Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 28 – Even If The Enemy Be My Friend.
Marx's POV, Rebellion HQ, The following morning.
Things were getting me of a high concern as of the past few days. Besides the fact that General Monroe was still waiting to announce his decision about what to do about us, Archer and Hunter were still gone. But what concerned me the most was that Raptor was still not answering anyone's calls. Nor me or Wreak have heard a word from him since he left. God I hope he's okay.
With me still inside the HQ watching over everything, I listened to the sounds of Wreak outside with the new recruits who came of their own accord. They were young, but Wreak knew how to mold them. In time we would have some extra help which we needed.
"Knock! Knock!"
Looking up to the front door in confusion, I urged.
"Come in!"
Watching from my seat, I was caught off guard as a pack of wolves came through the door. The one in front looked to be in charge of the group. Watching him as he approached, I asked.
"Who are you?"
With a tense stance, he replied.
"My name's Char. These are my brothers. Raptor told us to come here so that we may join the rebellion."
In disbelief, I asked.
"When did Raptor say for you to come here?"
"Two days ago sir. At Ron's bar."
Nodding, I mumbled to myself.
"Of course Ron's bar. What else did he say?"
Giving me more respect then I deserved he replied.
"He said to speak to Wreak about training us as a squad."
Nodding some more, I stood up to offer him my hand.
"Well I'm not Wreak. But I'm one of the people you should get to know. My name is Marx. I'm the lead doctor right now. Wreak is outside with the others. You should go talk to him if you ready to begin."
The pack gave me smiles as the front door opened again.
Raptor's POV.
Entering the HQ, I looked to Marx to see he was with Char and his friends.
"Raptor!" Shouted Marx in disbelief as I made my way to him to order.
"Get outside now. All of you. That includes you and your men Char."
Marx was caught off guard by the strictness as Char stood up straight to reply.
"Yes sir!"
Nodding to him as he proceeded to the door with his pack, I said to myself.
"I like that kid."
While I let the thought go, I was asked by Marx.
"Is everything okay Raptor? Where have you been?"
"Dealing with family problems Marx. That's all you need to know about it. Now let's go."
Obeying me in a feared like way, I proceeded back outside to see Wreak was giving a lecture to some other recruits. Char and his friends were with them as I approached with Marx.
"This isn't a game." Stated Wreak to the recruits as I shouted.
"Lieutenant!"
My voice came through as it did twelve years ago. His ears jolted along with everyone else as he looked to see me coming his way in a strong pace.
"Attention!" Ordered Wreak to his followers as they all watched me get before them and next to Wreak.
Wreak went to introduce me, but with a stronger voice I said.
"If the Lieutenant here hasn't already introduced us I will right now for you. You will only hear this once so don't make me repeat myself."
Wreak's POV.
Fucking guy was scaring even me. What the fuck happened while he was gone? He hasn't acted like this since he was in command of Spec Ops. Or maybe that's the point. Pointing over to me, he stated.
"As you may already know this right here is the first and last person you come to for anything. The Lieutenant here is one of the greatest soldiers I've ever known. He's ex special forces and two time war veteran like myself and that man behind you all."
Eyes looked to Marx as Raptor carried on about me.
"His name is Wreak. He's in charge of training each and every one of you. And by my orders he will decide who is capable of what around here. I hope all of you are ready, cause just like he said this is no longer a game. Your here for your own reasons, but we are all here for the end result. Freedom." Stated Raptor as I nodded.
"Right now I'm proud of you all for stepping up. But things change now for you. This isn't a job. This is a way of life now. You will all be given a place to stay from the Lieutenant and you will follow his orders. Do I make myself clear!?"
Right now there was only a few men. No more then six, plus that pack of wolves. Standing strong they replied.
"Sir yes sir!"
"Good." Stated Raptor as he looked back to Marx.
"Back to that guy behind you. He's your last line of defense before parting this world. He's the best god damn doctor you'll find and if you stay on his good side he's bound to grow on you. His name is Marx. Not Mark! Marx!" Stated Raptor strongly as everyone shouted back.
"Sir yes sir!"
Looking back to me, then to the small group, Raptor then stated.
"Right now there is only two people left to tell you about. Unfortunately one isn't here. And that is my second in command. His name is Archer. You will all have the pleasure of working under him as well. He will be aiding in your training alongside the Lieutenant. You will all show him the respect he deserves or there will be repercussions. Do I make myself clear!?"
"Sir yes sir!" They shouted once more as he nodded.
"Last but not least, my name is Raptor Voltz. I am the Commander of this rebellion and my word is law. You go against me or anyone I trust, I will fucking end you! Are we clear!?"
"Sir yes sir!" They replied as I was certain Raptor was different. When he left the other day he was barely talking, none the less shouting like this. But I think I knew what he was doing.
"This isn't a game! This isn't a job! This is your new life! G.U.N is out there trying to take back our homeland and steal away what Commander Shadow Robotnik died for! This will not happen! We will stop them, but I need all of you to give me more then a hundred percent! I need your lives if you want this country back and your rights back! They will not be given to you! Nothing here will be given to you! From this moment on, I want each of you to offer yourselves to me and this rebellion! Starting with you Char!" He stated as he looked to the wolf in the back.
As the kid approached, I saw he was determined just by his approach to Raptor. Soon standing before him, I watched as Raptor asked.
"Are you willing to die for this rebellion and your freedom?"
"Yes sir." He replied as I immediately widened my eyes along with everyone else as Raptor responded by sending a knee into his chest.
The hit was so solid the kid instantly hit the ground before him to shout.
"Sir yes sir!"
Staring him down, he replied.
"That's what I like to hear kid. Now get up!"
Struggling to get on his feet, Char retook Raptor's eyes. Slowly matching his height, Char watched carefully as Raptor stated directly.
"I can see your not alone here. Those men you call brothers are following you into this hell. Are you prepared to take responsibility for them?"
"Yes sir!" Replied Char as Raptor then asked to the other wolves.
"Will you follow him into battle and if need be death!?"
Not a one hesitated to reply.
"Sir yes sir!"
Raptor held strong and with a grace, looked back to Char to state.
"Those are your men. They're future relays on what you do as a leader. I expect the best from you Char. Don't disappoint."
"No chance sir." He replied in confidence as Raptor then ordered.
"You may step down."
Obeying, Char returned to his men with his hand on his chest in pain still from the knee. After getting back, he asked the rest of the recruits.
"Are the rest of you willing to die for this rebellion? For you freedom? For the freedom of your families and your kids?!"
"Sir yes sir!" They all replied without a hint of bluffing.
Giving them another nod, Raptor then replied.
"Good. Cause your lives are mine now. You all now have one goal. Become a soldier. Become a man and show us what you can do. Lieutenant?!" He shouted as I replied.
"Commander!"
Looking to me he ordered.
"Get started here. I want a report by the end of the day."
"Yes sir!" I replied as he then shouted.
"Dismissed!"
Everyone tried to now relax as Raptor made his way back to the HQ with Marx who was holding a pace behind.
The recruits now looked to me for direction as I stared Raptor down. That guy is a fucking genius.
Raptor's POV.
"Your fucking insane. What are you doing scaring those kids like that?" Asked Marx as he followed me into the HQ to shut the door.
Stopping in my tracks, I turned to point in his face.
"I'm taking charge of this rebellion! We won't get anywhere if I'm nice and calm to all them. They need to understand this is going to be a war Marx. Maybe you need to understand that as well before you start questioning me."
Giving me a confused look, Marx stated.
"I'm not questioning you Raptor. I'm just asking why? What's the point in striking fear?"
Looking deeply into his eyes I replied.
"When I lead the special forces back in Pakistan Marx, I did this with every new recruit I got. I broke them down. I scared them. I made them pledge their lives to me and the cause. Not because I wanted them to fear me. I want them to fear failure. To fear death. And to fear the other side of the coin. None of those kids will last a week if I don't do this now. And now that's it's underway, give Wreak and Archer a few weeks. Those kids will be men. Men willing to die for the rebellion."
Marx could only stare at me as I turned back for the op table.
"I can give Wreak a few weeks, but Archer is still out there somewhere with Hunter. He hasn't checked in and I'm getting worried."
"Don't be." I ordered him as he questioned.
"Why?"
Not turning around, I replied.
"Because Archer is doing what he does best. He's making a call. And how long has it already been? Two days? If I'm right, he'll be back tonight with her. Then we'll see if she's right for the job."
Marx went silent as I then urged.
"Come here."
Slowly approaching me, Marx asked.
"What?"
Looking into his eyes, I replied.
"Your part of this war now Marx. Like it or not you always have been. I'm not acting the way I am to get between us. If you need to understand that further go ask Wreak. He already saw what I was doing out there. And lastly, I need you to keep a close eye on those kids out there. See if there are any medical issues we need to be concerned about. But do me a favor and keep an eye on Char. That kid is something else. I want to know everything about him."
"Okay Raptor. I'll...?"
"Say that again Marx." I ordered him as he gulped. Marx wasn't used to my serious side. I knew if I kept this up he would soon begin to be scared of me. But I'm willing to pay that price.
"Yes sir."
"Good. Now get out there. I have things to do."
Obeying, Marx made his way back outside to leave me alone in the HQ. Looking to the nearby map of Iraq Wreak had scouted out, I began to look for our next target.
Nothing was set in stone, but one thing was sure in my mind. If General Monroe still hasn't announce anything yet then he must be taking more then the thinking action behind his desk. I need to know what he's planning. That way I can react and push him further back. The more pressure I present to him with less open action, the closer I will push him over the edge. As long as we keep hidden we should be given what we want without trouble. Monroe seemed like the type to jump the gun if pushed too far. That's what I'm going to rely on here. The only question now was, how to get the information I need?
Looking around the map I thought to myself.
"One way for sure would be to get inside his headquarters here in Iraq and somehow break into his office. Problem was that place would be on such a lock down it would be like breaking into Fort Knox. Unless we can sneak someone in as an employee. Maybe then G.U.N won't question a stray face wondering around. Still...I need someone G.U.N hasn't seen. Maybe Hunter. If and when she gets back with Archer I'm sure I can talk her into it. Problem is I don't know how beat up she is right now. I'm sure Archer had some fun these past few days."
With my mind deep in thought, I looked up to see Wreak come walking in through the front door to ask.
"You good Commander?"
Nodding I replied.
"I'm fine Wreak. Why aren't you out there with the recruits?"
Coming to my side, he replied.
"Marx is examining them first before I get to work on breaking them all. What do you think so far?"
Keeping my eyes on the map as he stopped by my side of the table, I replied.
"It's going to take some work. You and Archer will have to bust your asses if we want some reliable troops."
"Won't be a problem Commander." Stated Wreak as I urged.
"Keep an eye on Char and his friends. And when possible train them to work as a team. I can see that kid becoming a fine leader. We need to help him first."
"Understood." Replied Wreak as he finally managed to ask.
"So what are you doing here?"
With my eyes looking to him, I replied.
"We need to find out what Monroe is doing. He's taking too long. I'm worried."
"You want to slip someone in his HQ right?" Wondered Wreak as I nodded.
"Yeah but odds are that's a bad idea. I mean it could work. But we would need someone other then us to go in. G.U.N is probably ordered to flag us down if seen. I was thinking of sending Hunter when she gets back with Archer."
Nodding, Wreak then stated.
"Well there may be a second way to get what we need. We would just need Char and his men to get everything together and gather up some uniforms."
"For what?" I asked in confusion as he pointed back to the HQ to state.
"General Monroe has a right hand. In the past I've seen his work. The guy thinks he's untouchable. Always with a squad of G.U.N soldiers who never leave his sight. But during the afternoon, he has to go from the safety of the HQ, past the south side of the city, and stop at the airfield G.U.N has set up for it's cargo birds. From there, he goes to the main building to collect some paperwork that gets sent from the states for General Monroe. Now the guy's name is Lester Buckle. He's been with G.U.N and General Monroe for over twenty years now. The guy is a tough egg to crack, but give me some time alone and I'll have him talking. And with the papers we can catch him with, I'm sure we'll find out what General Monroe is up to." Stated Wreak as I asked.
"So you think Char and his boys can pull this off as a team? Now that's fine and all I trust you and Archer, but how would we get them in the places of the normal squad that takes charge in guarding this guy?" I asked as he calmly replied.
"The squads change everyday. But I have a friend who owes me a favor. He can figure out which squad will be the one to take Lester from the HQ, to the airfield and back. If that's what you want to do Commander; then give me a few days and I'll have a plan chalked up for Char. And by the time we near the arrival of those papers I'll have them trained up to pull this off." Stated Wreak in confidence as I looked back to the map.
Another choice has come up for you readers and I will let you choose.
What should Raptor do?
Break into the G.U.N HQ using Hunter?
Or
Kidnap General Monore's right hand man Lester Buckle using Char and his pack of wolves?
Let me know what you think in review as always.
mT Shadow.