Battle Earth IV

Chapter 4

Taylor awoke early and feeling fresh, unlike the previous few weeks when his head throbbed. He was up and out of bed in a flash. His ripped and filthy uniform from the day before was gone, and a fresh pristine replacement lay in its place. Parker was already gone, and he could only assume she was responsible for the service.

As he pulled on his clothing, he could hear Silva shouting outside, calling the Company to attention. He rushed to the door as he buttoned his shirt just in time to see a jeep pull up with Commander Phillips on board. The road they had set up in was largely covered by a huge shelter that span the full width to the buildings either side. Mess tables filled the shelter, but a roadway had been maintained through the centre where the officer’s vehicle arrived.

Phillips leapt from the vehicle with a smile as he approached Chandra. Taylor quickly hopped to her side and seemed to be the last soldier to awake.

“Didn’t think we’d be seeing you anytime soon, Sir,” she pondered.

“No, but Command has a new job for your Company, and they have placed me in command of this part of the operation.”

“Search and destroy?” asked Taylor.

Phillips nodded with a surprised expression.

“We were in for quite a surprise yesterday, Sir. It’s clear there is still some fighting to be done here.”

“Well, it’s nice to hear you’re up to speed, Major,” he snapped.

Taylor could see it bothered the Commander that he clearly already knew their orders before they had been relayed. He had passed on General White’s news to Chandra as well, but she saw fit not to put the Commander out of place by saying so. A few minutes later, they were sat at one of the tables, discussing the planned operations as trucks continued to roll through the huge shelter and carrying debris away.

“There have been a number of incidents in previously occupied territories, unfortunate encounters. Some have involved allied troops and been dealt with to varying degrees of success. However, other situations have occurred where civilians have stumbled upon the enemy and no mercy has been shown. The last thing we need is the civilian population living in fear of the monsters hiding in their own backyard.”

“Have there been many fatalities?” asked Chandra.

“A few. Media links are still poor, and that’s saved it from becoming a widespread epidemic. However, that situation can’t last forever. We need these pockets of resistance cleared quickly.”

“How many are we talking?” asked Taylor.

“Quite honestly, we have no idea. We don’t know if these are enemy soldiers who got left behind during their hasty retreat, or if they were planted specifically. All we know is it is seriously hindering our efforts. Clean up crews have to be protected at all times, and that is a logistical nightmare. We’ve also lost a number of soldiers because of these encounters.”

“And we’re expected to do this all alone?” asked Chandra.

“No, a taskforce is being assembled in each country. Mostly they’ll be taken from native forces, but the French military is weak and spread thin. Your Company has a thorough grasp of warfare in this land and is more than up to the task.”

“We gonna get the resources we need?” asked Taylor.

“I have been given the authority to provide any and all assistance required.”

Taylor smiled in surprise. “Wow, looks like we really are getting out of this shithole.”

“Out of the frying pan and all that,” whispered Chandra.

“What is the strength of this Company?” asked Phillips.

“One hundred and twenty three,” she replied.

“Far from full strength, but more than suitable for this new task.”

They stopped as two of the Company delivered mugs of tea and coffee to them. The heater modules kept them all from freezing, but a hot drink was always welcome when you looked out at the weather conditions which were rapidly worsening.

“We’ll need transport and more than a few jeeps,” stated Taylor.

“Already en route. General White has attached three copters to you for the duration of this taskforce. Lieutenant Rains and his comrades are en route as we speak. They’ll be putting down in the Parc de Champagne shortly. It’s just south of here and will become your staging ground for now.”

“What about this place?”

“A Gendarmerie detachment will be arriving within the hour to relieve you. Chandra, I want you to assemble the Company and move out. You’ll have to make your way to the Parc on foot, but once you’re there, you’ll have everything you need.”

Forty-five minutes later they were once again traipsing through the war torn streets, but this time with a newfound enthusiasm. They reached the Parc by noon to find the three copters had already arrived, along with several support craft and transports. Marines guarded the perimeter of the site and made it most welcoming. The corporal on the main entrance through a stone wall saluted as they approached.

“As you were!” shouted Chandra.

“Ma’am, it’s an honour to work alongside the Immortals.”

She shrugged at the name. It never sat comfortably with her after seeing the deaths of so many friends. She nodded as a greeting and continued past the man towards where Eddie was sat with his feet up and a cup of coffee. He looked more relaxed than ever as he lifted his mug, and a huge smile expanded across his face when he saw the two Majors approaching.

“Still alive and kicking!” he yelled.

“Same to you, how you been?” asked Taylor.

“Ah, you know, got my feathers burnt a few times, but I’m alive to tell the tale. Word is we’re on hunting duty, that right?”

“You got it,” replied Taylor.

“Command gives us intel. We respond immediately with a ground assault, supported by artillery and/or air support where needed,” Chandra added.

“There may Mechs left in this neck of the woods?”

“Enough,” replied Taylor.

Chandra felt the vibration of a message being received on her Mappad. She pulled it from her webbing. The two men watched and waiting impatiently for news until she looked up at them in surprise.

“This is it, our first co-ordinates.”

“Christ, they aren’t hanging around.”

“We can rest our feet on the boats,” she replied and turned to Eddie.

“You lot ready to roll?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” he replied with a smile.

“Then get moving, we’re wheels up in five.”

She turned back to the Company who were stood as a mass, awaiting their orders. More than anything they looked bored.

“Our first operation has been green lit, we move in five!”

A cheer rang out from the troops, but she quickly lifted up her palm to signal for silence.

“Section and Platoon leaders to me. The rest of you, mount up!”

The NCOs and officers gathered beside the supply dump as the troops stomped past into the copters.

“Our first target is in the town of Troyes, a little over a hundred clicks from here. A short journey now we’ve got wings. Initial intelligence shows local militia forces encountered a small number of enemy combatants while trying to enter the centre of the town.”

“Any idea how many?” asked Taylor.

“Reports are sketchy, but several creatures have been spotted near the University of Technology. A number of militia and local soldiers have been wounded, but the enemy appears to make so sign of moving.”

She lifted out her Mappad and tapped a button that projected a holographic map in front of them.

“We’ll be putting down in this square just one hundred metres from the university. This is not a covert operation. We have superior numbers and firepower. We hit them hard and fast.”

“Seems pretty simple,” said Silva.

“I want you and Green’s platoons to head for the southern entrance. Yorath and Jones, the east side. Taylor and I will take the north side. The only aim of this mission is to eradicate the enemy presence in the shortest time possible, but don’t take any unnecessary risks, and no heroics. Remember, the war is over, and this is just clean up work.”

“Excuse me, Ma’am, but if the war’s over, why are we still fighting?” asked Yorath.

She sighed in response and knew it wasn’t an easy thing to answer.

“These are merely skirmishes. There may come a time when we go to war once again, but not today. We don’t know if these enemy forces have been left to hinder our operations and rebuilding, or if it was a result of their rapid withdrawal. Either way, remember, those things are dangerous. Keep your platoons tight, and ensure you have superiority of numbers and firepower in any engagement. Any more questions?”

They each studied the map carefully before Green finally spoke up.

“Is this to be our lives for the foreseeable future? Cleaning up the country we have already fought and bled over since this began?”

“Sure is, but it beats hiding in a trench under day long barrages,” she replied.

He could not help but agree.

“Alright, good luck to you all, let’s move.”

Taylor paced alongside Chandra to Rains’ copter.

“You surprised as I am that Schulz would be okay with us doing this?” he asked quietly.

“The General has been trying to mend fences ever since you got out of the brig. I suggest you at least appear to be doing the same. The further we get from war conditions, the less you’ll get away with.”

“And Dupont?”

She sighed at the mere mention of his name.

“He’ll always be the same arsehole he always has been. Fortunately, he isn’t in command.”

“Not of the joint armies no, but let’s not forget that we aren’t in Germany anymore.”

She nodded in agreement and made a mental note to watch out for the French General. He’d been dying to get some payback for some time, and she’d be damned if she would let him.

“This mission, is that all the information we have?” asked Taylor.

“Afraid so. Communication links are still poor, and there isn’t the time to investigate further. The civilian population is flooding back into France while it is still littered with dangers. We were not picked because of our investigative abilities. We’re a rapid strike force who does not hesitate to jump into combat.”

“Well, hell, now you put it like that, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside,” he laughed.

She smiled as she could see the genuine relief on the Major’s face, now they’d returned to the soldiering they had become so accustomed to.

“How long do you think this will go on?” he asked.

“Oh, I figure we’ll have the area cleared within an hour.”

“No, I meant this. This taskforce, clearing France of any present dangers.”

“With us on the job, not long at all. Why? I thought you wanted to get back in action?”

“Only in place of the shit work we have been doing.”

“Lost your stomach for war?” she asked.

“Haven’t we all? I didn’t think any of us were still here because we enjoyed it.”

They went silent as they watched the ground zoom past through the glass of the fuselage. Chandra studied his face, trying to understand where his head was at.

“And if you could be anywhere doing anything, right now, what would it be?” she asked.

“Ah, hell I don’t know. I don’t know what I want anymore.”

She could see he genuinely meant it. They all lived in a world of uncertainty, where the possibility of death was a fear each day.

“Do you really want to keep serving?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You must have served far more years than you ever signed up to. The current war has come to an end, and no one would think lesser of you for wanting to give it all up and go on home.”

“And the next war?”

She sighed. “The world fooled itself this last century. Thinking there could ever be an end to war when it is in our nature. There will always be another battle to fight, but there’ll be new soldiers to do it.”

He sat back and thought about it for a moment. It was the first time he had given some genuine thought to handing in his papers since joining the Corps.

Has it really gotten that bad? He asked himself. He nodded to himself as he answered his own question and continued on.

“Na, I couldn’t leave you all now. How could I go home without my friends? This is my family.”

“Alright, then, you’re stuck with us.”

Chandra was contented that Taylor’s heart was still in it. She sighed in relief at the thought. She couldn’t bear to lose another close friend and ally. The rest of the short journey went by in almost silence as they soared south in the lightning fast copters. Before they had even had time to settle down and rest, Eddie was calling out over the intercom.

“Troyes is up ahead. We’ll be landing in two.”

Chandra leapt to her feet and took hold of the grab handle above.

“Remember, this is no stand up fight. We’re on the hunt. Stay alert, and watch out for traps, bombs and potential ambush zones!” she shouted.

The front thrusters kicked in hard as Eddie brought them in for an abrupt and death defying landing. Taylor could just see out through the cockpit as they narrowly brushed the edge of a tree line and suddenly felt as if the whole craft was cushioned. Chandra rocked to one side but held on firm to the grab handle as the rapid decrease in speed jolted them all forward.

The undercarriage touched down lightly, and Chandra immediately punched the door release.

“Lets go!” she ordered.

They had seen no sign of the enemy, but they all knew how vulnerable they were in a bird on the ground; especially after the roar of their engines would have notified all to their presence. Taylor leapt first from the door, so much so that he missed the ramp and hit the ground running.

His eyes took a moment to adjust to the gleaming light bouncing off the thin sheet of snow that covered the park. He reached an old stone wall and knelt down beside it to survey their surroundings. Silence overcame the area as all crouched and awaited their orders.

Chandra half expected to land in a hot LZ and to have to hit the ground shooting. Despite the relief of the silence, it also made her nervous. She got to her feet and rushed to the wall where Taylor was waiting.

“I don’t like this.”

“Why? Feels like we’re right back to our training scenarios. These are the kind of actions are we trained for. We never expected to be slogging it out in trenches.”

“Maybe that’s it, what we have become accustomed to. Either way, Mechs fight in open combat, this feels off.”

“Aliens invaded our fucking planet. It all feels off.”

She smiled in response and was glad of his cool headedness.

“Back when this was a total war, we accepted casualties as a daily part of life. Those days are over, you hear me?” she whispered.

“I hear ya,” he replied.

She looked around to the other platoon commanders and nodded for them to continue as planned. The Company arose after just a few hand signals and hushed orders. Taylor and Chandra advanced just a few metres apart with their platoons surrounding them. They quickly exited the park and were within sight of the university building. The vast complex was in stark contrast to the historical beauty of the stone churches and shopping quarter around it. The walls were of reinforced and mirrored Perspex.

“No visibility in and a hard outer shell, not a bad defensive position,” said Taylor.

Chandra drew them to a quick halt as she tried to identify what was on the ground near the entrance. She lifted her rifle and peered down the scope. The body of a dead civilian lay in a pool of blood. It didn’t shock her after the bloodshed they had witnessed, but she did sigh at the thought of civilians being killed while trying to rebuild their lives.

“This certainly looks like the place.”

She scanned the area and quickly found two trails of blood where human casualties had been dragged away. The ground and building beside the scene had familiar scorch marks where energy pulses had smashed into the stonework.

“Doesn’t make any sense,” said Taylor.

“I don’t think they meant to leave these soldiers behind. They’re just trying to survive,” replied Chandra.

“You make them sound almost human.”

“How would you feel if your armies had left you to die like this?”

She stopped herself as she remembered Taylor’s experience of just that. As the shock left his face, he finally nodded in agreement.

“How do you want to play this?” he asked.

“They must surely know we’re here, so we have no choice but to hit them hard and quickly.”

She tapped her radio mic and was surprised to see it was working.

“No jamming equipment?” she asked in surprise.

“All units breach, go, go, go!”

She leapt to her feet and rushed for the main entrance of the building with the others following closely. Experience of the enemy had taught them to stick close to concentrate their fire. Just as they got within a few metres of the entrance, the Perspex shattered as a pulse ripped through the doors. Chandra rolled and tumbled against a brick wall that surrounded the complex. Taylor smashed into the wall beside him as other pulses rushed overhead.

“Not the best welcome we’ve ever had!” yelled Taylor.

Gunfire rang out as the Company poured fire into the entrance of the building, bringing down much of the frontage. Taylor peered out from cover and quickly identified the Mechs inside.

“I see three targets. Eleven and one o’clock.”

“Looks like they’re dug in there pretty good,” replied Chandra.

“We could call in a strike, flatten the complex? Not like there is any risk civilians.”

“No, this country has been demolished enough already. The people need some hope that they can return to their old lives.”

“Alright, no air support, at least we’re used to it now,” he replied.

The two of them rose up and fired several controlled bursts into the atrium that was now fully visible from the street. They could make out movement as the Mechs disappeared from sight.

“They’re falling back!” Monty called out.

“Forward!” Chandra ordered.

They leapt forward and were quick to utilise the opportunity to get inside. Their boots trampled over the mound of shattered Perspex as it crunched under foot. They reached the long welcome desk from where the Mechs had defended and hunkered down for cover. They expected a continuation of the fight, but the spacious atrium was almost silent as the troops settled down into position.

“Not much of a defence. What the fuck is going on?” whispered Chandra.

“Would you have stood against these odds?”

“Green, report,” she asked.

“We’ve entered the complex, no contact, over.”

“Jones, report.”

“Light resistance, one enemy down, and we’re pursuing another, over.”

She shook her head. “This all just seems too easy.”

Taylor nodded in agreement.

“All units proceed with caution.”

Taylor stepped up and led his platoon forward with Chandra just a few metres away. He quickly caught sight of a fine trail of blue blood running down a broad corridor further into the huge complex. The two platoons continued after the blood in two columns. The blood trail grew as they reached the entrance to a conference hall. Taylor turned and signalled for them to form up by the entrance. He peered around the doorway and could see the wounded creature laid out on a broad table with the other two trying to stop the bleeding.

The injured creature writhed in pain but made no sound as the other two used what looked like heat torches to seal a wound. The scene made him freeze for a moment. It was eerily reminiscent of scenes that had become familiar to him during the war, but never of the enemy casualties.

He looked away for a moment. He couldn’t help but feel it was wrong to try and harm them when they were helping a fallen comrade. For the first time ever, he was beginning to see them as soldiers, rather than faceless aliens. As he sighed at the idea of the death and loss on both sides, his helmet tapped the doorframe. He quickly looked up to see the Mechs inside the room were reaching for their weapons.

Taylor snapped out of his hazy state and jumped through the open doorway. His rifle was firing before his second foot was through the doorway. The first Mech was hit by half a dozen rounds to the chest, and it smashed down onto the hard floor. Just as the other was lifting its weapon to fire, it too was riddled with gunfire from the Major’s platoon as one by one they rushed into the hall.

Gunfire ripped through the previously tranquil room as sparks flew, and the last creature finally slumped heavily to the ground. Taylor lowered his rifle and stepped closely towards the wounded Mech on the table. He could see it posed no threat to him and made no attempt to fight.

Chandra stepped through into the room to witness herself what had unfolded. She stopped and gasped at the sight of the creature taking its last few breaths. Its helmet visor was off, and they could see the struggle to breathe until it finally gave up and laid to rest.

“It seems…”

“What?” Taylor asked.

“So human.”

Taylor could do nothing but stare at the corpse. The room was silent as the dozen other soldiers who had entered stood solemnly at the bloody sight before them.

“We’ve got contact, Dining Hall B, floor two!” yelled Jones down the mic.

They could hear gunfire over the transmission and the faint echoes through the building.

“Enough, let’s get on mission,” whispered Chandra.

They turned and rushed out the door together. Boots echoed down the long corridor as they jogged at the fastest pace they could risk in an urban combat zone. Taylor stopped as he noticed a map of the facilities on a wall beside them.

“Two entrances to that hall, Jones probably went in through the eastern entrance.”

“Good, head to the other door. Lead the way!”

He leapt forward and picked up the pace. They were all well aware that it wasn’t sensible to rush into danger, but neither could they leave their comrades alone. Taylor reached the stairwell and launched up it three steps at a time. The gunfire was close now. Light seeped out from under a doorway up ahead as the guns roared. The walls were solid; they couldn’t see into the room.

Taylor leapt to the other side of the doorway and beckoned for the others to form up either side, ready to breach. Within a second, they were in position.

“Three, two, one! Taylor shouted.

His voice could barely be heard over the battle that was being fought within. He fired two shots into the locking mechanism, as did Lam on the opposite side. The large bore armour-piercing rounds tore through the centre of the double doors, leaving a hole the size of a football.

“Go!” he ordered.

The two of them barged through the door like raging bulls, forcing the doors to launch from their hinges. Taylor spotted the dug in Mechs immediately and could see they had a good view of the creatures. Despite this, he continued to spread out into the room to allow further troops to join the fight. He rushed up and crouched behind a broad counter, lifting his rifle to fire.

Gunfire cracked behind him, and the advancing troops fired as they passed through the blown entrance. Taylor could see Jones’ platoon was dug in the other end of the room and unable to advance. He took aim at the nearest creature. He had a clear view of its flank, fired three rounds into its chest, and a last one through its faceplate as it twitched from the first three. Out of the corner of his eye Mitch could see the other Mechs taking cover.

“Grenades!” he shouted.

He pulled a frag grenade from his webbing and twisted the cap. He looked around to see that three others were waiting for his command.

“Now!”

The four grenades were launched into the air in almost perfect synchronisation and tumbled over into the Mech positions. They hunkered down for cover as the explosions shook the room, and part of the ceiling near them caved in. Taylor jumped up and leapt over the counter top, advancing on the enemy positions with his rifle at the ready.

Chandra looked over the defences to see Mitch had jumped ahead quicker than any of them were able to follow. She saw him fire two shots into the ground, and as she drew nearer, she could see the body of one of the creatures lying lifeless at his feet. Another lay dead close by. She caught a glimpse of movement, turned quickly, and fired at another creature that was trying to get up from the ground.

She nodded at Mitch, and they both knew each other’s thoughts. The grenades were not powerful enough for the enemy they were fighting, and they were not going to take the chance that any had survived. The two officers moved up to the bodies of the other two creatures and fired several rounds through each of their faceplates until they were satisfied it was over.

They stood for a moment, marvelling at their work as Captain Jones approached their positions. Before he could open his mouth, a signal came over their intercom from Lieutenant Green.

“Tracking three hostiles into the basement in the north west of the building, over.”

“Hold tight, we’re coming,” replied Chandra.

She turned and led the way without as much as a word to the troops. As they jogged down the corridors to meet with the others, she noticed specs of blue blood on her arm. Taylor also saw where the spray had coated both of them. He looked at it at first with disgust and then sadness. He was reminded of the scene in the conference hall just minutes before.

Up ahead, they could see Green and Silva, and they had a wounded soldier being attended to.

“Any other casualties?” she asked.

“No, just one wounded. He’ll be fine,” replied Green.

“Good.”

She looked down at the stairwell close by. It appeared to disappear into darkness.

“This where you last saw them?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Any other sightings of the enemy?”

He shook his head.

“Jones, you and Yorath are to continue to sweep the rest of this building. Get on it.”

The Captain nodded and liaised quickly with Yorath before rushing off to continue his search.

“Any other ways down there?” asked Chandra.

“One fire escape from what I can see.”

Taylor looked over at the doorway to a nearby elevator.

“What about that? It goes down below?”

Chandra lifted up her Mappad and carefully studied the limited diagrams they had been given of the layout.

“Not that one, but it looks like there is a freight elevator not far from here.”

“I’ll take it,” replied Taylor.

“Alright, Green you’ll take the stairs, but wait for our breach. Silva, you’re with me.”

Parker had been listening and butted in.

“We can’t use that elevator. It will give us away in seconds.”

“I don’t intend to ride it down,” replied Taylor with a smile. “Come on, let’s move.”

He turned to move out, but Chandra stopped him.

“Confirm when you’re in position and ready to go. Green, you wait ten seconds after our breach. That stairwell could be hell.”

Taylor nodded in agreement and quickly made his way for the elevator. After passing through a storage area, they found what they were looking for. He drew out his Assegai and thrust it into the join between the doors. The torch style blade cut a hole and broke the seal quickly. He levered open the door and took a look inside.

“Good, it’s up on one of the upper floors.”

He reached for the emergency stop lever to ensure it stayed put before looking into the most unwelcoming abyss.

“We go down in twos the second we hear that breach, got it?”

They nodded as Parker forced her way to the front. He already knew he could not dissuade her from being the first in.

“We’re in position and ready on your signal,” he called down the radio.

“All sections ready, we breach in five, four, three…” replied Chandra.

A small explosion erupted outside the building, and Taylor took it as his cue to jump with Parker at his side. They immediately activated their boosters that lit up the pitch-black shaft as they quickly descended. Taylor ripped open the door, and they could see flashes of light all around; the fight had already begun.

He lifted his rifle and identified one creature as the light reflected from its metallic armour, but Eli had already opened fire. He joined in as the creature was hit with a dozen rounds and killed before it had time to hit the ground. A few more shots rang out until finally all went silent.

“All clear!” yelled Chandra.

Flashlights from friendlies flashed around the room as they all checked for survivors.

Chandra paced up to the fallen creature where Taylor stood.

“What are we doing with the bodies?” he asked.

“Not our problem. We were selected to do the fighting. Clean up work is someone else’s job now.”

“This was too easy. They can’t have been planted here for any resistance, so they must have been left behind.”

“Unless by planting them, they intended to continue to cause us the kind of trouble which it is doing. Civilians are scared to go home, soldiers are still busy fighting a war which should be over, and clean up crews are hindered by safety concerns.”

“Can’t the bastards accept defeat?”

“Would you?”

“Hard to say, but I’ve never wanted to invade someone else’s land and execute them.”

A signal came over the radio from Jones.

“Major, the building is secure. All enemy threats have been dealt with.”

“Good work, Jones, rendezvous at the boats. Our job here is done.”