Disclaimer: I do not own Call of Duty
Welcome to the world of Stockholm syndrome
"War would end if the dead could return."- Stanley Baldwin
The plane ride back to the base was a long and boring one. Roach learned that even with his lack of sleep, he could not rest. Long rides were meant for rest, but since going back in the field there was always this fear that if he did close his eyes for a certain amount of time, there was no going back. Looking out the side of the plane his mind just kept wondering watching as the clouds passed by.
Ghost sat on the other side of him fast asleep with arms crossed and head at the side of the window. He sure was a loud snorer but most of it was barely audible due to his mask and heavy military snow jacket. To bad Roach didn't want to tell him that though there was a smile plastered on his lips.
Going back to base was the least Roach wanted to do. He wanted to go in and rescue Soap. It was a stupid idea to even let him be a prisoner to those idiotic people but it was a plan that they agreed on. He thought of the attack on the prison and how it was executed perfectly. Roach, Ghost, And Soap set an explosive to the side of the prison. Blowing up the side they quickly put some bullets to the guards.
In the mix of the commotion of the blast there were figures that were running. The three men knew that if they shot a prisoner then it would be their head. Soap had the most stupid idea to be held captive in order to get further insight of this mysterious warden, but it was also a chance to learn about this enemy. Some say that he is a ruthless war lord and sending nuclear arms to other countries for profit. Others say he is a corrupt man who just hijacks planes with hostages and brings them to his prison out in the deserted wastelands. God only knows what really goes on in there. But with him on the inside, he would have to gain a trust in someone. But who would trust him?
'He is a strange man.' Roach thought.
"Hey you two. Are you guys awake. We will be landing to the air strip in about ten minutes." Called the pilot over the intercom.
He looked over to Ghost who was starting to wake up. Just ten minutes from now, they will be at the base gathering a good plan.
"How old are you John?" I asked in the bitter silence.
It has been three hours since I met the soldier in the cell next to me. Sitting on the wall, my knees to my chest I wanted to make some conversation with him. Boris was lying beside me lightly hitting me with his tail. Valik was gone because of his stupid warden called him on his radio. I hated that man with so much passion. He was the devil in my mind and I am sure in everyone's mind. This prison is his hell; his domain.
John was sitting on his bed with one leg outstretched while the other was up with his arm on his knee. His back was against the wall, sitting straight up a small smile crept upon his lips as he turned his head to the right. I could almost hear him move but he was so silent that him moving was like a cat about to pounce its prey.
"Could you guess on how old I am?" He said.
"Now how did I not know that you were going to say that?" I chuckled.
"Okay, let's make this very interesting."
I raised a brow even though he could not see it. Like the silent sly man that I have now known he was, his feet touched the ground as I heard his boots crunch the rocks below. I kept my ears open to his movement but it seems Boris could hear him with his hearing. Taking a side glance to the dog, I could see that his ear has twitched in the process.
"How about I guess your age?" John said in a huff.
"Ok, sounds like a deal. Let's break the rule on a lady telling a man her age." I said.
"Hmmmmmm, are you about let's say 21?"
"I wish I was… Sorry to break it to ya John but that is the wrong answer." I chuckled again, patting Boris on his sides.
"Damn. Can I at least get another try?"
I was laughing at him now. If only I could see what kind of face he was making then it would only brighten the mood even more. This was something that was needed, something that I should not only enjoy but let others enjoy also. Darkness has only clouded everyone's own good, but still, that light was slowly making its way into that crack that the darkness was in.
I am sure that John could at least sense that mood. Not knowing if he was or not, I could not be certain. I do not know many military personal because I did not want to bother myself with them. Their customs, their own rules did not sit well with me when I was growing up. I also do not know the customs of the world's military. Every country had their way of living, though I do not know everything. Everyone had their secrets which I do not intend to know, but right now I had to get away from that thought.
"I'm actually 26."
"26?" He repeated. "You don't look 26. I thought you were younger than that."
"Is that so John? Well, maybe because some people do not actually look their age. It is something some people would want, but I just guess it is from my family. Also, it has to do with many complicated things that I cannot explain. A woman has to at least have confidence in her own self."
On the other side, John could not help but shake his head. With his arms crossed over his chest and his back coming off the wall, the soldier began to walk back to his bed. The hours for him were now going to become days here, which he had to keep up to date. Day one begins now; well it began when the attack happened, though the details were simple and clear. When he saw the smoke clear before him with his hands in the air, the guards held their rifles aiming at John. They were about to shoot when John sank to his knees.
The guards did not question the action nor did they attack him only subdued him in cuffs leading him to the office of the warden. From there, there seemed to be talk about what to do with him. Russian was not part of his language nor could John understand it, but there seemed to be something the guards were saying, but not by their words by their body. John was taught throughout his life about body language which he picked up since he was younger.
I turned my head to the cell bars as the quiet consumed us. Placing my hands on the floor to get some ground to stand up, I walked slowly to the bars. John became quiet and I was wondering if he was alright which was concerning me. My hands were clenching to the bars as Boris nudged my leg.
"Are you married?" I asked trying to keep John talking. The mood dramatically changed in an instant which was not suiting for me or for Boris. I looked to the ground waiting for John to answer.
On the other side of the cell John's chest slightly clenched at the thought. Uncrossing his arms he let them fall to his side, but not before looking to his left hand thinking for a moment about the thought of being married. His ring finger was empty and the times he tried to find someone always seemed to be leading to a downfall.
Times seemed to change and the more he got older, the harder it was for John to think about life as a civilian. He knew that he could at least try to adjust to life outside the Task Force, but he tried it once and that did not turn out right for him. With PTSD living inside as an invisible wound, only those who have it will more likely understand why he keeps away from something like a family.
"No. Nor do I have a girlfriend."
"Why? Good looking guy like you?" I said trying to lighten the mood even if it meant a small smile out of him.
"My job keeps me from having a family and going out on dates. I am too busy all the time with what I do. Being in the military I have to travel to all places, sometimes I wonder if I will be able to make it out alive. Not that I want a family but what I do is dangerous. I wouldn't want them to worry. Why are you asking me?"
I bit down my tongue trying to catch the words from escaping my lips. If I would of known this was going to affect him I might have not said anything but I wanted to at least understand John, even if it means opening up a wound.
"I'm only curious. I mean, most military men have families and have kids by now. I just thought you might have someone waiting for you back home. Maybe have some kids waiting for their father, the whole happy family image that people want. I just wanted to know. Is that wrong?"
"I cannot say that it is. The more I grow older the instinct drive to be a parent is like women with their maternal instincts, but for a man, it is something different." Then some sort of thought raced through his mind. This could be the very chance that John needed. A plan was forming and the game of chess was now beginning.
"What do you know about Valik? You seem close enough to him, but the ground you're walking on is thinning which each step. Usually the bond between a prisoner and a guard is a dangerous one. I guess your time here made you two even closer. I know a bond when I see it."
My hands clenched the bars tightly that my hands were turning white. I did not like where this was going because the mood once again changed. What is John thinking inside of that soldier brain of his? The moment of seriousness was thick in the air but I had to at least hold my ground now. Questions were being thrown and this was no longer a fun game, this was becoming something else.
"You do not know what it was like when I first came here. They stripped you of everything except your name and the clothes on your back. They treat you like dirt. But somehow, I was lucky to have Valik. He's not like them other guards who….. Only beat and rape the women here. The men only starve and get beaten like some worthless piece of meat. Pretty soon they die and thrown over the walls to be eaten by any scavengers. You do not know how long it's been since any guard has even came close to me. He is my protector." I said.
"Then what will happen once my men get here? What will become of you and Valik? If he fights against us, he will die. Don't get too caught up in your world. The world outside is harsh and the guard is the one who controls his prisoner. The truth is never easy to hear."
"Don't be sorry or give me a lecture. I may not know what war is like because I do not want to think of it. But the only thing I know is that you must survive in a world like ours. You do not know how it is to get the 'enemy' to befriend you. Being locked up changes a lot of people. It changed me by far."
"Katie, I do not mean to upset you…"
"… I am not upset. I feel like I am being interrogated when not so long ago we were talking about other things. I am telling you about myself and yet you hide inside the black with yourself."
"I am only thirty-two years old, am not married; I live only to serve in my job. Certain things about me cannot be said. Where I have been, what I have seen, it is kept hidden because I am told to not say a single word about myself. Don't try to make me lower my walls in a place where even rats speak."
"Fine! If you want to speak to me, just try not to say things in riddles." I slammed the bars as hard as I could making Boris back away from me in fear. I have never felt so angry, I was being manipulated to speak and I just fell for it without even seeing it. I just felt so alone now, everything around me was blurring with the tears silently falling to the ground. My days were now numbered and the man next to my cell was making it a bit worse.
His job, his job was all he cared about. John should try to step away from that, but if he was not going to let me try to understand him, at least I can try to be an acquaintance. He was a soldier; their walls do not drop unless they see it necessary.
John could hear the silent tears even though she was trying to hide them. Katie was a frail person, only trying to survive the best way she could. John did what was necessary, but befriending a civilian was not so much in his nature. (Not that he did not want to know about the woman on the other side of the wall, but he had a task to complete.)
It was always the job that he thought about constantly, even when he did not have to do it. John kept quiet as she cried, thinking about the words he could say to give some comfort.
I was picking at my fingernails in silence with the feeling of worry. Hearing footsteps I dared not look up as a key unlocked my cage opening it. From my side view I saw Valik warily walking, trying to hold himself up. Scratches formed on his back, slightly bleeding in trails of blood. His stench made its way towards me, making me cover my nose in disgust.
As he vanished from my view, I could hear him silently curse in Russian as he seemed to be rummaging through something. Glass was being moved and clanks were echoing in the halls when Valik appeared in my line of sight placing his things on the chair. Although with curiosity and concern, I got up from the bed and began to walk outside of my cell towards Valik.
The scratched and the bruises were now visible to me, even in this dull light. His muscles moved slow and I knew he was hurt, more-so tired. He flinched a little but he did not look back. I was not even sure if he knew I was behind him since he was out of tune with everything. I wish Boris was hear but he was hurt and might be resting somewhere in the hospital.
I kept my eyes to his back as he held a mirror. I could see his reflection but he did not stare back at me. Grabbing some cotton balls he began putting some sort of liquid on it (which might have been some sort of medicine). I could smell the strong odor as he began to wipe at the cuts on his face. His yells echoed throughout the building causing me to shiver.
I sighed and walked over to him knowing he was going to need my help. Grabbing the mirror from his hands he did not protest or even cast a glance at me. Placing it down on the table next to me I grabbed the cotton ball from his other hand but he held it tight with his free one.
"Let me help." I whispered.
He gave me a slight nod without having to speak. Cleaning wounds like this was something I was used too since I was always finding ways to hurt myself when I was younger. Scratches came and went and I learned about infection from my mother. But seeing something like these bruises and dried up blood from his nose; seeing now that it was broken. I held his chin with my hand keeping him straight and looking up. His gaze looked up to the ceiling with mild interest but I could see the tired in his eyes. Placing the ball on his wounds he flinched though I kept him still.
"Thank you." I said cleaning the blood from under his nose. I could tell that it was still tender due to it being broken slightly, but he did not want to show his weakness.
"Do not thank me. He deserved it." Valik spoke sounding almost breathless.
"But you did not have to kill him." I said.
Valik gave me a grunt trying to ignore the pain that ran through his face. He was putting on a brave face which I did not fall for. I couldn't help but smile at him even though he was sucking up his pride. I never knew that he was such a fighter if given the chance. If he would have lost, I would have been dead. No doubt. I do not want to relive what happened to me. I wouldn't be able to live with myself.
"If I didn't kill him I would 'ave lost you. Rookies are always picked on. The strongest will fight them until they die or run. I could not let that happen."
"So that makes you the tough guy now huh?"
I looked at him in his blue eyes as my hand went to my side. Somehow, I felt a swell of pride build up in my stomach.
"I wouldn't put it as that. I could care less about this reputation. I made a promise to protect you. And I did hold that promise. Hopefully they would leave us alone now."
He placed his hand on his broken nose which he flinched to his own touch. Closing his eyes tight, he popped it back in place. I flinched once I heard something pop while he was yelling and cursing very loudly. I shook myself and opened my eyes. Valik's nose was back in place. Sighing, I walked back inside my cell.
"Are you going to close my cell?"
"No. I'm going to leave it open. You have been locked up in that thing. I want to give you room to breathe and stretch." He gave me a small smile.
A week after the fight has happened the guards were treating Valik like he was a champion. Whenever we would walk to the shower room or he would let me out in the yard, the prisoner's would step away or look. It was a strange feeling to me. I do not know how Valik felt about this, but when it was time to go back in the building, it was the same thing. He could care less.
I felt the water fall on me. Every second I would look back and make sure no one was behind me. Though, Valik was inside he had his back turned with his rifle in hand looking at the broken lockers. Standing near some benches Boris was walking around sniffing at the ground. I could hear his footsteps and his panting as he might have found something to chase.
Boris was released from the hospital, he suffered only bruises but nothing life threatening. Not to the pleasure of the doctors, they still kept the dog in their hospital. I was gaining the trust of both of them which was something I never thought I saw coming. So much trust that I wanted Valik to be inside with me as I took a shower.
"So Valik." I asked.
"Yes."
"Do you have any family?"
"…As in a family of kin or marriage?"
"Both."
"I am not married nor do I plan on getting to that point. Women here are so much trouble. My kin is my only family. I have two older brothers. No sister's. My father was a barber and my mother a simple housewife."
I turned the water off feeling the cold air hit my exposed flesh. Getting the towel on the side of me and drying myself, I wrapped it around my body as tightly as I could. Looking to the back of Valik, I walked towards him. Feeling some of his body heat, I placed my hand on his shoulder. He slightly flinched at my touch but he kept his eyes forwards. He seemed compelled with staring straight, not wanting to look at me almost completely naked.
"Were your brother's ever mean to you?"
If I could look him in the eye, I might have seen some sort of sparkle in his eyes. He loosened up with a slight chuckle.
"Yeah, when we were younger, they were mean. Good old fashion brothers. Every day, they pull pranks on me which to this day I am trying to figure out how they came up with such things. My mother would always yell at them to leave me alone. And of course they wouldn't. Big brother Georgy and Alex. Alex was the second oldest. Georgy is the oldest out of all of us."
The way he spoke about his brothers made me wished I had siblings of my own. This was Valik, this was the guard who always hide a smile behind a stoic face.
"Where are they?"
Then everything became tense.
"Georgy and Alex were both killed in the war. My father died of a heart attack a year later and my mother is slowly going blind. I haven't been around as much as I should, but being here keeps me away from my only kin."
I fell silent for a moment which my body moved without me thinking. I placed my arms around him, under his arms and hugged him. I never knew that much. Never knew he lost his dad and brother's. I did not want him to relive his past if it meant making him feel like this. I felt his hands on my arms.
He turned himself around to be facing me. My cheek on his vest, his arms found their way around me hugging back. This was Valik was missing from his life, human contact. The touch of another and the care of someone who will be able to listen even if the problems are small, he kept me close tightly.
Valik walked up to the warden's office despite being in a foul mood. Opening the door he saw the same old man sitting in his chair while smoking a cigar. He was getting quite annoying with the random calls and the dumb questions about shit that has nothing to do with what was going on in this situation. The warden just wouldn't leave him alone since he won that fight months ago.
"Yes warden?" He spoke.
The warden motioned for his guards to leave them alone in the office. Great, this wasn't going to go well Valik thought. When there was only the warden then there was something Valik was not going to like.
"I've been thinking. Thinking about that prisoner." The warden spoke with a thoughtful face.
"Which one?"
"The Captain. I was wondering what we should do with him. Should we kill him or should we let him rot? It be wise to kill him because I know his type. There is bound to be a rescue crew coming sometime soon."
"Then why call me in? What does this have to do with me?" Valik kept back a low growl.
"He's your prisoner after all."
"Yeah so?"
The warden looked at him. Seeing as Valik was pretty angry with him. He placed the cigar down in the ashtray. Getting up and walking over to his best and toughest guard, the warden stood by Valik. The smell of cigar smoke filled the young guard's nose with so much disgust.
"It's your call. Should he live and rot of die with honor?"
"Sound so tempting warden. But I'd rather keep him alive. Who knows what kind of information he has. If a rescue crew comes, then let them. Or are you afraid of taking them, on?" Valik was playing games with him.
The warden saw passed the mind game with a scowl. Valik mentally smiled inside.
"Whatever. Will keep him alive. However, do you really want your little girl to be seeing how cruel a monster you are?"
"Don't mention her through your tongue." Valik threatened.
"Oh, you're such a good guardian. Why are you so attached to her anyhow? She is useless, and yet you killed a man for her? Why not kill me and let everyone go and you and her could live happily?" He was smiling.
Valik turned his back to the warden. This man had a reputation. And not a very good one. He walked away from the man. Opening the door. Ignoring his last comment. It was a matter of time before he used Katie against him. Though, was he planning this all along?
