Chapter 16
David knew that Alex's sacrifice would weigh heavily on Farah and him. He saw it on her face when she was reluctant to give the order. He was reluctant himself, but it was part of a pact that he and Alex made. Both recognized the importance of having Farah lead her freedom fighters and how important it was that she be the one to deal with Barkov personally.
When he saw the damaged detonator, he knew that someone was going to have to go in and detonate manually. He initially was going to do it, but when he caught Alex's eye, he understood. Then it came down to reasoning with Farah. David was well aware that she was upset with him because he was deliberately refusing to obey an order. He could handle that.
Listening to Alex explain why he wanted to do this and have Farah give the word, David, made a decision. While he had a direct line of communication with S64, he decided to give that to Alex. He didn't know how it would help, but maybe there was a chance his friend could help another. So, he subtly opened a channel for her to listen in. She would do the rest when she wanted to talk. It was probably cruel, maybe childish, but if she was able to find a way to help him, maybe…
He had no regrets on that, though he was prepared to face an ass chewing later. He was able to give Alex a farewell and good luck worthy of someone being his brother. David was not overly religious, but he prayed that maybe there would be a chance. It was just a shame that the mind had to switch gears rapidly. The hunt was now on for Barkov and David knew that Farah was not going to let the cowardly rat escape like he did ten years ago.
He waited for a few seconds before pointing out, "Best bet would be that he is heading for the helipad."
Farah had been trying to keep focus when she heard David's voice. She turned to look at him and narrowed her eyes. "That coward will not escape."
David knew she was not that angry with him, and it was more her determination to not let Barkov escape. "Then let's get there before he does."
"You're thinking of an ambush."
David gave a slight smile at that. He led the way that would be a shortcut to the helipad while activating his comm, "Nikolai? You copy?"
Da, David. I was wondering when you would call.
"Blame S64," he replied with a slight grin. "I know she told you about me." He glanced at Farah as she caught up with him. He was bemused by her expression.
She was strict about keeping friends close and enemies closer if you know what I mean.
"Exactly." David made a turn. "Barkov is going to take the opportunity to bolt. We need to get to his means of escape before he does and board it."
I like it. Already on the move.
David felt his lip twitch as he signed off. He glanced at Farah and explained, "S64 knows Nikolai."
"It doesn't quite explain, but I think I understand," Farah replied. She followed David for a moment before saying, "I understand why you did what you did."
"We knew how much getting Barkov meant… habbiti," he replied, letting the endearment slip. He looked at her before peeking around a corner.
Farah heard the endearment, and it shocked her. David had never said anything like that to her before. It was like he threw caution to the wind on this mission. Her mouth opened and closed. She couldn't find anything to say.
David didn't expect her to say anything. He gave a smile and then peered around the corner. He gestured for her to peek. "Chopper is over there. Looks like two guards."
Farah peered around him and nodded. She was grateful that the mission was at the forefront now. She still needed to process what happened with Alex and with what David said. "I see them." She then glanced at his arm. It was bleeding again. "Your arm."
David glanced at it. He could see the blood seeping through the bandage. His lip twitched from the throbbing. He looked at her, "It'll be alright. The chopper is the goal. I don't see Barkov. He may be coming any moment."
Farah wanted to say more, but David was already moving closer. There was a lot she wanted to say, and she felt like she was in a muddle. She focused though when David tapped her arm.
"We may not need to take him out. We can sneak in," he pointed out. He gestured where their opening was. "You go first. I'll be right behind you."
Farah nodded and waited until the guard wasn't looking. She snuck onboard the chopper and quickly looked around for a place to hide. She found a place underneath one of the benches. She heard thumping and thought it was David, but the Russian voice of Barkov had her hitch her breath. Did he not make it?
There was no time to do anything else as the chopper started lifting upward. She just prayed that David would get out and put enough distance between him and the factory before the charges were set off. She stayed still as she felt the chopper take off and listened to Barkov shouting in Russian.
"I don't care what time it is. I want Moscow on the line now, you hear me? Tell them it's General Barkov. I will not be ignored!"
Farah was quiet as the boots passed by. She slowly and quietly crawled out from where she had hidden. She could see Barkov as he moved to the back of the chopper.
Say again- Barkov is wheels up. Farah? David?
"Stand by," she softly replied as she pulled out her knife. She got to her feet slowly and made her way towards Barkov. "I've got eyes on him."
She moved forward and sprung forward. She could feel the blade sink into the collar bone of the man. The reaction was instantaneous as Barkov shook her off and backhanded her. Farah landed hard on the ground of the chopper. Before she could recover, Barkov was on top of her, and she could feel his hands on her neck
"You!"
Farah clawed at the man's hands. She would not let him get her like he almost did ten years ago. She fought and managed to grab the knife. She pulled it out and then shoved it in just above the general's hip. "Yes… it is me." She grunted as she shoved the knife in.
Before she could pull it out, Barkov punched her across the face. It stunned her and put her in a vulnerable position. She felt Barkov's hands on her and shook her head to try to clear the clouds. It was sudden and startled her when a second pair of hands pulled her away and gave a kick towards Barkov. Looking up, she saw David holding her and she wondered how the hell he got onto the chopper.
"Go, Farah," he said.
Farah nodded and moved to where Barkov had fallen. She yanked the knife out where she had stabbed the man and drove the blade into his right shoulder. She would make him suffer as she had been made to suffer, as her people had been made to suffer.
Barkov growled at her and struggled. Farah held him down and stabbed him multiple times in the upper body. The last couple of strikes she drove into the man's neck. She could hear him gurgle as he struggled to breath. The final stab, she left in there. From exhaustion, she fell back and looked at the man lying on the ramp near the edge.
"I told you, Farah," Barkov struggled to speak, "… a long time ago, your country breeds terrorists… that's why you' re here…"
Farah stood up and moved to get closer. She glanced over when she saw David had moved closer too. He was holding his left like it was in a sling, but he was ready to leap into a fight if he needed to. She stared at the dying man on the ground.
"Do you see it now?" Barkov's voice was raspy from choking on his blood and lack of air. "I was trying to protect Russia… I was trying to stop this… now I see… I should have done more…"
Farah knew the man was dying, but this needed to end. She moved closer and gritted her teeth as the man taunted her, claiming that he knew her and her brother. She grabbed the man, "I am NOT a terrorist. I AM KARIM." She pulled the knife out to let him bleed out. With a hard shove from her boot, she sent Barkov out to the ground below.
Watching him fall, Farah felt the adrenaline start to die down and she started to pant. She edged closer and stared. She almost jumped when David put his arm on her shoulder. She looked at him, "Are you alright?"
"I could ask you the same," David replied with a slight smile.
Farah, what's your status?
Farah smiled at David before she cued in her comm, "Captain, Barkov is dead." She looked down. It was finished. Just one thing left, and she knew what it was.
Roger that. Alex, charges set?
Affirmative, sir.
Farah's expression fell. It was time. "Alex?"
I'm not getting out of here. Let's do this.
David squeezed her shoulder gently to remind her that he asked, and it had to be done. She knew that if it wasn't Alex, it would have been David. A small part of her was selfishly glad David was still with her. She felt conflicted and grateful. "Thank you."
Yes, ma'am.
David knew she needed to think a little. He cued his radio, "We're clear, Captain."
Rog- All stations, on my mark. 3… 2… 1…
David let Farah go as he watched the explosions implode in the building. He muttered softly again in Arabic what he said to Alex before turning to follow Farah. They didn't need to see the whole thing. He followed Farah to the door of the chopper, and he opened it.
In the pilot's seat was Nikolai. The man had already commandeered the chopper. David had noticed it when he made his move to stow aboard. Instead of the back, he managed to get in through the front. He hid in the cockpit until he was certain Barkov wouldn't be looking before exiting only to make sure Farah was okay.
As they entered, Nikolai shouted, "Interesting plan David."
"Worked. I'll even let you tell S64," David replied with a grin as he leaned against the frame. His lip twitched from his arm, and he looked at it. Now that the adrenaline was dying down, he was feeling the injury.
"Mother Russia would approve," Nikolai replied, "As well as she."
Farah smiled at Nikolai when he said that. It made her want to meet the mysterious S64 even more. She was not jealous of the woman, but grateful.
"Where to?"
Farah glanced at Nikolai and then turned to David. She saw that he was feeling his injury, but still standing tall and strong. She smiled at him when he gave her a nod and looked back out the windshield, "Urzikstan." She reached for David's hand and intertwined her fingers with his. "Home." She looked at David as she said that.
David felt her fingers intertwine with his. His fingers curled to lock with hers. His thumb started moving across the back of her hand. He looked out the window and nodded. Urzikstan was home for him now. He could face what would come with his place beside Farah. "Home," he agreed.
"You can say it, Kate."
Laswell sighed as she walked down the street at an almost leisurely pace. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her companion. "I admit… your assets… are good, Jensen."
Jensen chuckled as he walked with Laswell. "They are good. I trust David will be referred to as such?"
Laswell looked at Jensen. She knew he was asking a serious question despite the playful manner. She nodded as she replied, "As far as the report goes, Gabriel David is a western asset that was instrumental in the take down of a dangerous facility. Any references to Aquila are unfounded rumors."
Jensen nodded, "Impressive, Kate." He paused to look at her head on. "And I am grateful."
"As far as I know, he provides important intel on the Russians in Urzikstan," Kate replied with a begrudging smile.
"That he does." Jensen looked around before looked back at her, "And S64?"
"Also provided valuable intel. The location of the Butcher and the gas was critical," Laswell agreed. She looked at him, "But I have to ask if it is right having her loose. She commandeered a drone without proper authorization."
Jensen stared at Laswell, choosing his words carefully. After all, there were things he knew that were kept a secret for a reason. Maybe it was time for Laswell to understand. He replied, "Not unlike a certain analyst that was once under your care."
Laswell stared at Jensen before something on the street distracted them. She turned in the direction of it. When she turned back, Jensen had gone. She sighed and shook her head. She was going to ask him what he meant by that, but it seemed that he was going to play another game with her. She had to admit that it did keep her interested in what he was up to, and he never failed to pass her intel. According to him, she was his favorite, and it had her scoff at him. At least this meeting was more tolerable though she still had reservations about his operatives.
Sighing, she entered the teahouse and sat at a table after ordering a cup of tea. The events of the past few days were enough to make anyone feel exhausted. Yet, the job was a revolving door of assets, targets, missions… things that happened with no concern for a schedule. It was why she was meeting with Price. She didn't have long to wait as the man came with a cup of tea and a file folder under his arm and sat across from her. "Tea?"
"Yeah, well I'm a long way from a proper pint," Price said as he sat, setting the folder carefully next to his cup. He leaned forward to hear what Laswell had to say.
Laswell knew that the best way was to just say it. "Russia disowned Barkov."
"Well, they didn't have much choice, did they? He's dead."
"You took a big bite out of that problem, John," Laswell replied. "The other bite was some, disturbing information that came out about Barkov. The kind of thing that could destroy a man."
Price listened as the wheels turned in his head. That was interesting to hear. He replied, "It is gone for now, but left unchecked…"
"They won't be," Laswell replied. "It seems that they are afraid of the same thing happening to them. Whoever leaked the information is someone to be feared."
"No doubt," Price replied.
Laswell studied Price. She had known him for some time and could tell when he had something up his sleeve. She didn't forget the file he carried, and she wondered if it had something to do with what he asked for. She reached into the bag she brought and pulled out what he was there for, "General Shepherd pulled the files your asked for. What exactly is this about?"
Price knew he was going to have to give a little if he was going to get what he wanted. He told the truth, "A task force."
Laswell didn't like the sound of that and shook her head, "No. We already have loose ends."
"And I will tie them."
"I can fund assets, not outlaws. It barely treads when dealing with Jensen," she pointed out. She didn't want to throw the man under the bus, but she had to get her point across, and they didn't need another situation like what they just went through.
Price knew what he had in mind was the only way. He'd rather have a sanctioned team then have to go the other route, even though he had friends who said it would be a lot more fun that way. It was a negotiation now. He pushed his tea towards her, "Enjoy the tea then," and made to leave.
Laswell knew that she had to give in. She still needed Price's help. "Zakhaev wants Barkov's throne," she gave a bit reluctantly.
Price sighed, knowing that she had his attention. He corrected her, "I almost buried him in Pripyat with MacMillan."
"That was the father," Laswell said. She couldn't believe she was going to go with this but… "This is the son, Victor. They're big fans of Hadir's."
"Well, that would explain why he's still alive." It was not unexpected since Laswell put it that way.
"They're going to get him out," Laswell warned.
This was Price's chance. "Then give me what I need."
Laswell knew she was defeated on this one. The benefit was that his task force would be able to go where others couldn't. Still, it was danger close to the criticism of black ops and what it entailed. She pushed the file towards Price and sat back.
Price knew that it was hard on Laswell. He was right in doing this and it would give them a chance to tie up those loose ends. He pulled the accordion file towards him and opened it. He pulled out the files and sorted them out. The first one had him a bit surprised that his words responded to Laswell's query, "Sergeant Garrick. They call him Gaz. He never said anything." He passed the file to Laswell.
The next one was one he knew well. "John MacTavish. SAS. Sniper- demolitions. Goes by Soap."
"Why?"
"That's classified." Price could play that game too. He picked up the one he brought and held onto it. "Intelligence officer." He noticed Laswell perked up when she heard "intelligence officer" and quickly moved on to the next one and chuckled, "There he is…" He passed the folder to Laswell, "Simon Riley."
Laswell looked down and noticed the missing item right away. "There's no picture."
"Never." Price kept his eye on Laswell as he took the files. "Now the rest… That's need to know. Unless we got a deal." He played this game and to get what he wanted, he needed Laswell's agreement. He was well aware his choices might have some resistance.
Laswell wanted to know Price's choice for intelligence. The man had hand-picked the person and obviously had the file he compiled. She was worried that it wasn't exactly kosher with this person. She also knew that he was right on his argument. The few he did show her, told her he had thought about this long and hard. "What are you calling this task force?"
Price knew that they had an accord. He replied, "1-4-1."
Laswell nodded, "Alright John." She fidgeted on how to ask what she wanted to know. She gave a narrow look when Price slid the folder forward. "Your intelligence officer?"
Price nodded, "Yep."
Laswell looked at the picture. It was clearly a woman, but she was wearing hijab and her mouth was covered, but it was a surveillance photo. She looked at Price and asked, "Another that doesn't like showing her face?"
"More like that was the only one available. She's one of Jensen's," Price revealed.
Laswell looked up, "What? No, John."
"My choice, Laswell."
Laswell sighed. She did give her word. She looked at Price. "Fine. Who is it?"
Price smirked at her.
The cabin was out in the middle of nowhere, but not too far for help. It was a perfect place to hide from the world. It was also the kind of place to hide things that you didn't wish to have found. It was perfect for the purpose it was now serving.
The old man at the stove was finishing with making tea. He placed it on the tray along with the biscuits, sandwich and soup. Making sure the stove was off, he wiped his hands on the dishtowel and picked up the tray. He made his way to the room in the back of the cabin. He ignored the man that was in the living room cleaning his weapon once again and keeping an eye out the window. A tray of half-eaten food was on the coffee table in front of him along with a cold cup of coffee.
The old man continued down the hall. He passed a few pictures framed of a life long ago. The kind that brought good memories. He passed the two bedrooms that were made and closed. He continued down the hall to the last bedroom. Lying by the door was a dog with its head resting on its paws. The old man gave a command and the dog shifted to let him pass.
The room was the next largest in the cabin and was in medium light. The old man quietly closed the door and made his way to the person sitting at the desk, hunched over a laptop. The lamp on the desk was the only light in the room apart from the computer screen and some light from the windows. He approached the person sitting at the desk and said, "My friend, you must eat."
Nicolette sat up and stretched before resuming her typing. "You can just leave it here Misha. I promise I will eat a bite."
Misha sighed as he set the tray down. True to her word, Nicolette took a piece of the sandwich and brought it to her mouth. He watched as she ate before shifting to look at the corner where the bed was and turned back to her. He said, "I know you are good with most things my friend, but… The doctor said…"
Nicolette turned to look at Misha. She was still chewing as she looked at the old man. She swallowed before asking, "And your point?"
"There is little hope. Sometimes you have to let go."
Nicolette stared at Misha. They all told her the same thing. She put the sandwich back on the plate. "That will be all Misha." She went back to typing on her laptop.
Misha knew better than to keep it up and left quietly. He respected his friend. She had helped him out, but he felt that she was too optimistic on this. He just prayed that her hopes would not be dashed.
Nicolette waited until he left before pausing in her work. She turned in her chair to look at the bed and got up. She started talking, "I know they said it was impossible. Hell, it was impossible that anything was found." She walked towards the bed, "But they don't know what I have seen and known to be true. I know that you will pull through."
She stood over the man lying unconscious in the bed. There were a few healing burns that were bandaged and some cuts and abrasions that were healing. Her impassive and knowing gaze studied the man and drifted to where she could see the void under the blanket where a leg once was before going back to look at the face. "I know that you will wake up, Alex."
A/N: And that's a wrap. Looks like things will play into the future. If there are stories you might want to see, drop them in the comments or PM me. Stay tuned for the sequel Modern Warfare II: Cry Havoc.
