Tregan nodded thoughtfully, ‘Very well, I will take the rear carrier back to the Mobile Brigade and warn them. You carry on to the village and make Captain Dugachard aware that the Morgons have slipped through your defensive line.’ His eyes became strained, ‘The village is poorly manned, mostly militia…if the enemy take it both the brigade and the mine will be cut off!’
The tanker nodded grimly, ‘There are three more armoured cars at the ravine. They are fast and heavily armoured. Try and convince my commander to send them back to the village with any spare troops. Ask him if we can spare a tank to support the village. If we can that should be enough deterrent. The Morgons really don’t like these Hover beasts!’ He patted the turret surface of his tank fondly.
Riaz stepped to the front of the tank, slinging his rifle over his shoulder, ‘Tregan, shall I get the others into the rear carrier?’
Tregan turned, ‘Yes…I was thinking of sending you three back to the village…but guess it will be safer with an armoured unit.’ He grinned, ‘Get our squad into the rear carrier, I will be along shortly.’
Riaz clicked his heels, slapping his fist to his chest, ‘Yes Sir! Consider it done!’ He lunged forward, jogging alongside the side of the tank towards Shino and Debra.
Tregan looked after him open mouthed, the tanker grinning, ‘He’s keen…good Trevakian marine there!’
Tregan nodded in surprise, ‘Er…yes. Well trained…’ He shook his head as he slipped down the side of the tank, striding after Riaz.
The tank started to vibrate more as the tanker slapped his gloved hand on the top of the vehicle’s surface, glancing down through the opening in the turret, ‘Man the guns…enemy seen in this vicinity. Keep sharp…load the guns with high explosive just in case. Forward!’ The engine whirred as the tank commander thrust his hand towards the front of the vehicle, the turret slowly beginning to turn and face into the rocks on the right. As he slipped down into the vehicle, the hatch closing behind him, the last armoured car began to turn on its axis, the driver depressing the pedals beneath him to engage the engine on one side of the carrier.
Two hundred metres behind the carrier a shiny black helmet dropped behind the rocks, the red eyes in the head armour glowing as a message was passed across the valley, ‘The Trevakians know we are here…the element of surprise may be lost unless we strike now…’
Sam stared through his binoculars from the tower, the falling snow reducing visibility. Looking north along the track leading from the village, he could only see two hundred metres from the perimeter, the thickening snowfall making his furthest vision blurred. Focussing on the last bend in the track he could see, he adjusted the zoom on the glasses, attempting to see further through the falling snow. There had been sporadic shooting from the west all day, complimented by the dull thuds of artillery to the north. Far to the south, the battle raged on, the sky glowed red and continuous low thunder of war spread across the terrain as Trevakian forces attempted to defend their positions against the Morgon onslaught.
A jerk of excitement swept through him as he glimpsed the two barrels of the tank emerge from behind the rocks, the heavily armoured vehicle turning to proceed towards the hamlet. Seeing the armoured cars follow the metal monster, he lowered his glasses smiling. He leant over the wooden wall of the balcony, raising his voice at the sentry below, ‘Movement in the distance. Tank incoming with armoured support! Tell Captain Dugachard please!’
The startled sentry glanced upwards, his expression forming into a grin. He waved in response, jogging across the road towards the captain’s command building.
Sam pushed himself back from the edge, raising the glasses again and beginning to slowly pan across the valley once more. Then he stiffened, seeing a black shape slip between two rocks, the figure a lot closer than before. Slowly he lowered himself, his breathing becoming shallow as his adrenalin rose. He carefully retrieved his rifle, raising it slowly above the balcony wall.
Captain Dugachard strode out towards the emplacement at the edge of the track, two marines walking either side of her. As the tank ascended the brow of the slope leading into the village, she grinned widely, the militia soldiers running out to remove the makeshift barrier on the road.
The hover tank drew alongside her as the armoured vehicles passed on the opposite side, heading for the medical bay and the building they had stored their ammunition in. The hatch rose mechanically on the turret of the tank and the young tanker’s head appeared, nodding to her, ‘Afternoon captain, we have come to pick up some more ammunition.’
Captain Dugachard placed her hands on her hips, standing next to the large vehicle, ‘I did not know you had stored ammunition here…any reports from the forward positions?’
The tanker nodded solemnly, ‘The brigade is holding the enemy at the ravine, Ma’am. We intercepted four marines on our journey here that reported Morgon activity in the valley. I have sent them back to my commander with the news. The ammunition is in a warehouse near the rocks at the edge of town, we have placed automated guns inside and the militia were aware.’
The Captain nodded, pursing her lips, ‘I may have a word with the Militia leader…his lack of detail is annoying. How long before he can send some armour to support us?’
The tanker shook his head, ‘I don’t know if he can, Ma’am. With the Morgons behind our position, we may have difficulty disengaging at the ravine. If we leave our positions, the enemy will swarm into the valley. It is unlikely we will have sufficient strength to hold against massed troops and their heavy weaponry.’
Captain Dugachard stepped back, glancing down at the dirt beneath her feet, ‘What about your armoured cars, can he possibly spare them? We can then get our forces back from the mine…reinforce our positions here.’
The tanker thought for a second, ‘Without the armoured cars, our infantry will be stranded in their positions. If we are overwhelmed, they will be cut to pieces…with no escape.’ He hesitated, glancing down into his tank, ‘If the track to the mine is wide enough we could drive up there with the tank and a couple of the cars to retrieve the personnel there…how many are there?’
The captain shook her head, ‘Over one hundred I think…we would need several armoured vehicles.’ She raised her arms in exasperation, ‘This is ridiculous without radio communication…’
The tanker leant forward, his eyes lightening, ‘The three armoured cars back at the ravine are equipped with quad guns over the rear compartments. If we bring them and a tank, the Morgons are unlikely to attack that level of defensive firepower. We could march them out in an armoured convoy…the front units have two anti-air batteries that will suffice until you return the quads.’
Captain Dugachard looked back up at him, her expression lightening, ‘That sounds promising…there is another track that cuts across through the valley, but I am reluctant to use it…we cannot offer our limited fire support from the village on that route. The longer way is through here and I think that is best.’ She considered for a second, ‘The movement will take the best part of a day from the ravine to here, on to the mine, then back here with the return journey to the ravine. Are you returning to your unit this evening?’
The tanker nodded, ‘That was the plan, Ma’am. My commander may be able to spare one immobile artillery piece. We towed two down there when we arrived, but we will only lose them if the Morgon’s overrun us, so they may be better placed here. You can offer fire support then if we need to withdraw.’
The captain nodded thoughtfully, ‘Good. Leave as soon as you can. Request your commander provides one tank and three quad carriers for us for the day…that will be sufficient. The guns will also help if you can get those.’ She turned to the marine next to her, ‘Get several men and assist with the loading of their ammunition…make every effort to ensure it is done quickly, but carefully.’
The soldier stiffened, raising his fist to his chest, ‘Yes Sir!’ He turned and sprinted after the armoured cars, indicating to soldier’s en-route to follow him.
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Captain Dugachard looked back up at the tanker, her eyes strained, ‘Get your men and ammunition back safely, we need that support tomorrow morning first light. Have you any vehicles or way of contacting the main Trevakian forces?’
The tanker shrugged, ‘I am not sure Ma’am…that is a question for my commander. Yes…’
The shot echoed across the town, both the captain and the tanker jumping as they spun round to look up at the tower. The soldiers in the defensive positions raised their weapons, pointing out from the village. Gunshots echoed from one of the buildings on the outskirts.
Sam’s head appeared above the balcony wall, his outstretched arm pointing into the valley, voice raised in excitement, ‘Morgon infantry amongst the rocks some distance from the town! I think I got one!’
Sam leant back as he heard the shouting below in response to his declaration, slowly lowering himself against the wall of the tower until he was sat exhausted on the floor of the balcony. Hearing soldiers running to the defensive positions at the edge of the village, the tank turning slowly to face the track leading out of the town, gunshots echoing out as the defenders fired at any movement.
He pulled his weapon across his thighs, sighing. His emotions reeling as he realised he had killed one of the enemy, the high powered rifle cracking as he pulled the trigger. The high explosive sniper round hitting what he thought had been a black Morgon helmet, the ferocity of the impact disintegrating the armour and exploding, killing his victim instantly. He felt the nausea rising within him, the dreadful thought of killing something, even an enemy so cruel, sickened him. He fought back tears as the firing died down below, the defending soldiers beginning to lower their weapons as they looked out across the inhospitable terrain.
Biting his tongue and inner cheek, he pushed himself upwards, raising the rifle once more. His vigil as sniper and lookout once again focussing his mind, his thoughts pushing any guilt or remorse from his mind.
The armoured car jolted as it rose over some rocks, the vehicle bouncing on the air beneath it as it dropped back down onto the track. Shino instinctively grasping the front of her seat, the three benches inside the carrier equipped with grab handles. With two benches running either side of the inside of the carrier and one along the centre, the heavily armoured vehicle could carry twenty four soldiers if required, the ideal cargo being sixteen to assist the carrier’s speed. The inside of the vehicle was sparse, but the three Heathrow staff had marvelled as Tregan had shown them the fold down stretchers and even mountings to provide a basic operating theatre, the carrier manufactured to provide for any possible outcome or use.
On the exterior, its angled sides were designed to deflect incoming rounds and potential satchel charges attached by an enemy soldier. The exterior surface was textured and providing no surface for attaching any magnetic military hardware, the sides and roof containing no metal components.
Debra smiled as she saw Riaz’s eyes half closed as he dozed, the Asian man lying along one of the benches, his exhaustion apparent. The vehicle swayed as the driver moved round an obstacle on the track, the whirring of the engine a soothing exception to the outside world around them as the snowflakes fell across the dangerous valley.
Tregan was lost in his thoughts, sat at the front of the rear compartment, his concentration on the events that had passed and the emotional pain he felt. The carrier continued onwards as the light began to fade, its journey almost at an end. Several kilometres south of them, the hover tank and armoured cars began to leave the village, their holds full of ammunition and supplies, Captain Dugachard providing two soldiers for each vehicle’s protection, one carrying a personal request from her to the mobile brigade’s commander.
The carrier turned the final corner before proceeding into the approach to the ravine, the sheer rock faces beginning to narrow on either side as they rose up towards the darkening sky. The driver knocking on the dividing plate, ‘Nearly there now. Get ready to depart.’ He lowered the armoured plate to his right, nodding to the sergeant approaching outside. The barricaded entry positions to the brigade’s deployment area manned with ten soldiers.
The sergeant stepped forward, his expression suspicious, ‘Where are the others?’
The driver smiled in response, ‘They went on to the village. We met a group on the way…they need to speak to the commander urgently.’
The soldier nodded, his uniform expanded to protect him against the cold duty, ‘Very well, continue on…any sightings on the road?’
The driver shook his head, ‘No…’ He indicated to the back of the carrier, ‘…But these soldiers say they saw Morgons in the valley, best keep alert.’
The sergeant gritted his teeth, ‘Thanks…best get within the perimeter then. I will double the watch.’ He turned shouting to his men, his raised voice awakening Riaz, ‘Morgon sightings in the valley, get those sniper positions manned and move a squad of the reserve up here!’
The carrier jolted forward, slowing as it passed the soldiers running to move up on either side. Pulling round to the left it gradually came to a halt next to two large command jeeps, their hulks covered in camouflaged netting.
As the four passengers clambered out of the double doors at the rear of the carrier, the driver strode up to Tregan from the front of the vehicle, ‘The command post is about another one hundred metres in on the left.’ He pointed with his outstretched arm, ‘The commander will probably be in there…he has a nightly briefing before inspecting the positions.’
Tregan nodded, ‘Thank you, we will head there then.’ He glanced round, seeing Riaz stretching, then start to inspect one of the camouflaged carriers nearby, the vehicle having a large mounted quad cannon on the roof. Walking after him, he smiled at the young man’s curiosity, ‘It has four cannons that fire in two’s. You can either leave it on automatic from inside or climb into the gun from below to fire it yourself.’
Riaz nodded, yawning, ‘That’s very impressive…I want one of those. Where is the ammunition housed?’ He ducked his head instinctively as one of the tanks in the ravine fired into the distance, the blast echoing across the rock walls. Shaking his head, he turned to look at Tregan, ‘They are loud guns man!’
Tregan grinned, ‘Not nearly as loud as when you are stood next to them…or on the other end of the shell!’ He indicated for Riaz to follow him, the two females waiting for them, ‘The quad has ammunition fed into it from beneath. It can’t carry as many personnel when fully armed, but packs quite a punch when fired.’
Riaz smiled sleepily, ‘I gotta get me one of those.’
Tregan shook his head smiling, ‘I am sure you will see it used in the next few days. I will try and give you a talk through of the gunner position if there is time.’
Riaz indicated to the carrier behind, grinning to Shino, ‘What do you think?’
She smiled, her eyes tired, ‘Looks impressive…but this weaponry does not seem to impress the Morgons enough to stop them.’
Tregan sighed despondently, ‘Yes…you are right…they have armour too, though I am not sure it is quite as technically well built. They rely on sheer numbers and fear in our troops to win.’
Debra looked at Tregan, her eyes sad as she turned to walk with them, ‘Can’t you use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against them?’
Tregan’s eyes widened in surprise, ‘Very good line of thought. Unfortunately, not only do our laws forbid the use of such weapons, but the Morgons actually thrive on chemical, nuclear and biological fallout. Their bodies would adapt and learn the chemicals. Yes it would kill plenty in the blast, but the rest would come back stronger than before. We also cannot contain or minimise damage to both the planets we would use them on and their indigenous species, which is against our constitution.’
Debra looked aghast, ‘You mean they are potentially a superior race, able to adapt their bodies to the weapons used against them?’
Tregan nodded uncomfortably, ‘Different yes…superior no. They are just different to us in every
way…I suppose that’s why they do not understand compassion, mercy…perhaps love. That potentially makes us superior…anyway no one person, people or race is superior, we are all just different…unique. You will see clearer when you meet some of the other races in the Trevakian Empire.’
Riaz slung his rifle onto his back as they walked, smiling to himself as he spoke aloud, ‘They are not superior enough to adapt to a bullet hitting them at high speed!’
Chapter Eighteen: Mechanised Defence
In the narrow tunnel, earth and dust fell from the roof, the exposed roots shaking as the passageway vibrated, the footsteps of many bodies approaching. Small animals ran terrified into their burrows as the impact of footsteps got louder, the impact of metal boots causing a muffled rumbling through the many small walkways that lead through the old smuggling network.
The clicking and squealing of voices resonated through the passageways as the numerous dark figures followed their electronic route finders on their armoured forearms. As weapons scraped across the tunnel walls, dust and debris fell to the floor of the route to be crushed underfoot.
At the narrow darkened entrance covered by bushes and rocks, the frozen foliage shook as the footsteps approached, then gradually settled as the shadowy figures cautiously approached the opening. Nervously, a head slowly emerged into the darkness, peering from side to side as the snowflakes fell across the valley. Then the figure stepped out of the tunnel, the camouflaged exoskeleton armour shining in the light of two moons. The streaks of white, green and brown imprinted across the metal body covering moving silently to the side as the figure sensed the area was safe.
Leaning back into the tunnel, the voice chattered to the figures behind, a mixture of whines and clicking coming from the mouthpiece. Shadows poured from the opening, some two hundred and fifty figures in total sprinting out to occupy defensive positions around the mouth of the tunnel. Behind them in the tunnels, engineers struggled with their heavy weaponry, dragging the guns and ammunition through the darkness.
The Last Marine in the Galaxy (Galaxies Collide Book 1) Page 17