Disclaimer:
I do not own Love Hina or anything from Red Dawn. Any other characters used in this fic are mine, however.
Chapter 9 – Counter-Strike
June 23rd - Near the coastline
The Hinata Resistance force of seven members waited patiently near the rendezvous site. Su was able to get in contact with the Americans using the radio Greg had left behind, informing them of their situation. After an hour of convincing them that it wasn't some sort of trick, they agreed to meet the Special Forces – according to Greg's CO, they're going to bring some new 'toys' to play with.
Keitaro mused at the thought: some new weapons and equipment would definitely come in handy. With the Mi-24 choppers patrolling the roads and forests daily, he and the others had to keep a low profile. They were already low on the basic necessities to survive in the forest, not to mention the lack of weapons and ammo. Just then, the silhouette of a two zodiac boats came into view. Seven camouflaged figures, heavily armed, dismounted and quickly set up a perimeter. To everyone's surprise, Greg was among the SF soldiers. The young lieutenant stepped put of the boat and approached Keitaro.
"It's good to see you again," he said.
"What are you doing her Greg?" asked Mutsumi.
"The brass thought that it would be best for me to come. If we had only sent the SEAL team alone, they were afraid that you might get spooked," he replied. "One they heard what had happened, they decided to give you what you'll need."
Greg's tone of voice lowered. "I'm…I'm sort about what happened to your friend, Shinobu."
"Thanks…we really appreciate what you and your people are doing for us," Keitaro replied solemnly. Just then, one of the SEALs approached Keitaro and Greg.
"This is Lieutenant Stevens, he' and his team will be conducting operations in the area," said Greg.
"Nice to meet you, sir," said Keitaro. He stuck out his hand and Stevens shook it.
"Likewise," said Stevens. "We have the equipment that you and your people are going to be needing. We also have some weapons that'll make taking down those attack choppers a lot easier."
"Thanks, we really appreciate your help," said Naru.
Stevens looked at the group, then back to Keitaro. "Alright, down to business; the US is planning on conducting Special Operations in the southern and eastern parts of Japan. We're also beginning to increase air operations as well," said Stevens. " I'm not sure if you already knew this, but apparently there are other resistance groups operating in and around most major cities. So far, we've already established communications with several of these groups.
"So where do we fit in?" asked Mutsumi.
"Here's what has happened so far: the war has turned in favor of NATO troops in Europe, causing massive buildups on the western fronts. This means that forces operating in Asia have been weakened due to supply shortages," said Stevens. "And, it also means that liberation of Japan is close at hand."
The last part brought excitement to Keitaro and the others. They had never thought that help would come for them. Now their drea of returning home would soon be realized – if they'd live long enough to see it.
"When can your forces begin the liberation," asked Keitaro.
"Soon, but our first priority it to take out ALL strategic structures and systems. That includes bridges, power plants, and so forth. And to do that involves the Navy and Air Force in cooperation with Special Forces as well as all organized resistance groups."
"Basically we're going to help find and destroy those targets, as well as play search-and-rescue," replied Naru.
"That's the plan."
Keitaro turned toward the others. All of them nodded in approval, understanding what was now expected of them. No longer where they fighting at random – from this point forward, their existence had a new meaning and a new mission.
"All right then Lieutenant Stevens," responded Keitaro. "Where do we begin."
~~
June 24th – Outside the Hinata Domestic Airport.
Haruka and Kitsune scanned the airport with the nighvision scope the Americans provided. Through the eyepiece, the area was bathed with a green hue exposing their primary objective – the Mi-24 helicopters parked on the tarmac. Before they could start any type of operation, it was decided that the choppers must be destroyed. Equipped with C4 plastic explosives, they'd plant each at key areas of the base, making sure to cause enough damage. Satisfied that the area was clear, they signaled the others.
"Is everyone ready," asked Keitaro. Everyone nodded. "Then lets get to work. Everyone knows what to do – just be careful, and come back in one piece."
With that he, Naru, Su, and Motoko silently approached their targets. The plan is to have them infiltrate the base and plant the explosives, while the rest covered their retreat. All four of them carried a silenced MP5. It amazed all of them when they first test fired it – the only sound it made was reminiscent of a BB gun firing. Hopefully they'd eliminate any threat without raising an alarm. There was one hitch – two choppers had lifted off the tarmac when they arrived, but this time they were ready. Haruka, Mutsumi, and Kitsune had the one weapon that would even the playing field – along with the machinegun, they brought the Stinger AA missile launcher. It was simple to operate and effective; it's a heat-guided weapon, and the heat signature the Hind produces will make it easy prey.
Keitaro and the others had made it to the fence, and began to cut it open. Two soldiers guarding the perimeter started to approach their position. Without hesitation, Motoko and Naru shouldered their weapons and fired a short muffled burst, effectively cutting their adversaries down. Sweeping the area, they entered the airport. Parts of the of the compound was bathed in light, but it looked as though no one expected an attack. They all turned and nodded to each other, and went to work.
~~
Kitsune kept her eyes fixed toward the horizon. She had the walkie-talkie in her hand, ready to cal the others of any dangers coming their way. Kitsune was determined not to lose any of her friends – not after what had happened to Shinobu. Just then, the speaker came to life.
"Kitsune, this is Keitaro: we're all done here and are on our way back. Over."
Kitsune pressed the talk button. "Roger that, Keitaro. So far everything looks clear. Over"
"Understood. Remember our plan: once we leave the base, we wait until the two choppers come back. When they do, we'll spring our surprise. Over."
"Wilco. Out," replied Kitsune. She then turned to Mutsumi and Haruka. "They're on their way back…keep an eye out for trouble." All of them switched the safeties off of their rifles as they waited for the others to return.
~~
All four made it back to the fence, both acknowledging that their task has been completed. One by one they slipped through the hole in the fence, making sure not to draw any attention from any more sentries. Fate unfortunately, had different ideas.
The two Mi-24's had arrived, the sound of their rotor blades made an unnerving hum in the night air. Just as they approached or landing, one of the guards found the two bodies of heir comrades, and the alarm sounded. Soon searchlights flooded the area and guards began to pour out of some of the buildings. Keitaro, Naru, Motoko, and Su were almost halfway back to the others when a flare illuminated the sky, revealing their position. Angry shouts rang from the compound, and soon they found themselves engulfed in a sea of green tracers.
~~
Major Grokov was busy in his office, going over the day's reports. Just then, one of his officers bursts in.
"Comrade Major, we have a situation, sir! Rebels have breached the perimeter and are trying to escape!"
Hastily, Grokov stood up, knocking over the chair he was sitting in. "Sound the alarm and have all the men at their stations. Don't let any of them get away!"
Colonel Kazchnya's words echoed in his head. Grabbing his sidearm and coat, Grokov rushed outside – he was determined to crush his slippery adversaries once and for all. If he didn't, it would mean being sent to a Gulag.
~~
"Make a run for it!" shouted Su. The others didn't have to be told twice. As fast as they could, they ran back to the safety of the tree line. The choppers began to target the group as Haruka and Kitsune aimed the stinger missiles. A loud tone ringed out, signaling a missile lock. Without hesitation, both of them let the missile loose toward their targets. A streak of light nearly blinded them as the two choppers erupted into a ball of fire. Shards of metal rained down on the base as automatic fire escalated. The soldiers were now enraged, baying for the blood of the Hinata Resistance. The tree line was raked with green light and hot lead; splinters of wood and puffs of dirt surrounded the area, but none of the rounds hit its intended target. Making sure that everyone was accounted for, Motoko pulled out the detonator and switched off the safety cap. Taking one last look at the airport, she pressed the trigger.
~~
Grokov was busy trying to coordinate an attack, when he saw the choppers go down in flames. He ordered the rest of the pilots to take off and search the woods. Just as he was about to issue another command to his troops, the C4 explosives went off. The major was blown off of his feet as everything around him was engulfed in flames. While trying to get up, a secondary explosion sent a large chunk of shrapnel plunging into his chest. The last thing Grokov though was not of his family or his mortality, nor was it of the Motherland– he felt relief that his demise was a fitting end to a soldier. He would no longer have to endure the harshness of Colonel Kazchnya. Darkness overtook his mind and body as he lay on the tarmac.
~~
A series of explosions rocked the airport. The fuel and ammo dumps blew into thousands of pieces; secondary explosions soon followed causing more havoc for those who remained inside. Twenty-two attack choppers, fully armed and gassed also followed suit. Many of the soldiers and pilots where instantly engulfed by the fire and debris caused by the explosions. Fire made the night sky light up the area as clear as day, while thick, black smoke raised up from the carnage. All gunfire ceased as flames licked at several of the buildings. It was a somber moment; the entire scene had a hypnotic affect, being both horrific and mesmerizing.
"That was for Shinobu," remarked Motoko. All of them nodded in silent agreement as the retreated back to the safety of the forest. They had avenged their friend Shinobu, but they all knew that it wouldn't bring her back. Gathering up the rest of the weapons, they left for camp.
With the air threat now gone, all that remained is to prepare for what they had been waiting for since the start of the resistance– retaking their home once and for all.
***
A/N – Well, chapter 9 is finally complete. Even though it's somewhat short, I hope that you've enjoyed it.
I just wanna let everyone know that from this point forward, the guerilla war is going to heat up, and it's no longer going to be smooth sailing for the rest of the Love Hina crew, partly because I'm nearing the end of my fic. Also I'm nearing the climax that will decide what'll happen to them as well, but I'm going to keep that a surprise.
Thank you to those readers who have reviewed my earlier chapters and left me with a lot of encouraging comments and suggestions. Chapter 10 will be up shortly! ^_^
