Here is Chapter 3.

If ya want the disclaimer go to the prelude

Whew it's been a while since the last chapter but hey here is the latest one. I started my IT career about 6 months ago and I have pretty busy lately. Sleep was pretty scarce when I was at University but GODDAMN............the work force ain't any easier.

I know my grammar hasn't been the best but I am working on it. Does anyone want to be my pre-reader?

IMPORTANT TECHNICAL NOTES:

The standard Squad Machineguns in the US Army and US Marine Corps in 2016 are the M249a3 SAW and the M240E3.

The M249a3 SAW is the latest incarnation of the US version of the Belgian made FN minimi machine gun. This new weapon makes use of the same 'KE' (Kinetic Energy) technology that is used in the M8a1 and the M29a1 assault rifles. This weapon also fires the same new composite case ammunition as the M8a1 and 29a1 as well as other types of NATO 5.56mm ammunition. The external frame of this light machinegun is mainly made out of the same carbon and plastics that make the Steyer AUG so durable (Steyer was contracted to make the frame). Because of the use of non-metal components in its construction it is significantly lighter than its predecessors. Like its predecessors it come complete with a bipod, has a cyclic rate of 750 rounds per minute and accepts assault rifle magazines as well as belt fed ammunition. The M249 SAW has been service since 1982 and the M249a3 only entered production in 2007 and didn't see service until 2008.

The M240E3 is another US made incarnation of another Belgian made machinegun, the FN MAG. The reliability of the M60E3, used by USMC and the US Army, was even worse than of original M60, and one of the main reasons the US military adopted FN MAGs as M240D was very poor acceptance of the M60E3's among the troops (not that you can hardly blame them = a barrel that can't last 100 rounds of firing is just plain shit). Although the US army eventually acquired the M60E4 during the later part of the 1990's the M240 was still considered more reliable and thus came back into service as the M240E3. The M240E3 is an updated design using the same 'KE' (Kinetic Energy) technology that is used in the M8a1 and the M29a1 assault rifles. Like the new M249a3 SAW the M240E2's external frame is mostly made out of the same durable carbon and plastics of the Steyer AUG making this machinegun lighter and more durable than its predecessor (Steyer was also contracted to make the frame for this weapon). This weapon fires Armour piercing, Tungsten carbide 7.62mm composite case ammunition at 950-1000 rounds per minute. This latest version wasn't in service until 2010.

Both weapons include RIS and picatinny rails for additional attachments like red-dot sights, laser pointers, tactical grips and flashlights. Both weapons were the result of the Joint Vision 2010 program.

Beta-C magazines are essentially double drum 70, 80 or 100 round magazines that can be loaded on to assault rifles or carbines, making the weapons more like squad support machine guns. They have also been seen on sub-machine guns like the H&K Mp5 or the Berretta MP12

H&K Mk23 USSOCOM hand guns are the elite special operations side arms in use by the US Special forces and Delta Force. This hand gun is closely related to the H&K USP but is only available as 0.45 Cal weapon. Made primarily of Polymer plastic the Mk23 is significantly lighter than most 0.45 Cal hand guns of its class. The use of a mechanical recoil reduction system and the signature H&K polygonal barrel makes for a very accurate weapon that is heads and shoulders above the US Military's venerable Colt M1911 0.45 Cal. This handgun also includes attachment options of pistol lights, laser pointers and silencers making it a one of the most flexible and side arms in the world and will continue serve with US military's elite well into the 21st Century. (Metal Gear Solid fans would know that this is the weapon of choice for Solid Snake in MGS1)

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1ST OPERATION PT3 – INTO THE BEAST'S LAIR

March 14th 2016

KAZAKHSTAN

[On the train moving along the Western Kazakh rail line, heading towards Baikonur]

0515 Kazakhstan local time.

It wasn't very crowded in the cargo carriage; there were about 30 rangers along with Mardukas' Delta team. Some of the men were checking their equipment, saying their prayers, trying to catch up on sleep or just chatting. The sounds of the train's dull clanking in the background accompanied the conversation and activities in side the cargo carriage.

Many of the Rangers were armed with the full sized M8a1s while a few of them were brandishing the hi-tech m29a1s or the powerful M240E3's or M249a3 SAWs. Each one of them was dressed in forest BDUs, full Kevlar vests, nomex gloves and Kevlar helmets. The Rangers had arranged a number of 1 meter tall, steel lined boxes in front of the door so when the doors flew open they would be able to have some cover to shoot from. Baxter had to get up and help them do it properly so they would be able to get out of the carriage when they needed to and use the angles of fire to their advantage.

Mardukas had only been asleep about 20 minutes ago but was awoken to answer a radio transmission from Lt. Col. Burton. Mardukas was having a nice dream which was rudely interrupted by his team's signaler, Fitzwilliam. The call was simply a sitrep (situation report) and a quick review of the mission plan. Since that call Mardukas had been unable to sleep.

He looked at his large Casio watch; it was 0516, 30 minutes till show time. Mardukas started looking his weapon over, checking that the shotgun and carbine parts of his M8a1 "master key" were fully loaded and his weapon's optical sight was carefully sighted. Once he was done checking his weapon Mardukas looked around at everyone else was doing. Some of the Rangers were sitting down chatting away with Baxter who was explaining the fine art of marksmanship, while Sanchez was lying down on one of the boxes reading a book. Fitzwilliam was quietly cleaning his weapon with pieces of M8a1 carbine lying on a ground sheet in front of him. Feeling a bit bored he decided to keep Fitzwilliam company for a while.

"How's it goin Jonas", Mardukas asked he dropped into an empty space next to Fitzwilliam.

"Not too bad, just doin some house keeping stuff", Fitzwilliam responded as he plunged the cleaning brush into the barrel. "How long till game time?"

Mardukas checked his watch, "'bout less than 30minutes." He paused for a few moments "You heard of anyone trying something this crazy before?"

"What? With the whole train idea and all?" Fitzwilliam responded while sliding the barrel into the frame of his carbine.

"Yeah. I have read about ideas involving trains in some of those action novels but I don't think I have heard of anyone smuggling an assault unit behind enemy lines using a train in real life"

Fitzwilliam thought about this for a second as he pushed the pistol grip of his carbine into place, "Well I think it has been done in World War 2 in Europe in 1 or 2 missions organized by the OSS (Office of Strategic Services). I think it was more along the lines of smuggling a small team in rather than a 200 strong assault force with ground vehicle and armour support."

"So I guess we would be making special ops history with this little stunt to save Europe" Mardukas took off his bush hat and stuffed in one of his pants pockets.

"Yup, but still," Fitzwilliam inserted a magazine into his weapon, and smacked the end of it with an audible click. "How long do you think it will take before this op is declassified?"

"Dunno. Maybe 10 or 15 years. I guess when this is all over the Pentagon will put out a cover story saying it was a daring raid conducted by the Rangers and the 101st Airborne"

"That figures. Too bad we are a black ops outfit otherwise we'd make the history books?" Fitzwilliam said as he grinned as he pulled the locking bolt then released it with a loud double clacking sound.

"It's what Delta force is all about" Mardukas paused for a few seconds. "I just hope the Rangers don't freak when the fireworks start," Mardukas said looking at some Rangers who look like they should still be in high school, with a concerned look on his face.

"Well most of these Rangers have seen a fair amount of action during the first war. It's the newbie's that came in last week we have to watch out for." Fitzwilliam fitted a tactical grip to his carbine.

"Yeah I guess," Mardukas pulled out a water canteen and took in a mouthful of water. "Well as long as they point their guns in the right direction and pull trigger I'll be happy"

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March 14th 2016

KAZAKHSTAN

[Baikonur Cosmodrome, Baikonur]

0534 Kazakhstan local time.

The train carrying its deadly cargo screeched into the train station near the launch and tracking station inside the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The train station consisted of 3 large loading platforms with loading ramps and boxes scattered about with an administration building. There were 4 loading cranes and about a dozen fork lifts for loading and unloading rocket components that would normally be used for the Russian space program. Technically the Baikonur Cosmodrome was the property of the Russian government on lease from Kazakhstan as it has been since its old hey-days during the cold war more than half a century ago. There were a number of storage warehouses and a power sub-station just to the left of the train station. Just next to the power substation was the Cosmodrome launch and tracking station, which was a very large building crowned with a whole assortment antenna, radio transmitters, small satellite dishes and a large Radar Dish.

There was close to 50 GLA personnel with the immediate vicinity of the train station, with another 200 near the launch and tracking station all of them wearing the green arm bands with the insignia of their cause. None of the GLA suspected a thing when the train arrived. As far as they were concerned the train was filled with more the deadly toxins that were used in the London attack, not full of US soldiers.

Just as the train stopped, there was a loud clanking sound. Suddenly the train sped up leaving the last 15 carriages of its 30 carriage payload. There was an element of confusion and panic from the GLA personnel as they either ran towards the carriages the train left behind or ran to their assault vehicles to pursue the runaway train.

According to the battle plan once the train was inside the Baikonur Cosmodrome it would pull up to the launch and tracking station and uncouple the rear 15 carriages. This essentially meant that half the force was going to either secure or blow up the launch and tracking station, while the rest of the assault force on the remaining carriages still coupled to the train made their way to the soyuz launch platforms to stop any premature launch or detonation.

From inside one of the left behind carriages Mardukas watched what the GLA were doing through a crack in the door, listening intently to the sounds of engines and panicked voices.

"Well they know something's wrong now," Mardukas said to no one in particular. He received a message from Burton through his personal comms.

"To all launch and tracking station assault teams this is Foxhound 01, they know something is up you are weapons free, I say again you are weapons free, engage." (Burton)

Mardukas turned to the Rangers behind him. It looked like their platoon leader got the message as well over his radio. The look of slight nervousness was clear on their faces, but each one was ready to his job. Mardukas turned to the Lieutenant and gave nod saying it was time to go.

"Well that's it boys," the lieutenant called "It's now or never.....Hooah"

"Hooah" the rangers responded.

All the soldiers inside readied their weapons and a few seconds later the Rangers near the entrance to the carriage threw open the door. The GLA troopers who had moved towards the carriages, suddenly stood stock still like a bunch of stunned mullets staring at the many barrels that were being aimed right at them. Mardukas, his Delta team and the rangers took aim at their targets on the platform opened up in a thunder storm of gun fire. Americans took the GLA garrison completely by surprise as the massed assault rifles and machineguns annihilated all who was on the platform.

After the GLA on the loading platform were taken care of the Delta teams quickly threw smoke grenades and exited the train carriages. Using the smoke screen as cover the Delta troopers moved on to the platform to secure it. Mardukas advanced through the smoke with his team behind him. To his left and right he saw the other Delta assault teams advancing with his roughly 60m apart. Mardukas moved his team behind a series of boxes when he noticed movement in front of him. A whole mass of GLA infantry (approximately 30 to 40 of them) moved carefully into the smoke trying to find the source of all the gun fire with their weapons at the ready. Mardukas informed the other teams over his comms

"This is foxhound 02 to foxhound 04, I got multiple targets roughly platoon sized, 100m 12 o'clock in front of us advancing slowly towards the smoke screen." (Mardukas)

"Rodger that 02, all teams drop 'em." (Wiles)

Captain Matthew Wiles was the leader of the foxhound 04 team and one of the Delta ground commanders in the squadron. Wiles was an officer with short Dark hair, sharp brown eyes, and the height of a basket ball player, who stood a good head taller than some of the other men in the squadron. His rangy height combined with his athletic build he had a very intimidating appearance, contrary to his mellow and laconic personality. Despite his relaxed persona he was a first class soldier and an excellent leader, who was a well liked by all members of the squadron. If there can be one thing that could be said about his attitude on the battle field it would be his relentless focus on getting the job done. He had been with the US army since Bosnia during the mid 1990's serving as platoon commander in the Army Rangers, 75th infantry regiment. He later went on to do Special Forces training at Fort Bragg where he graduated at the top of his class. Upon graduation he immediately came to the attention of Delta force, with whom he had served with since operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2001.

Mardukas gave the 'weapons free' signal to his team, before dropping to one knee and opening fire with is M8 'master key'. Mardukas picked off his targets carefully with well placed shots aiming for the head and chest as his team did the same. One by one the GLA troopers were being picked off as they collapsed to the ground either screaming or just simply expiring on the spot. Because of the smoke screen the GLA infantry had problems spotting the Delta operators because of the flash suppressors fixed to the Delta troopers' weapons and the boxes they were using as cover. The Delta operators' vision may have been equally impaired, but the fact that they can see the out lines of their targets, along with the bright muzzle flashes of their enemies' weapons and the GLA infantry were in the open made them easy targets.

"This is foxhound 03 to foxhound 02. My team is goin to advance towards the administration building to your left, we need some cover" (Mason)

"Got your cover right here 03 go for it" (Mardukas)

Over on Mardukas' left flank he saw more smoke grenades being thrown in the direction of the administration building 50m to his 11 o'clock. Mardukas signaled his team for suppressive fire on the enemy position. The Delta team went from picking of their targets with single shots to firing at full auto on the enemy position. This caused the enemy return fire to slacken.

Mardukas ran out of ammo and called to his team above the heavy gun fire, "Reloading." He ejected the spent magazine, slammed in a fresh one and pulled the locking bolt. Mardukas resumed his firing when Fitzwilliam's weapon was out.

"Reloading," Fitzwilliam called as he ejected a spent magazine from his M8 carbine. Instead of loading a fresh 30 round magazine, Fitzwilliam loaded a 100 round, beta-C magazine (just the thing for mowing down multiple targets). Fitzwilliam resumed firing with long; nearly uninterruptible bursts 5.56mm rounds.

Mardukas heard the loud crack of the grenade launcher on Sanchez's M29 off to his right. He paused momentarily has he watched 20mm projectile fly into the group of GLA infantry ahead of him. Just half a second later they were scattered violently with a deep thump and a bright flash.

Suddenly the sounds of massed foot steps accompanied by the harsh melody of vehicle engines erupted from behind the Delta position. The Rangers began advancing on to the platform with support from 4 Humvees and one of M6 Paladins Main Battle Tanks pouring a fusillade of bullets, grenades, missiles and cannon fire on to the enemy infantry and light armoured assault vehicles advancing towards the Americans. The sound of massed weapons fire was almost as deafening as being next to the loud speakers during a Silver Chair concert.

With the Rangers and vehicles providing covering fire Mardukas got a comms message from the Captain Wiles.

"Foxhound02 this is 04 we are gonna get covering fire from the Ranger elements Echo13 and Echo14. Stand by to move." (Wiles)

"This is Foxhound02 Rodger. There is some cover off to the left where 03 passed through to secure the admin building" (Mardukas)

"Rodger that 02, we'll use that. My team will follow your team to the admin building. Make sure to watch that left flank" (Wiles)

"Rodger that 04. Standing by." (Mardukas)

"Foxhound03 this is 04 you guys cleared that admin building yet?" (Wiles)

"This is Foxhound03 that's a Rodger. Building is clear" (Mason)

"My team and Mardukas' team is comin' to you right now can you give us some cover?" (Wiles)

"Rodger that, we're in position. Anytime time your ready." (Mason)

"04 to 02 lets go" (Wiles)

"Rodger moving up" (Mardukas)

Mardukas gave a tap to Fitzwilliam giving him the signal that it was time to go. Fitzwilliam in turn passed the word to Sanchez who passed on the word to Baxter. Mardukas' team ran forward with Wiles' team following just 15 meters behind. Both Delta teams advanced throwing smoke grenades to cover their advance. Both teams ran as fast as they could to the administration building with bullets flying all around them. Just out side the main entrance of the 2 story building was Master Sergeant Mason and one member of his Delta team snapping shots at the GLA troopers who managed to wander close enough to the Administration building.

Mardukas continued sprinting, pausing momentarily to wipe the sweat from his eyes before bringing his M8 to his shoulder letting off a quick burst, dropping a GLA trooper trying setup a Russian made RPD Machinegun. Both Mardukas' and Wiles' teams stomped past Mason's team and quickly checked the building for any sign of hostiles. Finding none Captain Wiles called out to the 3 Delta teams "Alright everyone, do an ammo check and make ready to move ASAP. Tom, Paul get over here."

Both Delta team leaders made their way to the senior officer present in the room both teams were occupying.

"What's happening now?" Mardukas queried.

"OK guys here's the Deal," Wiles started yelling above the gunfire and explosions outside, "One of the Ranger Platoons are going to remain here and provide cover for the rest of our forces. Tom"

"Yeah?"

"Your team needs to remain here and help reinforce this position"

"Gotcha" Tom answered giving a solemn nod

"Paul......your team is heading to the launch and tracking station with another platoon of Rangers using the 4 Humvees we have here" The shooting outside seemed to escalate and talking was becoming even harder, so Wiles had to yell even louder to make himself heard. "the Humvees are going to block off the main entrance and the side entrance........you know what to do from there."

"Yeah" Mardukas Yelled back "My team goes into the station cut the power and destroys the backup generator to stop the launch sequence"

"Good. My Team will remain the other Ranger Platoon and the Paladin and try to knock out that Radio Station so we can call in some support. Then we will reinforce your position and wait for the cavalry. Any Questions"

"Yeah what's the Deal with Colonel and his teams?" Tom asked

"Meeting heavy resistance and have suffered casualties." No sooner had the grizzled Captain mentioned the word 'casualties' there was the distinct sound of that all familiar call "MEDIC!"

"Alright" Wiles said checking his weapon quickly, "No time to fuck around lets go"

Mardukas called to his team "OK guys let's go get us ride..........Fritz call over those Humvees."

"OK Rodger that" Fitzwilliam responded before getting to work on his radio.

Mardukas moved over to the door to see what was happening outside. Just as he was moving through, a squad of rangers pushed their way past him rushing into firing positions on the far side of the administration building. Among the number of Rangers that rushed by was a pair of them carrying a fallen comrade. The injured ranger was being carried on a stretcher, bleeding profusely from wounds on the neck and the right shoulder. 'Looks like he's out for the count' Mardukas thought before his attention on what looked like the first of many casualties, was soon dragged away by the engine sounds of Humvees just outside the door.

"Hey guys" Mardukas called to the rest of his team mates, "they're here, mount up!"

Mardukas moved up to the lead humvee while the rest of his team each moved to separate vehicles. The Delta master Sergeant found an empty seat next to a ranger lance corporal in one of the back seats who seemed more than a little jumpy with bullets regularly dinging the bonnet of the armoured, 4WD capable, behemoth. Mardukas spoke into his comms.

"You guys all mounted back there" (Mardukas)

"I'm good to go" (Baxter)

"It's all happenin' lets nail these Vatos" (Sanchez)

"Are we there yet?" (Fitzwilliam)

"Smart ass" (Mardukas)

Mardukas tapped the Ranger Lieutenant (on the helmet) who was sitting in the front passenger seat in front of him. "OK Lieutenant. When you're ready"

The Lieutenant nodded in response and spoke into the mike mounted on the side of his helmet. "This is Echo One Zero to all Echo One elements we're moving out." He then turned to the driver "Ok Smith lets go"

The Driver grunted a "Hooah" in response and gunned the engine. The Humvee Lurched forward, with the whistling sounds bullets and explosions all round the vehicle. Mardukas held on to the seat in front of him while getting his rifle pointed out the right side window. All four Humvees sped away from administration building with their gunners blazing away with their weapons, shooting up anything that wasn't American.

In the Humvee that Mardukas was in it was practically raining 12.7mm shell casings which was coming from the humvee's GAU-19/A Gatling cannon. The shell casings were regularly dinging the roof then rolled either off Mardukas's side of the Humvee or through the gunner's porthole. The Humvee column raced past another group Rangers and Delta troopers working their way up another road to their 2 o'clock. This large group of American Soldiers was being backed up M6 Paladin whose anti missile laser system was blasting RPG after RPG being aimed at it, while firing steadily with is machineguns.

The Humvee column continued to race the gauntlet of explosions and gun fire, with the drivers trying to vary the course of their vehicles in order to avoid being targeted by enemy anti-tank weapons. Suddenly from out of nowhere a powerful explosion destroyed a large portion of a supply warehouse Mardukas' Humvee just past.

"Aww fuck off" screamed the driver and poured more speed into Humvee.

Mardukas took time from watching his firing arc to see what had blown up part of the multi storey building. To his horror he spotted a TS-90 mk3 "Marauder" MBT (Main Battle Tank) rumbling out from behind the power sub-station. The large tank began making its way towards them from the Humvee column's 2 o'clock and began firing its machine guns. The Bullets weren't enough to pierce the armoured hide of the Humvee but some of the large caliber rounds managed to pierce armoured glass windscreen killing the Ranger Lieutenant instantly when a Russian made 12.7mm practically turned his face inside out, in a disturbing display of overkill.

"Aw shit" Mardukas cursed as he got his head down to avoid being hit. Just half a second later the gunner flopped lifelessly through the gunner's porthole, dropping into the lap of an already panicked Ranger sitting next to Mardukas.

"Chris.......CHRIS......AW MY GOD.....SHIT HE'S DEAD" the young Ranger screamed. Mardukas looked at the corpse that had previously been firing the Humvee's gatling weapon, only to see it was missing a head. 'OK that is the 6th most horrible thing I have ever seen' Mardukas through before turning to the already panicking driver who was starting to slow down.

"What the hell are you doing? Don't stop God damn it. Keep going.........FLOOR IT!!!!!"

The Ranger Driver responded by speeding up gripping the steering wheel tightly with his face already pale by what he had just witnessed. The Ranger sitting next to Delta Sergeant was beyond hysterics at the sight of his decapitated friend. 4 of the other rangers in the rear most passenger compartments peered out with worried looks at what was happening.

"WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE, WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE............IT'S NOT FAIR, FUCK IT'S NOT........" Mardukas smashed the ranger in the face with his left fist, with just enough force to make him stop but not enough to put him out cold. The Marauder continued to rake the Humvee with Machine gun fire but its gunner had problems trying to keep the with the Humvee's speed.

Without a word Mardukas grunted as he pulled the corpse aside and stepped up through the gunner's porthole and quickly set up the sights for the TOW III (anti tank missile launcher). Aiming carefully the Delta Sergeant waited patiently for the locked symbol to appear in the missile launcher's targeting sights with bullets flying all around him. As the Humvee sped along the road and speeds exceeding 100kph as Mardukas managed to keep his sights trained on the tank until the green targeting circles in TOW III's sights transformed into a solid red circle with word "LOCKED" in the bottom right hand corner.

No sooner had Mardukas pulled the trigger a large, 3rd Generation, wire guided, anti tank missile screamed out the launch tube. The 2 stage 40 pound projectile found its mark, punching through the thick amour before gutting the tank like a freshly caught tuna in a fish market being made ready for sale. Mardukas regarded the explosion for a second before gripping the handles of the humvee's GAU-19/A Gatling cannon.

'Well..............' Mardukas thought 'It can only get worse'

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March 14th 2016

KAZAKHSTAN

[Baikonur Cosmodrome, Baikonur]

0546 Kazakhstan local time.

The Humvee Column as battered as it was finally made it to the Launch and Tracking station and immediately split into 2 groups. The whole plan revolved around the Ranger platoon with Humvees splitting into 2 elements acting as a blocking force at the side and front entrance of the target building. While all this is happening Mardukas' Delta team split into 2 pairs with one group going after the power relays on the ground floor while the other pair went after the back up generator on the 3rd sub level below the basement levels.

No sooner had Mardukas' and Fitzwilliam's Humvees ground to a halt in front of the main entrance of the Cosmodrome Launch and tracking station both Delta operators and Rangers piled out of their vehicles. The Rangers took cover behind the Humvees and some of the vehicles sitting outside the main entrance, with 2 rangers manning the big guns on the Humvees. The Rangers were moving under the direction of Staff Sergeant Ronald Jordan who was awarded the responsibility of leadership by default after the demise of his commanding officer.

Ronald Jordan was a medium sized, 26 year old ex-LAPD cop of African decent. Dissatisfied with the lack of challenges as police officer he decided that the only place that offered what he was looking for was the US Army. He managed to forge his way into the Army Rangers and served with distinction during Operations Cleanse (Iraq), Desperate Union (Kazakhstan) and Final Justice (Kazakhstan). He was always looking for the next big challenge and as fate would have it today he landed the big one. No sooner had the Rangers and Delta operators jumped out of their vehicles GLA personal were already racing towards the American position. The bullets were already starting to fly and hey had little time to waste.

"C'mon Smith I want your gun pointed that way on the left arc with Burke" Sergeant Jordan yelled waving in the direction he wanted younger Ranger to fire.

"Hooah" the younger Ranger grunted. Specialist William Smith was the driver of Mardukas' Humvee and was still visibly shaken by the gruesome deaths of 2 of his comrades, but he moved without hesitation to his firing position with his M8a1 at the ready.

"McLeod, Weber. Watch that corner."

"Hooah Sergeant"

"Rodger that Sergeant"

"Forester, Yoshikawa. I want that 240 pointed down that road, flatten anything that moves.......... got me?"

"Hooah" they grunted as one of them hauled his M240E3 Medium Machine gun into position while the assistant gunner took up position right next to him with an M29a1.

Mardukas rushed over to Jordan who looked like he was coping, but only just.

"You got things under control here?" Mardukas asked

"Yeah but I'm not too sure how long we can hold if GLA gets serious in this direction"

"You'll have to. My team has to go now. Nobody gets in or out got me?"

"Hooah Master Sergeant"

Mardukas switched on his comms.

"Sanchez, Baxter what's your status?" (Mardukas)

"Sanchez here we are standing by on the front entrance. We are good to for hitting the power relay" (Sanchez)

"Rodger that. Me and Fritz are about to move in. We are time critical on this.........lets do it" (Mardukas)

"Wilco, me and Baxter are moving" (Sanchez)

With that last message Mardukas gave the signal for Fitzwilliam to blow up the reinforced security door. He moved up to the side entrance security door and placed a shaped charge while Mardukas waited a few meters left of the door. It only took a few seconds for Fitzwilliam to ready the detonator. As soon as he finished he stood a few meters on the right side of the door with the detonator in his left hand and his carbine in the other. On Mardukas' signal Fitzwilliam blew up the door with a loud crack accompanied by the brief sound of screeching metal.

As soon as the smoke cleared Mardukas moved in through the blackened door frame and was quickly followed by Fitzwilliam. Both Delta Operators moved through a fairly short corridor until they found themselves in a small room with an empty security cage on the left hand side that was used to store weapons. Next to that there were a series PC workstations and a metal detector which had been shot up so bad it probably didn't work. Mardukas took a moment to examine the bullet hits and concluded that it was a combination of 5.54 x 39mm Russian and 9 x 39mm Russian. 'Great!' Mardukas thought, 'Looks like the GLA are now playing with the latest versions of the Russian AN 94 and OTs-14 Groza assault Rifles. They must've taken them from the security cage.'

"Clear" Mardukas whispered.

"Clear" Fitzwilliam concurred.

Moving further into the room through, another door which had its security lock blasted off. Both Delta troopers started moved into another small, but wide corridor and then came to a T-junction. There was a sign at the end of the T-junction displaying directions to different parts of the facility in Russian. Mardukas signaled a halt while he tried to make use of his less than perfect knowledge of the Russian language which he had not used since his time on exchange with Russia's Spetsnaz Special Ops unit. He finally worked out that he had to head right to get to the Freight Elevator down to the Facility sub-levels.

Just when they were about to get moving both Delta Operators heard sounds of footsteps and panicked voices coming from the left.

"Shit" Mardukas cursed quietly as he let his Carbine hang by the carrying sling and reached for a flash bang grenade. He pulled the pin holding the release handle signaling Fitzwilliam get himself into position. As if on queue Fitzwilliam positioned himself on the left side of the corridor right next to the T junction with his M8a1 Carbine pointed down ready to be brought up at a moments notice. The foot steps grew louder and louder when a series of shadows started to reach around the corner. Mardukas threw the flash bang around the corner and both he and Fitzwilliam covered their ears as best they could. The harmless flash bang went off with a loud bang and a blinding flash, which was quickly followed by screaming and cursing. Just half a second after the flash bang went off Fitzwilliam stepped around the corner finding 6 very vulnerable targets and then proceeded to gun them down. Mardukas also stepped around the corner just in time to help take down the last 2 with his weapon. Mardukas put a finger to his comms.

"Contact" (Mardukas)

"Rodger that. Looks like they know we are here" (Baxter)

"Looks that way. Just watch yourselves" (Mardukas)

"You too" (Baxter)

"Clear" Fitzwilliam whispered.

"Clear" Mardukas said agreeing with his colleague's assessment.

After to scanning the bodies quickly to make sure that they were dead the 2 Delta operators moved down the right hand corridor. Mardukas and Fitzwilliam were moving as quickly and as quietly as they could, watching the corners ready for close contact at a moments notice. They both continued down the corridor when a door just in front of Mardukas began to open. Just as a GLA trooper was half way through the door, Mardukas lashed out with his right foot and slammed the door on the terrorist, pinning him in the door frame. The terrorist screamed in pain but was quickly put out of his misery with a one handed burst from Mardukas' M8a1 "Master Key" right through the door.

The terrorist collapsed in a heap when Mardukas released his hold on the door with his boot. No sooner had he done that a vicious torrent of assault rifle fire came right through the door. Mardukas quickly edged back to the left side of the door frame as a seemingly innumerable amount bullets started punching through the door. Noise was almost deafening and the bullets weren't simply punching through the door, they were ripping it a part. The only thing that could be heard above the staccato roar of massed weapons fire was the fanatical screaming of the shooters. Mardukas signaled to Fitzwilliam get a frag grenade ready while Mardukas pulled one out of his own from his modular load bearing vest (they didn't have time screw with these guys). When the door was finally blown off its hinges Mardukas gave a nod to Fitzwilliam and both Delta operators pulled the pins of their grenades and tossed them around the corner. The GLA fanatics were still shooting but were interrupted by 2 loud explosions a few seconds later.

Mardukas was moving to take a peek around the corner to see if anyone survived the grenades when he heard sounds of voices and foot steps to his right. There were 2 more GLA troopers about 10 meters down the corridor who had just came rounded the left side corner from an adjoining corridor.

"Get down," Fitzwilliam called as he brought his carbine up.

Mardukas didn't have time to turn and shoot but Fitzwilliam was already facing in the direction of the new threats. Without thinking he dropped to one knee getting out Fitzwilliam's line of fire. Mardukas' turned just in time to see Fitzwilliam's shots catch the first target high in the chest, while second one got his throat ventilated before he could get his weapon up.

Mardukas was crouching in front the bullet blasted door frame facing the direction of their most recent opponents, when Mardukas noticed some movement from inside the room. Knowing that he couldn't bring his carbine up fast enough, Mardukas quickly reached for his Mk23 hand gun from his leg holster and put 2 0.45 Caliber rounds through his would-be-killer's head. GLA trooper was standing in the room was stock still for a second, then his OTs-14 Groza dropped out of his now limp hands. He fell to his knees then collapsed face forward with blood oozing from his head on to the floor.

Knowing that time was of the essence, Mardukas signaled to Fitzwilliam that they were moving out as he holstered his side arm. Both Delta operators turned right at the next corridor and went through a door a few meters down on the left. It was there that the 2 Delta Sergeants found the freight elevator entrance was without further incident. The reason behind using this elevator was in the event of a power outage the Freight Elevator could use its own limited battery supply for a 1 hour time period. It could also be connected to the emergency generator but power priority was given to the computer systems in the command center and the facility security systems.

Mardukas hit the down button to call the freight elevator while Fitzwilliam covered the door. There was the hum of motors which announced the eventual arrival of the freight elevator. The doors of the elevator were like the opening to a very sturdy, steel cage which gave the appearance that it was designed to keep a wild animal. It was robust, reliable and purely functional, but it wasn't designed to look pretty. The loud clanking accompanied by the grinding mechanical sounds of industrial strength motors and gears heralded the arrival of the freight elevator. As the doors of the elevator opened, Mardukas tapped Fitzwilliam on the shoulder.

"Time to go Fritz" Mardukas whispered.

Fitzwilliam nodded as they both boarded the elevator. As soon as Mardukas hit the button to take them down to sub level 3, the doors grinded shut. With the whine of motors and gears the elevator began it's decent.

Damn this chapter took a long time. It was kinda hard for me to keep the story flowing while trying to describe all the action that was happening. I had to retype and delete parts of this story a dozen times and I was constantly surfing for military info on the internet.

Well I hope you like how things are going so far..................again sorry for the long wait.

Enjoy :D