Fortunately for Eddie and everyone else in Texas's battle group, Eddie had a very good friend on the North Carolina. Lieutenant Commander Amanda Hasegawa was the battleship's gunnery officer. She had suspected that something was wrong with Captain Thorpe for a long time. Recent events had confirmed that.
 
 In her time on the battleship, Amanda had put together a further list of possible "supporters" of Thorpe. Fortunately, their numbers were few; of the 1500-some odd sailors aboard, there were less than thirty that the tigress suspected of aiding the now-rogue captain. Running such a huge ship with only 30 people was simply not possible. When Thorpe gave the order to fire the main guns, he'd be in for quite a surprise. They weren't loaded, and they wouldn't be. It took 70 people to man each turret. Hasegawa had made certain that of that number, perhaps only five would even try. And if they did, she had another failsafe: the assistant chief engineer (since the actual chief was with the captain) would flood the ship's magazines. That would also prevent destruction of the ship.
 
 And Thorpe would find it hard to conduct any combat without the ship's engines. Another significant portion of the ship's crew was dedicated to keeping North Carolina's four steam turbines and eight boilers running. Since the engines weren't directly controlled by the bridge, any order for engine power coming from the ship's CIC (where the captain and his traitorous crew had locked themselves) would go unanswered. The assistant chief had also disconnected the ship's rudder controls.
 
 Since North Carolina was built to be able to survive massive amounts of damage, she had not one but three central control stations: the CIC, the bridge and wheelhouse, and local fire control. The captain only had the CIC. Captain Thorpe had locked himself into it, and would now find himself hard pressed to actually control the ship. In effect, Lieutenant Commander Hasegawa was now in command and control of North Carolina. Captain Thorpe just didn't know it yet.
 
 Eddie smiled when he read Hasegawa's message to that end.
 
 S.W. Eddie: Wow. I knew that she was good. I didn't know she was that good!
 
Still Captain Thorpe was capable. The wily coyote was likely to find a way to cause more grief for both crews. Eddie just hoped that they wouldn't lose a historic battleship because of it.  
-----------------------------
 
The US President makes an emergency tv appearance to speak to the public, thus angering most by interrupting their favorite TV Shows or Baseball games.
 
[quote="President George (The Shrub) Mouse"]
Good evening ladies and gentlemen.
 It is with great enthusiasm that I come to speak to you all about the scourge that threatens our freedoms and liberties. I'm speaking about an old cold-war project that should have died when the Berlin Wall was taken down, only to found festering on some secret lab on our soil.
This project, code named 'WarriorMaiden' was to produce super soldiers that can fight and survive a nuclear war. Millions, if not billions of dollars was spent on this project with little positive results, though it continued to operate under the guise of a cold-war super weapon.
Since the UN Council passed resolution #A/RES/54/263, which prohibits the use of such weapons in 2002, we signed the treaty in good faith with our international neighbors that we were in compliance. But early this morning, some of our very best investigative people have found Project WarriorMaiden still in operation, and has done everything within their powers to end it. Upon my notification, I had all research project funding halted until it can be investigated that these other projects are also in compliance.
 
 Our men and women in the armed forces work diligently hard in order to keep our liberties and freedoms safe for all who live within our borders, and I would like to thank them all for this discovery, and ratification of this situation. Remember- they are here to protect our rights and freedoms from enemies who threaten them, whether they may be of international origins or domestically grown.
 
 I am proud to be their chief, and proud to be an American. So without further ado, this is all I had to say. My apologize for the interruption. Enjoy your televised entertainment. And for Massachusetts Senator Teddy (Bear) Kennedy- I hope the Yankees beat the (bleep) out of the your Red Sox!
[\quote]
 
Captain Eddie (after sipping the root beer): If that don't beat it all... he got everything wrong!
 
Captain Ranger Ready: What can I tell you? Disinformation is fun. Of course, none of us is going to get a medal out of this, you know.
 
Captain Eddie: A Medal? I'm hoping that we don't end up in the brig when we return to home port.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: You think they'd throw us ALL in the brig?
 
Captain Eddie: If not us, then Fernando for dragging us all into this.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Well, if Fernando wants a medal, you hold him still while I nail-gun one of these root beer bottle caps to his chest.
 
Captain Eddie: Now You're Talking!  
-------------------------
 
 Soon after Tammy ran into Fernando's room.
 
Tammy: Fernando! Wake Up.
 
Fernando (groggily): Go away.
 
Tammy: But the girls are gone!
 
Fernando (from under a pillow): Just look around. they are here somewhere.
 
Tammy: NO they're not! We looked everywhere and a guard was knocked out. He claims the girls did it and there is a launch missing!
 
Fernando (growling as he sat up): What next!
-----------------------
-----------------------
 
 Hondo gave up for the moment tryin' to find a way to fly the jets. He could have barged in an' taken one, but he'd have had the military on him in no time an' they would follow him to the Enterprise where the others were. This went against Hondo's code as he never brought trouble on other to save his own hide.
 
 Hondo snuck around town until he found the library again. there he slipped in an' hacked the password on one of the computers, even though it took him a bit.  Soon after he was able to connect to Fernando's laptop via a chat link to talk to Fernando.
 
Hondo: Boss squirrel? You there?
 
Fernando: Hondo? Where the Hell have you been! We figured your hide was laid out for burial somewhere! Do that to me again and I'll skin you out myself!!
 
Hondo: Nice ta know I'm Love.
 
Fernando: That's my line.
 
Hondo: LOL! So what is goin' on? My palm device only receives so I've missed a lot. Anything you need me to do here?  I know you know by now the other girls escaped. those idiots hand-cuffed their handles in front of them then roughly drug them away after I told them no to!
 
Fernando: They deserved what they got for being stupid, even though I am not glad they were shot up. Listen, Bink and Claes slipped off the ship somehow. Stole a Launch it seems like. Find it then find them. I will get to chore as soon as I can to help you. Get Bink and Claes first. They will help you get the other girls.
 
Hondo: You sure about that?
 
Fernando: Not really, but It is all we can do for now.
 
Hondo: That makes me feel better. Alright. I'll have a go at it.
 
Fernando: Good. I will try to contact you again soon.
 
Hondo logged off an' locked the computer back down after he cleared its memory of the chat.
 
 After sneakin' back to the truck Hondo puts on the EMT uniform and jumps in the little pick-up, which has a load of airport security guards in the back, bound and gagged. He drove to the spot were he left the ambulance and hides the truck.
 
 Hondo drives by the docks first and finds a small high speed landing craft that was marked with Ranger Ready's ships name, The Enterprise. After moving the landing craft to a safer location, Hondo head off to the hospital.
 
 When he arrived, he parked the ambulance beside a few others, locked it electronically and put the remote into his pocket. he put on a fake mustache earlier and pulled a cap down low on his face. he walked toward the hospital and helped carry a wounded chipmunk inside. He then set off to locate the girls. He first stopped by security. As usual, hospital security had only one old codger watching the cameras. Hondo told him he was sent there to give him a break as the rest of the security staff was busy. The old fellow had no reason to disbelieve him, as it had been done before, so he left.
 
 Hondo checked all the Cameras and found them. They were leaving Angelica's room Hondo when to find them, He noted they were on the 5th floor. He grabbed a food Cart and headed up to the 5th floor. No one questioned him as he was helping and with all the trouble coming in and as short handed as they were they needed help. He left it at the nurses station as he walk up the hall they should be on. he met them in an empty area on the hall and stopped them.  
 They did not recognize him until he took off his cap and spoke.
 
Hondo: What are you two doin' here and why did you leave the ship without tellin' Fernando?
 
Claes: We came to see Angelica and Fernando would not have let us leave if we told him.
 
Hondo: Well, we have to get you two back now!
Bink: No.
Claes: Not without Rico and Angelica.
 
Hondo: I'm not sure Angelica will make it. She will not if we have to move her. Also Fernando said he'd come back for the others.
 
Bink: Even if she doesn't live long after, she needs to be away from here.
 
Claes: And we don't want them to shoot at Fernando like they did at the others so we have to get to them first.
 
Hondo: Nice to See I'm Loved.
 
Claes: That's Fernando's Line.
 
Hondo: I know!
 
Bink: Please Mr. Sackett? Help us get Angelica out of here and get Rico and Olga at least.
 
Claes: Yes, Please Help us, Mr. Sackett. We can't do it ourselves.
 
 They looked at Hondo with those big sad eyes. He looked at them with a hard look, but inside he was meltin' like jello on Georgia Asphalt in August.
 
Hondo Sighed: OK, but we need a plan, and here is not a good place to plan.
 
Claes: and there is a lady we want to get out of here and make sure she is safe too.
 
Hondo: What do I look like? The Salvation Army? Oh, alright, but only if you can convince her to help us. I might have to traqu. her to get her here, but it is up to you two to convince her. I'll help all I can, but first we have to get out of this hall.
 
Bink: Where to then?
 
Hondo: To the roof for now.
 
 They made it to the roof and found an old unused storage building on it where they set up their head quarters.  
 
Hondo was a little unsure what to do.
Hondo (mumblin' to himself): guns blazin' will not work here again.
 
Hondo: Well, I need to let Fernando know what's goin' on, then we'll talk.
 
 Hondo had swiped a small laptop in the hospital that was used for med use. He tapped out a quick message for Fernando.
 
Claes: Fernando is not coming to help?
 
Hondo: He is in enough trouble, now. You two leavin' will not help him any.
 
 Hondo finished the message an' clicked on the send button.
 
Hondo: Well the Boss squirrel man should receive that soon. In the mean time, what are we goin' to do?
 
Bink: We have to convince Rico to come with us, save Olga and get angelica out of hear.
 
Hondo: But we need a miracle too . . .
 
 Hondo stop short as he heard the whop, whop of a helicopter. Hondo's eyse started to twinkle an' a half smile crossed his face.
 
Claes: What that matter?
 
Hondo: I think I hear a Miracle.
 
Bink: No, that's a Helicopter.
 
Hondo: Yes, it is. A medi-vac Copter at that, with long range tanks. The type of copter that could fly a sick little gunslinger to a ship without harm.
 
As Hondo Spoke his eyes lighted up looking a fiery sapphire blue instead of his usual cold steal blue.
 
Hondo:Time to git dangerous! You two can handle Rico an' tranq. her handler, right?
Bink/Claes together: Yes Sir!
 
Claes: Without being seen.
 
Hondo: But can you two convince her to come with us?
 
Bink: I know we can. After what Tammy and Fernando has told us, I know we can convince her that there is a better way to live.
 
Hondo: OK, but you two may need weapons, but can I trust you two to use them only if you have to?
 
 
Bink/Claes together: Yes Sir!
 
Hondo: Good, and don't call me sir! I'll be right back.
 
 Hondo left them and returned in 20 minutes with food and a box.
 
Hondo: Here you two, eat up. Sorry, but I have no new type pistols. I only use older models.
 
  He gave each of them one of his .36 cal. walsh navy 12 shots an' kept the .50 cal. dragoon and the .45 la'matte for himself.
 
Hondo: also for each of you, I brought a bullet proof jacket, a tranquilizer dart pistol, an' a few pen/darts a piece. Use these if you can, but if you can't then use the pistols. We'll wait an half an hour, then you two take care of Rico and I'll get Olga then sedate Angela and trick a couple Paramedic into helpin' me get them to the copter. either of you been trained to fly a copter?
 
Bink: Yes, both of us have.
 
Hondo: Good! You two have to be to the copter in two and one half hours. I am going to set a few C4 charges to keep them busy when we take off."
 
 Hondo gathered his stuff and got ready to leave.  
 
Hondo: Don't be late!
 
Claes: We won't be.
 
 Hondo nodded and stepped out the door closing it behind him.
 
*Here we go again!* he thought as he paused to listen to his surroundings.  
 
As he listened he could hear the girls inside talkin'.
 
Bink: Well, Rico is close by, I know, but getting Triela and Olga will be trouble some.
 
Claes: I heard Olga is been captured, so we will need Rico's help." Claes said.
 
Bink: And we need Olga to talk Triela into coming with us. but it will take hours to get them. We'll just leave Hondo a note.
 
 Hondo stepped back in quietly.
 
Hondo (growlin'): Nobody's leaving Hondo a note!  
 
 The girls spun around, pistols in hand. Hondo had turned around an came back as soon as he realized what was going on, and, being lost in thought, neither of the girls heard him open the door.
 
Hondo: You might as well shoot! Not tellin' me all this definitely is like shootin' me in the back!
 
Hondo shut the door, sat in a chair in front of them, an' gazed between the two with a look of steel. They holstered their pistols and and sat down again, they looked at the floor.
 
Bink/Claes together softly: Sorry.
 
Hondo: Why in tarnation didn't you two tell me, before I left to sign my own death note. . . Don't tell me. . . You thought I would say no, eh?
 
Bink: Yes. We didn't mean to put you in danger.
 
Hondo: It is amazing. Two girls as smart as you two, who have proved you can think for yourself, how could you. . . oh never mind. Ok change of plan. You two get Rico and meet me at copter I will have Angelica. Then after you all get to safety I will work on gettin' Olga out. DANG! I could use a good blind Flyin' squirrel, But I'll make do. You two ready?
 
Bink/Claes together: Yes Sir!
 
Hondo: Right, an' again do not call me sir. Makes me feel . . . old. Let move out than, and oh, by the way. Promise me you two will let me know first next time.
 
Bink/Claes together: We promise.
 
Hondo: Alrighty, then. Let's get this wagon train a movin'!
 
Bink: What wagon train?
 
Hondo: Just an expression, kid. Let move, now!
 
 They moved quickly out the door to do their separate tasks.  
-------------------------
-------------------------
 
 Fernando wakes up feeling worse than he did before going to sleep.
 
 'A nest of twigs and leaves would have been better than this bed', Fernando thought to himself.
He gets up to his laptop, finding that his Internet connection has been restored. He also finds his message and email boxes full. He reads each one before answering them.
 
Hondo,
Though its a long drive, you can use the hideout to keep the girls there. You may need to stock up on food and clothes for the girls.
In case of an emergency, there is a hidden entrance 100 yds behind the hideout to a WW2 bombshelter. Use it only if you have too. It connects to a shaft that runs 5 miles into the sewers if you need an escape.
Looks like you need to play 'daddy' to the girls while I'm stuck here.
 
 

Alex II,
You will be sent back to Milan to supervise interrogation of the prisoners. It has to be done by the book (No torture!).
Keep an eye on the UN Investigation team. Only allow them to interrogate the prisoners one at a one and no more.
Find out which one of the captured is Olga, and do not let anyone near her.
 
 
 
 
Code:
 
Jeanette and Tammy,
The girls has escaped and are right now with Hondo.
WE will deal with them once we are back home.
 
 
 
To Ship Captains,
I received a disturbing message from the Pentagon Police:
Admiral Donnelly has escaped, and at last call to home port, The Carolina was not listening to orders.
I'm assuming the worst here. You captains have your orders, which I will not interfere with.
I do however need to continue with completing the mission, once things fall into place and new plans can be drawn.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
 
 
 
To All Rescue Mission Ops
Enjoy your Mediterranean Sea Cruise, courtesy of the USA navy...
Gadget, stop asking about taking spare jet  parts home, they're not free samples!
And Dale- stop harassing the crew to paint a shuffle board for you on the flight deck!
You think I don't know these things, guess who gets yelled at for your actions!
 
 
 
 With the messages sent, Fernando knows that he will be pounced on by everybody once he steps outside the door. But Fernando needs to step out onto the deck.
 
 Despite the general quarters command, Fernando makes his way to the flight deck, making his way to the rear of the ship. Behind the Enterprise is a wake of churned up glowing matter. Microscopic bioluminesence, brought up by the ship's propellers. He stands there looking out at it and the stars.
 
Fernando (to himself):I wonder how far are we from Milan?
 
A voice from behind: I would guess about 800 miles out.
 
Fernando: That was rhetorical, Jeanette... hmmm... but a 2 hour flight by Lear.
 
Jeanette: Thinking of going back?
 
Fernando: To care of unfinished business.
 
Jeanette: You mean, getting the other girls?
 
Fernando: And Hondo too.
 
Jeanette: And have you thought about Olga?
 
Fernando: I still need convincing.
 
Jeanette: Look. If anyone can get to the girls, she can. She's done everything within her power to minimize the damaging affects of their conditioning, and probably is the only one who does care about them.
 
Fernando: She is from Section 1. Who's to stop her from running away with the girls, turn them against us? What guarantees do I have against that?
 
Jeanette: So, there is no convincing you of this?
 
Fernando: I did not say that. I just need proof.
 
Jeanette: You're worse than a Doubting Thomas.
 
Fernando: So be it that I am. I need more to be convinced.
 
Jeanette: How about me?
 
Fernando: eh?
 
Jeanette: I'm convinced that it will not happen as you think it would. I believe that Olga is the missing key to get all the girls and get them into a healing process from which they can recover.
 
Fernando: You are, I'm not.
 
Jeanette: Then how about backing me up on this.
 
Fernando: And if it fails?
 
Jeanette: It won't.
 
Fernando: You're asking me in putting up a lot of trust and faith into something that might fail on you.
 
Jeanette: I've given you that much and more on past rescue missions, and though you have not failed, I am sometimes left to clean up the mess.
 
Fernando: It's not your job to clean up the mess.
 
Voice in the dark as someone approaches: It seems that you two have a lot of emotional baggage...
 
Jeanette: Hello Tammy.
 
Tammy: Especially on your part, Fernando. Jeanette trusts you with her life on these missions, and yet, it seems that you do not reciprocate on that. Why?
 
Fernando: Because our lives are at stake here, not just others. Its easy to run into a burning building and pull somebody out. Its its another to willing stand in front of them to take a bullet.
 
Tammy: You mean like Chip did for Gadget?
 
Fernando: I doubt he'll ever do that stunt again.
 
Tammy: You don't know Chip that well to say that.
 
Fernando: I know he has regrets about it.
 
Tammy: I surely doubt that.
 
Fernando: No? Go pump a couple of acorn brewski's into him, and he'll tell you all about it once the alcohol kicks in.
 
Tammy: And what about you?
 
Fernando: I don't have any...
 
Jeanette: For somebody who is super powered as you are, you sometimes act like the weakest squirrel on earth.
 
Tammy: Super powered?
 
Jeanette: Don't you know?
 
Tammy: Know what?
 
Jeanette: Look, I'll give you his medical file to study up, but for now lets say that he's augmented enough to take on this whole crew hand to hand and beat them all.
 
Fernando: Those days are gone Jeanette. I'm no longer the super squirrel that I was in my youth.
 
Jeanette: No? Sorry Tammy, but I need to prove something.
 
Tammy: What?
 
 Jeanette takes Tammy by the wrist and throws her hard off the edge of the ship. Instinctively Fernando spins and grabs the back of her shirt, while clawing the edge of the bow with his toes, indenting the metal for a better grasp. His reaction time being less than 1/2 a second.
Tammy stays quiet as she looks out on her new found view of the sea below her. Slowly, Fernando pulls and right themselves back to the deck of the ship.
 
Jeanette: See what I mean?
 
Tammy (in a nervous but relieved voice): Yeah, I see... what you... mean...
 
Fernando: That was uncalled for Jeanette.
 
Jeanette: It was, Fernando. You needed a reminder of that. Now I'm asking of you, to give  
back that trust that I have given you as your rescue partner. Do I have it?
 
Fernando: On two conditions.
 
Jeanette: No conditions.
Fernando: Then you won't get it.
 
Jeanette: Why must I give in so much- OK, what are the conditions.
 
Fernando: 1) You take over as leader, and have Tammy with us.
 
Tammy: I told you I'm not going.
 
Fernando: Bink Is Back With The Others, darn It!
 
Jeanette: OK, whats, 2?
 
Fernando: You fly the Lear back to Milan.
 
Jeanette: I don't fly anymore.
 
Fernando: You have to get beyond that fear. Just like you do to me about my problems, I get on yours.
 
Tammy: If I did not know better, I'd swear you two act like you're married.
 
Jeanette: We're worse than married. We're Rescue Mission Team Partners.
 
Fernando: You're still flying.
 
Jeanette: No, I'm Not...  
 
 Chip, Dale and the others find Jeanette with Tammy in deep discussion with Fernando about the mission. They approach them quickly but quietly.  
 
Chip: About time somebody had the acorns to challenge your self disillusioned authority in this mission.
 
Fernando (to Jeanette): Maybe you should toss him over the edge...
 
Monty (walking right up to Fernando with his finger pointing at this Fernando's face): Listen 'ere Pally... AH! LET GO OV ME FINGAH!
 
 Fernando grabs Monty's finger and bent it back over and against his wrist. Monty yells in pain and kneels before the almighty Fernando. Chip starts rolling up his sleeve and clenching his fists.
 
Gadget: Chip, don't!
 
Chip: Just because he's a rodent that can fly, he thinks he can push his elitist bull on the rest of us? No, I'm going to teach him a lesson!
 
Fernando lets go of Monty after he thinks he had enough. Monty curls up into a ball holding his injured finger between his legs.
 
Fernando: Don't ever approach me with hostile intent, Mr. Jack... (then he turns to Chip) As for you Mr. Munk, I'm not elistist because of my flying capabilities. I'm elitist because of my experience.
 
Chip: Yeah right, I know a braggart when I hear one.
 
Fernando: It's about time I've done this...
 
 Fernando walks right up to Chip, keeping an arm's length away while taking off his EMT Jacket. Once in front of Chip, he gives the jacket a very hard shake. Little deformed bits of metal fall onto the floor. Most made up of lead, some were copper covered. Gadget and the others dive onto them and examine them.
 
Dale: What are these?
 
 Fernando reaches over to Chip, but his hand under his jacket, spreading out the material, showing off a dent in it.
 
Fernando: Care to guess what they are?
 
Gadget: They appear to be bullet fragments.
 
Fernando: That's one reason why I did not want you in Milan.
 
Chip: Whats the other?
 
Fernando: Your little pointy tail is worth about $100,000USD.
 
Chip: What?
 
Fernando: Both the Italian government and the terrorists have put a price on all our heads, and there is a lot of idiots who either want the money or to make a name for themselves who are willing to collect on that cash.
 
Chip: I don't believe you.
 
Tammy: He's right, Chip.
 
Dale: Where did the bullets came from?
 
Tammy: Rescuing me.
 
Gadget: You?
 
Tammy: We got separated, and I was captured. Later that night, Fernando came to rescue me, but there was a lot of gunfire involved. I thought he wasn't hit, but I guess wrong and now know better.
 
Jeanette: Super Squirrel does it again...
 
Fernando: Jeanette...
 
Jeanette: It's true... How many times you got hit?
 
Dale (Interrupting Jeanette): I count 27 bullets here...
 
Jeanette: Each time you got hit, it was like getting hit with a full swing from a baseball bat. So the Kevlar lining stopped the bullets from penetrating, you still have the shock-wave hitting you hard!... 27 times...
 
Fernando: Try about 11 or 12. Each fragment you count is part of another fragment. As for you Chip, neither of any of the CD/RRs wants to wear the equipment I hand out, use the guns I distributed, or care to follow my orders. You're great for logistics and intel gathering but not for an actual rescue. This is not Nimul's garbage tech we're dealing with. As for you Jeanette- when you're high on adrenaline, you don't feel the pain.
 
Jeanette: Hmph!
 
Chip: We have our ways of doing things...
 
 A voice from behind speaks out.
 
Voice from behind: Those ways would have gotten the lot of you captured or killed. There can only be one leader in a mission, and I'll give Fernando that respect.
 
Chip: Figures that you got the captain of this ship on your side, Fernando.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Fernando does not 'got me on his side', as you would say, Chip. You just better understand that there are forces in this world bigger than yourself. If you don't like it, you can turn in your hat and coat and go back into the wild begging for peanuts from humans.
 
Fernando (as he starts to walk away): The next time some cafe friend ask for help in getting a family member rescued, I'm going to tell them to go screw themselves into a knothole... Right now both Bink and Claes are in Milan; how they got off this ship is beyond me.
 
 He manages to get some considerable distance away from them, Tammy turns around and trots over to Fernando.
 
Tammy (before going): Now you see what you guys have done?
 
Tammy (as she runs to Fernando): Fernando! Wait!
 
 But Fernando does not, he just keeps on going. In the cover of darkness, he goes through one of several open doorways and quickly down a flight of stairs to the hangar bay. He sees several mechanics looking over the learjets, and walks over to them.
 
Fernando: When do you think it will be ready?
 
One of the mechanics: For what?
 
Fernando: To take off from the deck?
 
Mechanic: These birds are not build to take off from deck.
 
Fernando walks under to inspect their work, and then grabs a wrench and starts to points out a few things.
 
Fernando: Reinforce the landing strut here, here and here. Then add 4 JATOs at the base of the tail, here and 2 each on the jet pods there and there. Now, I want this bird ready to fly and on the deck for launch by 0600 hours!
 
Another Mechanic: But that only gives us 3 hours!
 
Fernando: I don't care how it gets done, get it done!
 
First Mechanic: You're not our captain, you cant order us around.
 
 A voice from behind speaks, its Captain Ranger Ready (again).
 
Captain: But I am. Now you heard the man, he wants it done by 0600 hours- it better be completed and inspected by 0530.
 
First Mechanic: Aye, Aye, Sir! Hal, Get the others to help, we got a lot of work to do here!
 
 The mecahnics start to scurry about, gathering tools and materials to do their work on the LearJet.
 
Captain (To Fernando): Where did you learn about airplane mechanics?
 
Fernando: I learned a little of everything in high school and in life in general.
 
Captain: I see. Just do me a favor- don't boss my crew around. That's my job.
 
Fernando: I'll be more diligent about it, sir.
 
Captain: Good... now get out of my hangar bay before I decide to be not so nice with you!
Fernando: Alright, I'm out, I'm leaving, I'm walking out the door...
 
 After Fernando leaves, Captain Ranger Ready walks over to his bridge. He silently walks over to his chief of security and whispers into his ear. As he whispers, the security chief's eye grow wide in disbelief.
 
Captain (whispering to his security officer): I want to you explain to me how 2 little girls could have gotten off this ship and take a docking transport back to Italy... I told you I wanted this ship secured, and if your men cant seem to keep two little girls from leaving, then perhaps I should switch your crew with the Kitchen Police!
 
Security Chief: I'll get on it right away, sir. I'll reprimand those involved!
 
Captain (almost yelling): YOU BETTER!
 
 The Security Chief runs out of the bridge and starts investigating the incident.
-----------------------------
 
While Fernando and the other talk, Fernando's laptop receives a strange text message with a video clip attachment. The video clip was from the security cam, showing the Admiral's jail from several angles. It also shows how he escaped.  
 
 Another message arrives, Alex II has managed to separate Olga from the others. Meanwhile he argues with the UN Investigators.
 
UN Investigator: That last woman you have in the separate cell, we want to talk to her.
 
Alex II: You can't.
 
UN Investigator: Why not?
 
Alex II: She's already been interrogated and it turns out that she is not involved with this.  
She's going to be released soon.
 
UN Investigator: We'll be the judge of that.
 
 Alex II hands the UN Investigator a folder.
 
Alex II: Here's the transcript of her interrogation. Believe me, she knows nothing.
 
 The UN Investigator looks at the folder, flipping through the pages fast.
 
Alex II: I told you there was nothing of interest there.
 
UN Investigator: She does not leave until we finish with what we're doing here.
 
 Alex II walks away to a nearby desk and sits on its ledge, crossing his arms, staring down at the UN Investigator.
----------------------
 
Back in Fernando's room, Fernando receives the text message, and plays the video in an endless loop.
 
Fernando says to himself: Figures the admiral would be a cyborg. These idiots can't understand that they can't take a new technology and use it as a toy for themselves. Well... this just adds to the problems we have, and looks like we have to deal with it again.
 
Voice at his door: You know you upset Tammy a lot.
 
Fernando: Who cares, Jeanette. Really.
 
Jeanette: It seems that you do.
 
Fernando: I only do when people see that the work needed to be done was done, and don't question as to how it was done. You and I give our best, and for what? To be interrogated by a bunch of wanna bes? They can go 'F' themselves, I swear.
 
Jeanette: I think you're missing the point, Fernando.
 
Fernando: And what point would that be?
 
Jeanette: They are threatened by your abilities, and how you get the job done, your moral standings and ethics behind them...
 
Fernando: So maybe I should start demanding intimate favors of interpersonal activities as payment for each rescue that I do...
 
Jeanette: Do that, and you and I are through as Medical Rescue Partners.
 
Fernando: Then what is it?
 
Jeanette: You know what I already told you.
 
Fernando: I'm not going to disclose my Cloak & Dagger past. You knowing of what I did in those days, if word ever got out that you do know, puts you as a target to many out there who wants those secrets.
 
Jeanette: Those secrets are over a generation old, Fernando. What do they value do they hold to today?
 
Fernando: Oh really?
 
Fernando starts typing on his keyboard. After 5 minutes, the ship starts ringing bells and whistles, with orders demanding closed quarters. A security guard runs by Fernando's open doorway and slams it shut, locking it.
 
Jeanette: What is going on?
 
Fernando: The ship picked up a nuclear missile on radar traveling at Mach 4, which is targeted to the ship itself.
 
Jeanette: AND HOW CAN YOU STAY CALM IN A TIME LIKE THIS!
 
Fernando: See you in heaven, Love... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... BOOM...
 
Jeanette looks at Fernando as the outside of the ship seems to have quieted down.
 
Fernando: As you were saying? These secrets are as valuable today as they were 25 years ago. And that was only one of them, I have thousands more.
 
Jeanette: You put the ship into a panic?
 
Fernando: You want me to do it again?
 
Jeanette: No...
 
Fernando: Understand, Love, that you knowing that I know certain things makes you a bigger target than most. I need you to be at my side when needed, and be able to go beyond your fears to do the things that are needed to be done. Do you understand that?
 
Jeanette: It is just that those things hard to do.
 
Fernando: So, you go through some discomfort. But in the end, you were able to do it. Look, despite your fear of flying, you help me fly a 737BBJ to Milan. As far as I seen, you were not in any discomfort at all. Now I need you to do this on your own, because I have other things to take care off...
 
Jeanette: Like what?
 
Fernando moves the laptop for her to see the screen: This.
 
 Jeanette sees the video of the admiral's escape, as taken by the security cameras. He grabs at the bars and bends and rips them off his cage. Along the way, he kills several military security officers who there to keep an eye on him.
 
Jeanette: What the... Not even you can match your strength with that!
 
Fernando: He's a cyborg, Jeanette, just like the little girls we are rescuing. And no, I can't match my strength against his, but at least I have brains and training, and I hope that's more then enough.
 
Jeanette: He'll kill you...
 
Fernando: If he does, it was nice knowing you, Jeanette. I just want you to go do what I ask, and finish the rescue of the other girls. You know them better than I do, that's why I'm putting you in charge, and need you to pilot the plane to get them.
 
Jeanette: I don't like to fly, Fernando. You know that.
 
Fernando: Look, Jeanette, go beyond the fear, and use the options that you have. Be a leader, I've seen you do it before, I need you to do it again.
 
Jeanette: And where will you be? In case I need you?
 
Fernando: Until the admiral and I meet up, I'll be near by... But I need you to grow some acorns...
 
Jeanette: You mean... a certain part of the male reproductive organs.
 
Fernando: You know it can't be said, but you must.
 
Jeanette: How about you fly with DOS, and I be a passenger.
 
Fernando: And who is going to fly back, because I wont be there.
 
Jeanette: I figure it out when we get to that point.
 
Fernando: Don't stand around figuring, just do.
 
Jeanette: Fernando?
 
Fernando: What?
 
Jeanette: I don't know how to say this...
 
Fernando: Just say it.
 
Jeanette: Since you made me leader... I'm ordering you to not die on this mission. Understand that?
 
Fernando: You're ordering me...
 
Jeanette: Yes I am. And you better uphold that order to the best of your ability.
 
Fernando: And if I can't?
 
Jeanette: Well, a lot of people are going to be upset with you if you don't.
 
Fernando: I see. Looks like I have to do my best here, then.
 
Jeanette: Like you tell me so often- don't think, just do. Look.. I'll see you later. You better be ready.
 
Fernando: Aye, aye... ma'am.
 
Jeanette: That's sir- to you.
 
Jeanette unlocks the door and walks away.
----------------------------
----------------------------
 
Alex II was in the US embassy holding cell with the UN Investigators.
 
Alex II: Alright, Which one of you is Olga?  Olga please step forward before we get the interrogation started.
 
 
Meanwhile Razale was on the phone.
 
Razale: Yes the UN, US Army, and Italian guard are looking for any associates and accomplices of Section 2 SWA. We have caught some we are questioning them now to find out if they have more 10 year old agents as well. Thank you Mr. President.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
 
 Hondo places a few explosives around the Hospital, but not in the Hospital itself. He walked behind the girls a good ways off until they were out from the open, then continued his work.  
 
 Hondo set most of the charges to go off at a single frequency, but a few a a different one to insure he got out with the ambulance. They had lost time earlier so the girls only had 1 hour and 45 minutes to do their work. Hondo finished up with an hour left. He when to find info on Angelica.
 
 Hondo (mumblin' to himself): I need another easy disguise.Ah,ha!
 
 Hondo spied an unused lab coat hanging in a locker room and slipped it over his EMT uniform. With that he went to the nurses station to get the info. He found it fast and nobody noticed him as other sifts, who never usually worked together, were still there as there were not enough staffed per shift to handle this crisis.
 
 After Hondo gathered the info he 'borrowed some meds and equipment they might need, until help arrived. He stashed them aboard the copter, using the excuse to the guards that he was restocking the supplies on board.
 
Hondo (mumblin'):dumb guard. never teach 'um what they really need to know. staff never resupplies copters.
 
  Hondo thought as he returned to the fifth floor and Angelica's room. He read over her charts again as he walked
 
Hondo (to himself): This poor kid needs help bad! I'm afraid I'll lose her without medical help, but the other girls will not leave without her.
 
 Hondo walked to a medical cart and pulled out a heavy sedation med.
 
Hondo (mumblin' still): good thing she has an I.V.
 
 He injected the med into the I.V. tube without a problem as Angelica was sleeping, but things were going to smooth.
 
Nurse: Excuse me, sir. What are you doing?
 
The Voice was familiar somehow. It had an extremely U.S. type southern accent to it as well.
 
Hondo (thinkin' to himself): Man, that voice is familiar, but who?
 
 He had a gun in his right pocket, so he turned around toward the left to hide the movement of his hand that was grabbing the gun. He turned with gun in hand.
 
 A very familiar Red headed mousette stood in front of Hondo. She dropped what she had in her hand and gasped.
 
Red: Hondo!
 
Hondo: Step in, Red, and shut that door quietly!
 
 The frightened nurse did as she was told.
 
Red: What are you doing here!
 
Hondo snapped: Isn't it obvious!
 
Red stammered:  But why. . .
 
Hondo: Don't start that ' of all the Hospitals in all the world' junk.
 
Red: You still are mad at me.
 
Hondo: Well, Red, You don't forget a heart break that easily, especially one that betrays you to his worst enemy, has his family taken prisoner to make him hand himself over, and when he does, he finds out that the one he though was his girl, did the Judas thing then becomes that creeps Girl friend!
 
Red: You know I did it to save my brother. We were friends! Why can't we get that behind us. I apologized!
 
Hondo: We were more than friends, once, then you took what little heart i had an' SMashed it! You didn't Care what you meant to me as I meant nothin' to you.  Never again, Red. I don't trust you, but I need help, and you have seen me.
 
Red: Help?
 
Hondo: Yes, I am takin' this little gal with me, and I need you to keep her alive. I'm no medic!
 
Red: She is in no condition to be moved. You can't take her! I'm getting security!
 
Red turned toward the door but she stopped suddenly as Hondo cocked his .50 cal. Dragoon.
 
Hondo growled: To many lost there lives last time because of you! I have no qualms about blowin' you away. You will go an' you will help, or you will go to a lot hotter place! An' don't think you can get on board then do nothin' I'll push you outta the damned Copter ifin I hafta!
 
 She turned an' looked at Hondo with tears in her eyes. No 'cause of fright, but because of a deep pain left when she betrayed him. She didn't want to as she really loved him, but she never believed he could save her brother nor her. Also she had never seen him like this. She had always seen a kind hearted, lovin' fellow, though he was always crusty on the outside. Now all she saw was coldness an' strength. It scared her an' crushed her at the same time.  
 
Red stood stock still for a moment. Many thoughts ran through her head.
 
Red (thinkin'): The shame I have brought myself. I can not even run from it by leaving the U.S. It followed me in the form I most feared. I loved him yet destroyed him. I never thought my action would do this to him. I destroyed his heart.  
 
 She looked back at the floor an' walked over to the sleeping girl. Hondo lowered his gun an' stood beside Angelica. As Red checked her over an' prepper her for travel Hondo stroked the little sleepin' girls hair. His eye shown for a moment with love an' carin'. Red looked up long enough to catch the glimer, but it quickly died as Hondo caught her lookin' at him.
 
Hondo: I hope the other girls are doin' alright.
 
Red: What other girls?
 
Hondo: You'll find out soon enough. Just keep quiet. You think I am mean. They will shoot you if you look at then sideways and they take it wrong." Hondo said and turned to the window.
 
Bink and Claes had it easy. Rico's handle had left her at an abandoned apartment to go get food and other supplies before moving out to a better hiding spot a lot further away.
 
 Talking her into joining them was a snap, getting her to help subdue her handle was not. finally they convince her if they did not tranqu. her handler. Her handler and herself would be killed, but if she was gone her handle could escape easier and they would have no evidence to hold her handle on charges until after her handler had made it out of the country. Rico finally gave into that, but only if she could write a coded note to her handler explaining why she left and the uselessness of following.
 
Bink (thinkin' to herself): I hope her handler takes her note to heart. For all of our sakes.
 
 The handler came back and they all jump him as soon as he entered the door. He had no time to react. Bink had the Handler out with a tranqu. pen. and was ready to leave in seconds. Rico put the note in her handlers pocket.
 
It Read: Thank you for taking care of me, but it is time I go, time for all of us to go, and try to live normal lives.
 
 She looked back at her handler with tears in her eyes. She then grabbed her own pistol and ran to the other two who were waiting for her.
 
Claes: We don't have much time left! we have to get the guards at the helo pad before Hondo gets out!
 
 There were only three guard there when they arrived. Claes gave Rico a pen/dart and then the three of them split up. The guards were night blind from the helo pad lights so they did not see the three girls sneak up behind them, but it would have mattered little as they saw nothing for several hours after. Together they drug the three unconscious guard off into the shadows and waited for Hondo, but they did not wait long. For Hondo and a red headed nurse soon were seen making their way to the pad.
 
Hondo turned from his vigil at the window and said, "It's time."
 
 He then threw off the lab coat, so his EMT uniform showed again. He helped Red get her onto the copter transport cot and strapped her down.
 
Hondo: One false move from you, Red, and I promise you that you'll be dead before me.
 
 Red just nodded an' cleaned her face, to not show the tears.
 
Red: What will you do with me after?
 
Hondo: If you promise to behave, I'll just have most of the details of this excursion erased from your mind an' will turn you lose. All you will 'think' that you remember is that you were kidnapped by Terrorists, then set free after they realized you were of little use to them.
 
Red: It's better than nothing. I'll be good. I promise.
 
Hondo: Just like you promised to always be there for me? Your word better mean a whole lot more now than they did then.
 
 Hondo signaled for her to get moving. They moved out to the helo pad without any problem. as they approached the helicopter Hondo saw the girls approaching.
 
Hondo (thinkin' to himself): right on time. now for the hard part.

Comm Officer: Another incoming flight, sir.
 
 Eddie looked up from a chart on the Texas's bridge.  
 
S.W. Eddie: How many this time?
 
Comm Officer: They've got 29 evacuees, sir.
 
S.W. Eddie: Great.
 
 Since tensions had died down a bit, the USS Texas was now serving as a temporary destination for American tourists evacuated from Italy, from where they would be shipped out to the San Antonio or any of the other "refugee ships" that the Navy had brought in. The amphibians were staying out in international waters, away from any potential danger.
 
 Eddie got up and began the journey to roughly 400 feet aft of where he was: the battleship's helicopter control platform, which jutted out from the superstructure above her Number 3 turret. This time it wasn't an SH-60 Sea Hawk that was bringing evacuees, but a Navy CH-53E Super Stallion. The Super Stallion came in at an angle, so that it could fit on the battleship's fantail. At 99 feet long, getting the bird onto Texas was somewhat tricky. The ship's aftermost turret, Turret 4, had been rotated so that the guns pointed to sea. This was necessary to make room for the chopper.
 
 The rotor wash from the CH-53 was evident on the water as it approached the battleship. Eddie had to hold onto his hat to keep from losing it.The pilot set it down gently on the ship's fantail and shut down the Stallion's three GE turbo-shaft engines, which made the wind buffeting Eddie and the crewmen on station cease.
 
 Four crewman went out to meet the CH-53. The doors opened, a flight crew member stepped out, and began helping the frightened and confused tourists out of the aircraft. Eddie climbed down the stairs and onto the main deck of the Texas and went out to meet those coming aboard.
 
S.W. Eddie: Welcome to the battleship USS Texas, I'm Captain Dixon. You'll stay here for a little while before we send you out to one of the amphibious assault ships. I'm not going to lie to you, it's not going to be too comfortable on board. But we'll give you a good hot meal and a place to stay for a bit. You should know that we are still operating under wartime conditions, so you'll need to do what you're told. You can't just wander around freely.
 
 The group of tourists nodded.
 
S.W. Eddie: Any of y'all that need medical attention will be taken care of right away. Everyone else, these men will escort you to one of the mess halls.
 
 The ragtag group of tourists trudged away, led by several crewmen. A few were bandaged up a bit, and sent to the ship's infirmary. Fortunately, no one was too seriously injured.
 
 After watching the evacuees go below decks, Eddie turned and made his way back to the bridge. The Super Stallion would stay on the battleship's fantail until the group was ready to be sent to one of the amphibians. Meantime, the captain was needed elsewhere.  
-------------------
-------------------
 
Alex II, Hondo, and a couple other CIA agents step out of the van and prepare to attack and get Triela out.
 
Alex II: Hondo, how long has Angelica got?
 
Hondo: No as long as I'd like. We need to make this fast.
- - - - -
 
inside the building:
 
Rouge CIA Agent Derrick Williams: Well Triela is secured so let take her now before anyone is stupid enough to try to get her.
 
Histmerser: No Derrick, I want to see this CIA Agent you told me about. I want to see if he is really that good. Besides, Even if that Cowboy comes with him he'll be the first one dead.
 
Derrick: If you die then I am taking her with me before Alex II get to me.
 
Histmer: I won't die, but If i need a hand I'll signal for you. So don't expect a signal.
 
Derrick: Right *To Triea*  North Korea Would Love to pay money for you he he he *Calling Kim Jang Wang* Kim. Yes, this is Derrick. I got your merchandise.  How much are you willing to pay for a Little Girl Killing Cyborg? *Listening* $1,000,000,000,000 in NK Means $7,300,000,000 in US dollars. Good! Have the payment ready. I will be there tomorrow.  Oh, Please tell your NK Boys to not shoot at my plane. A pleasure doing business with you. *hang up the phone*  
- - - - -
 
Back outside:
 
 Hondo looked at the poor little gal, who was laying across the seat resting her head in Claes' lap.
 
Hondo: Not sure, Al. If she keeps hope and is as strong a fighter as she was built to be she might last 2 days, but she may not see the day through either, if we don't get somethin' done soon.  
 
 Hondo rang with disgust.
 
Hondo: I should have gotten her to the ship as planned, then came back for Triela. Danm! We need to be inside sneakin' up on the enemy then soundin' the charge!" Hondo leaned against the van, took out a pistol, an' cleaned it for the twentieth time since he entered the van earlier.  
 
 The others looked at him worried like, then looked away. Hondo noticed their stares and confusion.
 
Hondo: Sorry 'bout that. I've been on edge since I heard we lost Fernando. He knew how to keep me busy and handle my nervous energy when I got all worked up over waitin'. I am used top workin' by myself and hate relyin' on anyone! No offence. Fernando is the one fella that I can say I liked to work with. He understands, you folks don't. I am in the dark here, when I was with the boss man, everythin' was clear as crystal.
 
Alex II: I can kind of understand. I too would not like to be in your place, but I can not give you any more info or let you work out of the group.
 
Hondo: No offense, but I am only workin' with you to help these gals. You are CIA. Because of the info an' trainin' used on these girls, I don't really trust you. You have to be loyal to the CIA an' it's wishes. I am loyal to my God, my Friends, an' then to what I think is right. No direct higher authorities that can fire me, slam me in the hoosegow, or can watch my every move and demand reports.
 
Bink: We understand.
 
Hondo: I wasn't meanin' that for you girls, but no, you don't understand. That is why I am here. To make sure you have the chance to understand.
 
  The girls all looked at each other an' then at Hondo and for the first time, since they have been together, smiled.
 
Claes: I like to learn new things. Thank you for the chance.
 
Hondo: I keep tellin' ya! Don't thank me until we're out of this.  
 
 Hondo said that with a mock stern look that did not fool the girls.  
 
Hondo: Anyway, the one who deserves the thanks is not here.
 
 Hondo looked back at the pistol in his hands, sadly.
 
Bink: We know, but he would have wanted us to tell you. He trusted you and told us to do the same.
 
Hondo: Thanks, Bink. I needed that.  
 
 Hondo gave them a half smile then looked back at his gun.
 
Hondo (thinkin'):  now if I can only get the precious little gals out of here once we get the last one.
 
Alex II: OK, we will be out of here in 2 hours. So, lets do this!
 
They all jumped back into the van. Alex II started the engine up and drove to the buildings gates. Alex II floored the van, as he put on the front force field and opened up with the front guns clearing out the guards at the gate and those inside the gate after they smashed through it
 
Derrick saw this: ALEX II! MAN I am Leaving! Histmerser can do what he wants to do. All I want is that Money.  
 
Taking Triela, Derrick heads for his car.
 
 
Hondo jumped out of the van first followed by the other agents
 
Hesitermer: Well Hondo, I'll attend to Alex II, but I have a nice treat for you.
 
Alex II jumped from the van. His agents going around either side of the building.  
 
Alex II: Hondo Stay and Protect the Girls! I am going to get Derrick and Treila.
 
 Alex II fired his AK-47 at a guard who rushed out. The guard fell in a puddle of his own blood.
 
 
Histermer was on the top of the bulding and saw Alex II run towards the building.
 
Histermer: Time to die Alex II
 
Just before Alex II got to the door he looked. Alex II saw the man on top of the building and fired at him. A bullet hit the man along side the head, which knocked him down and stunned him for the moment.
 
Alex II: Now where is Derrick and Treila?
 
 Alex II looked toward the rear parking lot and saw Derrick holding Terila's hand while running to his car
 
Alex II: Not this time  
 
Alex II then jump on the roof and fired a rocket, from the small rocket blaster on his AK-47 towards Derrick car. Alex II ran across the roof as the car blew up then he jump on top of Derrick and they began to fight.  Both iknew some form of martial arts so the fight was good and long. As they fought they talked.
 
Alex II: I am going to take you, Derrick, back to the US for a Trial for your crimes against us and you going to rot in prison!
 
Derrick: HA I love doing this. I so wanted to see you die before I leave, but I didn't think I'd have the time. Well, I'm now out of time so, now it's time to DIE!
 
Derrick pulls out a samurai sword and swings it at Alex II neck. Alex II dodges it and take his own sword out and they start the traditional samutai sword fight to the death.
 
Derrick:I have a surprise for your friend, Hondo. My clone, Derrick 2 is heading to Hondo right now.  H Ha HA!
 
Alex II: WHAT !!*Keep blocking Derrick Sword*
 
Back at the car:
 
 Derrick 2 approached the van with his two 9mm pistols pointed at the figure sitting in the van, with face turned away, wearing the western hat and duster.
 
Derrick 2: HONDO! I am Derrick 2! Time to die!!
 
Voice to Derrick 2's left: For you to die.  
 
 The figure in the van removed the hat letting her long blond hair fall out of the hat as she turned to look at Derrick 2. Bink was kneeling on the seat wearing Hondo's Hat an' bullet proof duster. Derrick 2s eyes got wide.
 
 Hondo was watching from beside the building as Derrick 2 approached and made his 'greeting'. When Hondo spoke Bink took off the hat and revealed to Derrick 2 that he had been made a fool of. Hondo knew Derrick 2 would not be reasonable. He would be furious in the least, therefore not thinking clearly. Hondo still had his leather vest on, which was bullet proof, an' had his Colt dragoon .50 cal. in hand.  
 
 Derrick 2 spun 90 degrees to the left to face Hondo, shooting as he spun. Two bullets found Hondo, one was stopped by the vest covering his shoulder the other just creased his left arm.  
 
 Even so Hondo brought the gun to bear an' shot with lightning speed an' accuracy. Hondo knew, since this maniac had 2 rapid firing pistols, he needed to take him out in one shot. He figuring Derrick 2 had on a bullet proof vest, so the only one shot weak area was the head.
 
BOOOOM!!  
 
 The .50 cal. Dragoon leaped in Hondo's hand an' Derrick 2 was no more.  
 
 Bink, Claes, and Rico high fived each other, and Hondo just stood there a moment with a look of disgust on his face.
 
Hondo mumbled: He had to be by the van, didn't he! Alex II will not be happy with the mess on his van.
 
 Hondo grabbed a rain coat out of the back of the van an' laid it over the dead clone. He turned and spoke to the girls.
 
Hondo: He played with the devil an' this is how he went. This is also why we are helping you girls. Put God first an' others second then death will matter little an' you won't die like this; with out honor.
 
 Hondo took his coat an' hat back from Bink an' put them on. He reloaded his empty chamber on his pistol, pulled out another, just in case.
 
Hondo: What is takin' Al so long? He'd better get back soon, or I'll have to go in after him.
 
 Back at the remains of Derricks car Alex II and the real Derrick are still locked in mortal combat. After a while Triela gets a bit tired of it. Triela, who is standing close to Derrick, does a quick spin landing her right foot to the back of his right knee followed by her right elbow just below his chest. As Derrick goes down, Triela finishes him off with a right-hand chop to the back of his neck. Derrick is down for the count.  
 
Alex II bend down and rested his hands on his knees to catch his breath quick like. Alex II then looked up at Triela.
 
Alex II: Thanks Triela. Ready to join the others?
 
 Triela just nodded. Alex II threw hand cuffs on Derrick's arms, slung him over his shoulder then walked to the car. Triela followed close behind.
 
 Hondo was getting ready to go look for Alex II when he came around the side of the building carrying Derrick and Triela followed closely behind.
 
Alex II: You are still in one piece I see.  
 
Hondo: We're all in one piece, but how 'bout 'im?
 
Alex II: Triela knocked him out.
 
Hondo: Good on you, Gal!
 
Triela: Is he one of us?  
 
 Triela looked suspiciously at Hondo. Both Alex II and Hondo laughed.
 
Alex II: Of course he is.
 
 Alex II then turned and looked at Hondo for a second to see Hondo givin' him a look.
 
Alex II: well at least he is one of the good guys. One of his own is more like it.
 
Hondo: I'm not sure how to take that.
 
 Alex II just chuckled. He still had Derrick on his shoulder.
 
Alex II: Help me with him, would you?
 
Hondo: Sure.  
 
 Hondo grabbed Derricks right arm with his left then started to drop him, but caught him with his left.
 
Hondo snarled: Ahh, forgot 'bout that.
 
Alex II: are you alright?
 
Hondo: This fella's clone creased me on the left an' hit the bullet proofing on the left shoulder. she's not handlin' weight like she should.  
 
 Hondo repositioned to grab Derrick with his right.
 
Alex II: I was meaning to ask how that went.
 
Hondo: You can see for yourself on the other side of the van.
 
 They threw Derrick in the trunk and walked around the side of the van.
 
Alex II: What a mess."  
 
Alex II  looked on Derrick's now dead clone.
 
Hondo: He left me no choice.
 
Alex II: Good shooting, though. I'll call some of our boys to clean this up.
 
Hondo: OK. You need to get back to the ship.
 
Alex II: You too.
 
Hondo: Nope. I'm stayin' here till this is done. I think we will have more work to do. Besides this was too easy, somethin's not right.
 
Alex II: I agree with you there.
 
Hondo: Drop me off at the ambulance; then get to Captain Ready's ship as fast as possible.
 
Alex II: Now look here! I am in Command not you!
 
Hondo growled: Shut up an' get movin'! We don't have time to argue. Either drop me off at the ambulance or get goin' an' I'll walk.
 
Alex II: OK, get in.
 
Alex II (thinkin'): I hope this guy really knows what he is getting into.
 
Hondo (thinkin'): Somethin's up. I have a feelin' ol' Al is in for more then he thinks he is. He needs Fernando back to boss him around a little. Why do I still feel that he is not dead?  
---------------------
---------------------
 
 Eventually Fernando & Dr. Aiesha get the bot to the basement of his place to be worked on in a future date. Its main power source and control servos too water logged with salt water and shorted out. Until then, there were things to see, places to go and people to do. As it always seems, there is too much to do and not enough time to do it in. Somehow, without alerting anyone, Fernando must get his doctor daughter to the The Enterprise to start dealing with the girls and to it so in under 4 hours. Fernando makes a few phone calls as they walk back upstairs.
 
Fernando: Aiesha, I need you to come with me 1/2 way across the world to deal with a situation that you would find vile and interesting at the same time. But first, you need to do a lot of catching up to do.
 
Dr. Aiesha: What are you talking about, dad?
 
Fernando (Giving Rachel to her): Start reading up in 'Project WarriorMaid' and 'Gunslinger' You got 3 hours to learn it and figure out a cure.
 
Dr.Aiesha (Getting inside the Hearse): Then, where are we going?
 
Fernando: Italy.
 
 Fernando drives to Teterboro Airport, where a borrowed modified NASA T-38 was waiting for them. A NASA Crew was there waiting for them, with 3 T-38s.
 
 Several mechanics were looking over one of the planes as Fernando drives onto the tramac. Several people in flight gear walks over to Fernando and Dr. Aiesha as they got out of the hearse.
 
Fernando: Hello Carl, Denise, everyone.
 
 Denise walks to Fernando with a folded flight gear jacket and a flight helmet: The Enterprise is expecting you, but don't know who you are until you take the helmet off. They will know Dr. Aiesha is with you to deal with the girls.
 
Fernando: Thank you Denise.
 
 Another pilot gives Dr. Aiesha a flight suit and a small bag to put her lab coat and tiny medical tool bag in. It gets locked into the front nose cargo area. She takes the laptop with her.
 
Carl: You know the T-38 is a bit trickier to fly than most. Just take it easy on the controls... #03 is an old bird, but she's never failed on anyone in the past 25 years.
 
Fernando: Thank You, Carl...
 
Denise: Just take it easy with her and she'll get you there in 2 hours. European Airspace is also alerted to your targeted landing time and location, so no one should bother you. If they do, you got chafes, guns, and Electronics Jamming Countermeasures (EJC).
 
Fernando: Thank you.
 
 They start to walk away, as Fernando guides Aiesha to one of the 3 T-38s as the others get into the other two, climb in and start rolling down the runways. After a while, Fernando helps his little girl into the plane and then into the cockpit himself. He reads his instructions and start the plane's engines. Soon they'll be flying to the Enterprise.  
 
 Flying at Mach 2.25, the flight across the Atlantic only takes 90 minutes, much of the time going subsonic to look for the ship. Over the Mediterranean Sea, Fernando turns on the NASA computers to find the Enterprise and the rest of the Fleet. It only takes seconds to verify its location, near Genoa, and not near Gibralter where it was last seen. From 90,000ft Fernando lowers the altitude to 20,000ft when he enters the gateway of the Mediterranean at the Straits of Gibraltar. Though his flight plan was registered with international authorities, military patrols have a perked interest as fighters from the surrounding countries swooped down upon the T-38 to eye it. The large 'N A S A' lettering on the tail of the T-38 tells them that this is a research aircraft and not a hostile aircraft.
 
 Several military tried radio the T-38 as they pulled up along side it. Fernando turned to face then and tap the side of the his helmet, stating to them in pilot sign language 'Dead Radio'. A set of Mig 27s came from Lybia, surrounding the T-38, and after Fernando acknowledges to them that his radio is defunct, one takes to his tail and applies missile lock on him.
 
Fernando (to himself): Stupid Idiot...
 
Dr. Aiesha: What's going on?
 
Fernando: darn stupid Libyan has his missile lock on us...
 
 Fernando reaches over to the dashboard and uncovers his chafe and EJC switches while reading himself to grab the air brake. Just as he prepares himself for an evasive maneuver, the MIGs fly away as a voice crackles into his radio headset.
 
Voice on Radio: NASA 03, this is Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Six (VFA-86). The MIGs have boogied, you are clear to rendezvous with the Enterprise.
 
Fernando: Thank you VFA-86. ETA 15 minutes. See you there.
 
VFA-86: See you there, they are expecting you.
 
 The F-18s fly away, continuing with their flight patrol over the Mediterranean. Fernando lands the T-38 onto the deck of the Enterprise, with the crew and its Captain awaiting. Once on the deck, the passenger/co-pilot canopy opens, and Dr. Aeisha steps out. Fernando remains inside the aircraft until it is stowed away onto the hanger elevator. Fernando gets out of the on the plane once its set on the elevator, still wearing his flight helmet and sun-shield. He walks over to the Captain, and taps him on the shoulder, signaling him to follow. He goes back to his assigned room with Captain Ranger Ready behind.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Those quarters are closed.
 
 Fernando takes off his helmet to reveal himself.
 
Fernando: Then open it.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Wait a minute! You were killed fightin*...
 
 Fernando quickly covers Ranger Ready's mouth.
 
Fernando: Shhh... You got spies everywhere. Now open the room and get inside.
 
Captain Ranger Ready hesitates before unlocking the door and entering. Fernando follows, closing the door behind.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: What brings you back from the dead?
 
Fernando: Though there is a partial success in the rescue, too many are taking personal liberties in promoting their own mission objectives for other factions and groups. Furthermore, I brought in Dr. Aiesha, who researched cybernetic implant back in her Premedical Studies. She'll be a key asset in dealing with the girls, provided that we get them here and back to the Cafe. These girls are to be brought back without interference from anyone who would deem a profit in owning them.
 
Captain Ranger Ready (stroking his chin): I see. Well, most of the operations have been moved to the USS Texas, under Captain Eddie.
 
Fernando: We need to reestablish the Enterprise as the center of operations of the rescue mission, and the Texas and the rest of the battle group as her escorts.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Leave that up to me.
 
Fernando: And Captain.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Yes?
 
Fernando: Fernando is technically dead, and to continue this facade to fool the spies, I shall be referred to as (Agent) Elfen.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Elfen, it is. Just explain to me why is there such a heavy interest in these cyborg girls.
 
Fernando: Simple, Captain. These girls are Gunslingers, cyborgs programmed to kill upon orders. Better than any super-solider ever created, so you can see, why so many would want them for themselves.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: And what makes you think that they would follow you?
 
Fernando: I've already started decompiling their conditioning programs, so now they are more inclined to listen and think first before pulling the trigger. Bink especially. Just have part of the medical wing ready for them, and Dr. Aiesha and I will take care of the rest.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Alright then; this is a lot of trust I'm going to bestow on you, but its something that has to be done... right?
 
Fernando: Right.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: I'll let you rest up from your long flight and I'll personally come back with dinner.
 
Fernando: Don't worry about me, RR keep an eye on Dr. Aiesha for me.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Hmmm... Alright then.
 
Fernando: I assume that the others are still here?
 
Captain RR: To my knowledge, they are. Unless they transferred to the Texas, I can find out for you.
 
Fernando: Please do, but do not alert them to my presence. I will have to to that when the time is right. For now, I'll spend my time here.
 
Captain Ranger Ready: Will do.
 
Fernando: Thanks... for everything...  

Dr. Aiesha and Daryl were in the infirmary as the activity went on around them; the ship's doctor and the captain taking care of their new visitor. Soon the doctor, captain and visitor leaves after the visitor is treated for her injuries.
 
Dr. Aiesha (as she checks and rechecks the equipment for the cyborgs): You got any of that?
 
Daryl: All of it. Want it as an mp3 download?
 
Dr. Aiesha (staring at Daryl in a confused manner): Just hold onto that, please.
 
Daryl: Will do.
 
 They continue setting up the equipment, and preparing for their worst case: Angelina.
 
 
 Once things has quieted down, Tammy approaches Fernando's door, knocking on it. Not wanting to, Fernando takes his time getting out of bed and opens the door.
 
Fernando (as he looks at her): Yes?
 
Tammy (as she walks into his room): Can I have a minute with you?
 
Fernando (as he turns on the lights to his room, then reaches for his glasses): Sure... what's on  
your mind?
 
Tammy: Many things are on my mind...
 
Fernando (interrupting her): Start counting them off.
 
Tammy: First off, why are you giving leadership to Jeanette? You are more capable than most here.
 
Fernando: This mission has to be divided into 2 fronts. 1- rescue Bink and the girls. 2- make sure that no other faction, group or agency is going to interfere with the rescue and going home. I can't do both at the same time.
 
Tammy: Why Jeanette?
 
Fernando: Because she is my medical rescue partner. Why, you have doubts about her?
 
Tammy: I don't think she's capable of doing what needs to be done.
 
Fernando: She can hold out on her own pretty well.
 
Tammy: She does not act like she could.
 
Fernando: Don't let that fool you. She is more than capable.
 
Tammy: Why don't you take over?
 
Fernando: Why do you want me to?
 
Tammy: Consider it to be selfish, but I don't care about the others being saved. I just want Bink back, and am willing to pay any price for her.
 
Fernando: Don't ever say that you'll pay any price, because when you do, you just might end up doing so.
 
Tammy: I'm at that point now...
 
Fernando (interrupting her): Does it matter what needs to be done in order to save Bink? I mean, I had to rescue you too because others tried to collect on that reward on your bushy tail of yours.
 
Tammy: You saved me in less time than those who were going to come in to pay that reward. Then you managed to get Bink, along with another girl... as far as I was concerned that should have been the end of that.
 
Fernando: But yet, Bink and Claes left... to find Angelica and the others. Furthermore, their handlers and others involved with them are still a danger to Bink, the girls and to us. You really think that, lets supposed that we did take Bink home, that they would let you live long enough to be happy with Bink unmolested? No... They would have waited for a while, to observe you and Bink and then one day- you'd be found dead and Bink missing. That is what I am trying to stop, because the people we are dealing with are not nice people! Understand where I am coming from?!!
 
 Tammy sits down on the edge of the bed, putting her folded hands between her knees, and looks down at the floor. She does not answer.
 
Fernando: So if you are so willing to pay any price, deary... be prepared to pay with your life, soul and body. But don't expect me to demand payment... regardless of what others may think of me, I do have some very high morals I strictly adhere to. Its that those morals may not be compatible with anyone elses. So my mind is clear on this- Jeanette's leading the rescue while I deal with the threats that can spring up. There will be no further discussions on this.
 
Tammy (holding back her tears): I understand.
 
Fernando: Good. Now I need you to leave so I can catch up on my sleep... alone!
 
 Tammy leaves the room, eventually, having this all sunk in, whether she liked it or not. Fernando did not have much time to sleep, and needs to later go to the radio and mission rooms to gather some intel.  
 
 Fernando wakes up at 5am and makes his to Captain RR and to the communications room. There he requests to send a message to Hondo at a predetermined frequency.  
 
-------------------------
-------------------------  
 
 Hondo had a short nap, but could not rest with the present unrest. It was dark out an' he had heard nothin' from Alexx II. He ended up moving the ambulance closer to town to another hidden spot an' borrowing a pick-up, from a local dealer who was closed until further notice. He 'borrowed' a 4-wheel drive 1 ton Dodge cummins diesel duly w/ 4 door extended cab an' a topper shell on it. It was used but cared for as American trucks were rare in Italy.
 
Hondo mumbled: Nice ride, good speed, an' the price is right. Never knew there were Dodges here, though. must have been a special order.
 
 He took it back to the ambulance an collected his gear, radio, radio amplifier, weapons, and a few other things he thought he might need. He had retrieved his foldaway helicopter before he got to town, and stowed it into the back of the truck. Hondo had Rico drive the ambulance back to the hideout with Bink an' Claes makin' she she followed him an' he drove the truck. The ambulance was too obvious an' might be on the polices watch list so he figured hidin' it for a while was a good idea. He transferred supplies an such to the truck an' turned the rest of the bed into an area for Angelica's stretcher. Hondo then parked it in the garage an' locked up.  
 Claes an' Rico stayed in the truck bed with Angelica while Bink an' Triela road in the back seat. Hondo opened the back window to allow conversation between the cab an' the covered truck bed. With Everyone situated an' his equipment in the front seat beside him he then drove out of town and headed for the coast.  Hondo drove fast, pushin' the truck to it's limit to make it to a safe spot off the road before day break.
 
 It was 5 am before they reached to coastal area Hondo had planned on. He was in the middle of singing the third verse of 'bury me out on the lone prairie',when his radio came to life. Te girls sighed as he stopped. He wasn't sure if this was a coincidence or they were glad he had stopped singin'.
 
Comm Officer: Hondo, this is Enterprise, do you copy? Over.
 
The voice of the radio operator came over Hondo's rigged CB/two way.
 
Hondo: Enterprise, this is Hondo. What'd y'want!
 
Comm officer: I have a message for you.
 
Hondo: Alright, Spill it.
 
Comm Officer: Gather the girls and bring them to the 737BBJ at the airport by 7:30am. I'll be there for pick up; we're going home. Attach Angelina to as much portable monitoring equipment as you can, especially to the box that beeps loudly.
 
Hondo: Who gave you the message?
 
Comm Officer: It was given to me by . . (Static)
 
 A wire came loose in the set that made it lose signal. Hondo tried to grab the wire before the inevitable happened but as he was drivin' he didn't get to it in time. The wire shorted out with the frame an' blew the units fuse.
 
Hondo: Damn! It's really not been my day.
 
Bink: So are we going?
 
Hondo: Yeah. We'd better be there. Tell Claes To hook Angelica up to more of that monitorin' equipment. The Doctors will probably want to trend the info to know how stable she is.
----------------
----------------
 
 
 Another message is sent to Alex II Via his palm device.
 
Alex II,
 Wrap up the mission, we're going home.
 
 From the communications room, Fernando and the captain make their way to the aircraft hanger & maintenance area to check on the learjet. The chief mechanic was inspecting the work done on the craft as Fernando and the captain enter the passenger section of the plane.  
 
 Fernando points at the rear set of seats on the aircraft's left side.
 
Fernando: I'll need these 2 rows removed to make room for a hospital gurney. Can your guys get it done before take off?
 
Captain RR: My boys have not failed me yet. Consider it done.
 
Fernando: Thank you. One more thing.
 
Captain RR: What is it?
 
Fernando (writes a message on his paper pad and hands it to the captain): If anyone flying the 737BBJ does not give you that code, shoot it down.
 
Captain RR: Expecting trouble?
 
Fernando: More than you could find on the Midnight Express.
 
Captain RR: I see... We'll keep an eye out for it.
 
Fernando: Again. Many thanks. I have to gather the others together.
 
Captain RR: When can I expect you back?
 
Fernando: Hmmm... if you don't hear from me in lets say 12 hours from landing in Milan, expect the worst. Do not go after us, just go home and safeguard the convoy. May Italy burn to ashes...
 
Captain RR: A bit extreme, isn't it?
 
Fernando: We're dealing with extreme people here.
 
 For a moment, they stand in silence.
 
Fernando: Alright Captain, you have my blessings. I'll see you, hopefully soon.
 
Captain RR: See you soon.
 
 Fernando goes to his room and sends a message to CCC:
 

CCC,
Beware, the admiral might be dead, but his cybernetics may have their own intelligence, and might still pose as a threat. Last message I received was that the Admiral's body is missing from the Carolina's morgue.
 
 After sending the message, Fernando writes up small missions folders before taking a slight rest and then to reporting for breakfast at 6:00am. He sits down to a steak & egg breakfast with all the fixings, which he wolfs down as quickly as possible. There was not even time to taste the food. He was done before the others start to gather for their breakfasts.
 
 Fernando walks onto the deck with an ice chest with medical crosses and "Transplant Material" on it, where the Learjet was waiting for them in the parking area. The ground crew gives it their final OK before signing the airplane to Fernando. Fernando walks around the aircraft, giving his inspection, both inside and out. As requested the last 2 left rear seats have been removed for the gurney that would hold Angelica.
 
 Fernando leaves the plane as it is being moved to be fueled for the trip. He waits by the side as the others begin to approach them. He stand up to them and hands them each a folder, except for Jeanette.
 
Fernando (to Jeanette): Are you flying or not?
 
Jeanette: We been through this before.
 
Fernando: As a passenger.
 
Jeanette: I'll fly, as a passenger.
 
Fernando: You intend to lead? According to Arik, you're not.
 
Jeanette: I'm here, aren't I?
 
Fernando: That may not be enough. We need to go in, get the girls and get out.
 
Jeanette: Whats the ice chest for?
 
Fernando: This is where you play your part in this cloak & dagger. Its full of ice with a veal's heart in it. Anyone stops you for any reason, you show them Angelica in the gurney and the heart in ice and yell at them about they getting in the way of an emergency transplant surgery. Customs and Security, once they see the heart, will let you go by. Make sure you and the others are wearing your EMT uniforms.  
 
Jeanette: Understand that I do not like being put into certain situations that makes me uncomfortable. ...
 
Fernando (interrupting Jeanette): No one does. Unfortunately, this job we we're in will put us into situations we do not like. So we can either do the job at hand and cry later, or cry now and be a disgrace to the profession. The person as I know as Jeanette Isabelle is a strong willed and brave individual who will not stop because something upsets her. But like any other person in the job we do, deals with it afterwords.
 
Jeanette: Are you done with your speeches?
 
Fernando: It depends on you next course of actions.
 
Jeanette (as she starts to walk in to the plane's entryway): Just shut up and get into the plane. We got some girls to rescue.  
---------------
---------------
 
 Hondo stopped an' repaired the radio as much as possible. He ended up makin' a small radio amplifier to attach to the smaller radio out of the parts, though the distance was not near as good. Not but 5 minutes after did Alex II make contact.
 
Alex II: Hondo do you copt? Over.
 
Hondo: 'Bout time i hear from your sorry hide! What's up? Over.
 
Alex II: I got a message from the enterprise. The mission is a wrap. Head home. Over.
 
Hondo: It's not quite over yet, hombre. I got a message too. I am to meet one of the team at the airport with the girls. I'm suppose to be there by 7:30. It's gonna take all of two hours to get there now that it's startin' to get light an' the police are out. Over.
 
Alex II: make it 90 minutes tops. Over.
 
Hondo: I'll get stopped for sure tryin' that. Over.
 
Alex II: You have my word that there will be no police or military interference. They will all be out of your way. Over.  
 
Hondo: Alright, I'll be there in 90 minutes or less. Ifin yur there first get things set up for Angelica. Over and out.
 
 Hondo floors the truck, an' took off squealin' the tires as he went. He wished this rig had NOS in it, but the dual Turbo's helped a lot. On the open road Hondo pushed the truck to 180 mph.
 
 Alex II was further away, but he did have NOS. Alex II reached low by his seat where a control valve and actuating lever, both labeled NOS on them. The Van lunges forward hard, pinning the passengers onto their seats, as the needles on the dashboard dials swing hard against their pins. Soon the van is roaring down the highway at near break neck triple digit speeds. Local highway patrol makes an attempt to chase the speeding van, but reaching their limited speed of 210 mph, the police give up and hope to clean up the mess if they are to crash.  
 
 Alex II took the Italian highways to Mailan Airport from Rome  and gets there in record time. Hondo arrived a few minutes later.
 
 Once at the Airport, Hondo and Alex II help carry Angelica onto the plane and secure her gurney in its place.
 
Alex II (as he passes by Jeanette): Hope you don't mind, I'm going home with you.
 
 Alex II stays in the plane for the ride home. Hondo leaves the plane as the girls get on.
 
Alex II: Where are you going?
 
Hondo: Like I said. I've got unfinished business to attend to.
 
 Alex II called out in protest but Hondo just walked away as if he didn't hear a thing.
-----------------------
-----------------------
 
 Once the plane lands at the airport, and meets up with Alex II and the others, he leave the aircraft as the door opens. Jeanette and Tammy step out to herd the girls into the plane. An old female rabbit boards the plane with the girls. Hondo leave as the female rabbit enters, allowing her to come in first. Jeanette makes sure everyone gets on by being the last one in.
 
Fernando: Jeanette?
 
 Jeanette turns around to face him.
 
Jeanette: Yes?
 
Fernando hands her a small 2-way radio.
 
Fernando: Use it to contact Dr. Aiesha, and give her Angelica's vital signs while in flight.
 
Jeanette: Will do. Anything else?
 
Fernando: Good luck.
 
 Jeanette pauses for a second, to find an answer that won't come. She then steps onto the aircraft and closes the door. Soon after, the plane starts rolling down the tarmac, getting into position to wait its turn to get on the runway. Fernando follows it with what he can of his vision until he can no longer see it.
 
 Fernando caught up with Hondo Where the truck and Van were parked.
 
Fernando: Are you going to wait for me or try to finish this mission on your own.
 
 Hondo spun 'round on his heels as his hand instantly went for his gun. He started to draw the revolver when recognition of the speaker hit him. He released the gun an leaned back against the truck for a minute, wearin' a cockeyed grin as he stood there.
 
Hondo: Damn! I knew you wouldn't die so easily! What's yur pleasure, Boss man?
   
Fernando: Hondo, our work is not finished here. Lets go fill our bellies before we continue.
 
Hondo: Sounds good to me.  
 
Hondo jumped into the truck an' Fernando entered the van. They drove only a short distance to a small out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall cafe where they could eat in peace without bein' bothered. They ordered and prepared to eat quickly.
 
Hondo: ok, boss man, what is the next move? Do we get the ambulance first or use the van or the truck?"  
 
 Fernando looked around cautiously to make sure they were not bein' watched before answerin'.  
 
Fernando: Hondo, lets not rush. First off the majority of the group has been captured, but its political body is still somewhere in hiding. Secondly, I'm going to need to interview the doctors involved in this little program.
 
Hondo: The UN Investigators have them locked up while they await for a plane to take them to NY.
 
Fernando: So, they need a plane?
 
Hondo: What do you have in mind, Squirrel Boss Man?
 
Fernando: They would have to fly it themselves, but we no longer need 737BBJ, and it can be used to return it home by them.
 
Hondo: You're just going to give it to them just like that?
 
Fernando: Of course. But only after we go find the political mastermind to this program for them to add to their jail cells. Now, where do you think Alex II left his computer files?
 
Hondo: If Alex II was not working in this here van, he was at the hideout.
 
Fernando: Good. Lets get tot he hide out, I got some computers to crack into.
 
Hondo: Hideout it is, Boss Squirrel Man...  
 
 They ate quickly an' silently in case some one got suspicious. Hondo paid the tab, with some 'borrowed' Italian currency, an' then they took out again, toward the hideout. The trip when smooth, for the most part. The cops were still on the look out, but there were very few spared for patrolin' the country as they were needed in the city. Hondo stuck to the back roads, which lost them a half hour extra, but kept out of the way of trouble, especially since Alex II had burnt all the NOS on the trip to the airport, an' even if the van had NOS the truck couldn't have kept up anyway.
 
A  little over and hour later they made it to the hideout Hondo parked the truck in the basement garage while Fernando parked the van in the upper garage, after Fernando disarmed the security system. Fernando went straight to work on the main computer at the hideout, that resided in the office beside the kitchen. Hondo knew a bit about computer hackin' but not nearly as much as Fernando did. Hondo yelled after the flyin' squirrel as he headed toward the computer,
 
Hondo: I'll be in the basement lookin' at what is left. If ya need me or find what we need holler. If I don't here from you by 7:00pm(Italian time) I'll be up to see if their is enough food to scrounge up a meal.
 
 With that Hondo went to do a visual check on supplies and try to find some extra NOS for the van in case they needed it.  
-----------------
-----------------
 
 Dr. Aiesha rubbed her eyes as she had been preparing for Angelica's arrival all last night an' all through the morning. She went over Fernando's note on how to handle Angelica condition, realizing that its a combination of several old and modern techniques put together.
 
 Lower the body's inner core tempt to 40¬ƒF, while continually injecting AcetoCholine and Adrenaline to keep the nerves running. Constantly monitor vitals. Constantly monitor other functions.
 
 Lowering the body's core temperature was an old Korean War surgeon's trick, to try to prolong the the life of extremely wounded soldiers who were having extensive surgery to repair vital circulatory area like the Aorta, Pulmonary Vien/Artery, and damaged heart muscles. This was in hope that in lowering the body temperature, the body would not degenerate as quickly. Only problem, this only gave a 20 to 60 minute window from which a surgeon has to do his work before the patient's body start to have other problems, such as shock and the oxygen deprivation catching up.
Injecting AcetoCholine will keep the nerves firing their signals. Unfortunately it will keep her awake, and aware as to whats going on.
Injecting the Adrenaline will keep the heart pumping strong, and the rest of the body on edge of fight or flight reflexes.
 
Dr. Aiesha made some of her own notes before going on.
 
 Fortunately, the tranquilizers and sedatives given to Angelica before are long term acting ones. But this creates a chemical soup within her blood stream that will need to be flushed out. If she is to recover, she will need a long rest, and time with those she has become friends. It seems that that she may not make it, but long ago, doctors put into my father's mind that he would not ever get out of his wheal chair or to ever walk again On his second accident- that he would never see again. 6 weeks his first accident, he was back in the rings that shattered his spine, within a year- boro-champ of his school's fencing team. His blindness, he's gotten over it, and function better than most sighted people. The only thing that allowed that to happen within him is his will to live, his desire to go on where most tell him that he cant go, and his mind that tells him that its better to be alive and do what one can do for themselves than to lay in dirt and push up daisies with his chest. But does Angelica has this in her, and if not how does one put it in her?
 
As She pauses the radio her Father left her to communicate with the plane beeps but the voice was slightly garbled. She puts down her glasses and rubbers her eyes. It beeps again this time she can hear the voice clearly. She closed her medical notes and picked up the radio.
--------------------------------------
 
Jeanette takes the radio given to her by Fernando, and calls for Dr. Aiesha, turning it one.
 
Jeanette: Dr. Aiesha, are you there? Over? [beep!]
 
 For a while, no answer. Jeanette tries again.
 
Jeanette: Dr. Aiesha, are you there? Over? [beep!]
 
Dr. Aiesha: This is Aiesha. Hows the patient's doing? [beep!]
 
Jeanette: Not good I'm afraid. Vital signs are slowly declining. Blood pressure is at minimum, heart rate is 42bpm. [beep!]
 
Dr. Aiesha: Listen closely. go get your medical bag, and pull out the following: #5 Hypodermic, as many Epinephrine pens as you got, and the largest syringe in the bag. Also get a lot of gauze and tape.[beep!]
 
 Jeanette rushes over to her bag and pulls out the items mentioned, gathering them on the gurney where Angelica laid. She finds 12 Epi-pens, 4 belonging to Fernando in case his death allergy kicks in.
 
Jeanette: Got them. [beep!]
 
Dr. Aiesha: Now, take each epi-pen and empty them into the syringe. Then place the #5 needle onto it, make sure it does not leak or have air bubbles in the chamber. [beep!]
 
 Jeanette works hard to go fast without messing up, filling the syringe with the contents of the epi-pens. She manages to fill the syringe 1/2way, before screwing on the #5 needle. She then holds it to the light, checking for air bubbles in the chamber, tapping the side of the syringe to force the air bubbles by the needle entry point and pushes the plunger slightly and slowly let the air out and just a tiny bit of needle's tip.
 
Jeanette: Done. [beep!]
 
Dr. Aiesha: Good. Now open her blouse or what ever she has on. You're going to do a cardio-infusion of the epinephrine. Find where the clavicle meets the breast bone on the left side and feel for a gap between the ribs. Once you have that, slowly insert the needle into her chest at a 45 degree angle to her heart. If you feel the needle pulsating, push it through, and inject 5cc's of the epinephrine into her. [beep!]
 
Jeanette: Understood. [beep!]
 
 Jeanette did as she was told, undoing Angelica's top and undershirt until she was bare chested, and began feeling for the ribs and the gap Dr. Aiesha told her to find. Once she thinks she finds the spot, the slowly inserts the needle into Angelica's chest at the prescribed angle until she felt the heart betting against the needle. Then she pushed the final few millimeters before giving Angelica a dosage of the medicine. Angelica gasps for air, the first sign of life she has shown in a while.
 
Dr. Aiesha: When you're done, wrap the syringe with the gauze and tape it down. [beep!]
Jeanette continues with the procedure, taping down the syringe before taking the radio.
 
Jeanette: I think its working... Blood pressure's rising, heart beat now at 60bpm. [beep!]
 
Dr. Aiesha: Good. Now keep an eye on her, and juice her 5 cc's if her vitals start to fall again. [beep!]
 
Jeanette: Got It...[beep!]
 
Dr. Aiesha: Let me know if there are sudden changes. I'll be waiting on the flight deck waiting for you. [beep!]
 
Jeanette: See you there... [beep!]
 
 The girls overheard everything, Bink being the first one to unbuckle her seat-beat and walk over to where Jeanette was as she further secured the life motoring equipment. The others surround them.
 
Bink: Miss... Is she going to be OK?
 
 Jeanette looks down at Bink.
 
Jeanette: She'll be fine.
 
Bink: Promise?
 
Cleas: Bink, stop that.
 
Bink: I'm Sorry.
 
Jeanette: Don't be. Understand that Angelica is not alright, and that we all here are working hard not to let her die, but sometimes some promises can not be made. I will do my best for her though.
 
Bink: I can accept that.
 
Triela: told you she would be OK.
 
Jeanette: I have to go talk to the pilots for a second. I would like for you to all sit down, but if you must, you can be with her for a while, but no more.
 
All the girls in unison: OK.  
-----------------------------
-----------------------------
 
 Fernando works hard cracking into various computer systems, even a few back home for as much information as possible. What he finds locally is most intriguing.
 
SWA is divided up into 2 sections:
Section 1 is the agency head, promoting free medical services to the members of Section and administrative logistics/ mission planning for Section 2, and investigatory arm of the SWA. It is the government's hand of the operation.
Section 2 is divided up into 3 sections: Medical Cyborg Research & Care, Logistics (coordinated with Section 1), and Fratello Teams- 10 in all...
 
 
Fernando thinks to himself: 10?!! We only got 5, and with Elsa and her Fratello being killed in a previous mission before our intervention, that leave with 4 more units to deal with.
 
 Fernando continues to work on the computer, and decides on the next course of action- talk with the UN Investigators and their prisoners. But before that, there was some he has to do. Both Hondo and Fernando work late on their respective tasks and get up early to do the same.
-----------------
 
The following morning, posted on every news paper's page 6 as a minor story, the capture of various government agents and corrupt politicians, who are going to be tried in NYC UN building for war crimes and human rights violations. Details with Plane Registry number, date and time of departure, the news goes unnoticed, expect to a few attentive individuals...  
 

Midnight sits on a beach near Propriano, Corsica. He tries to figure out how to stay in contact with USS Enterprise during the day. Right now, he can't afford spending any time at the airfield while Didier is there. The plain gray cat in the late 30s is the exact opposite of the easy-going Border Collie named Marcel. Under no circumstances is Didier to find out about the silver Mustang stashed away in the hangar and the explosives hidden all over the aircraft. So he always sits in a hiding near the airfield, watches who is the first to enter it, and tries to tell who will be the last on duty that day. Usually, the airfield officially closes down at 10 pm, and Midnight takes his chance, gets into the hangar, and turns on the Mustang's radio to listen if he is being called back. On the other hand, he tries not to stay up for too long and lose too much sleep.
 
 He considers getting himself a short-wave radio and modifying it so that he can read the Enterprise all day without access to the plane. However, he'd still have to sneak onto the airfield at night to actually take off if necessary.  
----------------
----------------
 
 DARYL and Dr. Aiesha waited on the deck of the ship, waiting for the LJ-65 to land with our patient Angelica. Angelica has been stabilized with Epinephrine shots to her heart by our resident EMT Jeanette Isabelle.
 
 The LJ-65 land on the deck of the Enterprise, with the crew's Emergency Medical Team rushing in to get Angelica out first. They get the gurney onto the deck, and run it towards us. I do a quick scan of the attached medical equipment before taking her into the ship's infirmary to work on known injuries. Behind us, the other 4 girls follow us until they are stopped at the door by the guards.
 
 They work hard against time, checking over the injuries Angelica had sustained from her last battle. Her cybernetic implants stopped the bullets from causing tear damage of her organs, but they did not account for impact and contussional damage. She's been bleeding internally since the shoot out. Dr. Aiehsa got DARYL to do a quick Blood type matching while she and the rest of the ship's medical staff prepare for surgery to stop the bleeding.  
 
 Daryl comes in with the matching results with some bad news; Angelica is Blood Type AB-, a very rare type. There is no AB- blood in storage, as there is no one in the crew with that blood-type. They decided to do without for now, using only plasma. The bleeding was stopped of the moment but the girl was very weak. Daryl and Dr. Aiesha kept bed side vigil all night. The next morning she was not any better at all.
 
 By 2:00 PM, they received a call from Fernando, stating that he has retrieved the doctors responsible for the atrocities to the girls. The records also sent states that the cyborg implantation of the girls may not be reversible. In the case of Rico- removing her implants would put her back in the hospital bed which she spent most of her life in. It would also do the same to Angelica, who suffered massive injuries from her incident.
 
 Angelica's medical problems are 2-fold: 1) Psychological and 2) Physical. We have decided that it is her mental well-being must be rescued first, for a patient who has lost the will to live, has no hope in living.
 
 By 3:00 PM angelica starts to decline. It is decided that she needs real blood and is still bleeding inside due to not having enough clotting agents left in the blood she has. With None of the right type on board the situation looked hopeless. Dr. Aiesha start to take off the gloves and surgical mask, and head to the radio room. DARYL runs with her, and together they go past the captain and his first officer.
 
 Once in the radio room, DARYL makes a call to the ships of the fleet for AB- Blood. As inventories are checked, I make a radio call to Fernando, who was on his way to the Enterprise by helicopter.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Father, we have a problem.
 
Fernando: Explain what's going on, girl.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Angelica has a rare blood type, and is bleeding internally.
 
Fernando: What about cross referencing her type?
 
Dr. Aiesha: Not possible.
 
Fernando: What Blood Type is she?
 
Dr. Aiesha: AB Negative.
 
Fernando: What about Hemoglobin incompatibility?
 
Dr. Aiesha: Minimal Risk, father. We need you to get here as fast as possible.
 
Fernando: I see. Do what you can with what you got. My ETA will be 3 hours.
 
 They disconnect the communications line.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Anything from the other ships, DARYL?
 
DARYL: They are searching their inventories. Maybe in the next 1/2 hour we'll know.
 
 Back on the helicopter.
 
Fernando: Hondo, can we speed this trip up?
 
Hondo: I can try. What's the problem?
 
Fernando: Our patient has a rare blood type, and I'm the only match so far.
 
 Hondo releases a sigh before answering, and sends the helicopter to a high velocity.
 
Hondo: Alright Boss, I'll see what I can do.  
 
 Hondo had a few tricks up his sleeve, but all of them were slightly dangerous. He had attached a liquid fuel rocket booster to the underside of the copter, for emergencies early on, durin' the first time he reworked the fuel system. The problem with that was control, or loss of. They had been flyin' close to the ground an' then the ocean to gain updraft but the extra thrust would require extra lift an' a bigger error margin.
 
Hondo: Hang on an' I'll see what this bird is made of!
 
 Hondo closed the NOS valve slightly to decrease amount of NOS injected at a time an' upped  the throttle to 110% He then hit the NOS an' ignited the booster at the same time. The result was much faster speed, but very poor handlein'.
 
 The copter shook with the effort and the engine temperature gauge rose rapidly.
 
Hondo yelled over the roar of the copter to Fernando.
 
Hondo: We can only hold this for maybe 30 minutes before I have to ease back and let 'er cool.
 
Fernando: Give me 40 minutes and we will be there at this speed.
 
 Hondo looked at the gauges an' grimaced slightly.
 
Hondo: Might be able to hold it, but it will do hell to the engine. Probably still work but, she'll burn oil like a diesel truck burns diesel!
 
Fernando: It's not mine, I am not worried about this machine. We can repace it, but we can't replace that girls life!
 
Hondo: Ok, then, but I still think we got away too easy. Somethin' has got to be up.
 
Fernando: I know, but what?
 
 About 35 minutes later the copter came in smoking as it hovered over the Enterprise. It had blown an oil seal, but was still functioning even though the temp gauge was well into the red.  
 
 Thy landed an' Hondo escorted their 'guests' off the copter. As soon as he jumps from the copter, Fernando signals to various members on the deck of the Enterprise to various tasks. To the maintenance crews, to repair the helicopter. To security, to round up the guests who Hondo was attending. While all that was going on, Fernando was making his way to the ship's tower entry where Dr. Aiesha was waiting for him, taking off his suit jacket along the way.
 
 Heading to the medical bay, Dr. Aiesha informs Fernando of what was going on with Angelica. Much of what was said he already knows or had guessed, and thus does not pays too much attention to her. He would prefer to check the life monitors and recorded notes before paying any doctor some attention.
 
 For the past couple of hours, the girls have been by the door of the infirmary. As Fernando and Dr. Aiesha steps towards the infirmary, Bink reaches out and grabs Fernando by the arm. Cleas was annoyed by Bink's actions, but because she has beaten her to grabbing his attention. Fernando turns to Bink, and the others.
 
Fernando: Yes?
 
Bink: Is she going to be alright?
 
Fernando: Come on in... all of yous.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Father... this is not a...
 
Fernando (interrupting her): Good Idea? No but at best it is better then leaving them in the dark about what is going on. These girls were in the agency always had access to each other- even when they were hospitalized.
 
 Dr. Aiesha does not answer, as Fernando allows the girls in; even though the guards momentarily stopped them from passing bay. One good stare from Fernando made them change their minds quickly.
 
 Once inside, the girls gathered around Angelica's bed,where she was sleeping, or at least at rest. Another bed was set next to hers. Fernando starts rolling up his right sleeve as he sat on the bed, asking for Angelica's recorded vital sign charts. Claes takes the chart off Angelica's bed and gives it to Fernando. He takes it with his left and starts reading it. He hands his arm over Dr. Aiesha, who begins to apply a tourniquet to his bicep, to build up blood pressure within his veins. Fernando puts down the clipboard and points to a spot in his inner elbow joint.
 
Fernando: Aiesha- try this spot. I doubt you'll be able to draw anything out of anyplace you would stick me with.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Who's the doctor here?
 
Fernando: I was premed before you were conceived girl... Who knows this body better than me?
 
Dr. Aiesha: OK, I get your point.
 
 Dr. Aiesha sticks the needle into Fernando's arm, letting the lilac colored fluid drain into the transfer tube. She tapes down the needle and part of the tube against his forearm.
 
 Bink sits on on the bed next to Fernando.
 
Bink: What are you going to do?
 
Fernando: Angelica needs blood, and I'm going to give her mine.
 
Bink: She can have....
 
Claes: When we need blood, they give us this synthetic one.
 
Fernando: We don't have the synthetic stuff here. and I'm the only one who matches her type.
 
Bink: Are you going to be alright?
 
Fernando: I'll be fine... I need to lay down to get this done, OK.
 
 DARYL lowers Angelica's bed to a lower point than Fernando's bed, to allow gravity to feed her his life fluid. Bink gets off the bed and regroups with the other girls. Fernando lays down.
 
Dr. Aeisha: Girls, they need to be left alone.
 
Fernando: Don't chase them out.
 
Dr. Aiesha: They don't belong here.
 
Fernando: If there can be any tiny sign of hope, it is here with them. They stay, end of argument.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Father...
 
Fernando: Don't force me to pull rank on you.
 
DARYL: Sir...
 
Fernando: Don't you start with me either. You know better than most what these girls are going through.
 
 Dr. Aiesha stands there, with little to say.
 
Fernando: This is going to take a couple of hours. Go get Jeanette, Tammy, Hondo and our guests here when we're 1/2 way done here. Until then, I would like to be left alone with the girls, to discuss many things with them.
 
DARYL and Dr. Aiesha stood there, perhaps insulted, or otherwise mift.
 
Fernando: Leave us.
 
 Dr. Aiesha storms out of the room, DARYL follows. Fernando hands clipboard to Claes.
 
Fernando: Rico, close the door and lock it. Don't let no one in here during the next hour unless I tell you. Claes, record Angelica's heart rate and blood pressure every 5 minutes. Triela, Bink, {as he points at it} get me that machine and bring it to my bed. Turn it on, and hook up the finger clip to me and check my vital signs. If my blood pressure drops below 30/85 or heart rate below 25, go get Dr. Aiesha. Rico, turn off the lights. You girls understand my orders?
 
All: Yes.
 
Fernando: Good. Now we wait. And hope.
 
 The girls complies to his orders. Fernando takes off his glasses, Claes takes them from him and holds on to them. He puts his left arm over his eyes, and lets out a sigh.
 
Fernando says to himself: 2 hours... God, you owe me, and I'm demanding payment from you now.  
------------------
 
Dr. Aiesha notices the door being locked as she and DAYRL waits outside. She approaches it and jiggles the doorknob, verifying that it is locked. She then knocks on the door, only to see the lights go out in the room behind the blinds.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Guard, open the door.
 
 The guards turn to the door, and one of them inserts a key into the lock. Rico locks it faster than the guard can unlock it.
 
One of the guards: I'm sorry ma'am, they are doing something to the lock to prevent me from opening it.
 
Dr. Aiesha: It's OK then... they cant hold out forever.
 
 Dr. Aiesha looks at DARYL for a moment, and turns to walk down the hall.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Lets go get something to eat, DARYL.
 
DARYL: But I'm not really hunger....y....
 
 Dr. Aiesha grabs DARYL by the wrist and hauls him behind her down the hall. Somehow they make it to the galley. She orders a turkey and provolone on a roll with a cream soda. DARYL orders nothing but sits with her nonetheless. While she eats, DARYL remains silent.
W.I. Rose walks into the galley for a quick snack. Once ordering it, she turns to find Dr. Aiesha with DARYL. She heads to them and sits across from Dr. Aiesha.
 
Wild Irish Rose: Hello good doctor... talked with the prisoners that were brought in today?
 
Dr. Aiesha: What prisoners?
 
Wild Irish Rose: They are being detained in one of the interrogation rooms. I hear that they are the doctors that worked on the girls.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Why wasn't I notified?
 
Wild Irish Rose: I thought you were.
 
Dr. Aiesha thinks carefully about what to say next.
 
Dr. Aiesha: It's obvious that I'm left out of the loop. Can you set up me up with an interrogation of those creeps?
 
Wild Irish Rose: I'll see what I can do.
 
 W.I. Rose then nods and smiles at Dr. Aiesha, before slowly getting up and walking away.  
-----------------
 
Alex II rested in his cabin as he read over his report that he was preparing to sent off to headquarters. After a while he got a bit thirsty so he headed out to get something to drink. As Alex II was getting a soda-pop a male mouse entered the area Where Alex II stood. He was Obviously not a member of the team and oviously not a crew member. How he had gotten past security Alex II was not sure.
 
Male Mouse: Well well well. Alexander Armignton II, CIA Agent. Remember me?
 
Alex II: *See this Male Mouse* Yeah, Mike Nitro, EX-CIA Agent. What brings scum like you here?
 
Mike: Well, Admiral Donelly is not dead. He is very much alive and he want me to capture the girls so he can study them and make them his own group of little girl assassins. he he he
 
Alex II: Over my Dead Body
 
Mike: Well, I was hoping you would say that.  
 
 Then Alex II hit Mike in the chest.  Mike didn’t feel a thing.
 
Mike: I am Cyborg too, thanks to my boss, Donelly.
 
 Mike then hit Alex II hard. Alex II hit the wall behind him with a loud SMACK!
 
Alex II: Ok, Nitro. I went easy on you at first. I too have certain cyborg techs and other strengths from special CIA projects that happened after you left. So try this on for size!
 
 Alex II then hit Mike in the face with his cyborg arm. Mike wipe the blood off his face
 
Mike: Not bad but not good enough!
 
 Mike then picked up Alex II and threw him to the floor. Nitro then grabbed Alex II and threw him into a window. Mike Niro came over to grab him again but Alex II got up and jump on Mike. Alex managed to pick up mike and throw him threw the wall. On the other side of the wall the infirmary stood, where Fernando and the 4 girls pesently resided.  Alex II jumped on Mike, pinning him to the floor for the moment. He looked up at them as he tryed to hold Mike down.
 
 When the steel wall burst open from across the room, with Mike Nitro and AlexII flying through it, the girls come alive to their full cyborg capabilities, pulling out their arms and waiting for the air to clear out of dust and situation.
 
Alex II: Sorry guys we got a Intruder here.  
 
Mike then managed to slip out of ALex II hold, grab Alex II by the belt and threw him threw the door. Mike turned to the girls.
 
Mike: I will deal with you later.
 
 ALex II came staggering into the room and staggered right up to Mike Nitro. He swung out hard an' caught Nitro in the mouth, but Nitro snapped two quick blows to Alex II's mid section. This made Alex II double over in pain. As Alex II tried to catch his breath Nitro did an axe kick to alex II trying to aim for the back of the neck. Alex managed to move enough that the kick landed on his hip instead, but it still knocked him to the floor. Nitro then opicked Alexx II up again, an' threw him threw the hole in the wall. Alex II's body smashed into the drink machine which then toppled over on top of his legs pinning him to the floor. Alex II just moaned a bit but didn't move a muscle. Mike Nitro then turned to Fernando, the girls guardian.
 
Mike: I will finish killing Agent Armington later, but now, Fernando, it is your time to die, then that cowboy friend of yours is next! BUAWHAHAHAHA!
 
 Before He could move a muscle one of the girls take aim at Mike, as they had been waiting for the moment to get a clear shot. The first shot comes from Triela, shooting Mike in the back  of the head, but they watch the bullet bounce off.
 
 Mike turns to them, seeing each and everyone pointing their weapons at him.
 
Claes: Cyborgs have 1 major weakness.
 
Rico: Right.
 
Triela: Aim for it, girls...
 
Bink: Done.
 
Claes: FIRE!
 
 Mike gets a full volley of assorted firepower thrown at his eyes as the girls empty their weapons. Though killed by the first and second bullets shot at him, the girls approach him and continue firing into his eyesockets until they run out of bullets.
 
Bink: Nobody threatens those who have saved us!
 
 Naval security bust down the door to the imfirmary, charging in with their weapons pointed at everyone. The girls still have their guns pointed at the Dead Mike.
 
Head of security team: Nobody Moves!  
 
Fernando grabs his .32/.38 from his holster with his left, and the Black-widow .22 from his belt buckle with his right, turning his head to the girls.
 
Fernando: Girls, is the threat neutralized?
 
All the girls: Yes.
 
Fernando: Girls, reload and revert to previous order. Rico, post yourself by the end of my bed.
 
 The girls comply, while the guards watch in awe, and the girls stare back at them like angry wolves at an intruder of the pack.
 
Fernando: Don't even try it, men. They can kill you with their bare hands as your bullets bounce off their bodies.
 
 Alex II manages to get out from under the soda-pop machine with some help. He limped a bit and held his side. He snarled as he entered the room.
 
Alex II: STAND DOWN NOW CIA ORDERS THE GIRLS WERE HELPING ME SO NAVY STAND DOWN NOW! OK, who is in charge of security? I want to know how you let this guy on board? He almost killed me, and was going to kill others and take the girls undoing everything we have just worked for! He is wanted by the US government and is on the 20 most wanted list, so how did he get on board undetected?!?!  
 
 Claes and Bink stand by Fernando, showing off their empty weapons that they can not reload due to lack of ammunition. Fernando holds out his two guns, the girls look at them for a while.  
Claes takes the .32/.38 and gives it to Bink, and then takes the Black-widow for herself.  
 
 Fernando searches his pockets and pulls out 2 more loaded magazine clips for the .32/.38 and 3 loaded chamber rounds. Claes takes them and distributes the items between her and Bink.
 
Head of Security: We cant have armed civilians while on board...
 
Fernando: Excuse me sir, but I would advise you to turn around and walk away, while your men clean up this mess. And Alex II is right, how could you have this cyborg gain entry onto this ship? You call yourself Head of Security?
 
W. I. Rose and Captain R. C. Ready walk into the infirmary, with more guards, looking over the mess within, as Dr. Aiesha and DARYL wait outside.
 
Captain Ready: What in Tarnation happened on MY Ship?!!
 
AlexII: That cyborg attacked me and in the fight we went through that wall!
Captain Ready looked over the hole in the wall, noting that its made from 3 inches of amoured steel plating. Then he slowly turns to Alex II.
 
Captain RR: And who are you?
 
Alex II: CIA Agent Alexander Armington II, here with Fernando on this Italian cyborg case.
 
Captain RR: Fernando, can you verify what he said?
 
Fernando: Yes, he's on our side.
 
Captain Ready, as he looks at the dead body on the floor: And who's this?
 
Alex II: Mike Nitro, Ex-CIA, now rouge agent. He said something about Admiral Donnelly wanting these girls to be part of his solider compliment.
 
Captain Ready: I see.
 
 Captain Ready leans over to his intelligence officer (Rose) and whispers something to her. W. I. Rose nods and then leaves.
 
Captain Ready: Fernando, why are these girls armed?
 
Fernando: For this exact reason.
 
 Captain Ready as he approaches Fernando's bed: You know civilians are not allowed to be armed on a United States Military vessel.
 
Fernando: The girls are my responsibility. The ship is yours. I kept them out of your hair, but your security was breached and they dealt with a threat accordingly as your guards would. So I will continue to oversee the girls, you need to take care of your ship.
 
 Captain Ready hates it when others tell him what is job it, and who wouldn't.
 
Captain Ready, as he points at the transfusion connection tube between Fernando and Angelica: How much longer are you going to take with this?
Fernando: Claes, time check?
 
Claes: 42minutes so far.
 
Fernando: Another hour and a 1/2, captain.
 
 Captain Ready turns and walks away, while giving orders to his men.
 
Captain Ready: Clean up this mess, I want the body on ice and that hold patched up. Add more security details to this wing. I don't want a repeat of this incident.
 
 Dr. Aiesha and DARYL walk into the infirmary, ignoring everything else.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Father! I'm glad your OK...
 
Fernando: Please, not in front of the girls.
 
 Dr. Aiesha looks over Claes' work, and the transfusion tube, then at her watch.
 
Fernando: Come back in 1/2 an hour.
 
Dr. Aiesha: But...
 
Fernando: Its not safe here... Now Go.
 
Dr. Aiesha: But...
 
Fernando: Just go.
 
 Dr. Aiesha leaves, DARYL follows.
 
Bink: That's your daughter?
 
Fernando: So she is.
 
Bink: Are you like that towards her?
 
Claes: Bink. He's treating her like Jose treated you.
 
Bink: But as her father, he should treat her better. We're just tools.
 
Fernando: How people treat each other is on them. I don't treat Aiesha no better or worst than anyone else... maybe better since she is my daughter, but she's an adult now. And you girls, are more than just tools. You're people, though enhanced to do a special job, but you are still people.
 
 Slowly Angelica stirs in her bed. Everyone turns to her so see how she was. Somehow, she finds the strength to say something.
 
Angelica: Once upon a time, people can love each other, even fathers and daughters. But sometimes something happens, for better or worst.
 
Triela: Aren't we all here because of our parents?
 
Rico: My parents sent me here to get this new body, and if I have to work to keep it, I'll do anything for it.
 
Fernando: Girls. Angelica's right. You are all here because of your parents, mostly because the wrong reasons...
 
Bink: How so?
 
Fernando: Bink, everyone, I want you to think hard to remember something from long ago. To go beyond your conditioning, your memories before being part of the section 1 with your handlers... and I want you to answer this: Do you remember love?
 
 They all stare back at him, unsure how to answer. But if they succeed, Fernando has put a major crack into their psychological brainwashing.
 
Fernando: Alex II, I'm going to need you to leave.
 
 Alex II leaves the room without question.  
 
 Rico follows him and locks the door behind Alex II as he left. She then does a complete 180, and heads back to the bed, almost in a marching fashion.
 
Bink: Do I remember Love? From a family? My Fratello is my family...
 
Rico: I remember my family. They used to fight and argue about me all the time, at least when I was in the hospital.
 
Triela: I don't remember my family at all.
 
Claes: I barely remember mine.
 
Fernando: Your conditioning, your programming and your brainwashing prevents you to remember who and what you were before becoming members of section 1. Some of you have went through a heavy conditioning process, others light. It depends on what brought you here in the first place. I can not answer for you why it was done to you, but you have to go past your conditioning to understand why.
 
Bink: Do you love your daughter?
 
Claes: Bink, that was unnecessary!
 
 Fernando lets out a sigh before answering.
 
Fernando: Its OK, Claes. Let me start with everyone has a secret. Aiesha was a secret that I did not know about until just a few years ago. It makes no less that I do love her or not, it only made it difficult to accept. Once there is acceptance, then can be understand and then love. Yes, I love her for she is my daughter, when I found out the truth that she was. Mind you, she's 26 now, I've only known about her since she was 18.
 
Bink: Wow...
 
 The other 3 girls look at Bink in disbelief.
 
Bink: What?!!
 
Claes: Maybe there was a reason as to why it happened.
 
Fernando: There was a reason; I do not consider it to be the right reason, but there was a reason.
 
Bink: What was that reason?
 
Fernando: Her mother and I had a fight and ran away from me. Doing that, she did not tell me she was pregnant. Nor did she tell me that she was raising our child in the few times that we met. In short, discovering Aiesha was an accident. Since then, I've done my best for her.
 
Bink: That was not nice of her.
 
Fernando: Believe me, she is not nice.
 
Bink: Then how did you and her got together?
 
 Fernando glares Bink but only for a second
 
Fernando: That's ancient history.
 
Triela: We have plenty of time.
 
Claes: Not you too...
 
Fernando: Its OK, Claes... History started by once upon a time, and living happily ever after, but it did not turn out to be that way. You girls fought against terrorists and corrupt government officials. What would happen if one of you became like them- hurting others.
 
Rico: We will kill who ever that might be.
 
Fernando: Elsa?
 
Bink: Elsa was not evil.
 
Triela: She killed her handler, Lauro.
 
Bink: That does not make her evil.
 
Claes: What if she did not kill herself?
 
Fernando: That is the problem, too many if's. But you girls have not answered my question... Do You Remember Love?  
 
 Claes thought for a moment,  she remembers reading a lot and how she got books for Christmas and birthdays. At least those are the memories of her previous life rekindled by the photo album in her file. In every photograph, she is reading or holding up a book she just received. Those are certainly warm, pleasant memories.
 
Claes (thinking): Is that love?
 
 There is a tug on her heart for the life she once had. That is all Claes can be certain of.  
------------------------
 
 Hondo had been in the copter hanger when the earlier ruckus had taken place. Fernando had made it clear on copter that he wanted to be alone with the girls durin' the transfusion. Hondo didn't argue as he knew Fernando had a good reason, an' Hondo trusted his judgment thoroughly by now.
 
 When the ruckus was told about down at the hanger bay, Hondo raced topside with a suitcase like box in one hand an' his .50 cal dragoon in the other. He clearly missed the action, but he knew the girls needed more ammo, or more guns. The door to the infirmary was closed again when Hondo got there, so he knocked on the door. Fernando looked up at the figure in the door window with a disgusted look on his face but his looked lost its angry when he saw Hondo, who was holdin' up the case an' pointin' at it. Fernando ordered one of the girls to let Hondo in, and to relock the door after him.
 
Fernando: About time you got here.
Hondo: Sorry I missed the action, just makin' sure they got to work on that copter an' didn't mess up my modifications. Besides it was so noises down there I couldn't hear myself think. I heard from one of the crew that there was a fight goin' on up here with a spy. I came as soon as I was told.
 
 Hondo opened the case as the girls looked on with curious looks, wonderin' what he had. Hondo read their looks and answered them.  
 
Hondo: That will not be the last intruder, I'm a thinkin', so y'all will need more ammo an' more fire power.  I'll take my pistols back from you two, *Hondo pointed at Bink and Claes* and give you each two of these.
 
 Hondo pulled out four .25/.32's and handed it to Bink and Claes.
 
Hondo: Rico can have the fifth one an' use her own pistol as I have more ammo for her. Triela, I have more ammo for you an' you can use this snub nose .38 special I found in the copter. I'll give each of you 50 rounds a piece of ammo per caliber weapon you have.
 
Fernando: Sounds good to me. now you can do whatever you were doing and I can finish here.
 
Hondo: I'm stayin' here.
 
Fernando: No your not.
 
Hondo: I'm a stayin'. I'll sit in the corner an' stay quiet, but since the last fellow failed who knows how many will come next. I'm stayin' an' helpin', an' that's that!
 
 Fernando saw the determination in Hondo's blood shot eyes, the lack of sleep was showin' a little, and even though Fernando twas sure they could handle any problems it was nice to have a friend around that cared that much and was willing to go all the way to protect those he cared about. Fernando was also learning to trust Hondo as a friend, as a person, an' a partner. He also was learning to trust Hondo's abilities, though he thought he had a long way to go he had far more fighting abilities than most that had come on this mission.
 
Fernando: OK. We might need you at that.
 
  Fernando laid back down. Hondo pick himself an out of sight, dark corner an' sat down on a chair backward with pistol in hand an' his colt shot gun, which he had slung over his shoulder, now rested against his knee.  
 
Fernando: Girls, we'll continue our discussion later; Claes, time check.
 
Claes: Its been 1 hour and 20minutes.
 
Fernando: Whats Angelica's vital signs?
 
Claes: Its... (she looks at her notes and then to the life monitors)... Heart rate is 72, Blood Pressure is 110/80.
 
Fernando (to himself): a definite improvement.
 
Bink: Your blood pressure and heart rate are dropping.
 
Fernando: Let them drop. I'll be fine after a while.
 
Hondo: You're also be in no condition to fight either.
 
Fernando: I thought you were going to rest.
 
Hondo: I am. Just stating the obvious, that's all.
 
 Fernando slowly gets up and sits on his bed next to Angelica's, thinking '2 hours- that would be a little more than 4 pints of blood, or about less than 1/2 of my total supply.'
 
Fernando: Rico, go to the guards outside and tell them to go get Dr. Aiesha.
 
 Rico complies, returning when she was done. Feeling tired, Fernando takes his guns that the girls had returned, putting them into their proper placements on his person. He then spots the case where he had packed the extra guns at, finding 1 left inside. He takes it along with a clip of ammo, checks it and then places it on Angelica's belly. She reaches to get and picks it up, moving it to a more comfortable position on her person.
 
 Within minutes, Dr. Aiesha returns with DARYL. Rico opens the door for her, but following directions too literally, draws her weapon to DARYL to keep him at bay by the door before locking it on his face. Fernando approves of her actions.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Whats going on?
 
Fernando: Its time to disconnect.
 
Dr. Aiesha: Its only been 90 minutes or so.
 
Fernando: More than enough. I figure she has 1/2 my blood volume in her, and for a girl her size, that's more than enough.
 
 Dr. Aiesha clamps the transfer tube on both patients, slowly removing the needle from Angelica's arm first and bandaging the injection site, and then does the same to Fernando. Fernando slowly gets up and stands by Angelica's bed.
 
Stroking her hair to one side, he tells her: You need to want to live if you don't want to die. Understand that?
 
 Angelica nods her head.
 
Fernando: No one here wants you to die. We want you to live.
 
Angelica: I know.
 
Fernando Then get well. Aiesha, I'll be back, you stay with the girls. Girls, protect Dr. Aiesha and Angelica. Come on Hondo... we got things to do.
 
Hondo: OK Boss Squirrel Man.
 
 Dr. Aiesha tries to start an argument to keep Fernando from leaving, but quickly loses the battle.  
 
 They both leave. Bink can be heard saying: Dr. Aiesha, is that really your father?
 
Claes: BINK!
 
 Fernando and Hondo make their way to the galley, where they walk into the cooking area and talk with the KP-Sgt. (Kitchen Police Sargent).
 
Fernando: Sir, I have several girls in the infirmary who have not eaten all day. Mind setting a little something for them?
 
KP-Sgt: What do you have in mind?
 
Fernando: Well, lets see. Tea. small cake like things, like crumpets or mini crescents? A big pasta meal can be given later on, lets say, for dinner.
 
KP-Sgt: We really don't have things like that here.
 
 W.I. Rose walks in quietly, checks the 'mess' for routine inspection, and listens in before stepping into the conversation.
 
W.I.  Rose: You have enough raw materials here. Make something a little special for our invited and dignified guests.
 
KP-Sgt: Yes Sir! (Then he turns to his kitchen crew, walking away and shouting at them) Listen here you maggots...
 
W.I. Rose: Fernando, I've seen you look better in worse situations.
 
Fernando: I know. I'm just tired.
 
W.I.  Rose: Don't give me that 'I'm Tired' BS... I know what you did, and I can't really do or say anything about it, but I expect no less out of you. Now, if my basic first aide is correct, you need some food yourself.
 
Fernando: Just take a banana, and some milk and blend it, that and some cookies, and I'll be fine.
 
W.I. Rose: OK then. Go sit in the main dining area, and I'll take care of things for you.
 
 Fernando makes his way to the main dining area. Hondo sneaks around the kitchen area, taking a sample of the chili and beef that they were preparing for the crew. He eventually catches up with Fernando and sits with his small meal.
 
Fernando: You're in no better shape than I am.
 
Hondo: You do what you got to do, you know.
 
Fernando: Yes, one must, but not that the expense of themselves. Look, Hondo- you do as you must so that every night, you can feel comfortable going to bed and not worry about some idiot going after you in your sleep.
 
Hondo: I'll do fine with naps here an' there. I'll sleep when I get home.
 
Fernando: Just don't be too tired. We're not finished yet.
 
 W.I. Rose arrives with a tall metal glass of blended bananas and milk, with a dish of assorted cookies.
 
W.I. Rose: Don't tell the captain about this. Those are from his private stock.
 
Fernando: Well, for that I'm going to have to repay him and you after the mission. Thanks.
 
W.I. Rose: You don't have to repay anything... Just get those girls to the Cafe is payment enough.
 
Fernando: What's your interest in them?
 
W.I. Rose: I don't mean it to sound like that or anything. It just no child should be put through what they have went through.
 
Fernando: I see.
 
 Fernando starts off his drink and cookies, taking it slow. Hondo finishes his small meal long before Fernando does his.
 
 The KP-Sgt arrives to their table with a closed large serving tray, that he places on the table.
 
KP-Sgt: Tea and pastries for our guest. Its not our finest chinaware but it will have to do.
 
Fernando: Thank you sir. I'll see that you get a medal for your service.
 
 The KP-Sgt looks at him odd, as if he would ever get a medal for this favor. He then nods at Fernando, turns around and walks away. Fernando finishes the last of his drink and cookies, before getting up to leave. He tries to pick up the serving try but finds it heavier than he'd expected. Hondo reaches for it and takes it.
 
Fernando: Thank you Rose.
 
W.I. Rose: Its been my pleasure.
 
 Fernando and Hondo leaves the galley and back to the infirmary with the tray. Once inside, they put the tray on Fernando's bed and open it. Hondo lowers to the bed to table level.
 
Fernando: Sorry ladies, but we're short on tables and chairs.
 
 The girls look at the tray, without first realizing what it that they had bought. Once they figured out what it was, they go about their tea ritual.  

Hondo saw Jeanette and Tammy come in so he walked back to the kitchen to get the now disgruntled cook to bring out some more food for the 2 ladies who just arrived.  
 
 Tammy told Hondo about their conversation with Fernando. After she finished the girls asked Hondo to either go check on Fernando or let them. Hondo caved in an' set his plate down to go check on him.
 
Hondo: While I'm gone you girls listen to Tamy an' Jeanette. an' no shootin' unless someone else starts it! understood?
 
Girls: Yes sir.
 
Hondo: What's this again with the sir? Don't call me sir.
 
 With that said Hondo left. The girls took up watching the door for their arrival back or trouble. Hondo walked to the infirmary as he had a feelin' Fernando would be there. He was an' he was a sleep. Hondo quietly sat a chair outside the door an' sat down to wait an' watch for Fernando. Even though a sleep, Fernando could sense Hondo's presents an' visibly rested easier. Hondo flagged down a crew member to take a note to the girls which explained what was goin' on an' that they would be down there after Fernando woke up.  
-----------------
-----------------
 
 Meanwhile the rouge CIA agent Scott was still aboard the ship. Alex II and the AI bat, CCC, have foiled all his plans. This greatly angered Scott to no end. Out of Idea's and out of time Scott takes up a firing position at a distance from the door on deck that leads to the infirmary.  
 
Scott growled to himself: Fernando has to come out of there again some time soo . . . AH! another target!
 
 Scott saw Hondo as he came up from the galley to enter the infirmary from the deck side. He rested his rifle against the tire of a plane on deck and took aim. just as he was about to squeeze the trigger he lost all strength in his hands. He dropped the rifle and looked down on it as it lay on the deck.
 
Scott thought as he looked down: Why did I drop that? Why do a feel so weak? what is that red stuff on the floor. It looks like blood.
 
 All of a sudden pain started to creep over him from his mid section e looked at his middle to see a blade sticking out of it. The blade suddenly disappeared from sight as it was pulled out of him. he turned around to face what had got him. His eyes grew wide and his lips made as to speak, but no sound came out. he fell to his knees then fell to the floor face first. A last gurgle was heard from him as blood foamed at his mouth, then he died.
 
 Alex II wiped off the blade of his samurai sword and stuck it back into its sheath.
 
Alex II: You don't try to kill those I work with and get away with it. Not on my watch.
 
 Alex II went to one of the guards on deck and told him to get rid of the dead Scott. Alex II headed to his room to wash the blood off of him then change into his tux. He placed his sword in a special case and hid the case under his bed. After settling his nerves for the moment and allowing the adrenalin rush to subside, he calmly walked into the cafeteria After passing by the infirmary to look in on Fernando and Hondo. He headed to eat with the girls. The girls became instantly alert at the figure approaching the table, but as he had helped rescue them earlier they saw him as alright so they settled down to resume their supper. The chef came by shortly and Alex II gave the chef a note that contained his supper order as he held to a special diet. The chef nodded at the request and returned to the kitchen to fix it for him.
-----------
-----------
 
 Rest does not come easy to Fernando. Lack of blood may have something to do with it. Fernando senses Hondo sitting by the door, and gets up, rubbing his eyes and then temples.
 
Fernando: What are you doing here? You're supposed to be with the girls.
 
Hondo: They got worried about you, so I went to see how you were doing.
 
Fernando: You left 5 armed girls alone in the cafeteria...?
 
Hondo: Whats wrong with that? They seem to be able to handle things well on their own.
 
Fernando: Alright... Lets go... before they turn the lunchroom into a free-for-all shoot'em up.
 
Hondo: Might be interestin' to watch.
 
Fernando gets out of the bed and starts taking deliberate steps towards Hondo.
 
Hondo: Boss Squirrel Man, you sure you're alright? You don't look to good.
 
Fernando: Never mind how I look. I'll be fine in a day or two.
 
Hondo: I can tell the girls that you need your rest. They'll understand.
 
Fernando: No... not at this stage of earning their respect, and hopefully their bonding, which I'll need to test later on. Come on, lets go.
 
 Fernando staggers out of the infirmary ward, with Hondo right behind to catch him if he should fall. Somehow, Fernando manages to stay composed of himself as they make their way to the galley, and finally to the girls table... which by now was crowded with added people: Dr. Aiesha, DARYL, AlexII, DOS, Jeanette Isabelle and Tammy.
 
 Fernando takes his seat in the middle where there was a spot, and Hondo takes his seat as before. Everyone was at various stages of completion of the meals, the girls and DOS has started on their main course, as was DOS. Dr. Aiesha was eating a small salad and nothing more, while DARYL had nothing. Alex II seemed to be enjoying a steak dinner or sorts. Tammy and Jeanette were still munching on their salad while talking business about the Bink's (and the girls) future. The chef of the galley places salad w/ravioli in front of Fernando. Slowly taking his fork, he feels for the salad's location before eating it.
 
 The girls who had started on the main course (Chicken Parmigiana w/Linguini), started to have troubles with their knives slipping off the plate if they cut too hard or too quickly. This is because the knives themselves were dulled butter knives made to look like steak knives. The chicken itself was tender and juicy, but hard enough to give a dull knife trouble. One could do better if they cut the meat with the side of the fork...
 
 Hondo sat down again to his meal, still facin' the door. He stopped the cook again, who had a haunted look in his eye, and asked him if he had barbecue sauce for the chicken. The cook bent the servin' fork in his hand an' stomped to the kitchen. An open bottle of sauce flew out the door at Hondo, but lucky for all it flipped in air an' Hondo caught it with open end pointin' from origin so no sauce spilled. The cook turned red an' stared wide eyed at the messed up plan to get the gunfighter who was use to camp cookin' an' diners an' did not seem to appreciate the finer foods that were served. Hondo asked if anyone else want some, but most either were happy with the flavor or did not want to ensue the cooks wrath so they all shook their heads no. Hondo shrugged his shoulders as in to say *your loss*. He then turned to the cook who was still in the door. Hondo hefted the bottle in one hand an' threw it back to the cook as he said,"catch" just loud enough for the cook to hear. The cook retreated into the kitchen, but the door did not swing shut fast enough. Swearin' then issued forth from the kitchen. Hondo looked at Bink, who was across from him. She had watched what had transpired with an amount of curiosity that showed in her expression, as had Claes who was beside her.
 
Hondo: Oh, well. You win some you lose some. I'll have to start eatin' somewhere else, or keep all poisons out of the reach of cooky.
 
Bink: He won't poison you, would he?
 
Hondo: Not if he knows what's good for him. With y'all around his health could deteriorate fast if he pulled anythin'.
 
Claes: You don't like you chicken?
 
Hondo chuckled: It's fine. I do like it better with the barbecue, but I was really more messin' with his mind. Can't let him get to proud of his cookin'.
 
Hondo wink. at the girls which brought a smile out of both of them before they returned to the food in front of them.
 
 Hondo thought as he sat there about what was to happen to the girls. He'd love to see them on a trap team. He wondered if givin' them guns as a sport tool would might help them reintegrate into society. As long as they remembered not to shoot their opponents that is. Hondo went back to eatin' but he now kept an eye on the kitchen door as well.  
 
 As the group eats, Fernando starts off a conversation with Hondo.
 
Fernando: We will need to wake up tomorrow morning and take the heli to Naples and Milan to pick up a couple of others.
 
Hondo: You mean for that test you want to do, Boss Squirrel Man?
 
Fernando: Precisely.
 
 They talk loud enough for the others to hear, catching their attention.
 
Jeanette: What test? You said nothing of any tests...
 
Fernando (interrupting her): It really does not matter whether or not 'we have the girls,' if their loyalties lay on someone else, Jeanette. We can test that now with one of them if you like (glancing towards Rico for a moment).
 
Jeanette: A test, here and now?
 
Fernando: A test- after dinner, alone- just the 4 of us, on the deck.
 
Jeanette: And if there is a failure in that test?
 
Fernando: Then the CIA and everybody else who is invisibly involved will have what they want.
 
Jeanette: And what would that be?
 
Fernando: Me... dead.
 
 Jeanette, as the rest of the table looks at Fernando in awed silence.
 
Fernando: Care to carry it out?
 
Jeanette: Not at your expense.
 
Fernando: I am such a small price to pay to find out the truth. This would matter to us all, if there is a failure, it should be known as soon as possible.
 
 Fernando then gets up and taps his glass with his fork.
 
Fernando: Girls... Guns on the table.
 
 At first they hesitate. Fernando takes the initiative by removing his from his shoulder holster, and puts it in front of his dinner plate. The girls look at each other for the moment, then take their out and places them as he did, in front of theirs.
 
Fernando: Like I said, Jeanette failure of any kind with them would be detrimental. If we were seen as the enemy,...
 
Claes: you would be dead when we first met you.
 
Fernando: And why aren't we?
 
Claes: Failure in programming.
 
Jeanette: What?
 
Bink: We are programmed to kill those who are targeted, mostly corrupted politicians, organized crime members and terrorists. We were told to target you, but you do not fit that criteria, and...
 
Tammy: ...and therefore you programming failed you.
 
Claes: Not quite, but it will suffice for an answer.
 
Jeanette: Then whats the real reason?
 
Claes: Sometimes we think before pulling that trigger. A 1 second exercise in reasoning, to make sure who we kill is the right person for the right reason. Any doubt in that reasoning, we might be killing an innocent person. That is something we wont do.
 
Fernando: Hence that day in front of the hotel...
 
Claes: Thus far, by your own actions, you rescued one of us twice. You do not order us to do anything, just make our own decisions so what we do is something we want to do, something we believe is right and something we can do. It is not just being a grain a wheat.
 
Fernando: But being the farmer who plants that grain of wheat.
 
Claes: Precisely.
 
 Silence takes the table for a brief moment.
 
Tammy (as she looks at Bink): Who will this test involve?
 
Fernando: One from this table, Jeanette, myself... and somebody who is already here.
 
Tammy: Who is the one from the table?
 
Fernando: I'd rather not say for the moment; it would skew the results of the tests.
 
Tammy: The heck with skewing... I want to know if Bink is involved!
 
Fernando: Actually, it's is none of your business if it involves her or not.
 
 Tammy turned red from anger.
 
Dr. Aiesha: That was not called for, father.
 
Fernando: I see. You're taking sides too.
 
Dr. Aiesha: If it means losing you, yes. I'll take sides, the one side that would prevent it.
 
Fernando: You would rather not want to know if this is even justifiable?
 
Dr. Aiesha: No test justifies the life of a furson.
 
Fernando: Even if that test was for justifying loyalties which would later define life or death decisions later on?
 
Dr. Aiesha: No.
 
Fernando: You know daughter... its always 'dad' when you want something, and 'father' when you think it undermines your authority of being the adult you are.
 
Dr. Aiesha: What does that have to do with anything?
 
Fernando: Again- loyalties.
 
Dr. Aiesha: I don't see where you are getting at with this.
 
Fernando: For an adult, you act like a kid at times.
 
Dr. Aiesha: and you act like....
 
DOS (Interrupting Dr. Aiesha): A Meanie Head.
 
Fernando: Score goes to DOS.
 
Jeanette: Why put yourself in danger?
 
Claes: We can not go with you if we fail.
 
Fernando: Not exactly in those words, but yes.
 
Jeanette: Then put it in the exact words.
 
Fernando: Simple. If the girls can not get out of their programming and conditioning, then its a matter of time before that kicks in on them and they kill us in order for them to find their way home. If they have gone beyond their programming and conditioning, then their home is with us. It is that simple.
 
Jeanette: And who of them will the test involve?
 
Fernando: The one with the heaviest conditioning.
 
Triela: That's eliminated Bink and I.
 
Claes: That eliminates me as well.
 
 Angelica and Ricco stare at each other trying to figure out who it is.
 
Fernando: Enough of this guessing.
 
Angelica: I would not kill somebody who saved my life, sir.
 
Rico faces Fernando but does not answer.
 
Fernando: Now the test is skewed... Thank you Jeanette and Tammy for screwing this up.
 
Jeanette: What have I done?
 
Fernando: You questioned my decision of action. An action- regardless of how it may end, but one I think is important enough to do.
 
Jeanette: We're rescuers, not self imposing Jihadists on a mission from god.
 
Fernando: Lets suppose this: If the World Trade were around in 1935, and 9/11 happened on 1938, knowing that Hitler was in one of the burning towers and knowing what he was up to in Germany as a time traveler, would you follow orders to rescue him or would you leave him there to burn?
 
Jeanette: You can not make such assumptions.
 
Fernando: No? Why not?
 
Jeanette: Why not? Because... you can't. Not in this world. Maybe in another world where I am you and you are me and everyone else was somebody else instead. But in this world, you cant.
 
Fernando: That is just semantics. You still have to answer the question- yes or no, would you save Hitler from a burning tower, knowing that there is a possibility that you may fail in the task and in that failure- die?
 
Jeanette: No.
 
Fernando: Then you have failed.
 
Jeanette: How so?
 
Fernando: As a rescuer- you failed in the mission of rescue.
 
Jeanette: As a time traveler, I have saved the world from his evil.
 
Fernando: As a time traveler, you have failed for you altered history in a major way. You have skewed the past into something that is likened to be worse than the history we know. You allowed yourself to have your personal feelings and beliefs get in the way of doing the right thing.
 
Jeanette (mift at the conversation to nowhere): I get your point.
 
Fernando: I don't think you have. I don't even think anybody can.
 
Jeanette: Stop being self-righteous. It unbecoming of you.
 
Fernando: After dinner, everybody rest up. I will choose who it will be and when, and us 4, and only us four will meet up at the starboard bow of this ship.
 
 For the moment, no one says a word as dinner continued. After a moment Hondo leaned over an' whispered to Fernando.
 
Hondo: I'm not for you gettin' killed either, but I see that the test must be done. If i could be the targeted one instead i would. Is there anyway that I can take your place?
 
Fernando: Why would you want to take my place?
 
Hondo: Well, I don't wanna see you get killed, Boss man, an' besides, if things go to hell they will need you here more than they need me. I'm expendable.
 
Fernando: No, Hondo. You're not expendable. No one is. Besides, this is something that I must do if the test is to work right.
 
Hondo: Alright, Jefe, you know best. I'll back ya 110% of the way, whatever your plan may be.
 
Fernando: Thank you, Hondo. I know I can rely on you.
 
  Hondo nodded. he had finished eatin' already so he sat back an' worked on puttin' a better edge on his knife. He then stood up quick like.
 
 
Hondo: I'll be back. I'm goin' to check on the copter and make sure they have the repairs done. With that Hondo exits. He finds the copter almost done, but the workers needed some extra instructions as to his modifications. After he gave them the info, gabbed somethin' out of the copter, and got the crew chiefs promise that she'd be ready in the mornin'.  
 
 The chef makes his appointed to the table rounds with a couple of assistants, refilling glasses, taking empty plates, and switching meal courses. He takes Fernando's salad plate and exchanges it for a main meal plate of linguini and chicken parmigiana.  
 
Hondo returned shortly. By now most of the folk were done eatin' an' were just talkin' amongst themselves, though Fernando had just started his main coarse.
 
Hondo: Did I miss anything?
 
Fernando: Not yet.
 
Hondo: Good.
 
 Hondo sat back down, leaned back in his chair, an' waited for Fernando an' the girls to be done. As he sat he listened to the talk 'round him.
 
 Fernando takes his fork and knife and starts to cut into the chicken, finding the dull knife on the verge of not being able to cut it. So he presses harder, moving up on handle to get more leverage. Instead, the knife slips out from between the gap of his thumb and index finger, sliding up off the plate and going wildly airborne. He quickly drops his fork he had in his left hand and reaches for the knife with it without looking.
 
 Normally, he would have caught it. This time, he finds his hand wrapping around another hand. Which was wrapped around another hand. And another hand... in all 6 hands held onto each other onto the one hand that held the knife. Everyone just looked at each other as they all held onto the knife. Being the most outer hand, Fernando lets go. Followed by Angelica, Triela (who has the longest reach to go through), Rico, Cleas, and Bink. The one holding onto the knife was DOS. DOS returns the knife to Fernando.
 
Fernando: Thank you.  
 
 W.I. Rose has the (mis)fortune to be walking through the room at that moment.....When a knife comes right at her!!!! With a gasp she flinches and backs against the wall and then.... after a half the table goes after the knife DOS comes up as the one that catches the knife in mid air.
 
Fernando: It wasn't sharp, Rose.
 
Fernando stated that matter-of -factly after DOS returns the knife.
 
 Rose just gawks in disbelief and shock. She locks eyes with Hondo, who had sat forward with interest. He just shrugs and smirks. Intelligence Officer W.I. Rose sighs almost annoyed and shakes her head.
 
Wild Irish Rose: I'm going to lock myself in my cabin now....good night!
 
 Rosie slams the door of the VIP cabin and locks it tight. Nosing around in the fridge, she retrieves a root beer and sits at the small dinette table. Her wrath hiding the fright she received. She pulls out her guns and begins slowly, methodically slipping bullets into the chambers
 
Wild Irish Rose (to herself): Things are getting weirder and weirder around here....I swear....*  
 
 Back at the table bink looked at Hondo with a questioning look.
 
Bink: What's with her?
 
Hondo: Not sure. Either she just wore out or it's one of those female things I'll will never understand.
 
Bink: Oh. ok.
 
 Hondo had been long done. From always bein' on the last minute notice type ventures he learned how to inhale his food, but still enjoy it.
 
Fernando: I think she thought that was the test, Hondo.
 
Hondo: I thought the same thing too, but no use lettin' her worry 'bout it not bein' an' no use tellin' every one here. They should know, but if they think that was it then let them. Easier on you.
 
Fernando: My sentiments exactly.
 
Fernando continued his eating. The girls looked at the one that caught the knife with acknowledgment.  
 
Bink: You are the first human cyborg we have met.
 
DOS: I'm a replimorph.
 
Bink: A what?
 
Claes: A constructed being based on various technologies to give itself a physical manifestation for an artificial intelligence program to interact with the world around it. The AI can reside in either or both the replimorph and/or some other external storage facility. A manifestation like. . . .(Claes looks at DOS) . . . DOS. A manifestation of an artificial intelligence program like DOS would have the response time of a computer. Response time limitations are determined by the hardware.
 
DOS: I am a manifestation of the Internet.
 
 DOS picks up her fork to take another bite. Claes then throws her knife at DOS. DOS lets go of her fork while in transition, catches the knife squarely by the handle, lays it on the table by her plate and catches her fork before it hits the table and places it on her plate. DOS then hands the knife to Claes as the girls take notice.  
 
DOS: That is one way to break the ice. You see what I am able to do. The six of us could join a soccer team. Understand my strength and speed is limited by my manifestation.
 
Fernando: Joining a soccer team is a good idea, DOS. It will be a way for you young ladies to reintegrate into society.
 
Bink: Limited? We saw what you just did.
 
DOS: If you were to clock my hand and arm movement, and nothing else, it will be no different from that of a human child. Control and reaction time is what made the demonstration you witnessed possible.
 
 Claes made another challenge to DOS.  
 
Claes: With that level of control, I am interested in how you handle a cup and saucer.
 
 The soccer Idea caught Alex II attention. He was finished eating at the time so he gathered up his dishes to take to the kitchen. As he passed Fernando He stopped for a minute.
 
Alex II Fernando, My kids are in a special advanced soccer team for gifted children. The CIA funds it. I'm sure I can either get them on the team of get the CIA to fund a second team. Let me know and I'll arrange it.
 
Alex II then continued to the kitchen, not waiting for a reply.
 
 Bein' long done with supper, Hondo stood up.
 
Hondo: Well girls, if your done, we need to get you back to your room.
 
Claes: Aww, I wanted to see what DOS could do with the cup and saucer.
 
Hondo: Angelica needs to rest still, an' I don't want her alone. The rest of y'all need to stay with her an' help protect her, alright?
 
Bink: We understand. We can see DOS's tricks later, Claes.
 
 The others nodded in agreement an' Claes gave in an' agreed it was for the best. Hondo pushed Angelica out in her wheel chair with Bink an' Claes in the front an' the other two followin'. It did not take long to get back. Hondo helped Angelica into her bed. Bink assured him they would take care of her from there, for now. Hondo nodded an' left them to it. He set himself a chair outside their door, settled himself back with his shotgun an' waited for the Boss squirrel man's next move.  
 
 Fernando looked over to the girls as they leave. Once they have gone, he pays attention to AlexII.
 
Fernando: I know you mean well, but don't be planning until after we get these girls home and have them safe and sound.
 
AlexII: But I was thinking of what would be best for them.
 
Fernando: We all are. That's the problem. Too many people wanting to help out. We do need a village to raise these girls, but they will also need a home to live in and a life not to be touched by secret government agencies who want to use them as machines. Once I can guarantee that, then by all means, plan away.
 
 Jeanette and Tammy clean up after themselves. As they walk away, Jeanette leans over to Fernando.
 
Jeanette: I hope you know what you're doing, but I'll be there to back you up.
 
Fernando: That's all I ever wanted.
 
 Aeisha gets up and follows them. DARYL goes with her.
 
Dr. Aiesha: I have to go check up on the girls too.
 
Fernando: Alex, keep up the good work. That's all I ask.
 
 Fernando then gathers his empties and cleans up his area. He then walks over to the kitchen to give the chef his thanks. AlexII sits there, thinking.
 
AlexII: Fernando is right. Getting them home is the first priority.  
 
Alex II then stood up and walked to his room, thinking all the while on what was said and what had transpired. He hung back up his suit and prepared for bed.
 
 With everyone gone to their rooms, Fernando goes to the interrogation room where Jean and the 2 doctors were being held. He asks if they were being treated well and if they were fed.  
 
 Despite the hostility that abound, they were fed and treated hospitable. Fernando tells Jean to leave the room with him, to follow him outside onto the deck of the ship for a test.
 
 Along the way, Fernando sends a message to the infirmary, for Jeanette to bring Rico to the Deck- along with her gun.
 
 Jeanette goes to get Rico, but Hondo sat in front of the door.
 
Jeanette: Fernando wants me to get Rico and bring her on deck to meet him.
 
Hondo: The test, eh? Jeanette, what ever happens up there, just trust Fernando. an' ifin he digs himself too deep be ready to pull his tail out of the hole!
 
Jeanette: Do you know what the test is?
 
Hondo: No, but I trust him to do what is right.
 
 Hondo knocked on the door. He heard several guns come out of leather holsters an' their safeties be flipped off together.  
 
Triela: Who is it?
 
Hondo: Hondo. Jeanette is here to bring Rico up to Fernando. He wants to =see her. Send her out, please.
 
 A few seconds later Rico comes out. She looked at them curiously.  
 
Hondo: Go with Jeanette, Rico. She'll take you to Fernando. Jeanette, I'll stay here with the other girls.
 
 Jeanette nodded an' took off towards deck with Rico trailing behind.
 
 Fernando and Jean reach deck first, and wait by the door for Jeanette and Rico to arrive. As they wait- they have a little talk.
 
Fernando: What ever happens within the next few moments, do not punish your cyborg in any way. I see you make any attempt to hit her, you will be met with a much larger force through me.
 
Jean: I see, this is going to be a test of how your brainwashing works against her.
 
Fernando: Not brainwashing, but loyalty, to see if she understands right and wrong.
 
Jean: You're the one that is so wrong.
 
Fernando: We will have to see about that.
 
 Jeanette soon arrives with Rico behind her, noticing the two men waiting by the door, recognizing Fernando as being one of them.
 
Fernando: Follow me.
 
Fernando takes them to the starboard bow of the ship, away from most of the activity on the deck.
 
Fernando: Rico- you know who this is.
 
 Rico could only nod an answer.
 
Fernando: Go to him.
 
Jeanette: Who is he?
 
Fernando: That is her Handler- Jean. Leader of the other handlers, ans she is his cyborg.
 
Jeanette: Then why are you handing the girl back to him?
 
Fernando: Its a question of trust and loyalty.
 
Jeanette: Of all the crazy and reckless actions you have ever taken- this has to be the worst one ever!
 
 Fernando ignores that remark.
 
Fernando: Jean, reacquire yourself with your cyborg. By the way, she is armed.
 
Jean sticks his hand out at the girl.
 
Jean: Rico-weapon.
 
 Rico complies by handing over her gun to him. Jean checks it out, then hands it back to Rico.
 
Jean: Why is she armed?
 
Fernando: Is that not part of her? To be armed as to do her job? To kill when ordered or when in self-defense?
 
Jean: That does not answer my question.
 
Fernando: Well, I am not going to adopt a cat, have it declawed and then throw it out in the wild defenseless. I am not that cruel.
 
Jean: Hmph....
 
Fernando: Now, if I fail in this test- you and Rico are free to go. If I pass, Rico gets a new life  
with the other girls.
 
Jean: How do I know this is a legitimate test?
 
Fernando: Order her to shoot me.
 
Jean: With pleasure. Rico- shoot this (bleep).
 
 Rico looks at him confused, and unsure of what to do.
 
Jean: Raise your gun to him and pump a bullet into him, Rico.
 
Rico raises her gun, aiming at Fernando...  
------------
 
Hondo still was sitin' by girls door, just in case Fernando lost. Hondo knew the other girls would back him. A few minutes later a shot was heard. The girls opened the door at the sound.
 
Claes: What's going on?
 
Bink: Is Fernando alright?
 
Triela: Where is Rico?
 
Hondo: Girls! Steady down! I'm sure everythin' is fine. It was probably just target practice. Just stay in your room for now. I'll call ya ifin there is any trouble. Not git back in there.
 
Girls: Yes Hondo.
 
 The girls slowly went back in an' closed the door. Hondo grinned slightly.  
 
Hondo: They finally got it right. I hate bein' called sir.
 
 His grin quickly faded.
 
Hondo: I sure hope everythin's alright out there.  
-----------------
 
Jean tells her stern again and again to shoot Fernando. She stands there with the gun aimed at him, but refuses.
 
Fernando: Jeanette. Leave.
 
Jeanette: No.
 
Fernando: Please.
 
Jeanette: Why
 
Fernando: Before it gets ugly- leave.
 
Jeanette: It is already ugly. I am not leaving until it is over.
 
Jean: What are you waiting for? Shoot him!
 
Fernando: Jean. End it.
 
 Jean looks at Rico, and raises his hand as if to strike her.
 
Fernando: Don't you dare, Jean. We have an agreement.
 
 Jean looks at Fernando. Fernando takes off his glasses and holds them over the edge of the ship.
 
Fernando: Tell her to shoot the glasses out of my hand.
 
 Jean looks at Fernando in a pissed off mood.
 
Fernando: Just humor me.
 
Jean: Eh... Rico, shoot the glasses out of his hand.
 
Rico complies without hesitation. Jean raises his hand at her in anger and was about to swing to strike her. Fernando manages to step in front of him and catch his arm in mid swing. He holds it tightly.
 
Fernando: Rico- explain why you could not shoot me.
 
 Rico looks at Jean, almost wanting to cry, but manages to state her explanation.
 
Rico: You saved Angie's life for one. And you rescued both Claes and Bink from the Terrorists...
 
Fernando: Say no more, Rico. Go back to the other girls.
 
 Rico does as she was told. As she walks away, Fernando lets go of Jean's arm.
 
Fernando: I did nothing to Rico. You did with that conditioning process. It was a matter on how to win over that conditioning process, and I become you, Jean.
 
Jean: Impossible. Once a cyborg bonds with her fratello, they can bond to nobody else.
 
Fernando: There is a bug in the conditioning process. I am an expert on finding program bugs- computers or otherwise.
 
 Jean looks at him like he wanted to hit him.
 
Fernando: We have a long day tomorrow, go to your room and go to sleep. We wake up at 6am. Jeanette, lets go.  
------------
 
 Rico came back soon after shot sounded. She had tears in her eyes an' a gun barely hangin' from her hand. Hondo jumped up.
 
Hondo: Whats wrong?!
 
Rico: Jean told me . .  sniff . . to shoot Fernando!
 
Hondo: What happened!
 
 Hondo was stern with her. Rico looked up into Hondo's eyes that showed of hard steal blue. her own eyes were moist with tears and confusion.
 
Rico: Nothing. I couldn't shoot him. or you. you both have done so much for all of us.
 
Rico was still on the edge of cryin'.
 
Hondo: What was the shot then?
 
Hondo lost the hard look an' wore a more confused look himself.
 
Rico: I shot his glasses. He told Jean to tell me too. That's all I could do!
 
 Her voice started to break. She look shamefully down at the floor as she hung her head. Tears fell from here eyes, leaving small drops of water on the floor. Hondo never really was sure how to show emotion, 'specially after certain losses in his past, but this sad little girl, that had been threw so much started to tear at his crusty surface. Hondo rested his shotgun against the wall an' sat down. He cupped her chin in one hand an' raised her head up so there eyes met.
 
Hondo: I'm proud of you. you did good! real good!"  
 
 Rico smiled slightly threw the tears. Hondo then pulled her to him an' gave her a hug. She hugged him back. Hondo was definitely not the 'huggy' type, but she needed it, that much he knew.
 
Rico: Thank you.
 
Hondo sat back slightly.
 
"For what? A smelly, sweaty cowboy hug?"
 
 Hondo gave her a crooked smile an' a wink. Rico giggled.
 
Rico: For that and for just bein' there."  
 
 She then turned and went back in with the others. Hondo picked up his shotgun and sat down, but this time with a smile.  
 
Hondo listens to the girls talk, chatter an' giggle for a while. After an hour of that he knocked on the door an' peeked his head in.
 
Hondo: Time to get some sleep, gals. Never know what tomorrow may bring. We're not out of the woods yet.
 
Claes: We can't sleep now.
 
Triela: We're too wound up!
 
Hondo: I know, but you need to get some sleep.
 
Angelica: Maybe you can sing to us, Hondo?
 
Rico smiled and nodded.
 
Hondo sighed: Well, I'm not that great, but alright, only ifin y'all promise to get into bed, stay quiet, an' go to sleep.
 
Girls: We promise.
 
Hondo: Ok, let me know when you're settled in bed. I'll sing from outside the door. you'll be able to hear it, an' I'll be able to watch.
 
Bink: Ok.
 
 Hondo left and in 10 minutes Claes let Hondo know they were ready. Hondo chose an old trail tune that he knew. He was not the greatest singer, but he could hold a tune. His baritone voice echoed down the hall an' out into the night. The song went like this:
 
"I ride an old paint, I lead an old Dun,
Goin' to Montan, just to throw the houlihan.
They feed in the coulees, they water in the draw,
Their tails are all matted, their backs are all raw.
 
Ride around, little doggies, ride 'round them slow,
For the fiery an' snuffy are a-rarin' to go.
 
Old Bill, he had a daughter an' he had a son,
His son went to college, his daughter she went wrong.
His wife was killed in a pool room fight,
But still he keeps singin' from mornin' 'till night.
 
Ride around, little doggies, ride around them slow,
For the fiery an' snuffy are a-rarin' to go.
 
When I die, take my saddle from the wall,
Put it on my pony, an' lead him from his stall.
Tie my bones to the saddle, point our faces to the west,
We'll ride the prairies that we love the best.
 
Ride around, little doggies, ride around them slow,
For the fiery an' snuffy are a-rarin' to go.
 
I've worked in the town, I've worked on the farm,
All I've got to show is this muscle in my arm,
Blisters on my feet, an' callous on my hands,
An' I'm a-goin' to Montan to throw the houlihan.
 
Ride around, little doggies, ride around them slow,
For the fiery an' snuffy are a-rarin' to go."
 
 After Hondo finished be heard the sounds of sleep comin' from the girls room. He closed the door quietly an' sat hummin' to himself.  
 
Charles Sinclair approached the door and, hearing Hondo humming, started singing quietly himself.
Sinclair (singing): (...) Ride around, little doggies, ride around them slow,
For the fiery an' snuffy are a-rarin' to go.
 
Hondo: You should be more careful. I heard you comin' long time ago.
 
Sinclair: I know. How is she?
 
Hondo: They're all fine. They all need much help still, but they are on the right road an' travalin' fast. Angelica will heal. She has already amazed me at how well she is doin'. We help keep their spirits up, they will help mend each other.
---------------------
 
 As they head back to the infirmary, Fernando stops Jeanette as they just past the door.
 
Fernando: Look, Jeanette. I'm sorry for putting you through all this.
 
Jeanette: You're forgiven. I just wish you would stop it at times.
 
Fernando: It's who I am, I can't stop that.
 
Jeanette: Like just now, what if Rico did put a bullet through you?
 
 Fernando takes off his jacket and put it on Jeanette backwards on her shoulder.
 
Jeanette: Ugh... What's in this thing?
 
Fernando: doubled layered klevlar linings. I don't go on missions without it.
 
 Jeanette takes the jacket off and hands it back to him.
 
Jeanette: OK then. What if she shot you in the head?
 
Fernando: Then it was nice knowing you. I want black roses for my funeral. And a 3 day party at the cafe. Make sure that the time travelling laptop is buried with me.
 
Jeanette: Cute... very cute. I'm serious, Fernando.
 
Fernando: Look at it from my point of view. I have to play the role of Cloak and Dagger operative, I'm not going to be the same Fernando that you go with rescueing little kittens from trees. That is a very different live I have there, and at times, one I do not like.
 
Jeanette: I will do what I can for you. I just don't want you forcing me to do things I do not like to do or swore I would never do again.
 
Fernando: Point taken. But there will be time where no fault of your own, you will be forced to do things you do not want to do...
 
Jeanette (interupting Fernando): ...And I will deal with those times when they come.
 
Fernando: Alright then. Tomorrow morning I'm leaving to pick up a few more of those SWA Idiots. It is to find a cure for the girls.
 
Jeanette: I know what you have to do, why tell me about it?
 
Fernando:I need you to take care of them while I'm gone.
 
Jeanette: Is that all?
 
Fernando: For now, that is all.
 
 They take a few more steps until Jeanette stops.
 
Jeanette: Fernando?
 
Fernando: Yes?
 
Jeanette: Are you going to be alright?
 
Fernando: It's not that I have a choice. I must be alright.
 
Jeanette: How much of your blood is flowing in Angelica?
 
Fernando: I would guess, 2 quarts.
 
Jeanette: That's 1/2 your blood volume.
 
Fernando: So? I'll be fine. I have to be.
 
Jeanette: One minor injury would be fatal to you in this condition.
 
Fernando: I said I'll be fine.
 
Jeanette: No way I could change your mind?
 
Fernando: My price is too high to pay, and I would not let you pay it.
 
Jeanette: Then... you better return unharmed. If you die out there, I will be very angry at you.
 
Fernando: Be angry all you want. It seems that like me, your anger is your driving force to get things done.
 
 Jeanette gives Fernando a long mean stare. But not a threatening one.
 
Fernando: Though it sounds wrong, lets go to bed. Tomarrow is going to be a long day.  
--------------
 
 AI Bat ears listened to Fernando and Jeanette's conversation from inside a room close to the infirmary, where the AI was trawling the Internet for clues as to cures for the girls, and shortly a group of tripods put a small device together in the hold.
 
CCC (thinking): It would be best if I were to give it to him tomorrow, before he leaves.  
--------------
 Sinclair had long left Hondo alone to his post. He had heard Fernando talkin' to J.I, because of his exceptional hearin'. He watched until Fernando an' J.I. parted ways an' went to bed.
 
Hondo (thinkin'): So tomorrow we're off again. At least he better not leave me stuck on this overgrown floatin' bathtub!
 
 He settled back in the chair and slept a little. He slept light enough to react if the girls needed help, but heavy enough to get some rest. A guard earlier had offered to take over so Hondo could get some good sleep, but first off Hondo did not trust many with the girls, secondly he did not have a room to sleep in, an' this chair was more comfortable than sleepin' in the copter so he stayed put.  
--------------
 
 It is awfully dark in the room Rosie passed though. And she didn't see the foot sticking out in the dark.
 
Wild Irish Rose: Gasp! OWW!!  
 
 Rose hits the floor with a groan. Her chin bounces off the floor and she falls on her left gun. She feels, more than sees a person move above her and hears a gun thingy over her head. Instinctively she whips the .45 from her shoulder holster and cocks it in reply.
 
Familiar Voice: What are you doing out here?  
 
Wild Irish Rose: Perhaps I should ask you the same thing, Hondo.  Don't you have a room?
 
Hondo: No.  
 
 Hondo stated that matter of factly.
 
Wild Irish Rose: I'll have to talk to Charlie about that.  
 
Hondo: Rosie, what are you doing?  
 
Hondo pulled her off the floor after she re-holstered he firearm.
 
Wild Irish Rose: Taking the shortcut to the galley.
 
Hondo: Don't you have a fridge in your VIP cabin?
 
Wild Irish Rose: Yeaahh......but my bean dip supply needs replenished.  
 
Hondo: Well, try not to trip over anybody else.
 
Rose giggles (as she does often):  I'll see about Charlie getting you a room. Good night.  
 
She then walked away.