AOZOU STRIP
The mine was a welter of noise and activity. As the mercenaries alit from their Land Rover, they were approached by the foreman.
“Jean Djimesta,” Etienne reintroduced the African to Hurtubise.
“Mr. Djimesta.” Hurtubise slung his FA-MAS rifle from his right shoulder, muzzle down. He had already chambered the first round of 5.56mm ammunition from the twenty-five-round magazine. Deladier did likewise; both had carried the compact bullpup design in the Legion.
The Chadian raised a hand and gestured behind him. “We are proceeding as fast as possible, monsieur.” He anticipated the Frenchman’s concern, adding, “We should be able to load the first truck before sunrise. The second perhaps two hours later.”
Hurtubise nodded; it was better than he expected. “We can expect uninvited guests before dawn. Keep the men working.”
Before Djimesta could reply, Hurtubise turned away and strode toward the perimeter. His colleagues followed.
“Paul, I want you to go with the first truck. Stay with it until it’s ready to leave. You know the procedure at the border?”
“Yes,” Deladier said. “Moungar already gave us the details.”
“All right.” He turned to Stevin. “Etienne, you will remain in command of perimeter defense. But I need you sober, you understand?”
The Belgian ignored the implication, unflappable as usual. “What do you think they’ll hit us with, Boss?”
Hurtubise rubbed his chin. He needed a shave but hardly registered that fact. “I’m not sure they’ll come in shooting. I think they’ll make a show of force to make us back down without a fight. I wish we had more heavy weapons, but there’s no time to bring them up here. Anyway, I’ll talk to the men in a little while, but be sure they all understand: no shooting unless we’re attacked. If we need to slow them down so the trucks can get away, I’ll give that word. After that it’s up to you again.” He gave Stevin an unaccustomed pat on the arm.
Good of you to die for me, mon ami. That’s what you seem to want.
Deladier asked, “What are they likely to bring?”
“I don’t think they’ll have APCs or anything like that. Probably they’ll arrive in trucks. Maybe a few helicopters. But they won’t pursue us into Libya, that’s for sure.”
Stevin chuckled aloud. “We can handle a chopper or two.”