Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 80

he team began the mission on Day 1 under the shroud of darkness. The air was heavy with tension as they set out from their respective entry points. Communication was minimal, limited to occasional updates relayed through their earpieces. They moved cautiously through dense forests, navigating uncharted paths and hostile terrain.

Day 1

Meera and Arjun took the eastern route, marked by jagged cliffs and sparse vegetation. The night was eerily silent, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant howl of wild animals. Meera's grip on her rifle was firm as she scanned their surroundings.

"We've got movement up ahead," she whispered, signaling Arjun to halt. Through her scope, she spotted two men armed with rifles. "They're patrolling. No alarms yet."

Arjun nodded. "We'll take them down quietly."

With precise coordination, they neutralized the sentries without a sound. As they moved forward, Meera marked the area on her map, noting the position of a possible enemy checkpoint.

Elsewhere, Ayan and Arya navigated the central route leading directly toward the hub of terrorist activity. The path was littered with makeshift barricades and traps, slowing their progress.

"These guys are smarter than we thought," Arya murmured, disarming a tripwire.

"Stay focused," Ayan replied. "The hostages are counting on us."

Meanwhile, Bakshi and Ira worked their way through the western flank, their task to cover the rear and block any escape routes. They moved efficiently, placing signal markers and silently neutralizing enemies.

By the end of the night, the teams had secured their respective positions. The first day was a success, but everyone knew the hardest part was yet to come.

Day 2

The second day was spent gathering intel and tightening the noose around the terrorist hideouts. Using drones and thermal imaging, the teams identified key positions and mapped out enemy movements.

"Main hub confirmed," Ayan reported through the comms. "Looks like they've got at least 15 hostiles guarding the area. Hostages are being kept in a separate building."

"Copy that," Meera responded. "Arjun and I will take the south entrance. Bakshi, Ira, cover the northern exit."

Arya's voice came through next. "Understood. Ayan and I will handle the frontal assault when the time comes."

The rest of the day was spent setting up strategic positions and preparing for the main assault.

Day 3

At dawn on Day 3, the teams launched their first coordinated attack. Meera and Arjun breached the south entrance with surgical precision, taking out guards before they could raise the alarm.

Ayan and Arya faced heavier resistance at the front, engaging in intense firefights.

"Hostile down," Arya called out, reloading her weapon. "Ayan, on your left!"

Ayan pivoted and fired, taking down an enemy attempting to flank them.

In the north, Bakshi and Ira worked swiftly to block any escape routes, laying traps and taking down fleeing enemies.

By midday, the teams had successfully infiltrated the outskirts of the hub. They regrouped briefly to plan the next phase.

Day 4

At dawn, after three days of reconnaissance and silent infiltration, the teams launched the hostage rescue operation. Bakshi and Ira were tasked with securing an exit route for the hostages, while Meera, Arjun, Ayan, and Arya focused on clearing the remaining strongholds and ensuring the terrorists couldn't regroup.

Meera and Arjun located the first group of hostages in a dimly lit basement, their faces gaunt with fear. Arjun signaled for silence as Meera worked on unlocking the restraints.

"It's okay. We're here to get you out," Meera whispered.

Arjun stayed vigilant, covering the entrance. "Hurry up, Meera. We've got movement outside."

At the same time, Ayan and Arya breached a separate building. A gunfight erupted as they encountered heavier resistance than anticipated. Arya took cover behind a metal crate, returning fire with deadly precision.

"Ayan, they're trying to flank us!" she shouted.

"Not for long," Ayan replied, hurling a smoke grenade. Using the chaos to their advantage, they neutralized the remaining threats and freed another group of hostages.

By midday, the hostages were guided out of the danger zone. Bakshi and Ira escorted them to the extraction point, ensuring their safety. As the last group left, Bakshi turned to Ira.

"They've got more than half of it done by now," he said grimly, glancing back toward the battlefield. "Let's inform the academy and get rescue teams alerted."

Ira nodded as the two left with the hostages ensuring their safety.

Day 5

The hostages were successfully rescued, and Bakshi and Ira had safely guided them to the extraction point. Meera, Arjun, Ayan, and Arya were now tasked with neutralizing the remaining terrorists in scattered locations across the hills.

"Stay alert. These groups are desperate now; they'll hit hard to cover their escape," Meera said through her earpiece as she and Arjun moved through the dense forest.

"Copy that," Ayan replied from his position on a rocky ridge with Arya. "We're seeing movement here. Let's split up to cover more ground."

The plan was set. Meera and Arjun advanced toward a cluster of huts rumored to house the remaining terrorists. Meanwhile, Ayan and Arya covered the ridge, tracking reinforcements trying to join the main group.

Meera and Arjun managed to neutralize a small group in the huts, securing key intel that revealed another hideout deeper in the forest. Exhausted but resolute, they prepared for another assault.

"Still alive, Arjun?" Meera teased, wiping dirt off her face.

"Barely, but I'm not leaving you to handle this alone," he replied with a faint smile, loading his weapon.

On the ridge, Arya and Ayan found themselves pinned down by sniper fire. Using the terrain to their advantage, they systematically took out the shooters.

"That's the last one," Arya said, catching her breath.

"Good work," Ayan replied, his voice steady. "We should regroup with Meera and Arjun soon. They might need backup."