On Time On Target

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"Alexseyev, you have been selected for an early strike mission tomorrow morning."

Odd, he was trying to spit the words out. Something was not right.

"Comrade Major, what is the problem?"

"Nothing Leitenant, it's somewhat excitement over what could be a 'routine' mission for you."

Honesty.

"I see Comrade Major, forgive my interruption."

Major Grachev shrugged.

"Okay, now that the introductions are over with, we will discuss the mission."

He opened the laptop, and projected on the screen were two bridges, and what looked to be a HAWK site.

"These two bridges are the main targets for tomorrow's mission, as well as this HAWK Complex:"

"These two bridges are the main ground supply route to Tkvarchelli. Since the rail system does not seem to work properly, the rail bridge will not be considered a target.

However, if you use the correct munitions on the bridges, there is a chance of damaging it, just in case. The two bridges are termed Targets Alpha and Bravo respectively. There is a Spetznaz team that will be inserted tonight to designate for any laser guided munitions you may use. Preferably against this class of bridge I would recommend Kh-29Ls, Kh-25MLs do not have the necessary warhead for quick destruction."

He paused, looked at his notes some more.

"The HAWK system at Tkvarchelli is your primary threat when making your run. I trust you know what to do about that, nyet? This last image is a spysat image of a ship offloading what appears to be a HAWK system.

The intel staff personnel got lucky for once, and managed to find out that this is a new shipment of such a system at Ochamchira. Apparently, through their sources, they want to fortify Tkvarchelli and possibly use it as a HQ, at least that's what they think after today's strike by the 586th unit on a radio tower. But I personally do not see the connection between a bunch of terrorists, and some military hardware. More than likely it is the IRLF beefing up their defenses around the Tkvarchelli area."

"The mission is simple, we expect the HAWK system to move from the port to Tkvarchelli within the next 24 hours. You are to impede that movement by it's destruction. However, we are not going to wait, at least until the morning. Takeoff is at 0645, be on time, on target no later than 0730. Prayer ends at that time comrade."

Major Grachev started to collect up the paperwork. He paused, and took another breath.

"Now Alexei, there is a reason there is nobody else in this room, and why Dimitri is not here. This mission is designed to draw out two IRLF Mirage 2000-5 aircraft that they received from some benefactor. We believe the UAE, since they fly the aircraft. We have people working on that aspect, since we are combat personnel, not spies. We also have a pilot from the 586th selected to intercept those two aircraft. The rest of the unit will fly diversionary flights in order to entice these aircraft into showing up"

He cleared his throat softly.

"I do not think I have to mention the name of that pilot."

He paused for a moment.

"Colonel Martin has also selected you for this strike, given your past performance when dealing with these matters."

No, he didn't have to tell me the name comrades. I felt a lump in my throat.

Perhaps I am attracted to this Sacha too much. I suddenly feared for her life. Vasily? Maybe — he is a comrade in arms — but I would not shed too many tears upon his death. Dimitri on the other hand is just as capable as I am, and it was odd he was not given in to this mission. He is as trustworthy and I mentioned that to Major Grachev, who rose his hand.

"Lietenant, I must remind you that only so many people must know the true nature of the mission. Yes, Dimitri is very trustworthy with state secrets, as well as you are. I fear however that the more people know, the likelihood of it getting out."

He paused.

"Though comrade, if he asks to assist you, do not hesitate! You must not tell him the real reason behind the attack. You do not need to know where the SA-10 battery is at, that does and should not concern you, and your mission files do not mention that either."

"Yes Sir."

I replied stupidly, thinking just how do you hide such a system anyways? Perhaps the scientists developed cloaking devices?

"Report to me status of your aircraft by 2200 tonight, and submit a plan of attack, to include munitions required. Dismissed"

I nodded, stood up and saluted him, to which he briskly returned. He left me the paperwork as he left the room.

That is one consolation, you are not told to arm your aircraft, that is your responsibility to ensure you come up with the best mix of weaponry. Being advised however, will always happen.

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