In the command center, satellite imagery showed what Sarah had feared. Their primary extraction route was now compromised. Thermal imaging revealed at least 30 Taliban fighters setting up positions along the valley’s southern ridge.
«They knew we were coming,» Sarah said, pointing to the screen. «Someone leaked information.»
Commander Jackson’s face hardened. «The mission is still a go. That compound contains intelligence on three planned attacks on American soil. We need it.»
«With respect, sir, we need a new approach. The original plan is suicide.»
«What do you suggest, Lieutenant Commander?»
Sarah studied the terrain. «We insert here at night.» She pointed to a nearly vertical rock face on the northern side. «It’s unwatched because they think it’s impassable.»
«It is impassable,» Jackson argued.
«Not if you’ve climbed El Capitan,» Sarah countered. «I have. Twice.»
The commander studied her face, looking for weakness or uncertainty. He found none.
«And after we get the intelligence?»
Sarah traced a route through a narrow ravine. «We exit through the Shepherd’s Pass. It’s barely wide enough for one person, but it leads to this plateau where extraction is possible.»
«That’s a hell of a risk, Glenn.»
«Less risky than walking into an ambush, sir.»
Hours later, under cover of darkness, Sarah found herself scaling the sheer rock face alongside six SEALs, including the lieutenant who’d questioned her in the cafeteria. The weight of her weapon and gear made each handhold a test of strength and will.
«Not bad for an intelligence officer,» the lieutenant whispered as they paused on a narrow ledge.
«I’m full of surprises,» Sarah replied, checking her night vision goggles.
A sudden burst of gunfire erupted below them. Searchlights swept the mountainside as shouts in Pashto echoed through the valley.
«They’ve spotted us,» Commander Jackson hissed.
«No,» Sarah countered, peering through her scope at the commotion below. «They’re shooting at something else… another team.»
She adjusted her radio frequency and caught fragments of American voices: a special forces unit, pinned down half a mile away.
«Unrelated operation,» Jackson concluded. «Not our problem.»
Sarah met his eyes in the darkness. «Those are our people down there.»
«Our mission is time-sensitive. If we divert…»
«Commander,» Sarah interrupted, «I know where the intelligence is kept. I can get it while your team provides support for those soldiers.»
The tension in the air was palpable as Jackson weighed the impossible choice between mission objectives and leaving fellow Americans to die.
Commander Jackson’s decision came swiftly. «Split the team. Lieutenant Reeves, take Martinez and Cooper to support the special forces unit. Glenn and I will proceed to the compound with Wilson and Ortiz.»
His eyes locked with Sarah’s. «You better be right about that intelligence location.»
«I am,» she affirmed, checking her weapon.
The team separated at the ridge, moving with practiced silence. Sarah led her smaller group through a narrow goat path, their progress slow but steady. The distant gunfire intensified, and Sarah fought the urge to look back, knowing her focus needed to remain forward.
The compound appeared deserted when they reached it, a tactical deception she’d anticipated.
«Two guards inside,» she whispered, pointing to heat signatures on her specialized equipment. «The intelligence is kept in a hidden room beneath the eastern building.»
Commander Jackson nodded. «Wilson, secure our exit. Ortiz, with me on the guards. Glenn, once we clear, you find that intelligence.»
The operation unfolded with precision until they reached the hidden room. Sarah worked quickly, photographing documents and downloading files while Jackson and Ortiz stood guard. The information was exactly where her source had indicated.
«Attack plans targeting American embassies, complete with names and dates… We’ve got what we need,» Sarah announced, securing the final flash drive.
A sudden explosion rocked the compound. Through her earpiece came Lieutenant Reeves’ strained voice. «Commander, special forces extraction successful, but we’re taking heavy fire. Martinez is hit.»
«Status?» Jackson demanded.
«Bad. We need immediate extraction, but our route is cut off.»
Sarah pulled up the satellite imagery on her tablet. «There’s another way,» she said, tracing a path with her finger. «But it’s through the compound we’re in. They need to come to us.»
Jackson made the call. «Reeves, fall back to our position. We’ll create a diversion.»
What followed tested every skill Sarah had developed in her career. As Taliban fighters converged on their position, she coordinated their defense. Her M4 carbine was no longer just a precaution, but a necessity.
When a grenade landed near their position, it was Sarah who reacted first, kicking it into a ravine seconds before detonation. Lieutenant Reeves arrived with his team, dragging the wounded Martinez between them. The young SEAL’s face was ashen, blood soaking through a makeshift bandage.
«Extraction point is compromised,» Jackson stated grimly. «We need alternatives.»
Sarah studied her tablet, her mind racing. «There’s a village two miles north. I have contacts there, people who helped me before. They can shelter us until extraction is possible.»
«You trust these people with American lives?» Jackson questioned.
«I trust them with mine,» Sarah replied simply.