The DST Agent, Part 9 free porn video

The DST Agent, part 9 By: Malissa Madison I sat and watched Mina with the other girls until their mothers came for them. I told them it would be fine for them to visit the next day. That I had planned to take Mina to the playground in the morning. We sat and drank tea, then I began fixing supper, and they decided they should go to prepare dinners for their own families. I enjoyed having her help me in our small kitchenette. We'd just sat down for dinner when Stephie knocked on the door. "So are you beginning to learn a new language yet?" she asked. "Yes I am, it's going slow but that's because I want to learn it properly. Not the GI slang." Mina went to the counter and filled a bowl with rice and beef and broccoli. Then grabbed a pair of chopsticks and brought it to Stephie. "Why thank you little one," she blushed. "But I don't know how to use chopsticks." "I teach you Aunt Stephie," Mina promised. She was showing her how to hold them and use them. And I smiled my approval. "Mina, do you know what your Mommy does?" asked Stephie out of the blue. "Yes she's a pretty dancer. And she is a soldier." "That's right Sweetie, but Stephie is a soldier too. we are special soldiers though," I started to explain. "Because you are girls? They don't like girl soldiers were I lived." "Mina, we are special in other ways. Do you remember when we took our shower on the ship?" Her smile turned to a frown. "You looked almost like a boy soldier down here." she pointed to my crotch. "Yes Sweetie. It's a secret that your Mommy, and your Aunts Stephie, Tawny, and Mona used to be boys. No one is supposed to know about that, ok?" "OK, but you're still my Mommy right?" "Yes Baby, I'm still your Mommy." "Can I go watch you dance? My other mommy used to dance in Saigon. She make lots money." Then she was suddenly very sad. "Soldiers take us away to live in the mountains. They said it was because she was bad. Then she getted sick and they not help her." "I'm sorry that happened Mina. But now you have me, and I will do everything I can to protect you," I promised. "I will too," promised Stephie. Then she changed the subject. "We have an AAR at fourteen hundred tomorrow. What are you going to do with her while we're there." "What? When did this come up?" "I just got word myself. Normally we wouldn't be going in. but then we rescued those POWs. The JCS wants some answers, they want to know if we think there are still more there in hidden camps." "There lots more," Mina said. "You have to start your trade craft training too you know. I'm not sure who they'll give you to shadow. But you can't have Mina with you when you start that. Momma would be happy to watch her." She said but I wasn't paying attention. "Mina, you said there were lots of others still there. Have you seen them? Or just heard about them?" I asked gently. "I see them, and the lady Dominique. She always come talk to them." Said Mina. "Stephanie, Oh shit. No wonder she was so eager to put a bullet in her head." Stephie had suddenly realized that Mina knew a lot more than anyone had given her credit for. "Yes and why she suddenly avoided us after we made it back to the ship," I pointed out. "No I think Mina needs to go to the AAR with us." "We better clear it with Tawny first," she said. I picked up my phone and pushed the lever into the secure mode, Mina watching everything I did. It was answered on the second ring. "Mona here who is this?" "Mona it's Stephanie, I need to speak to Tawny please." I asked, "Shouldn't you still be in the hospital?" "Stephanie, It takes more than a couple of bullets to stop a DST Agent. You know that." "Hi Stephanie, what's up?" Tawny asked picking up the other line in their apartment. "Mina has seen other POWs, and she says that the Colonel was even there talking to them a few times," I told her. "Yeah we figured that out by the way she was in such a hurry to get rid of her. I really think if the rest of us hadn't been flying on your ass, she'd of made sure you didn't make it back." "Look I think they need to know about the others, and Mina might be able to identify the others she's seen." "Look we agree, but we need to be sure she stays safe," Tawny told me. Then she said, "None of us are to be in uniform tomorrow, so you shouldn't have any trouble bringing her with you. Just look nice for the AAR ok?" "You got it Boss Lady." "The next day Mina, Stephie, and I went to the Salon before leaving for the After Action Review. I was coming to find that a trip to the Salon really was relaxing. What I wore to the AAR at the Pentagon. Tawny's eyes rolled, and Joanne's jaw dropped open when I stepped out of my Firebird in the underground garage. My hair was done in a simple loose fashion, I wore a wide Tube style white top that showed off my midriff, a mid-thigh length black leather mini, and black pantyhose, with my four inch black T strap heels. Mina wore a simple ruffled shirt, and a simple Strawberry short cake T-shirt with her black Mary Jane's. we carried matching purses. "Damn would you look at that Fox?" I heard someone say. "Hell I'd give her another kid." Another person said. "That Gentlemen, is an officer you are talking about." "No way Serge, they don't make officers that fuckably fine. And those others with her are definitely NOT Military." "Mommy, I think they are talking about you," Mina said. "No sweetie, I think they're talking about the Chocolate Goddess." She burst into Giggles. "Oh you think that's funny sweetie?" Tawny asked with a huge smile. "You are very pwetty Aunt Tawny," Mina said. "And you look just like a chocolate bar," she made a slurping sound, and again giggled. "Fifty bucks say's when they show their ID she's at least a LT." the older one said. "You're on, she's gotta be a GS3, maybe a GS4 tops." When we got to the conference room section and the final checkpoint they gathered around closer to see if we were just VIPs on a tour. The guard at the checkpoint saluted us, and we returned it. "Ma'am, maybe you should leave your daughter out here?" suggested one of the MP's. She squeezed my hand tight, "No Sergeant Rickles, she comes with me. She's part of the AAR." "AAR," breathed the group that had been following us down the corridor. I took out my ID and slid it into the slot when it was my turn. The light flashed green and then I lifted Mina so she could push her Dependents ID into the slot. It flashed Red, Not authorized. Tawny quickly slid her card into the slot and punched in a code. It changed to green when she slid her card again. In the conference room the meeting went quickly. They covered every aspect from insertion to Exfiltration, and landing on the ship. Then they told the rest they could go, and asked me to stay. "Lt, do you think your sudden motherhood will affect your ability to do your job?" I was just as brutally honest as was their question. "I hope not Sirs, but then I haven't been a mother long enough to really know that have I?" in the meantime Mina had sat down looking at a large book of pictures. They had given her two markers a red one and a black one. Every so often she would mark a picture. Some were red, and it was understood that those were deceased. I sat down next to her pulling her into my lap, then pulling the book over in front of us. There were twenty pictures to a page, about a fourth of the way through she pointed to a picture, "My Daddy," was all she said as she marked the picture. The ACS wrote down the name then walked away from the rest. I noticed she kept her hand on the page marking it as she continued through the book. "That's enough for now sweetie," they said when she got to the halfway point. "I have something for you," they handed her a envelope with pictures of her father in it. Then the rest of my team filed back in. "In due recognition of your quick actions and your current decisions, we hereby promote you to the rank of Captain." They handed me Captains Silver Bars, 'Railroad tracks' as the lower enlisted called them. "Thank you sirs," I said. "You may as well hit the ground running Ma'am. Here is your Shadow assignment." I looked at the photo of the young Senator, the details said he preferred to walk everywhere. And there was an itinerary for his next two weeks. "The objective is to shadow his every move but not be seen," Jerome said. "Teams Two and Four are your evaluators." "Thanks," I kissed him. "Would you like to see DC?" I asked Mina, and she smiled brightly. "You might want to let Stephie take Mina," Link suggested. "She'll slow you down." "She didn't slow me down in the jungle," I pushed past them, Mina at my side. "I'll call if I need help." "Damnit that girl is stubborn," Tawny said. "Kinda reminds me of someone else I know," pointed out Jerome. "Don't get your panties in a wad I think she knows what she's doing. Besides we'll shadow her to make sure they're both safe. As I waited for the right time I studied the information I'd been given. He liked to walk. Occasionally he would take a cab if his time was running short. He often deviated from his itinerary by taking side trips. And most interesting, he was a lobbyist for a lot of military contracts. "Mommy, why don't we take the car?" asked Mina. "Because we have to keep watch on someone, and the car would slow us down." I explained what we knew about him. "If you see anyone else watching him, or us let me know ok?" "Yes Mommy," the metro bus pulled up in front of the pentagon and we got on using my bus pass. Mina tapped my arm and whispered, "That man in the seat behind us is staring at you. And he smells bad." She'd spotted a wino, who was indeed staring at me. "Very good sweetie, we'll see if he gets off where we do." "What are we doing Mommy?" "Think of it as a game of hide and seek. Only instead of tagging the one who is hiding we follow him without letting him know we see him. But there are others who are going to be following him too." She giggled, "I like this game. I used to play it lots in Saigon with the White Mice." It took me a minute to realize she was talking about the South Vietnamese Police. They often used children to follow people they were interested in, paying them in candy or food. "So you know how to blend into a crowd?" I asked. "Oh yes Mommy, I help you lots, you see." We got off at the Library of Congress. And she was wide eyed seeing the building and all the books and displays. I spotted our subject about the same time she did. "Look Mommy, they have a book in a huge glass case." She rushed over to the display bumping into him as she passed by. She untangled herself as they got up off the floor, she was apologizing profusely for her excitement. "Mina, what are you doing. I told you not to run in the Library" I turned to him and said, "I'm sorry she gets so excited seeing everything here." "That's ok Ma'am, no harm done." He sat down at a table with a Law book and began flipping through it. after a few minutes of following her from display to display I noticed he took something from the book, then checked his watch. Mina noticed too and we paralleled him out of the exit doors. Then out onto the busy side walk. The first thing I noticed was that his left jacket sleeve had a red mark on it now. He stopped at a news stand and bought a paper. I bent down quickly, "Good work with that marker Honey." She giggled, "An old trick I learn in the streets." Then she asked, "Why do papers cost so much here?" I realized he'd handed the man a twenty dollar bill but wasn't given any change for the fifty cent newspaper. Damn she was good, I spotted someone else following him. He had a tail already but it wasn't any of the known team members of the other two teams. As the senator walked he flipped casually through the paper. Then discarded it into a trash can. The man following him reached in and took the paper out folding it under his arm as they made eye contact before going off in opposite directions. Spotting one of the members of Bravo Two I signaled her to follow the second man. She looked curious at me. Mina hurry tell her he is a contact. Mina ran the short fifteen feet and said, "Mommy says they maked contact," then ran back to me. She ignored the other man. But I saw Stephie pick up his tail. We followed him about four blocks when he took a side turn. He was heading north on 14th Street, I was getting nervous. I didn't want to expose Mina to the Prostitutes, drug dealers and homeless. Not on her first trip to DC. Then he turned east on F street. Six blocks later he turned south on 8th street. And there it was, the bus terminal in front of Tawny and Mona's apartment building. He crossed quickly in the middle of the block between buses and disappeared into the opposite building. "Now what," I thought standing there my mind racing a million miles a minute trying to figure his next move. Tawny stepped out of her building behind us. "Link just picked him up. He's on the third floor with the soviet liaison receptionist. She lives there. Very interesting first training assignment you pulled," she mused. "Yeah, I thought so too," I answered. "Mina, do you like ice cream?" Tawny asked her. "Yes Aunt Tawny, I do." We went up to their apartment and waited. Mona shared out her cherry chip ice cream, which Mina loved. We figured which apartment it was in, but they said that building didn't link with any of the others underground. Then Jerome showed up. "OK, here's the underground storm system blue prints. Notice anything interesting?" he asked. I tapped a building two blocks away that shared a common maintenance corridor, "What's this building here? it looks familiar." A huge grin on her face Stephanie said, "That's the international Spy Museum. Joanne's watching the place right now." I didn't ask why, I just traced the corridors that ran off that one. the next place I tapped was identified as J.E.H. four blocks north and three to the east sat another interesting connection. The building was identified by the red dotted line around it, and a hammer and cycle in the center. We quickly marked all the buildings that might have access to that maintenance tunnel. Stephie set up her black box phone and began making calls. She was getting residence listing for each building. As she began to get results back I knew something was wrong, her face was getting paler by the minute. "What is it Steph?" I asked her. She had apartment numbers written down with names beside them. Names that began with military rank. Also names of several defense contractors. Tawny and Jerome both rushed over to look, "Shit Girlfriend we got a crash and burn situation here." before she could finish speaking Jerome was on the secure line. "Bravo Six, Alpha Two, Declaring a Crash and Burn. Confirm please." He said as he pushed the speaker button. "Bravo Six, Alpha Two this only a training exercise," "Negative, it just escalated to a real world Crash and Burn. I need Cosmic/ Atomal freeze right away. And contact with Bravos Two and Four." Being our communications officer Stephie began coordinating the surveillance at the other buildings. "Stephanie, I need you and Mina to look at the mug shots, let me know when you see the guy he contacted," Tawny instructed. "Mommy, that man's down there at the bus stop." "Are you sure Mina?" I asked as I crossed to the window. "Heads up the senator is on his way out," link called. "He just left the apartment." He came rushing out of the building just as a Metro bus pulled up outside. The two got on it through different doors but Mona was rushing across the street and the driver let her on. She was carrying one of her costumes in a zipper bag and wandered back looking for a seat. Mina and I used the alternate exit and hurried to the next stop in front of the Spy Museum. Mina giggled as the bus pulled up to the stop. When we got on she spotted him right away, "He there mister, I remember you from the library. Are you sightseeing too?" "Mina, don't be so rude." I said, "I'm sorry she bothered you. She's just so excited seeing everything." "Not at all Ma'am," he got up offering us his seat. "I bet she's tired after walking so much." "Thank you mister, do you live here?" He smiled at her, "Yes I do. What's your name little princess?" Giggling she said, "My names Mina, and my Mommy is Stephanie" "Have you seen the Lincoln Memorial yet? That's where I'm going. And then I'm going to a restaurant to get something to eat." He looked at me, "Would you and your lovely daughter like to join me?" "Oh I wouldn't want to impose," I said. "But thank you for the offer." "Are you sure? They serve the most wonderful handmade Ice Cream there. Just like in Europe." He smiled at Mina who looked at me. "Please Mommy," she said. "I'm getting hungry." "It's the least I can do to make up for running into her and knocking her down in the Library of Congress." As he talked the other man beside me picked up his briefcase and got off at the next stop, two blocks from the East German Embassy. David from Bravo Four was on him now. At the next stop Link got on, but Mina acted as if she hadn't ever met him. He and Mona had traded places, she was talking into a button mike on the costume she was carrying as she headed for the Butterfly Lounge. Link kept smiling at Mina who smiled back at him. Then the senator started his conversation again, "So how is it someone so young as you have such a pretty daughter as old as Mina? I'm sorry that didn't sound right. Let me try again." He actually blushed, "I'm curious as to how you came to have a Montanyard Daughter at your age." "That's ok," I laughed. "I was in Taiwan on a trip when I saw her in the orphanage. I just had to adopt her, but you wouldn't believe the red tape I ran into. So while we're waiting for everything to get settled I thought I'd show her DC," I told him. But it's all finished now and I guess I kind of like the place. It's intriguing how the government works don't you think so?" "I should hope so, I'm a Senator," he said smiling when he saw Mina's eyes get big and round. The bus stopped in front of the Memorial, and we got off together. I was a bit alarmed when Mina took both our hands as we walked up the steps. And then he began telling Mina the history of the Memorial and about Abraham Lincoln. Link had traded off with Tawny, who was now taking pictures of everything like a tourist would. At one point he picked Mina up so she could touch the foot of the statue. She squealed and giggled. "Well are you ladies ready for dinner?" he asked. "It isn't very far from here." It turned out to be rather nice place, lots of privacy. But you needed to be either with a member or have reservations to get in. so I was aware that I had no backup. After eating, he ordered Ice Cream for Mina who sat using a spoon to eat it slowly, as if she wasn't paying attention. His next question caught me by surprise. "So how do you like having your picture outside the Lounge?" "My what?" I asked. "You are Butterfly Dawn aren't you?" he said. "I saw you dance a week ago, you were absolutely wonderful." Mina continued to eat her ice cream as if nothing was going on, but I saw her little hand resting on the butter knife. "It's a living, it paid for my trip to Taiwan, and for Mina's adoption," I spoke as if I was on the edge of being offended. "I meant nothing untoward you, I simply wanted you to know I'd seen you dance, that's all," he tried to assure me. Besides I think you might be better able to help me." "Me a stripper helping a Senator?" I asked. "How do you think I could do that?" "There's a bouncer at the Butterfly, ex Delta Forces. I was there trying to meet him when I got distracted by your performance. I really need to talk to him, it's kind of touchy." "You're talking about Jerome?" I looked at him and for the first time I saw fear in his eyes. "Why don't you tell me why you need to talk to him?" Mina chose that moment to say, "Contact Mommy. Over by the waiter guy." Sure enough there by the waiter stood the guy from earlier, "Crap he's early. Look if I come by next time you're on stage please tell him I need to talk to him. He can get me in touch with the right people to report espionage." "Mommy I don't feel good," Mina moaned as the other man came toward our table. Then suddenly she leaned over and puked all over the senators Suit. She started crying that she was sorry. The other man turned and left, "Damn, the Senator said. "All over my suit." "Mina are you ok?" I asked. "Sir if you'll let me I'd be glad to wash that out for you before it ruins your clothes." Looking around and seeing that the man was gone Mina sat up straight, "I'm sorry, I didn't like that man coming over here." "You, you did that on purpose?" he asked and she smiled. "Do they have a pay phone here?" "Yes over by the Jukebox next to the bathrooms," he directed me. He followed us over and I made a call, when Stephie answered I said, "Bravo Six, Alpha Seven. I need a pickup at the Tea Room. make it look like a taxi, the Senator is coming home so I can clean his suit." "What was that Bravo Six stuff? Are you a Spy?" he asked. "No I'm the opposite, let's just say you got lucky today and it wasn't that Soviet secretary you spent lunch with." "Oh shit, oh shit I'm toast." "Please watch your language, my daughter is very suggestive." When Stephie said Jerome was almost there I hung up and we made our way to the door. Stepping out as he pulled to the curb. We hurried and got in. Jerome drove like a city cab driver, making sure he wasn't being followed before turning into the underground parking garage at the Pentagon. "You must still have some serious contacts if you just drove in here like that." he was looking around. "Sir please stay in the car, it's for your own protection." Jerome wasn't taking any chances. "Stephanie, why don't you and Mina go get your car and come back over here?" he suggested. We walked to the secure area and I flashed my ID, the guard saluted me and I glared at him. "Wrong time and place Soldier. But thank you. Come along Mina." She saluted the Army Specialist. By the time we retrieved my car the General was there along with the rest of our team. They were trying to coerce him into giving up specifications on the M1 Abrams project, he'd been stalling trying to find some way out. He said he freely admitted to having an affair with the secretary but it wasn't worth selling out his country. "Why are you still here Capt. Madison?" the general asked. "Shouldn't you be getting your Daughter home?" "We're his excuse, they heard me offer to take him home and clean his suit." "Oh, right. Sorry" "It's ok Sir, your still catching up." "Do you how it makes me feel to know a four year old has more trade craft than I do?" the General said. Mina giggled, "Seven" "What?" we all asked at the same time. "I'm Seven, not four. I'm sorry I didn't mean to lie. But everyone just thinked I was four so I said yes." I hugged her tight, "I thought you were older than you look. Especially when you said you played hide and seek with the White Mice." Giggling she said, "Yes that was big mistake." "I love you anyway," I said hugging her hard. "But you know what this means right?" She looked up at me with her big doe eyes, "What does it mean Mommy?" "That you have to start school next month like a big girl," I smiled at her. "Dang, I guess I better stop pretending I don't speak no English." Everyone laughed, but she still smiled. And then asked if she could have some new clothes for school. "Mina, of course you can have new clothes for school. But we just bought you a bunch." "She means clothes more her age," Stephie pointed out. "Those look like they belong to a four year old little girl not a seven year old young lady." After they were done talking with the Senator, I sent Mina home with Stephie. Then drove the Senator to his Apartment and dropped him off. There were already at least ten pairs of eyes on him as well as his apartment. When I got home the apartment was dark and quiet, I closed the door and locked it only to be grabbed in a bear hug. Ok so the bear was only three feet tall, but it was so special. My little girl had waited up for me, I carried her to bed and lay down with her caressing her hair until she fell asleep. Laying there holding her, I realized that just because I couldn't get pregnant and give birth didn't make me any less of a mother. I would do anything I could to protect and raise my little girl right. Did that mean I would stop dancing? No it was part of who I was. Would I be more careful on assignments? Hell yes, I had a Daughter to come home to. "I lay there thinking about her father's family, did I owe it to him to introduce her to them? Should I ask her if she wanted to meet them? Would they try to take her away from me if they knew?" I woke up drenched in sweat, the fragments of the dream haunting me. I'd been chasing the van down a dirt road lined with corn fields on each side. My baby was in that van, I had to get her out. But it just kept going faster and faster. Opening my eyes I saw her frightened face, "Are you hurted Mommy? You're crying." I grabbed her holding on to her. "I won't let you go Baby, you're mine now. No one else can have you." "I won't let you go either Mommy," she kissed my tears. "Come on let's get you fed. And then you can go with me and Stephie today. Can you ride a bicycle?" Her eyes got big, "A bicycle? Really?" Yes, really your Aunt Stephie bought it for you yesterday. But it's a surprise, so pretend you don't know about it ok." She giggled and hurried to finish eating. "Don't forget to brush your teeth," I reminded her. She came out of the bathroom in her little skirt and sneakers. I had on my sweats with my canteen around my hips. As we sat on the bottom step waiting for Stephie I fixed her hair in loose pigtails. And she kept looking at the bike sitting in the rack. It was pink with a basket on the front and a jingle bell. With pink plastic streamers dangling from the handle bars. It looked very much out of place next to the adult mens bikes. "Good morning Ladies," greeted one of the young lieutenants. "Are you going to go running with your Mommy this morning?" "Yes, I am Sir," she saluted him. He returned it then said, "Try not to wear her out. Remember she still has duties to perform." Mina giggled. He took off running at a slow pace, then Stephie showed up. "Good morning Sunshine, how about a kiss for your wonderful Aunt Stephie." They hugged and kissed then Stephie took something out of her pocket, it was a little brass key. "This is for you," she said. "What's it unlock?" asked Mina. Pointing to the rack Stephie said, "Your new bike, so you can keep up with your Mommy and Me." She jumped up and down squealing and giggling, thanking her then ran and unlocked the bike. We had to stop at the back of the firebird so I could adjust the seat a bit but the bike was perfect. "If she has trouble riding we can hold her up while we run," Stephie said before Mina got on and started riding circles around us. "Ok miss smarty pants," Stephie called to her. "Let's see who gets tired first. You or me." I just jogged along following them trying to keep from laughing. 'You never challenge a child to an endurance race. Especially if the child is on a brand new bike and you're wearing combat boots.' I let Stephanie find that out the hard way. Mina had barely broken a sweat by the time we started back, "God that kid can ride a bike. Why didn't you tell me she could ride?" "You didn't ask," I pointed out. "Besides think of it as a learning experience for the future." "What future, I'm going to die before we get back to post." "Now why would you want to do that? you'll spoil the other surprises I have in store for her." I said. "W, What surprises?" asked Stephie. "You'll just have to wait and see, but it involves getting dressed up. So put on something nice." I said. Mina would ride out ahead then turn around and circle back behind us to catch up. She was giggling but I could tell she was getting tired. Suddenly Stephie gave up and started walking. "Yaaaaa! I win, I win." Mina chanted. She slowed down and then started walking her bike beside us as we finally started up the path to the Billets. "So what's the surprise?" Stephie wanted to know. "We're going shopping, and you have to come too. it's mandatory, Aunt Tawny said so." Mina informed her. "Mandatory? She can't order me to wear a uniform on my day off." "No but I can," said her father as he stepped out of the billets to greet us. "I was about to send out a search party for you three." Mina quickly put the kickstand down on her bike and ran to him, jumping into his arms hugging him tight. "Aunt Stephie buyed me a new bike," she said proudly. "Yes and I was dumb enough to challenge her to a race." "Good morning Sir," I said seconds before he pulled me into a hug. "You did good work yesterday Captain. We got that case all wrapped up at 0420 this morning." He told me. "And the Senator is in the clear, so I guess that's double kudos for both you and Mina. She really was an asset to you wasn't she?" "Yes Sir she really was. But I definitely won't make a habit of including her in things like that." I shivered. "It was supposed to be a training exercise." "Yes it was, we just got lucky to catch it before it got out of hand." He sat for a minute then asked, "So why are you going out shopping in uniform today?" "I feel like being seen as an Officer, out with my Daughter. I figure it can't hurt to be seen on post in uniform. I'm proud of my uniform sir." "And I'm proud of you too, I just wish Stephie would wear hers more often." He said a bit louder. "I heard that," she called from her room." "I better get going, I just wanted to stop and give you a heads up on the case." He kissed my cheek then kissed Mina's before he charged into Stephie's room. I heard he giggle. "I love you Sweetheart, now you behave today and follow orders." "I will Daddy, thank you." Mina put on her prettiest little mini dress, with sun flowers all over it, and her Mary Jane shoes. I did her hair in loose pigtails again, she'd taken a liking to it that way. Then I did my makeup, and got dressed in my dress uniform. Mint green Skirt, white blouse. Tan hose, black pumps. And my uniform jacket with my medals and rank on the shoulder tabs, US on the right collar point and Crossed Pistols on the Left. I wore minimal makeup and a simple pair of Diamond stud earrings. When we stepped out into the hall Stephie was there waiting for us, her uniform just as impeccable as mine save for her crossed flags of a Signal Officer. As we stepped out the front door we both put on our little hats and walked past the young lieutenants standing around waiting for the post shuttle bus to take them to the chow hall. At the PX we found a cart and then wandered letting Mina browse the clothing racks. She was in the fitting room trying on a new skirt when someone interrupted us. "Excuse me Ma'am, are you new to post?" I turned to see Trudi standing there. I hugged her tightly, "My heavens Sergeant I haven't seen you since, forever." "So who's little girl is that with you?" she asked as Mina came out of the fitting room. "How does this look Mommy? Will it be ok for school?" "Mommy? You have a daughter? How is that possible?" "Trudy, calm down. I'll explain everything to you." I promised. "If you do you'll have to kill her you know that right?" joked Stephie. "Mommy, who's this?" "This is your Aunt Trudy. Trudy, this is Mina my daughter. I adopted her two weeks ago." "So that was the big secret that came across the Colonels desk in the hand carry packet." She leaned down, "Hi there Sweetie. I've known your Mommy since she was a Spec. 4. And here she is, a big grown up Captain." She looked up at me then in a low voice asked, "Is that rank real?" "Yes it is," I assured her. "I was going to go by the billets to find you later today. The colonel said he wanted me to give you a packet. But it's still at the office." She said. We finished shopping and then got Mina some fried rice and chicken for lunch. She giggled as she pulled her chopsticks out of her little purse. When we finished we drove over to the Provost Marshals office. "Officers on Deck." Yelled the PFC at the door as we entered. "Carry on," I said and headed for the office I'd last seen dressed up in my dancing outfit. Smiling Trudy got up and tapped on his door, "Sir, Capt. Madison is here." "Send her in, please." "Sir," I said. "Ma'am, Lt, a pleasure to see you in uniform too. And this must be the little Angel Mina." "Sir I was told you had something for me," I got right to the point. "Actually I have a couple of things for you. But first things first. The department of the Army has located Mina's Father's next of kin." My heart stopped momentarily, as the dream flooded back to me. "Are you ok, Capt.? You look pale." "Sorry Sir, I was just taken by surprise." "Relax Capt. They signed away any claim to her. They prefer not to know she exists." He handed over an envelope with the official documents. "If they change their minds they will have to fight more than just you in court. But given their attitude toward the matter I rather doubt they will." "Thank you sir." "Now to the other thing," he said. "I hope you don't have any plans for Thursday. I was told I could use you to fill out the Duty Officers Roster so long as it didn't conflict with your other assignments and days off." "No sir, not at all. I'll be happy to do it." "Good, you can wear whatever uniform you feel like, Dress Green or Fatigues." He said. "Are you familiar with the duties you'll be performing?" I smiled, "Yes Sir. I sure am. I spent enough time chauffeuring Lt Souza around when she worked." Winking he asked Mina, "Would you like to see your Mommy inspect the MP's working the road?" She giggled and nodded yes. "Trudy?" "You're out of the office at the MP Station giving an orientation to Capt. Madison." She said. "That's why I love having you run my office Sergeant." We walked across the parking lot to the Station, "Attention!" "At Ease," he called. "Sgt Cole, this is Capt. Madison. She's going to be Duty officer on Thursday." "Nice to meet you Ma'am." Mina had gone up on the desk platform, "Mina honey don't go up there. It isn't nice to go without asking first." "It's ok Ma'am. We don't have any unsecured weapons up here." he said. "So Spc. Fenton isn't sitting behind the radio with his pistol belt hanging off the back of his chair?" I asked. "Oh crap," I heard. "Sorry Ma'am" Fenton said. "How'd you know about that Ma'am?" he asked a moment later. "Just a good guess from prior experience," I answered. I showed Mina the desk explaining how everything worked, and what everyone's duties were. Then I reached up to the lighted map board, "This is the Patrol Supervisors car here. if he gets a call, the RTO, Fenton takes one of these cards and writes his patrol number on it then slides it into this slot, and it records the time. Then every time he makes contact Fenton just has to tap the card and it adds the time." I looked at the radio log, "Nice to see you're keeping it up to current activities." I commented. I gave Mina a tour of the station pointing out where everything was. Then Lt Douglas came in to do the Guard mount inspection. "So who's the broad with the kid?" he asked Sgt Cole, who turned white as a sheet. Stephie and the Col. Were still in NCIC talking to the operator. I turned around to face him and he took in the crossed pistols, then blanched. "Sorry Ma'am." "I see that. Do you talk that way about every female officer that walks in the door?" I asked him in a haughty superior officer tone. "Because you know the way you deal with other people reflects on how your troopers deal with them, and I'd hate to think the MP's on this post look down on women." "No Ma'am, I, I'm Sorry it was a momentary slip of the tongue, I assure you." He said. "Well don't let it happen again. And the Kid, is my Daughter." I informed him. "Ah, I see you've met Lt Douglas," said the Col from the doorway. He was trying to keep from laughing at overhearing me dressing down the Lt. Just then a Staff Sgt entered from the briefing room. "We're all here and ready for the briefing Sir, Ma'am." He smiled at me, "You look familiar. Have we met before?" "Sgt Brand, how nice to know the streets are going to be safe tonight," I said. "Mina, this is SSgt Brand. Also known as Lollipop to the kids in the housing areas." He took a second longer look at me then his eyes got bigger. "It's been a while, umm, Ma'am." Then he pulled out a Lollipop and handed it to Mina. "Thank you Sgt," she gave him a hug. "Mina, why don't you stay here with Aunt Stephie while I go listen in on the briefing?" "Yes Mommy," she said. The briefing was the usual dull information as it always was. The list of cars to watch for, unit assignments. The reminder that security checks had to be made and the reminder to stay in the designated patrol areas unless dispatched. Someone near the back raised a hand, "Yes Rogers, what's your question?" "You know this weekends the newbie initiation right?" LT Douglas had already left the room, "Oh good, I love a good initiation." I said. "I hope there's plenty of fresh Venison." The room was suddenly silent, "Gentlemen, this is Captain Madison. She'll be our DO on Thursday," he informed them. "Ma'am is there anything you'd like to say?" Stepping up to the podium I looked them over, "You men look like you're ready to hit the streets," I glanced toward the open door then said, "If you need to take a deer for the initiation remember to stay in the north post training area." Mouths actually dropped open as I walked out of the room. They lined up for inspection, and I asked if the same rules applied as when I was there. Brand assured me they did. Only two people got gigs, but they were minor. "Capt. Would you like to pick the Supernumerary for tonight?" Douglas offered. "Cpl Rogers, I think. You can see yourself in his boots," I stated. "Rogers, you're dismissed," Brand said. Douglas left as soon as Guard mount was over, but I stuck around to meet the oncoming Desk Sgt. It piqued my temper that SSgt Slater was late as usual, and that Douglas hadn't stuck around to address the situation. Mina was on the desk coloring in a book when he finally showed up. The first thing I noticed was that he'd gone way overboard on the aftershave. "Sorry I'm late Cole, Damned Fucking traffic again." He offered his same old lame excuse. "Mina, please go see Cindy in the NCIC room while I have a word with SSgt Slater." "Oh Fuck," he said. I just stared straight into his eyes until Mina had gone into NCIC. Then trying to remain calm I stepped down from the Desk to face him up close. SSgt Slater, you are thirty minutes late. And you are using foul language in front of my Daughter." "I'm sorry Ma'am I didn't see her there." His breath gave him away. At a normal distance the aftershave masked it. but up close it was plain as day. "Have you been drinking? Is that why you're late?," he didn't answer. "I asked you a question Sgt." "I just had a beer on the way in Ma'am." He finally answered. "SSgt Cole please call Lt Douglas, and have him return. Sgt Slater is unfit for duty." "He isn't answering his radio Ma'am." I was informed. "Then call Brand and get 53 back here please." "Yes Ma'am. I'll also notify 24 to warm up the Breathalyzer." "SSgt Cole you amaze me, you anticipated my next request." Brand and Rogers both entered at the same time. "Rogers, I'm sorry to have to ask you to give up your well-earned night off. But we seem to be in need of a Patrol Sup. Brand is going to be filling in as desk Sgt." "Yes Ma'am," he said. "Slater go wait in interview room two please," I said. "You can't do this you aren't the duty officer, Douglas is." "Now that sounds like a Guilty admission if ever I heard one," said the Col as he reentered the station by the back door. "Slater, you might be wise to remember that like NCO's, Officers are never really off duty. And in the absence of the DO the ranking MP on the scene is in charge." "Cole, have you managed to find Douglas yet?" asked the Col. "No sir he left without his radio," Cole said. I noticed he and Brand were in the process of turning over the Desk. "Rogers, would you mind giving the LT and my daughter a ride to the billets. It seems I'm going to be here a while." "Sure thing Ma'am," he smiled. "SSgt Vance is in the Barracks Ma'am if you want him to come in and take over the desk." Everyone looked at me. "I doubt that will be necessary, Brand is perfectly capable of handling the desk. And Rogers is ready for the Patrol Sup position." They all smiled happily. "Stephanie, I hate to ask this but could you see it in your heart to take over as Duty Officer tonight instead of Thursday?" asked the Col. "I need to go make a call to Cpt K." "Aside from the inconvenience to my Daughters shopping spree, I'd be delighted to." "It's just till midnight then the Z Monster takes over," he said. When they escorted Slater to Traffic, he blew just under the legally drunk limit. But still enough to be impaired by military standards. Cole had stayed and filled out as much of the report as he could and I thanked him for staying and apologized for causing him to be late. "Tell Margaret I said sorry for causing you to miss Dinner." I handed him a twenty, "Here take her out to the club to make it up to her." "She'll be happy I'm not going to be late because of Slater again. But thank you Ma'am." Picking up a handset I switched it over to Tac 2, and listened to the conversation. "Is it true why they called Brand back to the Station?" "Listen up Meatheads, our new Duty officer isn't stupid like Douglas. Get your selves back on tac 1," Rogers informed them. "I'm Patrol Sup now. I expect to see everyone's patrol reports filled out properly." Smiling I said, "Brand I'm going to be at my Billets if anything comes up." "Yes Ma'am." I took the handset and an extra battery with me. "What happened," Stephie asked. "Two people got relieved of duty. And I was asked to fill in until midnight." Mina smiled, "That's cause your smarter." "No it's because they were being dumb." I answered. "More like Stupid in a No Stupid Zone," Stephie laughed. "Oh I almost forgot, Daddy called looking for you. I told him where you were." "Thanks," I hugged her then keyed the mike. "06, on standby at my Quarters." "Roger Ma'am, Post 06 called looking for you." "Thank you I'll give him a call." "06, that won't be necessary I'm in the stairwell." "Roger that." I answered the post commander. I opened the door before he could knock, and he came on into my room. "I know I agreed to let them put you on the Duty Roster, but I sure didn't expect you to kick over the Ant Hill," he said. "Sorry sir, I saw who was scheduled to work and I thought I'd see if things had changed. They hadn't," I answered him. "Have you been listening to tac 2?" "Not since Rogers told them to get back on tac 1," I admitted. He held up his hand then switched it on. "It's about time we had an officer with some balls, I hope they make her our CO when Capt. K leaves." "Shit could you see old Z's face if a Split tail took over." "Never gonna happen Dude, we're phase one Straf, first response combat unit." "What are you guys doing over there?" "Our damned security checks dude. And if you're smart you better do yours too because Rogers is just as hard assed as our new DO." We heard the sudden pulsing beeps over the radio and switched to tac 1. "All units, respond to silent alarm at the bowling alley. Fight in progress. "50, responding. Have 54 stay on south post please." Rogers requested. "06, enroute. 50 let me know what you have when you get there." "Mina," I said. "Mommy will be back as soon I get this sorted out, then we'll go get some dinner." She smiled, "I'll be ready Mommy." I kissed her cheek and started out the door. As soon as I got in my car I got on the radio again, "06 enroute in my POV, a '79' Firebird." "Roger, 52, just fall in behind us Ma'am, we'll get you there." "Thank you 52." The scene at the bowling alley was chaos, but my patrols were sorting it out, they had one stabbing victim. And a bunch of cuts and bruises to be seen to. But they were handling it. the only problem was the Perpetrator had a hostage in the cash office. "We can't go in and get him Ma'am, he's got that knife at her throat." Rogers was thinking a mile a minute, his eyes darting around the layout. "Carter, you and Martins go around back, keep a watch through the window. Vasquez, take the newbie and clear the rest of those GI's out through the side. Keep everyone together." He looked up at me. "You're doing fine Cpl, keep it up." He grabbed his radio, "54, do me a favor. Cruise down to the Basin and check out that Ammo Connex. Something just doesn't feel right about this." "What's in the Connex?" I asked him. "Simtex, and C4." "50, I need back up in the Basin. I mean right now!" "52, stay on scene. Everyone else, hit the Basin ASAP." I rushed out and jumped in the car with Rogers. "Good call," I told him. "What tipped you off?" "The victim. Not enough blood to be as severe as he made it out to be. Plus the hostage. She isn't as scared as she should be." No one was running sirens, and they all turned out their lights when they hit the only road in or out of the Basin. It was pretty comical actually, when they did hit their lights everyone around the Connex froze except the getaway driver who drove off into the river. I let him wrap things up at that scene, and had a patrol give me a lift back to the bowling alley. Where we found 52 sitting in his cruiser with the Perp. and victim in handcuffs. "Can you believe it, they were actually making out when we stepped through the door on them?" the two patrolmen laughed. "It takes all kinds," I said. Once they had everyone in a holding cell or in an interview room, Rogers kicked half the patrols back out onto the road. "I'll call you in when it's your turn to fill out your report. But I need you guys on the streets. Of course you can always rough draft your reports while your cruising," he told them. The General showed up just before I left. "Which one of you is Rogers?" he asked. "I am Sir, Cpl Rogers." "Not anymore Sgt Rogers, Capt. Madison, see to it the promotion is noted in the Blotter then go take your Daughter to dinner. Barnes are those Chevrons still in the bottom drawer?" "Yes Sir they sure are," he was already pulling out the extra's they kept for when someone lost insignia in a scuffle. The General and I took off the Cpl pins, and replaced them with the Sgt stripes. "Seems a shamed to let these go to waste," I said holding the Cpl Stripes. "Vasquez, front and center." Barnes yelled. "Yes Sir," he saluted. "You're out of uniform Cpl," the general said, then we pinned him. I looked at Barnes who was typing fast. "Already noting it in the blotter Ma'am." I stepped up onto the desk, then reached over his shoulder and initialed the entries. When I got home Mina was still keyed up. "Just a bunch of people fighting Sweetie. But they're in jail now." We drove over to the O club and had dinner with Stephie and the General and Jeanine. Then I took Mina home to put her in bed, but she wasn't going to sleep. I ended up taking her in her pajama's to the station with me at 2330 hrs. I saw the black Bronco pull in behind me as we got out to go inside. "Madison, is that you?" "Hey Top," we saluted. Then I spoke in Vietnamese to Mina and she smiled at him, then greeted him in her native language. "Well who's this little angel?" he asked. "Things kinda snow balled on me since we last talked. Mina is my daughter. Mina, Top is one of the few people outside your Aunts and uncles that you can trust with everything." "Come on inside, I gotta take over from Douglas as soon as he gets here." "He isn't coming in top." I told him. "Slater didn't call to say he was sick or needed me sooner," he complained. "Slater isn't here either," I said as we opened the door. "Attention!" Barnes yelled as I stepped through the door. "Carry on Sgt," I told him. "The Blotter is ready for your signature anytime you are Ma'am. High there Sugar," he said to Mina holding out a Chocolate Tootsie pop. "You should save that for tomorrow, ok?" He said, "Hi Top, it's been a busy night. But I hope it stays quiet until Midnight shift takes over." "Hey Barnes, NCIC finally got a hit on the river driver. The truck was definitely stolen," Sgt Rogers said as he headed for the desk. "Shit, ok there goes next week's surprise." Top said. "So how'd you get it early?" "General promoted him last night for Merit." Barnes informed him "Where's Vasquez? He's next in line for Cpl," Top said. "It's all in the Blotter Top." Barnes told him. "Shi, err, dang it, don't I get to do any of the good stuff anymore?" he smiled at Mina who was almost asleep in my arms. Then he saw the stainless steel POW/MIA bracelet and read the name. SSgt Arthur Radcliff. He looked at me with a puzzled pained expression on his face. "Her father," I said. then shook my head no, meaning he wasn't alive. "Her Mother," he started to ask. "No, not if you have her here. oh shit Madison. Damnit," he slammed his fist through the wall. Then walked calmly into the latrine. After a few minutes he came out looking like he'd just washed his face. No one said a word to him. After he signed off on the blotter beneath me I asked him if he was going to be ok. "Yeah, it was just a shock that's all. He saved my ass a few times. Then disappeared when the choppers were lifting everyone out." After a minute he said, "She was only three the last time I saw her. Take good care of her please." "I intend to top." I waited a second then said, "Come by my quarters after you get off duty tonight. I want you to know how she got out." "Anyone else you told would have to be shot you know that right?" leave it to the General to show up. "Sir I," he cut me off. "You don't have to explain to me. Of everyone in this room we're probably the only three who've seen real combat." The general lead us to an interview room and closed the door. "Z, Madison here flew her out on a Hang Glider from Nichiwan Pass to land on the Eisenhower five miles off shore." "Nichiwan Pass? That's the Cambodian Border." He looked at me strange then Said, "You're the ones that got those POW's out last week." His arms went around my shoulders. "Thank you, thank you, if you or she ever needs anything you say the word, I mean it. You take care of Mina Shu. She's my Goddaughter." So now my Daughter had a middle name, "Shu". I wondered what it meant, then remembered. Her mother's name was Shu and since her father was American she would keep her mother's name as her surname because the government there didn't recognize her father's name, or their marriage. As I laid her down in bed she looked up at me sleepily, "I love you Mommy." I kissed her forehead, "I love you to Sweetie." She closed her eyes and fell asleep. I slowly took off my uniform and slipped into long neglig?e, black with lace ruffles then slid into bed beside my Daughter and fell asleep. When I woke up the next morning, Stephie was there waiting with a cup of coffee. "Well, it looks like you finally woke up," she chuckled. I noticed she was covered in sweat. The shower was running and I could hear Mina singing happily. Then I looked at the clock, it was almost nine am. "I decided to let you sleep in this morning, you had a busy night." "You said it," I laughed. "Dang girl you can't do anything without finding some excitement can you?" she accused. "I can't help it, it finds me." I laughed. "But it felt good to act like a Soldier instead of a Spook for a change." "Daddy said have you drop by his office when you wake up," she was pouting. "He said he wants me there too, in uniform." "Stephie, I thought you liked being a soldier," stated. "I do, I just don't like getting leered at in a skirt." She admitted. "Then act like the officer you are and put them in their place just like I do," I told her. "Is that why you don't wear it more often?" Her blush told me it was. "You go get showered and I want to see you back here in dress uniform, now that's an order," I told her. "Yes Ma'am," she giggled and headed for her room as Mina came out of the shower. After eating breakfast we went to post headquarters. The guard at the door gave us a very appraising look. "Stephie, show me what you got girl," I told her when she looked embarrassed. "Do you look at all women like that Private? Or is it just officers?" "Sorry Ma'am, I, I just never knew officers could be so pretty." "You might start by remembering you're a soldier and I'm an officer. And keep your eyes to yourself." She paused, "Next time I'll involve the Duty Officer in this." She turned and we started up the stairs. I could see her shaking. "Wow, that was pretty good, so how did it feel?" I asked her. She laughed, "Very powerful." At her father's office she stood and waited to be acknowledged. "Excuse me, we're here to see the General at his request," I interrupted the Secretary. "Jenny, is that Capt. Madison and My Daughter out there?" "Yes Sir, I'll send them right in." "Thank you I told her." He told me I was being assigned to the PM's office. Then told Stephie she was now assigned to ComSec. "I think you'll enjoy working over there Sweetheart. You have a gift for Incription and Decoding. And they really do need you, but you'll be free to do your real job when the need arises. Or you can move off post and work a regular job for cover." "Thank you sir, My country needs me here doing what I do best," I told him. "Thank you Daddy," Stephie said to him. "I'm learning the finer points of being an officer and a Lady." She giggled. "Thank you Stephanie, I know this is your doing. Am I right?" he asked. "I'm only giving her tips and encouragement Sir," I told him. "The rest she's doing on her own." We walked to the Communications Security office where she was greeted by a rather Nerdy Capt. Complete with surgical tape on the bridge of his black horn rimmed glasses, also known as RPG's in the military. "Stephie, it's so good to finally see you in uniform," he greeted her. "I just knew you had to be an officer. I can't tell you how glad I am that you're here. do we ever need your expertise." "What's up?" she pointed to where the rest of the office was pouring over copies of the same message trying to break a code. "We intercepted a coded message that went out over the air in plain voice. These are the transcripts but they don't make any sense." She was instantly intrigued and I left her to try and sort things out. When I got to the PM's office he was out, the Major greeted me. "Captain, I must say your assignment comes as a surprise to me. No one's heard of you and the old man says not to pry too much but I want to know why you're here." "I'm here to fill an empty position in the Duty Officer's Schedule Sir," I informed him. "Did the pentagon send you here?" he demanded. "You certainly shook things up last night. Your first night here and you weren't even scheduled to work." "No comment Sir." I was glad I'd dropped Mina off with Stephie's Mom until we got finished with checking in. "Not goddamned good enough Captain. I want a Answer and I want it now!" "Do you carry a NATO Top Secret, Cosmic, Atomal clearance with a Bravo Authorization?" I asked calmly. "I'll have you know I'm cleared for anything and everything young lady." I stepped out into the hallway, "Where the hell are you going? You do not walk away from me when I'm talking to you." He followed me out into the outer office. "Trudy, I need a secure line with a scrambler." She smiled thinly trying not to beam with joy. I started to dial a number and he slammed his hand down hanging it up. "You want answers Sir, I'm trying to make sure you're cleared to receive them. I wouldn't advise you to interrupt." I dialed again as I looked at the days current authentication sheet that Trudy offered. "Bravo Six, Alpha Seven, Authenticate Juliet November." "Confirm Juliet November, Tango. Bravo Six Alpha seven how may I assist you?" asked the Pentagon ComSec officer. "I'm putting you on speaker Ma'am, I have a Major Warner here who claims to have a Bravo Clearance." "Alpha Seven, are you secure at your location?" she asked. "As secure as I can be at present." I answered. "Day Lilly" she said. "Night Blossom," I answered the request for whether I was in danger with the negative response. "Major Warner is not Cleared for any of that information, I suggest you inform him of such." "Who the hell are you talking to Madison?" he demanded. "Major, this is General Dixon with the Pentagon ComSec, I am sending a team of intelligence officers to discuss your attempt to gain access to information you are neither cleared for nor have a need for. Capt. You are authorized to treat this as a level five breach." She broke the connection, and the Major turned white and sat down hard in a chair. "What's a level breach?" asked Trudy. "If the Major attempts to leave her custody, she is authorized to use deadly force," informed the Col. as he stepped back into his office. "Warner, I told you not to pry into this, to just stay clear of it. I was still looking at the Brevity codes when something hit me. Picking up the phone again I called the post ComSec office. "May I speak to Lt Noah please, tell her it's Capt Madison. "Steph what is it? the Comm Lines just went nuts." She said. "That message you're working on I think it's a Shackle code," I told her. "No way, it came out of South east Asia." "Listen you remember the AAR? Mina was looking at the Photos in the big book?" "Sure I remember that, why?" "Meet me there hurry, I don't know how much time we have. I have to go get Mina." My pager buzzed, and I looked at it. Tawny wanted me to check in. "Excuse me sir," I used his secure line again. "What are you into? I just got a flash from ComSec." "Just a minor misunderstanding Ma'am," I told her. But the Lt and I are about to inbound to the JCS as soon as the interrogation team picks up Major Warner for a little discussion." "What is it?" I was asked when I got to the Pentagon. "I need to see the big book you showed my Daughter the other day. I think we have a POW trying to communicate." "Uh Stephanie this is an inscription code, they wouldn't have one that was current and any that were lost would have been disregarded from the system." I flipped through the pages of the book. "Mommy what are you looking for?" asked mina. "The picture of the Soldier with the rows of letters on his arm," She grabbed the book and flipped through the pages till she found it, "Here Mommy. I remember this it just like Daddy's," she said The picture wasn't good enough to make out the letters clearly though. "That's the old Signal Tattoo," said one of ComSec Sgt's. "We all got them when we were there. It was like a joke." Tawny grabbed his arm and jerked his sleeve up. "Hold him still, I gotta copy this." Stephie said, "I need a copy of that intercept." Smiling she said, "You were right it's a Shackle code. But which way does it run? Up, down, left or right?" "What's the first letter group?" "Five Sierra Oscar Golf Delta Bravo Foxtrot." Someone read off the from the message. "Fifth Special Operations Group, Din Bien Fu." It was a statement. And we all looked at the newly arrived speaker. "CSM Nodine, Welcome." Jerome said. I noticed he was wearing the combat patch. He looked at the second set then pulled up his sleeve to look at his own Tattoo. "Each group follows the compass," he said. then asked, "How old is this message?" "Four Days, eleven hours." Was the answer. "Put an Asset on standby, the next message should be in thirteen hours, give or take an hour." He looked at all of us standing there in the room, then at Mina. They started speaking in the Montanyard dialect. And his eyes grew round with surprise. "Don't worry little one, I won't say anything that would get your Mommy into trouble. You're a very brave little soldier." He smiled at her. Then turned to the Joint Chiefs, "I want to be on the Carrier when they go in to get them out." "What do you mean get them out? This is message from one man." "No Sir, he claims there are seventeen of them. Moving constantly to avoid capture." Stephie insisted. "How did you know that?" they asked the CSM. "You never forget how to Shackle, especially when you've done it under fire." He was writing on a piece of paper and handed it to the ComSec officer, "Send this when you make contact again." "Hang loose, coming to get you soonest." The message read. "Can we go someplace a bit less formal and talk?" he asked my team. "We'll be at the club house," Tawny informed the ACS. "Besides Joanne has to work tonight." "I've got DO again at midnight," I said. "Not if we get a go order," interrupted Jerome. "So where's the Club house?" "The Butterfly Lounge," Mona giggled. "You mind if I call my wife to meet us there, she's a bit unconventional as wives go." We sat around talking in low voices, no one minded Mina being there since the stripping didn't start until later. "Heads up guys, we got a green light in three days." Jerome said after coming back from taking a call. "Madison, I hope you like swimming, there won't be any hang gliding this trip." I tried to pout, but couldn't get past the grin, "As long as I don't get treated like a torpedo I'm fine." "The General said to tell you to go to post and collect the Z Monster when he gets off duty. Someone else is taking your place tonight. You are to leave Mina with him and his wife until we get back. Mina didn't want to leave so early, "Please Mommy can't I watch Aunt Jo dance?" I looked at Frankie, "She can stay for the first number." "Thank you uncle Frankie" she hugged him. After we watched Joanne dance I took her by the Generals house. "You better move it they just jumped up the time table. Take Lt Carr with you he can fill in as DO." "Yes Sir," I hugged and kissed Mina, promising to hurry home as fast as I could. I had to hurry to the car, I didn't want her to see me crying. "Ma'am you better let me drive," he offered. "I think you have a lot of mental preparations to make. Whatever it is that has the boss this keyed up has to be huge." "Sorry Carr, I'm not at liberty to say." "Madison you're early, oh shit what happened. Is Mina ok?" "She's fine Top, I brought your relief, I need you to come with me." "What? Where?" he asked. "Nichiwan, or rather close to it. now grab your butt and lets go." "Carr, it's all yours. Brand tell the C O I'm not sure when I'll be back." He grabbed his hat and we headed for the car. "How good is the Intel? Are they confirming the reports?" he wanted to know. "It came encrypted in a Shackle code almost five days ago. We finally got it cyphered and now we're going in as soon as we get a better fix. From what I understand they're constantly moving around." "How did they get the right encryption key?" "It's the same as the one tattooed on your left leg top." "That wasn't a r