?


    Two hourster, the steamship carrying the 40 private soldiers of Aegis Tactical Services arrived at the port of Jeddah. With the gangway beneath their feet, they disembarked, their boots sinking slightly into the sandy soil. The scorching heat engulfed them immediately, causing Antonio to let out a whoop.


    "This country sure is hot," he eximed, hastily wiping the sweat that wasn''t there off his forehead.


    Edward, a practical man, chuckled and replied, "You''re exaggerating, Antonio. It''s hot, yes, but we''ve faced worse."


    As the soldiers made their way across the gangway, they carefully carried the wooden crates filled with ammunition and supplies. Each step was deliberate, ensuring they didn''t miss anything crucial. Their mission depended on their thoroughness.


    "Let me see the manifest," Richards requested, and one of his crew promptly handed him the document. Richards scanned the list, confirming that all the necessary provisions had been ounted for. Satisfied with his inspection, he neatly folded the manifest and securely tucked it into his jacket pocket.


    The port of Jeddah was a hive of activity, focused primarily on constructing new port facilities to facilitate international trade. Saudi Arabia, as they had learned from theirpany''s information, was a developing country, striving to modernize every aspect of its infrastructure.


    The soldiers observed the towering cranes that dotted the skyline with the port echoing with the sound of machinery, intermingled with the chatter of workers and the locals who spoke a differentnguage.


    "So, Captain," Edward called. "When do we meet our contact? We''ve arrived at the agreed time, after all."


    Richard turned towards Edward, his brow furrowing slightly. He understood the impatience in hisrade''s tone. They had meticulously nned their arrival, ensuring they were punctual for their meeting.


    "To be honest, I don''t know Edward. It''s not like we can call them right?" Richards let out a chuckle. "Just be patient, they''ll be here, because if they don''te here, who will protect them from the militias?"


    Just as Richards said that a white man approached them.


    "Excuse me, are you from the Tactical Aegis Services?"


    Richards turned to the man who had addressed them, his eyes scanning his appearance. The man stood slightly taller than average, with a sturdy build and a weathered face that spoke of years spent in challenging environments. His fair hair was peppered with streaks of gray, and a neatly trimmed beard framed his strong jawline.


    "Yes, we are from Aegis Tactical Services," Richards replied, his tone conveying both professionalism and curiosity. "I assume you''re our contact?"


    The man extended his hand in greeting, a warm smile ying on his lips. "Indeed, I am. William Kingley, at your service," he introduced himself. "I represent Axelsen & Nielsen Oil Mining Company. We appreciate your presence here. The situation at the oil infrastructure we''re building has be increasingly vtile, and we require your expertise to ensure the safety of our workers."


    Richard shook William''s hand firmly, acknowledging the weight of their responsibility.


    "I''m Captain Richards and these men behind me are my team," he stated, gesturing towards his fellow soldiers.


    As Richard introduced hisrades, the soldiers raised their hands in friendly waves, while some offered crisp salutes.


    "I see," William smiled at Richard''s gestures. "As you can see the country is still developing so there is no modern transportation such as trains, trams, or even automobiles to be found here. But what we have are camels. The hike is going to be a long one as there''s no port avable on the eastern side of the country."


    "Oh don''t worry about the hike, my men and I hiked a lot of distance during the civil war," Richards chuckled. "So, how far are we talking about?"


    William smiled before revealing the answer.


    "More than a thousand kilometers…"


    "Thousand kilometers?!" Richards and his men eximed, their eyes widening in disbelief at the sheer distance revealed by William.


    William nodded, understanding their astonishment. "Yes, it''s a considerable distance," he confirmed. "But don''t worry, we have a n to cover the vast expanse. We''ll embark on a five-day journey, making strategic stops along the way to rest, resupply, and ensure everyone''s well-being."


    The soldiers exchanged nces, their expressions a mix of determination and readiness. The prospect of a week-long trek through the arid desert presented a daunting challenge. But they are paid to do anything, so they couldn''tin.


    Edward broke the silence. "Well, at least we won''t be short on adventure," he quipped, earning a few chuckles from hisrades.


    Antonio let out a low whistle, his earlierint about the heat seemingly forgotten. "Looks like the scorching sun won''t be the only challenge we''ll face," he remarked.


    "This country should start building ports on the opposite side of their country," Richardsmented.


    "Well, they already have ports there, but they can''t amodate steamships," William exined. "Anyway, gentlemen, now that we have our introductions, why don''t we head out now? Time is of the essence, and we have a long journey ahead."


    Richard nodded, his eyes scanning the soldiers of Aegis Tactical Services. "You heard him, everyone. Prepare your gear, and double-check your equipment. Get all of our things in the camels provided by Mister Kingley," Richardmanded.


    The soldiers swiftly sprang into action, they lifted the wooden crates and ced them on the charrette which would be drawn by camels. Each soldier meticulously secured their gear to the saddles, ensuring nothing would be lost during the arduous journey.


    Antonio approached one of the camels, running his hand gently along its sturdy neck. "Captain, how do you ride a camel?"


    "Just like how you ride a horse," Richards replied with a smile. He demonstrated by mounting his own camel, gracefully settling into the saddle.


    His crew did exactly what he had shown to them and mounted their respective camels.


    "Oh, I forgot to introduce to you Captain, that person in the front is Ahmad, our guide," William pointed out. Ahmad, a local Bedouin with deep knowledge of the desert, stood confidently at the head of the camel caravan, his eyes scanning the horizon with a keen awareness of their surroundings.


    "Very well," Richards acknowledged.


    ***


    Four hourster, they arrived at the city of Taif and covered at least 170 kilometers. The night descended upon the desertndscape, casting a nket of darkness dotted with twinkling stars above. The soldiers and their camels found respite in a makeshift camp on the outskirts of Taif, their tired bodies yearning for rest.


    Somewhere not far away from the group was a man garbed in traditional Arabian clothing. He closed the window and turned at hisrades.


    "The Avalonian working on the oil mine seems to have brought some friends from his country. It''s time that we show them hospitality."


    After saying that, hisrades cocked their bolt-action rifles.