“We’ve finally made it. We’re here,” Carlyle said. “Let’s kick some fucking ass.”
Three, two, one.
The brake released the deployment lines that attached to each Marine.
Gabe hated the initial second after deployment because of the jolt.
Like tiny spiders hanging from a web, the Marines dangled from the cables until their feet touched down.
Gabe reached up with his left hand and hit a switch that disengaged the cable from the coupler on his back.
Free from the Hen, he took a knee and raised his rifle.
The helmet moderated the sounds around him to tamp down on distractions; however, the roar of engines from the hundreds of ACLVs and support craft was incredibly loud.
The radio came to life with Grant’s gruff voice. “Second squad, move up towards the reeds, fifty meters ahead. Team one to my left and teams two and three go to my right.
The Marines of second squad advanced.
Gabe’s breathing was heavy and his heart rate elevated. A combination of anxiety mixed with adrenaline propelled him up the deep sand. He could feel the heavier gravity even though the combat suit was equipped with motion-activated self-propulsion that assisted the user.
At the rally point, Grant got a head count. “Team leaders, head count.”
Each team leader sounded off, acknowledging their team was accounted for.
“Fucking awesome, we made it with no issues.”
“Sergeant, I thought we were going into a hot landing,” Raines said.
“This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve gotten bum intel from S-2 before,” Grant replied. “But we just got here. I need you all to stay frosty.”
Gabe lifted his head and peered through the thick dead reeds. Ahead of them small dunes gave way to a row of buildings. He looked for any sign of life, any movement, but couldn’t see anything.
“Get the triple sevens up and turn on the thermals. Let’s look for heat signatures,” Grant ordered.
Carlyle crawled past Gabe and swiveled the M-777 out in front of him and clicked on a thermal scope that was mounted on top. He scanned the buildings beyond. “Hey, Conrad,” Carlyle said.
“Yeah.”
“Everything looks fucking dead and it’s dark as fuck.”
“Well, it’s night.”
“It’s a special kind of dark,” Carlyle said.
“How do you know?” Gabe asked.
“I turned my night vision off for a second and I couldn’t see my fucking hand and it was in front of my visor.”
“Second squad, LT is taking the other squads forward towards those buildings. We’re going to sit back and cover,” Grant said.
Gabe lifted himself higher and raised his rifle. Using the night-vision scope, he watched as the other Marines in his platoon slowly advanced on the buildings. His anxiety was riding high. He just knew that any moment they’d come under attack.
Minutes went by and nothing. The other squads had disappeared into the darkness of the buildings.
“What the fuck is going on?” Carlyle asked, shocked that nothing had happened yet. The preliminary reports were that the beach and city were occupied with combatants.
“Not sure, but don’t let your guard down. These motherfuckers are slick, just remember that,” Gabe said, reminding him of the deceptive behavior of their enemy.
“All clear, let’s go join the others,” Grant ordered.
Second squad rose and headed towards the buildings.
After the small dunes, a small road ran parallel to the beach. They began to cross swiftly.
Gabe stopped when he saw an old sign but couldn’t quite make out what it said. Using his left hand, he wiped away the black soot to reveal the words Siesta Key.
Grant walked up and slapped him on the back. “Get a move on, Conrad.”
“Sorry, Sergeant.”
“It’s alright. I know it’s weird for you young bucks. It’s surreal, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Sergeant.”
“Now move on,” Grant said, giving Gabe a shove.
Gabe raced until he caught up with Raines and Carlyle.
Seeing that this experience could be odd for his men, especially the junior Marines, Grant wanted to address the eight-hundred-pound gorilla in the room. “Listen up; I know this shit is fucked up. Being here isn’t easy, but we have a job to do. Don’t get lost in why we’re here and what we have to do,” he said, pausing to take a breath. And never one to let a memorable moment go by, he continued, “And let me be the first one to welcome you all to Earth.”
Look for BINARY coming in 2017
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
G. Michael Hopf is the best-selling author of THE NEW WORLD series and three others books. He spent two decades living a life of adventure before he settled down and became a novelist full time. He is a combat veteran of the Marine Corps and former executive protection agent.
He lives with his family in San Diego, CA
Please feel free to contact him at [email protected] with any questions or comments.
www.gmichaelhopf.com
www.facebook.com/gmichaelhopf
Books by G. MICHAEL HOPF
THE NEW WORLD SERIES
THE END
THE LONG ROAD
SANCTUARY
THE LINE OF DEPARTURE
BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
THOSE WHO REMAIN
NEMESIS TRILOGY
NEMESIS: INCEPTION
THE PERSEID COLLAPSE KINDLE WORLDS
DETACHMENT
THE VAN ZANDT CHRONICLES
EXIT
ADDITIONAL BOOKS
HOPE
The New World (Book 7): Those Who Remain Page 19