Chapter 21
Hanging On
0900 hours, 28 February 2001, MTAC, Headquarters-British Military Intelligence Section-6, London, England
Along with Deputy Director Stephan Saunders of MI-6, EJ, Bridget and Izzy watched the big screen from within the British version of MTAC. On screen was a live video of a Russian Ultranationalist base on southeastern Russia, near the Chinese border. Tony, aka The Movie Buff, had managed to infiltrate the base and plant several cameras along the runway. "Gents, I believe it is time for our strike" said Saunders, who was Izzy's former boss. Izzy just ignored him.
"Give Movie Buff more time" cautioned Bridget.
"That is not your decision Captain Sullivan" retorted Saunders as he picked up his phone. "Yes this is Saunders, in from HMS Devonshire that she is cleared to fire' he said as he hung up.
"Wait" Bridget pleaded.
"What the devil for" Saunders stated smugly.
"Deputy Director, Devonshire reports, 'missile away' time to target, 4 minutes, 28 seconds" said one of the British MTAC Techs.
"Excellent" Saunders said. Then he turned to EJ. "EJ, get your man out of there". EJ walked over to the radio to talk to Tony.
"Wait" said Izzy, not taking her eyes off the MTAC screen. She was starting at an armed Aero L-39 Albatross Fighter-Bomber. Unfortunately, the undercarriage, and the plane's payload, were blocked by a truck parked in front of it. "Just wait" said Izzy.
"Yes Movie Buff, I can see it, it's a truck parked in front of a plane, so what?" EJ asked in the radio. "No, don't tell me to wait" EJ shot back. Bridget walked over and pressed the speaker key on the radio set.
"Just look at the fuckin scene" came Tony's voice yelling over the radio. EJ looked up at the scene and saw that the truck was pulling away, revealing the Albatross' payload.
"Oh my God" said Bridget as she grabbed the mic out of EJ's hand. "Movie Buff, those are Soviet SB-5 Nuclear Torpedoes. If the missile hits them"
1605 hours, 28 February 2001, Russian-Ultranationalist Base, 350 miles northwest of Vladivostok, Kamchatka Oblast, Russia
"On it" said Tony as he tucked his radio in his jacket. He pulled a ski masked over his face and stood up. He quickly made his way towards the runway, attaching a sticky bomb to a passing fuel truck that was headed to the other side of the runway. As Tony approached the L-39, the fuel truck exploded, sending the base into absolute chaos. Tony quickly jumped up the step ladder of the Albatross and coldcocked the pilot before tossing his KO'd body to the snowy ground. Tony hopped into the cockpit and threw on the pilot's helmet. "Fuck pre-flight" he said as he started flipping switches, firing up the L-39's engine. As he was doing this, some of the terrorists noticed him and started to surround him. Tony quickly released the safety catch on the weapons and began firing off the rockets into the fuel and ammo storage dump.
Once the engines were ready, Tony got the plane moving forward towards the runway and switched to the guns. He fired off hundreds out rounds at the onrushing terrorists. He heard Bridget's voice come from the radio that was safely tucked inside his jacket "28 Seconds". Tony moved the plane onto the end of the runway and slammed back on the throttle. "10 Seconds" came Bridget's voice as the L-39 rocketed down the runway as the Cruise Missile crashed into the base, sending up a massive fireball.
1610 hours, 28 February 2001, MTAC, Headquarters-Military Intelligence Section-6, London, England.
As the fireball erupted, the feeds from the camera went dead. "No" said Bridget softly as she felt a warm tear slide down her cheek.
"Movie Buff to Red Cap, ask that Limey Bastard where he'd like his bombs delivered"
2 months later- 1930 hours, 22 April, 2001, White House, Washington D.C
It had been 2 months since Three was pulled out of Quebec City. It had been 6 weeks since The CNP was thrown out of Quebec and forced to sign the Treaty of Dublin. The CNP Canadian Regime was forced to recognize The Republic of Quebec a sovereign nation. With Canada now under CNP control, and France and Belgium wavering, The United States pulled out of NATO, and formed a new world alliance, CDS, The Compact of Democratic States. With The US and Germany as its leading members, Quebec, Poland, Romania, Portugal and Norway are the initial signatory members. A week later, British Prime Minister Tony Blair was ousted by a vote of no confidence, and the leader of the shadow Government, Roland Cartland, accented to the seat of Prime Minister. His 1st move was to instil MP David Cameron as Minister of War. In order to keep Blair's Party from making too much trouble, Cartland's Conservative Party formed a coalition government with The Liberal-Democratic Party. Their leader, MP Nicholas Clegg, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, and 6 of the 21 cabinet seats went to the Lib-Dems. With Coalition and Cartland now in power, the referendum for Irish Independence passed with little incident. Ireland and Northern Ireland united as one, forming The Irish Republic. On March 29th, both The United Kingdom and The Irish Republic joined the CDS.
The US and ROQ, Republic of Quebec, signed a Status of Forces Agreement, allowing The US Military to establish permanent Army and Air Force Bases in Quebec, as well as a Submarine base along the northern Atlantic coast. In exchange, The US agreed to begin accepting Quebecois Military Cadets into West Point.
Three rapidly recovered from his injuries, and was awarded his 1st Purple Heart. EJ and Jordan continued to make Wedding Plans, and even set a date, July 29th. Meanwhile, Bridget followed EJ to several of his clandestine meetings with Lieutenant Colonel Mann of IAD. Something was obviously off, and until she could prove anything, Bridget decided not to inform Tony.
Which brings us to the night of April 22nd, 2001. Tonight was the night that Staff Sergeant Anthony Dominick DiNozzo III was to be awarded his Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush. The night would start off with the medal presentation. Due to the highly secretive and classified nature of The Unit, there would be a media blackout for the entire affair. Following the presentation, a few select members of the Unit were invited for dinner with the President. The invitees being, The DiNozzo Family, EJ and Jordan, and Bridget. Fortunately for Tony and Kate, Liat was able to attend.
Everyone stood when President Bush entered the East Room of The White House. The military men all snapped to attention for their Commander-in-Chief. "Be seated" said President Bush. Everyone sat down, except for Three who stood beside the President in the at ease position. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Tonight, we are here to take part in my favorite part of this job. Tonight, we are here to award our Great Nation's Highest Honor, The Medal of Honor, to one of her bravest soldiers. In the early morning hours of 18 February 2001, Staff Sergeant Anthony Dominick DiNozzo III, with actions above and beyond the Call of Duty, selflessly led an attack to liberate The Quebecois Village of Montcalm. With the attack pinned down by heavy enemy fire, Staff Sergeant DiNozzo charged into battle, braving both shell and machine gun fire. He carried on the attack and carried the day. Within a matter of hours, Montcalm, a key cross roads town en route to Quebec City, had been liberated. If not for the brave actions, many more brave Americans would have died during the battle of Montcalm. But it would be a few days later when Staff Sergeant DiNozzo would show his true heroism. While on a special intelligence gathering mission inside Quebec City, he was able secure a map and photo graphic evidence, showing over a dozen mass grave sites, containing the bodies of Catholics that were murdered at the hands of Canadian National Party Regime. Because of him, justice will be served. Because of Staff Sergeant DiNozzo, the guilty will be punished. The people of both these United States of America and The Republic of Quebec, will forever be in his debt. With that, It is my great pleasure and honor, as my father did with his, to award the Congressional Medal of Honor, to US Army Staff Sergeant Anthony Dominick DiNozzo III". One of the president's aides came up with the velvet box containing the medal. The President picked up the medal and walked up behind Three. He draped the light blue ribbon around Three's neck so that the medal was in front of his neck, just above his chest. The president interlocked the clasp and let the medal hang from Three's Neck. With that done, the President stepped out from behind Three, and Three turned to shake hands with the President. Everyone stood and clapped when Three and the President shook hands.
After that everyone broke up into small groups. Colonel Barrett and Jordan had the opportunity to introduce Erica Jane, EJ's 20 year old daughter to the President. "Edward, so nice to see you "said President Bush as he shook hands with Colonel Barrett.
"Always a pleasure Mr. President" EJ replied. "Mr. President, I would also like to introduce you to the 2 most important ladies in my life, 1st, my wonderful fiancé, soon to be wife, Lieutenant Commander Jordan Parker" EJ said.
"Mr. President" Jordan said as she curtsied. The President took Jordan's hand and placed a kiss to her knuckles.
"Very nice to meet you Ms. Parker" said the President. As Jordan rose from her curtsy, Colonel Barrett introduce his daughter and namesake to, Erica Jane to President Bush.
"And this lovely young lady is my beautiful daughter, Erica Jane" said EJ introducing her.
"Very nice to meet you Mr. President" said Erica Jane as she stuck out her hand.
Meanwhile, Three was being congratulated by his mother, Kate, and his sister, Liat. "Congrats honey, I'm so proud of you" said Kate as she gave her son a big kiss on the cheek.
"Mom!" Three protested, getting a laugh out of his older sister.
"Congrats little brother" said Liat as she gave her "little" brother a tight hug, which he reciprocated.
"Thanks Sis" Three replied as he gave his sister a kiss on the cheek.
Meanwhile, Bridget was sitting off to the side, alone. Seeing this, Tony came over and sat down on the bench next to her. "Any particular reason you're sitting here all alone?" Tony asked her.
"I just kind of feel out of lace, ya know?" she said.
"Like when you went with me to Lucky's graduation last year?" Tony asked, referring to his godson, Lucky Spencer.
"Ah yes, the incomparable Lucas Lorenzo Spencer Jr. that is one child I will never forget" said Bridget with a smile.
"Still doesn't answer my question" Tony replied. Bridget sighed.
"Yes, just like then, I do… feel out of place" she mumbled. "But it was different up in Port Charles. Then, you had brought me so that I could meet your family. Now, I'm the only one here without a family. I just feel out of place" she said with a sigh and sagged shoulders. Tony slipped his armed around Bridget's shoulder; a move which happened to catch Kate's eye.
"Come on, you're in the White House, Three just got the medal, this is a time for everyone to be happy" Tony said as he tried his best to cheer her up.
20 minutes later, dinner was served, and those who had been invited made their way to the White House's Executive Dining Room. Those who had not been invited, went their separate ways. Chester and Meg, who had a young son who was only a few months old, decided to call it an evening and headed back to their hotel. Deeks, Cole and Weston, under orders from Tony, and under the watchful eye of Tali, stood guard outside the building alongside the Secret Service. Deciding there was nothing else to do, Billy and Izzy headed for the nearest bar.
2045 hours, 22 April 2001, McMurphy's Tavern, Georgetown, Washington D.C
McMurphy's was surprisingly not busy when Billy and Izzy arrived. They both pulled up barstools at the bar, and Billy ordered. "Gimme a Coors" he said. When Izzy raised her hand to order, Billy grabbed it and put it down on the bar. "And the lovely young lady to my left will have an O'Doulls" said Billy, ordering her a non-alcoholic beer. Izzy shot Billy a look. "Chill out Iz, you're 19" he said with a smile.
"Which means what? That you can make my decisions for me?" Izzy asked.
"No, it means that you are too young to drink" Billy said. Their mini-argument ended when the bartender delivered their drinks.
Ever since Colonel Barrett had made them partners back in February, their friend and partnership had grown stronger and stronger. Both of them would easily agree that they were best friends. Even back when Izzy 1st joined the Unit back in October, Billy had been the 1st friend she had made. Even back in March, when Billy went home to Pittsburgh on leave, he had asked Izzy to join him; an invitation which she immediately accepted. She got to meet both Billy's mom, and older brother. When she 1st joined the Unit, Chester had told her that Billy was the heir to The Hazard Family Empire. Her 1st impression of Billy was that he was a trust-fund baby who joined the Army just for kicks. She soon learned that Billy was a dedicated young officer, who joined the Army because he didn't want to be a businessman like his older brother. Billy carried his K-98k Sniper Rifle because he wanted to be different. And the nit gave him that chance, the chance to be different. She admired that in him. His independent streak. She also found his new hair cut to be very cute. He had cut off his blonde locks and now had a buzz cut just like everyone else in the Unit.
They sat in a comfortable silence as they enjoyed their drinks. Billy loved spending time with Izzy. She was his best friend and his partner. She was also the most important person in his life. Up until Izzy learned of her father's identity, Billy would have said that he was the most important person in Izzy's life, and he would have been right. Now that the truth was out about Special Agent Gibbs being Izzy's father, Billy was scared to death that he wouldn't be important to Izzy anymore. However, unbeknownst to Billy himself, he had become even more important to Izzy than ever before. Her relationship with her father was important to her yes, but still, if she was forced to choose between Billy and her dad, she would choose Billy every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Mrs. Izabella Hazard she thought to herself. Yes, she was in love with Billy, or Hazz as he jokingly called himself. Along with his new haircut, Billy had tried out several new "Names" to call himself. Eventually, he got to "Hazz". It was a new name, along with a new haircut, for a brand new Hitman. Unfortunately for Izzy, one thing had remained the same. Billy still didn't love her back. At least, so she thought anyway. For Izzy, it was going to be a long night.
2345 hours, 22 April 2001, Sub-level parking, White House, Washington D.C.
After a lovely evening with The President and his family, EJ and Jordan were making their way to their car, EJ's brand new blue 2001 Ford Mustang GT. The younger EJ, Erica Jane, had already left in her own car, heading back to their hotel. It had been a lovely evening. With the pressure he was getting from Lieutenant Colonel Mann, EJ was looking for a way out. He was hopping the President could be that out, for him, and his family. The last thing he wanted was for his past to come back to harm his family. They approached the Mustang as EJ fished in his pockets for his keys. Just as he pulled them out, Jordan grabbed them out of his hand. "I'm driving" she said as she dangled the keys in front of EJ's face.
"You're lucky I love you" said EJ as he opened the passenger door. Normally, nobody but EJ drove his Mustang; but just this one time, on such a wonderful night, he decide to make an exception. Jordan started the car and they pulled out. Jordan waved to Tony, Three and Kate as they drove past, EJ, did not.
"Any particular reason you didn't wave?" Jordan asked.
"Just tired I guess" said EJ as Jordan made her way down the driveway to Pennsylvania Ave. despite popular perception, the streets of DC, especially near the White House, were very quiet at night. Jordan pulled up and revved the engine as the front gate opened.
"Ready?" Jordan asked as she continued to rev the engine.
"Should I be?" EJ replied with a grin.
"Always" Jordan said as she shifted and peeled out of The White House driveway. Jordan speed down to the right of the driveway and then yanked on the emergency, sending the car into a fish-hook turn. She quickly released the brake and sped back towards the White House. They laughed as they drove, until suddenly and unexpectedly, Jordan lost control, and car was sent into a violent roll and it crashed off the road.
Tony and his kids watched in horror as EJ's car went into the roll. "Colonel!" Tony yelled as the car flipped off the road. "Liat, get an ambulance. Three, on my six" Tony ordered as he and Three took off running towards the crashed car. With a few Secret Service agents, Bridget, Deeks, Weston, Cole and Tali trailing them, Tony and Three were the 1st to reach the wrecked Mustang. "Three get the Colonel, I'll get Jordan" Tony said as he side on his knees to in front of the blown out wind shield.
"Colonel Barrett, you ok?" Three asked as he kicked in the passenger door window. With a few lacerations to his face and arms, and some bruising to his torso, EJ emerged otherwise unharmed.
"Yeah I'm ok" he said as he leaded against the side of the upside down car for support.
"Good, you gave us quite the scare" Three said as he gave EJ a slap on the back, making the Colonel wince in pain. "Oops, sorry" he said apologizing. Meanwhile Tony was pulling Jordan's body from the wreckage. "Hey dad, how's Commander Parker?" Three asked. Tony bent his head down and placed his ear over Jordan's mouth and watched her chest not moved.
"Liat, what's the ETA of the ambulance?" Tony yelled to his approaching daughter as he removed his coat.
"5 mikes, why?" she asked.
"Because she's not breathing" Tony said urgently as he began CPR on Jordan.
Tony continued CPR on Jordan for the next few minutes until the ambulance arrived to take her Washington General. The EMTs loaded Jordan into the ambulance and Tony jumped into the ambulance with her. Bridget, who had been helping Tony, jumped in as well. Once the ambulance pulled away, Tali began to inspect the damage.
"Hey, Dragnet" Tali yelled to Deeks.
"Yeah?" asked Deeks as he squatted down next to the car, inside of which Tali was crawling inside.
"Hand me your flashlight" she said as he stuck out her hand. Deeks reached onto his belt for his light, grabbed it and handed it to Tali. She grabbed it, turned it one and used it to look at the driver's seat.
"What is it Tals?" Three asked. With the light on the seat, Tali could easily see 3 small holes in the seat.
"Bullet holes, all of them 7.62 mike mike if I had my guess" Tali informed them as she crawled out.
"So someone was trying to kill Jordan, err, I mean Lieutenant Commander Parker, why?" Deeks asked.
"I don't think so" Tali said as Three offered her a hand and pulled her up off the ground. "I think they were after Colonel Barrett" she said. Colonel Barrett was currently being driven by Secret Service to the hospital.
"How can you tell that?" Deeks asked.
"Because Colonel Barrett never lets anyone drive but himself. Tonight he must have made an exception. But with the windows tinned as dark as they are, a sniper wouldn't be able to see Jordan in the driver's seat" Tali told him. Tali had to make some quick decisions to make. With Barrett temporarily out of commission, Billy and Izzy off getting drunk somewhere, Chester was incommunicado, and Tony and Bridget on the way to the hospital, Tali was the ranking Unit member on sight. "Ok, Sky Train" Tali said. Recognizing Tali's change in demeanor, Three quickly snapped to attention.
"Awaiting your orders Sergeant" Three replied.
"Change into some fatigues and take Phantom, Shark Bait and Dragnet on a sweep on nearby structures until you find the shooter's sniper's nest, clear?" Tali ordered.
"Crystal "Three replied.
0030 hours, 23 April 2001, Emergency waiting room, Washington General Hospital, Washington D.C.
The waiting room was as quiet as a tomb as Tony and Bridget sat in absolute silence as they waited for news on Jordan. They had arrived only minutes before, and had been directed to their current position by a nurse. And so, there they sat, Tony's shirt and Bridget's blouse covered in Jordan's blood. Kate and Liat were back at the White House explaining the situation to the President and EJ was one another floor getting patched up. Tony all of a sudden felt cold. He felt numb and alone. Seeing this, Bridget did something she never thought she would have the courage to do. As Tony's hand rested on their shared arm rest, Bridget slowly but surely, inched her hand towards his. She gently laid her hand on top of Tony's and gave it a reassuring squeeze. For just a moment, she could feel the heat radiating through her body. She felt Tony's hand turning over beneath her own. It was then she knew the brief moment was over. But then, as if by fate, something unexpected happened. She felt Tony squeeze her had back. She was shocked and yet utterly pleased at the same time. She looked up and her bright blue eyes met Tony's green ones. For just a moment, both of them felt a spark, or a "Thunderbolt" as Michael Corleone once said in "The Godfather" (MGM, 1972). They spark, however, was extinguished when both of them realized where they were and what they were about to do. Using only his eyes to apologize, Tony slowly leaned back into his chair and released Bridget's hand. Bridget, in turn, turned away from Tony, as she did not want him to see her blushing bright red.
A few minutes later EJ, who was now patched up came into the waiting room and sat down across from the couple. The silence continued until Tali walked in. and sat down on the other side of Tony. Silence continued until a doctor emerged from the operating room, her surgical gown covered in blood. EJ slowly stood up and walked over to him. The silence continued as Tony, Tali and Bridget slowly stood to watch. They watched as EJ collapsed into the doctor's arms. Tony leaned back against the wall and Bridget leaned into his chest. Tony's arm slipped around her shoulder and he pulled her tight to his chest. Tali had to sit back down and she put her head between her knees.
Lieutenant Commander Jordan Parker was pronounced dead at 0055 hours, 23 April 2001.
A/N- Next time on "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"-
When the identity of Jordan's murderer is revealed, EJ is sent into a tail spin that not even Tony can pull him out of. Then, at Jordan's funeral, EJ is once again confronted by the past, in the form of Jordan's ex-boyfriend, Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. Finally, all bets are off and all hell breaks loose when Tony learns of EJ's Betrayal.
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