And here we are, in the second part of Middle Easter Arc. We're now entering a more interesting area. More precisely, Coalition is now finally pushing more and more deep into Middle East, liberating another cities.

Annika: Finally, here we come Israel!

Exactly, Ann. But story is story and it's more important, unfortunately.

Annika: (sad Israeli noises)

Easy. There is a mission in Israel approaching, so don't be sad. As you have the very important city to liberate.

Annika: You mean…?

I mean…

Chapter 20

"Guardians of the Middle East Pt.2: The Holy City"

November 12, 2022

11:02

Tel Aviv, Israel

Coalition troops marched through the streets of Tel Aviv, with civilians cheering for them. Soldiers, in response, were waving to them. Alongside soldiers, vehicles were driving, sometimes with more soldiers sitting on them.

The last dozen or so days were spent on counteroffensive in Israeli and Jordan territories. During these, Coalition managed to finally push Chinese away from the Egyptian border and finally start the liberation of Middle East. Although Chinese were putting on fierce resistance, alongside with Guardians of the Middle East, counteroffensive was a full success and now, almost all of Israel and half of Jordan, including it's capital, were finally liberated.

And when it comes to Tel Aviv, everything went easier than in other cases, as Chinese simply ran away, leaving the city open and without garrison.

"Sometimes I like to be the savior, you know?"Suwa stated, sitting on B1 Centauro armor.

"I have to agree with your statement, Su"Nakajima replied.

Right then, a flower landed next to her. She picked it up and smiled.

"Saviors always have the best"she stated.

In that moment, the main hatch opened and Federica looked at them. She took off her goggles and smiled.

"See, that you have pretty good fun out here"she stated.

"You see, boss. As long as we have this your thing, we can drive on it"Suwa replied.

"And did I let you sit here?"Federica continued to ask.

"No. But our legs are tired after all this running from building to building"Nakajima replied.

Federica then smiled and hid back in the tower. She looked at the rest of the crew.

"Fernandia, load the gun"Federica ordered.

Fernandia nodded and grabbed one of shells. She loaded it to the main gun and showed the thumbs up.

"Martina, do the rest"she said to Martina.

Without hesitation, Martina lifted the gun and turned the tower, so the gun was next to Suwa and Nakajima. Martina then smiled.

"Let's do some show!"she exclaimed.

She pressed the firing button and the shell flew over the buildings. However, when it fired, the sound of gunfire also shook Nakajima and Suwa off of the armor. Two Witches fell on the street, making soldiers walking alongside Centauro laugh. People on the sides of the street started to laugh too.

Witches lifted their heads and looked at the tank destroyer, from which Federica was looking at them.

"That was so uncool!"Nakajima shouted to her.

"You see, this is how it is! Never underestimate tank destroyers!"Federica shouted back.

Next, she again hid in the tower. Soldiers stopped laughing and simply passed by two Witches. They stood up and followed the rest of the city liberation column.

"We'll see if it was so funny another day"Suwa stated.

Next, the column continued their march, until they reached the Tell Aviv Port, where they stopped.

12:22

Tel Aviv Port

After the cheering for liberators ended, Coalition forces simply went into the city to take care of everything, that Chinese left, in form of propaganda posters, symbols of Chinese power and administration or to take care of any possible Chinese, that somehow left in the city, when it was evacuated by the main command.

In the port, Coalition set up a temporary base of operations for further offensive towards Iraq and Iran.

"So, our situation currently look like this"Vasiliyev started, standing over the map, placed on the mask of GAZ Tigr"Currently, we have control over almost entire Jordan and full control over Israel. Chinese are falling back in thousands, leaving behind free and opened cities. In other words, they're making our job hell a lot easier".

"Or simply they are making us lose our attention. Fall back as far as possible and then launch a hard and powerful counteroffensive"Pierre stated.

"Like Germans did in 1944"Lina added.

Russian general looked at them and nodded.
"I have to agree with you here. Chinese are really clever beasts"he said"To it, we have to add, that they have a full million of Arabian soldiers. In other words, we have to deal with more Arabs than Chinese".

But Michael, which also took part in the meeting, waved his hand.
"This won't make any problem. Chinese are the ones using modern equipment. GME is mainly equipped with old Soviet-era weapons. We don't have to afraid of them very much"he stated.

"But remember one thing: Guardians prefer to use quantity instead of quality"Pierre said.

"But quality often wins over quantity"Michael replied with full sureness.

Others simply looked at him with meaningful looks.

"And you wonder, why so many people hates you, Americans"Vasiliyev stated.

"I'm just saying, that we won so many fights before. So we should be also able to win and take care of this situation quickly"Michael replied.

In that moment, Minna, Rall and Federica approached them.

"Thank you for joining us"Vsiliyev said.

"No problem, general"Rall replied"So. What is the case?"

Vasiliyev again looked at the map and showed it to Witches.

"As you can see, our control over the Levant is becoming more and more certain. But there still is a thing"he said and pointed at a single city, placed on Israeli-Jordan border"Jerusalem".

Witches looked at the dot, representing the city on the map.

"Why can't someone else take care of this?"Federica asked.

"Because Israelis are really keen on taking it back. Jerusalem is very important for every religion in the Middle East and taking it back might be also very good for boosting our morale. Especially among Muslim and Jewish troops"Vasiliyev replied.

"Is this city really so important?"Rall asked.

"It's been object of fighting since early Medieval times. You think that why Crusades took place, huh?"Pierre asked.

Witches looked at each other. They had to agree with this one. In schools, they already had the lessons focused on Medieval times and the Holy Crusades. However, they knew all of them failed.

"So it seems, that we're going to start the…"Michael thought a bit"Which Crusade is this gonna be?"

"Eighth. But now, without killing Saracens"Lina replied.

"Of course. They're our allies after all"Michael said.

Everyone looked at him with strange look. Michael didn't knew, why they were looking at him like that.

"If that was supposed to be a joke, then you screwed it up"Vasiliyev said.

"I…"Michael tried to say, but simply waved his hand and stopped talking.

Vasiliyev rolled the map and looked at everyone.

"Alright. We have to move out for Jerusalem in the next two days, after we take care of all remaining stuff here. This is gonna be the fight, that mark our victory in the Battle of Levant. So, better be ready"he said.

Everyone saluted and walked in separate directions.

When Vasiliyev was left alone, a phone rang in his pocket. He reached it and accepted the call.

"Yes?"

He waited for an answer. When it came, he nodded his head.

"I'm not ready yet. But trust me. I'll give you a sign, when I'll be"general replied.

Next, he ended the call and hid the phone back in his pocket.

12:30

Bridge over Jarkon River

Barkhorn's Leopard 3A2 was parked on the bridge. It was guarding the cross point from any possible Chinese soldiers left in the city, trying to cross the river and escape. Job was boring, as nobody tried it.

Ursula was standing next to the tank, with assault riffle in her hand. Because she was driver, her job was the less needed now, so she had to guard the road and stop any vehicle trying to drive over the bridge.

"You got anything?"Conny asked.

Her sister shook her head.

"Nobody is going this way. And I don't think anybody will in the next few hours"Ursula replied.

"Shouwd I join you?"

"No, thanks. Take care of your job, sis".

Conny nodded and hid back into the tower. There, she was sitting together with Barkhorn and Michael.

"Man, it's so hot in there"Michael stated.

He took his helmet off and instead, wrapped a bandana on his head.

"Agree"Barkhorn simply replied.

She, on the other hand, took off her jacket and wrapped it around her waist. Her helmet was laying next to her.

"Where is our support, by the way?"Michael asked.

"Marseille should be here around ten minutes ago"Barkhorn said"But I don't think they're gonna be her soon".

Marseille was assigned to the same bridge as Barkhorn. Like with other bridges, two tanks had to guard each one. But, as Barkhorn said, Marseille was supposed to be the earlier. Yet, there was still no trace of her tank.

"Guys, we have our tank incoming"Ursula reported.

Everyone in the tower looked at each other. Witch opened her tower hatch and looked through it. And, as she guessed, it was Marseille's tank approaching them.

"There she is"she whispered.

Tank stopped on the opposite side of the road. Now, the only way through the bridge was a corridor between two tanks with German markings. Marseille opened the hatch and looked at Barkhorn. Like her, she had jacked wrapped around her waist.

"Sup, Siscon?"Marseille asked immediately.

Barkhorn rolled her eyes. Honestly, it wasn't annoying anymore. It was just frustrating and Barkhorn simply couldn't focus on her job. Explosions of anger she had earlier, whenever Marseille called her Siscon, simply stopped to occur.

Which made Marseille angry, as she had real joy from seeing mad Barkhorn.

"Could you just once more explode, just like earlier?"Marseille asked.

"I could"Barkhorn replied"But I don't want to. This war already made me immune for whatever you're saying".

This time, it was Marseille, who rolled her eyes.

"I know, I know. Okay, just let's do our job and get the hell out of there"she said.

Jens exited his tank, also equipped with assault riffle. He came up to Ursula and stood next to her.

"Sup?"he asked.

"Nothing important. Simple boring bridge"Ursula replied.

Meanwhile, Barkhorn eyed Marseille's tank. She noticed, that it's suspiciously clean. Her eyes went back on Afrika Korps Witch.

"You know, that you were supposed to be here ten minutes ago?"she asked.

"Yes. But we had something to do"Marseille replied.

"What?"

"We had to clean our tank. You know, how much dust settled on it? We used ten buckets of water to clean in properly".

Barkhorn nodded, covering her surprise. She would never suspect Marseille for being such a pedant.

"Someone's coming"Jens reported.

Two tank commanders stopped to argue and looked back in the city's direction. There, they saw a minivan driving down the road towards the bridge.

"Stop him"Marseille ordered.

Jens nodded and stood in the middle of the road. He put out his hand to stop the incoming vehicle.

Car driver, seeing blockade on the bridge, stopped. He eyed two German tanks standing on the bridge and two figures in tank crew uniforms. As he deduced, they were from Military High School.

Ursula and Jens approached the minivan and knocked in it's glass. Driver lowered it and looked at the two.

"What is it?"he asked.

"We're looking for any Chinese soldiers trying to leave the city"Jens replied.

Driver looked at them with asking look.

"But Chinese left the city and ran away without fight"he said.

"But who knows, if some soldiers didn't stayed behind and are trying to escape now"Ursula replied.

After a while driver nodded.

"Pretty good idea".

"So, in order to not let this happen, we have to check every vehicle leaving the city"Jens said"Like you, for example".

For a short moment, fear appeared on driver's face. He managed to take control over it fast, but not fast enough and Jens and Ursula noticed it. They looked at each other.

"Can we see, what is in the back of your car?"Jens asked.

"I don't have any Chinese, that's for sure. I'm not going to help the enemy"driver stated.

"But it won't be a problem, if we check out if back of your car is empty?"Ursula asked.

Driver gave her undecided look and looked back. He bit her lip and again looked at the Germans.

"So, if you won't allow us…"Jens said, but didn't ended.

The minivan driver floored the speed pedal and quickly drove away. Jens and Ursula jumped back, to not get driven over.

"He's running!"Ursula said to her communicator.

"I see"Barkhorn replied.

Tank started to turn it's tower, following the minivan. Instead of firing the main gun, the tank used it's MG. Bullets easily pierced the minivan and it's wheels. For a short time minivan was still driving forward, until it finally drove off of the road.

There, it started to somersault and soon, it stopped on a tree.

Barkhorn opened the hatch and looked at the destroyed minivan. Next, she looked at Jens and Ursula. She nodded in the direction of the car.

"Go and investigate"she ordered.

Jens and Ursula nodded and went to investigate the wreckage.

"Barkhorn, what the hell is happening there?"Anton asked in radio.

"We just stopped possible transit of Chinese troops out of the city"the Witch replied.

There was moment of silence, before Anton replied:

"Understood. Take care of that and continue your duty. Call for transport for prisoners, if there are any".

"Copy that. We'll do it".

When she ended, Marseille looked at her.

"Possible transit?"she asked.

"We don't know, if he actually transported enemy troops"Barkhorn replied.

Marseille sent asking look to her.
"Than what, if there aren't any Chinese transported?"

After that, Barkhorn saw, as Jens waves to her and Marseille. The two looked in that direction and saw him and Ursula keeping two men with them.

"We found two Chinese soldiers in the wreckage!"Jens shouted.

Barkhorn looked at Marseille.

"Alright, this time you was right"Marseille agreed.

"Of course"Barkhorn replied and turned back to the two"And the driver?"

"Dead!"Ursula shouted back.

Two tank commanders looked at each other.
"Side casualty"Barkhorn stated"Besides, he was helping the enemy".

Next, she activated her communicator.
"This is commander Barkhorn, requesting immediate transport for two prisoners"she said.

"Copy that, commander"the second side replied"Sending an Puma to take them".

Meanwhile, Marseille shook her head, looking at the two Chinese soldiers led by Jens and Ursula.

"Maybe it won't be so boring here"she stated.

17:21

Dizengoff Square

That night, on Dizengoff Square, soldiers gathered and put everything they found in the city on a big stack. There were propaganda posters, Chinese propaganda leaflets and many other documents prepared by Chinese during the city occupation. Next, they simply put the stack on fire.

When this happened, they simply took some marshmallows and started to bake them over the burning Chinese propaganda.

"Somebody wanna sing some campfire songs?"Chris asked.

Everyone simply looked at him and returned to baking the marshmallows. Chris threw up his arms.

"At least I tried"he said.
"You know, it's pretty good night"Lynette said, wrapping her arm around Chris's neck.

He them wrapped his arm around her neck.

Meanwhile, Wilma was looking on it from afar. She still didn't knew what to think about Lynn's boyfriend. He seemed to be a good boy and caring. But still, she wasn't been one hundred percent sure, if he actually be a good man for her sister.

"What are you thinking about?"James said.

Wilma almost jumped from surprise, when he stood next to her.

"Don't appear out of sudden like that"she said.

Next, she noticed, that he's carrying two cups of tea. He gave one of them to her.

"Thanks"Wilma said and again looked at Chris and Lynette.

James followed her sight and nodded, when he saw, what Wilma was looking at.

"You think about them?"he asked.

"Maybe a bit"Wilma replied, taking sip of tea.

"Yeah, yeah. You're wondering, if Chris is good man for your sister"James stated.

Witch looked at him. She nodded.

"Yes. How did you know?"she asked.

"Because I was thinking the same about Lynn. If she will be a good girlfriend for my little bro"James said, taking sip"And I'm not disappointed".

"Lynette is a good girl. Only thing is that…I never seen her on the front lines, honestly".

British looked at Wilma with asking look.
"Many times I saw her in action. I think she's really good"he stated.

"I know. Thanks to her Witch abilities"Wilma agreed"But still. For me, she was never good material for soldier. And I'm not saying, that she's simply awful soldier. It's because…Because I'm worried about her".

James nodded and again looked at the two.

"I was also worried about Chris, when he decided to join with me"he said"Mainly because of his illness. I was scared, than it will simply kill him. But well. When Nitrosium medicines were created, I wasn't been so scared anymore. However, I was scared, after he and Lynn were wounded in London".

"Lynn told me about it"Wilma said.

"I know. If not Lynette, Chris might be already dead. This is why I was thankful for her"James ended.

Next, he patted Wilma's arm.

"Who knows. Maybe one day, we will become family"he said.

"But you know, that we have to go back to our world?"Wilma asked.

"Sure I know. But well. You can't predict the future, right?"

Next, James simply walked away. Wilma again looked at Chris and Lynette.

"You picked yourself a good boyfriend, sis"she whispered.

On the other side of the Square, the Centauro crew was also drinking some tea, with Americans accompanying them.

"Los Angeles, you say?"Luciana asked.

"That's right"Shirley replied, taking sip of tea"It was both the most exciting and most dangerous period during my stay in this world".

"City was filled with Chinese so much, that they could shoot you even from below"Michael added"You had to look in every direction".

"But still, we haven't managed to keep the city in our hands"Will said"Although we held there for over a year".

"And I left something there"Shirley ended.

Martina spun the cup and again looked at Shirley.

"What did you left?"she asked.

"I left my right hand there"Shirley replied.

Eyes of all Romagna Witches turned towards Shirley.

"But you have both hands"Federica noticed.

"Yeah, but one is artificial".

Saying that, Shirley took off her glove and showed the mechanical hand to the Witches. Seeing this, they widened their eyes.

"If it's not real"Luciana said"then why we haven't noticed?"

"Because it's built with usage of the most advanced technologies this world can afford. Add some Nitrosium here and here. And here you have this"Shirley explained"Honestly? I like this hand even more than my previous one".

She put the glove back on her hand and smiled, grabbing her cup with it. Romagnian Witches, with fascination, watched as mechanical hand squeezes around the cup's handle and lifts it towards Shirley's mouth.

"Yeah, this hand is actually a prototype"Michael said.

"But pretty good one"Tiffany added.

Will took the last sip and put the cup down.

"Right, people. I advise to all of us to go to sleep. Tomorrow we're moving for Jerusalem"he said.

"Alright, just let me find my Crusader cape and helmet"Michael said jokingly.

With that, everyone laughed. Except of Romagnian Witches.

"Why do you need them?"Fernandia asked.

"Wait, what?"Tiffany asked.

There was a moment of awkward silence between them. Finally, after few seconds, Luciana broke it:

"Why do you need that cape and helmet?"

Now knowing what they were talking about, Michael shook his head.

"No, no. I was just kidding. It's because in the Middle Ages, Jerusalem was a common target of Holy Crusades"he explained.

"Why?"Martina asked.

"Because it's recognized of three biggest monotheistic religions: Christianity, Islam and Judaism"Tiffany explained.

"Why?"Federica joined asking.

Americans looked at each other and simply sighed.

"You know what? Better read about for yourself"Shirley advised"It's too complicated to explain with words".

"Okay"Federica said and yawned"And he might be right. Better let's go to sleep".

With these words, two groups ended drinking their tea and walked in separate directions, to prepare for tomorrow.

November 12, 2022

09:34

Highway 1

The column of Coalition armor was driving down the Highway 1, connecting Tel Aviv with Jerusalem. It consisted of tanks, troop transports and infantry fighting vehicles. Several trucks could be seen there too.

On their way towards Jerusalem, they passed numerous wrecks of Chinese and Israeli vehicles, relics of Chinese campaign in Israel two years prior.

"A lot of them"Sanya stated, sitting on top of BTR-90.

"It's because after India and Russia, Israel put the third biggest resistance during Chinese invasion"Linchov explained"Israelis lost fewer troops than Chinese, which lost over seven hundred thousand soldiers. Israeli lost just sixty thousand".

"So I see, that they haven't gave their country so easy"Pokryshkin said, sitting next to both of them.

"As everyone. Remember, that last Russian and Indian points of resistance were broken just a year ago".

Right then, the APC drove over a bigger rock, which made it jump. Aleksandra almost fell off of the BTR, but Linchov managed to catch her.

"Thanks"she said.

"No problem, sweetie"Linchov replied.

Since that night in Cairo, their relationship became more official. Now, everyone knew about and were actually sheering for them.

"Okay"Michael said, sitting in the back of American truck"We have a plan to take back Jerusalem".

"Only we have to hope, that it will work"Saltarski, sitting in front of him, said.

"I'm sure it will work".

However, Saltarski only shook his head. He leaned closer to Michael.

"I'm gonna tell you something"he said"Wars have one specific rule, that adapts to every single one of them. Not a single plan survives even few minutes after contact of with the enemy".

"You sounded like a damn prophet"Michael stated.

Saltarski only threw up his arms.

"I'm just saying. It's unwritten rule"he said.

"Boss knows many unwritten rules"Adrian added"For example, he knows, that he won't pass the school's final exam".

Michael, Will, Tiffany and Shirley looked at him.

"Why?"Shirley asked.

"There is unwritten rule, that every tenth student won't pass the secondary school final exam. And my number in school journal is thirty"Saltarski explained.

Michael and Tiffany looked at each other. If this rule was true, they also won't pass the final exam, as their numbers in journals were respectively ten and twenty.

"Okay, we don't have to talk about school now"Hisako stated"We have a mission to do".

Everyone nodded.

"True. If we take Jerusalem, only Golan Heights will stay to liberate"Adrian said.

"Until then, let's take the Holy City"Shirley agreed.

And as she said that, the truck was shook by explosion. It lifted the truck up for a few meters and then, it fell down, but not on wheels. Truck bowed so much, that Americans almost fell on Poles.

"What the hell was that?!"Saltarski shouted in his radio.

"We're under attack!"the answer came"Chinese tanks sighted around four kilometers from us!"

"So destroy them!"Saltarski replied and disconnected"Chinese tanks. I advice to get out of this truck, before it gets another shot".

"Good idea, old pal"Michael said.

Next, Americans and Poles immediately started to jump out of the truck. They did it in the last moment, as truck scored second hit from enemy tank and was changed into burning pile of remains.

"Phew, that was too close"Tiffany said.

"You don't say?"Shirley asked.

They quickly hid behind the closest tank, which already turned itself forward towards the Chinese tanks. It was then shaken by hit. Shell simply ricocheted from it's armor. Saltarski leaned, to see the enemy tanks.

"Welp. I can see AMXs in this land"he said.

"French tanks, in Israel, fighting for Chinese"Will shook his head"Why have I noticed how strange is it now?"

"First, we have to live through the battle. Then, you can think about how strange it is"Adrian said.

Tank, behind which they were hiding, fired. Shell flew towards Chinese tanks and hit one of it, piercing the armor. Crew started to leave the vehicle. Second shell, however, didn't had enough power and ricocheted.

"Better find some way to get out of it"Michael said to tank commander in radio.

"So jump in here and try this by yourself!"he shouted back.

Right then, three Coalition M1 Abrams turned around started to drive away. Soldiers looked at it with confused looks.

"And what are they doing?"Shirley asked.

"Trying to flank enemy tanks"one of tank commanders said in radio.

Everyone looked at each other and nodded.

"That makes sense"Hisako agreed.

Three tanks then disappeared from Chinese view behind a hill. Chinese commander watched with strange feeling.

"Where are they going?"his gunner asked with German accent.

"Probably they're just deserting"commander replied with Chinese accent.

But he didn't knew, that after tanks disappeared behind the hill, they again turned and started to drive over it. When they reached the top, they stopped and aimed their guns at Chinese tanks. One of American tank commanders smiled.

"Surprise, bitches"he said.

His tank fired, hitting Leclerc in top of the tower. Chinese tank commanders then orientated about the situation, but it was too late. Two remaining Abrams' opened fire too and decimated the remaining Chinese tanks.

After the fire from AMX-56s stopped, Coalition troops left their cover behind APC and tanks, looking in the direction of three now smoking enemy tanks.

"This was a close one"Michael stated.

"Yeah. Too close. And not the first"Adrian added.

"And definitely not the last"Hisako said.

Linchov then approached them, with his helmet off and riffle simply hanging on his neck. He scratched back of his head.

"That was unexpected"he said.

"True. Why haven't we noticed these tanks?"Michael asked.

"Probably because their camo"Russian replied"But now, better wait here. We're going to drive first, to see, if there are more surprises to come".

"Good idea. Tell us, when you check everything up"Saltarski said.

"Understood".

Linchov then turned and walked back to his BTR. Everyone looked at him and waited for what he had to say.

"We're going to do the scouting. And trey find any other surprises"he said.

"Maybe we should do it before we even left Tel Aviv"Artem stated.

Linchov simply threw up his arms and said:

"We thought, that Chinese already left the area. If we would know, that they left something behind, we would send the front guard".

"So better get ready. And get inside the APC"Aleksandra said"I don't want to be mowed from armor by MG".

"Good point"Linchov agreed.

The team then entered the BTR, which passed by other Coalition vehicles and drove down the road, to check the situation.

Later…

BTR was driving down the highway, prepared to engage the enemy at any time. It was turning it's tower around, looking for signs of enemy movement. Fortunately, until now, they haven't encountered any.

"Still nothing?"Linchov asked the gunner.

"Still nothing"gunner replied.

Linchov shook his head and looked at the rest of his squad.

"Maybe these tanks were the only trap?"Daria asked.

"I doubt it. If Chinese want to make our lives hard, they do it every way possible"Linchov stated"Remember Argentina?"

Everyone nodded. Except Aleksandra.

"I came here during Buenos Aires"she reminded.
"Right. So you have to know, that during our offensive towards Buenos Aires, Chinese were attacking us using guerrilla tactics"Sanya replied.

In that moment, BTR stopped. Linchov turned towards the gunner.

"What happened?"he asked.

"Enemy position sighed on the hill. MGs and several stationary ATGMs"gunner replied.

"Have they noticed us?"Aleksandra asked.

"I don't thing so".

Linchov stood up and stretched his hands.

"So it's our turn"he stated"Move out, people".

Back door of BTR opened and soldiers started to exit. Once the five was outside, door closed and BTR backed off.

"Alright, do it slowly and sneaky"Linchov ordered.

Others nodded and followed him. They were dressed in desert camo, so it worked on their advantage.

After they left the road, they quickly ducked down and started to crawl towards the Chinese position. They tried to be as quiet as possible, to not trigger any action from Chinese. Only thing they saw, was the dirt and ground in front of them.

Linchov showed them to spread out and said:

"Ten meter space. Surround the hill and attack on my sign".

Others nodded and started to do the order. They started to crawl away from each other, trying to surround the hill. All their moves were slow and balanced, so the sound of their equipment won't turn enemy attention.

Aleksandra looked around. She tried to notice the others, but the ten meter spaces and desert camo were doing their jobs. She next looked in front of her, to see the hill's slope. On top, she saw the MG nest and Chinese moving left and right. She bit her lip.

Then, she stopped in the last second. In front of her, she could see the cord. She followed it and noticed two objects sticking out of the ground.

"Mines"she whispered.

And felt the thrill coming down her spine. If she haven't stopped, she would pull the cord and mines would explode, killing her and alarming Chinese about their presence.

Witch reached her knife and slowly started to slice the cord. As she was taught on Spetsnaz training in school.

"Slowly and calmly"she whispered.

Next, she pulled the knife several times and both halves of cord fell on the ground. Witch sighed and noticed, that she was holding her breath. She shook her head and started to crawl forward.

After few minutes, she was already literally under the Chinese trench, so she could hear voices. And to her surprise, they were in Russian.

"Traitors"she whispered, although she was Orussian, not Russian.

Then, she heard Linchov's voice in her radio:

"Everyone, report your readiness".

"This is Artem. In position".

"Daria here. Ready".

"Sanya, ready".

"Aleksandra, ready".

"Great. On my mark, stand up and clear the trench".

There was another moment of silence. Linchov was making sure, that Chinese soldiers didn't noticed him. And when he was sure, he reached his radio again and said:

"Now!"

Five Spetsnaz soldiers stood up, aiming their weapons at Chinese.

Said enemy soldiers simply looked at five figures, which seemed to grow out of the ground and appeared out of nowhere. However, they weren't able to do much more, because four Russians opened fire and mowed them all down.

Next, the five stood over the dead soldiers.

"Call the convoy and tell them, that the road is clear. They can move"Linchov said to Artem.

Boy nodded his head and turned around, to walk few meters away.

However, he immediately stopped, when he heard characteristic clicking sound. Others heard it too and looked at Artem. Next, their eyes moved down to see…Artem's feet standing on a landmine.

Daria looked at her brother with worry on her face.

"Well. Good, that I haven't stepped on it earlier"Artem stated.

"Shit, wait a little. I'm calling sappers"Linchov said.

And then, they all heard another sound. Sound they all knew too well.

Sound of several boots hitting the ground.

They turned in it's direction, to see a group of around twenty Chinese soldiers running towards them from behind another hill.

"This is some sick joke"Aleksandra stated.

"Go"Artem said.

Everyone looked at him, don't knowing, if they heard him good.

"What did you said?"Linchov asked.

"Go. I will stop them"Artem replied.

"What?!"Daria exclaimed"You can't do it! There are too many of them!"

"But I have explosives".

"What ex…?"Sanya wanted to ask, but then, she understood"Oh".

Artem nodded and pointed behind him.

"I bet whole hill was mined. If this is the case, all other mines will explode once I take my feet off of this one"he said.

"Are you sure about it?"Linchov asked.

"I never was sure anything more than now"Artem replied.

Spetsnaz soldiers looked at each other and nodded.

"Kick their asses"Linchov said and started to walk away, looking to not step on another mines. Witches followed him.

Only Daria stayed with her brother. She came closer to him and hugged.

"I'm gonna miss you"she said.

Artem returned the hug and smiled.
"And I will not"he replied.

"Screw you. Just don't let them kill you, without you killing them".

"You can be calm about it".

Right then, first bullet fired by incoming Chinese flew over their heads. Enemy soldiers were closer and closer.

"Go. We'll meet on the second side"Artem said.

"Farewell"Daria said and stopped hugging her brother.

Next, she ran to join Linchov and the Witches. She also payed attention, to not stand on another mine.

Meanwhile, Artem waited. He was looking at twenty enemy soldiers coming towards the hill he was standing on. He checked the status of ammo in his AK-103 magazine, but knew, that he would not need his riffle. So he waited.

Around two minutes later, Chinese soldiers started to surround him. They all aimed their weapons at him, while also looking around, ready to take care of any other danger.

One of Chinese approached Artem. Boy noticed, that enemy soldier had not only Chinese, but also Russian flag on his shoulder.

"Вы ошиблись, оставаясь здесь (You made a mistake staying here)"soldier said in Russian.

"Кто-то должен был позаботиться о тебе (Someone had to take care of you)"Artem replied in Russian, too.

"Что вы можете сделать против всех нас? (What can you do against all of us?)"soldier asked.

"Эта (This)"Artem replied, pointing down.

Soldier looked at what he was pointing and widened his eyes, seeing the landmine. He quickly turned towards other soldiers and shouted:
"Выйти из холма! (GET OFF OF THE HILL!)"

"Увидимся в аду (See you in hell)"Artem said and took his feet off of the mine.

Other Spetsnaz soldiers watched the situation from afar, standing next to their BTR. They saw, as Artem takes his feet off of the landmine. Next, everything happened in matter of second.

Whole hill suddenly started to erupt with explosions, sending Chinese soldiers flying away. Dust and mud were flying with them too. After few seconds, everything was quiet and wind started to blow the dust in numerous directions.

Soldiers took off their helmets and hung their heads. Additionally, Daria started crying and turned around, to not see the place, where her brother just died.
"Okay, let's get back"Licnhov said with neutral tone.

Everyone started to enter the BTR. Next, the APC turned around and returned to the rest of Coalition convoy.

Sometime later…

Coalition convoy

BTR was driving next to Coalition vehicles. It stopped next to the place, where American truck was blown up during fight with tanks. Soldiers started to come out of it.

Saltarski and Michael approached Linchov and his squad. But when they approached them, they already knew, that something happened.

"And how is it?"Michael asked.

"We cleared possible ambush. Trench with ATGMs and soldiers hidden behind nearby hills. Everything is clear"Linchov replied, still in neutral tone.

American and Pole looked at each other. Then, they noticed, that someone's missing in Linchov's squad.

"Weren't there five of you?"Krystian asked.

"Yeah. But Artem stepped on a landmine".

He quickly recounted everything what happened during and after clearing the trench. Saltarski and Michael nodded after hearing this.

"You should tell your general to give him a medal"Krystian stated.

"That's what I'm going to do"Linchov agreed"Anyway. Better let's move. We still have Jerusalem to take, aren't we?"

"Yes, we have. Hope you'll be able to fight?"Michael asked.

Linchov looked at his AK-103.

"I'm always able to fight"he stated.

"Good. So let's go now"Saltarski said and walked away.

Michael and Linchov then returned to their vehicles. Soon after, the convoy again started to move forward in the direction of Jerusalem.

11:53

Jerusalem outskirts

Almost three hours later, column reached Jerusalem and set up on the city outskirts. Coalition troops set up radar, command vehicle and prepared the field hospital. Tanks aimed their cannons in the direction of the city, preparing for any Chinese reaction.

"What do we know?"Michael asked one of scouts.

"City is guarded by around two thousand Guardians of the Middle East. To it, we have around two hundred Chinese soldier, which have to take care of Guardians. If they decided to join forces with us"scout replied.

"Thanks, Tommy"Michael said.

"No problem, boss. Make America Great Again"Tommy replied and walked away.

Michael, on the other hand, turned around and walked up to Saltarski, Linchov, Annika, Barkhorn, Abla and Tsukuhawa, commander of Japanese tank platoon. They were standing bowed over the table with map of the city on it.

"What do we know?"Abla asked.

"Two thousand two hundred enemies. Mainly Guardians"Michael replied.

Annika whistled after hearing that.

"We have only five hundred soldiers"the Israeli said.

"What giver four to one ratio for them"Abla counted.

Michael, Saltarski and Linchov threw up their arms.

"On European Front, it's often ten to one ratio for them. So you know. It's still better"Saltarski said.

"Whatever you Euros say"Abla agreed.

"Anyway, let's get back to the plan"Michael stated"Where did Chinese set up their command post?"

Annika pointed at the Temple Hill.

"On the Temple Hill. We have to break into the temple and take down the Chinese general in charge of the city occupation. This will surely force them to surrender".

"Or make them fight more"Linchov added"This or this, we will take the city in anyways. And we should be prepared for counteroffensive from GME from Jordan".

"We know. But until that, let's focus on taking the city. We will be worrying about Chinese counterattack after we take it"Barkhorn said.

Michael nodded and pointed on the map.

"We're going to advance through the Kfar Sha'ul district and then, towards the Temple Hill. The streets are too thin, so we can't use the help of vehicles"There, he looked at Barkhorn"Barkhorn. You're going to command the second group. You will advance through Yefe Nof and Hapo'alim, with Tsukuhawa. Take some soldiers with you, to protect your vehicles from enemy troops".

"Got it"Witch confirmed.

"We're going to meet at the feet of Temple Hill. Then, we will take down enemy commander and retake the city. Understood?"

"Understood"everyone replied.

Michael nodded and reached his M4 Sopmod II.

"Great. So let's finish our Holy Crusade against Chinese"he stated.

Next, everyone went to the units.

12:09

Kfar Sha'ul district

American Marines, together with Polish and Israeli soldiers were on the outskirts of the district. Michael, Annika and Saltarski commanded their squads and entered first. They decided to do the scouting, before rest of their soldiers enter the city.

Currently, they were hiding behind a building. Annike leaned a little and saw a squad of twelve Arab soldiers. She shook her head.

"Cocksuckers"she thought.

She turned back to the rest.

"Twelve Guardians behind this turn".

"Copy that"Saltarski replied"Nothing we can't handle".

He turned around to Michael and gave him thumbs up. Next, he showed his soldiers hand signal to go behind the second building. They quickly ran from one cover to another.

Guardians heard the footsteps and turned around. Commander looked at his soldiers and showed two of them to check this. They listened and went to investigate the footsteps. Nobody should be present here, except of Guardians. All citizens of this district were evicted and district itself was changed into fully military controlled area of the city.

Two soldiers turned behind the building and were greeted by the group of Polish soldiers. One of them, with darker skin and light brown eyes, quickly jumped towards them, grabbed their heads and with full strength, he crashed their heads into each other.

Next, he showed thumbs up to Saltarski.

"Martinez is still one f the best people I have"Saltarski said.
"He's not Polish?"Annika asked.

"His mother is Spanish, father is American and they live in Poland. Strange combination, I agree"Saltarski replied.

"And we aren't your favorites?"Adrian asked, pointing at Hisako.

Saltarski turned to them and smiled.

"Martinez is right after you two"he said.

"Cut the chat. I think they're moving"Michael said.

And he was right. Not hearing anything from the two soldiers, commander ordered the remaining soldiers to move and check it.

But before they could do anything, Coalition soldiers left their cover and aimed their weapons at Arabs. Guardians tried to do the same, but last thing they saw, was a flash from Coalition barrels.

"Now I'm sure, they know about us"Annika stated.

"This wasn't supposed to be stealth mission anyways"Michael said and turned on his radio"Barkhorn, you can move forward".

Meanwhile…

Yefe Nof district

"Barkhron, you can move forward"Michael said in radio.

"Copy that. Starting operation"Barkhorn replied.

Witch hid down into her hatch and closed it. Next, she turned to Ursula:

"Turn on the engine and forward".

"On it"Ursula replied.

Next, Barkhorn reached her radio and turned to the rest of platoon:

"Platoon, forward".

Four tanks, with company of several APCs and IFVs, started to move forward towards the city. Around them, Spetznaz soldiers were walking and aiming at buildings surrounding.

"Keep your eyes open. We don't want any surprises"Linchov ordered.

"You can be sure about that"Daria stated with serious tone.

And after she said that, a missile from RPG hit the ground in front of their column. Soldiers quickly hid behind the vehicles and started to look around.

"There he is!"one of Spetznaz soldiers said.

He pointed at a window in nearby building. There, everyone saw a figure of Middle East Guardian with RPG in his hand and loading another missile.

Sanya wanted to be faster and took her own RPG, but Linchov stopped her.

"No. There are still people in the city. And if they're not on the streets, they're probably hidden in their houses"he said and turned his radio"Barkhorn, mow him down".

Barkhorn's tank turret started to turn in the direction of building and aimed the machine gun on it. Next, the MG fired and bullets sliced through the enemy's body.

But then, instead of missiles fire, bullets started to fire from all sides and bounce from vehicles armor. Aleksandra and Sanya activated their shields to deflect the bullets, while other Spetznaz started to to return fire, as well as APCs and IFVs.

"Oh, come the fuck on!"Linchov exclaimed"This is getting ridiculous!"

He then leaned from behind his cover and returned fire. His bullets hit Guardian in the neck and sent him flying out of the window. Russian then hid back, as more bullets were fired at him. But then, one of BTRs mowed the enemy line down.

"I wonder, how others are doing?"Sanya asked.

Back with Israeli, Polish and American troops…

Saltarski hid behind his cover, as bullets flew over his head. He looked at Martinez, Hisako and Adrian, which were ducking down next to him. Guardians were standing on a bit higher position and were shredding their cover with wave of bullets.

"They have us, not gonna lie"he said.

"Could be worse, Boss"Martinez said"They could throw a grenade at us".

Right when he said that, grenade landed between them.

"RUN!"Adrian exclaimed.

Four soldiers jumped on their feet and ran back towards the American, Israeli and rest of their soldiers hiding behind a house.

"You had to speed forward, weren't you?"Annika asked.

"We didn't expected so many of them. That's all"Hisako said.

Michael then leaned, to look at enemy soldiers. However, he hid back again, as bullets flew next to his head.
"I don't think they'll let us pass there"he said.

"Agree"Martinez said.

Right then, his eyes landed on the door behind Michael and Americans.

"But I think I know, how to get through them"he said.

"How?"Annik asked.

Martinez pointed at the door. Everyone turned around and saw them.

"How couldn't we notice?"Shirley asked.

"I dunno"Martinez said"But just give me some men and women and we'll take care of that road block".

Annika and Michael nodded. Their turned to their soldiers.

"Shir, Jenkins. You're going with Martinez"Michael said.

"Shakan, Horadi. You too"Annika said.

The four nodded and joined Martinez. He came up to the door and opened them with kick. Next, his little squad started to pour inside.

Once inside, they started checking the rooms on the lower floor, looking for any enemy soldiers hiding inside and preparing to ambush Coalition outside. Fortunately, they found nobody.

"Ground floor clear!"Horadi reported.

"Let's go up then"Martinez ordered.

Soldiers then stood on the stairs and slowly started to move up. Martinez was in the front, aiming his riffle up, to hit any enemy, which will appear on the top of the stairs. But none of that happened.

"I think this home is clear"Shirley said.

"True. No sign of enemy"Jenkins agreed with her.

Soldiers then stood down and simply went up the stairs. They entered the corridor and came up to the door, which seemed to lead to the room turned towards the Guardians. Martinez came up to the door and again opened them with kick.

And when he did this, everyone heard a scream. Soldiers looked at each other. Next, they entered the room, which turned out to be a children room.

Inside, four people were present: one man, one woman and two children. Soldiers looked at each other. They were shaking and fear could be seen in their eyes.

"Shakan, take care of them"Martinez ordered.

Israeli nodded and came up to the people. He said something in Hebrew, what seemingly calmed them down.

Meanwhile, the rest of the squad came up to the two windows of the room. Fortunately, they were big enough, so two soldiers could stand next to each other.

Down on the street, they could see soldiers firing at the rest of their teams. Martinez, Horadi, Shirley and Jenkins aimed their weapons at them.

"Niespodzianka, szmaty (Surprise, whores)"Martinez said in Polish.

All soldiers pulled their triggers and bullets flew towards enemy troops.

When Guardians noticed, where the bullets are coming from, their turned and fired at the windows. However, they then got hit by the remaining Polish, Israeli and American troops from the front. Now, under the fire from two sides, Guardians started to turn their back and run away. But before they were safe, few more got hit by enemy bullets.

Michael lowered his weapon and looked up, to see Martinez in the window, showing thumbs up.

"I think I'm starting to like this Martinez"Michael stated.

"Told you"Saltarski said"But that's later. Now, let's follow them".

They waited for Martinez and the rest. How surprised they were, when they saw civilians among the five soldiers.

"Where did you found them?"Annika asked.

"In the building"Shakan replied"Someone should escort them to safe area".

"Good idea. Can you do it?"Michael asked.

Shakan asked. He looked at Horadi and the two soldiers, with four civilians, turned in the direction of the Coalition FOB outside Jerusalem.

Rest of soldiers moved forward.

Back with armored group…

Spetznaz soldiers finally jumped from behind their covers and started firing at enemy soldiers in the windows. Guardians started to fall out of them or fall back into the houses. Soon, everything ended.

"Okay, next time"Linchov said"have your eyes open twice as wide".

"That was even intense"Aleksandra said.

Meanwhile, vehicles started to move forward again. For around two kilometers, they haven't met anymore resistance from enemy forces, what even surprised Coalition troops, because they were waiting for more ambushes.

"I don't like it, if you want to know"Sanya said.

"I don't like it either"Aleksandra agreed"It's too quiet after that ambush back then".

Suddenly, they felt ground under their feet shaking. They all looked at each other and on their tanks.

"I hope it's not what I think"one of Spetsnaz said.

Right then, one of the building in front of them literally exploded with rubble. Soon after, a shape started coming out of it. And it was shape known to them too much.

"Enemy tank!"Linchov exclaimed.

Tank then started to turn around, putting itself with it's front in the direction of Coalition troops and vehicles. And to make the matter worse, it turned out to be the laser cannon tank.

"You're gonna be shitting me!"Aleksandra exclaimed and realized"I think I'm spending too much time with games".

When she moved into the Russian MHS, she discovered, that she's pretty good at playing MMO games. Because of that, when she, or her team were winning, she heard many interesting words.

But now, it was not important for her. Tank aimed it's gun and fired. Fortunately or unfortunately, laser passed by the armored column and hit the nearby building, which collapsed on the street.

"Shit, fire!"Barkhorn ordered.

Her tank turned it's tower and fired. However, as she expected, the shell bounced off of the armor. Barkhorn just fell on her commander chair.

"I think we need to get very radical"she stated.

She then used her periscope to look around.

"Ursula, get through that building!"Barkhorn ordered.

But then, something strange happened. A missile came out of nowhere and hit the laser cannon tank in the back, where it's armor was the weakest. Engine exploded and crew started leaving it. However, someone fired his weapon and tank crew was mowed down.

Spetsnaz soldiers and vehicle crew simply looked at it, confused. They all looked at each other, but everyone just threw up their arms.

"Hey, who did this?"Daria asked.

"I think I know who"Linchov said, pointing in the direction of tank.

From the smoke that started to come out of the tank, a person was coming. When person came through smoke, everyone gasped from surprise because…it was Sanya.

Linchov, Daria and Aleksandra right then noticed, that Sanya was not with them anymore. Witch approached them and saluted.

"Done"she said.

"But…when…how…"Linchov asked.

"You were distracted by the tank, so I simply went through that alley over there"she pointed at nearby alley"and then, I came up to the building this tank broke through and simply used my RPG. When they started running, I made sure they won't escape".

Aleksandra and Linchov looked at each other.

"I never expected to see something like that from her"Linchov said.

"Me too"Aleksandra agreed.

"And me"Barkhorn said from her turret hatch.

Sanya just threw up her arms, like it was nothing.

"That Spetznaz training came in handy"she stated.

"I should remember to not make you angry"Barkhorn stated.

Next, she hid back inside her tank.

"Move forward"she said in radio.

"What she said"Linchov stated.

Next, the column continued to move forward towards the Temple Hill.

Meanwhile…

From two groups attacking the city, the one commanded by Saltarski, Michael and Annika was probably the most unlucky. They were meeting enemy troops left and right and were almost out of ammo. Some soldiers were even already carrying Chinese or Guardian riffles and ammo.

And currently, they were engaging another group. This time, around three times bigger that the one they met earlier.

"Hiko, on your left!"Michael shouted.

Hisako turned around and fired at Guardian, which wanted to attack her from behind. Enemy soldier fell on the ground and his helmet rolled on the ground.

The fight was taking place in the web of small alleys between the buildings. Soldiers spread out to cover more of the alleys, which came in handy, when enemy soldiers started to appear. Coalition troops maneuvered between building and sometimes managed to catch enemies into ambush. Guardians and Chinese tried to find them, but were not so good at it.

"Thanks"Hisako said to Michael.

"No problem. Saltarski would kill me, if I would let you die"Michael replied.

"Me too, by the way"Shirley added.

All three of them were pushing in the direction of Temple Hill, as planned, but they also were additionally cleaning the alleys from enemy soldiers. Currently, they killed around twenty of them, in small groups of course.

"I swear, how many of them can still be there?"Shirley asked.

"Too many. There is always too many"Hisako replied.

She then looked up and saw a flash of light. She aimed up and fired her gun. Soon after, Chinese soldier fell out of the window.

"Nice one"Michael commended.
"Always have eyes wide open"Hisako replied"That's what they're teaching us in school. We have to fill our small numbers with something, right?"

"True"Shirley agreed.

They continued to move down the alley, before Michael lifted his hand, ordering them to stop. Two girls stopped and stood behind Michael.

American leaned from behind the turn and saw a group of ten Guardians standing in the alley.

"Then enemies behind the turn"he said.

"So, what are we going to do with them?"Shirley asked.

Michael looked at her and smiled. He reached his belt and took a grenade from there. Next, he pulled the cotter and threw grenade behind the turn.

Guardians of the Middle East hasn't noticed the small object, until it landed between them. When this happened, they jumped from surprise.

" قنبلة!)Grenade!)"one of Guardians exclaimed.

But before they could run away, grenade exploded and threw them away, with some of them hitting hard objects and breaking their heads and necks.

"Our turn"Michael said.

Hisako, Michael and Shirley entered the alley and started checking the status of enemy soldiers.

"This one is alive"Hisako said, when she stood over a soldier, which crashed into the table.

She knelt next to him and opened her backpack.

"What are you doing?"Shirley asked.

"Helping him"girl said.

Michael and Shirley looked at each other.

"Why?"Michael asked.

"Because enemy or not, he's still a human"Hisako replied.

"Morality in the first place"Shirley said, seeing Michael's asking look.

Hisako took two pieces of wood from the table and put soldier's broken hand between them.

"Shirley, can you keep it like that?"

Witch knelt next to Hisako and grabbed the pieces of wood. Next, Hisako took a bandage from her backpack and started to wrap it around the arm. When she was done, she took off soldier's helmet and started to wrap the bandage around his head.

"Why are you doing this?"Guardian asked.

Hisako looked at his face and smiled warmly.

"As I said. No matter if you're enemy, you're still a human"she said.

"Makes sense"Guardian stated.

Right then, Hisako finished wrapping the bandage. She took her scissors and cut the bandage.

"I hope it will help you"she said.

Girl nodded her head and stood up. She grabbed her riffle and joined Michael and Shirley. She smiled.

"Satisfaction"Hisako stated.

"Satisfaction is what matters"Michael agreed.

He then heard his radio cracking. Few seconds after that, they all heard Saltarski's voice:

"Where the hell are you?"

"In one of alleys"Michael replied to radio"And what about you?"

"We're under Temple Hill"Krystian said"Second group is here too".

"Does it mean we're the only ones late?"Shirley asked.

"No, the fun is still going. You won't be late for anything. Now get here as fast as possible!"

"We're on it"Michael said, hiding his radio.

Without more words, the three turned down the alley and turned towards the Temple Hill.

Meanwhile, the GME soldier Hisako managed to bear, watched them and saluted.

"I wish you the best"he said and lost consciousness.

13:02

Temple Hill

Coalition soldiers were hiding behind their vehicles, as defenders were firing at them from the top. Bullets were flying everywhere and ricocheting from vehicles' armor.

Michael, Hisako and Shirley joined the hiding soldiers. They found Saltarski, Linchov and Annika kneeling behind BTR and looking at the Temple Hill map. They approached them and also looked at map.

"Good to see you in one piece"Linchov said.

"The same"Shirley replied.

"What are we dealing with?"Michael asked.

Saltarski pointed on the map.

"Most of enemy soldiers withdrew to the temple. They set up in the gates and on the walls. In other words, they returned to the Middle Ages and are defending the castle"he said.

But when he saw Annika's look, he corrected himself:

"I mean, temple".

Annika nodded.

"Right. So we have to attack enemy, who has the high ground"Shirley said.

"And if Star Wars taught us something, is that high ground always wins"Krystian said.

Hisako looked at him with smile on her face.

"And Darth Maul and Grievous?"she asked.

"Alright, high ground wins only, when Obi-Wan has it"Saltarski agreed with her.

She nodded.

"Okay, end this sci-fantasy chat and let's take out the general"Michael said"Tell it to the others. We start in ten minutes".

As he said that, he and Shirley went to the other American soldiers. Linchov and Annika did the same.

Saltarski and Hisako approached Adrian and Martinez, which were hiding behind one of Bradleys. Two boys looked at them.

"So, what's the plan?"Martinez asked.

"Martinez, you tell the driver of that Bradley, that in ten minutes, we assault the Temple Hill. Adrian, tell it to the soldiers"Krystian replied.

Martinez nodded and entered the IFV. Adrian turned around and approached the group of Polish soldiers.

Krystian looked at Hisako.

"Better watch out for bullets"he said.

"I don't have to. You should be the one, who should be aware of bullets"Hisako stated with reproach.

"Why, because you're bulletproof?"

"No, because I don't want to take care of all these bullets that might hit you".

After she said that, they both smiled and started laughing. How they loved these word skirmishes from time to time.

"Okay, let's get serious now. We have to retake the Temple Hill"Krystian said, when they stopped laughing.

"Of course"Hisako agreed.

Ten minutes later, everything was ready and soldiers just waited for their commanders to give orders. Soldiers were hiding behind Bradley, which had to be their shield during the approach to main gate of the temple.

However, Americans decided to not go behind Bradley.
"You really want to charge under enemy fire without cover?"Annika asked"I thought it's Russian thing".

"Hey! We're not doing that!"Linchov said with reproach"Not very often at least"he added quieter.

Michael shook his head and pointed at Shirley.

"We have our own shield. Shir!"

Witch nodded and activated her familiar and shield. Saltarski just threw up his arms.

"Okay, fine with me"he said"On my mark!"

Soldiers lifted their weapons, while Bradley aimed it's gun.

"Move!"Krystian ordered.

When he said that, IFV started to move up the hill, soldiers behind it. Americans hiding behind Shirley's shield started to move forward too.

Seeing the incoming assault, Guardians and Chinese started to fire towards Coalition troops. They were especially terrified by the blue light circle, used as cover by Americans. Bullets were simply bouncing from it, like from armor.

"Better let's start taking care of them"Michael stated.

He leaned from behind Shirley's shield and aimed at soldiers on temple's wall ramparts. Before Guardians and Chinese knew, they started to fall from ramparts under American fire. Remaining ones started to duck down.

"Know your place, trash!"Tiffany exclaimed, as she shot two enemies.

Bradley also didn't wasted time. IFV aimed it's turret at the ramparts and fired several shots, mowing down more enemies. Next, the turret turned at the main gate and fired at soldiers protecting it.

"Hide, hide, hide!"Guardian commander ordered in Arabic.

Soldiers started to run, hiding from Coalition troops and Bradley. The ones at ramparts started running too. But in that way, they put themselves on the firing lines of Coalition, what they used to mow down more of them.

"Don't let any of them run!"Saltarski ordered.

His soldiers came out of their hiding and started firing. Guardians and Chinese were falling on the ground like bowls. Martinez took his grenade and threw in the direction of enemy, killing more of them.

"And another one!"Linchov said, when he killed another enemy.

Before Guardians could know, they were all taken care of and laying on the ground. Coalition soldiers looked at this.

"Only if God will forgive us for what we done in his temple"Annika said.

"Well, if we would have any other choice, we wouldn't do it. But They chosen to fight"Michael stated"Now, let's get that bastard inside!"

Soldiers nodded and followed Michael. They came through the Temple Hill in-wall part, with Bradley following them. Next, they reached the main temple and stood on both sides of the door.

Martinez came up to them and pulled.

"Locked"he stated.

"I can see they don't want us inside"Will stated"What now?"

Michael thought for a moment. Next, he turned to Annika and asked:

"Will you forgive me for what I'm going to do?"

Israeli girl tilted her head, not knowing, what the American was talking about.

But soon, she got the answer. Michael said something to his radio and Bradley started to move forward. Before Annika could say anything, the IFV driven between the columns and simply rammed the temple's gate.

"Oh, come on!"Annik exclaimed.

"Modern problems require modern solutions"Michael replied.

After he said that, fire came from the inside and Bradley returned fire. Screams came from inside and another wave of fire came.

"Inside!"Linchov ordered.

Soldiers quickly started running inside the temple and firing their weapons. Guardians tried to fire at them, but Coalition was faster and before any Guardian could fire at soldier, he was killed himself.

"On the left!"Daria exclaimed.

Linchov turned and fired his gun at two Guardians, which came out of hiding on his left. They quickly fell on the ground.

Rest of Guardians, seeing that they have no chance, started to lift up their arms and lay down their weapons. Coalition troops started coming up to them and tying their arms behind them. Next, they were bringing Guardians to their knees.

"It went pretty easy"Michael said with smile.

"You know, that this is probably the oldest temple in the world?"Annika asked"And you just destroyed it's gate?"

"Many landmarks get destroyed during fighting"Michael replied.

Annika shook her head.

"Try say something to American…"she whispered.

"What was that?"Michael asked.

Israeli just shook her head and looked around. Around her, except of benches, she could see tables with communication equipment and maps. She decided to check some of them.

Meanwhile, Linchov approached a man in Chinese officer uniform and pulled him up on his legs. Next, they moved him to one of the multiple tables with equipment and put him on the chair.

"Okay, Chinese scum"he said"Tell us everything".

"What do I have to tell you?"officer asked.

"Everything you know"Saltarski replied"About forces in other Middle Easter regions, state of your equipment and anything like that…"

"Never"officer stated.

The two looked at each other. Linchov, without hesitation, hit the officer in the face. He just looked at them with surprise.

"What the hell was that?!"he exclaimed.

"Just something, what have to remind you, that we're the winners here"Saltarski stated, pointing behind him.

Officer looked at what he was pointing and saw his soldiers kneeling, with Coalition soldiers guarding them. He bit his lip.

"Okay. There, you are right. But…"

In that moment, a telephone rang. Everyone turned in it's direction. Saltarski looked at Linchov and came up to the phone.

Officer then started to shake his head.

"No!"he shouted"Don't pick up this call!"

But Saltarski didn't listened. He grabbed the phone and took the call.
"Hello?"he said.

"Wait, who are you?"came from the other said.

Pole then felt something in his chest. He heard this voice several times. It was true, that with lector, translating, what he was saying, but this voice was known to him. From various reports about Syrian Civil War.

"Someone from Coalition. By the way, nice to know, that you're alive. Guess, that your brother is too, mister?"Krystian replied.

"Coalition?"the voice owner said with surprise"What…?"

But before he could end, Saltarski put down the phone and came up to the officer. Before he could say anything, Pole kicked him in face, knocking him out.

"What are you doing?!"Linchov shouted.

"We don't need him"Saltarski stated"We need someone else".

"Someone else?"Linchov asked, not hiding surprise"Who?"

However, instead of answering, Saltarski turned around and walked away.

"Just call our base. We need to get back to Tel Aviv as fast as possible"he stated"And tell them to start pushing Guardians out of the city".

Linchov tried to say something else, but he finally gave up and turned, to contact the base.

13:53

Coalition base outside Jerusalem

After receiving the information from Linchov, remaining two thousand soldiers in the base moved out and started liberating the city. Meanwhile, the Temple Hill assault force returned with their prisoners.

"So, who was calling?"Linchov asked Saltarski once again.

Saltarski once more looked at his Russian friend. He simply didn't wanted to give up.

"I can tell you"Pole stated"But I don't know, if it won't hit your Russian pride".

"Why would it?"Linchov asked.

"I know, that Russia helped a lot in Syrian Civil War. On the president's side".

Russian nodded.

"Yeah, but I don't see the connection here".

Saltarski sighed. He looked straight into Linchov's eyes.

"The person who called, was no one else, than former president of Syria, Bashar Hafiz al-Assad"he replied.

There was a short period of silence between the two. Linchov several times tried to say something, but simply couldn't. And if Saltarski could read from the lips movement, he would known, that Linchov said 'Oh, cyka'.

XXX

And here is the chapter done. Jerusalem is liberated (almost) and Coalition soldiers now have to solve a mystery: why was al-Assad calling city occupation leader? But, as you probably know, this will be explained in the near future.

So, until the next time!