Chapter 7

David checked his ammo and reserves. He had to make sure he was maxed out, but he also had to make sure that his vantage points were supplied. He had already made the call to his band of merry thieves as he jokingly called them. Yusef led the group. He had come to rely on the boy quite frequently since he had shown intelligence and street savvy. He also reminded him of a childhood friend and Yusef was a reminder of why he did this job.

"You are not happy."

David straightened up as he finished counting his mags. "Not a job to be happy about, but I'm not mad either." He turned and looked at Farah. "Are you sure about this?"

"The Wolf escaped with the Butcher. They killed innocent people to get to him," Farah replied, gesturing as she made her points. "They are murderers."

David studied her intense expression and his brows shifted into a pensive gaze. He knew Barkov hurt her and the Wolf gave their people a bad name. He gave a slight shake of his head, "And don't become like them, Farah. I know they need to pay for their crimes, but there is such a thing as going too far."

"Don't think I don't know that."

David sighed and looked at her. He studied the ground for a moment before looking up at her to find her staring at him. He took a couple of steps forward, "You didn't see what the Butcher did to the people at the entrance. It was like looking into a mirror and I felt helpless to do anything. The glass was the only thing keeping them out."

Farah looked up at the man. She knew that it was hard on him to go back down that road. He hated it when he subconsciously did it when they engaged in their battles. His past haunted him and she knew she was guilty of exploiting it. Yet, he didn't hold a grudge against her for it. "And you've never killed a child or their mother."

David watched her hands as she placed them on his shoulders. His eyes closed as he took a breath, "But I have killed parents in front of their families."

"Only the terrorists," she countered. "You only kill those that shoot at you."

David shook his head, "Not always." He looked at her. "I never really told you why I was hunted down for execution, and I can't tell you why, but it has something to do with what I was known then."

"And I said that you didn't have to tell me. I also said that I would ask you if you could be what you were known as."

David gave a half smile as he remembered that conversation. He made a slight snort, "And you did ask at the embassy." He gently removed her hands and pushed her back so he could see her. "And I agreed to it. Yusef is setting up what I need."

Farah was not fooled when he turned to finish loading up. She came closer as he picked up his knife and unsheathed it. He ran his thumb along the blade and seemed to be in thought. She had to ask, "Thinking about…"

"What I did to get you out," he admitted as he looked at her. It was partially a lie. He could remember clearly when he intercepted a message from Commander Karim. He had been in country for some time and managed to avoid being singled out by the Russians.

Jensen had sent him there to hide him from the rest of the world, but also to keep an eye on the situation in Urzikstan. It was only after he had spent a couple of months recuperating from injuries, but he didn't care at the time. He was bitter at the betrayal he suffered, but he still wanted to serve. Jensen had approached him, and he took the chance.

Ten years ago, the country was like it was now. He saw the depravity and the anger the people had for the Russians. He got involved with making life difficult for the Russians. He could read the writing on the walls. The Russians didn't care about the people there and didn't care who was involved or not. If a soldier was killed or injured, they all suffered. David did what he could, mostly protecting the families caught in the crossfire.

His back-and-forth conversations enabled him to get a hold of messages. At the time, he wasn't sure how involved he should get in the whole thing. Then a phone call came from Jensen, and it alleviated most if not all his concerns. He passed on the messages to the SAS and also tried to see how he could help. He had long known where the Russians were holding their prisoners. It was just a matter of figuring out how to create a jailbreak.

It turned out that everything was timed almost perfectly, and all the players involved didn't even know it. He met up with the SAS team and they coordinated the attack. He snuck in and started freeing prisoners where he could while Price and his men did what they did. He watched as Price got Commander Karim and her people out after she had gotten herself out of trouble.

Farah watched him as he was in thought. She didn't want to interrupt, but sometimes he would get lost in thought and usually a memory. She knew that what happened that brought him to her country wounded him on an emotional and mental level and it spilled out into the work he did to help her out. She knew that he believed in her way of fighting for the country's freedom and tried not to be what she had said made others the terrorists. As far as she could see, even his most violent actions never crossed the lines she mentioned, but she could understand his fear. It was why she was attracted to him the way she was.

Taking a risk, she put a hand on his arm, "David?"

David was brought out of his thoughts, and he looked at Farah and noted her expression. He gave a slight smile and said, "Just thinking. First time I saw you was after you had gotten free with the help of Price."

"You were there that day?"

David nodded, "Yes. I linked up with them and we planned how to infiltrate. I snuck in as a Russian and freed those that weren't locked up to die." He made a slight gesture towards her, "You did that part. The hard part."

"I never saw you," Farah said with a slight frown.

"It was never meant to be that you would, but… once the LF started moving, I knew the best way to achieve what Jensen wanted and what I wanted was to join up. That's when I approached you," he replied. He swallowed slightly and continued, "I was always honest with you up front. It was important that you knew."

"And I believed you. Still do," she replied. She took a risk and reached up to caress his cheek. She watched his eyes widen slightly more from surprise than anything, but he didn't back away. She knew that they both wanted to express more of their feelings, but it was always about the cause. He didn't want her credibility to be tarnished by him and he didn't want to come between her and her brother.

Hadir wasn't as welcoming to David. Thinking about it, Farah realized that he was more accepting of Alex than David. Then again, Hadir did approach her once and asked about her feelings about David. She deflected, but there was no doubt that Hadir had what he knew, and at one point he had punched David. She thought David was the generous one in not pointing fingers and laying it down to an accident. Of course, she felt a little jealous when the women he was training for her fussed over him. It was complicated.

David was stunned that she willingly touched him like that. He was used to her holding his hand or wrapping her arm around his. This was different and it felt… different, and he liked it. He closed his eyes to appreciate it and opened his eyes to look at her. "No regrets," he said. He slowly reached out and brushed his finger on her cheek in a gentle stroke. He watched her reaction and swallowed nervously.

"I am not a child, you know," Farah teased. She smiled to let him know she was. "But I like it."

David cleared his throat, "I know. Just… there is a lot I want to say and do but…"

"It's alright. I know." Farah understood. They never voiced their feelings, but they each had an inkling of what the other felt. "Everything you have done shows your heart." She became bold and put her hand on his chest over his heart to emphasize her point. "This is good. Even if you may have done one or two things that you regret."

David looked down at her hand and thought about it. He then looked at her and asked, "Do you know why I was called Aquila?"

Farah realized he was going to tell her something about his past. She knew what he was once called by that name. She learned a few things, but she was willing to reserve judgement when he told her. She shook her head, "I've heard stories, but I figured you would tell me when you were ready."

"I'm telling you because I want you to understand what you are asking me to do to capture the Wolf," he replied. He took a deep breath and explained, "It was given to me by the people that knew me a long time ago. Aquila is a constellation, but it is also the name of the bird that carried Zeus' lightning bolt into war. I was given that name because of how I delivered, that 'lightning bolt.'

"It was when I was a soldier. I saved my unit in a manner that brought fear to the terrorists we were hunting once word spread. It got to the point that I was not human and could be in multiple places at once. It was because of how I positioned what I needed to defend my unit when we had been ambushed and stranded."

David studied Farah as he explained about how he came about the nickname. He knew she would have heard about it. Most thought that name synonymous with dark magic and death. The latter was usually correct when he had to execute the tactical maneuvers he did. All it was really, was him using his environment to his advantage and with the few men he had at the time. It wasn't unlike what the LF did. Most didn't see it that way and they used him to further their agenda and lied to him about it until he found out the truth.

Farah listened and nodded, "So you really are the ghost that strikes like an eagle."

"It is nothing unlike what we have done with your forces," he countered. He stared at her. "The only reason people know it like that is what my people did to exploit that to the point that…" He made a slight gesture to indicate that she knew the rest, more or less.

"I know," she said with a nod. "I know that you know battle like no other. It is why I asked you to train our people like you. Yusef, the women you defended ten years ago… What you did for us then and now… that is why I ask if you can be what your name was." She put her hand back on his cheek. "Can you be the Aquila that defended his people?"

David felt slight relief when he felt her hand on his cheek again. He closed his eyes and nodded. He opened them and looked at her and said, "I will do it for you and your people."

Nothing more was said as he finished packing up. He picked up the knife that he had carried all these years and put it within easy reach on his belt. He slipped back into his role as her lieutenant and said, "I'll be ready, Commander." He then became bold and gave a polite peck on her cheek before leaving. It was bold yes, but they had already crossed that line.

He made his way down to the ground floor where Alex was waiting to head out. He studied the man for a moment. If there weren't so many secrets between them, they could be good friends. They thought alike on quite a few things. He could trust him. He walked up to him and said, "Time to hunt a wolf."

Alex looked at him, "You heading out?"

David looked at the man and nodded. "Just doing what the Commander asked." He started to walk away but paused and looked at Alex. "Do something for me, CIA."

He had deliberately called Alex that to indicate that he was serious and was relieved the man picked up on it when he replied, "What do you need?"

"Watch the Commander's back. The plan is solid, but I like to be ready for the unexpected." It was a snow job, but David couldn't go around telling of his feelings.

Alex nodded, "Will do. Be careful out there."

David grinned as he left. He glanced at Alex, "You'll see."

The convoy was in his sights. David peered through his sniper scope and tracked them. He had positioned himself so his scope wouldn't give him away.

I don't understand why you are doing this.

David felt his lip twitch. S64 had dialed in and had been with him since he set up shop. He long gave up with figuring out how she knew where he was and what he was doing. Some of it was just for show. Others, she admitted were lucky guesses based on what she knew of the players involved. "It's what I know how to do."

But didn't you give it up when you came to Urzikstan?

David thought about it and replied, "Not quite. I mean, you know about what I did for the freedom fighters here."

Yes. And your actions put into play the best chance the country has to take back what was lost. It just seems that what you are known for… I'm worried.

"What about S64?"

That you may not like yourself when all is said and done. I know what they tried and did to you.

"Should I ask how you know?"

Jensen may keep things under lock and key, but don't forget I know how to sidestep a few landmines. I knew I was going to know things about you if I was to give you the help you needed when you needed it.

"How does Jensen feel about it?"

You know how it is. I make the case.

David chuckled at that. "I bet you were persuasive."

Just broke it down. I calculated the odds based on you and current actions. Now look where we are.

David smiled at that. "And I know you are not going to give details. But I am glad you dropped in when you did. Especially five years ago when I was nearly killed during the ambush. Farah is grateful."

And I look forward to meeting with her someday. Honest truth my friend.

David didn't say anything about that. He met S64 that time when she arrived in country. She was doing things on the Russian side and learned of the trap. She rescued him and solidified their friendship. He liked her spirit and feistiness. She was like a soldier he knew in his previous life. The difference was she didn't look at him like a traitor. Since then, she gave him intel on the Russians and he in turn gave her sitreps.

Knowing that he hadn't quite answered her question, he said, "What I was, was no different than what the LF do. Politics made it seem more than what it was."

But not everyone managed to hold off a division of terrorists by themselves and with only a few good assault rifles and one RPG. Even if you had a few of your wounded comrades helping you, you were the driving force and proved it afterwards.

"Sounds like you admired him."

I admire your ability to be tactical and your compassion. The day a soldier loses their compassion…

"I understand. Thanks, S64."

You're welcome. I'll be monitoring from the skies. I managed to task a sky drone for visual.

"You can do that?"

Means and ways. Good luck.

David chuckled as she signed off. He continued to track the convoy as it moved towards the pass. He picked up his sniper rifle. He glanced at Yusef who was accompanying him. He looked at the boy and asked, "Remember what I told you about shooting?"

"Aim small, miss small," Yusef said as he picked up the assault rifle and dug into his position. He looked at the man. "I remember."

"Good. Because that will make the difference for what I want you to do." David couldn't resist and patted Yusef on the head. He looked outward and left to move to where he was going to take position.

He knew that Hadir had secured the high ground for the ambush. Alex would be the long-distance shooter and Farah would spot him. He would try to thin the ranks before it got dicey. He was originally going to do it solo, but Yusef begged to come with him and help. The boy had been in a few skirmishes and had shot people. This was different and he was worried that he would get hurt; he had a soft spot for Yusef and was sad that he was young and already picking up a gun to kill Russians.

David moved through the remnants of the village to set up shop. He stayed out of sight but could make out Hadir's people. Some work did need to be done but they were good. He got into his first position and got out the first thing to make life difficult. He keyed in, "I'm in position."

Good. We go on your signal.

"Copy that. CIA, take your best shots when you get the signal."

Copy. And the name is Alex.

"I know. CIA."

David watched as the scout vehicle came to his building. He stayed hidden until they were on the roof. He came up from behind and attacked with swift and clean strikes with his knife. The two scouts were dead in seconds, and he had disappeared into the building. He heard Alex swear and didn't doubt the man witnessed what he did. He didn't care. He was already moving onto his next station and rigging the IEDs that he had set up.

I think you startled Echo 3-1.

"The more I can clear out, the less waste on ammo. He will have a short window once the main party arrives," David whispered as he finished what he was doing. He had developed the explosives after observing the way how the Russians set up trip wires but also how the extremist terrorists set up their IEDs. He had worked on it and came up with a plan on execution.

Well, I'm sure he's impressed.

David made a slight sound. He waited until Alex detonated the scout vehicle before moving. He let Hadir's people fire at the Wolf's men while he moved. When he was a safe distance, he detonated his charges and blew up another Al Qatala vehicle that had driven over his IED. It threw the Wolf's men off balance as he ran to another position and took out three men with his knife and pistol.

David knew he had to keep moving and moved behind the ranks to where the Wolf's men were. They certainly didn't expect it when he shouted the same phrase he used when he defended his unit. It was enough to distract them, and he picked them off one by one. He was well aware that because of the randomness of the enemy going down by his hand and his shouting, it seemed like he was in two places at once. He couldn't expend all his energy though. If it were anything like military engagements he had been in, the Wolf's men would come in waves.

Now I understand why people thought you to be a ghost. You are fast.

David took cover behind a vehicle. He pulled out his sniper rifle and took out a couple of men that were in the distance. He replied, "Just made use of the environment and the weapons I had."

It certainly helps that you had sniper training in addition to your other skills.

David made a slight sound as he picked up the reinforcements. He shifted and moved, taking out Al Qatala. He just shot with his pistol and kept moving until he was in another position. He pulled out a couple of grenades and threw them while he moved to pick off more of the Wolf's men. He guessed that they were going to use the vehicles to get closer and started sprinting while shouting at Yusef to do the task he told him to do.

It was worthy of an action movie when he managed to get alongside one of the trucks. He didn't have time to think but somehow managed to grab on the truck by grabbing on the side of the truck bed. It was pure adrenaline as he shot at who was left on the truck bed and smashed the glass to the driver side. It enabled him to get a better grip, but it became a fight over who had the wheel of the truck as his pistol was knocked away and it became an exchange of fists.

He managed to land a punch that stunned the driver and grabbed the wheel. He yanked it to turn the vehicle. It skidded from the sharp angle and hit what was left with one of the buildings. The impact knocked him free, and he flew through the air and landed hard.

A/N: Time to catch a Wolf at the crossroads. Stay tuned for what happens next...