Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 77 – Bonds That Shape Who We Are.
Jagger's POV, Hotel Rooftop, Six Hours Later.
I could somewhat feel a sting in my brain as I came through from my high at last. Fuck the sleep felt so good and...?
Opening my eyes I stopped instantly in my train of thought to widen my eyes at a man staring directly at me. As our eyes locked I instantly jumped and pushed back nearly falling off the roof.
"Fuck!" I shouted as I scrambled to save my ass.
Sending my leg to the side, I panicked even more as I kicked my rifle. Almost feeling my heart stop, I instantly lunged forward nearly sending myself over to grab it by the butt.
Letting out a heavy gasp for air, I dragged my rifle and myself back up to look at the body. It was clear he was dead. His eyes were lifeless. But how did he...?
Looking to my left I found Ruby sleeping next to an air vent.
"Fucking princess must think this is a game. What was she thinking? I should...?" Stopping in my tracks, I soon realized the body before me was a Rebellion soldier. Looking over the uniform gave me an idea. It was made up of basics. The only thing a person would need to sneak into the ranks is the patch and the armored vest. Easy enough.
Quickly taking a hold of the patch and tearing it off the soldier's sleeve, I set it aside next to my rifle to then look back at Ruby who continued to sleep.
Morning would be nearing soon and it was clear I was going to have to get started early. She wants to kill people and try and send my ass off a roof unintentionally? That's her, but I wana get this ball rolling now. I'm done waiting and I'm not going to sit up here all day again. I need to know my targets. I know what Voltz looks like of course, but I need to know the others. Despite what Linnen thinks, killing Voltz is just a start. His men will keep fighting without him and I need to know the current leadership if I was to know who else to kill when we make our move. I'm looking for a guy called Wreak and Archer. Both higher ups and potential Commanders if Voltz was killed. I just need a confirmed look at them. That's all. My mind and gear will do the rest.
Taking the patch and the body armor off the dead soldier aside, I began to get dressed. I didn't know how long I would be able to blend in, but I'll make it work. Avoid large groups and Black and his men especially. Getting caught will be bad for us.
Getting my pants on, I looked back to Ruby to wonder if I should wake her after all. After a silent moment; I chuckled and made my way for the stairs. Time to rock and roll.
Black's POV, Med Bay, Iraq Capital.
Raptor made it through the night thank god. Marx was now here providing an exam. According to him Raptor was recovering very quickly. I knew it was the venom to begin with, but it's a bit strange how fast it bonded with his DNA. As if it was natural or something along those lines. With my mind at ease and my team among the room, I asked the cat.
"You think we can move him to his room soon? If there is a chance a threat breaches our perimeter I would like to have Raptor somewhere safer and potentially a spot the threat may not know of. It would buy us a lot of time."
Nodding Marx replied.
"I would really like to keep him in this room, but your right. I need to be close however. I suggest we get him to the officer's quarters. There he will have protection and I can still monitor him for safety reasons."
Getting up from my seat, I then looked to Tap and Gabe.
"Get Leo somewhere safe. I'll move Voltz with the cat. Come find us afterward."
"Yes sir." Replied Gabe as Leo stated.
"I can take care of myself Captain. I'm not even in that much pain."
"I'm not having you get caught in the crossfire till I'm sure your okay. Just please Leo. Relax a little."
Letting out a sigh, Leo replied.
"Fine. But I'm walking myself."
"Agreed." I replied as I smiled and watched him leave with Tap and Gabe at his side.
Slowly looking back to Marx I asked.
"You ready?"
Giving me a strange look he wondered.
"Can you stop referring to me as the cat?"
Chuckling I replied.
"Nope. Now come on. We need to get this done ASAP."
Marx wouldn't dare keep me waiting. I knew that for a fact. And with Wreak and Archer both busy with training the recruits they have outside; he was bound to move faster knowing I was the only one around.
With the cat getting Raptor secured, I kept my mind on the other things around me. Being it was a new day I knew something was bound to happen. Once Raptor is safe I think I'm gonna look around a bit.
Jagger's POV, One Hour Later.
Going through the gate alone was a bad idea. But I had a method. As I was on my way to the Capital I came across a squad of Rebels who were eating breakfast. I figured my best bet would be to talk my way in and hitch a ride through the gate in their Humvee. Thankfully like most of these Rebels here they were none too suspicious of me. The uniform and patch assured me safe passage for now. And as we drove it was clear we would be there soon. The officer in charge was blabbing about training or something. No matter. I didn't plan on busting my ass all day to blend in. I'm not here to join. I'm here to rest my eyes on two men. Wreak and Archer. Then I'm gone. That's the plan.
With the gate in sight, I prepared myself. Things were about to pick up. I need to keep my eyes open for any problems.
"Open up!" Ordered the driver as the man watching the gate made his way over to the control booth. Sitting in the back minding my own business, I waited till we pulled through to ask.
"Any of you know where Wreak is?"
Nodding as we came to a stop inside, the officer replied.
"Go through the main building and head for the stairs. Office is directly in front."
"Thanks man." I replied as I made my way away from the men.
With my chance to roam around on my own now here, I took my chance to look around. I didn't see Black or his men yet. In fact all the men around the area appeared to be focusing on strict teams. No real communication among the ranks. Wreak had these guys working their asses off it looked like.
With the main door nearing, I pushed through to stop in my tracks.
The halls all around were being guarded. This looked more like a security checkpoint then a calm place to look for help.
Getting eyed down by the man who appeared to be in charge of the entrance, I looked his way as he asked.
"What's your business soldier?"
With my options limited I replied.
"My commanding officer sent me back here to request support for the border. We need at least one other team to help us man the eastern side."
Looking me over as I approached, the officer replied.
"You would have to speak to the Commander. Unfortunately he's resting at the moment. But I'm sure the Major can help you out. He's back outside on the western end, teaching some of the recruits."
"Thanks." Turning to leave and head back out, I shook my head and proceeded west. With Wreak under lockdown and security a little too heavy to break through, I knew I would have to resort to other means of getting an eye in there. At least I would be able to get Archer under my memory before having to figure that dozy out.
With more rebels then I could count training, it was hard to pick out between them. Thankfully Archer made it easy. Men crowded around him in a large circle as he stood dead center giving a speech. I kept back as he shouted.
"You men have been chosen by me to undertake a special kind of training! It will NOT be easy! It WILL break you! You will NOT walk away now that you chose this path to follow!"
Keeping my eyes on him I began to feel around my back pouch. Pulling up my sunglasses; I took a glance down to run my fingertip along the side, hitting a small button. With the clear lenses instantly turning black, I put them on to stare back at Archer who continued his rant.
"This is not some form of punishment I assure you! But this will feel like hell for all! You in my mind are ready for this and if we are to defend our homes we must have men and women like you everywhere! Special Forces is exactly what this is!"
The glasses I owned were one of a kind. A database of everything all in one frame. I could focus on anyone and anything and get a full read on them. When I looked at Archer I was told most of what I already knew. But as a side note I mumbled to myself.
"In charge of Special Forces here in Iraq."
The words got displayed on my lenses as I then whispered.
"Apply and save."
Going directly to all G.U.N around the world who cared enough to watch the flow of intelligence coming in, I then mumbled to myself.
"Tag and follow."
With my eyes stuck on Archer as the words left my mouth, my lenses immediately displayed a red outline around his body.
"A lot of you will wash out! But we must find the very best! Are you ready for this!?" He asked as I turned away from the crowd to hear.
"Yes sir!"
"Good." He replied as I was already on the move.
Heading back for the main door of the Capital building, I looked back the way Archer was to see his red outline moving around. It appeared he was going to start training right away. Watching as he moved towards the very back of the compound, I refocused on now dealing with Wreak. If he was sleeping I would need to locate the barracks. I assume the officer's are separate from the standard men and women.
"Area scan requested. Codename Jagger. Iraq Capital." Keeping myself out of sight as best as possible I waited as the screen before me began to display the building floor by floor. The first floor looked mostly to consist of the medical department and the main armory. Besides that were things like offices and I would assume officer holds. Looking to the second floor however, I found the officer barracks just to the right of the main office. I knew going through the front would be hard but I would have to try. It's the only way in that doesn't involve me getting caught. I would just need an excuse. Easy enough.
Turning the display off on my glasses, I quickly put them away and made my way back in to hear from the man who manned the entrance.
"You talk to the Major?"
Nodding I replied.
"He told me to come inside and proceed to his office. Something about a private matter. Any idea where it is in here?"
Nodding the officer replied.
"Second floor and to the left. Head a door down and it will be there on your right."
"Thank you." I replied as I briskly made my way passed him.
Keeping calm, I proceeded to walk towards the stairs. On my left I noticed a large group of soldiers manning a locked door. I wonder what's in there. Probably Voltz if I had to guess. Would explain the security.
Jogging up the main stairs and to the second floor, I instantly broke off to the right. The men downstairs didn't see me as I was now heading in the right direction.
Everything around here reminded me of Pakistan's Capital. It was almost familiar in fact. Keeping my pace brisk and my intentions fast, I soon began to walk around the officer's quarters. Wreak had to be around here somewhere. Heading to the furthest room in the back, I opened the door slowly to see it empty. I figured this would be his but I guess I was wrong.
Turning for the next nearest door, I approached to grab a hold of the handle. Heading inside, I shut the door behind me to look around to see it was just another empty room.
"Fuck." I said to myself as I turned to head back for the door.
"Thump! Thump! Thump!"
Widening my eyes, I heard someone coming from outside the hall.
"Shit!" I shouted in my head as I began to hear footsteps coming my way.
Quickly going to the side of the door, I pinned myself to the wall to watch as the door quickly opened with a female hedgehog walking her way in. Walking right by me, she went for the nearby bed to look around.
"Where did I put it?"
Gulping as she broke to the left, I watched as she went for the bathroom. Thinking now was my time to leave; I tried to go for the exit, but as she walked in she immediately turned around and I sent myself to the end of her bed to roll under.
My heart was racing as she came back to grab something off the nightstand. She then made her way back to the bathroom. Watching as she kept the door open, I widened my eyes as she got off her shirt revealing her black bra.
"Wow." I mumbled to myself as I tried to refocus on getting out of here.
Turning on the shower, I continued to stare as she got off her pants.
I wasn't going to lie. She had the same figure as Ruby. Only difference was she didn't look as evil.
Just as the thought left my head, I widened my eyes further as she rested her belt on the sink next to her. I could see a large desert eagle and a large combat knife along it's holsters.
"Holy shit." I whispered now as she slowly took off her underwear.
Unable to look away, I was caught off guard as she came to the door to shut it finally. Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I rolled out from under the bed to head for the exit. At last being able to leave, I reentered the hall to let out a gasp of air.
"That was sloppy." I said to myself as I could hear the water running.
"But god damn was she hot."
Looking across the hall, I approached the next door to find it locked.
"Not about to be locked out just yet." I said to myself as I reached into one of my pouches to pull up a lock pick. Getting on my knees I began to go to work. Thankfully these locks were simple enough to crack.
"Click!" Smiling, I gently got back up on my feet to carefully open the door.
With the lights out and the room at a cool temperature, I looked towards the bed to see someone resting there with their back towards me. Closing the door behind me softly, I reached back for my glasses to turn and put them on. With the room now bright enough for me to see around where I was stepping, I quietly walked around to the other side of the bed. Stopping as his face came into view, I smiled as my screen popped up his name.
"Tag and follow." I whispered as his body began to glow red.
Nodding to myself, I carefully began to head back for the door.
Taking the knob in my hand, I slowly opened it to widen my eyes.
"Where is it?"
It was Black. I watched from the door as he came up the stairs with Voltz on his back. Not too far behind him came a cat in a white coat to reply to his question.
"All the way down the hall. Last door. Be careful please." He urged him as he rolled his eyes to reply.
"I got him, just relax will ya? Get the door for me."
As he walked by I said to myself.
"Tag and follow. Priority one."
Voltz lit up yellow as they walked into the room at the end of the hall. Taking my chance, I exited into the hall to pace myself for the nearest exit. With the guards now all moving to a new position I mixed in with the confusion to exit out the front door and back into the sunlight. Putting my glasses away in my pouch, I made haste for the main gate. As soon as I was out I began to head back to home. My job got a shit load easier thanks to Black. Bringing Voltz out like that had to be his attempt to throw us off when we hit. Moving him would have confused me for bit in the struggle.
Letting out a breath as I walked down the street, I said to myself.
"That only took ten minutes. Ruby couldn't dream of doing all that this fast. Bet her ass is still asleep."
With the building a few blocks away still I refocused and kept going forward. I would need to plan now.
Archer's POV.
With my mind set and my chosen men and women ready to go, I made my way inside to get the gear we would need for the day. I planned on doing this without anyone telling me how to do it. Wreak can fuck off and deal with Black and his Users, but I'm not going to have it. I'm going to train better soldiers. Real soldiers. Not some lab rats.
As I walked through the door leading inside the Capital, I was stopped by the guard to be told.
"He's in your office Major."
In utter confusion I questioned.
"Excuse me?"
Just as confused, he replied.
"The guy who came to talk to you a few minutes ago? He's in your office. He said you wanted a private conversation about help for the border."
Looking him directly in the eyes I replied.
"No one came to speak to me. I was addressing the troops. He said I told him to go to my office?"
"Yes sir." He replied as I looked to his men to order.
"Come with me. We may have a problem."
"Sir?" He questioned as I began to head for my office upstairs.
Reaching for my M9, I made my way for the door to open it up and look inside. No one was there and nothing had been moved. With the men still behind me I asked the Sargent in charge.
"What did he look like?"
Retracing his memory he replied.
"Ahhhh...dark green snake, yellow eyes, about six foot?"
Widening my eyes, I recalled that description. One of the men who Black was scared of. If he's here then he's...?!
Breaking my train of thought, I went directly to the officer's quarters to knock on Wreak's door.
"He must be sleeping." I said to myself as I opened the door to find him struggling to get up from his bed.
Only wearing his pants he asked in confusion.
"What's going on? Is there a problem?"
Stopping in front of him I replied.
"Yeah there is a fucking problem "Commander". You would know if you weren't on your ass just now."
"How'd you even get in my room Archer? My door was locked."
Ignoring his response I stated.
"We might have an intruder. Now get up."
"What's going on in here?"
Turning around, I saw Black standing in the door with Marx a few feet back behind him.
Letting out a growl I replied.
"It doesn't concern you."
"Chill Archer." Ordered Wreak as he now stood up to face me.
"What's this talk about an intruder?"
Black spiked his ears and came in as I replied.
"The guard manning the front entrance said a green snake slipped in wanting to speak to me about the border team. Now I'm completely sure no one got in my office nor did I ever see a green snake in our army make himself known."
"It's Jagger." Stated Black as we all looked to him.
"He must have slipped in somehow." He stated as he then added.
"I didn't see him at all. Chances are he already got what he came for and he's long gone."
"We can't take chances Black." Stated Wreak as I urged.
"Get the base on alert and keep Raptor secure. If's he's not here we'll find out soon enough. Go check the cameras Wreak."
Nodding Wreak replied.
"Got it."
Grabbing a shirt, he made his way out of the room with Black close behind.
"I'm coming with you."
With Marx now left with me he asked.
"Are you okay Archer?"
Shaking my head I replied.
"Of course not. Go do your job Marx."
Pushing him out of my way I proceeded to commence the lockdown.
mT Shadow.