Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 109 – What's left?
Raptor's POV.
As I entered the main room I found out Pierce and his men really did come back. Between us now stood ten people. Only person missing was Raze. She can't still be asleep, right? I wondered as I approached everyone who stood among the main table.
"How you feeling Commander?" Asked Juper as I smiled and replied.
"I'm ready. I assume Zeta and you all talk about this? We all know where Gorgon is?"
Juper nodded but Pierce was the one to answer.
"We know the place. It's a storage site as you could probably tell. Thankfully for you myself and Juper were both stationed there a few months back. We know the layout and some of the door codes. But I couldn't tell you if those codes are still up to date. They may have changed."
"Do you know where Gorgon will be?" I then asked as he nodded and pointed to the center of the table to show me a map they all drew up from scratch.
"If I had to guess he'll be somewhere over here. By the crew quarters. There isn't much over on this site besides from ether patrolling the perimeter or just standing by in case of an emergency. Linnen probably has them here so they can just relax before the war breaks out. Which is another thing Commander. There is no telling if Linnen will have them there for much longer. He could send them straight to Iraq to handle the battle there. Or even Afghanistan for that matter. If you wana do this we need to act within the next day or two."
Nodding my head I then asked Pierce.
"The place is locked up tight. How would we even get in?"
"The way I see it we have only one way to go about this. We can go through here." Stated Pierce as he pointed to a spot he had marked on the map.
"There is a break in the fence here. No sight on it from ether of the guards towers. All we would need to do is cut through and head straight north to this here around the back. It's a door that I know for a fact is unlocked at night. Couple of the guards that have been stationed there for the past few months go out for smoke breaks during the shift changes. It's always open. From there we can sneak down to the crew quarters."
"Okay but what happens when we trip the alarm?" Wondered Zeta as Juper quickly replied.
"We won't. Security is right on the second floor. Only a few guards up there and they aren't armed. Myself and a few others can go secure it and make sure nothing happens. To make matters worse for Gorgon and anyone else on the inside, security controls all exits and entrances. We can lock everything down manually so no one can leave. Plus the building was refitted to be armored in case of attack. So even if we do open fire inside, not a peep can be heard on the outside. Walls are thick as hell."
Zeta let out a sigh as I looked to Pierce to wonder.
"What happens when we find them? Gorgon and his men are the best fighters Linnen has left. A close quarters fight will end bad. Plus they are users."
Pierce then looked at me to reply.
"They aren't the only ones. All of us are users. We all trained with that shit in our bodies. We all have our own shots to take. Show him." He then ordered as all his men, including Juper, began to put up their own silver cases onto the table.
"They drug up Commander and we will as well. We can hold our own against them at that point." He then stated as I had my eyes widened. Zeta on the other hand asked.
"I still see this as a suicide fight. It'll just be Raptor, myself and who? Pierce and two others coming down with us? Even a man up someone will die."
"Chance we are willing to take to end this." Stated Pierce as I then asked.
"There isn't any other way to do this?"
Pierce then looked to Juper. My eyes ran over to him as well as he knew it was his turn to tell me something.
"Like the captain said, we can expect Linnen to move Gorgon and his team after the support comes in tomorrow. Probably to Iraq considering the current state of things. But in order for that to happen someone is going to have to meet with him at the capital to get the briefing. Knowing Gorgon he'll probably send one of his boys to get it done. Him and the others will probably stay at the airfield to take care of all the new troops coming in. Hell most of the army will be there providing protection, which means we can set up and ambush and wait out whoever Gorgon sends. We take whoever it is down and we bring them back here. Hopefully get some info out of him before we decide what to do with him after. Gorgon won't find out till it's too late and by then he'll probably be mad enough to come looking. We can then use that to get him and whoever is left alone. Might be easier then the other plan if we can have all of us together for the final battle." Stated Juper as I looked to Zeta who asked.
"What do you think Raptor?"
"I like Juper's plan more. Plus I have some questions that need answers. But if we do this we need to be smart. It also needs to be fast. A quick snatch and grab. Not much noise. Any ideas?"
Nodding Pierce replied.
"There is a pretty cut throat street on the way back from the airport. Smart move would be to wait till whoever goes to see Linnen is on his way back. This way Linnen won't be concerned. If we take him before I'm sure Linnen will know something is up. It'll buy us more time. But me and my men know where we can hitch a van, maybe a truck. We set them up on both ends of the street and use some road spikes to cut the tires. When the car stops we all converge and take him down. Throw together some masks and we'll be golden."
"You have road spikes?" I asked in confusion as he nodded.
"We checked around this place and to be honest Commander the armory is stacked. Almost everything you could ever want is in there. Along with two pairs of spikes all rolled up. The key to pulling this off is making sure the person in the car can't fire back."
"I assume you are prepared for that too right?" I asked with a smile as he looked to Juper who pulled up a small crate filled with canisters.
"Riot gas. Also found in our armory. Pop a few of these on the car and it won't matter how good the shooter is. He'll collapse in seconds from the sting."
Nodding my head I looked back to Pierce who now wondered.
"This the way you want to handle this Commander?"
After a few second thoughts I replied.
"Yes."
Nodding his head Pierce then stated.
"Then we'll get working on it. I'll have my guys go get the vehicles while Juper and myself go look for the spot to make this happen right. You stay here and rest. I'll radio Zeta when we are coming back."
"You sure about this?" I wondered as I wasn't use to doing nothing.
Smiling Pierce replied.
"We'll be fine. And last time I checked your still not at your best. Sleep in for once. I know we just met but trust me. We got this one. If you wana do something to help Commander I'd start by putting together your interrogation routine. Any one of Gorgon's men will be hard as nails to crack. But if what Hecan told us is true, you might not need much help in making them talk."
With a pat of my arm, Pierce turned from the table to order.
"Let's get this shit going boys. You know what to do."
"Yes sir!" His men replied with speed as they all followed him out of the base.
My eyes watched in awe as they left. Zeta saw my face and asked.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm just envious of him. Reminds me when I had a team in the field. All his men are willing to die for him. No questions asked."
"Well so are yours." Replied Zeta as I looked back to her.
"It's not the same. There is a difference when your in the field with your team. There is a bond. One I miss." I stated as I lowered my tone.
Zeta smiled and after some time she asked.
"You hungry?"
After all this time I wasn't even aware of it till she asked. But with a small nod I replied.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Cause the kitchen here is still pretty fresh. I was going to make something to eat. Figured it would best if we both get something in our stomachs before we sleep."
Without even another word Zeta made her way to the kitchen. But I continued to sit here. I had no idea what to do now. I had every intention of helping Pierce and his men do this but apparently I don't have to. Looking to where Zeta went I began to tap my fingers along the table. I wanted to do something and I only had one thing I could think of.
Standing up I made my way to where she was. Zeta was already busy going through what we had in stock. Her eyes looked back to me to ask.
"So we got some beef rations or some pasta that looks a few years past being boiled. What you thinking?"
Keeping my spot at the door I replied.
"Whatever you want. But hey listen." I urged her as she stopped now to focus on me.
"I'm sorry for earlier. My mind is just all over the place right now. Well...my everything."
"Your fine Raptor. I understand what's on the line for you here. I don't even want to try to imagine what you've been through after all you told me."
Nodding my head I let out a sigh and looked away. Zeta then took it upon herself to approach me. Slowly looking back at her we matched eyes.
"How about this? Let's just move on for now. I know it's hard but we can't move forward if we are stuck in this moment. Let's at least finish this shit with Gorgon and his men and maybe when we are back in rebellion hands we can try to focus on recovering. The both of us."
Smiling at me, I then asked.
"You really think I should go back?"
"You have no reason not too. Hecan gave you everything to make this part of the world a place worth living in. Plus your someone the people of the country need. Someone like you to represent them and their voices. The middle east won't follow Hecan cause he's G.U.N. But they will follow if the person who got them their freedom does. Hecan needs you to lead this country. Everyone needs you. Can't you see that Raptor?"
Nodding I replied.
"I do but...?"
Back handing my chest she said with a firm voice.
"But nothing. You saw your friend Archer in action. If someone like him tries to lead this country you'll just end up in another war. If Hecan thought he could get the same results with Archer he wouldn't have reached out to you at all. You know it's true."
Zeta was right. Archer would never trust someone in G.U.N. Especially Hecan of all people.
"Yeah. You're right."
Smiling she then urged.
"I know I am. Now go relax. I'll bring something out to ya when I'm done. Okay?"
Nodding I replied.
"Okay."
Zeta then seemed to relax. After which she turned for the kitchen again. I watched in awe as she did. She really did remind me of Alicia in a way. She had that way of talking to me that she did.
Slowly I also returned to the war room. As I retook my place I realized I forgot to tell her what I wanted to do. Guess I'll just wait till I get another break in the action. I really want to go see what Char sent me. It had to be something. Something important if he needed to hide it. I just can't think of what.
Char's POV.
I was actually really upset I couldn't find Raptor. Part of me wanted to go back, but we were already nearing home. With the border in sight one of the men from Zulu team asked.
"What do you think is coming next Lieutenant?"
Looking to him I replied.
"War. I would think that much is coming. God knows when the first attack will come."
"Who is going to lead us when it does you think?"
It was a question even I was wondering about to be honest. But keeping straight I replied.
"Archer won't that's for sure. If I had to guess it'll be someone more experienced. I heard rumors that maybe one of the former General's for the rebellion might take the chance. But we won't know for sure till tomorrow at least. Hopefully we will have time to fortify our borders."
"I'm sure we will. Archer had most of the men who we left behind working on it. Give or take another day or two we'll be ready."
"And Voltz?" Wondered another of the men as we all went silent.
"His absence is known around the higher ups. Everyone else like the grunts think he's away on business in Afghanistan. But I'm sure people will start to put things together when things start to happen." I stated as we reached the border.
At least one thing was going right. The border itself was guarded by at least three teams now. Plenty of them on watch from the towers and the wall as we were welcomed back.
"Archer wants us on recon after tonight Lieutenant. You want to come along? We are still down a squad leader."
Looking to the men I replied.
"You guys are twice my age and probably have seen and done more shit then me. I wouldn't be right for that spot."
"You might be younger but if Raptor said you could replace Wreak then that means something to us. He wouldn't put the wrong person in that spot. Just think about it. Chances are your some hell of a soldier. You just need to be in the right spot to prove it. Offer stands." He stated as I now let out a sigh.
"I'll talk about it with Archer. He might need me for something else."
Nodding he replied.
"Just keep it in mind. That's all I ask."
"I will." I replied as the capital would soon be in sight.
Black's POV.
Char came through the gate with Zulu team at his side. As he got out of the truck I shouted.
"Char!"
The wolf turned to head right for me. When he came in close I offered him a hug and asked.
"You get out alright?"
Nodding he replied.
"Yeah."
I could tell by his voice he was upset. I understood why. Everyone did.
"There wasn't much of a chance of us finding him there in such a situation Char. Don't let it get to you."
Nodding he replied.
"I'm trying not to. Where's Archer?"
"Inside. He's with a few of the brass going over some things before the war starts."
"Okay. I need to ask him something anyway."
"Yeah go in then. I have to get things set up at the border."
"You're going to fight?" He then asked in confusion as I let out a chuckle to reply.
"Not much of a choice. I'll be leading the men out in the field. It was suppose to be Archer's job but since Raptor is gone he can't. So it'll be a good way to at least prove myself to some of these vets."
"And a good way to get killed." He stated with a smile as I nodded.
"Yeah we'll see. Listen I got to go. Just glad your back."
"Same." He replied as I patted his shoulder. Stepping out for one of the nearest trucks I knew what I was getting into. Knowing Char I'll see him out there soon as well.
Char's POV.
Guess that answers my one question. But I'm surprised Archer gave him the spot at all. Guess we don't have much of a choice now. With Raptor gone almost all of our high command is stretched thin. Unless Mason sends someone which again I doubt. He'll be at war just the same as us with that Hannon guy after him. I wonder what the plan will be then. When will we push?
As I made my way into the main building I was caught off guard by the sheer number of armed guards patrolling the halls. Looked like Archer was going to be more concerned with internal security then external.
Upon heading up to his office I found what Black warned me about waiting inside. Rebellion high command. There were at least six of them. All of which looked ether war torn vets or old pricks. Archer sat at the table as I walked in. Upon seeing me he stopped to ask.
"What is it Char?"
The room went silent as I was caught off guard by him not even saying hello. But doing my best to remain calm I replied.
"I just got back with Zulu. I was going to ask what you had planned on me doing now that I'm back. Any ideas?"
Nodding he replied.
"I have Black and his men leading the border teams and the assault forces. So as of right now the defense is strong for the first attack. As for you, I was thinking about posting you with Hunter and some others here. That way...?" Cutting him off I said in a confused tone.
"I was kinda hoping to be out there sir. With Black and the others. Hunter can handle this place. Plus you have so many men already posted here it doesn't really matter if you have me on top of that."
Archer was clearly caught off guard by me interrupting him in front of brass. So with a sort of mad tone he wondered.
"So what then? You want me to send you out there to die? Your young Char. Don't make a foolish choice here."
"Zulu 2-7 said they need a squad leader. I know they are set to go out on recon tonight. I was hoping I could go lead them."
Archer let out a laugh to question.
"You want me to put you in charge of our special forces team? The same team me and Raptor both ran at a time? Char you got to be joking."
Shaking my head I replied.
"They need a leader. I lost my brothers once already to this war. I want the chance to lead again. That way I can make sure it never happens again."
"People will die Char. You could die. I'm not warning you about this again. Those men from Zulu 2-7 are all vets. Why would they follow a kid like you?"
With a stern tone I replied.
"Because Raptor wouldn't have put me in this position if he didn't believe I could do it. He wouldn't have picked me to replace Wreak if I couldn't. And you know it too."
Archer now looked at me with wide eyes and in anger he shouted.
"Raptor picked you because we didn't have anyone else!"
"I can do it!" I shouted right back at him as the room went silent.
Archer was clearly getting mad. But as silence came one of the men sitting at the table asked.
"Raptor picked you to replace Wreak?"
This guy looked like one of those vets. But he was clearly older. A large human male. He stood strong next to the others as Archer replied.
"Hoffer stay out of this."
With a smile the man ordered.
"Shut it Archer. The kid may be young but he was the same age as both you and the Commander when you took the spot of squad leader. If Raptor picked him to replace Wreak it wasn't just because we had no one else. It must mean your special. Let me ask you this. Be honest."
Standing tall he approached me. He was an inch taller then me and still holding his smile he asked.
"Are you capable? Can you lead men into battle? Are you willing to lay your life down for them? For men you don't even know?"
"Yes." I replied as he placed his hand on my shoulder to reply.
"Good. Zulu team has been around since Shadow's time in command. All those men are born patriots and will gladly die for you at a moments notice. You must be willing to do the same. They don't care that your young. They only care about your presence. By that I mean they want to be lead by a man that won't be scared or run away from a fight. If Raptor picked you to replace Wreak then that means you won't run. You won't hide. You'll lead his men and his way of thinking. Zulu 2-7 is the spear to this rebellion. I ask you one more time. Are you ready for this?"
Nodding I replied.
"Yes sir. I am."
"Then go break the news to those men. You'll find they are very open minded soldiers. They won't deny you as their leader. For they probably already know your capable just based off of what the commander already said. Go now."
"Yes sir." I replied as I looked back to Archer who was clearly still angered by this choice. But turning my back to him I left to go find Zulu. I don't know that man Hoffer but he seems like a good guy. Or at the least someone willing to take a chance.
As I walked back outside I found Zulu huddled around the same truck we drove back in. They're uniforms were clearly more decorated then standard men. But I guess I'll learn about that in time. As I neared the men turned to look at me. The man who looked in charge was a hedgehog. Much like Raptor in fact. Gray but with no streaks. He was clearly older as well. Probably in his thirties. He stood tall and asked.
"What's up Lieutenant? Back so soon?"
Letting out a chuckle I replied.
"Just got done with Archer."
"He posting you somewhere?" He then asked as I shook my head to reply.
"He wanted me to hold down the fort here but I was against it. I want to be out there fighting."
"So you asked about our offer then?"
Smiling I replied.
"Yeah he wasn't happy about it, but one of the men named Hoffer stepped in. He said the same thing you guys did."
"So your our squad leader now then. Good. That's what we wanted to hear. Archer can be a hard ass. We all know that. Fuck he was part of the team a long time ago. But Hoffer was also before he went General. He's a good guy. Been around for even longer. Story goes he was with Shadow when he first turned up in Afghanistan all those years back. Helped him win the war back then. Stayed however with Mason when he had to move to Pakistan. He's as straight as a leader comes. Thankfully he's back to help us now. God knows we'll need it."
Still smiling I then asked.
"What's your name?"
Offering me his hand he replied.
"Roz. I'm second in command for Zulu team."
Looking around the truck, I noticed there was only a few of us. Along with Roz was three others. Another hedgehog. He was just as old looking as Roz but he had green quills. Next to him was a black wolf much like myself. Same height and everything. Then lastly stood a brown fox. He had to be the youngest out of them. Red fur with some brown patches around his right cheek. He smiled as we matched eyes.
One at a time they each announced who they were. Starting with the hedgehog.
"Name is Saff. Team medic and radio specialist. Nice to have you Lieutenant."
Then the wolf.
"I'm Diz. Team sniper. Good to have new blood to the team."
Smiling I then looked to the fox who offered his hand for me to shake.
"I'm Cooper. I handle any demolitions and I'm also a trained medic and a part time infiltrator. Three talents that see a lot of action now days." He said with a laugh as I let his hand go.
Looking back to Roz he smiled and asked.
"You worried? Don't be. If Hoffer said you could lead us then again it was for a reason Lieutenant. It doesn't matter how much older we are or what we've done. If your in charge then your in charge. So don't be intimidated. You didn't join a team. You joined a family. Raptor and Archer both knew that well. So be sure to do the same."
Nodding I replied.
"I understand."
Keeping calm he then said.
"We have orders to move out soon. Are job is simple. We are to start setting up traps for any push Linnen can make through the dunes out there. We will be carrying every mine this army could find with us. So in short Lieutenant are job is to make sure those mines get set up in the right places tonight. After which are orders are to set up camp and keep an eye out for any signs of movement heading towards the city."
"The job is simple Char. But we will be out there for a long time so make sure you pack for the trip." Urged Diz as I looked to him to reply.
"Gotcha."
"Just meet with us here in the next three hours." Urged Roz as I nodded and replied.
"Okay. Thank you guys."
Smiling Saff urged.
"Don't thank us. We needed you. Let's just get shit back on track and make sure nobody fucks with Iraq."
With smiles all around I suddenly felt happy. It just felt great to have a team again. But Hoffer's questions still roamed my head.
"Was I ready for this?"
mT Shadow.