Delta Red Arc

By Brian Leslie

Owen Jackson, also known as Arc1, is the head extraction specialist of SEED, a special unit that is called upon to extract deep-cover intelligence operatives working anywhere in the world. When a double agent named Atifa Naifeh sends a coded message from Pakistan, Jackson springs into action, knowing that time is of the essence.

He sets up a plan to track Naifeh and bring her to safety, but when no one shows up at the extraction point five days later, Jackson and his team cross into Pakistan to find out what happened. Tragically, it results in the death of Jackson's partner, Ryan Hawkins.

Determined to find Naifeh and bring her to safety, Jackson meets Nazihah Asghar, a former student of Mohammed Nassar and a trusted asset who was supposed to meet Naifeh at the safe house. Together, they navigate the complex world of espionage and risk everything to save Naifeh.

However, when they finally find Naifeh, she reveals that Nassar was executed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (I.S.I.), the Pakistani intelligence agency. Jackson and Naifeh must now make their way back to the Afghanistan side while fending off I.S.I. agents who are trying to stop them.

In this action-packed story full of suspense and danger, readers will follow Jackson's harrowing journey as he fights to save Naifeh and navigate the complexities of the world of espionage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: True American Publishing
• Release date: Mar 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224911035

Brian Leslie

Brian Leslie is a Nationally Recognized Coercive Interrogation Expert and Best Selling Author. He is regularly retained by Federal, State, and Military Courts on high-profile murder cases throughout the United States.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The darkness of the Eastern European night was cut by the sharp beams of Owen Jackson's tactical flashlight, casting an eerie glow on the desolate alleyway. He moved with purpose and precision, his piercing blue eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble. This was a high-stakes extraction mission, and Owen knew that every second counted. His team, SEED, was handpicked for their expertise in rescuing deep-cover intelligence operatives from the most dangerous of situations.

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Stay sharp, everyone, Owen ordered, his voice low but firm. We're getting close.

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The atmosphere among the team members was tense, a palpable mix of anticipation and anxiety. They navigated the hostile environment with their senses on high alert, relying on their extensive training to stay one step ahead of any potential threats. The stakes were incredibly high, and they all knew the importance of their mission.

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Movement up ahead, whispered Maya, the team's reconnaissance specialist. Her dark hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, her green eyes focused and unwavering. Two guards by the entrance. They're armed.

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Roger that, Owen replied, his mind racing as he devised a plan to neutralize the threats without raising the alarm. Let's take them out quietly, then proceed to the target location.

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As the team closed in on the enemy compound, their movements were swift and silent, like shadows dancing across the cold pavement. They scaled walls with ease and slipped through narrow passages, avoiding detection at every turn. Owen took the lead, his agility, and physical prowess evident as he nimbly traversed the treacherous terrain.

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Remember, he said, pausing to catch his breath and address his team one last time before they reached their objective. Our priority is the safe extraction of the operative. We get in, we get out, and we don't leave anyone behind.

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His words resonated with the team, their shared sense of loyalty and duty driving them forward. They would face whatever obstacles lay ahead together, bound by their unwavering commitment to each other and the mission.

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As they approached the entrance to the enemy compound, Owen took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the challenges that awaited them inside. With his team at his side and the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders, he knew there was no turning back. The time had come to put their skills to the test and prove their worth as the elite unit they were. And for Owen Jackson, failure was not an option.

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The dim glow of a flickering light bulb revealed the damp, crumbling walls of the enemy compound's interior. Owen's breath came out in short, shallow puffs, his eyes darting from one corner to another, assessing every possible threat. His team members were equally alert, their senses heightened by the adrenaline coursing through their veins.

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Delta, hold your position, Owen whispered into his earpiece, his voice steady and authoritative despite the danger surrounding them. Tango, move up to that doorway and provide cover.

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As the team members executed his orders with precision, Owen couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Their unwavering trust in him as their leader only served to strengthen his resolve. Failure was not an option, especially when it came to extracting the deep cover operative – a person who held vital intelligence that could save countless lives.

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Sir, we've located the operative, Tango's voice crackled through the earpiece, barely audible over the sound of distant gunfire. She's being held in a cell down the hallway.

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Copy that, Tango, Owen replied, his mind working quickly to calculate their next move. I want you to breach the door on my mark. Be ready for anything.

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Understood, sir.

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As they moved closer to the cell, Owen caught a glimpse of the woman they had come to rescue. She was huddled in a corner, her once pristine business suit now stained and torn. Her eyes were red-rimmed and weary, but beneath the exhaustion, Owen recognized the steely determination that was the mark of a true intelligence operative.

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Ma'am, we're here to get you out, he said, keeping his voice low and steady, hoping to reassure her. Stay close, and do exactly as I say.

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Thank you, she whispered, her voice barely audible. I never thought you'd find me.

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Let's talk about that later. Right now, we need to move, Owen commanded, his eyes scanning the hallway for any signs of approaching enemies. He knew they were running out of time – it wouldn't be long before their presence was discovered, and reinforcements arrived.

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Delta, coordinate with Tango and secure our exit route, Owen said, making another split-second decision. We'll rendezvous at the extraction point.

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Roger that, sir.

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With the deep cover operative in tow, Owen led his team through the enemy compound, each step bringing them closer to safety. He could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but he refused to let it slow him down. The lives of his team members and the intelligence operative were in his hands, and he would do everything in his power to ensure their survival.

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As they neared the exit, Owen knew that the real test had only just begun. They still had to make it out of hostile territory and back to safety – a challenge he was more than prepared to face head-on with the unwavering support of his dedicated team.

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The sound of a heavy door slamming shut echoed through the dark corridor, sending a shiver down Owen's spine. He knew that every second counted, and they had to get out of there as fast as they could. Suddenly, a group of enemy agents appeared at the end of the hallway, their sinister grins revealing their intent to kill.

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Quick, this way! Owen barked, leading his team and the intelligence operative down an adjacent corridor. As they turned the corner, they came face-to-face with another group of enemy agents blocking their path. Owen's instincts kicked in, and without hesitation, he lunged forward to engage them in hand-to-hand combat.

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Go! I'll hold them off! he shouted to his team as he delivered a vicious kick to the chest of one agent, sending him barreling into his comrades. The deep-cover operative hesitated, her eyes wide with fear.

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Move! Owen commanded again, his voice firm and unwavering. Reluctantly, she obeyed, sprinting down the hall with the rest of the team.

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As he fended off the enemy agents, Owen's physical prowess was on full display. His lightning-fast reflexes allowed him to dodge blows and counter-attack with ease. He expertly disarmed one assailant, twisting his arm behind his back and snapping it like a twig before delivering a swift knee strike to his head.

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Damn it, we've got more incoming! Delta warned over the comm, his voice tense. We're pinned down!

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Understood. I'm almost done here, Owen replied, gritting his teeth as he landed another devastating punch to the jaw of the last enemy agent standing.

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With the immediate threat neutralized, Owen raced to rejoin his team, only to find them facing another unexpected complication: a reinforced steel door stood between them and the extraction point.

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Delta, how much time do we have? Owen asked, his heart pounding in his chest.

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Less than two minutes before this place goes up in flames, boss, Delta replied, his voice laced with urgency.

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Alright, everyone step back, Owen instructed, quickly assessing the situation. He knew there was no time to waste in finding a solution.

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Naifeh, hand me that pipe, he said, pointing to a thick metal pipe lying on the ground nearby. The deep cover operative hesitated for a moment but handed it over without question.

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Cover your ears, Owen warned, then swung the pipe against the door's hinges with all his might. The sound of metal clashing against metal echoed through the hallway, and after a few more powerful swings, the hinges finally gave way, sending the heavy door crashing to the ground.

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Let's go! Owen shouted, leading his team through the now-open doorway. As they sprinted toward the extraction point, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility for their safety. Failure was not an option, and he would do whatever it took to ensure their survival.

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Bravo, we've got choppers incoming! Delta's voice crackled through Owen's earpiece as he and the team raced down a dimly lit corridor. The stress in his voice was palpable.

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Copy that, Delta. We need to move fast. Owen's mind raced as he mentally mapped out their escape route.

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Boss, there's a security control room up ahead, Naifeh said, her breath heavy from the sprint. If we can get in, I might be able to delay the reinforcements.

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Alright, let's give it a shot, Owen agreed, knowing every second counted in a situation like this. They needed any advantage they could get.

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As they approached the control room, Owen spotted a high-resolution security camera mounted on the wall, its red light blinking menacingly. He quickly calculated its sweep pattern and signaled for the team to wait before darting across the hallway, narrowly avoiding being caught on camera.

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Naifeh, you're up, he whispered, his heart pounding from the adrenaline of their near miss. We've only got one shot at this – make it count.

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Understood, she nodded, her eyes focused and determined. With cat-like grace, she followed Owen's lead, expertly evading the camera's gaze.

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Once inside the control room, Naifeh immediately began working her magic on the security system. Owen kept watch at the door, his body tensed and ready for action.

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Got it! Naifeh exclaimed, her fingers flying across the keyboard. I've delayed the enemy choppers by five minutes. It should buy us some time.

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Great job, now let's keep moving, Owen commanded, leading the team out of the control room and back into the dimly lit corridor. As they continued their frantic escape, Owen couldn't help but feel a surge of pride in his team's ability to adapt and overcome the obstacles thrown their way.

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Boss, we've got company! Bravo called out from behind Owen as a group of armed guards rounded the corner ahead of them. The tension in the air was palpable as they prepared for another confrontation.

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Change of plans, Owen thought quickly, his mind racing to devise a new escape route. Delta, we need an alternative extraction point – now.

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Delta, talk to me! Owen barked into his earpiece as he rapidly assessed the situation. The guards were advancing, their weapons raised and ready to fire.

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Got it, boss! Delta responded urgently. There's a maintenance tunnel two hundred meters west of your position. It leads straight to an old storage facility outside the compound. We can extract you from there.

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Copy that, Owen replied, his mind racing to formulate a plan. He glanced at his team, seeing the determination in their eyes as they prepared themselves for the fight ahead. Bravo, Charlie, provide covering fire while we make our way to the tunnel. Naifeh, stay close to me. I want you to get our asset out of here safely.

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Roger that, boss, Bravo acknowledged, locking eyes with Owen before opening fire on the approaching guards.

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As bullets whizzed past them, Owen grabbed Naifeh and the deep cover operative, shielding them with his body as he led them toward the maintenance tunnel. His selflessness and loyalty to his team shone through in every movement, even as sweat dripped down his brow and his muscles screamed in protest.

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Almost there, just a little further, Owen muttered under his breath, his heart hammering against his chest.

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Owen, I can take care of myself, the deep cover operative whispered, but Owen shook his head.

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SEED never leaves anyone behind, he stated firmly, pushing the operative ahead of him and into the tunnel.

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The sound of gunfire intensified as Owen, Naifeh, and the operative made their way through the dimly lit passageway. Just as they neared the other end, a deafening explosion echoed behind them, shaking the ground beneath their feet.

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Go, go, go! Owen shouted, propelling his team forward with a renewed sense of urgency. As they burst out of the tunnel and into the storage facility, they were met by the rest of their team, weapons ready and eyes alert.

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Everyone okay? Owen asked, scanning his teammates for any signs of injury. When he was satisfied that they were all safe, he turned to the deep-cover operative. You're safe now. We've got you.

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The relief on the operative's face was evident, and for the first time since the mission began, a genuine smile spread across his lips. Thank you, he said, his voice thick with gratitude.

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Alright, everyone on the chopper, Owen ordered, ushering his team toward the waiting aircraft. As they climbed aboard, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at their success – not only had they extracted the deep cover operative against all odds, but they had done so without losing a single member of their team.

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As the helicopter lifted off, leaving the chaos of the compound behind them, Owen allowed himself a brief moment of quiet satisfaction. But he knew this victory was just one of many challenges that lay ahead. The world was an unpredictable place, and there would always be another mission, another life on the line.

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Good work, team, he said, meeting each of their eyes in turn. Let's get our asset back home.

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The helicopter's blades sliced through the air, casting a rhythmic shadow over Owen's face as they sped away from the compound. With every passing second, he felt the weight of danger receding further into the distance. He glanced around at his teammates and the deep cover operative, all showing various levels of relief and exhaustion.

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Great job, everyone, Owen said, clapping a hand on the shoulder of the operative beside him. We've faced some tough challenges today, but we pulled through together.

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Thanks to your leadership, Owen, replied one of his teammates, a slight nod in appreciation. The rest of the room murmured their agreement, each offering their own form of gratitude.

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Owen smiled and shook his head. I couldn't have done it without each and every one of you. Remember, we're a team – we succeed together, and we learn from our setbacks together.

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As the group shared a moment of camaraderie, Owen's thoughts began to drift towards what lay ahead for SEED. There would be no time to rest on their laurels; the world was always in need of their unique skills. They were the line between life and death for countless operatives, and Owen took that responsibility very seriously.

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Hey, boss? a voice called out, interrupting Owen's musings. He looked up to see the concerned expression of his second-in-command, Kara. We just got word from HQ – they've got another mission lined up for us. Something big.

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Already? Owen asked, raising an eyebrow.

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Seems like it, Kara responded. They're being pretty tight-lipped about the details, but I heard whispers of high-level political targets. Could be our most dangerous mission yet.

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A tense silence settled over the team as the gravity of the situation sank in. Owen took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges to come. He knew they would have to be ready for anything. But he also knew that, with his team by his side, they could handle whatever was thrown their way.

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Alright, Owen said, determination shining in his piercing blue eyes. We'll tackle this new mission head-on, just like we always do. No matter how dangerous it may be, our duty is to save those who risk their lives for the greater good.

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The helicopter continued to cut through the sky, carrying the team toward an uncertain future and a mission that would test the limits of their skills, loyalty, and courage. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, Owen Jackson found himself once again facing the darkness, ready to lead his team into the unknown.

CHAPTER 2

Owen Jackson's pulse raced as he stared at the scrambled message on his encrypted phone. The lines of code were a jumble of letters and numbers, but his trained eyes quickly deciphered it. Atifa was in danger.

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Damn it, he muttered under his breath, clenching his fist. The weight of responsibility bore down on him like a ton of bricks. Atifa Naifeh, the fearless double agent with green eyes that could pierce through the soul of anyone she encountered, needed him. And Owen would not let her down.

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Guys, we've got a situation! he called out to the members of SEED scattered around their temporary base of operations. A wave of tension rippled through the room as they gathered around him.

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Is it Atifa? asked one of the operatives, sensing the urgency in Owen's voice.

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Yeah, she needs extraction immediately, Owen replied, his voice tight with determination. I don't know what went sideways, but we have to move fast.

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Alright, everyone, gear up and meet me in the briefing room in five minutes, ordered Owen, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room with an unspoken challenge - this was not a mission any of them could afford to fail.

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As the team dispersed, Owen allowed himself a moment to swallow the bile that threatened to rise in his throat. He had seen too much loss in his career, and the thought of losing Atifa gnawed at him. The stakes were always high in their line of work, but this time, it felt personal.

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Focus, Owen, he whispered to himself, shaking off the creeping doubt. There was no room for hesitation now. It was time to put his calculated risk-taking and strategic thinking into action. His team depended on him, and more importantly, so did Atifa.

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He traced the outline of the coded message one last time before pocketing the phone and marching towards the briefing room. It was time to bring Atifa Naifeh home, safe and sound.

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The briefing room door swung open, revealing the various members of Owen's elite team. Their faces were a mix of concern and determination, their bodies poised for action. At the center stood Maria Mara Kozlov, a sniper with unparalleled precision. To her left was Sam Whisper Thompson, an infiltration expert who could slip into any building unnoticed. And on her right, Jack Jax Cunningham, their demolitions and heavy weaponry specialist.

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Alright, everyone, Owen began, his voice sharp and clear. As you know, we have an urgent extraction mission. Our operative, Atifa Naifeh, is in immediate danger. We don't have all the details yet, but time is not on our side.

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Whisper, he continued, addressing Sam directly, I need you to gather any intel you can on Atifa's last known location and possible escape routes.

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Roger that, Sam replied, his fingers already flying over the keyboard of his laptop, searching for valuable information on the situation.

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Jax, I want you to prepare any necessary explosives for extraction and make sure our vehicles are ready to go, Owen instructed, the urgency evident in his tone.

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Got it, Jack nodded, his brow furrowed as he mentally ran through everything they might need for a swift and efficient rescue.

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Finally, Mara, - Owen turned to the sniper - make sure your gear is prepped and secure us some high ground once we're on site. We'll need your eyes.

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Understood, Maria said, her ice-blue eyes reflecting the steely resolve that had earned her the nickname Mara - Russian for steel or iron in the first place.

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Everyone should be prepared to leave in fifteen minutes, Owen announced, glancing at his wristwatch. His team acknowledged the tight deadline with curt nods, knowing the stakes were high. He could see the dedication in their eyes, the professionalism that had brought them all together under his command.

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But Owen, Maria said, her voice catching slightly as she hesitated for a moment. Do you think we can pull this off? We don't know what we're walking into.

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Listen, Owen responded, his gaze meeting hers with unwavering intensity. I know this isn't ideal, but we are the best at what we do. We've trained for situations like this, and Atifa is counting on us. And I have faith in every single one of you.

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The team exchanged glances, their resolve visibly strengthening. They knew they could trust Owen's judgment, and more importantly, they trusted each other.

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Alright then, Jack said, his voice steady and confident. Let's go save Atifa.

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As the team dispersed to gather their gear and finalize their preparations, Owen found himself staring at the coded message once more, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. But he refused to let that weight crush him. He would bring Atifa home, no matter the cost.

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Owen's eyes narrowed as he stared at the large map spread out before him on the table, his mind racing to formulate a plan. His fingers traced invisible lines between key locations, calculating distances and possible routes for extraction. He was aware of the team gathered around him, their faces a mix of determination and concern, all trusting him to lead them through the unknown.

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Alright, listen up, Owen said, his voice steady and commanding, drawing their focus. We're going to approach from this side, he pointed to a spot on the map, and use the cover of darkness to our advantage.

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Is there any intel on enemy positions or patrols in that area? Jack asked, his brow furrowed.

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Nothing we can rely on, Owen admitted, his jaw tightening. So we'll need to keep our eyes open and be prepared for anything.

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Maybe we should consider using drones for reconnaissance? Maria suggested, her fascination with technology evident in her enthusiastic tone.

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Good idea, Maria, Owen agreed, nodding approvingly. Have the drones scout ahead and gather as much intel as possible before we move in. But remember, they won't be able to detect everything, so stay vigilant.

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As Maria set about preparing the drones, Owen continued outlining his plan, detailing various contingencies and fallback options. He knew the importance of being adaptable when things didn't go according to plan – and they rarely did. His mind worked tirelessly to anticipate obstacles, and his experience allowed him to draw on past missions to inform his decisions.

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Once we have a better understanding of the situation, we'll move in swiftly and extract Atifa, Owen explained, his blue eyes scanning the faces of his team members, ensuring they understood. Stealth is crucial. We can't afford to alert anyone until we have her.

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Got it, Jack replied, his expression resolute. And if we encounter resistance?

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Neutralize it as quickly and quietly as possible, Owen instructed, his tone leaving no room for doubt. But remember, our priority is Atifa's safety.

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As the team continued to discuss potential scenarios and strategize their responses, Owen could see how their different perspectives and expertise contributed to the planning process. Their diverse skill sets complemented one another, creating a strong and cohesive unit.

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Alright, team, Owen said, clapping his hands together once to signal the end of the discussion. Let's gear up and move out. Remember, every second counts.

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With renewed determination, the team members dispersed to gather their equipment and mentally prepare themselves for the mission ahead. Owen took one last look at the map, committing every detail to memory before folding it carefully and tucking it into his tactical vest. As the gravity of their task weighed heavily on him, he knew that more than ever, he needed to trust his instincts and lead his team with unwavering confidence. They were the best of the best, and together, they would bring Atifa home.

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The room was alive with the sound of equipment being checked and double-checked, the air thick with a sense of urgency. Owen stood at the head of the table, his piercing blue eyes scanning over his team members. His jaw clenched as he mentally assessed the risks and challenges involved in the mission, taking into account every possible variable that could affect their success.

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Alright, listen up, he commanded, silencing the room. I've assigned each of you specific tasks based on your skills and strengths.

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Owen locked eyes with Jack, a skilled sniper, and tossed him a compact rifle. Jack, you'll be our eyes from above. Find a position that gives you clear sightlines of Atifa's location and provide cover for the rest of the team.

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Got it, Jack nodded, expertly checking the rifle's scope and chamber.

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Marie, I need you on comms and intel, Owen continued, handing her a small earpiece. Keep us updated on any changes in enemy movements or potential threats.

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Understood, Marie acknowledged, securing the earpiece and checking her tablet for real-time satellite imagery.

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Jasmine, you're our tech specialist. We might need you to disable security systems or bypass electronic locks, he said, passing her a slim case filled with various hacking tools.

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Piece of cake, Jasmine grinned, zipping the case closed and stowing it away in her backpack.

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Lastly, Leo, you're our heavy hitter. If things go south, we'll need your firepower and hand-to-hand combat skills to keep us safe, Owen finished, tossing him a shotgun and several non-lethal grenades.

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Ready when you are, boss, Leo responded, storing the grenades in his vest pockets and slinging the shotgun over his shoulder.

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Owen surveyed the room, making sure everyone was prepared and focused. Remember, this is a high-stakes mission. I need each of you to be at your best and ready for anything.

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As his team members nodded in unison, Owen couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. He knew that their success hinged on his ability to think on his feet and adapt as needed. That, combined with the expertise of his highly-trained team, gave him confidence that they could overcome any obstacles thrown their way.

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Let's move out, he declared, leading them out of the room and into the night, determined to rescue Atifa and bring her back safely. Together, they were a formidable force—one that would stop at nothing to complete their mission.

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The helicopter's blades sliced through the night air with a sense of urgency that matched Owen's racing heart. His team was assembled in tight formation around him, their eyes focused and determined. He could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on his chest as he addressed them.

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Listen up, everyone, Owen said, raising his voice to be heard over the roar of the engines. Time is our enemy on this mission. We need to get in, extract Atifa, and get out as quickly as possible. Every second counts.

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Roger that, boss, Leo responded, gripping his shotgun tightly. Jasmine and Marcus nodded in agreement, their expressions grave.

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Alright, Owen continued, pulling out a tablet and tapping the screen to bring up an aerial view of the extraction point. Our target location is a fortified compound deep within enemy territory. There are multiple layers of security we'll need to bypass, including armed guards, surveillance cameras, and motion sensors.

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Piece of cake, Jasmine murmured, her fingers dancing over her keyboard as she began