Page 20 of Silent Dust
As the teams separated, Charlie advanced along the east perimeter while Alpha Team headed toward the rear entrance, with Bear taking point. Bear led Alpha Team cautiously along the shadowed backside of the warehouse, moving in a crouched stance and staying close to the cover of darkness. The radios remained silent, the only sound was of their footsteps and quiet breaths.
Moose reached the back door, unfastening a small case containing an electronic lock-pick device. His fingers worked swiftly, applying gentle pressure. With a faintclick, the lock disengaged. He pushed the door open just enough for the team to slip inside—a dark alleyway lined with aisles of stored chemicals stretching into obscurity.
Inside, faint emergency lighting cast shadows over tall rows of drums and containers. The air smelled of chemicals, faint fumes mingling with stale oil, the threat palpable even in silence.
“Scan the area,” Bear ordered softly, glancing at Blast as he approached a massive steel container marked with caution symbols. The explosion-hardened shape was clearly built to contain something volatile.
“This is one, but not the main stockpile,” he confirmed quietly. “There were three different areas of barrels when we reconned; they moved some.”
Dog, ever cautious, leaned in, whispering, “Keep scanners live. We don’t want accidental exposure, and with these chemicals, ignition is a real risk.” His eyes flicked between his monitors, alert for any signs of chemical leaks or reactions.
A shout cut through the early morning stillness. “They back!” a kid’s hoarse voice echoed from the front of the warehouse.
Moments later, Warden’s voice crackled hot over the comms. “Contact! Reinforcements! All units, we’ve got incoming!”
Chaos erupted. Gunfire cracked through the air as guards poured into the rear of the warehouse. Bear ducked behind astack of empty crates, shouting into his radio, “Suppressive fire! Suppress! Cover fire—go, go, go!”
Bullets ricocheted off metal surfaces, the sharp cracks echoing through the enclosed space. Bear returned fire with controlled bursts, each shot aimed at the incoming threat. A direct hit on a guard’s kneecap sent him crashing down, but more were rushing in.
“Get down!” Nova bounded into cover beside him. “I’ve got your six!”
Outside, the street kids, led by Samir, increased their distractions. Rocks and trash cans clanged as they threw debris at guards, banging on metal trash cans to create noise. Firecrackers exploded, their sharp pops echoing against alley walls, adding to the bedlam. The chaos drew the guards’ attention away from the warehouse’s rear door, buying the team precious seconds.
“Firecrackers! Now!” Samir yelled, lighting fuses with shaky hands. The sharp pops sent shockwaves through the narrow streets, a primitive but effective diversion.
Bear sensed movement at the far end of the warehouse. His trained eyes narrowed, trying to identify the new threat. “Warden, what’s going on?” Bear barked over the comm.
“Al-Harb is running!” Warden replied, voice tight with frustration. “We need to regroup and blow this place—now!”
“Everyone, pull back. Move to the exit!” Bear commanded. “Hard regroup. We’ll blow the warehouse once we’re clear. Regroup now! Raven, get Al-Harb.”
“Bear, we’re not going to make it,” Raven’s voice cut through the chaos, firing at a group of guards advancing from the east. “They’re flanking us!”
“Understood,” Bear responded, eyes flicking to the men around him. “We’re destroying the stockpile first—then we’re out. Moose, Blast, get ready to breach the main storage area!”
They moved as a unit, adrenaline surging through their veins as gunfire and shouts filled the space. Outside, the street was loud with noise, inside the warehouse, the pressure on the men was increasing.
“On my mark,” Bear ordered, signaling to Moose and Blast. “Three… two… one…breach!”
The door exploded inward under the force of the charges. The team surged into the darkened warren of containers stacked like a nightmare waiting to unfold. Rows of drums and tanks loomed before them, dangerous and volatile.
“Set the charges—now!” Bear commanded.
“Working on it!” Blast responded, attaching the demolitions to the massive containers.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the entrance. “They’re coming!” Nova yelled
“Get ready!” Bear shouted, positioning himself to cover Moose while his teammate finished the last of the charges. His eyes darted between the approaching guards and the timers. “Warden, cover us—move!”
Gunfire erupted again—the room filled with the deafening sound of rounds ripping through metal. Bear returned fire, keeping the guards at bay. Their window of opportunity was closing fast, and they had to hold for just a few more seconds—their exit depended on it.
“Charges set!” Blast called out. “Let’s blow this place!”
Bear stood at the edge of the warehouse compound, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he prepared for the final phase of their operation. His shoulders were tight with the weight of responsibility. They had to ensure that the stockpile inside was destroyed, but they needed to be clear of the building first.
“On my mark!” Bear shouted, glancing at Moose, who was positioned near the detonator. They had meticulously plannedthis moment, and now it was time to execute. “Get ready to exfil location as soon as we blow it. Link, contact base and let them know we are coming in hot.”
Moose nodded, his eyes focused and determined. Bear could see the resolve in his teammates’ expressions, a shared understanding of the stakes involved. With a final nod, Bear took a deep breath and began the countdown. “Three… two… one… detonate!”
