Weasel

part 16

Weasel found himself trapped in the past once more, haunted by relentless nightmares. He woke, drenched in sweat, to the gentle strokes of Kolt's pet fox in the room. Kolt, his friend from the PMC base, noticed his distress.

Kolt: Hey big guy, you okay?

Weasel's haunted gaze met Kolt's concerned eyes.

Weasel: I saw a ghost from my past.

Kolt, scratching his head, approached his bunk as they talked.

Kolt: Don't let it eat at you. You survived that night, remember?

Weasel: Yeah. Do you ever wrestle with memories like this?

Kolt: Well, Sunny once clobbered me with a 10mm wrench for using duct tape on my armor.

Weasel: Why?

Kolt: She's got high standards for her projects.

James entered the room, interrupting their conversation.

James: Weasel, the boss needs you.

Weasel slung his rifle over his shoulder and headed to the office. Inside, Ares was engrossed in a folder, while Torgue idly toyed with frag grenades.

Torgue: Pack your bags, Weasel. You're headed to the Middle East to assist old comrades.

Weasel muttered a curse under his breath.

In the Middle East, he strode through a military base, rifle in hand and a sense of unease. Freya, a familiar face, approached.

Weasel: Freya, you guys need a hand?

Freya: Yeah, things are getting messy, and we could use your help.

As they walked together, Weasel couldn't help but ask:

Weasel: Why me? Aren't there other Rainbow operators available?

Freya: Rainbow's occupied with other matters. The Nighthaven folks left with some personnel, and nobody's sure if they'll keep things running. We're all back in the mix.

Weasel: How's everyone holding up?

Freya: It's a mixed bag.

Opening a door, they found Nokk, Issac, Cavalry, and Tasha inside. As they settled, Weasel couldn't help but join their conversation.

Issac: Weasel, good of you to join us.

Weasel: You're welcome.

Nokk: How've you been? I heard your PMC was quick to respond to that mass attack.

Weasel: Yeah, that was us. New recruits speed up our response time.

Issac: Too bad you didn't get to Harry sooner. I liked lounging in that dorm.

Nokk: We had to borrow a door for the bathroom.

Weasel: Ah, good times. So, did everyone leave Rainbow?

Issac: Some are hanging around. I volunteered to stay; Ulrick threatened to shoot me if I didn't.

Weasel: Doing nothing sounds boring, though.

Nokk: Sounds a lot better than this place.

As the door swung open, two soldiers and an unfamiliar woman entered.

Freya: Tina, where have you been?

Tina stretched and yawned before responding.

Tina: Grabbed something, then fell asleep...what was it again?

Cavalry chimed in, petting Athena and sitting by her computer.

Cavalry: Your medication.

Tina: Right. Thanks, Nikoloj. Better...