The Tracy Family and Thunderbirds are the sole creation of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson

Chapter 77

The Major paced back and forth at the end of Scott's bed, as though thinking of what he wanted to say and continued that insidious habit of tapping his stick against the palm of his hand. "Now Lieutenant…..we can see that you're not really up to answering many questions…so we'll be brief. You talk to me….tell me what I want to know….and we'll leave you in peace…..isn't that right, Captain?" Major Bauer stated, smiling his most insincere smile towards Scott before turning to the Captain who, standing off to the side, obediently replied, 'Yes Sir' although Scott noted he looked decidedly uncomfortable. Scott also got the impression the Major didn't actually need his junior officer's agreement.

Major Bauer continued his pacing. "Lieutenant Tracy….we've been hearing all about you….all about your…little adventure out there in the jungle….and there are some things we're very interested in," he continued in his charming manner.

Scott was immediately put on his guard. He did not like the way the Major referred to his ordeal as 'your little adventure'; what did he think, that they were out on some boys adventure campout! "I…I haven't made…out my report yet. Colonel Adams informed me there's no rush," Scott commented weakly and eyeing the man coolly.

He caught the slight twitching of the side of Major Bauer's mouth and already Scott could sense his agitation. The Major winced a smile. "Yes…we're well aware you haven't made out your report yet, Lieutenant….and that's fine. You see, I'm not interested in all your report……just a….certain part of it. And Colonel Adams doesn't figure in this…..we're not attached to Colonel Adams," Major Bauer explained, without explaining anything at all.

"So just…where exactly are you from….Sir?" Scott asked suspiciously, pulling his face into a questioning frown.

At that the Major stopped pacing and glared at Scott with cold intensity. He was not used to being questioned. Then, as if he thought better of his abrupt manner, he returned to that fixed, false smile. "Did we not say, Lieutenant! That was rude of me. Well, if it makes you feel any better….I suppose you could say…..Intelligence. Just where is no concern of yours, Lieutenant…..let's just say…..we're a section ….within a section," Major Bauer replied with oily smoothness. "Now…I'm sure you'll be only too willing to co-operate with us, Lieutenant. Like I said….we're only interested in a certain part of your impending report."

The Major began pacing again, this time tapping his stick against his leg as he walked and Scott followed him with his eyes, all the while the Captain remained where he was, seemingly impassive. "First….let me commend you on your bravery, Lieutenant….and then to get shot like that….that was nasty," he started with insincere flattery followed by tutting and shaking his head at the seeming injustice of it all. Scott continued to eye him coolly, wondering just what the Major was leading up to. "And then there's your brave actions that kept you and your colleague from getting captured….now that's what I'm really interested in, Lieutenant," he added, getting now to the point, as he eyed Scott with a cold, sinister smile. "And I want…you…to tell me all about it."

A cold chill ran down Scott's spine. This was not something he wished to talk about and certainly not to this guy. He stared coldly and calmly at Major Bauer. "I don't know what you mean….Sir," Scott replied, his voice heavy with sarcastic courtesy.

Again the Major's mouth twitched slightly at the corners. "Come now, Lieutenant….don't be modest. I've read this…..this Lieutenant…what's his name, Decker?" Major Bauer responded, snapping his fingers and getting agitated then at not being able to recall the name.

"Eh…Lieutenant Numann, Major," the Captain answered right away after pulling up Jez's report on the small datafile he took from his briefcase. He then handed the information to Major Bauer.

"Yes….yes…that's it. I've read this…Lt Numann's report," the Major acknowledged as he scrolled down the report again to refresh his memory. "This is quite impressive…how you dealt with our two little 'friends'. Let's see now. The boy….you did with the knife…quick ...clinical…right up to the hilt I believe…..guess that must've been tough for you….when you realised, huh," Major Bauer began in what could only be described as admiring tones, then changed to mock sympathy.

Scott did not like where this was going and he did not like the way the Major seemed to be relishing the details. He narrowed his eyes as he continued to watch the Major but made no comment.

"And then there was the other one. Let me see. You snapped his neck with your bare hands…and he didn't even hear you coming by all accounts…...now….that is impressive, Lieutenant," the Major said again admiringly.

"Since you seem to have…all the details…you don't need…anything more from me….Sir," Scott responded, not understanding what it was the Major really wanted to know.

The Major stopped and glanced up from reading the report, glaring hard at Scott. He closed his eyes briefly and drew in an exaggerated breath, as though trying to compose himself. "Now Lieutenant….that is entirely the wrong attitude to take with me." He handed the datafile back to Captain Decker and came around to Scott's left side. Scott felt himself stiffen as the Major leaned down to speak. "You see, Lieutenant….what I have here are mere details….what I don't have…is what went on up here….when you did it," he added, tapping Scott lightly on the head with the handle of his stick. "And for that…..I need you to tell me."

Major Bauer straightened up again and began tapping his stick in the palm of his hand. "You see, Lieutenant….what we want to know is….can you really switch off…all your emotions…when you take a man's life. I mean…we know all about these Navy Seal guys….and Special Forces….well…that's what they do….but you, Lieutenant….you're different. You're not combat trained like those guys…you're Air Force….you're a pilot…..and a pretty good one at that. Oh yes, Lieutenant Tracy…..we know all about you….we've been following your career with interest," he went on, giving Scott a smarmy smile when he saw the young man frowning in suspicion as he watched him.

He carried on. "Now…we know you were sent on an ABC Advanced course and it's our job….to assess whether these courses are…shall we say…living up to our expectations. You see…not many of our airmen have ever got the chance to….how shall I put it…..put their new skills to practical use…until now. And we need to know if there's anything we can improve on….and for that, Lieutenant….I need to know how you felt….I need to know if you can truly switch off…all emotion….feel nothing….when you drive that knife in…when you hear that man's neck snap in your hands. And you are going to tell me….aren't you, Lieutenant Tracy," the Major insisted with sinister menace after setting out finally what it was he wanted from Scott.

Scott stared at the Major with incredulous horror, barely able to believe what he was hearing. They were carrying out a survey, on what it felt like to kill a man close up. Well, he determined they weren't going to get the information they were looking for from him. He said nothing; turning instead and fixing his eyes at a point on the opposite wall, though he couldn't help the uneasy feeling that this would not be the end of the matter.

Major Bauer let out a sigh, knowing he was not going to get what he wanted. "I really hoped it wouldn't have to come to this, Lieutenant. I really am a reasonable man…but….you leave me no choice," he said in a false, apologetic manner, as if he was really sorry for what was about to take place. He once more approached Scott and leant towards him to speak. "I will get what I want."

That uneasy feeling in Scott began to grow; his breathing quickened along with his heart rate as he fixed his eyes on the opposite wall, his mind a jumble of questions. He did not like where this was heading.

The Major turned his attention to Captain Decker who had remained silent all this time but was now looking even more uncomfortable than before. "Captain Decker….would you be so good as to close the door. The Lieutenant and I need to continue our little talk in private...I need to…help him see things my way….and we don't want to be disturbed….isn't that right, Lieutenant!" Major Bauer smiled insidiously, his voice heavy with menace and threat.

It was at that moment Scott began to realise the seriousness of his situation. There was only one reason Major Bauer would want to have the door closed, to continue their little talk in private; so that no one would see what he was about to do and Scott was helpless, defenceless and completely at this man's mercy. He had shot a pleading look to the Captain but realised there would be no help from him when Captain Decker averted his gaze and went to close the door, obviously willing to turn a blind eye to his Major's persuasive methods. He remained at the door, as Scott guessed, to prevent anyone from coming in. But surely this wasn't happening, surely the Major had no intention of actually persuading him; it had to be an elaborate bluff, after all, these were the good guys, weren't they!

With the door now closed Major Bauer reached into his pocket and pulled out a small object, a device which he held up and appeared to study admiringly, the purpose of which was to instil fearful curiosity as to its use. He smiled insidiously as he caught Scott watching him, a heavy frown creasing the young man's face.

"Oh this, Lieutenant! This is a rather interesting little device….something we developed in our department…..and is really very useful," the Major said with a measure of pride. "It allows me to conduct my interviews….shall we say…without interruption. What is it? We call it a….heart rate suppressor," he continued to explain. He laughed when he saw Scott's increasingly worried concern. "Don't look so worried, Lieutenant Tracy….this doesn't go on your heart. I'm not going to stop your heart or anything like that….what do you take me for," he assured Scott, though Scott felt anything but assured. "After all, I need you to answer my questions….and you would be no good to me dead….now would you!" he continued with menace. "No…this little device just attaches to your heart monitor…so…no matter how high your heart rate goes it will ensure that a nice, steady heartbeat is continually fed to the Nurse's Station out there….giving her no cause for alarm….and like I said…no interruptions. It's quite ingenious…don't you think…Lieutenant!" Major Bauer went on to explain with almost manic fascination. He proceeded then to attach it to the monitor panel on the wall behind Scott's bed and switched it on. Immediately Scott's already slightly elevated heart rate sank back to a normal, steady rhythm and with it sank any hope of anyone coming in to check on him.

Major Bauer bent closer to Scott and leaned his right arm across the pillows above and behind him. Scott stiffened at his closeness, his face tight with tension. The Major spoke close to his ear on his left side. "Now Lieutenant…..you really don't have to make this hard on yourself…why don't you tell me what I want to know….then I'll leave you alone. No one will believe this anyway…you do know that, don't you….I mean….you're still a little dazed and confused…after all…you've been through quite an ordeal, Lieutenant," he hissed menacingly.

Scott said nothing, just continued to fix his gaze.

"Lieutenant….I wish it didn't have to be this way….I really do," the Major replied, oozing with false sincerity.

The next minute Scott felt a hand roughly grab his head from behind. Strong fingers clamped onto his forehead and yanked his head backwards, stretching his throat and then he felt the pressure. The Major was pushing the handle end of his swagger stick into his throat, against his windpipe and up under his chin, causing him to gag and choke and unable to call out. Scott glared at Major Bauer with defiant intensity.

Again the Major bent low and searched his victim's eyes. "Maybe now you'll realise how serious I am, Lieutenant. Do we understand each other?" he said, his voice having changed to a cold hardness. The look in Scott's eyes told him what he wanted to know and he smiled. "Yes…I think you do….I think we finally understand each other."

Gasping for air and with his face reddening Scott clawed at the stick with his left hand to try and relieve the pressure but he just didn't have the strength and the Major knew it, in fact, the more he tried the more the Major increased the pressure to prove his point; that this young Lieutenant was not going to get the better of him. Of course that wasn't hard and it didn't take much of a man for Scott Tracy was both badly injured and weak.

Then, the pressure was gone. Major Bauer withdrew the stick and his hold on Scott's forehead, leaving him drawing in great gasps of air and choking which only caused him intense pain in his side and through to his back from his wound.

Again the Major bent low and searched Scott's eyes for any sign of his compliance. "So, Lieutenant…are you ready to talk to me now…just tell me about your emotions….that's all you have to do," the Major said, as though he were doing Scott a favor. Scott remained adamantly silent. "No! I see we'll just have to persuade you otherwise, Lieutenant," he threatened in a sugary sweet tone. "You know you really are an interesting young man, Lieutenant Tracy. I've been reading your Survival Training report….and your Instructors….well they were very impressed with you, weren't they….especially your…resistance training," he continued in his rhetoric.

Scott shot him a look and his breathing increased as he wondered just how far the Major was intending to take this. He had every right to worry for the Major was now drawing circles around his chest with the handle of his stick in a sinister fashion

"It seems you were one young man they just couldn't break," Major Bauer added with admiration. He bent low again to Scott's ear. "Well, I will break you, son….in fact….I'm going to enjoy breaking you," he hissed sadistically. He straightened up just far enough to look in Scott's eyes. "You really are remarkable, Lieutenant….and brave. I mean…to have carried your partner….and with your cracked ribs. I bet they hurt like hell, huh," he laughed with almost manic fascination as he looked down to the heavy bruising on Scott's side but more sinisterly and worrying was the fact he was drawing the thick handle end of his stick lightly down his side and over his ribs, causing Scott to stiffen and flinch.

Scott's eyes went wide in horror as he looked to the Major, for now he knew just how far Major Bauer intended to go. His breathing and heart rate increased rapidly, perspiration beaded his face and with his body now sheened in sweat Scott braced himself for the inevitable. His mind was in total turmoil, these were officers in the USAF, the good guys and one was about to torture him and the other, the other chose to turn a blind eye. He felt like he was in the grip of another nightmare, only this time there would be no waking up; this time it was a living nightmare.

"I wonder just how much pain a man can really stand! Let's find out…shall we," the Major hissed in that psychotic fashion of asking a question then answering it yourself.

The pain was all consuming as Scott felt the pressure of the handle push into his side, causing him to grip the bed-sheet in his contorted fingers and push his head back into the pillows. He groaned in absolute agony as the pressure increased, unable to move away. He fixed his eyes firmly on the Major, not giving him the satisfaction of crying out. He was taken almost to the point of blacking out but Major Bauer obviously knew what he was doing and he withdrew the stick, leaving Scott to sink back down into the pillows, gasping and exhausted.

"Very good, Lieutenant Tracy. I'm impressed….I'm very impressed," the Major said, as though he were congratulating Scott. "Now…will you tell me what I want to know….Lieutenant?"

"I…I've just…one thing…to say," Scott rasped out, at which the Major narrowed his eyes. "It'll be…a cold day…in hell before I…tell you anything….Sir," he added with defiant determination.

Major Bauer's eyes glinted with anger and then he smiled, seeing this as an obvious challenge. "That is entirely the wrong attitude to take with me, son," the Major responded with sadistic pleasure, as he tutted and shook his head. He dug the stick in again, watching with impassive coldness as Scott contorted in agony and again he released it before Scott passed out. "Just how long do you think you can keep this up, son? Because I can keep bringing you to the point of blacking out without letting you……and you know why?" he asked, as though proud of what he could do, while Scott fixed him with a cold frown of a stare. "Because I'm good at what I do….because we have learnt from the masters. You see…that is something 'Charlie' does exceptionally well I have to say. I could keep this up all day…but I don't have all day, Lieutenant," the Major stated almost proudly.

Scott could barely believe what he was hearing, his eyes widening at what this man was saying, at what he was admitting to. "You're…insane," he gritted out through his pain, cold realisation sinking in that there was now no level to which this man would not sink.

"Insane! No Lieutenant…..like I told you….I'm just good at what I do. And that is no way for you to address a superior officer…Lieutenant. Seems like a little lesson in manners is also called for," Major Bauer replied with cold calmness and at that the Major, with all the force he could muster, drew the back of his hand across Scott's face in vicious contempt, leaving Scott reeling and dazed from the blow. The Captain, still standing at the door, winced but did nothing.

Almost immediately the Major shoved the handle of the stick back into Scott's side with such vicious force that Scott felt something give; he knew now some of his ribs were broken. This time he cried out in agony as the pain consumed him but a hand clamped over his mouth, muffling the sound. His body cried out to breath deep but his ribs would no longer let him so his breathing became rapid and shallow. He struggled helplessly in the bed but there was no escape. He kept thinking that now would be an ideal time for someone to come in; this time he wouldn't mind being disturbed, this time he longed to be disturbed but he found it almost ironically funny that now when he wanted to be no one would come.

"Now Lieutenant…we can't have anyone coming in and interrupting our nice little talk…can we," the Major smiled with sadistic satisfaction.

When at last the Major released him Scott lay exhausted by his deep pain, wondering himself just how more of this he could take but he was not about to give the Major any satisfaction by telling him what he wanted to know. Scott watched him walk to the end of his bed but somehow he knew Major Bauer had not given up. He watched as the Major now approached his right side, knowing in his heart what the Major would start on next.

Bending to his right ear the Major hissed, "You really are a brave young man…aren't you, Lieutenant…but then I don't suppose they gave you that Medal of Honor for nothing. Oh yes….I know all about that too….I told you….I know all there is to know about you, Lieutenant. And the people in that village….such an awful thing for you to have to see, Lieutenant…..and not being able to do anything about it….that must have been hard…for a hero like you, huh…..to sit by and just….watch. Still….never mind…I'm sure you did your best, Lieutenant….nobody could blame you," he went on with callous coldness.

Scott's eyes glinted with stone-cold hatred, knowing this man was trying to rile him. At the same moment Major Bauer clamped his hand down onto Scott's right shoulder, Scott's broken right collarbone, as if sincerely consoling him. Scott closed his eyes and groaned heavily. The Major continued to increase his grip, causing him excruciating pain but still he could not find that oblivion that comes from passing out. Something new then seemed to take the Major's interest and he released his grip. He ran his stick under the IV line that went from the bag into Scott's arm, giving him vital fluids and pain relief.

"Guess you must really need this, huh," the Major mused inquisitively.

This was a slim chance but Scott was prepared to take it, knowing it would cause him more pain should Major Bauer choose to pull it out of his arm and the Major would cause him the maximum pain. Scott looked him coldly in the eye. "Do it….Sir," he dared him.

The Major studied the young man for a few moments, then just when it seemed he was on the verge of ripping it out of his arm Major Bauer hesitated. He ran the stick once more under the line and followed it up to the unit where he appeared to examine it. He sneered a smile and Scott knew his slim chance was gone. "You must think me stupid, Lieutenant. Do you think I don't know that this unit is connected to the Nurses Station out there. I pull it out, it sets off an alarm….and you get someone coming to your aid. Very clever, Lieutenant….but just not clever enough," he sighed, letting Scott know he knew exactly what he was hoping for. He bent once more close to his ear. "And really not a good idea…..because now you're just pissing me off, son. I'm getting tired of your stubborn heroics," he hissed viciously.

On straightening himself up the Major, once more, drew his hand back and unleashed it with contempt, catching Scott a stinging blow across the face. "You really have tried my patience, Lieutenant. I told you I was a reasonable man….all you had to do was tell me what I wanted to know….but would you do that…no…..you have to be a hero. You think you've felt pain, Lieutenant….I haven't even begun to show you pain yet…..let's see how good you really are," Major Bauer ranted in that manic fashion of asking a question and then answering it himself before finishing with trying to instil fear into his helpless young victim.

"Captain….would you be so good as to give me your assistance. I'm going to need you to hold up our gallant young Lieutenant while I take a good look at this wound he sustained," the Major instructed.

Already Scott was in a bad way, his face swollen and marked along with his throat and he was so weakened by his pain he could barely think straight. He looked to the Captain with pleading, pain-filled eyes as he approached his bed.

Captain Decker visibly flinched and swallowed hard at seeing the results of his Major's persuasion and he shifted uncomfortably. He hated this but he knew he wasn't strong enough to do anything about it. "Eh Major….don't you think he's had enough…..maybe we should…..," he at last spoke out but rather unconvincingly it had to be said. The Major rounded on him.

"Maybe we should what, Decker! Are you refusing to obey a direct order?" the Major threatened indirectly, to which Captain Decker replied, 'No Sir'. "You do enjoy your fast-tracked promotion to my department…don't you, Decker?" he added with equal menace, to which the Captain replied, 'Yes Sir'. "Then I suggest you get the hell on with it and stop questioning my gawd damn orders…Captain Decker. Now get him up," he thundered. In essence Major Bauer was nothing more than a bully.

"Y..y...yes Sir," Captain Decker stammered. He immediately sat on the bed, hooked his arms under Scott's and heaved him forward, causing him intense pain from his broken collarbone. Scott groaned in absolute agony from that and the pressure on his ribs, as he lay slumped over the Captain's left arm. "I'm….I'm sorry, Lieutenant….I really am," he whispered apologetically in Scott's ear.

"Go to hell, Captain…Sir. I hope….you can….live with yourself," Scott managed to grit out, feeling nothing but contempt for his turning a blind eye when he should have been willing to stop this. In his book the Captain's doing nothing was equally as reprehensible as the Major's actions. His face heavily beaded in sweat Scott braced himself and the next moment he felt the dressing torn from his back.

"Hell…that looks nasty, son. Just how did you get up from that, huh….but then….I guess that's what this great country of ours is all about…..guts and glory….the noble self-sacrifice," the Major reiterated, almost as if he despised the idea. "Well…let's have a look here," and he began to probe the wound.

Scott had no idea what the Major was doing but the pain now was indescribable. "Naaaaggggghhhhhh," he cried out, as he flinched and jerked involuntarily against the Captain's arm. Again he felt a hand clamp over his mouth, muffling his cries. He was hovering now on the brink of unconsciousness, begging silently for the sweet release of oblivion to take him but it wouldn't come and the Major knew just when to stop.

The next moment he felt his head yanked sharply back, the Major having grabbed him by the forehead with his fingers, forcing him to look into Major Bauer's eyes. "I can make all this go away, Lieutenant. Just tell me about your emotions….I mean….are you switched off now?" he asked with morbid fascination. Scott fixed him with a look that told him he would never get what he wanted. Filled with contemptuous hate he pushed Scott's head forward and the next moment Scott felt his body again jerk in convulsion as the Major brought his stick down forcefully on his wound. Captain Decker winced as he held him.

Moments earlier Cass had just entered Captain Conley's office after coming back from a short break, having taken the opportunity on being told two officers were now with Scott. "Cass…I've arranged for a call to be put through from Mr Tracy….Mr Jefferson Tracy…Lieutenant Tracy's father. I think it'll do him some good, especially since he's been down about Lt Numann going. He's been anxious to talk to his son since he's regained consciousness," Captain Conley told him, to which Cass nodded and agreed. "Cass….you do know who Lt Tracy's father is, don't you?" she asked, barely able to contain her excitement. Cass had to admit he didn't. "He's only Jefferson Tracy….of Tracy Enterprises. And…he was in the Air Force himself before going on to the Space Agency…he was among the first to help colonise the moon," she went on to inform him.

"That…Jefferson Tracy!" Cass responded, wide-eyed in surprise, for who hadn't heard of the multi-billionaire businessman and former hero.

Sarah Conley nodded. "Yes Cass….that…Jefferson Tracy. That poor man…he must have been so worried about his son. He has been kept informed of course but the American Red Cross have asked if he can speak directly to his son by vid-phone and that's what I've arranged. So I'd like you to go and tell Lt Tracy, Cass….maybe it'll cheer him up…..and it'll be a good reason to see what's going on with those two officers that are with him….he's had long enough being interviewed," Captain Conley instructed.

"Yes sure, Ma'am….I think it will do him good too," Cass responded, though he didn't fail to notice a rather troubled expression on her face. "Is something wrong, Ma'am?" he asked concerned.

"I don't know, Cass….I'll be honest….there's something about that Major Bauer I just didn't like. I hope he's not being too hard on our patient. You would think they would give these men time to recover before they have to do their interviews," Sarah Conley mused.

"That's the military for you, Ma'am…but don't worry…I'll see they know their time is up," Cass assured her with a grin, the kind of grin that would be more than glad to do just that.

"Thanks Cass….and I'll put that call through in a few minutes to his monitor when we get a link-up," she replied with a grateful smile.

Approaching his door Cass was concerned to see it was closed, whereas before he left on his break it was open, it was always kept open except when he was getting bathed but he just assumed there were details that wouldn't want to be overheard and perhaps these men weren't aware the door should have been kept open.

"Chey'nah….Captain Conley asked me to let you know there's a call coming through from your father….and this door, gentlemen…should…have…..been…..," Cass had begun to say before tailing off and stopping dead as he took in the scene. "Major…Captain…what's going on here?" he demanded for he did not like what he was seeing, nor did he want to believe what he was thinking.

What he saw was Captain Decker sitting on the bed with Scott slumped forward over his left arm and Scott looked and sounded like he was in a bad way, groaning pitifully as if in agony. Major Bauer was standing suspiciously over his right side and Cass was sure Scott no longer had his dressing in place. His worst fears were confirmed when Scott, on hearing the familiar voice, managed to raise his head and look to him for help. Cass was horrified to see his face marked and his eyes rolling, heavy with pain, his mouth moved, as though trying to speak but no words came. Scott was barely conscious. What he was thinking, no, what he knew was these officers were torturing his patient.

"Chey'nah! Chey'nah!" Cass called out to him, full of concern as he made to go towards him but the only response he got was another pitiful groan. He shot the Major a hate-filled and angry look, asking, 'Why are you doing this to your own officer?'.

He could barely believe what happened in the next instance. Major Bauer, with no care or compassion whatsoever and fixing Cass with a look of sheer annoyance at being disturbed as his mouth twitched, clamped his hand onto Scott broken right shoulder, pulled him unceremoniously off Captain Decker's arm and pushed him back. Scott fell back heavily onto the pillows, onto his unprotected wound, causing him to cry out with the pain of it.

Captain Decker immediately stood to his feet, obstructing his view now and blocking his access to his patient. Filled with anger Cass was finding it hard to contain himself. His foremost thought, though, was to get to his patient but first he needed to get these men out of here. "I'm going to have to insist you…people…remove yourselves from this room and wait in Captain Conley's office…or it will be my very great pleasure to have you escorted under armed guard," he said angrily, unable even to bring himself to calling them gentlemen and he certainly did not regard them as officers worthy to wear the uniform of the USAF.

Major Bauer moved around the bed to confront this man who had dared to interrupt his 'interview'; he extended the handle end of his stick menacingly into Cass's chest, preventing him also from going any further. "And just where do you think you're going…Lieutenant…isn't it!" he sneered with utter contempt, looking Cass up and down and taking note of the bars on the collar of his tunic, as though he were something to be despised.

"I'm going to my patient….Major," Cass told him forcefully.

"Lieutenant Tracy is mine and we have not concluded our interview," the Major snapped angrily. "Now I don't know what you think you saw….Lieutenant…..but this is official business….and you are interfering in things that do not concern you. Now I suggest….boy….that you run along…..and go….make beds or something," he added with malicious contempt, though considering they were about the same age it seemed kind of ludicrous for the Major to call him 'boy' but, of course, it was meant to be a totally degrading comment.

Through his haze of pain Scott could hear voices, he could hear the Major order Cass to leave. Before he had wanted Cass to leave him alone, to give him some peace but now he desperately wanted him to stay, needed him to stay. "Nooooo," he managed to groan out.

The soulful plea tore at Cass's heart. "Don't worry, Chey'nah….I have no intention of leaving you," he promised.

"How very touching," Major Bauer sneered.

Cass had had enough. Grabbing the swagger stick firmly in his right hand and fixing the Major with a piercing stare from his wolf-like eyes, which had to be said actually unnerved the Major, Cass tore the stick from his hand. He continued to hold the Major's gaze, unafraid. "Sha - nah - tey," Cass spoke with deliberate contempt in short and clipped sounds.

Major Bauer sneered a laugh. "And what is that? You putting a curse on me…boy!"

"Among my people it is a word of disgrace….among my people it means…a coward who preys on the weak, defenceless and vulnerable. And you are cursed already…Major…for my people believe it is the right of the victim's family to seek retribution….and revenge," Cass told him with cold satisfaction. The remark caused Major Bauer to wince and his mouth to twitch. If he knew all about Scott, as he claimed, then he must know who Scott's family are and that Lt Tracy's father is none other than the wealthy and powerful businessman, Jefferson Grant Tracy, a man one does not cross when it comes to family. "But I am not weak and helpless…Sha - nah - tey and you will never again raise your hand against the helpless ….for your own hand will turn against you," he added with assurance.

Major Bauer eyed him coldly, his mouth continuing to twitch in agitation. "And just what do you mean by that, Lieutenant? Are you threatening me…boy?" he spat venomously, although something told him it wasn't a threat in the way he knew it and Cass's continued cold and steady stare unnerved him to the point he had to look away. "Bah…..I don't believe in all that Indian mumbo jumbo," he laughed snidely.

"We shall see what we shall see….Sha - nah - tey. You have chosen your own fate….when you raised your hand against the innocent," Cass told him with cold calmness but the Major had absolutely no idea what he was talking about, as is always the way when the evil deeds of a man's heart blinds him to spiritual truth. With those words Cass took the swagger stick in both hands and with ease broke it over his raised right knee, in effect, breaking the symbol of the Major's power, as if to enforce what he had said. He handed the broken pieces back to the Major, in much the same way as his ancestors did with a broken arrow, because for him it was symbolic that there would be no peace between them, only war!

Major Bauer's eyes glinted with menace. "I would be careful, Lieutenant….you exceed your authority. And it won't be me who is leaving….it'll be you…..you can just kiss your career goodbye," he threatened with delighted pleasure.

"I don't think so…Major. In fact…I think you'll find it's you who is leaving. And for your information Lieutenant Grey Wolf has my full authority….so will someone please tell me just what in the hell is going on here," a stern and familiar voice called from the doorway.

Author's Note: Again for the purposes of this part of the story the name that Cass calls Major Bauer, Sha nah tey, and the meaning of it belong to my fertile imagination and do not exist in the Sioux language, I just think it sounds like it should. Mind you, I'm sure we could all think of other names we would like to call Major Bauer! As for, has Cass really put a curse on the Major! Well, who truly knows for it depends on what you are willing to believe, though bear in mind, there are so many things that are still a mystery in this Universe of ours! And, of course, there's always that old adage, 'You reap what you sow'.

Perhaps we will find out what became of the Major and what of that other pathetic excuse for a man, Captain Decker? Oh, don't worry. Cass hasn't forgotten about him, I think he has something appropriate in mind.

My thanks to FellowRiverrat for telling me about the custom and significance of the broken arrow.