This story is just a test. I hope you like it.

X X X X

"When you're on the line and everything you say counts, what do you try to do? Do you bargain with the person? Bribe perhaps? Or maybe you'll try to talk them down. When it comes to the P. A.W. S Tactical Teams, you don't try any of these tactics. So what is it that they do that makes them so great, so trustworthy? It's their ability to relate. They relate with the man who lost a friend, they relate with the divorced woman who doesn't want to part with her children, they relate to the people who are angry because someone has wronged them. All these and more. It's to the people, who live in this very circle of love, hate, anger, and so on but have taken it to the radical levels, they relate. Why do they relate? Because they've been there. They knew what it was like. They know why it was like that. So why did that make them so great? Because everyone tends to believe that there all alone. And loneliness is among men's and women's worst enemy, if not self-doubt. Loneliness is the root of our hatred, of our violence. Loneliness, is why we need to make that big scene with a gun, knife, with gas, or even with a bomb. Because we want people to get it. To know… And that is what is so great about the P.A.W.S. Because they know…they understand..."

The woman gave a curt not as if to thank the reporters who were listening to her speech. Cameras flashed brighter than muzzle flashes, questions were asked louder than orders; her title was used to reference her more than her name. The security tried to keep the reporters back and help the lady get back stage. There, waiting for her, was a man dressed in a suit.

"How'd I do, Ryder?" She asked.

Ryder chuckled, "It could have used more, but you got the basic drama of it."

"Says the man who wrote it," Was the reply.

"It was late at night; I didn't have much time," He defended.

She laughed and went down to a whisper, "Probably would have had more time if you didn't take me to dinner."

Ryder smiled, "It was worth it."

She giggled and left with the security to get to her limo. He followed her, just in case.

"You will remember to again, won't you?" She asked.

"Well tonight's not going to work. Tomorrow at twenty-one hundred thirty, right?" He said with a mischievous grin.

She glared at him knowing full well he said that to spite her, "Ryder."

Ryder put up his hands, "Okay, nine thirty pm. It's the same thing, anyway."

She looked at him tipping her aviator shades and replied, "That's not my jurisdiction. I wasn't in the marines."

She took a seat in the limo and got comfortable. A guard almost closed it when Ryder obliged for him.

"I know. Hey, Katie."

She looked up at him with smile. He smiled back for a moment to view her.

Finally, he whispered, "Happy birthday," and slipped something into her lap without anyone accept her knowing, "And I was navy."

She smiled brightly and the door was closed. Ryder pat the limo twice and it went on its way. Ryder watched the car drive off before he shook his head and left for his apartment. Tomorrow was an early rise and possible job. He probably shouldn't have stayed up this late. The camera flashes were beginning to give him a headache. He could barely see.

It was then when something hit him, a realization: "So that's why she wears sunglasses at night."

X

Ryder entered the P.A.W.S HQ to his team having a conversation. The whole team but one was doing some workouts.

"So, when it comes to the M-4 versus the M-16 what to you guys think is better?" Asked one.

"Put that conversation on hold," Ryder called after entering the two layers of automatic doors.

"Ryder!" The team called.

"How've you been doing?" Asked one.

"I'm good, I'm good," Ryder smiled.

He took out a checklist and called a name, "Okay, Chase Roberts!"

"Here!"

"Marshall Benton?"

"Here, Sir!"

"Skye Heffron?"

"Right here, Ryder."

"Rocky Balboa!"

Rocky almost raised his hand, "You serious, Ryder?"

The team laughed at him and Ryder corrected himself, "Rocky McClellan."

"Yeah, I'm here."

"Zuma Dakota!"

"Here, Ryder!" He raised his hand.

"Rubble Johnston!"

"Here, Ryder!"

"And Radar Malarkey."

"Over here boss!" Said the one member not working.

"Okay, so we all made it again," Ryder smiled, "That's good to see. Last time, Zuma was late."

The team laughed and pointed at him with an "ooh". Marshall pat his back and Rocky messed with his brown hair.

"I have a good excuse. All I did was take a wrong turn…"

"Into Porter's restaurant?" Rubble finished his sentence but not accurately.

None the less the team laughed. Zuma laughed too but detested.

"No! I just went on Main Street instead of Beaver Trail, Okay! I forgot we weren't meeting in the EMT building!"

"Well he's here now," Marshall laughed, "So that's all I need."

"Thank you, Marshall. Is he the only one who appreciates me? What I do for this team? If I'm not working hard enough, or not getting enough shots in the tail-end for this team, just let me know. I mean, come on!"

The team laughed some more. The event he referenced was during a job. He had tried to take off in a run away from some maniac—who somehow disarmed him—with a gun and ended up getting shot in the lower left gluteus. The team never let the moment go. Of course, the story was longer than that.

"Okay, you guys can return to your exercises…"

"Never stopped, boss," Rocky smiled.

"I can see that, Balboa," Ryder pointed, "Anyway, keep up the good work. I'm gonna change then join up with you."

As Ryder left, the team cheered Rocky on, still calling him Balboa each time. Ryder changed quickly then came back out just in time for Radar to freak out.

"We got a 911 call! Downtown! City Hall! Man armed with a gun holding Mayor Goodway hostage!"

"You heard the man, gear up!" Ryder called.

The team reacted quickly but organized, grabbing their weapons, armor, and pack and equipping them. They quickly loaded into three trucks and drove off. Radar drove one by himself, Ryder, Chase, Skye, and Zuma were in another, and Marshall drove the last one with Rocky and Rubble. The team stopped hard to see a large group of people gathering around the area. Mayor Goodway was stuck in a large man's arms. He shouted in a foreign language and pointed a gun at her. Sometimes he was point it at the audience. Police cars stopped the people from coming in too close. The Police pointed their sidearms at the man ready to open fire if they had to.

"There you are, good timing," Said an agent, "He is completely insane: he's speaking in tongues, waving his gun around, and we don't know if he's going to shoot or not. Can you get through to him?"

"We'll soon find out," Ryder said taking the megaphone before calling out orders, "Chase I want you up on the building as sniper. Radar you know your job. Everyone else, make sure he doesn't try anything and has nowhere to go, secure the perimeter. Marshall, follow Chase, cover him or replace him if you have to. Bring another rifle. We might need it."

"Got it, boss," Everyone called.

Ryder turned to the Agent and asked, "Who is this guys?"

"His name is Ajshe Ditmir. We don't know what he is speaking and we have no idea what he wants," The agent replied.

Ryder took the megaphone and called for Ajshe, "Ajshe! Listen, my name is Ryder, I'm here to help you."

Apparently, he had no idea what he was saying and shouted at him, his gun being pointed at him forcefully. Ryder ducked behind a car and the citizens screamed and dropped to the ground. Ryder nearly cursed to himself seeing the display.

"Chase, where are you on that position?" He asked.

"Marshall and I are climbing up a few flights of stairs. Trying to get to the roof now," Chase replied.

"Hurry," Ryder rushed, "Radar, what is he saying?"

"I don't know boss, I can only speak French," Radar waved his arms and tried to click on his keys faster, "Okay, I think I know what he's speaking. It… it might be Albanian."

"Any background on him?"

Radar was silent for a bit longer, "Yeah, okay, he was a combat engineer in the Albanian army but at the end of his enlistment moved to Adventure Bay with his son Alban. He was diagnose with cancer on…holy crap, that was yesterday!"

"So what is he doing, is he angry, is he upset, or is he doing this as a message for some group?"

"I don't know," Radar shook his head, "I don't see anything in his accounts. He doesn't even have an E-mail."

"Ryder, I have a clear shot, should I take it?" Skye asked.

"No! No, we need to try to relate and disarm him. Let's do this as clean as possible. Radar, give me something to say!"

"Okay, uh, say: Emri im është Ryder , unë jam këtu për të ndihmuar. That means what you just said before, boss."

"Okay," Ryder nodded and stood up, "Emri im është Ryder , unë jam këtu për të ndihmuar!"

The man seemed to understand but look angrier and pointed again. Mayor Goodway squealed and he growled something to her.

"What did he just say?" Ryder asked.

"He called you a… it was an insult," Radar replied, "He doesn't seem to want any help; I can't find social accounts on him. We might not be able to accomplish this one, boss."

"We can't just give up," Rubble said.

"Boss, were set and ready," Marshall called.

"Okay, stand by you two."

X X X

Chase and Marshall raced up the stairs and finally made it to the roof door. Chase pointed to a side of the roof and they ran to it.

"Rifle," Chase snapped his fingers.

Marshall loaded one and loaded his own then called Ryder, "Boss, were set and ready."

"Okay, stand by you two," He replied.

"Roger, standing by," Marshall replied.

"You think I'm gonna have to shoot?" Chase asked.

"God knows," Marshall replied, "I just pray you don't."

"We don't even know this guy," Chase sighed, "Or where he comes from. He could be a terrorist for all we know."

"I have a hunch he's just angry at the law and got mayor Goodway at a good time…or bad," Marshall sighed.

He cocked his bolt and rested the rifle on the side of the roof. He kept his sub machine gun close to make sure there was nothing coming up from the stares.

"That's it, stay still for me," Chase said to himself, "That's it. Oh no no no, don't move… There we go just like that."

"You make it sound like you want to shoot him," Marshall would have said but kept himself quite. He wouldn't want to offend his friend. Instead he asked another question.

"So, how are you and Skye doing?"

Chase didn't turn away but answered, "Were taking it slow, quietly. I figured since you sniffed us out pretty fast we ought to."

"How did she take me knowing?" Marshall grinned.

Chase laughed and replied, "She took it surprisingly well. You're like an older brother to her, Marshall. I think she trusts you most."

"Yeah, well, I try to be like that for everyone. You did it to me, it's only fair I pass it on," Marshall smiled.

Chase chuckled again and replied, "You have Ryder to thank then. So, how about you?"

"Me?" Marshall asked.

"Yeah, Rubble's married off, Zuma's got a girlfriend, that will actually stay with him, Rocky's hit off as well, Skye and I are together, and even Radar's got a nerd for a girlfriend and I have to say he has an interesting taste in girls. She makes Skye look like a goddess."

Marshall and Chase laughed but it died down after a while. Marshall was silent for most of the time.

"I haven't found anyone yet, I guess. It's just… too complicated to get a girl. Maybe… there isn't anyone out there for me. Better just not try."

"Bull crap, there's always someone," Chase shook his head, "You just need time. Just wait, you'll get someone before you know it."

"Sure," Marshall replied but not convincingly.

Just then, the subject just turned violent again, but didn't shoot. Chase snapped into action and almost shot.

Just then he heard the code words, "Chase, Scorpio."

Chase took his safety off and lined up his shot. He put his finger on the trigger but something else happened.

"Wait wait! Stop! Stop, I think we have a solution!"

X X X

Ryder watched as a young aged man was crying and shouted at the older, violent one. Rubble was stopping him from getting too close.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, stay back, kid!

"Baba! Babai, ju lutem mos e bëjnë këtë!" He cried.

"What did he say?" Ryder asked.

"He said, 'dad, dad, please don't do this,'" Radar replied, "That's his son!"

"Alban? Çfarë jeni duke bërë të dal nga këtu unë nuk dua që ju të shihni këtë!" Replied the man.

"There comunicating, we might be able to stop him. We need to utalize his son. Rubble see what you can do," Ryder called.

"On the double, Ryder. Listen, Alban, is that your dad?" Rubble asked.

"He is my dad," He cried, "Please! Don't hurt him!"

"We won't; we'll do our best, but we need your help. We need you to talk to him and try to get him to stand down. Why is he doing this? What does this have to do with his cancer?"

"Baba! Të lutem! Baba!"

"Please, listen to me, listen to me," Rubble tried to get his attention back, "We need to know what your father is doing this for. Why is he doing this? Does this have something to do with his cancer?"

"I don't know, please just don't hurt him!" Alban cried.

"Rubble, is he cooperating?" Skye asked.

"No, he's too worried, we might have it out of our hands; I can't get through to him. He says he doesn't even know," Rubble sighed.

Alban spoke up once more, "Babi, nuk e bëjmë këtë më, vetëm të heqë dorë në mënyrë që ju mund të vijnë në shtëpi!"

The man stared at him teary eyed and replied, "Unë nuk mund të shkojnë në shtëpi."

He pointed the gun at Ryder and Ryder ducked, "Chase, Scorpio!"

"Jo! Baba!" Alban ran towards his father and Chase took aim.

He squeezed the trigger and heard the shell go off, but saw Alban cross in front. It startled him and he lost his target.

"What happened? Did you miss?" Marshall asked.

Marshall looked through his rifle scope and aimed, looking around for the target. Chase did the same and finally found Alban crying over his father's body. A sigh of relief came but a wave a dread followed. He had just orphaned a kid and there was no knowing if he too would become a subject one day. The realization hit him. He had orphaned someone. He had just killed a father.

Marshall put his rifle down, seeing the same thing, "Kill confirmed. Good shot."

"Yeah, thanks," Chase said weakly.

He couldn't stop staring at Alban. Zuma and Rocky tried to peal him away and took a while to succeed. Finally, Chase got up and packed up his rifle with Marshall. The two walked down the stairs together. There was no conversations exchanged. Meanwhile, Radar was finishing the report and powering down the computer van. He sighed as soon as he was done and took out the USB to give to Ryder.

"Here it is, Boss, ever detail, nook, and cranny," He said dully.

"Thanks, Radar," Ryder sighed.

He looked back at the body, that the paramedics were removing, and sighed again. Some of the medics were checking Mayor Goodway for injury. This was the worst part of their job.

"Let's finish up here and pack up!" Ryder said on the coms.

It took them a couple of hours to get everything organized then return to the HQ. Ryder had taken the report to the staff in charge which later on came down to the team with a few agents.

"Mr. Roberts?" One of them asked.

Chase stood up, "Sir?"

"We have to put you under custody for the time being," He said motioning the agents with a few crates, "Your gear and weapons will be confiscated as evidence."

Skye interfered, "You have to be kidding. He had to take that shot, there was no choice!"

"The law will decide that, Miss Heffron. Roberts, if you would, please put your gear in the bins and hand over the rifle used to take the shot."

"Yes sir," Chase nodded dully.

Even now he still felt the impact of orphaning someone. The team shook their heads and continued to gear down as ordered. Skye, however, was a bit nervous. These security checks were a big risk for the entire team. They wouldn't be disbanded, but the possibility of losing a member was unpredictable. Though kill shots could be justified, they might not have the right story or defense and the member was forced off the team and into court for unnecessary taking of life. That was probably the nicest way they could say "charged for murder".

Chase began to unstrap his armor, boots, disconnect his communicator; even his belt and pack had to go. He sent for Marshall to get the rifle he used to shoot the subject. He was then taken away for questioning. Of course, he would have an attorney of their choice. However, some stories just can't come across right.

As soon as Chase and the agents were gone Skye began to complain to herself, "Why do they always have to do this? They should have read the report, he had to!"

Marshall, overhearing her, answered, "It's just security measures, Skye. We can't just shoot everyone that waves a gun around."

Skye, flustered, argued with him, "He was going to fire!"

"How do you know? He pointed the gun several times, each time he could have fired but didn't. We didn't even know why he was doing that."

"Marshall, were you even watching?" She glared.

Marshall froze and didn't reply. He sighed and fixed his stance but remained silent. She had a point, after all.

"Exactly," She shook her head.

"Hey," He grabbed her before she left, "I don't like it either; I almost got kicked off this team because of it. But you have to understand: that guy had a kid. Chase knew that and its taking its toll on him. This custody check is good. It'll give him time to muddle through it and think about it. Besides, I'm sure he's curious to know whether or not he's innocent."

Skye was silent for a moment but replied eventually, "He is innocent."

"And I agree with you," Marshall nodded, "But I think he needs to hear them say it. I knew I did. What about you?"

Skye scoffed softly and quietly but not as an insult. Her thoughts ran through thinking about his words.

She had eventually said softly, "You know just as well as I do that I never had to go through checkups. I haven't killed anyone now, and I'm praying I never had to do it ever."

"Exactly," Marshall nodded, "And that's why I'm here. That's why Chase is here. Why everyone is here. We all hope that you or anyone won't have to. When I killed my first guy when I was in the army I felt guilty. I signed on to save lives, not take them. But we never get what we want. Here, how about this, I'll go in, request permission to give a statement of defense, and tell them my side. I'm sure if they know it it will help."

Skye smiled looked down. Marshall smiled giving her a look.

"Come on, where is it?"

Skye looked up and rolled her eyes, "Thanks, Marshall, you're the best."

"There it is," Marshall nodded, "Okay, I'll go see what I can do."

"Marshall…"

Marshall turned, "Yup?"

"Really, thank you. That really means a lot to me," She smiled.

Marshall shrugged and put up his arms, "Hey, what can I say? I'm…"

Before he could finish he ran into Radar, knocking over his paperwork and accidently knocking over a figure on his desk. Marshall found himself on the ground after.

"Ey! Watch it, doc! I just got this all organized!" Radar Groaned.

"S-sorry, Radar," Marshall picked himself up and tried to help Radar.

When they finished Radar put the sloppy stack on his desk and looked around. He noticed his figure was gone. He looked around in panic and finally found it… in the trash can.

"My baby!" Radar quickly took the figure out and glared at Marshall.

"Sorry," Marshall chuckled nervously.

Skye, in the meantime, was enjoying the whole scene. She laughed as Radar took the figure to the bathroom for cleaning. Marshall tried to keep a smile on as Radar left. Skye kept her hand on her mouth to try and hide her amusement. Marshall cleared his throat and asked excused himself from the scene.

"Hey, Skye," Zuma approached.

"Yes?" She asked.

"Ryder is treating everyone to Porter's Restaurant. Want to come?"

Skye thought a moment and looked though the doors containing Marshall and Chase. She didn't want to leave them, but she knew they would be alright. Thus she agreed.

"Sure, why not. Be sure to let Marshall and Chase know. The two look like they could use a smoothie or something."

"You got it," Zuma saluted, "Rocky's gotta seat open in his car, so you can travel with him."

"I… will… do that," Skye smiled.

Zuma passed her up and looked through the window to see if Marshall or Chase were able to be approached. Naturally, they weren't. So he waited. In the meantime, Skye took her leave and traveled with the rest of the squad to Mr. Porter's Restaurant. When they got there it was a bit packed.

"Hey, Ryder," Mr. Porter greeted.

He had just noticed them after hearing the door open. Ryder waved back at him and shook his hand as soon as he got close enough.

"Good evening, Mr. Porter. How's business?"

Mr. Porter shrugged, "Business could be better, but I'm managing well. I wish that grandson of mine would just get his head in work and stop dozing off."

"Dozing off, huh? Not very invested in his job?" Rubble asked.

Mr. Porter chuckled, "Well, let's just say he's spent more time dreaming about joining the P.A.W.S then baking cakes or blending smoothies. However, he has an exceptional skill at grilling. At least he has one talent I can rely on."

"Every little bit helps, right?" Rocky remarked.

"Yes, indeed, every little bit," Mr. Porter agreed, "What can I get you fellas this evening?"

"The usual," Ryder replied, "Zuma, Marshall, and Chase will be late, though. So, hold off on their orders until they get here."

"Coming right up," He smiled.

The group took their seats and settled in to wait for their orders. Rubble started the conversation this time.

"So, today's job was… interesting."

Ryder scoffed, "If you could call it that. We still took someone down."

Rocky shook his head, "It didn't even look like we had a choice, though."

Skye agreed, "Yeah, and Marshall tells me Chase is taking it a bit harder than normal."

"Marshall and Chase," Radar sighed, "Those two have been friends since the special forces and they're still getting each other's back. Not to mention their shots are dead on. Gotta wonder if that's a blessing or a curse."

Rubble nodded, "You either kill the guy and carry that with you, or you don't and feel responsible."

Ryder sighed, and spaced off. He couldn't help but think about the two eldest and most experienced members he had. They never took killing well. That had been why Marshall had taken to being a medic. Chase was a little more used to it being he was a sniper. But the two were always there for each other.

"Well! On a lighter thought," Skye smiled to get rid of the melancholy, "How's everyone on their relationships?"

"Yeah, how are you and Shelby doing, Rubble?" Rocky added.

Rubble chuckled and smiled, "Pretty good. She needs to learn to turn off the lights before getting into bed though."

The group laughed. Rocky clapped his hands and put his forehead on his folded hands.

"So, your saying you do it with the lights on?" Radar asked in a chuckled fit.

Rubble hid his face and replied quietly, "No! No! God No! That's not what I'm saying at all! I'm saying she has a bad habit of getting into bed while I'm half asleep and asking me to turn off the lights. She's right by the light switch too!"

Skye laughed and asked, "How about you, Rocky?"

Rocky shrugged, "Rosita is pretty good. She's five months pregnant now."

"So, you were busy," Ryder jested.

The group laughed. Rocky shrugged and took his drink from Mr. Porter.

"Yes, I was. We don't know how many or what she's got. I heard she might be up for triplets."

Skye's eyes popped, "Triplets? Are you serious?"

"She won't tell me up front," Rocky replied taking a drink, "But she hinted at it. Three, right off the bat."

"Whoo, that's pretty good," Rubble chuckled.

Everyone looked at Radar with Rocky asking, "What about you, Nerd?"

"Nerd, eh? Well, turns out Brie went to comic-con without me. Said she couldn't miss this one. Forgot why but anyway. She wanted to wait for me but I told her that it was best to just go. I wasn't going to make it."

"Well, the job is asking a lot," Rocky shrugged.

"And we have to stay on it," Ryder agreed.

Radar nodded in understanding. He typed his glass a bit before taking a drink from it and popping his lips.

"Oh, she also won a Smash Bros. tournament. Won a golden Mario amiibo. She was crazy about that thing."

"Oh, she go bragging about it to you?" Skye asked.

"Yes, in fact, she did. She tried to pull out every compliment I had. Of course, I gave as many as I could that made the moment the best for her."

Ryder tilted his head, "You say that as if your missing her. I don't mean that by distance."

Radar scoffed and replied, "Nah, don't worry about it. How about you, boss? Katie playing hard to catch or is she bighting."

Ryder chuckled and replied, "Oh. She's bighting. Were having dinner this afternoon. Nine thirty."

"Ooh, where are you taking her?" Skye asked, listening intently.

Ryder shrugged, "She'll decide this time, I think. What about you Skye? How are you and your boyfriend doing?"

"Oh, uh… He's overseas right now," Skye replied seeming to be a bit surprised at the question.

"Overseas?" Ryder asked, "He's military?"

"Yeah," Skye nodded.

"Hey, dudes!" Zuma's voice interrupted.

Skye sighed in relief. Fortunately, no one noticed.

"Hello, Zuma," Skye smiled, "Were just giving sit-reps about our relationships."

Zuma nodded, "Mm, good stuff. Marshall and Chase'll be in just a minute. Marshall accidently dumped the contents of someone's takeout all over the cement."

"What is it with his luck?" Radar shook his head, "It's like even the staplers are trying to get him. People's takeout food is trying to get him."

Ryder laughed, "Yeah, I can see that now. Death by suffocation. Murder weapon: stir fry noodle."

The table laughed. Chase and Marshall rushed over.

"Sorry were late, guys," Marshall apologized, "I had to help someone reload their sack of... whatever that was."

Chase shook his head and shrugged. Marshall shrugged it off as well and took a seat.

"So, what are we talking about?"

Zuma stretched and got himself comfortable into his seat before replying, "Relationship Sit-rep."

Chase nodded and confirmed he understood. Marshall shook his head as if he wasn't interested.

"So, how are they?" Skye asked, "Who's going first."

Marshall and Chase looked at Zuma. He rolled his eyes in response.

"Fine. Rosie and I are doing pretty good, but she's moving away. Her mother has stage four cancer and needs her help. So, she's going to do that and I'm going to have Rosie withdraws."

The table laughed again but Skye fawned, "Aw, Zuma, you sweetheart."

"Yup, she thought the exact same thing too. She promised to come back when there was improvement or… the other thing. And I promised I would wait."

The group nodded in agreement and applauded him. Everyoen looked at Marshall and Chase.

"Chase?"

Chase shifted in discomfort and replied, "I'd rather not talk about it."

"Trouble?" Rocky asked.

"Nothing I think she'd want me to talk about," Chase replied.

Rocky nodded and turned to Marshall, who was trying to hide in some way. He chuckled and looked at the other members of the group.

Skye giggled and asked, "Well, Marshall? Any progress yet?"

Marshall scratched the back of his neck and cleared his throat, "Um, no, not yet."

The table sighed and groaned. Some, like Ryder, smiled.

Rubble was the first to Remark, "You must be kidding."

"No, I'm not," Marshall smiled sheepishly, "To tell you the truth, I haven't even bothered with all the work needing to be done. Y'know?"

A sigh came from Zuma, "You know, dude? I think I know what your problem is."

Marshall looked at him and lifted an eyebrow, "Oh? Uh, what would that be?"

Zuma accepted his drink form Mr. Porter and took a sip before saying, "You're too shy."

Rocky lifted a finger, "I concur; you just won't try. You probably can't even talk to girls."

"He talks to me," Skye defended him.

"Yeah, but your like… family. To us and to him," Rocky countered, "Besides, he has to talk to you every day. I would think he at least would get used to getting a girl."

"Well, maybe we should just give him some space."

Chase gulped down half his glass and added, "We do ask him every day. I think he just doesn't want to think about it right now. Ain't that right, Marshall? Besides, maybe he was scared away Tish."

"God she was a nightmare," Marshall cringed making the group laugh.

"Who was Tish?" Ryder asked.

"You don't know who Tish was?" Chase asked.

"None of us do, Chase," Rubble replied, "You guys never even mentioned a Tish."

Marshall sighed and replied, "Tish was Chase's Brother's ex-girlfrend."

"Ex-girlfriend?" Zuma stressed.

"She was a complete control freak," Chase laughed, "She challenged my brother's moxie and he took the bait. After that, he regretted even trying to fight for his dignity. 'My dignity ain't worth this relationship,' he told me."

The table laughed and listened on, "And I supported him. Marshall was still a single guy then. Probably more than now if that's possible."

"No, I don't think it is," Radar shook his head making the group laugh again.

"But, yeah, she was in dire need of a beating if only she were a kid. My little brother, Casey, never rushed into another relationship again."

The group applauded. Ryder smiled and remained silent still.

"So, is he in one now? A relationship, of course," Skye asked in interest.

Chase nodded, "Yup, he's got a girl that's actually good for him. Brings out the pros in is cons and beats out the bad habits. She is the discipline I wish my mother gave him. I like her way better than Tish. She was one of those feminists that didn't make sense. Had too many weird beliefs."

"Pamela, right?" Marshall asked.

"Yup, that's her," Chase nodded, "Pamela Roberts."

"She sounds nice," Skye smiled.

"She is," Chase agreed, "You'd love her. So, speaking of siblings, how's your brother Marshall?"

"Still the toughest son of a gun that I know," Marshall replied, "He's gone through Recon Marine, Ranger Regiment, Airborne, Seals, Delta, and now he just got accepted in the Black Ops."

"You have to be kidding me!" Radar almost shouted, "That's a military guy's fantasy to do! I'm surprised he would do that."

Marshall chuckled, "I wasn't surprised. Chief has always been so much tougher than me and Maria."

"Oh, how is Maria doing?" Skye jumped.

"She's fine. She just got married," Marshall smiled, "His name is Bentley, Bentley Allamang. The guy's a detective."

"Oh, well, good for her."

Ryder looked at his watch, "Well, it's been good today guys. I'm glad you're all doing well. I hope to see you all tomorrow. Especially you, Zuma."

"Again? Come on, it was just a wrong turn!"

The group continued to tease him, but Ryder paid the check and left. Ryder smiled while leaving. In a few hours he had a dinner to get to.