Chapter Seven: Aftermath

Bahrain

Manama

Gudaibiya Neighborhood

Al - Abi International Hotel

June 21, 2010

04:25 hour

Nate sits and coughs with his left arm leaning on bloody ninja sword stands on ground inside the dark lobby. He is dazed. Blood covers his face and battle dress. In front of him, Colonel Petrovich is trying to rise. Two spetsnaz soldiers are beiggining to stand in front of him. Bodies of ninjas, Spetsnaz and insurgents are strewn. Behind Nate, two ninjas are also trying to rise.

Checking his surrounding, he tries to shout but only able to mutter, ' Is everyone okay? Reporting!"

" Here, sir! Wounded!" Answers one of the surviving ninja.

" Here, sir! Heavily Wounded!"

Nate shouts to his radio to the ninjas guarding the hostages on basement, " Reporting in!"

" Sir, except on the last explosions, everyone's fine." Says the ninja.

" Good! Keep defense perimeter and order until reinforcement arrives!"

" Understood!" 

" Here.. Sir.. Heav..ily.. Woundd..ed. " Answers Sam's voice.

" Sam (Cough), is that you?" Mutters Nate.

Nate staggers toward the voice. He is surprised when a figure rises his hand. He's a dying insurgent and mutters. The surprised Nate points his sword at the man and shouts to him, " Don't move!!" The man is shocked that his mutters sinks into mumbles. Nate finds Sam leaning on a wall next to a collapsed table. He is heavily wounded.

" I'm.. still.. ready.. Sir.. (Cough)"

" Silent! Don't talk! You're wounded! Wait here until reinforcement arrives."

Nate orders all surviving ninja, " Gather all survivors and make a defense perimeter. Prepare for the next attack!"

" Yes, sir!"

" Alexey! Alexey! No! Hang on!" Shouts Colonel Petrovich.

Hearing that Nate goes to the Colonel and asks him, " Colonel, what happen?"

" Alexey.. He's dead! I lost one of my sons again." Says Colonel Petrovich sadly.

Nate initially silents but he then starts to speak, " Colonel, there's nothing we can do about it now. Come. We'll gather with the survivors."

When Nate, Colonel Petrovich and the Spetsnaz are staggering toward the defense perimeter behind receptionist table. Steps of people and shoutings are heard. Nate grabs his ninja sword to prepare for the next attack. Silhouettes of men with flashes of lights on their rifle enter the lobby and shout in English and Arabic, " This is National Guard! Drop your weapons and put your arms in the air!" An insurgent is trying to rise and when he points his rifle at the National Guard soldiers, he is shot. They immediately surround the frozen ninjas and Spetsnaz and shout. When Nate is alarmed he shouts to his men, " Drop your weapons! Put your arms in the air!" Flashlights attached on G3 rifles are aimed at Nate and his allies' faces. 

A National Guard officer surges forward and introduces himself with a salute to Nate and his allies, " Colonel Petrovich, Mr. Kato, you may lower your hands. My name is Lieutenant Algosaubi from National Guard. We aplogize for being late. We received heavy resistance along the way."

" Apology accepted, Lieutenant." Says Nate. " We need medical assistance for the wounded."

Hearing that, the Lieutenant orders his medical officers to assist. He then questions Nate again," Where are the hostages?"

" They're down there. On the basement." Answers Nate.

Meanwhile, a group of National guard soldiers storm the damaged house where the ninjas and Spetsnaz had their last stand. ALong their assault, they shout in Arabic followed by English, " Is anyone here? Show yourself." On the second floor, they only found several militia on a stairways to the rooftop. On the rooftop, they find a number of died insurgents and a ninja. After they shout their calling again, a ninja rises and waves his shaking right hand. Seeing that, the National Guard reports, " We have a survivor on the rooftop! Call medical officers!"

Bahrain National Guard sucessfully capture the neighborhood. Many insurgents are captured. Hiding civilians come out from their hidings. The ninjas, Spetsnaz and foreign hostages are evacuated from the hotel. Valkyrie  Unit suffer three killed and eight wounded including Nate. The Spetsnaz lost three soldiers while from volunteering security guard only one survives wounded.

Bahrain

Manama

Gudaibiya Neighborhood

Al - Abi International Hotel

June 21, 2010

05:47 hour

Nate and his family gather again. When Colonel Petrovich sees that, he feels his emotion becomes light. He comes to Nate and for the first time, tears flow from his eyes. He then speaks to Nate,

" Amerikanski, when I see your family. I feel I can let Alexander go. Thank you, my friend."

" Mister, are you daddy's friend?" Asks Alyson.

Colonel Petrovich answers Alyson with a smile and speaks to Nate, " Friend?"

Nate answers, " Of course."

" Come visit Russia." Says the Colonel.

" I will. On the next vacation." Answers Nate.

Suddenly, three officers of National Guards, General Al - Wadi, Lieutenant General Al - Farouq and Colonel Fadel with Agent Bob come to them.

" Nate, it's time. You're never here." Says Bob.

Nate turns to Colonel Petrovich, " See you again, Colonel!"

" See you again, my friend!"

Nate then turns to Shiori and his children then says, " Let's go."

United States

Los Angeles

Fairfax Cemetery

Al - Abi International Hotel

June 25, 2010

09:02 hour

Nate and his family accompanied by several bodyguards in black are visiting Fairfax Cemetery where three of his Valkyrie Unit members are buried. Nate stands in front of each grave and memorizes their acts in sadness then leaves.

Samuel Kenichi Nakajima

1970 - 2010

Michael Amos Sanders

1975 - 2010

Hector Xavier Ortega

1981 - 2010

The End

License: Personal use and read only. Further usage requiring permission from author.

Disclaimer: All contents are fiction.

Chapter Six: Alamo

Bahrain
Manama
Gudaibiya Neighborhood
Al - Abi International Hotel
June 21, 2010
02:43 hour

On hearing the bad news, the attacking party decides to their last resort plan. Nate, his family and the Valkyrie team regroup at the conference room. Colonel Petrovich greets Nate, " Welcome back, my friend." He then recognizes Shiori and the two children, 

" Oh, you! And Nate's kids. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Shiori is startled and asks Nate sternly, " What is he doing here?"

" Relax, he's on our side. He's been with me since I entered this place."

" She's surprised, Colonel. Please understand her response. She just endured life threatening experience. I know she's survived capture in Chechnya before but this time's different. She's with kids."

Colonel Petrovich smiles, " Let's defend this place."

" For Nikolai." Says Nate.

" For all of us." Replies Colonel Petrovich.

As planned, the hostages including Nate's family are taken into barricaded parking lot in basement under guard of one Spetsnaz and two Valkyrie ninjas. Three surviving hotel security guard volunteer themselves to add defender numbers. 

" Remember, Shiori, you are not a legal combatant. Only shoot when you defend yourself and kids. Here.. use mine."

" Daddy, why do you go again?" Asks Alyson.

" Daddy have to go up there to keep the bad guys away from you all."

" Daddy will you come back again?" Asks Brandon.

" I will."

As the defenders prepare their defense by going to their assigned positions and piled up captured weapons and ammunitions, the hotel is surrounded by militia on the streets. The hotel's defense are divided into three. On the hotel's front area, Alexey and Sam with two security guards are manning the main defense with a team of one Spetsnaz privates and four ninjas including a machine gunner. Two other ninjas with one security guard are guarding the stairways to prevent militia on upper floors to get on below levels. While the other three and two Spetsnaz are guarding the hotel's second entrance at the opposite of the main entrance. The combined sniper and anti tank units are concealed on their positions inside a store in front of the hotel's front entrance, where Alexey and Sam's units defend the building.

At 03:01, the militia begins to advance through the hotel's wide yard. When they have reached half of the yard, Nate and Colonel Petrovich issue orders, "Open fire!" The sudden gunfires of Bizon smg, AK rifles and PKP 6P41 machine gun from a deli's and dining room's windows sweep several frontier militia. The surprised insurgents are immediately pushed back to the street. The situation soon grows into firefights. Suddenly, a report comes to Nate.

" Sir! RPG teams are coming to your way. What's my order?" Asks the sniper ninja.

" Sniper, shoot the RPG carriers and machine gunners!"

" Snaiper!, shoot the RPG launchers and machine gunners!" Order Colonel petrovich.

RPG teams are preparing themselves behind concretes and cars on the street, just when they are about to shoot, their suddenly launchers fall to ground. Their machine gun carriers also collapse to ground. They surprise the attackers who have no idea where the sniper attacks come from and disperse them into chaos. The snipers' shooting continue until one militia spot them. 

" It's them! On that roof!"

" We've been spotted! Take cover!!" Shouts the sniper ninja.

Soon some of the firepower are diverted to the building where the sniper ninjas and Spetsnaz are.

" Sir, we've been compromised! Unable to give fire support!" Shouts the ninja. A militia manages to enter the rooftop but immediately shot by the ninja's silenced FN Five Seven sidearm.

" Sir, the enemy has breache our perimeter. What's my order?"

Nate passes order to him, " Defend yourself with everything you got. We'll come to you once when the enemy's pushed back!"

" Understood, sir! Defend ourselves!!" Shouts the ninja to his allies.

The three soldiers shoot every militia who shows up. Suddenly, a grenade is thrown from floor below and lands near the Spetsnaz. 

" Grenade!! Grenade!! Take cover!" Shouts the Spetsnaz.

It explodes. Dazed, the two ninjas still manage to kill several advancing insurgents. " Grigory! Are you alright?" Asks the ninja. His question goes unanswered. Grigory stays quiet. Blood drenches from his back. He dies. " Grigory! Noo!!" The ninja is back to the firefight shoots at the militia. Three gunshots hits the ninja who carries anti tank weapon, incapacitating him mortally. " Jackson!! No!" Shouts the sniper ninja. A militia screaming comes at him with a bayonet fitted rifle but he collapses shot by Jackson's fire. " Wait here, Jackson.." Hector the ninja draws his sword and charges at the advancing militia while screaming at the top of his voice. He slashes and impales several militia on their tracks and runs toward a crowd of militia swinging his sword at them. The outnumbering militia, unprepared, are sent into chaos by Hector's frantic sword swinging that in such close range killing some of them instantly. A militia suddenly throws a grenade on the crowd and its blast ends the fighting on the building.

Abdullah Ghoulam, frustated, orders all of his men to swarm the hotel from all direction. He himslef leads them. Numerous armed men in kaffiyeh and civilian outfit charge at the hotel. " Throw all your grenades then retreat!!" Orders Nate. The ninjas and the Spetsnaz threw all explosives they have to the outside and prepare themselves to retreat. The explosions kill and wound many advancing insurgents and buy time for the defenders to regroup. " Sam! Set the Tag - Nine, now!" Orders Nate. Sam gets a mortar sized special EMP grenades and throws it inside the conference room after activates the grenade. The grenades' blast sends the hotel into total blackout and stops all guns from being able to fire. The ninjas and Spetsnaz regroup themselves at the lobby where the entrance to the sealed basement parking lot is. The ninjas and Spetsnaz get their melee weapons. Ninja swords, tanto, a sickle, shaska sabers and combat knives. 

" Hand to hand combat, Colonel." Says Nate.

" I've been waiting for this, my friend." Replies Colonel Petrovich.

" Alexey!! Get ready! Lead your team!" Shouts Colonel Petrovich.

" Da, Polkovnik!" Answers Alexey

The insurgents continue their advance, they overrun the building's entrances and windows flooding them under darkness. Unbeknownst to them, the ninjas and Spetsnaz crawl between them.  Nate rises and shouts, " Now!!" The defenders throws shuriken and fires a crossbow, hitting several insurgents. They quickly use their melee weapons. They slash, stab and hit anyone not of them. The surprised insurgents are sent into chaos but they adapt quickly using their knives and rifle butts. The scene grows into 18th century naval ship boarding melee. Nate, using his pair of ninja sword and kodachi, block and deliver attacks. Colonel Petrovich easily fends off and kill several insurgents with his long saber. The tall and muscular Colonel easily lifts an insurgent and throws him at others. When an insurgent is about to hit Colonel Petrovich, Nate's kodachi is thrown at him.

Nate passes orders through his phone toward the guarding ninja at basement parking lot who carries communication device, " Alamo! I repeat, Alamo!! Drop at the streets. I repeat. At the streets." The ninja calls Private Echelon headquarter nearby. Above them, an UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is flying. Its controllers aim at the hotel's nearby streets and four missiles are launched at them. Bright rays followed by four explosions shake the hotel and throw all fighting sides to walls and floor. Windows broken, doors bashed. Tables and chairs thrown. The hostages scream in panic on the basement. Smoke comes from the four streets and enters the hotel building. 

To be continued

License: Personal use and read only. Further usage requiring permission from author.

Disclaimer: All contents are fiction.

Chapter Five: Reunion

Bahrain

Manama

Gudaibiya Neighborhood

Al - Abi International Hotel

June 21, 2010

01:55 hour

The Ninjas and Spetsnaz has succesfully liberated hostages through classic but unobsolete strategy. Numerous insurgents within the hotel are diverted with parachuted decoys and involved in fighting among themselves. Both the diverted insurgents from the hotel and the ones guarding outside on streets where the decoys dropped mistake each other as attacking National Guard. Unfortunately for Nate, Shiori and his children aren't seen among liberated hostages. His war hasn't stopped yet.

" My friend, my troops have called the National Guard, they are on their way here." Says Colonel Petrovich to Nate.

" Colonel, my war hasn't ceased yet."

Nate then order four of his ninjas, " I want you to take a prisoner and bring him to me, alive." 

" Sir!" Says the four ninjas. Five minutes later, a man in casual clothes and black assault vest with a backpack on his back is dragged and forced to kneel in front Nate. One of the ninja carries the man's AK47 rifle.

" Ask him if she sees an Asian woman with two children." Orders Nate to Sam.

After Sam interpreted what Nate said, the man looks to his right and left. Pair of eyes of the hostages and the attacking soldiers are fixed on him. On his surrounding, men in black bandana and balaclava. The trembling man speaks,

" She was taken to the kitchen.. with her children.. Because.. she is American.."

" Where is the kitchen?" Questions Nate.

" There.. behind the dining room.." 

" Where is Abdullah Ghoulam?"

" He.. he and many men went to attack the intruders."

" I have to go, Colonel." Says Nate to Colonel Petrovich.

" Good luck, Amerikanski. Me and my troops will be waiting here."

Nate and his ninjas advance through the hallways and dining hall by his ninjas open the way for him. inflicting casualties on every insurgent they run into. They then manage to breach the kitchen area. Two insurgents are quickly killed by gunshots. No one is there, no cooks, no waiters or waitresses. Suddenly, Nate hears movement behind a storage room door. They methodically open it and find some cowering cooks and hotel waiters. Nate arms and orders them to stay quiet and go through the conferrence room under escort of two ninjas. Nate's party arrives at a meat storages. When a ninja opens it, to their surprise, a dead insurgent falls out to floor. A horizontal slashing neck wound is on his neck.

" She's here." Says him to himself about Shiori.

When the ninjas seizes another storage room, they find another unusual signs. Three bulky dead insurgents with stabbing and slashing wounds strewn on ground. Near them are three empty chairs.

" We're getting closer. Proceed." Orders Nate.

When they reach the last storage room, the ninja position themselves on its two walls and breach the room. On the inside a left arm wounded insurgent pointing his ragtag sidearm at a dagger sized kitchen knife wielding petite woman with two children cowering behind her. Two other insurgents are dead on ground near the door. The insurgent and the woman are surprised of the ninjas' presence.

" Nate!?"

" Who are you?!" Shouts the insurgent in broken English. " Back off!! Back off!! Or I'll shoot you or that woman!!"

Nate orders his men, " Step aside, leave this to me."

" But sir.." Says Sam in worry.

" That's an order, Sam!" Orders Nate.

" Back off!! Back off!! I'll shoot her.. and you!" Threats the insurgent while sweeping his gun at Shiori and the ninjas.

" Daddy, I'm scared. Help me! I'm scared." Cries Alyson.

" Daddy, I don't want that man." Cries Brandon.

" Kids, dad will get you all out of here. Stay calm. I promise." Comforts Nate.

" Shiori, we'll get out of here."

The scared and cornered insurgent starts to rant frantically, " Back off! I said back off!!!"

Controlling his emotion, Nate says to the insurgent," Surrender now! Don't you see? You are surrounded! Have you seen what she has done to your men? That's one person. It's more than ten. Do you listen to me? There's no chance for you!!"

" Shut up!! Shut up!!! "

" There's no chance for you!! You are cornered!! You stand no chance. You hear me?! You stand no chance!! Now surrender!!" Orders Nate

The man, after looking at the woman and the ninjas, reluctantly lowers his gun. The ninjas shout at him,

" Put your gun down on the floor! Put your gun down now!!"

The man slowly puts the gun on floor and raises his hand to the air.

" Kick the gun at us!! Now!"

The insurgent kicks the gun toward the ninjas. The sidearm is quickly taken by Sam.

" Show your hands where I can see them and kneel!! Now!!"

The man is immediately taken prisoner. Nate meets with Shiori and his children,

" Nate, thank you you're coming!!"

" Daddy, I'm scared." Sobs Alyson.

" Daddy!!!" Cries Brandon.

" Now, now, hold on. We're coming home. We're coming home."

Nate passes an order to his men through his radio, " Targets are secured. i repeat, Targets are secured. Prepare for Evac!"

The sniper ninja sends an unexpected report, " A large number of armed men are approaching toward the hotel. What's your order, sir?"

The deceived insurgents have realized that they were deceived when they find black mannequins attached to parachutes. They suffer from some casualties from firefights between themselves.

Nate calls Colonel Petrovich, " Colonel, this is Nate, a large number of insurgents are on their way to the hotel. Shall we proceed as planned?"

" I have received the report. We'll defend this place until reinforcement arrives." Says Colonel Petrovich.

Nate turns to Shiori and says, " Shiori, this is not over yet." 

To be continued

License: Personal use and read only. Further usage requiring permission from author.

Disclaimer: All contents are fiction.              

Chapter Four: The Dungeon

Bahrain

Manama

Gudaibiya Neighborhood

Near Al - Abi Hotel

June 20, 2010

01:14 hour

The attacking party has reached a street near Al - Abi Hotel. Right now they are taking reconnaissance position on the top of an antique shop. On their feet four bodies of sniper and machinegun militiamen strewn. Nate and Colonel Petrovich are scoping through their binoculars.

" Three.. four.. I see six on the cafetaria."

" Eight at the entrance."

" No signs of civilians."

" It seems that there's no way we can enter the building without warning the insurgents inside." Mutters Nate.

" What about a diversion? If we can't enter the building unnoticed, at least we can diminish their concentration number." Advises Colonel Petrovich.

" Good idea. How can we do it?" Asks Nate.

Fifteen minutes after Colonel Petrovich calls through his reinforcement. A Tupolev Tu-330 aircraft flies through the far side adjacent the building where ninjas and Spetsnaz are. Two flares are thrown down followed by parachutes holding figures. Their descending are greeted by gunfires and RPG rockets aimed above. The militia inside the hotel are running outside toward where the parachutes are dropped in panic and haste. " Brad, it's about time! Now!" Orders Nate to his sniper through his radio. Colonel Petrovich gives sign to his sniper. The militia outside and seen on windows are all killed by silenced sniper fires. The ninjas and Spetsnaz then charge the hotel front leaving their snipers and communication officers behind to guard and scout the area. " Hold on, Shiori, kids, I'm coming!" Says Nate in his heart. Soon they reach the lobby entrance. On their rally, they shot one surviving insurgent. 

Nate's heart pounds swiftly as he leans on the hotel's front wall. Thought races in his mind. His emotions mixed. " Are you ready?" Asks Colonel Petrovich. Nate answers by nodding. The ninjas and Spetsnaz breach the room in sudden, they take out a few surprised militia. 

"Left, clear!"

" Right, clear!"

" Threat neutralized!"

" We got one!" Two ninjas wielding HK5 and ninja swords are pointing on ground. The report alarms Nate. He, escorted by Sam and Two ninjas as well accompanied by Colonel Petrovich surges to the scene. A wounded insurgent in tan kaffiyeh is there on floor under guns and swords points. He is dying. Blood gushes from his mouth. Two bloody gunshots are seen on his belly. Nate orders Sam to translate him to interrogate the captured insurgent. The dying insurgent extracts informations that most of the insurgent on the hotel have been out to ambush the parachuting attackers and most inside the building are guarding on conferrence room where foreign hostages are detained. When he is asked about Shiori and his children, the insurgent tells him that they are brought inside the conference room as well. The man coughs then dies. Knowing that the high possibility that his family are still alive relieves him.

The attacking party sweeps through the hotel's hallways and rooms, killing all insurgents they find using swords, shuriken, crossbow and silenced sidearms including the ones guarding at the conference room's two large doors. Through Nate's micro tube camera, five militia are seen patrolling between sitting hostages insidewhile others leaning on walls and sitting.

" Colonel, the only seen accesses to the room are through these two doors. Too concentrated. They may easily sweep us down if we use the usual method of room breaching." Says Nate.

" This time diversion is not enough. They will tighten their grip on the hostages when they feel threats are near. We may breach, but prepare for high death numbers." replies Colonel Petrovich.

" No good. The burden will be brought to you, Colonel, since I'm never here." Says Nate. " Wait, I have an idea to enter undetected. Men, prepare swords and blades." Orders Nate.

" What are you going to do, my friend?" Asks Colonel Petrovich. " We'll get close with them." Answers Nate. 

Under orders from Nate, the communication operating ninja waiting outside with the sniper launches an EMP grenade to the building. Temporary hotel black out occurs following its explosion. That sends panic to the militia and hostages inside. The hostages are ordered to stay down and quiet. When they are trying to contact their commanders, they find their radios become malfunction. Several militiamen come out from the room only to be killed by the ninjas and Spetsnaz. Nate and Colonel Petrovich lead their mean slipping inside through the two doors with the Spetsnaz on the left and the ninjas on the right under darkness. They infiltrates among the hostages.

When the light suddenly turns on again, the attackers springs from floor then overpower the guarding nine insurgents using swords and silenced sidearms. The hostages become panic and scream heavily. Colonel Petrovich and his soldiers shout, " Calm down!! Calm down!!" Some hostages cower in fear when they look at the ninjas' swords and blades. After they are successfully brought to order, Nate browses among them searching for Shiori and his children, but doesn't find them. Colonel Petrovich's men reports to the Bahraini National Guard to start their advance inside the district. " Have you found them out?" Asks Colonel Petrovich.

" No. I don't see them here." Says Nate in weak tone.

Seeing that most of the hostages are Russians, under permission by Colonel Petrovich, he asks them in Russian, " Did you see a petite asian woman with two children?"

An old woman with his son raise their hands, he mutters to his son and he answers, " My mom says because the woman is an American, she and her children were brougt from here and would be detained in different place." The answers surprises Nate. " When did it happen?" Asks him again. The woman answers, " About two hours ago."

" What do you get?" Asks Colonel Petrovich. " We'll find out." Answers Nate. Nate calls the scouting ninja outside whether anyone has left the hotel or not. The ninja answers no one. Nate replies to the Colonel, " Colonel, She's still here."     

To be continued

License: Personal use and read only. Further usage requiring permission from author.

Disclaimer: All contents are fiction.

Chapter Three: In Search

Bahrain

Manama

Gudaibiya Neighborhood

June 20, 2010

23:48 hour

After seizing the city neighborhood, the attacking militia round up any survivors they found. Initially, they shoot indiscriminately, imposing many casualties. Some survivors managed to escape from the neighborhood, while unnoticed others hide inside buildings. The militiamen conduct mass search on buildings and either shoot or herd anyone they find. They separated foreigners and local hostages and gather them inside Al - Abi International Hotel, the largest hotel on the neighborhood. The shootings are still able to be heard on other neighborhoods. The streets becomes silent eerily. Bodies and vehicles strewn and abandoned at them. The bustling neighborhood now becomes a ghost town. Bahrain Emergency Command decides to conduct a joint operation between Bahrain National Guard and foreign forces whose citizens are inside the neighborhood such as: Russian Spetsnaz and Nate's Valkyrie Unit. Their plan is to insert the foreign forces first to capture Al - Abi Hotel then defend it until the main force of Bahrain National Guard arrives then sweep remaining militia.

Bahrain

Manama

Gudaibiya Neighborhood

June 20, 2010

23:48 hour

At a rooftop on a grocery, two ninja strangles and stabs two guarding militia RPG team. After turns right and left, he gives a signal. A group of masked men suddenly appear from darkness. Nate looks through his binocular looking for a target. He is asked by Colonel Petrovich, " What are you looking for?".

" Al - Habash Restaurant. That's where her last beacon signal was." Says Nate sadly. " It goes to further north. Come on, we got to move.", " I'm sorry, I mean.. My troops.." Apologizes Nate.

" My friend, don't be ashamed of asking for help. I've seen her. I'm sure she's alright." Comforts Colonel Petrovich.

" Thanks, Colonel. That's what I need." Replies Nate.

The party proceeds their way methodically through streets, buildings and rooms. They kill every militiaman they run into with bladed weapons, crossbows, shuriken and silenced rifles as well sidearms. The party stops when Nate sees Al- Habash neon lights hanging in front of the sacked restaurant. Nate orders four ninjas to check it. Inside the restaurant, four militiamen are rounding six captured civilians begging for their lives. A militiamen executes one of  them with a shot through the man's forehead. The executor moves and shoots the second hostage. Suddenly, when he is about to shoot the third hostage, eleven men in black led by an unmasked one leaps the restaurant windows and overwhelm the militiamen, killing two but spare the rest to surprise of the hostages. The two captured enemy are cornered to wall. Nate comes forward and orders Sam in stern tone, " Translate me."

" Answer my questions." Murmurs Nate coldly and angrily. The interrogated one quakes in fear.

" Did you see any Asian woman with two children?"

" The Asian wo-woman.. Yes.. I saw.. Th.. They were take.. taken to Al - Abi Hotel.. Please don't kill me.. Please don't.." Mumbles the militia.

" Who is in charge of this attack?"

" Abb..Abb.. Abdul.. Abdullah Ghoulam.. The Syrian.. He's on the hotel.."

" Tell me how he looks like."

" Tall.. He uses a short gun.. A Mac ten or eleven.. Yes.. Yes.. A Mac.. "

Nate turns to Colonel Petrovich, " I'll give the rest to you."

" Are they alright, Nate?" Asks the Colonel.

" From what I heard, yes. She didn't fight back in order to protect my children. For years I saved many people and hostages. I didn't know if such thing might happen to my family." Says Nate sadly.

Nate looks his surrounding and sees bodies of civilian and militiamen strewn. Glasses were bashed. Tables and chairs turned upside down on floor. The cashier burns. There's no light except reddish radiance from burning concretes. " Colonel, I wasn't here when they were attacked.."

" Stop blaming yourself, my friend. You didn't know this would happen. You didn't know..I know the guilt.. Three years after our first encounter. My only son, Nikolai, was killed in Beslan. I was far away from the city. My son was there but I couldn't do anything. If I could, I would break through the school and save my son, I wouldn't think about myself as long my son is safe. In the end, when I enter the school. I found him dead. I couldn't stop crying for six days. He was a hero, he calmed other children though he himself was afraid. I am proud of him. Today, the pain is still with me as if it happened yesterday."

" Polknovnik..." Says Alexey after hearing Colonel Petrovich's story.

Colonel Petrovich continues, " Yes, Alexey, that's true. I still feel the pain today."

He speaks again to Nate "You and her are heroes. I saw you two held against numerous enemies at the ridge. In the end, you were about to sacrifice yourself. I believe she's alright."

Colonel Petrovich's saying encourages Nate. " Thank you, Colonel. I feel revived now. May you find healing for your heart."

" My pain is relieved when I see a father like you. May your children become heroes just like their father and mother." Replies the Colonel.

" Thank you again, Polkovnik." Says Nate.

After Spetsnaz soldiers finish questioning the militia, the attacking party arms the hostages and ask them to guard the captured militia. Then they continue their advance to the hotel through the ghost town streets.

To be continued

License: Personal use and read only. Further usage requiring permission from author.

Disclaimer: All contents are fiction.

    

Chapter Two: Old Friend

Bahrain
Manama
Gudaibiya Neighborhood
Emergency Staging Area
June 20, 2010
22:01 hour

Following the militia's attack, Bahraini authority establish a siege over the district. The neighborhood is surrounded by security forces tightly so no one may come in or out. Inside it, hundreds of local civilians and expatriates are trapped. Nothing is known about them. It is believed that many are either taken as hostages or hide. Communication with security guards inside the area has been lost. At the emergency staging area, authority security forces vehicles, soldiers and ambulances gather. Inside a tent, Nate and Bob are having tense conversation. Behind him, ten heavily armed ninja are standing listening carefully. They are Valkyrie Unit. A special bodyguard unit within Private Echelon Corporation tasked to provide security for the company's high ranking executives. Unlike their genin (Ninja Field Operator) colleagues, they are given freedom to choose their own weaponry.

" Nate, I tell you again, we can only enter the district under permission given by Bahraini Authority."

" Okay, I understand. I'm sorry. This time's different. It's my own family trapped there, Bob." Says Nate.

" I do understand. This time is also different. You were not given commission by the corporation or any other authority but by yourself. You were permitted to enter this war zone only because it's your family inside there." Replies Bob. " Wait until green light is given."

After a while, Bob calls Nate, " Nate, come with me, you were called." Nate comes with Bob through bustling people and arrive at a small restaurant used as Bahrain Authroity Command Post. Bob introduces Nate to three men inside. " Nate, this is General Al-Wadi, Lieutenant General Al-Farouq and Colonel Fadel from National Guard. They are in charge of this siege and has been notified about your mission." Nate greets the three officers. " General Al-Wadi will brief you rules and agreement concerning your mission. Listen him carefully.". The old general starts to speak in Arabic then translated by Bob,

" Friend, considering your situation, we give you permission to conduct rescue operation inside the district with condition:

1. You promise to maintain secrecy about your presence in this operation.

2. You will not harm any Bahrain authority facilities, personnel and civilian.

3. Your operation is limited to only retrieve your family.

4. You will not receive any military assistance since your forces are never here officially.

If you violate one of this condition, you will be soon pulled out of battlefield."

Nate answers, " I accept them.".

" Good. You can start anytime." Says the Bahraini General.

Suddenly, when Nate comes out of the command post, a voice speaking English in Russian accent is heard, " Well, if it is not the Amerikanski. I am not wrong, aren't I?"

Nate sees the man who speaks,  a tall man in black military uniform and maroon berret. " It's been a while, isn't it?" Continues the man. " How many years? Nine?" It's Dmitry Petrovich. A Spetsnaz Lieutenant Nate fought against but later become Nate's ally on his mission in Chechnya nine years ago now a Colonel. Nate's surprised but answers him, " Hello, Lieutenant, we meet again. How are you?" Seeing Nate's downcast expression the Colonel replies," You don't seem to be happy to see me again, do you? What are you doing here?"

" Don't get me wrong, Purachik. There's a reason why I don't seem to be happy today. And that's nothing to do with you."

" Ah, will you tell me as your fellow warrior?"

" Okay, my family is trapped inside there and I have to evacuate them."

" Ah, rescue mission, just like nine years ago. By the way, you aren't with the woman you were with in Chechnya? Where is she now?"

" She is inside there."

" Ah, I see. Do you mean she is...?" Asks Colonel Petrovich.

Nate nods, " Yes, you're right."

" Ah, a warrior family! We must celebrate this!" Shouts Colonel Petrovich.

" By the way, what are you doing here?" Asks Nate.

" Some of the people inside there are from my country. My unit was tasked to save them." Answers Colonel Petrovich.

A spetsnaz soldier in black uniform and bandana comes in and reports, " Polkóvnik(Colonel), I'm sorry for interrupting. What's our order now?"

" Stand by for the next order." Says Colonel to the soldier. He then calls Nate and introduces the soldier.

" Amerikanski, you remember Alexey, don't you? He's a Kapitan(Captain) now." Laughs Colonel Petrovich. " Alexey, do you remember this man?"

" Hello, Alexey, how are you?" Says Nate with smile.

Alexey becomes silent. He remembers the ninja and he also the only Spetsnaz soldier unharmed by the Nate and Shiori in Chechnya during their fight in Vakhyita Ridge Forest nine years ago. " Alexey, why are you silent?" Says Colonel Petrovich to him laughing.

Nate and Colonel Petrovich decides to conduct their operation together to cover Nate forces' presence. They decide to gather intelligence first.

Bahrain

Manama

Gudaibiya Neighborhood

Al-Falah Street

June 20, 2010

23:11 hour

A black unmarked van goes slowly on the quiet street. Several bodies are strewn on ground. As they approach, they are stopped by two armed militia. The driver in kaffiyeh stops and shivers when forced to get out from the vehicle. The two militia then forces the driver to open the van's slide. When the slide is opened, a ninjato appears and impales one of the militia on his belly, while suddenly, two ninjas in black attire and balaclava jump outside and beat the other militia. Other two ninjas emerges and the four then toss the two militia and their rifles inside the van and goes to their way.

Bahrain

Manama

Gudaibiya Neighborhood

Emergency Staging Area

Nate's Tent

June 20, 2010

23:24 hour

A man whose head is covered with black hood and hands tied behind escorted by two ninja is brought inside Nate's tent crowded by ninjas, Bahrain officers and Spetsnaz soldiers. The man is forced to kneel in front of Nate and Colonel Petrovich and has hid hood uncovered. He looks at his surrounding and sees he is surrounded by men in black balaclava and bandana. Nate, interpreted by Sam, starts to interrogate the captured militia.

" Who are you?"

" Who is your leader?"

" How many men are inside there?"

" What are your weaponry?"

" Show us where your men posted."

To be continued

License: Personal use and read only. Further usage requiring permission from author.

Disclaimer: All contents are fiction.

Chapter One: Unexpected News

Bahrain
Manama City
June 20, 2010
Gudaibiya Neighborhood
17:14 hour

A petite Japanese-American woman and her two children are walking on a bustling street on their way for dinner in Gudaibya, Manama. Twilight sky covers the city. The four years old girl calls her mother, " Mom, when will we be on the restaurant? I'm hungry." Shiori answers Alyson's question gently, " Soon, dear. Wait a liitle longer, okay?". " I want big chicken, mom." Says Brandon. Shiori laughs and answers Brandon, " That's if we get the big one."

Meanwhile, four men with sunglasses are waiting inside a parked white sedan on a street bank. They are tense as if were waiting something extraordinary. On their hands, short muzzled weapons such as Mac-10 and AK74SU are held below. One of the man sitting on the backseat asks the one sitting on the front passenger seat in Arabic,

" Is it the time?"

" No, not yet, Abdul." Asks the man on the front.

People on the district bustle around as usual. Security personnel stand and patrol on pedestrian. The man's watch starts to make a countdown. " 20, 19, 18, 17, 16.." The situation inside the car become more tense. Suddenly, a security personnel approach the car. He knocks the car's side windshield and addresses the passengers, " Good evening, sirs. Can I help you?" The passengers are surprised. " Hamid, do something! What are we gonna do?"

The passengers grip their weapons more intensely. The security personnel knocks the windshield again.

" Calm down!!" Shouts Hamid, the man sitting on the front passenger seat. " Let me handle this!"

Hamid opens the door and answers the security personnel's call. "Yes, sir? What happen?"

" Sir, I notice your car has been parked in this road for one hour. I though you were on trouble. Can I help you? Is everything alright?" Asks the guard.

" Yes, and what can I do to settle the matter?" Asks Hamid again intensely.

" Sirs, this is just a check. Can I see your driver license and check your baggage?" Asks the man.

" Why? .. Have we done something wrong?" Asks Hamid. The passengers on the backseat swithced off their guns' safety.

" No, sir. As I said, this is a regular check. Now I ask you and your passengers come out from the car." Emphasizes the guard.

Hamid, in extreme tense, draws his hidden Mac-10 and immediately has it pointed at the guard. " Huh?" Says the guard surprised. Hamid shoots the guard multiple times from close range. The passengers come out from their car and shoots other security guards nearby. Civilians near the scene run around and scream. Some hides behind any concrete while others try to escape. Suddenly, other gunshot sounds are heard on the entire district. Gunmen in civilian suit and armed with various weapons appear everywhere and shoot around both security guards and civilians, especially foreigner. Shiori quickly takes her children to safety inside a restaurant. Alyson screams and cries, " Mommy! Mommy! What happens? I'm scared!!". Brandon also cries, " Mommy! I'm scared! I'm scared!" Shiori calms the children, " It's okay. Mommy's here. Okay, calm down, calm, down, do what Mom says, okay?" People collapse to roads. Grenade blasts occur. The district sinks into chaos.

USA
Los Angeles City
Private Echelon Headquarter
June 20, 2010
07:45 hour

Nate tries to call Shiori through his cellphone in his office but it goes unanswered. He tries calling Shiori several times more but again goes unanswered. He then switches on TV to watch morning news. The morning news program broadcasts a shocking news,

" This evening, an unknown militia group assaulted and captured Gudaibya neighborhood in Manama. The situation inside is unknown. Shootings are heard from the district. The area is now surrounded by Bahraini security forces. So far no demand is asked by the assailants."

"What?" Responds Nate. He immediately calls Shiori again but goes unanswered. Suddenly, a call appears on his phone. It's from CIA agent Bob, now a field operation chief in Qatar, his former colleague in CIA SAD (Special Activities Division) nine years ago.

" Nate, it's me." says Bob in his Boston accent.

" What's up? Do you know that.." Replies Nate

" I know. Your wife and children are still inside there." Interrupts Agent Bob.

" How do you know that?" Asks Nate in surprise.

" That's a high profile family vacation for a jonin (Ninja Hierarchy Leadership) family like you." Answers Bob

" I must go there. You know what I mean." Says Nate

" I know. I'll take care of everything. See you here, old friend." Says Nate

" I count on you, Bob." Replies Nate.

" You can always count on me, pal."

Nate summons Sam, now a chunin (Middle Ranked Executive Officer) and Nate's bodyguard commander, to his office. Nate orders Sam, " Sam, deploy Valkyrie Team. We have a mission."

" Yes, sir." Answers Sam.

To be continued 

License: Personal use and read only. Further usage requiring permission from author.

Disclaimer: All contents are fiction.