First Deployment

After a long flight, they finally landed.

The rumble of the aircraft's landing gear against the hardened tarmac felt almost surreal after the hours of anticipation. The massive transport craft began its descent, cutting through the sky as it approached the forward base—a remote blacksite hidden in the depths of a desolate desert.

Bao and Desmond were silent as they geared up in the cargo hold. Both were familiar with the weight of the railguns, but the situation felt different now.

The mission was real.

This wasn't a training exercise or simulated warzone. This was a live test, and the stakes were higher than any they had faced before.

The platoon of soldiers behind them was getting ready as well. More than twenty highly trained operatives, all of them seasoned in combat, were under the command of Lieutenant Graham. Bao and Desmond would be supporting the assault, keeping their distance and taking out heavy targets from afar.

"How are we feeling, Bao?" Desmond asked, adjusting the weight of his railgun, his voice low.

Bao didn't reply immediately. His eyes were trained on the vibration of the floor beneath him, the engine noise fading as the plane came closer to landing.

He was nervous.

Not because he doubted the weapon or the plan, but because of the sheer magnitude of what they were about to do.

This wasn't just a fight. This was the start of something bigger.

"We'll be fine," Bao finally said, breaking the silence. "Just stay focused."

Desmond nodded.

The final approach had begun. The aircraft tilted, lowering its altitude rapidly. The ground came into view through the reinforced windows, and with a sudden jolt, the plane touched down.

The wheels screeched as it skidded to a halt, and the rear ramp lowered with a loud hiss. The sunlight that hit them was blinding, cutting through the dusty haze of the desert like a blade.

Team 12 and the rest of the platoon moved in perfect synchronization, quickly forming a line as the ramp hit the ground.

Elias, had sent them off with a few final words. But here, on the ground, there was only the mission. The team didn't need speeches or words of encouragement; their training had prepared them for moments like this.

Bao took a deep breath and stepped off the ramp first, his railgun in hand, feeling the weight of his responsibility.

"Let's move out," he commanded, his voice steady.

As the platoon disembarked and moved into formation, Lieutenant Graham, the platoon leader, took the lead. He was a seasoned soldier, but even he could feel the weight of the moment. He glanced at Bao and Desmond, both armed with the experimental railguns.

"Everyone stay tight," Graham ordered. "We have no intel on the full enemy position, but we know the target is deep in the compound. Expect heavy resistance."

Since Selene was commanding the operation from the main base, she was in constant communication with them through the comms. Her voice, calm and collected, came through loud and clear.

"Team 12, your role is simple," Selene's voice rang out over the comms. "Bao and Desmond will be fire support, clearing heavy targets or geatherings of enemys, from a distance. You'll stay at the backline and make sure to keep the enemy off the platoon's advance. The rest of you need to focus on securing the compound."

Selene continued, her voice unwavering, despite the chaos that was sure to come. "Graham, you're in charge of the platoon. If any enemy units attempt to retreat, you neutralize them—no escape. Team 12, your job is to take out key targets and provide cover."

The platoon members nodded, their faces grim.

Bao checked the electronic map on his wrist, his finger tracing the route they needed to take. The facility was about a kilometer ahead, and it had been severely compromised. Intelligence was vague, but their mission was clear: they were there to shut down any resistance and secure the site before the enemy could escape.

Bao turned to Desmond. "We stick to the plan. Keep it simple. Fire from range and make sure no one gets within striking distance."

Desmond nodded, lifting his weapon. "Don't make it too easy for me, Bao."

The convoy moved out quickly, spreading across the desert landscape like a shadow. Bao and Desmond kept their eyes open, scanning the horizon. The rest of Team 12 maintained their formation around them, watching for any signs of enemy movement.

The sun beat down on them, the desert floor crackling underfoot as they moved swiftly toward their target.

"Approaching the compound," Graham said through the comms. "Be ready."

Bao and Desmond fell into position near the backline, prepared to provide long-range fire support if needed. They were scanning the compound through their thermal optics, trying to get a clear read on any hostiles.

The building came into view—an old, rundown military complex that had been repurposed as an enemy stronghold. It was heavily fortified, with sandbag walls and guard towers at key locations.

"Nothing extraordinary yet," Desmond muttered. "But we don't know what's waiting inside."

Selene's voice cut in from the main base. "We can't wait for them to make the first move. Bao, Desmond—lock and load."

Bao looked over at Desmond. "Ready?"

Desmond gave him a grin, his fingers tightening around the grip of his railgun. "Always."

The team was getting closer when suddenly, a burst of gunfire erupted from behind one of the guard towers.

The team ducked and moved into cover as gunshots rang out. It was clear the enemy was already aware of their presence.

"Prepare for sight contact," Graham ordered, signaling for the team to advance cautiously.

Bao and Desmond moved into position, setting up their railguns on a pair of sturdy rock outcroppings.

"You take the left, I'll handle the right," Bao said, his voice steady, giving Desmond a nod.

Desmond grinned, lifting his weapon. "You don't need to tell me twice."

Both of them aimed, locking onto the enemy positions.

Desmond fired first, the railgun's hum filling the air as a tungsten round streaked toward the enemy's machine gun nest. The round punched through the metal armor with ease, tearing the machine gun apart.

Bao followed up immediately, targeting another group of enemy soldiers on the left side. With a quick squeeze of the trigger, a round tore through their position, sending their parts scattering.

After the initial barrage, the enemy began to regroup. A loud alarm sounded from within the compound, signaling that they were preparing for a counterattack.

"They're pulling back." Selene's voice crackled through their comms. "Ready for your next move."

Bao and Desmond exchanged looks. They had broken the enemy's line of defense with only a few shots, but now the real fight was about to begin. Next the platoon would need to move in and secure the facility.

"Let's make this quick," Bao said. "We'll need to reposition"

Desmond nodded. "Lead the way."

Hi there, it's Sparky! 🌟

You can't wait and need more content?

Check out my Patreon! 

1. Daily Bonus Chapters (Currently 17)

2. Exclusive NSFW Illustrations of female characters

3. Art of Key Characters and Items

4. Voting Rights to shape the story's direction

Support the story and enjoy the extras link below and in the book summary!

https://patreon.com/Sparky20049