Day - 1 04:12:21

  Baghdad, Iraq

  Sgt. Dean Walker

  Battle Group Phoenix, US Army

  The Valor’s engines hummed softly in the background as we moved into defensive positions. The cool night air clung to us, thick with anticipation. The second Valor had landed further on higher ground to the north, its guns sweeping the terrain, scanning for movement. Overwatch had their eyes on everything. We were clear to move.

  My earpiece crackled, and General Jackson’s voice cut through the silence.

  General Jackson: "Alpha 1 is in position, providing overwatch. Serra 1 and 2, you are clear to move out and take the town. No civilians in the AO clear hot on any targets."

  I tapped my radio. "Serra 1, copy."

  A second voice, gruff with a German accent, followed. "Serra 2, copy."

  Sergeant Michael, the tall German Shepherd leading Serra 2, crouched beside me, his sharp canine eyes scanning the ridge ahead.

  Sgt. Michael: "Sergeant, you taking point, or should Serra 2 lead?"

  I adjusted my grip on my M7 rifle, scanning the hill before us. The town was 20 clicks out, but we had to clear the ridgeline first.

  Sgt. Dean: "Serra 1 will lead. Keep 15 paces behind, double-check everything. We all know how these ops go."

  Michael nodded. "Copy that."

  I motioned to my squad, and we started moving. Cpl. Josh, a broad-shouldered Black man, took my left, his steps quiet and controlled. Pfc. Eric, a coyote anthro, flanked my right, scanning ahead. Zoe, a red panda anthro, covered the rear, her movements precise. Spc. Luna, a blacktip shark anthro, walked just behind Josh. Pvt. Ava, a golden shepherd anthro and our combat medic, stayed close to Zoe, her focus sharp behind her NVGs.

  Ava’s voice was quiet but steady. "Sergeant, what’s our expected resistance?"

  Sgt. Dean: "Intel says lightly fortified, but we both know that’s probably bullshit. Stay sharp."

  Every step was measured, the weight of our gear pressing into us. Then a light.

  I hit the ground. The others followed instinctively. A flashlight beam swept the ridge.

  A single suppressed shot rang out.

  The enemy soldier convulsed before crumpling to the dirt. His flashlight rolled a few feet, casting long shadows.

  Sgt. Dean: "Alpha 1, was that you?"

  Alpha 1: "Affirmative. One hostile down. No other movement detected. Continue advance."

  Josh exhaled. "Damn good shot."

  Zoe adjusted her grip on her MP7. "Let’s hope they didn’t hear that."

  Sgt. Dean: "Stay sharp. Move slow. We don’t know what else is up there."

  Eric scanned ahead, his movements cautious. We moved forward, cresting the ridge to see the town below larger than expected. Trucks moved in and out of a military base, with guard patrols along the perimeter.

  Sgt. Dean: "Alright, here’s the play. Serra 2, you hit the front and make noise. Serra 1 will plant explosives on their infrastructure and hit them from the rear. No friendly casualties. I want everyone making it out alive."

  Michael nodded. "Understood. We will keep them occupied."

  We slipped into the darkness. The tension was suffocating. Then, gunfire erupted from the front. Serra 2 was engaging.

  Sgt. Dean: "Move. Now."

  We sprinted to the outer wall. One by one, we scaled it. Boots hit the ground with dull thuds. We pushed forward, ducking into alleys, avoiding roving guards.

  Inside a darkened building, we regrouped. I turned to the squad.

  Sgt. Dean: "Josh, you're with me. We plant the C4. Eric, Zoe, you cover us. Ava, Luna, stay here and provide medical if needed."

  Eric smirked, his fangs flashing in the dim light. "I got the runt."

  Zoe shot him a glare. "I swear to God"

  Spc. Luna: "Focus, you two. You can bicker when we’re not in enemy territory."

  I nodded to Josh. "Let’s move."

  We slipped out, darting behind a five-ton truck. Josh planted a charge. Then we crept toward a T-72. I spotted an Iraqi wolf anthro standing guard. Silent, I unsheathed my knife, slipped behind him, and plunged it into his throat. He struggled, then went limp.

  Josh finished with the tanks. "We’re set."

  We turned to head back when an Iraqi soldier rounded the corner. Before he could shout

  A silenced shot. He crumpled. I looked up. Eric gave a thumbs-up from the building.

  Sgt. Dean: "Gotta buy that bastard a beer."

  We moved to the command tent. Inside, an Iraqi officer was shouting into a radio.

  Commander: "Are you going to send support or is our deal shit? You know what he will do if he finds out you’ll lose your heads... WELL, FUCK YOU!"

  He slammed his fist down and stormed out. I turned to Josh.

  Sgt. Dean: "What the hell was that?"

  Josh frowned. "No clue. Command needs to hear this."

  We slipped back to the squad.

  Sgt. Dean: "Serra 2, come in."

  Sgt. Michael: "Serra 2, copy. You done yet? We need support NOW."

  Sgt. Dean: "We're finished detonating now. Stand by."

  Josh pulled the detonator and squeezed the trigger.

  BOOM!

  A fireball erupted, a second explosion sending a T-72’s turret soaring sky-high.

  Eric whooped. "Holy shit! That’s beautiful."

  Even Zoe cracked a grin at the sight of the carnage.

  Sgt. Dean: "Suppressors off. Let’s bite ‘em in the ass."

  Eric removed his suppressor with a grin. "Hell yeah. Been waiting for this."

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  Ava checked her rifle. "Locked and loaded."

  Luna chambered a round, exhaling slowly. "Let’s finish this."

  I exhaled, adrenaline coursing through my veins. "Alright, Bravo 1 light ‘em up."

  We moved as one, weapons up, the night filled with the roar of gunfire. Eric fired off bursts. Zoe ducked behind cover, reloading smoothly. Ava held back while Luna repositioned for better support.

  The enemy scrambled, disorganized and panicked. Explosions, shouts, and gunfire filled the air as Serra 2 pushed in from the front.

  We pressed hard. Soon, I could see Serra 2 down the road. I turned my radio on.

  Sgt. Dean: "Serra 2, how copy?"

  Sgt. Michael: "Good copy, Serra 1. What is it?"

  Sgt. Dean: "We can see you down the road. Watch your fire let’s go home without a friendly fire incident."

  Michael laughed. "Hah! Copy that."

  As the last shots rang out, the battlefield fell silent. The town was ours.

  I stand up and begin moving toward the center of the road, spotting Sgt. Michael doing the same. As we approach each other, I extend my hand. He takes it, shaking it firmly.

  Sgt. Dean: "That was some fine work out there, Michael. Definitely a distraction that made the whole base fight you."

  Sgt. Michael: "And you had some impressive moves yourself. That explosion was big enough for us to see it from miles away."

  As we exchange words, I hear my team approaching from behind. I glance over my shoulder and see Michael’s team closing in on him. Luna is still absent, likely making her way from her position.

  Sgt. Dean: "Great job, team. Your shooting was amazing. It really puts a smile on my face."

  I scan the area, searching for Luna. Just then, she walks up to us, holding something in her hand.

  Spc. Luna: "Dean, you might want to take a look at this."

  She reveals a USB drive, her expression serious.

  Sgt. Dean: "What's this?"

  Spc. Luna: "Data I pulled from the building I was in. It looks like it was a secret command center. The Iraqi commander was inside, but you don’t have to worry about him anymore."

  I raise an eyebrow, impressed.

  Sgt. Dean: "And that’s why you’re my favorite always getting the job done and then some."

  Luna grins, pleased with the acknowledgment, and turns away, heading toward Zoe and Ava, who are sitting off to the side.

  Eric and Josh walk up beside me, their faces a mix of curiosity and eagerness.

  Pfc. Eric: "So, what now, Dean?"

  Sgt. Dean: "Now we call command and report that the mission was a success."

  Cpl. Josh: "Got it."

  I turn on my radio, feeling a sense of anticipation in the air.

  Sgt. Dean: "This is Sgt. Dean. How copy, command?"

  Command: "Good copy, Sergeant."

  Sgt. Dean: "Our objective is complete. You can start sending in the rest of the unit."

  Command: "Copy that. Three hours out. Sit tight."

  Cpl. Josh: "What do we do in the meantime?"

  Sgt. Michael: "My team will clear out the town and, if necessary, take prisoners."

  I watch as Michael turns to his team, directing them with confidence. They begin to move out in pairs, a sense of purpose evident in their actions.

  Sgt. Dean: "You'll be on security duty. Good luck."

  Pfc. Eric: "Not this again, Dean. Help me out here."

  I chuckle at Eric’s frustration, knowing the drill can be exhausting.

  Sgt. Dean: "That’s why you’re on security."

  Turning back to my squad, I walk toward Luna, Ava, and Zoe, who have their helmets off, clearly trying to relax.

  Sgt. Dean: "How are the newbies holding up?"

  Spc. Luna: "They’re doing fine, but it’s still their first mission. I told them to take it easy."

  Pvt. Zoe: "I feel fine, just a little out of it."

  Pvt. Ava: "Yeah, same here. Just needed a break after all that excitement."

  Sgt. Dean: "Well, get used to it because a lot of bullshit is coming our way once we build this base."

  Luna rolls her eyes at my comment, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

  Spc. Luna: "Don’t be too hard on them. They just got out of basic a month ago. There’s barely enough time to get to know us."

  Sgt. Dean: "Yeah, you’re right. Maybe I’m being too tough, but I don’t want my new team members dying on their first week. Anyway, command is on the way, three hours out."

  Ava looks up, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

  Pvt. Ava: "Can I ask why you joined the Army and how long you’ve been in?"

  I pause for a moment, considering how to share my story.

  Sgt. Dean: "Why do you want to know more about me?..... Well fine, let me tell you my story."

  Spc. Luna: "Hell yeah, I love this story."

  She sits down, eager to listen, while the others gather around, intrigued.

  Sgt. Dean: "Alright, it all started on my sixth birthday…"

  Two hours later.

  Spc. Luna: "Wow, hearing it again never gets old. You should write a book it would go straight to the New York Times bestseller list."

  Pvt. Zoe: "Brazil sounds like it was horrible."

  Pvt. Ava: "Yeah, it really does. Your childhood is so sad."

  I chuckle softly, waving off their sympathy.

  Sgt. Dean: "Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s all in the past. I’m much older now."

  Pvt. Ava: "I don’t know how you couldn't hate all anthros after that."

  I take a deep breath, trying to articulate my thoughts.

  Sgt. Dean: "First off, I’m not racist. I don’t hate the entire species, just the anthros from Velmara."

  Spc. Luna: "Don’t worry. We all feel that way. They almost ruined every anthro’s chance at a normal life. Not everyone turned against us after that, but I hate their guts because of what they did."

  Pvt. Ava: "I feel the same way. They always have this hateful look, especially toward us who sided with humanity. It’s like they want to gut us for ‘betraying our own species.’"

  Pvt. Zoe: "I don’t understand how they can think that when what they did could have gotten us all killed."

  Sgt. Dean: "It’s best not to dwell on it, considering they’re our ‘allies’ now. Yeah, sure, I believe that."

  Click.

  Suddenly, I hear Josh’s voice crackling through the radio.

  Cpl. Josh: "Hey, Sergeant, you might want to come to the front gate."

  Sgt. Dean: "Is command here?"

  Pfc. Eric: "Yeah, and they brought friends."

  Sgt. Dean: "Friends?"

  Cpl. Josh: "You’d better see it for yourself."

  Sgt. Dean: "Alright? Let’s go meet the General, squad."

  I lead the way, my heart racing as we walk for a few minutes. When we reach the front gate, I feel my stomach drop. I see our JLTVs and M2A4 Bradleys lined up, but also blacked-out armored vehicles I don’t recognize. The VDF insignia on the sides sends a chill down my spine. I glance at Luna, whose expression darkens.

  Spc. Luna: "Why the hell are they here?" she hisses, venom lacing her words.

  As we approach the vehicles, I spot Lt. General Jackson, an older brown bear anthro with greying fur, speaking with an older female black panther in a black general's uniform. I take a deep breath to steady myself, knowing this conversation is crucial.

  Sgt. Dean: "General."

  I salute, trying to mask my unease.

  General Jackson: "Ah, there he is. Sgt. Dean Walker. I see you’ve done an excellent job taking control of the base, just as I knew you would. You’re the best operator Battle Group Phoenix has to offer."

  Sgt. Dean: "Thank you, sir. But I have to ask, what are they doing here?"

  I nod toward the VDF General, trying to keep my voice steady.

  General Jackson: "It’s about time I explain. We’ve taken this base for our unit because it will become a joint base with the VDF. The presidents of both nations signed off on this to strengthen ties between the US and Velmara. We’ll have joint teams from both Battle Group Phoenix and Strike Force Frostbite of the VDF."

  I process his words, feeling a mix of disbelief and anger. I turn to my squad, noticing their expressions echo my thoughts. Eric and Josh are confused and a bit angry; Zoe and Ava are silent; Luna looks ready to explode. She turns on her heel and storms away, leaving me to face the General with a blank expression.

  Sgt. Dean: "Sir, if I may—"

  General Jackson: "Go ahead."

  Sgt. Dean: "Someone is going to end up dead. You know how much we hate the VDF and how much they do too."

  The VDF General shoots me a cold stare, and I can feel the tension rising.

  General Jackson: "I won’t let that happen. Both sides will work together whether they like it or not, or they can spend a month in the brig."

  He locks eyes with me, and I stiffen under his gaze.

  Sgt. Dean: "Understood, sir."

  General Jackson: "Good. Now, Sgt. Dean, this is the General of Strike Team Frostbite. Her name is General Elara, and you will listen to her as if she were me. Got that?"

  Sgt. Dean: "Yes, sir."

  General Elara: "It’s nice to meet you, such a famous person from Battle Group Phoenix. Your actions in Brazil reached even my ears."

  Sgt. Dean: "Nice to meet you as well."

  I say it flatly.

  General Jackson: "I should also introduce you to your new teammates. They’re the best Strike Team Frostbite has to offer Delta 4."

  I watch as a group of anthros in black uniforms step forward, all female. What an unusual dynamic, but who am I to judge?

  General Elara: "This is their squad leader, Sgt. Isla (Shark), marksman Cpl. Ella (Wolf), combat medic Spc. Aurora (Snow Leopard), machine gunner Pfc. June (Hyena), and explosives expert Pvt. Laila (Calico Cat)."

  My team walks up beside me, including a visibly angry Luna.

  General Jackson: "And here’s your squad leader, Sgt. Dean, explosives expert Cpl. Josh, machine gunner Pfc. Eric, marksman Spc. Luna, combat medic Pvt. Ava, and RTO Pvt. Zoe."

  My squad and the VDF squad size each other up, tension crackling in the air.

  General Jackson: "Now that you’ve met each other, you’re free to go."

  Before I leave I hand over the USB then my squad does a quick about-face and walks away without a word. We find an abandoned building a short distance away and step inside. Before anyone can speak, Luna punches a wall, her fist nearly going through it.

  Sgt. Dean: "Calm down, Luna."

  Spc. Luna: "Calm down? Do you see that bullshit out there? How are you not furious? You should be the angriest one among us!"

  Sgt. Dean: "I am, but there’s no choice. We have to work with those assholes."

  Luna sits down, her tail swaying behind her. Ava checks Luna's hand.

  Cpl. Josh: "What do we do now?"

  Sgt. Dean: "I don’t know, but we need to make it work. Hopefully, this war ends fast so we can get the hell out of here."

  Pfc. Eric: "Luna is going to kill one of them. We might need to keep an eye on her at all times."

  Cpl. Josh: "And what are we supposed to do? She could wipe the floor with all of us, except Dean, and he can’t be here 24/7."

  I walk over to Luna.

  Sgt. Dean: "Promise me you’ll act with your head, not your heart?"

  Spc. Luna: "I don’t know if I can."

  Sgt. Dean: "Promise?"

  Spc. Luna: "Fine, I won’t kill them. Hmph."

  Sgt. Dean: "Thank you."

  I head upstairs toward the balcony, looking out over the base.

  God, this is going to be a shit show.