Recon 6

Part 16 Ana: Extended Mission

Kayo's mission was extended due to heavy hostile engagement. I knew he would be fine, he had to be. I hadn't heard from him since his last message but there's no time to sit back and text during combat. Wolf visited me frequently in sick bay and I was finally being released after several days. I was able to walk on my own with minimal pain as my muscles strained. I felt weak and helpless, feelings that I despised. A pile of fresh clothes was at my bed side and Jonesy left the room as I started to get changed.
"A sight for sore eyes." A growl-like voice filled the room. I turned around startled covering my bare chest with the shirt in my hands.
"What are you doing in here?" I snapped.
"I heard you were getting released today. Thought I'd come by and see how you were doing." Phantom laughed. He looked down at me, his face covered with his every day mask and the same pair of shades.
My face burned from embarrassment. I was half naked in front of my lieutenant.
"I wouldn't even have to be here if it wasn't for you." I mumbled. I turned around so my back was to him and finished changing.
"Well you have quite the shiner there too." He said.
"Again, your fault." I was getting angry. "This is the second time you've allowed me to be harmed under your leadership. Doesn't say much for you does it." Those last few words came out of me like word vomit. I knew I was about to regret saying that as I turned to face him preemptively flinching fearing he would strike me. He didn't move a muscle.
"I deserved that one, but watch your mouth little lady." He sighed. "Look, I won't let Hyde near you again. Midas has been taken care of and shouldn't bother you anymore." He added.
I didn't say another word fearing what I would say next would worsen the situation. He nodded and left sick bay.
I sighed to myself gathering up Kayo's shirt, said my thank you's and goodbye's to Jonesy before leaving sick bay myself. I strolled through the halls making my way to my own room. My muscles felt weak and I felt out of practice but training was out of the question right now. I reached my room opening the door to find my bed covered in new gear. There was a yellow sticky note on top of a box of my favorite armor piercing rounds that read "sorry" with no name attached. A mask with long pointed black metallic metal teeth sewn onto it laid next to the box along with a new fitted tactical vest.
I debated on getting geared up and doing light patrols around the base. Jonesy said light activities until my stitches dissolve and walking should be light enough. I slipped on a compression band around my thigh to keep my wound from rubbing against my pants and slipped into my new gear. I grabbed the mask and headed into the bathroom watching myself pull it up from my neck then over my mouth and nose. My hair looked out of place, it was all the way down to my lower back when it was down. I ran my fingers through it snatching an elastic band pulling it into a high pony. My bruises had lightened over the last few days but they were still noticeable.
My gun was sat upright in the corner with a new strap attached to it. I checked my weapon and the magazine had been reloaded. I wrapped it around my chest letting my firearm rest against my back and last but not least, I slipped on my boots before heading out.
Once outside I made my way to one of the towers on the far side of the base. I climbed the steps all the way up, taking in the view. The air felt even more brisk the man the days before.
A blacked out helicopter started approaching from the distance, it's blades cutting through the air and echoing into the landscapes. I switched my rifle in front of me looking through its scope hoping to see who was aboard. The craft got close enough and started hovering into the landing zone and I spotted a masked individual painted in dark red. It was Kayo and his team, covered in blood.