Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 268 - My last drop.
Raptor's POV, Forty minutes later, Afghanistan.
"We aren't getting any closer then this. You ready? Cause I can't keep us hoovering here."
This was it. Making sure I was strapped up to drop, I turned to give Esma the thumbs up that I was ready. From his seat, he lowered the ramp and shouted at me as I began to make the approach towards the edge of the ramp.
"Call in when you hit the dirt! And good luck!"
Seems he now had a positive outlook on my chances after I got done kicking his ass. Not giving him a response, I looked down and took it all in for a moment. We were so high up. The capital stood out mainly because it looked like it was a fortress. The whole outside wall was built up and manned with what few troops I can see Archer still having on station. Only upside I had being up here was that I knew this was going to be my best chance at getting in undetected. Assuming no one sees my chute. But I can't let that stail me. So looking back at Esma, I gave him another thumbs up and bent my legs. From there I took a good breath of air and jumped. My whole body went weightless and in a matter of seconds I was flying right down on top of the hornet's nest.
I had more time then I thought to get a good look at everything as I came down. Archer had the main roads locked down around the capital and it seemed most of his men were outside the capital. Defending from any attackers I could only guess. However my observation was cut short when it turned out to be time to pull the cord. I leveled out just in time and when I pulled the cord the chute opened and I guided myself right onto the roof of the main building. Thankfully the capital itself was massive. I had enough space to land and when I did, I rolled over and readied myself as the rest of my chute collapsed right next to me. With my M4 out and ready, I scanned around my area and found I was alone. So as fast as I could I cut my chute and made a break for the nearest cover which turned out to be a nearby air conditioner unit. I got a firm grasp back over reality once the adrenaline had died down from the drop. Which got me to go to comms and say.
Pepper's POV, Iraq Capital.
This was too much on my heart. Zeta was so worried. I mean I was too, but this was everything to her. Raptor was so far away from any sort of help and regardless of what we said before he left; he wouldn't have anyone come with him for the sucide mission he put together with G.U.N and Zandro. Thankfully we had at the least a command station to overwatch the communication chatter that was scattered around the area. Including his personal communications which we were still waiting on. With Zeta pacing the room she said in confusion for what was going on.
"It's been enough time. He should have called in by now."
"He's fine." Zandro told her as she quickly questioned.
"And you know that for a fact? That capital is a fucking nightmare and probably filled with whatever troops Archer has left. That could be a hundred at least. If anyone saw him insert then he could be dead by now."
"Have faith." I begged her as someone must have heard our prayers when the radio went off with Raptor's voice behind it.
"Drop was clean. I'm in."
Zeta jumped for the chance to say something, but Zandro and General Hoffer had control over the vocials coming back. With the old man handing Zeta the chance to say anything she asked him.
"Where did you land? How bad is it? Are you safe?"
"One thing at a time Zeta." Hoffer begged her as Raptor replied quietly.
"I landed on the roof. Surprisingly little security up here."
Raptor cut his voice off and with silence taking over, we waited till he came back online to state.
"Looks like I'm surrounded. The main walls are all manned. Roads are blocked off and there are some patrols circling the area. I'm safe for now, but I need to get moving before someone makes me. I'll radio in when I figure out where they're keeping them. Till then I'm going dark."
The radio cut from there leaving us all to wonder what would happen in the next few minutes.
Raptor's POV.
There were a few ways off this roof. Choices were to take the fire escape and breach the ground floor, or I take my chances and sneak in through the maintenance room on the other side of the building. I didn't want to chance anyone seeing me and when I looked off the side of the building it was a very real threat to consider. So taking one last look around my general area, I got out of cover and very quickly began to move for the other side of the roof.
As I walked I made sure to keep my noise to a minimum. All my focus was on pulling this off. I knew I could. I had all the tools, all the training and all the powers to make this strike my own.
About halfway though to the other side, I widened my eyes when a trooper could be seen rotating towards me from the side I needed to be on. I had the cover of darkness and this man had no idea I was even here. I took cover near another AC unit and waited till he was further away from the edge of the building. It took a few seconds but eventually the kid came walking my way to probably check on the other side of the roof. Too bad it would be his last scan as I pulled the trigger with my sights on his neck and head.
"Toof! Toof!"
The kid dropped clean when the bullet entered his skull. Only noise made was his body slumping over from the lack of life left in his soul. From there I pushed out and quickly made my way over to where the body now was. Using my time carefully, I reached down to drag the body away from the open. Pulling the corpse towards the maintenance room and stuffing the body inside with me as I collected my barings now that I was inside the capital.
I could sense so many people. So many soldiers and somewhere in all that was Archer. Lucky for him, he wasn't the focus for now. I had to try and find Hecan. My eyes lost focus as they rested on my kill for a moment. I took it all in for a second. Trying my best to understand that I just killed a rebellion soldier. Something I never dreamed of doing before this.
Seconds began to pass and with it my ability to think. So I forced myself to look away and got back to the job at hand. I had the time. I needed to focus. Where are they? I wondered as I gave it my best.
Everything was so confusing, but in less then a minute I felt something. Something different and I quickly put it together to sense that fox. He was being held near the interrogation rooms on the east side of the building. That I could understand. But if memory serves; that room is on the first floor and about as far as I could get from where I was now.
"Okay." I whispered as I checked my gear one last time before deciding to leave this room.
Switching to Cody's MP7, I strapped my M4 down across my lap and slowly took the stairs down to the second floor, but not before checking that kid's radio. I wanted to listen in if I could. I set the channel during the rest of the trip down and thankfully the door coming into these stairs was shut. As I got down to it, I sensed a pretty decent chunk of people on this floor. Not all soldiers, but it didn't matter. This uniform was G.U.N. Doesn't matter who catches me, the secret will be out that I'm somewhere I'm not ever supposed to be. I had very little chance at doing this legit and going loud would ruin any chance at getting those two out alive. I'd have to be careful. Or just trust what Marcus made me and ride the storm. I could play this my way. People or not. Focusing up, I opened the maintenance door when I felt the moment was right and pushed out into the hallway with my gun up and ready.
People were walking right by me as I trusted my gifts, but that was also the problem. Not like being invisible was the same for me as it was for those who were looking at me. I could still see myself. I could feel the steps I was taking, but knowing that they couldn't would be the hardest thing to get used to. However with soldiers and employees of the capital walking right on through me, I found my way down to the first floor thanks to another set of stairs and once down there I began to book it for the other end of the building. As I walked however I stopped the second I saw Archer.
"What the fuck?" I asked myself as I slowly walked through the main entrance hall of the building.
Stopping just next to the main stairs, I listened as Archer asked while on approach for my current position.
"Keep the building how it is. Tell the guards outside to shift patrols in another hour and make sure the roads stay close. How's the border looking?"
I was utterly lost as my eyes struggled to believe it at first.
"It's not looking good Archer. There are barely enough hands to open the gates, let alone defend them. Teams three and five lost more than half their men this morning."
Archer was clearly not happy. Stopping right alongside me and stepping onto the first step, he looked back at them to listen as he was also told.
"Everyone knows what's coming man. By the time G.U.N makes a move there won't be anyone standing guard. Their scared man."
Archer rubbed his chin out of disgust and questioned.
"Are you scared? You both could have left. Why stay if you know it's the end?"
Both men of mine. Friends of mine. Family of mine. Carter and John. Both two very old veterans. Members of my team back during the first war. We grew up together. We loved each other. Same friendship I had for Archer. Yet out of everyone to question Archer's leadership, I'm absolutely shocked that these men stayed by his side. They know what he is doing is wrong. Why stay? I asked myself as they replied.
"Why stop fighting when we're this close to seeing the end?" Carter's question gave both of us this stunned glare. However John spoke next to the question.
"We've had each other's back since day one man. Leaders have changed, things have changed….but being comrades? That doesn't change. We're staying cause it's all we know."
Archer was quick to reply in confusion,
"Both of you disagree with my beliefs, right? It's safe to assume you're among the thousands who want me out of power. Who want me to give up and let this happen. RIght?"
Both of my friends began to look away from him. Archer began to nod his head and turned out to ask.
"How can you stand by my side when you don't even stand for what I believe?"
"Cause that shit doesn't matter Archer." Carter told him as John looked back at the man. Carter kept his tone strong as he told him bluntly.
"Shit happens. People make mistakes and sure…..you've made a ton these last few weeks. But that shouldn't matter to us. Before we ended up here we were all together in the same unit. We fought and bled together. All of us!" He shouted as John began to read off the names.
"You, us, Raptor, Ghost, Frost, Shadow, Dom? We're brothers man. We aren't just going to walk away from you. Like he said…...things have changed, people have changed, the war has changed. Everything has changed man."
Archer had his focus back on Carter who went on to say.
"Shadow died because none of us saw what really went down with him. No one had his back. Raptor tired man…...he tried harder than any of us to save him, but…..?"
"I'm not going to kill myself." Archer told them bluntly as Carter shook his head to reply.
"That's not what we meant."
"Then what is it?" Archer asked in confusion as John replied.
"We need to have each other's backs. Now more than ever. It doesn't matter how far down the rabbit hole you are; because in the end when you find a way back up we're both still going to be here for you. To help you do whatever you want. Whatever needs to happen, should happen and the mistakes were already made thanks to what happened to Shadow. We aren't turning away from you. Once a brother, always a brother. Family is family and your family. We can get through this together or not at all. The choice is yours. We can always run. There is still time. We stand here and now agonist G.U.N and we're all going to die. That's the truth Archer. The choice is yours brother. What do you want to do?"
Looking at Archer, I listened as he managed to mumble back through all his loss for words.
"I'm staying."
My friends were both managing to smile back after hearing those words. They were ready to die for this. They didn't believe in what Archer believed in. This was just a matter of principal to them. Which made my heart ache. I've already lost too many in this life. My mom, dad, sister, two wifes, three kids, best friends. Now I'd lose them. Archer I could cope with because I already knew he'd die. Carter and John? I don't think I know how to lose them.
With myself at a loss, Archer proceeded to focus on. As he did, he ordered them both calmly.
"John you're in charge of watching the prisoners. I don't care about Linnen. He tries anything and you shoot him. Carter? Stay with me. Keep me company while we wait out the night."
"Yes sir." They both replied as they began to separate. My eyes followed Archer and Carter but soon looked to John who was on his way to exactly where Linnen and Drake would be. I had to follow him.
This was unbearable. I didn't want to have to hurt them. Let alone acknowledge the fact that they were standing by him through this. I understood their reasons, but I thought they'd be smarter. Trust was misguided on my part it seems.
In time John had me walking through doors and hallways, till the interrogation rooms showed themselves. There were very few guards it seemed. A man watching the main entrance from the hallway and once inside; there were three more gathered around a small table. They were playing cards and greeted John as he entered the room. Myself on the other hand knew where to go at this point thanks to being so close. I proceeded to get ahead of them and looked towards a locked metal door. I knew one room was used for interrogations and the other further down the small corridor led to the holding cells. Inside I would find them. John was unaware of my presence and once he reached me he reached up to shiver and grumble.
"Fucking chills. I told them to keep the air down. Shit." John was typically a good man to have on guard. He was aware of his surroundings and thankfully talented at staying awake through long hours. Yet when it came to combat, I knew he was somewhat good. Yet nowhere in my realm. Killing him would be easy and that's what took over my mind. I wanted to give him a chance. Not kill him. He's my friend. But…..? My eyes looked over towards the cells as he approached them to ask.
"How's he doing?"
I was slowly walking to a position where I could look at both cells. Inside one I found Hecan. He was out cold and from what I could tell injured. To the right maybe ten feet over was Drake in the other cell. He was sitting down on the small bed they had for him in there. His head staring out at John as he replied in disgust.
"Go fuck yourself."
John quickly urged him back.
"You better watch your mouth around me boy. I got orders to put you down if you make trouble. So keep talking and give me a reason."
Drake was pissed. He rejected that advice and shouted back at John who had his hand resting on the butt of his sidearm which was in his belt.
"I'll give you more than a reason to shoot me. Open this fucking cell and give me a chance. I'll make you regret it fuck stick."
John wasn't going to budge so easy, but I had to act sooner rather than later. No telling when someone would come across the body on the roof. So as John went to say something, I took a hold over Cody's MP7 and felt as my body came back to terms with reality. Aiming right at the back of John's head, I ordered him calmly from my side of the room.
"I'd listen to the man John."
I saw the hair on John's neck raise as Drake widened his eyes in utter disbelief at the voice he thought he just heard. With the man turning around very slowly; we locked eyes. John's hands left his weapon so slow it felt like we were trapped in a moment. I didn't stop aiming however just because of that. Friend or not, I still had a job to do. Giving me this more than bewildered looked, John asked in stunned shock.
"Raptor?"
"I'm giving you one chance here John. Take off your belt and put it on the floor. Now."
John was slow to listen, but as his hands moved down for the strap that held it together, he asked me in disbelief.
"What are you doing here? How did you get here? When?"
"Doesn't matter. Come on now. Off with it."
He nodded and did as I asked. By this point Drake had gotten up off the bed to approach the cell door. Once the weapon John had was out of the way, I ordered him.
"Keys. Toss them here."
Before he did anything more John had to say to me.
"I never thought I'd see you again. All that time we spent together? You never once told us you used to work for these guys."
"I did best to forget it." I told him as he reached over where there was a small desk. I watched very close as he grabbed the keys off a hook and tossed them at my feet. Once there, I listened and bent down to grab them. John said at that time.
"You're dad? Is that shit true? Hecan told us what you did back then."
With the keys in my hands I replied.
"We all make mistakes right?"
John's face had this new look to it after I said that. He was getting mad and apart from that I now faced a new problem. With John slowly taking a step towards me he said as my grip was back on my gun.
"It makes a lot of sense now why you turned away from the old rebellion way of thinking."
"That way of thinking was flawed John. You and I both know it."
Stopping maybe halfway to me which was about five feet now, he replied.
"I'm not saying that you were wrong to do so. What you want now is good."
"Yet your standing by as Archer hurts more people."
"He's a brother. We stand by our family Raptor. You know that too. You're still one of them and because of that I'm gonna tell you something. Even if you get these two cells open; you're not going to get out of here. The building is on lockdown and so are the roads around it. And the second that alarm gets raised you'll have the entire place gunning for you. I know your good, but you won't make it past this room."
"So what? You know a way out of here then?" I asked him as he nodded and replied.
"The junkyard by the garage out front? The fence was breached a few weeks back. I checked it out and whoever was in charge of fixing the breach did a shit job. The scrap they used can be pulled down easily and you'll be out on the street. It's right between the roadblocks and behind the patrols. You can slip out that way, but that's not going to get you out of this room."
I could sense his every thought. His right hand was slowly going down to his side again and I watched as his fingers began to reach back. He was taking another step closer to me when I decided to say to him out of disappointment.
"Out of everyone I thought would betray me, I never would have thought it would be you John. You were smart. Smarter than this."
The hedgehog looked lost as he saw the look in my own eyes change. Instantly he knew and jumped forward. I moved to the side just as his arm and body missed me with a knife he had tucked behind his back. I turned to look just as he realized he fucked up. Drake stood idly by as I unloaded a burst of rounds into my old comrade's chest and face. I held my ground as a bullet made his right eye burst. The body fell back and for a moment I stopped everything to look at him. Drake had his eyes on the door in fear the men outside might have heard that. Yet it was a mute point as I leaned down to rip the dog tags off of John's neck and stuff them in the side pocket of my pants. Once I got back up, I took the keys and got Drake's cell open. The wolf was stripped of all his gear. Wearing nothing but his G.U.N basics and as he got out he asked me.
"How the fuck did you find us?"
Handing the wolf my M4, I replied.
"You're friends in the military put two and two together after they saw your plane change course to Afghanistan. Didn't take a genius to figure it out."
Drake was still lost for how I ended up here. Handing him my belt which held the M4's spare magazines, I waited as he got it on. Once he had that secured, he said to me.
"Well fuck, your the last person I expected to come to my rescue. But I'm fucking glad you did."
Nodding my head as I looked back at John I replied.
"Take his vest. I'll get Hecan."
"Good call." He said back as I turned to go towards Hecan's cell. When I got it open I found the president still asleep. Looking to his hands I saw all the blood. He was missing a finger it seemed. Looks like we now have something in common. I scratched what remained of my ear and proceeded to try and wake him. After a good shoulder shake and some light slaps the fox opened his eyes to question.
"What's going on?" As his eyes saw mine he questioned again.
"Raptor? What the…? How did you…?" Cutting him off I replied.
"Not the time old man. We need to move. Can you walk?"
Looking to his legs he replied.
"I think so, but Raptor….Archer? That motherfucker shot my pinky off!"
With Drake collecting what gear John had left in the form of his sidearm, the wolf quickly came over to us to urge.
"Raptor's right sir. We have to get moving. We can talk when we're out of this hellhole."
Hecan was still a bit out of it, but in the end looked up at Drake to reply.
"Yes, you're both right. Help me up, please Drake. Raptor? Take the lead."
I nodded my head and proceeded to do just that. Leaving the cell behind and looking at the exit. This was our only chance and I'd be damn if I was stopped now.
mT Shadow.