Chapter 26: Trust

September 5th 2010 0545 Hours

Aboard the Fruition, The Solomon Sea

Four hundred and five pounds. When you're going to put that much over your chest for a bench press you not only gotta be confident in yourself but believe that you can go further. But this morning I wasn't gonna go overboard because I had to cook breakfast for everyone later. This morning's request was blueberry waffles and the amount I had to prepare would take a while to cook. That also didn't mean I wasn't gonna practice proper lifting etiquette safety so Lutz was my spotter. I really didn't feel like taking the chance of crushing my collar bone if my grip slipped.

"You sure about this man? If the scar on your chest rips open it's on you." Lutz said doubting my strength again. So I bit back in my natural sarcasm.

"Just make sure I don't get crushed and maybe someday you'll grow up to be big and strong like me."

Surprisingly it was just me, Lutz, Lehm, and Sophia in the gym today. Everyone else decided to sleep in, only real thing that was important today was that we all made sure the rocket carrying the last satellite got off the launch pad. Sophia was doing her calisthenics and Lehm was on the treadmill, going quite fast from what I could tell. Age didn't hinder his skills as a Delta Operator or slow him down. But it did make him lazy and wanting to be more comfortable all the time. Cause he always ran inside in the air conditioned gym and never outside on the deck. But I would poke fun at him later, I motioned to Lutz that I was ready. After getting a firm grip on the bar and some rapid breathing I began, Lutz timing me on when to push.

"Down!" Three seconds. "Up!"

I didn't expect him to keep a firm grip or resist on the bar. Probably wanted to see how far I could go.

"Down!" Four seconds. "Up!"

This was normally the part where I began to struggle a little bit. When I put more weight on when I was reaching the end of my exercise. But I knew the routine, and I also knew that I didn't start out as big as I was.

"Down!" Three seconds. "Up!"

When I first came into my teens I was taller than most boys, but I was unnaturally skinny. The good thing about it though was that my dad had a lot of friends that were more fit that most of the regular soldiers on whichever base I lived on at the time. They told me that there was really only one way to get larger and it wasn't just exercise, you had to eat a lot.

"Down!" Five seconds. "Up!"

It was during that time that I started reading a lot of cook books. Most people like to claim that making food is an art but that's only if you're going to culinary school. Anybody can cook anything, all you really have to do is just follow the recipe and the directions on how to make it. Naturally over time it just becomes instinct if you do it enough. Same thing with my training, but my young foolhardy mind at the time wasn't really registering the fact that I was becoming increasingly good at killing people. What was worse was that I was choosing all of this, I could have been anything else.

"Down!" Three seconds. "Up!"

I then placed the bar on the rack, took a deep breath and blew air. I always did find military life fascinating and I knew from personal experience that it's not what Hollywood, TV, or video games make it out to be. The comradery, excitement, travel, and event's you witness are only seen by few. But unfortunately I viewed all the bad ones in one gulp and my head couldn't handle the stress.

"What's up man? How come you're done after only five? Valmet take too much out of you last night?" He said slyly.

"Want me to call her over so you can ask her that?" I said in a tone telling him to watch it.

Upon hearing that, Karl then remembered that there were a few things in which his sarcasm wouldn't be seen in that light at all. Plus he was also a fan of breathing so he decided to shut up and change the topic as quick as possible.

"Uhh…anyway I think that's enough for this morning. Rocket launch is gonna be at 1000 hours and I wanna make sure I get breakfast before then."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah you'll get your waffles. Alright! Anyone needs me I'll be in the galley."

Lehm then got off the treadmill and wiped his face off with a towel. I found it truly bizarre that he could sound non-chalant and authoritative at the same time.

"Wash your ass first. And put one of those damn nets on this time! I'm not picking out another long hair in my food again."

As I heard Sophia and Karl bust out laughing I only decide to counter when I was about to walk out the door.

"At least mine is still its natural color." And slammed the door behind me.

0900 Hours

One Mile From The Zavare Launch Platform, 1 Hour Untill Lift Off

The plane ride from South Africa to Papa New Guinea for Karen Low was not a particularly enjoyable one. Neither was the current helicopter flight heading towards the Fruition. Although she hid her true expressions behind a face of calm and professional composure, inside she was a violent storm. Even though she knew that her new employer Professor Amada had close ties to Koko Hekmatyar she would not allow her personal feelings to get in the way of business. Professor Amada had taken her in without hesitation when she was literally on the edge of having absolutely nothing. She would not jeopardize the only solid foundation she stood upon and be cast out into the streets again. In the purest definition of war soldiers on both sides act with professionalism and never made it personal, the man or woman on the opposing force was doing the same job they were and were simply on opposite sides. Reality though tended to disagree. Two of HCLI's bodyguards who had humiliated Tashinhai over and over again decided to go on a killing spree and kill her mentor. She then stared at the Fruition with a menacing scowl, Dr. Miami was quick to set her tone right.

"Karen calm down. Remember you said you would be on your best behavior. I know I didn't tell you until the last minute on who we would be meeting out here and I can understand you're upset. But think of this as a way to make up for any bad blood that's happened. To be the bigger woman. When I told you the world was going to change, I meant that. It wasn't an exaggeration."

Karen was bewildered to believe that Amada was speaking as matter of fact. She wasn't able to figure out all the details but she and Koko were working on something. They were so secret that they didn't tell anyone, not even their closest friends or even their head offices. There was a lot of money and products shifting around and no one knew what for. But above all else she had a job to do, that was to assist her new boss in any way possible.

"I know Professor, I haven't forgotten. I swear I won't try anything reckless."

The helicopter then began to descend and land on the Fruition's helipad. Dr. Miami leapt out first all too eager to see her friend again followed by Low. Koko was already aware that Minami had arrived and decided to meet her halfway on deck with Lehm and Wiley in tow. However when she saw who was following the good doctor she froze in place but that iconic smile of hers still remained fixed on her face. Wiley then glanced at Lehm, and with a nod and look that was built up upon years of trust told him to not jump to conclusions. Koko then walked forward to greet her old friend and wanting to know why someone like Low was with her.

"So Minami, bad enough you show up at the last minute. But why did you decide to bring this outsider here? That's Karen Low."

"Relax it's all good Koko. She's one of my secretaries now, and I told her under no circumstances start any fights." She said waving it off.

"That doesn't mean that…OH SHIT!"

Koko then paled as she just realized that something couldn't be more obvious. He had told her all of the details of what happened in Ethiopia. There was no way he was going to let this slide by without consequence, this would be a repeat of what happened when Kasper came on board without him knowing only a hundred times worse.

"Lehm! Find or get a hold of Damien! Tell him DO NOT come up on deck for any reason!"

Lehm knew exactly what this was going to lead to and it will end horribly. As he turned around with his radio out to head back below deck, he didn't even make three steps to see that he was already too late. Damien was already on deck and out in front with the rest of the crew. His eyes widened in anger and shock, he could not believe that the one who shot both him and Valmet was still alive and on the ship. Lehm knew that Low wasn't going to do anything, but Damien was a different story. And he didn't think a rope and carabiner wrapping around his leg was going to stop him like last time. Lehm then got in a blocking stance and held out his hand motioning him to stop before he did anything reckless.

"Damien! STOP! Just listen to me! Don't do anything you're gonna regret! Koko-ARGH!"

Damien wasn't even listening to a word he said. He then sprinted forward so fast he seemed to have teleported as he knocked Lehm out of the way like a linebacker going through the offensive line to tackle the quarterback. His target was Karen Low and with an animalistic snarl he slammed into her before she could even react, spearing her back a good ten feet. Her injuries from a few weeks prior and her shattered shoulder from Damien's pistol caused immense pain and she couldn't fight back. Getting into a dominant mount Damien held her by the throat and delivered three punches to the face breaking and bloodying her nose. Then using his ridiculous strength took Low by the throat and lifted her up and slammed her against the decks wall, holding Low a good two and a half feet off the ground. Struggling to break free of Damien's vice like grip she then saw him reach behind his back and pulled out his .45. It was the first time in her life that she was truly terrified. He was going to kill her. With coldness in his eyes and hatred in his voice, Damien was going to bid her, her final farewell.

"Go back to hell, AND STAY THERE!"

Damien pulled the hammer back and aimed it right at her forehead. Karen believed that this was her end and she shut her eyes.

Bang!

Her ears were ringing but she was still breathing. She then slowly opened her eyes and saw Koko struggling with Damien's arm. She had saved her life, but she wondered for how much longer.

"Damn it Koko! Let go of me!"

"You stop this shit right now Damien! Enough!"

Koko was struggling trying to take Damien's gun from him. Her thumb was preventing the hammer from striking the firing pin. Damien was then wrestling with holding Karen against the wall and trying to free his hand from Koko's grip. He knew he wouldn't hit her out of anger but he wouldn't just let something like what Karen did just be known as water under the bridge. She wasn't Kasper, and he wasn't the only one she tried to kill. Knowing that Damien had clearly blown a head gasket the whole crew was ready to pounce on him but after they came into the gaze of one of the two stares from ice blue eyes filled with violence told them without speaking that she would get him to stop. Koko knew there was no way in hell she could match Damien's strength and simply forced her way in front of him so that he wouldn't get a clean shot at Low still gripping his pistol.

"I'm not going to ask twice Damien, calm down!"

"You know exactly who the fuck this is! WHY THE FUCK IS SHE HERE!?"

"I swear! I didn't know! I only found out about this not more than five minutes ago when Minami came on board the ship. I DIDN'T KNOW!"

Damien then looked to her and then back to Low. She then realized why this man had been designated "Nightmare" by the CIA. While mercenaries are also known as the dogs of war, he was more along the lines of an enraged wolf waiting to sink its teeth into its next meal. Now beginning to become frustrated of trying to bat off Koko he took his grip off of Low's neck and she dropped to the deck gasping for air. He then took Koko's hands off of his .45 but she immediately slapped him across the face and then stood in front of Low. She was violently coughing after finally being able to breathe again. Koko then looked up to Damien as if it was some bizarre version of David and Goliath. If anyone on Earth was truly not afraid of Damien it was Koko.

"Listen to me. I said I didn't know and it was Minami that brought her on board. I trust her judgement more than anyone and as of this moment a lot more than yours right now."

Damien then shot a dark stare at the professor and then back to Koko. He knew he didn't have to have credentials to figure out that there was a difference between being educated and being smart.

"Well then she needs to readjust her judgement cause she's a fucking idiot."

Without warning came another slap to the face. But this one came with more force and with the form of a claw causing him to bleed from Koko's finger nails. This time Damien was facing the crew, each one of them shared the same look. Pleading with him not to do anything drastic cause they would shoot him if necessary. He then let an annoyed sigh through his nose and turned to face Koko again. He still hadn't lost the grip on his pistol.

"I think it's about time that you finally realize that in this line of work that yesterday's enemy can become tomorrow's friend. Not everything in this world is black and white. I've known Minami for a very long time, she would never be so careless. You said you trusted me, that you didn't hate me, and that you were glad to be a part of my family. Was that all a lie?"

A very bold dare then hit Damien hard. His angry scowl remained but his eye's widened at the dare. He then remembered that even with all of the tragedy, all of the violence, all of the betrayals he made in his life Koko reached in and took his hand to lead him back on a proper path without hesitation. But he was truly torn in between what he wanted to do and should do.

"This isn't like what happened with your brother. She deliberately tried to kill me and Sophia. Do you really expect me to just act as the better man and forget about what she did?"

"No I do not. But I'm not letting you fall back into becoming a murderer."

Suddenly Damien's thoughts came racing back to when he fought Low's unit in South Africa. He told her straight up that he wasn't a murderer anymore. But he then remembered Sophia, her gripping him tightly as she was shielding him from being shot any further by Low. The tear running coming from her eye, and the expression of sadness that he thought was not possible to be formed on her face. He couldn't just let what happened be passed along as uninfluential. He knew what Low had done to her and he shifted his eyes over to her.

"She was crying Koko, seeing that hurt so badly that it was like torture."

Koko then blinked slowly. "I know. I can't even begin to fathom what you felt. But what would hurt me and everyone else even more is that if you just kill Karen you will also kill any further chance at redemption for your past sins. If you kill her, you will have lost that. You would continue on in that endless loop of violence. Do not think that I won't discard you. This is your only chance, let her live and I will let you be the first one to see the new world I was telling you about. I will help you move past your terrible deeds. Kill her, and you will be on your own, forever."

The silence that followed was so loud that it was deafening. Damien knew that Koko was never the one to bluff. Even though she had great care for those close to her she also can and could be cold and ruthless, she never made exceptions to who it was. He still kept the grip tight on his .45 and his eyes then darted back and forth between Koko and Karen. He would either satisfy his rage or trust the instinct of the woman who had technically saved him from becoming worse than he once was. Kill the one who made Sophia cry or kill his chance and redeeming himself. He couldn't make a choice, the stress was causing him to sweat so much he looked like he just came in from the rain and shake like he was about to explode.

He wasn't the only one going through extreme stress, seeing her lover in such a state was unbearable. Even though she hated Karen Low just as much as he did she knew Koko was right. Valmet saw Damien grow so close to not only her but the rest of the crew as well. She wanted to make sure that he didn't fall back into his old self again as well.

"Damien please, don't do this. You're better than this."

Damien then stopped shaking and looked at Valmet. She then walked past the crew toward him with the authority in which she honed in when she was still a Major in the Finnish Army. But the tone she spoke to him with was a care for his well-being.

"I wanna rip this bitch's head off just as bad as you do but she failed to kill us both. Why would you even bother wasting your full potential on someone that's completely below you? Why would you want to ruin your chance at having a better life again? And if that's not enough, then I'm asking you to trust Koko as I trusted you."

Damien then looked at her as if she was disappointed in him. He knew that while he was only shot, she was nearly killed by Low. But if she could move past it, then so could he. He also then realized that once again, that frightening anger of his had taken him over and brought out the side of him than no one wanted to see. Cursing himself for it, he knew what he had to do, be practical. He did not have to go that far in order to get Karen to realize that she will never make an extremely poor choice of shooting him or Valmet or any of his friends again. After a few moments of silence, Damien finally blinked. He put his thumb on the hammer of his .45 and let it ride forward. He then tucked his pistol back in his holster behind his waist and everyone became less tense.

He then felt his left cheek and the blood was still there but not running. He then looked at Koko, this time she wasn't smiling. But had the look of authority, the authority of a woman that was in charge of distributing weapons of all types across two continents. Taking charge and making sure one of her subordinates didn't go haywire.

"I wasn't thinking clearly. I'm sorry Koko." Damien said neutrally.

Koko then looked up to him with what she expected out of him, professionalism, and he did just that. Damien then looked over to Low, still on the floor of the deck breathing deeply. He approached her with a neutral look on his face and held out his hand to help her off the ground. She wiped the blood off from under her nose and looked at him with a wary disgust but Damien held firm in his pose. She wouldn't have accepted any apology he gave but she gave Dr. Miami her word that she wouldn't start anything. Damien was the aggressor and it would all fall on him. She took his hand and he brought her up to her feet.

As she was brought up she continued to look at him with disgust. But as she was about to take her hand away Damien did not let go. In fact his grip tightened even further, as Karen looked down his large, calloused, and scarred up hand that had been in hundreds of fights. She then looked back at his neutral face but then she realized that he was holding on to her non injured side. Her eyes slowly widened in fear as she also realized what she led herself into, a trap.

He didn't need to go so far as killing her, he would make her realize that. With reactionary instinct Damien then lifted her arm over her head, spun it around so that her elbow was facing up, and without emotion drove his large arm down onto her elbow bending it in a way it wasn't supposed to and broke it with a stomach churning snap. It was a delayed reaction, but after two seconds Karen Low howled in excruciating pain and fell back to the deck on her knees gripping her shattered arm and screaming in Chinese.

Unable to believe what had just happened, Koko screamed at Damien in a way she hadn't done to him before but the moment he was done with his deed he was already walking off and not looking back at anyone.

"DAMIEN-!"

"I'll be below deck. I'll be out when I think I'm ready." Damien said with growl cutting her off.

As Valmet went to go and get him Koko held up her hand to stop with a quick snap. As she looked at her she saw that her eyes were twitching and biting her lip so hard that it was bleeding. This was the first time she had ever seen Koko it an absolute fit of visible anger. She hardly if ever lost her temper. Furious, Koko then took off her shoe and threw it at him, he didn't even react to it hitting him. But she would deal with him later. Right now Karen needed a doctor.

"Mao! Wiley! Get her to sick bay! Now!"

0950 Hours

The crew then gathered on deck after looking around the entire ship trying to find Damien to see if he cooled down or not. It was almost time to witness the final launch of HCLI's most prized project with several years of development and everyone gathered on deck. But it was hard to get excited knowing what everyone had witnessed an hour earlier, Damien's bad side when he was angry.

Even though it was the final satellite to go into orbit the moment was ruined with Damien's mad outburst earlier. He only said that he was going to be below deck, but he didn't say where and he was extremely good at hiding when he wanted to be left alone. After Karen's arm was painfully realigned and put in a brace until she could go to the hospital on one of the islands, Valmet immediately went to her and Damien's cabin. His phone and radio was deliberately placed on his desk in a way that anyone would see it. She knew that her and the crew would have to look through the whole ship. She then noticed that his cigar humidor was slightly off the shelf where his bottles of expensive high proof liquor was. He only had cigars when there was something to celebrate about, not when he was stressed. Everyone gave up after half an hour and decided to just leave him be for now. Frustrated on being unable to get him to come to his senses and talk to her she looked at Koko to try and bring her spirits up.

"I'm sorry Koko. I promise I'll beat some sense and logic into him whenever he decides to come out of whatever hole he's in."

She didn't show it but inside she was stressed out beyond belief. She knew Valmet was fairing no better either considering how close the two had gotten within the last month. What was even worse was that this had been the first time any of them had seen Damien when he was truly angry. It wasn't a pretty sight, considering how he wouldn't even hesitate to run through Lehm or even scream at her in the way he did. He was like a totally different person. It was best if he just got the stress out of his system his own way and she would remind him again why she took him on board with her crew.

"Just leave him be for now. When we first met I told him that there was never any ice I couldn't melt and it won't start now. But that is for later, right now it's almost time for launch. Go and watch it with the rest, I need to talk to Minami."

"Ok I'll send her over."

1952 Hours

CIA Headquarters, Langley, Virginia

Since mass invasion of privacy wasn't new in the CIA's line of work. They managed to hack into HCLI's live feed of their final satellite launch to their home office in Switzerland without issue. At the head of this late night meeting with several other branch directors was George Black. Knowing what kind of system HCLI was constructing over the last two years he made it a priority that not only the CIA but the entire United States Military would piggy back off of it he would get them dancing to his tune to ensure that the United States stayed on top as the dominant super power of the world.

"Only a few more minutes until launch. Does anybody know if we have any field agents that are near Koko?"

Other than the obvious one.

"Uhh...we do but he's not the one that you would like to have near her Bookman." One of the directors mentioned.

0155 Hours

Hekmatyar & Chevalier Logistics Incorporated Headquarters, Zurich, Switzerland

He had decided to sleep in his office for the night. Since he wanted to make sure that the final rocket for his grand project got off the ground and into orbit he was only going to make sure of it and then wake up a little later than usual when he went to work. As he took off his tie and loosened the collar of his shirt, Floyd Hekmatyar breathed a sigh of relief that the most time consuming part of his new global distribution network was finally completed. All that was left was for his son Kasper to make it known to the public in a few months and his daughter Koko to finish assembling the technical aspects. His only regret was that he wasn't able to be there for the final launch.

"Well Koko dear your hard work has finally paid off. I look forward into how much of an improvement this will make not only to the company but to the world as well."

0957 Hours

While everyone was on the railing on the ship looking at the launch platform Koko and Minami were behind them leaning on the walls on the deck. Minami then lit up her next cigarette with her torch that was normally used for lighting cigars. Her expression remained as a carefree professional but Koko had to let her know what was important before the launch.

"I thought that you should know that Karen will need a doctor but she's alright. I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am. What Damien did was unforgivable. I may take it easy on everyone and him especially but I won't let him just pretend he can do whatever the hell he wants around me."

"Koko it's ok. He didn't kill her, he just wanted blow off some steam. I also have a feeling that he had a justifiable reason. From what you've told me about him he would never lose his composure like that. But what did he mean when he said, 'She made her cry'?"

Koko hesitated for a moment and answered as matter of fact.

"After Valmet killed Chan she and Damien were about to escape until Low found them both. She shot Damien first but Valmet jumped in front of him and saved his life."

Minami then let out a puff from her cigarette.

"I see. I can understand why he would be so upset, I thought they were both rivals panning for your affection?"

Koko then adjusted her hat while looking down at the deck in her usual carefree smile. She was almost embarrassed to admit it but everyone on the crew already knew. She just didn't tell Minami yet.

"Well let's just say that not long after our most recent trip to Africa, Damien and Valmet…advanced together."

"Really? How much?" Doctor Miami said turning to her with eager interest.

Koko's response wasn't words but a gesture. A gesture of holding one hand as a circle and poking her index finger on the other one through it several times. Minami then squealed with excitement.

"Oh my gosh they're a couple!? They're both into tattoos so did they decide to get matching ones? Never mind that, when is the big day!? Have they decided on baby names!? Have they decided who will work and who will run the house!?"

Koko then grabbed her shoulders. She knew once Minami started she wouldn't stop.

"Calm down they haven't gotten that far yet. Plus they both place business ahead of personal time before anything else."

"So they're nothing like what Lehm and Chiquita were?"

She chuckled. "No not that bad."

Dr. Miami then checked her watch. "One minute to lift off. You know not to change the subject but I'm surprised your old man didn't travel out here to see the final launch. This is a very big deal, I mean after all the work you've done he could at least say congratulations or give you a pat on the back, anything."

Koko let out an annoyed sigh. "Let me tell you something that pretty much sums up Floyd. He doesn't care how the meat is raised, butchered, and made into the perfect type of sausage. Only when it a turns a profit will he show even the slightest hint of satisfaction."

Knowing that was the only time she would mention anything about her father, Professor Amada quickly changed the subject again.

"Supplementary navigation satellites, a private enterprise allowed to oversee global distribution under the ultimate pretext, helping the United States. The current GPS system uses twenty four satellites and six orbits but we can supplement that five times over. It will give us full control over the world's distribution networks, not to mention transmissions and communications."

Koko knew she was praising her on how much this all meant but this was only just a drop in the ocean compared to what Koko's real plan was.

"You know that that type of flattery means nothing to me Minami."

"Hmm. Flattery withdrawn." She then looked at her watch again. "Oop! Here it goes!"

2000 Hours

As all eyes were glued to the monitors Bookman knew that the launch had went off without a hitch and it was now the critical moment for "Operation Under Shaft" to begin its full momentum. Knowing he couldn't have any bumps in the road. He decided to make the call to the one that he hoped wouldn't gum up the works. He picked up his phone and dialed in his number.

"Of all people why did it have to be him that wanted to stop Hekmatyar?"

The phone rang only twice and he picked up.

"Yeah?"

"Shattzberg this is Chief Black."

"Director Black it's been a long time. What can I do for you?" Scarecrow said in his arrogant tone.

"Listen Agent Scarecrow I know you're in the Solomon's. I don't give a crap if you wanna follow Amada or Hekmatyar. But I warn you "Under Shaft" is still in full effect, do not get in our way."

"What's that!? I can barely hear you Bookie! This rocket launch is pretty loud!"

Bookman then hung up his phone calmly but clearly frustrated.

"Damn arrogant punk. I don't even know what he's doing is more stupid, trying to get in the way of this operation or not realizing he's about to stomp on the tail of a tiger."

1037 Hours

I still couldn't get over the fact that that bitch had survived. Or even that Koko went off on me in the way she did. How in the hell else was I supposed to react? Low almost killed me and Sophia, I know that in this kind of life there is the grey area but this wasn't one of those cases. I did however go a little overboard when I ran through Lehm, but now I would have to deal with Sophia's bullshit too whenever I was done feeling sorry for myself.

The rocket launch had been over for a while and I was still in the cargo holds sitting down leaning back against a metal container that was loaded with Hellfire anti-tank missiles. The hold was dimly lit and other smell besides the metal and salt water residue was the smoke of my Cuban cigar. It was my last one that I wanted to save at least until Thanksgiving but I was so frustrated that I just grabbed whatever was in my humidor and made for the holds. It also wasn't even making me feel any better, looked like smoking wasn't a way I could relieve my stress.

At least I got the chance to snap that cunt's arm like a fucking twig. She at least knows she can't beat me in a straight up fist fight from now on.

Even though that that was one major problem off of my list, I still couldn't help but think in what Koko said to me. That she would just ditch me and forget that I even existed. I wondered if she would really do that, despite all the times I've saved her life. The biggest question was what in the hell was this new world thing she was so focused on. Even more so how could she help me redeem myself and move on with my life. It's not like I can just erase the past.

Speaking of time I forgot how long I was down here, I was taking very slow drags from the Cuban and with its slow burn I wasn't even halfway done with it yet. As I took another slow puff I heard the ships bullhorn sound off, looked like Koko was tired of waiting and wanted to send a message to me.

"Minami and Karen left over an hour ago Damien. Thanks to you she only was able to stay long enough to witness the launch and the moment that was done she had to take Karen to one of the hospital's in the Solomon's so she can get a cast on."

Drag, blow, didn't give a shit.

"Even though you didn't kill her, don't think I didn't realize that you took advantage of my words by breaking her arm. For you I may be the most generous to out of all of the crew but never take advantage of me like that again. That said I hated the way you acted, and I'm not what you would say angry at you, more along the lines of disappointed. That is not the man who is one of the best parts of this team. That's not the man I want to help get past his nightmares. That's also not the man who cares about his friends."

Deep drag, exhale, frustrated groan.

"When you're done sitting in whatever protective bubble you're in I need you in the conference room at one o'clock. We'll be sailing to Port Moresby and then back to Europe in a few days. Blow me off and I'll send Valmet."

Slow drag, calm blow. "Goddamnit."

1315 Hours

I didn't have much of a choice but to go. However I couldn't just walk in all pissed off, I wanted to make sure that I was calm before I did anything else. When I opened the door, everyone's eyes immediately shifted to me. A familiar sight, the same one that happened to me earlier in the year but instead of bewilderment it was agitation. I knew that if I was to get past this without getting ragged on later, I would have to let any of them speak first. I walked to the only open seat at the other end of the table avoiding eye contact along the way. As I sat down the first one I looked at was Koko, still clearly pissed that I hurt someone that truly deserved it. Which to me made absolutely no goddamn sense, but I held my tongue until one of us spoke.

It took longer than I thought though. Lehm then looked to her and she looked back, they both must have shared the same thought that I wasn't going to budge. She then stood up from the table and addressed with calm authority.

"We will be making a few stops in Europe for the next week and we'll need to split three of the crew to procure a smaller but much more important transaction in France. The rest of us will be delivering five trucks worth of guns and mortars along with APC's to Bosnia & Herzegovina. R, I'm gonna put you in charge of the package delivery, pick two who you wanna take."

"Ok, before I do what are we delivering?"

"You'll get the details just before flying out to Marseille."

R then looked around the table, glancing at me several times.

"You know I'll take Damien and Lutz. Probably be better if we ease ourselves back into work. What do you say guys?"

"I'm game. Damien?"

I took a deep breath and then cracked my neck.

"Back to the grindstone."

This has to be the most neutral and professional meeting I've been in yet. Why the hell's everyone mad at me? I just put someone in their place, she did try to kill me.