A chaotic mess; that is what Hunter was faced with now that Harry Andersen had died in Hunter's arms. On top of all that sadness and wondering how it went so wrong, Hunter had to get the entire company out and in one piece. There was only a mile to their extraction point, and Hunter needed to locate the rest of the company. Right now, platoons; Hooligan, Eruptor, Berserker were together. The other three were likely close by and taking cover from being shot at or caught in grenade blasts. Hunter was trying to stay calm about the situation, but it was hard with Harry laying dead on the ground before him, eyes still open but there was no life to the man.
"Hu-Hunter?" Treyden put a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder with concern. Hunter forced himself to look over to Treyden; there were tears in Hunter's eyes. Unfallen ones but they rested within sight; Trey knew this hurt Hunter. Losing a friend in battle was hard, them dying in your arms was more difficult. However, losing someone who was also you CO on a dangerous mission, in your arms, and leaving you with the responsibility of getting one hundred and eighteen people plus yourself to safety? There wasn't a word to describe that pain and hurt. "A-Are you okay, baby?" Trey managed to ask.
Hunter shook his head as he looked back to Harry, then closed the man's eyes with his hand while Hunter lowered his head for a silent prayer. "I'm not, Trey. Sadly, it doesn't matter if I am or not. I have to locate Charlie, Delta, and Foxtrot Platoons. Then somehow regroup us and get to extraction before...anyone else dies," Hunter finally replied as he used the back of his hand to wipe a tear that had managed to slip down his cheek.
"Orders, Lieutenant Haddock?" asked Caleb, head of the Berserker Platoon.
"We need to find the others," Hunter stated firmly as he stood up and glanced around to get a better idea of what they were dealing with. "Current sightings indicate we outnumber those pinning us down, but the enemy forces have heavier weaponry," he informed.
"Estimated guess?" inquired Syrus Mason, leader for Eruptor group.
"Fifteen to twenty at best. The RPG strikes hit to the left of us. There are buildings thirty or so feet away; the others must have taken cover in those. Also, there are more enemies that way, high up on the rooftops and in the street," Hunter described after getting his binoculars and taking a look around, activating the thermal sensors he was able to make out where enemies were and those hiding in buildings. Suddenly, Hunter heard the radio crackling as he turned it up a bit.
=Th...is-Ormr Stryke cal...ling Plas...ma F...ire, does anyone copy? Ov...er.=
=Plasma Fire to Ormr Stryke, we copy three out of five. Over.= Hunter replied after hearing Matthew's voice.
=Thank-Gods, we g..ot the to...wer work-again. Who-I sp...eak with? Over.=
=Alpha Hooligan leader. Over.=
=Gi..ve me...Plasma Fire CO. Over.=
Hunter closed his eyes for a minute before replying. =Plasma Fire CO was KIA, Ormr Stryke. I repeat, Plasma Fire CO has been KIA. Over.=
=The status report, Hooligan. Over.=
=Company separated. Within half a mile of one another. A mile to extraction, pinned down. Cover appreciated. Over.= There was no response after that, just static again. "Damn it!" Hunter slammed his head against the wall. Hunter then grabbed his phone out of his pocket and started up the walkie talkie feature. =Charlie, Foxtrot, and Delta. Do any of you hear me? It's Alpha. Over?=
After three minutes, there was a reply of; =Thank God you're all okay. This is Conqueror, and I have Nightmare and Armorcrash with me too. We went to the buildings behind us to the right of the strikes. Where's Andersen? We need to get out of here. Over.=
=Major Andersen is dead, Holgerson. I'm in charge and have Berserker and Eruptor with Hooligan. We're slightly across from your location. You have high shooters on the rooftops and enemies patrolling the streets. Do not leave your position; we'll come to you. Over.=
=Orders understood, Lieutenant Haddock. Do hurry, we have three injured at category orange and could elevate to red soon. Over.=
Hunter sighed. Great. Just what he didn't need were injuries that could become lift threatening if he didn't do something fast. Hunter couldn't access the base anymore, the radio seemed to be down again, but thankfully he could contact the other platoons through the walkie talkie on his phone. What did he do? It was too much to move as a group to the others, and Hunter didn't need more injuries or deaths.
"Kingston. Fury," Hunter stated firmly.
"Yes, sir?" Treyden and Andrew stood and saluted him.
"Take Anderson's body and lead Hooligan, Berserker, and Eruptor Platoons to extraction. I'm going to get the others and meet you there," Hunter ordered.
"Hunter, no! One person breaking off is how we lost Theo, and I'm...not losing you. I can't; please think of something else?" Treyden pleaded.
"I'll be okay. They can't all hit just one person, and I don't have time to debate this, I have to get them out. That's the mission, Trey. Pull everyone out and get back to the base. Do as I've asked, please? I promise you that I'll make it back in one piece. Maybe a few injuries but all in one piece. Nothing can ever take me away from you, not even war," Hunter assured as he cupped Treyden's cheek then kissed him deeply. "Go, now," he added after breaking it.
Treyden nodded as Andrew pulled Harry's body over his shoulders with some help and soon they were ready. Hunter grabbed a grenade off his belt and held the handle down as he pulled the pin then threw it into the street by the patrolling enemies. As soon as it went off, Hunter ran across while Treyden ushered the three platoons out and towards extraction. Guns were firing, and explosions were going off as Hunter barely missed being hit in the shoulder.
"Ah!" Hunter jumped back then kept going until he reached Asher and Brady.
"Where are the others?!" Brady demanded.
"Running for it with Anderson's body. Same as we're gonna do right now so grab those who are injured and get ready. I need four of you with me to send off frags and flashers as cover," Hunter stated. Four stepped forward with firm nods to him, ready for their command. "I took care of the street patrol nearest us, but it won't take long to send reinforcements so move it as soon as you see the frags go off. Our way out is a mile in that direction," he instructed getting another frag grenade ready.
"Got it," the soldiers replied. Hunter panted a few times before stepping out and getting shot at, a bullet hit the ground just a few inches from him. Hunter spotted the shooter and then fired back taking him out. Hunter saw groups on rooftops, so that's where he threw the grenade, then another to the building next to it. The four soldiers helping him set their's off with a wall of explosions.
"Run, now!" Hunter ordered, and the platoons darted in the direction they were commanded to with Hunter being the last to follow and offer as much cover as he could.
(Extraction)
"I see them!" shouted Conner from within the chopper. The three platoons were making their way through and loading up as quick as they were able to either a helicopter or jeep. Hunter came out of the smoke last ten minutes later, coughing hard but suddenly stopped and arch then hit his knees, falling forward onto the group. "Haddock's down!" he alerted as Trey and Nikolas rushed to help him.
"He's been shot..." Trey worried.
"We need to get him out of here and back to base," Nikolas insisted as the two moved Hunter to the helicopter and checked the wound over. "No exit wound, lower left shoulder blade. The entry shows coming in from a high point, and I can't tell how deep it is without moving the rag which will make him bleed more," Nikolas mentioned as he was holding a rag over the wound to stop the blood flow. Hunter was awake but seemed to be in a state of shock and having trouble breathing, like he was choking. "Go! Take off and move as fast as this thing will go!" he ordered.
"Damn it. Andrew, walkie Henderson!" Trey tossed the walkie talkie from Andersen's body to Andrew while he then moved next to Hunter. "Hunter. Hunter please...come on. You...promised you'd be alright...Stay with me," Trey pleaded while Conner joined in to help out.
"He's just in shock, Treyden. I don't think the bullet hit his lungs, the size from what I did see, the bullet has to be a handgun or along those lines," Nikolas informed. "Freaking out isn't going to help him. He's probably in a lot of pain and whatever that bullet hit is causing the trouble breathing,"
=Henderson, it's Sergeant Kingston. Lieutenant Haddock got shot in the back shoulder blade, left side. Bleeding profusely, pressure on and no exit wound. He's barely hanging to consciousness and have trouble breathing, category red!=
=Did this just happen?!=
=About five minutes ago, yes. Happened while he was running to extraction,=
=Open another air passage if needed. How close are you?=
=Fifteen out.=
=You're almost here; medical is on the pads already,=
Trey focused on Hunter, trying to keep him awake. When they reached the base, the four injured were taken right away, then Anderson's body by another set of soldiers. Trey went with Hunter to the CSH; he would be allowed to stay until he knew Hunter's condition. Treyden was worried and scared, but all he could do was wait it out and hope Hunter wasn't too severely wounded. There was only a month left of the tour; surely Hunter would be recovering through that now without a doubt.
(Three Hours Later)
Treyden was pacing with nerves, so much time had passed and about five check-ins from the Matthew to see how Hunter was doing but Trey said no report yet. Finally, a doctor emerged through the Operating Room doors and Trey faced him with grave concern.
"How is he?" Treyden inquired instantly.
"Surgery was a success, we removed the bullet, which looked to be from a Ruger 9E semi-automatic 9mm pistol, and all fragments then cleaned the wound. First Lieutenant Haddock took the shot through his left scapula, fracturing it then continued its path onto to crack an underlying rib before stopping and embedding in the intercostal muscles. No pins or plating was necessary," the doctor informed as Treyden breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
"What's... is he looking at for recovery time?" Treyden questioned.
"Right now we've got him on antibiotics to prevent any infections, oxygen as it will be hard and painful to breath for a while and also, painkillers. If all goes well, I can discharge him in two weeks with a sling to support the damaged muscles and instructions for intense after wound care, but total recovery is two to three months," the doctor said. Treyden must have prayed a thousand times over to the Gods, thanking them for letting Hunter live.
"How is he right now, awake or sleeping?" Trey asked.
"Still unconscious from the anesthetic and in recovery. I don't suspect he'll wake up for another hour or so and it's already one in the morning," the doctor stated.
"Can I wait with him until he does? Please. Hunter is...more than my CO, he's also my best friend and lover," Treyden begged.
"That's fine. It might help for him to wake up to a familiar face," the man smiles then leads Treyden back to where Hunter's recovery room is, "When he wakes up from here and we check him over, then he'll be moved to a better room," he added as Treyden was looking over his boyfriend sadly but still thankful. Hunter laid there looking peaceful as ever in his sleep with an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose, an IV line in his arm and laying completely still with his shoulder all dressed up in guaze and wrappings. Trey grabbed the chair nearest the wall and pulled it close to the bedside where Treyden held Hunter's hand and kissed it softly. The doctor left with a smile.
"I love you," Treyden whispered. Before getting his phone and texting Andrew about Hunter's updated status with details, also that Trey was staying until Hunter woke up and added in for Andrew to make sure Matthew got the news as well.
(Three Weeks Later-Archi Island Airport; 1 pm)
Plasma Fire was home at last, Andrew let Caitlyn know the night before they were returning the next afternoon. All the friends and family sat at baggage claim and passenger pick up waiting for the company to to make their way down the stairs or escalators. Andrews parents stood with the Haddock's since Andrew wanted to greet them and then Caitlyn right afterward, the two had been together since June 6th and it was now January 4th, 2021, seven whole months. Andrew hurried down the stairs to greet them all but it soon became easy to see that when the company was reunited with their families, lovers, and friends; Hunter and Treyden weren't with them.
After the hug with Caitlyn, she inquired about it. "Where's...Trey and Hunter?"
"They won't be on this flight," Andrew informed softly.
"Was it overbooked and they took another one?" Audrey questioned now. Andrew gave a light, apologetic smile to the Haddock family and friends of it before shaking his head.
"Hunter and Treyden are unfortunately, still in Afghanistan for a little longer. I'm surprised no one informed you of what happened," Andrew stated.
"Are they alright?" Salvatore pushed.
"A lot has happened since that night we got called to rescue Echo," Nikolas sighed coming over now. "Harry was killed in the escape. In that extraction mission also," he paused.
"Hunter saved...all of our lives at the risk of his own," Asher stated coming over now. "We were pinned down when Hunter came to get us himself after sending Hooligan, Eruptor, and Berserker to the extraction point. Hunter made a distraction for us, as in Conqueror, Nightmare, and Armorcrash to run as well. We all made it out, Hunter was last and then he got shot in the left shoulder blade," he continued as the group of family and friends gasped.
"Well, it's been...three weeks since then, he should have been...discharged from the hospital by now?" Gregory mentioned.
"He was. Hunter was with us in the barrack until 11 pm. Hunter woke up in a lot of pain. Trey checked the injury and it was confirmed to be an infection, then Hunter was sent to the medic for treatment. Henderson made the call that Hunter cannot come back home until it clears up, safety measures so there doesn't need to be an emergency stop on the way back. Treyden is with him now, they should be right behind us in a week," Conner enlightened.
"How bad was the wound?" Shane inquired.
"I can't remember all the details, it was a scary night. Doctor even said that if it had been any bigger of a bullet and Hunter might not have survived," Conner said, then Trey and Nikolas nodded in agreement to not remembering.
"One of you could call Trey, he said to let us know when we landed?" Amber offered walking by with her family. Andrew got out his phone and pulled up the Skype application, then saw Treyden online so he clicked the call icon to wait for an answer.
"Hey guys," Trey stated calmly.
"Hey, Trey. How's Hunt and where are you two? That don't look like the medic's barrack?" Andrew inquired curiously.
Treyden sighed heavily closing his eyes. "Back at the hospital. Hunter's infection got worse than the swelling by also having drainage, bleeding, fever, and excessive pain. I'm outside the room right now, Hunt just fell asleep,"
"We're with his family right now, they wanna know how bad the wound was and none of us can remember. Can you fill them in?" Andrew asked. Trey nodded as Andrew handed the phone to Salvatore and everyone in the family or friend group tried to gather around to listen.
"Tr-Tr...ey?" came Hunter's tired voice. Treyden hurried back into the room where Hunter was, he propped the phone up on the rolling cart while moving to Hunter's side.
"Ssh, it's alright, Hunter. Are you okay? Another nightmare?" Treyden asked with concern. Hunter managed a nod as Treyden kissed his cheek, holding Hunter's hand and stroking the backside of it. "Ssh, it's okay. I'm right here. Just rest, baby. The antibiotics make you tired. I'll be here when you wake up, I promise." Treyden soothed until Hunter fell back asleep slowly. When Hunter's head flopped to the side tiredly, Trey turned his attention back to the phone while grabbing the phone and moving to the chair.
"Nightmares? From what, the attack?" Caitlyn inquired.
"No, it's from...Harry's death, he died in Hunter's arms. As for the injury; a 9mm bullet tore through Hunter's left scapula from behind, or if you're unfamiliar with that term, it's the shoulder blade and fractured it. Also, the bullet cracked an underlying rib. Bullet was found lodged in the intercostal muscles. Three hours of surgery got the bullet and it's fragments out, Hunter was on antibiotics to prevent infection, oxygen to make breathing a little easier, and painkillers. Hunter spent about nine days in the hospital and was released since everything looked good. And now we're back here because something caused an infection. It's not bad but Hendersen doesn't want us flying until it's better," Treyden explained.
"How long until he's healed fully?" Audrey wondered.
"It's been three weeks since he got hurt. Doc said two to three months," Treyden replied. "We should be back next week as long as this heals up well. I'll keep ya posted," he added.
"Thank you, Trey," Viola smiled gently. Trey ended the call as Sal handed the phone back to Andrew.
"Thank you," Sal informed. "Well, there's nothing else we can do but hope Hunter heals soon and they both return home," After that, everyone left the airport, hoping the next week went by fast.
(A Week Later)
The infection was gone, Treyden called Salvatore and let them know they would be arriving at the airport by 6 pm. Hunter's wound had been cleaned once more, then bandaged up for the trip home. Treyden took care of packing off their things and having them taken to the airport. Hunter's arm was in a sling and unfortunately he was still on oxygen because it was proving to be just a little too hard for him to breathe on his own. The flight was seven hours and fifty minutes, same as it had been going in to Afghanistan; there were two layovers but neither lasted longer than an hour and thirty minutes. Hunter hadn't minded the break.
Now back at the airport, Salvatore, Dustin, Viola, Caitlyn, Shane, Heather, Renee, Travis, Gregory, Audrey, Fisher, Drew, and Eddie were present for Hunter and Treyden's homecoming. Deboarding the plane, Hunter and Trey were off first because Hunter felt weak from the pain killer so the attendants arranged for Hunter to exit by a wheelchair and pushed by Treyden. Reaching bag claim and passenger pick up, two workers brought Trey and Hunter down by the center elevator. At the bottom, the doors opened as the Haddock's and friends were able to see Trey push Hunter out and thank the staff for their assistance.
"Why is he in a wheelchair? Is he...paralyzed?" Viola asked hoping to the Gods her son was alright.
"It's alright, Mrs. Haddock. Hunter's pain killers make his body feel like it's carrying fifty pound weights so we thought the wheelchair might be easier on him," Treyden explained. The group all sighed a breath of relief at the news. Hunter's arm was in a red sling and the light dressing could be seen under his black shirt that was tucked into the gray and black camo pants accompanied by black boots on Hunter's feet.
"Oh, my boy," Sal walked over and pressed his forehead to Hunter's for a makeshift greeting since he couldn't hug him. None of them would be able too knowing how much pain he had to be in plus they didn't want to make the injury worse.
"Hi, Dad," Hunter replied with a smile. After Sal stepped back, Hunter panted a little while looking back at Trey gently.
"Hard to breath still?" Treyden asked and Hunter nodded to him. Trey grabbed the small bag off his shoulder and placed it next to Hunter in the chair, next he hooked up the thin, clear tube to a small oxygen tank and put the other end behind Hunter's neck, around his ears and finally made sure it was positioned right before turning the tank on and Hunter took a few breaths. "Better?"
"Thank you," Hunter nodded once as the others came over to greet the two boys. When that was over, Trey and Shane grabbed the bags before they exited the airport. Hunter looked out the window of his father's car after Treyden and Salvatore helped him in, Trey sat beside him and held Hunter's hand as the car started for Treyden's place in Bashwick. Hunter relaxed a little. An entire year in Afghanistan, two hard losses of good friends but they were finally back home.
