Their footsteps barely made a sound as they approached the staircase leading to the third floor. Alicia paused for a moment, using a small camera to monitor the corridor above. "Two guards, both armed with AK-47s. Their positioning gives us a 0.5-second window to move," she reported.
"We'll use speed," Vinz replied. "You take the right side, I'll take the left."
In the span of a few seconds, they moved. The silenced shots from Vinz and Alicia dropped the two guards before they could react. With a hand signal, Vinz ordered the team to advance. The heartbeat of every member quickened, but Vinz's calm presence gave the team confidence.
As they neared the room where the hostages were being held, loud shouting came from within. The main perpetrator was angrily threatening to kill one of the hostages if his demands were not met.
"He's losing patience," Alicia murmured. "Captain, we need to act fast."
"We'll strike from two directions. Alicia and I will approach from the front, Team Bravo from the side. Wait for my signal," Vinz instructed.
Alicia smiled faintly. "Ready to make history again, Captain?"
Vinz nodded slightly and gave the signal. Their simultaneous assault happened in a flash. A flashbang grenade exploded, and the team stormed in. Vinz shot down two assailants holding weapons, while Alicia neutralized one who tried to flee.
The hostages were secured, and five perpetrators were arrested alive. "Good work," Vinz said, patting Alicia's shoulder.