It took a few minutes but finally Cosima's dad Petro assured me that my team is safe here on the farm and I called them out of hiding. I did call for Rob to leave one of the trucks hidden as a last resort exit if things go south here. Petro didn't question it when two trucks came through the field with more gear on them then it should have. Morgan did have to pull Cosima aside for a minute to give her a quick run down on what she could and couldn't say relating to the mission and the third truck in hiding.

While I was expecting to see what was going on in the barn, Cosima's father invited us all inside the house. The team got a kick out of seeing baby pictures of Cosima but I had my guard up. I made sure to get Rob alone for a few moments to tell him to do the same along with Dexter and Beth, both of my reconnaissance experts. They only gave me a nod and started to move silently through the crowd to blend in.

Monica also nearly had to tackle Cosima when she picked up the phone wanting to call her mother. Nobody could know we made it this far into the country this quickly or where we are right now. If the Russians were listening in on the conversation, Cosima's family property would most likely be gone in the next air strike. So after we laid down a few ground rules, I eased the tension a bit when I asked for a drink. Petro thought it was the funniest thing and clapped his arm around my shoulder to pull me into the kitchen, separating me from the team.

He pulled a mason jar out of the fridge and poured the contents into two tumbler glasses before handing me one. I finally let go of my weapon to take the glass.

"The fact that you are here right now just proves to us that this is as bad as we think it is." Petro said and took a sip of the clear liquid.

"Things are not looking good. This is only supposed to be a stopping point for us before we carry on to Mariupol. I knew Cosima had family from Ukraine and when she told us where the house was, we were able to make it a stopping point on our trip." I said and took a sip from the glass, giving Petro a sign of trust.

The alcohol burned going down but it was quite smooth. No doubt that a full glass of this stuff will have me flat on the floor though. Petro nodded at me and took another sip himself.

"You are in charge of all of them?" Petro asked pointing back towards the living room where my team was still standing around.

"Yes, this is my team, your daughter included." I answered.

"How long have you been doing this? You don't look that much older then my Cosima." Petro said and I took another drink.

"My military service has been for ten years, been on this team for the last six and leading it for the last three." I answered looking at the last bit of alcohol still in my cup.

"Daniella right?" Petro asked as he finished off his drink.

"That's me sir." I said and did the same. The alcohol making my body warm under all of these layers.

"You and you're team will be safe here for as long as you need it. Stay in the house. We've turned the barn into a bit of a mess. Tomorrow we will talk war. Cosima will show you to everything you need. I just ask that you only use the hot water for showering. It takes a long time to build up. One thing, if you are fighting for our cause, you need to wear a blue armband. If you don't, my team will shoot you thinking you're a Russian solider." Petro said and took the empty glass from me.

"Of course sir, I will let my team know." I said.

Petro nodded and walked out of the kitchen. I knew he was sizing me up the moment he pulled me alone. I was just hoping that that was enough to show him that we are truly here to help. Cosima followed Petro out of the house and I let them take some time together to catch up while I laid down some ground rules for my team while we are here.

Once everyone was on the same page, I pulled Dexter and Beth aside to see if they could get a read on anything. They both just told me that when they managed to get to the windows that faced the barn, nobody was outside. It put me a bit on edge not to know how many men Petro had in the barn. After they filled me in, I let them go back to be with the team.

Cosima came back into the house only a few minutes later and showed us around. Other then her parents room, we were allowed to set up shop everywhere. Cosima pushed Morgan and I into one of her brothers rooms and that was basically it. Rob gave me some side eye but I just rolled my eyes as Cosima threw him, Monica and Dexter into another room.

It took a few minutes for her to give out rooms and when she ran out, everyone else went back downstairs to take up the couches in the living room. While they were working on that, Morgan set up a hotspot and started to mark off our progress on the map. I sat next to her and watch her work for a while before she drafted an email to Major Collins about our progress. I told Morgan to let Collins know I'll give her a call sometime tomorrow for an update after we talk to Petro.

After business was taken care of I started to get out of my camo. This will probably be the only time in the foreseeable future I'll be able to get completely out of them and into pajamas so I'm taking full advantage. Once I was done I sat down on the bed and sighed. My mind is still racing trying to think of a way to find out what Petro has going on in the barn but my thoughts stilled for a moment when Morgan pressed a kiss to the back of my neck.

"We are going to be okay for the night, try not to think to hard about everything else. I'm going see if the shower is free." Morgan said and got up off the bed to head to the bathroom.

I took a few deep breaths and listened for her foot steps getting quieter before laying back across the bed with my eyes closed and groaning. That drink I had with Petro is starting to creep up on me now that I don't have anything else in my stomach. Between the actual war going on outside these walls and the war of feelings going on inside my head, I think I might actually combust soon. I was barely alone for two minutes before I heard the door to the room shut.

"Whoever that is better have a good reason for interrupting." I said not opening my eyes.

"We do boss." Dexter said and I heard another weight shift and I knew he wasn't alone, Beth.

"Speak." I said wanting to be alone again.

"My room has a better vantage point to scope out the barn and I've counted anywhere between fifteen to twenty military aged men. Most of them don't have weapons on them but a few do. They've just come in and out of the barn to smoke or get some time alone to talk. Nothing about them look threatening." Beth stated.

"Okay, just keep tabs every once and a while. I do think we'll be fine here for the night without issues but you never know. Did everyone else settle in okay?" I asked.

"Yea, the team is great right now, I think everyone was happy to get out of there camo." Dexter said.

"Alright, you guys are good. I'll be down in a little bit." I said.

Neither of them said anything in response and I settled even more in the bed. Laying on a soft bed with some quiet really did a number on me because only shortly after they left, I fell asleep. The next thing I knew the door forcefully shut; my hand reached for my handgun which was still in tucked in my holster on my thigh. I gripped the handle and rolled over ready to shoot whoever came through the door. A harsh breath was pushed through my teeth when Morgan came into view. I dropped the gun from my hand and put my head down on the bed.

I felt the bed dip and Morgan ran her hand over my head and I we were quiet for a few moments as I calmed down.

"I didn't think you feel asleep. The team is going to get together in a little bit for dinner if you want to join." I could only nod and slowly got up.

"The bed was to comfortable. I didn't even realize I was asleep until the door shut. Did you have a good shower?" I asked and ran a hand through my hair.

"Yea, feels nice to clean off, you should probably get in now before the rest of the guys go and waste the hot water." Morgan said.

I nodded and got up from bed. When I moved to get my handgun Morgan put her hand on it and gave me a look.

"You don't need to take a gun into the shower, it will be here when you get out." Morgan said firmly. I gritted my teeth but accepted her decision and grabbed some clean clothes.

Lucky for me, the bathroom was free when I got there. I did lock the door though before getting into the shower. I tried not to take so long because I know there will most likely be others after me. The water was barely warm but I was just happy the water was clean. After I finished, I dried off and changed and met the team in the kitchen. It looks like most of the team was just starting to open up there MREs when I took a seat next to Rob. I did a silent count in my head as I looked around the room to make sure everyone was here. When I got to 13, I pulled an MRE from the pile on the table and looked down at the meal. Chicken Burrito Bowl, not the worst one I've had so I'll take it.

The meal was nice, the team was in good spirits and I was happy to see that everyone was level headed. As I was finishing up my trail mix, Rob moved into the empty seat next to me with an extra glass of water. I chugged it down and took the other one from him and sipped at it as most of the team cleaned up there mess from dinner.

"Are you going to set up watch tonight?" Rob asked.

"I don't think it's the best idea. Even though I think I gained Petro's trust, it's fragile, I don't want to give him a reason for something stupid. We need his intel on what's been going on here and the front lines if possible. He won't give it if something bad happens." I said and finished off the rest of the water.

"Fair, you might want to let everyone know though before they start to disappear." Rob said and nodded towards a few of the guys who were starting to move over to the living room.

I grabbed my garbage to throw out and grabbed the blue painters tape Petro left me from earlier before returning to the kitchen.

"Gather up team." I said loud enough for everyone to reconvene in the kitchen. "No watch parties tonight. I don't want to upset our hosts. If anybody wants to go outside for some air, you must wear a blue armband. Use this tape, put it on your left arm. If you aren't wearing it and you go out in the middle of the night Petro's men will shoot without question. Any questions?" I asked.

"Wake up time?" Felix asked as he shoveled another bite of his taco into his mouth.

"Let's shoot for ten hundred hours. Also, remember we are guests here, this is Cosima's family home, treat it like your own." I said wanting to make that clear.

Everyone was dismissed after that and I pulled Cosima aside to let her know that if someone was doing something inappropriate here in her home, either she can stop it or come get me and I will put an end to it. It seamed like the team was just ready to settle in for the night. Most of the group gathered inside the living room to hang out for but I just wanted some peace and quiet so I made my way up to the room Morgan and I'll be sharing for the night. Morgan wasn't here yet so I just climbed into bed and made sure to plug my phone into the charger. Just as I felt sleep starting to take me, the bedroom door opened and I pulled the blankets down enough to see Morgan slip inside. It didn't take long for her to get into bed but once she did, I pulled her back into my chest. That didn't last long as she rolled over and kissed me. I soaked in the affection and the kiss turned into making out for a little while. When I finally pulled away, Morgan leaned in and gave me once final kiss on the forehead before rolling back over. I pulled her into me again and held her close and let sleep take me away for the night.

The next morning when I woke up, I was very disoriented. Morgan was still pressed solidly into my front and her scent was all around, but the bed felt wrong, the sheets weren't the same. Then I opened my eyes and looked around the room. Everything started to sink back in that we weren't home in Georgia, we were in the middle of a war-torn country on a tour. I couldn't help but hold onto Morgan a little tighter for a few extra seconds before I let her go to start to get up and get dressed. I went straight for work camos and slipped out of the room with my vest and rifle.

It was still early, only about 08:00 and it looks like all of the team is still asleep as I made my way to the kitchen. I was able to make a cup of my instant coffee in a large mug today with a real metal spoon. Once it was ready, I put my vest on, wrapped a blue armband of tape around my left bicep, threw the shoulder strap of my rifle over my shoulder picked up the mug of steaming coffee and made my way outside.

The morning air was chilly, I have no doubt the weather will start to turn cold soon and I just hope everyone brought cold weather gear with them. The sun was just starting to rise as I made my way over to the east side of the barn and sat with my back to it in the grass. My rifle rested in my lap as I took my first sip of coffee. It was nice and hot and it warmed me up from the inside out as I turned my face to the sky. I put the mug down and put my hand in the grass. It got me feeling a bit emotional to be sitting here on this farm, in the grass, just outside of a place were people are fighting for there lives. I reached inside the smallest pocket in my vest and pulled out dads dog tag. The other is sitting safely at home but I wanted to bring one with me to have him close.

Just as I pulled it out of the pocket and pressed it into my hand, a few clouds cleared and the sun was shining brightly in my face. I couldn't help the few tears that escaped my eyes as I just basked in this warmth.

"Please give me the strength to get through this dad." I said to the sky, hoping he could hear me. I let go of my rifle and picked up my cup of coffee again, still blissfully hot and took a few sips.

I cried as finished my coffee but the sun just stayed shining brightly on me as I took the last sip of the drink. Once I finished my coffee I put the mug back down in the grass and soaked up the sun for another few minutes when I checked the time. It had only been a half hour but I knew if I didn't go back inside soon, Morgan is going to get up and look for me. I wiped my face off and tucked the dog tag back into my pocket before standing. Once I picked the mug up I heard footsteps coming from the side of the barn. I put the mug back on the ground and picked up my rifle, ready to shoot. I took a knee close to the barn and waited.

Petro rounded the corner with his own weapon raised and ready to fire. When his eyes locked on mine he put his rifle down and so did I. He nodded towards the barn and I understood the message. I got up and grabbed the mug and brought it with me before following behind him. We walked into the barn and I looked around. It looked like a command center. Paper files and maps were set up on a table in the middle of the place with another tabling holding rifles and ammunition. Cots and mattresses lined the edges of the barn, only about half of them were being used right now.

I just continued to follow after Petro as he lead me upstairs to the loft area of the barn that looks like he took over as his own office. A desk and a few chairs are sitting on one side of the place and a mattress was was up off the floor on the other side. But what drew my attention was the two large windows that face the back of his property. If anybody was up here when we came in, they could have easily just picked us off from this vantage point. I was just happy you still couldn't see the other truck I had Rob stash in the brush.

Petro took a seat at the desk and pulled out a few maps before laying them down on the tabletop. I stayed standing to review them.

"Everywhere that has been marked with a red x has been destroyed in an airstrike. We have been trying to keep track but it is hard with communication being so spotty. Anything that's in blue means the road is still accessible. Anything roped off in black is a no go." Petro explained as I took in the map. There are a lot of red x's and a lot of black. Most of it is collected in Odessa and the other is Mariupol.

"Do you have any military service prior to this?" I asked still taking everything in.

"No, my family was always farmers. This plot of land has belonged to my family for generations. Over the years we have had to sell off parts of it but now with only a few arcs left, I am able to manage it mostly myself through the year." Petro explained as I looked up from the map and sat down. I took my rifle off my shoulder and put it on the chair next to me before undoing the Velcro holding my vest closed. I wanted Petro to trust me. I'm hoping by laying down my rifle and taking off my vest in front of him, I have earned it.

"It seems like you're in charge here, how did that happen?" I asked and leaned back in the seat.

"My brother joined the military and when he left, he became a police officer here. When the war broke out, a lot of his friends came here for shelter out of the main city. The military rolled through here on there way south and my brother and his friends joined them while I stayed behind to man the house, to protect it and offer the space to anybody who needs refuge. I keep up the maps when he calls and from other groups who have seen things come through." Petro said and ran a hand through his hair greying hair.

"I'm going to get my few member of my team so we can talk more about a route to Mariupol if that's okay with you. I also have information for you that you can add to your map." I said.

"Sure, just come back up here. I'll be waiting." Petro said.

I gave him a nod and slipped back into my vest and took my rifle with me. When I got back to the house I quickly found Rob, Monica and Morgan and told them to get dressed. They did quickly as I grabbed a notebook from my bag and the maps. I did take my vest off and left it along with my rifle in my room. My pistol is firmly in it's hostlers and I knew I would be fine with just it for now. Morgan saw I was leaving my rifle and vest behind and gave me a look to question the decision.

"I don't know how long we are going to be in this meeting but I want him to give me the most information he has especially when we don't have much to give back to him." I said. Morgan just nodded but still put her vest on though she left her rifle behind.

When Rob and Monica saw us both they looked like I lost my mind. I let them hold onto there gear and we went out the backdoor towards the barn. Petro was waiting for us at his desk when I climbed the stairs.

"Petro, this is Morgan, Robert and Monica, the rest of my teams leadership." I said sat down in the same seat I was in before.

"Very well, we now discuss war. You are heading to Mariupol from here, yes?" Petro asked and folded his map a new way to fit better on the tabletop.

"Yes, that is where we are going. I would appreciate if you kept what I'm about to tell you, to yourself as we still have yet to reach the end of our mission. We need to get to the Azovstal Iron and Steel Plant. My team has been tasked with trying to prevent its capture and to protect and safely evacuate any people that are inside the bunkers located there." I said and pulled out our maps and unfolded them so Petro could see.

"That plant has been getting bombarded since this war started. It's not in great shape and the president has called for troops to pull back from it. Getting to Mariupol is not going to be easy, a lot of the main roads have been destroyed and as of right now, the only bridge in the area I know that is still standing is right here. The drive to Mariupol is about 8 hours from here without disruption." Petro said and pointed out an area close to where we are right now.

"It looks like we might have to go for a swim if we need to pull out." Rob said from behind me.

"To bad we didn't sign up for the Navy." I said and started to mark off our map with the information from Petro's. Petro and I went over different routes that could be used on our way to Mariupol. I wanted to have a few back up plans if we run into area's of impassable roads once we start the drive.

"So I can tell you the route we came in from Poland, everything is still up and functional, we didn't run into any trouble. Even past through a few towns for gas and they had working stations. There will be a patrols following behind our team for backup. Ukrainian, NATO, American and other allies. They have supplies with them but if you need something specific, I can make a call and see if I can get it inbound for you when they come through. If you don't want them to come directly here, I can make them go into town and you can meet them there. That's up to you." I said and continued to trace the different patterns on our map.

"I would like to keep this farm off the map if that is possible. The less people who know about it the better." Petro said as I started to outline the route we came in on from Poland for him and highlight the gas stations as well.

"Of course. I have to check in with my commanding officer and if it's okay with you, we will move out tomorrow morning." I said.

"That is no issue. My men move freely during the day from the farm to town, so if you see anybody walking through the field, please take an extra second before firing your weapon." Petro said.

"I will relay the information to my team." I said and started to fold up my map.

Petro did the same with his and we all stood up and went downstairs. I didn't want to take up more of his time as I wanted to give Major Collins a call to go over everything we've learned with her. The rest of the day was spent in the room I shared with Morgan on the phone with command to go over everything Petro had shared. We went over the various routes with her and let her know about were our backup can come through. The call was productive and once we were done, Morgan and I spent another chunk of time going over the map again so we can upload the plot points into the map she has on the laptop.

It was mid afternoon by the time we finished and emerged from our room to find some of the team relaxing in the living room. It didn't take long to find everyone and get them together to go over the game plan for the rest of our drive. I set out a good enough plan that nobody had any follow up questions for me. When I dismissed them for the rest of the day everyone scattered again.

My afternoon was spent cleaning my rifle. I wanted to be ready for when we leave here. Next, I spent some time repacking my bag so more important items were on top. When both of them were done, I took a shower knowing this will definitely be my last one for a hot minute. After I got out and dressed it was late afternoon now so I made my way down to the kitchen and found Morgan going through a box of MREs that someone brought inside. She found one she like because she flashed a little smile when she pulled it out.

I couldn't help but chuckle and reach into the box once she moved away to pull out an MRE. I was happy to see I grabbed a peperoni pizza MRE and took a seat next to Morgan as she started to unload her MRE. As we ate together, the rest of the team slowly made there way into the kitchen and pulled an MRE to have for dinner. Conversation was light as we all came together for food.

After we finished up, I made sure everyone cleaned up there mess before leaving the table and gave everyone the move out time. Once everyone had it clear what time I wanted to leave, I retreated to the bedroom for the night. I laid out my camo for the the next day and made sure everything else was ready to go. Morgan joined me in bed not long after she did the same thing and we just sighed in relief of having one more night together in each others arms before leaving. Once again, sleep came easy and we were both out soon after we got settled.

But our peaceful night was fractured when the sounds of explosions filled the air and rattled the whole house. I jumped up from the bed and ran to the window to look outside. A big red fireball was rising to the sky in the direction of the city.

"What was that?" Morgan asked coming up behind me.

"The town was just bombed. Get dressed, now." I said and started to jump into my gear. As soon as I was mostly put together I grabbed the SAT phone and left our room. It looks like everyone else was startled awake from the blast.

"Everyone up now! Gear on! Med-kits, water if you have it and ammunition only. We need to move!" I yelled as I made my way out of the backdoor waiting for the call to connect with command.

"Major Collins" Her voice rang through the line as I found Petro yelled at his men.

"Mykolaiv was just bombed, we are going in. I'll call when I have any additional updates." I said and watched as my team started to rush out the back door.

"Let me know if you need anything from this end, try to call when you can." Collins said and I disconnected the call.

"Petro we are taking the trucks, see if you guys can get into the bed!" I yelled and started to pull boxes out of the bed to make room. My team assembled with Petros men and together, we made our way towards the explosions.

a/n: be prepared for some action next chapter.