Once Bitten, Twice Shy: Part 2
This chapter occurs post S1E19 – Compass, after Jack and Mac return from the mission in France.
"Good job guys. Go, get out of here." Matty concludes.
"Bud, I don't know about you but I am starving! I'll pick up some burgers if you provide the beers. Whatcha say?" Jack suggests.
"Yeah, sounds good man." Mac agrees and they start to leave.
"Actually Mac, hang back a minute. We need to finish our discussion regarding the events of the previous mission." Matty requests.
"You mean the stolen data tapes that we recovered? Should I stay too, boss lady?" Jack asks.
"No Jack, we're good. I just need Mac." Matty clarifies.
"Okay cool. I'll meet you at your place Mac." Jack states as he leaves.
"Sit down Mac," Matty waits for him to comply before continuing, "Mac, I assume you recall our discussion before you were called away to Boston. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
"I don't want a new partner, and I definitely don't need a new partner. I failed to give Jack clear instructions and that's on me. Maybe he doesn't speak physics or chemistry, but he does speak my language…" Mac begins.
"…I know he literally speaks your language Mac, I…" Matty interrupts.
"…No, not English. Well yes, of course he speaks English, but…" Mac cuts in.
"…that's debatable." Matty interjects with a chuckle.
"Jack speaks my language in so many other ways. He's learned my expressions, my body language, he knows what I need and when I need it. We trust each other. I am able to do what I need to because I know he's got my back. I function better because he's there. His lack of knowledge in science isn't a problem…" Mac continues.
"…Really, because that lack of knowledge led to a broken arm. I'd call that a pretty big problem." Matty inserts.
"That's not on him. That was entirely my fault. It was my plan, I was lead, and I failed to ensure my directions were understood. The miscommunication was mine only. I accept that responsibility, but our differences is not a weakness, it's a strength. I think it would be a mistake to split us up, our track record should speak for itself." Mac reasons.
"Alright, well, I'm not convinced it was completely your fault since Jack was the one that leapt into the trash compactor to begin with. However, you made some valid points. You are the team lead and it is your responsibility to communicate clearly with your team members," Matty sighs, "I tell you what I'm going to do. While Jack is completing the physical therapy that he's thus far neglected, you are going to attend a series of workshops put on by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. They specialize in teaching scientists and doctors how to communicate more effectively with lay people. Jack has four weeks of rehab ahead and you have four weeks of classes so make the most of it. Go home, pack, and get a good night's sleep because you've got a flight booked out of LAX at 6:00 AM, orientation is tomorrow afternoon."
"Wait, the flight's already booked so you knew…" Mac starts.
"… I knew I was sending you to the program regardless, yes. I didn't know whether or not I was going to switch things up." Matty confirms.
"Are you?" Mac asks hesitantly.
"Not yet. As director it's my job to do anything in my power to keep all of my agents safe. As a team lead, you have a similar duty. I expect you to take the classes seriously, Mac. You can expect a similar review anytime a member of your team returns from a mission sick or hurt. Clearly, health and safety weren't objectives that Thornton valued, but I do. Do you understand?" Matty instructs.
"Yes ma'am, uh, Matty." Mac agrees.
"Good, now go home. Remind Jack his PT is at 8:00 AM sharp tomorrow. I'll see you in four weeks." Matty dismisses.
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Mac walks in his front door and is practically assaulted by Jack, Riley, and Bozer.
Jack speaks first, "Dude, they just told me what Matty threatened when I was in the infirmary. She's not really splitting us up is she?"
"No, not yet anyway." Mac answers.
"Okay, good. That's good," Jack lets out a relieved breathe and switches gears, " So we were thinking about a movie marathon tonight, would you rather watch…".
"…Sorry, I can't. You probably shouldn't either. You have PT at 08:00 tomorrow." Mac declines.
"Oh that, I wasn't planning on…" Jack starts.
"Damn it Jack, just go to the physical therapy okay!" Mac snaps.
"Uh, you've skip out on PT like a gazillion times. You're hardly in any position to.." Jack scoffs.
"…That's part of the problem, Jack. Matty doesn't think we take our health and safety seriously. Look, if you want to continue being partnered with me, you're going to have to complete the four weeks of mandatory rehabilitation. Will you please just do it and not make a fuss?" Mac interrupts.
Jack blows out a frustrated breathe, "Fine."
"Thanks. Let's eat. Then I have to pack and get to sleep. I have an early flight in the morning." Mac announces.
"Uh, where to? I'll do the rehab thing, but Matty better not be sending you on missions without me watching your six." Jack demands.
"Relax, it's not a mission. While you're completing PT, I'll be attending a program designed to teach scientists to communicate information in a nontechnical manner for the average person…" Mac explains.
Jack laughs, "Seriously, that's a thing? There is a class that can teach you how to talk like a human?"
"Man, we should have sent you through that years ago." Bozer jokes.
Mac frowns, "I didn't realize you all thought it was such a problem."
"Oh come on man, we're just busting your chops. You don't have to go and get all sensitive about it." Jack postures.
"Or maybe he does. Perhaps that's part of the deprograming." Riley teases.
"You know what, I'm not hungry. Good night." Mac storms off to his room to pack.
"Mac, don't be like that. We were just kidding." Bozer calls after him, but the only response is the slamming of a door.
Jack sighs and heads to Mac's room, "He hasn't eaten all day, that's why he's so touchy. I'll handle this," he knocks on the door, "Hey man, I know you need to pack, but you should eat first. You said yourself Matty doesn't think we take our health seriously and I happen it know you haven't eaten in close to 30 hours. I'm going to do my part and I need you to do yours too, okay?"
The door opens and Mac sheepishly apologizes , "You're right. I'm sorry. I overreacted."
"It's all good man. So how about we have one last sit down meal as a family before you head back to school for the next month?" Jack suggests.
"Yeah, sounds good." Mac agrees.
Mac gets some food in him and is able to joke right along with his friends. After he finishes eating he starts to get up, "Well, I'd better get packed."
"Can we give you a ride to the airport tomorrow?" Jack asks.
Mac laughs, "At 04:30? No, I wouldn't do that to you all. I'll take an Uber."
"Ouch, six o'clock flight huh?" Jack realizes.
"Yep. Apparently, there's an orientation tomorrow afternoon." Mac advises.
"I can't believe Matty's sending you back to college. You're like the smartest person I know; I barely follow you half the time." Riley marvels.
"Yeah, that's kinda the point. Besides, learning is a life-long process." Mac responds.
"Alright, well text us your return information so we can pick you up." Bozer requests.
"Will do." Mac agrees.
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Riley, Jack, and Bozer anxiously wait staring at the flight board in the LAX baggage claim area, flashing that Flight 2357 from New York is delayed. Mac's flight was already two hours late, but he hadn't sent them so much as a text and his phone was going straight to voicemail. The airline personnel were only able to confirm that the flight had taken off as scheduled and may have had to stop for mechanical issues. Of course, Jack had called Matty who was looking into it. Now they could only wait for news with the other families that had passengers on the plane. So far, security had been able to keep the media outside the main doors and they'd only been able to interview individuals that sought them out. Matty's arrival drags the trio out of their worries.
"Matty, what did you find out?" Jack asks.
"Not much. All communication with the plane was lost at 12:21 over Iowa. As far as we can tell, that's also around the last time any of the passengers were heard from. All of their cells and mobile devices have been dark since. However, the flight didn't drop off radar until it was over Colorado. While it didn't detour from its flight path, the working theory is the plane was hijacked and went down somewhere in the Colorado wilderness. They have choppers in the air, but there's 3.5 million acres to search. They're going to make an announcement soon and gather contact information before asking everyone to go home and wait. Jack, Mac listed you as his emergency contact and I've already verified your information. Let's go. There's nothing more we can do here." Matty advises gravely.
The gang leaves the airport and heads straight for Mac and Bozer's place.
"Riley, I've sent you a list of all the electronic devices on the flight that we know about. Can you set up an alert should any of them come back online." Matty requests.
"Absolutely." Riley promises, glad to be able to so something.
The group is solemnly slumped around the living room a few hours later when Matty's phone brings the group out of their thoughts.
"Webber." Matty answers as she walks out on the deck to take the call.
The remaining trio intently watch her facial expression and body language trying to glean any information, but all find Matty unreadable and are left to wait. After what seems like an eternity, Matty hangs up the call and heads back inside.
"Well?" Jack asks impatiently.
Matty sighs, "The plane was spotted in the La Garita Wilderness, a remote section of the Colorado mountains. Rescuers have reached the plane and confirmed there were only minor injuries."
Jack, Riley, and Bozer break out in relieved smiles and laughter, but Matty's expression remains grave.
Jack is the first to notice, "But?"
"The plane suffered a massive electrical failure. Mac was able to build some sort of generator out of the devices aboard the plane to power the essentials and keep them in air long enough to avoid crashing in a populated area. The pilots made a emergency landing in a plateau within the wilderness near a water source. Mac taught the passengers how to make the water safe to drink and what could be eaten. Then he set out to find help." Matty explains.
"Damn it! So he's still missing?" Jack figures.
Matty just nods.
"He'll be okay Jack. I don't know anyone more knowledgable about the great outdoors." Bozer reminds.
"Yeah, he got you all out of the Kazakhstan forest when your chopper went down. He'll survive this." Riley assures.
Jack lets out an exasperated breathe, "I know, you're right. I just hate the waiting."
Meanwhile, somewhere in the Colorado wilderness, Mac pulls his jacket tighter around him and looks for a place to make camp as the sun sets. He'd kept a good pace of hiking since leaving the plane. It was beautiful country and he vowed to come back when he could really enjoy it. Mac reminds himself that the passengers and crew had plenty of food and water and there were a couple of nurses on board who took take care of the minor injuries. Hopefully, no medical issues arise that they're unequipped to handle.
A couple of days later, Jack slams is fist into the table in the war room. There had been no new information since the plane was found and passengers and crew were rescued.
"I'm telling you Matty, we need boots on the ground looking for him. I'm A.M.O.S. certified, I…" Jack begins.
"…Jack, they have the A.M.O.S. certified search and rescue looking. Individuals who are much more familiar with the terrain…" Matty interrupts.
"…Maybe, but there not more familiar with Mac. I know how he thinks Matty, I could…" Jack inserts.
"…Jack, there are search dogs trying to pick up his trail. Nobody is giving up on him, okay?" Matty assures.
"Yeah man, you've seen the news. They're crediting him for saving the lives of everyone aboard that flight. The search for the lost hero, isn't that what they called it?" Bozer reminds.
"And you don't think his face being plastered all over the news, might cause some old enemy to crawl out of the woodwork and attempt to get to him before we do?" Jack scoffs.
"Matty already thought of that Jack. I'm handling it. I've got a program tracking the movements on anyone who we believe may even hold the slightest grudge against Mac. None of them are anywhere near Colorado." Riley promises.
'Finally.' Mac thinks spying a sleepy little town from the overlook he's reached.
Mac realizes he'll have to take it slow down the steep ridge, but hopefully he can make it by nightfall. He pushes it well past sunset, thankfully there is a full moon to help illuminate his way. Now off the mountain, he continues to trek toward town.
'Sleepy little town is right,' Mac notes realizing that the streets are desolate and businesses appear to be closed for the evening.
Mac notices a light down the street and heads toward it to find a little bed and breakfast. He heads inside to the reception area.
Mac hears the voice of an older male voice say, "I'll be with you in a second," presumably in response to the door sensor.
Mac's attention is drawn to a newspaper on the counter. The headline read "Where is the Lost Hero?" He learns that the plane had been found and everyone aboard, save him, was safe and sound. Mac is flooded with relief.
A kindly elder gentlemen comes out and greets, "Welcome to Creede. Can I assume you want a room for the evening?"
"I'd like that, yes." Mac smiles.
"You look familiar? Have you been around these parts before?" the gentleman asks.
"No sir, first time. It's beautiful country though." Mac replies, folding the newspaper to hide the photo of him.
"Ah, that it is sonny. A hiker, I take it." The man smiles, most of their walk-in business this time of year is from explorers who decide to venture off the mountains for a day or two for a shower and clean bed.
"Yes sir." Mac answers.
"Well, that's be $72. Cash or charge?"
Mac pulls out his wallet and pays with the hundred dollar bill he always kept tucked away for emergencies, no sense in alerting the media to his location by using a credit card.
"Okay, I'll just need a name for our records."
"Buddy. Buddy Dalton." Mac uses an alias in case his unique name triggers the connection for the inn keeper or any of his employees.
The inn keeper types it into the computer before handing Mac the room key, "Alright, Mr. Dalton. Take the stairs to the second floor and you'll be in the first room on the right. Breakfast is served from 7:00-9:00. Check out is at 12:00."
"Thanks." Mac takes his key and heads to his room intent on calling Jack and then getting a shower and some sleep.
Mac frowns when he enters the room and realizes there isn't a phone. He supposes it's an expense the B&B just doesn't need since most individuals have cellphones. Mac showers and pulls some clean clothes out of his backpack, intending to head down to the lobby and use the phone, but instead lays down on the bed and drifts off to sleep having pulled on a t-shirt and boxers.
The sharp beep pulls Riley from her sleep. She sits up on the bed and looks around to get her bearings.
"Oh yeah," She remembers recognizing Mac's bedroom.
The flashing red light on her computer draws her attention and she moves to check the alert. She sees that it's a new hotel registration at one of the nearest towns to where the plane landed. She opens it expecting to see another dead end, but her breathe catches when she reads the name "Buddy Dalton." Of course, it could still be a coincidence so she immediately attempts to hack into the security footage.
"What the hell? What kind of a hotel doesn't have security cameras at least covering the lobby!" Riley unconsciously raises her voice, drawing the attention of Jack who had been dozing on the couch.
"Ri, what's the matter?" Jack whispers to avoid waking Bozer who was asleep in his own bedroom.
"It could be nothing, but a guest checked into a B&B in Creede under the name 'Buddy Dalton.' I was going to check the security footage, but there isn't any." Riley advises.
"Okay, as much as I'd like to believe it was Mac. Why would he use an alias? It doesn't make sense." Jack puzzles.
"I guess, but I'd still like to confirm… Wait, he's in room 202. If they have Wi-Fi, I should be able to check the televisions on the second floor, assuming they're connected." Riley realizes.
Soon Riley begins clicking through 'channels.' Most of it is people sleeping although there are a couple of rooms she quickly moves past as the occupants are engaged in more recreational activities.
"Okay, that's official creepy, Riley. Why not just go to room 202?" Jack suggests.
"It's not like they're labeled, Jack. There is no channel guide that tells me which room is 202." Riley fires back.
"Okay, okay, sorry." Jack backs off but then states, "Wait, go back."
Riley does so and together they stare at a half-dressed male passed out on a bed with a familiar mop on blonde hair. To a casual observer he would appear to be just another passed out frat boy.
"That's him. That's Mac." Riley smiles.
Jack smiles back pointing at the screen, "Yeah, and check out the newspaper on the nightstand. He knows the rest of the passengers are safe and wanted to avoid the media fiasco. That's why he didn't use his real name."
"I'm calling Matty." Riley announces.
"I'll go tell Bozer the news." Jack replies leaving the room.
After Riley's update, Matty places a call to Oversight.
"Whatcha got?" Jim asks, knowing Matty wouldn't be calling at this hour if it wasn't important.
"Mac's turned up. He's at a hotel in Creede. I'm sending Dalton to retrieve him." Matty advises.
"Good. Glad he checked in," when Jim is met with silence he continues, "He did check in, didn't he?"
"Well, not exactly. But it's late and he's not on a mission…" Matty hedges.
"…But he was away for Phoenix business. This is just another slap at the chain of command, a habit he no doubt picked up from Dalton and that Thornton let slide time and time again! Matty, this is inexcusable. We've discussed this, he needs to follow procedure if he's going to lead. When his team sees his complete disregard for authority, they react in kind, especially since he's so friendly with them." Jim rants.
"I will remind him of protocol…" Matty begins.
"Don't you dare coddle him Matty! I expect you'll nip this behavior in the bud. Accept no excuses." Jim directs.
"Sir, I'll handle it." Matty assures.
At 6:00 the next morning, Jack walks into the B&B in Creede and is greeted by a sweet little old lady.
"I'm sorry sir, breakfast isn't served for another hour," she announces.
"That's okay, ma'am. I'm actually here to pick up my son. He was supposed to be home a few days ago and the family is real worried about him. Perhaps you can direct me to his room? The name is Buddy Dalton." Jack replies.
She checks the computer, "Sure, up the stairs and first room on the right. You two should stay for breakfast though. Best hash browns in town."
"Thank you ma'am, but I'm afraid his mother's rather anxious to have him home." Jack returns and heads up the stairs.
Mac is awakened by a knocking at the door. He groans and moves to look out the peep hole. Upon seeing Jack, Mac flings the door open and nearly knocks Jack over with the unexpected embrace. Jack returns the hug and then coaxes the still half dressed Mac back into the room.
"Man, it's good to see you! Hey, you got the cast off." Mac greets.
"Yeah, nearly three weeks ago now." Jack acknowledges.
"Wait, how did you find me?" Mac asks.
"Well BUDDY, Riley was checking all hotel registrations and when Buddy Dalton popped up, she took a closer look and there you were. I'm going to warn you though, Matty's pretty miffed you didn't call and check in as soon as you got to civilization." Jack advises.
"There's no phone in the room. I intended to go back down to the lobby last night, but fell asleep." Mac confesses.
"Yeah, well you might want to play up the whole exhaustion angle more when you tell Matty that. Get dress, grab your stuff, and let's go. I've got coffee and doughnuts in the rental. Exfil is about 40 minutes west. Once we're in the air, Matty will let the media know that you were found safe but do not wish to be interviewed. Oh, and Matty wants to see you in her office as soon as we land." Jack explains.
Mac gulps as he pulls on the clothes he'd laid out the previous evening, "Great," he replies sarcastically.
Jack laughs and they discreetly leave. Mac lays down on the plane's sofa as soon as they are airborne. Jack assumes Mac's just exhausted and reclines his chair back to nap for the 90 minute flight; he'd been too excited to get much sleep after they'd found Mac last night and hadn't slept much while he was missing. Mac is beginning to realize the coffee and doughnuts he'd consumed was a bad idea after three days of living off the land. A part of him knew that as he scarfed them down and his heavy aching stomach was quickly reminding him that he should have listened. Mac suffers in silence throughout the flight. When he moves into a regular seat and straps in as the plane begins its descent, the nausea starts building. After the plane lands, he takes a few deep breathes to settle his stomach before heading inside the Phoenix. The elevator ride makes it clear to Mac that the nausea is going to win this battle, but as soon as the doors open he finds himself pulled into a tight embrace by Bozer and then Riley. The sudden jostling not doing any favors for his very upset stomach.
"Man, it's good to see you!" Bozer gushes.
"Yeah, we missed you like crazy." Riley adds.
"You okay? You're looking a little pale." Bozer frowns.
Before Mac can answer, Matty pokes her head out of her office, "Riley, you're needed in the Cyber room. Mac, my office, now."
Riley squeezes Mac's shoulder once more to assure herself he's really back and heads off as requested.
"Yeah, just a minute." Mac replies, taking a couple of steps toward the restroom.
"NOW, MacGyver!" Matty orders causing Mac to quickly change directions.