Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 45 - The second bodyguard.
Sam's POV, A few days later.
I was ready to go and all dressed for the occasion. I was going to wear my standard attire for what typically would go under my armor. A very tight pair of dark blue jeans, a black tank top, my brown boots, and Mocha's collar on my wrist. My cloak and the rest of my gear was stowed in my duffel bag along with some coke I managed to save from the time I saved Ace. In my backpack were the few bits of clothes I had, which included my combat mask of Anubis.
My dog tags, burner phone, and my laptop have been a concern for me since getting this mission and I wasn't about to leave them on my person or in this condo. So I decided to give them to Roslin before he left. They'd be safe with him.
Thankfully I was also smart enough to delete all my contacts and reset my personal phone. I'd be willing to bet these guys would check my shit at some point. Can't have them seeing my past calls and text messages.
During my downtime I've been getting comfortable with phasewalking. It was very easy to control once you got it down. It feels like breathing to me now. Teleports were easier as well. Compared to the first attempt I took, it was a fairly safe way to move quickly for me now, but I'm pretty sure I can do maybe three to four before I'd have to recharge. Roslin urges me to practice whenever I can. The more I do the further I should learn to extend the range of my jumps. The crazy amount of healing my body can now do is scary as well. I was almost immortal. I was curious how I would do getting shot and I was still curious on how to apply that skill to other people. Roslin said he'd want to wait a little before pushing me further and as my master I wasn't going to disagree with his choices. Whatever he wants is more important than whatever I want.
I was now just waiting for Ace and the others to show up. I was also preparing my tongue. It was quite interesting to speak only Russian around others, but with this being my character, I had to try new things. Depending on who and how this Tika person is, I might have to break my code a little to speak English, but till then I'd work with what I already set up.
I took a few minutes to fix my hair and prepare myself one final time for the trip. I had my jacket ready to go when we got back into the mountains; since I figured it would be colder up there. I knew the time was nearing because my senses were picking up the three men now. They were about a half mile out from my place and closing in. With some focus I knew Dusk was driving and Ace was sitting up front with him. Gwent was in the back. Time to see how this goes.
Gwent's POV, A few minutes later.
"Can't believe Tika approved this." Dusk growled to himself from the driver's seat as I prepared myself for the second meeting with this contractor Ace found. Fucking girl was smoking hot and this young; killing presidents solo? God damn was I wanting a piece of that. I was of course going to rely on my wits and quick thinking to get a solid start on the right foot.
"I told you I would handle her Dusk and didn't I tell you about our situation? We need the best if we want to get to where we're going and she's one of the best. Even you can't deny her that. She got out clean when killing Esteban. Esteban Dusk. Not a small thing to overlook." Ace informed him as I chimed in from the backseat a moment after the rabbit went quiet.
"Just deal with it for today man. Tika won't be partnering her up with us. Ain't no goddamn way. She probably wants this chick out there making us money. And new recruit or not, I wouldn't tie her down with a partner at all. It's clear to everyone that she can do anything herself. So chill big dog."
"I'm not your buddy Gwent. So don't call me your "big dog" ever again. Secondly I just don't like the look of her."
It appears both Ace and I had jokes on the fly because each of us said something stupid, starting with me.
"Really? I honestly was drooling over her when I first laid eyes." Then Ace who chuckled.
"Not into young women anymore? My how times have changed, Dusk. You know I can see you putting a young man into place though."
The dog looked at both of us like we were assholes, but we knew we got him to back off a little since he just went silent now. That's when Ace said to us both.
"Gwent is right though Dusk. She won't be with us for long. So look past the image of her you have in your head and focus on what's really important. Do you remember what that is? Money. We need money. Lots of money. A woman like her will make a considerable amount. She'll be providing for all of us in time and you'll learn to forget when you see the changes first starting to happen."
"Changes were being made right when we got done putting down that animal Char and the rest of the middle eastern armed forces. We need money for sure, but look at the situation. The world is out hunting us thanks to what we did. We can't just be openly recruiting when we don't even screen first. Who's to say this chick isn't with the M.E.A.F or G.U.N for that matter?"
"The M.E.A.F doesn't have the manpower to conduct an investigation. No one knows who we are or where we are based. They don't have any dirt on any of us to use. The only thing they got was one witness who barely got away thanks to Raptor Voltz's quick eyes and the most they saw were our uniforms, which isn't much considering we only strap them on for major operations where the entire unit gets together."
"They could track down the chopper though. We only cut eyes a block around the target area. If they searched the cameras then they could pinpoint a general direction for where we went. This fucking city isn't that far from where we had to land."
"We covered our tracks though. If they found the chopper and tried to follow us they wouldn't know where to start. It rains almost every fucking day up in the jungle Dusk. So by the time they got a unit together it was already too late. Unless they were right on our trail from day one, they don't have a chance in hell of finding us here. And it's even safer now considering we are leaving Azerbaijan. So please just relax a little. She isn't a problem." Ace was typically good at calming the dog down and it seems he accomplished that again. However as a final statement as we pulled up on the condo, Dusk said back to Ace.
"You trust too easily. You don't know shit about her or where she came from. A girl this young killing Esteban as easily and as cleanly as she did? This could easily be a setup."
"A setup for who? G.U.N? The M.E.A.F? Neither group would allow Esteban to be assassinated. Ajex is too soft. He's more worried about his stature and his public opinion to conduct something of this nature and Raptor Voltz? Yes he has been known for playing outside the rulebook, but he's had a track record of never fucking over his comrades and Esteban was one if I am not mistaken."
"Shut up. Both of you." I begged them both as I was already out of the car and making my way to the front door.
"We'll be back in a minute. Keep an eye out please." Ace urged Dusk as he was in charge of keeping the car warm.
With the rabbit running over to me, we hit the doorbell and waited as we heard nothing but footsteps coming from behind the door in time. A second later the lock was undone and the door opened with the wolf of my dreams waiting behind it. The first thing Ace and I did were completely different. When he saw Sam he smiled and asked her something in Russian. I'd assume he was either greeting her or asking if she was ready to go, but I was just wide eyed and looking stupid as I was taken by her body. She was easily more than half my size and I bet she could manhandle me in mere minutes if she wanted to. How does a girl this good looking exist? I'm not even typically this horny over a wolf ether. I was never really into anyone outside of my own species, but fuck it if there wasn't an exception being made inside my own heart and mind.
Now even though I couldn't understand her, her voice was beautiful. The accent was a turn on too. I was chomping at the bits to get in her pants. Holy shit. I have a strong feeling if I was to work with her I'd be too distracted to do my job. Thank god that wasn't the case.
Once Ace had finished up talking, Sam went back into the condo to grab a bag. She already had one on her back, but this was a duffel. Looking at the bag, I asked Ace.
"What's in that?"
He proceeded to ask her as she stepped out of the house with us to lock the door. Once she had replied, Ace said back to me.
"Her gear."
I nodded as we were now heading back to the car. Dusk was staring at her the whole time, but I knew he could care less about her looks. I was shocked I even noticed, because to be honest I was slowing myself down a few steps just so I could try and look at her ass from behind and I'm glad I did. Wow.
"Get in the car Gwent." Ace ordered me calmly as I was lagging.
I quickly got around to the other side of the car to hop in the back with the wolf. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I was looking over her ink now. I knew what the tat meant thanks to Ace, but fuck was it so good looking on her.
"Get us out of here." Ace said to Dusk as we were all buckled in for the ride. Dusk nodded and got us moving. We were going to make one stop before taking this journey on foot and the drive would be about thirty minutes. So with my eyes still on the wolf as she sat no more than three feet away, I took a few minutes to just let the car settle in. No one was really talking apart from Ace who was still speaking in Russian.
Deciding that now was my time, I went into my pocket and pulled out an English to Russian dictionary I had bought a few days after I found out Ace had convinced Tika to let this chick join us. My goal was to just say hi to her and maybe ask how she was doing as well. The problem would be translating what she says back. If she's not laughing at me by that point for my terrible pronunciation.
Ace's POV.
Everything was going smoothly so far. Apart from Dusk who was still giving everyone the cold shoulder, but I was calm and collected and ready to get out of this place. However my ears perked up when I heard Gwent trying to speak Russian. Even Dusk took a look in the mirror at him as I turned around in my seat to see that he had an English to Russian dictionary in his hand and he was reading to Sam who was still looking at him with a smile and a small chuckle behind her tone.
"How…..are…..you?" He took time to search each word up. Every second he took made it more funny to me. Why the fuck was he going through all this effort?
Sam understood the question easily and replied back in her language.
"I'm doing well. How are you?"
Gwent must have guessed what she said back because he didn't even try to decipher it. He just assumed she was okay and replied with some struggle to the words his tongue was trying to get a grasp of.
"I'm…..good. I….feel…..stupid….but….at….least….I'm….trying?" Sam nodded with another laugh as I had to ask.
"What the hell are you trying to do?"
Now Gwent started to laugh and once he looked back at me he replied in English.
"She doesn't speak my language, man. I wanna be able to talk to anyone and if she's gonna be joining us I want to get started on the right foot. I mean really though, I'm trying at least. Plus she's hot man."
I widened my eyes quickly because unlike Gwent I knew Sam knew English very well and that she heard that as clear as the church bell on sunday morning. I shot her a worried look as she just seemed to take it as a compliment and began laughing again. This time it was more muffled, but upon looking back at my friend I informed him calmly.
"Regardless of that though, your accent is fucking terrible. So please just stop trying to speak her language and just let me translate for you."
"Nah man, where's the emotion in that? She can't see my emotions if you're just telling her what I'm saying. It's only real if it comes from my mouth." Gwent was always trying to talk smart. He was more charismatic than Dusk, but that didn't mean he was better at being smart. Giving him a lost look back, I urged him softly.
"Why does that even matter right now? You trying to sway her?"
"A little." He quickly stated back to me as Dusk now chimed in with an equally as annoyed voice.
"You're a scumbag Gwent. Shut your fucking ass up and throw that fucking book out the window. If you don't then you'll be going out the window instead."
The hedgehog took a moment to think because he wasn't aware or ready for the fact that he was now personally annoying the wrong dog. I was grateful Dusk was ill tempered sometimes. Because Sam had heard every word and was now just watching as this played out between us.
In the end Gwent put the book away and proceeded to mumble to the dog.
"Your a fucking dreamcrusher dog. You know that?"
Dusk now chuckled and replied to his partner.
"What did I fucking say to you once already? I told you not to call me your dog."
"I'm sorry man, chill." Gwent begged him as I decided to jump back into the conversation by saying to Sam in Russian.
"I'm so sorry about him. He's a nice guy, but he's oblivious and doesn't think much about what he says." Shaking her now, Sam said back to me in a slightly entertained tone.
"It's no problem at all. I can tell he means well. Even if it's coming from his pants. Lucky for him though, at least he's cute."
She had me go red in the face just from hearing that leave her mouth. That's when Gwent asked me out of curiosity.
"What did she say?"
"She called you cute." I replied back which immediately got him to blush and question.
"What? Really?" I hesitated to respond on purpose just because I knew he would begin to doubt the truth of that answer he got and how right I was when he lost his blushing face to again question in confusion.
"You're fucking with me. Aren't you?"
"I'm being serious." I told him back. Before he could say anything though Dusk said out loud for us to hear.
"Of course he's fucking with you. You look like shit. And if your that fucking curious why don't you look up what she said in that book of yours?"
Looking at the book in fear, Gwent replied.
"Cause you said I had to put it away otherwise you'd throw me out the window."
"Good boy." Dusk firmly said back, which then got Gwent to look at me and beg.
"Ask her to say it again." His hand pointed at Sam and with my hands tied I replied.
"Absolutely not. You're free to wonder."
"Fuck you then." Gwent sighed back in disgust. I couldn't help but go back to laughing. Gwent was being toxic and Dusk was surprisingly relaxed. With any luck the rest of the trip would go this way now. I had no worries with Sam acting up. She wants to pretend not to speak or understand English? Fine. It's quite fun actually. It's like pretending to be half deaf. People will say shit they shouldn't say around you to others if they think you're deaf. Cause of that she knew very well what Gwent was trying to do. Not that I blame him. He's not much older than she is. Compared to Dusk and I, we're old men. There were days where my natural urges led my path. Thankfully after a certain point you begin not to really care.
With most of our trip in silence, Sam soon asked me.
"What's the plan?"
Looking back at her I replied.
"We're ditching the car before we reach the highway leaving the city. From there we're gonna be on foot to the extraction which is waiting for us about two clicks north at an old lumber yard. Long since abandoned but perfect for us. From there I think we'll be heading in two different directions. You'll be going to Tika who could be anywhere. I'm assuming she'll be near if she's planning to speak with you personally. If not, you'll be taken to an airstrip and our people should transfer you that way. One word of advice though? Stick to your guns like I had told you before. She likes people who are more aggressive and who aren't afraid of her on a first glance basis. So be confident when she addresses you."
Sam took what I just said seriously. I could tell by her ears. They would go back a little when she was really focused on something I was saying. I picked up on that just from the few talks we've had. It was a good thing considering she was a little bit harder to read then most. Looking back at the front of the car, I added before refocusing on the walk ahead.
"You want her on your good side. She's a good upper to have in your corner when things get heated."
Raptor's POV, A few hours later, Iraq.
Maggie and I found our time to talk all about what I am. It took hours and thankfully I was allowed to do that due to the lockdown still being in effect. Zandro promised it would come to an end either today or tomorrow, but we'd have to see which. Maggie though was still very much the same as she was before knowing I was a god. How she managed to do it surprised me. I always prayed Sam wouldn't lose her mind for years to come after learning, but my how things have changed.
I have a second child now. Yes, she may be an adult, but she's now part of my family. And you know what? I would never regret that. I love her so much, but I had to be ready. She'd have to leave me sooner or later. She was a soldier at the end of the day. One of Zandro's operators. If he needs her for something, I could fight and beg, but that wasn't going to be fair to her. She wants to protect her home and I have no right to stop her. It's a feeling all parents feel when their kid joins the army. They fear for their safety.
Here I was having a deep conversation with myself, while both Maggie and Zeta were here talking about the wedding. Both of them were two peas in a pod, but Zeta was feeling more like a mother again now that she knew she officially had a second kid in her life around her. I think they were picking out cups? I chimed in for a moment to make sure I was right and I quickly found out I was absolutely correct. If Cody wasn't lying, this could take hours. Especially since they were trying to get them to perfectly match the tablecloths which we decided would be maroon.
"What do you think hun?" Zeta asked me as she held out the color palette of over a hundred different shades. I had to pick one? Why? I don't care. They were driving me crazy, so now I figured I'd start to fight back a little by replying after a few intense moments of silence.
"Orange."
"What? Really?" Both her and Maggie said that together perfectly. Giving them a confused look back I replied.
"It goes better with the tablecloths."
Together they snatched the palette from my hands and began to stare deeply at the color I chose. In concern for my mental health, they both looked back at me a few moments later and questioned.
"Why?"
I couldn't help but laugh and that's when Zeta smiled and informed Maggie who just looked a little confused with what I found funny.
"He's being a fucking jackass. Take this seriously, hun."
Giving her a somewhat sadder look, I replied in my defense.
"I'm trying, but it's hard."
"Why? Isn't this important?" Maggie asked me as I turned my attention to her to reply.
"It is baby, but listen to me. This is gonna sound cold, but it's true. I've had two weddings prior to this one here. I went all out for my first one. I tried for my second. My third? I don't have it in me to care to the same degree. I love Zeta. I love you." I shifted my focus to Zeta who quickly snickered.
"You damn well better."
Chuckling, I said to her next directly.
"I do, but please look at this from my shoes. I don't have this in me again. I just don't fucking care about the color of the cups, the shape of the forks and spoons, the fucking flowers or even what food we have. I just don't. I'm happy just being there. I'm happy just to have you. This is your dream day. This is your wedding. Make it perfect, but for you. I just want you to be happy at the end because I already know I'll be."
Zeta was on the verge of not taking me seriously because she just considered me lazy at this point in our relationship, but I think Maggie being here meant something more to her. She saw her reaction towards what I just said and she believed it in suit. It was the truth though. I wasn't lying or being lazy. I just didn't have it in me to go through this process for the third time in a row. So after considering her new daughter's feelings, Zeta looked back at me to reply.
"If it was anyone else? If it wasn't you of all the people out there in this fucked up world we live in? I wouldn't believe a word coming out of your mouth, but I know you well enough. Fine. I understand. I'll make this wedding all about me. Are you sure you're okay with that? You want no part in this?"
Nodding my head I replied happily.
"I'm absolutely certain hun. I want you to be happy. Go all out. Have fun with it."
"I will." She then chuckled as she turned to Maggie to ask her.
"Do you want to remain a part of this?"
She nodded just as fast as I did and with just as much vigor she replied.
"I definitely want to be a part of this."
Giving her a wide smile, Zeta looked right back at me to urge.
"Go ahead then and leave us. I know you want to get back to doing whatever it is you do. Go have fun without us."
"Thank god." I whispered back which earned me a quick smack to my arm as I got up from the table.
"Wait, Raptor!" Maggie shouted as I had already begun my walk to the door. Turning back around to look at her, I listened as she asked me.
"When can we train together again?"
"Whenever Zandro lets me loose a little. We'll get back to training. I promise you that kiddo."
Maggie smiled happily as I waved off Zeta and proceeded to leave the room. Yoga waited for me outside and when he saw me he questioned.
"That was fast. Did you guys finish? Or are we running?"
"Running." I chuckled as I picked up the pace.
Yoga kept up and once at my side he informed me.
"Zandro is releasing the lockdown in an hour. Security has been increased all around the capital and he's requesting we add another full time bodyguard to your roster. That or we have Zulu 2-7 do the heavy lifting and I go on leave for a week or two. He's upset that he's been forcing a lot of things on you these last few days, so he wants this to be your choice."
Looking at my friend, I asked him back out of curiosity.
"Do you want to go on leave? You've earned a rest."
"Absolutely not. I'm good. Plus I know what happens if I leave to take a break. Shit goes down every time. Fuck that. I'm staying right here."
Taking his opinion seriously, I then asked him.
"Well let's say we go for another full time guard. Any preferences?"
"So long as whoever it is isn't a douchebag; I'm game for whoever you want to bring on board. But unless you plan on killing them at some point, I'd suggest it be someone who knows…what you are. That way we can avoid the unpleasantries and I don't have to go through the effort of forgetting them if information slips the net."
"Agreed." I said back to him as we were heading for my office. On the way there I admitted to him.
"That could be hard though, Yoga. Not many others have that privilege. Apart from Zeta and her family of course; there just aren't many options."
"Maggie? Maybe Peek?" He wondered happily as I had considered it an idea at first glance. Giving the ferret a somewhat worried look back, I replied a moment later.
"Peek can't. He's got a family in the US to worry about. That and I'm sure he doesn't want to spend the rest of his active life in the middle east guarding an asshole."
"You're not an asshole." Yoga chuckled as I firmly said back to him.
"No, I am. Don't get it confused. As for Maggie, I know for a fact she'd jump on the opportunity, but she's…..new. She doesn't have that instinct yet that makes you a good guard. Not like you anyhow."
"Maybe if you gave her the chance though, she'd be quick to learn? I saw her scores when she was trying out for Zandro's unit. She's not a pushover Raptor. She's smart as hell, fast as hell, and very well put together both mentally and physically. She also doesn't seem like the type of girl to let her guard down if she was tasked with something this important. Fuck make it her job and she'll probably surpass me in no time."
"You're really pushing for her. What's in this for you?"
"Nothing!" Yoga laughed back as he then informed me.
"If we got two choices and one of them isn't gonna work, then what the hell else can I do when you're on the fence about it?"
We reached my office and together we entered to find it empty. Just the way I liked it. As Yoga shut the door behind us I replied to his last sentence.
"Only reason I'm on the fence about it is because she's now legally my daughter. I don't like the idea of my child risking her life to protect me. In fact it should be the other way around. I should be looking out for her. Which I'm trying to do by telling you it could be a bad idea."
"She wants to serve and she loves you more than life itself. Fuck even before the adoption happened that was a fact. I'd talk to her about it and see what she wants to do. You're not at fault for taking anything away from her if she chooses this on her own, you know?"
Yoga had a good point. One I hadn't considered. Maybe he was right. I'd talk to her about it and see what she would want to do. If she wants to spend her service protecting me? Well then I guess that's okay so long as she's happy doing it. I just hope Zandro is okay with it. But at the very least he should be aware of the possibility and since this is my choice to make, then it's my call. Giving my friend back a smile, I nodded and informed him of my decision.
"You're right. I won't be at fault. I'll bring it up to her next time we get the chance to train together. Could be tonight if Zandro and time permits."
"I think that's the best move. Maybe give her Zeta's old uniform? The mask was badass." Yoga stated which got me to start laughing. He gave me an equally as loud laugh back as I quickly informed him of policy.
"I wish I could, but that mask has been laid to rest, along with all of our old gear. That and the M.E.A.F has a strict uniform policy Yoga. You know that as well as anyone since you're my personal guard. Masks are frowned upon. It "hides true intentions" according to the genius who wrote up the policies."
"Some of Zandro's people get to wear them though from what I've heard."
"Zandro's operators are as close to wet work operators as we get in this army. They need to keep their identities hidden and unlike the rest of the grunts, they tend to work alone or in small groups and strictly work with each other. They don't ever work with the ordinary soldier the M.E.A.F enlists." I told him now directly from behind my desk.
"Still would be badass if the president's guards were scary as fuck looking. No one would fuck with us." Yoga sighed. Hearing his tone made me smile and I had to ask him.
"You don't want Maggie wearing one. You just want to wear one. Don't you?"
"I'm ugly. Of course I do." The ferret replied with a smile and that was enough to make me order him.
"Shut up. You're not ugly and you know it. I saw you flirting with Vacus the other day. She doesn't think you're ugly."
Yoga immediately widened his eyes and began to blush as I called him out. At which point he struggled to respond, but soon got out this.
"I wasn't….Vacus is just a cool cat. I like cool people and she's….?"
"A good distance ahead of you in age?" I wondered with another cheeky smile.
"Fuck her age man. That shit is just a number. So what? She can rob me from my cradle anyday."
Not wanting to object to the young man, I offered him some advice.
"Word of advice, Yoga? If your goal is to win her over then all you need to do is be confident and be yourself. If you want to get in her pants? I can't help you there, but doing the same thing might work just as well considering how well put together you are."
"Aww. You think I'm well put together?" He asked me back which at this point earned him the finger. The ferret began to laugh madly as I switched my focus back onto what little paperwork I had left thanks to Hoffer.
Maggie's POV, Later that night.
"This our new meeting spot?" I asked as I came to meet Raptor at the exact same bench that sat outside the capital's main building. The same bench where he tried to tell me about his secret. The secret I was still trying to fully believe.
Looking up at me from where he sat, my father….? I stopped mid thought to ask myself if I really just called him my father? It felt so weird to say after losing my real dad. Was this too soon? I felt bad for some reason.
Giving me a smile, Raptor replied to my first question.
"It's a nice spot around here. Open air, plenty of people, and a good view of the moon."
Now unlike last time, we had Yoga with us. The ferret stood idly by as I smiled and proceeded to wonder.
"You're right, but what's up? I was just getting ready for bed."
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I wanted to talk to you about something. It's important. It's about your current occupation." Raptor stated back. Giving him a concerned looked as I sat down next to him, I asked back.
"What about it? We're talking about me being one of Zandro's operators right?"
Raptor nodded and with a hand going to my left he said to me truthfully.
"Yes. I'm worried for you. I don't like the idea of one of my daughters going halfway across the world performing black ops."
"I can handle that though." I informed him as I took a second to part my hair so it wasn't getting in the way of my vision.
"I know you can handle it. I know what you can do. Everyone does, but as a father I'm looking at this in the same way I would be if Samantha was in your shoes. I don't like the idea of you potentially getting into trouble without anyone around to help you. The idea of you getting hurt or killed is haunting and it keeps me thinking. I'm only saying this because I care. I love you baby. I do, but I've also learned from my mistakes. I don't want to make the decision for you."
"What decision?" I then asked back curiously as his words made my heart warm. Squeezing my hand he replied.
"It's a decision revolving around what you want to do more. You want to keep working with Zandro and his people? I won't get in your way, so long as you are happy. But I want to offer you an out."
"An out?" I proceeded to hum under my breath which got him to nod his head and reply.
"Zandro wants me to enlist another personal bodyguard. It's full time and it's the exact same thing Yoga here does. He can attest."
"Exactly the same thing." Yoga said that back perfectly and on time. With both my eyes wide open now I continued to listen as Raptor went on to say.
"We've talked about it. Yoga and I. Considering the circumstances revolving around what I am, we want that position to be filled by someone who already knows the story. Someone trustworthy and someone who knows what they're doing. And I can't think of anyone else that's more fit for the job then you. That's if you want it. I don't…?"
"I'll do it!" I shouted out bluntly which got both of them to stop what they were doing in their tracks. Raptor looked at me with a smile and questioned.
"Are you sure? Listen hun, I don't want to force this upon you. I know you want to serve your homeland and….?" Cutting him off I questioned.
"What better way to serve my homeland than to be in charge of protecting its Commander? It's President? You're not forcing anything upon me. In fact you're giving me my way out from working with Zandro in the first place. His operators are horrible to me and for a matter of fact; I've been really hoping to stay in the country ever since we started bonding. Between you and Zeta….I mean mom. I've been craving this. But are you guys really serious? Like this isn't a joke?"
"Absolutely not." Yoga informed me with a chuckle as I looked right back at Raptor to await his response.
"We're not joking at all, baby. We need you. Now of course there are some things you'll have to be taught and Yoga is gonna be perfect for the training, but this is a serious offer. Wherever I go, you go. If I have to go to the US? You'll have to tag along. If I need to be in Iran for a meeting? You'll need to drive me there. Hell if I have to use the bathroom you'll have to stand outside the door. It's a full time gig and there aren't many breaks."
"That's perfectly fine. I wanna do this. This has been a dream of mine for a long time."
"So you're absolutely sure this is what you want to do? You're okay watching after me?"
"I'm more than okay with it. I'm….I'm so…..I'm so excited! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" I shouted as I lunged for a hug. My dad caught me with ease and into my left ear he replied happily.
"You're welcome! But this is serious, remember that. Yoga will be training you and we'll start tomorrow morning after my meeting with the press. Does that sound good?"
"It sounds awesome!" I was so happy. He couldn't hope to comprehend it. Letting him go from my hug, I stared right into his purple eyes as he then urged me.
"Then how about you go get some rest? I'll come find you after my meeting. I shouldn't have anything else planned for the day so we can really take our time getting you up to speed. You're gonna be learning from one of the best."
"That's cap." Yoga chuckled. Raptor looked back at him in confusion to question.
"Cap?" Giving him a somewhat embarrassed look back, Yoga explained while trying not to break eye contact.
"Cap? It means you're talking crazy."
"Since when?" Raptor asked him back seriously as I decided to jump back into the conversation to say.
"It's slang. Younger people say it."
Looking back at me my dad sighed.
"I'd rather you just call me crazy then if that's what I have to try and decipher now."
Yoga and I both began to laugh and for a moment a lot made sense. It felt good to just be alive. Not a feeling I get everyday. Looking at my father, I decided to say to him directly and in the most serious tone I could muster.
"I'm not gonna let you down. I swear it."
Smiling at me deeply, Raptor came in to hug me once more. This time however I said to him softly into his ear.
"I love you…dad."
His grip grew tighter as he replied.
"I love you too."
Sam's POV. Iran.
My journey was meeting its end. The hike to the extraction point with Ace, Gwent, and Dusk went well for the most part, but we had since parted ways. No clue where they could be going and I doubt I would find out soon.
Since that point though I've been in a truck with this old guy. Looked a few years older then Dusk, but the main difference were the faces. Dusk looked somewhat normal. This guy just looked miserable.
A fully fleshed out white and black colored hedgehog. He had a frown that could make a person wonder what shit in his coffee, but to me I could pick up on his body language thanks to my powers. He was acting. Probably wanted to try and intimidate me ever since I've been with him alone for this trip into Iran's borders. Too bad really. I wasn't scared of anyone at this point in my life. My mental game was stronger than ever thanks to Roslin being my master. And with Ace's advice in my head about how to act around Tika, I had a lot more than just confidence going into this. But I was ready for the unexpected. I had no way of knowing what would happen.
"We're almost there." My driver informed me as I looked out the window to see we were indeed staying outside of the city. In fact we were nowhere near the place. This was well into the mountains and probably the best spot for a group like this to operate out of. But would this be their main base? Or a smaller little outpost of sorts? Questions I'd have answers to in time I'm sure.
Ace had informed the driver that I understood English, yet didn't speak it. I was grateful that he was deciding to let me speak how I wanted. I fully expected him to tell everyone I could speak it, but surprisingly I was wrong. With that in mind though, the driver ordered me slowly and carefully so I could get every word that was leaving his mouth.
"When we get there you need to grab your shit and go straight inside. No fucking around. Just do what you're told and don't try to start any shit. Out here we're liable to kill you and there ain't no one around to stop that from happening. So again, do what you're told."
I kept myself together and was mentally preparing myself. I had all my energy. Both my mortal and my demi energy was at max. So I was ready for anything. Not to mention I've been doing my best to calm my nerves. I was as strong as steel. Even if Tika tried, I wasn't going to budge. I wasn't going to be afraid. I was going to make this right.
A few minutes later we pulled up to a small trail that went straight through two boulders and into a smaller mountain. I figured the base to be underground if we were out this far into the wilderness. Inside however I was already gathering intel. This couldn't be the main attraction. Too small and give or take a little over ten people. One of which was an immediate standout from the others and it was none other than Tika.
"Get out. Head down the trail and into the cave. You can't miss it." My driver said to me as I calmly grabbed my two bags and exited the vehicle.
For the most part if I wasn't about to be involved with terrorists, I'd say this was a very relaxing day. A good hike, a good long drive in silence, and now the mountain air gracing my lungs. Yet my adult mind was coming back to me and I was refocusing on Tika who laid ahead in wait for me. I could sense her whole being from where I was thanks to my gifts.
She had to be maybe five foot eight, but she was a bird much like my uncle Peek. Not a species I'd think to see in the middle east of all places. Or I should say her type of bird? She was a sparrow. Brown with white and black feathers and two equally brown eyes. Dressed in rags and a smaller chest rig that looked like it could be surplus from the M.E.A.F. She was also armed with a machete. Was that for me? I had to wonder as I soon came within sight of the cave.
"Hold it!" I heard someone shout at me from inside. I couldn't really see from the distance I was at, but soon found a white human male aiming an AK at me as he stepped out into the sunlight.
"State your business!" I was then ordered.
With my bag swinging from my right hand, I replied in Russian.
"Here to see Tika!"
It was no shock that this dude couldn't decipher most of what I just said. Thank god I said her name though, cause the moment he heard Tika the gun lowered and he snickered in disappointment.
"Son of a bitch. I thought I'd get to shoot something today. You must be that contractor she's waiting for. You don't speak English?"
Shaking my head, I smiled as the kid proceeded to sigh and order me.
"Wonder how this is gonna go. Drop the bags."
He pointed at my duffel as his way of showing me what he meant. I dropped it all of course and watched as he came within feet of me to then order.
"Okay now turn around. Slow."
I played along as he began to pat me down just in case I had anything else on me. Once he found nothing and took my belongings I was then ordered with a gun to my back.
"Now turn back around and get walking. Boss is waiting. Don't worry. Everything goes well and you'll get this all back. Till then you play nice."
I nodded as we started our walk into the cave. A few steps after I had nodded to him, I was asked curiously.
"Do you understand English at least?"
Again I nodded and that earned me a smile from the man holding me at gunpoint. A moment later he said happily.
"That's something at least. I'm pretty fucking sure none of us speak Russian here. Communication is key right now, but if I were you I'd just keep quiet."
It didn't take us long to reach the main room of the cave. It was a pretty big open area, but almost all the space was taken by a surplus of munitions. RPGs, crates of AKs and more ammo cans then I could hope to ever count. The kid holding me on course to Tika stated.
"Sorry for the mess. This is one of the few ammo dumps we have around the country. It's a lot easier storing this stuff inside a mountain rather than a warehouse."
Seems my assumption was on par thus far and when we had made it to the second room with TIka, I found myself halted by the rest of the staff. Everyone of them was armed and some looked nastier than others, but my eyes could only focus on the bird as she stared at me from a small table they had maybe twenty meters from where I was standing. She was gripping that blade of hers strong, but once she figured out who I was she ordered her people with an outright brutal growl for a bird to have.
"Stand down you fucking twats!" For a moment I asked myself if she used the word twat because she was British or if that was just a word she liked using? I quickly realized she was actually British when her growl had lowered and more of her accent came out.
"Sam, right? You just gonna fucking stand there? Come over here. I don't bite."
I took a look around the room just to get an idea of what was going on around me. Everyone was quiet as I began to walk towards the bird. Maybe a foot away from the table was when she decided to slam the tip of her machete into the center of it. She must have thought that would scare me, because I saw the way she was looking at me change when she realized I didn't even react. I just stopped on the other end of the table and motioned my hand towards the chair I had in front of me. She chuckled for a second before replying.
"Be my guest. We have a lot to talk about."
As I pulled out my chair, she screamed out at her troops.
"Everyone leave us! Now!"
I began to look around as each person filed out of the room in record time. Now it was just her and I. I sat and she sat, but before she could even get comfortable she was quick to ask.
"Let me clear something up first of all. You speak English right? Be honest with me now."
I sensed that I should obey what she wishes. Lying would end up bad for me. Ace could have easily told her I spoke the language when he was making the connection for me. So sitting comfortably in my seat, I replied in english.
"I do. Yet it's not my native tongue."
"I don't give a shit. Talk how you want, but around me you speak english. Are we clear about that rule?"
I nodded my head once towards her and that's when she decided to switch the subject by stating to me from her side of the table.
"Good. Well let's make sure we get off on the right foot together. This meeting? This…..conversation we're having? Well it ends one of three ways. The first is quite simple. You aren't leaving this cave alive if you turn down the other two options. I don't trust anyone these days. Especially with information and you have a lot more information then most about our operations thanks to Ace and the rest of my people. I have nothing personal against you, but this has to be stated for the record. Now again, am I clear about that?"
"Sure." I replied as she sighed and leaned in to explain the rest to me.
"Perfect. Just the way I like it. Now Ace and I already discussed who and what you are and it's the only reason you're here now speaking to me personally. Your work with Esteban and his two cronies was beyond perfect and like I just said, that's what I like to see. Especially when it comes to our business. Ace already informed you that my people and I are looking for more recruits to fill the ranks. People who are skilled at their craft and your seems to be assassinations and planning. Those are two talents we need to continue living in today's world. We don't exist and that's because everyone who works with us keeps their activities below sea level. G.U.N and the M.E.A.F are on the lookout for any and all terrorists."
"So you are terrorists?" I asked her curiously as she seemed prepared to answer the few questions I could have. Giving me a slow but steady nod she replied a moment later.
"That's what the world views us as. We're more like freedom fighters if you ask me. We're the only people trying to make things right out here. What the M.E.A.F has in store for the world in terms of political dominance is quite frightening. Everyone dedicated to one unified banner? That's not freedom for all. It's a dictatorship where men like G.U.N 's President Ajex and the M.E.A.F's leader, Raptor Voltz, thrive. Even the people who would come after them would be in charge of the world and its resources and it only takes one person to fuck it all up."
"It also only takes one person to fix it."
Tika looked at me with a serious stare, but she liked what left my mouth. I knew that when she smirked and chuckled out.
"You're right, but are you that person you speak of? You went out of your way to kill a president. My question to you is why?"
"I work for money. I work for myself. Killing Esteban was nothing more than that." I informed her back as she then questioned.
"Yet you work for the network, correct? If that's the case then I know about as well as anyone else that Esteban didn't have an open contract. You did what you did for free. You did what you did for nothing. Why?"
"I don't have much of a resume to my name. I needed something big if I wanted to get noticed."
"I beg to differ." Tika said back as I watched as she slowly stood up from the table to begin pacing. Pointing right at me as she walked side to side, she smiled yet said in a rough and intimidating voice.
"Ace told me everything. I know you took out the entire U.S based mafia crime families during a little sit down meeting they had planned after you had previously assaulted another family in Los Angeles by yourself. That's quite a big bullet point to have on your record. Are you trying to tell me that's not good enough for you?"
"What I did in the U.S. was my own business. Taking out the Cora family was personal. The rest of them? Well let's just say that I saw the money I'd be earning if I took a chance at the sit down."
"Poison, right? You barely had to lift a finger to make those millions you're sitting on. That's not something just anyone can pull off. So tell me….are you ex-military? Where were you trained?"
Crossing my arms, I replied as she awaited her answer.
"I don't believe that's any of your business. I don't do what I do by giving everyone my personal information. You're only seeing me right now because I'm letting you and I'd consider that a privilege in your case. You only need to know my name and even that is a stretch."
Tika was exactly how Ace described. Tough on the inside and out, but she was respecting me more and more as I spoke up to her this way. She really does like people with backbone. Giving me a dead serious glare as her way of trying to intimidate me, she then wondered out loud.
"So do you have a nickname then? Something else you prefer to be called?"
It barely took me a moment to think of the answer and it came in the form of the mask I wore.
"Anpu."
Tika chuckled before questioning.
"You mean Anubis? The Egyptian god of the underworld? The jackal of the dead? Quite fitting as names go, but from what I recall in my history classes growing up, isn't Anubis good? What you do; now that's considered evil."
"Consider what you will, but what I do is necessary. The people I kill? They all deserve to die for more than just one reason alone." I stated as she then asked curiously.
"What about the people you kill that don't deserve it?"
"We all have our flaws. Mine is money and if I have to kill people like Esteban to get to those higher paying contracts, then so be it. It doesn't matter who it is. It can be a kid for all I care. If the pay is good enough, then I'll make sure it gets done. My moral compass was shattered long ago. I don't feel anymore. Not for anyone."
"I have no doubts that you're a killer. No doubt that you can pull the trigger when told. What doubt do I have? Loyalty. You're a contractor. You're in this for yourself. You work alone, right? Are you capable of playing for a team?" Tika asked me as I briefly considered what I should say. Before long I said back to her with a direct line to my cold heart etched in the words.
"I work for anyone that can pay. If the price is right, then I'll do what must be done."
"Do you believe in causes? Because like I said once before, this group? The people I surround myself with? Well we all believe in a cause. Everyone here has bled, killed, or died for that cause. What's to say you won't turn your back on us if someone just so happens to offer you more? G.U.N for example?"
"G.U.N? The good government of the world? They don't associate with people like me. They don't even know I exist and if they did? Do you think for a second they'd hire the same person who's so far single handedly destroyed one of their allies? What about the M.E.A.F? Those soldiers are out for blood in Azerbaijan."
"They're scared." Tika informed me back as I smirked and replied back to her.
"Well they damn well better be. My job is selfish. I'll give you that, but what I do is something no other contractor can do. I killed a president and not a single fucking person knows how. I have half the world looking over their shoulders and rethinking they're security and I got more than enough people wanting to locate me. Be that for the purpose of killing me or hiring me. People like you. After all, I didn't try to find Ace. That man found me and he made me the offer. An offer you must have extended, because from what I picked up from talking to the rabbit; your word must be as good as god's. It's clear they have respect for you."
"They respect me because they fear me. We have a very specific chain of command and I make it a point to make sure that everyone working for me knows who the boss is. Even someone like you will learn that."
Tika and I stared at one another in silence for a few moments. She was trying to get a read on me. She was curious why I was this confident and relaxed. Yet she had intentions for what she planned to do with me. She was indeed plotting a way to try and break me and that was too bad for her because I had no intentions of folding my hand anytime soon. So after another second, I asked her.
"So what were those two other options you mentioned?"
The bird now reached across the table for her blade and I looked at it calmly as she pulled it out and proceeded to rest it on her lap before replying.
"The choice comes down to you and what you want. At the end of this conversation we're having, I just want you out there making us money. You're good at what you do, clearly. Maybe even the best considering Esteban's fate. But I don't trust you. Not yet. You're going to work for me and my people. That's a fact. You don't get a choice when it comes to that, but what you do get to decide is this."
The bird now reached over the table with the machete; pointing it at my neck.
"You can continue working on your own, but it comes at the cost of a higher percentage due to me and my family. You're also going to be restricted to where you can go to conduct your business. For example? Right here in Iran. There are plenty of things to do and people to kill, but I decide what contracts you take from this point on and there won't be any more closed contracts to undertake. The percentage will be forty percent. No negotiations."
At this moment I was just focused on listening. She was dead set on making me her bitch it seemed by limiting me this much, but I couldn't push my luck further by arguing. At least not yet. Taking the blade off my neck, she explained the second choice.
"Option two? You want your freedom? Well then you're gonna have to prove your loyalty. I have a job in mind that could help me trust you a bit more. Maybe expose some more of your colors. You'll be working with a partner though. Someone who has been working for our group for years and someone I can most certainly trust with your evaluation. Everything goes well and they vouch for you, and I'll let you off the leash and you can continue to conduct your business on your own while having to pay us a lower rate. Let's say twenty? But don't get this twisted. You work for me and my people from this moment going forward. You do what I say, when I say it and there aren't any exceptions to that. Now how does that sound?"
She was smiling at me as I was considering my choice. I had to choose something, but it came down to what mattered more. The money? Or my duty as a G.U.N soldier? I'd get the information one way or the other, but it would take time regardless of what I do here now. I suppose when I look at it that way it didn't make any sense to choose option one. So looking back at Tika I replied.
"I'll do it your way."
Leaning on the table now, Tika shot me a sinister smile then shouted.
"Good! No point in delaying this any further then yeah?!"
"What kinda job do you have in mind?"
Looking behind me the bird replied.
"An easy one. On your way to this room, what did you see?"
"Besides all the ordnance? All your people look tired."
"Bingo!" She shouted as she now stood up with the blade at her side. I watched curiously as she proceeded to come around to my side to offer me her other hand. I took it and once I was pulled up to my feet she explained her excitement.
"You're absolutely correct. My people are tired. They're up all hours of the day keeping a sharp eye out for any trouble. Sleep isn't a thing they get to indulge in when it comes to working with me. The way we operate is very simple. In the army there are ranks. Here in our group there are only two. Lowers and uppers. I'm one of the very few uppers. In total there are five of us and every lower in our group is tasked and the men here are tasked with keeping me safe and sound and I run them like slaves, because they are. Guard duty of an upper is nothing less than that. It may seem easy, but there are a lot of steps to learn. We don't trust just any lower with our lives. Everyone here is a veteran believer and because of that fact, they're all prepared for the duty and will push through the troubles that come with full time shifts."
"How do they hope to remain sharp if they all work around the clock? I doubt an energy drink or two can handle that stress." I said back to her as she chuckled and proceeded to state back to me.
"You're right, it doesn't. That's why my people take drugs. Speed to be precise."
"Does everyone do that?" I questioned in some disbelief as she again laughed and replied.
"No. Of course not. Just my group. The other uppers have free reign on how they make their teams work. I'm sure my method is a bit extreme, but one small dose is enough to keep them up for weeks and by the time it wears off I will already have a fresh group trading places. We don't keep the same teams for long. It helps keep morale up. I'd hate to be in this cave for the rest of my service. Which in any case leads me to your first assignment."
Standing just about an inch below my height, Tika proceeded to say.
"We're gonna be moving the operation and that means we'll be moving all the ordnance we have stored away. For that to happen we're gonna need a truck. More likely two of them if we plan to take everything with us. We're also running low on our "alertness" supplement. Thankfully I know where we can get both it and the trucks."
Using her blade to point to my left, my eyes followed its direction to find out she was pointing at a map she and her people had laid out on top of an ammo crate.
"Let me show you what I'm thinking."
The bird took the first step and I followed till we had reached the map where she proceeded to stab the location she had picked out. Once she had struck it, she said to me confidently.
"Iran before the war ended was a pretty secure place to produce all types of drugs. Meth, opioids, heroin, cocaine, and speed included. Even after the war it still is. There are plenty of operations doing this kind of work. All of them are littered in locations such as this. A ragtag group of bandits operate east of here about ten miles from where we are now. They're held up in an old mine shaft that the army used to mine iron out from about twenty years back. Then half the place collapsed due to a shitty placement of TNT. The army pulled out because two of the workers were killed in the process. Haven't been back since and I doubt they ever will. I want you to go there, secure the trucks, secure whatever drugs they have stockpiled and kill anyone that stands in your way. It's far enough out of the way that no one will ever hear the commotion."
Nodding my head as I stared at the location, I asked aloud.
"Are these guys armed?"
"I've had one of my people staking out the location for the last month. From what information I was given these guys have basic hardware. Nothing to be worried about."
"How many are there?" I then asked her as my eyes went back to her.
"About a dozen or so I think. My man was never able to scout the interior of the mine, but it's a rough estimate considering the foot traffic going into and out of the mine. Nothing a girl like you can't handle. Think you can handle it?" She then asked me as I quickly nodded my head then replied.
"Shouldn't be too hard, but I need to see the place for myself to be sure."
"Lucky for you I've already recalled my operator. Should be back soon and once they are you'll be following him back to the vantage point."
"Is this scout also the partner you mentioned?" I asked curiously as she quickly nodded and replied.
"Catch on quick. You treat this in the same regard you did Esteban, and we'll consider you officially part of the pack. How's that sound?"
"Sounds like we have a plan." I said back with some excitement.
Smiling once more, Tika then urged me while pointing back to the exit.
"Then go retrieve your things and get ready to hike. Oh and…..Anpu? Fuck this up?"
She was being serious and she didn't have to say anything else. That was a clear threat and I took it as such by giving her an angry glare back. However upon seeing my reaction she started to laugh again to herself. I took that as my queue to leave and leave I did. The walk back to the cave's entrance was a slow one. All of her people were staring at me as if I was an enemy. I couldn't blame them. I was fresh meat to them, but maybe after I prove I can handle myself that will all change.
mT Shadow.