Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 263 - Five monster men.
Zeta's POV, The next day, Iraq Capital.
I was at a complete loss to what was happening today. For some reason Raptor was dressed to the nines. A full rebellion officer's combat detail and to my surprise he even had a barret. He made sure security was at the ready by having the capital itself and roads outside the building on lockdown. Rebellion barricades and everyone was armed. There was no civic unrest to convince myself that this was normal. What made me even more concerned was he had both Pepper and I guarding him in the same room that got raided last time he was here with Linnen. Fuck if you opened up the doors you could see the damage that was done to the offices next door.
A few of the employees who were working still were running around making sure the conference table was stocked with water and some basic snacks. Raptor had himself drinking out of a glass, but it was nothing but more water. Towards the middle of the table he had some alcohol sitting out, but I was still more concerned with what was going on. I missed out on most of the day after what happened with Hunter. My blood was boiling and I wanted to go kill that bitch, but Pepper told me about Vetra. Apparently Raptor sent her away to go take care of her. I don't know how good that wolf is, but if she's really from Fort Drake then Hunter will be in a lot of trouble soon enough. Assuming she's not already dead.
Pepper was standing by Raptor with her rifle over her back. I had mine resting in my left hand leaning into my leg. With our masks on and our orders to keep silent, I widened my eyes when the door next to me opened and Hecan Moore came walking in with Drake Linnen. Almost instantly things made sense to me. Pepper took a step closer to Raptor who smiled as Hecan greeted first stating happily.
"Well it's about time."
Raptor nodded and stood up to go around the front of the table. His hand caught Hecan's as I quickly picked up on what was happening.
"Hecan Moore. President of the states and commander and chief of the G.U.N. military."
"Raptor Voltz. Pleasure to finally meet you in person. I've heard a lot of good things about you."
"Vice versa commander." Hecan stated back as Raptor shifted his focus to Linnen who smiled and took his hand next to ask.
"How are you feeling about all this Raptor? Back in the same fucking room that nearly got us both killed. I'm getting deja vu."
"Drake?" Hecan stepped in as he heard the language being thrown in by his underling. Linnen just calmly corrected himself.
"Apologizes. Pardon my french Raptor."
Raptor just chuckled as Hecan urged the pair of them with open arms towards the table.
"Let's take a seat shall we? As much as I enjoy standing Commander, I've been on my feet all day."
"Help yourself. Grab a drink if you'd be so inclined. I'm sure this is going to be a conversation that lasts."
I kept myself by the door and got it shut as the three men found chairs. Hecan let out some groans as he stretched out his legs and readied himself for more than just introductions. Raptor got off his beret and put it center in front of him. Drake on the other hand looked back and around the table. Looking at me and my sister as it was clear we were going to be the protection detail this time around. I locked the door and right when I did Hecan started things off by saying to Raptor.
"So things have gone around pretty poorly for the middle east these last few weeks Voltz. Between your old pal Archer kicking up a shit storm and you being forced to retake command; out of what I can only assume be a civic duty to bring back some peace and order to your people. Things have clearly been turned up on its head. Now it's no secret what you've done so far in terms of damage control has most certainly been a step in the right direction for your homeland. How are things now that the rebellion is more or less a mute term now?"
Raptor was playing his part. Linnen had no clue that these two already knew one another. They were both going to have to play this smart. Raptor was a good bullshitter though and as expected he replied to the G.U.N president.
"It's….different. The command structure is still there clearly. I'm calling the shots when it comes to my military force and what's left of any sense of order. Thankfully the people I live to protect have been very open and so far I've not come into any issues regarding G.U.N collaboration. Yet you must not be too concerned with my position. Otherwise we wouldn't be talking like this. I'm the only real chance my country has at finding a balance between the light and the dark. Archer is strictly dark and thanks to him he's caused more damage then the first battle that took place here and in Afghanistan. Soiled the rebellion name and forced me to come back to this position. It was never about wanting to walk away. It was about my sanity and as anyone who's fought their whole life in a warzone can tell you; you barely have any by the time you make a difference."
Drake was keeping to himself. Letting Hecan answer seeing as to him this was their first real meeting face to face.
"This part of the world Voltz is a whole other animal. What you lived through and done is considered fantasy to the people I protect. The states haven't had a war on it's land for decades. Violence is a thing of the past over there, but over here it shows and your people consider the fighting a daily part of living going forward. Both of our goals are the same and please take no offense when I say this, but G.U.N has never wanted your land. We just wanted to see it flourish under a new set of laws. Laws that worked for us in the past. Clearly that didn't work and that's what brought on the rebellion in the first place."
Hecan took a sip of water before continuing his speech.
"From there came people like Shadow Robotnik and even men like your father. Now every leader the rebellion has had besides Shadow; has only seen G.U.N for the bad. Shadow saw us for what we were. Saw our intention because much like Drake or myself…..he was G.U.N. There was no religious interference. There was no stubbornness or even blind thought involved. We managed to make a treaty that gave the rebellion the things they wanted, while at the same time allowing my nation to help without a need for fighting. Now over the past few weeks I've seen the things you've done and I don't care if before we were enemies. Today we are allies and people can clearly change. You changed before things got worse. You saw that our intentions were only good. Sure things have happened along the way. Between Commander Reacher and Lehigh both providing your people a solid reason to hate us. Things have also gotten better as time progressed."
"I do have a question." Raptor stated after Hecan's sentence. Hecan himself went silent and offered him the table. Raptor cleared his throat and shortly after asked.
"How is it that G.U.N allowed two field commanders like that to lead the war effort in the first place? Surely what they were doing wasn't part of their job description. How can that be allowed? Especially if your overall goal is considered good? If your goal is to create peace between both sides."
Hecan was staring at Raptor as he tried to come up with an answer. Drake took a sip of water from his glass and continued to listen. In time the fox replied.
"At first we didn't know what we were doing. What we were getting into. The rebellion was a very strict group and wanted very specific things. Freedom to run their own government being the main one. Now take yourself back to before the war started. Iran was boiling as they discovered oil. Enough oil to fuel the world three times over for more than a few decades. It's a lot of importance…..that oil. It's a lot of money and up till now there has not been a single hand that could fill in and take control of both it and find a way to connect the four countries into working together. Still to this day Iran is by itself. Away from the fighting. I was just starting out and I was directed to allow certain men to take over. I was ensured they would be able to control both the oil and manage to bring about peace. Yet it came in the form of war once they realized the rebellion wasn't open to outside interference into matters believed by them to be personal and only resolvable by them. War was very easy to start once men like your father started shooting G.U.N soldiers. Like it or not Raptor, but G.U.N did not start this war. You all wanted freedom and the ability to control the world's oil and whether you like it or not G.U.N controls most of the world, if not all of it. A matter that big involves us. We run the planet and we will not be able to move forward without that kind of resource. If I could have had it my way I wouldn't have done what I did. Those two weren't ready for that kind of business. We needed a person who could supply and convince your people of peace. Linnen here is a prime example. So far he's won over Pakistan with all he's done to make sure your people live without power. Tell him Drake."
My eyes went to the wolf as he replied carefully.
"Thanks to Hecan and the extra support, we've managed to start restoring the power plant that was lost to the freak accident. It was tragic what happened but things are looking up now that we can work this out together. Estimates show the city will be back on with full lights in about another month or so. But it's also true that the people who live there have stopped seeing us as enemies. They are happy and willing to work with us. It's a step in the right direction and all we need now is the same to happen to both Iraq and Afghanistan."
Nodding Hecan jumped back in to state.
"Yet that won't happen till some things are addressed. Things we all are aware of by now. Starting with the most important and the topic we are here to discuss. Archer. After that it becomes a matter of restoring what has been lost. From rebuilding every building that was damaged and helping every soul who has fought to live life through this disaster."
Raptor saw the rest coming so decided to ask to be sure.
"Then it's a matter of making sure the right people get in the right places. Having a leader and making all three nations come together for once. Then dealing with Iran and having them open up to a treaty of their own. They have no issues with G.U.N. They had issues with the rebellion and I'm sure together we can make it so we can find common ground. The ball can start rolling once Archer is dealt with. Correct?"
"Iran can wait till after the war, yes. Focus right now is Archer. A treaty between us can't happen with him still causing trouble in Afghanistan commander." Hecan replied as Drake jumped in to state.
"The man is running out of options. From what I've been able to gather from local sources he's operating his security with nothing more then a few hundred men. An assault would be easy to pull off. Most of those guards are defending the capital right now anyway. Archer's under pressure and the people over there smell blood in the water. He's afraid and he's living off borrowed time. I suggest we act soon. Otherwise we might risk more outside interference."
Nodding Raptor went on to say.
"There shouldn't be any problems with that. Ying PMC is gone and the man himself is dead already. Archer has no connections outside the rebellion and as sad as it sounds, the anti-rebellion so to speak; have a solid chance at getting to him first. If he's that weak and they decide to throw their weight into action. We could use that to our advantage. I know a lot, if not all of those soldiers acting against him. They would listen to me if I stepped in to talk over business."
Hecan was then next to suggest.
"I'd prefer to do that rather than assault another city. An attack by us would do more harm than good for the people living there peacefully. Could you really make contact?"
Nodding Raptor replied.
"Without a doubt. I know the man in charge. He's done everything to stay peaceful, but I'm positive I could convince him to attack."
Things died down for a few seconds. Everyone was thinking. Raptor looked back to Hecan to wonder.
"Any better ideas?"
Drake took a look around, but in the end looked right at Raptor to suggest.
"We could at least try and talk to Archer first. If he doesn't want to die right away he could always surrender. Not much of a holding force he has. A good threat might be all it takes."
Raptor quickly replied to the wolf.
"Archer won't surrender. I know him too well for that. He believes in the old rebellion ways and he'd rather die in a shootout then hand himself over to me and G.U.N."
"Any chance of sending in a small team? Surely we could put together a unit and potentially airdrop them inside the city. From there they can work in tandem with the anti-rebellion and together find a way to get to the capital and put Archer out of commision. Or just skip the hand holding and airdrop them right onto the roof. Does he have anti-air?" Drake asked as Raptor gave it some thought to slowly reply.
"Not that I know of. Rockets maybe, but he would have no way of knowing if we fly high enough to perform the drop. It would just be risky. A small team could do it, but we'd be better off sending one or two people in first. Keep the noise down."
"That's risky though commander." Hecan stated as Raptor nodded and replied.
"It's only risky if we send someone in who has little to no experience in infiltration. I'd like to be the one to do it in fact. I could kill Archer without making too much noise and be out of there by the morning."
Together Drake and Hecan began to laugh. Raptor gave them both confused glances as Linnen went on after his chuckle to reply.
"That's a quick way to get yourself killed. What would happen if Archer got the upper hand and you died? We'd be seeing him parade your body through the streets. Then what? The middle east and this whole operation is fucked. That's not the move."
"That's also no one's choice to make but mine Drake. Archer deserves to die and I'm sorry but it needs to happen by my hand. Not some other goon or potentially a G.U.N judge."
"I understand that this is personal Voltz, but Drake is right. That's a huge risk and one that could ruin everything." Hecan was trying to be on Drake's side. I agreed with them and wanted Raptor to stop. Yet he wouldn't and went on to state.
"No one knows that building better than me. I know where to go, where to hide, and where that bastard will be. All I'd need is the equipment and a team on standby to secure the building once I've dealt with him. Surely G.U.N has enough to issue paratroopers. We cycle above the city and they all drop once I've killed him. It would be quick and no one would know what to do. Hell no one would even see it coming. It's the best way to get this done fast and with as little as damage as possible."
Both of the men listening to this were now quiet and just leaned back in their seats. Raptor pressed the matter more by stating.
"I can't trust any of the men I have left to get something like this dealt with properly. And no offense but I've seen G.U.N's special task force in action when they tried to do this same maneuver years ago in hopes of getting rid of Shadow. It didn't work out for them at all and I'm a firm believer that nothing has changed. Add on the fact that before this meeting I killed your best. Ruby and Jagger. You don't have anyone better. Not unless you hire outside help. Yet I do believe doing something like that wouldn't pan out good for any side. There is already too much going on between us. Having another PMC step in would just cause more trouble after the war."
"We still don't know what happened to the rest of that unit commander." Linnen said as focus went to him.
"That unit was indeed G.U.N's best. Ruby, Jagger, Scrotus, Blitz, Tusk, and Gorgon. Ruby and Jagger are dead, Scrotus was killed by someone inside Pakistan before the reactor went up over there, and Blitz, Tusk, and Gorgon are all M.I.A. Never found bodies and never heard a word from any of them. All we know for sure is something went down and they fell off the grid."
"It's a whole problem of its own. One which your men could be responsible for. Or even the anti-rebellion. For all we know those three are dead or captured by those men. We won't know till we talk to them; what the case is. If they even played a part in it to begin with. Pakistan doesn't have as big as a group as Afghanistan does, but it is a valid reason for why they are missing now." Hecan stated as Raptor went on to change the subject.
"Regardless they aren't around to handle the dirty work anymore. We're left with little to no other options ourselves. It's either this, or we assault the city and take it by force. Either way I want to be at the front leading my people. Leading yours if so be it. I'm not going to sit back and watch it unfold. I've done enough of that and the time has come to end this bullshit. I'm sick and tired of watching my family suffer each day he's allowed to live."
The table went silent after that. Hecan was looking Raptor over very carefully as Drake questioned his boss for once.
"Are you really considering that course of action sir? Losing Voltz will cost us everything."
"Even if you die commander I see it playing out like this." Hecan was slow to sit back up, but when he did he directed himself right in front of the man to say.
"You die and I'm left with a full assault of the city post haste. Archer will not be allowed to live past this week regardless if you're the one to kill him or not. My people won't allow a dictator to thrive. Not again. And I also am aware of your background. You're a hero to your people. You fought my men single handedly when the battle first took place in Afghanistan. You killed Hannon who by all rights was a traitor to your cause, and because of that, I doubt I can convince you to stay back from this fight. Archer is your best friend. I understand the need to do this yourself. To make sure it's done right. So…..if you wish to do this…..then I'll support you."
I was at a loss for words as Drake began to chuckle. Hecan ignored that and asked Raptor shortly after the outburst.
"How would you want to do this then? What do you need from us?"
Raptor took a moment to think over his options. During that time I wanted to jump in and call him a fucking idoit. Yet I knew I had no place. Raptor was very convinced he had to be the one to do this. I was starting to believe he thought he had to do everything. After a minute or so, Raptor replied to Hecan calmly.
"I'd need a ride. I can get the gear I need together, but I'd need a plane that's both quiet enough and capable of getting above Afghanistan's air traffic controller. Then I'd just need to be sure that once I've eliminated Archer; there would be a backup team on standby to secure the capital. Or in this case, the whole city. What's left of the rebellion should stand down once word gets around that Archer and the capital have fallen. From there it's a matter of control. Do you have enough men to mount such a task Drake?"
The wolf nodded and replied.
"Pakistan is packed with troops. Roughly two thousand. Including tanks, helicopters and personal carriers. We move in at the right time and taking the border shouldn't be more than a few minutes tops."
"I can also get some cargo planes to airdrop troops from above. I like the idea of it. We'd get quick control over the checkpoints and like you said Raptor…..they would never see it coming."
"Are you sure about this though Voltz? If we lose you things won't bode well after. Who will lead in your place? There isn't anyone I know of with your value that can fill those shoes."
Raptor proceeded to think on that. With Hecan looking to Drake and then back to Raptor, he listened as he finally replied.
"There's one person. Even if he doesn't know it yet."
I was curious who that person was. Raptor seemed to be lost thinking about it now as Hecan went on to change the subject for himself.
"Well then let's make this thing happen. When can your men be ready Drake?"
"Two days tops to get everything outfitted. Assuming you get Raptor his planes, that is sir."
Nodding Hecan replied.
"That's not going to be an issue. The planes will fly into Pakistan starting tomorrow. You have my word. Just get to work on readying your men. As for you Raptor, I'd like to think you will survive the upcoming days. But…let's assume the worst happens. I need to officially be ready for a treaty. One of which I have right here for you to go over."
Raptor looked on as Hecan reached into a briefcase he had brought in with him. Pulling out the treaty he put it on the table and slid it over to where Raptor was sitting. From there he said to him.
"It's everything the rebellion was originally after. Take a good look over the terms and I'm sure you'll agree they are fair. All that needs to happen after is to make sure your name goes on the dotted line."
Raptor's POV.
Hecan was completely winging his way through this meeting. The treaty in front of me now was nothing compared to the one he had me sign weeks before. I had good intentions going forward and thanks to my abilities I could tell this treaty was fake. It looked legit enough for Linnen to look at and believe, but in reality Hecan had his own drawn up and was just keeping it somewhere safe. This was all just a setup so Linnen wouldn't catch on to our prior dealings. Hecan was smiling at me as I took my eyes off the contract. However I still had to play the role. So picking up a pen I said back to the fox.
"This settles it then. After this is over and things get back to normal, we can officially start rebuilding. Something I've fought my whole life for. Thank you sir."
Hecan nodded and as I signed my name he replied.
"Thank you commander. Now there is another matter we need to discuss. Drake?"
The wolf looked back up to the man to order him calmly.
"Can you give the commander and I some time alone?"
"Yes sir." Drake replied as he slowly stood up and went to the exit. Zeta unlocked the door and once he was gone Hecan let out a sigh and asked me.
"You think he bought it?"
Smiling, I replied.
"I think so. Should I assume this treaty is bullshit?"
Taking the paper away from me he replied.
"Nothing but."
My eyes watched as he pulled over an ashtray that was near the end of his reach. After going into his pocket and pulling out a lighter, I watched as he sent the paper up in flames to then allow it to rest in the ashtray. Once it had finished burning, Hecan pushed the tray aside and said to me.
"What isn't bullshit however is this plan you have for Archer. I hope you take no offense when I call you stuipd for wanting to go in this alone."
"Please do call him stuipd." Both of us looked towards the door as that request came out of Zeta's mouth. I just took that for what it was as Hecan asked her.
"I assume that's you Zeta under all that. The orange was always your color. You have an issue with this as well?"
Nodding she replied.
"Dispite how smart I am sir, I'm in love with that stuipd idiot sitting next to you. I understand why he feels he has to do this, but none of that matters to me. I can't afford to lose anyone else and Raptor I love you. Don't you ever think you're doing too much? Don't you want to see the future? Together? With me?"
Her question came at me like a bullet. Hecan sat back and looked right at me to question.
"You two are together? That's wonderful news. Congratulations. For both of you of course."
Zeta nodded as I replied to her question at long last.
"I do. But this is something I have to take care of myself. I promised so many people I'd be the one to tackle this task head on. Archer is my friend and after everything he deserves a proper parting from this realm. I need to be the one to do it. Someone else might have gotten it wrong."
Zeta was doing all she could to remain calm throughout this conversation. Keeping myself in my chair, I found the words to actually describe my emotions towards her. Pepper was at my back listening with Hecan as they came out nervously at first.
"I love you more than anything else. There isn't anything left in this world for me to cling to. Your all I got and your all I need. I fucked up every step along the way to get here, but now that I'm here I can say with confidence that I know what I did wrong and I know how to fix it. I'm nowhere near perfect, but I can still look ahead and see a future passed this with you. If that's what you want. You want me to leave this all behind after it's all said and done? Fine. I'll never pick up a weapon again if that's what you want from me. You want to move somewhere else? Maybe back to Russia? Then I'll let nothing stand in our way. You want a future? You want kids?"
Hecan was doing his best to keep silent. He was happier then I was as I went on to say to the wolf.
"Then I'll do my best to be the father of them. I'll stand by you every step of the way and I'll provide. But I have to do this one last thing. Do you understand?"
The girl just stared at me. Hecan allowed the silence to continue for a few seconds, but when the door opened up alongside her; I widened my eyes to see Zandro walking in with that same man from before from the network. Hecan lost his smile and leaned back up as Zandro greeted us.
"Well isn't this quite the room of important people. And Drake Linnen sitting outside perfectly content? I'm honored. How've you been Hecan?"
Hecan remained where he was to reply.
"I'm good. Thanks for asking. I was beginning to wonder when you'd both show up. Take a seat and let's go over some last minute, but very important details, regarding Fort Drake, the network, and the middle east."
Zandro was still all smiles. He came to sit down next to my other side. The man from the network however was this time all alone. His guard was nowhere to be seen.
mT Shadow.