Chapter 25

It was considered a courtesy that she wasn't handcuffed like a prisoner. Sequoia was going to take it like that and not abuse it. Now was not the time since Otaktay decided to up the ante on his game and he took Logan, her laughing pup from her. She knew that the man wanted her back even though he sort of threatened to wash his hands of her. Even though she had 'disappointed' him by her betrayal, he was not willing to let her go.

Standing there looking contrite as possible even though it appeared that a skirmish was going to break out between the village, El Libertad, the Ghosts and Reed's unit. One could argue that the whole enemy of my enemy was working here though there had to be some modification in there somewhere given that all sides looked ready to launch into a fight. The only one not verbally getting involved with the shouting and near threatening, even though he wanted to, was Hesh. Oddly he was quiet and it was very unlike him.

Sequoia knew that he had changed and maybe in ways that were not discernable yet. They had talked when they were reunited and were able to express their feelings for each other. But was it really enough? She knew that he was still Hesh but… She turned to look at him the moment she felt his hand slide into hers and grasp it in a protective manner. She took in the dirt stained face that covered the scratches from debris and hid the pain of losing Logan in his eyes and yet he was being there for her. It was overwhelming.

Hesh looked at her briefly but his eyes conveyed a lot. They told Sequoia that he would be by her side no matter what. She allowed a small smile that held her acceptance as well as promise. She was going to find a way to get Logan back. She squeezed his hand gently before he reluctantly let go. There was much that she wanted to say and she hoped that she could eventually.

At this moment Keegan was getting into an argument with Reed over who had authority over taking her in. It was enough to give her a headache. Silently she looked over to where Ash was whining in pain and Riley was trying to soothe her with his own whines. It reminded her too much of what happened to Riley at Vegas and that led to memories of Elias and Rorke… killing him.

"I'm under orders to secure the prisoner and return to face charges," Reed was saying.

"We are under orders as well," Keegan insisted in his quiet fashion. "We are to retrieve our missing man and return to base." He held his gun in a relaxed position but was ready to bring it up if he had to. He had done that ever since he came through the jungle with Kick and found the bastard looking ready to shoot his teammate.

"All I see is a prisoner." Reed looked at Keegan, challenging him to say otherwise. "Besides I highly doubt that Echo bitch is one of you." He sneered as he said the last part since he really didn't believe she was one of them. "Now hand her over."

Sequoia knew that it was going to get out of hand. Both sides were claiming orders and from what Hesh had mentioned… It was better that she stop it before it ended up being a gunfight when they should be planning a rescue mission. She stepped forward and said in a quiet tone, "Hold on. Keegan the priority is Logan."

Reed in his anger gave her a backhand. As far as he was concerned, she had no rights. "No one asked you. You are under arrest."

The strike was enough to spark a response out of Hesh. He lunged forward and body tackled Reed. Both collided to the ground and started rolling, trying to get the upper hand. Hesh managed to straddle the man and deliver some really hard punches to Reed's face. He unleashed all his anger and frustration; frustration and anger having failed his brother and the woman he loved. He wasn't able to forgive himself for it and took it out the only way he knew.

Sequoia had been knocked to the ground and pressed a hand to her cheek. She didn't move since Reed's team had guns and the Ghosts had guns not to mention their allies, or rather hers and there was the distinct possibility that things were going to get crazy. It was like a standoff from her view while Kick was trying to get Hesh and Keegan, Skye and Harris were pointing their guns at Reed's men. She blinked as she put a hand to her cheek.

Kick finally managed to get Hesh off of Reed but not before Reed rolled them over and gave Hesh a few good punches to his face and one on the shoulder that had been shot. Reed's fist came away with blood but Hesh was too high strung to notice as he struggled against Kick's hold while shouting, "Don't you touch her like that again you piece of shit!" He was roaring in rage as he glared at Reed who was giving and equally menacing glare.

"Hesh!" Keegan shot a look at Hesh as he stepped forward. He walked over and pulled Sequoia to her feet before turning back towards Reed. He stared at the three of them and said, "We have our orders. Hawk is ours."

"We'll see about that," Reed retorted as he rubbed his jaw. Blood was trickling down his nose and he was certain that he was getting a black eye since he felt the fist in it. He jerked away from his man since he didn't want to be perceived as weak.

Reed was good as his word and he and Keegan were busy talking to Command. The village and El Libertad were not getting involved since they were warned not to by Sequoia. They patrolled around looking frustrated at the whole situation but were polite to the Ghosts and civil to Reed's men. Hesh was the most frustrated since he hadn't finished beating the crap out of Reed and his brother was missing and they were arguing over who had the rights to bring his Hawk in. It was a messed up situation and at the center of it was Rorke.

Keeping to his orders by both Kick and Keegan to stay away from the tent where they were communicating with Command, he wandered the new camp with Riley on his heels. Ash was with Skye; Skye volunteered to watch over the dog and take care of her. She said it was the least she could do and it meant more than the words at face value. Hesh was grateful for that since he was certain that the dog meant something to Sequoia and he was grateful that Harris wasn't going to get involved. They really hadn't said any apologies or at least agreed to disagree even though they put the shit aside to help out Sequoia and he didn't want to get into another fight.

Rotating his aching shoulder he skirted around, avoiding where he knew Reed was. The man made him want to beat the shit out of him just by looking at him. The best thing to do was to avoid it; it was what Logan kept telling him when they encountered the assholes that really pissed him off. Besides it wouldn't do Logan any good if he was taken out of the fight to find him. So he was walking it off and hoping that Merrick would be able to have something to say.

He passed by a tent and paused when he heard the unmistakable sound of singing coming from it. He recognized the voice and he paused to listen. Her voice was always pleasant to listen to. It had that soothing quality that he had come to know from when they first met and they were at odds to the night she sung to reflect her mourning for Elias. Even though the song was sad, there was a hint of hope and it was in the timbre of her voice.

The song was different. That much Hesh could discern. He had heard her mourning song. This was different… like it was… he couldn't put his finger on it. He lingered though to listen and was startled when he heard her almost tease him saying, "Somehow I don't think Ohanzee would want you near here. I know Reed wouldn't."

Hesh gave a slight hum and leaned towards the tent. "Fuck Reed. I found you Hawk and I don't want to lose you again."

"You know that… they will want to talk to me when this is over."

Hesh sighed at that. He wasn't stupid to think that this was easily going to be passed up on. After all there was the damning video but he also knew that Col. Slayton and Merrick would do what they could. Her involvement with Freefall was probably going to be a saving grace but he feared that it would also damn her and that was if they put her skills to work. "I know," he replied, "But it won't stop me from kicking Reed's ass."

"I would kick that fuck Charlie Leader's ass."

Hesh couldn't help but chuckle at that. He knew that she had a distinct opinion about the asshole that he nearly beat up. He was thinking about other things that he missed her question and asked, "What?"

"How is your shoulder?"

"Been better." Hesh rotated his shoulder slightly. It was still throbbing since Reed gave a hard punch or two on the spot. "Hawk… is Logan okay?"

There was some silence and Hesh knew she was thinking about everything that had happened. Finally she replied, "Rorke wants what he knows will tear the Ghosts apart and get his revenge. What better way than to sow dissention within the ranks?"

Hesh nodded at that. He and Logan talked about it when they planned their attempt to rescue her. They both agreed that Rorke was trying to hunt the Ghosts by using one of their own. What he wasn't sure of what to tell her was that it wasn't Logan primarily the man wanted but her. He didn't need to since she seemed to get that.

"He is going to use Logan to bring me back."

"You mean use Logan as bait?"

"Can you think of a better way to get back what slipped through your fingers?"

"I get it… and it scares me."

"Scares me too, Shappa." There was a pause and a hum. "Because I know I will chase after Rorke to get back what is mine and if I have to… I will follow my teachings."

Hesh didn't need to ask but he wanted to, "Such as?"

"That for each action I take will affect the tribe as a whole." It came out almost reluctantly and laced with tears. "To most it would make me seem what is referred to as the Echo bitch. Greater good… thing."

Hesh never liked it when she cried. It cut him to the core. He knew that she wasn't being heartless; she was telling him the truth. He had heard the stories of Echo Team and he formed his own opinions. "I know Echo Three is known for being a hard ass. I've heard the stories… But I've also heard that Echo Three knows how to take care of those under her command. And I know the truth about Hawk." He looked at the wall of the tent. It was not pleasant talking to canvas but he was working with what was available. This was a prisoner tent pretty much.

It nearly startled him when he heard the rip and the tip of a blade poking through. He stood back and let the knife work its way through to create a nice size hole and it was pried open to reveal her face. "You could've have done that earlier," he teased her gently. He grinned at her as he hooked one of his fingers on the slit to hold it open.

"Thought you liked talking through canvas," Sequoia replied giving a gentle and pensive smile. She sighed and looked up at Hesh. "Hesh…"

Hesh stopped her from talking by reaching in and cupping the side of her face. He frowned at the red patch on her temple from the backhand that Reed gave her. It pissed him off that had to happen and it sort of satisfied him that he got his licks in. Gently he brushed his thumb over the patch, trying to soothe the hurt away. "I'm sorry Hawk. With everything… I can't help but feel guilty about everything."

Sequoia had closed her eyes upon Hesh's touch and slowly opened them to look at him. "I know but… I think we can agree that there were a lot of things at fault. And you did keep me safe even when I felt like I was not being who you think me to me."

"I learned to accept whatever it was you did at Freefall and I know that you may never be able to tell me but I still love you and…" Hesh looked down at the ground. His hand was still on her face, his thumb brushing her skin. "If there is a chance… when this is over… we could do this right."

Sequoia studied him. She pulled back and regretted losing his touch but she needed to be able to reach out. With her hand she reached through the hole and put her hand on his chest, her palm flush on it. Her first finger ended up hooked slightly on his tags. Looking up into his eyes, she said, "When we return…" She then slowly moved her hand to where his heart was. She could feel his heart beating under her palm. "I accept."

Hesh kept his gaze locked onto hers. Slowly he reached up to where her hand was on his chest. He put his hand over hers and felt her hand flex slightly and then flatten on his chest. It was a promise and one that he aimed to keep this time around. He murmured his love in Sioux as she murmured hers. He had to leave since he heard Keegan's voice on the radio. Reluctantly he lowered his hand and stepped away. "It will be okay… Tahatanskah."

It was a first that Hesh had called her by name in Sioux. Sequoia looked at him and nodded. She knew that he meant everything. She withdrew her hand back into the tent and watched him leave. She then turned and waited until she was to be fetched. Things were going to be okay. She had to believe that especially if she was going to get Logan back.

"Sir, I strongly object to this."

Keegan stifled the sigh as Reed continued to protest against the fact that Command or rather Col. Slayton ordered that Sequoia be placed under the custody of the Ghosts. The truth was that the Ghosts did find her first; rather she found them but who was going to argue that. The problem was that it was Hesh and Logan's team and considering what happened to the three of them… Keegan could see why Command wouldn't take their word as seriously yet.

The order stands Lieutenant. The Ghosts apprehended the HVP, hence they bring her in.

Keegan didn't miss the fact that the colonel referred to her as a high value person and not a target. Silently he was grateful for that but he was waiting for the proverbial ax to fall. After all he didn't think that Command was going to let what she did go so easily. It was times like these he wished Elias was around. It always seemed to work when he and Merrick took care of things like this. Now Merrick was on his own but he seemed to be doing a good job.

Furthermore the HVP is a lieutenant. You shall show respect to the rank.

Reed made a slight face but tempered it so it didn't show up on screen. It would do no good anyway. He looked at the colonel and replied, "Yes sir."

Good. Now my understanding is that the Federation is regrouping in your sector and they have another weapon. Something that Lt. Williams is aware of.

Keegan nodded, "Yes, sir."

Bring her in.

Reed nodded and motioned for Garrison to retrieve the person in question while Keegan called for Hesh. Reed resisted the urge to say anything the moment Hesh entered. There would be time for it later since he didn't care for the sons of Elias Walker and he resented the fact that the bane of his existence actually had some favor from the great Captain Walker. He did shoot a look at Hesh but was disappointed for the non-reaction.

Keegan noticed the exchange. Even though he didn't want the two together, he knew that Hesh would keep his head and would find a way to listen in on what was going on if he was restricted. He knew that it had been Logan doing that when they were recovering and then later when Hesh was more on his feet and pretending to be not interested. That was when he knew they were up to something and he was willing to bet that if she were there, Sequoia would have gotten in on the spying.

When she came in, Keegan greeted her and took the opportunity to look at her. He didn't like that her face was showing signs of being hit. He glanced behind her at Kick who had silently entered in with Garrison. The third member of Reed's team was already in there so it was evened out but it wasn't exactly the friendliest of settings. Looking at Sequoia he asked, "You okay Hawk?"

Sequoia took in the quiet man's countenance and replied, "I've been better, Ohanzee."

Keegan nodded, not at all put out that she called him by the name she bestowed upon him. "I know that must hurt and I'm sorry we couldn't bring Echo Five."

"The fucking little shit with a scalpel doesn't like the jungle anyway," Sequoia offered with a shrug not caring how it looked to Reed. She thought he was an asshole anyway. She didn't miss the slight smirk that appeared on the colonel's face when she took a glance. In a nicer tone she repeated, "I'm good and the people here know a thing or two about medicine. They had to since they really don't like the Federation."

And you're sure about that?

Sequoia looked at the colonel. She could also see Ashford and Merrick in the background. Nice to have the party there. She replied, "Considering that we ambushed a Fed convoy and took out their ambush… yeah I could say so."

Keegan watched Sequoia. It was her alright talking to the colonel but it took on a different tone. He then realized that she was speaking as if she would have were she still under his command. Plus he got the hint that she would rather not reveal how things were in terms of her being a Ghost. It sounded complicated in the larger scheme of things but he could understand a little. The colonel didn't seem too put out by her demeanor.

What can you tell us about what the Federation is up to?

Keegan watched as Sequoia straightened up and became all business. It was vastly different from the time she had spent with the Ghosts. It was like watching Charles all over again and it was hard to tell apart in that respect.

"While I was confined by the Federation, I took note of various movements of shipment grade."

Reed scoffed at that, "And that was while you were supposedly in a hole?"

Sequoia looked at Reed and stared at him. Keegan felt a twinge at the stare off. If watching her make Ramos scream like a girl was any indicator of her prowess, then this was a whole other level. He glanced at Hesh and noticed that the elder Walker was nonplussed about what was going on. It was like he expected it from her. Then again he admitted that he had found out about the whole Freefall thing… Keegan was inclined to think that it was motivated by love and his trust for her. Finally she said, "When the enemy was convinced I was going to be cooperative I was released and given privileges." She looked back at the colonel and continued, "The shipments were not overly large but I did hear talk of securing the best minds. Something about a bug."

The conversation continued on for a moment with Sequoia giving details. Keegan was surprised that she remembered everything in terms of what she found out about what Rorke and the Federation were doing. He thought about Charles and how he would give his reports. They were delivered in the same fashion but the reason was that he was uncomfortable being around Rorke. Keegan could recall how Charles would give a wary look before saying anything. He was much more freer when it came to the other Ghosts; he and Elias were especially close. It was just when it came to Rorke… Did Charles know the kind of man that Rorke was?

Hawk, why did you fire on the team?

"I fired at them. Not on them." Sequoia's brow twitched almost like she was becoming apprehensive. "I was considered a part of the group and had to play accordingly. Not too different from Blackbird." She looked at Merrick.

Merrick looked like he was going to speak when Reed said, "So what? Echo Three was held captive and fired a weapon at our men. I think that warrants the arrest and return to American soil for prosecution."

"Like you would know the difference, dipshit," Sequoia muttered.

"And you have no sense of decorum, Echo bitch," Reed countered.

It was tense since both parties were about ready to go at each other even though there were higher ranked officers present. Yet Sequoia had the presence of mind to be more respectful and made the distinction clear. "It was more a term of affection between officers… of equal rank."

Reed would have said something but paused. It was because he knew she was right. Keegan blinked and watched everyone's reactions. The only one that seemed vaguely amused was the colonel and it had the older Ghost wonder at what Hesh only implied about what his teammate did. Finally Reed said, "Fine. Pain in the ass. This still doesn't change what you did."

"No it doesn't and I will answer for it when this is over. Right now we have a serious matter of what the Federation is up to and one of my teammates was taken."

"Whose fault is that?"

Alright stow it. This is a serious matter and I have relayed to Command the importance of stopping what the Federation are planning. There is intel that they have seized a biological and will attempt to use it.

"Makes sense, sir," Sequoia replied. "Most of the shipments that I was given to oversee were labeled under biologicals. However it could be as harmless as food. The Federation have been losing ground here especially after we took out their orbital defense system. They will do what it takes to hold onto what they have." She blinked slowly and looked at the screen, mostly at Merrick even though it looked like she was looking at the colonel.

All the more reason to side table the issue of your return, Lieutenant. In the meantime we have this issue to deal with.

"And our missing man?"

Acceptable loss Lieutenant. You know that.

Keegan noticed her eye twitch ever so slightly. He also noticed Hesh had balled his fist but was surprisingly maintaining his temper. Even to him it was unacceptable. Logan was one of theirs and to sacrifice him like that… Even he was ready to protest. This wasn't right and he could tell when Sequoia replied that she understood even though there was something in her eyes that said that she was going to do something else.

He was to find out later when they exited the tent. Reed had stormed out earlier pissed as ever and under the impression that everything was orchestrated by Sequoia. Keegan had seen rivalries before but this was pure hatred. It did give a sort of pleasure that he was put in his place and that was evident on Kick's and Hesh's face but hers was somber mingled with… "You're up to something."

"What makes you think so Ohanzee?" Sequoia started walking away and towards where she had been kept for the time being. She didn't break stride when Hesh kept in pace with her and managed to grasp her hand.

"Because you're you Hawk," Keegan offered, "And I remember the Liberator."

Sequoia stopped then and turned to look at the three Ghosts that were looking at her. "Then you are right. I am up to something." She paused to gauge the potential reaction before saying, "I intend to rescue Logan and finally take down a hunter."

A/N: So looks like a piss match over who gets Hawk and then a plan that doesn't leave everyone happy until Hawk tells Keegan exactly what she intends on doing. This and more on The Hunt...