. "They're talkin' 'bout us on the T.V.!"

"...the trio, who've proclaimed their innocence since their court-martial in nineteen seventy-two and again last year during their trial and previously unreported failed execution…"

"What's going on B.A.? " Hannibal was first to the living room to see what the heck B.A. was carrying on about. "Why are we on the news? Hey, isn't that Baker?" Suddenly, the cigar fell out of his now-gaping mouth as he saw exactly what was being reported.

"She's Lefcourt now, remember?" Face corrected him, earning a sarcastic eye-roll from Hannibal as he picked up the cigar and popped it back in his mouth.

"...over a thousand citizens came out to rally and petition in support for the 'trio plus one' - loyal patrons of the A-Team who personally sought out their help when there was simply no one else to help - calling them 'saviors', and 'the real heroes of this country'."

"Wait a minute, is that Murdock up there?" B.A. asked, pointing at the screen. "What the heck is that fool doin'?"

"I don't believe it - look, the pigeon's there too. He said earlier that they were going to some military ceremony." Hannibal looked intently at the T.V. searching for any clues. "Is that a valor medal? What in the..."

"While we don't have all the details yet as to the events which led up to their pardons, we received a statement released by the President that the A-Team were solely responsible for thwarting a terrorist attack on the White House in early June of this year. That's right folks, the President himself admitted to hiring the A-Team - what do you think about that?

"I think I need a drink," Hannibal answered the T.V. completely shell-shocked by the news, then headed straight for the bar.

For the full exclusive story by L.A. Times Lead reporter, Amy Allen, be sure to read tomorrow's special edition with an in-depth interview of this reporter's firsthand encounters. Reporting live from the White House for Channel Nine's Eyewitness News, this is Tawnia Lefcourt. Good night…

...and Godspeed, gentlemen."

Tawnia winked in finality as Face hit the power button on the remote control and the image ceased. He stared dumbfounded at the blank screen. "What the heck is she talking about? Amy too? Are we sure that was live because I don't believe it." He peeked into the nearby VCR just to make sure.

It was empty.

"Believe it, guys!"

Face turned around in surprise to see Amy in the doorway, excitedly holding up the Pardon me, Mr. President? newspaper. "And here's the evening edition to prove it. They're already running off a second print for the morning." A hint of Hannibal's ever-contagious jazz gleamed in her eyes as she proudly added, "Guess who has one-hundred percent exclusivity and publishing rights?"

"Amy!" B.A. and Face exclaimed in unison.

"That's right!" She grinned, then wasted no time in rushing over to reunite with them both.

Hannibal teased, "I just knew you'd come in handy for us someday, Allen."

"Hey!" Amy fired an all too familiar playful glare right back at him. "I seem to recall coming in handy on more than a few occasions, Hannibal. Borneo, for one, Mexico - both times, Texas, Florida..."

"You sure did, kid." Hannibal grinned as they embraced.

Face hurriedly grabbed two full glasses off the bar and offered one to Amy, along with a smile he didn't have to pretend with. "Hey, thanks for coming back after all this time. I always knew you were somewhere out there, still in our corner."

"Well, you guys are kinda hard to forget, you know that?"

Face's heart pounded faster, unsure whether it was from the 'newfound freedom' news, or that he was now close enough to take in the scent of her familiar perfume. Both, he'd hoped. He didn't realize just how lost in the moment he'd let himself slip into - until a movement out of the corner of his eye distracted him.

"Hey, B.A., you're wearing a spot in the carpet over there. What's wrong?"

"Nothin' man." B.A.'s tone clearly indicated quite the opposite as he paced about. "Just keep thinkin' 'bout that time they gave you a pardon. Maybe this is just a scam to get us all out in the open."

"Have a little faith, sergeant." Hannibal easily brushed off the pessimism. "You just saw it for yourself, she said we're -"

"Ho-ho-ho, guys!" Murdock's yell preceded the front door slamming, and they all watched him dash into the room. "Santa Murdock has arrived bearing early Christmas gifts!" His smile couldn't have been any broader as he held up three envelopes, then handed them out respectively. "Here they are fellas... signed, sealed, delivered - they're yours!" he sang.

Face was speechless as he stared down at the envelope, and the presidential seal across the back. Then he turned it over and saw his name handwritten in ink.

Templeton Peck, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

"And just think, this one's for real this time," Hannibal couldn't resist teasing.

Face rolled his eyes and quickly tore into the envelope, carefully, of course. As he held up the letter, he had to steady his trembling hands to read it.

I hereby grant this Presidential pardon to…

A single sheet of paper and the treachery of his past had vanished. It couldn't be that simple, could it?

"Finally figured out how to get you a decent Christmas present this year, didn't I?" Murdock playfully poked him in the chest.

"Sure beats that ugly tie from last year." Face looked up from his pardon to meet his excited gaze. "Murdock, I... I-"

"I know, Face," Murdock stopped him. "You don't have to stumble over those lips of yours, just put 'em here." He pointed at his cheek and winked.

Face solemnly shook his head. "No, I need to say this out loud. You know, ever since 'Nam you've always been there to bail us out." He stood up and pulled Murdock tightly to him for a change. "You did it again... I owe you big, pal."

"Aw, you already gave us a plane, so you don't owe me anything - 'cept my Grandaddy's watch," he playfully added.

Face gazed into Murdock's soft brown eyes. "Murdock, I'll love you forever for this, and you're still crazier than a Mexican rabbit... but I'm keeping the watch." He pulled away, but not before planting a kiss on Murdock's cheek without reservation, then quickly headed to the bar for another round for himself and Amy.

Murdock could only smile as B.A. slung his thick muscled arm around his shoulders. "I never thought you'd be the one to do it, crazy man." He held up his pardon letter in triumph. "You know what this means? It means no more knocking me out, drugging me, dragging me on planes. No more driving me nuts..."

"Right, and now you can go take care of our Mama, right?"

"Yeah…" B.A. patted Murdock on the back as he pondered the concept. "Mama!" he suddenly blurted out, his pardon momentary forgotten. "Get outta my way, fool, I gotta call 'n tell her the news!"

Hannibal chuckled as he watched B.A. push Murdock off of him and dart for the nearest phone. As he looked back to the unopened envelope, he quickly swallowed the lump in his throat with the help of a strong sinus-clearing shot. Emotions were only supposed to run deep like this when he was suited up as the Aquamaniac, not out in the open... exposed like this.

Murdock ironically told him, "Now you can stop hiding behind those rubber masks and go be that big movie star, Hannibal."

"Ya think?" Hannibal puffed his chest, along with his freshly lit El Capitan. He then offered his hand to Murdock, who ignored it and dove in for a hug instead.

"Break a leg, Colonel... and a few noses if anyone has it coming out there."

The two had shared their embraces many times throughout the years, but this one was the longest by far, until B.A.'s loud, excited voice had their attention.

"Mama! Mama, can you hear me…? Did you see the news…? Yeah, I'm coming home tonight! We're free, Mama! We're free!"

Hannibal's blue eyes filled with proud adoration as he slapped Murdock's back, square on the painted tiger. "Now you can be free as a bird too, Captain."

"Aw," Murdock choked up at the thought. "I'm gonna be a family man someday if it kills me, Colonel!"

"Oh, I don't think it'll have to come to that." Hannibal teased, then curiously looked around. "Say, where's Mrs. Claus? Seems I have her to thank for this too..."

"Mrs. Cl -?" Murdock patted the decoy wedding ring hidden in his pocket. "You know her, she's probably gearing up the 'ol sleigh for the hop home. Say, Colonel? Uh, there's something here I want you to see."

Hannibal unfolded the paper Murdock had handed him moments before. "Herein by me, united in..." He looked up in surprise.

"Yeah, you guys aren't the only ones to get a life altering document out of this plan," Murdock told him in absolute certainty. "Well, with the rally going on and all, we had to make sure I'd be able to get through the security blanket. It was the only logical solution we - I came up with," he corrected, pointing to himself. "I asked her."

"So, this solution..." Hannibal curiously eyed Murdock as he handed the license back to him. "Is this just temporary, like Face's or...?"

Murdock shook his head, his eyes filled with nothing but confidence as he put the decoy ring back on his finger. "Think I'm gonna try the married life out, see where things take me."

"Hmm." Hannibal rolled the cigar between his teeth, pondering the concept. "How's it working out so far?"

"So far, so good." Murdock chuckled lightheartedly as he gestured to Hannibal's pardon letter.

"Well, Captain, I guess the only thing left to say is... congratulations!"

"Thanks, Colonel. Ace'll sure be happy to hear that." The sound of the front door opening had his attention. "Perfect timing, must be her now..." he excitedly looked to the doorway and the smile quickly fell from his face when he saw who walked in instead.

"Hello there, gentlemen." Stockwell eyed them all coolly as he stepped in the doorway, "and Miss Allen."

"See you soon, Mama - love you!" B.A. hung up, while Face quickly tucked his pardon in his inner jacket pocket then crossed his arms. They'd have to pry it away from his cold, dead hands before he'd ever give it back.

"Stockwell, right?" Amy asked as she edged closer to Face, feeling the tension that was now hanging in the air thicker than Hannibal's cigar smoke.

"Hi there, General!" Hannibal's jazzy grin eased any further worry as he piped up enthusiastically, "Happen to catch the news?"

Ignoring the question, Stockwell responded dryly, "I was going to stop by and drop off your pardons, but I see someone already took the liberty." He shot a glare of annoyance at Murdock, who offered a genuine smile in return.

"That's how I fly, General - low and fast," he told him matter-of-factly as he glided his hand along like an airplane. "Slipping in under the radar has always been my forte, as you well know."

"Your astuteness is duly noted, Captain." Stockwell eyed him, then smiled. He actually smiled. "I wanted to personally offer my congratulations to you all for finally earning your freedom. My word has been kept and my hands are now clean. The President gives his utmost thanks for all your loyal patriotism this past year."

"So, we were working for the president this entire time?" Face marveled at the thought. "Huh... you know, suddenly I do feel quite patriotic, as it were."

Hannibal laughed. "Makes you want to go out and vote right now, doesn't it, Lieutenant?" The jazz further crept into in his eyes as he handed Stockwell a drink, then curiously asked, "Say General, will our biggest client be needing us again anytime soon?"

"Well, that's entirely up to you - it's your way now, Colonel." Stockwell answered, then raised his glass to him.

"So long as we agree there," Hannibal quickly tucked the still sealed envelope in his inner coat pocket, then thoughtfully said, "You know, General... pardons or no pardons, we're still the President's team... and I'm willing to stick around to offer our services on a part-time basis. I know this might sound hard to believe, but all you have to do is ask... and bump up our pay grades. What do you say General...?" Hannibal removed his leather glove and offered his hand. "Is it a deal?"

Stockwell looked down at Hannibal's hand, took a long pull of his drink, then reached out and clasped it. "I know the president will be very pleased to hear you've decided to remain on board, Colonel Smith."

Face piped up enthusiastically, "If we agree to stay on, do we get to keep the house?"

Stockwell wryly smiled at them, then downed his drink in one gulp and held up the glass. "I'll consider it. Now how about one more to seal the deal?"

Come the day you're mine, I'm gonna teach you to fly
We've only tasted the wine, we're gonna drain the cup dry

Wait 'til your charms are right for these arms, to surround
You think you've flown before, but baby you ain't left the ground...

The Best Is Yet to Come ~ Frank Sinatra (1964)

"A-ha, I had a feeling you might be up here." Murdock triumphantly told her as he climbed through the vehicle bay's rooftop hatch. "Couldn't resist, huh?"

She nodded, eyes still fixed on the heavens.

"Can't imagine why... brr!" He stuck his hands in his pockets and looked up, the cold stinging his cheeks as he remembered a warmer night once upon a time. Then he remembered the two-way transmitters were now back in his pocket and he excitedly leaned in closer to take advantage of the situation... and her warmth.

"Party's in full swing back there if you want to join in," he excitedly offered, along with a kiss to her neck. "I think you were right - Face and Amy haven't left each other's side all night, so I think we should take them up for a hop later on so they can spend some... quality time together. Whaddaya say?"

"...mm-hm."

He pulled back in surprise at her lackluster tone. "Hey, what's up there?"

"A few cirrostrati," She pointed to the clouds on the horizon. "Snow's coming soon."

"Not the sky," he scoffed and stared at her questioningly. It didn't take him long to realize she was now trying to avoid his gaze altogether. "I mean what's up with you? I haven't seen that look on your face since the night you saw your bird all bent up." He tilted her chin so she would meet his gaze. "Did you really forget already?"

"Forget what?"

"For better, for worse." He pointed at her wings. "Talk to me, Goose! You've been out of sorts ever since this morning. What's wrong?"

She solemnly shook her head. "Nothing."

"Acelynn, I've been on this Earth long enough to know that when any woman says that, they mean the complete and exact opposite."

"No, I really mean it, nothing's wrong. That's the problem - nothing's wrong and you're always right!" She suddenly leaned over and buried her face in his chest. "Tiger, you were right all along."

"Of course I was - wait," he stopped, confused. "About what?"

"Right about not trusting those pharmaceutical companies. Doc's office called this morning to apologize for the mix-up."

"Mix-up? What'd they mix up? Lemme guess, you pregnant after all?" He laughed at the idea, then noticed her wince immediately after. "Wait, you are?!"

As she nodded, all he do was pull her close until the shock wore off. "I – I guess that radiation didn't do as much damage as I thought," he muttered, more to himself, then looked up and...

"Woo-woo, yyyyeeeaaahhhoooooo!" he excitedly howled to the heavens. "Aw, Ace - really?! You know, I always dreamed of... of-" He leaned back just enough to look down to what was now a barely noticeable bump - in his mind - hidden under her uniform coat. His own stomach began swarming with butterflies from the thought of what now lie beneath his gentle touch.

As his eyes filled with joyful tears, hers suddenly filled with panic.

"Tiger, I've never really had a mom. How am I supposed to know how to be one?"

He pondered the question as he wiped his eyes. Finding only one answer to give, he met her lips, then answered, "Instinct, Ace... just like how we fly. C'mon, let's go tell everyone the news!"

"Hello, you've reached Florence, the only florist in Bangor smart enough to stay open till nine and charge a bundle in the process. How may I help you?"

"Yes, I'd like to send some flowers to a friend. Rush delivery, anything you have on-hand right now. Yes, I'm serious... great, the name is Decker, Colonel Roderick Decker, U.S. Army."

"Hannibal, what are you doing?" Face asked him, shaking his head.

Hannibal grinned as if he were scheming the ultimate plan of evil revenge. "He'll never forgive me for this, but I've gotta give my condolences to the guy - not to mention thank him for all his help at the trial and all." His cheeky grin followed as he turned back to the phone. "Yes, that's Decker... D-E-C-K-E-R... Yes, tonight, or as soon as you can. Sympathy card if you have one. You do...? Fantastic. Please sign it, 'Our deepest condolences, from Colonel John Smith and the team.' You got that? Yeah, Smith." He set the phone down and laughed heartily, knowing nothing could wipe the grin off his face for a long time.

"On the jazz again," B.A. muttered.

"Poor Decker is going to wind up with quite the inferiority complex," Amy laughed at the thought.

"I bet I know someone who knows a good shrink," Face added just as the sound of the front door closing had everyone's attention to the duo as they strode in.

"Finally, the gang's all here! Come and get 'em, guys!" Hannibal grinned as popped the cork off a bottle of Dom Perignon and poured a row of glasses full of the vintage bubbly. He watched as they all took their respective drinks - B.A.'s milk, of course. He watched as A.J. eyed hers with hesitation.

"It's a good year, I promise."

"I'm sure it's nice, it's just that I'm, uh - I have to fly home, remember?" It was the truth – perhaps not the most important reason, but a reason nonetheless. "No altering substances eight hours before take-off, rules are rules!"

"Always by the book, aren't you?" Hannibal poured a second glass of milk. "Here. Thanks for sticking your neck out for us today, Pigeon. That was quite a plan you and Murdock came up with."

"You're welcome, Uncle Pongo, but no thanks needed," she leaned over and kissed his cheek, dismissing his praise. "I was just trying to adapt to the situation, like we talked about at the hospital, remember?"

"Pfft, modest as always," Murdock teased, then reached across the table and picked up the bottle and questioningly raised an eyebrow. "Seventy-two, Colonel?"

"Well, it was a good year for the grapes anyway..." Hannibal rolled the cigar between his teeth in serious thought, then raised his glass. "Once a team, always a team guys. This one's to the those who joined us along the way in our journey to freedom." Hannibal looked at both Amy and A.J. and watched them share a knowing smile. "And to General Parker, who's bravery set the ultimate plan into motion..." He raised his glass even higher, and looked at his comrades with proud adoration as they followed in suit. "...and you all know how much I love it when a plan comes together. This one's to the next step - to freedom!"

They all held their glasses up high and belted out in unison, "To freedom!"

(A/N: Big thank you to my husband for helping re-do this bit of a difficult chapter! I absolutely despised the first draft when I re-read it and wanted to take another crack at it...)