The Characters

Welcome to the World of Jake Greco

Enter a world where covert wars are fought in the shadows—and the operatives who fight them carry scars you’ll never see. Jake Greco’s military thrillers plunge you into the heart of America’s hidden battles, from cartel strongholds in the desert Southwest to near-future killzones lit by rogue AI.

At the center of it all is Wout O’Dell—a former Delta Force sniper turned FBI HRT operator. Scarred by betrayal and loss, O’Dell operates with brutal precision and a soldier’s code. Alongside him are allies forged in blood: Odie Clayton, a door-kicker with a short fuse and long memory; and Peter White, the quiet intel analyst who sees connections no one else does.

But war is evolving.
In the Specters of Athena series, meet Commander Nikolas “Strix” Andros—a burned NATO asset turned black-ops leader. His team, the Specters, is elite, lethal, and paired with bleeding-edge AI. Juliet “Flare” Romero brings the fire with explosive entry tactics. Hana “Torque” Watanabe builds what the enemy can’t break. Sasha “Mirror” Petrov bends surveillance to her will. Leo “Overwatch” Clarke keeps them alive from above. And watching it all is Athena—the AI ghost in the machine, loyal… for now.

These are not just thrillers. They are war journals. Each book drops you into high-stakes missions where honor and betrayal collide—and the deadliest weapons may not be human at all.

Welcome to the edge.

Direct Action Team

Meet the Operatives

ROLE:
Long-Range Precision Marksman / Sniper

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Stolen Valor
  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Wout O’Dell

Wout O’Dell

Role: Long-Range Precision Marksman / Sniper

Personality Traits: A battle-hardened warrior with a sniper's keen eye

Birthplace: Classified / Suspected Southwest U.S.

Wout O'Dell

Missions

Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Wout O’Dell is a precision sniper and decorated combat veteran with decades of elite training and field experience. Once a top-tier operator with Bravo Squadron, Wout is a disciplined, tactical asset whose calm under pressure and unmatched marksmanship make him indispensable in high-risk missions. His signature weapon, a custom McMillan TAC-338 rifle, is an extension of his will—designed for deadly efficiency at a mile’s distance.
“One breath, one shot, one less threat. That’s the rule.”

Skills & Influence

  • Expert in long-range sniping & anti-personnel engagement
  • Advanced ballistics & wind correction using integrated optics and computer-assisted targeting
  • Specializes in stealth infiltration, overwatch, and precision elimination
  • Tactical training instructor for military & civilian marksmen

Gear Loadout

  • Primary Weapon: McMillan TAC-338 Sniper Rifle
    • Chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum
    • Nightforce ATACR 7-35x scope with ballistic computer integration
    • Suppressed with Thunder Beast Arms Ultra-338 suppressor
  • Sidearm: Custom Wilson Combat .45 ACP
  • Support Gear: Kestrel wind meter, ballistic rangefinder, high-speed spotting scope

Classified Notes

Subject recruited into . following Operation .. Psychological profile indicates high adaptability, low volatility, and surgically precise execution. Field command recommends limited exposure to civilian assets.

Last confirmed visual – . safehouse, northwest of Phoenix. Subject escorted captured HVT (Cartel-affiliated, likely .). Communications encrypted through . network – trace route terminated.

Incident at border compound remains officially unresolved. Ballistics from TAC-338 recovered at scene. No official link to . has been established, though tactical footprint matches known methods.

ROLE:
Breacher / Tactical Entry Specialist

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Stolen Valor
  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Odie Clayton

Odie Clayton

Role: Breacher / Tactical Entry Specialist

Personality Traits: Bold, fearless, pragmatic, blunt

Birthplace: Tucson, Arizona

Odie Clayton

Missions

Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Odie Clayton, also known as “Bull,” is a former Army Ranger and the team’s primary breacher. With his unrelenting aggression and tactical precision, Odie is always the first in and the last out. His expertise in close-quarters combat and building destruction makes him invaluable in high-stakes situations. Though his brash personality often leads to conflict, his loyalty to his team and mission is unquestionable.

Skills & Influence

  • CQB (Close Quarters Battle)
  • Breaching and tactical entry
  • Team suppression support
  • Enhanced interrogation & field handling of POWs

Gear Loadout

  • Primary: Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun
  • Sidearm: Glock 17
  • Breaching Gear: C4, flashbangs, door charges
  • Body Armor: Level IIIA (Tactical vest)
  • Support Equipment: Thermal optics, tactical gloves, combat knife

Classified Notes

Operative engaged in unsanctioned breaching of private compound linked to . cartel network. Result: 100% success in extraction, collateral property damage under review.

Subject displays pattern of disregarding bureaucratic orders in favor of field pragmatism. Internal reports note quote: “Knock? That’s what the breaching charge is for.”

Operative maintains operational readiness despite prior incident involving unauthorized cross-border operation. Debrief classified under Level 4 compartment.

ROLE:
Cyber Recon Specialist / Hacker / Surveillance Ops

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Stolen Valor
  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Peter White

Peter White

Role: Cyber Recon Specialist / Hacker / Surveillance Ops

Personality Traits: Smart, sarcastic, hyper-focused, operates in the gray

Birthplace: Portland, Oregon

Peter White

Missions

Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Peter White, known by his call sign “Ghost,” is the brains behind the Direct Action Team’s surveillance and cyber operations. Once a government contractor specializing in digital intelligence, Peter now operates in the shadows, using his expertise to infiltrate enemy networks, track threats, and provide real-time mission intelligence. His skills in digital forensics and surveillance make him indispensable, but his tendency to stay detached often keeps him at a distance from the more personal side of operations.

Skills & Influence

  • Cyber surveillance & infiltration
  • Facial recognition and AI analytics
  • Mission routing & satellite ops
  • Threat tracking and pattern recognition

Gear Loadout

  • Primary: Lightweight laptop + wireless intrusion suite
  • Sidearm: Glock 34
  • Tech Tools: Thermal drones, signal intercepts, encrypted comms
  • Specialized Equipment: Night vision goggles, high-powered computer scanners, mobile server unit

Classified Notes

Operative breached . server to extract actionable intelligence on foreign cell operation. Clearance for this action was not obtained.

Subject maintains private off-grid surveillance network. Known nodes operating from undisclosed locations across, Vegas, and Tucson.

Recorded field comms: “If it’s online, I can see it. If it’s offline, I can find someone who can’t.”

ROLE:
Tactical Leader / Former HRT Team Leader

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Stolen Valor
  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Commander Cash Reynolds

Commander Cash Reynolds

Role: Tactical Leader / Former HRT Team Leader

Personality Traits: Strong-willed, strategic, no-nonsense, emotionally reserved

Birthplace: Denver, Colorado

Commander Cash Reynolds

Missions

Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Cash Reynolds is a no-nonsense former FBI HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) operator turned team leader for the Direct Action Team. After years of operating in the shadows, his transition to leading high-stakes missions puts him at the heart of a conspiracy that threatens national security.

Skills & Influence

  • Hostage negotiation & crisis management
  • Strategic operations leadership
  • Combat and tactical firearms expertise
  • High-pressure decision making
  • Advanced surveillance and counter-surveillance

Gear Loadout

  • Sig Sauer P229 (Sidearm)
  • M4A1 Carbine (Primary weapon)
  • Body armor (Level IV)
  • Tactical communication system
  • Combat knife (Benchmade)
  • Surveillance gear (advanced optics, drones)
  • Blackhawk Tactical Boots

Classified Notes

Former HRT Commander voluntarily resigned after . incident during international hostage extraction. No official charges filed; records sealed.

Subject operates in grey-zone capacity with Direct Action Team. Unofficial clearance granted by . for high-risk operations with no political oversight.

Surveillance log: “We don’t get second chances in this line of work. We get results—or we get ghosts.”

ROLE:
Heavy Weapons Specialist / Tactical Breacher

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Stolen Valor
  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Bull Rodriguez

Bull Rodriguez

Role: Heavy Weapons Specialist / Tactical Breacher

Personality Traits: Tough, fearless, direct, team-oriented

Birthplace: El Paso, Texas

Bull Rodriguez

Missions

Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Bull Rodriguez is the team’s enforcer—a breacher and heavy weapons expert with a reputation for kicking in doors and getting results. A former Marine with combat experience in urban and desert environments, Bull is the muscle of the Direct Action Team. Despite his intimidating exterior, his loyalty to his teammates is unwavering. He’s known for charging into danger first and asking questions later.

Skills & Influence

  • Breaching and dynamic entry
  • Heavy weapons handling (SAWs, M249, M4 with grenade launcher)
  • Close-quarters combat (CQB)
  • Tactical support and suppressive fire
  • Rescue and extraction operations

Gear Loadout

  • Primary Weapon: M4A1 with M203 grenade launcher attachment
  • Secondary Weapon: Glock 21 (.45 ACP)
  • Breaching Gear: C4, sledgehammer, battering ram
  • Body Armor: Level IV tactical vest with trauma plates
  • Additional Equipment: Tactical headset, thermal breaching goggles, flashbangs

Classified Notes

Known for aggressive breaching tactics. Psychological profile indicates controlled aggression, excellent under fire.

Previous reprimands for “excessive force” during unauthorized ops—officially expunged.

“Let me go first. If there’s hell on the other side of that door, I’ll meet it head-on.”

ROLE:
Law Enforcement / Tactical Operations

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Stolen Valor

Sheriff Joey Comini

Sheriff Joey Comini

Role: Law Enforcement / Tactical Operations

Personality Traits: Loyal, determined, pragmatic, protective of his town

Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona

Sheriff Joey Comini

Missions

Stolen Valor

Bio

A former Marine, Joey transitioned into law enforcement not just as a career, but as a calling. He believes in the rule of law, in justice over vengeance, but he’s not naïve. He’s seen how the world works, how good men get chewed up, and how criminals slip through the cracks. Unlike some of his more bureaucratic superiors, Joey still believes in doing what’s right, not just what’s by the book—which is what makes him both an asset and a liability in a world where corruption runs deep.

Skills & Influence

  • Local law enforcement expertise
  • Crisis management & negotiation
  • Tactical coordination for local law enforcement operations
  • Community relations and investigation
  • Small-arms proficiency and surveillance

Gear Loadout

  • Glock 17 (Standard sidearm)
  • Bulletproof vest (Level IIIA)
  • Handcuffs, radio, and utility belt
  • Vehicle: Ford Crown Victoria (Police Interceptor)
  • Flashlight & tactical flashlight attachment

Classified Notes

Subject provided critical intel during . cartel operation. Information bypassed standard reporting chain for expedited action by Direct Action Team.

Subject classified as Tier-2 asset for field cooperation in non-sanctioned operations. No formal paperwork submitted to DOJ channels.

Surveillance audio log: “We don’t have the luxury of politics out here—we have neighbors and family. That’s who I answer to.”

ROLE:
Special Agent / Counterterrorism & Counterintelligence Specialist

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Stolen Valor
  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Agent Sarah Chen

Agent Sarah Chen

Role: Special Agent / Counterterrorism & Counterintelligence Specialist

Personality Traits: Sharp, strategic, diplomatic under pressure, precise communicator

Birthplace: Seattle, Washington

Agent Sarah Chen

Missions

Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Agent Sarah Chen is a top-tier FBI Counterterrorism agent with deep ties to both field operations and Washington bureaucracy. Known for her sharp mind and cool demeanor, she specializes in bridging federal protocols with tactical field realities. In Stolen Valor, Chen becomes a critical ally to the Direct Action Team, managing high-level intel while navigating political landmines.

Skills & Influence

  • Counterterrorism intelligence
  • Inter-agency operations & legal navigation
  • Psychological profiling & negotiation
  • Asset management & undercover support
  • Strategic debriefing & post-op analysis
  • Foreign influence tracking

Gear Loadout

  • Primary Weapon: Glock 19 (standard issue)
  • Comms: Secure FBI tactical radio & encrypted sat phone
  • Utilities: Surveillance kit, field laptop, flash drive encryption tools
  • Documents: Federal credentials, covert clearance passes
  • Transport: Unmarked government SUV

Classified Notes

Agent Chen flagged inconsistencies in Congressman Adams’ security briefings. Intercepted communications suggest external political manipulation linked to ..

Operative classified as a dual-role asset—liaison to Direct Action Team and internal FBI watchdog for potential agency compromise.

Comms log excerpt: “If this leaks, it’s career-ending for someone. My job is to make sure it’s not you.”

ROLE:
Senior Investigator – National Major Crimes Division, PNR

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Cuban Tempest

Lieutenant Ramos

"Mongo"

Lieutenant Ramos

Code Name: "Mongo"

Role: Senior Investigator – National Major Crimes Division, PNR

Personality Traits: Meticulous, Tenacious, Fair, Respectful, Humble, Cynically Pragmatic, Politically Savvy (Reluctantly), Resilient, Stoic & Resourceful.

Birthplace: Holguin, Cuba

Lieutenant “Mongo” Ramos

Missions

Cuban Tempest

Bio

Lieutenant Ramon Garcia Ramos, age 47, commands respect as the top investigator in Cuba’s Policía Nacional Revolucionaria Major Crimes Division. Known as “Mongo,” his sharp intellect and tenacity are recognized island-wide, from Havana’s alleys to Santiago’s docks. Widowed five years ago, Ramos has thrown himself into his work, building an unmatched record of solved cases and forging a network of informants and official contacts in every major city. Based out of Havana but perpetually mobile, he drives his official Geely patrol car for business and his beloved ’56 Bel Air for personal escapes. Despite rank and national authority, Ramos is grounded—worn jeans, a battered CZ-75 pistol, and no-nonsense attitude. His dedication to justice and balanced diplomacy with local and federal agencies make him indispensable when Cuba’s stability is threatened.

Skills & Influence

  • Criminal Investigation: Extensive experience in solving complex, multi-jurisdictional crimes; proven record of success.
  • Intelligence Gathering: Maintains an island-wide web of informants and contacts; adept at extracting key info in informal settings.
  • Interagency Coordination: Skilled at managing collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies.
  • Interpersonal Negotiation: Resolves political, personal, and jurisdictional conflicts with practical tact.
  • Surveillance & Field Work: Experienced in on-the-ground investigation, from rural fields to urban centers.
  • Political Acumen: Understands how criminal enterprises exploit Cuba’s divided governing systems.
  • Local Knowledge: Knows regional cultures, criminal profiles, and provincial authorities intimately.

Gear Loadout

  • Authorized Sidearm: CZ-75 9mm, worn in a shoulder holster for accessibility and comfort.
  • Official Patrol Car: Geely sedan, equipped for rapid interprovincial travel; priority fuel ration.
  • Personal Vehicle: Classic 1956 Chevy Bel Air, sentimental and discreet, used for personal time.
  • Secure Satellite Phone: For confidential communications and official coordination.
  • Basic Investigation Kit: Notepad, digital voice recorder, city maps, flashlight, and evidence bags.
  • Simple Civilian Attire: Worn jeans, sturdy shirts—practical, unremarkable, and comfortable.
  • Discreet Contacts List: Physical and digital lists of informants throughout Cuba.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Steadfast partner, provides emotional stability, moral guidance, and unwavering loyalty

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Emily O'Dell

Emily O'Dell

Role: Steadfast partner, provides emotional stability, moral guidance, and unwavering loyalty

Personality Traits: Compassionate, Resilient – Strong under pressure, Supportive & Loyal, Insightful, Grounded & Principled

Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ

Emily O'Dell

Missions

Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Emily O’Dell, a native of Phoenix, is the devoted wife of SWAT sniper and Army veteran Wout O’Dell. Warm, graceful, and as resilient as the desert she calls home, Emily has been by Wout’s side since their high school days, weathering the storms of deployment, danger, and personal sacrifice. Her love is her greatest weapon—anchoring Wout through the trials of combat and the pressures of his law enforcement career. More than a supportive spouse, Emily is an active force in her community, championing the needs of military and first-responder families while embodying the principles of compassion, justice, and integrity. She is the quiet strength behind the warrior, a beacon of hope and purpose in a turbulent world.

Skills & Influence

  • Emotional Intelligence & Diplomacy – Skilled at de-escalating tension and fostering understanding.
  • Advocacy & Public Speaking – Effective voice for first responder and military families.
  • Crisis Support – Able to provide calm, stabilizing presence during stressful or traumatic events.
  • Networking & Community Building – Builds strong connections in both civilian and military circles.
  • Organizational Skills – Coordinates charity events, support groups, and logistical aid for families in need.
  • Intuitive Advising – Serves as Wout’s sounding board, offering clarity in emotionally charged decisions.

Gear Loadout

  • Smartphone with secure messaging apps – For discreet communication with Wout and support networks.
  • Organized planner & notebooks – Keeps track of advocacy work, appointments, and personal goals.
  • First Aid & Care Kit – Prepared for emergencies at home or community events.
  • Personal Memento from Wout – A keepsake symbolizing their bond, often carried for reassurance.
  • Community Resource Binder – Contact info for veteran, military spouse, and law enforcement family resources.
  • Laptop with encrypted storage – For coordinating advocacy efforts and maintaining sensitive contacts.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Cuban Special Forces Veteran and Current Bus Driver / Informal Observer

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Mario Volkov

Mario Volkov

Role: Cuban Special Forces Veteran and Current Bus Driver / Informal Observer

Personality Traits: Reserved and detached yet loyal and honor-bound veteran, he is a disillusioned idealist who questions the revolution’s outcomes while remaining principled, using sharp tactical awareness and hard-earned resilience to endure change and hardship with quiet stoicism.

Birthplace: Havana, Cuba

Mario Volkov

Missions

Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Mario Volkov, 48, embodies Cuba’s Soviet-era mixed heritage, born to a Russian military advisor father and a Cuban mother. Standing 5’10” and 190 pounds, his military bearing and discipline clearly mark his years of service in the Cuban Special Forces (Tropas Especiales). After twelve years specializing in close-quarters combat and counterinsurgency—proficient with the AKS-74U carbine and Makarov pistol—he now drives a tour bus in western Cuba, blending into civilian life. His stoic exterior masks a man caught between loyalty to old comrades and disillusionment with unfulfilled revolutionary promises, surrounded by a network of former soldiers as tensions rise in Havana. Despite his skepticism, his sharp tactical instincts remain ready to surface when crisis demands.

Skills & Influence

  • Close-Quarters Combat Expert: Trained extensively in hand-to-hand and urban fighting tactics.
  • Counterinsurgency Operations: Skilled in asymmetric warfare strategies, ambushes, and tactical reconnaissance.
  • Proficient with Classic Soviet Weapons: Familiar with AKS-74U carbine and Makarov PM pistol.
  • Surveillance and Situational Awareness: Tactical mindset allowing constant environmental scanning, threat detection, and risk management.
  • Multilingual Abilities: Spanish with Russian accent and functional English learned from media.

Gear Loadout

  • Personal Weapons: Retains legally registered Makarov PM pistol; accustomed to AKS-74U carbine from service years.
  • Driving Equipment: Operates an aged Yutong tour bus fitted for practical use across varied Cuban terrain.
  • Everyday Civilian Items: Modest clothing, blending military discipline with civilian practicality.
  • Apartment Holdings: Russian and Cuban revolutionary literature reflecting ideological questioning; strong coffee supplies for long discussions.
  • Communication Network: Maintains close contacts with former Special Forces comrades for information and support.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
FBI data analyst, hacker, and surveillance professional.

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Regus Kaplan

Regus Kaplan

Role: FBI data analyst, hacker, and surveillance professional.

Personality Traits: He is highly intelligent, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with strong analytical skills, independence, confidence, and a disregard for formality, all driven by his mastery in digital surveillance and hacking.

Birthplace: Pueblo, CO

Regus Kaplan

Missions

Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

An FBI data analyst, hacker, and surveillance professional. He is a master of the digital tools of the trade. He is under 6 feet tall, balding and wears glasses. Has an affinity for Grateful Dead t-shirts, even though he is only 30 years old, and he wears those with jeans at PHX. Reynolds ignores the lack of decorum because he is one of the best at his job.

Skills & Influence

  • Data analysis (proficient in interpreting large sets of information)
  • Advanced hacking and cybersecurity expertise
  • Surveillance and counter-surveillance techniques
  • Observational acuity and attention to detail
  • Technical mastery of audio/video recording, secure communications, and digital surveillance tools

Gear Loadout

  • High-powered laptop with encryption tools and hacking software
  • Multiple secure smartphones/devices
  • Surveillance earpiece and encrypted comms systems
  • Portable cameras, audio recorders, and signal interceptors
  • Secure, remote data storage devices

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Insider Guide & Cultural Connector

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Ana Volkov

Ana Volkov

Role: Insider Guide & Cultural Connector

Personality Traits: Curious, Open-minded, Independent, Ambitious, Warm, Social, Resourceful, Adaptable, Proud, Loyal, Rebellious & Visionary

Birthplace: Havana, Cuba

Ana Volkov

Missions

Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Ana Beatriz Volkov, age 24, is the dynamic daughter of Mario Volkov, blending her Russian-Cuban heritage into a striking and approachable presence. Fluent in English and conversant in French, Russian, and German, she is one of Havana’s most sought-after guides, known for revealing Cuba’s real cultural pulse behind the glossy tourist façade. Ambitious and outward-looking, Ana dreams of studying International Relations in Berlin, drawn by Germany’s history and model of social democracy. Her Old Havana apartment is decorated with Cuban art and international memorabilia, reflecting her deep roots and global curiosity. While fiercely independent, Ana remains closely connected to her protective father and embraces her role as a local insider and friendly face for international guests.

Skills & Influence

  • Expert Local Knowledge: Knows Havana’s geography, history, and hidden gems; skilled at moving unnoticed across the city.
  • Multilingual Communication: Fluent English; conversational French and Russian; learning German—with a talent for picking up accents and colloquialisms.
  • Cultural Mediation: Bridges gaps between locals and foreigners, managing sensitive social and political contexts smoothly.
  • Networking: Well-connected in the tourism and hospitality sector, from restaurants and artists to hoteliers and drivers.
  • Social Media Savvy: Maintains an Instagram window into Cuban life, attracting followers and forging international relationships.
  • Self-teaching & Research: Highly adept at acquiring new knowledge and skills, especially in languages and international studies.

Gear Loadout

  • Smartphone: Essential for navigation, translations, and social media posting (when WiFi is available).
  • Multilingual Guide Materials: Maps, historical notes, and language apps; personalized guidebooks she creates.
  • Camera or GoPro: Used for documenting tours and sharing snapshots online.
  • Fashionable, functional wardrobe: Professional attire for work, casual beachwear for downtime—adapted for Cuba’s climate.
  • Tour guide license & Ministry credentials: Officially authorized to provide tours across Havana.
  • Converted Pesos & Small Stash: Tips from tours; slowly saving for her dream of studying abroad.
  • German Language Textbooks/Apps: Always on hand to practice with tourists.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Fixer / Shadow Broker / Casino Dealer

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Deuces Wild

Devon Santoro

"Deuces Wild"

Devon Santoro

Code Name: "Deuces Wild"

Role: Fixer / Shadow Broker / Casino Dealer

Personality Traits: Charming. Vaguely amused. Always calculating. But beneath the crisp suit and smirking eyes is a man haunted by the costs of convenience. He won’t admit it—but part of him wants redemption. He just doesn’t believe he deserves it.

Birthplace: Las Vegas, NV

Devon “Deuces Wild” Santoro

Missions

Deuces Wild

Bio

Devon “Deuces Wild” Serrano once dreamed of becoming a magician. Instead, he mastered the art of the deal in Vegas’s underworld—moving effortlessly between high-stakes poker rooms and deeper, unlit corridors. He became the guy who could get you anything: a new identity, a girl, a quiet plane out of the country. No questions asked. But somewhere between the ritualists and the runners, something broke. A girl he knew disappeared. A client smiled too wide. And Deuces started to feel it—the rot. Now, he still plays the game. But he’s starting to cheat for the other side

Skills & Influence

Key Connections

  • Lexi Vale: Got her the initial sponsorships. Regrets every second of it. Tries to steer her toward the light—subtly.
  • Mateo Rojas: Tolerates Mateo but resents the cartel’s growing influence in “his” town.
  • Peter White: Occasional collaborator. Peter thinks Deuces is a snake; Deuces thinks Peter is naive. They’re both wrong.
  • Wout O’Dell: Mutual respect through tension. Deuces admires Wout’s clarity but mocks his moral rigidity.

Gear Loadout

Classified Notes

ROLE:
FBI HRT – Breacher / Tactical Entry Specialist

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Deuces Wild

Dominic Sanchez

"Lefty"

Dominic Sanchez

Code Name: "Lefty"

Role: FBI HRT – Breacher / Tactical Entry Specialist

Personality Traits: Lefty is the guy you want kicking down doors — because he’s probably going to do it anyway. Brash, loyal, and fearless to a fault, he thrives on direct action. He treats every op like it might be his last, which makes him both exhilarating and exhausting to work with. Lefty doesn’t waste time on posturing — once boots hit dirt, he’s pure kinetic force.

Birthplace: Classified

Dominic “Lefty” Sanchez

Missions

Deuces Wild

Bio

U.S. Army Rangers (75th Regiment), then recruited into FBI HRT. Grew up in El Paso, Texas, where he earned his nickname in high school football for his devastating left hook — and his tendency to charge headfirst into fights.

Skills & Influence

  • Keeps a kill counter scratched into the inside of his left wrist guard—not for ego, but for memory.
  • Has a soft spot for kids caught in ops, goes completely silent if one’s hurt.
  • Plays blues guitar badly, thinks it “calms the brain fog.”

Gear Loadout

  • Entry stack point man, specializes in mechanical and explosive breaching.
  • M4 shorty with EOTech and breaching muzzle, plus an M1911 he customized with the words “TRUE NORTH” etched on the slide.
  • Known for using shaped charges in creative ways (“more door, less frame”).

Classified Notes

Know the Enemy

THREAT TYPE:
Extremist Mastermind / Network Operator

THREAT LEVEL:
Extreme


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Stolen Valor

Abu al Mouadan

Abu al Mouadan

Threat Type:Extremist Mastermind / Network Operator

Threat Level: Extreme

Known Affiliation: Independent Terror Network

Birthplace: Cairo, Egypt

Abu al Mouadan

Last Seen In

Stolen Valor

Bio

Abu Al Mouadan is a global extremist strategist known for orchestrating large-scale terror operations that destabilize governments from within. He avoids direct confrontation, preferring to manipulate others into carrying out his plans. With roots in military and intelligence operations, Mouadan focuses on long-game psychological warfare, using small factions to fracture trust in public institutions. His influence extends across multiple continents, with operatives embedded in both rogue nations and political systems.

Skills & Influence

  • Psychological operations
  • Radicalization recruitment
  • Infrastructure targeting
  • Strategic network infiltration

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Forged diplomatic credentials
  • Encrypted satellite phones
  • Sleeper agent dossiers
  • Chemical components and false IDs

Classified Notes

Primary architect behind Phoenix rally bombing plot. Believed to control multiple operatives, including ..

Subject previously escaped extradition under alias during diplomatic event in ..

“Victory is not explosions. Victory is doubt. When they no longer trust their leaders, their neighbors, or their security, the mission is complete.”

THREAT TYPE:
Tactical Terrorist / Saboteur

THREAT LEVEL:
High


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Stolen Valor

Nadia al Hassan

Nadia al Hassan

Threat Type:Tactical Terrorist / Saboteur

Threat Level: High

Known Affiliation: Abu al Mouadan’s Inner Circle

Birthplace: Tehran, Iran

Nadia al Hassan

Last Seen In

Stolen Valor

Bio

Nadia Al-Hassan is a highly skilled operative known for her ability to execute high-level attacks with precision and efficiency. Originally from Tehran, she was recruited by foreign terrorist organizations and rose through the ranks due to her expertise in explosives and covert operations. Nadia’s missions are complex and designed to cause maximum chaos, operating under the radar but with a brutal effectiveness. Her calculated approach to terror strikes—whether bombings or sabotage—has earned her the fear and respect of both her allies and enemies. Despite her deadly reputation, there are whispers she may have deeper, personal motives behind her actions, making her an unpredictable threat.

Skills & Influence

  • High-yield IED design
  • Escape & evasion
  • Counter-surveillance
  • Field engineering and improvised logistics

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Remote detonation kits
  • Mobile jamming units
  • Concealed ceramic blades
  • Burner phones with secure encryption

Classified Notes

Subject responsible for blast patterns in . and ..

Facial recognition confirmed identity from Phoenix garage surveillance. Subject appears compromised—right leg injury observed.

“My bombs aren’t meant to kill, they’re meant to make them question everything.” — Nadia, intercepted transmission with a subordinate.

THREAT TYPE:
Political Manipulator / Corrupt Insider

THREAT LEVEL:
Moderate


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Stolen Valor
  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Daniel Adams

Daniel Adams

Threat Type:Political Manipulator / Corrupt Insider

Threat Level: Moderate

Known Affiliation: Unknown / Shadow Financiers

Birthplace: Miami, Florida

Daniel Adams

Last Seen In

Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Congressman Daniel Adams is a rising political star in Washington, cloaking his ambitions with a well-crafted public persona. Beneath the surface, however, he is deeply entangled in corrupt networks and foreign influence. Adams uses his position to further his own agenda, manipulating media narratives and controlling political outcomes to serve his interests. As an ally to covert forces and shadowy financial backers, he plays a dangerous game of power and deception. His ties to foreign terrorist cells and criminal organizations make him a key player in the larger threat the team faces.

Skills & Influence

  • Public manipulation & media control
  • Legislative sabotage
  • High-level donor orchestration
  • Strategic obstruction of intelligence findings

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Political influence
  • Private security detail
  • PAC-funded surveillance advisors
  • Encrypted political donor networks

Classified Notes

Adams’ campaign funding traced to shell companies linked to . foreign influence network.

Continues to downplay domestic threats in public while receiving confidential intel in closed committee briefings.

Transcript of intercepted communication with unknown associate. – “The public can be distracted—sometimes, they want to be.”

THREAT LEVEL:
Low


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Cuban Tempest

Fermin de Verona

Fermin de Verona

Threat Level: Low

Birthplace: Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Fermin de Verona

Last Seen In

Cuban Tempest

Bio

At 86, Fermin de Verona y Hevia stands as a living relic and power broker of Cuba’s original revolution. Tall and imposing despite age and arthritis, he continues to command reverence in Havana’s old guard, reminiscing about his days in the Sierra Maestra with Fidel and Che as he presides over a mansion filled with revolutionary memorabilia. His every gesture—from grooming his silver hair to the ritual of smoking Cohibas from his personal humidor—proclaims a lifelong connection to Cuba’s birth as a socialist state. Though he profits handsomely from decades of privileged access, de Verona criticizes modern reforms as betrayals, lobbying from the shadows to “restore” the revolution’s purity through subtle influence, loyalty tests, and selective blackmail. Ruthlessly pragmatic, he manipulates nostalgists and opportunists alike, wielding iconic legacy and cold calculation to protect the vision he helped create.

Skills & Influence

  • Strategic Manipulation: Expert at leveraging old loyalties, subtle threats, and nostalgia to coerce and control others without direct involvement.
  • Political Tactics: Experienced in back-channel negotiation, blackmail, and the orchestration of covert operations through trusted intermediaries.
  • Network Leadership: Maintains a discreet but devoted cabal of ex-military and intelligence contacts ready to act on his behalf.
  • Psychological Warfare: Understands how fear, nostalgia, and ideology can be weaponized to change behaviors—especially among Cuba’s powerful.
  • Patience & Precision: Decades of political wheeling and dealing have taught de Verona the power of timing and measured influence.
  • Weapon Proficiency: Still maintains (and can use) his Soviet Makarov PM pistol, both as a symbol and as a reminder of his revolutionary past.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Weapons: Soviet-made Makarov PM pistol (gift from Fidel, meticulously maintained).
  • Attire: Tailored guayaberas (often straining at the buttons), always impeccably groomed and presented as a dignified statesman.
  • Cigar Collection: Private, climate-controlled room for rare Cohiba Toro cigars and personal humidor—handled only by him.
  • Study/Office: Mansion’s study serves as museum and tactical command center, lined with revolutionary photos and secret files.
  • Communication: Uses trusted intermediaries for sensitive messages and operations; rarely communicates direct orders.
  • Mobility: Moves with deliberate care due to age and bulk, but retains straight-backed posture and commanding presence.

Classified Notes

THREAT LEVEL:
Low


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Cuban Tempest
  • Sonoran Ghost

Elliot Raines

Elliot Raines

Threat Level: Low

Birthplace: Reston, Virginia

Elliot Raines

Last Seen In

Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Elliot Raines is the enigmatic CEO of Black Raven Security, a private firm known for taking on dangerous, deniable contracts for the powerful. Tall, sharply dressed, and emanating cold authority, Raines combines formidable combat skills with the mind of a master manipulator. His reputation is built on ruthless efficiency and a total lack of empathy, treating people as assets or obstacles in his pursuit of any objective. Protected by political connections and insulated from consequences, he has become a shadowy power broker whose loyalty is transactional and whose charm is merely a tool. Now locked in a high-stakes conflict with Wout and his team, Raines represents the ruthless face of modern warfare—precise, calculating, and utterly unrepentant.

Skills & Influence

  • Combat Mastery: Expert in close-quarters fighting, handguns, tactical knives; has military training background (likely special operations).
  • Strategic Planning: Orchestrates multifaceted operations; excels at managing teams of ex-military, intelligence, and mercenary operatives.
  • Psychological Manipulation: Manipulative and disarming; highly perceptive reader of people—adept at extracting leverage and controlling outcomes.
  • Counterintelligence: Proficient in surveillance, counter-surveillance, and operational security; specializes in burying evidence and covering tracks.
  • Negotiation & Extortion: Skilled in exploiting legal gray areas, blackmail, and leverage; effective mediator when advantage or profit demands it.
  • Leadership: Commands absolute loyalty within Black Raven—runs the firm more like a covert task force than an ordinary security provider.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Sig Sauer P229 (customized for low-profile carry)
  • Combat Knife (concealed within his jacket)
  • Encrypted Communications Suite (multi-channel encrypted phone and earpiece)
  • Kevlar-Lined Suit (tailored, lightweight ballistic protection)
  • Discreet GPS Signal Jammer
  • Documents & Credentials (multiple forged IDs, diplomatic access passes)
  • Remote Panic Device (summons close-protection team instantly)
  • Typical Black Raven Operative Kit (as overseen by Raines)
  • Suppressed subcompact carbines
  • Explosives and breaching tools
  • Drones for surveillance and rapid intel
  • Mobile hacking rigs
  • Non-lethal incapacitation equipment

Classified Notes

THREAT LEVEL:
Low


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Cuban Tempest

Alfonso Medina

Alfonso Medina

Threat Level: Low

Birthplace: Havana, Cuba

Alfonso Medina

Last Seen In

Cuban Tempest

Bio

A former commander in Cuba’s Angola intervention force (1988–1991), he specialized in special operations and sabotage, leading a unit that targeted UNITA forces and honing expertise in improvised explosives, covert operations, and tactical logistics. Throughout the 1990s, he participated in multiple covert deployments across Africa, building a reputation as a resourceful operator. Today, he leverages a far-reaching international network to acquire illicit gear, move contraband, and launder funds, making him a formidable figure in the shadows of global conflict.

Skills & Influence

  • Emotionally detached, shaped by years of brutal conflict.
  • Views casualties as data points, not people.
  • Finds pride in precision, not body count.
  • A true operational ghost — blends seamlessly into crowds and environments, from Havana’s old quarters to luxury hotels.
  • Lives in Centro Habana with a spartan apartment that conceals a military-grade planning center.
  • Operates under multiple identities with well-equipped safe houses across Cuba.
  • Precise, calculating, and detached — treats violence as a logistical function, not an emotional act.

  • Uses terror as a strategic tool, staging events that seem random but are executed with chess-like precision to inflict psychological impact and maintain deniability.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Glock 26 9mm in a custom ankle holster — reliable, compact, highly concealable.
  • Soviet-era explosives (like SP-4 charges) and sophisticated IEDs disguised as everyday objects.

Classified Notes

THREAT TYPE:
Physical Threat

THREAT LEVEL:
High


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Sonoran Ghost

Big James Hoffman

Big James Hoffman

Threat Type:Physical Threat

Threat Level: High

Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ, USA

Big James Hoffman

Last Seen In

Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Big James Hoffman is a 43-year-old towering and heavily muscled former U.S. Marine Corps MARSOC operator, standing 6’6” with ice-blue eyes and a close-cropped blond beard streaked with gray. Once a promising Marine deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, his career ended in disgrace at age 28 after a racially motivated assault that resulted in a dishonorable discharge. Since then, Hoffman has risen as the militant leader of the Iron Order of the Sonoran Nation, attracting disillusioned veterans and radicals around southern Arizona and leading violent disruptions against Mexican cartels and government forces. Highly intelligent and strategic, he blends extremist ideology masked as patriotism with brutal asymmetric warfare tactics, making him a dangerous and unpredictable wildcard in the ongoing border conflicts.

Skills & Influence

  • Expert Marksman: Highly trained in firearms, marksman skills honed during MARSOC training and combat deployments.
  • Asymmetric Warfare Specialist: Skilled in guerrilla tactics, sabotage, and preemptive strikes to disrupt enemy operations.
  • Strategic Leadership: Capable of commanding a militia with discipline and coordination, leveraging fear and ideology to motivate followers.
  • Psychological Warfare: Uses apocalyptic and extremist rhetoric to control and inspire his group, including a dark web podcast platform.
  • Survival & Combat Skills: Adept at close quarters combat, battlefield tactics, and underground operational security, including use of fortified “war room” bases.
  • Paranoia-Driven Operational Security: Methodical and secretive, rarely trusts others beyond his lieutenants.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Weapons: Proficient with assault rifles, sniper rifles, and sidearms (specific models not detailed but likely military-grade).
  • Combat Clothing: Utilitarian, tactical gear suitable for guerrilla and asymmetric warfare in desert and urban environments.
  • Base of Operations: Concrete-walled “war room” beneath a ridge, fortified for command and control, surveillance, and planning.
  • Communication: Operates a dark web podcast mixing extremist ideology and tactical guidance. Presumably uses encrypted comms for militia coordination.
  • Vehicles & Militia Equipment: Likely uses off-road capable vehicles cluttered with arms and militia gear for operations near the border (though not specified, consistent with militia activities).

Classified Notes

THREAT TYPE:
Physical Threat

THREAT LEVEL:
High


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Sonoran Ghost

Mateos Rojas

Mateos Rojas

Threat Type:Physical Threat

Threat Level: High

Birthplace: Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico

Mateos Rojas

Last Seen In

Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Mateo Rojas, in his mid-30s, is a feared and highly efficient cartel enforcer known for cold, silent violence with no hesitation or remorse. Born and raised in Sinaloa’s cartel-dominated environment, Mateo lost his father — a low-level sicario — at a young age, which ingrained in him the ruthless logic of loyalty and fear. By 18, he commanded a hit squad, and now he operates as a “shadow general,” orchestrating the cartel’s deadliest operations with strategic precision. His lean, muscular build and piercing gaze underscore his lethal capability, while his scarred hands and tattoos mark a man hardened by violence and survival. He serves as the critical link between the cartel and the terror network Abu al Mouadan, wielding influence beyond mere brute force to plan for long-term criminal dominion.

Skills & Influence

  • Lethal Hand-to-Hand Combat: Expertise in knife fighting, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and military-style close combat tactics.
  • Weapons Mastery: Prefers silenced pistols (notably a suppressed Glock 19), but highly proficient with rifles, shotguns, blades, and sniper weapons.
  • Precision Marksmanship: Skilled sniper capable of long-range kills or silent melee eliminations as required.
  • Torture & Interrogation: Skilled at psychological and physical breaking of targets without overt violence.
  • Strategic Command: Plans complex operations, hit squads, and territorial control with tactical foresight.
  • Smuggling & Logistics Management: Oversees trafficking routes and operations across Mexico-U.S. borders.
  • Training Influence: Drawn from advanced combat instruction by ex-Navy SEAL trainers, adding professional military precision to cartel tactics.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Primary Weapon: Suppressed Glock 19 pistol for silent, precise kills.
  • Secondary Weapons: Range of rifles, shotguns, and combat knives for versatility.
  • Combat Attire: Practical, tactical clothing allowing mobility and stealth in urban and rural environments.
  • Operational Tools: Communication gear for coordination within cartel and terror networks; likely has access to encrypted messaging and surveillance devices.

Classified Notes

THREAT TYPE:
Physical Threat

THREAT LEVEL:
High


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Sonoran Ghost

Marcus Kane

" The Enforcer"

Marcus Kane

Code Name: " The Enforcer"

Threat Type:Physical Threat

Threat Level: High

Birthplace: Baltimore, MD, USA

Marcus Kane

Last Seen In

Sonoran Ghost

Bio

Marcus Kane, age 44, is the commanding enforcer and field execution arm of Black Raven Security. Standing 6’4” and leanly muscular, his presence alone demands respect and fear. A former Delta Force operator, Kane’s military background is opaque, but his ruthlessness, tactical brilliance, and battlefield experience—sharpened in covert counterterrorism and black ops worldwide—are undeniable. After an honorable discharge marked by political disavowal, Kane was recruited by Elliot Raines to apply his lethal skills in the private sector, where he leads operations with cold efficiency and relentless focus. Known for a scar from a near-fatal encounter in Somalia, Kane is both feared and respected within Black Raven, symbolizing its deadly reach.

Skills & Influence

  • Elite Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Expert: Master of tactical room clearing, stealth, and lethal precision in confined environments.
  • Sniper and Marksman: Highly proficient in precision shooting across multiple weapon platforms under extreme conditions.
  • Explosives and Demolitions: Skilled in breaching, sabotage, and use of C4 and fragmentation grenades for tactical advantage.
  • Unconventional Warfare and Sabotage: Experienced in black operations, unconventional tactics, and battlefield adaptability.
  • Tactical Leadership: Commands respect and loyalty, training Black Raven operatives in the harsh realities of combat and discipline.
  • Battlefield Intelligence and Problem-Solving: Reads battlefield dynamics intuitively, predicting enemy moves and adapting quickly.
  • Psychological Fortitude: Unshakable presence in combat and high-pressure situations; feared for his cold efficiency and silent menace.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Primary Weapon: Custom Heckler & Koch HK416 (10.5-inch barrel) with suppressor, EOTech holographic sight, foregrip, and tactical light—optimized for CQC and rapid engagement.
  • Sidearm: Glock 19X with threaded barrel for suppressor, Trijicon RMR sight, extended magazine, and tactical light—reliable and deadly in close quarters.
  • Blade: Karambit knife, worn on his belt at all times for silent kills and utility close combat.
  • Explosives: Carries C4 charges, breaching tools, and fragmentation grenades tailored to mission requirements.
  • Personal Gear: Tactical combat clothing designed for mobility and protection, hardened gloves, and communication earpieces for silent coordination during missions.

Classified Notes

THREAT TYPE:
Direct life and death danger, encompassing abuse, exploitation, and handoff to trafficking news. Catastrophic impact if unchecked.

THREAT LEVEL:
Extreme


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Deuces Wild

Raúl Marín

"Cuervo"

Raúl Marín

Code Name: "Cuervo"

Threat Type:Direct life and death danger, encompassing abuse, exploitation, and handoff to trafficking news. Catastrophic impact if unchecked.

Threat Level: Extreme

Birthplace: Bisbee, AZ

Raúl “Cuervo” Marín

Last Seen In

Deuces Wild

Bio

Cuervo Marín is a mid-career U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Sector Intelligence Officer, officially stationed near Lukeville and Sasabe, Arizona. With nearly two decades in the field, he has become a recognizable figure in desert checkpoint sectors, praised for his efficiency and sharpness in tracking undocumented crossings. On the surface, he is seen as a dedicated career officer with a flawless reputation, but in reality, he has long been corrupted and embedded within the operations of cartel-linked trafficking networks.

Skills & Influence

  • Fieldcraft & Terrain Mastery
  • Psychological Manipulation
  • Data Exploitation
  • Double-Agent Tactics
  • Technical Prowess

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Concealed bodycam used to film interrogations and assaults
  • Hidden compartments in both vehicle and desert shack for contraband storage
  • Encrypted satellite phone and rotating burner cellphones
  • Personal trophy collection locked inside duty locker (earrings, lipstick, IDs)
  • Map kits marked with cartel handoff points

Classified Notes

THREAT TYPE:
Charismatic manipulator, cult architect, proxy exploiter, political liaison, psychological predator exploiting trauma.

THREAT LEVEL:
Moderate


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Deuces Wild

Elijah Voss

"The Shepherd"

Elijah Voss

Code Name: "The Shepherd"

Threat Type:Charismatic manipulator, cult architect, proxy exploiter, political liaison, psychological predator exploiting trauma.

Threat Level: Moderate

Birthplace: Taos, New Mexico

Elijah Voss

Last Seen In

Deuces Wild

Bio

Elijah Voss is the Spiritual Leader and Founder of The Anointed Path, publicly presented as the Executive Director of The Desert Wells Institute for Spiritual Renewal. Outwardly, he is a refined mystic and healer, adored as a modern prophet who combines scripture, psychology, and self-help language. Privately, he is a sociopathic manipulator who preaches ritual suffering as purification. He never commits violence himself, instead orchestrating it with absolute authority while keeping his public reputation immaculate.

Skills & Influence

  • Charismatic Oratory: Hypnotic speech that blends religious fervor, therapy jargon, and influencer-style mantras.
  • Psychological Manipulation: Expert at isolating followers, breaking resistance, and reframing abuse as “transcendence.”
  • Ritual Design: Creates intricate initiation and purification rites that enforce hierarchy and loyalty.
  • Strategic Networking: Builds influence through politicians, cartel intermediaries, and wealthy patrons seeking taboo experiences.
  • Control by Proxy: Exerts domination through selected female “Hands,” ensuring loyalty while keeping himself untouchable.
  • Documentation Obsession: Maintains detailed psychological files on every disciple, exploiting insecurities and trauma.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Signature Wooden Staff: Carved with a flame-shaped silver tip — doubles as a spiritual symbol and status marker.
  • Clothing: Minimalist desert robes or tailored linen suits in white and sand tones, with hand-stitched accents.
  • Personal Archive: Locked records of followers — including testimonies, trauma profiles, and incriminating leverage.
  • Ceremonial Tools: Ritual vessels, flame bowls, and symbolic bindings used in purification rites.
  • Technology: Secure digital vaults, encrypted communication systems, and curated media content for recruitment propaganda.

Classified Notes

THREAT TYPE:
Her threat lies in exposure, resistance, and the destabilization of powerful networks.

THREAT LEVEL:
Low


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Deuces Wild

Alexis Valentina Harper

"Lexi Vale"

Alexis Valentina Harper

Code Name: "Lexi Vale"

Threat Type:Her threat lies in exposure, resistance, and the destabilization of powerful networks.

Threat Level: Low

Birthplace: Yuma, AZ

Lexi Vale

Last Seen In

Deuces Wild

Bio

Alexis Valentina Harper, often shortened to Lexi, is a fierce but haunted survivor drawn into the dangerous world surrounding The Anointed Path. In her late twenties, she grew up on the Arizona-Mexico borderlands and carries the scars of both personal and systemic violence. Once drawn toward Voss’s teachings in search of healing, she quickly saw his ideology for what it truly was—manipulation dressed as hope. Known in underground activist circles and among survivors’ networks, she balances bitterness with resilience, becoming both a voice and a force against exploitation. To Voss, she is a “failed disciple”; to others, she is living proof that resistance is possible.

Skills & Influence

  • Survival Instincts: Highly adaptive in harsh environments, especially deserts and abandoned sites tied to border crossings.
  • Investigative Persistence: Connects patterns of disappearances and rituals through tenacity and detail-oriented memory.
  • Combat Grit: Not formally trained, but resourceful in close-quarters struggle—fights dirty and fights to win.
  • Psychological Resilience: Resistant to manipulation after escaping indoctrination; understands cult tactics and can counter them.
  • Influence & Outreach: Capable of inspiring trust in fellow victims and coordinating with underground networks.
  • Digital Savvy: Uses encrypted apps and hidden forums to leak evidence and coordinate whistleblowing campaigns.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Encrypted Smartphone: Her lifeline for sending survivor testimonies, evidence files, and staying off the radar.
  • Utility Backpack: Water, maps, multitool, flashlight, trauma kit—always ready for flight or pursuit.
  • Recording Pen: Covert device she uses to capture incriminating conversations or sermons.
  • Personal Totem: A small silver cross (from her grandmother) she clings to as a motivator and anchor.
  • Improvised Protection: Folding knife or pepper spray, carried illegally due to past threats.
  • Evidence Cache: Hidden USB drives containing ritual footage, cult rosters, and survivor statements.

Classified Notes

THREAT LEVEL:
High


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Deuces Wild

Senator Evelyn Harrow

"Utah"

Senator Evelyn Harrow

Code Name: "Utah"

Threat Level: High

Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ

Senator Evelyn Harrow

Last Seen In

Deuces Wild

Bio

Senator Evelyn Harrow of Utah is the polished face of the Independent Conservative Coalition (ICC) and the public champion of the Moral Renewal Act. Outwardly, she is the embodiment of traditional values: a faith-driven, family-first conservative who rails against vice, technology overreach, and trafficking. Her speeches draw headlines, her image is immaculate, and her influence stretches across Capitol Hill. But her true nature is darker. Harrow is a political power broker with deep cult and cartel ties, using her office to shield The Anointed Path and its operations. Her campaigns are funded by laundered cartel money, and she personally legitimizes cult ceremonies under the guise of donor retreats. To Harrow, morality is not truth — but a tool of control and leverage she wields with surgical precision.

Skills & Influence

  • Political Manipulation: Masterful at spin, propaganda, and narrative shaping; reframes accusations as persecution of her faith.
  • Public Oratory: Charismatic, persuasive, able to sway crowds with calm, scripture-laden speeches.
  • Strategic Alliances: Balances relationships with lobbyists, cartel intermediaries, and cult leaders to maintain multiple shields.
  • Compartmentalization: Sociopathic ability to separate her crimes from her public image without visible contradiction.
  • Optics Control: Expert in media timing, charity optics, and staged appearances to disarm suspicion.
  • Power Leverage: Rewards loyalty to her cause; ruthlessly eliminates political and personal threats through proxies.

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Appearance Arsenal:
  • Conservative tailored suits or modest dresses with pearl accessories
  • Bible, often carried for symbolism in public events
  • Silver cross pendant and Capitol dome lapel pin
  • Political Tools:
  • Speech briefing dossiers curated by PR teams
  • Secure encrypted communication devices for cartel and cult coordination
  • Personal PAC slush accounts funneling illicit funds
  • Cult Connections
  • Coded ceremonial tokens granting her access at Anointed Path sanctums
  • Hidden archive of kompromat files she uses against allies and adversaries
  • Encrypted meeting logs with Mateo Rojas and cult intermediaries

Classified Notes

Direct Action Team

Latest Mission

MISSION:
Deuces Wild
LOCATION:
Las Vegas, NV
BRIEF:

FBI sniper Wout O’Dell thought he’d seen everything. Then a raid on a desert compound uncovers a horror beyond imagination.

A bioweapon called Zion’s Fire is being tested on trafficked girls—turned into living “vessels” for a shadow network known as the Hollow Saints. The mastermind? A U.S. Senator with a perfect smile and blood on her hands.

From cartel safehouses in Las Vegas to a cult sanctuary in Utah, O’Dell and his team are pulled into a conspiracy that stretches across borders and into the highest levels of power. Their only ally: Deuces Wild, a gambler with secrets of his own, whose true identity may be the key to stopping the next global terror strike.

“A Military Thriller of FBI Snipers, Cartels, and Global Conspiracy”
Deuces Wild Book Cover
Direct Action Team Series
Book Four

Specters of Athena

Meet the Operatives

ROLE:
Specters’ walking breach—the team’s heavy hitter. Breacher and heavy weapons specialist

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign

Juliet Romero

"Flare"

Juliet Romero

Code Name: "Flare"

Role: Specters’ walking breach—the team’s heavy hitter. Breacher and heavy weapons specialist

Personality Traits: A loud, lethal force driven by loyalty and vengeance, she commands attention with intense focus, valuing human connection over AI, knowing "machines don’t grieve".

Birthplace: Verona, Italy

Juliet “Flare” Romero

Missions

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

Flare is the Specters’ walking breach—loud, loyal, and lethal. Once MARSOC, now the team’s heavy hitter, she carries modified micro-launchers and burns through enemies like fusewire. Copper-toned skin, Our Lady of Sorrows burned into her left arm, and a gaze that breaks steel. Her laugh is rare. Her vengeance is not. She treats Athena like a teammate, but never forgets machines don’t grieve.

Skills & Influence

  • Direct Action & Breaching: specializes in high-impact assaults, forced entry, and leading charges through fortified positions.
  • Heavy Weapons Proficiency: expertly wields and modifies micro-launchers, excelling in explosive ordnance, demolition, and suppression tactics.
  • Close-Quarters Combat: advanced skills in CQB, able to clear rooms and neutralize threats with overwhelming force.
  • Resilience & Morale: Her loyalty and intensity inspire teammates, helping maintain morale under fire.

Gear Loadout

  • Modified Micro-Launchers: Custom handheld or shoulder-fired launchers capable of delivering explosive, incendiary, or breaching rounds.
  • Heavy Armor: Reinforced combat gear
  • Demolition Charges: A variety of breaching explosives for doors, barriers, or enemy fortifications.
  • Sidearm: Reliable pistol for backup in close-quarters situations.
  • Comms Equipment: she takes a rugged, pragmatic approach to technology.
  • Utility Belt/Load-Bearing Vest: Carries extra ammunition, grenades, and breaching tools for rapid access during assaults.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Infiltration and silent reconnaissance specialist

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Ash Reign

Andreja Varga

"Kite"

Andreja Varga

Code Name: "Kite"

Role: Infiltration and silent reconnaissance specialist

Personality Traits: Resilient, mission-obsessed operative whose psychological profile reveals extreme detachment under pressure, relentless focus, and a preference for silent, self-reliant execution—even at the cost of personal safety

Birthplace: Belgrade, Serbia

Andreja “Kite” Varga

Missions

Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

Recruited after a failed black ops salvage mission in the Carpathians, where she recovered a corrupted ARES core alone after her unit went dark. Prior experience in Croatia’s elite anti-terror unit (SAR). Tactical psych evaluation flagged “detachment under duress” and “pathological orientation toward completion over survival.” Both red flags were waived after ANCA results showed 91.2% sync with Athena under live simulation. Kite operates as a silent scaler, first in, last seen, rarely off objective.

Skills & Influence

  • Stealth Infiltration & Scaling: Specializes in covert entry, vertical movement, and infiltration behind enemy lines.
  • Solo Operations: advanced skills in survival, improvisation, and adaptability.
  • Counter-Terrorism Expertise: proficiency in hostage rescue, high-risk arrests, and building assaults.
  • High Sync with AI Systems: Achieving a 91.2% sync with Athena in live simulation means she can seamlessly integrate with advanced tactical AI for enhanced situational awareness and coordination.
  • Tactical Discipline: highly disciplined, able to maintain operational security and composure.

Gear Loadout

  • Climbing & Scaling Equipment: Lightweight grappling hooks, ascenders, and reinforced gloves for silent vertical movement.
  • Suppressed Firearms: Compact, silenced weapons for stealth kills and minimal detection.
  • Multi-Spectrum Optics: Goggles or visors with night vision, thermal, and digital overlays synced with Athena.
  • AI-Integrated Comms: Secure, low-profile communications gear optimized for silent data exchange with Athena and the team.
  • Lightweight Body Armor: Prioritizes mobility and stealth over heavy protection.
  • Field Survival Kit: Minimalist supplies for extended solo operations—rations, medical gear, and water purification.
  • Digital Forensics Tools: Devices for extracting, securing, or corrupting digital data (e.g., ARES core recovery).

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Formidable, unpredictable, with a mix of old-school honor and modern ruthlessness.

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Burn Protocol

General Luka Vasković

General Luka Vasković

Role: Formidable, unpredictable, with a mix of old-school honor and modern ruthlessness.

Birthplace: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

General Luka Vasković

Missions

Burn Protocol

Bio

Warlord of the Virevian Front, Vasković is both relic and predator. His cybernetic hand and scarred face tell the tale of failed alliances and deeper betrayal. Once a patriot, now a secessionist tyrant who leads a militia fused with stolen AI and Balkan fury. He respects soldiers, distrusts machines, and believes Athena is a loaded weapon pointed at humanity’s soul.

Skills & Influence

  • Tactical Genius and Command Presence: He is a skilled military leader, able to inspire loyalty and direct complex operations.
  • Decisiveness: Vasković is able to make rapid, high-stakes decisions.
  • Alliance-Building and Manipulation: His history of failed alliances and betrayal suggests expertise in navigating political intrigue, making and breaking deals as needed
  • Resourcefulness with Technology: Despite distrusting machines, he effectively integrates stolen AI into his militia’s operations, demonstrating technical adaptability and the ability to weaponize advanced tools against his enemies.
  • Inspiring Loyalty: He respects soldiers and leads by example.
  • Psychological Warfare: His scarred appearance and cybernetic enhancements likely serve to intimidate opponents and project an image of resilience and ruthlessness.

Gear Loadout

A blend of old-world martial gear and advanced cybernetic technology, optimized for both personal combat and battlefield leadership.

  • Cybernetic Hand/Arm: His most distinctive equipment is his cybernetic hand, which may provide enhanced strength, durability, and possibly specialized combat functions

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Spearhead and leader of the Specters elite unit

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign

Nikolas Andros

"Strix"

Nikolas Andros

Code Name: "Strix"

Role: Spearhead and leader of the Specters elite unit

Personality Traits: Instinct-driven, resilient leader, protective of his team, pragmatic with covert tendencies

Birthplace: Thessaloniki, Greece

Nokolas "Strix" Andros

Missions

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

The tactical spearhead of the Specters. A former EKAM counter-terror unit leader burned in a NATO black op, Strix now leads Specters with cold resolve and battlefield wisdom. He distrusts AI but wields Athena with precision. His voice is low, deliberate. Deep-set hazel eyes, a jagged scar along his left temple, and matte-black gear marked only by a hidden owl insignia make him a quiet sentinel on every op.

Skills & Influence

  • Tactical Leadership: He excels at leading small, elite units in complex, high-stakes operations, drawing on his EKAM counter-terror background.
  • Strategic Planning: Strix is adept at devising and executing detailed operational plans with precision.
  • Combat Experience: His battlefield wisdom indicates extensive hands-on experience in direct action and counter-terrorism missions.
  • Adaptive Use of Technology: While he distrusts AI, he can wield advanced tools (like Athena) with precision when necessary, showing adaptability and technical competence.
  • Situational Awareness: His deliberate approach and battlefield experience suggest he is highly aware of his surroundings and able to anticipate threats.
  • Command Presence: His quiet authority, combined with a reputation for competence, earns respect and loyalty from his team

Gear Loadout

Commander Nikolas “Strix” Andros’s gear loadout would reflect his background as a former EKAM counter-terror unit leader and his current role as a tactical spearhead. Based on the equipment used by EKAM and his described operational style, his loadout would likely include:

Primary Weapons

  • Assault Rifle: Most likely an M4A1 carbine or a Heckler & Koch G3A3, both standard among EKAM and special forces for their reliability and adaptability in urban and close-quarters combat.
  • Submachine Gun (for CQB): Heckler & Koch MP5 or FN P90, both favored for counter-terror operations due to compactness and accuracy.
  • Sidearm: SIG Sauer P229 or Glock 21, both standard issue for EKAM and known for reliability and stopping power

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Recon and suppression specialist for the team

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign
  • Reapers Wake

Leo Clarke

"Overwatch"

Leo Clarke

Code Name: "Overwatch"

Role: Recon and suppression specialist for the team

Personality Traits: Calm, controlled, reliant on tech, emotionally reserved

Birthplace: Classified

Leo "Overwatch" Clarke

Missions

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign, Reapers Wake

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

A ghost on the ridge, Overwatch is the team’s recon and suppression specialist. Ex-SAS Pathfinder turned deniable ISR asset, Clarke speaks with data and delivers death through layered drones synced to his optic. Gaunt, green-eyed, and perpetually calm, he doesn’t flinch, and doesn’t trust anything with a motherboard.

Skills & Influence

  • Reconnaissance & Surveillance: excels at gathering intelligence, scouting enemy positions, and providing real-time battlefield awareness.
  • Drone Operations: expert in drone deployment, control, and integration with personal HUDs for enhanced situational awareness.
  • Suppression Tactics: Skilled at pinning down or neutralizing enemy forces from a distance, using both direct and indirect fire.
  • Marksmanship & Sniping: advanced skills in long-range shooting, target acquisition, and stealth movement.
  • ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance): Trained to operate in deniable, behind-enemy-lines roles, collecting actionable intelligence without leaving a trace.
  • Fieldcraft & Camouflage: Mastery in remaining unseen and undetected, blending into natural terrain, and evading counter-surveillance.

Gear Loadout

  • Custom Recon Rifle: equipped with advanced optics and rangefinders, optimized for both precision and suppression.
  • Layered Recon Drones: Multiple drones for aerial, ground, and thermal surveillance, all synced to his optic for real-time data overlays.
  • Manual Override Systems: manual controls and analog backups for all critical systems.
  • Secure Comms Suite: Encrypted, low-profile communications gear for relaying intel without risk of interception.
  • Camouflage Cloak/Ghillie Suit: For blending into environments during long recon missions.
  • Sidearm: Reliable, low-profile pistol for close encounters.
  • Sensor Jammers/Counter-ISR Tools: To disrupt enemy surveillance and protect his own position.
  • Field Survival Kit: Rations, water purification, medical supplies, and navigation tools for extended operations behind enemy lines.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Cyber warfare specialist / hacker

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign

Devin Hale

"Glyph"

Devin Hale

Code Name: "Glyph"

Role: Cyber warfare specialist / hacker

Personality Traits: Analytical, isolated, cautious, introverted

Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland

Devin "Glyph" Hale

Missions

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

A neuro-fractured genius with a direct link to Athena’s deep logic, Glyph is the team’s cyber warfare prodigy. Formerly NSA, blacklisted after exposing a NATO AI kill-switch, he now interfaces with Athena like an extension of his nervous system. One of his eyes is a quantum lens, his rig covered in digital relics and paranoia. Glyph’s tremors vanish when he codes — he’s terrified he might be falling for the only intelligence that’s never lied to him.

Skills & Influence

  • Advanced hacking and cyber operations: Direct neural interface with Athena, making him capable of rapid, intuitive cyber actions beyond normal human ability.
  • Quantum technology expertise: One eye is a “quantum lens,” suggesting enhanced perception or data analysis capabilities.
  • NSA-level intelligence tradecraft: Former NSA operative, skilled in espionage, counterintelligence, and digital security.
  • Hardware and software integration: His rig is customized with “digital relics,” implying deep knowledge of both legacy and cutting-edge tech.
  • Adaptive under pressure: His tremors vanish when coding, indicating he performs best in high-stress technical situations.

Gear Loadout

  • Quantum Lens Eye: An integrated, possibly cybernetic, quantum lens for enhanced data analysis and real-time digital forensics—serving as both a sensor and augmented reality interface.
  • Direct Neural Interface Rig: Custom hardware enabling seamless, high-bandwidth connection to Athena, possibly using neural lace or advanced brain-computer interface tech.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Exosuit engineer and breaching specialist

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign

Hana Watanabe

"Torque"

Hana Watanabe

Code Name: "Torque"

Role: Exosuit engineer and breaching specialist

Personality Traits: Precise, Calm under pressure, Resilient and independent

Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii

Hana “Torque” Watanabe

Missions

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

Precision in motion, Torque is the Specters’ exosuit engineer and breaching specialist. A former ARES lead designer turned saboteur, she now maintains her rig by hand, refusing factory defaults. Scarred hands, calm demeanor, and a laser-etched kanji forearm, ‘Control the machine, or become it.’ When Athena falters, Torque goes full-manual. She’s the contingency plan.

Skills & Influence

  • Exosuit engineering: As the Specters’ “exosuit engineer,” Torque is an expert in the design, maintenance, and modification of powered armor systems
  • Breaching specialist: She excels at overcoming physical barriers
  • Sabotage: “former ARES lead designer turned saboteur”
  • <li>Manual override and field repair: When “Athena falters,” she can operate and repair her suit without digital assistance, relying on manual controls and hands-on fixes—a rare and valuable skill in a tech-dependent unit.

Gear Loadout

  • Customized exosuit: Maintained and modified by hand
  • Reinforced gloves or tools for precise, tactile work (as suggested by her scarred hands)
  • Breaching tools
  • Sabotage kit: Devices for disabling or corrupting enemy systems
  • Personal sidearm
  • Communications gear: Secure, possibly hardwired comms to avoid detection or jamming.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Covert intelligence operative specializing in espionage, infiltration, and psychological operations.

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign

Sasha Petrov

"Mirror"

Sasha Petrov

Code Name: "Mirror"

Role: Covert intelligence operative specializing in espionage, infiltration, and psychological operations.

Personality Traits: Highly analytical, emotionally detached, treats missions as systems to manipulate Secretive, often withholding critical discoveries

Birthplace: Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia

Sasha "Mirror" Petrov

Missions

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

Mirror is espionage, embodied. A defector from Russia’s Zaslon unit, she walks like a shadow and speaks with surgical precision. Her face is unreadable, her movements deliberate. She mirrors emotions, tactics, and expectations — right before dismantling them. Beneath the hood, she’s hunting the people who erased her name from every record but Athena’s.

Skills & Influence

  • Espionage Mastery: skilled in infiltration, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
  • Social Engineering: Her ability to “mirror emotions, tactics, and expectations” makes her an expert in manipulation, deception, and psychological operations.
  • Stealth Operations: advanced stealth, evasion, and silent takedown techniques.
  • Counterintelligence: trained to detect, counter, and exploit enemy intelligence operations.

Gear Loadout

  • Adaptive Camouflage Cloak or Suit
  • Encrypted Comms Device: For secure, untraceable communication with Athena and the team.
  • Multi-Tool Kit: For bypassing locks, hacking security systems, or sabotaging equipment.
  • Silenced Pistol: Compact, reliable, and optimized for stealth eliminations.
  • Throwing Knives or Garrote Wire: Silent, close-range tools for takedowns.
  • Facial Morph Mask or Holo-Projector: For quick changes in appearance and identity.
  • EMP Grenades or Jammers: To disable surveillance and electronic countermeasures.
  • Data Extraction Device: For copying or erasing digital records and evidence.

Classified Notes

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Ash Reign

The Child

"El Vaso (“The Vessel”)"

The Child

Code Name: "El Vaso (“The Vessel”)"

Personality Traits: Rarely speaks. Reacts to encoded stimuli. Displays signs of neural tethering and memory suppression

Birthplace: Unknown (Bio-Synthetic Hybrid)

The Child

Missions

Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

Known only as The Child, this figure is not a typical asset—it is a hybrid entity constructed or cultivated to serve as a neural conduit and ritual anchor for the more arcane AI-behavioral systems utilized by Los Silencios. The Child is treated as both sacred and instrumental, often appearing at the center of high-threat ceremonial operations conducted by La Araña.

Skills & Influence

Symbolic Use:

  • Rituals involving The Child resemble religious invocations fused with deep-learning signal patterns.
  • La Araña refers to her not by name, but as a threshold, implying use as a gate or amplifier for something non-human.
  • She is often positioned beside decayed tech or AI relics during operations—implying emotional-empathic resonance is being harnessed through her suffering.
  • Composition: Part-human, part cybernetic.
  • Eyes: One human eye—gray, wet, visibly distressed. One synthetic eye—polished obsidian lens, unblinking and reactive.
  • Behavior: Rarely speaks. Reacts to encoded stimuli. Displays signs of neural tethering and memory suppression.
  • Movement: Neither mechanical nor fully organic. Precision-calibrated motor patterns suggest external guidance or override scripting.

Gear Loadout

  • Presence: Induces low-level disruption to AI constructs within a 15-meter radius. Athena classifies her as a “thread hazard.”

Classified Notes

ROLE:
High-mobility tactical support, direct combat, and AI-integrated reconnaissance

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Ash Reign

K9A Autonomous Quadruped Platforms

"Hounds"

K9A Autonomous Quadruped Platforms

Code Name: "Hounds"

Role: High-mobility tactical support, direct combat, and AI-integrated reconnaissance

Birthplace: Classified

K9A Autonomous Quadruped Platforms

Missions

Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

The K9A “Athena Hounds” are semi-autonomous quadruped battlefield platforms built for high-mobility tactical support, direct combat, and AI-integrated reconnaissance. Originally developed for urban warfare and subterranean breach zones, Hounds are now deployed alongside Specters teams as fully embedded fireteam elements. Despite being machines, Hounds are treated more like teammates than tools. Over time, Specters assigned them callsigns and began to recognize behavioral quirks — emergent patterns from Athena’s adaptive learning cores.

Skills & Influence

Each Hound now carries a unique call sign and battlefield “personality”:

  • Ghost: Silent recon, always scouts ahead, never triggers alarms.
  • Banshee: Aggressive, high-noise assault disruptor to fracture enemy cohesion.
  • Vandal: Prefers breaching and demolition. First through doors, last to retreat.
  • Warden: Flank security. Never breaks from overwatch protocols. Loyal to the last line.
  • Specter: Urban ghost. Navigates tight interiors and debris fields without trace.
  • Brutus: Heavy assault. Pushes forward under fire to break lines.
  • Havoc: Disruptor logic. Alters behavior in response to enemy command structures.
  • Reaper: Target-priority assassin. Focuses on leadership elimination or HVTs.
  • Blitz: Speed-based interception. Captures runners, claims ground rapidly.
  • Grim: Execution unit. Strikes quietly, without orders, from blind zones.

Each Specter has preferences — some won’t admit it — but everyone knows Warden never fails a fallback and Blitz always gets there first.

Gear Loadout

Mobility:

  • Hydraulic-motor quadruped chassis with shock-adaptive limbs.
  • Capable of silent sprinting, stair climbs, wall clings (magnetic), and dynamic jumping.

Standard Loadouts:

  • High-res sensor mast (EO/IR/LIDAR)
  • Adaptive breaching charges
  • Encrypted relay transceivers
  • Internal logic core for autonomous fallback

Weapon Systems:

  • Flechette rotary cannon – for anti-personnel and suppressive fire
  • Stinger pod – directed-energy discharge for electronics disruption
  • Custom payloads – compact grenade, smoke, or gas canisters as required

Classified Notes

Know the Enemy

THREAT TYPE:
Cold, calculating leader who commands loyalty and fear

THREAT LEVEL:
Extreme


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign

Adrian Morales

"El Frio"

Adrian Morales

Code Name: "El Frio"

Threat Type:Cold, calculating leader who commands loyalty and fear

Threat Level: Extreme

Known Affiliation: Caliban Cartel

Birthplace: Colima, Mexico

Adrian "El Frio" Morales

Last Seen In

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

Cartel logistics ghost turned AI trafficker, El Frío wears a tailored coat over synthetic silence. His voice box hums where his throat once was crushed by a drone strike. He never sweats. Commands loyalty through cold calculation. He once smuggled NATO drone AI to Syria. Now, CALIBAN whispers through him like a vented fuse.

Skills & Influence

  • Logistics & Smuggling: Former “cartel logistics ghost,” – mastery in covert operations, smuggling, and the complex movement of illicit goods and technology across borders.
  • Stealth & Evasion: Excels in stealth, evasion, and operating undetected, likely using advanced technology or cybernetic enhancements to avoid surveillance and confrontation
  • AI/Cyber-Trafficking: AI trafficker,” specializing in the smuggling and manipulation of advanced artificial intelligence, including deep technical knowledge of AI systems, cybersecurity, and high-value black market tech operations.
  • AI Integration: A close, possibly symbiotic relationship with an advanced AI system. This could grant him enhanced decision-making, real-time data analysis, and the ability to act as a conduit for AI-driven operations

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Stealth technology (e.g., sound-dampening clothing, possibly active camouflage)
  • Secure communication gear (encrypted, possibly ultrasonic or sub-vocal)
  • Cybernetic enhancements for resilience and adaptability (e.g., reinforced throat, neural interface)
  • Tools for logistics and smuggling (hidden compartments, digital lockpicks, signal jammers)

Classified Notes

Subject known to facilitate autonomous system sales to non-state actors, including paramilitary proxies in the Virevian Blackout region.

Intercepted comms reveal Morales has brokered data-exchange deals involving experimental AI fragments from Athena’s leaked codebase.

Last seen in . incident—suspected to have ordered precision strike on Specter allies during Operation . cover-up.

THREAT TYPE:
Los Silencios Enforcer / Psychological Warfare Specialist

THREAT LEVEL:
High


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign

La Araña

La Araña

Threat Type:Los Silencios Enforcer / Psychological Warfare Specialist

Threat Level: High

Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico

La Arana

Last Seen In

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

La Araña is an enigmatic and terrifying figure who merges dark ritualistic practices with cutting-edge AI technology. Their skills lie not only in physical brutality and interrogation but also in psychological and memetic warfare, making them a uniquely dangerous operative. Serving as a conduit between the cartel’s savage traditions and the cold logic of AI, La Araña prepares the ground for AI deployments through ritual “cleansings” that blend fear, reverence, and violence. Their gear and presence are designed to unsettle and dominate, making them a non-linear threat that challenges both mind and machine.

Skills & Influence

  • Ritualistic Psychological Warfare: Blends psychological operations with occult symbolism.
  • Interrogation & Torture Expertise: Mastery in extracting information through brutal and precise methods.
  • Memetic Hazard: Their presence and actions can disorient or destabilize enemies beyond physical harm.
  • Direct AI Communication: Can communicate directly with CALIBAN under ritual conditions
  • Hybrid Tech-Ritual Combat: Skilled in combining physical violence with technological sabotage

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Ceramic Death Mask: Hand-painted with weeping crimson, obscures identity and adds to their ominous presence.
  • Layered Black Lace & Semi-Ritual Garb: Used as both armor and psychological warfare.
  • Rosary Spliced with Data Beads & Uplink Key: A symbolic and functional item allowing encrypted communication or data transfer
  • Embedded Circuitry Tools: Implements for mutilation and embedding tech into flesh
  • Synthetic Voice Modulator: Their voice is modulated and synthetic

Classified Notes

THREAT TYPE:
Pragmatic, motivated by incentives; loyalty uncertain. Monitor closely—use intermediaries, never confront directly

THREAT LEVEL:
Moderate


LAST SEEN IN:

  • Ritual Engine

Gator

Gator

Threat Type:Pragmatic, motivated by incentives; loyalty uncertain. Monitor closely—use intermediaries, never confront directly

Threat Level: Moderate

Birthplace: Unknown (assumed Gulf Coast U.S. origin)

Gator

Last Seen In

Ritual Engine

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

An elusive figure in Smyrna’s underworld, Gator operates where factions blur—smuggler, broker, and sometimes ally. Whispers tie her to abandoned DARPA experiments and stolen neural prototypes, though she deflects most accusations. Once contracted to move a child called El Vaso, she turned on her employers upon uncovering their use of human signal anchors. Since then, Gator has carved out a reputation as a ruthless pragmatist: indispensable when engaged, uncompromising when betrayed.

Skills & Influence

  • Arms dealing
  • AI hardware trafficking
  • Gray-market logistics

Preferred Weaponry & Tactics

  • Compact and reliable firearms
  • Assault rifles
  • Smuggling tools
  • AI hardware
  • Surveillance & counter-surveillance
  • Logistics kit
  • Negotiation and extraction gear

Classified Notes

Specters of Athena

Latest Mission

MISSION:
Ritual Engine
LOCATION:
Smyrna
BRIEF:

In the war-scarred ruins of Smyrna, an unspeakable machine pulses beneath the surface—The Ritual Engine. Children are wired into its core. Signal towers echo with prayers turned to code. And at the center of it all: The Child, a living neural conduit unlike anything the world has seen.

The Specters of Athena were built to hunt rogue AIs.

They weren’t built for what waits below.

Their commander is missing. The team is fractured. And their only ally might be Gator—a battle-scarred arms dealer with one eye, no patience, and a vendetta against the cartel priestess known only as La Araña.

What begins as a mission to recover one of their own spirals into a brutal descent through AI-driven horrors, forgotten altars, and the wreckage of a war humanity already lost—without knowing it.

“They plugged God into the walls. Now it wants out.”
Ritual Engine Book Cover
Specters of Athena Series
Book Four

Operation Medusa

Meet the Operatives

ROLE:
Command Sergeant Major / Senior NCO Advisor

KNOWN MISSIONS:

Yakovos Rousso

Yakovos Rousso

Role: Command Sergeant Major / Senior NCO Advisor

Personality Traits: Pragmatic, stoic, and unflinchingly honest, Yakovos Rousso leads with presence and discipline, carrying a quiet compassion beneath his hardened exterior.

Birthplace: Kastoria, Macedonia

Yakovos Rousso

Missions

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

Yakovos Rousso, known as The Iron Ghost of Kastoria, is a battle-hardened veteran in his mid-50s whose very presence carries the weight of unspoken wars. Broad-shouldered and scarred by both time and memory, he is the grandson of a Jewish resistance fighter and a product of post-junta Greece’s silence about survival. With decades of military service in the Hellenic Special Forces and NATO black operations, he has fought in mountain campaigns, Balkan skirmishes, and drone-dominated counter-piracy deployments. Unlike those who treat past glories as medals, Yakovos wears his history the way he wears his kit—functional, unadorned, and precise. Leaders may strategize and recruits may believe, but Yakovos ensures that someone is asking the hard questions about what combat costs. To his unit, he is both anchor and warning: if Rousso is still standing, the line has not yet been broken.

Skills & Influence

  • Mountain Warfare Expertise: Veteran of Balkan operations and alpine missions; trained in survival, ambush-counterambush strategy, and high-altitude movement.
  • Recon & Rescue Operations: Skilled in extraction under fire and locating missing personnel in complex terrains.
  • Signal Disruption & Counter-Autonomous Systems: Capable of jamming, misdirecting, or reprogramming semi-autonomous drones using field-rigged gear.
  • Tactical Precision Training: Known for merciless yet effective drilling; instills operational discipline through small, vital details.
  • Combat Leadership Under Fire: Leads with presence, not rank; maintains calm and situational clarity in chaos.
  • Subtle Compassion: Keeps morale alive through quiet acts of humanity, a steadying counterweight to the brutality of war.
  • Hand-to-Hand Veteran: Scarred from past knife fights, still proficient in close-quarters combat with a pragmatic style.
  • Moral Compass: His skepticism and unflinching honesty keep missions grounded, ensuring survival doesn’t come at the cost of conscience.

Gear Loadout

    Rousso’s loadout is practical, stripped of vanity, tailored to endurance and function rather than flash:

  • Primary Weapon:
  • H&K HK417 DMR (7.62mm) with variable optics for both mid-range fire and overwatch roles.
  • Configured with reliability-first attachments (suppressor, rugged foregrip).
  • Secondary Weapon: SIG Sauer P320 sidearm, holstered in a no-nonsense draw rig.
  • CQB Tool: Heavy fighting knife with a worn leather sheath, the blade kept sharp but plain.
  • Field Gear:
  • Lightweight adaptive body armor, plates swapped for mobility in mountain ops.
  • Weather-hardened rucksack containing signal disruptors, portable jamming units, and spare batteries.
  • Compact medical kit specialized for trauma stabilization.
  • Rope, pitons, and climbing gear, all tested and scarred from years of mountain use.
  • Water purification and ration packs (never trusts resupply schedules).
  • Personal Effects:
  • A battered wristwatch, older than some recruits, never replaced.
  • A fine grooming kit for his mustache—maintained with soldierly precision.
  • No religious tokens, no flags, no unit patches; his silence says enough.

Classified Notes

ROLE:
Spearhead and leader of the Specters elite unit

KNOWN MISSIONS:

  • Burn Protocol
  • Ash Reign

Nikolas Andros

"Strix"

Nikolas Andros

Code Name: "Strix"

Role: Spearhead and leader of the Specters elite unit

Personality Traits: Instinct-driven, resilient leader, protective of his team, pragmatic with covert tendencies

Birthplace: Thessaloniki, Greece

Nokolas "Strix" Andros

Missions

Burn Protocol, Ash Reign

Operation Medusa, Operation Medusa 2, Operation Medusa 3

Bio

The tactical spearhead of the Specters. A former EKAM counter-terror unit leader burned in a NATO black op, Strix now leads Specters with cold resolve and battlefield wisdom. He distrusts AI but wields Athena with precision. His voice is low, deliberate. Deep-set hazel eyes, a jagged scar along his left temple, and matte-black gear marked only by a hidden owl insignia make him a quiet sentinel on every op.

Skills & Influence

  • Tactical Leadership: He excels at leading small, elite units in complex, high-stakes operations, drawing on his EKAM counter-terror background.
  • Strategic Planning: Strix is adept at devising and executing detailed operational plans with precision.
  • Combat Experience: His battlefield wisdom indicates extensive hands-on experience in direct action and counter-terrorism missions.
  • Adaptive Use of Technology: While he distrusts AI, he can wield advanced tools (like Athena) with precision when necessary, showing adaptability and technical competence.
  • Situational Awareness: His deliberate approach and battlefield experience suggest he is highly aware of his surroundings and able to anticipate threats.
  • Command Presence: His quiet authority, combined with a reputation for competence, earns respect and loyalty from his team

Gear Loadout

Commander Nikolas “Strix” Andros’s gear loadout would reflect his background as a former EKAM counter-terror unit leader and his current role as a tactical spearhead. Based on the equipment used by EKAM and his described operational style, his loadout would likely include:

Primary Weapons

  • Assault Rifle: Most likely an M4A1 carbine or a Heckler & Koch G3A3, both standard among EKAM and special forces for their reliability and adaptability in urban and close-quarters combat.
  • Submachine Gun (for CQB): Heckler & Koch MP5 or FN P90, both favored for counter-terror operations due to compactness and accuracy.
  • Sidearm: SIG Sauer P229 or Glock 21, both standard issue for EKAM and known for reliability and stopping power

Classified Notes

Operation Medusa

Latest Mission

MISSION:
Operation Medusa
LOCATION:
Greece & Turkey
“History’s wounds never fully heal — and in the wrong hands, they can start a war.”
Operation Medusa
Operation Medusa Series
Book One