A/N: I'm finally back into tackling my writing queue. A Father and His Sons veered me off course a bit, Family Shares got me back on course and now I feel like I'm in catch-up mode. But that's my problem, not yours.

I've been mulling around in my head about inserting Matt Taylor into different CM episodes that have aired and putting him into the story. Yes, I know that will kick CM canon into the Stone Ages. However, after a long, long chat with my mentor, I've decided to run with my ideas. In very grateful acknowledgement of Thn0715's sage advice, I said, "You get to pick first one," with a three ep option. The PM flew back to in less than 10 seconds with two words: "Minimal Loss".

For those of you that are new to my OC Matt Taylor, this should be a standalone story. If you want more background though, a quick read of Chapter 1 of Monsters in the Fortress should give you all that you need.

And holy shizzers! I've been knighted by my Jedi Master/mentor Thn0715. However, this is for you babe! *massive squishy hug* *Knightly bow of head to Jedi Master*

As always, all rights go to Criminal Minds, CBS and ABC Studios. For this fic, deepest respect and rights to Andrew Wilder for writing one helluva a CM ep and I will use some of his words. *rubs hands gleefully together* But I'm gonna play around with it bit. You've been warned.

Please, please note language rating. It's there for a reason.

Chapter 1

JJ, seven and half months pregnant, nearly stormed through the glass doors of the BAU. One agent, on his way out, knew to get the hell out of her way. As she started to walk past Morgan's desk, he looked up, noticing her. She was on a mission. "Whoa; slow down Mama-to-Be," he said, gently grabbing her elbow. "What's got you all hot and bothered?"

She clicked on the TV. "Morgan," is all she said, as she tuned the TV in the bullpen to the coverage from Colorado. Morgan took one look at her and turned his attention to the TV. He looked at her.

"Prentiss and Reid?" JJ just nodded.

"HOTCH! COB!" Morgan shouted to the upper tier. They both came out of their offices, with Dave following, hearing the alarm in Morgan's voice. "The TV," he pointed to them.

Just as the three on the upper tier were coming to grips with the reality of the situation, the phones in the BAU, as well as all their own cell phones, rang with reckless abandon. "That means we're lead," Hotch said, "with Hostage Rescue in support." They were in the air in less than thirty minutes.

As Chuck and Angie silently speed the jet west towards rescuing their friends as well, the rest on the jet got the overview from JJ and Garcia's digging. The Colorado AG trying to make a campaign launching agenda out of the situation incensed Matt. Cob, sitting across from Hotch, next to Morgan, burrowed his eyes into Hotch's. "If you don't get his ass, Aaron, I will."

"I have full intention of getting his ass. We all report to the US Attorney General. And I know how to run things up the ladder, just like you Matt." The two partners nodded at each other. The five of them continued the briefing.

When they finished, Matt nodded at Hotch across the table to follow him into the galley. When they got there, Matt whispered, "Hotch, we need Dave as lead negotiator."

Hotch shook his head. "He's too close."

"Hotch, listen to me. Rossi taught most of the staff of Hostage Rescue. That's part of my job; I keep up with them. Dan, the team leader is damn good. I trust him. But why settle for second best when we have the teacher. And we need someone that also can anticipate Prentiss and Reid's moves. They know the CIRC handbook like all the rest of us. Aaron, I'm telling you, from my tactical world, that's got to be the call."

Hotch looked at him. "I'll think about it."

"Don't goddamn think. It's the right call. And Hotch, it's Dan's show; I respect and more importantly, trust his abilities. But there's something else I could be doing to give him a tactical advantage. That's my tactical call and what the Bureau pays me to do to support you."

"Which is?"

"Recon," Matt smiled. "You trust Dan and let him do his job, because Hotch, I do. Do I have say more?" Hotch shook his head. "Dave does the talking and I do what I do best. I get in from behind and feed you, Dave and Dan intel," he winked. "And if I silently take down a few unfriendlies in the process, handcuffing them to trees, all the better," he sadly smiled.

"You're prepared to do that?"

"Some SAC and profiler you are. You didn't see the extra bag I put on the jet?" Matt smiled at Aaron. At that moment, Hotch knew, once again, to trust his friend.

"Let's get this done," he said as he touched Matt's bicep.

"You'll handle the big dog on negotiating?"

"Yes, and kicking a state AG in the ass," Hotch slightly smiled. He had learned a thing or two from the Marine.

"Then let's get this damn done Hotch. I don't like the smell of this one. And more importantly, I don't like members of our team in a 'Jim Jones' situation, which you and I both know this is. That idiot is going to kill people, including himself. And with his mindset, this flippin' idiot doesn't care."

"I know."

-00CM00-

The five remaining members of the BAU got out of the black SUV that drove onto the scene. Matt, driving, of course, was the first to get out, followed by Hotch, in the front passenger seat. Dave, Morgan and JJ exited out of the back seat; Dave taking the time to see if the mother to be got out all right. JJ smiled at him and rubbed his arm. That's Rossi; a gentleman's gentleman, she thought.

As Hotch talked with Rossi about being lead negotiator, Matt looked around the scene and did a quick assessment. Dan had did it right. There were no state police around, only county law enforcement.

Matt walked up on the scene to the state AG chewing Dan's ass. He looked at Dan, and stuck out his hand to him, ignoring the AG. "Hi Dan."

"Hi Cob, glad you're here," Dan said, joining Matt in ignoring the State Attorney General, which incensed him more.

"I demand to know why the FBI was sending in undercover agents into the Libertarian Ranch," he bellowed.

Hotch walked up. "The only thing you're in a position to demand is a lawyer."

"Who the hell are you?"

"I'm Aaron Hotchner, Unit Chief. I'm the guy that is going to tell the Attorney General of the United States to charge you with obstructing a federal investigation or negligent homicide."

"You can't talk to me like that."

Aaron stepped forward and got face to face with him. "Get off my crime scene."

The state AG looked at Matt, to see him smiling broadly. Matt pointed to the AG's car. "I've can give you an escort sir, if you need one." The AG took one look at Matt's Glock hanging in the shoulder holster as all of the BAU team were dressed down and stormed off. Dave joined the group, introductions were made and Dan gave them his initial lay of the land.

They moved into the FBI Rapid Response trailer for the initial briefing. When it finished, with Matt letting Hotch, Rossi and Morgan do the briefing, he spoke up. "Dan, first off; you're lead with tactical." Dan smiled and nodded. "Two: who's your communications expert?"

"Martinez," he answered, nodding at an agent in the back. "What you got planned Cob?"

Matt smiled. "A little recon mission to feed all of you intel. But I need to comm equipment to do that. And from long range if necessary."

"I can get you all fixed up sir," Martinez smiled.

"Two way street Martinez; I get comm back from you folks?"

"Done deal sir," he smiled.

"Dan, can you hook with up with a local that knows the lay of the land and can quietly get me on the back side of property?"

"I'd start with the Sheriff Cob." Dan pointed at him. "I'll make the introductions. Follow me."

Hotch, Dave and Morgan shared looks. Once again, Matt's reputation preceded him. And as usual, he was on the job, thinking ahead for what they needed to do to save their friends.

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