Chapter 25: Defense

Fort Melchor Aguirre

Roxas City, Metro Tondo

Lusong Region, Republic of Easting

February 13, 2023 C.Y.

1500 Hours

Loyalist government forces continues to hold on against enemy attacks in the city. The rebel forces are now heading towards the Presidential Palace near Tagal river. They are now massing towards its defenses as they reduced the makeshift defenses in the city to rubble. Tanks and other AFVs went in columns followed by infantry in a steady pace.

At the camp Luis exited from the briefing room after the long briefing. From the hallway he saw of makeshift triage centers and landing zones for the helicopters that ferry troops in and out of the battlefield. He saw his brothers-in-arms being treated with terrible injuries.

The men of the 51st Greyhounds are heading towards hangar where their equipment are being stored. With Luis are some of his former colleagues during the siege of the city of Dalisi and Infante. They were familiar with working with him and are in good morale with him as their leader.

"It's good to have you back sir!" Said a Sergeant who had a scar on his left arm.

Lieutenant Luis Alfonso replied with a smile and nodded, "Thank you Sarge, it is an honor to be of service with you."

After the small talk between soldiers they arrived to the hangar. Bryan one of the technicians that assisted them in Bangsamoro Region was transferred to the Capital Region. Because of his skill and his expertise he was promoted to head supervisor of operations. He is to assist the men of the 51st today in their new mission.

He was surprised to once again see the Lieutenant who shows them the way inside the hangar. Equipment were all lined up in an orderly fashion. Small arms from handguns to heavier anti-materiel rifles, ballistic protection to power armors. Everything is there for them to use.

"It's good to see you again Lieutenant, there are new weapons, equipment and upgrades available at your disposal." Bryan said and continued, "There are also new models in power armors including the AF-04 Chieftain CQC mod and YL-88z Warrior mk III, both are designed for urban environments. We have carbines like C-9 Spec ops mod, 5.65 mm x 47 mm round deadly and accurate up to 450 meters.

The Lieutenant and his men looked impressed with their new equipment stored for them and started to choose equipment for the mission. He chose to use the YL-88z Warrior mk III power armor, the newer R-7 Assault rifle that uses the newer 5.65 mm x 47 mm round with 40 mm grenade launcher as an attachment.

After choosing their equipment Bryan introduced them some of the new toys of the Svens corporation. Portable drones were unveiled before them in a table. The drones were at least five millimeter tall, it has built in micro camera with exponential resolution compared to its predecessors. Other equipment are also displayed new types of communication devices, radios and other upgrades.

"These are the new stuff treat them with care!" Bryan reminded the men of the 51st Greyhounds.

The men of the 51st Greyhounds headed out and left the premises to their vehicles. They are using the smaller H.M.C.U.V. or the Heavy Multi-purpose Combat Utility Vehicle as their transport. They will be taking the prescribed route into the Presidential Palace to avoid detection from the enemy.

"Remember your mission people, the country's fate lies in your hands. Move out!" The Lieutenant said and commenced the mission.

Meanwhile, at the Presidential Palace rebel F/A 20 LIFT aircraft equipped with dumb bombs attacked government positions in the vicinity. The perimeter around the presidential palace was guarded by the Presidential Security Services. A unit that is tasked for the president security which is comprised of veterans and the elite from all the branches of the armed forces.

They are also equipped with the latest equipment available from small arms to heavy weapons including Manpads. Their numbers are too few however numbering to at least two hundred men. The defenses only included five hundred soldiers outside the perimeter while the enemy are at least three times their number.

The President and his cabinet were housed under the reinforced bunker. They were constantly updated about the matters that transpired from outside. Sipping his tea the President sighs and and shifts his attention to the secretary of defense.

"They sure are taking long." The President said.

The secretary of defense again explained to the president and said, "The Atlantican Fleet will reach our territory within twelve hours sir. With all due respect sir if we have requested assistance from the Kingdom of Yamato they would arrive earlier."

"I prefer the Atlanticans, that's all!" The President replied and placed the teacup in the table.

"I thought you dislike them and prefer Qina?" The secretary of defense asked.

"In politics, you will do what you have to in order for people to like you. My recent stunt is positively taken by the people. I have no plans in breaking away from Military Alliance from the Atlanticans. It's just an act to look tough, it's just power play." The president explained himself with a smirk on his face.

The Secretary of Defense and all of the President's staff laughed in unison to his untoward joke. They uncomfortably tried to appease him or else he may throw tantrums again.

Meanwhile the fifty man task force of the 51st Greyhounds had arrived outside of the defensive perimeter around the Presidential Palace. They have arrived two hours ahead of time and after identification were allowed entry.

A Presidential Security Officer met them and were escorted to the grounds of the Presidential Palace.

"You must be the reinforcements that were sent to help us. You may be few but it's better than nothing." The leader of the Presidential Security Services Colonel Helmer Navarro said after meeting them. The colonel boasts an impressive physique despite his age, in his early forties and is in his full gear carrying a R-9 Assault rifle.

The Lieutenant rendered his salute at him and his men followed snappily. The Colonel who was impressed told them to be at ease and then proceeded to explain to them the situation.

"As of 1600 Hours the enemy is five miles away from our location. It will take them at least one and half to two hours in order for them to reach the area. They are supported by LIFT Aircraft, Light Tanks and some Rocket artillery. They numbered at least One thousand and five hundred estimated by the troops that have encountered them. Basing from their movements they are planning a swift attack before help arrives. We have to prevent that and buy them some time!"

The Colonel clears his throat after he spoke and two Presidential Security Services members arrived in full gear. They saluted at him and spoke afterwards, "Sir, we have reports that the enemy are massing an attack on the Eastern side of the defenses. Local Forces cannot hold them off, it is the weakest of the line and may be overrun soon."

"Clever eh?" The Colonel said calmly and continued, "We have to delay them as far as we could. Reinforce the next line of defense and tell their commander to fall back. If possible find ways to augment the next line near Santa Cruz behind them."

"How can we do that sir, we only have few men to spare?" The Presidential Security Services member asked him.

The Colonel looks at Luis and his men who were assembled in formation before him. "We only need few people to augment the defenses the perimeter of the Presidential Palace. We only need the best men of your outfit to do that including you Lieutenant. The others will go to reinforce our defenses at Santa Cruz."

The Lieutenant asked permission to speak and said, "Very well sir, how many do you need in the defense of Santa Cruz?"

"We need thirty at least of your men. The rest will reinforce the defenses inside the palace." The Colonel said and shifts his attention to the two Presidential Security Services Members.

"These men will augment with the defenses. They are more than enough!" He said.

Left with no choice the two Presidential Security Services members agreed and saluted at him and exited.

The Colonel talks to Luis in front of him and said, "I will give you ten minutes to select your men who will concert with the defenses."

"Yes sir!" The Lieutenant replied and dispersed after being adjourned.

His gut feeling is telling him something is off but it is no time to question orders because of the necessity of the situation. He began to form up his men and started to pick members which will belong to his squad. He will need twenty men which will be more than enough in the defense of the president. So he thought it was.