In The Company of Your Shadows || Phillip Graves x OFC

15 - Operation Rogue Arsenal

August 17th 2023

Al-Mazrah, 18:00

As the C17 Globemaster III soared through the sky, the atmosphere inside was tense yet focused. Shadow Company soldiers, including Oz and myself, were busy gearing up with our weapons, ensuring everything was in order for the mission ahead.

I tightened my vest while Oz meticulously checked his ammo supplies, the hum of preparation filling the air.

Suddenly, a voice crackled over the comms, cutting through the silence and commanding our attention.

Shepherd: "All Shadows. This is Gold Eagle Actual. Welcome to OPERATION ROGUE ARSENAL. Russian paramilitary known as the Konni Group are manufacturing and stockpiling chemical weapons, posing a direct threat to global security. Your tasking is to destroy their facility and secure the chemical weapons cache. Your commander on this op is Phillip Graves-Call sign Shadow 0-1."

"If you wanna get shit done... He's the man you want in charge. 0-1... You have the con."

A sense of respect and trust rippled through the cabin at the mention of Phillip's name, his leadership prowess well-known among the team.

Graves stepped forward with confidence, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the plane. Clad in his all-black uniform and gear, adorned with the American flag and Shadow Company insignia, he exuded authority and determination.

And damn, pure manliness.

"Thank you, general," Phillip acknowledged over the comms before addressing his men directly.

"This is an airborne to ground assault on the Konni occupied Zaya observatory. Intel reports a subterranean level is currently hiding an arsenal of chemical munitions big enough to take out the Middle East and Europe. Our primary objective is to keep that from happening. We're gonna do that in 4 phases."

With each step he took down the plane's hallway, Phillip's presence reassured his men, his serious yet confident tone instilling a sense of purpose and determination in each of us.

"The first of which will be infill from the air. The target is currently defended by active SAM sites. Our planes will be taking direct fire so expect a bumpy ride." He continued his explanations, in which we all listened closely, His words carried weight, each syllable punctuated by the gravity of our mission.

"From the offset LZs, all Shadows will mobilize to your first objective: The enemy missile launchers located around the perimeter of the observatory," Phillip's voice echoed with authority over the din of the aircraft. "You will take over your assigned launcher, and on my mark, initiate a focused fire attack- Destroying Zaya and blasting ourselves one colossal entry point into that underground complex," he declared, his determination evident in every line of his body.

Phillip paused in front of me, his hand coming to rest affectionately on my head. The unexpected gesture caught me off guard, a rush of warmth flooding my cheeks as I struggled to maintain my composure in front of the team.

His smirk only deepened at my reaction, a playful glint in his eyes as he patted my head once more before resuming his pacing around the aircraft.

"Once inside, you locate the chemicals, collect as many canisters as you can, and double-time to an extract point where you will exfil your cargo and yourselves," Phillip continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled soldiers. "This will not be a walk in the park, but high risk is high reward. I'll be with you on comms. Now, are we good to get some...?!"

"Yup-yup!" the chorus of responses came from the Shadow Soldiers, their voices filled with determination and resolve.

Phillip's voice rose above the clamor once more, demanding their attention. "I said, are we good to get some?!"