Chronicles of Two Powers

Chapter 23 - Raid on Goulrich Castle

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Goulrich Castle - Flatney Mountain Pass

Aetesian Empire.

3rd Platoon - 1st SOG Company

December 13th, 1773.

2:31 | HOURS

A fortress guarding a passage through the Flatney Mountains. Its route is vital, connecting the northern unit with the rest of the coalition forces and guiding them towards the capital itself. As one of the Five Major Fortresses, which are heavily armed, recent military intelligence has recognised its critical importance to the front after recent bombing strikes across small towns and cities within its range.

Inside the Boeing CH-47 Chinook, it was dark, with the hum of the vibrating hull as the rotor blades sliced through the silent mountains. A cold breeze from the north swept through, and snow was falling, making the air colder than they had anticipated. The soldiers sat silently, awaiting the upcoming mission, expecting the worst. Some slept, some prayed, and a few recited the mission details. Leading the 3rd Platoon, he glanced at the briefing papers.

Operation ShellBreaker - Raid on the Goulrich Castle, a fortress heavily modified, including multiple naval guns. Anti-aircraft guns. And a large batch of garrisons guarding it as a whole, as a barrier across the rest of the southern continent. This was a fortress that these people still utilise. Even then, it would be a threat to the rest of the units operating across the region, as they cause havoc during these late times.

First Lieutenant Nomura Masami exhaled sharply, his eyes fixed on the ridgeline where the target fortress sat.

"A couple of bunker busters and that place is gone in five minutes," he muttered, disbelief lacing his tone.

Captain Takamitsu Hogai adjusted the sling on his rifle, glancing back at him.

"Would be nice if it were that simple," Hogai replied dryly. "Command says the Aetesian intel reports chemical stockpiles inside. South sector's already getting hit with gas attacks. Our job's not to level it. We go in, raid, and secure the weapons before they spread."

Nomura frowned, shaking his head. "Hell of a risk for a few crates of Mustard Gas."

"Better a risk for us," Hogai said, his voice steady, "than a massacre for civilians. You know how this goes."

The wind sharpened the nearer they flew to the LZ. The pilot's voice came over comms, a slight rasp of smoke laced behind each word:

// ETA, one minute. //

Everyone moved into action in the blink of an eye. Harnesses unbuckled, boots thudding on the deck, rifles inspected and slung over shoulders. The squad faced the rear ramp, tension thick in the cabin.

With a hydraulic groan, the ramp of the CH-47 descended. A chill of frigid air ripped through the fuselage, slicing through even their heavy coats. Breath misted in the eerie red cabin light as the winter wind screamed through.

Captain Takamitsu Hogai didn't waste any time. He stood, rifle in hand, and made for the edge. Without a sound, he stepped out first into the cold darkness. Boots crashed onto icy ground as Captain Hogai landed first, rifle scanning the trees. Rotors shredded snow and dirt into a maelstrom around him, blinding him for moments at a time.