On Their Way to Intercept

The armored roar of five JLTV Oshkosh vehicles echoed through the war-torn streets as they accelerated out of the MOA perimeter. Dust and debris were kicked up in their wake, the reinforced tires crushing over long-dead corpses and bullet-ridden pavement.

Inside the lead vehicle, Phillip gripped the roof handle with one hand, his other resting casually on the foregrip of his HK416. The vibrations of the heavy-duty military vehicle didn't faze him—he had been through worse.

Around him, his squad of eight Special Forces operators remained laser-focused, their helmets equipped with NVG mounts, comms headsets, and infrared beacons. Their weapons—HK416s, M110 sniper rifles, and FN SCAR-H battle rifles—were locked and loaded, each outfitted with ACOG optics, IR lasers, and suppressors.

"Radio check," Phillip called through his throat mic as he adjusted his tactical gloves.

A series of confirmations crackled through the comms.

"Bishop-2, loud and clear."