When Archer, Sam and the rest of the platoon stood not a mile away from their target Sam began to realize exactly what she had gotten herself in for. Some part of her had forgotten that this place was armed to the teeth and full of hostiles, most likely due to the fact she had been so focused on ending the man who had killed her brother's life that she was blind to what she was getting into for a time.
"You alright? You're getting a little green around the gills." Archer asked, giving her a look of concern.
"I'm fine. Let's just get this over with." Sam replied.
"I saw that note you left for Tom." Archer whispered as his superior indicated that they should crouch and hand back while several fully camouflaged soldiers went to scope out the situation.
"Did you read it?" Sam said more sharply than she intended.
"No. I would never do that. I won't pry but it must've been important for you not to wait until we get back."
"If we ever get back." Sam muttered under her breath.
Archer frowned at her for a few seconds before turning his attention back to the base, and more importantly not getting killed. The second doctor had arrived as promised but, as it turned out, this was only his second field operation and so he was spending most of his time trying not to vomit rather than actually being of any use and for that reason Archer was silently thanking the stars that Sam was here, even if Tom couldn't be.
Tom, as far as Archer knew, was still resting back at base with a couple of other soldiers who had agreed to stay behind and look after him, and more importantly were tasked with making sure that he didn't try coming after Sam.
The five men that had set off to scope the situation out had only travelled about half a mile further when they immediately turned back. The stressed expressions on their faces immediately set both Archer and Sam on edge, for soldiers were trained to deal with fear and stress, meaning that for them to be showing one of the two the situation must be bad.
"I think those men we saw grabbing those vehicles and driving off a few miles back were part of this group, as they now have ever possible weapon and solider scanning the perimeter for any sign of attack. There is no way to get any closer without detection." One of the soldiers said in a hurried whisper to Sergeant Trent.
The next few seconds involved the sound of that young doctor vomiting, making several roll their eyes and Archer and Sam cringe, along with the sergeant whispering with several other soliders as they desperately tried to come up with a plan.
"200 men going up against around fifty. At least number are on our side." He grunted after a moment.
"That may not mean much, sir. There were similar odds when they look over the base and yet they still managed to take over, not to mention they have bombs and machine guns while all we have are rifles." Archer said with a frown, every trace of his usual bravado evaporated, "And couple that with the fact that I don't think brave heart over there is going to be much help, meaning we're down to one doctor and we don't exactly stand much of a chance."
Archer directed everyone's attention to the doctor, who had gone a sickly shade of green and was close to throwing up once more.
"Thank you, Miller, for the pessimism. If you don't have anything optimistic to say than kindly shut it!" Trent hissed.
"I mean," Archer sighed, "If we took them on with a full frontal assault we'd be screwed. But that isn't the only way in."
"What do you mean?" Trent asked, staring at him with genuine interest.
"There's a cargo hatch around the back of the fort. It leads down into a tunnel which when we were in control was lightly manned at best because it's quite a tight space. You wouldn't be able to fit more than two or three men- and that's at best. Not to mention the fact that most of the guys here are far too bulky to get in the hole."
Sam cast her gaze around the several of the men and immediately understood what archer was getting at, as most of them looked like they were heavyweight boxers at one point.
"Am I skinny enough?" Sam asked after a moment of silence rippled through the platoon.
"Well.. yes, and so am I but we're about the only ones." Archer replied.
"Absolutely not. Out of the question." Trent said immediately, "She's not even a soldier!"
"I'm an Army medic who has most likely seen far more horrific things than you have in your lifetime and I'm willing to bet that I've got more experience than every single one of the men here other than you, Trent. They all look like they've been in the army a year at best, I served for several more than that." Sam implored.
"And what are we supposed to do if we are attacked and one of us gets injured?" Trent demanded.
"You need to get brave heart over there to start acting like a man instead of a child." Archer replied.
"And do you honestly think that they're just not going to notice two people sneaking around the back of the fort? You'll be shot before you get there!"
"Not of all of you create a distraction. Fire a few shots, draw them out, make them focus on you and we should be able to sneak by." Sam said simply.
"I'm not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?" Trent asked after running a hand over his forehead.
"Nope." Archer and Sam said simultaneously.
"…Fine. You have my consent." Trent said begrudgingly.
"Good. We should be able to get there in around twenty minutes. Start firing in fifteen." Archer said as he grabbed a weapon and a few packs of bullets and started to head of with Sam in tow.
…
I wish I could give you a hint as to what's going to happen next but it would completely blow the surprise… All I can say is prepare for drama!