“They sure did. We just need someone to test her again. You game Col. Austin?”

“I don’t really know Jay. You know she almost put my lights out permanently.” Steve said as he stood looking at the HL-10 the test vehicle Steve had been in when he had his crash.

“Yea I know, there isn’t anyone brave enough to try her,” Jay explained. “That’s why I wanted you to come out here today.”

“Well I’m going to have to think this one over.” Steve muttered as he prepared to leave.

“Let me know. I had to pull a few strings to get NASA to agree to it.” Jay walked Steve to his car. “I hope you decide to. I know how you feel about it though.” Jay said as Steve got into his car.

“No you don’t Jay. You have no idea how I feel. Or what the past three years have been like.”

“I’m sorry Steve, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.” Jay shut Steve’s door and Steve drove off.

Steve headed straight for the OSI. He wanted to talk to Oscar and see what he thought of him retesting the hl-10. He was surprised to see Marc sitting outside Rudy’s office.

“Well Hey Marc,” Steve started. “Jaime let you out of class for the day?”

“Sort of, Rudy wanted to see me.” Marc sighed.

“Hey partner what’s wrong?” Steve pressed.

“Rudy just has some tests he wants to run on me. It was a year ago tomorrow I had my accident.” Marc explained. “Rudy also thinks I should be changed again.”

“Why, your bionics not growing anymore?” Steve asked.

“Oh they are growing. But Rudy says they aren’t ‘filing out’ what ever that means.”

Steve looked down at Marc’s arms. He was right. His left arm was ‘filling out.’ “Well I need to talk to your dad about something, you better go on in and see Rudy. I’ll be down in a little while.”

“Sure Steve. See you then.” Marc gave him a slight wave and headed into Rudy’s office.

Steve proceeded on to Oscar’s “Hi Steve.” Oscar greeted. “How did your meeting with Jay Rodgers go?” Oscar was sitting at the table in his office rather than his desk. He had had a sandwich delivered for lunch and was in the middle of eating when Steve walked in.

“It went ok I guess. You knew didn’t you?” Steve accused.

“About the HL-10 of course I did.” Oscar took another bite of his sandwich. “I really didn’t want you going out there today.”

“Really, why not?” Steve quizzed.

“We have reason to believe that your accident was not accident.” Oscar looked up at him.

“Well I’m thinking of doing it.” Steve spoke slowly.

“Out of the question Steve.” Oscar stated. “I don’t want you doing it. If it was sabotage the first time the same people who did it then, could strike again.”

“Oscar I have to.” Steve looked straight at him.

“What? I suppose your going to tell me about the horse that threw you…”

“As a matter of fact that did happen Oscar. A horse did throw me.” Steve gave a slight smile

“And I suppose you got right back on and were triumphant.” Oscar scoffed.

“No as a matter of fact he threw me farther the second time.” Steve stated.

Oscar nearly chocked on his sandwich.

“I saw Marc outside Rudy’s office. Everything ok?” Steve changed the subject.

“Well yea everything is fine. We did notice a difference in his arms last night. Then Rudy compared his legs to Matt’s Matt is getting bigger, not just taller.” Oscar informed him. “Rudy thinks he’s going to have to change Marc today. We really can’t have that.”

“How does Marc feel about it?” Steve wanted to know.

“He’s ok, Rudy was supposed to run some tests then he was going to call and let me know what he was going to do.”

“I’ll stick around then. Marc might need me here.” Steve sat across from Oscar.

They were still sitting there when Rudy walked in. “Oscar I’m afraid I’m going to have to change Marc. The difference between his right arm and his left is way to drastic” Rudy informed them.

“Is he ready for surgery Rudy?” Steve asked. “I mean how does he feel about it from an emotional standpoint?”

“I think he’s ok with it, but come on anyway. I wanted to talk to you.” Rudy and Steve headed down the hall “I understand you met with Jay Rodgers today? Is it true, they rebuilt the HL-10?”

“Does everyone know about this.” Steve was almost angry. “And yes. It’s true.” Steve added.

“No, just Oscar and I. Oscar told you the first test was more than likely sabotage?” Rudy turned to him as he opened the door to his office.

“Yea he told me.” Steve sighed. “They want me to retest it.” Steve told him.

Rudy gave him a concerned look. “And what do you think? You’re not even going to consider…”

“A mans got to do what a mans got to do.” Steve told him. “How long will the surgery take on Marc.’

“The same as usual, about six hours. I thought I would get started first thing in the morning.” Rudy stated.

“Where is Marc now?” Steve asked.

“He’s in a room down the hall.” Rudy told him.

“Can I see him?” Steve asked.

“Yea sure go ahead. He’s been asking for you.” Rudy informed him

“I don’t know exactly how much support I’ll be right now. I kind of have my own problems to deal with, but I’ll talk to him.” Steve headed down the hall for Marc’s room

Jaime was just coming out. “Rudy said it would be ok if Matt stopped by for a little while Marc was a little down.” Jaime explained. “Were you going to talk to him?” Jaime asked looking at Steve. “What’s the matter honey?” She asked.

“Yea, I was going to talk to him. Let’s let the twins talk first. Who knows, maybe Matt can cheer Marc up.”

“I doubt that. He never has before.” Jaime reminded.

“Yea. You’re right. Come with me. I need to talk to you.” Steve motioned toward the room across the hall.

Steve and Jaime slipped into the room across from Marc’s. “How did it go at the space center today?” Jaime asked when they were both seated.

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I talked with Jay Rodgers.” Steve started

“I’ve heard you mention him.” Jaime looked at him. “Steve, you look so serious what’s wrong?”

“They rebuilt the HL-10” Steve informed her.

“Really. So what exactly does that mean?” Jaime gave him a suspicious look.

“They want me to test her.” Steve turned away not wanting to see the expression Jaime would give him.

“Steve!” She cried. “You can’t even consider… I mean you wouldn’t even think of…”

“I’m considering on doing just that.” Steve stood and walked over to the window. He didn’t even look in Jaime’s direction.

“Steve Austin!” She shouted. “You are not! I forbid you to even think about it!”

Jaime was yelling so loud she attracted the attention of Rudy and Oscar who were just getting ready to go into Marc’s room.

“What is all the shouting about?” Oscar asked when he and Rudy entered.

“Do you know what he is planning?” Jaime screamed.

“Yes but could you keep it down, the twins are right across the hall.” Rudy tried to quiet her.

“I’m sorry, I forgot they were here. Oscar you can’t let him do this.” Jaime started crying.

“I don’t understand what the big deal is all about.” Steve turned toward Jaime for the first time.

“What the big deal is all about. Steve testing that the first time almost got you killed. I’m not going to take the chance that it won’t succeed this time. You have a lot of nerve even thinking about it.” Jaime tried not to scream.

“Don’t you understand? This is something I need to do.” Steve shouted back. “Jaime it is important to me to do this.”

“All right. You go ahead. But I won’t be home when you finish…”

“What, your saying you’ll leave me if I…”

“That is exactly what I’m saying. I am not going to raise this baby on my own!! Do you hear me?”

“Look Jaime I know what you’re thinking, History is not going to repeat itself. Really it won’t. If you don’t want me to though.”

“Oh Steve I really don’t want you to.” Jaime continued to cry.

Steve put his arm around her. “I just wish you could understand why I have to do this.” Steve held her.

“I do understand. I just don’t think it’s a good idea.” Jaime put her arm around him.

Especially when they suspect the first time wasn’t an accident.” Rudy added.

“What?” Jaime cried. “That is a new one on me.” She looked up at Steve “Did you know about this.”

“Not until Oscar told me a few minutes ago.” Steve tried to calm her.

“Look I think we better talk about this more at home.” Jaime suggested.

“Maybe you’re right. Let me go check in with Marc I’ll be right behind you.” Steve promised.

“She’s really upset.” Rudy pointed out.

“Yea I know, I can’t remember when I have seen her so upset.” Steve started out of the room. “I’m going to go say hi to Marc, then I better head home.”

Steve stepped into Marc’s room. “How you doing partner?” Steve asked.

“I’m ok I guess. Did Rudy tell you? He has to change my bionics again.”

“Yea he told me. How do you feel about it?” Steve was concerned about him

“I’m ok I guess. I just wish we didn’t have to.” Marc was starting to fall asleep Steve stayed with him till he fell asleep. “Come on Matt, I’ll walk you down to your dad’s office.”

That night Steve sat up in bed. He couldn’t catch his breath. Jaime was right beside him. “Another one Steve that’s the third time in as many nights. Want to talk about it?”

“It was the same. Only this time I was the one driving the train…”

“Maybe you need to talk someone about how you’re feeling Steve…” “What do you mean by that?” Steve defended.

“I mean, you seem to have trouble with the fact that they have rebuilt the HL-10. The anniversary of Marc’s accident is coming up. I think you feel guilty about Marc’s accident. I think you blame yourself. I know you feel that way because so do I. “

Steve turned to her. “You do?”

“Steve, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t blame myself. I always think, what if I had done this or what if I would have done that. I feel I stood there and watched, no let it happen.”

“You’ve felt this way all along?” Steve eyed her suspiciously

“Of course. Steve we stood there. But there was nothing we could do. Nothing.”

“Deep down I know your right, but on the surface I feel there is something we should have done.”

Jaime put her arm around Steve. “Honey there was no way we could have stopped it. Don’t blame yourself. That’s why you were driving the train in your dream.”

“You think so?” Steve sat looking at Jaime.

“Of course. Look why don’t you try to go back to sleep.” Jaime suggested.

“I don’t know if I can go back to sleep.” Steve sighed. He got out of bed and walked toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Jaime demanded.

“I don’t know. I think I’ll take a drive. I’ll be back.”

“Let me come with you.” Jaime started to get out of bed.

“No. I need to be alone I might go on over to Oscar’s.” Steve turned and left the room.

“Steve. Marc isn’t home, remember he’s in the hospital.” Jaime reminded.

He stopped and turned back around. “Oh yea you’re right. I suppose I’ll swing by there then. I just need to get out by myself for a while. I feel I wasn’t very helpful to Marc earlier today. Maybe I’ll tell him what’s going on. I mean about the HL10. You know, I don’t even think Marc knows…”

Knows what? About your own accident, he knows you’re bionic. Maybe you should just leave it at that.

“Well I still might tell him!” Steve opened the door and left the room.”

“I wish you felt better about this Steve.” Jaime said after Steve left She heard him leave the house and start the car.

Steve drove several moments he first drove to the restaurant they had eaten at a year ago. He then drove the same path they had taken after they left the restaurant that night. He stopped at the same railroad crossing.

He sat and watched as a train whizzed by. As it passed Steve relived the entire incident. As that scene played through his head scenes of his own accident played in his head as well. They seemed intertwined.

Steve sat for several minutes after the train had left, “I really need to talk to Marc. I just hope he understands what I’m trying to tell him.”

He pulled away from the railroad crossing and headed for the OSI building. He knew Rudy was more than likely there, especially if Marc was having surgery in the morning.

“You’re here kind of late, aren’t you Col Austin?” The security guard asked as Steve stopped at the main gate.

“Yea. Dr. Wells is still here, isn’t he?” Steve asked as the guard lifted the gate so he could go in.

“Yea, he is. Want me to call him for you?” The guard wondered.

“No, no. That’s fine.” Steve drove on through and parked in the empty lot. He headed up for Rudy’s office. “I won’t bother Rudy. I’m sure he’s asleep.” Steve muttered as he passed Rudy’s office.

Quietly he slipped into Marc’s room. Marc was fast asleep. Steve gently shook him “Marc, hey Marc. Wake up.”

Marc slowly woke up. “Steve, what are you doing here?” Marc asked.

“Come on get dressed. I need to talk to you about something, and I don’t want to do it here.”

Marc nodded and got out of bed. “Where are we going?” He asked, as he got dressed. “Some place private.” Steve tried to explain. He quickly scribbled a note to Rudy so he wouldn’t worry.

Rudy

I have Marc. It’s ok I just have some things I need to talk to him about. I’ll have him back later today. You can do the operation in the morning. We won’t be any later than 6:00

Steve

“You ready Marc?” Steve asked.

“Just about.” Marc replied tying his shoe. “Ok ready.”

“Good come on.” Steve took Marc by the hand and led him down the hall.

“Why are we leaving?” Marc asked again.

“I told you. I want to talk to you, and I don’t want everybody in the world to hear. Now when we go through the gate, I want you to get down in the back seat. I left a note for Rudy. He knows we’re safe, but the guard just might alert him earlier than I want him to know.”

Marc nodded as he climbed into Steve’s back seat. “Here throw this blanket over you.” Steve tossed him a blanket.

“This is fun.” Marc giggled under the blanket.

Steve smiled. “Keep quiet we’re coming up to the gate.”

“Ok Steve.” Marc whispered.

“That was a quick trip Col.” The gate guard observed.

“Well Rudy was asleep. I didn’t want t bother him.” Steve lied.

“Well you have a good night then.” The guard let him off the grounds.

“Ok partner.” Steve called into the back seat. “You can come out now.”

Marc threw the blanket off of him. “Where are we going?” Marc asked. “To the cabin?”

“No partner they know about the cabin. I have to find a new place. I told Rudy I would have you back by six, so that doesn’t give us much time.

“No it doesn’t” Marc said looking at the clock on the dashboard.

Steve laughed “I mean six tonight Marc.” Steve continued driving. “Listen why don’t you cover up with that blanket and get some sleep.”

“I am still tired.” Marc curled up on the back seat and was soon fast asleep.

Steve kept driving till he came to a small fishing village just south of Richmond VA. It was six in the morning.

“Here we are Marc would you like to get in some fishing?” Steve asked as they pulled into the lot.

“Sounds good to me.” Marc got out of the car.

“Morning Rudy.” Oscar said as he was going into Marc’s room. “How did Marc sleep last night?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him yet this morning. I was just going in. Of course he can’t have breakfast just yet. He can have it after surgery.” Rudy looked down at his watch. “You’re here early.”

“Yea I know. Jaime was at the house early. She said Steve went out for a drive last night and never came back.”

“Really. I wonder what that is all about.” Rudy was still holding the door with out opening it.

“I don’t know, but Jaime was very concerned about it. I think she’s a little jumpy anyway over Steve wanting to test the HL-10.”

“Yea, I know. She’s real nervous.” Rudy agreed. “She should have a pretty easy day, with just Matt and Joey.”

“She’s looking forward to it.” Oscar laughed.

Rudy let go of the door. “What do you think of Steve retesting the HL-10”

“Honestly? It scares the he-- out of me. I don’t think I wouldn’t be so concerned if we hadn’t gotten that report on suspected sabotage.”

“Yea I know.” Rudy again reached for the door to Marc’s room. “Do you think Marc knows about it?”

“That’s what Jaime said. That Steve wanted to talk to Marc about just that topic.” Oscar stated.

“Should we have some breakfast before we get to fishing?” Steve asked as they headed across the parking lot.

“That would be a good idea. Rudy said I couldn’t eat breakfast though.” Marc reminded.

“I have a feeling he won’t mind.” Steve smiled at him. “We’ll talk after breakfast ok?”

“Sure Steve.” He and Steve stepped into the small restaurant in the fishing village.

“Well Maybe he’s in here with Marc now.” Rudy said as he pushed the door open

“Yea I bet you’re right.” Oscar said. He and Rudy stared in astonishment at the empty room.

“Where is he Rudy?” Oscar asked.

“I don’t know.” Rudy said looking frantically around the room.

Rudy ran over to Marc’s bed. He saw the note from Steve on Marc’s pillow. He and Oscar read it.

“I can’t believe this! Why would Steve take him?” Oscar was very angry.

“I don’t have a clue. He said he needed to talk to him. You know today is the anniversary of Marc’s accident, maybe he wants to talk to him about that.”

Oscar reached for the phone. “I’m sending someone to find him!” Oscar was furious. “You said he needs surgery. I may never let Steve see Marc again…

“You can’t do that Oscar. I mean to punish Steve is one thing, but do you want to punish Marc as well.” Rudy spoke calmly.

“Yea, it would hurt Marc, wouldn’t it?” Oscar agreed

“You know it would.” Rudy stated. “Steve said he would be back by six. Why don’t you give him till then to bring Marc back.”

If I give him till six, he could be out of the county.” Oscar muttered.

Rudy reached for the phone to call Jaime. “Oscar. Steve would never take Marc out of the country.’ Rudy dialed Jaime’s number.

“So Marc. You ready to do some fishing?” Steve asked after he paid the bill.

“You bet. Maybe we should call dad and Rudy and let them know I’m all right.” Marc suggested.

“I left Rudy a note, but your right.” After getting some change they headed for the pay phone.

Steve dropped the money into the slot then dialed Rudy’s number.

Rudy picked it up on the first ring. “Yes”

“Rudy. It’s Steve. Marc is with me. He’s fine. I’m fine. We’ll be back by six, maybe even earlier.” Steve said.

Oscar grabbed the phone from Rudy. “Steve get Marc back here NOW!!” He ordered.

“I will we’re going to do some fishing then we’ll come back. Don’t worry Oscar; I’ll bring him back. We just have some things to talk about.”

“You better be here by six…”

“Like I just told Rudy. It might be a little earlier. I never thought I should stop by the test center.” Steve explained.

“All right pal. Let’s hope it’s earlier!” Oscar barked. “Marc is supposed to be in surgery right now!”

“Don’t’ worry Oscar I have Marc dressed in long sleeves and blue jeans.”

Oscar thought for a moment. “Are you dressed warm enough?”

“It’s not that cold. We’ll be fine.” Steve told him.

“Well all right. But what do you have to talk about anyway? I mean what is so important that you had to take him away to talk?” Oscar demanded.

“I think better this way Oscar. Don’t worry Marc is safe. Here I’ll let you talk to him.” Steve turned to Marc and winked. “Say just what I told you to.”

Giggling Marc took the phone. “Yea sure Steve.” They both stated laughing. “Dad I’m fine. Steve and I are going fishing. I’ll see you later.”

“Marc, are you all right?” Oscar was relieved to hear the boy’s voice.

“Yea dad I’m fine.” Marc was still giggling.

“What about what Steve said? You know about saying only what he told you to say.”

“Dad! He was only teasing. You want to think Steve took me. He was just playing along. Look I have to go. We want to fish; maybe I’ll actually catch something this time.”

“Ok Marc you be careful” Oscar said as Marc hung up the phone.

Oscar stared from the receiver up to Rudy. “Now Steve’s got him doing it. I tell you Rudy as much as I hate to admit it. That boy is rapidly becoming a pint sized Steve Austin.” Oscar sighed

“There’s a scary thought.” Rudy laughed.

“You shouldn’t hang up on our father Marc.” Steve scolded. “He’s only concerned about you.”

“Yea I know. But I was afraid he would ‘erase’ the call.” Marc looked serious.

“Erase the call?” Steve thought for a moment. Then started laughing. “Do you mean ‘trace’ the call?” Steve asked still laughing.

Marc nodded. “I guess so. You know what you do when you want to find where some body is.”

“That’s trace Marc. Come on let’s rent a boat. We’ll get in some fishing then head back. Like I sad to your dad. I have some things I want to talk to you about.

“Sounds like fun to me.” Marc grabbed Steve’s hand and the two of them walked to the lodge. “Sounds serious though.”

“It is Marc. I’ll tell you when we’re on the lake.

“Hey, I know this place!” Marc cried out. “We came here with Rudy when you went on your honeymoon with Jaime.”

“Really. So you know where we are.” Steve looked down at him as they stepped into the lodge.

“No. I don’t know where we are. But Rudy knows where this place is.”

“Well let’s go fishing. We’ll call again right before we leave.” Steve said

“Ok I bet dad is mad that I hung up on him. You’re right I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Scary thought yea, I’d say it’s scary. By the way, did you get a hold of Jaime?” Oscar wondered

“Yea I told her what was going on. She was planning to bring Matt by just in case, but I told her not to bother.”

“I never thought of that. I’ll remember to bring him in the morning.”

“Good idea. She said that Steve is having a real hard time with the fact they want him to test the HL-10.” Rudy stated.

“Maybe that’s why he wants to talk to Marc, huh?

I would assume so.”

After renting the boat Marc and Steve were out in the middle of the lake. “Isn’t this nice Marc?” Steve asked casting his line.”

“Yea. When Matt and I came here with Rudy. The only thing I caught was a cold.”

“Well let’s hope you have better luck this time. Did you like spending time with Rudy?” Steve asked.

“Yea he’s ok I guess. We didn’t rent a boat, we just fished off the dock.” Marc said grabbing the life jacket from Steve.

“Well see. That’s why you didn’t catch anything.” Steve noted. “Put the life jacket on Marc.” Steve demanded.

“I will” Marc sighed slipping it on. “I know how to swim. I’m pretty good too.”

“Nonetheless.” Steve related. “You need to wear a life jacket. Here let me cast that for you.” Steve took Marc’s pole and cast out for him.

“Thanks, now we sit back and wait for the fish to bite.” Marc smiled holding his pole.

“I brought you with me Marc cause I wanted to talk to you.” Steve sounded serious

“I figured that.” Marc turned toward Steve. “What do you want to talk about?”

“I want to talk about us Marc.” Steve turned to him

“Ok I’m ready.” Marc set his pole down next to him.

“You know I’m like you, right?” Steve started

Marc nodded

“Do you know how I got that way? Let me ask you this. Do you know how you got this way?

Again Marc nodded. “It was a train.” Steve could hardly hear him.

“That’s right. For me it was a monster called the HL10. The HL-10 was an aircraft I was supposed to test. It crashed.”

“Really?” Marc was amazed.

“Yea. I found out yesterday, they rebuilt it. They have asked me to retest it.” Steve looked at Marc

“Are you going to?” Marc’s eyes were huge

“I’m thinking about it. What do you think?”

“I think I would run a million miles away from it.” Marc told him

“Really?” Steve questioned. “Why is that?” He set his own pole down and prepared himself for a serious talk.

“I’d be scared. I am scared.” Marc admitted.

“Scared?” Steve quizzed. “Scared of what?”

“I hate trains. I don’t remember a whole lot about my accident, but I remember that train whistle…and then darkness.”

Steve watched him closely. This was really the first time they had talked about Marc’s accident in great detail. Steve was interested in hearing about how Marc felt. It appeared that Marc felt the same way he did.

“I understand.” Steve admitted. “It took me a while before I could get back in the ‘driver seat’ so to speak.”

“Really?” Marc tried to read Steve’s expression. “I never knew that. I mean you are the last person I would ever suspect of being, of being, of…”

“Being scared?” Steve finished his statement.

Marc nodded. “I thought I was the only one who was scared.

“No Marc, that’s not the case. You have a bite, here let me help you.” Steve helped him reel in his fish. “That’s a dandy.” Steve commented. “Anyway back to where we were. Yea I was scared, still am sometimes. Especially over this.”

“I don’t think I could do it.” Marc whispered.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret. I really don’t know if I want to do it.”

“Then why are you?” Marc wondered.

“I have to prove to myself that I can do it, and that I’m not afraid.” Steve put his arm around Marc. “Don’t worry it will be just fine.”

"Are you sure?" Marc quizzed.

"No Marc not one hundred percent, but I'm going to do my best."

Marc sat in silence. He had if figured that Steve didn't invite him for his opinion. He merely wanted a sounding board.

"I am scared. I wish I could tell you how scared." Steve kept talking grateful the Marc was just listening.

"It makes me very nervous. But I'm sure I can do this..."

"There is more, isn't there?"

Steve nodded. "Your father told me yesterday that they think the first time I crashed. It was due to sabotage."

"What's that?" Marc asked.

"It means someone made it happen. That's why I have to do this.

“Well Marc.” Steve said after they had discussed matters. And caught a couple of fish apiece “I suppose I better get you home. Your father was pretty upset that I took you.”

“Yea I know. Steve I really wish you wouldn’t do it.”

“I wish I could make you understand why I have to do it son…”

“I wish I could understand.” Marc said. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I won’t get hurt.” Steve assured. “Would you like to see it, the ship I mean.

“You’d let me see it?” Marc opened the car door.

“Sure. Why not? I’ll call your dad and tell him we’re on our way back.”

While Steve dialed Oscar Marc climbed into the back seat and fell asleep till they got back to the City.

“Do you think it’s a good idea to take him to the test center with you?” Oscar wondered as he spoke to Steve on his phone.

“I’m not testing it today Oscar. Marc will be fine.

Steve watched as Marc walked around the HL-10. “You still want to do this?” Marc asked as he stared at the aircraft in front of him.

“Yea Marc. I thought it would be a good idea if you saw it. I don’t want you out here the day I test it thought.

“I don’t want to be anyway.” Marc whispered.

A week later Steve and the test center were ready to test the HL-10

“I think we’re going to do the test this week.” Steve said to Rudy

“If you’re sure that’s what you want to do.” Rudy had said.

“Yea it is Rudy. Actually I take that back. It’s not something I want to do. Its something I have to do!” Steve explained.

“Well you do what you think is best.” Rudy sighed.

“What’s the matter Rudy?” Steve asked.

“Oh nothing. We’re all worried Steve. Especially Marc.”

“Maybe I better go out to Oscar’s and talk to him.” Steve hinted.

“He’s here. He’s down in Oscar’s office.” Rudy told him.

“What about his school work.” Steve asked.

“Jaime says he’s not concentrating anyway.” Rudy sat at his desk and pulled out a file.

Steve walked down to Oscar’s office. “Marc!” Steve greeted as he walked into Oscar’s office.

“Just the man I wanted to see. Rudy says you’re having trouble with the fact that I’m gong to retest the HL10.”

Marc nodded. “I really wish you wouldn’t Steve.” Marc requested.

“Ok I won’t. You just relax about it ok.” Steve lied.

“Thanks Steve.” Marc hugged him.

“Now you go on back home and get your school work done.” Steve ordered.

“I will I’ll see you later” Marc left to ask Russ for a ride.

Steve looked up and saw Oscar in the doorway. “I really hate lying to him, but I don’t want him to worry.”

“I was hoping you had changed your mind too.” Oscar sighed.. I don’t like the trouble they are having during the simulations. I don’t think this is a good idea at all Steve.” Oscar finished.

“Look I know you’re all against this. But this is something I have to prove to myself.” Steve almost shouted.

“I just wish you would reconsider at least till we find out why someone wants to destroy the project.” Oscar stated. “Or” Oscar raised his eyebrows. “Destroy you.”

“Let me do some poking around. See what I can come up with.” Steve offered. “Tell Marc I’m on a mission or something.” Steve suggested. “And would you stop worrying?”

“Now you want me to lie to him.” Oscar chuckled. “Well I guess anything is better than the truth. Ok. I’ll let you do some investigating. Just let us know when you’re ready.”

“I will. I’ll be at the space center then.” Steve left and headed that direction. When he got there, his friend Jay Rodgers greeted him. “So you ready Steve?”

“Yea I think I can handle it.” Steve assures. “I’ve done a lot of soul searching in the past few days. I think I’m ready. When do you to do it?”

“We have it scheduled for first thing in the morning say around 9:00.” Jay informs him. “I think we got all the bugs worked out so to speak.”

“I’ll be here.” Steve agrees.

“That’s great. See you in the morning then.” Steve turned to leave. He got in his car and drove over to Oscar’s house to pick up Jaime.

Jaime greeted him. “Oh Steve, Marc told me you weren’t going to test the HL-10 I can’t tell you how happy I am.” Then she caught Steve expression. “You are going to go through with it. Aren’t you?”

Steve nodded his head. “I told that to Marc so he wouldn’t worry. Jaime I have to do this.” Steve informed her.

“Well.” Jaime began. “I see your side. I just wish I could be on it. I don’t like the idea especially since we got that report.” She continued. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Nothing is going to happen. I’ll be fine.” Steve tried to assure her.

“When is the test?” Jaime wondered.

“Tomorrow morning. You can do me a favor. I want you to keep it from Marc.”

“Why do you want me to keep it from him?” Jaime asked. “Steve I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to lie to him. You’re the only one of us that he actually trusts and confides in. If you blow that trust…”

Steve watched out the window at the kids playing in the yard. “You’re right. I’ll go talk to him.”

Steve explained to Marc that he was going to go through with the test. Marc seemed to accept it although he really didn’t like the idea very well.

“You think he feels better?” Jaime asked on the way home in the car.

“I’m not real sure. You keep a special watch on him tomorrow. I don’t want him coming out to the test center. In the unlikely event something did go wrong, I really don’t want Marc to witness it.” They got in Steve’s car and headed home.

“I’ll keep them busy. What time is the test?” Jaime asked

“They have it scheduled for 9:00 in the morning.” Steve told her.

“Good. We’ll be in the middle of ‘class’ at that time.

“I’ll call as soon as the test is complete.” Steve assured.

“Well if anything happens. I mean if you get hurt I’ll be very upset.” Jaime informed him.

“I’m not going to get hurt. I see it coming off with no problem.” Steve smiled.

“All I can say is it better!” Jaime threatened.

They pulled into their garage and got out of the car. Steve put his arm around he. “Don’t worry about it.”

That night at the space center a dark figure approached the shuttle waiting for it’s test flight the next day. He opened the engine and began to cut some of the wiring though not all the way through.

When he finished he closed the panel and left the hanger.

The next morning Jaime and Steve drove over to Oscar and Rudy’s house. “We are going with you Steve.” Oscar said as soon as Jaime and Steve entered the house. “Jaime will stay here with the kids.”

“Yea, I asked her to not let Marc out of her sight. Well shall we?”

They got into Rudy’s car and headed for the test center.

“It will be ok Marc.” Jaime assured as he watched them drive away. “Why don’t we get started with our school work?”

They all arrived at the test center. Steve made the introductions then he went to get ready for the test.

Oscar and Rudy looked at the aircraft that nearly took their friends life only a couple of years ago “I don’t know if this is such a good idea or not Rudy.” Oscar leaned over to him.

“I know, neither do I. But we’ll never convince Steve of it.” Rudy replied.

“Yea I know.” Oscar winced as he looked at the monster machine

They held their breath as Steve climbed into the cockpit.

The test went great. Steve took off without any trouble at all.

Oscar and Rudy moved into the control tower to observe the remainder of the test.

“You’re doing great Steve.” Jay spoke into the microphone.

“It feels great!” Steve’s triumphant voice came back.

Rudy and Oscar continued to watch the aircraft from the observation window.

“Wait a minute!” Steve voice sounded frantic. “I have a problem here!!”

Oscar and Rudy ran over to the control desk “Oscar grabbed the microphone. “What’s going on Steve?”

“I don’t know. She doesn’t feel right.” Steve’s voice sounded terrified.

“Steve!” Oscar shouted. “Eject, eject!!”

“I can’t, there’s no time.”

Oscar and Rudy watched in horror as the aircraft turned into a flaming ball of fire on the field….

‘Marc!” Jaime called to him for the third time as he sat staring out the window.

He turned to her. “I’m sorry Jaime.” Marc quivered as he talked

Jaime walked over to him “What is it honey?”

Marc burst into tears. “Something has happened.” Marc became hysterical. Jaime could not longer reach him or get him to listen to her.

At the test center Oscar and Rudy could only stare out the window. “Rudy!” Oscar was finally able to say.

“Come on Oscar!” Rudy grabbed him as they joined the rescue party that had sped to the crash sight.

When they arrived the fire fighters aimed their hoses at the flaming ball. Just as they got the fire out and prepared to open the hatch and pull out what remained of Steve Austin. His voice came out of nowhere

“Oscar! Rudy!” He called I’m over here.” Steve came walking across the test field. Dragging his parachute behind him.

They all ran over to him. “How did you?” Oscar wondered in amazement.

“I was able to eject at the last minute.” Steve explained. “That was close though.”

“To close if you ask me.” Oscar replied.

By the time they arrived back at the control center Oscar’s relief that Steve was all right had turned in to anger at the persons responsible for causing the accident.

“I expect a full report of what just happened on my desk first thing in the morning!” Oscar ordered as he reached for the phone.

“Who is it?” He asked the control commander

“Col. Austin’s wife.” The commander informed him.

Oscar took the phone. “Thanks. Jaime?”

“Oscar Marc is very upset I can’t calm him down. He says something happened.

“Something did happen.” Oscar responded.

“What? Is Steve? Oh Oscar is Steve alright?”

“Yea he’s fine.” Oscar handed him the phone.

“Jaime I’m alright what’s the problem with Marc?”

“He’s hysterical I can’t convince him you’re alright.”

“We’re on our way.” Steve hung up the phone and they all raced to Oscar’s house.

“Where is he?” Rudy asked when they came in the door.

“He’s in his room. I told him you were all on the way. That seemed to help. Something did go wrong? I mean just all of the sudden Marc became hysterical screaming something bad had happened to Steve.”

“I’ll explain everything later.” Oscar told her. He followed Rudy and Steve up to Marc’s room.

Marc was sitting on the edge of his bed staring into space. Danny was sitting next to him.

“How is he Dan?” Rudy asked.

“I’m not sure. I don’t know what’s going on with him.”

Steve sat next to him. “Marc.” He called his name

Marc turned toward him. “Steve! You’re all right.” He threw his arms around his friend.

“Yea I’m ok son.” Steve assured.

The next day Steve stepped into Oscar’s office. “Any luck on finding out who caused the problem?” Steve asked

“We’re not sure we think it was a man named Amison…”

“Have you picked him up?” Steve demanded

“No not yet.” Oscar knew what was coming next.

“What?” Steve shouted. “Why not?”

“We can’t find him. Everyone is looking for him. Us the FBI all the government agencies we fear he fled the country.”

“Let me go after him.” Steve demanded.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea due to your personal involvement.” Oscar sighed.

“Yea I guess your right.” Steve agreed. “How close are they to finding him?”

“I’m not sure…” Oscar reached to pick up his phone. “Yes Thank you.” Oscar spoke He hung up and turned to Steve. “They got him. He confessed to the whole thing.”

“Well that’s over with. How is Marc doing?” Steve asked

“He’s doing just fine. I just don’t understand how he knew something had happened.”

Steve shrugged. “Well he is pretty close to me. So what’s going to happen to Amison?”

“He’s on his way to prison.” Oscar assured

“Good that’s where he belongs.

“Listen why don’t you and Jaime plan on dinner at my place to night we’ll celebrate.

“That sounds like a great idea.”

The next morning Oscar took Matt and Marc into Rudy’s lab. “I guess in all the excitement we forgot about Marc.” Oscar said. “And it’s getting worse.” With the twins attention diverted Oscar spoke softly to Rudy. “I really want this cleared up before our trip in a couple of weeks.”

“It won’t take long. Everything is all ready to go. I tell you Oscar it is great having a ‘guide’…”

“A ‘guide’?” Oscar questioned.

“I mean Matt. He’s perfect.”

“I get what you’re saying.” Oscar smiled. “I’ll be in my office. Let me know when your finished.”

“I will Marc should be able to go home in a couple of days.” Oscar gave him as wave as he headed down the hall.

Two days later, Rudy felt Marc was ready to go home. Steve offered to give him a ride.

“This isn’t the way to my house.” Marc said as he and Steve headed for Union Station.

“I know partner.” Steve turned toward him. “I got to thinking of what you said the other day when we were out on the lake…”

“About what?” Marc wondered.

“The fact that you’re afraid of trains.” Steve pulled into the parking ramp across from Union Station. “Come on Marc.” Steve took his hand.

“Where are we going?” Marc was getting a little nervous.

“I won’t lie to you Marc. We’re going to the train yard…”

“No, no I don’t want to. Don’t make me Steve please!!”

Steve turned to him. “Marc, you can’t be afraid of trains the rest of your life. Let’s take care of this while you’re still young.”

Marc nodded. “I suppose you’re right.” He followed Steve into the train station. They started out looking at pictures of trains and moved up to actually getting on a train and just sitting till the conductor came and told Steve it was time for the train to leave.

“Thanks.” Steve said “I appreciate all that you have done.”

“No problem. I hope you’re able to cure your young friend of his fear. Trains are a great way to travel.” The conductor ruffled Marc’s hair. “You hang in there sonny. It will be just fine.”

“Feeling better?” Steve asked when they were in the car.

“I suppose so.” Marc sighed.

“Marc it will take a while, maybe even years before you fully conquer your fear.” Steve pointed out. “I was scared when I got in the cockpit of that shuttle. You want me to be real honest with you.”

Marc nodded.

“I’m glad it’s over with. I’m never going to get in it ever again, even if they do rebuild it.”

“I’m glad of that. Steve?”

“Yea?”

“Can we go home now.”

“We sure can partner.” Steve smiled at him.