“One moment. Why would you tell it to a ‘mercenary’?”

“I owe you my freedom, and possibly life. Having my favor is similar to being favored by His Majesty. Not to mention, your assistance is crucial to our success here.” (V)

“If you say so.”

“Good. The prison of my city has a secret passage, and it looks like it was discovered. The passage should’ve been close to impossible to find. It leads directly into the city. However, we can hit them hard and run away. If there is no guard in the passage.” (V)

“But there might be, especially now.”

“If they found it, then they do have guard. Our strong soldiers will be able to defeat the enemy. Moreover, with your support it will be actually possible to complete this mission. I caught a glimpse of your squad’s capabilities and I want them to participate.” (V)

“Uhu…” I looked at him with mistrust.

“I already owe you a lot but allow me to say this: I will henceforth be forever indebted to you, if you agree to help me with this one thing.” (V)

“I will answer after hearing what we need to do.”

“Most of the people who led the rebellion were my close aides, my friends. I saw your strength and I want it to save my people. All of my resources would be accessible, should you just agree to help me.” (V)

“So, my crew should save the rebel leaders?”

“Yes.” (V)

“I will do what I can.”

“Good! Good! Commander, give her the best men. We should start the attack this night. I will personally lead you to the passage.” (V)

“Understood. I will be going.” I returned to the tank.

“Crew, line up!”

Jester and Old man climbed out and quickly stood at ready.

“Clean your rifles, eat, and go to sleep. Tonight we are going to participate in combat operation. There is a passage and we will push through it to capture the city prison and rescue the rebel leaders. Any questions?”

“How much ammo should we take?” (J)

“Every magazine and grenade. There will be allied infantry but you know what exactly they are for.”

“What are the objectives?” (O)

“Reach the prison, rescue surviving rebels, destroy the stockpiles, and disrupt the enemy forces as much as we can. After the rebels are evacuated, retreat and destroy the passage. Further questions?”

“No further questions!” (J)

“All clear!” (O)

“Dismissed!”

While they were eating, I requested supply drop. I ordered some body armor, helmets, and spare magazines and ammo.

“Captain, are you going to keep watch?” (J)

“No.”

“Then why are YOU packing the mags?” (J)

“Go to sleep. I will prepare the rest.” Since I am the least useful member of the crew.

“Come on!” (J)

“That’s not a request.”

“Yes, sir…” (J)

Six hours later.

My sleep was terminated when somebody approached.

In the war room the trespasser was highlighted with green color.

“Erhm… Lord Commander calls for you.” A soldier with a torch approached.

“Got it.”

I breathed in.

“BOYEVAYA TREVOGA!!!” [Combat alert!]

Within two minutes, in front of me were two armed men with AK-74 in their hands.

“Is everything ready?”

“Ready!” (J, O)

I dragged a bag of magazines with 5.45 rounds.

My crewmates started packing every magazine they could fit into their vests.

I packed only 4 magazines and a grenade, because I am encumbered by this s* body and will exhaust myself before I even arrive to the destination.

After two mules were packed, we headed to the gathering point.

“Everyone is ready to move out?” I looked at a group of soldiers with duke Valencio in the center. He was making a speech to the soldiers about how important their mission, how they all will become heroes, how they will be always remembered. Remembered for a few days, if you ask me.

“Oh, is he that dude we saved?” I stepped on Jester’s foot.

“Good to see you here. Captain, how about you explain us what is the plan? I heard you are quite initiative when it comes to that.” I sighed and clapped a few times to attract attention.

“The task is to get in, rescue the rebels, get out. Simple as that. If I understand correctly, we will be going through a tunnel somewhere underground. Your task is to shield us while we destroy the enemies.” The soldiers started exchanging glanced, and clearly understood nothing.

“Men, do you know how to make a shield wall?” (V)

“I see… We will be shooting from behind your backs, you just need to maintain the shield wall. Clear?” Now the soldiers started carefully nodding.

Under the cover of the night we proceeded to the destination. There was an entrance covered with bushes and moss. It appeared to be an old mine, or a cave.