You Hear Me?, No Desk Duty & The Goose

Eight Days After Rescue – Base Hospital Afghanistan – Sam's Room

Sam woke. He had no real concept of time and could not tell if it was day or night it was always pitch black and silent in the room. Every time he woke he would get apprehensive. Unable to see clearly, hear without pain or remember anything scared the crap out of him. But at least the room was kept dark and quiet so the pain was bearable.

He opened his eyes and saw the tiny sliver of light near the floor at the doorway. Even that small amount of light hurt and he closed his eyes and turned away from it. His sensitivity to light had gotten worse not better to the point that any light now caused shooting pain.

The doctor was the only one that talked to him and that was always very brief so as to not cause him too much more pain. He was told others that cared about him were with him so he was never alone and if he needed anything to just call out.

Over the course of time he had seen four distinct shadows moving around the room but lately it was only three. He hadn't seen the fourth one in three or four days given the meals he counted. Meals were the only way he could track time right now; although he ignored them mostly not wanting to eat.

Sam sometimes felt their hands resting on his shoulder when he awoke. Knowing someone was close by helped calm the fear a bit even if he didn't know who they were. There was also this small stuffed duck he clutched often. It helped.

He felt like a child holding it but at this point he didn't really care. His world was upside down, dark, confusing and painful. Anything that helped anchor him was appreciated even if it was a child's toy.

But when he woke this time there was something different. At first the change unsettled him. He calmed his racing heart by breathing slowly to a four count allowing his mind to focus on the difference. His mind finally registered the change. Actually his ears did.

The constant painful ringing buzzing sound was gone. He could hear. There was no pain from sound. He heard soft talking to his right. It was too low to distinguish words but the sounds were clear and didn't bang around in his head. Gravelly due to disuse Sam got out "Who?"

At his single word he heard several people immediately rise and come quickly to his bed. One spoke low and softly "Can you hear me? Does the sound hurt?"

Sam started dryly "Yes" he coughed and tried to wet his cottony mouth.

"Wait" another voice said and he heard rustling and a sound he couldn't quite identify "Here, open up, got some ice chips to wet your whistle."

A spoon entered his mouth with a small amount of ice, it melted in his mouth and the cool liquid sliding down his throat felt good. As he swallowed the voice asked if he wanted more. He nodded yes. This repeated twice more.

Clearing his throat slightly Sam said a bit raspy "Yeah I can hear you and no doesn't hurt anymore." Sam heard what sounded like high fives as hands slapped against hands.

The first voice asked expectantly "Do you know who you are?"

Sam replied "No. But who are you?"

Zach was the one talking. He was glad that Sam could hear and was not in pain from it but saddened that Sam's memory had not returned yet. But at least there was progress.

He answered "Sam I'm one of your cousins, Corporal Zachary Braddock, RCAF. Just call me Zach or cuz."

Mason went next "Man it's glad to hear you speak Sunshine. I'm Sergeant Murchadh-Ailpein Srònaich'O'Naoimhín, but everyone calls me Mason. Little bro we served in the same JTF2 unit for four and half years.

Sam heard the deep rich bass voice and felt a huge hand as the man placed it on his shoulder and squeezed. Sam heard the mouthful of a name and tested it out "With a name like Murchadh-Ailpein Srònaich'O'Naoimhín I'm not surprised you go by Mason."

The others laughed.

The third voice, the one that had offered the ice, sounded happy as he said "Christ Mason, Blondie was the only one who could ever say your name. Well except for the General. Must be where you got the ability Blondie. I'm Winds by the way. Officially known as Master Warrant Officer Nathan Simons. But no one calls me that unless I'm in trouble. So Winds will do. Kid, we were together in the same unit for six years."

In the space of a few moments he was called Sam, Sunshine, little bro, kid and Blondie. Christ even they didn't know who the hell he was he thought wryly. He shifted a bit in bed; he ached all over but especially his ribs and ankle. Cautiously he said "So who am I?"

The three shared a look and they picked Winds. Winds shifted positions with Mason and came close and laid a hand on his shoulder.

Speaking sincerely Winds stated "You my brother are someone very important to lots of people. Your name is Samuel William Braddock. You have lots of nicknames but most call you Sam or Blondie. Currently you are a Master Corporal in the Canadian Special Forces, JTF2. Until recently you were a Constable with the Toronto Metro Police as part of their elite Strategic Response Unit on Team One. Prior to that you were also in JTF2 that's when we met and served together."

Sam's head was spinning. Not only a soldier but in Special Forces and in SRU. Why back and forth? He had so many questions. He started to ask a question as the door to the room flung wide open.

Bright light flooded the room. He squeezed his eyes shut as his hands flew up to cover his eyes. At the same time he had turned away quickly trying to escape the pain the light caused only to cause more pain in his ribs as he turned so fast. A loud hiss of pain followed by a deep extended groan escaped his throat. He was dizzy from the pain and teetered on the edge of losing consciousness.

Three men instantly reacted. One ran to the door and closed it. One instantly threw something over his head blocking out all light and gently helped him reposition on the bed. The third yelled at the person who had entered.

Apparently they had failed to follow orders posted on the door for entering the room. Whoever it was got dressed down heatedly for not knocking and waiting for someone in the room to open the door.

As the pain continued to stab in his head and throb in his chest the offender set down a dinner tray and left the room.

Mason asked softly "Pain subsiding yet Blondie?"

Sam shook his head no. The light had been like knives plunging into his eyes through to the back of his skull. So intense the pain it made him nauseous too. The smell of the food didn't help. He hissed out gravelly "Food out or gonna be sick."

Zach grabbed the tray and took it outside then returned quickly. "Better cuz?" he asked as he removed the cloth that had been thrown over his head.

Sam shook his head no as a deep groan of pain escaped again.

Zach urgently asked "Do you need pain meds?"

He nodded yes. The cloth was returned to his head as one of them quickly left the room. A large hand landed on his shoulder as the cloth was removed again.

The bass voice said "Try to relax Blondie, relief is coming."

Mason patted Sam's shoulder lightly and looked to Winds. Both had deep lines of concern etched in their faces. They hated to see him in such pain.

Sam started taking deep slow breaths in through his nose, holding it then blowing them gently out his mouth to a count of four to try and calm his riotous stomach and ease the pain in his head and chest.

Winds watched the breathing and saw the pain lines around Blondie's eyes soften ever so slightly. "That's good Blondie, sniper breathing. Comes in handy for lots of stuff doesn't kiddo? Keep it up."

As he gained some control of the pain through breathing there was a fleeting image in his mind of a bald man with solid blue eyes counting with him. He wondered who the man was. He also wondered what sniper breathing was. He had only started breathing like this because it felt natural to do so.

There was a knock at the door and the cloth returned over his head. They called out okay. The man and a nurse entered. She administrated a small amount pain meds explaining the doctor did not want to put him back to sleep. This was just enough to take the edge off. It acted fast and did just that. Cover back on as she left and then back off again.

As he lay there eyes closed recovering from the pain Sam heard a click like a door being locked.

Zach turned back to Winds and Mason "Can't have that happen again. The sign is not enough. Winds can you have the base commander assign a MP to watch the door?"

Winds nodded and made a quick call setting it up.

Pain now at somewhat manageable level Sam opened his eyes to the pitch black room again. He started to ask questions beginning with what the Winds guy meant by sniper breathing. The three laughed as Winds explained and they pulled over the hard small chairs to sit close to the bed.

For the next few hours he asked and they answered all the questions they could. All four hoping that answers would trigger his memory to return.

Nothing triggered his memory. Fatigue from controlling the pain finally won out and he fell asleep mid-sentence. The three pulled back to the far corner and whispered regarding his status. Each glad he could hear but still worried about the rest of it.

Zach phoned the General with an update.

Nine Days After Rescue – Special Forces Base Ottawa – Physical Therapy Department

"Mom?" a ten year old boy said.

"Yeah Ryan" his mom said looking up from her two new case files to her son.

Bouncing a bit on the exercise ball he was sitting on Ryan said "Those two guys over there look familiar. I know I've seen them before." He lost his footing and rolled off the ball landing on the floor on his butt.

Exasperated his mom said "Geez Ryan careful or we'll be back at the doctors again today for a cast on your other arm."

She reached down and helped him up. "Sit on a real chair, quietly and read your book. You have a test on it at the end of the week. I have work to do, two new patients to meet. Already running behind cause you just had to climb to the top of the jungle gym and fall off" she said as she as she smiled at him and ruffled his hair then went back to the files.

"But mom, they do look familiar. Especially the one with black hair" Ryan insisted.

She followed to where her son was pointing, a bad habit she had tried and tried to break him of and failed. She stopped as her eyes landed on a group of four men. Her son had an almost photographic memory like she did, it was eerie sometimes the things the two of them remembered from long ago. In this case again he was right two were familiar, one especially.

That jet back hair, warm hazel eyes and smile; those broad shoulders she would never forget. His face and smile had inundated her dreams for months after her one look at him years ago in the Royal York hotel lobby. He had caught her gawking at him and a group of other soldiers and SRU officers while trying to get Ryan to go to the pool. "Quit pointing Ryan, bad manners."

Flustered and blushing at the memory she diverted her eyes and went back to finish a quick review of her PT patients seeking refuge in professional behaviors. First up was Corporal Parsons, bullet shattered the femur, difficult recovery. She noted the special instruction that all his sessions were to be coordinated and occur at the same time as her second patient. Ah she realized he needed extra support, the buddy system approach. Those SF guys always looked out for their own. She smiled.

She opened the second file. Captain Blain, bullet wounds to the hip, thigh and shoulder. She noted that this case she was taking over from Bruce who was having difficulty working with the soldier. In the notes it said he would rage and yell. She laughed to herself, Bruce was such a pansy and not a very good PT. Soldiers were like that, if you couldn't put them in their place or ignore it you had no business working PT with soldiers.

Closing the files she said "Okay Ryan, sit here and be good. Just have these two to work with then I can get you home. Grandma will watch you tomorrow and the next day the doctor says you can go back to school." She rose and went to get her assessment tools. Then she would find her volunteer assistant to round up her patients.

Her assistant, Apollo, had been a huge help for almost the past two months. He had been great at encouraging her patients. Some of the more reticent and depressed ones had made so much progress with his help. She only had him for another few weeks before his was released from whatever punishment had placed him in her hands. She would be sad to see him go.

Blaze, Cameo, Pawn and Russ were sitting in the PT department waiting for the physical therapist to arrive. Blaze and Cameo were informed she was late due to her kid getting hurt at school but would be with them shorty.

"So Blaze, you still haven't gotten any more update on Blondie?" Russ asked.

"No. Zach keeps texting back 'no change'. Same thing as everyone else is getting. The General has not returned any calls. His aide says he is too busy at the moment; apparently he's in some important meetings. He is in country, not even with Blondie right now. So Zach is the only contact and he's saying nothing more than doctor won't let him fly yet because of the concussion" Blaze responded frustration evident in his voice.

"You say that like you think more is going on" Pawn stated as his mind worked every angle. He was always trying to see the unseen; trying to be three moves ahead on a chess board; hence his code name Pawn.

His mind starting to think of reasons putting things together. It must be one hellava concussion. Some effects of a traumatic brain injury could be devastating such as convulsions or seizures, loss of hearing, vision, speech and memory or changes in moods. He liked the guy and sincerely hoped it was none of those. He decided to keep these thoughts to himself, no need to spook others if this was not the case.

Blaze shifted in his wheelchair "Yeah well my gut tells me there is more to it. My gut is never wrong when it comes to Blondie."

It was quiet as all four got lost in their own thoughts at Blaze's comment. Blaze just knew that Zach was not telling everything. He had watched the horrible videos. Something really bad must have happened to Blondie.

His mind conjured up lots of wild things; he wondered if his face had been disfigured. Never once in the videos was his face seen. Whatever it was the General did not want it widely known just yet what had happened to Blondie. The General better have a damned good reason for keeping everyone in the dark.

Cameo rubbed his thigh trying to ease the pain and said "I sure as hell would like to know how he ended up in Afghanistan and injured. Must've been related to the Priority 1 he called. Also would like to know why Winds and Mason are there and why they won't communicate with us."

"Get used to it kid. Relax, it's all part of being in JTF2. There will always be things you are not privy to" Blaze responded.

Then he took his own advice and relaxed. Whatever reason the General had for not communicating Blondie's status it was valid.

"Yeah well, might not have to get used to it. If I can't get this leg back in shape I'm out of JTF2. I'm not cut out for desk duty assignment. It would kill me to sit at one all day" Cameo said despondently.

Blaze nodded commiserating "I hear ya, same here. No desk duty for me either. The last PT told me to just accept I was finished in JTF2, at least field work wise." He smiled roguishly "He didn't like my loudly worded response."

Russ laughed heartily "From what I hear you scared the shit out of the last PT. You raged so loudly at him and gave him such a rough time they've assigned you to their most hard-assed, take-no-crap from soldiers PT. Some call her the Ice Queen because of her looks and because you always need to ice the muscles after working with her. Be nice this time or you might just get more than you bargained for Blaze."

"I'll only be nice to her if she has the same goal as I do. I'm NOT desk duty bound. I need someone willing to push me hard and kick my ass so I can get back to what makes me happy, field work" Blaze retorted determinedly.

Pawn looked at Cameo and said encouragingly "You just need to adopt Blaze's attitude dude and you'll be back in no time."

Blaze whacked Cameo's shoulder "I challenge you. First one to walk the parallel bars with no hands gets free beers for a month."

Cameo smiled for the first time in weeks. With buddies like these he was starting to see hope "You're on."

The group looked up as Apollo and an absolutely stunning woman with long straight platinum blonde hair and gray eyes approached. All four sets of eyes were on the woman as Apollo spoke.

"So Cameo finally decided to get off your lazy ass and make it to PT. Good to see ya buddy. We're gonna whip you back into shape. Lizzy is the best" Apollo stated confidently.

Apollo still felt intense guilt for Cameo's condition. He was gonna work extra hard to do whatever was necessary to get Cameo back to the field.

Cameo moved his eyes from the beautiful woman to Apollo and replied sheepishly "Yeah well, Blaze, Pawn and Russ dragged me here."

He had been wallowing for weeks refusing to go to PT thinking 'what's the use my JTF2 days are over'. Pawn had finally said something to Russ who had talked to Blaze. Blaze had come to his room yesterday and read him the riot act rather loudly. He told him he was not taking no for an answer and that Cameo would report to PT today. If he didn't Blaze would personally see him dragged here by MPs in cuffs if necessary.

All eyes moved back to the woman as she smile then said "It seems you know each other, good. I'm Elizabeth Wilder your physical therapist. You can call me Lizzy. Cameo I take it you are Corporal Parsons."

Cameo nodded thinking if only he knew the PT looked like this he would have been here weeks ago.

"Good. If you're not afraid of hard work and some pain we'll have you better than new in no time." She smiled cheerfully at the young Corporal. He blushed.

She turned to the man with the jet black hair and her heart fluttered. He was more impressive close up. "That would mean you are Captain Blain?"

"Yep, but just call me Blaze." He gave her a warm smile. "So we're clear from the get go, my goal is to return to field work. If you don't believe I can get there I need another PT and we don't need to waste one another's time. If you do, then I'm all yours and will do all you ask of me and more" he stated frankly not letting the beautiful face sway him from his goals.

His determination utterly attracted her to him like a bug to a flame. She always had a thing for men in uniform and strong determined men even more so. Lizzy's smile blazed and lit long banked fire in her icy gray eyes as she positively stated "Well let's get started then. Seems like I have two men that need to get back to the field asap."

As she started her assessment of Cameo, Blaze thought, so this exquisite woman is the most hard-assed, take-no-crap from soldiers PT. He had a feeling he was gonna really enjoy working with the Ice Queen.

Eleven Days After Rescue – The Goose – 9 pm

Wordy ordered the first round as he readjusted on the bar stool "Four Molsons, a ginger ale and Mike what's your pleasure?"

Mike answered "Just root beer tonight. Got kid duty early in the morning."

The server nodded then said laughingly "Your turn again Wordy. Man with Sam gone you're racking up the hit points again. By the way how is Sam?"

She had overheard them talking about Sam when they were here last time with Leo before he left and wondered if they heard anything new. She liked this whole team and missed Sam he was always so nice to her and a great tipper.

Wordy smiled and answered "Nah, just got the first round today welcoming Mike to the team. Mike this is Amber, Amber, Mike."

The two nodded at the introduction.

"We haven't heard anything new" Wordy shared. Amber nodded and sauntered off to fill their order.

"So Mike, tell us a bit about you" Spike said grabbing a handful of pretzels and settling in to listen.

Mike looked at the five around him. This was the first time any new team had been so welcoming to him before. It was nice. "Well, I'm married; Karen and I have six kids."

"Whoa six, really. You got Wordy beat by double" interrupted Spike.

"Yeah well triplets run in both our families. We lucked out and got a set of both. The boys are eight and the girls are four." Mike went on to share a bit more about himself both professionally and personally. "So what about you all?" Mike asked picking up his soda.

Over the next three hours the team shared about themselves and generally had a good time getting to know Mike. The only one who was a somewhat reserved was Jules. It wasn't that she didn't want to get to know him; it was something kept nagging at her.

The not knowing more on Sam's condition. Something just wasn't right, she had a feeling, a very strong feeling. They had a connection and it told her he was in pain, that he needed help. Jules couldn't explain it to the others so kept quiet about it. She tried hard to engage in conversation but her mind wandered to Sam often.

The team had night shift tomorrow so no one was in a hurry to get home. It was after midnight when Greg was about to start into another story and Dale approached the table, Greg introduced Dale and Mike then said "Dale, Team Five got off shift a bit late tonight?"

Dale nodded and started to say something.

Greg cut him off "Before you ask no new word on Sam."

Dale smiled and wondered just how many times per day Parker was asked that question. "Well Sarge I wasn't gonna ask. Actually I think have some news for you on Sam."

"Really. What? How? Think you have information?" Jules perked up from her silent mood.

"A good buddy of mine is still a MP. He is stationed at the Base Hospital in Afghanistan. We talk on occasion; I keep watch and help with his wife who is eight months pregnant with their first. He called me last night when Mary didn't answer for two hours. All worked out fine, she was just sleeping at the time. He forgot the time difference. She was ticked off at him for waking her up."

He got looks of get on with it "Anyways, we got to talking afterwards and he told me he has been on a boring assignment for the past four days. He stands watch at a patient's door to make sure people knock before entering" Dale said.

Ed indicated for Dale to sit. Dale pulled over a chair sat then ordered a beer when Amber stopped by to see if anyone needed more.

Dale then continued "I'm not absolutely sure but by his description of who goes in and out of the room I'm pretty sure it is Sam. There are only three who enter besides the doctor and nurse. He said two are basically nondescript but he described one that can be none other than Sam's huge JTF2 buddy with the scarred face. What's his name?"

Spike interjected "You mean Mason?"

Dale nodded "Yeah, that one. My buddy described him as big as a grizzly and just as mean looking. It seems the soldier in the room is suffering from severe concussion among other injuries. He guards the door because the guy has extreme sensitivity to light. He got stationed there after someone opened the door unexpectedly and nearly sent the guy unconscious due to the pain it caused."

The looks around the table were somber. Ed asked "So you think that is Sam?"

Dale nodded yes.

"It would fit with what little we know so far from Zach. A concussion like that would mean he couldn't travel" Greg said.

They all nodded. Jules feelings surged, it was Sam and he was in pain. Her stomach clenched.

Dale took a long draw of his beer. He didn't want to be the bearer of bad news but would tell them what else he was told. "He also said the guy, I assume Sam, is basically blind because of it."

Jules gasped. Dale glanced at her and saw the pain that news caused her. The next would surely hurt worse.

He quickly added the rest trying to reduce the pain by ripping a bandage off quickly "The worst part my buddy said was the guy had amnesia, doesn't recall who he is."

No one said a word too shocked by the information. Jules stood, grabbed her purse and said "I have to go." The guys all saw the tears welling in her eyes.

Wordy stood and stated firmly "I'm driving you home."

She weakly tried to protest.

Ed said "Jules go with Wordy. You are in no shape to drive."

Jules nodded as she angrily swiped away a tear that managed to slip out. Wordy put his arm around her shoulders and walked her out.

Greg and Ed looked to Spike. The look of devastation on his face clearly indicated he was in no shape to drive either. Greg said "Spike I'm taking you home."

Spike's hand snaked down to the side of his pants. Wait he wasn't wearing the cool pants. "Boss we gotta stop at the barn first. I need to get something. I should've sent beauty to Sam when we first heard. Maybe it will help. I want to send it first thing tomorrow morning."

"Sure we can stop and get it. Eddie?" Greg said.

"Got it covered Greg" Ed nodded.

Greg and Spike left.

Dale looked dismayed "Sorry I ruined your welcome party Mike."

Mike just shook his head "No worries man, not ruined. Things happen, we were nearly wrapping up anyways."

Ed looked to Dale "Thanks for the information. Not easy telling bad news is it."

Dale shook his head.

Ed turned to Mike "Sorry Mike to put a damper on your welcome. Let me explain a little so you are not in the dark about our reactions." Ed brought Mike up to speed with just enough history for him to understand.

"Man I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it is just temporary, concussions can cause things like that" Mike said.

The three sat there for almost another hour nursing a single drink chatting. As they talked something began to bother Ed. When it finally made itself known to him he excused himself saying he was heading home and he'd see Mike tomorrow at noon for workout and not to be late.

Outside the Goose – 1:45 am

In his car outside the Goose, Ed dialed his phone. When it was answered on the fifth ring he said "Blaze, sorry it's so late but I need to let you know something."

[Blaze looked at the clock, almost two am. He was completely wiped out from four totally intense PT sessions with the Ice Queen over the past three days so said groggily "Sure no problem, what's up?"]

"It's about Sam. My gut is churning a bit" Ed said.

[Instantly awake from the tone in Ed's voice and his words Blaze pulled himself to a seated position "What is it?"]

Ed informed him of everything Dale had told them tonight. "I thought you should know. My gut is churning because we know Sam still has enemies and from the sounds of it, if Dale is right and it is Sam then he is in a very vulnerable condition. If information made it to us in this roundabout way it could make it to someone who wants to do harm to him. Not that I know of any direct threat, just being cautious."

[Blaze listened intently. His gut feeling was right again. The General definitely had a valid reason for keeping quiet. Ed was also right "You are correct about the information flowing and he would be vulnerable if that is his current condition. I'm sure Winds and Mason are with him though. But I'll make the appropriate calls. Thanks for calling Ed. I likely won't be able to share anything back to you but just know we have his six."]

"I know. We trust you. But if you do hear anything you can share" Ed replied.

["I will, you know I will if I can." Blaze hung up and instantly dialed another number.]