Steel Breach

by Casey Calouette

  The tank crept up until the autocannon turrets were exposed. Commander Arap took the controls and he sent a searing line of fire just over the tops of the craters. Rounds ricocheted off rocks and disappeared into the snow but most hammered into the approaching Kadan.

  "Come on! Get some!" Commander Arap yelled.

  Delta Two and Three fought through the uneven terrain, creeping onto a prepared line of footings. Infantry surged around them and disappeared into the line of friendly trenches.

  Kadan soldiers fell in waves but still they came.

  Rounds pinged and sang off the armored hull. Tomi felt each impact and was thankful to be below the crater's edge. He looked back and saw the crew staring ahead into nothingness, waiting. What terrible fate it must be, he thought, to not know what awaited them.

  Suddenly a tank in the next shell hole disappeared in a cloud of black. Chunks of armor and debris rained down onto Tomi's tank.

  "Woah!" Commander Arap said. "Tomi! Get ready to move!"

  A moment later the anti-aircraft units fired off a steady stream of rounds.

  "Action victor, action victor, Delta company first, reverse order. Go!" Colonel Clarke called.

  Tomi grasped the handles. His teeth chattered and for the first time he finally noticed he was cold. He took shallow breaths and stared out into the approaching Kadan line. Action victor was the order to move back in a controlled manner, and the order he was hoping for.

  First the remnants of Delta company surged out of the shell holes while the other units covered. When they completed the maneuver Charlie company punched out. Then Bravo and finally the lead elements, Alpha company and Tomi's tank pulled back.

  Each tank reversed hard, crested the rise, then halted on the other side. One-by-one they rolled through the line of shell holes until they moved past the line of Vasilov trenches and dropped down into the massive crater that was once Mackinof Command.

  Tomi shook as the adrenaline dropped off. A hand clapped him on the shoulder and Commander Arap gave him a sharp nod, then disappeared into the crew compartment.

  The rear hatch opened and the coldest air Tomi had ever felt poured into the vehicle.

  Corporal Mick grasped Tomi's helmet and plucked it off his head. He grinned and produced a flask from his coat. "Welcome to Lishun Delta, Tomi." He handed the flask to Tomi.

  Tomi took a sip of the cheap whisky and handed it back. It was only then he realized that he'd pissed his pants sometime in the middle of the battle.

  One hell of a heroic start.

  #

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Lishun Delta – Mackinof Front – Temporary Command Bunker

  "Colonel Clarke." Count-General Deveraux tapped the table. "We need your comm systems. The Kadan have ours jammed up tight. We can't hold this line without reliable communications. I'm sorry, but I'm taking your armor."

  The overly tight command bunker was silent. An array of Officers all stood around a digital table with an overlaid map of the Mackinof front. With the main digital functions dead, someone had drawn unit designations onto the map with a wax pencil. Now the glass was smudged, dirty, and cracked in one corner.

  Colonel Clarke took a moment. He locked eyes with General Deveraux. "You take those units and we lose our punch, any chance we have of breaking through that line."

  Baron-Colonel Devos poked at the map. "General, they're a pack of felons with secondhand armor. Hardly a loss. Strip the radios, dig in the armor, and use them as defensive positions."

  General Deveraux looked at Colonel Clarke. "Colonel, can you give me some results?"

  The ground rumbled and frost drifted down from the ceiling. Another artillery barrage hammered into the Vasilov positions. Most of the bursts came from above, but more than a few impacted into the ground. The bombardment went on longer and everyone in the room was silent. No one could speak over the noise. Finally it halted.

  "Seventy-four percent efficiency," a Captain called from an artillery monitor.

  The command staff in the room talked amongst themselves as the number was digested. Nearly one quarter of every artillery round fired at the base made it through.

  "Goddamn artillery!" General Deveraux said. "How long 'til that reactor is running?"

  "Few more days, sir," a weary eyed Engineer said.

  Colonel Clarke shot a glance at Baron-Colonel Devos and had an intense urge to toss the Baron outside.

  "Now, General, if I may, we could dig the armor into these positions and stabilize the hotspots."

  The places that Baron-Colonel Devos pointed were on the very edge of the umbrella coverage and took the worst of the brunt from the artillery.

  "I'll stop that artillery," Colonel Clarke said.

  The room went silent and every eye was on Clarke.

  General Deveraux stuck his hands into a fur-lined muff. "Go on. Let's hear your plan."

  Baron-Colonel Devos glared across the table at Colonel Clarke.

  "We drive through here." Colonel Clarke pointed to the Northern Flank. "Once we get through the first trenches we strike and hope they're as unprepared as we were. Do we know how far the guns are?"

  "We've got a good idea," a Major from the artillery unit said. "About sixteen kilometers, they're in four batteries." He reached out and tapped a stubby finger on the edge of the table.

  "You're gonna stir 'em up something fierce," Colonel Bedovic said. A smile was wide across his face.

  "You knock out a few of those guns and you can keep your armor. But Colonel, I need comms. Draw up your plans, send them along in a few hours. I want those guns knocked out."

  "I'll attach one unit to you, General, there's a dozen commsets inside for the crew. They should work over this distance," Colonel Clarke said. He didn't mind detaching a single tank, Fox company had one that was tore up something fierce and maintenance just barely had it running.

  "You can keep the, uh, convicts," Count-General Deveraux said. "I'm sure my people can get it sorted."

  Baron-Colonel Devos cracked a smile and turned away.

  "Devos, you're going to punch the Kadan line when that armor comes back in. Got it?"

  Baron-Colonel Devos's smile faded and he nodded. "Yes sir."

  "All right. Get the defenses improved, start digging in, recover what bunkers you can, and hopefully we'll have power in a few days. Gentlemen, we're going on the offensive soon. Get your men ready. Dismissed."

  Colonel Clarke made his way out of the bunker through a dimly lit passage and eventually emerged into the frozen air. He tightened his greatcoat and jammed his chin into the collar. The snow squeaked under his boots and he tromped past soldiers huddled in groups.

  Almost instantly he was cold. The wind whipped over the tops of the trenches. He didn't have far to go, but just the short distance reminded him that if they failed behind lines they'd all freeze to death before the Kadan could find them.

  He thought about the mission. It hit him and he stopped in the middle of a trench. Their first combat mission. They'd made it to the lines, and they'd made it back out to drag in the wreck of the aircraft. But this, this was a proper assault, just the thing his armor was designed for. Worries ran through his mind and doubt crept in.

  Colonel Clarke turned a bend and stopped in view of his armor. They were scattered on the edges of the crater. The supply and HQ vehicles were huddled close near the makeshift repair area. He could see Auroch standing outside of Jailbird.

  A hatch opened and a soldier raced out, cleared the frost from the ventilation inlet, and then raced back inside with Auroch.

  Colonel Clarke watched his tanks for a moment longer. He counted them and felt a pang of guilt. He'd already lost one to artillery and now another to General Deveraux.

  But they'd survived. Discipline hadn't broken down yet, for that he was thankful. Though there was already a few fights and a particularly drunk Lieutenant to deal with.

  He tromped through the rubble toward his command unit and worried about the mission. The a
rmor could do it, he knew it could, but would the crew’s be up to it? The training was so short, maybe they'd be better off as a mobile bunker? No, he thought, this is what we do. Then he worried about Devos, could he trust the Baron to cover the way back in? They'd be leaving one hell of a hole.

  The name "JAILBIRD" was stenciled on the side of his tank, just below it someone had scratched a skull with the words "Death Before Dismount" underneath. He banged on the access panel and waited until the hatch slid open. "Get the Company Commanders, the XO, and Supply," he said to his digital-system operator. "We've got our first mission."

  Private Auroch grinned back at Colonel Clarke and nudged Cummingham awake. "Time to shit kick! Ooo-rah!"

  Colonel Clarke liked that spirit and felt just a little bit better. "That's right, Auroch, it's about that time."

  #

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Vasilov Prime - 9th Precinct

  Umi Matsuo stood behind a plain white table in an equally boring plain white room. The only feature was a steel door and a mirror that was obviously two sided glass. A Major stood on the other side in the uniform of local security.

  "A Captain, eh? And now a Mercenary? This is one hell of a story." The Major jabbed his finger at Umi and leaned in close. "We're under martial law, we could have you shot."

  "Lady Atli, too?" Umi said.

  The Major pulled back and crossed his arms. "Duke Amatin is dealing with Lady Atli. She's an old woman, and prone to seeing things."

  "Seeing things?" Umi stepped close and pointed out of the room. "I lost a man back there! You should be out hunting this thing, it tried to take out one of your leaders for stars’ sake!"

  "We're reviewing security footage," the Major said.

  The door opened and a Colonel stepped inside with a Captain at his side.

  "Thank you, Major, I've got it from here." The Colonel nodded toward the door.

  "What's your jurisdiction, sir? This is a—"

  The Colonel cut him off. "A delicate situation, and above your pay rank."

  The Major glared at Umi and stomped out.

  "Sorry about that, Captain Matsuo. You're in the midst of some, uh, internal politics. It wasn't all that long ago that the Dukes were warring with each other."

  "Instead of the Kadan? You people don't seem particularly talented at either," Umi said. He was tired, sore, and his pants were still wet. "When do I get out of here?"

  "We've got a convoy to escort you to the starport. Though whatever this thing is, I doubt it will give you any trouble. Now, I'm here to speak to you about Lady Atli. She will be under your protection, she has declined any Vasilov escort troops."

  Umi sat on the edge of the table. "And...?"

  "And the Vasilov government is hiring your organization as an escort for her."

  "Are you going to ask me nicely?"

  "No."

  Umi had a different picture of Mercenary life. More as a consultant, this was turning out to be much more interesting than he'd imagined. Though he wasn't entirely sure he liked it just yet.

  "The Sigg Embassy has given its assent to the operation."

  "I'm a private citizen, I don't need permission."

  "But still, you're sanctioned."

  Umi glared back. The Sigg government had cut him, and a whole lot of others, loose. With the war against the Boben complete they didn't need, nor could they afford, the massive army.

  "This is Captain Kolich, he'll be your liaison."

  The Captain nodded. He was a short man, stout in the shoulders, with legs like little tree trunks. He looked more like a linebacker than a soldier.

  "My babysitter? Not interested."

  "Well, I can always invite the Major back in."

  Umi sighed. "The rate just went up."

  The Colonel smiled warmly. "Do you happen to know where you're going?"

  "I don't have the slightest clue. And as long as you pay..."

  They left the holding facility and found the building surrounded by at least a company of bored combat troops. Two armored cars sat at the corners with transport trucks lined up in the front. The trucks were filled with Vasilov troops. A trio of civilian transports sat in the midst.

  Umi walked next to Captain Kolich. "You wait here." He stepped into the transport and stared down the rows of the bus and into the faces of his men.

  Are they mine? He wondered. He'd already asked more of them then they'd signed on for. He took a moment to look at each man and woman.

  "Here it is. The training contract is done and we've been offered an escort job. I don't know where, or for how long, but if you wanna walk, I need to know now."

  A few of his troopers stood and walked out without saying a word.

  "We going all the way, Cap?" an ex-artillery Sergeant named Blaser asked. His shoulders were narrow and he had the start of a decent paunch pushing out his shirt. One blue eye was glassy and the other crisp.

  Umi held his breath. How far? Just how far? Someone had already gone all the way for him, he had to repay that. "I'm going to see this through."

  Blaser nodded. "I'm in."

  Several conversations started throughout the bus. A few more groups of men got up. "No offense, Cap, but this ain't our fight."

  A half dozen troopers remained. The bus felt nearly empty.

  A tank destroyer commander named Riga spoke up in a raspy voice. "Pay gonna be good, eh?"

  "Right. The bonus should be beautiful. Oh, we've got a babysitter. Have a seat, Captain Kolich."

  Kolich marched in and smiled a plastic smile before sitting down in the very front seat.

  "We're weapons hot, folks, lock and load. I don't give a damn what any of the Vasilov say. You see something you don't like? Shoot it, then we'll see what it is."

  Kelly Dell stood and holstered a sidearm. "Cap, where we off to?"

  Lady Atli pushed her way past Captain Umi and sat next to a burly Sigg trooper with a cybernetic arm named Tollefson.

  "Make room," she said. She pushed a leather bag into Tollefson's lap. "Where? I'll tell you all once we're in orbit. Master Sevel is expecting us. Let's go." Lady Atli sat and stared ahead. "Now."

  Umi smiled down at Lady Atli, gave her a nod, and took a seat.

  Kelly leaned over his seat and dropped a case down onto his lap. Umi snapped it open and smiled up at Kelly. "Aww, you shouldn't have. An antique?"

  Inside sat a large bore hand cannon, the sort used to clear hallways in boarding action. Umi snapped it up, popped it open, and seated a single round the diameter of a soup can.

  "Antique? Hell, this thing is as reliable as they come. Look at that bore!" Kelly grinned.

  A Vasilov trooper entered the bus. He took off his heavy helmet and cradled it under his arm. "Sir? Are you ready?"

  Lady Atli yelled at the soldier. "Yes! Get this damn thing moving!"

  The soldier spoke into his commset and the bus followed the rest of the escort. A single armored car took up the rear of the column.

  The convoy crawled out of the complex and ran through the mostly deserted streets. Rain streaked down the windows and the only sound was the vibration of the tires.

  Umi watched the road for a while but couldn't focus his thoughts. Things definitely weren't going like he expected. He'd pictured something different for the mercenaries. Or was it consultants? Not that it mattered. What the hell could he do with a half dozen troopers?

  This ride, as with any ride, was an episode in boredom. His eyes wandered the industrial zones and warehouses before the scenery shifted into plains of rye that hung limp in the rain. The buildings became smaller, the towns spaced farther apart.

  "Cap..." Kelly said.

  Umi looked up. The starport was in view, they were barely a kilometer away.

  The troop truck slowed just a touch and then exploded from underneath. The force of the shock lifted the truck straight into the air. The troops in the rear flew into the sky and out of view before being enveloped in a massive fireball. It landed, tumbled
to the side, then rolled into the ditch. The front windshield of the bus buckled in and shattered into a massive spider web.

  The Vasilov soldier who stood in the front of the bus fell to the floor screaming with both hands on his face.

  Kelly ran from her seat and knelt down next to the wounded soldier and administered what aid she could.

  Captain Kolich leaped out of his seat and slid into the driver's position. He disengaged the automatic mode and hammered down onto the pedal. The bus rumbled over the shallow crater. "Hold on!"

  The first armored car pulled to the side and a hatch popped open. A soldier leaped out and ran back toward the wreck.

  The bus started to slow.

  "Don't fucking stop! Go, go!" Umi shouted back. The adrenaline kicked in and he felt like a trapped animal. There was no cover, no safe place, he didn't even know where the attack came from. A mine? A remote demolition charge? A rocket?

  One armored car followed close behind. The bus continued to accelerate. The gate came into view and a single guard stepped out.

  "Ram the gate," Umi said.

  "I planned on it," Captain Kolich said. "Hold on!"

  The gate-guard leaped out of the way and the bus smashed through the gate. What was left of the windshield fell out and moist air blasted into the bus.

  Kolich turned the bus and ripped the corner of a building off. The bus came to a halt at a line of blocky cargo containers. A panel of insulation and siding toppled the ground.

  Umi helped Kelly get the soldier out while the rest of the Sigg took cover and secured the perimeter. A pillar of black smoke rolled out from the distance. The armored car came in a moment later and parked in the center of the receiving area. The turret creaked to the side and pointed directly toward the burning transport.

  Captain Kolich grabbed the commset. "Marble Six, Marble Six?" The handset screeched in reply. The sound wavered back in forth. "Jammed! I'm going to get the armor to cover us."

  The gate-guard ran past the corner of the building with a stout club in his hand. "Who the hell are you! I've sounded the alarm!"

  "Get into cover!" Captain Kolich yelled to the guard. "Where's everyone else?"