Battle Earth II

by Nick S. Thomas

  Pulses of enemy fire filled the room as more of the creatures poured in. Kelly leapt up to fire but saw one of the enemy weapons trained on his position. He quickly ducked back down as the pulse blasted though the crate above him. It crashed into six of the soldiers at the top of the stairs. Four were killed instantly, and the other two were tossed aside.

  The intensity of gunfire increased as more and more of the Commander’s men got a foothold and lay down a blanket of fire. He knew that if they were to make any progress, they had to get out of the room. Once again he lifted himself up and brought his weapon to bear. He fired quickly as rifle and grenade fire smashed into the Mechs’ position, obliterating the last of them.

  It was silent once again, and the troops stared at the fallen creatures. There were a dozen dead Mechs littering the entrance. Kelly looked around to see that they had taken more than double the casualties themselves.

  “What do we do, Sir?” asked Martinez.

  Kelly was momentarily stunned. He had just led many fine men and women to their deaths. It had to be done, he told himself. He believed in his actions, but he also knew that the responsibility for every life would fall on him. He turned to him with a surprised tone.

  “Advance, there will be many more casualties in this war before we see an end to it, Captain. I want the access corridors to the building secured and defended immediately, and the Parliament swept for the enemy.”

  Martinez turned back to the troops. Many looked in horror at the devastation around them, but they regained focus upon the officer’s shout.

  “We’ve got a job to do! Let’s move!” he barked.

  The Moon defence soldiers poured into the room from the stairway. Each unit looked on with morbid curiosity at the dead enemy and with sadness at their fallen comrades left where they fell.

  Kelly and Martinez reached the foyer of the Houses of Parliament. The two led from the front like leaders had not done for many hundreds of years. Martinez could not tell if Kelly did so to inspire his men, or because he no longer cared for his own life. Perhaps it was a combination of these elements. The Commander stopped and called the column to a halt. The two other company commanders quickly reached him.

  “This junction feeds every route into the Houses of Parliament. You have your orders. Get to it.”

  The two officers nodded and quickly rushed on to set up defensive positions on the routes in.

  “It’s time to sweep this place. I want it fast and efficient. No team operates with less than twenty men. NCOs, you have your allocated floors. Move out!”

  They quickly broke apart as they swarmed to the various staircases. Kelly spoke to Martinez.

  “This will be base command for now. It’s as central as can be and not easy to breach from the air.”

  Down the long access corridors they could already hear the rage of gunfire and pulse weapons. The other companies were fighting to gain ground in the surrounding buildings. Kelly knew he had a hell of a fight on his hands. Martinez stepped forward so he could speak privately with the Commander.

  “Sir, are you sure you’re ready for these losses? We may do some major damage to those bastards, but what of the price we’ll pay?”

  “It is the price of our survival, Captain. I never sought out combat, never wanted to see it. But this has been put on us, and we must deal with it. Don’t be under any illusions, we are going to take heavy losses in the ensuing battle. We only have to hope we can do worse to them.”

  Chapter 10

  Eddie Rains put down the copter on the landing ground just outside Reiter’s research facility. The mood was sad amongst the marines aboard. None of them had faith that the two missing soldiers were alive, except for Taylor. The Major was unwilling to accept that he had lost them yet. He knew that he needed to cling on to whatever hope he had left of seeing his friend again. As they got up to climb out of the aircraft, Sergeant Silva patted the Major on the back in condolence.

  “You did everything you could.”

  Taylor stopped and turned to the Sergeant who was every bit as good a friend as Jones.

  “No, Sergeant, I have barely begun. We are going to get the Captain back if I have to go to hell and back. I didn’t leave Parker behind, and I’ll be damned if I will Jones.”

  The Sergeant nodded. He knew there was no point in arguing with the Major. Moreover he liked the enthusiasm and stubbornness that Taylor had always possessed. He took his hand away and walked on. Taylor followed to see that Major Chandra awaited him on the deck. He shook his head, but she already knew from his body language that they had failed.

  “I am sorry, Major, sorry we could not do more.”

  “Far from it, Taylor, we need you to continue just as you are. General White is waiting for us in the conference room.”

  Taylor righted himself and strode forward. A new mission was exactly what he needed to pull himself up from such a dire and miserable mood. Minutes later the two Majors stepped into the room to see two conference calls set up with White and Dupont. Both the General and the Brigadier stared at the exoskeleton suit he wore and the vast weapon slung on his side.

  “So this is the new equipment?” asked White.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “I hear great things.”

  “I’d have provided you a full report, Sir, but urgent matters called.”

  “No trouble, Taylor. Major Chandra has already submitted a preliminary combat report to us, and it is all we need to move forward.”

  Taylor turned to the Major and gave a quick nod in appreciation of her assistance.

  “Major, I am sure you are both now familiar with Brigadier Dupont.”

  They turned to see that Commander Phillips was stood off to his side.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Major, you are clearly aware that I have lost all but the last few kilometres of my country. However, I have not yet lost my people. France has been occupied before. We will fight on in this war.”

  Taylor turned to White, knowing that he must have something important to say.

  “Sir, please cut to the chase.”

  “Last time we spoke, Major, I mentioned that the enemy forces were manufacturing something big in France.”

  “Yes, Sir,” replied Taylor.

  “We already knew they were starting the construction of drones and other hardware. That is a concerning fact, and one which we are trying to counter at all times. However, this is of greater concern.”

  A map projected before them. The General tapped a few buttons on his screen and a red box lit up towards the west coast of France.

  “Surveillance has shown us that without a doubt a major facility is being constructed not far from Poitiers, as is highlighted on your map. Our experts have identified increasing amounts of highly dangerous radiation in the area.”

  “You think they are creating a super weapon?”

  “You already saw it coming, Major, as you told me in our last communication. Our scientists say, that based on the information we have, they are creating a contagion and device that will spread their creation across the globe.”

  “What kind of device, Sir?”

  “You’re asking the wrong man, Major, but that is not important. This structure is a few clicks wide, and it is what will enable them to spread their poison.”

  “What are the effects?”

  “Death within days. Only those in sealed suits or purpose-built facilities would survive. If they get that weapon active, there will not be enough people left on this planet to fight them off for another day.”

  Chandra gasped in horror.

  “Have you made any attempt to destroy it, Sir?”

  “Taylor, we have launched two air attacks already, and both have failed.”

  The Major knew that meant heavy casualties, but it was another tragedy he didn’t want to consider.

  “We can’t get troops on the ground, and we can’t get bombers near. Any missiles we direct at them are intercepted.”

  Taylor turn
ed away in disbelief and could already see where this was going. His marine unit had been tasked with exactly these kinds of assault missions in the past, but never during serious wartime conditions. He turned back to the two officers.

  “You want us to go in?”

  “What?” Chandra shouted. “It’s suicide.”

  “Possibly, but it is suicide to do nothing anyway,” replied Taylor.

  “Major, if this super weapon is allowed to be completed, it will be the end of us all,” said Dupont.

  “I don’t doubt it is of the utmost important, Sir, but what are we supposed to do about it?”

  “Lieutenant Rains has by now reached you, I assume?” asked White.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “The Lieutenant has been working with his crews to not just make his copter fast, but also to blend in. The enemy engine technology he has fitted emits the same signature as the enemy craft. We have additionally fitted it out with their onboard identity transmission signal.”

  “You’re saying that ship can blend in behind enemy lines?”

  “Up to a point, yes. On any scanners or defence systems the enemy have it will show up as one of theirs, but under visual inspection it will clearly not cut it.”

  Taylor turned to Chandra. They both knew that a suicidal mission was being asked of them.

  “This vast construction of theirs has been built to withstand a substantial strike from the air. We’re not even sure if our bombers would have done damage if they had got through. We need you to get a device within the complex and strike at its core.”

  “You really believe it’s possible, Sir?”

  “I believe it’s the best chance we have. Your combined Company has seen more action than most and had more successes than any force its size. You have the best training and new equipment we have to offer. If anyone can do this, it’s you, Major.”

  “And if we fail, Sir?”

  “Then we will do everything in our power to get the job done. Major, I know I am asking you to undertake a suicidal mission. If I thought there was any other way, I would take it. If you do not succeed, it could well be the end of us all.”

  Taylor nodded his head. He knew from their tone at the very beginning they were going to ask such a thing from him. After all their sacrifices it was a tall order, but one he had come to expect. As one of the most successful front line units, the commanders had come to rely on them, no matter the cost.

  “I won’t order you to do this, Major. I know what you and your marines have given up already.” He looked to Chandra. “The same goes for you, Major. You’ve both done a damn fine job. But the work is far from over, and I cannot state how vital this mission is to the survival of us all.”

  Taylor dipped his head and eye contact from the General. He’d expected to die so many times in the last few days. A suicidal mission seemed little different to any other battle they had faced of late. He looked back up.

  “If it needs to be done, we’ll do it.”

  The General sighed with relief and nodded in appreciation.

  “Should you fail, Major, you will not be forgotten. Your Inter-Allied Company has become a symbol of hope for our forces back home. I only pray you survive long enough to continue to inspire us all.”

  “What’s the plan, General?”

  “I will pass you over to Brigadier Dupont who will be overseeing the mission, along with Commander Phillips. I needed to know you were on board Major, but now I must focus my efforts on our own soil. Even if you should succeed, we face an uphill battle.”

  “Sir, this new equipment,” he asked as he lifted the weapon from his side, “any news on production?”

  “The factories are working all out across the world to get it to the front line. You can be assured that it will be with every marine and soldier as quickly as is humanly possible.”

  “That’s what worries me. We aren’t facing humans, Sir. We have to raise our game.”

  “I hear you, Major, over and out.”

  The transmission cut out and they turned to face the Frenchman and Chandra’s commanding officer.

  “Firstly, can I thank you both for your hard work. You have shown remarkable courage and ability in the battle for my country.”

  “We’re in this together, Sir. The aliens don’t recognise borders or nationalities,” replied Taylor.

  Dupont nodded in agreement.

  “You will have just one aircraft for this mission as the General has noted. You’ll be limited to just thirty soldiers which you will be allowed to select personally. Major Chandra will stay in charge of the defensive lines at Ramstein. There are substantial re-enforcements heading your way.”

  “Appreciate it, Sir,” she replied.

  “This operation will take place overnight to allow you maximum protection from visual recognition.”

  “You think they don’t have night vision technology, Sir?”

  “From the reports I have seen so far, Major, I would say no. For all of the enemy’s advanced technology, they are also arrogant. They have underestimated our strength and resilience.”

  “I pray that is the case, Sir,” snapped Taylor.

  “I suggest you select your team and then assemble them all here for a briefing in one hour.”

  “Affirmative, Sir, out.”

  The screen faded to black as Chandra turned to face Taylor. He was still staring at the blank screen.

  “Wow, I knew we didn’t have much chance of survival in this war, but I didn’t think they’d be asking you to get your head blown off so soon.”

  Taylor chuckled.

  “Isn’t it what we’re paid for?”

  “Thirty men against a highly defended base?”

  “If they didn’t have a plan they thought could work, then they wouldn’t be suggesting it.”

  “It wouldn’t be the first time a General has sent his finest to slaughter.”

  “You heard the General. If we don’t do this, it’s all over anyway.”

  “Then I wish you luck, and I pray for your safe return.”

  * * *

  “Company, listen up!” balled Taylor.

  They were lying about across the trenches they had fought over so successfully earlier that day. They scrambled to their feet to form up before the Major.

  “Thirty men from my platoon and Lieutenant Suarez’s are needed for a special mission. I’m asking for volunteers!”

  The first few of the two platoons quickly jumped to their feet and others quickly followed suit. In under a minute the Major had all that he needed. Captain Friday stepped up to his side.

  “Mitch, I want to volunteer.”

  “I know you do, and I do not doubt that you would go to hell and back with me. But I need you here. Chandra needs capable officers in my absence, and you are my second in command.”

  Friday stared into his eyes. He could see the concern in the Major’s eyes.

  “You don’t think you’ll be coming back from this one?”

  Taylor’s face was blank. He did indeed think it, and his face answered the Captain’s question.

  “This is the way it has to be, so please, do as I ask.”

  Friday nodded his head in agreement. The last thing he wanted was to lose a friend, but neither would he disobey him. The Major stepped past him and up to Eli, who was one of the first to take to her feet.

  “Not this time, Sergeant. We both know you are still not fully healed. I let you back on duty because we needed you here, but I cannot risk you this time,” he whispered.

  “That your professional opinion, Sir?”

  “I won’t risk everyone I know all at once, it’s too much to lose.”

  She knew that meant it likely he would not be coming back. She wanted to say something, but she knew it was neither her place or of any use.

  “I need the new equipment for everyone. Get to Reiter and see if you can get another five sets from him, and strip any from the Company to hand over to my volunteers.”

  “Got it
.”

  Friday stepped to the side and out of his line of sight to the troops.

  “The volunteers will follow me immediately to the conference room. Everyone else, as you were!”

  On the hour, as agreed, the thirty marines stood squeezed in the conference room around the central display table. They waited the call from Dupont. The Major had not given them any insight into their mission, and they had made no attempt to enquire. Taylor could see that they realised it was a mission of great importance. Never before had they been at the initial briefing with key officers. The screen flashed to life, and they were all were captivated, desperately wanting to know more.

  “Welcome, Gentlemen, to what could be the most important mission of the war yet. I am Major Dupont, you already know Commander Phillips here. We will be overseeing this task.”

  The table that they stood around lit up with a map of France and a lit pointer which the Brigadier was clearly commanding from his end.

  “At 0100 hours you will depart for an enemy position near the town of Poitiers, here.”

  The men gasped as they were taken aback by the outrageous statement.

  “Sir? We’ve not made any headway against this enemy. How are we supposed to get to the other side of France?” asked Sergeant Silva.

  “Under the disguise of Lieutenant Rains’ craft. It has been modified to give off all of the signatures and signals of the enemy. He will get you there in one piece. What you need to worry about is your job in all of this.”

  Silva shook his head. He’d only heard the first stage of the plan and it was already sounding farfetched.

  “You’ll put down here, a secluded spot which is well hidden between an outer blast wall and the main structure of the dome.”

  “Sir, I am still failing to see how we can pull this off when we reach the ground,” said Silva.

  “Our information shows that the enemy defences are focused on aerial patrols and some kind of defence grid. You should be able pass through both of those without incident.”