Chapter 5: Change of Plans

Camp Caturman

City of Infante

September 27, 2021 C.Y.

1200 Hours

Few days later, Luis recovered from his loss and was called to another briefing and was reinstated. He is with his new squad mates who replaced those who had fallen during his last mission. Inside the briefing room are the men of Task Force Taffy which was renamed to Task Force Stark. It's members are Captain Lucas their superior officer followed by Lieutenant Simon "Jackal" Robertson, Second Lieutenant Jill Hancock and two Sergeants.

The president's patience has gone thin and he wishes to end the siege in a one decisive attack. The top brass has decided to intensify the attacks with the permission of the president himself. Airstrikes and artillery had rocked enemy positions softening their defenses. With these efforts the thirty-five percent of the city has been retaken by the Government.

While the military is preparing the final attack on the city of Dalisi. The terrorists under the leadership of Haneef al-Sader plans a sneak attack on the city of Infante. They intend to use the tunnel networks they built to launch the attack on the city. Their plan is to throw the city in chaos as a distraction. Cobra, one of the prominent members of the group objects the idea. He sees it as a waste of the lives of his men however the plan proceeded because of Al-Sader's persistence.

Lieutenant Alfonso and his men were designated as Task Force Praetor and were told to remain in camp for special instructions. The Lieutenant was somewhat disappointed but could not do a thing since it was a direct order. After the briefing ended the men of Task Force Stark and other teams of the 51st Greyhounds present exited. Something was off Lieutenant Alfonso noticed but did not say a word about it.

Unbeknownst to him, top officials in the Army had just received a tip from the intelligence. A surprise attack on the City of Infante is imminent. The exact location of the attack could not be pinpointed but they were suspecting of the strategic and important Government buildings in the City.

These locations had been reinforced with the exception of the City Hall which distant from the Camp's location. They decided to let Lieutenant Alfonso and his men to reinforce and send some personnel to defend the City Hall. Military presence had also been intensified in the city, roadblocks and checkpoints were present and the city was put into a lock-down. Curfews were also implemented.

Government forces continued to bomb the city of Dalisi of the enemy. Haneef Al-Sader took two hundred of his men into a suicide mission he planned. The first of wave numbering at least eighty-five terrorists had already gone to the City of Infante using the tunnel networks. The exit of the tunnels lead to the northwestern part of the City Hall.

At the Camp in the City of Infante, Task Force Praetor was called for another briefing and this time the Top Brass and some Foreign Military Advisers joined. Without any delay the briefing has began and informed of the Task Force Praetor's task in their new mission.

"I apologize if the set up looks confusing and disorganized. We have to do this because we hear of spies that are helping the terrorists gain information about our movements. Also, we heard of an incoming attack of the city as we speak. We do not know when or where the attack is but we are sure that it is imminent. Intelligence suggested that Haneef Al-Sader, the leader of the terrorist group may lead the assault." Colonel Perry an intelligence officer said.

"How reliable is your information?" Lieutenant Alfonso asked.

The Colonel replied to him and said, "There is a high possibility of the information to be reliable. The enemy is now desperate as the full might of the armed forces are at them. Their morale is now at rock bottom but we cannot underestimate their resolve."

After the officer spoke Luis asked, "What is our objectives in this mission sir?"

A high ranking officer a middle aged man in his early fifties, grey hair and obese, stood up and briefed Luis of his objectives, "Your primary objective is to reinforce the City Hall. Due to its location it is vulnerable to attacks and it is close to the City of Dalisi. Despite having a few government forces in the area, we should not be too complacent. Therefore, you Task Force Praetor will be sent to that location. We predict that the City Hall will be one of the main targets of the terrorists in this attack. Your secondary objective is to capture Haneef Al-Sader if he is leading his men in this attack. Use force if necessary and you are cleared to eliminate him. If necessary take him alive."

The Briefing is adjourned and the men of Task Force Praetor prepared themselves and gears up for the mission. New equipment and weapons were issued to the men of the Task Force. Lieutenant Alfonso was surprised of the new toys the top brass has provided them. It is the latest power armor plus the package. Rifles, carbines, side arms and grenades all the new and best equipment one can dream of. There are no refurbished materiel or whatsoever.

"This looks better! No refurbished junk just new stuff!" Sergeant Panelo said checking their new equipment.

"Better to get familiarized with your new equipment sergeant. This fight will be a tricky one." Lieutenant Alfonso said to him picking a carbine before him. "This one is better, light and packs a punch!"

After their preparations the men of Task Force Praetor heads to their Mark VII MHUV(Multipurpose Heavy Utility Vehicle) to proceed into the City proper to reinforce the City's defenses.