Here is Chapter 2.

If ya want the disclaimer go to the prelude

I have been busy playing spec ops games like Rainbow 6 III (RAVEN SHIELD), America's Army (free US Government stuff ) and Ghost Recon to give me some more action background to write this fanfic. If you all wanna know what my fav weapons are on these 1st person tactical shooters are, they are the FN-AUG, G36K, M249 (minimi light-machinegun ) and the M16a2.

IMPORTANT TECHNICAL NOTES:

"Technicals" are actually open backed, 4 wheel drive vehicles with a single gun mounted on to a stand bolted to the rear of the vehicle. The weapon is usually a heavy machine gun like an American made M2. These "ad-hoc" assault vehicles have been widely used in a variety of forms and configurations throughout the third world. The Technical was made world famous during the Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993, but its origins can be traced back to the 1970's and 80's.

FMJ is an acronym for Full Metal Jacket which is an amour piercing round used by most assault Rifles

M233 Sentry URSD (Unmanned Recon Security Drone) are autonomous security robots with motion tracking sensors designed to shoot anything that it's AI judges as an enemy. The central to the AI's IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) software is a comprehensive library of enemy and friendly visual, sound and heat signatures. The Sentinel unit itself consists of a pair of tracks along with a rotating turret with sensors, cameras and a GAU-19/A Gatling cannon, firing 12.7mm high explosive rounds and is protected by several layers of Kevlar armour. These things are normally use for perimeter security or for reinforcing infantry positions. They can also be directed remotely using portable notebook computers and modern wireless communications technology. Despite how deadly they are they are quite venerable to indirect fire. Due to the fact that the M233 Sentry only just came into service around 2015, they are often deployed in limited numbers to guard particularly sensitive areas.

The GAU-19/A Gatling cannon are a new class Gatling cannons firing 12.7mm HE (high explosive) rounds. Designed as a vehicle mounted weapon it has seen service mounted on Humvees and small aircraft since 2012. It is a fearsome 3 barreled weapon capable of firing 1,300 rounds per minute.

The M312 is a lightweight, portable 12.7mm machine gun that provides increased accuracy, effectiveness, and lethality over other heavy machine guns of its class. This weapon effectively replaced the M2HB 12.7mm machinegun which had soldiered on with the US military since the early 20th Century. The weapon came into service around the year 2009.

The M307 is a lightweight, portable grenade machine gun that utilizes 25mm air bursting ammunition. This next-generation replacement for current heavy and grenade machine guns efficiently manages recoil and is highly portable in small soldier units, with a firing rate of 260 rounds per minute. The system can be quickly and easily converted to a 12.7mm machine gun. This weapon was due to enter service in 2010, but due to development issues it didn't see service until 2014.

The M5a2 Crusader was the tank that succeeded the M1a3 Abrams in 2008. This armoured vehicle is armed with a smooth bore 125mm cannon along with co-axial and AA mounted M240 Machineguns. Covered with thick layers of chobham armour, and geared with a 3rd generation gas turbine engine (latest advances in energy consumption technology make gas turbine engines more efficient than diesel engines) and the latest targeting and sensory equipment it is one of the fastest and most lethal tanks in the world.

1ST OPERATION PT2 – OPENING MOVES

March 14th 2016

KAZAKHSTAN

Base Sentinel, Turkistan airport

0225 Kazakhstan local time.

It still dark outside on the Tarmac of the Turkistan airport. The sun wasn't due to come until another three and a half hours. A large USAF C-130S Hercules transport was sitting on the tarmac with its props starting up. The large aircraft started to move on to the nearest runway and began to align itself for take off.

"This is Air Mail zero one to Sentinel ATC we are good to go on runway 2. Permission to take off over" (Hercules)

"This is Sentinel ATC to Air Mail zero one, you are cleared for take off, good luck over" (Sentinel air traffic control)

"Rodger that. Thanks for the send off. This Air Mail zero one taking off" (Hercules)

The large plane took off into the early morning air. Mardukas was relaxing in his seat in the large plane as he felt it start to climb higher and higher. Master Sergeant Mardukas and his team mates, along with 7 other Delta assault teams, sniper teams and a command element were off on trip to catch a train. The idea of a military force catching a train would sound strange to anyone, but it made perfect sense if they were to catch a train laden down with Bio-Chemical weapon components and replace the Bio-Chemical weapons with a 200 strong Ranger and Delta Strike force and send them into the middle of the GLA held Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Mardukas adjusted his parachute equipment and breathing equipment to make him self more comfortable sitting on one of the side benches while he recalled the mission briefing yesterday afternoon………….

FLASHBACK

Suddenly a map of the Baikonur Cosmodrome appeared on the projector screen.

"Now Lets get started," General Larson turned to the projector screen, pulling out a laser pointer device, "this down here is the Syrdariya River and here is the bridge leading to a series of steep hills that lead directly through to the town of Baikonur. Moving the laser along a stretch of road on the map, "A bit further through here is the Baikonur launch facility………………this is where we need to be."

There were a few murmurs in the room. Mardukas already knew it in his boots that was where they were going, but he noted that there was an air of apprehension amongst the younger soldiers. Many of the rangers had heard about what happened when the Chinese forces that tried take Cosmodrome. It didn't really help knowing that a large PLA armoured unit didn't get any further than the Bridge.

General Larson turned to his left, "Colonel, if you please."

Stepping into view was the Delta Commander, Lieutenant Colonel David Burton. The man was a walking mountain of muscle complete with short 'civilian like' blond hair and biceps that were straining against his Forest BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform). The level in of intellect Burton had, as well as his grasp for tactics was simply staggering and in some cases scary. He also had these cold, piercing, blue eyes that have the appearance that they could crack concrete with one stare. It is said that when he looks at you with those eyes he wasn't looking at you, he was really looking at your soul, testing it for any sign of weakness.

The projector screen changed to a map of Baikonur and the surrounding area. Placing his hands behind his back the Colonel began his part of the briefing, "As you all know the Chinese tried to retake the facility and failed sustaining heavy losses, so I really do not need to tell you that a frontal assault is practically suicide." The projector screen switched to an image which showed a detailed diagram of the Baikonur launch facilities

"You will note that the area is surrounded by hills which are heavily fortified with bunkers and trenches, all thanks to the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army. The GLA have also have numerous mine fields, redoubts and booby traps and a vast tunnel network linking all major fortifications. At least that was what we were able to find out until the GLA put up a nice wall of electromagnetic interference which practically blinded our satellites. Also any long range communications coming from inside or going towards the area of interference are instantly disrupted. This also screws up guided weapons and interferes with aerial based targeting systems; even ones used for the deployment unguided bombs. However sort range communications within the umbrella of EM interference is possible"

'So that's how those bastards did it' Mardukas thought thinking back to the recon mission. The interference with his map console and the teams long range radio, the fact that no guided weapons or aerially deployed munitions were used in the PLA's attack……………it was all starting to make sense.

"As I have said before our satellites can't give us an up to date view of the target area which rules out a sustained artillery strike. The Chinese tried it but caused very little effect on the surrounding fortifications and we can't afford to blindly hit targets in the facility because we would run the risk of hitting the GLA's BC weapons stock piles which could contaminate the area for miles."

Burton paused to let his words sink in. Sitting in his seat Mardukas can tell just by looking around the big question on everyone's lips is 'How in the Fuck do get into this place and kick some GLA ass?'

"There is a way in…….." those 5 words got everyone's attention immediately as every single pair of eyes locked on to the Burton like motion tracking targeting systems of a M233 Sentry URSD (Unmanned Recon Security Drone).

"We are going to catch a train and come up right next to the launch and tracking station just near the hydrogen processing plant 30 klicks from the river using the rail line that comes in from Aral. About how and where we catch this train I'll get to that in a moment. The launch facility itself is about 85km across which is a lot of area to cover but we only need to secure 3 locations. The first one is launch and tracking station I just mentioned to prevent a targeted launch of any rockets being aimed at Europe. The second is the Soyuz launch platforms located here on the right of the facility 40 klicks up the from the launch facilities to prevent any on the spot launch or premature detonation of the BC payload of any rockets that are being prepped for launch. The third location should be considered important but it is not a priority………….the radio station. According to the tech boys this is the source of the interference by virtue of pin pointing the very center of interference and figuring out what the GLA can use to transmit such a powerful umbrella of EM interference. It is important that this place is either taken or destroyed so we can give you some artillery and air support as well air transported reinforcements from the 101st Airborne Divisions's 1st Brigade"

The projector screen switched to image of the Kazakh rail system. "Our intelligence boys have about one step behind the GLA for the past 2 months or so until about 12 hours ago when we got a lucky break from one of our informants. It seems that GLA isn't using stockpiles of BC weapons that we missed during our search of all known GLA sites as we initially thought. As it turns out the GLA is shipping them by rail across the Russian border through Oral…………where in Russia is still a mystery but we are working on it. According to the informant there is a train that is heading towards Baikonur and will reach a station in Aral posing as a freight train around 0315 tomorrow. The train will be refueling at the station which will take 20 minutes. It is in those 20 minutes that Delta assault and sniper teams will secure the train and train station and wait for Ranger and armoured reinforcements. Once the reinforcements have linked up with the Delta teams at the train station the whole strike force will load themselves on to the train. Our force will consist of around 200 Ranger and Delta personnel. For our vehicle load out: 7 Humvees, 3 with M312 heavy machine guns, 2 with M307 automatic grenade guns and 2 with GAU-19/A Gatling cannons all of them complete with TOW III missile launchers."

The projector screen switched to a diagram of a sleek new armoured vehicle. A tank which looked somewhat like the updated M5a2 Crusader (which looked slightly similar to the M1 series battle tanks), but this tank had a slightly longer barrel, a lower profile and additional rotating module on the top of the turret as well as the commander's sensor pod.

"Also included in this wonderful vehicle package for this assault is 2 of the brand new M6 MBTs, also known as the of the 49th armoured Division. Captain Rupp its all yours."

A man of African decent stood up as the powerful Lieutenant Colonel stepped aside. Captain Charles E. Rupp is tank squadron commander of medium build, a bald head, moustache and a low threshold for bullshit. He is experienced and is known for his no nonsense attitude concerning regulations on and off the battle field. Despite his pedantically straight-laced approach to command he is well respected by his men for his excellent application of combat knowledge while under fire and always does what he can to make sure his fellow tankers come though a mission with minimal losses. Having been with the 49th Armoured Division for 8 years he has seen a good deal of action……..most notably during the Kazakhstan Campaign (the 36th Infantry Division was re-designated once again as the 49th Armored Division, but this time as a front line armored unit rather than a National Guard Unit in 2008 due to the increased need for front line units in the war against terrorism. This was issue that was received a fair amount attention in 2004).

"This vehicle is armed with a Smoothbore 125mm cannon firing the new jet assisted 125mm 2nd generation APDS (Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot) rounds. The 125mm main gun is also compatible with HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) rounds. This tank is also armed co-axial and AA mounted M312 heavy machine guns. This new piece of hardware is covered in thick layers of the new 'Composite 2' armour. I know some of you boys are wondering what the funny lookin' rotating module is. It is anti missile laser system…………the first of its kind………I suppose you can tell by the name that this new weapon system is designed to blast unfriendly missiles using a high powered laser. Considering the number of anti tank weapons the GLA are usually packing this would be a very handy system to have. The laser system is usually kept on auto for tracking and shooting missiles but it can be used by tank commanders on manual for the purpose of say…….slicing enemy infantry to ribbons."

(Author's note: Think of the scene in 'Resident Evil' movie where the soldiers get sliced and diced by lasers)

It should be noted that Captain Rupp was grinning as he finished off his synopsis of the new Tank. He was well known among the members of his squadron for his dark sense of humour. A fair few soldiers balked at this comment as they let their imaginations run wild……. particularly the younger soldiers. Mardukas thought about this for a second 'definitely not a nice way to go…come to think of it I have never thought of a nice way to go.'

END FLASHBACK

"And still can't think of one"

"What was that Paul?" Sanchez said turning to face the master sergeant.

"It's nothing…………….nothing at all"

It wasn't a long flight to the target; about 35 minutes give or take a few seconds. Lt. Col. Burton rose, "30 seconds to the drop zone everyone ready up".

All Delta operators began putting on their goggles, flight helmets and breathing equipment making sure everything was strapped into place for their jump. The plane was actually 29,000 feet in the air so breathing equipment becomes a necessary part of HALO jumping because there is not much air at that height. The consequence of faulty breathing equipment would lead asphyxiation causing the jumper to pass out and decorate ground below with his/her entrails (SPLAT).

"10 seconds boys and watch that first step" Burton called.

All Delta troopers stood up as the rear cargo door opened letting in the freezing cold air. The ready light was signaling that the time for the jump was close at hand. Then the light went green.

"Go go go" Burton yelled

Mardukas waited for the men in front of him to jump out of the rear cargo door. One by one the Delta troopers in front of him made their jumps running out the cargo doors as if they were going for 5 mile "fun runs". It almost seemed like forever when it came for his time to jump. Without even thinking he threw himself into what seemed like oblivion with the air rushing past and the cold air reaching right into his bones. Mardukas had done HALO jumps so many times but he can't shake the feeling of excitement of being in a situation where he could easily die. Diving through a whirlwind of air the Altimeter numbers on the HUD (heads up display) of his Goggles counting down rapidly, as he cut thought the dark sky, followed closely by his team mates.

March 14th 2016

KAZAKHSTAN

Aral, Central Cargo Loading Depot

0314 Kazakhstan local time.

Waiting at under the shadow of a large crane about 200m away from the main loading platform Mardukas and his team waited as they surveyed the enemy positions. The team was decked out in out US Army forest BDUs (battle dress uniforms) with Kevlar vests, and modular load bearing harnesses, combat boots, nomex gloves and camo face paint and their usual weapons load out. The Central Cargo Loading Depot was a giant Crisscross of railway lines and train cargo palettes along with 4 loading platforms and one Main loading platform. There were also a number fork lifts and large loading cranes that dotted this giant rail complex.

This Rail complex was built around 2009 to help facilitate the transport of the vast amount natural resources that Kazakhstan exports to its neighbors in Asia and Europe, some of which will find their way to sea ports for transport to countries in the far Pacific and the Americas. This place hadn't really been used that much after the war due to the damage done to the country's infrastructure. So could be seen as really strange, considering that the place was being used at this time of night, especially since all of the men working on the platform were armed.

The men scurrying around the partially lit up platform, were dressed in a weird combination of military and civilian clothing and armed with ancient H&K G3 & AK47 assault rifles and RPD machineguns. However some were armed with the more up to date AN94s, FN p90 SMGs and H&K MG23 light machineguns. To Mardukas these guys weren't too badly trained for GLA personnel………they had all angles approach covered and had regular patrols around the platform. This brand of GLA weren't very well equipped considering most of their weapons and equipment consisted of outdated relics, but if Mardukas had learned anything about the GLA it was, 'Whatever they lacked in training and equipment they make up for it with sheer dedication and determination.'

Mardukas switch on his personal comms

"This is Foxhound 02 to Foxhound 01 were in position and ready to go, just say the word" (Mardukas)

"I hear ya 02. Standby while Foxhound 03 works their way the switch box to activate the rail locking bolts when the train arrives" (Burton)

"This is Deadeye 01 to Foxhound 02 we are on one of the Cranes 200m to your 2 o'clock position. We're ready to give you and Foxhound 04 some sniper cover" (Nichols)

Nichols was the team leader of one of the Delta sniper teams for this operation. 1st Sergeant John Nichols was easily the best shot in the squadron if not the whole of Delta force. His dark brown eyes are as sharp as razors and possess' nerves of steel. All Delta operators are expert marksmen but 1st Sergeant Nichols was whole level above the rest….he even beat Baxter in a shooting competition back at Fort Bragg.

"Nice to know Deadeye 01. Since you boys can so well from your lofty perch can you see the train anywhere" (Mardukas)

"Hold on……..yyyyyyeeeep here she comes. Right on time." (Nichols)

A distant rumble of screeching and clanking announces the eventual arrival of the train.

"How many bad guys can you see near the main loading platform? I can only see 6 from here" (Mardukas)

I count 10 guys on the platform, 12 moving around the track 50m from the platform and a technical with an M2 just off to the left about 40m up. That's all I can see from this side." (Nichols).

The screeching and clanking sounds grew louder and louder and louder. Suddenly a large Diesel powered train pulled into the station in towing some 30 cargo carriages and cargo palettes. It had the outward appearance of a normal, early morning freight train, but its cargo was less than normal. The train slowed to a halt screeching loudly……………. then suddenly, there was an unusual clanking sound. There was panic and confusion from some the GLA personnel around the platform as some of them were yelling and running around to check the train.

"Foxhound 01 to all teams the rail locking bolts are in place…….that train ain't goin' no where. All teams Engage" (Burton)

Mardukas signaled his team forward after he fixed a silencer to his M8 'Master key'. He took point making sure his team kept to the shadows along a series of empty cargo palette carriages. This allowed Mardukas's team some measure of concealment up until about 45 meters from the train which was his team's objective. The Master Sergeant gave the 'weapons free' signal for his team to open fire on a group GLA troopers trying to check what was wrong with the train. Mardukas lined up on a target and snapped off a few rounds. His first shot hit his target high in the chest while his second hit him in the head with blood spurting out the back, while the rest of Mardukas's team members engaged their targets in a similar manner. One of the GLA troopers managed to let out a yelp only to be cut down by automatic fire from Sanchez's M29. The rest of the GLA troopers came to their senses and opened fire but their shots went wide. They were quickly disposed of the by Mardukas and his Delta assault team in a hail of deadly accurate fire. Cracks suddenly appeared in the train windows with stains of blood illuminated by the overhead flood lights of the station. The snipers were doing their job nailing the GLA infantry on the train.

Mardukas noticed 4 GLA troopers making a dash for an unmanned technical about 40m to his 3 o'clock position. He promptly let his carbine hang by the carrying sling around his shoulder and pulled out a frag grenade. He pulled out the pin and waited until they reached the technical before throwing the grenade. He quickly calculated the distance then tossed the grenade high into the air which landed right on the bonnet of the makeshift assault vehicle. Just as the engine started up, then there was a loud thump and big fireball with pieces of scrap metal and bodies sent flying by the grenade blast.

Mardukas heard footsteps to his right. A large squad of GLA troops ran up around the corner of a forklift from behind some empty boxes about 10 meters away. They spotted the Delta team but not before Fitzwilliam, who was watching the team's right flank cut loose with his silenced M8a1. He had dropped to one knee with his weapon set on full auto, walking the rounds on to his targets either wounding or killing most of them. Both Mardukas and Baxter added their own fire power to finish the GLA infantry off as they fell in a swelter blood and screaming. Fitzwilliam let his M8 carbine hang by the carrying sling as he pulled out his H&K Mk23 hand gun. He moved forward aiming his 0.45 Caliber hand gun at the bodies the Delta team had just dropped a few seconds ago. Fitzwilliam fired 3 rounds into one the bodies to make sure it was really a corpse. Mardukas quickly ejected an empty mag and quickly reloaded a fresh one. Baxter and Fitzwilliam all did the same. In the distance more panicked screaming and shooting could be heard from their position.

"Clear" Mardukas whispered.

The rest of team responded by whispering "Clear"

Mardukas signaled his team forward as they moved up to the Driver's cabin of the train. Baxter was watching the right flank while Sanchez watched left with Fitzwilliam covering Mardukas as he moved up to the door. Mardukas climbed up to the door via a step ladder on the side of the train. He signaled to Fitzwilliam to ready a flash bang grenade. Fitzwilliam pulled out a flash bang grenade from his load bearing vest, pulling out the pin while holding down on the fuse release handle. Mardukas quickly opened the door just wide enough allowing Fitzwilliam to toss the harmless flash bang into the train cabin. Panicked voices was heard before the flash bang grenade went off with a bang and a blinding flash, temporarily blinding & disorienting who was inside. Mardukas promptly kicked the door in and fired a quick 2 rounds into one GLA troopers and fired the shotgun part of his weapon into the face of another which resulted in the guy's face exploding into a bloody mess before he collapsed. Scanning the driver's control cabin of the train quickly he signaled his team to follow him on to the train while he moved through the back entrance of the cabin.

Mardukas opened the door at the back of the driver's cabin and moved over coupling connecting the train first cargo carriage. He made a move towards the ladder leading up to the top of the carriage when rounds started ricocheting off the ladder causing the scar faced Sergeant to stumble back. Judging how the bullets were ricocheting off the ladder and the mussel flash he saw out of the corner of his eye, Mardukas instantly noticed that the shots came from his left. Instinctively he fired 2 shotgun shells in the direction of the shooter hoping he would either run away or keep his head down. The shooter ducked down behind a series of steel lined crates on loading platform. This allowed Mardukas time to switch to the carbine part of his weapon in order to aim for a more accurate shot.

"Paul you alright" Fitzwilliam called.

"Just a sec Fritz let me kill this fucker first" Mardukas responded.

The shooter popped out from his hiding place hoping for another chance to finish the American soldier he was shooting at before, but Mardukas was already waiting for him. No sooner had the GLA marksman had popped out, his head jerked back sharply with blood and brain matter gushing out the back of his head.

"Yeah fritz ……..I'm good. Let's go"

Mardukas took point as the team moved out on to the platform when he noticed movement to his left. A large number of GLA troopers crept across the platform using some cargo crates and loading equipment as cover. Just as Mardukas took a knee he was quickly joined by the rest of his team, as one they opened fired. Sanchez sent a grenade screaming out of the grenade launcher barrel of his M29 OICW, into the group of GLA troopers. The 20mm air bursting grenade exploded scattering bodies and debris in a brief flash of light. Mardukas signaled his team forward as they continued to cut down what was left of the GLA squad after the grenade blast, in a hail of silenced 5.56mm FMJ rounds. There was still a sizable number of GLA infantry left after the grenade blast but despite their best efforts to return fire, the Delta team expertly took down their targets with well placed shots.

Mardukas signaled for Fitzwilliam to cover him as he crept around a half blasted crate. There was smoke billowing from where the grenade hit which reduced visibility just left of Mardukas. A figure appeared right in front of him, trying to bring the barrel of an assault rifle to bear. Mardukas dashed forward seizing the rifle (which turned out to be an H&K G3) forcing the barrel up with his right hand causing the weapon go off firing a few rounds into the air. He then proceeded to deliver a solid front kick to his opponent's sternum forcing the GLA trooper to stumble back a few steps. Mardukas quickly let his M8 carbine hang from its carrying sling while he lined up with his newly acquired G3 and opened fire on full auto. The heavier 7.62mm rounds tore through his target's chest, forcing the body backwards a few feet before collapsing to the ground like a rag doll. Out the corner Mardukas' eye a saw a GLA trooper make a run at him from his right. The terrorist had a bayonet fixed to his AK47 and was charging at Mardukas screaming something he couldn't understand. Suddenly the GLA trooper was struck from his left with blood pouring out the side of his lower abdomen. Fitzwilliam managed to hit the fast moving fanatic but not enough to stop him, due to the fact 5.56mm rounds punch right through almost anything which means that they don't have very much stopping power. The rounds were enough to put GLA trooper off long enough for Delta operator to step back and clothesline him in the face with the stock of the G3. The terrorist was sent crashing to the ground screaming in pain with blood pouring out of his nose and mouth as he dropped his AK. Mardukas, wasting no time, dropped the G3 and brought his M8 to bear. In the seconds that followed time seemed to slow down as Mardukas locked eyes with the GLA trooper he pointing his M8 at. There was a look of fear and anger on the terrorist's face which seemed to protest the whole situation which communicated nothing but hate and an element of grim determination. After what seemed like an eternity Mardukas pulled the trigger of the shotgun part of his weapon, blowing his target's face off in a fountain of blood and gore.

Without thinking he leveled his carbine at a number of figures that appeared on the platform just 100m in front of him. Just as Mardukas was taking aim he recognized the outlines of the foxhound 03 team lead by Master Sergeant Tom Mason. Mardukas relaxed and lowered his weapon as soon as he recognized Tom's short, stocky frame. Tom was a grizzled 45 year old veteran of special operations. Despite his age Tom was as strong and as fit as ever and didn't seem to be showing any of signs of the ailments of old age. The guy had a wife and 2 kids who he loved to talk about with other members of the squadron. He only just started talking about leaving the squadron when his enlistment term was up.

Mardukas jogged up to Tom.

"Hey Tom have you cleared the cargo carriages already?"

"Yeah but there was no one in any of the carriages, because they all ran out on to the platform as soon as the shooting started which made them easy targets for us" Tom replied.

"And the snipers did their job as well" Baxter added

Mardukas switched over to his personnel comms.

"Deadeye 01 this is foxhound 02 do you guys see anything we missed on this side" (Mardukas)

"Nope you got 'em all." (Nichols)

"Foxhound 02, Foxhound 03, deadeye 01 this is Foxhound 01 you guys cleared your side yet?" (Burton)

"This is Foxhound 03 carriages are clear" (Mason)

"This is Foxhound 02 the train is secure and the southwest area is clear" (Mardukas)

"This is deadeye 01 the platform is clear I can't see any more targets to shoot" (Nichols)

"Well done boys, mission accomplished. Set up a perimeter as per the mission plan……I just got word that the Rangers are en route and will be arriving 4 minutes" (Burton)

"This is Foxhound 02 wilco ………. Out" (Mardukas)

"This is Foxhound 03 wilco ………. Out" (Mason)

"This is Deadeye 01 wilco ………. Out" (Nichols)

March 14th 2016

KAZAKHSTAN

Aral, Central Cargo Loading Depot

0321 Kazakhstan local time.

Sounds of soldiers' conversations, vehicle engines and the clanking of tank treads filled the early morning air. It was still pretty dark and the sun wasn't due for another 2 and half hours. Rangers were busying themselves with the loading of the train while the Delta troopers were resting and checking their gear.

The first group of Rangers had arrived by MH-47S Chinooks, while rest arrived in a vehicle convoy of Humvees, and tanks. The Loading of the train fell to the direction of Captain Gibbons. Captain Michael Gibbons, the Ranger ground commander was the commanding officer of 1st Ranger Battalion's, Alpha Company. Being 32 year old Career officer, West point class of 2008 he is very dedicated to the US Army Rangers and is always sure end a pre-battle prayer with "Rangers lead the way", followed closely by "amen". He can almost be characterized as being annoyingly dedicated to the Army Rangers but he is an excellent and imaginative tactician, who has never left a man behind (something that is greatly appreciated by the members of his company).

Mardukas was standing off to the far left side of the platform watching the ranger Captain consulting with one of his platoon commanders. He regarded the Captain's fervor and dedication to the Army Rangers somewhat over the top. Mardukas thought back to his old "Hooah" days when he was with the Rangers during the 2nd Gulf War. Mardukas had never been a big fan of the whole "Hooah" concept of esprit de corps but regarded it as a necessity for the younger soldiers, but it had no place for some of the more hard bitten soldiers.

"Hey Paul didn't you say you wanted some shotgun shells," a Mexican voice said from behind.

Mardukas turned to see it was Sanchez, "Thanks Miguel," Mardukas said as he accepted a handful of 12 gauge shotgun rounds. He then proceeded to stuff them in one of his ammo pouches.

"You think we'll pull it off?" Miguel asked.

"Not sure………….been fighting too long to even care about things like that" Mardukas responded while pulling the silencer off his weapon. "The way I see it……….if we fail Europe is fucked and that's all there is"

Both men watched as one of the M6 Paladin Main Battle Tanks rumbled its way into one of the cargo carriages being directed by a group of Ranger who were participating with loading.

"I guess your right". A broad grin Miguel's face, "One things for sure……………..

A heavy door closed on the carriage the tank had had just rolled into.

"……………..it'll be one hell of a fight."

It was situations like this that Delta operators lived for. It was what separated the men from the real warriors.

"Yes….yes it will"

Wanna know more? Wait for the next chapter