Today is a sad day for me. I was sent a private message that was rather blunt but entirely fair. I'm going to tell a small story.

I began writing in 2006 while I was pregnant, not that I had the nerve to post until I posted Lock Down in the Lab in 2011. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't post a story that was not completed. In 2008 I tried to commit suicide by eating a bottle of vicodine. I was diagnosed as Bi-polar type 2 and had been suffering since I was a teenager. Over the next few years my medications were played with and there was no noticeable change in my mental facilities. My medications were limited due to already being a diabetic and on an insulin pump.  Finally I felt calm and thought I would be able to sit down and write.

However this was not the case. One of the medications I was treated with is called Lamictal, it is an anti-seizure medication used for mood stabilizers. One of the side effects is that over time you begin to suffer from cognitive degeneration. Basically, I was getting progressively dumber. We have backed off the medication but things are still moving very slowly.

I love my stories like they're my babies, I put a lot of heart and soul into them and I hate that I have left them unfinished and worse yet, you my lovely readers hanging. Sooooooo, I'm going to offer up my Murder in Maluku series for adoption. I will give you what I've already written, my notes, thoughts, and ideas to do with as you please. If you are interested please pm or post below. Everything is on Google Docs and I'm willing to share.

I'm not done writing but I won't be posting anything for a while and anything I will post will be completely finished if it's a trilogy all three stories. I promise to not leave you hanging again. I know you're all Bones fans but I'm playing a bit with Dr. Who and Harry Potter.

Memorial Day Weekend

As you all are aware I've been quiet. Its been hectic. Husband got deployed, Christmas, then we bought a house. So sleep? Yeah. I'm still struggling with Hunted...okay ripping my hair out. While my husband is busy gaming I thought I'd skip the unpacking and give you a tidbit. I'm changing names so you have no idea who it is but it will give you both an idea and something to think about this weekend. For my non American readers, Memorial Day is about remembering the soldiers who died for our freedoms. Unfortunately there are Americans that believe the extra day off this weekend is about barbecues.

Maggs watched Michelle from the corner of his eye. He pulled through the gate and onto the base. Driving across base, he made his way to a to a building near an airstrip. The sign over the door said, Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs. Sighing, Michelle opened the door and stepped out into the humid July night. Even at eleven o'clock at night the air was thick and heavy. Stepping forward, they opened the door and entered the lobby. Michelle glanced around at the atrium. Wide open spaces in soothing browns and grays adorned the walls and floors. A small fountain gently splashed. Maggs walked in and stepped towards a plaque on the wall. Michelle stood next to him and read over the numbers of lives lost for the United States. Michelle walked away, trying not to cry at the thought that the number on the last listed would increase dramatically over the next few days as the men from Phoenix were added. She perched on the edge of the fountain and crossed her legs at the ankles. Maggs shook his head in sorrow and looked to the ceiling for strength and guidance. Michelle looked up as the door opened and honor guard men began to walk into the building. They paused at the sight of Michelle sitting on the edge of the fountain. A Marine split off and headed toward her with a pinched frown on his face.

“Can I help you ma'am?” He asked in a clipped tone. Michelle looked up at him with a scowl. Maggs walked over and stood just to the right of her, his stance slightly defensive.

“I'm here awaiting the arrival of a soldier from Camp Phoenix,”she told him in an austere tone. He frowned at her and his brow lowered.

“I do not know when your loved one will arrive and there is military protocol that must be followed. Please return to your hotel and we will contact you,” he said. Michelle stood up, slid her palms down her skirt and looked up at the man.

“Dr. Temperance Brennan is on the flight that will be landing in,” she looked at her watch, “the next five minutes if it has not already done so. She is escorting the Private. He is not as you would say 'believed to be' dead. Every man on this plane has been positively identified by military protocol and are properly labeled,” Michelle said evenly. Maggs’ eyes opened wide at Michelle's cool calm collected response. The men behind the Marine snapped to attention. Maggs snapped to attention and the Marine spun on his heel then snapped to attention as well. Michelle stepped to his left and saw General Henderson entering the building.

“At ease gentlemen. We have a rough detail tonight. This plane contains forty servicemen that were killed at Phoenix,” he somberly. The men swallowed and Henderson looked around. He saw Michelle standing to the left of the Marine and moved towards her.

“Ms. Welton, what are you doing here?” He asked her in stunned amazement as he grasped her hands.

“I came to be here for him and Dr. Brennan,” Michelle said softly.

“Tempe's coming?” Henderson asked, looking over his shoulder.

“She will be arriving with him,” Michelle said in a choked voice.

“Oh no they brought her...” he trailed off and sighed at the horror she must have been through.

“I'm glad you're here,” he told her, squeezing her hands. A moment later, a very pregnant woman came through the door dressed in black. Her eyes and face were puffy from crying.

“Sir, this is highly irregular,” the Marine said quietly. Michelle moved to the woman and tilted her head to look at her more clearly.

“Jenna, right?” Michelle said quietly. She nodded and looked a Michelle with confusion.

“Jenna, I'm Michelle. I was at the Hodgins' Mansion,” Michelle told her. Jenna thought about it a moment and nodded.

“Waiting room, I remember,” she whispered. Michelle pursed her lips and nodded. She guided the woman over to the fountain and sat her down. An older couple rushed through the doors and over to where Nikki sat.

“Jenna, honey, you have to slow down,” the older woman fussed at Jenna.

“Excuse me? May I ask why are you here?” Henderson gently asked the family with a sympathetic look.

“Dr. Brennan, called me and told me he would be arriving tonight. I needed to be here,” Jenna sniffled out. Henderson paused and shook his head and thanked the Military's lucky stars. Dr. Temperance Brennan had pulled off forty-five miracles.

“I understand. However, your loved one will not be released until after the mortician has finished his job. He does not come in until eight,” Henderson said gently.

“I told him that I would be waiting for him when he arrived. He is arriving and I will be waiting,” Jenna said vehemently. Henderson shook his head and stepped back.

“Sir, are you the command officer overseeing this transport?” The Marine asked, his face blank at the current events.

“Yes, Lieutenant, I will be. We need to head to the tarmac,” Henderson said, offering his hand to Jenna. She smiled and took his hand as she pushed her weight to her feet. They walked outside and Henderson helped the family into his town car, taking the front seat. Michelle and Maggs climbed into the truck and followed the town car to the tarmac where a C-17 waited. After they climbed out of the vehicle one of Army guard approached Maggs.

“Hey, Maggs, long time no see,” the man said quietly, shaking Maggs’ hand.

“McAllen, yeah, it has been a while,” he said somberly.

“What are you doing here? Grieving services?” He asked, nodding to Michelle's puffy eyes.

“I'm standing right here, dipshit,” Michelle hissed. Maggs reached out and squeezed her forearm.

“Yes and No. Her other half is still at Phoenix. One of his unit is on this transport,” Maggs said softly. Michelle shrugged off his arm and walked away.

“So, who does she belong to?” McAllen asked, looking over his shoulder at Michelle.

“Legates,” Maggs said, looking at the ground and nodding. McAllen looked over his shoulder and then back at Maggs.

“I'm up but I get off at eight. Maybe before you leave we can get a beer or something,” McAllen said.

“Yeah, sure but I'm not leaving Michelle alone,” he said quietly. McAllen shook his head and walked over to where the rest of the Army guard stood. Michelle stood at the edge of the red carpet that had been rolled out on the tarmac. Beside her on one side stood his family and at some point Maggs had moved to her other side. They stood still and silent as they watched the dignified transport begin to happen. A three second salute to each of the fallen, a presenting of arms to each of the fallen then the cases were moved out onto the red carpet. Michelle's teeth began to worry her lip until one of the metal transport cases was followed by Dr. Temperance Brennan. Her eyes were tired and puffy, her pregnant frame slouched and moving slowly. When his case came to a halt, Brennan stopped and put her hand on top of the flag draping the case. The honor guard turned and made their way back to the plane. Michelle moved quickly as to not interrupt the movement of the next case. She wrapped an arm around Brennan and steadied the pregnant woman's tired body. Placing her free hand over Brennan's, she met her eyes with the same sadness. They stood and watched in silence as the last twenty cases were unloaded and placed carefully on the red carpet. Michelle looked up when another hand landed on top of hers. Jenna's pain was almost tangible. The breeze ruffled around them easing the humidity just a slight bit. Maggs watched in stunned amazement as the three women stood together for an hour as the last of the cases were unloaded. None of them moving, deathly still with their hands one on top of the other, stacked on his case. They stood silent and watchful as the Chaplain said his prayer. Michelle's ears caught Jenna humming and Michelle waited until the Chaplain had finished before she picked up the song that Jenna had been repeatedly humming.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

Michelle's voice rose on the word see and floated over the forty cases sitting on the red carpet in the early morning.

T'was Grace that taught...

my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear...

the hour I first believed

Michelle dug deep and poured the loss and pain from everything into the lyrics as she sang. Jenna began to sob as Michelle's voice washed over the transport case of her man.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...

we have already come.

T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...

and Grace will lead us home.

The Chaplain stood in awe of the woman's voice who wept in words. Brennan could hear the faith that she had heard so many times in Booth's voice pouring from Michelle in the words that she sang. This was more than therapy, this was a song for the dead.

The Lord has promised good to me...

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be...

as long as life endures.

Michelle swallowed unsure if she could continue then Jenna squeezed her hand and Michelle knew she had no choice. In this time and in this place this was needed. Maggs stood with his eyes glistening with unshed tears as the pain of her loss, their loss, the world’s loss came through in song.

When we've been here ten thousand years...

bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise...

then when we've first begun.

Maggs saw the tears of the honor guard and Henderson's stiff upper lip tremble just a little. He choked back a sob and swallowed the loss he told himself he wouldn't let get to him. He knew the pain that Legates and his unit were feeling was pretty deep. Their unit was unusually tight, they were almost family. No correction, they were family.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see

On the last word, Michelle lifted her voice and it soared through the silence of the early morning dawn. When the note faded away to nothing, the men saluted and turned to begin lifting the cases into the waiting trucks. Michelle bowed her head and let the single tear roll down her face and land on the pile of clutched hands. No one paid attention to the photographers that were taking pictures in a solemn fashion. None noticed one photographer who used a telescopic lens to take a picture of three hands clutched on top of a flag draped case with a single tear on the top hand.

“Couldn't have said it better myself,” the Chaplain whispered at the end of the song. Henderson nodded but kept to attention and saluting.

This hasn't been betaed so please excuse any bad grammar or weirdness

New Beginings

I can't find anything about how to make this black on white instead of red on black for just one post so I'm sorry if this hurts the eyes =/

New Beginnings

Booth looked down at the roof as the helicopter lifted into the air. What he saw broke his heart. His wife and his son standing on the rooftop looking up at them as they flew off. The propeller blades whipped her hair and dress around her, he could see her eyes were glassy. He could see Parker's eyes were puffy from crying. Lifting his hand, he held it knuckles out towards Parker. Parker lifted his hand and mirrored the action.

Angela came charging up onto the roof and ran to where Brennan and Parker stood. She walked up to Brennan and wrapped her arm around her friend's shoulders. Brennan turned her face into Angela's shoulder and cried.

“I didn't get to tell him,” Brennan sobbed.

“What, Sweetie? What didn't you get to tell him?” Angela asked as her heart broke for the couple.

“I'm pregnant,” Brennan whispered through her sobs.

~H~U~N~T~E~D~

Booth turned his head and turned a pair of eyes glowing with hatred on Pelant. He heard the pilot's voice mic'd through the headset.

“Let's get you out of here before you make the biggest mistake of your life,” the pilot laughed.

Booth growled and the mic picked it up causing the co-pilot to look back at Booth then down at his left hand.

“Uh, Mikey he's already married,” the co-pilot said.

“Well, in that case I hope this wasn't your wedding,” Mikey said. Booth's eyes narrowed and the co-pilot shuddered at the look.

“Aww, hell I'm sorry, dude. I just follow orders,” Mikey said.

Booth remained silent for the entire half hour flight to the Military Entrance Processing Station. When the skids touched down, Booth snatched his headset off and threw them down in the seat. Jumping down, he headed for the door across the stretch of grass. When he entered the building, he saw a few Corporals skitter away from him. He walked up to the man sitting behind the desk and glared at him.

“Can I help you, Sir?” The man asked, looking at Booth's tux with interest.

“Apparently, I have an appointment. Sergeant Major Seeley Booth,” Booth said, growling at the kid. Pelant came up behind him.

“Booth, there's no need to be nasty,” Pelant said sharply. Booth spun on his heel and got in Pelant's face.

“I do not care that you're my superior officer or not. You came to MY wedding and interrupted MY reception. I'm going to spend my honeymoon in the fucking desert so shut your mouth,” Booth snarled, now fully enraged at the man's gall.

Pelant stepped back, his face paling at the realization that he may have just made a huge mistake. The young man behind them cleared his throat.

“This way, Sergeant Major Booth. The rest of you may sit over there and wait,” he said, pointing to a set of chairs along the wall.

Booth followed the man down the hallway to a room. After they entered, the man went to a cabinet and pulled out the hated hospital dressing gowns.

“You know the drill,” he said then walked out.

Booth carefully pulled off his tux and put on the paper gown, leaving on his boxers and striped socks. A doctor walked in looking down at Booth's chart.

“I'm Doctor Cabe and I will be performing your physical. Please get on the scale,” Cabe said, still looking at the chart.

Booth stood up and silently moved to the scale. The doctor hearing little noise looked up and found Booth standing on the scale, staring at the wall and grinding his teeth. The doctor got his weight and wrote it down.

“Turn around, please,” Cabe said. Booth turned around and put his back to the scale. Cabe took his height and hrmm'd as he wrote the information down.

“I rarely get to see people who fit this perfectly into their height and weight BMI,” Cabe complimented. Booth remained silent and stared off in the distance.

“Please get up on the table so I can get your blood pressure,” Cabe instructed. Booth moved to the table and sat down. The doctor put the cuff on his arm and took his blood pressure.

“Sergeant Major, your blood pressure is 135/86 and I can see you are angry. Is there a reason you are so angry? Can you please calm down,” Cabe said.

“I might possibly be angry because I might have possibly been snatched from my reception because Pelant is an asshole and couldn't wait another week,” Booth snarled.

“Reception?” Cabe said, looking over his glasses at the man sitting before him.

“Yes, you know the party after a wedding. Generally where the family and couple celebrate their union,” Booth said sarcastically. Cabe tutted and shook his head.

“I'm sorry to hear that. Is it possible for you to calm down?” Cabe asked, feeling sorry for the man sitting on his examination table.

Booth closed his eyes, took a deep breath and used the steadying exercise he had been taught to use before shooting. His breath moved in and out of his lungs, his heart was pounding in his ears. As he focused on his breathing the pounding of his heart grew quieter in his ears. He opened his eyes and nodded at the doctor. Cabe took his blood pressure and his eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Interesting,” he said, writing on the clipboard.

“I know you've had cranial surgery within the last year. I also see you passed the FBI physical requirements with a near perfect score. So, we will give a pass on that and I will review the files from your neurologists. If I feel that you are no longer qualified I will give you a medical discharge,” Cabe told him. Booth groaned and for once almost wished Brennan wasn't as good as she was hyped up to be.

“Sign here for the release of your medical files, please,” Cabe said, handing him the clipboard.

~H~U~N~T~E~D~

Angela held her friend as she sobbed. Narrowing her eyes, she straightened her spine.

“It's not happening like this, dammit, you are going to tell him,” Angela said.

She grabbed Brennan and Parker's hands and pulled them to the stairs. Both Parker and Brennan had a hard time keeping up. Angela dragged them to the tent and entered. Walking, over to the table where Cam was sitting, she looked at her boss.

“Cam, we need you in the lab,” Angela said.

Cam looked at Angela in surprise but nodded. Still dragging the two people with her, Angela stalked to where Carter was standing arguing with Henderson.

“General Carter, you are coming with me,” Angela said.

Carter looked at the woman and frowned.

“General, I wouldn't argue with her. She can be mean,” Parker said, still sniffling slightly.

Carter smiled at Parker then nodded at Angela. Excusing himself, he followed her to the door where she paused. Turning, she faced the people in the tent.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. Due to unforeseen circumstances the Bride and Groom are unable to attend their own reception. However, they would like for you to celebrate for them. So, please eat, drink, and dance to celebrate their union,” Angela said loudly.

The guests watched as Angela disappeared through the door still dragging Parker and Brennan. Angela dragged the two towards the lab with Cam and Carter following behind them.

“Ms. Stinson, you do not seem upset that the bride just ran out the door with your son and then returned only to have him leave with with Ms. Montenegro-Hodgins,” one of the Cantilever donors said, smiling at Rebecca.

Rebecca returned the smile with just a hint of flirting in her smile.

“Temperance would never hurt or endanger Parker. She is just as protective of him as his father is. I trust her with Parker. The people here at the Jeffersonian are an extended family of sorts,” she said sweetly.

The donor took a sip of his drink and smiled at her.

“Angela, release my hand. I am quite capable of walking and I am dragging my dress across the floor,” Brennan said.

Angela let out a silent sigh of relief. Bren was getting her fight back. Angela let go of Brennan and Parker's hands. Parker walked to the other side of Brennan and grabbed her hand. Brennan gathered her skirt up in one hand and took Parker's with the other. Carter shook his head, never in his life would have imagined seeing this when he met Temperance Brennan all those years ago. The doors of the lab slid open with a gust of air as they entered the lab. The hum of the machinery soothed Brennan's frayed nerves. Angela stopped and turned to look at Cam.

“We need the sonogram machine. Please bring it to my office. Bren, go to your office and change into your lab coat and a pair of pants. I know you have some in your office. Parker and General Carter, you two come with me,” Angela said.

Angela took Carter and Parker to her office while the other two women completed the tasks she'd given them. She guided Parker to her desk and sat him down. Digging around in her desk, she pulled out few sheets of paper and a pen.

“Here, Parker, I want you to write your dad a letter okay,” Angela said. Parker nodded, picked up the pen and began to write on the paper. Turning, she looked at General Carter who was standing next to the Angelatron.

“General Carter, Booth's family is writing him letters and you are going to make sure he gets them before his plane leaves the ground. But I want you to wait until the last minute or you will have an AWOL Booth on your hands,” Angela told him firmly.

Carter raised an eyebrow at her and she glared at him. Turning on her heel, Angela walked out and looked around at the different tables the lab had to offer. Sighing, she went back to her office and rolled her eyes. Snatching the cushions off the couch, she pushed the couch closer to the Angelatron. She gave a slight grunt as she stood up straight. Cam entered pushing the sonogram cart.

“What are we doing?” Cam asked in confusion as she looked around.

“We are going to give Booth one of the best pictures he's ever received,” Angela said.

Cam looked at the sonogram machine and her eyes widened. Angela moved swiftly and connected the sonogram to the Angelatron. Brennan entered Angela's office quietly on bare feet. She sat down on the couch and looked at her clasped hands. Angela put her hands on Brennan's shoulders and guided her to the couch near the Angelatron. She placed a cushion from the back of the couch on the seat and gently pushed Brennan into a lying position. Cam walked over and knelt down near Brennan. She looked the Forensic Anthropologist in the eye and smiled.

“Dr. Brennan, we're going to be here for you. For everything,” Cam said softly. Brennan nodded but steeled herself against the pain of knowing she would be doing this without Booth.

“This may be a little cold,” Cam said, squeezing the gel on to Brennan's stomach.

Angela picked up her controller pad and hit a few buttons. Cam slid the wand over Brennan's stomach and a whooshing sound filled the room. Then suddenly a fast heart beat was heard. Angela clapped her hand over her mouth and her eyes filled with tears. A small blob could be seen floating on the screen. Brennan's eyes filled with tears. A small hand wrapped around hers and she looked up to see Parker staring at the holographic image.

“What is that?” Parker asked in a hushed voice.

“That is your little brother or sister, Little Man,” Cam said, smiling.

“I'm not an OB but I would say that you are probably about 7 weeks pregnant. You need to make an appointment soon,” Cam said.

The heartbeat continued to sound throughout the room.

“Is it supposed to be that fast?” Parker asked his eyes wide and still focused on the screen.

“Yes, that is perfectly normal,” Brennan said softly.

Angela began tapping keys on her pad and the printer began to print out pictures. Walking to her desktop, she sat down and stuck a blank disk in the DVR drive. She copied the file from the Angelatron onto a disc and put the disc in a clear case.

“Bren, Sweetie, I want you to sit down and write Booth a letter. General Carter promises to deliver the letters to Booth before his plane leaves,” Angela said softly.

Brennan nodded, sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. Angela slid Parker's letter and the disc into a manila envelope then she set it on her desk.

“Come on, guys. I think she's going to want some privacy while she writes. Bren, when you're done put the envelope in the manila envelope and bring it to General Carter. We'll be at the reception,” Angela said. Angela took Parker by the hand and everyone left Brennan in the yellow glow of the holographic image of her and Booth's baby.

~H~U~N~T~E~D~

Booth stood glaring at the supply officer daring him to say anything about his current attire. The man grabbed the list Booth handed him and went into the back to retrieve the items on the list. It took the man twenty minutes to get everything. He set the box on the counter and pushed a paper towards Booth.

“Sign here,” he said. Booth looked at the list and began pulling out items from the box and checking against the list.

“There's no cargo bag here,” Booth said, pointing at the item on the list.

The supply officer looked at the list and the items laid out on the counter. Nodding, he went back to a set of shelves and pulled down a large duffle bag and threw it down on the counter. Booth scrawled his signature across the bottom and threw everything in the box. Legates met him at the door and led him to a candy apple red 1969 Mustang sitting outside the building. A young man got out then got back into the car, in the backseat, without saying anything.

“Nice car,” Booth grunted.

“Thanks,” Legates said, climbing in. Booth got in the passenger’s seat and wished briefly he could be in a better mood to properly appreciate the car. He remained silent on the car ride, appreciating the silence in the vehicle. After Legates turned the keys over to the other man, he led Booth into a building that looked suspiciously like military barracks. He followed Legates into the building and up to the second floor. Letting Booth into his and Techie's room, Legates looked around nervously.

“There's shampoo and whatnot in the shower, Sarge,” Legates said.

“Thanks,” Booth muttered.

Legates spun on his heel and left the room. Booth's shoulders slumped when he heard the door click shut. He pulled the items out of the box, unwrapped what needed unwrapping and began to pack everything but a uniform and a towel into the bag.

When he was finished, he walked into the bathroom, carrying his towel. He locked the second door on the bathroom and then the door to Legates’ room. Turning the shower on scalding hot, he stripped and stepped in under the water. This was not happening, he was not supposed to be here, he was supposed to be in a premier suite at the Ritz in Georgetown before leaving for a week long honeymoon in Hawaii.

Sighing, he picked up the soap and lathered his hands. He finished his shower and got out. He dried himself off and slung the towel around his hips. Unlocking the doors, he went into the room Legates and Techie had lent him and pulled on his uniform. The uniform had  tags, insignias, and everything that was expected for his uniform. Pelant that little shit had all of this planned.  When he got to Afghanistan, he would get more uniforms. He zipped up his bag, grabbed his hat and towel then left the room.

He walked down the stairs and into the lounge. The TV was off and Booth was fine with that. Sitting down on the couch, Booth crossed his ankles, leaned back and put his hat over his face. He heard someone moving around near the door but he ignored them. Right here, right now, Booth just wanted to be left alone.

“Hey, Techie, who the hell is that sleeping in the lounge?” A male voice bellowed from the doorway.

“Sergeant Major Booth. Leave him alone,” Techie hollered back from his spot on the landing. Booth heard the muffled, quiet sounds of his unit scrambling in and out of each other's rooms packing their gear.

“Brown, you seen my web belt?” Wilson’s voice drifted from the second floor and down the stairwell.

“Dude, I don't keep track of what keeps your pants up. That's not my job,” Brown hollered back. Booth fell into a light doze, ignoring anyone who came into the lounge.

~H~U~N~T~E~D~

Brennan sat at the desk staring for the longest time at the sheet in front of her. Picking up a pen, she began to write. When she finished, she stood up and walked to her office. Undocking her iPad, she carried it to the Angelatron and plugged it in. With a few clicks, she set up what was needed. Walking back to her office, she changed her clothes and returned to Angela's office.

General Carter looked at his watch and sighed. The reception was winding down and Brennan had yet to show up. There was a pause in the conversation as Brennan made her way towards him. She had put on her wedding dress and her hair had been fixed. The only telltale sign of her earlier distress was her pale complexion and her red eyes. She handed him the manila envelope and looked him in the eye.

“I know it's against protocol and normally I would not ask but please do not view what is on that iPad. It's personal and no one needs to see it other than Booth,” Brennan all but whispered.

Carter nodded his head in a yes motion. She had not asked anything of the military even though they turned to her whenever they needed her. She had never said no and she was behaving like a good Army wife. This, he could do for her. Nodding her head, she turned around and started to flee from the tent. Angela stopped her at the door and handed her the keys to Booth's SUV.

“Cullen says to return it in the morning,” Angela said. Brennan nodded and left her own reception, alone.

~H~U~N~T~E~D~

“What do you want, Wilson?” Booth asked from under his hat.

“Uh, Sarge, they want us over at the tarmac. The transports are outside,” Wilson said.

“I thought he was asleep. How the hell did he know it was Wilson?” Jones asked from his position near the TV.

“Wilson, wears that god awful Sex Panther shit,” Booth said, standing up.

Grabbing his bag, he flung it over his shoulder and left the stunned men in the room. Wilson followed him out the door and up into the truck. They arrived at the tarmac and saw a C-5 sitting on the runway. Booth watched as the Airmen loaded cargo, using the rollers to push the pallets to the forward compartment.

“Um I don't remember the last plane being that big,” Addison said, staring at the plane.

“Close your mouth, Kid. It's a C-5 last time we took a C-17,” Booth said.

“The best thing about the military. Hurry up and wait,” Techie mumbled.

Booth saw some men up against the fence talking to people on the other side. He scowled and felt his skin crawl. Legates shuffled over to him and tilted his head.

“Yeah, I feel it too. Starting to creep me out,” Booth rumbled.

Neither saw the figure leaning against the fence watching the group of men surrounding Booth. Neither saw the figure who listened to the conversations going on around him. Neither of them saw the smirk that crossed the figure's face. The figure reached for his shoulder and pulled down a camera with a telescopic lense.

Booth heard the Loadmaster* call for them to load up. A Humvee rolled onto the tarmac and pulled to a stop. The Loadmaster approached the vehicle wincing at the thought of putting any more weight on the plane. The door swung open and the Loadmaster snapped to attention and saluted.

“At ease, Staff Sergeant,” Carter said, returning the salute.

The man went to parade rest and Carter's eyes scanned the line of men climbing the steps into the upper level of the plane.

“I'm looking for Sergeant Major Booth,” Carter said firmly.

The Staff Sergeant gave a quick nod then jogged off. Standing at the bottom of the steps, he hollered to the man standing just inside the door of the plane.

“McKinley, has a Sergeant Major Booth loaded yet?” McKinley checked his list and shook his head in a negative motion. He turned and was thinking about barking the name down the line when he heard a voice call out.

“Sarge, Staff Sergeant over here is looking for you.”

Booth turned to look at Davis who was pointing at man standing near the steps. Hitching his bag up, Booth jogged to the Staff Sergeant and stopped in front of the man.

“You are looking for me, Staff Sergeant?” Booth said, hitching his bag up again.

“General Carter wants to see you,” the man said. They both jogged over to where Carter was standing. Booth stopped, snapped to attention, and saluted.

“At ease, Booth,” Carter said, smiling at the man. Booth went to parade rest and waited for Carter to speak.

“Booth, I have something for you,” Carter said, extending the manila envelope. Booth took the envelope and looked at it.

“I'm sorry you had to find out like this, son,” Carter said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Carter climbed into the Humvee and it pulled away. Booth held the envelope as if it were a snake. Turning back to the line, Booth jogged over and took his position in line.

“Whatcha got, Sarge?” Techie asked eyeing the envelope. Booth swallowed and looked at it again.

“I don't know,” Booth said in gravelly tone.

Thirty minutes later, Booth felt the thrust of the plane as it left the ground. He looked at the envelope in his hands and shuddered. Sticking his finger under the flap, he tore it open. He opened it and looked inside. Sticking his hand in, he pulled out two envelopes, a disc, and an iPad.

Techie whistled when he saw the iPad and the headset that went with it. Booth tucked the letters between his thighs, plugged the headset in, and turned on the iPad. He saw a file labeled 'click here'. He tapped the file and a video began to play. Booth's eyes glazed with tears when Brennan's face appeared on the screen.

“Booth, George promised you wouldn't get this before you took off. I know that you wouldn't do anything illegal but given the situation it would be logical to think it would be acceptable. I planned on giving you this information tonight but it would seem the circumstances dictated otherwise. There is a file on the desktop of this iPad that will explain everything. The file name is click2. I know that is unoriginal but I found it necessary to make it easy to find. We will get through this, we always get through everything that we have been footed. We are the center and we will hold. I love you Booth.”

Booth saw her reach over and switch off the camera. He chuckled at her mistake, they got through everything they had been handed not footed. Clearing the screen, he looked at the programs on the desktop. Booth found the click2 file and tapped it. The first thing he heard was the whoosh of the amniotic fluid then the fast beat of a heart. His mouth fell open at the sight of what looked like a jellybean floating on the screen. The tears that were in his eyes from seeing Brennan's video spilled down his cheeks.

Techie saw Booth crying from the corner of his eyes. Turning his head, he saw the image on the screen and a large smile spread across his face. Techie unbuckled his seatbelt, got on his knees in the seat and turned to face the back.

“Hey guys, Sarge is gonna be a dad!” He bellowed to Booth's unit and all the men sitting behind them.

Booth ignored the loud cheers raised up behind him as he listened to his and Brennan's baby's heartbeat. He ran his finger over the screen and nearly jumped out of his skin when the screen zoomed into the image of his baby. Booth couldn’t see much other than a blobby shape. Looking up from the screen, he saw his unit trying to squeeze in around his seat to get a look at the iPad in his hand.

He unplugged the headset and the sound of the baby's heartbeat thrummed out. He could hear some near silent inhalations and some gasps at the sound of his baby's heartbeat. After a few more minutes of watching the ultra sound Booth passed the iPad to Techie. Booth waited as the iPad was passed around.

When it finally reached his hands again, he plugged the headset back in and set it to replay. He fell asleep to the fast heartbeat of his child. He woke up half an hour before they landed. Blinking his eyes, he looked around and groaned. The ever efficient military had them arriving in time for lunch. Packing the iPad back into the envelope, he stretched his feet out and heard his back pop and crackle.

“Getting too old for this,” Booth muttered. Legates started cackling from behind Booth.

“Shut up, Legates. Don't make me have Bones tell Cam about the cheesecake dip,” Booth grunted.

'Doh' “oooooo' and 'busted' rang out around them as his unit laughed at Legates.

“What cheesecake dip?” Legates asked, trying to play innocent. Booth snorted and rolled his eyes.

“Really? Really? You're trying to go there with me? You think one of these guys didn’t let it slip? Besides, you've been living with her for the last six months and nothing happened? Bones and I heard you two outside your room after we got back from Kansas,” Booth said, eyeing Legates. Legates' mouth fell open and a blush spread across his face.

“Sarge, nothing happened. I swear!” Legates exclaimed over his unit's laughter.

“At least not that night,” Legates mumbled under his breath, a wide smirk spreading across his features.

McKinley sat up and turned around to face the back.

“You actually control your men's sex life?” McKinley asked Booth in utter astonishment. Booth squinted one eye as he looked at McKinley.

“Only when they sleep with family,” Booth replied. McKinley shot Legates an 'are you stupid look'.

“Hey, to be fair, she's not blood related,” Legates defended himself.

“Yeah, Sarge, how would you describe that situation. Your ex-lover's adopted daughter,” Addison laughed.

“Family is how I would explain that,” Booth replied.

McKinley shook his head at the weird unit and turned back around. Booth sighed at the familiar sound and feeling of the wheels hitting the tarmac. Pulling his orders from his pocket he scowled at the lack of information. There was nothing past going to Bagram. Maybe they’d get lucky and get put here instead of Phoenix but at the current time Booth wasn’t holding his breath.

Standing up, he waited as Legates swung the plane door open. He followed them out the door and down the steps. His unit stood milling around on the tarmac waiting for some information. Striding away, Booth made his way to the Command Offices. Walking in, he waited as the man at the desk finished his conversation on the phone. After hanging up, the man glanced up.

“You need something?” He asked in a short clipped tone.

“My guys are on the tarmac. Our orders have nothing further than reporting here,” Booth said, handing the man his orders. The man skimmed the order and ahhha’d under his breath.

“Yeah, Rangers, Pelant called about you all. You’re doing over night here, he arranged for B-huts this morning. You leave in the morning,” the man said, handing Booth a sheet and his orders. Booth scanned the paper and nodded at the listing of the B-huts reserved for them.

“You’re lucky. They’ve made some improvements over at Phoenix. They now have B-huts instead of tents,” the man said, shooting Booth a grin.

“Thanks,” Booth said, turning on his heel  and striding from the building.

He saw his men standing near the plane on the tarmac, looking for all the world as if that were exactly where they belonged. Striding across the tarmac, Booth came to a stop in front of his men.

“Alright guys, they stuck us in some B-huts until they can arrange our ‘sleeping quarters’ at Phoenix. They’ve apparently made upgrades, if you want to call them that, since the last time we were here,” Booth said, waving his hand.

“Oh, jeez,” Addison sighed, knowing upgrading wasn’t always better.

“Yeah, they put in B-huts. Looks like you’ll be two to a room and you all will be in the same hut,” Booth said.

Booth saw Legates roll his eyes and mentally chuckled. For once he was glad he wasn’t taller. Those B-huts were small, that poor guy wouldn’t be able to get in the door without slamming his head.

“Let’s get off this tarmac and head to our huts. We leave at 04:00 and you should think about getting some chow,” Booth grunted, waving his hand towards their gear.

Grabbing his gear, he led them to the B-huts they’d been assigned and entered his, threw his gear in a room, if you could call it that, and left to get some chow. When he entered the chow hall, he saw his men were already there. After getting his food and coffee, he sat down across from Techie and Legates. Booth took a sip of his coffee and watched as Legates pushed his food around on his plate with his fork.

“Eat, Corporal,” Booth said, pointing to Legates plate.

Ignoring his own command, Booth picked up his coffee and drifted into space. How was he going to deal with this again? The first time had been bad enough, he didn’t think he could be away from Brennan while she was pregnant.

“Eat, Sergeant Major,” Legates said, still wearing his smirk. Booth’s eyebrow rose and he shook his head as he was jerked from his musings.

“He’s got better reason not to eat than you, jackass,” Perkins said.

“Not better just different,” Wilson said, grinning at Legates.

Booth shook his head and finished his coffee. He watched as Legates left the chow hall and the rest of the unit follow moments later. After finishing his food and coffee he left the chow hall and waved when Legates called out to him. He walked past the USO and saw surprisingly that it was pretty much empty.

Striding to the B-hut he walked to his bag and dug out his wallet. Pausing, he looked at his watch and calculated. Sighing, he walked out and ambled over to the bazaar. He shook his head as he observed his men buying gifts and smirked as he watched Legates carefully finger the large silk scarves blowing in the breeze.

~H~U~N~T~E~D~

Brennan paced around her apartment and sighed. She had just thrown up for the third time this morning and her stomach had settled down. Picking up her cell phone she dialed Rebecca’s number. Thirty minutes later, Brennan let a smile cross her face. Rebecca had just shown a large amount of trust. She was letting her take Parker to Hawaii.

Walking around the apartment, she packed her bags and loaded them into her car. When she glanced at the clock in her car, she realized she needed to get a move on to make their flight. Ten minutes later, she pulled into Rebecca’s driveway and got out of the car. Walking up to the door, she knocked and waited for it to be opened. Rebecca swung the door open and gave Brennan a sympathetic smile.

“Come in. Parker will be ready in a few minutes. I got his stuff packed but he’s gathering a few last minute items,” Rebecca said, swinging the door open and inviting Brennan in.

“I really appreciate you allowing me to take Parker to Hawaii. I was unsure that you would allow me to take him, given your reluctance to allow Booth to spend time with Parker,” Brennan said in her usual straightforward manner.

Rebecca mentally winced at Brennan’s statement. But she had to admit that statement was right. Prior to Booth leaving, she had fought, argued, and threatened her ex’s time with his son. She knew that Booth was an excellent father and she still couldn’t explain to Parker or herself why she did it. She saw how both Parker and Booth had suffered while Booth was gone and made a promise to stop using Parker to get back at Booth. Cocking her head, she pursed her lips.

“Dr. Brennan, I have come to realize that the time that Parker spends with both you and Seeley is very important to all parties involved. Last night was traumatic for Parker and he does not have school this week. Teacher’s training or some such thing, so I do not see why it is that you could not take him with you to Hawaii. I realized when you put Mrs. Hanson in her place that you cared about Parker as much as Seeley does,” Rebecca said, quickly almost not breathing between words.

Brennan nodded and gave Rebecca a quirky smile. Parker bounced into the room from the hallway. He pulled a small rolling suitcase and carried a backpack.

“Bones, are we really going to Hawaii?” Parker asked wearing a huge grin.

“Yes, we are, Parker. We need to leave in the next five minutes to make our plane,” Brennan said, glancing at her watch.

Parker looked at his mother, rushed towards her and gave her a hug. Brennan picked up Parker’s suitcase and examined it closely. His initials were emblazoned across the front of the suitcase. A small key ring with a Go Army tag on it hung from the zipper.

“Ready, Bones?” Parker asked, looking at her.

“Yes, let’s go,” Brennan said, holding out her hand.

“Take care of him and call me if you need anything,” Rebecca said as she watched the pair disappear through the door. She walked to the door and watched as Brennan buckled Parker in then climbed in herself. She watched as Brennan backed out onto the road then pulled away.

~H~U~N~T~E~D~

Booth sighed as he flopped down on his bed and groaned; this was going to be a long few days. All he wanted to do was talk to his wife and the military was making it near impossible. He knew that today for him or tomorrow for her, they would have been in Hawaii. Grunting, he rolled over and pulled out the iPad.

Plugging in the earbud, he watched the video Brennan had recorded for him.  He fell asleep to the sound of his baby’s heartbeat. Five hours later, his unit found him laying on his stomach sleeping. He was snoring lightly and his iPad was emitting a yellow light.

“Poor, Sarge,” Addison said sympathetically.

Shaking his head, he pulled the curtain closed and moved to his own bunk. At four am Booth’s watch beeped and he struggled to consciousness. He sat up, rubbed his eyes and shook his head to clear the fog. He pulled on clean clothes and grimaced, he hated putting clean clothes on his dirty body. Sighing, he moved down the hallway of the B-hut, opening the curtains and waking up his men.

He continued moving through the hallway and crossed the street to the chow hall to grab his coffee before they jumped a truck to Camp Phoenix. He was sipping his coffee when Legates sat down across from him, sipping his own coffee and staring off into space.

“You think they know we’re  here?” Perkins asked, looking at Oaks and indicating Booth and Legates.

“They know we’re here, they just don’t care,” Techie said, dropping his tray on the table with a thunk before sitting down.

Legates lifted his eyebrow at his friend and went back to his sightless staring. Booth raised an eyebrow at Techie who shook his head and looked down at his plate.

Continuing to eat, Techie ignored what went on around him. Their convoy was leaving in two hours and they were pushing to get their food down before they had to leave. Forty minutes later, Booth threw his duffle in the compartment under the bus and climbed on. He stepped over the men’s legs which were stretched out in the aisle. Reaching the back, he flopped down in the seat and pulled his hat low over his head.

The hour ride through Kabul seemed to take longer than the men wanted it to. When they arrived, Booth got off the bus, grabbed his bag and headed for the offices. Entering the office, he waited to be acknowledged. The man behind the counter looked up.

“Yes?” He said in a clipped tone.

“Sergeant Major Seeley Booth and Second Battalion reporting. We need housing,” Booth said, handing the paperwork to the man.

He looked at the paperwork, stood up and left the room. He returned and Pelant followed him. Booth blanked his face but his eyes went almost black with irritation.

A/N * Loadmaster is the person in charge of making sure that things that are loaded on to planes are put into the proper place as not to unbalance a plane or over weigh it.

C-5 planes (Globemasters) are the largest plane in the Air Force fleet and are generally used for transporting goods and soldiers. It has a cabin for passengers on top of the plane.