Fernando left shortly with Gadget and Hondo finished his and Rose's breakfast. she was still in bed and just wakin' up when Hondo brought her breakfast into her. He set it down across her lap on a special bed tray and kissed her forehead lightly before he straightened. she smiled and told him that she loved him. Hondo replied the same and told her he'd be back in a moment. he left quickly and returned with his breakfast. they eat slowly and chatted. Hondo was finished first so he sat on the edge of the bed while she finished. it felt good to be engaged even though nothin' had really changed between them, it was like fallin' in love again all over, but better.  he slow got close to her untill their noses met. she tried to keep the conversation goin' 'bout them and future plans and the present problem, but Hondo kissed her mid sentence. she kissed him back, softly and put her arms lovin'ly 'round him. they held each other for a few minutes. Rose then decided, as good as it felt, she needed to get up and get dressed. Hondo decided she could wait until she tickled him and he flipped off the bed. He just laid there so Rose gasped and jumped out of bed and from under the covers even though she was in her nighty and swore she wouldn't get out from under the covers with him there. she panicked and got down over him callin' his name. he had much worse tumbles, but was not a bad actor. he popped his eyes open, pulled her quickly into an embrace and kissed her again. From this he got a half delighted half mad squeal from her. when he let her go she jumped up and started scoldin'. Hondo just sat there admirin' her in her nighty. nothin' showed, but it fit her well, very well! she realized why he was starin', gasped and pulled a blacket off the bed to draw 'round her. promptly she kicked Hondo out so she could dress. she acted a bit mad, but she realized she loved him too much to be mad and she deserved that fro ticklin' him.
 
Hondo went to the livin' room to watch the news and was soon joined by a dressed and slightly blushin' Rosie. after a few quick teases and a hug they finished watchin' the news together. the day went by slowish, but the time together and the rest was much needed and appreciated.  
 
It was late afternoon when things picked up. Hondo and Rose were in the basement. Rose was polishin' a few guns and Hondo was carefully tinkerin' with some equipment and they both were watchin' a science program on a small TV set. They both head Fernando's car pull in the drive and they both looked at each other with a bit of surprise. Both had figured they would be gone until at least dark. Hondo walked upstairs to the door closest to the driveway with Rosie right behind him when he was almost knocked silly by the door flyin' open and a steamin' mousette runnin' through it.
 
"What was that?" Rose asked as she sat on the floor.
 
"Did someone get the number of that truck?" Hondo asked as he sat sprawled against the wall. The steak of mouse had stop and it was obviously Gadget now. she was lookin' 'bout quickly and finally saw Hondo and Rosie. Hondo stood up and helped rose up. as he turned to question Gadget he was grabbed by the shirt and pushed into the wall.
 
"Please,yougottohelphim!He'souttherealoneandbein'shotatanditsmyfault!!
Idon'tknowwhattodo,Idon'tliekkillingandgetsomeoneshotformyfearsofguns
andmybigmouth!callthecopscallsomeonebutyouhavetohelphim . . . . . . ." Gadget speedtalked/wailed. Hondo could take only so much so after a minute or so he slapped her which started her to sobbin'. She leaned against him and cried.
 
"Whats the matter?" Rosie asked with a very confused look on her face.
 
"I've no Idea. I'm as cornfused as you are!" Hondo replied. "Gadget, stop cryin' and tell me whats happened,and . . . hey, wheres Fernando?"  
 
"I don't see him by the car." Rose said as she looked out the door.
 
"Gadget, stop your bawlin' and tell me whats goin' on?, NOW!!" Hondo barked the last bit which made Gadget and Rose both jump. Gadget straightened up and started talkin'.
 
Fernando and I were in town, I was arguing with him over stuff I know he was right on, but I just couldn't let him be right even though he was and I felt like I was not doing good as a rescue ranger and he was as a shoot them up agent . . ."  gadget started to ramble.
 
"I don't care who was right, where is Fernando?" Hondo asked sternly which made Gadget shrink back a bit.
 
"Well, we were bein' watched and I talked to loud and gave away they we were involved with the SWA . The watcher jumped at what I said and started followin' closer. Fernando knew but made sure with a few evasive turns and sure enough he stuck with us, He shover a capsule down my . . . uh, well he gave me his cars code and made me get in. he told me if he didn't call right away to tell you what happened." Gadget said.
 
"this isn't his first time he'll be alright." Hondo said.
 
But i heard shooting as i left!" Gadget said loudly.
 
"Eh, he usually wear bullet proof armor." Hondo said.
 
"Really!? Good." gadget said with some relief.
 
"Corse, since he was dressed up for fun and not huntin' trouble he might not have." Hondo said.
 
"WHAT?!?!" gadget shouted.
 
"And he didn't call like he said he would, right?" Rose asked.
 
"Thats true! He's still missing!! We have to call the police!!" Gadget yelled.
 
" can't. he's not been missin' for 24 hours yet." Hondo said as he went to sit on the couch. Rose followed and gadget just stood there for a bit. She finally trotted over.
 
"You have to go after him!" Gadget wailed.
 
"aww, he'll be alright. Fernando can take anythin'." Hondo said.
 
"Thats true." gadget said softly.
 
"I'm going to go make some tea." Rose said and got up and left. after a minute Hondo spoke again.
 
"Fernando should be fine, no worries." Hondo said.
 
"Goood." gadget said with a sigh.
 
"But of course his is gettin' older and ya never know when his number will be up." Hondo said. Hondo could hear Rose clear her throat. Hondo was a bit worried as always, but he knew to run  off right now was useless and if Fernando did by it, it would be up to him to finish what was started.
 
"What!!!" Gadget squealed at his remark.
 
"Hondo!" Rose scolded.
 
"I'm sure he's fine." Hondo said.
 
"I hope so." gadget said as she sat down nervously and excepted a cup of tea from Rose.
 
"Corse, I've been wrong before and these guys are gettin' smarter and they might have thrown 5 or 6 at him. and if one hit his glasses, they would win with guns. course they might just knock him out and torcher him for info. . ." Hondo was cut short as gadget spit her tea across the room, jumper up spillin' her hot tea on Hondo and raced to the basement. Hondo yelped as the hot tea hit him. Rose rushed over with a towel and helped him dry quickly then they both ran to the basement. By the time they got there Gadget had grenades, pistols, rifles and ammo out. Hondo and Rose rushed her and grabbed her in one foul swoop.
 
"Let me go!!" Gadget howled.
 
"No!" Rosie yelled.
 
"What in blue blazes has got into you, woman??" Hondo asked loudly.
 
"If you won't save him, I will!" Gadget shouted.
 
" I don't think so. We need to wait and give him time. if we don;t hear anythin' by tomorrow noon, I'll call the SWA and we'll see what we can do. goin' off half cocked will only make matters worse." Hondo said.
 
"I don't care!! its my fault and i have to save him!!" Gadget wailed.
 
"And ruin his savin' you? if that was his last savin' I'll make sure it last and make sure you don't ruin it." Hondo said.  
 
"You can't stop me!" Gadget yelled.
 
"I think she lost it." Hondo said to Rose.
 
"What will we do? Rose asked concerned.
 
"Put her in solitary until she cools off." Hondo said. They drug her to a empty cage like bin and set her in. Rose got out first and made ready to lock it in case Gadget tried anything and she look as if she may. Hondo retreated and locked the door. he knew her tail tricks, so he welded it in a couple of spots that could be ground off easily when she cooled off. Gadget curled into a little ball in the back and sobbed. Hondo and Rose left her alone to settle down and think.
 
"Did we have to lock her up?" Rose asked.
 
"Does a Gadget strappin' on guns sound safe to you?" Hondo asked.
 
"Not at all!" Rosie said.
 
"I agree. shes not herself and she'll get herself and Fernando killed if she goes off. I don't like it either, but its easier to try to win her forgiveness for this than to try to win forgiveness from ourselves if we turn her loose and she gets killed." Hondo said.
 
"True, but what about Fernando?" Rose asked.
 
"I don't know. I'm a bit worried, but to move now is suicide. they will expect that since them most definitely saw Gadget escape. all we can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best." Hondo said.
 
"your right." Rose said. They held each other for a few minutes then went off to prepare for the worst. Rose to the kitchen to make up some food and Hondo to the supply room for guns, ammo, and explosives.
 
 

Charles, you have to fix this.
It takes 9 months to have a kid.
 
I'm still on 48 hours.
 
I dont mind the story plot where you are taking it, but you are jumping the gun here.

After Hondo got off the phone with Fernando he went and told Rose the good news. she gave a sigh of relief and leaned against Hondo. He put his arms 'round Rosie and they stood there for a second.
 
"You need to go tell Gadget, you know." Rose said.
 
"I know. Fernando wants me to turn her loose now that she can know hes alright, but I'll be sleepin' a lot lighter until she's gone!" Hondo said. Rose giggled.  
 
"You'd better git at it." Rosie said.
 
"Your gonna come tell her with me." Hondo stated.
 
"Oh no. you decided to lock her up, you deal with her." Rose said as she tried to back away, but Hondo still ha hold of her right hand.
 
"Oh yes you are." Hondo said. He started off to the basement with Rose in tow. she complained a bit, but went along.
 
When they got to the basement, Gadget was still in the back corner rolled into a whimperin' little ball. She never liked to see some one hurt and to think that it might have been her fault or that she could have stopped it and to be held back from correctin' it never did well with her. She always let it get to her in a bad way and it scared a person to think if somethin' really bad happened, what would happen to her. They walked up to the cage. Rosie stopped short and whispered to Hondo that she would get the grinder. Hondo stood at the door for a moment to see if Gadget would look up.
 
"Gadget?" Hondo said.
 
"Go away!" she whimpered in a muffed way as her face was buried.
 
"I have news." Hondo said.
 
"Gadgets head shot up showin' he red eyes and tear stained face. "He's dead, isn't he?!?!?" gadget shouted. she jumped up and lunged at Hondo who was on the other side so all she did was hit the bars and fall to the floor. she hit the floor on her knees and buried her face in her hands. "It's my fault, I killed him!!" she looked up at Hondo. "Why couldn't you let me go after him? he was a friend. I never got along well with him and I'll never agree with him totally and I'll always love my husband, but . . ."
 
"You'd have gotten killed or. . ." Hondo was cut off. Gadget jumped up and pressed her face into the bars to look at Hondo.
 
"I wish I had!! I can't bear this!!! Kill me, please, KILL ME!!! put me out of this I can't . . ." It was gadgets turn to be cut short. Hondo reached through the bars and knocked her on the head like Chip would do to dale, but a tad harder.
 
"You stop that talk!! If Fernando were dead how much more would you be needed, and how hard would if be to the rest of us to have you dead without cause?!?!?" Hondo thundered. Gadget started quietly cryin' again.
 
"I'm sorry. your right. I'm being selfish and stupid. I'm ashamed of the way I am behaving and . . wait! what did you say, 'If Fernando was dead'?!?!?" Gadget near yelled the last.
 
"Yes, you also have a very bad habit of talkin' before I'm through. He called and he's fine. he just couldn't get to a phone sooner." Hondo said. Gadget started chearin' and doin' a victory dance. Hondo looked over at Rose who had just been standin' there wide eyed through it all with a grinder in her hands.
 
"You women. I'll never understand you!" Hondo said to Rose.
 
"Us women?!?" Rose started to shout.
 
"No time for arguments. just plug this thing in, please?" Hondo said.
Rose quickly plugged it in. Hondo welded it a little too good and Gadget was antsy. they hear Fernando and it sounded like Marco get in upstairs. this made Gadget all the more antsier. They finally got through. Hondo opened the door, expectin' Gadget to run upstairs to see Fernando, but instead she attacked Hondo. now Gadget was a smallish sized Mouse with good strength for her size, but Hondo was a very large mouse with excellent strength for his size. She only knocked him back but she tried her best to clobber him.
 
"YOU OVERGROW LUG!! FIRST YOU WON'T LET ME RESCUE A FRIEND, THEN YOU WELD ME IN A CAGE, THEN YOU LET ME GO ON LIKE A FOOL AND GET SUICIDAL OVER A DEAD GUY WHO ISN'T DEAD!!!!!!" Gadget screamed. all of a sudden a smaller, but madder mousette launched into Gadget and knocked her off of the puzzled Hondo.  
 
"YOU KEEP YOUR MEET HOOKS OFF MY GUY!! YOUR TOO SELFRIGHTEOUSS TO EVEN THINK IT WAS YOUR FAULT . . ." Rose yelled. after that Hondo could not understand what either of them were yellin' as it was too fast and garbled.  
 
"THATS ENOUGH!!" Hondo yelled, but he was totally ignored, or it could be they just plain couldn't hear him.
 
 for a brief moment Gadget had Rose pinned and Hondo seized the opportunity, literally. He grabbed Gadgets tail and lifted her off the ground with his left hand. Rosie tried to attack again and was stopped with his right grabbin' her by the shirt.
 
"Ok, settle down!" Hondo growled. by that time Fernando had heard the fight and headed down to see what was up.
 
 
 
 

From the staircase Fernando looks at them.
 
Fernando: *AHEM...*
 
The three of them look at him back.
 
Fernando: I'm making some lunch. Pasta with grilled meat and veggies. It will be done in 15 minutes. You want- be there.
 
Fernando starts walking up the stairs. Gadget wrestles her way off Hondo and runs after him.
 
Gadget: Fernando, wait!
 
Fernando keeps on going and stops at the dining area where she catches up to him. She grabs him by the arm and tries to turn him around. Fernando just turns 1/2 way to look back at her, while keeping an eye on the kitchen. He sweeps her hand off his arm. Hondo and Rose goes upstairs for the moment.
 
Fernando: Don't ever grab me like that again.
Gadget: No, but... I'm sorry.
 
Fernando continues to walk into the kitchen, pointing at the various items to be thrown into the skillet. Angelica complies, stirring the contents as he explained to her how.
 
Fernando: Sorry for what?
Gadget: I don't know, I know I just am.
Fernando: Look- this is what I meant by being a rescue ranger- making sure that the one being rescued is fine is the top priority. You as the rescuer have no choice but to throw your life away for them. I told you that I would do so for you, I just have and I will do it again. You being rescued should have sat and waited.
Gadget: But, I'm a founding rescue ranger!
Fernando: You going back into Rome loaded up with weapons with nothing go on, how far would you get? Hell, The police would have arrest you for weapons possession. Now, tell me, what is going on in that pretty little head of yours?
Gadget: You were in trouble because of me and I wanted to rescue you from your situation.
Marco (sitting on the far end of the dining table): You could not have rescued him from who had him caught. In fact, you would have been killed if you tried.
Fernando: Just listen to him, alright?
 
Fernando makes the finishing touches on the meal, and then gives Angelica the cue to serve some to Marco and herself. She fixes a couple of plates and sends them over to the table. Fernando follows after her with a couple of glasses, a pitcher of water and a bottle of wine. Marco fills the two glasses with wine for the two of them. Fernando continues talking.
 
Fernando: Look Gadget. I don't know what is bothering you, and I don't really care. But right now your actions are interfering with this whole mission. Either follow my directions or get out of the way.
 
Gadget never had those words told to her like that. So she sits there in self pity, falling into a momentary depression. Then a momentary lapse of reason.
 
Gadget: How do I know you are Fernando?
 
Fernando just sighs before that question any respect. He sets himself 2 plates of food, and brings them to the table with 2 empty glasses. He places 1 set in front of Gadget and the other to where he would sit. He takes the wine bottle and fills their glasses with it before returning it to Marco. As he sits in front of his plate, Fernando takes out his AA .45 and places it by Gadget's plate once after he removes the ammunition from within and disarms it.
 
Fernando: I am not even going to answer that question, Gadget. Even with the latest DNA Tests, full body scans, bio-metrics identification methods being used, you would not believe that I am me. But (he takes a bullet out of the magazine and places it between his thumb and forefinger), if I were a fake or a clone, I would not remember this.
 
Fernando leans over to her and places the bullet between the cleavage of her breasts and pushes it down deeper between them. He then takes his finger out from there continuing to stare into her eyes and then places a finger to her lips in gesture to keep her quiet.
 
Fernando: When I unlock the doors, you get into the car and lock them. Don't worry about me.
 
Gadget just nods at him.
 
Fernando: Now Gadget, I know Tammy is one of your best female friends. I am not going to take that away from you two. But you cant be friends if one of you is dead. I have to make sure that we all come out of this alive. Now Gadget, do you accept me as who I am?
 
Gadget nods before answering.
 
Gadget: I do.
Fernando: Enjoy your lunch then.
 
Gadget looks at her food, taking fork in hand and starts moving things about on her plate. Hondo and Rose come in from upstairs. Before Hondo can ask about the food, Fernando tells him that its on the stove, on very low heat to keep it warm. Both Hondo and Rose look at it, wondering what to do. Based on an old Roman Empire meal, with the only modification being the pasta and fried tomato with the meat and vegetables. But otherwise it looked like a separated casserole that needed assembly. And it smelled better than most things they have had, though better would not be the word for it, more like different while still being appetizing.
 
Hondo and Rose decided to serve themselves and sit down with the rest of the group. They brought soda with them from the frig, instead of going for the wine. In a few minutes, Marco and Angelica finish with their meal. Angelica cleans up their area and puts away the glasses and dishes in the dish dishwasher. Marco gets his things and both start walking to the door, after saying thanks for the meal.
 
Gadget does not eat much of her lunch. She just kept moving things around on her plate. Hondo decides to make a comment about it.
 
Hondo: You know there are thousands of starving kids in the world who would not play with their food...
 
Gadget stops and looks at him.
 
Gadget: You lied to me.
Fernando: He did not lied to you. He was following my orders. You have to disavow any knowledge if anyone gets caught. Furthermore, you are not to act 1/2 cocked and attempt any rescues without getting intell first. Hondo followed those orders to a 'T'. You on the other hand wanted to set Rome on fire. Rome already burned once under Nero. We do not need it to burn again under Gadget. So if you want to blame someone, blame me.
 
Gadget can only look at Fernando, unsure of what to say.
 
Fernando continues with his meal, finishing up the last few bites before putting the glass and dish in the dishwasher. He looks over to everyone before telling them that he was going to retire for a while in his room.
 
Once in his room, he takes off his shoes and lays down in bed. Gadget joins him to discuss what happened but not before spending sometime downstairs with Hondo and Rose with their lunch first.

Fernando lays in bed with his arm over his eyes (his glasses on the nightstand next to the bed). His gun has been put into its place under the pillow. Sleep does not come because it is not what is intended to be.  
 
According from what he gathered at the SWA, Tammy and Bink are fine, though the somber mood denotes that things with the agency are not as happy as it should be. Since no word of the mission had been stated, other than what was released in the newspaper, he has to speculate that it was a success. More so than expected, since Section 1's actions tells him that they do not want others to know of the details, even in guessing them.
 
Gadget enters his room without warning or notice, just walks into his room without even knocking.
 
Fernando: Do you mind? I wanted to be left alone for a while.
Gadget: You said that you wanted black roses and the women in red dresses in your funeral. Can I ask why?
Fernando: Why are you asking?
 
Gadget walks over to the edge of the bed and sits on it.
 
Gadget: We still have a date to finish, and that was the last thing we were talking about before we got chased.
Fernando: Don't you know what either one signify?
Gadget: No.
Fernando: A black rose signify a "Love Immortal- beyond life, space and time." Vampires used to give them to that special someone for that reason.
Gadget: Why would you want that?
Fernando: You know Gadget- there is nothing worse than dying for somebody and then being forgotten.
Gadget: But, I would never forget... you.
Fernando: Let see. You remember Geehaw?
Gadget: That was my father.
Fernando: And Aethyia?
Gadget: That was my mother.
Fernando: How about Chip Maplewood?
Gadget: That's my husband, and he's not dead.
Fernando: Then, Fernando G.?
Gadget: That's you, silly. You're not dead.
Fernando: You sure about that?
Gadget: Yes.
Fernando: OK. Now, how about Tammy Squirrel?
Gadget: That my friend, and she's not dead either.
Fernando: Granted.
Gadget: Then what are you trying to get at?
Fernando: 2 things.
Gadget: Which are?
Fernando: Act with integrity, no regrets.
Gadget: That's it?
Fernando: That was just one.
Gadget: Then explain.
Fernando: If I would have lost my life to save yours, I would do it without question, hesitation, or second thought. I would do as I must and damned be the consequences.
 
Gadget sighs.
 
Gadget: You're just saying to say it.
Fernando I was hoping you would say that, because it brings number 2.
Gadget: Which is?
Fernando: We are soldiers. Our choice has been made for us.
Gadget: What choice is that?
Fernando: You don't get it, do you?
Gadget: Just tell me.
Fernando: That choice is to put our lives before others so that they can be saved. We don't choose the situation in which we have to rescue someone, it comes to us. From a simple cat stuck in a tree, or a fallen car in a lake, to government involved kidnapping conspiracies- we do it all. And as far as I know- none of us has ever walked away from a call to rescue. Nor have we walked away after only doing 1/2 the job. So, you tell me Gadget, in doing what I had to do for you, does it matter what happens to me in the end?
Gadget: Yes it does.
Fernando: Why?
Gadget Why?!! Look mister- if somebody dies for me, then I want to know why.
Fernando: You already know why, I have already told you.
Gadget: You know what kind of stress that puts on the victim... on me?!!
Fernando: I hope you take this second chance to learn from it. To improve yourself from the lesson learned.
Gadget: I married Chip because of him rescuing me...
Fernando: So the truth comes out.
Gadget: No... I liked him a lot, I really do.
Fernando: But before then, you thought that you could keep those emotions in check and just have him as a friend. But because he put his life before yours, it opened up a flood gate of emotions which you have been wrestling with, and married him because of them.
Gadget: Yes...
Fernando: Look Gadget. I can not tell you how many times I was offered sex and or love as a reward from all the girls I have rescued, from my first day as a life guard at the pool where I worked at to... eh... Tammy right now. But I have never taken advantage of any one of them, never took the reward. As for you, it moved your relationship with Chip to be that much closer, and closer, until one day you two married.
Gadget: But you are taking advantage of Tammy.
Fernando: I am not. What is happening between us is what happened to you and Chip. Its that I'm more emotionally colder than he will ever be.
 
Gadget sighs.
 
Fernando: What?
Gadget: I don't know.
Fernando: Heh... If I did not know better, I would swear that you are having feeling for me because I rescued you by putting my life before yours.
Gadget: ...I do not...
Fernando: That's what you say. How you are acting is different from the very words that come out of your lips.
Gadget: Look, I'm just confused.
Fernando: Confused, because when it happened once, with Chip, you could accept it. But now that it happened twice, with me, you don't know how to assess those feelings for me- those same feelings that pushed you into marriage with Chip. Well... I see where that could be a problem, but there is also something else you could do.
Gadget: What would that be?
Fernando: Get it out of your system.
Gadget: How?
Fernando: Reward your rescuer with what you think your life is worth.
 
Gadget tries to remove Fernando's arm off his eyes with one hand and slap him with the other. He catches her hand before it could strike, clamping down on both of them and hold her in place above him. They stay like that as they stare into each other's eyes in silence.
 
Gadget: Those are the lightest brown eyes I have ever seen. Why do you hide them behind those dark glasses.
 
Fernando closes his eyes.
 
Fernando: Because I'm sensitive to light, it hurts my eyes.
Gadget: No, don't close them.
Fernando: Look, close the door and draw the shades down. Its too bright in here.
Gadget: I need you to let me go to do that.
 
At first he does not let her go, but eventually he does. Gadget goes over to the windows, drawing their shades and curtains closed. Then she walks over to the door and closes it before returning to the bed where she sits down next to him where he laid, putting her elbows at either side to his head to prop up her as she looks down at him. Fernando still has his eyes closed.
 
Gadget: You can open them up now, you know.
 
Fernando slowly does, though as dark as the room was, to him it was like a bright sunny day. Gadget can barely make out the features she was looking at, but can after she gets used to the darkness.
 
Fernando: Well?
Gadget: Well what?
Fernando: Is this the end of a long date?
Gadget: What do you mean?
Fernando: You know- going out, some entertainment, some food, then his place or yours for a romantic solitude or just all out sex...
Gadget: I'm not here for that.
Fernando: Then are you going to reward your rescuer with what you have to offer?
Gadget: No.
Fernando: Then why are you here?
Gadget: I forgot.
Fernando: Then, can I suggest you get off my bed and leave my room before this gets further than we would want to proceed?
 
Gadget brushes the hair on his forehead aside.
 
Gadget: Are you afraid of something happening between us?
Fernando: Frankly, I don't care what happens between us. I would still respect you, I will continue to like you and the relationship we have, but that line has to be drawn somewhere and we can not cross it.
Gadget: Why you have to say it like that?
Fernando: Because Gadget- Here I am in my bed looking up at you and even though its not your style, but you being dressed up, made up and done up makes you look more lovely and enticing than the regular Gadget that I know.
Gadget: So you're saying that you're turned on by me?
Fernando: Turned on? Not yet. Attracted? Only by your physical presence.
Gadget: Oh. So what would it take to turn you on?
Fernando: You and I breaking a lot of personal rules we have and disrespecting those we care about.
Gadget: I see, so the line is already drawn.
Fernando: Look, the want is there. The need is always there. And the urge is under a lot of restraint. But If we did do something, it would not be right even though we have agreed on it. I don't want to hurt you, you don't want to hurt me, and we don't want to hurt the others we care about so lets stop while we can.
Gadget: Then, can I ask how far can we go without crossing that line?
Fernando: A friend once told me about 'Love without penetration.' But we can not even acknowledge that.
Gadget: So you're saying that you love me?
Fernando: No. Look- we have feeling for each other that we can not act upon ever. It would be like a very close brother and sister relationship between us.
Gadget: But such brother and sister can love each other.
Fernando: And that is as far it would go.
Gadget: Then you would not want some alone time with your sister? Hold her, tell her that things will be OK? Share your bed with her when she cant sleep because of the monsters in her room?
Fernando: I will do what I can for her.
 
Instead of getting a verbal answer, Fernando gets a physical one as Gadget puts her head on his chest and her arms around him.
 
Gadget: Look, I never done this with anyone else other than my husband, so he can never know about this.
Fernando: Gadget, though the same applies to you of me and Tammy, there is nothing we are doing here and now to be ashamed of.
Gadget: Its just...
Fernando: You feel guilty about, don't you?
Gadget: Yes.
Fernando: Look, there is nothing wrong with friends holding each other and talking things out. If anything you and Chip should be doing this, and you and Chip should allow each other to share this much with others.
Gadget: Do you?
Fernando: Me? As in?
Gadget: I know you and Tinkerbell have slept together.
Fernando: This is as far as we ever got, Gadget. Tink is one broken up fairy because of Peter constantly abusing her for her fairy dust. So, yes- I do, with her, and others like Tammy and now you.
Gadget: Others?
Fernando: If my bed can talk, it can speak of the numbers of emotional rescues it has seen and been part of. But none ever went as farther as this.
Gadget: But you have slept with these other women, right?
Fernando: Sleep as in just laying here passed out and snoring. Not premarital hanky panky.
Gadget: Why do you do it?
Fernando: Why? I often ask myself that. Look, to be honest with you right now, part of me say to take you as you are right here and now. That part of me wont be listened too, but it will be acknowledged and denied, because if I ignore it, it will just grow louder and louder until it is no longer ignored. But why I do.. this...? Its part of our relationship that we would allow when needed. It would be best to allow it to  happen. It would not be good to simply be cold to each other- in private. In public yes, but not in private like now.
Gadget: That does not answer my question.
Fernando: Why must you be here and not? Why must you hold on to me like you would your husband?
Gadget: Because for the first time in a longtime, I am getting scared and confused and I need something to hold on too, and that something is you.
Fernando: Then can you accept that as my answer?
Gadget: If I must.
Fernando: No disrespect to you, Gadget, but that's the answer you are going to get.
Gadget: It feels like there is something more to it.
Fernando: If there is, then so be it. I'm just here in bed with one of the more beautiful mouse ladies on the planet and nothing is going to happen. In fact Gadget, I need to shut down for a while.
Gadget: Shut down?
Fernando: Nap. Sleep. You know... Got a nasty headache that cant seem to go away.
Gadget: Oh. Go ahead then.
Fernando: I need to take my clothes off for that.
Gadget: And put on your Pajamas?
Fernando: I sleep with as little as I can.
Gadget: Oh... Uhm... I'll go get you some aspirin then?
Fernando: Nothing works for these headaches. Just a lot of rest and sleep.
Gadget: So...
 
Gadget gets up above him and starts undoing his shirt. He grabs her hand and holds them from going to the next button.
 
Fernando: What do you think you are doing?
Gadget: Getting you out of your clothes...
Fernando: Gadget, don't. Just leave. Please.
Gadget: But...
Fernando: No butts. I can undress myself, and I don't need your help in that.
 
Fernando slowly gets up to sit on the edge of the bed. Gadget kneels next to him on the bed. Fernando shakes his head, as if trying to shake off the demons with the jackhammers pounding away at his temples. He then gets up and staggers a couple of steps, then recomposes himself to almost normal as he takes off his shirt and puts it on the chair with the suit jacket. He then takes his pants off and carefully folds it on the chair. He then goes back to the edge of the bed and sits on it.
 
Gadget: You OK?
Fernando: Why you ask?
Gadget: You seemed to have staggered for a bit. Tell me the truth, were you shot?
Fernando: I'm fine Gadget. Just a little bit tired, and this body does not like being tired.
Gadget: That's the god's honest truth?
Fernando: Yes.
Gadget (more like to herself): Then forgive me.
Fernando: Forgive you for what?
Gadget: I will be here while you sleep and keep watch over you.
Fernando: That wont be necessary.
Gadget: Just humor my request and get into this bed for me.
Fernando: I thought I would never hear those words from you.
Gadget: I thought I never had to say to anyone else but to my husband. But here we are.
 
Fernando  lays back down on his bed, taking to the covers and pillow. Gadget lays down on top of him as before with her head to his chest, but this time having a blanket covering him. He quickly falls asleep. Gadget instinctively lowers the zipper on the back of her dress 1/2 way down to get it more loose and comfortable. Though Fernando sleeps for the next couple of hours, she naps for a while, 20 minutes at most. Doing so, she messes up her hair and makeup.
 
Gadget wakes up, startled at first that she was sleeping in the same bed with another guy. But as she goes through her memory, she realized that nothing happened other than their long overdrawn and overdue conversation. Then she realizes that she was very thirsty.
 
Much of the house was quiet. Hondo was outside working on his car, and Rose was sitting at the dining table looking over the intell she was receiving from all sides, and verifying that the coordinates did relate to some spot on the map. Gadget walks over to the kitchen and takes a bottle of water from the frig, then sits across from Rose to see what she was doing. After a few seconds, Rose looks up at her, seeing the mess she was in.
 
Rose: Uhm, Gadget. Where were you all this time?
Gadget: With Fernando. Why?
Rose: Uhm... Nothing happened between you two?
Gadget: Nothing that we would not allow to happen. Why?
Rose: Uhm... Elaborate on that, please.
Gadget: After a long discussion, we slept together.
Rose: Oh no you didn't.
Gadget: I'm just sorry that this maybe the only time we could do this, with Tammy returning soon and we finally going home.
Rose (yelling): WOMAN, DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?!!
Gadget: Yes, and you dont have to yell...
Rose: Oh god...
Gadget: What?!!
Rose: Look, tell me the truth... what did you two did alone in his room... alone.
Gadget: Why are you asking that?
Rose: Have you looked at yourself?
Gadget: I think I look fine... why?
Rose: Stop being daft with me, woman. You look like some female porn start who did a marathon video love fest- your dress is all wrinkled, your hair is unkempt and your make up is all smudged up.
Gadget: It is?
Rose: YES! Now What Happened Between You Two?!!
Gadget: Nothing happened between us. We had along talk, he was not feeling well, so he went to sleep. I kept an eye on him and then I fell asleep for a while.
Rose: Then why is your dress unzippered in the back?
Gadget: I unzippered it, because it was uncomfortable laying there and it being as tight as it is.
Rose: So, you two...
Gadget: No we didn't do any hanky panky.
 
Rose releases a sigh of relief before continuing.
 
Rose: You better get up stairs, clean yourself up and change into your regular clothes.
Gadget: You think so? What if we go out again like later tonight or something?
Rose: Just go up stairs and change, Gadget. Your appearance can give anyone the wrong idea!
Gadget: Must I?
Rose: Yes!
 
Gadget stares at her blankly. Rose gets up out of her seat and takes Gadget by the wrist to take her upstairs to their room. Rose literally throws Gadget to the bed and goes through their dresser, throwing a box of tissues and a bottle of vanishing cream onto the bed. Then she finds Gadget's regular clothing folded up in her bed and places it next to Gadget. Rose takes to the vanishing cream with her fingers and globs it at Gadget's face.
 
Gadget: HEY!
Rose (as she massages the cream into her face to melt away the makeup): Its for your own good, girl. I cant have you looking like some floozy after doing a love marathon here! Now Just Stay Still... This Wont Take Long!
 
Gadget fights off Rose and manages to get her wrists.
 
Gadget: OK, OK... I'll do it... Jeesh!
 
Gadget takes a few tissues and start to wipe away the dissolved makeup and vanishing cream from her face, throwing the wet globs of tissue onto the floor.
 
Rose: You know you're cleaning that stuff up off the floor.
Gadget: It would not be on the floor if you didn't globbed so much onto my face!
Rose: I swear Gadget, for such a nice mouse, you can be a royal bitch at times.
Gadget: I don't get everything my way for being nice, you know. I do have to fight for them sometimes.
Rose: OK, I heard enough. Put on your purple overalls and lets see if you can help around here. You might as well earn your keep during your stay.
Gadget: What?!!
 
But it was too late, for Rose had already left the room. Gadget is left there to finish on her own and she does not like it. She takes her time undressing herself and taking the remaining make up off her face. Though not changing out of her black underwear, she gets into her purple overalls where she folds her things up neatly and places them on her bed. She makes a quick run to the bathroom for a bit of oral hygiene and a thousand brush strokes of her hair. Then she goes downstairs to where Rose was still sitting and still reviewing the intell sent to her by various groups to verify before sending them to Captain Eddie. Gadget sits right across from her like she did the last time. Rose looks up at her when she finishes analyzing upon a spot on the map.
 
Rose: Now you look better. Go to the kitchen and do the dishes.
Gadget: Thanks, wait a minute! I don't do other people's dishes.
Rose: Look, go to the dishwasher as press the start button. Then its done in about an hour, take them out and wipe them down before putting them away on the dish rack or cabinet. Is that so hard?
Gadget: Well, I guess not.
Rose: Good. Now earn your keep.
 
Gadget goes to the kitchen, looking over the various appliances and finding the dishwasher. She was probably looking for a mechanical octopus to do the job with. Eventually she presses the start button and sits back where she was at before. She looks at Rose doing her work, extrapolating data from the laptops and palmtops on the table, marking them on a map that was on the table. She then goes back to either device, adds more notes before going to the next location.
 
Gadget: What are you doing?
Rose: Work for the mission.
Gadget: What kind of work?
Rose: Verifying map coordinates.
Gadget: Why?
Rose: Its for the mission.
Gadget: None of these points are in Italy.
Rose: I know.
Gadget: But the mission is in Italy...right?
 
Rose finishes up her current verification before putting down her pen and looks at Gadget.
 
Rose: Do you know what this mission is about?
Gadget: I know it has something to do with drugs, and a possible Italian civil war.
Rose: That's all? No details?
Gadget: That's all I know, since my husband and Dale were part of the attack.
Rose: I see. Look. Those who would want to over throw this government, are doing it by any means they see fit. Drug trafficking, murder, bribes; they don't care. They are also getting help from outside Italy, in this area (Rose circles the area of the map she is working on). So, with help from our nation's navy, we are going to bomb these targets.
Gadget: But wouldn't that kill hundreds of innocents?
Rose: That is what I am doing, verifying the validity of each target and making sure what would be the best time to do the strike, and keep the collateral damage to a minimum.
Gadget: Aren't you afraid of mislabeling a target and killing innocent people?
Rose: Innocent people are not sneaking around on dirt roads and back streets with drug shipments in the back of their trucks at 2 in the morning. Anybody who would be killed are the same people who would do the same to you, and not care about consequences thereafter.
Gadget: But...
Rose: This is war, Gadget. They attacked this nation and its government. They have attacked Tammy, they attacked Chip and Dale. They attacked many others, including you... and if it were not for that egotistical blind flying squirrel upstairs, we would not be here.
Gadget: You don't agree with doing this job? Then why do it?
Rose: I a solider, a naval officer, Gadget. I am to uphold and protect the constitution and all those who live under it from all threats-foreign or domestic to the best of my ability. As far as I am concerned this has to be done even if I don't agree with it even though I do. You may not see it that way...
Gadget (interrupting her): Oh.
Rose: I do not want innocent people to be hurt or killed, so this is why I do this. But they dont care. The more innocent lives they can destroy, the further they think their cause will go.
Gadget: What about Tammy killing people?
Rose: She is only doing her job.
Gadget: Do you agree with it though?
Rose: Whether I agree with it or not, is one thing. But her needing to do her job is another.
Gadget: Then...
Rose (interrupting her): Look, killing people is not a nice thing to do. But when others see that it is either them or you, you have to defend yourself with equal force to stop them. If that does not stop them, then you need to up the force in which to step them- even if it means killing them.
Gadget: I don't think that is fair.
Rose: It never is. But think- one of these trucks can hurt or kill 20,000 people with the poison that they are distributing. There are maybe at most 6 people in the truck. Killing 6 people to save 20,000 is justifiable.
Gadget: But couldn't you stop them in other ways?
Rose: Send in troops? Devote manpower that may get hurt or killed themselves in the process? Send them into a foreign nation, and if caught can be used as proof that we- the USA, it trying to invade them and further drag us into war? No. A few properly placed bombs here and there will make neat work of this. And if anyone asks- well, not only making drugs illegal, it is also dangerous. Drub labs and their shipping trucks do explode. And if they all go boom on one night- well, it was one very bad and unstable batch they tried to deliver. A few well placed rumors here and there, and it will look like it was a deliberate set up from within their ranks, and they will then fight among themselves and not against the Italian government and the innocent lives there.
Gadget: Then...
Rose: Then we can all go home. Tammy too as far as I know.
Gadget: And Fernando?
Rose: Him too.
Gadget: Not according to him.
Rose: Why not?
Gadget: Something about some government agency would let him.
Rose: Oh. Well, nothing I heard says that he is not supposed too. In fact he's welcomed to go onboard the naval ships during this mission.
Gadget: What about Tammy and him getting married?
Rose: Are you that dead set against it?
Gadget: No, I'm just saying- where will the wedding be? If he can go back to the café, then they cant get married there. And we cant all go here. So... you tell me, how is it going to happen?
 
Rose looks at her own engagement ring and ponders about it.
 
Rose: Knowing those two, something is being planned out.
 
Gadget notices Rose's ring.
 
Gadget: That looks like the same ring Tammy does.
Rose: It does? Oh well. Maybe Fernando and Hondo got them at the same place or something.
Gadget: You and Hondo?
Rose: Yes, me and Hondo.
Gadget: You two are so...
Rose: I don't want to hear it. We are in love, we want to share our life together and we are getting married as soon as it can be planned. So its none of your business.
Gadget: Why so hostile against me?
Rose: Why? Because you have been hostile against Fernando and Tammy's engagement, and your behavior seems to repeat itself. So I'm just defending what little I have.
Gadget: No, no... I wish you two the best, seriously I do. Its just you two are so...
Rose: So... What?
Gadget: Opposite?
 
Rose just sighs.
 
Rose: Don't you have something to do? I have a lot of work to do here.
Gadget: Just waiting for the dishwasher to stop.
Rose: Then go watch TV or take a nap.
 
Rose did not mean to be harsh to Gadget, but something does not seem well with her. Gadget has been totally off on many things, and against others. Mostly petty things. Perhaps if the mission was not so stressful, things would be different.
 
Gadget shies away, before walking to the living room and sitting on the sofa at the TV screen that was off. The TV Remote was within her reach so turning it on was well within her ability, but she does not. Rose momentarily looks at Gadget and then shakes her head before returning to her work.
 
Almost 20 minutes later, the bell within the dishwasher rings. Gadget gets up to see what it was, finding the dishwasher had completed its job. She opens it, sliding out the racks full of eatery and cooking items all dried and cleaned. One by one, she starts to put them away, looking about the kitchen to see where each item belonged. Though not perfect, she managed to put things in their approximate places, not exact places. She then goes upstairs when she is done. Rose goes into the kitchen to check up on her work, making a adjustments to a few misplaced items.
 
Rose (to herself): At least she did not blow up the place.
 
Gadget makes her way to the balcony, looking down at Hondo work on his truck. He looks like he has dismantled the engine and in taking parts too and from the basement. Perhaps it was the high compression FOMOCO racing pistons that he had found that caught his interest. And perhaps while he is changing pistons, he would do a few more things just short of a complete overhaul. Either way, he seemed to be at peace with himself as he toiled along.
 
Fernando wakes up 2 hours later, going to the bathroom to shower up. He felt like he was hit by a Mack truck. But in the shower, he noticed a couple of bruises along his wing flaps. Apparently he was hit when they fired upon him as he flew away, but his bullet proof liner kept the bullets from penetrating through him. And since it was along the long thin strip of skin that makes up his wings, he did not feel it though now they do hurt to the touch.
 
Fernando goes back to his room after the long shower and dries himself off. Walking around in his room in a fresh pair of underwear, he takes his clothes he wore through the day and irons them a bit. Adding a little bit of fabric deodorant and his cologne to it as he irons, makes them almost new again. When done, he takes them to put on again. After putting on his shoes, he takes his gun and put it on the clip on holster and into the small of his back. The glasses goes on last before he steps out of the room.
 
First place he goes to is the kitchen to make a snack and some coffee. Rose was putting the finishing touches to her work.
 
Rose: Oh, you're awake?
Fernando: I am now.
Rose: Gadget told me that you were asleep.
Fernando: Where is she?
Rose: Last I saw, she went upstairs.
Fernando: I did not see her upstairs.
Rose: I did not see her walk out the door.
Fernando: She's around somewhere.
Rose: Yeah.
 
Fernando walks out to the rear exit of the house, looking out onto the parking lot where Hondo worked on his truck. Fernando looked about but could not find Gadget until he looked up, where she was at the balcony. He steps back into the house and towards the front of the house where the stairs were at.
Fernando: I found her, Rose. She is up in the balcony.
Rose (out loud): Good. (to herself) She can stay up there...
 
Fernando walks up the stairs to the attic and through the attic's exit onto the balcony. He quietly steps out and leans by the door.
 
Fernando: What is a mouse like you doing in a place like this?
 
Gadget flinches at hearing his voice, then slowly turns around.
 
Gadget: I'm just trying to clear out my head.
Fernando: I thought you go to the lab and blow things up to clear out that pretty little head?
Gadget: I do, but I'm sort of banned from the stuff in the basement workshop.
Fernando: I see.
 
Fernando walks up to her.
 
Fernando: I hope you did not sleep with me while I was passed out.
Gadget: Well...
Fernando: Did you?
Gadget: Just a short nap. But that was it.
 
Fernando sighs.
 
Gadget: What's wrong?
Fernando: Nothing. Just that I slept with the famous Gadget Hackwrench, that's all.
Gadget: And that all we did- just sleep.
Fernando: Good that you can think that way. Most will not. Most will think that you allowed me to get into your black laced panties.
Gadget: You did not, and if something like that did happened, its because it was something we wanted to happen.
Fernando: Why the sudden change of heart? Me saving your tail has something to do with that?
 
Gadget has to think for an answer, finding none.
 
Gadget: I don't know.
Fernando: Well now. We got ourselves a situation.
Gadget: What do you mean?
Fernando: The Gadget I knew was totally against unmarried couples sharing the same bed.
Gadget: But...
Fernando: No butts, Gadget. Now you know how Tammy feels, why she chooses to sleep with me and what actually happens. We had not used those times for romantic activities or for reproduction, we just slept. Now if you and I were to take it to the next level...
Gadget: What next level?
Fernando: The next level starts with a kiss, then taking off clothes, and then sometimes 9 months later you giving birth to a child.
Gadget: We are not ever going to take that far.
Fernando: You swear?
Gadget: I swear.
Fernando: You promise?
Gadget: I promise.
Fernando: Good.
 
Fernando opens the door and walks into the attic. Gadget goes after him.
 
Gadget: Wait!
 
Fernando stops in the middle of the attic. She trots up to him, just stopping within a couple steps to him. She then takes those steps and puts her arms around him, holding him tightly and pinning his arms, burying the side of her face into his chest.
 
Gadget: Thanks.
 
Fernando squirms a bit to try to free his arms but fails.
 
Fernando: You mind letting me go?
Gadget: No.
Fernando: No, you don't mind or you don't want to let me go.
Gadget: No, I don't want to let you go.
Fernando: I need my arms and I need to breathe!
 
It seemed that Gadget ignored him for the while. Eventually she does let him go.
 
Fernando: I thought Tammy had it bad.
Gadget: Has what?
Fernando: Has it in for me. Gadget, are you in love with me, or you think you owe me something for saving you?
Gadget: I don't know. Its not love because I love Chip and I don't you...
Fernando: But... There is something there very close to it.
Gadget: Something like that. Look, I'm not some floozy or slut, its just I never had somebody else care about me so much and act on it to protect me. I just don't know that to say or do, except for what something inside me is telling me what to do.
Fernando: Then don't act on it, or else you would be letting me into your black lace underwear.
Gadget: Is that what you want?
Fernando: I want many things, but I don't want to disrespect you  in anyway.
 
Gadget reaches into the flaps of her overalls and pulls on them, letting the zipper ride down on the length as she pulls them open, showing off the black lace underwear she was wearing.
 
Gadget: You want to get inside my black lace underwear? Go ahead!
 
Fernando holds back from laughing. Then he leans over to her and kisses her on the forehead. He starts to walk towards the stairs, with Gadget right behind.
 
Gadget: Is it because I'm a mouse and not squirrel like Tammy?
Fernando (as he starts down the stairs): No.
Gadget: Is it because I'm married?
Fernando: No.
Gadget: Is it because I'm married to Chip?
 
Once on the second floor, Fernando enters his room, keeping the door open.
 
Fernando: No.
Gadget: Then, what is it?
 
Fernando sits down on the bed as Gadget follows him behind, closing the door as she walks in and then right up to him.
 
Fernando: Its because there are certain lines in our relationship that we can not ever cross. But if you want to throw everything away, hurt others like Chip and Tammy, and perhaps get yourself hurt too, then by all means- we can have a sexual relationship with little meaning or substance to it.
 
Fernando reaches up to her, taking the shoulders of the overalls and pulling them down to her elbows. Gadget suddenly steps back.
 
Fernando: Just take off your clothes and lay on this bed naked, and I'll make this as quick as possible.
 
Gadget stands there, looking at him, blinking a few times as if something in her brain was registering some process. But slowly she removes her overalls, and stands there in her underwear.
 
Gadget: Fernando?
Fernando: Yes?
Gadget: Why does not feel not right but I still want it?
Fernando: You tell me? I'm not you to say.
Gadget: Is it easy for you to do this as it is hard for me?
 
Fernando takes her hand and pulls her to sit on his lap.
 
Fernando: Understand that in this Cloak And Dagger game, I had to do things that I did not want to do- including having sex with women which I would have not normally to win the game. The things I did as for god and country I am not too proud of to say. But between you and I- doing to this would be wrong. And if we do, I want it for you for the right reasons, not because you owe me or it felt like it was something that had to be done, or what ever because it would be too easy. Do you understand Ms Hackwrench?
 
Gadget nods. Fernando flings her onto the bed and holds her down. He then looks at her, she slowly reaches out and takes off his glasses and they stare into their eyes.
 
Fernando: Good. You see how easy it would be?
 
Gadget nods, biting on her lower lip.
 
Fernando: Now I do need you to do something for me though.
Gadget (nervously): What?
Fernando: Get dressed in that black dress and make yourself up again. We can go out for dinner later today, maybe a movie in say about 3 hours?
 
Gadget springs up and holds him tightly.
 
Gadget: Of course!
Fernando: You mind letting me go, I cant breathe!
 
Gadget lets him go. Fernando slowly draws away from her until he is sitting at the far end at the foot of the bed. Gadget then gets up and walks on all four to him. She then gives him a kiss on the cheek.
 
Gadget: You do me just a couple of favors.
Fernando: What would they be?
Gadget: You don't ever stop loving Tammy for one. She is lucky to have you.
Fernando: And the second?
Gadget: If you and Tammy don't work out... I'm there for you, always.
Fernando: Got it, and I just want one thing from us.
Gadget: What would that be?
Fernando: What ever happen, we are to still remain friends.
Gadget (smiling): Got it.
 
Fernando reaches over smacks Gadget on her rear end.
 
Gadget: Ow! Why you did that?
Fernando: Go get showered up and dressed.
Gadget: You said that we got 3 hours!
Fernando: We can end up having premarital hanky panky if you don't leave. Beside, I have mission work to do with Hondo and Rose before we go. Now leave before we...
 
Fernando smacks her on the rear again.
 
Gadget: OW! OK! I get your point...
 
Gadget gets up off the bed, gathering her things in her arms and walks out the room. She goes over to Rose's room and starts to prepare for a long shower.
 
Fernando falls back on the bed and stares at the ceiling, thinking about Gadget.
 
Fernando (to himself): Damn, I swear. First Tammy, now Gadget. Why me?
 
Fernando get the only answer an empty room would give: None. He then gets up and takes his suit jacket before going downstairs. He quietly takes to the rear exit to the parking lot. He passes by Hondo, saying 'hi' to him as he walks over to his car. Hondo walks over to the Porsche, where Fernando rolls down the window.
 
Hondo: Where are you going?
Fernando: I'm going to check up on the girls- something I could not do before because of Section 1.
Hondo: Then wait- I'll get cleaned and dressed up in 15 minutes.
 
Fernando leans out the window and looks at the truck.
 
Fernando: Finish the truck first. Then we can meet in town.
Hondo: Eh?
Fernando: Don't take it personally, but a truck that is not running is junk.
Hondo: Wait a minute.
Fernando: The same can be said of my car if it were not in running condition. Look, put her back together and drive into town with it.  We don't need a junker rotting in the parking lot. What are you doing anyway?
Hondo: Well, it started as a tune up...
Fernando: It looks like an overhaul to me.
Hondo: Well, yeah- it became a minimal overhaul when I saw a few things that needed replacing. But I'm almost done.
 
Fernando turns on the ignition.
 
Fernando: Good. I'll see you in town.
Hondo: Wait- where are we to meet?
Fernando: You got a CB in your truck?
Hondo: Like who don't?
Fernando: Modified?
Hondo: Like who don't?
Fernando: Got channel.... Uhm... 65 on it?
Hondo: You mean in the 'Uppers'?
Fernando: Yep.
Hondo: Yup.
Fernando: Listen in on Channel 65 then. Call me if you must. If you cant reach me, then call the cell.
Hondo: Alright then. Where will you be?
Fernando: At the church with the girls, if not shopping with them.
Hondo: I'll call the cell first then.  
Fernando: Good.
 
Fernando put the car into gear and then starts to drive away, making a big loop around the parking lot, then down the driveway to the highway. Gadget heard the Porsche drive away from the shower, and opens the bathroom window to look outside. The Porsche was gone as far as she could see. Then she sticks her head out the window and calls to Hondo.
 
Gadget: Hondo!
 
Hondo starts to look around to see where somebody was calling him from.
 
Gadget: Hondo.... Up here...
 
Hondo finally looks at the house and then upwards, finding Gadget's head sticking out the tiny bathroom window.
 
Hondo: What is it? You stuck or something?
Gadget: No... Tell me, did Fernando Leave?
Hondo: Yes he did.
Gadget: Did you know where he went?
Hondo: Just on another mission. Don't know where.
Gadget (to herself): Damn it
Hondo: What was that?
Gadget: Oh nothing... Thank You!
 
Gadget gets out of the window and back into the shower, perhaps a little miffed at the prospect that Fernando left without telling her. Since he left, she decides to take a longer in her shower, though she wished it now to be a bubble bath instead.
- - - - -
 
Tammy goes into the cyborg dormitories to go find Bink and have a long overdue talk with her. But finding privacy is another matter, because Bink shares her room with Rico, who seems to want to be involved in everything. Tammy knocks on their door before opening it. Bink was at the table cleaning out her P90 machine gun. Rico does the same with her Dragunov SVD. They both look at her standing in the doorway.
 
Bink: You need me for something?
Tammy: I'm sorry. I'll be back when you are less busy.
Bink: I can be done in 5 minutes.
Tammy: No, no... take your time. Don't want you to rush on account of me.
Bink: Uhm... OK.
Tammy: I'll be back... lets say in an hour?
Bink: An hour is fine.
Tammy: Good, and wash up too. Don't want the gun oil smell on you when we meet.
 
Bink just looks at her. Tammy leaves and walks down the hallway. Along the way, she bumps into Petrushka who was with the other Type 2 Cyborgs.
 
Tammy: I'm sorry.
Petrushka: No, I'm sorry. I did not see you coming.
Tammy: Neither did I.
Petrushka: But the cyborgs are supposed to watch where they are going and look out for the handlers.
Tammy: No, no, no... its my fault... I got to get going...
 
Tammy walks around the group and then starts running to the handler's dormitory which connects to the Cyborg's dorms by a tiny hall between the 2 buildings. She then goes into her room, unintentionally slamming her door.
 
One of the other Type 2 Cyborgs: What's wrong with that cyborg?
Petrushka: She's not a cyborg. She's Bink's handler.
Same Type 2 Cyborg: She is? Kinda young to be a handler. Maybe an older type 1 unit if you ask me.
Petrushka: She's new here, so she is still getting used to how things run. Besides, we are not to speak ill of the handlers no matter who they are.
Type 2 Cyborg: Now you tell me... I'm beginning to feel sick.
Petrushka: Lets get to the room and place a cold wet towel over your forehead. Works for me when 'Sandro and I get into those heated discussions.
 
The type 2 cyborg undergoes momentary cascade failure, as preprogrammed into them to keep their respect of the handlers and never go against them, even in argument. It only lasts for less than a 1/2 hour, but its like going through a full body migraine, and something not to be wished upon another person. Her 'friends' help her to her room where she lays down on the bed and Petrushka puts a cold wet towel over her forehead and eyes.
- - - - -
 
Fernando makes it to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, where he paid his respects and gave a donation before going off to see the girls. He manages to spend some time with them, asking how they were doing, how things are for them, and what they would need for the next couple of days. He tells them that things are being prepared for their move, but its taking longer than expected even though their chaperone was in town. At least they were not forgotten.
 
Fernando tells them that he would return with a few things for them. He leaves them after saying his goodbyes to them, and makes his way from the church's rectory to the church's alter. There he gives a little prayer.
 
As he walks out, he meets up with one of the priests at the end of the long aisle.
 
Fernando: Excuse me father, I need a question or two to be answered.
Priest: And what would they be my son?
Fernando: Does this church does weddings?
Priest: We do, its that we had not had one in a long time.
Fernando: Is 2 weeks enough time?
Priest: Huh?
Fernando: Is 2 weeks enough time to prepare for a wedding?
Priest: You have your papers in order?
Fernando: I'm not an Italian citizen, neither is she, but since we are here...
 
Fernando slips him 4- 500 Euro notes into the priest's hand.
 
Fernando: All we want is a simple church wedding before we go home. No government entanglements if you know what I mean.
 
The Priest nods, before asking his own questions.
 
Priest: Are you....
Fernando: Roman Catholic- yes.
Priest: And her?
Fernando: Don't know. I do know that she is Christian, but she might be Methodist, Baptist, Protestant, that I don't know.
Priest: We all pray to the same god. We all do it differently though.
Fernando (slipping another 2 500 Euro notes): So there is no problem?
Priest: None that I can see. How many guests will you be expecting?
Fernando: I don't know, but I will get back to you on that. But this space is more then enough to accommodate everyone.
Priest: What about a reception afterwards?
Fernando: You have a space?
Priest: Our School's Gym can suffice.
 
Fernando takes out the remaining Euros from his wallet and gives it to the Priest.
 
Fernando: Good enough. I'll have my fiancée and her friends come over the arrangements and menu. Don't worry about the costs, I'll handle that.
Priest (as he counts the large Euro bills handed to him): This should cover everything...
Fernando: No, no... that's for you, for the church. Any expenses to be incurred, I will take care of.
Priest: Are you sure about that?
Fernando: Don't worry about it. Go buy some books for the school or something with that.
 
Fernando starts to walk to the door.
 
Priest: God bless you my son.
Fernando: I'll be back with some supplies for the girls..
Priest: No problem.
 
Fernando goes out to do some shopping. Along the way he goes to the jewelry store to pick out a set of wedding rings. Once done, he returns to the church to drop off the supplies to the girls. He then gives the Priest the personal information and date for the wedding before he starts going home.  
 
Along the way home, he gets a call on his cell.
 
Fernando: Hello?
Hondo: I'm ready to go, Where are you?
Fernando: I'm heading home. What kept you?
Hondo: Nothing. I just finished with what I had to do.
Fernando: That was over 2 hours ago.
Hondo: And?
Fernando: Look, I'm coming back to pick up Gadget for a dinner date. You and Rose can join us, but you're on your own when we eat. We'll meet where we parked the car.
Hondo: So, what should I do?
Fernando: D'uh! Tell Rose to drop what she is doing, get washed up and dressed and tell her we all are going out. I'll be there in about 1/2 an hour.
Hondo: You know, you make it impossible at times.
Fernando: You think that's impossible? I just booked the church for the wedding in two weeks. I need somebody to be shotgun carrier and you maybe it.
Hondo: No you didn't.
Fernando: Yes I did. Look, I'll see you in a few. Laters!
 
Fernando hangs up the phone and continues driving. He turns off the cell phone to keep from further interruptions.
- - - - -
 
Doctor: Alright miss, if you can sign these forms, you are free to go. Press hard, you have to go through several carbons.
 
A clipboard is handed to her, along with a pen. A signature is put upon the release forms:
Anne Rossini.
 
Once the release form is signed, Anne it told to sit on a wheel chair and her belongings taken with her to the exit. From there she is allowed to get up and leave when her things are given to her. She walks down to the corner of the bock, crossing the street, and picks up a newspaper from the corner store.
 
She continues to walk, reading the pages about her uncle's disappearance and possible murder.
- - - - -
 
Marco and Angelica arrives at the SWA Compound safe and sound. It was an indirect route that he took, spending a few hours with Angelica shaking down the local hood rats for information. He gets nothing more than rumors and speculations of an up and coming power struggle left behind the vacuum that the missing Mr. Christiano has left behind. After getting a few supplies of Chinese food, he and Angelica return to the car to be on their way 'home'. Once back at 'home', Marco releases Angelica to be on her own in the cyborg dorms as he has a talk with Ferro and Priscilla. They have their talk while they head to Tammy's room in the Handler's Dormitory.
 
Tammy was on her bed staring at the ceiling, with the door open wide. Marco, Ferro and Priscilla stand by the doorway with Marco knocking on the door frame. Tammy turns slowly to face them, thinking it was Bink, but finding the three of them instead. She suddenly sits up at attention.
 
Tammy (nervously): Uhm... Come on in... take a seat. Err... What's going on?
Ferro (as they walk in and take a seat): Relax Tammy. We just need to let you know of a few things.
Tammy: What's going on?
Marco: Many things, but when hasn't life thrown many things at someone at once?
Ferro: Look Tammy, your performance here has been just enough not to get you fired. But you have to do more.
Tammy: Is this because I wont use my gun unless it is absolutely necessary in myself defense?
Ferro: Yes...
Marco: Look Tammy. We are not here to fire you.
Priscilla: We did find some intell that is going to require that you do more than your usual in order to get the job done. Do you understand that?
Tammy: You will need to explain tome as to what's going on.
Ferro: Marco?
Marco: OK then. You need to know the following:
 
(Marco goes through the list)
-We have not found Mr. Christiano's body, so the reward for you head still stands, and even more people are joining in for the hunt for a red-headed squirrellette.
-Since Mr. Christiano's body has not been found, it is possible that the reward might be raised by another party. If Mr. Christiano is found to be alive, don't doubt that the value of your red headed fluffy tail will go up.
 
Tammy (interrupting him): But why me?
Ferro: It's not just you, we all have an underground price on our heads. It is just in your case, it makes a bad situation worse, and we need to know that you will work harder in what is requested of you to do more and not just the bare minimum.
Marco: And if you don't do that, your bad situation will become worst.
Tammy: OK... Why are you telling me this?
Priscilla: Look- You and Bink's former handler has kept a small collar on your hunting dog. But like in the last mission, if she is not going to listen to your orders, you are going to be left alone in a situation you may not be able to get out of. Bink could be maimed or killed on a mission, but if she is not there to protect you, you can be killed if you can not protect yourself.
Tammy: I... I  can protect myself.
Ferro: You sure about that?
Tammy: Y...Y...Yes.
Marco: One other thing.
Tammy: What would that be?
 
Marco looks to Priscilla. They both nod at each other.
 
Priscilla: Tammy... dear, how can I say this?
Tammy: Say what?
Ferro (interjecting before Priscilla could): Fernando was on some date with that crazy mouse friend of yours, and they were attacked.
Tammy: No...
Ferro: He managed to get her to his car but she managed to turn on the car and left him behind.
Tammy: No... no way!
Ferro: He had to fend for himself in a shootout. He was outnumbered...
Tammy: No... Where is he? Is He OK?
Marco: We don't know. Our agents in the field arrived too late to do anything for him. When they got there, he was gone.
 
Tammy takes to her purse and grabs her cellphone, she starts going through the directory, but Ferro grabs it from her grasp and puts it away in her pocket.
 
Ferro: We tried calling him. Some kid keeps answering the phone. He must have picked it up where Fernando dropped it when he was attacked.
 
Tammy gets up.
 
Tammy: I got to go find...*
 
Tammy gets pushed back on the bed by Ferro.
 
Ferro: You are to stay here until further orders. We are all working hard on finding him. If he's alive, we will find him.
 
Tammy curls up into a ball and starts to cry.
 
Marco: Look we are doing everything that we could to find him. But you need to get beyond this. Fernando knew what he was getting into with this job. He knew the dangers, and the risks which is why he does more than he has too. You have to do the same.
 
Marco starts to get up and walk to the door. Ferro soon joins him.
 
Priscilla: If Fernando has a way to contact us, he will.
 
Priscilla then joins the other two.
 
Marco: We will return later today if anything changes.
 
They leave, closing the door behind them. Tammy falls onto the bed and grabs her pillow to hold on to as she cries. The three of them walk on down the hall discussing what had transpired.
 
Marco: So you think Tammy is ineffective as a field agent?
Ferro: If she does not recover from this later today, I'm going to have her transferred to logistics.
Priscilla: But we have too many intelligence officers and not enough field agents.
Ferro: You want another screw up or a 'Fratello on the Run' scenario again?
Priscilla: I don't think she would run.
Ferro: Have her do a drug run & bust mission tonight. Lets see how she does on her own. Marco, gather what remaining handlers you need to support this.
Marco: Tonight? Isn't this a bit too soon?
Ferro: No, and have Bink in medical during this.
Marco & Priscilla: What?
Ferro: Tammy has to do this on her own.
Marco: That would be like putting the lamb to the wolves.
 
Ferro stops and looks at the both of them.
 
Ferro: I want a mission directive on my desk within the hour. Her mission objective is to go buy drugs from the local gang members, and come back. Support will arrest those dealers she bought the drugs from. If Bink is with her, chances are they would not sell her anything, so she has to be alone. And if she gets into trouble, she has to be able to get out of it herself on her own. I'm not demanding the impossible since you all have done the same mission in the past, so  get it done.
 
Ferro starts to walk away from them, tossing Tammy's cellphone at Marco as she leaves. Marco and Priscilla then turn to each other.
 
Marco: I was not expecting that.
Priscilla: She wont be able to do it.
Marco: I know. (then to himself) Damn... lets see... Petrushka and Beatrice... (then back to Priscilla) You go write up the mission directive and I'll get Alessandro and Bernardo to help Angelica and I in this. I will also need the standard support contingent.
Priscilla: Alright then...
 
Priscilla starts to go to the Logistics and Intelligence Offices which she heads. Marco continues to walk down the Handler dorms, making calls on his cell phone to Alessandro and Bernardo. He meets up with them within the next couple of minutes.
- - - - -
 
Fernando arrives to the hideout within the several minutes of driving. He finds the main floor empty, but can hear some activity upstairs. He goes to the for a drink of water before going to the living room to sit on the lone comfy chair. He picks up a couple of store bought cookies to take with him as well.
 
Gadget goes downstairs to check who it was that entered, finding Fernando on the comfy chair munching on a cookie. She walks over to him, then sits down on the arm of the chair he was on, fully dressed and ready to go on part 2 of their unfinished date. She starts to ask questions, none Fernando wanted to hear or answer.
 
Gadget: Where did you go?
 
Fernando just sighs.
 
Fernando: On a mission. That is all I can say.
Gadget: I was all worried about you. Why did you not tell me or taken me along?
 
Fernando takes Gadget by the hand and then points to her wedding/engagement rings.
 
Fernando: I don't ever remember giving these to you.
 
Gadget gives him a mean scowl.
 
Fernando: Seriously, Gadget. We're just friends and I have a job to do. I don't need to tell you anything or everything, in fact I should be telling you nothing but I do because you're a friend and I respect you as such. You have to accept that you have no control over me what so ever and that I will continue to do that it is that I have to do whether you agree with them or not.
Gadget: Alright then, since you like to pull rank, as the hogher Rescue Ranger commanding officer...
Fernando: Ha! You can not pull rank on me. This is not a Rescue Ranger Mission, it never was. It is a government agency mission, and I am its commanding officer.
Gadget: You still have to answer to me.
Fernando: Are we sexually involved, Gadget? Even if we were, I don't have to tell you anything. But last time I checked, we are not as we are just only friends, so you have to take it that when I tell you that I was on a mission- you have to accept it as such and leave it alone.
Gadget: Ooo...
Fernando: Don't try it with me, Miss. Just don't. I'm here to take you out and show you a good time. Entertain you as best as I know how and expect nothing in return, so all the pressures of what happens afterwards is off between us.
Gadget: I swear.
Fernando: Look, I have a dangerous job, but that job and what happens in it is none of your business. So, sorry to say this-but you have to sit back and like a pretty police officer or fireman's wife, and hope that I as your friend will continue to go home every night unscathed. Tammy on the other hand will worry more because she will be my wife, and even then she has no right to know what it is that I do.
Gadget: How can I and her be sure that you are not doing anything illegal or immoral?
Fernando: You need to trust me that I am not.
Gadget: There goes that word again.
Fernando: Look, you need to stop seesawing on your emotions and desires, Miss Hackwrench. Trust is something that is earned and not given or taken as is. So, what's up with you? Before I left you wanted to commit yourself to adulterous hanky panky with me because I saved your life and now you want to know what I was doing outside? I can see Tammy asking this, but not you. You are not even on the radar screen in our relationship to be asking and doing those things to me.
Gadget: Look. I'm concerned about you. Maybe even worried.
Fernando: Then deal with it.
Gadget: I don't know how.
Fernando: And why not?
Gadget: Because you are not my husband.
Fernando: So?
Gadget: You don't understand.
Fernando: I do. And you have to sort out your feelings on your own. We're friends. You're 'married' to somebody else. I'm about to be married to somebody else as well. So unless you want to wreck everything we have and have a more involved and physical relationship with me, sure we can do that. But I want to know that if we do its something meaningful and long lasting between us and not something because you gave me of yourself because I saved your life or because the pressures and stress of the mission has gotten to you and you need to release some steam, or both. I had too much of those things in my life and frankly I'm tried of it. All I want is a quiet and normal life with a wife and the 2.3 kids in a single family house.
Gadget: You cant have that if you are a spy for some government agency.
Fernando: Maybe I'll retire after all this is said and done.
Gadget: Is that even possible?
Fernando: All I can do is try my best.
Gadget: Sometimes your best is not good enough.
Fernando: Then so be it. All this is doomed to fail, but at least I tried. Look- what were Chip and Dale were doing on the last mission to save Bink?
Gadget: They had a plan in order...
Fernando: What, grab her, drug her and drag her back to the cafe? You know because of the people we are dealing with, that would not have worked, as they would have been killed or captured in the process. So, they sat around and grew fat on the pasta. At least I managed to get Tammy and Bink together, and that in the future I would get them back to the café somehow. But until then, there is a lot of work to do, and that is what I am doing.
Gadget: Don't expect me to pick up the pieces if you fail.
Fernando: I'm not expecting you too. Now what do you want from me?
Gadget: Nothing I can't get from my husband.
Fernando: Oh, is that it.
Gadget: Yes.
 
Fernando grabs her by the arm and pulls her onto his lap, and puts his lips against hers. She struggles and fights back to resist him, but he has her arms in a tight grasp that she could not get out of where the more she struggles the least likely she would be able to get out of. Then she subsides in her struggle and allow the kiss to become more passionate between them. Once she becomes relaxed and more into it, Fernando lets her go and she puts her arms around him as they continue. They were interrupted from a voice from behind them.
 
"*AHEM!*"
 
Both Fernando and Gadget freeze before slowly separating from each other. They turn around and see Rose and Hondo there, ready to go on the dinner date, looking down at them disapprovingly.
 
Rose: How could you two...
Gadget: Its his fault!
Hondo: This is not right, Fernando...
Fernando (to himself): I'm not even going to answer to any of this.
Hondo: Yes you are.
Fernando: Hondo- Don't. Not with me. This is between Gadget and I, and nobody else.
Hondo: Yes it is. Or have you forgotten about Tammy?
Fernando: I have not forgotten about Tammy.
Hondo: So this is how you are- you're some kind of two timing player?
Rose: And you Gadget- you're married to Chip.
Gadget: He forced me into it.
Rose: I saw you with your arms around him... I saw no force being used on you.
Fernando: Look...
Hondo: Look nothing. I don't know what has gotten into you, Fernando but you are not the same person who I started on this mission with. You have changed into an ugly individual, and you have a lot to answer too. Starting with Tammy.
Rose: And you, Gadget, with your husband Chip.