A Shadow Company Tale Sequel

Clear the Beach!

The sun hung low in the daytime sky, casting long shadows over the urban sprawl of Hamburg as a mission of unparalleled importance unfolded. Delta Force and U.S. Army Rangers, America's finest, were en route to the heart of the city, carried by a fleet of formidable aircraft including sleek Black Hawks, versatile V-22 Ospreys, and the mighty U.S. Navy LCACs. Their journey was a symphony of military precision until the symphony of destruction erupted around them.

A calm but determined voice crackled over the radio, "This is Helix Two-Three, we're one minute out. Steady as she goes, everyone."

Suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere was shattered by a piercing alarm. Helix Three-Two, flying in formation, shook violently as a barrage of flak and anti-aircraft fire tore through its fuselage.

"This is Three-Two, I'm hit, I'm hit!" screamed the pilot of Three-Two, his voice a mixture of fear and urgency.

The leading commanding pilot wasted no time relaying the dire situation, his voice tinged with grim determination, "Helix Three-Two is hit, he's going down!"

Frost watched as the bird fell beneath her aircraft as she heard the pilot shout, "Stay with it!" Unfortunately Helix Three-Two descended rapidly before crashing into the unforgiving waves of the sea.

Static crackled ominously over the radio, then an urgent voice commanded, "Send in a stormbird and establish a relay exchange inside. Check for any available relays."

"We need to set up a relay point. Raptor Two-Four, you're rolling in, ETA 30 seconds."

The pilot of Raptor Two-Four acknowledged with steely resolve, "Roger that, Command. Raptor Four, stay tight, we've got incoming."

Meanwhile, Raptor Two-Six circled above, its cargo of troops bracing for the impending operation. "Raptor Two-Six here, troops on the deck. Going into a holding pattern," reported their pilot.

"Helix Three-Three, adjust your approach. Start your Time On Target. Minimize your Heat signature."

"Copy that, Command. Adjusting our approach accordingly."

Further ahead, Drifter Five-Five, a covert reconnaissance unit, reported with an air of urgency, "Jackals egressing north to tango. Preparing for engagement."

Another voice rang out confidently, "Vizor One is inbound," accompanied by the thunderous roar of an approaching aircraft.

Moments later, Drifter Five-Six fired a missile, announcing its impact crisply, "Eagle Six, Fox Three. Target confirmed."

As Helix Three-Three made its course correction, Captain Daniels issued new orders, "Roger, adjusting heading for evasive maneuvers."

The mysterious voice on the radio continued to guide the operation, "Vizor One, you're cleared hot."

Meanwhile, Slider Three-One approached the staging area cautiously, the tension palpable in the cockpit. "Slider Three-One approaching the staging area," reported the LCAC's pilot.

"Three-Two on the deck. Dropping off Rhinos," came the voice of Slider Three-Two's pilot as the amphibious vehicles rumbled out of the LCAC onto the riverbanks, ready for the mission's next phase.

As the flight of V-22 Ospreys closed in on their target, one of the aircraft found itself in the path of enemy fire, taking a direct hit to its right engine. The Osprey shuddered violently in the air, smoke billowing from the damaged engine, its fate hanging in the balance. With heroic efforts, the pilot managed to guide the stricken Osprey toward the sea below, where it splashed down, sending up a massive spray of water.

Slider Three-One's pilot soon joined the radio, "Slider Three-One approaching the staging area."

As the Black Hawks and V-22s gracefully touched down on the beach, their rotor blades slicing through the air, they discharged their troops onto the sandy expanse. Simultaneously, the imposing LCACs glided onto the shore, their cargo bays laden with US Marine-crewed M1A1 Abrams tanks. The tanks, as powerful as they were, were destined to support the troops in their mission.

As the Abrams were strategically deployed, their treads biting into the sandy terrain, the LCACs swiftly re-inflated their airbags. With a graceful retreat, they reversed their course and seamlessly withdrew back upriver, leaving behind the formidable armor of the M1A1 Abrams on the beach.

Sandman assessed the situation with a keen eye. "The convoy never made it to the extraction point. Let's find it and get these guys home."

"Helix Two-Three, chalk deployed, going into cover pattern," announced the pilot over the radio as the Black Hawks maintained a vigilant watch over the beach.

Delta Force and Ranger soldiers, accompanied by the now-deployed tanks, moved purposefully up the beach. The distinct thud of mortar impacts echoed across the shore as an AH-64 Apache rained fire from the left. Ahead, a formidable Russian T90 tank loomed.

"Rhino 1-1, we're rolling out," signaled one of the tank crews.

Sandman urgently warned, "Rhino 1, you've got a T90 on your left side!"

"Rhino 2 moving up," came the swift response.

Rhino 1 and Rhino 2 coordinated their firepower, unleashing a volley that swiftly neutralized the threatening T-90. The team advanced, navigating through the challenges of the beachhead.

"This is Rhino 3, we're moving," reported another tank crew, signaling their progress.

A Russian Havoc helicopter materialized between the beach and the city, prompting a vigilant response from the soldiers and tanks.

"Hind! Hind!" exclaimed the Rhino 2 Gunner as the team adapted to the evolving threat.

"Move with the tanks! Keep going!" ordered Sandman, leading the charge toward the city.

The beach became a battleground under a relentless mortar barrage. Rhinos 4, 5, and 6 fell victim to the bombardment, their destruction a stark reminder of the ferocity of the opposition.

"Mortars!" shouted a Ranger, the chaos of the beachhead evident.

"Don't stop! Get off this beach!" commanded Sandman, urging the troops to seek cover.

"Get off the beach, now!" echoed the urgency from a Ranger.

Amid the chaos, the soldiers scrambled for cover, seeking refuge behind rocks as the mortars continued to rain down.

"Take cover behind the rocks!" advised another Ranger .

"Don't slow down!" insisted Sandman, driving the team forward. "Hey, just get to the wall! That's where the rally point is!"

They reached a brick wall at the edge of the city, the soldiers taking a moment to regroup. Rhino 1 popped smoke, creating a smokescreen to provide cover.

"Deploying smoke," Rhino 1 announced.

"Move! Move!" urged Sandman, guiding the soldiers forward. The tanks advanced, with Rhino 1 leading the way.