Uranium Deposit

November 22, 7:00 AM

Morning haze hung over Zarabad, casting an eerie calm over the war-torn city. With the sounds of distant airstrikes and explosions shaking the very ground, Mustafa's group gathered in the safety of a weathered building in Kohna-e-Zarabad.

Mustafa, looking weary but focused, spread out a faded map. "We've got a small window before they start their next round of attacks. Anything we need to address?"

Karim, examining a hazmat suit he'd just discovered, looked up. "These suits. They left them. Why?"

Hamzah glanced at the suits, concern lining his features. "Hazmat? Doesn't bode well. They might have planned something we don't know about."

Em interrupted, "Let's not jump to conclusions. For now, let's focus on what we can do."

Karim suggested, "Those drone readings... they weren't wrong. There's a uranium deposit not too far. In the outskirts. Qal'a-e-Suroosh. we might use it," Karim continued. "Not just for weapons but energy. Give us an advantage, something they don't expect."

"But mining under these circumstances?" Liv raised an eyebrow. "It's a risk. And transporting it back? Even bigger."

Charlie chimed in, "It's a double-edged sword. If they get wind of it, they'll want it too."

Walker weighed the situation. "The airstrikes are intense, but they're focused on the main parts of the city. The outskirts might be our safe bet."

Asif whispered, "Ain't nothing safe here, man."

Em nodded, "True, but we're running low on everything. It's a chance."

Jalaluddin, joining the discussion, pointed at the map. "If we can set up a discreet operation there, we could mine just enough to make a difference. But we'll need to be swift and silent."

Mustafa sighed, "Alright. Karim, assemble a small team. Let's scout the area first."

The harsh desert sun bore down on Karim and his small group as they trudged toward the uranium deposit, Hazmat suits in tow. The threat of the AASOC's airstrikes hung heavy in the air, making every step feel like a dice roll with fate. They had no time for pleasantries, just a shared understanding of the mission's importance.

Karim, nervously adjusting his glasses under the Hazmat hood, glanced at the others. "We're getting close, folks. Keep your eyes peeled. We need to move fast."

One of the men, a JZAI fighter, nodded in agreement. "Agreed, Karim. This uranium could be a game-changer for us. Let's not let it fall into the wrong hands."

The team continued, edging closer to their destination. The silence of the desert was broken only by the distant rumble of fighter jets. They were getting close, and the risk was escalating.

Arash replied. "Karim, do you think the AASOC knows about this uranium? Why'd they leave these Hazmat suits behind?"

Karim frowned, deep in thought. "I don't know, but it's strange. Maybe they didn't realize what they had. Or maybe they're after something else entirely."

As they reached a ridge overlooking the potential uranium deposit, a sharp voice interrupted, "Hold up, everyone! Incoming!"

A fighter jet roared overhead, dropping a bomb nearby, sending a shockwave through the desert. The group scrambled to the ground, seeking cover from the debris and dust kicked up by the explosion.

The older fighter of JZAI coughed as the dust settled, muttering a curse under his breath. "Close call."

Karim, peering over the ridge, replied, "That was too close for comfort. We need to be extra cautious."

Arash added, "Let's find that uranium and get out of here. The AASOC isn't going to stop with one bomb."

9:00 AM

Karim and his team approached the uranium deposit, their Hazmat suits making them look like otherworldly visitors in the barren landscape. Once they reached the spot, Karim began to explain their task.

"All right, everyone," he said in a hushed tone. "This is the place. We need to extract this uranium safely. Remember, it's highly radioactive, so no mistakes here."

The older fighter chimed in, "Young man's right. I'm no expert in handling any radioactive rocks. We need to follow his lead."

Karim nodded, acknowledging the group's trust in his experience. "Let's set up a perimeter first. Safety is our priority. We don't want any surprises."

The team quickly fanned out, securing the area to ensure they wouldn't be caught off guard. Karim turned to Arash who had asked about the AASOC earlier. "You, keep an eye out for any approaching threats. We don't want company while we're handling this."

As he kept watch, Karim, with the help of the rest, began to carefully extract the uranium from the ground. He explained, "This uranium is in its raw form. We'll need to use these lead-lined containers to store it. It'll shield us from the radiation."

Arash returned from his lookout spot and offered a word of caution. "We need to be fast. If the AASOC figures out we're here, they'll do everything to stop us."

Karim nodded, focusing on the task at hand. "I know. We're going to work efficiently. Just remember, never touch the uranium with your bare hands. Use the tools and wear gloves at all times."

The older fighter interjected, "And be mindful of contamination. One slip-up could have dire consequences."

After several intense hours of carefully handling the radioactive material, they had successfully extracted a substantial amount. Karim wiped the sweat from his brow inside the Hazmat suit. "Good work, everyone. Let's pack it up and get out of here."

As they sealed the lead-lined containers and started their journey back, Arash couldn't help but comment, "Brother, you really know your stuff. Where did you learn all this?"

Karim offered a half-smile. "Back when I was studying in Russia, I had to deal with these elements as part of my education. Never thought it would come in handy in a place like this."

The older fighter patted him on the back. "Well, we're lucky to have you here, brother. Now, let's hope this uranium can make a difference."

Back at Kohna-e-Zarabad, Hffyl hunched over a makeshift table, sketching something out on a scrap of paper while the others gathered around. A thick cloud of unease hung in the room, punctuated by the low hum of conversation.

Karim spoke up. "Got word that there's an AC-130 heading our way. That thing's a flying fortress. We're sitting ducks if we don't come up with something."

Mustafa added, his voice edged with anxiety, "How do we take down something that flies that high and packs that much firepower?"

Farid, looking at the drawing Hffyl had been working on, asked, "What's that?"

"It's just... an idea," Hffyl replied, hesitating a bit. "Look, these gunships are deadly, but they've got blind spots. We could... I don't know, maybe use some sort of makeshift launcher? It's a long shot, but if we could launch incendiary or explosive projectiles high enough..."

Arash interrupted, rolling his eyes, "Are you kidding? With what? We're not exactly swimming in resources here."

Karim pointed to the sketch, "It doesn't have to be fancy. Just effective. We've got some salvaged materials, and there might be some old Soviet-era stuff lying around we could repurpose."

Asif, who had been quiet for a while, chimed in with a smirk, "While we're at it, can we make protecting that Al-Hubb Fast-food place a top priority? I'll be damned if I let those AASOC folks ruin my favorite food joint."

Mustafa, with a deep sigh, conceded, "Alright, it's worth a shot. We need to think outside the box anyway. But, remember, we're also up against time here."

Karim added, "I'll round up some folks, see what we can scrounge up. We'll need to work fast."

Hffyl looked determined, "Every minute counts. I'll help with the designs."

The group set to work, scouring the surrounding areas for materials and rallying the community. Everyone pitched in, welding metal, tying ropes, and testing primitive launchers. Every hit and miss, every failed attempt, was a lesson learned. The looming AC-130 and the defending of their city pushed them to their limits, but the bond of community and the shared love for their home kept them going.

The group's efforts, while commendable, weren't without injuries. Several times, members suffered minor burns, cuts, and bruises as they experimented with their makeshift weapons. The reality of their situation was always at the forefront of their minds.

As night fell, the city's lights shimmered in the distance, and the silhouette of the AC-130 loomed like an omen. The battle for Zarabad was far from over, but for now, they had a plan, and a fast-food joint to defend.