I actually had this idea bouncing around in my head for a while. As many
of you can probably tell, I try to develop stories out so that they are
more interesting and will actually hold a reader's attention.
Chapter 2
"Ladies and gentlemen of the United States," said Henry Gregory, "It is my sad duty to report the death of President Wayne Carter. The president was over the Pacific, on his way home after a diplomatic trip to the Republic of China. Unknown fighters appeared and attacked Air Force One, shooting it down. We believe that there are no survivors. A search is being conducted to try to find any possible evidence that might lead us to the murderers of President Carter. Let us have a moment of silence to bade our respects and our deep sorrow to President Carter's wife and son."
"Holy shit," said Shield, "Somebody whacked the president? Do we know of any terrorist groups that could do that?"
"It would be quite a stretch for any terrorist group," said Bahador, "Considering that they would have needed to launch fighters from an island with an airbase and have the fighters necessary to engage Air Force One."
"So in other words we have no idea who could have done this."
"It would have to be an organization that is very well funded. They must be able to buy weapons like air to air missiles and fighter jets. I'm pretty sure that most terrorist groups normally don't buy those things. Their supporting governments do, but they themselves usually do not."
"How many groups are eliminated because they don't have the resources?" Shield asked.
"Most," answered Bahador, "There are some that we don't know too much about, and therefore we don't know too much about their capabilities."
"We'll have to wait until the investigation turns up something," said Shield, "By the way, whose jurisdiction does this fall under?"
"Secret Service takes care of things like attacks on government officials, FBI does terrorist attacks, and the military and CIA has jurisdiction over military and international acts."
"We would have the most experience regarding such things," said Shields, "If we do get the investigation, which department would get it?"
"Probably DIA," Bahador suggested.
"Suits. I'm going to send a request and ask them to let my men handle the investigation."
"They probably won't go for it."
"Then when they screw up they can come crawling back," said Shield.
Bahador cracked a smile before picking up his papers and leaving the office. Shield quickly typed up a message and sent it to the Pentagon. It ought to be interesting to see the reaction of the upper brass. He twisted his neck and heard it crack. In his fifties, Shield was starting to feel very old. He left the office and went outside. Dozens of Special Forces soldiers like SEAL and Delta Force were jogging around. The team he had was a paramilitary unit, not an intelligence gathering organization. He was still a little weak on that department, but the former CIA and FBI officers he had managed to recruit might get something to do providing the Pentagon would allow him to join in the investigation. Suits. And the worst part of it was that he was now a suit as well. Not a happy thought.
The collection of light tanks drove across the desert. They were all powerful enough to match and defeat the enemy units. Infantry followed behind them and would occupy the city. This was the first time that the Brotherhood of Nod had openly shown its military strength. Therefore, this was a rather special occasion. Iran had long been an ally of the United States ever since the US had helped drive out the Red Army from their lands. Unfortunately for the Iranians, the Brotherhood had taken an interest in their territory once again. The oil under Iranian soil would help fuel the war against the west and give the Brotherhood much economic power.
Seth was in a command vehicle conducting the operations. The tanks tore through the Humvees and Attack Cycles the Iranian Army had. The few tanks they deployed were outdated and the Nod forces easily marched into Tehran. This was good. The Brotherhood had expanded greatly in the past few years and he intended to see it expand even more. Nod soldiers stormed the city, killing many civilians and destroying anything that they didn't like the look of. Once the initial shock of conquest had subsided, the people would fall into line. They were used to such an oppressive life. But at least as part of the Brotherhood they had a mission. The radio clicked.
"This is Seth."
"General, we have secured the city and the government leaders have been taken."
"I am on my way."
He nodded to the driver and they entered the city. A path had been cleared so that Seth could get to the capital building. When he was in view, he saw that a massive Nod flag had been draped over it. The sight brought a smile to his face. After years of having to wait and not fight back, the Brotherhood was finally revealing itself to the world.
Seth walked up the stairs and found an honor guard waiting for him. As the second in command of Nod, this was something he had grown to expect and like. The guards escorted him inside to a chamber where the captured leaders of Iran were waiting. Seth sat down across from them.
"What is it you want?" the Prime Minister asked.
"Simply that you had control of your country to us voluntarily," said Seth.
"We cannot do that."
"We will have control. Which way we seize control depends on you."
A few government officials flinched. They all knew what this meant.
"You will have an agreement for you to sign in an hour," said Seth, "You have until then to decide."
Seth got up and left the room. There really wasn't much else for him to say. If the Iranians cooperated, then they would be allowed to continue running the government under Nod supervision. If not, they were always replaceable.
"General Seth, Grand Marshal Kane wants to speak with you," a soldier said as Seth returned to the command vehicle.
Seth nodded and sat down at the communications post. He accessed the transmission.
"I hope everything has gone well," said Kane.
"The Iranian military coup has been successful. We currently control the capital and they will bow under our pressure or they will die."
"Good. This must look like a coup launched by their military leaders. Whether they agree to our demands or not, execute them."
"Yes Kane." So much for their hopes of staying alive. "Who shall we appoint as the new leader?"
"General Ortes will do. He is loyal to us and will be able to make the country more to our liking."
"Understood."
The meeting between the UN Security Council and several American generals had been canceled. The new situation in the Middle East had greatly drawn many people's attention. The new governments were very anti-west and were demanding more money for the oil the western nations bought. Gregory, now the president, was struggling to deal with all these situations. The State Department suggested that they try to negotiate some sort of deal. It was obvious that most of the nations wanted military arms in exchange for the oil. Their current largest supply of such weapons was Russia, as that country still needed to sell a large amount in order to get enough money to finish rebuilding their economy. However, the CIA had a very different outlook on the crisis.
"I don't think that we'll be able to negotiate any sort of deal with them," said Robert Taylor, "These countries don't like us and currently they believe that they can hold us hostage by cutting off the oil."
"Which they can," Gregory reminded the CIA director.
"Right. But we've seen an alarmingly large amount of military force used in many of those countries during the military coups and such. The Saudis are getting worried and have asked us to bring in more troops for assistance."
"Aren't they worried what their fellow Arabs will think about that?" Gregory asked.
"They're beyond caring," said Taylor, "Look, we've seen six countries in the Middle East or near it that have had changes in their government, all of the changes incited by their military using more muscle than we thought any of them had. There has to be outside support for this."
"And can you tell me right now that there is such support?" demanded Alex Westers.
Taylor looked at the Secretary of State before answering.
"Nothing in the intelligent business is absolute," said Taylor, "If we waited to confirm everything and make sure it was one hundred percent true, we would never get anything done, and making a mistake is better than just sitting there and waiting for a mistake to happen."
"Mr. President, despite Mr. Taylor's opinion, I do believe that we can negotiate a deal with these new governments. They're civilized people and they will listen to reason."
"Mr. President, these people want weapons. They want to kill our citizens. I really don't think that we want to give them the equipment to do so."
Gregory looked at his Secretary of Defense. So far, the man had not spoken for the entire meeting.
"Kevin, do you have anything to say?"
Kevin Paris, the Secretary of Defense and a former general during World War II and III, stared off for a few seconds before answering.
"Mr. President, I would suggest not attempting to negotiate with them. One slight mistake and then we're going to have them demanding some concession or another and then the media is going to tear us apart for making such a mistake."
Gregory had to agree on that point. "So how do we approach this?"
"Tell them that threatening our oil supplies is a very dangerous move for them," suggested Taylor, "Such a warning might wake them up. Unless they're really stupid or if someone is really pulling their strings and keeps them on this course, we should have a resolution."
"I disagree," said Westers, "We're the United States. We don't threaten or demand from countries. We have no right to make a country do whatever we want them to do."
"That's an old argument," said Paris, "and that argument nearly destroyed our country twice. We either make this lesson stick or else we'll have World War IV in another decade."
Gregory considered each man's opinion. So far, Taylor and Paris had shown the most backbone. Westers just wanted to negotiate and not try to force anything. That was most certainly a mistake.
"We'll lay it on them. Alex, you are to send a message to their governments that if they attempt to cut off our oil supplies, the consequences might not be to their liking."
"Mr. President, that is a mistake."
"Then make it a mistake. I'm not about to let them threaten our oil supplies just because they don't like us. Kevin, I want an armored division moved to Saudi Arabia."
"There's also a Special Forces team that I would like to move there," said Paris.
"Authorized. Give me the details once everything is ready. We protect our allies, but we also destroy our enemies."
Shield raised an eyebrow when he read the order. "Send me Colonel Bahador."
A few seconds the colonel entered his office.
"Sir."
"Sit down. Read this." Shield threw him the fax.
Orders from Secretary of Defense Kevin Paris
Orders from the President of the United States
Special Operations Group Echo, Black Ops. 9
Ordered to Saudi Arabia US Military Base. Deploy and prepare for possible military action against dissidents of Saudi military. 7th Armored Division to deploy in Saudi Arabia. Assist Group Echo in operations.
"Son of a bitch," muttered Bahador.
"Guess we finally got our wish," said Shield, "Either they're sending us there to get rid of me or they're really worried about something."
"The only question is what are they worried about."
"We'll see when we get there. Get the troops organized for departure," ordered Shield, "Group Echo will go over on plane with the crews and officers of 7th Armored. The vehicles will go over by ship. Anything else just call me and I'll think of something."
"Yes sir."
"What's the standing strength of 7th Armored?"
"Sixty tanks roughly. They also have two infantry and antitank battalions for support."
"Is that going to be enough?"
"Let's hope so."
"You do realize that this means we won't be here for the president's funeral," Bahador reminded Shield.
"The funeral is symbolic. There isn't a body and I doubt that they'll ever find one in the Pacific."
"Quite sir. By the way, you might want to warn some of your female officers to be careful how they act around the Saudis," warned Bahador.
"Why? Oh yeah. That Islam thing."
"That thing as you put it is a rather delicate matter."
"Tell me about it," complained Shield, "I personally don't need to have to deal with this."
"Understood sir. I'll try to handle these matters myself. It might help that I'm an Arab as well."
"Thanks Nick."
Shield was outside in the tank lot inspecting the many M1A1 tanks. They hadn't changed much from the ones he had commanded during World War III. Their design was good and recent upgrades had made it still one of the most effective tanks in the world. Development was taking place on the M1A2 tanks, but it would be years before that came to full fruition. The current tanks were good enough. He walked past a few more with one of his assistants behind him. He then walked over to the line of Bradleys. Equipped with missiles, they were very useful in taking out enemy armor. Not exactly the Battle Fortress he had used in the war, but they would suffice. Especially considering that production on Battle Fortresses was scrapped. So far, the IFV design had also been discontinued, as had a few other technological marvels the war had produced. The one he would miss the most was the Chronosphere. Perhaps the most strategically important weapon ever developed, scientists claimed that it was messing with the timeline so the Chronosphere was torn down. Another nice weapon he truly missed was the Weather Control Device. However, again scientists claimed that it was messing with ionic patterns in the atmosphere and the damage had already been done. He examined one of the Bradleys and nodded. They seemed to be in good shape.
Shield walked over to where the Apache Longbow Helicopters were. The eight helipads were all filled with the attack copters. That also reminded him of the Prism Tower technology. Particle weapons research was still being continued in Germany and the United States. The two countries were sharing the information gathered from their joint venture. The US currently was considering a possible way to use it as an antiballistic defense system while the Germans were thinking on a slightly larger scale. Unfortunately, the Prism Towers had all been taken down and all Prism Tanks had been scrapped. However, the designs for these marvelous weapons were stored on a data disk. It was incredible, all the information held on one disk.
He watched two helicopters take off on practice runs. They were very effective against armor but Shield still hoped that he wouldn't have to ever use them. He then headed back to the command center. The weapons inspection had been completed and they would soon ship out. 7th Armored should keep whatever troublemakers there were a run for their money.
"All right. Let's move out. Our boys have to load up the damn things now."
"General!"
Shield turned his head and saw a young sergeant running over.
"From the Pentagon sir," the sergeant said giving him sheet.
"Well. It seems we're leaving our equipment behind. Seems the equipment from Diego Garcia has already been shipped there. Fine by me. Send an acknowledgement to the Pentagon. Get the troops packed up and we'll move out as soon as we're ready. Dismissed.
"Yes sir." The sergeant ran back to the command center.
Shield walked back into the command building. He would have some support while in Saudi Arabia but it would get lonely there.
"Assemble Group Echo's commanders," Shield said to his secretary, "We need to talk."
"Yes sir."
Ten minutes later a colonel and two majors were sitting inside the conference room.
"Gentlemen, what we have here is a little situation that could drag us into another world war," Shield started, "The Middle East is boiling over again and the Saudi government has asked for a US military presence on their soil for deterrence purposes. Therefore, the Secretary of Defense has decided that we are the people for this job. We are being deployed in Saudi Arabia along with 7th Armored and an air wing. That should be enough."
"Begging your pardon sir, but does the Secretary really think that?"
Shield looked at the speaker. Colonel Sheppard. A rather young man for a colonel but still a capable one. He was originally in the Army Rangers before Shield had dragged him into Group Echo.
"I doubt it," Shield admitted, "Major Morelli. Do you agree with the Secretary's opinion?"
"I really do not think that our force will deter anybody," said Morelli, "Our troops will certainly give someone pause but of course that won't be enough. Our air wing is composed of F-15 Eagles and I would hope that they would be able to handle any air threats. It has a total of eight squadrons anyways."
"What about air support for Echo?" Sheppard asked.
"Apache Longbows," answered Shield, "I also managed to shake up some funds and we have one squadron of F-18 Hornets, the attack version."
"Those are navy planes," Major Carter noted.
"Yes. But they're all we've got so make the best out of it. Besides, the Marine Corps uses them. They're well suited to their job."
"I assume the Saudis are playing for some of the deployment cost," said Sheppard.
"They're supplying all of the fuel and ammunition."
"Rather generous of them," commented Carter.
"Right. But our job is to do all the fighting if it comes down to that. Group Echo is better trained and equipped to handle insertion and fast assault missions. 7th Armored will be held back to deal with the bigger threats."
"Like a military coup," Sheppard suggested.
"That's what's probably worrying the Saudi government," said Shield, "Well, Echo doesn't have that much heavy equipment. Most of it is already on its way to Saudi Arabia and will be there shortly. For now let's go and get our men on the planes. We'll need all the luck we have to finish this."
End of Chapter 2
By the way, what does NKVD stand for?
Z98
Chapter 2
"Ladies and gentlemen of the United States," said Henry Gregory, "It is my sad duty to report the death of President Wayne Carter. The president was over the Pacific, on his way home after a diplomatic trip to the Republic of China. Unknown fighters appeared and attacked Air Force One, shooting it down. We believe that there are no survivors. A search is being conducted to try to find any possible evidence that might lead us to the murderers of President Carter. Let us have a moment of silence to bade our respects and our deep sorrow to President Carter's wife and son."
"Holy shit," said Shield, "Somebody whacked the president? Do we know of any terrorist groups that could do that?"
"It would be quite a stretch for any terrorist group," said Bahador, "Considering that they would have needed to launch fighters from an island with an airbase and have the fighters necessary to engage Air Force One."
"So in other words we have no idea who could have done this."
"It would have to be an organization that is very well funded. They must be able to buy weapons like air to air missiles and fighter jets. I'm pretty sure that most terrorist groups normally don't buy those things. Their supporting governments do, but they themselves usually do not."
"How many groups are eliminated because they don't have the resources?" Shield asked.
"Most," answered Bahador, "There are some that we don't know too much about, and therefore we don't know too much about their capabilities."
"We'll have to wait until the investigation turns up something," said Shield, "By the way, whose jurisdiction does this fall under?"
"Secret Service takes care of things like attacks on government officials, FBI does terrorist attacks, and the military and CIA has jurisdiction over military and international acts."
"We would have the most experience regarding such things," said Shields, "If we do get the investigation, which department would get it?"
"Probably DIA," Bahador suggested.
"Suits. I'm going to send a request and ask them to let my men handle the investigation."
"They probably won't go for it."
"Then when they screw up they can come crawling back," said Shield.
Bahador cracked a smile before picking up his papers and leaving the office. Shield quickly typed up a message and sent it to the Pentagon. It ought to be interesting to see the reaction of the upper brass. He twisted his neck and heard it crack. In his fifties, Shield was starting to feel very old. He left the office and went outside. Dozens of Special Forces soldiers like SEAL and Delta Force were jogging around. The team he had was a paramilitary unit, not an intelligence gathering organization. He was still a little weak on that department, but the former CIA and FBI officers he had managed to recruit might get something to do providing the Pentagon would allow him to join in the investigation. Suits. And the worst part of it was that he was now a suit as well. Not a happy thought.
The collection of light tanks drove across the desert. They were all powerful enough to match and defeat the enemy units. Infantry followed behind them and would occupy the city. This was the first time that the Brotherhood of Nod had openly shown its military strength. Therefore, this was a rather special occasion. Iran had long been an ally of the United States ever since the US had helped drive out the Red Army from their lands. Unfortunately for the Iranians, the Brotherhood had taken an interest in their territory once again. The oil under Iranian soil would help fuel the war against the west and give the Brotherhood much economic power.
Seth was in a command vehicle conducting the operations. The tanks tore through the Humvees and Attack Cycles the Iranian Army had. The few tanks they deployed were outdated and the Nod forces easily marched into Tehran. This was good. The Brotherhood had expanded greatly in the past few years and he intended to see it expand even more. Nod soldiers stormed the city, killing many civilians and destroying anything that they didn't like the look of. Once the initial shock of conquest had subsided, the people would fall into line. They were used to such an oppressive life. But at least as part of the Brotherhood they had a mission. The radio clicked.
"This is Seth."
"General, we have secured the city and the government leaders have been taken."
"I am on my way."
He nodded to the driver and they entered the city. A path had been cleared so that Seth could get to the capital building. When he was in view, he saw that a massive Nod flag had been draped over it. The sight brought a smile to his face. After years of having to wait and not fight back, the Brotherhood was finally revealing itself to the world.
Seth walked up the stairs and found an honor guard waiting for him. As the second in command of Nod, this was something he had grown to expect and like. The guards escorted him inside to a chamber where the captured leaders of Iran were waiting. Seth sat down across from them.
"What is it you want?" the Prime Minister asked.
"Simply that you had control of your country to us voluntarily," said Seth.
"We cannot do that."
"We will have control. Which way we seize control depends on you."
A few government officials flinched. They all knew what this meant.
"You will have an agreement for you to sign in an hour," said Seth, "You have until then to decide."
Seth got up and left the room. There really wasn't much else for him to say. If the Iranians cooperated, then they would be allowed to continue running the government under Nod supervision. If not, they were always replaceable.
"General Seth, Grand Marshal Kane wants to speak with you," a soldier said as Seth returned to the command vehicle.
Seth nodded and sat down at the communications post. He accessed the transmission.
"I hope everything has gone well," said Kane.
"The Iranian military coup has been successful. We currently control the capital and they will bow under our pressure or they will die."
"Good. This must look like a coup launched by their military leaders. Whether they agree to our demands or not, execute them."
"Yes Kane." So much for their hopes of staying alive. "Who shall we appoint as the new leader?"
"General Ortes will do. He is loyal to us and will be able to make the country more to our liking."
"Understood."
The meeting between the UN Security Council and several American generals had been canceled. The new situation in the Middle East had greatly drawn many people's attention. The new governments were very anti-west and were demanding more money for the oil the western nations bought. Gregory, now the president, was struggling to deal with all these situations. The State Department suggested that they try to negotiate some sort of deal. It was obvious that most of the nations wanted military arms in exchange for the oil. Their current largest supply of such weapons was Russia, as that country still needed to sell a large amount in order to get enough money to finish rebuilding their economy. However, the CIA had a very different outlook on the crisis.
"I don't think that we'll be able to negotiate any sort of deal with them," said Robert Taylor, "These countries don't like us and currently they believe that they can hold us hostage by cutting off the oil."
"Which they can," Gregory reminded the CIA director.
"Right. But we've seen an alarmingly large amount of military force used in many of those countries during the military coups and such. The Saudis are getting worried and have asked us to bring in more troops for assistance."
"Aren't they worried what their fellow Arabs will think about that?" Gregory asked.
"They're beyond caring," said Taylor, "Look, we've seen six countries in the Middle East or near it that have had changes in their government, all of the changes incited by their military using more muscle than we thought any of them had. There has to be outside support for this."
"And can you tell me right now that there is such support?" demanded Alex Westers.
Taylor looked at the Secretary of State before answering.
"Nothing in the intelligent business is absolute," said Taylor, "If we waited to confirm everything and make sure it was one hundred percent true, we would never get anything done, and making a mistake is better than just sitting there and waiting for a mistake to happen."
"Mr. President, despite Mr. Taylor's opinion, I do believe that we can negotiate a deal with these new governments. They're civilized people and they will listen to reason."
"Mr. President, these people want weapons. They want to kill our citizens. I really don't think that we want to give them the equipment to do so."
Gregory looked at his Secretary of Defense. So far, the man had not spoken for the entire meeting.
"Kevin, do you have anything to say?"
Kevin Paris, the Secretary of Defense and a former general during World War II and III, stared off for a few seconds before answering.
"Mr. President, I would suggest not attempting to negotiate with them. One slight mistake and then we're going to have them demanding some concession or another and then the media is going to tear us apart for making such a mistake."
Gregory had to agree on that point. "So how do we approach this?"
"Tell them that threatening our oil supplies is a very dangerous move for them," suggested Taylor, "Such a warning might wake them up. Unless they're really stupid or if someone is really pulling their strings and keeps them on this course, we should have a resolution."
"I disagree," said Westers, "We're the United States. We don't threaten or demand from countries. We have no right to make a country do whatever we want them to do."
"That's an old argument," said Paris, "and that argument nearly destroyed our country twice. We either make this lesson stick or else we'll have World War IV in another decade."
Gregory considered each man's opinion. So far, Taylor and Paris had shown the most backbone. Westers just wanted to negotiate and not try to force anything. That was most certainly a mistake.
"We'll lay it on them. Alex, you are to send a message to their governments that if they attempt to cut off our oil supplies, the consequences might not be to their liking."
"Mr. President, that is a mistake."
"Then make it a mistake. I'm not about to let them threaten our oil supplies just because they don't like us. Kevin, I want an armored division moved to Saudi Arabia."
"There's also a Special Forces team that I would like to move there," said Paris.
"Authorized. Give me the details once everything is ready. We protect our allies, but we also destroy our enemies."
Shield raised an eyebrow when he read the order. "Send me Colonel Bahador."
A few seconds the colonel entered his office.
"Sir."
"Sit down. Read this." Shield threw him the fax.
Orders from Secretary of Defense Kevin Paris
Orders from the President of the United States
Special Operations Group Echo, Black Ops. 9
Ordered to Saudi Arabia US Military Base. Deploy and prepare for possible military action against dissidents of Saudi military. 7th Armored Division to deploy in Saudi Arabia. Assist Group Echo in operations.
"Son of a bitch," muttered Bahador.
"Guess we finally got our wish," said Shield, "Either they're sending us there to get rid of me or they're really worried about something."
"The only question is what are they worried about."
"We'll see when we get there. Get the troops organized for departure," ordered Shield, "Group Echo will go over on plane with the crews and officers of 7th Armored. The vehicles will go over by ship. Anything else just call me and I'll think of something."
"Yes sir."
"What's the standing strength of 7th Armored?"
"Sixty tanks roughly. They also have two infantry and antitank battalions for support."
"Is that going to be enough?"
"Let's hope so."
"You do realize that this means we won't be here for the president's funeral," Bahador reminded Shield.
"The funeral is symbolic. There isn't a body and I doubt that they'll ever find one in the Pacific."
"Quite sir. By the way, you might want to warn some of your female officers to be careful how they act around the Saudis," warned Bahador.
"Why? Oh yeah. That Islam thing."
"That thing as you put it is a rather delicate matter."
"Tell me about it," complained Shield, "I personally don't need to have to deal with this."
"Understood sir. I'll try to handle these matters myself. It might help that I'm an Arab as well."
"Thanks Nick."
Shield was outside in the tank lot inspecting the many M1A1 tanks. They hadn't changed much from the ones he had commanded during World War III. Their design was good and recent upgrades had made it still one of the most effective tanks in the world. Development was taking place on the M1A2 tanks, but it would be years before that came to full fruition. The current tanks were good enough. He walked past a few more with one of his assistants behind him. He then walked over to the line of Bradleys. Equipped with missiles, they were very useful in taking out enemy armor. Not exactly the Battle Fortress he had used in the war, but they would suffice. Especially considering that production on Battle Fortresses was scrapped. So far, the IFV design had also been discontinued, as had a few other technological marvels the war had produced. The one he would miss the most was the Chronosphere. Perhaps the most strategically important weapon ever developed, scientists claimed that it was messing with the timeline so the Chronosphere was torn down. Another nice weapon he truly missed was the Weather Control Device. However, again scientists claimed that it was messing with ionic patterns in the atmosphere and the damage had already been done. He examined one of the Bradleys and nodded. They seemed to be in good shape.
Shield walked over to where the Apache Longbow Helicopters were. The eight helipads were all filled with the attack copters. That also reminded him of the Prism Tower technology. Particle weapons research was still being continued in Germany and the United States. The two countries were sharing the information gathered from their joint venture. The US currently was considering a possible way to use it as an antiballistic defense system while the Germans were thinking on a slightly larger scale. Unfortunately, the Prism Towers had all been taken down and all Prism Tanks had been scrapped. However, the designs for these marvelous weapons were stored on a data disk. It was incredible, all the information held on one disk.
He watched two helicopters take off on practice runs. They were very effective against armor but Shield still hoped that he wouldn't have to ever use them. He then headed back to the command center. The weapons inspection had been completed and they would soon ship out. 7th Armored should keep whatever troublemakers there were a run for their money.
"All right. Let's move out. Our boys have to load up the damn things now."
"General!"
Shield turned his head and saw a young sergeant running over.
"From the Pentagon sir," the sergeant said giving him sheet.
"Well. It seems we're leaving our equipment behind. Seems the equipment from Diego Garcia has already been shipped there. Fine by me. Send an acknowledgement to the Pentagon. Get the troops packed up and we'll move out as soon as we're ready. Dismissed.
"Yes sir." The sergeant ran back to the command center.
Shield walked back into the command building. He would have some support while in Saudi Arabia but it would get lonely there.
"Assemble Group Echo's commanders," Shield said to his secretary, "We need to talk."
"Yes sir."
Ten minutes later a colonel and two majors were sitting inside the conference room.
"Gentlemen, what we have here is a little situation that could drag us into another world war," Shield started, "The Middle East is boiling over again and the Saudi government has asked for a US military presence on their soil for deterrence purposes. Therefore, the Secretary of Defense has decided that we are the people for this job. We are being deployed in Saudi Arabia along with 7th Armored and an air wing. That should be enough."
"Begging your pardon sir, but does the Secretary really think that?"
Shield looked at the speaker. Colonel Sheppard. A rather young man for a colonel but still a capable one. He was originally in the Army Rangers before Shield had dragged him into Group Echo.
"I doubt it," Shield admitted, "Major Morelli. Do you agree with the Secretary's opinion?"
"I really do not think that our force will deter anybody," said Morelli, "Our troops will certainly give someone pause but of course that won't be enough. Our air wing is composed of F-15 Eagles and I would hope that they would be able to handle any air threats. It has a total of eight squadrons anyways."
"What about air support for Echo?" Sheppard asked.
"Apache Longbows," answered Shield, "I also managed to shake up some funds and we have one squadron of F-18 Hornets, the attack version."
"Those are navy planes," Major Carter noted.
"Yes. But they're all we've got so make the best out of it. Besides, the Marine Corps uses them. They're well suited to their job."
"I assume the Saudis are playing for some of the deployment cost," said Sheppard.
"They're supplying all of the fuel and ammunition."
"Rather generous of them," commented Carter.
"Right. But our job is to do all the fighting if it comes down to that. Group Echo is better trained and equipped to handle insertion and fast assault missions. 7th Armored will be held back to deal with the bigger threats."
"Like a military coup," Sheppard suggested.
"That's what's probably worrying the Saudi government," said Shield, "Well, Echo doesn't have that much heavy equipment. Most of it is already on its way to Saudi Arabia and will be there shortly. For now let's go and get our men on the planes. We'll need all the luck we have to finish this."
End of Chapter 2
By the way, what does NKVD stand for?
Z98