"He's secure."
"Are you sure? I do not want another incident."
"We added restraints to his wrists and neck. The restraints are tight and padlocked. He's under 24-hour guard. I assure you there will not be another incident."
"Lee, there better not be. It'll be your ass in a sling."
"I understand, sir."
The two Cobras enter the medical bay of the outpost. As they enter a Viper in full gear snaps to attention.
"Sir!"
"At ease Crouch. You know if you didn't work so damn well with that B.A.T., I'd have you Court Marshaled for being such a smart ass."
"Sir, thank you, Sir!"
"Take off that damn helm. I don't like not being able to see your face."
Viper Crouch removes his helmet and stifles a smirk.
"How's our guest doing?"
"Well, Sir, he's been in and out of consciousness."
"I'm sure you played no part in that?"
"Absolutely not, sir. I have been a very good boy." A leering smile on his face.
"Lee. Wake him up. Crouch. Call the rest of the team here. Let's make sure this guy understands who he's fucking with."
"Yes, sir." Lee walks over to a cabinet and prepares a needle. He walks to the unconscious enemy and preps him for the injection that will wake him. As he waits for the rest of Vipers' Nest to arrive, Lee can't help but anticipate the pain he'll inflict on the enemy who caught him off guard. Worse was the relentless harassment from the other Vipers. No one makes him look like a fool.
"Sir, the men are here."
"I hear them, Crouch." The men filter into the small room. "Where's Fintak?"
"He thought he picked up a signal so he stayed behind to find out for sure."
"Thanks, Kosa. Lee, give him the shot."
"Gladly." Lee injects the chemical cocktail of stimulants into the vein of the badly beaten and swollen Joe. This solution wasn't one he learned in med training. This is one of the Interrogator's personal favorites. The effect is near instant.
Sneak Peek's eyes fly open, as his body convulses against the straps at his wrist, ankles, and neck. He chokes. His body working against him. Against the spasms, he catches glimpses of the room; stainless steel cabinets, grey walls, bright lights, men in uniforms. Then it all comes flooding back to him. His attempt to subdue an enemy only to be shot. His escape attempt. His recapture. The abuse of the last… hours? Days? Weeks? How long has it been? Jesus. How long has he been here? His body is numb. His ears ringing. Vision blurry. What the hell have they done? Too many questions. Too many unknowns. Mumbling. What is that mumbling?
"God damn it, Lee, why isn't he talking?"
"He will, Sir."
"Damn it. I told you to wake him…"
"He's awake, Sir."
"Yeah, and no fucking use to us. What the hell did you give him?"
"Just an 'energy drink.' He should be fine."
"What the fuck is an 'energy drink'?"