Chapter 3

It felt like his head was on fire. Then again that was what happened when someone brought the butt end of an assault rifle against the back of your head. Reed squinted as he opened his eyes and put a hand to his head. He could smell the dirt, sweat and grime from the bodies that were in the same space with him.

"Good thing you got a hard head, LT."

Reed groaned, "Fuck you Garrison." He made a move to sit up, wincing from the pain in his head. He looked around to find that they were in some sort of corral for prisoners. "Where the fuck are we?"

"Still in the fucking jungle," Garrison replied with a grin that held no humor. He adjusted his kneeling position to allow his team leader to sit up. "Just no idea where."

Reed sat up and took a look around. He could make out buildings of a compound, possibly a base and definitely Federation since all he heard was Spanish coming out from the soldiers he could see. Plus the obvious hint was that he had a nasty hit to the head and was now paying for it. Sarcastically he replied, "Well no shit a Fed base."

Garrison chuckled at that. Sarcasm worked but it also told him that his team leader was not in a hundred percent shape. A crack to the skull did that. He looked at Reed, "Well we always did want to infil a Fed base."

"Yeah when it worked for us," Reed countered as he made to stand up. He got to his feet slowly and looked around.

Apart from Garrison there were two others in the holding area with them. It was the driver and the tech guy. He frowned a little at that and wondered about that since the logical thing would be to kill them all and take whatever it was they came for. He made a gestured, "They the only ones?"

"Aside from us? Yeah," Garrison confirmed. He sighed and shook his head. "They killed them Reed. They just…" He gave a slight gesture and put his hands on his hips to control the urge to want to hit something.

"Could've been worse. We'd be dead with them," Reed offered. He didn't like it either and he would be plagued by survivor's guilt in the future. Right now though, they needed to focus and find out what the deal was with their capture. He looked at Garrison and became stern and professional, "Did you see anything that could help us?"

"None. They bagged us."

Reed made a slight noise at that. He might have been bagged but he had been out cold. He still felt the bump on his head. Still it was a problem since that would have an effect on their ability to plan an escape and execute it. He looked around the place.

It was solid with four walls and the only way out was the door. There was a window but it was high up and it was too narrow for a body to fit through anyway. The upside was that they weren't tied up. That would be a benefit when the Fed came for them. They could bust their way out and play it by ear. It sounded too much like the movies but sometimes you had to play it like that meaning on the fly and just prayed that things went your way.

Reed continued to look around where they were being held while ignoring the driver and the geek that had bene thrown in with them. It occurred to him that there was really no reason for them to be taken hostage unless the geek was the only one who knew how to work whatever the PC was. It wasn't like he was going to look when his orders specifically said not to. Still it was strange but he wasn't going to pay it mind. Once he and Garrison had a plan, then they would bring them in on it.

Now that's a good idea, looking for a way out.

Reed looked up and around when the voice echoed throughout the room. He tried to pin the source of it. He replied, "Well you did take us against our will so naturally we're trying to find a way out."

Unfortunately, that's not gonna happen.

Like hell it was, Reed thought to himself. Out loud he said, "Oh we're getting out of here. You have my word on it."

There was no response over the PA system and Reed started to think that their guy was all bark and no bite. He gave a snort at that when suddenly a fierce and stinging pain shot up the back of his head. He grabbed his head and tried to find the source but it felt like his nerve endings were on fire. He dropped to his knees and placed his hands on the ground. Panting he looked around and saw that Garrison was on his hands and knees and the other two were writhing on the ground in pain. He tried lifting his body up to gain some leverage but the pain became more intense and forced him back down. What the fuck?

The answer came when the door opened and in walked a couple of armed guards pointing rifles at all of them. Reed knew that they didn't have a chance with that pain in his nerves and these guys would shoot them before they even got to their feet. He gritted his teeth the moment he heard another pair of boots enter. He shifted to get a good look.

The guy was kitted up but he had no weapon except for what looked like a .44 riding on his hip. He swaggered in looking at them. That was all Reed could see since the pain was excruciating. He put his head down and pressed it against his hands. That was when the pain stopped but there was still a dull throb on his head. He let out the breath that he had been holding and it came out like a gasp.

"Hehehe. Weell you're not one of them but you sure are a tough one."

Reed gritted his teeth and let out a grunt of pain from the dull throb. He shifted to get a better look at the man talking. "That's cause you're fucking with…"

Reed caught the butt end of a rifle across the face since he started to straighten up on his knees. He felt the sting and the sudden wetness that seemed to leak through. He also felt a coppery tang in his mouth. He placed his palms flat on the ground so he wasn't completely down but he was down enough to keep from getting hit.

"Yeah I know. Charlie Team." The man waltzed in and looked at the others. "Not really the prize that others would be." He toed the others checking to see if they were still moving. "And not really worth the reputation."

"You don't know what you're messing with."

Reed widened his eyes as the bastard gave a hard and well placed kick to Garrison's middle. The bastard did that several times before saying, "Oh really? I know all about you and that you have something valuable."

Reed gritted his teeth and managed to make it to his feet. He lunged towards the man. "Sonofa…"

The pain started again only this time it felt more excruciating, like it went up in volume. It caused Reed to fall and land on his back. He arched his back in pain as he tried to fight it off but he couldn't. All he could see was that bastard looking down at him for a moment before signaling and then the pain stopped. Reed panted as he gasped for air as the man kneeled over him.

"Got fire in your belly. I like that. The boss will definitely like that."

"Boss…?" Reed was out of it and he ended up frowning at the bastard kneeling above him.

"Oh yes. He knows like I know that you lot in Charlie are fighters but to damn cocky. It's why it was so easy to ambush you."

Reed narrowed his eyes in anger but didn't move. There was no point to it and he couldn't. That last whatever it was took it out of him but he still could talk. "Bastard. You killed my team."

"Deadweight but not you and that blabbermouth." The bastard gestured at Garrison who was on the ground not moving but eyeing everyone with a murderous intent. "And these two." He shifted to gesture at the driver and the tech geek.

Reed, still doing his job countered, "Leave them. They don't know anything."

"But they do," the man countered smoothly. He kneeled and looked down at Reed. "You see, one of them knows what your cargo really is. You unfortunately were chosen to guard it. Guarding something you don't even know what."

It would have sounded funny but it hardly was in this situation. Reed managed to move a limb as his back arched but he still felt heavy laden. Like his team piled all their gear on top of him and dared him to get out from under. "Leave them."

"Maybe. After they tell me which one of them is PC Alpha 129." The bastard stood up and looked at the pair that his guards brought together. He pulled out his pistol and cocked it ready to go. He stood in front of the driver and asked, "So which one of you is it?"

Reed managed to roll to his stomach but he was pretty much useless at this point. The guards did let him move that much but not enough to pose a real threat to them. He grunted, "Leave them alone. You got the cargo."

"Oh I do but which one?" The guy pointed his pistol at the driver who was kneeling with an impassive look. He then shifted to the tech geek that was quivering slightly. He peered at them and said, "The PC better reveal himself or…" He pointed his weapon in a direction and fired. He looked at their faces to take in the reaction.

Reed was certain he shouted but no sound came out. He watched as Garrison flopped onto his back from the impact. Blood started to flow but he couldn't tell if his man was dead or alive. All he saw was red. Risking the excruciating pain that would be certain to follow, he lunged at the bastard that just fired his gun and managed to get a hand on him but was given a punch to the face and he was down on his back. The last thing he saw was a boot heading towards his face and then he saw black.

The guy looked down at Reed and then glanced at Garrison who was wincing. He grinned since he had winged the guy. It would be pretty bad but it wasn't life threatening. He turned to look at the other two and waved his gun in warning, "Now that was a warning. Next time it won't be one. Decide which one of you is going to die unless you tell me who the PC is."

The driver and the geek tech looked at him as he smirked. He then turned and booted the unconscious Reed out of his way as he exited. He turned once all of his men exited and gave a sadistic grin. "Doesn't matter. One way or another, the boss is going to get what he really wants. But it won't hurt to have two of you." He then turned to let the door close.

The driver watched as the door shut and released the breath that he had held. That was way too close but he knew that in the end something was going to give. They wanted the PC but he was under orders not to give it up. He shook his head and slowly crawled towards the downed soldiers to look at them. The team leader would probably have another headache to boot but the other… He shook his head and gestured at the geek, "Come on."

The tech geek moved timidly. He watched as the driver began to check the guy that had been shot. "What is going on?"

"Trouble," was all the driver would say.

"Another walk in the park huh?"

Sequoia shot a slight grin towards Logan as she adjusted her gear and weapon. With her free hand she gave Bear a pat on the head. "Usually is," she replied as she looked at their chopper that was going to take them to the LZ.

Logan looked at his best friend and noted her pensive expression. Even with the camo paint drawn in her signature fashion of a Lakota Sioux, it was easy to tell that there was something on her mind. He knew it had to be serious enough to keep it despite the fact that his brother had snuck into her room again. Not that he minded or cared and he wasn't telling. "Something up?" He had to ask just to make sure.

Sequoia looked at Logan and noted his expression despite the fact that he was wearing his Ghost mask. She didn't keep much from him and he didn't with her. "There is," she admitted after a pause, "Just the kind of thing that brings back memories."

Logan could push but decided against it. There was no point to it at times because they all had bad memories. And he figured that it had something to do with a time before they joined up. That was just one of the things joining up and being a soldier. "I hear ya Hawk," was all he said.

Sequoia looked at Logan and reached up and gave a head rub. If he hadn't been wearing his mask, she would have ruffled his hair but as it were it was covered by the mask. It still had the same effect though, conveying affection that was almost sibling like between them. She gave a smile when he scowled halfhearted at her but it turned into a grin. He playfully punched at her not at all worried about Bear lunging at him. He chuckled when she deflected him and gave a gentle tap to the back of his head, "Always sneaking one in on me, Hawk."

"You're getting better, Sungmanitu," Sequoia replied as she straightened up. "You better with all the lessons I've been giving you."

Logan snorted at that. He patted his hip where his hand ax was hanging. "Never leave the base without it."

"And I have the best man in my life," Sequoia patted Bear on the head, "So we're good to go."

"Really, Hawk?"

Sequoia and Logan couldn't help but chuckle at Hesh when he came up with Riley at his heels. He was giving a sour look but it was not effective because of the twinkle his eyes took despite the camo paint covering his face. She said, "Well it's true. He's steadfast, loyal and he jumps in to protect me no matter what even if it is something like an innocent pat to the shoulder."

Logan snickered since she just described not only her dog but his brother as well and she had done that on purpose. "Man she got you bro," he said as he shook his head.

"Fuck you pain in my ass," Hesh countered.

"My calling big bro," Logan countered. He held up his fist and grinned when his brother gave him one in return.

Hesh knew that it was a joke between the three of them and he knew that Sequoia was referring mostly to him though the dog was the same too. The base and the team took it to mean her dog since that was the experience they all had when they made the mistake of invading her personal space. It was a good cover for their relationship and he bore it with good humor despite Logan's goading but it was expected of him. He shook his head at them and turned to see Keegan and Harris arriving. Kick was going to be support with Merrick. "Alright, mount up."

Sequoia and Logan looked at each other and nodded. Playtime was over and time to go to work. Sequoia was grateful that Logan cheered her up. It relieved a little of her apprehension about what her mission was should the asset be compromised. Putting on her game face, she motioned to Bear to follow and went to board the chopper.

It was a little crowded but no one minded the dogs. Riley and Bear were trained as MPCs and had been trained to get on any moving vehicle and even parachute in. They were the calmest of the MWDs that had been used in the field from their base and didn't need to be put in a carrier. They jumped in and took their places near their handlers looking ready and eager to take off.

Sequoia patted Bear as she took his vest hem and held on. She turned to look at the team before looking out at the side of the chopper. She spotted Merrick with Kick standing there as they were being sent off. She caught Merrick's expression as he looked at her specifically. She knew that he had given her more information than he probably should have but it was better than it coming as a cold order from the colonel and from the top.

The last time she executed someone it was because they were a traitor. They had infiltrated and got good men killed. She had just been under Elias' command for eighteen months when he gave her the order to do another sweep of the wall but it was a cover to look for the traitor. Her orders were to seek, find and determine the damage and then… execute.

Echo team was the best at what it did. They were the unit to infil and take care of business. They were like spec ops but regular army. Other commanders requested to use them from Elias and they went in, did the job and were out when needed. Mostly though they patrolled the wall and took care of business. Sequoia never told them about the details of that last mission but they followed her willingly and they held no qualms when she pulled her pistol and shot the traitor.

Now she was being asked to do that again if the occasion called for it. She would do it but she was apprehensive because she had changed. She had been with the Ghosts and they did things differently. And in the course of that… Sighing, she readied herself as the chopper lifted off. She tightened her grip on Bear but that dog was merely sitting and was cool as a cucumber. His tongue lolled out as he took in the sights. She smirked since he always held that posture that he could do this job better than any of the other team.

This is Spectre 6-4 lifting off.

Copy that 6-4. Good hunting.

Roger that.

Sequoia looked over in the direction of the pilot and saw her cousin Skye "Eagle" Bryant doing her thing and smiled. She turned to look out the chopper and took in the view of the jungle below. After LOKI, their forces had pushed back the Federation and were able to establish bases in the jungle. That was largely in part because of El Libertad, the civilian militia movement that was tired of the Federation troops. The war had turned in favor of them but it still was a fight ahead.

SecDef wanted intel on the Federation and Freefall had been sent in along with any others that could gather intel. The asset they were after was rotating out. That usually meant that he had serious intel that they needed. What it was… Now the asset was missing and they were going in to find any clues. Even in near peace time the spies and recon had to be done.

According to the debrief, they were to drop in and hike it to the handoff and determine what happened. It was simple investigative work but since a Freefall asset was missing, it was not so simple. Sequoia wasn't certain about what they were going to find and that had her nervous even though it was their side's held territory but like anything else, it was too big to catch everything. A small strike force could sneak in and ambush but that would require someone who knew intimate details. That would imply a traitor. The thought of it had Sequoia's breath hitch slightly.

Drop zone is the cliff clearing at point bravo. From there its three klicks to the handoff.

Sequoia shifted when she heard Hesh relaying the mission parameters. Her hand remained clutched to Bear's vest even though that dog was like a rock and enjoying every second on the ride. She listened to the plan as she thought about the possibility that there was a traitor and she was going to be ordered to take care of it.

"Any information from our sources?"

Sequoia looked up when the question was asked since it was directed at her. It wasn't a surprise since El Libertad wouldn't talk to anyone but her and a few choice others brought in to gain trust. Anyone from the Ghosts was acceptable but they preferred to talk to her. She replied, "There have been no movements from the militia, planned or otherwise detected within the past few weeks. And it's too far north from the forward camps."

"So we can't expect any help from our allies," Hesh said in a firm voice. There was no need to question further since that would lead to awkward questions and answers from Sequoia since she was the one that went on the last recon to them. "We go in and find out what happened. That's it."

There was nothing more to be said as everyone confirmed that they understood. Sequoia shifted to look back out and survey the landscape. Her eyes narrowed as she adjusted her gun just in case and adjusted her grip on Bear's vest. She had checked in with Cezar and he said that they were busy with the Federation further south holding their small bit of territory. Stubborn to the end, they refused US intervention in terms of military power but they were willing to pass along any information on Federation movements and the like. It was a fairly good arrangement.

Two minutes.

Sequoia shifted when she heard the ETA and made sure her gear was in the right place. She felt a hand on her shoulder and twisted to see Logan looking at her. She grinned as he grinned back. She said, "Just like a pup."

"Mean Hawk."

They shared a laugh as Skye gave the ETA of one minute. Logan looked towards the cockpit before looking at Sequoia and raised his brow, "Showtime, Hawk." He pulled his mask over his face and held his rifle up and ready.

The other Ghosts that had masks put them on. Sequoia shifted into a crouch to spring out. She flipped the safety off and was ready to go along with Bear as he stood up. Once the chopper touched down, she released Bear and hopped out and kneeled to cover. She glanced around as she felt the wind from the rotor wash as the chopper lifted off.

"C2, we've landed."

Copy that.

Sequoia shifted as she straightened up and looked around at the jungle. She shifted around to look at the clearing. She checked on Bear and Riley and they were not getting hits. It may bode for some success that they weren't going to be ambushed the moment they were out of the chopper. She snapped her fingers and signaled to Bear as Logan took point.

They made good time to the road that the convoy had taken. It was typical of a jungle road in that it was all dirt and in danger of being overrun by foliage. It would have made for a bumpy ride. Sequoia had to smirk since she knew that Charlie Leader hated the jungle. He made no bones about it when he had been sent to get her when her status was in question.

"Coming up on the handoff," Logan's voice graveled through the coms.

"Heel," Sequoia gave in a firm and low tone and Bear came to her just as Riley came to Hesh. She kneeled to watch for Logan's assessment for the clear.

"Hawk, have Bear go with Riley," Hesh said as he patted Riley.

Sequoia nodded and gave the seek command to her dog. She watched as they slipped past Logan and moved up as he did. She got next to Keegan who was in good position to observe. She kneeled almost like she was lounging. She caught his gaze and nodded before looking to observe the dogs.

When the clear was given, they emerged from the brush to the position. Sequoia looked around as she trailed Keegan, looking at the site. It was obvious that there was a fight and no one bothered to clean up and what would be the point? Especially since they more than likely got what they were after. She narrowed her eyes and she could almost imagine what happened when Charlie Leader approached.

"Riley's got something!"

Sequoia turned to see Logan pointing and just caught Riley jogging forward and on his heels was Bear. "They got a hit," she said as she followed while tapping Logan on the shoulder.

The barking was enough to follow as Sequoia and Logan approached. She felt bile rise in her mouth as Logan hissed. She held her rifle ready but… She shook her head. "We got something."

A/N: Reed gets some interrogation of sorts and the Ghosts have landed. What do they find? Keep watching for next time on Freefall...