Ryo's Story Volume 3: Planning Chapter 2
Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 3:38 pm
Mithril's Pacific Fleet Base, Merida Base
Time Unknown
All of the SOULS were outside the meeting room with our casual clothing. When the plane landed onto the airway, no personnel were there to greet us since we were not suppose to be there in the first place. The base was dark, very dark. Captain Santiago led us out from the plane, meeting up with Sergeant Sagara in front of the briefing room. Souske seemed very calm but rugged.
“Listen up boys and girls. This is the captain speaking. Commander Tesstarossa will brief us when we get into the conference room. I hope you read the contract and rule papers I gave you. Fully memorize them because your life is on the line 24/7, 365 days. Also, Commander Mardukas and Lieutenant Kalinin will be present to give us a tour around the isle. Any questions people?”
“Sir! No sir.”
“Good. The meeting will be in a few minutes. Have some shut eye till then.” The captain went away somewhere.
“Hey Souske” I said.
“Yes?” Souske looked at me with a blank look.
I wanted to ask this question so it will help me see the relationship with Kaname and Souske. Everyone at school knows both of them are a hot item and so do some members of SOUL. Maybe the captain will disagree but that is just his opinion.
“Are you going out with Kaname?”
“Uh…” He turns dark red on the cheeks “Yes, yes I am.”
Unfortunately, he said those words very loud. Everyone heard it and started whooping and screaming at Souske.
“Oh, oh Souske got a girlfriend” said Kurz.
“I knew you liked Kaname from the beginning Souske. So what, did you guys go further than hugs and kisses?” Melissa asked.
“Negative, but if we were to go further than that, I must prepare myself thoroughly.”
“Souske, you dog. What has this sly old man been thinking in his dirty mind? Want my Karma Sutra? There are infinite moves and I bet you and Kaname will never get bored when you guys hit the bed soon” Kurz said with a grin.
“SOUSKE! SOUSKE!! SOUSKE!!!” All SOUL members said.
“SOUSKE, tap that ass” I shouted, beginning to laugh and yell. I held my right hand in front of me and had my left hand slapping below my right hand, pretending that I was really tapping a girl’s ass.
“But how do I…” Souske drifts off.
“Hey Souske, if you ever need help, the love doctor will be there to help you” said Captain Santiago, who came back very fast.
“Who’s the love doctor?” Souske ask.
“I am” said a nice lady with blonde hair.
Everyone turned to look at 1SG Michelle Chang, the radio operations officer from the TDD-1. The smoking vixen lady had the looks of a vicious tiger, hands like claws and her blonde hair being very fine and rich. Her skin tan like she was from Hawaii and her eyes that blinks that can stop any man in his tracks. The lips of a beautiful woman, who has lips like cherry blossoms.
“Souske, come here and let’s talk” Michelle said while pointing her manicured hand on a seat.
All the men in their seats groaned and shrug, continuing as they were before. Souske starts to sweat heavily on the face, giving a fearful look at Kurz, David, Mao, and me. I just put both of my thumbs up and smile for support. Sighing deeply, Souske walk slowly to Michelle.
“Please to meet you, umm…”
“Michelle. Call me Michelle. If you want, you can call me vixen” Michelle with a smile.
Michelle and Souske smiled slowly and nodded to one another in return.
“Ok Michelle. You already know me, since my name was repeated in De Danaan reports earlier.”
“Yes, I know. Tell me Souske, what is your problem?”
Listening attentively and giving eye contact to Souske, Ryo watch Souske’s reaction to Michelle. Seeing that Souske managed to give her eye contact and sitting next to her, Ryo took a picture out from his breast pocket. The picture was no bigger than his palm, seeing to look as though it was taken very recently. It was a picture of a gorgeous and happy girl, who is the same age as Ryo. Gazing at her, the girl’s eyes seem to look so real that she would come out from the picture. Her skin is light brown, with two dimples on each of her cheeks. Eyes of a fox, the smile on her face suits her so. She has long black shiny hair that glistens from the camera flash. Dress with a black blazer, under a white polo shirt with the top three buttons unbuttoned, she is everything to Intelligence Officer Ryo Iwamura.
“Haleigh…” Ryo whispered.
From a distance, Captain David Santiago watch Ryo gazing at the small picture for a moment, then returning the picture to its rightful place. David looked at the other members of SOUL. Everyone looks okay and is only preparing themselves to be alert once more. His duffel bag on his right side contained intelligence about everyone he needs to know. His civilian and Class A uniform are also in the bag, seated with a Space Bag in case he had to dump his gear on the ocean. Pounding his head on the wall softly, he too had a girl who meant everything to him.
“I miss you Aurora” David quietly said.
Merida Base
1200 Hrs Pacific time
“Officer on deck” shouted Captain Santiago.
Everyone is in the Special Conference Room, Section Five of Merida’s base. Commanding Officer of the Pacific Ocean Fleet, Captain Teletha Tesstarossa, walk into the room along with her fellow subordinates. Lieutenant Commander Andre Sergeyvich Kalinin and Commander Mardukas were behind the Captain. All three wore Class A uniforms. The Soul members saluted a crisp salute, having the salute returned with a smart salute by the commanding officers.
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am deeply sorry that we must have this meeting so early, but I promise this meeting won’t be long.” Captain Tesstarossa smiled at Souske while she said those words, making Souske feeling very nervous.
“It’s alright Madame Captain, the SOULS are alert and are on standby 365, 24/7. Unless a special occasion came up like you invited a stripper to your private office or your fiancé proposed to you and you suddenly got a secret wedding, we don’t mind” said Captain Santiago.
[Laughs from officers and SOULS]
“Thank you for your compliment Captain Santiago, but I don’t have a fiancé or a boyfriend at this time.”
All men silently look at Souske, because he suddenly became very pale from the Captain’s words. Captain Tessa also noticed the Sergeant’s reaction and smiled even more. Ryo and David were both sitting next to Souske so they gave him support by giving him an early birthday present. Ryo and David secretly gave Souske one boxful of chocolate condoms and a bottle of Bacardi under the chair for the young man. The gifts were to be used for emergencies in case Souske and the Captain ever plans to get ‘laid.’
“Ladies and gentlemen, Kaname Chidori, code name Angel, was abducted by unknown unmarked bodyguards. Wraith from the Intelligence was able to identify the people and Kaname and was able to confirm her location.”
Wraith stood up and went to the podium.
“I am from Intelligence Department and I am assign to guard Ms. Chidori. According to my sources they were able to spot Kaname bounding for California with the same bodyguards I saw earlier. She seemed calm and uninjured. Lieutenant Iwamura here will confirm my information.”
I walked to the podium and gave my briefing of the incident.
“Good morning folks, I am Lieutenant Ryo Iwamura and I will be SOULS intelligence officer as of now. After Wraith’s report of her sightings, I took the liberty of checking the personnel. A UC friend of mine contacted me saying the bodyguards” flipping with the pages I printed “Call sign Char less, were the same people and took Angel into an owned bodyguard company. The building is in the outskirts of Los Angeles so the police won’t be able to reach the place for awhile. Angel is held around the middle in the structure and has guards patrolling around. The owner of the building is unknown but the problem is the building materials.”
“Excuse me Lieutenant” said Captain Tesstarossa “But what do you mean by building materials? Surely a bodyguard building doesn’t really protect themselves that good. ”
I looked at the Captain when I spoke. “The building material is so strong that it is made to hold attacks from RPG’s, C4’s and brick like IED bombs, including 50 cal. bullets. The rooftop also has advanced self-defense systems like the AEGIS system. Even the windows are protected well with three layers of bullet deflecting coat.”
“It will be very bad if that building also has an AS for their backup self-defense. I am not sure why the building is that protected but I can only confirm that all their self-defense systems seem to be the same type that Mithril purchase to protect their bases.”
“Ah shit!” said Cranston with his accent.
“This is bad” said Kurz.
“How are we going to save her now?” asked Mao.
“Don’t think so shallow Sergeant Major. That job is up to Command” said Captain Santiago “But our transport helicopters have the same bullets that an AS has on its head.”
“True Captain Santiago” said Tessa while she took out a paper and put it on the center of the room. “Here are your orders: SOULS will be using Class A weapons and AS for standby support. All SOUL members are to depart in 2 transport helicopters and are to be sent to Atlantic Ocean Fleet Base. Captain Santiago, you are to report to us every hour about your progress.”
“Yes Madame Captain” replied David with acknowledgement.
“I’ll have the hangar ready for your transport at 1250. Get your gear and weapons together. Captain Santiago, come back safely this time.”
David saluted at Captain Tesstarossa and she saluted back.
“Meeting adjourned ladies and gents” said Cranston “You heard the lady, let’s get cracking before things get bad.
Walking to my room, Captain Tesstarossa was with Kalinin and Mardukas. With both of them walking back to their offices, I sneaked a smile at Tessa. She waved at me and nearly fell down on the ground. Commander Mardukas helped her out but he didn’t see me laughing silently to myself to get my gear together.
California, ten minutes after
Beep beep beep.
The sound of Justin Kim’s printer came to life and orders came from Ryo Iwamura.
Justin was just next to his printer since he was using his computer pimping his myspace® page.
“What the-” Justin spat out his juice when the order for Operation L.A. Rush needed him for transportation. Grabbing his cell phone, Justin contacted his sister.
“Ji-eun it’s me, call all the guys because Ryo just mailed us” said Justin.
“Alright, where do we meet?” asked Ji-eun.
Looking at the map in front of his computer, the old base of Team Stryker didn’t sound so bad.
“The place should be at our genesis base, where the old man used to hang.”
“Gotcha” said Ji-eun and with that, the phone went dead.
His team is one of the best street crews in California and people say that Justin Kim is known to have connections with the police and federal government since his dad works as a senator at Washington. He could race wherever he want but always ask permission first and paid the government money to lease the highways. There is no doubt however, that Justin works for Mithril as an information gathering but Ryo doesn’t know about it until later on.
Prepping for the mission, Justin took out a huge paper and laid it on the table near his desk and started to assign people to show up for picking up the men. Each stringer in Justin’s crew had a range of C to S class cars like Acura Integra, Honda Prelude version SH, Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Silvia’s, and mostly all the Asian region cars that can be tuned with no difficulty.
“Ryo, you owe me one for this” said Justin with a snort.
Atlantic Command
Ryo arrives to Atlantic Fleet station. The location of this base is surprisingly below an Italian embassy. With the personnel secretly working for Mithril and the Italy’s embassy, SOULS were able to get in unnoticed by disguising themselves wearing tourists clothing.
Going down to an elevator that takes the team into the core of the base, everyone heaved a sigh that luckily no one caught them yet.
“I hope we won’t be here for awhile” said Souske. Taking his Glock out from his bag and putting it in its rightful place, other members do the same as well.
“Yeah well, let’s hope the Commander here is nice and I can tell him the situation” I said.
I took out my automatic baton from my carry on baggage and put it behind my back. Taking my own Glock out from a Ziploc bag in a container of cookies in the same carry on, I load a bullet into the chamber. Eating a cookie in a time like this slows my rapid heart beat.
“Souske, just relax” said Michelle “Everyone knows how much you care for Kaname. Don’t sweat about it too much. Luckily we have Iwamura here who knows his thing compared to the guys at Intelligence Department.”
Lieutenant Cranston was in front of Souske and I, since he needs to make sure David’s safe. He faced me and spoke in his accent.
“Iwamura, if you have to, you can always have Souske handcuffed to you if he talks or thinks of Angel too much.”
Everyone smirked except for Souske.
“That seems like a brilliant idea sir, but what if we rescue Kaname without Souske being involved with rescue? Don’t you think that would totally freak her out?”
Leon Cranston laughed and said “A nice plan, if we do go along with that. But then again, we don’t want that to happen. We might have a SOUL member die in this very first mission from Angel of all people.”
The elevator door opens and the SOULS got out and looked for the Commander. The room was very fancy and first class for any official to stay at for a day or so. Personnel were walking about, busy with paperwork. We stare at the personnel but look away when the personnel look back at us with a blank look.
Just then, a medium built Russian man, about forties in his age, confronted Captain Santiago and smiled.
“David, it’s been awhile” said the Russian.
Ivan Murkowski, a Lieutenant Commander of Atlantic Command will be helping us plan our mission.
“Ivan, we need your help” said David urgently.
David and I were able to explain about the events in fifteen minutes tops when Ivan smiled very brightly.
“Well, I’ll help you out since the guys around here have been bored lately. You can take Surveillance, the PRT and the SRT’s along for this operation. If you” he points at me “Are calling this Operation L.A. Rush, then you guys have to pull it off in thirty minutes to an hour to avoid the police coming to the area.”
“Alright” said David “Let me consult the team first and I’ll start the planning. Iwamura, come with me so we can make some readjustments to the plan.”
“Yes Captain” I replied. Before I left Ivan, both of us exchanged nods that David didn’t see.
Mission Brief
Captain Santiago was briefing Captain Cortez who is the head of SRT Atlantic Command, the transport pilots, Justin Kim because he’s the land transport, and the Surveillance team (S-team) of Atlantic Comm.
“This operation is called L.A. Rush. As the name implies, we are doing it in a rush to get Kaname Chidori, call sign Angel, out of this building. Three fifths of SOULS, PRT, and SRT will ride in Justin’s cars while the other two fifths will be taking the transport helicopter to do a tooth canal in the building.”
The tooth canal flashed to the projector screen and a diagram showed the building. It showed each floor being overtaken by Mithril personnel from the roof, all the way down to the ground floor. An explosion expert will put his bombs on specified areas throughout the building, including the ground floor.
“The transports will take out the self-defense systems on the roof and then the men will descend down by rappelling. SRT and SOULS will do the tooth canal while the PRT are going to plant C4’s throughout the structure to implode the building after the operation is over. IF the building is still there, an AS and air strike will do the job of taking it down completely”
I was given the last half of the briefing. Every man present stared silently at me while I gave the orders.
“Surveillance team, you are to position yourselves within five blocks in a perimeter around the area. Justin, you are counter surveillance after S-team goes in to reinforce the area. But you will be the transporter for Ground team, their call sign GT. Once those guys get inside the lobby area, S-team will come in as reinforcements and stay in the lobby unless told otherwise. Kimberly will be the reserve surveillance. SRT and SOULS are to rendezvous with GT and Sergeant Sagara will be the one to get Angel out of her cell.”
All heads turned up with the name of Sagara. Souske happened to be there and had a puzzled look.
“Sergeant Sagara knows Angel well and if someone else went inside her cell, things would be bad for her and the rescuer. Isn’t that right, Sergeant?”
“Affirmative sir” replied Souske.
“Everyone is to evacuate the area by getting into the transport helicopters or Justin's’ cars. Any questions?”
Looking at the faces of the men, there were none.
“Good” said Captain Santiago “Let’s go greet the Char lees that we’re coming.”
S team brief
Captain Cortez account of L.A. Rush
Time: 1130
I am the captain of the SRT Atlantic Fleet. Captain Santiago and I know each other before SOULS was created. He knew I had potential to be a leader and I felt the same for him also. My background is surrounded by Mithril, since my father were one of the first people to join up. Though people say I am very skilled with the M9, doubts about me going to be tested to get an AS capable of having a Lambda Driver like Sergeant Sagara troubles me. Cortez is my name only, for my first name is forever history to me. This is an account of my story, and our story as Mithril…
All surveillance members of Atlantic Fleet were given a briefing on their radios while they drove into pairs of two to the perimeter they were ordered to observe.
“S-team Alpha, all members check in” I said while looking at my roster.
“Grove”
“Dezman”
“Kiyabu”
“Yamada”
“Soh”
“Creamer”
“S-team Alpha, go into a Delta defense position on Tuwana Avenue and spread out.”
Acknowledgement was made. These men went to their mission following their GPS system.
“On with the next team. S-team Bravo check in please.”
“Merrill”
“Monet”
“Sherman”
“Jackson”
“Epsilon”
“Pusher”
“S-team Bravo, go to Ocean Avenue, just north of Tuwana Avenue and be on standard surveillance because that area is known to have unmark policemen come in unexpectedly. Knocking out a policeman has been granted but if they are dirty cops, then you know what you have to do.”
“Yes Captain, we understand. S-team Bravo out” said the S-team members.
“S-team Charlie, check in with me over.”
“Rasaq”
“Winner”
“Castro”
“Prosser”
“Delano”
“Go west of S-team Alpha’s area and secure that street. That street will be our escape route so watch it at all costs. Last team, S-team Delta, break it down.”
“Brunswick”
“Kelly”
“Caloy”
“Herbert”
“Kuntz”
“S-team Delta, congratulations with the last SAR mission you boys did. Go to Tyrone West Street, formation is 24 lock down. If you do well, I’ll tell Lieutenant Commander about you guys and see that all of you receive a promotion.”
“Sir yes sir! This is S-team Delta over and out.”
“All surveillance teams, Godspeed with you all” I said with ease.
Checking the roster sheet, I look up to see Justin’s cars being loaded with weapons, armor, and extra ammunition. The Ground Unit, call sign GT, will be under my command. Lieutenant Iwamura was dress in his ninja suit and was armed everywhere. He and the other members of Mithril are going to be rappelling-team (or R-team) and use bullets specifically design to penetrate bulletproof windows.
From what Lieutenant Iwamura told me about the bullet, it was specifically bought somewhere around Texas by a company that just recently started its business. Iwamura said the bullet’s name is “The French Kiss.” When he said it, my jaw drop down because it was the first time I heard about it and my expression made Iwamura laugh.
I’ll be damn if the military bought this bullet just because of its kinky name.
“Don’t worry Captain; it’s called “The French Kiss” because what the bullet does is it penetrates the surface very deep like the way a couple does the French kiss. Unlike armor piercing bullets passing through heavy plated armor, The French Kiss passes the surface, then the first protection, second, third, and so on until the velocity of the bullet depletes to the point that the bullet just drops to the floor. The bullet is guaranteed to go all the way.” Iwamura said with his intelligent voice.
We both know what he meant about all the way. I sneer as he talks more.
“The thing about this bullet” he continues “is that when we start spraying the heavy windows with these suckers, the bullet will most likely penetrate the guards whose protecting the building. It’ll be dangerous for us to use it after we get through by the windows.”
His knowledge of the bullet is satisfactory and I reply “Tell Captain Santiago to have the men change the round to normal AP bullets once the team enters the building. If you don’t tell him Lieutenant, you’re going to be court martial for a probability of having a heavy casualty due to friendly fire.”
“Yes Captain” Lieutenant Iwamura said.
Nodding in agreement, I ask him another question
“Is everyone ready?” I asked the Lieutenant.
“Yes sir, Captain Tesstarossa gave Captain Santiago the acknowledgement that we are green light for SAR mission” replied Lieutenant Iwamura.
“Good” I say “Give the order for the ground unit to proceed to the transporters.”
“Yes sir” said the Lieutenant.
I look at the young lieutenant as he told the S-teams to enter the cars carrying their gear and weapons with care. Some of the men like Sergeant Kuntz and Captain Brunswick hurried to go to sit in the back seats so they could “ride dirty” while the driver blast his song.
“S-team Bravo” I called to the men in a black Acura RSX.
Carrying my weapon on my shoulder, I walk slowly. The weight of my armor made me remember that I have a life to go back to when I succeed this mission. The word ‘if’ is not mention in my mouth ever.
“Yes sir?” ask Captain Merrill of the group-who was the passenger in the Acura.
“Pass the message to all other S-teams that the cars you are riding in are fitted with heavy Kevlar armor. If you were to be attack prior to arriving or leaving mission area, the whole body including the doors are design to take hits-do you understand what I’m trying to say Captain?” I ask.
“I understand sir” says Captain Merrill “The car will protect us from heavy fire and we can use the doors as our shields as a last resort. If our attackers were to be in front of us, all doors can open up and uh”
Captain Merrill stops his sentence and we both nod that we understood each other.
“Hurry Captain or else you’ll miss your ride” I said.
“Thank you sir”
He hurries to the car and as soon as he strap in, the black Acura Integra and the other cars sped off into the night to its designated areas.
I found out I have to ride inside Justin’s Nissan Skyline GT-R. The good part is that I won’t have to ride with anyone but Justin himself. I guess Lieutenant Iwamura did not want to stress me before the mission starts.
He’s wrong. I’m not stressed out because this will be my last mission in the States. I will soon be sent to the Mediterranean fleet and start my new life little by little. The first I have to do is settling down and start a family because I’m tired of chasing women around and getting laid for the hell of it.
Getting inside the Skyline and strapping me in, Justin comes inside the car and gives his hand to me so we can introduce ourselves.
“Hello Captain Cortez. My name is Justin Kim and I’m the lead man for the transport.”
Shaking hands like men, I said “Glad to meet you. My name is Cortez and I am glad you’re here to drop and pick us up for this mission. I hope we can work together perfectly because we’re all here to save that lady Sagara likes.”
Justin smiles and starts his car up, revving it and putting it on full throttle FAST.
“I pray for the same thing Captain. For now, let’s just get to the area quick before Angel dies and go to heaven.”
Justin Kim, welcome aboard to Mithril’s SOUL team.
Planning Chapter 2
END
Time Unknown
All of the SOULS were outside the meeting room with our casual clothing. When the plane landed onto the airway, no personnel were there to greet us since we were not suppose to be there in the first place. The base was dark, very dark. Captain Santiago led us out from the plane, meeting up with Sergeant Sagara in front of the briefing room. Souske seemed very calm but rugged.
“Listen up boys and girls. This is the captain speaking. Commander Tesstarossa will brief us when we get into the conference room. I hope you read the contract and rule papers I gave you. Fully memorize them because your life is on the line 24/7, 365 days. Also, Commander Mardukas and Lieutenant Kalinin will be present to give us a tour around the isle. Any questions people?”
“Sir! No sir.”
“Good. The meeting will be in a few minutes. Have some shut eye till then.” The captain went away somewhere.
“Hey Souske” I said.
“Yes?” Souske looked at me with a blank look.
I wanted to ask this question so it will help me see the relationship with Kaname and Souske. Everyone at school knows both of them are a hot item and so do some members of SOUL. Maybe the captain will disagree but that is just his opinion.
“Are you going out with Kaname?”
“Uh…” He turns dark red on the cheeks “Yes, yes I am.”
Unfortunately, he said those words very loud. Everyone heard it and started whooping and screaming at Souske.
“Oh, oh Souske got a girlfriend” said Kurz.
“I knew you liked Kaname from the beginning Souske. So what, did you guys go further than hugs and kisses?” Melissa asked.
“Negative, but if we were to go further than that, I must prepare myself thoroughly.”
“Souske, you dog. What has this sly old man been thinking in his dirty mind? Want my Karma Sutra? There are infinite moves and I bet you and Kaname will never get bored when you guys hit the bed soon” Kurz said with a grin.
“SOUSKE! SOUSKE!! SOUSKE!!!” All SOUL members said.
“SOUSKE, tap that ass” I shouted, beginning to laugh and yell. I held my right hand in front of me and had my left hand slapping below my right hand, pretending that I was really tapping a girl’s ass.
“But how do I…” Souske drifts off.
“Hey Souske, if you ever need help, the love doctor will be there to help you” said Captain Santiago, who came back very fast.
“Who’s the love doctor?” Souske ask.
“I am” said a nice lady with blonde hair.
Everyone turned to look at 1SG Michelle Chang, the radio operations officer from the TDD-1. The smoking vixen lady had the looks of a vicious tiger, hands like claws and her blonde hair being very fine and rich. Her skin tan like she was from Hawaii and her eyes that blinks that can stop any man in his tracks. The lips of a beautiful woman, who has lips like cherry blossoms.
“Souske, come here and let’s talk” Michelle said while pointing her manicured hand on a seat.
All the men in their seats groaned and shrug, continuing as they were before. Souske starts to sweat heavily on the face, giving a fearful look at Kurz, David, Mao, and me. I just put both of my thumbs up and smile for support. Sighing deeply, Souske walk slowly to Michelle.
“Please to meet you, umm…”
“Michelle. Call me Michelle. If you want, you can call me vixen” Michelle with a smile.
Michelle and Souske smiled slowly and nodded to one another in return.
“Ok Michelle. You already know me, since my name was repeated in De Danaan reports earlier.”
“Yes, I know. Tell me Souske, what is your problem?”
Listening attentively and giving eye contact to Souske, Ryo watch Souske’s reaction to Michelle. Seeing that Souske managed to give her eye contact and sitting next to her, Ryo took a picture out from his breast pocket. The picture was no bigger than his palm, seeing to look as though it was taken very recently. It was a picture of a gorgeous and happy girl, who is the same age as Ryo. Gazing at her, the girl’s eyes seem to look so real that she would come out from the picture. Her skin is light brown, with two dimples on each of her cheeks. Eyes of a fox, the smile on her face suits her so. She has long black shiny hair that glistens from the camera flash. Dress with a black blazer, under a white polo shirt with the top three buttons unbuttoned, she is everything to Intelligence Officer Ryo Iwamura.
“Haleigh…” Ryo whispered.
From a distance, Captain David Santiago watch Ryo gazing at the small picture for a moment, then returning the picture to its rightful place. David looked at the other members of SOUL. Everyone looks okay and is only preparing themselves to be alert once more. His duffel bag on his right side contained intelligence about everyone he needs to know. His civilian and Class A uniform are also in the bag, seated with a Space Bag in case he had to dump his gear on the ocean. Pounding his head on the wall softly, he too had a girl who meant everything to him.
“I miss you Aurora” David quietly said.
Merida Base
1200 Hrs Pacific time
“Officer on deck” shouted Captain Santiago.
Everyone is in the Special Conference Room, Section Five of Merida’s base. Commanding Officer of the Pacific Ocean Fleet, Captain Teletha Tesstarossa, walk into the room along with her fellow subordinates. Lieutenant Commander Andre Sergeyvich Kalinin and Commander Mardukas were behind the Captain. All three wore Class A uniforms. The Soul members saluted a crisp salute, having the salute returned with a smart salute by the commanding officers.
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am deeply sorry that we must have this meeting so early, but I promise this meeting won’t be long.” Captain Tesstarossa smiled at Souske while she said those words, making Souske feeling very nervous.
“It’s alright Madame Captain, the SOULS are alert and are on standby 365, 24/7. Unless a special occasion came up like you invited a stripper to your private office or your fiancé proposed to you and you suddenly got a secret wedding, we don’t mind” said Captain Santiago.
[Laughs from officers and SOULS]
“Thank you for your compliment Captain Santiago, but I don’t have a fiancé or a boyfriend at this time.”
All men silently look at Souske, because he suddenly became very pale from the Captain’s words. Captain Tessa also noticed the Sergeant’s reaction and smiled even more. Ryo and David were both sitting next to Souske so they gave him support by giving him an early birthday present. Ryo and David secretly gave Souske one boxful of chocolate condoms and a bottle of Bacardi under the chair for the young man. The gifts were to be used for emergencies in case Souske and the Captain ever plans to get ‘laid.’
“Ladies and gentlemen, Kaname Chidori, code name Angel, was abducted by unknown unmarked bodyguards. Wraith from the Intelligence was able to identify the people and Kaname and was able to confirm her location.”
Wraith stood up and went to the podium.
“I am from Intelligence Department and I am assign to guard Ms. Chidori. According to my sources they were able to spot Kaname bounding for California with the same bodyguards I saw earlier. She seemed calm and uninjured. Lieutenant Iwamura here will confirm my information.”
I walked to the podium and gave my briefing of the incident.
“Good morning folks, I am Lieutenant Ryo Iwamura and I will be SOULS intelligence officer as of now. After Wraith’s report of her sightings, I took the liberty of checking the personnel. A UC friend of mine contacted me saying the bodyguards” flipping with the pages I printed “Call sign Char less, were the same people and took Angel into an owned bodyguard company. The building is in the outskirts of Los Angeles so the police won’t be able to reach the place for awhile. Angel is held around the middle in the structure and has guards patrolling around. The owner of the building is unknown but the problem is the building materials.”
“Excuse me Lieutenant” said Captain Tesstarossa “But what do you mean by building materials? Surely a bodyguard building doesn’t really protect themselves that good. ”
I looked at the Captain when I spoke. “The building material is so strong that it is made to hold attacks from RPG’s, C4’s and brick like IED bombs, including 50 cal. bullets. The rooftop also has advanced self-defense systems like the AEGIS system. Even the windows are protected well with three layers of bullet deflecting coat.”
“It will be very bad if that building also has an AS for their backup self-defense. I am not sure why the building is that protected but I can only confirm that all their self-defense systems seem to be the same type that Mithril purchase to protect their bases.”
“Ah shit!” said Cranston with his accent.
“This is bad” said Kurz.
“How are we going to save her now?” asked Mao.
“Don’t think so shallow Sergeant Major. That job is up to Command” said Captain Santiago “But our transport helicopters have the same bullets that an AS has on its head.”
“True Captain Santiago” said Tessa while she took out a paper and put it on the center of the room. “Here are your orders: SOULS will be using Class A weapons and AS for standby support. All SOUL members are to depart in 2 transport helicopters and are to be sent to Atlantic Ocean Fleet Base. Captain Santiago, you are to report to us every hour about your progress.”
“Yes Madame Captain” replied David with acknowledgement.
“I’ll have the hangar ready for your transport at 1250. Get your gear and weapons together. Captain Santiago, come back safely this time.”
David saluted at Captain Tesstarossa and she saluted back.
“Meeting adjourned ladies and gents” said Cranston “You heard the lady, let’s get cracking before things get bad.
Walking to my room, Captain Tesstarossa was with Kalinin and Mardukas. With both of them walking back to their offices, I sneaked a smile at Tessa. She waved at me and nearly fell down on the ground. Commander Mardukas helped her out but he didn’t see me laughing silently to myself to get my gear together.
California, ten minutes after
Beep beep beep.
The sound of Justin Kim’s printer came to life and orders came from Ryo Iwamura.
Justin was just next to his printer since he was using his computer pimping his myspace® page.
“What the-” Justin spat out his juice when the order for Operation L.A. Rush needed him for transportation. Grabbing his cell phone, Justin contacted his sister.
“Ji-eun it’s me, call all the guys because Ryo just mailed us” said Justin.
“Alright, where do we meet?” asked Ji-eun.
Looking at the map in front of his computer, the old base of Team Stryker didn’t sound so bad.
“The place should be at our genesis base, where the old man used to hang.”
“Gotcha” said Ji-eun and with that, the phone went dead.
His team is one of the best street crews in California and people say that Justin Kim is known to have connections with the police and federal government since his dad works as a senator at Washington. He could race wherever he want but always ask permission first and paid the government money to lease the highways. There is no doubt however, that Justin works for Mithril as an information gathering but Ryo doesn’t know about it until later on.
Prepping for the mission, Justin took out a huge paper and laid it on the table near his desk and started to assign people to show up for picking up the men. Each stringer in Justin’s crew had a range of C to S class cars like Acura Integra, Honda Prelude version SH, Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Silvia’s, and mostly all the Asian region cars that can be tuned with no difficulty.
“Ryo, you owe me one for this” said Justin with a snort.
Atlantic Command
Ryo arrives to Atlantic Fleet station. The location of this base is surprisingly below an Italian embassy. With the personnel secretly working for Mithril and the Italy’s embassy, SOULS were able to get in unnoticed by disguising themselves wearing tourists clothing.
Going down to an elevator that takes the team into the core of the base, everyone heaved a sigh that luckily no one caught them yet.
“I hope we won’t be here for awhile” said Souske. Taking his Glock out from his bag and putting it in its rightful place, other members do the same as well.
“Yeah well, let’s hope the Commander here is nice and I can tell him the situation” I said.
I took out my automatic baton from my carry on baggage and put it behind my back. Taking my own Glock out from a Ziploc bag in a container of cookies in the same carry on, I load a bullet into the chamber. Eating a cookie in a time like this slows my rapid heart beat.
“Souske, just relax” said Michelle “Everyone knows how much you care for Kaname. Don’t sweat about it too much. Luckily we have Iwamura here who knows his thing compared to the guys at Intelligence Department.”
Lieutenant Cranston was in front of Souske and I, since he needs to make sure David’s safe. He faced me and spoke in his accent.
“Iwamura, if you have to, you can always have Souske handcuffed to you if he talks or thinks of Angel too much.”
Everyone smirked except for Souske.
“That seems like a brilliant idea sir, but what if we rescue Kaname without Souske being involved with rescue? Don’t you think that would totally freak her out?”
Leon Cranston laughed and said “A nice plan, if we do go along with that. But then again, we don’t want that to happen. We might have a SOUL member die in this very first mission from Angel of all people.”
The elevator door opens and the SOULS got out and looked for the Commander. The room was very fancy and first class for any official to stay at for a day or so. Personnel were walking about, busy with paperwork. We stare at the personnel but look away when the personnel look back at us with a blank look.
Just then, a medium built Russian man, about forties in his age, confronted Captain Santiago and smiled.
“David, it’s been awhile” said the Russian.
Ivan Murkowski, a Lieutenant Commander of Atlantic Command will be helping us plan our mission.
“Ivan, we need your help” said David urgently.
David and I were able to explain about the events in fifteen minutes tops when Ivan smiled very brightly.
“Well, I’ll help you out since the guys around here have been bored lately. You can take Surveillance, the PRT and the SRT’s along for this operation. If you” he points at me “Are calling this Operation L.A. Rush, then you guys have to pull it off in thirty minutes to an hour to avoid the police coming to the area.”
“Alright” said David “Let me consult the team first and I’ll start the planning. Iwamura, come with me so we can make some readjustments to the plan.”
“Yes Captain” I replied. Before I left Ivan, both of us exchanged nods that David didn’t see.
Mission Brief
Captain Santiago was briefing Captain Cortez who is the head of SRT Atlantic Command, the transport pilots, Justin Kim because he’s the land transport, and the Surveillance team (S-team) of Atlantic Comm.
“This operation is called L.A. Rush. As the name implies, we are doing it in a rush to get Kaname Chidori, call sign Angel, out of this building. Three fifths of SOULS, PRT, and SRT will ride in Justin’s cars while the other two fifths will be taking the transport helicopter to do a tooth canal in the building.”
The tooth canal flashed to the projector screen and a diagram showed the building. It showed each floor being overtaken by Mithril personnel from the roof, all the way down to the ground floor. An explosion expert will put his bombs on specified areas throughout the building, including the ground floor.
“The transports will take out the self-defense systems on the roof and then the men will descend down by rappelling. SRT and SOULS will do the tooth canal while the PRT are going to plant C4’s throughout the structure to implode the building after the operation is over. IF the building is still there, an AS and air strike will do the job of taking it down completely”
I was given the last half of the briefing. Every man present stared silently at me while I gave the orders.
“Surveillance team, you are to position yourselves within five blocks in a perimeter around the area. Justin, you are counter surveillance after S-team goes in to reinforce the area. But you will be the transporter for Ground team, their call sign GT. Once those guys get inside the lobby area, S-team will come in as reinforcements and stay in the lobby unless told otherwise. Kimberly will be the reserve surveillance. SRT and SOULS are to rendezvous with GT and Sergeant Sagara will be the one to get Angel out of her cell.”
All heads turned up with the name of Sagara. Souske happened to be there and had a puzzled look.
“Sergeant Sagara knows Angel well and if someone else went inside her cell, things would be bad for her and the rescuer. Isn’t that right, Sergeant?”
“Affirmative sir” replied Souske.
“Everyone is to evacuate the area by getting into the transport helicopters or Justin's’ cars. Any questions?”
Looking at the faces of the men, there were none.
“Good” said Captain Santiago “Let’s go greet the Char lees that we’re coming.”
S team brief
Captain Cortez account of L.A. Rush
Time: 1130
I am the captain of the SRT Atlantic Fleet. Captain Santiago and I know each other before SOULS was created. He knew I had potential to be a leader and I felt the same for him also. My background is surrounded by Mithril, since my father were one of the first people to join up. Though people say I am very skilled with the M9, doubts about me going to be tested to get an AS capable of having a Lambda Driver like Sergeant Sagara troubles me. Cortez is my name only, for my first name is forever history to me. This is an account of my story, and our story as Mithril…
All surveillance members of Atlantic Fleet were given a briefing on their radios while they drove into pairs of two to the perimeter they were ordered to observe.
“S-team Alpha, all members check in” I said while looking at my roster.
“Grove”
“Dezman”
“Kiyabu”
“Yamada”
“Soh”
“Creamer”
“S-team Alpha, go into a Delta defense position on Tuwana Avenue and spread out.”
Acknowledgement was made. These men went to their mission following their GPS system.
“On with the next team. S-team Bravo check in please.”
“Merrill”
“Monet”
“Sherman”
“Jackson”
“Epsilon”
“Pusher”
“S-team Bravo, go to Ocean Avenue, just north of Tuwana Avenue and be on standard surveillance because that area is known to have unmark policemen come in unexpectedly. Knocking out a policeman has been granted but if they are dirty cops, then you know what you have to do.”
“Yes Captain, we understand. S-team Bravo out” said the S-team members.
“S-team Charlie, check in with me over.”
“Rasaq”
“Winner”
“Castro”
“Prosser”
“Delano”
“Go west of S-team Alpha’s area and secure that street. That street will be our escape route so watch it at all costs. Last team, S-team Delta, break it down.”
“Brunswick”
“Kelly”
“Caloy”
“Herbert”
“Kuntz”
“S-team Delta, congratulations with the last SAR mission you boys did. Go to Tyrone West Street, formation is 24 lock down. If you do well, I’ll tell Lieutenant Commander about you guys and see that all of you receive a promotion.”
“Sir yes sir! This is S-team Delta over and out.”
“All surveillance teams, Godspeed with you all” I said with ease.
Checking the roster sheet, I look up to see Justin’s cars being loaded with weapons, armor, and extra ammunition. The Ground Unit, call sign GT, will be under my command. Lieutenant Iwamura was dress in his ninja suit and was armed everywhere. He and the other members of Mithril are going to be rappelling-team (or R-team) and use bullets specifically design to penetrate bulletproof windows.
From what Lieutenant Iwamura told me about the bullet, it was specifically bought somewhere around Texas by a company that just recently started its business. Iwamura said the bullet’s name is “The French Kiss.” When he said it, my jaw drop down because it was the first time I heard about it and my expression made Iwamura laugh.
I’ll be damn if the military bought this bullet just because of its kinky name.
“Don’t worry Captain; it’s called “The French Kiss” because what the bullet does is it penetrates the surface very deep like the way a couple does the French kiss. Unlike armor piercing bullets passing through heavy plated armor, The French Kiss passes the surface, then the first protection, second, third, and so on until the velocity of the bullet depletes to the point that the bullet just drops to the floor. The bullet is guaranteed to go all the way.” Iwamura said with his intelligent voice.
We both know what he meant about all the way. I sneer as he talks more.
“The thing about this bullet” he continues “is that when we start spraying the heavy windows with these suckers, the bullet will most likely penetrate the guards whose protecting the building. It’ll be dangerous for us to use it after we get through by the windows.”
His knowledge of the bullet is satisfactory and I reply “Tell Captain Santiago to have the men change the round to normal AP bullets once the team enters the building. If you don’t tell him Lieutenant, you’re going to be court martial for a probability of having a heavy casualty due to friendly fire.”
“Yes Captain” Lieutenant Iwamura said.
Nodding in agreement, I ask him another question
“Is everyone ready?” I asked the Lieutenant.
“Yes sir, Captain Tesstarossa gave Captain Santiago the acknowledgement that we are green light for SAR mission” replied Lieutenant Iwamura.
“Good” I say “Give the order for the ground unit to proceed to the transporters.”
“Yes sir” said the Lieutenant.
I look at the young lieutenant as he told the S-teams to enter the cars carrying their gear and weapons with care. Some of the men like Sergeant Kuntz and Captain Brunswick hurried to go to sit in the back seats so they could “ride dirty” while the driver blast his song.
“S-team Bravo” I called to the men in a black Acura RSX.
Carrying my weapon on my shoulder, I walk slowly. The weight of my armor made me remember that I have a life to go back to when I succeed this mission. The word ‘if’ is not mention in my mouth ever.
“Yes sir?” ask Captain Merrill of the group-who was the passenger in the Acura.
“Pass the message to all other S-teams that the cars you are riding in are fitted with heavy Kevlar armor. If you were to be attack prior to arriving or leaving mission area, the whole body including the doors are design to take hits-do you understand what I’m trying to say Captain?” I ask.
“I understand sir” says Captain Merrill “The car will protect us from heavy fire and we can use the doors as our shields as a last resort. If our attackers were to be in front of us, all doors can open up and uh”
Captain Merrill stops his sentence and we both nod that we understood each other.
“Hurry Captain or else you’ll miss your ride” I said.
“Thank you sir”
He hurries to the car and as soon as he strap in, the black Acura Integra and the other cars sped off into the night to its designated areas.
I found out I have to ride inside Justin’s Nissan Skyline GT-R. The good part is that I won’t have to ride with anyone but Justin himself. I guess Lieutenant Iwamura did not want to stress me before the mission starts.
He’s wrong. I’m not stressed out because this will be my last mission in the States. I will soon be sent to the Mediterranean fleet and start my new life little by little. The first I have to do is settling down and start a family because I’m tired of chasing women around and getting laid for the hell of it.
Getting inside the Skyline and strapping me in, Justin comes inside the car and gives his hand to me so we can introduce ourselves.
“Hello Captain Cortez. My name is Justin Kim and I’m the lead man for the transport.”
Shaking hands like men, I said “Glad to meet you. My name is Cortez and I am glad you’re here to drop and pick us up for this mission. I hope we can work together perfectly because we’re all here to save that lady Sagara likes.”
Justin smiles and starts his car up, revving it and putting it on full throttle FAST.
“I pray for the same thing Captain. For now, let’s just get to the area quick before Angel dies and go to heaven.”
Justin Kim, welcome aboard to Mithril’s SOUL team.
Planning Chapter 2
END