II
After making it back to Izmir Air Base, located in Southwestern Turkey, Shadow team prepares to head home. Anderson supervises the guard detail as they secure Khalid aboard the 747-cargo conversion while Stone steps away to place a call home to his wife Robin.
Six years ago while on assignment in Cuba Stone met a beautiful flight attendant named Robin McCord. A year or so later he proposed to Robin while on a Caribbean cruise.
Shortly before their engagement Stone told her that he was planning on making some changes regarding his position with Omega Sector or possibly even to leave the agency. He had been through quite a lot several weeks prior, which had been the source of a lot of anxiety for Robin. He had taken Robin on the cruise not only to propose but also to make up for their last attempt at a vacation getting ruined. Stone's cousin-in-law, as well as himself, were taken hostage by a group men who were on the run from the FBI. Robin never voiced her concerns openly but Stone could sense it was weighing heavily on her mind.
After returning home from the cruise Stone walked into Director Grant's office and turned in his resignation; leaving his best friend Agent William Hudson in command of Shadow team. Unsure of what to do next for a living Stone reactivated his status in the Marines and was given a weapons instructor position at Annapolis Naval Academy. However this only kept his interest for so long a time but for Robin's sake he stuck it out for a while. Still young and eager to make a difference again Stone eventually gave it up after a year and a half and re-entered Omega Sector. He half expected, and half hoped, to be offered some executive job coordinating field ops or what not. However he was shocked when he was asked to resume his place as Commander of Shadow team. At first he thought to decline the offer though, he didn't want to return just to take away Hudson's spot as team leader. He always knew Hudson would excel if he ever got the chance to lead his own team and it was the silver lining Stone saw when he left O.S. to begin with. However Hudson nearly begged him to resume his command, not because he didn't want the job anymore but because he'd rather be working with his friend side by side instead of watching him work a desk. So at the insistence of his friend Hudson, Stone was now back where he belonged.
The day Stone came home and announced his plans for returning to O.S. he'd expected to be hit with a sledgehammer. Fortunately for Stone that didn't happen; his wife had never pressured him to leave the agency. Although surprised by his decision and the realization that there would be more sleepless nights in her future, she supported it. Even though her husband was and would continue to be in danger during the line of duty above all else she was immensely proud of him and the work he did. On several occasions Robin would tell Stone that he was not only her hero but also that he is an American hero.
"Hey sweetie, I'm just calling to let you know that I'll be leaving in a few minutes. I guess I'll be home in about eighteen hours or so barring any delays." Stone explains. "But you'll be asleep when I get there though."
"And you're off tomorrow night right?" Robin asks.
"You bet, I haven't missed an anniversary since I came back to O.S. and I don't plan to start now."
"Okay, see you tomorrow then. I love you." Robin says.
"You too, bye." As Stone disconnects the call it suddenly occurs to him that he and Robin have already been married for five years. "Man time flies." He says to himself as he walks back towards the plane just as the two black vans drive up the loading ramp into the cargo hold. As he takes his seat on board Stone begins to look back over the past few years.
He and Robin were married just five months after he proposed. They had a small and intimate ceremony with Hudson serving as Stone's best man. After the reception they hopped on a plane and spent the night in San Francisco before arriving at their honeymoon destination in Hawaii.
"Ramp doors secured, cargo secured." Hudson's voice breaks Stone temporarily out of his trance as he speaks to the captain over the comm system. "We're ready to go whenever you are Captain."
Hudson then takes his seat next to Stone and notices his friend is deep in thought. He waves a hand in front of Stone's face to catch his attention.
"Hey." Is all Stone says in return.
"What are ya thinking about?"
"Me and Robin. Can you believe we've been married five years already?"
"What are you worried about getting old or something, you're only thirty-five." Hudson replies jokingly.
"No, it just goes by so fast."
"Wait 'til you're sixty and tell me how blown your mind is." Hudson adds.
"I know right."
"Anyway congratulations."
"Thanks Will." Stone replies.
"Don't sweat the time thing though, it does fly by quick but at least you're with someone. I wish I had a five year marriage under my belt, I'm not even dating anyone right now."
"Better hurry then Will, you're getting old." Stone replies returning the joke.
Stone finally arrives home around 04:30hrs after an incredibly long flight home. He turns onto his street and parks his 2003 Chevy Blazer in the garage. Nearly three years ago he and Robin bought the two-story, four-bedroom house located in the same edition where his cousin Amberly and her husband live. It was Amberly and Jason who initially informed them that a house was coming up for sale in the neighborhood.
Once inside Stone disarms then resets the security system and quietly walks upstairs to the bedroom. As he puts away his luggage he looks at his wife sleeping peacefully. He unloads his sidearm and places it in the gun cabinet in his closet. He yawns for a moment, stretches and then crawls into bed without waking Robin. He slides his arm around her and falls asleep the moment his head hits the pillow.
He wakes up the next morning to find a large box at the foot of the bed with a note attached. As he rubs the sleep from his eyes he pulls the note off and reads it saying:
Put this on tonight and drive to the Marquee Hotel at seven sharp! Go to the front desk and ask for Jaiven.
Stone opens the box and finds his tuxedo neatly pressed inside. "Jaiven huh, I know what you're up to." He says aloud thinking of Robin.
That night after putting on his white bow tie tuxedo, the same one he wore at his wedding, Stone drives to the Marquee Hotel in Georgetown. He walks up to the front desk and asks for Jaiven as instructed in the note.
"Suite 1238." Says the desk clerk as he hands Stone a room key.
"Thank you."
Stone takes the elevator upstairs and finds room 1238. He opens the door to the suite and finds a fire burning in the fireplace and soft music playing, the same setup from nearly six years ago. He walks into the bedroom and finds his wife sitting in a chair in a beautiful black shiny evening dress.
"Well Agent Jaiven it's nice to see you again. How long has it been, six years?" Stone says with a smile.
Robin returns the smile then walks over to embrace her husband and kisses him. "I missed you."
"Me too but I didn't expect to see my soviet comrade again."
She smiles and kisses him again, a few seconds later they hear a knock at the door.
"Who could that be?" Stone asks still holding her in his arms.
"Not who, what." Robin replies as she walks over to open the door. "Dinner." She opens the door and room service rolls in a cart. The waiter begins to transfer the meal to the dining table then asks if there's anything else they need. Robin thanks the man and gives him a tip. Stone goes to the table and removes the silver plate covers revealing a delicious looking lobster feast.
"Ohhhh." Stone utters as his mouth begins to water. They sit down and Robin pours them both a glass of wine then Stone makes a toast. After tasting the wine Stone realizes it is not wine at all. "What is this?"
"Sparkling white grape juice, I thought we'd forgo the wine for tonight." Robin replies.
"Why we've always drank wine or champagne on . . . . " Stone suddenly picks up on something in Robin's demeanor. "Are you?" he says questionably at first as he continues to get a read on her. "ARE YOU?!"
Robin can't help but smile as Stone realizes what's happening. "I was gonna tell you after dinner if you hadn't figured it out."
"You're pregnant! Stone says ecstatically. Robin nods excitedly with a glow he has never seen on her before. Stone gets up from his chair and rushes to hug her tightly. "We're gonna have a baby!" After a moment he pulls back, kisses her and says. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, let's eat I'm starving." She replies.
Stone wakes the next morning with Robin beside him in bed. He looks over at her and notices she's already awake.
"Been watching you sleep." She says softly.
"We're gonna have a baby." Stone replies.
"Hasn't quite sunk it yet huh?" Robin replies.
"No its just . . . . . well I guess it hasn't really but I'm totally psyched about it."
Robin just smiles.
"How long have you known?"
"Almost two weeks now, we made love a few days before you found out you were going to Turkey. I went to the doctor a week later and I just thought I'd tell you when you got home. I'd already planned all this for our anniversary and thought it would be the perfect time to tell you." Robin explains.
"Wow, we've got a lot to do before . . . . when are you due?"
"September twentieth."
"So what about names, what room are we gonna turn into a nursery, what . . ."
"Sweetie." Robin says interrupting him. "We've got nine months to worry about all of that; let's just enjoy today. It is still technically our anniversary." Robin says kissing him. "Speaking of which, Amberly and Jason want to take us out to dinner tonight."
"Okay, I have to go into work for debriefing first but it should only take two or three hours. We caught out suspect the other night so they'll want my report ASAP." Stone explains without giving her any specifics about his mission in Turkey. "How's work been for you?"
Last year Robin was promoted to flight attendant trainer so she no longer has to go out of town for work as much. She gives him a short recap of what's been going on at her job recently. However she quickly changes the subject as she caresses his face. Stone takes the hint as well as the initiative; afterwards they shower and dress and head downstairs for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. After breakfast they return to their room to collect their luggage, then they check out and head home.
Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia – After eight months at sea and seven years in the Navy, Lieutenant Sara Sage is finally setting foot back in the United States. Still wearing her short sleeve khaki uniform Sage gathers her luggage and begins looking for her ride home. Suddenly she hears her name being called over the PA system.
"Lt. Sage, report to Commander Grafton in the pilots briefing room."
"I just got out." Sage exclaims aloud to herself. "I wonder what this is about." She reports as ordered and finds Commander Grafton, whom she does not know personally. "Cmdr, Lt. Sage reporting as ordered. I'm confused sir my tour is up." Sage says.
"I understand that Lieutenant but there's someone who'd like to speak to you first, if you'll follow me." Grafton says as he leads her to a conference room where an older African-American male dressed in a Naval officer's uniform is waiting.
"That'll be all Cmdr. Grafton." The man says in a deep throaty voice.
"Yes sir." Grafton says closing the door as he leaves.
"Have a seat Lieutenant.
"Thank you sir." Sage says as her curiosity finally gets the better of her. "May I ask what this is about sir?"
"We'll get to that, first let me introduce myself. I'm Admiral James Grant." Grant says pulling out a file.
Sage's mind continues to wonder why an Admiral would request to see her; then she assumes that there must be some sort of investigation into her involvement with Flight 467.
"I've been looking over your service record Lieutenant. You passed through flight school with flying colors; your recon missions in the Middle East were all completed successfully." Grant goes on. "Your kill ratio against your flight director, Cmdr. Hughes, during combat maneuvers is higher than any other pilot currently serving on the Forrestal; then there's the recent incident regarding Flight 467."
I knew it.
"Sir?"
"You shot down two Iraqi Migs after they attempted to divert or destroy the plane, we still have no Intel at this time to confirm their intentions however. Anyway, you've become the first female pilot in air-to-air combat. Now while Captain Jameson's decision to let you go in is under debate I believe he made a good call. The same call I would have made if it were my ship." Grant adds.
"I'm glad to hear that sir." Sage replies.
"And as a result you helped save the lives of the people on board 467; regardless of any action on the FBI's part."
Sage doesn't reply still unsure where all this is going, thus far the Admiral has yet to mention any investigation not to mention the fact that she would have likely heard about it before her tour ended.
Grant hesitates a moment then says. "What are your plans now that you're officially out of the Navy?"
"I'm haven't quite decided yet, a long vacation for sure to spend some time with family and what not but I was considering applying to the Secret Service." Sage replies.
"Why Secret Service?" Grant asks.
"I guess because of my father, he was a Navy pilot during the final years of Vietnam. He always said that once he was done protecting his country he wanted to try protecting the President. He was a true patriot at heart, someone who really wanted to be deserving of the freedoms that most of us take for granted. Unfortunately though he never made it home." Sage replies.
"I know all about your father Lieutenant." Grant says turning a page through the file in front of him. "Lieutenant Sage, Christopher R. Shot down in combat in Vietnam, highest honors, excellent service record. I'm sorry for your loss Lieutenant."
"Yeah well, I was young. I didn't really get a chance to know him but I know him in here." Sage says placing her hand over her heart. "That's why I joined the Navy, I'm following in my dad's footsteps so I could be closer to him. Of course being a woman I was never allowed in combat until the other day."
"Well Lieutenant, I've heard all I need to hear. I think you'd make an excellent field agent for us."
"That's what this is about, you're recruiting me?" Sage asks.
"That's right."
"But you're in the Navy, what exactly are you recruiting me for?"
"Formerly Navy, although my status within the government keeps my rank active for purposes such as this. I'm actually the head of a covert government intelligence agency that specializes in anti-terrorism. Most of our recruits are fresh out of the military although we also recruit out of other government agencies and on occasion even local police. We're based out of D.C. but we serve abroad as well as at home. Are you interested?"
"I don't know, what kind of work would I be doing?" Sage asks.
"As a field operative you would be assigned a variety of duties like investigating crimes scenes that may be linked to international terrorism. When on mission our teams execute and operate very similarly to special ops teams of the military. Many times we work in unison with the military or with their aid. As a pilot your skills would be invaluable and taken advantage of; you might even be put through flight school again to get a helicopter license." Grant explains.
"Why would you put me through flight school?" Sage asks.
"Our field operatives need to be versatile in a number of skills which brings me to foreign languages. During your first year you would be required to learn three new languages."
"Would I get to pick the languages?"
"Possibly but it depends on the team your assigned and what languages your fellow team members have already mastered. Just like our agents our teams must be able to speak a variety of languages so that no matter where they are deployed someone on the team can speak the local dialect. Do you have any other questions?"
"Just one, you've repeatedly used the word operative when describing your agents. Are we talking about performing . . . . . . assassinations?" Sage asks guardedly.
"No, while I can't promise you that you won't ever be forced to pull a trigger during the line of duty, that is not the function or goal of our agency. If I may elaborate, that's why we primarily recruit from the military and all our candidates are thoroughly cross-examined and background checked before being offered a position. We're looking for, as you put it, the true patriots at heart; people who are interested in serving our country, not our government. People like your father . . . . people like you."
A moment of silence passes as Sage ponders everything Grant just said.
"I know you mentioned an interest in Secret Service but with us you would be in a position protect not only our country but its people. And who knows on occasion maybe even President or two." Grant adds.
"How would that be?"
"Do you recall back in '99 when Clinton's daughter was kidnapped?"
"Yes sir, it was all over the news." Sage replies.
"It was one of my men who rescued her."
"Wow. I don't know sir I think I'd like to take that vacation first, see my aunt and take some time to think about it."
"Of course." Grant says retrieving a card from his jacket pocket. "You can reach me there, it's a direct line to my office."
Sage looks at the card noticing the Greek symbol for Omega emblazoned behind Grant's name and contact information.
"Thank you Admiral, I'll certainly think about it." Sage says.
Grant puts the files back in his briefcase and rises to shake Sage's hand. "Well I have a plane to catch. Enjoy your vacation Lieutenant, I hope to hear from you soon."
Later that same afternoon back in Washington Stone is reporting to Deputy Director Kim Hayes on his recent mission in Turkey.
"So that Intel turned out to be accurate then?" Hayes asks.
"You bet, once we intercepted that shipment of Stingers from the cargo ship we impersonated the delivery crew and took the Iranian buyers by surprise." Stone replies. "The leader, Ali Khalid, was captured by yours truly some ten miles or so into the Black Sea."
"What about his men?" Hayes asks.
"We rounded up a couple but they are just small fish; unfortunately the rest of them were either shot, escaped or picked up by Turkish police. Good thing we got the figurehead of the group, Khalid's the one we really want."
"If he'll crack." Hayes adds. "The U.S. is a step away from going to war with Iran, whoever is exporting American arms to our enemies needs to be stopped now."
"Yes ma'am, we're working on it."
"Alright dismissed." Hayes says.
"Yes ma'am." Stone replies as he turns to exit her office. As he reaches for the door he hears Hayes' voice stop him.
"Oh and Stone . . . . happy anniversary."
"Thank you."
When Stone returns to Shadow's conference room he's awaited by four questioned faces.
"Well?" Hudson says taking the initiative.
"Well what? I don't know anything you all don't already. We could go to war with Iran any day now and someone is out their selling American made weapons to them to use against us." Stone says.
"What's our next move?" Watts asks.
"I don't know, has Khalid been broken yet?"
"He's still in interrogation, he's talking but he hasn't given up the real goods yet." Anderson says.
"Well I gotta get going, keep at it guys and let me know if there's any updates." Stone says.
As the team disperses Hudson follows Stone to the elevators. He steps inside with him as Stone hits the button for the main floor. When the elevator stops on the main floor they see a familiar face as the doors open.
"Hey boys, how's it going?"
"Drake! What have you been up to man; we haven't seen you for a couple of months now." Stone says as he and Hudson both step off the elevator to chat with their friend.
"Well I had some time off saved up so I took all of last month off to spend with the family. Before that I had to take a leave of absence for more intensive physical therapy." Drake explains. "By the time I got back I heard you guys were out of the country."
"Yeah we just got back from Turkey yesterday, we busted some Iranians trying to buy a shipment of Stingers." Hudson replies. "So how's the leg?"
Five years ago Agent Drake was seriously injured during a mission in Atlanta. A missile exploded just a few feet away from him and blew shrapnel into his right leg and torso. Luckily he didn't lose the leg but unfortunately Drake's injuries prevented him from returning to active duty with Shadow team. He took a year off to recuperate then re-applied as was given a position as section chief of sniper ops.
"Oh it's alright theses days, with more and more therapy I'm able to get around more and more easier." Drake replies.
"That's good to hear Steven." Stone replies.
"Thank guys, yeah it's not as good as the old days but at least I'm not hobbling around as much as I was that first year after the injury." Drake adds. "Well I gotta get going, I'm due to report to Hayes. I have a feeling she's going to have me send a sniper/recon team to the Middle East."
Stone and Hudson look at each other.
"The Middle East? Oh man . . . " Stone looks at his watch realizing if he doesn't leave now he'll be late for his dinner plans. "Look I gotta go but would you mind meeting up with us tomorrow. If you don't mind I'm curious what your orders are going to be. Who knows we might be able to help each other out with some Intel."
"Sure no problem Michael. Say eleven hundred, Shadow conference room?" Drake replies.
"That would be fine, I'll see you guys tomorrow I gotta run." Stone says as Hudson and Drake both take the next elevator back upstairs.
Tehran, Iran – One of Ali Khalid's subordinates and thus far the only man known to have escaped the Turkish police after the warehouse operation went bad is finally returning to report in. Hassan Buliq is escorted to a small military outpost a few miles outside the city. The Iranian finally makes his way to the office of Major Samon Khalid.
"Major, we went to Istanbul to take delivery of the Stinger missiles you said would be arriving." Buliq states.
Without looking up from the documents laid out on his desk the older Khalid says, "Please tell me you didn't come all the way back here to tell me something I already know."
Buliq says nothing as an eerie silence passes between them for a moment.
"Did you acquire the weapons?" Khalid says finally breaking the silence.
"No Major, the truck arrived with American forces inside, they overpowered us and captured Ali."
Major Khalid finally looks up at Buliq. "They have Ali?"
"Yes Major."
"American soldiers you say."
"No sir, they were not in uniform. They must have been government agents." Buliq replies.
"Government agents." Khalid says more to himself then Buliq. "Very well, how many did you kill?"
"Um, like I said Major they took us by surprise. Maybe one, I'm not really sure."
"Maybe one." Khalid says furiously quiet. "You let them capture my little brother and you only maybe killed one in the process."
"Sir please, there were too many of them and I was nowhere near Ali when he was apprehended." Buliq explains.
"Even further evidence of your failure, you should have let the American capture you as well." Khalid says rising from his chair.
"Major, I . . I'm sorr . . ." His words are cut off mid-sentence as Khalid draws a sidearm and fires three rounds in the man's chest!
Khalid gestures for one of his henchman to remove the body as his right hand man, Taliq Aziri, approaches from behind.
"Do you think it was all a setup, maybe this Jackhammer was a trap set by the American to lure us in?"
"Maybe." Khalid says pondering that possibility. "Maybe not. The Americans are keeping close tabs on all their weapons these days. More and more contracts are getting caught in between the lines. I suppose it is hard to believe that one shipment slipped through without notice."
"True but the Jackhammer did say he had contacts able to get the shipments to us. For all we know he kept his word and these agents intercepted the missiles after they arrived in Istanbul." Aziri says theorizing.
"Look into both, I want to speak to this Jackhammer again and see if you can find out where they are holding my brother." Khalid replies.
"That's easier said then done sir but I will do what I can."
Khalid is left alone to his thoughts for a moment as he retakes his seat. A moment later he slams his fist down on the desk cursing.
That night Stone and Robin drive to the restaurant where they meet Amberly and Jason.
"So we never discussed if we're telling people about the baby yet." Stone says.
"Oh right, well it makes no difference to me." Robin replies.
"No point in waiting I guess."
"No not really, so okay we'll tell them tonight and when we get home why don't we call my parents and your mom." Robin suggests as Stone pulls into a parking space at the restaurant.
"Sounds like a plan to me."
They meet up with Stone's cousin and her husband inside and are seated almost instantly. Amberly begins to order a bottle of wine to commemorate Stone and Robin's anniversary but is stopped short.
"No that's not necessary Amberly." Robin says.
"Why not it's your anniversary." Amberly says confused as Robin asks the waitress to give them a few minutes.
Stone looks at his wife and says. "Definitely no point in waiting now." Robin nods in agreement.
"What's going on guys?" Jason says also curious now.
Robin looks at Stone and gestures for him to do the honors. "Oh, ok. Guys we're gonna have a baby!"
Amberly screams ecstatically but quickly places her hand over her mouth to muffle to sound. After a few hugs and handshakes they begin looking through the menu and the entire evening's conversation is focused on the big news. After dinner they depart and head home following Amberly and Jason most of the way since they live in the same edition. During the drive Stone can't help but laugh.
"What's so funny?" Robin asks.
"Oh nothing, its just when you and Amberly were in the restroom Jason said something to me."
"Yeah?"
"Well he was all, me and Amberly have been married two years longer than you two and you got pregnant first. I was like, yeah so?" Stone says glancing at his wife as he continues. "So then he said we're gonna get him in trouble cause they haven't cranked out any kids yet."
Robin can't help but laugh at the remark as well. "So what did you say?"
"What could I say, I told him you better get busy." Stone replies.
"Well I know they've been trying for a long time, it'll happen for them."
Once they arrive home and get settled in Stone dials his mother on the phone in Illinois and tells her she is going to be a grandmother. After speaking to both her son and daughter-in-law for close to an hour Mrs. Stone finally hangs up the phone.
"She said she wants to come see us in a month or so." Stone says having talked to her last.
Robin smiles as she then dials her parents in Missouri to let them in on the good news as well. After another hour or so on the phone they get ready to go to sleep. They lay in bed that night thinking about a plethora of baby related topics; names, schools, the baby's sex and a number of things that are to come in the future.
"I think we're getting ahead of ourselves, I'm not even showing yet and we've already got a college picked out for this little one." Robin says as they both laugh. Stone turns over and caresses her belly then kisses her. She snuggles up close to him and shortly thereafter they both drift off to sleep.
New York City – Two days later FBI Agent Andrew McCabe is returning home from Greece. As he steps off the plane he is greeted by four other agents assigned to bring out Agent Powell's casket. McCabe receives condolences from them then one of his superiors approaches and orders him to follow. He does as instructed and is led into the small terminal of the private airstrip. After a short ride in an elevator to the second floor he is shown into a small conference room where an older African-American male dressed in a nice suit is awaiting him. McCabe takes a seat as his superior leave the room closing the door behind them.
"Hello Agent McCabe, my name is James Grant."
The next day back at headquarters Stone and Hudson meet up with Drake to swap information on the escalating Iran situation. Unfortunately Drake's orders don't have him posting a team anywhere in Iran but he does have other interesting news.
"Well even though my suspicions were wrong I am sending a unit to Baku to track down an Iranian terrorist." Drake informs.
"Russia?" Hudson says.
"Very southern Russia, yes. Actually Azerbaijan, our Intel tells us Taliq Aziri, a Lieutenant in the Iranian army is headed there soon. It's possible he might even be heading to the U.S." Drake explains.
"Say that again?" Stone says in disbelief.
"You heard me guys, although we don't know that for sure we have confirmed he's on his way to Baku. For what purpose we don't know yet but I'm to send a two man recon team to tail him. If they spot him . . . misbehaving, then they may be ordered to bring him in." Drake says.
"Does this guy work on his own or with a terrorist cell?" Hudson asks.
"Well we believe he's an executive officer for someone higher up but we don't know who yet." Drake replies.
Stone paces the room a couple of times without speaking.
"What are you thinking sir?" Drake says although technically Stone doesn't outrank him anymore.
"Ali Khalid was in Turkey trying to buy U.S. weapons; I wonder if he and this Aziri are working for the same faction." Stone says.
"You mean you think Aziri is heading to Baku to take delivery of another shipment of weapons?" Drake asks.
"It's possible." Stone replies.
"That or he could be making arrangements for further shipments." Hudson puts in.
"Drake I think you better keep in close contact with your unit when you send them out there. I think it would also be good if you kept us in the loop too." Stone suggests.
"Not a problem guys, we may work different jobs now but as far as I'm concerned we're still on the same unit." Drake replies.
"Uh rah!" Stone says.
"When do your men deploy?" Hudson asks.
"Tonight, they'll be in Baku oh . . . probably tomorrow afternoon."
"Alright, let us know as soon as they catch up with Aziri. In the meantime, Will, have our guys see if they can find a connection between him and Khalid." Stone orders.
Two days later Stone and Robin are going to the doctor to have their first ultrasound done. It is a exciting occasion for the two as they get their first glimpse of their child. Stone holds his wife's hand as they both become entranced by the image of the life growing within her. Finally he turns to look at her lovingly, she returns his gaze as their lips meet tenderly.
After the appointment Stone drives Robin back to work before reporting back to work himself.
"So when are you going away again?" Robin asks as he brings the car to a stop in front of her office building.
"I dunno, there's nothing on the horizon but you know how stuff just happens without warning."
"I know, I was just wondering. Have you told everyone about the baby yet?" Robin asks.
"You mean at work, no it didn't feel right without you there."
Robin smiles at his response.
"I figure we'd wait until we all got together for dinner or something." Stone adds as he tries to get a better read on her emotions. "What's on your mind sweetie?"
"I'm just hoping you won't be away too much during the pregnancy."
"I wanna be there for it, all of it. You know I can't promise you anything but I'll see what I can do." Stone says.
When Stone finally arrives back at headquarters he receives some unpleasant news. As he reports to the Shadow conference room he's told by Hudson that's Drake two-man sniper team in Baku have not reported in!
"They caught up with Aziri yesterday evening and followed him to the outskirts of town." Drake explains as Stone enters the room. "They've missed their last two comms check."
"When was the last time you heard from them?" Stone asks.
"Twelve hours ago."
"Damn, where's your backup team?"
Drake informs them that the backup team is stationed in Tbilisi, Georgia and that's he's already ordered them to move to the first team's last known location.
"Good, I assume they'll report in as soon as they pick up the trail on Aziri?" Stone asks.
"Affirmative, if they can find him." Drake replies.
"They need to find out what happened to the first team before we take any action against Aziri." Stone says.
"Copy that." Drake says.
Two nights later in the main conference room Director James Grant, having just returned from his recruiting trip, is holding a briefing with all team commanders and section heads to report on recent activities.
"How was your trip sir?" Hayes asks taking the seat to the right of him at the table.
"Productive, I've got almost a dozen new initiates coming in. They'll start initial training within a week and will be divided up and assigned to alert teams five, six, as well as team Cobalt, Bravo and Shadow." Grant explains. "So let's dig in, Agent Jefferies we'll start with you." Grant says as each team leader is given the floor to report on their recent assignments and progress. Finally Grant addresses Drake to give his report.
"Director if you'll permit me I'll give the floor to Agent Stone, given that both of our recent assignments have focused on Iranian terrorist cells we've been sharing Intel lately." Drake says.
"Very well, proceed Agent Stone." Grant says.
"Yes sir, almost a week ago my team working in unison with alert team 5 intercepted a shipment of U.S. Stinger missiles on its way to Istanbul." Stone goes on to explain the events of the sting operation and the capture of Ali Khalid. He gives the floor back to Drake who explains his orders to send a unit to follow Taliq Aziri.
"With so many weapons deals going down in that area I surmised the possibility that both Khalid and Aziri could be working for the same faction." Stone adds once Drake is done. "Our Intel suggests Aziri was heading to Baku to make arrangements if not take delivery of another shipment of weapons." Stone says.
Although Grant's expression is not a happy one, it is not directed at either of them as he asks them to continue.
"Unfortunately sir we've hit a snag." Stone says looking at Drake.
"Director I had the utmost confidence in my men that they would be able to find Aziri and, if ordered, prevent any deal from taking place. However we lost contact with them, they've now been missing for over forty-eight hours." Drake explains as he notices Grant's expression begin to sour even further. "A backup team stationed in Tbilisi, Georgia was sent in to find the whereabouts of the first team. Just this afternoon I received word from them that they'd found the first team," Drake hesitates a moment before saying with a grave expression. "both men were shot and killed from behind."
"They were spotted tailing Aziri?" Grant asks.
"No way sir, not our men." Stone replies.
"I have a gut feeling someone tipped Aziri off." Drake says. "Of course I have no evidence to back my theory. Anyway since then the second team has been ordered to pick up the trail although that may not be possible now."
"Sir if we lost Aziri it's because I ordered Drake to have his men find the first team before pursuing the target. It's my fault." Stone says swallowing a lump in his throat.
Grant dismisses everyone in the room with the exception of Hayes, Drake and Stone.
"Michael why did you interfere with Drake's command? You had no right to issue those orders to Drake or his men." Hayes says once the room is clear.
Stone's response is stopped cold before he can answer as Grant holds up a hand.
"Hold on there Kim, I don't quite see it that way. Michael I assume, given your orders, that we had no other assets in the area to which we could have pursued both objectives?"
"That's correct sir." Stone replies.
"Tell me about the source of our Intel on Aziri." Grant says changing subjects.
"Abdi Mahad." Hayes says. "Former Iraqi Republican Guard Lieutenant defected during Desert Shield. He's been positioned in Baku for nearly three years as one of our undercover sources. He recently reported in that he was contracted to make sleeping arrangements for Taliq Aziri while in the city."
"You said our analysts believe he might be heading to the U.S. soon. Do they foresee an attack on American soil?" Grant asks.
"Unfortunately sir there's no way to know that at this point." Hayes replies.
"Do we have a picture of Aziri?" he counters.
"No sir, that was actually one of Mahad's objectives. Once in town he was to get us his picture. Thus far we only have a description of the man but he does have one distinguishing mark." Hayes explains. "A very noticeable scar on the left side of his face beginning at his jaw line and running almost back to his ear."
"So if Aziri arrived in Baku two days ago why don't we have his picture yet?" Grant asks.
"Snag two." Stone says.
"Mahad was found dead by local police two days ago with a bullet between his eyes." Hayes states.
"That's why you think someone tipped him off don't you?" Grant says to Drake."
"Yes sir, if someone knew Mahad was feeding Intel to the U.S. then they would certainly cover their tracks. I assume he had his own men fall back to see if anyone was tailing him." Drake says.
"The only other explanation is that someone knew our men where there and reported it to Aziri but I don't see how that's possible." Hayes adds.
"What progress has your second unit made Drake?" Grant asks.
"The trail's gone cold, they lost Aziri north of Baku."
"This is not good news people, Drake keep them out there looking. If they don't come up with anything within twenty-four hours then pull them out." Grant orders.
"Copy that."
"Stone, keep searching for any connection between Khalid and Aziri. If you're right and we can find one then maybe it will lead us to Aziri's location."
"Yes sir."
"Do what you guys do best, dismissed." Grant says.
As they begin to leave the room Stone notices Grant struggling to get out of his chair. At first he thinks nothing of it but as soon as Grant gets to his feet he quickly clutches his left arm in pain.
"Are you alright sir?" Stone asks.
"Uuugh." Grant utters.
"Sir, SIR!" Stone says as Grant falls to the floor!
Stone and the others rush to his side. "Call an ambulance!" he yells as he checks to see if Grant is breathing.
Drake immediately picks up the phone on the conference table and dials 911. Hayes yells for help and within seconds Hudson and a few others enter the room astonished.
"What happened?" Hudson asks.
"I think he's having a heart attack." Stone says beginning CPR. As he tries to beat his mentor's heart alive again Stone suddenly begins to feel like time has slowed around him. He can hear the fear and worry in Hayes' voice behind him as well as others but as his mind is focused on reviving his mentor anything they say is incomprehensible to him.
A half hour later at Howard University Hospital Stone is sitting in a waiting area alone just outside the emergency room. Hayes, Hudson and a few others are all standing a few feet away making phone calls informing Grant's family as well as other government personnel. After a call Hayes looks over at Stone sitting with his face in his hands. She slowly walks over and sits down next to him.
"You did the best you could Michael, you're not responsible."
Stone lifts his head an inch or so uncovering his eyes from his hands. "I . . . . . I couldn't save him." He says quietly.
"Michael no one could have, the doctor said he had a massive heart attack." Hayes says. "He died within a minute or two."
Suddenly Stone hears someone calling his name, he looks up to see Robin turning the corner.
"What are you doing here?" Stone says confused as to how she knew what happened.
"Jason is the administrator of the hospital remember, he saw you come in with someone in the ER and he called me. What happened?"
"Grant died, he had a massive heart attack just after a briefing." Stone explains.
"Oh sweetie I'm so sorry." Robin says as she wraps her arms around him. "Were the paramedics not able to get to him in time?"
Stone is unable to answer as he slowly leaves his wife's embrace and walks outside.
"What the . . .Michael?" Robin says utterly confused by his silence.
"Robin, Michael was administering CPR on Grant when he died. I think he feels responsible." Hayes informs her.
"Oh my god." Robin replies now understanding the scope of her husband's misery.
"Take him home Robin, he doesn't need to report in tomorrow just have him call me." Hayes tells her.
"I will Kim, thank you." Robin walks outside to find Stone already standing by her car; she walks over to him as it starts to rain. "Sweetie, are you alright?" She asks knowing it's a dumb question.
"He's gone, he's just go . . . I . . I couldn't save him, why couldn't I save him." Stone says as he turns to look at Robin with tears running down his face! She holds him close as the floodgates open; she is somewhat taken aback as she has never seen her husband cry before. As he begins to calm himself Robin notices they are still standing out in the rain. She puts him in the car and drives him home.
The next morning Stone awakens around eleven A.M. after a fitful night of tossing and turning. As he gets up to shower and shave he realizes there is a feeling of emptiness in him left from the events of the night before. He tries to shake it off with no success as he enters the kitchen to find his wife still home.
"Morning." She says as she sees the sullen expression on Stone's face.
"How come you're not at work?"
"I took the day off, I wanted to be here for you."
"Thanks but there's no point and I'm late for work as it is." Stone replies.
Robin tells him that Hayes advised her that he is not to report to work today. "She does want you to call her later though."
Stone acknowledges her as he sits down on one of the bar stools; he sits there motionless and silent for a few moments with no expression on his face.
"Can I make you something to eat?" Robin asks trying to break the silence; however Stone either doesn't hear her or doesn't understand the question. "Michael." She says as she walks around the bar and hugs him from behind. "I can't imagine how hard last night was for you but it's not your fault. He's gone and I'm sure he wouldn't want you to blame yourself." Robin pauses for a moment then says. "You're just going to have to make your peace with it and let it go." She continues to hold him tightly in her embrace. Then a few moments later Stone slowly nods his head in acceptance.