***TRIGGER WARNING FOR WAR LIKE DESCRIPTIONS AND ACTION***

Since Alpha and Bravo team have gotten to Mariupol two weeks ago, there has been a shift in the air. Two months into this so-called war, the Russian president realizes that his blitzkrieg like offensive is not going like he planned. He thought that taking the entire country of Ukraine would be a simple in and out mission. But the people of Ukraine have put up a fight and have been able to stop them from taking over major interior cities. From our latest intel update from Major Collins, she relayed to us that he started to pull his troops from interior cities and has completely recalled the trucks, tanks and soldiers that were on the caravan heading to the capital of Kyiv. It also helps that a lot of the vehicles were now stuck in Ukraine as they ran out of gas and diesel trying to get there. The best news we got came from Major Roman, the Major leading Alpha team, when he told us that Ukrainian farmers have been taking the trucks and tanks from the front lines that were left behind by the Russians. As the Ukrainian military rolled through the towns, they have been taking the left-over vehicles and repurposing them for there own use.

Over these past two weeks, Gold along with Alpha and Bravo teams support, have been slowly notifying citizens still in close range of the plant that now is the time to leave. We don't know what is going to happen once we go in but we rather not have to face to many civilians if we have to rush out. Most of the citizens have wanted to stay and help but with the help of the one of the Ukrainian Special Forces unit, we have made progress in getting them safely to the outer edges of the city.

This one team that came to us from the front lines in Odesa is going to be running things from outside the plant once we make our way in. They are also going to be monitoring the front gate to keep it clear and guide in the rest of the military once they get here. Unfortunately, they are still a few days out from the plant but we can't stall any longer. After the past few weeks of being here and surveying the plant, we have the Russian military routine down. Most of the time it has stayed the same with only a few abnormal situations. But we have a window right now as most of there trucks have left the plant to resupply the soldiers stationed here. It seams like most of the soldiers stationed here have left with the convoy and only a few units of troops remain, this is the time we need to move.

Our plan is to start clearing the plant at dusk and work through the night to try and catch them off guard. As a team, we all have been slowly switching our sleep schedules so we would be more awake at night. There have been a few who have volunteered to keep there sleep schedule the same, one from each team, so the there has been someone awake during the day to keep tabs on everything going on in the neighborhood and to patrol.

The time has come though, it was finally time to put everything we have been working for into motion. Morgan and I held each other closely last night. Since my little outburst two weeks ago, the teams have left us alone when it came to them gossiping about what Morgan and I have been doing behind closed doors. It made me happy to know that I can still strike some fear into the team. Morgan gave me a bruising few kisses for that once we got behind our closed door again.

But now it's go time. I woke up first and got out of bed to start deconstructing our info wall. The team leaders are going to be getting a map of there section of the plant to clear which includes any and all information they are going to need about their section. The rest of the information wall Morgan and I have built over our time of being here I have slowly pulled down. Once I got it all in a pile I left it on the floor and started to get dressed for the night raid.

Dark camos are going to be the move tonight with our blue arm tape. It was the quickest and easiest way to figure out who was on what side. Even thought I didn't like the idea of wearing it at night, I rather not be shot by friendly fire. I did put a few layers on under the camos though. The middle of November weather here is cold at night, barely reaching 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm just happy that Major Collins sent over the cold weather gear that I asked for with some extra pieces so we could outfit Alpha and Bravo teams as well. We have also been really lucky that they have been able to find cold weather gear while they have been patrolling.

After I was done layering up, I grabbed the information pile from the floor and left our room. Some of the team was already awake and getting ready. I gave them a nod before grabbing a pot from the kitchen along with a few wooden utensils. I threw most of them into the pot before I tried to the gas stove. The burner lit with no problem, so I held the wooden spoon over the exposed flame and watched it catch fire. Once I made sure it wasn't going to go out, I put it inside the pot with a few other wooden utensils and picked up the pot to bring it outside.

The spoon was able to catch the other utensils on fire as I stood in the courtyard. Slowly put surely, I put each piece of paper into the fire. Once I saw them burn to a crisp I added another piece and repeated the action until all of the paper was gone from the pile. Just as I was about to get up and find some water to put the fire out, someone put the lid on top of the pot and smothered the flames. I looked up to find Morgan dressed in her own camo's standing next to me. She bumped her shoulder with mine and I gave her a little smile.

"We are having the last meal if you want to come back inside that you're done with your bonfire." Morgan said. I nodded and gave her a smile. I pushed the pot away from the front of the steps and followed her inside the house.

When we got into the kitchen, all 11 members of my team were sitting around just starting to eat unpack there MREs. Rob threw one at Morgan and then at me and we took a seat at the two open seats that were around the table.

There wasn't much chatter as we were all to focused on getting some food into our stomachs. As everyone started to finish there meals and clean up there mess, I took a second to clear my throat getting everyone's attention.

"So, does everyone remember what the deployment question is?" I asked looking around the table as I finished up my drink.

"What is a hobby we don't know about that you love to do and wish you had more time to do it?" Warren said and looked around the table.

"Good, I wanted to have that thought fresh in your minds before we move out. We are going to leave when Alpha and Bravo get here, so please get your gear stored out and make sure you dress warm. It is going to be another cold night out." I said and stood to throw out the last of my mess.

After it was all thrown away, I refilled my glass of water from the sink and went outside to the pot. I poured the water inside and rinsed it around to get the last little pieces of paper out of the pot. The burnt wooden utensils will just live in the ruined pot now as I left them outside and out of the way.

Getting back inside I went over to our room and found Morgan getting ready. I left her too it as I grabbed the bag of cell phones and started to give them out to everyone on the team. They are the same ones that Major Collins sent us all those months ago. As I gave them out to the team, they came with strict instructions that they are only to be used to call command if things go haywire, along with the three code words to use in appropriate situations.

When I got back to our room, I started to put the finishing touches on my gear. My night vision goggles got attached to my helmet. Next my knee and elbow pads were slid into place. I was so happy I also grabbed a neck gaiter that had some fleece inside of it as I pulled it over my head. My vest went on next, then I started to load it up with magazines. Once my vest was in place, I grabbed my go-pro camera and attached it to the front of my vest. I wanted to capture everything we saw inside tonight to bring back to command. The more evidence of Russia's war crimes, the easier it will be to get the UN and NATO to take actions against them. After all of my pockets were maxed out for magazines, I attached my thigh holster for my pistol. I'm taking a risk and only bringing two back up magazines for my pistol as I rather have the extra space for rifle magazines.

After all of that was on my body, I felt like I had an extra ten pounds on me already. Next I checked out the small backpack I was bringing along for this raid. Inside contained even more magazines for my rifle, smoke and flash grenades, zip-tie hand cuffs, my med-kit, three water bottles, three MREs and a Ukrainian flag. I did have two actual grenades in my pockets for just in case problems if we come up on them.

Now that I was ready to go I turned to find Morgan already watching me. Her eyes were sad and I knew what she was thinking. Even though my mind wanted to join hers there, I couldn't. This mission needs to have all of my focus, one slip can cost the lives of not only my team but also Alpha and Bravo team. Knowing the door was already closed I walked over to her and pulled her in for one fierce kiss. I wanted her to know how much I love her and this kiss was the best way to show that.

When I pulled away, I ran my fingers along her jaw line and took a few deep breaths to try and calm my wild heartbeat and mind.

"I love you so much Morgan, I want you to know that." I said and sucked in some more deep breaths.

"I do know, I've known for a long time Dani, and I love you too, just in case you didn't already know." Morgan said and I wiped away a tear from her eye.

"Oh I do know my love, and for that reason, I need you to follow my instructions when I give them in the field later." I said.

"I'll only follow your orders if you don't pull any cowboy shit out there." Morgan said back.

"I'll try my hardest." I said not making the promise because it if comes down to saving the life of any of my teammates or myself, it is going to be them 100 percent of the time.

I pressed one final kiss to Morgans forehead before I pulled away and got my gear together. Morgan stayed behind while I left our room. A piece of me never wants to see the inside of this room again. My team was putting the finishing touches on there gear when I walked into the living room.

"Alpha and Bravo are on there way over." Rob said with his helmet radio half on.

"Good copy, alright team, t-minus ten minute till we roll out. Everyone should know who's team they are assigned too. If not, now is the time to speak up." I yelled around the room.

I was happy that I didn't hear anybody's voice, only just the door opening up to let me know that Alpha and Bravo team have arrived. Both teams were dressed in there own sets of gear as I shook Ryan and Raymond's hand. I pulled my SAT phone from my pant pocket and dialed the number I have come to know by heart.

"Major Collins." Major said as she answered the phone. She sounded awake and alert, just as I was hoping.

"Just checking in. T minus 8 minutes until we are inbound, I wanted to give you a call to let you know we are all a go on our end." I said.

"Good copy Gold One. I wanted to give you an update on your back up. They are about 10 hours out from your position, it was a challenge to find a bridge structurally sound for them to pass over and hold. Now that they have, they should be falling in at speed. If anything comes up, I'm going to be with you until the mission tonight is complete." Major Collins said.

"Nice to know I'll be hearing your voice all night Major. Time for us to move out, catch you on the other side, in this life or the next." I said pushing past the lump in my throat.

"It's been my pleasure to be by your side Staff Sergeant, I look forward to hearing from you later, command out." Major Collins said.

With no other words needing to be said, I hung up the phone and put it back into my pocket. Looking around the room, everyone from all three teams are present, geared up and ready to go. I went over to the table and picked up the maps and handed them out to each team leader accordingly. Once everyone had there map I dropped to a knee and the teams all followed suit. With Rob on one side of me and Morgan on the other I raised my arms and put them around there shoulders.

"We are about to go into the belly of the beast to do a job that basically seems impossible. Don't loose sight of the end goal of tonight. Once this base is cleared out and secure, it will hopefully be the final blow to Russia and have them pull out completely and we'll get to go home." I said and looked around at the group in the living room. "Everyone double check your radio channel, we are all going to be on channel 1, individual teams will be as follows, Rob is on channel three, Monica on channel four, Ryan got channel five and Raymond has channel six. My team has channel two. Please remember to not access the bunkers until we clear the base, innocent civilians are inside."

Everyone got the message and I lead us in the shooters prayer. Once it was over I squeezed Rob and Morgans shoulders before standing up. I pulled my neck gaiter up around my neck, mouth and nose before snapping my helmet in place. The teams did the same and got through there final touches before radio checks were done. After everyone was ready, we all split into our small teams before getting out the door.

The sun has just set behind the horizon and dusk was settling in. The streets were cold and quiet for now as we all filed outside. The last man out the door shut it behind him as we filed over to the gate. All of our trucks were prepped and ready to leave just incase we have to make an emergency exfil with the keys tucked into the sun visors for quick access. As we got to the edge of the property, just before leaving the gate, I pushed myself into the front of the teams. Even though I'm not the senior man in rank here, this has been my mission to plan and put together, along with Morgan. If anybody is about to lead us out into hell, it will be me.

I pulled the pin on the gate and pushed it open just enough for my small team, Warren, Lionel, Morgan and myself to slip out and start a trot down the block to the steel plant. I waved a few hand signals over to the building the Ukrainian special forces are holding up in as we past and pushed down the rest of the block into the steel plant. I didn't wait to confirm if they got the message. I knew it once I heard a few small pings and watched as the Russian soldiers guarding the front gate dropped dead. There marksmanship was great as they left nobody alive.

We were able to rush across the front gate with ease and and mind started to spin as I took in the plant for the first time. I made sure the go-pro camera attached to my vest is recording as I pushed through the rubble of what is left the plant. Since we have been in Mariupol, the airstrikes have been constant. We could never see where exactly they have been landing until we moved closer to the plant two weeks ago. Now trying to push through all the ruble of the blown out warehouses and structures in the plant, I know where the Russian's have been aiming.

The plant looks like something out of our worst nightmares. There are barely any buildings left that are structurally sound. Concrete slabs, bricks, broken glass, warped iron and steel are littered all over the roads as we tried to move our way through our path in the plant. I have tried to block out the dead that are lying in the middle of the roads but its hard not to notice the stench of it in the air here. Rotting flesh and limbs are mixed in with the rubble and it's making it hard for me to hold down the food we just ate before leaving.

Even though we have been trying to scope out the plant, it has been hard to see what's been going on on the inside from outside. Along with the channel of water around the plant, there is a 10 foot tall retaining wall topped with barbed wire to keep anything and everyone out. We could see the buildings still standing but couldn't see in detail that they are basically all just being held up by the supports. Our plan of clearing warehouses for the enemy went right out of the window.

We have just been moving quickly through our area to make sure there was nobody lurking around. Lucky for us, our plan to strike while most of the Russians were out on a supply run worked. This place was almost as deserted as it looks.

Hours later we finally started coming across some buildings that escaped the shelling's. The outside façade of them looked cracked and I made it clear to the team that I didn't want to be inside for long. The first few buildings we came across were empty but it was clear that people were staying here often. The team searched each of those beds for anything useful we could take with us before flipping the place over.

As we finally got closer to the center of the plant I made the team take a break in a building we just cleared. Each of us needed a few seconds to rest and regroup. It has already been a twisted start to a challenging night and now that we were in a building that was sound it was a good time to break.

Even though the sun is no longer in the sky and the temperature has dropped some more, I could barely feel the cold. I took a few long gulps from my water bottle and thought now would be the time to get a check in with the other teams. So I sent Warren and Lionel to secure both entrances as Morgan took up a position on the south side of the building that faces a six-story warehouse we were going to clear next.

"Gold One to all team, progress report in number order if possible. Double click if unable to answer. Gold Two status?" I asked as I pulled out my map and started to check off more buildings we cleared then unfolded it completely to so I could see everyone's section.

"Gold Two checking in, a few minor fire fights that ended quickly and silently from what you're saying. We just past phase four, currently stopped for a few moments before working towards our final phase five." Rob informed us and I started to shade over his part of the map.

"Gold three, status?" I asked. Monica double clicked into the radio and I sighed.

"Alpha One, status?" I asked next, moving right along.

"Working through phase five, not much to see over here." Ryan answered and I started to shade his area.

"Bravo One, status?" I asked turning my attention to Raymond's portion of the map.

"Just completed phase three, we had to take down a group of enemy in a warehouse and did some recon. Our search came up empty for anything other then a few nudie mags and decks of cards, but we stalled for a few minutes to make sure nobody else was coming in." Raymond said.

"Alright, my team is passing phase three and is about to start on four, we have to clear the largest building in our section next. Gold Three when you become available, please radio in." I said and started to refold the map to focus on the next part of our section.

"Lets move out." I said and started to put my gear back together and stood from the floor.

"Gold One, I have movement outside on the street." Morgan said and I turned and walked over to her. I turned back on my night vision goggles and took her spot at the window. I watched a few Russian solders move towards the building we needed to go into next and sighed. I waited another minute and tried to get a count of people through the windows of the building. From my guess, there could be at least twenty people inside. But from here, I can't tell who is the enemy and who isn't.

"Shit, alright, you guys ready to get our hands dirty?" I asked and turned back to them.

"Yes ma'am" Lionel said and checked his weapon. I reached back into my bag and pulled out a flash grenade.

"I can't tell if there are any civilians inside. I'm going to throw the flash grenade first, let it go off then we work our way through the room and up. Take an extra second before firing. Any questions?" I asked as I put the flash grenade in my pocket for easy access.

When nobody said anything, I make sure all my gear was in order before I led our group outside. One three, we moved as one over to the building to the same entrance we saw the soldiers walk into. I could here them moving around inside, it sounds like they were all awake right now but I couldn't tell what they were saying through the heavy door. I could see the light bleed out from under it and used care to make sure I reached out to avoid showing my shadow if anybody was watching.

Testing the handle found that it was unlocked. Turning back to my team I looked at all of them and grabbed the flash grenade from my pocket. Warren was across from me and reach out for the handle as I counted down from three. When I reach one, I pulled the pin and Warren cracked the door enough for me to lob the grenade into the room before pushing it shut so we could take cover. I heard some confusion before the small explosion went off then there was banging and yelling. Warren pulled the door open and I walked inside first to survey the room.

Soldiers were confused trying to shake the stink of the flash grenade as they reached blindly for their weapons. I didn't let them get far as I pushed into the room and started to fire my weapon. Four shots lead to all four soldiers in the room to be down and out as I pushed forward towards the back of the room. When I reached a corner I pulled up against the wall and waited before I felt a tap on my shoulder before I turned the corner and pushed forward. There weren't other people down on this floor. I saw the staircase out of the corner of my eye and pointed over towards it.

Slowly we made our way over to the staircase, making sure we didn't miss anything. I looked up the staircase and saw nobody in plain view so I was hoping that nobody would mean nobody would be waiting for us upstairs.

"Going up the stairs, I want Leo behind me, then Morgan and Warren bringing up the rear. I want us to stay in this order as we move through the rest of the building. Once in that order tap my shoulder and we will move." I said quietly. It only took a few second before I felt the tap on my shoulder then I was moving again.

Slowly and carefully I made my way up the stairs. I could tell that the opening would open to an open room so we all needed to take a different direction to search once we got up here. Taking one deep breath, I poked my head up and looked around the open area of the room and found a few soldiers with guns trained on the stairs. After they noticed me they started to fire and I had to duck down to avoid getting shot.

"They know we are here, I count at least five soldiers. Here's what we are going to do. We are all going to get up on this step and pop up at the same time to fire from here and take them out. They aren't behind anything so this shouldn't be that hard. Everyone get in position." I relayed the plan and moved a bit so we could all fit on the top stairs together.

"Alright, work from the left to the right in the order of where we are standing on the stairs. I'll pick off anybody else, we move on three." I said looking at my group. They all nodded and we got ready to move.

"Three" I said and stepped up just enough to view the room. I heard shots come from my left and I started to take out the soldiers on the right side. Once they were down, I took in the rest of the room and found that my team took care of everyone else. Slowly I stood from the step and once I realized I wasn't going to be shot, I finished taking the stairs and entered the room.

Looking around, I could tell that this building is definitely a strong point for the army as this floor is lined with cots. Executing this raid while they are out on a supply run could be the biggest difference between mission success and failure. The team finished our sweep to make sure there wasn't anybody hiding before we moved to the second staircase to go up to the third floor. We can come back down and do recon after we clear the whole building, but for now we needed to keep moving because we are losing the element of surprise.

Everyone got in line when I felt the tap on my shoulder, I started to slowly move up the steps. The adrenaline coursing through me has me laser focused on my next three moves as I peaked my head out of the stairwell. No shots were fired right away so slowly I put one foot in front of the other as I continued to climb the stairs. It doesn't look like anybody is on this floor but it's dark and there are a lot of shadows making things hard. Quickly, I flipped down my night vision goggles and turned on my laser sight on my rifle and started to push forward.

I could hear the three pairs of footsteps of my teammates in the pin drop quiet of the room. Warren was still right behind me while Morgan and Lionel went to the other side of the room to clear it. Just as I was going to turn make around to yell clear, I heard movement in front of me. I held up my hand to hold Warren behind me then pointed in the direction I heard the nose coming from. I took one step forward and then saw a muzzle flash before I heard the sound of the bullet leaving the gun. Then it felt like I got kicked in the chest as I crumpled to the floor in pain.



a/n: a lot going on. When I googled the steel plant the other day, I ended up reading an article that had me changing and editing chapter 34 through now. I'll link it below so you guys can check it out if you like but I wanted to make this more realistic from what I read in the article even though this is a work of fiction.

song on the side is called Not Gonna Die by Skillet, thought it could be fitting for what's going on right now.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/24/world/europe/ukraine-war-mariupol-azovstal.html