Chapter 14

David learned a lot about patience through observation. The job in his previous life required it and it proved an asset when he started collecting and relaying intel to Jensen and to his friend S64. It also came in handy while he watched Farah to decide when it was best to approach her.

She was angry. She had every right to be. Hadir betrayed them. Then the Americans essentially betrayed them by reclassifying their forces. She gave and in return they took and then threw them to the side. He had seen it before, and it made him angry too. It's why he said what he said to Norris and was actually surprised that Price would stand aside if he got it into his head to cut off Norris' balls after stringing him up. He wouldn't have done it, but it was nice to know that Price was on the same page.

He had been waiting outside of the room Farah had shut herself in, letting her think. He was willing to wait until the building fell from old age. Certainly, Alex thought he was crazy for doing it when he asked him if he was going to stay there all night. David told him, "She wants to vent. She's just debating. I understand the feeling."

"I'll bet," Alex replied. "I'll go keep watch."

David nodded, "Thanks, Alex. You didn't have to come here."

"Yeah, I did," Alex replied looking at the man. "It was shitty what we did. Thing is… I've seen it done before and…"

David patted Alex on the shoulder. "I get it. I saw it too."

"You did something about it."

"And look what happened there. They killed me. Well, I was half-drowned according to Jensen," David replied with a slight eye roll. Fucking semantics.

"But look where you are now. You're doing something about it."

"Still have a directive."

"But you were honest about it," Alex countered. He pointed at David for emphasis. "That is where you are different even from me." He stepped back and sighed, "Just…"

"Sins of the past. We all try to make up for it," David replied with a nod. He gave a slight smile. "Thank you, for staying." He gave Alex a fist bump and watched him head out to join the guard, leaving him to wait. He knew Alex thought he was crazy and maybe it might be seen as creepy, but he was in a unique position, and he could provide a bit of a buffer between her and the people. He knew they would understand, and they had to lick their wounds so to speak.

S47? David?

David had been waiting for a few hours when he heard the call. He tapped his earpiece, "S64?"

Are you available to talk?

David glanced at the door before turning away and moved towards the window. "How'd it go?"

We found the Butcher. Not exactly fun, but we found the gas and it was taken care of. He led us to Hadir. David… he went after Barkov.

David looked out the window and gave a slight sigh, "I figured he might."

You knew?

"I've fought with him and Farah, S64. I saw what Barkov and his men did to these people. Not exactly rocket science," he replied. He gave a slight smile and added, "And you're wondering why I didn't give it to Price."

That crossed my mind. By the way, I rather like him. His sergeant, Garrick… little green, but he'll do. Good heart… like you.

"Don't get sentimental on me. It's not you."

Never lie, David. My analysis is pretty much accurate.

David chuckled at that. "Tell me about it. I know better than to ask how you know certain things. You'll just give me the usual line."

It's better you don't know. Considering my special skill set.

David nodded as if she were there. "So… think about getting more involved?"

Maybe. Like I said, I like Price. Can never really tell what he's thinking, but he has the greater good at heart. Garrick… reminds me of my life before they took my desk away from me.

"Admit it, you kind of like field work."

I do, but sometimes… just wanna sit and relax. Maybe when this crisis is over, I'll take a vacation.

"You? Vacation?" David chuckled as he paced a little, keeping his eye on the door. "Your idea of vacation is to join a black op and get chased by gun toting Russians."

It works. David, the situation is going to be critical. Price is going to come to you and Farah for help. He is well aware that she may not be willing.

"And you want me to talk her into listening at least."

Just remind her of you.

David raised his brow at that. "Very clever, S64."

It's the truth. Price is honest. That much I know from dossier and meeting him once. I know it's ridiculous but…

"You don't have to explain it to me. You've always come through when I needed you. I'll do what I can, but you know Farah is in charge," he replied as he shifted again and took a few paces.

I know. But you know the score outside her corner of the world, and she is smart, tactical smart. She will figure it out.

David smiled at that. S64 and he were right on that account. He never had to say much, but Farah figured out things when he tried to explain them. It was why she was the commander of the Liberation Force. He turned to look at the door that was still closed and thought about what he wanted to say. Finally, he asked, "S64, have you ever been in a relationship?"

What do you mean?

"You know."

Oh… Look who you're talking to. The closest thing to a relationship I had was when I was a kid. A friendship. I've been intimate, but no one who would care to know about me. I mean, who in their right mind would want to have a girlfriend that can shoot a gun, can improvise escape, and use a knife in a very convincing way? Might as well be alone and just keep friends.

"I don't know," David replied, "I think you'd find someone. Who knows, maybe a military guy. They'd appreciate the guns and ability to fight. Might even have a mohawk or something."

Now that is bullshit. But I appreciate it. It's kind of hard when you have baggage. You want to be close, but what you know, what you've done… you become afraid that it will hurt, maybe even scare the person you care about. I'm not saying I'm brave, but rejection is the one thing that scares me to death.

It was like she was speaking his thoughts. David had wanted to tell more to Farah, but it had him afraid of how she would see him. "I guess it is better that it comes from you directly and not someone else."

Maybe. I know Jensen warns us, but… I think you have a good thing going. If you want any advice, as flawed as it is… trust that infamous gut of yours.

David chuckled at that. He turned when he heard the creak of the door and saw it open slightly. That was an invitation to enter. "Maybe so. Thanks for the update, S64."

No problem. Thanks for taking my call.

David didn't acknowledge since he was approaching the door. He was quiet as he entered to find Farah standing over a map of the area. It looked like she was trying to distract herself by planning attacks on the Russians. The whole business with Hadir was still on her mind as he could tell when he entered the room. "Commander," he said softly.

Farah looked up at him. David had always addressed her with respect. Right now, she wanted to hear him say her name the way he always did when they were alone. "Not tonight," she said and looked down at the map.

"Map says otherwise," David pointed out, testing the waters.

"I needed a distraction," Farah admitted. She was still looking downward. "I still…"

David decided to save her a little, "It's a lot. Believe me."

Farah looked up at him. Her eyes narrowed slightly, "I know you know betrayal. It brought you here. But it wasn't your family that did it."

It was anger talking even though it struck a nerve. David kept a calm tone as he replied, "We weren't blood, but we were brothers. We said we'd had each other's backs no matter what. What happened… was my fault. I failed to see what was going on until it was too late. I tried to fix it but…" He shrugged his shoulders. She knew the story. He looked at her, "And it is my fault that I didn't read between the lines with Hadir. I knew as well as you did that he liked to fight outside the rules. You appointed me to be watchful. Not just the men and women, but him."

Farah lifted her head and looked at him. He was staring intently back, and the apology was clear in his eyes. She had put him in the position he occupied after earning it. "But you would have done it anyway even if I didn't put you in that position."

"True, but you did." He took a couple of steps forward. He had been moving closer, slowly, gauging her mood. "You gave me a job and I did fail you on that account."

"He was my brother, David. I should have known."

"And we are often blind to the ones closest to us. Often to the point that we miss those… flaws." David took a coupled more steps forward. He moved until he was by her side. "I was not as close to Hadir. You know why. And even I missed it."

Farah sighed and looked downward. She shook her head. "And because of what he did, Alex left his job and…"

"Only doing what a Jensen operator does best… what is right," David pointed out. "We all try to make up for sins of the past, Farah. It's how we learn… grow… move on." He put his hand on top of hers. It made him nervous, more than when he went on his first op. He closed his fingers over hers while watching her.

Farah looked at his hand on hers. It was one of the rare times he initiated touch. She cherished it when he did, knowing he was hesitant most of the time. She looked at him and asked, "Have you moved on?"

"I'm here. It still haunts me, and I worry that what I was and know will come back on you and our brothers and sisters," he admitted, not letting go of her hand. "It's a process Farah. Time will help. It's not a cure all, but it helps." He rubbed his thumb on the top of her hand.

Farah looked at his hand as he rubbed hers. She could feel the rough calluses on his hands, but it was soothing. She looked back up. She had stopped shedding tears, and she knew he would never say anything if she had to. She gave a slight smile, "And I'm glad time kept you here with us… with me."

David smiled at her in response. It allowed him to get a little closer. "And I'm glad to have met you. Get to know you."

Farah smiled, feeling better about the whole thing. She turned to hold his hands like she had done before. He would stay by her. She knew that, but she would never exploit it. That would hurt worse than what Hadir did. She leveled her head and stepped forward until her cheek collided with his chest. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug. She whispered, but it was loud enough for him to hear, "Thank you."

David was surprised that she hugged him. He never anticipated it, but he couldn't deny that he had wanted to do that. He lifted his arms and returned the embrace. He heard what she said and just hugged her. They were like that for some time, and he was reluctant to break their embrace. He sighed and said, "I… asked S64 for a favor. She delivered. The Butcher is dead."

Farah sensed his reluctance and felt her own. Still, they had work. "Good. And the gas?"

"Destroyed." David swallowed slightly. He knew that things were sensitive, but he had to tell her. "She told me Price will be coming by."


"Well, this has been fun."

Price looked at Nicolette as she watched the direction Laswell's helicopter had taken. They had been set to bring him in when Laswell arrived and said that they were handing him over to the Russians. "To you maybe," he retorted, still put out by the events that transpired.

"It's all political bullshit, Captain," Nicolette replied. "It will right itself in the end. After all, you have the main prize." She gave a speaking glance at Garrick since he was holding the intel on Barkov's factory. "Question is: what are you going to do about it?"

Price looked at the woman that helped them in securing the Butcher and Hadir. She was not put out by his reaction. Rather, she was sympathetic to his feelings, but not to the point of it being stifling. She had her head on straight with what was important. He looked at Garrick and the pilot before looking back at her, "Seems like I have one option."

Nicolette looked at him and gave a knowing smile, "Just know that you do have friends. At least they won't shoot you."

"Can I ask how you know David?" Price looked at her.

"He fell, I covered his ass." She gave a smile as if to dare him to challenge that.

Price felt his lip twitch and smiled at her. He liked her. He gestured at the chopper, "Need a lift?"

"As far as to where I last was. You're on your own with what's next." Nicolette pointed at Price.

"Thought you enjoyed fun." Price looked at her to gauge her reaction.

Nicolette shifted on her feet. She turned to face Price and looked at him in the eye. "I owed David this. Even I should have seen it, but you and LF need to finish it, Captain."

"You think David will listen?"

"He will. It's Commander Karim you have to convince," Nicolette replied. She sensed the captain wanted to test her on her knowledge of what was going on. "However," She paused to gauge the man, "I get the feeling an old friend has more clout than a stranger." She gave a knowing grin before turning to leave. "I'm going to go."

Price watched her leave. He was tempted to ask how she was going to get where she needed to go, but that was a stupid question. She would have just told him something like ways and means or not to ask. Instead, he said, "Wait."

Nicolette paused and turned to look at the man. As much as she was tempted to go along, she had other important things she needed to get back to. She was just lucky and was very persuasive. She waited for him to speak.

Price considered his options. There was something about this asset of Jensen's and wanted to add to his list of friends. He asked, "If I ever needed to call you…"

Nicolette nodded and opened a pocket in her gear vest. She pulled out a burner phone and walked over to hand it to Price. "Give me a call, or text. I'll see what I can do. Who knows. Maybe I might need your help." She grinned at him.

Price held the phone in his hand and let her start walking. She reminded him of another friend, but it was different. He called out as she was leaving, "Maybe you might." He chuckled when she gave a backwards farewell. He was about to tuck it into his vest when it rang. He answered it.

By the way, don't stay mad with Laswell. She can help you on this one.

Price turned to find that Nicolette had already disappeared into the brush. He ended the call and held the phone before putting it in his vest. He walked towards Garrick feeling that entire conversation might as well have been surreal.

"That it with Ryan, sir?"

"For now," Price replied as they hopped on their ride. "For now."

It was a day later that found him and Garrick back in Urzikstan. It had been unsettling that the armored truck was ready for them with a message from Ryan wishing them luck. It had Price mutter, "Moppet seems to know our moves before we make them."

Garrick was of the same opinion. It was unsettling, but it was tempered by someone that was confident that they could convince LF to help them out. He offered more as a joke, "Maybe she knows who wins."

"Not likely. But she is right about one thing. David is already convinced. Farah is the one we have to convince," Price replied as he got behind the wheel.

Garrick got in the passenger side. Silently, he prayed that was the case. While they weren't going without weapons, they couldn't show hostility either. This was a bloody fucking rock and a hard place to be in. He was quiet, thinking about this while Price drove to where he knew LF would be.

When they were close, Price said, "They know we're here."

Garrick nodded and waited until Price pulled up. Standing in the middle of the courtyard holding a rifle was David. His keffiyeh was wrapped around his neck, ready to pull up if a dust storm hit. He stood there waiting for them to come to a stop, like a statute. It was intimidating to see as Garrick climbed out after Price saying, "Got your six, Captain."

Price came out unarmed. Probably foolish, but he trusted Farah. He stepped forward to where David was waiting with his arms open. He spoke to David, "Being waiting long?"

David studied Price. He knew why he was there. Still, he would protect Farah and LF. Alex was on the roof in sniper position. He replied, "Not really. Had a message from a mutual acquaintance of ours. Said that you had something of interest."

Bloody Moppet seemed to think of everything. Price looked at the man and nodded, "I need to speak with Farah."

"Figured as much. After all, this affects them the most." David gestured at the fighters that were at the ready. They would only shoot when the order was given. He had trained them well not to jump the gun. He turned and called back, "Commander, you have a visitor."

"Ever fucking polite," Price muttered at David. He shifted and called out, "Farah. Let's talk."

David stood aside as if to present Farah. He was in a relaxed position, but he could snap to attention quickly if needed. He did nothing when Farah came out, pointing her gun at Price. He had talked to her about what was going on and ultimately told her that she had the choice. He suggested she at least listen and that things were not always what they seemed.

Farah looked at Price, ready to shoot if necessary. "I know how this works, Captain."

"Not this time. They gave Hadir to the Russians," Price countered. He glanced at David and the man seemed to have moved closer, but it was hard to tell.

Farah was clearly angry, but not rash. She took a breath and replied, "They'll kill him."

Price was honest with her, "If he's lucky."

Farah stared at Price. "Looks like you saved the free world again, Captain Price." Her statement was laced with the bitterness of being used and discarded.

Price understood. He continued, "Hadir located Barkov's lab in Eastern Georgia. He had plans to destroy it."

Farah hesitated. "Hadir is fucking crazy."

Price gave a slight smile, "Yeah, but we're all a little crazy, aren't we? Right, David?"

David gave a slight grin as he replied, "Insanity on my end." He stared at Price and shouted, "Alex?"

"Affirmative," Alex's voice came from above.

David raised his brow at Price. So far Farah was listening to Price. The fact that they had years of trust between them was a bonus in Price's favor. David stood there, his relaxed posture belying the fact that he was ready to strike if needed. He was much more comfortable unleashing the skills he kept hidden from the others. Just in small doses.

Price saw Alex and David relax on their position. They were willing to listen. He still had to convince Farah. She had lowered her weapon, but she wasn't completely on board. He looked at her, "With your help, we can finish what he started."

Farah glanced at David. He had told her that he would follow her, but he would suggest if she needed to hear things out. She knew that he thought Price was trustworthy. She could say that it was because they were both soldiers. Yet, David never gave benefit of the doubt. He gave his opinion and you had to earn his trust. She stepped towards Price, "You're a good friend, Captain. And a worse enemy I'm sure, but I do not cross borders and invade. I defend my people here at home." She gave him a firm look. She would let David go. Price could use his talents and Alex would probably go to see it finished. She wouldn't go.

Price saw that she was going to get firm. Slowly he reached behind to get the intel. "Well, sometimes the best line of defense…" He expected her to pull her gun on him. David just stood there as he pulled out the intel. He handed it over. "It's all there. The plans. The personnel." He glanced at David.

David stared back and gave a nod. He understood what Price was getting at. He glanced at Farah. She wouldn't be that far behind to figure it out. He was willing to go. Most thought him dead anyway. He shifted and studied Farah.

Farah held the intel. It became clear to her now why Price was there. "I see… A militia with no ties to the West could carry out this mission."

Price had crossed his arms. He wasn't going to get shot at and he was certain that Farah would agree. He looked at her, "And they'd all blame the terrorists, wouldn't they?" He gave a knowing look to make his point.

Farah knew Price had a point. She nodded, "I knew I could trust you." She glanced at David, and he nodded. She saw him turn and signal to their fighters. She turned back to Price, "If Barkov's there… he's mine."


A/N: David and Farah have a moment in the aftermath of Hadir's behavior and Price comes to recruit LF to end it. Stay tuned for the penultimate chapter...