Chapter 14

The trail led to Venezuela, the same general area where it all began for us. Actually the trail led us to a seaport city called Maracaibo. It is nothing like Caracas but it is pro-Fed which makes it difficult for us. We stick out like a sore thumb since Hesh's Spanish is like a tourist and Skye can't get away with just being a pretty face. It takes effort to keep a low profile.

Surprisingly Hesh has been good about it even though he glares at Harris. Whatever they talked about on the plane didn't sit well with either of them. Two people who care about Hawk in different ways and seeing the situation as if they are being attacked for their decisions. Hawk sure knows how to pick them though I think she hit gold with Hesh and I don't say that because he's my brother.

I admit that I expected Hesh to get impatient about finding her. He has been waiting, training and working on getting in shape to set out and find her for so long… I half expected him to pitch a fit when we had to get the plane to get over here. But he hasn't. I want to ask since I know my brother. He is not the most patient guy in the world and his temper is like a squash head HESH round. It… it does worry me and I sort of want to put the blame on Ashford.

Skye said not to worry about it but I think that Ashford got into Hesh's head because he is emotionally vulnerable even though he hides it as best as he can. It's not a secret that Ashford knows about Hawk and I'm still reeling that she went through Freefall. However the doc helped out by getting us a plane in Chile and having it ready. I guess it pays to have friends in high places. Then again when the daughter of one of the most skilled interrogators and is damned good herself is captured and is dangerously close to being labeled a traitor because of some damned camera footage… yeah you need a few well-placed friends.

I still maintain that Hawk hasn't turned. Hesh most definitely believes it. Skye believes it… the whole team does otherwise we wouldn't be on this don't ask, don't tell mission. I admit that having Merrick's support is good but… it would have been better if it were just Hesh and me. Then it would be on us and the team wouldn't have to take a hit. It probably would mean that we would be dishonorably discharged but in the end we would have her back.

I once asked before when I started taking a leaf outta Hesh's book and writing my thoughts down the question of how far we would go to get the world that we knew back. For me and my brother, like the pact we made about Rorke… we are going all the way. I know that sounds stupid since look at what we are in now when we decided to go after Rorke. Yet me and Hesh will do whatever we have to do to get her back. I will do whatever it takes because of what she did for me. She took my place and even though she was knocked out, she would have gone willingly. She would make it so that I would be her definition of safe. For that, I love my best friend and I will get her back… if only to have Hesh smile again…

The location was different but the humidity was still the same. It was storm season in the jungles and it seemed that they were doomed to feel the effects of it. It was no comfort that the city was a seaside one and that adage about a different kind of weather being near the ocean didn't really fly. The place was hardly one to get touristy with anyway.

Hesh looked at the street like he was bored while he waited with Logan at the café. There were a lot of people that seemed nervous but there were also those that strutted around boldly. They learned that the city was full of people that would rat you out if they suspected you of being from the north. There was also unrest within that seaside city.

The first night they were there, they thought their side had launched a sneak attack when a bomb exploded. All four of them were on their feet and waving their guns around, checking to make sure that there were no intruders. With the eruption of gunfire and where it was coming from, they were able to determine that it was unrest in the city. That certainly put a twist on their mission since it seemed that the Federation was having problems at home even though they maintained tight control of the city.

They did strictly recon since to be caught carrying a large weapon and be in full battle gear was not necessarily the best idea until they had a plan. It was strange going around in clothes that should have belonged to a tourist and blending in as best as they could. For the most part people thought that they were from some other Fed nation but of European stock. It helped that Logan and Harris could speak Spanish fluently enough. Skye knew some French and the locals thought her to be from Haiti. Hesh surprised everyone with a few choice German phrases. Logan ended up teasing him later saying, "I had no idea you had a head for languages… squash head."

Hesh gave a punch to his brother's shoulder and retorted, "You're not a genius in everything you pain in the ass."

"Nope, just brilliant."

Logan looked at his brother as they waited for Skye and Harris to report in. Riley was by their feet and looking bored but even they knew the dog was alert. They had learned quickly not to trust anyone. True it was hard to take information at face value but by not relying on anyone local too much, it kept them off the radar and the questions they asked anyway were the kinds a tourist would ask but the answers gave them what they needed. Looking at Hesh, Logan thought his brother was bored at first but he knew Hesh was watching and looking for the slightest sign of anything that could go wrong.

"It's been over an hour," Hesh commented as he took a sip of the tea that was better than the water.

Logan glanced at his watch. "I know."

Hesh glanced at Logan, "Should we…?"

"Give them a couple of minutes," Logan replied after making a decision. "They'll be here." He looked around and gave the impression that he was bored with the whole thing.

Hesh nodded in agreement. Normally he would be making the decisions like these but ever since that day… he couldn't do it. He let Logan take the lead and followed him. He just wanted to get her back but he was astute enough to realize that they needed a plan and Logan was the best with them. It also allowed him to observe and he noticed that his little brother was behaving like a shy schoolboy around Skye even though they joked sometimes. He offered, "We took longer than expected when we were up. We're going for careful little brother."

"I know," Logan replied. The whole thing had him on edge. They knew that there was resistance to the Federation. The people were resentful and they wanted the war to end.

The first night they were in Maracaibo, they got caught in the middle of a fight between those loyal to the Federation and the group that called themselves El Libertad. Both sides had been so busy fighting with each other that no one paid any attention as they slipped past everyone. It was the way things were and it wouldn't have surprised any of them if the cartels had a part in this though it was probably beneficial for them to go with the Federation.

Hesh looked at Logan and sighed. He said, "They'll be all right. Harris… a worse pain in the ass than you and Skye… She's a tough one."

"You know you sound like a sap trying to make me feel better."

"Working?"

"Supposed to be my job," Logan said with a slight grin. In a way it was his job and what he had been doing since Hesh woke up on the Dakota. He made his response sound a little like a pout.

"Pain in my ass," Hesh countered with a grin. "Things I do for you…"

"Don't even go there big bro."

Hesh looked at Logan and noticed the warning look but it was halfhearted. He replied, "Oh I think that I should considering I took more heat for your antics."

"And you were the genius behind them," Logan countered. He was pleased that Hesh had started being his old self. He knew that it was more of relieving his anxiety but there was genuine affection as a brother in there. "So you're to blame."

"Then I suppose that one time behind the locker rooms with what's her name…"

"Doesn't count."

"Yes it does."

"Squash head."

"Pain in my ass. Not to mention adorable."

They stared at each other like they were going to get into a fight right then and there. The only sound that erupted was Riley giving a low moan and they couldn't resist breaking out into chuckles. Logan had scowled slightly when Hesh called him adorable and in the manner he did when trying to get out of trouble because he skipped out on checkups with Carol or something similar. He said, "At least I don't get my foot stuck in my mouth."

"Yes you do." Hesh looked at Logan with a knowing look. "You're just cute and adorable with it." He was laying it on thick but it was the least he could do since Logan did it for him. Hesh was just sorry that they were both whipped because the girls they picked probably could make them cry if they wanted to. He learned his lesson with Skye and was amused when Logan repeated that mistake.

"Now you are the one talking shit," Logan countered, "Mr. I Aced German and Forgot to Mention it."

Hesh said nothing but gave a smug smile about it. He knew that Logan wouldn't have much ammunition if he didn't say anything in reply. Yeah maybe he kept the fact he knew one language other than English well enough a secret but he was allowed his secrets and it was no secret Logan was a brain. He chuckled as he turned just as Skye and Harris were making their way back. He then said, "Seems like we're gonna have to pick it up another time baby bro."

"Don't call me that."

"You are."

"Dumbass."

"Very mature."

Hesh accepted the punch to his shoulder. Logan was grinning too as he gave a punch that wasn't too hard and not too soft on his brother's shoulder. It relieved some tension and actually diverted attention away from them. They were viewed as tourists or even brothers arguing over things that were trivial but could be disastrous.

"Glad to see someone is enjoying themselves," Skye said with a grin as she walked up.

"Nah. Just reminding little bro here who the awesome one is," Hesh countered before Logan could say anything.

"Who said you were awesome," Logan interjected.

"You did," Skye teased Logan.

"Fine you all gain up on me," Logan replied looking exasperated when he really wasn't. He looked at the pair that returned and asked, "So find out anything new?"

Harris looked at Skye and then reported, "Same thing about the two groups fighting each other. However, there are rumors that the Federation is attempting to try something else in light of their failure at the beach."

"Mostly the talk is about a weapon but they are a bit hesitant to move forward," Skye added as she looked at the brothers. "The problem is that there is a third group causing problems with the outposts in the Amazon. Villages are turning against them and bases are being destroyed, weapons confiscated. The strange thing is that the reports all say the same thing and I don't know if you're gonna believe it or…"

"What?" Both Walkers looked at Skye with a look that urged her to continue with her report.

Seeing the look, she replied, "That the attacks are done by one person. They say that it is a ghost or devil or something. They call it La Fantasma Muerta."

"You know that this is not proper behavior."

Hesh looked at Hawk as she grinned up at him with that mischievous glint in her eye. He was holding her hands and had just broken the kiss he gave her. He couldn't help but grin back and replied, "Must be because I'm not civilized." He was teasing her.

"You are a caveman," she replied teasing and accepted the kiss he leaned in to give her. She allowed him to deepen it. She felt his hand reach up to caress and cradle her face.

Hesh chuckled as he pulled away as he pressed his forehead to hers. They were in his and Logan's room so there wasn't really too much of a danger of getting noticed. He studied her and was happy she was happy. He replied, "One that sticks his foot into things."

"Your most endearing quality," she replied with a smile as she rubbed her free hand on his arm.

Hesh lowered his hand from her face and grasped her hand and began rubbing his thumb over her skin. He rubbed the hollow on her wrist, applying a little bit of pressure. His hand slid to lift her wrist towards his lips to kiss it when he noticed the scar on her forearm. His interest shifted and his hand slipped so he could thumb it gently.

It was like someone had dug their nails into her skin. It wasn't too noticeable unless you were looking. He peered at it and traced the scars. "What happened?"

Hawk looked at the scars and blinked. Her expression was soft and solemn. "Carelessness with my totem."

Hesh looked at her trying to judge how serious she was or if it was another one of those expressions that she used. "Seriously?" He didn't mean to sound firm but he wasn't sure how to indicate he was being serious. She may have worked through with what happened in Vegas but he didn't have to be a jerk about it.

She was understanding as always though and replied with a nod, "Carelessness with my kin." She took a step back from his grasp and reached for her tags, or so he thought. Instead he pulled out a pendant. It was silver with a blue background and a silver eagle over it. "Lakota believe our kin is the eagle. We hold them in high regard. I am a hawk, also kin if not exact. I was careless with Kayla. She reminded me."

Hesh?

Hesh looked at Hawk. "So it was from a hawk or eagle," he stated more than questioned.

"We are alike but different. I forgot that."

Hesh…

Hesh blinked as he looked up to see Logan looking down at him. He looked back to the pendant he was staring at. Great. Looking back up he asked, "What do you need Logan?"

"Just making sure you don't starve yourself," Logan replied as he handed a dish over with what was to pass as food for camping. He glanced around and then kneeled to add in a low voice, "And to see if you're okay."

Hesh dropped the pendant to where it hung around his neck with his tags and accepted what Logan handed to him. "I'm fine."

Logan was still kneeling and studying his brother. They had a long drive, crash and run from Maracaibo that day. They decided to follow up and chase the lead about the Fantasma Muerta even though it sounded more like a ghost story. Skye and Harris had doubts about it but Hesh believed that it was their lost teammate and Logan believed too. It was probably a fool's dream but… Besides some of what was described sounded like her.

They managed to find a vehicle and start driving but with their luck it seemed the Federation and El Libertad were at it again. They were perceived as the enemy, fired upon and they were forced to abandon their vehicle and proceed on foot to where their ghost was last seen. That meant trekking and camping. Logan was concerned since that while Hesh had recovered pretty much and could handle it… he was still vulnerable in terms of getting a bad spasm. It was enough to put him out of commission and Carol was risking a lot by keeping him in the field…

"Seriously your cooking needs improvement little bro," Hesh said as he tasted their 'food'.

Logan grinned and replied, "Like you're any better." He sobered though and continued his line of questioning, "Seriously though… you sure you can handle the trek?"

Hesh looked at Logan and shook his head while giving a firm gaze. He understood where Logan was coming from but he needed to do this. "I can do it. We've had worse when Dad was teaching us. You remember when you twisted your knee so bad I had to carry you out?"

"Yeah," Logan replied with a slight nod of remembrance. He looked at his brother, "I just think that this is a little different. But I'm with you. Just remember that if you need help… just ask."

"I know," Hesh replied quietly. He observed Skye as she scratched Riley on his ears. He chuckled, "Scratch whore."

Logan looked over to see Riley and couldn't help but chuckle in agreement. He then said softly, "Then again Hawk never gave him scratches and he's her devoted slave."

"She likes dogs," Hesh replied taking another bite. It wasn't the greatest thing and he had worse before. "Seems like her cousin does too. No wonder she likes you… laughing pup."

Logan shot his brother a look and would have punched him but that would have sent the food flying if Hesh didn't have a grip and it could lead to more aggressive forms of letting off steam. Instead he said, "Hey I'm not the one with the Sioux baby name Shappa."

"At least it's more intimidating in English," Hesh countered. He couldn't resist, "Cute and adorable laughing pup." He grinned as he took pleasure at the scowl that was on his younger brother's face. He took another bite of the slop that was called food and dutifully chewed and swallowed. He added, "I think that's why Skye hangs around you."

"She doesn't hang around me," Logan retorted. He twisted so he was seated next to his brother. "She is the one that follows me."

"Sounds like somebody's ego is getting too big," Hesh murmured as he took a sip of water from the canteen. He sighed as he looked from Skye to his brother who was looking at her. He said, "Seriously, don't be stupid like me little bro and don't think too much on the timing. It wasn't great with me and Hawk but… You take what you can."

Logan looked at his brother as he finished his meal and stood up to go to the small river to rinse it off. He turned to look at Skye who seemed to be looking up at the sky for answers to some unspoken question as she absently scratched Riley's ears. Harris was bedding down for the night and the fire was high enough for warmth but low enough to avoid being seen… not that it would be easy to in the jungle. He thought about what Hesh said.

He didn't think that he was that noticeable in things. Sure Hawk knew because he asked her about Skye's availability and they were cousins. They would talk. He thought his brother was too caught up in his own romance to bother noticing but it seemed that he did. Now his big brother was playing the role he did for him.

Hesh came back and tossed his dish with the other equipment and came back to his spot with his rifle across his knees, prepared to take watch. They were lucky to get their equipment out there. At least they were somewhat prepared. Hesh checked and then said, "So you gonna talk to her?"

"And get on her bad side. No way," Logan replied.

"Skye doesn't have a bad side. Just a pain in the ass side," Hesh corrected with a grin. At Logan's look he explained, "I got the same treatment when we first shipped out. It's nothing like Hawk." He straightened up and positioned his body for first watch. "You should get some sleep. I got first watch."

"Taking your licks first?"

"Can't sleep now. Not tired enough."

It was a lie and Logan could see right through it. Hesh did look tired and was doing a good show not to let it affect the way how things were run. He wasn't going to press though since he had a pretty good idea why Hesh wanted to take first watch and make himself exhausted to fall asleep. He didn't want to have dreams or nightmares since they often were worse than his feelings of self-doubt and loathing. Logan knew because a couple of times he had caught Hesh up late at night either writing, doing something and he once field stripped his guns and put them back together. He was so quiet about it that no one suspected anything.

"Ask her stay over. Maybe you'll get lucky."

"Hey," Logan gave in a friendly warning, knowing that Hesh did that on purpose to get him out of his thinking mode. "I don't talk like that about you and Hawk."

"Because I would kick your ass."

"And I can do the same."

"I'd like to see you try little brother."

Logan made a rude sound and caused Hesh to chuckle as the elder Walker stood back up and began to patrol. Logan watched his brother leave to check their perimeter and then turned to the others. Definitely his and Hesh's roles were reversed. He hoped that this would pan out since he didn't want to disappoint Hesh further. He pulled out his field journal and opened it to where he left the pencil and began to write.

As a soldier we are told to go wherever we are ordered to go and we do it. So far that has worked out and sometimes adaption is done along the way but the objective is achieved. Now it seems that we are winging it but we still have our orders: go in and bring home Hawk and bring her before the other team finds her.

I don't know why but it seems that this mission has perked up Hesh more but he still is the one that follows. It's like we switched roles somewhere along the way. I honestly don't know what to do at times and find myself looking to him to see if he would give anything even if it was stupid. It has worked but… This is depressing. I know Hesh will be complete when he finds her.

We are chasing a ghost story but deep down, Hesh and me know it's her. It has to be. No other person would piss the Federation off this much and Rorke too. We heard that he has a manhunt while trying to get the latest Fed op off the ground. The manhunt isn't going to work I think if it is her. He needs a 'Hawk hunt' and that is different.

I don't know if we are on the right track but… it's what we have and Merrick knows what the hell is going on here. Is it coincidence that people are rising up? Maybe it has something to do with this Fantasma Muerta… The Dead Ghost…

A/N: Looks like Hesh and Logan are in Venezuela and they hear about the Fantasma Muerta. Seems like they are getting closer. Onward to the next time on The Hunt..