Operation Hades

Digging In

The ground was turning tan and the vegetation was slowly fading as the duo advanced up the rugged terrain.

"What do you need in the 'Stans for, anyways?" His Russian compatriot called back to him. They had been travelled through the warring state of Russia so Acheron could slip into the middle-eastern nations more easily than through Europe. Plus, Agency proxies were rampant in the west world. He had ventured through Russia mostly undetected with the help of the man guiding him through the land, Artyom Strelnikov. Even though they were travelling buddies, Acheron chose not to respond.

"At least drop me a hint," Artyom sighed over the clattering of the gear on his back. Looking backwards, he saw the empty expression Acheron held. "I mean, we've been walking for like a million miles," He half-joked, before running a hand through his buzzcut.

"Dick," He muttered once Acheron didn't answer. Little by little, they marched up the steep hill; the only sound being made was their boots on the rocks and dry soil beneath them. The peak was just ahead. In no time, they stood atop the hill, viewing in silent reverence at the vast land ahead of them.

Acheron's examination was short, and in mere moments began to step down. Artyom chuckled, before straightening his posture.

"This is it, eh? Still not going to say a word?"

Acheron stopped in his tracks, slowly turning his head to give a cold stare. There was nothing in his eyes. In a few dry words, he was off.

"I'm looking for something."

---

I failed.

Acheron couldn't shake the two words from his head. He was supposed to get everyone out of there alive, yet even so was all too familiar with the feeling of disappointment. He may have failed his promise, but he would definitely not fail this mission. No matter what it took. The inside of the chopper was silent, with everyone exchanging weary glances every now and then. Looking back and forth between Lyle and Anika, he felt the rage well up in the back of his throat. His fists clenched hard and began to shake.

What were they thinking? Why didn't they set us up with more Agents?

He was thinking of any excuse in the book that there could be. Maybe there was a shortage at the moment, maybe they were all completely unable. Maybe they were all already assigned to missions or different sites. Even so, if the Agency went out of their way to pull him and Zephyr out of hiding in a matter of days, then how could they not dispatch an Agent cell with them? Why didn't they wait until they got there to send Arashi out? That's when it dawned on him. The Agency thought they had the means to handle it. Considering their failures as of recent, it was only up to him and Zephyr; they were the last contingency.

I willnot falter. He prepared what weapons he had left. His knife, the USP and SOCOM, and the TMP; a suppressor for each of the three as well. The others got the hint, and doubled checked all of their things. They were going to land about a kilo from this position, according to the TacMap, and they were going to have to ditch the chopper. Which meant the pilot was going to have to tag along. From there, they'd have to make a stealthy fast-march to the base to try and get there before Daedalus and Echo could. Good for them, stealth were Acheron and Zephyr's specialties.

He reflected on the last thirty minutes or so. The fact that the time since combat was so short always surprised him. He hated to admit it, but he almost enjoyed experiencing the thrill of battle again. He always hated that side of him, but he couldn't help it. That was when Acheron realized Wesley was giving him an odd look, which he responded to with his best disingenuous smile. That was another issue that came up in his head. What were they going to do about Wesley?