"Secrets in the line of duty" (oc x canon)

Shadows of Betrayal: 1st Mission

Sun, 29 Sep, 2024

Title: Shadows of Betrayal

The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange hue over the small military base situated in the desolate desert landscape. Lieutenant Simon Riley adjusted the collar of his tactical uniform, stealing a glance at the woman beside him. Maria Rose had recently joined his unit, a fresh-faced soldier with fiery determination in her eyes. This was their first mission together, and already, a sense of unease hung thick in the air.

“Okay, Maria,” Simon said, his voice steady despite the swirling apprehension in his gut. “We’ve got reports of soldiers disappearing from the base. We need to tread carefully.”

“Understood, Lieutenant,” Maria replied, her tone laced with confidence. “What’s our first step?”

They approached the cordoned-off area marked with caution tape. The sight of it sent a jolt of anxiety through Simon; this wasn't the first time he had witnessed tragedy on the battlefield, but this felt different. This was betrayal, creeping like a shadow among them.

With measured steps, they entered the perimeter. A few of the neighboring soldiers looked on skeptically, whispering amongst themselves. Simon had overheard rumors—whispers of a traitor lurking within their ranks, and with each missing soldier, the whispers grew louder.

As they systematically searched the area, the two of them carefully examined anything that could yield clues. They cataloged evidence, taking note of anything suspicious, and interviewing other soldiers stationed nearby. Each interaction seemed to deepen the entanglement of fear and suspicion that gripped the base.

“I can’t shake the feeling that someone here knows more than they’re letting on,” Maria said, her brow creased as she scoured the ground for any signs of disturbance.

Simon nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. It wasn’t just a matter of finding a kidnapper; it was about rooting out a traitor. What could drive someone to betray their own? As night fell, they found more clues—minor items that could have belonged to the missing soldiers: a watch, a dog tag. Each piece felt like a confession of something darker.

Finally, they caught a break, a lead that pointed to a fellow soldier, Corporal Jason Flannery, who had recently transferred to their unit. Flannery had always exhibited strange behavior, often disappearing for long stretches, and he was known to have questionable connections with dubious individuals outside the military.

With stealth and precision, Simon and Maria laid a trap, surrounding Flannery's barracks late one night. The plan came together flawlessly; under the cover of darkness, they quietly slipped inside, finding Flannery amidst a stack of equipment he had gathered for his clandestine operations—proof of his involvement with the Mexican cartel.

“Flannery!” Simon shouted, his voice echoing off the cold concrete walls. “You’re under arrest!”

The room erupted into chaos as Flannery lunged for a weapon. A quick skirmish ensued, but trained instincts kicked in. Maria, with swiftness and ferocity, managed to disarm him and pin him to the ground.

When the dust settled, Simon stood over Flannery, breathing heavily. “What have you done?” he demanded, a mixture of rage and disbelief clouding his judgment.

“They were just soldiers!” Flannery spat back. “They couldn’t be trusted! I was giving our plans to the cartel—keeping us safe in the long run…!”

Maria shook her head, “By selling out your comrades? You’re a coward, Flannery. You don’t deserve to wear this uniform.”

With Flannery in custody, they collected the evidence and secured the area, bracing themselves for the inevitable fallout. Together, they compiled the documents detailing Flannery’s treason and the circumstances surrounding the disappearances. Tensions ran high as they prepared for their report to Captain Price.