Chapter 28
Measure of Men
Part One
1400 hours local time, 27 June 2001, US Embassy, Jakarta, Indonesia.
"Crowd's getting larger" observed Sergeant 1st Class Tavon Garris as he peered out the window.
"Don't worry, The LT should be done with the ambassador in a few minutes" said Master Sergeant Ronnie Gardocki, Bravo Team's Senior NCO.
"Reminds me of a lynching mob" Tavon said.
"Still playing the race card?" Gardocki joked.
"You're just made because you can't" Tavon said with a smile. "Have y'all even had a minority in the Unit?" he asked.
"Senior Sergeant Malachi Ben Gidon, Israeli Jew, and Sergeant 1st Class Jason King, African American" said Staff Sergeant Jonathan Cole, who had remained silent thus far.
"What happened to them?" Sergeant Garris asked.
"King retired and is now with the Arson Squad at DC Metro PD. Malachi was recalled back to Israel by The Mossad" Cole said.
"You serve with em?" asked Gardocki.
"I served with the Senior Sergeant. He was a good man. And no, I didn't serve with Sergeant King, he was before my time. And because I know you'll ask, there is no real way of knowing who was in the Unit prior to Colonel DiNozzo" Cole grunted. Both he Weston had taken exception to the newbies. "Hey Shark Bait, how's overwatch?" Cole asked into his radio.
"Boring as hell Phantom" Weston replied. "When's my relief?" he asked.
"Panther will be relieving you in 20 mikes" Cole said, using Garris' new callsign.
0600 hours, 27 June 2001, West Wing, White House, Washington D.C
Dressed in his Class-A Uniform, Tony sat patiently at attention as he waited for the President. It had only been a month since EJ's death, but Tony was already finished with being CO. He hated the paperwork and he hated being in the field. He wanted back in the field full time and he really didn't want to do anymore paperwork. "Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo" said The President's secretary. "President Bush will see you know" she said.
"Thank you Mam" said Tony as he grabbed he clutched his brief case, rose from his chair and proceeded into the Oval Office.
"Colonel DiNozzo" said President Bush as he rose from behind his desk and shook Tony's hand.
"Mr. President" Tony said.
"What is it you wanted to see me about?" Bush asked.
"Sir, can I be frank?" Tony asked.
"I always appreciate candor" he replied.
"The Delta Force needs a new Commanding Officer" Tony said.
"Yes, General Morrell mentioned that you didn't exactly like paperwork" Bush said.
"That's not the real reason sir" Tony told him. "We need a leader. Someone who can oversee operations 24/7. I can't do that from the field. More importantly, I don't want to be Commanding Officer. I am perfectly content with being the Executive Officer" Tony said.
"You need to understand something Tony" The President said. "From what The SecDef has told me, every Delta CO since 1986, has either been Court Martialed, forced to resign, or well… killed by you" said The President, bringing up some rather unpleasant memories for Tony.
McCoy
Meanwhile, at 1745, Major Colleton's Convoy Finally returned. They had gone through hell in The Bakara Market. Major Colleton Stepped out of his HUMVEE, where he was greeted by both Colonel McCoy and General Garrison. "What the hell took you so long Tom?" asked McCoy.
"It was 1500 when we finally decided to head back. Then it took us 2 and ½ more hours to navigate our way out of there" he said.
"Alright fine, why don't you grab a shower and prep for de-brief" said McCoy.
"No" said Major Colleton Defiantly.
"Excuse me Major?" asked McCoy.
"I said No Sir. We still have Rangers out there. God dammit Sir, Your own men are out there" yelled Colleton.
"Who cares, Bauer is an insubordinate asshole, Ben-Gidon isn't even an American or a Ranger, and DiNozzo, fuck him, that Son-of-a-Bitch has a medal that should be mine. I hope he fuckin buys it" said McCoy. At that point, Tom absolutely lost it. He clenched his fist tightly, and threw a devastating right hook. The punch slammed into McCoy's jaw with blind fury. McCoy was dropped to the hangar floor, his lip busted wide open and his nose broken.
"Did you see that General?" asked McCoy screaming.
Garrison laughed and said "Yes I did. Nice one-punch knockout Major".
"General, this... this… swine just struck me, I demand you do something" screamed McCoy.
"You're Right, Colonel" Said General Garrison. "Captain Mann!" he yelled.
Captain Hollis Mann of The Military Police came running over. "Yes Sir" she said, as she saluted.
"Captain Mann, place Colonel McCoy under arrest" he ordered.
"WHAT?!" screamed McCoy.
"The Charges are dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming, and Article 99: Cowardice in the face of the enemy" ordered Garrison.
"Yes Sir" said Captain Mann as she slapped the cuffs on McCoy and dragged him away.
"Major Colleton" yelled Garrison.
"Yes Sir" he replied.
"Get every available man we have and head for the soccer stadium. By the time you get there, The 10th Mountain should be all fired up" ordered Garrison.
"Yes Sir" replied Colleton.
"Oh, and Major" said Garrison. He waited till Tom was facing him and then said "We need to have a serious discussion when you get back, I have a job offer for you" said Garrison as he walked away.
"OK listen up Gentlemen" yelled Colleton. "We got Rangers and Delta still out there. We're Rangers, they're Rangers. They are our Brothers" he yelled. "Let's go. Secure the prisoners with the MPs, then reload on weapons, ammo, and water and get your asses back here. Now Let's Move it!" he yelled.
Colleton
0900 hours, 27 June, 1998, Tactical Operations Center, Unit Compound, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Everyone was assembled in the T.O.C. they were all waiting for Tony. They all looked up when they heard the door open. The door swung open and Tony stepped in. "Hey" he said, giving them an obviously fake smile. He was instantly mobbed by his friends and teammates. After the hugs and handshakes and "bro-fives", as well as kisses on the cheek from Bridget and Tali, he finally got a chance to speak. "I'm sorry that I couldn't get the job done" he said. "I failed" he said, with a tear in his eye.
"You didn't fail, my brother" said Malachi. "You only failed to succeed. We will have another chance. I assure you" said Malachi.
"Well now that, that's out of the way, I have an announcement to make, so if y'all could please, shut the fuck up" said Tom with a smile as he stepped forward. Tony was surprised to see him in full Class-A dress uniform. After a few seconds, silence returned and Tom began. "As it turns out, Movie Buff's little incursion into Quebec wasn't so clandestine. That jackass Elkanah Pershing figured it out and reported it to General Bowden" said Colleton gravely. "Fortunately, Pershing seems to have disappeared" said Colleton with ha evil smile. "So me and General Bowden have reached an agreement" said Tom, as a tear came to his eye. Tears also began to fall from Tali's eyes as well, as she already knew what was coming. Although he didn't know what was going to happen, Malachi walked over to Tali and pulled her into a warm embrace. She buried her head in his chest and began sobbing heavily. Malachi stroked her hair and tried to comfort her. It was now that everyone realized that whatever the Colonel was about to say, it wasn't going to be good. "General Bowden knows it was Tony who took the shot, and frankly, he doesn't care. But, we have to blame this on somebody. So we agreed to blame it all on Pershing and to bury the investigation in to Tony, on one condition" said Colleton. Tali, who still had her head buried in Mal's chest, reached down and squeezed his hand, looking for reassurance. Malachi immediately squeezed her hand back.
"What's the condition?" asked Tony, breaking the awkward silence.
"That I tender my resignation, effective immediately and retire" Colleton informed them. Before and one could speak Colleton held out his hand. "It's done, as of 0000 hours this morning, I am a civilian, my desk was cleaned out a week ago and my stuff has already been shipped home" he said. Then he turned to DiNozzo. "Tony, you're in charge".
"Oh Fuck" muttered Billy.
"We'll leave a marker where the country was" joked Chester, implying that the country was screwed.
"Don't worry DiNozzo, it's only temporary, until President Clinton appoints somebody else" Colleton assured him. "Bridget and Tals know all the paperwork and requisition stuff, so you won't have too much paperwork" said Colleton. Tali smiled a little when he heard her dad use the new nickname everyone had started calling her.
"What about Tali?" asked Malachi, whose heart had skipped a beat when he suddenly realized Tali might be leaving too.
"She stays, she's a Staff Sergeant in The United States Army" said Colleton. "It was an honor serving with each and every one of you" he started. He turn and started with 1st Lieutenant Sullivan. "Bridget, you are an amazing and beautiful young lady. You've been with me ever since I joined The Unit, and you are without a doubt the best aide in the Whole United States Military" he said with a tear in his eye.
"Thank you very much Colonel" she said, as tears trickled down her face. She stepped forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek. As Bridget stepped back, Tom continued.
"Staff Sergeant Cole, I've only known you a few months, but from what Jack has told me, you we're instrumental in connecting the Sentox VX-1 nerve gas to Bradenhurst. I wish you luck kid" Tom said as he extended his hand.
"It was a pleasure serving under you sir" said Cole as he shook the Colonel's hand, Bauer was next.
"Jack! The last of the original Bravo. Jack, no matter what task you were given, no matter what it was, you always got the job done. And to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if you were sitting in my chair one day" said Tom, as he once again extended his hand.
"As long as it isn't DiNozzo" said Jack with a smile as he shook Tom's hand. Billy was next.
"Billy the Kid" he said with a smile. "While I may never understand why you feel the need to use a Karabiner K98 as your sniper rifle, I will always understand your conviction to getting the job done. From one West Pointer to another, go Black Knights" he said as he shook Billy's hand.
"You're still gonna introduce me to your neighbor's daughter right?" whispered Billy.
"Oh yeah!" said Tom and he nodded his head and smiled. Then Tom turned his attention to Sergeant 1st Class Martin. "Chester, out of everyone here, I've known you the longest, ever since we served together as Rangers. I think it's also safe to say, that since I took command of The Unit, 5 years ago, you have been the biggest pain in my ass" said Colleton with a smile, causing everyone, even Tali, to laugh. "You have no idea how many late night phone calls I got from Admiral Chegwidden back when you and Meg were 1st dating. And yet, despite all that, you've have proved everybody wrong and you married yourself a fine young lady. You are like the stupid son I never had, and certainly never wanted" he joked, causing everyone to burst out laughing. "Come mere you" Tom said as he stepped forward and gave Chester a big hug.
"Thanks Dad" said Chester in one of his many stupid voices. Then he turned to Mal.
"Senior Sergeant Malachi Ben-Gidon. Ya know, I always liked you Mal, that was, until you slept with my daughter" said Tom with an evil smile.
"Hey, I told you nothing happened" protested Malachi.
"Wow, it took me going away for 2 weeks for Mal to finally grow a pair and nail Tals. I should go away more often" joked Tony. Everyone but Tom, Tali and Malachi laughed.
"I know nothing happen Mal, I'm just pulling your leg" smiled Tom. Then he got serious. "With everything that's happened with Eli David, Rivkin and Ben-Lev, it's enough to make someone think that Israelis are bad people. Well Mal, you are the counterweight to that. It's because of people like you, that Israel will thrive" smiled.
"It's been an honor Colonel" said Mal as the two men shook hands. Then Tom turned to his daughter.
"Tali. I know what love is because of you. You ARE MY DAUGHTER. Never, ever let anyone ever tell you different. You are a Colleton, maybe not by birth, but in everyone way, you are a true Colleton. I love Tali, and I will always be there for you. To walk you down the aisle at your wedding and to baby sit my grandkids when you're busy" he said smiling. Tali ran forward and jumped into her father's waiting arms.
"I love you Daddy" she cried.
"I love you too Tali" Tom said as he tightened his hug. After a minute or so, they reluctantly broke the hug. Then Tom turned to the final person, Tony. "Tony, while Chester is the son I never wanted, you were the one I did" said Colleton causing everyone to smile. "You have more medals on your chest than Eisenhower and Audie Murphy combined. You are one hell of a team leader, and it was an absolute Honor and Privilege to serve along side you" he paused. "Everyone in this room, you are all my heroes, but you Tony, you are my Hero. You are the kind of man every kid in America dreams about being" said Colleton. "And judging by the way you were holding your side when you walked in, it looks like Bridget needs to fill out the paperwork for another Purple Heart" said Colleton smiling. Tony stepped forward and engulfed Tom in a huge hug.
"The Honor, Colonel, was all mine" said Tony. Tom slapped Tony on the shoulder as he turned to leave, for the final time. "Attention to Orders!" ordered Tony as everyone snapped to attention. "Delta… Salute" he ordered as everyone saluted. Then suddenly, the Unit Women, Meg, Terri Bauer and Kate, along with Three and Kim Bauer, walked in. Tony looked surprised.
"Oh that's right, I almost forgot. There's just one more thing" said Tom as he reached into his left breast pocket. He turned to face Tony and tossed him a small, red velvet box. Tony opened it and his draw dropped as he saw what was inside. "Congratulations…. Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo" said Tom as he walked out the door, while Tony looked down at the silver oak leaves inside the box.
Bell
0815 hours, 18 March 1999, Tactical Operation Center, Unit Compound, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It was a beautiful Saturday morning at Fort Bragg when Tony was called in. "I can't believe I have to drive all the way top work, on a Saturday" he complained as he walked into the T.O.C.
"Tony, it takes like 3 minutes to drive from our neighborhood to here" said Malachi.
"That's not the point, it's the principle" he complained as he sat down. "This better be good" Tony complained. As he said that, Bridget walked in carrying a six pack of Killan's Red Irish Beer. Tali walked in behind her with an air horn in her hand. She blasted it, making everyone cover their ears. After a minute and a half of eardrum piercing noise, she finally stopped. "Tali, I…am going…to kill you" said Tony, gritting his teeth. Tali only smiled and looked at Bridget, who was handing out beers to everyone.
"You wanna tell em or should I?" she asked with a huge grin on her face.
"Tals, if you no tell Chester why you wake him up at 0730 on day off, Chester strangle you" said Chester in his intentionally crappy Russian accent. Tali grinned a huge smiled and grabbed a stapler off her desk. She held it up like a microphone and cleared her throat.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Children of all ages, Red Cap and Freedom are proud to bring to you… drum roll please" she paused. Both she and Bridget smiled.
"Colonel Bell is GONE!" they both screamed out. There was no reaction.
"As s gone, goodbye, forever, he's out" Tali explained. The Men of Alpha Team erupted in cheers of Joy. For 7 long Months, career desk jockey, political climber and professional ass-kisser Colonel Merton Bell had made all of their lives a living hell. And now, he was gone. After the 6 of them opened there bottles of Killan's Irish Red, there clinked their bottles together. After that, Tony pulled Bridget aside.
"Why is Bell out?" he asked, as Executive Officer, it was kind of his job to know these things.
"He resigned, he's going to start his of Private Defense Firm" she told him.
"Great, another Corporate Raider" he complained. Then he realized something. "I'm in charge again, aren't I?" he asked
"I'm afraid so Sir" she said, putting her hand on his shoulder. "In the famous worlds of Ironman 'America is doomed'" she said smiling.
Barrett
"And this is my favorite part of my office" said Colonel Barrett as he pointed to the large panoramic window that allowed him to watch over the rest of the T.O.C. he was giving his daughter Erica Jane the grand tour.
"How not many kids can say that their father runs the world's most elite Special Forces" Erica Jane commented.
"And neither can you" EJ told her.
"I know" she replied with a smile. EJ then looked out through his window and saw Tony walking in.
"Honey, why don't you wait outside for a second" EJ told her.
"Ok" she said as she walked out. Tony stormed into the room, grabbed EJ by the lapels of his shirt and slammed him up against the wall.
"If you don't want to face a Courts Martial for insubordination, Lieutenant Colonel, you'd best get your hands off me" EJ threatened. But Tony didn't let go. He tightened his grip on EJ's shirt and threw his across the room, sending him flying through the large glass window. EJ slid across the floor of the T.O.C, shards of glass now laying everywhere. Tony stepped through the now shattered window, grabbing his Bowie knife from its ankle sheath in the process. With his left arm, he picked EJ up and slammed him against the wall, holding the knife against EJ's throat with his other hand.
"It was you" Tony spat out. "After we initially suspected Billy, Tali sent the imprint to Abby Scuito as NCIS" Tony told him. "Oh it was a West Point ring all right, but Tali was wrong. It wasn't 1996… it was 1976" Tony said as he pressed the knife against EJ's throat. "Billy's undercover. He's been working for you all along, hasn't he?" Tony stated. EJ remained silent. "Answer Me!" Tony demanded.
"Yes" EJ spat out. "I did what was necessary" EJ said.
"We needed someone to infiltrate the terrorist organization, someone with a legitimate axe to grind" EJ said.
"Just one problem. Billy didn't beat up Izzy so badly she couldn't even remember it. You did" Tony said. "Then, after you realized it had worked, you sent me after him. If I killed him, you were in the clear. But that wasn't your plan was it?" Tony said. "You were banking on McGregor killing me, so that you could lay off Billy's actions on me. Is that what you've been doing with Hollis Mann?" Tony asked. EJ's jaw dropped. "Yes, I know all about it. Bridget has kept me well informed" Tony said.
"I regret Izzy's pain, but I did what had to be done" EJ said.
"Do you realize the extent of the damage you've done?" Tony asked.
"My job description is to do whatever is needed to protect this county, Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo" EJ yelled. "And it worked, Billy is on the inside, and whatever's left of Jaguden's people are on the move. From now on, we'll know whatever he knows" EJ said confidently.
"Congratulations on a job well done" Tony spat out.
"I can deal with your contempt, Lieutenant Colonel, and your insubordination to this point. I will remind you I am in charge here" EJ reminded him.
"You know what the sick truth is here?" Tony asked. "I don't believe you're capable of comprehending just how far you've gone" Tony said, answering his own question.
"Thank you for your opinion Lieutenant Colonel. But it's about sacrifice" EJ said.
"Oh yes it is" Tony replied as he backed away, removing the knife from Barrett's throat and placing it back in its sheath. "But this time the sacrifice is going to be you" Tony said as he got right back in EJ's face. "Under the authority of Brigadier General Irving T. Morrell, you are relieved of command pending the outcome of an Article-32 investigation" Tony said. "You're done EJ" Tony said as he turned to walk away.
"Never" said EJ as he drew his Desert Eagle handgun from his holster and aimed at Tony's back.
"Dad no!" Erica Jane yelled as EJ fired a round into Tony's back, the force sending Tony crashing to the ground.
"Freeze Colonel!" Tali ordered as she appeared in the doorway, her P99 pistol in hand. EJ quickly grabbed Erica Jane, ducking behind her, using her as a human shield.
"Don't make me" EJ said frantically. A shot rang out, and both Erica Jane and Tali feared the worse. Then, EJ's gun dropped to the ground as he slumped back against the wall, a hole in the side of his head. Tali looked over to Tony, who was now sitting up, smoke coming from the barrel of his 45. Tony unbuttoned his shirt and peeled it off, revealing a very thick bullet-proof vest. With a grunt, Tony stood up and walked over to EJ's body.
"Sorry old friend" said Tony as he picked up EJ's gun. Not knowing what to do, a frantic and devastated Erica Jane ran to Tony, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "Shh, shh, it's ok" Tony said as he tried to comfort her. Jesus Christ, what do you say to a kid who just watched you shoot her father in the head Tony thought to himself.
"However, I know that you wouldn't have come here if didn't have someone in mind" Bush said. Tony smiled.
"That I do Mr. President" Tony said.
1830 hours local time, 27 June 2001, US Embassy, Jakarta, Indonesia.
The crowd of Anti-US Protestors had now swelled into the thousands. The sun was just beginning to set when Rocks and other projectiles began flying over the wall. When 3 of the US Marine Guards attempted to padlock the front gate, a grenade was dropped at their feet, killing them. "Do not fire, do not fire!" Lieutenant Galtier yelled as he urged everyone not to retaliate. Once their weapons were lowered, he pushed them all back inside the Embassy. "Everybody calm down" he yelled. "I need to brief the Ambassador" he said. "Guard Dog, deploy the shooters for maximum coverage" he ordered.
"Right" Master Sergeant Gardocki replied. Galtier disappeared up the stairs to the Ambassador's office. "Ok listen up. Panther, establish overwatch up top. Phantom and Shark Bait down here" Gardocki said. Once the men were in position, Gardocki jogged up to the 2nd floor, headed to the ambassador's office. Just as he had placed his hand of the door to the outer office, he heard a shriek that he was all too familiar with. An RPG slammed into the ambassador's office, the shock wave knocking Gardocki onto his back.
0645 hours, 27 June 2001, Oval Office, West Wing, White House, Washington D.C.
"Mr. President, no man has ever backed his men more than him" Tony said as he continued his stump speech for who he thought should be the next Commanding Officer of The Delta Force.
"Tony, I know how bad you want him as CO, but I have to justify it with The Senate Armed Services Committee" The President replied.
"I've already spoken with Senator McCain, the committee chair, and he agrees with me" Tony said.
"Tony, I'm not stupid. I know how close Senator McCain is to your father. They've been best friends for 30 years" Bush said.
"Senator McCain supports my wishes on this one" Tony said.
"Why him?" Bush asked. Before Tony could answer, Karl Rove, The President's deputy chief of staff, Admiral Percy FitzWallace, The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Brigadier General Irving Morrell, Commanding General of JSOC, Joint Special Operations Command, entered the room.
"Mr. President" said Admiral FitzWallace.
"Whats up Fitz?" Bush asked.
"Sir, we have an emergency situation in Indonesia" said the Chairman.
"The Embassy?" Tony asked.
"Yeah" The Admiral replied.
"What happened?" Tony asked.
"Irv" FitzWallace said. General Morrell stepped forward.
"An RPG round was fired into the Ambassador's office. Ambassador Pennington, his deputy, and the CIA Station chief are all dead" Morrell said. "Approximately 5 minutes prior to the blast, 3 Marines were killed by a grenade blast at the main gate" Morrell added.
"What are the Indonesians saying?" Bush asked.
"The Jakarta Police have made no attempt corral the crowds, and if anything, they're encouraging them" Rove said. "We need to evacuate the Embassy" he suggested.
"Colonel DiNozzo, can your team effect such an Operation?" Bush asked.
"Actually Sir, I already had a team on the ground" Tony said. "They're trapped inside with the remainder of the Marine Guard. All non-essential personnel were evacuated days ago" Tony said.
"So it's only the Marines and your men left inside?" Bush asked.
"Yes Sir" Tony replied.
"Ok then, Admiral FitzWallace, order the George Washington Carrier group into the straits" Bush ordered. "Tony, assemble your team and rendezvous with the GW. Work out the details with Fitz and Morrell" he said
"Yes Sir" Tony replied. Rove, FitzWallace and Morrell left. "Mr. President" Tony said. "Now is why we need him. He's good with Politics where I'm not" he said. "The Measure of Men is not measured by words and intentions. It is measured by how far you're willing to go to fight for something you believe in. He's a Patriot, just as I. Give him a chance Sir" Tony said.
"Morrell!" Bush yelled.
"Yes Mr. President?" Morrell asked as he re-entered the room.
"You're aware of who Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo has recommended to take command of the Unit?" The President asked.
"Yes Sir" Morrell replied.
"I'm ordering Secretary Rumsfeld to have him reinstated. Give him a call. I want him briefed an in the situation room in 24 hours" The President ordered.
"Yes Sir" Morrell replied.
0830 hours, 27 June 2001, Greystone Manor, Port Charles, New York.
Ever since the war in Quebec, the military presence in Port Charles had increased 10-fold. Being directly across Lake Ontario from Toronto, in the advent of the resumption of hostilities, Port Charles would be the 1st line of defense. That being said, Port Charles was still a wonderful city.
As the taxi pulled through the grates of Greystone Manor, Bridget looked around in awe. She had only been here briefly the previous year when she had met Tony's father. The home of the Corinthos family was beautiful. The cab pulled up to the front door. Bridget paid and tipped the driver and exited the car. She then proceeded to knock on the front door. "Yes?" asked a man in a leather jacket at the door.
"Captain Bridget Sullivan, US Army" she said as she produced her ID. "I'm here to see Captain Michael Corinthos Jr." she said.
"Come in" the man said. She stepped in and the man closed down behind him. When the man moved to frisk her for a weapon, Bridget quickly drew her 45 and jammed it into his chest.
"Move" she commanded. The man reluctantly raised his hands and Bridget pushed him into the room that she remembered to be Sonny's office. "This how you treat your guests Sonny?" Bridget asked as she shoved the man who answered the door down on one of the couches.
"For guests who pack a 45 I do" Sonny said as he stood up from behind his desk. "It's good to see you Bridget, I see you haven't lost your touch" Sonny said as he approached her.
"I learned from the best" Bridget said, referring to Tony as she holstered her 45. She gave Sonny a quick hug before sitting down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"Jason, leave us" motioned Sonny. Once Jason was out of the room, they were free to talk.
"So that's the infamous Jason Morgan?" Bridget asked. "Former 1st Lieutenant, US Army" she said recalling the file. "Saw action in Bosnia, was medically discharged after a brain injury he received in a helicopter crash" she said.
"That's him" Sonny said as he leaned back in his chair.
"He any good?" Bridget asked.
"Very" Sonny replied. "So, what can I do for you Captain Sullivan?" Sonny asked.
"Please, call me Bridget" she told him.
"Only if you call me Sonny" he replied. "Captain Corinthos died a long time ago" Sonny said.
"I wouldn't say that" she replied. "You served 11 tours, received the Medal and a Silver Star and 2 Purple Hearts in the process" Bridget recited.
"I know" Sonny said. "But like I said, that was a long time ago" Sonny told her.
"Ok then, I know you are a very busy man, so I'll come straight to the point" she said. "I have reason to believe that 18 years ago" she paused and took a deep breath. "You daughter-in-law gave up a child for adoption" she said.
"OK…" Sonny replied. "What does this have to do with me?" he asked.
"Many times in the past, I have help forge Birth certificates, among them being for your Son and Granddaughter. One thing we've always done is keep the dates of birth the same" she said as she pulled a manila folder from her briefcase. "When I updated Liat's file earlier this month, I noticed a discrepancy" she said. "Someone changed her D.O.B in the Unit file" she said. "Whoever did it, forgot to change the old one" she said. "Liat's original certificate shows that she was born on the same day as her brother, only 10 minutes prior. Also, the same doctor's signature appears on both Three and Liat's birth certificates" she said. "2 weeks ago, I visited Huntington Hospital, on Long Island, where Three was born, looking for Kate's medical records from 1982 and 1983" she said. "They're missing" Bridget said. "Every record of Kate being there is gone, every ultrasound, every visit with her OB/GYN, even Three's birth certificate has magically disappeared" Bridget said.
"And you think I had something to do with it?" Sonny asked.
"I know you did" she replied confidently. "Kate has no parents to speak of, they disowned her nearly 20 years ago" she stated. "If Kate wanted to cover up the face that she gave away a child, you would be the 1st person she turned to"
"What tipped you off?" Sonny asked rhetorically. "2 years ago, I was approached by Kate" Sonny began. "She explained to me what had happened, and begged me for my help. I told her I would do what I could, and I did. I had Jason steal the file for HH, and Kate told me that she knew someone who could help replace the Unit files"
"Malachi" Bridget said.
"Yes. Senior Sergeant Ben Gidon is the one who replaced Liat's Unit file" Sonny told her as he stood up. He walked over to his fireplace and placed his hand on a glass bird on the mantle. He twisted it, which activated a switch that opened a hidden panel in the wall.
"How Magnum P.I" Bridget joked. Sonny opened the safe behind the panel and pulled out a file folder. He closed the safe and handed the file to Bridget.
"Everything you're looking for is in there" Sonny told her. Bridget quickly read the file.
"I'll be damned, it's true, its really true" Bridget said. "Liat and Three are twins"
PLEASE REVIEW!
Next time on "28 Seconds: Strength and Honor"- Bridget is conflicted as she decides what to do with Liat's birth certificate. Meanwhile, with The US Embassy under attack, Tony's actions bring the US to the brink of war. Finally, Who is the new Unit CO?
Find out next time on "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"
And to my fellow Americans, have a Happy Thanksgiving