Hothead, Tan Boots, Winds & Qasim

SRU HQ – Briefing Room

It was a glum team minus Sam that sat eating a late lunch of hastily ordered deli sandwiches and chips. The team had quickly showered and changed to a third uniform today, the last were so drenched in sweat they had become stiff with salts by the time they arrived at the barn. The heat and situation had made them all tense and on edge. They all wished they had more information now, they all wanted to take action now and get that sweet little boy back safe and sound.

As he absently munched on a sandwich Spike was loading the last of the images from the camera to his laptop. He was still running facial recognition searches as he set up analysis program to run on the interior shots. If he was lucky he might be able to find something to help id the location.

Unfortunately the camera was so old there were no GPS tags on the photos. He would have to go a bit old school and look for lighting angles and look for images that showed any exteriors. This was gonna take time. He was still upset that he found nothing of the three vehicles with the traffic cams. His fingers tapped away on the keys.

The three JTF2 guys sat in the back of the briefing room. Sarge told them to go with the SRU officers and he would join them shortly. He then left in the Humvee with the one they assumed was in charge. Mason still had not told them anything yet, it sucked not knowing. They were sure that Pirate and Lotus knew what was going on because they were sent to protect someone called Blaze.

Apollo was stewing; he didn't understand why they, an elite JTF2 unit, were here and just sitting around. It annoyed him. He saw all the dead bodies and knew something was up. He was ready for action but here they sat in a room twiddling their thumbs.

They watched the Sergeant and his TL sitting at the head of the table discussing something quietly while these so called elite police officers ate a lunch. That guy with the laptop looked like he was playing some game or something. Didn't they have work to do? That cute brunette had her head on the table and appeared to be sleeping. That other guy was off in the corner talking to someone called Shel and telling her to hug the girls for him. Pfft personal calls on duty how undisciplined they were.

Pawn was watching the SRU team. Christ they looked wiped out and most he could see were a little battered or bruised. That must have been a horrific call; all those dead bodies. They looked a little better after their quick showers. Hell the time it took them to shower, change and reassemble could put a unit ready time to shame. The only way he knew they showered was the wet hair on the petite officer and the guy with the laptop.

He was more curious now than before. Sarge had ranted and raved all the way here. But his demeanor changed so much when he saw that blonde headed SRU officer. Pawn assumed it was the Blondie he had been cussing out all the way.

It didn't look like he hated Blondie like he had assumed on the ride over because when they arrived he had hugged the blonde and the blonde had smiled at the Sarge. He also thought he saw concern flash across Sarge's face as the two had gotten into the Humvee. Angry, yes; hate, no. He had to think on this. Appearances could be deceiving and assumptions deadly.

Leah saw the JTF2 guys sitting by themselves. They looked a bit lost and confused. She thought she should try to engage them in conversation since they were likely going to work together. She was sitting closest to them and ventured "Hi I'm Leah. What are your names?

The guy closest to her looked at her a little startled and answered "I'm Cameo, this here is Apollo and that is Pawn."

Leah wasn't sure if those were code names or last names "So Cameo, how long have you known Sam?"

The three looked between at each other perplexed; Cameo answered "No idea who you are talking about."

Wordy had finished talking with Shel and heard Leah and the answer. He walked closer and sat next to the one they introduced as Pawn then offered casually "Blondie?" Recognition and something else crossed each of their faces. Wordy gave them a questioning look; not quite sure what their looks meant.

Apollo let his frustration get the better of him and answered snidely "Yeah well no, not personally but Sarge sure as hell knows him. Mason couldn't stop cussing all the way over here. He was so pissed off at whoever this Blondie guy is for some reason. Said he was gonna get him alone and then kick that cocky little shit's ass. He planned to beat the holy living crap out of him."

The team did not laugh and five sets of eyes bored hard into the JTF2 guys Ed, Wordy and Spike all stood. Jules removed her phone ready to make a call. Leah wondered at the team's reaction. Instinctively she scooted her chair back away from the JTF2 guys and closer to the team to show solidarity with the team. The JTF2 guys felt the awkwardness and wondered what they did wrong.

Apollo's first reaction was to protect his friends so reacted defensively. He stood and placed his hand on his side arm but stopped short of withdrawing it as he said with some heat "What the hell?"

Cameo and Pawn froze in place when the TL rapidly strode directly to Apollo and within inches of his face asked in a hard edged voice "Was he serious?"

Ed was concerned. He had only met Mason once. He seemed likable and Sam looked like he was glad to see him this afternoon but he knew that Sam had enemies. The repercussions from the investigation of his military career had hit many people. Sam didn't share any details other than to say that he was likely on many people's shit list.

Spike and Wordy had also positioned themselves closer Cameo and Pawn.

Apollo met Ed's hard edge with heat as he replied "Was who serious?"

"Mason, was he serious when he threatened Sam?" Ed growled.

"Just who the hell is Sam?" Apollo bit back harshly, letting his anger rise.

Pawn having put two and two together stood slowly and non-threateningly with is palms out. Apollo was a hothead and didn't think things through. It was gonna get himself killed one day if he didn't learn to control it.

He quickly looked at Apollo, then Pawn said in a calm voice "Apollo stand down. I think Sam is Blondie. I think Blondie is the guy Mason was talking too and Blondie is the SRU guy in charge of this mission." Then he turned to Ed and said in the same calm voice "Sir. No I do not think Mason was serious."

Ed's stance relaxed a bit at the words and he turned to Pawn "Are you sure?"

Pawn nodded then added "Well he did rant a lot about kicking his ass. But he kept repeating something about how the fuck did hell freeze over as he slammed his hand on the steering wheel. He also kept say that he better have a damned good reason. At the time I thought he hated the guy. But when we got here and I saw him hug that blonde officer it made me think it was more worried angry like this Blondie guy was very important to him."

Sighs of relief were heard from five people. Cameo had watched it all transpire. He was glad Pawn defused the situation. Apollo really needed to learn restraint, he was gonna get them all killed one day. He cleared his throat and said "So this Sam or Blondie guy, just who the hell is he and why is he in charge of a JTF2 mission?"

Ed looked at them calmed now and said "His name is Sam Braddock." He was going to say more but the shocked understanding looks in their eyes said they knew who Sam was.

Stunned Apollo and Pawn sank into their chairs as Apollo said "No fucking way. Blondie is the General's son. Shit." Apollo thought, this just got interesting. He heard the stories and rumors about Braddock. Hell he had tried hard to break his records on the obstacle course in training. He came close, very close but they still stood.

Sam's Apartment

Mason and Sam diverted to Sam's apartment. They had not had a chance to talk on the way to the apartment because Sam was on the phone with Sutton regarding several things. First and foremost he needed the clearances for the team right now.

Sam was pissed it was taking so long. Second he relayed the potential threat to Blaze and his unit and requested more security for them. Lastly, he inquired if Winds had made any contact. Upon arrival Sam motioned Mason to the small kitchen and indicated to him to help himself to whatever, there was not much. Sam usually ate takeout.

He had quickly showered and towel dried his hair. After pulling on his boxers he opened his closet and pulled a bag from the back. He laid it on the bed and removed the components of a uniform he swore he would never wear again. He stared down at them and his eyes landed on his boots.

He had held it together so far but his eyes narrowed in on the stain on the side of his left boot. He had tried to clean them after, but he couldn't get all the blood off. Matt's blood stained his boot as permanently as it stained his soul. His emotions unlocked and he dropped to his knees and let out a single strangled howl of pain.

Mason heard the pain filled howl emitted from Blondie's room. He instantly raced to it and opened the door. He found Blondie on his knees his head bowed. He was on his knees in front of him in a blink of an eye. Mason reached out for his shoulder as he said softy and full of concern "Blondie?"

Sam raised his head and Mason could see the bitter pain reflected in his eyes. Sam pulled back out of Mason's grasp and tried to stand. He stumbled but Mason's hand quickly caught him and his firm grip prevented him from falling. Sam tried to pull away again.

But this time Mason held tight and forcefully pulled him into a hug as Sam struggled to get out of it. Then the fight left Sam and he let Mason hold him. Sam's arms hung limp at his sides as Mason's wrapped firmly around his upper body and held him very close. Sam turned his head to the side as a few tears slipped from his eyes.

Mason knew whatever was going on was multi-layered. Blondie did not breakdown easily. The look in his eyes said it all. He was in pain, deep, penetrating pain. He knew that kind of pain could not be related to only reactivating or Blaze being hurt.

Something else was in play here and he needed to find out what. But first Blondie needed a bit of comfort so he could pull it back together, so he just held tightly. After about five minutes Blondie tried to pull away again. Mason let him and simply said "I'll be in the kitchen." He left the room and closed the door.

Sam stood there for several more minutes as the few tear streaks dried. He picked up the towel off his bed and scrubbed his face harshly to remove all traces of the tears. He was so not okay, very close to being fine. He needed to be objective. It was so hard.

The years with SRU had changed him. It was harder and harder to slip into and stay in the detached soldier mode. His ability to keep his masks on had diminished somewhat.

The effect of connecting with people in the worse minutes of their lives had an impact on who he was. Most times he thought it was for the better, but now he needed the old Sam in order to get through this. But he didn't quite exist now.

He looked at the boots again. Some god damned boots had undone him. He picked them up and shoved them back into the bag and put the bag in the back of the closet. He hoped he could do this. Ben, Daphne and Blaze needed him to be able to do this. He would do his best. He just hoped his best would be good enough.

Sam sighed deeply as he started to don the uniform. He hated the tan uniform. A huge part of him already missed the cool pants. When he finished tying his black SRU boots he stood and grabbed the tan beret and put it on.

He looked in the mirror and it was an odd mix he saw reflected; part Army and part SRU. Army uniform with SRU boots, tactical gear and sidearm topped with a tan Special Forces beret. Yeah, that was him right now; stuck between worlds. One he didn't want but was now committed to and one he wanted desperately but had voluntarily given up. He threw the beret on the bed, too damned hot to wear that today.

Sam reached up to the left pocket of his SRU tact vest and pulled out the duck drawing and unfolded it. Images of both Matt and Ben entered his mind. He stared at it trying to decide whether to leave it here or take it with him. In the end he placed it on the dresser. The picture represented innocence; it had no place in a uniform of violence. He left his room.

He found Mason at the small island counter with two ham and cheese sandwiches and two sodas.

"Lunch is served Sir" Mason said casually teasing as he observed the mixed uniform. Blondie didn't belong in the Army anymore. It hurt to know he was stuck there now.

Ignoring the Sir comment, Sam grabbed one of the plates and a soda then headed to the family room area and sat in the black swivel chair. Mason followed and lowered himself to the couch.

Sam said "So what do I need to know? What was it that Sutton wanted to tell me but couldn't over a secure line?" Then took a huge bite; he was starving.

Alone now he could let his emotions show and Mason stated hotly "Christ Blondie you have no fucking idea the shit storm you've been pulled into."

Sam wasn't expecting that and looked confused but stayed silent waiting for Mason to continue.

Mason saw the confusion "Dammit kid. This is the worst possible time for you to reactivate. The decisions on exits are not up to the General only now. A damned committee is in charge of that, new stop-loss protocols. They are never going to let you go given the current situation."

Sam lowered the sandwich his gut churning now "What exactly do you mean?"

Mason tried to calm himself but there was an edge to his voice "Units are going down left and right. We cannot churn out new recruits fast enough to replace the men killed or injured. In the last three months, five full units are down. Wait now six with Blaze's unit down. Several units are running at partial strength. A month ago three of my unit went down and are still recouping. Got three rooks with me today; they are still wet behind the ears and untried. Only been with me for a week but we were assigned because we were the only unit available."

Sam blanched "How, why, who?"

Mason stood and paced "That's the thing, they really don't know exactly who. They think it is coming from one terrorist cell but intel is so sketchy they don't even know where it is based. It could be anywhere. It could be anyone. Whoever it is, is targeting SF units; lots of bad intel luring the units into traps." He stopped and faced Blondie directly and bellowed "SO WHY THE HELL DID YOU REACTIVATE?"

Mason watched as Blondie stood and walked to the bedroom and returned with a sheet of paper. He handed to him. He looked down at a crude drawing of something the might be a duck. He looked up confused at Blondie.

Sam said "I had no choice. It was the only way to save Matthew Benjamin Hunter Jr. and Daphne Blain."

Mason didn't believe what he just heard. "But Daphy's dead and Matt didn't have a son?"

Sam looked at him and said "No she is not. Yes he did. They were the ones Blaze was protecting at the safe house."

Mason found himself seated on the floor unsure how he had arrived in this position. He looked at the picture again then up at Blondie. "Shit."

Sam reached down and took the picture then reached out a hand and help pull Mason to his feet.

Looking at Mason Sam said unemotionally "So basically I'm screwed. I thought they might treat it as a temporary assignment but from what you just said that is not gonna happen."

Mason shook his head sadly.

Sam walked back to the bedroom.

Mason assumed it was to put the picture back. He was shocked when Blondie returned a few minutes later. He had removed all SRU gear including the boots. Before him stood Blondie decked out in only Army gear along with the tan boots and tan beret on his head. He had a bag which Mason assumed contained the SRU gear.

Sam said flatly "If you have no other intel to share we need to get going. You have a spare vest and arms I assume."

Still stunned and saddened at what he was looking at Mason simply nodded yes.

Isolated Warehouse Complex - Outside

Winds had followed the bastards here. He was hidden in the trees. He made sure this wasn't just a stop. He saw them carry both Daphy and Ben into the warehouse.

He dropped to the ground in a concealed spot to finally tend his wound. It wasn't too bad but it hurt like hell and he had lost a fair amount of blood. He worked to get the pressure bandage on his bicep. It was hard to do one handed but he finally managed using one hand and his teeth. He was just glad it wasn't the shoulder. At the last second his arm had deflected the shot.

Winds was kicking himself for not keeping his phone on him. Although to be fair it was on the counter charging. But he really needed it now. He needed to let Blaze know where they took them. He would have to find a way.

He saw several men patrolling. If he watched for a bit he could identify if there was a pattern and determine the best time to overtake one of them. Winds wiped the sweat off, it was too humid today. He leaned his head back to rest a moment. He needed just a moment to gather his strength.

Isolated Warehouse Complex - Inside

Mousa watched as Qasim worked. Qasim looked back at Mousa and said "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, it is time to move on. I want no trace left behind. After I get what I need from her you can have her as payment." Qasim was good at what he did and he used his skills often and with great effect. He had been quite useful the past few months. But he was also one sick bastard; loved to inflict pain for fun. His bizarre laughter at watching his playthings as he call them wither in pain as he jabbed needles into them made Mousa's stomach churn.

Mousa had put a stop to Qasim taking soldiers for that purpose several years ago because it brought too much attention to his group. He preferred to stay unseen and unnoticed. The SF group that raided one of his old compounds and killed so many had been there to get Qasim.

He had been so angry with Qasim that he nearly put a bullet between his eyes; but Yassin had reminded him that Qasim was his best bomb maker so he lived. Every now and again he would provide Qasim someone as payment for services rendered so to speak. He could see no better way than to deal with the woman than to give her to Qasim.

Qasim asked "What about the boy, don't I get him too?"

"He won't be leaving here alive. It's the price she will pay for her traitorous actions. She will get to watch him blow up with the buildings. Then you can do what you desire to her." Mousa turned to leave and as he walked out he said "Let me know when all is ready." His phone rang and he answered it. "Yes"

["We are back, have the woman and the kid. The idiots in the back with her knocked her unconscious." Yassin said]

"Have them lock her and the boy in the room. Send Bandar to check on them, can't have her dying before I get my information. Then gather the men in the second warehouse. It is time to clean house. Did Fadel and Syed make it back?" Mousa asked.

["Syed yes, Fadel no" he responded.]

Mousa stated "You and Syed know what to do. Do not fail me or you will meet the same fate."

["Consider it done" Yassin replied then hung up.

Cleaning house was something Mousa did whenever they moved location. No traces. No one left alive that could identify him. Only the core group was allowed to live.

Since Fadel died at the safe house, it was down to only him, Syed, Bandar, Raashid and Qasim now. When they got to wherever they went next it was so easy to recruit new fodder. People were so easily manipulated into believing a cause. He couldn't speak for the other cores but the real reason he did this was money, plain and simple Mousa compensated him well.]