AAR for Operation Echlon 3

After the initial clash with the Shadow Forces this morning, the Europea troops were unable to prevent the Shadow team from recovering and escaping  with the SDU.  After a major defeat against our side, we learned that there were 4 other SDU pieces within our area of operation.  With renewed hope and enthusiasm, we set out to find the remaining units.

Proceeding along a trail, our pointman detected movement in the ravine below.  During the exchange of gunfire, a few of our troops were taken out.  Finding a nice tree with spaces between the thick branches to snipe from, I was able to hit many of the enemy forces from my vantage spot.  After 4-5 confirmed hits, I decided to move out of the sniper nest and proceed 5-10 feet further along the road and about 5 feet down into the ravine.  That is where I started to setup another ambush spot.

After waiting for about what seemed like an eternity, I heard movement behind me. Looking behind me, all I could see was the muzzle of an AK rifle, searching for a target at the tree I was just at.

Evidently a Shadow trooper (Al) tried to flank my original sniper spot.  This Shadow operative probed the place I originally was, hoping to avenge his fallen comrades.  Finding that I wasn't there, he proceeded along the trail and past my second hiding spot.  Then I heard more movement.

The Shadow trooper had a backup (Ed).  Thinking that there maybe more (and Ed was kind of close), I tried to silently pull out my sidearm.  Slowly, I tugged on the zipper that held my sidearm.  Pulling it free, the pistol became an extension of my arm.  Aiming one handed, lined up the sights and started squeezing the trigger.  The trigger reached the end of its travel, but nothing happened. 

My heart froze.  Looking at the sidearm, I found that the gun's hammer was not was not cocked.  Having the pistol in one hand and my AK in the other, left me in a dilemma.  Do I put the AK down and risk being spotted?  Do I have enough time to take out both before getting shot myself?  In desperation, I came up with an idea.

Pulling the gun back slowly and deliberately towards me, I cocked the hammer with my teeth.  With the gun now cocked, I extended  the pistol back into target acquision.  Aiming for center mass, I let a shot fly.  But the shot fell too low.  Compensating, I managed to squeeze another shot and hit my target.  Down the Shadow team member went down with a cry of pain.

Swinging the pistol around to the right towards the first Shadow trooper, it seem that he was surprised to hear his teammate get taken out.  Squeezing off two shots, I managed to tag the Shadow pointman.  Down the pointman goes.

Quickly, I put the pistol away and started scanning the trail for other Shadow forces.  That is when I saw more movement.

It turned out to be Europea trooper Mike.  Evidently, he was stalking the two now KIA Shadow members.  Little did he know that he was forcing them toward me. 

I called out on the radio to say that the road was clear of enemy forces.  Our commanding officer ordered us to stay and guard the road.  The main group was heading to cross the road at our position..

We linked up with the main group.  Mike was observing the road and spotted one tango approaching up the road.   Trooper Matt runs across the road to prevent flankers.  I setup between Matt and Mike to establish an ambush site.

I told Mike to take the shot.  He had to do it fast as it was not one but two Shadow operatives coming up the road.  Going prone, I got ready to provide security for Mike.

I then told Mike that if he wasn't going to take the shot, I would.  The opposing forces we getting too close.  As soon as both of them passed to the right of the trees, I unleashed my fire and managed to take out both.  Another enemy soldier appeared on the left side of the tree.  Taking careful aim, I came up into a kneeling position.  Sending a burst of 6mm bullets, I managed to take out the charging soldier.  A final soldier appeared at the far end of the trail.  I'm not sure if it was my lead or a team mates, but the target just flopped onto the floor.

That's when I spotted the head of one of Shadow company appearing above the ridge.  Suddenly, I felt something hit my chest and then  everything went "black".  I could hear yelling.  Something about getting across the road.  I heard my commander's voice urging people across the road.

Long live Europa.