Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 78 – Shapes Us Into What Becomes The Future.
Black's POV.
With the security room empty it was no surprise Jagger got in without anyone knowing ahead of time.
"We need someone manning this at all times." I stated as Wreak quickly replied.
"I'm gonna change that, you have my word. Now how the hell do you go back?" He wondered as we began to fumble with the controls.
After a few long minutes of struggling to get things working, we managed to go back on the recording. Calmly I urged Wreak who was in control.
"Go back about a twenty minutes. Find the main courtyard camera."
Nodding Wreak slowly found the cam to state.
"Here it is. Now let's go back in time."
Watching as men flashed in and out of the screen lapse, I widened my eyes as I caught a glimpse at what appeared to be the man I knew making his way towards the front door of the Capital building.
"There!" I stated to Wreak as I pointed him out.
"Zoom in." I urged him as he began to get the hang of the controls.
In seconds he zoomed in on his face and I widened my eyes as it was clear as day. Jagger was here.
"Shit." Mumbled Wreak as I nodded and then ordered.
"Follow him. Let's see what he did."
Moving time ahead, we began to slowly follow Jagger as he made his way inside the building to get stopped by the guards. It didn't take long, and he was already back outside heading for the training yards. Wreak and I continued to follow as he was clear he was looking for someone.
Stopping before a large group of our men and women, both Wreak and I noticed as he got out a pair of glasses from his pouch.
"Oh fuck." I muttered as Wreak was confused.
"What? What happened?"
Shaking my head I urged him.
"Zoom in on the group. Who's he looking at?"
Following my wishes Wreak zoomed in again for us to see Archer sitting among the group speaking around to the men around him. Looking back to Jagger, I shook my head as he quickly made his way back to the front of the building.
"He's tagging."
"What?" Questioned Wreak as I then ordered.
"Keep on him. He went back inside for something."
Keeping to the controls, we zoomed forward to watch as he went back in to speak to the guards again. This time however he was pointed upstairs and both Wreak and I watched as he made his way to the right; towards the officer's barracks.
In confusion Wreak switched cams to see Jagger picking the lock to his door.
"That's how Archer got in my room! I knew I locked it! What the fuck is he...?!"
"Shut up!" I ordered him as he went inside the room to do something.
"Fuck! We can't see Black!" Stated Wreak as I nodded.
I knew what he did. He was looking for targets. And as we waited for him to come back out, I panicked as I came into sight with Marx and Raptor on my back. Jagger was right there. I was two feet from him and he saw us without me noticing.
"God damn it!" I shouted as I watched in rage as Jagger quickly passed me by to head back for the stairs.
"Follow him!" I ordered Wreak as he kept sight on Jagger till he reached the gate and left.
"That fucker was two feet away!" I stated as Wreak replied.
"He was in my fucking room! What the hell did he do?!"
Angry I didn't even notice, I urged him as calmly as I could.
"Get Archer and any other higher ups together right now. We have a big problem."
"Got it." Replied Wreak. It was clear he was on edge by the fact he was so close to Jagger like that. Lucky for him he didn't get killed right there and then. Then again, it's not Jagger's MO to make moves like that during a prep phase. And it's usually not just him. If I had to guess someone came with him for this. Possibly Ruby. It would make sense since she is a stealth type. It's clear Linnen wants this done quietly.
With Wreak heading out the door, I stopped him by the arm to say directly into his eyes.
"Don't stay outside for too long."
Wreak was confused but nodded as he went to go get Archer and the others. Letting out a gasp of air held within my lungs, I now was left with a big problem. Moving Raptor to a spot Jagger couldn't find was no longer an option and they would strike soon. We had to be ready. On the up side of things. Jagger doesn't know we made him. Maybe I can use that for something.
Heading back into the hall, I made my way to Raptor's office. I'm sure Wreak would meet me there soon enough.
Jagger's POV, Hotel Rooftop, Twenty Minutes Later.
I get back and why am I not surprised? Ruby was still asleep. This time she was on her side. I swear she almost looked innocent from this angle.
Taking my time to head back to my spot set up along the edge of the roof, I managed to get the Rebellion vest and patch off my body. Sickened me to wear that crap. Sickened me even more to be around those scum for even a minute. I don't know how Black is managing to be honest. God I can't wait to kill him. Fucker was always a thorn in my side since the User program started.
Looking to the dead Rebellion soldier still next to me where I left him earlier. I smiled and got an idea while looking at Ruby.
Dragging the dead body over to her side, I carefully laid him out right behind her. Going as far as getting them to touch; I wrapped his arm around her side and pinned his knees into the back of hers. Almost looked cute to be honest.
"Hope you enjoy this wake up call bitch." I whispered as I walked my way back to my post. Putting my glasses back on, I tried to now focus up on my goal. I had to learn their patterns. I assume Voltz won't be leaving that room Black put him in due to the injuries, but Wreak and Archer might still be outside for some reason. If there is a chance I can pick them off before having to go in and deal with Voltz, it would make my job a hell of a lot easier. If not...? Looking back to Ruby and her dead boyfriend I continued my thought.
I'll just have to move in with princess here and deal with the lot of them.
Letting out a sigh, I carefully went to my notepad. Here is to hoping I can learn something till then.
Wreak's POV, Raptor's Office, Iraq Capital.
With Black standing in front of the desk, I stated.
"We all know we were breached not too long ago. Since then the enemy has fallen back and is preparing an assault of some sort. Black? Your the most familiar with our attackers. What will they do?"
Looking to me he replied.
"It's not what they will do that we need to worry about first. It's about what they already did."
Looking to me; and Archer who stood alongside me and some team Captains, he said with force.
"Jagger is the name of our invader. He came in wearing Rebellion gear and blended well into our ranks. During his time here, he laid eyes on you two. Wreak and Archer."
"What does that mean?" I asked in confusion as he nodded and replied.
"Jagger is no ordinary infiltrator, and it is no secret G.U.N has advanced technology it gives out to certain teams in it's ranks. Jagger is part of a team included in that list. I could go over all the gear they have by member but I'm fairly positive Jagger is here with only one other person, and that person is Ruby. G.U.N's two best stealth artists on one mission."
"What's that then?" Wondered one of our Captains as Black looked back to me and Archer to reply slowly.
"To locate and kill all Rebellion high command."
Widening my eyes along with Archer, I questioned.
"But...?" Black cut me off to state.
"Judging by what we saw on the cameras, he has three targets. Archer being one and Wreak being another. And clearly we can guess he's also after the Commander who is resting in his bed under guard as we speak. He kills you three and I have no doubt saying Linnen will end this war before it even reaches his border."
Looking to Archer who had his eyes shut in deep thought, I refocused on Black as he said in concern.
"Jagger and Ruby will do all they can to figure out a way in here undetected. They will wait till the right moment to strike and by then if they do, someone will be dead. But on the topic of Jagger, I should mention his ace in the hole."
Looking to one of the Captains, Black asked.
"Can I see those sunglasses?"
Nodding the man handed them over. Black thanked him then put them on the desk in between us.
"Jagger owns a pair much like this. The reason he never misses a shot and knows where his targets are all the time is because of this."
"A pair of sunglasses?" Questioned Archer as Black explained.
"For a few years G.U.N has been looking for a way to display intel to it's field teams without all the hassle of comms and unneeded interference. What they developed was a pair of tactical sunglasses that is linked to a direct space satellite that in return is connected to the main database G.U.N uses to store all it's known intel. From this satellite the wearing can request any and all information G.U.N may have on basically anyone and anything in the world. He learns everything just by looking at someone. And what's worse is that he can tag a target and always see them. Even through walls and miles away."
"What the hell does that mean? Can he see us now?" Questioned a Captain as Black shook his head.
"Just the ones he tagged while he was here, and that's Wreak, Archer, and...Raptor."
Widening my eyes, Black picked up on my concern and urged.
"I can promise Jagger is somewhere he can see us from outside. That's why I told you Wreak to not linger outside for too long. There is no idea if and when he may decide to take a shot at you. This includes you too Archer. I recommend you both stay inside until this is dealt with."
Black went silent after his statement to then look directly at Archer who was clearly not believing his story. Letting out a sigh, Archer chimed in to wonder.
"Do you even have a plan for dealing with this? Or is your plan to keep us inside until they decide to walk right in?"
Looking Archer over calmly despite the attitude. Black calmly replied.
"I can figure out where Jagger is hiding. Dealing with him is a whole other thing."
"How?" I asked with some hope as he quickly looked back to me to reply.
"If you were a sniper where would you be Wreak."
"Somewhere high?" I questioned as he nodded.
"No shit. Jagger always picks a spot where he can watch over the target area he'll be providing over-watch for. And just by knowing the city there is only a few places in the distance he can be set up at. It's not rocket science."
"Won't he move?" Questioned a Captain as Black shook his head to reply.
"He won't move till he knows he's been made. And right now he thinks he's safe."
"So what? Let's just converge a strike team to get him. If he's on a roof he can't just jump."
Laughing Black replied.
"How about I just get a megaphone and yell we're coming? He's the smartest sniper in G.U.N. He can spot it when a force is heading his way. Our best option is to move in quietly."
"Then I'll go." Stated Archer as he was set on the choice he was making.
"Did you not hear him Archer? He'll see you coming." I stated as Black kept silent.
"A pair of sunglasses that can tag targets? It's unheard of and stupid."
"No you are not leaving this complex Archer and that's final." I stated as he grew angrier to shout.
"Your not my Commander. I'll be fucking damned if you tell me what I can and can not do Wreak. So sit the fuck down."
"Make me." I ordered him as he now approached me.
Getting grabbed by one of my Captains, I was pull back behind my men to hear from Black.
"You two are clearly confused on where your loyalty stands."
"Excuse me!?" Shouted Archer as he turned now to Black to state.
"Your still a fucking G.U.N lab rat who is only alive because my best friend ordered it! You came to us and you have the guts to stand there and question our loyalty!?"
"You don't respect Wreak. You denied your chance to take control. And I'm fairly willing to bet you don't even respect Raptor that much. So yes I question you Archer. You don't have to believe a word I say but I promise if you head out there to find him he will kill you first."
Archer was clearly keeping his rage inside as I looked directly into Black eyes as he said with force.
"And though I don't like you, I know this Rebellion needs you. You can't go and get yourself killed cause you didn't wana listen to a G.U.N lab rat."
"He's right Archer." I stated from behind my men as he glanced to me for a second to then focus back on Black who kept his gaze directly on him.
"What do you have in mind?"
Nodding Black replied.
"Leave Jagger to me. I'll radio in on channel three once I'm done."
"Your going alone?" I questioned as he nodded.
"I know Jagger. Trust me on that."
"And Ruby? What about her?" Wondered Archer as Black slowly urged.
"Don't let her get inside. She's ruthless in close combat and she's known to steal appearances."
"Meaning?" Questioned Archer as Black asked.
"You remember what she looked like when we last saw her?"
Nodding to his question Black then stated.
"She won't come in that way twice when it's targets she knows have seen her once before."
"So she'll disguise herself is what your leading on to." Stated Archer as he nodded and urged.
"I don't think she will, but you should have more then one guy manning the gate. Check all the female hedgehogs going in."
"How will we know its her if we find her?" I wondered as Black quickly replied.
"Check her wrists. She'll be armed."
Nodding, I watched as Black made his way for the door leading out of the office.
"Any more advice?" Asked Archer in sarcasm as he stopped to look back at him.
"Don't underestimate her. She can kill anyone. And if you let her slip by, Raptor's throat will be slit before the night is done."
Gulping, I watched as Black made his way out of the office. Looking to Archer, I urged him.
"Just please try to trust him on this Archer. We can all agree we are under attack. Even if it is silent. We need to buff the gate and any other possible ways in here. I'll get more men to guard Raptor and I'll have Black's team play close to him in his room."
Nodding Archer replied.
"Fine. But in case she does get in let's come up with a plan. I'm not going to run around blind."
Smiling I replied.
"Okay. Let's do this."
Black's POV.
Making my way for the gate I was stopped by a familiar voice.
"Captain!"
Turning I laid my eyes on Gabe and Tap.
"What's up?" I wondered as they came close to ask.
"Where you off to? Want us to come along?"
Shaking my head I replied.
"No I need you guys to watch over Raptor."
"Why?" Wondered Tap as I replied in speed.
"Jagger and Ruby are here."
Both of them widened eyes as I stated.
"You know what that means. I'm sure Wreak will ask you guys to help protect him so please get to it."
"What are you doing then?" Questioned Gabe as I calmly replied.
"I'm going after Jagger. I know he's nearby."
"Are you crazy? You know what that snake can do." Stated Tap as I nodded and replied.
"Of course I know what he can do. That's why I know I can find him and deal with him. You guys just worry about Ruby. She'll be coming. Don't let her get to Raptor."
"Yes sir." Replied Gabe as it was clear Tap was worried.
"I got this Tap. Trust me."
"I do boss." He stated as I smiled.
"I'll try to get back as soon as possible. Keep channel three tuned in on your radio."
"Got it." Replied Tap as I nodded and made my way back for the gate.
"Don't let me down!" I ordered them both as I made haste across the street.
Now left to my own devices, I knew this would be the hard part. Finding Jagger would take time. I hope I can find him before it's too late.
Hunter's POV.
Stepping out of the shower, I quickly got dry and dressed. I've been so busy with other things I haven't been able to do my real job. And with Raptor getting hurt I've only been more distracted. I need to refocus and find that hedgehog I was suppose to watch. And now that I'm ready I can finally get to it.
Putting back on my belt which held my gun and the knife Raptor gave me; I made my way back into the hall to look towards Raptor's room. As I did, I noticed more then six men standing outside the door with the two G.U.N soldiers making their way inside. Through the crack in the door I saw Marx and Raptor laying in his bed. All I felt was sadness as the door shut and I was forced to move away.
Heading for the door leading back outside the Capital, I tried to recall Raptor's description of the man I was suppose to watch. He said he looked just like Shadow Robotnik. If that's the case then I know who I'm looking for.
All the infantry teams were in the yards training so all I would have to do is look around and pick him out.
With time lapsing as I looked around a countless number of soldiers I was bound to soon give up when I heard from a drill sergeant.
"Arms up Shadow!"
Stopping to look at the group at which the call came from, I widened my eyes as I noticed a black and red striped hedgehog mixed in the ground fighting one of it's members.
Blocking his friend's punch, I watched as he took him by the arm to then throw him over his shoulder and onto the ground. With such speed and power the drill instructor ordered.
"That's enough! Good work Shadow."
Breathing heavily the man took a step back to help his friend up off the ground.
"You good?" He asked as I recalled that voice. He sounded like Shadow too. I remember watching his speeches years ago when I was younger. It was almost an unforgettable tone.
Watching as they bumped it out together, I heard from the instructor.
"Hour break men! Go get fed, cleaned, whatever you need to do! Then report back here and we'll get heading out on a training run. Understood?"
"Yes sir." The squad replied as they slowly broke apart. I kept my distance from the hedgehog as it was clear he was heading for the gate.
"Leaving?" Wondered the man who watched the exit as he replied with a nod.
"Got an hour break, I might as well go get some real food. Can't always eat rations right?"
Laughing the guard replied.
"Understandable. Just make sure your back on time."
"Yes sir." He replied as I waited till he was out of the gate and across the street to make my move after him.
As I approached the same guard he wondered.
"You heading out too Hunter?"
Nodding I replied with a smile.
"Yeah I got to check up on the border. I'll be back within the hour."
Nodding the guard wished me luck and I was now a good distance away from the lingering hedgehog who appeared to be heading away from any know place to eat I knew of.
I would guess I was about a hundred meters away now and with my eyes on his back I continued to follow him.
"Where are you going?" I asked as I questioned if Raptor was maybe right.
Ruby's POV, Twenty Minutes Earlier.
With the sun beating over my head, I slowly opened my eyes to feel something strange. It didn't take me more then half a second to know when I was being held from behind.
Instantly I looked over my shoulder to stare directly into the eyes of the kid I killed last night. Losing my shit, I screamed.
"Jagger!"
Kicking away from the body, I got on my feet so fast I was barely able to keep on them.
"What?"
Looking to the left I began to growl as Jagger looked my way with a smile.
"Payback is a bitch right?"
"That's not fucking funny!" I shouted at him as he nodded and replied calmly.
"I think it is. You really thought I wasn't going to get you back?"
Letting my anger subside, I looked back at the body to notice his gear gone.
"What happened to him? Where did you put his gear?"
Refocusing on the Capital a few miles beyond, he replied.
"Unlike you sleeping beauty, I got up early and started doing our job. You can thank me later."
"What?" I questioned in confusion as he quickly tossed me his HUD.
"Look for yourself."
Putting them on, I was panicked as it was clear he had already started phase one.
"You went in?" I asked him in disbelief as I tossed him back his sunglasses.
"Don't worry. I didn't make a peep. They had no clue I was there. And because of that I have all the targets I need marked and ready. Now it's just a matter of getting you inside."
"Are you sure no one noticed you?" I asked him as he nodded again.
"Pretty damn sure. But let me guess. Your still going to find a disguise right?"
Looking at his back now I replied.
"I don't take chances."
"Then you better figure something out and fast. Cause I'm not going to sit up here all day." He stated as I gave him a glare.
"You just worry about hitting your marks. I'll worry about getting inside and handling Voltz."
"No problem there. Come back when your all set and we'll figure out an exit plan. By the time we're done the whole Rebellion will be after us."
Nodding I proceeded to grab my duffel bag and look to the exit, when out of nowhere I heard something get tossed at me.
"You'll need those." Stated Jagger as I looked down to see the vest and patch of the dead soldier on the ground.
Not responding to the asshole, I picked up the gear and made my way for the exit.
"I'll be back within the hour."
"Timing you." He replied as I growled and made my way down the building.
Tossing on the Rebellion vest and the patch, I soon reached the bottom in no time at all.
With the street now under me, I proceeded to take our car. My best bet was to try and find a way inside first. If Jagger could do it, I knew I could.
With the short drive ahead of me, I tried to think of a good disguise that didn't involve me being one of these rebel goons. I don't trust Jagger on his word. He's sloppy when he goes in without me. Fucker should have waited. With options limited, I grew worried that this was suddenly going to get really hard for me. But as I reached the street across from the main gate, I widened my eyes and picked up my ears as a black hedgehog came walking out of the perimeter. She looked my type.
"Well hello." I muttered to myself as I saw her heading in my opposite direction.
"Where you going?" I asked myself as I began to follow her.
She didn't look like a normal soldier. I saw she was armed and that was enough to convince me that she may be an officer. Or maybe just some dumb bitch. Ether way I was going to get her. But she sure was moving fast.
Keeping up my pace I prepared myself for a slight brawl. This girl was done for and she didn't even know it yet.
mT Shadow.