ZACH 5.00pm

Zach entered the operations command room. The company commanders stood waiting for him and he took his place around the table. On the table were satellite pictures of the situation in Ujdrary capital. Many fires could be seen burning and the US embassy was one of those fires. The pictures also showed great movement of masses and what really could only be described as heavily armed militia.

Terrorists may have orchestrated the attack, but now armed mobs on the streets had now created an army and potential big threat to any plans they had of peaceful extraction. Light ground vehicles posed a worry for choppers and the fact these photos were two hours old didn't help. Reports were still coming through keeping them update on intelligence, but lack of visual proof could see a lot of troop casualties.

Zach had been in a similar situation before and he didn't want to repeat that horror. The real problem was the go order. The men were eager and ready, but even they had to wait on the politics and time itself was causing casualties and their mission more hazardous. Zach studied and memorised the routes leading to the embassy. If they were forced aground he wanted to know the quickest and easiest routes and avoid ambush points.

'Sir what are our orders?' a young lieutenant asked bringing all eyes to look at Zach.

'Our orders are to sit here and wait for the green light lieutenant.' Zach replied still looking at a photo.

'Sir with all due respect we can't sit here and wait on standby four hours from our target. Hasn't the pentagon at least given some orders other than wait?' There was a nod of approval. Zach could see it in their eyes. The excitement and prospect of action. If only they knew what action was really like they might not be so hasty for it.

'I do not intend to sit here men. I'm overruling the order and given the go ahead myself.' He dropped the phot and stared at each one of them who in turned gave them their silent approval. 'However orders are still orders. We will mobilise and move to within one click of the capital. We move swiftly and silently. Choppers will take me and E company in ahead of the main column. Choppers will take Captain Roderick and his company to meet with General Faharad and his division.'

'The rest of us sir?'

'The rest of you will take the road straight to the capital. Don't stop for anything and avoid residential areas. We don't want folks thinking we're an invading army and have them shooting at us. God's knows how far this coup has spread and we don't want any engagements holding us up. Understand?'

'Yes Sir.' They all said.

'Gentlemen you have your orders. Wheels up in five, you're dismissed.' Zach left the building first. Outside was his second in command William Holden, a tough brute of a man with a rough childhood. He'd avoided prison at eighteen by enlisting in the rangers and later sniper school. Now he worked with the CIA and was the first member to join Zach's unit. Volunteered for the job and wouldn't let Zach say no to him.

'Well Zach?' he asked, passing Zach his M4 and helmet.

'We're go Will. Round up the men.' Zach walked towards the airfield and saw the choppers already powering up. Will whistled at a group of men lying on their gear. They stood up and followed in behind Zach and Will. All around him the base came alive as men rushed to their platoons and stood in line waiting to board.

Zach and his men walked at a steady pace to their Black Hawk. Boarding one at a time Zach waited for them to get on-board. He took one last look then hopped on himself. Just before they lifted off his thoughts drifted back to her, and he tried hard to recall how she looked, how she felt at his touch, how her touch felt, how she smiled, how she cried. He was so deep in thought that he didn't even hear William call his name.

'Sir…Zach?' Will nudged him.

'Hmm…what? He answered over the whine of the engine.

'I said are you alright? You've seemed like your mind has been elsewhere these past weeks?'

'It's nothing Will just…' he trailed off once again deep in thought. Will looked at the other members of the team who looked between the two of them then turned away when they saw William's gaze. It said mind your own business. The Black Hawk lifted off and soon one by one the other followed. Will leaned over to Zach again.

'Sir I know what you're feeling and trust me. Put it out of your mind for the sake of this operation we need you focused.' Zach turned to him fiercely. Will was the only man he'd allow to speak to him like that.

'You're right,' he nodded. 'You're right.' He repeated. He fist pumped Will and they both smiled and stared back out at the evening sun filled sky. Zach's thoughts though went back to her and suddenly everything around him was quiet. 'What's wrong with me?' he asked himself.

Macey 5.10pm

Macey was tossed about in the limo next to the ambassador, neither of them had bothered to buckle up and with the roadblocks along with the speed at which they were traveling near gave her car sickness. She hated riding in the back, something about the back seat made her woozy and light headed. At this moment though she had to put that aside and just bare it. Chris seemed to be fine and even enjoyed seeing her legs fly up to balance herself. She caught his eye always watching her, but when she looked at him he'd turn away like a shy boy. Sometimes. Other times he'd just give her one of his smiles.

She had to give it to him, he had strange timing to hit on her. If that's what he was doing? Usually she could read men, but that was when she was a teenager. Now she was a Special agent working with professionals who knew how to hide feelings and agendas pretty well. Politicians were always good at that. Hiding stuff.

Another bump in the road tossed her across his lap. The look on his face was priceless while hers was red and hot she felt she could melt ice.

'Sorry ambassador.' She said quickly and pushed herself off of him. Her blushing could not be concealed, or was it embarrassment? She didn't know.

'Hardly the place or time agent don't you think?' She arched an eyebrow at him and he just stared.

'Did you really just use that awful line ambassador?'

'Yes I did and it seems to have worked.'

'How so?'

'Well you finally are having a proper conversation with me. The whole trip all I've got from you is. Yes sir, no sir, right away ambassador, we must go over security again sir. It's usually quite boring.' His shoulders shrugged and Macey turned her head slightly keeping her eyebrow arched.

'So you think I'm a boring conversationalist?' she smiled now that he didn't have a response. It was the first time he'd seen her smile and she totally forgot.

'You should smile more often Macey.' He said while smiling himself. The window separating the driver from the passenger rolled down and Jim popped his head through.

'We've reached the airport get ready.' Macey nodded and checked that her sidearm was ready.

'Sir for what happens next listen carefully. Don't get out the car until they secure the area, once it's secure I will exit first and confirm the plane is ready. You remain inside until I come for you, when I do you will keep your head low and move as fast as me. Do not wait for the Prince as he will be right behind shortly, you just keep moving until you're safely on that plane. Understand?'

'Understood.' Chris said and removed his tie. 'Why did I even think of wearing a suit in this heat?'

'Ok good.' Macey stared out the window and saw part of the convoy take a left. The civilians also had a plane standing by. The marines jumped out their vehicles and opened fire on some pursuing trucks. Their thin line was all that was between the militia and them.

Macey's team, the SAS, ambassador, Prince and his family all took the right towards their plane. The gunfire soon echoed as they drove further onto the runway. The car finally came to a halt and Macey kept peering through the window while Anderson and his team secured a perimeter with other agents. She heard the knock on the window and got out.

'Ok we'll hold this perimeter while you check the plane.' Anderson said to her. She nodded and ran over to the plane passing the bodies of agents and soldiers. Climbing the steps as quickly as she could she noticed on the opposite runway the civilians already boarding. The marines were still holding the gate, but were taking fire.

She entered through the cabin and banged on the pilot's door. When it opened the co-pilot was met with her dust and sweat covered face.

'You ready for take-off?' she asked breathing rapidly. He simply nodded. 'Ok I'll bring them up.' Running back down the cabin she waved leapt down the steps and reached Anderson. 'Good to go.'

'Alright men this is it stay sharp.' Anderson yelled and Macey made her way to the limo.

'Sir time to move c'mon.' She helped him out and used her body to shield his. The Prince and his family were close behind, his bodyguards copying Macey's movements. 'Jackson let's move.'

Jackson brought up the rear and the agents entered the plane after the Ambassador, Prince and his family were securely on. Anderson watched has they closed the door and the plane started making its turn to prepare for take-off. Macey sat beside a window and looked out. Anderson and his men watched them taxi away. She felt broken at having to leave them behind, she never understood that about the military. Men brave enough to stay behind while others abandoned.

She felt a hand grip hers. 'Don't worry Macey, as soon as we are in the air I'll call the president and they can be rescued. The lives of those lost won't be for nothing.' Chris gave her a genuine smile and she returned it.

'I hope it wasn't,' Macey whispered and continued looking out the window until Anderson was no longer in view.

ANDERSON

'All right lets hustle, we got to move. Back in the vehicles regroup with the marines and we'll head back to the embassy.' Jim patted his shoulder as he ran pass.

'Sir Civilians already taking-off. Job is done.' Jim hadn't realised how too soon he'd spoke though.

The plane had barely gotten off the runway when the familiar sound of missile soared through the air and hit the planes underbelly. The explosion's shockwave and heat from the fuel hit them even at their distance. The plane tipped its nose forward and crashed back onto the runway before another explosion split it in half.

The forward section was sent into a roll, barrelling down the runway straight into another plane. At its speed the stationary plane's metal screeched as it was hit and exploding along with the forward section. The other have of the plane skidded across the runway and into the fuel trucks. An even larger explosion was caused and the hot atmosphere burned hotter with the fuel alight.

Anderson and Jim turned immediately to where the missile was fired from. The surface to air missile had shot from the tower and Anderson had his men fire into it. That wasn't the only problem. Insurgents and militia alike had found another entrance and were now running out of the terminal onto the runways shooting wildly at them and the Ambassador's plane.

'Move, MOVE. Come on get in the Humvee.' Anderson ordered then raised his weapon and shot four gunmen. 'Doc drive towards the plane. Jim, Grey drive the limos over. Dan you're on the gun.' Anderson and his team dropped more and more targets before jumping into the vehicles. Jim drove the limo beside the Humvee and Grey beside him.

They formed a line with the vehicles, but with the Humvee's armour facing the bullets. An inaccurate RPG rocket flew in front of them, but it was also high enough to miss them. Dan opened up with what he had on the fifty. Bodies dropped or were smashed by its firepower. It didn't stop or waver them though from pushing on. Sooner or later Anderson knew their ammunition was going to run out. At that moment the fifty ceased firing.

'We have to get to the plane before they do Doc. Dan keep firing.' Anderson said and Dan switched to is carbine, He picked his targets with precise aiming and was rewarded with a few more kills.

OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL

'Sir our asset is on his way to retrieve the package once again.'

'See to it that he doesn't leave anyone alive this time.'

'He said he will take care of the job himself and won't make the same mistake again.'

'He better not, for it will be the last one he does make.'

'My friend why do you worry so much, two people against an entire city that wants them dead. They have no place to hide.' General Sadeem said while puffing on a fresh cigar. Urii turned to him.

'It is my job to worry and execute this mission as planned. I told you earlier general that a little leaven…'

'Yes yes yes I remember.' Sadeem cut him off must to Urii displeasure. 'Have a cigar. You like it.'

Urii slapped his hand away 'I do not want a cigar.' His reaction brought about an angry look on the general's face and he stepped forward.

'Remember it is you who came to us for help. It is you who seek a partnership, it is you and your president who seek to have military and economic action in my country. So when a friend offers you a cigar and you refuse it, he just might take offence to it. Perhaps think you have a hidden agenda. That perhaps you do not wish to share in their ways. Such a friend might no longer need more friends.' He emphasised his point by blowing out some thick smoke and offered the cigar once again.

Urii took the cigar and twirled it. 'Such a friend is very grateful, but shan't enjoy it until that code hard-drive is returned to him.' The general laughed and slapped him on the back.

'As I said, do not worry my friend we have counter measures in place.'

'Sir we have a problem.' Urii turned to the young soldier and swore under his breath. What could possibly go wrong next?

CAMMIE & WOLF 5.20pm

Cammie climbed the steps heading toward the roof. They had to ditch the bike after they ran out of fuel and worse of all was they had ducked into every corner, alley and shop they could trying to lose their pursuers. They had little luck though. Everywhere they turned they were met by armed militia and insurgents along with mercenary commandos.

Cammie's head had started bleeding again and she felt light headed. The heat was dying down along with the light, but she still felt hot. Her heart was pumping furiously with adrenaline and calling on any reserve she had. Her legs ached with the flights of stair they had climbed. Her hair stuck to the sides of her face. The sweat mixed with blood and dirt and her mouthed longed for a drop of water.

Wolf however looked as though he hadn't broken a sweat. Not that she could tell behind that visor, but surely his fitted armour made breathing difficult. Apparently it didn't because when he spoke he didn't seem too much out of breath. Cammie took a moment of respite. Wolf was about two floors down firing burst shots to keep their pursuers back. Controlling her breathing she tried her face with her forearm.

Wolf caught up and grabbed her by the arm.

'Come on we can't stop.'

'No wait… please wait.' She panted and released herself from his grip. 'I need a drink.'

Wolf tossed her a small plastic bottle out of nowhere. Where the hell does he suddenly have these things? She thought to herself, but was grateful for it. Wolf checked the stairs and she could hear their footsteps and voices.

'Ok let's go.' She said and tossed the bottle back at him. Wolf returned it to his pouch then followed her. They climbed the last flight and both kicked opened the door. The rooftops here were pretty close together and could be easily run across. Cammie and Wolf noticed thick black smoke billowing into the air.

'That's the airport,' Cammie said. 'They must be destroying any chance of escape.' They both started running over the rooftops, still they were chased. 'Don't they ever give up?' she asked herself and Wolf.

'I guess not. Whatever is on this hard-drive must be worth chasing us to eternity if possible.' Wolf and Cammie both leapt a clearing. A few moments late they heard a scream as someone must have missed it.

'We need somewhere to hide and fast.' Cammie leapt over another clearing ahead of Wolf who had stopped. Cammie looked back and he was looking up. Cammie at first didn't hear it, but now she could and wished she hadn't saw it. 'Oh come on.' She said. The chopper headed straight for them. A gunner was on the side of it and he took aim.

Cammie ran as fast as her legs allowed. Roof chips and dust was kicked up all around her as she dodged, ducked and zig zagged. The helicopter lowered its altitude and the gun brought his sights to bear again. Cammie dove over a small covering and layed her body flat as bullets blew it apart, but missed her. The chopper on overhead and she dared to raise her head slowly. Suddenly her hari was grabbed and she was yanked to her feet.

Wolf had watched the spectacle and saw the commando jump from the chopper when it had descended. Now he engaged Cammie in hand to hand combat. He had his own problems though. The roof was surrounded by commandos. All of who were professionally trained soldiers and wouldn't make mistakes. They would simply use their numbers to converge on him, but that is what he counted on.

Cammie blocked what would have been a rib breaking blow. She blocked a left cross then parried a jab and ducked under the elbow that followed. She ducked low under his arm and leaned to the left, leaning all her weight into her left foot for balance and threw a hard left right into his ribs. Using her momentum she struck again before bending down on one knee, striking his left knee buckling him then kicking his right shin bringing him down on one knee also.

She followed up with an uppercut to the nose and felt the cartilage break. Hot blood covered her knuckles and her opponent flipped onto his back. She drove a boot between his spread legs then used her knees to lean on his abdomen. Wheezing her opponent moaned and never saw the first of three blows to his head that knocked him unconscious.

Cammie stood up and saw Wolf.

Wolf had engaged his targets with a knife and pistol. His mp7 had ran out of bullets, but he had taken two of his five opponent's with them. Now only three remained. He ducked under the rifles with such speed they couldn't bring them to bear. Stabbing one through the throat he heard him gargle and at the same time delivered a knock out back kick to another. Now only one remained.

He brought his weapon up, but Wolf closed the gap with such speed he saw the man's shocked face. He threw a punch, but it was stopped mid-flight by Wolf's hand. Wolf stepped back keeping hold of the arm and stretched it then using is opposite arm smashed it against his target's elbow.

The arm bone snapped at the elbow joint and the man screamed in pain. Spinning round Wolf ended the scream by striking his blade though the back of his skull and pulled it out just as swiftly. The body dropped and he gazed over at Cammie who waved him over.

Cammie waved her arms and then ran for cover when she heard the sound of the chopper's gunner open up again. She dived through a door way and fell down a flight of steps. Wolf ran and jumped across the open, but he didn't make it. He felt the slam of the round as it hit him. Now he was falling and falling. He couldn't grip anything and he felt the world around him blur.

He crashed on top of a car, his impact caving in the roof and smashing all the windows. He couldn't move, he couldn't breathe and everything became darker around him.

MACEY 5.25pm

Macey was half hanging outside the limo firing at pursuing vehicles. Jim fired at the trucks chasing them also from the passenger's seat. Anderson was out in front leading the way back to the embassy and the Prince's limo was in the middle.

'I need another clip.' She shouted down at Chris. He passed her another clip for the HK UMP she fired. The rear window smashed and Chris ducked behind the leather seats.

'I think this is one scenario I won't be able to use diplomacy.' He joked. Macey couldn't hear him, but heard him laugh a little. She was too busy to question what he found funny.

Jim reloaded his weapon and was about to fire again when he saw a bus approaching. It was too late to do anything and he yanked Macey down. The bus hit the square on and tipped the limo over the bridge. There was a moment Macey saw as everything slowed down, but then it was quickly gone when the limo landed hard and heavily on the lower bridge just below. The limo bounced and rolled tossing its occupants. It finally came to a stop upside down and Macey was tossed out of the door.

She fell out backwards and felt her grip slip from the door handle. She was falling and couldn't help scream, but then a strong arm grabbed her. She looked down, she dangled near sixty feet up.

'I got you.' Chris said bleeding and straining. 'I got you.'