MEDIC

Chapter 24. An Odd Group

It became evident to you on the drive to the Vaqueros base of operations that Las Almas was not kind to those who lived on her soil. Women walked the streets begging, their children malnourished and sleeping in makeshift shelters. Armed men patrolled the roads, the acquisition of their firearms in no way legal, though you noticed that they all seemed to turn away in deference as Alejandro's convoy made its way through the city streets.

"These poor people...why isn't the government doing anything to help them?"
You turned your attention from the window to Roach, who was leaned forward in his seat and seemingly interrogating the driver of the car you'd been hustled into. The man, who had briefly introduced himself to you as Carlos, eyed both you and Roach in his rear view mirror before focusing back on the road ahead.
"No government here, amigo. Las Almas is lawless."

"You mean there's no government at all?" Roaches voice seemed to raise an octave in concern as he watched the driver shrug.
"Si. All gone. Muerto." Carlos shrugged as if it was a normal everyday happening of life, which apparently here in Las Almas it was.
"Overthrown and killed by cartel de Las Almas."
"Killed by...by the cartel that control this area?" This time you joined in, trying to translate the Vaqueros soldiers somewhat broken English. It earned you a nod in confirmation from Carlos, though he didn't say anything further on the matter.

Eventually the convoy came to a halt in front of a modest looking building which you surmised was the Los Vaqueros base of operations. One by one soldiers riding in the other cars in front began exiting the vehicles and gathered what little hand luggage they'd crammed into the boot of each car. You and Roach hopped out, saying a quick thank you in your best Spanish accent to Carlos for a safe ride over before joining up with the rest of the 141.

König had been in the middle car, crammed in with Horangi and Gaz. You noted idly that, despite the intense heat, König was still wearing his sniper hood, an evident safety precaution to sooth himself against the new soldiers he was now forced to be in contact with. He noticed you hopping out of the car behind him, giving a slight nod in acknowledgment before turning his attention back towards the front where Alejandro and Rudy were now stood.

"This will be your home while you work with us." The colonels gravelly voice seemed to echo around you. "Use what is left of the day to settle in, tomorrow you will be briefed, the day after we get to work. But for now? Rest." On that, Alejandro turned on his heels and left, seemingly giving you and the group some space to get accustomed to the area and to explore the base in your own time.

"Briefed tomorrow and the day after we get to work? They must really be in a hurry to get shit done."
You spoke aloud, though it was admittedly to yourself rather than to anyone in particular around you. It didn't stop Horangi from joining in and giving his two cents on the matter however,
"Psh I was sure we'd get some time to sunbathe or some shit..." the Korean soldier pouted, receiving a withering sigh and eye roll from König in response.

"Horangi, we aren't here for a holiday..." the Austrians voice was tired, his accent thicker than usual from the lack of talking. You could see a distinct sheen of sweat glittering in the mid afternoon sun from behind Königs hood, evidently he was much better equipped to deal with the cold rather than the blistering Mexican heat.
"Tch...Yeah I know, but I can dream..." Horangi replied with a roll of his eyes.

❖ ☤ MEDIC ☤ ❖

"So what do you think to our new friends?"
Rudy said with an inquisitive tilt of his head, watching Alejandro as he flicked through some files on his desk. The Colonel glanced at his friend and hummed in thought before scratching at the sharp stubble on his chin.
"I think they're...certainly a unique group." Alejandro replied with a shrug.

Rudy grinned, standing up and walking over to Vargas' office window. He watched as the 141 group grabbed their bags and began the exploration of the Vaqueros base.

"Unique? Mm, I'd be inclined to agree with you there, hermano."  Rudy gave a nod, "Their Lieutenant looks like a skeleton, the Sargent has a mohawk and they've got a giant guy who barely fit in the fucking car."

Alejandro couldn't help but laugh at his best friends description of some of their new acquaintances, standing up to join Rudy by the window and partake in a spot of people watching alongside him.

"They're odd, I'll give you that...but I think they'll be just what we need to help Las Almas get back on the right track..." Vargas mumbled in thought, watching from his elevated position as König and Dove carried their bags into the base and out of sight.

"That big one...he rode in your car, right?"

Rudy nodded and shuddered slightly, "Si. Though he didn't say a word to me...gave me the creeps...what is it with these guys and covering their faces?"

Alejandro grinned, a chuckle resonating in his chest as he slapped a reassuring hand on his best friends shoulder, giving him a slight shake and a playful squeeze, "This change of pace is going to be strange for us all, hermano. For those guys too. Let's allow them tonight to settle in. Tomorrow we brief them, get to know them a little better, learn about their individual strengths and weaknesses. They'll help us rid Las Almas of that cabrón El Sin Nombré..."

"Or they'll die trying." Rudy added with a shrug, earning an eye roll from the Colonel.

"Si, Rudy...or they'll die trying..."

Authors notes
Super short chapter for you guys as I've been so busy! But I'm finally getting back to it! Yaaaay (took me fuckin' long enough 🙄)

All of the chapters have now been revised and edited! Though I may still make some cute cover arr for them like I have for some of the others!
THE RED LULLABY CHAPTER HAS HAD A COMPLETE REWRITE. 🖤

Anyway! Onto our adventures in Las Almas! What shenanigans are we going to get up to?