Chapter 6
Too Good to Be True
Jumping out of a moving aircraft was a scary experience all its own. But having faith in a giant cargo aircraft landing on grass, safely, was just ridiculous, at least as far as the Osean 77th was concerned. To most of them, this was the type of stuff that happened in an action flick. However, considering the fact that falling out of the sky was an unnatural act, seeing a plane land on grass wouldn't be too over the top.
"Why do they make runways?" Wilkes asked.
"So planes can land on 'em. What else would they be used for genius?" Jenkins replied.
"Well, I was just wondering. If planes are supposed to land on runways, then why are they landing on grass?"
"I don't know." Jenkins replied irritated.
"Maybe the Air Force thought it was a good idea to try something crazy."
"So the Yukes wouldn't expect it. Okay, I can buy that."
"And besides, I think our Air Force thought this through. Those boys dropped us in here safely, so I wouldn't be a fool to trust them."
"Alright. But I swear to God, if one of those planes crashes and burning jet fuel comes flying my way I'm running."
"I think everyone would run. If I were you I just wouldn't think about it. Come to think of it I don't know why you're b!tching about this so much. How do you think the pilots feel?"
Wilkes looked at the C-17 less than a mile away, "I don't like talking about this anymore."
"Good. That means you'll shut up." Jenkins replied.
The lumbering aircraft couldn't have made a better entrance Athos thought. They certainly wouldn't have any problem attracting attention. According to Athos, trying to secretly land six massive C-17s, in the middle of field was likely trying to hide an elephant with a piece of paper. Athos thought this operation was completely stupid. Whoever thought about putting cargo planes down in an enemy country must have thought war was a time to try crazy ideas. But however stupid the operation seemed, Athos still had to follow orders, whether he agreed with them or not.
Against the backdrop of the orange sky, the aircraft looked more like an albatross descending upon a nest. These massive albatross announced their arrival with a roaring screech emanating from massively powerful jet engines. But the softness and innocence of one graceful bird faded when it landed. The steel bird made a transition to a steel beast, looking like a lumbering rhino. It made noise like a rampaging stampede of buffalo.
Echo Company watched with fear, excitement and disbelief. The rumbling C-17 was landing on grass, but didn't seem to be slowing down. Some of the soldiers shifted in their place unsure of whether or not they'd be run over. Trusting in these pilots was becoming harder and harder as the soldiers watched their planes get closer and closer. The only thing the paratroopers could rely on was blind faith, and uncomfortable feeling to some.
Gradually, the fears subsided when the troopers heard the engines whine down. Shortly afterwards, the lumbering rhino came to a halt, only twenty feet from the edge of the circle of troops.
Blake, breathing heavy was the first to speak up, "Scary… But amazing."
"Shoot, I almost ended up sh!tting myself." Andersen said laughing off his fear.
"Well be happy that we're alive and our pilots our alive. A lot worse things could have happened." Athos stated.
"Amen to that, Sarge. Just hope the rest of 'em can do the same thing." Jenkins added.
So far, so good, Athos thought to himself. No one getting shot at the first day and no casualties was more successful that he imagined. He watched several paratroopers run to the back of the aircraft to begin unloading the Apache helicopters. Athos had to admit he was quite surprised that the Air Force managed to pull this off. Deep down inside, he hoped this was the only surprise he would have.
From three miles away, two observers were watching the whole operation unfold. How foolish it was for the Oseans to try an operation such as this. But both men had to admit, it was quite daring nonetheless.
"I gotta admit John. Landing on grass, those Osean pilots got balls." The Yuktobanian Marine said, behind a pair of binoculars.
"Ricky, you ever stop to think those pilots may be women?" Master Sergeant John Peters asked looking through the scope on his sniper rifle.
"Yeah, so. They still got balls to pull that kind of thing off. I sure as hell can't fly that thing, least of all land it on grass." Sergeant Ricardo Tomas.
"Just keep your eyes open and see what toys our friends are bringing."
Peters was a career soldier, earning quite a reputation among his fellow marines. His exploits were usually expressed in stories that would have younger marines in awe. But he wasn't the type to brag about fighting. War was simply an occupation to him, something evil in every way, but something he had to contend nonetheless. He took no joy in war, for anyone that glorified war was a reluctant warrior. Peters believed in doing his job and doing it right. His enemies were mere targets. Thinking about them as human beings was a distraction. An enemy was simply and obstacle that needed to be eliminated.
He was surprised that he was at war with a former ally. Even though he wasn't a political analyst be any stretch, Peters still believed alliances could change over night. Enemies the Oseans were, but he harbored no hard feelings. All Peters did was follow orders killing his enemies with neither hate nor sorrow.
Peters respected the Oseans mainly because he fought alongside them, part of a coalition against the Belkans in 1995. The Oseans were a formidable opponent and Peters witnessed the tenacity of Osean troops in Belka. They were an enemy not to be underestimated.
As a master sergeant in the Yuktobanian 15th Marines, Peters earned respect quite easily. But it wasn't because of his rank. Instead, it was because of his ability to lead and lead men safely. His men were the cream of the Yuktobanian military. All were veterans of a combat engagement within the last ten years. But they were set apart from the rest of the Yuktobanian Marines.
The 15th Yuktobanian marines were Special Forces, hardened in battle. Unlike Osea, the Yuktobanians didn't have SEALs. It was the Marines that prided itself with having a force of specialized warriors.
Fierce they were, the 15th earned itself respect amongst all branches of the Yuktobanian armed forces. The Marines of the 15th were not identified by a nickname. Their unit was simply known as the 15th. This simplistic moniker highlighted the 15th's relentless and ruthless tactics to accomplish their mission. For the Marines of the 15th, accomplishing the mission was paramount.
Peters' twelve-man squad was spread out in various locations throughout the Yuktobanian countryside. The six, two man teams were observing the movement of the Osean operation from hidden vantage points, a safe distance away from danger. Along with Peters was his trusted Staff Sergeant Ricardo Tomas.
Tomas was an excellent marksman, able to shoot anyone from more than 1000 yards away. He could put a bullet between something as small as a wedding ring. Tomas wasn't married though. His job made that a difficult battle.
His take on life was blunt and to the point. Religion wasn't a part of his life. According to Tomas religion was something that distracted him from killing the enemy. He had seen the horror of war and believed that a God possibly couldn't exist in the world such as the one he lived in.
Tomas would tell people exactly what was on his mind. Sometimes what he said was crass, mean, nice, or the truth. Some of his fellow marines didn't agree with him on religion but they respected his point of view. They liked the fact that no matter how ugly the truth could be, he would always tell it like it was.
In fighting against Belka, Tomas had managed fifteen kills against enemy troops. But he didn't talk about it much. Killing the enemy wasn't something he took a fancy to.
Most people thought that Tomas was a sniper by default. But he was an excellent leader when it came to close quarter's combat. He was equally as good with an MP-5 submachine gun and the standard rifle of all Yuktobanian special forces, the G-36. Peters even believed that Tomas was the most versatile warrior he ever led. Not many men had the qualities of Tomas and Peters was glad to have such a man on his team.
"So that's what they got for Christmas sir." Tomas said.
"An Apache helicopter in the middle of Yuktobania. Pretty damn smart. This would probably be the last place they expected us to find them." Peters replied.
"Well guess that makes us lucky then. Shoot, we could radio artillery support and have steel raining down on these boys."
"Yeah but they got more stuff coming in. Lets see what more presents they open up."
"You think the 6th ID knows about this."
"Not a chance in hell. Those undisciplined, poorly trained troops couldn't find dog sh!t on a white carpet even if they stepped on it." Peters quipped.
"Hmph, well at least they aren't interfering in our operation. Guess I shouldn't have been surprised that they reported nothing this morning. Wonder if the Oseans spotted them."
"Its possible. But I wouldn't worry. We can wreak havoc on their little action movie type of operation by ourselves."
"Aren't those boys part of the Osean 77th. Those guys are elite sir. We saw them fight against the Belkans."
"But they'e all young now. War is a game to them. They have no idea what fear is Tomas. No idea at all."
"Looks like they're sh!t outta luck then, sir."
"Well that's not our problem is it?" Peters said looking at Tomas.
"Not at all."