The Hunters

Chapter Six

Finishing my exercise, I returned the belt to the bin and cleaned up before stretching. I took one of the water jugs and filled up a cup, sitting down with my face away from the windows to drink. I always kept my gaiter close to my face, lowering only to drink, before immediately rising. This habit became second nature over the years of being in special forces.

I returned my gaiter in place when I heard the doorknob turning, looking over as Aksel peeked inside. "There you are," he exclaimed with a grin, jogging over to fall on the bench beside me. "I've caught the other Jegertroppen up to speed, but you weren't there. Some stuff is going down."

My brows furrowed as I waited for an explanation and he chuckled, amused by my expression. "First off, I know you don't trust me or the others. It's natural. Heck, we don't trust you," he explained, further confusing me. "But we need to rely on each other to survive whatever this mystery mission has to offer. We're a team now."

"Go on," I urged when he paused, seeing him become nervous when I sat in silence for over a minute contemplating his words.

Aksel sighed, leaning against the wall as he continued, "Gaz told us about how the Lieutenant General was treating you all. Disrespecting your direct request to be treated as equals. Then with the way those puny men were harassing you all, we knew that we couldn't stand by and watch. Ghost, Soap, and Price have been following Fernsby's movements, and they caught him trying to stash a USB in your barracks while you all were getting food."

"He's trying to get us in trouble for stealing secrets? Does he think we're amateurs?" I scoffed, and he shrugged.

"He thinks women are less than him, so, probably. Honestly, I have a hard time tolerating the way women are treated outside of Norway." I sighed; he had a point. Norway prioritized us being equals; violence between the genders was limited compared to the United States. "Ghost snagged the USB drive because he's, well, a ghost, so there's nothing to be found now."

My shoulders slumped in relief and he leaned forward, his elbows digging into his knees. "Fernsby has rounded up his men. They're planning on breaking into your barracks while you all are sleeping to search everything and probably your persons too. Genie filed her complaints to Fernsby's superior, as well as your all's Admiral. Who, by the way, terrifies me. I overheard the call and jeez."

I nodded as a smirk crossed my face, admitting softly, "Imagine her as your Mor. You have no idea how terrifying she can be."

"Shit." Aksel released a sharp laugh before continuing, "141 and KorTac have all filed complaints as well. We have your alls back. Your Admiral...your Mor...?"

"Admiral. She's only my Mor when I'm off contract."

"Admiral, then. She's making some phone calls and threatened to fly out here overnight to give him a piece of her mind." I giggled at the idea and he added, "She threatened to do the same move you did on the Private to him. I don't think he'll enjoy his junk twisted in mid-air, but you never know what someone's into."

I nodded as I mulled over his words, and he added, "Our complaints went to the U.S. General, who is furious with the way you all have been treated. He's flying in now to speak with Fernsby in-person, but it sounds like we're going to move bases."

I cursed in Norwegian, irritated by the circumstances, and he agreed, "All of that and more. So, in the meantime while that crusty old fart is plotting against you all, we've made an agreement with Genie and received permission from the General. You all are staying with us in our barracks, and we're having one of us with you all at all times. This mob mentality is too dangerous for you all to be alone, even if you're a giant woman."

"Admiral's five-eleven," I informed him. "Far was a Colonel before he passed. Seven-foot-one. It's in the genes."

"Shit. Sure is. Are you cool with all of this?"

"If Genie agreed, I'll follow her command. Are you my assigned guard?"

I was humored by the question as we stood, turning away from him to chug the remainder of the water before tossing the paper cup in the trash. Aksel shifted nervously on his feet as my attention returned to him, admitting quietly, "Actually, both Ghost and König have requested to be your personal guards. They seem...highly motivated."