Samuel went to the map. "We're gathering every helicoptor we can get," he announced. "We've got the cooperation of ALL the surrounding countries. The American's air base will deploy in Sudan. They'll drop into Adechesum Hadjer and Am Dam.
The Russians will deploy in the central African Republic. They'll drop into Adou Deia and Am Timan.
The French will deploy in Cameroon. They'll drop into Pala and Kelo and Moundou.
The British will deploy in Nigeria. They'll drop into Bonsso, Melfi and Massenya.
I will take the Somali contingent. We will deploy in Cameroon. We will attack the capital, N'Djamena.
The Republics, our brave forces, will deploy in Niger. They'll hit Massakory, Moussoro and Salal.
Simultaneously, with the air drops, ground forces will attack from all the surrounding territories. The air borne's jobs will be to get in, secure the training facilities, and protect the children until the ground forces can come in and relieve them.
Success will depend on swiftness. The helicopters will get out as many of the young children as possible but once the enemy knows we're there, evacuation will be extremely dangerous."
The Russian General Kosinoff, rose. "I wish to make no offense," he commented, "but The Republic's air borne cannot take three positions. They have just fought a battle with St. George's forces. They are undermanned, short of supplies. I will suggest I bring in more units. The Republic's forces take only two of the objectives, we take the third.
I also suggest you permit us to resupply your units and to reinforce them with men who speak your language."
Samuel looked to Warlock Eisenhower who was in charge of The Republic's Forces.
"The general's intelligence is very good," he admitted. "and I believe he is absolutely correct! I would graciously welcome ANY supplies and replacements."
"Good!" Samuel nodded, "The Russians will take Salal. That's my plan, hit them with overwhelming force, knock them out BEFORE they have a chance to bring in more reinforcements. Every hour that passes before the ground troops reach the air borne will be critical. The enemy is fanatical. I guarantee you, they'll fight! We've got to put so much against them so quickly that they won't fight long. Nothing must stop the ground forces. They must reach their objectives in no less than four days."
"By God," General Pershing snapped, "nothing WILL stop them, sir!"
"Then let's get to work, gentlemen!" Samuel ordered.
"Sir," Pershing put in, "we have the deepest respect for your Somali forces, your recent battles will go down in history. But they are still rather green troops, sir. I would appreciate it very much if you would give us the honor of reinforcing your units, all troops under YOUR command, of course."
"They will be welcome," Samuel assured.
Every car or plane that could be found was diverted. Passenger planes were taken off their routes. Reserves were brought in from every country. In an incredible six days under General Pershing's strict supervision, the deployment was made.
Kalina had given them special messages to broadcast on the Spiritist frequencies, to tell her companions in the camps they were coming. They would do all in their power to harrass their captors, to give the air borne time to land and deploy.
Hours before dawn Samuel found himself in the midst of a landing field full of hundreds of helicopters. Men and women stood ready to board them. Samuel knew this scene was being repeated in a dozen places. Already planes were in the air carrying the troops that would drop into the further positions. A squad of Americans ran up, and a familiar voice snapped "Lieutenant Rice, sir, First Air Calvary! We've been assigned as your escort, sir!"
"Linda R?" Samuel snapped.
The woman beside him returned his broad smile. "Yes sir!" she answered. "Good to see you sir!"
"Good to see you!" Samuel answered joyously, Glad to have you at this moment! We've kept space in the lead ship. They told us they'd be sending a squad. Load 'em up, lieutenant!"
Samuel spun his arm in the air. The helicopters' engines fired up, and their rotors began to turn as the men boarded them. Samuel waited for a signal that told him everybody was ready, then he took his seat.
The helicopter's door closed. He lowered his microphone. "This is operations control," he announced, "to all units involved in Operation Headache. Deploy, repeat, deploy!"
His helicopter rattled, rose, tilted slightly and soared away. Behind him hundreds followed. It had begun! Samuel prayed they would be swift enough.
"May their God help them if we're not!" he cursed, "May their God help them!"

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