Space Brigade

The rain poured down relentlessly through the trees canopy on the surface of Secunda. Captain Pala Toms wiped the wetness from his eyes, saying.

“Couldn’t have been nicer weather could it!”

Cap Beeta nodded in answer; he huddled himself together, rubbing his hands up and down his arms.

“We have until five thirty hours to locate the target. Once the sun comes up it’ll get damn hot out here, and predators get very hungry!” Colonel Raga advised.

After a short pause to glance at the wall of vegetation around them, he continued.

“Pala, Blue Group to my right. Cap, Green Group to my left, Red Group will go

straight north. Any questions?”

Neither spoke they both knew what was required.

“Ok, let’s get to it. Move out fast and quiet; send your scouts out no more than three hundred meters.”

The two Captains acknowledged with a quick nod and rushed to their respective groups.

“You ready Major?” Raga asked Tantis.

“As ready as ever Sir. This damn rain’s going to make matters worse through.”

“Well we can’t always have sunshine and a straight path to follow. Qwerti, no more than three hundred meters.” Raga told his Chief of Lithian Scouts.

“Sure thing Colonel.” Qwerti answered as he glided swiftly into the dense bush.

Raga waited a couple of minutes giving Qwerti and the other scouts enough time to take up position, then ordered Red Group forward.

Slowly and steadily the three groups parted, Red Group heading North, Blue Group heading North West, and Green Group heading North East.

General Mi Hancy waited along with his Chief of Staff, Colonel Alum Daws, in drop deck eight; they were going over final strategies.

“We’ll go with assault plan B, Alum.” Mi stated.

“Affirmative.” Daws replied.

Colonel Alum Daws, a professional soldier of a lifetime’s service; he had been involved and even masterminded several large-scale assaults.

His experience would be invaluable to Hancy. He had been attached to Phoenix Marine for several months transferring from Marine Tactics at the personal request of Admiral Torre.

Daws had previously served with Torre during the battle of Kortus Five; where he had received the highest honour for bravery from the Coalition. He is a well-liked and trusted officer. His men would follow his orders without question, sure in the fact he would not put their lives at unnecessary risk. Daws always put his men first.

“Tormac-sol shouldn’t be too difficult to take as long as Bel-tel’ Rats take care of Burrena!” Daws remarked.

“Let’s hope so.” Mi answered as he studied his holo-map.

On the Phoenix’ bridge, Lieutenant Norret swung round from her station and announced.

“Sir, I have a faint signal on frequency twenty-five stroke six.”

“Enhance.” Captain Mittvn ordered.

Norret fiddled with her controls for a while then reported.

“It’s Colonel Telson; they’ve taken the Quat-tar communications centre, and now control all planet based sensors.”

“Signal the other ships we’re going in!” Torre announced.

The Phoenix’ bridge became an instant hive of activity. Captain Mittvn began relaying dropship coordinates to the dropship pilots over the intercom. Lieutenant Norret busied herself scanning all frequencies for any signs of approaching vessels. Navigation plotted vectors to take the Phoenix into Secunda’ orbit; the helmsman reported readiness.

“Move all ships to Secunda orbit. Set all scanners to maximum.” Torre ordered.

The Firebird manoeuvred along side the Phoenix while the Wildstar took point, and the Clemmence the rear. Throughout the ship alert sirens sounded, announcing the impending assault.

“OK let’s get aboard the dropships.” Mi Hancy said.

Colonel Daws made a hand signal to the waiting troops; they immediately took their departure positions lining up ready to enter their assigned dropships. Another hand signal from Daws and they entered quickly and without fuss.

Once the Phoenix force reached Secunda orbit; the Wildstar and Clemmence took up their protective mode, virtually orbiting the Phoenix.

“All dropships at alert status. All loading tubes retracted.” Mittvn confirmed.

Admiral Torre checked his armrest chronometer and asked.

“How long has Pierce Force had?”

“One hour; sun’s up in two.” Mittvn replied quickly

Torre thought for a few moments, then said.

“Hold launch for another thirty minutes, Raga needs more time.”

Mittvn left his station and moved close to Torre. He bent close and said quietly.

“Admiral, Colonel Telson might be discovered should anyone try to send a communiqué; perhaps we shouldn’t delay the attack?”

“Your recommendation is noted Captain, but we’ll hold.”

“As you wish Sir.” Mittvn answered and returned to his station.

Green Group had progressed approximately one and a half kilometres when they came across Lieutenant Kolx. He was sitting calmly on a rotting log chewing a Lithian Sloat weed. The rain had finally stopped, although the ground was still sodden. As Green Group approached, Kolx jumped from the log and raised his hand signalling them to stop.

Cap Beeta hurried over to Kolx as the others took the chance to rest. Kolx unceremoniously spat out the offending weed as Beeta came near.

“What’s up?”

Kolx flipped his thumb over his shoulder.

“Swamp!”

Cap peered over Kolx’ shoulder and saw the misty edge of the jellied sludge.

“Can you find a way through?”

“Probably, but there could be many dangers out there. I have heard several strange noises while I’ve been waiting.”

“Predatory?”

“Could be, but I cannot say for sure.”

“Well I think we’ll have to risk it, it’d take too long to find another route anyway!”

Kolx acknowledged and quickly moved out over the swamps surface, his Lithian ability to float keeping him from sinking. Cap signalled the others and each one sank up to their waists as they entered. The swamp would make for heavy going; Cap hoped it would not last too long.

They trudged onwards; the sticky drab green slime clinging to their clothes, their skin, their equipment; the stench infiltrating and abusing their nostrils. After fifteen minutes or so of slowly, cautiously pushing their way ahead, someone shouted.

“WHAT THE NAME OF HALON HELL WAS THAT?”

“Keep it down back there!” Cap reprimanded as he retraced his steps.

“Sorry sir, but something just touched my leg.” Trooper Beni responded as he eyed the surface and prodded at the floating crust with his laser rifle.

“Any idea what it was?” Cap asked while watching the surface.

“No Sir.”

Cap eyed the swamp taking in as much as he could; when he found nothing he said.

“Alright keep moving, anyone else sees anything knife it.”

Blue Group struggled with the dense vegetation, using their laser knives to chop their way through. Trooper Wovak and Trooper Waylane were at point hacking roughly at the twisted thick vines that blocked the way.

“Wish I’d never got into this bleeding outfit. I’ll be glad to get out’a this stinking jungle.” Waylane moaned as he swung his knife again.

Waylane’ multi-coloured face rapidly reworked its colours, nothing out of the ordinary for a Dalison hybrid.

“Keep it down and keep cutting or we’ll be pulling point for the rest of this bloody outing!” Wovak replied as he hacked another thick length off. They swung the hot vibrating knives with precision forming a small trail for the others to follow.

Blue Groups Lithian scout, Sergeant Tela had already marked the way. Abruptly Wovak stopped and grabbed Waylane’ arm, forcing him to stop cutting. Waylane yanked his arm away and was about to shout off his mouth, when Wovak said quietly.

“Shush; listen!”

Waylane turned his senses towards the jungle. At first there was nothing, all was silent. Then he heard a rustling; a rustling noise at ground level. The rest of Blue Group had nearly caught up; Wovak silently signalled them to halt.

The rustling became more constant as Captain Toms joined them. He immediately signalled the others to cover. Blue Group scattered silently into the undergrowth. The rustling stopped for what seemed like hours, but was only in reality seconds.

Blue Group remained still in their concealment, not daring to make the slightest sound, their weapons targeting the area of the now soundless rustling. Slowly, where Wovak and Waylane had been cutting, the jungle parted.

“You can all come out now! It’s only me.” Sergeant Tela announced in her shrill Lithian tones.

“What the hell are you playing at Tela?” Pala snapped angrily as he extracted himself from a thorny bush.

“I did not mean to startle you Sir; I have found a trail about two hundred meters to our left. I thought we could skirt it and cover more ground quicker!” Tela answered sheepishly.

She had only been a scout for two months; Qwerti had picked her from the many eager new recruits Lithia had sent him.

“Orders are to avoid any signs of the Quat-tar you know that. That trail might be patrolled.” Pala reprimanded, but kept it as gentle as he could.

“Well with all the noise we’re making hacking at this stuff, we’ll be heard long before we find the target!” Tela stated almost defiantly.

Pala considered Tela’ point; they would make better headway without having to deal with this wall of thorny greenery. Finally he answered.

“Ok, take us to this trail, but we skirt the sides only. And you make sure we don’t step on any land-traps, or trip any bobby traps.”

“Leave it to me Sir.” Tela responded and glided back into the jungle.

Blue Group followed. Trooper Waylane nudged Wovak in his side.

“Thank Volas for that. I’ve had enough of this stinking thing.” He whispered as he holstered his laser knife.

“Give it a rest, nobody wants to hear it!” Pala scolded as he edged Waylane forward with a shove.

“Time?” Torre inquired.

“ Four fifteen hours standard Coalition time.” Mittvn quickly replied.

“Prepare to launch main assault force, Raga’ had time enough!”

Once again the sirens sounded on every deck of the Phoenix. Blue lights flashed continuously inside waiting dropships. Pilots prepared to fire up their engines as soon as they were free from the carrier. Deck technicians hurried about making final adjustments.

Colonel Chazz had transferred back to the Phoenix and made his report; noting the Firebird’ tremendous speed and manoeuvrability would be of great use to the Network. The stealth mode and personal shielding he neglected to add; keeping these for a higher authority; his first calling and duty was to the DCO.

Telson’ commandoes had taken the communication centre by complete surprise. Most of Tormac-sol was oblivious to their presence. Secunda was now alone; no message could be sent to Quat-tar Prime without the Network’ knowledge. Once the main marine force landed, Telson would be free to continue to his next target.

Admiral Torre paced the bridge anxiously; Raga had failed to report, he was late.

“Shouldn’t we have heard by now?” Bel-tel stated.

Torre threw him a look of annoyance and said.

“Shouldn’t you be with your dropships?”

“I’m on my way Sir.” Bel-tel responded as he headed for the exit.

“Docking release mechanisms on line; handing over to computerised launch.” Mittvn announced.

“All bridge personnel to the war-bridge.” Torre ordered.

Everyone on the bridge took their relevant posts and strapped into their seats. Captain Mittvn glanced round, checking everyone was where he or she should be.

Torre nodded; Mittvn flipped several switches. All occupied seats began to descend through the deck, down to the darkened war-bridge below. When they were all in place, and the command bridge sealed, the war-bridge lighting activated.

The war-bridge is far different from the one above. No white walls, no spacious deck, no entrance or exits. Here everything was essential to running the attack. Every foot of space was crammed with military apparatus.

In the centre, four officers commanded by Lieutenant Norret now manned a large hexagonal console. Many small coloured lights blinked round the consoles edge.

Terminals all around flashed to life as Norret brought the war-bridge to attack status. Two large transparent screens flickered to life, depicting Secunda and the Phoenix’ position.

“Power up defence grid; all weapons on standby.” Torre ordered as he tapped away at his armrests controls.

Captain Mittvn now took his station next to the Admiral.

“Bring up tactical.” He said.

One of the transparent screens was immediately overlaid with the tactical graphic of the predetermined flight-paths of the dropship force.

“Defence grid on line. Tactical operational.” Norret confirmed.

“Dropship status?” Torre inquired.

“All dropships activated and ready.” Mittvn replied.

“Admiral, message from Colonel Telson. Awaiting main attack force; ready to move to secondary target.” Norret relayed.

“Launch when ready Captain.”

Mittvn entered several digits into his left-hand terminal and said.

“Computer launch active.”

Small explosions could be heard as the computer fired the release mechanisms and docking clamps. One hundred and sixty dropships fell from the Phoenix’ wings. They fell nose first, fifty feet, one hundred feet, two hundred feet. Their engines fired and they levelled off heading for Secunda.

Taking their predetermined flight-paths, they headed for the surface. Twelve dropships veered off from the main body, Bel-tel’ Rats heading for Burrena. The rest remained on their vector, heading for Tormac-sol.

The newly assigned space ambulances broke away and headed for their allocated holding area where they would wait until needed.

“All dropships away. Trajectories true and stable.” Norret announced.

Blue Group had managed to cover a large distance skirting the trail. Tela had been as good as her word, marking any land-traps and immobilizing any surveillance drones she had come across.

As they neared a bend in the trail, Tela came rushing back. Pala halted the group as she slid to a stop in front of him, almost toppling him over.

“Sorry Sir. A Quat-tar patrol about three hundred metres back.” She reported as she tried to catch her breath.

Pala silently signalled Blue Group to cover, then quietly told Sergeant Vuptan to conceal any signs of their presence.

“No firing.” Pala whispered to the trooper next to him; and his order went quietly and swiftly down the line.

Tela crouched next to him and pointed to the far side of the trail. Pala looked and saw Lieutenant Adams who could be seen clearly from the trail. He dropped his head in despair, and when he looked again, he just caught sight of Adams being dragged further into the bush. Vuptan poked his head out and nodded. Pala sighed in relief and made a mental note to reprimand Adams for being an idiot.

The wait was not long. Soon the sound of Quat-tar voices grew. Moments later they came into view. Forty of them, all armed to the hilt. They casually strolled along not expecting any trouble.

Suddenly a bush to their right shook, the Quat-tar warriors instantly swung their heavy laser rifles on the target. The bush shook again. Two warriors moved cautiously forward. As they neared, the bush shook more violently. Two deep red lances of energy penetrated the reddish brown bush, turning it instantly to black ash.

From further back, behind the now crumbled black bush, without warning a six-legged shaggy beast pounced. One of the warriors fired; his shot went wide missing the beast by several feet. The beast did not miss, catching the warrior by the throat with its slobbering jaws.

The warrior screamed as the beast twisted and flipped him into the air. He fell hard onto a twisted vine, his bones cracking on impact. As quick as a flash the beast was on the other warrior who had panicked and dropped his rifle. The beast butted him in his stomach forcing him to the damp ground. His comrades periodically raised their weapons, trying to gain a kill shot, but the beast kept rolling taking the warrior with it. His screams mingled with the snapping sound of the undergrowth.

A shot sounded out. The warrior’ screams ended. Another shot and a lance of burning light scorched its way through the beast’ torso. It shook violently, dropped to one side; its breathing became erratic, its hot breath forming clouds of steam from its flared nostrils.

The Quat-tar officer who had fired stepped over the corpse of his fallen comrade and fired again. The beast’ head was fried; its matt black fur oozed thick pink liquid, its six legs quivered then became motionless.

One of the others checked the fallen warrior and reported he was still alive. His body was torn and battered; his face scratched and splattered with his own blood. One of his legs was lying at an awkward angle.

The officer looked at him for a moment then without saying anything raised his pistol and ended the warrior’ life. The rest of the detachment remained silent as two recovered the dead warrior’ weapons.

“Move on.” The officer ordered, not giving the fallen men another glance.

They continued on, passing the hiding places of blue group, oblivious to their presence.

General Bel-tel’ Rats landed safely and they headed out for Burrena in their terrain hoppers. Bel-tel called a halt three kilometres out.

“Major Vadier, send out the scouts. Have them reconnoitre the area between us and Burrena.”

“Yes Sir.” Vadier snapped back sharply and contacted the scout hopper.

While they waited the terrain hoppers powered down. The dark grey, spiked tracked troop carriers turn off their running lights, but kept their turret lasers active. Their wide long spiked tracks made them able to traverse almost any surface. Each track working independently and enabling the hopper to remain upright even when going into deep ravines or up steep inclines. Their heavy duty shielding could withstand several direct hits from the most powerful of laser cannons.

The scout hopper returned. There were no signs of Quat-tar activity between them and Burrena military base.

“Major I want you to take a company and enter Burrena. Knock out all their surveillance and sentries. Once done, contact me and I’ll bring the rest of the force.” Bel-tel ordered pompously.

Vadier did not bother answering; he was used to Bel-tel’ off handed way of issuing orders. He exited the command hopper and jumped into his companies attack hopper, then made ready to move out.

Explosion after explosion erupted as Hancy’ marine force advanced on Secunda’ capital. Armoured terrain hoppers deposited troops on every corner as they moved further into the city.

Mi Hancy had set up his headquarters in an old battered building on the fringe of Tormac-sol. Inside, men were busying themselves setting up the direct communications console, linking all ground forces.

Hancy and Daws were bent over a stone table in the centre of the room.

“How far have we gone?” Mi inquired looking down at the map.

“We virtually hold the Eastern sector. Colonel Telson has moved on to Secunda central command.” Daws confirmed.

“What’s their defence?”

“Recon estimate five brigades are barracked next to the centre, that’s why we’re having to fight for every metre. o tho tho tho tho tho tho tho thce had found out about them before we attacked!” Daws answered obviously annoyed with the intelligence boffins for not giving him adequate, and up to the minute news on movements of the enemy.

Hancy tapped the map.

“Have the Sixth Brigade fight their way through to Telson; he’s going to need all the help we can give him.”

Just then, a trooper snapped to attention at the edge of the table. Daws acknowledged and took the message the trooper was holding, glanced at it and said.

“The Third Brigade has run into heavy resistance in sector three. Major Punc requests support.”

Mi traced the route to sector three with his finger then answered.

“Signal them to hold, and we’ll get them some support as soon as we can.”

The waiting trooper hurried back to his station to send the signal.

“It’s a bloody mess!” Mi stated quietly.

“That’s not the worst of it.” Daws remarked as he pointed to the map and said.

“Marine Force Five are pinned down in sector seven, they haven’t made any headway at all. And there are unconfirmed reports of several mobile plasma missile launchers roaming around somewhere. Its as if Burrena has moved their entire military contingent into Tormac-sol!”

For the next few minutes Hancy and Daws discussed alternative strategies.

Suddenly the air filled with an ear-piercing shriek; a few seconds later the rear wall collapsed in clouds of dust and debris as explosion after explosion ripped through the building. Everyone bashed for cover, finding shelter as best they could. When one explosion died out another erupted, then another and another. The building filled with dust and smoke; the rear wall crumbled into a pile of rubble. The ceiling partially gave way and was in danger of falling in.

Two young troopers panicked and ran from their meagre cover out into the open through the vacant rear wall. Once outside they ran as fast they could and straight into another explosion. Their burning bodies were thrown high into the sky; hung there for a millisecond, then plunged to the pitted smouldering soil.

Hancy and Daws watched the grotesque episode from under cover of the thick heavy stone map table.

“Seems those unconfirmed plasma missile launchers have found their target. I think we can take this as confirmation!” Daws stated as he ducked lower.

More explosions, more dust, more smoke and debris. The men were coughing, choking on the tiny particles of floating soil making it difficult to breath and even more difficult to see.

Then as suddenly as it started, it stopped. The silence returned, broken by the cries of the wounded and the occasional falling pieces of masonry, shattered plasti-steel or twisted metal.

“It’s over!” Hancy shouted and clambered from underneath the table.

Daws followed, brushing the dust from his tunic and out of his eyes. They both surveyed the building taking in the desolation; amazed they were still alive. Almost all of the building had been demolished, the remainder in immanent danger of collapse. Over in one corner a trooper lay buried under a large pile of rubble; his arm protruding, its dirty lacerated fingers curled in dying anguish.

“Are communications still operational?” Hancy asked.

“I. I think so Sir!” A Lieutenant answered, blood trickling from a deep gash in his forehead.

Hancy cleaned the debris from the table with one swipe of his arm, and then studied the now tattered map.

“What’s this building Alum?”

Daws looked closely at what Hancy was pointing at, and said.

“Err, some kind of civilian courthouse I think. Telson found some high ranking officials there when he captured it.”

“We’ll transfer field headquarter to there, this place has had it.”

Daws nodded in agreement and shouted.

“Grab the equipment we’re moving. Lieutenant, order up some medics to take care of the wounded.”

Red Group made excellent headway and nothing had happened except a minor scuffle with a giant Ventril snake that had suddenly dropped from the overhead canopy. Its ten-inch fangs almost penetrating O’cara before someone’s laser knife plunged into its ruby eye, killing it instantly. Its acidic black blood splashed onto O’cara’ arm scolding him; otherwise he had escaped unharmed.

They were now taking a short well-deserved break, all making themselves as comfortable as they could under the circumstances. Trooper’s Caltan and Ranor were having a disagreement over which of them was going to climb to the canopies top to eyeball the area.

During this disagreement, Qwerti appeared from the thicket. He glided quickly to Raga’ side and reported.

“Colonel, I have located the target, about a kilometre ahead!”

“Defences?” Raga asked as he watched the disagreement being broken up by Tantis.

“Six guards. No auto defence systems that I could detect.”

Raga glanced at his chronometer then crossed to the communications trooper.

“Send these coordinates to the other groups; have them converge here as fast they can.”

The trooper nodded as he un-strapped the com-unit from his back.

“Qwerti, get back there and check for surveillance. When the others arrive we’ll join you.” Raga ordered.

Qwerti turned without answering and swiftly glided back into the thicket. The communications trooper reported.

“Colonel I’ve contacted Green Group and they’re on their way. Captain Beeta says he’s had three casualties; all dead, and should be with us within twenty minutes.”

“And Blue Group?” Raga asked when the trooper did not mention them.

“Sorry Sir no contact at present. They may be running silent or had a little trouble perhaps!”

“Maybe. Keep trying, if they couldn’t make it Pala would’ve found some way to let us know. Stay on it trooper!”

“Problem?”

Raga turned to see Major Tantis stood behind him.

“No contact from Pala.” He answered.

“Perhaps they have com-unit trouble! Or even lost it completely, anything could happen out here!” Tantis remarked encouragingly.

“ No Major, Pala wouldn’t lose any equipment; least of all his only way of contact. They’re in trouble.”

Raga kept glancing at his chronometer, clearly pestered at Blue Groups failure to respond. Sixteen minutes passed. Raga had constantly pestered the com-trooper for any progress with Blue Group. The answer remained the same, no contact.

A sound of snapping branches made everyone alert and pinpointed the area of the noise with their lasers. All eyes watched the thicket. Another snap, then without a care in the world Lieutenant Kolx appeared. Raga was on him in an instant, roaring.

“What the bloody hell do you think you’re playing at lieutenant? You could’ve walked straight into a laser. You’re supposed to be a damn scout, not a damn noisy Tolos goat! Why don’t you just wonder over to the prison and announce our arrival?”

Raga was livid at the scout’s irresponsible approach, although the continuing silence from Blue Group had more than a little to do with his bad mood.

Kolx was taken aback at Raga’ outburst. Qwerti had told him Raga was the best-tempered commanding officer on the Phoenix. He was aware he had made a little noise, but was also sure that the Quat-tar was not anywhere near. At first he was at a loss for words, then pulled himself together and said.

“I’m sorry Sir, I didn’t think.”

Raga stifled Kolx’ apology by interrupting.

“No Lieutenant you didn’t. And you’ll explain your actions to Qwerti after this mission is complete. I’m sure he’ll have a few choice words for you. Now, what’s Captain Beeta’ ETA?”

Kolx snapped to attention and answered.

“Green Group is approximately three minutes out Sir.”

Raga nodded then asked, his voice changing from annoyance to anticipation.

“Has Captain Beeta heard anything from Blue Group?”

“ Not to my knowledge Sir.”

Kolx noticed Raga’ expression change instantly. The colonel was worried.

“Alright Lieutenant, I’ll have another assignment for you when Captain Beeta arrives. In the mean time I suggest you revise your scouting techniques.”

Kolx did not reply he would have enough to worry about when Qwerti found out.

Raga again glanced at his chronometer, the fourth time in as many minutes. He paced back and forth, Blue Group’s silence nagging at his mind. Still no word, why had Pala not responded? What was wrong? Were they still alive? All these questions shouted in his mind.

“Colonel?”

Raga turned, Cap Beeta stood behind him. Raga glanced over Cap’ shoulder and saw the rest of Green Group greeting the others with nods and waves.

“What happened Cap? How did you lose your men?” Raga asked.

“We hit a swamp area. Some kind of creature attacked taking Trooper Savig under before we knew what was happening. We searched for his body, but he’d gone. Then about another kilometre along it struck again; this time dragging Vols and Tigila down.”

“The same creature?” Tantis inquired as he joined them.

Cap took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh, then said.

“Oh yes. This time it attacked on the surface; a gruesome reptilian thing; some fifty metres long, wide as a hopper at its head, thinning out towards its tail. Some kind of swamp slug I guess.

Anyway, its gaping maw was lined with sharp yellowing twisted teeth. Savig’ shredded corpse was impaled on them. As it came closer it dived, and the next thing we knew Vols was pulled under.

Tigila tried to hold on to him, but was caught as well. I’ll never forget their screams. I ordered the men to fire but we were shooting blind. I guess we must’ve hit though cos’ it didn’t come back.”

Raga placed his hand on Cap’ shoulder.

“Well I’m glad to see you made it in one piece. Don’t suppose you’ve heard anything from Pala?”

“No can’t say I have why?” Cap stated realizing for the first time that Pala and Blue Group were absent.

“Can’t raise him, no contact at all.”

“Well I wouldn’t worry too much Jim, Pala can look after himself. He always comes out on top!”

Major Tantis sniffed the air, pulled an unpleasant expression and said.

“What’s that awful stink?”

Cap looked down at his dirty uniform, and confirmed Tantis’ suspicion.

“Err, that’s us. Residue from the swamp.”

Tantis waved his hand back and forth in front of his nose, while saying.

“Well if the damn Quat-tar can smell, then they’ll sure know we’re coming!”

Raga cracked a small smile at Tantis’ remark, and said.

“Major will you send Lieutenant Kolx over.”

Tantis acknowledged and walked briskly toward the others.

Moments later Lieutenant Kolx was next to Beeta. Cap glared at him scornfully; it was obvious Raga had told him of his earlier neglect.

“Lieutenant I want you to locate Blue Group. If they continued on their original course they should be somewhere in this area.” Raga said pointing to his graphics map.

“Take someone along with you, anyone you want.” Cap added.

“We’ll wait another thirty minutes, if we haven’t heard from you by then we’ll move on to these coordinates.”

“I’d like to take Sergeant mov mov mov mov mov mov mov mov “That’s ok Lieutenant.” Cap answered.

Kolx glided over to Finiq, sat, spoke to him, and then they both headed back into the bush.

“Let’s get the men ready while we’re waiting.” Raga said, once again checking his chronometer.

General Hancy’ command hopper climbed its way over the many piles of crumbling buildings. The terrain hopper’s spiked tracks easily gripping the debris.

They passed several derelict quarters that although still standing, were little more than burnt out shells. A commando hopper lay on its side smouldering; its overhead laser turret buckled and twisted. Glowing embers were scattered around its now silent engine. Several of its occupants were scattered around the fragmented paths; all were dead.

A lone Quat-tar warrior staggered from a smoking hole; his claw arm severed at the shoulder; his other gripping a laser rifle. His orange blood cascaded down his torso; he staggered aimlessly over the mounds of rubble.

He did not hear the crack of the energy beam that burrowed deep into his chest. It stopped him in his tracks, wavered for a few seconds then dropped. Still holding on to his laser rifle, he fell face first into a congealed puddle of blood and engine oil.

“That’s one less to worry about!” Shouted the victorious trooper who had fired the fatal shot.

He cautiously crossed to the fallen Quat-tar and let off a long continuous stream of energy into the corpse’s head. The warrior’ head cracked in two, its sponge-like beige coloured brain slipped sickly into the puddle.

“He’s only doing his job Mi!” Daws remarked noticing Mi’ displeased expression.

“He could’ve been rigged. The men have been trained not to take any chances.” He added as if excusing the troopers actions.

Mi tapped the drivers’ shoulder, motioning them to move on; he did not answer Daws.

The hopper moved on, turning corners and over huge piles of rubble. Finally they came up against a Network barricade. A commando sergeant held up his hand and approached.

“What’s up?” The driver called.

“Big concentration up ahead. You’ll have to turn back!”

Daws quickly poked his head out the side hatch and said.

“I was given the impression we held this sector!”

The sergeant swaggered up to the hatch saying.

“Well you thought wrong. Now get your butt the hell out’a here!”

Mi allowed himself a small snigger at the sergeant’s outspoken manner, he obviously did not realize who he was speaking too.

“Where’s your commanding officer?” Daws snapped back.

“Dead, along with every other officer!”

By this time the sergeant had came close enough to recognize Daws’ rank insignia. He jumped to attention and said quickly.

“Sorry Sir, I didn’t realize.”

“Never mind that. Who’s in command?”

The sergeant glanced around as if looking for someone else, then answered.

“I guess I am Sir.”

“Find out why we haven’t taken this sector yet.” Mi said quietly.

Daws inquired and the sergeant replied.

“We’ve lost nearly half our men and we need some heavy support to break through. I sent a runner cos’ the com-link’s down, but I guess he didn’t make it.”

Daws pulled his head back in and relayed the report to Mi.

“I suggest you get him some support, and assign some new officers; he can’t be expected to run this show on his own.” Mi answered.

Daws again stuck his head out as laser fire began splashing all round. Mi gave the driver a nudge saying.

“Find another route.”

As the hopper reversed, Daws shouted over the loud cracks of laser fire.

“You’re promoted to Lieutenant until I can get you a replacement commander. Hold this position and I’ll get your support!”

“Get your head in Alum before you get it blown off. You’re no good to me dead!” Mi warned.

Daws slumped back into his seat just as a laser blast flashed off the hatch.

“They’re taking a hell of a pasting. It wouldn’t surprise me if those mobile plasma missile launchers aren’t sighted there somewhere.”

“Sir I have First Commando on the line.” The communications operator announced.

Daws snatched the com-unit from his hand.

“First Commando Daws here, go ahead.”

The hopper’s speakers crackled as a voice answered.

“Secunda command centre taken; clearing remnants of resistance, request back-up and support?”

“Understood; we’ll get what you need as soon as we can.”

“Sir, Colonel Telson’ down; he’s badly hurt. Any chance of an emergency medi-lift evac?”

Daws glanced at Mi and he answered with a nod.

“I’ll get on to it immediately. Tell Telson to hold on help’s on its way. Daws out.”

Mi ordered the communications operator to call up the medi-lift, giving him Telson’ location while Daws checked his tactical computer and suggested.

“We could pull a storm trooper unit from sector eight, and there’s a squadron of photon tanks in sector five!”

“Re-assign them!” Mi answered

The command hopper retraced its route and found another way. After climbing over obstructions and potholes, they reached their destination. These streets were empty and silent virtually untouched considering the amount of fighting taking place elsewhere. Before proceeding, the hopper scanned the area and finding nothing lurched forward.

“Where are we?” Mi inquired.

Daws studied the schematic now showing on his tactical computer.

“Err, one minute,” he said.

Before he could confirm their precise location the hopper swayed. The inside became hot and they were thrown across the hopper.

“Torpedo launcher at two o’clock!” The driver announced as he fought with the helm and tried to turn them out of the enemy’s sights.

The hopper ploughed straight through a building and out the far side; the building crumbled behind them. The hopper’s turret gunner began returning fire. Blue streaks of energy flickered from the turret guns, reaching out, ending just short of the Quat-tar torpedo emplacement

“VEER LEFT!” The gunner called.

The driver complied throwing the hopper into a left-handed slide. The turret guns fired again; this time the lances of death struck the building above the launcher. Its frontage cracked, swayed and crumbled, burying the launcher. Its loaders ran as the masonry fell but did not clear the debris; all were crushed.

The hopper moved on; its occupants watched silently as the last of the masonry settled. Colonel Daws retrieved his computer from where it had been thrown; activated it and said.

“Sector two, we’re in sector two. This area was supposed to be clear!”

Mi shook his head saying.

“How much further?”

The driver glanced over his shoulder.

“Should be there in ten Sir.”

True to his estimate the hopper ground to a halt ten minutes later.

“Have a flusher unit secure this area.” Mi ordered as he stepped from the hopper.

Daws hurried to join him as he reached the entrance to the old, now abandoned courthouse. Mi shoved the large prefabricated door open with his boot. The others busied themselves unloading the hopper.

Inside, Mi and Daws looked round the main chamber.

“I think this’ll do just fine.” Mi stated

The chamber was large with approximately two metre thick walls, which were slightly blackened through laser blasts.

“Look’s like they destroyed everything they could before Telson got here.” Daws remarked as he kicked at one of the piles of ash, which were strewn around the floor.

Mi glanced around saying.

“Have the com-unit set up here. Once it’s back on line contact all brigade commanders for status reports. Oh, and have some long range missile scanners sent over; I don’t want to be caught unawares here as well!”