مقدمه

Prologue

No Survivors

Elgen radio communications during attack on Timepiece Ranch “This is Elgen One. All helicopters prepare to commence Mexican Lightning Storm.” “Elgen One, this is Elgen Twelve. Be advised there are power lines along the south ridge of the compound. All copters stay clear.” “Copy, Elgen Twelve. Elgen Base, target is in range of missiles. All helos ready to launch Hellfire missiles on command.” “Roger, Elgen One. Lethal force is authorized.” “There’s motion on the ground, Elgen One. Enemy helicopter is powering up. Enemy helicopter is powering up.” “Elgen Six, take out enemy helicopter. All helos let missiles fly.” “Hellfire missiles away.” [Massive explosions]

“That’s a beautiful sight, amigos.” “Burn, baby. Burn.”

“How do you say ‘fire’ in Spanish?” “Fuego.”

“I was gonna say ‘habanero,’ Elgen Four.” [Laughter] “ ’Jalapeño,’ Elgen Two.” “This is Elgen Nine. No report of ground fire.” “Elgen One, this is Elgen Base. One hundred and fifty-four missiles confirmed launched.” [Loud explosions]

“Elgen One, this is Elgen Six. We’ve hit underground fuel tanks or a weapon cache. The south end of the ranch just rose twenty feet.” “There’s a reason they’re called Hellfire, Six.” “Any enemy sighted?”

“No, sir.”

“Elgen Base, has there been any response from the Mexican air force?” “Negatory, Elgen One. Skies are clear.” “All helos commence strafing area with fifty caliber.” [Sound of sustained machine-gun fire] “What are those explosions along the road, One?” “They appear to be enemy land mines.” “There must be hundreds. The place is jumping.” “Mexican jumping beans, Elgen Nine.” “Elgen One, this is Elgen Three. We are directly above target. All primary targets are destroyed. All secondary targets are destroyed.” “Roger that, Elgen Three.” “Wait, there’s motion at two o’clock.” “Elgen Two, RPG at two o’clock! RPG at two o’clock! Firing.” “This is Elgen Two. . . .” [Static] [Pause]

“Elgen Two is hit. Elgen Two is hit.” [Pause]

“Elgen One, Elgen Two is down.” “Fire on RPG, Three.”

“Missile launched.”

[Explosion]

“Target is neutralized.” “Elgen Two, do you copy? Elgen Two, do you copy?” “Elgen One to Elgen Three, what is status of Elgen Two?” “There’s too much smoke to confirm, Elgen One.” “Elgen Two, Elgen Two, do you copy? Repeat, Elgen Two, do you copy?” “This is Elgen Four. We’re dropping down to check on Two.” [Female voice. Automated warning] “Altitude low.” [Sound of explosion]

“Four, pull out. There’s unexploded ordnance.” “I think that was just a land mine.” “Too much blast for a land mine, Four.” “Maybe another fuel tank.” “. . . Or a weapons arsenal.” “Good of them to provide the ordnance.” “Elgen Three, any response from Elgen Two?” “Still no response, One.” “Elgen Two, Elgen Two, do you copy?” “Elgen One, we have a visual. Elgen Two is in flames. There are no signs of survivors.” “Roger that, Elgen Four. Let’s seal the site. All helos clear ground, Nine and Eleven fire napalm.” “What about Elgen Two?” “There are no survivors on Elgen Two. Fire napalm on my command.” [Pause] “Fire.” “Elgen Nine. Napalm released.” [Explosion]

“Elgen Eleven. Napalm released.” “Nothing like the smell of napalm in the morning. . . .” “That is what hell looks like, gentlemen. Let’s get out of here before the Mexican air force arrives.” “What’s that, a biplane?” [Laughter] “All helos back to Elgen Base. Elgen Eleven, record damage, then return with fleet.” “Copy, One.”

“This is Elgen One reporting to base. Mission accomplished. Target is neutralized. There are no enemy survivors. Repeat, there are no enemy survivors.”