All Your Men Are Dead & Out Now!
Isolated Warehouse Complex – All Locations Except The Tunnel
The ear shattering, savage, inhuman howl reverberated in the ears of all team and unit members. It was followed by sounds of intense hand to hand combat and coarse growls and grunts. Then only silence. It had only lasted no more than a minute or two. Reactions were varied but swift.
Greg began urgently calling for status not knowing who it was but knowing it was serious. Getting no response he made a decision and pulled out his phone and started to call for backup and EMS. He was kicking himself; he should have done this long ago.
Thoughts of Ed, Spike and Sam entered his head. It could be any one of his men or any one of the unit men. He needed to get extra help here and now. He paced in a tight circle rubbing his face with one hand while the other held the phone to his ear.
Due to the fact JTF2 had jurisdiction and the security level required Winnie was not allowed to be tapped in and it was not recorded on autoscriptor. Again he chided himself for not calling sooner. Greg knew Winds needed EMS, heat exhaustion could rapidly turn to heat stroke in today's weather.
Greg should have interceded sooner. It would take time for them to arrive. Based on the sounds he had no idea how much time whoever was hurt had. The call was answered and Greg stated "Winnie, I need EMS, back up." He continued to tell Winnie what he needed.
Apollo had only taken two steps up on his way between the first and second floors. He was so startled by the harsh loud sound that he missed the third step and stumbled crashing to his knees. Stunned immobile a moment listening he thought never, absolutely never had he heard something so inhuman.
What the hell happened? Who the hell did it happen too? Apollo recovered quickly. What if it was Russ or Cameo? He ran as fast as he could up the remaining steps and rashly flung open the door at the top of the stairs with his weapon ready.
Apollo had to know, he had to help if it was them. He first looked left, empty. Then he looked right, his eyes landed on both. Thank god they were okay.
Russ and Cameo locked eyes at the initial ungodly sound. Cameo's eyes were wide open and infused with fear and concern. Both were glad they were able to withhold the sharp intakes of breaths that would have surely given their position away.
As the sounds continued it was evident to each that whoever was engaged in combat it was going to be a fight to the death, they both hoped it wouldn't be a unit member. They held still and silent knowing the danger to Daphne if they made any sound. But the utter silence over the headset after the death gurgles unsettled them.
Then they heard the door to the stairs fling open and slam against the wall as Apollo came into view.
Russ thought, shit, god damned rookie, our surprise element just flew out the fucking window.
Cameo linked with Apollo's eyes and glared at him trying to convey 'dammit Apollo you're gonna get us all killed'.
Mason and Pawn were crouched close together quietly conferring on how to handle all the targets in the next section of the room when their ears were assaulted by the sound. Mason stood quickly and collided with Pawn's knee as he rose.
Pawn was knocked completely off balance by the collision and ended up on his ass. He quickly recovered and stood too listening horrified by the sounds and the looks that were crossing his Sergeant's face.
Mason had a suspicion who had howled. But whoever it was he was in extreme pain that much he could hear in the terrible sounds tearing from him. He wished he could go help but he knew he could not; his job was here with twenty-six targets.
If it is Blondie, Ed better have his back or he was going to kill him. Then he thought, oh god don't let it be Cameo or Apollo, he couldn't bear to lose another man under his command.
Winds had been listening intently to everything all along. He had made Leah help him don a vest several minutes ago. She would not listen at first. Then he reasoned with her told her that even though it would be hot it would be safer if someone broke the perimeter. He had only resorted to that line of thinking to get her help. What he really wanted was to be prepared if he needed to go in.
He was completely pissed he was not there to help. Russ was facing so many targets with only two rooks and Russ's mind must be a bit rattled knowing he was the only one of his unit not down. Winds had relaxed a bit when he realized Russ also had one damned fine sniper helping. Jules could nearly rival Blondie in accuracy and speed.
At the howling Winds scrambled to his feet and ripped out the IV. He knew exactly who had howled. He had heard a sound like that only one other time in his life, when Blondie found Matt dead.
Holy hell, did Blondie find Ben dead? Winds had tuned out all other sounds after the howl. He glanced once at the PDA to locate Blondie's position and started forward on shaky legs. He was going in there Blondie needed him.
Leah listened and her stomach dropped and rolled over at the sounds she heard. She saw Winds' reaction. Leah rushed forward and slipped his arm around her shoulders to steady him.
By the look on Winds' face Leah knew she could not stop him from going. But she could help him get there without falling on his face. He had only slightly registered her help so intent on getting to the buildings.
Wordy stood stock still listening to the fury and agony flowing through the headset. He did not know the unit men well enough to know if they were capable of making sounds like that. But he knew two men very well. Both were capable of imbuing that much pain and anger into their voice and at that level. He needed to help but he didn't who or where. No one was answering Boss' call for status.
He felt so ineffective being stuck out here on the perimeter. His specialty was entry and close quarters combat. The need to punch something that had been brewing all day finally won out as he slammed his fist into a tree.
Wordy shook it out glad he hadn't broken it but he knew in that moment he could kill if need be just like a soldier. His hands would still be clean at the end of the day. These were terrorists. They killed innocents like Shel and his daughters without regard or feelings. He started to sprint towards the building.
Spike had just clipped the last of the wires to defuse the third bomb when the ear shattering roar filled his left ear with the headset and a quieter version of it reached his right ear. The sounds came from the tunnel. It was Ed or Sam.
One of his family needed help and now by the sounds of it. Thank god he was finished here. He quickly stowed the bomb gear into the pack, slung it over his shoulder and then raced for the tunnel his MP5 at the ready.
Whoever was currently hurting one of his brothers was going down. Spike would not standby and allow another one to die if he could do something to save them.
Jules nearly lost her perch as she jerked at the sound. She knew instantly who it was. Oh god Sam!
Her breath was knocked from her as if she was sucker punched hard in the gut. Her throat had constricted tightly closed. Jules could not make a single sound make it past her lips. Even if she could make a sound she would not. He was fighting for his life and she would not distract him.
The Remi was dangling from the safety strap. She listened intently as she pulled the Remi up. She settled back into position. Jules aligned the scope to the windows again.
She forced herself to relax and breathe properly. Others were counting on her to be in position and ready when the command to fire was given. When the silence came she thought Sam, oh god please be okay.
Jules finally forced air through her windpipe and whispered out sadly "Ed what is Sam's status?"
Everyone heard her whisper in the deathly silence. Now the entire team and unit then knew it was Sam. Jules always knew.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – The Tunnel
Ed had been shocked by the unearthly blood thirsty howl from Sam. He had been behind Sam and not clearly seen who it was that Sam launched himself at. But with the brief glimpses he did get as the two struggled he thought he looked familiar.
The man had spoken softly and Ed could not make out the words and then the man laughed. That is when Sam uncoiled and sprung himself forward. Sam did not even pull out his knife. It was like Sam wanted to kill the man with his bare hands.
There was absolutely nothing Ed could do to intercede. Sam was like a rabid wolf intent on ripping his prey to pieces. They were so close and moved too much, too quickly that he was unable to take a shot. It had seemed like hours watching it transpire but it was in actuality less than two minutes from beginning to end.
When the knife plunged into Sam's right arm he moved close trying to help but then the man bucked and twisted. He was surprised Sam had been thrown off with the vise like grip he had on the man's throat. It must have been due to the knife wound to the arm Ed thought.
Then they were on their feet and back on the ground in a flash. It happened so fast he hadn't seen how the man had gotten Sam pinned. He had watched Sam too often with Wordy practicing close quarters combat. That just didn't happen. Ed was about to fire when the man had collapsed onto Sam.
That had been a few seconds ago. Sam's eyes were closed and he still hadn't moved and there was so much blood. Ed was a bit afraid of what he was going to find.
Jules' soft question propelled him into action. As Ed moved forward to roll the man off of Sam he heard running footfalls from behind him. He turned ready for action not knowing who was coming out of the darkness.
Ed was standing in the light several steps away from two men on the ground in a large pool of blood. Spike saw Sam underneath someone whose throat had been slashed wide open. He saw Ed turn and raise his weapon at him.
Spike called out "Ed it's me." The gun dropped instantly.
Ed turned back to Sam and he pushed the man off of Sam. It was clear he was dead and Ed didn't bother to give him a glance. His focus was solely on Sam.
The question was, was Sam alive, injured? As he knelt to check Sam's pulse Spike skidded to a stop next to him. Ed glanced at Spike. The crestfallen, desperate look on Spike's face probably mirrored his own. Ed reached for Sam's neck to check his pulse.
In two seconds flat Ed was on his back in the large puddle of blood with Sam on top of him. Sam was on his knees and straddled Ed's chest. He had his hands wrapped around Ed's neck rapidly cutting off his air supply. There was a wild look in Sam's eyes.
Ed realized Sam's mind was clearly in the fight or flight mode. Patch said he always chose fight. Fighting for air Ed thought god damned adrenaline, it made Sam so strong. Neither he nor Spike working together could pry Sam's hands off his throat.
Both Spike and Ed yelled "Sam stop."
Ed's vision was dimming as Sam continued to hold tight.
Spike was frantically yelling "Dammit Sam let go, it's Ed, let go now. You're killing him, let go. Don't make me hit you. Let go NOW" while yanking on Sam's arms trying to pull him off.
He was seriously considering using the butt of his gun to knock Sam out. Nothing was getting through. Spike couldn't let Sam kill Ed. Spike stepped back a bit and grabbed his gun. He was about to strike Sam when he heard Winds over the headset.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Outside Near Treeline
The booming commanding voice of Winds echoed across the headset "CORPORAL BRADDOCK STAND DOWN, STAND DOWN NOW!"
Winds had heard Spike and Ed and knew exactly what was happening and how to get Blondie to stop. In their six years together in the unit, Blaze and he had done this several times with Blondie. It was just something that happened when a soldier was in survival mode.
Hell it happened to all of them more times than any of them would want to admit. They all knew how to handle it when it did occur to one of the unit. How or why it always worked to pierce the fog they didn't know but it always did, especially with Blondie.
The fast walk and effort to yell at Blondie took their toll on him. Winds had managed to make it near the tree line when his body gave out on him again. He was disgusted with his body as he started to sink to the ground unable to stand anymore. Then blackness crept in. His last thought before falling into the dark abyss was 'not now dammit I cannot fail them'.
Leah prevented Winds from crashing down as he passed out. She had been surprised he made it this far. Leah thought just what the hell was up with these JTF2 men.
Then she thought back to Ed scolding of Sam this morning 'no he-man, macho, I'm an ex-JTF2 soldier so I can survive without as much water as you mere mortals antics today'. She duly noted that they indeed were acting like he-men, macho soldiers.
It seemed to her they were accustomed to pushing themselves past the limits of their endurance to save others. Leah knew more than a few firefighters that did the same. She laid his head gently on the ground, scanned the area for subjects.
Next, Leah removed his vest. She rebuked herself, should have never agreed to help him put this on. Lastly, she pulled several bottles of water out of her pack and doused him completely. Then she took up a guard position to ensure his safety.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – The Tunnel
It was a darned good thing Sam's ear piece was still in. Hearing Winds' command Sam blinked several times and instantly released the pressure and removed his hands from Ed's throat. He sat back on Ed's stomach as focus returned to his eyes and he looked at the man's face beneath him.
Dawning realization that it was Ed he had been choking hit him like a ton of bricks, crushing and confusing him.
Shit, somehow he had imaged it was Qasim. Why? Did he attack Ed outright? Did he have a flashback? No couldn't be a flashback.
Sam only wished he could kill the bastard with his bare hands. He wanted so badly to beat Qasim's face to a bloody pulp then choke the bastard to death. But he never had the chance to do that. So it couldn't be a flashback.
Maybe it was because he had seen his picture today. He had never seen a photo of then bastard before. The last time he ever saw the bastard was the last time he tortured him. He had never known the bastard's name either. If he had he would have searched him out and killed him. Oh Shit, his head was so fucked up right now.
He saw the finger marks on Ed's throat. Holy hell he just about killed his team lead, his friend, his brother, thinking Ed was Qasim. Sam had no clue why he had attacked Ed.
The last thing he remembered was starting into the tunnel with Ed after sending Apollo to Russ. He was so damned confused. Sam just sat looking at Ed as Ed was regaining his air in deep gasps.
A hand grabbed and tugged hard on his right arm trying to get him off Ed. Sam hissed, winced and tried to pull his arm away. The hand squeezed and pulled harder and Sam growled this time. His eyes began to lose focus and cloud over again.
His vision finally cleared and Ed saw what was happening and rasped out "Stop Spike."
Ed had seen the knife plunge into the arm exactly where Spike was pulling. Sam was covered in so much blood Spike didn't realize some of it was actually Sam's and he had a badly injured arm. The pain Spike was unintentionally causing was pushing Sam back to the fight mode.
Spike stopped, released Sam's arm and looked to Ed quizzically.
In one smooth, fluid movement Sam had re-positioned himself off of Ed. He was crouched with his back towards the wall his head dropped down, elbows resting on his thighs with his arms hanging between his legs.
Sam closed his eyes. Spike was here, were the bombs defused? Yes. Spike wouldn't leave them unless they were. Sam felt so awful. God, would Ed ever forgive him for what he had just done? Why had he attacked Ed? Why?
He spoke softly, his voice filled with anguish and confusion with his head still down "Ed, I'm not sure why. But I think, maybe ... um I think. Oh god, I think I thought you were ... um, that you were someone else. But he can't, ... um, he's not here, ... um he can't be here. God, I'm so sorry. I don't know what made me attack you, ... um don't know why I thought you were him. Forgive me. Are you okay?"
Ed glanced over at the dead man. He remembered where he had seen him now. Christ, Sam had just killed the man who had tortured him for months. Sam's violent shaking, his actions and confused state made sense now. Coming face to face with the bastard that tortured you would clearly mess with your mind. And Sam's was already in a state of shock with everything that had happened today.
But Ed's first concern was to find out if Sam was injured anywhere else. With so much blood he could have other injuries. Then he would deal with the confusion and state of his mind after.
With a bit of effort Ed sat up and said with concern "Samo the question is are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere beside the right arm?" He waited patiently giving time for Sam to self assess his injuries.
As Ed had asked Sam if he was okay, Spike immediately looked at his hands then Sam's arm where he had been pulling. He saw the wide tear in the jacket arm and blood. He pulled out a pressure bandage and moved cautiously toward Sam.
"Hey buddy, I'm just gonna take care of your arm, okay." Spike stopped several paces away and waited to get Sam's permission before he would touch him. Sam seemed to be with them now but he wasn't totally convinced he was thinking clearly yet. Spike did not want his actions to provoke another incident.
Sam recognized for the first time his arm throbbed with pain. His side burned with a deep pulsating ache, it hurt, a lot. Why? He opened his eyes and finally noticed the blood covering the tips of his boots. He looked at his knees, blood. He glanced at his hands, blood. He surveyed his chest and arms, blood. His face and neck felt sticky, blood. The coppery iron odor swirling around him finally invaded his sense of smell, blood.
How the hell did he get covered in so much blood? Whose blood? His? Ed? No, they'd be dead if they lost this much. Whose blood?
Sam looked up for the first time since re-positioning next to the wall. He looked at Ed first, then Spike then he saw the dead man on the ground. Sam's eyes widened in shocked recognition.
It was Qasim. He was dead. His face had been pounded bloody and his throat was slit wide open. All the bastard's life blood was pooled on the floor.
Did he? Could he really? Was he really capable of it? He had planned it for so long in his mind, but could he? He wanted to so badly, but was he that type of man? Did he just murder the bastard? Was he a cold-blooded murderer?
A small sound escaped Sam's throat "Did I?"
Ed had seen where Sam's gaze had landed and was about to answer Sam's soft question when over the headsets they heard Russ command "Now" followed by heavy rapid gunfire.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Tarp Room
The targets in the room had to have heard the stairwell door slam when Apollo had burst onto the second floor. But none of the men in the room reacted to the sound; they were all intent listening to Daphne's latest rant. Russ thought she had a wide and colorful use of the language.
He was just starting to relax slightly thinking that their position was not compromised by Apollo's rookie actions. Then Mousa called out "Yassin that better be you. I'm sick of waiting for the remote." He waited a few moments for a response. When none was given he said "Syed check it out."
Mousa was losing his composure completely dealing with this woman. He finally walked over to Daphne. He still hadn't gotten her to say anything useful yet. She only cussed or screamed.
He backhanded her one more time "Tell me now or I kill you."
Syed had nodded ascent to Mousa at the command and headed for the door. He had stopped half way to the door to watch a moment. This woman was pissing Mousa off. She was bold but stupid to behave this way; Mousa would hurt her badly before killing her for this behavior. But it was also damned entertaining. He had to keep his head down and turned away not to show his laughter at Mousa's reactions to all the names she called him.
Daphne looked Mousa square in the eyes and said "You planned to anyway. What difference does it make now? I will tell you nothing you low-life, lily-livered, son of a whore, pissant."
Syed chuckled as he resumed walking towards the door.
Russ was half-listening to the conversation on the headset of what was taking place in the tunnel; he thought briefly damn Blondie's hurt. But he was more intent on what was happening in the tarp room; that had to be his focus.
He was responsible for getting Daphne to safety. Everything went to hell in a hand-basket a heartbeat after Spike asked to take care of Blondie's arm.
Syed had taken three steps out turned towards the stairs and taken five steps forward. Russ had positioned himself behind him and was reaching up to grab the man's head. That's when Syed saw Apollo and yelled "Soldiers."
That was the last thing Syed ever said. Russ snapped his neck and the man crumpled to the floor dead. Russ cussed silently wishing he had been just a little faster. But the yell had alerted the men inside the room.
Russ knew they had to move now or Daphne was dead for sure. As Russ and Cameo rushed into the room weapons drawn he called out "Now."
Apollo followed them into the room a few seconds later.
There was nowhere for any of them to hide or take cover. The room was empty except for the people, a small table with a monitor on it and one chair which contained Daphne.
Fire was exchanged. Russ, Cameo and Apollo ensuring they did not fire near Daphne if possible. They focused on the ones not visible through the window.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Sniper Perch
Jules had her breathing just right as she watched closely. She heard Russ's command. In quick succession she had taken out two terrorists that had raised their guns towards what she assumed was the door. Only one of them was able to fire his weapon. No other men were visible through the window.
Then she saw Mousa duck behind Daphne. She could see his head but could not take the shot. It would penetrate his head and enter Daphne's chest from this angle.
So Jules waited. She heard all the gunfire. She wanted to help more but no one else entered into the window space.
Jules called out "Have Mousa in sight but no joy, too close to Daphne."
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Tarp Room
As Cameo took out one target he was hit in the leg and went down. He was struggling to right himself and raise his gun when another terrorist pointed a gun directly at his head. In the split second it registered Cameo thought oh shit I'm dead as the man fired multiple times.
Cameo blinked. He was not dead. He was not hit again. Apollo's body crashed down in front of him.
Apollo had seen what happened to Cameo and reacted with instinct only. He had to save Cameo, it didn't matter how or what the cost was to himself. He threw himself into the line of fire as he fired his own weapon at the man targeting Cameo.
Both men crashed to the ground. One was dead with a single perfect shot between the eyes. One was unconscious because the air was knocked completely from his lungs from the force of four bullets impacting the Kevlar vest covering his chest.
Russ's sniper skills combined with his controlled fury over what this man had done to his unit, to Daphne, to Ben, to others made him deadly. He had taken out three men with perfect kill shots before Apollo had even entered behind him. As he saw in his peripheral vision Cameo and Apollo go down, he had fired and taken a fourth one out.
That left only the coward Mousa who was hiding behind Daphne.
Russ called out "Mousa, there is nowhere for you to go. Come out now."
He wished that he knew Apollo's status he was unmoving. He could see Cameo moving he was hit but no idea how bad. He heard Jules report no joy. It was now a standoff between him and Mousa with Daphne between.
Daphne was utterly shocked at the speed in which the terrorists were taken out. The cold blooded killer was now cowering behind her like a gutless wimp. She saw two unit men down. She didn't know them.
Where the hell was Blaze? He must be here somewhere. Hopefully he got Ben. She glanced at the monitor, it was destroyed. She could no longer see Ben.
"They have Ben in another room. I think they drugged him he is curled up on the floor in a corner not moving" Daphne yelled out to Russ.
From his hiding place Mousa yelled "Shut up woman or you're dead."
Daphne laughed and yelled "No I told you. You were going to die you fugly, gutless, coward. I told you that you had no idea what you did and who was coming after you. They will not rest until you are dead asswipe. Just look around you, every last one of your men are dead."
As he cowered behind Daphne, Mousa pulled out his phone. That wasn't quite right, not all his men were dead. But if he was going to die he was going to take all of the soldiers, this damned woman and the brat with him. Mousa dialed.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Supply Building - South Side
Wordy had reached the building when the gunfire erupted. He carefully opened the southeast door and snuck in crouched low. There was a half wall directly in front of him. He scanned the area quickly, no one around. He called out in a low voice "Bravo unit, Wordy southeast interior near stairs."
Mason responded "Roger, extra hands welcome. Targets west of you second section. Hold. Hold."
Wordy replied "Copy."
Then Wordy crouched low and waited. All hell was breaking loose. He heard what was happening in the tarp room. He heard what had happened in the tunnel. He knew what needed to be done here. Christ they still needed to locate Ben. What if he was in the third section?
He called out "Going to clear third section."
Wordy heard Ed, Greg and Mason tell him no at varying levels of volume. Greg's being the loudest. He waited until it quieted down and said "Boss, we need to know if Ben is there. If he is I can get him out now. Not safe for him in here."
Isolated Warehouse Complex – West Perimeter
Greg was kicking the dirt and had thrown his hat to the ground. His face was contorted in distress. He didn't like this one damned bit. He had backup on the way and several EMS units but they would hold the perimeter one mile away until the situation was contained.
Wordy was supposed to be outside; Spike and Ed too. Now all three were in there and he had heard all the gun fire. He knew no status of the unit men. He knew Sam was wounded but not how seriously.
What the hell happened in there? Why did Sam attack Ed? Who the hell did Sam think Ed was? He heard Ed speak but was he okay? His voice was raspy and he hadn't answered Sam. Had Sam hurt Ed badly?
Greg pulled himself together his team needed him to be calm and provide guidance. He said evenly and firmly "Wordy, go careful, no unacceptable risks. Ed status. Jules status."
Wordy responded "Copy that."
Greg listened as Jules gave him the situation from her view.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – The Tunnel
All three had heard what was going on. Sam had assessed his injuries and decided not to tell them about the side wound. He didn't have time, he needed to find Ben; especially if Qasim had been anywhere near him. He had nodded his approval for Spike to apply the compression bandage to his arm. Spike had just finished.
Ed and Spike watched as Sam pulled out his own pressure bandage and started to wipe the blood from his face and hands. They stood and looked at each other. They spoke to one another quietly as Sam continued to clean off the blood.
When Sam was done he covertly tucked it into his side wound. It was the best he could do for now. Sam rose pushing himself up by his legs his back rubbing along the wall all the way up to help stabilize himself. He did not want to show them he was unsteady and in pain. He covered as much pain as he could. But a hiss of pain escaped him as he stood fully erect.
That's when they heard the Sarge call for status. Ed waited for Jules to finish then replied "Spike and me, no harm. Sam has a knife wound to the arm. One target neutralized."
Greg had relaxed slightly. It could be so much worse.
Ed and Spike had both watched how slowly Sam rose. They could tell he hurt. They both attributed it to sore muscle from the fight and pain from the arm wound. But when he hissed Spike asked "You sure you're okay buddy?"
Sam evaded by underplaying significantly and redirecting. He responded "Yeah, just a bit stiff and sore. We need to clear the basement. Mason won't be able to with the targets between him and the stairs."
They nodded. Sam let Ed and Spike head off before him. Neither saw the trail of blood Sam's side wound had left on the wall or the small puddle on the floor where he had crouched.
Sam remained as rear guard and always positioned his injured side away from them. He adjusted the pressure bandage as best he could to stop the flow. If Ed or Spike knew or even suspected, they would stop to check him out. As far as Sam was concerned that would waste valuable time which he refused to do. He had to find Ben now. He had to be in the supply basement. He pushed passed the pain and focused on his objective, Ben.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Basement Room in Supply Building
The three had cleared the all the rooms in the basement except one. As they were clearing the previous room they heard Wordy report that he had not found Ben in the third section. That he was now positioned in the third section holding to assist with the large group of terrorist. Mason and Wordy had quietly discussed a two sided assault. They heard Russ trying to get Mousa to surrender, but to no avail, Mousa didn't even respond.
Spike, Ed and Sam were now positioned to enter the very last room in the southeast of the building that had the stairs to the shipping dock. This was the last place Ben could be. Sam quietly said "Alpha moving into last room."
It was a large dimly lit room nearly forty feet across and nearly one hundred yards deep. There were several six foot tall partitions that obstructed a full view of the room especially the farthest darkest east corners.
Spike moved in slowly followed by Ed and Sam. Sam went to the south side, Ed and Spike the north. They alternated moving forward looking for Ben. About half way through the room Spike whispered "Looks like the stairs are in the far northeast corner."
Sam moved around one of the partitions to get a better look. Sure enough he could just barely make out a set of metal stairs leading from the southeast corner at ground level down to the northeast corner ending at the basement level. His eye caught a small movement near the base of the stairs.
He motioned to Ed and Spike with hand signals indicating he thought someone was in the room near the bottom of the stairs. They moved low and fast to the east side of the room still searching for Ben.
The bottom of the stairs were on Ed's and Spike's side of the room. They were behind partitions almost to the stairs when they heard someone speak.
Yassin had been surprised when Mousa gave him orders speaking in Farsi instead of English. He always ranted at Yassin for using their native language. It became clear why when he told him what was going on in the tarp room.
At first he ordered Yassin to send the six armed men to kill the one soldier left in the room. Yassin saw an opportunity, he was always looking for one, so he lied and said they were already dead. That soldiers had killed them and he was the only one alive.
Then Mousa changed his tune and told Yassin that in that case he was not going to make it out alive. But Yassin should continue their work. He gave him the name of someone to contact when he made it out of here. Then told him to blow the building up to kill all the soldiers inside.
Happy to speak it back he said "قابل درک باشد. من آن را به زودی ضربه، فقط نیاز به چند چیز ."
(Understood. I'll blow it shortly, just need to get a few things.)
Yassin hung up with Mousa. He stood a while thinking. He had no intention of continuing Mousa's work. He knew all the bank account information. This was his opportunity.
He was going to be a very rich man now. Yassin would never have to work another day in his life. He could live the life of luxury. He sat down on a step then dialed another number when it was answered he directed.
"کشتن همه آنها را در حال حاضر و پس از آن برای من صبر وجود دارد."
(Kill them all now and then wait for me there) Yassin ordered.
He wondered slightly why Qasim wasn't back but it would be fitting he died in his own blast. At least the boy wouldn't suffer at the hands of that sicko. He smiled and waited to hear the gun fire from above.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Tarp Room
After Mousa hung up he laughed. He knew he was going to die but Yassin would carry on his work. He had been grooming Yassin for years to take over. These infidels would all die. They had no idea what was coming shortly.
Russ had been listening to the conversation Mousa had. He called out "Mousa just called someone and told him to detonate the bombs remotely."
Mousa was shocked, he had spoken Farsi, how did he know what he said? He called out from his hiding place "If I die you all die. Let me leave and I'll tell Yassin to stop."
Russ replied "We defused your three bombs in the basement."
Mousa laughed and yelled "You didn't get them all then."
He placed his gun to Daphne's temple as he stood up and laughed again "Guess you're gonna die too."
Mousa dropped like a sack of potatoes his head completely obliterated from three shots that arrived simultaneously; one from Jules, one from Russ and one from Cameo.
Russ called out "Mousa dead" as he raced forward to cut Daphne's binds. "Exfil now, more bombs. Charlie exfil'ing with Daphne, alive no harm."
Daphne yelled "Find Ben, find my boy" as the last of the tape was cut.
Russ looked at her "I need your help, I can't get both Apollo and Cameo out myself. Help Cameo, I'll carry Apollo."
She started to refuse so he lied by implying "Blondie is taking care Ben. Let's go."
Russ knew Blondie would never leave until he found Ben. He hoped he found him in time though.
Daphne glanced at the monitor again wishing she could see Ben but it had been demolished in the gunfire. She prayed Russ was not lying as she nodded and headed to help Cameo stand. She knew Sam. She knew he would not leave Ben no matter the circumstances. She would trust Sam to save Ben.
Russ checked Apollo's pulse quickly, thank god alive. He noted the four slugs in Apollo's vest and swelling on the side of his head as he slung him over his shoulder. Russ thought, he's gonna have one hellava headache when he wakes.
But he's gonna wish he had died once Mason gets finished with him for his stupid assed rookie mistake. The four exited the building as fast as they could.
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Shipping Dock
A man hung up a phone, gave a signal and automatic gunfire resounded in the second section. The six armed targets mowed down every last one of the twenty men. It was done in seconds flat. Not a one of the twenty was left alive.
Mason, Pawn and Wordy executed the plan they had devised for a two pronged assault to deal with the six armed targets. Mason took out three in short order. Pawn and Wordy each took out one. The last was now hidden behind a pile of old pallets. Mason and Pawn were trying to determine how to get to him.
All three paused as they heard Russ report there were more bombs. Mason called out "Wordy exfil now, Pawn and I have this covered."
Isolated Warehouse Complex – Basement Room in Supply Building
Yassin heard the gunfire above. He laughed. At the same time Sam, Ed and Spike heard Russ's warning.
Spike immediately started looking about for bombs. He located one near the base of the pillar in the room behind the partition. He immediately started to work. He wondered how many there were. There were three in the other room. He was kicking himself for not thinking that there might be more bombs and scanning for them earlier.
Moving forward, Ed focused on the man seated on the stairs. He saw as the man rose. He stood for a moment. When the gunfire ceased he turned and started to go up the steps.
Ed's normal training took over and he said "SRU freeze. Turn around now and show your hands."
Sam started to search for Ben. He had to be here, it was the only place left. He scanned the area and his eyes landed on a metal table with ropes attached. Then he saw the needles and burner. A single thought raced through his mind 'no, please no, don't let Ben have suffered that way." He frantically scanned.
His heart lifted a little as his eyes found Ben half hidden behind the metal table on the floor against the northeast wall. He was so tiny; so helpless; he needed protecting. Ben was curled into a little ball and not moving.
Sam started forward. His side hurt like hell, adrenaline had worn off as they had cleared the rooms. His step was now unsteady and he had to stop a moment when he got a bit dizzy. Crap not now, not now.
He placed his hand on the wound and applied pressure. He was so close to saving Ben. Sam pushed the pain down again and focused solely on Ben's little face. He took a deep breath then he moved again getting closer to Ben; he was only fifteen paces away.
He heard Ed yell at the man on the stairs to stop. He should have just blown him away Sam thought. Then he heard Ed yell "Grenade" as he heard something clank on the ground and begin to roll.
In a split second Sam realized the grenade was rolling directly for Ben. He reacted instantly, he ran and launched himself toward the rolling object on the ground and yelled "NOOOOO."
A loud blast was heard over the headsets and feedback whined loudly making everyone listening react in pain as the sound assaulted their ear. Recovering quickly Greg called out "Status."
No response.
"Status Now" Greg repeated.
The sound of the blast had been so loud in the confined space and ricocheted off the concrete walls that Ed's and Spike's ears were ringing so badly. They did not hear the calls for status.
Ed had seen Sam launch himself toward the grenade. The subject had fled up the stairs and was gone. Ed felt like he was in slow motion as he rushed toward Sam his mind chastising himself for not just shooting the man, what the hell was he thinking? He may have just gotten Sam killed. He bellowed "Sam."
Everyone flinched at Ed's roar. Both relief and concern flooded all those listening. Relief at hearing Ed speak and concern at the distressed way he had called out Sam's name.
Greg called out "Ed status."
Ed's ears cleared enough for him to hear Greg "Subject got away up the stairs. Spike working on a bomb, no harm for Spike and I. Sam's down, officer down. Damn it Sam why …" he didn't finish as he saw the curled up Ben next to Sam. Ed quickly checked Sam's pulse without moving him and sighed; alive. Ed then went to Ben and checked his pulse to, thank god alive.
He called out "Ben located, alive."
Two shots were heard over the headsets followed by reports from Mason and Wordy that they each had taken out a target. Mason was able to get the last of the armed men in section two and Wordy took out one that exited the stairs from the basement.
Spike wanted to check Sam badly but he knew what he had to do first. He had to defuse the bomb. He continued to work. These were complicated and took time.
Luckily this one looked just like the others. But with only six minutes on the timer it would be close. Then there was the possibility there were other bombs. Crap he thought. He worked quickly with steady confident hands.
"Ed, what's Sam's status?" Greg asked.
"He's out cold; unsure of the extent of his injuries. He jumped on a concussion grenade to save Ben" Ed replied.
In his head he was thinking vest should have protected him from most of the blast. Thank god it was only a concussion grenade and not …. He couldn't finish that thought as an image of Lou popped into his head and grief washed over him. Dammit Sam, I don't ever want to lose another of the team that way.
Jules, Wordy, Greg all screamed "Sam did what?"
Mason, Pawn and Wordy ran at full tilt to the basement. Jules fast rappelled from the tree and started to sprint to the south side of the supply building.
"What's the situation down there?" Greg asked.
"Boss, we got a tricky bomb down here. Not sure if there are more than one. The timer has been activated. Clear the building." Spike added "Ed, out now, one man down range."
Ed responded "Not leaving Sam."
Spike responded harshly, hating what he had to say as much as Ed would hate hearing it "Ed, take Ben and go. You know protocol."
Not liking it at all Ed responded harshly back "If it too short you cannot carry Sam by yourself up all those stairs. I will not lose either of you. Leave the bomb now."
"We can't move him; we don't know the extent of his injuries. Out now. Let me defuse this so we can get Sam help" Spike said.
"Moving him is a chance I'm willing to take. But I WILL NOT let two more get blown to bits. Move now" Ed shouted. Spike continued to work.
As Ed was yelling at Spike, Wordy, Mason and Pawn were bounding down the stairs. Ed grabbed the back loop of Spike's vest and hauled him up and with fury bellowed "OUT NOW!"
When he had pulled Spike up, he had ahold of a wire. It pulled free. There was a click. Ed and Spike both heard it and looked at the bomb. The timer dropped from five minutes to sixty seconds. Not quite enough time to clear the building. If only they had a few more seconds.
As Spike wrenched out of Ed's hold and delved into his basic bomb kit bag he yelled "GET OUT NOW SIXTY SECONDS."
Ed watched as Spike clipped a device to the bomb. Wordy scooped up Ben. Pawn helped Mason position Blondie over Mason's shoulders. They had seventy seconds to get out now. Those extra few seconds could mean the difference between life and death. Everyone ran for the stairs.