Ah My Favorite Plaything I've Missed You

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Sniper Perch

The team and unit held up and took a knee, concealed near the tree line. Jules and Sam determined the best location for the sniper perch. Jules slung her rappelling gear, Remi and kit over her shoulders. She placed one foot into Ed's cupped hands. He boosted her up to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

As she grasped the branch and hauled herself up onto it she was so glad that as a kid she climbed so many trees. She lithely began to climb to reach the right position. It was also a darned good thing she wasn't afraid of heights. She had to go very high. She needed to be able to scan the entire complex before the unit and team moved from the tree line to their positions.

Up, up, up she went. She finally reached the right height and latched her safety harness to a sturdy branch. She tested it to ensure it would hold her weight if she fell. Not that she planned to fall. Then she located another sturdy branch and attached the rappelling line in case she had to fast rappel for any reason.

Next she found a branch for the Remi and hooked it in too. Wouldn't due for it to fall either. She pulled out the range finder binoculars and clipped them to her vest. Then scanned the complex. "Sierra one in position. Scan shows no movement on the exteriors at all. Sam there are no guards outside like Winds indicated." She focused on the second floor window. "No one visible in the second floor either."

Sam said flatly "Scan again." It could be deadly if they were seen before entering.

Jules scanned the entire area again "Still no movement. No one at all visible on the exterior. The only side I cannot see is the south."

Since they were not approaching from the south Sam commanded "Move out".

Alpha unit headed to the east side of the command building. Bravo unit moved to the north entrance of the supply building. Charlie unit headed for the doors on the north of the command building. Spike took up a position on the east side, Wordy on the south side and Greg on the west side of the complex. Jules would monitor the second story room and the perimeter on the north side from her perch.

Each reported in quietly as they attained their positions.

When Sam heard all were in position he said "Go, go, go."

Each unit entered the buildings stealthily.

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Command Building – Alpha Unit

Sam opened the door and Apollo then Ed entered followed by him. Apollo took point, Sam in the center and Ed at the rear. All had weapons drawn as they stealth walked to clear the entry area. Alpha unit would need to clear five rooms on the first floor on their way to the stairs leading to the basement.

The hallway was rather wide as would be expected for a factory office building. Apollo and Ed were on the right and Sam moved on the left. All were close to the walls. The lighting was dim with only a few working bulbs here and there. That actually was to their advantage. It provided dark spots for coverage.

They came to the first room. The door was missing. Apollo edged close to the opening, listened for noises then moved his head slightly to peer in. He motioned he would go left and Sam would go right, Ed guarded the door. They entered and scanned the small room. Empty. The layers of undisturbed dust indicated no one had been in this room in quite some time.

Exiting the room, they continued down the hall. The next room appeared to be an old break room. There were indications that this room was used. But it too was empty. They cleared rooms three and four as well. So far they had encountered no targets. Sam thought it was a bit odd with so many targets in the building to have not come across a single one so far.

As they approached the fifth room Sam indicated to Apollo and Ed to halt. Ed wondered why until Sam signaled he had heard a sound. Damn the kid's hearing was acute.

This was the room Bandar had indicated Daphne and Ben were locked in. But the door was ajar. Sam realized that they were likely no longer in the room. But they needed to verify and quietly determine who or what was in the room.

Sam edged to the door and crouched low. He moved so that he could see into the room without revealing too much of himself. There was one man. He was squatting on the floor with his back to them. He had just picked something up from the ground and stood but did not turn around. Sam indicated for Ed to stay and watch their backs. Sam slipped soundlessly into the room followed by Apollo.

He pulled his k-bar out of the sheath and crept up behind the man intent on slicing his throat. He was almost there when the man said in a soft pained voice "I'm so sorry Mattie. I did what I could but it wasn't enough."

Sam stilled instantly. He saw the man's head drop. Sam moved forward in a blink of an eye and had his knife to the man's throat at the jugular and his hand over the man's mouth. It would only take a slight bit of pressure and the man would be dead in seconds.

Apollo was shocked how fast and silent Sam had moved.

Sam growled out softly "Where is Ben?"

The man could not believe there was a knife at his throat. He had heard nothing, not a single sound before it was pressed against him. He stammered out "Ben? Who?"

Sam remembered that Ben said everyone called him Matt so he corrected "Where is Matt?"

"Gone, just gone" he said.

While Sam held the knife and spoke, Apollo had moved around to see the man's face then said quietly "What is your name?"

The man saw the uniform, help had arrived. Hopefully not too late. He replied "Bandar. Naseer Bandar."

Sam swung the man around so fast he wobbled before steadying himself. Sam still had the knife to his throat as he surveyed the man's face. He matched Winds' description.

Coldly Sam asked "What do you mean gone?"

Bandar looked at the soldier in front of him. Hard, ice cold blue eyes bored into him. There was not a single soft thing about the man in front of him. He was lethal. There was no life in those eyes. This man would give no quarter, he would kill effectively and efficiently and move on without a single thought.

This soldier scared him more than Mousa ever did. Bandar clutched the stuffed toy tightly and stammered out "Mousa took them. Split them up. They were gone when I got here."

Sam saw the man quaking and could tell his hands were wringing themselves on something but he held his gaze on the man's face "Where did he take them?"

Bandar had never shaken in fear in his life until now. His voice cracked ever so slightly as he said "I'm sure he took her to the tarp room. He set up a monitor in there so she could watch. The boy, I think maybe to the basement, but I cannot be sure." His hands shook so badly he dropped the toy.

Sam saw something drop and stepped back quickly unsure what it was, it could be an IED or grenade. But when it hit the ground it made only a quiet whuffed sound like something soft and fluffy. His military mind was ready to react to anything.

Anything that is except for a small stuffed Donald Duck toy that had seen better days. A jagged spear of pain penetrated and lacerated Sam's heart as he stared at the toy.

Everyone on the headsets was listening closely to the conversation and heard the sharp intake of breath followed by soft strangled moan of pain. It sounded to everyone like someone had been hurt but most had no clue who.

Greg's ingrained leadership role immediately superimposed itself on his assisting role in this mission as he demanded calmly "Status." If someone was hurt Greg needed to know.

Ed had turned quickly to Sam when he heard the sounds. His eyes landed on the toy. Oh shit. As he strode to Sam he commanded quietly "Apollo door. Boss, Alpha no harm. Russ, Daphne likely in the north second story room. Ben still unknown."

Apollo quickly complied but was perplexed by what was happening with Blondie. Why did a toy affect him so? No harms were heard from Bravo and Charlie and all the team too. Ed knew his 'no harm' call out was not exactly right but there was no physical harm, only emotional. Ed bent to pick up the toy.

Sam's eyes followed the love-worn Donald Duck as it rose from the ground in Ed's hand. His hand snaked out and snatched it from Ed. Sam shoved it between his army jacket and his Kevlar vest on the upper left side. The tight pressure it caused on his chest acted like a compression bandage stemming the virtual bleeding of his heart. Ben. He needed to find Ben.

Bandar watched captivated by what was happening before his eyes. He was bewildered when the soldier's hard, lifeless eyes were infused with extreme pain and despair. Then he had stuffed the toy into his vest. Could this be the boy's father? No wait, Raashid said the father was dead. Whoever he was, Matt was important to him that much was VERY clear.

Ed was not shocked by Sam's reaction only very concerned. Winds had told him Sam was fine and he knew the role he played here today, keep Sam focused. Sam was riveted in place after taking the toy, not a muscle had moved. Ed was relieved to see fleeting emotion in his eyes even if it was unbearable pain because that meant Sam was still inside.

Knowing Sam needed to stay in one world and that for now it was dangerous to take him from soldier mode Ed used his call sign instead of his name "Blondie, we need to move."

Coming out of his stupor, Sam flicked a glance to Ed. He gave a curt nod. Sam then looked back to Bandar.

Bandar saw that the ice hard death stare was back with no hint of pain or other emotion and that was really disconcerting.

Sam said flatly "Bandar, leave through the east door. Get out now. This is not somewhere you want to be. Spike one friendly exiting; red shirt, blue pants."

Spike responded "Copy." Spike was more than concerned. He wanted to go in there so bad, he knew it was Sam that moaned. Sam was even more closed off then when he had joined the team several years ago. Christ they had treated him so badly back then. His hand reached down to his pocket again as he thought I hope Beauty is not needed today.

Sam hadn't needed it since the boat ride to Wanderlust Lodge. But it was a habit he never broke, he always carried beauty. Spike had been tempted to listen to it after Lou died wondering if it would help him but had refrained at the last minute. This was solely Sam's.

Bandar had considered protesting, wanting to help. But he could see he would be more hindrance than help. One look at the ice cold soldier and he was sure, as sure as the sun rose in the east and set in the west, that death was coming to all those that had taken or harmed the boy.

As he left the room, he looked at the one that had picked up the toy. Bandar said "Save him, please." The only response was a quick nod. As Bandar headed out he wondered why an SRU officer was with the Army Special Forces.

Ed thought on Bandar's simple statement. He knew who the 'him' was that Bandar referred to, Ben. But he thought, yes they would save Ben and yes he would save Sam. At least he would try his damnedest to do both.

As Alpha unit moved forward towards the stairwell Sam said resolutely "Alpha headed to basement."

Sam had allowed the mask to slip briefly and lose focus. He could not afford to do that again it was a distraction. Distraction caused this whole situation. Distractions got people killed.

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Supply Building – Bravo Unit

Bravo unit moved in via the north door of the supply building. Mason and Pawn moved silently through the front office area. They were a little surprised to not have found any resistance so far. It was quiet, too quiet Mason thought. They had to clear four small front rooms, three large rooms and the shipping dock.

The last area they would clear before heading to the basement was the shipping dock which was on the south wall. At least there was access to the basement from the shipping dock. They would not have to backtrack. The warehouse was huge. It would take time with just the two of them.

They were in the second room when they had heard the intake of air and moan over the headset. Mason knew without a doubt who it was but not what had prompted it. He hoped Ed was able to handle it. He had been surprised when Winds ordered Blondie to take Ed but wholeheartedly agreed after their quick discussion.

Mason had been shocked to find out that Ed had listened to Blondie's full recitation of his torture. Ed had a stronger stomach then he did. He had to leave once Blondie got to the needles. In their unit only Matt had been able to handle the full story and helped Blondie through it. He still didn't know all and never wanted to either.

He had relaxed slightly when he heard Blondie tell Bandar to leave. His voice was still flat but firm and steady. Whatever had happened he believed Blondie was still in soldier mode. Speaking of which, he needed to get his own mind back in the game. Lack of focus killed in this line of work. He motioned Pawn to move out to the third room.

Just ten paces outside the second room they saw six men exit the fourth room laughing. The men were armed heavily, each carrying M4 CQBRs with multiple clips, hand guns and knives. Pawn and Mason flattened themselves against the wall in a darken area. Mason was glad the men did not see them and headed away from them to the larger section of the warehouse. Six was too many to engage silently, especially armed that way.

He wanted to give them all more time to locate Daphne and Ben before gunfire erupted. So they waited until the men turned the corner then stepped away from the wall and approached the third room. Just as they reached the doorway two men exited the third room. Mason and Pawn pulled their k-bars out and each dispatched one man then dragged them into the third room.

Upon entering there was a third man in a chair. Mason and the man saw each other at the same time. The man grabbed for his gun and while his was raising it to fire, Mason threw his k-bar. It was a direct hit to the throat. He had dropped the gun and was clutching his throat around the knife that was embedded to the hilt. Pawn was closer so he swiftly went to the man. He withdrew the knife and finished the man with a quick flick of the knife. Pawn bent down and wiped the blood off the knife on the man's shirt.

Mason strode over and quickly assessed Pawn. This was his first kill with the unit, actually first two. He knew unit medics often had a difficult time with the killing seeing that they were trained in preserving life. Pawn looked up to him and met his inquisitive look squarely.

Inwardly Mason sighed with relief. It was never easy but it was necessary for a soldier to kill. The look in Pawn's eyes told him he was okay. Mason liked this kid. He may be small in stature but definitely not someone to mess with. Christ he didn't even blink in dealing with Winds intimidation earlier. Pawn reminded him in someways of Ripsaw.

Pawn handed him his knife.

Mason grinned, nodded and softly hit Pawn's shoulder with his open hand. But Mason's softly still unbalance Pawn causing him to take a step or two to maintain his balance.

Pawn looked at his bear sized Sergeant who stood over a foot taller and had nearly a hundred pounds on him. He smiled thinking to himself 'remember to never get him mad, his hands are the size of bear claws and just as deadly'.

Bending down, Pawn then wiped his own knife off on the man's shirt.

Mason reported softly "Three targets down, six heavy targets heading to warehouse unaware, holding off engaging. Bravo moving to fourth room."

Then they proceeded to the fourth room.

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Command Building – Charlie Unit

Russ and Cameo were almost finished clearing the first floor of the command building. They had to clear it before heading up to the second floor even though Russ had wanted to go directly there after Ed's status. They had to follow protocol. Only one more room to clear before heading to the second level to the tarp room that Ed had indicated.

They had just heard Mason call out target status. It was important for them to keep mental note of the number of targets. It was strange that they had not encountered any targets.

With forty or more in the building it was so far off the statistical odds. He had expected at least a few on the first floor. Stealthily Russ and Cameo entered the last room and again found no targets.

Russ gave status "First floor cleared, no targets. Charlie moving to second floor via west stairs."

He then double checked the blueprints. The stairs they were using would be close to the tarp room. Exit left would take them to the open factory area. Exit right would take them to the tarp room. Russ decided to exit right and go directly to the tarp room.

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Tarp Room

Twenty minutes ago Daphne had been pushed into a chair and held tightly as her hands were bound with duct tape behind her around the chair. Then her ankles were taped to the legs of the chair. It had taken five men to secure her. Many of them now sported bruises from her elbows, knees and feet as she had lashed out at them.

Mousa had sat calming watching the spectacle, the cruel smile never leaving his face. Syed had then turned on the large color monitor on the table about five feet in front of Daphne. It showed a section of a large room. Daphne noticed that it had a steel table about five feet long and three feet wide near a wall.

Her stomach had dropped seeing that empty table. It rolled over a billion times when she saw an evil looking man enter the room. He began unpacking items from his bag. He took out four lengths of rope and tied one to the leg at each corner. Then he took out a small gas burner and set it up. He turned the flame on and off several times.

Lastly, he pulled out a hand full of very long thin needles. He fiddled around with the needles, holding them over the flame until they were red hot. Daphne heard sick laughter emitted from the man as the needles heated up.

The evil man turned and directly looked at the camera. "Almost set. I'm so glad you decided to give me the boy. It will be so much fun."

Mousa had observed Daphne go completely pale as she watched Qasim slowly set things up for the past ten minutes. He had instructed Qasim to deliberately take his time so Daphne would be drawn in and frightened about what was going to happen to her boy.

He had looked blandly at her and said "So Daphne, if you tell me what I need to know you can spare the boy a very painful death."

Daphne had passed out stone cold. She did not want to but the overwhelming terror for her little boy had swallowed her whole and pulled her deep into the blackness.

When blackness finally released her, Daphne's eyes snapped open and looked at the monitor. She knew how much time had passed because the monitor had a large clock on it. It had been ten minutes. She breathed in little short gasps when she saw Ben sitting on the table talking to the man and drinking water.

His hands and feet had been unbound. The man was talking to Ben in a cooing voice. It was so disconnected from what she had seen earlier. Jeckle and Hyde came to mind.

She glanced around the room. There were nine men besides Mousa. If only she could get out of the tape.

Mousa walked up to her "Nice of you to join us again. Now about my information; who are you working for? Who is your accomplice? There is no way you could have worked alone all these years."

Daphne knew no matter what she said both she and Ben were going to die today. Mousa was going to make her watch as Ben was tortured and killed. She screamed at the top of her lungs. She tried to lunge herself at the sadistic, putrid, inhuman, cold-blooded bastard. She ended up on the floor still taped to the over-turned chair.

Mousa looked at her on the floor "My, my, such a hellion. Too bad it won't do you any good. Now tell me what I want to know."

Daphne raged at him and her choice of words would make a sailor blush. Mousa just laughed and signaled his men to pick her and the chair up and place it on the tarp.

It might take some time but he would wear her down and get the information he needed. His phone rang "Yes."

[Things are almost set. Any further instructions?" Yassin asked.]

"Get the second remote from Qasim. This is gonna take some time. Slight change in plans. Take care of things there then bring me one of the remotes."

["As you wish." Yassin knew exactly what Mousa's order meant, he smiled. He did enjoy this part. It made up for having to deal with their insipid stupidity for so many months. Well not quite all were stupid.

He now had six new mid-levels that Mousa agreed could come with them this time. They had the right mindset as far as he was concerned. They did this for money and money alone. All the religious fervor was just a way to recruit idiot zealots that could be manipulated.]

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Sniper Perch

Jules had alternated between checking the perimeter and the window for movement; none in either. She had wondered what had caused Sam to draw breath and moan. She knew all the teams' voices, but his, she knew his voice intimately. All it took was the slightest sound and she knew it was him.

It physically hurt to see Sam shut down so completely. It had shocked her. She knew he was fine now, there was absolutely no question about it. She was sure the rest of the team, well maybe not Leah, but surely all the guys also knew that Sam was fine. But what caused it? She knew he was having difficulty with Ben being taken but she was sure that was not enough to cause his current state of mind.

Jules reviewed the day so far. It had been one heck of an up and down emotional one for Sam. She pinpointed when the change had occurred. It wasn't when Winds ordered Ed to go with him. Something he had seen in that top secret file was the cause. She was sure of it but had no clue what it was.

She silently vowed that she would do everything in her power to help him return to good. Someday she wanted to see him make it to great. If anyone ever deserved to make it to great is was Sam.

As she was thinking she had been scanning the perimeter. Everything checked out, still no guards or movement. Jules switched back to the window. Several people had just moved into view.

She informed everyone "Confirmation, Daphne in the tarp room. She is bound to a chair. I see five subjects. Wait, no six subjects. There may be more, do not have a full view of the room. Mousa is in the tarp room. Confirmed Mousa is in the tarp room. I have the solution."

Jules was unsure if she was to fire. She could neutralize Mousa but that left at least five other armed men in the room with Daphne and she couldn't deal with all of them before they could harm Daphne. She also did not have full view of the room, there may be more than the ones she saw. Jules waited for direction.

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Basement Room in Command Building – Alpha Unit

Sam said "Hold for now. Russ is on his way. Scorpio granted if needed though." Sam thought Daphy located, now to find and get Ben. Jules acknowledged his order with a 'copy that'.

Ed, Sam and Apollo had cleared six of the ten rooms in the basement. No targets encountered. They entered the seventh room. It was large and open and spanned nearly three quarters of the building one way and the entire length the other. There were three support pillars spaced out evenly across the middle of the room.

As they checked around the room Sam's eyes landed on a small box near the base of the middle column. He'd seen these before several times in Kandahar, they were distinctive. He knelt for a closer look. Sam's mind flicked back to what he read about. He knew it was his handy work. His mask slipped a little again for two reasons.

One caused a slight shiver that he forcefully stopped before it got ahold of him; did that mean he was here now? The second and more pressing reason that flooded his mind was that he now needed to bring Spike in. Crap, Ed was already in here. Now he had had no choice but to bring Spike in. Was Spike ready for this? His plan to protect the team was totally fucked.

Today couldn't get any worse he thought. He wiped the sweat from his brow as he directed "Ed, Apollo check the other pillars for boxes that look like this one."

After a few moments "One here" Ed said.

"Same here" Apollo responded and reached out to touch it.

Sam saw Apollo's action and commanded harshly "Don't touch it. They have pressure sensors."

Apollo quickly pulled back his hand. Shit a bomb. No three bombs. It didn't look like any bomb he had ever seen; very unique.

Sam called out "Spike, sorry buddy but I'm gonna need you in here. Got three bombs."

He heard the gasps from several people. He could not tell if one of them was Spike. He hoped not. He needed him feeling confident. These were nasty, complex bombs. Sam looked to Apollo "Spike wait for Apollo at the east entrance he can show you the way."

Spike responded confidently and firmly "No need, I know exactly where you are. On my way."

Sam had forgotten about the transponders. "Spike go careful, was cleared but …"

Spike interrupted "Copy that, buddy." Spike leveled his MP5 as he entered the building.

Sam said "Russ we need Daphne out now. These can be triggered by remote."

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Basement Room in Supply Building

Qasim cooed "Is that better. Those men are mean aren't they?"

Ben was sitting on a metal table. He didn't like this man even though he took the tape off. The weird looking man had just cut the tape off his hands and feet. But he wasn't careful and cut his leg. It hurt. He wanted his mommy; she would make it feel better. But the mean men took her away. Ben sat very still and did not say anything.

The weird man held out a bottle of water. He was thirsty so he took it. The man wiped the tiny bit of blood away from his leg and said "I'm sorry I nicked you. Drink."

Ben took a big drink. But it tasted funny, icky.

"More" the man said.

Ben shook his head no.

The man cajoled "You need to drink. It is hot out. Your mommy would want you to drink more."

Ben shook his head no again. "Mommy, I want my mommy" Ben cried.

"Your mommy will be here soon. The three of us are going to leave this place together. You want to leave don't you?" He cooed again.

Ben nodded yes.

"Then drink, it has stuff in it to make you strong so you can protect your mommy. We are supposed to protect mommies. Right?" Qasim asked.

Qasim had heard the little boy in the room. He would use this against him. Earn his trust then break it. The desolated looks in his plaything's eyes when that happened always felt so exhilarating.

Ben nodded yes. He took little drink. He wanted to protect mommy but this tasted so icky.

"That's right, keep taking small sips" Qasim urged.

As the boy sipped he thought back to his absolute favorite plaything, the blue eyed, blonde soldier. He never quite knew how the blonde endured so long. Most died so quickly and only broke once. But he was still alive after three months and Qasim got to break him over and over again. God that had been so much fun.

He was beyond pissed when the soldiers snuck in and took his favorite plaything away from him. He had left to do a job for Mousa and when he returned his blonde soldier was gone. He had killed the men that were on duty that day. Well at least the few that were still alive and had not run off. The soldiers had so many of them when they took his favorite plaything away.

Moving back to more pleasant thoughts Qasim remembered every detail of what he had done with his plaything. He never tired of seeing those blue eyes looking at him with desperation, begging someone to care even a little for him. He smiled thinking back on how many times he had gotten the blonde to trust him. Then he giggled when he recalled the wrecked, shattered and destroyed look that had entered the blonde's eyes when he started in with the hot needles.

Qasim could not help himself as the full memory of how much he had enjoyed all he had done surged into his mind, he laughed malevolently. God he so missed the good times with his favorite plaything.

Ben pulled away from the man when he laughed. It was not a nice laugh. He dropped the water bottle and the contents spilled on the ground. His eyes started to blink. He was a little sleepy and his tummy felt weird. He lay down on the table and said "I want Mommy. I feel icky."

Qasim smiled, the boy was quiet and malleable for now, the fun would come soon.

Yassin walked down the south stairs into the room "Qasim, I need the second remote detonator. Mousa wants me to get it before I start upstairs."

He looked at his plaything on the steel table. Qasim had never had one so young to play with before, he was excited to start. He hated to leave to get the detonator. But he knew not to cross Mousa.

Qasim grumbled "Watch him, I'll be right back. Left it in the other basement." He grabbed a needle off the table and twirled it in and a round his fingers of one hand as he headed out of the room.

When the weird man left, Ben crawled off the table. He curled up in a tight ball near the wall trying to hide. Ben didn't like that man at all. The man acted nice but he wasn't, he had a mean laugh. Ben's eyes blinked several times. He was so tired. He closed his eyes as a drug induced sleep overtook him.

Yassin just watched the boy. Some things Mousa did he didn't like but he paid him so well he just turned a blind, indifferent eye. This would be one of those times. Qasim was a sick son of a bitch but he had better hurry up. Yassin had to take care of the low levels upstairs soon. His six mid-levels had already gathered most of them in the shipping docks.

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Basement Room in Command Building – Alpha Unit

Spike called out quietly "Almost there." He had been glad he hadn't encountered any of the terrorists on his way down. He entered the room and saw Sam kneeling near the center pillar. "Where's Ed and Apollo?"

Sam looked up "One man down range, they are clearing the remaining rooms down here looking for Ben. If they don't find him then they will meet me at the tunnel entrance."

Spike knelt and took off his pack and opened it. "You said they had pressure sensors. How do you know?"

Sam wondered what he could legally share given the situation "Saw them over there and read about them."

Then Sam shared what he had read about this type of bomb and some of the trademark counter-measures the bomb maker normally used. "One last thing, this guy's MO sometimes includes multi-tapping the timers." Sam then explained what he meant by that.

"Wow that is sophisticated. I'll watch for that. Okay off you go buddy. One man down range" Spike said after he had listened intently to everything Sam had to share about these bombs.

Spike watched Sam go for a moment. He had not liked in the least the expressionless way Sam had spoken the entire time. He saw a bulge in left side of his vest and something that looked like a duck foot sticking out. But he said nothing about it.

He turned his attention to the bomb in front of him. This would be a challenge. There was nothing simple about these.

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Outside Tarp Room – Charlie Unit

Russ and Cameo made their way rapidly but quietly to the second floor. Russ was glad they did not find any targets in the stairwell. He wanted to get to that room now.

Bittersweet images of Daphne laughing as she called Blaze Donald entered his mind. He needed to save Daphne for Blaze. He hoped Blaze and the rest of the unit made it. He was the only one left standing.

That really, really sucked. Crap, he needed to focus in order to get Daphne out alive. He would gladly give his life for hers. Russ blew out a long silent breath to clear his mind and refocused.

The door to the tarp room was ajar. Russ peeked in from the side of the door. No one was looking this way so he signaled for Cameo to dart to the other side of the door. He took another look in. He counted eleven in the room including Daphne. Too many for just two men to take out without risking Daphne.

He signaled to Cameo to stay as he backtracked to the stairs. "Blondie, ten targets."

Sam was waiting at the entrance of the tunnel for Ed and Apollo to join him. "Roger. Jules how many in your view?"

Jules responded "See four now. They keep moving around the room. Mousa not in view anymore."

Ed and Apollo approached after clearing the remaining room. Sam noted that they had not found Ben as he said "Apollo, need you with Russ."

Apollo nodded and set off smooth and fast. He was happy, action finally. Time to take out some cold blooded terrorists.

Sam continued "Russ, Apollo on the way. Hold until he arrives. Give Jules the signal when you go in. She can help with those near the window. Four for ten should be sufficient."

His mask slipped again as concern for Jules entered his head. He hoped Jules did not have to take more than one or two. It would be tough on her to kill this way, deliberately without even trying to talk them down.

Sam reminded himself, there is no talking down terrorists, especially this cell. He pushed the feelings down again. He couldn't afford feeling, dammit the mask just wouldn't stay in place.

Russ said "Roger" and moved back to the door to the tarp room to await Apollo.

Jules said "Copy" and lined up a shot. This was different she thought. She would be shooting to kill without an eminent threat to a hostage. She wondered if she could do this.

Then her scope landed on Daphne. Her face was a mess. Battered and bruised. She could see dried blood. This was not a normal hostage situation, these were terrorists bent on killing innocents without compunction. She focused on sniper breathing, slowing her heart beat so her shots would be true.

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Basement Room in Command Building

Spike was working on the second bomb now. The counter measures were interesting Spike thought. He had frozen for a bit when he worked on the first one. Images of Lou filled his head. His hands shook and he had to close his eyes and take several deep breaths to calm himself.

He had been dreading the day he would have to tackle a bomb again. Now he had three and they were complex. Spike stopped his work on the second bomb for a moment and adjusted the black band on his wrist. The pain was still so raw. The guilt that he could not save Lou ate at his soul. He brushed a finger over Lou's name. He missed him so much. They were like brothers.

Then he thought about what Sam was going through today. Sam had helped him so much in the past few months. There were times he had just wanted to die and Sam pulled him through. He had gone out of his way on numerous times to make sure he was okay. He even stopped him from quitting SRU. And, hell Sam even acted like a total fool this morning just to bring him out of his melancholy.

Spike looked at the black and gold band and focused on Lou's name a moment. Help me Lou, Spike said silently. In his mind he heard Lou's calm smooth voice 'you got this bro'. He steeled himself and got back to work. He had lost one brother. He was going to do everything in his power not to lose another.

That meant he needed to defuse these bombs before they were a threat to Daphne and the unit men above. He sighed as he completed the second one. On to the third, Spike called out "Two down one to go."

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Supply Building – Bravo Unit

Mason and Pawn had cleared all the rooms except the shipping dock. They had to backtrack a bit to get to the entrance of that room. Mason wished that Pirate was here. He could have helped. He hoped Spike could defuse them all before any when off. He had heard Sam's explanations of the bombs. Spike must be damned good if two were defused already.

He and Pawn were now near the huge triple wide doors leading into the shipping dock. He was seriously wondering where all the targets were. It was definitely unsettling. They entered the room and saw that it was sectioned off. Not a clear view to the whole room. They cleared the first section.

They positioned themselves to peer into the second section. The sight that met his eyes explained why the targets were missing.

Mason reported "Twenty targets kneeling on the floor of the shipping room facing east in prayer I think. All unarmed. Six targets armed with M4 CQBRs standing guard. Blondie, will hold."

Isolated Warehouse Complex – Tunnel – Alpha Unit

Sam responded "Roger. If we can extract Daphne and find Ben before we engage it will be better."

Mason agreed.

Ed and Sam were half way down the tunnel. The lighting was spotty in the tunnel. There were long stretches of darkness broken up by small splotches of bright light.

They were moving silently near the wall with Sam at point and Ed behind. Near the end of a dark area Sam pulled up and indicated to Ed to stop.

Ed stopped about twenty paces behind.

Sam had heard a sound of someone coming from the opposite direction. Sam crouched low and Ed followed suit. He was waiting for whoever it was to enter the light.

Qasim was still fiddling with the needle as he walked. He dropped it just before he entered a lighted space. It rolled into the light. He stopped to pick it up.

Sam heard a slight pinging sound like a dropped pin or needle. That thought sent shivers up his spine. An image of Qasim came into his head. His body began to shake.

The bombs had put this back into his head. Now this sound, hell it probably wasn't even a needle. He was so F.I.N.E. with major emphasis on F that his mind must have conjured the sound. Dammit, he needed to keep his head straight. He could not afford to think about that now.

Ed saw Sam begin to tremble. He wondered what was up. He could not speak and give away their position. When they had stopped Ed had heard the footfalls up ahead.

Then Sam saw the needle roll into the light. Holy hell it was a needle. A long and thin needle. One just exactly like all those years ago. The vibrations in his body increased tenfold.

Ed saw the violent shaking of Sam's body and started to move forward.

Qasim stepped into the light with his head down looking at the needle. As he bent over to pick it up he saw someone just outside the light ring. He squinted trying to see who it was. He stood and said "Who's there?"

Sam's body went rigid at the sound of the voice.

Ed noticed the change, no more shaking. Sam's muscles were as taut as an over coiled spring.

Sam stood and stepped into the light.

Qasim instantly recognized Sam. "Ah my favorite plaything, I've missed you" he laughed as he quickly pulled his knife.

An ear shattering, savage, animalistic howl roared from Sam's throat.

Sam launched himself at the sadistic bastard who had tortured him.

Sam slammed into Qasim.

Both hit the ground.

Qasim's knife deeply penetrated Sam's side.

Sam felt no pain.

Adrenaline surged.

Sam pummeled Qasim's face.

Qasim ripped the knife from Sam's side.

Qasim plunged the knife into Sam's arm.

Feral, guttural growls erupted from Sam.

Sam's vise grip strangled Qasim.

Qasim clawed at Sam's hands.

Qasim bucked violently and twisted away.

Sam hit the ground hard.

The knife rammed brutally into Sam's arm to the hilt.

Sam rolled and jerked the knife out.

Both came up in a crouched position.

Sam lunged with the knife.

They impacted.

Down again.

Qasim pinned Sam.

Qasim choked Sam.

Sam sliced Qasim's jugular deeply.

Blood gushed out.

Qasim collapsed onto Sam.

Death gurgles were emitted.

Silence ensued.

Both men lay motionless in a fast growing pool of blood.