— Sergeant. Imagery.
He activated the tablet, linked to the satellite feed. Enemy positions bloomed on the screen.
— Heat signatures clustered around the valley. Three mortar positions confirmed. Two technical vehicles—looks like DShK heavy machine guns mounted. Multiple small arms signatures. I count approximately 40 hostiles.
— Copy.
— What’s Razor 6’s position?
— Center of the valley, northern end. They’re in a compound—partially collapsed structure.
Grace’s hands moved on the controls, adjusting their approach angle.
— Those mortars will be the primary threat. DShKs are secondary. Small arms we’ll absorb.
— Absorb? Morrison’s voice rose. Whitaker, those DShKs fire 12.7-millimeter rounds. They’ll punch through—
— Not through the tub. Her voice remained calm. The titanium bathtub around the cockpit can absorb heavy machine gun fire. The aircraft’s designed for it.
— I’ve seen A-10s shot to pieces—
— And they flew home. That’s the point.
She glanced at a display.
— Four minutes to AO.
Morrison keyed the radio.
— Razor 6, this is Warthog. Inbound your position. ETA four mikes. What’s your situation?
The response came through ragged breathing and gunfire.
— Warthog, whoever you are, we are combat ineffective. Eight effectives, four wounded critical. Enemy massing for final assault. We need danger-close fire support or we’re done.
— Razor 6, understand danger-close. Stand by.
