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Callsign: Umbra Chapter 23: Highway to Hell

Masterlist

Word Count: 6,614

Edited: ✅

Published: June 21st, 2025

Last update/change: June 23rd, 2025

Previous Chapter

TRIGGER WARNING: Canon Level of Violence and Gory Imagery

Marine Raider Training Center, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

“What the fuck just happend,” Kyle asked as everyone in the command center began scrambling to get the cameras back online.

“Weren’t live explosives banned Wiley,” Kober asked as Aksel tried to desperately reach KorTac recruits still in the game area.

“Not only banned, but all decoys were inspected to be sure they weren’t live,” Wiley answered.

“Well, obviously not good enough,” Stiletto yelled.

But as everyone else began to throw out accusations and try to get hold of the young recruits who were still relatively close to the blast zone, Price, Kyle, Johnny, and Simon all looked to one another in understanding. This wasn’t just something random. No one in their right mind would attack a U.S. base unless they had no other choice, unless they wanted to be leaving anytime soon. And they could take a $150 million guess at what they were after.

‘Imani,’ they all thought as they all began to run out of the room, Alpha running beside them.

“PRICE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING,” Wiley exclaimed.

“I’m getting my sergeant,” Price answered.

“WE NEED TO CONTAIN THIS! WE HAVE TO FIND THEIR TARGET-”

“MY SERGEANT IS THE TARGET,” Price yelled back.

With that, Price and the rest of the squad ran down the stairs and out of the building.

As soon as they were out of the building, Simon took the lead and ran as fast as he could towards the smoke that began to rise from the game arena.

“Ghost,” Price called out from behind him, “Head towards the armoury! We can cross through, get our weapons, get Alpha set up, and then get to Umbra!”

As much as Simon wanted to say otherwise, he knew Price was right. In this line of work, you have to make sure you're good before you can think to save anyone else. Because otherwise, you’d lose more than just one person.

But as 141 were racing to the facility, the KorTac just observed from the command center, their minds were still thinking about Price's words.

“My sergeant,” Mace repeated Price’s as he, Calisto, Aksel, and Stelito looked to one another in confusion, “Does he mean-”

Back in that building, away across, both König and Imani felt like they were put through the ringer. With their previous injuries, that explosion caused them to become even more delirious and caused an agonizing ringing to go off in their ears.

Through the smoke, both soldiers saw four people with weapons drawn. They moved in a procession that gave the impression that they were either former military personnel or highly trained individuals.

“Here’s our package,” one of the men called out as he pointed his gun at a struggling Imani.

As König tried to get up to protect Imani, he’s hit with a butt of a gun and the feeling of someone’s feet holding his head down as the barrel of a rifle against his temple.

“Don’t move,” a female voice said, “Or I’ll make a big old mess in here.”

König watched as Imani tried to get up but was held down by three other people. Two were holding each arm, and another was grabbing her hair that was now loose from her scrunchie. König watched as the one who had her hair jabbed a syringe in her neck.

König watched as Imani’s eyes lost their fight and her body eventually went limp.

“This is Navarro,” the one who jammed the syringe in Imani’s neck said in his walkie-talkie, “Package is secure, we’re RTB (Return to base) in 20 seconds.”

“Copy that, Navarro,” the voice on the other end said, “If I were you, though, I’d step it up. No telling when Price and those other dogs will show up.”

“Copy.”

‘They’re gonna take her,’ König thought as he watched who he assumed were the muscles of the group sit Imani up and put zip ties on her legs and hands as well as a fabric gag around her mouth.

“Trent you ready,” the man named Navarro asked.

“Yeah,” the muscle man Trent said as he hiked Imani’s unconscious body on his shoulder, “Damn this bitch got a fat ass.”

“Gross,” the smaller man with a ski mask mumbled.

“Don’t think I didn’t see you looking too Wagner,” Trent laughed at the man with disgust in his eyes.

“Navarro,” the woman who still held König down called out through the useless chatter, “What do we do with him?”

Looking towards König, Navarro knelt down and looked the Austrian man in the face with a curious look. But König knew the look in his eyes was nothing but hate and anger. That was what probably made the man laugh.

“Leave him,” Navarro said, groaning as he stood up, “We have what we need.”

Right when König was about to protest, right before he was able to do anything, the woman who still had his face dug in the dirt released him but then kicked him so hard he damn near black out.

“I said leave him alive, Rojas,” Navarro sighed as Trent and Wagner walked through the massive hole towards their Humvee.

“He is alive. Just....sleeping. Just to avoid complications,” Rojas answered, “Oh come on. The Last thing we need is for someone to give chase.”

“They are gonna chase us. If not him, someone else,” Navarro replied as they walked towards the Humvee.

“But we don’t need to give them a head start,” she replied, giving the man a quick peck on the lips.

With their package now secure, the team of contract killers speeds away from the scene of their crime.

But just as they sped away, 141 broke down the door, their weapons drawn as Alpha came in behind them, his teeth bared. The group of men and boys, still with the guns drawn, looked around the warehouse for any hostiles, but found none. But what they did see was anything but what they expected to see.

There on the ground, König was even more beat up and bloodied. Small but controlled flames littered near the big hole in the concrete wall. The evidence of the explosive breach is scattered throughout the room, leaving debris everywhere. But what concerned them, especially Simon, was their missing sergeant.

“You broken,” Kyle asked as he and Johnny knelt down next to him while Price and Simon looked out the hole.

“I feel like I was hit by a truck, then they put it in reverse,” König groaned, chuckling a bit in pain as Alpha licked him on his face. Understanding that the beast wanted to make him feel better.

Before Johnny or Soap could say anything, Simon stepped in front of the man as the two other sergeants helped him up, “Where’s Umbra?”

“They took her,” König replied, “I tried to stop them, but we both couldn’t really do anything.”

“How many of them,” Price asked this time.

“Four,” König answered, “Three males, one female.”

“Did you see where they were heading,” Price asked again.

But before he could respond, the five men felt the ground beneath them shake, and they all knew North Carolina wasn’t a place to get earthquakes.

“WE HAVE AN EXPLOSION AT THE WEST TARMAC! ALL UNITS PLEASE RESPOND,” Wiley yelled through their comms.

“Explosion on the west side, but we’re on the east side,” Johnny pointed out.

“That’s a distraction to make us think that they’re taking her west,” Simon said, “They’re gonna go east.”

“How do you know,” König tried to yell, stopping as his ribs begged for him to stop, “How can you say that when they’re obviously-”

“Because it’s too obvious," Simon interrupted, “And based on these tire marks out here, they’re heading east.”

“Wiley, what’s the closet gate to our position,” Price called out over comms.

“Wiley isn’t here. He left to go handle the incident near the west gate, so I have the comms,” Kobe answered instead, “The closest gate to your position is Piney Green Gate.”

“Isn’t that gate closest to Highway 24,” Kyle asked.

“And the closest to Port Swan Point Marina,” Kobe mumbled over comms.

“Fuck they’re gonna take her out by boat,” Johnny exclaimed.

“Kobe we need a vehicle,” Price said.

“Already on it.”

At that moment, two Humvees pulled up near the hole in the wall, and some KorTac soldiers jumped out of the Humvees.

“The first vehicle’s for you. Our men will handle König.”

“Thanks mate,” Price said, gesturing for Johnny, Kyle, and Simon to follow him.

“I’ll be on overwatch and look for any Humvee trackers heading that way. I'll also get state police to start setting traps and stopping civilians from getting on the highway.”

“Alright, thanks, Kobe,” Simon replied as they all hopped in.

“No problem. And Captain?”

“Yes?”

“Bring back our girl.”

“Copy, 6 out,” Price answered. Without wasting any more time, Price slammed on the gas to get their sergeant back.

Meanwhile

Clang, Clang, Clang

The sway of chains

Splat, Splat, Splat

The sound of dripping water

Groaning awake, the young girl wakes up. Pain shooting throughout her body. She tries to stand, talk, and run, but she can’t.

She looks around, her eyes never focusing. But what was really there to see? Everything she saw was the only thing she could see for what felt like forever. A dark place without light.

But as her eyes scoured the area, she caught a figure standing at the entrance of her cell. A girl all too familiar. A girl whom she loved. And a girl gone too soon.

“What are you doing," the girl asked, her voice echoing in the concrete cell, her body twitching in ways that could only be described as possession.

“I don’t know,” the girl whispered, her voice trembling due to the cold and her own fear.

“Get up,” her voice echoed.

“I-,” the young girl cries, “Can’t.”

“You can and you will,” the voice echoed, “Have you forgotten what they said to us? What they did?”

“No, never,” the girl cried.

“Then get on your feet and avenge me. Avenge us!”

“I-,” she cried again, bringing her legs to her chest, “I can’t!”

Feeling someone grabbing her hair, the figure brought her face from the ground. The girl saw the face of the echoing voice. Her face was covered in blood, her sunken eyes showed how little sleep or food she had, along with her hair that was brittle and showed a lack of care. But what drew the girl in wasn’t all that. What drew her in was her eyes. Eyes are the windows to the soul, and her eyes were completely black with no white in them. This girl had no soul anymore. And the bullet hole in her forehead showed that,

“AVENGE US IMANI!”

Breathing a bit heavy, Imani woke up with her eyes frantically looking around her. Based on the sound and her surroundings, Imani believes she is on the road in the back of what looks to be a Humvee.

‘What the hell is going on,’ Imani wondered, her mind still foggy. When she tried to rub her itchy eyes, she realized her hands were tied behind her back, and so were her legs. Then she discovered the cloth that kept her quiet.

That was when the events of some time ago came back to her mind.

‘Son of a bitch,’ Imani thought, struggling to get out the zip ties that kept her restraint. Looking up, she saw the back of the head of the one female and the muscles of the group sitting in the middle seat.

Looking around at what was essentially the trunk of the Humvee, Imani realized she was in one of the specialized JTVs (Joint Tactical Vehicles). In Lejuene, there were only four, and each had something unique about it.

‘This is the one with the ramp door,’ Imani thought, turning her body to see that said door, remembering seeing it back in basic and when she escorted both her brother and father, ‘But how the hell did they get their hands on this? The JTVs are more secure than our filing room. So how the hell did they manage this?’

But Imani shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to think about the how; it was time to think of her getting out of this mess.

Looking back, to ensure her captors weren’t watching her, Imani tried to see if she could break free from her zip ties. But no matter how much she pulled and struggled, she couldn’t break free. The only way she could bring her hands to the front was to use the zip tie snap method. But the problem lies in getting her hands to her front.

Not seeing any other way to get out of her restraints, Imani sighed and decided to do something she hated more than anything.

Back home, her parents had a rule. She and her siblings had to be in at least one sport or club. No expectations. So Imani wanted to be the overachiever her siblings called her. Imani was in two sports and three clubs. The most important one at the moment was gymnastics.

And because of that sport, she broke a lot of bones. Two of them being her shoulders. So as quietly as she could, Imani leaned down on the ground and purposely dislocated her right shoulder, holding in her groan of pain. Now with ease, Imani brought the restraint to the front of her.

‘I swear I’m gonna kill them,’ Imani thought in anger. Leaning back down on the ground, Imani popped her shoulder back in place. But she wasn’t able to hide the groan this time. That caught her captor's attention.

“Is she up,” she heard the woman ask.

Closing her eyes, slowing her breathing, and sleeping on her stomach, Imani pretended she was still unconscious.

Hearing what sounded like the fabric of the seat in front of her moving, Imani felt someone violently shake her and pick her up from the ground before violently dropping her again.

“No, she’s still out,” the muscles said, turning back around.

‘If not the first, then you’re definitely next,’ Imani thought as she opened her eyes, now filled with even more malicious intent.

Bringing her hands up, Imani put the zip tie towards her mouth and tightened the restraint even more. When tightened enough, Imani locked the little clip thing in her hands. With the loose end in her mouth and in between her teeth, Imani pulled her hands down in a forceful motion, her hands still locking that little clip.

With a small pop, Imani finally broke through her hand restraints.

‘Finally,’ she thought with a smirk, quickly working on her feet and taking the gag out of her mouth.

‘Now the question now is, how the hell do I get out of this and make sure I keep one of them alive?’

When she looked down in between the seats, Imani saw the bigger guy's gun peeking through enough for her to grab out of his holster.

As slowly and as carefully as she could, Imani wiggled the 9mm out of the man’s holster. Looking down at the gun and back up, Imani felt her resolve strengthening.

‘If I’m gonna die, I’m gonna go down swinging.’

Not too far, another military Humvee carrying Imani’s team was barreling down the highway. Desperately trying to catch up.

“This is Kobe, rodger up Price!”

“Copy, go for Price,” Price replied.

“Alright, boys. I managed to track the Humvee and got drone eyes on now.”

“You work fast Kobe,” Kyle complimented.

“I try man. I also got state troopers blocking off the highway entrances and exits ahead. No one is going in or out.”

“But what about the people already on,” Johnny asked as they passed through cars and trucks alike.

“Nothing we can do about that now, all we can do is avoid putting them in danger as much as we can.”

“Copy that,” Simon answered simply, rechecking his gun as Alpha stood in the trunk over his shoulder.

“How far is Umbra from our current position,” Kyle asked.

“According to the tracker installed in the JTV, she’s less than a klick away.”

“Copy, no matter what happens Kobe, I don’t want a signal car getting off this highway,” Price said.

“Copy that Price. Kobe out.”

“You boys ready,” Price asked, turning his gaze lightly to look at Simon, Johnny, and Kyle.

“We’re ready sir,” Johnny affirmed, Kyle giving a solid nod.

Turning his gaze to his Lieutenant, Price hesitated for a moment. He knew out of all of them, Simon was the closest to Imani, and the one who would take her getting taken much less hurt, possibly the hardest. Which could make him strong enough to protect her, or a liability, as he may make reckless decisions.

For Price, at least, this was a test.

“You ready Ghost?”

Looking at Price, Simon knew why he had asked him that question specifically. He knew behind that neutral expression, he was genuinely worried about Imani and the state she was in. But he knew to save her, he needed to be focused and be the man he needed to be. A ghost.

“I’m ready Price.”

“Then let’s get our girl,” Price yelled.

Stepping on the gas, Price continued to maneuver through traffic. It didn’t help that it was towards the end of rush hour, so while there wasn’t a high volume of cars on the road, there was still enough to cause some complications.

But those complications wouldn’t stop them. And it didn’t. Because not even two minutes later, the Humvee that had been identified as stolen came into sight.

“Kobe. We’re eyes,” Price called out.

“Copy. All stations, target confirmed. You’re free to engage when able.”

“Soap, Gaz, I want those mirrors out now!”

“Copy Price,” Johnny replied.

Leaning out of the car, Johnny and Kyle both took out their weapons and shot out both the driver's side and passenger side mirrors.

Inside the JTV, the four counteract killers, Navarro, Rojas, Trent, and Wagner, all talked about what they’ll do with their cut of $150 million when they give the buyer the package, which was the unconscious girl in the back. All the while not knowing that their package was awake and planning on how she could ruin this little drive.

But all chatter and laughter were cut short when Navarro and Wagner heard and saw the side mirrors being shot and taken off.

“WHAT THE FUCK,” Navarro exclaimed.

“WHO THE HELL WAS THAT,” Rojas yelled.

Turning around, Trent looked out the back window and saw two of the four men they were warned about.

“SHIT IT’S THEM,” Trent yelled.

“You two, I want you to cover us! Wagner I want you push this of shit!”

But right as Wagner was about to agree, he looked through the review mirror. Something told him to look. He didn’t know why until he saw the woman they abducted with a gun in her hand. The barrel aimed right at him.

“HEY SHE’S-” Wagner tried to yell, tried to warn. But it was too late, Imani had already pulled the trigger and shot Wagner in the head. Killing him instantly as his head slumped against the steering wheel.

Hearing that Simon and the others were close behind and were pursing, it gace Imani the courge to finally ste

“SHE’S FUCKING AWAKE,” Navarro yelled, reaching over to control the now out of control military grade vehicle.

“HOW’D YOU TAKE MY GUN,” Trent yelled as he scrmable to get over the seat and into the trunk where Imani was.

But unlike with König, Imani didn’t bother to give him an answer. Unlike with König, they were the enemy, and there was no ‘no kill’ rule with them. So as fast as she could, she drew the gun again and shot Trent in the leg, causing the man to cry out in pain as he clutched his leg. Jumping in to defend him, Rojas tries to aim her gun at the woman but is thwarted by Navarro's driving.

“KEEP IT STEADY DAMNIT,” Rojas yelled.

“WELL DON’T KILL HER WE STILL NEED HER,” Navarro yelled, opening the driver's door and dumping Wagner’s body from the driver’s seat. Navarros took control of the car.

“WATCH OUT PRICE,” Simon yelled as what looked to be a body came rolling towards them.

Serving out of the way, Price just barely avoided the body. But turning around, Simon saw how a van behind them wasn’t so lucky and ran over the body and inevitably stopped as one of its tires popped. Stopping some traffic behind them.

“That wasn’t you two was it,” Price yelled as he pushed it even further.

“No,” Kyle answered, “That happened inside the Humvee.”

“They're turning on each other,” Johnny asked.

“No, better,” Simon smiled, “It’s Imani.”

Back inside the Humvee, Imani was managing to hold her own. Even with her injuries, her adrenaline was working overtime to make her feel almost invincible.

Especially since at the moment, she managed to knock the one girl named Rojas out and get Trent in a headlock.

“You people gotta lot of fucking nerves coming after me,” Imani snarled as she held onto the man tight, her back against the rear door, “You thought that $150 million was something easy huh?”

“LET ME GO BITCH,” Trent try to yell, but chocked as Imani tighten her grip.

“I’ll break your fucking neck you overgrown bettle,” Imani threatened.

Seeing his control slip and half his crew dead or unconscious, Navarros thought to hell with the money. Imani Barnes would die today.

So, swerving the car erratically and even having the car brake hard, Navarro not only made Imani hit her head against the rear door but also caused Trent to reach out to steady himself, mistakenly opening the rear door.

Almost in slow motion, Imani felt herself falling backwards. She went from seeing the top of the Humvee, which was painted black, to the bright blue North Carolina sky.

‘HOLY SHIT,’ Imani exclaimed in her mind. But her thoughts were taken when she landed hard on the rear door, the same door that was now scraping against the highway as cars and trucks alike moved out of the way.

Horn blasts. A semi swerves. Some even end up on the side of the road in the grass to avoid them.

But in the Humvee behind them, the boys were all on edge as they witnessed this scene.

“Fucking hell! She’s on the bloody door,” Soap yelled over the raging winds.

“Price, we gotta do something now, she’s gonna fall,” Kyle yelled as they watched

“I’ll get us closer,” Price yelled, “Ghost, you ready?

“Always Price,” Simon said, his voice filled with conviction.

The SUV veers between lanes, narrowing the gap. But just as Price finally managed to get somewhat close to the Humvee and to Imani, a huge 18-wheeler came into his sight.

“OH GIVE ME A FUCKING BREAK!”

Back to Imani, the woman was fighting for her life. At the moment, Trent had his hand around her neck and was choking her against the door that was scraping against the highway. She saw the sparks from the friction pop up and even felt some hit her face and exposed skin, as her clothes were somewhat torn.

But at this point, Trent was enraged. Even if Navarro said to stop, he doesn’t think he would be capable of it. That was when he decided to pull out a knife that he had created with his own hands.

This knife he called crucifix. It had a tri-blade edge that was uneven and had a spiral effect, which would cause flesh and organs to be torn apart. It would first cause the one on the receiving end to be paralyzed in pain and agony as they feel everything being ripped to shreds. And then after about 5-10 minutes, they’ll die from internal bleeding.

That’s why Trent uses this knife for those who truly pushed him over the edge, just like her.

Imani saw the glint of the spiral blade from the corner of her eye. As he thrust the blade down towards her, Imani had to use both hands to stop it.

“You’re stronger than I thought,” Trent groaned as he had to let the one hand on her throat go so he could use both hands.

Imani knew when it came to a battle of strength, she’d always lose. She was never the strongest. That’s why she trained herself to be the quickest on her feet.

So when she tilted her head and noticed that 18-wheeler above her, she knew what she had to do.

“Damn it Price, we got to get in front of this,” Ghost exclaimed.

“I’m trying,” Price replied, “Kyle how’s she looking?”

“She’s not gonna last long Captian,” Kyle yelled, using his scope on his weapon to see Imani struggling against Trent. The knife itching closer to her neck.

“Soap, do you have a shot,” Ghost yelled.

“I can’t get a clear shot, with this fucking truck in the way,” Soap said as the he saw the Truck driver panicking at the scene in front and next to him.

But while they were all trying to find their options, Imani began to use hers.

Because while her upper body strength was weaker, her lower body strength was always something for her to brag about.

Bringing one of her knees up, Imani looked Trent in the eyes and yelled, “Let! Me! GO!”

With a fury of kicks, Imani delivered blow after blow after blow to his guts with the goal not only to hurt him, but to also unsteady him.

“I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU,” Trent yelled, removing one hand from the knife and wrapping it around her neck.

With a look of determination and anger, Imani looked Tret in the eye and yelled, “YOU FIRST ASSHOLE!”

With one last kick to the ribs, Imani managed to destabilize him and launch him from above her to the truck behind them.

His body is almost immediately obliterated, slammed under the truck with a burst of red across its front grill and covering Imani’s face.

The truck screeches, and other cars veer in panic. Everyone from Navarro, a waking Rojas, and the boys all flinch at the impact and the blood-curdling scream he let out.

“Bloody fucking hell,” Johnny mumbled, lowering his gun.

Looking back, they all saw how Imani’s stunt stopped all traffic behind them.

No longer seeing the truck as an obstacle, Price speeds forward and gets directly behind the JTV.

“UMBRA JUMP,” Price yelled out over the roaring wind.

“UHHHHHH,” Imani yelled as she looked down and still saw those intimidating sparks flying, “I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THAT CAP!”

Before Price could reply, Navarro swerved the car once again and almost knocked her off balance, getting Simon more riled up with worry.

“IMANI JUMP ON THE FUCKIN CAR,” Simon yelled, Alpha following behind with a series of barks.

If Imani wasn’t in this situation right now, she would have checked Simon so quick because who the hell is he talking to?

So the minute when the still swerving JTV finally lined up perfectly, Imani took a leap of faith and landed on the hood of the Humvee and hit the windshield so hard that it actually cracked it.

“AH FUCK,” Imani screamed in pain as she laid herself flat against the windsheild.

“IMANI HOLD ON,” Price yelled as he pushed the Humvee to its limit.

Getting as close as he could to the now-fleeing Humvee, Price looked to Simon and gestured for him to make sure that Imani held on with everything she’s got.

As soon as Price got a little past the end of the JTV, Price clips the side of the Humvee in a perfect PIT maneuver. From her point of view, through her curly hair that was whipping in the wind, Imani saw Navarro's panicked face as he realized he was losing control, and saw how he desperately reached away from the driver's seat and towards Rojas. Protectively bringing her as close as he could as they lost control of the upgraded Humvee.

Hitting the brakes, Price shouts for Imani to hold on as they watch the captain’s handy work. They watched as the back of the JTV swung out until it was sideways on the road. They watched as the vehicle flipped over and over and over again until it skidded into the median barrier. Resulting in smoke rising from the crash.

Stopping nearby, Price, Johnny, Kyle, and Alpha all leaped out of the car to secure it.

Simon, on the other hand, helped Imani off the hood of the Humvee. Keeping his hands on her, Simon looked over her body for any serious injuries that she may have.

“You broken,” Simon asked softly.

“I don't know. I'll tell you when the adrenaline wears off,” Imani tried to joke as she tried to steady herself.

As much as Simon didn’t want to, he was worried. More worried than he should be. He didn’t even notice his thumb rubbing away some of the blood that still covered her face.

Hearing something getting dragged, Imani and Simon both turned to see Johnny and Soap dragging the two remaining contractors out. Navarro and Rojas.

“Are they-” Imani began to ask.

“Dead? No,” Kyle answered.

“Soap call it in,” Price ordered.

Within minutes, local state and medical personnel were on the scene. Given the circumstances, both Navarro and Rojas were being transported back to Camp Lejuene, where they’ll receive treatment and be held in the meantime since they were both currently unconscious.

Watching from afar in the back of an ambulance, Imani watched as they loaded the last two surviving killers into a military ambulance. Sitting in the back of the ambulance, Imani's face has been cleaned to ensure it was Trent’s blood and not her’s. Imani had bandages around her head and where her clothes were torn, and where her skin was exposed. Since she declined to go to the hospital, Imani would have to wait for a more extensive checkup back at base.

She was so focused on the two killers that she didn’t even notice Price coming up from behind the ambulance and standing next to her

“You did today Imani,” Price said, taking a seat next to her in the ambulance.

“Really,” Imani asked with a smirk, “I felt like I got my ass whopped all day.”

“Yeah, that too,” Price chuckled.

Looking at Price, Imani smiled softly and said quietly, “Thanks for showing up, Captain.”

“Always.”

At that moment, Johnny, Kyle, and Simon all walked up.

“Scene is all but cleared Price,” Simon replied.

“Good,” Price answered, he and Imani standing up almost in unison, “What about the JTV?”

“Wiley is having that towed back to base sir,” Kyle answered.

“Can’t do much with it now,” Imani mumbled as she looked towards the almost unrecognizable pile of metal.

“So what happens now,” Johnny asked.

“Now,” Price began, gripping the side of his vest, “We get to the bottom of who sent them and how they were able to get into the base.”

Medical Center Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

After leaving the scene, Simon all but dragged Imani to the medical wing as she wanted to put it off as much as she could.

Once there, she received a complete check-up. All the while, Simon waited for the ok to come back in.

Once given, Simon stood behind Imani as she sat on the hospital bed looking at the head doctor of Camp Lejuene.

“Alright, Sergeant Barnes,” he began, “You sure a miracle case. Minus quite a few scrapes, bruises, and a concussion, you're basically fine.”

“Told you,” Imani said as she looked up at Simon.

“What about her tox screen,” Simon asked, ignoring Imani’s little cheer.

“Now, that's a different case,” the doctor replied as he flipped through notes, “We found traces of methohexital in your system.”

“The fuck is that,” Imani asked.

“It’s a sedative,” the doctor explained, “It’s a fast-acting one. The duration of the drug is also short. Usually it lasts only for about 5-30 minutes.”

“Enough time to get to the port,” Imani said.

“But why only keep you knock out for that and not for the whole trip,” Simon wondered.

“Yeah, about that Lieutenant,” the doctor said as he put his arms down in front of him, “That’s actually what I want to talk to you about. I haven’t reported this to Colonel Wiley yet due to the…Unusual situation outside, but now looking at her tox screen, I feel the need to mention this. Every night, our pharmacist makes a certain amount of drugs that we may need for the next day. Last night, one of our pharmacists had to step out to help a new soldier move to our department. But when she came back, 1 out of the 10 vials she made went missing.”

The two 141 members had a feeling what it was, but Imani still asked, “What was in the vial?”

“A healthy dose of methohexital,” the doctor responded.

“Could it have been one of them,” Simon asked, the ‘them’ being the people who took Imani.

“No,” the doctor replied confidently, “Outside of the administration building, vehicle hanger, and the countless weapon armouries, the medical wing is one of the most secure buildings in this entire base. Especially our pharmaceutical department.”

Looking at one another, Imani and Simon didn’t speak. They didn’t need to. Because with the doctor’s testimony, it could only mean one thing. An inside job.

With the promise of resolving the issue, Imani was discharged, and the two soldiers made their way out. But as they passed by one of the other rooms, Imani noticed a few familiar faces.

Without warning, Imani pivoted on her feet and opened the hospital room.

“Hey Mani,” Simon exclaimed as he followed her into the hospital room.

When he looked up, he saw an unsuspecting sight. Not one, not two, but all five members of KorTac’s team were in a shared room. All in hospital gowns and in the beds, all the while Kobe stood nearby.

“How the hell is the girl who got kidnapped moving right now,” Mace asked.

“I don’t know, luck, I guess,” Imani answered as she moved closer to the group, "The question here is what the hell happened to you guys?”

“We went with Wiley to the west tarmac,” Stiletto answered.

“Damn, how many people did y’all fight,? It looks like y'all took on a small armada,” Imani asked.

“10,” Aksel answered.

“Only ten,” Simon asked in disbelief, kind of shocked how 10 guys managed to best the ‘best of the best’."

“Don’t give us that shit Ghost,” Mace yelled, “These guys were crazy! No matter how many times we shot them, they kept getting back up!”

That caught their attention at that point as the two soldiers whipped their heads to Mace. Because what the fuck does that mean?

“Mind sharing with the class,” Imani asked, “Because you’re sounding a little out of your mind there, Mace.”

“He’s telling the truth,” Calisto exclaimed from her bed, “Those men- No, those beasts weren’t human. They looked deranged! Animalistic! It was like they were on some type of drug or something! They tore through teams of soldiers, and no matter how many times we shot them, they just wouldn’t go down! Only with a shot to the head or an explosive did they go down.”

“How’d you kill them then,” Simon asked.

“We didn’t,” Askel answered, “They just dropped dead out of nowhere.”

“But if you don’t believe us, look in the morgue. There are at least 50 bodies there that will agree with us,” Stiletto said.

Imani and Simon looked to one another for a moment. What the hell was happening today? Nodding to them and wishing for all of them to get, they were about to leave when a familiar Austrian accent called out to Imani.

Turning around, Imani saw a bare-faced König staring at her with a goofy grin, “Try not to get taken this time darling!”

“Try not to get your ass whopped again sweetie,” Imani replied without missing a beat, causing the Asutrain man to burst out laughing as Simon and Imani left the room.

As they were walking away and towards the briefing room that Price told them to meet at after her checkup, Imani and Simon heard that familiar click of a cane walking up behind them. Looking back, their suspicion was confirmed when they saw Kobe trying to catch up to them as fast as he could.

“Kobe,” Imani greeted as the two stopped for the man to catch up.

“Thanks for waiting for a bit there,” Kobe thanked.

“No problem mate,” Simon answered, “You coming with us?”

“Damn right I am,” Kobe replied as they continued their walk, “Since they attack my team back there, I need to know exactly what happened and how they managed to get in.”

“Then we’re all on the same page,” Imani replied.

Not long after, the three arrived at the briefing room with Price, Kyle, Johnny, and Wiley.

“The gangs all here,” Kyle said.

“Alright then, let’s get this over with,” Wiley began, “Why were they after Sergeant Barnes?”

“Umbra here has a $150 million bounty on her head. Next,” Price answered in a neutral tone, like that’s something that has gone through at least once in their lives.

Even when Wiley tried to ask even further, Price interrupted and asked the critical question, “Who let them is the question we need to be asking right now, Colonel.”

“Well, me and Umbra can confirm it was an inside job,” Simon said, “Someone snuck into the med wing last night, took the sedative that was found in Umbra’s system.”

“They drugged you,” Johnny asked.

“Yeah, but I don’t think they knew exactly what they stole. They must have seen the word sedative on the vial and thought great,” Imani replied.

“Wait a minute,” Wiley said, “There are only a few people who can access that part of the med wing. Especially outsiders."

“You,” Kobe called out, pointing to one of the soldiers Wiley keeps with him, “I want you to pull the log off the key lock. I want to see every key swipe to those doors. And get me the security footage too!”

“Yes sir!”

“We should also investigate how they got in,” Johnny added, “Whoever got them in is definitely the same person who stole that sedative.”

“How do you think they got in,” Kyle wondered. “Definitely not by jumping the fence,” Imani said, “Those gates are electrified. So they wouldn’t go that way.”

“Why not by the lake,” Johnny wondered, “Direct access right?”

“Yes, but it’s also the riskiest,” Wiley said, “There’s a patrol on the lake 24/7. And the personnel was increased due to Price and Laswell’s suggestions. And by air is out of the question, as everything is thoroughly inspected before it’s allowed to even take off. No one, and I mean no one, can get in that way.”

“So that leaves only one way in,” Imani began.

“The gates,” Simon finished.

“I want every guard and CCTV from this last week in my office in 15 minutes! NOW!”

But as that one soldier goes out, another comes in, “Captain Price!”

“What is it son,” Price asked.

“Those prisoners you want wanted us to keep an eye on,” he began, “They’re awake and they’re asking for Sergeant Imani Barnes.”

Next: Chapter 24 (Coming Soon)

Arthur's Note:

ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER (Not as intense as last week's but hey)!!!!! I'm so sorry again for the delay, but I rewrote this chapter three times because I wasn't satisfied with the action in it. I've never been good at writing action scenes, but I really want to improve them! And I'm a perfectionist at heart, so that doesn't help (being a Virgo can be both a blessing and a curse, lol). And working 70 hours this week didn't help at all lol. But hey, I got bills to pay and until I find a new job, I gotta do what I gotta do.

But with Imani now safe and sound, what will happen next? What will Navarros and Rajos say to Imani? How will they react to Davis being the traitor, and what will happen next? Well, I know, but you all have to wait until next Friday!

Well, that's it for this chapter! Thank you so much for your time and patience, and I hope you all have a great weekend!

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sunflower567 · 4 days ago

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Slight delay for Callsign: Umbra

Hey y’all! Just coming to tell y’all that chapter 23 will most likely be delayed until late tonight or tomorrow. It’s not to where I want and I want to give y’all the best as we really start getting into the nitty gritty. Thank you for your time and I’ll see y’all soon!

EDIT: Chapter 23 is now uploaded! ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

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sunflower567 · 7 days ago

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Ripped ghost truthers come to my doorsteps to die.

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sunflower567 · 7 days ago

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I'm genuinely so confused because who are you

#confused #aggressive

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sunflower567 · 7 days ago

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"He fears no man or God", but he fears her. Kinda. He fears for her safety. He fears for her disapproval. He fears for her happiness. Why fear anything else?

He has no God which he could not abandon for you. No master except for the soft smile in your voice. No fear except to leave your side. And he has no fury except that the cruel hand of fate would keep you from him for only a moment longer than he deems necessary. The patience of a saint is nothing compared to the stillness of the devil. Satan himself could not rival Ghost in the pursuit of his goals. Relentless. Unyielding. You are his and that is just as much a threat to you as it is to those that would try and take you away.

There is madness in service and yet he would bind himself to you such that every life he lives after this will be beneath you.

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sunflower567 · 11 days ago

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Y/n: Is your dick big enough for the way you act ?

Simon: Come and see.

*Later*

Y/n: *flustered* He can keep acting this way.

Simon: :)

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sunflower567 · 11 days ago

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ik i just run a tumblr smut page BUT!!!

FUCK ICE, free palestine, free congo, FUCK trump, FUCK musk, no one is illegal on stolen land, and if u disagree, FUCK YOU TOO!!!

i’ve said this before but if u support that fuckass orange in office, idc if ur a silent follower or ur like is ur only form of interacting with me, just know, i don’t want it!!! and u are a terrible person!!! 😛

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sunflower567 · 11 days ago

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I just wrote the longest chapter for a fanfic of my life lol. I don't think I wrote that much for my senior thesis in political science. But overall, that had to be the most satisfying chapter I ever wrote, so every second was worth it! If you haven't, please check out my story, Callsign: Umbra, and read chapter 22! Good night and sweet dreams!

#tired #im so tired #black oc #call of duty #simon ghost riley x female oc #simon ghost riley #cod price #cod laswell #cod gaz #ghost cod #mentally tired #simon ghost riley x black oc #soap cod #worth it #writing #long chapter

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sunflower567 · 11 days ago

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Callsign: Umbra Chapter 22: Kaboom

Masterlist

Word Count: 9,541 (New record 😯)

Edited: ✅

Published: June 13th, 2025

Last update/change: June 15th, 2025

Previous Chapter

TRIGGER WARNING: Suggestive elements (18 years old or Older!) and Canon Level of Violence

ARTHUR'S NOTE: Before this starts, this chapter is a looooong one. I spent all day finishing the last part of Day 4 up to the cliffhanger, and editing throughout the day. But that's my fault for procrastinating a bit. Because, as I stated in the last chapter, I was going to do a mixture due to the poll results were tied, and I really wanted to give all days justice and try to improve my action story-telling, as I'm not all that well at doing it.

So get your snacks because this is going to be a long ride!

Marine Raider Training Center Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Day One March 18th, 2019: Operation Lockstep

Today was the day. The first day of the training event. All the recruits were nervous but in high spirits to get an early head start. That little show of camaraderie or kindness from yesterday was no longer there. From today until Friday, it was a fight until that alarm rang. 10 different recruits of the 40 on each side will participate in the first four days, and the best eight will participate in the last day, with König and Imani leading them. The two newest members of their respective teams.

As the sun rose to its highest point, the two teams got into position. Mace is leading his team of 10, and Gaz is leading his team of 10. The event was to take place in one of the camps that was supposed to mimic urban warfare in places like London or Boston. This was right up in Gaz’s alley, as one of his specialties was urban warfare.

Up in the observation room were Simon, Johnny, Price, Imani, and Wiley representing the marines, as well as Kobe, Stiletto, Aksel, Calisto, and König representing KorTac. Up there, it was the team's captain's job to help direct and give some form of information to the team on the ground. But that was not the case with an operator in the lead. When either members of the core teams lead the mission, they are on their own and must rely on the information they have and their instincts.

Luckily, today's mission was simple. The first team to eliminate all opponents and save the hostage being kept in one of the buildings would win.

At the beginning of the game, everyone just saw the difference between both Gaz’s and Mace’s styles. Gaz was slow and steady; although he moved at a faster pace due to his experience, he still proceeded with the caution that would be expected. Mace was an entirely different story. He moved like a bat out of hell, and his troops behind him followed his every lead. But even with those differences, the two teams were damn near neck and neck from everyone observing. With Gaz’s tactical approach and Mace’s aggressive tactics, the two were neck and neck. But in the end, there could be one winner. And that winner was Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick.

As expected of him, Gaz’s command was calm and almost surgical. Even in times of chaos, as Wiley put it in the victory speech, Kyle was able to hold his own and command an excellent execution. With clear and concise direction to his team, Kyle was able to eliminate all enemy contacts without raising any alarms and save the hostage without incident. The same couldn’t be the same for Mace as he and his team went in guns blazing and had the hostage moved as the other enemies continued to hold them off to buy time.

The end wasn’t anything flashy, but it was a definitive result. A grand opening statement of what was to come for KorTac if they didn’t improve their strategy, as those marines led by Task Force 141 didn’t come to play.

But even with that celebration surrounding Gaz, Imani couldn’t help but still feel that lingering anger she’s felt these last few days. It wasn’t here yet, but it’s been simmering well below her skin. That’s why when she heard Mace insulting Gaz, she acted out of character.

Typically, Imani would have ignored it because she knew it was coming from a place of jealousy and anger at being second best. Something he expressed loud and clear, as his complaints and sneers were heard throughout the room. But for some reason, Imani felt a bit petty and said, “If a bitch can’t make it in the military, why does he think he’s cut out to run with the big boys?” And she made sure to say it loud enough for KorTac to hear.

That got their attention as Calisto stepped to Imani and asked her to repeat herself. And with a taunting smirk as she pushed Calisto out of her face with a hard push, Imani simply said, “I know your big eared ass heard me.”

Calisto took a swing that Imani all but effortlessly dodged and responded to the attack with a swift but harsh slap that rang through the room. The only sound after that slap was the sound of Alpha growling at the French woman.

Simon looked down at Imani in confusion. As a matter of fact, all four members of 141 looked at the woman in confusion. Did Imani have a tendency to be sassy and sarcastic, yes. But this was more than that. All of them knew to ignore Mace’s whining, and they all knew Imani would too. But they all looked in shock as she not only responded but also accepted a fight from Calisto.

Eventually, both team captains calmed their ladies down and apologized for the outburst.

But as 141 was leaving, with Imani and Alpha trailing behind, König grabbed her by the wrist and stared down at her, causing the wolf to hunch over and growl.

“You’re little team did well today. But let’s see how well you guys hold up.”

Unlike with Calisto, Imani just stared at König. But it wasn’t because of boredom or something. No, she was holding it in. That little lecture she got from Price just now, before being forced to apologize by Wiley, managed to get her to calm down. But that was on the surface. Below it, she was a ticking time bomb. And König is really testing the wires.

So sucking it up, Imani ripped her wrist out of his grasp and rejoined her team that stopped when they noticed she wasn’t with them.

Closing out the day, the scoreboard now read 1-0, with 141 taking the lead.

Day Two March 19th, 2019: Downed Echo

During day two, this time with the sun now set, the story all but changed. In the mock scenario of a downed chopper, the team that was able to withstand a 10-minute-long wave of enemies coming to position without losing all ten will win. With that restated to everyone, both teams watched their next 10 soldiers handle their mission. But as they watched, it was a 50/50 chance for any of them to win. And unfortunately for the Marines and 141, it fell into KorTac’s favor.

The 10 recruits who went in this time were too confident. This, in turn, made them arrogant and more prone to making mistakes. Mistakes that both Imani and Simon knew for a fact they taught to not make. KorTac’s privates moved with almost eerie discipline. They wanted redemption for yesterday’s poor performance. They didn’t rely on chatter or who had chatter, just their abilities and how well they know themselves and others. They moved as a unit, fluid but also cold.

The marine recruits were a different story. They faltered at almost every turn. Second-guessed not only themselves but each other as well. They lacked what KorTac had, and this ultimately led to them being overrun and receiving a paintball to signify where they were hit and where the kill shot was.

As 141 walked out, König waited for Imani to walk past him and said, his voice filled with confidence, “You were so mouthy yesterday? What happened Hase (bunny)?”

Imani paused for a moment. König can only guess what look she had on her face. But when he looked up and saw Price mouthing no, a hidden smirk crossed his face.

He was hoping she’d turn around and do something, anything, to learn what she could do outside of the little beast that now barred its way at him, he’d know what to do with her on the last day. Their day.

But to his shock and amusement, Imani didn’t move. He watched as her wolf whined and licked her neck to get her attention. He watched her sigh and walk past her team and out the door. But as he did, König noticed that fire in Imani’s eyes.

He chuckled behind his mask.

“Oi,” Soap called out to the Austrian man, pointing a finger at him, “Watch it!”

König watched as the rest of the task force left, but his eyes were locked on Ghost as his eyes never left König. Not until they all left the room.

And with that, day two of the event concluded, with the score now being 1-1.

Day Three March 20th, 2019: Kill Switch

Entering day three, everyone decided to bring their game. Especially now since the score was tied. And today was Kill Switch, the hunting event. And to the 10 marine recruits participating today, it would be called Alpha day, as this was the one day Alpha was allowed to be used.

During the weeks before, Imani taught Johnny Alpha’s commands and got the two to form a similar bond that Imani and Alpha already had.

It was simple. Alpha has five categories of commands, each with unique results. But for a shake of time, Imani only taught Johnny the few that were relevant and needed for the event. For combat/defense, Imani taught Johnny the strike, pin, eyes, back, and flank commands. All of which was self-explanatory. Strike means to attack, pin means to hold down, flank means to go around, back means to rejoin her, and eyes means to look in a specific direction.

But the two most valuable commands that Imani taught both Johnny and Alpha were these commands: fetch, trail, and sniff. Now Johnny, along with everyone else, had already observed the fetch command back on Solunaire with Azim, so he already knew how that worked. But sniff and trail is what will make them break the game for them. Sniff will involve Alpha actually tracking the target down, and trail means Alpha stalking them.

By the week before the event, Johnny and Alpha were basically in sync with each other. Johnny gave a command, and Alpha would pull it off with little to no mistakes. Watching the whole thing, Imani felt like a proud mother. Which, in a way, she was, as she was the closest thing Alpha had to a mother.

Finally, as night fell on day three, and the moon was at its highest, both Johnny, who led the 10 recruits, along with Alpha and Calisto, leading her 10 men, the two teams finally received their targets. And it was none other than the team leaders themselves, both Calisto and Soap. And since Alpha has already spent more than enough time during the first two days of Calisto, he has her scent memorized.

So following Johnny’s command, Alpha led the team to a secure point in the forest where Calisto and her team dug in while they planned their next move to track down Soap.

But little did they know that the Scottish man had already found them.

From the control room with surveillance, the teams watched both teams coordinate their efforts. But Stiletto, Aksel, Kobe, and, by extension, Mace and König felt anxious as they realized that Calisto didn’t know that her position was compromised.

With precise commands and the element of surprise, Soap executed what can only be described as a distraction and sabotage. He assigned all the recruits to different locations in pairs, with him and Alpha directly behind Calisto, while she continued to argue with her men.

Seeing all his men in position, Soap lifted up his fist and clenched it, giving the signal to attack.

One by one, one soldier from each group threw a flashbang, which blinded everyone.

“ALPHA PIN,” Soap yelled out, pointing to Calisto as KorTac’s members tried to get a bearing on reality.

With one soldier still throwing flashbangs and one still shooting, they provided enough cover and a distraction for Alpha to race his way to Calisto.

“MA’AM, WATCH OUT,” one of the KorTac soldiers yelled as Alpha sprinted past him before getting eliminated. But by the time Calisto reacted, Alpha was right on top of her and was growling in her face.

“Checkmate,” Soap smirked as he knelt down next to the French woman.

As the sound of the alarms began to ring, the marine recruits cheered and high-fived one another for a successful game. Soap gave the order for Alpha to come back to him. Reaching down, Johnny went to help Calisto up, but instead she slapped him away and walked out of the forest.

Johnny just chuckled to himself and held the side of his tactical vest. But feeling a nudge, he looked to his right and saw Alpha sitting down next to him with what can only be described as puppy eyes.

“What dug,” he asked. Whining, Alpha leaned down and nudged his hand.

“Ah you knob,” Johnny sighed as he scratched underneath Alpha’s chin and eventually scratching the top of his head as a good job.

Watching in the control room, Imani couldn’t help but have a small smile on her face. She and everyone else knew that Johnny was not a fan of dogs. He made it well aware when training with Alpha that dogs never liked him and vice versa. And her response was the same, ‘Well, Alpha isn’t like most dogs.’

And the two actually formed a bit of a bond, and now they have won a game together. Imani truly felt like a proud mother. But as fast as those happy emotions appeared, her more anxious, sorrowful, and resentful emotions began to rise again. And Simon, Price, and Kyle noticed that change in her. That’s why König stood next to her.

“I will admit, you all are doing pretty well for a bunch of Boy Scouts,” König began, an evident smirk hidden underneath his hood, “But let’s see how long that lasts, huh?”

Giving him what can only be described as a look of death, Imani sided eyed him and looked back to the screen that still showed her darling wolf, “Can you for one once in your insufficient life shut the fuck up?”

Behind his mask, a large and what can only be described as a mischievous smile crossed his face. Because just based on that response, König realized just how close he was to getting the infamous Umbra to break.

Seeing it and reacting before anyone else, Simon tapped Imani on her hand before holding her hand and leading her away once again.

As 141 walked out, Stiletto, Aksel, and Mace all approached the Austrian soldier.

“The hell is going on with that girl,” Aksel asked.

“Who knows. She's a bit on a bitchy run ain’t she,” Mace added.

“She’s been off since the event was finalized and that night at the bar,” Stiletto clarified, “I’d be careful if I were you König. If the rumors are true, she’s more of a challenge than those 30 Al-Qatala men you took down in Berlin on your own.”

But he didn’t listen to them, just smirked behind his mask as he thought of the look in her eyes. It honestly reminded him of his younger days. Looking in the mirror, battered and bruised after getting jumped by his bullies, he sees that same look on his face. The look of wanting himself or the people who hurt him to die. And that was the same look he saw in Imani.

‘Just one more push,’ König smiled.

As the game came to an end, the score was now 2-1, with the Marines and 141 taking the lead once again.

Day Four March 21st, 2019: Deadlock Arena

The second-to-last day. Tension has now reached a new level as today’s game got underway. 141 and the Marines prepared themselves to win this game to end the event early, and KorTac were prepared to win this game to tie up the fight.

Today’s game was as simple as the others and similar to Downed Echo. But instead of defending a downed chopper, the goal was to survive for as long as they could in what was a mimic of an urban neighborhood with minimal cover, shifting objectives, and, of course, no senior oversight. However, the difference this time was that there was no time limit; it was to survive for as long as possible, and the team that survives the longest wins.

Instead of the arrogance they had before, the 10 Marine recruits for this day approached it with renewed focus as they realized just how close they were to winning and also losing.

Tighter movement, clearer comms were essential, but tension from the previous loss still lingered. Which caused them to last only about 15 minutes and 55 seconds.

KorTac’s team, however, adapted in real time. They flowed between buildings like a trained current, constantly relaying, repositioning. When the objectives changed mid-round, the Marine squad hesitated, arguing over who was leading, who was watching whose flank. KorTac executed a fast, three-point push that overwhelmed the opposing force, which allowed them to survive as long as they did. And as the last recruit of KorTac was eliminated, their time ended at 17 minutes and 45 seconds.

It wasn’t just a tactical loss for the Marines; it was an exposure of every flaw: poor delegation, fractured trust, emotional reactions under stress. And for Imani and Simon, especially, it felt and looked like they didn’t adequately teach or prepare their recruits.

As the final horn sounded, one Marine slammed his fist against the wall. Another took off their helmet and just stared at the sky. The only thing louder than KorTac’s victory cheers was the weight of the disappointment settling over the Marine recruits.

Price, Kyle, Simon, and Johnny all circled quickly to voice their anger and overall disappointment with how the recruits have been doing. Typically, they’d have Imani join as well, but based on her attitude these last few days and the look of death on her face, they decided to just leave her be.

And like the previous three days, König decided to personally make it Imani’s problem.

Deciding to change things up, König decided to tease and borderline insult Imani in his native tongue, “I heard you speak German from some of your men. Why didn’t you say anything bunny,” König asked with a fake pout. But just like the last few days, still silence. But that also didn’t stop him either.

“I’ve been thinking, bunny. In the short time I’ve known you, you always seemed to have something to say. It can’t be because you're nervous or anything, that doesn’t seem like you. You seem like the type that’ll crack a joke or something, you Americans do under pressure,” Leaning close to her ear, König whispered, “I think the reason you’ve gone mute is because you’re not as strong as you think, and if you open that mouth, that weak little girl you’re trying to hide will come out.”

That was what finally managed to get Imani to snap, because before anyone, either from KorTac or 141, could react, Imani clenched her fist and as hard as she could, kneaded the Austrian man in the gut, and when he kneeled over, socked him right in the face and kicked him away.

“UMBRA,” Price yelled as Simon rushed forward to grab Imani by the waist and used his other arm to wrap around her arms to hold her down.

“MANI,” Simon yelled as he lifted Imani up, her feet kicking in the air. When he looked at the woman he came to care for, he saw a face he never thought he’d see.

The worst look he ever saw on her face had to be when she learned about the bounty amount on her head and the look of distress she had on her face outside the bar, but this was different. This was worse. The look in her eyes and face can only be described as enraged, wretched, and worst of all, petrified. Simon saw that Imani was genuinely terrified of something.

Looking over his shoulder, he saw both Kyle and Johnny holding onto Alpha’s leash as the wolf barked like crazy at the Austrian man, who was now laughing as he stood up from the floor with the help of Mace and Aksel.

“You’re stronger than I thought you’d be,” König smiled as he reached under his mask and showed the blood on his hands to everyone, “I hope you can take what you dish out, bunny. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.”

With that, KorTac’s operatives, minus Kobe, left the room. Kobe looked back at Imani and gave her a sorrowful smile, “I’m sorry Imani.”

With that one apology, Kobe left 141 and the remaining workers working in the observation room, and the tension that still lingered.

A few hours later, with the moon almost reaching its peak, the fourth day came to a close with a score of 2-2.

Simon walked back to his and Imani’s spot at the observation tower, looking over the lake. Sporting his black sweat jacket, a white t-shirt, and a pair of grey sweatpants. His thoughts were racing not only because of the event but because of Imani’s attitude these last few days.

He’s noticed it. Price noticed it. Hell, everyone with working eyes and ears noticed it. And based on the brutal combo she gave König, if Simon didn’t scoop her up when he did, she would have killed him.

“Something’s off,” Price said as he gathered Kyle, Johnny, and Simon together in the armory after they left Imani in the private dorms after the games were finished.

“Yeah, the lass isn’t herself,” Johnny agreed.

“But what could it be,” Kyle asked, “It can’t be stressed about this event. She seemed pumped about it when she found out.”

“Not mentioning she’s done it before,” Price added. Looking over this, his lieutenant, Price, asked the obvious question, “Was there anything else her brother said?”

Kyle and Johnny looked between the two in confusion. Realizing that they didn’t know about Imani’s limited knowledge of her past, Simon had the unfortunate job of explaining what he heard from her brother, Miles.

“So let me get this straight,” Johnny began, “When the lass was 14, she disappeared for two months at her military ball, and in the meantime, she was supposedly staying with Laswell but came back an entirely different person?”

“And they didn’t think she’d live long after,” Kyle added.

“Was that all her brother really said,” Price asked again.

“Yes,” Simon answered, “But I was thinking back to what Vasil said back in Croatia.”

Price at first was about to ask what he was referring to, but then he remembered the conversation he had with Laswell in that van. Imani’s secret.

“Vasil said something about her being in Northern Cyprus when she was 14,” Price thought aloud, “But how could she have been at both places at the same time?”

“Well, she did have a pretty set life. Maybe her school hosted the ball there,” Johnny said.

“She may have went to private school Soap, but no way in hell would they have enough money for that,” Simon said.

“Then what the hell is going on,” Kyle asked.

“Only four people have the answer to that,” Johnny said, “Her parents, Laswell, and herself.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Price said, gaining everyone’s attention again, “From the way Laswell talked back in that van. I don’t think anyone truly knows what happened to Imani at the time. Which means-”

“Only Imani knows what really happened. And she's too angry and scared to say anything,” Simon finished.

That’s where they all basically left off. The conversation ended with the agreement that after the games end, they’d all sit down with Imani to figure out what happened and what they can do to help her. Because they’re a team now, and they help each other on and off the battlefield.

While climbing the stairs of the abandoned outpost, he saw a familiar pair of legs hanging off the edge like before.

‘Imani,’ he thought softly.

Climbing the rest of the stairs, Simon looked at the woman he cared for. She was as beautiful as she always was. As always, while off duty or during downtime, Imani had her curls out. And though he’d never admit it out loud, he loved her hair out. How it bounces back when she plays with it always amuses him. And instead of wearing one of the many t-shirts and graphic t-shirts she usually wears to sleep, she instead was wearing a cropped tank top that exposed her smooth and dark brown skin, radiating in the night sky as the full moon shone down on the lake and onto her. She was the very definition of captivating and alluring. Every time he looked at her, no matter what look she had on, he’d always think she was beautiful.

But as he walked closer to her, he could tell she knew he was there. He knew that because he noticed her shoulders tensing up.

“You need something sir,” Imani asked, her tone flat as she didn’t even turn around to greet him. Simon wouldn’t lie and say that it didn’t hurt a bit. Not only did she have that tone, but she also didn't say his name.

“You didn’t come down for dinner,” Simon answered, sitting down next to her again, “Price order us all some Chinese.”

“Not hungry.”

Not wanting to push, Simon remained silent, and the two just looked out to the dark lake and moon and stars above.

“Do I have to apologise? Is that why you came here?”

“Apologize for what,” Simon asked.

“For me hitting König.”

Simon had to laugh at that, “No. No, you don’t have to apologize for that. He had it coming with the way he was acting with you.”

“Then why are you here?”

The way she asked that question had Simon looking at her a bit surprised. She sounded almost angry.

“Because I’m worried,” He answered, “We all are.”

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not.”

“How the hell can you tell me what I feel,” Imani asked, turning her body slightly so she could stare up at Simon, “Who are you to tell me how I feel?”

“Because you're not acting like yourself,” Simon answered, “You’re irritable, and angry.”

“Well, if you haven’t noticed, we’re not doing that well in this little game, so sorry for being a little irritable,” Imani snapped.

“No. Don’t lie to me. You’ve been acting weird since before the event even started.”

“Well whoppdy fucking do,” Imani exclaimed standing up from her spot, “I’ve been angry so what?”

“So what is that it’s not like you to get mad for no reason,” Simon replied, his voice rising a bit as he stood above her, “You don’t get angry for no reason. You don’t do anything without reason. That’s who you are!”

“Oh, you think you know me now or something,” Imani asked with a mocking smile.

“Yeah, I do,” Simon answered, his tone matching hers.

“Just because you had your tongue down my throat a few days ago doesn’t mean you know me!”

Simon had to take a deep breath as flashes of that game came back to the front of his mind. Simon looked Imani in the eyes and asked softly, “Then why haven't we done our movie nights?

That caused Imani to lean back in surprise at the question, “What the fuck are you talking-”

“Before Price and the others came back. You and I have been watching movies every night,” Simon explained, “But then after everything was finalized, it started to dwindle until last week we didn’t do it once. So tell, what happened for you to stop that?”

Imani didn’t have a smart ass or any response at all. She just stared at Simon. She kept opening and closing her mouth to respond or to say anything. But nothing came out.

“It’s because of your nightmares,” Simon said.

Imani was about to deny it, to say anything, but Simon beat her to it, “Don’t you dare lie because my room is right across from you and there’s some pretty thin walls in this place.”

Imani didn’t know what to say; She just looked away from him and leaned against the railing of the outpost.

Simon took a step closer, voice low but fierce. “I hear you, Imani. Every night”

She clenched her jaw, eyes fixed on the dark horizon. “I didn’t ask for your concern.”

“No, you didn’t,” he snapped, “But here we are!”

Imani turned to him, her expression caught between anger and something she didn’t want to name. “Then stop listening.”

“You think I didn’t hear you,” Simon said, his voice breaking slightly, “You didn’t think I heard you crying? Begging? I heard it all, Imani. And now, no matter how hard I knocked or banged on your door, you never answered.”

Her breath hitched as she tried to think of something, anything to say. But she didn’t have anything. Before she knew it, tears began to well in her eyes.

Lifting up his mask to go over his nose, Simon reached up and wiped away the tears that escaped her eyes, bringing her close to her chest so the two were chest to chest.

“You don’t have to tell me anything, Imani,” Simon said, “You know that I understand the pain of remembering the past. But please, don’t push us away. Don’t push me away.”

Almost like she snapped, either because of grief, tension, fear, or desire, she grabbed the front of his shirt just as he grabbed her face, and they collided in a kiss. It wasn’t as gentle or as cautious as their first one. This was all teeth, heat, desire, and desperation. There was no softness in it, only the want to feel again.

Simon moved his hands from her face to her waist and towards her thighs. In between their kiss, Simon told Imani to jump. Following his instructions, Imani jumped up without breaking the kiss. Catching her, Simon had a handful of Imani’s ass and pushed her up against the outpost’s walls. Moving away from her lips, Simon kissed his way down to her neck and began leaving trails of kisses in his wake. But as he was giving himself away to his desire and leaving his mark on Imani’s neck, Simon began to notice something. Imani was acting funny again.

Not like back in the bar where the liquor she drank gave her drunken confidence, but something that felt completely like herself. Her hands were everywhere. His shoulders, then his neck, then halfway down his chest, like she didn’t know what to do with them. Her mouth was eager, but shaky. Like she was mimicking what she thought this was supposed to feel like.

He also noticed the way her pulse kicked up under his touch. The delay between her lips moving and her body following. The almost imperceptible way she leaned into him, but also held back.

He pulled back an inch, breathless. His brow furrowed as he searched Imani's face. Her eyes were wide, pupils blown, but there was something else, uncertainty. Like she’d stepped off a ledge and only now realized how far the fall was. Especially since he was right up against her. Without breaking the kiss, Simon decided to test out his little theory and rub against her. And when she reacted in a way that was all too familiar back when he was in Secondary School, he stopped the kiss and put her back down on the ground.

“Why’d you-” Imani began, breathing hard as oxygen began to rush back into her.

“Imani,” he said, softer now, a hand on her face and another holding her close on her waist, “You wouldn’t happen to be…”

It didn’t take a rocket scientist for Imani to guess what he was referring to based on what they were just doing a few seconds ago.

“And if I am,” Imani asked.

“Nothing,” Simon answered back immediately, “But you’re not in a good spot, Imani. Physically or mentally. You’re first time shouldn’t be here or with you like this.”

Imani stared up at Simon in surprise for a moment. Though not all the men she’s met in the military were like that, a good deal of them would have jumped at the opportunity. Not just for her but for any woman who was vulnerable and wanted to forget whatever she was doing. The thought crossed her mind a few times. But she always was too irritable to deal with anyone around this time of year, and no one wanted to be around her. Simon was the first.

‘The bar must be in hell if I’m this happy that he cared enough to stop,’ Imani thought with a sigh. But then she remembered the one other relationship she had, which had made her so closed off for years, and what had helped shape her this way.

Stepping away, Simon looked down at his watch and saw it was midnight. “Come on Imani. You need to rest. You've got big game in a few hours.”

“Yeah,” Imani began in a sarcastic tone, “The event falls on my shoulders. We either win or lose based on my leadership. No pressure.” But as Imani began to walk away, she felt him lightly grab her wrist.

Looking back up at him, Imani raised an eyebrow in confusion. But Simon just stared at her for a moment. Letting go of her wrist, Simon held her hand and interlocked their fingers.

“Let’s go,” Simon said softly.

Since there were few to no people out, Simon held her hand the whole way back to their dorm. Imani couldn’t help but feel hot every time she looked at their fingers intertwined. It was kinda of cute looking at their hands. His hand was so large and even more so with the skeleton gloves on.

Looking up, Imani couldn’t help but wonder what he looked like under his mask. And that was a dangerous thought, as she thinks, regardless of what lay beneath, she wouldn’t care one bit. She was already too far gone.

It didn’t take much longer before they returned and eventually made their way outside their personal rooms.

“Try to get some sleep,” Simon said.

“I’ll try,” Imani said.

“What was that line in one of the movies we watched,” Simon wondered, “Do or do not. There is no try?”

“Star Wars,” Imani smiled, “Empire Strikes Back.”

“Ah, yeah, that one,” Simon said, “Well, whatever the green bastard said. Just get some sleep, ok?”

But as Simon went to let go, Imani’s hand tightened.

Looking down at her again, Simon saw those large almond-shaped eyes looking at him, “Can you stay with me this time? Nothing else, but can you just stay with me? Just until I go to sleep.” Simon knew he should say no. This was a step over a line he knew he shouldn’t cross. But looking into those eyes, he knew he couldn’t say no.

So with a subtle nod, Simon told Imani he’d be back as he wanted to change out of his gear.

After doing that, Simon went across the short distance to the hall and knocked. When Imani opened the door, Simon stepped in without breaking eye contact, even when he closed the door behind him.

Looking around her room. It wasn’t much different from Simon's room, but seeing her stuff littered around made it more personal. Especially the large dog bed with the massive wolf sleeping on his back with his paws in the air.

“He barely moved when I came in,” Imani said.

“Must be tired,” Simon said as he took his shoes off.

“Must be.”

Without wasting a second, Imani turned off her bedside lamp, which descended the room into darkness. The only light was that of the moon.

Laying down, Imani laid on her side so she was able to look at him, while Simon laying on his back but his head turned towards her.

“Hey Si,” Imani called out softly.

“Yeah, Mani?”

“Can I hold your hand?”

Without a second thought, Simon lay on his side like her and grabbed one of her hands and held on tight.

“Hey Si?”

“Yeah?”

“Am I going to be ok?”

That question made him pause. He knew that question all too well as he asked himself that, too. Knowing that, he knew not to lie to Imani.

“Maybe not now. Maybe not this year. Hell, maybe not in this decade,” Simon began, as he brought her hand up to kiss, “But I will say this. It will get better Imani. Trust me.”

“With my life.”

With that, the two began to drift to sleep and closer to one another like that night on the couch.

Around that same time, as Imani and Simon drift to sleep, a guard at Piney Green Gate, east of the base, stops a Humvee trying to get in. But with the proper papers, credentials, and with a soldier he knew leading them in, he didn’t question anything and let them all in.

Day Five, March 22nd, 2019: Capture the Flag

Finally, after four long and exhausting days, the final game has arrived. Both teams were now 2-2. This game would determine who wins it all. Will it be the soldiers of the Marines and Task Force 141, or would it be the PMCs of the KorTac Faction? This would determine it.

However, as the recruits were nervous about the game, they were also excited about the people leading them today. They all heard in the mess hall what happened between the two teams' newest sergeants by then. So they knew this wasn’t just a game now; this was personal.

And as they saw Sergeant Umbra, as a majority of them called her, for the first time in her tactical gear.

Imani Barnes looked to be a force to be reckoned with. Her outfit features a sleek, dark-toned design optimized for stealth, mobility, and flexibility. Above her clothes, she wore a modular tactical vest with MOLLE webbing, cargo pants, and high-laced boots, accompanied by utility belts and thigh holsters to provide easy access to gear, finishing the ensemble. She looked to the recruits like a real-deal special forces soldier. But what caught the recruit's attention was the skeleton gloves she wore that were eerily similar to those of their tall but silent lieutenant.

“Alright, everyone gather up,” Imani yelled out as she grabbed the edge of her tactical vest, “Now, when I call your names, step forward. James O’Connor. Steven Matthews, Charlie Bennet. Juan Perez. Jeremiah Brown. Hakeem Jefferys. Matthew Dehart. And Robert Rounds.”

One by one, all recruits stepped forward, the final being the two young recruits who repeated what Davis said, but also proved to Imani that they were capable and deserved to be under her wing. It was no surprise that both of them were on both Soap’s and Gaz’s teams, respectively.

“I selected you all because you all excelled in the games you were in. Yes, some of you were in our loss, but unlike some who gave up, you didn’t. Ain’t that right?”

“MA’AM YES MA’AM,” they all yelled in unison.

“Good,” Imani stated, “Now, I’m not gonna lie to you boys. This isn't going to be a fun day. This is down to the wire. This game will determine whether we win or lose. So, we’re going to take some drastic measures. Rounds! Dehart! Step forward.”

Without wasting her time, Dehart’s 5’10 and Round’s 6’0 frame stepped forward from the line, “We got off on a rocky start, the three of us. However, since then, you two have consistently gone above and beyond. Keep going down this road, and you two will be one of the best. That’s why I want you two to be team leaders.”

Both boys looked at her in shock.

“Leaders, Ma’am,” Rounds asked.

“Well, if we’re gonna win, we need to take drastic measures,” Imani explained, “I’ll explain the plan if you agree. So can I trust you to lead?”

Looking at one another, Imani watched as both kids looked to one another. Dehart’s pale skin showed how nervous and scared he was, and Round’s dark skin managed to hide his nervousness, but his eyes were a dead giveaway. But taking a deep breath, both of them looked back at Imani and gave her a nod.

With a broad smile, Imani smirked, “Good. Now let’s get this done.”

Up in the observation, 141 and KorTac are waiting for the countdown to end. As a courtesy, a countdown was placed for both teams to set up their defenses.

“Hey Soap,” Mace called out, “Wanna make a bet?”

“Sure, mate,” Johnny smiled.

“Whoever wins this gets free rounds at the bar. You in,” Mace proposed.

“Hell yeah I am,” Soap smiled.

“Simon,” Price whispered in his ear, “How was she this morning?”

Simon knew why he asked him this question. He made the mistake of coming out of her room so she could get ready when Price was coming out of his room, which was further down the hall at the same time.

So, seeing no reason to lie or even ask why, Simon asked him, not Gaz and Soap, since they had developed what could only be described as a brother-sister relationship. Simon replied simply, “She seemed fine.”

“Good,” Price said. At that moment, the buzzer for the countdown ended, which then signalled the start of the game.

The game was being held in the south of the base in another version of the warehouse that was to mimic a large factory. They watched as the recruits for KorTac rushed forward through the middle of the large area, which was the quickest way in both directions.

But just as they saw the Marines' flag with their log on, all they heard above them was someone screaming now.

Almost like a movie, items found in the area came crashing down in front of them. Chairs. Desk. Tables. Anything that had weight and would be hard to move in a short amount of time came crashing down, completely blocking the direct path to the Marines' flag from the middle.

Rounds and Dehart looked at each other. One on the ground, and another on top of the building in front. Dehart said over the comms as he saw KorTac splitting into two teams of four, flanking from the two remaining paths. Looking at each other, both Rounds and Dehart had the same thought. ‘This is all going according to her plan.’

“Alright, boys, this is the plan,” Imani explained after Rounds and Dehart agreed to being leaders, “We’re going to completely cut them off from the middle path by dropping a barrier made of the furniture right here.”

“But won’t that affect us too, Ma’am,” Brown asked.

“No and yes,” Imani explained, “Yes, it’ll be hard to go through the middle, but that’s not what I want you to worry about. Your goal is to defend the flag at all costs. With the middle path sealed, they won’t be able to send anyone that way. Which means they’ll have to attack from these two points.”

“But won’t they just attack us at a single point,” Perez asked.

“They won’t,” Imani smirked, “Because this is the real trap. They’ll split up. A team of four. Because now we’re in their heads. They don’t know whether any of the other paths are trip-wired or not, either. So they’ll send two teams of four in to test. If one does, the others would fall back and rejoin with the others.”

“If we don’t do that, ma’am,” O’Connor asked.

“Then they’ll try to attack us from both points,” Imani answered as she began pointing out the environment in front of them, “But we’ll have the advantage. Because as four of you attack from the ground by the flag, the other four will position yourselves here on top of this building, and you’ll rain fire from above, which would then catch them all off guard and eventually cause them to break down. Rounds, you’ll be in charge of the roof team. Dehart, you’ll be in charge of the ground team.”

Looking up at the eight young men in front of her, Imani said simply, “I trust you all to get this done.”

“What will you be doing Ma’am,” Rounds asked.

The only answer she gave was a smile at first, “Finishing this annoying game once and for all.”

Kneeling down at a building further south of the arena, Imani watched the scene and heard the constant yelling from her stop.

“Give them hell boys,” Imani smiled.

Turning around, Imani looked back at the small building that held the KorTac’s flag. Looking through her gold monocular, which was given to her from pop-pop when she joined the Marines, Imani scanned the windows and entrances to see if she could spot anyone who might have stayed behind.

‘No signs of anyone,’ Imani thought as she put the monocular in one of her many pockets, ‘But it’s quiet. Too quiet.’

Looking back towards her team’s flag, she knew her boys could only last for so long.

Without a second thought, Imani went down and started heading to the building.

“Looks like this is in the bag sir,” Kyle said.

“I wouldn’t say that Kyle,” Price said.

“Why,” Soap asked, “Imani’s about to take their flag while the majority of their men are getting pinned.”

“That’s right Johnny, a majority of them. Not all of them,” Simon said.

“Wait a minute,” Kyle said as he and Soap looked at the feed again.

“I count eight,” Johnny mumbled aloud, “Do you, Gaz?”

“Yeah,” Kyle responded, “Where’s König?”

As Imani dropped down from a broken skyline and onto a catwalk, Imani saw the KorTac flag with their logo on it.

“Hell yeah,” Imani mumbled with a smile.

But as she dropped down once again and began walking towards the flag, she heard something that could only be described as a train. Looking to her right, all she saw was a flash of black before she was shoulder-checked away from the flag.

Catching herself, Imani saw the 6’6 behemoth himself. König.

“Hello, my darling,” König smiled, “I was getting bored waiting for you.”

“Hahah,” Imani laughed as she got up from the dusty ground, “I was wondering why I didn’t see you on my way here.”

“Well, with all the rumors I heard about you, I figured you’d do this,” König answered.

“And you didn’t think to warn your team?”

“I don’t see why I need to. I’ll handle you first to get rid of the headache and then handle the small fry.”

‘I really fucking hate this guy,’ Imani thought, “Well this ain’t gonna go the way you want it to you giant. I’m taking that flag.”

“Well, you’re gonna have to go through me then,” König.

Cracking her knuckles, Imani brought up her fist and said in german, “Bring it you piece of shit!”

König surged forward like a freight train, boots pounding against the cracked concrete. His towering form blocked out towards her as he raised a massive arm to strike. Imani stood her ground, heart steady, eyes locked onto the rhythm of his motion. She had fought bigger. She had fought meaner. But this man was both and worst of all, smart.

As his arm came down in a hammering blow, she slid beneath it with a fluid sidestep, her hair that was in a ponytail whipping behind her.

Dust from the floor kicked up as she pivoted on the balls of her feet, launching a vicious elbow into his kidney. His grunt was low and guttural, but he barely flinched. In fact, he laughed.

“Fast,” König said, turning with surprising speed for someone his size, “But not fast enough.”

His fist came for her face like a wrecking ball. She ducked, but the wind of it brushed her cheek. She knew better than to block head-on. His sheer mass and the strength of his hits could break her bones. So she twisted, redirected, and eventually slipped past his arm to punch him in the same place she did last night. The blow was precise and almost surgical. He staggered half a step, breath catching.

“Those rumors I heard then were right,” he growled, resetting. “You are a pain in the ass to fight.”

“Then you should’ve known better than to stand in my way.”

With one last laugh, König charged again. This time, Imani launched herself forward and met him head-on. At the last second, she dropped low and swept her leg in a tight arc. It connected with his shin. He stumbled, but didn’t fall.

She followed up immediately, not giving him a second to recover. Rising with a knee to the inner thigh, a punch to the sternum, then a rapid-fire combo to his ribs, where she last hit him and where she noticed he was the most tender. It was like striking a concrete pillar, but with each precise hit, König got weaker. But the minute she started to feel confident, she saw something flicker in his eyes for the first time. Rage.

He roared, catching her off guard with a backhand. The impact immediately hits the ground. And before she could recover, he kicked her so fast and so hard that he launched her a few feet away from her.

“WHAT THE HELL,” Johnny exclaimed as they all watched the fight.

“Price, he’s gonna kill her,” Kyle said.

“We can’t intervene,” Price said, “Either he knocks her out or she yields.”

“Which she won’t,” Simon added.

Sitting up, Imani spat blood from her lip. But even with the pain, she couldn’t help but smirk. Since she woke up this morning, she’s been innothing but a shitty ass mood. She hated how she had to hold everything in so she wouldn’t worry her team. But now, König allowed her to release that energy as she tried to forget.

Imani’s ribs screamed every time she inhaled. Her side felt like it was caving in, and she was pretty sure one of her shoulders was dislocated. But none of that mattered, not now. Not while König was still standing. Not while everyone was watching.

König stomped toward her like a juggernaut, blood running from a cut above his brow, dripping onto the ground. Each of her strikes had chipped away at him, but his body was built for war. And now, he was fighting angrily. Furious even.

Imani forced herself to her feet, legs trembling from the kick. Her vision blurred, but her instincts kept her centered.

“Stay down, Umbra,” König rasped, chest heaving. “I’ll make it quick.”

Imani wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and spat some of the blood near his feet “You got fucked up big boy.”

She charged first this time, jumping up on him and punching his face. Getting angry, König ran forward to a pillar and slammed her against it repeatedly until she eventually let go as she groaned and cried in pain. Grabbing her by her sides, König lifted her up and slammed her into a nearby table.

The scream Imani let out was sharp and raw. She rolled, barely avoiding his fist coming down like a hammer.

“She can’t take much more of this,” Kyle muttered from the control room.

Simon’s voice was low as he watched the feed, his fist clenched as he watched Imani throw a punch but also take another a few seconds later, “She won’t stop. Not until she wins or she can’t move.”

The team watched as Imani kicked König away and pushed him away as she led him on a chase, where he eventually lost her in an unlit area of the building.

“Umbra!” König shouted, voice rough with exhaustion and fury, “Why won’t you just give up? You can’t win this!”

“Why,” she growled, clutching her ribs as she stumbled into the shadows of the ruined structure behind them, “Because you caught me on a bad day, that’s why!”

Imani ducked behind crumbling walls, staying low, forcing her breath quiet. Every inhale was like swallowing fire. She could hear him moving, hunting her.

“I’ll find you, bunny,” König said, voice echoing. “And when I do—”

“Yeah, yeah,” Imani yelled as she changed position, “Why don’t you save the speech! You aren’t the first nor the last I’ll hear it from.”

She knew what she was doing. She was baiting König. Looking next to her on the wall, Imani noticed a brick sticking out further than the rest. Reaching forward silently and watching her balance, Imani grabbed the loose brick and threw it to the left. He turned sharply. Good.

As he passed the beam below, she launched herself from the support she had climbed, landing hard on his back again this time, stabbing her fingers into the pressure point near his clavicle, while her other hand dug a piece of into the side of his torso where she’d already bruised him.

He bellowed, grabbing wildly. Imani let herself drop, hit the ground, and rolled to the side. But even as he kicked her again, Imani didn’t stop. She looked up to him and saw how unsteady he was on his feet. But most likely because of the hits, Imani felt dizzy. Unsteady. And as she looked up at König, she got flashes of that night. That terrible, agonizing night. And just like that, she felt herself snap.

She kicked his feet from under him and got on top of him. With all her strength, Imani just punched and never let up. She let all the pain, anger, regret, and despair pour out with each hit.

Everyone in the command room just heard everything. Every scream. Every cry. Everything Imani held in. Simon could tell that this was everything she had bottled up since that first nightmare that night.

Eventually, Imani stopped. Tears still streaming down her face as she looked down at this sorry sight below her. She knew she went overboard. She knew. Especially since she saw blood coming through his mask. Not wanting him to choke on his own blood, Imani grabbed the edge of his mask and said, “I’m taking off your mask, ok?”

With a slight nod, Imani took off his mask. Imani didn’t know what she imagined, but she didn’t imagine him having a baby face. She knew König was around her age. But if she saw him on the street, she’d think he was a teenage boy. He had runny eye shadow around his eyes and now bruising and blood littering around his face. But Imani had to admit, he was cute. His brown hair was a bit short and shaggy. His eyes were dark brown, downturned eyes that worked for his face. But what caught Imani’s eye was the cut in his eyebrow and his crooked nose. His nose was actually really cute.

Imani stared him down, feeling bad for what she did, but she needed to, forcing every ounce of steel into her voice.

“Stay down. Now.”

He looked up, eyes half-glazed from pain and blood loss. And for the first time, there was no arrogance in his voice, just respect.

“Fuck,” He sighed out a breath, and nodded once. “I give up.”

Getting up, Imani limped her way to the flag. The minute she grabbed the pole and ripped the flag out of the ground, the alarm signaling the end of the game rang. Outside in the arena, the Marine recruits cheered, and KorTac’s recruits threw down their gear. In the command center, there was a similar scene. Marines cheered, and KorTac members were disappointed.

“She did it,” Kyle breathed, wide-eyed and smiling.

“Fucking hell,” Johnny muttered, “I know that’s right las.”

Price’s smirk was grim and approving. “I knew she was crazy.”

Simon was the only one not to respond. He just started at the feed and watched as Imani clopased next to König. Worried about what may happen next.

“Next time,” she rasped, barely audible, “Maybe send someone who doesn’t fight like a gorilla with a grudge.”

König chuckled but winced when his ribs started to hurt, “Next time… I won’t hold back when I'm confronted with the mother wolf.”

The two looked to one another and laughed, but soon winced. Even though the two of them were in pain, they both had fun. And König was actually able to calm her down, despite her still racing heart.

“You’re one hell of a soldier Umbra,” König said.

“You have my respect König,” Imani smiled in pain, “Call me Imani.”

“Then you can call me Albin,” he smiled. Reaching up, Albin reached up to shake her hand. Laughing, Imani went to reach over to shake his.

But right as their hands were about to connect, an explosion rings out in the building. Knocking them back and disabling the cameras in the building.

Leaving both Imani ‘Umbra’ Barnes and Albin ‘König’ Kastner in the blind.

Next: Chapter 23

Arthur's Note:

CLIFFHANGER!!!!! We are now in the trigger event, ladies, gentlemen, and my lovely non-binary folks! This is where Imani's story and her background truly come to the forefront as we begin to see just how much they affect her and how Price, Kyle, Johnny, and, most importantly, Simon, realize the clues have been in front of them this whole time.

But now that Camp Lejeune has been presumptively attacked (Please, CIA, FBI, Homeland Security, do not come for me. It's a story that takes place in a real place, don't come for me lol), how will 141 react? How will Imani and König get out of this situation, as both are all but out of commission? But most importantly, how will Simon get to Imani, who is on the opposite side of the arena, in time?

Well, that's it for this chapter! Thank you so much for your time and patience, and I hope you all have a great weekend!

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sunflower567 · 15 days ago

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Writing Chapter 22 of my fanfic with the most evil smile on my face as I give my OC some less (but entertaining) needed issues 😈

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sunflower567 · 18 days ago

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Callsign: Umbra Chapter 21: Don't Follow Me This Time

Masterlist

Word Count: 2,873

Edited: ✅

Published: June 7th, 2025

Last update/change: June 13th, 2025

Previous Chapter

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina: Later 8:30

Just as promised, the 40 Marine and KorTac recruits, along with Task Force 141 and KorTac’s operatives, all gathered in Camp Lejeune’s bar. Even though it was a bit of a tight squeeze with over 80 people inside, they all managed to make it work. Some soldiers played pool, some played darts, while others stood or sat at the various tables and the large bar to unwind.

At the far end of the bar, removed from it all by three steps and off in the corner where they can observe the entire bar, was TF 141. All of them minus Simon with their drink of choice.

“Some tradition huh,” Kyle said as he took a sip of his Gin and Tonic.

“Well yeah,” Imani added, holding her mojito near her lips, “It goes back 5 decades. I remember when I was here as a recruit, I went against the Army.”

“Who won,” Soap asked.

“Who do you think,” Imani smirked.

“The army,” Price replied, getting chuckles, and Imani flicking a bit of mint from her drink at him.

“Mind if we join you?”

Looking up from their booth, they saw their rivals standing with their own drinks. With a slight nod and wave, Price gave the ok. With a bit of an adjustment with an added table and more chairs, both the teams of TF 141 and KorTac were all seated together.

“Pretty hidden away,” Calisto said, leaning her arms on the table, “You’d think you wouldn’t want any company.”

“We didn’t,” Imani answered, her voice losing that happy tone from before.

“Oh, so cold,” Askel replied, a knowing smirk on his face as he took a sip of his drink, “We’re supposed to be getting along now.”

“Being civil and getting along are two different things,” Imani replied.

“She's right,” Stiletto said, “We’re being civil. We don’t have to like each other.”

"Yeah, but we should get to know each other," Calisto said seductively, her eyes solely on Simon's.

For reason only Imani knew, Imani reached under the table and gripped Simon's knee.

Feeling her hand, Simon looked down at Imani with a raised eyebrow. But her eyes were dead set on the french woman who now looked at Imani with a mocking look. But Simon wasn't worried or a slight bit interested in Calisto. He was to busy looking at Imani's eyes as she displayed a new emotion for him. Jealousy. And for some reason that made him smile under his mask.

Wanting to make a point, Simon decided to do something bold. He leaned back in his seat and put his arm around Imani, and almost in sync the two tilted their heads with Simon saying, "I'm good thank you."

"Oh," Calisto laughed as everyone else watched the exchange with a look of interest on their faces.

“But we should still have some fun,” Mace said, a mischievous smirk on his face, “Hey, Soap. You Scottish right?”

“What about it,” Soap asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You and me. Drinking contest.”

“You do realize our event is tomorrow right,” Kyle asked, "Drink too much and you'll be a mess."

“Yeah, and I’ll still be more prepared to whopp your ass,” Mace answered.

“Careful Mace,” Simon spoke for the first time, “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

Taking that as a challenge, Mace looks back at Soap and says these famous last words, “I knew you Brits were all bark and no bite.”

That caused Soap to immediately give in. Not because he insinuated that he was a coward, but because of one tiny detail. But as he waved over a waiter, Soap, his voice being filled with a mocking tone said, “I ain’t no brit.”

That is what led to a mountain of shot glasses and a group of recruits from both sides surrounding their table. It really became a makeshift showdown, with both teams cheering on their members. Even the quiet König was grinning behind his mask and cheering Mace on in his low, amused voice.

Imani, however, barely reacted. Her arms were crossed, eyes shifting to everyone. The only thing she did was watch and drink. And since her day wasn’t until the last day, she could do whatever she wanted for now.

But as comments, laughter, and cheers rang out, Imani became more and more detached. More muted under the quiet press of something colder creeping in. And Simon noticed.

Reaching underneath the table, Simon lightly grabbed Imani’s thigh like she did with his knee.

That brought her back to reality as Imani looked up and saw those dark brown eyes she became all to familiar with.

“You ok, Mani?”

The two looked at each other in the eye for what felt like years. The two didn’t realize how close they got or that Simon’s arm was still behind her on the back of the booth. The only two who really noticed them were Price and Stiletto. Because of their rank and age, they both knew the signs. And because of what Price saw a few weeks ago, he knew that when he, Gaz, and Soap were gone, the two would undoubtedly get close.

Something he never really thought of Simon ever doing with anyone. He knew a general sense of what made Simon Ghost. So for him to allow Imani to get close to him emotionally was surprising to him. But he was worried too. Mostly because on what Simon told him about Imani’s past.

Though it wasn’t something he was actively looking into as he trusted her implicitly, when Simon told him what her brother told him. He was worried. And also curious. But for now, he didn’t want to pry or make either of them feel pressured. So for now, he would watch. Like he was now.

Imani, however, finally decided to break their little contest for now. Her breathing was a bit shallow, and her nerves were on the brink of collapsing.

Squeezing her thigh again to bring her back, Simon whispered again, “You alright?”

Imani looked in his eyes again. Forceing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, Imani lied out of her teeth, “Yeah. Just tired.”

Simon nodded but didn’t believe her. “Don’t worry, this won’t go on for much longer,” he said, gaze flicking toward the large group that seemed to grow with each passing second.

Before Imani could reply, a recruit who stayed near the jukebox yelled out Throwback. Because of the number of people around them, the song playing now in the background is barely noticeable over the chatter, but clear to her. It was a song she hadn’t heard in ages. A song that shouldn’t have meant anything. But scared her the most.

Her knuckles tightened around the glass in front of her. Her breathing becoming shallow.

Simon saw the shift—the straightening of her spine, the way her eyes locked ahead but weren’t seeing anything.

“Imani,” he said quietly, hand brushing her elbow. “Look at me.”

She didn’t.

“Imani.”

Her eyes snapped to his like they’d been ripped from some terrible place. Her breathing was uneven now, and her throat worked hard like she was swallowing something back.

Standing up from the booth chair, Imani drew some eyes, primarily from her team and the core operatives from KorTac.

“I need to get some air,” she said suddenly.

Before anyone could reply, Imani was away from the table and out of the bar.

Aksel raised an eyebrow. “She alright?”

Stiletto’s expression shifted slightly. “Didn’t seem like it.”

Simon looked to the others, who looked towards him. All of them with the same thought, ‘Someone gotta follow her.’

And before anyone else got up, Simon stood up and followed Imani’s out. Not speaking another word.

The night air was sharp and cold against her skin. A contrast to her beating heart that seemed to have heated her up.

Imani braced her hands against the cold brick wall behind the bar. Her head bowed, and her breath was still shallow.

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears like boots on concrete. She didn’t realize she’d left her jacket inside until the wind brushed past her, making her shiver. She felt like her senses were on 10. She couldn’t think straight. She couldn’t see straight. Hell, she’s surprised she could even stand straight right now. Because she knew the reason why she was like this.

It wasn't the cold. It was the memory. The song. The date was creeping closer like a shadow she couldn't outrun. It was all too much for her to bear.

She closed her eyes and counted — four days.

Four days until that day. And she was expected to be in top shape.

The sound of the door creaking open behind her made her flinch. She didn’t turn.

Boots. Slow, deliberate steps. Heavy.

Simon.

Of course it would be him.

He didn’t say anything at first. Just walked over, stopping a few feet from Imani, giving her space.

The silence between them was almost gentle. Like Simon didn’t want to scare Imani away.

"You alright?" he finally asked, voice low and rough.

She nodded, but it was a lie.

Her arms folded over her chest, trying to hold herself together.

Simon didn’t move closer, but he tilted his head, watching her. Even though his mask was in place, somehow she still felt his concern shine on her like sunlight.

“It was the song,” Imani mumbled under her breathe.

“The song,” Simon repeated in confusion.

“Bad memory,” Imani answered, “It was during my freshman year military ball.”

‘Military ball, huh,’ Simon thought, remembering Miles’s words, ‘The night she left unexpectedly.’

“It used to be one of my favorites,” Imani explained, “But now, I can’t even stand the sound of it.”

Looking down at her shaking hand, Imani leans against the club brick walls and sighs, “I’m so fucking pathetic.”

“Don’t say that,” Simon said forcefully, “Everyone has a breaking point. Everyone has a trigger. This one is yours. That doesn’t make you pathetic.”

Her voice broke when she added, “I hate that it still gets to me.”

Simon reached out then, just lightly. His fingers brushed her hand, grounding her.

“You’re allowed to hate it,” he murmured, “But don’t allow it to take you away from anyone. Especially from those who care.”

Those words caught Imani's attention. Because what did he mean by that. 'Those who care.' Was he talking about everyone else, or was it more personal.

As he spoke, Simon noticed she was shivering not only because of her raging emotions, but also because of the cold air. Winter still lingered a bit in the March air after all.

Stepping forward, Simon slipped his jacket off and settled it gently over her shoulders. She flinched at the warmth at first, but she didn’t shrug it off. Her fingers clutched the worn fabric, pulling it tighter. His scent has brought nothing more than both confusion and comfort these last few months. And she wasn’t sure if she hated it or loved it.

Imani locked eyes with Simon again. Their breath was visible in the air between them. Her gaze was heavy and more noticeably vulnerable. Like she wanted to say something, but couldn't get it out. Instead, her hand moved. Slow and deliberate towards him.

Her fingers stopped just beneath his mask. Intentions were clear as day, but she still waited for permission.

Simon held her gaze. There was no hesitation, no question in his eyes. Just a faint, almost imperceptible nod. He usually wouldn’t have done this. But with her, he realized in the amount of time they spent together, he’d burn the world if it meant keeping her smiling.

Her fingers found the edge of the mask and carefully rolled it up, just to the bridge of his nose, like usual. Her hand lingered at the edge, almost like she expected the moment to end any second by either of them or an outsider.

But it didn’t.

His face, the part few were ever allowed to see, was soft in the dim light. He still had his stubble. A faint scar along his jaw. His mouth was tight with restraint, but not unreadable.

Imani can see a bit of stillness in him. He was waiting for her next move.

Imani raised her hand and gently touched his face. Her thumb brushed his cheekbone, the rest of her hand trailing down to the edge of his jaw. Her other hand slid into the space between them, resting lightly against his chest, over his heart that was beating rapidly.

And then, like she needed something solid to silence the ache inside, she leaned in.

And kissed him.

It was soft at first, unsure and cautious. Her hand remained at his cheek with a feather-light feel. His breath caught in his throat based on that softness.

Then something shifted in Simon. Like he was given the green light.

Because lifting a hand to her cheek, Simon kissed her back with even more intensity.

It wasn't rough, but it was deep, full of things neither of them had the words for. Their mouths moved together like they were trying to fill some kind of aching hollow inside them both.

Imani’s hands slid up to his shirt collar, gripping him like she’d fall without the anchor.

One of Simon’s gloved hands found her waist, his fingers curling tightly as he brought her in closer, causing a moan to escape her lips and allowing his tongue to invade hers. Simon gently pushed Imani against the brick wall as her hands wrapped around his neck and gripped at the little bit of dark drown hair that escaped from under his mask.

The kiss turned hungry and almost desperate for the two. All because they felt the same thing running through them. That familiar pain meeting rare comfort. They knew what they were doing wasn’t right. But it just felt so good.

And then—

Simon pulled back.

Gently. With restraint that made it hurt.

His eyes searched hers, unreadable behind his mask. “We shouldn’t,” he murmured. It was soft. Apologetic. But not regretful.

Imani blinked. Her lips still parted. Her hands still resting against his chest.

She nodded slowly.

“Right.”

Moving away from her, Simon lowered his mask again as Imani adjusted her clothes again. She was about to hand him back his jacket, but Simon shooed her hand away and zipped it up for her.

Giving him a weak smile, Imani side-stepped Simon and began to walk away. But hearing his footsteps behind her, Imani looked back and held a hand up, “Please, Simon, don’t follow me this time.”

Simon stopped at that. Not because he wanted to, but because of the look in Imani’s eyes. They were a mixture of hurt and confusion. He saw the same vulnerability he had seen a few minutes ago, now mixed in.

As much as he wanted to stay with her, he knew his presence might make her feel worse, as painful as that was for him to admit.

So instead of saying no, like he should, since she still had a bounty on her, Simon replied, “Ok. But don’t go far. Be back here in 5 minutes. If not, I’ll come find you.”

With a slight smile that still didn’t reach her eyes, Imani walked away from Simon. Tears were spilling from her eyes as she tried to hold in all of her pain from it all.

But as she walked away, Simon watched her figure until she disappeared. Something that hurt him more than he cared to admit.

Imani was dangerously close to making Simon completely let her in. In retrospect, Imani has seen and heard more about his demons than most. Even Price. But instead of feeling vulnerable and judged, he felt seen and safe. And for the first time since he buried his mother and brother, he felt a strange sense of something like love.

But Simon shook his head at that. He can’t think like that. Not in this profession. Either of them could die at any moment, so keeping her at an arm's length would be for the best.

But for some reason, Simon knew that no matter how much he tried to push her away, he could never truly let her go.

But as he leaned against the bar wall, trying to get his bearings on reality, Davis stood nearby in the shadows. Watching the whole thing. ‘That fucking whore,’ He thought as he turned away, ‘Your days are numbered.’

As he walked away, Davis received a text. Looking down at his phone, he saw a message from his new friend. The text simply saying, 'Proceed as plan.' That caused a smile to cross his face as he thinks of what would happen to her in the few days.

Eventually, when the clock struck midnight, the friendly banter ended as everyone walked out of the bar and back to their rooms. Because now, for the next five days, they were at war with each other. But none of them knew of the war brewing near them and the target it had set on the young and now vulnerable sergeant.

Next: Chapter 22

Arthur's Note:

Heyyy! I hope you all enjoyed chapter 21. I know I loved writing it. We finally got our first kiss! I was debating on whether to have it or not, but I felt it all worked out in the end, and the emotions between the two are electric so it had to stay!

Now the results of last week's polls are in! It was split 50/50. Since there is no clear winner, I will be doing a mixture. I'll be writing showcase/spotlight on the first four days and then wiritng a whole chapter on the last day of the event as that is when shit will pop off. A good trade-off, as I don't want to overwhelm y'all or myself.

Also, a little fun fact, the song that was playing that freaked Imani out so bad was Knock You Down by Keri Hilson (A classic and absolute banger!)

Thank you again for your support, and I'll see y'all next week!

Edit: I wrote earlier yesterday and then edited right before bed, so I was half asleep. I added more dialogue and made some adjustments.

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