For Our Unity

Chapter XIV: Changing the Colors

"No sir!" shouted the entire battalion.

At 2010 hour, we're ready to move - with the first company - ours - would be the first to depart on armored trucks in full IFS gear on, thanks to the fact that during this phase of redeployment or in Indonesian military terminology geser pasukan, there are many chances of rebels tried to ruin our day.

"Be advised, we got hostile drones, all passengers dismount!" 

As per SOP we had specialist counter drone vehicles accompanying the convoy as well as two Kobra 8x8 as lead vehicles as well as two more as trailing vehicle - under the regular 9th Cavalry Battalion.

"Sarge" I asked as we took up position outside, somewhere on the outskirts of Rangkas. "Where are our drones?"

"On their way, now everyone keep low!" ordered Stephen. 

At least the lookouts caught them coming beforehand. I muttered as cannons in vehicles started to open up, guided by electro-optical sights. 

"RPG!"

"Who is the baka one that say that this route is clear?" asked the pissed off Fujita with his own accent as multiple explosion rocked the very soil we were standing.

"Chin up, Fujita" It was the lieutenant, as he opened fire on the now exposed ambushers devoid of any insignia. "The context was no IED I thought..."

"You're right... got one!" replied the Japanese.

I raised my M4A1 and opened fire on fighters popped up from alleys nearby, until the volume of fire from armored vehicles were deemed sufficient enough for us to leave the area, minus some wrecked Sanca from the drone and rocket attacks.

"We lost Sergeant Mahir - first squad leader. A good guy, he was" the Lieutenant told us by the intercom. "..and two more guys. But the Colonel wants us to keep moving, we can mourn later."

"Yes sir."

"Anyway, was there any prisoners, sir?" asked Janice from the intercom.

"15th Mech Bde's QRF and a Brimob detachment in support are dealing with them, as I am speaking..." the lieutenant replied. "Commies, they said."

After two detours we finally reached the station. 

After a while, the troops arrived at the station and assembled according to their respective companies while the train was being switched, and at 2040 hour the station PA system called all personnel to board the train and 20 minutes later, the train departed with the highest priority as a "special train". 

Lead by two Bombardier electric locomotives assembled in Indonesia numbered CC 101 03 30 and CC 101 03 90 from Cipinang depot, it pulled modified, armored 3rd class civilian passenger railcars with a capacity of 106 passengers each car. Officers blended with the enlisted according to respective companies and platoons for further efficiency. The train has 10 passenger cars, 3 baggage cars, two modified baggage cars with electronic warfare gear and 1 dining car with auxiliary generators. 

The train arrived at Manggarai at 2130 hours. And after checking of personnel by the local Army Military Police detachment, the train continues its journey, We were also told that all trips were also led by an unmanned inspection and clearance train ahead of ours, in case of any attempt of sabotage.

 It's dark. So most of the time we either sleep, talking to each other, or busy in our own little world...

......

3 July 2034, 0300 hours, FOB Prabu, Somewhere in the outskirts of Bandung, West Java.

Cpl. William, 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company, 190th Pelangi Nusantara Volunteer Infantry Battalion, National Volunteer Force.