Chapter 20

Merrick stood looking at the reports he had gotten in. He was concerned. Keegan and Kick had reported in a couple of times. Hesh and Logan were long overdue and he wondered if they had run into trouble. Where they went, it was a nasty stroll down memory lane since they started where Hawk had been abducted and in the heart of Federation territory.

When he stepped into Elias' place, he never thought that it would come to this. It was supposed to be a major offensive that would cripple the Federation and hopefully lead to the end of this war. Instead of celebrating victory, he got tragedy. Well he didn't have to be too dramatic about it but it was a blow in losing Hawk to Rorke and then the months of waiting and recon gathering to find any trace of her.

He didn't believe that she turned like the rest of the team. He may have called her a pain in the ass and she could be many things but there was one thing he knew she was not. She was not a traitor. He was no expert on Sioux traditions but he knew her father Charles and he knew her… once they called their truce. Turning against her own is the last thing she would do.

He saw the feed like everyone else but he was in agreement with Logan. She was pointing it in their direction but not at them. He shook his head wondering what she was thinking when she did that. Perhaps she was doing it to get close to Rorke and kill him. That was what Logan and Hesh were going to do after they completed their mission.

Revenge is a dish that is best served cold.

It was chilling to think that quote was pretty accurate. He didn't blame them at all. They all mourned Elias' death. Hell the bastard made it seem like she was dead until she barged in and got herself caught. That had Merrick pause as he thought about their time in Vegas. He frowned as he replayed what he remembered.

Since she had been able to escape, she should have gotten out and called for backup but she didn't. The absurd thought that she wanted to be caught crossed his mind and while absurd it bothered him greatly. It was dangerous territory that he was venturing into since it also gave implications of conspiracy and the like. It was the kind of doubt that would amuse that bastard Rorke and he would feed on it and use it to poison everyone and make them doubt. Would that be an example of what Hesh and Logan said about destroying the souls of Ghosts?

"The last time I saw someone concentrate that hard it was a stubborn Ghost trying to overdo it."

Merrick turned to see Carol walk in. He replied, "Yeah well you're off the mark. What the hell are you doing here?"

Carol looked at the computer Merrick had been staring at and then at the other things in the room. "I was bored since I don't have patients and I can only count bandages so many times," she replied with slight sarcasm in her voice. She looked at the man who was trying hard to hide his frustration and worry and added, "How is the search for Sequoia?"

Merrick found it oddly strange that Carol would refer to Hawk by her given name. Everyone else referred to her as Hawk and Skye occasionally called her some name in her native language. He looked up at her and then back at the screen he was looking at and replied, "Take your pick."

"Alright. Kick and Keegan?"

"Nothing."

"Logan and Hesh?"

"Lost contact the moment they left Maracaibo," Merrick laid out in a clinical manner. It hid his irritation but it came out when he added, "And I just got word from the colonel that the team sent to find the 'prisoner' is somewhere in Venezuela now."

"So… you're thinking that Hesh and Logan may have met up with them?" Carol leaned on the counter. "That they may be prisoners themselves?"

"God fucking hope not," Merrick muttered. He ran a hand over his head. "Fucking pain in my ass."

Carol couldn't help but chuckle in agreement, "I agree with you there about her but… you care about her just like everyone else and you know as well as me that she would rather die than be what has been suggested." She looked away and sighed at nothing in particular. "I know."

Merrick made a sound and went over his report. He looked at it a hundred times and he knew that worrying wasn't going to make things better. If anything it would guarantee indigestion and a trip to Carol's domain. He sat back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest like a petulant child would and sighed. Finally he said, "Funny thing is that we didn't know Hawk for very long but she became a part of the team. Did you know that she hit me and gave me a black eye the first time that we met? And we were there to save their asses."

"I can imagine. She broke the nose of a CO of another squad when he tried to get fresh with her," Carol replied with a chuckle. "Of course it didn't help that he swung first and that was after he called her a bitch and she called him something… I can't remember."

Merrick couldn't help but chuckle. What he knew of Hawk was that she could get under the skin once she picked up a certain weakness or quirk that annoyed someone. He had noticed that more between her and Hesh and he had been concerned when he noticed that things seemed to get serious between them. He had been suspicious when they started getting along and the three of them hung around together. And then Elias dying…

He recalled when she drank with him and then threw the tomahawk into the wall. He and Keegan couldn't get the damn thing out and then she gave a slight tug… He snorted at the memory but then, at the time, it was like being reassured. It was his first time in the pilot's seat since Elias was gone and she went out of her way to express confidence in his ability.

You're not Elias, Merrick and I don't expect you to be. I expect you to be you.

"I expect you to be you," Merrick murmured to himself.

"Excuse me?" Carol frowned puzzled at what Merrick was saying.

Merrick realized that he had been talking out loud. He straightened up and answered, "Just reminded of something."

Carol suspected it was something her friend said to the man but she wasn't going to press. Things were the way they were; it was a lesson she learned a long time ago when she first started out with Echo Team. Whatever it was put Merrick in a thoughtful mood. This whole thing had been hard on everyone especially learning something about a teammate that they never really considered. She said, "Well at least we are doing something about it, right?"

"I suppose," Merrick allowed. He frowned a bit and then turned to look at Carol and asked, "Do you think Hawk…?"

"Professional or personal?"

"Both," Merrick answered, understanding what she meant. He was a bit stubborn to admit it but he found himself relying on Carol's opinion especially when he considered sending Hesh out on this. He hadn't failed to notice that Hesh looked queasy during that meeting after coming back with Logan and a thorough pestering of Carol and a mild pulling of rank had him learn that the elder Walker still had pain spasms. It had been the sticking point.

Carol had told him what he wanted to know. She also told him that it could make things worse if Hesh didn't go out. Physically he was fit and ready to go; she gave him the clear. She explained that the spasms were residual of his trauma and sometimes they never went away. While most doctors would have said no to him going, she encouraged it and pointed out that finding their friend and teammate was a driving force for both Walkers. The mission to find her was what drove them and to take it away would produce negative effects.

She was well aware how being too obsessed with the mission could bring as well. Yet she had been insistent that wouldn't be the case. Merrick considered and went with her advice. He did notice that Hesh perked up when the go was given. So there was no reason to doubt her. He looked at her and added, "What do you think happened to her?"

"From the experience of when she would recon and capture traitors and interrogate them…" Carol wasn't sure how to go about this without giving a negative opinion of her friend. But then again the team wouldn't appreciate her sugar coating things. She continued, "She was good. She was calm collected… not much would faze her. Even in normal conversation if she stared at you, you didn't know what she was thinking."

"Yeah I get that but…"

Carol nodded, "I don't know about this Freefall thing but… I know Sequoia. She may be tough and I have seen her take a serious injury and keep on going, but she is still a person." She noticed the look on Merrick's face like he was going to be disappointed. She continued, "But from what you said about this Rorke and how she reacted… I think she will put up a fight in her own way. I would be concerned though about him. If he is obsessed with her and with Logan…"

"I know and I feel like I made a mistake sending Logan into the lion's den," Merrick replied as he sat back in his chair and mused. Even though he wasn't a fan of the colonel, he had spoken to Ashford and now he needed Carol's opinion. He then looked up at Carol, "What would you have done?"

Carol sensed that there was more to the question and knew that he was looking for a serious response. She thought for a moment and then replied, "Well, it is a risk sending Logan in, knowing that this Rorke is still out there and the fact that he already got his hands on Sequoia… It would be considered a huge risk."

"Then I shouldn't have."

"Not saying that," Carol countered. She found that her tone had taken one of someone who was trying to explain and being patient about it. Sequoia called it her hell side manner as a joke. "Everything has its risks but… going off on what has happened and sneaking a peek at operations files… The Walker boys have a good chance and I am confident that Logan will keep out of trouble."

"Are you always this optimistic?"

"Only going by what is observed," Carol replied with a smirk. "That and having to deal with a pain in the ass that caused more trouble in my med bay than out in the field."

Merrick laughed at that. It was the same with Hesh and Logan though Hesh was more vocal. At least that was what he had heard. He was entertained when he practically ordered Sequoia to escort him to the infirmary and gave permission to do any and all means. He nodded, "I get your point. I just can't help but worry that Hawk will not be as we knew her."

"Any sort of trauma changes a person," Carol admitted, "The trick is whether or not to let it influence in a debilitating or strengthening way. For Sequoia… I think the latter will occur. She has a few things worth fighting for."

"So you don't think that she wanted to get captured?"

"That might have been the case if she were still with Freefall," a new voice interrupted.

Merrick and Carol turned to see Dr. Ashford standing in the doorway. Merrick narrowed his eyes at the sight. He knew what she had been doing before he sent the team out. He was well aware she targeted Hesh especially and for what reasons… He could guess but it still irked him. He said, "And what the fuck does that mean?"

"Haven't you done enough?" Carol straightened up and glared at Ashford.

"I fear I haven't done enough to warn you people," Ashford replied walking in.

"If you mean hinting at what we'll find…"

"Exactly," Ashford replied, interrupting Merrick. She had caught the last part and didn't care that she had been shamelessly eavesdropping. She had stayed on and monitored what the Walker boys were doing. She had figured they had better odds of finding Echo Three. Coming to stand in front of Carol and Merrick she continued, "If she was still with the program… she would have purposely got herself caught and then endure whatever the target dished out in order to get the opportunity to kill him."

"Bullshit," Carol said, "Sequoia is not like that."

"And thank God for that even though she is more like Charles once she sinks her teeth into a mission," Ashford countered. She had their attention and she knew they were concerned. "Look… I don't think she turned. But if you want an answer to your question, the answer is that if she were a normal recruit for Freefall, then yes. Like the Ghosts, they are dedicated to doing whatever it takes. Freefall was originally an interrogation program but there were some who saw the advantages of making it a program to train soldiers to withstand torture."

"And Hawk?" Merrick narrowed his eyes at Ashford.

"The prototype… courtesy of Charles Williams." Ashford looked down as she took a breath and continued, "But nothing like what the current program uses."

"No shit because Charles was an interrogator."

"And he taught his daughter how to protect herself because of what he had done," Ashford said as she pulled out a file. She put it on the table. "Charles Williams was more than an interrogator for the army." She opened the file and tapped on the career chronology.

Merrick and Carol leaned forward and took a peek. It was Merrick who looked at Ashford. There was a question in his gaze and for once Ashford felt free from her obligations and tell the truth.

"You know that you won't be able to stop the Federation. We're on the rise again."

Sequoia rolled her eyes as she led the way through the jungle. She knew that Logan and Hesh were probably pushing the prisoner on the back to keep him moving and to vent. She paid attention to Ash and Riley as they trotted ahead to make sure that there were no more Feds in the vicinity since there was always the chance of a survivor or two.

"LOKI was destroyed and we crippled you," Logan said more because he was giving in the impulse to say something. He was also upset because of the kid that almost got killed because of him. He shot a glance at Hesh when his older brother put a reassuring pat on his shoulder silently in understanding.

Jorge chuckled at the response even though he was looking forward. He replied as he turned to look at Logan, "But there is still you. The boss really wants to get his hands on you. Wants to see if you can withstand what the puta here did."

Hesh resisted the urge to hit the bastard. He had heard what Sequoia had been willing to tell him the night before. It was hardly intimate talk but that was not how their relationship was; he remembered when she had her nightmares and he had his before this. Still it was hard to hear the woman he loved being called derogatory names.

Logan was equally pissed. He hated hearing his best friend being called that and he hated the feeling that was creeping up his spine. Ever since being held hostage in Vegas and knowing that Rorke wanted him alive and the man trying to carrying him off… He had been afraid. He was afraid of what Rorke wanted from him and what he wanted to do and a small part of him was afraid that he wasn't as strong as his brother and dad had told him previously.

Jorge knew he was striking a nerve. He laughed at the looks he was getting and looked ahead at Sequoia who was waiting on a swell for them to catch up. He said, "Yeah you know how to work it, puta. Boss let you out after you agreed to work with him. Bet you warmed his bed at night. Anything for an advantage."

Sequoia stared at Jorge. Her expression was devoid of all emotion as she walked up to Jorge. She noticed how Hesh and Logan were trying not to overreact and the kid was nervous about the whole thing. She knew this trick well. She looked at Jorge like he was an interesting thing and not a person, her eyes scanning him and noted how the prisoner was staring defiantly at her. She said in a low voice, "And what would you know about anything? I'm sure that it has something to tell about what I want to know."

Jorge glared at her. "I'm not saying anything."

"Oh you will," Sequoia replied with a slight smile. She glanced at Hesh and Logan and then turned to continue on. "Besides I'm not the one you should be worried about. It's them." She pointed to her right.

At that moment Cezar appeared flanked by Tomas along with their men looking ready to kill. Sequoia gave the prisoner a slight smile and stepped aside saying to Cezar, "Well looks like something may be gotten out of this."

"He's ours. Our raid. Our prisoner," Tomas spat out.

Normally Hesh and Logan would have protested but oddly they felt it best to be quiet. They wouldn't lie down like an obedient dog but they were willing to let Sequoia take the lead and Hesh, Logan knew, would spring to her defense if he perceived a serious threat. The fact that he hadn't meant that he knew one of these guys as a potential ally. As a friend, that was up for debate.

Cezar said, "And we came to your aid while we were planning our own raid. It seems though that a trap had been laid. You should be grateful."

Tomas looked miffed at that but he was grateful. If it hadn't been for his previously obtained prisoner's idea to retreat to an area of advantage, he would have lost more. He did manage to give a grunt and say, "We are grateful for that but we need every advantage we can get if we are to make a stand against the Federation."

Sequoia let Cezar and Tomas drone on and watched with curiosity as to how it would play out. Plus it wasn't her place anyway. She had made it clear that she was not their leader but it seemed that the village that rescued her had other ideas. Unfortunately her standing aside wasn't going to go unnoticed. Cezar looked at her and said, "Indeed. El Halcon, have you to say anything about the prisoner?"

Sequoia stifled a groan. She really didn't want to get into this. She said, "He's both yours. Find out what you need from him. He won't talk to me."

"Like I want to talk to you," Jorge spoke.

Tomas gave him a punch across the jaw, "And you are a traitor. You will die a traitor's death."

"And how many do you think have infiltrated your ranks? Have you even looked at the puta?"

Sequoia didn't flinch even though it put her and the others in a precarious position. Cezar she trusted since he knew her story. He was the one that practically almost hit her to get her to strike at him. As for the rest of his village, it was up to them and if he alone stood by her… Then there was Hesh, Logan and of course whoever they brought with them; she couldn't let them get hurt.

Cezar knew where this was going and said, "You are nothing more than scum. How many of them are with you?"

Jorge looked at the group. Even though his hands were tied he still managed to look smug about the whole thing. He huffed, "We're everywhere. You really think the Federation will let you peasants revolt? Hah!"

"They can rest assured that at least there are five less to worry about," Sequoia replied in a low tone. She raised her brow at Jorge to remind him of what he had been spared from. "So I suggest that you just tell them."

"I won't betray them," Jorge replied. He didn't care that Tomas hit him across the face. He wouldn't betray them but that didn't mean that he couldn't spread a little bit of animosity. "But I do know that they won't stop coming. After all you have something they want." He gave a sly look in the direction of the group.

"And what is that," Tomas demanded. He raised his fist intent on finishing the interrogation right then and there.

"Let's just say that we will keep attacking your forces and destroying the resistance because you harbor a fugitive," Jorge dropped, "Actually two and now that both are here…"

It was tempting for both Walkers and Sequoia to react to that. Yet they didn't. They were vastly outnumbered. Sequoia knew it was a risk but better to come out on top than have the truth be tainted with lies. She stepped forward and said, "And you seek to spread animosity against those that are enemies of the Federation?" She looked at Tomas' group and said, "As one who escaped from the hands of the Federation, I bear you no ill will El Libertad."

Tomas blinked at Sequoia as she stood forward. This was the one he was looking for. He was certain of it. The rumors were true in that one had been a prisoner and escaped. That was the ghost of the jungle. It had to be.

Jorge kept a smug look. He saw the look of surprise on Tomas' face. No doubt he would be outraged. Then El Libertad would be on their side and it would only make this much easier to get her and the younger one back. He smugly said, "You would say that considering that you used whatever you could to escape."

"Maybe so and the proper term is hoarding," Sequoia replied still standing defiant.

"You are the one who escaped?"

Sequoia looked at Tomas who was looking at her like she was a strange creature. She raised her brow warily and replied, "Yes." There was no point in denying it. One way or the other it would get out and if she was given a chance to run, she would take it along with those who found her.

"Then… then you… then you are La Fantasma Muerta," Tomas spluttered.

Sequoia stared at Tomas. Logan blinked. It appeared their theory was correct. He looked to Hesh for confirmation and got it by the way his brother stood there. He looked back at his friend as she looked at Tomas with that look she gave that was a cross between impassive and forward. She said, "It is what I have heard the people call me."

Tomas looked at her. He had thought to find a man by that name but instead found a woman. It certainly was not what he expected but this was what he had told the others would be a means of victory. If she was willing… He replied, "Then I come seeking your help. I beg of it." He had taken a few steps forward and grabbed her hand in desperation.

Sequoia blinked at that and sensed Hesh's ire rise. She knew he could get over protective and jealous. She hadn't forgotten the incident on the sub and half expected him to lunge at the man. He didn't but she could sense he wasn't happy about it. This was going to be complicated.

"What?!"

A/N: Looks like Ashford is revealing secrets and Sequoia is hailed as La Fantasma Muerta much to Jorge's displeasure. Keep watching for more of The Hunt...