Chapter 4 - Fog of Battle?

September 6, 2017

6.50 am, London, UK

A windowless room. Beads of sweat glisten as they roll down from the General's face onto Darya's face. Her head lays on his chest. Her soft panting in sync with his chest movements. Their nakedness hides beneath a light bedsheet.

"The operation should be nearing its end, my General." Darya says as her fingers glide over the long scar on the General's left shoulder.

"Indeed." The General says as he strokes her red hair then kisses it while saying, "It is time for a proper send-off."

"Do you wish to watch it here?" Darya asks.

"We will watch it on the big screen in Command." The General says.

The General observes the perfectly curved backside of Darya as she leaves his embrace. She bends over, scooping up her camo-themed lace robe from the bedroom floor. Slowly, she covers her smooth flesh yet his eyes never leave her seductive figure.

2 am, the White House situation room

"It's been over an hour. Why haven't they reported in?" President Gertrude Pond asks, pacing the table.

"It is usually not recommended to monitor Team Six's black ops, Madam President." FBI Director Don Bridges says, "For plausible deniability's sake."

"Does it look like I give a rat's ass about deniability? Try getting in contact with them." President Pond responds.

"They are still radio silent and jeopardizing that might endanger them and your granddaughters, Madam President." Director Nick Jones intercedes.

The room falls silent. The only occupants are the President, Nick Jones, and Don Bridges. Both Directors are standing by the door, observing the rightfully impatient President.

"What about the drone's live thermal imaging?" President Pond asks.

"That is an option but-" Bridges starts saying.

"We'll patch it through." Jones says. He sends a few messages on his phone and within moments, the big screen comes alive.

All three gather around the TV which shows a map. The map shows different shades of purple, orange, and red with clearly marked buildings.

"Seems hostiles have been dispatched around the barn so the team should be converging inside already." Bridges says.

"But the barn seems different from earlier scans…" Jones says.

"Explain." President Pond says.

"The color is off and no heat signatures are being read from it." Jones responds, a hint of concern beginning to form on his face.

Could this all be a trap? Jones thinks to himself.

"Don, how soon until your agents can reach that site?" President Pond asks.

"We are facing resistance from the Mexican government." Bridges responds, "That region has seen growing lawlessness due to cartel expansion so any operation will require a huge dedication."

"I want to speak to the Mexican President now. And if he dilly-dallies, tell him that I am not above invading Mexico." President Pond says, "God knows the Republicans will love that."

"I will get right on that call, Madam President." Bridges says as he makes his way to the door.

"Jones, what are my options?" President Pond asks.

"This operation is time sensitive so the longer we don't act the worse the outcome could be." Jones says looking at the President, "So, I'd recommend keeping pressure on the Mexican government to send in their forces and allow ours access to the site as soon as possible."

"But most of all, have faith in Team Six." Jones adds, "Fire gave you his word."

President Pond says with a pensive sigh, "So pray and wait…"