Our war is not for our faith. We fight to remove all foreign power from our soil…

We are Al- Qatala. We are The Killers.

We wage a war without sympathy.

It was late afternoon, making the sun warm as Kate Laswell walked through the base. Her lips were pursed as she thought about the situation that she was now in, had been in. She had just gotten the news about the bombing attack in London. So many lives…

"Bad day, Kate?"

Laswell paused in her musing. She knew who it was. She closed her eyes before saying, "Not in the mood Jensen."

Jensen chuckled as he moved to stand beside her. "Of course not. Who would have a good day after having chlorine gas stolen by terrorists and terrorists bombing Piccadilly Circus in London?"

"News travels fast."

"When you have boots on the ground."

Laswell looked at Jensen. That would not surprise her. The man usually had his ways and means. He was a man that always seemed to play outside the rules, but he accomplished his mission within the rules. "More bullshit."

"Maybe so," Jensen replied with a smirk.

Laswell made a face and started walking. She knew that he would follow. He always had a reason for meeting her in person. "I'm not in the mood, Jensen. This mess… I have to clean it up."

"Well considering that Russian Speztnaz were killed… Pretty big mess."

Laswell stopped and looked at Jensen. "How do you know that? That was redacted…"

"Ways and means, Kate."

"You've always operated outside of the law." She started walking away.

"I'm pretty sure that what any of us do is outside the law. Little thing called espionage." Jensen walked with her, keeping up easily. "The dark side of security."

"And that's your answer for everything." Laswell walked through the base. She was not surprised that no one was questioning his presence there. She doubted that they would do anything if they did. That was the greatest mystery about the man. "This isn't a game."

"Never claimed it to be, but security is our business. A lot which the rest of the world will never know." Jensen looked around like he was going on a stroll. "You know I work behind the ones behind the scenes. Myself and others like me do. There are many of us that do not want the world to get out of hand. War with Russia… unthinkable but the reality that haunts us. Has been since the Cold War."

"You know something," Kate said,

"I know what you know and then some," he replied. "Certain parties are on the move in the larger picture. Barkov has been paranoid for years and is going to retaliate against the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters are upset at being called terrorists for what the Wolf's people do. It's setting the stage for something larger, Kate."

"And right now, London is in shambles."

"Part of a larger whole," Jensen replied. He started walking ahead of her. "Al Qatala is claiming credit for London. We have the transmissions to confirm it. Barkov is going to retaliate against the people of Urzikstan. And you're going to send in Echo 3-1."

"And you seem to know the move before I make it," Laswell pointed out.

"And I know you have certain things on me," Jensen countered. He gave a slight grin at her. He sobered quickly. "Kate, the events to come in Urzikstan figure into the larger picture. The results I fear may not be the best one. As long as the right thing is done…"

Laswell sighed as she heard that. Jensen was not wrong when he made predictions like that. It was what made him annoying and good. He was a rarity among intelligence operators. She looked at nothing as she thought about things. It was then that her phone rang.

"I'm guessing its Price."

"Should I even ask how you know John?"

Jensen grinned at her, "You could. If you want to hear a tale." He gestured at her ringing phone. "You should answer it. Fill him in. You'd be surprised."

Kate shot Jensen a look that would have brought truth to the fact that looks could kill as she answered the phone. Sure enough, it was Price on the line. She looked at Jensen who was grinning at her like the cat that caught the canary. She also knew that the man was going to laugh when she relayed what he just told her, "Al Qatala is claiming responsibility."

On orders from the Wolf in Urzikstan.

"Alex is on the ground there, looking for the stolen chems."

It was not official yet, but it was the move Kate was going to make. She glared at Jensen since he was hearing this conversation and was vastly amused by it. She would like nothing more than to kick his ass into the next decade, but he had his uses.

Well, you'll need the Liberation Force on his side, so have him contact the CO.

"You know Commander Karim?"

We're acquainted. Use my name or they'll kill him.

Jensen smirked as Laswell finished her conversation. She scowled at him before she walked away to make the arrangements with her operative. Jensen could not help but laugh at the situation. He knew that in order for Laswell to get a foothold in finding the missing gas, she needed the Liberation Force's help. The problem was getting them to trust you.

He looked at his phone as it rang. He chuckled and answered, "I'm assuming that Garrick and my asset worked out well?"

We still have to see on that Jensen. Now I bloody well know that you were standing right next to Laswell.

"You do know how I work. You just make the coincidence."

Now that is bull.

"Usually is. John, trust in the asset. They will be a big help to you. Now and further down the line."

Well, I haven't killed him yet so that's a sign.

"And a good one. Good hunting for the cell."

One of these days…

"One of these days you'll deal with someone like me only younger."

Cold day, mate. Take care.

Jensen hummed as he hung up. He and John Price went way back when he was a lieutenant. He saw something in Price then and made it a point to keep an eye on him. He helped him out and Price did the same. Laswell would probably have a heart attack at how close they were in terms of a working relationship or scowl at him. The spy game was not one where one made friends but allies or assets. It was always better to think in those terms, but it was not the rule.

Turning at the sound of helicopters planning to lift off, Jensen watched. He tapped his earpiece and said, "It's on."

Copy that sir.

"Open up a channel to S47. He's about to get company."

Scars of Duty 2019

It was morning but the heat was already starting to be felt as Gabriel David looked out the window to the streets below. The tension was thick in the air. It always was and had been since the Russians invaded claiming that they were bringing civility with Barkov at its head. It was war, and not unlike the war that was being waged where he was from.

He had been with the Liberation Force for ten years with the reasons being complicated somewhat. It would certainly have people wondering if he was sane or not. As he could admit, the reasons were complicated and the people he worked for were inclined to trust him. Also, the commander trusted him. Probably more that she should.

He was not always known as Gabriel David. He had another name, but it was never mentioned or used on the job. He was either known by his alias or by his number. It was how things were done, more to ensure emotional separation and to ensure protection for the assets with families. David did not have to worry on that account. He had no one, at least until he joined the Liberation Force.

He had been sent there to be the eyes and ears in the region. Jensen had a laugh at his expense since David was not from the region. The only reason he blended was because of his skin tone and he could speak Arabic as well as the local native language. That was the watered-down version. With Jensen he had one job, and that was to spy. To do that, he needed to look to the locals.

David disliked the Russian influence that had been plaguing the region for decades. Their methods were barbaric and blind to the truth. Then again western allies did the same. It came down to what they defined as a terrorist. To David, the Russians and the Wolf and his people were terrorists. The Liberation Force were freedom fighters. It was not so simple though. It was because he made contact with them, met her.

It did not surprise him that Farah Karim was the Commander Karim that the people were talking about. Not much surprised him in his line of work. He had to learn how to plan and make allowances for contingency. Also, he had seen it in rebel groups he had come across and knew enough not to discount the power a woman could hold. It also helped that he had observed the tactics of the group before arriving in country and figured out a few things so he able to look at her and greet her with genuine warmth.

David knew he had startled her with his respect and politeness. Growing up in a place where it was common that women were discounted in terms of intelligence and thought less of, he considered himself lucky to have influences that told him otherwise. That was put to good use when he introduced himself and stated his intentions, the intentions that he used for this mission. Confessing who he was to her came a little bit after and looking back, he realized she could have easily had him killed or shot him herself.

He was never sure of why she kept his secret and never pressed. He did examine his own feelings and decided it would make things complicated. She agreed with him. Yet, he stayed by her side all these years. He did his duty in providing intel, but his personal reasons… It was a mark of their relationship when she confided in him the years she spent as a POW in Barkov's prison and how she met then Lieutenant John Price. It was then he told her that he helped them get boots on the ground. He had spent time in country and learned how things worked and had come across her transmission and relayed it to his superiors.

She was shocked that he had never mentioned it. He told her that it was the job. His was to work behind the scenes and make things go as planned or help them along. It was then she asked him why he helped rebels, people deemed terrorists by the Russians. He told her that he understood what it was like to have someone come in and take something that was not theirs and were not welcomed. He also told he knew what it was like to feel helpless even when trying to fight back. From that point on, they stood side by side and it made him laugh when she put his talents to use in helping train the men and women.

David saw Farah as a herald for change in her country. He, like her, recognized that in order to move forward, certain things had to change. One was the role of women in that part of the world. He saw the courage of the women when they escaped from the POW camp and knew that they wanted their country freed from Russian influence as much as the western allies did, but their desire was completely different from what the allies had in mind. He admired that they were willing to stand up for it and they stood behind Farah. Now they were a strong resistance that was a thorn in the Russian's side and Barkov especially. Yet, he sensed that a change in the air had come, and it would affect everything that they did there.

He had intercepted a transmission from the Wolf to his followers and that was how he learned of an attack planned in London. He forwarded it to his contacts and got it to the SAS. The last he heard was that a unit was tasked with tracking the cell. Then came the news about the bombing. It had David feel like he lost air as it reminded him of a time long ago and it never failed to give him a shortness of breath when he thought about it or relived it in his mind. He got the reports from his contacts and started examining his work there. He mulled on it for days and was that morning until he got a call.

It was automatic to tap the earpiece in his ear, "Your timing is impeccable."

I am not completely in the dark S47. I presume you've heard about London.

"Courtesy of the Wolf."

Yes. Unfortunately, the timing is not good. There is also a problem that arrived on your doorstep.

"If you mean the CIA agent, I am aware of it. He is being brought to HQ. It is up to Commander Karim to decide." David looked out the window at the street below.

Still insisting on that even though we know the commander. Anyway, the agent was already a given. The reason he is here is the problem. Chlorine gas was stolen from Barkov's depot. Al Qatala is suspect. CIA needs your and our help.

"You know my position. The commander decides."

And you follow your directives S47. This could affect the world on a global scale if it is not tempered. It would make your corner of the world seem insignificant. Keep that in mind. Other than that, carry on.

David heard the call hang up and let out a breath and asked, "Still eavesdropping on me Farah?"

Farah walked into the room from where she had been waiting in the doorway. She stood in front of David. "I try not to, but it is hard when they call you." She studied him and took in the fact that he had not put on his jacket yet. His torso was defined by the shirt he was wearing and the pants he wore looked like they belonged to a soldier. Then again, what she knew about him… "Good or bad?"

David looked down at her. He studied the fierce determination in her eyes and her near flawless skin. He looked at her in the eye, "Related to the message the American brings." It was the truth.

Farah looked up at him. She always liked looking at his eyes. They were not a usual color being hazel green. They sometimes looked brown when the light was dimmed. They always looked sad even when he was fighting, like he was remembering something from the past. Except when he looked at her. Then they became warm, and she liked that. He had always been honest with her including why he was there in her country and yet he helped them, helped her. "I… I thank you. For telling them about…"

"You are the commander, Farah," David said. "And I follow and respect that." He gave her a smile. "It is your choice and I thank you for at least listening."

"He claimed it was a message from Captain Price."

"And you could have easily determined that he was lying and refused or killed him," he pointed out. He saw the look of indignation appear and added with a slight grin, "But you and I both know that you give a chance. It's what makes you stand out from all the rest."

"And it is you that tell the west that we are not terrorists."

"I tell them the truth."

"A valuable commodity."

"Big words there, Commander," David teased. He grinned at her and gave a gentle flick on her nose. He chuckled when she batted his hand away. "Did you go to an online school while I wasn't looking?"

Farah harumphed at him. She knew he was teasing, and she could not help but smile at him. She replied, "Only my secret lieutenant teaching me a thing or two. Always from the shadows." She had tapped her finger on his chest and sobered. There were many things that she wished. Some she could not voice at all.

David watched her and noticed she had not moved her finger from his chest. He took a moment to look how small it looked on his broad chest. He took her hand and inspected it. "Seems like that cut healed well." He looked at her in the eye with his meaning clear in his.

Farah nodded, "Yes. I did what you said to do." Her own expression held her own meaning and she knew he would get it and understand. She gave a slight smile, "Always looking out for me. My brother would be jealous."

"No need. Just another member of the Liberation Force making sure his commander is in top fighting shape," he replied as his thumb gently rubbed the fading scar on her finger. He lowered her hand and released it. "The more that know basic first aid, the better."

"Always thinking one step ahead."

"Kind of have to."

"Not always."

David gave a slight smile at her. "It's much like chess, Farah. You can't just see the move you are going to make; you need to account for the moves your opponent makes."

"Which is why I put you in charge of planning the attack on Barkov's base." Farah glanced around before leaning forward to whisper, "You were a soldier once from your home. You know tactics better."

David nodded, "And Hadir is good too. He has made great strides with what we have and what we can get." He lowered his voice and added, "I've word from a contact that Barkov is losing favor. The more we make it seem like a failure here…" He left it hanging as something for her to consider.

He always whispered or spoke of his intelligence in private with her. Hadir and the others thought him to be an ex pat and that he fully embraced their fight. He had earned his place fighting alongside them and even saved Hadir from nearly getting killed during one of their engagements with the Russians. The spy stuff… they did not know apart from Farah. She did not even tell her brother. He did not want a rift to occur between them, but she said that this was her decision.

Farah kept her breath as steady as she could as she replied, "We will expel Barkov. He will be the first of the Russians."

David looked at her as she composed herself. Her reasons for keeping his mission secret were her own and he would respect that. What he foresaw was that if she agreed to help the American was to keep him from figuring things out. He did not doubt the American's prowess. You did not last long in this line of work if you did not know how to keep your wits about you and be observant. He knew he was going to have to have a conversation.

Looking at her as she seemed to stare into his chest, he said, "I think it would be a good idea to help the American."

"You think he needs help?"

"I know enough about this country that in order to find what you are looking for you look for the ones that know the area and are in a position to help you." He then whispered, "It's how I found you."

Farah stepped back and looked up at him. "And you were honest about what you wanted, but you also helped us while your fate was being decided."

"I could say a calculated risk but… I trusted you then and I trust you now."

Farah looked down at the floor. She nodded, "And something told me I could trust you." She looked at him. "I am trusting you again. What you know will make all the difference to help my people and my country."

"And I aim to use it to help you," David replied, using the words he did when he first appealed to her and his life was inn her hands. "You trust your friend Price. Perhaps this American is another to be trusted."

Farah sighed and nodded, "Then I will listen." She looked up at him, "But I want you there with me. Please."

David knew there was more to that request. He was surprised when she reached for his hand and squeezed it. He raised his brow since she had never shown that much in terms of affection. He nodded and gave a squeeze of his own. "No need to worry, Commander. You will make an impression on the American."

Farah smiled at that, "And you will make him think twice." She teased about the fact that David was very intimidating when he was on the job. Most did not dare to question an order when he gave it. Even Hadir would think twice about questioning him. They didn't know what she knew about him.

David gave a smile of his own, "I actually have a feeling that this will bring about something that will leave a lasting impact."

"You always have a way of predicting things."

"It's just a feeling." David smirked and went to grab his jacket. He shrugged it on and adjusted his keffiyeh. He checked to make sure his pistol was in the holster on his hip. He always carried a weapon more for protection and to be ready. Old habits did die hard for him.

Farah waited for him and dusted off his jacket. "Still dirty from the last engagement."

"And careful planning," he added with a smirk. He paused and moved his head to listen to the chatter in his earpiece. "They have the American. He's here." He looked at Farah and gestured for her to go first. Another habit that was more along the lines of good manners.

Farah shot him a look with a smile. She turned to start down the stairs at a sedate pace. David followed her down while listening to the chatter. He focused as they entered the room that they were going to wait for their "guest." He noted the men in the room and moved to take a position against the wall. He nodded at them, and they moved aside but prepared to stay. Just in case.

David did not doubt that Farah would agree to help the American. While she was careful in accepting aid, he knew that they were going to need the backing of the CIA and western allies in the near future. There was a lot he did not tell her about his job and part of that was to look at his part of the world and what the players were doing. What he heard, it had him concerned.

Assuming a leaning position on the wall, he watched as the American was brought in and led to a chair. Farah had her arms crossed. She had picked up a few things and one of them was how to appear to those that stood in her presence. Even though she was a woman, she was intimidating, and you could feel her convictions.

David turned his attention to the American. He could tell that this one would be of use. He felt like he was staring at himself ten years ago. He continued to study the man as Farah approached the table, "What is your message from Captain Price?"

"Commander Karim. Call me Alex."

A/N: Here we are with a new COD fic and this time with the MW 2019 verse. Seems like we have some familiar characters come up. Stay tuned for the next chapter of Scars of Duty 2019.