Return To Oz

When he woke up, he was lying on a damp mattress in a small dank cell. God help me, he thought, I’m in a prison. I am in an Iraqi prison. How long have I been here?

"Absolutely not, Paul."

Amanda King-Stetson paused outside the door of the Q Bureau. It was unlike Lee to raise his voice or use that tone with anyone. She leaned forward and listened, slightly embarrassed to be eavesdropping.

"I need you, Lee. I'm reactivating the Oz Network and I need the Scarecrow to succeed with the mission. I need both of you."

"No. It’s not going to happen."

"What’s not going to happen?" Amanda stepped into the small office, her gaze drifting between her husband and Paul Barnes, the once and future Wizard of Oz. "Hello, Paul. What brings you to Washington?"

"Hello, Amanda; you are looking lovely as always." Barnes smiled at her and gallantly kissed her hand. "And as to why I’m here—"

"It’s not important, Amanda," Lee broke in. He ignored a pointed look from Paul. "You’re in early this morning."

"I wanted to finish up my report for Mr. Melrose."

She glanced at the two men. "Why do I get the feeling I interrupted something?"

"Nothing important."

Before Amanda could ask any further questions, the phone rang. She picked it up. "Inter—Oh, hello, Mr. Melrose, why yes, he is here. We’ll be right down."

Hanging up the telephone, she looked over at Lee and his old friend. "Mr. Melrose wants to see us downstairs. The three of us."

"Are you crazy Billy? I won’t allow Amanda to go into a war zone!" Lee paced the length of Billy’s office, his agitation growing by the minute. "It’s insane. Send someone else."

"Sit down Lee," Billy growled. He waited until the agent did so before continuing. "There is no one else. Paul is reactivating the Oz network, and he specifically requests you and Amanda. You’ll be joined by two other agents, Steven Najar and Sayeed Fadim.

This isn’t a request, Scarecrow; it’s an order. You, Najar and Fadim will liberate the prisoner. You are going in as IFF film crew, and Amanda will use her Red Cross Volunteer status. It is our hope they will be allowed to see the prisoner and bring back intelligence that will help you in liberating the prisoner. You’ll leave for Kuwait in forty eight hours."

Lee nodded, still unhappy, but knowing he had no choice in the matter. "Who is this guy? Why are we going to such lengths to liberate him?"

"A USAF officer who has participated in highly classified operations. He has information that we must at all costs keep out of Saddam Hussien’s hands."

"Black ops?"

When Billy didn’t answer but only waved Lee out of the room, Lee knew why the Oz network had been reactivated. Black ops; he hated working with black ops guys.

He threw a disgruntled gaze at Billy and stomped out of the office closing the door with a thump that reverberated through the bullpen.

Several of the agents in the room looked over at Lee with avid curiosity on their faces. He took a couple of deep breaths and pasted a smile on his face. There was no point in trying to talk Billy out of this or Amanda either, he thought. God, I hate working with black ops.

They reminded him of all the worst things about the government and the military. Secrets and lies. Even after all his years with the agency, Lee still resented the secrets and lies. Black ops guys thrived on them. They didn't work well with others. Black ops was a society unto itself. One Lee didn't want to join. One he didn't want his wife anywhere near.

Lee walked across the bullpen. You don't have a choice, he thought, so you'd better accept it. Would you feel the same way if it were Francine or Nikki joining the Wizard in this operation? Pushing open the doors Lee had to admit, if only to himself, that he wouldn't be reacting like this. Francine could handle herself in any situation and Nikki would have Barnes for lunch. But Amanda, his Amanda, still retained the naiveté that had first attracted him to her.

He still wasn’t happy with Amanda’s inclusion in the mission, but at least he’d be there to watch her backside.

Paul and Amanda were waiting in the corridor near the elevator. Lee scowled at Paul as he joined them. "So help me Barnes, if she gets even the smallest scratch, I’ll rip your heart out."

"I guarantee her safety Lee."

"Hey guys! I am standing right here, could you please not talk about me as if I’m not?"

Amanda knew Lee was remembering his last mission with the Oz network and how tragically it had ended. She wanted to reassure him that this time they would be successful, but she didn’t know how, so instead, she asked, "Is it just the three of us?"

"No," answered Barnes, "two other agents will join us in Kuwait."

"Do you know them? Do you trust them?" Amanda asked.

"I know Najar; so do you Lee. He was a class behind you. I’ve never met Sayeed Fadim, but he has an excellent record and comes highly recommended. I have their dossiers upstairs, shall we?" With an easy grin, Paul bowed and gestured toward the elevator.

Amanda put her hand on Lee’s arm. "Don’t worry Lee, I’ll be fine; you’ll be there and Paul will be there and we’ll have two other agents for back up. What could possibly go wrong? I’m more worried about what to tell Mother."

Dotty West watched as Amanda packed. "I don’t know Amanda, are you sure it’s safe over there?"

"Mother, I’ll be perfectly safe; Lee is going with me and we’ll be staying on the Air Force base where Lee’s uncle is stationed," Amanda said as she placed her neatly folded skirt in the suitcase.

"But Amanda, there’s a war going on."

"I know that, Mother, that’s why we’re going. IFF is doing a documentary on women in action."

"I just don’t know, I’ve seen the news, I read the papers and I’ve heard—" Dotty shook her head in exasperation. "Well I’ve just heard that they do just awful things to women over there.

"Mother, I’ll be fine. It’s my job." Amanda closed her suitcase and took her mother’s hands in hers. "You just keep things under control here on the home front, okay?"

"Okay darling." Dotty hugged her daughter, "You just be careful, okay?"

"I promise; now I’m going to go say good-bye to the boys; Lee should be here shortly."

After returning her mother’s hug Amanda picked up her suitcase and headed down the staircase.

"I just don’t like it, Lee. We were supposed to be the only passengers on this flight."

"Relax Paul," Lee said. "I’m sure it’s nothing. There is a war on, remember?"

"Of course I remember," Barnes answered.

But I was assured we’d be alone during this trip. I don’t like surprises, not when this much is at stake."

"Uncle Sam is probably just saving a few bucks," Lee said.

Amanda turned to Lee. "Are you telling me that even the Air Force doesn’t know about this mission?"

"No. As far as they are concerned, we are there to produce a documentary on women on the front lines. Only those with the highest clearance know who we are and what we are doing."

"What about Robert?"

Paul Barnes leaned across Lee to answer her question. "He’s been reassigned to another fighter wing for the duration of our stay."

Amanda nodded and settled back in her seat. Lee watched her carefully as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. He turned to Paul, "Why was my uncle reassed?"

"Because we didn’t want to risk exposure."

"He would never have exposed us."

"Not intentionally, but the risk was too great. I didn’t make that decision Lee, some one else did. Sorry. I didn’t know you two had gotten close."

"I understand." Lee said. "There is a chance I may know other AF personnel on this base. What about them?"

"Stay with your cover, I’m assuming none of them know what you do and who you work for?"

"No. I haven’t kept in touch with anyone and the few times our paths have crossed I’ve played the IFF cover." Lee said.

"Good," Barnes stood up, "Now I’m going to go talk to that pretty blonde over there and find out where she’s headed and why."

He grinned down at Lee. "Maybe I’ll get a date in the process."

Lee returned his friend’s grin. "She’s not a stewardess, Paul. She’s a Lieutenant in the USAF, a very young Lieutenant. Behave yourself."

With a wink the Wizard made his way down the narrow aisle and lowered his long frame into the empty seat beside the very young, very pretty Lieutenant.

Sam Carter looked up as the man who settled into the seat beside her. Great, she thought, a civilian on the make. Not a bad looking guy, but he was clearly on the make and not at all her type. Not like his friend, now there was a fella. She sighed. Of course, his friend had married written all over him.

"Hi, I’m Paul Barnes, International Federal Film; is this seat taken?"

"Lieutenant Samantha Carter, United States Air Force, and no it isn’t."

"Good. Has anyone ever told you that you are far too pretty to be a soldier?"

Mentally groaning at the obvious line, she said, "No, and it’s a probably a good thing, because I’m an astrophysicist." Carter smiled at him, enjoying the look of bewilderment on his face.

Barnes raised an eyebrow and took another look at the young woman. God, he thought, she couldn’t be more than twenty-five, maybe twenty-six. "What is an astrophysicist doing on her way to the Gulf? I wouldn’t imagine there would be much for you to do there, except stir up all the men with those pretty blue eyes of yours."

Sam’s smile widened, she so enjoyed flirting with a handsome man. "Sorry, that’s classified. But you knew that. Don’t look so innocent, Mr. Barnes. I’ve been assigned at the Pentagon, I know who you are."

"Ah, my reputation precedes me. You shouldn’t believe everything you hear." Paul smiled at her.

"So you’re not the ladies man you’ve been made out to be?" Sam teased him. "I find that hard to believe."

"My dear Lieutenant Carter, I’m only a victim of malicious gossip."

"I’m sure you are, Mr. Barnes. The Wizard is a near legend, both in the field and the gossip columns."

"If you know I’m the Wizard, you must be a very important astrophysicist, Lieutenant. Can I count on you to keep my identity to yourself?"

"Of course you can, Mr. Barnes. What interest do you to have in the Gulf?"

"Sorry, that’s classified." Paul smiled at her, "but as a peace offering, how about I buy your dinner tonight?"

"Is that a bribe, Mr. Barnes?"

Paul grinned at her. "It is whatever you want it to be, Lieutenant Carter."

Lee looked over as the couple laughed; how does he do it? The Wizard had a woman on every continent. Lee narrowed his eyes, the blonde looked slightly familiar, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on why. He must have seen her at some official function.

He turned his attention back to the mission briefing on his lap. This was a tough one. The target had been part of a pre-strike mission to gather intelligence. It had failed and his teammates had pulled out, believing he was dead. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t. Two weeks ago, an Iraqi operative had gotten out with the news of the man’s capture and subsequent imprisonment. The guy had been badly injured, but had now recovered enough that his captors weren’t afraid he’d die before he’d talk. They’d saved his life just so they could kill him. Lee grimaced. He’d heard that Saddam had some very creative ways to torture.

"Lee?"

He turned to see Amanda rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Welcome back, sleepyhead."

"Are we there yet?"

Lee grinned. "Not yet, about another hour or so I’d guess."

"Mmm." Amanda leaned her head back again. "Next time we fly first class, big guy."

"What? You don’t like the flight? My uncle would be disappointed; this is top of the line military transport."

"It’s cold, noisy and uncomfortable."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Does this help any?"

She snuggled into his embrace. "Oh yeah, it helps a lot. So where’s the Wizard?"

"Hitting on some cute little Lieutenant."

"Cute, huh?" Amanda craned her neck to catch a glimpse of Paul’s latest conquest. "My gosh! She’s a child, Lee."

"I said she was cute—Ouch." He rubbed his arm where she pinched him. "Okay, she’s not cute. I wouldn’t worry, she looks like she can handle the Wizard."

He could just see the edge of the sky outside his cell window; it was dark outside. He could see Polaris so he knew the window faced North.

He knew that it was only a matter of time before they started to question him. His injuries had healed; they’d kept him alive long enough to kill him. A sour smile crossed his face at the thought. He held out no hope for rescue; he knew that his mission here had not been officially sanctioned.

He wondered what they’d told his wife. Did she think he was dead? Better that she did, because unless he escaped, he’d be dead in a very few days. He'd be dead because would never give up any information to the enemy. He’d decided he’d die trying to escape rather than suffer the other option—death by torture.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Stetson." Sam held her hand out to the older woman as she acknowledged Paul’s introduction. She and Mrs. Stetson would be going over to the women’s quarters together.

"Thank you, Lieutenant Carter and please call me Amanda; we’re going to be spending quite a bit of time together."

"Of course." Sam Carter smiled. "Please call me Sam. If you’ll follow me I’ll show you to our quarters."

After a wistful look at Lee, Amanda followed Carter across the airstrip to a waiting jeep.

"This place is huge," she said, looking around. All she could see were tents, prefab buildings and sand, lots and lots of sand.

Sam smiled. "Yes it is. The woman’s section is over there." She pointed to a jumble of prefab buildings in the distance. "I’m sorry you can’t stay with your husband. The military is trying very hard not to step on the local sensibilities."

"Not the best situation to test the women in combat issue is it?"

"Frankly Amanda, I don’t see why it is an issue; I’m as competent as any man. Most military women have no problem with other women in combat; it’s the men who have the problem. They don’t want to give up their private all-boys club." Sam gripped the steering wheel. This was an old argument and she hoped that the documentary would prove that it was a non-issue.

"Sounds like you’ve had this argument before," said Amanda, smiling at Sam.

Sam laughed. "I have, with my father, every single time we speak. Here we are. The large building is the mess hall, and if you’ve never eaten military cooking, you’ll soon understand why it’s called mess. Shower and bathrooms on the left, enlisted barracks over that way and this is our home, the BOQ."

"Bachelor Officer Quarters?" joked Amanda, "or is it Bachelorette?"

Sam smiled. "Bachelor. The military is slow to change and some things will never change." She preceded Amanda into the small building.

"I hope I can interview you, Sam. I think you’d be a great subject for the documentary, not only as a woman in combat, but as a second generation soldier."

"I’d like that, but I’ll need my CO’s permission," she answered and then saluted the woman who had just stepped in to room. "Lieutenant Samantha Carter."

"Captain Katherine Picard-Howard. Welcome to the sand and sand hotel Lieutenant."

"Amanda Stetson, International Federal Film."

"I was told you were coming Mrs. Stetson. Welcome. You’ll be bunking with Lieutenant Carter. Second floor. If you need anything please ask."

"Thank you." Amanda was a little intimidated by all the military crispness in the woman’s manner.

"Carter, once you get settled report to Colonel Paris at HQ. He’ll have your assignment ready."

"Yes Ma’am." Sam gave the Captain a salute.

Returning Carter’s salute and nodding at Amanda, Captain Howard crossed the room and once she was gone Sam relaxed and smiled at Amanda.

"Come on, I’ll show you our luxury accommodations. The military protocol takes a bit of getting used to doesn’t it?"

"It sure does," Amanda said. "I’m not used to dealing with it. My generation and the military were adversaries and I’m not very comfortable around it."

Sam nodded. She was too young to remember the Vietnam conflict clearly, but she did remember the tension on the base during the student protests and there had been more than one family torn apart by the opposing views, including her own. Her brother and her father had butted heads over the issue more than once.

"You’ll get used to it. I grew up with it so it’s second nature to me. When I was in grade school, I saluted my teachers, until one of them explained that I didn’t need to salute a civilian. Of course, I didn’t know what a civilian was either."

"You’ve spent your whole life in the military?"

Sam shook her head as she opened the door to their quarters. "No. I spent a lot of my summer vacations with my aunt and of course, I went to school off the base."

She stopped and looked around the small room. It contained two beds, two footlockers and a desk with two chairs. "Welcome to the Military’s idea of luxury accommodations."

Amanda stood beside her and looked around. "It’s, um…clean."

In the base briefing room, Amanda settled herself in the chair next to Lee and tried to relax. She was the only woman in the room; Fadim and Najar sat across the table from her. Both men were swarthy and looked slightly dangerous, she thought. Fadim didn’t even look at her, but Najar threw her a devastating smile and winked at her. Before she could react, Paul Barnes walked into the room with another officer.

"Good afternoon everyone," Barnes said as he stepped to the head of the table. "For those of you who don’t know me, I am Paul Barnes. I am the SAC for this mission and just so everything is crystal clear, it is my operation from start to finish.

Lee Stetson is my second; the other agents with me on this operation are Amanda Stetson, Sayeed Fadim and Steve Najar. Our objective is to liberate the prisoner. All pertinent information is in front of you."

Amanda opened the folder and found herself gazing at the photo of USAF officer. For the first time, the man seemed real to her. He has kind eyes, she thought, as she read his bio, and quite an impressive record.

"I don’t think I need to remind you that this operation is top secret. For the official record, my team is here to film a documentary." Barnes smiled at Amanda. "In addition, Mrs. Stetson will use her Red Cross status to request access to the prisoner."

"Already in progress Paul," she said. "I made the request on my way over here."

"Excellent. When the okay is given, I will accompany Mrs. Stetson into Iraq.

Lee, I want you to go over the original mission with Colonel Cromwell." He gestured to the officer standing beside him. "Tompkins and Stiller were also part of the operation and may have some additional insights to offer."

Sayeed Fadim spoke slowly and softly. "What do you require from me?"

"I need you to familiarize Steve with the terrain around the prison. I want progress reports by 1700 hours. That’s it. Amanda, if you have a minute?"

"Sure Paul." She gently squeezed Lee’s hand in reassurance and watched as the men filed out of the small conference room.

Paul gestured for her to sit and then settled himself at the table. "Did you get settled in okay?"

"Fine," she answered, "I’m bunking with Lieutenant Carter."

"Good, she can answer any questions you have about military protocol. She’s a military brat; her father is a General. She has an excellent service record and an impressive educational background. Her assignment here is nearly as classified as ours."

"You checked her out?"

Barnes nodded. "As soon as we landed. We were supposed to be the sole passengers on that transport and I needed to know why that changed. She was a unknown quantity and that can be dangerous in an mission like this."

"I thought you were trying to pick her up."

"That too." Barnes laughed and continued, "She was pulled off a high level project and shipped out here with little notice. That made me suspicious. I pulled some strings and confirmed that she’s legit. Looks like the project she’s been on is about to have the plug pulled."

"What kind of project?"

"That my dear Mrs. Stetson is on a need to know basis and neither you nor I have a need to know. Listen Amanda, I know that Lee was against me using you with the Oz network and I hope it’s not causing the two of you any problems."

"Don’t worry about it, Paul. Lee just gets a little overprotective sometimes." And that, she thought, is the understatement of the century.

In the BOQ, Paul Barnes watched the Scarecrow pace the perimeter of their room and sighed. At least he’d stopped yelling.

They’d received permission for him and Amanda to visit the prisoner tomorrow and Lee had not been happy with the short lead-time the Iraqi government had given them. Colonel Paris’ courier had barely left the room before Lee had started yelling.

"Damn it, Paul! That’s not enough time. I want to send in a team to scout before you go in."

"Relax Lee," the Wizard soothed, "I wasn’t expecting to be given any lead time at all; I’m thankful we got the sixteen hours we did."

"I’m going with you."

"No, you are not; you’re film crew, Lee, and the Iraqi’s won’t buy your being there."

"So’s Amanda," Lee countered.

Barnes scowled. "Amanda’s also Red Cross, Stetson. We need the cover, and the poor SOB prisoner will probably need her first aid skills and TLC, too."

"I don’t want her in the line of fire, not without me to watch her back."

"You are being unreasonable, Lee. This over-emotional reaction of yours is not only detrimental but damned dangerous."

"She’s my wife, Paul!" Lee shouted not giving a damn if anyone over-heard them. "Of course I’m emotional!"

Barnes ran his hand through his hair. The reactivation of the Oz network had been stressful for him. He was as nervous as Lee about taking Amanda behind enemy lines. The last time he and the Scarecrow had gone out as a team they’d lost two of their own, one of them a woman Lee had cared deeply for. And now, here they were again, and the Wizard was taking Lee’s wife into a potentially dangerous situation.

"Don’t you trust me to protect her, Stetson?"

Lee stopped in mid stride and looked at his old friend, his mentor. Did he trust him?

It wasn’t so many years ago he’d been willing to believe Paul capable of murder, the murder of women who were important to him. The Tinman had played them against each other and he’d been prepared to kill Paul until cooler heads, namely Amanda’s, had prevailed. He and Paul had parted friends, but did he trust him with Amanda's life? It was a question Lee didn’t have the answer to.

He continued to pace agitatedly. The truth was he didn’t trust anyone to protect Amanda as if he would. Yet, rationally, he knew he couldn’t go to the prison with them. He’d jeopardize the mission and endanger the life of the prisoner if he did. But it didn’t mean he had to like it.

"Scarecrow?"

Lee held out his hands in supplication, "As far as I’m concerned, nobody should go with Amanda except me, but I trust you, Paul, as much as I trust anyone. We’re talking about my wife here, not just another ‘fun date’. I love her. Would you trust me if you were in my place?"

"If I had, a wife yes, I would."

Paul watched as Lee paced furiously across the room. The tension in his body was palpable. If this was what love and marriage did to a man, he wanted none of it.

"Watching you I’m even more convinced that we should stay unattached in this business."

"I used to feel like that, Paul, then I met Amanda and she turned my whole world upside down." He sighed. "And as much as I hate sending her into danger," he admitted, "I’ve never regretted a moment of my time with her, ever. You ought to try it, old man."

"I don’t think so, Scarecrow." Barnes grinned in relief; he’d managed to defuse the situation. "But maybe that pretty blonde Lieutenant Carter could change my mind."

"Watch it, Wizard. The pretty blonde Lieutenant has a big mean General daddy and gossip says he’ll have your six reassigned to Alaska, or worse, if you mess with his daughter."

Barnes laughed "There is nothing worse than Alaska. So, her daddy’s big bad General Jacob Carter," he said. "How do you know them, Scarecrow? Did daddy singe your tail feathers when you got too close to his little girl?"

"I stayed with the Carter family a lifetime ago; God, it must have been about the time Lieutenant Carter was born." Lee said, suddenly feeling very old, "and then about ten years later we were stationed at the same base with them. General Carter is tough, but fair. Or he was then. People change," Lee said. "Listen Paul, do me a favor, let the Lieutenant alone. She’s a good kid."

"For you, Scarecrow, anything."

Lee looked at the Wizard, suspicion written all over his face. "You gave up too easily. Why?"

Paul shrugged. "I don’t know. Sam Carter is a beautiful woman, no doubt about it, but she’s so damn young and idealistic; I’d hate to be the one to take that away from her."

"Not to mention that she is smarter than you."

"Way smarter," agreed Paul with a grin.

Amanda glanced up from her reading as Samantha Carter burst into their quarters. The young Lieutenant was grinning from ear to ear and overflowing with enthusiasm.

"Wow, Amanda, that was the most incredible feeling in the world! I’ve flown simulations about a thousand times, but to actually be up there! I can’t imagine anything that could be more exciting."

"Had a good time with the fly boys did you?"

"A good time, an incredible time. I even got to handle the stick." She waved her hand in the air.

Amanda laughed. "I’ll bet you did…I don’t want to hear about it Sam."

Carter joined her laughter and dropped onto her bunk. "You have a dirty mind for a married woman, Mrs. Stetson. Seriously, it was incredible, you ought to try it."

"Thanks, but no thanks. "

"It’s a rush, Amanda."

Closing her book, Amanda looked up at the young woman, "I’ll take your word for it Sam, but I prefer to have my feet firmly planted on the ground."

"Not me. What I really want is to get into NASA."

"My son, Jamie, wants to do to the same thing."

"How old is Jamie?"

"Fifteen going on sixteen."

"I was about that age when I decided I wanted to be an astronaut," Sam said, remembering that last conversation with her mom and her mom telling her how she could be anything she wanted to be. It was the last time she and her mom had had one of their heart to heart talks.

Amanda looked closely at the young woman; something in her voice told Amanda that being a teen had been very painful for the Lieutenant.

"At least you had the option, when I was that age we were told we could be teachers, nurses or secretaries, but then only until we settled down and got married. "

She laughed at the look on Sam’s face, "Seriously. Then the sixties happened and all the rules changed."

"So did you?"

"Settle down and get married?" Amanda said, "Oh my, yes. I went to college and got my degrees, one in American Lit and one in MRS."

"Your husband is very handsome." Sam flopped down on her bed and rolled onto her stomach. "You’re very lucky."

"Yes as I am, but Lee is my second husband. My first husband is a lawyer. Our marriage was a perfect example of ‘the times they are a changing’. I tried to live the suburban dream, but Joe was an idealist; he wanted to save the world; I just wanted to pay the mortgage and have healthy kids."

"So he saved the world—"

Amanda laughed. "—-And I paid the mortgage and raised the kids. Don’t get me wrong. Joe is a great guy and a wonderful father. It just didn’t work out; we wanted different things from life. What about you, Sam? Do you want to get married and raise a family?"

"Eventually, I suppose. Right now, my career doesn’t leave a heck of a lot of time for socializing. And I’ve never met the right guy at the right time."

"You’re young, you’ll find that guy some day. Just take my advice and keep clear of Paul Barnes. He’s a charming wastrel, but a wastrel nonetheless."

"I know all about Mr. Barnes; a friend of mine was stationed in Germany a few years ago and had a thing for him." Sam grinned. " She told me all about the delectable Mr. Barnes and at the Pentagon I heard all about the trail of broken hearts he’d left across Europe. I’m not interested in being one of his leftovers."

"Good." Amanda stood up, "I hope you don’t think I’m interfering, Sam. It’s the mother in me. I have this need to mother everyone. My friend Francine says it’s because I have motherhood carved in my bones."

"Mother away, Amanda. I kind of like it. My mom died when I was fourteen."

"Oh, Sam, I’m sorry."

"Thanks. I miss her. She and I were pretty close; I could tell her anything. And my dad and I... Well, there are just some things I couldn’t ever tell him, if you know what I mean." Sam smiled.

"Dads are like that," Amanda said. "I was married and already had my son, Philip and my dad was still calling me his little girl." Amanda smiled at the memory.

"If you ever land in Washington again, you can call me anytime you need some motherly advice." Amanda yawned. "Gracious. I’d better get some sleep. I have a big day tomorrow."

"The grapevine says you are going to cross the line to visit a VIP prisoner."

Amanda looked at the young woman sharply. Carter’s expression was guileless, but her blue eyes danced with excitement.

"News travels fast here, doesn’t it," said Amanda, keeping her voice neutral. "Worse than any small town."

"I was in the CO’s office when Colonel Paris got the go ahead from HQ." Sam shrugged, " I just happened to overhear. So who’s the VIP?"

"No VIP, just a prisoner. I am a Red Cross volunteer and since I’m here..." Amanda’s voice trailed off as if she were unconcerned, "…They asked me to visit and bring the poor man some personal items, stuff like that." She checked her watch and turned down her bed. "Nothing important."

"Uh, sure," Sam answered as she changed into her nightgown, "whatever you say, Amanda. Better hit the rack early then, it’s quite a trip across the desert."

"Good night Samantha."

"Good night Amanda."

Amanda fidgeted nervously as the impossibly young Marine guided the Hummer across the never-ending sea of sand. Beside her, Paul Barnes was cool as a cucumber, at least as far as Amanda could tell. She wished she knew his secret to staying so calm and focused. Lee had it too, and so did Francine, but it was a skill Amanda had never mastered. The night before every mission found her unable to sleep and the countdown hours seemed like days. Must be something they taught them in spy school, she decided.

"There is nothing to be nervous about Amanda." Paul Barnes voiced her fears. "We are simply Red Cross representatives on an errand of mercy." He patted her hand. "I’m sure Private Gregg will take excellent care of us."

The young man smiled, "Sure thing, Ma’am, Sir. Sit back and enjoy the ride."

"Enjoy the ride!" said Amanda; "This is the most uncomfortable ride I’ve ever been on."

Barnes laughed. "Obviously you’ve never ridden a camel. Now that’s uncomfortable. Did I ever tell you about the time Lee and I toured the Great Pyramids of Giza?"

"No," she answered as the vehicle nearly slid down a sand dune. "Oh, my gosh!"

"I’ll tell you all about it, maybe it’ll take your mind off the ride. It was about five years ago and I was in Egypt on business and one day I ran into Lee in Cairo. We hadn’t seen each other in a while so we caught up in a small tavern near the waterfront.

After a few too many drinks, Lee got it into his head to go see the pyramids and well, let’s just say Lee and his camel didn’t get along very well. Halfway to the pyramids the beast threw him and then to add insult to injury it spit on him. Did you know that camels spit?"

"Carter?"

Sam snapped to attention at the sound of her CO’s voice. "Yes, Colonel?" She was seated behind a computer in a small office near HQ.

"I’d like you to help Mr. Stetson; he’ll explain to you what he needs."

"Yes, sir."

She watched Colonel Paris leave and then turned to the very tall, extremely good-looking man who stood next to her desk. "What can I do for you, Mr. Stetson?"

"For starters, you can call me Lee, Lieutenant Carter."

She smiled at him. "And I’m Samantha. I’m rooming with your wife, so we are practically family."

"Yes, we are. In fact, I stayed with your family one summer when you were just a baby," Lee said as he perched on the edge of her desk.

"You did?" Sam looked up at him. "Oh, wait a minute. Lee Stetson, sure I remember you, but I was about eight years old and you dated my baby sitter."

"That was later, in Texas wasn’t it?"

Sam frowned. "Gee I think so. Your—-"

"—-Uncle," put in Lee.

"—-Was in the Air Force wasn’t he?"

Lee nodded. "He still is. Colonel Robert Clayton and your dad are buddies. You look like your mother. How is she?"

Sam looked up at him, remembering the crush she’d had on him when she had been eight and he had been the most sought after boy on the base. "She died when I was fourteen."

"I’m sorry."

"It was a long time ago, Lee." She smiled at him. "Now what can this humble Lieutenant do for you?"

"I need to access some classified files and Colonel Paris told me you were the person to help me with the computer."

"You have clearance?"

"High level. Just get me into the system and I’ll handle the rest from there." Lee got up and dragged another chair over to the desk. "I warn you I hate computers, so be gentle."

As the commandant was looking over their papers, Amanda let her gaze wander around the small room. From the outside the building was a bland beige color that blended in with the sand, which made sense Amanda thought. They were in the middle of a warzone. But the inside was equally devoid of color. Maybe it’s a religious thing, she thought, as she blew the veil she was wearing away from her face. Paul had insisted she wear it, he was concerned enough about the ramifications of bringing a woman with him and he wanted to at least attempt to adapt to the enemies sensibilities.

She glanced over at the Wizard. He leaned heavily on an ornately carved cane and stroked the thick white mustache that adorned his upper lip. His hair was the same silver-white and he held a battered fedora in his hand. If she hadn’t known better, Amanda would have believed he was the aged bureaucrat he appeared to be.

"Mr. Barnes?"

"That would be me, Paul Barnes, American Red Cross."

"So it would appear. Mrs. Stetson is also with this American Red Cross?" His dark eyes traveled over the woman who stood silently behind her companion. While her clothing was unacceptable, he noted, at least she had shown some respect to him by covering her face and hair. "You will have thirty minutes with the prisoner, no more. Your guard must stay outside in his vehicle."

Paul inclined his head, "That is acceptable."

"Famir will escort you. He speaks your language. He will also be present during your visit."

"But Sir," Paul argued, "the Geneva Convention—-"

"That is final. If it is not acceptable, you will leave. Now."

"Very well," Paul agreed, "lead the way Famir."

The phone rang as the trio left the room and the Wizard hung back, eavesdropping on the conversation. The commandant was speaking freely to whomever was on the other end, and from what Paul heard that person was a pretty high ranking official.

He followed Amanda and the guard out into the hot corridor and as they made their way to the prisoner’s cell, he made careful notice of the route. What he had overheard had convinced him that there was no time for the second team to come in and rescue the man. He would have to get him out, with only a raw marine and his best friend’s wife.

Amanda gasped at the sight of the man on the cot as Famir opened the door. His face was bruised so badly that his eyes were nearly swollen shut. He had a jagged laceration on his forehead and his hair was matted with blood. She turned on the young guard, furiously.

Before she could voice her anger, Paul intervened. He put a hand on her shoulder and whispered softly, "No."

Amanda nodded but the fury was still apparent in her eyes. She took a step forward and knelt beside the cot.

"Hello." She spoke softly as she did when Jamie and Philip were sick or scared. "I’m Amanda, I’m here from the Red Cross. Is there anything you need?"

"Wa-water would be nice." His voice was cracked from disuse.

Amanda looked at the young guard, "Can you please get him some water?"

"I am to stay here at all times."

"Please?" Amanda said, "he’s very thirsty."

Famir looked from the pretty American woman to her companion and decided there was no danger from a mere woman and her elderly companion. "Very well. Do not leave this room."

As soon as the guard left, Paul joined Amanda at the man’s bedside. "Good move, Amanda. We’ve got to get him out of here. They’re going to execute him tonight. Apparently the Colonel wasn’t as forthcoming as they had hoped."

"Didn’t tell them…a damn thing," the man croaked.

"Can you walk, Colonel?" Paul asked as he wrapped his arms around the man’s chest.

"Think so…just not very far."

Amanda’s face paled. "Paul—"

"Later Amanda," hissed the Wizard, "we’ve got to move. Now."

Together they pulled the Colonel to his feet and out into the corridor. Paul was relieved to see that they had a clear shot to a door less than ten feet to the north.

The young marine was waiting with the Hummer at the East Side of the building. "Amanda can you get the Colonel to that door?"

"I think so."

"Go. I’ll take care of Famir. Once you’re out, stay low and head for the Hummer. If I’m not out in five minutes go without me. Understand?"

Amanda nodded and wrapped her arm around the Colonel and headed for the door managing to just get out before Famir came around the corner. He never noticed the door slowly closing at the end of the corridor.

As he stepped into the room, Paul swung his cane and nailed the younger man in the abdomen. Famir grunted and fell to his knees and before he was able to catch his breath, Barnes knocked him unconscious with a swift left. He quickly bound and gagged the young man and shoved him under the cot.

Picking up the young man’s weapon, he moved stealthily to the door. They had maybe fifteen minutes to get clear of the prison if they were lucky and weren’t spotted. Once outside he stayed close to the wall and moved around the building. Once at the East Side he could see Amanda and Private Gregg pushing the Colonel into the back seat of the Hummer. Gregg jumped in the driver’s seat and started the engine.

Damn, Barnes thought, wrong move, kid. That’s gonna draw attention to you. Shit! Here goes nothing, he thought, as he rushed from his hiding place across the open courtyard.

Gregg could not believe this was happening to him. He was less than two months out of boot camp; his first assignment had turned into a war, and now this.

He was in the middle of enemy territory surrounded by the enemy with a beat up Air Force Colonel and two civilians.

He looked around and saw two Iraqi guards bearing down on him from the south. Shit. He glanced back at Mrs. King who was giving the Colonel small sips of water. Now what?

He jumped as the passenger door was flung open and Mr. Barnes leapt in just as gunfire burst out.

"Drive. Now," ordered Barnes as he began to return fire.

"Keep your head down Amanda, and hold on!"

In the back seat Amanda threw herself on top of the Colonel and prayed that the young marine was a good driver. When the Colonel protested her weight on him, she apologized. "Sorry, Colonel, but it looks like your escape isn’t going to be as clean as we had hoped."

Private Steven Gregg pressed the accelerator, pushing the Hummer as hard as he dared; any faster and they’d loose it; the sand was as slippery as the snow in his native Michigan.

He gripped the steering wheel trying to keep the vehicle from sliding around as bullets pinged off the sides. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain and his arm went numb; he lost control of the Hummer.

Barnes swore as the vehicle slid down a sand dune to a stop, "Damn it, Private!"

"I’m hit, Sir," gasped Gregg, "it’s my arm; I can’t steer."

Without comment Barnes pulled the marine from the seat and took the wheel. "Amanda, grab that rifle and lay down cover from the back. Then hold on."

She did as she was told, poking the rifle barrel through a slit in the window and with her eyes closed she fired. Amanda hated guns and she was scared to death.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. Lee was going to be furious. She knew Paul had no choice. Their mission was to liberate the prisoner, but she never for a minute thought she would become one of those liberators.

Barnes gunned the engine and the Hummer leapt forward, shooting sideways up a sand dune.

"Gregg, Gregg you still with us? Where are we?"

"Yes, Sir," the marine answered, "the border is less than five clicks away. I don’t think they’ll follow us into the DMZ."

"Don’t count on it, Kid."

"Paul, they’ve stopped chasing us!" Amanda said from the back.

"I’m not sure I like that," answered the Wizard, "but I’ll take it. See what you can do for Gregg."

Sam Carter frowned at the calculations in front of her and sighed. She was getting no where fast. She glanced over at Lee who was hunched over a computer scribbling notes. Once more she wondered what he was looking for, but knew better than to ask. Standing up she rubbed her back and walked over to the coffeepot. She poured herself a fresh cup and carried the pot over to Lee. "Care for a warm up?"

He looked up at her and held out his cup. "Thanks, Sam." Taking a sip he rubbed his eyes and leaned back in the chair. "I’m not in your way am I?"

Setting the pot back on the burner, she smiled. "Nope. I’m not getting anywhere right now. The pieces won’t fall into place."

"What are you working on?"

"Can’t tell you, it’s classified." She sipped her coffee and then sighed. "Not that it’ll matter if I can’t fix those calculations."

Lee grinned. " I’m ready for a break." He stood up and stretched. "Tell me about yourself, Sam. How’d a nice girl—"

"—-Like me end up in the Air Force?" She smiled. "Genetics. The Air Force is all I know. Besides, I want to get into NASA."

"Is your brother, um…" Lee searched his memory for his name. "…Mark. Is Mark in the Air Force too?"

Sam shook her head, "No. My brother wants nothing to do with the Air Force, my father, or me. I haven’t talked to him in years."

"Sorry, I didn’t know," Lee said. "I was the same way. My uncle wanted me to join up, but I was determined not to follow in his footsteps."

"How is Colonel Clayton?"

"Rebellious as ever." Lee laughed. "Which is why he’s still a Colonel and your dad made General. Uncle Robert always said that Jake would go far, that he was a bureaucrat’s soldier."

"My dad?"

Sam was surprised to hear her father described that way. But on the other hand, he had always, always, put his career first; his family had been a distant second. She could remember her mom and dad fighting about it once or twice. Her mom had been expected to be the perfect military wife and help promote her husband’s career; most of the time she had, until she’d noticed that it was interfering in her relationship with her children; then she had balked

"Sam?"

She looked up at Lee, who was looking fondly at her, "Sorry, I guess I got lost in memories."

She had been a bright little girl, Lee remembered. He could recall Barbara telling him that she was nearly a genius.

"How did your mom die, Sam? If you don’t mind my asking."

Sam smiled sadly, "No, I don’t mind; she was killed in a car accident."

"My parents died in a car accident, too," Lee said. "I was five; I don’t really remember them."

"And that’s why you lived with your uncle?"

"Yeah." Lee set down his cup, "Thanks for the coffee. Time to get back to work."

He sat down at the computer and then looked over at her.

"Sam?"

"Yes?"

"How well do you know Colonel Paris?"

"Not very well," she answered. "Why?"

Before Lee could answer, Colonel Paris stepped into the room. Sam snapped to attention.

"At ease," he said. "Mr. Stetson, we have a situation involving your personnel."

"What kind of situation?"

"According to the Iraqi government, your wife and your friend Mr. Barnes have liberated the prisoner they were allowed to visit. They assaulted a young Iraqi guard and opened fire on others. The Iraqi government claims they are spies." He glowered at Lee. "Would you care to explain this, Mr. Stetson?"

Amanda looked over at Paul as the Hummer started to sputter. "What’s wrong?"

"I think we’re out of gas." He slammed his fist on the steering wheel. "Damn! They must have hit our reserve tank. Gregg, do you have a field radio?"

"Yes, Sir, in my kit." He started to reach for it.

"Stay put," said Amanda as she leaned between the seats and grabbed the kit. "Here, Paul."

"How are they doing?" he asked.

"Steve will be fine, it looks like the bullet went all the way through his arm. There could be some nerve damage, but he says the feeling is slowly coming back in his arm."

"What about the Colonel?"

"He’s feverish," Amanda answered. "Some of his wounds might be infected. I think he has some internal injuries as well; he was beaten very badly, Paul."

Amanda looked down at the man. He was out again. "He wasn’t given much medical care, just enough to keep him alive. I’ve been giving him water to keep him hydrated, but we’re running low."

"Okay. I’m going to try to radio the base. Any idea on our position, Private?"

"I’d say we’re maybe ten clicks inside Kuwaiti territory, Sir. I don’t think you’ll be able to raise the base, Mr. Barnes. If we’re lucky AWACS might pick us up, or—"

"Or the Iraqis," Barnes added. He looked at the three of them. Gregg was holding his own, but he had lost a lot of blood and it was only a matter of time before he passed out. He was going on adrenaline right now. The Colonel was out cold, but he needed medical attention and soon. And Amanda; he’d sworn to Lee that he’d take care of Amanda. He smiled at her. He could see that she was tired, but fine, a real pro. "We’ll have to take a chance."

Colonel Paris listened without expression as Lee told him who he was. He had been aware of the Agency presence and had suspected their mission entailed more than the stated humanitarian purpose.

"I’m sorry you were kept out of the loop, Sir. That decision was not mine or Barnes’; we would have preferred to have the full cooperation of the Armed Forces."

"Quit spouting the company line, Stetson. I’ve been around enough spooks to know you guys don’t play well with others."

"Yes, Sir. But as I said, my orders—"

"I know your record, Scarecrow; you aren’t big on following orders."
Sam listened to the conversation, stunned. Both men had forgotten her presence and she was so engrossed in the story, that she’d forgotten protocol.

Amanda was a spy! She couldn’t believe it. She had known Paul Barnes was an agent; the Wizard was a legend in DC, and she had wondered about Lee. But never in a million years would she have really believed his wife was an agent; she seemed so normal.

"You can confirm this with William Melrose at the Agency."

"I believe you, Mr. Stetson. What I want to know is why I wasn’t informed about this rescue attempt."

Lee chewed on his lip, damn it Paul, he thought, what have you done?

"The plan, Sir, was that Barnes and Amanda were to gather intell. The rest of the team was to go in within twenty-four hours and liberate the prisoner. Something very serious must have happened for Paul to attempt a rescue."

"Something did."

Lee, Sam and Colonel Paris turned to see who the speaker was. A rotund man stood in the open doorway. "Excuse my rudeness in eavesdropping. Hello, Scarecrow."

"Yusef?" Lee smiled at the man he had last seen several years ago when they had been working together to bring down an international terrorist. "What are you doing here?"

"I have been asked to monitor this situation by my government."

He turned to the Colonel. "I am Yusef El-Kebir." He handed Paris a sealed envelope. "These are my credentials."

As the Colonel perused the document, Yusef turned back to Lee. "And who is the delightful lady?"

For the first time, Lee realized Sam was still in the office. "Lieutenant Samantha Carter, may I present Yusef El-Kebir."

"A pleasure, Lieutenant Carter." He took her hand a planted a very continental kiss on it.

"Mr. El-Kebir."

The Colonel looked up at Sam and frowned, "I didn’t realize you were still here, Carter."

"I’m going, Sir."

"No." Lee interjected. "Colonel Paris, I may need Lieutenant Carter’s computer expertise."

Colonel Paris sighed. "Very well. Lieutenant you are assigned to Mr. Stetson for the duration of this crisis, which I hope is short lived."

He turned back to Lee, "I am at your disposal Mr. Stetson, please let me know if you need anything. Mr. El-Kebir." With a curt nod, the Colonel left the office.

"I do not believe he is very happy with you my old friend."

"No, he’s not. What do you have?"

Yusef cast a glance at Sam. "Can we speak freely?"

Lee nodded and Yusef continued. "Someone tipped off the Iraqi government of the rescue mission. I do not know whom; an immediate execution was ordered. Your lovely Amanda and her companions apparently found this out and liberated the poor man. You must have an idea who the traitor is, Lee."

"There are several possibilities. My other two team members or the Colonel’s three teammates."

"Would you like me to start background checks?" Sam asked.

Lee smiled at her pleased with her quick assessment of the situation. "Please. Start with Najar and Fadim, Sam. Anything else, Yusef?"

"I am afraid so." He pulled a small tape recorder from his vest. "A radio transmission was intercepted by our people. It is good we are allies, no?" He set the machine on the desk and pressed play. Paul Barnes voice came through the speakers.

"This is the Wizard. I have a man down. Repeat. A man down. We are near…" Static made the next few words unintelligible. "…the border. Repeat. This is the Wizard—"

The tape ended in a final crackle of static.

Lee barely heard Yusef through the ringing in his ears. Amanda was out there in the desert and there was a man down. Was it her?

"I am afraid the rest of the transmission was jammed," Yusef said.

Sam laid a tentative hand on Lee’s shoulder. His face was awash in emotions, none of them good. She could see the fear in his eyes.

"I’m sure they’re okay. If the Wizard is a wizard, he can make them disappear in the desert. "

"She is correct, Lee," said Yusef. "Paul Barnes is the Wizard; he will prevail."

Lee looked from one to the other, "God, I hope you’re right."

"How ya doing, Amanda?"

She looked up at the Wizard. "Okay I guess. Better than he is."

Paul glanced at the Colonel. "He’s going to be okay, Amanda. This is one tough soldier. He’s a survivor." He patted her on the shoulder. "We’re almost out of water and we have no food. I’m going to try to make it to the base."

"Paul, no. It’s too dangerous out there."

"It’s not very safe here, either. Listen Amanda; I made a promise to Lee. I’m going for help. I’m expendable."

"No you’re not," she insisted, "Paul if you get caught—" she grabbed his hands, "Do you know what they will do to you? You’re the Wizard, Paul. No one else has the information you do. I’ll go."

"Like hell you will! Amanda, listen to me."

"No, you listen to me. Be reasonable, Paul. We have no water; we’re exhausted. We should stick together. You don’t stand a chance out there; neither of us does. I’m sure our people are looking for us; maybe they heard your SOS."

Paul glanced at the sleeping men. Gregg had passed out about an hour ago and the Colonel was fading in and out of consciousness. If he left, she’d be alone with them and with no way to defend herself. The Iraqi guard’s gun was out of ammunition.

"Okay, you win, I’ll stay. But I am going to take a quick look around. I won’t go far."

Amanda nodded and turned back to the prisoner. He was delirious, tossing and turning. Amanda wiped the sweat off his brow and murmured assurances. "Shh...Shh! Go to sleep. It’s going to be okay."

"Sara?" The man’s voice was so low Amanda could barely hear him, "Sara, hon—"

Sara must be his wife or girlfriend, she thought. She smoothed his hair and spoke softly, "Hush now, its okay." The poor woman, she thought; he’d been missing for four months. How could she stand it? Amanda knew that if Lee had gone missing she’d go mad with worry.

"Sara...Charlie."

"Go to sleep."

She was shocked when the Colonel gripped her hand tightly, she wouldn’t have thought he had that kind of strength left.

"Sara—Charlie—" he rasped, "tell them…t-tell them I l-love…them."

Amanda squeezed his hand and blinked back tears. "You’re going to tell them yourself, Colonel. You’re going to be fine. We will get out of here."

"Tell them—promise?"

"I promise, Colonel, " Amanda agreed, "but you have to promise to get well, Colonel. You have to promise to fight for Sara and Charlie."

"Okay... Jack…I’m Jack."

Amanda smiled as his eyes fluttered closed, "Okay Jack, now go to sleep."

Lee felt like he was going to jump out of his skin if something didn’t break soon. Night was falling and with that, the likelihood of SCUD attacks would increase.

He and Sam had spent the last several hours digging into the pasts of their suspects. Yusef had left to check in with his people. So far, there had been no sigh of the Wizard and his team.

He was exhausted, but refused to sleep, although he had ordered Sam to take a nap. She was curled up on a cot set up in the corner of the office.

Lee looked up as Colonel Paris entered the office. "Anything?" he asked.

Colonel Paris shook his head. "No I’m sorry, Mr. Stetson." He glanced at the sleeping lieutenant. "You look like you could use some shut-eye yourself."

"I’ll sleep when my wife gets back," Lee said.

Paris sat down. "Understandable. How is it going on this end?"

"You’ll be pleased to know I’ve eliminated Colonel Cromwell and Sergeant Stiller from my suspect list." Lee got up and poured himself another cup of coffee. "Care for some?"

"Sure," answered Colonel Paris. "What about my other man?"

Lee handed Paris his coffee. "I’m waiting for some additional information on him. There are a few inconsistencies in his records. On my end, Najar is clean, but I expected that. He’s been stateside for his entire career with no chance to make contacts in this part of the world."

"And the other operative?"

Lee grimaced. "Same as your man; some minor inconsistencies. I’ve got my people back home looking into it. I couldn’t have done it without Samantha’s help. Thank you for allowing her to assist me."

Paris eyed Lee sharply. "You and the lieutenant seem close."

Lee heard the question in the Colonel’s tone of voice. "Not like you think," he said. "I’m a happily married man but I was an Air Force brat myself, Colonel. My uncle is Colonel Robert Clayton. I’ve known Sam most of her life."

"So you’re Bob’s Lee." Archer Paris grinned. "That explains why his wing was reassed so suddenly. Bob and I go way back. I dated your mom before she met your dad; the better man won. I was sorry to hear about her passing, she and Matt were good people."

Lee gazed at the man. "I hardly remember my parents, Sir. When this is all over, maybe we can get together. I’d like to hear about my mom."

"Certainly." Paris stood up, "Thanks for the coffee, Lee. Now get some rest."

"Yes, sir." Lee said. "Oh, and Colonel Paris?"

"Yes."

"Don’t notify my uncle. I don’t want him worried unless it’s necessary. He and Amanda are very close."

Paris patted Lee on the back, "In that case, Son, I sincerely hope I won’t be talking to Bob until this is over."

After he left, Lee looked at the closed door, "I hope so too."

The pilot glanced at his panel and then spoke into his mike. "Roger. This is T-Wing. Target sited; sending coordinates now." Then he tipped his wings and headed back for the base.

The sun was coming up. Amanda groaned and turned her head away from the glare. Sitting up, she pushed her hand through her hair and then looked at her patient.

Jack’s breathing was shallow and his lips were cracked and dry. He’d slept only fitfully, crying out for his wife and son through most of the night. Amanda’s heart had broken every time he’d called out. If they didn’t get him medical attention soon he would probably die.

A moan from the front seat drew her attention to the other wounded man. Private Steven Gregg was in better shape than the Colonel. He’d lost a lot of blood, but he was doing okay. She leaned forward. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a truck hit me."

"I know. Hurts like hell doesn’t it?"

Gregg looked at her in surprise. "You’ve been shot?"

Amanda smiled at him. "Once, a few years ago. I guess this isn’t what you expected when you were given this assignment."

"No, Ma’am." Gregg smiled. "I was told it was a cakewalk. All I had to do was drive you two across the border. If you don’t mind my saying so Ma’am, you and the older gentleman handle yourselves pretty well for Red Cross volunteers."

Amanda smiled. "I don’t mind your saying so, Private."

He looked sideways at Amanda. "I suppose you get used to it, going into disaster areas and all," the young marine said.

"It’s all part of the job of a Red Cross volunteer," she assured him.

"I didn’t know that being a Red Cross volunteer could be so dangerous," he said. The private winced as Paul Barnes crawled in and the Hummer moved.

"You're still young, Marine," the Wizard said. "You'll learn that everything about life is dangerous. Sun’s up. It’s gonna get really hot in here. I think—" He stopped suddenly. "Do you hear that?"

"Chopper?"

Barnes nodded, "Chopper. Everyone pray it’s one of ours."

Sam looked up at Lee, who was clearly upset. "Are you sure?"

"It has to be him. Look at the bank records; look at those deposits. Trust me Sam, I don’t make that kind of money." Lee ran his hands through his hair. "Damn. I was hoping Yusef was wrong."

"I’m sorry, Lee. Was he a friend?"

Lee shook his head. "No. I’d never met him before this mission, but he was one of our own." He reached for the phone. "I’ll have him detained and then I have to call my boss and tell him. God, I hate this."

Sam watched in sympathy, it wasn’t enough he was worried sick about Amanda, but on top of that one of his agents was a traitor.

She busied herself with gathering empty coffee cups and generally straightening up the office. It had been almost twenty-four hours since the Wizard and his team had left for Iraq. She sighed. If they didn’t hear soon, she was afraid the news would be bad news. How could Lee stand this?

She hadn’t known Amanda very long, but when she had talked about Lee, it was so clear that she loved him very much. And it was the same with him; there was something about the way he said her name. What, she wondered, was it like to love and be loved so completely?

There was a tentative knock on the door, "Come in," she said.

A young airman poked his head in and saluted. "Lieutenant, I’m from Colonel Paris’ office. The missing Hummer has been found." He handed her a slip of paper.

"Thank you, Airman. I’ll inform Mr. Stetson. Dismissed." She glanced at the hastily scrawled note, the team had been found and a Medi-Vac chopper was en-route. With any luck they would be back before evening.

Hanging up the phone, Lee turned to Sam surprised to see a big smile wreathing her face. "Good news?" he asked.

"The best," she said, handing Lee Colonel Paris’ note.

After reading it, Lee let out a whoop and swung Sam into and exuberant embrace, lifting her off the floor and swinging her around as the sound of their combined laughter filled the small room.

Amanda pulled herself away from the welcome sound of the chopper blades and smiled vaguely at the medic. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"He’s resting comfortably, Mrs. Stetson. We’ve got him on IV fluids. He’s dehydrated, some of his wounds are infected and he may have a contused kidney; we’ll know more when we get him to the base infirmary."

"How is Private Gregg?"

"He’ll be just fine; the bullet went straight through. He’ll be getting a course of antibiotics too. Now, let me take a look at you."

"I’m fine."

"Let the guy take a look, Amanda," Paul said, "I promised Lee no scratches. "

The medic busied himself taking her blood pressure and then smiled. "You’re in luck, Sir, not a scratch on her. You’re a bit dehydrated Mrs. Stetson. I want you to push fluids once we get back. Other than that, you and Mr. Barnes are fine."

"We’ll be landing in about ten minutes, Mr. Barnes," the pilot said through their headsets. "I’ve radioed ahead for an ambulance."

Sam grabbed her seat as the jeep careened around a corner. "Slow down, Lee," she yelled. "It isn’t going to do us any good to arrive in pieces."

Lee grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, but I’m in a hurry to see my wife."

"I know that, but slow down!"

Lee slowed as they neared the airstrip. Shading his eyes, he could see the chopper making its final approach. They were still too far away for him to make out who was who. He closed his eyes and made a silent prayer that Amanda was all right. The vehicle had barely stopped when he jumped out onto the tarmac.

Sam jumped down and shielded her eyes against the blowing sand as the chopper blades slowed. She watched Lee jog closer to the chopper. Once the blades stopped, she caught up with him. An ambulance rolled to a stop beside them and two stretchers were handed up to the medics.

Sam found she was holding her breath as she waited for the occupants to exit the machine. She barely noticed the men who were carried past her and into the waiting ambulance. Her attention was riveted to the person climbing down from the chopper.

"Amanda!"

Amanda looked up. Lee was running toward her. Shaking off the medic’s hand, she began to run too, but he was faster; before she got very far, she was enfolded in his strong arms.

"Lee!" she breathed, "Oh Lee."

"Are you all right?" he asked as he brushed her hair back, his eyes anxiously searching her face.

Amanda hugged him tightly. "I am now," she whispered. "Really Lee, I’m fine. Not a scratch."

"I have never been so worried in my life," he said. "I thought I’d lost you."

"Not gonna happen, Scarecrow, you’re stuck with me." She laid her head on his shoulder. "I knew you were looking for us and I knew we’d be found. But I was so afraid that the Colonel or Private Gregg were going to die before we got found."

"Private Gregg?"

"Our driver; he got shot during our escape. Gosh Lee, he’s not much older than Philip is. Paul says he’s going to ask for a commendation for him."

"Where’s Paul? I have a few things to say to him."

Amanda looked around and then smiled. "Over there. Don’t be so hard on Paul, Lee. He didn’t know this was going to happen."

"I know, we had a leak."

"Oh no, Lee!"

"Never mind that, we’ll talk about this later." Lee pulled her closer. "Right now I just want to hold you for about a million years."

Sam walked over to where a very weary Paul Barnes stood alone. Reaching up she planted a kiss on his cheek. "Welcome back, hero."

Paul looked down at her. She is so very young, he thought, so young and so sweet. He wrapped his arm around her waist and they walked over to the jeep. "I don’t feel like a hero; I feel old and worn out. Maybe it’s time for the Wizard to hang it up. I screwed up."

Helping him into the jeep, Samantha tilted her head to the side. "You rescued the prisoner and got your team out. I’d say that makes you a hero."

"I almost lost both the Colonel and a kid who is way too young to be out here. It’s a young man’s game and I’m not young anymore."

Sam glared at him. "Mr. Barnes, you are the Wizard; there’s no one who can do what you do. A less seasoned agent wouldn’t have been able to get those men out, but you did. "

Barnes looked down at her and took her face in his hands. "Thanks Sam," he said as he pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Not much of a kiss is it?" Amanda said as she watched Sam climb up into the jeep beside Paul.

Lee looked into her eyes and grinned. ‘I guess we’ll have to show them how it’s done." He bent down and touched his mouth to hers. Amanda leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she welcomed his kiss. She felt his arms tighten around her and then a sense of loss as he let her go.

"Better wait until we’re alone to continue this," he said as he stepped away from her and took her hand, leading her to the waiting jeep.

Amanda ignored Lee as she set her bags down on the ground. He was in a mood today. He had been in a mood for the last few days. They had stayed and supervised a real film crew who had arrived to do the documentary on women in wartime. Paul was already in Washington arranging for the up-coming trial of Sayeed Fadim.

"I’m just saying that maybe it would be better if you don’t go into the field without me. That’s all I’m saying."

"That," snapped Lee, "is my point."

"Oh, Lee!" Amanda put her hands on her hips and glowered at him. "Give it a rest, will you? This is getting tiring."

Lee matched her glare for glare. "Damn it, Amanda! You could have died out there."

Amanda couldn’t believe what she was hearing. "I didn’t, did I? And would it have made a difference if it had been you out there with me?"

"You wouldn't have been stuck out there if I had been with you. I would have been able to get the Colonel out without incident."

Amanda arched an eyebrow. "What is this? Lee Stetson, super-hero? You know darn well that even you can't control what happens in the field."

"I wouldn’t have put you in that kind of situation Amanda," Lee said stubbornly.

"That is so much bull, Lee Stetson, and you know it! You and I have been in plenty of life or death situations before. It comes with the job."

"You’re my wife damn it! I don’t want you out there alone."

"I wasn’t alone," she spat back, "I was with Paul."

"I know that, but it’s not the same as…" his voice trailed off.

"…As when the other agent with me is you," Amanda finished softly.

Her eyes shined with understanding and she laid a hand on his arm. "You know I don’t like it anymore than you do when we aren’t there to watch each other’s backs," she said. "But it’s going to happen occassionally. I can handle the job Lee; I passed all the tests. What more can I do to prove myself as a capable agent?"

Lee grabbed her hands. "I know you’re a capable agent, Amanda," he said. "It’s just that I never know how capable the other guy is, unless it’s me," he admitted, with a crooked grin.

"We had a leak this time, Amanda, one that put your life at risk. What about next time or what if you get separated from the rest of your team—"

"Then I’ll deal with it. I’ve accepted it as something that goes with the territory," she said.

Lee shook his head stubbornly. "I just don’t like having you out there risking your life."

Amanda looked at her husband in surprise, "That’s our job, Lee or have your forgotten that?"

"You almost died for a total stranger."

"And he’d like you to know how much he appreciates it."

Lee and Amanda turned to see a tall figure standing in the open doorway. "Colonel?" Amanda asked.

"Yes Ma’am. I hope I’m not intruding. Colonel Jack O’Neill."

He handed Amanda a single daisy he had charmed off one of the nurses. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Stetson and to be able to thank you for saving my life."

"You’re welcome, Colonel O’Neill."

He smiled and turned to Lee. "You look stunned, Lee. I’m not a ghost…" Jack O’Neill held out his hand, "…Or a total stranger."

Amanda looked from her husband to the battered face of the Colonel. "You two know each other?"

"Yep," answered O’Neill. "Lee and I went to camp together one year. Don’t know about Lee, but it changed my life."

"Mine too." Lee had found his voice and was grinning at his childhood friend. "Good to see you, Jack," he said, "and about that total stranger stuff..."

"Don’t sweat it." Jack said. "I’d feel the same way if it were my wife. I just wanted to say thank you, Mrs. Stetson."

"Amanda."

"Amanda," he amended. He clapped Lee on the shoulder. "Thank you, both of you; I better get back before they send the Marines out for me."

"Good-bye Colonel."

"Jack."

Amanda smiled and took his hand. "Good-bye, Jack. Remember to tell Sara and Charlie that you love them."

Jack O’Neill looked puzzled for a minute and then smiled softly at her. "I will, Amanda. Thanks."

Lee watched him make his way slowly across the room and then turned to Amanda. "What was that about?"

"He kept asking for his wife and son and he wanted me to tell them he loved them," Amanda said. "I told him that he was going to be able to tell them himself. He needed a reason to keep fighting."

"You," Lee said as he pulled her into his arms, "are absolutely amazing. Have I ever told you that?"

"Not nearly often enough," she answered.

"Amazing," he whispered as he kissed her.

The End