Broken Birds fly to Roanupur

by Vengeful Soldier

War leaves scars on all soldiers, and soldiers unable to bear those scars go to Roanupur. Will an ex-Soviet gunship pilot make a difference in the city of sin, or will he succumb to the darkness that surrounds Roanupur?

10. A little Irish Birdie

Chapter 10 A little Irish Birdie

AN: Well as you can guess from the title, this will be Morrigan heavy in writing. I wanted to explore her character a little more, and I don't want to strictly follow the storyline just writing each original arc one after the other going "lol, it's the same but now my guys are there too. Aren't they awesome?" So I want to make them seem like they have a place in Roanupur other than following Lagoon around. In the next chapter I will try and have Lagoon as the focus again. I also had a couple of requests to have more back stories for my characters, so a chap like this might pop up occasionally. Well enjoy.

Morrigan was currently sprawled in her queen sized bed and loving every minute of it. Her face felt, and was still slightly puffy from the fight and she was sore all over. Her head hurt, her ribs hurt, her nose hurt, and she just had a dull ache in her body. Her face was probably the worst off part of her though. It still very tender even after a week, Revy had been thorough in the fight. Morrigan respected that though, if you were going to fight, than you fought to win, no exceptions. After her fight with Revy, Brent had told her to take it easy and recuperate. So she was doing just that. It was already eleven, and she was still in her pyjamas lying on her queen sized bed and watching Jurassic Park. It was still a fairly new movie and it actually pretty good. The only thing that would have made it better was if Mel Gibson was in it. Morrigan allowed herself a small fantasy involving her alone in a room with Mel. As much as she liked Artyom, she would be gone in a flash if she ever had a chance at the man. She was eating popcorn, and watching it on her own personal TV. With the amount of money she made, she actually had no idea what to buy, so she had started by buying some of the nicest furniture she could find for her little house. Even so, that had only taken half of her first paycheck and she didn't have to buy food or pay rent so the rest was pleasure money.

She had bought a computer, a cell phone, a large TV for the ground floor, books, movies, candy, a Super Nintendo, and pretty much whatever she wanted. It was probably the sweetest job she had ever had with more perks, and less danger than working in the army. Still, sometimes she missed the discipline and simplicity of being a soldier. Brent had said for her to take a week off, and she had to start working again tomorrow. She had enjoyed the time off, but was getting restless. She had been trained for action, and she was just sitting around. Still though, if it was her day off and she was going to make the most of it.

Morrigan watched the movie intently, munching popcorn. She was watching a part where two kids and the archaeologist were scaling a deactivated electric fence, and heading back to the main area of the island. Morrigan leaned further back into her little pile of pillows and made herself comfortable. She threw another handful of popcorn in her mouth, and picked a few pieces off her shirt that fell down and popped them into her mouth. She licked off the excess butter. Some people said that she put too much popcorn on her popcorn, but what did they know? It added flavour or in Geoffrey's words drowned it. What did the yank know about good food anyways though? They were reactivating the power grid in the park so if the kid didn't hurry up, he was in for a rude surprise. The kid was afraid of heights, and wasn't jumping off.

"Just get off the bloody fence already," said Morrigan to herself annoyed at the kid. Hell in training she had to jump from five times that height and roll then keep running. With full combat load no less, so this kid could seriously suck it up. There was even someone at the bottom waiting to catch him. With a flip of a switch, the fence was activated and the kid flew off and landed in a heap on the ground, unmoving. It appeared that he was dead, his small body lifeless. Morrigan dropped her popcorn, and stared blankly at the screen. The kid on the screen was quickly replaced by another on a cold cobblestone street in a pool off blood. She quickly shut off the TV and went into the bathroom. She gripped the sink with white knuckles, and wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead. She felt slightly nauseous, though each time it got less and less. Morrigan looked at herself in the mirror hoping to find some answers. She saw a young woman staring back at her with raven hair, sea coloured eyes, and a bruised face. She was pretty, but not overly beautiful. Was this the face of a killer? If the mirror had an answer it remained silent.

Morrigan had been pulled into a very different place for a moment, when she had seen that kid killed. It had brought back memories that she would rather have stayed buried down, but they never did. After two years it shouldn't bother her this much, but it did. Wasn't time supposed to heal all wounds? She had been back in Bosnia 1992, the day that would haunt her forever more. Morrigan splashed cold water on her face as the memory came back as it always did in vivid detail. The chill of the water helped clear her head, but not the memories. She wished that they would just leave.

The sky was grey and overcast, and there was a deep chill in the air. The kind that seemed to seep into your bones and permeate cold into every part of your body. She remembered the feeling as the muddy ground squelched under her boots as it held onto her boots as she took another step, letting go with a pop and the weight of her FN in her hands. They had been slated to be replaced with a newer rifle, but for the moment they made due with the trusty FAL rifle. The cool air made her breath show and appear like she was breathing smoke. Her frosty breath forming a cloud before dissipating each time she exhaled like she was some sort of dragon. They were in some out of the way village, and her along with the rest of the platoon had no idea what they were doing out here. They were basically muscle for some shady guy who some people said was from MI-5 or MI-6. It was all rubbish though, why would an intelligence officer be here? It just didn't make any sense and it was probably more conspiracy theory bullshit from Piper. That chatterbox was dependable, but goddamned annoying. Morrigan rubbed her ears trying to drive the cold away. When they were moderately warm she pulled her hand away, only for the warmth to immediately leave again causing her ears to protest and for Morrigan to be more uncomfortable then before. She shifted her Beret, and wished it was longer so it could cover her ears.

"Sergeant McCarthy," said her commanding officer lieutenant Fletcher, walking up to her at a brisk pace and his nose red from the cold.

"Yes sir," responded Morrigan immediately not saluting. Back in the Isles, that would have been a great insult to her lieutenant. Here it helped him keep his brains inside his head. Snipers were just waiting for an opportunity to score a kill on an officer. Odds were that there wasn't one nearby, but it didn't hurt to be cautious.

"Get your section together, we're needed in the town square," said Fletcher, his dark brown moustache moving with his words. It bobbed like it was the one speaking, and Morrigan had, had to train herself not to look at it when he spoke.

"Right away sir, but what for? Is there a situation that we should be prepared for?" Asked Morrigan concerned about possible hostiles.

"You'll find out when you get there sergeant, now get a move on." said Fletcher his moustache appearing irritated. He did too, but somehow the moustache seemed more important.

"Yes sir," said Morrigan giving a slight nod before going to comply with her orders. They had probably found an arms cache, and the suit wanted protection while he searched through it. Morrigan smiled to herself, bloody bureaucrats. "Alright lads, my section on me!" said Morrigan projecting her voice from her diaphragm. Quickly the nine other members of her section fell in, red berets bobbing as they moved and a symphony of wet squelches sounded as they fell in. "Alright, the captain wants us in the centre of town. Don't know what for, so don't bother asking. I want your eyes up and looking, but fingers off the triggers, I don't want any accidents on my watch. If any of you pop off a shot without my say so, or without being shot at first, you will have to deal with me personally and I will not be happy. Am I understood?" There was a chorus of yes sergeant, and a few small smiles. Morrigan was one of the only females in the company, and she was the shortest member of her platoon. Some of her troops practically towered over her. They were all Royal Marines, and Morrigan knew there wouldn't be any accidents. They still found it funny to be threatened by the small Irish woman though who was half their size. Ruddy bastards, thought Morrigan grinning lightly at the thought.

They moved further into the town, watching the houses and alleyways for any possible ambushes. Morrigan peeked around a corner of a building and it appeared clear, so they moved up covering each other. The squelching had ceased when they got onto the cobblestone roadways, and there was only a muffled clacking of boots on the ground. Morrigan didn't know what was going on, but it felt strange for a lack of a better word. There was no one in the streets, no one watching them from windows, and well... no one around. It made her feel uneasy, like the calm before the storm. Everything was a dull lifeless colour, painted drab grey by the overcast sky and sullen clouds.

"Eyes up lads and keep sharp, we could be in for a wee bit of trouble here." said Morrigan rapidly checking around her with her rifle. Where the bloody hell was everyone?

They continued moving, past empty stores, abandoned cars, and looking into a cafe, half eaten meals seemingly abandoned. Morrigan's hackles were up so to speak and she was getting a very bad feeling. It was like going through a ghost town. She heard talking ahead however and kept moving, still with a feeling of dread in her. Her bad feeling dissipated, however when they found everyone in the town square milling around under guard, though a sliver remained. Why were they all in the town square?

The suit was easy enough to find, though he wore the same fatigues as the rest of the marines, it was just the way he stood, the way he presented himself that gave him away. Morrigan was good at picking out who wasn't who they said they were, it was one of her gifts per say. The man was technically doing everything right, holding his rifle correctly, standing properly, and he even moved like a soldier. There was just something off about him though, an aura that he gave off like a perfume that sold him out. She walked up to him after telling her section to help watch the village inhabitants. There was only around fifty people in the square. Most had probably already fled to somewhere safer or gone across the border. It looked like a great deal of the population had fled though, because the village seemed able to hold at least ten times the amount present. They were talking in low whispers amongst themselves and shooting brief looks at the Royal Marines around. Morrigan had no idea why they were so nervous, they were NATO, they were the good guys here.

"Sir, I was told to come see you for my orders," said Morrigan slinging her rifle over her back. The man looked at her like she was crazy.

"Oy, I don't know who ya think I am, but I'm just a private sarge, no one tells me nothin." He pointed to his single chevron and gave an apologetic smile. The suit was putting on a good act, but it wasn't fooling her.

"Can you please not insult my intelligence sir, I don't care if you are MI-6 so long as you tell me what we're doing," said Morrigan jokingly. "I'm not going to blow your cover Mr. Field Agent, so just come clean with me here." This guy was probably some minor inspector thinking he was seeing the real 'war', and out for a jaunt thinking he was being sneaky in a privates uniform. Or she was wrong and acting stupid in front of a private. That had happened before and it was usually awkward for her. Sometimes she was able to pass it off as a joke and others she had to walk away head down and take the teasing that was inevitably to come.

"Uh, I dunno what's going on sarge, is this some kinda joke?" said the fake private. Morrigan got the tiniest apprehension that she was indeed talking to a private and looking stupid. Well might as well run with it, thought Morrigan.

"Oy lads!" said Morrigan moderately loud over her shoulder. "Mr. MI-6 here doesn't want to talk, he's starting to hurt my one and only feeling. Guess I'm not pretty enough aye?" There was some laughter from her section and Morrigan turned back to him chuckling lightly to herself. Well I had better go before I embarrass myself anymore, thought Morrigan. She was surprised, however when the man stepped in closer and spoke in a harsh hushed whisper.

"You had better shut your goddamned mouth, before you blow my cover you dumb tart!" said the now truly fake private in a harsh whisper. Morrigan stopped smiling.

"I don't know how the hell you got that information sergeant, but if you don't want to spend the rest of your life in a deep dark hole you will keep your bloody mouth shut. Do I make myself clear, or do I need to repeat myself?" The mans demeanour was different, it was no longer one of relaxed boredom, but of rigid posture and restrained malice. Holy shit, thought Morrigan worriedly.

"Perfectly clear," said Morrigan chastened and still surprised. "Sir," she added almost as an afterthought.

"Don't call me sir," hissed the man. "If you want your orders go to the captain with the coffee cup. Now leave and quit drawing attention to me." Morrigan stood there for what must have been a second too long. "Now," insisted the man in a malevolent tone. Morrigan started walking away, towards the captain, not quite knowing what to make of the situation. "Sorry there sarge, I guess I like a lotta you're mates," said the man adopting his previous disposition. Like it was a switch he could flip on or off. Morrigan wondered how people could do that.

Morrigan walked up to the captain and stopped a respectful distance away. "Sir," said Morrigan politely. The captain turned to regard her. He had dark brown eyes, and a craggy face filled with smile lines and creases. He was her company captain, and Morrigan was one of his favourites. Rogers liked to pretend that she was an armrest and lean his elbow on top of her head and pretend that she wasn't there for a while. Sometimes he would continue talking to another officer while he did it. Rogers would always claim that he had a portable armrest that he was using whenever she managed to get his attention. He would usually stop around the time that she started to threaten biting his hand. He hadn't believed her the first time and had been thoroughly surprised when he got a light chomp on his hand. His name was Captain Rogers, and yes they made jokes about him and Morrigan. Rogering Morrigan was one, Irish occupation, Morrigan's strict chain of command, or some other use of the slang for sex and her name. He looked at her like he was deep in thought and he was hardly even noticing her.

"Afternoon sir," said Morrigan. The captain remained deep in thought, and Morrigan thought that he hadn't heard her. "Sir," said Morrigan a little more loudly. Still no response. Morrigan was going to try and get his attention again when he nonchalantly brought his arm up and rested his elbow on Morrigans red beret. Morrigan pursed her lips in annoyance and glared daggers at the captain. Rogers rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Now I have a task that I need done, but I don't have any of my sergeants around. Now how am I going to do this?" he mused to himself as he continued rubbing his chin.

"I'm right here captain," said Morrigan in a monotone. She swore that if he was going to do this again she was going to take a finger this time.

"I suppose I could get a corporal to do it, but that would be breaking the chain of command." Rogers leaned more of his weight onto Morrigan's head. Morrigan swore she saw one corner of his mouth curl up briefly.

"You're leaning on one of your sergeants sir," said Morrigan in an irritated monotone.

"I could do it myself, but how would that look a captain doing a sergeants job? Ah well I'm sure if I wait long enough one of them will show up." said Rogers making a point not to look at Morrigan.

"I'm getting hungry sir." said Morrigan in the same monotone. Rogers looked down like he had just noticed her and was surprised.

"Morrigan when did you get here?"

"You've been leaning on me sir," said Morrigan with Rogers arm still on her head.

"No," said Rogers playfully. "I was leaning on my portable armrest, but its gone now. Funny isn't it?"

"Very funny sir," said Morrigan drawing out the words.

"Well what do you need sergeant, I am a busy man after all?"

"You can take your arm of my head first sir."

"Is that still there?" asked Captain Rogers in mock surprise.

"Yes sir it is."

"Well funny that."

...

...

"Sir."

"Yes sergeant?"

"Your arm."

"What about it?" asked Rogers with a wide eyed look of innocence.

"It's still there."

"Is it really?"

"I'll bite you." Morrigan clacked her teeth together for emphasis. Rogers withdrew his arm like Morrigan's head was red hot.

"Threatening a superior officer is a serious crime Miss McCarthy, are you aware of that?" said Rogers looking down at her in mock intimidation. "Do you know what happens to bad soldiers who threaten their officers?"

"Get cake?"

"No sergeant they don't get cake."

"Pie?" asked Morrigan trying to sound hopeful.

"Yes sergeant they get pie." said Rogers patting her head.

"I prefer fingers sir," said Morrigan eyeing Rogers hand and playfully licking her lips before lunging out with her head and clacking her teeth.

"Well if you can control your appetite, we can get down to our job." Rogers took a sip of coffee before continuing. "I assume you've met our resident field agent?" he said casting a glance in the direction of the fake private.

"You mean the tosser?"

"No sergeant, the field agent."

"The well paid tosser?"

"There you go sergeant. Anyways, we have actually managed to corral a high ranking member of a Serbian terrorist operation here, problem is that we don't know who he is. There's rumoured to be an arms dump in town and I've got a section combing through the likely section of town looking for it with a couple of investigators. The field agent over there."

"Well paid tosser," cut in Morrigan.

"Oh how could I forget? The well paid tosser believes that there is someone there who knows who our mystery man is."

"There are women and children here sir, it could get messy if we try and pull him out of there." said Morrigan panning her gaze over the assembled villagers. Rogers sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah it's always harder when there's kids involved." Rogers got a smile on his face. "I heard you say women sergeant, are you saying that you're a delicate and sensitive creature needing constant nurturing and -OW!" exclaimed Rogers as Morrigan punched him lightly in the arm and he over exaggerated it. "You just assaulted me sergeant." said Rogers feigning extreme pain and indignation. "There will be a punishment for this."

"I don't get apple?"

"No Sergeant, you get lemon meringue."

"Oh, come on sir that's harsh." Captain Rogers turned his nose up at Morrigans protests.

"I'm sorry, but that's your punishment." They stared at each other for a moment neither backing down, then Morrigan started chuckling and it turned into a laugh. Captain Rogers face split into a grin.

"Just get your section to make sure no one leaves the town square, okay sergeant? I know that you may not be delicate, but your still sensitive so I hope I'm not imposing too much on you." Morrigan spat on the ground and looked back at him straight faced. "Well your still a lady, I think." said Rogers with a look of mild surprise on his face.

"I would prove it to you sir, but then I would get in trouble, you'd get divorced, then things would get complicated." said Morrigan raising a hand to accentuate each point as if weighing the possible penalties for going for a quickie behind some houses. "Then again I do have a thing for older men," said Morrigan doing her best to sound seductive and pretend to be lusting after Rogers.

"Just get to work sergeant."

"On it sir." said Morrigan grinning, then clicked her tongue twice and went to go grab her section. She made it about ten steps before a massive explosion split the air. It was pandemonium after that. The villagers started panicking and some tried to run out of the square, only to be pushed back by Morrigan's section and a platoon from B company. Everyone was yelling and screaming and pushing. With all the noise it was impossible to immediately reestablish order.

"What the bloody hell was that?" called out a surprised soldier who was swinging his rifle around looking for targets.

"Shit look at that!" called an unknown voice. Everyone looked farther into the village, and saw a large cloud of black smoke and flames licking at the sky.

"We've got bloody bombs here!" cried a frantic voice.

"Calm down and keep your bloody weapons tight!" shouted Morrigan trying to control the situation, but it was no use. With all the confusion it was impossible to be heard. Captain Rogers closed the small distance between them, his playful demeanour gone.

"Sergeant, I want you and your section to go and find out what's happening over there. Bring back any survivors you can, I'm calling in a med evac " His tone was commanding, and he wasn't confused or startled. He was an experienced officer who had turned down promotion to stay in the field with his men. Morrigan trusted him completely.

"Yes sir, I'll bring our lads back." Rogers nodded in acknowledgement before running off to help control the situation. "B Section on me!" shouted Morrigan over the din. "B Section on me!" she kept shouting it until her men were with her. "Alright lads we've got a job to do. If there's any of our mates over there still on gods green earth we bring them home. Any questions?" There were none. "Alright lads I'm on point, skirmish order, let's keep this tight!"

Morrigan and her section started moving out of the square, but stopped when a white faced private ran in from the direction of the explosion, and straight for the explosion. Morrigan brought her section with her over to the private to see what the situation was.

"S-sir they're gone, they're all bloody gone!" exclaimed the private.

"Calm down soldier, who's all gone?"

"The section, every single one! I was on street watch, when it went. I was, I was, I," stuttered the man.

"Just relax lad, you're safe now. I'm sending a sergeant with a section to go help. You just calm down and take it easy, you've been through a lot." Captain Rogers smiled and tried to reassure the younger man. He seemed to regulate his breathing and calm down with the calm words of a superior officer.

"Sergeant McCarthy, I thought I told you to get a move on." said Rogers turning on Morrigan.

"Yes sir, just checking on the situation," said Morrigan turning to go.

"Thank you sir," said the private. Then he did something that made Morrigans stomach drop. He raised his arm in a salute. In all the confusion and violence he must have fallen back on instinct drilled into him while on base.

"YOU FOOL!" shouted Morrigan lunging for his arm and trying to pull it down, before someone saw it. The realization hit Captain Rogers a second before the bullet.

The bullet hit him in the side of the head, and it didn't even cause a large hole , just the bullet passing in one side, and out the other leaving a small entry and exit wound. He was pitched to the side as his distinctive red beret was knocked off his head and he fell to the ground. A look of disbelief that his time was up etched on his face. He hit the ground in a lifeless heap his and red blood started seeping from his head staining the cobblestones red. The red Beret fluttered down beside him, a neat hole in each side of it. Morrigan just stared in shock. How could he just be dead like that? A man who she had just moments ago been joking with her? Who had been a constant in the company since she had been sixteen? A cold rage over came Morrigan and rather than try and control it, she let it consume her.

"I want that snipers head on a fucking platter!" growled out Morrigan as she moved for cover. "Smith, Brookes, you lot are on counter sniper duty. I want to hang his head on a goddamned mantle, move, MOVE!"

Smith and Brookes ran for vantage points with their marksmen FN's and hurriedly complied. The fake private ran up to her and dropped all pretences.

"Sergeant, we can not allow the Serbian Lieutenant to escape."

"Not my fucking problem," said Morrigan flipping the safety off her FN and checking over the higher vantage points. By now the crowd was in full panic and trying to flee.

"If you let him get away then all of this would be for nothing." Morrigan considered shooting him. Captain Rogers had NOT died for nothing.

"What the bloody hell are you gonna do ya priss bastard, huh? Ask politely for him to step forward so we can arrest him? Give me a bleeding break."

"No sergeant I want you to kill them, all of them." said the fake private in lethal seriousness. In her correct state of mind, Morrigan would have been appalled, now she was considering it.

"I'm not shooting civilians without a damn good excuse." said Morrigan coldly. "I'm not going to prison for this."

"I can get you off of the charges." said the fake private as if he were promising her forbidden fruit. Morrigan eyed him suspiciously.

"How?" If at all possible the man seemed pleased as he explained it.

"We're in the middle of nowhere, and there is no record of us being here. Who's to say we were here anyways? Those damn Croatians huh?" The snake actually smiled and Morrigan actually considered it.

"I need a reason," said Morrigan finally. "The men won't keep it quiet if I just start shooting for no reason, no matter how we justify it."

"Just wait." They turned and watched the struggling crowd, and then one managed to break away and run. A Royal Marine either new and jumpy, or wanting revenge gunned him down as he ran. "Now watch this," said the devils advocate at her side. In the group of people, a shot rang out, and wounded a Marine causing him to fall. That was all the vindication that Morrigan needed.

"GUN!" shouted Morrigan and she began firing fully automatically from her FN into the crowd. She had kept the Argentinean rifle from the Falklands and was now spraying the heavy rounds into the crowd. The rest of the Marines followed suit either through want for vengeance or confusion. It was a massacre. It was like an unseen force was throwing the people back and to the ground, tearing them to pieces. Like death was sweeping his scythe in gleeful arcs killing and maiming at his leisure. The brass casings glittered as they fell, smiling malevolently knowing the death that they had sent forth. The rifles barked and spat forth metal and flame devouring those in front of them. The rifles bucked harshly and the ends heated with the constant fire. In a few moments, the villagers were all dead. Morrigan wasn't even checking her targets, as long as it didn't have a red Beret and it was a dark shape, it died. She had switched to semi after her first clip had run dry. She fired, saw a target and found another. It was quick, clean, and efficient killing. Morrigan was the last to fire a round, and the last to make a kill. Morrigan lowered her rifle and looked over the seen, still consumed with a cold hate. These bastards had killed good men today and now she had, had her vengeance. The fire of anger still burned brightly, demanding more blood for it to be extinguished. It vanished into thin air, as she saw the last target she had killed. It was a boy of no more than twelve years old, struck down by her hand. Morrigan stared stupefied at him. He was face down on the cold cobblestone ground, and a small amount of steam rose from him and the assembled dead as the warmth left their bodies forever. She had to steady herself and look away from the carnage. Morrigan felt sick and the world began to spin getting faster and faster till she thought that she might collapse. Everything seemed to fade away, the violence, the shouting, the cold, all that was left was an empty, nauseous feeling. She walked dumbly over to a nearby wall and leaned heavily against it as if she couldn't stand, ignoring input and a confirmation that the sniper who killed Captain Rogers had also been killed. Her legs shook and she fell to her knees She felt her stomach churn then she retched throwing up what little food was in her stomach. Morrigan wiped her mouth roughly and leaned her head against the hard brick wall. What had she done?

Morrigan pulled her head back from the cool mirror and looked at herself in the mirror. No, she finally decided. She was a good person, she had a soul. If it bothered her this much, than she must not be evil, must not be a killer. She would have to repent in one way or another, and she would find a way, but she was not a killer. Morrigan stripped down and had a hot shower, it felt cleansing like it was washing away her past misdeeds and sins. After she finished, she got dressed and turned the TV back on. Everyone was on the helicopter and heading off of the island.

"So the kid made it huh?" said Morrigan to herself. It always made her feel good to watch movies with happy endings. Too often things had a sad or bittersweet ending. Morrigan turned off the TV and VCR, then headed out of her little house. She was wearing a white tee-shirt with the Union Jack on the front and a pair of blue jeans with running shoes. She crossed the short distance to the main hangar and went to go see Artyom. As she was walking across the hangar, she listened to Angelika and Geoffrey arguing.

"No, no!" exclaimed Angelika. The MI-series is far superior to the Huey and Black Hawk. They are larger, can carry more people, carry more cargo and are easier to maintain, and don't cost an arm and a leg so there." said Angelika triumphantly.

"Yeah, but you can manoeuvre better in a Huey and Black Hawk allowing for better deployment of troops, extraction, and they're smaller so they're harder to hit and have better avionics. Also you won't drain an oil well to fill one up." countered Geoffrey. "As well as being able to mount rocket pods and machine guns on them."

"The hind can do all that and more, and won't break if you look at it funny!" said Angelika hotly. "Also the MI-series can mount rockets on them too so ha!" said Angelika sticking her tongue out at Geoffrey.

"Yeah well we've got the Apache and Cobra!" Morrigan walked away before she could hear the conclusion of the argument. Angelika was absent minded and ditsy, UNTIL you brought up aviation related topics, then she would argue like a pissed off wolverine until you admitted you were wrong. Once you did, she would return to her normal ditzy self, and if you didn't.

Morrigan walked up to the second floor, and noticed some construction going on. Jacques was knocking out a wall to link his office to Artyom's via a door. It looked like it was on break, because no one was working. Morrigan entered Artyom's office without knocking. He had his feet up on his desk and the phone to his ear talking to someone. Two seconds of listening and Morrigan knew it wasn't business. Artyom waved to her as she came in.

"So when can I meet up with you again? On Saturday, that's a long wait. I guess Yolanda is a bit of an uptight bitch huh? What? Oh, no I'll have Morrigan stay home on this one, it will just be me and you. No I'm her boss, I can tell her to do whatever. Yeah, I guess you could say that," said Artyom chuckling. Morrigan felt a twinge of anger in her.

"I'm going out love," said Morrigan. Artyom didn't answer her, but kept talking on the phone. "I'll have my phone on me if you need me at all." said Morrigan. Artyom continued talking on the phone. "I'll probably rent out a couple of thousand dollar hookers and lez out. You want to watch, join in maybe? I'm pretty horny today."

"Morrigan I'm on the phone, you're a big girl go have fun." Artyom returned to his conversation with Eda. It was so sweet it made her want to vomit.

"Thanks for caring asshole," said Morrigan leaving the office and walking down to the hangar floor. The argument had reached a fever pitch between Angelika and Geoffrey.

"NO YOU'RE WRONG, THE MI-'S ARE BETTER!" Angelika was pulling out all the stops on this one, but Geoffrey seemed to be holding his own. Morrigan walked up behind Angelika and pulled her into a headlock and began giving her a noogie.

"Ah, stop it Morrigan!" wailed Angelika.

"Not until you say uncle," said Morrigan continuing to noogie Angelika. She was practically bent over trying to get away.

"Uncle, uncle," said Angelika quickly.

"You need to do a wee bit better than that love," said Morrigan intensifying the noogie.

"UNCLE, UNCLE," shouted Angelika.

"In polish please dear."

"WUJEK, WUJEK!" cried Angelika speaking in her native tongue. "Now let me go," she said squirming.

"Now in Gaelic please." said Morrigan continuing her noogie assault.

"But I don't speak Gaelic," protested Angelika. "That's not fair!"

"Well than I guess that I'm not going to stop anytime soon then am I dear?" said Morrigan.

"Ahhh, Beznik!" said Angelika in desperation. "Beznik, Help!"

"He's not around love, it's just you and me," said Morrigan smiling. She had to stop soon though, Angelika could take a little bit of teasing, but man could she hold a grudge if you did too much.

"I think she asked you to let her go," said a very deep voice behind Morrigan. She stopped her noogie dead in her tracks and her smile disappeared. She looked over her shoulder slowly and saw a very large Albanian man directly behind her with an unreadable expression on his face. Morrigan let go of Angelika immediately.

"Beznik you old codger,I didn't see there, how have you been?" said Morrigan trying to plaster on a winning smile. It was having trouble staying on in face of Beznik's glare.

"Thanks Beznik," said Angelika trying to fix her hair. Beznik smiled at her.

"Did you remember to eat lunch?"

"Well no, I was working and I thought that I could just do it later," said Angelika straightening her hair. "I'm going for lunch at twelve so I should be good."

"It's twelve thirty Angelika," said Beznik patiently.

"Is it?" asked Angelika a look of innocent surprise on her face. "Well I guess I should eat after I finish up on the rotor shaft. But then the fuel lines need checked and the tail rotor is acting a little funny so."

"Angelika, I'm sure that it will be there to fix after you have something to eat."

"But if I leave, Geoffrey will try to fix it and screw it up," protested Angelika.

"I will not," said Geoffrey indignantly.

"I'll make sure he doesn't while you have something to eat," promised Beznik.

"Okay," said Angelika cheerily.

"Hey Angelika, we're still friends right?" asked Morrigan eyeing Beznik who was staring intently at her and making her nervous. Angelika considered her words for a moment, before brightening up.

"Yup," said Angelika cheerily.

"Hug?" asked Morrigan holding out her arms. Angelika came in and Morrigan watched Beznik over Angelika's shoulder while she hugged Angelika. He was watching her like a hawk.

"I'll see you later Morrigan." called Angelika going for lunch. Morrigan started trying to do all but run away, before a heavy hand came to rest on her shoulder. Beznik had an unreadable expression on his face. Morrigan felt immediately uncomfortable like the hand was going to crush her shoulder like a steel claw.

"You know," began Beznik nonchalantly. "When someone asks you to stop doing something, you really should before someone ends up getting hurt. You know what I mean?" Morrigan knew exactly what he meant.

"O-of course, I was just playing you know?" said Morrigan with a nervous laugh. Besnik didn't smile, Morrigan wondered idly how fast he could run. "It was just in good fun, but I won't do it again. Is that okay?"

"Okay, just make sure it doesn't happen again," said Beznik walking away. It felt like a ten tonne weight was lifted when he pulled away his hand. Morrigan let out breath she didn't know she had been holding and relaxed. Beznik could be scary when he wanted to be, there was something different about him, like being polite or civil was just an act. Artyom didn't seem to notice anything, but there was just something about him. Geoffrey was chuckling slightly.

"Not a bloody word," said Morrigan.

"I didn't say anything," said Geoffrey putting up his hands.

"You were thinking it," said Morrigan as she went to get something to eat too. In the main compound area of Cossack support, there was a mess hall where everyone could eat for free, and it had quite a selection. Most people had a place in town that they lived in, but a free meal was always welcome. The mess hall was a recent construction though, because if it had been here last week Balalaika would have gotten a nasty surprise. There was a barracks and a few other building that had been constructed since they had set up operations. Speaking of construction, Morrigan looked over at the new Lagoon office being put up. With Artyom's money of course. He had caved in way too quickly to that scar faced bitch Balalaika. What the hell kind of name was that anyways? Balalaika, slang for a mass produced rifle that thousands of service men had, had their hands all over. Come to think of it that name suited her well. Morrigan walked into the mess hall and saw a few couple dozen people inside. The Sabres were nearly finished their training, and there was about sixty or so who were going to make it through. Morrigan grabbed a tray and went to the food line. Morrigan didn't know how many people were involved with Cossack Support, but with all the pilots, mechanics, guards, and other menial workers or cooks, it was probably around a hundred and twenty.

Morrigan sat down with her meal and thought about the set up of the base. She figured that Artyom had kept his standard set up from when he had been operating in Africa, especially the way his team operated. They all stayed fairly close to their main base of operation, and actually had guard shifts and were putting up security fences. They were too used to operating in a place where you were under constant threat of attack. Hell, she had overheard Artyom talking to Jacques about buying armoured vehicles like a BTR or BDRM. The money that they were making from protecting drug shipments was more than enough to cover the costs of operating Cossack Support. Morrigan picked at her food.

Artyom was being a dick today and she didn't like it. Why the hell couldn't he see that Eda was just using him? She always had him running after her like a well trained puppy and always seemed to be trying to get something out of him, whether it be money or information about the competition. Artyom just assumed it was small talk when she asked him about his competition or who he was moving stuff for and how often. It was so bloody obvious it made her head hurt to think that Artyom couldn't see it. Not only that, but whenever Artyom tried to invite her over for some fun she would refuse. She claimed that she was saving herself for marriage being a nun and all, but if Eda was a virgin then Morrigan was a bloody saint. Morrigan huffed in irritation. She swore that if Eda WAS just using Artyom she would beat the ever loving shit out of her. Then again she might just do it if she was having a bad day to make her feel better. Morrigan allowed herself to imagine caving in Eda's face for a moment, it made her feel better. She didn't like her, Eda reminded her of that MI-6 guy in Bosnia. There was just something off about her. Though it could just be the fact she was an arms dealer and also a nun. That could explain the shift in behaviour from time to time. Artyom didn't seem to notice it, but sometimes Eda would become a hell of a lot more serious or professional. Like the time Artyom had told her how he had, had to hunt down a CIA agent who tried to ice him and his team after a job to keep it quiet. She had been goddamned interested in that, wanted the agent's name even. Morrigan stared down at her food sourly.

She wasn't really hungry for mess hall food, she had come late and since she had gotten lost in her thoughts it was starting to get cold and most of the fruit had been eaten already so there was only a couple of sickly looking pieces on her plate. She threw it out and decided to go into town to grab a bite to eat. She didn't feel like putting on a vest, but her browning was still on her hip waiting patiently. She went to the hangar and signed out a vehicle. Jacques and Brent had ended up buying a mixture of SUV's and Range Rover jeeps the day that Balalaika had paid them a visit. Morrigan made sure to keep her pistol on her at all times after that, there was no way she was being caught flat footed like that again. She made her way over to the SUV and did a quick check underneath. After seeing the bomb taken off of Artyom's car she had made it a point to always check. Morrigan got into the SUV and headed into town.

The SUV would pass most cursory inspections, but if you pulled up the fake bottom in the cargo compartment at the back, you would find a mini arsenal of automatic weapons, rifles, and quite possibly an RPG or LAW. Morrigan had convinced Beznik to buy some more Western European guns, so now the AK wasn't just the bog standard of Cossack Support. Though Beznik hadn't really needed much convincing to buy more guns.

It was noon and Roanupur was in full swing. The pushers were out on the streets selling poison, the 'working' girls were offering their services, and petty crimes were more common than saying hello. God did she hate this city, though it didn't bother her as much as when she first got here. Morrigan drove through town and looked for a suitable place to eat. Most looked pretty shifty, but there was one diner that looked pretty decent, so she pulled up out front. She got out and shut the door, eyeing some local tough guys looking at her jeep.

"Nice ride babe, how much do you want for it?" asked a one of the bruisers standing up. "I could give you a real good time for it, or you could just give it as a gift and be nice." His friends laughed and it seemed to encourage him. He looked and noticed the bruising on her face. "Looks like you had an accident, hopefully you won't have another, so why don't you just hand over the keys huh?" said the standing goon who was apparently their leader. Morrigan sighed in irritation. Why did she always have to put up with shit like this? Did he honestly think he could rob her? Morrigan pulled out her browning in one swift motion clicking the safety off and began walking gun raised towards him.

"Woah, woah, calm down I was just kidding." said the goon, his bravado leaving him. His friends got up and took off at the first sign of a gun. Amateurs.

"Sit," said Morrigan.

"What?" When the man didn't move immediately Morrigan put a round into the ground by his feet and he jumped.

"When I say sit, you bloody well sit, now fucking sit down." said Morrigan holding the gun level with his head. The goon sat down on the stoop he and his friends had been occupying. He was pale, and his bald head showed sweat beading on it.

"Listen, I-"

"Shut up," commanded Morrigan. The goon became silent and stared at her.

"I'm going to say this once and only once, so open your ears and use that wee head of yours while you still have a brain in it. Do you understand what I'm saying? Nod your head." The man jerked his head in a nod. "Good, now I'm going in for a bite, when I come back out I don't want a single scratch on this SUV. You are going to sit here and watch it. I might be ten minutes, I might be an hour, but if I come out and your gone or worse the vehicle's damaged I'm going to come looking for you and I will find you. Nod your head again like you understand. Good. Now sit here like a good lad and don't try to rob anyone else." Morrigan holstered her pistol and walked into the diner.

The door opened and tinkled a small bell signalling her arrival. It smelled of freshly cooked food, most noticeably grilled meat. Morrigan walked across red and white tiled floor and took a seat at a side table near the back in a corner. That was another habit that she had adopted after becoming a merc. She always felt the need to have her back to a wall and keep a look out for anyone else. The diner was packed and alive with conversation, apparently gunshots were a very common sound in Roanupur and people didn't get too worried when they heard them. Then again most of them were probably packing anyways. The table she sat at must not have been very popular, because there was no one at it. Strange considering that the restaurant was so full.

Morrigan sat down and picked up one of the menus. She was still peering into it deciding what to get when she was interrupted.

"Excuse me ma'am, but can we sit with you? The Restaurant's full and you have room at your table." said a man politely.

"I don't mind," said Morrigan still holding the menu in front of her face. That voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. With a scrape of chairs, the two other people sat down across from her. Time to be sociable, thought Morrigan. She put down the menu and instantly her day got worse. Across from her were the two members of the Lagoon company she was most acquainted with. They stared at each other for a moment. "Are you bloody kidding me?" exclaimed Morrigan.

"I didn't know they served leprechauns here," said Revy.

"Up yours ya bitch," said Morrigan flipping her off.

"What did you fucking say!" said Revy angrily.

"I told you to take it up your arse like you do every night ya bleedin slut." retorted Morrigan.

"I already fucked you up once, you want another experience?" threatened Revy.

"Just try it," goaded Morrigan. Revy began reaching for her cutlass and Morrigan put her hand on her Browning.

"Um you guys are making a scene," said Rock. Indeed many of the restaurant's patrons were looking over at them and the growing racket. Morrigan sat back in a huff and crossed her arms.

"Well I'm not moving and I was here first so you lot can just bugger off." said Morrigan irritably.

"Who died and made you queen? I'm not moving so you can just suck it up princess." said Revy angrily.

"Listen, we can just get along and have a pleasant meal. I know that we've had a rough start, but if we're going to be working in the same town we at least have to be polite to each other. I know you're not an unreasonable person Morrigan, so how about we start fresh." said Rock diplomatically.

"Kiss ass," said Revy, Morrigan sighed.

"I guess, just don't expect me to be a conversationalist."

"Well it's a start at least, as long as we don't start shooting this could be a very nice meal." said Rock hopefully. Revy and Morrigan looked at him like he was stupid.

They ordered and ate in silence for a good portion of the meal, the only sound being the scrape of cutlery on plates as they ate. Morrigan was just hoping that they could just make it through the meal without having to talk, but knowing Rock he would probably bring make her talk with him. Surprisingly, it was Revy who started it.

"So you're boss, he's seeing Eda huh?" asked Revy picking at her food.

"He's not my boss, he's my employer," said Morrigan also picking at her food. She didn't like Eda, and bringing her up always annoyed her.

"Whatever, is she or not?"

"Yeah he is, she's a real slut too," said Morrigan spitefully.

"Really?" said Revy perking up at the gossip. "Well what does she do?" Morrigan had realized with mild surprise that she had just insinuated that Eda and Artyom were screwing. Well time to do some damage, thought Morrigan viciously. Because seriously, fuck Eda.

"Oh yeah love, she's a real nympho. You know that nuns outfit she always wears?"

"Yeah."

"Well," continued Morrigan. "You didn't hear this for me, but whenever they go out for a date she brings it along and when they get back they role play." Revy burst out laughing.

"You have got to be kidding me, Eda plays the bad nun and rides British boy as he confesses?"

"No," said Morrigan shaking her head. "She leans over Artyom's desk and takes it up the ass pretending he's a priest."

"No way," said Revy trying to stop herself from laughing. "She actually does that?"

"Yeah, you can hear them on the hangar floor. Oh father take away my sins, uh, uh, uh." said Morrigan mimicking the imaginary procreation. "She just lifts up her little dress and they go at it." Revy laughed so hard she cried.

"That's the funniest fucking thing I've heard all week. Eda's not going to live this down the next time I see her." said Revy wiping a tear from her eye. "Always knew she was a slut."

"That's not even the half of it," said Morrigan grinning slyly. "You should hear what they do at night.

"Holy shit are you saying that they do that when people are around?"

"Oh yeah, they go at it like rabbits any chance they get."

"Should you really be talking about someone behind their backs like that? I mean, it's private right?" said Rock.

"Rock be quiet, this is just getting good," said Revy listening intently. For the rest of the meal, Morrigan and Revy bonded over one thing that has brought women together for centuries, gossip. Morrigan used her imagination to make up the most kinky sex acts she could think of and still be believable. While Revy laughed her ass off and kept asking questions that Morrigan made up answers to. After they grew tired of talking about Eda and Artyom they switched to other topics. They talked about all manner of things, from guns to Oprah Winfrey ignoring Rock in their conversation.

"So what about that big bastard you guys have working for you? I'd like another crack at him, I haven't had someone come that close to killing me in a long time." Revy grinned like a shark. "You know, I've just been itching for another go with him."

"Well you might get your chance, he still hates you."

"I understand not liking me, but hating me? What did I do to him?" asked Revy perplexed.

"Well it's not what you did to him, it's what you did to Angelika. When you scared her that day, you absolutely terrified her and Beznik was livid." said Morrigan.

"So what, is he screwing her or something or why is he so mad?"

"No, no," said Morrigan shaking her head. "She's kind of like his adopted kid you know? So basically you threatened his only family and he's not taking it well. If I was you though, I really wouldn't want to tangle with him that much, there's something... different about him."

"What do you mean different? He some kind of freak show or something like that?"

"No, it's just that I don't think fighting or death scare him. I asked him once if he felt bad at all about killing people or had regrets about being in the military, and do you know what he said? Why should I, to me that's right weird. When he fights it's like he actually enjoys it, likes the killing. Not only that, but I think that if he wanted you dead there would be no way stop him short of utterly destroying him."

"So in other words my kind of guy," said Revy imagining the fight.

"Well I thought that your kind of guy was the timid little suit over there," said Morrigan pointing at Rock.

"He's not my guy!" said Revy hotly, "and at least that's better than the fucking cripple that you go after."

"Artyom's not a cripple!" said Morrigan. "And for your information, he's taken."

"Yeah I know, by Eda. So you can't even get yourself a cripple huh, must be rough."

"Fuck you," said Morrigan, Revy just laughed.

"Um Revy, we're supposed to go to the Rip Off Church for Dutch remember? If we're late, we might not pick up our stuff on time and get fined extra money." said Rock pointing to his watch.

"Oh shit, are we late already?"

"No, but if we don't leave soon we're not going to make it in time."

"Well at least I get to bug that slut when we get there. I still can't believe that she did half of that shit. Well Rock pay for our grub and we've got to get going." said Revy standing up.

"Well, I didn't bring my wallet with me." said Rock.

"Are you serious?" asked Revy clearly annoyed. "You didn't bring your wallet with you?"

"Well... I didn't think I'd need it." Revy sighed.

"Well I guess I'm going to have to pay for it you freeloader," said Revy pulling out her wallet. Her face fell when she looked into it and found it empty. Revy and Rock both looked at Morrigan.

"No," said Morrigan flatly. "Hell no."

"Don't be such a tight assed bitch," said Revy. "I mean we got along so help us out here."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean that I'm paying for your bloody food you parasite, I'm not you're personal ATM that you can just call upon whenever you want."

"Come on you fucking leprechaun just pay the bill."

"Don't call a fucking leprechaun! Just because I'm Irish doesn't means I have a goddamned pot of gold hidden up my arse!" fumed Morrigan.

"Well I guess that's all I can really expect from a mick anyways, getting them to give up money is like trying to get blood from a stone. You can try, but in the end you're not getting any." said Revy in a mocking analytic tone.

"That's real funny love, well we'll see how bloody funny you are when you're late because you couldn't pay for your food."

"Well I hope they spit in you're food." said Revy.

"Come to think of it, why are you here anyways?" asked Rock.

"What do you mean?" asked Morrigan.

"Well, I know that you get free food at your main office so why would you come down here?"continued Rock.

"I was late getting to lunch, and it's none of your business."

"But why were you late? Surely you wouldn't be that late unless there was something wrong."

"Shut the hell up," warned Morrigan.

"Could it be that something's bothering you and that's why you were late so you decided to come into town to eat? That would also explain why there's a scared gang member sitting outside watching your car and a bullet groove in the pavement. So if we can't pay for our meal, I guess that we will just have to sit here and discuss this a little more," said Rock conversationally. "Could this also have something to do with your boss seeing Eda?"

"This has nothing to do with Artyom seeing that skank," said Morrigan venemously.

"Then there shouldn't be a problem with us talking about it should there?" said Rock still polite as ever.

Morrigan slammed some some bills down onto the table with a little too much force, betraying her anger.

"Here's your bleeding money, now piss off."

"Thank you Morrigan for helping us out, we really appreciate it," said Rock scooping up the money off of the table.

"Yeah whatever," said Morrigan. "Just be sure to ask that nun about her rutting and it will be more than worth it."

"Will do leprechaun," said Revy heading out of the restaurant.

"I'm not a goddamned Leprechaun," called Morrigan after Revy sourly. Why did everyone keep calling her one? She swore that the next person who called her one of the wee men was getting cold cocked.

Rock paid for their meal and soon followed after Revy, waving goodbye to Morrigan. Morrigan leaned back and stared at the ceiling deep in thought about Rock. How could he keep doing that? It just wasn't natural.

Rock was really starting to get on her nerves, he pretended to be a mild mannered pencil pusher, but the reality was actually quite different. How the hell had Rock been able to put it all together like that? So many little details he had either guessed or picked up on. She had picked up her casing outside and there was no way that he knew that the SUV was hers. Also there were plenty of bullet grooves in the sidewalk and even holes in the buildings, so how had he known? He shouldn't have been able to piece so many random facts together, shouldn't have been able to get inside of her head like that, but yet again he had played her like a fiddle and gotten what he wanted. Found her most vulnerable part and pried it apart. Had he just been guessing, or had he seen inside of her? Maybe she had been too defensive talking about Artyom, and maybe she had given something away. All Rock had done when she had been talking with Revy was eating his meal and listening. It wasn't really much of a victory for him, only a free meal, but the fact that he had been able to get her to do what he wanted again was unnerving. She had learned a long time ago that the most dangerous of men weren't those who could wield a gun and kill anyone they chose to, it was those who could get others to do it for them. Those who could make others dance like marionettes to their wills and not even realize it. Jacques was a man like that, but he was too dependant on drugs to really strike out on his own, too unreliable. When he wasn't high he could work wonders, but get him after six in the evening and he was in his own little world.

Artyom couldn't see it, but there was a coldness to Jacques that permeated out from him, and the stench of death. It was faint, but it was there hidden by the clean clothes and well mannered attitude, but it was there.

"Hey bitch!" Morrigan internally groaned. Why did she keep having to put up with shit like this? "Look at me when I fucking talk to you cunt!" continued an angry man. Morrigan looked up and saw an angry blonde Italian man with some thugs around him.

"You need something?" asked Morrigan mocking his anger.

"You're at my table you stupid bitch." he continued ranting.

"I don't see your name on it laddie," said Morrigan gesturing to the table.

"This is my table, it is reserved for me at all times. Do you have any idea who I am, what I could do to you?"

"I don't really care, but I have a feeling that you're going to tell me anyways." said Morrigan in a disinterested tone. People were getting up and leaving the restaurant casting furtive looks at the exchange taking place.

"I'm Don Verrocchio, and I run this fucking city from top to bottom, that interest you enough?" Morrigan's eyes widened in surprise, that could be a problem. "Yeah, now you're fucking wishing that you hadn't fucking mouthed off huh?"

"Listen," said Morrigan in a placating tone. "All I did was come in here for a bite and it was full. I saw an empty table and sat down. If I would have known it belonged to you I wouldn't have sat down at it. I'm sorry that I took your table and I'm sorry that I mouthed off, I didn't mean to disrespect you." Morrigan knew what the Mafia was capable of and unless she wanted to spend the rest of her time in Roanupur strictly inside the wire at Cossack Support, she had to make peace.

"So now you're sorry huh? Fell real bad about mouthing off to me do ya? Well guess what, it's too late for your fucking sorry." said Verrocchio in a loud voice. It was obvious that he was used to getting what he wanted and this was no different to him.

"Listen, just tell me what I need to do to make up for this and I'll do it. I work for a transport company, maybe we can work out a deal. I don't want trouble with you and like I said, I'm sorry for mouthing you off, you didn't deserve that." said Morrigan eyeing the mafioso's that were surrounding her with growing apprehension.

"You want to work something out?" said Verrocchio as if contemplating her attempts at peace. "Well I suppose I am a fair and reasonable man so that shouldn't be a problem. In fact if you want to make up for it I have the perfect idea for how you can do just that."

"Just tell me what to do sir, this is just a misunderstanding and I would like to put it behind us," said Morrigan professionally.

"Did you hear that?" asked Verrocchio laughing. "The little bitch called me sir, I guess that she's catching on quick." Morrigan felt a flame of anger spark in her. She would only push the diplomacy envelope so far, if this asshole decided to keep insulting her like this, he would get what was coming to him.

"Just tell me what you want me to do," said Morrigan keeping her voice level.

"What I want you to do? Hmmm. Well I guess a blow job would do it." said Verrocchio deciding on a form of repayment.

"What?" asked Morrigan in shock.

"You heard me, I want you to get down on you knees, unzip my pants, and blow me. Bob your head like a good little girl until I cum. If you do a really good job, I might even give you a pat on the head and let you swallow." A couple of his goons laughed and Morrigan was fucking done with his shit.

"Take your friends out back and fuck them up the arse if you want some action you fucking queer," seethed Morrigan. The smile left Verrochio's face in an instant.

"You stupid bitch! I try and be nice and this is the shit I get in return? Well let's see how much fight you've got in you at the bottom of the harbour." Before anyone could make a move, the bell at the front of the store tinkled signalling the arrival of a new customer into a coming shitstorm. Although the universe must have wanted to make it a hurricane, because Revy was the one who entered the resturant.

"I can't believe I forgot my goddamned-" Revy stopped mid-sentence. She saw Don Verrocchio, leader of the Italian Mafia in Roanupur, several of his goons and a very outnumbered Morrigan. "What's going on here Verrocchio?" asked Revy cautiously.

"This isn't any of your fucking business Two Hands, stay out of it." warned Verrocchio.

"I never said I gave a shit, I just forgot my wallet on that dumb bitches table you stupid wop," said Revy.

"You bitch!" said Verrocchio reaching for his gun. Revy thrummed a finger on her Cutlass.

"You sure that's a good idea macaroni boy?" taunted Revy. In Roanupur she was legendary for her gun fighting abilites and Verrocchio even if he was angry about it that they couldn't take her in a straight up fight. He looked down at the table and saw the wallet. He picked it up and tossed it to Revy. When everyone's eyes were on the wallet, Morrigan made her move.

She sprang up from the table and made a beeline for the front door, pulling her browning and firing as she did so. She winged one of the mobsters and he fell backwards, while the rest took cover.

"Come on!" shouted Morrigan bursting out from the front entrance of the restaurant.

"What? No! I am not involved in this shit." said Revy as she caught her wallet and ran from the restaurant into the bright sunlight of Roanupur midday sun. The bullets shattering the front windows of the building said otherwise.

"What's going on?" asked Rock sitting in the drivers seat of the idling car.

"Just Drive!" commanded Revy as she entered the passengers side, and Morrigan literally dove into the backseat of the car through an open window.

"Get that fucking cunt!" shouted a very angry Italian crime boss. A flurry of shots followed the car as it sped off with a screeching of tires, Morrigans legs still hanging out the window. The car took a sharp turn and Morrigan fell the rest of the way into the car, landing half on the seat and half in the foot area.

"Why the hell did you drag us into this?" demanded Revy as the car sped through Roanupur and a trio of cars sped into view after a few moments.

"I was going to get shot!" defended Morrigan readying her gun and going to the drivers side of the car. It took another sharp turn and unsettled Morrigan, the force pulling her to the other side of the car, but she hung onto the door frame and stayed where she was.

"So what? You didn't need to get us involved in this, now we're going to be late and get charged extra you idiot!"

"I bought you dinner," said Morrigan as the cars gained further on them.

"Yeah, but I doubt that getting chased by a bunch of mobsters in worth thirty lousy fucking dollars." shot back Revy pulling out one of her custom Beretta's. "We should just dump your ass out and save us the trouble."

"I can pay you," said Morrigan desperately.

"How much?" asked Revy interested.

"Five grand," said Morrigan shooting a couple of rounds out of the car at a pursuing one.

"I'm sorry, but that's not going to cut it," said Revy shaking her head. "Rock pull over."

"Twenty!" said Morrigan desperately. "Just get me back to Cossack's hangar and you'll get your money!"

"Now we're talking," said Revy happily. "Floor it Rock, we've got a leprechaun to save and a pot of gold to get."

"DON'T CALL ME A FUCKING LEPRECHAUN!" raged Morrigan taking out her anger on the pursuing cars, pumping out round after round. She was answered in kind and rounds broke through the rear window of the car and showered the backseat with glass. Revy added her own firepower to the fray as the car turned sharply towards the docks. The car became airborne as it came to the top of the hill leading towards the harbour and it flew for a few moments before hitting the ground and bouncing. It roared with power as it raced towards its target regaining the speed it had lost with its American built engine. The pursing cars followed close behind, but scraped on the ground as they landed, having lower suspension than the Lagoons vehicle.

The air pulled at Morrigan's arm as she tried to line up shots as the car sped down the throughway. She kept firing, then watched as one of the cars received a crack in the windshield and veered off to the side crashing into a building. Morrigan looked over at Revy and saw her in what could only be described as a snarl of pure bloodlust as she took out another car. How could she do that? They were going damn near two hundred kilometres an hour and she was taking them out, like they were pop up targets at a range.

The last car veered in and out of traffic proving harder to hit. They reached the bottom of the hill, and sped in the direction of Cossack Support, the compound becoming larger with every passing moment. Morrigan ducked down as more rounds entered the cab of the car, whistling over her. She felt her adrenaline go up at the near misses, and couldn't help but grin. A French general had once said that if war were not so terrible, man would love it too much. The man had forgot to add in woman, as Morrigan couldn't help but grin at the fight as she slammed her last clip home and continued firing at the pursuing car.

The guards at the gate of Cossack Support jumped out of the way, as the Lagoon Car slammed through the little arm barring the entrance and screeched to a halt in the centre of the compound. Armed guards in varying stages of battle dress poured out of the nearby buildings, wielding everything from pistols to squad carried light machine guns. Some had body armour and fatigues, while others were in no more than muscle shirts and BDU pants, or civilian clothes. Morrigan got out and showed them that it was her before they peppered the car with automatic weapons fire like they had been trained to do.

"It's alright lads, it's just me." she called to the assembled mercs. They kept their weapons levelled none the less, they were wary for tricks as Beznik had taught hem. Beznik was out with them, an AK variant in his hands and pointing rock steady at Rock who was the driver of the car. The car that was pursuing them clunked to a halt a short ways from them. Verrocchio got out and slammed the door shut behind him. If he had been mad at the restaurant, then he was absolutely pissed now.

"You Fucking cunt! I"m going to rip your head off and shit down your throat! When I'm done with you, you'll beg for death!" he had a pistol held in a tight fist by his side. His guards with him were eyeing the scene nervously. Their back up for the Don had been wiped out, and there was over sixty armed mercs in front of them. As well as the four who were blocking the gate behind them with rifles levelled.

"Um boss," began one of Verrocchios subordinates nervously.

"Shut up!" he yelled, seemingly oblivious to the danger surrounding him. "That bitch is dying!"

"I don't think so," said a very calm Artyom as he walked towards Verrocchio, cane in hand. Jacques was behind him, as well as two mercs in full combat dress and Geoffrey with his heavy .45 in hand.

"Who the fuck are you?" demanded Verrocchio.

"First of all, shut the fuck up or I will have my men kill you," said Artyom matter of fact. "Second of all, this is my place of business that you came into waving a gun around in. Thirdly, I am a goddamned merc company leader and I will be damned if some little bitch of a mafioso is going to be coming in here and threatening my personal fucking bodyguard."

"You don't know-"

"Who I'm talking to?" cut in Artyom. "I'm talking to some self important Sicilian Mafia Don who thinks he can throw his weight around in a city, where he's a second rate crime lord." Verrocchio gritted him teeth in rage.

"Now get back and your car and leave or I will kill you myself," said Artyom drawing him pernach. "Now." It seemed for a moment that Verrocchio was going to try and shoot Artyom, before his better judgement got a hold of him.

"We're getting the hell out of here, the bitch isn't worth our time," said Verrocchio getting back into his car. His bodyguards quickly followed him inside and they clunked off in their damaged car tracked by several dozen weapons. After they left, Artyom addressed the rest of the assembled mercs.

"Shows over guys, go back to whatever you were doing. The mercs slowly drifted back to their previous preoccupations, while a few went to go and reinforce the gate guard. "Beznik, that means you too," said Artyom. Beznik still had his rifle trained steady, but on Revy this time. "Beznik, you can go now." said Artyom. Beznik didn't move, and Revy was meeting his dead eyes with her own. "Beznik I gave you an order soldier, now go." said Artyom adopting a more serious tone. Slowly Beznik lowered his rifle and disappeared into the crowd of retreating mercs. Even with his distinctive size, he was soon indistinguishable from the others.

Morrigan turned to Rock who had gotten out of the car and was leaning against it. "Thanks for helping me out there mate," said Morrigan.

"Well I didn't really do much," said Rock.

"Are you kidding?" said Morrigan. "That was some bloody impressive driving."

"I guess it was huh?" said Rock sheepishly. Morrigan eyed Artyom walking over towards them.

"In fact, I think I should give you a little reward," said Morrigan coyly.

"What? But you're already mphh." Rock was cut off as Morrigan pushed him into the car and kissed him. She pushed her breasts into his chest and held him there for a moment until she finished the kiss completely dominating it and released him. He was blushing like mad, and had a very surprised look on his face.

"Hey you horny bitch, just cause you can't get a man doesn't mean you should just fuck anyone you see," said Revy annoyed, if not angry.

"I was just thanking the man," said Morrigan shrugging. "Jealous?" asked Morrigan.

"You fucking wish," said Revy dismissing her.

"What was that?" asked Artyom walking up.

"Jealous love," asked Morrigan smirking.

"Not really," said Artyom. Morrigan made an annoyed little hmpff and the smirk left her face. "By the way, why are Lagoon here anyways?" asked Artyom.

"Because love, they saved my ass. Speaking of which, we need to go pick up the SUV and you owe them money."

"Well okay, but-WHAT?" exclaimed Artyom.

"Yeah, you owe them twenty grand," said Morrigan. Jacques groaned.

"Plus damages to the car," cut in Revy. Jacques groaned louder this time.

"Well let me get my check book," said Artyom in exasperation. Why was it everytime he dealt with Lagoon it ended up costing him money? More shit was happening in Roanupur than in fucking Liberia. Fuck BTR's, he was buying BMP's if this shit kept up. Artyom sighed, hell he would probably need to get an army if this kept up.

AN: Well that was a pretty good chapter if I do say so myself. Some of the dialogue might have been a little clunky in places, but overall I'm happy with it. Also this will be the last time I update for a while as I will be leaving on the second and working for most of the summer. So my regards, and keep reviewing please. At least another ten chapters to go on this story, but probably more. Thanks for reading and enjoy summer break.