TFA2 13.1 – Killing the Underground Tunnel
Command Center, Castle Lagra
Together with General Khartoum and Viscount Issel, Nate supervised the attempt to recapture Buriek Guard Area and Tuscan Guard Area in Levsait. As expected, with the help from Ground Combat Group, Buriek Guard and Tuscan Guard won the contest easily. After that, Tuscan Guard and Buriek Guard ensured that the opposing advance was being held at the entry point.
As for the contest in the Logistic and Support Area, defenders in three-in one depot and barracks managed to hold their position. At the same time, Nate sent 1480 most seasoned combatant from GCG to contain the opposing force so they didn’t enter other areas. The fight was not easy as GCG's element couldn't use artillery support, but in the end they won it with minimum casualty.
“Now, we have to find the right location to cut the flow of opposing combatant,” Nate said as relieved filled his face.
Without delay, Major Fritz from IDG showed a few locations through the main screen. “These are the locations suggested by Analyst Jackson. MCG already sent initial teams to check it."
“Good, the sooner we defeat tunnel attack from Battle Group A, the faster we can shift our attention to the incoming Battle Group B."
After pondering for a moment Major Fritz said, "Sir, may I propose an operation to neutralize Battle Group B's threat for a while."
“Give me the basic outline”
“Sending a team of frogman to capture Prince Phorto and Duke Fogel. To be precise, to hijack Cruiser Gecko-01."
Nate did not immediately respond and fell into contemplation. Snatch and grab on high valuable figure required detailed and long preparations. So, he was wondering why a calculating officer like Major Fritz proposed a complex operation when the target was already halfway before their arrival.
“Fritz, how long have you planned this operation?" Nate asked in a calm tone.
“Not me, Sir, but Captain Kasino."
A big question mark immediately appeared on Nate's forehead. “Captain Kasino planned it?”
"Yes, Sir."
Wasting no time Major Fritz explained. After IDG got a clue that Prince Portho most likely was staying in Cruiser Geko-01, he immediately asked Captain Kasino if frogmen platoon had an available option in case TF Amethyst had to snatch Prince Portho.
And Captain Kasino gave him a suggestion that it would be much easier if frogmen platoon hijacked the whole ship, as they already did a similar simulation a few times, by using a Buriek Navy's cruiser and its crew as a target practice.
With a hoping tone Major Fritz closed his explanation, "And just before Battle Group B leaving their forward base, we have visual confirmation through Reaper that Prince Portho and Duke Fogel are on Geko-01."
"Have you calculated the success rate for this attempt?"
"I have," replied Major Fritz confidently. “As long frogman platoon manage to secure Prince Portho, I believe we can hold Battle Group B’s offensive for a while, without the need to kill innocent people they use as human shields.
At least, until Battle Group B receive new chain of command.”
After making some calculations Nate said, “Let's launch the hijacking attempt, but notify Captain Kasino and his men. In case they fail, we will sink Battle Group B’s main formation along with them.”
“Roger.” Without delay, Major Fritz carried out the order.
---
MCG’s Branch Office, Castle Lagra
For the last few months, MCG had been overloaded with construction projects in Bluefin and Sandhur Region. Therefore, most of MCG's officers had to stay at Sandhur Region temporarily, including Colonel Maddox.
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When he heard that Levsait and Raisait were under the threat of tunnel attack, Colonel Maddox decided he would directly lead the sweeping operation. Unfortunately, the tunnel attack had already arrived when the sweeping operation was still in the preparation stage.
Colonel Maddox then led MCG and NBC Team to prepare their new tactic to counter tunnel attack. It was developed by MCG and NBC Team after Terry Hill Operation, which basically flooded the targeted tunnel with sleeping gas. However, Colonel Maddox never expected that their proudly new tactic would not be able to be deployed immediately.
As Colonel Maddox read the emergency message from Harley Quinn, dark lines emerged on his forehead. Then, he said in a low tone, "The Hercules carrying the sleeping gas had to have emergency landing in the middle of the trip.
Harley Quinn is already starting the work to prepare the second Hercules. But they had to take it from maintenance depot and it will take 18-20 hours before it ready to fly."
Lieutenant Ortiz from NBC Team immediately let out a deep sigh. "Not to mention, my men will need 2-3 hours to give the sleeping gas a final touch before we can use it safely."
"Damn it! We don't have that much time," said Lieutenant Juan sourly.
After a moment of ponder Major Callum turned his gaze to Lieutenant Ortiz. “LT, NBC Team has a lab in Davy Jones, right? Can you and your men use it to produce the sleeping gas we need?"
“On a small scale, my team can produce sleeping gas right here right now by utilizing any available compound and equipment. It will take an hour or two." Lieutenant Ortiz paused for a moment before continuing, “But in a massive scale, like the one we will use to counter tunnel attack, my team will need 40-60 hours if we have the adequate materials and equipment."
"That's a landslide different," said Lieutenant Juan, still in a sour tone.
"In a massive scale, sleeping gas is categorized as a weapon of mass destruction capable. One mishap in the production process can lead into a nasty disaster. This is also the reason why it needs a special storing facility in Harley Quinn," said Lieutenant Ortiz.
Slowly but surely, silence blanketed the entire room. Then, a sergeant approached Colonel Maddox.
“Sir, one of the initial teams we deploy has identified a perfect location to pump in the sleeping gas into underground tunnel."
“Thank you for the update, Sergeant.”
“Sir.”
As the sergeant returned to his post, Colonel Maddox deeply looked at officers before him one by one. "If any of you have any idea, whatever it is, say it now."
Almost in reflex, Lieutenant Juan raised his hand. “I have an idea, but it sound like a stupid one.”
“LT,” Colonel Maddox calmly said. “Do you remember MCG’s philosophy?”
Lieutenant Juan nodded before replying, “When only one solution can be found for a field problem, usually it is a stupid solution. But if it’s work, then it’s not stupid at all.”
“Then, spit out your idea.”
“We can replace the sleeping gas with water and electricity.”
“Is that possible?” In an instant a big question mark appeared on Lieutenant Ortiz' forehead. “Our target is an insanely long and big tunnel. It will need millions gallons of water and massive electricity to cover it."
“Actually, it’s a very viable idea,” Colonel Maddox cheerfully said.
Seeing the question mark on Lieutenant Ortiz's forehead thickened, Major Callum immediately added, "When MCG built Marine Industry Area in Levsait and Raisait, the first thing we built was the Sea Water Desalination Facility and Energy Storage Station. These facilities will give us as much water and electricity as we need."
Lieutenant Ortiz instantly took a breath full of relief, “In that case, let’s do it.”
Wasting no time, Colonel Maddox sent a notification to Command Center that MCG had to change their plan. A moment later, he received a green light to execute the water and electricity plan.
---
With a speed of 90 km/h, it took about 30 minutes before MCG convoy arrived at the north entrance to enter Levsait and Raisait. The gate was located in a cliff 200 meters above sea level, and could be accessed through a steep highway.
Once they got off their Humvee, Colonel Maddox and his men took the time to look north, or more precisely to FOC Venom. The camp was located 12 km away. So, normally it would be quite difficult to find its position by using naked eye at night.
However, at the moment all lighting systems on FOC Venom were fully lit, while its surrounding area was covered by a sea of fire. Therefore, it was rather easy to find its position.
Previously, Colonel Maddox and his men managed to obtain some information regarding the fight to defend FOC Venom. Therefore, they were fully aware of what had just happened.
After the opposing side turned the area around the camp into a swamp to counter Molotov cocktail, Colonel Glass deliberately used Molotov cocktail. And when the opposing side thought that the muddy swamp was able to counter Molotov cocktail and attacked in full force, he immediately switched to high-explosive mortar round.
A single round of high-explosive mortar could produce heat as high as 800-1200°C up to a radius of three meters. The high-heat would easily evaporate the water. At the same time, it also burned the accumulation of biodiesel from Molotov cocktails, along with incoming human waves that approached FOC Venom from all directions.
After taking a deep breath Major Callum said, "I've heard that Colonel Glass never lost a single camp under his command in his entire career. Now, I can see the reason."
After slightly nodding his head Colonel Maddox said, “Now, it’s our turn to show our determination to win the fight.”
Wasting no time, Colonel Maddox then led his men to meet the initial team.
*****
