Scene 1: After the Firestorm
Location: Siachen Post, 20,000 ft above sea level – Pakistani side
The air was razor-sharp, thin, and bit at exposed skin with cruel consistency. Snowflakes drifted in slow spirals, gently dusting the barrels of guns and the steel helmets of the Phantom Team and accompanying Pak Army units.
Ubaid stood near the mouth of a camouflaged command tent, snow crunching under his boots. He pulled his scarf tighter around his face as he approached Major Zayan, who had just arrived with a small convoy of snowmobiles carrying rations and medical supplies.
"Sir," Ubaid saluted, his voice muffled slightly. "The good news is that our team and the supporting army unit are all safe and accounted for."
Zayan's gaze was hard and focused. "And the prisoners?"
"We have seventeen in custody," Ubaid replied. "Captured after the crossfire. Most of them are wounded but stable. They're being processed and moved to Skardu under guard."
Zayan gave a single nod. "And what about Zahid?"
Ubaid's jaw tightened. "Unfortunately… Zahid was spotted during reconnaissance. The Indian patrol opened fire. That's what triggered the engagement."
Zayan looked off toward the snow-capped ridges, eyes narrowing. "I assume the firefight was intense?"
"It was," Ubaid confirmed. "But Javaid… he delayed the advancing unit using a decoy setup. Changed into one of their fallen soldiers and walked right into their radio comms. Gave us just enough time to prepare."
Zayan let out a slow breath. "Brilliant move."
"And Major Mushtaq's Bravo Unit," Ubaid continued. "They led the counterstrike from the left ridge. Flanked the attackers. Without them, we might've lost control."
Zayan stepped forward, placed a hand on Ubaid's shoulder. "Excellent work, Captain. This was a chess game on ice… and you made the winning moves."
A faint crackle came through Zayan's earpiece — comms from GHQ. He turned and stepped aside, signaling Ubaid to stay close.
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Scene 2: Debrief in the Ice
Location: Mobile Command Tent – Forward Post Siachen
Inside the insulated tent, the heat was barely enough to keep frost from forming on the inside of the canvas. A map of the region was spread out over a folding table, with red markers showing the Indian advancement and green markers where Phantom and Bravo units had deployed.
Aliza, Aaliya, Sadia, Salman, and Kashif entered the tent, removing snow goggles and helmets. Their faces were red from windburn, but eyes alert and unwavering.
Javaid walked in last, still partially disguised in the Indian fatigues he had used in his infiltration. He offered a half-grin. "I'm retiring this uniform. It's bad luck now."
Ubaid smirked. "You earned every thread of it."
Zayan straightened. "Team… we were lucky this time. India tried to exploit the weather and terrain — no helicopters, no aerial support. Just man vs. mountain."
Kashif added, "They assumed we wouldn't reach the post in time."
"But they didn't account for you," Zayan looked around the room. "And they didn't expect we'd still be able to strike while climbing through ice storms and wind tunnels."
He pointed to the map. "There are still possible sleeper units on the north side of Ridge Delta. I want double sentries and drones scanning that route. We're not done yet."
"Yes, sir," Ubaid acknowledged.
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Scene 3: Casualties and Captives
Location: Temporary Medical Outpost – 1 km from Post-Alpha
Medics moved between heated tents where both Pakistani and Indian wounded were treated. Despite the conflict, the Geneva Convention was being followed.
Rizwan walked alongside Salman, both now part of the extraction team. They escorted an injured Indian soldier, his arm wrapped tightly in gauze.
Salman leaned in, whispering, "Rizwan, you think they'll talk?"
Rizwan shrugged. "Some already are. They're surprised we treated their wounds. That breaks a lot of propaganda."
Salman smirked. "Truth always punches harder."
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Scene 4: A Moment to Reflect
Location: Outside Command Tent – Snowfield Overlook
As the sun began to dip below the icy peaks, Zayan and Ubaid stepped out for air. The sky turned gold and pink, casting soft light across the frozen battlefield.
Zayan pulled out a flask and handed it to Ubaid. "Karachi-style coffee. Smuggled it up in my backpack."
Ubaid laughed, accepting the warm drink. "You're a legend."
They stood in silence for a few beats, sipping, watching the wind push snow across distant ridges.
"I remember when Major Hamza led these missions," Zayan finally said. "I used to sit in his chair… just observing. Now it's my desk."
"You've honored it well, sir," Ubaid replied.
Zayan turned, eyes full of conviction. "We've got one more ridge to secure. After that, maybe… maybe a real vacation."
Ubaid chuckled. "Gwadar, right? Volleyball again?"
Zayan smiled faintly. "Only if we don't lose the ball in the sea this time."
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Scene 5: Final Briefing – Operation Ice Sentinel
Location: Mobile Command Tent
As the team gathered one last time that night, Zayan addressed them with clarity and pride.
"This mission isn't just about defending snow and stone. It's about standing between danger and our people. Every inch of this glacier matters."
He looked at Kashif, who was cleaning his sniper rifle. "Kashif, I want you on the north watch. If anything moves within 2 km — I want eyes on it before it breathes."
"Yes, sir."
"Javaid, your disguises saved lives today. You'll be part of infiltration planning for the next ridge."
"Got it."
"Aaliya, Sadia, Aliza — comms, logistics, and med-evac will run through your stations. You're the spine of this mission."
"Yes, sir!" they replied together.
"Salman, Rizwan — keep the prisoners secure and assist the Army with debriefs. Some of them might have details about other border activities."
"We're on it," Rizwan responded.
Zayan stepped back. "You're Phantom Force. Our ghosts in the snow. Let the world never see you coming — but always feel you were there."
He paused.
"Good night. Rest. We climb at 0400."
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