Tales of Strikeforce Falcon, Book 1: Flashpoint Read online

  *****

  The patrol froze in place as Gurung raised his hand. A few seconds later, he slowly swung his hand down parallel with the ground and the team slipped off of the trail and took cover. They lay in place wondering what the Gurkha had spotted until they heard the sound of furtive footsteps approaching. Brock eased the safety off on his Thompson and held his breath. A few seconds later, two Japanese scouts made their way down the trail, one trailing behind the other. After they passed, the rest of the infantry column moved past in two columns. Brock counted twenty men and motioned for his men to stay in place. Sure enough, two more scouts brought up the trail position approximately fifty yards behind the main body.

  The team waited until they were certain the enemy soldiers had moved out of hearing range before they began filtering back onto the trail. The big Dutchman glared down the trail, his hands tightening unconsciously on the B.A.R.. “It is unfortunate we had to let them go.”

  “I agree, Rolf,” Mick said, slapping the man on the back. “However, just think how much it’ll hurt them when we complete this mission. Who knows, you may get another chance at them on the way back home.”

  “Maybe.”

  “That’s the spirit, mate. This war ain’t over, not by a long shot. Plenty of time to kick their arse all the way back to Tokyo. Now, what say we get going, if the skipper is up for that?”

  Delaney motioned with his hand to cut the chatter and Havildar Gurung took off again, leading the team deeper into the jungle. The rest of the team fell into place, Delaney and Petty in the first row, the twin heavy weapons carriers—van Straten and Lyons next and then Howard and Baker in the trail position. They stayed on the narrow trail until they came to a shallow stream flowing north and east. They followed the water, just staying far enough back in the jungle to try and avoid being seen.

  Around ten o’clock, they took a short break. The water was running fast enough that Delaney let them refill their canteens, but made sure they crushed up some purification tablets and poured the powder in first. He walked over to the tree where Howard was sitting and pulled out the map. They poured over it, as the young Gurkha soldier in their group climbed one of the trees to try and ensure there weren’t any surprises coming their way.

  Catching sight of the lithe dark-skinned native, Delaney drew Howard’s attention to him. “Tell me something, why is his rank Havildar instead of private? I mean, he’s in the British Army, shouldn’t they use British ranks?”

  “Who, ol’ Gurung? His rank is Havildar because that’s his rank. The Gurkhas have an honored tradition serving alongside the British Army. After all, when the British East India Company tried to conquer Nepal, their soldiers fought us nearly to a standstill. We incorporated their army into ours, but agreed to respect their traditions and customs, to include their own rank structure.” Terry paused and then smiled at Brock. “Oh, and by the way, Havildar means Sergeant. Takes a man years to reach that position. I wouldn’t want you to get on his bad side.”

  Brock looked up at the native soldier in the tree and let out a soft whistle. “Just how long has he been a soldier? He doesn’t look a day over twenty-one.”

  “Kulbir is almost 32, Brock. He’d been with the 1st King George V’s since he was 18. He was due a promotion before that nasty business back in Malaya and Singapore. Lord knows, if we ever get off this island, I’m going to recommend him for it. He’s saved my life on more than on occasion.”

  The break came to an end too fast for Brock’s taste, but he knew they had to push on. This was their third mission in six days and they all were getting worn down. He double-checked with everyone to ensure they hadn’t left anything behind that would tip the Japanese off that they’d been there. They worked their way over a tall ridge and spotted three Japanese strong points being built. Brock annotated them on the map to pass on to the Intel guys before the team gave them a wide berth.

  The mid-afternoon sun sent small rays of light streaking through leaves into the shaded darkness. The heat was oppressive, even in the shade, and the team struggled to maintain their focus as they moved through the jungle. Closing in on their objective, they had to avoid the main trails and it became harder for Brock to pinpoint his exact location on the map. They’d barely avoided three patrols since crossing the ridge and Brock wondered what had the Japanese so stirred up.

  They don’t seem to be looking for us specifically, but something’s going on. I heard they’re expecting a new commander at Dili but he’s not due for a few more weeks. He’s supposed to be a big commando hunter from Burma though. I suspect things will get a lot more interesting when he arrives.

  Gurung motioned for the group to halt and then he motioned for them to join him. When everyone was ready, he pointed toward a clump of trees. “There is a tank ahead, Sir. It looks like they’re working on it. Must have thrown a tread.”

  “Get this on the map. If we have to leave that ammo dump in a hurry, we don’t want to stumble into it in the dark. Gurung, do you know where we’re at?”

  “Certainly, Captain. If you’ll pass me the map?”

  Gurung took the map and spread it out on the ground. He thought for a second, traced his finger along the map and then pointed. “We’re right here and the tank is right about there.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “I’ve been counting, sir. I know how many steps we’ve gone since our last break and simply plotted it on the map. If you were to shoot a back-azimuth on our position, I’d wager next month’s pay I’m within thirty meters.”

  Brock looked at the havildar, back at the map, and then back at the havildar. “No, if you say you’re right, I’m not going to question it. So, if we’re here, the ammo dump is only five miles from here.”

  Gurung looked at the map and nodded. “Indeed, it is so. Provided we don’t run into too many patrols between here and there, we’ll be there by this evening. That’ll give us time to rest before infiltrating the camp.”

  Delaney nodded and then motioned for Gurung to find a path around the tank where they’d be unobserved. The scout disappeared into the bushes and Delaney motioned for everyone to join him. The two heavy weapons men sighted in on the tank and its crew while Delaney passed on the latest information to the rest. A few minutes later, Gurung reappeared, holding up one finger and Delaney sent the team in single file after the scout.

  They made their way down a slope until they came to a small stream. Gurung held up a hand to bring them to a halt before coming back to speak to them. “There is a Japanese sniper in a tree further upstream. I have found a place where we can cross that is hidden from both the tank and the sniper, but we must go one at a time. As soon as you cross the stream, you must continue straight on until you reach a small rock outcropping. Between the stream and that outcropping, you may be seen, but if you keep moving you should be all right. He doesn’t appear to be too attentive to his task.”

  Delaney thought for a moment and then pointed at Staff Sergeant Baker. “Go with Gurung. I want you to keep your weapon trained on that sniper. If he starts to take a shot, then take him down. If he doesn’t, then we’ll leave him alone for now.”

  He waited until Baker took his position, then Brock motioned the rest of the team down to the stream. He spotted Gurung’s signal and relayed it to Lyons. There was a sudden flurry of movement as the Bren gunner scampered with his large machine gun and slid in near the rocky outcropping.

  One by one, the others made their way across the danger zone. Delaney and the others took up their new positions as Baker and Gurung eventually joined them. Lyons moved over near Delaney as the team prepared to push on.

  “So, what do you think, Sir? Think we fooled him, or is he calling in our position as we speak?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine, Lyons. What do you think, Baker?”

  “All I can tell you, Mick, he didn’t act like he noticed anything while I was observing him through the ‘scope. If he saw us, I never want to play poker against him because he c
an bluff with the best.”

  “That’s good enough for me, Clyde. I’ve lost enough money playing poker with you. If you can’t read him, then nobody can.”

  “Thanks, Mick. Once I’m done schooling you, I’ll take you to a few clubs I know back in Sydney. Between you and me, they’ll never know what hit them.”

  Delaney let out a small laugh and then tapped the butt of his Thompson to get their attention. “If you two dreamers are done winning the Royal Mint, maybe we could get back to the current mission. Otherwise, you may never get out of the bush.”

  “Roger that, Sir,” Baker said and moved back to take his place next to Lieutenant Howard.

  They pushed on through the growing shadows toward their objective. Delaney was pleased they hadn’t encountered any patrols once they’d passed the stream. Looks like we’re through their outer defense layer. If we just don’t do anything to attract attention, we should be good until we get to the ammo dump. I’m still concerned we don’t know the enemy’s strength there.

  A sudden movement from Gurung caught his attention and the entire patrol froze in place. The scout signaled a large group approaching and the team scattered to take up positions behind whatever cover they could find The sound of marching feet reached them first. Brock chanced a glance around the large log he was lying behind and spotted a group of men carrying carpentry tools, rakes, and shovels coming in their direction. They were walking four abreast down the trail.

  He counted the rows going past and came up with forty eight men heading east. The Japanese showed no signs they thought enemy troops were nearby and the Timorese seemed too exhausted to care. There must have been thirty or so Timorese in the group and the Japanese looked more like engineers and laborers than soldiers.

  Just behind the marching men came two trucks with canvas covers over the backs. The lead truck had a weapon pintle over the cab and a bored Japanese soldier leaned against the weapon pointed skyward. It was hard to tell for certain with the canvas covers, but he guessed there were probably ten to twelve soldiers in each of the trucks.

  If there were 100 people total here, there should be, at most, 28 people back at the ammo dump. Assume some will be on walking patrol, some will be stationary, and some will be off duty . . . that’s a manageable number of opponents. Add in some darkness and we may be able to get in and out without anyone being the wiser. Well, until the whole place goes up in smoke that is.

  He glanced around and from the smiles on his team’s faces, he knew they were thinking the same thing. He motioned for them to pull back and they returned to the last rally point. From the way the rest of the team filtered into the small clearing, he could sense the anticipation. He decided to bring them back down to earth in a hurry.

  “All right, I saw that too. Yeah, it looks good now, but remember, we don’t have a clue how many people were working on that ammo dump. There could be a full complement of guards, so let’s approach this as if we’re still outnumbered and outgunned. Don’t get sloppy just because you think this is going to be a cakewalk.”

  “Overconfident? Us?” the lanky Australian said, brushing some dirt off of his Bren gun. “Sir, these Japanese have been kicking our arse from one island to the other for four months. I don’t think anyone’s getting cocky. However, we’ve been outnumbered and outgunned in every battle. I think things might be a tad different if we ever get to meet them even up.”

  “I know where you’re coming from, Lyons. Still, let’s assume the worst and we’ll celebrate when we all get back to camp.”

  The team looked sheepish and the smiles faded from their faces. Lt. Howard spoke up then. “Now, gang, let’s not look so glum. After all, we knew the job was dangerous when we took it. It might not be a stroll across the village green, but I think we can still have some fun out here. In fact, I think we should leave our unwanted guests a number of presents to thank them for this opportunity. What do you think?”

  Van Straten’s face still looked as dour as ever, but there was a hint of enthusiasm in his voice. “I think that’s a splendid idea, Lieutenant.”

  “That’s the spirit. Now, Captain, what’s the plan?”

  Brock snorted and climbed to his feet. “The plan is to hustle on down and get eyes on target. Once we understand what we’re facing, it’ll be a lot easier to make a real plan.”

  He motioned for them to head out and Gurung took off in his usual spot. The team filled in the gap behind him, but now that they knew they were near their goal, they walked just a little slower and took lighter steps. Gurung slowed down to stay in sight as he picked his way through the underbrush ahead.

  A half hour later, the scout motioned for the team to join him. They spread out in a line, looking intently at what the Gurkha was pointing out to them. There was a small valley ahead and beneath a large series of camouflage nets lay the ammunition dump. Crates were stacked row after row. It was obvious the fence was brand new—wood didn’t look that fresh in this climate very long. The barbed wire looked new also, as the tines caught the few rays of sunlight reaching them.

  Brock motioned for Baker to go with Gurung to the left and for Petty and van Straten to go to the right. As he waited, Terry worked a pair of binoculars out of his pouch and began examining the dump. Lyons popped the bipod down on the Bren and found a good position to provide covering fire if the need arose.

  “Hmm, they’ve done a good job setting this place up. I’ll give the beggars credit. Their engineers are second-to-none when it comes to stuff like this.”

  “So, are you going to be able to get in?”

  “Pish posh, of course I will. I said they did a good job, but they didn’t build the bloody Rock of Gibraltar. It’s obvious where they’ll tighten up their defenses though. It’s a good thing we’re arriving now. In a couple of weeks, this would have required an actual assault.”

  “So, what are you going to need?”

  Terry pulled out his pipe and began chewing on the stem as he examined the site. Brock let his lieutenant think while he tried to spot the guards. It took a while, but he spotted two platforms in the trees near the corners of the fence. He also spotted a pair of guards walking inside the fence perimeter.

  Those sentry positions worry me. I’m pretty sure we can take the interior guards quietly enough, but if one of them spots us before we make entry, this whole mission will go up in smoke.

  All right, Delaney, don’t go buying more trouble than you’ve already got. Wait until the others get back before you panic.

  Terry spoke in a soft whisper. “You know, unless they have flood lamps lighting this place, I think I can reach the fence right over there.” He pointed to a large tree about six feet from the fence. “There’s a small depression near those big roots. It’ll be close, but I’m pretty sure neither sentry could see me. Without lights, I doubt they can see halfway down the fence line once it gets dark. That’s where I plan on breaking in.”

  Delaney rolled over onto his side to look at the lieutenant. “You don’t need us to take out the guards first?”

  “Shouldn’t be necessary, old chap. However, do have someone keep them under observation. I think based on what I saw I should be able to set up a rather nice timed explosive. We should be a couple of miles away before it goes off.”

  “How are you going to rig a timed explosive?”

  “Quite simple, Yank. I stole your wind-up alarm clock. I didn’t think you’d mind. Needs of the mission and all.”

  Brock could only shake his head. “When we get back to civilization, you owe me.”

  Terry put on his best “I have no idea what you’re talking about” look and then went back to examining the camp below. Delaney admired how well situated their target was. The dump was deep toward the rear of the valley where the valley walls narrowed. The Japanese were able to string their camouflage netting between the ridges to make it look more natural. That would help hide the dump from aerial observation. Even though the Japanese owned the skies over Timor, it was obvious they
weren’t taking chances. He appreciated their professionalism, but he still looked forward to some payback after Luzon and Mindanao.

  The shadows crept along the ground and it was almost dark before his team returned. He pulled them back further into the brush before debriefing them. Baker deferred to Gurung to draw a quick layout of the camp on the dirt. “There are sentry posts located at all four corners. However, I don’t think they’ll be able to see much in the dark, especially tonight. I feel the wind changing. I suspect a storm may be rolling in. Very overcast soon. I saw four groups of two guards walking around inside. There is a building outside the camp past the front gate. I suspect the off-duty guards sleep there. Couldn’t see too clearly. They’ve cleared the brush back about five meters from the fence, so we’ll have to be careful when approaching.”

  Delaney noted Gurung drawing symbols marking different types of crates or barrels within the camp. While the Gurkha was finishing, he turned to Baker. “Anything Kulbir didn’t mention?”

  “There was no sign of any electric wiring on the fence. No sound of a generator, but we can’t be certain until the sun sets. They just might not be running it during the day. I suspect they haven’t finished building this place yet. Still looks pretty rough in places.”

  Petty picked up the story from there. “I saw three antennas in the camp—a straw hat and an inverted ‘V’. Those are usually HF radios. The other looked like a radio intercept antenna. Awfully strange thing to have in the middle of an ammo dump, don’t you think?”

  Delaney ran his hand over his chin and leaned back against a nearby tree. “I don’t know, Tech Sergeant, you tell me.”

  “All right, sir. Normally, you wouldn’t put radio direction finding equipment in the middle of an ammo dump. Too big a chance things might go boom. That is, unless you haven’t established a good place to set up and want to let the guards provide security for your equipment.”

  Terry piped up, “Say, you’re not thinking there might be something useful inside? Maybe a code book or something like that?”

  “I am indeed, Sir. And if this dump blows up, who’s to say someone absconded with it?”

  The big Dutchman shook his head slowly. “I think that’s too big a chance. Best to stick to the plan.”

  Everyone turned to look at Delaney. He held his hands up to shield himself from the staring eyes. “Hey, let’s finish the debrief first. Petty, mark on the map where those antennas were. Did anyone see anything that looked like a phone line? If the workers and other soldiers are in a village down that trail, they have to have some way to keep in contact with the dump.”

  The four patrollers looked at each other and shrugged. “If they laid a phone line, sir, either they buried it or we didn’t see it,” Baker said. From his reaction, Delaney had the feeling they hadn’t looked all that hard either.

  “We’ll assume they have one until proven otherwise. Terry thinks he’s spotted a way in.” Delaney picked up a stick and pointed at the dirt map. “Baker, you’ll take up a position here. Keep your sights on the sentry at this corner. Lyons, set up your weapon here. If anything goes wrong, on my command, start spraying the ammo dump and pray you can ignite something. Van Straten, you’ll set up your B.A.R. here. If anyone tries to come down that trail to reinforce the camp, you’re our first line of defense. Lt. Howard, Gurung, and Petty are going to enter the camp here. Lt. Howard is going to set up his explosives and use their own explosives to set up one nasty little present for them. Gurung and Petty, you’re going to check out that intercept gear. If there’s a radio shack, get in, get what you can, and get out. I wish we had a camera, but we don’t, so we’ll just carry off what we can. Meet Lt. Howard back at the fence here and exfiltrate together. I’ll stay here and try to watch the other sentry in his tree house.”

  He paused, making sure everyone was looking. “I don’t have to tell you what’s going to happen if we get spotted. But, if we do, all bets are off. Do as much damage as you can and try to meet at the base of Hill 210. If someone’s wounded and can’t be evacuated, do not leave them behind to talk, and that includes me. Better a clean bullet than letting those devils get hold of one of us to be tortured. You heard what they did to the last raiding party they captured.”

  From the snarls on his men’s faces, he knew they didn’t need another reminder. One of the poor devils who’d been captured lasted five whole days before they finally let him die. The local Timorese reported he’d been beheaded finally, but not before they’d cut most of his extremities off, a little piece at a time. Apparently, they hadn’t even questioned him. They just wanted him to scream to break the morale of anyone listening.

  Brock looked at his watch. “All right, it’s twenty forty-six. Lyons, you’ve got the first shift. We’ll start the operation at twenty three hundred. Find a place and try to get some sleep.”