章 27: Countering Terror
Location: Southern Plains, Virek
Date and Time: April 25, 2553 – 1400 Hours
The wind sweeps across the plains, kicking up dust as Bravo Fireteam makes its way through the tall grass, their movements careful and deliberate. We're out in the open, and every step we take feels like it could set off a trap. The URF has been ramping up their IED use in the past few days, and Command isn't taking any chances.
This time, we've come prepared.
I glance down at the small, spider-like robot skittering ahead of us—the Talon X-7, a futuristic evolution of the Talon robot we used to deploy against IED threats. It moves quietly over the uneven terrain, its sensors scanning for anything suspicious. We've been using these things more and more, and so far, they've saved us more than once.
"Keep an eye on the Talon," I murmur into the comms, my voice low. "Let it do the heavy lifting."
Santiago nods from his position at the front, his rifle raised as he keeps a steady watch on the horizon. We're moving toward a URF supply line that's been reported to have several IEDs planted along the route. Our job is to clear the area and secure the road for UNSC logistics.
But that's easier said than done.
The Talon X-7 stops suddenly, its small, articulated arms raising as it detects something beneath the dirt. The robot's camera swivels, relaying the image back to my HUD. Sure enough, there it is—a cleverly hidden IED, buried just under the surface.
"Got something," I mutter, signaling for the team to halt. "IED ahead. Talon's on it."
The robot moves closer, deploying a small laser that begins cutting through the dirt, exposing the device. It's a nasty one—an anti-vehicle mine wired to a series of pressure plates. The URF must've rigged it to take out any UNSC convoy that tried to use this route.
"Glad we brought the gear," O'Neill says quietly, his eyes scanning the nearby treeline for any signs of movement. "These bastards are getting creative."
As the Talon X-7 works to disable the device, I pull out a small handheld device—the ECM Field Jammer, a new piece of tech we've been using to prevent remote-triggered IEDs from going off. I activate it, the jammer emitting a low hum as it blankets the area in an electromagnetic field, blocking any signals that might detonate hidden explosives.
"ECM's up," I say into the comms. "Should be safe from any remote detonation."
The squad relaxes slightly, but not much. The URF is unpredictable, and we've learned the hard way that there's always another trick waiting around the corner.
After a few tense minutes, the Talon finishes its work, the IED safely disarmed and marked for recovery. I exhale, motioning for the team to move forward.
"We're clear," I say. "But stay sharp. This road could be littered with more of these."
We advance slowly, the Talon continuing to lead the way as it scans for more hidden dangers. The grass sways gently in the wind, the quiet almost peaceful, but I know better. This kind of silence usually means trouble is lurking just out of sight.
"Command, this is Bravo Fireteam," I say into the comms as we move. "We've neutralized one IED, continuing to clear the route. No sign of enemy contact yet."
"Copy that, Bravo," Command replies. "Be advised, intel suggests the URF may have hostiles stationed in the area. Expect resistance."
I glance over at Santiago, who gives me a nod. We're ready for it. We've been through worse.
But as we continue down the road, something starts to gnaw at me. It's too quiet. Too easy. The URF doesn't just plant one IED and call it a day. There's something more going on here.
The Talon detects another device a few hundred meters ahead, this one a vehicle-borne IED hidden inside a seemingly abandoned transport. It's rigged to blow as soon as anyone gets too close.
"Another one," I say, stopping the squad. "Talon's got it."
As the robot begins its disarming routine, I activate the ECM Jammer again, making sure no one can trigger it remotely. But this time, I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched.
"Eyes up," I murmur, scanning the area. "This feels off."
Suddenly, the comms crackle to life. "Bravo, we've got movement on the ridge to your east. Possible URF forces incoming."
I curse under my breath, signaling for the squad to take cover. "We've got company."
The URF doesn't always engage directly, but when they do, it's usually fast and brutal. And sure enough, moments later, gunfire erupts from the ridgeline, the sharp cracks of rifles echoing through the air.
"Return fire!" I shout, diving behind a nearby rock as bullets kick up dirt around me.
The firefight is intense, the URF forces firing down on us from the high ground. But we've been in worse situations, and my squad knows how to handle themselves. Santiago and Dash return fire, their rifles barking as they target the enemy positions on the ridge.
But even as we exchange fire, my mind is on the IED. The Talon is still working on disarming it, and if it goes off in the middle of this fight, we're all done for.
I grit my teeth, firing off a few rounds toward the enemy as I glance at the robot's progress. It's close, but not close enough.
"Santiago!" I shout over the gunfire. "We need to hold them off until the Talon finishes! We can't let that thing blow!"
He nods, ducking behind cover as a bullet slams into the rock next to him. "We've got this, Kowalski. Just keep that jammer up."
I stay low, keeping the ECM field active as the Talon continues its work. The minutes feel like hours as the firefight rages on, bullets flying, the tension mounting. But finally, the Talon beeps, signaling that the IED has been successfully disarmed.
"IED's clear!" I shout, relief flooding through me. "Push forward!"
With the immediate threat neutralized, we press the attack, moving up toward the ridge as the URF forces begin to fall back. They weren't expecting us to come prepared for their traps, and now they're paying the price.
We clear the ridge, forcing the remaining rebels to retreat into the trees. The firefight dies down, leaving the air thick with the smell of gunpowder and smoke.
"We're clear," Santiago says, wiping sweat from his brow. "Nice work with that jammer, Kowalski."
I nod, feeling the weight of the day's tension start to lift. "We're not out of this yet. Let's secure the rest of the route."
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット