Chapter 4

S666 incoming transmission from S001.

Sgt. Jackson Barrett rolled his eyes as he heard the transmission but didn't take his eyes off what he was working on. He tapped his earpiece and groused, "I wish you would give me another designation."

And where's the fun in that?

Jackson growled low in his throat, not really meaning it but it was annoying that he had been stuck with a designation that spelled no end to the jokes and teasing, especially from the more religiously inclined. It had been done in a fit of humor and when he learned the reason, it was sort of funny, but it got old quick. Sighing, as he finished what he was doing, he replied, "I got the call from the Russian. I'm well aware of the situation with SDC. Commander's in a snit."

No doubt.

Jackson sat back on his heels. "So why are you bothering, boss? It's not like you need me to give you every detail."

Considering that your actual CO recommended you for my outfit, I find it that you seem to enjoy being bugged.

Jackson snorted at that. "Okay, boss. I know you sent me here because somebody told somebody that is another operative that SDC was heading our way and they were right. They coming around for another run?"

Most definitely.

"Figures."

Plus, I also like that you're like a sub commander I know. No time for bullshit.

"Well the Royal Navy had a good run too." Jackson stood up and made sure that the system was well booted. He had been running around fixing things and getting the CLAWS, ASDs and turrets into working order for another assault. The nice thing was that JSOC was sending in some guys. "But it's nice to have you Yanks coming in to help."

What can I say, we work well together.

"And I bet someone's called you a cheeky bastard."

Indeed. I am serious though. I am concerned about the sitrep there. The Commander mentioned that another attack would be hard put on you.

Jackson opened up another panel and started checking what he needed, "Not me personally, but you are right in that if Spectre falls then the shite will be all over the rest of the world. Like a stack of dominoes." He paused what he was doing to add, "And don't you start with the whole everything is a system or some other bull that you've said."

You walk right into them, Jackson.

Jackson made a slight face and a sound that had the voice on the other end laughing. His mouth twitched into a sort of a smile. He went back to fixing what needed to be fixed. He reached in and found the charred wire and pulled it out with a finger. He studied it as he said, "Yeah I know. I'm your comic relief."

No. That is Ghost. Close second. Anyway, I wanted to check in on the status of FOB. JSOC is on the way to drop in ground troops as support.

"We'll need it. The last one really gave us a knock."

It shouldn't be too hard right? Keep them from accessing the main control room. A walk in the park.

Jackson knew better than to take that comment lightly. He knew that his boss was concerned. She knew that the FOB was vital. She knew much everything since her hand was in a lot of pots. You didn't get to be the head of a special operations organization without knowing how to sidestep a few landmines. Or disabling and making them work for you. Yet, she was concerned about the troops on the deck. She would have had the casualty reports sent to her and she would have read them.

Jackson finished what he was doing and slammed the panel shut. That was the best they were going to get on short notice. "Definitely. As long as I can keep these pieces of junk working until the forces are reinforced."

Working on that. Meanwhile, JSOC teams are going to HALO in in order to meet the SDC head on. Section will be in command and go over targeting and defenses checks.

"Bolly."

Now I know you both just get along. Didn't you save each other's asses when we had that business in Singapore?

"More like you saved our arses," Jackson muttered, knowing that she could hear him. He turned to survey the base. The defenses were functioning. "Well, we're as ready as we're going to get. I'll stick around before I move on."

And bring Armageddon.

"Right."

Thank you, Jackson. See you on the other side. Good luck.

Jackson gave a signal acknowledging the disconnect before heading to the main control room. He looked around, noting the troops that had survived the initial assault. They looked bedraggled, but they were ready to fight. The CO was looking every bit like his men. Yep, they were as ready as could be. He walked up to the CO and saluted, "Sir, everything is repaired and as functioning as I can get. Can't guarantee that it will stand up through the whole thing, but they will give as good as they got."

"That's good Barrett. I'm sure Spectre now needs you."

Jackson shifted on his feet before replying, "Actually, I'm sticking around sir. I'm faster at repairs and I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Could help slow SDC down. Spectre approves."

The Commander looked at Jackson with a pointed look. He knew Jackson wasn't his per se, but the man gave a hand in fixing things and now he was willing to stay and help defend the base. He wasn't about to turn away help when it was offered. He nodded, "Alright, Barrett. Do what you got to do. It's all any of us can do."

"Copy that," Jackson replied. He took his leave when he was given the signal and began a walkthrough of the base. He checked the defenses again during his walkthrough. Everything was working though there were a few things that he was concerned about.

Shifting, he turned to look at the sky and the surrounding foliage. This was going to be fun. And that was in sarcasm. Between the foliage, the humidity and SDC, ground troops would have their work cut out for them. Yet, this was the job and one he fully accepted when Spectre tapped him to join the Shadow Protocol program. He sighed and shook his head when he noticed the first of the JSOC troops HALO in. He walked over to greet them.

"Sgt. Jackson Barrett?" The leader of the first team in greeted Jackson with a questioning look. He looked a little out of his element but determined to get the job done.

"That's me," Jackson acknowledged. He grinned, "About time you Yanks got here. Repairs have been made and will hold up as best as they can. Better than most in these conditions."

"Glad to hear of that." The team leader held out a portable drive. "Spectre sends her regards."

Jackson took the drive. "Thanks. The Commander is in the command center ready for debrief." He gestured towards the place where the commander was. He waited until the team leader went before he put the drive into his wrist console. He viewed the message on his HUD that he had been provided before going over to where the team was waiting for orders.

Minutes later ground troops were ready to go, and Section was online. Jackson adjusted his radio earpiece, so he could hear the man. He walked out and stood looking around, surveying the base. It looked like he was doing nothing but in fact he was studying everything and looking for the surveillance drone that would relay positions to the Obama.

All units, standby.

Okay. I wanna run through a few systems checks and training maneuvers. Let's make sure we got this down before we do it for real.

I want a functions check on CLAWS. Standby.

Jackson grinned as he watched as the troops began to maneuver. He couldn't help but beam in pride that the CLAWS were functioning pretty well. He wasn't rated to service or repair a CLAW, but he knew wiring and could tell when something wasn't right. It was part of the reason why Spectre tapped him. It was a known thing that she respected the tech guys.

The checks went well, and Jackson heard the call for the dummy drone in the AO. Jackson had gotten on the roof of one of the buildings to watch as the units converged and fired on the dummy drone. Everything looked good and it was confirmed. He waited until the training exercise was over and activated his comm, "The training exercise looked real enough."

Nice to hear from you too, Jackson. What are you doing at FOB Spectre?

"You and I both know the answer to that one," Jackson replied with a grin. He sobered immediately though and gave his report, "Spectre was hit hard, Section. I just managed to get defense systems online and to an adequate standing."

Then we're just gonna have to dig in.

"Which is why I'm staying. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve."

No doubt. Considering what we did in Singapore.

"More like Spectre save our arses on that one." Jackson grinned. As much as he and Section ribbed each other, they had a bond as comrades in combat. "We're riding the wire on this one, Section."

We need Spectre to stand otherwise its open season on India.

"Don't need to tell me twice."

Watch your back, Jack. Catch ya on the flipside.

"Waiting your orders."

They shared a few more words, some of it joking before it was time to get to business. Jackson checked the specs on his guns, since like all operatives, he had his primary, a secondary and a sidearm. He also had a few other odds and ends, and he was skilled in hand to hand combat. He checked his comms and did a final system check on his wrist console.

Once all elements are on the ground, move to establish defensive perimeter.

Jackson looked up to see the next group of JSOC HALO in. He signaled them as they landed, and they maneuvered to take defensive positions. He waited until Section gave the ETA of enemy troops to relay, "The Comms Sat, the transformer and cooling tower power the base shield doors. If two of these positions fall, the enemy will gain access to the central mainframe."

The troops acknowledged as they joined the base's own troops to establish the defensive perimeter. Jackson took up position near the Comms Sat. He would start there and then run across as necessary to fix what needed to be fixed. There were other tech experts on the ground, but they were few in numbers. Tactics had changed to rely on the big guns like the CLAWs, but SP operatives were trained to use all options and not all of them involved tech.

Checking his console, Jackson noted the countdown. They were seconds away from having enemy visitors. He swallowed slightly and picked up his gun.

Enemy in the AO.

This was it. Jackson took a breath and waited for the first enemy troops to come in. Then he let them have it.


Eagle down!

Spectre watched the feeds that were coming in and listening to the comms. She pursed her lips as she watched as the sentry turret cam go down. It was near the Comms Sat. That left it open to attack and being compromised.

Comms Sat under attack. Moving into position to establish perimeter and repair.

It was hard not to flinch at the tone of Jackson's voice over the comms. He was good, but like all soldiers, he wasn't invincible. The risk of being shot and death were high in the profession. He knew it and he still accepted her command. Even when he was first assigned, he accepted her command and followed willingly.

Spectre knew as well as the boots on the ground, that this job had a high risk of injury and death. She had spent time in the trenches with the operating teams and had been shot at herself and nearly died. Being persona non grata was tough and trying to finish the job of making the world a safer place. She nearly lost her husband and adoptive father to that. Hell, she had been the devil's prisoner during that.

When she took over arm chairing the ops for the 141 and other teams, it became a hard thing to watch when she lost operators. She was sitting in relative safety and watching her teams get hit like they did when the shit hit the fan. It was also hard making those decisions that meant life and death. It was hard listening to the sounds in the background, because she knew exactly what it was like.

It was also what made her popular with the operating teams. She understood where they were coming from and often took their side when discussing strategy. She was once called the gentle reminder to the armchair generals about what the situation really was like. Of course, she was stuck in arguing their side too. The pros, or cons, of being involved in politics. At least President Boswell wasn't difficult to work with.

Spectre knew that she was tasked with making the world safe. As a liaison between Britain and the United States, it put her in the position to interact with leaders who had different outlooks on the current situation with Menendez. Both sides agreed that he needed to be stopped. The way how differed and often had them split on views. It just had her marvel that nearly a decade ago they weren't listening to her, but she still continued to reach out to her contacts and gather information. The events then until Singapore didn't appear connected.

Menendez is like Makarov, manipulating the populace into thinking he's the good guy. Every move is calculated to be one step ahead.

The similarities ended at the fact that both were meticulous. There was something different about Menendez and it was related to her friend David, his father and the fact that even she might be connected. She hadn't forgotten the threat that had been delivered when people finally started listening to her. They had barely made it out of Singapore and she received it. Not personally, but much like how Zakhaev sent her that warning.

Now she was in this as much as David. The problem was that she was a bit too high profile. She couldn't maneuver easily like she used to. The curse of her talents. It was partially why she recruited a protégé. She pulled the best from all branches of service from around the world and with the help of her old AI Addy, she was able to compile a dossier listing of the top agents along with their specialties. In the end, she chose Simone Torres and for the same reasons that Addy suggested.

Glancing over to the corner, she noticed that Torres was sitting with a computer pad, looking at the information they collected from Myanmar. The Celerium was initially a theory, but as a person versed in computers, hardware and software, Spectre knew that dream was becoming a reality and probably already was. Since that was the case, the system was going to be thrown into flux and this whole campaign would be trouble shooting.

A hard lesson learned was to pick your resources and place them where they would do the most good even if they didn't make much sense. David learned to trust that of her even though she would joke about methods of madness. In this case, she knew Torres would be the key with David. Torres was her eyes and ears and had autonomy to act as needed. The edge to help keep the system working and hopefully stave off disaster.

Enemy targeting power transformer.

Enemy transformer down.

Enemy now has access to central mainframe.

"Fuck," David whispered.

Spectre looked at her friend while looking for Briggs. She was well aware that professionalism had to be maintained. It was no secret that she was on good terms with various servicemen. The depth though had to be kept from getting out. She knew that it could spell trouble and it almost got her and her husband in trouble. It worked out in the end, but it drove her to keep things clear and it helped cement the reputation of being the kind of person that you didn't mess with.

Turning back to the screen, she said, "Addy, status update."

Reinforcements have been deployed. Time to defend, three minutes.

"Copy that. Direct 666 to troubleshoot defenses."

SP666 already on site and tasked.

Barrett here. Low on men. Multiple casualties. CO is wounded.

"Sergeant," Spectre replied while looking at the screen, "How are troubleshooting on defenses?"

Two are down and central mainframe is vulnerable. Rigging nonessentials to provide support. Infantry tasked to multiple points.

"Can you hold?"

Aye, ma'am.

Spectre nodded, "Do what you have to do. You have full authorization to hold your position until reinforcements arrive. You know what will happen if FOB Spectre falls?"

Roger. No more making fun of you ma'am. We'll hold. Barrett, out.

"I don't know how he's gonna hold it, Spectre," David said in a quiet tone.

"You have to trust Barrett like you do me, Section," Spectre replied equally soft. "You know what his call sign is."

"Don't remind me. If it wasn't for him…"

"Jacks will do what he has to do. Look." Spectre pointed out the movements.

The troops that were able to move were moving into position as the final choppers of SDC were moving in. It seemed that it was going to be a final stand. She could only hope that whatever Jackson had in mind would work. She trusted his judgment though. Singapore had been proof enough and he was a rook on her task force, but he had been vetted by her and a few trusted people. And it looked like he was going to impress her again.

Enemy choppers inbound.

Spectre, I am tracking feed from SDC. It looks like a final assault. This looks to be the third and final wave.

"Copy that Addy. Do we have more boots on the ground?"

"ETA one minute," David said as he tapped his console. He shook his head as he looked up and saw the numbers. "They're not gonna make it."

"They'll make it."

As if she had foresight, David noted that their numbers started reducing the wave down. There had been a couple of close calls where the enemy had almost destroyed the mainframe with an EMP detonation, but it had been taken care of before it became an issue. He saw their men converge in the control room to establish chokepoints. It was a last stand that often got told in stories.

What was worrisome was when a large explosion happened, and the screen turned white. They were blinded, and they couldn't tell if there was anyone left or if the base had been taken. If it was the latter, then they would be in trouble. It would make it hard to establish defenses against SDC for future operations. It wouldn't be impossible, but politically it could send them to shits.

"FOB Spectre, this is Spectre anyone copy. Over."

David watched as the screens were trying to clear. It seemed to affect their camera feeds. He took Spectre's lead and remained calm though he was concerned. He took a breath as Spectre repeated her query.

Spectre, this is Barrett. We're okay. Enemy forces moving to retreat. Base secure.

Spectre couldn't help but give a small smile as David let out the breath that he was holding. She said, "That's good SP666. Seems like you went out with a bang."

Looks like it ma'am. You know me.

"Support troops are inbound to assist with wounded. Welcome back."

"Well done, Mason," Briggs was saying.

Spectre turned but remained in the shadows. It was the same no matter what and she preferred it that way. They were David's men and it was his op. She was just resource coordinator. She took the moment to slip away and just take a breather from it. Jackson would report in when he was ready to depart and on to the next mission. Addy had his orders. Right now, she just needed to take that breath of relief after the tension of being put in a position where there were lives in her hands.

She went to one place that was good at that. She found Torres there warming up when she arrived. She grinned and teased, "A little flustered there Torres. Too much for analysis."

"Hard time listening to everything," Torres replied as she finished warming up and moved to make room for Spectre. "I don't know how you do it."

"Part of it is because I know what it's like. The other… just have to do it." Spectre moved into position and noticed that Torres took up her customary position. She began on the first set of moves and Torres followed. "Emotions can be bad in battle. True they drive us, but to surgically move in and get things done, focus is needed. Sometimes that clinical approach because it's the only way to make those decisions. We may not like it at the time, but in the end… I am sure that it is the right one."

"And that's why you are always listened to," Torres replied as she followed the movements. "I finished analyzing the information. At least what I can handle now. I may have something, but…"

"You need to sort through it in your mind," Spectre finished with a grin. "My human computer," she teased. "I knew there was a reason I tapped you."

Torres snorted and they both laughed before they shifted focus and concentrated on the movements that they were doing. They spent a good twenty minutes just moving and focusing on position and breathing as they both mulled over their thoughts. More was coming their way and they needed to be ready for it in anyway that they knew how.


A/N: And here we are at FOB Spectre and it looks like they held out. Onward to next time on Waves on the Shores...