In Shadows Of Duty
Episode.01
The military compound hummed with controlled energy as the special unit prepared for the high-risk rescue mission. In the tactical briefing room, dimly lit monitors displayed satellite imagery of the target compound deep within enemy territory. Soldiers moved with quiet efficiency, donning their combat gear—flak jackets, helmets, and tactical weapons. The atmosphere was tense, but focused.
Among the team, Major Sebastian Kroos stood tall, observing the final preparations. His sharp eyes flicked from the screen to his men, his mind calculating every possible outcome. Kroos was known for his cold precision, a leader who never showed his hand until the moment demanded it.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Final check
Kroos commanded, his voice even but firm
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
We leave in 10
Sergeant Walsh, his second-in-command, nodded
Sargent Walsh
Team's all set, Major. Loaded for the breach. Drones are ready, air support on standby.
The technical team coordinated in the background.
Tech.spe.Hayward
Comms are green, Major,
Came the report from Tech Specialist Hayward, his hands flying over the keyboard.
Tech.spe.Hayward
Thermals show minimal movement outside the compound perimeter. We're good to go
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Let’s keep it that way.
He stepped forward, addressing the team,
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
We're extracting a VIP of Norvin, believed to be held in a fortified cell. Intel suggests heavy resistance on entry, light inside. Rules of engagement: we go in fast, no unnecessary engagements. Priority is getting the asset out alive. We don’t leave anyone behind.
The soldiers, hardened and silent, gathered their gear. This wasn’t their first high-stakes mission, but every detail mattered.
Sargent Walsh
Bird's on the deck in five
Walsh reminded them, as they filed out to the waiting helicopter.
The rotor blades of the Black Hawk helicopter cut through the night sky as they flew low over the terrain. In the rear, the strike team sat silently, each man focused on his own thoughts, checking weapons, adjusting gear. Kroos, helmet on, ran through the details one last time in his mind. The target, a compound on the outskirts of hostile-controlled territory, was surrounded by guard towers and patrols.
The pilot's voice came through the comms.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Copy. Team, ready on rappel. Walsh, on me.
Sargent Walsh
Roger that, sir
The helicopter banked hard, and the lights of the compound came into view below. The area was sparsely lit, a small blessing.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Go!
Kroos barked, and in rapid succession, the team descended into the shadows below, feet landing silently on the rough ground.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
move out
They advanced in a staggered formation, hugging the terrain as they approached the outer perimeter. Walsh pointed to the nearby guard tower where a lone sentry was scanning the area.
Sargent Walsh
On your mark,
Walsh whispered into his mic.
Kroos raised a hand, counting down with his fingers. Three...two...one... A suppressed shot whizzed through the air, dropping the sentry instantly. No alarm raised.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Clear
They reached the compound's outer wall, stacking up at the access point.
Private johnson
Charges set
Private Johnson reported, placing a breaching charge on the gate.
Private johnson
Breaching in three...two...
The explosion was controlled, muffled, just enough to break the gate’s lock. They pushed through, moving silently through the courtyard. The compound seemed eerily quiet, but Kroos knew better than to trust the calm.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Alpha team, sweep the outer perimeter. Bravo, on me. We're heading straight to the cell
The Bravo team, led by Kroos, moved deeper into the compound. Ahead, the steel door to the holding cells loomed large.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Eyes on the door
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Thermals?
Specialist Lenox
Three bodies inside
Came the quiet response from Specialist Lennox, eyes glued to the handheld scanner.
Sargent Walsh
Could be hostiles
Walsh added, tightening his grip on his rifle.
Kroos motioned for silence as they approached the door. He tapped his comms.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Prepare to breach.
Private Johnson moved forward with another charge, setting it on the reinforced door. The seconds dragged out as they waited for the signal.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Fire in the hole!
The door burst inward with a dull thud. Kroos and Walsh led the charge into the room, weapons raised. Two guards in the corner were caught off guard, barely reacting before suppressed rounds took them down cleanly.
In the center of the dimly lit room, a figure sat bound to a chair, bruised and battered—clearly the Ambassador viktor leinhart from Norvin, barely conscious.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Target secure
Kroos confirmed, kneeling to check the hostage’s pulse.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Still breathing. Let's move
As they began untying the VIP, a muffled sound came from the adjacent cell. Kroos frowned, motioning toward the door.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Check it out
Walsh moved quickly, pulling the door open. Inside, another hostage, this one unlisted—a woman, bound and injured—stared back at him. She was barely able to move, her hands swollen and broken, showing signs of severe abuse.
Sargent Walsh
We've got another one
Kroos moved to the door, scanning the room. His eyes narrowed. This wasn’t part of the briefing.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Who the hell is this?
He muttered, more to himself than anyone.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
We'll figure it out later,
He snapped, turning to the team.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Get her out. Double time
The mission parameters had changed. But for now, the priority was extraction.
Major Sabestian Kross(Ml)
Bravo team, fall back to extraction. Alpha, cover our rear.
As they moved, the weight of the situation began to sink in. This wasn’t just a rescue anymore; something larger was at play.
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