Here's another one for you readers out there in the fanfiction universe. I hope you enjoy be sure to read and drop a review if you like

Chapter 26

I don't know if it's me or some strange force, but for some reason my roommate Dusty is always that kind of guy that gets up literally thirty minutes before the alarm ever goes off. Hell, even I would get up when my alarm sounded off and Dusty is already in his pt gear ready to go. What ever he is on I want some of that. But all matters aside I get up and get my pt done as everyone else.

The early first part of the morning goes like a flash for me, as I sat here eating breakfast. The only thing that was different about today was that I and everyone else was gearing up for a mission back to Nicaragua. Of course, as I ate breakfast I was avoiding both Strike and Sergeant Jaye. I've never thought things would have escalated like that. Yet to me in a way it was sort of fun, especially messing around with Strike. Well even when I'm looking at her she does give me those nice warm feelings. Wait a minute Mark slow down and get your head out of it, I have a mission to concentrate on.

Oh yeah what did Sergeant Low-Lighted wanted yesterday, ah yes, he wanted me to go to the firing range. So, once I was done I quickly got my ACR ready as I headed to the firing range. Once I was there I was quickly greeted by Sergeant Low-Light. "Good Private you are here, now let's get started."" We've only got a few hours, by the way I want you to get in a few practices rounds in with your AS50 are you up to it."" Yeah of course Sergeant."" Good now let's get going."

Our first stop was by the long-range area where I took out those Hiss tanks before. I guess Sergeant Low-Light wanted me to practice on taking these things out since we would most likely run into these things into the field. But before I got started, I decided to ask Sergeant Low-Light a question or two.

"Hey Sergeant can I take an up close and personal look of those Hiss tanks?"" Sure, thing private you can have a few minutes if you like." I quickly un strap my AS50 and put it down near the sniper nest, as I started to make my way towards the Hiss tank. As I came up to it, it was a sight to behold. I mean the last time I was next to one, was a good while ago when I first got started here.

Unlike the wolverine tank this thing was at an elevated height. So, I started look all around it. As big and intimidating as this thing was, it wasn't without its weaknesses. I was able to find where the fuel port was, as it was near the rear. Oddly the back area alone could only maybe fit about four or five men in the back.

From the research I've gotten from Cover girl, I was told that the main gun to this thing can be fired by both the drives and who ever could man it up on top. All in all, this thing was fairly well armored. So, I started to inspect the cock pit area. As always it was for two people only. Again, Cover girl was able to explain to me that both inside could drive this thing. That mostly the copilot was there to handle the targeting system of the main cannons or other mounted guns that lay hidden.

As I crawled into the pilot seat, I've did notice the controls to this thing. I guess these cobra types aren't very bright, because the controls to this thing had written labels everywhere. But the one thing that was really odd about this cock pit area, was the massive space in back. I mean to me it looked like wasted space.

But as I was told by my self-defense teacher Scarlett, that looks can be deceiving. So, I started to mess around to see what was back here. Oddly enough no tools or extra parts. Instead I did find a screw cap of all things. So, I started to open it to see what it was. It did have a rather small metal cover that easily flapped to one side as I kept fiddling with it. But as I continue to un screw the cap, that's when I found something rather odd. I opened it as I could hear an air seal break. Soon the smell of diesel filled the cockpit. Why would they put a fuel port in the cock pit I wonder? I guess if they needed an extra port entrance when it came to refueling, I suppose. But none the less the back hub was fine where it was at. It just didn't make any sense to me. If anything, this would be more of a problem than a solution.

But then an idea came to mine. I came out of the cock pit leaving the fuel port open. I then lowered the glass almost to the point of locking it. I kept focusing to where the fuel port was at. Oh my god, the fuel port is not only dead center in the cock pit between the two drivers, but it also aligns perfectly with the edge of the front part of the cock pit glass.

I couldn't believe it, I found a fatal flaw to this thing. I mean if someone could place a perfect shot to that area. Then this tank would light up like a roman candle. The only major problem is that, this part of the glass is at its strongest. I mean it would take a few rounds of .50 caliber bullets to cut right threw it. But all matters aside I did find a major weakness to this thing. I better hurry and get done, because I could see Sergeant Low-Light calling me over that my time was done.

For the next couple of hours, I get in some great shooting in with my AS50 and M110, as well as my ACR. I was about to break for an early lunch, until Low-Light stopped me from doing so. I guess he wanted to have another chit chat with me. So, I came over with my rifles in tow to Low-Lights office. "You wanted to see me again Sergeant?"

"Yeah private this won't take long." I see him pick up what looked like an ammunition can, only it was painted yellow and black. It had this odd-looking symbol to it, but I knew what it was. It was a trefoil mark, meaning that it was radioactive. "What you got their sergeant?"" This private is something really special, however I need you to listen very carefully to my instructions on this."

I agreed completely to Sergeant Low-Light as he explained what this was. "Good first off if you are wondering what this is, I can assure you that it is not at all that radioactive. "" But that doesn't mean that precautions should not be taken. "" So, I want you to put on these special gloves and balaclava."" If you haven't noticed it yet private these are no ordinary garments."" You may have notice that it seems a bit thicker and heavier. "" These are lead lined garments. "" When you are handing this material, you must have this stuff on first is that understood."" Yes sergeant,
as I responded.

"Good you can take it off if you please, I'm not going to take out the special rounds out."" Special rounds Sergeant," I said confusedly. "Oh yeah about that."" In this special case are Du .50 caliber penetrators." "And before you ask private Du stands for depleted uranium. "" These are special armor piercing rounds."" They can easily cut through most plated armor in the field."" I had these customs made for your AS50."

"Wow, really thanks Sarg. "" Yeah don't mention it."" Cool can I use a few for some practice then Sergeant."" I'm afraid that is not an option private. "" And before you ask again, I was only able to secure about twenty of these rounds. "" They are hard to come by, and they are also expensive as can be."" Oh, I understand then."" Good well before you go to get lunch, I want you head back to your quarters and pack up."" I want you to not only bring your AS50, but I also want you to bring your M110 as well."" Also, be sure to pack your ACR and regular kit."" Well with that being said go on and get to it private."

I took off immediately after that. I quickly made it back to my dorm. I didn't see Dusty in there, but I assume he was either gearing up as well or was probably having some lunch himself. Needless to say, I just get started. First, I took a good five-minute relaxing shower and get dressed in my all black battle uniform. Next, I get my rifles cleaned up and oiled. I pack as much ammunition as I can hold. I got my medical kit stowed away in my back pack along with my camel and an extra canteen of water. I made every preparation I could think of with my gear. I was about to leave my dorm with my gear in tow, until I stopped myself near the door. I stood their thinking about a couple of things.

Let's see I know I got everything packed, but something is holding me back. I though about it some more, until it hit me. Now let's see the last time I went out on a mission was with Scarlett. And the only major problem to popped up for the both of us was food. That's it I'll just pack some kind snack to take only for me. So, I went to my special foot locker to see what I had in stock.

I pulled out my great tasting and very full filling Hawaiian power packed protein bars out. These things were not only good, but it only takes one to fill you up for most of the day. The only major set back to them was the cost. I mean fifty dollars for a box of twenty. On the last liberty I had, I did pick up quite a bit of these things. I've must have spent like four or five hundred dollars on these things. But it was worth every penny since they are that good.

The only major problem that came into mind, was that Hawk never really gave a time frame on how long this mission was going to last. So, I prepared for the worst. I packed close to a hundred of these things in my extra nap sack. Now I was prepared for just about anything as I thought to myself. I started to make my way out with my gear as I went back to the firing range to meet with Sergeant Low-Light. I made use of his small office to stash my gear with his, since he was reluctant about the whole thing.

I quickly ate lunch, then reported back to the range to get my gear. Me and Low-Light went to the tarmac to get ready to check in. But that is until we got a message from Hawk letting everyone know that the mission was put on hold for another few hours mainly until till 19:00 hours. We really weren't told why, but I could guess that Hawk wanted us to have hearty dinner before we left. Low-Light basically just told me to stash my gear with his at the tarmac storage area. And to just go ahead and take it easy for the next few hours.

Which to me was really great since I could use this time to relax a bit. So, I just went ahead pulled out my satellite radio to listen to edm, while drinking some red stuff. When the time came for dinner, I ate as much as I could. For the most part it was rather an eerie feeling in here since it was almost in complete silence. I guess when it came to missions here at the pit everyone takes it bit differently. I noticed that Sergeant Major Beach head was standing up watching us eat as he made his rounds, telling us to eat it down and taste it later. As I got up for seconds, I couldn't tell it he was going to hound me for it. But instead he just encouraged me to continue on if I could.

Like I said I pound in as much food down as I could, mostly since I know this trip was going to be a long one. I think the last time I went it took almost twelve to fourteen hours to get there. Once I was done with dinner that's when I had to report with Low-Light to the tarmac. I grabbed my gear along with his and waited near the run way as the planes where getting ready. From my sights alone, it was at least four or five C-17 planes.

To the average person everything seemed chaotic on the ground as personnel is moving about, along with equipment and armor. But to me it was in an orderly fashion. Once again, I thought I was going to be mixed in with the green shirt support troops. But Low-Light was having none of that, since he wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to wander off or slack off. So, I was bunched up with the rest of the Joes in the first plane. I can't image how they are going to fit fifty plus Joe's on this crate. But as always, they have plans for everything. For one every square inch of space on this plane was not wasted. Seats were placed not only along the walls of the plane, but in the spaces in between. There wasn't really any assigned seating so to speak, but needless to say seats filled up rather quickly.

Sergeant Low-Light was able to get a seat quick and fast. So, I guess I wasn't going to sit next to my teacher. So, I started to look around and walk up to front a bit so see if any seats were available. Oddly enough I see sergeant Jaye waving to me that a seat was available next to her. I actually pretend not to see her as I continue to scan around some more. For the most part no one on this plane seemed to notice me, or much less care that I was on board.

But as always, the flight crew was walking around to make sure that everyone was strapped in tight since we were about to take off. I knew from that point on that I didn't want to be that guy who held up the works, so I sighed to myself in regret and started to make my way towards Sergeant Jaye.

I could see her smiling towards me as she started to pat down on the seat next to her saying, "hey buddy I saved you seat right next to me."" Thanks sergeant," as I said to her plainly. "Awe don't be sad, besides your lady friend is sitting right across from you."" Lady friend," I said confusingly. When I looked over it was Strike right across from me. She didn't notice me at first since I think she was checking up on her gear.

"Hey sergeant can I ask you something?"" Sure, you can private, after all we are pals."" Yeah about last night, um….do you think you could….." Sergeant gave me a nice warm smile and said, "hey it's ok your secret is safe with me." I smiled back to her saying, "thanks Sergeant." From that moment on I started to look around the plane. Everyone was in some sort of mood within themselves. Some Joe's were either starting to go to sleep, while others were doing a little bit of writing. Then the plane started to take off and we were off.

In midflight I looked over to Sergeant Jaye to which to my surprise she was already fast asleep. Again, I looked over to Strike, as she notices me looking towards her. I see her smiling towards me with thumbs up. She then gestures with her hands with a sleeping motion I guess to get me going to sleep. I just nodded to her as I did my best to get some shut eye.

A few hours pass on by

Like I said before and I'll say it again, how could anyone sleep in such a noisy rickety plane like this. I mean its mind boggling. I was sleeping for what seemed like and hour or two, then I'll just be awake at other times. When I felt that I couldn't sleep anymore, I just started to look around the plane. Everyone was sleeping like a baby. I find it rather fascinating that these Joe's could easily fall asleep like this. I assumed that some of the dudes on this plane did snore, but then again, the noise of the plane alone would drown it out that entirely.

When I felt that it was no use for me to try and sleep, I started to unstrap myself from my seat and tried to stand up. Luckily for me there were some packing straps that were loose for me to use to balance myself on this plane. I thought if I could stretch my legs a bit that it would help me get to sleep much quicker. But alas that was not working either. So, I just stood up looking over everyone on this plane. I recognized some of the Joe's that I knew the best. I saw my roommate Dusty catching zzz's, sitting right next to him I think was Tunnel Rat. Across from them was Sergeant Scarlett along with those creepy ninja guys. At the rear of the plane I saw the Sergeant Major and most of the drinking brigade. I thought about if I should try and walk around to see if I could tire myself out. I was about to do it, but I stopped myself from doing so. Mainly because I saw how difficult it would be, since most of the Joe's had their legs and some gear extended out in front of them.

I was about to sit down and do my best to go to sleep, till I felt a slight tap from my shoulder. I turned around thinking that it was most likely a flight crewman to see if anything was up. Instead I got nice surprise from the field commander himself Duke. I was about to say hello, when instead he motions with his fingers to keep me quiet. He also motioned to me to follow him. I sighed quietly to myself as I followed him hoping that I wasn't in trouble. Yet I had a gut feeling that I was.

Since we were closer to the front of the plane, that's were he took me. I was gearing up for a reaming of my ass by this guy. Instead of yelling at me in the cargo hold he took me to more secluded spot that was behind a couple of doors. Again, I gear myself to get yelled at by this guy, but instead his mood was calmer and to the point of sounding concern.

"All right private why are you up and out of your seat?"" Uh I'm sorry first Sergeant it's just that I'm not really use to sleeping on a noisy plane."" You know private you don't have to keep calling us by our ranks you know, that right?"" I know first sergeant, it's just that I want be politer about it, since all of you call me private. "" Huh I guess you got a point there, but be that as it may I need you to get some sleep ok. "" I'll keep trying first sergeant." I was about to walk out of there and head over to my seat, when instead Duke spoke up to me.

"Hold on there private. "" How about this, we'll do a little bit of pt to get you a bit tired. "" That way it may help in you getting in some shut eye."" Sure, whatever you want first Sergeant." I was starting to hit the deck about start doing some pushups, when I see Duke right along side me. I didn't question it as he started to do some push up's. I guess he was sort of in that same situation, that I was in. After about an hour of doing some pushup's and sit ups I was actually getting a bit tired myself. I suspect Duke was feeling the same way. So, he let me out of the storage space so I could get some shut eye again. And for once it actually worked. Because from that point on I was catching zzz's like there was no tomorrow.

07:30 Saturday the very next day, Lady Jaye was starting to awake from her long slumber. Most of her comrades next to her were doing the same. Usually they would get awaken by a crew member that they will be landing soon, however most of the Joe's like herself are very well disciplined in waking themselves up in such cases. Also, it helps when you have a silent alarm vibrating watch to help you otherwise.

Lady Jaye does her best to stretch herself out to get herself more awake. As always, she takes a gander around to see if everyone is awake yet. And to her satisfaction everyone is, except for one person. She looks over to private Mark noticing that he is still fast asleep. She could do nothing but smile to him, after all to her he does look like a teenager sleeping without a care in the world. She was about to shake his butt awake since they were about to land in the next thirty minutes. That is until she notices that Private Mark's fingers seemed to be twitching a bit. She got a bit curious and started to look over the kid a bit more.

Upon her inspection of him, she noticed that his eyes were moving as well seeing the movement within the shut eyelids. "Well what do you know the kids dreaming, I hope it's a nice dream," as Lady Jaye mutters to herself. All she could do is smile for him. She looked up only to notice that Strike was already wide awake.

So, Lady Jaye started to motioned with her head to get Strike to come over for a bit. As Strike looked at her wondering why she wanted her over, only to notice that her roommate was also motioning with her head towards Mark. As he looked like he was still fast asleep to her. So, Strike got up from her seat and carefully walked over to see what Lady Jaye wanted, hoping that she wasn't going to pull a prank on Mark as he slept.

Strike comes over and is standing in front of Lady Jaye only to say good morning to her roommate. Lady Jaye instead motioned to with her hand so that Strike could come hear her a bit better. "He's dreaming," is all that Lady Jaye said to Strike. Strike didn't say anything other than starting to take a knee to get a good look for herself. And what do you know he was dreaming at least that's what Strike saw. Yet she also noticed that Mark lips were moving as well. So, she got a bit closer hoping to hear what he was saying.

She listens very intently as to see what Mark was saying. It was in a very soft voice, but she was still able to make out some of the words. First thing she heard was the phrase waiting in the car, then waiting for the ride in the dark, then the night city grows, and finally look and see her eyes they glow.

Strike got up to feet as she just repeated the same phrases over to Lady Jaye. "Any idea on what you think that is Strike." Strike shrugged her shoulders and nodded no to her. "Hmm he could be singing a song I suppose," Lady Jaye inquired. But she checked her watch only to noticed that they'll be landing in twenty minutes. So, Strike went back to her seat and strapped herself in. While Lady Jaye decided that it was high time to get private Mark up.

Lady Jaye gives him a good nudge or two to get private Mark awake, all the while speaking to him softy to coax him into waking up. "Wake up sleepy head its time to get up." She gives private Mark a few good nudges to his arm and body, till slowly but sure that he wakes up.

Mark slowly opened up his eyes getting use to the bright white lights within the plane. He takes at least one good yawn and stretch his arms a bit before he looks around. Of course, to his left was bulk head or rivet he wasn't too sure. But to his right he saw sergeant Jaye smiling to him. "Why did you wake me?" "Well for one you've been sleeping for at least twelve hours which is more than enough sleep."" And two we are about to land, that's why Private."

Mark nags a bit saying, "you know sergeant I was having a really nice and pleasant sleep."" Well I'm sorry if I disturbed you but we are in fact landing in about fifteen minutes. ""Wow we are already here?" "Pretty much private."" Uh where are we going again? ""What you forgot already, we are going to Nicaragua."" Oh, sorry about that Sergeant, is just the last time I went was with Sergeant Scarlett and we were in Honduras first before we went into Nicaragua."

"Ok private I'll let you in on a few bits of information, we are landing in the upper region of the Caribbean low lands, about a good fifty miles away for or objective."" Duke is going to go over the base layouts and form a good solid plan of attack for our invasion prevention against these snakes."" Don't worry too much about it Private, Duke is a good field commander."" Now when we land be sure to get all your gear and keep up with Low-Light, since I think you're partner with him on this mission."

"You and Strike are going to be ok without me?" Sergeant Jaye smiled to Mark's last comment and responded rather kindly while placing a hand on his shoulder to ease him up. "You don't have to be worry about us private, but thanks for asking we'll be ok."

In the next fifteen minutes we finally landed. Once the plane came to a compete stop we all unstrapped ourselves gather our gear and proceeded out of the plane. Low-Light was cool enough to wait for by the exit of the plane. And just like before the temporary sub base was moving with all sorts of life. Everything from personnel carriers to armor coming and going. I didn't realize that this was such a huge operation. I mean the way Hawk explained it a day or so ago, it looked like it was going to be a small detachment.

At first, I thought I was going to be grouped with the green shirts, since I am one. Yet my instructor Low-Light was having none of that. Nope I was personally ordered by him to keep going with him. He told me to wait by the supply depot until he comes back. Which was fine by me since I was rather getting tiresome carrying my AS50, M110, and my ACR all at once. Like I said before I train myself to carry these rifles and as much ammunition as possible. But I only did that for two riles. Never I thought that I'll be carrying three of them at once. But again, that was what Low-Light had order me to do.

Within five minutes Low-Light came back and ask me to follow him near the command post or C.P. as he put it. As I was walking on by, I did notice that most of the green shirt support troop guys that are with us were already heading on out in choppers. I guess they already have gotten their orders.

We both finally make it to a temporary structure that I guess was the C.P. At first, I thought I was going to be let in along with Low-Light, but nope. Instead I was order by him to stand outside, while the Joe's went over their battle plans so to speak. I leaned over by a crate near the C.P. as I started to notice the nice sunny clear sky from up above. We weren't in the jungle yet, but the weather seemed nice and warm with a slight bit of humidity.

I couldn't imagine that a nice day like today, that blood was going to shed today. I tried not to think about it too much. Yet some else drew my attention elsewhere. Before long I could make a radio not too far in the distance. So, I got curios and started to follow the sound. After walking for about a couple hundred feet away from the C.P. I noticed the wolverine tanks that were assembled. I count about seven of theme here. As I got closer I notice that radio was playing some kind of music, but I wasn't too familiar with what it was. To me it sounded rather screeching.

When I got a closer look that's when a green shirt came popping out of his respective tank. He opens up to me, but rather in an interrogating way. "Can I help you? "" Oh no, um I was just listing to your boom box here."" I see what are you infantry?"" No, I'm a scout sniper."" Oh, so reconnaissance then?"" Yeah you can say that, by the way what are you listing to?"" What you never heard of Motorhead?" I shook my head no to him. "Huh then again you do look like a youngen."

"I guess you teeny bopper types only listen to that dance club shit."" But a real mans music is good ole rock n roll."" I always listen to Motor Head's Killed by Death before I go out and wipe out some snakes." "It's puts me in that mood."" So, the name of the song is Killed…by…Death? "" That's right!"" This music always gets me psyche out before battle."

Just like the green shirt told me as I heard the in the track the title of the song reaped by a sinister voice saying Killed by Death over and over. Apart of me wanted to listen to some more, but the other nicer part of me just told me to move on. I didn't really respond to this guy's criticisms of the type of music that I listen to, a part of me really wanted to tell him off. Yet I stop myself from doing so, after all we are in a warzone so to speak. But if I run into this guy again, I going to tell him off. So, I bid him a due as I started my way back towards the C.P.