Chapter 5

"I am surprised. The only time you ever come and see me is when you want something."

"Screw you."

John Yuri MacTavish looked at his younger brother with a bemused expression since it always amused him when his younger brother decided to pout. "And that look was cute when you were four."

Connor scowled at his older brother but gave him a playful punch to the shoulder. Even though the age difference was significant, they were still pretty close as brothers. Yuri was always the overprotective one with all his siblings and eventually he learned to share that with the only other male, aside from their father, capable of protecting the women of the family. "I am not pouting. This is my happy face." He pointed at his face to show his brother but he was smirking.

Yuri chuckled and clapped his brother on the shoulder, "Still good to see you little brother. Thought being the military's new poster boy would put delusions of grandeur in your head."

"Fuck off," Connor shot back. If their mother was alive, they would have watched their language though their father said in passing that their mother was the one with the language issues. He crossed his arms over his chest, "I didn't want that. Blame it on Gideon. He called it morale or some shite. I'm just a soldier."

"No doubt about it," Yuri agreed, knowing his brother was not one to be paraded around. "I heard about the ops you've been on. You do know that the helm cams record everything don't you?"

"Shut up."

"I take that as a yes."

"Yes and Gideon reminded me. Did Da ever have this problem?"

"I would say ask him and he would say…"

"Ask your mother," both brother spoke in unison. They shared a smile and a chuckle at that. A lot of their growing up was centered around something similar when they had questions about the stories their father and Grandpa Price told them.

Connor pursed his lips before looking at his brother and said, "Sorry about being a shit arse and running away."

"You didn't. You may be a shit arse on your best day but you didn't do that. You always had a special relationship with Mum." Yuri patted his brother on the back. "You're still an annoying shite of a brother but that won't change."

Connor smirked a half smile at his brother. "Still being the pisswad of an older brother."

"Don't you forget it mate. Now why are you coming to see me? Don't you usually hack your way into things?" Yuri grinned to tease his brother about his usual methods of gathering information.

"And risk getting hanged for it? No way. Besides you and your military science shite has you in with intelligence. And I wanted to ask you something you might remember when you were with Mother in the States."

"You mean when she was supposed to be speaking at a security conference and ended up working?"

Connor looked at his brother with a look of understanding, "Hey, I would have asked Karen but she's still pissed at me for something and I can't figure out what it is."

"It's because you knew about her girlfriend before she could introduce her and she refuses to think Dad had a hand in it," Yuri shot back, knowing that Connor wouldn't ask him about that time unless it was something important and no doubt he struggled with the decision. He could see the guilt in his little brother's eyes.

"Well it is his fault," Connor replied soberly. "It was something to talk about. But… if you don't want to…"

"It's okay," Yuri replied with a wave of his hand. He walked away from his desk to where he kept a wall safe with a file he had been looking at previously. He worked the security while talking and keeping it hidden from his brother though if given a chance, he didn't doubt Connor could figure out how to break into the safe within twenty seconds. "Mum wasn't the kind to get us involved but since we were in the area, she took me to see great –uncle Woods. I was there when he told Uncle David about Menendez. I assume that's what this is about?"

"You should know. You're like with intelligence or something like that," Connor shot back. "But yes. The helm cam footage revealed ties to that group Mother was after with Uncle David. I talked to him and he said it pretty much is defunct."

"And you don't believe that?"

"Same shite, different day." Connor paused to look at the photographs on his brother's desk. One was of his two kids playing with the dog and pet pig of all things. Another was of his brother's family and one was of him and his brother together before he shipped off to boot. He remembered that day and it had him smile.

Yuri turned and caught his brother looking at the picture and teased, "People still ask me if that is my husband."

"Oh yeah and what did you tell them?"

"Ex-boyfriend." Yuri looked at his brother with a straight face.

Connor barked out a laugh and teased, "Well it's not my fault I'm the pretty one." He fixed the frame and looked at his brother. "The group, Cordis Dei, it's not defunct is it?" At the look is brother was giving him, he pressed, "I know you know something. You've got ties to intelligence and don't think I haven't noticed the security and shite. You work with the military."

Yuri studied his younger brother and considered giving him the spiel he had been instructed to give but decided against it. He did say, "You know that talking to me isn't the same as calling up one of your assets in Uncle Nikolai's neck of the woods or wherever you find them."

"Risk I'm willing to take and I know you wouldn't fuck with me."

"Disgusting pervert."

"You know what I mean."

Yuri snorted as he took in his brother's expression. And people thought he was a bastard. They haven't met the MacTavish brothers in action. He sobered and continued, "Well I do know about it. Once I took this job, I followed it like a pet project and sort of used it when I teach at the university. I know that the riots that followed were a result of Menendez's death. After they were quelled, things seemed to die down. Mostly dealing with auxiliaries like what you've been hunting with Atlas."

"So technically there should be no clout then?"

"Yes, but considering that your helm cam picked this up…" Yuri gave a shrug and studied his brother and recognized the signs of the wheels turning. It had always made him proud that his brother had a brilliant mind and it was a bit scary at the way it could work coupled with his strange sense of humor. "I've been keeping an eye on it because well… Let me show you." He went over to his desk and tapped on the console.

Connor leaned over to get a good view and noted the look on his brother's face. His brother had always been a history nut and he had a fascination with tactics and military history. Connor blamed that on Grandpa Price's stories but then again he liked them too. In the end it was a bit of wanting to be like their father and his stories that influenced three of the MacTavish children to get into careers involving the military though their mother did hope that he would have gone into R&D for some company since he was a mad genius or even start his own company. Still she had been happy with them and let them be by supporting them.

This message is to be played when the time is right. I know that there were many hands that were behind my demise but there is one that has always eluded me. Spectre, you may have managed to halt the work of Cordis Dei but you will never stop us completely. Where the sin of the opulence of the West exists, so will we and be traced to the next generation hereafter.

Yuri pushed the button to pause the recording, "That's just part of it and was something I found in Mum's private files. Thanks for the hacking tips by the way."

"Mother?"

"Don't be surprised, Connor," Yuri countered, "You know Mum worked at Hereford for some time before she retired though I don't think that ever is the case with her. Anyway, I found this and it was encrypted with other stuff related to the riots and everything that happened afterwards. There were even some copies of transmissions from Spectre to someone named Jensen."

Connor studied the recording as he listened to what his brother was saying. He then looked up at his brother, "You think she stuck on the trail like you?"

"Don't know. I do know that she did used to boss Dad around. That much is true but she was the liaison with the counterterrorist teams the 141 and JSOC. And you know Uncle David was a part of that."

"Yeah. He told me what he did and all the stuff about that group and what motivated it. Made me feel bad for asking him about it." Connor looked at his brother with an expression of apology and thanks. "So you think I'm off my rocker or I have something legit? And if you want to know, I had a bad dream about it."

It was mostly sarcastic but Yuri understood that Connor was referring to the bad feeling. "I only think you're off your rocker for being an arse with that girl you told me about but then again you've always liked pain but you're not crazy." He straightened out and looked at his brother. "Truth is that we suspected that this organization was still in existence but they have been hiding in others and they are working on uniting previously defunct groups."

"Same shite," Connor muttered. "Someone else stepping in. And that means that the auxiliaries for Atlas are prime targets or already are joining in."

"We've managed to get an inside man in there on our side of the pond and the Americans have theirs. It's what it looks like. Now I didn't tell you this but I suspect that your CO will know when you get back."

"Well… I kind of implied that it was related. Kingpin is willing to let me keep some of my quirks."

Yuri shook his head. He always wondered how his little brother managed to get away with being a perpetual asshole with people. It rubbed people the wrong way and yet they liked him. It was a joke in the family and they all got a good laugh out of it. "Alright but go through official channels to bring me into it if you must. I'd rather avoid it since that will raise questions."

"I like having my big brother around," Connor replied while grinning cheekily. "If only to show off how pretty I am."

Yuri narrowed his eyes and delivered a good hard punch to Connor's shoulder. He knew though that it was Connor's way of saying that he would honor his request. He smiled in mirth as Connor feigned being hurt by the punch. "You better have better manners. Tilly thinks being a soldier has made you worse over the years."

"Not my fault Matilda likes criticizing."

"You know she doesn't like you calling her that."

"Right because only the professionals can. That must mean you."

"She's my wife."

"Pff… like that works. At least she makes me sponge cake."

"That should tell you her opinion of you."

I don't know where you got your information from but Cordis Die is no longer an active threat.

Connor smirked at the woman that was staring at him looking at him like he was an idiot. He crossed his arms over his chest and replied, "And I suppose that cam footage was a figment of my imagination. I'm not like those "volunteers" that you coerced even though I was extended the offer, Kane."

He watched as Rachel Kane glared at him like he was the worst thing she came across. He had dealt with CIA and intelligence operatives before so he was not into the tactics they used to bully their way into things. He loved pulling one over them especially if he found out something that most people weren't supposed to. He added, "By the way, I'm not interested."

I read your official reply and my superiors were not impressed by it but they still want you; they want your expertise in cybernetic systems…

"That's not my area," Connor replied cutting her off. "And you know that I have my doubts about the proposed program."

And I suppose the argument that you could make sure it doesn't happen won't fly.

"A wise man once said to me that you can have all the technology and weapons at your fingertips," Connor replied with a click of his tongue against his teeth, "But in the end the best weapon is the one right between your ears." He watched as her features relaxed a little and she lost a little bit of her anger. He liked her when he first met her while in recovery and she came to pester him about how he managed to thwart Irons. "The day we cross that boundary, and we've already have… it will be a long road to come back and that's if we make it back at all."

When did you have to become so philosophical?

"I've always been that way. I just pick when it is important to show." He shared a laugh with Rachel before clearing his throat. "So… am I right?"

I don't know how you got that information though I have a few guesses to that but… yes. Your helm cam footage is proof that it is still working behind the scenes.

"And I could have told you that," Connor teased with a smirk. "Same shit, different day as my Da always said,"

Alright fine. Anyway we've had reports of a new group rising to power that could rival the 54 Immortals and NRC.

"Could be that they are all the same."

No. 54 Immortals are homegrown in Singapore. But it could be as you said, that the groups are coming together. We had some leads on certain activities but nothing conclusive. I'm sending it directly to you.

"Thanks Kane."

I could get shit for this.

"The same I could get for skirting around channels and getting it myself."

You really are a bastard.

"You and everybody else says the same thing." Connor smiled at the image. "Still on for a game?"

I'm so gonna kick your ass.

"You can try and hopefully you'll come up with better insults than last time. I can get better from Gideon."

Not fair. You two have had the practice.

Connor chuckled at that. He knew that she liked the challenge he presented when they first met. Like everyone else, she thought him to be an asshole upon meeting him. He told her to sit and asked if she played chess. He knew she did since he did his homework before meeting her and just let it happen. She accepted and they played. It was funny when he started trash talking her but she caught on quick and since then they had a regular game.

Seriously though that is what I can give you unofficially. Officially, what I can tell you is that there is activity in Peru mustering now under the name Shining Path, another defunct name but there is a lot of activity in the jungle areas. Our image satellites have picked up a compound of sorts. This was relayed to JSOC but…

Connor checked his wrist console the moment he heard the beep. He found that he was being summoned. "Seems like I'm being called again."

Never a moment's rest for you huh?

"No rest for the weary I think that Yank phrase is," Connor joked. He sobered as he nodded at Rachel, "Thanks for the info and I'll see what I can do with it."

And don't come crying to me when you need backing from CIA.

"Last thing."

Connor waved Rachel off when she signed off. He had gotten back from his leave a little more knowledgeable about what he had found. He was well aware of the Winslow Accord and the measures taken after Menendez' cyber terrorist attack since he had to familiarize himself with them especially when he started experimenting with the exos. It was always the case with a terrorist attack; it happened and it caused people to do what they did to ensure it didn't happen again.

He headed towards command ops meeting Gideon along the way, "There you are old man."

"Hey I got the same call as you," Gideon replied as he moved to be in step with Connor. "Did you at least say hi to the folks?"

"I saw my brother. We talked."

Gideon knew he wasn't going to get much more from Connor. But he knew that his friend spent time with his family whenever he had leave. This time though Gideon suspected his friend was onto something when he requested the impromptu leave even though he took his mutt with him. "And I'm sure he told you to stuff it."

"Always," Connor replied with a side smirk. "Just like brothers are supposed to."

"You're not going to tell me are you?"

"Nope." Connor knew his brother did important work and the last thing he ever wanted to do was to deliberately put him in a position that would not look good on him. Besides what he asked of him was not an official capacity and there were channels he could go through. "Family stuff, Gideon. Nothing important."

Gideon let it go for the moment since there was no use in pestering Connor. Together they made it to command ops and were invited in by Kingpin, "Thank you for coming in. Hayfield, I'm guessing your leave went well?"

"It did, sir," Connor replied as he assumed an at ease stance since they were given that leave.

Kingpin gave a slight grin since he knew what the leave was about. "Good since we'll need any and all information that can be had regarding this Cordis Dei." He turned to the console and activated the map. "Cause we've received intel of major activity in the jungles of Peru."

Connor had to resist an eye roll. Of course Rachel would have sent the intel back to them even though the WA could send in men to take care of it. Call it courtesy of who found the intel first or just the fact that if one looked they would find the ties his family had to the whole thing. At least she forewarned him though he suspected she took pleasure in doing that.

"Major activity has been detected here, here and here," Kingpin pointed out on the map. "What surveillance has managed to get was large shipments of arms and ammunition at each of these locations."

"Sounds like gun running. Nothing that can't be handled," Gideon pointed out.

"True," Kingpin replied, "But JSOC's deep cover informant revealed that there was an operation in play about some form of cyber technology. They believe that it is some sort of weapon that is being housed at one of the three locations. They don't know where yet but they are waiting on that." He looked at Connor, "JSOC requested specifically you join on the op to recover the weapon."

"Tall order, sir," Connor replied. He wasn't sure about going on the op in Peru but he would follow orders. "But given that it's three locations…"

"And that has been discussed with JSOC. They want you and your team on the ground with Nightstalker." Kingpin turned from the consoled. "Gentlemen, at this point we need to know what we can about these groups and their connection to Cordis Dei. If they are on the rise again we need to know what they are up to in order to counter them and in the process completely subdue these auxiliaries."

Connor didn't say anything but looked at the map. It was Gideon that said, "We'll be ready to go on your say so."

Kingpin looked at the pair. "Good because I'm sending the both of you and your teams. Since we have a lot of ground to cover, it will be a good idea to knock this one down."

There was little more to be said and Connor and Gideon were dismissed. They headed down to the barracks to where their unit was housed both somber in their thoughts. Connor though managed to get out, "Well at least the sims for Malaysia proved to be useful. I was wondering when we'd go back to humid and more humid."

Gideon shook his head at that. "Just get that mutt of yours ready and tell Mitchell and Ilona to grab their gear and get ready. You think we should bring the rookies?"

Connor thought about it for a moment. "Stokes and Wilcox are ready. They can lead the backup team on standby."

Gideon studied Connor as he gave his response. He hadn't failed to notice how thoughtful he got while hearing the debrief. He figured that his friend was thinking something out but he carried on as usual. "Alright." He tapped Connor on the shoulder. "Hey. Did she tell you about it before debrief?"

Connor turned to look at Gideon. "Kane filled me in what surveillance uncovered. She hinted multiple locations but nothing about a cyber weapon."

Gideon had met Rachel before when they were forced to meet and play nice with CIA. He didn't like the idea of playing with CIA and didn't trust them. Operatives were a sneaky lot but the other side of that was that they needed in order to execute their orders. They found out where the bad guys were and they were sent in to do the work. When he met Rachel, he classed her with the others and preferred to sic Connor on her.

It sort of worked out since she actually called Connor a British bastard that needed a boot shoved up his ass. Connor actually laughed at her for that assessment and claimed that it wasn't the worst thing people called him. In the end he was still suspicious of Rachel Kane but he trusted her more than he would anyone else. So it wasn't a surprise that Connor and Rachel kept a loose connection for ops. He looked at Connor and retorted, "Like all the others mate. She ain't worth it."

"Already spoken for and I don't cheat," Connor replied knowing what Gideon meant. "She's not that high on the food chain and she risked a lot to give me this." He held up the data chip he had from the intel she sent him. "Kane is legit."

"Alright but you need to keep your head on."

"Always do."

A/N: Connor has a brotherly chat with Yuri and WTH? Is that Rachel Kane he's talking to? Stay tuned for more Into the Breach...