CHAPTER 2

DELTA HQ, 0300 HOURS

The Army Major was with the Delta commander who was in charge of the operation.
"I heard about the six Deltas. I'm offering to send in a platoon from the 101." The Delta commander nodded his head.
"Please go ahead." The Major turned to leave but the Commander stopped him.
"Sir?" The Major stopped and turned around. "What happened with the 82nd?"
"We lost contact with them too."

82nd AIRBORNE POSITION, 0315 HOURS

Captain Miller was in the rear with his RTO , radio telephone operator. Miller was waiting for word for the go ahead. Miller heard some planes up in the air. He couldn't identify them.
His night vision goggles pierced through the night. Miller looked up when he saw the planes. He still couldn't identified them. Miller just saw a vague, errie, green shape flying about 100 feet above the trees.
"Call that in, Private," Miller said to his RTO. The slim private picked up the horn and began talking. Miller felt the sweat run down the side of his face. A very light wind blew through the trees. The trees swayed very lightly.
"Sir, I'm not getting through." The Captain tried himself but he was cut off when machine guns and the popping of AK-47s filled the air.
"Shit!" M-16s returned fire. A fifty cal. chattered away. A new sound filled the loud noise.
"Mortars!" Shrapnel cut through the air and trees. Miller got down. A piece of shrapnel cut the cord on the radio.
"Sir?!" The First Sergeant yelled as he crawled over to Miller.
"What?!" Miller yelled back.
"Sir, we got swarms of..I'm not sure, I think the Iraqis, but they are coming to our front hard.
"What the fuck?!" A shell landed fifty meters to their right. The noise became louder as two more M-60s and fifty cal. joined in. Captain Miller laid there not knowing what to do.
"What are your orders, sir? Miller shook his head.
"I dunno! Have the front lines pull back and make this area smaller."
"Not a good idea," First Sergeant Wilkins said.
"Why?"
"Mortars. We'll make a better target." Miller ducked his head as two stray bullets cracked up ahead. Another shell landed to their right.
"Then we must hold tight then. There's nothing for us to do. It-" Miller turned around as he saw a swarm of "Iraqis" approached the Americans from the rear. The three men and a few others opened fire. A machine gun opened up on the Americans.
"They got us surrounded!" Wilkens yelled.

DELTA'S POSITION 0325 HOURS

Walker fired his silenced submachine gun at the charging Chinese. A few RPGs flew here and there. Walker looked through his night vision scope and saw incoming tanks.
"We have armor," Walker said to his squad through the mouth piece. The popping of AK-47s drowned out the muffled sounds of the Americans' powerful weapons.
Jerry took out his LAW and aimed. There was four tanks and two of them split off in different directions. Jerry fired one and the round bounced off the tank like a bullet on a triple layer of bricks. Jerry heard some screams and he quickly pulled away. Just as Jerry did, the tank fired. The blast caused the roof to collapse. The floor beneath Jerry disintegrate. Jerry fell through the dust and smoke toward the first floor.
Walker saw the tanks and took out the gunner. Ray was right behind him. The tanks circled around and didn't fire. Walker guessed they were setting up a semi-perimeter. The Chinese infantry ran from building to building searching. Walker and Ray fired at them. Johnson ran inside.
"We lost the others," Johnson said. Walker fired his last round in his magazine and he changed. Ray saw something move from the dust. The Chinese ran past them. Walker aimed his gun at the figure.
"Hold fire!" Ray yelled. Walker didn't stir. "That's Jerry!" More Chinese ran past and Ray raked them down. Walker looked at one of the building and saw a machine gun open fire at them.
Bullets smacked into the wall outside of the window and the inner wall. A Chinese stopped running and raised his rifle. He fired off one shot. That round smacked Johnson right in the neck. Walker snapped of two rounds the hit the Chinese in the face and chest. Johnson fell back gagging as blood poured over his hands and ran the side of his neck and the side of his mouth in a great mass. Johnson was squirming. A grenade hit Walker in the chest. Walker looked at it and picked it up. He tossed it back as another one landed in the middle of the room near the squirming and bloodied American. Ray dove for it and landed on top of it. It exploded sending blood and gore onto the walls. Walker let out a little yipe. Walker turned his head and saw Jerry try to stand. A Chinese soldier jammed the barrel of his rifle to the back of Jerry's head and fired. Blood splatter out of the wound and the bullet came out of the neck and hit the sand with a dull thud. Jerry fell forward face down.
A Chinese man rushed the room and Walker turned on his knee and shot him the stomach. The man doubled over and died. Walker stood and leaned against the wall near the door. His brown eyes shifted to Johnson. He was still and staring up at the sky. His chin and neck was bloodied. Walker turned his head away and pushed off the wall and started walking out of the room when a Chinese man dove out of the darkness and knocked the already tired man to the ground.
The Chinese man yelled with his teeth clenched. Walker noticed that his teeth was yellow. Walker had his hands around his enemies neck. The man didn't give up. Walker rolled off his back and was now on top of the Chinese man. Walker began pounding the man's head against the floor. The Chinese man yelled in pain. He rolled the big American off him and grabbed for the American's neck. Walker was surprised at this tiny man's strength. Walker managed to bite his opponents dirty hand. Walker put all the pressure he could muster into that bite. Blood poured out of that wound and flowed down the side of the man's hand.
"Ahhh!" Walker grabbed his knife and tried to stick it into the soldier's stomach but the enemy grabbed the knife and pushed it away. Walker scrambled to get a gun but tripped. The soldier took out his knife and jammed it in the back of Walker's leg. Walker screamed as blood spilled out of the deep gash.
Walker heard some movement out in the hall. The soldier grabbed a gun and pointed it at the doorway. Walker saw this advantage and grabbed his .9mm. Walker aimed fast and fired. The bullet tore a hole in the guy's neck. The soldier fell to the floor. He didn't move, but he was still alive. Walker pointed the gun into the guys face and fired three shots. Blood splattered on Walker's face. At that time, a squad of Chinese soldiers ran into the room and demanded Walker's surrender.

SOMEWHERE IN THE IRAQI DESERT, 19 MAY 2007, 0530 HOURS

Billy opened his eyes as his team leader woke him up. The camp came to life very slowly. The six man patrol walked off the main road and into the camp. Most of the men's faces showed a sign of facial hair growing.
Billy rubbed his rough cheek and walked over to the bushes and to urinate. The tanks roared to life and began moving onto the road. Small talk floated along the desert. The cool wind made it harder urinate. Billy hated that.
In the distance came a low roar and it was getting louder. The movement picked up. The jeeps and other military vehicles started their engine and drove onto the road. The tanks surrounded the convoy in a loose and spaced out way as a body guard type way. The gunner on the right tank that was on the same side as the camp, waved as they drove off. Some of the men waved back.
Billy gave up on trying to urinate. He turned around and grabbed his M-16 that he leaned against the tree. The noise grew louder. Billy looked over at the distant mountains and saw a dozen tiny dots that were getting larger by the second.
Billy identified the dots as planes but assumed it was friendly. Until a giant fire ball rose in the air. The boom came a second later. Four planes swooped down and fired their automatics. They pulled up leaving stunned, dead, and wounded men laying on the ground. A deuce and a half exploded killing a few more men. Two soldiers were running around ablaze screaming an awful scream.
The rest of the planes flew over head and dropped their loads. The bombs screamed downward to earth. The bombs hit the sand and exploded. The concussion waves knocked Billy into a fold table and he broke it. Billy rolled off the shattered wood and covered his head as more bombs dropped.
Seconds later, the bombing stopped and all became quiet except for the screaming of the wounded and the popping sounds of the fires. Billy didn't move for another thirty seconds. He slowly raised his head and looked around the camp. He saw black smoke rise up into the early sky and the wounded with missing parts laying screaming on the floor. Billy shakily got up and brushed the bloodied sand off of him. He took another look around.
How did I survive this?" He asked aloud.

PERSIAN GULF, AMERICAN SHIPPING HARBOR AND SUPPLY DUMP, 19 MAY 2007, 0615 HOURS

Mike Smith didn't like his job. He was a sergeant in the United States Army and he's been in service for about five years. He's been in combat other times and they offered him the rank. Mike is 33, he is 5' 6''. His blue eyes and his stunning charm is what makes him a ladies man.
Mike had his M-16 slung on his shoulder as he was over seeing the shipments. One group was unloading supplies and military equipment for the Signal Brigade. One ship just pulled in and fresh troops and were storming off the ramp. C-130s flew over head. Mike took out some chew and put it in the bottom of his lip.
"After this men, you guys get a coffee break," Mike said as he put the can back into his pocket. Mike couldn't wait to get out of Iraq. He's been in for two years now and he wants out. He has nine more months until his wish comes true.
Mike wrote to his wife every night. She missed him and wants him to come home and stay home. Their kids miss him as well. Mike spat some brown juice out and stared at the horizon. Behind him he heard some noise. It was planes he noticed almost at once. The men looked at the dots becoming bigger but ignored them.
"Don't worry about it. It's just another shipment," Mike said and turned around as he heard footsteps. Mike stood at attention and snapped a salute. "Sir!"
"At ease, sarge," Major Newton said. Mike relaxed a little.
"How was your sleep, sir?" Mike asked his officer.
"I haven't slept good since I got here, sarge." Mike knew Newton since his arrival nine months ago.
"Well, sir, this is our last shipment until...1200 hours this afternoon. We'll be having more supplies coming in." The officer nodded and observed some more at the hard working men. Mike looked at the clear sky. In the distance he saw black smoke rising into the sky, but it seemed about 20 miles away. But it was still clear. He thought that maybe the Americans got into a firefight or something.
The noise got louder and before he knew it the ship in front of him exploded. Seconds later, other ships and warehouses started going up in flames. AA guns began pounding at the planes almost immediately. Flak burst was everywhere in the sky.
Mike rolled onto his back to see this. Men were running around trying to find cover. Some were helping the wounded out of harm's way. Mike all of a sudden felt stunned. He became semi-numb. But he did feel Newton's strong grip and felt himself being dragged across the dock. More explosions sounded and in thirty seconds it was over. Mike turned his head to see a burning plane in the water. It's tail reached to the sky as it burned an oily black smoke.

ALLIED AIR FORCE BASE AND AMMO DUMP, IRAQ, 19 MAY 2007, 0630 HOURS

The flight of C-130s had landed and men and supplies were being loaded off. A few Apache helicopters rose and flew in the air to try and scout out the enemy's planes. A few F-18/A Hornets flowed them as well.
Inside the main building, General Conners and Colonel Alexander were sitting in Colonel Alexander's office.
"I don't understand," General Conners said as he scratched his graying hair, "I mean, why didn't the planes show up on our radars?" Across the desk sat the Colonel. The Colonel was doing paper work on the shipments when the General came in. The Colonel put down his pencil and rubbed his tired, red eyes.
"I'm not sure, sir. I'm having my engineers try and solve that problem. I also ordered my fighter jets to try and search for the planes." Alexander picked up his cup of good ol' Army coffee and sipped at it.
"Well, Colonel, I want this problem fixed. By the way, a few of the planes were shot down. Now, this is being run by the president, but, they say the planes are Chinese." Alexander looked into the old gray eyes of the General.
"Why would the Chinese be attacking us?" The General could only shake his head.
"Well, I'd be better getting back to work now. I want a report on what you know on my desk by 2300 hours or sooner. Understand?"
"Yes, sir," Alexander said standing up. He knocked right back down when the waves of the explosions caused the glass to break. Shattered glass went everywhere. Planes and building exploded. Part of the main building exploded and the wall was ripped out of place as the powerful wind moved everything out of place. Twenty seconds later the bombing was done and over half of the planes are disabled. Alexander stood up shakily. Some of the dust and debris fell off of him. But most of the dust stained his uniform. Blood trickled down his cheek.
"Sir?" There was a cough and the General moved out from under a piece of debris. Alexander walked over to help up his General.
"Thank-you," Connors said as he himself felt blood.
"Come on, let me take you to the medic," Alexander said offering a helping hand.
"No. I want to see my men first." Alexander nodded and followed him outside of the building and into the chaos of the airfield.

SEALs MAIN BASE, IRAQ, 19 MAY 2007, 0645 HOURS

There was hardly any activity in at the base. Most of the SEALs just got in from the states. Meaning, most of them are cherries. The other SEAL base was destroyed when part of the Iraqi army attacked and overran it. Most of the SEALs were wounded. Those who survived went right back into the front lines. This new base.
Part of the base was still under construction but it was halted for certain reasons. Many of the SEALs were taking classes/getting briefed on their new missions.
Sergeant Willie was at the front of the room speaking when explosions ripped through the air and shaking the ground. He fell to the ground. Dust fell from the roof.
"What the hell?!" Someone yelled. It was his last words as the building took a direct hit.

DELTA MAIN BASE, IRAQ, 19 MAY 2007, 0700 HOURS

The Major was in the TOC talking to the Commander about the situation. The Major had a cup of coffee in his hands and was tired looking.
"Last night around midnight or so, I can't exactly remember, but we lost contact to Delta. Of course you know that. But we also lost contact to the other men out there. The 82nd Airborne Division. We haven't heard from the deployed men that was ready to go out there and help the Deltas. And the 101, well, most of them was blown out of the sky. Some made it to the ground, but tanks and the enemy had the place surrounded."
"I heard it was the Chinese. Is this true?"
"Not sure. It's not confirmed." The Major nodded and walked out to have a smoke. He lit up the cigarette and tossed the empty light on the ground. Just then a building exploded followed by others.
"What the hell is that?!" The Commander ran out. "There ain't any planes!" The Major looked around and saw the problem. They were being surrounded. Tanks and infantry moved in from all sides. The tanks firing at the buildings. The two men hit the ground and crawled for cover. With in minutes, the Chinese overran the Delta base.

ALAN'S OFFICE, FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, 18 MAY 2007, 2200 HOURS

Alan rubbed his blood shot eyes and picked up his pencil again. A knock came at the door and Private Norm walked in.
"Sarge, Here are some papers you have to see. They are important." Alan nodded and said thank-you. The Private's squeaky voice made his headache worse. Alan picked up the papers as he reached for his cup of coffee. His eyes widen as his eyes moved from left to right.
"Holy shit balls," Alan muttered. The report was on the attacks in Iraq. The last folder was for him. It had his orders. He was going to receive a new squad of Rangers and then he was going to train him. After that, he was going to Iraq. He was going to help find Xan. But of course, it might change. Alan rubbed his forehead. Grace wasn't going to like this. Alan got up and put the folders into his drawer and locked it.
"I'll worry about this later," he said to himself. Alan picked up his beret and walked out of his office to get home.

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, 25 MAY 2007 1100 HOURS

Alan walked out of the building with Major Willie trailing behind him. The squad came to attention and Alan stopped in the center of his squad and did an about face. He stood about six paces from his squad. He faced his officer as he approached.
"At ease, Sarge," Willie said as he walked right past Alan. "Are these you're new men?"
"Yes, sir. They arrived her on the twenty-second and they had have some training and lessons about Iraq. About two more weeks, they'll be battle ready, sir." Willie just nodded as he looked over his new men. He walked behind the squad and came up to the team leader.
"What is you're name?" Willie asked in his officer voice.
"Sir, my name is Sergeant Damon!" Damon was a short man. He was only five feet five inches. But he was a tough character who didn't know how to quit.
"Now, what is your job in this squad?"
"Sir, I'm the team leader and I am also the rifleman and a medic," Damon said in his manly voice.
"Do you know and can perform the other jobs your squad members have?"
"Sir, sir!"
"Good." The officer went to the next person.
"How about you? Who are you?"
"Sir! I'm Private First Class Hildreth!" The skinny, five feet nine inches black man said.
"What is your job?"
"I am the demotions man! I also carry the M-79 grenade launcher and I also carry the radio and other communications."
"Do you know the job of the other men in your squad?"
"Yessir!" Willie went down to the next one.
"Who are you Private?"
"I am Private First Class Reth. I am the machine gunner. I carry the M-60 machine gun and the anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. I also know what to do if one of my members gets hit." Willie smiled and went to the fourth man.
"Well?"
"I am Private Berry. I am the rifleman and I carry the extra ammo. I also know what to do if my team members get hit!" Willie smiled. They were finally catching on. Willie walked to the last man.
"I am Priave Ryan! I am also a rifleman. I carry the anti weapons, also, extra ammo, and the anti-tank mines and medical supplies." Willie smiled and walked over to Alan.
"Good job First Sergeant, you guys get the rest of the day off and come in early and we'll continue you're training." The squad saluted and the Major left.

BEIJING, CHINA, 27 MAY 2007, 1502 HOURS

Ming sat at his neatly arranged desk. He was hunched over reading the reports on the bombing. General Xan was sitting across the desk on a leather chair. They both were in uniforms that were more than squared away.
"Well, good news, General," Ming began.
"Don't tell me you saved money on your car insurance by switching to Giecko." Xan said in a tired voice. Ming only chuckled even though it wasn't ment to be a joke.
"No. The bombings were successful. We only lost 239 men and 47 planes. Comrade, you may go to Paris, France, in peace and our next operation will come from there. Hopefully, this war will go to America, and we can conquer them and have their resources that we really need," Ming said with his eyes close."If we do decide this, it'll be fairly easy."
"The capital, you mean?"
"Yes. It's the only country that has it's capital by the ocean."