Chapter 18

Trust is the backbone of being on a team. The Ghosts showed that. Me and Hesh saw it when we went back home to do recon for Dad. It inspired us. The thing about trust with strangers is that it is built over time. It is easy to lose when it is broken and the hardest thing to earn. It is kind of ironic since in the military you are supposed to watch the back of the man next to you and he is supposed to watch yours otherwise you were dead.

When it comes to being asked for your trust by a stranger… it is a whole other picture. Tomas, the leader of his band of El Libertad says that we are alike. I don't know what the fuck he means by that but I do know that the possible bullshit he likes to say is that we are on the same side.

Logan looked up from his journal and towards the main part of the camp or rather where Tomas, the leader of his group of El Libertad was gathered with his subordinates. He wasn't even sure how their structure was so he was going with generic terms for general reference. So far they had been the 'guests' of this guy for nearly a week and it was rather a confusing time.

Tomas said they were alike. Logan was concerned with finding his brother and then finding Hawk, which he was certain Tomas was looking for. Actually he and Hesh guessed that the ghost story of the jungle was their Hawk based upon the details that they had pieced together of those stories. It was automatic to assume that there would be danger to Hawk since Tomas was searching for her or rather la Fantasma Muerta. So Logan held out against helping them by making the stipulation of finding his brother.

It was a gamble but a reasonable one since he really didn't know how his brother was doing. The last he saw Hesh was him walking into the jungle to hide his pain from everyone else. He didn't know if Hesh was still in pain and he was the one holding the painkillers. The small source of comfort was that Riley was out there and more than likely the dog found his brother. Besides Hesh knew how to survive in the wild just as well as he did. They were soldiers and they had been trained by the best and that was their dad.

"I wouldn't worry too much about Hesh."

Logan looked up to see Skye sitting across from him at their 'camp'. When they were 'rescued' they were essentially kept like prisoners but they had more liberties than most prisoners. They were allowed to roam the camp but they couldn't leave and their weapons were pretty much taken… except for the hand axe. Tomas seemed to understand the sentimental value that it had to Logan and it wasn't like Logan was going to be able to get them out with just that; they were vastly outnumbered. So they bore with it.

Logan looked at her and gave a slight smile, "You always seem to know Skye."

"Only because you care so much," Skye teased. She smiled as she sighed, "I've been trying to get in nice but they seem to see right through the act."

"Doesn't surprise me," Logan replied, "The conditions I set put us at a standstill. They don't get help unless they help us find him but they can easily turn it around. I really suck at this."

"No you don't."

"Don't be a brown nose, Skye. This is…" Logan motioned with his hand and shook his head slightly. He sighed. He knew that he was doing what he could but he couldn't help but think that Hesh was better.

Skye said nothing but stretched out and pulled out some cording that she had been working with. She braided a few more bits trying to make a strong enough rope. For what use it would be for… she wasn't sure but it paid to be prepared. After a moment she said, "A responsible leader works with what he has available but he also needs a little bit ingenuity and a bit of faith." She looked at the scar on her palm and gave a slight smile. "A person may fall but it whether or not they choose to get back up that makes all the difference."

Logan looked up at Skye. She was giving him a gentle smile and he couldn't help but give one in return. He was doing what he could. Sighing he replied, "Well let's see if my gamble pays off."

"I'd consider it even trade," Skye corrected as she went about her work. She had been wary of the whole situation even though this group El Libertad was friendly enough so far. Her seemingly lackadaisical manner and being absorbed in busy work was a cover for the watchful look she had over things. "You both are looking for someone but one has the advantage. Better you play until the status quo changes."

"Sounds like a load of shit to me."

Skye looked up and replied, "Perhaps it is because you don't fall into the positive category."

Harris made a slight sound as he shrugged off the guard that escorted him before sitting down. He looked at her with a glare, "Only calling it like it is. If anything we should be looking for a means of getting out of here."

"And go where?" Logan had rubbed the bridge of his nose the moment Harris started in on their conversation. It seemed that his best friend's old comrade needed a bit of an attitude adjustment. He just needed to find the right time to do it. He looked at Harris and said, "We have a man out there still and it seems that Tomas is looking for what we are looking for."

"Oh yeah your plan seems to work out real nice," Harris retorted.

"Better than anything else," Logan replied firmly and with a narrowed look. He looked Harris in the eye and added, "Unless you have anything better." When Harris didn't respond, Logan said, "That's what I thought. I let you get away with whatever the shit you have with my brother but we're still soldiers here. So act like it."

Harris replied in a calm tone but it had his agitation in his voice, "And how much was of that when you knocked me unconscious?"

Logan gritted his teeth and tried hard not to overreact. He stood up and moved over to where Harris was sitting. Standing in front of him, Logan replied, "That was a decision made to keep a friend from harm. At the time it was the only choice that was best. We didn't know you except by what we saw between you and Hawk. If you want an apology then I'll give you one but for now either put up or shut up." He looked at the man with a firm look.

Harris said nothing at first but stood up to look at Logan in the eye. After a pause he said, "You are not worthy of being her friend." He had said it in a voice only Logan would be able to hear before walking away.

"Where are you going?" Skye knew Harris had said something but she didn't know just what. What she knew was that he was walking away and it had to do with whatever shit happened before now.

"Going to one of the few places we can go just to be away from this sorry shit," Harris retorted.

Skye would have said something but Logan's hand on her shoulder stopped her. She looked at him but he was watching the direction Harris had gone in. He said, "Let him go Skye. It's between him, me and Hesh." He paused a moment before saying, "He won't be a problem… because of Hawk he will do his job."

"You seem to have a lot of confidence in that," Skye replied as she turned to look at Logan.

Logan felt like he was out of his league in this. True he had managed to stand up and keep order within the ranks but that didn't mean a whole lot. Hesh didn't count because they were brothers and they had each other's backs but it was different since their usual roles were switched. Harris was following because he deferred to rank. Skye… "Why do you follow me?"

Skye peered at him with a puzzled look. "Why do you ask me such a thing?"

Logan looked at her. He didn't want to hurt her feelings but... It was better he explain though. He just wished that his best friend was there to give him some advice. Finally he sighed and replied, "I… don't know if I am doing any of this shit right. I don't want to be mean but I can't help but doubt you following me because of orders or because…" He gestured around and growled in frustration. He sat back down and ran a hand through his hair before putting his journal back on his lap.

Skye stared at him. He was trying so hard to lead and she got the impression that he was walking in his brother's shadow in that realm. She didn't really blame him for thinking that. She didn't know Harris' reason beyond it being orders. Hesh was obvious and her… Getting up, she walked over to sit beside him. He was running his hand through his hair and it seemed to help soothe his agitation. She felt awkward doing this since she was certain her cousin could do better. Finally she said, "You know… one of the Lakota virtues is respect. The virtues are highly regarded since they exemplify the epitome of our people. Most virtues are shown through example."

Logan continued to rub his head. He looked at Skye and noticed the awkward look she was giving. He asked, "And what do you see, Skye?"

"That you are trying to fit into a role that you can do but never had much of a chance to do," she replied with an honest look in her face. "And you are working with what you have."

Logan couldn't help but smile at her. "Learn that from Hawk?"

Skye smiled in return, "A little of it and mostly from what I learned these last ten years." She shrugged her shoulders. "Logan, the only way you will lose your self-doubt is to trust in yourself. What I say won't matter. It ultimately is what you think."

Logan took in her words as his eyes locked onto her doe brown ones. They were like Hawk's eyes except hers were more reddish. Skye's eyes looked more doe like even though she was similar like his best friend. They were full of sincerity though and she had a point. Even Hesh pointed out that he was capable of much and even better than him. Logan didn't believe that part since he knew Hesh was the best. He nodded, "I understand. Thanks Skye."

"I'm your friend right?"

Logan blinked as she asked that. He knew what he wanted but he had to wonder about timing. He could hear his brother giving him advice. Being bold he leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. He let it linger before pulling back and looked at her. He shocked her certainly since she wasn't sure how to react to that. He decided to let her think about it and smiled and stood up to go walking and clear his own head about what he had done.

There wasn't much to see in the camp and he couldn't leave without an escort so he stayed within the camp and circling it. He ran a hand through his locks and thought about what he had done. He really liked Skye and he wanted her to know it but there were other things going on. He had a promise to keep and that was to bring Hawk back. He was nuts for kissing her.

"There you are."

Logan paused and looked to see Tomas approaching him. What did the bastard want now? He stood there silently not saying anything. They had a deal and things weren't going to change any time soon.

Tomas looked at Logan who was looking at him with a stern expression. They had been at a standstill for a week but he had kept his word in looking for the lost soldier. He kept an eye out and listened for rumors of the soldier's lost brother. He had to admire that the soldier was keeping his word too. Perhaps now they would both get what they wanted.

Logan saw that Tomas' silence was the prompt for him to answer. He replied, "Our agreement still stands."

"Indeed," Tomas replied. "Perhaps we will both achieve a goal. There is a Federation convoy coming through tomorrow. We are going to attack it and you will be with us."

"I am not one of your men."

"But you are in my camp and under my rules. You will be with the direct advance. We move out in the morning to intercept." Tomas turned to walk away. He paused only to turn and throw back, "Perhaps you may find what you seek." He then turned to leave Logan staring at him.

Nighttime fell fast, Hesh observed. They had packed up camp and moved it that day. He was surprised at the amount of distance they gained. Now they had pitched camp and things were pretty much like how he found them the moment he woke up. He still got a nasty look from one of the camp soldiers but for the most part he was treated with politeness and he returned it by helping out.

As it turned out a Federation convoy was coming through. It would be a big hit and would be able to arm more who flocked to the banner of La Fantasma Muerta. Hesh figured out who that person was but decided not to comment on it. It would be something to discuss later. He did manage to relay what El Libertad was and what they were doing.

"After the convoy, we'll explore El Libertad," Cezar said as he walked Hesh towards the tents. "If they are for ending Federation presence, then they might be an ally."

"It could help but…" Hesh groped for words to say.

"We know El Halcon needs to return. She has given much to us." Cezar understood. He knew that Hesh's appearance meant that her friends were looking for her. She would need to return but she was hesitant. Perhaps the young man he was walking with would be able to make her see. "Do not let them forget the good she has done here."

Hesh looked at Cezar. He nodded, "We will tell them."

Cezar nodded and then motioned to the larger tent. At Hesh's hesitation he said, "As far as everyone knows you belong to her. There is no need to be awkward." He patted Hesh's shoulder and then turned to head to the other tents leaving the younger man standing there.

Hesh paused a moment and looked at the tent. He sighed a bit before walking towards the tent. The last thing he needed was giving the wrong impression to people especially about her. His only other option was to camp outside but he heard that the temperature was going to drop significantly and he knew that there were not going to be people willing to share a fire with him. He had noticed the looks and didn't blame them.

Opening the flap he saw that Riley was in there looking at him like he was an idiot for staying out there. He was with the other dog who was looking at him with a bored expression and was curled up by Riley. It looked like a mutt version of Riley. There was no one else in the tent and Hesh wondered if she was doing her hospitality thing. The stuff inside was hers and he had his gear minus the guns in there. His Kevlar vest had been repaired.

Not knowing what to do, Hesh just sat on the pallet that was serving as a bed. He crossed his legs and rested his arms on his knees and stared ahead. He did reach over and give Riley an ear rub. He had no idea how things were going to work out since technically he and Logan were supposed to bring her home before the other Tier One team did. Then there was letting Kick and Keegan know and then Merrick and the others.

He almost jumped when he felt a pair of hands on his shoulders that started massaging them. It was followed by a gentle chuckle and a soft voice saying, "Now I know I am not that good at scaring you. And you don't scare easily."

Hesh relaxed as the massage loosened the knot between his shoulders and it felt like a weight was being lifted off his shoulders. He turned to see Sequoia looking at him with a softened expression. "You're good at the quiet thing," he replied.

Sequoia smiled as she continued to massage his shoulders. "Old habits, Shappa." She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed in contentment. Her hands stopped and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Are you okay?"

Hesh reached up and touched her hands. "I'm okay Hawk. Really."

"And the fact that you are wondering about the delay in getting back home and how it looks like didn't cross your mind," she replied in a gentle matter of fact tone. She let Hesh touch and caress her hands but kept her arms around him. She sighed, "Hesh… I know that by now you would have seen the helmet cam footage of what I did. I know Command would have and to be honest I'm glad that they sent the Ghosts."

Hesh sighed at that. "Command didn't send us," he admitted as he lowered his hands. He turned his body so that he and Sequoia were facing each other. It felt empty without her arms wrapped around him but he picked up her hands and held them in his. "They… sent another Tier One team and… they are ordered to bring you in like a prisoner."

Sequoia looked at Hesh. She suspected that was what would happen. She sighed and looked down at their hands and adjusted her fingers around his. "Merrick is disobeying orders?" She raised her brow at that. "The old man is a stickler for them."

"Actually… it was Colonel Slayton from Freefall," Hesh corrected. He studied her reaction. He knew that she had been a part of that. He was almost afraid to ask if there was more than what they had talked about previously. "He said you were one of his interrogators. Are you still with Freefall?"

Sequoia looked at Hesh and held onto his hands. She never expected the colonel to come to her rescue. "It wasn't the colonel, David," she replied softly. At his expression she explained, "It was Ashford."

"Doc Ashford?"

Sequoia nodded, "Ashford is the real brains behind Freefall… along with my father." She looked down as she recalled when she was treated to the whole truth.

It was a beautiful day outside. It made you think that there wasn't a war going on. It wasn't the sentiment inside the room that was the training box. Sequoia looked at Ashford with a narrowed look and her arms crossed over her chest. Ashford looked at her and said, "I don't have anything else to say since you found out."

"Then why wasn't it disbanded?"

"What do you think happened? I had to pull serious clout to put you in the same league as the other recruits. No one knows more than I that Charles taught you everything you know and it is not what he wanted the military to get their hands on. That came out wrong."

"Yeah it did. Tell me, did you throw in that little surprise during the exercise?"

Sequoia took a breath and said, "She was chief of the psych evals. She had to be since what my father developed could be heavy on the mind. All candidates were carefully monitored and if they showed signs of problems, they were removed."

"I read on that and the colonel gave that," Hesh replied. He removed a hand and started reaching out to touch her face. His fingers brushed her cheeks and then cupped it. His thumb rubbed her cheek and the temple.

Sequoia closed her eyes taking in Hesh's touch. She nodded slightly and continued, "Ashford and my father worked together and they agreed to end things. After ODIN, the military picked it up. Ashford recruited me when I joined up. She made every effort to keep me from being noticed by brass because…"

"You got the full course and everyone else…" Hesh looked away and thought about his conversations with Ashford. It then occurred to him that the doctor was trying to give him what the colonel couldn't because he didn't know. "Hawk… what do you know?"

"What I needed to survive," she replied as she lowered her hands to her lap. She looked at nothing in particular. "My father taught me how to defend myself because of what he did. He did what he had to do… just like yours. The curse of having a parent in Special Forces doing… whatever." She stood up and walked away. She folded her arms across her chest and shook her head. "Command has every right to think I turned."

Hesh followed her. It wasn't her fault. He didn't know what her father did while she was a girl but if it was serious, he would have done what he had to doing order to protect her. Hell he and Logan never knew about their dad being a Ghost until recently. He went with impulse and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her towards him and rested his head on her shoulder. He whispered, "I never thought you did, Sequoia. I still love you."

Sequoia listened to her name roll off of Hesh's tongue, hearing the sincerity in his words. He knew about her messed up life and he still loved her. It had been one of her fears she harbored when she made the choice to play along with Rorke's game on her terms. She still had to ask, "Even with what you've seen me do?"

"Even I know better than to piss you off," Hesh replied. He continued to hold her in his arms and breathed in her scent. He sighed gently as he felt her adjust to his grip and seek comfort with him. "We're soldiers Hawk. There are some things to expect from it and to be honest… the way you fight, the way you do things… it's what attracts me to you."

"So making a Fed piss in his pants caught your attention?"

Hesh chuckled at that, "Maybe a little. I was more annoyed that you disappeared and reappeared when you did." He hugged her and gave a kiss to her temple. "But it grew on me especially when Merrick told you to have fun."

Sequoia was quiet for a moment as she thought about what Hesh said. He did have a point in that they were soldiers. There were some things expected but she was concerned. Hesh didn't understand that what she learned in terms of withstanding torture and then applying it to others without making it seem like torture… She was concerned that he didn't understand the implications behind it. Or maybe he did and yet he still loved her.

Hesh waited patiently in the silence. He was worried that she wasn't saying anything. He knew there were things that couldn't be talked about unless she wanted to and he was prepared to live to that. To be honest he didn't know what she went through under Rorke's clutches and he wasn't sure he wanted to know; to know what she had to do to be given the freedom she needed to let Logan know that she was still her. Still he could understand why she had her apprehensions and why she wasn't sure how he would feel about her. Deep down he loved her and that wasn't going to change.

Sequoia took in the warmth of the embrace. It was going to be a long road but she could sense the truth. He loved her still. One day she would tell him what she had done. She regretted it and Cezar still said it was worth it. She turned around to look at Hesh and tentatively put her hands on his chest. She felt his hands slide to rest on the swell of her hips as she looked up into his pine green eyes. She said, "This won't be over until the hunter is hunted."

Hesh looked into her reddish brown ones. They were serious in the expression but full of emotion. He nodded, "Then… I'll help you. It was something I should have done from the start."

"Don't start Shappa," Sequoia replied as she reached up and stroked his cheek and then ran her fingers through his hair, taking in that he had let it grow out. It was still regulation length but… she liked it. "Your biggest strength is that you care. It is why I love you. And… I am grateful."

Hesh looked at her and gently took her lips with his own. "I love you, Hawk." It said everything he couldn't say.

"I love you," she whispered and kissed him back.

A/N: Alright more fluff and things move along. Logan is doing his best and Hesh and Hawk... still some things there but we are moving and onward to the next time on The Hunt...