Chapter 10
Operation Safari, August 2022
Clay was anxious as he entered the briefing room. He had come to the conclusion that some sort of attack had occurred in all three cities. While in his thoughts he saw Nomad, Holt, Midas, and Weaver along with Dallas. He also saw two other operator's along with LTC. Mitchell, Major Dennison and SMSgt. Marcus Kelso. This must be serious to call us on short notice. He sat down and awaited the briefing.
"Gentleman, thank you for coming on short notice. I know some of you noticed, there are two new members of your team. Let me introduce you to Sergeant Benjamin Jones also known as Fixit and Sergeant David Ryan known as Viper. Fixit is a former member of CAG and Viper is a former member of the Demon Dogs. I'm assuming you heard about the explosions in DC, LA, and New York. Anyway Team Rainbow will handle that situation. We also have a situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Roughly five hours ago the C-130 carrying AFO Predator and the Seals from Blue Squadron was shot down by unknown forces in the region. Your mission is to go into the country, secure the crash site and try to make contact with our men on the ground. This is an important mission gentleman, I served with two members of that team on multiple operations. Get them home"
Major Dennison stood up and pointed towards the screen.
"Satellite images from the NSA show the crash site. It appears that it was shot down by an Anti-aircraft Missile. We don't know the strength or capabilities of the hostiles but they appear to be well armed and equipped. Because of the AA threat you'll be inserted to a Demon Dog Marine base at a classified location. They'll provide support during your mission."
As Clay was observing the briefing he was eyeing the two new guys. He would need to quickly adapt to working with these new teammates and the new team dynamic. He's sure he'll get to know them on the plane ride to Africa. Just then SMSgt. Marcus Kelso got up and walked to the front of the room.
"Gentleman my recommendations for this operation codenamed Safari include the following, any M4 style rifle, Light Machine Guns, Sniper Rifles. I suggest one of you bring the RAT-4 Rocket Launcher as well. It's an updated version of the Carl Gustaf. For equipment, I recommend cross-com. For those of you that don't know it's a high-tech communication and situational awareness system that allows for seamless communication between team members in the field and with support personnel. A computerized system that provides real-time data on enemy positions, mission objectives, and friendly unit locations. You can also use Night Vision, Magnetic, and Thermal vision modes with the device as well."
LTC. Mitchell got up again and spoke saying "This mission is of the utmost importance. Dismissed."
Clay looked at Nomad who nodded. They got up and went to the armory. Clay got his customized HK 416 with his secondary weapon being his Glock. Nomad chose the Sig Sauer 516. Holt had chosen the FN SCAR H, Midas had decided to use the Remington ACR with an M203, Weaver decided to use the MK 14 battle rifle, Dallas decided to get the MK 46 LMG, Viper had chosen the MK 18 assault rifle and also strapped the RAT-4 Rocket Launcher to his backpack, and finally Fixit chose the ACR as well. With the exception of Clay, the other operator's decided to use the P45T.
Demon Dog Base, Location Classified, Detachment Charlie
Sergeant Marcus Griggs had been briefed by Lieutenant General Lyons about the situation with the downed Special Mission Unit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For all intents and purposes, the situation was a clusterfuck. He and his platoon had to provide QRF and possibly destroy enemy AA emplacements for a rescue team.
Sergeant Wayne "D-Day" Davis approached him and gave him an update.
"Griggs, the Cougar MRAPs are loaded up with additional weaponry."
"Good". Griggs replied
"You think this is AQ Griggs"?
"I doubt it. AQ usually operates around the horn via Somalia and the Middle East of course. It has to be someone different".
AFO Team Alpha, Demon Dog Base, Location Classified
Nomad checked his ATAK or Android Team Awareness Kit. A military grade smartphone with detailed mapping software configured for military use and able to confirm the position of friendly forces. Everything looked good, but the weather was somewhat stormy. His black T shirt dampening and the weight of his 5.11 TacTec Plate carrier slowing him down. Checking his Cross-Com device, he saw the green silhouettes of his team. Once his equipment was checked he went to talk to Sergeant Griggs about the plan.
The Demon Dog camp was located near a river. Thankfully the Tier One Marine Unit had two Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) available for the mission. Craft typically reserved for the Navy Seal's, but given recent developments in the region, SOCOM found it necessary to give them more firepower for river operations.
Nomad finished his conversation with Griggs and saw Fixit and Weaver loading the equipment onto the water craft. He was happy that they had a good amount of QRF on standby. The plan was simple: the two boats, one filled with the Ghost's and another filled with the Marines led by Griggs would get dropped off at rally point Charlie, a former CIA safe house. The Ghost's would search the crash site and the Marines would find the AA emplacements.
Miles away from the Crash site, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ghost Lead Joe Ramirez took off his damaged Cross-Com. The rain was getting worse and they needed to find shelter. He knew that Scott would send a rescue team after him and his squad. LTC Scott Mitchell had served with him in Korea, Operation War Wraith, and Mexico. He knew that he would never leave anyone behind. In hoping for recuse, he made a trail to find them and extract the team. Seeing a pair of abandoned huts, he quietly ordered the survivors to take shelter. Bear, the team's engineer would take the first watch as the sun slowly went down.
Nomad's Team, CIA Safe House, Rally Point Charlie, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nomad looked at his team, covered in sweat and grim as they trekked through the African Jungle. Humidity and rain were a horrible combination. As the rain died down, he checked his watch, they were behind schedule. He put the GPS coordinates of both the safe house and crash site and uploaded it to the Cross-Com.
"Dolphin, as our lead scout I want you to take point as we trudge through this wonderful jungle."
"Roger that Nomad. Once we get to the crash site I'll find some high ground to find a good overwatch position."
Clay put his customized HK 416 in his arms and began the descent into the unknown African Jungle.
5 miles west of the Crash Site
The density of the thick jungle canopy made it even darker than it actually was. But Nomad's GPS indicated that they are 5 miles away from the crash site. Using a hand single, the movement grounded to a halt.
"Weaver, Holt, Dolphin. I need you to conduct Recon on the site. Viper, Fixit, Midas conduct security while I contact the boss."
As the operator's moved to their positions. Nomad gave LTC. Scott Mitchell an update.
"Any word on Griggs and his Marines?"
"Negative. Just focus on getting our men out. We'll have a UAV over your location"
"Copy that Griffin. Nomad out."
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Ghost Recon Tactical Operations Center
Mitchell looked around and found Captain Dennison.
"Captain, I want you to request one of those new MQ-4A Greyhawk UAV from that Demon Dog Base."
"On it Sir." Dennison replied
He saw the drones feed on the large screen in the command center. The MQ-4A Greyhawk built by the Macrotech Corporation is the newest UAV in the growing drone arsenal of the United States.
" Switch to thermal imaging."
"Yes sir." The drone technician said
"Use it to search a 20 mile radius around the downed aircraft."
Enemy Training Camp, Location Unknown
Newly minted Captain Ivan Severov looked at his second in command Sergeant Boris Krupin. Both men were representing the Russian Federation's interest in the region by training and arming insurgencies. They were part of the 223rd Special Purpose Detachment of Russia's elite special operations units known as the Spetsnaz.
"The General is contacting us."
"New assignment?" The Sergeant said
"Possibly. Our job is essentially done here. They have weapons and equipment."
They moved to a secure part of the camp reserved for the advisors. A multinational group of former special operations personnel from across the world. The screen came to life with the presence of Colonel General Sergei Izotov, the head of the GRU.
"I have a new assignment for the 223rd. I need you to act as advisors for our friends in the country of Georgia. Davit Sidamonidze is creating a separatist movement, the perfect distraction while the real insurgency begins in Eastern Europe with the Forgotten Army."
"Understood, General. I'll get my men and go to the airfield."
Crash Site, Democratic Republic of the Congo
"Nomad, this is Griffin. We have you on thermal imaging. You're good to enter the area."
"Copy that. Nomad out."
The operator's proceeded to check the wreckage for survivors. They only found charred remains of dead special operations personnel. After 20 minutes of searching, his communications equipment buzzed.
"This Griffen. ISR is showing multiple hostiles headed to your location. Proceed with caution."
"Gentleman. We have hostiles headed to our position. Get into cover and await my signal to initiate contact!" Nomad said
"Copy that. Getting my thermal optic out for my rifle." Clay said as he pulled out the (INOD) Block III thermal weapon sight from his assault pack. After a minute the scope was lined up as he saw the heat signatures of the hostiles. He queued his radio twice to inform the team that overwatch was set and ready. In the meantime, Clay was still getting used to his new Cross-Com device.
"Dolphin, this is Nomad. Fire now." Clay slowed his breathing and fired his suppressed rifle toward the target's center mass. Contrary to the movies, a suppressor could still be heard. The enemy combatants' head split open as he heard other weapon systems starting to fire. After five minutes it stopped as the enemy patrol had been dealt with. They didn't know what hit them. His communications equipment buzzed indicating that Nomad wished to talk to him.
"Good shooting Dolphin. I found a clue where our missing operators could be. Let's check the dead guys and work toward our brothers in arms." Nomad said, with a hopeful voice
Clay looked at the fallen enemy and noticed his Black BDU trousers, and top with the face covered by a balaclava. The weapon system of the dead man raised alarm bells instead of a classic AK or other soviet weaponry that was common in this region, he saw the OTs-14 Groza. A weapon that hasn't been produced in decades. How could some random "terrorist" have an advanced rifle?
"Nomad. Look at their equipment. It's not a standard issue."
"No. Who the hell are these guys?"
"Anyway, ISR picked up heat signatures at a group of huts 10 miles from our position."
Miles away from the Crash site, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ramirez took over watch duty from Bear. Lieutenant Commander Mason was on guard duty as well. He was trying to contact Naval Special Warfare Command to no avail. Just then he heard the rustling of the brush. But immediately sighed a breath of relief when he saw the faint blue hue of a Cross-Com device. He heard a voice say Cold. His training kicked into gear and responded with Radio.
"Nomad? That you?" he responded
"It's me Joe. We need to get out of here. We have boats with a Demon Dog Marine unit conducting a search and destroy mission against the AA emplacement."
"We were on our way to find the enemy camp when the weather took a turn for the worse". Ramirez stated
"Ghosts, this is Griffin. Glad to see you're okay. Enemy QRF is coming from the camp. We have HAWX on standby. Get extradition ASAP." LTC. Mitchell said
"You heard the Old Man. Let's link up with Griggs and his men."
CIA Safe House, Rally Point Charlie, Democratic Republic of the Congo
After a long hike through the jungles of Africa. Clay heard the sound of water as they followed the GPS coordinates to the safe house. They were resting when they heard the voice of Sergeant Griggs and his Marines. They found no sign of any AA emplacements which meant it had to be a shoulder fired missile launcher. The only relief was that HAWX would be inbound to blow the enemy encampment to smithereens. Griggs walked toward Nomad and the rest of the Ghosts.
"I don't know who you guys are, but if you need anything. You know how to reach me."
"Alright. Let's get into the SOC-Rs. Make sure the medical team knows we'll be inbound."
Airfield, Location Classified
Captain Ivan Severov and his 40 man unit of the 223rd Special Purpose Detachment all entered the Antonov An-26 aircraft. Dressed in civilian clothing, the locals would mistake them for the Russian Private Contractors of Watchgate Security Service. They heard the roar of jet's as they passed over the camp and the shockwave of explosions rocked this area of the third world. He smiled knowing the loose ends were dealt with and their presence only known to the highest echelons of the Russian Federation's intelligence apparatus.
