For as long as Brock has been working with the Asset now, he still has a lot to learn about the guy. The longer he's kept out of the ice, the more Brock finds himself learning, too. There's something new every mission, it seems. And if Brock isn't uncovering something, Jack is reporting back to him with some odd interaction that only tells them both that the man under the mask is starting to creep his way to the surface quicker and quicker.
This mission is different. Brock hates the ones that involve safe houses, because that means they'll be working with the same squad for several days. Sometimes, they get stuck with the same sorry group of guys for weeks, and there's only so much time one can spend in the same house with the same six other guys. It's why Brock brings books, and lots of them.
At this particular safe house, though, they're met by an occupant of the house and surrounding lands. This is something they've never encountered before. The houses are usually checked and double checked to be clear, but then Brock's pretty sure no one ever checks for dogs.
As they're approaching the house on foot, a mutt, as he can only think to describe it, comes running up to them all, tail wagging away, and barks a greeting. It nearly skids to a stop at the Soldier's feet and sits, staring up at him with bright blue eyes, almost the same shade as his own.
Brock glances at Jack, who takes a breath and stares at the dog in worry. They've honestly never experienced this before. The Asset has never encountered animals on the field that weren't trained to attack. Brock can see the worry on Jack's face.
The Asset lowers himself to a crouch, hands coming up to rest around the scruff of the dog's neck. He seems to be feeling around, maybe searching for something. He looks up at Brock. "No identification or collar," he says softly.
"Then no one'll miss the thing," Agent Jennings says, stepping up to the Soldier's side and aiming his gun down at the dog.
Brock knows what Jennings' reasoning is, but he hates it. A dog barks when it's excited. Why would a dog that's supposed to be alone in the woods bark? People. It could give them away. But Brock doesn't want to see the thing killed. By the way Jack reaches for his own gun and takes a threatening step forward, he clearly doesn't want to see it either. Neither of them are that level of depraved. Yet.
Brock hopes he never will be.
Before Jennings even fully gets into position for a shot, though, he's laid out on his back, the Asset's boot firmly in the middle of his chest. The dog is growling down at him, too, teeth bared dangerously in a facsimile, Brock imagines, of the expression the Asset is wearing under his mask.
The Asset leans down, pressing heavily on the boot on Jennings' chest. He pulls his mask off and looks right into the other man's eyes.
"You lay a goddamn hand on this dog, even to pet it, you'll have to put in a requisition for your own replacements," the Soldier says, lifting his left hand in front of Jennings. "And they don't make 'em like they used to."
Jennings groans in pain and stares up at the Soldier, gasping for breath. After a moment, the Soldier clicks his tongue twice and steps back. The dog stops growling immediately and moves to his side, following him eagerly into the house.
Brock and Jack move to stand over Jennings while the rest of the squad head inside after the Asset and his new dog, because… well, for the length of this mission, that dog is his now. Brock crosses his arms over his chest and looks down at Jennings.
"You really are that level of stupid, ain't ya?" Brock asks, smirking down at the man on the ground.
Jack chuckles and nudges Jennings' side with the toe of his boot. "Get up, idiot. You're acting like a super soldier just knocked you on your ass or something." He grins wickedly and steps over Jennings, headed for the house.
Brock chuckles in turn. "Run a perimeter, Jennings. Report inside when you're done. And then you're on first watch tonight. Got it?"
Jennings nods softly. "Yes, Sir."
"And remember," Brock says as he walks away, "don't touch the dog."