A/N: The battle continues. And now the Communists and its associates had entered the fray too. How the government forces will deal with both rebels at the same time?

......

3 July 2034, 0634 hour, Cirebon City, West Java.

PFC. Abraham Goenadi, 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company, 190th Pelangi Nusantara Volunteer Infantry Battalion, National Volunteer Force

"This is the situation, reinforcements had arrived here in Darsono road and now took up position in the terminal and that monument. And now, after this sector of the road has been secured the Captain want our company to immediately reinforce the local fighters, National Guardsmen, and police holding and clearing one of the most important housing complexes in this city which it's status are considered contested," said our Lt. Rustanto as he was showing the tactical map in his tablet to us, here in our temporary bivouac inside the abandoned bus station.

"Here. PERUMNAS (National Housing) Cirebon, recon had reported that NII fighters present there are now clashing with the communist fighters as well. This will be a three-way fighting so keep your eyes peeled. Remember, you're the hunter, and both reds and greens are the prey. Freedom isn't free!" The entire platoon replied "Rainbows!"

"Hurry up, drones!" warned the company headquarters as we're running into our armored trucks.

"Boom!"

"Just in a nick of time, right, Sergeant?" asked Janice to our squad leader. Stephen replied. "Indeed..." in reference to terrorist FPV kamikaze drones that were just reported as intercepted near the terminal.

The column immediately advanced into a large intersection passing ruined houses, apartments, and shops. After the lead vehicle completed its turn..

"RPG!"

Jihadists, as expected, and machine guns atop the trucks started to open up, followed by a rendezvous with style with the regulars riding their bigger troop carriers, 30 and 35mm guns blazing.

Yet we needed to go separate ways, as regular army convoy turned left toward Rajawali Raya road or continued straight in Ahmad Yani road while we volunteers turned right into Ciremai Raya road, the main access to PERUMNAS Cirebon, Then we're greeted by a volley of rifle and machine-gun fire in houses and shops inside the complex; we entered the enemy's sector. Machine and miniguns, supported by grenade launchers pelted the enemy position in retaliation. Handy, tasked as the gunner in our MRAP is part of the effort; he fired the minigun mounted in the vehicle's turret in a short burst towards windows and rooftops, which managed to reduce the amount of fire hammering our vehicle.

Later Stephen ordered us to dismount and advance on foot. Putu took her SS3 and searching for good position to support her comrade's advance.

"Be advised I see a group of bandits with heavy MG, on the top of that abandoned shop near the Ganesha Operations after-school education center (bimbel) building" - Koreans and Japanese called those places cram school.

Stephen lead us to flank the enemy and moved down into Gunung Rinjani street under heavy fire. The building and its fences are already damaged; and when we approached the building four jihadi fighters burst out from the ruins; Immediately I fired my F2000 toward an African-looking fighter, struck him in the chest before I reloaded. Rudi also eliminated a fighter besides the one I had killed with his SS2 and backed me for a while I am reloading; others run as fast as they can into the building.

In the first classroom, two rebels got gunned down, while William and his fireteam reported a successful clearance of the adjoining classroom. Finally Fujita's expatriate team cleared what we had bypassed.

Then we head to the second floor.

"Room clear!" It's Agnes, reporting that the first classroom on that floor was empty, while the second classroom was inaccessible due to the fallen I-beam, the rest were empty except one which contained three fighters.

Upon we downed the last rebel, I checked his body and later, Stephen said. "I think I know who this guy was..."

After checking his IFS database.

"This is the military commander of the NII in this city, and he is a Pakistani named Umar Khorasani, nom de guerre "Badr". A good idea to blend with his men, but in the end, he got his comeuppance." he smiled. We took a picture with his dead body and sent it via datalink to higher command. Soon we climb a stair leading to the roof, and the sergeant was the first to open fire and immediately dispatched the rebel HMG crew. The shop's rooftop is connected with the building with improvised wooden stairs.

Then "Be advised we have a group of technicals approaching, ID'ed as FDNI, get ready. FPV had destroyed some, but they kept coming". Upon the announcement, I volunteered to help man the HMG to took out the enemy technicals, along with Agnes, William, and Putu who need higher vantage points to engage enemy snipers. Minutes later William manned the MG while I and Agnes help in feeding the weapon, while Putu, as usual, engaging enemies at the rooftop of houses and stores with her SS3.

Below we can see several local militias, centered in one local hospital, engaging enemies supported by what I think was commandoes. Our friends below were later reinforced by two slat armor equipped Anoa 3 APC which fired it's grenade launchers and machine guns towards suspected enemy positions in buildings nearby.

Then we can hear engine sounds from the left side of our position. 

"Here we go" William told me to aim the HMG towards the source of the sound, 7 technicals in total. Red flags and its variants, namely red-black told us whose faction those things belonged to.

I promptly fired and the first technical blown up instantly after it's fuel tank was ignited by the tracer round. The second attempt to fire back with its own HMG but its crew were killed before they can properly aim the weapon, and a rocket from the hospital finished the technical and the surrounding hostile fighters. The rest charged directly towards our position but the cars weren't rated to withstand .50 cal rounds, in concert with grenade launchers fired by the Anoa supporting our advance. William later re-aimed the gun towards the surviving communist fighters who were still engaging our forces on the road and fired again.

I also supported him with rifle fire, along with Agnes. Chaos reigned; I think I saw some muzzle flashes from Islamic rebels still hiding on buildings and houses aimed toward the communists, and they fell both from our fire and the NII one. Later a drone flew overhead and fired two air to surface missiles towards pre-determined targets striking both the NII jihadis and FDNI communist fighters.

After the enemy in the area has been dealt with, the squad regrouped. We abandon the HMG and went down into the road below via ladders.

At 0755 we heard a beat of helicopter rotors; and soon a pair of Apaches arrived with cannons blazing, protecting four Navy UH-1Y Venoms which hovered, dropping a platoon worth of Marines as well as evacuating some wounded fighters into hospital ships on the coast of Cirebon or the Mobile Combat Hospital in Majalengka.

FPVs were the main reason of many wounds...

"Thank you, drones" I can hear the Lieutenant whispered - those things help keep RPG wielding rebels and drone operators off those chopper's back, otherwise it would be Black Hawk Down scenario...

The Marine lieutenant in charge later rendezvoused with Captain Wuwur and the regular army Captain somewhere near the hospital and introduced himself as Lieutenant Rokhim Jayawarman, C Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based in Surabaya.

Later Ramlan's radio crackled, it's Captain Wuwur. "We've obtained intercepted NII radio traffic in this area indicated they are being pressed and close to losing positions in Perumnas by the communists"

More questions, then prompt answers from the Captain.

"Alpha Victor 6 is to keep moving following the road, follow the Marines and listen to their orders as necessary."

We later advance on foot, slowly and steadily, following the newly arrived Marines and backed by Anoas who slowly moved too and it's grenade launchers swiveled left and right looking for enemies. Sharpshooters, snipers, and multicopters includimg FPVs provide overwatch and scanning rooftops and windows for the enemy HVTs (snipers, anti-armor, scouts, drone operators, or even collaborators and commanders).

Upon saw the ruined technicals near the market and hospital, I found a dead communist fighter nearby and we stopped for a while checking the body, riddled with .50 cal bullets. And I see a patch in his improvised uniform; I ripped it off; the patch is round with white-colored pumped fist imposed in a red and black circle. Upon giving it to William, his face darkened a bit. "Abe, I think I know who we are facing".

"Fellas, listen up" the corporal called the squad for attention, then Stephen also stepped aside him. "Sergeant and everyone, the enemy we just encountered in technicals are anarchists, named ANARKONESIA (from the word Anarchist and Indonesia). They are part of the larger international anarchist guerilla forces which also active here in Indonesia, named International Revolutionary People's Guerilla Forces (IRPGF). This foreign group was active since 2017 back in the Syrian Civil War, fighting under the banner of International Freedom Battalion (IFB), an international left-wing armed force supporting a so-called "democratic" northern federation in the northern part of the country, the Rojava, with their military the Syrian Democratic Forces, against the Syrian government forces, Arab Gulf states backed Syrian Opposition (like the FSA), and ISIS. And trust me, some of IFB/Rojava/SDF veterans were definitely present here in Indonesia, some were on our side, through."

"Back to the IRPGF, they have no leader due to their ideology, so it's harder to crack; and after the Syrian Civil War ended in 2019 and Rojava become semi-autonomous like Iraqi Kurdistan with its Peshmerga fighters, this organization expanded their reach thanks to their internationalist spirit, and developing countries like us are one of their prey. In fact, during the last administration Anarkonesia pledged allegiance and support to the IRPGF and claimed responsibility for the bombing of several banks nationwide in 2027 (the first time the IRPGF declaring their presence in Indonesia) up to 2030, including one attempt in the Central Bank's (Bank Indonesia) headquarters in Jakarta. and also engage in street clashes with Islamist groups and thugs linked to many dirty politicians and businesspersons. They also engaged in blackmail, exposures, but increasingly, assassination, of anyone accused of corruption, to the consternation of the authorities (e.g. the CEC, Police, and the Prosecutor Office)."

"2 governors, 2 regent's head/bupati, 3 mayors, 22 regional and central member of parliaments, 6 attorneys, and 10 judges, and god knows how many cops, clerics, businessmen, government employees, teachers and school principals. Four journalists also had been killed by those people before the war, too."

"Now in this war, the IRPGF had affiliated with the FDNI's foreign fighter wing, the International Democratic Battalions (Batalyon Demokratik Internasional in Bahasa Indonesia), which I already say contains veterans from the IFB/SDF in Syria. Inspired largely by the International Brigades in Spain during its civil war from 1936 to 1939."

"Communist scum," I growled.

After the revelation and passing the intelligence to allied forces in the area, we continued our advance and soon arrived at an intersection. 

We turned left towards Mount Malabar Street, and then we're engaged by unknown enemies from houses. One of them was in a white-walled house in front of a T-intersection.

Drone views also allowed us to learn about another force supporting us. An NVF foreign volunteer battalion - the language they speak showed that they're either Russian or Ukrainian, but I suppose the latter, hardened from war and awashed in victory, and an element of these Slavs were also being engaged in house to house fighting, alongside HANRA militias.

"Return fire!". I selected burst fire and once again let the F2000 did its work. Due to the consideration of civilians, I decided to keep the RPG in the back. The Marines also opened fire, some engaged their 40 mike-mike grenade launchers.

"We're going to enter and clear those houses supporting the marines! Split up, Fujita and team, you'll with me near that internet cafe and prepare for any contingencies." barked Stephen. "And watch for IEDs!"

......

3 July 2034, 0855 hours, Perumnas, Cirebon City, West Java.

PFC. Handy Jayakusuma, 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company, 288th Pelangi Nusantara Volunteer Infantry Battalion, National Volunteer Force.

It's time to work.

"Handy, covering fire, the rest of you, fix bayonets." commanded William.

The marines also did the same thing.

Later on, they are the first to enter by firing an M100 Grenade Rifle Entry Munition rifle-mounted breaching grenade.

"Boom!" The ensuing breach was accompanied by cries of pain and confusion from the communists inside.

People will ask "why not call an FPV strike on them" but alas, we have a battle to win.

"Go!!"

I fired several shots from "Theresa" to cover the entry of the assault team, and later I decided to enter close combat myself with my pistol.

An anarchist fighter burst out from a room, only to be shot dead by a marine, which entered the room and confirmed it clear. I searched the house's bathroom and found a fighter, known by the uniform he wears, are conducting business in the closet. He suddenly lunged with a knife - possibly targeting a Marine in front of me - only to be dispatched by three 9mm slugs in the neck.

Another room, a bedroom "Clear!"

Later we checked the third bedroom which also functioned as a study room, this time two fighters try to resist but quickly keeled over, dead by the marines entering the room. Then another marine told his leader. "Sir, I think that used car shop beside this house also has enemies hiding or even a supply depot. I suggest we check it out"

"Volunteers, follow my lead" said the lead marine, before he later ordered one of his men put C4 charges and detonate it.

"BOOM"

"Breaching!" I fired a short burst from my MG covering the assault team, mowed down two fighters in the process and the rest fell back to their defensive positions further inside the used car showroom. But upon entered the shop there was a big surprise...

I can see 3-4 remaining anarchist fighters were hiding in the small office behind the car showroom, and suddenly I recognize one of them, wearing a wool hat and have a scar in his left cheek, who was firing from his Caracal-816 rifle towards us, I dared myself to once again used my pistol. After reloading the magazine, I leapfrogged towards the office, covered behind two cars inside the showroom, and return fire. He later went out, seems to recognize me, and lowered his rifle. He's already taken a bullet in his left arm.

"Handy?"

"Felix? What have you done with those people?" I asked him, still holding my pistol.

It's time to tell one of my family secrets, which not even William and the rest of my friend in the Rainbows know. I've got a cousin named Felix. One year older than me. His full name? Felix Angsana. He is one of my cousins from my mother's side. Quite a rebellious kid, especially since he entered college three years ago in President University in Bekasi. His father often went abroad from his business trip. When the war broke out, he left his parents and join the ANARKONESIA.

"Now what are you doing with those TNI fascists, Handy?" he sneered. Behind me, William, Agnes, Abe and two marines pointed their guns at him. "Why you fight for the lost cause, a reactionary cause? He asked again still holding his bleeding arm, "Do you know that even Mr. Tanudjaja is part of the imperialists, the oligarchs who squeezing the sweat and blood of our people to the bone?"

"Damn it, Felix, quit this nonsense now. You don't know what awaits you if your cause had won in the end! Look at what's Che or Castro has done to some of his associates and to their own countrymen after seizing Cuba, for example. Or Mao, Or Stalin, Or Pol Pot, Or Kim, Or Chavez."

Felix continued his communistic tirade while manage to cover his wound by his towel. "You paramilitaries and thugs in uniform are just pawn for those neo-liberals and  the bourgeoisie-compradors interest of our country and, I tell you that the past administration's fascist policy is the cause of this chaos by repressing the people's genuine struggle for their rights of living, self-determination like the Papuans for example, national liberation, social justice, and just peace, just like what our founding father's want." The marines, definitely dislike hearing the remark of being thugs, were putting their fingers on the trigger and ready to pull it.

"Felix, listen to me at once! You and I are still families, and as a family, I can and should help you. I will guarantee these men will not hurt you if you give yourself up and get out of this madness. Besides, you're already wounded and we will heal you. That's right, you will face trial and possibly some time in the camp but think of your loved ones which can accept you back after you're serving your time. Your parents, Uncle Awang and Auntie Karlina prayed for your safety and want you to be back. Can you, for once think about their feelings? Those who raise you and teach you about life? And how about your sister, Kezia, and your elder brother, Tony? They loved you and want you to return home at any cost, Felix!"

"My parents didn't care about me, they just want more money, and I know what my father has done! His company is a part of the global company that supports land grabbing and exploitation of the peasantry here in Indonesia. You definitely know its name, it's also doing business with your father. And for sake of the cause, I no longer care of family ties whatsoever, and you definitely know such thing will be the norm if you have a family who joins the NII, which is part of the reactionary push against the cause of national liberation anyway, same as the ISIS back then."

"Well, right here and now I must care, and do you know what one of our tenets as a soldier? Saving lives including enemies that were incapacitated and unable to fight anymore. Because we are Indonesians after all. Now it's your final chance to get things right. Surrender, or if you resist, any plausible action will be applied which can mean your death and your parents will mourn your losses." I unlocked my pistol as a final warning.

He didn't listen.

Instead, he signaled two of his remaining comrades to help him. They burst out from two rooms, the office, and the toilet and in slow motion, William was the first to open fire at one hostile fighter.

"You're no longer my cousin, time to die with them, you fascist stooge!" He lunged at me, then slashed his knife at me and I soon fell due to the weight of the MG I carried. Then, Agnes was first to pull the trigger, then Abe, and later, the marines with their SS4 and various AR-15 derivatives.

Felix fell in his back, his knife dropped on the concrete floor of the showroom's garage.

"Clear... 4 EKIA repeat 4 EKIA" reported the marine sergeant leading the team, then he faced me, in a polite Javanese accent. "Sorry for your losses, Private Handy. He had made his choice and he had paid the price for that and before you feel that guilt and beat yourselves up, let me tell you, as your fellow soldier, that what happens today is never your fault. We (regular military) have seen worst thing than this. In fact, I have to off my brother, literal brother somewhere in Pati (Regency)"

I replied to the marine, "It's okay, sir. It's his choice anyway. He could just give up and have his chance for redemption, but he decided the so-called "national liberation" cause become his undoing."

"Anti-fascist, national liberation, national democracy, my ass." cursed William as he gazed at Felix's body and to emphasize his point, he spit on his face.

Honestly, he's lucky that he's already dead, as several Marine infantry companies had a reputation for canoeing, a practice originated from U.S SEAL Team Six in which dead or in our case, even near-dying enemy combatants had "their skulls split open by a rifle or pistol round at the upper forehead, exposing their brain matter". A similar report had also come from the Army, primarily the Red Berets special forces and paratrooper battalions, and some Army National Guard foreign volunteer units.

This kind of division in allegiance is what war, especially civil war, can do to families.