Protocols & Hearts

Chapter 2

August 22, 20XX. Approx. 2:11 a.m. Classified Military Base.

Aelia sat uncomfortably on the hard metal folding chair around the worn conference table. She tugged at the zip ties chafing her wrists, taking in her surroundings with apprehension. Across from her sat John Price and Kate Laswell, their eyes scanning files and computer screens. Price's gruff face showed the wear of years in the field, while Laswell appeared sharp and determined behind the folder she was flipping through.

Beside Aelia, the Scottish soldier John 'Soap' MacTavish sat stiffly, ever watchful. Though he had been cordial during the extraction, she sensed his distrust. His hand never strayed far from his holstered sidearm. On Soap's other side sat another soldier, his face hidden behind a distinctive grey skull balaclava. He hadn't said a word since they met, communicating only through subtle gestures and body language.

As the muffled thump of helicopter blades faded in her memory, Aelia recalled the masked man sweeping off their transport in Mexico, weapon at the ready. Though she couldn't see his features clearly, she felt his penetrating stare scanning for threats. Even now, seated and still, he emanated coiled tension, every sense tuned for danger.

The cold conference room offered no hints about her fate. Aelia shifted, metal grate meeting wire, and waited to learn just what sort of soldiers these were, and what they wanted from her.

"We've analyzed the intel you provided on Brȧulio," Kate suddenly said, peering at Aelia over the edge of her the folder. "The financial records and contacts check out. But we need more if we're going to take him down for good." She leaned forward, meeting Aelia's gaze earnestly. "What else can you tell us about his operations?"

Aelia shifted under the restraints, desperately wishing she could rub her raw wrists. "Offhand, I have access to his local bank accounts and a few offshore accounts, though I'm not sure where that money flows in from," She said slowly. "But I do know that he has a USB drive with a complete list of all his buyers, partners, anyone tied to his organization... Back in Mexico.."

Price didn't look up from the file as he asked, "Seems like quite an operation for an anonymous hacker. How'd you obscure your identity so thoroughly?" He suddenly asked.

Aelia sighed. "Online, I use code names, VPNs, anything to avoid leaving a digital footprint. That's all the client ever gets from me - no real names. But the Cartel.." Her voice trailed off bitterly. "They promised more money if I could set up in-house security feed.. I didn't realize who I was dealing with at first." She said quietly. She then perked up though to add, "I swear though, I didn't know what Brȧulio was up to in the beginning, I panicked and tried to back out of the contract when I realized, but, they weren't exactly okay with that." She smiled awkwardly. "And then he found out I stole a little money from him too..." She mumbled the last bit uncomfortably.

That's when the soldier with the skull balaclava sat up straighter and fixed Aelia with an icy stare. "An' how do we know anythin' you say is gospel?" He challenged in a crisp accent. Huh, British... "You make your keep hackin' an' sellin' info you've no right messin' with."

Aelia met his hard gaze steadily. "I know my line of work is.. morally gray, but it's what I'm skilled at. Coding comes as naturally to me as breathing - I understand systems in a way few others can. I want Brȧulio behind bars just as much as you." She explained. "So, let me help you all by putting my talents to good use."

An uneasy quiet fell as her words sank in. Finally Laswell broke the silence. "We'll grant you supervised access to our tech lab. But one wrong move..." She left the threat unfinished.

"Then it's settle." Price suddenly announced. "Gaz will show you to the barracks. We'll discuss strategy further once you've seen our setup."

August 22, 20XX. Approx. 7:00 a.m. Classified Military Base.