Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 65 - Hecan's demise.
Zeta's POV, Iraq, The next morning.
"How do you feel?" Marx asked me as we were going over my health ever since snorting that blow I took from Sam.
"I'm a bit shaky." I admitted as he nodded and began to note that response in his paperwork. As he started to put pen to paper, the door opened and we both looked back to find Zandro making his in with a long look on his face. In confusion I asked him as he approached me.
"What's going on? Did something happen?"
Without batting an eye he replied.
"Hecan Moore is dead." Instantly I widened my eyes as Marx was quick to question.
"What?" Nodding his head Zandro replied carefully.
"Passed away last night according to Ajex. The news hasn't reached the public yet."
"Why not?" I then asked as he ignored that question swiftly to ask instead.
"Where's Raptor?"
"I don't know. Probably in a meeting?" My response was lackluster and that's when he decided to instead order me.
"Call him. Tell him that Ajex wants to talk. He already called and said he wanted to be the one to tell him."
Reaching down for my phone, I gave Raptor a call and soon it had been answered by Yoga. I guess he really was busy if he gave Yoga his phone.
"What can I do for you boss?" He asked me happily as I was quick to smile and reply.
"Where's my husband?"
"In a meeting with the police chief. Talking about the good old days and how things were a lot simpler back when I was a kid. So same old same old. You need him?"
"I do. It's very important." I informed him of which was enough to get him to reply.
"Okay. Give me a second to go in there."
"Thank you Yoga." I replied as I now waited for Raptor's voice to be the next thing I heard.
Raptor's POV.
Yoga came into the office where I found myself actually enjoying the meeting I had to attend for once. With my phone in hand, he announced to the table.
"Sir? The wife wants to talk to you. It's important."
Looking at Jackson I apologized and asked.
"I'm sorry Jack. Do you mind?"
"Not at all. Take your time. I know the pleasures of having a wife."
I chuckled before taking the phone to my ear.
"Zeta?" I answered.
"Sorry to bother you. I know you're in a meeting, but Zandro is here and he says you need to call Ajex as soon as you can. It's important."
"Okay. I'll give him a call. Is that it? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just….give him a call. I'll see you when you get back." She replied as she cut the call just a second after. In confusion I looked up at Yoga to ask.
"Did she say anything to you? Besides to give me the phone?" Shaking his head Yoga replied back.
"Nothing really." Giving him back a small sigh, I got up from my seat to offer Jackson my hand to shake.
"I'm sorry, but I have to cut this short."
"Not a problem at all. You know where I'm at. My door is always open. It's a good time just thinking back on things." Jackson stated which made me nod and agree.
"I agree. We'll talk again soon Jack. Tell the wife I said hi."
"I shall." He replied as Yoga now led me out of the office. On the way out I dialed up Ajex and waited for him to answer. During which I asked Yoga.
"Where's my daughter?"
"Outside with the truck." I nodded and soon enough was greeted by Ajex's voice.
"Raptor, we got bad news."
"Jesus, no hello? What's going on? Talk to me." I urged him as I gave Yoga the hand signal that stated I wanted to leave. He guided me back to the truck where Maggie sat in the driver's seat. She was looking at me curiously as Ajex replied to my concern.
"Are you sitting down?"
"Yeah?" I replied back in confusion as he was quick to announce.
"Good. Hecan passed away last night."
Widening my eyes in disbelief, I questioned outright.
"What? How? He was in great shape last time I saw him. The doctors all said he had another ten years in him. What happened?"
"I can't discuss it all over the phone. I want you to come down to the US and visit me at the capital. Everything else can wait."
"What's going on?" I again asked him as he went silent. I knew I had no option other than to do what he wanted. Whatever he was hiding was serious enough to drag me to the US. With a sigh leaving my lungs, I replied to him.
"Okay. I'll need a little to get everything in order. Are you providing security?"
"I'll have my men waiting at the airfield. Fly straight to the airport and they'll bring you to me by air."
"Okay. I'll text you when I'm on the way."
"Please be fast Raptor and keep this to yourself. Not even the public knows yet." He urged me as I hung up the line to then urge my daughter who drove.
"Turn us around. We need to get to the airport. Yoga? Call in to central and tell them we're heading to the US to see Ajex. Security is being provided when we get there."
"What? What's going on dad?" Maggie asked back as Yoga got on the horn.
"Hecan Moore passed away last night. Ajex wants me to come down personally to discuss the matter."
"Oh god." Maggie whispered now to herself as I went to my phone now to call up my wife once more. She answered just as fast as I called her and in short I said to her truthfully.
"Ajex needs me to come see him. I'm taking Maggie and Yoga with me for security. I'm sorry I won't be back to see you. Probably won't see you till tomorrow, depending on how things work out."
"I had a feeling he'd want that. It's okay. I'm just gonna stay with Marx and keep on track with the rehab."
"Okay. Well you stay out of trouble. We'll be back tomorrow, but I'll call if anything changes." I informed her as she instantly whispered back.
"I love you."
"Love you too." I replied as I hung up the line.
I had to admit that a piece of my heart ached for Hecan. I just wanted to know what killed him. He was in great shape for the wedding. This didn't add up, but maybe I was just being paranoid.
Ajex's POV, Later that day.
"I don't know how they got to him." I tried to tell Raptor as he was just seeing the truth behind Hecan's passing for the first time since arriving. Alone together in the oval office, I stayed behind my desk and just silently watched as he took in the entirety of the video the killers took on Hecan's phone. Once it was over Raptor remained staring at the phone, but managed to ask me in hints of his anger boiling.
"These are the same people right? The same group that killed Char? The same group that's been ruining my peace negotiations with Iran? The same group who you have an operator in?"
"We don't know yet if our informant even knew the attack was planned to begin with. It might also be one of the other cells. Not the group my guy is with. We don't know yet Raptor. I have people trying to get in touch, but for now we're in the dark."
Raptor fell silent as I whispered to him now.
"Word about Hecan's assassination can not reach the public. This would be the first time ever a G.U.N president, past or present, got assassinated and that alone will disrupt G.U.N as a whole. I have a plan in place to cover this up. We're going with natural causes on this one, due to his age especially. We'll come up with some health condition he may have been suffering from behind the scenes."
"You're gonna have a funeral for him right? And what of the wife? She was stabbed how many times?" I asked him as he knew where I was going with this.
"How are you gonna cover that up? You gonna lie to everyone about this?"
"What do you want me to do? Plans are already in motion. I've already had to pay off so many people. Hecan's family already cost me a small fortune. His wife took her life not long after his passing. It's what we're gonna work with." I mumbled back sadly as the hedgehog looked at me in disbelief.
"So Hecan dies from natural causes and his wife's good name your making out to be a suicidal widow?"
"Shut up Raptor. Please. This isn't easy for anyone involved."
"They got this close!" Raptor proceeded to now announce which instantly made me yell back.
"And I'm doing everything in my power to figure out how!" Raptor's eyes were staring at me in a way that made me believe he was doubtful in what I was saying, so I quickly ordered him with a direct stare to his eyes.
"Don't you fucking give me that look! I'm sick and tired of that fucking look!"
"They'll be coming for us next." Raptor informed me calmly, which is when I asked him back nervously.
"When?"
Raptor went silent and stayed that way as I was feeling the heat. After some time watching me, Raptor took a second to walk around the room. He paced and paced and maybe after a minute he said to me.
"It could happen at any time. If they got to Hecan then they can get to us. We have to start putting the hurt on these guys. Can your man on the inside do anything? Where do we stand?"
"We stand in a spot that has barely any ground to move on. This operation was supposed to take months to get actionable intel. Not days or even weeks. It's a deep cover operation for a reason Raptor. My guy can't risk exposure."
"Then we have to act outside of them or hide. And if we hide it'll eventually draw a lot of attention. Attention we can't hide from. We'll have to make this issue more of a problem then it has any right being. You know the general location where a group could be operating, right? Tell me and let's go speak with the right people. We come in with a task force and we find these fuckers. I have a hundred operators ready to commit to this."
"We can't just go around the world and invade their land in search of a few terrorists." I informed him, as it was clear he thought doing that was easy.
"Why not? G.U.N had no issues invading countries in the past. I should know." Raptor came off as hostile now to me. Looking at him in confusion, I replied.
"That was the old G.U.N. Before my time. Before Hecan's. We learned from our mistakes and I'll be damned if I'm the one to ruin that."
"Sure." He mumbled back now which made me growl a little.
"We need to come up with a new fucking plan if we want to combat this. Nowhere is safe from them and we have no idea why that's the case. They got into my land and now yours. We can't wait this out. They're getting away with so much because we haven't been able to do a thing to stop them. Either we prepare to go public and hide, or we just might have to take that risk and start laying down our hammers. If you have any other way around this reality Ajex. You best speak about it now." Raptor now urged me as I was brought back to thinking about this. Every word he spoke was true. We had no other options. How can we fight an enemy we can't see?
Maggie's POV, Two hours later.
Dad left Hecan's office at long last and the moment Yoga and I saw him we got at his sides to ask.
"What now?" Looking to Yoga he replied.
"We're staying here for a few days to figure some things out. Ajex gave us a very generous suite to use here on site."
"What about mom?" I then had to wonder out loud. Looking now at me he replied.
"I'll have to call her again and apologize. I wasn't planning on any of this."
"What happened?" I asked him back.
"Can't discuss that here. We'll talk once we get to where we'll be staying. Someone should be coming by to grab us." As he ended that sentence he let out a long exhale. I could tell he was actually tired for some reason. That or he was venting for a reason. Whatever happened must have been important.
After a few minutes a pair of soldiers came up and began to guide us to our room. It was on the second floor and had more guards on it then the capital back home did. In fact this seemed a little out of place. Had to be ten guys at least.
"Why all the extra security?" Yoga asked one of the guys who guided us.
The men remained quiet as they got the door open for my dad. We had no choice but to follow as we were soon left with just one soldier who asked my dad cautiously.
"I understand you want privacy and I understand you already have two of your own, but I want to offer extra security for your visit here. My men and I are willing."
"I'd like that son. No point in taking any risks. Do what you have to do, but these two are in charge. Whatever they say goes. Set up your security and then please fall in."
"Understood sir. I'll get the men." He replied as he left the room to begin gathering his troops.
I was confused with all of this so at long last I had to ask him as Yoga inched closer to my side.
"What happened dad? Are we in danger?"
Looking at me now my dad nodded his head to reply breathlessly.
"Hecan Moore was assassinated by the same people who killed Char. They somehow got this close without anyone knowing. Ajex and I are gonna try and come up with a new plan on how to handle this. We need to get on the offense, but we have nothing to really go on. It's gonna take some time, but it's either that or we go into hiding until more can be done."
Yoga was speechless as I questioned in disbelief.
"They killed him? Why would they do that? Hecan wasn't part of this."
"He started the whole thing hun. They did it out of principle. If they don't like the way our government works, then they have no one more to blame then Hecan for causing it. Retired or not he was always a target to people like this."
My dad slowly approached a nearby chair to take a seat and as he did he let out an exhale to state calmly.
"If they got to Hecan then that means they can get to Ajex or myself. The public is being lied to so Ajex can protect G.U.N's image of being in control of the situation. Not a word of this is gonna leave this room. No one can know. Am I clear?"
Yoga and I both understood that clear as day and replied.
"Yes sir."
Sam's POV.
Tika stole me during the night in the hope that I could bless her with another meditation session, but this time it would be private and we'd have all night to experience it together. What I've learned so far about her in this state was the complete trust she had in me. She was vulnerable and chose to be while being around me. It showed that trust. I could kill her easily in this state of mind, but thankfully I had no intentions other than to sit here and relax with her.
"So do you have any plans? Are we gonna try and make some money here? Or are we just strictly keeping our heads down?" I asked her as she was laying on her cot with a smile on her face. She was deeply lost in a selfless trance, but still managed to respond to my questions.
"I need to keep my head down for a bit longer. Ace is in charge of any operations. I think he has an idea or two, but you'd have to talk to him about it."
Sat down right behind her head, I gently took a hold on her shoulder and asked curiously.
"I heard a rumor that you used to run guns. How true is that?"
Chuckling among her blissful mind, she replied happily.
"Pretty true. I used to work for my father back when I was your age and he was an independent merchant for G.U.N. I wasn't even legal yet and he had me leading negotiations because he thought my personality made me a good haggler. I didn't agree with that at first, but when he passed and I was left with the business…..that view changed. I saw it. He was right. I'm good at making deals."
"How'd you fall in with Riley?" I then asked her as I saw this was the perfect time to dig deeper into her backstory.
"Well my dad died like I just said. When he did I took over where he left off and branched out to find new clients. I was hoping for a large order. Just enough to keep me comfy for a year or two. That's when I got approached by Riley. She did some research before we met and knew the deals I've made with rivals and such. She was impressed by a lot of things, but wanted to see if I could offer her anything. It was a test really. In the end she bought her rifle off me and asked me to consider merging with her and her team. Offered me a lot of money and said I could take it and just go live my life. I didn't have to merge if I didn't want to, and I didn't, but I went home that night to think about what I'd actually be doing with my life by doing that. It didn't feel good. I felt like I was just living a pointless existence in replacement for what I lost in my dad. I called Riley an hour later and asked if she would still offer me the same deal. Since then I helped her set up some supply lines and got her a lot of the shit she needed to do whatever she needed to do and back then she needed a lot." Tika sighed as I then figured I'd ask her out of curiosity.
"What's your opinion on Moscow? There's a lot of weapons around here. We could make a lot of money."
"You're absolutely right about that. Moscow these days has more weapons than people. Lots of hangers filled with guns for a war that never happened."
"I'm sure there's a general or two who could be convinced to let us operate." I suggested which now made her ask me.
"I'm sure there are, but I can't be seen outside of this bunker for god knows how long. I wouldn't be able to talk to anyone. Then we have the problem that comes with selling the weapons. We don't have anyone with enough manpower nor political power who can buy them off us without G.U.N getting involved during a drop. It would be more trouble than it would be worth."
Tika was laying down but I was near the end of the cot. I considered her concerns for the plan for a mere moment before suggesting.
"Actually I could have the perfect buyer. You could even say he'd have to buy off me. He owes me one at least."
Looking up at me now the bird questioned.
"What? Who?" Giving her a healthy smile I replied.
"My good buddy Waleed, who just so happens to be the dictator of Libya." Tika's face was so fucking funny to stare at I couldn't help but laugh as she questioned.
"Oh shit that's right! You ended that motherfucker's war for him! Ace saw the execution when it happened. You were there for not even a month and you single handedly gave that man his country. An outsider even. Hahaha! Ya I think he does have to buy off you and considering he's an enemy to both G.U.N and the M.E.A.F, neither side will be caught dead interfering in a gunrunner like you delivering him weapons. I mean they'll probably put drones and shit over you, but you're like…..a god? So that doesn't really matter right?" Tika now asked me curiously as I was wondering just how tranced out she was from this. She had a drunk girl's praises. Was this orgasmic or something to her? I had to answer her though so I replied back confidently.
"They can't track me. I can jump whenever I want to a new location now. I've…..gotten a lot stronger since we were last together."
Sitting up now, Tika was blushed red in the face. This really was doing something to her. That or it was me? I don't know how to tell. Gently rubbing her right eye she asked me a moment later.
"Could you really do something like that though with him? With no risks of getting yourself or us caught?" Nodding my head I replied back confidently.
"G.U.N can't track what they can't see and they'll never know where the shipments are so long as I keep a clean papertrail and seeing as he pays in stones, that again won't be an issue. It's just a matter of asking the man first. I don't have his number on hand, but I can go see him whenever I want to now. With your permission of course."
Giving me a smile, the bird slid a few feet closer to me to whisper.
"What's that like?"
"What? Teleporting?" I asked her back which earned me a single nod.
"Surreal? I don't know how to explain it in words. If you could teleport somewhere right now, where would you go?" I decided to ask her now to get her to think of an answer. She gave this a lot of thought before replying back with some confusion.
"I don't know. Maybe….ahhh….my house back in…..?"
Reaching over to grab her wrist, I jumped us to the destination. Immediately we landed in the center of a pitch black room. The only thing I could see clearly was the moonlight creeping in through a window towards my left side. Tika panicked by the sudden change and questioned nervously.
"What? Where are we?"
Using my sight to get the lights, I looked down to see her face generate a reaction of pure shock. She knew immediately where she was and was unable to even think of words. She barely made a noise as she swiveled back and forth on her butt. After a second she threw her arm out at me so I could help her up.
"Oh my god. There's no way. We're actually here? Is this real?"
"I told you I couldn't think of the words to describe it, so I figured I'd just show you. Are you okay?"
Falling back into my body, the bird was big enough to knock me back with her. Landing on top of the bed, Tika rolled over so that she was mounted on my waist. With her hands holding my shoulders she replied back carefully.
"I'm a little dizzy now that you asked. I think I need a second."
I was a little concerned for myself to be honest. The way she was on top of me made me wonder if she had other intentions and up until now I've never done anything with another chick. Let alone someone ten years older than me. I didn't even know if I should move. It made things harder when instead of getting off of me, she instead slumped down onto my chest. Letting out an exhausted sigh Tika mumbled.
"I'm sorry if this is too close, but I just feel soooooo perfect right now."
"I'm glad." I chuckled into her ears as she mumbled back.
"You're so solid. I feel like I could sleep on you if you didn't have on all these clothes."
"You want me to take them off?" I decided to ask her bluntly now as it was clear she enjoyed the idea behind it because I could read her mind. Her thoughts immediately considered what she would see if I did so I wasn't all that surprised when she replied.
"To be honest? Yeah I'd love that, but we don't have the time I'd need to enjoy myself if you did take off this shirt."
"Hehe Tika." I chuckled back now which in turn got her to reply.
"I'm just being really honest with you. I would…mmmm…..I'd do so much to you. Things no one else could do. You ever….do anything with another girl?"
"Can't say I have." I replied back breathlessly which I knew would get her going even more as I ran a hand down to her hip. She enjoyed my touch a lot it seemed. This isn't even the same person at this point. She was so lost in bliss it really made me stop questioning why so many gods slept with mortals. Even Anubis himself had a harem of servants if the rumors are to be believed. Mortal minds are just simple to lure. Tika was proudly showing me just how true it was.
Leaning up now so that we were head level, the bird smiled into my eyes and asked me in a whisper.
"Can I…..?"
"We don't have time. Any of the guys could check up on us and see we aren't there." Tika knew I was right but I didn't want to disappoint her. Sensing her drifting emotions, I gently leaned up and bit down softly into her neck. Instantly she collapsed in my arms as I just chuckled and continued to taste her. After a few more seconds I used my hand to lift back up her face and with a soft smile I kissed her once on the lips before stating.
"I had fun, but we should really head back."
"Yeah…?" She now mumbled in dismay as I made sure she was ready for transport once again.
In the blink of an eye we were back in the bunker, but on top of her cot. She still rode me for a solid thirty seconds up until we heard a knock on the door and Ace's voice call into us.
"Can I come in?"
Tika rolled off me in fear of what would happen if Ace saw this scene. She got off me so fast it was impressive. By the time the rabbit could be seen looking in at us, Tika was already sitting on the opposite side of the cot.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm stretched for time."
"What is it Ace?" Tika asked him back now as it was clear she was again dizzy from the teleport.
"Can I borrow Anpu for a little? I'm in need of someone of her talents. No trouble! I swear on my life."
I was intrigued by what the rabbit wanted from me and Tika was just in such a mess she agreed without much resistance. As I got off her bed she said to Ace then to me.
"I'm trusting you Ace. No trouble of any sort. Anpu? Thank you for your time. We'll talk more later."
"Understood boss." I gave her a playful wink that Ace couldn't see from the door and turned just in time to see him smile and hold the door open for me. Once we were outside her room I asked the man standing nearly two feet under me.
"So what can I do to help you?"
"You're gonna make sure I don't get killed or arrested." Widening my eyes, I chuckled back at him in confusion.
"What? Didn't you just tell Tika we weren't gonna get into trouble?"
"We're not. At least we really shouldn't get into any trouble." He again claimed as we began to walk down the hallway and towards the entrance.
" We're gonna go meet up with this guy I met through a few contacts I had left in the area. He works for the army and word is he's pretty high up the chain from the G.U.N war."
"What does he want?" I then had to ask as we passed by Gwent who offered me his hand for a high five as we passed. I gave him one and looked back at Ace who replied to my question casually.
"Money. He's been behind a desk since the war and has come in need of some proper funding. Funding we can provide so long as he can help us in the process."
"I think you and I think a lot alike. I was just pitching a similar idea to Tika. Had to be someone who could be convinced to work with us and I'm gonna assume this deal would involve him giving us munitions to flip? Right?" I asked him now as we approached the barracks.
"Exactly what we're gonna hope to do with his help. We set up the meeting but I always want to bring backup in case something happens and I'd rather you be there than any of the others."
"Why?" I again had to know as he reached down to where my bags were to grab onto my mask.
"Your face holds a lot of weight. He'll think twice about trying anything if he sees the world's most feared mercenary at my side."
"That or he calls G.U.N or the M.E.A.F right after and tells them the world's "most feared" mercenary is in Moscow." I decided to rebuttal a little towards the idea. Shaking his head gently, Ace smiled and assured me.
"He won't. Trust me. Trust the process."
Taking my mask from him, I gave him a small chuckle before asking back.
"Do you have a buyer setup as well?"
"Not yet. I was however curious and was gonna ask, but during your time in Libya did you…?"
Shaking my head, I laughed.
"See!? We do think alike. I also mentioned to Tika that maybe The Wall is interested in buying from me now that I helped end his war."
"Do you think he will?" Ace asked me now as I nodded back.
"Chances are most of his current stock is Russian made anyhow. This would only be an upgrade in terms of quality. His military might would grow because of it. He has to buy. He knows I work for myself and that means something to a guy like him. We get the weapons Ace, I'll guarantee we have a direct line to a buyer who G.U.N and the M.E.A.F can't touch."
"That's what I like to hear! Bring your whole kit! We roll out in five!"
To see that rabbit get all excited like that made my heart warm to witness. I'm also thrilled he has faith in me. I rarely got that from anyone outside of this group.
Reaching down to my bag, I proceeded to equip my armor and cloak. Tika came walking in to see me in all my glory and with a firm but blushed face she ordered me.
"Don't get into any trouble you can't handle while you're out there and…..and I expect to finish….?" I knew what she was about to say, but all I could do was smile as Gwent came walking in. Instantly she had to change her sentence and with a disappointed and annoyed face towards Gwent she ordered me.
"I expect to see you back soon. Both of you. Keep Ace out of trouble."
"Dressed like that Anpu?" Gwent whistled as he watched me assemble my rifle. Now on approach to my cot he finished his statement with certainty behind his tone.
"I think trouble will have a way of finding you if the wrong person sees you in all that. Police are everywhere in Moscow. They take the law seriously and have the force to back it. Don't get into trouble because you'll have the whole city dropping on you in minutes."
"I'm sure Ace has a plan. He seems to always do." I admitted as Gwent began to walk off just in time for Ace to come running back in. Clearly he overheard our conversation because as he passed by the hedgehog he shouted.
"That's because I actually try to think! Unlike some people I know!"
"Suck my dick Ace!" Gwent proceeded to instruct the rabbit who pulled up right alongside me to grab a hold over my cloak. I looked down at him as he felt the fabric to question.
"It's dense. Feels like a sandbag. What kind of material is this?"
Lying through my teeth, I replied.
"Sixty percent tweed. Forty percent denim."
Ace took the answer as truth and proceeded to compliment me again.
"It's very nice."
"Thanks. You ready?" Nodding his head he replied back with a smile.
"Absolutely. Tika? We'll be back in an hour or so." Giving us a concerned look back she ordered as we began to move for the exit.
"Don't get into any trouble. Not a fucking peep."
"Trust me. I got this." Ace urged her as he led the charge outside. Upon surfacing he instructed me calmly as we walked side by side.
"When we get there just let me do most of the talking. You're here to look scary. So look scary but keep a leveled head until we're done. I doubt anything will go wrong, but if for some reason I think we're in trouble, I'll ask for a drink. That's your sign to be on your guard. Don't act unless I do. Got me?"
"I got ya. Look scary."
Ace chuckled as we found a car parked further down the path we were on. Thankfully no one knew any better than to look around here so we were able to move pretty easily. The car was also tinted out so I had no worries about being seen while inside the vehicle. Ace got around to driving as I hopped in the passenger seat with my rifle resting between my legs. Once the engine started the rabbit informed me of where we were going.
"Now from what I know we're going to this guy's actual home to talk business. I take that as a sign of good faith from his end that he means us no harm, but you never know these days. Just stay alert is all I'm saying Anpu."
Ace's POV, Twenty minutes later.
"I'm here." I told the client over the phone as I called him ahead of time just so he could have the door open for us, which it wasn't. Hanging up as soon as I said that, I waited now patiently as the garage door could soon be seen opening before our very eyes. Anpu had gone silent for the most part, but as I parked us inside the garage she said to herself calmly.
"If this is a trap then our only ride out of here just got locked down. Great."
"Relax." I urged her as I looked out the tinted window to see my contact opening the interior door that led from here to his kitchen. A tall but fairly large black bear dressed in his military colors. I was surprised to see the uniform at all considering we were in his home, but to each his own. Maybe it was to impress me. Regardless I opened my door and stepped out while Anpu looked the General up and down. Thankfully he could see her yet, but that all changed as I stepped out to say with a smile.
"You must be going somewhere after this. Why are you all dressed up, General?" He went to respond, but hesitated as the wolf behind me could be seen exiting the vehicle. Instantly he widened his eyes at the mask that now stared at him, but managed to respond to my question.
"Call it a notion of my pride getting in the way of this deal you're looking to set up. Why have you brought this "thing" into my home?"
I shot Anpu a concerned look as I was fast enough to reply.
"Why invite this kind of business into your own home General? That "thing" is my guardian angel. I had just enough reason to consider my options for this and considering my connections run deeper than this city; I found it necessary to play safe and guarantee my own safety. So again….that "thing" is my friend and if you try anything here tonight, there won't be anymore time for talk between us. Am I clear, General?"
With his eyes still on Anpu, he struggled to find the words, but replied after a few more seconds of thought.
"You've made yourself clear."
"Can we come inside?" I then asked as he nodded and proceeded to walk backwards into his kitchen. It gave me the space to slip by him as upon first inspection this house was indeed a family house. Toys from kids littered the floor and the TV had been turned on in the living room. Some cartoons were playing and I took note of it by asking the man as he waited by the garage door where Anpu had just got done shutting it.
"Where are the kids? The wife?"
"They're staying with my mother for the night. No one should bother us." He replied as I looked back to wonder.
"Here? Or….?" Shaking his head the bear replied.
"Be my guest. Take the couch."
"Thank you." I said back as I jumped up onto his couch which was wide enough to fit ten or more of me. Anpu slowly cleared the rest of his house as the bear took notice to her investigation.
"Don't worry about it. We're just making sure. Can't let this kind of conversation get out, can we?" The bear looked back at me curiously as I went on to claim.
"First name is Alek. Last name is Petrov. Fifty four years old and a former acting General of the Russian first recon division. After the war came to a close you were reassigned and tasked with maintaining a very large portion of the majority of this country's weapons and not just small arms. You have access to more weapons than people living here. It's easier for you to get a missile then it is for over half of the population to get a well paying job."
"Clearly. I wouldn't be willing to consider this option if I had the money needed to support my family." His voice was heavy and his accent thick, but he was conveying his emotions well through his tone. This was a serious thing to him so I knew I could work something out by the end of this. Considering his position I asked him back curiously.
"We all need money today. My family as well. Which is why I'm offering a partnership that can make both of us a lot of money. All I need is access to your inventory and any paperwork that may be involved sent to me personally; with your stamp of course. My people can handle the logistics and can guarantee your safety from any unfamiliar faces that could be smart enough to catch on to our game. You provide all of that and we'll start by discussing what matters most to both of us. The money." Shifting his position to a more forward sitting position, he listened close as I explained his choice.
"My people will be doing all of the work. You're just the key that gets us into the box we want to find ourselves in. This kind of deal will net us millions within the first month. By my estimates we could do a trial run with a buyer I already have lined up and sell the first batch for around ten million. We won't be moving anything big just yet. Only small arms at first. Once my people are comfortable we'll consider moving your more….select stock. I'm gonna offer you a rate of three percent of the business's revenue. For every ten million we make you'll get three hundred thousand guaranteed. For doing nothing might I add?"
"That's chump change. You're making millions off of my work." He fired back now which is why I always remained calm. It made other people stay in control longer seeing me unphased. Keeping my tone sweet I replied back.
"You're doing nothing. All you gotta do is keep this off the books and make sure nothing gets out. You're getting paid more than most professional athletes Alek. This isn't gonna be just one deal. It's gonna be tens of hundreds. By the time we reach the end of the year you'll have more money then you'll know what to do with. Take my advice Alek….appreciate this more."
Alek was clearly finding it hard to understand, but as I was about to add on another comment, Anpu came to my side to rest her hand over her rifle. Alek watched her carefully as it was clear to me that Anpu was just trying to keep him rattled and intimidated.
"What about G.U.N?" Alek then asked me as I tapped Anpu on her hip to get her to ease up now that he was redirecting the conversation.
"G.U.N won't know a thing. My people know how to keep them in the dark. We've been doing that for decades now Alek. Only people who know will be us." Alek was on the verge of playing ball so I decided to push our conversation further by asking him with a smile.
"By any chance do you have access to what exactly you have in stock? I'd love to see the numbers."
"I do. It's all in that book on the counter." He informed me as I looked over at his kitchen table to see a sturdy black binder resting next to a cup of coffee. Tapping Anpu on the hip to urge her to go grab it, I was soon hand delivered the facts I seeked. Tearing through the first few pages, I smiled and asked Alek.
"This is a lot Alek. A whole lot. Is this all old stock from the war?" Shaking his head the bear replied.
"No. My government produces weapons as if there is always a demand. Our forces are armed well enough to defend against most attacks and with a lack of open conflict; there is a need to store all the extra munitions. If you look ahead you'll see what I'm getting at." Turning ahead a few pages landed me on an invoice for a storage unit filled with nothing but rifles and ammo. Fifty thousand AK's and over eight hundred thousand rounds of ammunition. Alek was now calm and urged me.
"That unit isn't monitored. There are hundreds of them just like that one. The government doesn't really pay attention after a certain point. So if you want to do a deal, I'd suggest starting with that. It should be easy enough to load and transport."
"We'll probably take you up on that Alek. Thank you. Do you mind if you take this all with me when I leave? I'd like to study the numbers." I then asked which soon earned me his approval before asking back.
"Where should I send everything else? The more…..business oriented things."
I took my chance to write down the number he'd have to call. Handing it over I urged him kindly.
"You give that a call and ask for Cal. She's a business partner of mine and handles all the paper trails. Work with her and I can promise no one in the government will catch on to our business." Alek nodded with the paper still in front of him. I took a small glance at Anpu before asking Alek curiously.
"It'll be a few days until we make the first deal. I want everything to be set up and perfect for our first run. Cal will talk to you about how you want your money sent over. Just remember what I said though. Keep your mouth shut and let us help you. Any questions? Concerns?"
"No." He replied as his eyes were on Anpu now as well. Giving the man a smile and offering up my hand for him to take, I replied back equally.
"Then I suppose we're done here. Thank you again for your hospitality Alek. You're not going to regret this mind you. Just have faith and trust in the system."
Alek shook my hand slowly and once we had finished I looked at Anpu to urge her.
"Let's go."
The wolf kept her eyes on Alek the entire time we left his house. Once back outside and near the car, I said to her happily while fixing my collar.
"That went smoother than I thought it would."
Jumping into the car she replied while deciding to keep the mask on.
"Probably wouldn't have if I wasn't with you. That man could rip you in half." Letting out a small laugh I got us back on the road and decided to ask her in a smooth voice.
"Care to visit this first batch? We should actually see what's there before you make any offers to The Wall."
"Good point. Let's do it." She replied as I looked back at the address in the file to begin heading in the right direction.
Raptor's POV, Iraq capital.
"What are you trying to prove?" Zeta asked me as I stood alongside our bed getting my vest on. Watching in the mirror as I donned my old armor, I replied to the wolf calmly.
"I'm done sitting back. Something has to be done to motivate the middle east. Seeing me back on active duty leading the men and women of my country will do just that."
"But you're breaking so many regulations by doing this."
"Since when have I ever cared about regulations?" I asked her back which earned me a roll of her eyes. With my uniform in place, I looked to her side to ask her.
"Can you hand me that?"
Zeta now just stared at me as I referred to my rifle. Sensing her emotions towards this stunt, I decided to state to her with my own emotion.
"These days Zeta no one thinks the president can do a fucking thing besides lie. G.U.N suffers from this and even Ajex has to try and compensate somehow to keep a positive image. We face the same thing here."
"Everyone knows you're a war hero hun. Every single person on this planet knows. You're risking your safety for a better public image?" She questioned as I was quick to shake my head and correct her.
"It's not about that. It's about opening their eyes. My people will flock to the cause if they see me out here again in the rough with the real heroes doing actual work. It'll drive up recruits and it'll help me convince Iran that I'm doing everything I can to help and with things as bad as they are right now I could be losing their aid. I need to put my foot down and do something. I can't sit inside all day and do nothing. I have to be the person they expect me to be."
"Zandro will kill you if you do this. Does Maggie or Yoga know about this?" Giving her a small shrug I replied back as I offered my hand out so she would hopefully hand me my gun.
"Not yet."
"Maggie has never been on active duty. You can't just expect her to want to do this." Zeta informed me back as she handed over my rifle. Wrapping the sling over my shoulder, I allowed my rifle to hang in front of my chest as I said to her now confidently.
"She's gonna be fine. She'll have me with her. I won't let anything happen to our daughter. You have my word." Zeta again just sighed before giving me the all clear that I could do this. Giving her a kiss on the forehead, I whispered into her face.
"It's active duty, but you know as well as I that there isn't anything going on out there. Iraq is safe and for now I just plan to join the patrol team. Nothing is gonna happen. Just have some fucking trust in me. Okay?" With our eyes locked she smiled and this time offered me one more kiss before urging me back.
"Just….just come back soon."
"I will. I love you."
"Love you too." She replied as I made my way to the door. Taking a moment to prep my nerves, I put on my best face and tried to get into the zone for this. It's been two decades since I wore this uniform and thanks to my love affair with the afterlife, I still looked good in it. Only difference was now I had an officer's beret to identify my rank with. Only one of its kind considering I was the only commander the M.E.A.F had. Followed by the few Generals we had in active service. Making sure it was on straight, I opened the door and made my way towards my office. The men standing outside my door both saw me coming and together they both widened their eyes and stared as my focus was on getting to the operations center down on the first floor. It was housed across from the medical wing and as I walked down the steps more and more people stopped to stare.
Some people got on their phones to take videos or pictures as I was soon power walking my way into the command nest. The moment I stepped inside I was spotted by Hoffer who widened his eyes and dropped his mouth in concern for my sudden appearance.
"Commander? What's the meaning of this?" He asked as I approached his side to reply.
"I'm done sitting around doing nothing for my country. I need to help. Nothing crazy Hoffer. Just tell me when the next patrol is due to leave. I'm gonna do my part."
"Your part is to lead from the safety of this building. You're not an active fighter and I'll be damned if I have to get chewed out by Zandro for letting you get involved. Absolutely not. Not to mention all the regulations in place to prevent this. Putting yourself out there is stupid and you're making yourself an open target for anyone who wants you harmed."
"I don't care. Zandro will whine regardless of what I do and right now someone has to drive up the troops. Iran needs to see that I'm still in this. It's what needs to happen."
Hoffer was older than anyone in the service. He was old when I first joined the rebellion and somehow he's still walking around today. However, across all the time I've known him he's always trusted my decisions and my intentions and I think even now he was convinced I was onto something. So with one small sigh he whispered under his breath.
"It's just patrolling. It would also be good PR."
"Thank you." I smiled back as he looked around the room to ask anyone with an answer.
"When's the next patrol supposed to head out?" I remained silent now as we looked around for the answer. Soon we heard someone call out.
"Eighteen hundred! Romeo company!"
I nodded as Hoffer looked back into my eyes to urge me.
"I'd get moving if I were you. Zandro won't like this. Romeo company should still be in the barracks."
Hoffer gave me the all clear so I nodded after hearing the answer and proceeded to leave the room and head towards the barracks outside. On the way I attracted more attention but it mattered little. Upon entering the barracks I was swiftly directed to Romeo company who were busy getting prepped for their shift. Their CO was on standby with his two XOs, but the moment I appeared the three of them shit their pants. I sensed they didn't know what to say as I stated to them with a smile.
"I want to tag along with you and your men Captain. Any objections? I promise I can still hang with you younger kids." All the men gave me happy enough looks but the Captain in charge questioned respectfully.
"None from me sir, but why?"
"Three reasons. First and foremost I'm bored and miss my roots. It's been years since I've done some actual good. Secondly this looks good for PR. Our allies think I've grown soft and I need to do something to show them I'm not. Lastly I'd like to see just how well the new generation is. Just run your operation like you normally would. I'm tagging along to be an extra."
"Instead of being an extra would you like to take a team instead? I'm sure it'll come back natural to you."
"No thanks. I want you guys to run the show. Same treatment as the rest. Show me how you operate." I replied back, which is when I looked at one of the lieutenants who asked me quietly.
"Is this okay? Aren't there protocols saying you can't be doing this?" Giving them all a smile I whispered back.
"If you've been around long enough you'll know I don't like following any of those rules. I made them for others to follow. Not myself. Heheh."
The men all chuckled and that's when I looked back at the Captain who urged me.
"Well then fall in with one of us. We'd all be happy to have you join us for the night."
"Thank you Captain." I replied as I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder from behind. Looking back I was now face to face with my daughter Maggie who in confusion and with a concerned face asked me in the voice of a mouse.
"What are you doing?"
Smiling and placing my hand on her left arm, I replied back.
"Going out on the night watch with Romeo company. Grab your gear. You're coming with." Yoga came up from behind her in a matter of seconds and questioned.
"What are we doing?"
Maggie looked scared and wide eyed as I replied to the ferret.
"Going out on patrol. Grab your gear."
Yoga loved when I broke any rules so with a smile and a happy dance he shouted back in joy.
"Thank god! I need some time away from all this bullshit! Let's go Mags!"
She was scared and that wasn't very shocking to me to see. She's been nowhere near the trenches since enlisting. Stuck being an inhouse servant of Zandro's or my bodyguard; she hasn't seen any actual action or just the basics of being a grunt. Hopefully this trip will be worth it for her. She might learn something I can't teach her and that's more than enough reason to try.
mT Shadow.