Clipped Wings (Afghanistan)

[Alex Rivera]

Alex closes her eyes and listens to the low hum of Black Hawk's engine. The distinct rhythm of the rotor blades over head fills her thoughts. 'One more month of this crap and I can finally get out and start school' she thinks to herself and gets a small smirk. The very idea of finally being back on her own native soil instantly making Alex feel homesick, remembering where she is here and now. "ETA Fifteen minutes out from the nest" Alex hears the Lt. piloting the chopper announce into the radio but is unable to hear the response, she opens her eyes and looks through her goggles to the gunner whom is staring out into the horizon, 'daydreaming like he usually does' she wonders to herself.

Just as she is about to doze off again the Helicopter makes a sudden and abrupt jerk sending her heart racing "that isn't normal!" she exclaims mostly to herself out loud. The pilot shouts over his comm. "Missile Locked! Chaff Deployed!" she feels the vehicle do another jerk, the sky fills with the bright glows of flares. Grumbling to herself, reaches to her D-ring attached to her belt loop and makes sure she is secure so she isn't thrown out 'thought this path is suppose to be secure' she thinks to herself hoping for the best.

Alex looks out the side door into the horizon to see another missile coming from afar at them, her heart stops and time seems to slow for her... wait... looks like it's going to miss! A second goes by and she lets out a soft exhale, then it happens. The helicopter makes a very hard jerk as the missile hits the rear rotor and the vehicle makes the sickening whining noise and starts to spin, barely audible over all the noise is the pilot's voice, “May-Day!" repeating over and over, shouting out numbers into the radio, Alex hanging on to dear life not really caring to pay attention to the screams.

And then darkness, minutes go by before she starts to regain conscious. She looks around and sees neither her pilot nor the gunner moving. She crawls over the pilot and checks his pulse… dead. She then moves over to the gunner, dead as well. Taking in the current situation, Alex sees that the helicopter is no longer moving. The wreck is on fire and will probably fry her if she doesn’t get out of the sideways heap of metal soon and fast. Alex looks up to the open side door now above her being on its side and grabs what gear she can, medical supplies, backpack with stuff in it, her rifle, and begins to climb out. She whimpers in pain, sore from the impact of the crash but her only focus now is survival.

Alex manages to get out in a few minutes, gathers her things and begins to limp in the direction that she thinks is where the base is… in either case it is away from where the missile was launch and not too hard to find hiding spots along the path she choose to escape unfriendly eyes. She can only hope friendly forces are inbound and they don’t think her to be dead with the rest. Just as the hope enters her thought and barely at a safe distance now as the Blackhawk blows up into an explosion, the fuel and ammunition finally having been caught by the intense flames. Alex quickens her pace into the setting sun; it’s a long walk…

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Italy

The quartz tile clicked with every step. Click. Click. Click. The boots of a large man collided into the ground with every click. Click. Click. Click. He had been summoned to a meeting. An assignment. He would be right on time. Click. Click. Click. The dome building of stone amplified every sound and shot it back at the male's ears from above; the open-mouthed statues seemed to be causing the noise. Click. Click. Click. He entered into an arched hallway wide enough for three people to walk side by side down comfortably with their boots hitting the ground in a constant Click. Click. Click. The passageway was straight and before he came out of the other side, he could see four of the Elders sitting, serious-faced, staring somberly as he came down the hall with that pleasant Click. Click. Click.. He strode through the other arched end and came out (Click. Click. Click.) into another circular room, 12 eyes looking at him as he made his way to the center of the circle. Click. Click. Click.
x
Silence.
x
He stood there, the large man, looking at the Elder before him. No clicking, just observation of his stature and demeanor... like an insect. The Elder opened his mouth. "Zyxyz Golthrum. It is well to see you unharmed after your last assignment. It was felt you would succeed, but we know the task was a difficult one. We are pleased with you." Zyxyz slowly released air he hadn't known he was holding. The Elder continued. "We've summoned you, Zyxyz Golthrum, for a chance to prove yourself further." Zyxyz bowed his head and (after raising his head back up) replied, "It is well. Thank you, Elders. I live to serve you. Pray tell what you would have me do." The Elder nodded. "An elemental that does not hold affiliation to other organizations was seen killing one of our own before making her escape. She has run to Afghanistan. This is what we know. Here," he said, thrusting a piece of paper to him, "is a picture of her. Kill her and bring the body back here so we may make an example of her." The Elder folded his hands together to signify that he was done speaking. Zyxyz folded his hands in an identical fashion, bowed, turned, and left wordlessly; the only sound reverberating down the hallway was that of his foot hitting the ground and the other following. Click. Click. Click.

Afghanistan

The last place in the world Zyxyz would want to go for vacation. The weather wasn't so bad, but the [Click. Click. Click.] of guns and muffled shots was too regular. There was no sort of peace. Click. Click. Click. Zyxyz checked the ammunition on his weapon. No harm checking again. Click. Click. Click. The old sedan protested as he drove slowly to his destination. Click. Click. Click. Helicopter overhead. Click. Click. Click. The gunshots continued. They seemed to pause for a split second as a different noise screamed, announcing the launching of a surface to air missile. The gunshots resumed before the missile reached it's target. Click. Click. Click.
BOOM.
x
The missile found it's way home (barely, Zyxyz noted) in the rear rotor of the chopper, sending it spiraling down, the inside surely sounding like a dying animal as all kinds of sirens were probably going off. Click. Click. Click. The constant gunfire continued archaically and Zyxyz shook his head. If these primitive-minded bastards shot down the helicopter, he would probably like the people in that chopper... or at least be able to enlist them to help him... if they were alive. Click. Click. Click. Zyxyz's heart seemed a distant clicking as he formulated a plan in his head. He nodded his head in confirmation of himself and turned his vehicle to go towards the helicopter. His heart stayed a steady (Click. Click. Click.). He'd done this plenty before; nothing to get excited about.
x
BOOM. The Blackhawk that had just got shot down exploded loudly. So loudly that the other gunshots (Click. Click. Click.) paused for the briefest second as everyone wondered if a grenade exploded near them, realized it was the helicopter and resumed the Click. Click. Click. Zyxyz pondered for a moment. The odds of them being alive now were slim (whoever "them" was). He shrugged. Might as well check to be sure. He could use the help. He continued driving towards the downed bird.
x
After driving for a stretch, Zyxyz slowed. A female that was out of place was walking down the road warily. It was a miracle she hadn't been killed yet. It was a miracle they hadn't rushed to finish her off. Zyxyz figured they would be soon. He decided to enlist her aid. He stopped the vehicle and looked around carefully before getting out. The door opened with a creak and a large foot emerged from the vehicle and Zyxyz exited, shutting the door with a slam. He leaned backwards against old brown sedan, pistol comfortingly pressing against his chest in it's holster, invisible to others. He was certain she would notice him leaning there (seven-foot tall Caucasians don't go unnoticed easily in Afghanistan) as he stared at her (hoping she would come over after noticing him).

[/b][/size]

[Alex Rivera]

She stumbles along the road, keeping a steady pace, ready to dive for cover when she needs to and hopefully not have to resort to her weapons. She’s a medic, not a fully fledged combat trooper. Though, she is a good marksman… better than good she tested for expert marksman hitting all forty out of forty targets in training. She grits her teeth and pulls her balaclava over her face, to protect herself from the dust and to dull out the smells of the war torn area. She brushes off her jacket, her name and rank visible attached to her shoulder and vest. The tan battle dress uniform blending in with the land all to well, the attempt to remove dirt off futile alone in itself. After a while walking, thoughts all to herself she hears a vehicle approaching, stops to look and see it stop and a man get out of a nice Sedan.

Alex eyes the tall caucasian male, an odd sight to see considering the nice car he was driving in the middle of a warzone. She immediately takes note he isn't shooting her, he doesn't look like military personnel that’s for sure... nor does he look hostile. She looks around a bit cautiously, listening to the gunfire in the distance escalate but not coming closer. She sighs a little relieved and knows in no time a patrol will fly by her way and rescue her hopefully.

She eyes the man again and shifts her rifle to her other shoulder and confidently approaches and holds an empty hand up gesturing she means peace. She covers her face out of respect for the customs in the region, only her eyes visible, despite the goggles attached to her kevlar helmet still down on her face protecting her eyes. Dust swirls around in the wind as she continues to approach. Alex keeps a close eye and remains ever so alert just in case the worse could happen. She would reach about fifteen feet from the man and the Sedan and stops, gives a respectful nod and announces "hello". All she can do is hope for is that he understands her and doesn't draw a weapon on her.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz watched the small (to him) female approach, obviously hesitant. Smart. Zyxyz thought to himself. He dipped his head in return of the friendly gesture and raised his voice a tad as he called out, "Hello to you, soldier," in fluent English. He turned his head to the left then the right as a gesture, looked back at her and announced, "You seem to be lost from your unit." Zyxyz narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side, "Or...." he paused for (hopefully) dramatic effect. "Perhaps you're a survivor of the helicopter crash."
x
It was stated as an almost-inquiry in form, but the way he said it was pointed... an accusation. He took two large steps forward as he spoke, "This is a dangerous place. Especially for a soldier." He stopped walking, legs shoulder-width apart, looking extremely out-of-place in his Armani suit and Louis Vuitton shoes. "Wearing that uniform is like painting a target on your back; you got lucky that I ran across you before someone else. I am Zyxyz and I'd be happy to help you if you'd be happy to help me." He smiled as placating of a smile as he could and paused to let her reply.

[/b][/size]

[Alex Rivera]

Alex Sighs in relief 'He's at least friendly' she thinks to herself as she steadily continues her approach. A sad tone in her voice remembering her fallen borthers in arms, "Yes, I am a survivor from the down Black Hawk. I'm Pfc Rivera, United States Army MEDEVAC... we were on our way to home base when we took the hit" she pauses with a sigh, half hoping to recieve a ride or such from the strange man whome is very out of place. "Well... it is the standard uniform and it's all I have down here, we don't really have civilian dress in a warzone and at least I won't be shot by the gunship bound to fly over the area looking for survivors... say may I ask what your are doing here out of places. I mean... you don't look or speak like your from Afgahnistan." pauses a moment "I mean no offence if you are." she shifts her weight standing her feat spread just a little wider than shoulder width compensating for the weight of her pack and rifle. With all the gear on her and the protective vest it'd be hard to make out if she's male or female. But from her voice alone and up close it's more obvious. She only stands at around five foot eight and is pretty slim despite her rigorous training. Her radio, damaged but partly functioning crackles and fades out occassionaly, struggling to pick up a signal. "*CZZTT*Grid Echo *static* niner niner zero *static* team package over *zzzzzztt* knoledged over *long static and silence as it loses the trace*" she makes a grab for it and trys to radio her position but gets zaped by it and drops the device, it breaks on the floor and all she could mutter out is "dammit" holding onto her gloved hand, some how she still managed to get shocked, probably due to exposed wiring being able to poke through the thick fabric.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz chuckled at the woman's statement. "You are correct. I'm not from Afghanistan. I was born in Italy. But that's not really important right now, is it? Especially since you just dropped and likely broke what was your best chance of getting picked up out of here on another Black Hawk and not a covered stretcher. Now you've got two choices; walk back to your base through hostile territory, or take a chance with an English-speaking Italian. I am here for purposes similar to your own; that is, subduing a rogue element. If you'll help me with my mission, PFC Rivera, I'll take you to your base without attempting to harm you in any fashion."
x
The gunshots continued, but seemed to be coming closer, so he added, "I doubt you'll receive such an offer from the indigenous peoples of this region," with a chuckle. As far as he could tell, the woman had no choice at all, but Humans were often ridiculous creatures, doing things to prove they could do it, rather than taking the route of guaranteed survival or the route of tradition. "If you accept, please, enter the passenger door of my vehicle and enjoy one of the bagged lunches in the cab. If you choose otherwise, please, let me know now so I can stop wasting time trying to help you."

[/b][/center]

[Alex Rivera]

Alex lets out a soft sigh and looks at the bright side, he's not trying to kill her, it sure beats walking, and it doesn't look like he'll try to take advantage of her... even if he tried she's armed to the teeth and is in body armor, though she is still a bit dazed from the crash and is possible she could have fractures. But the alternatives could be way worse. So she opens the passenger door and crawls into the back seat forgetting about the busted radio on the ground, it won't do her any good.

A loud rumble could be heard over head, almost like thunder. Alex looks out the side window and two low flying jets go by at high speed, a moment goes by. Then she hears a loud consecutive rumble looking to where the jets went and turn around seeing the explosions of what was probably a carpet bomb. Indeed the enemy presence was strong in the area and getting closer. It would be unwise to stick around longer not just because of the enemy presence but the great risk of 'friendly fire', an accident all to common for many of the deaths of fellow service men and women. She rather not be added to the statistics.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz kept his most reassuring smile on as the female soldier entered his vehicle. Assistant found. Wonder if she’ll survive. Probably not. he thought to himself as the door slammed shut. Nonchalantly, as if he had all the time in the world, Zyxyz opened the driver door and squeezed his large frame into the vehicle. He opened the cubby and extracted a sandwich and bottled water. As he closed the cubby door, the sound of explosions echoed down the street and he turned to hand the food and drink to his newfound helper – her eyes were staring out the side window. “You chose well,” he said, a calm smile on his face as he held out the turkey-on-rye to her. “Your chances of survival have improved greatly upon your entering my car.” He was lying, of course, but as far as she knew, it was truth. He continued looking her over for a moment before he turned around and started the engine, a low purr barely audible in the cab of the dark-colored sedan.
x
“My goal is a rogue murderer. His case is top-secret, so if you tell anyone about this, consider yourself expendable in the eyes of your government. He has an uncanny ability to look like other people at times, but this is his true appearance.” At this point, Zyxyz handed her a photograph of a Caucasian male with blonde hair, brilliant blue eyes, and a sharp-edged, clean-shaven face. “He will likely be armed and is rather dangerous as individuals go. Fortunately, we know where he is at this exact moment and it’ll be relatively easy to keep him from escaping the building he’s in as long as we keep our eyes peeled. The building itself has one entrance. The front door; wooden, large, and just tall enough for me to not have to duck.” He paused to allow her a chuckle if she felt like it and let a small hiss of a snicker out himself. “Once inside, we’ll have to take the first left and go into room number 15. I’ll kick it, but the recoil will force me to be immobile for a split second. That’s when you’ll run in. Shoot anything that moves… and I do mean anything. I’ll be right behind you after you’ve cleared the door and I’ll check the bathroom and closets if you didn’t already kill him. Is everything clear to you?” Hopefully, she knew her stuff well enough to keep a level head and stick to the plan. Otherwise, I might end up dead, too, he mused.

[/center][/size]

[Alex Rivera]

She nods softly, "All clear, they trained this stuff to us even though I'm a medic." she pauses for a moment looking at the picture "He is a murderer... whome did he kill and why? Has he been profiled yet?" she tilts her head to the side curriosity on her face "And everyone in 15 will be hostiles I take it?... No kids?". She taps her chin idly and sighs shaking her head. "I guess we arn't entirely clear then after all" letting out a small laugh, her gaze on the picture and then back into the man's eyes. She sits it down and fixes her sleeves and adjusts her gear so she could be more comfortable in her seat. "And you'll take me back to the base after all this?" she nods adding in, she doesn't sound to happy having to go in to kill someone, being a healer, but she diffinatly knows her stuff and is capable. "One ill deed..." she trails off mostly talking to herself at that point, wondering what could possess someone to murder and flee into a warzone where they'd surely die. They don't even blend in for that matter with the populace... but then from all the history she has seen it has proven most killer's IQs are pretty low. She pauses for a moment "do you have credentials?".

((sorry busy with my schedual can't post as often as I'd like))

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz nodded slowly. "It's a fair question. As I said, this case is extremely sensitive... I'm not really even supposed to tell you who he killed, so let no one know I did. He killed an ambassador to some German colonies named Privio Legion. He hasn't been profiled because of the infamy of his crime. That is, it was such an angering thing that people just want him dead. They don't even care about his motives. Also, in response to your other question, yes, number 15 will be entirely composed of hostiles. If you believe you see a youngling Hu-" Zyxyz coughed. He'd almost said Human. Nothing like that to make someone suspicious. He cleared his throat violently and resumed. "Excuse me. What was I saying? Ah. If you believe you see a child and don't shoot, you'll survive long enough to see that this murderer is extraordinarily skilled when it comes to hiding his true appearance." Zyxyz observed the female. She was definitely uncomfortable, but he believed she would be perfect for the job. "Yes, I'll take you back to your base after the shi-" Damnit, I almost said Shifter! Get it together, Zyxyz! "After the murderer is dead, I'll take you to your base." With his most encouraging voice possible, he nodded, finishing her statement. "Deserves another," he smiled at her reassuringly. "Believe me when I say he's committed an atrocity and deserves far more than he will receive."
x
Zyxyz was taken back. Credentials? What the hell is with this woman? How am I supposed to convince her I'm on her side if the closest thing to 'credentials' belong to something she doesn't even know exists? Zyxyz's mind raced furiously at a solution and a moment later caught himself. "Um... pardon me, but did you remember I said this is top-secret?" He chuckled as if gently chiding an infant. "Yet you expect me to be carrying around credentials?" He increased his chuckle to a slight laugh, held it and, smiling, sighed. "If I die to this man and he finds my credentials, what's to keep him from assuming my identity? I told you, he's extremely good at disguising his appearance. It's too risky." He nodded, pausing to hopefully let that sink in and with any luck, he would be able to proceed without delay. Of all the Humans...

((No worries, I took a while, too. Had a crazy week. By the way, pleasure roleplaying with you. ))

[Alex Rivera]

Leans back taking it all in for a moment, weighing what was said... judging by his appearance and what he drove the reasons for someone such as him seem to add up. Though... one thought does linger in her mind, what if he is the murderer and the target is actualy the agent, after all he is aparently good at masking his true identity? She tilts her head to the side curriously, 'well' she thinks to herself 'if I go around asking that and he is that just earns me a bullet and an even earlier grave. Better just play it out and get my ride, at least after all this I could finaly leave this hell-hole' she straitens herself out and sits up and gives him a firm nod "Allright, I'll do it." looking him strait in the eyes, a serrious intent writen in her eyes. Her tone doesn't sound like she will enjoy this, after all she is suppose to be saving lives not taking them, but is just as capable to do that sombersome task as well. With her training and him backing her up she is sure they can pull it off, depending on how out numbered they appear and the eliment of surprise. "hmmm, well, if we barge in, me a United States soldier and you in that suite... could raise suspicion and you'd lose your target. I assume you have proper garments for this region to not arrouse suspicion?" she looks to him eyeing him head to toe. She's right though, a lone american trooper let alone would arraise alarm with the general populace and their target would know about them before they even entered the building. Alex undoes the strap to her cantine and takes a drink of water awaiting to hear the rest of his plan.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz frowned. Turning in his seat, he shook his head as he grabbed hold of the steering wheel and put the vehicle into drive. "Hadn't planned on finding a member of the American military to help me with my task... though you're right." He shot her a look and continued focusing as he drove down the road. He couldn't very well dash in with an American soldier, let alone one who was female and wasn't actually military. He pondered over it for a few minutes in silence as he listened to the surroundings as best he could.

[Alex Rivera]

She nods and screws back on the cap of her canteen. Alex then reaches for the seatbelt and buckles herself in her seat. Then she takes a quick mental inventory of what is on her still, allowing a subtle nod of satisfaction she could survive on what she did have for a bit, even if things went down south with this strange Italian operative... whom she is still suspicious about. There is no telling if what he says is true but then again Alex is in a dangerous position away from friendly territory. One would think this man being whom he claims he is would have already be blending in with the populace, but she ignores the thought. Survival and getting back to base alive is her main concern, and at least she knows enough about the culture she may be able to blend in, or so she hopes. Not intending to sound like a smart ass but almost having it upon the tone of her voice "Well, you were bound to run into us sometime, given your operating in the kill-zone" she responds letting the words trail into silence before double checking her rifle ensuring herself it would function when the time came for it to fire.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz let the remark slide as he turned another corner. "Alright, new plan. I go in, kill this guy, come out, you go home safe." He glanced at her to make sure she was listening. Satisfied, he continued, "While I go in, you're going to be sitting in the most likely spot for him to come out... that is, the window, which is on the back end, or one of the doors. There's one door at the front, on on the east side, and two in the back so you'll be at the northeast corner to watch both the east side door, the two back doors and his window. If you see anyone come out of one of those doors or down the back of the building, you shoot them, clear? If you hesitate, you're probably dead. Also remember that ammunition can be replaced, don't be stingy. Better him than you."

He swerved around a small herd of goats, barely missing a kid, and took a sharp right, driving into a small, tight alley that had just enough space for the vehicle they were in. Once there, he stopped and turned off the car. He looked in all the mirrors and spoke while he looked straight ahead. "This isn't a game, this is your life. I'm leaving the car here so if he does come out of that window or one of the back doors then he'll probably go past you or have to climb over the car. You stand over there." Zyxyz pointed with a finger. "By the corner so you can see both ways. Stay alert." He pushed a button and the top of the car made a slight whirring noise as a large sunroof opened up. Zyxyz hoisted himself out through it and walked down the hood to the front of the car and waited for the American to pull herself out. Once she'd done so, he addressed her a last time. "Any questions, soldier?"[/size]

[Alex Rivera]

Alex shakes her head negative towards his question and begins to make her way to the spot he requested her to go. Allowing her training to kick in she moves with grace, speed and professionalism, locking in her clip of ammunition and taking off the safety, "lets get this over with." She states just audible enough for him to hear. Without waiting for a response Alex moves along the wall, her head just below the window line in a crouched posture, checking her cover and squeezing through any obstacles with ease. Despite the throbbing pain in her body due to the crash, Alex is almost able to blend in the dirty tan adobe walls. Looking back towards where the car is in the empty alley, satisfied grunt that it's clear, takes a slow peak around the corner, almost holding her breath as if it would give her away in the quiet desert breeze. 'Just a few villages, mostly women, few kids, some men, otherwise Isolated and empty' she thinks quietly to herself then glances to the possible exits on that side of the building before quickly ducking back out of sight, just before a villager could see her then takes glace back toward the man she's helping and does the 'all clear' sign while bracing herself perfectly against the wall, rifle upward out of sight so she may turn quickly in either direction as needed, without giving herself away before doing so.