Those were Vin’s orders… orders from his leader. But something was wrong. Chris had stopped responding to his radio. Immediately after, the enemy seemed to know the team‘s plan. If Chris had been captured, they had his headset. That had to be why J.D. couldn’t track down the hacker.

“ONE, report.” Vin had to confirm his theory. The acid in his stomach bubbled. There was no sound over the radio… not even static, which meant Chris’ headset was in good working order -- Chris just wasn’t answering.

Step six was the second set of explosions and they weren’t due until 4:31... almost another three minutes. Was Ezra simply trying to follow Chris’ orders?

Ezra had to know something he couldn’t communicate over the headset.

Vin swallowed.

Enemy guards were pouring out of the building coughing. The flames seemed to be growing with each second. Small explosions and walls crumbling resounded from inside the factory. The doorway was still clear of flames but Vin knew if he waited much longer, he wouldn’t be able to get in. Chris’ time was running out.

The burning in Vin’s chest increased. He did trust Ezra. Torn, Vin peered at the building willing Chris to appear.

Vin forced himself onto all fours, oriented himself and leapt to his feet. "ONE!" he yelled over the top of the ringing in his ears and the roaring of the blaze. “SIX, activate ONE’S emergency beeper, NOW,” Vin choked out. The headset beeper was a crisis innovation enabling the team to find an injured member. Today, Vin hoped it would take him to Chris… even if the headset was in the hands of others.

Vin listened. A high-pitched beep cut through the roaring of the fire. Vin ran down the corridor toward it. Without thought or so much as a pause, he crashed straight through the flames blocking his path and continued running, entering a small office. He could barely see, but the beeping was coming from here.

“CHRIS!” The room was filled with thick, choking smoke, but the flames had yet to reach it. “CHRIS!” No reply. Vin stumbled forward. He tripped over something on the ground and ended up on his knees. “Chris!”

Nothing but the roaring of the flames from the corridor and the beeping of the headset answered his desperate cries.

Vin was oblivious to the excruciating heat. He was barely aware of the gagging smoke. He was focused on one task. "Chris!"

Vin reached for what he’d tripped over. It was hard -- a chair. Ropes. Chris had been tied to this.

“Chris!”

Nothing!

Vin clambered to his feet, his lungs starting to ache. His eyes were watering profusely as he floundered forward, his legs striking the desk. He spread his arms feeling for Chris.

There was a gasp to his left. Amongst the thundering and roaring of the fire, Vin heard his name choked out.

“Chris!”

Vin made his way around the desk, straining his weeping eyes to see through the impenetrable smoke. He moved left as instructed, found the wall and began patting his way toward the muffled coughing and gasps. Vin’s knees struck something soft.

“Chris!” Vin reached down. Chris was on the floor. Somehow Chris had freed himself from the chair and had been making his way to the window. Vin reached down, located Chris’ arm only to discover Larabee’s feet were still bound. Withdrawing his knife, Vin swooped, slicing the zip-tie in one movement. Then he dragged Chris upright. They only had seconds to get out before the roof caved in on them or they succumbed to the choking smoke.

Vin fingered the window latch. “Locked,“ he yelled. Without a word he and Chris turned, picked up the desk and hurled it at the glass.

Together, they flung themselves through the opening and collapsed on the ground outside, smoke cascading after them. Vin’s lungs began to convulse, desperately trying to drag in oxygen. He raised his face, searching for his partner. Chris was on his side, covered in black soot and coughing uncontrollably.

“Chris,” Vin choked, reaching out to his friend.

Two enemy guards loomed over them. Before Vin could react, the pair toppled, revealing J.D. and Ezra.

“Let’s go,” Ezra shouted as he and J.D. dragged Vin and Chris to their feet and dragged them toward safety.

Behind, the building moaned and then came crashing down. Smoke, flames and rubble now stood where Vin and Chris had been a heartbeat earlier.

Ahead, the Em7 chopper descended. Nathan appeared with Josiah, who was on his feet and travelling under his own steam - thank God.

Vin was dragged aboard, an oxygen mask shoved over his nose and mouth.

“Breathe slowly,” J.D. urged.

Removing the mask, Vin gasped, “Chris?” He could see Nathan tending to the bloody lump on Chris’ forehead. Larabee smiled weakly and gave his partner the thumb’s up signal. Josiah waved from his seat.

Vin was overcome with relief. They’d made it and everyone was okay.

Spotting Ezra at the front of the helicopter, Vin rose on shaky legs.

“…is tending to them now. Ezra out.” Ezra snapped the phone shut, his worried green eyes on Vin.

Vin opened his mouth, but was overcome by a coughing fit.

“Thank you for trusting me,” Ezra stated softly, guiding Vin back into a seat.

Vin smiled easily, offering his hand. Ezra took the proffered fist and their forearms locked together in brotherhood.

Ezra pulled the oxygen mask into place, nodding both understanding and encouragement. Vin shut his eyes.

Rocked by the movement of the chopper, and bathed in the security of total trust and faith in his companions, Vin drifted into an exhausted slumber.

All was well.

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© July 2008 Aussie Lass. : This relates only to the creative property in this story. The distinctive way the story unfolds, the specific dialogue and unique situations are mine. I acknowledge that some of the characters and settings belong to the owners of "The Magnificent Seven" and I thank them sincerely for turning a blind eye so I can borrow them. (g) No infrigement of copyright was intended and no profit has been made from this story... so, please don't sue me. It wouldn't be worth your while.