Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 110 – Time for war.
Gorgon's POV, the next day.
This was just the start of this war but judging by the amount of power coming our way from back home it was clear it was in our favor to win it. It's been a long time since I've seen this many men. With myself leading the coordination of all the new troops, I had Tusk and Blitz running the tank division.
Scrotus on the other hand was on his way back to the capital to speak with Linnen. Fucking prick is just sitting in his office as I do all this. Can only imagine the shit he'll send us on after this. If I had to guess we were going to Iraq to handle the rest of the rebellion. But god knows right now.
As time passed I looked to my watch. It was getting on three and it felt like the day just started.
Letting out a sigh I just tried to refocus. In a matter of days this shit would be over and I could go home.
Juper's POV.
We knew who was coming our way and everything was in place to make this happen. Pierce was going to handle the extraction. My job was to roll out the spikes and the gas. Scrotus wasn't going to be able to do anything. And if he tried it wouldn't end well anyway.
With my mind just calmly waiting for the moment to come I took the chance to ask over comms.
"What we doing after all this shit is over Cap?"
In a few seconds Pierce replied.
"Well even after Gorgon and his men are dead and Voltz gets some closure we still have to worry about Linnen Juper. The rebellion might not like us butting in once Raptor gets back to Iraq but it'll be his word over all. Plus to be honest I'm not going to say shit about us working with Hecan. That conversation is top secret between this small group we got here. So this goes for all of you. Not a word about us being with G.U.N to any rebellion allies Raptor may have. It'll be his call if he wants them to know. Got it?"
Everyone called it clear, but I had to ask.
"So who are we then if they ask?"
Chuckling Pierce replied.
"Just some patriots."
"I can work with that." Replied Dex from his end as I nodded and looked up to the sound of a car coming.
"This it Cap?"
In a second he replied.
"That's are boy. Roll it out Lieutenant."
"Yes sir." I replied as I quickly stood up to toss out the road spikes.
The mat went clean across the road as I could spot the truck coming. This was it.
Scrotus's POV.
Driving back from the capital was giving me a headache. The roads were closed off for some fucking reason. But I guess this was a good time to get some peace and quiet. Drake is such a prick. Talks your off till you understand even his most useless sentences.
Letting out a sigh I panicked as suddenly I heard a huge pop go off.
"What the...!?" The truck instantly spun around as I hit the breaks. With my heart racing I began to look around. In no matter then a second of me stopping a van came out behind me and a truck from in front. My roads were blocked as the van opened up and four men came jumping out with rifles.
"What the fuck is this?" I asked as I reached over for my M4.
The second I touched the rifle I began to smell something. In no longer then a second my eyes began to water and I started to cough.
"Tear gas!?" I asked out loud as I now struggled to breathe.
Grabbing my rifle I looked back up to see nothing but white smoke all around me.
"What the fuck was going on?" I tried to ask myself as I suddenly was greeted by an arm getting swung through my driver side window.
The second it opened I was bombarded by the tear gas. I couldn't fucking see.
Unable to get a grasp over my gun I widened my eyes as my door opened and a rifle butt got sent to my face.
Pierce's POV.
Grabbing him by the neck I urged.
"Come on out now!"
Tossing him to the street under my feet I watched as he began to struggle for air.
Looking up at me through it all, he asked.
"What the fuck are you doing!?"
"My job." I replied as I sent my rifle back at his head.
This time his head hit the pavement with enough force to knock him out cold. Looking to Dex and Rover who stood alongside me I ordered.
"Tie his hands and feet, then bag his head. Load him up and get to HQ."
"Yes sir." Replied Dex as they quickly got Scrotus ready to leave.
With Juper and the other men regrouping I ordered.
"Lieutenant I need you to get this mess cleaned up. Kan and Pez you two help him then get heading back to HQ. As for the rest of you, I need you guys to get rid of the truck. I'll take the humvee our friend came in on and stash it as we planned. I'm counting on you two to dump that truck right. Got me?"
John and Jose both nodded and replied.
"Yes sir."
"Okay. Let's go then. No signs that we were here. Let's go!"
With everyone moving out, I made my way to the humvee. Even with popped tires this thing could get to where I needed it to be. Scrotus was already on his way to Raptor. Hope I'm back in time to see his face when he wakes up.
Char's POV.
Can't say I was bored. Spent all day yesterday with my new team setting up every trap we had. That desert was rigged like a nuke. No way an assault would get through untouched. Now we just sat and waited a few miles deeper in the desert. It was hot. We had no support. Just each other...and it felt great.
As I manned a pair of binoculars I listened to the soft humming coming from Diz who manned a rifle right next to me.
"You sing too?" I wondered as he laughed and replied.
"Yeah just give me a target. I'll start singing for ya Lieutenant."
Laughing I then heard from Roz who sat a few meters away watching the other side of the desert with Cooper and Saff.
"Don't get Diz started Lieutenant. He starts singing and we won't hear the end of it."
Diz just chuckled as Saff asked.
"We're going to be out here for a few days so please don't start now. I don't think I can handle that."
"Fuck you Saff." Replied Diz as everyone just began to laugh.
With time passing slowly, I then wondered.
"What's the plan when we see them coming Roz?"
"Plan is we call ahead to the main force back home and we sit here and watch the fireworks."
"No support?" I then questioned as he quickly replied.
"We're going to provide sniper coverage with Diz there next to ya and do all we can to call in any useful intel as it goes. We don't have much in means of defense but that suppressor will cover us as we take shots. If we get made our orders are to fall back to secondary positions and provide coverage again. Simple hit and run op basically Lieutenant."
I let the orders rest with me as Cooper then added.
"Chances are the person leading this assault will be held in the back of the main force. If we get the chance we are ordered to take the shot. Losing the commander will basically throw everything else into disarray for G.U.N. But consider that goal the golden snitch."
"We aren't the big guns by any means but that would be a huge hit to the battle if we get the chance Lieutenant." Stated Roz as I then looked to my watch to check the time. It was just going on four. Can't wait to start freezing out here.
Raptor's POV.
Everything was ready. Zeta knew this wasn't going to be pleasant but she didn't care. Nor did Raze who was going to be in there with me. The jumpy fox was happy but she looked nervous. Looking to her I urged.
"Try to keep calm when we do this Raze. I can't have you off your game."
"I'll keep him alive Raptor. Don't worry about me. I'm just not use to this kind of work. The only other time I had to do this was with you in the chair."
Nodding I replied.
"You'll be fine. Just do me a favor?"
"Yeah anything." She stated back as I looked her right in the eyes to order.
"Don't say a word. Don't get involved unless I want you too. This is between me and him. I want it kept that way."
"Yes sir." She replied as Zeta came into the room to say.
"Their here."
Nodding I got up to order.
"Get him ready. I'll be there with Raze when I got everything I need."
"You got it Raptor." She replied as I looked back to Raze who handed me a pack of D batteries.
Pierce's POV, Thirty minutes later.
I got back just in time. Everyone was here including Juper and the others. Approaching my men I asked.
"How'd it go?"
The Lieutenant quickly replied.
"They won't find anything Cap."
"Good." I replied as I looked ahead to see Zeta sitting at the main table patiently. Walking towards her I asked.
"Did I miss anything?"
Looking to me she replied.
"Not that I know of. I got him locked and waiting for Raptor."
Nodding my head I asked.
"Can I go in?"
In confusion she replied.
"Raptor wanted to be alone. He's taking Raze though. Probably to make sure he doesn't die before he can get something out of him."
Chuckling I then said.
"I'll go ask then."
Zeta just nodded as I made my way to the armory to find Raptor with knife and a small vial of something. Next to him were some cut open D batteries. Looking to me I stated.
"That shit is going to hurt real bad Commander."
"That's the point. I got more under my sleeve but this will "encourage" him at least."
Looking to Raze I asked.
"You two ready for this?"
Nodding Raptor replied.
"Yeah. Just give me an hour alone with him and I'll have him talking."
"No doubt. But Commander?"
Looking to me I said.
"I recommend I come with you."
"Why?" He questioned as I calmly replied back.
"It's getting to that point where Gorgon will start asking questions about where his man has gone. No doubt someone will call. When that happens we need to be ready."
Nodding he then asked.
"You got an idea?"
Smiling I replied.
"Yeah. Trust me. It'll be good."
Nodding slowly Raptor replied.
"Fine then. But like I told Raze. Don't get involved until I want you too."
"Understood." I said with a smile as he looked to Raze to order.
"Let's go. We do this now."
"Yes sir." She replied as I watched him lead the way towards the main room. My men along with Zeta looked to him as it was clear he was determined. Heading into the kitchen we turned into a makeshift interrogation room, I rested my eyes right on Scrotus who Zeta had tied to a chair near the center. We shut the door behind us but it's not like it was sound proof. Everyone was going to hear this. But I don't think any of us cared. Raptor took his time to sit down in a chair we had placed a few feet in front of Scrotus. His face read it all. Raptor wasn't going to go easy.
Raze on the other hand was set up near the sink. She had all she needed to keep him alive through this. I just remained by the only exit as Raptor looked to Scrotus carefully.
Raptor's POV.
Zeta stripped him down to nothing but his shirt and pants. Next to me on a small table was everything he had coming in, besides his weapons of course. Just a wallet and a few pieces of paper. Nothing too much of interest from what I could read. All but the last one. It was a map. Looked like a picture of the south border in Iraq. Placing the pictures down and looking to the wallet I opened it up to see a picture of some pretty girl. Looking up to Scrotus I figured it was his girlfriend. Taking the picture out I flipped it over to see he had her name on it's back. Sally.
Letting out a sigh I tossed down the wallet and refocused on the black wolf sitting before me. He was still out cold. Looking to Raze, she nodded and handed me a cup of water. As fast as it reached my hands I tossed it right at him.
The second the water hit him his eyes shot open to ask.
"What the fuck!? Where...?"
Looking around in a panic he saw me and then looked to Pierce to question.
"Who are you guys?!"
"Hey." I said to him as it was clear he was flustered. Looking to me with wide eyes I ordered.
"Quiet."
Scrotus kept his mouth shut as I pulled my chair closer to him. With our knees touching I looked right into his eyes to ask.
" you remember me? It's a safe question, you can answer honestly." I told him as he took his care to try and relax.
Scrotus was taking his time to answer. Judging by his face I could tell he was struggling. Pointing to the left side of my head at my scar I saw his eyes light up to say.
"Gorgon killed you. I checked."
Nodding I replied.
"Funny how that works. You watched as he broke me. You smiled as he made me shoot my son."
Instantly Scrotus shook his head.
"I had orders."
Nodding, I listened as he then said.
"I had nothing to do with what happened Raptor. Okay? It was Linnen's idea and Gorgon went with it! I swear to god!"
He was clearly scared now that he knew the situation he was in. Sitting back in my chair I continued to listen as he asked.
"Can I explain to you what happened?"
"Sure." I replied as he calmly did his best to explain.
"After that stunt you pulled with Jagger and Ruby's bodies, you almost killed Gorgon with that explosion. He had to use the venom to stay alive. After it was all said and done he drove us back to Linnen directly. Asking for permission to kill you. But Linnen said no. Okay?"
"Then what?" I then asked as he quickly replied.
"Linnen informed us that he had men in the capital in Afghanistan. He knew it would be the key to getting you dealt with without the need for an assault on your home in Iraq. I was against it but what could I do or say Raptor? Gorgon only saw red after that night. He didn't care how, but he wanted you."
"And he got me." I stated back as Scrotus then asked.
"I checked your pulse. You got shoot in the fucking head. How are you alive? How are you here? Who are these people?"
"Lets just skip the hows. I'm alive off of dumb luck. If I could have chose to die there I would have gladly. But I didn't. I woke up next to my family who was bagged and tagged next to me. Do you understand that?" I asked him as he went silent.
"It all hit me at once. I would have died without a fight if given the option. But fate chose to live me here on this earth to suffer. I figure if I'm going to suffer then so should the people who took everything I had away from me again. Starting with you."
Immediately Scrotus shouted.
"Raptor I had nothing to do with this! You want Gorgon! Not me! It was Linnen's idea and Gorgon accepted it! I had orders to follow man! Can't you see that!? I didn't want to go that far just to kill you! There were plenty of other ways to handle that! I didn't have a choice!"
Our eyes were locked. Scrotus was clearly scared even though he was trained to probably handle interrogation. Too bad this isn't that simple. Looking to Raze, she nodded and came close to hand me a knife. Scrotus widened his eyes as I placed the blade on my lap.
"Raptor I didn't want to do this to you man! I could have figured something else out!"
"But you didn't. You choose to go along with it. If it was that big of a concern for your morale values then you would have said something or done something more to make it stop from happening."
Scrotus began to shake his head as I gripped the blade.
"Please." He begged as I leaned back up to face him directly.
"I'm going to say this once so listen close." I urged him as I placed the tip of the blade on his right leg.
"Your right. I want Gorgon. I want Linnen. Linnen set it up. Gorgon preformed. I get that much. But regardless at the end of the day Scrotus I'm a leader. Not a good one mind you. Let's not get that confused with anything. But regardless I need information that you have. So there are two ways this works for you. The first is simple. I ask the questions I need answered and you answer them. No need to hurt you. But...?" I said with a sudden stop as I began to push the blade into his leg.
Scrotus bit his tongue as I felt the tip gently push through his skin.
"You refuse to answer. You try to lie or you try to hide the truth. I will hurt you. I will hurt you in so many ways possible that you will wish you had shoot me again just to really make sure I died. So do me and Sally a favor and just play nice. You understand?"
Scrotus now had an inch of my knife in his leg as he asked through his pain.
"How do you know Sally?"
Keeping my posture I replied.
"She's a picture in your wallet. Kinda easy to point out she must be important to you. Sister or girlfriend?" I then asked as I waited for an answer.
The wolf still keeping calm replied.
"Girlfriend."
Pulling my knife out of his leg, I looked to Raze who slowly came over to place a rag over top the wound on his leg. Scrotus watched as she tied it tight to stop the bleeding. After which I said.
"She's the only person keeping you from dying here today. Like I said however. You answer my questions and I won't hurt you."
Scrotus looked right back at me as I then said.
"I know your trained to resist interrogation. But clearly this isn't one. This is personal. You have a choice. Help or die. There is no in between here. You wana see Sally again you do what's right for you. You have the chance to follow your own rules. Now decide. The first question is simple."
With our eyes matching I then asked.
"What does Linnen want your team to do next? I saw the photos. What's the mission?"
With my knife placed back on my lap, Scrotus now had to ether break his military code or sign his life away based off loyalty. As seconds passed I grabbed back onto the knife to go for his other leg. Scrotus followed it with his eyes as I placed the tip just above his kneecap.
"Please." He begged as I calmly urged.
"Then answer. You have five seconds."
Now time was clicking away and with it nearing it's end I began to push slightly. Just as I felt it starting to break through skin he replied.
"He wanted us to infiltrate the south end of the city and find a way to get back to the capital! The goal was to be in position the second the first attack came!"
"In position for what?" I then asked as he replied back in speed.
"To kill Archer. The guy who replaced you. Taking him out and controlling the capital would ensure a quick victory over Iraq. That's all. The photos he gave me show the way how to get in through that end of the city without causing a firefight. The others are coded. I wasn't suppose to decipher them till we got there. That's all."
Pulling back the knife from his leg, I then asked.
"So when's the attack coming? You're one of the best planners in G.U.N right? Linnen probably told you the date and times right?"
Nodding he replied.
He's sending the bulk of our firepower to Iraq tomorrow. They will be coming from the north while the tanks push east. Plan was to overrun the east side and sweep back towards the main force. Then push forward from there. Simple pincer run."
"And Afghanistan?" I then wondered as Raze remained by his side.
"That prick Hannon is going to assault the city later in the night. Same idea to pinch Mason. The attacking force is smaller but so is your forces there. The advantage was to use the air support that we had come in, help soften up the main defending forces. On the south end of the border. Linnen has teams in place already to get a head start at rushing the capital."
"Where?" I then asked as he quickly replied.
"Just a few blocks down from sixth street. Their hold up in an old warehouse that has been declared foreclosed for the last few years. At least three teams but they are all special forces. Not like my team, just standard operators."
Nodding my head I gently offered the knife back to Raze who took it away with her towards the sink.
Scrotus kept quiet now as I itched my neck. After I was done I then asked.
"Any teams like that in Iraq?"
Shaking his head he replied.
"Not inside the city. It's too tight. But we have another team moving in tonight towards the main border to start setting up over watch. They are just there to get intel on any opposing forces that may be in place before our assault force arrives."
Looking back to Pierce who just watched I asked.
"What you think?"
Smiling slightly he replied.
"He's not lying. Look at him."
Looking back to Scrotus I patted his leg to wonder.
"How much do you like Gorgon? You been together long?"
Nodding he replied.
"Only a few years. I was offered a desk job a long time back but I declined it to stay in the field. I saw users training as a means to do that. I got placed on the team because there wasn't enough brain on it. Just a lot of brawn. Gorgon is a friend. Not one I can say I'm proud of, but we do dirty jobs Raptor. In our line of work there isn't much room for relationships. And Gorgon is a man by the books. He only sees the mission. This was the first time I really saw him break his morals."
"You care enough to die for him? Cause refusing to answer my next question correctly will make that happen."
Scrotus gulped as I then asked it.
"How do I get to him?"
Everything now rested on his answer. But he was stumped. Reaching to my side I pulled up the vial I took earlier. Gently popping the top off I reached for his right hand that was tied down on the chair.
"What's that?" He asked in fear as I kept my eyes on his to ask again.
"How do I get Gorgon?"
"Raptor I...?!"
Letting a small drop fall out and onto the back of his palm, I watched as it instantly began to smoke and char his fur away. The second it reached his skin Scrotus let out a loud scream. It wasn't going to stop burning until I wanted it to stop. Blood started to slowly roll out as I asked for a third time.
"How do I get to Gorgon!?"
Biting his tongue in pain he begged.
"I'll tell you but please make it stop!"
"I didn't know weather to believe him or not, but I was willing to take a chance. Looking to Raze she nodded and came over with some cold water and another rag. Scrotus did his best not to scream as she cleaned it off and began to cover up the hole the acid made in his hand." Once she was done I urged.
"Start talking or next time it will be something important I decide to burn."
Scrotus now shut his eyes to the pain as Raze finished up. Once she was done I said.
"So...Gorgon. You know something right? Something I can use to get to him?"
Nodding he replied.
"Gorgon won't be caught in a trap. You can't set him up. The only reason you got close before was because you pushed him by killing Jagger and Ruby. He's never that reckless on his own accord."
Understanding what he was saying, I stood up to approach Pierce. Scrotus watched in confusion as I took his glock out from his holster.
"So in other words all I need to do is kill you and I'll get him? Fine."
Aiming at his head Scrotus screamed.
"No! Wait!"
Holding back on my finger, I looked to his eyes as he began to shake in place.
"I'm just trying to say you only got to him because you gave him a reason to break his own rules! Gorgon is a military man at heart! He will follow the book unless pushed in the other direction heavily! You don't need to kill me to make that happen again Raptor! I swear! Just listen!" He begged as I kept the gun on his head.
"Gorgon will call when I don't show up soon. If one thing should be clear by now Raptor it's that Gorgon cares about his men. He'll come for me."
"And he'll bring half the army with him too." I stated back as Pierce suddenly said.
"Commander?"
Looking back to him I asked.
"What?"
"He's right about that. Gorgon will come. But we can set it in our favor."
Lowering the gun I then asked.
"How? What's stopping him from bringing the cavalry when he finds out?"
Keeping his position, Pierce replied.
"We give him a reason not to." Pierce had a look in his eyes that suddenly told me he had a plan I didn't know about. Showing me his hands he asked.
"May I?"
Watching him carefully I nodded. Letting out a sigh he approached me to lean into my ear.
"You trust me?"
The question was asking for an answer I was still unsure of. But he wouldn't have accepted this mission if he didn't have his own reasons. Ones I need to know. Sensing my concern he whispered.
"The answer doesn't really matter right now. Regardless I need you to at least trust my intentions. This man is yours. You can kill him or not. The choice is yours. But right now I need to tell him something. He needs to know."
Pulling off me, Pierce kept looking into my eyes. Slowly I felt as if I had no choice really. I just would have to trust him this one time.
"Go ahead." I finally replied as he smiled and placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Thank you. Now just give me a minute."
Nodding my head I took a step to the side as Pierce now sat down in my seat.
Scrotus stared at the man in confusion on what was happening. But in seconds Pierce lost his smile to state with authority.
"Captain Scrotus Remenes. As part of G.U.N codes and regulations it is my job to inform you that team Phantom Echelon has broken article seven dash nine of subsection ten."
Scrotus's eyes widened as Pierce went on.
"Your commanding officer Gorgon Zetes and acting Commander Drake Linnen authorized and preformed a hereby act of treason by murdering Commander Ash Lore. It is because of this act that acting G.U.N president Hecan Moore has authorized the termination of team Phantom Echelon and all it's members. Due to substantial evidence there is no way to lift this ruling and you and your former friends are now considered terrorists. You are hereby barred from the states which includes all contact and entry of it's allies and it's borders. In short...your fucked." Stated Pierce as Scrotus was at a loss for what to say.
Pierce now just sat back as it sank in to the wolf in front of him who soon questioned.
"Your G.U.N?"
Pulling out his wallet Pierce replied while flipping it open for him to see.
"Presidential guards to Hecan Moore and the newly appointed user team sent to dispatch Gorgon Zetes, Blitz Tomes, Tusk Woodly, Scrotus Remenes, and lastly Drake Linnen."
Looking to me Scrotus immediately shouted.
"Your working with the rebellion!? What the fuck is going on!?"
Keeping a straight face Pierce replied.
"Commander Raptor Voltz is considered a global asset to G.U.N and Hecan Moore. A treaty has already been signed by the Commander himself and Hecan. Peace for the middle east is secured all that is left is the termination of acting Commander Drake Linnen."
"That can't be legal!? Your working with the enemy! What about all the men and women who will be fighting tomorrow!? It doesn't matter if we already lost!" Shouted Scrotus as Pierce nodded and replied.
"All current assets are considered expendable. Current projections predict we will only lose a few hundred lives in the coming weeks. This operation with Commander Voltz is top secret and will only be known between himself and Hecan Moore."
Scrotus was completely shocked to say the least as I just listened.
"This operation is a world changing effort towards a global peace treaty between G.U.N and the rebellion. With hopes it will expand in the coming years. But like I said we can not start till Drake and your team are gone. Seeing as you killed his family and you betrayed G.U.N. It was saw only as fair to take advantage and get the ball rolling. This way Hecan and Voltz get what they want."
"You can't be serious." Stated Scrotus in now near tears as Pierce shook his head to reply.
"I am. As of this moment you are dead. If Raptor doesn't kill you then I will. All you can hope to do is provide the information we need. If you refuse to speak, Voltz has every right to make you. This isn't a fair war. We don't follow any set rules. To get global peace we must make sacrifices. Torture being one."
Scrotus widened his eyes and began to cry to himself. In time Pierce urged.
"Do your best to play along Captain. You're final moments are among you. Make sure they are worth it."
Standing up from my seat Pierce looked back to me to say.
"You may proceed."
I was even at a loss as to what to say to that. But refocusing on Scrotus I approched to hear him cry.
"I never wanted this to happen! Gorgon and Drake came up with the plan! I didn't do anything!"
Putting my hand under his chin, I pulled his view up to me to order.
"Look at me."
Scrotus locked eyes with me as I asked.
"You love Sally?"
Nodding he replied.
"She is the only reason I wanted to come home!"
"Then do us a favor and provide the information I need to secure world peace. You won't only be helping the world. You'll be helping her."
Scrotus fell silent as I then said.
"You have an hour. You ether talk or I make you. Think about it."
Scrotus continued to cry as I looked to Pierce to ask.
"Can I talk with you? In private?" Nodding he replied.
"Of course. Lead the way."
Looking back to Raze I ordered.
"Watch over him. He does anything you kill him. Got it?"
Raze had her eyes wide to the order but she replied.
"Yes sir."
Nodding I opened the door to head back into the war room. Leaving Scrotus to his thoughts.
mT Shadow.