The desert of Al Mazrah was like most deserts anywhere in the world. Sand, rocks, and brush dotted the landscape with an occasional rock mountain. To add to it was the wind that blew through, tossing up sand and dirt. It was a typical middle of nowhere scene as the lone man approached the crack in the rock structure he was approaching.
Gold Eagle Actual, Shadow-1 is weapons hot. We're burning daylight here.
Copy, Graves. Stand by. Laswell, do we have confirmation?
Watcher-1 to Bravo 0-7, you in position?
Ghost paused in his march to answer Laswell, "Nearly there." He surveyed the trail that was revealed by the light overhead as he came out from the tunnel before starting forward.
The mission was an airstrike against the Iranian general Ghorbrani. Intel pointed to a meeting in the desert. Ghost was to scout it out and verify the target was there. Not too hard, but then again, things could FUBAR really quick. So, he was alert as he made his way through the trail.
A helicopter sounded overhead, and he paused to look up, "Got a heli incoming."
That's General Ghorbrani.
He's punctual, I'll give him that. Seems like the intel was spot on. Now get up there and let's what he's up to in the middle of nowhere.
Ghost continued up the trail. There was no one there, but he was alert as he approached the outcropping where he could see everything. He felt his lip twitch when he saw a familiar sight leaning on the rock wall before they turned and faced him.
"Took your sweet time getting here," Nicolette Walker, call sign Ryan, said with a smirk. "Take the scenic route?"
"This is your doing. You gave the insert point," Ghost pointed out. He pushed past her to see what she had been watching and cued in his comm, "I'm eyes on."
"Never said I was elsewhere," she replied as she turned to look out at what they had come to see. "Besides, I was bored and missed you."
"Didn't miss you," he muttered.
Since the 141 was started three years ago, Ghost had been often paired with Nicolette on certain missions. The first time they met, he felt like he had been shoved into hell. He wasn't used to her playful manner when it came to how she talked to people and about herself. She was rude, insulting and could swear like a fucking sailor when she wanted. They had clashed horribly until one mission forced him to realize how much she was like him in execution of a mission and how she approached a situation. The difference lay in how they handled it. Since then, they had respect for one another and while she could still rile him up, he had her back, and she had his though neither would admit it out loud. She did like to call him out on it.
"Now I know you did," Nicolette shot back as she put a spotter scope to her eye.
What do you see?
Ghost pulled up his spotter scope to survey the area. "Armed personnel, armor, and hardware… All Russian."
What the hell are the Russians doing with Ghorbrani?
Nicolette couldn't help but counter and was careful to stay off comms, "Doing what they did in fucking Afghan."
Ghost glanced at her and shook his head. He knew she didn't like Shepherd or Shadow Company and never missed an opportunity to say something. She would work with them but didn't trust them and usually sent her intel through him to get to Laswell or on a secure line to Laswell. Another mark of respect he had for her.
Supplying Iran. It's an arms deal.
"No fucking shit," Nicolette said as she adjusted her scope. She motioned to Ghost, "Move in near the heli. I think that's him."
You copying this, Shadow-1?
Affirmative- two birds, one stone.
We need positive ID on Ghorbrani before we kick this off boys.
Ghost, can you identify the general?
Ghost had zoomed in where Nicolette pointed out. He reported, "Armed escorts around one VIP. Russians are very happy to see him."
It'll be the last time they do.
"They've got patrols on a twenty-meter perimeter," Nicolette said as she tracked the movement. She looked around. "Some impressive hardware. Nice way to fuck our day."
"Aye," Ghost agreed.
Watch that VIP, Ghost, that's gotta be him.
"It is him," Nicolette said. "He wouldn't miss his own party. This is not the thing that is handed off to an incompetent like Zyani."
Ghost glanced at her. He knew she followed politics and military movements like most people did rugby and football. She lived up to her call sign by supplying reports. In his mind, she was intitled to make an opinion on things. He had to ask, "What you'd do?"
"Maybe," she replied with hint of teasing in her tone.
Ghost made a sound as he continued to peer through his scope. The wind whipping up the dust didn't help much, but he had to identify Ghorbrani. He got his chance when the VIP turned, and he got a good look. "Visual on General Ghorbrani."
Copy. All stations- target confirmed.
Shadow-1- You are cleared hot for launch.
Roger that, Actual. Ghost you are danger close to the zone. This arrow's gonna pack a punch.
Ghost looked at Nicolette as if to expect something from her. He cued his comm, "Copy. Approved. Send it."
Nicolette chuckled. While she couldn't see his face, she had an idea of the expression she had. Apart from one other person, she actually got to see his face. Since then, it was a source of amusement when others tried to get him to take it off. Sometimes she would tease him about pinching his cheeks just to annoy him, but she always was grateful for the reason why he took it off. She looked at him and said, "I always like a good firework show."
"Piss off, Ryan," he muttered at her.
She laughed as they turned to watch the meeting site. The people at ground zero had no idea what was coming. A small part of her did worry that because Russians were involved and that it could be seen as an act of war if Russia decided to beat its chest at the U.S. "Well, I do," she replied with a slight pout.
All stations, Shadow-1. Missile is ready for immediate delivery, stand by for launch.
They both continued to watch the meeting below while Graves counted down the launch and announced the missile was away. Nicolette put away her scout scope. She leaned against the rock wall and crossed her arms over her chest as she watched the scene with an intense look that gave the impression that she didn't give a fuck about what was going to happen. One hand was near where her rifle was hanging, ready to jump in if something happened.
Ghost knew that look well and noted her position. She was ready to jump in just as he was. Another trait they shared. "Don't be tense," he said.
"I'm not," she replied. "This is relaxed."
Ghost gave a nod as they waited for the missile. They heard Graves over the comms as he relayed that all systems were good as the missile was manually guided in. It came like a streak of white smoke before the missile impacted in a flash of light. Both turned their heads to avoid the brunt of the flash. The sound followed along with the shockwave of the impact.
The missile had decimated the area. If anyone was left alive, they would wish they were dead. If the blast didn't kill them, the concussion would have turned their insides to liquid goo. It wasn't a pretty way to go. They watched as the dust began to settle and Ghost couldn't help but mutter, "Bloody fucking hell."
"Fucking hell is right," Nicolette agreed. She tapped her comm in her ear, "Addy, do you have aerial visual above?"
Affirmative, S64. Target destroyed.
Nicolette looked at Ghost and nodded. Ghost accepted it and reported, "Direct… Target destroyed."
Good work. Bring it in.
Ghost turned and looked at Nicolette. "Seems you got another one, Ryan."
"No. Fucking coincidence I stumbled on it."
"Ever the humble little shit."
Nicolette twitched her lip in a smirk when she looked at him as she picked up her rifle. It was nothing knew when he insulted her like that. "And you're a fucking British asshole."
"Still didn't miss you."
Nicolette couldn't help but laugh at that. She adjusted her grip on her rifle and followed Ghost out to the rendezvous. Things were just getting started.
Modern Warfare II: Cry Havoc
Three Months Later
Ghost gave a slight roll of his eyes as he looked at Nicolette. Ever since they received the call to go back to Al Mazrah, this time for Ghorbrani's second in command, Hassan Zyani, she had been extra annoying. He was too stubborn to admit that he was amused by it, and she seemed chipper than she was three months earlier. When they left the desert, he hadn't failed to notice that she had become somber and thoughtful.
He had asked her about it, and she straight up told him that she had a feeling that things were just getting started. He had worked with her enough to know that when she got one of those feelings, you paid attention to it. It meant the difference between life and death. A hard lesson he learned from the firm friends that gave him a hard talking to when they had their falling out. This time, it was something different, and he had his suspicions.
Nicolette had managed to get intel on the new player, Major Hassan Zyani. She supplied it to Laswell, who in turn reported it to Shepherd. Shepherd agreed to send 141 in. Laswell said to send in the Three Musketeers. It was more of a joke that started and stuck, much to Ghost's dismay. It amused Nicolette greatly and it just seemed to make everyone think they were crazy with the way they went at it with each other.
Looking at her as they walked to their RV, Ghost said, "You don't need to look too obvious."
"I'm not. Just been awhile since I worked with Marines. Hoorah," Nicolette replied. "They're a lot more fun than you."
"Job is not fun," he groused.
"It is when it's me," she replied with a smile intended to annoy him.
Ghost made a sound as they walked side by side. It was rather an amusing look since Ghost was taller than she was and she looked like a kid playing dress up when in full tactical gear, especially with the helmet on. While funny to look at, most doubters lost their reservations when they saw her in action. Ghost had seen to it that she had more training with arms and armor, and they shared guerilla tactics. What Ghost relied on most was her talent of making herself forgotten. That was the deadliest of tactics when needed.
Nicolette chuckled at the seriousness as she kept stride with Ghost, "Come on. Show a little amusement for once."
"I did. You dropped in."
Nicolette shook her head as she cued in her comm, "Addy, we're on station to link up with Porthos."
I don't understand why you insist on using the character names when you are on mission.
"I don't either," Ghost added.
"Because it's fun and if I have to explain the name choices, then you are a troglodyte," Nicolette replied sweetly.
At that moment, Shepherd's voice came on the comm. Nicolette went silent as usual and cued in to listen. Ghost knew she did it on purpose and shook his head at her. He understood her reasoning on most things, just not on this.
You're wheels up in five.
"Roger," Ghost confirmed.
Marines are loading in now. You and the Sergeant are leading the way on this. Ryan will scout for any intel.
"The Sergeant?" Ghost wondered if it was a Marine that preferred to be called that. The giggle he heard from Nicolette should have told him. He had been absorbed in his own thoughts that he hadn't paid attention to what she had been talking to Addy on.
Soap MacTavish.
At that moment, Soap had jumped out of the truck and approached Ghost and Nicolette. It had been some time since the three of them worked together. Soap approached the pair and said, "Let's get ourselves a win, yeah, Lt.?" He gave a slight punch to Ghost's chest, "Save ya a seat sir." He gave a slight nod at Nicolette before turning to join the others.
Nicolette was trying hard not to laugh as she stepped forward. "I told you it will be fun," she said, glancing at Ghost. She could tell he had an expression that he had been sent to beyond hell on his face.
"It's not with you two," Ghost protested.
Nicolette started walking towards their bird. She turned and took a few steps backwards, "Aw come on. We're the Three Musketeers." She then turned and shouted, "Oye, Soap! What the fuck have you been doing with yourself while I was gone?"
Ghost stood there. He had no problems working with them. Just when you put MacTavish and Nicolette together, it was enough to test anyone's sanity. Hell, some said the enemy shot themselves in the head when they encountered the pair of them. It occurred to him then why she called them by the character names when they were together. "Fucking hell…"
Ghost- you copy?
Ghost rolled his eyes. He started walking forward to the bird, "Yes, sir."
Any issues?
"Negative, sir. Out here." He sighed as he moved to get on the bird. He had his orders. He knew that while their antics drove him crazy at times, Soap and Nicolette did their jobs well. Nicolette especially. She knew when it was time to play and when to be serious. They would get the job done.
Later, on the chopper, he found himself staring at Marines and Nicolette and Soap. They were heading to Bravo's offload site. "Bravo team offloads here. Alpha team, under Ryan, stays onboard to land down range. Both teams meet in the middle. Remember, we want Hassan alive, but this is capture or kill."
"Question?"
Ghost suppressed a sigh when Nicolette piped up. He looked at her, "Ryan?"
"Does it matter how alive Hassan is?"
The question had a deeper meaning and Ghost knew it. He looked at her and took in the serious expression. "We need him alive," he repeated. He looked her in the eye to make sure she got that.
"Solid copy, Ghost," she replied. She shifted to let Bravo team move forward.
Ghost led Bravo off the chopper. He paused to look at Nicolette and said, "Behave, Ryan."
"You know me. I always do," Nicolette replied with a smirk. She sobered quickly and gave him a nod to indicate that she knew the job and was taking it seriously.
Ghost nodded and turned to Soap, "Keep up, Soap."
Soap followed and paused to give a fist bump to Nicolette before leaving the helicopter. Nicolette took a breath and gave the signal, "Razor, we're good. Let's move."
Razor-1, all Bravo deployed. Moving to secondary HLZ.
The chopper lifted off. Nicolette turned and put her game face on. She looked at the Marine team she was with. She wasn't wrong when she said it had been a while since she had worked with Marines. Since she spent so much time in Russia and the Middle East, she rarely saw U.S. military in her line of work, but she knew the life. She addressed them, "Alright, we land, clear our building, and find Hassan. Keep in mind that AQ forces fight to the death. They will use any and all measures they have. Hoorah?"
"Hoorah!" The Marines recognized the authority even though Nicolette didn't look like she had it. Plus, they knew that she hung out with Ghost. To them, that meant she knew business and was someone you didn't fuck with.
At that moment, the chopper lurched and the pings on the hull told them that they were taking fire. Nicolette held onto the strap. She moved to lean forward to see out the windshield. The pilot was taking evasive action. The movements were enough to anyone off balance, but she adjusted her movements to go with it. She had enough practice and "fun" with Nikolai in his chopper.
All stations- Razor-1 is bracketed, we're getting lit!
Smoke in the air caught her attention and she shouted, "RPG!"
Incoming- Flares! Flares!
Nicolette hung on the strap as the chopper released its countermeasures and moved to avoid splash damage from the rocket. "Fucking shit," she muttered.
There is heavy fire in the AO, S64.
"No fucking shit, Addy. AQ is defending Hassan with everything they got," Nicolette replied as she held on.
At that moment a second missile was released. The chopper released flares to counter, but it was too close. The missile hit the tail of the bird and forced it into a spin. Nicolette gritted her teeth as she held on and shouted to the Marines, "Stay with it!"
Razor 1 going down! We're going down!
Nicolette felt a little sick from the force of the spin. It was enough to make anyone dizzy, but the immediate situation kept her focused. They were going down and it was going to be hard. She shouted, "Marines, brace for impact!"
The chopper spun and she could hear the pilot cutting the engines. The sound of them powering down was in her ears as she shifted even though she was almost completely on the ground. They seemed to pick up speed as they got to the ground. The impact was hard and threw everyone in the hold around when the chopper hit. Nicolette felt her body get thrown and she must have hit something and landed face down on the floor of the chopper and she saw black.
Alpha, what's your status?
Nicolette blinked when she heard the radio. She heard Ghost's voice and made a slight sound as she slowly pushed herself up to her hands and knees. She looked around to see Marines down, some were groaning in pain.
Alpha, how copy?
Nicolette heard the inflection in Ghost's voice and knew the man was doing everything he could not to shout at her over the comms. She coughed as she reached for her radio and cued in, "I fucking hear you, asshole."
She knew the Marines that were starting to gain consciousness were shocked at what she just said. She got to her feet and stumbled a bit as she gave the sitrep, "Bravo- Alpha is immobile. Two confirmed dead, multiple critical." She leaned forward and shouted at the Marines, "Marines that can shoot, get your asses up and guns ready!" She pulled a couple to their feet to get them to shake the grogginess from their heads. They had no time to sit around.
As soon as she finished on the sitrep, the telltale sounds of bullets hitting the hull sounded forth. She turned and saw they were near one of the buildings Bravo was to clear. "Fuck, Bravo, we're taking fire. Repeat, we are taking effective fire!"
Alpha, we're moving to building 1. Hold tight.
"All we can fucking do. We'll try to save some for you," she replied as she brought her rifle up. She took aim and took out an AQ that tried to get in close. She shouted orders, "Set up perimeter, shoot at what you can hit. Move critical to the front of the chopper. Bravo will send relief fire."
The Marines had little choice but to obey. If they wanted to live, they had to fight. They carried out their orders and prepared to dig in.
A/N: Welcome to MW2: Cry Havoc. Seems like things are off to an interesting start. Anyone sense that Nico and Ghost are just going to go to town? Stay tuned for more...