“I can’t believe it. I won’t believe it Oscar!!” Helen shouted.

“Helen I’m sorry it’s true. It’s not his fault. The family that adopted him has worked for the other side for years. Long before they adopted Scott.”

“Is that still his name?” Helen wondered.

“No it’s not. They changed it to Marcos.” Oscar told her.

“My poor baby. Oh Oscar you don’t know how angry this makes me. You’re sure they are after Steve?”

“Yes Helen. You know about Steve’s bionics?”

“Yes I do.” Helen was feeling a little better now.

“They are experimenting with bionics only they aren’t sure what to do. They need Steve to make it work. And since Scott/Marcos looks just like Steve…”

“Does he know he’s Steve’s twin?” Helen wondered

“No, I don’t think so.” Oscar wasn’t sure himself. “I really doubt it. I mean Steve only found out yesterday. I doubt that the agency that placed Scott with the family told them he had a surviving twin.”

“I suppose you’re right. Are you going to tell Steve?” Helen was still a bit shaky.

“Yes. Are you going to be all right?”

“I believe so.” Helen seemed much calmer now

“Good. I’m going to go on in and talk to Steve. Is there anything I can get you?”

Helen shook her head. “No Oscar I’ll be fine. Thanks for being honest with me.”

Steve hit the ceiling when Oscar told him how Helen had taken the news. “You had no right to tell her!!” Steve screamed.

“Steve, she asked for the truth.” Oscar tried to calm him down. “She understands. I told her it wasn’t Scott’s fault.”

“And that helped?” Steve’s voice lowered. “Rudy let me out of here. I need to get cracking on this.”

“Steve. You’re not ready to go out in the field yet.” Rudy explained.

“Oh come on I’m more than ready….”

“No, no you’re not. You need at least another 72 hours.”

“72 hours? Rudy, those guys could be out of the country by then.”

“Not without what they came for Steve.” Oscar said. “I have Fisk and Martin working on it.”

“Fisk and Martin? Come on Oscar,” Steve ridiculed.

“Steve even I want you to stay ‘under wraps’ on this.” Oscar said. “At least till this is cleared up.”

“I want to be the one to clear it up.”

“No Steve. I mean it. Even when Rudy does let you out, I wouldn’t let you on the assignment. Fisk and Martin are doing just fine.”

“How can they be?” Steve demanded.

“Steve you need to just take it easy.” Oscar assured “Don’t worry about Martin and Fisk.”

In a bar on the other side of town three men sat at a table in the back. “You are doing very well Marcos.” The first man said.

“What is our next move? He is still in the hospital.” Marcos replied. “It is a good thing I resemble him so much.”

“Yes, for that we are very lucky. Anyway we wait until he is released. I have done some snooping. He’ll be released in the morning.” The second man added. “Then we take him.”

“And?”

“Then you assume his identity until we have what we want.”

“All right. I’ll accept that for now. But if they haven’t cleared it up by the time Rudy let’s me out of here I want on the case.” Steve demanded.

“No Steve. That’s not going to be possible.” Oscar muttered.

“What do you mean ‘Not possible’?” Steve eyed him suspiciously

“Just what I said, Steve. Look, these guys are not going to stop till they have you, Fisk and Martin feel that once they have you, they’ll kill Marcos, or should I say Scott?”

“You didn’t tell me that one.” Steve protested.

“We aren’t sure mind you, but we just have a feeling they are using your brother to get to you. Only they don’t know he is your brother.”

“Are you sure of that?” Steve asked.

“No Steve, not 100% anyway.” Oscar barely whispered.

“If we know then they must know. I mean that would seem logical to me.” Steve interrupted.

“Steve we aren’t certain they do know. Like I told your mother, you only found out yesterday yourself.”

“Yea I guess you’re right.”

“Steve one of the main reasons I don’t want you on the case is because of your personal involvement. Even if he is your brother, he has worked for the other side longer than you have worked for us.”

Steve turned toward Oscar.

“He’s the enemy Steve. He is not to be trusted.”

“Alright. I get your meaning. I just don’t quite understand it.” Steve sighed.

“Steve, we are only trying to protect you.” Rudy spoke for the first time He had listened to Steve and Oscar going back and forth.

“I don’t need to be protected.” Steve protested.

“Well maybe “protect’ was the wrong term, but…”

“Oh come on Rudy ‘protect’? How many assignments have I been on? Oscar never seemed to worry about ‘protecting’ me then. No you’re just worried about you investment.” Steve stormed.

“That’s not true Steve.” Oscar objected. “We care about you, and yes we don’t really want them to ‘take you apart’ and see how you work.”

Steve slumped back on the pillow. “Yea, I get what you’re saying now.”

“So then, you’ll stay here?” Oscar’s hoped

“I would like to be able to spend some time with my folks.” Steve reminded.

“I was planning on releasing him in the morning Oscar.” Rudy stated then added. “I can’t keep him here forever.”

“I suppose you’re right. Besides if they are going to make any kind of a move, I suppose Steve better be out of here any way.”

“So you are putting me on the case?” Steve wondered.

“Only as a decoy. I don’t like it very well. Fisk and Martin will be with you every minute.”

“Ok then. I guess I’d better get ready for tomorrow.”

The two men left and let Steve get enough rest so he would be ready for the next day.

“You are for certain he will be released in the morning?” Marcos asked.

“Yes we are certain. Our source at the hospital confirmed that Wells will release him first thing in the morning.”

“That’s good.” Marcos laughed. “Then what happens?”

“We capture him and just so they don’t miss him, you will take his place for a day or two at which time you will announce you are taking a vacation or something, then you will join us.”

“Ok Parker.” Marcos said to the first man just as he left.

“You sure he’s ready for this, Parker?” The second man asked after Marcos had made his departure.

“He’s more than ready Briggs. Don’t worry about it. It’s working perfectly.” “We couldn’t have asked for a better…well you know I mean the resemblance between him and Col Austin in mind boggling.” Parked noted.

“Yes I know. We had planned on finding some one who resembled and then improve it with plastic surgery, but with Marcos we didn’t have to. The resemblance is uncanny though.” Briggs started.

“I want you at the hospital no later than 8:00, Briggs. We can’t blow what may very well be our only opportunity.”

“Don’t worry Parker. I’ll be there at 7:30 if I have to. The sooner we get Col. Austin the better.”

“I’ll see you after Marcos has assumed Col. Austin’s identity.” Parker continued “You will bring Col. Austin to me. I don’t care if he is dead or alive. From what I understand, we can find out all we need to know by performing an autopsy, so I would prefer you deliver him to me dead.”

“Let’s hope we don’t have to go to those extremes Parker.” Briggs sighed. “But if there is no other way…I will deliver him dead.”

That night Helen and Jim paid Steve a visit in the hospital. “Look Mom, I want you and dad to go home.” Steve ordered.

“Steve. We want to make sure you’re…’

“I’m fine mom, but it may not be safe for you here. Russ has agreed to drive you to the airport tonight.”

“Steve.” Jim objected. “I think your mother wants to find out more about Scott.”

“Mom. Oscar told me what he told you. Even if it is Scott, he’s not going to want to be with us.”

“How can you be sure?”

“I just know.” Steve cut her off. “I mean it. I want the two of you to go back to Ojai on the next flight. Oscar has it all arranged. If I discover that Scott is actually on our side I’ll bring him to Ojai personally, but don’t get your hopes up.”

Helen leaned over and stroked his hair. “Ok I’ll trust you on this one. If you need any thing just give us a call.”

“You can count on it. I’ll call you in a couple of days and let you know how everything turned out.”

Russ was waiting for them when they left the hospital. “I have a special cab for Helen and Jim Elgin. Non stop service to Dulles.”

“Thanks Russ.” Helen sighed as she slipped into the back seat.

“The next morning as Steve was preparing to leave the hospital. Briggs was also preparing for the awaited time.

He and Marcos sat in his van about a half a block from the hospital.

“Don’t forget, the minute I grab him you take over.” Briggs reminded Marcos.

“Don’t worry I have been waiting for this for weeks.”

“Very good.” Briggs nodded as they continued to watch the street.

“You’re sure he’s up to this Rudy?” Oscar asked for the fourth time in ten minutes.

“Yes Oscar.” Rudy assured. “You think they will try and make their move as soon as we let Steve leave?”

Oscar nodded. “I’m certain of it. I have Martin and Fisk ready to follow him the minute he leaves this area.”

“Well Steve.” Rudy said as he entered Steve’s room “I guess this is it. If you have any problems, just give me a call.”

“I will Rudy, don’t worry everything will be just fine.”

The instant Steve left the Special Section of the hospital Fisk and Martin watched his every move.

Steve rode the elevator down to the lobby then found his car and got in. He had only gone up the street a little ways when he saw Briggs standing beside his car with an apparent flat tire.

Steve stopped to offer his assistance when Briggs struck him in the back of the head with a tire iron. The instant Briggs threw him in into his trunk Marcos climbed into Steve’s car and drove on with Fisk and Martin right behind him.

“Thanks Fisk.” Oscar spoke into the phone. He turned toward Rudy “That was Fisk. He and Martin are right behind Steve, so far nothing out of the ordinary has happened.”

“Well that’s good.” Rudy sighed with relief. “I just hope if they are going to make their move, they do it soon so we can get this over with.”

“I agree. At least we would know one way or the other.” Oscar muttered. He reached for the phone. “I want Russ on this one too. I don’t know. I just have a feeling…Russ? It’s Oscar. I want you to join Fisk and Martin.”

“I was just about to call and ask you if you wanted me to. Let me know where I can catch up with them.”

Oscar gave him the last known whereabouts of Steve and party and Russ quickly went to catch up to them.

In a small one room shack near Baltimore Harbor Steve slowly came around from the bump he had received several hours earlier.

“I wouldn’t move too quickly if I were you.” Parker sat with a gun pointed at him. “And may I suggest no bionic heroics or you’re dead where you sit, Col Austin.”

Steve rubbed the back of his head where the lump was slowly forming. “Well you’re one up on me.” Steve scowled.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Parker barked.

“It means you know me, but I’m sure I don’t know you.” Steve wanted to enlighten them as to the fact that he knew all about the replacement, but that would be letting them know that he and this Marcos guy were twin brothers. He was hoping that when all was done and said that maybe Scott / Marcos would be willing to join him.

“Let’s just say we are friends with a business proposition.” Parker laughed.

“Well if that’s the way you want it.” Steve kept rubbing the back of his head. “I’ll say one of you gave me a pretty good knock.”

“For that I am sorry, but it was necessary.” Briggs stated coming out of the shadows.

“I thought I told you to say out of sight.” Parker shouted. “The less he sees the better off we will all be.”

“He’s not going to tell anyone about us.” Briggs laughed. “He’ll never get out of this alive.”

“I suppose you’re right. Have you heard from Marcos?” Parker asked.

“He said he would stop by the OSI in just a while, then announce he’s going out of the country. After we finish with him.” He pointed to Steve. “We will take him to the country Marcos indicates. And poor Col. Austin will have had a terrible accident while on vacation.”

“Sounds like you have it all planned Briggs?”

“Yes I do.” Briggs laughed.

‘I wonder just how many more are in on this?’ Steve thought. ‘Neither one of them looks like he has brains enough to tie his own shoe laces much less wonder how bionics work.’

“Steve? I must say I’m surprised to see you back here so soon.” Oscar eyed him suspiciously.

“Well I had this wonderful idea.” Marcos began.

“And that would be?” Oscar speculated.

“I’m taking a vacation. I thought I would go to Rome for a week or so.”

“Rome? Why Rome?” Oscar was very dubious. This was very out of character for Steve.

“I just need some R and R Oscar.” Marcos continued his deception.

“Well maybe in a few days. I don’t think…well after all you’ve been through I don’t think Rudy would approve.” Oscar wasn’t buying it for a moment. Just why did they want him to think Steve was in Rome?

“Look I’ll talk to Rudy. I’m sure he won’t mind.” Marcos left Oscar’s office and headed down to Rudy’s.

Oscar dialed Rudy’s number the instant Steve / Scott / Marcos left. “Rudy I think Steve’s brother is on his way to your office. He wants to convince you that as Steve to let him leave the country.”

“I got ya Oscar. Don’t worry I’ll advise him it is not a wise…here he is.” Rudy abruptly hung up. “Steve what a pleasant surprise! I was just going to order from the deli. Want anything?”

“As a matter of fact yes Rudy. I need a little R and R. I need you to approve a trip to Rome.”

Rudy shook his head. “I really don’t think that’s a good idea right now Steve. You just got out of the hospital yesterday. I think it’s best if you stay close to me.”

“Rudy come on? I really could use the rest.” Marcos protested.

‘No. Steve I really can’t approve it at this time. Maybe in a week or two…”

“In a week or two? Oscar will send me on assignment more than likely to Rome. Rudy you have to do this.” Marcos kept trying to convince him.

“I’m sorry Steve. I really wish I could. But what if you have problems?”

“I won’t have any.”

“Steve I’m sorry I can’t.” Rudy’s words were stern. ‘So just give up Marcos,’ Rudy thought to himself.

Dejected Marcos left Rudy’s lab. Oscar stood outside the door. “So what did he say pal?”

“No go. Did you give him the heads up?” Marcos demanded.

“No Steve. Rudy is just concerned for you the same as I am. Look I’ll tell you when Rudy gives his nod, I’ll give you a two-week vacation.” Oscar knew the promise was mute. Steve would never know that he had promised such a thing.

“Ok I’ll take you up on it.” Marcos headed down the hall. Oscar went back to his office and picked up the phone

“Russ. There has been a new development. The switch has already been made. Don’t let Marcos out of your sight. I’m hoping he will eventually lead us to Steve.”

“Ok Oscar. We won’t let our guard down Oscar.” Russ promised.

Back at the one room shack Steve had drifted in and out of sleep. He was jolted once again but a knock at the door. ‘Wonder if that’s my infamous twin now.’ Steve thought as he tried to sit up.

“Dr. Richards.” Briggs greeted.

“Do you have him?” The stranger’s voice asked.

“We sure do. I think we should wait till morning to get started. Dr. Richards.” Briggs whispered.

“Why wait till tomorrow?” Richards wanted to know.

“I just think it will be better.” Briggs suggested.

“Well if you think it is best.”

“That way Marcos as Austin will be out of the country and we won’t have to worry.”

“I follow. I’ll be back at 8:00 sharp then.” Richards turned and left the ‘house’.

‘I guess I don’t have to figure out what that was all about,’ Steve thought.

“Don’t look so worried Col. Austin. You won’t feel a thing.” Parker laughed at the expression on Steve’s face.

Steve slumped down on the couch “Yea, sure, whatever.” He sighed.

Parker turned to Briggs. “I don’t think he likes what we have planned for him.” He laughed.

“Yea well he won’t have to worry about it much longer. “ Briggs commented.

“Anything Russ?” Oscar was getting anxious.

“Not yet Oscar. He’s laying real low.” Russ informed him. “We are watching his every move though.”

“Keep me informed.” Oscar slammed the phone down.

“Still nothing huh?” Rudy read the expression on Oscar’s face.

“No Rudy I just wish Marcos would meet with his contact.”

“At least it would lead us to Steve.” Rudy sighed. “I just hope when we do find him that he’s…well he’s…”

“In one piece?” Oscar finished the sentence Rudy couldn’t.

Grim faced Rudy nodded. “Yea.”

“I know what you mean. Russ is working on it. I hope he comes up with something soon.”

“Does he have any leads at all?” Rudy wondered.

“He’s sticking with Marcos. We hope he leads us right to them.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Rudy looked across the desk to Oscar.

“You know the answer to that Rudy.”

Steve had sat on the couch in the shack for hours when Parker appeared with a plate of food.

“We thought you should have something to eat.” He snapped.

“Why bother if you plan to kill me in the morning?” Steve replied.

“Now? Who says we are going to kill you? If you cooperate, we may let you live.” Briggs laughed.

‘Very funny.’ Steve thought as he slowly started eating the food they had brought him. He hadn’t eaten much when the room suddenly began to spin.

“What did you guys put in that?” Steve slurred.

“Just something to help you sleep Colonel” Briggs continued laughing.

“Oh.” And Steve fell into a deep sleep.

“What?” Oscar shrieked into the phone the next morning. “Yes Russ I understand.” He slammed the phone down then turned to Rudy. “They lost Marcos.”

“No!” Rudy cried. “Oscar they have to find him, he’s our only lead to Steve.”

“I know that Rudy. They are looking.” Oscar sighed.

The drug they had given Steve the night before still had Steve in their grip as Briggs and Parker loaded Steve in to the back of a van and drove out of Maryland toward a medical clinic in Bethesda.

When they arrived Dr. Richard stood waiting to find out just want made this man tick.

“Anything Oscar?” Rudy asked as Oscar once again hung up the phone.

“They located Marcos again. Now if only he will lead us to where they are holding Steve.”

Rudy glanced at his watch and slowly shook his head. “He may lead us to Steve, but I don’t think it is going to do us much good.”

“What do you mean?” Oscar shouted.

“Oscar they have had him for to long now. I’m sure they have already.”

“Don’t say it Rudy! I don’t want to hear it!” Oscar continued to shout.

“Ok, ok. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Rudy whispered.

As Dr. Richards pushed Steve into his operating room Marcos was getting itchy. He had to speak to Briggs and Parker. He knew they would be at the clinic so he got in his car and headed in that direction.

Russ was watching from his own car across the street. As Marcos pulled out his drive, Russ slowly began to follow.

As he followed Marcos he picked up the car phone and once again placed a call to Oscar.

“Yes Russ.” Oscar spoke after picking up the phone before the first ring ended.

“We’re on to something. Marcos is making a move. We are right behind him. I’ll let you know if we need back up.”

“Ok Russ. Just don’t lose him this time.” Oscar barked.

“We won’t.” Russ replied and hung up the phone.

Oscar turned to Rudy. “They are following Marcos. I’m sure he is on his way to see his contacts. After all he was very upset when I said he couldn’t leave the country.”

“That may be true, but like I said…. “

“I know Rudy, but maybe…just maybe….”

“Don’t count on it…” Rudy’s voice drifted off.

Russ and his team followed Marcos to the clinic. They watched as Marcos got out of his car and walked inside.

The instant Marcos disappeared into the clinic Russ moved quickly. He jumped out of his car and followed Marcos inside.

Briggs and Parker were standing outside Dr. Richard’s OR when Marcos approached them.

“Marcos!!” You are a fool!!” Parker shouted.

“I’m sorry, I had to see you.” Marcos muttered. “They won’t let me leave the country.”

“What do you mean?” Parker continued.

“You heard me. Goldman and Wells say I’m not well enough to leave the country.” Marcos explained.

“That’s still no reason to jeopardize our mission!” Briggs seethed

“I’m sorry. I just wondered what I supposed to do. And what you’re going to do. You said everyone would think Austin was dead once they discovered his body floating down the river.”

As Marcos, Briggs and Parker spoke Russ made his way down the hall listening to the entire conversation. He motioned for his back up team to get into play.

“Ok Marcos. You can stay, but only for a while. We have to think of what to do next. I’m sure they know by now that Austin is missing. At least you could put those fears to rest. You may just have to pay Goldman another call.”

“What if they are on to us?” Marcos stammered.

“Don’t worry about it, they aren’t.” Briggs grinned. “How could they be?” He snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it. They already think Austin is going off the deep end when he told them about seeing you.”

“Yea. So?” Parker added.

“Maybe we can use that to our advantage. Hang on. I’ll see if Richards can arrange is so it looks like Austin killed himself.” Briggs laughed.

“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Parker agreed. He opened the door to the OR. “I’ll go speak to Richards right now.”

The instant there was only two left Russ made his move. He and his men rushed Briggs and Marcos.

Two of the men took them into custody. Russ and the other three rushed into the OR Russ grabbed Parker while the other three grabbed for Richards.

“Here.” Russ handed Parker over to one of the other three who wasn’t holding Richards. Then he quickly ran over to Steve. They were safe he felt. It appeared Richards hadn’t gotten started yet.

“Yes Russ. I know where it is. Rudy and I are on our way.” Oscar cried into the phone. “You’re sure Steve is alright?”

“Yes Oscar from what I can tell he seems fine. I’ll wait here for you.”

“Can I talk to him Russ?” Oscar wanted to know.

“No Oscar, they have him drugged.” Russ informed them.

“Rudy and I are on our way. We’ll bring an ambulance with us.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” Russ stated. “I’ll stay right beside him.” Russ continued.

“Don’t leave him for an instant.” Oscar ordered.

“I won’t.” Russ hung up the phone then started his vigil at Steve’s side.

“They found him?” Rudy asked when Oscar hung up. From what Russ says we found him in time. Russ says they have him drugged but other than that he seems fine.” Oscar grabbed his suit coat from the back of his chair. “He’s at Harold Clinic.” Oscar called back to Rudy as they left his office.

“I know the place, it’s in Bethesda.” Rudy called after him. “Do you have an ambulance arranged?”

“It’s all set. Let’s get to Steve.”

Steve was just coming around as Oscar and Rudy burst through the operating room door. Rudy rushed over to him.

”Steve.” he called out. “It’s Rudy. You’re safe. You’re with us.”

Steve slowly turned his head. He saw Rudy standing next to him and Oscar just behind. He nodded. His head then drifted back to sleep.

“Rudy!” Oscar shouted

“He’s just sleeping. I’m sure they gave him way too much of whatever it was. We just need to let him sleep it off.”

“What about his emotional state?” Oscar was concerned.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Rudy sighed as he lifted Steve onto the gurney of the waiting ambulance.

Three days later Steve sat in Oscar’s office. “Well I’m glad to see your feeling better pal.” Oscar said.

“Yea, Rudy says I’m one hundred percent. Look Oscar, I have a favor.”

“Anything Steve.” Oscar leafed through a folder on his desk.

“I want to see Scott or maybe I should say Marcos.”

“Whatever for? Steve their plan was to kill you.” Oscar reminded.

“I realize that. I just want to see my brother.” Steve sighed. “It really burns me Oscar that this even happened.” Steve was almost in tears.

“I understand how you feel Steve. Ok I’ll allow it on one condition.”

“What’s that?” Steve demanded.

“You let me come with you. I’m not going to have this Marcos guy hit you over the head or something then try to assume your identity again.”

“Ok but keep back. I’m just wondering if I can turn him around.” Steve wondered

“Don’t count on it Steve.” Oscar cautioned.

“I at least have to try.” Steve cried. “He’s my brother Oscar. Not just my brother, we are twins.”

“I see your point Steve. But Scott wasn’t raised the way you were,” Oscar reminded. “The family that adopted him worked for the other side all of their lives. Scott has known nothing else. Come on though, I’ll take you to him.’

An hour later Steve sat across from his own reflection.

“What do you want?” His twin asked.

“Nothing really.” Steve replied. “I just wanted to meet with you.”

“Why?” His double wanted to know.

“You don’t know, do you?” Steve pressed.

“Know, know what?” His voice was full of disdain for the man sitting across from him. “Look, why don’t you just let me go back to my cell?”

“Not just yet,” Steve pleaded. There are a couple of things we have to discuss. You look like me for a reason. I know you didn’t have surgery, this is just the way you look.” Steve commented.

“Yea, so what?” Marcos shot back.

“My birthday is February 5th, 1942. When is yours?”

“The same day. So what?”

“Marcos, That was not the name given to you when you were born.”

“Of course it was.” Marcos got up to leave the prison visiting area.

“Your name was Scott.” Steve called after him.

“No. As far as I know my name is Marcos.” He turned back toward Steve.

Steve shook his head. ‘No, it was Scott.”

“Ok, so it was Scott.” Scott shouted.

“Scott, you and I are twins.” Steve tried to explain.

“Big deal! I suppose you want to be friends now or something? Listen Austin, I wish Richards had killed you and if I ever get out or here, I’ll finish the job.” Marcos stormed off.

Devastated Steve stood and watched him go.

“Come on Steve,” Oscar said as he placed his hand on Steve’s shoulder. “It’s a lost cause. Too many years have passed. You can never have a relationship with him.”

“I don’t believe that Oscar.” Steve cried. “Deep down he’s my brother and always will be,” Steve sighed.

“Come on,let’s see if Rudy wants to have lunch.” Oscar suggested.

“Yea. I suppose.” He turned back toward the glassed in booth where Scott had been sitting “Maybe someday.” He commented.