Marcus walked to the rear of his Stryker ACV to pick up some additional equipment and ammo. Standing next to the vehicle's rear hatch was Major Teresa Roman. Marcus looked into his wife's beautiful brown eyes and took her hands in his. "Honey, I wish I could convince you to stay back with the rear echelon for this mission. But I know it would be useless to argue with you about it. You're going in with Legion HQ Company and I'm proud to have you with us," said Marcus. "Just remember to keep your butt down!"
Teresa Roman punched her husband's right shoulder playfully. Marcus was teasing her about an injury she had received at their wedding when a Mexican drug cartel hit team attacked. During the gun battle, Teresa had received a creasing bullet wound across one cheek of her buttocks, staining her wedding gown with blood.
Marcus smiled at his wife, gave her a kiss then held her in his arms for a couple of minutes. If any members of Roman's Legion took notice, they didn't comment. Many of them were married to other members of the Arizona State Guard, some of them preparing for combat at this very moment.
The Romans gathered their additional equipment, ammo, and some rations from the Stryker then walked together over to where the Legion's helicopters were parked. They put their gear about Captain Hills' Chinook then Marcus walked over to the dirt road the Stryker units would be taking.
A moment later, he heard the engines of the Strykers fire up; then one by one, the vehicles drove past him as they moved out. All of the vehicles were running with their lights off as ordered. Stryker drivers, commanders, and gunners would be wearing their NVGs to allow them to see in the minimal light of an Arizona night. Each vehicle was equipped with special markings on all four sides that were visible through the night vision equipment to mark friend from foe and to be able to see the vehicles more clearly at night. Top hatch gunners and Stryker commanders who rode standing in their hatches saluted him as they drove by. Marcus returned those salutes with pride in his personnel and waited until the last Stryker had passed before returning to his helicopter.
The order went out to all personnel to grab something to eat and drink to give them energy for the fight ahead and to help stave off sleep. Marcus, Teresa, Caldwell, and Templeton found a quiet spot on the ramp of the Chinook they would be traveling in. They spoke quietly while eating their MREs.
***
Right on schedule, the Strykers of Major Dillon's Marshals and Captain Hebert's Headhunters reached the split in the dirt road. Only twice had bulldozer blade-equipped Strykers had to move dirt and rock to clear the way for the remainder of the convoy. The Strykers now had to press on the final legs of their advance on the jihadist compound.
Just a mile past the split, one of Dillon's Strykers broke down. When the vehicle refused to move under its own power, Dillon ordered the Stryker behind it to push it to the side of the dirt road to let the remaining vehicle's pass. The men and women of the damaged vehicle grabbed as much equipment and ammo as they could from their vehicle before abandoning it. They were picked up in ones and twos by other Strykers.
The Headhunters lost a Stryker and had several personnel injured when the vehicle got too close to the edge of a drop off, slid to one side, and rolled over. Hebert's unit stopped, helped pulled the injured personnel from the vehicle, took the uninjured aboard other Strykers, and left two medics and a communications tech with the injured. A medical chopper was airborne within minutes from the jump off point just south of Hunter Ranch.
MAJ Thompson briefed LTC Roman on the injured personnel and damaged vehicles. Marcus nodded his thanks and stepped away from his group to gather his thoughts. Damn! We haven't begun the attack yet and now we're several people and two vehicles, down! Plus one of our medevac choppers will be unavailable in case we need it. Damn! As frustrating as his thoughts were, his face never showed the frustration to the others when he returned.
***
July 4th
Omega Mining Compound
Northwestern, AZ
At 0237, Mustafa Muhammad Al-Fakeeh stepped into Amir Al Zahrani's office to report that the crop dusters' tanks had been filled with the radioactive wastes and that many of the pilots were already awake and milling about. Al Zahrani grew thoughtful for a moment then ordered his lieutenant to wake the rest of the pilots and the others in the camp! "Turn on the compound lights. Call in all but those guarding the perimeter, Mustafa!" Al Zahrani said. "I would speak to our brave mujahedeen and stir within them the blessings of Allah's vengeance!"
Smiling, Mustafa Muhammad Al-Fakeeh bowed his head to his leader and left the office swiftly. It took almost twenty minutes to wake up everyone who had been sleeping and to gather everyone in the open, well-lit area of the compound. Close to 300 men greeted Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Zahrani as he stepped from his office. Rising his hands and nodding in benediction to his flock, he walked to the center of the assembly then up the steps to a raised platform so all could see him.
"My brothers," he said in Arabic, their common language, once everyone had quieted. "My fellow mujahedeen...today, praise Allah...we shall strike against the infidels and the Great Satan! With the poisonous, radioactive liquids that have been provided to us by the Great Caliph of the Islamic Global Caliphate, peace be unto him, we shall rain slow, painful death down upon the Americans. Even now, our brothers in jihad in other states prepare to deliver similar death upon these heathen. May Allah smile upon us as we strike at his enemies upon the Earth!"
Al Zahrani paused to let his followers cheer. When they quieted once more, he resumed. "The death from the skies shall not be our only weapon today. Once the airplanes have taken to the skies, we shall send you forth as teams into the small towns. All of us shall leave this compound to carry Allah's battle to the infidel. We shall provide you with weapons and ammunition and bombs. Strike the infidels wherever you find them. Watch for our brothers and sisters who may wish to join you in your glorious task."
Again the assembly of jihadists broke into cheers and chants. Al Zahrani finished by telling them, "Kill the infidels and you shall receive Allah's blessings. If you are martyred while killing our enemy, you shall be welcomed into the kingdom of Allah with great joy for your sacrifice. May Allah be with you!"
Several men began to open the large cargo containers along one part of the fence line. These men entered the containers and began to wheel out carts laden with military grade weapons: AK-47s and other foreign assault rifles, various handguns, hand grenades, machetes, and knives. Other carts were loaded down with ammunition, combat harnesses, and other equipment the jihadists might need. The jihadists stepped over to the carts and were handed their weapons and equipment. Mustafa and his aides began to divide the men into small 2-, 3-, and 4-man teams and gave each team an assignment.
Al Zahrani gathered the pilots together and spoke with them, giving each pilot his assignment. Once the pilots were briefed, he rode with them up to the airstrip in the camp bus. The camouflage netting had been removed from the aircraft and a mechanic stood next to each plane to assist the pilots.
Chapter 15
July 4th
Omega Mining Compound
Northwestern, AZ
At 0240 hours, Marcus ordered the ASGuard helicopters into the air. By 0300, they were nearing the compound. Harpy Henley led her flight of AH-64 Apache Longbow helicopters in a south-to-north run to rain a barrage of lead between the compound and the aircraft. They arrived only minutes after Al Zahrani's pilots passed through that space. Major Henley keyed her mic, "Centurion, this is Harpy! We're too late! Pilots are at the airstrip. I repeat, the pilots are at the airstrip!"
Marcus keyed his mic and responded, "Copy that, Harpy! Keep a sharp eye out, Centurion and Legionnaires coming in fast...both high and low. Don't want anyone to pick up a golden BB from friendly fire!"
"Roger that, Centurion! We see ya! Harpy's Furies got your six; call us if you need us!"
"Will do, Harpy," replied Marcus. "Okay Legionnaires, let's hit 'em! Frodo, get this bird on the deck then get out the way for t
he other choppers coming in. Lawman...Headhunter Chief...move in!"
A series of "Rogers" echoed in Marcus' intercom headset before he removed it and checked his M-4 CQBR one more time. He glanced to his right and gave Teresa a quick smile. Then, LTC Marcus Aurelius Roman rose from his web seat and used an overhead handrail to steady himself as he moved quickly to the rear of the Chinook helicopter. He reached the ramp and turned to look his team over once more. Everyone was standing now, using the overhead handrails to remain upright as Captains Hills and Mingus brought the helicopter down swiftly in a combat landing.
The ping of occasional weapons fire striking the fuselage could be heard but nothing appeared to penetrate the helicopter's metal skin...or if it did, it didn't hit anything vital. Frodo voice called out over the helicopters internal speakers, "Ramp coming down! Touchdown in 3...2...1! Go, go, go!"
Keeping the grip of his M-4 tight in his right hand, Marcus released his left hand from the overhead rail and waved his team forward. The Legionnaires and CBII agents raced down the ramp and spread out, staying low. Captain Hills lifted his CH-47 back into the air and other helicopters began to come in to land and disgorge their troops.
The Legionnaires and CBII agents fanned out with the CBII agents moving toward the crop dusters. Omega's security guards around the airstrip began to fire upon the ASGuard troops and CBII agents and those personnel began to return fire. Well, thought Marcus, now we know for certain that they are armed, trained, and ready to defend this site!
Suddenly, a loud whooshing sound could be heard; one Marcus recognized immediately as the sound of a shoulder launched, ground-to-air missile taking off. He turned just in time to see the missile strike the rear engine nacelle of a Chinook. The rear of the helicopter exploded and the aircraft dropped to the ground in flaming pieces. Goddamnit! thought Marcus as he keyed his mic. "All units, all units! Omega has SAMs! I repeat...Omega has SAMs. Employ countermeasures, now!"
Another SAM struck one of the ASGuard's attack helos in its exhaust stack. The helicopter disintegrated in another ball of fire. "Air units, this is Centurion, clear the sky! Ground units, find out who's firing those SAMs and care 'em out!"
A moment later, the rattle of gunfire filled the air then, "Centurion, I think we took care of the SAMs!"
"Roger that!" Marcus replied. "Air units, SAMs are down. Resume air ops!" The flight leaders quickly acknowledged the order and soon the choppers were in bound once more.
ASGuard and CBII ground personnel moved in on all sides of the mining compound and engaged Omega's security guards and the recently armed jihadists. Hebert's Headhunters had landed on their mark and blew the fence line from the northeast corner to the west and the south. From his vantage point, Captain Alex Hebert quickly surveyed the part of the compound he and his unit were assigned. An idea formed in his mind and he gave orders to his officers and NCOs.
The Headhunters flooded into the compound, the majority of them converging on the entrance to the mine. They encountered heavy resistance from the defenders who were entrenched in well concealed and fortified positions. The jihadists defending the mine entrance were also heavily armed with high caliber weapons, RPGs, and hand grenades. The Headhunters gave as good as they got and continued inched closer to the mine.
Two small teams of Headhunters maneuvered to the west and north using any available cover they could find. These two units made their way up the hillside on either side of the entrance moving quickly and quietly. Soon, both units were in position slightly above the entrance and their officers notified Captain Hebert that they were ready. Hebert smiled as he keyed his mic and gave the go ahead.
The Headhunters above the mine entrance each pulled a pin on a hand grenade, released the spoons, and dropped the grenades down upon the jihadists guarding the entrance. The grenades bounced at the jihadists' feet then detonated sending fragments flying in all directions. Those Headhunters in front of the mine entrance surged forward as their friends above dropped another round of grenades. A minute later, the mine entrance was under ASGuard control.
Dillon's Marshals had landed on the southeast corner of the compound and breached the fence along the compound's southern side. Dillon's recent experiences during the Legion's training exercises kicked in. With only limited cover for his personnel, Dillon smiled as he spoke into his microphone. "Drop the hammer on 'em and move in!"
The Marshals leap frogged into the compound. First and Third Platoons would lay down covering fire while Second and Fourth Platoons raced forward. Then Second and Fourth laid down covering fire while First and Third moved up. Dillon's Marshals gained ground and captured prisoners while doing so.
At the compound's office building, Fourth Platoon stood guard outside while Dillon entered the structure with Second, Third, and Fourth Platoons. They swept through the offices rapidly, capturing three and killing just one. To Dillon's frustration, none of those captured or killed were high level targets. The major pulled out his comm unit. "Centurion, this is Lawman. No joy on prime targets. Repeat...no joy on prime targets."
"This is Centurion," LTC Roman replied. "Copy that! All units, this is Centurion. Be on the lookout for prime targets. They could be anywhere...so eyes sharp everyone!"
Marcus shifted his gaze across the airstrip. Sporadic gunfire was visible. He thought, Maybe the prime targets are here! Suddenly, the sounds of aircraft engines starting up could be heard over the sound of gunfire. No! Not now! Damn it, not now! Where are Caldwell and his team. They were supposed to take care of the pilots and planes. Suddenly, he saw a few of the CBII agents but did not see Caldwell among them. Now were the hell did that S.O.B. disappear to?
The propellers of four of the planes at the far end of the strip were turning faster and faster. "Legion HQ, Centurion! Shift left, shift left! We've got planes ready to roll!" Marcus swung his troops left and moved towards the south end of the airstrip. Hampered by the risk of rupturing the tanks full of radioactive wastes, the ASGuard troops aimed low and tried to shoot out the tires of the four planes.
The first crop duster's pilot, Ghanim Koury, was determined to get his aircraft into the air no matter what. Koury was a former Iraqi Air Force pilot who had come to the United States seeking political asylum. At least, that was his cover story.
Ghanim Koury lined his plane up along the dirt strip as best he could in the limited visibility then gunned the engine. The crop duster leaped forward and raced down the strip. Koury pulled back on the control stick and his aircraft's wheels came up off the deck and it rose into the air.
The second aircraft quickly followed the first into the night sky. The third plane followed closely on the tail of the second and lifted into the air.
The fourth crop duster was not as lucky. The ASGuard and CBII riddled its tires with bullets, shredding both tires of the main gear. The fusillade of bullets damaged the left main gear's wheel rim and it came apart as well. What was left of that gear dug into a shallow pothole in the dirt strip causing the aircraft to pitch forward and to the left. ASGuard and CBII personnel scattered as the crop duster rolled onto its nose, destroying its propeller, then flipped over onto its upper wing and tail. Fortunately for all at airstrip, the aircraft did not catch fire and the agent tanks did not leak.
Marcus punched his comm unit's mic, "All ASGuard aircraft we have three birds airborne. Repeat...three birds airborne. Harpy home in on my signal and pick me up. Chinooks, drop in and pick up two additional personnel each as door gunners. Tommi, I'm going up with Harpy to track those birds. Detail personnel for door gunners ASAP then coordinate with Lawman and Headhunter Chief and the other units to take the compound."
He switched his comm unit to another frequency. "Dix, this is Centurion. We have three bogies that made it into the air. I'm taking helos and going after. Tommi, Lawman, and Headhunter Chief are in the compound. You've got the ground war, I'll take the air."
"Dix copies Centurion. My troops will envelope the perimeter and prevent any escapes. Your troopers have the comp
ound. Go get 'em, Centurion!" replied Colonel Dixon.
Marcus switched his comm unit to send out a locator ping and then ran over to an open area to wait for Major Henley. A moment later, Harpy Henley brought her Apache Longbow in and set it down. Her copilot/gunner jumped out of the front cockpit and to the ground. Marcus clambered up the side of the attack helicopter and began buckling into the seat. Warrant Officer Candice Cooper climbed back up and helped Marcus adjust the copilot/gunner's helmet. It pinched Marcus' head slightly but he could live with it if they could just take out the three terrorist aircraft. Cooper closed the cockpit and slid to the ground to move away from the chopper.
"Colonel, you get your pilot's rating on this bird yet?" Harpy asked Marcus jokingly.
"You signed off on it two months ago and you know it," Marcus replied. Then he called out, "Let's go, Harpy!" The Apache Longbow leaped into the air.
Captain Fred "Frodo" Hills brought his Chinook in as the Apache took off. MSG Abe Mokri climbed aboard as did Private Jenna Richards.
"Welcome aboard, private!" Abe called out.
"Hi, Master Sergeant! Mind if I join you?" replied Richards.
"You bet! The more the merrier," said Mokri smiling at the younger trooper. "You take starboard and I'll take port." Mokri tapped Captain Hills on the shoulder to signal they were ready to take off then removed the window just behind the pilot on the helicopter's left side. Richard's popped open the small hatch on the right side of the helicopter.
Harpy's Apache Longbow was soon joined by three other Apaches and five Chinooks. To the east, the sun was starting to rise and the darkness of night began to ebb. Marcus began to scan the skies looking for the two terrorist aircraft
"Harpy," Marcus called out over the Apache Longbow's intercom. "We need to contact ASGuard HQ and get them to ground everything except us. Then we need to get radars statewide scanning for those planes." Marcus switched his headset over to HQ's primary frequency. "ASGuard HQ, ASGuard HQ...this is Centurion. Request patch through to ASGuard Actual ASAP!"
The Arizona State Guard Trilogy Page 33
