"You do not agree?"
"Hell, no, Sir. If they get a foothold on Earth, they'll gain lands and begin production of weapons and equipment quickly. Nothing good can come of their presence here. They should be hit hard, quickly, and repeatedly until they are dead. All of them."
Grunts of approval echoed the room.
"Pipe down!" White ordered. "I am inclined to agree with you, Colonel, but that is not our decision to make. This affects the entire World, and any action against the enemy will need the combined forces that every major nation has to offer."
"And how long do these leaders advise we wait?"
"A two pronged approach is being put into place. Africa is being marked out as enemy territory, and they should be contained on that continent. Rapid reaction forces are to engage all enemy presence that has landed in southern Europe and to strengthen the old defences on Israel's border with Egypt. They are to be kept inside Africa."
"What are the human numbers still on the continent?" asked Taylor.
"The estimated population of the entire continent since the war is less than a hundred million. Several operations to recover that population to safer lands are already underway, but we simply can't save everyone."
"So we defend the borders and then what? Wait?" asked Kelly.
"For one year, that is the plan agreed to by the United Nation of Earth, andtherefore we must abide it. One year to strengthen our forces and prepare for the battle to end it all."
"Preparation? Is that not what we have been doing ever since we pushed them out of this Solar System?" asked Kelly. "Are you to trying to tell me that we are not ready?"
"I am sorry, but you are preaching to the wrong man. I said this day would come, and all of us here knew it, but I do not control military budgets."
The room was silent as they all considered the prospect of a whole year with enemy occupation once more. It was starting to set in that they could not argue with the decision.
"Okay, so this is how it's gonna be," said Taylor. "You mentioned enemy elements in Southern Europe. That must now be our priority, as it is something we can deal with."
White nodded in appreciation for Taylor taking the heat off him.
"The enemy move fast. We know that from the last war. A few vessels put down on the south coast of Spain, Italy, and a few islands of Greece, as well as a number of other locations in the Mediterranean. It's pretty damn clear this war isn't going to be fought on American soil. We had it the lightest last time, and it looks like we're lucky enough to see that again. It means our civilians are safe. The European Union Army Chief has already requested assistance from both the United States and the South American Union and Canada to deploy forces immediately to the Mediterranean. Middle East and Far East forces are already amassing in Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to counter the threat from Egypt."
"Bet they're really happy about that," replied Ryan.
White looked up to see the Navy Captain standing behind Taylor. He recognised him quickly and refrained from silencing him.
"Right now, the border disputes between the Middle Eastern countries are a storm in a tea cup compared to what's coming, and I believe they see it the same way. Hostilities in that part of the world reduced significantly during and after the last war. Seems they just needed a mutual enemy to bring 'em together."
A few laughs rang out, but many were still too concerned with their own situations.
As for our own operations,the Navy is deploying four battlegroups to the Mediterranean to guard the waters around North Africa. The US Marine Corps is to deploy three divisions to the same area, along with another two from the Army. Their task is to work alongside local forces to find and destroy all enemy forces who made it to the continent, and then defend the borders until we are ready for a full scale invasion into North Africa."
"Great, when do we leave?" asked Taylor.
"For you, today, core elements of the 5th Marine Regiment depart for Southern Italy in five hours, under the command of Colonel Harney. Your Battalion will be part of that task force. You will receive landing instructions and enemy positions live en route. At this stage, there is little else to discuss, so I suggest those engaged for this mission leave now and prepare for departure. Good luck."
Taylor pushed back his chair and left without another word. It pleased him to be getting into the fight, but their leaders lack of initiative to bring the invasion to a quick end was demoralising.
"Can you give me a lift to my unit?" he asked Ryan.
"Sure thing."
"Is the Deveron ready to go?"
"There's still work to be done, but…"
"Is she ready or not?"
"Yes, Sir."
"All right, I'm having you attached to 2nd Inter-Allied on a more permanent basis. The Deveron hasn't got the capacity for the whole Battalion, so we'll need a few other ships, but I'll choose to take her any day."
They leapt in the vehicle. Jones rushed to the side and jumped in as they tore off across the base.
"You really buying that shit about leaving the enemy alone for a year?" he asked.
"I don't know. We all want to see them ended, but we shouldn't be hasty to underestimate them. The last time we did that it cost us many lives."
They reached the Battalion's parade ground to find Silva had everyone assembled and ready as if he had been expecting their arrival. The officers were huddled around discussing something of great importance out of earshot of the grunts. Taylor leapt out and immediately paced up to the Sergeant Major as he called the Battalion to attention.
"Something big happening, Sergeant Major?"
"We're going to war, Sir."
"And why would you think that?"
He was expecting someone had already leaked the news of the mission, but it was not the response he got.
"Because the alien sons of bitches are back, and we're always first to go at 'em, Sir.”
Taylor could do nothing but nod in agreement, but he turned to see that the officers clearly knew more than that.
"At ease, Sergeant."
He stepped up onto one of the small walls surrounding a barrack room to address the Battalion, without stepping in to discover the manner of the officers’ meeting.
"You all know the second battle for Earth has begun. It began the moment those alien bastards came back through the Gateway. They came to destroy life on our planet. They failed. Just as they failed to conquer the planet the first time around, I want nothing less this time!"
Cheers sounded from across them all. The fear of the aliens had subsided. No one wanted to die, but they were now all more confident of victory than ever before.
"You have three hours before we assemble at landing zone B. You know what you have to do. Draw any new equipment you need, ensure everything you have is on the top line, and know that we aren't going to see our homes again until this is done and over! Fall out and get to it!"
"That really the case, we're in combat till this ends? Not exactly the way I heard it from the General."
"What is planned and the way it goes down are two very different things, Charlie."
"They are when you pick and choose how and which orders to obey," he replied with a cheeky smile.
The other officers of Inter-Allied joined them, and he could see they had already known the news almost as quickly as he had. He glared at them until they finally caved in and admitted it.
"Friend of mine in the 5th told me we were heading to Italy a few hours back," stated Jackson.
"Well nice to know somebody is kept in the loop."
"What do you mean?"
"We're heading for Italy merely to sweep and clear the coast and then hold there to ensure the enemy does not cross the Mediterranean in any great numbers."
"For what reason? Shouldn't we be hitting them now while they're in disarray?" asked Ota.
"Damn right, but that's not our call. Grab your gear, and be sure you're ready for a prolonged deployment because we're heading east to
sweat to death in the baking heat."
"Hell, after almost dying in that cold and fighting through it last time, it'll be a pleasure," replied Jones.
Taylor turned and walked away, signalling Jones to join him.
"I'll remind you of that when we're slogging it through the desert; when your lips are cracked, and your vision starts to blur. You'll pray you were up to your ears in snow again," replied Taylor.
"Well, aren't you a merry one this morning?"
"I just don't like this. This is a gamble which could cost us dearly."
"You think they'll get established and have a foothold on Earth?"
"Yes, they pretty much managed it before. I can't help but feelour people are hoping if we leave them alone, they'll fix up their ships and just take off."
"You think are that naive?"
"Yes, I do. I know they are."
It was not far from midday by the time the 2nd Inter-Allied had assembled on the strip. The dead and wounded from the day before had been removed and taken care of, but much of the wreckage still lay about the scene; spaceships as large as frigates had been forced to put down on any spare ground and wouldn't be moving again any time soon. Much of the base was beginning to look like a scrap yard, and like a scrapyard, mechanics were salvaging any parts they could from the wrecked craft to get going what they could.
The smell in the air was still of burnt electrical components where pulses had done so much damage to everything which had returned. Jones approached, and he still wore the battle-scorched armour that took the impact and saved his life in the Stallion the day before. Only his uniform had been changed and was almost new.
"You seriously going to wear that thing?" asked Taylor.
"Hey, if this isn't lucky, what is? I'll have some techs do repairs when we get the time, but this armour is staying right where it belongs."
He wasn't going to argue. The fact they werestill breathing was astonishing. He didn't want to tempt fate or risk losing the cast iron morale his unit were so famous for.
"This leader of theirs, Demiran. He seems to be pretty pissed with us. Seems to me he'll go to the ends of the Earth to end us."
"Seems so, what about it?"
"Reckon he was the one who attacked Red 1 and forced us to leave Chandra behind?"
Taylor was quiet for a moment. He wasn't going to admit he’d had the same thought, for such personal revenge could destabilise the unit. He knew all too well what the effects of getting personal were.
"Yeah, I suppose there is a good chance."
"Mmmm."
"What?"
"I'm just thinking what I'm gonna do to that bastard when we finally meet."
Taylor rested his hand on the Captain's shoulder.
"Now you remember what happened last time, when we took down Karadag. You disobeyed my orders, and you compromised us all with your anger and frenzied attack."
Jones dipped his head in shame.
"If we get a chance at that son of a bitch, we're gonna do it right, you hear?"
"Sure thing. I was a wreck back then. I wasn't thinking straight."
"I know, forget about it. It's been and gone now. Important thing is we toasted the bastard."
Taylor could see Jones was deep in thought once again.
"What is it?"
"You know how we feel about Demiran, how much we all want our revenge. Surely he must feel the same for the death of Karadag. After all, they were more than just allies. They were family."
"True, but let's not forget who started this fight?"
"And if the circle of revenge simply continues one after the other for both sides?"
"Well, I guess we'll just have to kill enough of them that it ends."
"It's not a bad idea."
Genocide? Taylor thought.
He'd never considered it a possibility for a civilized people, not until now. He turned to look at Jafar, reminding himself of what the aliens had the potential to be. He tried to humanise them to keep his own humanity.
"Enough of this, it's time."
"No send off speech by the General?" asked Jones.
"No, he's busy arranging resources for the next wave. If this year-long preparation really is as he suggests, then they have a whole lot of work ahead of them."
"Why though? Why not just amass everything we have and go in now? Hit them before they can establish themselves."
"I suppose nobody wants to gamble with the whole World. To take them on we will need a vast army, with all major powers in the world contributing. Imagine if that failed. Imagine 1943, and the allies threw everything in against the Germans and lost. Just try and imagine the World if that had happened. I may not like this strategy. It shows a caution we are not used to as field officers, but it is right for the human race. Who could make that gamble?"
Jones was taken aback by his assessment and gave it some real consideration and reflection.
"Yeah, that's a reality kick in the head."
Taylor laughed.
"Don't worry about it, ain't gonna happen."
"Guess it's your time for a speech then?"
"Haven't I given one already?"
Jones shrugged his shoulders. Taylor turned to the Battalion who were formed up with all their gear, awaiting orders. He was all out of speeches.
"Load up and be ready to kick some ass!"
"Go, go, go!" Silva shouted, as they stood stunned for a second.
The troops turned and rushed for the ships. The Deveron was reserved for Taylor and Jones' Company. Two other ships lay alongside Ryan's. They were both civilian freighters designed for high-speed haulage across the globe. Neither were armed or armoured in anyway.
"Better hope we don't hit any trouble in the air," said Jones.
"We'll be fine. The enemy is probably still in a complete mess, and we have been guaranteed fighter escort when we cover the Atlantic."
"Just as well," replied Ryan, "because our guns still aren't working either. The chips and electronics on our missile bays are fried, and the gun positions got hammered during the last couple of fights. Just be thankful that at least we have speed on our side."
"Compared to what?"
"Compared to those rust buckets," he replied, pointing to the other two ships.
"Is this really the best they could get for us?" asked Jones.
"At this short notice, I guess so. The proper kit is probably being reserved for the big operation."
"In a year? Get real. We've been given the junkers."
"Hey!" yelled Ryan."The Deveron may be a little rough right now, but she's still the best ship operating inside the atmosphere, and don't you forget it!"
Jones shrugged in an apology as they stepped up the ramp. Taylor slapped his hand on the fuselage as he passed through the door.
"Yep, this girl has done us proud."
Taylor followed Ryan up to the bridge. He had gotten so used to long distance travel in space that he had begun to think of setting up home, but Italy was just a few hours away by air.
"We still not got coordinates?" asked Ryan.
"Nope, you're to follow the 5th Marine ships, and we'll be given operational details as and when they are available and needed."
Ryan looked out to the Marine regiment mounting up. Their ships were brand new off the line and gleaming, the next generation on from the Deveron.
"Don't let their good looks fool you, Colonel. They're bigger than this girl with a bigger payload and more guns, but we can still outrun 'em any day."
The 5th Marine Regiment had dozens of ships and was beginning to lift off, despite the fact no orders had been passed on to Taylor.
"No take off authorisation or orders?" asked Ryan.
Taylor shook his head with a smile.
"The 5th haven't seen action in some time and are eager for glory. They won't share any information unless they absolutely have to. You just tail them till we know otherwise. If they want to lead the way into the enemy, let 'em. Makes a change. It's usually us ha
ving to take the flack."
"Power up and lift off."
Ryan felt awkward not having any coordinates to give to his crew, and he refused to tell them to follow the 5th Marine.
"Plot a course for Southern Italy, Cozenza."
Taylor turned in surprise. He'd never been to the country and was surprised to hear Ryan even know the name of any towns there.
"That place mean something to you?"
"I knew a girl there once," he replied.
"I bet you did."
Jafar stepped up onto the bridge. Taylor wasn't sure if he was going to join them at all and must have got on just before the doors shut.
"Good of you to join us."
"I told them I will help all I can, but where you go, I go."
"How'd they take it?"
"Why should you care?"
"Mmm… fair enough. Good to have you with us. This ain't the strike I was expecting, but atleast we're heading in the right direction."
Chapter 7
"2nd Inter-Allied, you are to report to Italian Authorities in Naples to establish a base of operations south of the city. The coordinates are being sent to you now. 5th Marine is continuing on to Potenza where they will engage any enemy presence."
Ryan looked around and to see the pissed off expression on Taylor's face.
"Looks like we just got benched."
"I said they wanted their glory."
"Let 'em have it. You have nothing to prove, and chilling out and taking in a few rays can't do any of us any harm."
"They're going in hot headed, and without intel on the area and enemy deployments, not smart. I want as much info as you can get me in the next twenty minutes on enemy movements. Something tells me we're gonna be called for soon."
"And this order to head for Naples?"
"Go with it. We'll be a short distance from the fight."
"Sir, I have an incoming transmission from Colonel Harney for you."
"Put him through," Taylor said through gritted teeth.
A projection of the Fighting Fifth Commander appeared before them.
"We're glad to have you aboard this mission, Colonel. The 5th is heading right for the enemy targets to eliminate them quickly. I understand you are accustomed to being at the head of the action, but I want you to secure the area at our backs and take it a little easy. Your people have been through enough."
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