Disclaimer:

I do not own either of the Mission: Impossible series or any of the characters therein. I receive no compensation or other tangible benefit from this story and no copyright infringement is intended. I am just a fan who enjoys taking the team out for an adventure every now and then. Please read and review!

Chapter 12

Epilogue

"So Jim Phelps and his team take care of business once again," smiled Sam Patterson, his arm in a sling, as he paused in the hospital parking lot to say goodbye to his new friends. "You always were one hell of a leader."

"I always had one hell of a team," Jim responded, returning the smile. "Perhaps the two of us will work together again someday."

"I'd like that," Sam replied. "It sure was good to meet all of you, and thanks again for the rescue."

Sam clasped each team member's hand with his left one, since his right was fouled by the sling. Max, in turn, reached out his hand, and the handshake lingered.

"I'll never forget what you did," Max said softly, recalling the moment when Sam was shot. "I owe you my life."

"You'd have done the same," Sam said with a grin and a half-shrug, "because you're a part of IMF, and we all take care of one another."

Max knew Sam was right, and he grinned back at his new friend.

"Of course, we can't bring back the four agents we lost," Sam continued, his face sobering, "but, thanks to you guys, McClain and Ross won't be hurting anyone ever again."

"So what's next for you?" Jim asked his friend.

"Well, of course, with this bum arm I've been relegated to desk duty for a while." Sam's smile was back. "But it's not all bad. The Secretary has asked me to fill the security officer position that used to belong to Preston Ross."

"That's great!" said Grant sincerely.

"So, if there's ever anything I can do to help you guys out, please let me know."

"Count on it," smiled Max.

Sam turned and took a few steps toward his waiting vehicle, then turned back around to face the team.

"Be safe out there, guys," he cautioned, "and keep taking care of each other."

Then he watched as Jim and his four new friends piled into the Land Rover and drove away.

The End! Hope you enjoyed it! :)