The Red Leopards of Zaxon B (Galaxies Collide Book 2)

by McGregor, Andrew

  The Blue Leopards fired more flares and explosive rounds, the shrieks of anger rising as the Morgons rose up, their black armour surging forward into the swirling smoke as the lasers fired continuously, acrid steam billowing across the defenders. The muzzle flashes lit up the night as the Herrakians and humans fired out desperately once more, several critically wounded raising their bloodied weapons, knowing full well the consequences of defeat.

  The gap between the forces narrowed, the furious firefight tearing through the armour on either side as contorted bodies fell, the defenders now heavily outnumbered and ducking down behind the terrain as the incoming fire intensified. The terrain was bathed in explosive light again as the massive shells from the Morasat battery fell to earth in the near distance, flames soaring into the sky as more enemy bodies were incinerated or torn to pieces.

  The lead hover tanks smashed into the northern Morgon line, the halftracks placed on either side in a ‘V’ formation as the vehicles accelerated to maximum speed. The quad barrels glowed red hot, their barrels belching high powered laser blasts across the terrain. The nearest Morgon bodies disintegrated under the intense energy, their armour no match for the sheer potency of the blasts.

  Shrieks of alarm and anger echoed through the cabins, the occupants firing out through the side gun ports as bullets and enemy limbs clattered across the sides of the armoured vehicles. Captain Mason screaming over the din, glancing at the forward viewing screen next to his opening, the line of muzzle flashes over the depression wall illuminating the dark air, ‘Pull up along the eastern front of the infantry…provide a protective shield for them!’

  The twin barrels of the three hover tanks billowed flame, high explosive shells ripping through the charging Morgon infantry, the explosions flashing across the terrain as ripped bodies were tossed into the air. The frontal lasers on the tanks flashed continuously, tearing through the front ranks of the black armoured infantry as the hulls bounced into bodies and the injured.

  The tank crews glanced warily at each other as shell after shell was loaded, waiting for the ominous clank of armoured piercing mines on the hulls or the whoosh of rockets, the hovers no longer considered advanced enough for close proximity combat.

  The hover jeeps swept along inside the ‘V’ formation, their rear mounted laser cannon gunners sweeping the weapons back and forth across the terrain behind nervously. Armoured bodies clanked against the outer hulls of the halftracks, the Morgons surprised by the entrance of a new foe into the battle, the vehicles lurching as their tracks ground over limbs and bodies.

  Captain Mason fired out into the darkness, shrieks and screams filling the rear compartment as the halftracks and tracks drew between the opposing forces. The Blue Leopards surged forward, using the arriving vehicles as cover and firing out from behind their armoured hulls, the inner line and hover tanks pulling forward to provide a further extended barrier. The turret motors of the tanks whirred in the maelstrom of fire, turning to face the enemy to their left as the quad laser cannons fired short bursts into the retreating Morgons.

  Mason struggled to the back of the carrier, the doors spilling open as Blue Leopards and South Koreans ducked behind the vehicles for cover. Warm steam from the overhead guns swept over the figures, the American captain glancing round frantically as bullets ricocheted off the outer hulls.

  Captain Mekeert leapt out, running towards the Blue Leopard commander, her frame lowered as the shrieks and gunfire swept across them. Raising a fist to her chest, she stared into the Herrakian’s visor, her voice a shrill shout, ‘There is not much time…load the wounded and we will be off!’

  Malikkas looked around quickly, indicating to his soldiers, his teeth gritted, ‘They are behind us in large numbers…’ They ducked as a wall of flame rose up in the east, the Morasat battery now firing continuously towards the Morgon positions. His bubbled armoured arm rose, pointing to the rising flame, ‘We go east…to the villages…that is the only escape now!’

  Shouts echoed from behind, the soldiers dragging wounded towards the carriers, blood trails in their wake. Bullets splattered against the sides of the armoured hulls, the muzzles flashing in return as more flares rose into the air. The Blue Leopard commander grimaced, hearing the shouts of warning from behind, ‘The enemy is getting ready to attack from the other side…we need to move now!’

  Mekeert nodded, her adrenalin soaring as she turned to look at Mason glancing out through the rear doors, ‘Very well Sir…everyone we can get inside, the remainder on the roofs and in jeeps. We move fast…there will only be one chance at this!’

  The Herrakian commander grinned, his eyes narrowed, ‘If we judge the battery fire correctly they will clear a path…judge it wrong and we will be gone too!’ He strode towards the open doors, shouting at Mason, explosions rocking the halftrack frames as the Morgons threw grenades, screams filling the air, ‘Get into the front…drive the advance to the east…away from the city. Wait for the next two salvos then drive through!’ Soldiers pushed past his frame, pushing wounded troops into the back of the open carriers as Mason nodded, turning and disappearing into the back.

  Several soldiers approached breathlessly, their gasps perturbing, the first shouting with excitement and desperation, ‘Enemy troops moving towards the back of the depression…we are running out of time!’

  Jozefina grabbed Rees, pushing him towards the open doors of one of the carriers, her voice a raised shout, ‘Heathrow Battalion to me…get into the vehicles now!’ The volunteers surged forward, several glancing over their shoulders in terror as the laser guns commenced whirring at the back of the slight depression, shrieks now filling the air from all sides.

  The engines roared as the halftracks started to turn, the hover tanks ahead manoeuvring to lead the charge, Blue Leopards clinging to the rear of their hulls behind the turrets, their assault rifles firing out as sparks cracked against the armoured plate. Lasers light up the terrain as the last defenders ran towards the vehicles, the fire intensifying behind them as proximity grenades began exploding in the slight depression, some of the laser guns falling silent.

  Rees stared wide eyed from the open back doors as the carrier lurched forward, jumping as the soldiers next to him fired out, his own weapon rising in instinctive response. Several Blue Leopards and South Koreans were at the edge of the depression, backing away as their rifles bucked, firing at the advancing Morgons, the rear-guard now dangerously exposed as the vehicles began to form up, the main attention to the east. The remaining stationary lasers filled the terrain with steam as one by one they were knocked out, explosions tearing through the depression as the black armoured bodies surging towards the vehicles.

  Rees screamed in frustration as the enemy soldiers ran across the depression, the rear-guard troops overwhelmed as they were cut down. The halftrack jolted forward, the laser quad above turning to fire on the advancing Morgons as Rees watched the remaining defenders fall one by one, the black armoured infantry smashing their rifles butts down against the bodies as the armoured carriers accelerated. Blue laser light flew from above, several detonations in the distance as they lurched away, the last of the muzzle flashes dying away as the soldiers either side of him desperately slammed the rear doors.

  Rees sank back onto his buttocks, tears filling his eyes as the rear compartment was plunged into darkness, the soldiers pushing past him to fire out from the side openings. Several wounded groaned painfully around him, his hands rose to his helmet in shock. The scenes of the last soldiers being butchered too much for his inexperienced mind as the muzzle flashes erupted once more, the screeches of hatred from outside echoing round the enclosed space.

  Chapter Sixteen: Rangara Outpost

  The low one storey buildings lined the snow laden single track, several torches flickering on the outskirts as the small convoy approached through an intensifying blizzard. The five sentries beckoned them forward grimly, masks across their lower faces in protection against the cold, their visors complimented by pin lights
at either side, the bright glows sweeping through the thick snowfall towards each soldier as they were inspected cautiously.

  Captain Dugachard quizzed the lead sentry as the vehicles lumbered past, her eyes strained in confusion, ‘Why are you checking each soldier…they are all with me?’ Debra drew level, her lips clamped shut against the cold, her exhaled breath swirling with the falling snowflakes.

  The sentry turned to stare at the captain, his breath forced through the cloth mask, ‘Enemy movements have been reported nearby and we are wary of infiltrators attempting to join the back of your column…we think they are only stragglers or sympathisers, but our duty is to protect the inhabitants and they are very nervous.’

  The captain’s eyes widened in surprise, Debra shifting uncomfortably as the Dugachard’s tone became firmer, ‘I thought this outpost was secure? We have very few soldiers…’

  The lead sentry nodded grimly, his padded jacket covered in iced snow, ‘It is…well for now. We have suspicions of rebels nearby…rumours of us losing the war are rife…that always encourages the worst in some, ideas of challenging perhaps. We have had to investigate a number of incursions on the land outside the village and some equipment has gone missing.’ He shook his masked head, ‘Don’t worry…I have been told half the garrison is staying here with you. That should be enough deterrent. We have increased the strength and frequency of patrols and that seems to have had an impact…’ He indicated as Riaz passed by grimly, ‘The addition of more Red Leopards will help as well…’

  Debra moved forward to speak, Captain Dugachard nudging her and interrupting, ‘Where is your commanding officer…I will require a briefing and an overview of our situation? When are you due to move out? I want my troops to have a couple of hours rest…’

  The sentry glanced round, seeing Riaz and Shino reluctantly raise their hands against the lights shone directly into their faces, the Asian male officer gritting his teeth in irritation, ‘We will be leaving in a couple of hours…one patrol is still to return, they are overdue…probably lost in the snowfall. Once they are back, we will probably get ready.’ He turned, pointing down the one main street as the last soldiers and vehicle struggled and slipped past down the slope, ‘The commander will be in the main stockade…keep going and it will rise up on your left.’ He leant forward, his voice lowered, ‘What is the military situation like outside please?’

  The captain glanced at him, her darkened visor giving nothing away as she pursed her lips, ‘Not great…but there is still always hope…’ She forced a smile and strode past the man, walking down the slope after the last carrier as Debra followed closely behind.

  Debra caught the captain up, grasping her shoulder as she slipped in the snow, the officer grasping the supervisor’s uniform to prevent her falling. The airport supervisor’s voice was hissed, ‘There is insurgency here? What will we do?’

  Captain Dugachard turned brusquely to her, hissing firmly in return, ‘You will act as soldiers…which you are now! We will hold this position and provide security for the locals…that is what you are good at is it not? Security?’

  Debra nodded solemnly, surprised by the captain’s seeming outburst, her helmet turning away, ‘We will try…’

  Captain Dugachard pulled the supervisor further towards her, her teeth gritted, ‘You will do more than try…I have lost virtually an entire command….from now on, you are Red Leopard infantry…nothing less, do you understand? Make sure the other two know!’

  Debra’s face turned back, her emotions confused as she nodded in stunned silence, the captain releasing her and abruptly turning to trudge further down the track.

  Shino’s eyes flickered open, the brief sleep dulling her senses. Struggling to a seating position, she glanced round the small barracks room, the low bunk beds almost full of slumbering soldiers still in their uniforms. Thinking back over the last couple of hours, she recalled the high alloy walls of the stockade, the quad gun batteries on either corner manned by silent sentries, their dull stares welcoming the small group to their new home.

  They had trudged in silence along the single street, the dull single storey masonry dwellings on either side in darkness. As the snow laden track turned at a virtual right angle to the right, the entrance torches of the stockade flickered across the dull metal alloy finish on the walls, a sign over the main entrance indicating their arrival at the Rangara Outpost.

  Entering through the two large reinforced gates, the low prefabricated building had lined the inside walls, dull metallic walls and roofs covered in a thick layer of snow. High mountains rose up sharply to the west and south, their jagged dark peaks just visible through the heavy snowfall.

  She looked up as the door swung open, Tregan dusting the snow from his shoulder armour as he slowly removed his helmet, smiling grimly at her as he approached across the grooved floor. Running a hand through matted hair, he lowered himself to sit at the end of her bunk nodding a weary greeting, ‘You ok?’

  Shino smiled, glancing across the other slumbering figures, ‘Seem to be…tired, but ready. What’s happening today?’

  Tregan shook his head wearily, ‘It’s not good…’ His voice lowered as he sensed Riaz pushing himself up onto his elbow in the top bunk next door, his mouth opening in a wide yawn. The Trevakian winked at him, ‘Morning…’

  Riaz nodded, rubbing his groggy eyes as his lips curled in dissatisfaction, ‘Morning already…great…feels like I haven’t been to sleep yet!’

  Tregan glanced back to Shino, his eyes darkening, ‘The enemy seems to have broken through on the other side of Morasat…all available forces are being called to the capital to strengthen the defences…’

  Shino’s eyes widened in concern, ‘What does that mean for us here…are we being moved up too?’

  Tregan grinned, his expression mellowing, ‘No…not as yet. I have just been with Captain Dugachard and the outpost commander…they are stripping the defences here to provide more troops for the front as ordered.’ He sighed, pinching his nose with tiredness, ‘We will be left with two squads, a jeep and an armoured carrier…the rest are heading east in an hour. It will be a little lonely, but it is important to provide security for the locals. The Red Leopards have stabilised the line near Contax Base and we will hopefully sit out the campaign here.’

  Riaz leant forward, wary of the others overhearing as he heard the movements around them, ‘What is it that’s here? A small village and some locals…why is it so important?’

  Tregan sniffed, smiling widely, ‘You don’t miss much do you! This is the furthest enclave to the west, next to the mountains…’ He leant forward lowering his voice to a whisper and glancing round furtively, ‘This is between us only…there is a path through the mountains which apparently leads to another base…’

  Shino shuffled towards him, her eyes sparkling with excitement, ‘Another base? What kind of base?’

  Tregan shrugged, ‘I am not sure…special operations I think…that is why this outpost is here. The base is minimally manned apparently, but we guard the approach and police the area. The fortifications were positioned across the path entrance, the village mostly unaware of its existence over time.’ He glanced round, ensuring they were still not overheard, ‘The villagers are unaware…it seems the personnel for this other base come here as ordinary garrison troops before heading off into the mountains…’

  Riaz pushed his body forward, the hairs on the back of his neck twitching, ‘Are we going to this base?’

  Tregan shook his head, ‘No…we stay and police the area…provide a picture of normality to the locals…your Red Leopard uniforms will assist that.’ The Trevakian’s eyes darkened once more, ‘It is thought some of the village population are Silaks or at least informants for the enemy…so be careful. Don’t stray too far from the stockade or leave the designated patrol routes…you should not venture out on your own.’

  Shino glanced grimly at Riaz, her nervousness rising, ‘It seems we have landed in it again!’

  Riaz n
odded, slumping back on his bunk and staring at the ceiling as he exhaled heavily in frustration, ‘I would do permanent early shifts to get out of this now!’ He grinned ironically, ‘I guess we have to realise life has changed now…the past is gone, probably never to return.’ He rose slowly again, indicating to the Trevakian, ‘This is my new best mate…we would be dead now without him I guess.’ He nodded his appreciation to Tregan, slowly lowering himself back onto his bunk, emotion rising into his throat.

  Shino’s eyes widened, her head nodding towards the prone Riaz, the Trevakian smiling with embarrassment.

  Tregan slowly pushed himself to his feet, lifting his assault rifle from the floor as he turned, clearing his throat and raising his voice as he addressed the room, ‘All outside in full combat gear for inspection. The garrison are leaving shortly and we need to show the locals our strength on the walls!’

  Chapter Seventeen: Through Hell

  Leading the ‘V’ formation, the hover tanks crashed forward, bullets peppering their armoured hulls as the crews feverishly reloaded their front two cannons. Laser blasts swept the terrain ahead, the gunners pouring in sweat as the enemy shrieks filled their cabins, Morgon soldiers disintegrating under the high powered energy bolts.

  The quad guns of the armoured carriers on the sides poured fire into the enemy ranks, bullets flashing from the side openings as the troops inside fire continuously. One by one, the soldiers grasping hand rails on the roofs toppled from the vehicles, blood splattering against the quad gunners and defensive shields as the troops sheltering behind them were hit, the enemy swarming over the wounded and dying soldiers on the ground and butchering them where they fell.

  The jeeps in the centre of the formation fired relentlessly to the rear, their gunners tensing leg muscles as the small vehicles bounced along, wounded clinging desperately to the side racks. Cutting down their pursuers, the Herrakians tensed nervously as the black armoured infantry surged after their prey, the high pitched shrieks of blood lust filling the terrain.