《The Red Hill》


 Episode 1: Deadlock

    A light, steady rain drizzled over the roof of the old hotel. The air was thick with the scent of dampness and gunpowder. Mike stood by the half-shattered window, his tired eyes scanning the empty, dark streets. The occasional sound of distant gunfire echoed through the night.


    Through the radio, one of his men, Jake, spoke:


    ¡ª "Mike, good news. Our request for backup got approved. They said a support team is on the way."


    Mike raised an eyebrow.


    ¡ª "Now? After all this time? From where?"


    ¡ª "They didn''t say. Just that they''re professionals. Might be our only shot."


    He didn''t have much faith in this so-called "support." In his experience, when reinforcements arrived this late, they were usually there to collect the bodies.


    He glanced at Carlina, sitting beside him, checking her gear. Exhaustion was written all over her face. From their original team, she was the only one left. There might have been others still alive, but no matter how hard Mike tried, he couldn''t find them. Out of the twenty-five people he had gathered, only seven remained.


    He turned to Carlina. "Can you keep going?"


    Carlina responded, "I have to."


    They had done tougher missions before, without losing anyone. Mike ran a hand over his face and thought:


    "Going through with this operation after everything that happened was a huge mistake. He should''ve returned to the U.S. after the team was wiped out. He should have listened to the commander. Assembling a group of people with no prior experience working together¡ªfor a mission like this¡ªwas nothing short of stupidity."


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    Then, his thoughts were interrupted.


    First, the sound of an explosion from the rooftop. Then, the roar of gunfire as precise, calculated shots tore through enemy lines. Within seconds, hell broke loose outside. Bullets flew, men screamed, and chaos took over.


    Mike looked through the window. Four figures dressed in dark clothing moved with expert precision. In mere moments, they eliminated half of the attacking forces.


    One of them, taller than the rest, walked forward, calm and composed¡ªas if strolling through a battlefield was the most natural thing in the world.


    Mike grabbed his radio:


    ¡ª "Jake, looks like that backup you mentioned just arrived."


    But there was no response from Jake.


    He was probably dead.


    Yet the team he had spoken about *was*here.


    That sinking feeling hit Mike again. Every time he lost one of his men, it felt like another personal failure. Like it was his fault. He clenched his fist and slammed it against the ground. "I''m such an idiot."


    Carlina glanced at him, concern in her eyes. She knew how much pressure he was under. Taking a deep breath, she asked, "Mike, are you okay?"


    Mike, realizing her concern, nodded. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just tired."* Then, forcing a faint smile, he said, *"Get your gear ready. We''re moving out."


    Minutes later, the tall man entered the shattered hotel lobby.


    Gray eyes. Emotionless.


    With a faint Russian accent, he said:


    ¡ª "Staying here means death. The way is clear. Move now."


    Mike lowered his weapon slightly, but didn''t back down.


    ¡ª "Who the hell are you? What unit?"


    Without hesitation, the man replied:


    ¡ª "Reznov."


    ¡ª "That''s just a name. How do I know you''re one of ours?"


    Reznov stepped closer. His height cast a shadow over Mike.


    With unsettling calm, he said, "How do you know I''m not? Right now, you don''t have another choice but to trust me."


    Mike locked eyes with him. There was something there¡ªsomething in that gaze that made him hesitate.


    A heavy feeling he couldn''t quite explain.


    Like his instincts were whispering "trust him,"but doubt still crawled at the back of his mind.


    Just then, one of Mike''s soldiers called out:


    ¡ª "Mike, the enemy''s regrouping. We either go with him, or we die here."


    Mike''s breathing quickened. Once again, the lives of his team depended on him.


    Carlina, noticing his hesitation, quietly stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We''re with you."


    Mike exhaled. He trusted Carlina''s judgment¡ªshe had been his second-in-command for a reason. But Reznov? He still wasn''t sure.


    Finally, he gave a slow nod.


    ¡ª "Alright. Lead the way. But I''m keeping my eyes on you."


    Reznov smirked.


    ¡ª "Good. I like that."

 Episode 2: Into the Fire

    The sound of continuous gunfire echoed through the lobby. The scent of gunpowder mixed with dust hung in the air.


    Mike took cover behind a half-burnt column, reloading his magazine with frustration.


    Before he could say anything more, the sound of enemy footsteps grew louder in the hallway. He raised his rifle, ready to fire. But¡­ something was strange.


    One of the enemy soldiers who emerged from behind the wall hesitated for a brief moment. A fleeting pause¡ªperhaps out of fear or doubt. Mike didn''t give it a second thought. He pulled the trigger and ended it.


    Silent as ever, Reznov walked past the corpse with a look that suggested he was watching something unfold in his mind.


    "Move towards the stairs. We need to get to the upper floors," he ordered.


    Moving backward while firing, Mike and his team were forced to take cover behind a partially collapsed wall. To reach the stairs, they had to cross to the other side of the hotel, but the heavy fire pinned them down.


    Grabbing a smoke grenade, he pulled the pin and instructed his team:


    "Get ready."


    The grenade landed in the center of the hotel, and as thick smoke filled the air, he shouted:


    "Go, go! Reznov, hurry up!"


    When they reached the emergency staircase, Reznov took the lead.


    The next fight happened in the stairwell. Three enemies were lying in wait above them.


    Mike aimed his weapon, prepared to shoot, but one of the attackers hesitated. Just for a fraction of a second. As if uncertain whether to fire or not.


    With precise and effortless movements, Reznov shot two of them. The third turned and ran.


    He then pushed open the rooftop door.


    "Get outside," he ordered, dropping a smoke grenade onto the roof.


    As Mike moved across the rooftop under the cover of thick smoke, his foot slipped on the rain-soaked surface, sending him crashing down. That split-second mistake nearly cost him his life a bullet barely missed him, whizzing past his ear.


    Reznov quickly approached from behind, grabbed his arms, pulled him up, and pushed him behind a large air chiller for cover. Then, in a firm voice, he growled:


    "Stay focused."


    Glancing at the line of enemy snipers, Mike turned to him.


    "We''re trapped... Got any ideas?"


    He spoke calmly.


    "Just stay still. Don''t rush. They''re making a mistake. Just wait."


    And that''s exactly what happened. The enemy''s first shot missed.


    Reznov seized the opportunity, taking down the sniper with a single shot.


    "Descend using the ropes from the south side," he ordered, continuing to fire at the remaining snipers to keep them pinned down, buying time for the rest of the team.


    One by one, they descended. Once everyone was down, he followed.


    Smoke and fire billowed behind them. The hotel was no longer safe. With a swift hand signal, Mike directed his team to escape through a side alley. Gunfire still echoed in the streets. Narrow alleys were littered with burnt-out vehicles and remnants of past battles.


    Reznov walked ahead, his steps steady, silent, and eerily unshaken.


    Mike thought to himself:


    "This guy is too calm... like he''s not even in the middle of a warzone."


    But there was no time to dwell on that. A loud explosion erupted from the left.


    Carlina, moving slightly behind, called out:


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    "Two armed trucks approaching!"


    Mike raised his rifle.


    "Cover us! We need to move!"


    Everyone took cover behind a wall as bullets whizzed overhead.


    "Conserve your ammo! We still have another objective!" he ordered.


    Crouching, Reznov slipped past one of the team members and peeked around the edge of the wall, scanning the approaching vehicles with a single glance.


    "Two in the front. Four in the back of the truck. Take out the driver on the left first," he instructed.


    Mike frowned but said nothing. He didn''t like how Reznov was taking command of the situation.


    One of the team members fired, hitting the driver of the first truck. The vehicle swerved and crashed into the curb. The return fire intensified.


    Quickly maneuvering through side alleys, they headed toward the main street where the facility was located. Reznov gestured forward.


    "This area is too exposed. Your route is bad. We should go south."


    Breathing heavily, Mike stopped beside him.


    "How the hell do you know this place so well?!"


    Reznov glanced at him briefly.


    "It''s my job to know. You ask too many questions¡ªespecially in the middle of a firefight."


    There was no time for arguments.


    Carlina''s voice came through from behind:


    "Move! Ten hostiles approaching from the eastern alley!"


    They broke into a run again. The air was filled with the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and desperate shouts.


    Mike was too focused on keeping his team alive to realize he hadn''t checked in with the backup squad.


    A few streets later, the group stopped behind a collapsed wall to catch their breath. Reznov sat down beside him, his tone calm and composed as always.


    "The facility is heavily fortified. We''ll need to split into two teams upon entry. I''ll go in from the west; you take the east. Inside, there''s only one exit."


    Mike hesitated.


    "Thanks for the help, but this is where you leave. My team will handle it from here. Go find Jake. If he''s alive, tell him to prepare for extraction."


    Reznov didn''t budge.


    "No. I''m coming with you. Destroying that facility is too important¡ªI need to make sure it happens."


    Mike frowned.


    "And why is it so important to you?"


    Leaning his head against the wall, Reznov replied:


    "Sometimes, the fall of one building... prevents the fall of an entire city."


    Mike studied him.


    "I''m not a fan of poetic speeches."


    Reznov chuckled¡ªshort and bitter.


    "Don''t worry. Soon enough, you''ll understand why I''m here. And besides, I have a team that can help."


    Carlina signaled that the path was clear.


    Mike stood, checked his weapon, and said:


    "Fine... But if we''re doing this together, I''m staying behind you. I don''t trust people I don''t know at my back."


    Reznov gave a faint smirk.


    "Smart choice."


    The massive steel doors of the facility groaned as they slid open. Heavy air mixed with the scent of burnt metal seeped out. The dim red emergency lights painted the long corridors, making them look like a graveyard.


    The second phase of the mission had begun.


    Before stepping inside, Mike held up a hand to stop Reznov.


    "Before we go in¡­ Where''s the rest of your team?"


    Reznov, his voice as calm as ever, subtly tilted his head towards the shadows behind him.


    "Right here."

 Episode3: The Struggle

    In the darkness, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed. Four figures emerged from the shadows, dressed in black tactical gear with simple masks.


    Reznov gave a slight nod, introducing them.


    "That one is Ivan. Sniper. He''s just as deadly in close quarters. Doesn''t talk much."


    Ivan, a tall and lean man with graying hair and emotionless eyes, simply nodded. It seemed that a mere nod was his way of greeting.


    "Next to him, Natasha. Demolition and infiltration specialist. If something is locked, she can open it for us."


    Natasha, a woman of medium height with sharp facial features, gave Mike a half-smile.


    "Nice to meet you."


    Reznov continued, his voice steady.


    "The last two¡ªDmitry and Andrei. Dmitry is the calmest man I know. Andrei? You''d better keep your distance."


    Andrei, a broad-shouldered man, was casually spinning a blood-stained knife in his fingers. His grin was anything but friendly.


    "I only get close to my enemies."


    Mike shot a glance at Reznov, skepticism in his eyes.


    "You all are... quite the welcoming bunch, aren''t you?"


    Reznov simply shrugged.


    "What matters is that we get the job done."


    Mike pressed the radio button to inform his support team that the infiltration had begun¡ªbut then, he remembered. Jake was no longer on the other end.


    A sharp pang hit his chest, but he swallowed it down. With a sigh, he lowered the radio and shoved it into his pocket.


    Turning to his team, he ordered,


    "Move out. Keep your formation tight. Stay alert¡ªthis place can turn into our tomb in a second."


    A heavy silence settled over the group. Only the sounds of boots on concrete and the occasional faint static of their radios broke the stillness.


    In the next corridor, the team suddenly stopped.


    Ahead, two automated heavy machine guns stood mounted, their thermal sensors scanning the hallway.


    Mike cursed under his breath and turned back.


    "Alright, now what?"


    Without a word, Natasha stepped forward. She pulled out a small toolkit, knelt in front of the control panel, and started working with precise, practiced movements.


    Reznov smirked, arms crossed.


    "Just watch."


    Within two minutes, Natasha stood up and dusted off her gloves.


    "Done. We have a ten-second window to pass through. But the western side is locked¡ªwe all need to go east."


    Mike and his team, visibly impressed, quickly lined up and moved along the walls. The quiet rustling of gear and the soft thud of boots echoed around them. Natasha was the last one to step past the turret''s line of fire.


    So far, everything had been executed in complete silence.


    The enemy still had no idea they were inside.


    As they moved, Carlina leaned closer to Mike and whispered,


    "These guys... they''re different."


    Mike muttered back,


    "Yeah¡­ too damn good."


    But deep inside, something was gnawing at him.


    Why were they this skilled? Why were they so desperate to destroy this facility? And most importantly¡ªwhy did they seem better trained than his own team?


    Mike exhaled sharply and muttered under his breath,


    "Something about this doesn''t add up..."


    His eyes narrowed.


    Then, he turned to Carlina.


    "Take half the squad and head for the airport. Secure the extraction point."


    Carlina hesitated for a brief moment but then nodded.


    "Be careful, Mike."


    Mike gave her a small nod.


    "You too."


    And with that, Carlina and half the team broke off, disappearing down a side corridor toward the airport.


    Mike and the remaining fighters pressed forward, deeper into the heart of the facility.


    The mission objective was clear¡ªdemolish the core pillars.


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    As they advanced, the air grew heavier. The deeper they moved into the underground complex, the stronger the feeling of entrapment became.


    Mike was walking at the front, leading the group, his eyes darting between the dimly lit walls and the mission tracker in his hand.


    His instincts were screaming at him.


    Something was wrong.


    Why was Reznov so sure of every step?


    Why did he always act as if he already knew what was coming?


    Mike''s patience snapped.


    He quickened his pace, catching up to Reznov.


    "Alright. Enough with the secrecy. What the hell is going on?"


    Reznov kept walking, his voice low.


    "You wouldn''t understand. Explaining it would only complicate things. But right now, our goals are aligned. That''s all that matters."


    Mike clenched his jaw.


    "That''s bullshit. Why won''t you answer me? Why do you keep acting like you have all the damn answers? What the hell are you hiding?!"


    For the first time, Reznov stopped.


    Slowly, he turned, his cold gray eyes locking onto Mike''s.


    There was something in that gaze¡ªsomething deep, something unsettling.


    Something that made Mike pause.


    "I don''t owe you any answers," Reznov said, his voice calm, but firm. "None of you have the right to ask questions. If you want to stay alive, follow orders."


    Mike''s fists clenched.


    His patience was gone.


    With a swift motion, he pulled out his knife.


    "Fine. Don''t talk. But after all this, I don''t trust you. And I''m done following your damn orders."


    Reznov smirked slightly.


    "You''re smart, huh?"


    Ivan, the silent sniper, finally spoke, his voice as emotionless as ever.


    "Focus on the mission. If you want to fight, do it when we''re out of here."


    Natasha, standing between them, spoke up, her tone firmer than before.


    "Now is not the time for this. We need to finish the job."


    But Mike had already made up his mind.


    His grip on the knife tightened.


    Then, in a blur of motion, he lunged at Reznov.


    Reznov didn''t even move.


    At the last second, he shifted his weight slightly, grabbed Mike''s wrist, and twisted it.


    Mike gasped as pain shot up his arm. The knife clattered to the ground.


    Before he could react, Reznov shoved him backward.


    Mike stumbled but quickly regained his footing, rage flaring in his chest.


    He charged again.


    But this time, Andrei¡ªquick as ever¡ªstepped in.


    The burly man grabbed Mike''s shoulder, holding him back with ease.


    "Cool it, Mike," Andrei muttered. "Let''s focus on the mission first."


    Mike shoved his arm away, glaring daggers at Reznov.


    His voice was lower now, but laced with venom.


    "This isn''t over. When this mission is done, you''re dead."


    Reznov chuckled.


    "Oh? Are you sure? We could settle this right now if you want."


    He took a step forward.


    But before Mike could respond, Natasha threw herself between them, her voice sharp.


    "Reznov, enough. Now."


    Then she turned to Mike, eyes burning.


    "Same goes for you. I don''t care what you two do after this, but right now? We have a damn mission."


    A tense silence filled the air.


    Then¡ª


    The sound of approaching enemy footsteps echoed down the hallway.


    Dmitry swore under his breath.


    "Great. Now we''re in for a bloodbath."


    Mike took a deep breath, picked up his knife, and exhaled sharply.


    "Alright. Looks like we''re fighting our way through."


    His fingers curled around the handle.


    But deep down, he knew.


    More than anything¡ª


    He wanted to kill Rezonov right here, right now.


    And the battle had just begun.

 Episode4: First Blood

    the sound of rapid footsteps echoed. Both sides moved out of the narrow hallway. At that moment, Ivan stepped forward and stood firmly between Mike and Reznov.


    "No one dies here... unless they choose to."


    Mike took a step back and, with a heavy breath, signaled his team to move forward. This time, however, he was a little more certain than before. They all advanced in silence.


    They entered the main chamber of the facility¡ªa vast room filled with complex machinery. The hum of industrial sounds and rotating gears echoed in the air. The columns, reinforced with intricate wiring, were heavily secured to the walls and ceiling.


    Natasha stepped in and began analyzing the systems.


    "If we''re going to bring these columns down, we need to find their weak points."


    Ivan and Andrei searched the room, while Dmitry stood still, his eyes locked on a distant corner.


    "Something''s off. This place... it''s like it was built for this exact purpose."


    Mike shrugged.


    "Who cares? We''re just following orders."


    Reznov, silent as ever, stood observing everything. It had been a long time since anyone questioned him, but as always, he was the only one who knew exactly what to do.


    Natasha turned to Reznov.


    "I''m ready. The columns should collapse in five minutes."


    Reznov nodded and added,


    "Natasha, remember what I said¡ªkeep the explosions controlled. Understood?"


    Natasha nodded. Mike, always impressed by her efficiency, muttered,


    "Alright, it''s done. Everyone, cover Natasha while she sets it up."


    Just as the explosives were armed, the entire facility trembled. Sparks of fire shot out from the corners of the room.


    At that moment, the heavy metal doors burst open. Enemy forces stormed in.


    The battle began.


    Chaos and Bloodshed


    The explosion shook the facility with an ear-splitting roar. Debris and dust filled the air. Emergency lights cast a red glow over the long hallways. Smoke and heat suffocated the battlefield.


    Mike shouted,


    "Everyone, get ready! They''re coming!"


    At the far end of the hall, heavy steel doors slammed open. A wave of armored soldiers wearing gas masks stormed in, their automatic rifles and mounted machine guns unleashing a rain of bullets.


    Rezonov immediately moved to the right cover, commanding his team with sharp hand signals.


    "Andrei! Secure the eastern flank! Ivan, you''re with me!"


    The first wave of gunfire was ruthless. Bullets whizzed past Mike''s ears. Next to him, Dmitry, trying to cover Reznov, was shot in the shoulder and collapsed.


    Mike rushed to him.


    "Hold on! Natasha, help him!"


    Natasha, crouched behind a console, grabbed a small injector from her medical pouch and swiftly injected Dmitry with a stimulant.


    "We don''t have time! Either we carry him, or we leave him!"


    Reznov, his face covered in dust and blood, appeared next to Mike and shouted,


    "We have to fall back! We won''t last here!"


    But then¡ª


    A single bullet pierced Andrei''s chest.


    Blood spurted from his mouth as he collapsed into Reznov''s arms.


    With a faint, fading smile, he muttered,


    "Didn''t think... it''d be this soon..."


    And before he could finish, his body went limp.


    Mike gritted his teeth.


    "Damn it... damn this mission..."


    Reznov stood motionless over Andrei''s body for a second. Closing his eyes, he whispered,


    "We don''t forget."


    Then, without hesitation, he signaled the others.


    "Western corridor! Emergency exit!"


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    Under relentless gunfire, the team pushed forward. Natasha threw smoke grenades behind them to cover their retreat.


    "Move! Faster!" she yelled.


    More enemy reinforcements arrived, shouting in a foreign language. Behind them, a heavy turret on a tripod locked onto the escaping team.


    Reznov, down to his last magazine, pulled back.


    "Ivan, cover me. Mike, keep moving!"


    Mike turned back.


    "What about you?"


    Reznov glanced at him briefly.


    "I have unfinished business."


    Ivan and Reznov sprinted toward the turret. Bullets tore through the air around them. Like a ghost, Ivan hurled a grenade. Before it exploded, a bullet ripped through his side.


    Reznov threw a second grenade, destroying the turret. But when he turned back, Ivan had collapsed, dragging himself toward cover¡ªuntil a second volley of bullets struck him.


    Reznov rushed to him, grabbing his hand.


    "Comrade... we see this through¡ª"


    But it was too late.


    Mike''s voice echoed through the chaos.


    "Move it! We''re leaving!"


    Reznov turned to Natasha.


    "Blow two more columns. It''ll buy us time."


    Without hesitation, Natasha triggered the charges. Explosions rocked the facility, sending waves of dust and debris everywhere. Heat from the blasts burned their skin as they fled.


    Mike glanced over his shoulder. Everyone in his squad was dead. But this was not the time for grief.


    Natasha struggled to drag Dmitry away. Rezonov appeared beside her and lifted Dmitry onto his shoulders.


    "Move, Natasha! Head for the exit!"


    Natasha and Mike reached the exit first, taking cover and providing suppressive fire. Dmitry, wincing in pain on Reznov''s shoulders, was still fighting, firing his small pistol.


    Finally, Reznov and Dmitry made it through.


    As soon as they were clear, Reznov turned to Natasha and gave the order.


    "Finish it."


    Natasha detonated the final explosives. The remaining columns collapsed, burying the enemy¡ªand the bodies of their fallen comrades¡ªunder tons of rubble.


    Exhausted, wounded, and drained, the survivors pressed on. Their only relief was that Carlina had secured a clear path to the airport.


    Mike, staggering under Dmitry''s weight, shot a bitter glare at Reznov.


    "We lost so many people... for what?"


    Reznov, still covered in Ivan and Andrei''s blood, remained silent, staring into the darkness ahead.


    Mike pressed on.


    "Where the hell are you taking us?"


    Reznov finally spoke, his voice low.


    "To the end of the road... where we either finish this, or we all die."


    Mike''s voice hardened.


    "You lost your friends. Does it even matter to you? Do you even feel anything?"


    Reznov suddenly whirled around, shouting,


    "No, I don''t! You know why?! Because after all these years, my feelings have been burned away! Do you know how many of my men I''ve seen die? I''ve led five full teams to their deaths! My best friend died because of this mission! And now you come here and talk to me about feelings?!"


    Mike, just as furious, shot back,


    "That''s exactly what''s strange¡ªfive squads dead, and somehow, you always survive!"


    Reznov''s voice darkened.


    "Don''t rub salt in my wounds."


    Then, taking a breath, he turned away.


    "It doesn''t matter anymore. One way or another, in an hour, this all ends. Now move."


    Natasha stepped ahead, her voice heavy with grief.


    "He''s right. We keep moving. This isn''t over yet."


    And so, battered, bloody, and exhausted, they marched toward the airport.

 Episode5: R for Reznov

    Mike walked, deep in thought about his confrontation with Reznov back at the facility. Had he been too harsh? After all, Reznov had saved his life at the hotel. Sure, the man was secretive, but so far, he hadn''t done anything suspicious¡ªat least, not yet.


    "No... I still can''t trust him. But if Carlina were here, she''d know what to do."


    Shaking his head, Mike pushed the thought aside. There was no time for doubt¡ªonly moving forward.


    He barely noticed when Reznov and Natasha came to a sudden stop. Mike looked up¡ªthey had arrived at the airfield.


    A cold wind howled across the tarmac, and the broken floodlights cast faint, flickering shadows. In the distance, the rhythmic chopping of helicopter blades echoed through the night.


    Exhausted, Mike laid the half-conscious Dmitry onto a stretcher. The man groaned under his breath.


    "Just... get us somewhere safe..."


    Something felt off. Carlina wasn''t there. The area had been completely cleared, yet there was no sign of her.


    Natasha removed her helmet and stood next to Reznov.


    "How many do we have left?"


    Reznov, still gazing at the horizon, replied calmly.


    "Just four¡­ out of twelve."


    Mike clenched his jaw.


    "And you still think it was worth it?"


    Reznov''s voice was steady but distant.


    "Someday, you''ll understand."


    Natasha knelt beside Dmitry, tending to his wounds. Mike observed her closely. Not only was she a skilled demolitions expert, but she also knew battlefield medicine. No wonder this team had survived so long.


    Well¡­ except for this mission.


    Mike felt a pang of regret for Andrei and Ivan. He hadn''t known them well, but fighting alongside someone always forged a bond¡ªwhether you wanted it or not.


    The low hum of the helicopter snapped him out of his thoughts. The aircraft descended, kicking up dust as it neared the landing zone. Mike shielded his face with his hand and stepped forward, expecting Carlina to emerge.


    But instead, it was Jake.


    Stunned, Mike ran forward and pulled him into a tight embrace.


    "I thought I lost you too... Why didn''t you answer?!"


    Jake, caught off guard, patted Mike''s back.


    "Hey, man, calm down¡ªI''m fine."


    He hesitated before adding, "They found our position. I was too busy escaping to grab the damn radio. I''m sorry, Mike. I couldn''t get reinforcements to you... Their chopper got shot down mid-air."


    Then, he turned toward Reznov and his team.


    "Who are they? They don''t look like your men."


    Mike quickly composed himself.


    "They''re not. At first, I thought they were reinforcements, but... we just happened to be on the same path. Still, without them, we wouldn''t have made it."


    Jake nodded and turned to the group.


    "Well, good to meet you guys."


    The others responded with brief nods, keeping their distance.


    Then, a distant rumble cut through the night. Headlights flickered on the horizon.


    "They found us," Mike muttered.


    Without hesitation, he and Jake climbed aboard the helicopter. It was time to leave.


    As the aircraft lifted off, Mike looked down at Reznov.


    "You''re not coming?"


    Reznov unslung his rifle from his back.


    "Someone has to stay behind. We''ll hold them off."


    Mike frowned.


    "Why? Is this just an excuse? Or am I about to see you pull something suspicious again?"


    Reznov was silent for a moment before responding in a low, serious tone.


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    "Mike... my work here isn''t finished. You need to go. This mission is bigger than you realize. That facility... it was more than just a nuclear site."


    Mike clenched his fists.


    "And now you decide to tell me? What changed? Suddenly, you trust me?"


    Lighting a cigarette, Reznov exhaled slowly.


    "Maybe because I won''t be seeing you again."


    He gave a bitter smile.


    "And to be honest... I''m fine with that."


    Mike''s expression hardened.


    "Yeah... same here."


    Despite his distrust, he couldn''t deny the truth¡ªthis man had helped them survive up to this point. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn''t the enemy.


    The headlights of enemy vehicles drew closer.


    Reznov turned to Mike.


    "Go, now. They''re coming. Natasha, Dmitry, and I are staying behind. Your mission is over, but ours isn''t."


    Mike hesitated at the helicopter''s door.


    "Dmitry, come with us. With that wound, you¡ª"


    Dmitry cut him off.


    "Thanks, but no. We''re a team. We stay together."


    Mike clenched his jaw, then gave a brief nod. For the last time, he looked at Reznov.


    The doors shut, and the helicopter lifted into the night sky.


    For the first time in a long while, Mike felt his mind settle¡ªbut only briefly.


    He turned to Jake.


    "Have you heard from Carlina? I''m worried about her."


    Jake shook his head.


    "Last time she checked in was thirty minutes ago. Said her whole team was wiped out and she was trapped. For now, relax, Mike. Carlina knows how to handle herself."


    Then, he smirked.


    "She was your superior officer, after all."


    Suddenly, the radio crackled to life. Carlina''s voice came through, but it was distorted.


    "Ma... Mike... r... at... conn..."


    Mike slammed the side of the radio.


    "Damn it, what''s wrong with this thing?"


    Despite the interference, one thing was clear¡ªCarlina was still alive.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Gunfire echoed through the scrapyard of abandoned aircraft. Bullets ricocheted off rusted metal, creating a deafening symphony of chaos.


    Natasha, ducking behind cover, yelled, "We''re running out of ammo! Get to Dmitry and get him ready to move!"


    Reznov remained still.


    "I have something to do first. Hold them off a little longer."


    Moving swiftly through the wreckage, he crouched near a patch of dirt and began digging. Within seconds, his hands found a buried metal crate.


    Natasha''s voice cut through the chaos.


    "Reznov! Where the hell are you?! I can''t hold them off much longer!"


    A few seconds later, Reznov stood tall. A small launcher rested on his shoulder.


    Natasha, still dragging Dmitry to safety, turned and gasped.


    "Wait! What the hell are you doing?!"


    She dropped Dmitry and sprinted toward Reznov¡ªbut it was too late.


    Reznov aimed the launcher at the helicopter.


    "Forgive me, Mike..."


    The missile streaked through the night.


    Inside the cockpit, Mike, still adjusting the faulty radio, noticed the flash.


    "Jake¡ªIncoming missile!"


    The cabin alarms blared, red warning lights flashing.


    Mike braced himself as he watched the missile streak toward them like a dragon roaring through the sky.


    "Evasive maneuvers¡ªNOW!"


    But it was too late.


    The explosion consumed the helicopter mid-air. Flames painted the sky in hues of orange and red, casting shadows over the airfield.


    Reznov''s expression remained unreadable as he watched the wreckage fall.

 Episode6: Linebreaker

    Carlina and her team moved cautiously along the road leading to the airport. The rain had stopped, and the sound of crickets filled the air. There was a strange calmness in the atmosphere, but the only thing that reminded her they were still in a warzone was the weapon she held tightly in her hands.


    She pressed her lips together and gripped her gun firmly. It was odd that they had not encountered any resistance yet. She pulled out her radio and pressed the button.


    "Mike, are you there? Something feels off here. What are your orders?"


    But no response came from the other end. She turned to her team.


    "Are your radios working?"


    One of her men stepped forward.


    "Looks like they''ve jammed communications. We can''t contact anyone. What now?"


    Carlina didn''t want to risk her team''s lives, but at the same time, she couldn''t afford to let Mike down. She pointed toward an unfinished building nearby.


    "Head inside for now. I''ll try to reach Mike."


    She quickly reached the small structure, kicked the door open, and stepped inside, scanning her surroundings. It seemed safe. She motioned for her team to follow.


    "Two of you, check the upper floor. The rest, stay with me."


    Carlina and another soldier began searching the rooms. The building was still under construction, with cement bags and construction materials scattered everywhere.


    Just as they moved forward, a sudden explosion rocked the upper floor, sending debris and cement dust raining down on them.


    One of her teammates shouted,


    "What was that?!" and moved toward the next room.


    Carlina yelled, "Wait¡ª"


    But before she could finish, a second explosion sent her flying, slamming her against the wall.


    The sharp scent of blood filled the air. Her mouth tasted bitter, and a ringing sound overwhelmed her ears. Slowly, she pushed herself up, using the wall for support. But as her vision cleared, she froze¡ªhorrified.


    The teammate who had stood beside her just moments ago was now in pieces.


    Her body locked up. She struggled to breathe. A wave of nausea hit her, and she thought she might vomit. Shaking, she reached out and placed a trembling hand on the fallen soldier''s helmet, shutting her eyes for a brief moment.


    Then, the radio crackled to life.


    "Carlina, do you read me? It''s Jake. What''s going on? Where are you?"


    Carlina, still catching her breath, pressed the radio to her lips.


    "It was a trap."


    She listened to the distant sounds of approaching enemies.


    "I''m surrounded. My entire team is gone."


    Jake''s voice came through, alarmed.


    "What?! Hold on, I''m coming!"


    Carlina ducked behind the second-floor window, aimed her weapon, and fired at the incoming soldiers.


    "No! Stick to the plan. Take the helicopter to the airport, pick up Mike. Don''t wait for me¡ªI''ll figure something out."


    Jake hesitated, then responded,


    "Fine. Just stay alive."


    The radio cut off. Carlina exhaled, securing it to her belt.


    "Now, it''s just me against all of them."


    The enemy forces surrounded the building. They weren''t just from the facility¡ªthese were government troops.


    "Maybe this is the end."


    But she refused to accept that. She had to make it back to Mike.


    Swiftly, she reloaded her weapon. Cold sweat dripped down her forehead. Taking a deep breath, she aimed at the nearest enemy and fired. She took down one, then another, but they just kept coming. She knew that if she stopped shooting, they would storm the building¡ªand that would be the end.


    Suddenly, everything changed.


    The enemy gunfire slowed. Then, screams echoed from outside¡ªbut this time, it was **them** who were dying.


    Carlina held her breath. *What the hell is going on?*


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    Peeking out from the window, she saw them¡ªenemy troops firing desperately into the jungle.


    "Could it be Mike and the others?"


    But the sheer volume of firepower coming from the trees suggested at least **thirty armed fighters**. There was no way Mike and Reznov''s team, which barely had twelve people, could generate that much firepower.


    It didn''t matter. The only thing that **did** matter was breaking free and reaching Mike.


    She leaped from the window and started shooting at the distracted enemies.


    The trapped soldiers, now under heavy fire from both directions, panicked. They abandoned their positions and rushed toward their vehicles, retreating.


    Then, two armored trucks emerged from the jungle, their mounted machine guns roaring as they pursued the fleeing enemies.


    Carlina stood still, gripping her rifle.


    Footsteps echoed through the muddy ground outside. Heavy, deliberate steps.


    She turned toward the entrance, aiming her gun at the door.


    It creaked open.


    A tall man with sharp, cold eyes stepped inside. His uniform was unlike any known military group.


    He spoke calmly.


    "Carlina. That''s your name, right?"


    Without hesitation, she aimed straight at his head.


    "Who the hell are you?"


    The man gave a faint smile.


    "Kras. I''m here to help."


    Carlina scoffed.


    "Help? You''re a little late for that."


    Kras took a step closer. Carlina''s gaze stayed locked on his hands, ready to fire at the slightest suspicious move.


    "Not too late. You''re still alive. But if you don''t come with me now, your friend Mike might not be so lucky."


    Her eyes narrowed.


    "What do you know about Mike?"


    Kras crossed his arms.


    "Mike is with Reznov. And Rezonov isn''t who you think he is."


    Carlina clenched her jaw.


    "What are you saying? He saved us. He might be mysterious, but I haven''t seen anything suspicious."


    Kras sighed.


    "That''s because you''ve only seen half of the story."


    Carlina growled, "If you''re lying, I''ll blow your damn head off."


    But Kras just looked at her, his voice steady.


    "Mike is walking into a trap. And you''re the only one who can save him."


    Carlina hesitated.


    What if he was telling the truth? If Mike was really in danger? In war, you couldn''t trust anyone easily.


    Her eyes flickered to the fallen bodies of her squad. This mission had been a mistake from the start. Maybe¡­ Maybe she **never** should have trusted Reznov. And worst of all¡ªshe was the one who convinced Mike to follow him.


    Finally, she lowered her gun.


    "Let''s say I believe you. What''s your game? Why are you helping me?"


    Kras remained composed.


    "I''ve been tracking Reznov for a long time. We have unfinished business. I help you, you help me."


    Carlina smirked.


    "That''s a great line, but it doesn''t convince me."


    Kras slid his hands into his pockets.


    "You don''t have to believe me. But the truth doesn''t change. Mike needs you."


    Carlina took a deep breath.


    "Fine. But if you''re lying, you''ll be the next one to die."


    Kras nodded.


    "Fair enough."


    He gestured to his men.


    "These soldiers are under your command. Use them to get Mike away from Reznov."


    Carlina frowned.


    "And you? Where are you going?"


    Kras smirked.


    "That old base you once controlled¡­ I think it''ll be useful, don''t you?"


    Carlina''s eyes widened.


    "How the hell do you know about that?"


    Kras adjusted his glasses.


    "I''ve been watching you all for longer than you think."


    Carlina hesitated, then finally sighed.


    "Fine. Go there. I''ll bring Mike."


    One of Kras''s soldiers stepped into the doorway.


    "Sir, the path is clear."


    Kras nodded and turned to his men.


    "Good. Let''s move. We don''t have much time."


    Carlina checked her weapon one last time. She looked at her fallen comrades one final time and whispered:


    "Stay alive, Mike. I''m coming."

 Episode7: The Notebook

    After hours of unconsciousness, Mike slowly came to. The stench of burning and blood assaulted his senses. His body felt scorching hot, and he couldn''t even tell if he was injured or not. He dragged himself out from under a piece of hot metal debris and caught sight of Jake.


    "Jake, Jake, get up! Are you okay?"


    But Jake didn''t move. With great effort, Mike crawled over to him and shook his shoulder. Jake slumped to the ground. Mike realized it was over.


    "Jake, no, please, not you too¡­"


    Mike collapsed onto the ground, utterly drained. He had no strength left. He leaned his head against the metal wall of the half-burned helicopter. Rain continued to pour, its sound echoing as it struck the metal. The smell of charred plants hung in the air. He pulled a small, now-soaked notebook from his bag, looked at the names written inside, and crossed out Jake''s name as well.


    Then he heard footsteps¡ªcould it be Carlina?


    Mike struggled to crawl out of the flaming wreckage, blood dripping from his forehead. As he lay on the ground, he saw Reznov approaching with calm, steady steps.


    Mike, with bloodied hands, raised his sidearm.


    "You¡­ damn it¡­ why?"


    Before he could pull the trigger, a bullet struck the ground near him.


    A woman with short hair and black military gear emerged from the shadows.


    "Calm down. It''s not time to die yet."


    Mike shouted, "Who the hell are you?!"


    The woman glanced at Reznov.


    "Reznov, that''s enough."


    Reznov paused for a moment, lowered his weapon, and let Mike go.


    Mike was still panting.


    "You¡­ you wanted to kill me! You killed Jake!"


    Reznov knelt beside him.


    "Think, Mike. If I wanted you dead, you''d be gone by now."


    Mike yelled, "Then what was that missile?!"


    Elina (the newcomer) cut into the conversation.


    "That missile was your fate, Mike."


    Mike, gasping for air, got up from the ground.


    "Shut up! You and your group are all insane!"


    Reznov placed a hand on his shoulder.


    "Calm down for now. We''ll explain later."


    Mike glared at both of them.


    "I don''t want your explanations! You took everyone from me! I''ll kill you!"


    He tried to raise his gun again, but Elina fired a precise shot, hitting Mike and throwing him to the side. Mike pulled out his knife¡ªat that moment, all he could think about was revenge.


    He charged at Reznov. Elina moved to intervene, but Reznov signaled her to stand back with a gesture. As Mike closed in, Reznov took a step forward.


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    With his left hand, he deflected Mike''s knife.


    "Looks like you don''t learn."


    And with his right, he threw a punch at Mike. Mike tried to block it with his hand, but Reznov''s strength was overwhelming¡ªMike''s arm was pushed aside, and the blow landed squarely on his face, sending him sprawling to the ground. Elina smirked crookedly, as if mocking him. Mike''s vision blurred, and the last words he heard from Reznov before passing out were:


    "We need to get back. Natasha and Dmitry are waiting in the car."


    ---


    Mike struggled to open his eyes. His head throbbed, and the taste of blood lingered in his mouth.


    The sound of a car engine, the gentle jolts of a muddy road, and the smell of fuel and rain filled the air. They were inside a military jeep. His hands were tied, and the gun he always kept at his side was gone.


    He glanced around. Natasha sat next to Dmitry, whose wounds were still bloody. Across from him was Elina, calm and composed, as if this situation was routine for her. And behind the wheel¡­ Reznov.


    Mike clenched his teeth. Hatred surged in his chest like a wave.


    "If you think I''ll come around after all this, you''re a damn fool."


    Reznov turned the wheel without looking at him and said, "If you think you''ve got another option, then the fool''s you."


    Mike struggled to free himself, but the metal cuffs were too tight to break loose easily.


    Elina stared at him, that mocking smile still on her lips.


    "How you holding up, Mike? You''d better calm down, kid. There are things you don''t know."


    Mike sneered.


    "Like what? That you betrayed me? That you killed Jake? That you destroyed my team?"


    Before Elina could respond, the sound of scattered gunfire echoed in the distance. Reznov glanced at the rearview mirror and muttered, "They''re here."


    Natasha pressed her hand against Dmitry''s wounds and said, "We don''t have much time. We need to get to¡­"


    Before she could finish, the jeep suddenly shuddered. An explosion erupted from the side of the road, sending mud and dirt into the air.


    Reznov jerked the wheel hard, the tires skidding on the wet ground.


    Mike shouted, "Damn it! Who''s that?!"


    Elina grabbed her rifle and looked out the window.


    "I don''t know¡­"


    Minutes later, the road lit up under the headlights of their pursuers. Mike could now see them: three military vehicles, heavy weapons, and figures wearing black masks.


    Reznov, with his usual calm, floored the accelerator.


    "Hold him. If they catch us, it''s game over."


    Elina readied her weapon. Natasha, her hands still bloodied, pulled a grenade from her belt.


    Mike closed his eyes, and for a moment, a single thought crossed his mind:


    "Damn it¡­ looks like it''s not over yet."


    Elina aimed her heavy machine gun at the vehicles and opened fire. Bullets ricocheted off the armored cars. Natasha threw her grenades at them, but the vehicles didn''t even swerve. Mud sprayed upward, and return fire began, though it seemed the pursuing vehicles were only trying to hit the jeep''s tires. Reznov turned to Elina and said, "There''s a rocket launcher under your feet. Grab it."


    Elina pulled the launcher from the floor of the jeep and tossed it to Natasha. Natasha leaned out the window, aimed at the vehicle behind them, took a deep breath, and fired. The rocket whistled through the air and hit the car, engulfing it in flames. With the first vehicle destroyed, the path for the others was blocked. Reznov said, "Good. Seven minutes to the safe zone."


    But suddenly, a bright light flooded the inside of the jeep from the left. As they turned their heads, an armored vehicle slammed into the rear of the jeep with force. The jeep swerved, spinning out of control. Reznov calmly tried to regain control, but it was no use¡ªthe jeep crashed into a tree on the side of the road. Before anyone could react, smoke bombs and gunfire rained down on them.


    In the chaos, the jeep''s door was yanked open, and someone grabbed Mike, violently pulling him out. They threw him into an armored vehicle, then jumped into the driver''s seat and sped off.


    After a few minutes of driving, Mike asked, "What do you want from me?"


    The driver, wearing a gas mask, turned their head toward Mike and removed the mask. Mike''s words caught in his throat.


    "C-C-Carlina?"

 Episode8: Zhivana

    Mike was still in shock. Carlina''s face was half-lit by the dim dashboard light, but he knew that determined look all too well.


    ¡ª "Carlina¡­ what the hell happened?"


    She kept her eyes on the road, but the corner of her mouth twitched slightly.


    ¡ª "You''ll thank me later for showing up when I did."


    Mike gave a crooked smile and leaned back in his seat. His body still ached, and Jake''s blood was still on his clothes¡ªbut at least now, someone familiar was by his side.


    ¡ª "Honestly, I don''t know how I could''ve handled this without you."


    Carlina shot him a quick glance but didn''t say anything. Silence settled in the car, broken only by the engine''s hum and the rain pounding on the roof.


    After a moment, Mike spoke again.


    ¡ª "So? You gonna tell me why you weren''t at the airport?"


    Carlina clenched her jaw like something was still bothering her. Then she said quietly:


    ¡ª "I ran into someone on the way, Mike. Someone with information. Something that made me realize who Reznov really is."


    Mike frowned and leaned forward.


    ¡ª "What are you saying?"


    Carlina gripped the steering wheel tightly. She hesitated, then took a deep breath.


    ¡ª "Something''s off. I can''t explain everything here. Just wait till we get to the base¡ªwe''ll talk there."


    Mike didn''t take his eyes off her. There was something in her voice¡ªnot fear, not panic, but¡­ concern.


    ¡ª "You''re starting to worry me, Carlina."


    She kept her gaze on the road.


    ¡ª "I need you to trust me, Mike."


    Mike paused for a second.


    "I''ve trusted you since day one."


    If he had looked closer, he might''ve noticed her hands relax slightly on the wheel.


    "Get some rest. Once we''re there, we''ll figure out our next move."


    Mike leaned his head back and closed his eyes. The car kept rolling down the dark road. The rain was heavier now, and the silence between them, though thick, wasn''t uncomfortable.


    After a few hours, Carlina''s voice stirred him awake.


    ¡ª "Mike. Hey, wake up¡ªwe''re almost there."


    The car was weaving through a forested path. If Mike looked out the left window, he could see a small town in the distance. He turned toward Carlina.


    ¡ª "You brought us to Zhivana?"


    Carlina looked out the windshield with a helpless expression.


    ¡ª "I know you don''t like this place, Mike¡­ but I didn''t have a better option."


    The car drove down a narrow, muddy road between the trees. In the distance, the cement walls of the Zhivana base came into view¡ªan old facility that used to belong to Mike''s allies, but now looked more like a forgotten fortress.


    Mike looked out the window and muttered, "I hate this place."


    Carlina glanced at him but stayed quiet. Maybe she didn''t know what to say. She just sighed and drove toward the rusted gate.


    The car slowly pulled in and stopped behind the main building.


    Mike got out and brushed off his coat. The damp night air carried the scent of mold and gun oil. They climbed the concrete steps and entered what used to be the command office. The dim lights and old maps on the walls still gave it that military feel.


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    On the table in the middle of the room, files and maps were scattered around. But what caught Mike''s attention was the man sitting behind the desk.


    A middle-aged man with a graying beard and glasses. He lit a cigarette and looked Mike over.


    ¡ª "So, you finally made it. Name''s Kras. I''m guessing Carlina told you about me."


    Mike crossed his arms.


    ¡ª "Not really."


    Kras smirked.


    ¡ª "Then have a seat. I''ll fill you in."


    Mike sat on one of the old chairs. As Carlina walked out of the room, she said, "I''ve got a few things to take care of. You two talk," and closed the door behind her.


    Kras took a deep drag from his cigarette and opened one of the files.


    ¡ª "I''m guessing you want to know what''s really going on."


    Mike frowned.


    ¡ª "Reznov. Who is he really? What does he want?"


    Kras nodded slowly.


    ¡ª "He''s not the big deal. What he''s looking for¡ªthat''s what matters."


    Mike leaned in.


    ¡ª "Be more specific."


    Kras slid a file across the table. Inside was a black-and-white photo of a ruined building, stamped: CLASSIFIED ¨C 1989.


    ¡ª "A secret lab. Been around years ago. They were doing some shady experiments there¡ªstuff that was better off staying buried."


    Mike studied the photo.


    ¡ª "So Reznov''s trying to cover it up?"


    Kras''s tone turned serious.


    ¡ª "Or maybe¡­ he wants to bring back whatever''s still in there."


    The room went quiet. Mike spoke softly:


    ¡ª "What do you know about it?"


    Kras exhaled and leaned back in his chair.


    ¡ª "Not much more than you do. But I know this¡ªReznov''s not just some soldier, Mike. Whatever he''s chasing, whatever he knows¡ªit''s dangerous. I''ve been tracking him for a long time. But there''s one problem."


    Mike raised an eyebrow.


    ¡ª "What''s that?"


    Kras looked him in the eyes.


    ¡ª "We still don''t know what his endgame is. But whatever it is¡­ it''s not good."


    Kras stood up and started pacing the room.


    "I''ve been chasing him for a long time, Mike. But this¡ªthis might be our best shot to catch him and get the truth out of him. Will you help me?"


    Mike clenched his fists on the table.


    ¡ª "I don''t care about your damn lab or your mission. I just want revenge¡ªfor Jake and the others."


    Before Kras could answer, footsteps echoed in the hallway. The door opened¡ªCarlina walked back in.


    ¡ª "So? How''s the chat going?"


    Mike smirked.


    ¡ª "You still don''t knock, huh?"


    Carlina ignored the comment.


    ¡ª "Let''s cut the small talk. We''re putting together an ops team. I''ve already reached out to some people I used to work with. We''re gonna catch Reznov¡ªand make him talk."


    Everyone looked at her. Kras spoke cautiously:


    ¡ª "They''re pros, Carlina. If they team up, it''ll get dangerous. You got a plan?"


    Carlina gave a calm smile.


    ¡ª "Yeah. We use bait."

 Episode9: The Old Crew

    Mike sat against the cold concrete wall while Kras smoked a cigarette, letting the smoke drift right under Mike''s nose.


    "Did it always smell like this here...?"


    One year ago...


    It was early morning, the beginning of spring. Mike had just arrived from the U.S. a few hours ago and now stood in front of the base entrance. The air was still chilly but refreshing. The soft sunlight, paired with the sound of birds chirping, painted a peaceful scene. Mike took a deep breath and muttered to himself:


    "I hope this goes well."


    He knocked gently on the door.


    "Hello, it''s me¡ªSoldier A415."


    The sound of a lock clicking open came from the other side before the door swung wide.


    "Welcome. Come in, everyone''s here. We''re about to start."


    The base was in better shape than he had expected. The meeting room was furnished with new desks, chairs, and a large blackboard. The scent of fresh paint lingered in the air.


    Mike stepped inside. Including himself and the operations commander, there were eight people in total. He greeted them, receiving a mix of nods, subtle gestures, and muttered acknowledgments in return. One of them, who had been fiddling with a coffee machine in the corner, turned toward Mike. He had a distinct Spanish accent and, as he approached, threw an arm around Mike''s shoulder.


    "Hey! I''m Javier. Don''t mind these grumpy faces¡ªseems like no one here was ever taught basic manners."


    Then he gestured toward his coffee machine with a smirk.


    "Say, think you can fix this thing? My brain doesn''t function without caffeine."


    Commander Blake, visibly annoyed, shot Javier a stern look.


    "Javier. Sit down."


    Javier sighed, released Mike, and flopped onto a chair.


    Seizing the moment, Mike placed his belongings inside one of the lockers. When he turned back, Commander Blake was preparing materials for the briefing. That''s when he noticed Carlina¡ªthe only woman in the group. She moved with efficiency and grace, assisting Blake with a quiet focus. She was likely his second-in-command.


    Clearing his throat, Blake addressed the room.


    "I''m Commander Blake. I''m honored to lead this team, and now that everyone is here, we''re officially starting the operation."


    He placed his hand on the map pinned to the wall.


    "You all know why we''re here. Our mission is to monitor and, if necessary, neutralize Starovia''s nuclear activities. Should higher authorities give the order, we will eliminate the threat. Javier will provide further details."


    Javier straightened up, his usual playful demeanor gone. His face was serious, his voice sharp. The shift in his attitude took Mike by surprise¡ªhow could someone switch so drastically?


    "Starovia''s nuclear facilities are spread throughout the country. There are four major sites," Javier explained, pointing to the map.


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    "Three in the north, one in the south. The most crucial and heavily guarded facility is only ten kilometers from here."


    He pulled out a stack of documents from a drawer, scattering them across the table.


    "I''ve compiled maps and intel on each facility. Study them. Memorize them. I worked my ass off to get this information. This base will serve as our safe zone until we find a better location. For now, rest up. Further orders will come from the second-in-command."


    Javier gathered the papers and locked them away.


    The team dispersed. Mike was about to leave when Carlina approached with a warm, friendly smile.


    "Hey, I''m Carlina. Which unit are you from?"


    Mike met her gaze.


    "Mike, HW3 unit. You''re the second-in-command, right?"


    "That''s right. Now, come on¡ªI''ll introduce you to the rest."


    She led him toward a man working on a computer.


    "That''s Karl, our tech specialist. He''s brilliant, but he gets a bit jittery under pressure."


    Karl, a young man around twenty-five, had light brown hair, neatly combed, and wore rectangular glasses.


    Carlina pointed to another soldier, who was idly flipping a knife between his fingers.


    "That''s Drago. My advice? Don''t mess with him too much¡ªhe''s got a short fuse. But in combat, he''s one of the best. Reliable and strong."


    Drago''s scarred face and piercing gaze were unsettling. Mike had a feeling they''d butt heads sooner or later.


    "Do they have a problem with me?" Mike asked. "It feels like they''re not too comfortable around me."


    Carlina hopped onto a table''s edge, swinging her legs slightly.


    "No, it''s not you. It''s just... we lost someone last week. You''re his replacement."


    Mike frowned.


    "You all knew each other before this mission?"


    She nodded.


    "Yeah... we''ve been working together for years. We''ve been through a lot. Lost a lot of people."


    Mike exhaled and turned toward a door with his name on it. He pushed it open and leaned against the frame.


    "I''m exhausted. Long flight. Let''s talk later."


    The scent of cigarette smoke pulled Mike back to the present.


    "Mike, are you listening?"


    It was Kras.


    "We''re waiting for you. Carlina and I are finalizing the operation plan."


    He disappeared through the doorway. Mike braced himself against the ground and stood up, making his way outside.


    He had to find Reznov.


    He needed answers.


    But was it worth putting Carlina in danger for the sake of his revenge? Against someone like Reznov?


    Reznov wouldn''t hesitate to kill Carlina if given the chance.


    But if Mike didn''t avenge Jake, he''d never forgive himself.


    He caught his reflection in the dusty mirror.


    "Tonight, I''m coming for you, Reznov. No matter what."

 Episode10: Hunter

    Mike stepped out of the meeting room, the cool night air hitting his face.


    The smell of rain and wet dirt still lingered in the air, but now that he was back at Zhivana base, a strange feeling washed over him. It was like time had rewound to a year ago, to the days when he and his team lived here, still clinging to the hope of survival.


    He rubbed his forehead and leaned against the concrete wall.


    His heart was still racing¡ªpartly from his anger at Reznov, and partly from a deeper ache he couldn''t put into words. The pain of losing Jake. Everything had happened so fast that Mike didn''t even get a chance to say goodbye.


    He walked over to the edge of the balcony.


    From there, he could see Carlina down below, arguing with Kras about the mission. Carlina had always been a rock by his side, ever since their early days in Starovia.


    When everything was falling apart, her determined gaze gave him the push to keep going. Every mission that went south, Carlina was the one who fixed his mistakes.


    Maybe part of why he felt so attached to her was because she reminded him of his sister. After losing his dad, it was his sister who kept the family together. Sure, she was tough¡ªsometimes too tough¡ªbut that''s what taught Mike the grit he needed in rough situations.


    A small smile crept onto his face. He remembered a time when the neighborhood bullies ganged up on him. His sister had let him fend for himself, and yeah, he got beat up pretty bad. But later, she went and gave those bullies a piece of her mind¡ªdidn''t tell him about it for years, though. And now¡­ it''d been about ten years since he last saw her.


    Footsteps approached from behind. It was Carlina.


    She came up beside him and leaned against the balcony railing. Pulling a cigarette from her pocket, she held it out to him. "Want one?"


    Mike shook his head.


    "You know my answer."


    Carlina lit her cigarette and took a drag.


    "You remember this place?"


    "How could I forget? I lived here for six months," Mike said,


    waving the smoke away from his face.


    "Those early days, though¡­ I felt so out of place. Kept thinking I''d never fit in with the team. But you¡ªyou were the only one who made me feel welcome."


    He smirked.


    "Well, you and Javier¡­ I miss him a lot."


    Carlina glanced down at her boots, her voice rough.


    "Yeah, me too. But I haven''t given up hope."


    Mike looked into her eyes and said,


    "I don''t get it. After everything we''ve been through, how are you still so strong?"


    She stared at him for a moment, then gave him a warm smile and stepped in front of him. "Maybe because you''ve always been there for me, Mike. You and me¡­ we''re a team. Since those first days in Starovia."


    Her words sparked a warmth in Mike''s chest, a deep trust they''d built over years. In every dangerous situation, Carlina was the one who made him believe he could handle anything.


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    "Yeah," he said softly. "You were the only one who reminded me it''s worth staying alive in this hell."


    Carlina gently placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze.


    "Come on, let''s head inside. We''ve got a plan to figure out. Reznov isn''t gonna wait."


    Mike nodded and followed her back to the meeting room. When they walked in, Kras was at the table, along with a couple of others¡ªold soldiers Carlina had mentioned before. A middle-aged man with short hair and a faded scar on his forehead, and a young woman with red hair, carefully cleaning a throwing knife.


    Kras looked up as soon as he saw them


    . "Alright, I think it''s time we get started. Reznov''s heading east. Got a report from our spies in the area¡ªsays he''s got a hidden base in the eastern mountains. Probably holed up there."


    Carlina sat down next to Mike and spread a map across the table.


    "Here, in these valleys. If we''re right, Reznov''s gearing up for something big. We don''t know what he''s planning, but going off what Kras said, we can''t take any chances."


    Mike stared at the map. The valley Carlina was talking about was rough terrain¡ªfull of rocks and thick forests. A perfect spot to hide.


    "What do we know about his crew?" Mike asked.


    Kras answered,


    "Not many of them. Just him and his group¡ªNatasha, Dmitry, and Elina. Dmitry''s still injured, but he''s dangerous even like that." He downed the drink in the mug beside him. "Reznov doesn''t trust new people easily. Everyone he''s got has been with him for years. Means his team''s gonna be short-handed for a while. This is our best shot to hit him."


    Carlina pointed at a spot on the map, tracing a route with her finger.


    "We''ll go in from the north. There''s an old path here that leads straight to the valley entrance. If we can catch them off guard, we''ve got a chance. But we need to move fast. If they figure out we''re coming, it''ll get messy."


    Mike studied the map.


    "How many of us are there?"


    Carlina glanced around the room.


    "Counting us, five. Small team, but they''re all pros. These guys worked with me back in Starovia before I joined Commander Blake''s crew. We can trust them."


    Mike nodded. It felt like he was back in those early days in Starovia¡ªthe same sense of unity, the same readiness for danger.


    "Okay. What''s the plan?"


    Kras took over.


    "We need a decoy, like Carlina said. Me and two of my guys will come in from the west and make some noise. That''ll distract Reznov and his team. You guys go in from the north and hit their base directly. Dmitry might stay behind since he''s injured¡ªtry to take him alive. If things go south, he''s our bargaining chip."


    Mike frowned. "And if they figure out it''s a trap before we get there?"


    Kras smirked. "Then you''d better move quick. Reznov''s sharp, but he''s got one weakness: he''s too sure of himself. Doesn''t keep a lot of people close. That means we can catch him off guard."


    Carlina looked at Mike. "Mike, you and me¡ªwe''re together on this. We need to take Reznov alive, or we''ll never know what he''s planning."


    She rolled up the map and stood.


    "Everyone, check your gear. It''s past two already. We move out in half an hour." Then she headed downstairs.


    Mike got up and walked to the window. The rain had finally stopped, and the faint moonlight gleamed on the wet ground. Inside, he felt a steely resolve. He wanted payback for Jake and the others, and this time, with Carlina by his side, he was sure he could pull it off.


    Once Carlina was out of earshot, Mike turned to Kras.


    "I need a favor, Kras. If this op goes bad, you take Carlina and get out. No matter what happens, make sure she''s safe."


    Kras stepped out from behind the table.


    "She''ll hate me for it, but fine. I''ll make sure she''s okay. You have my word."


    Mike headed for the stairs, glancing back at the darkness outside. "Thanks."


    With that, they both got ready for the final strike.

 Episode11: Revenge

    Mike sat in the back of the van, his rifle resting between his knees, listening to the sound of raindrops hitting the roof. Next to him were two new members of the group¡ªpeople Carlina knew from her old operations in Starovia. Up front, Carlina and Kras drove in silence.


    Mike glanced at the two beside him. The first was a middle-aged man with short gray hair and an old scar running from his forehead to his eyebrow. His nickname was "Red." He was a former sniper. If Mike looked closely, he''d notice a slight tremble in Red''s hands, but when he held his rifle, it was like time froze.


    The second was a young woman with fiery red hair tied in a braid. Her name was Vera. Carlina had said Vera saved her life more than once during covert missions in Starovia.


    Red broke the silence with his raspy voice.


    "You nervous, Mike?"


    Mike glanced at Carlina, who was talking to Kras up front.


    "Yeah¡­ but not for me. For her."


    "She means a lot to you, huh? What''s the story there?"


    Mike started tightening his bootlaces.


    "Nothing special¡­ she''s just the only one I''ve got left."


    He shot a quick look at Red.


    "What about you? You trust her a lot, don''t you?"


    Red gave a faint smile.


    "You know, Mike, before Carlina was a soldier, she was a mercenary. That''s when we met her. In the mercenary world, everyone''s waiting to stab you in the back or put a bullet in you. But that woman¡­ she was the only one Vera and I could count on."


    Vera, who''d been quiet until now, spoke softly, her voice barely audible.


    "She always had our backs. I bet it''s the same for you."


    Mike nodded. A strange feeling stirred in his chest. Carlina was like that¡ªa pillar holding everyone together. Having these two with her eased his mind a bit, but the hatred burning inside him for Reznov still raged like wildfire.


    "I told Kras too," Mike said. "If things go south, your priority is getting Carlina out. Got it?"


    Red shrugged. "Let''s just try not to get to that point."


    Mike banged his hand on the van''s roof, getting Kras''s attention.


    "How much longer?"


    "Almost there," Kras replied.


    The van slowed down and stopped in the shadow of the eastern mountains. Reznov''s base was an old bunker tucked into the valley, its concrete walls covered in moss. Mike stepped out and took a deep breath. Kras got out from the front and joined the group with Carlina.


    Carlina unfolded a map and pointed to a line.


    "We''ll go in from the north. Kras, you take Red and Vera and hit them from the west. Make some noise to draw their attention."


    Kras slung his rifle over his shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, we''ll put on a hell of a show."


    Red pulled his sniper rifle from his back.


    "I''ll set up farther out and cover you. Vera, stick close to Kras."


    Mike and Carlina headed toward the northern entrance while Kras and the others moved west. The darkness of the night and the sound of wind whistling through the rocks made the air feel heavier. They crouched behind a rocky outcrop and peered at the base.


    Inside the bunker, Reznov sat at a metal table, studying an old map. Dmitry, his shoulder still bandaged from a wound, stood beside him, talking. Natasha and Elina were near the door, keeping watch.


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    Carlina pulled out her radio.


    "You can start now."


    A loud explosion erupted from the west. Elina grabbed her rifle and glanced at Natasha.


    "Who are they?"


    Natasha frowned.


    "Doesn''t matter. Let''s go check it out."


    Reznov looked up.


    "Go. Dmitry and I will hold things here."


    Natasha and Elina rushed out toward the sound, leaving Reznov and Dmitry alone. Carlina waited until she was sure they were far enough away, then signaled Mike to move.


    They slipped in through the northern entrance. When they reached the main room, they aimed their weapons at Reznov and Dmitry. Mike gripped his gun tight.


    "Reznov! Give up now¡­ don''t make this bloody."


    Reznov gave him a mocking look.


    "You''re still an idiot."


    With a quick move, he flipped the table and ducked behind it with Dmitry.


    Mike fired. The bullet hit the table. Dmitry, despite his injury, tossed a smoke grenade, and the fight broke out. Gunshots rang out nonstop. Reznov and Dmitry were pinned behind the table, unable to move under the hail of bullets. Dmitry turned to Reznov.


    "We''re trapped."


    "Got any ideas?"


    Dmitry handed him his gun.


    "Just keep shooting."


    Reznov started firing with both weapons. Dmitry darted out from behind the table and ran to the other side of the room, sliding behind a heavy machine gun mounted on a tripod. Mike yelled,


    "Damn it, take cover!"


    Dmitry opened fire. Bullets rained down, the roar of the machine gun echoing through the bunker. Mike and Carlina dove behind a wall, but the gunfire was tearing through the concrete. Mike pulled a grenade and looked at Carlina.


    "No choice now. On my count. One¡­ two¡­"


    Just then, the radio crackled, cutting him off.


    "Mike! Natasha and Elina aren''t here! I think they know our plan!"


    Mike cursed as concrete dust rained on his head.


    "Then what the hell are you doing over there?"


    Before he could hear a reply, footsteps echoed behind them. Natasha and Elina burst in from a back hallway. Carlina shouted,


    "Mike! Behind you!"


    Too late. Mike and Elina locked eyes, their guns aimed at each other.


    "Expected to see you again, Mike," she said.


    Reznov seized the moment. He lunged forward and slammed Mike to the ground with a hard blow. Before Carlina could react, Natasha struck her, knocking her still. Mike tried to move, but Reznov pinned his arms and tied them with rope.


    Reznov stood over them. Dmitry was beside him, panting, his wound bleeding again. Natasha and Elina stood a little farther back. Mike glared up at Reznov with pure hatred.


    "So what now? Gonna finish what you started and send me to Jake? Get on with it."


    Reznov''s voice was calm and cold.


    "You know, Mike, there''s a kind of spider where the male lets the female eat him so their kind can survive. Life''s like that. Some have to die for a bigger purpose."


    Carlina spat out,


    "You''re a monster, Reznov. Nothing justifies what you''ve done."


    Reznov crouched down and stared into her eyes.


    "You''ll never get it. I''m sure you''re one of those who''s never had to choose."


    With a sudden move, Carlina freed her hand and lunged at him, but Reznov was faster. He grabbed her, lifted her off the ground, and wrapped his arm around her throat. She clawed at him, struggling as her breath caught in her chest. Her vision blurred, but she could still see his emotionless face. Fear of death crept in.


    Mike screamed,


    "Let her go!"


    But his voice broke in his throat. Panic froze him, his mind racing but useless.


    Reznov tightened his grip. Carlina was fading.


    "See? You''re the ones forcing me to do this."


    Mike''s rage burned hotter as he watched Carlina fight for air, but with his hands tied, he was powerless.

 Episode12: Civil War

    Natasha turned to Reznov.


    "Reznov, stop it. Let her go¡­"


    She glanced at Carlina''s face¡ªtime was running out for her. But it seemed like Reznov had already made up his mind to finish her off.


    Right as Carlina was about to pass out, Natasha lunged at Reznov. With all her strength, she shoved him back, freeing Carlina from his grip. Carlina collapsed to the floor, gasping and pulling air into her lungs.


    Elina shouted, furious, "Natasha! What are you doing?" She aimed her gun at Natasha.


    Natasha spun around, her voice trembling with anger.


    "I''m done, Elina!"


    She raised her own weapon at Elina.


    "You want to keep going like this? With his way? Reznov isn''t the man he used to be. This has to change."


    "You''re losing sight of the goal, Natasha," Elina shot back. "You''re letting your emotions mess with your head. We all know Reznov''s the best one to lead us."


    Natasha''s throat tightened, a tear rolling down her cheek as she yelled, "The way he was for Andrei and Ivan? The way he led them straight to their deaths? Do you know what I saw the night before that mission?"


    More tears spilled out.


    "I saw Ivan talking to his daughter. She was only four¡­ You took her father away from her!"


    Elina''s tone was cold and flat. "None of that was Reznov''s fault."


    With a quick move, she snatched Natasha''s gun and kicked her to the ground.


    Reznov raised his weapon to shoot Carlina, but Dmitry suddenly charged him. He landed a solid punch to Reznov''s face, sending him stumbling back.


    "I won''t let you screw this up any more¡­"


    Mike, still tied up, threw himself against a table, making a loud crash that turned Elina''s head. Seeing her distracted, Natasha kicked Elina''s knee, dropping her to the floor, and the two started fighting hand-to-hand.


    Meanwhile, Dmitry and Reznov faced off. It was like time froze¡ªlike it was just the two of them in the room. Reznov paced slowly.


    "I didn''t expect this from you, Dmitry. You were always reliable. But Natasha¡­ I knew her feelings would get the better of her someday."


    "Shut up, Reznov!" Dmitry snapped. "You caused all of this. Look around¡ªbesides Elina, you''ve got no one left!"


    Reznov let out a laugh, then his face hardened again.


    "One''s enough."


    He rushed at Dmitry and threw a punch to his gut. Dmitry grabbed Reznov''s arm, holding it down, and slammed three hard fists into Reznov''s face. Reznov staggered back.


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    Both were breathing hard, hearts pounding. Reznov locked eyes with Dmitry.


    "This won''t end well for you."


    "I''m ready for that."


    Reznov charged again, lightning-fast, aiming for Dmitry''s throat. But Dmitry caught his hand, yanked it down, and pinned Reznov against the wall. Reznov smirked.


    "You''re still unbeatable in a fistfight."


    Then he smashed his forehead into Dmitry''s face. Dmitry stumbled back, clutching his bloody nose.


    "You bastard¡­"


    Reznov grabbed Dmitry''s shoulder and pressed hard on his wound. Dmitry screamed in pain, trying to shove Reznov off, but it was no use. He collapsed to the ground. Looking up, he saw Reznov standing over him, gun in hand.


    With a hint of sadness in his voice, Reznov muttered, "Goodbye, old friend¡­"


    He took a deep breath, and three shots rang out, piercing Dmitry''s chest.


    Natasha, still wrestling with Elina, screamed, "No!" She tried to run to Dmitry, but Elina grabbed her from behind and smashed a brick into her head, knocking her out cold.


    Mike, hands still bound, rushed at Reznov. But Reznov calmly fired a shot into Mike''s leg, dropping him to the floor. Mike writhed in pain, shouting, "You bastard¡­ you don''t even spare your own people!"


    Reznov didn''t look at him. His eyes were fixed on Dmitry''s lifeless face.


    Mike''s radio, lying off to the side, crackled to life.


    "We''re coming in¡ªget ready!"


    Suddenly, the base''s wall exploded. Chunks of concrete and brick flew through the air, but Reznov just stood there, like time had stopped for him. Debris whizzed past his face as he stared at the blood pooling under Dmitry on the floor.


    Kras stormed in with Red and Vera, guns blazing. Elina ran to Reznov and pushed him behind a pillar.


    "Reznov¡­ you okay? Snap out of it!"


    Reznov shook his head, like he''d been pulled out of a dream. Back in reality, he scanned the room and nodded at Elina. Stepping out from the pillar, he saw Kras and Red dragging Carlina and Natasha back. Reznov opened fire and advanced toward them.


    Kras turned to Carlina, who was wounded.


    "We''ve got to get out¡ªnow¡ªor we''re dead. Their firepower''s too much!"


    Carlina grabbed Kras''s collar, her face a mix of rage and despair.


    "What about Mike? We can''t leave without him!"


    She tried to stand, but a blow to her head knocked her out. Red crouched next to Kras behind a wall.


    "She was becoming a problem¡­ Come on, we''ve got to move."


    He returned fire, forcing Reznov back, then hoisted Natasha under his arm and bolted outside.


    Vera, waiting in the van, shouted, "Hurry up, let''s go!"


    They piled in fast, tossing the unconscious Carlina and Natasha into the back. Vera slammed her foot on the gas, and the van peeled out, kicking up dust. Elina stepped out of the base, ready to shoot at the fleeing van, but Reznov put his hand on her gun and stopped her.


    "That''s enough for today. Come inside¡ªwe''ve still got him."


    Elina and Reznov walked back into the base and saw Mike still sprawled on the ground. Reznov knelt down and grabbed Mike''s chin.


    "Finally caught you, Mike."


    He smirked.


    "Elina, grab the med kit. I just got him¡ªI don''t want him dying yet."


    Mike tried to get up, but Reznov held him down with one hand.


    "Don''t bother struggling, kid. We''ve still got a lot to do¡­"

 Episode13: The Trio

    Mike sat in a corner of the base, watching Elina as she bandaged his leg.


    "So, what''s your plan now? It''s just you and Reznov left,"


    "Don''t underestimate us. We''ve still got plenty we can do," Elina replied.


    Mike leaned his head against the wall. The pain he was feeling was etched across his face.


    "You went through all this trouble to catch me. Well, here I am. Tell me¡ªwhat was all this chaos even for?"


    "No rush. Reznov will explain when the time''s right," she said.


    "Where is he now?"


    Elina wrapped the final loop of the bandage around Mike''s leg and tied it off.


    "Ow!"


    I''m not as good at this as Natasha. Bear with me,"


    Mike wiggled his leg a little to test it.


    "You didn''t answer my question."


    "Which one?"


    "Where Reznov is."


    Elina slipped her arm under Mike''s and helped him stand.


    "Come see for yourself."


    With Elina''s support, Mike stumbled out of the base. The sunlight stung his eyes, and he raised his now-free hand to shield them.


    "It''s a beautiful morning¡ªif you ignore what happened a few hours ago," he muttered.


    You''re the ones who started it, Mike. You attacked us,"


    Mike gave her a sharp, sarcastic look.


    "Oh, and what about that helicopter attack? Or kidnapping me? Those don''t count?"


    "You''re only seeing what''s right in front of you, Mike. You''ve got no idea what''s going on behind the scenes."


    "And I don''t care to know," he snapped.


    As they moved through the trees, they spotted Reznov. He was shoveling dirt into a grave¡ªa grave where Dmitry now rested. Elina and Mike kept their distance, letting him finish. Elina nodded toward Reznov, who sat above the grave, mourning in his own way with that familiar heavy, sorrowful gaze.


    "See that, Mike? He might seem cold and brutal, but he''s still human. Try to cut him some slack," she said. She took a deep breath and added, "At least hear him out."


    Mike didn''t respond. He hadn''t wanted anyone to die in this operation¡ªa naive hope, he knew. He wished he could''ve planned it all from the start, maybe then¡­ just maybe, no one would''ve been lost. But now Dmitry was dead, and he was Reznov''s prisoner.


    Reznov brushed a hand over the fresh dirt, stood up, and slung his shovel over his shoulder. He walked toward Mike with slow, steady steps.


    "Hope you''re feeling okay, because we need to move," he said.


    Mike locked eyes with him. Reznov''s gaze was mournful yet resolute.


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    "Now?"


    "Yeah. Unless you want your friends coming back here. Then we''ll lose more than just Dmitry."


    Reznov grabbed his gear and started walking through the tall pine trees. Mike followed, leaning on Elina for support. He still didn''t understand why he was trailing Reznov like this¡ªespecially with his hands unbound. Was Reznov that confident he could handle him if he tried something? Or had Dmitry''s death rattled him more than he let on?


    After hours of trekking through the forest, they reached the edge of a ravine. Mike''s leg throbbed so badly he couldn''t walk anymore. He turned to Reznov.


    "What''s your plan? Let me bleed out or die of pain? Or do you have something else in mind?"


    Reznov scanned the surroundings and the drop below.


    "This spot''ll do," he said, setting his gear down.


    Elina helped Mike sit against a rock to rest. He was panting, feeling like he might pass out any second. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and his wound had started bleeding again.


    Elina knelt to check it.


    "Looks like it needs a fresh bandage," she said, heading to her bag for supplies.


    Meanwhile, Reznov pulled a pair of binoculars from his pack and handed them to Mike.


    "Look at the base."


    Mike dragged himself over and took the binoculars. Through them, he could see Kras, Red, and Vera combing through the base with precision. But there was no sign of Carlina or Natasha.


    "What''s happened to Carlina?" he muttered.


    Reznov''s tone turned urgent.


    "We need to move faster from here on out."


    Right then, Mike could''ve tackled Reznov, drawn Kras and the others to their position. But with his injured leg, he wasn''t sure he could hold out until they arrived. Besides, part of him was curious¡ªitching to uncover Reznov''s secrets and figure out what all this was really about. For now, he decided to stick with him.


    Elina quickly got to work, undoing and rewrapping Mike''s bandages. Her face was almost comical as she fumbled¡ªtongue poking out from the corner of her mouth, a clear sign she was out of her depth. Mike watched her with a mix of pity and amusement, eyeing the messy bandages and her determined expression.


    "You sure you know what you''re doing?"


    Elina landed a light smack on his head and glared at him, half-annoyed, half-hurt.


    "Are you saying I''m bad at this?"


    She tossed a handful of bandages and antiseptic into his lap and turned away.


    "Fine, do it yourself then!"


    Mike''s jaw dropped as he looked to Reznov for help. Reznov just shrugged.


    "Don''t ask me about this one."


    *Even Reznov can''t boss her around?* Mike thought. *What have I gotten myself into with that comment?*


    He softened his expression and gave Elina a pleading look.


    "I didn''t mean it. Can you let it slide just this once?"


    Elina turned back, still pouting.


    "Only this time," she grumbled, snatching the bandages from him and resuming her clumsy work.


    Mike peered through the binoculars again. The base was empty now¡ªno people, not even the vehicle they''d arrived in. He tossed the binoculars back to Reznov.


    "They''re gone."


    Reznov snatched them up and took a quick look.


    "Damn it," he muttered.


    He grabbed his gear, hauled Mike to his feet¡ªbut Mike collapsed again.


    "Damn it!"


    Reznov tried once more.


    "We''ve got to move now! Before¡ª"


    Too late. The roar of an engine growled through the trees, growing louder by the second. Reznov''s face tightened as he turned toward the sound.


    "Get your gun ready, Elina."

 Episode14: Escape

    The sound of the car was getting closer and closer. Reznov bolted into the trees, then heard Elina''s voice cut through the air.


    "Reznov!... He can''t go on anymore!"


    He spotted Mike, barely able to move from the pain of his wound, his face twisted in agony. Reznov rushed over, hoisted Mike onto his shoulder, pulled a small pistol from his pocket, and handed it to him.


    "Here. Don''t just sit there."


    For Mike, this was the perfect moment. A few hours ago, he wouldn''t have hesitated to shoot Reznov dead. But now¡­ now he cared more about getting answers than settling scores. So, for the time being, he let it slide.


    Just then, a car burst through the trees. Kras, Red, and Vera jumped out and started scanning the area. Reznov and the others ducked behind the trees. Elina crept up to Reznov quietly.


    "Sooner or later, they''ll find us. You guys go."


    Reznov nodded and took off deeper into the forest. Mike glanced at him.


    "What about her?"


    "She''s tough enough to handle herself."


    They darted through the trees, moving fast, when a gunshot rang out behind them. It sounded like they''d found Elina. Reznov slowed down after putting some distance between them, like he was searching for something. He moved so smoothly you''d never guess he was carrying Mike on his shoulders¡ªno heavy breathing, no sign of exhaustion. Mike couldn''t believe the stamina of this guy, who had to be around forty-five.


    The forest went quiet. Leaves crunched under Reznov''s boots, and even the gunfire had stopped. Mike glanced back toward where Elina had been, worry creeping in.


    "You sure she can handle them?"


    "If she couldn''t, she wouldn''t still be alive."


    Reznov set Mike down behind a rock and added, "And trust me, no one cares more about their people than I do."


    "Then why''s your group in such a mess if you''re so worried?"


    Reznov let out an angry huff.


    "What about you, Mike? How many did you lose at the hotel and the facility? Besides you and Carlina, anyone else make it out alive?"


    Mike opened his mouth to argue¡ª"I¡­ I¡­"¡ªbut stopped. Reznov was right. His screw-ups during the mission had gotten a lot of people killed¡ªmore than Reznov had lost. If Reznov hadn''t shown up, he and Carlina might''ve died back at that hotel too.


    "I''ve always been selfish," Mike admitted. "Always thought I could do things better than everyone else, but all I did was make everything worse."


    Reznov locked eyes with him. His gaze was cold, powerful.


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    "See? If you look at yourself from the outside, you''ve messed up just as much as I have."


    He leaned in close to Mike''s face.


    "So don''t ever judge me for what I''ve done."


    Then he turned away, pulled a sniper rifle hidden under some leaves, and propped it on the rock. Mike tensed.


    "You''re not gonna kill them, are you?"


    Reznov ignored him, lining up his shot toward an empty clearing.


    "Just sit there and watch."


    Footsteps pounded closer. Mike peeked over the rock. Elina was sprinting across the forest, right in Reznov''s line of fire, with Kras and Vera hot on her heels, shooting at her. Reznov muttered under his breath,


    "Good job, Elina."


    Mike figured it out¡ªReznov had planned to lure Kras and the others here to pick them off. Before Reznov could pull the trigger, Mike slammed his fist into the rifle barrel. The shot went wild, grazing past Kras''s face and catching his attention.


    "They''re over there!"


    Reznov grabbed Mike by the collar and shook him hard.


    "What the hell are you doing?"


    Mike grabbed Reznov''s collar right back, staring him down.


    "I won''t let you hurt them."


    Reznov let go, his face burning with fury, but he kept himself in check.


    A voice crackled over the radio.


    "Reznov, why didn''t you shoot?"


    "Keep going, Elina. I''ve got a little problem here."


    ---


    Elina aimed her gun at Kras and pulled the trigger¡ªnothing. She yanked out her sidearm and checked the clip. One bullet left. She wasn''t giving up yet.


    Kras and Vera were now heading toward Reznov and Mike. Elina started to follow when a fist smashed into her face, knocking her to the ground. She''d completely forgotten about Red.


    He loomed over her, planting his foot on her back.


    "Got you now, little lady."


    Elina screamed and thrashed, but Red pressed down harder. Then, out of nowhere, a knife sank into his leg. He yelped and staggered back. Elina rolled over, took aim with her last bullet, and fired.


    The shot echoed through the trees. Red dropped like a dead log, blood pooling from his head onto the dry leaves. Elina scrambled up, panting, and scanned the area. No one else around. She bolted north¡ªReznov''s backup plan if things went south.


    ---


    Another gunshot rang out from the other side of the forest. Reznov stood, hefted Mike onto his back again, and ran. This time, Kras and Vera were right behind them, bullets whizzing past and splintering the trees. Reznov zigzagged through the woods, trying to shake them, but it wasn''t working.


    He glanced around. Kras and Vera were closing in from behind, and ahead was a cliff. They''d catch up in seconds.


    "No more running. We fight."


    Mike handed back the pistol Reznov had given him.


    "I''m not shooting them."


    Reznov smirked.


    "Then get lost."


    Mike stared at the drop ahead. It looked deep, bottomless.


    "Where¡ª"


    Before he could finish, he felt himself flying. Cool wind hit his back, tossing his hair as he saw Reznov above him. Yep¡ªReznov had kicked him right into the abyss.