South African airspace
7 May 2011
2330 hrs
Lone Osprey of US Marine Corps was violating South African airspace undetected. Latest state-of-the-art technology protected the iron bird from the sight of enemy radars. Apart from the American pilot and co-pilot in cockpit who were controlling the aircraft, a Canadian Special Air Service team was on board. This coordinated mission of Entente had very important goal: Bringing legitimate goverment back to power in South Africa.
Leaders of Entente were shocked after the loss of another ally. Germans were getting really cheap and irritating with those sponsored convert operations and coups. It was time for Entente to return the favour. But Entente didn't have such a great position as Germans had. There was nothing to coup. Germans were able to use the weak spots of Entente members, but it seemed that German allies don't have such spots. There were ideas about destabilizing Princenly Federation and Qing, but those regimes were too tough in their opposition against progressive ideas that were preached by India. Sunk deep in ancient tradition and customs, people of Qing China and Princenly States were not very interested for democratic influences. Imperial China enjoyed the economic miracle that appeared after re-unification of the most of China after destruction of Chinese Republic, and Southern princes were too pleased with their status than with potential life in liberal anti-aristocratic Indian republic. It was also too idealistic to expect that Entente cause would have much supporters in German-dominated Europe.
Entente decided to make a careful, but still brave step. It was time to take back what belonged to Entente. Negotiations with Romania, Greece and Japanese bloc were on hold: Entente needed to show the Germans who was the boss in Africa first. Ambitious and dangerous team was assigned to elite SAS team. It was planned that commandos would jump over Pretoria, the fortress of Osterkemp's regime. Silently and hidden in the shadows, they would have to get Osterkemp dead or alive, and liberate legitimate South African goverment that was jailed in Pretoria. The team would split into two groups. Team A would intrude Osterkem's real estate where he resided, while the Team B would break into jail on the other side of the city and liberate the legitimate goverment. After this would be done, one of teams would capture the TV station and start broadcasting the news about the fall of Osterkemp and liberation of legitimate goverment. This would be signal for South African officers who secretly opposed the regime to start with the coup that would neutralize Pretorian Guard and other supporters of regime. Since Pretoria would stay isolated due of being the strongest fort of regime, commandos would have to gather some supporters and garrison some strategic buildings in the city where they would be fighting off the enemies until the help arrives. South African troops from outside would then liberate the city and destroy the ring around commandos, their supporters and members of legitimate goverment. If the things would evolve so well, maybe they could even capture Osterkemp and bring him to justice.
This plan was very ambitious, but due to connections with South African dissident officers, the possibility of successful ending was not so low. When footage of dead or captured Osterkemp would be broadcasted, the morale of supporters of regime would drastically fall and Pretorian Guard would be easily disarmed. Strongest oppossition was expected in Pretoria, the main target of this mission, but it was also expected that help would be quickly there. Everyone were expecting that operation ''Tawny Eagle'' would be successful. Even General Mobius, the chief of Entente United Command who confirmed the operation was very optimistic. The plan was mostly produced by Special Operations Section of United Command, lead by Colombian General Caballero. However, the cooperation of other UC sections was also crucial for development of this ambitious plan.
- Ok boys, the sun is down. The moon is not visible and the night will protect you well.
Voice of the pilot reminded the commandos to be ready. The red light was still on, but the ramp started to open slowly.
- Twenty seconds!
They were above the outskirts of Pretoria. Osterkemp enjoyed on his real estate when he was not in his office. It would be very hard to get him during his work.
- Ten seconds!
Everyone were ready. It was time to bring back freedom to South Africa. People were strongly repressed by regime which had to deploy a great number of security forces to keep down any signs of revolts. Commandos had to perform their job quickly and quietly.
- Five seconds!
The ramp was opened and the green light turned on.
- Now, go!
The group of elite soldiers opened their parachutes above Pretoria and searched the suitable spot for landing. The small light started to blink in a field of the small farm. It was the signal from South African resistance fighters. Commandos hoped this was not a trap and directed their parachutes towards the light.