Who is Operator 36
Chapter 7
Battle scars
Batman had an interesting few days. To much blood had been shed and now he found himself with the very he saw as the cause of it. Part of him said to simply turn the man in. However he knew this was precisely the type of man that would end up on the suicide squad. And that was not an ethical decision. He also wasn't sure if he could release him. He also needed to know for sure what Jason was up to know.
"What did you do to Red Hood?" Questioned Batman starring down upon 36, "And what have you put him up to."
"All I did was answer his questions concerning my view on vigilantism and a little of how I got in to it. Then we worked together that's it." Operator 36 replied too beat up to make an escape attempt, "And how should I know what he's doing right now, I just met the guy it's not like I got his number on speed dial."
Batman contemplated what was said. He knew the Red Hood was always like this in the end. He was always rougher on the criminals than anyone else in the Bat family. He was always more willing to kill. In the end he'd only held back out of respect for Batman. It seemed he was done holding back whether the respect was still there was unknown. However he told Batman to trust him. If Batman alienated him it would only destroy their relationship and possibly hurt the overall mission. So he would trust Red hood in whatever he was doing.
"What are you planning tell me word for word or I will hand you over to the police without a second thought."
"Seriously that's your threat I was a US military tier one asset I'm literally above Gotham PDs pay grade." Operator 36 replied also revealing to Batman he had a bit of a superiority complex, "I'll tell you anyways it's not like it's something you have any power to stop."
"I'm all ears." Batman replied.
"I spent months trying to figure out why numerous criminal syndicates around the world had military grade and similar weaponry I'm talking M4A1 carbines,Javelin rocket launchers,UMP 45s, AUGs, ya know stuff street gangs usually don't have access to. And where all their black market goods were ending up was also eluding me. Then after tracking several shipments I discovered is was coming and going into Gotham. And numerous organizations with in your city were arming them and distributing their goods. Gotham has become practically an international criminal trading port. I informed my contact in the the FBI. They told me we'd work together to catch Black Mask. I was to go in a gather evidence so Black Mask doesn't try and flee hearing the feds are in town. However they wish him to be tried as an international criminal. I was to go in a gather evidence so Black Mask doesn't try and flee hearing the feds are in town. Then the FBI would say they got an informant who for safety reasons wishes to remain anonymous provided the evidence to brand Black Mask an international criminal. Then the dominoes fall and one by one every major crime lord in this city goes down cause there all somewhat involved jailed for life. Taking a huge international trafficking port off the map."
Batman was not against this in any shape or form. The thought of actually being able to break the leash the criminals had on the city was one he would jump at. But there's one issue the man it was coming from.
"Why don't you simply kill Black Mask and any one else apart of this international problem?" Batman asked crossing his arms.
"Considering I even made a very unsuccessful attempt I don't need to elaborate on. But at the end of the day America's a super power a global superpower and to look good it will not harbor international criminals. Or tolerate a city that has crime lords as powerful as Black mask running around there streets if I can prove it. And if I don't have to do all the back breaking vigilante work when hundreds of trained uncorrupt law enforcement can do it for me then I can move on to a place that needs my vigilante tactics. Vigilantes should only exist if the law doesn't work."
Batman thought about this for a moment. The man killed and that was something he could not allow. But he had a point. Batman began to form what he could call a truce in his head.
"That I agree with you on." Batman replied, "However I will not tolerate killing in my city. Now you're a soldier and you have rules of engagement which sometimes change depending on the conflict correct."
"The rules of war don't change we just bend them occasionally. But yes you are correct we prefer not to break them."
"In that case you can operate in my city as long as you follow the rules of engagements in this city." Batman started getting 36's undivided attention, "One all evidence will be shared with Gotham PD no exceptions. I will convince Gordon to backup the plan from their you will consent of the state to extradite criminals when time comes."
"Alright that's very fair." Operator 36 replied really seeing that one as a win.
"Two you will not kill a single person from this moment on. I don't care what the situation is if you kill we are done here. In fact give me all your guns,swords,knives, daggers, and grenades right now." Batman demanded before anything else could move forward.
"Undo my bounds." Operator 36 replied, "I can't give you my weapons unless my hands are free."
Batman was quick to undo the rope. Operator 36 then threw out all the swords he found on him his rifle had disappeared and he concluded Batman had already confiscated it. Hopefully he could get it back because it had sentimental value. So he took out all his hand guns and knives. He then took out the three grenades attached to his belt.
"What are you trying to pull there's a fourth grenade." Batman replied.
"It's a stun grenade should I need to make a quick getaway." Operator 36 said and saw Batman unchanged holding his hand out. 36 then gave him the stun grenade.
"Rule three and final rule. You will not do anything unless I am present to make sure you don't kill cause I can not compensate your hands." Batman replied.
"So it's a partnership?" Operator 36 questioned, " Because I'm not your sidekick while I'm here I refuse to dress in a bright red suit that draws gun fire."
"It is a completely temporary partnership." Batman replied, "Now let's go Black Mask thinks we're dead it won't take long before he notices neither one of our bodies are in the wreckage."
"Element of surprise I like it." Operator 36 replied getting up.
So the vigilante soldier followed the caped crusader threw the night to catch Black Mask in the act of his international schemes. It was a very unlikely pairing but like Batman had said it was only temporary.
Afghanistan April 10th 2003
Delta Force O5 Major James Alexander rode on a black helicopter with his small team of four. They had received orders to ship off to a classified fire base in Afghanistan. They'd been operating in the desert region not to long after the attacks on September eleventh. Used in both Afghanistan and Iraq in this war on terror.
Now they had been transferred from Iraq back to Afghanistan for reasons that had not been entirely explained to them. They were armed with new HK416s which hadn't been officially released. In fact these were given to them on beta.
"What'd you think of the new rifles?" Questioned Richard a former beret.
"Say what you will about the Germans but it's a nice rifle in my opinion preferable to the M4." Daryl replied. James's closest friend.
"So you favor that German engineering." James started jokingly, "Traitor." Everyone laughed a little, "But if we're being serious I gotta say I find myself leaving the M4. It's probably just a phase."
"Just watch ten bucks we find the major here spooning with the HK." Joked Gregory. Every laughed at that as well.
"His wife's just gonna love thay," Richard added, "Finding out her husband's mistress is a rifle." The laughing continued.
"Ok that's enough." James said. Still he found it quite amusing.
Minutes later they found themselves on the landing pad. The four men got out the sun beating down upon them. The base Itself wasn't too large. Just a landing pad a hanger a barracks an armory and a mess hall. They were quickly created by another man a lesser officer in uniform.
"You boys from Delta?" He questioned not stating his name or rank. But it was evident his position was more of an assistant role opposed to a combat role.
"Yes sir." James causley replied with his signature smile.
"This way gentlemen."
Minutes later they were gathered in a briefing room in their fatigues opposed to full gear. They were with men from all across JSOC/SOCOM. Delta,DEVGRU,Rangers,normal SEALs, Recon, Raiders, Berets, and even air force combat controllers and pararescue. All were here for whatever was about to go down.
In front of them a man with a smile blues and in a military uniform the lacked any markings walked out. He was clearly the man in charge despite the fact he had nothing on him to even signify loyalty or rank. He was CIA, James could tell.
"Welcome I am paramilitary officer John Patton that's my code name anyways. I am with the CIA special activities division specifically special operations group. I was military army actually can't tell you to much though."
"His jobs a mouthful." Gregory whispered. James held back a grin from that joke. In truth he'd heard about these guys. They weren't held by military regulation. Any regulation in fact not just appearance rules of engagement as well working in a legal grey area most of the time. Men you sent when you had to avoid association for whatever reason.
"You've all been selected for an elite task force designed to hunt and or kill key terrorist figures. Our targets come straight from the CIA. We will work in some of the most dangerous areas in the war. I am your designated field commander and mediate between you and the CIA. Now I suggest you boys take a second to get to know each other. I expect the be operational ASAP."
They gathered in their bunks located in the barracks moments later. There everyone claimed their assigned beds by rank and not unit. James jumped in his and saw seated next him was an asian male. The asian male held in his hands a picture he positioned above his bed on the window stand. James got a good look at it. It was the very same male with a women next to him and two younger kids.
"Nice picture you got there." James replied trying to make conversation.
"It was the last thing my wife gave me before deployment to carry around everywhere. So there always with me." The asian male replied, "I know it sounds a little ridiculous."
"No not at all in fact." James took out a picture he kept on his person. The picture showed his own brown haired wife and his son who was barely three, "I keep it on my person as good luck."
"Beautiful wife you got there." The Asian male replied as a compliment, "Not nearly as good as mine but hey." The last part was ment in more of a joking manner.
"O shut up mines probably a better a cook." James said joking, "James Alexander." He added his hand extended to shake.
"Lee Shang." The Asian male said shaking his hand, "And do you really want to challenge an asian to a cook off."
"Well she's Italian so I'll take the bet," James replied, "What branch are you?"
"I'm with DEVGRU." He replied, "You."
"Delta." James replied. The man next to him was Seal team six. Now that was something an Asian American in seal team six, "So you're a SEAL. Is it true they teach you how to bounce balls off your noises."
"What an original joke I haven't heard a thousand times." Lee replied extremely sarcastically.
"I guess somethings just never change."
Moscow Russia Now
Redhood stood on a rooftop in Moscow far from home. Artemis was with him they were looking for evidence that crime here had links to Black Mask back in Gotham. And hopefully they could also prove the link to numerous other criminal outlets across the globe. According to the smuggler they captured while in gotham, the Russian mafia had a man named Ivan Karasov who would make contact with international clients strike deals. He was organized real organised. Kept a book of all his clients and kept that book on his person.
So Red Hood's primary objective was to find Karasov and take him dead or alive. The book was really all they needed then they could catch numerous links in this game.
"Redhood?" Questioned Artemis, "Are you sure you want do this?"
"Artemis if the killing isn't-"
"No I mean helping the FBI." Artemis said cutting him off, "They're a government organization do you trust them."
Red Hood chewed on that thought. While Operator 36 had entrusted them with very well his life Red Hood was unsure. The government had shady questionable figures like Amanda Waller typed. Even if the men and women under the organization were honest that the men in charge had their own agendas.
"No, your right we need to be careful." Red Hood said, "When politics get entangle things get complicated but I gave my word." Redhood was meaning things but he liked to think he was somewhat honorable now anyways.
"Well, you promised them you'd get them the evidence." Artemis said, "You never said when."
"What are you implying?" Questioned Redhood interested.
"Get the information and deliver it after you sabotage Black masks nefarious international efforts."
"I like how you think." Red Hood replied.
"I'd assume that's why you to chose to have me tag a long." Artemis said, "Now let's find this Vladimir Karasov."
They moved under the cover of the dark night sky. Red Hood had some experience with the Russian mob he knew where to hit. For example it didn't take him long to discover a drug lab run by them. It was being done in what looked like an a small flower shop.
However in the back heroine was being produced. So Redhood and Artemis carefully strolled into the shop. The man at the corner was already very suspicious and kept a sawed off shotgun under the counter. He grabbed it then a bang! A gunshot went off he fell backwards wounded shot to the shoulder. The shotgun had barely moved.
Redhood stood his pistol drawn. Quickly men from the back who heard the shot charged out with submachine guns. Redhood was quick to shot two of them dead. Artemis was quick to flank them by dodging moving to the right as bullets flew. She had her sword drawn and was quick to use her feet to kick from under two of them knocking them to the ground. She swung her sword cleaving the gun out of another's hand then bashed him hard on the forehead with the hilt. Then the two men from earlier tried getting back up Artemis brought the blade around to one's neck the other found his face smashed by the hilt of the blade. Red Hood strolled over to the counter where the wounded man laid his hand over his wound.
"Looking for an Ivan Karasov you wouldn't happen to know where we could find him would you?" Red Hood questioned the man.
"Go to hell American." The man grunted. His Russian pride quite evident.
Redhood grabbed him by his shirt collar and threw him on the counter. He then withdrew his knife ready to stab the man.
"That's not very nice," Redhood replied, "I'm going to ask you again and you're going to tell me or you're going to lose a finger."
The man sang. All the information Redhood required was provided so Redhood let him go choosing to knock him out instead of killing him. Then he and Artemis left the building.
"Where you really going to cut off that man's fingers?" Artemis questioned.
"I knew I wouldn't need to." Redhood replied.
The two ran off as Ivan karasov was going to make a deal tonight with some associates of the Russian mafia. They would need to intercept and be prepared for heavy security.
Back in Gotham Operator 36 and Batman were working together now. So they met on a rooftop with Nightwing and Batgirl. Operator 36 stayed quite at first while Batman talked with his associates sometimes the best tactic was to wait.
"So you lost Redhood and you've picked the man you had us hunting." Nightwing replied, "Can't say it's such a bad trade honestly seems like this guy means business."
"He's a killer I wasn't aware we working with those now." Batgirl said not easy to forget the dead Operator 36 had left behind.
"He's not going to kill while he's in this city and he's only here to aid in collecting evidence against Black mask." Batman replied, "And with the illusion he us dead we should have a much easier time operating."
"Then shouldn't he dress differently?" Nightwing questioned, "If he's running around in that it's not going to take long before Black mask figures out he's still among the living."
"Right, I'll take care of that." Operator 36 replied finding that most insightful. It was like one of his old operations of blending in with one's surroundings.
Afghanistan October 6th 2008
Task Force arrowhead had been active for four years now. However the war did not seem to be coming any kind of end. The mission's themselves were growing bolder and more risky. James Alexander found himself in broad daylight dressed in a grey jacket, black shirt, jeans,and a cap with his HK416 collecting data on Al Qaeda a critical target had been spotted in a nearby village. However this mission needed to be kept secret so James and his team found themselves in civilian clothing.
Lee was right next to him. As usual the two had grown close after numerous missions chasing targets in the mountains in Afghanistan and urban streets of Iraq. John was ahead of them taking lead of this mission. The man was a strong leader. Behind them Gregory and MARSOC sniper everyone called Sharp followed.
Striking in broad daylight was extremely risky but the target wasn't going to be here by night fall. This may arrowheads only chance at getting him. So they drove in white unmarked cars. The CIA had said they were bullet proof however bullet proof met absolute shit if an RPG was involved.
They drove threw the village Sharp was careful to look around spotting men that were possible terrorists and keep track of enemies positioned on roof tops. Al Qaeda didn't own this village they just had links and with a US military base not to far most likely they didn't want to attract too much attention.
Rangers were pulling up in a white van to secure the perimeter of the two story house. The two white cars stopped as the rangers did. Everything happened quickly. The ranger secured the perimeter the MARSOC man having called out position. The terrorist on patrol pulled their guns and moved in but they weren't quick enough. Gunshots from M4s fired from Rangers cracked men fell dead people panicked and ran.
James Alexander and Lee Shang followed John Patton to the front each had their rifles ready. Lee packing a FN Scar H and John leading the way with a GC36C. Sharp and Gregory lead a separate team around to the back entrance.
The breach was very quick as John kicked down the door like it was SWAT. But unlike SWAT they didn't shout out their credentials or give warning to duck. They simply opened fire as three insurgents stood in the wall way entrance. Now three dead insurgents. They moved in quickly charging threw the hallway and entering the living room quickly spreading to open fire on countless other insurgents. From the back entrance entered Gregory and Sharp with their team weapons up. Their target was identified quickly. Gregory put black bag over his head.
"Let's move out!" John started.
The all formed up into a group their target cuffed and bagged between them. They charged out rifles ready. The rangers stood posed watching the perimeter. Then down the street came charging a boy no older than twelve. The rangers hesitated, James hesitated, Lee hesisted, the damn CIA paramilitary officer John hesitated. And by the time they saw the grenade it was to late. James fired but not before the grenade could take flight.
The explosion was disorienting but next thing James knew two rangers were down and he had shrapnel lodged in his upper right shoulder. However adrenaline kicked in he looked around for more threats he couldn't feel the pain.
He saw on the ground the bloody sight that was the two rangers. Then there was the body of the boy bullet to the head. His ears still ring from the explosion. He looked to see Lee shouting something at him.
"Get down!" The ring finally calming down enough to hear.
James knew what that meant he moved for cover behind the supposedly bullet proof car but he didn't move nearly fast enough as a man with an AK47 on top of a building fired. The bullet flew threw his other shoulder blade. He felt the bitter pain. Lee returned fire very quickly placing three bullets in the man's chest blood shooting out as the roof gunner fell back dead.
"We gotta go!" John said helping James up getting him back in the car, "Take the wheel Shang."
"On it." The tier one SEAL replied. He was trying to keep himself from panicking with two dead men they didn't have time to even grab their dog tags and another man wounded in the back.
James still wasn't focusing. As John got him in and then got himself in front all James could think about was the kid. No older than his own and now on the floor dead. Then the two rangers his damn hesitation had gotten two men killed. The vehicle took off and it was revealed the CIA told the truth about the bullet proofing. Truth and the CIA something James would learn didn't always go together.
Present day Russia
Redhood had spent time getting to the place of the apparent meeting. It wasn't easy to find by any means but this would make sense as Vladimir obviously didn't want to be found. However what made things worse was the location itself. They were in an open field. No cover and nowhere to hide. Unless of course you happened to be trained by Batman and the league of assassins.
Karasov met with the men who were from Afghanistan. They brought heroine and lots if it as they were the Russian mafias manufacturers. Karasov had his own personal security scattered around. He examined one of crates which was full of the highly illegal narcotic. He formed a grin.
"Get the money." He ordered one of his men.
The man walked to the back of Karasov's SUV. As he opened the back he thought he heard movement from behind. He reached for his pistol but turned to see Redhood with one aimed at his forehead.
"Shut up and I'll let you live." Redhood said his finger itching the trigger. However he knew gunshots would create a lot of noise and was hesitant.
"Run!" The man shouted.
Bang! The shot echoed threw the land as the man fell to the ground dead bullet going straight threw his forehead. Blood splashing everywhere. Then it happened all around Russian mercenaries rose up from the grass like the undead. They all saw Redhood and opened fire muzzle flash sparking like fireflies in the night.
Redhood moved bullets flying everywhere. He turned his hand guns on what looked like the shape of enemies and opened fire quickly firing both pistols off. Two men were struck threw their throats they died instantly.
Artemis moved into the scene fast her sword drawn. She was quick to strike down three men positioned behind Redhood.
Redhood moved to the front of the vehicle. He was quick to shoot out three bodyguards near Ivan. The men from Afghanistan ran for their vehicle. Ivan drew his pistol. Redhood was quick to kick it out of his hand. He then brought the butt of one of his pistols into the man's head. Then with the other pistol in the other hand quickly gunned down Ivan's clients.
Ivan tried getting off the floor but felt Redhood hold him down with his foot. The vigilante then drew his pistol.
"That is not necessary I surrender!" Ivan said hearing the pistol click.
"Smart choice," Redhood said as Artemis approached from behind resheathing her sword after cleaning the blood off, "Let's take him somewhere else. I don't like open fields way to easy to be attacked."
"Are you going to take him consciously?" Artemis questioned seeing the man still up.
"Of course not." Redhood said grabbing the man and pulling him into his punch. He was able to knock him out with one quick strike.
Back in Gotham Operator 36 had switched out changed his look. Spray painting his armor black and grey. Then he painted a bat sign on it. He then ditched the gas mask for a black military helmet and a black mask.
"There now I can pass off as just another vigilante associated with the Batman." He said returning to Batman, "Now what's our first move."
"According to intel collected by one of my other associates Black mask has a convoy moving out to protect a semi truck which is loaded with illegal weaponry. Where it is going we don't know. From their we can get more hints from the captured driver."
"Alright where is this convoy?" Operator 36 questioned.
"On it's way." Batman replied.
Then it occured to 36 they were camping up here waiting for it. Batman had gotten right to business this was something he had to admit he respected about the vigilante.
The semi truck was being guided by four pickups two in the front two in the back. The Dark knight his compatriots had already set up a trap. They activated a bunch of small metal balls on the ground ejected small sharp spikes from them. The two pickups ran right over them blowing their tires out. The driver's lost control and crashed.
The Semi slammed it's breaks. The men inside knew it was a trap and so prepared their weapons. The pick ups in back got on their walkie talkies to call this in. For they knew it was Batman.
Nightwing lunged in first as men got out of the Pickups in back. Batgirl joined him as they were quick to attack.
Operator followed Batman in. Men were coming out the back of the semi. Operator was quick to bring his elbow smashing across one man's face. He then brought his knee hard into the man's ribs and threw him. He was very quick to kick the next man in the ribs. The two guys next to him taken down by batarangs.
The drivers of the semi charged out with shotguns. Operator threw the last man to the ground after breaking his rib cage and saw the drivers. Normally he'd just gun them down. But he didn't have a gun on him. He used his enhanced agility to charge dodging the gun fire. He then closed the distance snatching the gun by its barrel and raming a man's face it. He then took from the man's hand holding the gun like a bat. He struck the other man hard in the forehead with it throwing him to the ground.
The Batman was quick to take care of the last group of gunmen. Striking one hard in the face knocking him out. Batman then struck another man with his foot in the man's ribs. The last man found himself punched hard in the throat then numerous others directed at his chest and guts. He crouched up Batman finishing him with a kick to the head.
"Got the driver." Operator 36 said dragging an unconscious body, "Now what? Enhanced interrogation tactics."
"Actually yes." Batman said.
The group of vigilantes was very quick to disappear from the scene. Leaving a bunch of beat up men for GCPD to clean up.
The vigilantes returned to the rooftops. The knocked out driver still knocked out a bound by rope to not move. He'd be back up soon. 36 had a smile under his mask he always had a smile.
"Well that went swimmingly." Operator 36, "Not sure I could of bagged those guys as good as we did with my old taskforce back in 08."
"Your old taskforce care to elaborate?" Nightwing out of actual curiosity about their current associate.
"Well it's classified so no." Operator 36 replied, "But there were good moments and truly awful ones as well."
Afghanistan October 11th 2008
Major James Alexander still hadn't gotten over the events of the raid. It was all still fresh in his head. However it didn't change the fact there was still a mission to complete. Now the target they had intercepted gave them good information. In fact now they were about to coordinate a larger raid to aphrended several high value targets. Every man in the taskforce was present for the meeting.
"Alright gentlemen today we face a very difficult assignment one I have considered not doing. But it's urgency can not be ignored," CIA paramilitary officer John Patton announced getting everyone's attention, "A group of high value targets are gathering for a meeting in a village under heavy Al Qaeda occupation. We need to intercept them and take them dead or alive. We will move in under the cover of night split into multiple teams and assault the mansion. Before we go in the CIA has spies in place to properly identify our targets. Once we get confirmation missions a go."
He then proceeded to break it down into strategy. It was imperative the ground team get a perimeter set up quickly. It was imperative the assault team breached and cleared even faster. It sounded like a basic operation at the time. James was fairly confident they could achieve it. After all what could a bunch of poorly equipped insurgents pull off.
Five hours later
Another explosion cracked as gun fire flew everywhere. The night was filled with screams and blood. The operation had gone to hell very quickly. Major James found himself providing cover fire from behind a downed helicopter. This was as pararescue medic Michael tended to Richard's gunshot wounds.
"Damn it!" Gregory cursed as an explosion from a mortar cracked, "If we sit here any longer we're going to die. We need reinforcements what happened to the berets and their local forces."
"They're probably dead." James said being completely honest while bullets whizzed past his head, "We gotta get into the mansion!"
"Are you crazy that's where half the gunfire's coming from!" Gregory shouted back quickly laying down suppressive fire allowing Sharp to use his DMR to take out a mortar man.
"If we can secure the mansions we'll have better cover than this and survive long enough for more US reinforcements to arrive." James replied, "Find me Lee. You me,Sharp, John, Lee and a few SEALs can infiltrate and clear. We'll need to move fast."
"God if we survive this." Gregory started.
"Shut up Greg we're going to survive this understood." James yelled back looking him dead in his eyes.
It didn't take long for the assault team to link up. However John had received numerous wounds and was unable to help. Regardless they kept the mansion in eye that had gunners firing from the upper floor. Force recon guys with DMRs were quick to provide cover for the assault team who charged across the courtyard. Several gunners at the Windows were taken out bullets threw their brains.
The assault team made it to the door. They were quick Lee kicking the door open Gregory throwing a flash bang in. Then quickly everyone moved in taking formation they all opened fire as they entered the first room. Five blinded terrorists were taken out almost in perfect sync.
They were very quick to move up stairs rifles ready. The hallway was filled with terrorists who heard them coming. There was a fast exchange of gunfire the terrorists were downed rather quickly. They spotted five rooms that need to be cleared.
They quickly kicked open the door to the first using their last flash bang. Three men inside firing out the window. James moved in first and was quick to shoot all three men down with in a few seconds. They then pulled out Gregory watching their six.
They were going to clear the room directly across however gun fire from an assault rifle broke right threw the doorway. Sharp took a shot to his chest and went down. Gregory took several threw his chest his blood went on James who watched his friend die. Lee was quick to use his Scar to return fire threw the door and judged where people were based on the gunfire pattern. The bullets shattered threw the wood killing two terrorists. James looked down towards Gregory.
"We gotta keep moving their counting on us." Lee said, "The other SEALs will watch Sharp it's you and me."
James nodded silent after seeing a man he loved like a brother on the ground dead. They were quick to clear the next room kicking the door in. They moved quickly as they fired riddling three guys with bullets.
However as they charged out a frag grenade flew right out of a room. Lee did not hesitate to jump on it shielding everyone from the iminate explosion with his body. James froze as he saw this this man had helped him lead the taskforce on countless operations.
"Tell my family not to be to sad I did my duty." Those were the last words of SEAL team six Master Chief Lee Shang before the grenade went off.
James was covered in blood. He saw the last few terrorists leave their position charging out of their rooms. He was quick to gun them down with his rifle. The bullets spraying threw them painting the walls with blood as well as flooding the floor.
James slumped to the floor with Gregory's body to one side and Lee Shang's to the other. He was absolutely covered in blood. The only good news was he had successfully taken out all three of the men they'd come here for.
Down below wounded men were moved in first as the SEALs provided what cover they could. However it still wasn't enough as three men were shot in the back by enemy insurgents. As the last few men were moved in. They turned the mansion into their own strong hold.
"Sir orders?" Questioned a beret who made it out to James.
The delta force operator stared at him blankly for a moment. They needed the major right now. He needed to pretend to be that despite the grief.
"Those fuckers aren't done yet despite the fact we killed their leaders. I'm going out there to flank around and draw their fire. Have a combat controller call for air support and get me word on how soon reinforcements can be expected." James said standing back up.
"If you're going out there you gonna need backup." John Patton said pushing the medic away, "My wounds aren't that bad I'm still quite useful with a bullet in my shoulder." Even though there was a lot more than a bullet in his shoulder.
"I got your back as well boss." Daryl said whiping blood off of his own face.
"Those bastards fucked with the wrong SEAL let us help you make them pay," Said SEAL team six petie officer Reynolds.
"Alright, I'm going to need any and all explosives in this vicinity I don't care if it's RPGs from the dead." James Alexander replied.
They were quick to move as James lead his distraction force out. From the inside a wounded Richard could only listen. He heard numerous explosions break out. Then for the next five hours an endless constant stream of gunfire and screams. The combat controller was screaming over the radio. Then finally above A10s could be heard screeching threw the air. The gun fire however did not cease after the bombing that shook the ground.
Mourning arose by the time reinforcements arrived. James Alexander drew his knife from the throat of a masked insurgent when the brits came in. The SAS had made it threw with a bunch of marines. The battle was mostly over just a few insurgents leftover who were quickly gunned down.
John Patton sat down against a wall. Deryl was wounded bad from a mortar shot. Reynolds was screaming as the pain set in and the adrenaline wore off. And James Alexander stood in the middle of the streets among the bodies. Blood was everywhere.
The Delta force operator removed his helmet and took deep and heavy breathes as he broke down. He wanted to cry in that moment so many of his men were dead so many more were wounded with a good percentage crippled. It was a hard day and in his mind the mission wasn't successful for nothing would be gained from all this bloodshed nothing.
Russia Modern Times
Redhood had Ivan Karasov on a rooftop. Artemis stood next to him the man had his hands tied. Redhood held in his hands the man's black book. He proceeded to go threw and indeed he had found the holy grail listing clients and tons of other information Redhood could use to reek havoc on the international criminal world.
"So do we still need this guy?" Questioned Artemis who all the sudden didn't like keeping him around.
"Yes, we can get details out of him." Redhood said, "Like where certain people dwell and where certain things are kept."
"I feel like we're being played," Artemis started, "I feel like he let us take him,"
"Or wanted to live." Redhood suggested confidently , "He had a gun to his head after all."
"I suppose." Artemis replied. She was still uneasy about this whole situation. Not for a second would she let her guard down.
Redhood focused on Karasov who began to wake up. He looked up at the red helmeted vigilante who stood with a knife in his hand.
"Alright, you know how the game works and you know what I'll definitely do if you don't give me everything on the activities of all your clients." Redhood started the knife pointed at Karasov's throat.
"Heh." The man replied, "Couldn't help but over here you and your friend talking. She's not just a looker has brains. So I'm gonna tell you a story the story of a man so paranoid he even keeps a tracking device on himself."
Redhood went silent for a second as he heard the sound of a helicopter in this distance. He was ready to cut the man. However he had a feeling and looked over his shoulder.
"Redhood!"Artemis yelled but was to late as the copter opened its doors revealing the Russian mercenary known as KGBeast with a bunch of other masked Mercs.
"Son of-" Redhood was cut off as gunfire broke out.
KGBeast jumped onto the roof maneuvering out of the way of Artemis kicking her in the side. He then opened fire with his gun arm at Redhood. Behind him the other Mercs were quick to secure Ivan.
"The book don't let him escape with the book!" Ivan yelled as he got on board the helicopter as it was leaving.
KGBeast fired a grenade near Redhood. The explosion threw the vigilante back his armor protecting him from the blast. Beast then struck Redhood across the helmet with his gun arm the vigilante was thrown flying back against the ground.
"You won't be needing this." KGBeast replies taking the book from the downed vigilante.
Artemis with her axe drawn charged. KGBeast turned firing a grenade right at her chest the explosion threw her right off the building.
"Artemis!" Redhood yelled his hand extended.
KGBeast then returned to the helicopter which promptly left the scene. Redhood was hurt and struggled to get back up. However once he did he went to the edge of the building and looked down. Artemis had fallen right off the building and land on a car. Her superhuman abilities kept her alive but she was definitely hurt bad. Redhood needed to get down there fast.
It took ten minutes to get down. Artemis was hurt really bad they needed to retreat police were moving in Redhood could hear the sirens. People were staring. He took out a smoke grenade as he picked Artemis up and threw it using it disappear.
Gotham city
After some persuasion Batman had gotten the driver to tell all. Operator 36 simply listened in and stayed silent. As was the same for Nightwing and Batgirl. The night was almost over 36 knew that was when the dark knight retired but it certainly wasn't when he did.
"The shipment was filled with weapons headed to the Mexican cartel." Batman started, "There's your international connection. Now get out of my city."
"Wait." Operator 36 said holding up his hand, "It's not that simple. There's no actual evidence those guns were going to Mexico and not new York. We have to somehow make sure the exchange still takes place. Then when the Cartel sends it's drugs back in exchange we ambush em. No we let GCPD and the FBI ambush em making less work for us."
"Wait, how do you suppose we complete the transaction?" Batman questioned, "We took out the men heading in that direction."
"I've worked in Mexico before I can complete the transaction."
"On your own?" Batman questioned.
"It's simple espionage tactics done it thousands of times and not just for America." Operator 36 said recalling the time when he was undercover in the MOSSAD who had simultaneously had him working undercover against terrorists. He called it being a Quadruple agent.
"Let me restate that I don't trust you." Batman stated.
"Hey, I won't kill anyone even while I'm gone." 36 guaranteed.
"Your promise means little to me. I'm going with you ensure no one dies." Batman stated.
"With all do respect hell no. Nothing's going to blow the roof off this sting operation faster the a man in a Batsuit. Trust me these things have got to be done covertly shall I put it." Operator 36 replied.
"Then it shall be done covertly." Batman replied, "I'll have the truck with the guns for you and you shall depart with out me."
"See now we don't make such a bad team now do we?" Operator 36 replied with a smile.
Batman simply threw a smoke bomb disappearing for the night. 36 decided he'd simply pretend to be a civilian for a night something he hadn't been in a long time.
2008 CIA HQ
James Alexander was asked to be at CIA headquarters only a few months after the op. He'd gotten very little leave and very little recovery. His last operation still haunted. He could've done more but he hadn't. He hadn't the possessed ability.
"James Alexander." Said a man in a suit from the office James was outside of sitting in a chair waiting. Bearing his uniform instead of his gear.
The Delta force operator entered trying to force a smile but just couldn't. The CIA man did however have a very welcoming smile at that.
"George Henry current director of project Exacilber," The man said shaking James's hand before taking a seat at a desk. James sitting in front of him, "How are you today Major Alexander."
"Tired sir." James Alexander replied annoyed by the question. This was all very useless to him.
"You certainly have a very impressive record. John wasn't exaggerating about calling you a modern day Spartan warrior. However word on the street says you were thinking about not reenlisting in the army."
"It's true sir us that why I'm here does the CIA want me to stay in the army." Alexander questioned finding that hard to believe.
"No, major you can go ahead and quit," the agent continued, "I want you to consider joining my program."
"Convince me." James replied.
"Major once your out of the army you'll find it hard being a civilian while this conflict of ours continues. What I'm offering you is a chance to become something greater," George said with a smile, "See we look out and we see men like the Batman or Deathstroke who have these immense skill sets and abilities and could easily topple Al Qaeda in a day but choose not to. So we at the CIA want our own super soldier a man who could actually end this war saving countless of other lives out there on the front lines. We want to create the deadliest soldier on the face of the earth. And Mr Alexander you are a prime candidate for this program. So what'd you say."
James stopped to think about it. He remembered Shang who died that night. He remembered leaving to inform the man's family. His wife's tears his child's confusion when told his father would not be coming home. The child asking why. Never again he thought to himself.
"I'll do it." He replied forming a firm fist in his lap.
The CIA man smiled. Another candidate for his ambitious program. Another servant for his mandate.
"Good, now over the course of the program you'll have countless identities and aliases. But those in the agency will refer to you by code name. Now you are the 36th candidate making your code name OPERATOR 36."
From that moment on it would be a long time a very long time the name James Alexander was uttered. For Operator 36 was conceived this day.
