TfDelta: hehe we'll see :p
SpitfireUSN: I hope you like the way I have written it :)
Zacharti: Just read on ;) sorry about the chapter not coming really "soon" :S
MissMayhem05: We need to recover your password :P Apparently Thompson was being manipulated :/ well, in the military you have to follow orders whether you like it or not. We'll see what happens to Lisa and Soap :)
crazychi: Thank you for the compliment :D and thanks for pointing them out! I am now more knowledgeable about the British :) if there anything else that you find strange, just tell me and I will definitely pm you if I need to clarify some things :)
Frostdire:hahaha! I hope your "bruh" recovered from the heart attack you gave him then :P I'll think about the baby unicorn pets :P I could write alternate endings, hmm, we'll see. I am not sure about writing another MW fanfic. To tell you the truth I already have a plot in mind (MW2 & 3) but it is a bit commitment and it takes up a huge amount of time. Apart from that, I am not sure MW fanfics are still that popular (due to Ghosts). We'll see:) good job on the Russian! (I had to look it up)
Beawolf's pen: I see your dilemma, which was my dilemma as well that is why I asked the readers how they preferred the story to develop. Read on and tell me what you think :)
Guest: you have a lovely imagination :P bug babies and skull balaclava babies ftw! I forgot about Price... an idea just popped into my head :)
OK, let's move!
Lainey stood rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on the grenade which had landed on the table a few feet away from her. Roach reacted instantly; he dashed inside, grabbed the table and flipped it. A second before Roach slammed her to the ground, the grenade exploded, shattering the table into thousand pieces. Wooden fragments penetrated his neck and he groaned. Blood splattered around them but there was no time to check the wounds. Grabbing her from her t-shirt, he dragged her behind the counter while putting down suppressing fire.
Mrs Collins was sprawled on the floor, possibly a result from taking in too much what was going on around her. He urged Collins to stay with her as he took care of the remaining soldiers.
He grabbed his assault rifle and started firing at the enemy. That was enough. He was fed up with all of this.
"AARRGGHH!"
An arm wrapped around him and he stumbled to the floor. The soldier got on top of him and prepared to thrust his knife into Roach's throat.
"Oh no you don't you wanker," he snarled.
Roach wrapped his legs around the soldier's neck and pushed with all his strength. Shots echoed in the air which served as a distraction. The soldier let go of him and Roach was in the dominant position. He pointed his sidearm in the enemy's face and pulled the trigger. He turned around and observed the bodies slumped over the hallway. Collins collapsed behind the counter again and dropped her gun.
"Lainey, look at me, are you ok?" he asked.
She did not reply. She kept staring at her mum who was stirring on the ground.
"Lainey!" he said firmly, stroking her hair and grabbing her, "how are you feeling?"
"I think I'm ok," she mumbled. "Mum..."
"She's waking up."
Roach helped Mrs Collins out in the backyard, away from the carnage and for some fresh air. A neighbour was preparing to assist them but he urged her to stay away.
"What happened?" she muttered.
"There has been an attack. You fainted, probably due to low blood pressure."
"Lainey?"
"She is inside assessing the situation."
"Oh, I don't know what would have happened if you weren't here, young man," she whimpered.
"Lainey would have probably got the job done anyway ma'am," he chuckled. "She's a very skilled woman."
"Yes, that I can agree with."
She smiled slightly at him and grabbed his hand in hers.
"You like her don't you?"
He was taken aback by this question. That question was the last thing he had expected in that situation. He started stammering and gave up when he noticed that it wouldn't be easy to deceive the mother of the woman he had liked for a long time.
"She is a bit stubborn. Has she always been like this?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Yesterday, you experienced first-hand, something that Lainey went through every day in her childhood. She is a woman who has plenty of love to give, but guards herself behind a high wall. It is part of her instinct."
He did not know how they started talking about her but he was glad that, in a way, her mother has approved of him. He went to check in on her who was still inside going around the house.
"We have ten soldiers KIA. The house is destroyed and everything is lying in ruins."
"But you're still alive," he said, trying to keep a positive outlook. "I need to provide a sitrep to Ghost."
He was interrupted as he went for his mobile. Collins flung her arms around his waist and squeezed hard. He was taken by surprise but he did not question her action. He simply held her close as he shook in his arms.
"Thank you," she simply said as they broke apart.
"Anything for you," he smiled.
"I know," she whispered. "Mum is right, you're a good man."
"Can't argue with a mother's words now, don't you think?" he joked.
She laughed and nudged him playfully.
"Let's go help mum and think about our next move."
Malloy lied down on the bed, her eyes closed, listening to an old recording of her sister playing the piano. Louise played Chopin magnificently. She always was a wonderful artist and delicate at heart. The phrasing was pronounced smoothly and the dynamics made the piece come to life. She will make a great mum.
She was staying in her old bedroom. She preferred to stay at her apartment downtown but her mother had insisted to stay with them in case something happened to her. She looked around and nostalgia sparked up in her mind. The mint paint was becoming pale through the ages, same as her wooden furniture. The lights she hung up when she was a teenager were still up. It surrounded her room, resembling the stars shining bright at night. White drapes of chiffon hung over her four-poster bed giving it a peaceful feeling. Photographs of her family and herself hung on the wall and placed on the dresser. Medals of past marathons and other competitions were hung over the side of her bed.
A knock interrupted her thoughts and her mum's head popped in
"Sweetheart, Charlene and Simon are downstairs," she said.
"What?"
She jumped from the bed and ran downstairs. She stopped midway, her mum nearly bumping into her. She gasped at the sight of them; blood and dirt covered them from head to toe.
"I'll take care of your wounds straight away," said Dr Malloy.
"What the hell happened to you?" asked Malloy, stumped.
"Vaughn, that's what happened," glared Ghost.
"Simon," warned Williams.
Malloy furrowed her brow as her mum went to see who rang the doorbell.
"Umm, Lisa?" she said, perplexed.
Turning around, she saw Collins and Roach covered in blood as well.
"Don't tell me... Vaughn?"
"I guess Captain MacTavish was right," said Roach sitting down.
"Wait, what?" asked Malloy, lost. "Vaughn is dead."
"His men were still acting on his orders," interjected Ghost. "MacTavish suspected something and sent us to protect them in case something goes wrong."
"We couldn't get hold of Red."
"I have escaped but came to Lisa," said Red who had just came down the stairs.
"What happened to your door?" asked Collins timidly.
"The new Elite Task Force broke it down," sighed Lisa.
"What?!"
"Long story," Red mumbled.
Malloy stood there baffled at the scene which had just unfolded in front of her. Her old colleagues were standing in front of her, bloodied and barely alive. They had just escaped death and came to her for help. They came to seek help from someone who had selfishly left them unattended.
"I don't mean to sound rude, but what do you need from me?" she asked.
"Somewhere for them to stay would be nice," growled Ghost. "Considering that it was your bloody ex-boyfriend that caused all of this."
"What the hell is your problem?" scowled Malloy jabbing her finger in his direction.
"You are the problem sweetheart," he said raising his voice. "We were assaulted and nearly killed! Their homes are destroyed, Lainey's mum nearly had a heart attack and all you did, was stay here moping around and feeling sorry for yourself!"
"How dare you accuse me of doing nothing!" she yelled. "I have done all that I could. I have faith in my team. Anyway, I would not have assumed that Vaughn would send anyone after them!"
"Then, you bloody suck as a leader."
"You asshole."
Malloy tackled Ghost and they fell hard on the ground. Her wounds were screaming but she ignored the pain. Fury bubbled in her stomach. Her fist collided on the side of his face and she felt a hard blow in her stomach.
"God dammit Simon, stop it!" Williams scowled.
"Enough! Both of you!" yelled Dr Malloy.
But none of them paid heed at them. They continued rolling on the floor, taking out their anger on each other. Collins looked surrendered and Roach stood there, sour-faced at the whole situation.
"Hey!"
Ghost felt a pair of strong hands grabbing from his t-shirt and lifting him up. He turned around to see General Malloy, in full uniform, glaring at them. He removed his cover and smoothed his hair.
"This is the scene I expect to find when I come home," he said sarcastically. "Explain yourselves."
Ghost and Malloy fell silent. General Malloy's gaze bore into them. They finally explained what had happened and he stroked his moustache thoughtfully. He reached into his pocket and removed a key from a bundle of keys and keychains. He handed the key to Ghost where the latter took it, puzzled of this sudden action.
"This is the key to my apartment," he said. "I usually use it to work where home is a bit hyperactive. Charlene, you can stay there until you find another permanent residence."
Malloy sighed and grabbed the key from the coffee table and threw it at Roach.
"That's the key to my apartment. The furniture came with the apartment."
"Is it that bad?" chuckled Roach.
"You have no idea," she grinned. "I think that's settled then."
"Very well," said Williams. "We'll go settle down. Thank you."
Price and Yuri were standing alongside Sandman, Grinch, Truck and McCoy. They had gathered together in front of an elevator ready to descend deep into the Siberian mine. The importance of this location was that there, Makarov was keeping hostage President of Russia Boris Vorshevsky and his daughter Alena. Their objective was simple – rescue them before President Vorshevsky gives up the launch codes and turns Europe into dust. Delta had already failed in recuperating his daughter in Hamburg. If they repeat the same mistake, the consequences would be devastating.
"Ok. Weapons tight, guys. No one likes a dead hostage," said Sandman.
"What's the score, boss?" asked Truck.
"Everyone's hostile."
"Ain't that the truth," Grinch sighed.
They heard a bell ring and the doors to the elevator opened. The light flickered, increasing the agitation in the men. Yuri felt beads of sweat rolling down the side of his face. The metal elevator creaked as it slowly went down. Apparently, it wasn't only Yuri who noticed the slow speed of which the elevator was descending.
"This thing go any faster?" asked Grinch, tense.
"Easy Grinch," murmured Sandman. "Okay, top off your rifles."
They came to a sudden stop and their senses heightened; prepared to anything they were going to find on the other side.
Slowly, the doors opened revealing a tunnel and a patrol of guards. The air felt humid and the walls were damp. Light bulbs hung from the ceiling barely giving any light at all. They felt a cold breeze on their face and a musty smell filled their nostrils.
"Now!" yelled Price.
They opened fire on the enemy and the fell to the ground like pins in a bowling alley. A Russian was wielding an RPG. Yuri gritted his teeth. It was not easy and they did not expect it to be. RPG smoke filled the air as it came towards them.
"Look out! RPG!" shouted McCoy.
The rocket hit the elevator and sent everyone flying inside where McCoy died on impact. However, they had bigger problems at that moment.
"Oh shit!" said Grinch.
"Hold on!" said Truck, trying to grip anything which was in his way.
The elevator creaked and plummeted. Sparks blinded him and a screeching noise echoed in the elevator. Momentum was gaining until suddenly, they crashed. Everything was in a daze and Price looked around him. His teammates looked confused but they were coming around.
"Status?!" demanded Sandman.
"We're good," replied Grinch.
The elevator doors opened on impact revealing a pitch black corridor. They wore their night vision goggles and eliminated any threats. Five minutes of fighting through the dark, stone corridors of the mine, they felt a freezing breeze whipping their faces. The snow made crunch noises as they scurried to get to cover. Price took a few deep breaths and shot at the enemy from behind an ammo crate. The scene was overwhelming. The Ultranationalists army was too large in number. They may be at a disadvantage from that aspect but they were more organised and had the best technology on their side. Yuri was just feeding through the predator and a large number of Russians exploded as the missile wiped everything that was in its radius.
"Good hit," said Overlord. "Multiple KIAs."
After clearing the area from most of the tangos, they found themselves inside of what looked like a bunker. Half of the building had collapse and flames were licking the walls. Two Russians were limping in front of them, helping each other out. Price and Yuri eliminated them swiftly and approached a metal door which was blocking their way.
"Yuri, take care of the door," ordered Price.
Yuri obliged; he placed a breaching charge on the door and set it off. They prepared to shoot an enemy which was lurking within the room until Truck hastily stopped them.
"Wait! It's the daughter."
Price rushed towards her and checked her status. Alena was semi-conscious and she was muttering something. He grabbed his tactical knife and cut the plasticuffs which were binding her wrists. Slowly, he carried her to the nearby flat surface.
Yuri observed that there was blood on the chair and a battery with crocodile clips attached to it and grimaced. Poor girl.
"She's trying to say something," said Truck.
He bended down and listened hard.
"She says they took her father deep into the mine."
"Metal 0-1, what is your status? Have you secured the President?"
"Negative, Overlord, but we have the girl," replied Sandman.
"We'll prep a team for extraction. Continue searching for the President."
"Let's move!"
The mobile started vibrating and Malloy groaned. She rolled over to the other side of the bed and pulled the covers over her head. Yet, the mobile continue vibrating, annoying the hell out of her.
"Dammit, who is calling at this time of night?"
She extended her arm and looked blindly for it. Finally, she grabbed and pressed the green button.
"What?"
"Am I interrupting?"
Malloy's eyes shot wide open and sat up with her hair sticking out. She rubbed her eyes and wiped the drool from her mouth.
"Well, you interrupted my sleep," she muttered. "This is a surprise. Is everything alright?"
On the other end, MacTavish grinned. He sipped some water and fidgeted with the corners of his journal.
"Ghost told me what happened."
"Ah yes," she laughed. "He's quite spirited your lad, isn't he?"
"He means well."
"I know. Thanks for thinking about my team and… saving my life back at the hospital."
Malloy realised that she hadn't even talked to him since that event. It was the least she could do.
"We look out for each other," he said, "right?"
"Of course. Are you still at the hospital?"
"Aye, I'll be going home later in the day. Wounds are healing up nicely."
"Great! So umm…"
Talking to her ex-boyfriend at two in the morning was pretty awkward. To make matters worse, her brain felt like mush disabling her to construct proper sentences.
"That's it, I just wanted to check if everything's ok. Good night."
He hung up, leaving Malloy gawping at her mobile. Nonetheless, she couldn't help but smile like an idiot. She sighed and went back to bed, with a warm feeling bubbling in her stomach.
Delta, Price and Yuri left the room where Alena was being held captive and looked at the bridge in front of them. Amidst the Russian soldiers crossing from one side to another, Price glimpsed President Vorshevsky being carried away.
"On the catwalk!" roared Price.
"There he is! I see him!" yelled Grinch.
"Then we're not too late. Keep pushing!"
The Russians were not showing any sign of surrendering. They defended the President well. However, Delta, Price and Yuri kept pushing and gaining ground until finally they managed to clear the catwalk.
They hooked up on the railings and descended three storeys down, deeper into the mine. As their feet touched their ground, bullets started flying towards them. Yuri dashed behind a concrete block and reloaded his M4A1. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued shooting at the enemy.
Confirming that the path ahead was cleared, they moved swiftly towards where they took the President to find a large, steel door blocking their way.
"How in the hell are we going to get to the other side?" asked Grinch.
"It's reinforced steel," replied Price. "We can't get through this."
"Any bright ideas?" jumped in Grinch.
Price spun around and went up the stairs over the locked room.
"I got one, follow me."
They reached the top of the bunker.
"Get charges here, here and here," ordered Price.
Yuri, along with the others, placed the C4 charges where Price had indicated. They detonated them and the concrete below them exploded. There was no ground below their feet, only air. They fell through the ceiling and eliminated the tangos. President Vorshevsky fell to his knees spluttering.
"My daughter," he gasped.
"She's alright, she's alive," reassured him Price, cutting the roped that bound his hands.
As Sandman was informing base about securing the President, an explosion shook the bunker. A large section of the ceiling collapsed providing them an escape route.
"Overlord, the place is gonna collapse any minute. The birds need to come to us!" yelled Sandman frantically into his earpiece.
"Copy that. Hammer 1 is now en route. ETA: thirty seconds. Standby."
The hostiles inbound were overwhelming. Yuri ran out of ammo for his M4A1 and switched to the G36C. If the bird didn't come to them soon, he would have to switch to his sidearm.
"Hammer 1, are you gonna bail us out of this or what?!"
"Almost there," replied Hammer. "Just hold on."
The sound of helicopter blades whirred in the air. A Black Hawk and a Little Bird reached them just in time. Yuri forgot when was the last time he was so pleased to hear that sound. The positivity did not last too long as an RPG hit the Black Hawk.
"I'm hit! I'm hit! Going down!"
The helicopter crashed a few metres away from Yuri sending him flying. He winced in pain. The sounds around him were muffled and his vision was blurry. He heard Price calling him. He tried to reply but his mouth was not moving.
"Get the President on board! We got to get the hell outta here!" yelled Hammer 1-6 in their ears.
"President's secure."
Yuri felt a pair of hands dragging him towards the helicopter.
"Hang in there, I got ya!" said Truck.
Yuri glimpsed at Price and Sandman in front of him, firing towards the Russians.
"Price! You got to go! Make sure the president gets out!" said Sandman.
"Don't even think about it, mate!" said Price, cross. "We're in this together!"
"Truck cover the right side!"
"You better be right behind me!" Price warned him.
Price handed Yuri his M4A1 and took Truck's place. With his vision still not clear, he made his best to take down as many tangos as possible while Price dragged him. Grinch was already down to his sidearm and Sandman took a bullet to his shoulder. Gritting his teeth, he got back up and continued to fight.
Yuri turned around and saw President Vorshevsky offering his hand which he gladly took. He helped him into the helicopter and Price followed him.
"It's time to go, come on!" he yelled to Sandman.
"Just go! Get out of here!"
Out of the blue, an RPG whooshed near them and a beeping noise sounded in the helo. They started to ascend with the pilot yelling that they had to get out of there.
"NO! Get us back down there!"
"It's too hot," replied the pilot. "We go back, we all die!"
The mine started collapsing on itself. Huge boulders of rock broke and from the sides, burying the Ultranationalist and Team Metal.
"Sandman, do you read me?! Sandman, come in! Sandman, do you copy? Sandman, are you still there?"
Price buried his head into his hand, disgruntled. President Vroshevsky looked remorseful but thankful at the same time. Price glanced at Yuri where the latter threw him an apologetic look.
"Thousands of people have gathered today to greet President Vorshevsky in his return to Moscow... reports have confirmed that peace talks between Russia and the US are about to begin. In other news, the Ultranationalist leader, Vladimir Makarov, is still at large..."
The taxi driver glanced at his rear view mirror and saw his passenger pensive. He loved talking to his passengers but this one was not much of a talker. His curt replies suggested that he was not in the mood for a conversation. However, the driver was not sure about this one. The scar down his right eye, the cuts on his face and his Mohawk, provided an eerie feeling and decided that it was best not to mess with this one.
"'Ere we are lad," said the cab driver. "Elgin."
The man nodded and jolted outside the taxi. The driver helped him with his duffle bag and gave him a toothless grin.
"Such a beautiful place, Elgin. Nothing like the Highlands, aye?"
The man simply put some money in his hands and slung the duffle bag over his shoulder.
"Cheers mate. Have a good one!"
The taxi left, leaving MacTavish standing in front of a gate. He opened the gate and walked towards the brick house. Shrubs with bright, orange flowers gave out a mild scent which took him back to his childhood where he would play in the front garden for hours. On the other side, pale pink flowers provided a vibrant look to the garden. The 'Pink Giant' was his mother's favourite.
He walked up the winding, pebble patio and knocked on the dark green door. He heard shuffling and the door opened cautiously revealing a short, plump woman on the other side. She screamed and flung her arms around him.
"John! My John is back!" she screamed.
"Hi mum," he beamed, embracing her.
"Archibald! Get in here!"
"What's this ruckus?"
An aged man limped in the hall and stopped in his tracks. His eyes opened wide and laughed heartily.
"Son! Come 'ere!"
They briefly hugged and his father looked at him.
"What the hell 'appened to you?"
"Long story," he murmured.
"You have no idea how hard we searched for you," she said his mother, worried. "What is this business of being 'wanted'?"
"Mum, it's a long and complicated story, and I'm tired," he continued as he was about to be interrupted.
"Of course you are my love! Let me make you a cup of tea."
MacTavish dragged his feet towards the stairs thinking of resting his eyes after a restless flight and drive.
"John, sweetheart!" she called after him. "Before I forget, you received a letter, months ago. I couldn't forward it to you as we had no idea where you were."
"It doesn't matter. Where is it?"
"It's on the mantel in the living room."
MacTavish crossed the hall into the living room and grabbed the envelope which was resting on the mantelpiece. He rushed upstairs and went into his room. Posters of footballers of Glasgow FC greeted him and trophies of football tournaments stood on top of the shelf above his bed. He sat down on his bed and rubbed his eyes. He flipped the envelope around in his hands and his heart stopped. His name and his address were written down. What shocked him was the neat handwriting which he recognised at once.
It was Lisa Malloy's handwriting.
Before you sign out, I'll probably update next month because in May I have to submit my dissertation (so it takes a little bit of priority:P). You know what mission is next, but it won't be the last chapter for this fic.
First of all, I hope that you enjoyed the chapter. Second, I wished to ask you what were your thoughts on writing another MW fic. As I told Frostdire, I am not sure if MW fics are still as popular. Would like to know your feedback on this.
I'll see you in the next chapter :) xxx