Chapter 8

Before Dad died, things seemed clear. I felt that I knew the people that I was fighting alongside with; I had their back and they had mine. After he died, that didn't change. We still look out for each other. I look after Hesh as much as he has done and will always do for me. And Hawk?

They say she was turned and that they broke her. That is bullshit! I refuse to believe it even though I saw with my own eyes. I refuse because she sought me out. She could have killed me then and there but she didn't. She let me go…

Logan ran a hand through his locks as he stood between Hesh and Merrick who was standing with Kick and Keegan along with the new guy Harris. Hesh was pacing around agitated and trying not to get into a shouting match. The fact that he had been trying was a sign that he was not going off the deep end and he had proved that on the recon assignment they were on. It wasn't his fault that a severe spasm combined with a couple of sleepless nights had him out of the last one and in his opinion it was a good thing too.

"You're wrong Merrick," Hesh was saying as he ran a hand through his hair that was short but not the close cut crew he had worn. "Hawk wouldn't do that."

"Hesh we saw it," Kick said while Keegan remained in a thoughtful silence. "Hawk was there side by side with Rorke. She fired at us."

Hesh shook his head and muttered out loud, "A hunter can make his prey see one thing when he is doing something else. The trick is to keep the prey watching."

Logan looked at his brother. He had heard this before from both Hesh and his best friend. She had said the same thing when she gave him his dad's dog tag. At the time it seemed like an explanation she cooked up to make the gesture seem like it wasn't much. Later, like now, he realized that it was something she could do when the occasion called for it. He glanced at the others and, aside from Harris, no one understood what Hesh was talking about.

It had become a habit with his older brother. He often quoted something under his breath that she would have said. He did that in front of Skye on her last visit and she responded like it was normal occurrence. Logan wasn't going to question it and neither did Carol, who was still monitoring the abdominal spasms as they popped up and when Hesh allowed himself to be examined. In his mind it was a coping mechanism and some of those sayings were quite helpful. He ended up remembering a few things from the time he spent with his best friend. He was aware though that Hesh's rambling could get him grounded and he'd be forced to see a shrink. So he stepped in, "Merrick, there is a possibility that maybe she was putting on a show for Rorke."

Keegan still had a thoughtful look on his face while Kick and Merrick showed a more dubious expression. Logan wasn't even going to try and weigh in with Harris since he didn't know the guy well enough apart from appreciating the badass Echo Three. Merrick said, "Logan… we have the feed from the helmet cam. There's no doubt about it…"

"And you're wrong," Hesh said looking up.

"Hesh," Merrick warned.

Hesh went back to pacing but he wasn't finished. He said, "She wouldn't do it unless she had to."

"And that is the point," Merrick pointed out. "She had to do it because she was turned."

"And that is bullshit," Hesh countered. "She wouldn't. No."

"We saw it Hesh," Kick pointed out. "Even Logan did."

Hesh glanced at Logan and his brother shot him a look that said they would talk about it later but for now just to go with it. It took a lot of effort when Logan said, "I saw the same thing but… I still think that she was playing the part."

It was more of a diplomatic solution the way how Logan worded it. Hesh calmed down just a little but that was in part to the fact that they were going to talk about it and Logan would rather tell Hesh in private and that also extended to Skye since she sort of invited herself on their plans. It was an interesting situation and it all boiled down to whether or not they could believe that their friend and teammate Hawk had been broken.

Logan glanced between the two groups and added, "I don't think she turned."

"And what proof do you have?" Merrick had to ask the question. He hated being the 'bad guy' but he was the CO now of the team and he had to ask the questions even if it sounded ridiculous. He wanted to believe that she was fine.

"Does the fact that I'm still here any indicator?" Logan looked at the others. They all knew that Rorke had wanted him. It was pretty hard to forget Vegas and the fact that they had come knocking at Death's door.

Merrick sighed, "That's not really…"

"Enough for me," Hesh said as he crossed his arms over his chest. He had stopped pacing but it was clear he was still a little agitated.

"It's not enough. The point is we don't know and until we have something definitive."

Hesh said nothing but shifted on his feet before walking out of the room. It was grounds for disciplinary action since he wasn't given leave but it was better than staying and starting another round of a shouting match. It was a lesser of two evils. So he left to find somewhere to vent on the rust bucket they were stuck on.

Logan said nothing but gave Riley a silent hand signal to follow. It wasn't necessary since Riley seemed to be overly sensitive to Hesh's moods and responded accordingly. He knew that this was far from over. He gave an apologetic look before going after Hesh leaving Merrick to shake his head at the whole thing. He didn't see the pair down the hall heading in the direction of the Ghost's war room as he turned in the most likely direction Hesh would have gone. He did bump into Skye along the way who asked, "Where's the fire Logan?"

"Hesh."

Skye nodded in understanding, "Want some company. You know I don't mind if he snaps at me."

"He doesn't snap at you. Maybe occasionally have an aggressive conversation," Logan replied.

Skye gave a wry chuckle at that as she helped Logan with his search. "We have an agreement. That's why."

"Should've known," Logan replied in a teasing manner. He then stopped and frowned and asked, "What are you doing here Skye? You're only here for transport and no one's leaving…"

Skye looked at Logan with a knowing look. He had enough to deal with and he was still alert enough to pick up on things on this ship. She wasn't going to lie to him even though she had more or less been told to keep her mouth shut. Like that was an option. She replied, "I brought over a couple of… Let's just say that they want to talk to you guys. I know one of them is a colonel and the other is a civvie."

Logan thought about it for a moment. "Probably they want to send us out on an op."

"Usual," Skye offered with a shrug. She really didn't know what they were after but she could tell it was big and it was seriously going to cause tension since it might mean holding off on 'Hawk hunting' as Logan referred to it. She knew that wouldn't sit well with Hesh definitely and it wasn't going to sit well with Logan either.

Logan was thoughtful about it and he considered the thoughts that Skye was entertaining with regards to the possibility that the search for his best friend was going to be put on hold. He knew Hesh wasn't going to like that. He wouldn't like it either and he couldn't believe the beginning of a plan to actually go AWOL was in the works in his mind. The more he thought about it, the more he realized Hesh would do the same thing.

"There is no way of knowing unless you find out," Skye pointed out interrupting Logan's train of thought.

Logan blinked and looked at her. She was right. He sighed, "You're right. Skye, can you…?"

"Anything," Skye replied with a smile. She liked Logan quite a bit. He was smart and had a quiet way about him that spoke to that as well as the ability to take charge. He also had a sense of humor that was not heavy handed like Hesh's, she couldn't fault him for that, but playful. It was funny since ten years ago, she would have written him off as a nerd and not have anything to do with him. It surprised her how much she had changed and it made her regret her actions then even more. She looked at him and asked, "You want me to go find out and if Merrick asks…"

"Can you?"

Skye took in the questioning look. She thought he almost looked like a cute puppy begging for attention. She knew he wasn't being manipulative on purpose. She could see his anxiety that as most likely centered on his brother. She nodded and said softly, "No problem. I was told to report in anyway. Being unofficial/official has its perks."

Logan felt relief and he smiled, "Thanks Skye. I'll go find Hesh and try to get him to come back. You know…"

"He is trying and it's not his fault that he wasn't able to go on the last one," Skye nodded in understanding. She turned to head to join the others. She paused and looked at Logan and added, "He'll get it back. You're doing fine."

Logan never realized how much he needed to hear something like that and from someone other than Hesh. The last time he heard anything remotely like that was when he was last with his best friend. It was the day before they were going to launch the assault and she was showing him a move he could do with the hand axe. They started talking and she asked why he was always quiet. He gave her a whimsical answer but her expression said that she was being serious.

Why are you always quiet, Sungmanitu?

"Because I only say something if it is worth saying," Logan muttered to himself with a wry smile.

No… You are quiet and you end up seeing what others don't. It is a good thing.

"And why is that?" Logan knew he was probably looking crazy walking through the corridors of the ship looking for Hesh. Still he couldn't help but replay that conversation in his mind and responding. "Most people think it's bad."

It's not bad for you. It is bad for others because they only see the surface. They don't see what lies beneath. Like a pond or a lagoon. You can't see if there are rocks or other things underneath unless you wade in to take a look.

"And what do you see, Hawk?"

The Laughing Pup that can be Sungmanitu.

Logan felt better after the whole thing with the others. It had to be said even though they didn't want to think about it or even acknowledge it. It hurt to think that his best friend might have turned against him but deep down he knew that she wouldn't give in. She would rather die than be a pawn under Rorke's command. Before that, she would make life a living hell for the Fed bastards.

He continued his search going to the places Hesh might have gone when he needed a moment. He was actually surprised that Hesh managed to get that far in a short amount of time. Then again there was that head start. Logan was worried that his brother might be doing something rash and even took a peek on the deck to make sure he wasn't trying to steal Skye's chopper.

He eventually found Hesh and it was the last place he would think to look. He found Hesh in the infirmary sitting in a corner and trying hard not to make any noise but it was obvious he had been looking for Carol. Riley was sitting next to him and he was hugging the dog with his left. Logan knew what that meant. His brother was having a real bad spasm.

Logan approached after touching the vial of painkillers that Carol suggested he hold onto just in case in his pocket. He would offer but not force it on Hesh. He sat down on his brother's right and noted the shudder in his shoulders. Tentatively he reached and rubbed the back of Hesh's shoulders to let him know he was there and was surprised that Hesh didn't push him away. He must be in real pain.

"I… over… overdid it," Hesh's voice sounded in heaves. He paused a moment to grit his teeth and take a deep breath. "It's… it's not true…"

"I know," Logan replied as he continued to rub his hand across Hesh's shoulders. Riley was giving a high pitched whine. "It's okay Riley," he said and reached over to give a rub to his ears. He turned his attention back to Hesh who seemed to be calming down. "I know big bro."

"Hawk wouldn't… let… anything happen…"

"It's okay Hesh," Logan interrupted. He wanted his brother to concentrate on getting through the spasm. "I just want you to listen. I didn't tell Merrick everything." He paused to make sure that Hesh was listening even though he was working through his pain. He was tempted to offer a pain killer but decided against it since Hesh seemed to be doing okay even though he was still in pain. He continued, "Hawk… did shoot in the direction of us but… it wasn't at us. At least I don't think so."

"She… she…"

Logan patted Hesh's back to signal him to be quiet. "I know she isn't with Rorke. I just couldn't say it since… Doesn't matter. Anyway I know because she chased me during our exfil and stopped me. She said 'Tech… techni…"

"Thečhíȟila," Hesh grunted.

"That's it. She said 'Thečhíȟila'. Then she said it again but that time 'Thečhíȟila Shappa.'" Logan stumbled as he tried to sound out the Sioux words. He was surprised that Hesh had managed to even say the word properly. He felt his brother shift but not from pain but from something else; he knew what she had said.

"Knew… it."

Logan looked at his brother. The sweat on his forehead stood out but he wasn't hunched over as much as before. He nodded and added, "She did a gesture but I don't know what it means. I think Skye may know but it's true bro… she is still her if you know what I mean."

Hesh didn't say anything but nodded. He hugged Riley and rubbed him around the neck. The throbbing was dying down and he was able to breathe easier. He followed Logan's encouragement on breathing while thinking about what he had been told. Together they just sat there as he finished riding out the spasm that began in ops.

"You can't be serious, sir."

"This is a serious situation, Captain."

Merrick looked at the colonel that came in with the civilian. At first he thought it was going to be a request for an op that would detract from looking for the pain in the ass that he missed. If that was the case, then it was seriously going to increase the tension that was already thick because of the argument over whether or not she had been turned. Merrick himself didn't want to believe that and he was certain the others didn't either.

He didn't foresee the revelation made by their visitor. He addressed him proper and inquired about a potential op but that wasn't the case. He looked at the colonel and said, "There has to be a mistake, sir."

Colonel Deke Slayton looked at the commanding officer of the famous Ghost unit. He could see how the confusion could arise but in all honesty, he expected them to be somewhat aware. His old friend used to go on ops with them and the last one twelve years ago was supposed to be the big catch. Then again it was like his old friend to not tell them everything but just give the basics. It was what made him a good solo operative a couple of times.

Looking at Merrick he replied, "It is no mistake. Your missing team member is one of my interrogators. I would have thought Captain Walker would have made that clear when he brought her on the team."

Merrick didn't say what went through his mind but he offered, "Perhaps he didn't know the extent of previous services." It was probably the most polite while reigning in his temper against implied incompetence.

"Highly unlikely," the civilian said clutching the folio she had been carrying. "There are strict protocols when it comes to our interrogators. And we want to know what happened and it is best…"

The glare that was forming didn't have a chance to form on Merrick's face when he noticed Logan walking in followed by Hesh with Riley. Merrick shot a look at Logan and got a silent reply. He then looked at Hesh who had calmed down but he looked a little pale like he was sick. He didn't say anything about that but glanced at the other Ghosts that were there including Carol and Skye.

Colonel Slayton had noticed the discrete entrance that occurred. He asked, "Are they the ones?"

Merrick said, "Yes."

Logan and Hesh looked at the group that had assembled. Logan knew that Hesh was in no mood to be answering questions or asking them. He would have sounded terse and without the context… So he asked, "Is something going on?"

Before Merrick could speak, Colonel Slayton asked, "Were you in the company of one of my interrogators when they were taken four/five months ago?"

Logan gave a slight frown at the question. Hesh in the meantime was not trying to get involved. He had just gotten over the worst spasm he ever had and he still felt a little queasy. He felt embarrassed when he let Carol sidle up like it was nothing and gave a silent query. He glanced at Logan who took the lead and replied, "I don't know what you are talking about. Five months ago we were part of the assault on the Federation launch facility."

Logan didn't go into detail since he wasn't sure what was going on and judging by the fact that the one asking him the question was a colonel; the guy should have had access to the field reports. He was very wary about the whole thing and he was concerned about his brother. Hesh was not up for an inquisition at the moment. He was just glad that Carol had sidled up and was giving a once over. It would certainly help until she could give a full examination.

Colonel Slayton looked at the two Walkers. He could tell they knew something but one wasn't really looking at anyone and the other was standing between him and everyone else. He said, "You were in the company of one on my interrogators and to make a long story short… you essentially let her get taken."

"That is uncalled for," Merrick interjected.

Logan glanced at Hesh to make sure he wasn't going to overreact. The compliance he was exhibiting was worrisome but sort of expected since he was exhausted and it was showing. He looked back at the colonel and said, "We were never introduced to an interrogator." When he said it, he had the sneaking suspicion at what was being hinted at.

"That is where you are wrong," the colonel said. He then turned towards Merrick and added, "And after what I heard…"

"What is going on?" Logan wanted to clarify a few things and get Hesh out of there as soon as possible.

Colonel Slayton looked at Logan. He liked that the younger Walker was being direct. The look the elder was shooting at him… It was clear he knew something. He looked back at Logan and said, "You lost my interrogator and I want her back though this latest report has me wondering what the hell is going on."

Logan would have said something but he felt the brush on his arm from Hesh. He looked to see that his brother had straightened up and was looking at the colonel full on. It was gutsy on his part but Logan felt a little bit of gladness. He saw the old part of his brother emerging in that posture. He was surprised when Hesh said in response, "Does it have something to do with Charles Williams and something called Freefall?"

Colonel Slayton said nothing but looked at Hesh. Everyone else was looking on in silence. He asked, "How do you even know about that?"

Hesh blinked before speaking, "You'd be surprised with what often hides in plain sight, sir." He stressed the sir a little bit. It was mostly from his exhaustion that was making him a little testy and his abdomen still had a dull ache. "What is Freefall?"

"That's classified."

It was Merrick who spoke up, "And that is not acceptable."

"You don't have the clearance…"

"But you came here demanding a sitrep on a situation that we are trying to figure out," Merrick pointed out. The whole thing that Hesh spilled was new to him and he made a mental note to ask about it later. "I think considering you are claiming that one of my missing men is one of yours… I think we should know."

It would have been a stare off. The tension was starting to build and while the colonel and Merrick were staring at each other, Carol managed to maneuver things around so Hesh could lean against a desk while looking he was still standing. She had noticed his appearance and kept an eye on it. This was getting way out of hand in her opinion.

The civilian who was with the colonel managed to break the stare off by saying, "Colonel, the captain does have a point. The reassignment wasn't even part of the project anyway."

The colonel looked at his companion with a raised brow. He then glanced at the room of faces and noted the expressions. He gave a slight nod and then turned towards Merrick, "Alright Captain. What I am about to tell you is to remain in this room."

A/N: Looks like there is arguments over what happened and a twist at the end. What next? Stay tuned for more The Hunt...