Argument, Bella & Reconciliation
Four Weeks After Memory Returned – Sam's Apartment – Monday 5:00 pm
Dark, heavy clouds were rolling in and threatening rain tonight. Most would call it an awful, dreary day. Standing at his window staring out at nothing in particular Sam thought it was an absolutely glorious day. He was back in his own apartment as of today. Taking a long drink of his Timmy's iced capp he sighed, finally. He chuckled slightly. Drake was so teed off when he discovered he was drinking coffee last week.
Drake never figured out how he was getting it and he would never tell. He had relented slightly on his stance and said Sam could have decaf but Sam held his ground and said he's rather drink bilge water than decaf. Sam won that battle.
Mostly because he convinced them he was sleeping all night and the nightmares had abated. They had not but they didn't know that because he no longer cried out when he woke from them. He had also agreed to take naps during the day if he didn't get enough sleep at night. He took a few to maintain his pretense all was okay so he could get back to his own place quicker.
The loud crack of thunder and flash of lightening brought back the memory of the confrontation with his father when Mason brought him home from his little excursion to visit SRU. That had been ugly, very ugly. It was one memory Sam would gladly erase from his mind forever. Both had completely lost it as their tempers flared to heights never reached before.
Their shouting at each other had nearly blown the roof off the house. The General threatened to put him under house arrest, lock him in a room and cuff him if necessary if he tried leaving without his permission again. He had laughed in his dad's face and told him he would like to see him try and that he would go AWOL and disappear for good if he did.
The General had yelled at him to stop behaving like an undisciplined, recalcitrant, thankless child. He had retorted that if he didn't want him to behave as child not to treat him as one. Not to treat him like he was going to break and could not protect himself. The General had raged at him that he could not, in his current state, protect himself and that he was defenseless and vulnerable as a new born babe both physically and mentally .
A fury so intense burned through his veins. Two seconds later his dad was looking up at him flat on his back the wind knocked out of him from the throw to the ground. He was kneeling on his dad's chest with his fists poised to strike and yelling that if he had wanted to his dad would be dead already and he was damned well capable of defending himself. That it was his own god damned life and the choices were his to make not some over-bearing, controlling General.
Seconds later Mason, Winds, Mike and Russ had hauled him off his dad. Mike actually cuffed his hands behind his back. Mason held so tightly to his arms as he struggled to leave the house they bruised deeply. He was so out of control Drake was ready to inject him with a sedative but his mother stopped him.
Zach had been utterly stunned by the speed in which he had attacked and the fact that he had actually attacked his dad. Not a single one of the eight men in the room had expected that of him or saw it coming until he and his dad were on the ground.
Sam lightly banged his head on his window. God how he regretted with every fiber of his being throwing his dad to the ground. Thank god he hadn't actually hurt him when he lost it so completely. Luckily it only knocked the wind out and shocked him.
It was definitely one of the absolute worst moments in his life. On par with the day he killed Matt, the day Jules was shot and the day Sara was killed. It scared the hell out of him he had deliberately struck out like that at someone he cared about. That he attacked his own dad.
Until that day, that horrible moment, he didn't think the General knew just how effectively he had been trained to kill. A small recompense was that it had proven his point to some degree. That even though he was essentially blind he was still able to protect himself; thanks to Ripsaw's training. He thought briefly, rest in peace buddy.
Another boom of thunder and fissure of lighting brought him back to his original thought. That was beyond ugly, they both allowed emotion to overrule logic and stubbornly bash their hot heads. Yeah, they were more alike than either wished to admit.
The voice of reason that day had been his mother. She was able to get both to calm and consider each other's point of view. Once they took a five hour break from each other; mostly because his head was so fucked up that day. They had come together and negotiated a plan that nearly satisfied both. Both made many concessions; some large and some small.
He agreed to remain at their home for up to four weeks more depending on how his eyes progressed. But only on the condition that he was allowed to call his SRU team whenever he wanted. The General agreed but put in the stipulation it must be over a secure line. So Greg, Ed, Spike, Wordy and Jules were provided encrypted secure phones.
Sam also demanded the General cut back on the security. He wanted, no he needed, to sleep alone in his room without someone hovering and watching him constantly to see if he had a nightmare. The General agreed. But the General demanded that he still wear the vest whenever he had to go to appointments. He agreed.
The General conceded to release most of the protection detail so long as Sam agreed to not take off alone again. He had argued he wasn't alone but agreed grudgingly when got the concession from his father that the cousins could come whenever they wanted. Although it didn't seem like such a concession to his dad; he seemed almost relieved Sam had asked for that one.
In the end, they had both apologized and shook hands formally. His dad had then pulled him into a hug. When his father told him he forgave him and was proud of him it screwed with his head even more.
On one hand it felt so good to know that. But it also made him feel like shit for throwing his dad. Sadly, their relationship was now tense and awkward again, mostly due to his mental state.
Sam spent the whole next session with Dawn trying to come to terms with what he had done. Unfortunately, his own actions had proven his father's point. Mentally he was just hanging in there. He was faking it most times, trying to be and feel normal. He was so up and down and all over the place emotionally from one moment to the next as memories surfaced.
It was hard work to process them. Trying to feel or not feel something was so exhausting. Dawn was helping and he would like to think he was improving but he wasn't the best judge of himself lately. He was so tired and wanted so badly to just have his old life back.
So many nights he lay awake in bed wishing he could just roll back time and not reactivate. Then he could be with his SRU family again and all would be well with his world. But that was not reality and he needed to accept it. He looked at the sky again, the storm was almost here.
Sam was pulled out of his thoughts when Zach called out "Hey Sam, what do you want for dinner tonight Italian, Greek or Korean BBQ?"
Zach watched Sam at the window he was down again. Uncle Will had tasked him with watching his moods and reporting anything he deemed harmful to Dr. Tansy. Sam was so unpredictable and all over the place the last four weeks, it was disconcerting. The entire family was concerned and hoped getting him to his own place would help level him out.
"Whatever you feel like is okay with me." Sam walked to his black swivel chair and sat down as the sky opened up and torrential rain pelted the windows.
He swung back and forth slightly. At the mention of Korean BBQ the name Hee, Ran Long entered his mind and he swung himself completely around in the chair kid-like several times. He grinned remembering how much of a fool he made of himself that morning for Spike's sake. That was a good memory, file in keep.
"Hey Zach, second thought. How bout we do Korean BBQ unless you really don't want to go out in this? We could always just have a sandwich" Sam suggested.
Noting he was happy now he pulled the Korean BBQ takeout menu off the fridge then Zach said "Korean BBQ sounds good to me. This place has great Bulgogi and I don't mind a bit of rain." He asked Sam and Mason what they wanted then slipped out the door to run and get their dinner.
Sam leaned back and relaxed a little. It did feel better to be home. Maybe he could get his head on straight faster here. Letting him come home was one more concession the General agreed to as his eye sight had improved much quicker than the doctor had expected.
The lens therapy was working well. His concession was to agree that Mason and Zach would stay with him until it cleared completely. Well at least Mason, Zach would have to head out in a few weeks for training.
Mason had watched the down then up emotion. The kid could really use some time with his SRU mates. He was always more stable after a call from one of them. Especially Jules and Spike. Looking over the schedule of appointments that Blondie had over the next week Mason called out "Blondie, you want to go to the barn tomorrow? If so we can fit it in between Dr. Tansy and physical therapy. Say around two."
Sam swiveled around to look at Mason at the desk. He concentrated hard on Mason and brought him almost into focus. It was a full sized desk and chair but Mason still looked like he was sitting at a child sized desk.
He smiled and replied "Nah, forgot to tell you I invited them to drop by after shift tomorrow. They'll be here around eight pm if they're not held up in a call."
Mason looked at him and smiled "That's great. Are they all coming?"
"Spike, Jules, Ed, Wordy and Greg will be here for sure. Leah had a family commitment or something. Not sure about my replacement, his name is Mike, so you know" Sam replied.
From what Ed had told him, his replacement, actually his second replacement started off really rough. But once they mentored him he had become a solid member of the team. Sam was glad the guy was working out for the team. If he couldn't be there he was glad they had someone good watching their backs and protecting them.
He tried really hard not to think about it, it depressed him. Five years, no make that four years, seven months and five days was a long time to wait. He would serve his contract then he could return.
A minuscule part of him wished the General had given him a BCD for his recent actions. Attacking a General was definitely cause for a BCD. But the General refused to take any action against him claiming it was a family matter not a military matter. So now he would just have to wait and serve his entire contract.
His mind drifted to Jules as it often did since their embrace in the SRU briefing room. They talked every day, usually late at night when things overwhelmed him. It was hard processing everything still. But she was his rock, his lifeline. Jules always knew the right thing to say. She also knew when to say nothing at all and just be quietly on the line with him letting him know he wasn't alone.
Anticipation of seeing her tomorrow brought a smile to his face. God he had so wanted to hold her again for the past two weeks. Tomorrow if he concentrated hard enough he hoped to be able to bring her beautiful face into focus. God he wished he could see her tonight alone without the team around. They had to be so careful around the team, hide their true feelings.
Well at least he did. Even though they were technically best friends, colleagues, Sam held out hope for something more one day. He hoped that Jules felt the same way but ... Sam pushed that thought away. It would hurt too much to think that he would never have Jules. He just had to be patient and wait for the right time. Maybe with him in the Army it would be the right time.
His mind drifted to thoughts better left in the bedroom. Sam succumbed to the urgent need to see Jules tonight; he would ask Mason to take him to Jules place tonight after dinner. "Hey Mason, can you …"
But then uncertainty reentered his mind again. He was afraid to see her alone. They still hadn't talked about the future. Talking on the phone was one thing; they stayed to safe neutral topics or she helped him process his memories. But alone, without the team around and physically close would be another thing entirely. The kisses in the locker room that hot summer day; they meant more and hit a deeper level than either had expected.
"Yeah kid?" Mason replied grabbing a beer from the fridge.
Realizing he wasn't quite ready to have that conversation with Jules yet he finished "Uh can you grab me a beer too?"
He felt the coward. But his future was still so uncertain. He could not commit or ask her to commit to anything when he didn't know what his future held or if his vision would actually return completely. He shifted in his chair; damn his mind and body were on two completely different tracks in regard to Jules.
Mason handed him the beer. He thought Christ the emotions on Blondie's face in the last few moments; despair, longing, joy, need, then uncertainty. He wondered what it was that Blondie had really wanted. He heard the hesitation.
Wow Mason thought at the look of lust that just cross Blondie's face. Mason sat on the couch and watched as Blondie quickly padded into his bedroom leaving the untouched beer on the table. Smiling with a hint of laughter in his voice Mason asked "What cha doing Sunshine?"
Sam popped to the edge of his door with his shirt off and scowled at Mason "Just gonna grab a quick shower before dinner." Then he disappeared into his room.
Kicking back on the couch and propping up his feet on the table four thoughts rolled through Mason's mind.
Shock that Blondie had actually defied an order that day. He really never thought he could do that. A little pride that he did but more concern. It had scared the hell out of Winds and him when they discovered he was gone. Mrs. Braddock had relented quickly when she saw how distraught they all were. Dragging him back had not been what he wanted to do but he had orders.
Regret for the bruises that were still coloring Blondie's arms. He had no choice that was totally out of control. Christ he had the General on the floor in a flash. Then he tried to leave even while cuffed. Blondie was so intent on leaving that it took all his might to restrain him.
Concern for how hard Blondie was pushing himself to recover. The kid could deflect so damn well. But he could tell Blondie was lying about sleeping. Blondie didn't cry out at night any more but that didn't mean the nightmares had ended.
Mason knew Blondie's sole goal for the past two weeks was to get back home. But Blondie pushed too fast to recover and find normal. He hope Blondie did not crash. Maybe it would be better, easier for him here surrounded by his SRU team.
That brought him to his fourth thought, Amusement. Wow that last look before Blondie hurried off to his room. It was clearly evident he was thinking of Jules again. Mason laughed out loud. Sunshine definitely needed a cold shower.
Yeah it would be good for him to be here. Mason took a drink of his beer.
Zach walked in a bit later with their dinner and asked where Sam was.
Mason only said "Cold shower."
Zach laughed knowing exactly what Mason meant. Damn his cuz had it bad for Jules.
General Braddock's Study – Monday – 2100 (9:00 pm)
Pouring the scotch General Braddock called over his shoulder "James would you prefer bourbon?"
"No, I'll just have the same as you and Tom" Commander-in-Chief Jerrell James McFergus responded.
William poured a third and brought the drinks around to his longtime friends. Sitting in the third chair placed around the small table William said "So James, what's the status of our project?"
Taking a sip James put his glass on the table "Since Hayes-Baxter's untimely demise I had to locate a replacement for her on the committee. Damned disgusting situation. The PPSC needed to keep it all hush, hush until the warrants for her cohorts were served."
"I'm happy that what she did is in the open now. Vindication for many of her victims. But I guess we'll never know who started the investigation. The PPSC was just happy to get the anonymous tip and all the files. Ah but I digress. The new committee member is Marbella Ridgewater."
Tom Sutton laughed out loud "James, you got to be kidding me? How the hell did you rope Bella into that position? She's like what 75 now?"
Smiling William said "Closer to 80. James, how can I ever thank you for appointing her?"
James laughed "Well now that you mention it. Her only request was that Samuel stops by and visits her when he is well. Make sure that happens or I'm in hot water with Bella. That is not something I would relish either."
"I promise Samuel with be there as soon as he is able. He'll be happy to see her again. She has always had such a soft spot for him; ever since he was a baby. It only increased when he lived with her for a time and when he was part of the unit that rescued her grandson from the insurgents. So I'll call her tomorrow and arrange a time to present my case" William said with a smile.
William knew that his godmother Bella would not deny him this. Bella loved Samuel so much. She was like a second mother to Samuel. Bella had helped them so much when Samuel was a teen. They would have probably lost him without her help that winter night when Samuel was sixteen.
James shook his head no as he pulled papers from his inside pocket and stated "No need. I already spoke to her about it. She said yes before I could even finish. You now have the unanimous decision from the committee. Samuel's reactivation has been converted to a special assignment. Additionally his contract had been modified so that all time spent on special assignments will deduct from his active duty time requirement should he ever reactivate in the future. He is to be released from special assignment when he is medically cleared."
Taking the offered papers William smiled "James what can I say? Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough."
James looked at his friend with sincerity "Will, that boy of yours has done more to secure this country and other countries than anyone will ever know. Due to his direct actions two of the worst terror cells have been wiped out. Blowing up Tahir's stockpiles has put a huge dent in the supply of weapons to terror cells worldwide."
"Taking out Mousa has saved countless Special Forces soldiers. Ours were not the only ones targeted or hit. Got covert words of thanks from the US, UK, France and Israel for taking Mousa out."
"And Qasim, all I can say is I'm glad Sam was the one that actually took out that sick bastard. A small bit of justice for all he went through at that bastard's hands. Still can't believe he was about to do those things to a four year old boy. Glad he is dead and will not be able to harm another soul" McFergus stopped and took another sip.
Then James looked to William with an apologetic expression "I'm just sorry Sam's been so badly injured this time. I truly hope he recovers his sight completely. I also wish I could have just made an executive decision in this case and not made you jump through all those damned hoops. Especially with Hayes-Baxter. Sad to see the system put in place to prevent abuses like what happened to Sam before actually abuse him again."
William took a moment as he thought about that. Then he stated "James, I don't blame you or the system. Just wish we had a bit more latitude given our current state of unit readiness. There are several good men I'd like to be able to pull in for top level short-term special assignments but I will not ask them to reactivate nor involuntarily reactivate them to do so."
Nodding James responded "I figured that was the case with only two able bodied level fives at this time. Getting Simons and Srònai, Srònaich'O'Na, ah hell Mason, leveled to five so quickly took some doing. Impressive work Will. I understand we have a few more in line for that but they are not quite ready."
"So, given our current state of units, the committee has granted you the rights to allow special assignments for any former operative with level five security. It will give you the necessary bandwidth to deal with top level situations without unduly negatively affecting our former soldiers by involuntarily reactivating them."
Tom looked to William and asked "So, when will you tell Sam the good news?"
Sam's Apartment – Tuesday 8:00 pm
Mason and Zach had razzed the shit out of him last night when he came out after his cold shower. If the tables had been turned he likely would have teased them too but Christ that had been embarrassing. Thank god neither Zach nor Mason brought the subject up again today.
It had been a long day and he was fatigued both mentally and physically. Remembering Ripsaw yesterday had brought to the forefront some missions that had gone very, very wrong and cost good men their lives. Last night was hell with those nightmares. Today Dawn and he had delved into those intense memories. Then he had spent three hours in physical therapy. He mostly hit the heavy bag today. It helped release the anger and guilt that came with some of those memories.
For now he needed to push those memories away. Tonight his SRU family was coming and it was time to think of pleasant things. He hadn't seen any of them since Mason had literally dragged him out of SRU HQ two weeks ago. Christ he just kept embarrassing himself lately.
He had refused to leave. Zach had pleaded with him to just walk out and go. It was the beginning of the meltdown that crested with the argument with his father. Mason had grabbed the back of his shirt and hauled his ass out of the briefing room and to the waiting van. Both Mason and Winds had laid into him and Zach verbally all the way back to the General's home.
Thankfully not a single one of the team said a word to him about that day. Pleasant thoughts, pleasant thoughts he reminded himself. Unfolding the last chair and setting it down Sam asked "Zach, you remembered to get the ginger ale right? Sarge doesn't drink alcohol."
Zach held up the ginger ale showing him then put the cans into the cooler with the beer. Sam just stood waiting for an answer. Shit he forgot he didn't see well enough yet. Sam used his other senses and moved around the apartment like he saw everything perfectly but he didn't. Zach called out "Yeah got it. Just put it in the cooler with the beer."
Sam nodded "Great, thanks for all your help today. I know it can't be any fun for you acting as my nursemaid and gopher."
"Seriously, do we have to go over this again cuz?" Zach said in an exasperated tone.
Sam shrugged.
In a slightly exacerbated tone Zach responded "Just stop already Sam. I'm here because I want to be. Besides with all that you and Mason are teaching me, I will probably be one of the best prepared recruits. Hell I might even break some of your records."
Sam smirked and sat down on his swivel chair "You can try. If you succeed at least they will stay in the family."
There was a knock on his door. Sam got up to answer it. "Blondie, sit. You know you aren't allowed to answer the door yet" Mason said as he went to answer the door.
Yeah, another one of his concessions, Sam thought sitting back down. Eye sight improved a lot but not completely back. Still no direct threat but he understood his father's concern.
He could definitely protect himself if he knew there was a threat. But he couldn't yet recognize a threat quick enough. He could get his eyes to focus but it still took a lot of effort and it didn't last long. His eyes tired easily and when that happened it was back to blurriness and no amount of effort would focus them.
Mason checked the peep hole. "Blondie, it's the General." He opened the door and said "Good evening Sir."
Sam swiveled around as the General entered his apartment. It was the first time he had ever been here. "Sir what brings you here?" Sam said a little annoyed. Sam only arrived home yesterday and was pushing down the feelings like his father was being over-protective again and coming to check on him like a teenager left at home for the first time.
Hearing the tone and knowing they were still trying to reestablish the connection after their argument William cringed inwardly. Then he said a bit reserved "Looks like you are expecting company. Maybe I should come back later. Don't want to intrude."
God William regretted so much that he had overreacted and lost control. He had said such hurtful things and pushed Sam to the edge that day.
William learned first-hand that his son was able to take care of himself if the threat was close. His training was beyond normal SF combat training. He had asked Winds about it. Winds told him that Ripsaw had trained Blondie because the unit was concerned that he on his own most of the time with other units and had no one to cover his six.
Winds also informed him that Ripsaw trained Blondie in Apache Indian knife techniques, Sayoc Kali, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do, American Kenpo and the Keysi Fighting Method. The General had recalled Ripsaw. It was a sad day when they lost him, good man, died too young.
But it still scared him that Samuel could not recognize a threat quickly though. Hence his insistence on a body guard. Mason had come to him and asked to be assigned. He had agreed.
Mason's sheer size would be a deterrent to many people and the man truly cared about his son. He was also the only one who could pull Samuel from his sullen mood in the days following their explosive argument. Christ, he called him Sunshine and Samuel permitted it, usually with a roll of his eyes. But a short time later Samuel would be in a better mood.
Sam focused hard and watched his dad. God it was hard work to see faces but he focused just in time to see a look of regret flash and then quickly leave his face. "Sir. That's not necessary. It's just the team coming over for pizza and beer. You are welcome to stay."
William was glad for Samuel that the team was visiting him. They were an important part of his life. A life he would be able to get back to sooner than he anticipated if his vision cleared.
The news could wait another day though so William said "I'll just be going. I'm in Toronto for the next few days for meetings. I can stop by tomorrow night if you are not busy. I do have a few official things we need to go over. No rush though."
Sam rose and said "Sir. Really you do not need to go."
He walked to the cooler and grabbed a beer. Sam wanted to make amends and try to return to a less stiff relationship they had been trying to develop. He turned to his dad and held it out to him "Dad, I'd like you to stay."
The General recognized the peace offering. He was about to step forward and answer when there was another knock on the door. Mason opened the door.
"Samtastic, you're home" Spike said as he entered and jogged over and hugged him completely oblivious to the uncertain line pulling father and son closer together again. Spike was about to take the beer "For me?"
Sam laughed pulling the beer away from him "No Spike, for my dad. More's in the cooler, help yourself." Sam patted Spike's shoulder as Spike headed for the cooler.
Taking two tentative steps toward his father Sam asked "Dad, will you stay? Please."
William moved forward two steps and took the beer then took two more and put his arm around Samuel's shoulder "Son, for you anything."
They both smiled and relaxed more than they ever had around each other.
Zach flashed Mason a huge grin and it was returned. It was nice to see father and son reconciling.
A few moments later another knock brought the rest of the team bearing pizzas. When they entered all of them took note that Sam and his dad seemed at ease with one another. Sam never shared with them what happened that day but all had been totally shocked by his comments. They were equally glad to see that Sam and Mason were okay. The way Mason had dragged Sam out of the briefing room had been both comical and alarming.
Ed grabbed a beer and walked over to Sam "Hey Samo, glad to see you back here. How's the therapy going?"
"Good. Maybe too good I can actually see the shine on your bald head" Sam smirked.
Ed chuckled and was about to retort when Greg said "So how long are you here for?"
"Until the vision returns to normal and I finish rehab. Rehab is just basically conditioning workouts now. Ribs and ankle are in great shape. Then they'll assign me to some unit. Probably be about three to six weeks total if all goes as the eye doctor thinks" Sam replied stoically .
Jules slipped beside and gave him a side hug "Good. We will have a lot of time to hang out with you before you have to leave us again. When your eyes focus enough maybe we can go trail riding."
Sam smiled down at her. He loved the positive way she indicated when not if his eyes would get better. There was never any doubt in her mind. That always helped him.
He responded with humor lacing his words "Well only if we can find a mountain-sized mountain bike for Mason. I've promised not to slip away again until given the all clear. Don't want to repeat Mason dragging me home like a run-away six year old again."
Everyone laughed and were glad Sam was able to joke about the incident. That was a good sign. Everyone helped themselves to pizza and drinks then found places to sit. Normal conversation took place while they ate.
Mike and Sam spent some time talking getting to know each other. Sam liked the guy. He laughed hard when Mike shared the story about the nail polish. Sam remembered that day. It was damned funny. He had sent flowers to Shel to thank her for preventing him from falling to the same fate as Wordy.
Sam caught up on everything happening in their personal lives and somethings around the barn including the other teams. He found out that Gary from Team Two was leaving soon. His wife got a promotion to a Vice President position at her work and it required them to move to Vancouver. Then conversation turned to sports and local news.
The General watched the interactions. He was pleased to see Samuel so relaxed and enjoying himself. Being here was good for him. These people were good for him.
William relaxed more than he had in months as he thought Samuel would recover here. William knew this team would help his son regardless if his vision returned. He could see they were an extended family to him. Then William got drawn into a discussion on chess with Greg.
An hour later Wordy came up to Sam and handed him another beer "So Shel and Sophie are plotting again. They want to put together a going away party for you before you have to leave us. They plan to invite all the SRU teams and anyone you would want to bring. So keep us apprised of when you have to head out so they can plan it. Also Shel would like you to come to dinner on Saturday."
Ed piped in "Sophie wants you to come to dinner on Sunday."
Spike said "Ma wants you to come too soon. Said she would make your favorite lasagna. And Mason, she's gonna love you. I'll have her make an extra large pan."
Jules reached down, grabbed her bag and pulled out a large rectangular tin. "I almost forgot" Jules said as she handed it to Sam.
"What's this?" he asked.
She grinned "Open it and find out."
He opened it slowly and knew without looking what it was when the delicious aroma of his favorite cookies wafted out. He closed it quickly and tightly clamped his hands on the box "Spike I don't care how much you beg I am NOT sharing this time."
Spike looked at Jules with puppy dog eyes and said whiney-like "Cookies. You made Sam cookies. What about me? I've been good. I deserve cookies too."
Jules tilted her head to the side and eyed Spike as he pleaded with his eyes. She smiled as she brought out another container and Spike's eyes got wide and happy as she opened it
"You think I'd leave you guys out? Never. I brought some to share tonight too." Looking strictly at Spike and pointing to the tin in Sam's hands she said sternly "But those Spike, are for Sam. No sneaking them out tonight when we leave. Got it?"
Spike put a fake hurt, innocent face on "Me? I wouldn't do that. How could you think I'd take Sam's cookies?"
Wordy chimed in laughing "Spike you've done it before. You let Lou take the blame for what you did."
Spike shook his head "Nunuh, it was all Lou's idea. Wasn't my fault he shared his stolen treasures with me."
Ed piped in "Sam get's Spike's cookies tonight then."
Sam chuckled. Geez this was stupid and juvenile but that was part of what he loved about these guys. He gave Jules a lop-sided grin and said "Jules you might want to share the cookies to shut them up before we start another cookie war."
General Braddock watched as everyone but he and Zach scrambled to grab a cookie, fighting to get there first. Mason's sheer size allowed him to get to it first. His interest piqued, must be darned good cookies to see men behave this way.
Jules had laughed at the guys antics then offered one to him and Zach. William took one bite and was hooked. Best cookie he ever tasted, well second after Yvonne's. General Braddock reached for a second before they were all gone.
A little while later, all cookies devoured, Mike got up "Sorry guys gotta go. Karen's expecting me. Told her I wouldn't be out too late tonight. She's had a rough day with four sick kiddos at home. Sam was nice to finally meet you."
"You too Mike" Sam said as Mike left.
Spike piped up "Sam you won't believe a call we had a few weeks ago. Man, I tell you it was so strange. We were told we couldn't talk about it. But yesterday we got word that it was no longer secret."
He went on to tell Sam all about the call regarding Hayes-Baxter and their interaction with a strange man named Dominique Savoy. Spike finished "I'm so glad that Allard got his job back and his wife stopped divorce proceedings. That Hayes-Baxter woman sure did a number on him and several others. I just wonder how many people's lives she ruined?"
Sam had listened. He recognized the name Dominique Savoy from long ago but chose not to react to the name. What Spike related was shocking. He was a bit worried about Ed. Sam knew what it was like to take the fatal shot on a victim turned aggressor. It was hard to cope with sometimes.
Turning to Ed, Sam offered "Ed, if you need to talk."
Ed replied "Nah I'm fine."
Sam looked at him hard "Fine?"
Ed backtracked "I mean okay, I'm okay. I mean she did ruin the lives of several men, causing one to commit suicide. Maybe just maybe my action saved someone else. But you know, I think I might feel better about it if you'd share your cookies. Spike hogged the last two."
Everyone laughed.
God he loved this team Sam thought. It was going to be very hard to be away so long. He would call Ed later and talk privately about the shot. He could hear Ed was still trying to come to terms with it. But these were Jules' cookies so he said "Sorry Ed, nice try. But you heard Jules. These are MINE."
William saw the sad look that crossed Samuel's face briefly before he joked around with Ed. He really should do this in private but he knew how close Samuel was with this team. It affected them too. It might also help his friend Ed come to terms with taking a fatal shot. He heard the same thing Samuel had heard in his voice. Decision made.
"Samuel" William said to get his attention.
Sam looked toward his dad. Wow, his face was clearer tonight without concentrating so hard. Maybe relaxing helped. He smiled "Yes Sir."
William cleared his throat "The reason I came tonight. I have some news that affects you. It's something that I've been working on since Mason and Winds rescued you."
There were a few gasps from the team.
Ed gave Mason an assessing gaze. Rescued Sam? Part of him wanted to know rescued from what and how but realized it was likely top secret.
Spike looked at Sam and wondered exactly how he he had been injured. Sam hadn't shared any information about how. Was he tortured again? Spike hoped not.
Wordy and Greg shared fatherly looks of concern. Both their looks said 'he has suffered so much'.
Jules softly queried "Rescued?"
The General looked at her concerned face "Yes. I cannot give any specific details but yes. Samuel's mission was critical and likely saved thousands of lives."
Looking back to Samuel, William continued "As you know the committee controls the stop loss program. With the Commander's assistance I was able to meet with all the members. I needed to get a unanimous decision to make it work."
Sam sat up straighter thoroughly interested in what his dad was saying "Make what work Sir?"
"I'll get to that in a moment son. I had gotten all but one to agree. Just one hold out. I tried everything but she would not change her mind. Do you remember the special mission you did for the Frenchman when you returned to active duty after your captivity?" William asked.
Sam looked toward his dad. Yeah he remembered that mission, how the hell could he not? He would never forget those scared little girls. That mission tried his soul. He pushed those memories down as his gut clenched. Something else he would need to talk to Dawn about.
He knew he could not reveal anything so he simply nodded and said "Yeah, nice guy. Nice little girls too. Glad we were able to get them home safely. What does that have to do with the committee?"
William had never revealed his relationship to Dom to Samuel. So he said "There is something you never knew. The Frenchman asked me personally for my help in that situation. I could not deny him because Dominique Savoy is a very old friend of mine. We did joint missions together long ago."
Sam stared at his father. He knew Dom personally? That's why his unit was sent on that damnable mission. Part of him wanted to be angry. But most of him knew that those little girls would have died or suffered a worse fate if he and his unit were not sent on the mission. Sam just blew out a breath and waited for the General to continue.
Greg quickly put it together. He looked at the General and said "You were the client of Dominique Savoy and Hayes-Baxter was the hold out on the committee."
General Braddock responded "Yes and yes."
Sam was beginning to see the pieces fall into place but asked "So Sir, what exactly did you need the committee to agree upon?"
William wasn't quite ready to drop the news "Do you remember Marbella Ridgewater?"
A huge smile crossed Sam's face as laughed. Stupid question. What game was his father playing? Sam asked "Sir, why are we playing twenty questions? How does Grande Dame Bella fit into this?"
General Braddock laughed "Sorry son old habit, taught you to think on your feet though. It is just that Marbella replaced Hayes-Baxter on the committee. Her only requirement to agree with my request was that you visit her when you are well."
Sam's suspicions and hopes were rising. But he tamped them down not wanting to fall too far if it wasn't what he hoped it was. He replied "I'd be happy to visit her. It's been way too long since I've last visited her. Dad, no more questions. What was your request?"
William broadly "My request was to convert your reactivation to a special assignment. It was granted. As soon as you are released medically you will be able to return to the life you choose Samuel."
Stunned completely speechless Sam could only stare at his dad. His dad did that for him. The General had been working for weeks to free him from his commitment. Sam couldn't find the right words to express how he felt. He tried to convey it with his eyes. He concentrated hard getting them to focus and lock onto his dad's eyes.
Spike broke the absolute quiet and the eye lock by jumping up and wrapping his arms around Sam as he shouted excitedly "Samtastic's coming back to us!"
It got so loud in the apartment that Sam feared his neighbors would call the cops to report a disturbance.
When it finally quieted down Sam pulled his dad to the side. Sam focused on his father's face and got it to come into focus as they locked eyes again. Sam got choked up and his throat constricted.
Sam finally managed to get out "Thank you for my life" as he embraced his father.
William embraced him back and whispered softly only for Samuel's ears "I love you son."