Chapter 67
Twos walked around the front of the lodge and went in and sat down at the table. Before he could get sat down good his Diet Mountain Dew and a glass of ice was setting in front of him. Jasmine also delivered a large plate of grits, some toast with lots of butter and grape jelly and a big thick slice of streaked meat. Jasmine was asking him if he needed anything else as Sarah walked up and said, “That was quick Bossman, guess he didn’t want to talk, shoot marbles or cut high card to settle the deal.”
Twos said, “Nope, Little bit. He wanted to play with steel and he over estimated his hand,” and handed his body guard the pair of Ek’s and winked continuing, “Spoils of war, all for you.”
As the two were talking and Twos was digging into his breakfast with a real gusto, Lt. Colonel Farnsworth, Captain West, 1st Lieutenant Miller, and Sgt. Gold came walking into the Atrium followed by a hoard of men and women. The group adorned in a mixture of blue and for lack of a better definition a light desert BDUs. Twos would later be corrected that the blue was the Coast Guard Operational Dress uniform (ODU) and the camouflage was the Coast Guard Camouflage Utility Uniform (CGCUU). He told the Coast Guard Captain that had relayed the information he would just stick with the Coastie’s BDU as the answer. The Captain did not at all see the humor in Twos answer.
Lt. Colonel Farnsworth walked up to Twos and said, “Sir, the attachment from the Coast Guard was larger than expected. We now have four helicopters at our service. They are as follows; two MH-60T Sikorsky’s same as the Blackhawk. They normally have a crew of four they came in with a crew of six, an extra gunner for the upgrades that have been added by the Coast Guard. They each have a fifty-caliber Ma Deuce addition to the normal M-240. The crew also normally has a Sharp shooter attached with a M-107 Barrett and a M-14 variant rifle. The shooters are going to be attached to the Clan Sniper teams, if possible.”
“The next helicopter is an Airbus MH-65D Dolphin with a crew of four normally, plus one on the pilot and has a M-240 for armament and a precision shooter with a .308-precision rifle and the Barrett M-107 standard.”
“Last but by no means least is the last of its kind still in fleet service a HH - 3F Pelican that has just been rebuilt for special service for the DEA. These birds are also known as the Jolly Green Giant by some members of other service branches. The Pelican has dual fifty-caliber Ma Deuces mounted on its firing points and updated avionics with night flight capabilities for interdiction of Drug dealers. The one we received is almost equal to a Pavehawk, some would say even better.”
“Crew of three with additional two gunners and two extra pilots and a complete crew of mechanics and technicians for the helicopters eight members total. Sir, I don’t know the exact makeup. The Pelican crew arrived with an augmented six-man boarding party from one of their cutters that decided to hitch a ride when they heard about the food at the Lease. The total addition is four aircraft and fifteen pilots, eight mechanics, three precision shooters, six-member boarding party and seven door gunners for a total of thirty-nine people. They also bring news of another C-130 drop at 2200 hours tonight, two aircraft bringing food and equipment load outs to supplement the Clan.”
Twos stood up and said, “Mi Casa is su Casa.” Spreading his massive arms wide in a universal sign of acceptance and welcome to the new Clan additions.
Then continued, “Since the boarding team has heard of our great food and came all this way…”
Twos turned to the ladies in the kitchen and said, “Today ladies I need you to cook for these fine people. Then in about one hour, Woods, Blake and myself along with anyone of the Clan or our new-found friends who knows anything about a hammer and nails will be working to double your cooking area.”
He turned back to the Colonel and said, “Get the Clan Air Force some chow and get back with me, I need to talk with you about Sgt. Paris.”
“We already suspected him of being a Swords of Allah sympathizer at least what did he say, did you get him to confirm it,” asked the Colonel.
“He didn’t much want to talk, just kill me like he did the Captain as the Robert Earl Keen song says, ‘He was much to slow’,” said Twos and laughed at the thought of Robert Earl’s outstanding music and how he missed it right now.
Colonel Farnsworth answered, “I was hoping that it would not come to that. I was aware that the dice had already begun to roll in that direction.”
Twos said, “Yeah, I am going to get the Council together over at the gun shop, would you bring, West, Miller, Gold and anyone else you think needs to come and the three or four top people from the Coast Guard. Also, right after that meeting I want to meet with the three shooters from the Coast Guard we are going to roll them into our team today. Your idea was stellar, so it is my idea now,” said Twos and laughed at the look on the Colonel face.
Ruth walked up and said, “Lighten up Shirley” to the Colonel and she and Twos had a good laugh at the expense of the Colonel. Twos and Ruth started to walk away and Twos looked over his shoulder and said, “We need all your people to medical after the meetings and then some sleep and new Clan camouflage. We have some Terrorist scum to kill in the morning and it is time for the Swords of Allah to feel the wrath of Two’s Clan. We start our first OPs prep meeting at 1300 hours right after lunch in the Atrium of the Lodge. I am off to see a man about some more housing. We also need to get those white and orange helicopters painted today; they stand out like a sore thumb.”
The Colonel just stood there dumb founded as in the US Armed Services he was familiar, the to do list he was just given would have been for two- or three-months’ work projects. Thinking that at least thirty people above his pay grade would have been needed to get the approval for it to happen this year. Twos wanted it done today and attack in the morning. He thought to himself and smiled, maybe just maybe someone at the Pentagon or somewhere finally had a really good idea and got it approved. He then smiled again and thought to himself, nobody approved this someone just did it and probably signed someone else’s name on the orders, just in case it didn’t work.
Joe and First Sergeant Hammond were back sitting on the porch and had been joined by Justin drinking coffee and solving the world’s problems. The trio getting fussed at by the ladies in the Communications Center about their lack of help. It was all in good fun, seems Justin and Pearl had stepped right into the rhythm and reason of the Clan. Twos and Ruth walked up and Joe asked them if they would like a cup of coffee, he knew they didn’t drink coffee especially his, it was just the right thing to do.
Sarah said, “Joe, that stuff you call coffee we could give to the Terrorist and they would die or go running back to the middle east knowing that there was definitely something badder than them here in the US,” and she laughed at the face Joe made as if being hurt by her words.
Twos said, “Joe, I want to know how many cabins you had left had your place. Let’s just say the ones twenty-four feet and longer for now. We might have to go with something smaller, if you don’t have enough or they have been burnt to the ground or someone else wanted them, already.”
Joe thought for a minute and said, “Really quite a few, I think I still had two of the big thirty-two footers with the lofts and three or four in the twenty-four to twenty-eight range. The problem will be plumbing and electric. We brought all of the models that came with the deluxe packages before except maybe one of the thirty-two footers. We may have some spare sinks and the woods stoves. It will not be many though. Like you said, they might be all gone or in no shape to use.”
Twos replied, “I want you to figure out what we need and how we can get the most bang for our bucks. Then I want you and the Sergeant to figure out us a new route that doesn’t involve the bridge. I would like to go make a run this afternoon or tomorrow so think and plan fast.”
Joe asked, “Can we take your trailer and truck?”
Twos said, “You can have anything here at the Lease within reason. Not Ruth or Mackenzie.” Twos saying that with a big smile knowing Joe was always talking about taking him and Woods ladies and it would get his goat.
Twos continued, “I also need the co-ordinates for your place if you have them or get Megan to figure them out. I am going to send one of those helicopters for a look, to see if they are still there.” As Twos was finishing talking with Joe and the Sergeant, Emily came walking by on her way to the Ladies quarters.
Twos said, “Emily, just the lady I was looking to see. I need you to find my daughter Candace along with Samantha and the three if you meet me at the gun shop in about thirty minutes with your weapons and ready to do a little shooting.”
Emily questioned, “Anything else you need, before I go look for them?”
“No thank you for your help,” said Twos. As she was leaving, she turned to Sarah and said, “Your Mom ask me about something for her to do, as she put it to earn her keep. I told her I didn’t know, I just usually looked to see who needed some help and do it.”
Twos said, “Sarah, go get your Mom and take her to the kitchen they need all the help they can get.”
Sarah said, “Don’t want to disagree with ya Bossman. Mom can’t boil water.”
Twos laughed and said, “Well then it’s about time she learns. Please go get her and tell her I recommended her personally for the position,” Twos, Ruth, Sarah and Emily all got a good laugh at that thought.
Woods, James, Thomas and Raj with Lane, Jed and Mark were working diligently on the Ladies quarters when Twos looked over that way while they were talking about Sarah’s Mother. Eyeing them he decided to kill two birds with one stone and headed over that way after saying for the porch critters to get to work.
Justin said, “Sir, can I get a little shooting time with your Snipers, I was a base champion a few years running in F-Class and shot expert on everything I ever qualified to shoot.”
Twos said, “Chief, you ever shot a W-107 Barrett.”
Justin quickly replied, “Have shot the Barrett 99 civilian and a Mc Millan fifty caliber rifle that a friend owned, both of those are bolt actions. The answer though is no, sir, I haven’t.”
“Justin, like I said earlier no time like the present to learn. Please be at the gun shop in thirty minutes,” said Twos. They walked towards the other side of the grounds on their way to see Ms. Garrett and Woods.
As they got to Woods, he was trying to help Raj get one of the new panels mounted on the supplied array frame and saying some words that Twos told him were not proper for mixed company. Woods said, “Excuse me Ladies I cut my hand on some of this razor-sharp aluminum earlier this morning and seems about every time I get it to stop bleeding, I bump it and it starts bleeding again.”
James said, “Dad, make him go and get the Doc to put stitches in his hand. It probably needs a dozen easy.”
Twos said, “Is that right Woods?"
“Yeah, maybe, but we have all this work to do and I can get it looked at during lunch.”
Twos said, “I need you to do some planning anyway and you can do that while they sew your Dumbo self-up. I need you to plan for expanded housing. A big one like the Ladies for the men. The Airstream to be extra and four more quarters for couples or something like that. We probably will not have any of the Solar panels like these came with so we will have to put some units together.”
“The Clan also need a large unit for a Command and Ops Center with plenty of juice. We are going to need a unit made into showers for the Ladies and one for the guys with at least three toilets in each and a big, I mean big tile field. You have your orders and tell the Doctor; I need you and her for a meeting in fifteen minutes at the Atrium with your hand ready to work on a new kitchen after the meeting.”
Woods said, “Ladies,” and tipped his hat and took off at a run to the hospital holding his hand up in the air. Twos looked at the Solar crew and said, “James you and Thomas got this with Raj and Lane.”
James swelled up and said, “We got this Dad, you can use Woods for the other stuff we don’t know anything about. Solar power we got.”
Thomas said, “Yeah, no problem.” Raj and Lane just gave Twos a thumb up when he made eye contact with the pair, assuring them with a wink and a nod, he wasn’t playing favorites with the boys.
Sarah had run into the cabin while all this had been going on and brought out her Mother. Pam was dressed in some jeans and a camouflage shirt with her hair pulled back and her ponytail hanging out the back of an Atlanta Braves ball cap. Ruth said it first, Twos was in disbelief, “Pam, you look like you should have been an LL Bean model or at least a farm girl.”
Pam laughed and said, “Sometimes we forget and sometimes we want to forget, from wince we came. I choose to forget that I was born and bred a country girl. Was raised on a farm and went skinny dipping in the farm pond with the other girls and boys from the area. Eating water melons right from the field for entertainment. Not so bad when you think about it, I just choose to be something or someone else. Now I am ready to go help those Ladies cook. I use to make some good gravy and biscuits,” she had the biggest smile you have ever seen while she was talking and the Kahr was on her side with the extra magazines.
Twos said, “Welcome back Ms. Garrett and no hard feelings on my part.”
She looked at him and Ruth and said, “Ruth you got a good one. I see what my daughter sees in him now, that I have gotten the rose-colored glasses removed. Everything just looks better.”
Ruth said, “Thank you Pam and welcome to the Clan.” Ruth and Twos were in total agreement and very happy for Sarah. The four of them made their way towards the Atrium picking up the Major and Blake along with Phil on their way back.
As Twos walked back into the Atrium, the Coast Guard troops were eating like there was no tomorrow. Mackenzie walked up and said, “We are cooking grits and oatmeal and toast as fast as possible and they are eating like it is their last meal. The group that I was told were the mechanics for the Helicopters have each eaten three big plates and are asking for more.”
Twos said, “Feed them, we are going to be asking them to be the tip of the sword in the morning against the Sword of Allah.”
“Jasmine is in her element,” said Mackenzie. Twos pointed to Pam and said, “Mackenzie this is Pam and she is here to help in the kitchen full time.”
Pam walked over and said, “What can I do to help? It is Mackenzie correct?”
“Ask Jasmine the older Indian lady, she is really in charge I am just a figure head and everyone in the kitchen calls me Mac,” said Mackenzie. Pam grinned said, “Figure head my rear,” and went to see Jasmine.
Twos motioned for the Colonel and Sgt. Gold to come to him and they walked over. I see you men found the chow line for the Coast Guard, our new Air Wing Colonel and where are the Green Beanies and the Rangers. Sgt. Gold said, “They are burying our own sir, they found out from someone, I think maybe your daughter Candace, find young Lady, if I may, sir.”
“We usually have a small service, this will have to do today, and Thanks for handling that sticky situation fellows,” said Twos.
“My first question is why are the Coasties eating like there is no tomorrow,” asked Twos?
The Colonel answered, “That is one of the reasons we ended up with twice as many people and helicopters. They have been on short rations for over two weeks and practically nothing the last two days, so lots of volunteers when they found out you had food.”
“Well Colonel, I want you to be over the Air wing of the Clan unless they have someone with higher rankings and I want Sgt. Gold to be your second in charge of the boarders and whatever else we need him to do,” said Twos.
The Sergeant started to say something or another about rank and Twos just stopped him in his tracts with a look and a shake of his head. Gold said, “Understood fully, sir.”
Twos said, “We need to get these men a place to lie their heads and the only place I know is down at the barn. They will find that is near our rifle range and we are about to discover how the Coasties precision rifleman shoot. Also, did maybe the mechanics sleep on the ride up here, we need some workers. I need answers to all these questions at our meeting in fifteen minutes from now.” He then turned and walked over to the Coast Guard men and women and started introducing himself around the tables.
About twenty minutes later the Council plus a few and the leaders from the Green Berets, Rangers and Coast Guard were at the Atrium ready for the meeting to start. Twos walked to the front of the Atrium where everyone could see and hopefully hear what he was going to say. Twos started, “Gentlemen and Ladies let me start this shindig by saying, welcome to all of our new arrivals here at the Lease and thanks for coming. In case we haven’t had the opportunity yet, I am Twos and this is my humble abode. We have a lot to cover and not much time to make it happen.”
“As of right now Colonel Farnsworth is the leader of the Air units and Sgt. Gold is his second. The Air Wing will consist of the four helicopters and their flight teams and extra pilots and the gunners for each of the craft. The ground crew which will be led by the Clan’s Blake Gilreath and the reason for that is he is over all ground vehicle maintenance and may need your help and expertise.”
“The six members of the Coast Guard Boarders group will fall under the land and I guess the marine forces as we do have a river that is the back boarder of the property here at the Lease. These forces will be led by Air Force Major retired Dianne Woods. The additional makeup will consist of the eight members of the Green Beret Special Forces team led by 1st Lieutenant Sean Miller. The nine members of the Ranger Rifle Team led by Captain Hoot West who will be the second or 2IC to the Major.”
“That leaves Sgt. Lucas of the Special Forces Mortar team, he will be seconded to the Clan’s forces as our artillery force with Colonel Farnsworth doing his FAC stuff for the Sergeant’s team. They will be augmented by a crew to be trained from the Clan members right now it would be Mark and Jeremiah, that may change. These land forces are led by First Sergeant Roger Hammond and seconded by who knows her actual rank ex - SAS team member Imogene Smyth. The Clan members such as the State troopers and others already bloodied in battle from the Clan membership will make up these forces.”
“That leaves the Clan Snipers who are led by myself and the Coast Guard Precision shooters are going to be seconded to this group and become Clan snipers also. I am Twos as I said, and I am the overall Commander and seconded by my wife Ruth Jacobs high school teacher and champion girls’ softball coach and if you don’t like her credentials you will absolutely hate mine.”
The group broke up in heavy laughter at this point with a little cat calling and some general Esprit De Corp shown by all in attendance. When Twos could finally get the group back under control he continued. “The Air Wing of Colonel Farnsworth will be Team Alpha. Major Woods group of Special Forces will be Team Bravo and will have two HUMVEEs one with Ma Deuce and the other with a MK-19. Her group will also have two of the Ranger SOV’s again one with a fifty Cal and the other with a MK-19 grenade launcher. They will also be supplemented with one of the Toyotas Technicals with a fifty-caliber Ma Deuce mounted for fire power.”
“Charlie Team will be the Clan Folk’s Rapid Response Teams led by First Sergeant Hammond. His team have at their disposal an armored HUMVEE that is going to be up gunned to a Ma Deuce hopefully sometime today. The remaining Ranger SOV with a Mk-19 and M-240 for weapons and our remaining five Technicals and the F-250 with a Ma Deuce, two of the Technicals have Ma Deuces and the other three now have M-240s. Unless traveling for a convoy and pulling a trailer the F-250 and the other fifty-caliber mounted Toyota will be held here at the Lease for base defense, either way there will be two-gun vehicles minimum here at the Lodge at all times.”
“Hopefully the Sniper Team will receive one or two SOVs in the drop off tonight to transport them and their spotters and team security into battle. In case that doesn’t happen a couple of the Technicals will have to be moved to support their actions. They will be known as Team Sierra and in my absence led by Warrant Officer 2 recently retired Justin Smoak most probably be seconded by one of the Coast Guard shooters or by my daughter Candace. They will have to out shoot my bunch of young ladies to claim that prize.” A big roar of yeah came from Emily, Candace and Samantha from the back of the room.
“Other notables, Woods stand up please.” Woods stood up and bowed. “This is the man who keeps you in light, housing, and water. The Clan is working on housing for the new arrivals as we speak. We weren’t expecting this much company. The Lease was designed for my family, extended family of about fifteen people. By my count in the last two days we have grown by over fifty and we were almost forty before that so give him and the Clan a little time and we will have you sleeping out of the cold anyway. Bottom line don’t make an enemy of him or his dear wife. Please stand Mackenzie.”
Mackenzie stood. Twos said, “You may not have met this star of the Lease and the Clan. You have however, by now have experience her expertise. The great food you have eaten is prepared three times daily and like today sometimes more often by her team. We have two more groups that help make this place run… Stand up Joe and Megan.”
As they stood up, Twos went on and described them as the Communications and Intelligence wing of the Clan. Better known as our eyes and ears or as one person described them recently the Beauty and the Beast. Weather, Intel, satellite feeds as of today by way of some codes from Colonel Farnsworth and local drone feeds are supplied by this group twenty-four seven. All this has been provided by the famous young lady Megan from day one here at the Lease. A big hand for this group who has saved the bacon of the Clan a bunch of times already.” The crowd all hollered and clapped and Megan melted into the floor while Joe just beamed.
“Last and never least already bringing four of our group back from near death and all back on duty due to their expertise and hard work. The Team known as the hospital are led by Dr. Anne Phillips and her great team of Doctors and others with various backgrounds in the medical fields. Please stand and be recognized Dr. Phillips. She has been here since day one or I guess really two when they brought me here from the hospital after major surgery for three gunshot wounds. She is also one of the original Council members and somewhat responsible with my friend Woods of placing me in charge of this finer bunch of people you will find nowhere.”
Ruth walked up and sat Twos down for a minute and said, “We need to take a five-minute break and be back here in five minutes.”
She handed him a pain pill and a Diet Mountain Dew and said “Sit down for a minute and rest. Then get on with the meeting, you are beginning to sweat like a prostitute in church.” He took his medicine and walked into the Lodge and went to the bathroom and used the facilities and came back out feeling like a new man.
As everybody got back into their seats, Twos started with the meat of the meeting. He said, “In two hours we need to have a team moving towards our supplier of housing. We need one of the Air Wing to fly a recon mission to the yard to see if the buildings are still available. If they are one of the Gunships will need to be our eyes and top cover for the convoy, there and back. Colonel, get with me right after. The second thing is we need to receive the goods by C-130 tonight and get that sorted out and we need to attack the Terrorist camp at and around 0600 hours in the morning. After tomorrow the grieving period will be over for their religious leader being killed by Candace two days ago.”
“At that time, they will probably be back running patrols and ready to fight after prayers tomorrow morning. It is imperative that we attack them and hit them hard before first prayers in the morning. That all being said, we have a lot to do and a little time to do it. The floor is now open for questions, concerns and most of all suggestions and believe me they are all welcome, by me and the Clan Council.”
A couple of hours later a convoy of Joe’s two cabin haulers and the F-250 with the twenty-five five trailer they had carried a cabin on before were in front of the Lodge getting final mission parameters. The Major, First Sergeant Hammond and Twos, Farnsworth already had a HH-60T spooling up and ready for takeoff with both door gunners harnessed into their prospective doors.
The Dolphin had minutes earlier made a run coming in from the east side and the yard seemed to be intact. The Dolphin had also run the preferred route into the portable building yard from the west side of the town and the lower bridge and all seemed clear. The three carrier trucks would be led by a HUMVEE and a SOV in front and in the rear running tail drag Charlie. Also, just to make Twos happy one of the Technicals would be between the trucks and Ruth would be riding shotgun on the Ma Deuce with Blake driving the F-250. Four Green Berets in each of the HUMVEEs and four Rangers in each of the SOVs with the other two members riding shotgun with Joe in one carrier and Phil in the other.
Amy was the third member in the F-250 and Claire was the fourth they knew more about the loading and tie down of the cabins than anyone else. Tonya, PFC Jennings and Dennis, Raj and Lane were riding in the Technical for ground help, defense of the convoy and loading of the housing units. The convoy rolled out of the gate with Melton waving them on and closing the gate as they left the Lease.
Twos walked back to the gun shop where Justin and the ladies were waiting for him to return. The three shooters from the Coast Guard had shown their stuff and had they have been shooting 300 Win Mag rifles like Twos, Candace and Emily they might have even came out close to the top of the class. One of the things Twos did was make sure that it wasn’t some us versus them so each of the shooters from the Coast Guard was paired with a shooter from the Clan, with Twos and Justin being the odd pair.
Justin had the biggest advantage on the 770-meter range in rapid fire. The only long gun left in the arsenal was the lone gun left from the Senators fine collection of weapons. The rifle was an exquisite example of workmanship in fifty-caliber rifles. The rifle was the McMillan TAC-50 A1-R2 in OD green with a 29-inch barrel with a SureFire Suppressor attached to the threaded muzzle. The weapon had a NightForce 5.5-22 X 56mm scope and a dual point sling. Justin had said, it is a thing of beauty when Twos had handed him the rifle. The only drawback that Twos or Justin could attest to the weapon before actually firing it was the magazine capacity of five rounds. The Senator had five extras in the case with the rifle. Five rounds could be a problem in a fire fight. Hopefully at the distances one could employ the McMillan you could always run away to fight another day extolled Justin, with a big grin.
Twos walked up to the group who were all talking and acting like long lost friends. It had helped to learn that two of the Coast Guard shooters were females also. The lone male being David Fields the senior member of the three shooters. He was the best of the three shooters today in a couple of years probably not. His rounds down range was three times as many as the other two ladies and that made a difference. Twos took a big breath and started, “Great shooting by all, our new arrivals shooting the .308 rounds were probably at a disadvantage to the superior ballistic 300 Win Mag round at the distance. Just as Justin had an advantage at that distance with the fifty-caliber rifle. The Coast Guard shooters all have Barrett M-107s. Is that correct,” asked Twos? They all nodded their heads in the affirmative.
Twos said, “Then ladies and Gentlemen of the Clan, tomorrow we will be shooting from about four hundred meters to a long shot of maybe eight hundred meters. We are going to employ the M-107s for maximum pain and destruction of personnel and equipment. We will also be firing Raufoss ammo in the fifties. I have a M-107 also and we were brought one more in our package last night.”
“Emily having a bolt action is going to get the M-107 and Candace and Samantha will keep their 300 Win Mags and will be concentrating on targets of leadership. I have requested three more Barrett's and if they come, we will employ them. I think this will be the best bang for the buck. We will be strung out about thirty meters apart along a small ridge line in a hardwood tree line. Pick your spots with as good of cover as you can find. We don’t want to melt any barrels so don’t go crazy. Pick your targets for maximum damage physically and physiologically. I want the Swords of Allah to be peeing their pants from the aimed fire that the eight of us will be able to accurately deliver down range. You will each have eighty rounds of Raufoss and twenty of ball with a spotter who can load magazines if needed.” The newly formed Sniper group was ready to go right then and do the deed.
Candace asked, “Dad who all is going to spot? We just have Becky, Blake, the Major, and Mom trained and they all but Becky will be with the response force.”
“Candace, you are correct. You also forget that Sarah will be spotting for me. Justin will have Pearl, as they are of a like mind so I am sure she has done it before for him. You have Becky, so that just leaves Samantha, Toni, David and Jodie. I am thinking James for Toni, Thomas for David and Phil for Jodie as he is going to be there for the ambulance anyway,” answered Twos.
“How do you do that Dad, every one of those people have spotted for someone when we have been shooting,” Candace pleaded?
Twos said, “I don’t know baby girl, it is just there when I need it. We now need to get our weapons cleaned up. Get Emily her new toy and ammo assigned and sorted.” They all started to groan about the weapon cleaning except Justin as he wanted to get to know his weapon better and he was loving his new choice in company and Command. He was hoping to be a real Clan member soon and hoping Pearl felt the same way and wasn’t having second thoughts about her decision to join him as a member of the Clan and leaving the service of Country.
It wasn’t long before James and Thomas came walking up and James asked his Father if he could get one of the short-barreled AR’s to replace his PPSH 41. Twos said, “Little Dude we don’t have any of the 10-inch short barreled M-4 clones or M-4’s left. James you waited too long, saying the PPSH was fine.”
James said, “Well, it is fine around here and for close quarters.”
Twos said, “Tomorrow, and in the future, I am going to need something with more reach.”
“We only have the DPMS left from the original ones Woods picked up at Abernathy’s. The one that was going to build as a SASS type rifle in 5.56,” said Twos.
As Twos was talking to James, Emily walked over and said, “I would gladly trade the short barrel you gave me for one more like the SASS rifle. I am a lot better at the slow fire through a scope.”
Twos said, “Well, James seems as if your problem is solved and I have to build a rifle.”
Becky walked up with the four orphans Luke, Jesse, Wanda and April in tow and said, “Twos they need to talk with you.”
Twos asked, “In private or is this alright?”
Luke said, “I guess this is alright. Sir, your group has been wonderful to us. The girls and Jesse are so much younger that this place turning into a military camp has them scared to death. The girls have a place at their Grand Mother’s up in the mountains about fifty or sixty miles from here that they know they will be welcome. Jesse has even been there before also and will be welcome and they want to go. It is my duty to get them there. We would like for you to give us some food enough for four days and I am pretty sure I can get them there.”
Twos said, “That is very admirable of you Luke, and if they want to leave, we are definitely going to let them leave. However, since the Clan took you all in, the responsibility is now ours not yours and we will get them to their Grandparent’s place if they are still there. You have not said, how you feel about staying here.”
Luke said, “I would come back if you would let me. I feel a sense of purpose and a mighty work being done here at the Lease and would love to continue to be part of that work.”
Twos said, “Okay then you stay and be part of the Clan. Could you explain to the others that we can’t do that until day after tomorrow and ask if it okay to wait another couple of days here.”
Luke said, “Sir, they have made me their spokesman and I know that will be alright with all of them.”
Twos said, “Then just tell them to stay in the tent and you can stay with them except to eat and we will talk in two days.” The orphans who had been listening intently said, “We thank you.”
Twos said, “What is the address for the farm, please write it down and give it to Becky and have her return to me, ASAP.”
Returning to his armory container, Twos started to build another rifle, Justin and Candace started sorting and assigning ammo and the new Barrett’s to the Clan snipers. While the convoy was crossing the bridge ten miles downstream from the Terrorist camp. In the lead HUMVEE Captain Hoot West was talking with Blake over the radio making sure they took the correct turn to get to Joe’s lot. The route was a little tricky at this juncture and the JayHawk was hovering at 7000 feet watching their point and rear all at one time, ready to pounce if needed by the convoy. In the Captains ear came the pilot of the JayHawk saying, “The city seems to be all clear, a few wisps of smoke rising from a couple of chimneys, but no movement other than at the Terrorist camp and it is only foot traffic no Technicals.”
“Thanks, Blue Bird One,” said Hoot.
Colonel Farnsworth had call assigned the two JayHawks as Blue Bird One and Two, the Dolphin Little Bird and the Pelican Big Bird. He told the guys it wasn’t fancy like the computer would do. It was something he could remember. The convoy arrived at Joe’s sales lot for the cabins with an uneventful trip so far. Amy jumped out an unlocked the gate with the shot gun riders from the big trucks alongside for cover if needed. At this point Joe started giving orders to the truckers and the teams escorts on where he wanted them and what he needed for them to do to make the time here short and sweet as he put it over the radio.
Joe wanted to load the F-250 trailer first as they were only going to load one cabin on it. If things broke down quickly, they would have one cabin ready to go. Blake backed the F-250 right into the slot Joe wanted and Amy had already gotten the big Lull ready to pick up the thirty-two-foot cabin and set it on the trailer. The loading went like clockwork the tie down not so much one of the ratchet binders broke and flew back and broke Raj’s hand.
Phil rushed to the scene and immobilized Raj’s hand and gave him a couple of Tylenol threes for pain and got him back to the truck. The team never stopped the process, each person just stepped up their game to make up for the injury. A few minutes later Joe told Blake over the radio to get that piece of junk Ford out of working peoples’ way.
Blake said, “Do you need a cup of coffee Joe or is being off the porch too much for someone of your old age?”
Blake was laughing hard and waiting for Joe’s retort as he pulled the big F-250 out of the loading hole. It never came as Joe was busy trying to put his truck into the spot for loading. Blue Bird One came over the radio saying we got company coming two blocks south of team’s location. Dark colored truck moving slowly but steadily towards your position. I repeat no ground support, that I can see. One truck four door no riders in bed or armament mounted that is apparent.
Captain Hoot West said, “I need one of the SOVs to get out and flank movement of truck and Blue Bird walk them in and keep them safe. Everyone else continue with assignments and be ready to rock and roll.”
Blake said, “Lock and load Mama Jacobs, might be time to ‘play that Funky Music White Girl’ as Cool and the Gang might would say to you Ruth.” Ruth remembering the song well from her younger days. Gave a smile to accentuate the words and memories from Blake.
The SOV of WO2 Donnie Seay of the Rangers shot out of the gate heading to flank the truck. First Sergeant Tank Tanaka a big Samoan was on the Ma Deuce and Engineering Sgt. Tim Gentry manning the M-240. Blue Bird soon had the SOV in a flanking position to the truck. The Rangers paralleling it on a street over as the dark truck made its way steadily towards the sales lot and a confrontation with the superior force. Captain Hoot West reminded everyone that the truck could be a Terrorist truck filled with explosives and a martyr behind the wheel and they could not let it in the gate at any cost. Blake and Ruth pulled the big F-250 up to the gate and the trailer was still inside the gate and had it completely blocked to entrance. Blake said, “I am going to leave the truck running and open the door to give me use of my rifle.”
Ruth said, “Good deal, if I have to jump, I am coming out your side, don’t wait on me, though.” That was the conversation that was going on when the truck turned onto the highway right in front of the entrance one mere block from confrontation. In a mindset of the way things were a few weeks ago Captain West said to the troops, “Twenty foot this way by that truck weapons free, I repeat weapons free, fire on my mark.”
Ruth said, “When I open up join the party Blake we are not waiting on any signal from the Captain.”
Blake said, “Gotta like the way the Clan mother thinks.” The giant of a man checked to make sure his magazine was seated out of habit and that his safety was in the fire position.
Ruth was taking the slack up on the Ma Deuce trigger to open fire when the dark blue Ford F-450 truck came to a stop. A white flag immediately came out the window of the driver’s side and the passenger side windows simultaneously. The passenger door opened slowly and a stately white-haired Lady stepped out of the truck holding a white scarf for all to see. She spoke loudly and succinctly but did not holler. You are on Joe Ravan’s property, we have seen you here before, please state your intentions.
Ruth said, “I am Ruth Jacob’s a member of the community and Joe and his two daughter-in-law’s Amy and Claire are here with us and we are taking his property somewhere else. Would you like to speak with Joe or Claire, Amy would be the last who could get here of the three.”
The lady said, “I would like to speak with Joe and tell him Ms. Abigail Fletcher is here and would like to talk with him, if you would please.”
Ruth pressed her mike and said, “Joe there is a Ms. Abigail Fletcher here requested parlay with you at the front entrance.”
Joe said, “Be right there and tell her to come on in.”
Ruth said, “Joe says to come on in Ma’am.”
The reunion of Joe and Abigail was quite the sight and her grown daughter Beth and her son Perry were with her. Turns out that Perry was very good at his craft and had been within a hundred and fifty yards of the front gate lying in a shrubbery bed of a building watching the whole proceedings through the scope of a big bore hunting rifle. They were all that were left of a big extended family that lived not far from here.
Joe invited the Fletcher’s to come to the Lease after speaking with Ruth and Blake. The family happily accepted and ran back to get a few of their belongings with the flanking SOV riding shotgun for them. By the time they got back all of the trucks were loaded with buildings and Joe was putting every fitting, panel and anything that wasn’t nailed down from his business into and onto the trucks. About ten minutes later the convoy headed out to retrace their steps back to the Lease with new friends and more housing. If the Terrorist would just stay put for a dozen or so more hours’ things were about to change.
Chapter 68
As the convoy eased back through the Lease gates with the new housing for the new arrivals and old members of the Clan. A storm was brewing with a bitter cold front quickly moving into the area. Twos felt a cold chill go down his back as he watched truck after truck emerge from the far wood line. Watching the procession start to assemble around the hay field with Woods, James and Thomas showing trucks where to go. One of the SOVs broke from the convoy formation and came straight across the field avoiding the helicopters and heading to the hospital.
Twos with Sarah and now Emily in tow left the Atrium at a fast walk heading towards the hospital and the Defender that was headed that way. They arrived moments after Raj was escorted into the hospital.
Twos asked the first person he saw from the Defender the extent of the injury. He was informed that it was not critical, probably just a broken hand due to a piece of equipment failing at the wrong time. Twos was told that the person injured was of Indian decent and that they thought his name was Raj. Twos replied, “Thanks for the information.”
Twos turned with his entourage in tow and looked for Woods and the operations and building gang. He located Woods offloading cabins in specific positions in and around the tree line perimeter. The Lease and Clan’s O&M chief assigning people and resources to each cabin as it was offloaded. When asked, he informed Twos that two of the thirty-two footers were all that would be worked on today. One of the cabins was for the nine Green Berets and the Mortar Sergeant and the other was for the nine Rangers and Trooper Holtz. The other thirty-two-footer would be for the eight Coast Guard mechanics and the gunners for the Aircraft for now. The fourth of five cabins a twenty-eight-footer would be for the pilots and Colonel Farnsworth and Sgt Gold. The last twenty-eight-footer was going to be placed between the Lodge and the gun shop for a Command Center for Twos.
Twos said, “Get the crews started and meet me at the Lodge for a War Council and Raj has a broken hand and is in the hospital. Please see if the Coast Guard mechanics or the Rangers or Green Berets can help it is their place to sleep.”
“I will be right there, give me twenty minutes,” replied Woods.
Twos said, “Good deal, see ya in twenty bring any of the Council you see,” over his shoulder to Woods as he walked away.
The cast was assembled at the Atrium for the Council of War with all the new players, it was standing room only. The dining part of the Atrium was designed to sit twenty grownups very comfortably and twenty-four or so not so comfortably. The Clan had nineteen members present and the new arrivals had ten including the four pilots scheduled to fly in the morning.
Twos started, “Time being of the essence we need to lay out a basic plan and get everyone to think about their specific parts and the operation as a whole. Then at 1800 hours we will meet for a final analysis and corrections or changes of the plan.”
“The first part of the plan is we need to attack at or before 0600 hours in the morning right before prayers start. That has been from the start the time of least activity at the Terrorist Camp. This time can only be moved to an earlier time, not one minute later. Secondly now that we have an Air Wing, I want to stage a threefold attack. I want the first part of the attack to be just the way we planned it; we are going to open this party with the Carl Gustaf placing three rounds into the far building we think is the Command Center. These three rounds will all have fuses set to go off after penetrating the front walls of the building. First round in the middle and then left side where we have seen the trucks come out and then right side. Cause I like symmetry.”
Everyone had a short laugh at the joke and Twos continued, “We are going to pull the Rangers SOV up with the MK-19 and the M-240 and we are also going to mount a second M-240 on this vehicle and start reigning havoc into the camp. In addition, there will also be the F-250 and Tonya’s Technical with the Ma Deuce up on the ridge making the Terrorist feel welcome to America. We are also going to have six snipers adding fifty caliber rounds of Raufoss into the bedlam that is going to be the camp at this point and two long guns shooting snipers taking out any Command that avails themselves to the operations.”
“Here is where the new part is starting Sgt. Lucas and his Mortar team at the direction of FAC Farnsworth is going to start adding some sixty mm high explosive airburst rounds to the party over the encampment and maybe a little Wiley Pete just for giggles. Any questions or concerns so far on the plan.”
Colonel Farnsworth said, “Where will I be and the mortar team where will they be and who will be there protection?”
“Colonel Farnsworth you are going to be embedded with one of the eight Clan sniper / spotter teams on the ridge. You Sir may have your pick as to which by location. They all should have a good view of the camp. The Mortar team will be at the junction of the Industrial Complex and the road to our Lease with the HUMVEE and the other SOV. Those to serve as the anvil in a L-shaped ambush being led by Woods and the Operations team supplemented by the Coast Guard Mechanics. Extra protection just in case something is following us when we have to leave the ridge. The big helicopter will be spooled up here at the Lease two minutes or less to back up the ambush with her two fifty caliber machine guns.”
“Now is when it gets different for sure the two JayHawks will be attacking from the left and right flanks, standing off to the side and just firing their weapons. At which time Colonel Farnsworth decides the Mortar team will stop firing and the Jayhawks will come in on strafing runs. That leaves the Terrorist only one way out back out the back of the two roads away from the river behind the camp.”
Taking a breath, Twos continued, “That is where the Green Berets and the Rangers come into the party. You will each have your teams plus three, Lt. Smith, Trooper Jay Holtz, PFC Jennings, PFC Dennis, Silvia and Imogene with one of the Toyota Technicals and their fire power with a set of our captured RPG-7’s and one pack of six-rockets. They are the anvil for those leaving the party and the Dolphin will be your eyes and a little extra firepower if needed.”
“I don’t need to tell you that even though you are Green Berets and Rangers we don’t stand and fight superior numbers. Your orders are to let them blow through and get away, just hammer them as they do. Any questions or concerns.”
Tonya stood up and said, “It may not be my thing to say, however Silvia, Imogene and I have been fighting the same Technical and I would love to have her on my truck as always.”
Twos looked at Tonya and said, “Tonya it is your right as a Clan member and your wishes will be granted.”
“Any others,” asked Twos.
The First Sergeant stood up and said, “I will take the Ladies place and fight with my men and the Clan members as the backdoor swatter, time for a little pay back."
The Major stood up and asked, “What is my part of the plan?”
Twos said, “Major you will be with the F-250 as you have since the beginning and will be leader of the forces on the ridge. I had assumed and you know how that works out. Leader of the ground forces on the ridge and I expect to hear that M-203 dealing from the ridge.”
The Major said, “Then let me add one thing, for those on the ridge and in the air especially, we need to not get target fixated like we did on that ridge last time and all of us run out of bullets at one time.”
Sarah stood up and said, “I second that part of the speech,” and her and all of the people who saw her stand on the ridge against a Technical with handguns knew from whence the second came and a chorus of yeah’s and Amen’s rang out in the Atrium from the Clan.
Twos said, “Thanks for your patience, that seems as good a place as any to end. Could I see the Colonel, the Major, Sgt Gold, Woods and the First Sergeant and my Dear wife, Phil and Blake for a couple of minutes. Everyone else dismissed, don’t go far as we have a lot to do to get ready for delivery tonight and other things, help out where you can, that’s all dismissed.”
Woods pleaded, “Can we get Blake to do some welding for the second kitchen, if he doesn’t have anything else to do, Mackenzie is giving me the eye,” and laughed all the way out the Atrium.
Twos just nodded at his crazy friend; he acted all afraid of Mackenzie truth was they never said a cross word to each other. Very unlike his and Ruth’s relationship who could argue over what color of white, a street post happened to be, they were just that competitive.
As the secondary meeting started, Colonel Farnsworth said, “I need to get with your radio operators and see if we can get through to Command and tell them about the attack. I need to see if they have any intelligence or possibly any help. It would be nice to have another Mortar team and those Barrett’s you wanted at least.”
“Colonel no problem,” countered Twos, “I need to get with you all for just a minute and see if there is any glaring mistakes or exceptions in the plan. I know I am not a trained Commander and battle planner. I do need for the sake of the Clan, need to seem to be.”
The Major said, “I am not a ground pounder, I did attend the War College and the plan is fairly textbook for joint forces. What do you think, Colonel and First Sergeant?"
The First Sergeant chimed in with, “What about the bridges at one time we were going to blow the bridge here at the camp.”
The Colonel said, “That is important infrastructure that might take thirty years to replace. I think that should be at last resort.”
Twos said, “That was my thoughts after spending a few days going over it in my head. We do have the explosive satchel charges that came with the Demo package. We will have a couple of these at each bridge just for insurance. They are already prepared and it is just pulling the igniter and leave the package, it will do everything else in fifteen to twenty seconds. Blake could you and I at least start on the second kitchen the Ladies really need the room.”
“I’ll go get my International and bring the supplies up that we have already laid out and the tools. Then you and I and your Harem can start working in about an hour,” said Blake and laughed at the expression his best friend gave him over his last comment.
Twos retorted, “At least none of them have been mistaken for my wife, like some people have you and Ruth for playing house.”
“Phil White, I am going to kill you,” hollered Blake and tried to hide his huge self from the stares of the others.
Ruth stepped in and said, “Nothing to see here folks move along," as everyone had that we need to hear more of this story look. Twos said, “We all have stuff to do now, get with the program and Colonel if you get any news that will change things please find me so we can talk."
As the elite head shed of the Clan broke up, each going their own way with thoughts on their work, their children, the country and the Clan, the noises of people working and getting ready for war could be heard all about the Lease. Twos took the time before Blake would be back with the equipment and materials to work on the Atrium outdoor kitchen to go check on the hospital staff and Raj. Twos and the entourage which now also included Ruth were seen walking towards the hospital.
Megan, Pearl, and Joe were standing in the door of the Comm Center talking with the Colonel and deciding how they wanted to initiate the contact with Command. It was four hours before time for normal channels contact. It was decided to use the Colonel’s get out of jail free card and contact using his emergency channels. That was decided, and they just decided to put the signal out there, the signal was after all being burst in micro second transmissions, then bounced off satellites before being reconstructed by a like model receiver.
“Pearl as soon as you get the Command on line ask for Brigadier General Westmoreland code name Charlie one. The call is on emergency channel Delta 246 from Lt. Colonel Farnsworth code name Colorado Springs Academy six, need emergency communications on imminent attack Terrorist main body south,” explained Farnsworth to the Green Beret come Clan members newest radio operator.
Joe said, “Looks like you got this, I am going over to check on Abigail, Beth, and Perry and see if they are getting settled into their quarters. I will be back in thirty minutes or less and will take over operations until midnight.”
Megan said, “Yeah and leave us all sleeping till time for the party to start fat chance old man, just go see your honey and tell her some of those smooth sweet lies.” The girls each had a good laugh at the expense of Joe. Joe walked out of the Comm Center shaking his head saying “One of these days, Megan, one of these days. Pow! Right in the kisser!” and headed straight towards the lady’s cabin in search of Abigail Fletcher.
As all this was going on at the Comm Shack, Twos and his followers were talking with Dr. Phillips, Gretchen, Billie and Phil about plans to have the Ambulance at the Industrial Complex ambush point to help with getting any wounded back to the Lease. The decision that they were going to have Billie on the Big Pelican to help administer to any wounded picked up by the big helicopter was also expounded.
Twos said, “That is what I like about the Clan they are always figuring out ways to improve on my basic plans. Good job, by all, I really like that addition to the plan.”
Phil said, “I was talking to the mechanics and they have the green paint from the Army for the helicopters. Do we have any paint for the Ambulance, if it is going out on runs now?”
Twos said, “There is some rattle cans down at the barn of Rust-o-leum we use for the tree stands and such. There might be enough to get at least one coat on the ambulance.”
“Good deal, I think I will try and get Jed and Mark and put on a little paint,” said Phil as he turned and walked out of the hospital.
Twos asked Raj, “How is the hand my friend?”
Raj setup in the bed and said, “It is going to be fine according to the Doctor, just painful for a while. I will be ready for the fight tomorrow. It is my off hand not my trigger hand.”
Twos said, “Good we will need you to run one of the OP’s with Melton and Robert in the other.”
Raj protested, “I can go to the fight and fire at the enemy, it is a matter of family honor.”
Twos answered, “Raj, you and Jasmine are members of the Clan in good standing, from the beginning you all have kept the faith and did your part, so here defending the Lease is where the Clan needs you in the morning.”
“Very well Twos, we are the fortunate ones to be members of the Clan and we say Thank You to all,” pronounced Raj.
Twos said, “Thanks for the great job people, keep it up and if you have any request holler. I have some kitchen building to go and complete,”
Turning quickly towards the door running into Emily and knocking her flat of her back. Sarah reached down and helped Emily to get up telling her, “This bunch of Monster’s are quick for their size, don’t get to close, and now you know why.” Smiling at Emily and turning and walking out the door with Ruth and Twos.
At the radio shack the Colonel had received some good news and helpful information from the Brigadier General he called a personal friend. The Clan would be receiving not two plane loads but three and ten minutes before paratroopers would be landing at the Lease. The jumpers were two replacement Green Berets for the two dead Green Berets and a third to replace Sgt. Gold.
Jumping also would be another two-man Mortar Team with mortar and shells, also two, six-man MP teams that were from the Air Force that were jump capable and heavy weapons experts. Twos request for the Barrett’s would be on the plane. Additionally, twenty-four H&K 416 weapons packages with co-indexed red dot scopes and 3X multipliers and night scopes with SureFire suppressors. Each rifle would have a pair of H&K USP Tactical 9mm pistols with suppressors also in the package.
The H&K packages were for some Special Ops team that no longer existed on paper or otherwise, Farnsworth was told and the General thought they might come in handy. The Case included optics and night scopes. He had also scrounged up a dozen Colt M-4 short barreled rifles with suppressors and ACOG scopes along with the regular load out. He also, said, the load out had three more Ranger SOVs all coming with Mk-19s and twin M-240 machine guns already on the vehicles. The load included a mini-gun for the nose with computer hardware and setup for the two JayHawks and the Pelican. The one thing that even scarred the Colonel, the General said, that James and Thomas would love the two new drones and their range ability of twenty miles and 12,000 feet in altitude. As the Colonel was leaving the Comm Center to find Twos he saw Twos and his entourage walking his way.
Colonel Farnsworth hollered at Twos and said, “Bossman new developments on tonight’s shipment we need to talk.”
Twos hollered back, “Then follow me to the Lodge and we will talk there.” The Clan leader continued on his path to the Lodge and some cold ice tea or better yet an ice-cold Diet Mountain Dew. Quickly followed by at least one pain pill, his second thought was two might be a better choice. Twos thought to himself, two is a pipe-dream, probably don’t need to take one with all that needs to be accomplished and so little time.
As Twos arrived at the Atrium, Jasmine met his group with a large container of ice Tea and one ice cold Diet mountain Dew. Twos said, “Jasmine, if I wasn’t married, I would be asking for your hand in marriage right now. Thanks for doing such a great job for the Clan.”
Jasmine just blushed and turned and went back to the kitchen. Across from where Twos and his entourage had sat down Blake, Lane and Joe’s two grandsons were working on the new kitchen and one other fellow that Twos couldn’t place. Twos asked the Ladies, “Who is the tall guy helping Blake.”
Emily maybe a little too quickly answered, “That is, Abigail Fletcher’s son Perry.”
“Oh, okay, that is Joe’s lady friend correct, I am beginning to have trouble keeping up with our new arrivals. She had a daughter, correct and what was her name,” he asked?
Ruth said, “Yes, she did and her name is Beth."
At that moment Lt. Colonel Farnsworth showed up and began to continue the debrief on the radio communications with his Command group that was getting closer to being extinct every moment. Farnsworth explained, that he thought the reason the General was pouring so much into the Lease was he knew in a few days it may not be a possibility and the bad guys may control all of the resources he was delivering to the Clan.
The other news was that the drops had been moved up a couple of hours to 2000 hours. The group actually thought that was a good omen as it would give them a little more time to prepare for the battle in the morning. The other great news was the General had given Farnsworth access codes to the satellite that had the best real time data for this area. The data package and the intelligence computer analysis for the southeast SOCOM headquarters. The Clan were for now part of the Intelligence chain until someone noticed the dump and cut the resource off.
Ruth said, “If James, Thomas and Megan get into that computer chain, no one will get them out, less they shut down the system.”
Farnsworth looked skeptically at Ruth and she said, “If they get in, they will make sure we stay, they are that good even if they are just kids. They may be kids in age just not in abilities with electronics and computers.”
Supper came and went and with the addition of the new resources, the plan of attack was altered and adjusted to maximize the pain of the attack. One concession was made the entire maintenance team for the helicopters and any spare Coast Guard personnel would be assigned to get the mini-gun mounted on the nose of the Pelican. As this could be a real game changer if it was needed. The Colonel thought it could be done, it would take all night though.
Twos said, “We all have our assignments, let’s get ready for the drop and if there is anything we can do to the Pelican in preparation of the mini-gun, then we get with the program. Everyone is dismissed, good luck and God Speed to the mechanics.”
As they left, Blake walked over to Twos and Ruth and said, “If we can get Woods and you over here to the new kitchen to do the rock work on the oven, we may can have some fresh bread tomorrow after the attack. Woods also needs to do the propane hookup for the countertop stove, the wood stove is already hooked up and ready to cook. The only hot water right now will be from the reservoir on the wood stove.”
Twos said, “If you are waiting on me, you are backing up. Emily go find Woods and tell him that Mackenzie wants him here right now.”
Twos laughed and continued, “That will get him get here much faster than if I told him I wanted to talk with him. That man knows where his bread is buttered.”
Twos walked over and started laying fire brick around a chicken wire mold that Blake had found in the barn that Twos had used as his template on the first large outdoor baking oven. Twos started prepping cement and Jed said, “We will do that you lay the brick. Do you need a specific mixture?”
Twos said, “Guys, about four shovels of sand per bag and make it wet, at least a five-gallon buckets per bag, to start.”
Jed and Mark, started making cement and the one that wasn’t stirring or shoveling cement was making sure Twos had plenty of the brick right by his left hand. Twos noticed how efficient the two young boys were and asked them about their masonry skills. The boys responded that their Dad had did some masonry work on the side and for their Grandpa and they always helped. Twos remembered the last oven had taken a whole weekend doing it all by himself. Having the bricks already within his reach, the template in place and the boys making cement he probably could do this in four hours if his hands held up.
Laying bricks was a job that was hard on the hands. He was wearing gloves; it still made his fingers and hands hurt. An hour and a half or so later with his hands screaming from cement and brick cuts, he handed the job off to Woods who could finish the oven from there. Twos had already completed the inter flume and draw parts of the brick oven it was just finishing up the outer layers to hold the heat in the oven.
Twos turned and walked over to the Lodge door and walked into his cabin to clean and put some Neosporin on his hands. As he walked into the bedroom Ruth was changing clothes and had just came out of the shower. As he walked over to her, she said, “Not now big fellow, first you need a shower the Terrorist can probably smell you from their camp and second, it is just not the appropriate time.”
Twos went to get a shower his wife was right about at least one of the things, he smelled like dead rats and wild onions and needed to change clothes. After the shower and changing into a new clean pair of Duluth pants and a Nike Dri-Fit long sleeve compression shirt in dark gray he added a dri-fit camouflage shirt over the top in his favorite pattern. He laid across his bed and fell asleep in record time. Ruth came in looking for him thirty minutes later and found him drooling on his pillow sound asleep. She decided to let him sleep for thirty more minutes until it would be time for the jumpers to be coming into the camp.
Colonel Farnsworth was making sure the IR strobe beacons were set at the precise angle and awaiting the jumpers. Over his earpiece, Megan said, “Colonel what was our expected number of arrivals tonight by air?”
He thought for a minute knowing that Megan knew the number as she had given most of the briefing on the drop for tonight. He said, “One seven, I repeat one seven, over.”
Megan said, “I concur one seven, sir. We however have two six, I repeat two six, IR beacons coming into the Lease property, ETA thirty seconds or less, over.”
“Repeat Juliet, two six, over,” said Farnsworth to Megan who’s call sign was Juliet. Somebody had decided that Joe and Megan needed to be Romeo and Juliet, probably Twos or Ruth thought Farnsworth they would see the humor in such nonsense.
Megan said, “Repeat two six confirmed, sir, updated ETA ten seconds. Should we hold the welcoming committee for confirmation of visitors?”
Farnsworth said, “Yeah, hold welcoming party till all visitors on ground and identified by radio contact by me. I have them on my channel, over.”
Megan said, “Repeat, holding on welcome mat, over and out.”
Farnsworth thought, extra hands are nice but why didn’t the General say something. Well every drop had been a little different than expected, I guess we will see if we can figure out who is at the dance. As he watched the parachutist hit the ground and start to gather up their shoots and converge on the center of the formation making a perimeter guard around a couple of individuals in the middle.
As he was about to hail the troops in the middle of the hay fields. Over his earpiece he heard a familiar voice, saying which one of you ladies is going to give me a dip, or am I going to have to kill one of you and take it. Farnsworth would know that voice and matching attitude anywhere. It belonged to the Generals favorite non-commissioned officer one Command Sergeant Major retired Ben Johnson First Infantry Division Big Red One like the General.
Farnsworth thought who will show up next Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. As Farnsworth spoke over the radio to the group in the center to identify their selves. He was answered by none other than Brigadier General Elijah Terry saying, “Farnsworth what kind of operation you running here. Is this the way you welcome a One Star to your camp, where is my red carpet and band playing?”
Twos didn’t understand the humor between two senior officers and stepped into the conversation saying, “First off General this is not the Lt. Colonels operation, it is mine and I don’t much like your attitude. Is it going to be a problem if it is, I will personally show you the door and hope it doesn’t hit you in your better side as you leave?”
The big Command Sergeant Major of Jamaican descent could be heard laughing all over the property. He finally quit laughing and said, “Now there is a man that has his stuff together and knows where the sack is placed. Where is this man who speaks to Field Grade Officers like they are Privates, he is a man I can serve under?”
Farnsworth said over his mike, “Well this is all good, and I hate to break up a party, we have the first Hercules on its way for drop in forty-five seconds get your butts in gear and come towards the three red lights in a hurry.”
Command Sergeant Major Johnson hollered in a deep baritone, “You heard the man move your feet Asshats.” The new arrivals were moments later in the tree line standing beside Twos and Farnsworth with Sarah and Emily. They were there with Twos and Sgt. Gold with Farnsworth as the first C-130 made its first run across the property putting out its cargo in a precision pattern.
Twos said, “General maybe we got off on the wrong foot and maybe we didn’t. Let’s get one thing straight you and your people are under my protection and direction at all times as part of the Twos Clan. If you have any problem with that, now is the time the last person who did is dead at my hands.”
Sgt. Major Johnson said while laughing, “General, now I see why you picked to come here when you could have gone with the other Generals and politicians. This is a bunch that will die fighting for the rights of all men and Americans, my kind of people. Twos, I would like you to add my expertise and my rifle to the service of the Clan.”
“Sgt Major it is the pleasure of the Clan to welcome you to our abode it is called the Lease.”
Ben Johnson said, “Twos just call me Ben or Johnson, I retired two years ago. So, I answer to Ben and is that Kodiak the big bear I smell.”
Twos pulled the can of Kodiak from his pocket and said, “Here Ben, keep it, it only had about two dips left in the can and I just put one in.”
The General said, “Twos you have my and mine’s allegiance. We brought the stated load out, the Sgt Major, my aide de camp First Lt. Parsley and a team of Force Recon Marines that decided they didn’t think the Politicians were the right choice either. We are at your disposal and hope to help.”
“Go with Farnsworth and get a cup of coffee or some ice tea at the Lodge and I will be there in a few to discuss the plan for tomorrow. The stuff and people you brought with you will help kill the Terrorist and I did say kill we do not take prisoners here at the Clan. My people will take care of the receiving of the equipment and goods to the Lease.
As Farnsworth led the General and his new group away, Sgt. Gold showed up and said, “We need to get the Mortar team pulled out and the Green Berets and get them with their team, sir.”
“Please take care of that Sgt. Gold and see that the new guys get some chow if they need it also. I forgot to mention it but the kitchen is open for sandwiches,” said Twos.
The Sgt Major stepped up to shake Twos hand and Sarah misinterpreted the movement and had the new to her Ek #5 up against the Command Sgt Majors throat. Emily had followed Sarah’s lead and had drawn her pistol and had it in his kidney too. The Sgt Major did not move or speak just tried to stay alive for another moment. Twos turned around hearing the movement and seeing what was happening hollered, “Woe, Ladies woe, he is on our side. Sorry Ben, the Ladies get a little over protective from time to time. They are pretty handy to have around though,” and smiled at the big black man as he had turned a very pale shade of gray.
Ben said, “I guess I know what they are here for now. Thought they might just be eye candy to distract people when you talk with them or negotiate.”
Twos said, “Hadn’t thought about that aspect. The one with the Ek is Sarah better known around here for her shooting than the blade, we call her little Annie Oakley. The other is one of our snipers, Ms. Emily very talented with a long gun and not bad with a pistol.”
Ben bent at the waist in a big bow and said, “Ladies we are all on the same side. I am going to offer my services to Twos as your camp Sgt. Major or Operations guy if they are wanted. I have twenty-eight years’ experience and I like your style.”
Twos said, “Welcome to the Clan you are now officially a member in good standing Ben, go get off your feet for a few we are going to have a busy day tomorrow.”
Sarah said, “Thanks for the compliment Sgt. Major, some people around the Lease are oblivious to my looks,” pointing at Twos with her blade.
Ben said, “Well little lady you have to look over the deficiencies of flag grade officers, Ma’am. That’s why they have great operations non-comms like myself to keep them straight,” and laughed with that deep resonate laugh. He continued, “Ma’am, I think between the three of us we can probably keep him alive if not out of trouble. He looks like the kind of Leader that might just lead from the front if we don’t remind him of his duties from time to time. Yawl ladies think you can help me out on that.”
Sarah said, “No problem Sgt. Major, you have to keep him out of trouble with Ruth the real leader of the Clan. She is wife and a real pistol when she wants to be when it comes to Twos.”
“Thanks for the warning, Little Miss, the Man is usually made by his wife. No reason to think any different, in this case can’t wait to meet Mrs. Ruth,” said Ben.
Ruth walked up and said, “And who is this fine gentleman, that is saying all the right stuff and laying it on thick, I might add.”
Sarah said, “Sgt. Major Ben Johnson retired, Ruth and new member to the Clan and Twos new Operations Officer.”
Ben said, “Little Miss has it almost right Ma’am, I am retired Sgt. Major Ben Johnson and have offered my services to the leader of the Clan as Operations Chief. She is wrong, in that I am not now or ever will I be an Officer Ma’am, I work for a living.”
Twos spoke up after his absence from the conversation saying, it is “Time to go to Work,” and gathered up his ever-expanding entourage and started giving orders to people as the last of the supply drops had been made.
As Ben walked away with the group, he was thinking more Leaders like him and this crap shoot would never have happened. Twos was thinking, I hope I can lead this great group of people and that God will let us be victorious tomorrow against the Terrorist Muslims.
Chapter 69
0300 hours D-Day at the Lease the group of new arrivals and the Clan were just finishing chow, checking and re-checking load outs personnel and team assignments. The party was scheduled to start in two hours and fifty-five minutes and the clock counting down. Attack position number One the ridge-line across river from Terrorist Camp would start the party. Imogene from SOV #1 and PFC Jennings in SOV #2 would start the festivities by each firing their M3 MAAWS Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle. The 84-mm HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose) round carrying a 0.6 second fused delayed round into the far Command building.
This would signal the start of the attack for all of the Clan led Forces. Their Gustaf’s would be reloaded and then they would fire another round a piece into the building. If required, Imogene would put her third round into the passageway to the basement that Technicals had been seen leaving the building. All the regular Army, Marine, Coast Guard and Air Force soldiers had agreed that the possibility of taking out the Terrorist Command and Control on the first punch was a wise choice by Twos and the Clan.
The convoy would move out in waves, the Green Berets and the Rangers having the farthest to go would move out in approximately twenty-five mikes at 0330 hours. They would be followed directly by the team led by The Major to the far bridge used to cross into the town. The Major’s team would then place the two satchel charges on the bridge with the Major controlling the fire controller. Her Team of SOV # 4 and Tonya’s Toyota Technical setup in an ambush position on the Lease side of the river and await the return of the Green Beret Team and the Rangers Team in ambush position.
Each of those Teams had two HUMVEEs and a SOV at their disposal and each team had been augmented by the MP teams to a full roster of fifteen soldiers. All team members in full battle rattle load out and fighting capabilities for the three vehicles of each team. They were designated Team #5 Green Berets and Team #6 Rangers. Each Team had one HUMVEE that had a Mk-19 in the turret and a front passenger side door M-240 mounted, the second HUMVEE had a Ma Deuce in turret and M-240 mounted on the door.
The SOV had a Mk-19 and two M-240 machine guns mounted in the bed. A whole lot of hurt in a small package. The second group to move out would be the seven Snipers teams. They would be closely followed by SOV Team #1 consisting of Justin Smoak, Pearl, Imogene, one Coast Guard Mechanic and three of the newest arrivals the MP’s. The second Team will be led by the First Sergeant and manned by PFC’s Jennings and Dennis, with Lt. Smith and Trooper Holtz and two of the MP’s. The Sniper Teams would be dropped off as close as possible from the MRAP truck driven by Phil. The plan was for him to leave the truck at the Industrial Complex inner road and Joe would bring him back to the Lease to pick up the Ambulance and Billie. Emily from the Sniper team could drive them back if need be.
The last group would be SOV Team #3 led by Woods and Sergeant Gold with one of the MP’s and both of the 60mm Mortar teams. The Mortar team would help fight the ambush after firing the Mortar rounds on the encampment. Joe would be there also to help with Communications and the ambush if needed. The SOV had a MK-19, a Ma Deuce and a M-240 for a little extra firepower for the Clan. The Major’s SOV was equipped in the same fashion. The last vehicle would be the F-250 driven by Blake and manned by Ruth, two of the Marines and General Terry.
The last group to leave the Lease would be the helicopters; the pair of JayHawks would spool up first starting at five minutes before the first firing of the Carl Gustaf’s. The pair were scheduled to be on station for the first fireworks. The Dolphin would fire up as the JayHawks lifted off and would be on station three minutes after first contact. The Pelican was still being worked on by the mechanics. They hoped to have the nose mounted min-gun ready to rock and roll by time to spool up at ten minutes after zero hour. It would be spooled up and ready to go hot on a moment’s notice from Command and Control.
Twos was talking with the Sniper Teams, the load out of our Teams are a little different than we first specified yesterday. Warrant Officer Smoak is not going to be with us he is leading SOV Team #1 at the ridge. Justin will be part of the hard pain delivered by MK-19 that he will be manning and his lady Pearl will be running a Ma Deuce from the SOV to help the cause. Because of this change our team consist of seven sets of shooters and spotters. Six teams will have M-107 firing Raufoss and causing mayhem and destruction that is our mission.
The seventh shooter is Candace and she will have the NEMO Watchmen doing what she does best delivering 165 grain packages of joy to the Terrorist Command and Control individuals. I know it is not optimum, as we have not had time to work with the spotters the assignments are as follows, “Sarah will be with me, Candace you have Luke work with him. Emily you have the one and only Command Sergeant Major Ben Johnson, he has more years in service than you are old so don’t run off and leave the old fart,” and laughed at the expression displayed on the Sergeants face.
“Samantha, just like cooking breakfast Mackenzie will be grinning and giving orders and you will be doing all the work.” Samantha grinned and nodded her head in agreement and said, “You know that’s right, Bossman.” She got an angry stare from Mackenzie till she busted out laughing at Samantha.
Twos continued, “Now to our newest members the Coasties. Jody Moody, Beth will be your spotter, Toni Meeks you will be with Perry and last but not least David Fields will be with Colonel Farnsworth. The Colonel will also be our FAC for the Mortar teams so he is going to be a busy guy. David don’t hesitate if you have a target let it fly. Then pick your spotter back up on the next round or the fourth round don’t wait on the Colonel he may be busy. That goes for all the shooters, the rules of engagement once the first round from the Gustaf’s fire are as follows: it is open season and everything across the river is available.”
“We need to try to stay in our assigned quadrant, if you run out of targets move to the next closest quadrant and light them up and so on till, we are out of ammo or targets. I did say once it is fired you see smoke let her rip we are not waiting on detonation. We want to hit first, hit hardest, and hit last. Good shooting and don’t melt any barrels. Our, rally point is back at the Industrial Complex and ambush site one. If you miss that make your way back to the Lease by way of the planted pine forest, get your spotter and go don’t wait if the command is given to fall back.”
The Major walked up to Twos and asked, “Can I have a minute of your time?”
Twos turned to his Snipers and said, “Everyone check their weapons and load out of their teammate one more time, then get off your feet till time to load for the trip.”
Finished he turned back to the Major and said, “Do we need to meet in private or is right here, okay?”
The Major answered, “Why don’t we walk a bit. If we may?”
They walked away from the group to continue the conversation. The Major started by saying, “The plan is a good one and the addition of the extra firepower and soldiers just made it a better bet to rid the area of the Terrorist. I have two problems though, they are as follows, we are leaving the Lease bare. I know that there will still be over fifteen individuals here at the Lease, they will be mostly women and children.”
She held up her hand to Twos and continued, “Let me finish, they are mostly inexperience women and children and no real leader, except maybe Megan, James and Thomas who should be worrying about school work not leading the defense of the Lease. The second thing being are you trusting the General and his troops.”
Twos though for a minute before he spoke and started by saying, “On the General and his Troops, trust but verify. That is why the General is basically with me and the bulk of his troops are on the other side of town and would have to pass through you or us to get back to the Lease.”
“The second part of your question, the only thing I can think of is leave the ambulance here with Phil and Billy. Then we bring Joe back from the ambush at the Industrial Complex. You also forgot about the eight Coast Guard mechanics and the four extra pilots hopefully they would do their part hopefully. What do you think about that scenario?”
The Major thought for a minute about her reply and said, “That would help a lot, Joe has the experience and Phil is a great hand also. Can we make that happen?”
Twos said, “It will take me about two minutes to change that part of the plan. Thanks for keeping me straight.”
Finished speaking Twos bent over and gave the Major a big hug and pat on the back. He walked away into the dark from the front of the building heading towards the Communication shack where he knew he would find Joe. His plan was then to go to the hospital in hopes of finding Phil and righting this key error on his part with the plan. He hoped this was the only glaring error at least and that was little comfort.
Twos walked up on the porch of the Communications Center finding Joe and the First Sergeant sitting, drinking coffee just like any other night, not a care in the world. They had added the third blind mice in the form of Justin Smoak to their party recently.
Joe in his usual manner of greeting offered Twos a cup of coffee and Twos turned it down as always before starting, “Joe, we have a little change of plans we want you to stay here and the Lease and Phil also to give more Leadership and backbone to the defense. Cool?”
Joe grunted and said, “Seems great minds think alike the three of us have just been mulling over that same problem and came up with the exact same solution. We also have something else for you. Twos you need to see the satellite view and the views from the two drones. The satellite feed is about thirty minutes old and the drones are real time.”
“James and Thomas have already written a program to find the changes and show them in real time on another monitor. It is amazing Intelligence in real time and we have IR and color feeds whichever is better. The thing is those boys of yours really deserve an atta boy at least. They have been wide open since they unpackaged those birds. Both Megan and Pearl say that even to them what they have accomplished is amazing. We have one problem though that you can help. We need the wide screen TV from yours and Woods bedrooms. We need more places for video views and information.”
Twos said, “Do it, just ask Mackenzie first she is with the Snipers over by the gun shop. I am going in to see the information and talk with the boys. Also, Justin could you run over to the hospital an inform Phil of the changes in the plan for him and Billie.”
“Right on it, sir,” said Justin and jumped off the porch and was heading towards the hospital at the double time standard.
The Communications Center looked like something from NASA when Twos walked into the cabin. It was wall to wall screens and monitors each showing and storing data and aerial views of the Terrorist camp and the Lease in real time. Some had satellite feeds some drone feeds some side by side one view in color one in IR. To say that the transformation of the cabin was amazing to him would be an understatement. Twos only though besides real appreciation and awe of what his, boys had done was where would they put the two 60-inch TV’s when they got them here.
Twos said, “James and Thomas, I am told you are responsible for this display here in the Comm Center.”
James replied, “Dad it is my fault, don’t blame Thomas, I wanted to get all the data we could put a Mock One eyeball on as you say. Thomas wanted to be less aggressive and do more with the computers. I was afraid with our time constraints we might miss something and be too late if we waited for the analyzed data instead of analyzing as we go and the computer doing the backup analysis. Totally, I am to blame.”
As he quit talking Thomas started to add his reasons for the blame being his and Twos stopped him in his tracks by saying, “The credit goes to you both, and all the Ladies here trying to help you two mad scientists. I couldn’t be prouder my only comment would be two-fold, who is flying the birds and why are we exposing both at one time.”
James said, “They are at maxim flying altitude and the Terrorist can’t see them with their eyes, and their radar signature is that of a fly at that height. We wanted as much data to dump to the Green Berets and Rangers as possible they have their computers and can see most of what we are seeing almost real time. We will be able to give the feed to the helicopters also. They are on autopilot and the second bird will be landing about the time the rocket hits the front of the building if Imogene’s watch is right. Dad we need your TV from the bedroom, too.”
Twos said, “Already approved by me, you need to ask Mackenzie about theirs. It is alright by me and it seems the Clan is going to be the only ones fighting blind.”
Thomas said, “No sir, we traded the Rangers for two of their computers and the SOV’s have the screens and computers in them to get the data too. We will dump to all real time through the satellite all secure and all.”
“You boys make me proud, good job and keep up the good work. Ladies thanks for the great job you are doing with these two misfits that ought to be studying for mid-terms about this time of year. Don’t let them get the big head though, in the Clan doing what you are able is the requirement for admission, so they are just doing their jobs.”
As he walked back out of the cabin there must have been a gust of pollen that got in Twos eyes as they needed to be wiped of a few stray tears. As he stepped off the porch, Justin met him coming back from the hospital saying, "Sir, spoke with Phil and Billie both personally sir, and gave them new information on their specific parts in the new plan. Informed Dr. Phillips of the changes in her duty rosters.”
Ben Johnson’s resonating voice was heard behind Twos saying, “Now that is the way to deliver a message to a Commanding Officer, got to be someone I trained,” and laughed loudly at his own joke. Joe said, “Command Sergeant Major would you like a cup of coffee.”
“Twos, I like the way you run a camp, offering a poor soldier a cup of Joe before battle and I am told that this is really coffee, not that dish water Ms. Jasmine serves. Don’t any of you dare tell that sweet woman I said that,” pleaded CSM Johnson.
Joe handed the large mug of coffee to the Command Sgt. Major and said, “I assumed you wanted it like a real soldier, black and strong.”
“Like I said Twos, you do things right,” said the Sgt. Major.
Twos said, “Ben, I run a pretty loose ship with the rudders being hard work and not stepping on others toes with your problems or hang-ups. The rest is just good people doing their job and good things just seem to follow.”
Joe said, “Big man you are going to fit right in around here welcome to the Clan, Sgt. Major.”
It was good to see the new arrivals fitting into the inner workings of the Clan membership. The last thing they needed right now with the clock quickly ticking towards zero hour, was for the Clan and the soldiers not on the same page at the same time for some petty reason. Good people, the wrong people would die if that was the case. Twos looked upwards and inwardly mouthed, “Thank You Lord for another Blessing. Please be with the Clan and all who fight in your behalf today against the Terrorist and all days, Amen.” As he continued to walk back towards the Lodge, the SOV of the Major was fired off by her driver Raj who had told her in no uncertain terms that his broken hand would not be a problem. Raj having conned his way onto the Major’s team.
The new Green Beret Captain was sitting in the Atrium with his second going over the feed from James and Thomas’s drones of the Terrorist camp. The Green Beret’s prospective Area of Operations for the ambush site and getting last minute instructions from General Terry. The Ranger elements were doing the same thing one table over, having already met with the General.
Ben walked up and spoke with Twos and said, “I have seen that face before, your plan is solid and the General is not changing it, one bit. He would have told you if he didn’t agree with the plan, don’t second guess your plan, then work your plan. Twos, now go check on your Snipers and get them in the queue for transport.” Turning the Sgt. Major was gone as fast as he had showed up with just the right words at just the right time.
Moments later the Major led her charges toward the Lease’s front gate and the ever-present Melton and Robert the guardians of the gate. The Green Berets and the Rangers were following the Clan teams away from the Lodge. The groups heading towards the front gate and to their assignment areas on the other side of the river for the kick off of the attack on the Terrorist camp in two and half hours.
The still of the night was broken by the sound of diesel engines accessing the highway and the screech of the hinges on the gate as Melton closed the gate behind the leaving convoy. The young man reminding himself to bring some grease with him for the next opening for the hinges on the gate. Over the next hour and fifteen minutes Melton and Robert would repeat this process numerous times and it took two applications of grease to all the hinges for the screech to be removed completely by Melton.
Twos was easing into a hide behind a natural tree fall with Sarah already in position. The Sniper’s had brought a few pre-filled sand bags to use in conjunction with any natural cover they could fine. This would not be a standard hide for one or two shots and then ease away to fight another day of the normal sniping protocols. They would draw return fire at some point hopefully not aimed return fire. The sand bags were the idea of Candace and all had agreed that the extra weight was worth the added protection factor. Twos set the Barrett in place on its bi-pod and the rear mono-pod. He had also brought with him a set of Ruth’s ankle weights that he had borrowed years back for helping hold a precision rifle in place. The Velcro tabs were great for attaching the weights to the legs of the bi-pod to hold them stationary during recoil. Twos motto was it isn’t cheating if you are winning. The winners get to write the history books not the losers.
Twos said, “I see you brought that nice rifle set up for long range, you planning on shooting instead of spotting.”
Sarah said, “At the start the compound is going to be target rich and I thought you could be on your on for the first magazine. I would help out Candace with individual Command targets of interest. Things also, might get hectic at some point and I wanted to be able to help out.”
Twos thought about her statement and said, “That is a good idea, I think all the spotters should do that for the first magazine from the M-107 except for Candace’s spotter the extra set of eyes is more important for her.”
He set the radio for the Snipers only net and relayed his change of plan to the shooters and the spotters. Then he asked his team if they all had found a good cover and firing setup. They all answered back in the affirmative. Sarah crawled back out of his hide telling Twos she would be back in five minutes or less and started the quick run down the hill to the bridge. Three hundred meters never seemed so far and she had never felt so naked in her life as she delivered the two satchel charges to bridge and it’s supports.
Sarah quickly zip tied the satchels to each side bridge support and activated the communications to the detonators on each satchel. Doing this exactly as she had been instructed by the Green Beret explosives expert. Sarah ran a zig zagged path back to the hide hoping that no one on the opposite side of the river noticed and decided she needed a bullet in the back for her efforts.
As Sarah was sliding back into her hide with Twos, all around the area Clan members and Special Forces troops were preparing physically and mentally for what was to happen in twenty minutes or so. Soldiers and Clansmen alike were anxious and wanted the festivities and zero hour to arrive.
A few of the wiser warriors took that last few minutes to empty their bladders and get a large drink of cold water or ice tea, as was in Twos and Sarah’s bladders filled lovingly by Jasmine. Twos with un-sweet and Sarah’s a little on the syrupy sweet side, others were talking with God and asking for the blessing of a good eye and a steady aim and the death of their enemies. That was the quick prayer that Twos and Sarah shared about fifteen minutes before zero hour.
As they were finishing their joint prayer Imogene with one of the MP’s and the second Gustaf team had arrived and were just below the ridge-line awaiting their start of the Clan’s dance party. They had the first notes in the music and would start the dance for all parties with the firing of their HEDP rockets.
The countdown to zero hours had the Green Berets and the Rangers all setup in their ambush positions. They both had found the exact spots that the Clan members had told them about and Megan had shown them on their tablets. The three-foot-tall decorative retaining wall with the once well-groomed Clarissa Hollies provided excellent cover and concealment for the SOVs. The wall was almost the perfect height for their weapons to bring rain on anyone passing by trying to get out of town. The position was almost the perfect definition enfilade setup to the road and the SOVs had to just turn ninety degrees and be gone from the Dentist office parking lot.
The Rangers were intent to watch the feed on their HUMVEE and SOV consoles or take a three-minute break and use the bathroom or take a quick smoke for those who still had cigarettes. Security was set and they had eyes in the sky and all was ready.
The new arrival Captain of the Green Berets was much of the same cloth as the first not much actual experience and no common sense. His two in charge W2 Donnie Seay had been with the team from its initial insertion and had witnessed the effectiveness of the Clan. He argued with the Captain when he decided that a slight rise that funneled between two buildings gave them a better defilade position and thus a better way of stopping the enemies escape and ensuring total victory.
Seay tried to explain that the object of the ambush was not to stop the fleeing Terrorist it was to make them pay as they left. That and just as important have the ability to quickly disengage if the Terrorist counter attacked the ambush. The Captain was having no part of this conversation especially when he found a couple of water filled jersey type safety barriers to place in front of the three vehicles. Seay was livid when the Captain told him to pull the SOV weapons vehicle into formation setting horizontal to the flow of the traffic with the HUMVEEs on either side of him facing parallel to the traffic. The SOV would be hemmed in on all sides and trapped except for ninety degrees to the rear. The HUMVEEs could at least fire out the back in reverse while still bringing their man weapon to bear on the enemy in front. The buildings setting close to the highway on each side and the enemy in front led the Warrant Officer to a quick conclusion. He needed some friends and a way out of this mess.
Twos spoke with his Snipers as Warrant Officer Seay was putting all of his friends into the HUMVEE on the left-hand side of the formation. He saw a narrow way out of this mess in a small through way between buildings probably an access for deliveries to the back of the two buildings it ran between. It wasn’t a road; it was definitely a way out.
Twos said, “Three minutes Ladies and Gentleman, the Carl Gustaf teams are moving to the top of the hill and the SOVs back down the hill will crank in one minute. When they crank be ready any activity from across the river starts the party and the gunner will fire their first rounds. Shoot straight and we need not carry any of this ammo back with us. Please donate it to the Swords of Allah with extreme prejudice. Good Hunting and Good Luck.”
After his words to his fellow Snipers, Twos snuggled in behind his weapon and oriented on his first target a large hundred-gallon Propane tank setting beside it’s twin in the cooking area. It was a fallacy that shooting a propane tank would make it explode. At least with a regular round, he was hoping that a Raufoss round hitting the tank would have a different effect. He found his target and reached and turned his radio to the overall net. In that mode, he could hear anyone and talk with anyone. Least that was the way Megan had explained the radio settings to him.
Twos reached over and patted his body guard on the back and said, “Trust your shots, don’t rush your shots. Shoot and move to the next target, acquire the sight picture you want, then squeeze the trigger and ride the recoil to your next target and repeat. Just like shooting your pistols, shoot ride, acquire target and sight picture, fire and repeat, you know the drill better than almost anyone. It is the same with precision rifle as pistol. Do your thang Annie Oakley and unless I say so or you see something, I need to be shooting let’s give some Swords of Allah a chance to see if seventy-two virgins are waiting. I think a lot of those guys are going to be disappointed on arrival at the gate.”
Sarah laughed and said, “Only you Twos, only you. Your words are always on time like Ruth says. Maybe not exactly the right words, just delivered at the right time with the right message. Thanks now I need for us to get this dance started. I am about to pee my pants literally and physically.”
Twos said, “Just let it go Sarah, I did. No not really, just messing with you. Nothing to be ashamed of though happens all the time in firefights.” Laughing at his young bodyguard looking at him like he just grew horns.
As Twos was saying the last of the two SOVs to man the ridge fired up with a gentle purr down the hill. The early morning winds blowing away from the river helped to muffle the sound and push it away from the camp. The Ranger Captain and his Two in charge were in agreement and said to their men one minute till zero hour, let’s set that point plus four minutes as the time we go one hundred percent hot all eyes and ears open and all weapons hot.
A mere ten blocks over to the east things could not be any more different, WO2 Seay was arguing with the young obstinate Captain about when to go to one hundred percent readiness and losing miserably. Finding that his persuasiveness ability was falling on deaf ears, he walked back to his HUMVEE with Weapons Sergeant Joey Paris, Engineering First Sergeant John Stock, and Medical Sergeant Owen Madden. He explained, that they went one hundred percent readiness in one minute and he didn’t give a rat’s butt what the Captain orders said. With that they all agreed with the senior non-comm and were ready to fight or flight with him at his Command was a given. The only thing that bothered any of them was that a couple of their good friends had decided that the Captain should be followed at all cost.
As Clan members Pearl Johns recently of the Green Berets and Trooper Holtz eased their SOV weapons platforms to the top of the rise and made sure they were as far apart as possible. So, each vehicle still had one set of wheels on the road while indexed for maximum pain to be delivered on the Terrorist encampment setting right across the river. Imogene spoke with Justin Smoak and made sure he had already removed the safeties from all six rockets. Justin had the rockets laying on her left-hand side and was ready to load the first three FFV503 HEDP rockets. These all had delayed fused bunker busters for the Command and Control building. The other three rockets FFV401 HE was set for air burst for maximum damage over the Terrorist camp. She knew they had to get them fired and man their weapons her M-203 would add a lot of pain to the Terrorist.
Smoak had plans to man the Barrett across the top of the front hood of the SOV for maximum cover and steady shooting platform. Both weapons under normal military parlance were force multipliers and needed to help. Worse came to worse she had two more of the FFV401 rounds set for contact burst she could use on the encampment or anyone trying to come across the bridge uninvited. PFC Dennis and Jennings of the Clan were having much the same conversation as the clock was down to thirty seconds and counting.
Woods and Blake were at back of the Industrial Complex entrance conversing. Both in their assigned position for the attack, with their vehicles hidden behind the entrance brick walls. The two were wishing they were in a better position to bring the fight to the Swords of Allah when Sgt. Gold walked up and said, “I have been monitoring the all channels on my radio headset and I have not heard the General speak once to anybody. He has been talking to someone non-stop since we arrived here.”
Woods said, “Thank you Sergeant.” Then continued, “Blake ease on over to Ruth and have her call Megan on our back channel she installed at the insistence of Joe. Please tell her to find out who our General is talking to and what he is saying. Also, get the message to Sarah, she is supposed to be monitoring that station at all times for Twos and advise him of what is going on with the General.”
Blake eased away saying going to check on Ruth and the truck, then see a man about a horse and walked towards the truck leaving Woods and Sgt. Gold there making small talk.
Moments after Ruth called Megan on the back channel the Clan’s intelligence team was hard at work trying to find the needle in the haystack that was the General’s conversation. The person speaking over the airways on an unknown channel and probably encrypted radio, maybe even some type of burst system. Megan called back to Ruth for more information as James and Thomas went high tech and Joe went old school trying to skin a cat or catch a traitor as the case may be with the General. Megan said over her headset to Ruth, “Comeback big Mama, need information for the head shed, on the Eagle that may be a turkey, over.”
Ruth answers, “Comeback, for more info, over.”
Megan asked, “Is the Eagle using a hand held or his neck mike, over.”
Ruth says, “No on the handheld, yes on throat mike, over.”
Megan replies, “Thanks big Mama, good hunting, over and out head shed.”
Megan relayed the new Intelligence to Joe, James and Thomas and they all said it helped. Thomas added it just narrowed the haystack down to which County in the US of A from the world of hay fields. James ever the optimist said, “Hopefully it is our county.” The young man having a smile that said, “I am the cat that ate the Canary.” Then he went right to work, not even noticing the questioning looks he was getting from everyone.
As this was happening the Major had brought her team to one hundred percent readiness as she put it, all heck is fixing to break lose a mere ten miles upriver. She calmly looked at her watch and out loud started counting backwards from twenty seconds.
Twos said, “It’s Show Time,” over his throat mike to his sniper team.
Just as the roar of the two rockets burst out of their Gustaf launchers almost simultaneously, fired true by Imogene and Jennings. Twos squeezed the trigger on the M-107 and sent seven hundred grains of explosive round on its intended path. All up and down the northern river banks the angry American’s known only to most as the Twos Clan followed suit with a yell of ‘It’s Time to go to Work.’ The rockets flew true right into the front wall and through the front door, in the case of Imogene’s. Both rockets exploding after passing well into the building just as advertised and designed. The explosion rocked the building and fire flew out all the bottom floor windows.
As this was happening a mere eight tenths of a mile almost directly behind the Terrorist Command Building the Green Berets facing directly towards the Terrorist base felt the explosive force of the two FFV502 HEDP rockets explode almost in unison. That explosion was huge, the ensuing material cook off, of the combined stores of ammunition and fuel that had been stored inside the building was raining down chunks of concrete, along with other building materials was immense.
That rain of debris from the explosion took the first casualty on the side of the Clan. A piece of rebar flew straight through at the speed of destruction the helmet of the Weapons Sergeant manning the Ma Deuce of the second HUMVEE of the Green Berets. The projectile killed him instantly blowing blood and brains all over the inside of the HUMVEEs occupants. The event putting the new Captain into a state of wild-eyed panic to get the mess removed from him and his clothing. The ensuing pandemonium with the Captain and the Green Berets would have been a comic thriller if it hadn’t been so tragic.