2035 NATO IN ANOTHER WORLD

CHAPTER 4: UNCERTAIN FATES

(chapter image not mine)

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WILLÖW CONTINENT

In the ever-progressing and busy makeshift airstrip of the new FOB 'Guests' or 'Hornet's Nest', a lone MQ-4A 'Greyhawk' taxied up the runway, its back propellers spinning vigorously as it readies to take off under the moonlight. Armed with 4 Hellfire ATGMs, it was ready to take on combat should the need arise.

The drone was linked to a UAV Terminal, which is linked to a monitor for the NATO superiors and communications officers to oversee. After a few days, they were ready to conduct an act of reconnaissance. The drone had enough fuel to keep going for 7 hours without stopping, enough time to get a good look at their surroundings.

A short moment later, the drone is now ready to take off. And with the push of a button, it accelerated to the max, tilted up, and finally took off toward the night sky.

They had recommended having the drone climb above 1,500 feet. They will still have a clear picture without being spotted by a potential hostile or a curious inhabitant.

"Sir, the drone is now nearing 1500 feet, heading 2-5-0. All systems are clear and green. Initiating map generation now." The communications officer relayed the information from the UAV operator.

Behind him, Major Kyle crossed his arms and nodded. "Good, let's get this show on the road."

The drone's camera switched to night vision, the green and much more advanced Night Observations Device built into the drone replaced the completely pitch-black view. It continued to fly through the night sky as the map generation system did its work.

No bogies on the radar. Not yet, anyway. They hoped it would stay that way until the drone's back on the airstrip.

The drone continued to fly through the night sky for a long period of time.

-0-

Corporal Ben Kerry was laying on a bed inside a tent, trying to get a good sleep. He kept repositioning himself, trying to get comfortable which was always unsuccessful. A full month of trauma, sheer shock, adrenaline, pressure, and constant fear of his own life had taken a toll on his emotional, mental, and physical health. He had witnessed the unpredicted and sudden death of his comrades, it was something none of his new subordinates could imagine.

He remembers the calm before the storm, how he was excited to get off the island of Stratis and finally relax stateside, all before the Greenbacks decided to ruin everything.

'Kamino, I say again, requesting urgent medical support at our position! Commander MacKinnon is down! Please respond!'

All before everything went FUBAR.

'Broadway to all NATO forces on Stratis: Code Foxtrot. Code Foxtrot. AAF forces have overwhelmed the airfield and Air Station Mike-26. We're pulling back. Try to get -'

All before everyone's worst nightmares came true.

'We're consolidating the remnants of our forces at Camp Maxwell. You're welcome to join us if you want.'

All before they had to fight for their lives.

'All teams, do not return! I say again, do not return! Find shelter. Keep your heads down. Wait until you hear from me! How copy?!'