Work Text:
Cartel Protection
Moscow, Russia
“доброе утро Наташа Волкова.” (good morning Natasha Volkova) The receptionist greeted me as I walked out.
“доброе утро.” I said smiling at her walking out. It’s been 4 to 5 months since I was sent out here. It’s been getting colder and more annoying.
You were sent out here to receive a possible terrorist threat on the US. We all knew who we were after, at least Task Force 141 knew who he was. We just had to make sure it was him. Laswell doesn’t know who it is, she knows a little bit. She never got to debrief me, only Price did. Wanting to confirm he was still up and running.
I was getting close but nowhere at the same time. I was being a lovely dove to his (what we knew) his second in command. My background was that I was a fugitive that escaped from the US to come here. It caught their attention as I continued to do some minor thieving.
“Алексей Вородин,” (Alexei Borodin) I said, walking towards the man that I was with. “Как ты, моя любовь” (How are you my love) My love. It reminded me of Ghost which came to mind a lot. You didn’t know his status let alone know anyone’s. After being briefed you weren’t going to stay in touch unless you were compromised.
The man hugged you and kissed your lips. We were in the square, lots of people running around enjoying the time. “У вас все хорошо, вы все еще хотите кофе?” (Doing good still up for coffee?) He responded grabbing my hand to lead me to the coffee shop we go every morning.
I nodded my head and walked with him. He sat me in the closest table before going inside. It was beautiful in Russia, I would love to come back to visit, like actually visit. Not here for a mission but to travel around. Only if that was your life. Simple. Instead it’s war.
“Они принесут его нам, давайте обсудим следующий план.” ( They will bring it out to us, lets discuss the next plan.) He suggested grabbing my hand and rubbing his thumb in circles on it.
“Для чего?” (For what?) I said giving him a questioning stare.
He kissed my hand. “For you to go back home.”
I glared at him and then laughed. “о чем ты говоришь, моя дорогая?” (What are you talking about my dear?”
“The wolf was howling last night to warn the cubs.” He whispered. I side-eyed everywhere including him, clenching my teeth. “Your ticket and plan is waiting for you back at home,” he stated. “I got it from here, they are suspecting you now.”
“And what about you?” I asked concerned.
“I will be fine,” He leaned back. The barista came to give our coffees. “Спасибо,” (Thank you) “I am surprised you didn’t figure me out White Wolf.”
I smirked while sipping my coffee. “How did you find out?”
“Loki,” He pointed to his chin and handed me the napkin. “This is where you need to call and she will update you.”
I pretended to use the napkin and placed it in my pocket. “Perfect.”
“увидимся дома Фокс.” (I will see you home Fox) He said standing up giving me a kiss on the cheek and headed south.
I finished my coffee and stood up to walk a couple of blocks to a phone booth. Closing the door behind me, I typed in the number. It rang twice before someone answered. “The wolf was howling at night.” She paused.
“To warn the cubs.” I smirked, I knew that voice. “Laswell.”
“Fox,” She sighed. “Wish this was better terms but you are being sent to Mexico.”
“Was I compromised?” I asked.
“Not entirely, the man you talked to was Joseph Allen, American. He is closer to who we need but right now we need you to go help Ghost and Soap,” She explained. “Hassan has missiles that could bring catastrophic damage.”
I sighed and nodded looking to see anyone else is waiting for the booth. No one. “Alright, I will pack and come.”
“No need Nikolai has everything and should be in the cab East of you.” I looked up and right and saw Nik. I smirked.
“Thought of everything didn’t you?” I chuckled.
“See you soon Fox.”
……………………………………………………………….
Las Almas, Mexico
Damn the water was fucking cold. The jump in the water was a fucking nightmare. The mask was sticking on his face. He was getting shot at left and right with no control. He had to make sure Soap wouldn’t get hit and drown even Alejandro.
The stream was pushing all three of them towards the end of the river. The back up was not there, not on the bridge anyway. “Vehicles on the bridge.” Ghost said through the coms
“They're not ours!” Alejandro yelled back. “Fuck! It’s the army!”
“Get to cover!” Ghost yelled again.
“We need to hold here and get an extraction!” Alejandro yelled again.
Couple of shots rang out and some men fell into the water. He glanced over to where he could see where it came from but didn’t see anything. “We can’t shoot anything with that armor!” Yelled Soap.
Fuck he is right, they had heavy vehicles and armor there is no fucking way they can penetrate. “Who is shooting on the side?” The other bullets rang out. Smacking a couple of them.
“This is Shadow 0-1! Engaging the bridge north and west of your positions! Danger close!”
West? He was confused for a moment before the bridge started to blow up. “Who the hell is that?” He knew who was ruining the bridge he was more focused on who the fuck was on the west.
“Commander Graves. Shadow Company. They’re with us.” He quickly rambled, he was covering behind the rock hearing the rockets impacting the bridge. “Shadow 0-1, Bravo 0-1. Good shots! Fire for effect!”
The rumbling had stopped and the bridge was gone. He started out of the water. “All stations, no enemy movement. You’re clear! It’s good to see you boys!”
“Likewise mate!” Ghost agreed running upstream with Alejandro.
“This way!” He yelled. Soap and him ran next to him until he reached the top.
There were trucks on the side with someone standing next to it. His heart stopped as they came to a stop for a moment. Her eyes looked into his. Fuck. How much he missed those beautiful eyes, she looked over at Soap and then at him. Allison was the first thing he could think of.
……………………………………………………………….
I knew he was here, thought that I was able to prepare myself or be prepared but wasn’t. I missed him. Thought about him and now he is here. “Ghost Soap it’s been a while.” I smiled walking around the truck to get inside.
“Nice to see you too Lt.” Soap said sliding in as well.
“Likewise Fox.” Ghost followed in.
“Nice to meet you.” Alejandro smiled to look behind then back at Ghost. “ella es hermosa.”
“Gracias hermano.” I said smiling at him in the rear view mirror.
He chuckled slowly. “You know spanish?”
I just smiled when Ghost told Shadow Company that we took some vehicles and went to the rendezvous. God how much I missed his voice. It made my heart flutter. “Where have you been, Fox?” Soap asked, looking over at me.
“Somewhere colder than here,” I said, rolling my shoulders. “I am very happy to be back.”
He smiled. “Haven’t had time to tell jokes.”
“Jokes?” Alejandro asked looking in the mirror.
“Long story.” I chuckled.
“Ghost, this is Shadow 1, orbiting the compound now. Standing by for visuals.” Graves' voice rang through the coms.
“Shadow 1, Bravo 7. We will mark our position with an IR laser. Over.” Ghost said as we stopped next to a farmer area.
“He is here?” I asked looking at Alejandro.
“Si senorita, hiding somewhere in the compound. Hopefully he is still there.” He explained hopping out of the car.
I followed out and squatted behind a couple of boxes. Soap pinged our location as Shadow Company rained hell on them. “Nice shot Graves.” I said over coms as we watched them take the green house down.
“You are welcome, Bravo 0-8.” We searched the bodies making sure they would stay down. We were coming up to the compound. Ghost kneeled next to you as Shadow was making a door for us.
Both of us looked at each other. His eyes were the same beautiful brown. The lighter brown part being in the middle and dark brown on the outer of his iris. Ghost snapped his head up and ordered to move in.
I snapped back into reality walking over the rumble that was once a gate. A man was crawling towards his once upon a time gun before I shot him in the head. Ghost looked behind him to me before looking forward. “Ghost no movement detected.” Graves said as we were reaching the door to the compound.
“Copy,” He replied putting some breaching charge on the door. “We’re pushing the entrance now.”
“Roger we see ya. Be advised. The convoy is three klicks out. You will need to haul ass.”
Fuck. That is just perfect. “Solid copy.” Ghost replied.
“Alejandro,” Soap called out. “Where is that exfil?”
“Five minutes out.”
“That is going to be very close, boys.” I said crouching behind Ghost while watching the other side of us.
Ghost nodded. “Let’s do this then,” He looked at all of us and we all gave affirmation to breach the door. “Breaching.”
There was a small explosion with gun fire coming with it. The cartel men started to yell over the bullets flying past us and them. I was still crouching but beside Ghost’s knee shooting back. When a couple went down I made my way in. Hiding behind some tables before shooting one of the men in the head. Soap came next to me. “Miss this?” He asked.
“Oh you don’t know the half of it, Sargent.” I quipped looking up from my position to see Hassan. “Ghost Hassan is here.”
Ghost nodded, coming in and watching him be hauled ass upstairs. “Shadow 1! Positive ID on Hassan!”
“He is heading upstairs.” Soap said as we all followed him up the stairs.
“Graves he is exiting on the second floor. North west side.” Ghost instructed.
I shot a couple more men before we started to head out. “Yeah that’s Hassan.” The man with him shot a couple rounds before Alejandro popped more and hit the man.
Hassan ran into the other building and I walked in with just him alone and my gun raised. “Get down,” Alejandro yelled at him. “Get down now.” He went to his knees and I grabbed my zip ties and zipped his hands together.
“Who the fuck are you?” Hassan questioned, glaring at all of us.
He was still kneeling on the ground. He glared up at
me and snarled before looking at the other men. “Mexican Special Forces,” He leaned down to his face. “You are coming with us.” I looked at Ghost and he was already staring but quickly looked away placing a hand on his radio.
“Shadow 1, Bravo 0-7 Jackpot, I say again Jackpot. Package secure.” He said looking down at Hassan.
“Solid copy 7, what is your exfil?” Graves asked.
“Victor 1-1, exfil is three minutes out.” Alejandro replied. I got up and looked outside, seeing some back up.
“Roger that, the convoy is closing in. Targeting area now.” Graves
As Shadow was engaging the cartel we
shot a couple of rounds as we could. Hassan was with Soap since he was on babysitting duty. As the bodies were flying and explosions were booming, Ghost was close enough where I could smell his cologne and gunpowder. God how much I missed that smell. The pine smell to be exact. I turned to look at him and he glanced for a moment before shooting. “You can take a picture Lawson,” He said before looking at you. “I hear that they last longer than that memory of yours.”
I scoffed, standing up. “You would love that wouldn’t you Lt.”
“All stations visible targets down. You’re clear to exfil.” Graves said.
Alejandro saw that both Ghost and I were speaking lowly towards each other so he responded. “Copy that Shadow 1, exfil is inbound.”
I walked away making damn sure my hip swayed a bit more dramatically. Soap picked Hassan up on his feet before shoving him out and down the stairs. We all piled out of the house and towards the car. We watched while Soap pushed Hassan towards the car.
“I am Quds Force Force Major, you have no right-“ He started to spill out.
I opened the door so Soap could push him in “Shut the fuck up.” Soap snarled before hopping in behind him.
Ghost looked at me while the door shut. “I got trunk.” I said before opening that trunk door. He went on the other side, sandwiching Hassan in the middle.
Alejandro and Rodolfo were having their own conversation and Ghost turned to face me. “Good?”
I nodded and we all affirmed we were good before taking off. “Shadow 1, package secure. We’re RTB.”
Rodolfo looked in the rear view mirror. “Not a way to introduce but hello Fox.”
You smiled and nodded. “Wouldn’t have any other way Rodolfo.”
Alejandro chuckled at that. “Hermana conoce su camino alrededor del campo,”(Sister knows her way in the field) Rodolfo nodded laughing with him. “Knows also spanish.”
Rodolfo raised his eyebrows. “De Verdad.” (Really?)
“Si,” (Yes.) I nodded. “I also know Russian as well.”
Ghost looked at me. “Really? I didn’t know that.”
“You didn’t ask.” I looked at him back. His eyes shifted from normal to hurt and back to normal.
Was I being a little snippy, yeah. Did it hurt while doing it? Yeah. But it wasn’t just a 4 month away missing him going to forgive for whatever the fuck happened that night. He might brush it but not me. Fuck no. He gets a little spice.
Hassan grumbled something before Soap nudged him. “Like to speak up, Major?.” Having a little sarcastic tone when saying major.
Hassan just scoffed and rolled his eyes. “No.”
It was a couple miles before we came to a complete stop. “What’s going on?” I asked, looking forward.
“There is possible cartel up ahead,” Alejandro said, leaning more in the middle of the console and looking at Rodolfo. “We should..”
“All stations, what’s the hold up down there?” Graves said like he was hearing the conversation.
Alejandro looked back at us. I shrugged. “Shadow 1 there is movement at the fuel station up ahead. Possible cartel. Roping now.”
Hassan looked behind him to me. “A woman fighting for her country huh,” Ghost looked down at him. “I can never understand why a man would but a woman baffles me.”
I glared at him, biting back my venom words. “Shut the fuck up.” I spat out watching ahead. Ghost looked forward and Soap nudged Hassan.
“No one asked what your opinion was, Major.” Soap said having that sarcastic tone again using Major.
Hassan scoffed and watched ahead as we pulled forward. Once we were a couple meters away from the bridge there was a man in the middle of the road. I had my hand on my gun with my finger on the trigger. “What the fuck.” Soap whispered.
“salir del camino por favor!” (get out of the road please) Rodolfo yelled out to him.
I looked over at the gas station to see anything suspicious but nothing was coming up. “Shadow 1, we may have a situation here.”
“Gun!” Alejandro yelled, as Rodolfo floored it, run into the stand that the man made, next thing I knew, there was a loud crash.
I felt my body slam to the side and down. My ears rang and when I opened my eyes, I got dizzy. I felt whatever I ate this morning running up my throat before pushing it down. I squeezed my eyes a couple of times. I felt someone touch my leg. I flinched and look to see Ghost. He was talking but I couldn’t tell what he was saying. He looked behind him and I saw everyone crawling out.
I nodded and grabbed my rifle crawling through the back window. The ringing stopped and I started to hear bullets and yelling. “Cover! Cover!” Ghost yelled as he joined me shooting back at the cartel.
I shot a couple of times, hitting someone in the shoulder. I looked around, there was a lot
of them. “All stations, we are engaging danger close! Give me a sitrep when able!” Grave said in my ear piece.
“Shadow 1, we are up! No casualties! Hassan is secure!” Ghost yelled while behind the flipped car.
It just dawned on me that we flipped. I shook my head as I still felt dizzy. The next thing I knew we were running into a restaurant. “Let’s get up to the roof we will have better view and cover.” Ghost said looking for the hatch for the roof.
First was Ghost then Alejandro and Rodolfo. “Go, I will go last, gotta keep Mr Major here in front at all times.” I said smirking at Soap.
He nodded, pushing Hassan up the ladder. Bullets kept coming through. “Wow, they are terrible shots.” I mumbled while climbing out.
Ghost told them we were on top of the building. As we kept shooting, Hassan and Soap were sitting more off to the side. “We also need an evac bird ASAP.” I suggested still shooting down at the cartel.
“Calling for one right now.” Rodolfo replied.
We kept shooting down, they kept coming. “RPG!” yelled Alejandro, we all ducked but to only feel the rumble. We saw the explosion in the distance.
I looked over and Ghost was signaling Shadow team where to hit the RPGs, “Shadow 1, we have RPGs south east of us, roping them in now.”
“Hard copy.”
I started shooting more hitting some more men. They were coming awfully fast towards the restaurant. I kept shooting down at them. Alejandro was next to me helping to keep them at bay. “Ghost we have some coming from the school!” I yelled.
“Bloody hell!” Ghost yelled then letting Shadow know.
I turned to look over towards Soap and Hassan. “How are you holding up?” Then shooting back down.
“Doing great Hassan is still secure,” He stopped for moment. “Still a prick.”
“And you’re mindless as your weapons of war!” Hassan biting back.
I just chuckled and rolled my eyes. “Bravo 7-1 you are cleared to shut Hassan the hell up.” Graves replied.
I turned to look at the bridge and saw some dust being washed up. “Shit,” I whispered before putting my hand on my radio. “All shadows we have vehicles approaching the bridge.”
“Copy that Bravo 0-8.” That’s when all hell broke. More and more showed up and less and less ammo we had.
Shadow was doing their best to hit on all sides. It just kept getting worse.
“I am on my last mag!” I yelled back turning and pressing my back against the edge. Reloading. I looked up and saw Ghost looking at me.
That’s when we heard the choppers, “Incoming friendly helis!” Graves said and we looked up.
Alejandro slapped my shoulder before looking over at everyone. “Ghost, Fox, Soap, Rudy we are leaving!” The helicopter landed behind the building, we all rushed down. I was the last one and Ghost was there helping me down.
I nodded at him and nodded back. We both sprinted in as Hassan was pushed in. “Go go go go!” I yelled as the helicopter took off.
“Shadow we are secure. Package still with us.” Ghost said while putting a sack around his head.
“Solid copy Bravo 0-7. See you soon.” Graves said.
I looked at Ghost finally able to breathe and take a moment in. “How you feeling Fox?” Alejandro asked while pointing at his forehead.
I got the acknowledgement and placed my fingers there. I winced and pulled back seeing some blood. I looked back at him. “Eh nothing I can’t handle.”
Alejandro just laughed and looked forward. My eyes trailed back at Ghost and he leaned in more.“Once we land let me take care of it, princess.”
I looked around to see if anyone heard him but no one turned. I glanced back at him with wide eyes and could feel my cheeks turn red. Damn him. Damn him.