Disclaimer: I do not own, nor did I create, any of the A-team characters (main or support) nor do I own, nor did I create, any of the episodes. That credit is due to Stephen J. Cannell and his associates. Any familiar catch phrases also belong to the Cannell team.
Spoiler Alert: None required
Author's Notes: The Golden Pagoda is the restaurant co-owned by the team and featured in Season 2 Episode 12 "The Maltese Cow"
Summary: Everyone gathers to plan the next mission.
Chapter 2
Dinner Plans : by LAGC
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"Where have you been Buddy-boy?" Murdock chirped as Face walked into the condo.
"I went out for lunch." Face answered briefly.
Murdock simply gave him a curious look, sensing that the Lieutenant was withholding details. But Hannibal was calling them from the patio so further discussion was buddies reported to their Colonel. BA was already seated with him at the table. Murdock and Face took the empty chairs.
Then Hannibal began to fill them all in. "Okay guys we've got a new case."
"Aw, Hannibal, we just got back!" complained Face.
"I haven't even touched base with Dr. Richter yet?" added Murdock.
"My van needs her post operation tune up, Man." griped BA.
"I know all that, but Guys, a job is a job. And the clients have already paid Mr. Lee half our fee as a deposit."
Everyone had to admit that was unusual and tempting.
"When does the client expect us?" Face asked reluctantly.
"I haven't officially accepted yet. I want to run them past Sean O'Shea III just to be sure. But if they pass muster I figure we could be in their town by Saturday. That'll give you guys enough time to check in with Richter, check out the van, and check off our shopping list." Everyone rolled their eyes at Hannibal, thinking some version of, "Sure, one day to cover all that. Piece of cake."
Hannibal interrupted their pouting by adding, "Oh and I think we could use our friendly female on this one. I'll go call her."
"Don't bother, Colonel. She'll be here by 6pm." said Face as he perused the shopping list Hannibal had placed in front of him. Three pairs of curious eyes were turned on him,
"We had lunch and made plans for her to come by tonight after work." revealed Face who was distracted by the list. He missed the raised eyebrows of Hannibal and BA and the hopeful glint in Murdock's eyes.
A few hours later, Face and Murdock were in the corvette, out on the dinner run. The Team had ordered take-out from the Golden Pagoda.
"Make sure you don't let any of the food spill, Murdock. I just had the 'vette detailed." warned Face.
"Oh, Face, you know I'll be careful. Besides, Sam knows how you are so he always double bags and then boxes our orders. No spills guaranteed." replied Murdock. Then he airily added, "So did you have a nice lunch?"
"Ya it was fine." Face answered dismissively as he concentrated on navigating a chaotic intersection. He then pulled into their reserved parking space behind Sam Yeng's restaurant.
The teammates walked into the shop. Sun Yeng greeted them from the hostess desk.
"Hi Guys! Your order is all set. I'll go get it."
"This place is looking really nice." commented Face.
"My father and fiancé, Tommy, have been remodeling." replied Sun.
"Ooh fiancé, eh? Congratulations. Tommy is a good guy." said Murdock. Face nodded his agreement.
Sam came out from the kitchen with Sun a few minutes later. He handed the box to Murdock as Face attempted to pay. Sam refused the money and shooed the Duo out of the restaurant saying, "Go now, so the A-team can eat while the food is warm."
They pulled into the condo parking lot two cars in front of her. They parked their cars side by side. Murdock greeted her with playful hug while Face grabbed the box of food. She had thought to bring dessert from the bakery near her office.
"Look who we found on our way up, Colonel!" Announced Murdock as they entered the penthouse.
"Hi Hannibal." she greeted. BA emerged from the kitchen and snatched the box from Face.
"The table's all set. Stop jibber jabbing and let's eat while the food is warm." he grumbled.
The friends all enjoyed the meal. Laughs were exchanged as Murdock and Hannibal provided their versions of the mission events. Their humor was punctuated and heightened by the mandatory growls and threats from the Big Guy.
After dinner they all gathered in the living room. That's when Hannibal explained and laid out the initial plan for the next mission. She said joining them wouldn't be a problem since she could easily set up a "work from home" day for Monday and maybe even Tuesday. She agreed to meet the team at the Golden Pagoda at six a.m. on Saturday morning. Sam would keep an eye on the corvette and her compact car while they were away.
Hannibal got Sean O'Shea ready for one last screening of the clients. Face was going along to provide back up if things went sour. BA and Murdock were staying at the condo to get the van ready. She walked down to her car with Face and Mr. O'Shea. Face held the door for her as she stepped into her car.
"Call me tomorrow if there is anything you guys need me to gather or prep for the mission. I can sneak out of work early if need be." she offered.
"Thanks. I will if I need to, but Hannibal's shopping list is pretty straight forward this time. Just the standard "take down a thug" stuff." Face said wryly. He shut her door and watched her drive off.
Sean O'Shea also watched the exchange. Certain recent events and facts aligning in his mind.
"All set Lieutenant?" he called out.
"Yes, Colonel."
