Insecurities Validated, Fancy Meeting You Here, Rules and Regs Are a Bitch & The General Is Fucking with Blondie Again
Julie's Room on Base
Talking on the walk over to Julie's room was intermittent. Sam still felt awkward and completely out of practice. His insecurities were interrupting his normal smooth talking. It was hard to shove them to the back of his mind.
Sam had to keep reminding himself it was just talking. Like Matt said small steps. He did not need to rush this. He could do talking.
"Have a seat Sam, you want a cold one?" Julie asked as they entered her small room and she motioned to the couch.
Sam looked around the room as he answered "Sure."
It was like a dorm room. It had a small couch, two desks, two beds and two small dressers. There was a small little fridge tucked between the two beds. Julie was opening the fridge and pulling out two beers.
Sam sat on the couch and waited. He'd been in this building before and he knew the bathroom was shared by an adjoining room. Sam always wondered how well four women could share a bathroom.
When he had been to the General's home in Ottawa after Special Forces graduation, he recalled Natalie and Vicky bickering about having to share a bathroom. And that bathroom had dual sinks. This bathroom had one small sink. Sam guessed that it was the difference between civilian and military women. Women in the military learned to be efficient and not need all day in the bathroom to get ready.
Julie sat down and handed Sam a beer then opened hers. They sat quietly drinking for several minutes.
When the silence got too much Julie asked "So you are a Special Forces sniper. You like what you do?"
Sam contemplated that and answered "I think it makes a difference in people's lives."
Julie nodded "Yeah that is how I feel about being an MP. Someone has to maintain order. Besides it is the only role that lets me carry a gun routinely. I'm not into the whole damsel in distress thing. I see what I want and go after it."
Interesting Sam thought; a woman that was no shrinking violet. He asked "So what's your favorite gun?" Guns were a safe topic. Nothing personal to share talking about weapons.
Over the next hour they discussed all the finer points of many types of guns and ammo. Sam was beginning to relax a little. Talking, at least about an impersonal topic was good. No pressure. He was taking a small step.
Julie stood and took his empty beer bottle and dumped them both in the trash. She grinned at Sam and said "I won't be but a minute. Grab another cold one out of the fridge if you want" as she headed for the bathroom.
Sam decided he had reached his limit tonight. He had not had any alcohol for so long it was best to stop at three. Sam had had two beers in the three hours the unit was at the bar and had nursed his last one over the past hour.
Julie came out of the bathroom and Sam tensed up. Christ! Gone were the fatigues and she was wearing a slinky teddy. He saw Julie lock the adjoining bathroom door so no one from the other room could barge in.
"I thought I'd just get comfortable. I hope you don't mind" Julie said in a seductive manner as she slinked over to the couch and sat next to Sam.
Talk. He was here to talk. Crap. He was ready for a small step not a fucking leap off the cliff.
Sam got up and went to the fridge. Another cold one sounded like just the thing right now, limit be dammed. He grabbed two. Sam turned and finally got his mouth to work "No I don't mind."
He sat back down and handed her a beer. Opening his he took a swig then grappled for something to say. Inanely he asked "So Julie what do you like to do in your off time?"
Julie set her beer down on the table and leaned into Sam. She got close to his face and whispered "I'm done talking."
She kissed him and molded her body to his. Sam tensed his entire body. Crap.
As Julie continued to kiss him Sam's mind thought kissing, I can handle kissing. Small steps. Kissing is okay. She doesn't have to see my scars to kiss. Sam started to kiss her back.
Then his hands started of their own accord to roam over her body. Hers started to rub his back through his shirt. Sam tensed and started to pull away.
Julie pulled him back. She yanked out his shirt and slid her hands under and onto his sides at his waist. Julie wanted to feel the skin of his rock hard abs and chest.
Sam's breathing became labored not from kissing but from insecurity wondering what her reaction would be to his scars. He started to pull away more forcefully.
Julie wanted to see his abs and chest. Those were the body parts that turned her on most. She loved masculine men with smooth chests and a defined six-pack. She could feel his muscles and his abs were rock solid. She could not wait any longer and her hands yanked his shirt up.
"OH MY GOD!" blurted from Julie's mouth as her face was horror stricken. She scrambled back to the other side of the couch as she stared.
Sam jumped up from the couch and yanked his shirt down. He couldn't bear to look at the pity he saw in her eyes. Pity. He could not handle pity.
Julie's voice dripped heavily with pity "Oh you poor thing. Oh my god what happened to you?"
Sam staggered back and ran into the fridge. Bile started to rise, his stomach clenched and Sam felt like he was going to hurl. The image of the One swam in front of his eyes as Sam's expression filled with both hurt and fury. Sam could not catch his breath.
BANG, BANG, BANG came a loud knocking on the door followed by "Blondie we have to go. Sorry to interrupt but we have orders" Blaze said loudly.
Sam glanced a Julie. Her face was still contorted in a mix of emotions; pity, revulsion and maybe even some fear.
He stumbled passed her without making a single comment. Sam yanked open the door. He looked at Blaze and could not hide his raw, tormented emotions. Sam's mask crumbled as he tried to put it in place. It took all he had not to scream out like a wounded animal.
Blaze saw the look on Blondie's face and immediately became concerned. He looked past Blondie at the woman. Ah shit. He saw the pity and revulsion on her face. Damn this did not go the way the guys hoped. That woman was an idiot.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
He put his arm around Blondie's shoulder and quietly said "Come on kiddo. We have a mission."
As Blondie leaned into him Blaze's fatherly instincts grew and he tightened his hold on Blondie's shoulder. The kid was hurting so much. That idiotic woman had just wounded him deeply. She had just validated all of Blondie's fears and insecurities. God dammit!
Base Tarmac
Matt and the rest of the guys minus Sam and Blaze gathered on the tarmac still in their jeans and t-shirts. Blaze had gotten a call that they were being sent on a mission. It dawned on all of them that it would be black ops when Blaze told them not to change. Winds had gone off to collect Mason and Blaze had gone to get Blondie.
Winds looked at Matt "You think Blondie got laid?"
Matt was about to respond when he saw Blaze walking towards them with his arm around Sam's shoulder "Ah crap."
The guys all turned to look at what Matt was responding too as Matt jogged toward Sam. The reactions were varied. Swear words were uttered, fists were clenched and hands run through short hair in frustration as each realized that it had not gone well for Blondie.
Blaze pulled up to a stop as Matt reached them. He mouthed 'she saw scars, she showed pity' to Matt.
"Hey Sammy?" Matt said softly.
Sam opened his eyes. He had let Blaze lead him as he kept his eyes closed trying to quiet the inner turmoil. He was trying to close the door on his insecurities and tell himself it did not matter.
Matt reached out and pulled him into a hug. It wasn't a manly quick hug. It was a long and endearing hug of someone who cared deeply for another and knew they were aching inside. It was a hug to convey everything will be okay and I'm here for you.
Sam leaned in and allowed Matt to hold him. It wasn't macho but he needed it so badly. Sam needed the security and acceptance that his brother offered unconditionally. Matt was his lifejacket wrapped tightly around him keeping him afloat in the middle of the ocean of emotions that were trying to drown him.
Colonel Sutton and a beautiful blonde, blue eyed woman approach Winds from the opposite direction that Blaze and Sam had come. Tom looked over at Blaze, Matt and Sam and his stomach dropped. It was clear something had happened.
The blonde stopped just behind Ripsaw and said "Fancy meeting you here."
Ripsaw turned and grinned at the blonde he had been talking to in the bar. The one he had originally picked out for Blondie. "Anastasia how nice to see you again."
Sutton raised a brow and asked "You two know each other?"
"Yes Sir" both answered.
Then Anastasia Lyons added "We met tonight at the bar Sir."
Sutton nodded and then directed his question to Winds "What's going on over there?"
Winds answered "Not exactly sure Sir."
Blaze saw Sutton and strode over leaving Blondie in Matt's care. He needed to do damage control. Stopping in front of Sutton he saluted and said "All present and accounted for Sir. Which is our ride tonight?"
Sutton asked "Your men mission ready Blaze?"
"Yes Sir" Blaze answered immediately.
Giving Blaze an assessing look he questioned "All your men?"
Blaze knew Blondie was a little shaken but Matt would get him sorted out quickly. Blondie would be mission ready by the time they landed. His head would be in the game with no thoughts of dealing with women.
It would be just Blondie and his rifle and Blondie was more than good to go in that department. They would be able to depend on him to cover their back. So he answered "Yes Sir."
Looking over at Matt and Sam, Sutton knew something was up but Blaze was vouching for his men. Blaze could be trusted not to send men on a mission if their heads were not on straight. So whatever was up with Sam, Blaze did not feel Sam was not mission ready.
Sutton stated "Good. Your plane is due to arrive any minute. For now though, I'd like to introduce you to Anastasia Lyons, covert ops. She will be working with your unit on this mission."
Blaze extended his hand to Anastasia "Nice to meet you. You can call me Blaze." Then he introduced the rest of the team gathered around minus Ripsaw which he knew already knew the woman.
Anastasia smiled and said "You must be Daphne's brother."
"Guilty as charged" Blaze said with a smile.
Anastasia then looked over at Sam and the other man that were still standing apart from the group. She asked "Are they part of this mission?"
Blaze nodded "Yes. That is Blondie and Matt."
"Ah so Sam's call sign is Blondie, how original" she said as she pushed back her blonde hair.
The guys chuckled. Ripsaw said "Naming members is not our strong point. Getting the bad guys, now that is altogether a different story."
Sutton interrupted and said seriously "You all will receive your full mission briefing on the plane. This is black ops in and out. We cannot afford to be caught operating in Russia. As far as anyone is concerned you all are on leave, on vacation. We will disavow this mission if you are caught."
"Roger" Blaze answered for the unit. Then his eyes widened as he saw the Learjet pull up.
Mike Galloway brought the plane to a stop then exited the pilot seat and proceeded to open the door. He looked out at the unit and smiled "Welcome aboard."
Low whistles were heard. This was going to be some mission if their ride was a Learjet.
General Braddock's Office
Sutton knocked and entered. It was very late and they did not stand on ceremony when no staff was in the office. He saw William leaning back in his chair staring out the window.
He sat wearily in a chair "William they are in the air."
General Braddock turned to his friend "Good. How did Samuel look?"
Tom wavered a bit but then decided to put his friend's mind at ease even if his own mind was not "Mission ready."
William looked his friend over with a critical eye "What are you not telling me?"
Blowing out a breath Tom said "Never could lie to you, could I? You see right through me every damned time."
Braddock cocked his head to the side "So what is it?"
Coming clean Tom said "Sam looked a bit off. I only got a brief look at him before he boarded the plane but he didn't seem quite himself. But you know Blaze. He would never risk a man on a mission if he did not feel he was up for it."
Nodding William agreed "Blain is a good judge of his men. I trust Samuel in his care. If Blain thought he was ready then I have to accept that. But this is no ordinary mission. A part of me worries that I'm asking too much of Samuel on this mission."
Smiling at the thought of his son and how girls just flocked to him the General said "But then again Samuel has never had trouble with the ladies. He is a smooth talker and that along with the fact he looks similar to Maks should make this easier for him."
But then his true worry wanted to be aired. William rubbed his temples as he shared "I'm more worried about them getting out without getting caught. I could not stand it if Samuel was thrown in a Russian prison. I'm not so sure he could survive captivity again."
It was Tom's turn to agree "Yes we may be expecting too much. But he has amazed us all so far. You are right in that he will have no problem with the ladies. He will probably enjoy that part. I mean he is a red-blooded young man. As to your worry, all I can offer is that the unit is good. I fully expect they will get out without getting caught and with Dom's girls."
General Braddock only nodded to his friend. They both sat quietly for some time in their own thoughts. The burdens of command weighed heavily on both men. The two of them found companionship in just being quiet in the same room. Neither felt the need to speak.
William sighed and looked at Tom "If there is nothing more why don't we go get a few hours' sleep."
Sutton nodded but then recalled something "Oh one last thing. What do you want me to do about Major Plouffe? He has been a thorn in my side asking when Blain's unit will be back in full action. He says the other units are beginning to really pitch a bitch that Blain's unit is not shouldering their fair share of missions."
Shaking his head William said "I'll never understand how my predecessor promoted him to Major. Deal with him as you see fit. I trust your judgement in that matter Tom."
Tom snorted "If I could do what I wanted to do he would be out of here. But performance wise I have no grounds to do anything."
The General stood "Rules and Regulations are a bitch sometimes aren't they. Sometimes I feel like they tie our hands too much. But we must follow them. Part of me wishes that Dom and I could have taken out Markov and Krymov in our mission. We would not be here and now if that had been allowed."
Walking out with William Tom nodded "Can't agree with you more."
Learjet Enroute to Makhachkala, Russia
Blaze took some time to review the high level details of the mission while the rest of the unit relaxed.
The jet was configured with two sets of four chairs facing each other. Blondie was in the far back right with Matt sitting in front of him. Across the aisle were Patch and Mason. In the second set of four Blaze sat facing the back of the plane diagonal to Blondie. Directly in front of him was Winds. Across the aisle from them were Anastasia and Ripsaw.
Blaze noticed that Patch had given Blondie Beauty and Matt kept one hand one Blondie's knee giving him human connection. That idiot woman had thrown Blondie for a loop. How could she be so insensitive?
He felt badly and responsible for Blondie's current condition because he had suggested that idiot woman. Perhaps the unit should have vetted a woman for Blondie's first time, especially since they all knew of his insecurities. Hindsight was twenty/twenty.
Blaze pushed that aside and focused on reading the mission details. Two girls kidnapped. They were being held for an extremely high ransom but it was highly suspected that the ransom was only used to draw out their father who was a former British SAS operative.
The purpose of such was to kill the the former SAS operative because he had killed the kidnappers brother years ago. Blaze's unit was in charge of this mission because of a possible leak in SAS that allowed the operative's real identity to be known.
Revenge was a strong motivator Blaze thought. He knew all too well. Revenge would drive him and Winds to seek out and kill every last bastard that had tortured Blondie even if it took them years to do so.
His eyes lit on the mission scenario. It was only through using years of training and sheer force of clenching his jaw that kept Blaze from groaning or swearing out loud. However, internally he was cussing a blue streak.
Blaze looked up and directly at Blondie. How the hell was he going to pull this off? How? Holy shit! This was asking too much of Blondie.
Leaning over to his second in command Blaze whispered "Winds we have a serious problem."
Winds leaned in close "What is that?"
"The General is fucking with Blondie again" Blaze stated.
Blinking at the venom in Blaze's words "How so?" Winds asked almost afraid to hear the answer.
"Blondie's role in this is not over watch like we assumed. He is the principal player. Blondie needs to impersonate Ivkin Maxim (Maks) Gennadiyevich" Blaze stated as he handed over a photo of Maks.
Winds eyes nearly bugged out "Christ, Blondie could pass for him. Same build, same height, same basic facial structure and the coloring is the same, blonde hair and blue eyes. The only thing is Maks looks at least five or ten years older. But we can compensate for that with some creative makeup. What is the issue?"
Blaze shared "Maks is an ultra-rich international playboy with a relentless sexual appetite that is ... how shall I say .. on the fringes of good taste."
Winds' eyes closed as his gut clenched at the implications. Blondie could barely talk to women at the moment. How the hell would he pull this off?
Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly Winds opened his eyes and asked "What do we need to do? Can we reconfigure this op and still be successful?"
Shaking his head no Blaze said "I don't see how we can reconfigure. None of us even come close to looking like Maks. Not even if we dyed our hair and got colored contacts. Besides, Blondie is the only one that reads and speaks Russian fluently."
Winds snorted "Yeah that one was a shock while we watched the Hunt for Red October. Wonder how many languages the kid actually knows."
Blaze shrugged "More than me that's for damned sure." He sighed "I see no choice but to move forward as planned. We will just have to figure something out."
Flipping the page to continue reading the mission layout Blaze glanced at Anastasia. Perhaps she could help. Her role was to act as Blondie's girlfriend. But the part that worried him was that Blondie had to go into in a bordello owned by Panin Savelievich that caters to the ultra-rich with peculiar sexual appetites.
It was believed that the girls were being held there. But it was so tightly guarded that the only way to recon the interior and locate the girls was to send Blondie in as Maks.
Could Anastasia be sent in with him to shield Blondie from talking to the women? If he did that would it limit Blondie's ability to recon the interior?
Blaze decided to wait to make a decision. They needed to recon the exterior and establish Blondie as Maks in several night clubs before arranging an invitation to Savelievich's establishment.
Standing up Blaze got the unit's attention.
At a tap on his knee Sam opened his eyes and saw Matt motion to remove Beauty. Sam saw Blaze standing at the front of the plane. The expression on Blaze's face made his stomach roll. Sam could tell he was not going to like this mission one bit.
Blaze cleared his throat and began the briefing. The mood in the plane became somber as detail after detail was shared. When Blaze was done reviewing the high level mission details and each unit member's role including Anastasia he handed out dossiers for each of them to study.
Sam was the only one impersonating a real person. All the others had created identities and just had to memorize the details of that created identity. He was given a laptop and headphones to watch videos of the man he was to impersonate.
His suspicions were confirmed as Sam listened to Blaze brief the unit. Watching the video Sam felt his stomach turn and turn and it was with great effort he kept his face neutral.
Inside Sam was a fucking mess though. How the hell was he going to pull this off? What if he had to actually disrobe? Would his scars give him away?
More importantly, could he even do that? Would he fucking lose it like he had done with Julie not two hours ago and blow the mission? Two little girls could die if he blew the mission.
This was another example of his fucking bad luck or fate screwing with him. He could not even suggest anyone swap roles with him. None of the others even came close to looking like Maks. Dammit!
Sam had to find a way to do his job and not fuck it up. He could not live with himself if he was the cause of two more little girls dying.
To divert his worry Sam decided to focus on the Russian language. He was rusty. It had been ages since he spoke it.
However, he read it quite often though thanks to Matt's and by default the unit's gift last year. The book was a treasured gift. It was the inscription in the book that had made him aware that Matt had lied to Blaze and had kept his secret about knowing his birthday.
Sam looked up at Matt who was studying his role, chauffeur. Matt could have fun with that one for sure. Maybe if he was allowed Sam would rent a Corvette, a red one.
Matt would like that; especially since he would likely never own one. Army pay, not even with the extra for hazard duty was not something one got rich from. Renting a Corvette for Matt to drive on his mission cheered him up a bit.
Sam got back to watching the videos and repeating out loud what was said in Russian to brush up on his accent.
After a while he noticed that the guys began to change into the clothes that were provided to match their covers. He saw Anastasia smile as the guys simply shucked their clothes and changed in front of her. God could he change in front of her?
When Anastasia rose to change the men afforded Anastasia privacy by adverting and closing their eyes.
Sam could not put off changing any longer and rose to change. He was surprised when the guys all stood up pretending to stretch or get something and basically formed a wall that blocked Anastasia's view as he changed.
Their actions did not go unnoticed by either Sam or Anastasia even if they were trying to be nonchalant about it. Sam was grateful. His brothers continually amazed him.
When Sam was redressed the guys began to sit down and Sam saw that Anastasia was perplexed. He just dipped his head and sat back down to focus on studying Maks' body movements and manner of speaking in the videos.
Mike had listened to the briefing and he had cringed inside. He was aware of the torture Sam endured. Including all the wounds caused by the needles because he was in the office often when Dr. Parker gave the General updates on his condition.
As the General's lead security man he was privy to more private information than maybe even Mrs. General knew about General Braddock and Sam. But it was information he would take to the grave. It was not his place to ever divulge what he knew.
He had noticed what the unit guys did when Sam began to change. It was telling. Mike deduced that Sam was probably having difficulty accepting what his body looked like with all the scaring. And if he hadn't accepted it there was no way in hell he would be comfortable in the role he had just been forced into.
Mike had an internal struggle going on himself. He was not sure he should share an aspect of his previous life that might be a benefit now. So far he had never revealed anything of his past to anyone other than the General. Mike knew his past was safe with the General as much as the General knew his secrets were safe with Mike.
But perhaps he should tell Blaze. The things he knew could make a difference for Sam and could mean the difference between success and failure of this mission.
After everyone was changed and deep into reading and memorizing their roles Mike made a hard decision and called out to Blaze.
When Blaze entered the cabin and sat in the copilot seat Mike whispered "I might be able to help Sam."
Blaze narrowed his eyes. This was the General's lead security man. Why would he want to help Blondie but more importantly how? He asked "How?"
"You need to keep this confidential. It goes no further than you and Sam if absolutely necessary" Mike stated as he looked directly at Blaze.
Blaze nodded "I will. You have my word."
Mike confided quietly "I was acquainted with Maks Gennadiyevich at one time. Long ago, in another life time. I know things about Maks that Sam will not get in those videos."
Hazel eyes widened in surprise as Blaze said "Really?"
Nodding Mike added "I can give Sam some tips that might smooth the way."
"I'll keep that in mind Mike. Let's get settled and met up with Dom before we make a decision if you need to share anything" Blaze remarked.
Mike nodded.
Blaze asked "Anything else?"
Mike only stated "We have two hours until we arrive. Customs should be pretty easy if Sam, I mean Maks flashes a few bills."
Blaze nodded "Good to know."
As he sat there Blaze began to wonder how Mike would know Maks. As far as Blaze knew the two would never meet in a million years.
Mike was an unassuming albeit highly skilled Special Forces soldier. When and where would Mike ever come across an ultra-rich international playboy? How would Mike know Maks well enough to give Blondie tips to smooth his way?
Deciding not to pry, Blaze simply asked "I assume you know your role?"
"Yep, I'm an international playboy's pilot" Mike stated with a smirk.
.
AN: If you are enjoying this story please consider dropping me a note. A Huge thank you to the 1 to 2 percent of my readers that make comments, it really brightens my day and makes me all warm and fuzzy inside :D
I do love reading what you think of the story and your insights and questions sometimes change the course of the story. For example, I decided to include the rescue of Dom's girls into this story because it will help Sam make the transition back and because several readers had asked me to tell that story. I also have several readers wanting to know Magic Mike's backstory. So pieces of it will be told in this story before it is finished.
PS for readers of YHABL and Alpha Injuries. I am working on the next chapter of YHABL and hope to have it posted tomorrow. For Alpha Injuries I have the ideas and a preliminary sketches for V, W and X stories but I need to get at least one of the other stories (Ski Trip, YHABL or RoMCSB) completed before getting to it. Four is just too many to have going at one time.