Story - Camp Life [Part 15]

[Author's note: This piece takes place 40 minutes before the events of Part 14] At a forward operating base 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from the campsite, Captain Hiro Matsuda is addressing a group of around 20 militia members about an upcoming task. "Alright, alright! At attention! Quiet, so that those in the back can hear me clearly. I won't be repeating myself, so pay attention. We have been asked by Central Command to secure the camp site 5 kilometers up the road." Just then, a militia member wheels up a portable cork board with three photos attached to it. "Once we arrive at the camp site, we have 2 tasks: 1) Secure the camp site and establish a defense line around the camp. I've been told that General Jiang herself, along with Inspector Callenbeau will also be joining us, so we need to make sure the camp is safe and secure! 2) If you all can draw your attention to the cork board here, here we have two high-value targets. Last we've been told, these two men and their white SUV have been spotted at the camp. These two men are to be considered highly skilled and extremely dangerous! If you see either of these men, you are expected to hold them in place until they are secured and detained. Do not approach them alone and do not attempt to detain them by yourself! Central Intelligence has identified them as active duty Federal Union special forces. Gamma Unit special forces, to be precise..." There are gasps and murmurs among the crowd of militia members. "Quiet down, everyone. Now, as I was saying, these 2 are special forces, with a primary focus on base infiltration, controlled demolitions, and silent exfiltration. They're sneaky and tricky, so don't engage them by yourself. If possible, when we go to look for them, I want everyone partnered up with at least 1 other soldier, although groups of 3 to 4 are preferred." While talking, Captain Matsuda is gesturing to the photos pinned to the cork board. "Central Intelligence also believes that there is a small Sinoan child with them, a young girl, to be precise. We have no photos on record, but I was given a brief description: '...young girl, believed to be of Sinoan ethnicity. Age is estimated to be between 7 and 9 years old, brown eyes, short black hair done in a double bun hairstyle, a short red dress, black shorts and red & white shoes.' The girl is of little importance, but still keep an eye out for her as well. Now, I've assured Central Command that we would execute this Secure and Search order with minimal issues, so I expect your conduct to be professional and thorough. We, along with Unit 23, the aerial search unit, will secure the camp, we will locate and detail the high value targets, and we will accompany General Jiang and Inspector Callenbeau while they question the two Feds. If any of you manage to find the Sinoan girl, let me know and I'll reach out to Central Intelligence about what to do next. Am I clear?" The militia members respond in unison. "SIR, YES SIR!" Captain Matsuda puffs his chest with pride. "That's what I like to hear. Ok, you 5, you're riding with me in the BTR-80. Johnston, your driving. Valencia, you're the navigator. Phan, you're on the 30mm autocannon. We're not looking for any combat, so hold your fire unless I tell you otherwise. The rest of you, go ahead and mount up in those trucks over there. We leave in 5 minutes and I expect us to get there in 20 minutes. Grab your gear and load up! Move! Move! Move!" The Militia members gather their necessary gear and load up into their respective vehicles. The convoy leaves the base shortly thereafter.