He quickly jumped out of bed, showered and got dressed. Before he left he dialed Oscar’s number at the OSI.

“Callahan this is Rudy, is Oscar in?”

“Just a moment Dr. Wells.” She quickly got Oscar on the phone.

“Rudy, where are you?” Oscar sounded concerned. “We are turning the place upside down looking for you. Steve is here. He needs to see you about something.”

“I over slept. I’ll be there in about 15 minutes.” Rudy responded. “What’s the problem, is Steve all right?” Rudy asked.

“I’m not sure. He just said he needed to speak to you. He’s been waiting.

“I’ll be in my office soon. Have him meet me there.” Rudy told him

“Ok Rudy. You said fifteen? We’ll be waiting.”

Rudy stepped out of his apartment. He opened the door to his garage and got into the car. He made his way down the long circular drive that led to the security gate.

Ralph was at his post. Oscar now had four guards. Ralph worked from six in the morning till noon. That’s how the shifts worked 6am to noon was Ralph, noon to six was Victor, six to midnight was Gary and Midnight to 6 am was Dave. Oscar had it all arranged He was not going to allow anyone to break into his house again.

“Bye Ralph see you tomorrow.” Rudy waved as he went through the gate.

He got to the end of the drive. Marc and Matt were sitting on the curb with their new friend Teddy. They were eating Popsicles. There was something a little strange he noted.

“Marc. Matt, come here a second guys.” Rudy called to them.

The twins got up off the curb and walked back across the street. They wore shorts and sleeveless tee shirts.

Rudy eyed them closely ‘We have a little problem.’ he mused to himself. The twins were spending a better part of the day outside these warm summer days. Matt had developed a wonderful tan all over him. Marc on the other hand, only his left arm and face were tan.

“Have you boys noticed anything unusual about yourselves?” Rudy asked.

“No.” The twins stated still eating their Popsicles

“Well we’ll work on it Marc I think you better come with me I should get this taken care of right away.”

“Aw! Rudy do I have to?” Marc complained.

“I’m afraid so son.” Rudy continued looking at Marc.

“Marc we have to work on your skin your brother has a tan. Here.” Rudy pointed to Marc’s right arm. “Look at your right arm then look at your left.”

Marc slowly compared his right arm to his left arm. ‘I hate being this way’ he thought

“Hey don’t worry we can fix it. If you come right now, I’ll get you fixed up and then you can come right back and play, ok?”

“I guess so. You promise I can come right back?”

“Yes you can, don’t worry. I promise.”

“Ok I guess so then.” Marc sighed.

“Matt you can stay here and play with your friend. I’ll bring Marc back in just a little bit. Marc climbed into the backseat and he and Rudy headed out.

Rudy turned to Marc. He was still looking at the difference between his two arms. “You ok Marc?” Rudy asked. He was getting concerned. “Steve is waiting for me at the office. If you need to, you can talk to him.”

“Yea sure. Maybe I will.” Marc stated.

Steve was waiting when they arrived at Rudy’s lab “You wait here. I bought some new puzzles you can take a look at. I have to go tell your dad what’s going on. And I need to talk to Steve for just a moment.”

“Ok Rudy.” Marc opened the new box with the jigsaw puzzle in it and started sorting out the straight edged pieces.

“Hey Rudy.” Steve stopped him. “What did you bring Marc for?”

“He needs a touch up job. By the way how are you doing?”

Steve compared his arms. “I guess I could use one too. I didn’t realize I had spent so much time in the sun.”

“Ok I’ll be right back I just need to tell Oscar that I brought Marc with me.”

“Ok.” Steve said following him out of the lab.

“You might want to have a little talk with Marc.” Rudy suggested. “I don’t think he likes it very well.”

“Doesn’t like what very well.” Steve asked.

“The fact that his skin won’t tan.” Rudy explained. “By the way what did you want to talk about?”

‘It’s not important. I’ll tell you when you get back.” Steve stepped back into Rudy’s office.

“Oscar.” Rudy began when he stepped into his office.

“Well I see you finally made it. It took longer than fifteen minutes by the way.” Oscar chided.

“I’m sorry. I had to bring you son with me.”

“Which one.” Oscar really didn’t need to ask.

“Marc.” Rudy explained what was going on with Marc. “Marc is sort of having a hard time with it. I think he and Steve are having a little chat. I figured I’d give them a little time. Any idea what Steve wants to talk about?”

“No he really wouldn’t tell me. He said he would rather discuss it with you. He sounded anxious though.

“Well I’ll go see what it is.” Rudy headed out the door.

“If you need to you can send Marc down here while you talk to Steve.” Oscar suggested.

“That won’t be necessary I think I’ll do what I have to with Marc, then send him home. Could you have Russ standing by?”

“That sounds like a great idea. I’ll give Russ the heads up.” Oscar looked up at him. ‘You really think he’s going to have a hard time with this. Marc I mean?”

“I don’t know. I think Steve was going to talk to him while I came down here.” Rudy indicated.

“Let’s hope that’s the case.” Oscar stated.

“Yea well I don’t know if Marc was upset about his skin not tanning, or the fact he had to leave Matt and Teddy.”

“I would presume the latter.” Oscar pulled out a file and began to read it.

Rudy made his way back down to his office. Steve was sitting in the chair behind Rudy’s desk and Marc was working on his puzzle.

“Listen Steve I want to get this done with Marc first. Then Russ can give him a ride home. He wants to play with Matt and his friends.”

“That sounds like a good idea. I would really rather he not be here anyway.”

Rudy gave him a puzzled look. “Sounds serious.”

“Well, I’m not really sure Rudy I just have something I would like to talk to you about.”

“Ok then. I’ll be right with you.” He walked over to Marc. “Why don’t you come with me for just a second.”

“Ok” Marc sighed. He stood up and walked over to where Rudy sat waiting for him.

“This won’t take long at all.” In a matter of minutes Rudy had dyed Marc’s skin to match the rest of him.”

Marc again compared his right arm to his left. “Looks great Rudy.” He seemed to be much better now.

Rudy went to the phone and dialed Oscar’s office he knew Russ would be there. “Oscar. I’m done with Marc.” Rudy told him.

“That’s great. Have you talked to Steve yet?” Oscar wondered.

“Just waiting for Marc to leave.” Rudy explained.

“Well send him on down. Russ will take him, and thanks Rudy.”

“No problem.” Rudy hung up the phone and turned to Marc. “Marc Russ is ready to take you home.” Rudy told him.

Marc hopped off the chair. “All right. I can go back and play?”

‘You sure can get going.” Marc sped out of Rudy’s office and headed for his dad’s.

“Ok Steve what seems to be the trouble? By the way is Marc ok with the fact…”

“Yea we talked he’s fine.” Steve hesitated. “I need to talk to you about a problem I’m having.”

“I figured as much. What seems to be the trouble?”

“I’m not really sure. I have a little problem it seems I black out every once in a while.”

“What do you mean black out Steve?” Rudy sounded concerned

“Just what I said. It has happened a couple of times. Sometimes I pass completely out other times…well I’d almost have to have Jaime explain it. She said it’s like I go into a trance or something.

“I’m not sure I understand Steve” Rudy looked at him.

“I can’t really explain that myself. I’m just telling you what she said. She said you could call her.”

“I think I will.” Rudy went to the phone. “Jaime I’m sitting here talking to Steve…”

“Rudy it is the strangest thing.” Jaime started.

“Well tell me.”

“Sometimes he faints other times he just stares off into space. Sometimes it takes me several minutes to get him to respond to me.” Rudy took the information and hung up

“Steve I just talked to Jaime…” Steve was passed out on the floor…

Rudy ran to him. “Steve. Steve!” He called. He knelt by his friend who was still on the floor. “Steve!” Rudy gently shook him.

Steve slowly came around. “Happened again huh doc.?” Steve wondered.

Rudy nodded. “It sure did. You scared you know what out of me.”

“I don’t understand what’s going on Rudy?” Steve was getting a little frustrated.

“I won’t know, not with out running a series of tests. We’ll get started right away.”

“Well then. Let’s get to it!” Steve demanded.

“Ok Steve.” Rudy ran Steve through a series of tests to see if they could determine what was wrong with him.

“I don’t know Steve.” Rudy admitted looking at the results. “All these say everything is fine.”

“Well, they are wrong!!” Steve shouted. “Why do I keep blanking out?”

“I think I might have an idea. I had to send one of the tests out. The machine I use to process them is not working right now. I sent them to an independent lab. I should have the results back in a couple of days. In the mean time I would suggest you don’t do any of the driving. But I’m sure it’s nothing to serious.”

“Let’s hope so.” Steve sighed.

They were still talking when Oscar walked in. “So how’s he doing?” Oscar indicated Steve.

“We are still waiting for some to the test results to come in.” Rudy told him.

‘I see, so what do we do in the mean time?” Oscar asked.

“Well Steve can’t go anywhere or do anything till I get this settled He passed out on me. I went to call Jaime and came back to find him passed out.”

“Ok Well then that blows that one. I had an assignment for him, I’ll have to send someone else.” Oscar muttered.

“That sounds like a logical conclusion.” Rudy surmised.

“Now how is Marc getting along?”

“I think he’s going to be fine.” Rudy explained. “He was glad to leave here anyway and get back home.”

“Hey, maybe Dan can come up with bionic skin that tans.” Steve speculated. “Speaking to the little genius…”

“He’s home.” Rudy stated. “As much as I need Dan’s help I want him to keep his regular schedule. So he has the day off. “ Rudy explained. “He’ll be in tomorrow.”

“Maybe he can figure out what the problem is.” Steve teased.

“I don’t think that is funny.” Rudy scolded.

“I’m sorry Rudy I didn’t mean anything by it.” Steve apologized.

“I’m sorry too. I take things to personally sometimes It’s not easy working with a 13 year old whose smarter than you are.”

“Must be frustrating.” Steve said. “Look I’m getting hungry. I think I’ll call Jaime and see if she wants to go grab a bite. Maybe we’ll take the twins with us.”

“On one condition.” Rudy cautioned, “Like I said. You let Jaime do the driving. I don’t want to risk your passing out at the wheel. I’m not even real comfortable with you leaving here.”

“Ok. I’ll have her pick me up and then we’ll go get the twins. Let me know if you come up with anything.” Steve called Jaime and left to wait for her outside.

“What do you think the problem could be?” Oscar asked when Steve had left.

“I think I have an idea, but I won’t know until I get the tests back.” Rudy admitted “I hate it when I run across something like this. I want to be able to help him and right now I can’t.” Rudy sighed.

Steve waited at the entrance for Jaime. “What did Rudy say?” Was her first question, when he got in the car.

“He really didn’t say a whole lot.” Steve sighed. “He ran a bunch of tests that say everything is fine.”

“That’s a bunch or baloney!” Jaime screamed. “I just may go give him a piece of my mind.”

“I don’t think it will do any good. I already tried.” Steve told her. “He won’t have the results on some of them for a couple of days.”

“A couple of days what do you do in the mean time.” Jaime was still angry. “Steve. I know something is wrong. I’ve seen you.” Jaime continued.

“So has Rudy. It happened when I was in his office.” Steve explained.

“And what did the good Doctor say about that?” Jaime wanted answers.

“He said I shouldn’t drive.”

“Well duh!” Jaime shouted. “I knew that I don’t even have a medical degree.” Jaime was furious. She didn’t know if she was angry with Rudy or the fact that no one seemed to know what was wrong with her husband.

They pulled into Oscar’s driveway the twins were waiting for them. “Dad said you were taking us to ‘Burger World’.” Marc said as he and Matt climbed into back seat of Jaime’s car.

“Is that where you want to go?” Jaime asked.

“Yea.” Both twins shouted together.

“How bout Dan.” Steve asked.

“He hates ‘Burger World’.” Matt replied.

“You know Matt I don’t think you stutter much anymore.” Steve noticed.

“Yea I know.” Matt smiled.

“That’s really great Matt.” Steve noted.

“So do you guys like ‘Burger World’?” Jaime asked.

The twins both nodded.

Steve watched Marc in the mirror. “You doing ok Marc?” He asked.

“Yea Steve. I’m fine.” Marc said.

Jaime turned to Steve. “What’s going on?”

Steve explained that Marc had had his skin touched up.

“I could go for that myself.” Jaime stated.

“Yea. I’m going back after lunch. Maybe I’ll get lucky and Rudy will have the results of those tests.”

“Well I hope we get some sort of answer.” She glanced at the twins they weren’t paying any attention. “I mean I don’t want my husband fainting all the time.”

“Yea. Well I’m not real keen on it either.” Steve agreed

“What worries me “ Again she glanced in the back seat. “Is the fact that what ever is wrong with you the same thing could be wrong with the baby.”

“I never thought of that.” Steve sighed as Jaime pulled into to parking lot of Burger world and everyone got out of the car.

“Well here we are men.” Steve called.

The twins ran on ahead. Jaime and Steve stayed behind talking.

“I just can’t figure out why Rudy can’t put his finger on what the problem could be.” Jaime was almost disgusted.

“Yea I know. Usually he’s pretty good at that.” Steve reminded.

“Steve, what if it’s something serious. Maybe Rudy already knows and he’s just not saying.”

“First of all if it were serious and Rudy knew what was wrong, he would never have allowed me to leave.” Steve told her. “He wasn’t real thrilled that I did leave.” He finished.

“And second of all.” Jaime pressed.

Second of all Rudy would never do that. If he knew what was wrong he would come right out and tell you.”

“Well ok then I say we have a quick lunch and get back. Maybe you’re right and he will have the test results.”

Across the city Ambassador Rustam sat in his office at the Soviet Embassy. He had a new conspirator Yuriy Shurik. “You know Yuriy” Rustam started. “We have been trying for months to gain control of the omega project. All efforts have failed. I know now why they have.”

“Tell me Rustam” Yuriy pressed.

Rustam turned to him and smiled. “You have often told me Yuriy that your daughter, how old is she?”

Yuriy smiled back. “She’s fourteen, Rustam, just turned fourteen in fact why?”

“Let me start out by saying. In my attempts to get at the omega project I first tried to gain the trust of Oscar Goldman’s young son Marc. That failed. Then we tried to replace young Marc with Dimetree’s son Alexi. That failed. We then tried to get the project through Goldman’s oldest son Daniel. But Dimetree’s attempt to hypnotize him also failed.

“How did it fail? The flashboard has never failed us?” Shurik wanted to know.

“We discovered through our source at OSI that the boy is color blind. We must get Daniel to cooperate with us. We must get him on our side. That is where you come in.” Rustam looked at him

“What is it you want me to do?” Shurik wondered.

“Well I should say that is where your daughter comes in. She’s very pretty yes.”

“I feel that she is. Why?”

“You brought her with you, is that correct?”

Yuriy nodded. “You asked me to. Now what does Tanya have to do with this?”

“I want her to get Danny to cooperate with us. I’m sure he’s a typical all American boy who would do anything for a pretty girl.”

“Tanya will be most anxious to cooperate with us.

“I have two KGB agents on the way to pick him up as we speak.” Rustam was saying. “And of course if that fails, we can always use your brainwashing methods.”

“You waste no time. I look forward to that Rustam.” Yuriy laughed.

Danny walked out of the café he started up the street. He didn’t notice the car driving next to him.

As Dan got ready to cross the street the car blocked the cross walk the back door opened

“Just get in Daniel and no one gets hurt.” The agent said in a thick Russian accent.

Dan stepped back away from the car. He was just starting to run. The driver had already anticipated this and was standing behind Dan.

He pulled his gun and pointed it at Danny. “Just get into the car Daniel.”

Danny looked around the street he saw the twin’s new friend Teddy not to far away along with a bunch of other kids from the neighborhood. Fearing for their safety Dan slowly got into the car….

Jaime and Steve sat across from one another at Burger World. They hadn’t eaten much of their lunch. “I don’t see why kids like this.” Jaime stated.

“Remind me not to come here again.” Steve laughed. He turned to the twins. He was still concerned about Marc. But Marc seemed fine. He and Matt sat talking in the strange language of theirs. They had both finished their burgers.

“You seem very preoccupied Steve. What is it?

Steve turned back to the twins they were busy talking. Then he looked at Jaime. “Rudy said Marc was pretty upset when he pointed out the difference in his right arm and left. He was afraid Marc was going to slip away from us again. I mean that is the normal pattern, he won’t talk, won’t eat. Well you know the drill.”

Jaime nodded. Then she turned to the twins. ‘Marc seems fine.” She stated

“I think he’ll be alright.” Steve noted. “I just worry about the kid maybe to much sometimes.”

“Yea I do to.” Jaime agreed She saw them coming over toward them.

“Steve can we go the ice cream bar now?” Matt asked.

“Well you both did good with your lunch. Yea, go ahead.”

They watched as the two of them walked hand in hand to get their ice cream.

“I think Marc is going to be just fine.” Jaime pointed out.

“I hope so. ”Steve started.

“I know. I think he’s part of the reason Oscar hasn’t sent you out so much. Marc seems to do so much better when you’re around.

“I know, but I think till he is a little older, a little more mature emotionally it’s best that I stay pretty close to Marc. But you know I think the move Oscar made was for the best I mean he actually has friends his own age.”

“Yea I know and speaking of ‘emotionally mature,’ why didn’t Dan come along?” Jaime asked

“He’s smart, remember. To smart to eat here.” Steve laughed.

At the Soviet Embassy Dan was led down the hall by the two agents who had picked him up. He knew where he was going he had been led down this hall before. “Don’t tell me Rustam wants to see me again?”

“Quiet.” The first agent poked a gun in Dan’s back.

“Ok, ok I get the point.” Dan stated.

The second agent knocked on the door.

“Yes” Came the voice from the other side.

“We have the boy.” The first agent said.

“Come in.” Rustam stood to greet Daniel when he walked in.

“Daniel! My young friend, please come in, won’t you sit down?”

“Let’s get one thing straight Rustam. I’m not your friend!” Dan shouted. “Now I want to go home.”

“In due time Daniel, in due time. I have been going over these documents you gave me I must admit it wasn’t very many. You gave me quite a few at first then you no longer met with us.”

“Yea, well I got bored I couldn’t find anything worth giving you.” Dan remembered that they had hypnotized him he felt he should play along.

Rustam slowly shook his head. “We know now why the hypnosis did not work on you.”

Dan tried to look shocked. “What hypnosis?”

“We know all about you Dan. You can not be hypnotized because you can not see the colors, correct.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Dan argued

“Don’t play dumb. We know how smart you are.”

Dan smiled to himself. ‘So now what’s your plan?’ “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

Rustam shoved a photo across the table. “Do you recognize this man?”

Dan recognized him as one of the custodians at OSI. He nodded

“He is our informant. Though he cannot provide us with the information we need. .But he provides us with enough. We know you have experimented with cloning. That is something we would like you to do for us.”

After lunch Steve and Jaime dropped the twins off at home so they could enjoy what was left of the beautiful July afternoon.

Steve noticed that Jaime had worn long sleeves “Shall we get back to the lab Maybe by the time Rudy finishes ‘touching’ us up He’ll have the results from my tests.”

“Yea I was planning to stop in to see him today anyway.”

“Ok then let’s head that way.” Steve agreed.

Before they left they watched as the twins rejoined their friends and rode across the street to Teddy’s house.

“You know Steve.” Jaime started as they pulled away from the curb. “I really marvel about Marc. I mean, our bionics are one thing. But what Rudy did for Marc is just fantastic. I mean where would Marc be right now…”

“Yea.” Steve stated he too marveled at how well Marc got along, well physically anyway.

Back at the OSI Oscar was waiting for them. “Well you two. How was the lunch?” He asked

“It was horrible” Steve pretended to gag.

Oscar gave a slight laugh. “Yea I know I don’t see why the kids like that place. Rudy is waiting for you in his office. He said the two of you may need to be ‘touched up as well.”

“Yea we do. He ran a bunch of tests earlier. He hadn’t gotten all of the results back yet we were hoping that by the time we finished he just might have them.” Steve sounded frustrated. “That’s kind of why I took the kids along a little distraction.”

“Well they can be very distracting at times.” Oscar agreed. “Let me know what the tests show huh pal.” Oscar stated.

They were still talking when Rudy walked up to them.

“Did you get the results yet Rudy?” Steve was anxious.

“No, not yet Steve. The one set I told you I had to send to an independent lab. They will have the results in a couple of days.”

“An independent lab?” Oscar replied. “Rudy is that a good idea?”

Rudy gave a slight laugh “I use them all the time Oscar. Like I explained to Steve. The machine I use to process isn’t working”

“As long as they are reliable.” Oscar presumed.

“They are.” He turned to Jaime and Steve. “Anyway you two, should we get started.” He glanced at Oscar “I have to do the same for them that I did for Marc.”

“I don’t know why you can’t make a bionic skin that tans anyway.” Jaime complained.

“Who knows maybe Danny will come up with something one of these days.” Rudy pondered.

Oscar looked around. Then he turned to Rudy. “By the way where is your young assistant?”

“Cloning what is that?” Dan tried to sound surprised.

“You know very well what I am talking about. And you were not honest with us the last time you were here. My informant tells me you do work with Dr. Wells on many projects including the cloning.”

“He’s mistaken.” Dan argued. “And I have no idea what cloning is.”

“I don’t believe you.” He with drew a pile of cards. “You say you are not color blind then I want you to point to the green card Danny.”

Danny looked at the cards. He knew they had him this time.

Rustam slowly shook his head. “I didn’t think so.” He reached over and pressed the button on the intercom. “Katatina, send her in.”

The door opened and Tanya Shurik stepped in. “Tanya” Rustam spoke. “This is the young boy I was telling you about.”

She sat in the chair next to Dan and held out her hand for Dan. Dan ignored it

“I’d rather not.” He snorted.

“You will change your mind Dan.” Rustam admitted. “I want you to go with Tanya she is most anxious to talk to you.”

“What? You’re going to show me more flashing lights? I thought you figured out that didn’t work.” Dan looked at the pretty girl sitting next to him. ‘She is pretty’ Dan thought. ‘I wonder what she wants’?

“We have other methods Daniel. We want you work for us. We know you are a very clever boy. You attend the Richmond school…”

“I go to school where? Yea right.” Dan tried to stall.

Alexi Dimetree saw you dropped off there. I know you are a student there.

“I’m telling you, you have been misinformed.” Dan added.

“I don’t think so.” Rustam gave Tanya a slight nod. “You will go with Tanya now. I will speak to you later. And Daniel. We will be friends.”

Dan was getting a little nervous now. No one even knew he was missing yet, much less where he was.

The two agents who had brought Dan here (he knew their names now. Valdmir Mischa and Igor Olezka) stepped in to escort Dan and Tanya down the hall to another room. The first guard opened the door for them.

Dan turned to Tanya. “Ladies first.” He offered.

The two stepped into the room.

Back in his office Rustam smiled to himself as they left. ‘You will work for us Daniel and you will be my friend.’

Steve sat waiting for Rudy to finish with Jaime. He had already had his turn at the wheel so to speak. He looked at his watch ‘It’s getting late.’ He thought.

The door opened and the two of them stepped out. “That took longer than it did with me.” Steve noted.

I was just checking the baby. Everything seems to be fine.” Rudy explained.

“That was one concern we had.” Steve pointed out. “Was that what ever problem I’m having, the baby could be born with it.”

“I don’t think that’s a problem for right now.” Rudy assured.

“Well that’s good.” Steve started “I would hate…I mean uh I….”

“Steve?” Rudy called out. “Are you all right?”

Steve didn’t respond.

This is just what has happened before.” Jaime indicated.

Rudy snapped his fingers. “Steve. Hey!”…

“Steve!” Rudy called again as he continued to snap his fingers.

Steve still didn’t respond.

“Steve!” Rudy called once again

“Rudy?” Steve came back. “Uh. What was I saying?”

Rudy and Jaime exchanged glances. Then Rudy turned back to Steve. “Ok Listen. Something is going on and I don’t like it at all. You’re staying here. I’m not letting you out of here.”

“Why what do you mean?” Steve demanded.

“It happened again. Only you didn’t pass all the way out this time. You just sort of blanked out.” Rudy explained.

“I’m telling you Rudy. This is getting to be very annoying.” Steve grumbled.

“Yea I agree. I’m also very concerned about you. I think it’s best you stay here till I get the test results back.

“I guess you’re right.” Steve agreed. “I don’t like it very well, but I’ll stay.” He turned to Jaime. “You can either stay here or I’m sure Oscar would let you use his guest room if you don’t want to be alone.”

“I would really rather stay here. That is if it’s alright with Rudy.”

“Of course that’s fine, but you really should eat something.” He turned to Steve. “We’ll go home and grab something then we’ll be back in about an hour. Want us to bring you back any thing?”

“That sounds good.” Steve agreed. “Just bring what ever you can. Frankly I would prefer to go myself…”

“Well you need to stay here I’ll bring you back something” Rudy stated as he and Jaime left.

“Well if you insist.” Steve sighed.

“Oh I do. Don’t worry. We’ll be right back.” Rudy assured.

“Rudy is he going to be alright? Jaime wondered as they started down the hall

“At this point I don’t know. This is very strange. He’s not going anywhere till I get a handle on it.” Rudy told her as he pushed the button for the elevator. I have a few things to do. I’ll see you at Oscar’s later.”

“Yea sure ok Rudy.” Jaime really didn’t want to leave, but she knew she would be coming right back.

“Are you sure you would rather stay at the hospital?” Oscar asked when Jaime arrived “You know you can stay here. By the way Rudy called. He said he had something to look up then you and he can head back.

“That would be great. Thanks for the offer Oscar. But I want to be close to Steve.” Jaime explained

“I understand. I suppose you want to at least clean up before dinner?”

‘If you don’t mind.” Jaime headed for the stairs.

“Ok then do you mind tapping on Dan’s? Let him know dinner will be ready soon?”

“No not at all.” She headed upstairs but was back down in a matter of minutes. “Oscar, he’s not up there.”

“You two kids have fun.” The second guard laughed as he shut the door behind him.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dan turned to the girl standing next to him.

“Come Danny.” She called ‘Sit next to me.” She coaxed him over to the couch where she was sitting.

Dan’s face turned crimson. “If you don’t mind I’d rather sit here.” He sat in a chair across from her.

“You hurt my feelings Danny. My father. Yuriy. And Rustam want us to be the best of friends, that’s all.” She whispered to him.

“Yea well I’m not sure I want to be friends…” Then it hit him ‘I see what the game is now.’ Dan thought. ‘They want me to trust her enough to reveal classified information. Ok I can play along.”

Rustam looked at his watch. “I guess they have had enough time to ‘get to know each other.’ Let say we see how they are getting along.”

The two men stepped into the room. “So, how are you kids doing?”

Again Dan smiled to himself. “We’re just fine.”

“Yes Rustam Dan and I were just getting ready to discuss some very important things.”

“What do you mean he’s not up there?” Oscar stood in the middle of the kitchen looking at her.

“Just what I said Oscar he’s not in his room or his office.” Jaime explained.

Oscar picked up the house phone. “Victor. I know you’re just getting ready to go off duty but this is important. Did you log Danny out anytime this afternoon?”

Oscar listened without saying a word He hung up and turned to Jaime. “Victor says he logged Dan out at noon. Dan never checked back in.”

“That’s not like Danny.” Jaime stated.

“No it’s not.”

“Now what do we do?” Jaime asked. I mean with Steve…”

“I think we can handle this one without Steve.” Oscar complained. “Dan will show up.”

The front door bell interrupted them. The two of them walked to the door

Russ stepped in. “Oscar I have some news. This intelligence report came in just after you left. I thought you might want to see it.”

“What does it say Russ?” Oscar was more concerned about the condition of Steve. He knew Dan would turn up.

“Have you heard of Yuriy Shurik?” Russ asked.

That got Oscar’s attention. “Of course I have. Why?”

“This intelligence report says he’s in the country.” Russ explained

“Who is Yuriy Shurik?” Jaime asked.

“One of the KGB’s best agents.” Oscar started. “He seems to have a knack of getting our people to ‘join’ their team. We have lost many agents to the other side thanks to Yuriy Shurik We really don’t know how he does it.” Oscar sighed.

“Well maybe he’s here on vacation.” Jaime offered.

“Not very likely.” Oscar muttered. “This is all I need on top of everything else

“Listen Steve. If there is anything you need just give a holler. I’ll be in my office most of the night.” Rudy told him “Like I said I’ll slip out and get you something to eat.

“I appreciate that Rudy.” Steve began. “But I really think this is ridiculous.” Steve argued.

“Well I don’t. Something is going on. And I really don’t want to take any chances.” Rudy informed him. “I just wish I knew what was going on. I can’t wait for those tests to come back.”

“Yea same here.” Steve sighed as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“You said earlier you thought you knew what it was? Want to let me in on it?”

Rudy shook his head. “No not until I get all of the facts.”

“Oh come on Rudy you’ve never played coy before. Why start now?”

“Because this time I’m not one hundred percent sure. Even if I did tell you it wouldn’t help. I couldn’t do anything till I got the tests back anyway.”

“Sounds like it could be serious.” Steve muttered.

“Not really. It could be, but if I get to it in time you should be alright.” Rudy again started out of his office. “Any thing special you’d like?”

“What my last meal?” Steve muttered.

“It’s not like that Steve. Just relax.” Rudy suggested. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

“Ok Rudy anything will be fine.” Steve lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

Rustam turned from Tanya to Danny. “Is this true?”

Dan smiled to himself. “Yea sure I kind of like her.”

“You would be willing to tell her anything Daniel?” Rustam pressed. Danny continued to smile to himself. ‘Just play along and they’ll let you out of here.’ He thought.

“That’s right Rustam. Oh and my friends call me Dan.”

Very good then Dan.” Rustam smiled.

“Sounds like a real sweet guy.” Jaime mused.

“He’s extremely dangerous.” Oscar explained. “They only call him in…”

“I get the picture. Who do you think they are after?” Jaime thought for a moment. “Oh my G-- Oscar could this have something to do with Danny’s disappearance?”

Oscar turned to Russ. Russ would know if Danny was going to be involved.

Russ nodded. “In fact, he’s the reason that Yuriy Shurik is here.” Russ told them.

“Can I go home now?” Dan asked

“When the time is right Dan.” Rustam continued to smile. “Why don’t you and Tanya just keep talking?”

“Yea sure.” Dan agreed ‘ I guess I can think of something to tell them.’

Jaime turned to Oscar. “Do you think the Russians could actually get Dan to come over to their side?” She asked.

Oscar shrugged. “I don’t know if those are his intentions Jaime.” Oscar muttered.

“But if that’s the main reason he’s here…”

“Well let’s cross that bridge when we come to it. I hope they won’t try that.”

Danny and Tanya opened the door. “Thanks for the information Dan.” She smiled

“No problem.” Dan laughed to himself. ‘I gave you nothing more than chicken feed. You could get that from the local news’. Dan thought. “Can I go home now?” “We’ll give you a ride.” Rustam began. I expect you to meet with Tanya ever few days.”

“Oh no need to worry.” Dan knew he could keep them going on nothing information till they could come up with something else.

“Well I’m going to call Gregory. He might as well know in advance what’s going on.” Oscar sighed. “I suppose you want to get back to Steve?”

“I can wait here Oscar.” Jaime told him.

“I hate to ask, but could you take care of the kids for a moment.

“No problem” Jaime stated.

Rustam led Dan down to his car. “Now don’t forget our deal.” Rustam stated as they pulled away from the embassy

“Is Gregory on his way?” Jaime asked when Oscar came out of his office.

“Yea. I called Rudy too. Steve is sleeping. He hopes he sleeps through the night.”

“Oscar, I don’t want Steve to know about this. I have a feeling he’s going to need all the rest he can get. If he knows about this he’ll want to help.”

“Yea, you’re probably right.” Oscar agreed.

“I agree with Jaime.” Rudy said as he walked into Oscar’s office.

“Rudy. I thought you were staying with Steve.” Oscar was surprised to see him.

“I came home to grab something to eat and clean up. I already took something back for Steve. He was sleeping when I got there.”

“Well there is stuff in the kitchen.” Oscar told him.

Rudy headed for the kitchen

“Well Danny, here we are.” Rustam said as they pulled up to Oscar’s house.

“Yea sure Rustam. Thanks for the ride.” Dan got out of the car and waved as Rustam and company drove away.

Gregory saw the whole thing. “Well, well Danny. I see you’re quite friendly with the Russians.

“Not quite. Come on Gregory I had to play along. Look I just want to get in the house and let my dad know I’m ok.”

Gregory followed Dan up the drive and into the house. “Dad I’m home.” Dan called.

Rudy and Oscar ran to him. “Is it true Dan?” Oscar asked. “Did the Russians take you?”

“Well Uh.” Dan began. “I saw them drop him off.” Gregory snorted.

Rudy stepped over to Danny. ‘You ok.”

“I think so.”

Rudy quickly examined him. “Yea I think you’re going to be fine.”

“I’m just real tired.” Dan told him. “And hungry “

“I understand. I’ll get you something to eat and try to hold the interrogation off until tomorrow.”

I’d appreciate it.” Danny slipped into bed and was sleeping.

“How is he Rudy?” Oscar wondered.

“He’s fine he’s sleeping right now.”

Gregory stepped forward “I really need to talk to him Dr. Wells.”

“That’s not my concern right now. Right now my only concern is letting Dan get some rest.” Rudy looked at Gregory.

“Ok I can wait till tomorrow.” Gregory walked down stairs and was gone.

“Oscar. I really need to get back to Steve. I’m sure Gregory will want to talk to him first thing in the morning.

“Yea I guess you’re right. If Dan is awake I’ll bring him. If not Russ can always bring him.”

“I’ll see you then. I really want to get back to Steve.” Rudy stated.

“Ok:” He turned to Jaime. “You going with him?”

“Yea I’ll see you in the morning Oscar.”

Rudy and Jaime arrived back at his lab. Steve was standing outside the door. “Steve you should be in bed.” Rudy scolded.

“Yea. I know. Where were you?” Steve was suspicious.

“I told you. I went home for a quick change and something to eat.” Rudy explained. “Have you had anymore black outs?”

Steve shook his head. “No. Not really.”

“What do you mean ‘not really’?” Rudy wondered.

“I don’t know. I do know when I stand for a long time I get a little dizzy”

“Do you feel that way now?”

Steve nodded. “Yea I do.”

Rudy helped Steve back to bed. “You stay put. I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t worry. I’m afraid if I got up I’d fall on my face.”

“Well we don’t want that to happen. You stay in bed. The test results should be in by tomorrow.”

“I hope they tell us something.” Steve was drifting off to sleep.

Gregory was waiting when Oscar arrived.

“Hi Gregory. Rudy says Dan may not be up for this, this morning….”

“We can do it right here Oscar. It is important we talk to him. We want to know more about the methods Yuriy Shurik employs.

“Yea well I don’t know if Dan is going to be able to tell us much.”

“I agree with that. But we still need to talk to him.”

“Ok but here, and Rudy has to be present He’s with Steve right now. I’ll send Russ to pick Dan up.”

“Can’t ask for more than that Oscar.” Gregory replied.

Just as he was ready to dial Russ, Rudy stepped in. as Gregory was leaving. “He still wants to interview Danny?”

Oscar nodded. He reached over and picked up the phone. “I have to call Russ to bring Dan in. By the way how’s Steve?”

“That’s why I came in here. Still no change.”

“He’s still having blackouts then?”

Rudy nodded. “They are coming closer and closer together. I should have those test results by late this morning.”

“Well that’s good. I just hope they tell us something.” Oscar sighed.

“So how are you feeling Steve?” Jaime asked when she walked into Steve’s room.

“I’m not sure yet. Rudy poked his head in a few minutes ago. He said he should have those tests back later this morning.”

“Well I certainly hope so.” Jaime was getting disgusted.

“Anyway, anything exciting happening?”

“Not that I can think. Why do you ask?”

“I’ve head rumors.” Steve gave her a stern look.

“Well I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I haven’t heard anything.”

“You’re sure about that?” Steve demanded.

Jaime nodded. “Yea I’m sure. “Now listen Steve. Rudy wants you to lay back and take it easy.”

“I’m tired of laying around. I think I’ll take a short walk up the hall and back. Care to join me?

Again Jaime nodded. “Yea ok.”

By the time Russ and Dan arrived Gregory was waiting for him in Oscar’s office.

“I just have a few questions Dan.” Gregory was trying to be subtle. Dan wasn’t buying it.

“Now Dan. Why don’t you tell us exactly what happened yesterday.”

Dan sat down on the couch. Rudy was right beside him. “Just a minute Dan.” He turned to Gregory. “This interview is over the instant Dan starts to wheeze or I feel he’s upset.”

“Understood. Go ahead Dan.” Gregory pressed.

“Well” Dan began. He relayed the entire story. From the time they picked him up outside of the café until they brought him home. I knew exactly what he was up to from the start.”

Gregory was busy writing. “Keep going.”

...Continued