Flying South

I gripped my seatbelt as the plane shook. Yes, I knew it was just routine turbulence. Sadly, that didn't make it any easier.

A white operator with slick black hair glanced at me as he walked through the cargo bay. He had a thick Scottish accent. "Scare of flying?"

I shook my head. "Not of flying. Crashing."

The man laughed. "You do know that you're likely to die while having a shit than on an aeroplane, right?"

I nodded. "I'm very aware. But barely surviving three crash landings does wonders for the mind."

He paused for a moment but chose not to speak. He walked away.

Three claps sounded through the cabin. I turned my head and saw Tucker walking over. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's huddle up."

I gulped anxiously as I unbuckled my seatbelt and stood up. As if it was teasing me, the plane shook once again.

I clicked my tongue in irritation and walked over. Leighton followed closed behind me.

It didn't take long for everyone to gather. There were 16 operators on the team with my padawan and myself added on top of that count.

Tucker looked around. "Alright. For starters, this is an unsanctioned op. We won't have any support from the locals. That doesn't matter much as there aren't any known locals where we are going."

Izzy interjected. "Where are we going? I was just told to pack a bag and load up."

Tucker tapped on the tablet he was holding. "Somewhere in Eastern Peru. Right in the jungle. It doesn't have a name."

He looked up from the tablet with a deadpan expression. "Any other questions before I continue?"

Everyone was dead silent. Apparently, that was Tucker's "shut the fuck up" face.

He continued. "Good. Our entrée this evening is object retrieval with a side of VIP escort."

I felt his focus turn to me as he shot a glance in my direction. "Honestly speaking, they are more likely to protect us than the opposite."

The Scottish operator from before chirped upon hearing that. "That's a load of horse shit."

Tucker sighs. "Alright. Fine. Let's get this out of the way. Rory, why don't you spar with Kyle and see what happens?"

Everyone quickly started moving out of the way as Rory grinned. "Let's see what the fucking brat can do."

He began walking towards me. His shoulders rolled and his arms flexed as he stretched.

I sighed and reached out with my right hand. Then, I pulled it towards my chest with a closed fist.

Rory went flying straight towards me. I turned to my left and raised my right leg before kicking out. My foot landed right on his stomach.

He dropped to the ground with a loud groan and clutched his stomach. He was going to be out of commission for a few hours.

I glanced to the side and noticed Izzy barely containing her laughter. She was somewhat familiar with my abilities due to her involvement with the Bratva incident, so she expected this.

Looking back over to Tucker, he was still like a rock. His expression hadn't changed in the slightest. "Now you can all see where you stand. Also, I highly advise against trying anything with Leighton." He gestured towards the teen. "He might accidentally kill you."

Everyone took a careful look at Leighton who was currently playing with one of his knives. I was able to hear a few gulps as they all turned their attention back to Tucker.

As Leighton's physical condition rapidly improved, I had asked for Tucker to personally train him. Tucker was highly proficient in martial arts and ballistics, so he was the perfect teacher.

The funny part was the outcome. Rather than my padawan, it was Tucker that was coming out of their sparring sessions covered in bruises.

Tucker helplessly shook his head. "Focus up. Unfortunately, we don't know what we are looking for. However, we do know that it is priceless and that there are at least 5 other interested parties. We are likely to run into the Russians, Chinese, British, and Americans. The last entity is an unknown."

I cleared my throat. A few pieces had come together in my head. "It's likely to be Forest. I've heard that Jared, Eric Sullican's son, is an exceptionally talented Sith. If you identify anyone from Forest, you will KOS. For the others, I'd rather try avoiding open hostilities. Especially for the western ones."

Tucker nodded. "You heard the man. KOS for all Forest personnel and follow the standard rules of engagement for the others. Due to geographical constraints, we will have no VICs and will be entering the region via parachute."

"We can only bring what we can carry so pack light. The plan will land on a private airstrip about 20 kliks west of the AO. Exfil will be on foot for most of the way. We do not know what we are walking into so prep your gear and get some sleep. I need you fuckers sharper than a needle. Understood?"

"YES, SIR!"

Tucker nodded. "Dismissed."