BIRDS AND FISHES TAKE FLIGHT
952 Words
Henry — now Sparrow — and Jack, Eagle, moved with purpose into the abandoned airport park. A long table waited, bare but for the tension that filled the air. Soon, Gerry (Shark) arrived, followed by Michael (Scorpion) and Fred (Python).
“Sir, your boys are here,” Jack said, nodding to the men approaching.
Henry’s lips curled into a tight smile. “Welcome, my brothers.”
One by one, they nodded, hands clasped in greeting. The air was thick with unspoken understanding.
Henry stood, scanning the team. “Gentlemen, I called this brotherhood because… the pilot of my ship has been taken from me.”
The men exchanged sharp looks. “Who would dare?” Gerry muttered.
“My wife,” Henry said simply. “She went on a mission with her team… and they went MIA. I know we all left this life for peace… but this is a brotherly call. You may refuse — no hard feelings. But I can’t do this alone.”
Gerry’s eyes hardened. “Sparrow, you saved my life in Mexico. This brotherhood? Death do us part. I’m in.”
Jack nodded, voice firm. “Sir, I owe you my life. I’m in.”
One by one, the rest joined, fists bumping silently — the bond of soldiers forged in fire.
Henry handed out files, images, coordinates. “Last known location… east of Afghanistan. But the trail went cold. We find them — and we bring them home. Pack your weapons. Let’s fly, together as one.”
“Together as one,” the team echoed, a chorus of steel and loyalty.
---
Recon in Afghanistan
Henry and his team reached a safe house, unpacking gear, checking weapons, reviewing plans. Jack slipped out, blending with the locals, using language and charm to gather intel.
Moments later, he returned, breathless. “They were moved west. Heavy guard. Same men you saw on the satellite scans. Locals don’t know much, but that’s the trail.”
Henry nodded. “We go in quiet. Observe, coordinate, strike. Jack, you’ll watch the front and the rear — snipers, eyes sharp.”
Gerry and Fred would flank from the east; Henry and Michael would breach the gate. “Questions?” Henry asked.
“None, sir.”
“Then,” Henry said, a ghost of a smile flickering, “let’s ride, ladies — like the old days.”
---
The Strike
The team surrounded the enemy camp.
“Eagle,” Henry whispered into the comm, “birds and fishes are ready to fly. Do you copy?”
“Copy, Sparrow. Eagle on position,” Jack replied.
“All animals, face masks on. Breakfast tomorrow,” Henry said lightly, but the tension beneath his words was palpable.
“Rogue that, Sparrow. Drinks are on you,” Scorpion quipped, masking the nerves that gripped them all.
Then — gunfire. A sudden burst, deafening. Shouts. Men falling. Sparks of chaos ignited in the night.
Henry’s team moved like ghosts, breaching doors, clearing rooms. Gunshots rang out. Every heartbeat measured.
Treasure and her team heard it too. “Help is here! Move!” she shouted. Doors splintered under force.
“Is this the Dragon Squad?” Henry’s voice boomed.
“Yes! And what took you so long?” Treasure replied.
Henry’s hands worked fast, removing ropes and blindfolds. “Sorry, madam. We’re here now.”
Treasure’s eyes flickered to the masked men — guns distributed, hostages guided — then back to Henry. “We need to get the hostages to safety.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Henry said, his voice low, urgent.
Eagle’s eyes scanned the horizon. “Clear to head out now, Sparrow.”
The convoy moved. Henry led, Treasure’s team following, hostages in tow.
Then — shots from the south. Unknown. Unseen.
“Eagle! Status!” Henry shouted.
“No intel on underground positions,” Jack replied, tense.
Henry barked orders: “Shark! Bring in the heavy g*n!”
Shark obeyed, unleashing a storm of bullets. Python maneuvered the vehicle for cover. Henry ushered hostages in first.
Only then did he notice Joe — one of Treasure’s men — refusing to move. Bullets shredded the ground around him.
“Joe! Get in!” Henry commanded.
“I stay. Cover them!” Joe shouted, a bullet ripping into his shoulder.
Treasure screamed. Henry looked to Shark. “Hand over the machine g*n. NOW.”
Shark passed it to Joe. Henry grabbed Treasure, keeping her safe as the vehicle roared to life.
“Salute, soldier. Sail high. We will meet again,” Henry yelled.
Joe’s chest was hit again. He fell, still firing, still holding his last breath. Henry’s jaw tightened — no time to mourn.
“Eagle, rendezvous now!” Henry ordered.
“Roger, Sparrow. On my way.”
Jack joined the vehicle, and together, they vanished into the desert night, ghosts leaving chaos behind.
---
Safe House
Finally, they reached a safe house. Tension hung in the air heavier than sandstorms. Treasure cried for her lost teammate.
Henry checked each of them for trackers — none. Treasure had remembered the chip implanted in a hostage; Henry removed it with a small device.
He ordered medical attention for the wounded. Then, slowly, he approached Treasure.
She wiped tears and tried to stand, pretending composure. “Soldier… what took the base so long? What’s next?”
Henry looked at her. “Ma, first, your team gets out of this place.”
Treasure hesitated. “But… who are you?”
Henry froze for a heartbeat. His voice was modulated through a device; his face hidden b
ehind a mask. Even she didn’t recognize him.
A shadow of doubt flickered across her eyes. The man she loved… or a stranger?
- Writer
