UNSCDF2 Chapter 18- Immediate Response

Kandahar Air Base, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Fire Team Kilo’s Camp

April 18, 2001

1115 Local Time

            Sears sat in his office staring at a wall full of notes. He turned his head to the door as Williams walked in with Robertson.

            “Williams, what’s up?” Sears stood up and adjusted his uniform.

            “Cookson’s team has spotted the Russians moving some UNSC prisoners near the Safdar Kalay District.” Williams reported.

            “Could it be a trap?” Sears asked.

            “Don’t know, but we don’t leave men behind even if they aren’t in the same team.” Williams replied.

            “I don’t know. With the long range communications jammed, we can’t call for backup until the supply plane arrives. So anyone we got here is the last remaining force we got.” Sears frowned.

            “What’s going on?” Frederick walked in the office.

            “Russians and UNSC marines.” Sears replied.

            “Where?” Frederick asked.

            “Safdar Kalay District. Looks like a prisoner transport.” Sears answered.

            “Lieutenant, I recommend we go rescue them.” Williams suggested.

            “With all due respect Lieutenant Frederick, we are low on manpower and assets.” Sears voiced his concerns.

            “I understand Staff Sergeant, but there are our own people. What if one of the prisoners was you? I’m sure you would like to be saved.” Frederick countered.

            “I…” Sears was speechless.

            Frederick had a good point. Robertson looked at Williams and nodded. Sears looked at Williams and then Frederick.

            “Alright, go get the Warthogs and commence your rescue.” Sears pointed at the wall with keys hanging off a pin.

            “Gentlemen.” Frederick took the keys and waved at her marines.

            “Ma’am. Christopher, Green, and Cookson are on standby waiting for go.” Williams spoke to Frederick as they exited Sears’ office.

            “Tell them to hold until we arrive.” Frederick ordered.

            “Yes ma’am.” Williams nodded.

            “Robertson, follow me.” Frederick waved as Williams walked off.

            “Good luck.” Sears sat back down onto his chair.

            “What’s the plan ma’am?” Robertson asked.    

            “Same plan we used to save Forester and Zyrok.” Frederick replied with confidence.

            “We would have to prepare ourselves for a possible ambush.” Robertson warned.

            “Hence we get Cookson’s team to wait before we go kicking down the door and go in guns blazing.” Frederick smiled.

            “So, once we meet…then we go in guns blazing?” Robertson joked.

            “Pretty much.” Frederick laughed.

            “I like it.” Robertson laughed heartily.

            “Alright, game time.” Frederick smiled.

Haji Aziz, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Safdar Kalay District

April 18, 2001

1315 Local Time

            “We’re ready Lieutenant.” Cookson readied his M16 as he spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Take them out boys.” Frederick replied back.

            Cookson looked at Green and Christopher holding their M16s perched from the roof overlooking a group of militia walking three UNSC marines in the middle of the street.

            “Go!” Cookson commanded.

            The three marines fired their M16s simultaneously at the militia using single shots. The militia was unprepared and surprised by the covert fire. Some militia took cover and sprayed their AK47s wildly at Cookson’s direction. The captured marines saw the opportunity and grabbed AK47s from the dead bodies. At the same time, a troop transport Warthog sped down the street with Frederick and Robertson firing from the back. Williams skidded the Warthog sideways and honked the horn.

            “Get on!” Frederick yelled as Robertson fired his UMP beside her.

            While the militia was suppressed by Cookson’s team, the captured marines were able to quickly board the Warthog.

            “Move!” Frederick commanded as she watched the three captured marines sat down.

            “Thanks. I’m Second Lieutenant Reid, that’s Morgan and Mendoza.” a young marine introduced himself and his marines.

            “Where are you guys from?” Robertson asked.

            “Hornet Squadron…” Frederick looked at the insignia badge on Reid’s arm.

            “Wait a second…” Robertson paused to think.

            “We’re clear LT.” Williams shouted from his seat as he drove the Warthog to safety.

            “Roger, Cookson get your team out of there. Package is secure. Repeat, package is secure. Head on home.” Frederick spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Aren’t you guys a little out of home?” Robertson looked at Reid.

            “I’ve heard of you folks back at the San Francisco Outpost.” Frederick commented.

            “We were assigned to gather Intel from the Russians, but got captured.” Reid replied.

            “That’s a bit far for San Francisco don’t you think?” Frederick eyed Reid.

            “Oh, we had experience dealing with the Russians before so we got assigned that task.” Reid looked at Morgan.

            “That’s correct ma’am.” Morgan nodded.

            “We’ll have to notify the UNSC once we get back. I’m sure they are worried.” Frederick looked at Morgan.

            “Oh, I’m sure.” Mendoza nodded.

            “We’ll be back shortly. Are there any more of you?” Williams turned his head.

            “Yeah, two more.” Reid stuck two fingers up.

            “Do you know where they are holed up?” Frederick asked.

            “I don’t know. Morgan, do you remember?” Reid shook his head.

            “It was in some sort of building…” Morgan interrupted.

            “Which one are you talking about?” Mendoza interrupted.

            “There is more than one base?” Frederick gasped.

            “Yes, lots.” Reid replied.

            “We’ll have to notify Zyrok and Forester about this.” Frederick looked at her feet.

            “So, what are you doing here Lieutenant?” Reid looked at Frederick.

            “We’re the recon team assigned to assist Zyrok’s team.” Frederick looked at the dusty roads.

            “Recon for what?” Reid asked with a curious look.

            “I believe it’s classified.” Frederick looked at Williams.

            “Yeah, it is.” Williams replied in agreement.

            “Lieutenant, Cookson here. What’s your location?” Cookson spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Cookson, we’re a few kilometers away from base.” Frederick replied back.

            “Cookson…is that Zyrok’s men?” Reid asked.

            “No, Michael Cookson is with me.” Frederick answered.

            “I would like to meet all the people who saved us and give my personal thanks.” Reid smiled at the thought of meeting Cookson.

            “Sure, we’ll introduce you to the crew once we’re at base.” Frederick nodded.

            “Sounds good, I can’t wait.” Reid sat on his seat comfortably with a grin.