by Sam Schall
“Do we have any live feeds from the fighting?” Ashlyn asked, her eyes moving from one blinking icon to the next.
“We have the feeds from our troops’ suit-cams,” Santiago answered.
“Not enough,” she muttered, moving around the plot’s holo display. “This doesn’t make sense, sir. I can understand why the enemy might attack the security complex. That’s the nerve center for the military. It makes sense as well that they’d attack the governmental offices and the presidential palace. But why here? Isn’t that a residential complex?” She pointed out the area in question.
“It is and we don’t know why it has been targeted,” Santiago admitted.
For a long moment, Ashlyn didn’t say anything. Her lower lip caught between her teeth, she continued to study the holo display. Watching her, Tremayne had a feeling Ash was missing nothing as she looked from it to the monitors across from them showing some of the video feeds from the various areas of fighting from around the city.
“It doesn’t look like the enemy is attacking by air any longer,” she commented.
“They haven’t for the past hour,” Tremayne answered. “Our best guess is that we managed to shoot down their birds but we are still in a no-fly zone until we’re sure. First Fleet has sent out additional patrols and Second Fleet has been ordered to move closer to the home system in case we need additional back-up.”
“Do we know yet how the enemy managed to get air support through our defenses? Or how they managed to get boots on the ground here?”
“Yes and no. The long-range scans showed several unidentified ships jump in-system approximately six hours before the attack began. FleetCom ordered several of our cruisers to investigate. Before they could get close enough to get an ID, the ships jumped back out. We picked up nothing on scanners to show they’d done anything but jump in and then out. Still, we went to alert status and shifted Div-1 closer to the coordinates where the bogeys had been,” Tremayne said. As she spoke, she expanded the area shown on the plot and highlighted Div-1’s current location. “What we didn’t anticipate was that the ships might have dropped troops and in-system fighters before jumping out. That’s a mistake we won’t make a second time.”
“As for what’s happening now,” Tremayne continued and once more adjusted the plot so it showed the groundside fighting. “The enemy has dug in in areas where we can’t risk air strikes. There are too many civilians in the fire zone. Because of that, and because we don’t know how many may be holed up in the surrounding buildings, it’s going to be slow going as we retake the areas of the capital where there’s been fighting. Then we’ll have to make sure none of the enemy is hiding elsewhere.”
Ashlyn nodded, her expression grim. “A ground fight then.”
“Unfortunately.” Santiago paused, his eyes focused on the plot. “Ash, we’re fighting blind in a lot of ways here. Yes, we’ve managed to take out most, if not all, of the stingers the enemy used in their attack. That’s the good news. The bad is that we haven’t been able to get to them in order to examine the wreckage yet. The fighting has been too intense. So we don’t know for sure who they belong to.”
For a moment, Ashlyn didn’t say anything and Tremayne studied her, watching as she processed the information. “Have we managed to capture any of their fighters or recover any bodies?”
“No.” Santiago shook his head, his frustration clear. “To be honest, during the early stages of the battle, we were too busy trying to make sure the president and other members of the government didn’t fall into enemy hands to worry about it. Now we’re trying to retake the areas where the enemy has gone to ground but, so far, they are dug in too well.”
Before anything more could be said, the door opened once again and Major Paul Pawlak, the commanding officer of the Devil Dogs, stepped inside. Like Talbot, he wore light battle armor. His graying hair was mussed and his green eyes troubled. But that disappeared the moment he saw Ashlyn standing by the plot. After giving the briefest of salutes to Santiago and Tremayne, he marched across the ready room and stopped before the captain. To Tremayne’s surprise, he grabbed Ashlyn up in a bear hug that lifted her off her feet. Then, for the first time since before her trial, Tremayne heard the younger woman laugh. She beat a playful fist against the major’s armored shoulder and told him to put her down.
“Damn, Major, what will the others think?” Ashlyn grinned as her boots hit the floor.
“That I’m a wise man to know how lucky we are to finally have you back in uniform, kid,” the gravel-voiced major replied. “Hope you weren’t expecting to be pampered your first day back.”
“Hell no, Major. I’m a Marine. We don’t know pampered.”
If there was a bit of bite to those words, Tremayne didn’t hear it. Watching Ashlyn respond to Pawlak, she swallowed hard. This was the first natural reaction, outside of how Ash had responded when they’d been fighting to get safely away from the security complex, she’d seen from the young woman since they’d brought her back from Tarsus. For a moment, Tremayne wished she’d been the one to be able to elicit that sort of reaction from the younger woman. After all, she’d known Ashlyn for years, had watched her grow up. But that wasn’t enough and she knew it. Like it or not, she represented those who had turned their backs on the young woman even if she’d hadn’t been one of them. Pawlak was a Marine, a Devil Dog, and there was a special bond between them because of it. She had to accept that and be glad someone had been able to break that final barrier of self-control Ashlyn had erected over the last two years.
“That we don’t,” Pawlak agreed with an approving smile. “Sorry, Major, Senator. It’s just that I’m so damned glad to see Ash and have her back in uniform.”
“I know I speak for both of us when I say we understand, Major.” Tremayne smiled in return.
“I take it you were going over the current situation.”
“We were,” Santiago confirmed. “Do you have anything to report?”
“Negative, Major. I have our teams ready to move out to support the ground troops.” Now Pawlak turned his attention to the plot. “I’ve designated this as Target Alpha.” His gloved hand pointed to the presidential palace “It has one of the largest forces trying to take control of it, but it is also the most easily defendable by our side. The security force there reports that they have been able to dig in and should be able to hold out until we get reinforcements to them. At least that’s the case as long as the enemy doesn’t bring in more air support.
“Target Beta is the security complex and the area immediately surrounding it. There is a smaller enemy group there. That’s probably because they thought the initial air strikes against it would decimate the security force stationed there. Fortunately for us, the complex did what it was supposed to – it stood up to most of the attack. So not only were we able to evac most of the civilians to secure areas but our troops have been able to hold the building.
“The third area of concern, designated Target Delta, is here.” He pointed to the area Ashlyn had previously identified as a housing complex. “The enemy is dug in at the front of the building. They’ve been attempting to breach through there but, so far at least, have been unsuccessful. My concern is that they also have a smaller force that has moved to the rear of the building. They’re trying to make entry there but, so far, the occupants of the building have been able to hold them off.”
“Your plan?” Tremayne asked. She knew the question probably should have come from Santiago but SecDef had recalled her to active duty. That made her senior officer. How easy it was to slip back into the role. Command was something she’d trained hard for and had been a part of her life for decades. The only problem was this was not her kind of fight and she would do well to remember that.
For a moment, Pawlak didn’t say anything. Then, when he looked away from the plot, he focused on Ashlyn instead of the others. There was something in his expression, something that spoke volumes that Tremayne hoped Ashlyn understood because she didn’t. Not that
there was a lot about the Marines she did understand. Why anyone would prefer fighting groundside, up close and personal to the enemy when they could be miles above the surface in a well-armed and armored ship was beyond her.
“Admiral, I recommend that we send three units to Target Alpha and another three to Beta. That should be enough to help the current forces on station to start the push-back. The rest of FirstDiv will drop from First Fleet just as soon as FleetCom gives the word.
“The Devil Dogs will converge on Target Delta. We’ll be supported by Lt. Tsui’s and Lt. Sanchez’s platoons. They’ll clear the surrounding buildings of any hostiles as well as protect the civilians while we deal with the main force. We’ll have to move carefully to keep from tipping our hand too soon. I don’t want to risk the enemy deciding their only option is to destroy the complex with the civilians inside.”
Tremayne nodded, watching Shaw as she did. She’d seen the way Shaw looked quickly at Pawlak before looking away when he mentioned the Devil Dogs. By all rights, it was the platoon Shaw should be assigned to. Whether Santiago had already seen to it when he’d arranged for her to be assigned to SpecOps or not, Tremayne didn’t know. Seeing the expression on Shaw’s face, she hoped he had.
But, before she found out if he had or not, there was one thing Ashlyn needed to know. Tremayne just wasn’t sure she wanted to be the one to tell her. Unfortunately, she also didn’t have a choice, at least not in her mind.
“Ash, there’s something else,” she began, her voice soft, almost hesitant. Seeing the concern in Ashlyn’s eyes didn’t help. “Target Delta is important for another reason. That complex is where a number of government officials and employees live.” She paused, swallowing hard. This was so very hard, mainly because she didn’t know how Shaw would respond to what she had to say. “Ash, your parents live there.”
* * *
For what seemed like an eternity, all she could do was stare at Tremayne in shock. Then what she’d said penetrated her mind and Ashlyn swallowed hard. Her parents lived in the building where so much of the fighting was focused. If her parents were there, that meant her younger sister probably was as well. God, why was Pawlak waiting to do something? Didn’t he understand how important it was to get troops there now?
She clinched her fists, ignoring the pain as her fingernails bit into her skin. She knew better than to let her emotions take control. If she’d learned nothing else at the penal colony, she’d learned that. She had to think. There had to be a reason why Pawlak hadn’t dropped his troops yet. But what?
What could be more important that protecting that building?
“Ash.” Pawlak’s voice seemed to come from a million miles away. Then she felt his gloved hand touch her arm and she forced herself to look at him, to see the understanding reflected in his dark brown eyes. “Ash, the Devil Dogs will move out just as soon as we join them. But you need to get into your battle gear first.”
“M-my battle gear?”
God, her brain didn’t seem to want to work. Not that it surprised her. She’d been more than halfway convinced she was living some sort of sick dream for the last week. She’d expected to awaken at any moment to find herself back in her cell on Tarsus. But the last few hours had been all too real, even if they too had been a nightmare of sorts. Maybe she’d finally reached her breaking point. Had so much happened that she could no longer think or understand?
“Ash, look at me. I need to know if you can do this,” Pawlak continued. “No one will hold it against you if you can’t.” Now he held up a hand to ward off the protests she wanted to make but couldn’t figure out how to. “Ashlyn, you’ve been through hell the last two years. This last week has seen that hell, the only world you’ve known for too long, turned upside down. You’ve been asked to trust a system that betrayed you. Then you were thrust into a battle zone without warning. I know I couldn’t process it all and certainly not as well and as quickly as you seem to have. So, if you need time, you have it. You can stay here and advise the admiral and senator. But, if you are up to, I’d be honored to have you at my side as the Devil Dogs make sure those bastards don’t get control of that complex.”
She drew a deep breath and then exhaled. She had to do this. She just had to.
“Then I guess you’d better tell me where my gear is.” She didn’t sound as calm as she’d have liked, but it was better than grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him out of pique.
“Wait a minute,” Santiago began unsurely.
Ashlyn spun toward him, her expression darkening. “Major, I’d hate to be brought up on charges of insubordination and failure to obey an order on the same day I finally received my pardon, but I will risk it if you try to keep me here.” She stepped away from the plot, both to put some distance between them and to give herself a moment to think. “Sir, that’s my family down there. Family I haven’t seen since my trial because the commandant wouldn’t let me have any visitors. Hell, sir, you know he wouldn’t even let me have communication of any sort with them or anyone else. Now that I’m this close, there’s no way I can just stay here and wait for word if they’re safe or not. I can’t. Please understand.”
For a moment he didn’t say anything. When he looked to Tremayne, she simply shrugged and nodded. Seeing it, Ashlyn relaxed some. At least her mentor understood. She might not approve – hell, there was no way Tremayne approved. Ash could see the worry reflected in her eyes. But Tremayne knew her well enough to know better than to argue. Hopefully, Santiago did as well.
“All right. Major, I don’t need to remind you that we need Captain Shaw alive and well.” Now it was Santiago’s turn to shake his head so she wouldn’t interrupt. “Like it or not, Ash, but you are a symbol. Not only to the Marines but to everyone. So don’t do anything foolish. Please.”
“Yes, sir.” She meant it. After so long wondering if it might not be easier to just kill herself and stopping only because she wouldn’t be able to help her people if she were dead, she had no desire to die now. Tremayne had been right when she’d talked about what it would do to those who’d been so quick to betray her to see her back in uniform and taking the fight to the enemy. Besides, there were a few people she planned to have a discussion with when the fight was finally done.
“Don’t worry, Major. I’m sure Ash understands that if she is suddenly possessed by the urge to do something foolish, I’ll stun her myself and throw her on the first transport back here.” The look Pawlak gave Shaw spoke volumes. No one present doubted he’d do exactly what he said. “Gunny, I believe you know where to go to get the captain outfitted. Once you have, we’ll head out. I’ll get the other units on their way while you do.”
“Aye, Major.” Talbot shot Shaw a quick grin and then braced to attention. “Ma’am?”
Shaw took one last look at the plot display and then turned to leave. One thing at a time. Get outfitted for the assault on the residential complex. Then do whatever it took to make sure her family was safe. After that, she could worry about what her next move should be.
Chapter Six
Half an hour later, Ashlyn stood beside Major Pawlak in a makeshift command center approximately one kilometer from Target Delta. The building housed a variety of shops and restaurants but had been vacated due to the nearby fighting. That and the fact it was in clear line of sight of their target made it perfect for one last briefing before the Devil Dogs moved into position.
Ashlyn did her best to ignore the sounds of fighting just down the street. Those sounds brought back memories of her last mission, memories she couldn’t allow to distract her. Worse, they reminded her that she didn’t know if her parents were in the building or somewhere else. Instead of dwelling on what she didn’t know, she forced herself to focus on the portable plot that displayed the target area. Then she looked from it to the plans displayed on her datapad and back, a frown playing at the corners of her mouth.
“This doesn’t make sense. They still seem to be focusing their efforts on the front of the building
even though they’ve moved troops to the rear entrance where entry should be easier. Do we know why?”
Pawlak chuckled almost evilly before answering. “Seems the folks inside figured the enemy might try to come in that way and set up defensive positions. They’ve managed to hold out with what looks like hunting rifles, small arms and homemade boomers. For now at least, it appears that the enemy is satisfied with just making sure no one tries to come out that way.”
Ashlyn nodded and entered a quick command into her datapad. A moment later, the list of tenants for the complex began to scroll across the small screen. Another command and things began to make more sense, at least in one way. Whether by intention or not, the enemy had chosen to attack a building occupied by a number of former military. At least one quarter of the occupants had served at one time or another. A number of them had been career military. It wouldn’t surprise Ash one bit if those retirees still had at least light armor and service weapons on hand. It was no wonder the enemy hadn’t been able to make easy entry.
But would an enemy organized well enough to quick hop into the system and off-load troops and stingers make that serious of a mistake? Or was there someone or something in the building worth the risk?
“Sir, something about this doesn’t feel right. Either this whole thing has been nothing more than an exercise to see how we react or it’s some sort of botched snatch and grab. If it’s the latter, then something went wrong and now they’re trying to mask their original target so they can try again later.”
Either that or these were the most inexperienced, ineffective soldiers she’d ever seen. Unfortunately, that didn’t make them any less deadly. Quite the contrary, in fact. It made them unpredictable and that made them harder to anticipate and defend against.