Lasers cut through most obstacles, leaving molten holes in the metal they passed through, bubbling metal that they just missed.
Kalu that moved out from cover danced as tens of rounds slammed through their armor, exploding and turning them to hamburger.
HAPA’s were struck here and there, medics were called up, pulling people out of their HAPA’s and dragging them out of fire.
Colors from green to black colored Bregend’s HUD.
“Cut your rate of fire, bounce shots, one partner always shooting. Watch your ammo levels,” Bregend said.
Slowly they moved up, the HAPA’s cutting their rate of fire in half, one shooting as they crept forward, switching to the other HAPA as their guns went silent.
Any Kalu poking their head out or firing their lasers automatically gathered the attention of the HAPA’s waiting to shoot.
“Cut fire to the left, friendlies crossing behind Kalu,” Bregend said, watching his map as Commandos cut, jumped, slid and rushed into new rooms. Moving as fast as they could and putting down anything that looked faintly Kalu with enough rounds to stop a shuttle.
Few actually used a door, resorting to their ship-clearing tactics of slicing or blowing holes in walls.
The fix up on this is going to make quite a few contractors happy, Bregend thought. His mind going off on one of the odd tangents it did when you were fighting for your life.
“Watch fire right,” Bregend said, the regular Commandos now in the HAPA’s line of fire.
Fire slowed because the HAPA’s were having less area to cover and the Kalu keeping their heads behind cover.
There was the odd burst here and there as something shifted or a laser bolt came flying at the HAPA’s.
“Hold fire, clearing last areas,” Commander Frix said.
“You heard the man, hold fire,” Bregend said. Fire came from above, Kalu shooting down from the railing above.
“Get those fuckers!’ Bregend said, a hundred and fifty HAPA’s raised their cannons, three hundred cannons laying waste to the floor above, ripping it apart and sending debris raining down on their floor and other floors below.
“Watch out! Falling debris!” Bregend said, tagging the larger falling panels. More than one Kalu went rushing past, their arms whirling in an attempt to stop their fate.
“Commander Geroux go up one floor, Jefel go up two. I want those bastards suppressed. Jefel make sure Geroux doesn’t have shit raining down on him.” Bregend said.
“Sir,” Geroux said, his HAPA’s started moving.
“On it,” Jefel said, his HAPA’s ambling after Geroux’s.
“Push more HAPA’s past you, I want them on every floor as a base of fire so we don’t have that again,” Bregend said, looking at the medics as they ran to wounded and confirmed the black marks were dead and not a powered armor malfunction.
Bregend had the feeling that all too many of those black marks wouldn’t change.
“Floor cleared,” Commander Frix said.
“Move onto the next, we need to have these floors cleared for the reinforcements,” Bregend said, HAPA’s kept aiming upwards as they walked towards the accesses that would take them up a level.
Commandos were already jogging through the area, trusting the HAPA’s to keep them covered.
Five more levels to go, Bregend thought, heading to a freight elevator that fit HAPA’s more people were pushing past, their levels also clear, they were eager to get the rest.
The faster they did so the faster the wounded could get the medical aid that the warships in orbit offered and the reinforcements that would make this a hell of a lot faster.
***
“Top floors are clear, bring in the reinforcements, we have multiple wounded needing evacuation,” Bregend said on the Commander’s channel that linked Mills, Drux, Narvu and Commander Lofa with the second wave of shuttles. He sounded like he’s been fighting for days instead of hours.
Close quarters fighting was always incredibly taxing on not only the body but the mind. You had to be alert at all times, seconds and reaction times could be the difference between life and death.
“Understood, my forces will launch within five minutes’ flight time of thirty minutes,” Commander Drux said.
“Shuttle force two is getting airborne as we speak, we will be there in five minutes,” Lofa said.
Narvu saw as the blue symbols for shuttles started moving from where they had rested just out of sight of Ekal and started pouring out of the HCD’s in orbit.
“Look forward to seeing you shortly,” Bregend said. “Narvu I’m moving my forces down to assist yours. I’m keeping half to move wounded personnel and dead to the secured landing pads.”
“Understood, I’m going to send our wounded up to you. Do you want to coordinate landing, resupply, and wounded extraction?” Narvu said.
“Got it,” Bregend said, the two of them breaking down their new responsibilities as if they had worked together for years. “I’ll funnel the commanders and support to you, we should switch lead personnel off, it’s taxing clearing these levels. We drive them much longer and people are going to start making mistakes,” Bregend suggested.
“Agreed, once the reinforcements are here I will start pushing them ahead of the beachhead units. Could you get some food sorted out?” Narvu had learned that a warm meal and five minutes of shut-eye could do wonders between battles.
“Will do,” Bregend said.
“Lead shuttles are coming in,” Lofa reported.
“Very well, follow flight plan cooked up by the AI’s and follow your heads up display for orders,” Bregend said.
Narvu clicked off the channel watching as HAPA’s supported Commandos from not only the level they were on, but the floor above, sent plunging fire behind whatever the Kalu was hiding behind.
Companies of Commandos kicked in doors, cut through walls and systematically pushed back and killed any Kalu on the level. They were coming in from multiple directions so the Kalu couldn’t orientate their efforts in one direction.
Speed and aggression was king here and the Commandos primary training was to clear ships. Clearing Ekal was just adapting their tactics to a bigger version of most ships they’d clear.
Commandos started down the stairs and elevators, fresh green icons descending to support their brothers and sisters.
They had cleared a third of the city. The lower levels had many more rooms and main areas. It would get harder before it would get easier, but Narvu trusted his people. They had fought side by side for months. The Commandos coming from systems away were cut from the same cloth. They might not have fought the Kalu yet, but they would do their duty. Narvu had no doubt of their abilities.
The first elevator arrived and Commandos started pouring out, heading for the various routs that would take them to the current contested level.
Narvu felt some tension bleed off of his shoulders, it might take days to clear Ekal, but it was an eventuality now.
Clearing Ekal would be the first city of many. It might look a hell of a lot worse afterwards, but they would repair and they would survive. Daestramus was home to hardy people. They would pick up the pieces and move on.
Just need to make sure their homes and cities are safe, Narvu thought.
“Lopez watch your right side, looks like those offices go down a level. Post a squad there to make sure no Kalu come up,” Narvu said, getting a green icon on his HUD as Commandos moved on his map to clear the office building. Purple icons showed Kalu hiding in the building. Green icons flowed through, the purples turning black.
Narvu changed his view, trusting the Commandos to deal with it. He couldn’t get wrapped up in individual fights, he needed to watch the overall battle.
***
“God that felt good,” I said my hair still wet from the first shower I’d had in weeks.
My old battle suit was a discarded item of nasty in the trash. The buildup of salty sweat, grease and dirt had turned the water black with my short showe
r.
“You are looking a bit better. I can even dare to breathe the air around you,” Yasu smiled sitting on the couch in her powered armor, her helmet beside her as she worked the holographic screens which surrounded her.
I came behind her, my arms wrapping around her. I kissed her head. She leaned backwards so I could kiss her lips.
She gave me a small smile. With so many deaths so recent it was still hard to laugh and openly smile. We took the light moments as we could.
“I was thinking we could start working on giving Henry a brother or sister,” I said, breaking into a smile.
She slapped my arm lightly, a hard move in powered armor.
“You just want me to be a whale again so you can keep me in one place,” she said, her eyes thinning in accusation.
“Oh that’s a good idea,” I said, looking thoughtful, getting another slap on my arm.
I looked down at her, our eyes meeting as we smiled at one another, sealing the moment with another kiss.
I broke it off, sighing as I headed for my powered armor that was open and waiting for me. I stepped into it, the armor locking around me, reminding me of my raw knees from rubbing against my battle suit, the various chafing and tender spots that had been repairing themselves, luxuriating in being free of the straps, padding, and systems of the armor.
I moved, checking everything was working.
“So, when are we blowing this pop-sickle stand?” Yasu asked, glancing to me as she worked her screens.
“As soon as the lines are finished. Monk has been working out a deal with all of the nations for weapons and armor. We will be supplying them with a few older generations of armor and weaponry. They’ll look to their own defense,” I said, sitting on a chair, looking at the apartment. Dust covered most surfaces, pictures lay on the ground and the windows had been blown in by nearby nuclear blasts.
I looked out the window, seeing the ‘line’ in the distance. A series of bunkers and harden points with heavy weaponry covering every kilometer.
It was an impassable border, one of ten lines that had been buried into Earth’s ground. It was closing in the Kalu. Hunter groups and scouts walked out into that territory calling in fire on Kalu dens and reducing their population. It would be slow work, but it wasn’t impossible.
“How are the nations taking it?” Yasu asked, looking to me.
I let out a breath, thinking about it.
“They want us to go out there and kill all the Kalu for them. Their used to telling their militaries to do what they want and they just pay the bill. They’re not paying our bills but still want us to clean up the Kalu. I’ve had to bring my foot down a few times but their getting the idea we’re more private military than their clean up crew. Sure we’ll go out there and kill the Kalu, but then they are damned well going to pay us for our time. We stopped the Kalu from wiping out humanity but we’re not their bully boy,” I said, still staring at the line in the distance I could see plumes of dust rolling away on the breeze, the rumbles of artillery fire reached my ears.
“So when do we leave?” Yasu asked.
“A week, get them taking over all the responsibilities of the line and then we start breaking down for our ports. People go to Mars. People go to Parnmal. Those HCD’s are going to earn their pay shipping all the people and supplies we’ve got,” I said looking to her.
“Good, I want to see Henry, the videos aren’t enough,” she said as we shared a knowing smile.
With the Syndicate’s ‘upgrades’ Henry had grown equivalent years while we had been fighting the Kalu up the corridor from Parnmal to Earth.
Cheerleader and Henry had called us a few times, and Cheerleader had sent us more than one video of our boy growing up. It was great to see him, but it tore at Yasu and my own heart to see him growing up so fast without us.
“I know babe, not long until we see him again. I can’t believe how much he’s grown. Last we saw he was a wee toddler, now he’s up, running around and causing all kinds of mayhem,” I said, smiling.
“Reminds me of another Cook I know,” Yasu said dryly.
I laughed, the kind of laugh that pushed the darkness of the past horrors away and showed that there was light at the end of it.
Yasu smiled, her eyes shining.
“What about Daestramus?” Yasu asked. the smile fading.
“I had a message from Bregend. They took Ekal, they’re resting up and then turning their attention to the other cities. He’s got fresh Commandos, ammunition supplies and the people at his back. He thinks he’ll be fine. Might even start clearing two cities at a time, he’s going to see how the situation dictates. It will take some time, but Daestramus is in the final stretch. It’s time we looked to our future,” I said, not trying to hide the shake in my voice.
Yasu tilted her head, picking it up, her eyes looking over my face.
“What?” She asked, seeing the doubts plaguing me.
I ran a hand through my hair, pulling it out of my face.
“I’m thinking about retiring,” I said simply, looking to her.
She didn’t say anything just waited for me to continue.
It took me a few minutes to figure out my feelings and the words to express them.
“I love the Free Fleet, I care for the people that are a part of it, but I’m tired. God I’m tired,” I said, sighing and rubbing my face. The age of war that added decades to my youthful appearance was coming through. I looked at the wall, remembering images that I wished no one ever had to see.
“I’ve seen so many things, done so many things, not all of them good and I’m afraid I’ll break. The Free Fleet needs a steady hand and I’m spent. We have brought up good Commanders. I have faith that the Free Fleet will be fine without me. I want to spend time with you, with Henry, watch him grow up rather than get involved with the politics that are emerging through the Union.” I looked to her, seeing understanding in her eyes, without judgement.
“I know my dear, you’ve given everything to the Fleet, to it’s people. I see the pain, and the fatigue you hide with wakeup. You need time to recuperate,” she said, softly.
“I...” She looked away as if trying to gather strength.
“I’ve been thinking about it too,” she said in a rush, looking to me and wincing. Those words elicited guilt in both of our hearts. It was like we were turning our backs on the Free Fleet. We knew that wasn’t the case, but it damned well felt like it.
“I love being a Commander. I love training people. Yet I want to see Henry grow up. I want to sit back and just relax, build a life with you and actually live. Not just try to survive. Min Hae told me about the political situation as well. If either of us stay, we’ll get wrapped up in it. Politics taking over our lives more than any battle.” She sighed her breath deep and tired.
“They’re going to badger us no matter what, but I want it to be on our terms,” she said, looking to me.
“I understand,” I replied with a smile.
My heart ached, as I felt understanding pass through me.
“First we need to make sure that we deal with those politics, cut them off at the head and set the Free Fleet up to survive for generations,” I said, looking to her, my face hardening.
“Why do I have the feeling your planning something?” She said a smile coming to her lips.
“Because Min Hae’s people have been whispering to him and me. I think we have a plan to deal with the oncoming political storm.” My mouth becoming a hard line.
“Go easy on the politicians,” Yasu joked.
“I will if they’re not fixated on being idiots,” I said, our eyes met, Yasu slowly nodded, not understanding what my plan was, but trusting me to see it through.
Chapter Redeployment
Evelyn looked at the Henry Classed Destroyers as they swung past Mars and headed for Earth. The war hadn’t finished on Earth, but with the new lines it was just a matter of time until the Kalu were removed from the planet. So many people had died but for Earth it was
nearly over. Daestramus was also in the final phases of war.
The newly created Union was emerging from the second war against the Kalu and they weren’t holding back. Traders were already up and running. AIH miners were already shipping ore even as they hunted Kalu down.
Asul city was now filling with residents.
Ershue was recovering, the people were saddened by the ruin of so much forest, but they were planting new trees and filling the skies with their sing-song calls and flap of wings.
The Kuruvian Empire was selling hulls and repairs to whoever was interested and Inkal was being inhabited once again.
People were being given a chance at freedom and life once again. They weren’t waiting for anything.
Evelyn zoomed in on the HCD’s seeing their armor marred by laser impacts, patches showing where they’d been hastily fixed as they went about their duties. A number of them were coming to a halt at Nancy. Shuttles and work crews swarmed the hull and halls to fix the wear and tear of war.
The HCD’s would take the Free Fleet forces on Earth, distributing them to Mars and Parnmal.
She had already been on some of the talks with the wounded that had been shipped to Hachiro. Their stories made her recoil in horror, these people had gone through a terrible ordeal, driven by duty and their personal beliefs.
The head doctors were in full swing, talking to everyone and anyone. The Free Fleet wasn’t about to let anyone slip through the cracks, they leaned on one another and let out their feelings.
Hiding their feelings wasn’t seen as a sign of strength.
They’d changed the way that post traumatic stress disorder was seen for the better.
A few times she had needed to excuse herself as tears came to her eyes. These hard people, these defenders broke down crying. In many cases they related their experiences with hard faces, unable to accept the loss of friends and loved ones.
Talking about it was a strength, being vulnerable made them able to do their job. Knowing when to take a minute and talk was necessary.
“Got it?” She asked Tuvio who was angling his camera to catch the HCD’s as they headed for Earth.
War's Reward (Free Fleet Book 6) Page 29