4:

Major Salaam and the men of 2nd Battalion rose when the explosion passed. Shawkat and Haythem scurried ahead first and carefully entered the alley. It was extremely hot. The surrounding rooftops were on fire. They only found the bottom half of Ahmed’s Humvee burned into the ground. Small slices of it fused into the walls on both sides of the thin street. Nothing of Ahmed remained. Some of the platoon gazed at Salaam drawing heavy breaths, eyes wide with silent rage. The day wasn’t over. He needed his men to maintain their tactics and composure. So, he needed to offer them something, and their expressions seemed to demand that he ‘kill something.’ Salaam took the radio from a nearby soldier. “Good news, men. We’re taking the gloves off the rest of the day.”

A sculpted soldier approached. His head was covered by a black mask with a white skull design. He addressed Major Salaam with an American accent: “I understand your squad could use some close air support?”

“Actually, we’re a bit tired of fighting. I’d rather just blow this place to hell.” Black Skull contemplated Salaam’s request. “I don’t know who you are,” said the Major. They understood one another. 

“If I supply you with the ordinance, you take responsibility for any collateral,” said the American.

“Agreed.” Salaam looked back at the squad. “Mark all suspected enemy positions.” Several soldiers threw metallic devices far into the road ahead. Salaam looked again at Black Skull.

“Sorry about your man, Major.” He turned and walked away speaking into a walkie-talkie. “Mother Goose, this is Icarus. We need grade A at Echo 99 north. Targets are lit.” The sound of approaching attack helicopters half a minute later soothed the men. Major Salaam casually told them to take cover. The men dipped behind vehicles as ten militants began scurrying from the marked buildings. Several commandos took the opportunity to shoot them in their backs, then duck. Five quick and consecutive rocket blasts devoured the buildings and the men who had just fled them. The ISOF men reemerged and observed the street. 

“Move up,” said Salaam. A dark cheer rose up. The men just drank their fill of blood. 2nd Battalion pressed forward.

- Ian Strome