Rudy waited patiently in Oscar’s office, knowing he would return soon with Steve in tow. At first Rudy had been annoyed when he was pulled from the project in Virginia, but when Oscar explained the situation, he understood.

Just as Rudy seated himself on the couch, the door burst open. Oscar strode to his desk while Steve closed the door.

“Hey Steve, how are you and Sam doing?” Rudy asked while the men exchanged handshakes.

“We’re doing fine. I’m learning how to deal with her moods,” Steve said. “I know she’d like to see you sometime.”

“Maybe this evening,” Rudy said while they took their seats across from Oscar.

“If we can get down to business?” Oscar said. When both men nodded, Oscar continued. “Now Steve, what were you saying about Sam teaching you cryptography?” Oscar leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands behind his head.

“As you know, Sam has a degree in high level mathematics. Yesterday I asked her if she knew anything about the subject,” Steve explained.

“And?” Oscar said.

“And I ended up with one hell of a headache by the time my lesson had concluded,” Steve said. He briefly explained what Sam had taught him, how even the most innocent of looking letters could actually contain a message. “She also explained that having detailed knowledge of the person sending or receiving the letters would be beneficial.”

“You’ll have that information,” Oscar said, leaning forward and sliding a folder across the desk. “Here’s a complete profile on the suspect. An FBI profiler put one together at the request of the CIA director.”

“Can I take this home with me to study?” Steve asked, looking through the folder.

“Steve, exactly what did you tell Sam about your assignment?” Oscar’s brow had furrowed, concerned about how much information may pass between father and daughter.

“I merely explained that I’d be teaching at a school next week and that it was part of an assignment. I mentioned that a working knowledge of code breaking would be beneficial, so she was eager to help,” Steve said, hoping he remembered everything he had said the night before.

“That’s it?”

“As far as I can remember. I had a hell of a headache afterward, remember?”

“Steve, we’re concerned that you may pass on too much information to Sam,” Rudy said.

Steve looked from Rudy to Oscar then back to Rudy. “Come on guys, give me a little credit. I’m not going to do anything that will put Sam in danger. As it is, I am concerned that if someone wanted to get to me they would do it through Sam.” Steve thought of the possibility at least once a day, and was in the process of having a security system installed at the house.

“We’re just checking,” Rudy said. “I know you’re quite taken with Sam, and this is the first time you’ve had someone actually living in the house with you.”

“I certainly hope Oscar didn’t pull you away from your project in Virginia just to read me the riot act,” Steve said to Rudy, with a hint of irritation in his voice.

“No, that’s not why Rudy’s here,” Oscar interrupted. “We originally had the idea of using Sam’s specialty to help you out with this assignment, but it appears it won’t be necessary.”

“You were going to feed the information to Sam via the chip?” Steve questioned, looking to Rudy for an answer.

Rudy nodded, “We considered it, yes, but wouldn’t have done it without your permission first, then Sam’s.”

“I appreciate that,” Steve said, “especially since it was my understanding that Sam was strictly a test subject and wouldn’t actually be used by the OSI.” Steve looked for a reaction from either Rudy or Oscar and caught the two men in a passing glance.

“What are you not telling me?” Steve said.

“When the time comes, Sam will be working for the OSI, but not as an operative,” Oscar said.

“She’ll be working with me,” Rudy quickly added before Steve had a chance to respond.

“How?” Steve said dryly.

“She’ll help develop and test the programs for field use,” Rudy said. “Like you said, she has a degree in high level mathematics. Once we work out the special encoding for the transmissions, she’ll be fed the information for future use.” Rudy couldn’t believe he had forgotten to tell Steve the details of Sam’s involvement with the OSI.

“Does Sam know all this?”

“She’s known from day one,” Oscar said. “It was part of the initial offer for the project.”

“She’s looking forward to it Steve. It’ll be a way for her to be productive, as she put it.”

Steve just shook his head. “I love it when you omit the minor details.”

“It’s my fault, Steve,” Rudy said. “I forgot to tell you about it, and obviously Sam hasn’t given it a second thought or she would have mentioned it to you.” He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, aware that his friend was rather upset with him.

“Are we done here?” Steve said, looking to Oscar.

“No, we’re not,” Oscar said. He pulled out additional paperwork on the assignment, and then motioned the two men to a nearby table.

Much to Steve’s dismay, they spent the next three hours going over detailed information provided by the CIA. All he wanted to do was bolt out the door, clear his head and then go have a talk with Sam.

When Oscar concluded the presentation, Steve stood and headed out the door, slamming it behind him.

Rudy cringed, waiting for the doorframe to crack, surprised when it didn’t.

“I told you we should have told him from the beginning,” Rudy said, slightly irritated.

“I know, I know, but I also thought Sam might mention it,” Oscar said, returning to his desk.

“We shouldn’t have left it up to Sam to tell Steve about her future involvement,” Rudy said, taking a seat on the couch.

“It’s not like Sam is going to an agent,” Oscar interrupted. “She’ll be working with you doing research.”

Rudy smirked. “You just don’t get it Oscar. It’s almost ten years since his accident and Steve still has a slight resentment about his commitment to the organization so it’s natural that he’s not happy about Sam’s either.”

“He’ll get over it,” Oscar commented, returning his attention to the paperwork in front of him.

Rudy quickly exited the office before he lost his temper with Oscar. “He’ll get over it,” he muttered to himself, heading for his office. “You better hope he gets over it,” he commented as he shut the door.

After escaping the confines of Oscar’s office, Steve decided to take a walk. Not knowing how far he had gone, Steve was surprised to find himself at a family park. Despite the cool, crisp October breeze Steve spotted several families participating in various activities.

He took a seat at a nearby picnic table, close to the swings and jungle gym. A young family played catch not too far from him. The mother and father helped their young son catch and throw an oversized ball. Steve smiled as he watched the boy struggle with the ball.

The mother stood, apparently scanning the area. She then yelled to a girl sitting under a tree with her nose stuck in a book. The girl merely shook her head then turned a page.

Steve figured the girl to be thirteen or so. Her presence brought Steve back to his problem. Sam.

He left the table and started wandering around the park, finally seating himself on a bench near a small pond.

As he stared at the ducks paddling upon the surface, he considered what he had learned earlier in the day. From the beginning of the project Rudy had known Sam would be working for him. Why hadn’t he mentioned it during past conversations? Why hadn’t Sam mentioned it?

Even though Sam would work with Rudy, which could be considered safe, Steve didn’t care for the idea of Sam working for the OSI. Was she obligated to work for the organization? Steve knew he’d have to ask Rudy for the answer. Does Sam really want to work with Rudy? Another question he’d have to ask.

Steve sat for another hour, trying to compose himself before returning to the parking garage. He’d determined that he overacted to the news of Sam working for the OSI when she’s older, but he knew he did not want Sam working for Oscar at this time.

Steve stood and stretched, realizing the temperature had started to drop. He left the now deserted park and walked back to the garage, hoping not to run into anyone along the way.

Sam had completed her Botany assignment mere minutes before the doorbell rang. She opened the door to find Rudy standing before her.

“Long time, no see,” he said, entering the house.

After giving Rudy a quick hug, Sam led him to the living room. “It hasn’t been that long; it just seems that way.”

Rudy took a seat in an overstuffed chair, his favorite of all the furniture in the living room.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Sam said prior to seating herself.

“No, I’m fine. Sam, we need to talk,” Rudy said, trying to figure out how to broach the subject.

“Is something wrong?” Sam said, sitting on the couch closest to Rudy.

Rudy sighed. “You could put it that way. Oscar and I made a serious mistake.”

“A mistake?”

“I don’t know when Steve will be home so let me explain. When you signed on it was with the understanding that you’d work for the OSI, correct?”

“Well, yes, that’s what you said. Has something changed?” Sam wasn’t sure why Rudy had brought up the subject, but knew she’d receive the answer shortly.

“Well, we, Oscar and I, neglected to tell Steve about that detail.”

“Why would it bother him?”

“Steve’s been with the OSI for almost ten years now and he still has the slightest of grudges against the organization for, as he would say, owning him.” Rudy noticed some time ago that although Steve had accepted his fate, he would occasionally get a dig in at Oscar.

“Did something happen today?” Sam didn’t know her father would have any contact with Oscar during the day.

“Well, yes, something did happen. During the course of conversation in Oscar’s office, Steve learned that you will be working with me in the near future. He was quite disturbed at the news and stormed out of Oscar’s office as soon as our meeting was over.”

Sam stood and paced the room, concerned for her father. “Do you know where he went?”

“I’m afraid not,” Rudy replied. “Sam, please sit down or at least stand still.” It had taken years to get Steve to stop pacing when nervous, and now it appeared he’d have to break Sam of the habit.

“Sorry,” Sam said, returning to the couch. “I haven’t heard from him all day. I just figured he was at the educational center.”

Rudy shook his head. “He and Justin finished up before noon, so they headed out to lunch, Oscar brought Steve back to the office so we could discuss his education in cryptography.”

Sam, with a puzzled look on her face, said, “Didn’t he mention I was teaching him?”

Rudy nodded, “Yes, he did. That’s when the subject of having you help out with the assignment came about. I didn’t realize you already knew so much about the subject without our help.”

Sam stood and started pacing again, regardless of Rudy’s protests. “Was I to be consulted before a decision was made?” She stopped and faced Rudy, waiting for the answer.

“Yes. The plan was to clear your involvement with Steve, then ask if you wanted to help. If you said no, that would have been the end of the discussion. As we told Steve, he would always be consulted first if Oscar required your help. If he said no…”

Sam started pacing again, silently contemplating the situation. She had no problem working for the OSI, as long as she didn’t have prolonged contact with Oscar, but couldn’t figure out why her Father protested.

“I don’t understand,” Sam started, interrupted by the opening of the front door.

Steve stepped into the house, closing the door behind him. “Sam?”

“In the living room,” she replied.

Rudy stood to meet Steve, unsure how welcome he would be in the Austin household after the afternoon’s meeting.

Steve entered the living room, surprised to find Rudy with Sam. He wasn’t upset, but did want a chance to talk to Sam alone.

“Steve, I hope you don’t mind,” Rudy started.

Steve waved him off. “It’s okay, Rudy. I overreacted this afternoon about Sam’s future involvement with the organization.”

“Future, Dad,” Sam said. “Future. I have no plans on working for them now, other than helping Rudy during phase two of the project.” Sam walked over to Steve and gave him a hug. “Don’t worry about me so much. I’ve taken care of myself most of my life. I know how to handle situations.” She released him and returned to the couch.

Steve seated himself next to his daughter. “Rudy, although I’d rather Sam didn’t work for the OSI, as long as she’s of age and wants to do the work, I will support her choice.”

“That’s fine by me,” Rudy said. “I was surprised when Oscar had mentioned using Sam with your assignment.”

“Not as surprised as me,” Steve said. “That was the last thing I expected Oscar to mention.”

“Well you need not worry, Dad. As you learned last night, I don’t need help from the implant for the subject,” Sam said. “Now if you’ll excuse me.” Sam stood and left the room.

Both men looked after Sam as she left. Rudy started to laugh. “I see she still hasn’t learned how to make a graceful exit.”

Steve chuckled. “No, she hasn’t. One minute Sam’s there, the next she’s gone. Something else to work on, no doubt.”

Turning serious, “Steve, I’m sorry we didn’t tell you about Sam’s involvement from the beginning.”

“Just answer one question for me Rudy. Is Sam obligated to the OSI?”

Rudy shook his head. “No. In no way is she obligated to work for us. If when the time comes she decides to do something else with her life, that’s fine. She’s free to go. Remember, we selected her and she was willing to help with the project. No, the situation is completely different from what happened to you.” Rudy had stopped apologizing to Steve years ago for getting him into this mess.

Steve sighed, visibly relieved. “Thanks. That’s what I needed to hear.” He felt a weight lift from his shoulders, knowing Sam had a choice.

“No problem,” Rudy said. He stood to leave. “I’ve got to get back to the lab in Virginia.”

Steve stood, walking Rudy to the door. “How is phase two doing?”

“It’s slow going, but we’re making progress. I anticipate needing Sam’s help by January. We may run a couple of quick tests between now and then, so don’t be surprised if Sam suddenly receives a signal.” Rudy said goodbye and headed for his car.

Steve stood at the door a moment longer, then closed it and headed for the kitchen. He threw together a quick supper for the two of them.

After dinner, Steve and Sam continued with his lesson until his headache returned.

“Enough,” Steve said.

Sam laughed. “Okay, okay. You’re a quick study, Dad. I don’t think there is much more you need to learn for your assignment.”

Steve sat rubbing his temples. “I think your right.”

Sam retrieved the aspirin from the bathroom and poured a glass of ice water from the fridge.

“Here you go,” she said, handing the aspirin and glass to Steve.

“Thanks,” Steve said, popping the aspirin into his mouth then taking a long swig of water.

“Want to work on our model?” Sam asked while gathering her books.

“Sure, just give me a couple of minutes,” Steve said, laying his head on his crossed arms.

While Sam put away her books, the phone rang. Steve grabbed the closest receiver.

“Hello?”

“How’s my boy doing?” said a familiar voice.

A smile played across Steve’s face. “Mom! Nice to hear from you; do I have some news for you…”

Helen and Jim had been on vacation since June, traveling around the country in a friend’s mobile home. They made an occasional call, but had been incommunicado for the past three months.

“I know you and Dad just got home, but is there any way you can fly out here sometime soon?” Steve said, trying not to let the secret out; his parents knew nothing of Sam.

“Steve, is something wrong?” Helen asked, concerned for her son. He rarely asked them to fly out unless something had happened. He much preferred to fly home.

“Nothing’s wrong, Mom. Just got some news I want to share with the two of you in person,” Steve said, trying to allay her fears.

Only one thing popped into Helen’s mind and she had to say it. “You’re getting married!”

“Ah, sorry Mom, that’s not the news,” Steve said, laughing. “If the time ever comes, you’ll have met the future Mrs. Austin long before we set a date.”

“Oh well, I can always hope, can’t I?” Helen said, slightly deflated.

“Yes, Mom, you can hope for it,” Steve replied, chuckling.

Sam walked into the room as Steve finished his conversation.

“Who was that?” Sam asked as Steve hung up the phone.

“My Mom,” Steve said. “They’ll be coming out for a visit sometime soon.” Steve directed Sam down the hall to her room.

Sam started to panic, still having problems with meeting new people, knowing that she couldn’t handle the situation like she normally does since they are her father’s parents. “Dad?” she said nervously.

“I know, I know,” Steve said, taking a seat at the table. “Take a deep breath and remember to exhale.”

Sam did just that, a couple of times. Her nerves finally started to calm.

“Better?” Steve asked.

Sam nodded as she opened the paint jars. “A little.”

“We’ll talk more about it later. Let’s just have some fun for now. Where’s the glue?” Steve asked, not realizing it was stuck to his sleeve.

Sam laughed while removing it. They spent the rest of the evening working together, sharing jokes and each other’s company.

Much to Steve’s dismay, the weekend passed quickly. He met with Justin one last time, then with Oscar to whom he apologized for his past behavior.

Monday morning rolled around way too soon for Steve, his alarm going off at 5am sharp.

Steve stretched before climbing out of bed. The aroma of coffee wafted into the bathroom, puzzling him. He showered quickly, and then dressed.

As he walked down the hall, he heard Sam humming an unfamiliar tune.

“What are you doing up at this hour?” Steve said as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Couldn’t sleep,” Sam said. She seated herself at the kitchen table. “Couldn’t stop thinking about meeting your parents.”

“Hey, if anyone is allowed to be nervous around here, it’s me. Your concerns pale in comparison to mine,” Steve said, seating himself at the table across from Sam.

Sam laughed. “You’ll be fine Dad. I’ve taught you as much as I could in the short span.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about! I’m worried about the fifth graders. I still don’t know how I’ll handle them.” Steve had managed to get some sleep during the night thanks to left over sleeping pills prescribed by Rudy several months prior. Steve knew if he hadn’t taken one, he would have laid awake all night, worrying about the coming day.

“You’ll be fine, Dad. Besides, you’re not going to be in the room by yourself. The teacher will be there as well,” Sam said.

“I’ve been told the teacher is out for jury duty and that a substitute, their second substitute, will handle the class. I know things have changed since I was a kid, but I suspect the initiation of a substitute teacher is a mainstay in school life,” Steve said while thinking off the numerous pranks he pulled as a kid in elementary and middle school. He had only been caught once due to his ‘best bud’ finking on him.

“Substitute or not, you should be fine,” Sam said, trying to assure him. “After all, they’ll be meeting an astronaut. That should put the pranks on hold for at least the first day.” Sam grinned, knowing the last two words would not instill confidence in her father.

“Thank you very much, Samantha,” Steve said, staring her down.

Sam started laughing, with Steve joining in a moment later.

“Go back to bed,” Steve insisted as he prepared to leave. He was scheduled to meet Oscar at his office shortly after 6am, and then he’d head for the school.

Sam put her glass in the sink, and then returned to her father’s side, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Behave yourself today. It’s your first day of school, after all!”

Sam moved out of the way fast enough to avoid a swat to the arm. She retreated down the hall to her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

As she dozed off, the last noise she heard was the front door closing. She turned onto her side, falling asleep a moment later. The dreams that followed were of her father and the out of control classroom.

Steve strode through the double glass doors, knocked on the wooden door and let himself into the office. He stopped a mere foot from the open door, surprised at the sight.

“35? What are you doing here?” he said. Steve was surprised to find his co-worker and friend in the office so early in the morning. She stood at the desk, beside Oscar.

Cassie looked up from the paperwork she and Oscar had been going over for the past few minutes. “34? I should ask you the same thing. It’s too early for you to be out of bed, showered, shaved and dressed.”

Oscar gave Cassie a quizzical looked, but remained silent. He loved watching the interaction between his two top agents, even if he didn’t always understand the hidden message behind their conversation.

Steve quickly crossed the floor to Cassie’s side, giving her a quick hug. “I’m starting a new assignment today.”

“And I just finished my assignment today,” Cassie added.

“Two ships, passing in the night,” Steve teased.

“Is the assignment dangerous?” Cassie asked.

“Most definitely,” Steve said with a wink.

Oscar cleared his throat, bringing the duo back to reality.

Cassie looked to Oscar. “Sorry, Boss.”

“Morning, Oscar,” Steve said, taking a chair in front of the desk.

“Ready for your first day at school?” Oscar asked in a semi-serious tone.

“School?” Cassie gave Oscar a puzzled look.

Oscar leaned back in his chair, smiling. “The Colonel will be teaching a one week NASA educational course at a local elementary school.”

“Fifth grade,” Steve added.

“This is your assignment?” Cassie said to Steve, who responded with a lopsided grin.

Before a word was said, Cassie turned back to Oscar. With a look of mock-horror on her face, “What are you thinking Oscar? It’s a suicide mission! Sending Steve into a fifth grade classroom with…”

“38 students,” Steve added.

“With 38 students,” Cassie continued. “He’ll be eaten alive! It would be safer to send him into the Amazon jungle to battle an Anaconda. I really think Dr. Wells should be notified that you have lost your mind!”

Oscar laughed. “I lost my mind when I took this job.”

The comment caused both Cassie and Steve to laugh.

“Seriously,” Oscar continued, “the teaching job is a cover for his assignment.”

Oscar stood and started nudging Cassie to the door. “I think we’ve finished going over your report,” he said, gently pushing her along. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I need to talk to Steve before school starts. We don’t want him to be late for his first day in class, now do we?”

As Oscar gently shoved her out the door, Cassie yelled back “Good luck, 34! You’re going to need it!”

Oscar closed the door and returned to his desk. He set Cassie’s report aside, pulling out Steve’s folder. “Now, let’s get to work.”

Steve sighed. “If we must…”

Cassie left the building, heading for the parking garage. She had images of her blue-eyed 34 being held hostage by the 38 students, unable to break free, the best OSI agents failing to rescue him. Once in the car, she let loose a hardy laugh, reminding herself to call Steve that evening.

She pulled out of the garage, heading for home and some long overdue sleep.

The alarm sounded, waking the dark haired, 10 year old from his deep slumber. He rolled over, silenced the annoying alarm, then swung his legs over the edge of the bed, sitting up and stretching.

He padded into the bathroom, quickly attending to his morning routine. His father kept a tight schedule and expected his son at the dining room table for breakfast precisely at 7:30.

The boy dressed in his American clothing, blue jeans, a Boston Red Sox tee shirt and sneakers. He quickly stuffed his schoolwork into a nap sack, flung it over his shoulder and headed downstairs.

He placed his nap sack in the entry hall, and then dashed toward the dining room, slowing his step as he approached, not wanting another lecture of how his behavior is unbecoming for an ambassador's son.

He strode to the chair next to his father. "Good morning, Father," he said while seating himself at the table.

"Good morning, Anton. Did you sleep well?" the Ambassador said.

A servant arrived, placing a plate of bacon, eggs and toast in front of the boy. He then poured a glass of milk and a glass of orange juice.

"Thank you, Ivan, that will be all," Anton said, dismissing the servant. Returning his attention to his father, Anton said, "Yes Father, I slept quite well."

"You have completed all of your assigned school work?"

Anton took a sip of milk before answering. "Yes Father. I completed my assignments last night."

"Very good." The Ambassador pulled an envelope from his breast pocket and slid it across the table to his son. "I have another delivery for you."

"Understood, Father." Anton had been delivering envelopes for some time now. He hadn't a clue to the contents and knew it was in his best interest not to ask. He must always be discrete with the delivery, never being seen with the receiver of the envelope.

"What is the agenda this week in school?" The Ambassador took a great interest in his son's education. Although he could provide Anton with the best education available, he preferred Anton attend the American public school system so he can learn the culture of the American's as well as the education. Three times a week a Russian tutored him in Soviet history and language, assuring Anton stays grounded within his own roots.

Anton finished his eggs before answering. "We are having a visitor from NASA this week. He is an astronaut."

"Oh? What is his name?" The Ambassador followed both the Soviet and American space programs, having been an amateur space buff since his teens.

"I believe his name is Colonel Steve Austin," Anton said.

"Ah! The Apollo 17 pilot! I would very much like to meet him," the Ambassador said. "Perhaps we can extend a dinner invitation." Motioning to his personal secretary, who appeared from the corner of the room, the Ambassador whispered instructions to the secretary.

"Yes sir," the secretary said before leaving the room.

Anton has just finished the last piece of bacon when the chauffer appeared at the doorway. "Master Anton, it is time to leave."

Anton quickly wiped his face, then picked up the envelope and headed to the entry hall, his father following close behind.

"Have a good day at school, son," the Ambassador said.

Having placed the envelope in his backpack, he turned to face his father. "I will, Father."

Anton picked up the nap sack, placed it on his shoulder and walked briskly to the waiting limo, waving goodbye as the car sped away.

The Ambassador headed for his study, with his every present personal secretary following close behind. After closing the doors, the Ambassador placed a call to his superiors in Moscow. Several rings later, he received an answer.

"Yes sir. The next delivery is being made today," he said, pausing for instructions. "Understood sir. You will receive the information in two days."

The Ambassador returned the receiver to the cradle, and then seated himself at his desk. He opened a folder that contained a coded list, many of which had been decoded and contained the names of CIA and OSI agents beside them. He smiled at the number of names with the word 'deceased' written by them. He and his son have been responsible for providing the information needed to dispatch the deep cover American spies.

In two days, he would add the name of another spy to the list.

...Continued