Chapter 3

Identified: Hayfield, Connor. Lt. Commander.

Connor resisted an eye roll as he waited for his ID confirmed. Once he had it he said, "Access Phoenix. Establish com to JSOC asset call sign Nightstalker."

The screen flickered and a familiar face showed up making Connor grin. He gave a slight shake of his head. "Sam?"

I read you Connor and I can see your ugly mug.

Connor chuckled a bit at that since he and Sam Mason went back a long way. He always felt that because his parents were from opposite sides of the world and the jobs they did, it paved the way for him and his siblings to make friends with people from around the world. Sam Mason though was a special friend, more like family in that sense. It allowed them to get away with occasional points of sarcasm that sounded like disrespect as he now replied, "Nah, I'm the pretty one. You got your da's face."

What can I say? Us Masons seem to carry on the family tradition. What do you need?

Connor straightened up and got down to business, "I need a favor Sam."

You mean the downed drone in Sudan? Figured they send you in. Apart from being the tech genius, you're one of the best.

"Flattery gets you nowhere mate. But that is the job. We need infil since we're going stealth." Connor looked at his longtime friend. "Recovery team and investigating team disappeared."

Sounds like something they would send the Reapers on.

"Please. Those piss pots couldn't find their way without retinal augmentation to save their arses."

Like you're one to talk.

Connor narrowed his eyes at Sam when the man gestured towards his arm. He pointed a warning finger, "Don't even get me started. Now are you gonna bloody help or not?" He glared at the man as if to dare him to question him.

Keep your pants on shithead. We've got a prototype V-TOL that can get you in. It was developed in response to the air defenses that were developed after 2025 and what happened with us and SDC. Most people still think that the shit that happened then was not completely suppressed. Same shit, different day kind of thing.

"We got that with Atlas remnants."

You thinking that Atlas did this?

"No, but I could be wrong." Connor looked away to make sure no one was around before looking back. "I got a bad feeling about this Sam. There's something off and…"

Well then I'll make sure Anderson follows your lead. Right now we're heading out to Peru. We got a situation going on there.

"Alright. I'll let Command know about the V-TOL."

Already done. I just like making you work for it.

"Screw you bloody Yank," Connor countered with a grin, unaware that it was a similar expression his father had used with his mother. "Seriously though, watch yourself, Sam."

Don't worry about me. I know how to watch my back. It's you that I'm worried about. And it's not because you have a tendency to walk away from things that should have killed ya.

"What's that phrase? Go cry me a river," Connor replied. He knew though that it was Sam's way of telling him to be careful and a thanks for the warning. There were certain things you did or didn't do when you were in this job. Call it being superstitious but they tended to help a person see things through. Connor smiled and nodded at his friend. "But watch yourself."

Copy that Commander.

"Fuck you Mason," Connor said in jest. "But that is an order."

And I'll make sure Dad knows that.

Connor watched as his friend signed off. He checked his watch before heading to go suit up. If he knew his friend, the V-TOL will be there for dust off fairly quick. It was just a formality basically since most of the time they kept tabs and worked with each other. He had to kit up and be ready to go even with his apprehensions.

The exo slid on like an old friend. Then again, once you learned, it was second nature. Connor checked the specs on his exo since he did modify it. He preferred the specialist version but he added in the option of the boost for the assault armor and of course there was the grapple attachment. It was unique and there wasn't another exo like it. He did make a suggestion on how to incorporate his AI Trinity mostly for the specialist ASTs that he created as well as how to incorporate the standard AST.

Since they didn't know what they were getting into, they were going to be wearing the full suits with stealth dampeners. It was a precaution since two teams were missing as well as intel from a downed drone. Connor didn't like this but they couldn't let it lie. If it was something more than a downed drone and possible bad radio…

"Hey, you got a screwdriver?"

Connor finished clicking the last piece into place when he looked up to see Mitchell walking in holding his helmet. The man was grinning at him as he stood in front of him. "Nope. But I know how to make one."

Mitchell couldn't help but laugh at that one. "Always looking for a way to play with your words."

"Nah. It's a natural talent… And Mother used it one too many times on Da." Connor finished putting on the exo. He picked up the helmet and finished, "And she may have taught me a thing or two. It only made my bad side worse."

"I wouldn't know. It's been pretty good so far," Mitchell teased.

"You're not my type."

They both shared a laugh over that joke. It was more often used to tease Gideon since they were both as straight as a narrow path. Connor cleared his throat and put a hand on Mitchell's shoulder. "Ready to go?"

"Ready and able," Mitchell replied. He was ready to go no matter what. He was ready after nearly a year of rehabilitating and with the help of Connor. He followed Connor as they exited towards the main hangar. They stopped to pick up their guns and to lock and load. By that time the V-TOL had arrived and was there waiting for them to board.

Connor patted Mitchell and told him to go ahead. He had to make one stop and one that would have had Ilona scolding him but she wouldn't have meant it. She just liked to give him a hard time because he had changed since she last saw him before he 'died'. He headed to the infirmary and took a peek before making his way to where he knew she was at. Poking his head through the door, he looked around.

"At least you're saying good bye this time."

Connor grinned when he found who he was looking for and replied in a slight hurt tone, "I always say I'll see you later." He stepped into the office looking contrite.

Magda came out from where she was busy filing. She took in the man dressed for a mission and bit back the worry that always came when he was sent out. She gave a slight smile as she held her stack of papers. "And for the most part you bullshit me."

"Only when I see your replacement." Connor took a step forward to look her in the eye. His eyes took a slightly narrowed look that was more to convey a challenge. And it wasn't one that involved shooting things though that was always an option when it came to her.

"And you said you would give it a try and not be an ass," Magda countered as she put the files down on her desk.

"And I kept it. Mostly." Connor shrugged while keeping a slight grin. He leaned against the doorframe and sighed in content. "And I did want to see you before I head out."

Magda smiled slightly as she leaned against her desk. She crossed her arms over her chest as she studied him. "You know I'm not your shrink anymore."

Connor took a moment before straightening up. "Then I guess I'll go then." He turned to leave only to have his arm grabbed to stop him from leaving. He turned to see Magda looking at him and gave a slow grin. "Still thinking I won't say see ya later, love?"

Magda narrowed her eyes and gave his shoulder a slap. "You bastard."

"I never claimed to be otherwise," Connor replied in a low tone as he lowered his head. His gaze locked onto her angry one. His voice turned husky as he finished. He pressed his lips to hers gently and slowly. He pulled back but was caught in the kiss that Magda returned.

It was slow, short and sweet but it said what both wanted to say. Connor twitched his lips in a smile as he pulled away. His eyes kept that mischievous twinkle he always had but it was softened as he studied her before taking a step back. He reached with his right and ran the first two fingers on her cheek. His throat convulsed slightly as he rubbed his thumb on her chin before he left her office. It was all he could do without drawing too much attention to his relationship with her.

It's always a risk.

Magda watched as Connor left. She knew he wasn't big on telling how he felt but it was conveyed in the actions he had taken. He had always come to let her know when he was leaving and he never said good bye. He believed that it was never good bye. Not until it was certain. Maybe it was foolish but she was willing to work with whatever kept him alive. That she kept in mind as she went back to work. She did have patients to see now that she helped out in the infirmary.

Connor looked ahead as he went to where they were dusting off. The transport was now ready to go and Trinity had been doing her job letting him know what the status was. He would make it just in time since everyone else was ready to go. He had his orders and he was going to carry them out.

The V-TOL was prepped and running final checks. Connor took a look at it. Normally the geek side of him would be drooling over the specs of the transport. After the hijacking of drones and the aerial attacks in 2025, nations had been making the effort to make more effective aerial defense. It did make it difficult to insert boots on the ground. Atlas never had that problem since Irons had always seemed to have the answers and the nations were willing to listen. Now it was difficult to track down and deal with the remnants.

Some changes had to be made in terms of tactics and deployment but there was still work to be done. Connor studied the transport with an appreciative eye before heading to the ramp with his helmet under his arm. He tapped his ear to feel the earpiece and make sure that it was in. "Comm check. Gideon you in?"

Copy that. We're online. You better get your arse on board.

Connor grinned as he stepped up the ramp. He turned to look and see the window to ops control as well as the other men on base. He tapped on the panel to shut the ramp and shifted to let the crew chief take over and head towards the cockpit.

Skyhawk 6-4 you are cleared for takeoff.

Roger that Hotel 6. Package is aboard.

"Well I guess we are baked goods," Connor joked as he watched as they took off.

"Yes sir Commander. Nightstalker said as much when he relayed the order," the pilot replied with a slight grin.

Connor grinned as well. He knew they were talking about Sam. JSOC tended to use code names with their personnel once they were given. "Just get us to the drop off and we'll go from there."

"Aye, sir."


The night was fairly comfortable for an equatorial tropical place. That is if you weren't one to complain about the humidity and other things associated with the climate. Connor squatted by the rock formation and surveyed the area. His gun rested across his knees but was ready to be picked up at a moment's notice. His eyes lighted on the road and he kept a watchful eye.

A convoy of vehicles left the compound he had been watching and started towards the city Raga. That was their cue. Looking at his partner he said, "Break's over Axe. Let's go."

The V-TOL had gotten them close enough so they weren't making a long trek but they still had to beat feet to get in close. It was a team of four with Connor leading and Mitchell as his right hand. They brought along Wilcox and Stokes. Connor claimed that they were good for the mission and made a point to Gideon that sometimes experience in the field was needed too.

They had to split and enter on both sides. Mitchell took Stokes and Connor took Wilcox. It wasn't a bad pairing as they made their way to the compound where they tracked the downed drone and the missing teams. What was left of the missing teams that is.

They found the crash site and they found the remains of the recovery team as well as maybe one or two of the SAR team. From the looks of things they had been ambushed and were fired upon without word or warning. It had Connor eye the scene with an expression that could have been interpreted as a mixture of disgust and impassiveness that hid what he was truly thinking at the moment. He called it in but also turned to his team and told them that he needed them to remain focused.

They were able to pick up the signal of the downed drone and trace it to the compound they were at. Surveillance managed to get them some information about the place and the decision was made to go in. The approach was covered in two directions with Mitchell and Stokes providing transport for exfil if necessary. Connor took Wilcox with him more because he rather liked the sergeant and liked his ability to think on his feet. That and some brownie points were won with his concern for his team.

Connor led the way down into the compound. Their stealth units helped in that they couldn't be easily seen unless someone was looking for them. And from the looks of things, they weren't expecting company judging by the two guards they were coming up behind. "Axe, these muppets have no idea we're here so let's take it nice and slow. You take the one on the left on three. Three."

The silent rounds took out the two guards and they flopped to the ground. They didn't know what hit them. Connor nodded, "Nicely done."

They continued up the path to find two more guards which they took out with ease. The wind was starting to pick up and it had Connor study the area. It would be to their advantage but the wind could make them easy to spot especially if debris hit them and someone noticed. "We've got a wind picking up. How are things on your end, Mitchell?"

So far so good. Securing transport for exfil.

"Copy that. Be prepared for plan B."

Copy.

Connor pursed his lips and signaled Wilcox to follow. They made their way into the compound and he tapped Wilcox on the shoulder and pointed to the fueling station. "Plant some C4 explosives. We may need to go to plan B."

"You do know that we have simtex now, right?" Wilcox looked at Connor with a raised brow.

"I do. I prefer old school." Connor looked and found a spot. "I'll provide over watch."

Leaving it at that, Connor made his way to the rise that would provide for good cover and pulled out his sniper rifle. He found Wilcox in his scope using the thermal optics. If there was one thing about the stealth units, it couldn't disguise body heat very well. He had figured out how to adjust the thermals to locate active stealth units. Sharing that information was another matter and one he didn't exactly say much about. It did come in handy though as he marked Wilcox's trail towards the fueling station.

C4 planted.

"Good. Make your way to the main building. That's where the signal was detected. Race you."

Connor packed up his rifle and sprinted towards the back of the main building. He wasn't prepared for the sight and wrinkled his nose. What was left of the recovery teams was left outside and they looked like they were tortured for whatever reason. He could guess why and it had to do with the drone's security system. With everything that happened back when his parents were in the same line of work, measures had been taken to keep the enemy from having an easy time of it. They would have tried torture for the security codes.

"Fuck."

Connor glanced up to see Wilcox come up. "Took the scenic route, eh? Come on." He didn't meant to be a hard ass but the sight was not something that he wanted to stick around for. When they exfil he would radio it in and maybe they would be able to get those guys home.

Leading the way, with his rifle up, Connor entered first and scanned the area. He followed the hallway to where there were a few lockers and came across a lone guard. He lowered his weapon and held out his hands. He came up behind and the guy never saw it coming as Connor cleanly snapped the neck, killing him instantly.

"Whoa."

Connor glanced at Wilcox and replied, "Less messy than a knife. Not that it matters." He looked up and down the hall. There was no one else but they should still be quite. He gestured for Wilcox to follow and they entered the main holding. Seeing no one in sight, Connor gestured upstairs, "Axe, see if you can find the data box and secure. I'll work on the bird." He pulled out a drill.

Wilcox nodded and went up the stairs to look for the data box that had everything from the drone. He found it and was about to take it when a low moan caught his attention. He turned, bringing up his rifle and found a soldier on the ground. It was one of theirs and Wilcox wasted no time checking him out. "Name. Rank."

"Simmons. Corporal." The reply was breathy and brief but Simmons got what he wanted to say. "Drone not compromised."

Wilcox nodded. That was a good thing since that was the main worry; that the data would be compromised in some way. He checked to make sure Simmons was okay before asking if he was able to stand. With a little prompting, he got Simmons on his feet and handed him a pistol. He relayed, "Commander, I've got one survivor. Alive."

Copy that. We'll take him with us but stay out of sight. I've been compromised.

Wilcox knew what that meant and motioned for Simmons to follow after grabbing the data nodule and placing it in his pack. He held up his rifle and moved to get a better look at the situation below. He could make out Connor standing with his hands raised and a group of tangos pointing their weapons at him.

We'll need to go to plan B.

Wilcox pulled out the detonator and held it while Connor told him to standby. It made him antsy that the Commander was cutting it close. But he also knew that the element of surprise usually worked too. He was just going to have to trust in his CO.

Do it.

Wilcox pulled the trigger and the explosion went off with a loud bang. It was enough to disorient and allow him and Connor to pull up their weapons and fire on the group. It was over in a span of seconds with the enemy lying on the ground dead or dying and Wilcox was making his way down the stairs to meet up with Connor with Simmons in tow.

Connor was waiting and stated shouting out orders to take cover. He gave a glance at Simmons and then at Wilcox before leading the way towards their exfil. "Mitchell, we've been compromised."

We heard. Did you really have to go with plan B?

"Hard to avoid it. Primary LZ is compromised. Meet you at the secondary."

Copy that. We secured transport and will be waiting. Out.

Connor knew that Mitchell was as good as his word. He and Stokes would have transport waiting. What it would be was something to speculate at but not at the moment. Right now they needed to get out of the compound towards the LZ and that was going to prove a feet since they were being fired upon. He took cover behind a wall and laid down cover fire for Wilcox and Simmons to get a move on. He signaled them to go and waited until they had a good position for him to move forward. It worked well until they came to a stretch of open land that ended with a hilly slope. That was where they were headed.

Wilcox covered their sixes by returning fire. He managed to take out the more direct threats as they made their way to the secondary LZ. He was relieved that it helped to bide them time to escape. He paused in his running when they came to the top of the hill and he turned to cover and make sure that they hadn't been pursued.

Connor didn't like the quiet and turned to look around. They were almost there but something told him to stop. He looked back and he heard it. It was the unmistakable sound of a vehicle, multiple vehicles coming at them. He spotted them and his eyes widened slightly. With a deft move, he pushed Wilcox and Simmons forward and they stumbled and rolled down the slope before he leapt down and followed them. At that moment he felt the vibration from the impact of a missile hitting the hill. He rolled down the hill and used his legs to come to a stop. "Bugger."

Hayfield, I got you in my sights. Coming in.

Connor was going to protest. There was nowhere for them to go except over the cliff and… Then he saw the V-TOL come up the cliffside. It turned towards them and aimed at the hill and fired before turning. He shouted, "Come on! Jump!"

Connor was first and landed followed by Simmons. He turned just in time to see Wilcox land and start to roll out of the V-TOL. He didn't waste a second as he leapt forward and grabbed the man by the arm. "Gotcha."

Wilcox let himself be pulled up a little bit embarrassed that he had nearly fallen out. He watched as Connor patted him on the shoulder and relayed to Command that they were on board and heading back with the data module. He sat up and leaned against the panel and took a couple of breaths. He nearly scowled when one of the crew chiefs said, "You're damn lucky the Commander caught ya."


A/N: Mission completed and it looks like there are some things that are familiar. Virtual cookies for anyone to figure it out. Catch y'all next time on Into the Breach...