Project Phoenix: The Rise

Chapter 21 - back on the streets.

With weeks of light duties and guard detail behind them, Jay was going insane. Finally declared fit for operation, it was time to get back to work. The anticipation of returning to the job they had signed up for filled the air.

Romeo Two Zero Bravo had received a new driver and a replacement vehicle. Fully manned and equipped, they were rested and ready for action.

As Becky climbed into the back of the MRAP, she seemed unusually quiet. Mo couldn't help but tease her, "Still missing your boyfriend, Becks?" he scoffed, attempting to inject humour into the conversation. Although he acted like he didn't care, he couldn't help but think about what Liam was going through. He missed his brother in arms, dealing with it in his own way.

"Fuck you, Mo!" shouted Becky, turning around to kick his helmet.

"Cut it out, you two! We have a job to do," Jay intervened, grabbing Becky and pulling her into her seat.

Coxy, the new driver, adjusted his seat and greeted the crew in his thick Geordie accent, "Alright, you wankers?" He tried to break the ice with some banter.

"Ha, shut your mouth, you fucking little bell end!" Becky retorted, adding to the humour.

"Ohhh err missus!" Coxy laughed. "What's up with you? Is it that time of the month, hen?"

Jay shook his head, amused by the banter. It was a good sign, but he also needed the team to focus. This was their first mission since Liam's abduction.

Coxy had joined the team as a replacement for Liam, and although Jay had concerns about Becky, soldiering meant moving on. Soldiers had to deal with loss and compartmentalize to keep their minds intact. It was better to do the job without carrying emotional baggage.

Those who believed soldiers were emotionless killing machines had no grasp on reality. Soldiers were human, capable of feeling fear. Fear couldn't be controlled, only boxed up and locked away. But those boxes weakened with time, allowing the demons to grow stronger.

Jay had fought his own demons for too long, and now they consumed him. He tried drowning them with alcohol and painkillers, but the darkness loomed closer each day. He needed something to silence the chaos in his head.

"You okay, boss?" Coxy asked, recognizing the signs of a broken mind. Broken minds made broken soldiers, and Coxy wanted to bring Jay back to reality. "Right, are we ready to go?"

"Yeah, sorry. We're on, kids. We're off to Eccles Field Road Police Station to pick up some VIPs," Jay replied, securing his rifle and slamming the doors shut.

The MRAP's engine roared to life as Coxy pressed the ignition button. With a grin on his face, he checked the communications, ECM, sensors, and active defence systems. Then, he threw the vehicle into gear and pushed down the accelerator. "Right, boys and girls, we're off!"

The heavy compound gates opened with a crack, and Bravo Two Zero headed out, greeted by nods and waves from the guards in the concrete sanger. Jay felt the nerves and concerns, knowing this was their first patrol since Liam's abduction and Coxy's first time as the new driver.

The mental strain on the three remaining team members was evident. All Coxy could focus on was the job at hand, feeling responsible for their safety. He had to ensure they all returned in one piece.

The drive to Eccles Field Road was surprisingly smooth, almost like a perfect day. Every traffic light turned green, and the sun shone through the armoured glass windows. The air conditioning cooled the interior, providing a welcome relief.