Chapter 12: The Greek Squad (Part 1)

"Let me get this straight." Shane whispered, his eyes glazing over. "You knew this guy back in the war? Is that what you're telling us?"

Thompson nodded, still staring at the picture on the giant board. Elias looked just as he did back then, young, agile and full of spirit. How did someone like him of all people wind up working for the CIA of all places?

"He saved my life." He continued, still feeling the eyes resting on him.

"Well, he's the one who needs saving today. All he was supposed to do was see what they were doing back at Blackridge and report back to his handler." Jacob continued, displaying even more information on the board. On one part were schematics of the prison and on the other part were lines and lines of information about Novak's mission and what he had managed to report so far.

"Apparently, he informed his bosses that the Calvary was working on something really big." Hera announced, reading the details off the giant screen. "And he wanted to know more but the information was only reserved for people in a certain hierarchy."

"Yeah." Shane muttered, also reading the screen aloud. "He was caught when he was trying to sneak into the office of one of the—does that say lawyer?"

A brief pause penetrated the room.

"Yes." Jacob continued, raising his hand. "Yes, even terrorist organizations have lawyers. What's new?"

"I—" Shane froze, still staring at the screen in disbelief. "I just can't believe this."

"Well, believe it, because once the Greek Squad gets here, you're all heading to Alaska."

A mild frown covered Thompson's face. "Greek Squad?"

"Yeah, The CIA operatives that'll be joining you on this mission? That's what they call themselves. That's also the other reason I called for this briefing. The Greek Squad will be getting their own files on you. So I thought it'd be fair if you got your own files on them too."

The lines and picture on the screen disappeared and were instant replaced with three headshots with some notes captioned underneath the headshots.

"This." Jacob mentioned, highlighting the first headshot. "This is Elijah Kane. Six years in the special forces, worked with the air forces for a year and is now a full time field operative in the CIA."

Elijah Kane, looked a bit rugged, his hair swooping down his face and his side profile distinct. He was probably the same age as Thompson, maybe a little younger.

"This is Trinity." Jacob continued, highlighting the next headshot. "And no, she doesn't have a last name. It's just Trinity. She's one of the best snipers the CIA has to offer. She does some field combat as well but her strength is unmatched when it comes to taking out adversaries from miles away."

"Trinity looks intense." Hera noted, staring at the picture. Trinity had large green eyes and pursed lips. Her brown hair was braided down and rested calmly on her shoulders.

"Well, she used to work for a crime syndic back in Russia before she got caught, rehabilitated and then recruited."

"Great. So we'll be working with a serial killer. No big deal." Aaron noted, pushing his glasses closer to his face.

"A reformed serial killer, Mr. Johnson." Jacob noted. "It's important we be distinct with that."

They all turned back to the screen and highlighted the third picture. "Now this is Lucas Lane." Jacob continued. "He helps create software and build devices so he'll be working closely with Johnson while you all go into the field."

"Interesting." Aaron noted, staring at the picture. Lucas had blonde hair, dark eyes and a sort of flirty and mischievous smile on his face.

"Shouldn't they be here by now?"

"They should be getting in any minute now." Jacob replied before turning to Thompson. "Holbrook, is there anything about Elias that may help us in this mission? Something you haven't shared with the group yet?"

All faces turned to him again, their eyes waiting, willing him to say something—anything.

"No." He finally revealed, his voice low and distinct. "We only worked together in the war. It wasn't exactly a big deal or anything."

Jacob narrowed his eyes at Thompson, the look on his face almost accusing him of not telling the truth.

"Okay then. All we have to do now is start gearing up and waiting for the Greek Squad. In the meantime, if you can all go through the schematics of Blackridge with Aaron, that'll be nice." Jacob continued. "And remember, everyone, Blackridge is pure enemy territory. You all have to rely on each other or else you might not get out alive."

"Jeez. Way to lay it on thick, boss." Aaron noted, his eyes catching Lucas's headshot one more time before the blueprints of the prison took over the screen.

"I'm just saying it'll be great if we can all learn these things beforehand." Jacob continued, walking down the steps.

"We all know what we signed up for, boss." Shane answered, his voice distinct and clear.

"Good." Jacob continued. He walked away from the board and towards Thompson. "Holbrook, you mind if I see you in private for a second?"

Thompson rose from his chair and followed Jacob to another corner of the command center, his eyes narrowed. Memories of his experience with Elias continued to invade his mind despite him trying his possible best not to let it interfere.

"Look, Tom." Jacob started once they were far enough from the others. "I know you and Novak were more than just colleagues in the war. I know you became close friends with him, especially after his brother—"

"If you're worried that my relationship with Elias is going to affect the mission, sir, I can assure you, it won't." Thompson said, freezing the words in Jacob's mouth.

Jacob nodded. "That's great to hear. Because I need you focused on this mission. There's also something I need to tell you."

Thompson narrowed his eyes as Jacob's voice got reduced to a whisper. "What is it?"

"You see, Novak has been undercover for a long time. And then, this coupled with the things he faced during the war, he may not be exactly as cooperative. We need to make sure we have control of the situation if this happens."

Thompson felt a wave of disbelief crash into his body. "Sir, what are you talking about?"

"I'm saying— there's a chance paranoia might have gotten to Novak. He may show a little or a lot of hostility towards you and in this case, the mission comes first. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" Jacob asked.

The disbelief continued to rise in Thompson. He knew exactly what Jacob was getting at and he couldn't believe he was actually hearing it.

"Are you saying—"

"I'm saying if Novak proves difficult or tries to sabotage the exfiltration in any way, you have the full permission to take care of him."

"To kill him, you mean?" Thompson asked, still not over the disbelief.

"Yes, General. For now, you're all more important than he is and I'd rather he dies, than anyone else on the team."

Thompson swallowed as Jacob gave him a gentle tap on the back before returning to the team.

What the hell?!