A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale

By Lord Rapier

Edited and guided by CliffM

Chapter 5

Saving the World, One Byte at a Time

Winding their way down passageways and ladders Casey and the CO talk about what's happening on board the Ford, "Casey, aren't you concerned letting Walker go off on her own?"

Casey laughs, "Jim there's only one person on this ship who can take that woman down at close range and trust me he's the only man who can get close enough to do it."

Kirk's bewilderment is apparent as he shakes his head, "You don't mean Batman, do you? I mean, he's a nerd."

Casey is following the CO. Jim doesn't see the huge ironic smile crossing his face. "Never judge a geek by his cover. In my previous occupation, assumptions could get you dead, really quick. There are a handful of people in my life that I trust completely, two of them are on your ship. Another one is the biggest pain in the ass you've ever met, and the woman he's married to. Maybe someday we can grab a beer and I'll tell you more. For right now, keep your head on a swivel and remember the only people you need to trust is my team. Everyone else is suspect."

As they arrive at the bottom of a ladder Kirk stops and turns to face Casey, "Okay Casey, I trust you, and your team. What the hell is going on in my command.?"

Casey sits down on one of the steps and takes a deep breath, "Okay, hang on tight. You have a conspiracy in play on your ship. Based on how long the Colonel is taking, I'm guessing the threat is real. When it comes to computers there's no one better. If it were fake, he would have figured that out and let me know by now. I haven't heard from him, that means he found something that's taking all his focus, and he's fighting to save your ship and all of Europe.

The fact that we have the Admiral cold with those drives means the problem is high up in the chain of command. He could have provided cover to anyone in the lower ranks, which is why I report to only one man at the top. Him I trust. Fact: we have an Admiral in custody. Add to that I shot a guy who was sent to kill me. Add also that Rizzo was attacked by someone trying to find out what we know. That means we have no idea how many people are involved. I'm hoping that identifying the new crewmembers will slow them down, but that's no guarantee.

Obviously, whoever attacked our intelligence officer is roaming around free, and seems to be scared that we're closing in. Here's the part I can't get a handle on. If they believe that the nuke scare is real, how do they plan to escape. I mean, Mason isn't the ideological type willing to sacrifice himself for a cause…" Casey pauses, he looks as if he just got struck by lightning. "Jim, can you get a hold of your ship's doctor? I want to know if Mason has had any recent health scares. That million may not be for him."

Kirk turns and starts to walk, "We're almost at the MAA shack, I can call from there."

Casey gets up and follows. Nodding his head as he thinks, this could make sense, that means I need a new tactic, I'm not going to be able scare this guy, and neither is Walker. When the men arrive at Malloy's office the door is open and there's an armed crewman outside the door. The female sailor pops tall, "Good afternoon General, Captain, the Chief is expecting you."

Kirk nods, "Thank you Danvers. Keep your eyes open, this is not a drill. We have an enemy on board who will not hesitate to kill. By the way how long have you been assigned to Ford?"

"About 18 months now Sir. It's been an honor to serve with you."

Kirk smiles, "Thank you sailor. Stay alert, hate to lose someone who likes me."

Danvers smiles back, "Aye, aye Sir. Head on a swivel."

Stepping into the office Kirk asks, "What do you have for us Chief?"

Malloy stands, "Not much Captain. The evidence is logged and locked up tight. I'm working on the notes of investigation, and report chits (basically any piece of paper can be referred to as a chit). I didn't find anything of concern in the Master Chief's quarters. However, I have him confined in the Chief's Mess in case you wanted to double check me. The body has been bagged and properly stowed. The scene of the shooting has been photographed, evidence collected and secured for NCIS."

Kirk nods, "Good work Chief. Let's get a hazmat team in that shower to clean it up and get it back in service. I don't need the crew wondering why officers are showering in enlisted country. Make sure you log that order for me to initial. I don't want you charged with obstruction or destroying evidence. Do you mind if I use your phone?"

Malloy stands up and waves at the phone, "Of course Sir. It's all yours."

Kirk picks up the phone and dials the Sick Bay, "Doctor Kildare this is Captain Kirk, I'm about to give you an illegal order, I want you to log it. The MAA is listening to this side of the conversation and will also log it. Do you understand my directions? Good, I'm ordering you to violate the HIPAA privacy rules. Is Admiral Mason dealing with any recent health issues? Uh huh, how long? Thank you doctor. I'm sure you did what was best for your patient. Yes, I'm afraid there will be an investigation, but it sounds like you were just following orders. Make sure you log this conversation I'll be by later to initial your log. How's Agent Rizzo?"

Kirk hangs up the phone and turns to Casey, "I gotta say General, I would bet my lifesavings on your gut feelings. Prostate cancer, six months at most. The doctor was ordered to sit on the report. She was told that Washington was alerted, and they didn't want the word to get out and cause worries. The doc says she was between a rock and a hard place. Tell me and violate his orders, or not tell me. She followed her last order from a superior officer and HIPAA rules."

Sarah arrives and catches most of the conversation. "Rizzo is doing okay, she's awake and alert, says her door was open and she got hit from behind, she didn't get a look at her assailant, looks like a mild concussion. She should pull through just fine and will remain under guard."

Casey turns to Sarah, "Pain may work, but I'm guessing it won't. Any results on that phone call?"

Sarah sighs, "Looks like your gut is on overdrive, he's been in the wind for a year now."

Casey's whole-body tenses, "Why the hell weren't we alerted?"

Sarah speaks softly, "John, you aren't in the loop any longer, and they deemed me too close to the situation. That could have been him I saw in the passageway earlier."

Casey nods, "I agree. Chief can we call up ships' personnel records on your computer?"

The Captain stands vacating the Chief's desk, Malloy takes his place. "Aye General. We can. Let me guess Admiral Mason?" he begins typing on the keyboard.

Casey steps behind him and places his hand on his shoulder, "Good man, let me know when you have it on screen."

Malloy smiles at the compliment, "Aye Sir. It may take a minute."

Casey nods, "We also need to contact the server room and get an update from the Colonel."

Kirk turns to Malloy, "Chief would you mind dialing the server room for me? Malloy dials the phone and hands it to Kirk. He waits impatiently as the phone rings. After what feels like a long time, "Server room, IT2 Spiner."

Jim Kirk has a look of relief on his face, "Spiner this is the CO, good to hear your voice. Is Colonel Carmichael available to talk to General Casey?"

Spiner shouts into the room, "Chuck, General Casey wants to talk to you."

The phone is silent for a few seconds, "Hey John, how's it going?"

Kirk snorts a short laugh, "Sorry to disappoint you Chuck this is Captain Kirk. Do you mind talking to me instead? Have you fixed my power plant?"

Chuck comes back with a thick Scottish brogue, "Aye keptin, I've fooled the servers into thinking me spare laptop is the nuclear core, but keptin, the Di Lithium crystals, I cannuh find them."

Kirk laughs out loud, "Colonel Carmichael, did you just tell me that you saved my ship?"

Chuck is still having fun with his Scottish brogue, "Aye keptin, I'll be done shortly, but it's a temp fix. I could finish the job much faster if I had the original virus. This'll hold long enough for me to take a leak, not in a big can. Maybe grab some chow and a quick nap. Then back to saving the world one byte at a time."

Sarah, Casey, and Malloy are listening and breathe a sigh of relief when they hear Kirk repeat that the ship was safe.

"Scotty, I'm going to put you in for the Federation's highest award, but first I'm going to feed you your favorite meal. What would that be?" Kirk listens as Chuck answers his question. "Uh huh I read you loud and clear Chuck you're about to have the best veggie pizza with no olives ever made. I'll serve it to you personally. Hell, I'll chew it up and feed you like a baby bird. See you soon."

Casey, Kirk, and Malloy are slapping each other's backs. Sarah heard the food order and turned her back to the room as the tears flow from her eyes. Casey steps up and touches her back. She turns and buries her face in his chest sobbing, "That's my favorite."

Casey holds her and pats her back, "I know. He eats it all the time. I'm not sure he even knows why. The only place we can eat out is that Mexican restaurant. I'm tired of tamales, but I like the Margaritas. Mention Chinese food and he starts to freak. He's been going full steam ahead for like twenty-two hours Give him time to grab a bite and relax. I'll get you in to see him. After that it's up to you."

Sarah sniffles and wipes her eyes, "Some Station Chief huh? I miss him so much. Thank you, John."

Casey hands her his handkerchief, "Think you can pull it together so we can get this thing done and over?"

Sarah nods, wipes her eyes, and blows her nose then hands the hanky back to Casey. He pushes it back to her and says, "It's okay, you keep it. Then you and the nerd will have a matched set." Sarah looks at him puzzled. Casey laughs, "I'll tell you later."

Malloy calls out to Casey, "I have the info you wanted Sir."

Casey sits down in front of the computer and reads from the screen. "Mason's family is living in government quarters. Five children, two still at home. Got what I need. Thanks Pete. I see that these files include pictures. Can you do a search criteria for all new personnel in the last six months?"

Casey gets up and Malloy sits at the keyboard, "I think so General, let me give it a try."

"Walker, I need you in front of that computer looking at photos while the Captain and I go have a chat with the Admiral." Sarah nods and heads into the office.

Casey looks into the office and says, "Let's go guys. It's time to make an asshole miserable."

Malloy sets Sarah up in front of the computer and heads out the door. Closing it behind him, to join the two officers as they head up the passageway to the brig.

The three men enter the brig. It's a small space with two small cells enclosed with steel bars. Each cell has a door with a slot where meals can be slid through and a strong lock. The cell is just big enough to hold a cot fastened to the deck and a small sink and toilet. When Mason sees the men, he jumps up and says, "So you finally came to your senses? If you let me out now, we can forget this ever happened."

Casey looks around, "Guard." The Marine guard enters the room. Mason gets excited thinking he is about to be released. "Sorry to make you a gofer son, but do you think you could come up with a couple of chairs?"

The Marine pops tall, "On it General."

The three men stand around and whisper out of earshot of the admiral. When the Marine returns with two chairs Casey grabs them, "Thank you Sarge, take fifteen then back on the door." The Sergeant pops tall, "Aye, aye Sir fifteen then back on the door."

Casey sets the two chairs in front of the cell. He and Kirk sit down. The CO speaks to Malloy, "Chief you're up."

"Rear Admiral Mason, I am Chief Master At Arms. Pete Malloy I am investigating the alleged offenses of violation of UCMJ article 81 conspiracy, UCMJ article 94 Sedition, UCMJ Article 108, Destruction of Government Property, UCMJArticle 115 Communicating Threats, UCMJ article 127 Extortion, UCMJ article 128 assault.

I advise you that under the provisions of Article 31 of the UCMJ, you have the right to remain silent, that is, say nothing at all. Any statements you make, oral or written, may be used as evidence against you in a trial by court-martial or in other judicial or administrative proceedings. You have the right to consult a lawyer and to have a lawyer present during this interview. You have the right to military legal counsel free of charge. In addition to military counsel, you are entitled to civilian counsel of your own choosing, at your own expense. You may request a lawyer at any time during this interview. If you decide to answer questions, you may stop the questioning at any time. Do you

understand your rights? Do you want a lawyer? Are you willing to answer questions?"

Mason sneers, "Screw you, assholes. I'm not answering anything without my lawyer."

Casey crosses his legs and puts a cigar in his mouth, "Thanks Chief you can go now. Give Walker a hand. And let's get those thumb drives ready for the Colonel."

Malloy leaves, Mason's eyes go wide, as Casey lights his cigar and takes a puff. He screams, "Hey asshole. The smoking lamp is out on all Navy ships."

Casey takes another puff and blows the smoke at Mason, "What's the matter Admiral, afraid of getting cancer?"

Mason exclaims, "Shit," and falls back to sit on his rack.

Casey continues, "Man that feels good. I love a good victory smoke. Would you care for one Jim?"

Kirk just smiles, "Thanks Casey, but I am already happy as a pig in shit. My ship is safe, and I get to send this asshole to a tropical vacation in Cuba, as brief as it may be."

Casey leans back in his chair, "So Fred, you don't mind if I call you Fred, do you? I'm guessing you're not too worried about Gitmo, considering you won't be there long. But there is the question of your insurance policy. You know, the million in the account in the Caymans? Now don't you worry about that money, it's already frozen along with all your other assets. The fun part is your wife's name is on the account. That makes her a part of your conspiracy, a traitor and saboteur.

So, what do you think Jim, can we get them adjoining cells at Gitmo? She can watch him die a slow and painful death while waiting for her military tribunal which I can assure you will never come. Oh my! What's to become of his two youngest that are still living at home?

Oh! No need to worry Fred, they'll be in the foster care system as soon as they're vacated from military housing, and your wife is imprisoned. Which will be tomorrow. Gee Admiral, I wish you had decided to talk to us. I'm betting there are relatives that might take them in. There may be someone willing to be hounded for years to come by the press and every intelligence agency in creation. That includes the European offices. You did conspire to blow them up too. I wouldn't worry about bothering those nice relatives. Because I can promise you, your kids will be in foster care for years while the court deals with all of this stuff. The good news is that your lawyer can keep you and your wife well informed, every grueling step of the way.

Well Jim, I guess we're done here. It's been nice chatting. Oh, there is one more thing. Jim, do you think I can have the room for a minute?"

Kirk stands up and moves to the door, "Later Admiral, it's been hell serving with you. But I gotta say, this part is kind of fun. Bye." Kirk walks out of the brig.

Casey takes a puff on his cigar, "Fred do you know why my team was sent out here to deal with this problem?" Casey takes another puff and blows the smoke at Mason. "Not sure huh? Well let me fill you in. We get the job done. Your threat has been made toothless. I have all the evidence I need to do whatever I want to you and your family. I'm not a cruel person so I'm going to give you one opportunity to save your family from total ruination. I mean I don't see why the public needs to know how you lost your pension. Maybe I could believe that your wife didn't know about the account in the Caymans. Besides the one I shot, who else is involved?"

Mason sits with his head in his hands, "Okay, I'll talk, but I want your word that my family will be okay."

Casey stands up, "Fred, you're not just an asshole. You're a traitor and an idiot. You think you're in a position of negotiation? You betrayed not only your country, but also the crew that trusted you and followed your leadership. You make me sick. You were willing to vaporize millions and make millions more die in a horrible way. So that your family can live in comfort. You'rethe worst kind of scum.

You want a promise? Okay here's my promise. If anything happens to you before you face justice, I will hunt your family down and they'll die like dogs in the street. The Mason line will end. If you don't tell me what I want to know, the same will happen. It's taking every bit of self-control I have, to not open that cell and break every bone in your body. You have until I open this door to stop me. The good news is I'll send your regards to your wife, before I personally turn her over to the prisoners at Gitmo. Hell, I may even stick around and watch for a while."

Mason jumps up and grabs the bars of his cell, "Fine, I'll talk."

Casey opens the door and invites the CO back in. Mason has a long story to tell.

Casey and Kirk walk out to the Master at Arms Shack, Sarah jumps up, "Casey you're not going to believe this…"

Casey interrupts, "Shaw is the XO."

Kirk looks puzzled, "Who the hell is this Shaw guy everyone is talking about? The XO's name is Walker, Charles Walker… oh shit."

Casey laughs and smirks at Sarah, "Should I tell him Walker, or would you rather?"

Sarah gets up and pokes Casey in the chest repeatedly. "You keep your big mouth shut, you big jackass." Sarah turns to Kirk, "Daniel Shaw is a former CIA agent, at the top of his game, he found out that the agency sanctioned a hit on his wife because she was a suspected double agent. He went rogue. He joined up with a group called the Ring and went after the agent who killed his wife. She was a young agent; it was her Red Test. She had no idea who the target was or why the hit was ordered. The only guy who knew why, was blown up by the Ring. He was about to kill that agent when Batman intervened and killed him. The one and only time Batman has ever used a gun."

Kirk puts his hand up, "Wait did you say Batman killed him? Then how can he be on my ship? How can he be my XO?"

Sarah sits down, "Yeah that's why Casey calls him the Zombie. Somehow the Ring had developed the technology to bring him back from the brink of death. Or for all we know total death, we never found out. This guy is bad news, we believe the process that brought him back did something to his brain. He's beyond psychotic, and he knows all our protocols and secrets. He's willing to die to get his revenge. If you're from SOCAL (Southern California) you may have heard about a large chain store that exploded? A Buy More. That was Shaw. He likes to use explosives. Shaw got his ass kicked and was locked up tight, obviously not tight enough."

Kirk shakes his head, "Wait a minute. You said this is about revenge. What does that have to do with my ship? I don't even know this guy."

Casey sighs, "Sorry Jim, it's not about you, or your crew, or Europe for that matter. You're all collateral damage. Shaw created a situation that only our team could handle. The government called in their best team to handle a worst-case scenario."

Kirk is clearly shaken; his eyes move from Casey to Sarah as he works all this out in his head. He points at Sarah, "Batman shot him to protect you. You're the agent that killed his wife. Chuck killed him and you…," turning to Casey, "…you're the last member of this super team of master spies."

Casey is remorseful as he says, "Ex-Super team. Chuck and I went civilian. Left the Spy world. The President called us back in. That's who I report to. Shaw has a partner; his name is Decker. He has a lot of connections. My guess is he somehow broke Shaw out about a year ago. Nobody bothered to tell us. If I were to venture a guess, Shaw wants the billion to rebuild his organization. If he doesn't get it, at least he takes us out. Sorry you got involved, wouldn't be my choice.

On the upside we know where Shaw is, but he doesn't know we know. What we need to worry about is Decker's whereabouts. And do we have all the names of his people on board. We still have about thirty hours or so on the deadline. We need to keep what we know in this room. Pete seems like you have the heaviest assignment. Nobody, but nobody can get near Mason. If he tells anyone what we know, we could all still go boom. Might be a good idea to get a couple more guards down here." Casey stops and writes some names, "Don't use these people. At some point I'm going to need you to get those drives to Colonel Carmichael. Bring them to the Captain's Mess when we meet for food and strategizing. I need to get on a secure line ASAP. Let's hold off on that pizza party. We need Chuck thinking clearly. Let him get some rest then we can feed him. Jim, can we use your cabin?"

Kirk turns to the door, "Let's do this. I want this bastard off my ship as soon as possible."

Casey joins him at the door, "I'm with you on that, but trust me; patience is needed here. We need to think two steps ahead of him. Walker did you break a leg or something? Get off your ass. You're about to get your wish, just be careful what you wish for because you just may get it. Problem is, it may not look like you want it to."

Sarah sighs and gets up to follow, "You don't think I'm scared enough? Why do you have to keep priming the pump?"

As they follow the CO to his cabin Casey scowls, "You think you're scared? No matter which way it goes for you, he's going to believe I betrayed him. If it goes bad, who do you think gets to pick up the pieces? Know something Walker? Hunting terrorists is easier than dealing with the two of you."

Sarah laughs, "I love you too Casey. Tell me do you want to be Uncle John or Grandpa John?"

Casey grunts, "If you'd hung around, you'd know I'm already Grandpa."

Sarah blows him a raspberry, "'Cause you think Alex doesn't keep me well informed. Who do you think sent the onesies that say my "Grandpa is a Marine"? You know that Chuck's dad is gone and mine is well… otherwise occupied. Will you be Grandpa to our kids too?"

Casey stops and faces Sarah, "Walker, you don't seem to understand the situation. He is more likely to kick your ass, than kiss it. If he orders you off this ship, you will have to go."

Sarah's face gets somber, "I can't accept that possibility John. I won't. He has to take me back, he has to. I don't care what it takes. I have to get him to forgive me. I know he still loves me. If he stopped loving me… I don't know what I'll do."

Casey shakes his head, "Sorry for the delay Jim, we'll be there in a minute. Sarah, he still loves you. When I mention you, he can't breathe. No one is allowed to say your name around him. I'm not saying this to scare you, it's just the way things are. You hurt him bad. You know you did the same thing his parents did. You left him to be a spy. Walker, I want it to work, but..." Casey shakes his head and turns towards the CO, "Let's go Jim, enough of this. We have a terrorist to capture."

Arriving at the CO's cabin, the team goes to work, "Would you mind getting your IT2 in the server room on the phone. Tell him I said the Colonel should go to his quarters and grab a couple hours of shuteye. I'll come by and get him when it's time to eat. While you do that may I borrow your secure line, I need to update the Boss."

Kirk grabs the ship's phone and points to the secure line.

Casey picks it up and dials a number, an operator answers, "Operator, that number requires identification."

Casey recites "Niner, Lima, zero, Victor, five, India, Lima Sierra, five, Casey, John, General USMC."

The operator responds, "Identification authenticated. Voice print authenticated. One moment please Sir."

There is a click and Casey hears, "This is a secure line, how can I help you?"

Casey says, "How's Mary doing."

"He's right here Sir, please hold."

The President gets on the phone, "Hello General, glad to hear from you. Tell me you have good news."

Casey takes a deep breath, "It's a mixed bag Sir. Chuck believes that he's stopped the threat temporarily and will be able to remove it. Right now, I ordered him to get some rest. We don't need him making mistakes. That's the good news. Tell me Sir have you been read in on, a past situation with, an organization known as the Ring?"

There's a pause, "I have General, I was lead to believe that you and your team put an end to that threat."

Casey continues, "Well Sir, as far as we know, the Ring is no more. But the agent who instigated that situation, Daniel Shaw; seems he's the Exec on board Ford. The virus was uploaded in person as Chuck thought. Admiral Mason uploaded it."

The President's voice raises, almost sounding frantic, "Are you trying to tell me that one of my nuclear aircraft carriers with a full load of WMD's has been under the command of traitors and saboteurs. How the fuck could that happen? Damn it."

Casey hears voices in the background, and a new voice comes on the line, "Hi John, having fun?"

Casey recognizes the voice instantly, "General?"

Beckman laughs, "It's Diane for you now General. The President is um… processing what you told him."

Casey becomes alarmed, "General it's imperative he tell no one what I told him. We have no way of knowing who's working with Shaw."

Beckman gasps, "Wait one." Casey hears Beckman talking to someone in the background and the voices calm down.

"Okay John I'm back. The President asked me to interface with you in case he needs clarification."

Casey is relieved that someone is keeping heads cool, "Ma'am we need to know who's idea it was to assign Walker to this mission. That added a whole lot of fuel to the fire. It also makes me believe that the threat was intended to bring our old team together so he could get at us. I shot one assassin this morning, he tried to kill me in the shower. You may want to clear the room you're in of all personnel, except you and the President. Have them isolated. No communication. I would also recommend that all devices be gathered up. We need to know who's talking to whom."

Casey could hear Beckman sigh, "Good advice, hang on." The phone goes silent for a few minutes, "Okay John I'm back, the President and I are alone, go ahead."

Casey takes a deep breath, "Hold on tight General, you're in for a ride. Admiral Mason has terminal cancer, six months left to live. He loaded the virus. Somehow Shaw found a way to become the Executive Officer under Captain James Kirk, who should be put up for a commendation. He's been invaluable to the investigation. I was able to," Casey clears his throat, "Ahem, convince Mason to give up some information. He filled us in that the thumb drives we found contain the original virus. He also gave up some names of confederates aboard. His family needs to be rounded up. His wife's name is on an account in the Caymans. She needs to be treated as a co-conspirator. If nothing else, she's leverage. His kids need to be placed in protective custody, ASAP. Their military housing needs to be gone over with a fine-tooth comb, by someone you can trust. I think you remember how deep he got last time. I'm guessing Decker is still in the wind. I would bet he's part of this."

Casey softens his voice to a whisper, "Walker being here has Chuck very uptight, and Walker is antsy as hell. I've been working to calm that situation. That's been lots of fun. Here's what we're worried about now. Shaw has had more than enough time to mine the ship. We can't be sure that Mason had all the names of Shaw's people. Nor if he told us all he has. The Captain, Walker, and Chuck, as soon as he gets some rest, and I will be working on a plan to contain any possible damage. I asked the President to get Justice looking into the crew, waiting for word on that. Chuck has created a temporary situation to make sure the core is safe. Since we now have the original virus, he believes he can end that threat permanently."

Beckman interrupts, "Okay John, take a breath, let me fill the President in. By the way good work. I want the three of you back in my employ. We'll talk about that later."

Beckman returns to the phone, "Okay John, Justice is still working. There are over four thousand crew members. We'll handle things back here. Anything else we should know at the moment?"

Casey sighs, "That's it for now."

Beckman is silent for a moment, "John, is Walker there?"

Casey looks across the room at Sarah, "Yes General."

In a very conciliatory voice she asks, "Would you mind if I talk with her for a moment?"

Casey's face shows that he is not happy with that request, "Diane, do you understand how volatile this situation is?"

Unseen by Casey, Beckman smiles, "John when did you stop trusting me?"

Casey lets out a long breath, "Walker, someone wants to talk to you."

Sarah walks across the room and takes the phone, "This is Walker."

Beckman can't contain the joy in her voice, "Hi Sarah, it's good to hear your voice. I miss having you to rely on."

Sarah is also pleased to hear her old bosses' voice, "I miss you too Ma'am."

Beckman's voice gets exceptionally soft, "How are you holding up? I'm sure John is watching out for Chuck. How are you doing?"

Sarah gets a sad smile on her face, "It's hard Ma'am, but I'm okay."

"Have you had a chance to see him yet?"

Sarah is sad as she answers, "No Ma'am he's been holed up in the server room and we thought it best not to disturb him."

Beckman keeps her voice soft and level, "I can tell by your voice that you miss him."

Sarah nods, "Yes Ma'am."

Beckman takes a deep breath, "Sarah there are two things I need from you. First, I know I don't need to remind you that the mission comes first, so you need to be patient. Second, I need Team Bartowski together and working at optimum levels. Can you do that for me?"

A tear rolls down Sarah's cheek, "Yes Ma'am, I'll do my best."

Beckman can hear the heartbreak in her voice, "Thank you Sarah, I know you'll follow your best instincts. I look forward to seeing you again… soon. Can you put John back on the phone, please."

Sarah hands the phone back to Casey. "Casey here."

Beckman's voice changes drastically and becomes forceful, "You get them back together. I don't care how you do it. They need each other, and you need your team working smoothly." Casey's mouth opens to reject those words. Beckman doesn't give him the chance, "Don't you even tell me it's none of your business. They are your business, and you know it. Shut up. I don't want to hear your whining. Just man up and get it done. You three are the best team that's ever been. You fix it, and you save the world just like the old days." Beckman's voice changes again and gets lighter, "Maybe you'd like me to reactivate Grimes and send him out there to help."

Casey growls, "No, Ma'am, my daughter would shoot me. I'm on it."

Beckman smiles, "Thanks John, we'll talk again soon. Be well, stay safe. Get the job done." Casey hears a click and hangs up.

Turning to Kirk, "Okay the President has been updated. General Beckman is handling things in The White House. That should control the flow of information. Jim what's the status on Batman?"

Kirk responds, "I just got word that he's in his stateroom and Echo is covering him."

Casey takes a deep breath, and lets out a heavy sigh, "I'm going to need a place to crash for a couple of hours. My stateroom will be full." Sarah's head perks up.

Kirk smiles, "My in-port cabin is all yours."

Casey gets up and paces the room, "Okay, let's get an armed guard up here. We'll wait."

Casey settles in a chair close to Sarah, "Fine, you're going to get your chance. Do what you can. I'll back you up."

Sarah jumps up and throws her arms around Casey's neck, "Damn it, Walker how many times do I have to tell you to stop hugging me?" Kirk doesn't even bother to hide his laugh.

There's a knock at the door the CO yells out "Enter."

A Marine Sergeant in a flak vest and helmet, wearing a sidearm and carrying a shotgun, enters the space, "Sergeant Fisher reporting as ordered Sir."

Casey stands up and the Marine pops tall, "Sarge, I wish I could tell you to get comfortable, but I need you alert. You guard the CO as if he were the last woman on earth, and you, as ugly as you are, still have a shot. Do you read me?"

The Marine pulls himself up even taller, "Yes Sir, loud and clear, you cut right through the bad squid influence."

Casey pats him on the shoulder, "Good man," then turns to Sarah. "Okay Walker time to get the team back together. Follow me."