War wounds... a story part 1

Op 1: Sensors locked on... datastream stabilizing... telemetry looks good sir, we're getting good data.

Cmdr: Very good, take readings up to 20 clicks and send the data to the CP asap. Standard burst transmission, they're counting on us for this information.

Op 1: Will do sir, data looks good to 3 ks now and still coming in strong.

Cmdr: Op 2, prep a 2nd probe in case the telemetry fails, we can't afford any mistakes.

*picking up the radio handset*

Cmdr: [radio] Sarg 1, parameter update over

Sarg 1: [radio] Looks quiet out here boss, if I didn't know better I'd say we were out strolling with the girls by the beach again. over

Cmdr: [radio] Well, if we do this right we'll all be home soon, then you all can come over for dinner sometime, I've been hankering to make my seafood stew again. over

Sarg 2: [radio] *Groan* Sir, why can't you make that korean beef thing again? I really liked that one. over

Cmdr: *Long pause*[radio] Well i suppose I could give that dish a shot. over

Sarg 1: [radio] Dude, don't you remember? Sir doesn't make that dish... over

Sarg 2: [radio] Oh yeah...it was his... erm... sorry bout that sir. over

An operator runs into the command vehicle with a new report.


Cmdr: [radio] Guys, I just got an urgent report on the CP , looks like we have reports of enemy airbourne in our ops area, send out the prowlers. over

Sarg 1: [radio] Roger sir...

The conversation is interrupted as silver star blooms in the sky.

Sarg 2: [radio] Sir, trip wires gone off, whoever they are will be in firing range in 8 mikes, confirm clearance to engage? over

Cmdr: [radio]Sarg 2, Dig the boys in and confirm engage foxtrot, clear to break on engagement. over

*Turning to the 3 operators behind him*

Cmdr:

Ops 2, report back to the CP we have parameter breach and are operating trigger open and ask them to confirm friendlies in the area now.

Ops 3, comms for a UAV flyby, I believe that delta 9 is covering this ops area. Use this command freq 119.36 with this scramble *scribbles codes on a piece of paper*.

Ops 1 how much longer for that data?

Ops 1: at least 10 mikes sir.

the sharp snare of gun fire rips into the night, punctuated by the dull thud of a claymore being detonated.

The commander snatches up the radio whilst gesturing furiously at his men in the command vehicle to get their weapons.

Cmdr: [radio] Sitrep people, what the hell's going on?

The radio crackles to life bringing sounds of the battle into the command vehicle.

Sarg 2: [radio] Sir we got infantry contact on our front, looks to be at least a couple of sections strength. We've got them held for the moment but they'll be trying to flank right soon.

The commander looks at his watch, 3 mins before the telemetry would complete, the pulse transmission would take another 30 seconds on top of that... There wasn't going to be enough time... unless...

Cmdr: [radio] Sarg 1, pull back all heavy weapons to the east side of acorn hill, and bring suppressing fire bearing 299 mils. over

Sarg 2, I want you to hold until suppressing fire commences and pull back to the command vehicle. Over

Sarg 1 & 2: [Radio] Roger out sir.

The commander's plan was in action, sarg 1 would swing his troops around and trek to a higher point of elevation where they would cover the withdrawal of the other troops back to the command vehicle, the heavier weaponry in his group should hold the enemy back and the new front of attack would foil any attempts at a flanking maneuver, buying valuable time.

Cmdr: Ops 1, send the telemetry through once we have it and prep the convoy for departure, Sarg 2 will assume command when he gets back. Tell him to take route 32 back to CP lines, we should be safe there.

Ops 1: What about you sir?

Cmdr: Who do you think is going to cover Sarg 1 and his boys as they run back from their hill?

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