Chapter 6: Full Metal Orchestra

May 16th 2010 1200 Hours

The Arabian Sea

Fruition. That was the name of my new home, if a home weighed over 100,000 tons and full of military hardware from all over the world. It was Koko's personal cargo ship where she kept her merchandise ready to be sold to whoever wanted to buy from her. If she needed something else she would just sail to whichever port had HCLI containers stashed at the docks and load them up. Her father, Floyd, being a big shipping tycoon meant HCLI's business had quite a reach. I also knew that the "shipping" company was just a front for what it really did behind the scenes. Koko and her brother Kasper had different area's they were in charge of and I was glad he was on the other side of the planet. But I still had trouble wrapping my head around a woman just a few years younger than me managed shipping weapons across two continents. Then again, being on the move constantly made sense, it was harder for authorities to track you and the ocean was a big place to hide.

Below decks it had been further modified to make it more of a livable place. There was a full kitchen, I had to cook again since the guys were begging me since Prague, it was eggs benedict for breakfast this morning. A full living room with a couch, recliners, and a carpet floor. With a 60 inch flat screen with satellite tv and that was all. None of us were video game players, we lived an adrenaline filled life as it is. There was even a makeshift spa where you could sit in massage chairs or even soak in a hot tub. In an adjoining larger room it was full of books as well. Along with everything else that should be on this ship specifically, armory, offices, computer rooms, etc. The cabins were only slightly larger than normal ones but I didn't mind. I didn't make things too homey since I had lived in five different state's by the time I was sixteen. This wouldn't be any different.

But the one that was really my favorite, the gym, it had everything I needed and more. After running around Europe for over a month, I took the time we had at sea to keep myself maintained. I found my own personal regiment rather fierce, it had to be considering all the training I went through as a Green Beret. But every now and then when the other guys were with me they were usually laughing at me whenever I started using the heavier weights. They thought I couldn't hear them through my iPod but I normally shut it off to focus more. Lutz said my face looked like I got kicked in the balls every time I got serious on the last rep. And Mao said that I'd better not to try and deadlift the ship. I didn't mind though, they all maintained themselves at peak physical condition. Koko left me alone cause she knew I was always active, but she'd then scold any of the guys who were laying around too much. Ugo surprised the hell out of me the most cause I thought from his size and shape he was just stocky. Yesterday when we were done he went to change his shirt and I saw he was as cut as I was. He stayed on top as the big man of the crew, but from what Koko told me he wasn't the real muscle, he was the top driver.

Today was leg day and after finishing my final squat, it was time for my run. The sun was high and the sky was clear that meant I could get a good tan, eight times around the containers from bow to stern. As I was ready to take off I glanced at my reflection in one of the windows and then focused on my upper right arm. My second tattoo, a golden skull with fangs and a claymore sword driven through it. With silver crossed arrows and black wings behind it.

I really gotta get rid of this thing. It's too depressing.

After my final lap, I sat down on the deck a little harder than I should. I over did it. I then heard the port hatch opening, out stepped R and Ugo with their rifles. Target practice again, everyone was trying not to stay bored after being at sea for four days.

"I'm actually amazed you haven't been sunburned since you're out here with your shirt off all the time." R said trying to get a rise out of me.

"Skin's too thick on me the sun won't work." I turned around to grab my shirt off the life preserver.

"Non Timebo Mala Quoniam Fortitudo Mea Superare Queunt." Ugo said from reading the Latin scrolls on my back. "Fear No Evil For None Can Rival My Strength." He translated.

My first tattoo, I figured if I got one I go big or not at all. It was a large ornate Celtic Cross which covered most of my back. Half of my family lineage being Irish and the other half Hungarian. Not surprising he understood what it said, both men were Italian by heritage so it was easy to translate. But unlike R, Ugo had been from the Mafia.

"That supposed to mean something special?" He asked.

"An artistic and clever mix of Psalm 23:4 and 27:1 while making it known that the Lord has my back."

"Didn't know you were Catholic." R chimed in.

"I'm not. I've read the Bible but I only talk to Him if I must. Plus I never went to any kind of church. I'm one of those guys that make their own destiny."

Regardless of that I'm not even worthy to even ask for His forgiveness.

"Well are you finally gonna tell us what the one on your right arm means?"

"Yeah you don't seem like the kind of guy who would get anything generic." Ugo added.

Might as well tell them if I want them to get off my ass.

"It's a representation of the US Army's 1st Special Forces Group. The color's for its flash are gold with a black outline. Naturally the sword and arrows represent the special forces insignia. The skull indicates the flash and the black wings represent not only its outline but Airborne as well."

"I thought you were part of the 3rd Group?" R asked.

"I was. I got this when I made Captain in honor of my father just before I went to Afghanistan. He belonged to the 1st Group."

The two knew then not to ask anything else. I made it clear that certain things about me were sensitive subjects, I didn't talk to anyone unless work was involved.

"So how much longer till we get where we're going?" I asked

"Maintaining this speed we should reach the Gulf of Oman in two days." R said.

Mean's three different places. UAE, Oman, or Qatar.

"Right."

"Wanna come shoot with us?"

"Nah, I'm hungry. I'm gonna clean up and then take a nap." I walked through the hatch and shut it.

"Hey R do you have any idea what his problem is? I mean he says he's gonna be a team player but it's gonna be two months soon and the only time he even talks to us at all is when we're in the field or we got work. I only know what he does and likes, not who he is."

He sighed. "The little lady said unless he brings it up to not press the issue. Especially of how he ended in our line of work. His resume is sporadic too, I don't who the real him is." They began walking to the ships stern. "I remember a job he took in Syria when he was assigned to protect the son of a Hamas member and single handedly took out 18 men from a rival faction who wanted to kidnap him for some sort of blackmail."

"Well what's his opposite side?"

"When he then was recommended for a job in France by two brothers of a crime family who wanted their own father killed so they could get their inheritance."

"You mean he…?"

"Surprising no. But he did do something kinda worse."

"Worse?"

"Yeah he killed the older brother who was more insistent on Damien doing the job and sent his head in a box to the younger brother full of the money they paid him to do the job. A letter was inside simply saying, "This is a Warning"."

Ugo's face paled. "Fuck man. Why the hell is he here with us then?"

"Lehm said he told him that he did have a reason for being with us. He said that Damien told Koko what he needed and she said she help."

"She agreed?"

"She walks along the grey path and goes nowhere else. You've known her almost as long as I have."

May 19th 2010 1100 Hours

Dubai, United Arab Enmities, The Rose Tower, Koko's Suite

I figured since we made port in Dubai yesterday I hoped to do a little spending. With all the cash Koko was paying me the only things I actually bought was food. But unfortunately I got hit with something everyone hate's, paperwork. Most of it was just running the numbers from deals to see how well our profits were turning out and making sure no one was skimming on prices. That essentially was an criminal accountants death sentence if his boss found out he was stealing from him. But at least I was almost done and Tojo was helping me, I found out his first name was Akihiko. So I frequently called him Aki to bust his chops, cause it was also a girl's name in Japanese.

I saw Koko looking at her laptop like she was memorizing something important. "What you looking at?"

"These are a list of hitmen."

"Something I need to know about?"

"Calm down Damien this is routine. HCLI sends these to us all the time about potential threats in the area."

I often wondered how far and deep her father's company reached. They must have had people working around the clock.

"But we shouldn't have any problems since the police here tend to keep people in line quite well."

It wasn't any secret that the Dubai Police Department were the furthest ahead of any other police group in the Arabic world. The prided themselves on not only the law but human rights and made sure all of their officers were well educated.

"And I have my minions along to protect me."

"Just don't expect me sound like Igor and say "Yes master."."

It got a laugh out of her. She liked to set out bait for me and then let me grab it. I leaned over and looked at the screen.

"Orchestra? Who are they?"

"Seven of the original members are dead but the leader just picked up a new recruit."

"Guy must be a very shitty leader if they're all dead and he was forced to bring in a kid. A teenage girl even. Hey Aki baby, get a load these clowns."

"Just call me Tojo you ass."

I smiled as Koko continued. "In its prime Orchestra was a serious threat, they once shot 20,000 rounds at a police squad in France."

Their prime couldn't have lasted long if they sprayed that much lead. I wondered if they actually hit any of those cops.

"Are these guys after you?"

"Of course. I got way more enemies that you do. I've got so many…"

She said in unison with Tojo. "We'd make a killing if they were our clients!" And then burst out laughing.

Lutz walked into the room. "What's going on I thought you guys were working?"

"Well you're not helping Lutz. And the rest of you are you all just gonna spend the day off being lazy? Get out and do something that's an order!"

"Kaaaay." The classic monotone acknowledgment.

Valmet chimed in "You bored? Let's do some shopping!"

"Well I did want to show Damien around the city."

I saw Valmet's reaction of frustration. Our little rivalry she invented in her head on being Koko's favorite alpha hadn't thawed.

"BUT NO WORK COMES BEFORE PLAY! CONTINUE IGOR!"

Me and my big mouth. I gotta find a way outta here. If I go through any more numbers I'm gonna have a seizure.

"Sorry to you too Tojo but he's gonna need help. I'll bring you back some beer ok?"

"Fine with me, stay safe."

"Caio everyone."

I let ten minutes pass, just long enough for Koko and Valmet to get out of the building. I wasn't in school anymore, I was gonna go take in the sights.

God I hope he buys this.

"I gotta take a shit. I'll just work with this stuff on the can."

"Just wash your hands when you're done."

I closed the door to the bathroom. And took one of the account forms and wrote on the back.

"Be a sweetheart and finish those numbers Aki baby."

Moving ever so silently without my shoes on I snuck out of the bathroom, moved to the hallway, and silently closed the door. Then bolted down the hallway to the elevator.

"You can yell at me later Koko."

1245 Hours

Downtown Dubai

As one of the major central business hubs of the Middle East, Dubai was always bustling. Mostly due to a Western style business model it prides mostly on tourism, finance, and obviously real estate. Since some of the tallest buildings in the world were located here, especially the Burj Khalifa that was completed last year. Granted it came during a rather bad time with a plunge in the property market, the city was actually pulling itself out of its funk. But I sure as hell didn't want to think about numbers right now, I was hungry and I wanted to get me a Omega watch. The sun was bright out today, glad I still had my Oakley's in my pocket or else I would have to buy another pair of shades too. But I left my phone in my room, Tojo would have noticed me.

Might as well just grab a lamb kebab and keep walking, time to put the Arabic to use.

People from all over the world came here. Even though I couldn't understand all of them I did pick up on the different dialects of Arabic, as well as French, German, Australian English, and even Italian. He was so "touristy" it was satirical and the Hawaiian shirt didn't help either. His lady friend though was even weirder, with a strange hat and a rather unkempt business dress like a lazy secretary she stood out more than I did. Naturally she looked my way, I just waved, hoped that was the end of that, and continued down the street to the mall.

Girl's nowadays can really manipulate their age on how they present themselves but I seriously doubt she's barely out of high school. Wait a second…

My thoughts came racing back to Koko's laptop this Orchestra guy had only brought in one new member. A teenage girl looking very similar to the one I just saw.

"OH FUCK!" I bolted off running.

I lost track of them both buy the time I got to the outdoor mall. They were definitely looking for Koko she had to be here.

Too many people. Second floor. Vantage point.

I speeded up the stairs but it looks like they already had the drop on her as I heard shouting from below the catwalk in front of me, I didn't slow down. Then I heard Valmet shout "GUN!"

All or nothing. I hope she's below me.

I leapt off the second floor onto an umbrella stand below me concealing her from the shooters fire.

That hurt more than I though.

"Koko!" Valmet shouted.

"I got her Val! Just shoot them!"

Valmet provided covering fire as I moved Koko to more solid cover. People were panicking trying to get out of the mall but it looks the two Orchestra members didn't care what they were shooting at.

Hawaiian shirt then shouted out "Hey Chinatsu we reached the crescendo yet or just the refrain?"

This fuck wad definitely has a screw loose.

"What's wrong arms dealer? Can't play your symphony!?"

Behind a concrete flower bed I was on top of Koko, once again even during a shootout pulling weird shit outta nowhere.

"My hero." As she put both hands on my face.

"What the hell are you doing!?" I swatted her hands away.

"I want to show you how great you acted. Perfect timing."

That constant smile she had was now starting to freak me out. The two assassins were still putting suppression fire on both me and Valmet. We couldn't shoot back.

"Ok that's it! I wanna know now! Why is it every time shit flies in outta nowhere you keep smiling?! It's kinda creepy!"

She pulled me down close to her. "You need to stay a little lower you ARE a rather large target and I'm not as screwed up as you think I am. I've been shot at so much I've stopped counting."

For her to say that was one thing but sometimes the obvious trumped words. In war soldiers naturally react to something and let their training kick in but smiling under conditions where death is literally staring you in face and you start behaving unnaturally. You then become a threat not only to yourself but others around you.

"Either I'll get shot or I won't." She continued "I can't control what happens, but I can control the situation."

"No! That's my job! And here's what I'm gonna do I'm gonna get you and Valmet outta here and shoot those two assholes. Or shoot those two assholes and get you and Valmet outta here. Either way is FINE!"

I opened fire as Hawaiian shirt was reloading.

"Next flower bed, GO! Val! Follow us!" I went forward with her to my left shielding her.

"Besides weapons are my livelihood and I'd be a pretty piss poor merchant if I was afraid of my own products."

The lady did like to act high and mighty during a fight. I'd deal with that later but then came a sigh of relief with the distinct whine of police sirens.

Perfect.

After hearing the police shouting at them to halt in Arabic it was quickly drowned out by a distinct THWUMP and then an explosion.

Ok not so perfect.

"Weapons aside how do feel about the idea that they now have fire superiority?"

"Same way as you do with your sarcasm."

The shootout was starting to become more intense but fortunately Orchestra's fire had shifted from us to the police.

"Koko! You alright!?"

"Valmet! Get over here!"

Orchestra was now upping their ante again as Hawaiian Shirt pulled out an AK-47. And living up to my expectations started spraying lead. I ducked back behind the flower bed but I heard a scream, Valmet had been hit in the leg.

"Valmet!" Koko screamed with concern.

I pulled out my second .45. "Sprint to us! I'll cover you!"

I started sending slugs their way but now they upped their defense as they had a shield from one of the fallen police officers. But Valmet had made it to us.

Of all the times I didn't bring my phone, God I'm a fucking idiot! Lehm and the guys could have been here by now. I can't shoot at them all day!

Koko went to her "How bad is it?"

"Sorry I don't think I'm gonna be much help." She winced in pain.

"Don't worry the other's will be here."

I'm about ready to run outta bullets. When I do they're gonna rush us, and it'll be over.

…

Ahh fuck it. It's not like my life made any real turn arounds in the last month and a half. Sure they were decent and fun to get along with but I doubt they would have seen me in the same light if I told the truth about who I really was. Ironic though, I set out with idea to make other's see the world better and I end up being part of the problem. It would be funny though with them knowing a nightmare died protecting them.

"Sophia."

I used Valmet's real name and it got her attention rather quickly.

"Save you're shots. Just don't let them get near Koko."

It's not that far I can cover that distance fast. But I gotta time it right when they reload. That shield won't do much good against a two hundred eighty pound drop kick and a point blank shot.

The distinct sound a clip emptying a gun. That was the signal.

"Wait, what are you doing?" Koko said with tremendous concern.

I didn't answer as I leapt over the flower bed both pistols out and began firing moderately one at a time. Seven in the chamber, one in the pipe, sixteen shots for both, all I needed was one for each of them.

Don't think, just rely on that rage, on what made you who you really are.

Orchestra obviously wasn't scared at the monster coming right at them.

"Come on you big son of a bitch! Bring it!"

Kill. Kill! KILL!

Orchestra then had their next clip loaded and racked the bolt back.

"RAAAAAAAAAAHHH!"

Then in this already mad adventure of mine a rappel rope with a carabiner on the end looped around my leg and started dragging me to the pillars into a clothing store.

Ok seriously what the fuck?

At the same time the girl with Orchestra lifted the Kalashnikov up in the air.

"No wait!"

"Girl! What the hell are you doing? I had him!"

"Don't kill him, he's cute."

I actually heard that, the girl had insane taste. But what was more insane was who pulled me in, Lehm.

"Wow I caught myself a-OOF!"

I didn't let him finish as I planted my foot in his face so hard it knocked out the cigarette in his mouth and split his lip open. I was beyond furious.

"WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING LEHM! I HAD THE BASTARD!"

"Calm down. First time I've seen you lose your temper like that and honestly I didn't like it." As usual calm and collected as he wiped the blood off his lip.

"Well file a fucking complaint in the suggestion box! Don't for a second even think I wouldn't pull something like that without thinking it through. I did know the risks."

"I know you've pulled off some crazy stunts but I know for a fact that utter suicide is not part of your repertoire. Never lose your cool like that again."

I didn't bother answering. It was a fifty fifty chance and if I died. There was nothing between Orchestra and the girls.

"Pissed?"

"Yes you old fart."

"Fine by me but you're not the only one. I fucking hate the all or nothing reckless way."

"Do not put me in the same camp as some cocky greenhorn."

"I mean it. This crew doesn't do fights to the death. We only engage when it's strictly business. Rules. Of. Engagement. You had to have remembered that. And whatever the hell happened in your past, let it go. Whoever that person was, he's no longer the one in front of me."

That's it. I didn't want it to be this soon but now I'm angry.

"Alright lets pause. Once we get out of this, I'm going to tell you why I ended up going AWOL in Afghanistan and anything else you wanna know. Then after that try and say that last sentence again. Just don't tell anyone, I'll tell them myself. But for now let's just focus on helping Koko and Valmet." I held out my hand. "Deal?"

He lit up another cigarette and took it still unshaken and took it "Deal."

A high powered rifle shot pierced through our conversation, police reinforcements must have arrived and we both took cover behind the pillars.

"Hey don't get me wrong." Lehm said. "I'm not trying be the wise veteran over you ok? We've both seen our fair share of bad shit. I'm willing to listen."

Orchestra was then firing on the police snipers.

Koko and Valmet made a break for us while orchestra was distracted.

"Guys? What now?"

Lehm took off his headset. "Here take this, Tojo will give you directions on where you need to go and keep you guys covered. Can you get Koko somewhere safe?"

"Done. Just give me some fresh clips. You gonna have enough ammo?"

"I got something a little special for our musical assassins."

As he handed me his M1911A1 clips he pulled out something more updated, an H&K Mark 23 with a silencer.

"Ok Solid Snake just remember if you run away they won't stop chasing you."

We both smiled, he got the reference.

"Koko take my hand and don't let go." I looked at her with a plea to trust me.

"Of course, let's go."

We ran and Lehm kept them occupied.

1308 Hours

We ran towards the cost and I called in, "Who's on the net?"

"Damien? It's Tojo."

Not a coincidence.

"Looks like ditching you paid off. I got Koko and we're running along the coast, give us directions."

"We got you on satellite just keep going. Lutz and Wiley are trying to set up a perch and Ugo is driving with the rest of the crew to intercept Orchestra, they got away from Lehm."

"Got it, I'll keep you posted. Out."

Koko spoke up "Looks like the rumors were right about those guys. They'll shoot the shit out of anything just to get their target."

"They're mad killers that REALLY like to piss metal Koko! This is why I really fucking hate the life I live right now! That there are full scale psycho's like them loose in the world, people know where there at but they don't do anything. They hide behind so many rules that they're afraid to do what's right! And you supplying guns to maniac's like that means your part of the problem too!"

I heard that distinct chuckle from her again.

"Now what?"

"I'm just glad you articulate what you feel. I think I'd like sharing these discussions with you. Of course there are a few arguments I'd like to make but circumstance does not allow that right now."

Once again. Another long day.