The Light Reapers: End of the World
Harwell addressed the team, “Priest, Doc, Shaw, it’s good to see you. Doug, it’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry, but we really need you for this briefing because of that fact you are our only pilot right now.”
“Don’t worry about it, Sir. I completely understand the weight of the situation. Plus, I am kind of like being back in action.”
“Good to hear and we really appreciate it. So, we have two objectives in our immediate purview. One: We need to intercept ISIS from getting to Philly or take the entire group down once they make it there. Two: We have to get Dr. Costa to Site R in Maryland where the CDC has moved operations including the Bio-Warfare group from Fort Detrick, Maryland. Doug is our only pilot, so we have one pilot and two objectives. I am open to options.” The team thought for a minute.
Priest spoke up, “Doug, how comfortable are you flying with a sling load?”
He thought for a second, “I have flown with ammo pallets and fuel blivits before. What do you have in mind?”
“I was thinking we could sling load a M1114 Humvee and drop it and a team in Philly to take the ISIS faction and their sister cell out. The other team takes the bird and continues to deliver Dr. Costa to Site R.” The room was silent for a moment while the others processed the plan. A knock on the door broke the silence in the room.
A private poked his head in, “Apologies Sir, you asked for Sargent Dahan. Would you like me to ask her to wait?”
“No, no…. please ask her to come in, she may assist with this. The private moved over and a woman walked in the War Room. She was about 5’10”, with olive skin and deep, piercing hazel-green eyes. She had her long black hair in a bun and was wearing an olive drab uniform.
“Team, I would like to introduce Chief Sargent Lia Dahan. She is from the MOSSAD, Unit 217. You may know it as Duvdevan (counter-terrorism) unit within the Israel Defense Forces. She is here to partner with us in developing an integrated tactic process for the US and Israeli forces before this shit hit. They attacked her cadre along with some of our escorts.” After they introduced her all Priest heard was blah, blah, blah, blah. He also didn’t hear Harwell call on him.
“Priest. Sargent Priest?”
“Huh? What? Sorry, did you say something?” The rest of the team was grinning at him.
“Priest, could you brief Sargent Dahan on your suggestion?”
“Sure.” He laid out his plan to address both objectives to her, while she held his gaze. When he finished, he gave the same hands up shoulder shrug.
She looked around the room, “Does everyone approve of this plan?” She had a light accent and her voice was like honey. Everyone acknowledged
they agreed this was the best plan. “I agree it is a solid plan, based on present resources and the intel available. We should go over any tactical plans before shipping out.”
“Ah, we?” Priest asked.
“We?” Harwell asked.
“I assume that is why you brought me in here, is it not?” She turned to Harwell as she spoke.
“Ah, well, no. I brought you in to assess the plan and give me your opinion.”
“Yes, well, I have done so and now we need to execute, yes?”
“Yeah, well, I wasn’t expecting to send you out there.”
“I believe I could provide some tactical value and having another gun out there doesn’t hurt either.” The team was watching the back and forth between the two like a tennis match. Harwell looked at Webb and then Priest.
“We’re not dealing with normal circumstances here, Sir.” Webb said, “We need all hands-on deck. The risk factors have increased, but if we don’t get some kind of lid on this shit, we will lose everything.”
Priest added, “I am sure, Sgt. Dahan could provide some added value out in the field and if she thinks she can contribute to the mission, then we would be happy to have her along.”
Webb responded, “Well, Priest and his team are experts on breach, search and clear. So, Priest, Shaw and Doc will take the M1114 and tackle the ISIS objective. Neville, Shin and I will deliver the doctor to Maryland and come back for Priest’s Team on our way back. We can also scout out some other areas for non-infected?”
“That sounds solid. I will accompany the breach team,” Sargent Dahan added. Priest raised an eyebrow and nodded his head.
“We could use you. What is your specialty?”
“Weapons expert, tactical assessment and sniper operations.”
Priest’s smile got wider. He stood up and stuck out his hand, “Glad to have you aboard.” Lia looked at his hand and wrinkled up her nose. Priest forgot just how nasty he was. He was filthy from his head to his boots and didn’t smell any better than he looked. He chuckled, “Yeah, could use a little freshening up.”
“Yes, with a sandblaster, maybe,” she replied with a smile on her face.