So this is Part 2 to "The Return of Murdoc".
You can think of the first three episodes as one movie, and these next episodes as the next movie.
The main characters that will carry over from the last adventure are MacGyver, Murdoc, Sam and Riss (My creation; Murdoc's daughter).
Other characters that will make an appearance or be mentioned are Pete and Nikki with Aaron and Jenny (My creations; Jenny is Pete's niece, and had a fling once with Murdoc, which is where we got Riss from).
Episode 2 Part 1: Deadly Jungle
"Pete?!" MacGyver shouted into the phone.
"Hello Mac."
"Niki? What are you doing on this number?"
"I knew you'd call, and I told Pete to let me handle this one."
"What are you doing at the Pheonix Foundation? I didn't even know you were back in LA."
"Oh, I'm here on special assignment. Now, I can tell your all fired up, so you better get over here. I don't like shouting matches over the phone."
MacGyver got on his bike and headed out. It had been just under a year since he, Pete and Sam had faced off against Murdoc. Sam and MacGyver had hung around in LA for a few months to make sure Pete was okay, and that Jenny and Aaron got settled back into society safely. Aaron had cut a deal, handing over all the information he had. Murdoc had moved quickly to cover his tracks, but some of Aaron's information had let them track some of Murdoc's resources and freeze them, hopefully crippling him and his fledgling assassins organization. In return, Aaron was entered into the witness protection program, and Jenny chose to go with him. It had been hard on Pete, but as MacGyver had predicted, Pete was just glad to see her alive and finally out from under Murdoc's control.
Once things were settled, MacGyver and Sam had taken off again. It had been hard saying goodbye to Pete again, but if the experience had done anything, it had strengthened MacGyver's resolve to get his son away from this.
At first, things had seemed relatively normal afterwards, but then things had started changing with Sam. He'd started asking more and more about MacGyver's old work with the Phoenix Foundation. At first, MacGyver had just thought it was curiosity about his past, the same way he asked Sam about the old stories he'd covered.
Then, Sam had overheard MacGyver calling Pete. Pete had promised MacGyver updates on Murdoc and their search for him. When Sam caught him, MacGyver had thought he'd be upset, but he wasn't. He asked Pete some questions. Asked Pete to send him the photos. Started giving input on locations and items in the background. Bit by bit, Sam had started getting more and more involved.
MacGyver was getting worried. He started trying to steer Sam away from it, bringing up journals and newspapers that needed a reporter, and offering to call some of his friends and get Sam an interview. For a few months, Sam just nodded and gave vague answers. Finally, Mac had pushed him, and Sam had pushed back.
"Cool it Dad, will you. Once I see what I want, I'll let you know. I just don't want to be covering local fairs and sports."
"I don't mean to pressure you, and I've loved our time together, but you've got a knack for photography, and I don't want you to waste your talent just freelancing. You know, I've got a friend over at National Geographic who really likes your pictures I sent him. I think it'd be a good fit."
"Yeah, maybe. I'll let you know Dad."
"Sam-"
"What about you Dad? You want me to find a steady job soon, but what are you going to do?"
"Me?"
"Yeah. You might be my old man, but you're still pretty young yourself. What are you going to do?"
"Well, I have a friend putting together a youth camp for intercity kids, and I thought I might lend a hand there. Course, I'd like to do something that lets me stay close to you..."
Sam pursed his lips for a moment. "What about the Phoenix Foundation? It's pretty clear Pete still wants you back."
MacGyver looked shocked. "What, no. No I left that behind to-"
"To get to know me, and I'm grateful you did. This past year has been great, and you're right, I do want to stay close. You're the only family I've got left. But Dad, everywhere we go I meet people you know. People you helped. You and the Phoenix Foundation. And while you say you're done with that life, I can tell you're not. Otherwise, why do you keep calling Pete?"
"Sam, what's this about? If you want me to stop checking up about Murdoc I will, I-"
"The Phoenix Foundation offered me a job."
MacGyver gaped. "What?"
"After I helped them figure out the last photos were from Singapore, Pete mentioned that they could use a good photo journalist. I told him I'd think about it."
"No," said MacGyver. "That's not a good plan Sam. That's not a good life-"
"What, so it was a bad life for you? You said it yourself, the Phoenix Foundation is one of the few places that tries to find non-violent solutions. How is that a bad life? How is it different from what you were doing?"
"Cause I know the work they send the photographers out for, and you might as well sign up to be an army reporter or to work in espionage."
"Well, maybe that's what I want to do, Dad. Maybe it runs in the family."
MacGyver felt his hands shaking, but he tried to stay calm.
"Not that Sam. Please, don't be like-"
"Like my Mom?" Sam said coldly. "You know, I won't lie and say I never wished she'd chosen a different field, but I can't pretend I'm not proud of her. She gave her life for something she believed in, and until recently I thought that was something you two had in common."
MacGyver looked shock. "Well what are you getting mad at me for?!"
"Everything, nothing, I don't know. I need to go for a ride." Sam started to step out the door. MacGyver grabbed his arm. Sam tensed, and MacGyver softened his grip.
"I just want you to be safe," said MacGyver.
Sam gave him a look MacGyver couldn't quite read. Disappointment, frustration, resignation?
"I'll be back tonight," Sam said, pulling away and walking out the door.
MacGyver paced and worried for a few hours, but then left to get some dinner. When he got back he'd found the note.
"Dad,
I'm sorry to do it like this, but it's something I have to do. They think they've found Murdoc. Their going to check, and asked if I wanted to come along and help with the reconnaissance. I said yes. Don't get mad at Pete. This was my choice.
-Sam"
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MacGyver pulled into the Phoenix Foundation. A new secretary he didn't recognize brought him to Pete's office, only Niki was the one sitting in Pete's chair.
"Where's Pete?"
"Out sick today."
"Convenient."
"He may have orders to stay home sick today, and not try to get in the way."
"Orders from who Niki, you?"
"You know MacGyver, you don't need to sound so surprised. Sometimes bosses like it when you follow the manual, and you get promotions."
"So what, you're here to throw your weight around?"
Nikki looked hurt. "You really think that's what this is?"
"No," admitted MacGyver. "And I'm sorry for biting your head off, but...it's Sam, Niki. I can't let him go off like this and get himself killed."
"MacGyver, I know, and I'm going to tell you something you're not going to like."
"Seems the day for it."
Nikki nodded and took a breath. "I hope you know this wasn't my idea, or Pete's. This started way above our heads, right at the very top. However, once the wheels were in motion, I got involved for your sake, and Sam's. What you just said that you can't let Sam 'go off like this'? That is exactly why the Phoenix Foundation offered him the job. They wanted Sam, but they wanted you back too, and they knew how to get you."
MacGyver looked up, realization dawning on his face.
"There is no way to stop the transportation. Sam's already on the other side of the world by now, and his group has been ordered to maintain radio silence until they get to their destination. There is, one option I am allowed to offer you though."
MacGyver shook his head. "I can't believe this."
"Believe me MacGyver, I thought it was a hair-brained scheme myself, that is until Pete told me about your son. If he'd been just a little less like you and his mother, they might not have tried it. I couldn't stop them, but I could get you the best deal possible."
"Deal?" asked MacGyver. "What deal are they offering for my SON?" he said bitterly.
Nikki winced, but nodded. She knew this wasn't fair. If they'd let her know sooner what they were planning, she might have been able to bring them Mac and Sam at the same time. Honestly. Without these underhanded tricks.
"The Phoenix Foundation is prepared to offer you full reinstatement, with a pay increase, and to immediately give you command of Sam's unit, and transfer you there. If you left tonight, you would be able to meet him at the destination. You might even beat him there. Complete the mission, and then you both come home."
"And after?" asked MacGyver.
"What?"
"After. I don't suppose they just let Sam and me walk away?"
"Sam's contract is just for this mission, with the option to renew and sign up fully if he wishes at the end."
"I don't suppose 'they' would agree to terminate any future contracts with him if I take this mission."
"No, and they won't accept your resignation any time soon again. Look MacGyver, it's slimy of them, I'll admit it, but they really do want Sam. He's not just a good photographer, he's a quick thinker and a fast talker. He can get places others can't. He can make contacts better than anyone I've seen, well, almost anyone. If Sam tries this mission and realizes he doesn't want this, he's clear and free. But-"
"But what?" asked MacGyver.
"But I think we both know what he'll choose. Honestly Mac, let's face it. You've missed this too. You weren't just perfect for this job, it was perfect for you. Almost custom made for you. That wasn't an accident. Pete knew what you could do, and he found a way to let your skills really make a difference. Is it so wrong for Sam to get the same?"
"Nikki, you did this work too. You faced Murdoc with me on The Widowmaker. Is this really the life you would choose for a son if you had one?"
Nikki smiled. "Maybe not, but you gotta admit, it's always a blast."
MacGyver smiled in spite of himself. "Fine, I'll take the mission. But I want the same clause in my contract that Sam has in his. If Sam walks at the end, I'm walking with him."
Nikki nodded. "Think it's fair to put that kind of pressure on him?"
MacGyver shook his head. "He doesn't need to know. Least not till the mission is over."
Nikki smiled. "Well done MacGyver. I know a part of you probably hates me right now, but it's good to have you back," she said holding out her hand.
MacGyver shook it. "I'm not sure I feel the same way yet."
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The chopper had touched down in the jungle. After that, Sam and the 5 soldiers he was with had marched for 5 hours to reach the outlook. It felt good to be back on a story, but Sam couldn't deny the case of nerves he was fighting down. It wasn't just the danger of the mission, or of Murdoc, but he was worried about MacGyver. He wasn't sure how he would react to the note he had left for him. What he would do. He hoped he would understand, in time at least.
As they walked into the checkpoint, Sam realized that he had severely underestimated his old man. Standing 10 feet ahead of him, next to their contact, and already in dark camo, was MacGyver. A heavy frown already set on his face.
Sam shook his head in disbelief. Was this what it felt like for teenagers when they snuck out to a party and got caught?
The soldier commander, the Sergeant, walked up to their contact and greeted him in the native language. Sam met MacGyver's eyes. He kept his face calm while the commander talked with the contact and turned to MacGyver.
"Sergeant Fitzwilliams sir," he said, holding out his hand to MacGyver.
"MacGyver, good to meet you."
"I've got 5 men with me. We understand that this is a reconnaissance mission."
"That's right," replied MacGyver. "We're to get in and out with the information, and without making any confrontations with the targets," he said looking directly at Sam. "Ideally, they will never know we were here. Based on what the contact has told me, I think we can get this done very quickly, and with the fewer men the better. Jin here has already showed me where the security gap is. You come with me and the rest hang back here waiting for a signal in case something goes wrong."
"Understood sir, but with respect, my instructions were that we obtain photos as part of our reconnaissance, and I was ordered to make sure they were taking by this man," he said pointing to Sam. "Sam Malloy is considered vital to the mission. He'll know what we need shots of."
MacGyver looked at Sam, and then back at the Sergeant, trying to tell if he knew more than he was letting on. Sam sighed. "MacGyver doesn't want me on the mission. But the Sergeant's right. You can't leave me behind on this one. The orders were very specific. I'm the one taking the photos. I'm the only one who can. You know what's at stake. We won't have a second shot at this."
The Sergeant tried to keep his face straight, but the faint smile on his face confirmed to MacGyver that he was aware of the dynamics. Sam seemed to realize the same thing. "You could have told me he was going to be here Fitzwilliams."
Sergeant Fitzwilliams cocked his head. "Mr. MacGyver's involvement was not in my brief. It merely said that there would be an expert with our contact Jin."
"Right," breathed Sam.
MacGyver shook his head. "Let's just get this over with. Sergeant, I want you to hang back with 3 of your men in case we get into trouble and need backup. Send one other man with me and Sam."
While Sergeant Fitzwilliams selected a man, MacGyver pulled Sam aside.
"What are you doing here?" whispered Sam.
"What am I doing here? What are you doing here? I'm here because of you."
"I didn't think you'd be so crazy as to follow me here. If there's anyone that shouldn't be near a Murdoc site, it's you. I shouldn't have left the note."
"It may interest you to know that it wouldn't have mattered. I'm pretty sure that Nikki would have called me anyways. It seems they wanted the package deal for this mission."
Sam shrugged, but looked hurt.
"Relax," said MacGyver. "They really did want you, I just wish you'd talked to me about this before dragging us half way across the world."
"Dragged? I don't know if you noticed, but I didn't drag you anywhere. I was trying to keep you out of this like you wanted. That is what you wanted, isn't it?" asked Sam.
Before MacGyver could reply, a Corporal had walked up to them, his gun at the ready.
"Would you mind putting that down?" asked MacGyver.
The Corporal looked at him incredulously.
"Never mind, just, keep it on safety. Gunshots are the last thing we need them to hear."
The soldier nodded, and slung his gun over his shoulder as they headed out.
"So," whispered Sam. "What are we looking at?"
"A compound. As I assume you read in the brief they gave you, some known associates of Murdoc's have been seen moving in and out of this jungle. Satelite images saw some inconsistencies in the forest tops, and a contact on the ground informed us about new buildings in the heart of this jungle. Jin also figured out where there is a slight gap in their security. Up ahead about 5 yards, there's a spot of fencing that is further away from the lights. It should be easy to slip under it and get to the top of the hill surrounding this place. From their we get the photos, and get out of here."
They made it to the fence and the Corporal prepared to cut through the links.
"Hold on," said MacGyver. "Don't cut through the body of the fence. Just a little from the bottom. Enough for us to slip through. The less obvious this is, the longer they'll stay put and give us time to make our move." Sam took the wire clippers from the soldier, and just clipped enough to let them through.
"You stay here," ordered MacGyver. "Keep an eye out. We'll whistle once when we're on our way back down. If the coast is clear, whistle twice. If it's not, stay silent and we'll wait."
"What if I need to warn you? Or if you are in trouble?"
"Cock your gun," said Sam. "I'll open and close my camera shutter. It's a smaller sound than banging on something. Should almost sound like an insect in this jungle. Either way, we'll both need to keep our eyes peeled."
The Corporal nodded, and MacGyver and Sam slipped under the fence and moved quietly up the hill. At the top, the rested just below the ridge, as Sam pulled out the miniature camera, and started to take the pictures.
MacGyver surveyed the compound below them with his binoculars. "More lights than I would have thought from the overhead photos."
"They have a netting up at the tops of the trees. Blocks the light from getting up to the satellite images," replied Sam.
MacGyver nodded. "So they want to hide from above, but they aren't as worried about the locals.
Sam kept clicking. MacGyver shifted uncomfortably.
Sam finally broke the silence. "So, did you miss this?"
"This part? No. Did you?"
Sam shrugged. "A bit. It certainly heightens your senses. Hey wait, what's that down there?"
MacGyver moved his gaze. A small jeep was pulling up into the compound. It made it's way towards a central tent. A man in uniform stepped out of the jeep and waited. Sam zoomed in on his face.
"Hey," said Sam. "Does he look familiar to you?"
MacGyver looked at him closely. "Commander Verden? The military leader who led the failed coup back in Europe? But, what is he doing all the way out here?"
Several men walked out of the tent, carrying a box with them. They set it down in front of the Commander, and opened it up. Sam started clicking furiously.
"Guns," breathed MacGyver.
"Automatics," added Sam.
They opened another box for him.
"Missiles?" asked Sam.
"Not Nuclear, said MacGyver looking close. Least I don't think so. It's hard to see. That's still not good though."
Just then, another man walked out of the tent.
"Murdoc," breathed MacGyver.
Sam felt a sick feeling in his stomach. He had known that was who they were here looking for. But he had started to hope they'd been wrong.
Murdoc walked over the the Commander and started talking with him. After a moment, they shook hands, and Murdoc led the Commander into the tent. The men put the two boxes onto the jeep, and then one of the men got behind the wheel and drove it into a long tunnel behind the tent.
"Where does that tunnel let out?" asked Sam.
"It leads to a set of steel doors in mountain cave about a mile down. Jin's never seen them open, but it would be a great way to move stuff without turning too many heads."
"How many boxes do you think they have?" asked Sam.
"I don't know," said MacGyver. "But I'll bet they have whatever he needs stored in the tunnel."
"We need to know," said Sam. "It wouldn't hurt if we knew what he's giving Murdoc in return either."
"No, I suppose you're right," said MacGyver. "I'm going to try to get closer."
Sam put out his arm and grabbed MacGyver's shoulder. "You're not going down there alone."
"And you're going back to the good sergeant back there and regrouping with the Sergeant. I'll be safer on my own."
"No," replied Sam. "This is my mission too."
"Sam, I don't want to argue,"
"Then don't, because you'll lose."
"I'm asking you to go back and tell them what I'm doing."
"We'll both go back and tell the sergeant, and then move along the base of the fence. The next dark spot is 6 yards over, and will let us sneak down the hill behind some of their barrack tents. We'll be close to the tunnel."
"There is no we," hissed MacGyver.
"Really?" asked Sam, looking at him in the eyes.
"I mean, yes there's a we, but we are not going down there. I am going down there and you are-"
"I did blame you," interrupted Sam.
"What?" asked MacGyver.
The day when you asked me what "this" was all about, I knew what you really wanted to know. Did I blame you for not being there for Mom? For not knowing about me?
MacGyver held his breath.
"I did. A bit," admitted Sam. "When I met you and saw what you could do, what you had done, there was a part of me that was bitter you hadn't been there for Mom. Hadn't been behind that curtain with me, rigging some miniature rocket to knock them all of their feet and save her."
MacGyver slowly let his breath out.
"Sam, there hasn't been a day since I heard about her death, that I hadn't wondered the same thing. Wondered if it was my fault I hadn't gone with her. And, I do blame myself for not knowing about you. I should have-"
"Stop, let me finish. I said I did blame you. I was wrong."
MacGyver stopped.
"I realized, right as I drove off, that what my Mom chose to do was up to her. She knew the risks, she made her choices, she faced the consequences. She faced them like the hero she was."
"She was," agreed MacGyver.
"And, while things might not have worked out between you and her, I can see why you two were close. You're the same. At least you were. I'm not saying that leaving the foundation was wrong for you. But, you can't use me as an excuse anymore to not face life. With the Phoenix Foundation or not, you can't give up. You wanted to make a difference, and you've got to keep doing that Dad. And I've got to do what I've got to do. Just like my Mom. I've got to do this."
MacGyver sighed in amazement. "You should have been a writer Sam."
Sam smiled, "I've been practicing that speech in my head since I saw you at the checkpoint."
MacGyver chuckled quietly. "Good speech. Alright. We'll both do this. But, we're going to be smart about this. I'm not losing you tonight Sam."
They hurried back down to the Corporal at the fence. MacGyver gave him instructions to take back to Sergeant Fitzwilliams. They would travel the opposite direction from the tunnel, and create some noise. Nothing so obvious as shots. But some flashing lights. Jin's jeep driving away. Radio chatter on an unsecure line. Make it look like they were just barely sneaking up on the camp, but getting spotted. Draw the attention away, but keep it easy to go silent and run. Hopefully, this would clear the way for MacGyver and Sam.
"We'll meet back up at the helicopter drop off at 0900 hours. Don't be late."
"We won't," replied the Corporal.
"Here's the photos I got so far," said Sam handing over the specialized film. He reloaded his camera. "Worse comes to worse, that roll, or the one I'm about to make has to make it back to the Foundation."
The Corporal nodded. "Good luck."
MacGyver and Sam hurried along the fence. They stayed in the shadows and crept low to the ground. Luck seemed to be on their side. No one noticed them. Right as Sam had started over the hill, a guard in one of the four towers around the perimeter had looked their way, but MacGyver had pulled him down quickly. Carefully, they made it down the hill to the back of the barracks without any problems.
Their were more guards down here, walking the insider perimeter of the compound. One kept lurking between them and the tunnel and the tents around it. Grabbing a rock, MacGyver threw it in the opposite direction. The guard took a few steps towards it, leaving enough of an opening for them to slip quickly behind a tent near the tunnel. They heard the guard stop and start talking to someone. Sam looked over the edge of the tent. "They're moving back this way," he mouthed.
Quickly, MacGyver and Sam moved behind the tents, until they were at the one next to the tunnel. Carefully, they slipped into it's shadow, and moved around to the entrance. They stepped inside, their eyes adjusting to the dark. It was like a large, long warehouse. There were several jeeps and hundreds of boxes. Staying to the sides and in the shadows, they started opening the boxes. MacGyver had been right, the missiles were not nuclear, but there were at least 20 boxes of them. Perfect for hitting your next door neighbors. They're were plenty of other weapons though.
"I wonder where Murdoc got all these," asked Sam.
"I wonder what he's getting in return for them," replied MacGyver.
Sam finished getting his pictures, and stowed his camera. He checked his clock. "It's already 0300 hours. We've got to get out of here soon." MacGyver nodded and looked at the back of the tunnel.
"I was hoping it would just go straight through and we'd just have the last doors to deal with, but it looks like there might be another set of doors just a little ways down. We'd have to get closer to check though."
Suddenly, they heard the sound of boots echoing in the tunnel, coming from the entrance. They both ducked down behind the crates they were next to.