Canalzone
Seven chapters of a battle loosely based on Canalzone (the original) and TF.
— [P]Asphyxia
Chapter 3
The Flight
Tot and I step out of the ‘Cantina’ that we have managed to set up in Firebase Victor. Not much for atmosphere in there, but we do what we can with what we have. At least the refrigeration unit still works and the brew is cold. We have spent the last 90 minutes chewing on the data that was presented to us in the briefing, which wasn’t much. I don’t think that the Lieutenant has done too many of these briefings. It doesn’t much matter now, however. We are scheduled to go out there regardless of how informed we are.
We have come up with something that could be called a strategy. We are going to try the silent and swift approach. If we can get them while they are still waking up, we may actually have a chance to gain some ground. The problem will be getting the new troops to deploy in rapid fashion. I’m not too worried about capturing a command post since there is a large, well constructed building right on the edge of town that we can easily secure. According to the advanced intelligence reports, they have not paid any attention to it. We should be careful, though. I have never trusted intelligence reports until I see what they saw for myself.
It’s everything else about this mission that worries me.
I check my watch. 0315. I grab a Marlboro out of my pocket. After lighting it, I take a deep drag and look up at the sky. The drizzle has stopped and the stars are beginning to peek through the broken cloud cover. That’s what gets me about this place. If you don’t like the weather, wait an hour. It’ll change for you. I then look at Tot and give him a small grin. “Well, my ride leaves in 30. I suppose I should gather my gear and rally the boys.”
“I guess you’re right. Well, save something for us, will ya?” He replies.
“You bet I will. I think that there will be enough for everyone. Just don’t you boys be late for the party, eh?” I move to attention and snap him a salute. He returns it and we then firmly shake hands. It’s nice to know that I have a friend like him in this world. He’ll be there, I’m sure of it.
We head of in separate directions, he toward his tent and me towards mine. I duck into my tent and begin to place my gear on my cot for inventory. Extra uniform, field jacket, socks, night vision goggles, a couple packs of smokes, rifle cleaning kit, MRE’s, and, of course, a fresh package of animal crackers. Once I have finished, I do a quick breakdown of my rifle. With everything packed up in my rucksack, I grab my hat and head out of the tent.
I head over to the supply area to receive my issue of ammunition for this mission. They look at me and begin to set my supplies on the table without a word. Once they are done, I inventory everything. I smile as I examine the ammunition that I have been issued. Reading the box, it says ‘Ammo, .50 Cal, Precision, HV. 75 each’. The brains that developed it like to call it ‘Viper’. I have heard about this stuff, but never actually used it. It is a 785 grain bullet that is solid copper and has a nice Teflon coating with an extremely high muzzle velocity that will punch through just about anything on the battlefield. The guys that developed it say that it’ll take a man’s head clean off at 1200 meters, if you can see him, that is. I also am issued a couple of standard fragmentation grenades that should come in handy. I sign the form, pack up my ammo, and head out.
Heading over to the LZ, I notice that another Osprey identical to the one that arrived earlier has landed. It looks like us grunts are going to ride in style tonight. At least that’s one thing going our way. We may be able to get in without taking any enemy anti-aircraft fire. I hope so. Triple A makes for a bumpy ride and can really put a crimp on your day if they get you.
I arrive at the LZ and call out to the troops that will be in the first wave to fall in. A rather interesting mix of personnel and equipment move rapidly into a formation. There are several standard rocket infantry soldiers, a demolitions expert, one recon troop, two combat medics, one combat engineer, a heavy weapons specialist, and one of those sick bastards that like to fry people with a flame thrower. I look them over and take note of the few that may actually have some experience. I spend the next ten minutes briefing the troops on the mission.
Nightmare finally approaches the front of the formation. He’s now dressed in an all black stealth suit that is standard issue for Spec Ops. I’ve heard lots about them, but never actually seen one, until now. His associate is also wearing one, but he is carrying an M24 7.62mm Sniper rifle. I call the formation to attention and execute an about face. Saluting the Lieutenant, I say, “Platoon ready for action, sir. Awaiting your orders.”
He returns the salute. “Get ‘em loaded up, Sergeant. We leave in five minutes.”
“Yes, sir.” Executing another about face, I relay the order to the platoon and dismiss them. They all move in different directions towards their gear to secure it. Once they have, I see them sprint towards the Osprey and orderly stow their gear under their seats and buckle themselves in. I walk over to the plane and step aboard. My seat will be up front next to the Lieutenant. After stowing my gear and buckling in, I grab a cigarette out of my pocket and light up. The pilot looks at me like I’m out of my mind. I smile at him and offer one up. He turns around and says nothing to me. Shrugging, I put them away.
Seated on my right is the heavy weapons specialist. He is holding a conversation with the engineer. I pay no attention to them and simply enjoy my cigarette until Nightmare shows. He immediately orders me to crush out my smoke. I begrudgingly reply to his wish and snuff the butt out on the floor of the plane. He takes his seat next to me and straps in. His associate, Deadeye, has been following him around like a puppy, cradling his rifle as if it were a child. I can understand that. The rifle is a sniper’s best friend. We make eye contact and he smiles at me, giving me a sort of brotherly nod, which I acknowledge. This guy seems nothing like his boss. I hope that’s true.
Liftoff is smooth and quiet. These planes are really sweet. On most drops, earplugs are standard issue, but not in this bird. You can hold a normal conversation in this thing. The big wigs spent bucks on development of these Ospreys. I’m pleased knowing that we are starting this mission on the right foot by not announcing our arrival in Hueys. You can hear them coming for miles.
I look around the cabin of the plane and I notice the troops engaging in various activities. Some are writing letters, some look like they are engaged in prayer, and a select few are sleeping. Others are just staring blindly into space, apparently gripped with fear and uncertainty. The sleepers I know have been through something like this before. The two troops next to me continue to converse and now have introduced a deck of cards into the mix. Now these guys have been through much more than the others.
I nudge the Lieutenant. “Sir, will you be leading us, or shall I?”
Nightmare looks at me and says, “You look like you have been doing a fine job, Sergeant. You do it. I’ll just be a gun on your side. What would you like me to do?”
“Sir, apparently you and your buddy over there have specialized training.” I pull out a map of the town. “Take this route through the canal and capture the boathouse here. We might be able to intercept reinforcements using that entry into town.”
“Good idea, Sergeant. We shall do what we can to get there quietly.” He agrees. “And what are your objectives?”
“I have my own agenda, but I will divide the squads up after we secure the command post. I figure that we can get three, maybe four of the points before they know what hit them. We then can hold out for our reinforcements.”
“Fine. We have our assignments. We shall be in touch via commo band three.”
I nod to Nightmare in acknowledgment and say nothing more to him. After checking my radio, I prop my head up against the wall of the plane and doze off.
The sound of buzzing and the flash of a red light awaken me. That signal means thirty seconds to landing and dismount. I signal to the troops to unbuckle and gear up. They respond quickly. “Night vision goggles on! Commo band two for initial landing. Even dispersal and perimeter establishment! Get ready!” I shout. I then signal to the heavy and the rocket soldiers. “You first!” I grab my gear, remove the covers from the scope of my rifle, and activate its night vision feature. I can’t use the scope and night vision goggles, but I do have a pair in my hand for surveying the scene.
There is a gentle thud as we touch down. The light flashes from red to green briefly and then goes dark. The door of the Osprey swings open and the troops move in orderly fashion establishing a perimeter 30 meters from the plane. After offloading, the Osprey’s door closes, and it lifts off into the night. Lying before us is the ruined town of Wilson.
 Back: Chapter 2: The Flight
 Next: Chapter 4: The Attack
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