Date: Thu, 3 Dec 2015 11:46:21 -0700 From: Michael King Subject: Lives Changed 11-A PLEASE DONATE TO NIFTY TO KEEP THESE PAGES GOING. Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. The people do not exist except in my mind. This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission. If you are too young to be in here or it is illegal in your state then please leave, as I do not wish anything bad to happen to you. Chapter 11-A Just after Malcolm's flight took off from Naples. Ace quickly called Tony and had him take Aaron and Zeke from school. Ace also told him to have Donnie get Patrick and his brother and sister from the high school. Without arguing Tony quickly did as Ace ordered. For Tony it was simple all he had to do was walk in and go straight to the boys classrooms. Walking in to Zeke's class Tony was surprised to see that everyone was busy reading. Spotting Zeke he slowly made his way and with a gentle touch Tony startled Zeke. "Uncle Tony, what are you doing here?" Zeke whispered. "I was told to come and get you and your brother." Tony answered. "Okay let me get my bag and jacket." Zeke started to say just as the fire alarm sounded. "Grab your things quickly and Zeke stay in the class room no matter what." "Sure Uncle, but we supposed to go outside when we hear the alarm." "I know, but doesn't the principal tell you when you are going to have fire drills?" "Sure, that way we don't get too scared." "Okay I will go get you brother and then we can leave." "Attention, will all students and teachers please assemble in the gym." The principal asked over the PA system. Stabbing his phone, Tony quickly called Donnie. "Tony what's up do you have Zeke and Aaron?" Donnie asked as soon as he answered. "No, tell me are the students there still in class?" Tony asked. "Yes, I was just about to enter Patrick's class when you called." "Okay, I will meet you at the house, make sure you have his brother and sister also. I have Marsten picking up Richard so we should all be there about the same time." "Okay, why are we taking the kid's from classes?" Donnie asked. "We are all headed to Washington. We have a plane to catch at eleven. I don't know where Ace has set up rooms for us yet, but that can wait until we land and find out." "Great, more surprises. Have you heard anything about what Malcolm is planning?" "Not a thing, I am going to phone him as soon as I have Aaron and Zeke in the Hummer." "Okay, then I will see you shortly." Entering Patrick's class, Donnie spotted Patrick sitting in the back row working away on some math the teacher had scribbled on the black board. Silently walking over he was about to say something when the teacher stopped him. "Sir may I ask what you are doing in here?" He asked. "Hey Mr. Osbourne, did something happen?" Patrick asked looking up from his work. "No Patrick everything is fine, grab your things we have a plane to catch." Donnie answered. "Sir I asked a question." The teacher snapped. "I know you did and if you wait I will answer you. Patrick what classes are your brother and sister in, do you know?" "Sure, are we going to get them also?" Patrick asked with a smile. "Yes we are. Now sir I am Donnie Osbourne with the Secret Service, I am here to take Patrick to Washington on orders from the President." "Oh, I see well then I guess I can't say anything." "No I guess you can't." "Patrick, go get your things from your locker. I will get your brother and sister and meet you at the front door." Leaving Patrick to do the things he was asked Donnie headed out to the other classrooms and got Patrick's brother and sister. Patrick having gotten his things was just walking down the hall when the kid from the lunch room got in front of him. "You got no one watching your back now fag, now it is my turn to teach you a thing or two about how it will be here from now on." The kid whispered. "I don't think so, you see I am not alone, I have lots of friends in this school, plus there is the fact that you are trying to be a bully and I hate bullies. So my suggestion to you is to back off, before you find yourself in so much crap that you won't be able to find your way out." Patrick calmly stated. "Really you think you can make me back off, I would like to see you try?" "Oh I don't have to, my friend behind you will, but he probably will just tell you to leave me alone since we have an appointment to keep." "Good try, thinking I will turn and you just walk away." "That is just what he is going to do, and you young man are either going to the office or to class make up your mind." Donnie spoke up from behind the kid. Hearing the voice behind him the kid jumped and spun around. "Where the hell did you come from?" The kid yelled. "What if I decide to do none of those?" The kid snarled. "That is your choice. Come on Patrick everyone's waiting for us." Donnie called out. "This isn't over kid." The teen snapped. "Yes it is, but if you want to finish it, I am sure we can do that when I return." Patrick said with a smile. As Patrick and Donnie entered Malcolm's place you could hear everyone talking at once. Patrick who had just put his bag down was soon jumped on by Aaron. Hugging the little guy and walking into the kitchen Patrick saw everyone there except Real. "Hey everyone, what's happening?" Patrick called out. "Oh you finally decide to make it did you?" Papa Daniels asked with a smirk. "Yeah, just had to deal with an idiot." "I glad you here, now we can go to Washinton." Aaron squeaked. "Again, why?" Patrick asked confused. "Seems like we are to be visiting the President, and also seems like Malcolm wants us there." Richard said as he sipped the last of his coffee. "I thought Malcolm was hiding." Patrick said with a frown. "I know we couldn't find him." He lied having seen Malcolm earlier that weekend. "Well it looks like he has come out of hiding and is going to be in Washington this week and weekend." Tony stated. "Now go grab your bags and let's get loaded. "Patwick, will you carry my big bag for me pwease, it too heavy." Aaron asked. "Of course squirt, come on let's do this and go see you brother." "Yippee." Aaron hollered and ran towards the front door. "Come on Midnight we gets to fly again." The adults listening to Aaron's excitement had them smiling. "Tony, what about Jamie is he coming with us?" Emily Jacobs asked. "Yes in fact he is already in Washington, staying with the Vice President." "Nice. I do hope you get to spend time with him." "I will be, we plan on a dinner and shopping maybe a movie also." Aaron just loved flying, but on this flight he was quiet as he sat between Zeke and Patrick. Midnight had been placed in a cage and was in the luggage area where pets were kept and that upset Aaron. The flight took two and a half hours not counting the waiting time to load or when the families were in Washington waiting for their luggage and Midnight. "Patwick, will we be seeing Malcom here?" Aaron mumbled. "Yes buddy we will. Now cheer up here comes Midnight and he looks happy to see you." Patrick answered. "Uh huh. I happy to see him too, he don't like being wocked up." Aaron said as he hugged and petted Midnight. "You a good puppy." Aaron whispered in Midnight's ear. Real had left Naples two days before saying that he would make sure that all the rooms were on the same floor and had interlocking doors. He also told Tony that he wanted to make sure that the security for the families was tight. To Tony this wasn't a problem, except for the fact that Real, didn't know when the families would be leaving or who in fact would be going. Tony had gotten busy dealing with things that Malcolm had asked him to look into and so forgot about Real. That was until the families stepped out of the airport and Real was there to greet them, along with about eight other agents. None of whom Tony knew. Turning slightly Tony glanced over at Patrick, catching his eye Tony smiled and waved him over. "Gentlemen, before we get going Patrick here needs the bathroom, we will only be a couple of minutes." Tony called out. "Tony?" Patrick started to say, but stopped when Tony laid a hand on his shoulder and guided him back inside the airport. "I know you don't have to go, but come on we have to make this good. Like our friend Malcolm would say I have a bad feeling here." Tony said with a small grin. Inside the bathroom Tony made sure that no one was around before taking out a cell phone. "Patrick this is a throw away phone. It is good for only two uses. I want you to stick it down the front of your pants. Make sure you don't lose it." "Tony we're in Washington, we have all those agents out there to protect us, what could go wrong." Patrick asked as he did what Tony asked him. "I don't know, just call it instinct or gut feeling. Now let's get back out there before they come looking for us. Patrick no one is to know you have that phone." "Okay, but you're scaring the crap out of me." "That is not my intention, all I want to do is keep you all safe." "Okay, you're the boss." Patrick said with a chuckle. "Don't you forget that either young man." Tony laughed. "Before I forget there are only two numbers on that phone, one is to Ace's cell and the other to Malcolm's don't use them unless you really need to." "Sure, I understand. I can't wait to see Malcolm I miss him a whole lot." "I bet you do, young love is something that should be cherished." Malcolm's trip into Morgantown and to the smeltering plant had gone smoothly for the two and that had Malcom a bit worried. Malcolm didn't mind the ease of everything, but he felt that something was going to explode and when it did someone was going to be hurt. At the plant Malcolm watched closely as the box with everything in it melted. It was a strange sight, seeing it just become a piece of useless junk. Once it had been melted and poured into a one inch slab, Malcolm waited for the worker to bring it to him. The manager had said that the cooling process would take some time, maybe an hour, then the worker would just dump it into a bucket of cold water. When the slab had finally been given to Malcom ninety minutes later it was still warm to the touch, but not something that would harm. Leaving the plant Malcolm and Ian went to their motel rooms and showered before meeting up again for dinner. Malcolm who had been on his crutches all day was tired and so when he joined Ian for dinner he was sitting in his wheel chair. "I was wondering if you would be in that chair tonight, I saw you were getting a bit tired." Ian said as they entered the restaurant. "Yeah, well I think in a few more months I will be back to normal, I lasted longer today that I usually do." "That you did, which is a good thing, just remember not to push too hard." "Not likely, if I did I would be kissing the pavement or floors, Have you heard from Tony or anyone?" Malcolm asked as the waitress walked up. "What can I git y'all to eat?" She asked. "I'll have liver and onions, green beans and Mashed potatoes." Ian answered with a smile. "For you young man?" The waitress asked winking at Malcolm. "I would like your eight ounce sirloin, medium rare with mushrooms, baked potato and corn please?" "Sure thing sweety, y'all want something to drink with that? "Tea for me, I don't know what the old one wants." Malcolm laughed. Ian and Malcolm talked all through dinner, just normal everyday things. Both wanting to forget for a while the problems that Malcolm was having. When Ian paid the bill the waitress smiled at them both. "Y'all have a good night now and be sure to come on back." She said with a warm smile. "I think she likes you Ian." Malcolm laughed. "No it was you she was calling sweety." Ian retorted. "Yeah right, how can anyone think that with me in this chair, besides she's too old for me? More your age, ancient that is." "I can go back and tell her that." Ian laughed even harder. "No thanks, I think I will just go curl up and read for a bit. What time do we leave tomorrow?" "We won't be flying, we will be driving, it is only three hours and I figure if we left at nine we should be at the White House by twelve thirty, if traffic isn't too bad." "Oh, then you have a good night." Malcolm said as he entered his room. Once Malcolm was in his room with the door lock, instead of reading like he had told Ian he was going to do, He pulled open his laptop and booted it up. While it was loading Malcolm did a trip to the bathroom and brushed his teeth. He had just sat back down and was going over some of the notes that his Uncle Marcus had mad when his room phone rang. Ignoring it Malcolm continued to read. It was eleven by the time Malcolm shut everything down and went to bed. He felt good for the first time in a while, he finally realized that the end was in sight and that God willing nothing was going to interrupt things. Breakfast and a shower out of the way Malcolm and Ian were ready to leave when the waitress from the night walked into the lobby, followed by two young blonde children. "Mr. Daniels, my children wanted to meet you and I knew you were leaving this morning, I hope I don't offend you but could you sign one of your books for them please?" The lady asked. "I am not offended and I would be happy to sign one for them both that is if they want me too." Malcolm said with a grin. "Uh huh." The kids said in unison. Having signed the books the kids had and giving them both hugs, Malcolm left the two and made his way outside to where Ian had the car waiting. Once Ian had them on the highway Malcolm put his seat back and closed his eyes. The music that Ian was playing was strange, yet relaxing, it was the Power of Epic music. As Malcolm listened to it some of the images he pictured were the things that had happened in his life, strong and emotional. The disc ended just as Ian pulled up to the west gate of the White house. Sitting up Malcolm tried his best to stretch and look around. Dusty Moore and JR Carl met both at the front door with smiles. "Glad to see you could make it Malcolm. It has been a while." JR said. "Yeah, but I didn't think you wanted my ugly face around here that much." Malcolm answered with a laugh. "Come now, you're not that ugly. But it is good to see you are up and about, you had us all worried there for a bit." "I am sorry about that, but I don't give up that easy, you should know that." "I do, come on I will take you upstairs to the residence. You will be back in the Queen's room." "Okay, is Bennie around?" "No he had classes today. Dinner that night was an excited affair as Bennie and Malcolm sat close by talking of things and having a good time entertaining Ronnie. Malcolm had asked about the young girl, but both Ace and Bennie had put off answering him for the time being. Ace, Ben and Ian were also quietly talking and watching the interaction between the three. It was as dessert was being brought in that Ian finally turned the conversation to the here and now. "Mr. President, Ace I would like a chance to talk with you both before this meeting in the morning. I would prefer it tonight if possible." Ian stated. "Agent Stillwaters is what you have to say important enough to interrupt a quiet evening?" Ben asked. "Yes sir I do, in fact I think that what I have to say will be helpful to Malcolm in the morning. What I mean is if you both are aware of somethings then you won't be so surprised when Malcolm makes his appearance." "Could this put anyone in serious danger?" Ace inquired. "Only those that are out to hurt Malcolm and his family." Ian answered with a smile. "So you know what is going on?" Ben asked. "Yes sir, though Malcolm doesn't know that I am aware of it." "I see, then I guess Bennie with have to watch his daughter for a while." "I got no problem with that." Bennie interrupted. "Besides I have Malcolm to help." "Malcolm needs his rest. Don't forget he is still healing and learning to walk again." "I can sit on the couch. I am not all that tired." Malcolm said while stifling a yawn. After dinner Ben walked over to Malcolm and smiling gave him a gentle hug. "I want you to rest, you have the Queens bedroom so I would suggest you go lay down." "I'll be find on the couch, if I get to tired I can stretch out or go to bed." Malcolm whispered. "Okay, but don't over-do it, I will have Dr. Phillips here and he can give you something to sleep afterwards and that isn't up for argument young man." Ben chuckled. "Yes sir." Over at the State Plaza Hotel, the two families had been shown their rooms and were quietly unpacking and just having a good laugh when Real and four other people barged into the room. Emily who had been standing by the TV let out a shriek which brought everyone running in to see what was happening. "Perfect, now that we have everyone in the same room we can get down to business. First off I want you all to give up your phones and then sit on the bed, and no one is to move." Sinclair stated firmly. "Just who the hell are you?" Roberts Sr. asked. "I am Austin Sinclair and right now you are my hostages." Sinclair snarled. "Now hand over your phones, and tell that mutt to shut up." "He not a mutt, he my fwiend." Aaron wailed. Once Ace and Ben were seated in the Treaty room Ian who was pacing stop and stared at one of the pictures. "Ace, Mr. President I don't know how much you know about what is happening with Mr. Daniels out there, but I can tell you that it goes back way before he was born. Marcus Daniels after setting up his company, became interested in ways to save lives. I don't mean medically I mean in the armed forces. Through some government loans, which I understand he paid back, Marcus Daniels came up with a couple of items. Both of these items made the person or vehicle completely stealth. Now this is something that Malcolm does not know I am aware of. When the Richardson brothers killed Malcolm's Uncle they were too late, Marcus had already hidden the items and blue prints for both of them in the only place that he knew Malcolm would find. Now we all know that ever since Malcolm started high school there have been attempts to either get him into jail or kill him. His mother Elizabeth Daniels along with the Richardson brothers are in jail. That would have left seven others out to get Malcolm, but we know now that three more have been killed, by whom we don't know yet. The Naples Police force have an arrest warrant for a Jordan Martin, but have yet to find him. The police believe that Martin is the one that killed his father, Senator Martin, Naples police officer Collin Danvers and Maurice Marshall. So now who are the..." Ian was about to go on when there came and incessant knocking on the door. Getting up Ace walked over ready to give a yelling to whoever it was, but when he opened the door and saw Bennie standing there he knew something was wrong. "What is it Bennie, we are in a meeting." Ace inquired. "I know, but you and Agent Stillwater better come out here, it's Malcolm." Bennie answered quickly. "Okay we'll be right there. Ben get Dr. Phillips in here please?" Going into the front room Ace could see tears streaking Malcolm's face and his knuckles were white as he gripped his phone. Walking over Ace sat beside him and slowly pried the phone from his hands, then handed it to Ian. "Malcolm, what is wrong?" Ace asked. "It's over, they got my family and friends." Malcolm whispered. "Who has them?" "I don't know they didn't say. Just that they had everyone, and they wanted what was theirs." "Well they can't have what they don't own." Ben stated. "Malcolm, you let Dusty and I work on this, we will get everyone out and safe, I promise, now you go get some rest." Ace quietly said. "Are you sure?" "Yes, you have my word on it." "Okay." With Malcolm sleeping, Ace met with Dusty and Ian down stairs in the service's office. They were all thinking the same thing and that Malcolm was on the verge of collapsing in a nervous breakdown. "Ace if we don't do this right, we are going to have to Baker act* Malcom and that won't be good." Jr. said as he came in holding a tray of coffees. "I know and I don't want to do that. Now any chances you can get the floor plans for the State plaza Hotel. I want the number of doors for each floor and what sort of security they have." Ace demanded. "I can have that in a few minutes." Jr said. "Ace, we are going to need to know how many people are involved, where they are and what they are carrying." Dusty mentioned. "Yes, you're right, do we have anyone we can send over?" "The only way would be to send someone from Metro. There is the chance that we would all be known and I don't want to risk the two families." Eight the next morning as the hotel staff were finishing their coffee, the kitchen had already gotten the meal carts ready for the Daniels and Jacobs families when two plain clothed Metro Officers walked in and told the staff that they would be taking the carts up. The kitchen manager informed the two that they would be calling up to let them know that their carts were on the way up and that the police were bringing them. "I must ask that you don't inform them, and should you do so, I will have no choice but to have you charged with interference, plus numerous other charges. This order comes from the President's office not our chief." Caelan O'Brian stated. "Damn those two families, they have been nothing but trouble for this hotel." The Manager stated as he walked in. "How is that possible, since they just got here yesterday?" Caelan asked. "Those kids, they call down every ten minutes wanting something to eat. I finally had to tell them no more." "Well you will have to put up with them until they head home on Monday, besides I don't know what you're complaining about the bill is paid from what I understand." "Do what you need to Officers and get them out of here." "I will do my duties, and that includes calling the owner and explaining just what you have said." Caelan snarled quietly. By nine Caelan was sitting with Dusty Moore and two teams of officers, one team was made up of secret service agents and the other was from the Metro Police. As Dusty was listening to what Caelan was saying he was drawing on the floor plans for the hotel. After Caelan was finished Dusty stood straight. "Okay people, listen up we have one chance at this. First though I have to state clearly that neither of the two families are to be hurt. Now we have two doors and the elevator, but something tells me that using it will lead us to problems. Caelan, was there anyone outside the doors when you and your partner took the trays up?" Jr. asked. "No, which I though was strange, especially if you don't want people on the floor." "I agree, which means that they are watching the elevator, so that is out." "So that leaves just the stairs, what about the balcony could we use that somehow?" Another officer asked. "Only if the door was unlocked." Caelen stated, "And from what I could see it wasn't." "Could the doors be jimmied, and what happens if these people split the families up?" Kayde Kingston a Secret Service agent asked. "I do believe that the locks can be opened, as for splitting the families I doubt they will do that since from what I saw there were only four people holding them." "We would need a distraction when we go for the locks on the doors." Kayde stated. "I have that already planned." Dusty said with a smile. As Dusty and his teams were busy talking Austin Sinclair had gotten himself ready to leave the hotel for the meeting with the President and Malcolm Daniels. Just before he left he made sure that everyone was up to doing what they were supposed to. Sinclair had just walked out the front door of the hotel when he was stopped by two agents and three Metro police officers. "Austin Sinclair?" Caelan O'Brian asked. "Yes what may I do for you officers?" Sinclair replied. "Mr. Sinclair it is my duty to inform you that you are under arrest for kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder and assassination. You have the right to remain silent?" O'Brian said as he read Sinclair his right and Kayde Kingston put him in handcuffs "Just wait I will have my phone call and all those upstairs won't see another minute." Sinclair gloated. "Oh I don't think so, in fact it is going to take some time to get you downtown, so sit back and relax." Kayde stated with a grin. When Kayde had Sinclair in the back of the cruiser, he joined up with the rest of his group and made their way up the stairs. Getting to the sixth floor Kayde took a look out the door. Seeing Dusty and his team at the far end he motioned for his team to move into the hallway and slowly make their way to the door they were to go through. With the teams ready, Dusty had the distraction go off. The sound of sirens just outside the hotel was enough noise for both teams to get their doors open. Within minutes of entering the rooms the three remaining kidnappers where in cuffs. Aaron who had been sitting with Zeke and Patrick started crying and trying to move away from everyone. "What is wrong buddy?" Patrick tried to ask, only to be pushed away as Aaron finally scrambled off the bed and into the bathroom, where he sat on the floor beside the tub and cried more. Zeke watched as his little brother ran off and getting up he slowly made his way over to the bathroom. "Aaron are you okay?" "Nah, I had an accident." Aaron cried. "Well don't worry about it, just hope in the shower and get cleaned up, I will get you some clean clothes." Zeke whispered. "Maybe when we finish we can go with dad and papa and see the President again. I mean that is why we are here huh?" "Uh huh." As soon as Dusty had everyone out of the room he called Ace and told him that things were over and that everyone was safe. "When Aaron finishes his shower Ace, we will be on our way. You can tell Malcolm it is over." Dusty stated. Malcolm on the other hand wasn't having a good morning, his legs hurt and he wasn't feeling hungry. Sitting at the dinner table alone he thought back over everything that had happened since he was ten and the death of his uncle. Malcolm was so lost in thought that when Ian came in and sat with him, he didn't notice. When he finally did notice Ian he jumped a bit. "Sorry Ian, I didn't see or hear you." Malcolm said with a blush. "I don't think you would have seen anyone, you were so out of it." Ian laughed. "I was just thinking about everything." "Well you can relax Ace just called and said that the families are safe and should be here soon." "That is good, I can't wait to see them all again. Ian something though is bugging me. We all know that this started when Uncle Marcus came up with the idea for the stealth box. That was when little things started happening, I read all Uncle's notes and he stated that he was followed all the time, at first he thought it was just people looking for trouble. The day before he died he said that his partner wasn't who he thought he was and that he had to hide everything. Now we all know that Skylovski was Uncle's partner, but who is the guy really? That is what is bugging me, that and where did all this money come from to pay these people to harass him and me?" Malcolm asked. "Well those are good points, and we will never know all the answers, I do know that Homeland is looking into Skylovski, while our justice department is looking into another person. I can't tell you who it is because that could jeopardize their investigation." "Okay, well I guess I won't worry too much about them then. All I really want to do is go home and try to be a normal teen." "I doubt that you were ever normal Malcolm, but I can tell you this much. For me it has been a great honor to work with you and to know you." "Thanks, you are a good guy Ian, I hope someday that you find the right person and raise a great family." "Oh I will, when the time is right. Now let's get you ready for this meeting. Do you have everything?" "Yeah I just have to grab my backpack then we can go." With his pack Malcolm wheeled himself to the elevator and waited for Ian. A smooth ride down and with Ian beside him Malcolm was led over to the Navy Mess. Rolling inside Malcolm could see that the tables that were normally there had been taken out and long tables had been set up to form a square. Going to his place Malcolm waited for everyone to quiet down and to get permission from the President to speak. When Malcolm wheeled up to the table everyone there except the President stared at him. The JCS (Joint Chief of Staff) wore a look of concern on his face while Director Langston from the CIA had a total look of hatred. Ignoring them all Malcolm dug into his pack and pulled out two thick files. These he handed to Pete Morgan and asked that they be given to the President and Vice President. While waiting for Pete to do that Malcolm dug back into his pack and brought out the melted box, this he placed on his lap out of sight of those around then table. Malcolm was just given the okay to speak when the Presidents cell phone went off. The president listened for a few minutes and then hung up, before turning to Malcolm. Staring at the President, Malcolm was surprised to see him smile and just nod before he uttered the one word Malcolm longed for. "Safe." Was all the President said and watched as Malcolm's shoulders slumped at bit. "Mr. Daniels please tell us what this is all about." The Presidents stated. "Well sir, I can't answer everything, but what I can answer or say, I will. A long time ago, years before I was born in fact, my Uncle Marcus Daniels came up with an idea to help save the lives of our military personnel. He took out loans from the government and banks, all of which he paid back within the arranged time frame. Marcus's idea was to create a device that would render a soldier, sailor, airman virtually invisible. Now Marcus was brilliant when it came to those types of things and he did well. He had a consulting firm along with his research for these devices. About two years before he was killed Marcus was able to build these devices, he had help from a Dr. Skylovski, who in the end Marcus couldn't trust. Months before his death Marcus took the devices and hid them, he also took the schematic and hid them, those that were on the computers couldn't be copied, burned or e-mailed to anyone. If they were then all that the person got was garbage. I know that Marcus Daniels held a contract with the government for the delivery of these devices, but those contracts became null and void upon his death. Now this is where things get confusing because those that can answer have been murdered. I was five when my uncle died and his brother Richard became trusty of everything. Up until I was ten everything was great at home sort of, I now know that my mother was part or the group trying to get their hands on these devices, but she had no idea where Marcus had hidden them. What she did know was that everything had been left to me by my uncle, so she started a campaign to try and get me either put into a mental hospital or a detention center, when that failed, I was shot at,, I have been in front of the courts so many times I could write a full novel on it. When the school strike was to end and I was sitting waiting for the President to speak, someone tried to shoot him, but instead I took the hit for him and it cost me?" Malcolm was going to say more when the door opened and Dusty walked in. "Excuse the interruption Mr. President, but I have a message for Mr. Daniels." Dusty said as an apology. "Very well agent Moore, give it to him. I hope that it is good news." "It is sir." Dusty said with a smile as he walked over and handed Malcolm a note. Patting his shoulder Dusty was about to turn away when he leaned down and whispered. "Good luck," "Thank you agent Moore." Malcom answered. For the next thirty minutes after Dusty had left Malcolm spoke to the group, he was watching the CIA director and could tell that the more Malcolm talked the angrier he got. Then Malcolm played his last card. "Gentleman, the devices that you have all been wanting, that you all have been trying to steal is no more, as of Wednesday, they became this." Malcolm said as he tossed the melted box onto the table. The loud bang from it made everyone jump. "It is over. That device was too dangerous for any government or person to have. If it had gotten into the wrongs hands it could have been fatal to not only this country, but the world as a whole. My uncle figured that out and so did I. That gentleman is the only reason I destroyed it." Malcolm finished speaking and sat back to relax. "Mr. Daniels, your company had a contract to deliver to us a stealth box." The JCS said. "No sir, the contract was with my uncle not his company, the President has a copy of all the contracts to which Marcus Daniels dealt with." Malcolm snapped back. "We could take you to court?" The Director of Homeland snarled. "Try it. Just bloody well try it." Malcolm yelled. Pushing himself away from the table he looked at the President then left the room. Malcolm rolled out into the hallway and was making his way back to the main hall when Ian came up beside him. "Do you want me to push you for a while?" Ian asked. "No thanks Ian, this will help me work out my anger." Malcolm stated. Rolling into the main area Malcolm saw Dusty standing talking to another agent. Rolling over to where the two were standing, Malcolm waited until Dusty was finished. "Agent Moore, where is my Family?" Malcolm asked. "We have moved them closer to the White House, once they are settled in they will be joining us here. Agent Kingston was just telling me that the manager has agreed to seal off the top two floors for us." "Good, now where can I get a cup of tea?" Malcolm said with a smile. The rest of the morning Malcolm didn't see the President around. So with Ian and Kayde Kingston watching him Malcolm spent time out in the back yard. He was still out there when he heard a small bark and a little black bundle of fur was jumping into his lap. "Hiya Midnight, did you miss me?" Malcolm laughed as Midnight covered him with licks to his face. "Moacom, you is here." Screamed Aaron as he too bolted out the door and onto Malcolm's knee. "Yes little man I am here and I missed you and your brother a lot." Malcolm said as he tried to hold back the tears he felt. "We missed you too. Are you coming home now?" Zeke asked. "Yes guys I am coming home. I want to be with my family and friends." "Goody." Squeaked Aaron. "Can I wide wif you for a bit I want to snuggle wif you?" Aaron whispered. "Sure you can, but we will have to get either Ian or Agent Kingston to push us." "How about I push you Brat." Tony said coming up beside him. "I can go for that. Tony we will have to talk later, I owe you an apology." "Don't worry about it, I spoke with Ace and Ian and they both told me what happened and why you did what you did. I think that shows me and your family just how much you really care." "That is just it Tony, he cares too much and look at where it got him." Richards said as he joined the others. "Dad I would rather have you guys a live than dead, I did what I needed to, it was my choice." Malcolm said feeling a bit of his anger returning. "I understand what you're saying Malcolm, I just think you should have let us know and maybe we would have made the same choice. The thing is that this is all over now and we can hopefully try to get back to a normal life." Richard stated with a smile. "Not likely, you know how popular Patrick has become." Malcolm said as he stared at his boyfriend. "I hungry." Aaron interrupted causing everyone around the group to laugh. The two families had just entered the back door and were heading towards the elevator when the President's press secretary rushed over. "Mr. Daniels?" She asked. "Yes." Came five responses all at once. "Oh, I meant Malcolm Daniels." "Yes, what can I do for you?" Malcolm asked. "You're keeping the President waiting, and he doesn't like that, where were you?" She snapped. "I was with my family and friends, as for keeping the President waiting, well I don't know what for, I wasn't informed that I had to be with him." "Well you should know these things, you were given and itinerary when you got here for this visit." "Listen lady." Malcolm said his blood starting to boil. "I don't know what you job is and I don't care. If I was to meet with the President after the meeting this morning he would have told me that last night, so take your puissant attitude and shove it." "I should smack you face for that. Now let's go we can't keep him waiting much longer." "Lady, you go ahead and smack me, I don't care what anyone does at this point, but I promise you that I will smack you right back. Now as you said let's go see the boss." Malcolm snarled. Tony, Ian and Donnie who were standing with Malcolm and his family were shocked at Malcolm's outburst, but instead of saying anything right then, Tony grabbed the wheelchair and started pushing it in the direction that the press secretary had gone. Getting to the press room, Malcolm was taken around to the back where the President and Vice President were waiting. "Well Mr. Daniels I am glad to see you finally got here." The Vice President stated a bit snippily. "Matt, it isn't his fault, I forgot to inform him last night that he would be needed at this conference." Ben stated. "Oh, then I apologize Mr. Daniels." Matt retorted. "Matt I would like it if you could bring Malcolm out with us, the rest of his family and the Jacobs can join us also." "Sir, I would be honored to bring Malcolm out. Just say when." Matt answered. "Well let's do it now. I think that Malcolm wants to relax with everyone." The President said as he gave his secretary the okay to announce him." Standing at the dais Ben took a look around and everyone that was there, the smile on his face showing that he was happy to be standing and more happy for what he was about to do. "Ladies and Gentlemen, friends. I know that this moment is being broadcast live across this country and to other parts of the world where our men and women are stationed, some in executive positions, while others are in the military. To all them I say a heartfelt thank you for your hard work and diligence to our country. I am lucky to be standing here today, to be able to address you all like I am doing. I know that a few months ago you all watched what should have been a very happy and glorious day. A day when it would have been announce that the school strike was over. I stood at the front entrance to the Naples High school ready to give a speech when suddenly I was pushed aside and a young man got seriously hurt. To that young man I owe my life, to that young man this country owes a thank you. Ladies and gentleman, before I go much further I wish you all to meet a true hero, and a true friend. Everyone I give you Malcolm Daniels." The President said as the room broke out is applause and cheers as Malcolm rolled his way forward. Ian who had followed Malcolm hand him his crutches. With a loud gasp everyone in the room watched as Malcolm stood and took the few steps to the dais. As soon as he stood Ian was at his side and Tony came forward to join the two. "Please allow me a moment to catch my breath." Malcolm said with a grin. "Thank you all, and thank you Mr. President. You know sometimes things happen for a reason, though we never understand them at the time that they occur. Today I am lucky to be alive and standing here. To all of you who offered prayers I am greatful. We all know why the strike happened, we all know what happened the day it ended, but let me tell you one thing no one except one person knows. When I entered high school I accidently knocked a boy onto his butt. He didn't feel good with school, or the system. He wasn't happy with the way his life was going and he told me this, though not in those words. He just said life sucked. Well I didn't agree with him then, and today I still don't agree, but what I did tell him was that now was a chance to change things. Well we did change things, we became friends, we changes the school policies, but mostly we changed our lives, we made something of them. Ladies and Gentlemen, friends, I wish to bring to my side, my friend, partner and life mate. Everyone I wish you all to meet Mr. Patrick Jacobs." A pin could have been heard hitting the ground a mile away when Malcolm introduced Patrick. As the cameras followed Patrick to Malcolm's side slowly the applause started. What neither boy knew was that every school across the country was watching the broadcast, some in class rooms others in auditoriums, and yet each and every student, principal and teacher gave Malcolm and Patrick the applause and honor they both deserved. With Patrick now beside him Malcolm continued to speak for the next ten minutes. "Friends at this point I miss end as I can no long bear the weight upon my legs, so with that said I thank you all again and pray that you all stay safe." Concluding his speech Malcolm moved over to his wheelchair and sat as the President once more came forward. "There ladies and gentlemen, friends is a true hero to all of us. A young man with courage far beyond his years. Now with the help of the Vice President and Richard Daniels I present to Malcolm Richard Daniels the Medal of Freedom with gold palms for his heroic move that saved my life. May he wear it proudly and with honor?" When the President handed Richard a small box and citation. Opening the box Richard stared in wonder at the beautiful medal. Turning to the Vice President he watched as the medal was taken out and pinned to Malcolm's lapel. With the ceremony and press conference over, Malcolm and the two families made their way back outside into the back yard. Once there Malcolm took the pin off and had his dad put it away. The rest of the day and weekend went by quickly and before everyone knew it the time had come to go home. Sunday night as Malcolm was having dinner with his family at the JW Marriot hotel, Ace walked in with Bennie. "Malcolm, I have been asked to let you know that the president has granted you use of his aircraft to fly you and the family's home. I wish we could have more time together, but that cannot be. I wish you all the best in your future and in whatever you do with your life." Ace said as he shook Malcolm's hand. "Malcolm if you ever need me you call." Bennie said hugging Malcolm tight." "Thank you both, and Bennie rest assured I will call, even if just to say hi." "You better. Patrick you take care of this guy, he is the best." "I know, and I promise I will do my best. He has changed my life around. In fact he has changed my whole family around. I am proud of my boyfriend. That night Malcolm slept with a smile on his face as he cuddled up too his two little brothers for the first time in months. The next morning Richard found the three still sleeping and smiled to himself, before turning and going back out to start the coffee. When he got to the pot he saw that it was already made and that Tony was standing there. The two were sharing the pot when Donnie walked in followed by Ian and Kayde Kingston. "Good morning guys." Donnie said cheerfully. "Wait until I have finished my coffee before you say that." Tony joked. "Okay boss." Donnie laughed before continuing. "The plane leaves at noon Tony, and from what I have heard there is going to be one big reception at the airport in Naples for Malcolm. How are we going to deal with that?" "We aren't, we've been pulled of the duty." "What? Who pulled us off?" Donnie snapped. "The director. I haven't spoken with Ace yet, but something is fishy here." "Damn right it is Mr. Marchand, since Ace sent me to replace Real." Kingston spoke up. "Tony, isn't the President the one that order the protection for these families?" Donnie asked. "Yes he did from what I understood." Tony answered. "Then he is the only one that can take us off." Donnie retorted. "You're right, let me call Ace and get this sorted out." Two hours later when everyone was up, showered and packed, and with breakfast out of the way. The two families boarded the vans that the service had provided for them. Then with a police escort they were led over to Andrews Airbase and into the hanger where the Presidents planes were kept. When the vans stopped and all the luggage had been loaded, Malcolm and everyone else boarded. The plane was the smaller of the Presidential aircraft and so a bit more comfortable. With taxiing and waiting the flight would take just over three hours. Time Malcolm spent sleeping once he was in his seat and buckled up. Once in the air Aaron undid his belt and squirmed his way onto Malcolm's lap where he cuddled up and fell asleep. Malcolm was woken up when Aaron hoped off his lap and sat back in his seat, a smile on his little face. "We landing Malcolm, we gonna be home soon and chwistmas is coming." "Yes it is bro, and I will be glad to get home and share it with you." When the plane finally came to a stop at the terminal, Malcolm moved so he could grab his crutches, only to have Tony stop him. Looking at him Malcolm could also see that the others had stayed seated. "What's going on Tony, damn I want to get home and relax some." Malcolm stated as he leaned onto his crutches more. The flight attendant had opened the door and everyone could hear the crowd. Tony allowed the families to gather near the front and leading the way walked off the aircraft and onto the walkway. As soon as the families left the plane the Marine Corps band along with the Naples high school band start to play. The first piece was from James Paget called the Hero within, a stirring orchestral piece, this was soon followed by the Spirit of Champions the drum beat echoing the Malcolm's steps. The minute the two families entered into the terminal proper the rousing cheer from the crowd was deafening. Aaron had his hands over his ears and looked a little scared as Zeke stood beside him. Malcolm was frozen on the spot, he didn't know whether to continue walking forward or turn around and go back. With the bands quiet and the crowd silent. Sgt. Johnson stepped forward. "Malcolm Daniels it is a great pleasure to see you up and about. The last time I saw you was when the strike ended and you were on your back. It is with pleasure that the Naples police force and the state of Florida hereby honor you for your acts of unselfishness and kindness. So saying that the state of Florida awards you the Medal of Valor. Malcolm from everyone in this state we wish you all the best in your future. "Thank you and thank you to everyone who stood with us as we fought to change a system that was wrong." After receiving the medal and making his short speech Malcolm started walking through the crowd, just as he was at the end of the line Jordan Martin stepped out. His hands behind his back as he stared at Malcolm and Patrick. "Well looks like I finally win, you both are so gonna die right now." Martin said as he pulled his hands out front and showed the two boys the Glock .43. He was just pointing at the boys when Ryan and Kurt ran up and smacked him to the ground. The crowd watching this gasped and as the police came forward they all moved further back. "Jordan Martin you are under arrest." Sam Johnson stated then proceeded to read him his rights. Malcolm who had just stood there thinking it was all over turned to his dad and brothers. "Guys can we PLEASE go home." *Baker Act 72 hr. psychiatric assessment that police are allowed to use to assess persons mental/emotional state Your avid writer Michael. ** Please note that I was going to end the story at the end of 11-A, however over the past week and a bit I thought that I couldn't leave you all hanging so I continue now, with everyone at home for Christmas. Please donate to nifty to keep these pages going.