Chapter 3

"Everyone has been alerted. We are on standby."

David gave a nod of acknowledgement as he continued to peer through the scope that he carried with him. He was observing the Russians. His lip curled in disgust at what they were doing to the people. It was damned hard not to react.

"Those scum. They kill our people."

David looked up from his scope to look at the seventeen year old boy that had been his messenger. He replied, "And the urge to counter is strong Yusef, but we must hold position. Commander Karim has a plan."

"I know but…"

"Patience is the hardest lesson to learn in this war we've been fighting," David said. He adjusted his position as he studied the boy. "In the end, it is what will garner the Commander's victory and expel the Russian invaders. You do believe that?" He eyed the boy carefully.

Yusef looked back at David. The man intimidated him at times, but he was also kindness. He had saved him and his younger brother from being killed by a Russian patrol. They had been grabbed at random and would have ended up with a bullet in their heads if David hadn't gotten the drop on them. He saved them and offered him a place in Commander Karim's Liberation force.

Yusef accepted immediately and was eager to prove himself. He learned quickly that David was a harsh taskmaster in making sure he knew how to shoot a gun and defend himself. He taught him and other recruits who had never handled a weapon before. Yusef was loyal to David and the cause. He really believed in freeing his country.

David was well aware of the worship Yusef had for him and did his best to discourage it and place that loyalty with Farah and her army. It did not work out as he expected, and he worked with the result. Farah had asked him why he was so insistent on transferring that loyalty to her. He explained it as best as he could, but he doubted she completely understood.

In his previous life and with Jensen, he was the kind to set up the players and then let everything fall into place. He was not to interfere directly in the actual actions that the players took whether it was a coup or just ridding a pestilence in a country. It was ingrained and David saw himself as not worthy of having such loyalty. Maybe having acquaintances that owed him favors, but not like what Yusef and others like him gave him. He was quick to make it seem like his decisions were relayed orders from Farah and they were quick to accept that, except Yusef.

Yusef looked at David and nodded, "I want my country free. I owe Commander Karim for the chance, and I owe you for giving me my life to choose that."

David studied the boy and nodded. He went back to surveying the city. He could see the base and other points. "Then that is good, Yusef. Have the cells be ready to help the people. Get them to safety, hide them, whatever they have to do. The ones closest to the base needs to meet with Hadir for the attack. Tell them."

"Yes, David."

David did not need to look to see that Yusef went to obey. He knew that the boy would follow orders. If anything, he would make a good soldier. He knew Farah would give him that chance as he grew older. He peered through his scope and spotted movement on the first helicopter. He chuckled as he recognized one of their own approaching it. "So that is what you had in mind, Farah."

He knew the plan was to draw the Russians away from the base and leaving a token force behind. Then they would move forward and take over the base. Without a stronghold, the Russians would be forced to a retreating position, but it could go the other way as well. David had mentioned the possibility that Barkov would react violently towards that and that things would get worse before getting better.

Farah acknowledged that but said that they had been fighting for so long that a risk needed to be taken in order to drive the war into their favor. David agreed, but he was doing his job and pointing out that. It was what she asked of him, not officially, and he gave it. He would have given it anyway only because he firmly believed that decisive action needed to have the most available information at the time together in consideration. He had been in enough fights to see what poor planning and bad intel did towards the outcome of a battle.

You know war and you know tactics. You do not deny this.

"No, I don't. I came from a previous life as a soldier," David muttered as he recalled one of the first conversations with Farah. "My current one is a spy, but nothing like CIA."

Then why are you here?

"I was sent to keep an eye on the region. My superior wants to know what is going on."

And then what?

"Interfere. Push back the Russians."

His answer was what decided her accepting him completely. He was honest. Jensen's priority was Russia. His other assets all agreed that Russia had players that were making their move. The upstart party forming was the problem. David understood that if it had been anything else, Farah would have killed him. Maybe spare him since he came to her under a flag of truce. Of course, things were different, and he saw right away that her view of things was black and white. Shades of grey had little to no place. That was her reality.

All cells are in position.

"Copy that," David replied. He turned his attention to where the distraction would be. He watched as the second of the explosives was set in the second helicopter. His lip twitched. Now the action was going to begin.

Gathering his things, he walked across the rooftop, making sure that his pistol was hidden. He had no intention of getting shot today and climbed down into the dwelling that was used as a lookout. He nodded at the owner and slipped something in his hand before leaving. He started walking through the streets, moving to provide support for Farah and Alex. He paused to grab an oil filter to use as a suppressor just in case.

Moving through the city, he went to where he could see Tariq's building. He climbed up to the rooftops for a better vantage point. He stayed low as he made his way to the edge. He peered over and saw what he hated seeing.

Russians were dragging Tariq out of his home. He shook his head at the sight. He could interfere but it could compromise the objective. He gritted his teeth as he watched the man being dragged out of his home. There was nothing he could do without risking more lives. That was the hardest part about plans like this. In the end, the attack on the base would make sure that those lost were not in vain.

Sighing he went for cover and took out the sniper rifle he managed to hide on his person. He maneuvered over the rooftop and waited and watched. He did not have to wait long when the twin explosions went off. Immediately, the alarms went off and he could see the Russians start to scramble. He smirked as he readied himself and scanned the area. He would only provide backup if needed. He may hear about it from Farah later but…

He located Farah and Alex in his scope and tracked their movements. The explosions that followed as they made their escape brought more Russian troops into the area. That would increase the danger of being caught. He scanned with a practiced eye.

His chance came when he spotted a lone Russian that had spotted them after they waited for a patrol to pass and killing three stragglers. He took aim and fired. The shot was through the head. He signaled, "Got you covered, Commander."

I knew you'd be up to something, David.

"Just making sure you get back. The next part can't start without you." David peered through his scope and took out any Russians that came close to discovering them. He tracked them as they moved to Tariq's home. He did not need to tell her that Tariq was dead.

He saw them hesitate and he saw the reinforcements. He called out, "Hold."

Shit. Tariq's door is open.

David said that he knew softly into the coms. It did not matter if she heard him. He had a job to do. When they were cleared, he said, "You're clear. Head to the tunnels."

He watched as they made it to Tariq's home. His job there was done. Now it was time to get ready for the next phase. He hid his weapon and made his way to the ground floor. While it was risky to move with so many Russians from the base, he knew his way around well enough and where other tunnel entrances were.

You were watching again.

David chuckled when he heard her voice and replied, "I always will."

Hurry. We need to press on our attack.

"I'm on my way. Let us make sure that their deaths were not in vain."

"You made a start. That is good."

Alex turned to look at David. He tried not to jump since the man had been quiet about joining them. It was unnerving and gave him the impression that the man could kill him if he wanted. Whether or not he would, that was up for debate and part of the opinion that Alex was slowly forming of him. He looked at David and replied, "Enough to take the airbase."

David looked at the horizon and nodded, "It is a start." He looked at Alex and gave a slight grin. "At least we have the same idea. About Barkov."

Alex nodded, "We can be in agreement on that, David. The question is on other things." He eyed the man as they made their way to launch the attack on the airbase.

That seemed to be the answer David was looking for. Alex held his breath as the man came closer to speak in low tones, "Your suspicions are right. I am like you, but not CIA. More of an equivalent and I was trained as a soldier by Americans. They train all our soldiers."

Alex blinked at that revelation. He understood now who he was dealing with and asked, "Why are you here?"

"Nothing to do with where I'm from. That was a past life."

It was maddening with David's choice in words, but it made sense to Alex. He looked at the man and said, "Then I guess we can agree on something."

"We can," David said.

They had made it to where they were going to meet Hadir. David gave Alex a nod before moving to get ready. Alex knew better than to ask anything further. He focused his attention on Hadir as the man said, "You are in my house now, Alex. I set up shop on the edge of Barkov's airbase to keep those fucking dogs in check. Friends close, enemies closer…"

Never truer words spoken, Alex thought to himself. It almost seemed to be a reality for David. That is if Farah saw him the enemy, but it did not seem like it. It just seemed like David was in a precarious situation and for what reason? Because of orders? It was something to think about. Right now, though, he had to focus on the fight that he was going to be involved in.

Hadir had an impressive set up. It also seemed to Alex that he was trying to show him that they were just as effective even without the benefit of technology. He could understand the feeling a little. He kept his thoughts to himself while Hadir spoke, "I told you; we have our ways."

Alex found himself being handed a Molotov cocktail. It was old school, but effective. Fire burned and caused damage and with the right fuel source it would spread. If anything, it might be better than grenades. He nodded in approval at it, "Not bad."

"You think we fight this war with sticks and stones?"

Alex recognized a challenge when he saw it and heard it. He heard in Hadir's voice. He did not say anything, but David's quiet voice entered, "I doubt he thinks that."

Alex watched as Hadir turned to David and asked, "And you are certain of this?"

"Nothing is certain, but I recognize being impressed."

Alex was certain that there would be a clash of testosterone the way the two men were staring at one another. Yet, he did not see the signs of a challenge in David's eyes. It was merely a query designed to have Hadir think about things. He wisely let it play out and Hadir relaxed saying, "You may be right, but not always."

Hadir started walking. Alex followed, sensing that it was the right thing to do. He did not have to look, but rather sensed that David was not that far behind. Despite the misgivings he had about David, Alex was comfortable having him at his back. Maybe it was foolish, but it felt right. It allowed him to focus on what his task was going to be.

"The Russians only understand violence… So, I show them violence," Hadir explained as he led the way out of the stronghold. "Barkov has an air force. So, we have one too."

At the top of the stairs leading out of the building, one of Hadir's men was holding a toy airplane. Alex could hear the whizzing sound as it was thrown into the air to be launched. He could hear David adjusting his weapon and gear and thought he heard the faintest of chuckles. Alex was under the impression that the man was laughing at him and probably for the look of surprise at the find.

"RC planes loaded with C-4," Hadir was saying.

"And just as effective as a remote drone," David said while giving a side look at Alex. He then turned and asked about the support he had been ordered to set up.

Alex took the moment to observe the man. That the man was fluent in Arabic and the local dialect was impressive. The people responded to him and took his orders without question. Even he was familiar with following orders, but he got the sense that these people had a streak of loyalty to David and he in turn ensured that loyalty to Commander Karim. It was a talent and one that was cultivated from time spent in spec ops and intelligence and Alex made a note to ask Laswell. She would have an idea of other operatives.

"Are we ready?"

Alex turned his attention to Farah. She was geared and ready for a fight. David had moved close to flank and said, "Support is in place, Commander."

"Let's fly," Hadir said with a nod stating that he was ready. He gestured for Alex to take one of the control panels and said, "Alex, fly into the helicopter for impact."

Alex tapped in, "I'm in."

"Good," Hadir said. "Stay low. The airbase s ahead."

Alex guided the payload while staying low to the ground. If the RC didn't have explosives attached to it, it would have felt like he was just flying a plane in a park. Instead, he was flying a payload that would enable the freedom fighters to make their move and take out the Russian base. It put to reality how even a toy can be used as a weapon.

"Tarmac in sight," David said as he monitored the feeds. "Aim for the choppers."

Alex made his move and aimed for the closest chopper. Hadir aimed for the other. Both were spot on direct hits. The choppers spun as they lost altitude. There would be no recovery for them.

"Good flying brothers. Let's get down there."

Alex followed Farah and was closely followed by David. Hadir then moved up as they pushed towards the airbase while relaying, "Airbase perimeter is dead ahead. Second team will cover us with the cannon."

That was Alex's signal. He tapped into his comms, "Echo 3-1 to Watcher. Local forces are moving in on Barkov's airbase. Requesting close air support."

Copy 3-1. I'm tasking an unasked gunship to your position. Stand by.

"Roger that." Alex adjusted his weapon and stride to keep up with Farah and Hadir.

"Copy that," David said. He had just received a transmission from Jensen. He long ago stopped questioning how Jensen was on top of everything. He just accepted the fact that you didn't get to be in a position like Jensen without learning how to sidestep a few landmines and trick your enemy into stepping onto them. He sensed that Jensen would be keeping close tabs on this op now especially after London.

"Got anything to add to our support?"

David glanced at Alex and gave a grin, "Just being informed of everything. I've always like getting intel in real time."

Alex huffed a dry chuckle as they continued to push forward. They grouped at a collapsed wall as Farah ordered, "Get ready We attack their armories, take their weapons, and take their airfield. Cousins, we fight to free Urzikstan and take back our country."

It sounded right in Alex's ear when David shouted, "For Urzikstan!"

It was followed by cheers from the militia fighters while Farah gave the order to fire the cannon. They air was suddenly filled with the telltale sound of burning fuel as the payload was shot up into the air and the sound of gravity's pull brought it to the ground in an explosion of orange light. It was enough to inspire the militia fighters. Some of them started firing.

To say that he was used to it made it sound like he was jaded as Alex maneuvered to join the others as Farah barked the order for the cannon to be fired on the tower. The sounds of military grade weapons firing filled the air and Alex could make out the streaks of light indicating who was shooting. He could make out the trail of the second cannon shot in the sky as the explosive fell to hit the tower.

We are under attack! South wall has been breached!

Reinforce the perimeter! Man your stations!

The Russians were scrambling. It was painfully obvious that they didn't expect the attack even though the militia had been a constant thorn in their sides. With the tower down and the wall breached, it made it possible for the militia fighters to enter the airbase. Alex followed them in, mentally preparing himself for the gunfight that was to follow.

Air groups report to the hangar immediately!

Alex took cover behind a concrete barrier. He could see the Russian defensive fire coming at them while the militia fighters were shooting back. The patter of gunfire was deafening and felt like it was pounding in his head. He pushed it aside as he pulled out a Molotov cocktail and lit it while searching for a target. He found a target and let it fly just as David threw one himself. Alex could barely hear over the din Hadir calling to get more planes into the air.

Alex maintained his position. Having been in the military, he knew that it had to be strategic in their advance forward. They had to move soon, or they would get pinned down, but you didn't want to be stupid about it. He could make out Farah shouting at Armen to take two men to hit the left flank. Alex kept his eye on the enemy and took out Russians when they were in his sights.

"My team, move right! We're going for their armory!"

Alex felt a tap on his shoulder and looked to see David motion to follow. He blinked to find dirt streaked across the man's face, looking like the grease paint operators might use. He was baffled how the man got so dirty but didn't give it another thought as he followed him as David followed Farah towards the armory.

David knew that he would probably get a scolding later at how dirty he was. It was really an old joke between him and Farah that he just seemed to attract dirt. He had taken cover when a shell exploded near him and sent dirt flying. The moist dirt stuck to his skin and rubbing his face made it set in and it looked like he had applied grease paint. It wasn't the first time that happened, and it led to Hadir saying that he was a magnet for explosions. David had taken it in good humor since it made Farah laugh. He was aware that it surprised Alex, but he brushed it aside.

As they trailed behind Farah, he said, "Pretty rough out here."

The comment was so out of place and yet Alex felt like it was right for the occasion. He wasn't blind that there had been a few explosions. He just didn't realize that David had been that close. It was a real danger and a risk they all took as militia and operators, but it still struck a chord. Alex had been warned that the day that he stopped feeling the loss was the day that he should quit. Right now, he was glad he wasn't there yet. He replied, "Just a walk in the park."

"I'll agree to that."

The pair stuck together as they approached the armory. It was then that they heard the unmistakable sound of helicopters. Reinforcements were coming. David asked Hadir, "Where are the planes?"

Hadir in turn asked his man where the planes were. If they weren't in the air and in position to take out the choppers, they were sitting ducks and would be mowed down. When he got confirmation that the planes were in the air, he signaled, "Alex, drones are ready! Take out those helicopters!"

Alex lowered his weapon and pulled up the controller. He tapped in to guide the helicopter to take out the incoming choppers. He made short work of them and had his weapon up to continue the fight. He was called to fly planes to take out two targets to provide relief. Both were on target and good hits and allowed them to move forward.

The shouts of gunfire were loud and made it difficult to hear the shouts of Farah as she called out targets. Alex shifted and came under fire from the defending Russians. He whirled to find that he lost track of David. He couldn't do much about it except inwardly curse. Laswell would want to know about him and if he lost him…

Fuck it.

Alex focused on the attack and pushed forward. He used planes as they were available to take out heavy fire. He heard the call that the Russians were bringing in reinforcements. He called out, "Got eyes on the armory. Red building."

"Get in there," Farah shouted as they returned fire on the Russian reinforcements.

It was heavy fighting to get there. It seemed forever until they made it to the armory. Alex could hear the Russians shouting about reinforcements. They didn't have much time. Alex took his approach to the armory. He was about to breach when he felt a gun barrel near his head. Alex swallowed and slowly turned.

He blinked when the Russian was grabbed in a chokehold and stabbed multiple times before Alex heard a dull crunch of the neck and body fell to the ground. David stepped out of the shadows saying, "Missed one."

"I was saving him for you," Alex retorted before he moved to breach the first armory.

A/N: The assault on Russian occupying forces has begun. Stay tuned for more Scars of Duty 2019...