#cod 2019

Shouts were heard for her to drop the weapon. Trying to fight her way to prevent the woman from harming her, she remembers having a glimpse of her eyes. Fear was in sight. Feeling her strength drop slowly, she gets up and steps, raising her hands. Words were going to leave from her mouth. But instead, the sound of a bullet being released from a gun was heard.

Laying in front of her, she noticed the woman trying to take in her last breath due to a severe wound on her head. That day, Elena's panic intensified, burdening her with even greater guilt as she blamed herself. She would question sometimes. Who was she, or what was her purpose in killing her even if her uncle eased her not to worry. But now, after uncovering Valeria was El Sin Nombre by her uncle, everything she left behind came over her. Like a mixture of fear crawling on her back and regret over her shoulder–

"Looks like it's your turn, to tell the truth." Soap later came forward.

Graves leans in and stops at her shoulders from behind her. "I want the missiles, I want the target, and I want Hassan. And you've got ten seconds, or I'm gonna show you the difference between the military and me."

"I don't know the targets. I'm a courier. I move things." She mutters. "I can tell you where to find the missiles. When you return, I'll tell you where Hassan is. In exchange, you will let me go. And get the fuck out of Las Almas. Se me largan ya-" (Now leave)

Soap looks back at her, Ghost, and Rodolfo for their agreement and turns his gaze back to Graves, nodding. Signaling to agree.

"Deal. Until then... you're stayin' right here." He smiles before leaning away from her shoulder and walking to the exit with her and the rest.

"Esperen." (Wait)

Everyone stopped before exiting the container, returning to look back at her. "I would also like to add something to the list if you don't mind. Ella." She mentions. "I'd like to speak with this soldada." She faced Elena with a grin.

"What for?" Graves questioned.

"That's either si o no? Time is precious, gentlemen."

Elena slightly turns her head to face the four. She could see Soap didn't like the idea, especially Rudy. Even if she and Soap weren't close, he revealed a lot in the beginning before heading on this mission. His friendliness, confidence, and a bit of his humor. But now, seeing that he worries for his teammates. But Rudy's concern extended beyond his teammates' well-being; he was also troubled about Valeria's next moves, given the past experiences he and Alejandro had endured with her.

As her gaze shifted towards Ghost, he didn't appear worried but concerned about Valeria's request to speak with Elena alone, further fueling his suspicion of her.

Graves lets off a deep sigh. "Three minutes. She'll be fine, plus to keep our deal and our friends alive." Graves faced back at Valeria.

"If it makes you better, rookie, we'll wait outside just so you can feel secure." He walks a bit toward her and pats her shoulder with a slight grin.

Elena frowns and raises one eyebrow. "I could take it." She reassured them.

"Good. We'll be off." Graves nods, then turns away to walk toward the exit, with the rest leaving.

She felt regret. Letting out a deep sigh after the door closed and her back facing Valeria now. It was currently happening. She now had a chance to speak to her privately, but she didn't want to.

"River, am I right?" Valeria began, crossing her legs on her metal seat. “¿Eso es como te llamas?” (That’s what your name is?) She questioned, still a grin shown on her face.

"Do you prefer we speak English or Sp–"

"¿Qué quieres? (What do you want?) " Elena cuts her off, responding in a straightforward voice, turning to face her.

“Oh, entiendes bien el español. Yo pensé que eras gringa como estos muchachos.” (Oh, you understand Spanish well. I thought you were a gringa like those men.)

“Y usted no me estás contestando mi pregunta. Que. Quieres?” (And you’re not answering my question. What. Do You Want?)

She puts her hands up in defense. "Alright, fine, no more playing around if that's what you like. But I should be asking you that instead. I'd like to hear from you."

Elena was silent and crossed her arms.

"Now, we're silent. ¿De verdad?" (Really?)

"I know yo–"

"You don't.” Valeria quickly denies. “But you were looking for me, I assume…I know that face clearly from someone. Anyone who's looking for me has a look. If you're seeking answers, I won't be answering them."

"Then who'll answer?" 

"That depends," she spoke, getting up from the metal seat.

A grin was shown on her face as she circled Elena. “Tu sabes, antes yo necesitaba enfrentarme con un poco de gente como usted.” (You know, I had to confront with few people like you.)

“…Las Almas has people filled with history. Even every generation grows within this town. Crecerán fuertes…algunos no.” (They grow strong…some don’t.)

“That reason is because of their weakness. Their pride and fighting for what's right. Burying it with them in their graves. Puede ser de sus abuelos, abuelas, primeros, prismas, madres…papas…” (Could be their grandfathers, grandmothers, cousins, mothers…fathers.)

Elena's eyes widen, staring at Valeria with a glare now. How did she—?

"Te atrapé, ¿no? Familia," (Got you, right? Family.) She chuckles underneath her smirk.

Elena remained silent, stunned that the women knew her before Elena even knew about her. Her anger intensified with each word mentioning what she was looking for, and she could feel her fist clenching tightly.

"You seem like a good soldier but lack a bit in skills. I could provide those if you like, even if these men can't. Even help you find what you're searching for, especially intel."

What. She couldn't believe she had to even say she needed help. But she did need it. It wasn't her fault. She was alone on this. Still no results or finding anything yet upt to now. She was called last minute to be transferred to a different task force and be involved in this mission. She didn't have a choice either; instead, she followed orders from her uncle.

Elena scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Let's see. Work for someone who's corrupted over power leads cartels and betrays. Actually, no, backstabs." Elena began to count using her fingers. "Ni me atrevería a trabajar contigo.” (I wouldn’t dare to work with you.) She growled.

"Then I should ask this then. Do those soldiers even respect you and question your skills?"

Only a few. Her mind spoke on her behalf. Ghost was mainly the one who questioned her during the missions. He had repeatedly reproached her for her approach to fights, strategy, and thought process. She couldn't forget the time they had to jump a hill and for him to force her to jump, later to critique her. Overall, it was like being treated as if she were completely new to everything they encountered – like a rookie.

"They do…even if I make a mistake. It could either be skills or strategy. I already had to face a few back then to show them what I got to get to where I am, and I could do it again. But if I see there isn't, I'll leave it."

"Not even find what you're looking for, so your questions can be answered. Justice?"

Elena shakes her head. "I'm not going back."

“Tienes un alma, pero eres estúpida.” (You have spirit, but stupid.) Valeria mutters.

"Yeah, well, I get that a lot." Elena’s small smile appears, crossing her arms.

"I doubt in time your pure soul will remain while you survive working with these men…You know where to find me if you ever change your mind." She crosses her arms until she walks back to sit.

The door suddenly opened until Graves held the door open with one hand on the doorknob. "Times up."

Elena struggled to believe it, but relief washed over her as the ordeal finally concluded. Even Graves confirming their conversation was over couldn't shake off the feeling. Simply being alone with Valeria in the room felt suffocating for her.

"Buena suerte, río," (Good luck, River) Valeria spoke as Elena walked away, slowly shaking her head with displeased.