"Did the images come through?" Salsedo asked the communications officer beside him.
"The last images came in three minutes ago, sir. They have at least two companies of troops and mortar batteries."
Salsedo nodded and picked up the walkie-talkie: "Proceed as planned. Anti-tank teams, keep an eye on their armored vehicles. Remember, hold fire until they're within 300 meters. I want their first wave to fall right here."
800 meters northwest of the village, the French Army's attack starting line.
Colonel Durand emerged halfway from the top hatch of the VAB armored vehicle, observing the village with a pair of binoculars. He was wearing the standard French Army F2 camouflage, with the Foreign Legion's red flame insignia prominently on his right arm.
"The Italians botched it; now it's our turn to make the Mexicans remember the colors of France."
