Location: Moscow, Russia

Date: June 3rd, 2021

Time: 1:24 AM

3rd Person POV

A cliff edge masked in trees was in view. Static chatter from a radio was heard getting closer with the crunching of snow. The radio became more clear as 3 people laid down on the edge of the cliff overlooking a facility.

Derek: *on radio* Mickey, you reach the vantage point?

Mickey: Affirmative Colt, we have eyes on the facility. Just like last time.

Derek: *on radio* I need you to get eyes on Demo, he went down the trail to set up traps with Kapkan. See if you can get a sight on them.

Mickey looked through the scope of his Mk14. EBR as he followed the trail. He then stopped once he saw two figures dressed in white setting up a wire across two trees.

Mickey: I have eyes on the two.

Derek: *on radio* Good, we're much more hidden, but Glaz should be able to see us through his thermal scope.

Mickey motioned for Glaz to look for the rest of the ground team. He looked through the scope of his OTS-03. He noticed the group through a patch of trees.

Glaz: I have eyes on the ground team, they thermal is hard to pick up but they're there.

Mickey: Copy that.

Derek: *on radio* How many targets do you guys see?

Mickey: Fucking hell, you ask alot of questions.

Derek: *on radio* Just look through the Goddamn scope.

The three snipers all looked through their scopes to count 23 targets.

Mickey: We've got 23 tangos. 3 at the main gate, 15 at the east entrance, 2 at the west entrance, and 3 on the roof.

Ashley: Why so little defense on the west?

NATO: *on radio* It isn't a very open area, so only a couple would be needed. Even so, they have 3 on the roof which would help support that side if needed.

Ashley: Gotcha.

Another person joined in from Mickeys radio.

Demo: Traps are set, nothing is coming in or out of that trail.

Derek: *on radio* Copy that, get back here ASAP so we can begin the second phase.

Demo: *on radio* Affirmative, making our way back now.

Mickey moved his sights back over to the two as they disappeared into the trees and darkness. He reached over and turned off his radio as he turned to Ashley.

Mickey: I don't need to say this to Timur since he knows a thing or two about sniping, but pick your targets and make sure you get the kill.

Ashley: I'll be sure to do that.

Mickey: Remember, They're relying on us to make sure they get in and out safely, we can't fuck this up.

Ashley: *sarcastic* That makes me feel better.

Mickey turned his radio back on.

Mickey: Whats your status on Demo and Kapkan.

Derek: *on radio* They've regrouped with us. We have eyes on the two guards but we do not see any of the three on the roof.

Mickey: Copy that, we'll handle them.

Mickey looked over at the two as he signaled to be ready to fire at the 3 on the roof.

Mickey: Pick your targets and make sure it's a clean kill, we can't risk having them make any noise.

Ashley: How are we supposed to do that?

Mickey: By aiming at their head. Take the one on the far left closest to them. If you miss your shot or don't secure the kill, Glaz can help you out.

Derek: *on radio* Are you guys ready?

Mickey: Affirmative.

Derek: *on radio* Rog, on my mark.

Mickey looked through his scope as Derek counted down from 5. He aimed at his target and once Derek said 2, Mickey took a deep breath.

Derek: *on radio* 1...

Three silent shots were heard through the silent night.

24 Hours Earlier

Hereford Base; Bravo Squad Dorm

Derek POV

You woke up in a cold sweat, frantically scanning your room. You took a deep breath as you realized you were alone.

Derek: Another one of those damn nightmares.

You got out of bed and went to your bathroom and turned on the sink. You washed your face and dried it off with a towel. You looked at yourself in the mirror. You were wide awake but you still looked tired. You decided to leave the dorm and head towards the cafeteria since you were already up. You opened the doors to the Cafeteria and to your surprise, you saw Ryad there sitting at a table with a cup of coffee.

Derek: Ryad, buddy... it's been awhile.

Jackal: Hola friend, what has you up this early?

Derek: Nightmares still, why're you up?

Jackal: For once this time, it isn't about my brother and his killer.

Derek: Let me make a coffee real quick and we can talk about this.

He gave you a nod as you walked over to the coffee pot that was already made and poured the coffee into a mug. You walked over to Ryad and sat down across from him. You took off your balaclava and looked at him.

Derek: Alright, what is it this time.

Jackal: Recent Op went south and I feel I was at fault. I would've been able to know where they were but I ignored it. We moved into the room and next thing we know.... we're surrounded. Seamus got hit and was down and we had nowhere to go. We only made it out because of Gilles and his shield. He helped push a way out while Elias covered our rear. But Seamus getting hit and us getting trapped was my fault.

Derek: Dont blame yourself for something that couldn't have been avoided.

Jackal: It could've been.

Derek: You need to think about it for a second, no matter if you did or didn't see their footprints, they would've just sprung the trap anyway.

Jackal: I guess you're right. So, what nightmares are you having?

Derek: The surprise attack at Camp Dwyer back in 2017.

Jackal: What happened there?

Derek: I.... lost my girlfriend.

Jackal: I'm.. sorry to hear that.

Derek: I keep having nightmares of seeing her and my old friend Felix.

Jackal: What exactly happened?

Derek: Camp Dwyer was attacked by the Taliban. We never saw it coming. Me and my squad were defending the Eastern side when an RPG hit our barricade. Next thing I know, they came in and gunned down Anna and Felix before I could even do anything. If only I was a second faster. They'd still be here. We were all still fresh out of boot camp. 13 weeks... for what.

Jackal: Mark did bring it up before after the show you and Zofia put up. Said you were a PFC and it was your first mission as a squad leader.

Derek: Yes, I ran things my own way and they thought I would be a great leader. I was never one to follow orders so they put me in charge instead of someone else.

Jackal: Is that why you show no affection to anyone here?

Derek: Thats pretty much the reasoning, I haven't gotten over her fully. I also don't want someone else close to me lose their life.

Jackal: Death is inescapable, you may be able to dodge a bullet but soon enough, one will hit its target. However, the white masks fear that it will never happen.

Derek: What do you mean?

Jackal: Ever since your skirmish in Los Angeles, the white masks have given you another nickname. Antaeus.

Derek: Why Antaeus?

Jackal: As long as you stand on this Earth, you will never die. Every time you are pushed to the ground, shot, stabbed, any injury you take that may be costly. You get right back up and never back down.

Derek: But what did the Shootout in L.A. have to do with that?

Jackal: You were shot three times and proceeded to get up. Armed with only a knife. You kept fighting until you completed your objective. We've never been able to endure such pain and took chances with a bullet lodged into our body. But you... you always kept moving no matter how much you took.

Derek: Guess you can say I have strong will power....

Present Time

Moscow, Russia

3rd Person POV

The three guards on the roof all fell, their bodies lifeless. A mask looked into the trees and scanned the area curiously.

Black mask: See something Trap?

Trap: Thought I saw the snow stick onto something in thin air.

Black mask: You need to get more sleep, you're starting to see gho-

He was cut short as a bullet connected with his head, the other mask looked over until another bullet ended his life aswell. Through the trees, eight silhouettes appeared out of thin air as they moved towards the facility.

Derek: Remember the plan, silent... and burn this place to the ground.