Chapter 2

Alex expected the distrust and suspicion that he received when he arrived at Urzikstan and reached out to the commander of the Liberation Force. He was as cooperative as possible since he was on a mission to locate the missing gas. He had to make up for what happened in Verdansk.

It was not his fault that it went down as it did. It did not even look good at the fact that Barkov used Speztnaz and they ended up dead. At least war did not break out. Not yet on that note. On another, the gas was missing and right now it was suspected the Wolf and Al Qatala forces had stolen it and were planning on using it.

Chlorine gas was one of the nastiest things to use in chemical warfare. It literally burned your eyes, throat and lungs if there was prolonged exposure. High concentrations killed you. It was not the type of thing that needed to be free in the world to be used on innocent people. So, he was here to find it. To do that, he needed help.

Laswell relayed what he needed to say and do in order to get him an audience with Commander Karim. It was a relief they did not shoot him on sight. He cooperated with them and allowed himself to be led to the meeting with the commander.

The armed men in the room were no surprise. Alex could not blame them. One did stand out. He was leaning against the wall looking like he was bored with the whole thing, but Alex knew better. That posture hinted that the man was ready to spring into action if he felt the commander or himself were threatened. As far as Alex could see, he was one to be wary of.

He turned his attention to the woman approaching him as she demanded to know what the message from Price was. Alex was not one to work with someone that did not have a name. He always knew the name of the person he worked with or their designation. It was a quirk but also good manners. He greeted the commander and introduced himself.

"I'm listening Alex."

Alex could see that the woman was not one to waste time. Being a commander of a liberation army really did not warrant anyone to waste her time. He glanced at the man behind her that was watching everything. He then looked back at the commander, "This is classified."

The commander did not break eye contact as she told her men to get ready. All of them except the man who had been watching left. He waited until the others left before asking, "And him?"

"Someone well versed in how this plays out," was all he said.

Alex looked at the man. Based on the answer, it meant that the man was a spy. What agency, he had to guess at. As far as he knew, if there were American assets in the area, Laswell would have alerted him to it. As it stood, he could be dealing with an operator from a dozen agencies from countries that had a vested interest in the going on in Urzikstan. It was a matter of which one and if it would bite him in the ass.

The commander had been watching him and leaned forward on the table. "David is a specialist. He knows things," was all she said.

That was hardly comforting to Alex since he had no idea who he was dealing with. If, and that was a big if, he managed to get her help, he was going to have to find a way to talk to the man David and figure out where he stood. Sighing, he rattled off, "Forty-eight hours ago, terrorists stole a shipment of Russian gas."

The commander shook her head slightly, "Only Al Qatala would do this."

Alex took the moment to stand. He cast a wary eye in the direction of David. The man was still watching him, but it was like he had not moved. It was unsettling, but he had to trust that the commander was okay with him. "The Russians make no distinction between Al Qatala and your people."

The commander moved, Alex noticed, to keep distance between them. She was smart. She replied, "And I make no distinction between Al Qatala and the Russian army. They are both terrorists. We would never use these poisons."

This was the opening Alex needed. He took it, "Then help us track it, before they…"

"Before they what? Take it to Europe? Or America?" The commander scoffed at Alex, "We live like this every day."

Alex realized that he may not have a foothold. It was true. Commander Karim had been fighting the Russians nearly every single day for the last ten years. The people that lived here knew better what true terror was. His words were hardly conducive to making his case. He glanced at David as if that would help.

David was looking at him like he was amused. Of course, he would know how his words would be received. Alex wanted to glare at the man, but did not. It would not help his case. Alex did notice though that David was also thoughtful. That meant probably he was considering his words, but the question was how much influence the man really had with the commander. At this point, it was moot since Alex needed to find something to convince the commander.

At that moment, the door opened and in came a man saying, "Commander, it's time to go…"

Alex noticed that David had moved slightly. Probably it was the sound of the door opening. The man was alert despite the relaxed posture he had shown earlier. The way he moved spoke of something else and had Alex in a thoughtful mood as he watched what was going on.

"Who is this?"

Alex looked at the three people across from him. He was outnumbered but he kept his cool as the commander introduced the newcomer, "Alex, this is my brother and lieutenant, Hadir."

Alex watched as Hadir approached him cautiously and asked, "You are CIA?"

"He works with Captain Price," the commander supplied.

Alex did not move. He let Hadir look at him. He only turned his head as his line of sight changed. Hadir was close when he asked, "Then you kill Russians, yes?"

Alex felt Hadir behind him but did not react. He replied, "I have friends who can help us. But your sister decides what's next."

Hadir nodded, "Of course. My sister is in command and the Russian army is still here." He moved back to stand closer to his sister but also show that he was not afraid to shoot if he had to.

Alex glanced at the three of them. Out of them, David seemed to be relaxed as if expecting this would happen. Or he knew what the answer would be and was anticipating a show. He did not like it, but he had little choice.

"The occupation must end," the commander said, "That we can all agree on, yes?" She looked at Alex.

That really was not what Alex was after, but he had been in the business long enough to know that in order to get help, you had to give it. He looked at David and the man merely said, "I believe it is, Commander."

Alex had little choice. He nodded in agreement. He was relieved when the commander leaned over the map on the table and explained, "General Barkov's men control the city. We have plans to change that." She moved a marker to denote where Barkov's men were positioned.

"We have no missiles, but have our ways," Hadir added, anxious to show that they were not a ragtag group. They knew how to work with what they have.

"If you stay," the commander added, "We can help you. But if you stay… you fight."

This was what Alex needed. He saw the smirk from David. The man had known where the conversation was going long before it got to this point. Alex knew he was going to have to talk to the man at some point. He turned his attention to Hadir and Commander Karim and said in Arabic, "Then let's fight."

He was quick to catch the gun Hadir tossed at him saying, "Welcome to Urzikstan, Alex."

"Follow me," the commander said.

I assume that the CIA made contact.

"You wouldn't be calling if it were otherwise," David said as he looked out at the city. They were going to initiate the plan to take down the Russian influence and hopefully end the occupation. He held his rifle like he was on patrol. He was waiting though.

I would call if it were otherwise. You've been in country for ten years. The intel you've provided has been invaluable especially in getting Commander Karim the resources that she needs. I am guessing though that she doesn't know about your influence.

"We have an understanding." David had this conversation many times before. It was annoying but he understood the reason for it. He knew what he was there for. He just found a sort of balance. "And you know that some of my contacts are not attached to governments. They are businessmen."

I know. We've used them as well. What is your assertation?

"I believe the asset is as good as his word. He's not going to let this go. The gas being stolen." David looked down at the courtyard below. "And you said yourself, Laswell can be trusted."

Glad you think so. Laswell is good but stubborn. She is on the lighter end of our work. A bridge but a stubborn one. Good work S47. Report in when you have more.

David blinked, not at all put out at the abrupt end of the call. It was a common thing. Information was exchanged and then pleasantries and then that was it. It was how he got so good at double meanings. He gave a slight smirk and shook his head. He took one last look before heading down. They were clear to move out. He nodded at a few men that he met along the way. Some of the armed women gave him a smile and a nod, mainly because he gave them the chance to prove themselves when he led them.

He was waylaid by Alex. He had been expecting it and smirked at him, "Been wondering when you were going to approach me, CIA."

"The name is Alex."

"I know." David smirked and then said in sotto voce, "And I know you figured out that I am not your ordinary Liberation Force fighter."

Alex looked at him as they walked, "You don't walk like them. More like a soldier."

"Point there." David grinned, enjoying letting him guess. "Though we all have a past, CIA."

Alex stopped them and looked at David in the eye, "Okay, no games. Who are you really?"

David took in the look that Alex was shooting him. He knew that the man would not be satisfied until his questions were answered. He looked at him with a straight expression and said in a low tone, "I was a soldier. Not unlike you. Of course, men like us have some sort of background with the military." He turned to start walking.

"Can't you answer a question?"

David paused and turned, "I just did. And I'm sure you figured out that the Commander is the only one that is well aware of what I am. Her reasons are her own." He walked up to Alex and added, "But don't make the mistake that just because we have a similar background that was the reason for letting you stay. Here, you earn your place. I'm sure you know of such things."

Alex looked at David. He had taken the moment to seek the man out and find out a little more. The fact that he never seemed to give a straight answer, but answered your question was enough to ascertain that David had dealt with this many times before and was used to it. He looked at the man, "At least tell me what agency."

David looked at the man before saying, "I was a soldier once. You could say I picked up a few things from the Americans." He turned and left, leaving it at that. Perhaps he should warn Alex not to say anything, but he was trusting that the man would not say or do anything. Naïve probably but he had a good feeling and with Jensen, feelings were not discounted.

Alex watched the man and followed. He could easily ask Commander Karim, but he had been in ops long enough to know that move was stupid and would sign David's death warrant. He shook his head and walked to join the others. The upside was that David talked to him. Maybe Laswell might know who he was. He just liked knowing who he was working with, and this was a curveball that he was going to have to live with for now. He followed David and they joined Farah and Hadir. He was in their territory.

"These tunnels are our lifeline," Farah said as she gestured to the hole while Hadir opened it.

Alex looked at Farah, watching as she jumped into the tunnel. Hadir followed his sister into the tunnel. Alex looked at David and the man gestured, "After you."

Alex jumped in and was followed by David. He could not help but ask, "Just making sure I don't try something?"

David chuckled, "You would have been dead before now if that was the case."

Alex shook his head, seeing and not seeing the humor in that. He looked around while David pulled the door shut and giving orders in Arabic. At that moment Farah popped a flare. He was impressed by how well organized they were. Most people could not appreciate what people could do without a lot of technology. He got the feeling that he was going to see more of it the longer he stayed with them.

"We have intel that the Russian troop commanders are in town today," David said, as he adjusted his stance.

Farah finished, "And we're going to ambush them." She turned and started walking through the tunnel with Hadir by her side.

Alex waited and saw that David was waiting for him to go and started walking forward. He glanced at the man, as he asked, "How?"

"Explosives," Hadir answered.

"That'll get their attention," Alex said in approval.

"And pull security away from the Russian base, leaving it open to our attack," Farah added.

David marched along behind Alex. He knew the plan. His part was to coordinate with his groups within the city. He had gotten people to be "sleepers," or their lookouts, within the city. When he first proposed the idea to Farah, she had been reluctant about it, stating that it was too similar to the terrorists. He explained that it was like establishing scouting parties, permanent ones within the city. They would gather intel on the Russians but also provide back up. It was probably one of the most elaborate use of words he had ever done since becoming S47.

In the end, she agreed to it and gave him the authority to build and maintain them. He could understand her reluctance… and suspicion. She knew he was a spy and there was the possibility that he could establish these groups to overthrow her. Hell, he had seen governments come and go with tactics like this and he did it once if only to remove a potentially dangerous leader. That was before this.

It was a sign of trust giving him that authority and he did not aim to abuse it. It was why he gave her the intel when it came in and respected her decisions when she decided what to do with his people. In return, he gave his people the impression that she was the one that established it and appreciated their efforts. One could say that he built her a loyal army of local spies.

This plan they had been working on for some time. It was just now they learned about the commanders. It had always been agreed upon that they would ambush the commanders. They just needed the day and time. With the arrival of Alex and his agreeing to help, it was going to make a success of the plan. David was tired of seeing these people being treated like they were. He did not lose focus though, preferring to remain deliberate in the planning and execution of their attacks.

Hadir was impressed and open to his suggestions when he saw a chance to have a better offensive. They were not overly close, but close enough to be comrades in arms. David kept it like that out of respect to Farah and to minimize the risk of their relationship. It allowed him to be objective of Hadir and some of his private thoughts gave him concerns but the man's actions did not give them root. Yet, it was a nagging presence and he wondered if Farah sensed it, but preferred not to see it, making it another reason she had him in the same room with her and Hadir.

If he were at his old job, he would have been told to exploit the rift. Jensen told him to let it play out in its own way and to interfere if necessary. The necessary was left to be a relative term; he was the one to determine what it meant. For now, he took it to mean overt signs or behaviors that could lead to betrayal. That did not stand here. Hadir was more the kind that wanted to make up for what happened in the past; that he could do something that he could not previously. There was also a hint of wanting to do what was necessary and hint of need for vengeance. David considered him a good man but with the potential to become lost from what he was fighting for.

David kept his eye on the bright red glow of the flare. It was the same argument brother and sister had. Hadir insisted on not holding back. Farah countered that too far on a path like that led them to be like their oppressors and the Al Qatala terrorists. David had always stayed out of it, but he listened and would offer his opinion when it was asked for. Both made good points and history in general showed the pros and cons of it. It was rare that happened since brother and sister were both strong in their convictions; both being good leaders.

They had arrived at the ladder. Farah had handed the flare to Hadir saying, "Get set for the airbase attack."

"Be safe," Hadir gave as a reply before leaving. He gave a nod to David and David gave one back.

Once Hadir had gone back, David stepped forward. He held out a small pack to Alex, "Take these. They are charges. C4 with a remote detonator."

Alex looked at David. Farah had already climbed up the ladder. Hadir was long gone. "Thanks. Should I be concerned about the source?"

David chuckled and shook his head, "You're good, Alex. You would have been worried if it was Simtex, but that would have given too much away, wouldn't it?" He leaned in close and gave a look at Alex, "Watch over the Commander. Good luck."

"You're not coming?" Alex raised his brow.

"I have my own marching orders. Elsewhere."

It was enough to have Alex suspicious but given the few interactions he had with David, he was inclined to believe that he was doing something that was probably only known by a few and Farah especially. "Then good luck," he said and held out his hand.

David took it and gave him a shake. "Show me what you are made of Alex and maybe we will talk more. It is always nice to have a friend." He turned towards the ladder and gave a whistle before turning to go, leaving Alex little to no choice but to go with Farah.

Alex made it to the ladder and climbed up to follow Farah. She had just knocked on the wooden door and it was opened, giving them access above ground. He followed, prompted by the man named Tariq to hurry up. He hauled himself up and found himself inside more likely the man's house.

"American?"

"He is trustworthy."

Yep, and I have to prove it to your left-hand man, Alex thought to himself. He did not have a particular reason for calling David her left-hand man except for the fact that he was not front and center. He was like the silent one that stood behind Farah. It just fit. Anything else was speculation at this point.

He was distracted from his thoughts when Farah summoned him over to a table lit by a single lamp, "Here, Alex. Put this on."

Alex picked up the black cloth and put it on. He figured out right away that it was to serve as a disguise, to blend in with the civilians. He knew he would need it since he was clearly an American and of course the tattoos could give him away. He adjusted it and asked, "How do I look?"

Farah had adjusted her disguise and moved to adjust his, "It'll do."

"Would it have been better if it was David?" Alex could not help but ask the question. It was probably too personal and implying something that may not even exist.

"Maybe," Farah admitted, "But you're here. You agreed to help." She had answered without batting an eye at the implication of that. She gave Alex a look before turning to walk towards the window that had the curtain removed to let in the light. She asked Tariq, "What's the report?"

Alex felt a little stupid at that question. It was probably a big blunder, but it was clear that this plan probably had David in his place instead of him. His arrival changed that, but it did not seem to be much of a change. Again, Alex sensed David was the type of man to recommend contingency plans in case something needed to change. That was a hallmark of a spy or a leader of a spec op team and another clue as to who David really was.

"The Russians are just outside. If they see your weapons, they will shoot."

Farah replied, "If that happens, our plan fails before it starts. Does David know?"

Tariq nodded with a slight look, "He always knows and often before it happens."

Alex observed the movement. Apparently, Tariq could not understand David's ability to know what was going on. It had Alex wonder too. It was not like they had access to city cameras. That kind of thing did not exist here. Not with the war that had been raging on. If there ever were cameras, they were long destroyed.

"Alex, our guns give us away. Keep it hidden."

Alex moved the pistol he had been given and hid it in his clothes. He did not intend to get shot today. He adjusted everything to make sure it would not move and made to follow Farah out of the house. Right away he was bombarded with the sight of Russians bullying the locals. Barkov's voice could be heard on the loudspeaker. He followed Farah, ignoring what was going on right in front of him.

Farah led the way through what was left of a building. Alex could make out a sentry with a dog. Great. He prayed that the dog was not one of those bomb sniffing ones. That would really fuck things up with this plan. Hopefully, it was just an attack dog and just barked because it wanted to.

Barkov's forces occupy the entire city. They separate our men and women. Today will be very strict. Their officers are coming.

Alex kept pace behind Farah. Not too fast and not too slow. Nothing done to attract unwanted attention. He asked, "Will Barkov show?"

Almost never. He hides while others do his dirty work.

Alex did not miss the contempt in her voice. In honest truth, he was disgusted too. Cowards operated that way, and it was clear that Barkov was a coward. He asked, "What kind of dirty work?"

Punishment. For fighting back.

Alex did not need to say anything. Farah's response was loud and clear. It was enough to make people indignant. If they were to know the truth and not propaganda. He could understand better why Farah and her group did what they did.

"Men on the work line! Women to the trucks"

This is where we split up. You'll need to comply to blend in.

This was it. Alex took a breath and turned to join the men in the work line. He had his radio, and he had the explosives. Now he just needed to get to where he would need to go. He went to the pile of bricks and picked one up. As he turned, he caught Farah joining the other women. They definitely were going to need luck on this one.

A/N: Alex hooks up with Commander Karim and meets David for the first time. He has his suspicions. Staye tuned for more Scars of Duty 2019...