Chapter 13

The coordinates obtained through interrogation and visual surveillance confirm an oil rig 400 nautical miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The rig is no longer active and is currently in use by the cartel as a smuggling dead drop. A cargo ship is anchored 500 meters to its northwest. Surveillance saw personnel moving a large container from the ship to the rig. That container is now on top if the platform. We believe this is the missile.

TF 141, Colonel Vargas and Shadow Company will infil three boat teams for a simultaneous takedown of both targets. Ghost will lead the ship assault team. Graves, Soap, and Alejandro will engage the oil rig and disarm the missile. Ryan will maintain surveillance and coordinate the teams. All shooters will give no quarter. Your orders are to eliminate all threats.

Nicolette studied the plan and nodded. She knew it was strange that she was left behind, but she wasn't going to question Shepherd's orders. She did suspect that he didn't want her to tap into the missile controls to get the source coding. A strange thing since if it was the case of someone stealing them from a base and selling on the black market, that was worth the investigation. In fact, the whole thing was suspect. Of course, that was just her spidey sense going off. She didn't have proof.

Being a bit positive, she turned to the four men and said, "Well, not a bad assignment. At least I can see you guys. Just try not to moon the surveillance camera. Oh, and colonel, requesting Martinez in CRC with me."

Alejandro knew that she was not happy, but she was keeping it light. He nodded, "I'll send him up."

Nicolette nodded, "Thank you." She looked at Ghost and Soap. Both looked like they were ready to call Shepherd or to say, 'fuck it' and to come with. She added, "Hey, don't worry. It'll still be fun."

"Probably since you won't be there," Ghost said. He didn't mean it that way, but he knew that she would get it.

Nicolette gave a mock punch to his shoulder. "I'll head up now." She left quickly, not wanting to linger since she wanted to make a phone call. She didn't like making promises if she couldn't keep them or couldn't attempt to make sure it could happen. Plus, she was certain that the conversation she was about to have, wasn't going to be pleasant.

"Ryan."

Nicolette paused as she walked down the hall. She turned to see Graves jogging to catch up. She stood there and let him come. She said, "I'm still considering the offer."

"Not about that. I'm just surprised you didn't say anything about going."

"Maybe because I have authorization to task the surveillance drone and have essentially control over it. Kind of hard to do in a firefight," she offered with a shrug. "Don't worry about it. No big deal."

"Didn't seem like it to the others."

"Well, Ghost and I have done quite a few missions together and when you throw in Soap… we are unique," she offered. She was well aware that some of the conversations in front of others gave the impression that the Three Musketeers were insane. "Don't worry about it." She gave a reassuring pat to his shoulder.

"At least use a couple of my guys."

Nicolette had started to leave but was stopped when Graves said that. She turned and said, "CRC is under Colonel Vargas. They know it better. Now, if there isn't anything else, I need to get set and you need to haul ass to your launch point."

Graves studied her and nodded before leaving. Nicolette waited until he left before letting out the breath she had been holding. She frowned since Graves would know that he was the guest in Alejandro's house. Anything they needed to do needed to have Alejandro's say. It was odd and disconcerting. It was on her mind as she shook it off and tapped her earpiece, "Addy, you have my phone number?"

Yes. Calling it now.

Nicolette walked to the CRC and listened to the ringtone. When she heard the voice at the other end, she gave a slight smile and said, "Now, don't hang up Lexi."

I think I might. Whatever it is, whatever you need, forget it 6-4. Every time I hook up with you something happens.

Nicolette rolled her eyes. And people said she was the one with emotional issues. She replied, "And that's the nature of our line of work Lexi. Something always happens. That's why we have plan B."

Which involves an explosion or someone getting shot. Or worse, destruction of my fleet. You remember that job in the Sinai?

"Very well," Nicolette replied. "And that was perfectly planned. The only thing unaccounted for was the APC. Intel was off." She paced a little, knowing that this conversation was going to be a little rough.

And do you know how much money that job set me back? So, forget it.

"Lexi, I only need a couple and I'll pay you for them. The money I'm wiring now more than covers damage, destruction, and electrical failure," Nicolette said as she typed on her tablet. "It's a mission that requires aerial support and you have the best hardware to withstand stormy weather."

Nicolette had pulled up the weather before she validated Valeria's coordinates. It helped when she was thinking about an idea. It was why she had Addy look up S38. She knew Lexi loved drones. She was not a spy, but a supplier. She knew how to get things, but especially hardware like drones, both surveillance and attack drones.

You mean you…

"I'm paying you for them. You can keep them with the fleet if they survive this mission, but they are mine to use if needed," Nicolette said. "That's fair. To sweeten it, I'll pay the boarding fee which is included in the amount I sent." She turned when she heard a knock and the door open. Martinez came in and she gestured to the seat. "Lexi?"

Alright. I have two designed for it. Built them myself. Hardware and software to withstand stormy weather and pretty hardy. What's the job?

"You don't have to pilot them…"

The fee includes piloting services. Besides, if you aren't within range…

Nicolette sighed. She knew this ritual well. Lexi just liked to make things difficult, but she would help out. She also had a point. She was closer to the Gulf. She tapped on her tablet to send the coordinates of the rig and ship. "Mission is to stop a missile launch. Three teams are being inserted. One on the ship and two on the rig. Terrorists have occupancy."

So, we are aerial support.

"Yep. I'm running C2 surveillance and coordinating resources. How fast can you be on site?"

Let me impress you.

Nicolette chuckled. She knew Lexi was on board. It was the same every time she had to ask Lexi for something. She always seemed to have the most function dysfunctional relationships with people in a position to provide what she needed. Maybe that was the key to Jensen's theory about what makes people like her not die so easily. She shook her head at the ridiculousness and replied, "Alright, Lexi. If this works, I may just buy more of your fleet."

And what the hell am I going to spend all that money on?

"More drones."

Screw you.

Nicolette laughed at that, "I will be expecting you on station." She chuckled at the grumbling, but she knew that Lexi wasn't too upset. She sighed when the door opened, and Martinez came in. She nodded and he took a seat while she tapped a few keys on her tablet. Time to go.

The three boats made their way towards their targets. The weather was typical for the time of year and the waters were rough. This was going to be a wet one. Soap was in the boat with Graves and Alejandro heading for the oil rig. Ghost would be heading towards the ship soon. To him, the only one missing was Nicolette.

Soap didn't question the order that she remain behind to conduct surveillance, but he felt that it was a waste of her talents. He could tell Ghost thought so too. They didn't say anything because she joked saying that she was the one that was going to stay dry while they went on a fishing trip in the rain. It hardly made the situation better.

Soap looked ahead and was the first to see the rig. He gestured, "Eyes on the rig."

Graves peered to confirm. He then relayed to his Shadows, "All right! That's our target. Shadows 1 and 2 – push to your hook points. Let's invite ourselves in."

All stations, ship is a visual.

"Copy, prep for assault. Stay on comms," Graves replied.

This is S64, I have all three of you and the targets on visual. Looking good pulling in. Try not get wet.

Soap almost snorted at that. He watched as Ghost's boat went towards the ship. He replied, "Aye. Try not to crash us."

Oh, if I intended that, you wouldn't know about it until it was too late. Graves, I have good visual on the rig. Still trying to see where the missile is.

"Copy, S64," Graves replied.

Ghost, you are on target for the ship. Try to catch a big one this time.

Copy that.

Graves looked at Soap and Alejandro. There was no point in asking about Nicolette's choice of words. It was better to accept it. He said, "If Valeria told the truth, we board, clear, disarm that missile."

Alejandro was still sore about the deal made, but as Nicolette said, the missile was the important thing. He had to ask, "And if she's lying?"

"God help her," Graves replied with a chuckle.

"God help us all," Soap corrected. He just prayed Nicolette wouldn't say anything over the comms. He was well aware that she could be very persuasive if Valeria was lying, and she wasn't shy at hinting that it would involve blood and pain. Luckily, she didn't, and they sped towards the rig.

Just be ready. It could be a trap. AQ is not above laying an ambush.

The boat made it to the anchor point and Graves relayed, "Actual, we're set."

Copy, get to work.

Bravo 0-7 has made it to anchor point on the ship. Looks like you boys are good to go. No one spotted you.

Soap covered while the Shadows launched the hooks. It was good and Graves was first man up. Soap followed after Alejandro. He linked up and started to ascend.

All Shadows, the missile is on this platform. I want full containment.

There were very few AQ on the lower levels. That didn't mean that it would be a cakewalk. More likely the bulk would be up top and protecting the missile. Soap followed Graves as he and the Shadows took out three AQ that were visible. Deciding to make sure it was clear, he entered. It was a good thing since he came across two AQ. He took them out quickly. "Room clear. Coming out."

Rog.

Shadow-1, moving to the south-east stairwell.

Soap followed Alejandro and Graves to the stairwell. They didn't hit too many hostiles. It was worrisome, so it was best to stay alert. Moving onto the main deck, he radioed Ghost, "Ghost, we're moving to the main deck. What's your status?"

Boarding the ship with Shadow 3 now.

"Roger that."

Alejandro made an entry, and they encountered more AQ. "Pinche cabrones know we're here."

That was always a given, hermano. It was just a matter of where and when. Proceed up top.

"Is she always a ray of sunshine?"

As I said before, I'm a pragmatist. Sugarcoating can get you killed. Be advised, multiple hostiles are near the rig.

"Copy that," Graves said. "Shadows, force out."

Soap moved forward and took cover. He had to admit that Nicolette could almost sound like Ghost on comms when she was in CRC. He pushed forward and saw more AQ coming out. He tried to take down what he could see, but one of them popped a flare.

Shadow-1, Ghost, visual on flares coming from the rig! What's your status over?

Soap saw AQ remove a tarp from a crate. "Ghost, they're signaling the ship. They're gonna launch that missile!"

"It's first stage! There's still time!"

The alarms sounding was not reassuring to Soap. It only fueled a sense of urgency and he tried to push forward as Graves notified the Shadows that the missile was on the helipad. As they tried to advance, it seemed that AQ was going to dig in and they seemed to be multiplying. It forced him to take cover behind something that was probably machinery. Sparks were flying from ricocheting bullets. He radioed, "Ryan, any idea how to get around this? We're taking heavy fire."

I actually do. All Shadows, maintain hold positions.

Copy that. You have something?

Charlie 0-5 are you inbound?

Copy that S64. Entering the AO now.

Target is on the helipad. AQ has Shadow pinned. I need you to thin the ranks.

Roger that.

Soap wondered how the hell Nicolette managed to get aerial support. He watched and shook his head, "You gotta be fucking kidding me!"

It was obvious they were drones mounted with guns. They hovered and started firing where it was heaviest. It allowed the team to push forward. The drones were in and out after thinning the numbers. It allowed Soap to pick off a few stragglers.

Numbers thinned. You should be able to push forward.

"Sweet fucking Jesus, Ryan."

Ways and means.

"Never takes a chance to explain," Graves commented as he caught up with Soap.

Soap said nothing. He had worked with her for three years and she still came up with ways to surprise him. He appreciated the assist and pushed forward with Graves. They had to clear the interior, but it wasn't as intense as before.

"Actual, this is Shadow-1. Rig is secure. Moving on the container now."

Roger that. Confirm when the objective is neutralized.

They made it only to find that the controls were not with the missiles, but on the ship. Graves was pissed and even Soap wanted to curse. The missile was armed, and they couldn't straightforward disarm. It was just another obstacle; the very nature of an op the 141 seemed to get involved with. The decision was made that he and Graves would join Ghost on the ship and look for the controls. Alejandro would remain on the rig to provide overwatch.

I say again- missile controls are on the bridge.

Copy that, Ghost. Patching in on signal. Confirmed. You boys better hurry. You don't have much time.

"Copy, Ryan." Soap had gotten into the boat. "Scary smart."

I know wires.

Soap made a sound as Graves joined him and had his man start the boat to head towards the ship. Graves reached out, "Ghost, this is 0-1! Back in the water. Inbound to your position."

Solid copy! We're taking effective fire! The LZ will be hot!

"Roger that!" Graves turned towards Soap, "Once we're on deck, we push to the bridge fast! We secure those controls. We stop this missile, yeah?"

"How do we board?"

Shock and awe. Graves, increase speed and aim for the loading ramp.

"Great minds," Graves replied. "Hold tight, Sergeant!"

Soap was already bracing for impact. He knew what to expect when Nicolette told them to shock and awe. She liked the expression when she first heard it from Gaz and used it when they needed to bust through a barricade or really make an entrance. He readied himself but it was still jarring as the boat hit the ramp and sent him flying. He landed on the deck. He shook the grogginess off and stood up and reached for his weapon. Graves was already moving, eager for a fight.

I count minimum seven hostiles forward of your position.

No shit, Ryan.

Call it command overwatch. Storm is getting worse. Your kind of weather, Ghost.

Soap listened and saw AQ was moving in and could count a few of them. He was inclined to believe the numbers. They had to make it to the bridge and get the controls. He aimed and took down a couple of AQ. The challenge was the moving cargo on the deck. It was the only cover they had but also the biggest obstacle in that they could be crushed by the containers.

It was alleviated when Nicolette came on the horn and told them when to move and when to hold. Soap couldn't help but ask, "I assume you played this game before?"

I've always liked a good puzzle. Use the port side entrance. You boys need to double time it, the missile is getting ready to launch.

Roger that. Pushing forward.

Soap entered the port side and made his way to the main part and cleared the path for Graves and Ghost to join them. At least they didn't have to navigate the shipping containers anymore. AQ did managed to seal the bridge entry. That meant they had to blow it. First, they had to clear the deck.

They managed to take out the last of AQ on the deck. Soap advanced, "Visual on bridge entry."

"Check it. Controls are internal," Graves said as he handed Soap a breach charge.

Soap set it while Graves set the other and Ghost covered them until Graves said "Alright. Stand back! This is Shadow-1 Going explosive on bridge entry."

Soap stacked up as Graves counted down and blew the charge. It blew the seal and Graves had to pull the door open. Ghost was fast on the entry and Soap followed behind him. Ghost gave the order, "Take point, Sergeant."

Soap moved forward, making sure to check his corners. There was still AQ inside and they knew the layout better than they did. Better to go in smart. He advanced while Graves covered the other side into a large room that could have been a general living area for the crew. Soap stayed low and took cover behind a bench. He fired at the AQ that were taking cover in some sort of room.

Secure. Move.

"Bridge is two floors up, yeah?"

Affirmative.

They pushed forward to the second deck where it was more of the same. They made contact with AQ. Soap moved to hit the hallway to flank them. AQ were hiding in the rooms as Soap swept through the hallway, making good on why he was called Soap.

Make sure that hallway is clean, Sergeant.

Soap chuckled and gave a wry smile as he took out an AQ fighter that was hiding. He muttered, "Last call," before replying, "I was always good at cleaning house."

We'll see. Still have one more deck. You and Ghost need to stop embarrassing me.

Say that when we get back, Ryan.

Promises.

Soap, Ghost and Graves made it to the stairs to the third deck and were almost caught by surprise when an AQ fighter threw a grenade down the stairs. It had Ghost calling them cheeky bastards, but that didn't stop them. Graves radioed Alejandro, "Victor-1, we're moving to the bridge now. Hold your fire, Alejandro."

Copy. You've got four AQ inside.

Easy enough.

Soap took point and headed up the stairs. He could feel the ship listing port side and two AQ advanced with the flow. He took them out quickly before advancing. The other two were hiding somewhere.

They're guarding the controls, Soap. Behind the counter.

Soap followed Nicolette's lead and took out the remaining two. "All clear." He signaled at the drone that was hovering outside the bridge.

Copy. Charlie-05, your work is done. RTB.

Rog. See ya next time.

It wasn't time to celebrate. They still had a missile launch to stop. Graves moved forward, "Alright, eyes on the controls, tappin in." Graves pulled out his tablet and tried to tap in. He muttered in urgency, but the result wasn't what he wanted, "Fuuck. We can't disarm it."

The window closed on the abort code. Graves radioed Shepherd and the okay was given to DAL, which meant that the missile would detonate at the launch site. Ghost contacted Alejandro to exfil from the rig. Soap provided assistance to Graves, so the target was changed to the origin point. All that needed to be done was sit back and watched. That was two missiles destroyed.