Page 21 of Silent Dust
The explosion rocked the building, a deafening roar that sent shockwaves through the ground. The force of the blast pushed them back, and Bear felt the heat wash over him as smoke and debris filled the air.
As they fell back,a surge of frustration welled up in Bear. They had come so close, but Al-Harb had slipped through their fingers in the chaos.
Bear felt the adrenaline as he sprinted away from the warehouse, the sound of explosions rumbling ominously behind them. “Go! Go! Go!” he yelled, urging his team forward as they raced toward the extraction point.
As they burst out of the building, the world outside transformed into a whirlwind of noise and chaos. The night air was thick with smoke, and the acrid scent of burning debris filled his lungs. The street kids had set up a barrier of distraction, creating a flurry of movement and noise that momentarily confused the guards. But Bear’s instincts were sharp, and he could see the militia regrouping in the distance, their shouts cutting through the chaos. He knew the danger was far from over.
“Keep moving!” Bear shouted, glancing back to ensure his team was close behind. The sound of footsteps echoed in the night, and he could hear the militia closing in, theirdetermination clear. They had to reach the extraction point before the guards caught up.
Link was already on the comms, coordinating with base. “Helos are ten minutes out!” he called. “We need to buy some time!”
Once they had cleared the immediate danger, Bear reached for his face mask. “Masks off!” he shouted, his voice cutting through the noise. They had to breathe fresh air now that they were away from the worst of the fallout. He ripped off his mask, inhaling deeply, the cool night air filling his lungs.
The others followed suit, their faces showing a mix of relief and exhaustion. Bear took a moment to assess the group, ensuring everyone was accounted for. The adrenaline was still coursing through him, but he knew they had to regroup and prepare for the next phase.
“We’ll cover you! Get her moving!” Bear ordered, as he observed Dog quickly assess Cobra’s leg wound and take charge. His attention remained razor sharp, focused on getting everyone to safety.
Dog nodded and adjusted his grip on Cobra, his determination unwavering. Havoc joined them from Charlie Team, helping to stabilize Cobra as they began their trek toward the extraction point. Gunfire echoed behind them, but Bear’s focus remained on getting everyone to safety.
As they sprinted, Bear glanced back to see Samir darting between the shadows, helping the street kids create distractions. Samir had been instrumental in their plan, and Bear felt pride for the bravery that young boy had shown. But now, with the warehouse engulfed in flames and the guards regrouping, Bear’s heart raced with concern for Samir’s safety.
“Link!” Bear shouted over the din of gunfire and explosions. “get Samir to the extraction point! Make sure the radio comes with us.”
Link gave a thumbs up, his eyes scanning the chaos around them. “I’ll find him!” He sprinted off, dodging debris as he searched for the boy amidst the madness. Bear could only hope he made it back in time. Every second felt like an eternity, and he knew they had to keep moving. The extraction point was their only chance, and Bear wouldn’t leave anyone behind.
The teams raced toward the extraction point, timing their arrival with the helicopter. With fourteen of them and only one helo to accommodate, they had to move fast. As they reached the clearing, the chopper’s blades whirred above, a welcome sound amidst the chaos.
Bear led the team toward the extraction helicopter, urgency propelling them forward. They had to get Cobra cleaned up and out of her MOPP suit, which left behind a fine layer of charcoal dust that clung to everything, especially when mixed with sweat. The last thing they needed was for her to get the wound infected.
Bear watched as Dog moved quickly to help Cobra, the helicopter’s rotors whirring to life around them. “Cobra, we need to get that suit off you,” Dog said, his hands reaching to assist. The noise was deafening, but he kept his voice steady. “It’s covered in dust, and we can’t risk any contamination.”
Cobra nodded,her expression strained but determined. “I can do it,” she said, voice tight with resolve.
Dog smiled, his tone teasing as they carefully worked together to peel away the tight suit. “Sure you can, but I’m here to help. Undressing a woman wearing hose isn’t exactly straightforward.”
Cobra shot him a smirk despite herself. “Well, lucky for you, this isn’t exactly my first rodeo.”
The charcoal dust clung stubbornly to her skin, and Bear noticed the sheen of sweat on her brow as they finally managed to get the suit off.
Bear’s heart sank as he caught sight of the wound on Cobra's thigh. A bullet had passed through, leaving a gaping hole that missed the artery but was still serious. Dog sprang into action, applying pressure to the wound and assessing the damage.
“Everyone accounted for?” Bear asked, his eyes scanning the cabin. The team nodded, and he felt a sense of relief wash over him. They had made it through the worst of it, but they still had to get to the carrier safely.
Dog grabbed his medical pack, “Alright, let’s see what we’re dealing with,” he said, trying to inject a teasing lilt into his voice to lighten the mood. “You’re looking a little worse for wear, little lady.”
Cobra shot him a glare, her eyes narrowing. “Don’t call me ‘little lady,’ Dog. I’m not some damsel in distress,” she snapped, her voice sharp despite the pain radiating from her leg.
“Just trying to lighten the mood,” he replied, suppressing a grin. “You know, it’s a tough day out there. Thought you might need some encouragement.”
“Encouragement? I’m not interested in your patronizing crap right now, old man,” she retorted. “Just fix it.”
Dog chuckled softly, undeterred by her irritation. “Alright, tough girl.”
“Damn it,” Cobra hissed, her annoyance mixing with the pain as she caught sight of the wound.
“Alright, that looks like a clean through and through,” Dog said, his voice steady despite the grimness of the situation. “No bullet to dig out, easy peasy.” He quickly grabbed antiseptic wipes and gauze from his pack, preparing to clean the wound.
“Just do it,” Cobra said, trying to maintain her tough exterior despite the discomfort. “I can handle it.”
