Battle Earth VI

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."

"No easy life for a marine when the enemy is at our door, Sir."

"You have your orders, Colonel, good luck."

They came down quickly onto a field where Italian forces were assembling south of the city. The country had been brutally ravaged by the first war like most of the Mediterranean, and Taylor knew their military was a long way from recovering. They had mustered just a two companies at the staging area, which meant the elite 2nd Inter-Allied outnumbered the local forces they were going to assist.

The Deveron and the two other craft put down just twenty metres in front of the group of soldiers and their lightly armoured vehicles. Taylor stood and studied them from the bridge for a moment after they had made their landing.

"They're young, inexperienced," Jones finally said.

"Are you surprised? Few of their soldiers survived the last war. Most of what they can muster are barely out of training, and with few experienced officers and NCOs to see them on their way."

"I guess that's why they sent us."

Taylor turned to face the other officers of the Battalion standing at the back of the bridge awaiting his orders.

"Let's get something straight. We may be on their soil, but we are not under their command. You follow my orders or those of our own command. Commander Phillips is en route to assume HQ duties of both us and several other units in the area. I don't care if there's a General out there. This command is mine. I will not have any of our own put in harm's way because some freshman wants to make a name for himself.

"You think that's what we'll face?" asked Jones.

"Probably. Jackson, dismount and have the Battalion form up. Jones and Jafar, you're with me. We're going to meet whoever thinks they're running this thing."

Jones smiled, he could only imagine the humiliation an unsuspecting young officer was about to receive. They stepped down the ramp to find a greeting party awaiting them. The man at the centre wore the rank of Major, and he appeared to be the highest ranked among them.

"Colonel Taylor!" he shouted rather informally.

There was no salute, and he rushed up to Taylor with his hand outstretched. He quickly stopped, realising his mistake. His arm shot up into a salute, but the smile still adorned his face. He stretched his hand out once again which Taylor could not rightfully refuse.

"Colonel Taylor, it is such an honour to meet you."

The man tried to shake his hand vigorously, but the strength provided by the exosuit made for little movement. It was clear to him that they had never been equipped or trained with the Reitech gear. They had been entirely equipped from pre-war stores.

"The Immortals standing before us. I could never have imagined it! I am Major Gallo, and I welcome you to Naples."

Taylor looked out across to the Major's men who stood casually about. Many were leaning against the vehicles for the shade and few looked eager to work.

A lazy Italian? Who would have thought it?

He smiled at the sight and just refrained from saying what he saw.

"Have you boys encountered the enemy yet?"

"Uh, no, Sir. We have had a few reports of fighting breaking out further south, but we were ordered to assemble here and await further support."

"Well, we're it. Don't take this the wrong way, Major, but have you or any of your troops fought a Mech?"

"No, Sir, but we have been in training for a year and are eager to do so."

Taylor nodded and groaned in doubt.

"We are here to fight for our country, Colonel, ready and prepared."

"It is not your courage or determination I doubt, but this gear you have. When the first war started, we needed to outnumber them ten to one to stand a chance. They have superior weapons, armour, and strength to anything that we had in use at the time. If you're going to go to war with that gear, better ensure you never try and take on more than a platoon of the Mechs."

The Major was taken aback by his words. His instinct was to defend his abilities and those of his men, but his respect for Taylor stopped him. It cast a heavy shadow over his optimism.

"Then you believe we are close to useless without this equipment you have?"

"Not far short. If you had witnessed the losses I had early on in the war, you would understand where I am coming from."

"What do you suggest we do?"

"Talk to your commanders. Arrange for Reitech equipment to be issued immediately through whatever urgent operational requirement facility you have."

"Urgent operational requirement?” the Major sniggered."It's a wonder we got issued what we have. Most of it we had to find ourselves in old stockpiles. There was little remaining of my country when the enemy had gone. My family left with little more than the clothes on our backs, and came home to not much more. I wish we had access to the resources you did, but until I do, we must do the best we can."

"All right, no offence meant, Major."

Jones stepped forward to address the young Italian. He appeared to be no older than twenty and was of short and slight stature compared to the two of them. And yet he stood proud and tall. He was far too young for the rank he held, but they both knew it was a result of the war. It was a reminder of how lucky they were to have survived this far.

"We just want to see you get what you need and deserve to make it through this fight."

"Then please, do anything you can to see it happen. I have trained these men and women to the best of my ability, but my training officer was a sixty-five year old Major who was just a week from retirement when the war began. He was one of the few to make it through, after he was put in charge of seeing thousands of civilians to safety. I have no contacts to get these things, and no one to help."

"That's where you're wrong," replied Taylor. "You just got us, and we're here to make sure you get through this alive."

Taylor had expected an arrogant and self-important officer, but instead he found himself liking the Major. He’d already decided he would make it is his mission to get them equipped and able to face the enemy as a force to be reckoned with.

“Where are you based, Major?” asked Taylor.

“You are within the borders of our base here. Much of it was destroyed during the war. We have begun rebuilding here in the last six months.”

He stepped closer to whisper to the Colonel.

“My only task since getting my commission has been to begin rebuilding the base here. We have basic accommodation and training grounds for six hundred soldiers, with many more still living under temporary shelters.”

Taylor stepped back to talk more plainly.

“Don’t be ashamed of what you have done here. We live in difficult times, and you and your lot have had the courage to volunteer in the face of evil.”

Gallo laughed hesitantly.

“We volunteered after the war was over. We never expected to fight in the next one.”

Taylor laughed.

“None of us wanted it, but that doesn’t make it any less necessary. You and I are here, and we have a job to do.”

The day passed quickly once they had been given a plot to assemble their own billets. Taylor grew restless being sidelined by the 5^th Marine Regiment, and he could sense the others felt the same. Their fear of combat had been replaced with a desire for revenge. A bloodthirsty desirehe knew had to be controlled. He sat up in his bed, realising how much he missed Parker. They could not rightfully share a bed on an operation even though she made every opportunity to do so.

Taylor stepped out of his billet into the open air. It was warm and comforting. He looked up to the stars and took great pleasure in seeing the skies so peaceful and quiet, despite the fact he knew it would not last. As he stood there in the moonlight, a voice spoke out from behind him, but he did not react for it was the soothing sound of a friend.

“You are thinking about her too.”

He knew it was Charlie Jones. The British officer’s stern and deep voice was unmistakeable even among his own country folk.

"We never leave anyone behind. We lost you momentarily, but we did everything in our power to get you back. What have we done to see Chandra returned home? Dead or alive, she deserves more than to be left out there."

"It's all very well, but some things are simply beyond our reach. It was a wonder we didn't lose more in Tau Ceti. The only reason we're still here is because we weren't sent to Red 1 with her."

They both knew in their hearts that she was dead, for there was no possibility of her surviving the onslaught they witnessed.

"And maybe if we had been there, the story would have been different," replied Taylor.

"We have pulled off some miraculous things in our time together, but we are only human after all. We couldn't have made a difference down there."

They stopped and watched the stars for a moment. It was a beautifully clear night.

"We've lost a lot of friends since it began, and we'll lose many more before this is over. The end of this enemy force is in sight. Both sides must see it, but neither can nor will back down. We have to slug it out and see it through," said Taylor.

"These Italian boys, they aren't ready. Not even close."

"No, but their hearts are in it. They deserve better, better equipment, better training. I'm going to make it my mission to see that happens."

"In the middle of a war?"

"You heard our orders. After the European coastlines are clear, we're gonna be held up here for some time."

"And you think these things ever go to plan?"

Taylor laughed.

"No, but we can only hope."

Daybreak came and Taylor awoke to the sunrays beating down on his shelter and trying to cook him in his bed. It was all the incentive he needed to get to his feet and out the door. An HQ shelter had been setup with their comms officers and equipment not far from his billet. Jones was already up and at the station. He stood over an ops table, studying the information they had been provided, but there seemed little urgency to his job.

"We got any accurate information on enemy positions yet?" asked Taylor as he strode forward.

Jones nodded, pointing down to the ops table map.

"We've got positive enemy sights at three locations. However, the two reconnaissance craft sent over took heavy fire and were unable to get much info. Satellite imagery is still down also. The 5th is approaching from three positions north of Potenza to engage two of the enemy locations."

"Have they requested our assistance?"

Jones shook his head.

"Fools. I want you to keep in regular contact with the 5th. They will need our support, and I want to be ready for when that time comes."

He turned to see Major Gallo approaching on foot.

"What are your current orders?" asked Taylor.

“To hold the southern roads to Naples.”

"And what does that entail?"

"We have defensive lines covering four kilometres."

"With what did you say, six hundred men?"

Gallo nodded.

"How are your defences organised?"

"We have a bunker every kilometre, and sentries roaming the spaces in between."

"What have you got on your eastern flank?"

"Reconnaissance regiment with armoured cars and protecting ten kilometres inland. I do not know what is beyond them."

Taylor thought about it for a moment. It reminded Jones of being back in Brest on the west coast of France — spread thin and ill equipped.

"Sir, the 5th has made contact at Buccino and north of Potenza."

Taylor turned back to the ops table, for the names meant nothing to him. As far as his knowledge of the country extended was the rough location of Rome and Naples from looking at the map that morning.

"Okay, so that's what, eighty kilometres from here?"

"About that, yes," replied Gallo.

"Have we got any idea on enemy numbers yet?"

Jafar stepped up towards them, and Gallo recoiled at the sight of him. He could see the uniform markings on his armour but still could not believe it. He looked to both Taylor and Jones for confirmation that Jafar was for real and friendly.

"This is Sergeant Jafar and he is one of ours," Taylor said.

"But…"

"But nothing, Major."

Gallo turned to study the alien. They could all see it was the closest he had ever come to one, but it was not what he was expecting at all. The short Italian officer had to look up to see the eyes of the towering Jafar.

"Are there many more like you, fighting for us?" he asked.

"There was one, but he was lost in Tau Ceti."

"Enough, there'll be time for questions when the enemy isn't at the door."

They turned back to the map.

"The marines will have their work cut out at those two towns. Rolling hills and many narrow mountain roads. Much of the terrain is barren and without cover."

"Do you have any forces south of here?"

"Small numbers in Cosenza and extending into Sicily, but all have been ordered to setup defensive lines at their locations and await further support. The civilians from here down are being evacuated by air and sea, and above Naples they are being moved north."

"That's gonna take time."

"Yes, but not as long as you might think. The population of my country is a shadow of its former self. So many ghost towns."

Taylor looked back to the map, which was being updated live with enemy positions throughout the Med and Africa as they came in.

"What are they doing in southern Italy? Doesn't look like they are in great numbers, and we don't have any sign of them receiving additional support as of yet. Much longer, and our fleets will ensure they are cut off completely."

"Maybe this wasn't their intended target?" asked Jones. "Seems all that could amassed in North Africa. Perhaps this was the closest they could get if their ship was severely damaged."

Lieutenant Yorath was clearly receiving new information at his comms station, and Taylor waited impatiently to hear the news.

"Sir, first recon images from the 5th are in."

"Anything useful?"

"I believe so, Sir, looks like some kind of crash site. They'll be on the table presently."

Five images popped up, and it took a few seconds for them to realise what they were looking at until Jafar finally spoke.

"That is a heavy cruiser, and it looks badly damaged."

"Then it is a crash site?" asked Jones.

"Yes."

"What can we expect from a ship of that size?"

"A thousand crew and enough equipment for them all to fight on the ground. Support ships may also have remained with them."

"All right, at least we have some idea on numbers. They must have sustained losses in the battle and probably more in that crash landing. But if their support vessels have joined them, we must assume they have their full one thousand strength or more."

"Potentially many more," replied Jafar.

He pointed to a wooded area where part had been flattened that only a key eye would have spotted.

"You think that's another crash site?"

"Or a good hiding place," added Jones.

Jafar nodded, without giving a solid answer to either of them.

"Where are these two sites in relation to the 5th's current position?" asked Taylor.

"The map is being updated as we speak," added Yorath.

Taylor looked over the map and could see the three elements of the 5th Marine were advancing on the heavy cruiser and had already passed the other potential landing site.

"They haven't seen it."

"Idiots," replied Jones.

"Yorath, mark the second potential crash site and warn them immediately!"

Before the Lieutenant could react, he received frantic new calls across the radio.

"Sir, 5th Marine is reporting enemy advances north of their position."

"Christ, they're getting surrounded," said Jones.

Taylor looked to the map again.

"Muro Lucano, that's where the second ship is. They must have moved south quickly."

"Heavy woodland in that area. It would cover their movements well. No idea of telling how many of them are there."

"Have they requested our assistance?" asked Taylor.

"No, Sir," replied Yorath.

"Well, tough shit. They're getting it anyway."

"What about our orders to defend this area?"

"We can do both, Jones. Captain Jackson, I want you to join Major Gallo's defensive lines, a platoon per position at each kilometre as Gallo setup. The rest of us are heading to Muro Lucano."

He looked up to see Eddie Rains had just woken and was stretching as he came out of his billet.

"Rains!"

The Lieutenant jumped at the bellowing of his name.

"Are the copters ready to go?"

He paced up casually and confidently.

"Unloaded last night, Sir. We've been good to go since we hit this country."

"Good, then fire 'em up. There are marines who need our help."

Captain Ryan spoke up from where he had been standing by the ops table.

"What do you want us to do?"

"Right now, your priority should be to get your weapon systems online. With those active, you'll be able to provide some valuable air cover."

"That could take a couple of days, easy."

"It'll take what it'll take, and see to getting any weapons you can installed on the other two ships."

"They're just civilian transports."

"Not anymore. I'm not expecting miracles, but anything you can get on them to give them a fighting chance will help."

"I'll do what I can."

"That's all I ask."

He turned back to Jones.

"Get the other three companies assembled, I want to be in the air in fifteen minutes!"

He acknowledged as his lifted him comms unit and began barking his orders. Taylor was already carrying everything he needed. When so close to the enemy, he only removed his armour when sleeping, and even then kept it close to hand. He looked back at the map to study the location.

"They went headlong into this. Harney wants to make his name."

"He want's to be a great hero like you," replied Gallo.

Taylor looked up into the eyes of the Major. He didn't like being called a hero. It was an honour he found hard to accept when he had lost so many friends.

"I may have made some kind of name, but it wasn't by carelessly throwing myself at the enemy. I have survived this long by using my head."

Gallo clung to his every word, and Mitch could tell he was being treated as the officer’s personal hero and role model.

"What are my orders?"

"You are to carry on as you have been, only with the support of one of my companies. They'll provide valuable support to your defences."

"And will you coordinate the operation from here?"

"No, I do not leave others to do the fighting."

"But is it not right to have somebody to coordinate remotely?"

"Yes, but that is not for me to do. Commander Phillips is en route to handle that."

"Let us join you. We're ready."

Taylor took a deep breath as he thought it over. He was deeply divided on the subject.

The support would be welcome, but they'll prove little worth in their present state.

"I like you, Gallo, and it will be an honour to fight beside you. But I will not throw you to the wolves. I know what it’s like to face the enemy with the equipment you are using, and it is an experience I would not wish for any man. Hold your positions and bide your time. There will plenty of opportunity for you to get a hand in this war yet."

Gallo accepted his orders and his advice without hesitation.

"One last thing. You may be the second highest rank within our two forces, but my troops answer to me. This is not a personal matter. My officers have more combat experience than anyone I know. Trust them and work with them."

The young officer agreed quickly, and Taylor could see he was glad to have some of the responsibility lifted from his shoulders. "I'm outta here, Major."

"Good luck."

"Thanks."

He took one last look at the map, checked his Mappad device was working and updated, and grabbed his rifle. He shook his head as he thought more about Harney's blunder. On the one hand he wanted to smack the Colonel in the face, and on the other he just wanted to get his fellow marines out alive.

He reached the landing pads that had been cleared. It was little more than a dusty plain with the copters lined up and a few instant shelters beside them. Their engines were already fired up, and the three companies were clambering aboard the dozen birds. Eddie was back to his old self, wearing his ragged clothing and shunning the body armour and suit he had been provided.

"Damn it feels good to be fighting in the fresh air again!" he yelled as Taylor approached.

"Can't argue with that."

Though the air wasn't especially fresh. The copter engines were kicking up dust and debris that was filling his nostrils and throat, but he'd still prefer it to the full helmets. He looked at his watch, just eight minutes had passed, and the last few marines were climbing aboard. He was the last to step up onto Rains’ copter. He lifted his comms unit.

"All aboard, let's move out!"

Rains was quick to respond, and the dust cloud seemed to explode beneath them as the power was increased and they lifted off. Taylor stood at the open side door to watch their departure. Gallo was watching them for the ground. Taylor knew he had made the right decision to leave the Italian soldiers behind.

They would be like lambs to the slaughter.

He stepped up to cockpit to see the view ahead.

"Colonel Taylor, meet Luke Wiseman, my new co-pilot."

"It's an honour, Sir."

"Yeah, well you serve with us for a few weeks and see if you still think as much. We get the shit missions, and there ain't no payoff or bonuses."

Rains burst out into laughter. It took just ten minutes for them to reach the outskirts of Muro Lucano.

"That's their landing zone, we reckon!" Taylor pointed.

"Aren't we going to assist the 5th?"

"We have to neutralise all enemy targets to the north before jumping in and making the same mistake they do. Take us in close. I want to come down right on their heads. With any luck, we'll be sweeping south in no time."

"You think that's a good idea? We don't have any idea what's down there."

"They must have committed most of their forces to drive south, so there can't be a lot. Time is not a luxury we have right now."

The copters came in low and skimmed the treetops before roaring out over the area of collapsed trees. Within it lay an enemy frigate in seemingly perfect condition. Jafar leaned out over the side for a good look.

"They landed her deliberately!"

Taylor knew there was no more time to waste analysing the situation.

"All companies move in!"

He reached the door and leapt out between the gap Jafar had left. His alien comrade was quick to jump after him. Their boosters activated and brought them to a quick and safe landing on the ground just fifty metres from the enemy vessel. Only two Mechs stood guard at the entrance ramp to the ship, and they were overwhelmed by gunfire before they could get more than a couple of shots off.

Taylor was moving towards the ramp the second he hit the ground. Six more of the soldiers rushed out from the doorway and were hit by automatic fire by thirty of Jones' troops. They didn't stand a chance against the overwhelming odds. He reached the ramp and could see no sign of further movement. He looked up at the vast space ship that was four times the size of the Deveron. He doubted there were many enemy left inside.

"All units, deploy charges by sector at ten metres intervals, two minute timers. Rendezvous at the clearing one click south for immediate recovery."

The platoon he was with moved up and placed the magnetic charges onto the hull. Individually, they could only do minimal damage, but with two-dozen or more, he calculated it would be enough to cripple the vessel and likely kill anyone onboard.

"Taylor to Yorath, we have confirmed enemy presence at Muro Lucano. Call in a strike on our coordinates in fifteen minutes."

"Affirmative, Sir."

"You think that'll be necessary?" asked Jones.

"This will disable them for now, but I don't want anyone surviving or them having equipment they can recover. It's the only way to be sure."

Jones wasn't going to argue with that. He would happily see all evidence of the enemy obliterated beyond recognition.

"Let's move it, haul ass!"

They rushed from the clearing at a quick pace into the nearby trees and beyond until they reached the edge, bursting out into open ground where the copters were awaiting them. As Taylor reached Rains’ position, the explosion erupted at their backs. A loud boom echoed for kilometres all around. Jones nodded in satisfaction.

"Another one bites the dust," he whispered to himself.

"We need to move fast. That can't have gone unnoticed by whatever forces headed south!" Taylor called out.

"It's always nice to make an entrance," replied Jones.

They leapt aboard and were in the air within a few minutes. Their feet had barely touched the ground. They were just ten kilometres north of the Fighting Fifth now; Taylor only prayed they were in time to help. He watched with bated breath as they passed over one hill to the next. They kept low to hide their position, but it also meant they had little visibility on what was ahead. As they passed a crest, it opened up into a broad valley, and they were hit with what resembled a fireworks display. Pulses and tracer fire were going in all directions.

"My, God," said Rains.

Mech forces were on both sides of the valley, with troops of the 5th Marine Regiment in the basin fighting for their lives. They could already make out lines of dead from both sides scattered throughout the valley where each side had fought desperately to gain ground.

"Put us down, now!" Taylor shouted.

"Right here?"

"Now!"

He turned to Jones.

"We have to take on this northern assault now, or they aren't gonna make it!"

The copters came to an abrupt halt.

"Why the hell didn't we know about this?"

"Either they were too proud to call it in, or couldn't!" yelled Taylor.

I know Harney wants his glory, but I doubt the Colonel would compromise so many lives for it. That begs the question, has the enemy found new ways to jam communications?

It was a disheartening thought whatever the answer, but there was no more time to think about it."

"Go!" he ordered the troops closest to the door. He rushed after them and leapt out. He quickly found himself descending onto a burst of gunfire from a Mech weapon and pushed his shield down enough to take the impact and land safely on his feet. He already knew the tactics sucked, but they had no time to plan and conduct a better strategy.

He and Jones' platoon landed amongst ten Mechs who had been advancing over the crest of the valley edge and were caught completely by surprise. He fired quickly with his rifle, killing one just a second after hitting the ground. Another pulse smashed into his shield, twisting it on his arm and almost breaking the joint. The support of his exosuit was all that saved him. He spun around and threw the shield at his attacker with all his strength.

"Son of a bitch!"

The weighty metal shield smashed into the Mech and launched it off its feet. Seizing the opportunity,he rushed at the beast and jumped onto it. He held the barrel of his gun to its faceplate and fired a burst before it could recover. He turned to see the troops of Inter-Allied dropping all around. Many fired as they made their descent. The first Mechs they landed amongst were completely overwhelmed. He reached for his shield which had blue blood splattered over it from the burst he had just fired.

"God damn disgusting," he said as he spat out on the grass.

His mouth was full of sweat and dirt, mixed with the foul iron taste of their blood.

"Ota move west, Grey to the east, Jones' Company with me. We're going forward!"

He looked down into the valley to see hundreds of Mechs. The rearmost ranks had realised what was bearing down on them, but it would do them little good. They turned to fire on Taylor's troops but were already being hit by the crossfire of the Fighting Fifth in the base of the valley.

"Let's take these bastards down quick!"

They paced forward steadily with their shields held out front and their weapons firing at every target they could find. Taylor threw two grenades as he approached the nearest Mech position and kept up his fire. Another two pulses struck his shield, and he was starting to feel the heat. It was beginning to fail under the continued blasts. He got to a sprint and rushed at the nearest creature, firing on full auto as he did. It took six shots to the chest before he crashed into it with his full weight. His weakened shield buckled under the pressure of the impact and cracked at its core.

As the alien tumbled to the ground, he saw another two behind it ready to fire on him, but Jones' Company cut them down where they stood. He used the opportunity to rush past them. The next line of creatures was fighting from a tall stonewall and firing down on the marines. Many still had their backs to the top of the valley, unaware of the new human force.

Taylor rushed at the wall and sprayed a burst across the back of one, drew his Assegai and thrust it up through the base of the spine armour of another. He spun and raised his rifle, killing another beside them. The wall of enemy succumbed to a barrage of fire from the incoming company who completely overwhelmed them.

Jones reached him, and they looked out to their flanks to see Ota and Grey were pushing forward almost as quickly. Two hundred Mechs lay dead on the hillside in just five minutes of fighting. He peered out over the wall to see the last few Mechs were being taken down by the marinesadvancing up the hill towards them. He lifted his hand to call a ceasefire and let them finish the job.

He watched as two-dozen marines made their way up the hill, and it wasn't long before he recognised Harney among them. He jumped over the wall to greet them, signalling the company to follow him. Harney's marines looked like they had been through hell. They had badly burnt and damaged armour, and many had been struck by debris and tree bursts. Harney appeared in absolute shock, but Taylor didn't know if that was from the fight or the sight of reinforcements.

"Taylor!" We have been calling for assistance for the last two hours but can't seem to get a signal through. What the hell happened here?"

"My best guess is they jammed your signal somehow. Evidently, our counter-jamming equipment isn't perfect."

"How did you know about this northern assault?"

"We discovered the possibility looking at the surveillance images."

"I saw those same images and saw nothing."

"It wasn't easy to spot."

Harney smiled in appreciation. He knew he had made a huge mistake, but Taylor was not rubbing his nose in it.

"There's still a lot of opposition on the southern ridge. We sure could do with your assistance.”

Taylor noted from that moment on, Harney was seeing him in a whole new light.

"Couldn't you get evac from here?"

"We tried, but our birds are waiting a few clicks to the west. I'm not sure if they're still okay. I sent a runner to them an hour ago but have heard nothing. Was this a targeted ambush?"

"Of a sort. The vessel south of here is a crash site. We believe their support ships landed further north to prevent any of us overrunning them while they make their retreat."

"Retreat?"

"They're amassing in North Africa. I don't believe they ever intended to put down here."

"Then they can't be that strong."

Engines roared as their copters approached from the north and put down over in the field near them among the enemy dead. Taylor knew they'd just leapt into a dangerous situation and was thankful it had paid off. He turned back to Harney.

"No, they aren't. It's prime time to bring them down. Let's move up and cut these bastards down!"