III
Later that day from his office at home, Stone makes the phone call to Hayes. "This is Michael." He says.
"I'd ask how you are holding up but I know that's probably a dumb question." Hayes says. "Look uh . . . the memorial service is going to be the day after tomorrow. I'm giving you and your team the day off to attend. Anyone else not on duty is welcome and of course there will be a lot of government and military personnel in attendance as well."
"It is going to be a military burial right?" Stone asks.
"Yes of course, that's kind of why I wanted to talk to you today." Hayes says.
"Oh?"
"Do you want to be a pallbearer . . . . help fold the flag?"
Stone takes a long deep breath then says. "Absolutely, it would be an honor."
"Okay, better dig out your dress blues."
"Do you know who's giving the eulogy?" Stone asks.
"The President." Hayes replies.
"The Pres . . . the President?" Stone says almost in shock.
"Grant was an Admiral in the Navy and head of a government agency; who else would do it?"
"I dunno I guess I just didn't think about it." Stone replies.
Arlington National Cemetery, two days later – At least one hundred people from family and friends to government and military personnel are standing together to honor and say goodbye to James Grant. As the hearse arrives near the burial site Stone, clad in his Marine dress blues, along with five other pallbearers begin to remove the flag covered coffin from the rear of the vehicle. They set it down over the gravesite as President George W. Bush takes the podium.
"ATTENTION!" Stone says in a guttural military voice as every military figure stands at attention to salute the Commander in Chief.
The President returns the salute and asks everyone to be seated with the exception of the pallbearers who remain at attention.
"Today we gather to say goodbye to a great patriot, Admiral James Edward Grant. But we're not here today to just say goodbye to James but to honor him and celebrate his life."
As Stone listens to theses words he begins to feel as if they were meant only for him. He slowly realizes his eyes staring at nothing, his feet feeling like lead and his body although still standing perfectly at attention seems as wobbly as Jell-O; as the cold hard truth finally sinks in. His great mentor, friend and probably the only father figure he's had in his life since the passing of his own father . . . . is really, truly gone!
Suddenly he snaps back to reality as he hears the President's voice back in his head.
"James Grant served his country for fifty-two years, he enlisted in the Navy at seventeen. Many years later he achieved the rank of Admiral then went on to. . . . ." The President's voice fades back out as Stone begins to think about his memories of Director Grant. Times like the day he was promoted by Grant to team leader and given command of a newly formed unit, Shadow team; or the day he first met Grant, he had just gotten out of the Marines and was recruited into Omega Sector. Before he realizes it the President eulogy is almost over.
"He was a good sailor, a natural leader and a loyal friend; above all he was a true patriot. He dedicated his life to protecting this great nation and its people, we're gonna miss you James."
Everyone rises as the band begins to play Taps; Stone and the other five pallbearers begin folding the American flag laid upon the casket. Once folded Stone walks over to President Bush, hands him the flag and salutes.
Before taking the flag to Grant's wife the President looks Stone in the eyes and says, "I'm told you were there during his last moments; I'm sorry for you loss Agent Stone."
Stone fights to keep his composure and softly replies, "Thank you Mr. President."
As the President steps away to present the flag and offer his condolences to Grant's wife Stone looks over at Robin standing next to Hudson, who is clad in his Army dress uniform, as well as other Omega Sector personnel. As she meets his gaze she mouths, I love you, to him.
Hudson notices and leans over to whisper something to Robin. "He's taking this pretty hard isn't he?"
Robin simply nods then whispers back, "He's in so much pain."
A few moments later the Honor Guard fires the twenty-one-gun salute.
As the service ends and everyone begins to disperse Stone walks over to Robin and into her awaiting arms. When he pulls out of the embrace he notices Hudson standing by his side.
"Don't I get a hug?" Hudson says at least attempting to produce a smile on his friend's face. He is somewhat successful as Stone lightly grins and the two friends exchange a quick hug. "I know how much you looked up to him, I'm here for you if you need me."
"Thanks bud." Stone says.
A moment later Hayes quietly gathers all the O.S. personnel together in a group. "Okay guys, you're all dismissed for the rest of the day but I need all team leaders to convene at headquarters for a staff meeting at midnight. Watts contact anyone who's not here and relay that info for me."
"Ma'am any team leader who was not present today is out of the country on assignment." Watts replies.
"Okay then they will have to be briefed upon their return. Does anyone want to say anything before we disperse?" Hayes asks.
"Yeah, I say we all meet at the Pub tonight for a drink; make a toast to Director Grant." Hudson suggests.
"That's a great idea William, seven o'clock work for everyone?" Hayes says. After receiving all affirmative responses she dismisses them for the afternoon. Before Stone can take a step Hayes grabs his arm. "Michael, before the service I spoke briefly to Mrs. Grant, she'd like to have a word with you in private before you leave."
Stone looks over at the crowd of friends and family surrounding Grant's widow; he says nothing for a moment then agrees. "Alright, I'll meet you at the car sweetie." He says to Robin as he kisses her on the cheek.
As Stone walks over she sees him approaching and breaks away from her group of family members. He stands at ease as he greets her. "Mrs. Grant . . I'm so sorry."
"Walk with me?" she asks.
Stone extends his arm out to escort her as they walk.
"They told me that you were there when it happened, that you tried to save him?"
"Yes ma'am." Stone replies.
"You and I have never had a chance to get to know each other but my James spoke of you often."
"Oh?"
"He'd always come home saying things like, that Michael Stone is one heck of a soldier, more dedicated than any other he'd ever seen."
Stone begins to find it somewhat comforting as he hears his mentor's own thoughts about him.
"One time, James came home and said you were missing in action." Says Mrs. Grant as she continues. "I'd never seen him so concerned for one of his men before."
While flattered Stone finds that hard to believe as the Grant he knew never showed his true emotions. Of course then again neither does he except to Robin. Mrs. Grant goes on for a few moments before saying something that catches Stone off guard.
"You know, James and I never had any children of our own but one day he said if we ever had he'd want a son to be the kind of man Michael Stone is." They stop walking as she turns to look at Stone. "I knew my James better than anyone and when he said that do you know what I thought he really meant?"
"No ma'am."
"I think to James you were always the son he never had." She says taking his hands in hers.
Stone struggles to hold back the tears forming behind his eyes as he looks at Mrs. Grant. "Thank you ma'am, he was every bit of a father figure and more to me."
"I can see the pain behind those eyes honey, you must promise me that you won't blame yourself over this. I know you did everything you could but it was just his time."
"Yes ma'am, I promise."
She gives him a hug then Stone escorts her to the limousine where the rest of her family awaits.
Robin watches her husband say a few last words to Mrs. Grant through the side view mirror of Stone's blazer. Stone walks over and gets into the car, as he pulls his seatbelt on he notices Robin staring at him.
"What?" he says softly.
"Have I told you today how handsome you look in that uniform?"
Stone smiles and says thank you, then he leans over to kiss her. "Thank you for being here with me today."
"I wouldn't be anywhere else." She replies.
Azerbaijan – Fifty miles north of Baku, Taliq Aziri and his men are in a car heading for Astrakhan to catch a plane. Aziri boots up his computer while en route and attempts to make contact with the Jackhammer, an alleged arms dealer, the same one who setup up the deal for his colleague Ali Khalid. After a few minutes he finally establishes an online dialogue with him on a secure network.
Jackhammer, the deal in Istanbul went south, there were American agents waiting for our contact. My employer believes you set us up! Aziri types into the chat room. After a moment a response is entered from the Jackhammer.
It wasn't me and it's not my fault if the Americans intercepted it in transit. I just setup the contract and ship the goods so I'm not responsible.
How can I be sure you weren't one of the agents there during the sting?
I guess you can't, deal with it. Replies the Jackhammer.
Then you leave us no choice, we're backing out of the next deal. If we can't trust you then we're not putting our necks on the line anymore.
Trust, right! Replies the Jackhammer mockingly. You're buying weapons on the black market; trust was never a factor in our arrangements. And if you even think of backing out you're a dead man, the goods have already been shipped.
Then give me some assurance that there won't be people waiting for us at the next pickup. Aziri types back as no response comes back for several minutes.
What kind of . . assurance?
Aziri thinks for a moment then types in his answer. You deliver the merchandise yourself!
Impossible, you know I don't make public appearances. Comes the immediate reply.
We'll pay you double in return. Aziri adds.
Again there's a long pause before the Jackhammer responds. Done.
How can I identify you?
The Jackhammer enters a code phrase into the chat room then instructs Aziri to link up again in an hour to discuss an alternate rendezvous point. A moment later the Jackhammer signs off. Aziri quickly memorizes the phrase then turns off his computer.
"The fool doesn't even know he's walking into a trap." Aziri says aloud.
"We going to kill this guy then?" one of his men asks.
"Eventually, first we acquire the weapons then we subdue him and find out everything he knows. Then we'll kill him." Aziri says.
That night at a Georgetown bar called the Pub, several Omega Sector agents and personnel meet up to toast to their fallen Director.
"Here's to Director James Grant, one of the wisest men I've ever known." Hudson says raising his glass.
"To James Grant." Stone says as everyone clinks his or her beer mugs together. As everyone takes their seats the waitress arrives with a tray full of various appetizers for everyone to share. As earlier in the day Robin notices her husband once again staring off into space.
"You know what might cheer you up." She says leaning over to him.
"What's that?" Stone replies turning his attention to his wife.
"Telling everyone about the baby."
Stone thinks for a moment then smiles. "You're right, it would." He rises from his chair as he gathers everyone's attention. "I know today is a sad one for all of us . . . . . especially myself but if it's alright with everyone I'd like to share some good news with you." Stone says as he holds Robin's hand. "Robin and I are going to have a baby!"
At hearing that Stone and Robin receive congratulations from everyone; they both receive hugs from Hudson.
"That's great news you guys, congratulations." Hudson says after releasing Robin from a hug.
"That just means you're gonna be Uncle Hudson." Stone replies.
A few minutes later Hayes rises from her seat to depart but not before whispering something to Stone as he's about to take a drink of his beer.
"Can you meet me at headquarters an hour before the meeting, we need to talk about a few things."
Stone holds the mug in mid motion as he says. "Okay sure."
"Oh also ask Hudson to join us at midnight."
"Copy that." Still curious what she's referring to his takes a drink of the beer and turns his attention back to the group.
After dinner Robin talks him into seeing a movie before he has to report in at eleven. The movie successfully takes Stone's mind off the events of the past few days and afterwards he drives Robin home before heading downtown.
"What time do you think you'll be in? Robin asks.
"Oh one-thirty, maybe two. If you're tired don't wait up for me." He kisses her then drives off.
He arrives at headquarters to find it the most empty he's ever seen. With the exception of the twenty-four hour communications team and building security on duty everyone else was given the night off. Stone peeks his head into Hayes' office but does not find her inside. He looks around and finally notices the light on inside Director Grant's office! He walks in to find Hayes sitting behind the desk with paperwork scattered everywhere.
"Kim, everything alright?"
"Yes, come on in and sit down I have something for you." Hayes turns around in the swivel chair and begins entering in a combination on Grant's safe!
"How do you have access to that?" Stone asks curiously.
"I'm Deputy Director Michael, after Grant's death all his private files and access codes were forwarded to me."
"Oh right, I guess I just hadn't thought about that."
"It's late, I'll let it slip." She says casually. She opens the small safe and pulls out a red file folder and two sealed envelopes; one with her name on it and one with Stone's. "He wrote these last year."
"You've read them?"
"No, the morning after he died I spoke with the National Security Advisor and the Secretary of Defense. They informed me that sometime last year Grant had a meeting with them that involved the existence and contents of both letters. More importantly they discussed the future changes in the chain of command within Omega Sector." Hayes explains handing him the envelope. "I thought it would only be fair to read them together."
With a confused look on his face Stone opens his letter, which reads:
Dear Michael,
If you are reading this then one way or another my time on this earth has ended. I wanted you to know that you were not only the finest soldier I've ever had under my command but a great leader and a good friend. I always felt a kinship to you and even though I never let my emotions interfere with my duty, it is true. As orders instructed you should be reading this within hours of my funeral. If this day was as hard for you as writing this letter was for me then I'm sure what I have to say next will be the last thing you want to hear right now. However duty calls and I know you will be able to accept it. Michael, effective immediately you're going to be promoted to Deputy Director of Omega Sector!
In shock by what he's just read Stone's reflexes force him to drop the letter from his grasp. "Pro . . . . promoted! I'm going to be promoted to Deputy Director?!"
"Finish the letter Michael." Hayes says without taking her eyes off her own letter.
Still caught completely off guard, Stone walks out of the office to the water cooler down the hall and gets a drink. He takes a moment to breathe, gets another quick drink then walks back into the office, picks up the letter and continues.
. . . Now I know this will probably take you by surprise Michael but you're the man for the job. I have faith in you son. Forgive me for calling you son; I know since your father's death so many years ago that it's always been painful to hear anyone else call you that. But to me that's what you've been, the son I never had. No correction, the son I always wanted. Now I'm confident in my decision and so is the White House. You already know all you need to do this job and of course Kim will be there to help you with any fine-tuning along the way. I'm sure you are thinking this isn't for you Michael, just believe in yourself as I always have and you can do it. And I'm sure Robin will be glad to hear that most of your trips from now on will be to places like the Pentagon and the White House instead of overseas.
Stone actually smiles at that thought as he finishes the last section of the letter.
Well Michael, sadly it's time to say goodbye, I wish you and Robin all the best in the world. My only regret is that I may never get the chance to see the son I always wanted to have a child of his own someday. Farewell my friend.
Director James Edward Grant
Admiral United States Navy
"He didn't know." Stone says with a sad look on his face.
"Didn't know what?" Hayes asks finally finishing her letter.
Feeling a sense of peace at Grant's words Stone decides to keep the details of the letter to himself. "Nothing, so I'm Deputy Director now, I guess that makes you Director right?"
"That's right."
"Is that what this meeting is for, to inform everyone about the new chain of command." Stone asks.
"That's affirmative, I always knew when Grant resigned or what not that I would most likely get the job. Of course for you it must be a lot to take in." Hayes says.
"It was a minute ago." Stone pauses. "But after reading the whole letter . . . . I think I'm good."
Based off his response and composure Hayes senses some resolution within Stone for the first time since the night Grant died.
"Well we've got a lot to do to get you up to speed, we'll make this meeting tonight fairly quick and tomorrow I'll have my effects moved in here so you can start moving into my old office."
"Oh yeah, I'll get my own office. Cool." Stone replies.
"There are a few things we need to go over before the others get here though, anything we don't cover we'll get to in the coming days."
Almost an hour later Hudson, Drake, Rawlings, Howser and the other team leaders arrive and assemble in the main conference room. Stone looks out of the hall to see them all taking their seats and awaiting his and Hayes' arrival.
"Looks like they're all here." He says.
"Okay." Hayes says as she locks away some documents within the safe. "Are you ready for this Deputy Director Stone?"
"You know that has a nice ring to it." Hayes simply smiles. "After you Director Hayes."
As the newly appointed leaders of Omega Sector walk out to the conference room Stone begins to feel a bigger sense of leadership in him than ever before. Hayes takes the head seat at the table, previously occupied by Grant. Stone then follows suit and takes her old seat to the Director's right. At first no one seems to notice the change except Hudson, he eyes them both curiously as Hayes begins to speak.
"Good evening everyone. I promise we'll make this fairly short, I know it's already been a long day." Hayes opens her dossier and clears her throat. "Effective today I took command of Omega Sector as authorized by the President and Secretary of Defense. As per the wishes of the late Director Grant the White House has also approved the promotion of Agent Michael Stone to the position of Deputy Director in my place."
Without drawing too much attention to himself Hudson smiles at his friend's achievement, as well as having somewhat predicted what Hayes was about to tell them.
"Agent Hudson, that leaves you in sole command of Shadow team. Congratulations I know you'll make us proud." Hayes adds.
"Yes ma'am, thank you!" Hudson replies.
About a half hour later Hayes dismisses everyone but Hudson, he remains seated as everyone else leaves the room.
"William, since your team is now another man short Michael and I will be sure to replenish your ranks as soon as possible. Shortly before he died Grant went on a recruiting trip to find new agents for Omega. Now I haven't been through those files yet, much less found them, but I'm going to put Michael in charge of going through them and finding you some new people." Hayes explains.
"Good deal, I assume you want me to continue working on Khalid and these weapons dealings?" Hudson asks looking at both of them.
Stone quickly turns to Hayes for an answer.
"You're call Deputy." She says.
"You bet." Stone says to Hudson. "I'll find some new men for you as soon as possible, until then if you need support let me know and can assign a backup team."
"Keep in mind that any new recruits Grant selected still has to go through orientation first before being assigned." Hayes adds.
"Right so we're looking at a month at the earliest." Hudson says.
"Copy that. Okay you two are dismissed, you can report back tomorrow at ten hundred." Hayes says. "I'm going to stop in communications on my way out and issue orders that all deployed teams are briefed on the new chain of command."
"You realize probably every team that's currently deployed on mission hasn't even heard about Grant's death yet." Stone adds.
"I know, I'll take care of it. You two go home." Hayes says.
"Yes ma'am." Stone and Hudson say in sequence.
Minsk, Belarus – Ten miles outside of town Taliq Aziri and his men are awaiting the arrival of the Jackhammer.
"You sure this is the right place?" Aziri asks one of his men.
"Yes boss, I'm sure. Five miles from the hotel at the old stables." The henchman replies.
Just then Aziri spots the van coming down the road towards the stables and stops head to head with their vehicle. The driver side door opens and a slender Caucasian woman with black hair emerges wearing a black trench coat and gloves. Aziri and his men step out of their car to meet her.
"Okay lady where's the Jackhammer?" Aziri asks not pleased with the delay. However he is shocked when he hears the lady speak the code phrase that the Jackhammer sent to him online. "You're the Jackhammer!?"
"Let's see the money." She says as she lights a cigarette.
Still shocked that he's been dealing with a woman all along Aziri snaps his fingers as two of his men retrieve two silver cases from their trunk. They open them up to reveal the six million dollars.
"Weapon is in the back." The Jackhammer says once satisfied with the contents of the cases.
"You open it." Aziri says.
The Jackhammer takes a puff of the cigarette then opens the driver side sliding door revealing the wooden crate.
"Open it up." Aziri says hoping to get her within a confined space.
"I don't think so, you've got your men here to keep an eye on me. You do it, the lid has already been loosened."
Aziri steps into the van and inspects the U.S. made Stinger missile with all its components, however he only finds one. He steps out of the van and vehemently asks where the rest of the missiles are. The Jackhammer simply nods her head towards the abandoned stables.
"You two go check it out." Aziri says ordering two of his henchman as the third remains with him and the Jackhammer.
"You're simply beside yourself aren't you Aziri." The Jackhammer says noticing his contempt for her as a woman.
"I don't know if you had something to do with the last deal getting botched or not but either way I think this will be the last time we do business together."
"Fine but in the meantime wipe that detestable look off your face before I make you eat it!"
Before he can respond they see a bright ball of fire light up towards the back of the stables and the report of the explosion is heard. Aziri and his man crouch as the explosion dies off just as he realizes he's been set up! He and his man both reach for their pistols as he suddenly sees the other man's head explode! He pulls his gun just as he feels the muzzle of another gun on his neck. He slowly turns his head to see the Jackhammer holding a silenced Walther PPK.
"You don't get to dictate terms to me you terrorist trash!" she says as she pulls the trigger! The round goes through Aziri's throat, he drops his gun as he begins bleeding out. Before he even falls to his knees the Jackhammer puts two more in his head. "Did you really think you'd make it out of here alive after seeing my face?" The Jackhammer says aloud. She takes another puff of her cigarette as she hears a voice in her head through the hidden transmitter in her ear.
"Go check inside and make sure there are no survivors, I'm on my way."
"Uh hmm." She hums taking in more of the nicotine from the cigarette.
After clearing the stables the Jackhammer walks out spotting a gray four-door sedan approach. The driver gets out and grabs one of the metal cases as she picks up the other one. They walk around to the open trunk and they shove them in alongside the sniper rifle the driver used to take out the third henchman from across the field.
"Van?" she asks the man as they secure the cases in the trunk.
"Van."
As the man gets back in the driver seats and backs the car away from the stables the Jackhammer walks to the van and pulls out a cloth diaper. Even though currently wearing gloves she wipes down any fingerprints she may have left when she first acquired it. Once done she retrieves the lone Stinger from the back of the van, heaves it over her shoulder and closes the sliding door. She walks twenty yards or so out of range before stopping. She lines up her aim on the engine block of the van and fires the missile! The resulting explosion not only destroys the van but Aziri's car as well, which was parked just inches away. She walks back and tosses the empty launcher on the fire as her accomplice brings the car around. She puts out her cigarette and gets in the front seat.
"Good job sister." Says the driver.
That evening after the meeting when Stone arrives home he walks into the bedroom where Robin is sleeping and wakes her up to tell her the good news.
"Robin wake up." He says as he softly shakes her.
"Huh, when will you be back?" Robin instinctively says assuming he is leaving for an assignment.
"No, I'm not going anywhere sweetie. In fact I you won't have to worry about that hardly ever again."
"What, what do you mean hardly ever?" Robin says once fully awake.
"I'm Deputy Director!"
"What?"
"Here read this." Stone says handing her the letter from Grant.
Robin sits up and turns on the lamp at her bedside as Stone explains that both he and Kim were promoted. He remains silent as she reads the letter.
"Oh Michael, I don't know what to say. I mean the things he said about you . . . you must be . . ." Just then she notices the sense of peace in Stone's complexion, she places her hand on the side of his face and smiles. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I mean I will be." He whispers back.
"I'm so proud of you baby." She says as she kisses him tenderly. "So Deputy Director huh, congratulations."
"Thank you. I'd trade it in a second to have him back."
"I know you would but you look like you've finally gotten some closure, you've been a wreck for the last two days. So with this promotion what kind of pay raise are we talking about?" Robin says trying to change the subject.
"More than decent but more importantly I'll be home more often."
"That sounds good to me, which means you'll be around for the pregnancy." Robin replies.
Stone affectionately places his hand on her stomach, he smiles as he caresses the little one growing within her as he looks into her eyes and says. "I love you."
"I love you too."
A moment later his lips meet hers as he falls into her arms.
When Stone arrives to headquarters shortly before ten hundred the next morning he finds a lady from the cleaning staff vacuuming his new office.
"I'm almost done Deputy Director Stone, I'll be out of your hair in a moment or two." The maid says.
"Take your time, it's no hurry." Stone replies already getting used to the sound of his name attached to his new title. Stone notices with all of Hayes' stuff moved out the office not only looks empty but brand new. Before coming in this morning he gathered some pictures from home to place in his new office, he sets a medium sized box down on the desk and begins pulling them out one by one. Among them are his wedding picture, one that Robin picked out of him in his Marine dress uniform, a larger one of just Robin and an older picture he used to keep near his bed of him and his father when he was only four years old. He begins placing them around the office just as the maid finishes up and prepares to leave. As she walks out the door Hudson enters.
"Reporting for duty Deputy Director Stone."
"Hey man. You know I never got to congratulate you last night." Stone replies.
"Me its all you who should be getting the props here, I mean look at all this." Hudson says admiring his friend in his new environment. "You're gonna make him real proud Michael; not to mention the rest of us."
Stone begins to wonder if Hudson means Grant or his father seeing as he just placed the picture of him and his dad as he walked in the door. Either way he appreciates the sentiment. "Thanks man."
After getting settled in Stone walks over to see Hayes.
"So how's it fit?" Hayes asks.
"What, oh the office? It's great Kim, thanks."
"I have something for you." Hayes says reaching into her purse. She pulls out a small object covered in gift-wrapping.
"Wow, a promotion a raise and now presents!" He says jokingly says as he unwraps the gift.
"It's for your office, I ordered it the day after . . . well." Hayes stops knowing she doesn't need to finish the sentence.
After removing the wrapping paper Stone finds a very shiny desktop sign with his name and new title engraved on it. "Oh Kim, it . . . it's great, thank you."
After two weeks of continued training with Hayes, Stone finally calls Hudson and Drake to his office for updates on their recent activities.
"It's good to see you guys, I've been so busy getting the hang of all my new responsibilities I might as well have been out of the country." Stone says. "So what's new?"
After hearing Drake's report as section chief of sniper ops he turns to Hudson and asks what Shadow team has been working on lately. But before Hudson can answer a thought occurs to him. "Should we even call it that anymore, with both Drake and myself no longer assigned we could re-designate."
"He's right, it's just . . . . HAOW team now." Drake says making a joke.
When Shadow team was formed over nine years ago the team got its name due to the coincidental fact that first letter of every agent's last name together spelled shadow.
"O'Bryan actually brought up that same question recently so we took a vote." Hudson replies. "The consensus was that name would stay the same no matter who left or came in. The six of us built Shadow and we want to keep it that way."
"Sounds good to me." Drake says.
"Me too, very well." Stone adds.
Hudson then begins to give his report informing Stone that he and Drake have still been working together on the side to locate Taliq Aziri. "We've still found no trace of him, of course since Drake was forced to pull out his last unit it has made our efforts more difficult. I was going to ask for permission to take Shadow to Azerbaijan and see if we can pick up the trail but I'm still two men short."
"I know Will I'm sorry about that. I just today found Grant's files from his recruiting trip. Luckily before he passed Grant had already initiated several new recruits for us, however they are still going through orientation and won't be ready for active duty for at least another two weeks." Stone explains. "I plan to start going through those files today and start preparing team assignments for them.
"Understood." Hudson replies.
"However I think you're right, we need to get a team back out there and track down Aziri." Stone adds looking through the intelligence reports they have thus far on Aziri.
"What did you have in mind?" Hudson asks.
"Well until we get you reinforced I'll assign Bravo team the mission, I can get them airborne within two hours. I'll talk to Huber and have him report to you directly." Stone says still looking through the Intel file. "Anything else?"
"No sir." Hudson and Drake say in unison.
"Okay dismissed."
As they leave his office Stone picks up the phone and asks Comms Agent Sarah Dyson to page Agent Huber.
"Yes sir." Dyson replies.
A few moments later Agent Ian Huber enters his office.
"Have a seat Ian. I show you're team's currently assigned tracking a known Syrian car bomber, what's the latest."
"We've had him under heavy satellite surveillance for the last two weeks, plus we've got sources in the area feeding us Intel but he hasn't gotten his hands dirty once since we've been on him." Huber explains.
"Do you think our sources have been compromised?"
"Not a chance, rumor has it he's been targeted by a rival faction after one of his pet projects took out the wrong target in Beirut last month. However we recently proved this claim was false."
"Is that one hundred percent confirmed?" Stone asks.
"Yes sir, the faction leader's been dead for over two months. Died in a Turkish prison, the faction all but disintegrated after that." Huber explains.
Stone chuckles slightly. "So he's crapping his pants for nothing huh."
"Looks that way."
"Well we will continue to keep tabs on him but for now I'm pulling you off that assignment and giving you a new one. Get your team assembled in conference room four and I'll be there in five minutes."
"Yes sir." Huber says as he stands to leave. "May I ask where we're going sir?"
"Azerbaijan." Stone replies as he picks up the phone and dials Hudson's desk. "Meet me in conference room four in five and bring all the Intel you have on Aziri.
"Copy that, what about Drake?" Hudson asks.
"He's got enough on his plate right now besides this Op doesn't require the attention of three teams." Stone replies. He hangs up the phone and begins organizing a flight out for Bravo team.
After briefing Bravo team on their mission to Baku and their target Taliq Aziri, Stone returns to his office and begins looking through the recruiting files Grant had collected almost three weeks earlier. First he focuses his attention on the recruits already in basic orientation and training. He looks through a few of the files deciding where best to assign them once and if they make it through orientation, then he comes to a file of an FBI agent named Andrew McCabe.
Stone begins to read the profile on the remarkable FBI agent. When he gets to the bottom of the report he learns how McCabe helped dissolve an Iranian terrorist cell that hijacked an airliner heading from Madrid to Athens. Knowing his currents events well Stone is surprised to learn that an armed American agent was on board. He goes on to read that McCabe's partner of several years, Agent Powell, was killed during the attempt to retake the plan. Attached Stone finds a copy of the statement given by McCabe after the plane safely landed in Athens. Also within the file Stone finds McCabe's vital statistics including a list of accolades and other skills acquired throughout his history.
"Ten years studying jujitsu, state wrestling champion back in high school, five years specializing in anti-terrorism with the FBI, Harvard law degree! Whoa, no wonder Grant went after this kid." Stone says to himself. After finishing the file Stone notices it does not include a list of case histories for McCabe; also while the report does include the preliminary background checks no verbal inquires have yet to be made. He picks up the phone and dials the number to FBI headquarters in New York City.