“I’m sure he’s doing fine. But if you want to and Steve and Jaime says it’s ok…then I suppose it will be alright.

“I might even get to watch the class for a while.” Dan muttered

“Would they let you?” Oscar asked.

“I used to go to school there, of course they would.” Dan smiled. “I’d like to go earlier but Rudy and I are busy on that project.”

“I’m sure he won’t mind any time you want to go.” Oscar was so happy to have his family intact once again he was so busy chatting with the kids and catching up on what Marc was doing that he didn’t see the car following him.

“Ok.” Dimetree told his companion as they watched Oscar pull his car into the driveway. He still had a security guard but he had relaxed security at the house since the kids had gotten bigger. “We know where he lives, we know he works for the OSI so we just bide our time till they let their guard down. Right now I’m sure none of them will be doing much on their own.”

They pulled around the corner from Oscar’s house and watched till the lights went out. Then they headed back to the embassy. “We will be making our move soon.” Dimetree told Hanson who had now put himself in charge of everything.

“How soon is soon?” Hanson demanded.

“Like I said, we’ll have them both by Christmas.

A week later, Dan was at the Richmond School when Jaime dropped Steven Carl off. “I was just wondering how he was getting along.” Dan admitted to Jaime.

“From the reports we’ve gotten so far, he’s doing very well.” Jaime told him.

“I’m going to sit in on the class for a while this morning.” Dan explained. “I’m just curious to see if he’s smarter than I was at this age.”

“Well I don’t mind if you want to sit in.” She gave Steven a kiss and turned to leave the building. “You be careful Dan. You heard about Hanson right?”

“Of course, they think he may have gone to work for the other side.”

“Your dad says he went through all of his papers. He knows about the cloning project and everything. If he tells them, you could be in danger.” Jaime explained.

“I’ll keep my guard up. Thanks Jaime.”

Jaime left and Dan sat in on Steven Carl’s preschool class.

“Since you’re not going to tutor the kids” Steve said after Jaime returned from Steven’s school. Why don’t the four of us…you, me James and Jennifer go do a little Christmas shopping?” Steve suggested.

“Wonderful idea I have my eye on a set of books for Steven. This would be the perfect time to buy them while he’s in school. You know he doesn’t believe in Santa Clause.” Jaime told him.

Steve nodded. “I know. I told him to not ruin it for the other kids. He understands….You said you were going to get him books?” Steve asked.

“He showed me exactly what he wants. I told him I’d think about it. I have a feeling he’s going to be just like Dan. I only hope that he doesn’t figure out that he’s Dan’s clone and… everything else.”

“Same here” Steve said as he headed up stairs to get the kids ready to go.

“I’m worried about Dan.” Jaime said as Steve drove to the mall.

“Yeah why’s that?” Steve wondered.

“I’m afraid Hanson will try something.” She whispered not wanting James to hear the man’s name. He had gone three straight nights without a nightmare and Jaime intended to keep it that way.

“No one has seen Hanson for weeks now.” Steve reminded.

“Well I don’t believe he’s disappeared off the face of the earth.” Jaime glanced in the back to make sure James and Jennifer weren’t listening. “If the Soviets do have him…which I think they do. It’s only a mater of time before they strike.”

Steve sighed. “I suppose you’re right. We better not let our guard down.”

At noon D

an decided he better get to work. He was still helping Rudy on a project and he might have a client.

“There he is.” Hanson pointed as Dan’s car pulled into the parking lot of the OSI. “We tried a couple of times to lure him away from the OSI and have him work for the NSB. But he remained loyal all the way to his uncle.”

“We too tried to persuade young Daniel to come work with us.” Dimetree stated. “But as with you he was loyal to the OSI. We hope that we can change that.”

“Let’s grab him.” Hanson sneered. “That kid cost me my career.”

“All in good time Mr. Hanson. All in good time, we know where he works…where he hangs out…we might even be able to use Austin’s youngest son as bait for Daniel. If what you say is true and the boy is in fact his clone. I’m sure he feels a special fondness for him.”

“You’re planning on taking the boy?” Hanson asked remembering that’s what got him into the fix he was in.

“No. We only threaten to take the boy. Or we can say we have him when we don’t…or better yet we can send a note to Dr. Goldman telling him we know all about his cloning project and that Steven is in fact his clone and that we will reveal that if he doesn’t turn himself into us. Or we could just grab him…we’ll have to see.”

“I still say grab him now.” Hanson muttered

“Hanson the longer we wait the more they are relaxed. They’ll let their guard down so to speak.” Dimetree reminded.

“I suppose you’re right.” Hanson agreed. “I’ve tried to remain in hiding at the embassy.” He continued. “I’ll have to admit I’m getting a little bored. I’m waiting for my chance to grill Dan.”

“As are we Mr. Hanson.” Dimetree agreed.

As they pulled into the parking lot at the mall Steve kept looking in the rearview mirror. “Just checking” he told Jaime when she noticed what he was doing.

“See you’re just as nervous as I am.” Jaime whispered as she took Jennifer by the hand and walked her across the parking lot.

“Ok I’ll admit it.” Steve whispered as he caught up to her. “Hanson knows about our whole family. If he’s shared that knowledge,…either willingly or not…with the soviets then we could all be in danger.”

“Right” Jaime replied. “I think we should keep an extra eye on Dan…and the kids.” She suggested.

“I agree.” Steve finally admitted. “Hanson has already tried to exploit James. Think what he would do if he had James and Steven Carl together.”

“Yeah imagine…” Jaime stopped dead in here tracks and covered her mouth. “Oh my g-d Steve. What if…”

“What if what?” Steve asked.

“Oh Steve I don’t even know if I can say it.” Jaime stammered. She slowly lowered her hand and turned to face Steve.

“Say what. What are you talking about?” Steve pressed

“What if Hanson wants a James/Steven so to speak.” Jaime put her fear into words.

“Run that one by me again.” Steve put his finger in his ear as if to clear it out so he could hear what she was saying.

“Steve, what if Hanson…and the soviets want a clone with Dan’s intelligence…and James’ strength.”

“That’s not possible…is it?” Steve could hardly believe what he was hearing.

“I guess there’s only one person to ask.” Jaime and Steve turned around and headed back to the car.

“It just doesn’t make any sense.” Steve muttered as he pulled the car back into traffic.

“Yes it does.” Jaime argued. “Think about it Steve. Hanson has been trying to get Dan to work for the NSB ever since he was twelve. Then once he finds out that James is as strong as you are he exploits him as well.”

“You just might have a point.” They arrived at the OSI and after dropping the children off with Callahan they headed straight for Rudy’s office.

“…You’ve got to be kidding.” Rudy exclaimed when Jaime told him her fears. “He turned to Dan. “Is that even possible?”

Dan had listened intently to the conversation. “It could be.” Dan began. But…”

“But what?” Steve pressed.

“More than likely it wouldn’t’ work…not the way Hanson has it planned anyway. Steve, James getting you strength was a fluke. It would probably never happen again…not in a million years.”

“Why is it a fluke?” Jaime questioned. “It happened with you/”

“You see Jaime I was born smart I guess is the best way to put it. You and Steve weren’t born bionic. So the only way they could possibly make it work…”

“Would be to take James, clone him and you.” Steve finished.

Dan nodded. “But like I said, that’s a long shot.”

‘We’ll just have to watch the kids carefully. If the holidays weren’t so close I’d suggest sending them to Ojai.” Steve interjected

“We can’t do that.” Jaime argued. Besides your parents are out of town till Chirstmas. They are stopping in DC the day after.”

“That’s right.” Steve snapped his finger. We’ll just have to let Hanson and who ever is in on this think it is possible.

“There is also something else.” Rudy added. “We only think this is what they want. We don’t know that for certain.”

“It’s perfect.” Hanson looked around the lab once more. “I’m sure Dr. Goldman will be more than happy here.”

“This is very similar to the lab Wells has?” Dimetree questioned.

“It is exactly the same. You followed my instructions to the letter.” Hanson smiled. “I do have one request.”

“what’s that?” Dimetree asked.

“I want to raise the boy as my son. I’ll make sure he’s ready to work for you as soon as he’s…”

“Wait. What did you say?” Dime tree was looking at Hanson as if he had three heads.

“I said I would like to raise the child as my son. Don’t worry when he’s old enough I’ll turn him over to you.”

“This is something I hadn’t planned on.” Dimetree growled. “I never thought it will be a child first…I wonder if there is any way Dr. Goldman could speed up the growth. I want them ready to work right away.”

Hanson thought for a moment. He was sure they were going to back down. “I have an idea.” He finally spoke.

“What would that be?” Dimetree was quickly loosing interest in the whole thing.

“He can start he’ll have the intelligence…the strength. He can start.” Hanson was practically begging for his second chance.

“I don’t know.” Dimetree sounded completely disinterested. “I don’t know if we want to start off with a baby. You must let me run this past my superiors.”

“I understand.” Hanson sneered. ‘Why did I have to mention that in the first place?’ He chided himself.

Christmas was drawing closer every one began to relax. As Gregory told them at a briefing at Steve’s house “No one has seen Hanson for weeks now. We think the Soviets killed him.”

“He deserves it.” Jaime muttered.

“We don’t know for certain that he told the Soviets anything.” Gregory continued.

“We don’t know that he didn’t either.” Steve broke in. My family could still be in danger.”

“We aren’t going to stop the surveillance Col. we’re just going to do it only at night. We feel during the day you and your family should be fine. In fact if there have been no attempts after the Holiday’s we will stop it all together.”

“I understand.” Steve muttered.

In the lab at the Russian embassy Hanson sat anxiously awaiting Dimetree’s decision. He had been in meetings all afternoon deciding weather or not they were going to go through with his plan. He knew if they didn’t they would kill him on the spot.

“Well Hanson.” Dimetree began when he entered. “We have decided to go through with it. My people will assist you in raising the child. What ever expenses you need we’ll cover. But at the age of eighteen you must turn him over to us…understood.

“Understood.” Hanson agreed. “When do we start?”

“As soon as we have Austin and Goldman’s son” Dimetree assured. “My informant at OSI says they have relaxed security greatly. It should be very easy. Is tomorrow to soon…”

The next day Dan and Rudy were busy back in the lab when Dan’s secretary walked in. “I’m sorry to interrupt Dr. Goldman, but you have a call. He says it’s urgent. He needs a lawyer right away.”

Dan sighed. “Could you take a message Carol?”

“I’m sorry sir, he says it’s very important that he speaks with you.” Carol went on.

“Ok patch it through to in here.” Dan walked over to the phone and waited the three minutes it took Carol to relay the call into Rudy’s office.

“May I help you?” Dan spoke.

“Uh yes, This is Frank Carson. I work down here in the parking garage of the OSI. I need a lawyer real bad. My wife left me taking my kids with her. You represent all OSI Staff correct?”

“Yes. I can meet with you…” Dan glanced at his watch “In say about an hour?” Dan asked.

“That might be to late.” Frank pleaded.

“Why don’t you come up to my office? We can discuss…”

“I’m not at work. I’m just too devastated to come in. Would you meet me at the Pink Flamingo Café?”

Dan sighed. “I can be there in twenty minutes.”

“I really appreciate that.” Frank added. “I’ll see you then.”

Dan hung up and turned to Rudy. “I have to go meet a client.” He explained.

“I thought the clients were supposed to come to you?” Rudy asked.

Dan smiled. “I’m not a little kid anymore Rudy.”

“I know, why don’t you call Steve and have him drive you…this could be a set up.”

Dan shook his head. “Not this guy, not the way he sounded.”

“I’ll have Steve follow…”

“You will not. I meet with my clients in private.” Dan scolded.

“Ok suit yourself. I guess you are grown up now.” Rudy hated the idea of Dan going out on his own, but even the NSB had given up on the fact that anything was going to happen.

Dan stopped by his office and grabbed his briefcase and headed out to his car in the parking lot. He got in and headed for the Pink Flamingo Café.

“…You should have called me!” Steve shouted. “Rudy you know it’s not safe out there for Dan.”

“I’m sorry Steve.” Rudy apologized for the twelfth time in 15 minutes. “He wouldn’t tell me where he was going anyway.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Jaime added.

“How long ago did he leave?” Steve questioned.

“About ten minutes before you got here” Rudy replied.

“So he could be meeting with a client?” Jaime interjected.

“That very well could be the case.” Rudy agreed.

“Did he tell you who the meeting was with?” Steve grilled.

Rudy shook his head. “He wouldn’t have told me even if I would have asked.”

“Again you’re right.” Steve sighed.

“I think we are all over reacting.” Jaime added. “Dan has left to meet clients before hasn’t he?”

Rudy nodded. “The rule Oscar put down was that Dan was to meet with his clients here…since OSI employees are all he ever meets with. But there has been an occasion when he has been called outside the office.”

“So it’s not out of the ordinary for him to go someplace else and meet with someone?” Jaime asked.

“Right” Rudy agreed.

“Well then I see no reason to worry…how long does one of his meetings last?” Jaime asked.

“It depends.” Rudy responded. “I’ve seen him gone for less than 15 minutes, to an hour.”

“I still don’t like it.” Steve said as they left the OSI. I think we should head downtown and look for his car.”

“We can’t do that. Besides we promised the kids we would get the tree today. They’re waiting at the house.”

“I guess we can’t disappoint them can we?” Steve gave a slight smile.

They got in their car and drove to the house to pick up the kids so they could go shopping for their Christmas tree.

At the Pink Flamingo Café Dan ordered his third cup of coffee and a second piece of pie. “I’ll just charge it to the petty cash account.” He muttered to himself. He glanced at his watch he had been here of well over an hour now. “I’ll give him another thirty minutes then I head back to the lab.” Dan was becoming angry. “Frank Carson better have a good reason for being late.”

Dan looked around the café. ‘Maybe he’s already here.’ He thought as the waitress set his pie and coffee on the table next to him.

Most of the people in here at this time of day were women or high school kids. ‘No’ Dan thought ‘I don’t see any single man here at all.’ Again he glanced at his watch. ‘he has exactly fifteen minutes then I’m out of here’

Steve, Jaime and the kids sang Christmas songs all the way to YE OLE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM when they arrived the owner greeted them “afternoon folks in the Market for a tree today?”

“Yea!” the kids cried. “We’re going to cut it down and then go home and have hot chocolate and decorate it.” James informed.

“Well sounds like you have your evening all planned.” The tree farm owner smiled. “If you just follow this path it will take you straight to some of my best trees.”

“Thanks.” Steve handed the man the money for the cost of the tree and they started down the path.

“No. Thank you.” He called after them.

“We want that one.” James and Jennifer called out at the biggest tree they could find.

“I don’t think that will fit in our living room.” Steve grinned “how about that one? He pointed to a slightly smaller tree.

“Looks good to us” Jaime agreed.

As always James, Steven Carl and Jennifer each got a turn at chopping at the tree. Overseen very carefully by Steve and Jaime of course they all cheered when the tree tumbled to the ground.

“That’s it!” Dan griped. He paid his bill and stormed out the door. “Rudy was right. I don’t meet with anyone unless they come to my office. I only wish I could bill him for the time I wasted.”

Dan walked over to his car started to open the door when three men approached hem.

“Well, well Dr. Goldman. It appears you were quite dedicated to meeting you client. To bad there never was one.” Dimetree sneered.

When they got back home the kids helped move stuff out of the way so their parents could carry the tree into the living room.

“I think we should put over there.” James pointed to a corner.

“We had it there last year.” Jennifer complained. “Let’s put it over there.” She pointed to another corner.

“But there’s no window over there. We want everybody to see our cool tree.” James stated

Jaime turned to Steven Carl. “What do you think?”

Steven Carl looked at the tree and then from the ceiling to the floor and then at the tree. “I think Daddy is going to have to cut about five inches off the bottom of the tree.”

“Come on.” Steve said “it’s going to fit perfectly.”

Steven Carl shook his head. “No it’s not.”

Steve started putting the tree up right in the corner by the window. The top of the tree began to bend.

“Uh Steve” Jaime interrupted his progress. “I think Steven Carl is right.”

Steve sighed. “Yeah I guess he is." Steve cut five inches off the bottom of the tree and it went up without a problem.

“Rudy, did Dan get back yet?” Oscar asked as he poked his head into Rudy’s office. “I just checked his office. His secretary said he left a few hours ago to meet a client. I thought he might be in here.”

“No Oscar he hasn’t gotten back yet.” Rudy was looking over some charts and didn’t really pay that much attention.

“Did he say where he was going?” The concern in Oscar’s voice brought Rudy out of his concentration.

“No he didn’t.” He glanced at his watch. “You better call Steve.”

Steve, Jaime and the kids had just finished their hot chocolate and were ready to decorate the tree when the doorbell rang.

“It’s Santa.” Jennifer squealed.

“It’s too early for Santa.” James corrected

Steve turned to Jaime. “It couldn’t be…Could it?”

“He knows we put the tree up. We’ve done it on this day every since James was born.”

Steve headed for the door. The whole family was right behind him. “Oscar.” Steve complained when he opened the door.

“It’s not Santa.” James said.

“No it’s the Grinch.” Jennifer added.

“That’s not very nice.” Jaime scolded. “You kids go upstairs for a while mommy will call you when it’s time to decorate the tree.”

Grumbling the kids headed upstairs.

“Oscar what is this. Jaime and I don’t ask that much. All we ask is that you don’t bother us on mother’s Day…Father’s Day and the day we decorate the tree.”

“Steve. Dan is missing.” Oscar’s face was somber…

“Well Dr. Goldman” Dimetree began. “How do you like your new lab? I hope it suits you.”

“Nothing you could do would suit me.” Dan snarled.

“Take it easy.” Dimetree put a calming hand on Dan’s shoulder. Dan shrugged it away. “All we want is what the American’s have. You can make that possible.’’

“In what way?” Dan continued to snarl.

“By creating for us what you created for them. We want…”

“I know what you want. It’s just not possible.” Dan protested.

“I think it is and so does Mr. Hanson.” Dimetree motioned for Hanson to join them.

“I see you wasted no time in selling out.” Dan sneered.

“We know you can make this work.” Hanson smiled at him. “We just need Col. Austin here and then…”

“You don’t get it do you.” Dan continued. “James getting Steve’s strength was a fluke. It may never happen again.”

“We don’t believe you.” Hanson gave him a slight shove. You just worry about your end we’ll worry about ours.”

“So it begins.” Steve muttered.

Oscar nodded. “I’m sending Russ to find him…”

“Oscar.” Steve objected.

“Steve without you they can’t… In fact I want you, Jaime and the kids to go to Rudy’s other complex in Colorado Springs till this is over. I’ve alerted the guards that you are on your way.”

“No way Oscar, Maybe Jaime and the kids, but I’m…”

“No you’re not, it’s too dangerous.” Oscar added.

“He’s right.” Jaime interrupted. “We’ll take our kids and go out there. If they find out it may not work with you…James could be in danger.”

“I suppose you have a point there.”

“Good.” Oscar agreed. “I’ll make the arrangements, just get your family ready to go. I’ll send Russ on the mission.”

“I don’t know if Russ can handle it.” Steve sighed, then he turned to Jaime. Her expression told him all he needed to know. “Ok Jaime, start packing.”

While Jaime sped around the house getting stuff ready for a last minute trip, Steve and Oscar discussed what Russ would be doing.

“I think the best way to handle this is first for Russ to get Dan out of harms way and secure the area, then if we need your help you can get back here.”

“Why don’t I just stay?” Steve sounded perplexed.

“That’s the plan.” He looked around to see how close Jaime was to being ready. “Jaime come here I want to tell you what we’ve come up with.”

“…So after Steve drops us off in Colorado he’s coming back here.” Jaime sounded as if she understood the plan.

“Right” Oscar assured. “We just don’t want him to be the one to rescue Dan…”

“Because that’s what Hanson and the Soviets are expecting.” Jaime finished.

“Exactly!” Oscar added. “So are you all ready?”

Jaime nodded. “Everything is packed. Do you think they are watching the house?”

“They could be.” Oscar nodded. “Make it look good.”

Jaime was right the man in the car parked across the street watched the front door. He picked up his car phone and dialed the Soviet Embassy.

“Goldman had been in there for sometime now. I’m sure he’s telling Austin that Dan is missing and that he has to find him.”

“Very good Igor just keep watching. Let us know when Austin is on his way.” Hanson ordered.

He hung up the phone and turned to Dan. “Your subject will be here soon. Then we can get this started.”

“I’m telling you this will never work.” Dan protested. “James should never have…” Dan stopped himself fearing he had already said too much.

Igor watched as not only Oscar and Steve came out of the house but so did Jaime and the kids along with several suitcases. “What’s that all about?” He wondered. Quickly he picked up the car phone and once again dialed Hanson “It appears Austin and his family are taking a trip.”

“No way” Hanson barked. “Not with his son being kidnapped, Goldman isn’t going to let his number one agent go anywhere. Keep watching and keep the line open.” Hanson ordered.

“I will.” Igor assured.

Jaime indicated the car and Oscar took it from there. “I really wish you would reconsider I thought you liked my kids.”

“Oscar we do.” Steve played along. “I promise the kids we would spend Christmas in Colorado this year.”

“At least help me find Dan.” Oscar pleaded.

“I’m sorry Oscar.” Jaime interrupted. “We have been planning this for months…and you know that!!!”

“Ok. Go. See if I care. I’ll find him myself!!” Oscar shouted.

They got in their car and headed up the street.

“It looks as if they are leaving.” Igor reported trying to keep up with them.”

Oscar watched as the car followed Jaime and Steve ‘good luck guys’ he muttered under his breath.

“I don’t believe it!!” Hanson shouted so loud that Jaime heard him in their car.

“This is going to really tick Hanson off.” Jaime said as Steve drove them to the airport. “I just hope he doesn’t hurt Dan.”

Steve turned to her. “Dan isn’t a little kid anymore.” He reminded

“Yeah I know.” They pulled into Dulles and Igor watched as Steve, Jaime and the kids boarded their flight to Denver

“I can’t believe it sir.” Igor reported to Hanson. “They left…the whole family got on the plane. I watched as it took off. I’m going to hang around for a few hours though just to see if Austin shows up in the next few hours.”

“Good idea I was going to suggest that my self.” Hanson agreed.

Jaime, Steve and the kids landed in Denver without incident. “Mr. Goldman called.” Their driver informed them as he loaded their bags in the car. “He said for Steve to stay here at least for the night… the security guard Mr. Goldman asked to pick you up said “something about your friend still being at the airport.”

“I planned to anyway.” Steve replied.

“Mr. Goldman told me to take you straight to the lab.” The guard replied. “What ever you want just holler and I’ll get it for you.”

“Sounds good” Steve agreed. “We’ll let you know.”

The guard drove them to Rudy’s lab. “Ok you guys get settled. We won’t be to far.”

“Steve.” Jaime began as they tried to settle James, Jennifer and Steven Carl into their new residence. “We need to do some shopping. I’m hoping we are back in DC by Christmas. I didn’t bring any presents with me.”

“We’ll be back. I’m on my way back tomorrow anyway.”

“We still need to get some supplies for dinner and so on.” Jaime reminded.

“I see your point. I’ll ask the guard if they’ll watch the kids. We can run to the store and be back in a couple of hours.”

The guards agreed that would be fine. So Steve and Jaime headed out.

Dan sat in the lab wondering what would happen next when Hanson opened the door. “We will soon have your man here. They think they fooled us but we know where they went. Austin will be here soon. I want you to be ready.”

“Ready for what?” Dan tried to stall.

“You know what we want. I know you can make it work. Why shouldn’t the KGB have what the OSI has?”

“You’re sick Hanson. Did anyone ever tell you that?” Dan spat.

“No one has ever quite put it that way,” Hanson defended. “Yeah well I am.” Dan sneered.

Hanson grabbed him. “You better watch what you’re saying, you will do as we say.”

Dan shook his head. And Hanson locked him in the lab.

“Will he cooperate or not?” Dimetree demanded when Hanson turned to him.”

“There are ways of getting them to cooperate.” Hanson snarled.

“Let’s hope for your sake he does.”

“Are you ready to roll Russ?” Oscar asked.

“Sure Oscar. Are you sure they are holding Dan at the embassy?”

“That would be the most logical spot.” Oscar assured.

“I’m just trying to figure out how to get in there.” Russ surmised.

“Well do we have everything we need?” Steve asked as he pushed their car toward the check out.

“I think so.” I just hope we don’t have to replace Christmas presents.”

“We won’t, we’ll be home long before then.” Steve reassured.

They pulled into the parking lot of Rudy’s complex. “That’s strange.” Jaime noted.

“What?” Steve asked

“Where is the guard?” Jaime wondered.

“Coffee break?” Steve speculated.

“I don’t think so. Something is wrong.” Jaime muttered.

Steve parked the car and they headed inside. They were shocked by what greeted them. The two guards were shot dead. When they looked for their children they found them with Igor.

“Now maybe you’ll cooperate with us Col Austin.” He held a knife to Jennifer’s throat…

Steve and Jaime stopped dead in their tracks. “Let my daughter go and I’ll do what you want.” Steve offered.

Igor let go of Jennifer and she ran to her mother. Jaime held her and the other kids close.

“Let’s go Col Austin. We have a plane to catch.” Igor sneered.

Jaime watched as Igor led her husband out the door and down the hall. “We have people watching” Igor warned “If you try anything…your family is dead.”

“I understand.” Steve muttered.

Jaime ran to the window and watched as Igor pushed Steve into a car and drove out of the main gate. She picked up the phone and dialed Oscar. “Oscar!” She cried “The Soviets have Steve.”

“What?” Oscar shouted into the phone

“It’s awful. They killed two security guards.” Jaime continued.

“I’ll send someone.” Oscar assured. “I’ll have them bring you home.”

“I’d appreciate that.” Jaime continued to cry.

“Don’t worry Russ is on his way.” Oscar assured

“Russ…Dan is ok then?” Jaime wondered

“We don’t know, we haven’t found him yet. Russ tried to get into embassy but couldn’t the place is like a fortress. That’s obviously where they have him” Oscar noted. “Anyway Russ is on his way.”

“Thanks Oscar I’ll deal with the Soviets when I get back.” Jaime assured.

“In the mean time we’ll see if we can intercept them at Dulles.” Oscar mentioned.

“Well here we are Col. Austin.” Hanson laughed when Steve and Igor were at the embassy.”

“So where is Dan?” Steve asked.

“He’s here.” Hanson assured. “We’ll let you see him in just a moment.”

“Any news?” Jaime asked when Oscar met her and the kids at the airport.

“They gave us the slip. They obviously didn’t fly into Dulles, my guess they would have flown in on a nearby airstrip.”

“Do you think they would have taken him to the embassy?” Jaime asked.

Oscar nodded. “I would assume they are already to go.”

“Then I better act fast.” Jaime headed out of Oscar’s office.

“So there you go Dr. Goldman.” Hanson sneered when he showed him Steve was here.

“Ok.” Dan gave a fake smile. “Just show me where the girl is and we’ll get started.”

“Girl…what girl?” Hanson demanded.

“Um.” Dan began his face turned slightly red. “Uh you have to have female to have a baby. I found that out when I was four.”

“I don’t understand.” Dimetree snarled.

“He’s stalling.” Hanson stated

“No he’s not.” Dan objected. “Don’t you guys know anything about biology?

Dimetree turned to Hanson. “What is he talking about?”

‘I told you, He’s stalling.” Hanson was getting upset.

‘Hanson.” Dan interrupted. “I thought you were smarter than that. How is a baby born?”

“Dammitt.” Hanson cursed “How could have I over looked such.”

“Now what are you talking about.” Dimetree demanded.

“Dan is right we need a woman to make this work.” Hanson admitted

“How about Austin’s wife, she’s had three kids already. Maybe she’d like to have another one.”

“You leave her out of it.” Steve hollered.

“You stay out of it.” Dimetree smacked him in the face

Steve landed on the ground

“She’ll never agree to it.” Dan replied. “You can’t take a baby away from the women who gave birth to it.”

“Unless she works with us” Dimetree stated snapping his fingers. “Ivana my trusted secretary, she’ll do it for us.”

“Terrific.” Dan muttered

Steve stepped over to him “Don’t worry, it’s not your fault.”

“Thanks Steve.” Dan managed.

“I’ll send for Ivana.” Dimetree” rubbed his hands together.

He walked over to the phone and dialed his secretary two floors up in his office. “Ivana, would you have a baby for us.” He asked. After careful explanation and consideration Ivana agreed to carry the child and then turn the child over to Hanson.

“I will do it for the KGB.” She agreed.

“We will get it going as soon as you can make it down here.” Dimetree smiled.

“Russ was right” Jaime sighed. “You can’t get into this place.” Jaime spoke into the walkie talkie she carried.

“Ok Jaime come on back and we’ll think of a different way in.” Oscar called back.

As much as she hated to leave when she was this close Jaime packed up her gear and started back.

“Not so fast Mrs. Austin.” Dimetree grabbed her. “Your husband is inside.”

Jaime had no choice but to follow Dimetree into the embassy. “Well at least I’m getting inside.” She thought. “Maybe Steve and I can get out of this together.”

They escorted her into the lab where Steve and Dan were being held.

“Are you ok?” Steve asked.

“Yeah, what’s going on here?” Jaime asked.

“Well it’s exactly what you figured. They want Dan to create some sort of super baby.”

“Where could she be Russ?” Oscar asked for the fourth time in less than ten minutes. “She said she was on her way back but that was over half an hour ago now.”

“They must have gotten to her.” Russ speculated.

Oscar was about to try Jaime on the Walkie Talkie one more time when Marc and Matt burst into his office. “What’s going on dad?” Marc demanded.

“Nothing, don’t worry about it.” Oscar tried to brush him off.

“Dad” Marc pressed.

“You might as well tell him.” Russ relented. “He might be our only chance of getting Steve and Jaime back.”

Oscar nodded. “I suppose you’re right.” Oscar turned to Marc and told him everything that had happened.

“Then I guess it’s up to me.” Marc didn’t hesitate. “What do I need to do?”

“We’re pretty sure they have them at the Russian Embassy” Oscar informed.

“Then I better get going.” Marc went out the door and headed down the hall.

“Hey not this time” Matt chased after him. “I’m coming with you.”

“No way Matt, it’s too dangerous. You forget I’ve been doing this since I was eight.”

“Look the two of us can work together on this.” Matt objected.

Marc thought for moment “You know, you might be able to help after all. Just don’t tell dad huh?”

“Twin secret” Matt smiled.

“Ok come on then.” Marc glanced back at his dad’s office door to make sure no one was looking. Then the two waited for the elevator and rode it down together.

Steve and Jaime tried to get out of the lab but were stopped by Dimetree and Hanson.

“There is only one way to stop them you know.” Hanson smiled.

“No how’s that?” Dimetree asked.

“Put them in the deep freeze.” Hanson informed.

“That will do it.” Dimetree was skeptical.

“Goldman told me himself.” Hanson continued.

Dimetree and Hanson shoved Jaime and Steve toward the deep freeze in the cafeteria of the embassy. “Before we bid you good night” Dimetree stated “We want to make sure you get a good night’s sleep.” Hanson thumbed Steve on the head, while Dimetree hit Jaime.

“Come on Matt.” Marc waved to his brother to join him at an open window leading into the basement of the embassy.

The boys slipped through the window and began their search for Steve.

“Let’s split up. We can cover more territory that way.” Marc whispered. “Give me a shout, I wonder if we can still talk to each other the way we did when we were kids.”

‘Hey Marc.’ Matt thought at Marc.

‘Heard that’ Marc thought back. “Ok then. If you see anything give me a shout…I’ll do the same.”

They split off and once again began searching for Jaime, Steve and their brother.

Matt stood outside the lab. He could hear arguing from the other side of the door. He swore he heard Dan’s voice. He quickly gave a shout to Marc telling him where he was.

“Now Dr. Goldman are you willing to cooperate with us? You know what will happen to your friends in the freezer. We will let them out once to procedure is complete.” Hanson threatened

“I can’t do it till I make sure Miss Ivana is able to carry a baby to term.” Dan tried to stall.

“We say she is. Now you will get started.” Hanson ordered.

“Look what I have here.” Dimetree held Matt by his collar “Another OSI snoop?”

“That’s Goldman’s son Marc. He’s bionic too.” Hanson informed.

“But I’m…” Matt stopped himself. Better him than Marc besides Marc could get them out.

“Take him to the freezer too Igor.” Dimetree ordered…

Inside the freezer Steve and Jaime were just starting to come around but it was too late. Their bionics were frozen and they couldn’t get out.

“To bad Dan is trying to improve on those heat capsules.” Steve muttered. He took mine out a while back.”

“Same here” Jaime replied. Then she put her finger to her lip. “Someone is coming.” Jaime turned to Steve.

“Wonder who that could be?” Steve speculated. The door flew open and Igor threw an unconscious Matt into the freezer.

Marc had received his brother’s message that he had found Dan. He headed in the direction his brother had given him. “Why does my head hurt so much?” He asked himself. ‘Matt…hey Matt can you hear me?’

Marc waited several minutes and received no response.

‘Come on Matt.” Marc pleaded. ‘Where are you?”

Back in the lab Dimetree and Hanson were growing impatient. “Look Goldman. We have Austin, his wife and your little brother.” Hanson began. “If you don’t start cooperating with us…”

“I know.” Dan muttered. “It’s just that what you are asking is…”

“I guess he wants them to die.” Igor sneered as he reentered the lab. “I’d have to say they are all pretty cold.”

“Good.” Hanson spat. “That’s the way we want it.” He turned to Dan. “As for you…”

Dan wanted to keep stalling. He knew Marc and Matt well enough to know that they had taken Matt…not Marc to the freezer and it was just a matter of time before Steve and Jaime would come bursting in. “I’m telling you. This won’t work…not the way you think it will. It could backfire.”

“You let us worry about that.” Dimetree snarled. “Just get started.”

“Ok.” Dan took a deep breath. ‘Come on Marc get Steve, Jaime and Matt out of that freezer. I can’t stall these guys any longer.’

“Oh Steve it’s Marc.” Jaime cried.

Steve looked close at the boy on the floor and gave a slight smile. “No it’s not. It’s Matt.”

“Why are you smiling?” Jaime asked.

“That means Marc is here someplace. He can get us out of here.” He turned to Jaime “Call out to him.”

Jaime nodded. “Marc!” She cried. “Marc help, Steve, Matt and I are locked in the freezer in the cafeteria.

“I’m on my way.” Marc replied.

Carefully Marc made his way down to the cafeteria.

Steve, Matt and Jaime had made their way closer to the door so they would be ready when Marc opened it.

“You guys ok?” Marc asked after he let them out. “Come on it’s pretty warm over here.” They walked over to where Marc pointed. You guys wait here I’ll go…”

“No Marc you wait for us.” Steve ordered. The three of us together can take them all down.”

“I suppose you’re right. Are you getting warmed up?”

Steve nodded. “I’m feeling much better…Jaime?”

“Let’s go.” She started for the door.

Jaime and Steve knew right where to go. Hanson, Dimetree and Igor were stunned when the door burst open and Steve, Jaime and Marc barged in. “Sorry to interrupt your little party.” Steve sneered “But we have things to do.”

He grabbed Hanson and threw him into Igor while Marc grabbed Dimetree and threw him against the wall.

Steve secured Igor, while Jaime took Dimetree.

“We need Hanson.” Dan grabbed onto him. “I’m sure the NSB will deal with him. He’ll be tried for treason. As for those two,” he pointed to Igor and Dimetree. “They’ll have a nice trip back to Russia.” He turned to his brothers. “Are you guys ok?” He asked.

“Yeah we’re fine.” Marc and Matt responded together.

Christmas Eve Day everyone was excited. “I hate to go into work today.” Oscar told the kids at breakfast “But we all have to meet with Gregory.” He turned to the twins. “I think he wants to meet with the two of you around one. I’ll send a car for you.” He looked at Marc. “I hope you have a good reason why you let your brother join you on a mission.”

“I think I do. In fact Matt and I want to talk to about that later.” Marc explained.

“I’ll be most anxious to hear.”

“Do Steve, Jaime and Dan have to give statements too?” Matt asked.

Oscar nodded “they want to meet with us at different times…I guess to see if our stories are the same.”

“Hanson’s in a lot of trouble, isn’t he?” Marc wondered.

“Yes he is.” Oscar replied. “Remember stick around the house. I’ll send a car for you right after lunch.”

“We will.” The boys promised.

“No Rudy.” Dan scolded. “It needs to go like this…” The phone rang interrupting him

Rudy picked it up. “Yes Oscar I’ll send him right down.” He hung up and turned to Dan. “Gregory is ready for you.”

“Ok I’ll be back in just a bit. Try it the way I have it figured I’m sure it will work better.”

“Hi, Dr. Goldman” Gregory stood to greet him. “I know you’re busy so this won’t take long.”

“Thanks.” Dan sat across from him at his father’s desk.

“Now just tell us what happened from the time you left”

“I got a phone call from a man who said he worked downstairs…”

“Yes Mr. Carson. We checked the records. No such person works here.” Gregory informed”

“I figured that.” Dan replied.

“Anyway continue.” Gregory pressed.

Dan continued telling Gregory what had happened from the time he left the OSI building till Steve and Jaime took Hanson into custody.”

“Well thank you.” Gregory smiled as Dan stood to leave. “In the future Dr. Goldman I would advise that you meet with clients only in your office.”

“That’s the plan.” Dan shook his hand and turned to leave.

Several minutes later Gregory had Marc and Matt sitting across from him. Oscar sat on the couch anxious to hear the response to Gregory’s first question “My first question is this.” Gregory began. “Marc why was your brother with you on a mission?”

“I wasn’t going to let Matt go at first.” Marc began. “But I got to thinking whether I let him come along or not he still would have come. Anyway I thought with the two of us being twins we just might be able to fool them. You know not know which one is which.”

“But Hanson knew you are twins.” Gregory reminded.

“I don’t think he remembered that.” Matt replied. “When Dimetree caught me Hanson just assumed I was Marc.”

“You could have been seriously hurt.” Gregory explained. He turned to Marc. “What would you have done if Dimetree and his people had hurt your brother thinking he was you?”

“I never thought of that.” Marc admitted.

“Don’t let that happen again.” Gregory was firm.

“I won’t” Marc promised.

“Anyway, from the time you left the OSI tell me what happened…”

“Well we got to the embassy and split up hoping to cover more ground…And that’s it.” Marc finished.

“Ok boys thank you.” He turned to Oscar still sitting on the couch. “I guess that wraps everything up. Hanson will be charged with treason. You’ll all testify?” “Of course we will.” Oscar promised.

“I’ll be in touch as to when the trial will be.” Gregory packed up his stuff and headed for the door.

“Well guys.” Oscar looked at the twins. “Let’s go home.”

The next morning everyone was enjoying dinner at Oscar’s house when the phone rang. “Who could be bothering us on Christmas Day?” Oscar grumbled as he stood from the dinner table.

“We could give him a bionic kick to Mars.” Jaime suggested.

“I don’t think that will be necessary.” Oscar dismissed himself and answered the phone when he returned his face was pale.

“What’s wrong Oscar?” Jaime asked. “Who was it?”

“It was Gregory, there isn’t going to be a trial.” He began

“Don’t tell me Hanson escaped custody.” Steve groaned.

Oscar shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Hanson killed himself.” Oscar told them.

“Good he’ll save the tax payers some money.” Dan added

“I don’t know.” Oscar replied. “I was hoping we’d get more answers in the trial.”

“What about Dimetree and Igor.” Rudy wondered. “Did Gregory have any word on them?”

Oscar nodded “They’re back in Russia. I guess that’s a bit of good news.”

“I suppose.” Steve muttered. Then he looked at his family sitting around the table. “Come on gang it’s Christmas. Let’s try to have a good time.”

Everyone agreed that was for the best they forgot all about Hanson and Gregory and the two Soviets who had tried unsuccessfully to ruin their Christmas.

“I’ll get them.” Rachel Hanson cried, after the NSB chief left her house telling her, her husband had taken his own life. “I’ll get all of them. Its Goldman’s fault my husband is gone. They’ll all pay for this….”