Chapter 32: Bad News
October 15, 2018
Location Unknown
1200 hours
Six and Harry both are sitting at large conference table in a dark sound proof room. There are several other diplomats sitting at the same table. The only lighting in the room are up on the high walls and over the table. Some of these diplomats were dispatched as temporaries until permanent people could be found to fill their position. The air is tight and cool.
"I believe everyone is here, so let's get started." Trump says.
"Director Six, you have been in your position for almost three years now and your team has used a lot of resources with limited success. With how you and your team handled New York most of us are less than pleased with the performance" The British Prime minister says "Why should we continue funding this unit when you can't give us substantial results?" he continues
Six bites her tongue "The reason we can't deal with threats before they happen is because we always have to wait for approval for our targets, CIA, MI5 and 6, don't feed us actionable intel until the attack has already happened. I don't see any way for us to hit targets before they become a threat until you give us the ability to gather our own intelligence and allow us to hit our targets when we see fit."
"Our intelligence units had good intel on a possible attack and they gave you everything they had had on the possible attack. You were given approval for taking targets down the day before the meeting so why were the threats still active at that time?" The Spanish diplomat replies
"Everything you had, we had gathered in Bolivia on an operation to break the White Mask and Santa Blanca Cartel alliance. Everything we gathered we sent to all of the intelligence agencies. So whatever they came back with, we had already been through. By the time you all gave us approval to hit the targets we were already on the way to New York and setting up our own defenses. Plus the intel was over month old and the likeliness of the targets still being in that spot was minimal." Six replies
The room falls silent again. Six looks at the diplomats before her with frustration.
"You have blown and astounding 4.5 million US dollars on your unit, why are your costs so high?" The French President adds to the pile
"You wanted us on the bleeding edge of military technology that is quite expensive. We also have to provide incentive your operators to join the team, which means higher pay, benefits, housing, weapons, ammo, etc. We also have our own research and development in order to make sure our equipment is operating maximum efficiency. We also have to maintain the equipment if it is expensive. That's why our costs are so high, we are also having to pay for medical equipment due to the injuries the team has sustained from the battle." Six continues to defend herself
"Your unit has been very destructive in every area they have operated in. Every building has sustained massive damage. Such as the night club in Spain where the entire kitchen was set on fire by one of your operators, the whole room had to go through an entire rebuild. Then your team also demolished the complex in Oregon. You have done more damage to the buildings and private property than you have to the White Mask terror network. So explain how your team has done more good than bad." The German diplomat adds
"We have saved all of your law enforcement agencies from suffering massive casualties. We have done everything in our power to make sure that the terrorists end up dead and not allies." Six replies "If you would allow us to hit our targets when we have good intel instead of having to wait for approval." Six replies
"How come our tier one assets can do the same amount of damage to terror networks with our oversight while your unit can barely deal mid-level enforcers?" Trump asks
Six bites her tongue to form an answer. She sighs before replying. "Because you allow your units to do their own recon while we have to take a back seat and wait for all of the intelligence agencies to confirm the intel. We have operators in our roster that have deep intelligence gathering experience, however we can't use those skills because we can't do recon. So all of you tell me how my unit is supposed to do damage to terror networks when we are forced to wait for you to clear it?" Six replies
The room falls silent as the world leaders try to come up with an answer for the director. Smoke is billowing out of Six's ears, Harry gives Six a reassuring smirk to calm her down. The silence pervades the room.
"We can afford to loosen up on our grip over the team provided the other nations agree." Trump says
"I agree but we want different leadership, your cut throat attitude Aurelia I feel can cause issues with less restrictions." The German diplomat says
"I agree" The British Prime Minister adds
"As do I" the Italian adds on
Other nations down the line add in with the premise.
"I would also like to pull back of my operators" The French President adds
Six's eyes go wide a new anger fills her chest. She stands up from her seat and slams her hands on the desk and points her finger at the diplomats.
"I don't care what you do to me, but keep your operators in the unit. They are performing at their very best. The training has also become more advanced and rigorous due to the different units involved. That goes to everyone here. With less restrictions this unit could become one of the best coalition units to ever exist in the world. Please take my word, at the very least give the unit a chance to prove themselves again with your operators. I'm not asking to save my job but your operators they deserve their spot you all remember all the vetting I did to make sure they were worthy of the unit. They will not fail you. They still have yet to fail me, I promise they won't fail you." Six takes a large breath
The diplomats look her way in astonishment, there was a smirk on Trump's face and the Prime Minister's faces. The French President keeps a face of stone and looks Six in the eyes.
"Alright director I will take your word for it and I'll leave my operators in your unit however I will pull them out if they fail to give me better results." The French President says
Six sits down taking another breath to get her emotions under control. The diplomats all look at each other nodding.
"Director could step outside for a minute? We would like to discuss your future with Rainbow." Trump says
"Yes sir." She says
Her and Harry stand up and walk out of the room the secret service agents opening and closing the door behind her. Her and Harry take a minute to get some refreshments. Both remain quiet for a minute.
"Who all is still missing?" She asks
Harry pulls out a tablet and pulls up their roster. "Everyone aside from Nathan have returned or are on flights to come home. Maxim and Timur have returned from Russia, Emma and Julian are coming home as we speak. Taina and Elena are on their flight back from Brazil. Jordan and Jack are boarding their flight from the US." Harry informs
Six nods as a small weight lifts off her shoulders. "How about the injured?" She asks
"Gustave is still assessing the situation it seems like most of the team took a hit in one way or another." Harry replies
The weight returns to Six's shoulders. "Damn it I can't get a break" she replies
"Aurelia, you have done everything you can, you can't fight nor can you control this part of the job. Take a breath and work the problem" Harry smirks
"Did you just quote me?" She looks at him fighting a smirk
"I may have." Harry's smirk grows
She shakes her head before taking a sip of her water. Harry looks to her.
"Six, if they let you choose their replacement who are going to pick?" Harry asks with concern.
Six takes a breath. "I'm not sure, honestly I think that you would be the best pick. You're level headed and you know what to look for when selecting operators. You could use some training but otherwise you would be perfect."
"I don't know about that Six." Harry replies
"Don't sell yourself short Harry. You are capable of doing the job." Six answers back
The two talk about the job for a few minutes before going back to the meeting room door. They wait patiently for the council to decide their fate. Its a few minutes before the secret service agents let them into the meeting room. Both Harry and Six take a seat at the table all of the diplomats look at the two.
"Director Six, We have chosen to relieve you of your position. Effective January 1 next year you are no longer the director of team Rainbow. We have also decided that you should pick and train your replacement. Inform us of your choice when you make it." Trump speaks for all of the diplomats.
"Sir, I have already made my choice. Dr. Harishva "Harry" Pandey will be my replacement." Six replies with confidence
The room looks at her with surprise. None of the diplomats oppose the decision. Harry looks a little nervous. Though the room doesn't notice. The diplomats move on to other topics of the world economy and how they are going to deal with the White Mask threat. The meeting ends two or three hours later. Six and Harry start their walk to their car and the Australian, Moroccan, Norwegian, Denmark, and Mexican diplomats approach the two. Six and Harry look at the diplomats.
"Director sorry about the vote we tried to fight but we couldn't hold them off. However we all agree that your unit has done fantastic job and your team saved our leader's lives." The Australian diplomat starts
"We are in debt to you and we have a couple of prospects that our leaders want you to look at. Your team pulled through when our security failed." The Mexican diplomat continues
"We all want to help, your unit has done a lot of good for us and the world even though they can't see it." The Dane adds
"We trust your team and we thank you for all the work that you do. Please look at our units and pull who you want." The Norwegian finishes
They all smile politely at the two. Six smiles at the diplomats as does Harry.
"I appreciate your support. Send us your personnel files for your operators and we'll take a look at them" Six replies
"Here are couple of the ones that might interest you." The Australian diplomat hands her a couple of files.
The other diplomats do the same. Six and Harry chat with them for a minute before getting into their armored car. Both sigh and collapse into their seats. Their driver takes them to the airport to go back to Hereford.
October 16, 2018
1000 hours Hereford base
A TV quietly plays the news broadcast over the med bay.
"The death toll from the White Mask attack has climbed to 280,000. One hundred of those deaths are US soldiers. Many more have been injured. Hospitals are filling up and they have been turning some people away. CERA units are being set up in front of Madison Square Garden and in Central Park. Some of the old JTF safe houses are being opened up again as temporary shelters and aid stations. Search and Rescue operations are being conducted all over the city looking for any survivors. There is an order from the Governor of New York to use caution when leaving your homes. There are looters and there are still White Masks lurking in the city. Be alert and be aware of your surroundings."
All of the operators have returned home after escorting their VIPs. Gustave has been working overtime trying to take care of the injured team members. Over half the team has been admitted into his infirmary. He takes a seat in his office chair to take a minute. He has never wanted a cigarette so bad in his life. He takes a sip of his coffee and looks at all of the beds filled with his friends. He can see Lera with Alex in their ICU, she is taking his vitals and checking his stitches. Doc runs his hand through his graying hair.
"Lord help me" he whispers as he tries not to fall asleep
There is a loud beeping from the ICU unit, Gustave snaps up and rushes over to the room. Lera is giving Alex chest compressions. He yanks the door open and grabs the manual resuscitator and fits it over Alex's nose and mouth.
"Get the AED!" Gustave says in calm rush.
He gives Alex two large breaths as Lera rushes for the AED. Gustave starts in on the compressions again. He counts out thirty compressions before giving Alex two more breaths. Lera comes rushing back and hooks up the AED.
"Don't give up on us Alex!" Lera nearly shouts
She presses the button for shock, the device sends a large shock to the Russian man's heart. Gustave gives the man two more breaths before pausing to see for a heartbeat.
"Hit him again" Gustave says calmly
Lera fires another shock of the AED. Gustave follow with two breaths.
"C'mon Alex" Lera says with desperation
She watches the heart monitor for any signs of life. No dice, they prime the AED for one more shock. Lera has tears forming in her eyes, they send one final shock through the Russian. Gustave gives him two more breaths, they both pause to check for a heartbeat. The line stays flat leaving its infamous tone as the only noise in the room. Lera starts with the hand compressions again, only more aggressive.
"Lera he's gone" Gustave says
He puts his hand on her arm, she shakes him off.
"No he's not!" she replies with anger
She continues to fight for him. Gustave gives her a soft shove, she takes a step back. Gustave pulls the blanket over his head.
"Lera he's gone, we did everything we could to bring him back." He says.
Lera collapsed to her knees and started crying. Gustave crouched down next to her and hugged her.
"I'm sorry Lera." He says quietly
Lera nods her head as she clings to Gustave.
"Lera I'll take care of him you need to get some sleep." Gustave says
"No please let me stay with him I'll take care of him." Lera replies
Gustave isn't in a position to argue he needs all the help he can get his hands on. He let go of Lera and he stands up.
"Let me know if you need a hand." Gustave says
Lera nods wiping her eyes. Gustave helps her up and leaves her to grieve in peace. He looks back with sadness as she clutches Alex's hand. This is not how he wanted his day to start. He calls Six's office. The phone rings twice before an answer.
"Yes Gustave" Six answers the phone with mild agitation
"Director, Alex just died. I'll have a death certificate to you in an hour." Gustave informs Six
Six sighs agitated "Thank you Gustave."
Harry looks over to his boss, with confusion "What happened?" he asks
"Alex died. I can't catch a break first its Vicente and now Alex. We still haven't heard anything about Nathan." Six leans back in her chair and runs her hand down her face.
There is a knock at her door "come in!" she says with further agitation.
A man with a black beard dressed in the Army pinks and greens walks in. The solider looks at the woman infront of him. "Are you the one they call Six?" he asks
"Who are you?" Six asks with curiosity
"Ma'am I'm Rick Blackwell, I was with Nathan during the battle. I regretfully inform you that Nathan Fletcher is MIA. I was sent here by the secretary of state and I am here to notify Nathan's next of kin; Mitchell Packston. I also know that he was close with Meghan Castellano" Rick says standing at attention in front of Six's desk.
"Fuck" she says with anger "can you tell me what happened to him. I'll have Meghan and Mitchell up here in an hour or so." Six says
Maddox nods and begins to tell Six about the second day
1200 hours
Mitchell has just finished a run through the kill house. With Seamus, Tina, Emma, and Maxim with Erik observing. He was walking out with his team and Monika came running up to him dressed in her battle garb. She isn't on the training docket and the team looks at her confused.
"What's going on Monika?" Mitchell asks confused
"Six wants to see you, it's urgent." She says.
His brow furrows "After we're done here"
"No she wants to see you now" She replies
His confusion grows "o…kay" he says skeptically
He walks off leaving the team with Monika. He doesn't bother to change from his combat wears. He knocks on Six's door.
"Come in"
Mitchell walks in the office and sees Maddox, he's even more confused. Meghan is sitting in one of the chairs. Six motions for him to take a seat, He does as he's told. He gets a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Six looks both of her operators in the eyes, this was always the hard part of the job.
"I brought you here to regretfully inform you that your comrade Alexander Senaviev has passed this morning." Six says with cold calm in her voice.
Both the operators feel bad about the loss of their friend but it's not the worst news.
"I also regret to inform you that your friend Nathan Brett Fletcher is MIA."
Both their hearts hit the floor. Neither could believe the words just said. Mitchell couldn't believe that his brother, best friend, his salvation is gone. He lets out a long sigh and runs his hand over his mouth as his brain tried to process the information. Meghan on the other hand is shocked that she doesn't show any emotion. Her mind is moving at a thousand miles a minute. She can't help but think back to when Jordan forced her to the leave him behind. Rage fills her blood, her face remains calm and the room is dead quiet. Six lets the information sink in.
"My office is open at all times if you need to talk about it." Harry says
Neither of the operators say a word to the psychologist.
"Mitchell, Nathan has been awarded the silver star for valor." Maddox hands Mitchell the black case holding the star. "Mitchell I'm sorry, your brother was one hell of a guy. If you need anything just let me know."
Mitchell looks at the worthless tin star, he stands up and walks out of the office without a word. Meghan sits quietly waiting to be dismissed.
"You're dismissed Meghan" Six says
Meghan leaves in the same fashion as Mitchell. Six let's out a long sigh.
"Harry, call a meeting so we can get the team up to speed on what is happening." Six looks over to her second in command
"Yes ma'am" He replies "Mr. Blackwell I would like to speak with you about Mitchell."
Maddox looks at the Brit. "Sir, I will happily answer basic questions but if you are trying to dig deeper for personal information, then you need to talk to Mitchell instead of me." Rick replies in a serious tone
His gaze shifts to the director "Ma'am I must be going, I have other families to visit and my own team to tend to" Rick shakes hands with the director before leaving the room.
Meghan walks along the sidewalk heading home. She was still in shock of the news she had just received. She has many emotions running through her head and so many questions. She feels angry and sad, she wants to cry. The street seems to last forever, her eyes focus on the ground below her. She looks up and sees Jordan and Eliza walking the opposite direction of her, they are passing in front of her duplex. He is laughing at something Eliza said. The sight of Jordan really pisses her off. Anger took control of her, she tried to fight it but the raw power over took her mental control. They get closer on the side walk. She can see Craig going up the porch stairs on his crutches with the help of Miles. Jordan and Eliza are only a couple of feet in front of her.
"Hey" Jordan says
With a soft smile like nothing was wrong. This really pisses her off, she looks up at him her eyes burning with an angry fire. Both Jordan and Eliza looked at her a little confused.
"What's a mat-"
He was met with a hard sucker punch to the face. She watches Jordan fall on his ass before walking to her duplex. Eliza saw tears in her eyes. Both Miles and Craig stop at the top of the stairs both baffled by the action. Eliza picked her boyfriend up off the ground.
"What the hell was that about?" Jordan asked as he rubs his nose trying to relieve the pain.
"I don't know" Eliza replies.
Craig and Miles knew that look, it is the look that significant others give when they were told their spouse died in combat. Miles and Craig look at each other debating on who should go talk to her.
"Let me talk to her" Miles speaks up
He helps Craig to his dorm. He walks over to Jordan who is getting up off the ground.
"What was that all about?" Miles asks.
"I don't know she just came up and slugged me." Jordan replies
Miles gets a confused and suspicious look in his eyes. He slowly approaches her door, he gives the door a soft knock. There is no reply, he knocks again. Still no reply. He knocks one more time.
"Hey Meg, you alright?" He asks through the door.
"I'm fine" She replies
"Is it ok if I come in?" he asks
She sighs and looks at the door "No just leave me be" she replies to him
He sighs outside the door "Meg let me in or I'm going to write you up for assaulting a fellow operator."
She sighs with anger "Fine come in"
Miles opens the door slowly, he walks in with caution. Meghan is sitting on the bed looking at a picture. He moves closer to her, he can see the image it is the one her and Nathan took when he got her that camera. He sits down next to her.
"What's the problem Meg?" He asks her
"Fucking Jordan is the problem. He forced him to stay behind." She replies
Miles look at her confused "What?"
"Jordan forced Nathan to stay behind in New York. Now he's MIA" She replies with anger in her voice
"What do you mean MIA?" He asks
"Missing in action Miles. He's gone. Six had a meeting with me and Mitchell to break the news. If Jordan had let me stay behind he would be here right now but, noooo Jordan said I had to go. Fucking dumbass." She replies
Miles sits quietly listening to her rant. "Meg I'm sorry about Nathan. You have to look at the facts. In the end it was Nathan's choice to stay behind, he knew the risks. He didn't want anyone else to experience what he had, so he chose to stay back. You know he was the one to make the sacrifice play when it came down to the wire." He replies to her
"Yeah but still, if I would have stayed behind he would be here right now." She looks at the picture and runs her thumb across Nathan's face
"Don't give up on him yet. There is still a chance that he may still show up." He says with hope
"Most wartime MIAs turn into KIAs" she says, her voice hushed "Just knowing I could've done something to get him out of there" she nearly whispered, shifting her head to rest on her hand. "I will never see him again." She replies with a shake in her voice. "I just need sometime Miles. Tell Jordan to piss off and to stay away" she looks at Miles, anger in her eyes
"Whatever you need Meg just tell me, I'm never too far away" He says with a soft smirk
She nods staying quiet. Miles leave the room and she looks down at the picture. She sighs again looking at Nate.
Miles walks out of the house to Jordan and Eliza. Jordan watches Miles every move.
"What's a matter with her?" He asks
Miles sighs "Nathan Is MIA she told me to tell you to stay away. She is not happy with you, you should give her some space."
Jordan's heart sinks with guilt. He looks at the side walk "Before we left New York he gave his journal in case something happened to him. I never thought that something would happen to him."
"Jordan no one is untouchable. I think you should use Nate's journal as a peace offering. Make sure that Mitchell sees it too." Miles says
"I-uh I'll do that" Jordan says quietly
"It's not your fault Jordan. He made his choice not you" Miles assures
"Yeah? Then does it feel like I made the choice for him?" Jordan asks "All I told him is that there isn't enough room" He continues
"Jordan think of how Nathan was, he never wanted someone to be in spot that he was in. If left you behind instead he would still be kicking himself for it. Whether it was you, me, Meghan, anyone else he would've made the sacrifice play. It's not your fault Jordan." Miles continues to assure
"I guess but I should have asked instead of taking the seat. I even chewed Meghan out for wanting to go back and pull him out." Jordan's guilt fills his mind
"Yes, but Jordan you possibly save another Rainbow operator from being killed or captured. I know this sucks but you need to look at the bleak bright side of this. Imagine how they would've flooded the media knowing they killed the first and only woman SEAL. Or imagine what they would do if they captured her. Nate would've killed you and so would her family. You made the right choice." Miles continues
Jordon remains quiet and runs his hand through his hair. Eliza looks at Jordan and gives him a soft pat on the back to comfort the man.
"Jordan if that was your sister or your mom trying to get you out. You have treated them the same way you did Meghan. Nathan is the one who made the final call on whether or not to stay." Miles finishes before going to check on Craig.
Eliza and Jordan walk home. Eliza looks at Jordan.
"I'm sorry Jordan." Eliza says quietly
"Not as sorry as I am" He replies and looks at the sidewalk
Mitchell calmly walks back to the armory his face is expressionless, the medal in his hand. He walks into his cage, everyone looks at him they can tell something changed. Seamus, Maxim, and Emma make eye contact seeing who would speak first. Seamus is going to be the one to bite the bullet.
"What did Six want?" Seamus asks
Mitchell refuses to reply as he takes his helmet off along with his balaclava, his shoulders rise and fall as his breathing picks up. He looks at his rifle his eyes filled with anger and sorrow. He sets the black box holding the medal, down on the small desk in the cage.
"Mitch?" Seamus asks again
Mitchell again ignores the call as he looks at his rifle, his eyes go to his pistol and he calmly ejects the magazine and opened the slide before putting it on the peg board that held his other guns. Seamus walks to the door of Mitchell's cage and he leans on the frame.
"Mitch what's going on?" Seamus asks yet again
Mitchell continues to ignore as he looks to his rifle with disgust, he starts to shake with anger. His breathing is audible enough to make him sound like a bull preparing to charge.
"Mitch?" Seamus continues
Mitchell's eyes fill with tears, and with a flip of his right wrist he ejected the STNAG magazine into his left hand. He calmly places the magazine down on the shelving unit. He throws the rifle down as hard as he can shattering the glass in the flip-up magnifier. Seamus jumps at the sudden move he immediately begins to back away from Mitchell. Mitchell grabs the shelving in his cage and he yanks it down off the wall with a boiling hot rage, all of the items on the shelves came crashing down. He turns and round houses the locker that held his extra fatigues, the locker also comes crashing down with a fresh dent in its side. The other ops scramble out of the armory at top speed.
"Fuck you! Damnit! Mother Fucker! Son of a bitch! I swear! GOD DAMNIT!" Mitchell shouts at the top of his lungs as he destroys everything in his cage
The other ops could hear Mitchell from outside of the armory they all watch the main door to see if he would emerge. Some of them are half dressed or with the top of their fatigues rolled down. Tina comes from the training building carrying her mats.
"What's going on?" She asked unaware of Mitchell's outburst
"Mother Fuckers! I'm going to fucking!" Mitchell shouts at the top of his lungs yet again the sound of various objects hitting the solid floor fill the air.
She looks at the main door of the armory listening to Mitchell rage. She made a motion for the door only for Emma to grab her arm and pull her back.
"Let him cool off first" she spoke shaking her head.
It is every bit of ten minutes before there was silence, all of the ops quietly watch the door. They were all showing signs of fear, they didn't want to go in the room. Tina takes a breath and walks into the room. She sees Mitchell sitting on the floor, his back against the locker as he looks to the ceiling. She steps into his cage and moves his rifle over brushing some of the glass from the optic before sitting next to him.
"What happened Mitch?" She asks
Her voice is soft and quiet. She looks at him.
"He's gone" He answers back
Tina nods and pulls him close to her, he rests his head on her shoulder. She shifts her head to rest on his.
"I'm sorry Mitchell" She replies
He stays quiet and picks up Nathan's medal off the floor. He sets the box in his lap and stares at the medal. Tina looks at the box brow furrows.
"What's that?" she asks
"Nathan's award" Mitchell says
His voice is hushed and calm. Tina nods and looks at him.
"Mitchell go take a shower and get something to eat. Ok? I'll join you in a few minutes." She kisses the top of his head.
He nods quietly, he stands up and leaves the armory. Tina sighs and looks at the mess he made. She gets off the floor and puts her mats and weapons away. The others walk into the armory and see the mess. They all look to Tina.
"What happened?" Emma asks
"Apparently Nathan is dead or missing. He got a medal for it, but as you can see Mitchell is a little upset." She attempts to make some humor.
"That's terrible hopefully, Nate shows up in the next few days." Emma says with hope.
All of the operators' phones go off. Everyone checks their phones to see a message saying there is a meeting an hour. Tina puts her weapons, mats, and fatigues away. She goes to find Mitchell to make sure that he's doing what she asked him to do. She feels bad for Mitchell, she couldn't imagine losing her best friend. She heads home and walks to her room to get some fresh clothes, she walks past Mitchell in the hall to see him walking with some clothes and a defeated look on his face. She walks next to him not speaking a word. He glances at her she looks back. He smirks at her with pain in his eyes. She returns a sympathetic smile as they smile walk together. He looks away and his face drops back to defeat. They get to the shower they get the water to a comfortable warmth before hoping in together. Fifteen minutes later the two get out and dry off. Mitchell goes over to his closet and pulls out a shoebox before taking a seat on his bed. Tina takes a seat next to him. He opens the box and pulls out the image of him and Nate in Anchorage, Alaska. She smiles at the image. He looks at it and sighs.
"I still remember that day, it felt like 30 below and we both argued about going outside. He wanted to stay in the warmth and I wanted to go outside. We argued for a day until, I finally convinced him if to do a coin flip for it. He agreed and I won. Of course it was the coldest day of the year. We both walked out there and I swear ice formed on my eyes as soon as I walked outside. We had a local take the picture before we both ran inside to get in the warmth. He never forgave me for that." Mitchell smiles on the old memory
Tina huffs with amusement and smiles at him. His smile fades, "I miss him already" he says tears well up in his eyes.
Tina rubs his back softly and sympathetically hugs him. "It's going to be tough but you aren't going through this alone." She says softly
"If I had known that was the last time I was going to see him I would have said so much more." Mitchell's voice breaks
She wraps her hand around him and rests her head on his shoulder. "I know Mitchell, a lot of us feel the same way about someone we are close to."
"I'll never get to thank him for all the things that he did for me. I'll never see his face again." He finally breaks and starts to cry.
She frowns softly and holds him close to her.
"Six is holding a meeting an hour, If you don't want to go I'll cover for you." She says
"Thank you" He replies "I just want sometime to be alone" He continues
"Ok Mitchell" She replies planting a kiss on his head
1300 hours
All of the operators aside from Mitchell, Meghan, and Lera. Most of the operators come in with bandages, crutches, braces, and with help from fellow operators. Six patiently waits for all of the operators to get settled.
"Thank you all for coming. I know most of you need your rest so I'll be brief. The bad news is your teammates Vicente "Capitao" Souza and Alexander "Tachanka" Senaviev are dead. Vicente died on the first day before extraction as most of you know. Alex succumbed to his wounds this morning. Nathan "Ghost" Fletcher is MIA, he went missing on the second day of battle assisting the US forces push the Masks back."
The room falls silent as the news rolls over the room. Everyone remains calm, emotion obscured from their faces.
"The UN is less than thrilled with how we performed in New York. They think my leadership is to blame. So I have to resign from the position of Director. Harry is going to assume my position on Midnight January 1, 2019. Those of you concerned about your position here at Rainbow, don't worry I was able to convince them to keep you all on the team."
There is a soft sigh from a few about their job security.
"The good news is, that many countries that were on the fence of joining the team are now sending us personnel files on their best operators to help with our numbers. They're going to be vetted just the same as the rest of you. We aren't replacing those who died or any of you who are injured. Are there any question?" Six asks
"What countries are joining us?" Jackal asks
"From what I understand Australia, Morocco, Peru, Mexico, Norway, Denmark, and South Africa." Six replies
"What about the memorial services for Vicente and Alex?" Gustave asks
"Their host countries will hold services for them in a couple of days. We will one for all three of our fallen comrades tomorrow. Also I'll be allowing leave for all of you who have families and those who were close to the deceased. The same applies to those of you injured. Although there will be a rotation for those who go home so we can keep the base staffed and ready for anything. I'm also working on reaction teams and getting them put together. I will have the lists sent out to all of you as soon as I have them ready. Any other questions?" Six asks
The operators sit in silence and nod.
"Dismissed" Six replies
The operators file out of the room. Six massages her forehead and sighs.
1500 hours
Lera has showered and taken a minute for herself. She is going to visit Meghan to see how she's doing. She takes a look at the med bay seeing all of her colleagues injured or trying to rehab themselves from their beds. Her eyes wander to the ICU and there is an empty bed she frowns before throwing on her jacket. She walks out the door, the sky is grey and the air is cold. She sticks her hands in her pockets. She passes a few operators they give her soft nods and sympathetic looks as they pass by. A soft rain sets in, she pulls a beanie out of her pocket and puts it on. She sighs and feels numb, not her typical physical numb. She ponders on what she could have done different for him. She thinks about the cabin they would have visited after the op. She closes her eyes, she can almost smell the frosting timbers and hear the crunching of the snow under her feet. She smirks before opening her eyes to the grim reality she is in. She sighs and walks up on the porch of Meghan and Nathan's duplex. She knocks on the door and waits for a reply. There isn't a reply, she waits a few minutes before knocking again. The door opens and Meghan looks at her with empty eyes. With the motion of her head she invites Lera in.
"Can I get you anything to drink or something?" Meghan asks trying to be a good host.
"No it's fine, I just wanted to check up on you. I heard about Nate." Lera says
Meghan nods and sits down on the couch "Sorry about Alex"
"It's been a rough day for everyone." Lera replies
"Yes it has, it's been kind of lonely around here knowing Nate isn't here. Especially knowing he isn't coming back." Meghan replies falling back into the couch
"Yeah it's quiet, I'm kind of glad I live by the medbay I don't have to worry about house that we shared." Lera smirks but also lays back in the couch.
"Yeah" Meghan sighs
She looks around the room it feels empty. A silence fills the room. The air is tight and neither really know what to talk about.
"You know everyone has your back and will help you right?" Lera asks
"Yeah I know, they'll do the same for you as well." Meghan replies
"Yeah, are you going to the ceremony tomorrow?" Lera asks
Meghan sighs "I don't know, I kind of don't want to go just because I will be nothing but pitied and I don't like how that feels."
"You know they'll do the same to me too so you won't be alone." Lera smirks to assure "You should probably go it will probably help Mitchell as well."
"I know but just knowing he won't be there it's going to be hard to say good bye to him." Meghan replies
"I think you should go Meghan it might get people to stop pitying you so much and it would let everyone know that you are going to be ok." Lera adds.
"Yeah" Meghan sighs "We'll just have to see." Meghan replies quietly
"If you want I can stay the night so you don't have to be alone." Lera says
"No Lera, they need your help in the medbay Alex would want you there." Meghan smirks at her colleague
"He always had a big heart." She smirks
"Yeah he was something, I wish he was here to make a joke or something." Lera sighs and smirks. Her smile fades "I'm not looking forward to telling his family about his passing." She sighs
Meghan looks at her "Yeah that's going to be rough maybe Maxim will go with you, those two were always close it will make things a little easier." Meghan tries to help her friend.
"Yeah but I also don't like the idea of his kids never being able to their father again. I hate bearing the bad news. I can't tell you how hard it was telling someone that they wouldn't survive their cancer even with my treatment. I wish I didn't have to do this." She sighs again
"If it makes you feel any better he would want you to do it. He knew that you have the strength to tell his family." Meghan smirks
Lera smirks softly, her phone goes off, and it's a text from Gustave asking her back to the medbay. She sighs and looks at Meghan.
"Gustave needs me so I have to go. Please show up tomorrow at least for Nathan if none else." Lera smirks again
Meghan nods quietly "See you later Lera."
Lera gives a small wave before walking out the door. Meghan sighs again the house is dead quiet. She lays back into her couch and looks at the door longingly hoping Nate would just open the door.
October 17, 2018
Location unknown, Time unknown
Taylor is sitting at his desk waiting for an important call. He isn't thrilled about this call, he takes a sip of his scotch. His computer rings as he opens up the call.
"Is this connection secure?" Taylor asks
"Of course it is. Do you think I'm stupid?" The voice asks
"Do you want me to answer that?" Taylor replies
Silence fills the line
"New York went pretty bad, you didn't do anything but raise a bunch of flags and cause monetary damage. I thought you were going to occupy a piece of the city." The voice on the other end says
"That would have been suicide, my move was much more deliberate and smarter than what you were thinking. Plus they're shaking in their boots now because they know we can reach out and hit them where and whenever we want." Taylor replies
"Yeah now everyone is paranoid and cracking down on security and investigating everyone. You have put me in jeopardy you need to lay low until things calm down." The voice chastises
"You told me that I was in charge when it came to the fighting. Now don't tell me how to do my job unless you want to be next on the list. I know what I am doing, we will lay low for bit while we recoup our numbers" Taylor replies with anger
"Easy, we both are fighting for the same thing now. Now give me a report." The voice replies
"We lost 10,000 men and lost all but 6 of our tanks and we have 7 or 8 choppers left with about 4 cruise missiles and 23 prisoners. We are still working on breaking them. Also a lot of terrorist organizations want in on our operation. We could use their men as well as their recruiting services." Taylor replies
"I would rather we stay away from terrorist organizations they will draw more attention to us and they will be difficult to get in country seeing as they're mostly on no fly lists." The voice chuckles
"Yeah that tends to happen when you are a terrorists. I say we do allow them in because it will give us someone to blame and scapegoat on. If we need it." Taylor replies "Also I know you can dig up some passports and new identities if we do recruit them." Taylor lays back in his chair
"I would advise you to not hire them and bring them on. I really need you to lay low until the heat cools off. Train and recoup your numbers. Tell the other factions to lay off you're in this alone." The voice replies
"Listen here, this is my crew and not yours. You brought me in on this to help you, now let me run my side while you stick to the politics." Taylor replies with anger
"Someone is coming." The voice says
The transmission ends. Taylor slams his fist down on the desk.
"Fucking asswipe. Don't ever tell me how to do my job you fucking bureaucrat." Taylor speaks to himself with anger.
Taylor sighs, he looks at his security cameras. His men are mourning their loss and taking in their victory. He pulls out his phone and sends John a message. Asking him to come to his office. A few minutes later John shows up.
"Yes sir?" John asks
"I want to meet with the other leader of the big terrorist groups." Taylor says
"May I ask why?" John asks
"They want in on our operation and we need to replenish our numbers." Taylor replies "I'm going to need some security and you or your team would do nicely."
"I understand sir. When are we leaving?" John asks
"Just get your team ready to ship out because we will be leaving in the next day or two." Taylor says.
"Yes sir." John replies "Anything else?"
"That's all John I'll let you know when we are leaving." Taylor replies
John gets a bad feeling in his gut and walks out of the office and heads back down to his team's quarters. He walks down the halls and he passes several of the common rooms. Some of the Masks are sitting quietly at a table whispering, a few were even praying. They follow with a drink to their fallen comrades. The other rooms are filled with boisterous laughter and clinking of glasses. Reveling in their victory. He stops at the door to one of these rooms and the TV is up loud playing camera footage of the battle.
"C'mon John get in here!" One says with a drunken smile on his face.
"No thanks, me and the boys gotta help the boss with something." John plasters a fake smile on his face.
"One drink won't hurt you pussy." Another says
John can't help but give a huff of amusement. "I can't guys I gotta get moving. You have fun." John goes to step away then steps back "Hey you guys might want to keep it down some of the others lost good friends. You don't have to stop just quiet down a little." John says with a soft smirk.
The Masks go quiet and nod softly. They turn down the TV but their smiles remain. They raise a glass to their fallen comrades before going back to their joyful celebration. John wipes the smile off his face. His gut is tight and churning, he keeps going. One of his friends pass him in the hall. They are moving slow with a head low.
"Where's Jackson?" John asks.
"He didn't make it back." The Mask's eyes are empty
John stops and sighs softly before looking down at the ground. "I'm sorry" he replies
"Not as sorry as I am" The mask replies quietly
John is at a loss for words. They both stand there quietly neither wanting to say the next few words. Finally the other man speaks
"I have to go John" The Mask says
John nods and they go their separate ways. John continues his walk to the bunks. He passes the infirmary and their make shift hospital. All of the injured Masks are lying on beds and tables with IVs and monitors surrounding them. They are wrapped in bandages and splints. They all look to be in good spirits. Some of their buddies are sitting and joking with them. John feels a little relief seeing the Masks injured and in pain. He sees some of the Masks on the phone he assumes their naïve lovers. John feels little remorse and keeps walking on to the bunks. Donny and Keegan are whispering to each other. They don't notice John in the room but they keep talking. John's brow furrows.
"What are you guys talking about?" John asks
"Nothing, what's up boss?" Keegan asks
John looks at the two skeptically and they look at him wondering what he was wanting.
"Taylor wants us as a security force, we are meeting with some other terror cells." John says "So kit up and get ready to move. He's wanting leave soon." John says before leaving the room
Keegan looks to Donny "We have to get out of here" Keegan says
"Yes but how Keeg? We both know that Taylor will kill the ones we hold close. I am not losing any more of my family Keeg." Donny replies
"Donny, I left Nathan for dead and you killed some innocent bastard. Look at what this is doing to us we need to get out soon." Keegan says with desperation
"Keeg I know" Donny almost shouts "I know" he says quieter.
The two look at each other with an understanding. They both look at the floor and sigh before walking out. In the halls they put on their façade of happiness and resolve. The two are nothing more than scared and alone. They feel this evil in them growing stronger this beast wishes to fight. The next move is theirs.
A/N: Hey guys, it's been a while. I'm sorry it's taking me so long to make chapters. It's partly because of college and that I'm burnt out on siege. I will continue writing the story so don't worry about that but don't be surprised if it takes long to make my chapters. Yes I know, I did the impossible and killed the lord. "They said it couldn't be done." lol. I am working on the rewrite I have no idea as to when that will be ready. Anyways I hope you guys are doing well and staying safe. I hope you enjoyed the chapter don't be afraid to leave review or PM me with criticism. Thanks!
