At evening time, we meet up for the last time.
This time, with the founding ten taking charge of the whole room.
“Good evening, we will commence the meeting to finalize the operation to defeat the warlords.” I announce Anya takes the stage.
She’s explains that the warlords of all of Somalia are currently in the same city to discuss territory rights, weapons and drug deals.
Selene then helps Anya move screens around while also adding her intel on their bodyguards, potential weapons and explosives as well as noting the secret tunnel that is underneath the building as well as where it leads.
The two of them have done their homework, nicely done I think.
Ginefer steps up to explain how we’re going to collapse the secret tunnel to prevent their escape as well as potential spots that the enemies will use a firing points for the rocket launchers.
A solider asks about mines and other ground level traps in which Anya states that she’s already hacked the mines to prevent them from being triggered.
Zuri then informs everyone that all the vehicles have been reinforced to withstand heavy bullet and light artillery fire but will still take damage from rockets.
Also states that the gun turrets on top of the vehicles are equipped with shielding to help protect gunners.
Aurora and Vera talk about the casualty stations they have set up along the way to treat injuries and about the products they developed to help reduce permanent burn damages (not nanobots or experimental aloe vera).
Ashley talks about troop status and their training, revealing what they accomplished, what they’re capable of and potential places to be used for the mission with Anna translating everything for the soldiers.
I’ve seen the growth personally but hearing the confidence with which they are speaking right now is an amazing feeling.
These girls are growing and it’s nice to hear.
I go up next and make sure everyone is aware of supplies, chain of command, and also giving Erik ideas about where, and how to place troops.
Battle formations, things to expect and I let the troops know that this battle will determine the fate of Somalia.
Derricc takes the stage and asks for final questions to which there are none at this time.
Derricc looks around to everyone and gets ready to deliver arguably the most important mission plan of our life.
“Team echo will be Erik and Selene.
Your job is to scout and inform us of potential threats we’ve missed as we get into formation.
Erik, there’s no need for Ol Bessie this go around, especially with you not being fully healed.
We’re assuming that they’re going to have shielded turrets as well as mortars so if you’re able to knock out groups of targets again, do that over individual targets.” “Team delta is our explosives unit.
A small squad will go to the secret tunnel and collapse it.
What for team echo to make the first move and immediately collapse it before anyone knows what’s going on.
The rest of the squad will go to the side exits and plant mines and spiked traps to prevent vehicles from leaving so you can rain down rocket fire.” “Team charlie will be lead by Zira.
Our vehicles are now similar to lightly armored tanks, use that to your advantage and drive straight through them to secure checkpoints and rain down fire on their gun turrets and potential demolitions on higher levels.” “Team bravo will be lead by Ashley and Anna.
You two will take the bulk of the force.
As soon as heavy defenses are down, take the main force and clean up the streets, while taking out stragglers and anyone else we may have missed.
Afterwards split up into 2 squads each as reinforcements to one half of team delta.” “Team alpha will be led by me.
I’ll take a small force and ride with team Charlie to the target building.
Once there and area is secure, we’ll hop off and storm the target building.
There Anya will guide us through the building to our targets which we will eliminate on the spot no question.” “Team gamma will be lead by Aurora and Vera.
I need you two to take your squad and take turns recovering allies regardless if they’re alive or dead, no one gets left behind.
Make sure you have stations set up here, here, and here if you don’t already.” “Anya, your squad will be in charge of making sure comms stay intact, decrypting and codes sent through foriegn channels as well as keeping eyes in the skies at all times.” “Anna, leave a translator with Anya just in case.” “Everyone, tomorrow we fight for Somalia.
Tomorrow we fight for freedom.
Tomorrow, we fight for the oppressed.
Tomorrow, this ends.” “Hoorah.” “You have your assignments.
Make your last minute preparations and get some rest.
Tomorrow, we celebrate.” “Derricc,” we turn around to see Mr Shiranui approach us.
This is quite the squad you’ve got here.
You’ve also come up with a plan that cuts off enemy escape routes while also protecting yours.
Brilliantly done.” “Thank you, father.
This has a personal meaning to us now so I’m just making sure there’s no gaps.” “Mr Shiranui, before you go back to Japan, there’s something I want to talk to you about.
Let’s meet up after the battle tomorrow.” I say as he’s walking away.
He waves back and then I turn my attention to Selene and motion for her to come with me.” “Erik what’s wrong?” Selene asks “Nothing, just got a question for you.
How do you feel about sniping tomorrow.” “You’re joking right, you know I’m not as good as you are.” “You don’t need to be, I’ll be your spotter and I’ll help you set up your shots.
You know you’re a really good shot.
You’ve trained with a sniper.
You’ll be fine.” “Erik, I’ve already failed you once, how can I d”- I pull her into a hug and just let her relieve her anxieties for a minute.
When she’s done, I lean in and kiss the top of her head so she can calm down.
“Look, I’ve already told you, nothing is your fault.
I’m healed and we’re about to end this.
No need to carry unnecessary burdens.
You’ve got this, just believe in yourself and believe in me.” “I can’t though, I almost lost y”- “You will, I trust you, and I always will.” That breaks her again and I let her cry it out.
I guess the poor girl still feels bad that I died on her like that.
I wrap my arms around her.
“Hey, think of it this way.
If you can’t allow yourself to be free of this burden, use it as fuel for tomorrow to avenge me,” “Can we stay like this a little longer.” “Sure” “Can we join” I hear behind me as i turn around to see Ashley, Zira, Aurora and Vera, Anya and Anna all behind me.
“Yeah, Selene says As we look out onto the moonlight the night before the mission, we cuddle up together to enjoy a last bit of warmth before we go into tomorrow’s storm