The Trauma Carrier

Chapter 3: Breakthrough

Flashback to one year ago

After finishing the first task on evacuating civilians, Rook has been tasked to finish the mission once and for all, helping a tank crew get through the bridge and secure it for local law enforcement to monitor.

Walking back to the tent, Rook saw Jager waiting inside and staring at the entrance, his arms crossed.

Jager: "Better late than ever." He would sigh

Rook: "I would say the same as well. I thought this situation was able to be handled by all the GIGN."

Jager: "By the looks of it... no." He pointed at Twitch, Lion, and Montagne, who were on the bed, recovering from their wounds

Rook: "Well then... what brings you here then?" He would tilt his head slightly, in curiosity

Jager: "There is a tank crew that is inexperienced, and uh..." He looked at the files, tapping as he was thinking up with something "The crew ended up with the commander and driver dead, and the crew requests some special forces to aid in operation."

Rook: "One problem, this doesn't answer the problem of inexperience. Jager, I know you are a good pilot, but a driver, I don't know. I assume you might have some background experience I don't know but one thing is for sure, I can command the crew for this.

Jager: "Don't worry, that was my plan too. Luckily, we got some reinforcements with a platoon to help us through the block towards the bridge. Now, let's meet the crew in the back."

Jager would walk out the backside of the tent, and Rook followed behind. What first appeared was the tank.

Jager: "Meet Furie, a prototype, main battle tank. Similar to the Leclerc model."

Rook: "The Leclerc tank usually has a small crew count, but Furie..."

Jager: "I was impressed with the design too so don't worry." He chuckled

One of the tank crew members then came from behind the tank.

Assistant driver: "Bonjour. You must be Jager and Rook."

Jager: "Indeed we are. So, mind giving me a run through?"

Assistant driver: "Sure thing, oh and I received orders to do the driving, but in case something happens, you know what to do." He climbed up the tank and motioned Jager to follow

Another crew member popped up, tapping Rook's shoulder

Gunner: "You must be Rook." He lend out his hand for a shake

Rook: Shaking his hand, "Yes I am, and you're...?"

Gunner: "Oh, my bad. It's Cpl. Emmet. I operate the gun."

Rook: "I see... where's the loader?"

Gunner: "On our way to evacuate and get a clear view to your location right here, he got lit up down the street. I will have to be loading and shooting myself, which shouldn't be an issue."

Rook: "Darn.... well, if you can handle the load, then lets hop on."

Gunner: "Sure thing, let me show you how the turret operates including the turret." He'd climb up to the turret

Pulling himself up, Rook would then get to the turret, and the gunner would open the hatch and hopped inside.

Gunner: "Come on in!"

Slowly entering the turret, he noticed the claustrophobic conditions, and would take a look at the tools around him.

Gunner: "You're job is simple. Be the eyes and help me out if anything really goes wrong. Otherwise, operate these buttons and tools..." He pointed at them "Then you should be good."

Rook: "Are you sure I can do this?"

Gunner: "Do you call yourself a member of the GIGN? C'mon now!"

Rook: "Remember who you are talking to..." He rose a brow out of anger

Gunner: "I was trying to motivate you..."

Shaking his head, Rook would then close the commander's hatch, before putting on a spare helmet to communicate with the crew.

Jager: On the radio "Ready to go!"

The tank rumbled slowly down the path, picking up speed. Peering through the periscope, Rook would watch as the tank passed the safe zone.

Jager: On the radio "We will be working with a platoon that's currently stationed down several blocks, so keep your eyes peeled."

Assistant driver: On the radio "They gave us their coordinates, so don't worry. By the way Rook, you can sit out of the hatch if you need a breather, just lay low!"

Rook: On the radio "I think I would rather-"

A loud whizz passed by the tank, and the interior jerked a little.

Jager: On the radio "Rook! Got eyes?"

Rook peered through the vision port, looking at whatever shot them. Then, a loud boom went off, and the tank groaned to a halt. Red lights flashed inside the tank, and the crew looked at each other.

Jager: On the radio "I think they took out our engine..."

Gunner: On the radio "We have to bail then! This prototype engine is very unstable when damaged!"

Rook then looked at the gunner in surprise, but would open the hatch, climbing out and jumping off and hitting the road with a thud. He then ran for the nearest building for cover, but realized he forgot his MP5. Staring back at the tank, he saw Jager bail and run to his direction with the gunner and assistant driver. But then, a mine went off, sending the three flying.

Back to the present

Rook woke up in a small pool of sweat in his chair. As he turned to Twitch, she was asleep. The plane didn't arrive yet, and as he looked at the map in front of him, they still had an hour left. Slamming himself against the seat, he sighed.

Rook: "Always going to be haunted..."

He then got a tap on shoulder.

Ash: "You alright? Anything in your mind..?"

Rook: "Jager being almost blown up..? Yeah..."

Ash: "Look, he's not dead, same goes for the two others with you, like you said in your sleep."

Rook: "Thats... embarrassing."

Ash: "Hey, I did ask you to tell me if you remember anything, and right now is the time. Thanks for letting me know." She broke out a little laugh, but went back into her ordinary character "Harry will sort you out about it, like he's always been."