Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 40 – For That Is How I See It.
Raptor's POV, Dr. Clamer's Office.
With my gear resting next to me on the floor, I sat and watched as Dr. Clamer stared at Shadow's treaty.
"I never thought I'd see this in person Raptor."
Rolling it back up and placing it back in it's case, he asked.
"You do realize the power you hold now with this, right?"
Looking to the case as I took it from his hands, I replied.
"I do. Hell there are a lot of people who would like to kill me for it right about now. That's why I'm here."
In confusion, Dr. Clamer questioned.
"What do you mean?"
Looking to his eyes, I replied.
"General Monroe is going to get help. I have him pinned down here for a bit. But I know Linnen will be lending a hand soon. I wouldn't be surprised if he already made the call. I know someone good is going to come after me so long as I hold this."
Nodding, Clamer asked.
"Do you have a plan?"
Nodding back I replied.
"I have ideas. But I need to know what exactly I'm dealing with. A man, a team, a platoon. Whatever it is, I need to find out and have time to react. Otherwise I might be cut short on freeing anything."
"Well I'm not the one to talk to about strategy Raptor. But I can help you by asking. Are you okay?"
Shaking my head, I replied quietly.
"I did something I shouldn't have doc."
Looking to me in concern he wondered.
"What happened?"
"After I left my family in Afghanistan. I spent a night with a fellow friend of mine. I met her on my deathbed. She saved my life with her actions."
Dr. Clamer was beginning to piece this together.
"I can't take it back now. I fell to the pleasure. In my head it felt right."
"But in your heart it felt wrong." Stated Clamer as I nodded.
"Why would you do such a thing Raptor? After all you and Alicia have been through together?"
"I don't know doc." I replied as I explained further.
"Maybe it had something to do with all the pressure I felt around her and the kids. I mean look at what I'm putting myself through here doc. It's overwhelming."
Nodding, Clamer replied.
"That doesn't make what you did right Raptor. And I can only tell you now what I think you should do."
"And what's that?" I wondered as he calmly urged.
"Let time tell you what to do. If all goes well, the next time you and Alicia are together you'll be the one who tells her what happened. And if it's meant to be; you two can maybe overlook the things going on around you and figure out a way to move forward."
"So just keep going?" I asked to be sure as he nodded once to urge.
"But don't put more weight on yourself Raptor. You overcame one problem not to have another replace it so soon. And love can be far worse then a bullet."
Thinking back to Shadow and Amy, I replied.
"I know."
Standing me up, Dr. Clamer stated.
"You're a good man. This country needs you. We both know you have a lot to already concern yourself with. For right now I beg you to put what you did behind you for now and focus on what's ahead. That treaty you hold is far more important then you're relationship; that is separated across the country. Do you understand me Commander."
Looking into his eyes I replied.
"I do."
"Then please. Go focus on what's at hand. Leave Alicia and your family alone for now. They will be there for you when you need them, but right now you need yourself. Focus on that. Use that. And please...press on. Each day you get nearer and nearer to taking back this war. Don't let up. But don't add the extra weight like I already said. Stay focused and stay in touch. I'm here for you if anything else arises. Okay?"
Nodding my head as I was slowly lead to the door, I replied.
"Okay. Thank you doc. I don't know when I'll be coming by next. But I promise Iraq will be different when I do."
"I'll hold you to it Raptor. Take care of yourself, you hear me?"
"I'll try doc. Goodnight."
"Night Raptor." He replied as he shut the door. Left out in the dark, I looked to the darkened sky to let out a sigh. In my mind I felt a little better. But I knew what was to come later. For now I need to focus like he said.
Looking to my watch to see it was nearing two o'clock at night, I knew it wouldn't be too much longer anymore. I had to prepare.
Heading back to my car, I got in to place the treaty down in the seat next to me. After getting back onto the main road, I decided my best start would be to head to the Capital. Crazy as it may be.
Black's POV, Entering Iraq airspace, 2:00am.
Standing in the cockpit next to the pilot, I looked out the window to stare at the city coming into my sights. Somewhere down there was the treaty. I had to find it. And if Raptor Voltz has it then I can expect a fight. I hear he's not the type to let it go easily. But for the sake of my sister, I'll make sure he hands it over.
Slowly making my way back to the cargo hold of the helicopter, I got the attention of my men. Each a personality of their own.
"Boss?"
Looking to my left, I looked down at my second in command. A built wolf by the name of Vector. Solid gray fur and a full set of military background to match. Vector has been with me for a good two years. He knew what I was feeling about this mission more then anyone on the team. With a concerned look he asked.
"You good?"
Nodding I replied.
"I'm good. Don't worry about me. How we looking?"
Looking to our technical specialist Leo, who was a slim brown fox with blue neon glasses, he replied.
"ETA to Capital, five minutes boss. Intel suggests that the Rebellion has no major control in any sector of the city. Chances are this guy...Raptor Voltz, age 38, five eleven, 188 pound gray hedgehog is hiding anywhere. We'll have to be extra careful with how we do this. Finding him will be hard enough." He stated as I replied
"We'll have to ask around with the locals."
"Anyone could be a rebel sir. We may be just following false leads all night." Stated Gabe who was my heavy soldier.
Looking to the huge black bear, I replied.
"The way I plan on asking questions Gabe, I'll make sure they don't lie."
Giving me a smile, he replied in a deep voice.
"As long as we find the guy boss. I can't wait to get my hands on him. Teach him what happens when you mess around with G.U.N."
Looking back to Leo, I asked.
"Give me a rundown on Raptor and anyone he may have with him."
Looking to his wrist, he read off the display.
"Raptor Voltz, spent over twenty years in the Rebellion, was assigned to lead the special forces sector at the age of twenty, completed over one hundred missions and fifty solo tasks. He also was Commander Shadow Robotnik's second in command for a while and almost took the position twice. One before the war started, and once more after Shadow himself was reported missing weeks before his victory."
"Training?" I wondered as he nodded and replied.
"Has extensive tactical training and weapons training. Explosives expert and part time sniper. Trained pilot and trained in stealth and interrogation. Considered one of the best soldiers by the Rebellion and was on the G.U.N most wanted list for years during the first war. Bounty was over 300,000 dollars at one point. Was also ranked as a Major. Explains why also. Besides him though there will probably be a guy named Archer and another by the name of Wreak watching his back. They were friends before the war. Each were also special forces. Well trained."
"Holy shit. Is that bounty still up for grabs?" Wondered my team sniper as he was checking over his gear by Gabe.
Looking to the thin orange hedgehog who went by the name Tap, Leo replied.
"As of right now no. G.U.N took away the bounty after the war was declared over."
"Well I say after we get done killing him and getting back the treaty, we take his body back to HQ and demand some payment."
"I'm sure Linnen can hook us up Tap." Stated Vector as I ordered.
"Focus. We're not here to collect cash. We need that treaty. That's our orders."
"That's half the orders boss. Other half is to kill Raptor Voltz. Taking the body in is part of confirming the kill, so why not bring up the subject?" Wondered Tap as I urged.
"You want to talk about that with Linnen go ahead. I'm here to keep us all alive and get back what's ours. Not some washed up Rebellion Major. I could care less what happens after he's dead."
"Then you won't mind me dragging his corpse to Linnen?" Asked Tap as I replied quickly.
"As long as you're going to carry him. It's fine by me."
"Good. Then it's settled. A fun trip, we get to see some history, and we get to kill a Rebellion Commander and collect some easy cash. Sounds like a good time to me." Stated Tap as I looked back to Leo to order.
"You get finding me a lead to work off of." Nodding Leo replied.
"Yes sir."
Tapping Vector's arm, I added.
"And you keep Tap in line. Got me?"
"No problem Captain."
With Tap laughing to himself, Gabe asked.
"Gear up?"
Nodding I replied.
"Yeah, all of you. Keep it light for now. Save the good stuff for when we find Voltz."
"Yes sir!" Everyone replied as I reached under my vest to pull out a picture.
Looking to see Amy smiling before me, I mumbled.
"I won't let more people die because of him. I promise you."
Putting the photo back under my vest plate, I heard from the pilot.
"Coming in for landing! Get ready!"
Nodding I looked back to my team to shout.
"You heard the man! We land and we get searching for this Commander! Once we find him we'll move in, confirm the kill, and retrieve the treaty! I want everyone to stay together and watch each others backs! Understood!?"
"Sir yes sir!"
With an expressionless response, I soon felt my legs buckle to the feeling of an incoming landing.
Sorry for posting this today I was at work all day yesterday. But I'm still keeping the chapters coming none the less. Leave a review if you liked the chapter and I'll have another on tomorrow.
mT Shadow.