Chapter 12

Mantiqueira Mountains, Brazil

August, 2022

The air was thick and heavy. Steam rising in the mountains. Clay felt like they were riding for hours, but in actuality it was probably 30 minutes at most. The rugged terrain making it difficult to traverse. They stopped at an abandoned Inn along the dirt road. Nomad took out his ATAC device and linked it to his Cross-Com. While they were getting their equipment set up. Clay updated LTC. Mitchell on the situation.

"Griffin this is Dolphin, we made it to point alpha. Proceeding to the target compound in 5 mikes". Clay said

"Copy that Dolphin. Good hunting."

Clay scanned the hill for any lookouts and enemy reconnaissance elements. Nothing of note was found and felt a tap on his shoulder. It was time to hike up the hill and gain eyes on the compound.

Lying prone on the ground the team of special forces operators scanned the area where the compound was located. Noting the roaming patrols. The plan was simple, Nomad, Holt, Midas, Dallas and Viper would assault the compound. While Weaver, Fixit, and Clay would provide overwatch. Fixit pulled out a drone from his backpack.

"Getting a drone up." Getting the specialized drone control tablet out, he moved it up in the air so it won't be spotted. "Nomad, this is Fixit. I have a drone up. It should be linked to your Cross-Com."

Nomad and his section of the team crept through the brush located near the compound when he got a notification from Fixit. Using his Cross-Com, he noted the location of the hostiles. They appeared to be Black Tusk members. Which meant that they were in the right place.

Ghost Recon Tactical Operations Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States

August, 2022

LTC. Mitchell was looking at drone feed in the tactical operations center. They were getting close to finding the head of Black Tusk. The organization responsible for the attacks in the United States. His team of Ghosts were making good time toward the objective. Everything was going according to plan and that made Mitchell nervous. Nothing ever goes as planned in these type of operations.

The thermal imaging from the drone showed the positions of the Ghosts. The assault element was near a wall preparing explosives. Normally this wouldn't be used in a rescue mission but time is of the essence. While the overwatch team was lying prone on a hill overlooking the compound.

"On my command Ghosts we'll assault the compound"

"Roger that."

"Execute!" He heard Nomad say

Explosions rocked the area as chunks of wall flew and the assault team entered the compound. While the overwatch team took out the sentries that were alerted to the commotion. Gunfire broke out and red dots from the thermal imaging faded to black. Mitchell then turned to another screen with it split in five. The cross-com would help get him a better view of the situation. Mitchell turned to an analyst and said "Enlarge Nomad's Cross-Com on the screen."

Cross-Com - Operator Nomad

The view from Nomads Cross-Com device showed complete and utter chaos. Outlines of blue showed the friendly operators and blots of red showed hostiles. Gunfire rang out and enemy contractor's fell to the ground dead. Fighting their way through the compound, they saw a prison-like structure.

"The HVT may be in this structure. We need to clear it out."

"Copy that Nomad." Holy said

Mitchell heard the operators say. Seeing them stacked and ready to breach the buildings. Seeing the assault team was doing well, he switched perspectives to the overwatch team.

Overwatch Team

When the assault team began the attack on the compound. The operators on overwatch began picking off targets. Aiming his rifle, Clay shot a Black Tusk operative that was about to shoot an RPG.

"Good shot Clay." Weaver said

"Thanks."

Clay looked at his wrist mounted ATAC. The sensors they placed to their rear saw red blimps approaching.

"Guys we have foot mobiles headed for our position." Clay said

"Good thing we placed claymores down." Fixit added

Black Tusk Kill Team

Alfonso and his team of operatives were outside the compound when the enemies attacked. Seeing the hostile sniper team, he told his team to kill them. Walking silently, his eyes widened in shock when he saw the glint of the laser. A loud bang and hundreds of ball bearings ripped through his team. He dropped to the ground in a pool of blood.

Ghost Recon Tactical Operations Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States

Mitchell and his analysts heard the explosion near the overwatch team.

"Overwatch this is Griffin. What's going on?"

"Claymores sir. We placed them at the rear of our position just in case."

"Understood."

Looking at the other screens. The mission was going smoothly. Just then he heard Nomad on the radio.

"Griffin we have the package. I repeat we have the package. He's injured but in stable condition."

"Copy that Nomad. Getting a bird from the 160th to your position. ETA 10 mikes."

"Solid copy sir. Nomad out."

Taking a few moments to sigh in relief. They got to the Fourth Echelon agent in time. Sam would be happy about that.

"Alright, everyone regroup on me."

Nomad heard a chorus of copy or copy that. After 10 mikes the MH-60M Black Hawk of the 160th picked them up along with the special cargo. The Special Forces operator's were happy to be going home. Once the spook was fully patched up at Fort Bragg, he'll give up the location of Natalya Sokolova.

1 day later: Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States, August, 2022

LTG. Mitchell stood proudly when the members of AFO Alpha entered the briefing room. They would finally capture or kill Natalya Sokolova, one of the most wanted terrorists in the world.

"Gentlemen, we finally have the location of Sokolova's compound. It's located outside of Brest, Belarus. So you'll be in hostile territory for this mission. I'll have Major Dennison explain the rest. Good luck, Ghosts."

The Lieutenant Colonel left the room to attend other matters and the women who reminded Clay of Lieutenant Junior Grade Lisa Davis stood up. This woman was smart and analytical. A valuable asset to Ghost Recon.

"Ghosts, this is Operation Gallant Eagle. The mission to destroy Black Tusk once and for all."

"We're going to finally get her?" Viper questioned in awe. The former Demon Dog was itching for a fight. Nomad gave him a look that said shut up and let the woman speak. Major Dennison continued speaking

"Yes. Now, ISR has picked up movement at a local Belarusian Army base from the host nation. Which means that if this thing goes loud. Hostile QRF will be on you in 30 minutes. We don't want an international incident."

This is when Clay spoke up and asked a question.

"Do we know how many guards are at the compound?"

"Fourth Echelon intelligence places about 40 or so guards. After Black Tusk's failure with the terrorist attacks. The majority of her fighting force left to join other private military companies. The ones that are left are completely loyal to her. Any questions?"

"I have a few questions," Nomad said. "First off what Belorussian Forces are in the region, how are we getting there, and what about uniforms and weapons."

"The Intel we have indicates that the 38th Air Assault Brigade is in the region. Poland has graciously allowed us to use their country as a jumping off point. Uniform and weapon wise, you'll have to dress as private contractors and use Eastern Bloc weaponry."

Weaver interjected, "I'm assuming we want our presence to be non-existent."

"That's correct. A CIA contact in the region has weapons and gear for the mission. Good luck, Ghosts."

The operators of AFO Team Alpha got up and headed out of the briefing room. Clay was muddled with thoughts. They were finally going after the person responsible for the attacks on the country.

Outskirts of Brest, Belarus

Natalya Sokolova's Mansion

Natalya Sokolova was panicking in her office. Her men failed to kill the spy that infiltrated her organization. Which meant that the Americans would be coming and she was all out of options. Her brother was dead, Megiddo and Raven's Rock washed their hands clean of her, and she had no resources or a way to get out. It was truly the end she thought.

She wouldn't be surprised if Izotov sent a team of Spetsnaz or Voron Agents to silence her. Then the thought occurred to her. She could fight Megiddo, she still kept all documents related to them and their mole in the United States government. Smiling with pleasure, she left certain documents out about a certain congressman and his connection to Megiddo.

GRU Headquarters, Grizodubovoy Street 3, Moscow, Russian Federation

Major Alexei Noskov walked through the busy halls of headquarters knocking twice on the door to Colonel General Sergei Izotov's office.

"Enter Major Noskov."

Walking into the office, he stood at attention. Izotov waved his hand, and Alexei sat down. The room had pictures of a young Izotov as an elite Spetsnaz Commando in Chechnya. He saw a stack of papers on the desk.

"I'm glad you could make it, comrade. I have a solution to the Sokolova situation. As you know the Kremlin employs a few private military companies for deniable operations like Watchgate in Nigeria, Wagner in Ukraine, and the Konni Group in the Middle East."

"So you want to employ one of these companies to eliminate her?"

"Precisely. GRU and SVR sources point to Belarus as her hiding spot. But with Watchgate busy with our interests in Africa, and Prigozhin's loss of favor with the Kremlin. It leaves one group which makes me a bit nervous."

Of course Noskov knew who Izotov was referring to. The Konni Group under Commander Vladimir Makarov. The man was a wildcard who had Ultranationalististic leanings which was frowned upon by the Kremlin. But the elite mercenary company Konni was one the best.

"You don't trust him."

"He'd rather see the world burn. But for now we can use him for our purposes." Izotov stated

"I'm assuming we have agents within his organization." Noskov asked

"Yes. One can not be too careful. You can go now, I have a meeting with the Chief of the General Staff Yuri Kozlov regarding the special military operation in Ukraine."

Major Alexei Noskov stood up and left the office. He was not one to get nervous but the Konni Group and Makarov made him feel that. Izotov offered a spot in Raven's Rock to Makarov but he refused. He just hopped using Konni didn't as the Americans would say "bite them in the ass."