Page 32 of Love and Loyalty
“I need you to gather your best soldiers, infiltrate the camp, and take prisoners if you can. Do not leave any stone unturned. I trust you to do the right thing.”
“Yes, sir.” She saluted and walked out to gather the team together. She sent a lieutenant to get Drew, Smith, and a few people she could trust—people she'd seen make sacrifices, people who were brave and untamed.
The team gathered in the command center, and the soldiers seemed quite riled up about the mission as she went into details. She mentioned the dangers involved, considering it was a night mission.
“Remember, we're not there to engage in an endless firefight. Our goal is to get in, get the job done, and get out. Stay together and watch each other's backs. This mission requires skill, discipline, and teamwork. I have every confidence in every one of you. Let's move out, and let's make it happen!"
“Yes, ma'am!” they roared.
“We're to assemble back here by 21:30. For now, you're all dismissed. Get some rest.” As the soldiers walked away, Izzy searched for Drew but noticed she was one of the first people to leave.
Drew was clearly avoiding her. As Izzy gathered a few maps for some research, Sergeant Thompson walked in. “Good afternoon, Lieutenant Colonel.”
“What brings you here, Sergeant?”
“I want to be part of the mission.”
Isabel was slightly taken aback. The sergeant wasn't a typical person she’d have considered.
“Why?”
“Well, I'm a soldier who’s volunteering for starters. Secondly, the medical team isn’t coming with you, and I can help in case of any casualties. Besides, you have great combat skills and survival instincts.”
“It's okay, sergeant. You're in. I'll brief you myself,” she said. Thompson was a friend and capable soldier, and he had a good point. She needed someone else with enough medical knowledge to assist in case of an emergency. She sincerely hoped there would be no casualties.
About seven hours later, the team arrived all dressed in black for camouflage. Izzy scrutinized the explosives thoroughly before ordering them to be loaded into the helicopter.
All the soldiers had their headlights on before marching into the armored aircraft. They seemed delighted to go on the mission.
Izzy sat beside Sergeant Thompson. As they deliberated on the mission in whispers, she threw a few glances to the flight deck. It was nice to see Drew at a close range without the awkwardness.
They soon arrived at the area, dropped off a few miles away, and walked in to catch the terrorists off guard.
First, they blew up the enemy camp with a precisely detonated explosive charge, leveling the central hub and sending shockwaves through the surrounding structures.
The team then swiftly moved in. The terrorists hadn't been expecting them, so they exploited the chaos and confusion, clearing the perimeter. While Drew and Smith marched on one side, Isabel and Sergeant Thompson went in the opposite direction.
They pushed deeper into the camp and encountered fierce resistance, but their coordination helped them to overcome the terrorists. Room by room, building by building, they methodically cleared the area, gathering vital intel and taking down targets.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly until Isabel and Sergeant Thompson stumbled on the camp's stronghold.
It seemed they were on the verge of defeat. Izzy hoped the same hadn't happened on the other side, so she immediately reached out to Drew.
Drew confirmed the absence of a stronghold but, on hearing their dilemma, offered a suggestion. “Can I head back to the chopper for a precision strike?” She sounded agitated.
“As soon as possible, Major. But you must wait for our coordinates before you strike. Understood?”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Izzy hoped that she'd be in position soon. In the meantime, the snipers tried to do justice to the dreadful terrorists, while she, the sergeant, and other soldiers tried their best to retain them inside.
The low hum that soon transcended into a loud thrum bloomed hope for Izzy. Drew had arrived.
She yelled over the intercom, “Are you positioned, Major?”
“Affirmative, Lieutenant Colonel!”
Izzy scanned the area for relevant information about the precise location. She described the stronghold, and Drew notified her that the targeted building was in her sights.