by Ben Winston
"Did you hear about the group that had gotten hold of some alien tech and moved up to the moon and were now protecting the planet from Alien attack?" Ty replied.
The man behind Ian snorted. "Yeah, I heard that. Fucking intel pukes and their hunt for ET. Like we'd fall for that!"
"Really? You have a gun pressed to the back of the man that happens to be in overall command of those forces. He actually is wearing a shield device that will prevent you from harming him. You still think this is all bullshit, pull the trigger. The bullet will hit you in the stomach. One thing I can tell you, if you do not simply walk away right now, you and your team are in serious shit. We can stun you and your men there, but the sniper is out of range of the stunners. So a high powered railgun is trained on him. If he fires the only thing that will be left of him is a blood smear," Ty explained.
"Fuck you! All units, comms are compromised. Change to tac two and continue mission," the man said.
Behind Talena and Beth, the two men grunted and slowly fell to the ground unconscious. The lift operator immediately called for the ski patrol as people began to gather around.
"Still don't believe me, George?" Ty asked.
Ian was pushed slightly forward as the pistol at his back fired. The man, George, grunted and doubled over. Ian quickly turned and helped him to the ground. Beth rushed over to assist him. "Stupid asshole!"
"Hey, I had to try! It's my job!" George replied through gritted teeth.
"Quiet!" Beth ordered. "I'm a doctor. I'll try to stabilize you until the ski patrol arrives and they can get you to a hospital. For now, just lie still. SEAL teams! If you can hear me, this is Colonel Elizabeth Williams, I'm a doctor with the Terran Defense Force. Your man has been wounded by a ricochet from his own weapon. We are protected by powerful force shields. Do not fire your weapons or you could hurt innocent people!"
The crowd gasped when they heard that and slowly let Shannon and Sam push them back. The Ski Patrol arrived while Beth was working on the man and she got some supplies from them. She managed to stop most of the bleeding, but the bullet had perforated the small intestines.
"Call for a medevac; if he doesn't get to the hospital in ten minutes he's not going to make it!" Beth ordered.
"It takes fifteen minutes just to get the bird out here, Doctor!" one of the EMTs said.
"Fuck!" Beth replied. "Ian I need to treat him, right now, or he's a dead man."
"You know what they'll do to him if you do Doctor?" Ian asked.
"Then we'll fucking rescue him if we have to, he doesn't have another option!" Beth replied.
Ian sighed. "Very well Colonel, do what you need to do."
Beth nodded. "Cindy, I need my emergency bag out here now. Can you get the Raptor in here?"
"Negative, Doctor. There is too much slope there to land," Lissa replied. "I recommend treatment in place. Relocating him to the Raptor would place too much strain on his system."
"Understood Lissa, you bring the bag, I'll need your help as a nurse." She turned to the ski patrol that was keeping the oxygen mask over George's face. "What your name, Sir?"
"Jed Brown, Doctor."
"Jed, we're going to have to try to do this right here. He doesn't have enough time to wait. I have my emergency kit and a nurse on the way here. For now, I need to know his vitals at all times. Can you do that for me?" Beth asked.
"Yes Ma'am," the man replied.
A man from the crowd called out. "I'm a doctor, do you need assistance?"
Beth nodded to him and waved him over. He knelt on the snow next to the man and looked over the wound. "He was hit with a bullet two centimeters above and to the left of the navel. The bullet perforated the small intestine and he is spilling fecal matter into the body cavity. As far as I can tell the bullet did not pass through and is still in him. I called for my emergency bag and a nurse from our party, they should be in the next two minutes," Beth replied.
"Have you called for the helicopter?" the new doctor asked.
"Yes Sir, it's twelve minutes out," the ski patrol replied.
"He'll be dead in twelve minutes," the doctor replied. "What's your plan?" he asked looking up at Beth.
"Repair the intestine in place, stabilize him for transport," Beth replied.
"You're going to operate on him right here?" the new doctor asked.
"Unless you have a better idea, that's exactly what I'm going to do. We don't know where that bullet went, so if we move him, it could kill him all by itself," Beth replied.
"Blood pressure and pulse are dropping Doctor, his temperature is one oh three and rising really fast!" Jed reported.
"Damn, there's a bleeder. Lissa, where are you?" Beth said more to herself than anyone else.
Lissa fought her way through the crowd carrying a big case with her and wearing a backpack. "Here Doctor. I brought the sterile field unit as well."
"The what? Say, just what kind of Doctor are you?" the male doctor asked.
Beth looked up at him with a half-smile as she opened the backpack. "Colonel Elizabeth Williams, Terran Defense Forces, Medical Corps."
"Who?" the man asked.
Beth just shook her head as Lissa got the sterile field system set up. "I'll explain later, Doctor. Right now, we need to save this man's life."
Sirens could be heard approaching the scene. Ian knew the last thing they needed was a big publicity nightmare, although it was probably already too late for that.
"Listen up everyone, SEALs too, situational security is shot to hell," Ian said over the comm. "This is going to be all over the news in less than an hour and now the local police are going to be involved. I would recommend one of the SEALs get down here to head off the local police. Once we get your man stable, we'll let them take him to the local hospital. We'll play stupid about this incident because, frankly we have no idea what the hell you guys were told or what your bosses were thinking."
"What about the other two men?" a voice answered.
"They are only stunned. They should be waking up in a couple of minutes, I'll do what I can to try to keep them from being arrested. You might want to get someone over to their department to handle the issue," Ian suggested.
"You're being very forgiving Mr. Williams, why are you doing this?" the voice replied.
"Because I have my doubts you are working for the United States Government at the moment. These men you sent here are being used for some other agenda and I'm sure they had no idea what it was or what this was about. This is the second time we've had to deal with you people. I will be speaking to your superiors on this matter, but until then, be warned that this is the last time we play nice with you assholes. The next time you try something like this you better bring your own body bags," Ian replied.
"Well, since you won't be going anywhere, we'll just see who does what Mister Williams. Good Day," the voice finished.
Ian stepped over to Lissa, who was assisting Beth. "What's the status of the Raptor?"
"It's still cloaked and the shields are still up. It is surrounded by a large group of heavily armed men. However, they have nothing that can penetrate the shields. The ship is still secure," the woman replied without looking up. "If they do try anything overly destructive I can pulse the shields and stun them."
"Good work, I will leave you to your job," Ian said and walked over to Sam. "Where's the drone?"
"I ordered it to project a shield against sniping. Sensors say there are two snipers still in position upslope from here. Cindy is paying them a visit," the big man replied.
"She's not going to kill them is she?" Ian asked.
"I don't think so, neither of them actually fired so they are safe for now. She's going to stun them and drag them back to the Raptor and the men there. She's in full armor," Sam replied, grinning.
"Great, can this day go to hell anymore?" Ian asked shaking his head. "Where's Sasha?"
"Sasha is on top of the first Chair lift tower covering one of the snipers. Sir, the Major's cloaked and will remain so un
til she arrives back at the Raptor. The last man you spoke to is not a member of the armed forces nor is he on site. Currently, General Anders is trying to get through to Vice Admiral Jamison who actually is in their chain of command. He'll get this mess figured out."
"Well, we're going to have to deal with the local police very shortly. Do you have your cover story in place?" Ian asked.
"Yes Sir, both stunned men even have the taser marks to back it up," Sam replied.
"I told you to stop what you are doing and back away from him, NOW Lady!" a police officer shouted. Ian turned to see an officer had his weapon pointed at Beth's head while she worked to save the wounded SEAL.
Ian rushed over to the officer. "What the fuck do you think you're doing asshole? Do you want this man to die?"
"Back the fuck off!" the officer said and pointed his weapon at Ian.
"Deputy, these two people," Ian indicated Beth and the male Doctor, "Are medical doctors. The man on the ground was critically injured when a bullet pierced his intestines. The helicopter would not have gotten here in time to save his life so these two medical professionals are doing everything they can to prevent his death. You are interfering and could easily cause them to make a mistake that will kill this man."
"Yeah? And just who the fuck are you, dick-head?" the Deputy Sheriff asked.
"I am Admiral Ian Williams of the Terran Defense Force. My family and I are here on vacation and have diplomatic immunity. The woman you are trying to stop is a member of my family," Ian replied and slowly reached for his passport and diplomatic documents.
"Uh huh, I ain't never heard of a twenty-year-old Admiral. Besides why would they even bother coming back to the planet? The government would only capture them to force them to give up their tech secrets!" the Deputy replied, snarling.
Ian chuckled and shook his head. "The man on the ground is a US Navy SEAL who was attempting to do just that. We wear protective shields that bullets bounce off of. He didn't believe that and tried to shoot me in the back, the bullet hit the shield and… well," Ian indicated the man on the ground.
"Uh huh, if he's a SEAL, where is the rest of his team?" the deputy asked sarcastically.
"Two of them got tased and are right there," Ian said pointing to the other two men. "The rest are trying to figure out how to capture the ship we used to arrive here."
"Then you've lost your ship spaceman; that's what those men do," the Deputy chuckled. "Okay, I've heard enough of this bullshit, on your knees and put your hands on your head, kid. You're under arrest for obstructing justice."
Ian shook his head. "Deputy, I think you should call for the Sheriff."
"So now you're gonna tell me how to do my job?" the man asked. "Look, just get on your knees before I have to force you."
"That would be a bad idea, Deputy. For one, there are several cameras filming us right now. For another, it would violate our treaty more than has already been done," Ian explained. "And I don't think our bodyguards would be very comfortable with that."
"What Bodyguards?" the Deputy asked and sudden got very nervous.
"They're right here, but both are only carrying tasers," Ian replied, pointing to Sam and then to Shannon.
"Okay, the big guy I can believe, but that little girl is a bodyguard? Please!" the Deputy said. "She's what? Maybe sixteen years old?"
"Excuse me Deputy, but I am actually twenty-two. I was also first in my class in hand to hand combat at the academy and I have been trained as a combat sniper and small weapons specialist," Shannon replied as she slowly approached the two men. She looked at Ian, "Admiral, Major Williams has subdued the two snipers and is currently taking them back to their companions. Sasha will remain in position in the event further over-watch is required."
"Okay, this is a major cluster-fuck. All of you; nobody try to leave the area!" the deputy said and keyed the mic at his neck. "Patrol Six to County One."
"County One, what's up Stiles?" a woman's voice replied.
"Ma'am, I'm at the resort call. There has been a shooting but the situation is calm. I need help over here, one of the parties involved is claiming diplomatic immunity and has requested your presence, over," the Deputy replied.
"It sounds like you have a situation. Don't do anything until we arrive. The military is involved with this. I just got a call from some big-wig that only wants us to try to contain the situation until they can arrive to deal with it. Try to keep everyone there and calm, we're on our way," the woman replied. "Just don't shoot anyone before we get there, okay?"
Ian grinned at the blushing Deputy. "I'll try real hard Ma'am, but there is one guy who's really asking for it!" Stiles replied, sarcastically. "Just kidding, Ma'am. He's a smart ass, but he seems harmless."
"Well, if his name is Ian Williams, make damn sure you don't shoot him! There'd likely end up being a crater where this state used to be!" The woman replied. Ian could hear the sirens in the background of her transmission.
"Do you know him, Ma'am? Do you know his age?" Stiles asked.
"Not his exact age, no. I do know he's really young; early to mid-twenties. Treat him with respect, Stiles; he's an Admiral in the Terran Space Navy, over."
"Understood Ma'am. I'll introduce you to him when you get here," Stiles replied.
"Well shit! We're ten minutes out, just keep everything under control until we arrive. County One out," the woman finished.
Stiles looked back at Ian. "You're really him and this is for real, isn't it?"
Ian nodded. "Unfortunately, it is, Deputy. I'm sorry for all the trouble. We'll assist you as much as we can, just let us know what you may need," Ian looked back at Shannon. "Officer Shannon, inform the Major to assist local law enforcement within reason. Use of deadly force is not authorized."
Shannon bobbed her head. "Yes Admiral." She moved away to make the call to Cindy.
The Deputy just shook his head and sighed. "I don't get paid enough for this shit."
"Okay, so any idea how we get through this shield so we can get to the ship?" Lieutenant Forbes asked the other two officers standing with him.
They were just about to answer when two toboggans coasted into the clearing seemingly under their own power. But what got everyone upset was what they carried.
Each of the sleds held the unmoving form of the SEAL team snipers.
"Archie! Will! Check them!" the lieutenant ordered.
"They're only stunned Lieutenant. They'll wake up in a few minutes with a slight headache," a slightly mechanical voice was heard to say. Off to one side, a large suit of what looked like armor straight out of a kid's video game shimmered into view. "I am Major Cindy Williams, Commander of the ship you are trying to steal. I would not recommend firing your weapons at me, since I am protected against them and you would risk injuring your own men."
The commandos quickly surrounded her and all of them had their weapons trained on her. "Don't move bitch!" one of them said to her. She turned slightly to look at the man.
"Corporal, I am not a female dog, nor am I threatening any of you. I am trying very hard to respect you and your ranks, I expect the same courtesy," Cindy replied.
"That's enough, Corporal. She's right; be nice," the Lieutenant ordered. "However, I'm afraid we have to insist that you surrender yourself and your equipment immediately, Major."
Cindy nodded. "May I ask on whose authority you are currently acting, Lieutenant? Because the United States government signed a treaty with us that would prevent stunts like this."
"I'm afraid you are mistaken Major. All of our orders come from the United States Government through our chain of command. As such, and by that authority, I am placing you under arrest pending an investigation into your terroristic activities within the borders of the United States," The officer replied.
"What activities would those be, Lieutenant? You see, I've only just returned to this star system. I'm supposed to be enjoying a vacation with my family after a stressful mission in which I lost a team member. If someone has told
you we have been performing terroristic attacks here, then I'm afraid you have been misinformed. Until a few days ago, my team and I were over forty light years away from here," Cindy replied.
"That may be so, Major, but it just isn't my call. I have orders to arrest you and all those with you, and I will follow my orders," the man replied.
"That's good to know, Lieutenant," Cindy replied. "Because right now, my commanders are talking to your commanders to get this ironed out before someone else gets hurt."
"I'd like to know how you shot one of our men, Major?" another officer asked.
"We didn't," Cindy replied holding her hands out to her sides. "We have a type of energy shield that repels bullets. When your man tried to shoot Admiral Williams, the bullet bounced back into him. He is currently undergoing emergency surgery to save his life. I don't know the details, but I remember something about a perforated intestine or something. No matter what, stomach wounds are the worst."
"I can agree with that. If that is what you are really doing to him, then I thank you for it. However, that doesn't change the fact that we are arresting you. So put your weapons on the ground, remove the armor or whatever that is and we won't have to use force," the original Lieutenant said.
"Lieutenant, I'm not carrying any weapons; the treaty prohibits all lethal weapons. We are allowed to have and wear our defensive systems such as the suit I am wearing. Besides, I'm naked under here and I'd really rather not freeze my ass off in the snow. As for surrendering, I cannot do that either. At present we are at a standoff; your weapons cannot harm me in any way. As far as the ship goes, even if you had a way to actually move it, you'd never get through the shields," Cindy explained.
"We have you, we can force you to fly it," the other officer said.
Cindy removed her helmet and looked him sadly. "You were dropped on your head as a baby, right?"
The officer shot his silenced pistol at her head and the bullet was deflected up and away from the other soldiers. Cindy snorted. "Fucking Idiot! How did you ever get to be an officer? You could have killed one of your own men!"