Part 3 – New York
As they arrived in New York, the team was greeted on the Tarmac of JFK by several uniformed soldiers, "Sergeant Cage," the Lieutenant said, "Welcome back," he then looked over at Bruce, "Officer on deck!"
"No need to salute me Lieutenant," Bruce said, "I'm a civilian now."
"We have a chopper waiting to take you to the U.N.," the Lieutenant said as he motioned them toward a Nighthawk.
After boarding the chopper, the team changed into their dress uniforms, save for Bruce who changed into a grey tuxedo with a metallic cobalt blue shirt and grey tie, and can I say, it's a little tricky changing in an area smaller than the size of a closet.
As the chopper was flying over New York, Bruce looked out the window to see how much the city had changed, parts of it still hadn't been rebuilt since the Outworld Invasion, but most of Downtown had been repaired.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Cassie asked.
"Very," Bruce said, "I'm surprised we've come this far."
"We've had a lot of help." Cassie said.
The chopper came in for a landing on a small landing pad where Johnny Cage was waiting for them.
As the chopper touched down, the team stepped out, and walked up to Cage as the chopper took off, Johnny was dressed in a light blue suit with a lavender button-up shirt.
Also on the flight pad was a small squad of Special Forces soldiers carrying G36 and SCAR assault rifles, Cassie walked up to hug her father who hugged her back, "Good to see you Punkin." Johnny said.
"I'm still a little old for Punkin dad." Cassie said.
"Indeed," Johnny said as he walked around his daughter to Bruce, "Captain Silverstone."
"Mr. Cage," Bruce said, Johnny held out his hand which Bruce shook, "Good to see you again."
"Same here," Johnny said, "Welcome back."
After entering the UN, the team was escorted by the guards to a small door which Johnny stood to the side of, "I'm not allowed to go in," Johnny said as he looked at the five soldiers, "The General and Colonel are inside."
The five entered the briefing room to see Jax and Sonya waiting inside, as they entered, the doors closed behind them, and the two turned to see them.
The five shot into attention as soon as Cassie exclaimed, "Ten-Hut!"
Sonya walked up to Bruce who looked straight at her, "General." He said.
"Hello again… Blue Falcon." Sonya said.
"Blue Falcon," Cassie asked as she looked at Jacqui.
"You didn't know Sergeant," Jax asked as he walked up to Bruce, "Our boy here used to be the deadliest sniper ever, almost as deadly as a Falcon, he even used to keep one as a land-mine seeker."
"Robotic copy," Bruce said, "I would never put an animal like that in harm's way so I made Alexander."
"Using the organs from a real Peregrine Falcon he found during a mission in Russia." Jax said.
"He's still operational," Sonya said, "Alexander is living happily with the various other animals rescued during the war."
"He deserves it," Bruce said, "Alexander went through a lot."
"We can discuss old times later," Sonya said as she pointed at the chairs, "Sit, it's briefing time."
As the team took their seats, Jax took time to light up a Silver-Bite cigar, and held a box to Bruce who sat across the table from him, "Your favorite brand." Jax said.
"I don't smoke anymore Colonel." Bruce said.
"Now there's a surprise," Jax said as he took a drag on his cigar, "You used to have a bigger smoking problem than me."
"Really," Jacqui asked, "I didn't think anyone could smoke more than you Colonel."
"Oh yea," Jax said as he removed the cigar, and blew out the smoke, "He used to have one during a mission briefing, before the mission, during the mission, and a victory cigar while drinking a mojito."
"Can we get on?" Sonya asked.
"Yes General," Jax said as he turned his seat towards her.
"Alright," Sonya said as she activated the screen behind her, "Less than a week ago the Office of Free Market Exchange was attacked by an old friend of ours."
"Name's Baraka," Jax said, "Member of an Outworld Race called the Tarkata, a race of humanoids with razor-sharp teeth and blades that come out of their forearms."
"Baraka took out over half a dozen highly-trained guards with only his blades, and then proceeded to go to the top office of the exchange," Sonya said, "But he didn't kill the CEO of the company."
"Strange," Bruce said, "But why call me in then? Why not go find him?"
"Because there are a few things we think you'll be familiar with," Jax said, "Baraka planted a bomb in the lobby. Timed-fuse, non-lethal, designed to take out the stairs and elevators," when Jax said that Bruce's face twisted into what looked like shocked anger, "And he whispered something to Kaushik before he knocked him out."
"Something you're familiar with," Sonya said, "He said… Advocator."
Bruce's face then twisted into a look over pure rage, "So he's back," Bruce said before smashing his fist into the table which came very close to snapping clean in two.
"Easy there soldier," Jax said as he held his hand out to Bruce.
"So everything I did was for nothing." Bruce said.
"I know how you feel," Sonya said, "But now's not the time to revisit the past. We need to focus on the present. We have reason to believe a bigger attack is coming, and we don't know who is involved. All we know is that the Advocator posed the greatest threat to national security after he surfaced ten years ago, and that you were the only person outside of his agency that has gotten close enough to take him down."
"And I missed my chance," Bruce said, "I only sent him into hiding, now that I'm a mercenary, I can't do anything legally to him without permission."
"There is another option," Sonya said as she walked up to him carrying a clip board, "This is your chance to get your revenge, we've got an offer of any amount you want for the confirmed capture or termination of the Advocator. Along with the payment will come reinstatement into Special Forces, a promotion, and the ability to choose any Special Forces members, current or past to recruit to your team," she handed Bruce the clip board, "Tell me, how much it's going to take, and I'll give you a list of operators."
Bruce took the clipboard, wrote down a number, "Half now, and half on delivery," Bruce said, he handed the clipboard to Sonya when he put the pen down, "That's what it'll take."
Sonya lifted the clipboard to see, "Twenty million," Sonya asked, "I was expecting a lot more."
"Revenge itself would be its own reward," Bruce said, "But I expect there'll be some traveling involved so we'll need traveling expenses."
"Whose 'we'?" Sonya asked.
"My team." Bruce said.
"You haven't selected them yet." Sonya said.
"Actually, I have," Bruce said, "They're sitting at this table."
"My daughter's team," Sonya asked, "I'm flattered that you think they're good, but this is my daughter we're talking about. She's never been against a threat like this."
"You said anyone I want," Bruce said, "Your daughter and her team are perfect for the job, and I assure you she'll come to no harm in my care."
"Very well," Sonya said, "Even though I don't like it. But this is still her team, you might be in command of the mission, but she's in charge of her team."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Bruce said.
"Good." Sonya said.
Bruce stood up as Jax walked up to him, "Welcome back Captain." He said.
"Uh, Major," Sonya said as she pointed at Jax.
"Welcome back Major." Jax said.
Bruce looked over at Cassie, "What the hell right?" He asked.
"Congratulations sir." Cassie said.
That night, the team arrived at Bruce's apartment in uptown Manhattan.
As they entered, Cassie, Jacqui, Takeda, and Kung couldn't believe it.
Two story, full kitchen, balcony with view to downtown Manhattan, "Nice," Jacqui said, "I live in a small hotel downtown, and you live in a palace."
"Comes with the job," Bruce said as he walked over to a small cabinet, unlocked it with his thumbprint, and pulled out a bottle of Maker's Mark NO. 47 bourbon/whiskey, and a single glass, "You want anything?"
"Beer." Jacqui said.
"Scotch." Kung said.
"Same." Takeda said.
"I'll have what you're having." Cassie said.
"How do you like your bourbon," Bruce asked, "And how do you like your scotch?"
"I'll take my scotch on the rocks." Kung said.
"Same here." Takeda said.
"Neat." Cassie said.
Bruce went into his fridge and pulled out a single beer and two spheres of ice which he dropped into Takeda and Kung's glasses.
He then poured the drinks, and passed them out.
"What are we drinking to?" Kung asked.
"Before I became a mercenary, there was an old tradition we had before going out on our mission," Bruce said, "Have a drink, and say a few words."
"CO always makes the toast," Takeda said as he turned toward Cassie, "Cassie?"
"I think the new guy should." Cassie said.
"Alright," Bruce said, "Before we go out on our first assignment together, my friends we need to have a clean slate. Once we step off on campaign, once this bird's ready, and we're down range, everything back home needs to be in balance. We're not going to be worth a damn to ourselves or to each other if something's out of whack. If things not right with the finances, something's not wrong with the family or something's off, it's going to put us all out of balance, so if anyone's got an issue, bring it up now. Let's be sure to lock it down now so we're ready to roll, all focus is on the mission."
"I have one thing to ask," Jacqui said, "One thing I think we're all thinking."
"Jacqui," Cassie said, "You don't have to…"
"No I do," Jacqui said as she looked at Cassie, then Bruce, "Four of us in this room have known each other since the beginning, we just met you not two days ago. And while we like you, we think you're a good guy, and a hell of a soldier, we all want your word you will not try to take command of the squad. While you are a Superior Officer, this is still Cassie's team."
Bruce transferred his glass to his left hand, and put his right hand over his heart, "You have my word as a soldier," Bruce said.
"Good enough." Jacqui said.
Bruce held out his glass, "To those like us."
"And to everyone else who's been downrange." Cassie finished as she held out her glass.
"Damn few." All five said at once, and they tapped their drinks together.
That night, Cassie had changed into her athletic shorts and tank top, and came out into the living room to see Bruce sitting in a hot tub on his balcony, his synthetic arm and leg resting on the couch inside the living room.
Cassie walked outside to have Bruce speak, "Why are you still up?"
"You sound like my father," Cassie said as she walked over to Bruce who was dressed in an athletic swimming speedo that went down to the mid-thigh on his left leg, since his right leg was gone the end of the right leg of the speedo was hanging there in the water, "Comfortable?"
"Very," Bruce said as he reached over to the side of the hot tub, and picked up his glass which was filled with bourbon, and downed a swig.
"Tell me," Cassie said as she sat on the edge of the tub, "You said you lived in Chicago, and yet the country side reminds you of home, as does a small oil lamp."
"I was raised in Chicago," Bruce said, "I did although spend several years in China. My father knew a man over there who took me under his wing, taught me everything he knew."
"Your heart still lies there?" Cassie asked.
"Very much so," Bruce said, "I've always found a reason to go back at least once a year."
"I know what you mean," Cassie said, "I always find an excuse to go to LA at least twice a year."
"Los Angeles is a beautiful city," Bruce said, "I used to be stationed there."
"We seem to have a lot in common," Cassie said, "You sure we aren't twins separated at birth?"
"Pretty sure," Bruce said, "I'm twenty-seven, and you turned twenty-one not a few months ago."
"And you know that how?" Cassie asked.
"I read your file," Bruce said, "I make it a habit to know who I work with. You have no idea how many people I went on a mission with, had no idea about, and was nearly shot in the back."
"Nearly?" Cassie asked.
"I took them first," Bruce said as he finished his glass, and hoisted himself out of the tub.
He quickly dried himself off with a small towel, and was about to jump out when Cassie held out her hand.
"Thanks," Bruce said as he accepted her hand, "Thank you kind lady for helping a disabled veteran," using his best elderly man voice.
"Oh shut up," Cassie said as she helped Bruce walk into his house, and up the stairs to a small wall.
Bruce hopped over to a small panel on the wall which he pushed inward, and gave a small knob that came out of the wall a small ninety degree clockwise turn.
The wall turned into a set of blinds which retreated to open a way into the bedroom.
The bed was Olympic size, the sheets were deep blue, there were various items all over the wall, swords, guns, and a display case showed off his various medals.
Cassie helped Bruce over to the bed who sat back against the wall.
"Interesting bed," Cassie said as she sat on the edge of the bed, "Air beads?"
"Custom made," Bruce said, "Cost me more money than instillation."
"I don't know if I could do it," Cassie said, "Having all this money, and living like this."
"You're only saying it because you have parents," Bruce said, "And your team. You sort of already have this kind of money, your father being a big movie star."
"Maybe," Cassie said, "Where are we going tomorrow?"
"I'll have to do some checking," Bruce said, "But if luck will have it, then probably somewhere in Tropical Asia, that's where I began my investigation last time."
"Ok," Cassie said, "Goodnight."
"Thanks," Bruce said, "Could you close the blinds on your way out, just give the knob a ninety degree counterclockwise twist."
"Alright." Cassie said.
As Cassie walked out of the room, she turned the knob on the wall a ninety degree counterclockwise turn, and looked back as Bruce turned down for bed.
Cassie bit her bottom lip a little, but she had to maintain a professional attitude while on duty, but she could sense that something was going on so maybe she'd ask him when the job was done.
Guess what happens…