Chapter 21

I'm here, Section. Seems to be a repeat of the Obama.

David listened to Torres' response and tried not to lose it. He knew without her going into so much detail that she had met up with Raul Menendez. He took a couple of breaths and tried to think.

"What the hell does he want with Sombra?" Harper had heard the transmission and David had filled him in on what happened onboard the Obama. He didn't understand why Menendez was going after someone that just joined their team. It made it all sound like a coincidence that could spell trouble and he didn't believe that.

David looked downward as he calmed himself. She was going to wait and then… He replied, "I don't know. He kept taunting her on the Obama. About knowing her father."

Harper looked at his friend. He didn't like the fact that this was making things difficult. And he recognized that look. He patted David's shoulder, "Come on, brother. You know what we have to do."

David nodded. He knew what the mission was, but he also had to get her back. True, she accepted the job and the risks, but this wasn't fair to her. He noticed how it bothered her after the whole thing on the Obama. He knew he couldn't help her if he didn't do the other. "I know."

"Come on then, Section," Harper urged, "You know Sombra will kick our asses if we fail this and I'm not looking forward to Spectre hearing about it."

David moved as he garnered his focus. He shifted his weapon and called out, "Everyone on me! Push into the building!"

"You heard the man! Come on!" Harper lifted his weapon and shifted forward.

The front of the building had been cleared once the CLAWs had been taken out. It helped that they had the SE teams in position take them out. The front was littered with bodies of PMCs that had been taken out. Harper had been right that they were making a last stand. To David that didn't matter. Somewhere inside was Torres and she was being held by Menendez who was no doubt tormenting her. He took point and led the way.

They had dug in within the building and as soon as they saw him, they open fired. David grunted when the ricochets hit. He was lucky nothing hit him, but the debris could easily make him a target. He moved to take cover and signaled to the others to take cover. It was then that he noticed friendlies moving into position. That would help gain the advantage and they were already thinning out the enemy. He warned, "Check your fire! Friendlies upstairs!"

They filed into the lobby of the building and it looked to be pretty empty with a few holdouts. They were easily taken out, allowing them to run through. It only made David more determined to finish this and get Torres back. Not to mention end Menendez. It was capture/kill on the man, but David was inclined to agree with Harper in that it didn't work out to capture the man. It was better to kill him and end this once and for all.

David checked it out and found the way that would lead them to the main server room. He signaled, "This way! Downstairs!"

It seemed that the PMCs were well stacked. Once again David found himself under fire and nearly hit. A shot hit near his shoulder and sent debris flying that hit the side of his head. It wasn't major, but it was enough to make him turn away and put him in the line of fire to be hit. He bumped into a wall and slipped downward. It was enough to save him from eating a bullet and allowed him to regain focus. "Dammit! Return fire!"

Commander, I am trying to access the security and blueprints of the building. Security protocols are highly encrypted.

"Do what you can Hickam," David replied as he returned fire. He ducked to reload and paused to add, "And try to find Torres."

Working on it. I heard.

David gave a slight grunt of acknowledgement. He was glad that the AI was working as best as it could. "Thanks Hickam"

I'm in. The server room is just ahead. Ninety meters. Tracking SP064B's signal.

"Keep me informed."

Wilco, Commander.

David shifted his cover to take out the PMCs in the doorway that could prevent the advance. He slid on the floor since it was quicker that trying to get to his feet and move. It was not the best idea since there was shattered glass and debris everywhere. He felt the glass dig into his skin, but it wasn't too bad. The enemy was his focus even as his HUD became active.

Lt. Commander, we stand on the brink of global catastrophe. America and China face imminent annihilation from Menendez' drones. We're out of time. Locate that control room and shut down the broadcast signals.

It didn't require acknowledgement. David knew what the score was and continued to push through the PMC infested halls. The drones were a problem and they had to fix this.

Commander, I am picking up Agent Torres' signal. She is in the control room.

"Good work Hickam. Let me know if anything changes."

Copy that.

That was the best news he heard. Of course, David knew that he couldn't completely rely on that. Menendez could take what would transmit and move her. He added, "Hickam, see if you can get eyes."

"They're setting up defensive positions. Maintain fire on the lower level!" Harper had come up on David's flank and split up to cover.

The upper levels had been cleared easily. They were setting up defensive positions on the lower levels. It only meant that they were close. Others were pointing out that there were enemy ASDs. That was going to make things difficult since it took several shots to bring one of those down. Luckily, they were easier to take out than a CLAW. Difficult, but manageable.

The only thing that could help is if they took control of the ASDs and reprogrammed. David called, "Hickam, we have enemy ASDs. We need to reprogram."

On it.

David saw his HUD display light up with Hickam's work. Nowadays you didn't need to have a direct link unless it was a closed system. As long as there was a wireless connection, Hickam could work his way in. He was still a 'young' AI, so he was still learning a few things. Addy was older, and she was slyer about getting into systems. David had seen her at work. Now it was Hickam's turn.

Done. Enemy ASDs now under our control.

David nodded and called, "Enemy ASDs now reprogrammed to support. Good work. Hickam."

David moved with the rest of the unit to the lower levels. There were a few ASDs that hadn't been reprogrammed and had to be taken out. David took cover behind some crates and took a shot when he had it. The others were taking up position and laying down fire. They were almost to the control room and he was one step closer to getting her back.

Once it was cleared, David moved forward, encouraging them, "Keep moving. Broadcast room is just ahead." He turned and asked, "Hickam, is Torres still transmitting."

Affirmative. Signal is still in the broadcast area.

David nodded as he took down a PMC. "Main effort has located broadcast source. SE1, say status."

One hundred series building perimeter established.

"SE1, switch profile to checkpoint responsibilities. I want this place locked down."

Roger that.

There was no way they were going to let Menendez slip through again. Even if he did manage to trick them with Torres' signal, there was no way she would help him escape. Not unless it was something that Menendez threatened near and dear.

Oye, this shite is getting tense.

David felt his lip twitch. Just like his friend to come in when you least expected it. "Jacks, thought you were taking a break."

Nah. Wouldn't miss all this fun. I'm sorry about Torres. Stubborn girl.

"Not wrong there. Listen, Hickam tracked her signal to the control room. If you break through…" David had pressed his back again a crate and moved to reload his gun.

Not a problem. I know.

"You're a good friend, Jacks."

I just like Yanks in general. Jackson out.

David shifted and saw Jackson push forward. The man was good at blocking and assault and had a unique talent that earned him his designation within Spectre's purview. David didn't want to think what she designated his team as or him for that matter. Finally loaded, he moved to continue the assault just as Jackson called out enemy quad drones along with a few PMCs. They had made it to the broadcast room. They just had to get to the control room and shut the signal off.

David came in as Jackson and Harper took up positions along with the others to take out the quads. He got a couple of PMCs as he charged up the stairs to the control room. "Push forward, we got one chance at Menendez."

David turned before feeling a searing burn cross his shoulder. He twisted and pressed against a wall or a server enough to see a quad drone above him and it was moving in to kill. He was about to bring up his weapon when it exploded, and he had to lift his arm to shield his face from the debris.

"Metal bastards," Jackson's Manchester accent entered.

David looked up and winced from the burn on his shoulder. He had been hit but it was a graze. It burned though, and it was deep. "Fuck," he muttered.

"You're not invincible, mate," Jackson said as he offered a hand.

David took it and got up. He couldn't worry about it now and it wasn't like he was shot per se. "I'm good," he replied as he shook it off. "Come on."

Jackson gave a lopsided grin as he followed David. Harper wasn't too far behind. They were almost there, and Jackson wasn't going to let David be stupid especially after getting hit. He covered from behind since there were still PMCs that were guarding the place.

They made it into the room to find it with four to five PMCs. David cast a quick look around and found that there was no sign of Torres. He felt the air go out of his lungs. He had figured that it might be a deception, but he had a small hope that she was just there to be used as bait and heaven forbid that they killed her.

I'm sorry, Commander. I tracked the signal…

"It's okay, Hickam," David muttered. "I figured."

"Section shut down that transmission," Harper barked.

David knew he had a job to do. He went over to the console. He tapped into it and growled in annoyance, "My console crashed." He looked over to see Jackson trying, "What about you Jacks? You in?"

"No, mate. Menendez is transmitting a live broadcast," Jackson replied as he tried the console. "He's doing it now."

Suddenly the screens came on with Raul Menendez. David looked ahead and felt his throat convulse. He knew that it was minute, but he could see it. He saw the small portion of Torres' shoulder in the frame. At least he thought it was. His focus turned to the broadcast and the fact that they couldn't get in.

Opulence is sinful, and we all pay for it. Los Angeles was the flagship of their absurd materialism, so I destroyed it.

David tried again but couldn't get in and turned to Jackson, "I'm locked out. Can you get into the system?"

Jackson shook his head. David tapped his ear, "Hickam, can you get in."

Working on it.

They thought I wanted to kill the President. Madam President, I could have buried you a million times over. No… I wanted you to see it, to feel what it's like…

Commander, the drones aren't being controlled from here.

"What?" David felt his eyes widened as he looked around.

There is nothing I can do. I can't regain access to the hijacked drones. The signal must have been created as a diversion or something.

Two billion people exist in abject misery. Tyrannized by war…

David looked at the screens to see the drones flying over. They were going to strike New York. That is until they exploded over the city. It had everyone in the control room wondering what the hell happened.

Madam President, your war machines are no more. Your military is crippled. You cannot stop us now. Cordis Die, rise and strike while they are down. Strike now and strike deep!

The screens went blank. There was nothing more to do there. David couldn't help but feel the disappointment. Not just the fact that they had been duped again, but the fact that he still hadn't found Torres. "Alright," he said, "Let's move out."

"Section, we got a body. One of ours. He's been stripped of his uniform and kit," an Army Ranger pointed out and moved into position to check it out.

David felt a chill down his spine and knowing Raul Menendez… He ran towards them, "Wait! Don't move him!"

The next thing he knew there was an explosion and a body hurtling towards him. He heard yells, but he felt winded and the back of his head ached from smacking the ground. He gritted his teeth as the sirens went off in response.

Torres heard the explosion as she continued to walk with Menendez. She didn't like that she was in this position again; that he was going to use her to get past the checkpoints that the SE teams would have set up. David would have re-tasked to prevent people from entering and exiting the building while searching for Menendez.

"You do understand why I am doing this."

"I understand that you want everyone to feel what you felt when Josefina died. What I don't understand is why you are targeting me." Torres paused and turned to look at Menendez. She narrowed her eyes at him to demand the answers.

Menendez regarded her for a moment before reaching out and touching her face. He watched as she tried to inch away as he fingered the injuries she had received from Los Angeles. "You are much like her. Full of spirit and fire, little one."

"I am not her," Torres replied as she stepped back from Menendez' touch.

"No, you are not," Menendez agreed, "But she would have been like you." He shifted his weapon but kept it in position to get her to comply with what he wanted. "I know you want answers. Surely you see the truth."

Torres kept a glare on the man as she stood there. She had no weapon except her hands and feet and she wasn't confident that she could get away cleanly since she suspected that if she pissed him off enough, he would kill her. She shook her head, "No I don't. You lured me in, captured me and used my comm signal to make my team think that I was in the control room."

"Only to make sure David made it." Menendez leaned forward and gave a knowing smile, "I know he will come for you. If not to kill me, he will to save you."

"Section knows our objectives."

"Do not try to sell me on that, la pequeña," Menendez barked at her. He urged her to keep moving. "You may have killed DeFalco, but it was only after he shot David."

Torres could have made an excuse, but it would do no good. Instead, she changed the subject, "Then why me? What do you need me to know?"

"The truth, my dear."

"And what is that?"

Menendez was quiet and didn't answer right away. They were nearing a checkpoint and he signaled her to be on her best behavior. He gestured with his weapon.

"Checkpoint 4 we have unidentified persons approaching."

Torres stiffened. She figured that David would have figured out that Menendez was going to escape wearing that uniform he stripped from a soldier. He would have warned the checkpoints. She didn't know since Menendez removed her radio. She was completely in the dark. And she was weaponless and had nothing to identify herself with.

"Halt! Hands up and drop your weapons!"

"We're Americans," Menendez replied, "Take it easy." He also gave a nudge of encouragement to Torres.

Torres swallowed and said, "I'm Special Agent Torres attached to JSOC counterterrorism unit under command of Lt. Commander David Mason. Authorization… S064." She deliberately gave the wrong access authorization and hoped that the checkpoint guys would understand.

"Orders are no one passes. Stop where you are."

Torres stood there. She wasn't going to risk it. Yet, Menendez was not the type to go quietly. She listened as Menendez tried to smooth his way out saying that they were on the same team. Didn't he realize that David gave the order. Then it occurred to her that the man did know that. What happened next, had her move into action.

Menendez had the element of surprise and took down the checkpoint. Torres took the opportunity to dive for cover since some of the men returned fire, but not sufficient enough to take down Menendez. She covered her head more to protect it from the other explosions as it came crashing down that Menendez had set the place to explode in order to cover his escape. It was short lived as she was grabbed roughly and hauled to her feet.

"Do not cower, little one. It is beneath you."

"You bastard," Torres growled. She took a step forward but was stopped by Menendez point his gun at her.

Menendez looked at her and growled, "Do not test me. I won't kill you. It is a matter of honor. But I will stop you from trying to stop me."

Torres heaved angrily. This wasn't making much sense to her. "I will do what I must," she huffed, "You are considered an enemy of the world. A terrorist. It's my job to stop you."

"I know that little one." Menendez shifted his rifle and gestured her to start moving. "But I can't allow you to interfere. It is a matter of principle and honor."

Torres stared at the barrel of the gun pointed at her. The man was telling her that he wasn't going to kill her but that didn't mean that he wouldn't hurt her. He did say that he would stop her from stopping him. She was not connecting why he was doing that. As far as she was concerned, she was his enemy and no one important. Yet, here he was treating her like she was.

"Do not mistake my intentions. Principle and honor guide me as far as you are concerned."

Torres continued walking forward. PMCs were running past them to take up defensive positions. She glanced at them and noticed how they didn't bother to pay attention to her and Menendez. It occurred to her that this had been planned. She should have expected it. Menendez had always been one step ahead of them and always had contingency planned.

"I admit that I did not expect Spectre to put you on my path."

"I was tapped to take you down," Torres corrected through gritted teeth. "There is no coincidence or conspiracy."

"So you say, little one." Menendez moved to stand beside her. He gripped her arm and pushed her through. He barked at one of his men and they joined them to head down to the lower levels where he could make his escape. "But you and I know that Spectre does not make a move lightly. There is no corner that is hidden from the ghost that sees all."

Torres didn't say anything. She looked around. She could hear the sounds of gunfire and explosions. She glanced at Menendez as he looked forward and at the guard that was with them. She had to do something, so she blurted, "Then… why do you claim to know my father?"

Menendez stopped short of reaching the door that would lead to his escape. He turned to look at Torres as she stared defiantly at him. "I do not claim. I knew him."

Torres took a daring step forward. She kept a defiant gaze. "You couldn't have known Papa. He believed the opposite from you."

"He believed in freedom and justice for all people," Menendez countered with a low growl. He pulled her close just as a major explosion occurred. The roof above began to collapse and he gave a grin. He looked at her and continued, "You want to know why I will not kill you little one?"

Torres had tried not to flinch when the ceiling collapsed. "Principle and honor," she spat. "That's all you've ever said. It's not an answer." She turned to leave despite the fact that there were guns pointed at her. She was only stopped when she was grabbed and turned to look eye to eye with Menendez.

"Because I am your godfather!"

A/N: Section finds out Torres is taken and rushes to block the signal and end it. Torres learns a horrible secret. Stay tuned for more Waves on the Shores...