Archer had just returned from a run, he needed to calm down after seeing what had happened to Cara. Jogging around the base had been a breeze, he welcomed the freshness as it whipped past his body. Pulling his thoughts away from him on every deep exhale. He slowed down as he reached HQ, punching in the key code aggressively before heading towards his room. He collapsed onto his bunk, the air still escaping his lungs rapidly. Diesel had been sat waiting patiently and took the opportunity to jump onto Archer. His hand moved automatically, stroking the creature with adoration as he slowed his breaths. “I’ve been wondering who’s the dog was?” Johnson chuckled as he entered the room. “Hmm...” Archer responded absentmindedly. Johnson sat back on the chair against Archer’s desk. His arms folded as he swung side to side on the pedestal. “Look,” Johnson stood up from the chair, walking towards where Archer and Diesel were laying. “She needs you to focus.” His

Blake set up his equipment swiftly and expertly. His explosives lined the heavy door to the warehouse and everyone held their breath anticipating the next move. “Clear?” Blake called over the radio. “Affirmative.” The team confirmed simultaneously. The sound of mud and metal exploding, resonated over the street; smoke and dust clouded their vision briefly. Shouting could be heard from inside the warehouse, a surge of panicked footsteps rushing around in the darkness. “On me!” Archer ordered his team as he edged into the building. The team swiftly followed behind, crouching behind metal containers that assembled in the entrance. They were met immediately with gunfire. Flashes of light and sounds of gunfire filled the room. Johnson took out the first man, shooting him in the shoulder followed by the neck. He repositioned himself, lining his sights on his next target. Two men stood at the other side of a second entrance, Archer aimed, squ

Tears overwhelmed Cara, her dad’s arms enveloped her as she cried into his chest. He rocked her gently allowing her the moment to release her emotions. The men in the common room all stopped and stared at the scene before them. Johnson turned around from the sofa, eyes widened in shock. His eyes flickered to Archer who also wore the same thunderstruck expression. ‘DAD?’ Johnson mouthed at Archer who shrugged in response. The embrace lasted a minute before their boss peeled himself away, guiding Cara into the room. “Gents, this is my daughter. I expect you all to treat her with respect and make her feel welcome.” “Yes sir,” they all called out in unison. Her dad pushed her towards a small table, pulling out a seat for her. “Archer, first aid kit.” He ordered. Archer immediately pbeyed the command, rushing out the room. “I’ll be down the corridor if you need me.” Her dad spoke softly to her. Everyone stood still, mouths agape and

Cara avoided Archer the remainder of the day. Unable to look at his judgemental eyes or feel his inescapable presence. Fortunately, she had managed to eat something, the apple that was left on her plate amongst the sandwiches had sated her hunger slightly. As nightfall came, her tiredness took over. She rested her head on the pillow, the dull throb still evident but bearable. Her eyes closed softly as she allowed the darkness to envelop her. The peaceful sounds outside the window pulled her in. The breeze gently wisping through the trees and the faint sounds of cars passing by. Cara tossed and turned in her bed, darkness surrounded her and familiar footsteps echoed around her senses. She was back in her cell, the sight of nothingness invaded her vision. Suddenly, hands were reaching for her, slashing and slapping at her face. She tried to block the blows but they kept coming. They were calling her name, mocking her. “Cara.” The voices repeated. “Cara.” She he

Cara had resigned herself to her room consistently for a week, enjoying the quiet solitude. She had only ventured out to grab some food when it wasn't busy, sometimes exploring further outside to sit on the grass or peek at the self-defence classes. Each time, O’Connell had caught her and asked her to join. As much as she wanted to, it scared her. The thought of being in a confrontational and aggressive situation frightened her. She had never been the type to fight but she couldn’t help but explore the possibility that she could change that. Archer had kept his distance from Cara, he knew she needed time and space and he willingly accepted it. The nightmares were a different story. Each night he would sit outside her room, listening intently. He could hear her panic; her strangled moans as she tossed and turned over in his bed. When he couldn't take anymore, he would cautiously enter the room, watching over her like he was her guard. Holding her hand gently until the dreams