Chapter 6

Sunday, 1630 GYT

They had found a level area for a look out from where they could see the jungle floor before them. A grove of thick bushes acted as concealment for their camp. They sat, keeping a watchful eye on the terrain they had just traveled, plotting their next move.

"Good call on the chopper, Commander," Grayson told him. "How'd you pick up on that?"

"Lots of missions spent waiting on back up or pick up," McGarrett admitted. "Always learn to identify the different modes of transportation. It might save your life someday."

"Maybe today," Grayson said, with a nod. "I'll work on that."

Steve thought, while opening another package of trail mix for Ali, pouring some out into her small hands. "I think the admiral was trying to send a message of warning," Steve told them. "He distinctly told me a Chinook was heading our way. There was no reason he should have been that specific."

"Think your phone was bugged?" Jackson asked.

"Probably," McGarrett replied with a grin. "That's why I gave it a toss before we left the last camp."

"So, you're saying we don't have communication," Vega asked.

"No, that's not exactly what I said," Steve replied with a shake of his head. "I'm working on a plan."

A weak voice chimed in from across the camp. "Wait for it, boys, he has a plan."

Steve poured out more raisins. "You hanging in there, Boomer?"

"Yeah. Morphine is my friend."

"Have you guys known each other long?" Jackson asked.

Steve nodded. "A few years. Boomer and Buck helped get me out of a mess in Afghanistan."

"Don't forget your recent cave experience," Buck reminded him.

"Trust me, I won't for a long time," Steve replied, and then explained to the others. "A few months ago, in Hawaii, I was chasing a perp and we went over a cliff into the ocean. I ended up trapped in a cave and these guys showed up and blasted the thing apart and got me out."

"Funny how we keep running into each other, when least expected," Boomer said. "So, thanks for the payback."

"Maybe sometime we can actually schedule a meeting and not have a disaster attached," Buck told them. "I'd rather meet you over a few beers in Hawaii than in a jungle in the middle of nowhere."

"Then listen up. I have an idea," Steve told them.

He felt a tug on his shirt and glanced down. Ali had eaten all the raisins and cranberries and held out a handful of nuts for him.

"Are those for me? Thank you," he said, smiling at her and pushing the hair out of her face. He threw some nuts into his mouth and reached for the topical map he carried, setting it on the ground so they could see.

"We're compromised. We know that. Don't know how many are following us, but we do know they have air transport, so they could be on us at any time. If that happens, we will be ready to fight. But that doesn't get us out of here." He looked at each of the men gathered around him and continued,

"Our transport has been sidelined, along with our communications back to the base team. I feel certain that Chavez from the U.S. Embassy is in with Ochoa. I don't know how, but he has managed to get control of the base in Trinidad."

"So how do we get a message back to the admiral?" Vega asked.

"We don't. We get our own way out of here."

"And how will we do that without communication?" Jackson asked, a frown on his face.

Steve reached into the bottom of his backpack and pulled out a new phone, still in the wrapping. "I have communication. Just not with the admiral."

"Sir?" Vega asked. "And I know, 'don't call you sir,' but carrying unauthorized devices is against protocol."

McGarrett nodded. "I know it is. But sometimes changing procedure or protocol can also save your life. And the lives of those around you. You need to remember that everything isn't totally by the book."

"So what base are you going to call?" Grayson asked.

"I think I know," Boomer replied. "And if my guess is correct, it isn't a base."

Steve looked at his friend and nodded. "What do you think?"

"Trust your instinct, Dog. I wouldn't argue with it."

Steve nodded again. "Men, check out the map. We are very close to the border between Guyana and Suriname. If we can get back across the river, we'll be in Suriname. I think I can arrange for pick up, but it will take time."

"How much time?" Jackson asked. "These men need medical help."

"I know that. And we have Aliyana to consider, too," Steve reached down and rubbed her back. Any time he sat, she was in his lap, one hand clutching his shirt, the other holding on to Mr. Flopsy's ears. She seemed to be listening intently on their conversation, while watching McGarrett's every move.

"I have a friend in Hawaii who can make some calls and get us a chopper. I would feel better if transport flew into Suriname rather than Guyana. Even though we have been traveling away from the coast, we still aren't that far from the ocean. I think we can get transport and make it back to Trinidad safely. But, here's the problem. Nightfall comes early here, so it will most likely be morning before anything can happen."

McGarrett looked at the men around him. "Questions?"

"Give Danny my love," Boomer said. "Make the call."

Sunday, 1100 HST; 1700 GYT

Chin Ho opened his door after hearing two loud thuds. "Hey, Brah, did you just kick my door?"

"Well, my arms are a bit full of necessities," Danny said, indicating the three bags in one hand and the beer in the other.

Chin grabbed a couple bags and closed the door behind him. "I just started the grill," he told his friend. "Kono's already out there. Are you sure about this?"

"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" Danny asked. "I promise, this will be the best lunch you've ever eaten. Eating dogs and brats straight from the grill is like heaven. Trust me."

"And what are the clogged arteries?" the Hawaiian asked, one eyebrow raised.

"Details," Danny assured him. "You'll run off all the bad stuff."

"Hey, I've got a question," Kono asked, meeting them in the kitchen and grabbing the remaining bag from Danny's hand. "Why haven't you ever cooked when the boss is around?"

"Why? Why, you ask? Because that moron wouldn't stoop so low as to put a mere hot dog into his body. Let alone one of my wonderful-Jersey-steamed-in-beer brats. His loss, I might add."

"Hey, before we start, I want to show you something," Chin said, moving back to the living room where his laptop set on the coffee table. "I was checking the world news again this morning and something else popped up that I thought was interesting."

Danny plopped down on the couch next to Chin. "What's that?"

"Look," he navigated and pointed to the screen. "First there was the problem in Guyana with the president leaving office and fleeing the country. Now, there are problems in Trinidad/Tobago, which aren't too far off the coast of Guyana. The U.S. Embassy there was attacked and there is a hostage situation. Looks like several people were killed as unknown assailants stormed the place. No ransom or anything as yet."

"When did this happen?" Kono asked.

"This morning… around eight, their time. I was just wondering if the two incidents are connected."

Danny shrugged. "Possibly. But what you really want to know is if our own Boy-Wonder-SEAL was involved."

"Yes," Chin replied and nodded. "That is my question."

Danny nodded. "Mine, too."

Their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of Danny's cell phone. He glanced at the unknown number as he answered.

"Williams."

"Danny."

"Steven! Are you back?" He held the phone away from his ear to check the telephone number once again.

"No, not yet. Listen, I need your help. But, listen to me. What I'm going to say is highly sensitive. Just by placing this call, I could be dismissed from the Navy or thrown in the brig. I'm on a secure SAT phone and you need to remember this number."

"OK, it's on my phone. I'll keep it. Listen, I'm with Chin and Kono. And since they already know this is you, can I put you on speaker?"

"Sure, they can help, too."

"OK, you're on."

"Hey, Guys," Steve began. "I need—"

"Tell 'em Boomer says 'hey'," was heard muffled in the background.

"Who was that?" Danny asked.

"That's Boomer. Long story. Can we focus here?"

"Yeah, Babe, what do you need?" Danny asked.

"We've… been compromised and need a way out. And I've got a plan."

"Wait. Just wait." Danny began pacing. "Let me get this straight," he began, one hand waving in the air, the other scratching his chin. "You are on a super-secret SEAL mission, and you're calling us for backup?"

"Uh… yeah. That sounds about right."

Danny chuckled and clasped his hands together. "Oh, I love it already!"

"What do you need, Boss?" Chin Ho asked.

"We can't make contact with our home base," McGarrett began.

"Could that possibly be the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad/Tobago?" Chin asked.

"How did you know that?" Steve knew his shock registered in the squeak of his voice.

"We're checking world news and guessed you might possibly be in South America. The news this morning reported that the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad has been overtaken by a group of guerillas. No demands yet."

"Why do I even try to keep a secret?" Steve asked.

"We sure the hell don't know," Danny answered.

"Hang on," McGarrett told his 5-0 team as he turned to the SEALs. "The embassy has been overtaken by unknown guerillas. Well, not exactly unknown – I have no doubt where they're from."

"I'm sure you do," he heard Danny state into the phone.

Steve replied, speaking to 'both' of his teams. "But that shouldn't be a worry. There is a Navy Admiral in there; the U.S. won't let this go on long. They'll mop up that situation."

"How can we help you?" Kono asked.

"Danny, remember when Mary was kidnapped and I borrowed a helicopter from my friend, Dave?"

"The chopper you 'commandeered'?"

"Same thing. Dave's a former Navy pilot and I'm going to need his help again. Can you call him to see if he has any contacts who could fly out of either Trinidad or Suriname? If he can, he needs to get them in the vicinity and put them on standby. We are going to need a bird to pick us up – one that can hold at least seven passengers. When we flew into Trinidad, there were some scenic tour helicopters at the airport. One of those would be perfect if he can secure a pilot. But I need you call him and see if there is anything he can do."

"How quickly do you need this?" Danny asked.

"It's almost dusk here, so whatever happens will be sometime tomorrow – hopefully in the morning. We've got a couple of injured men that need medical attention. We are in the jungle and are most likely being pursued. I'll be in touch after we cross the border into Suriname."

"But—"

"Yeah, I know you've got questions, but I'll answer them later. If Dave can't get us transport, call me back and we'll figure out Plan B. If I don't her from you, I'll try to contact you around midnight, my time. That's six your time, so hopefully you will know something by then. Listen, can one of you get to my house? There's a new SAT phone on the table. I left it there just for an emergency. Call me back from that phone if you can. Reception will be better."

"I'll get the phone," Chin told him. "Anything else?"

"Not now. We just need to get these men to civilization."

"You OK, Boss Man?" Kono asked.

"Hey, Kono, I'm fine. What are you guys doing on a Sunday afternoon?"

"Eating Jersey hot dogs!" she replied with a laugh. "Look what you're missing."

"Yum. MREs never sounded so good. Later, guys."

"Hey, Steve?"

"Yeah, Danny?"

"Since this is a super-secret mission, is my phone going to self-destruct after I hang up?"

"You watch too much TV. Goodbye, Danno."

~~~H50~~~

Darkness comes swiftly and early in the jungle. That night it arrived with stifling, cloying, humid air that felt like it was closing in on them. Their vantage point allowed them to look out over the thick green foliage, but the location also meant no fire and minimal light for only small periods of time. It was just past 1900 and they had the entire night ahead. Thankfully there was a moon on the horizon which would soon be overhead and shed some light on them.

They had shared meals and had made Boomer as comfortable as possible. Buck was insistent that he felt much better after some good food and exercise and was ready for action if need be.

No one believed him, but they chose not to burst his bubble.

Vega found packages of peanut butter crackers in his pack and moved close to McGarrett and Aliyana. "Hey, Chica, look what I have. Do you like peanut butter?"

She shrank away from him, but eyed the crackers. Steve reached out to take them from the sailor but her hand was faster than his to reach them.

They laughed. "I'll take that as a yes," McGarrett told him. "Thanks. All she's had is trail mix today. Can I open them for you?" he asked her.

She released hold of the package and waited patiently while he opened it and then accepted a sandwich from him. He reached for another one and said, "I think this one is mine."

Aliyana dropped Flopsy's ear and grabbed that one in her other fist and shook her head with a 'hands off, Buddy' attitude. He was glad they had found something she would actually eat. She drank water only after all six round sandwiches were gone. When she was finished, she sat on his legs and fidgeted. He reached out and tried to steady her, thinking she would fall, but she continued to wiggle around.

And the reason for her fidgety nature dawned on him. Well, crap. Wait, let's hope not, he thought. How do I handle it if it is? "Um, guys, anyone here have kids?"

"No."

"No way."

"The jury's still out."

"Probably."

"I used to have a dog, but it ran away."

He shook his head. "Well, kid," he muttered. "Looks like we're on our own." Leaning down, he whispered in Aliyana's ear. "These guys think they are real funny, don't they? You need to go to the bathroom?"

She held her knees together and shook her head no.

"Are you sure?" he whispered again, then scooted her off his lap and stood up. He took her hand and said, "Come on." They walked to the edge of the clearing toward the trees.

Boomer opened his mouth and McGarrett pointed a finger. "Not. One. Word. We'll be back."

And Lieutenant Commander Steven J. McGarrett learned that there was at least one thing SEAL training did not teach him.

But, thankfully they both survived the trip. Once back in camp, he glanced around to find Vega and Grayson gone. He and Ali sat down side by side on a log, her body pressed as close to his as possible.

"Making rounds," Buck told him, nodding into the jungle. "They seem to be a good team."

"They are," McGarrett admitted.

"Do you miss it?" Boomer asked.

"Miss what? The SEALs?"

"Yeah, man. Was it hard to walk away?"

Steve thought for a moment. "Initially, yes. I had no intention of leaving. But once I got back to Hawaii and found out my dad had left a lot of clues and unanswered questions for me, I felt I had to stay. Life is different, but equally rewarding. And you saw my team – I couldn't ask for better back up. Or better friends," he added. "And I'm still on standby in the reserves… guess you picked up on that. Why the question – you thinking about retiring?"

Boomer shook his head. "No, not yet. But I wonder if I can make the adjustment back to something else. When you live most of your life on adrenalin alone, it makes you wonder how you can cope in normal circumstances."

"Give it a chance sometime. You might surprise yourself."

McGarrett looked down when Ali pushed her long, dark hair out of her eyes for he knew the hundredth time that day, and had an idea. "Hey, want me to make it stay back?" he asked. He took both hands and grasped her hair back into a ponytail, holding it with one hand and reaching for a plastic tie from his pocket with the other.

The girl shook her head, 'no' and took her hair in both of her hands, making pigtails on either side of her head.

"Oh, like that?" he asked her. "That's the way Gracie wears her hair. Let me get another tie. And I can do this. I've watched Danno do it for Grace." He held the two ties in his mouth as he worked. "Although he didn't use zips for it," he mumbled. Usomg his finger to section off the hair he tied one side with a zip tie, pulling the tie tight before reaching for the other half of hair. When he finished, he asked, "There. Is that better?"

In answer, she flopped the pigtails back and forth, feeling them swing in her face. And this time, he was positive he saw a smile.

"You're a wuss, Dog, you know that? Nothing but a big old softie," Boomer said with a grin.

"You're just jealous," McGarrett shot back. "Hey, Ali, I need to show you something," he told her, standing up. She reached her arms up to be carried and he took her hand instead. "No, we're just going over here. You can walk." He reached down and picked up the partial blanket he still carried and then reached into his backpack before crossing the camp.

Steve kneeled down on Boomer's left side and held on to Aliyana. "Ali, this is my friend, Boomer."

"Hey, Little Bit," Boomer said, reaching up and tugging on a pig tail.

McGarrett continued to talk to her, although he was speaking to Boomer at the same time. "Ali, remember the bad men at the house this morning? If any of them come up here, I'm going to have to fight them."

She immediately looked at him, her eyes wide.

"It's OK. That's my job. But if I do, you've got a job, too. I want you to get in here as close as you can to Boomer and cover yourself up with the blanket. If it gets loud, you need to cover up your ears and hang on to Mr. Flopsy. Can you do that?"

She grabbed hold of his shirt and shook her head in fear. He peeled her hands off and held her fists between them. "Ali, I need you to promise me that you will stay here with Boomer. Look, he's hurt and he can't get up and fight, so you need to stay right here next to him. Promise me you can do that."

"Ali, if Stevie has to fight, I want you next to me so I won't be scared. You and your rabbit—"

"-Mr. Flopsy," McGarrett supplied.

Boomer rolled his eyes. "—your Mr. Flopsy can stay safe right here with me. OK?"

She huffed, but glanced down at Boomer, resigned to her fate.

Steve reached across Boomer's body and placed a spare handgun between the wounded SEAL's hand and his body, nodding to the man.

Boomer understood his task. No one gets the girl.

~~~H50~~~