Battle Earth II (8 page)

* * *

Taylor hadn’t moved for at least thirty minutes. His head lay back against the wall, and his body was limp. If it were not for the artillery bombardments that rumbled the ground every few minutes, and the pain, he would gladly have fallen into a deep sleep. He was astonished to still be alive, but he wondered how the two of them could ever get out alive. The invaders were building up to a major offensive, and so their position would soon be overrun.

The sound of a vehicle caught his attention. He focused on it, trying to identify its origin. It was a light vehicle and wheeled. It didn’t fit with any of what he’d seen of the invaders, but after his experience of the flying troops that morning, he was not eager to jump to conclusions.

Despite the rumble of artillery in the background, the neighbourhood was quiet, and he could hear the vehicle coming from many blocks away. The silence of the room was broken by a few muffled words from Silva.

“Sergeant, keep it down.”

He was glad that Silva was regaining consciousness, but they could not afford to be identified by any enemy forces.

“Sir, what happened? Where are we?”

“Quiet, Sergeant.”

Taylor carefully lifted his launcher in readiness. He knew that he had no more ammunition other than what was already loaded in the weapon. They couldn’t survive another fight. Silva was coming to his senses and dragged his rifle up from the ground. Taylor wasn’t sure if Silva was fully aware of their situation, but he understood enough that they could be heading for another fight.

The vehicle ran quietly and not like anything they had heard from the Mechs. Taylor could feel every trickle of sweat drip down his face as they anxiously waited. It was almost in view when it came to a halt. The occupants had been alerted by the debris across the street and had stopped to investigate. The Major would never have chosen to stay at the scene of the fight, but he’d not had any other choice.

They listened as metal hatches opened, identifying it as an armoured vehicle. Taylor lifted his launcher to his shoulder. Footsteps grew nearer. They sounded like human steps, but the Major wondered if he was just being optimistic.

“Major Taylor!”

Mitch’s heart raced with relief and excitement at hearing the familiar voice of Captain Jones although he didn’t lower his weapon.

“Major Taylor!”  Monty called.

Silva turned back to Taylor with a broad grin. He could not believe their luck.

“In here!” he shouted.

Seconds later the group of soldiers appeared at the smashed windows. Jones looked shocked at the wreckage, and he could barely tell the two soldiers apart from the debris and fallen Mechs.

“Major!”

Jones rushed in through the opening where the shop front windows used to stand. He crashed over glass and a pool of Mech blood that squelched as he passed through. He looked down at Silva, glad to see another survivor.

“We found your jeep, thought you were goners.”

“Almost, Captain, much longer out here and we’d never have made it home.”

Jones looked down at the splint on his leg and back up at his blood soaked face.

“You look like hell.”

“Better than those bastards.”

He gestured to the body of a Mech. Jones’ eyes widened at the sight of one of the creatures out of its armour. At first he thought it was the body of a dead human.

“Christ, so that’s what they look like! They don’t look so tough.”

“Believe me, Captain, you don’t want to get to blows with them.”

Jones nodded and smiled. He could see from the Major’s state that he spoke the truth. He reached forward and pulled Taylor up. Silva staggered to his feet but wobbled and fell against a shelving unit.

“Give him a hand!” Jones ordered.

Monty leapt in and took the Sergeant onto his shoulder.

“Let’s get the hell out of this shithole, Captain.”

They moved out of the shop across heaps of smashed glass and rubble.

“Remind me if we get through this, to check Paris off as a city ever to visit.”

The Captain chuckled.

“With you there, Major.”

They hobbled out into the street to be greeted by the other paras and Dubois. She was sticking half out of the driver’s hatch and gave the Major a mock salute. He returned the gesture.

“Good to see you again, Sergeant. I wish it could have been under better circumstances than last time.”

“At least we’ll be driving out of here, Sir.”

Taylor nodded as Jones helped him around the vehicle and in through the rear door. He winced in pain as he lowered himself into a seat. There was barely a part of his body that didn’t hurt. Green hauled the thick door shut behind them.

“Let’s get moving, Sergeant!” shouted Jones.

The vehicle lurched forward and quickly gained some speed. They struck the debris from the building, shaking the vehicle around but easily overcoming it. Taylor looked at Jones with relief. He had accepted that they would die out there; yet again his companions had come through for him.

“Don’t stop for anything, Dubois!” Jones ordered.

He reached forward and tapped the power button to the display monitors attached to external cameras. They passed through one empty block after another until they were just a kilometre out from the defences. The armoured car took a bend and their jaws dropped as the sight before them. Ten Mechs stood in front of the bridge they needed to pass.

“Monty, get on that gun!” screamed Jones.

“What do we do, Sir?”

“Go through them, Dubois!”

Jones didn’t like the idea, but he knew that they’d likely not have any better luck if they diverted to another bridge.

“Go!”

The vehicle surged towards the bridge as Monty opened fire. The first few rounds landed short. The Mechs were lifting their weapons to fire. They all knew that the vehicle wouldn’t stand up to much against the enemy fire. The next shots from the turret struck one of the Mechs, smashing it to the ground. A second later, the area around it erupted with an explosion, quickly followed by several more.

Muzzle flashes littered the rooftops of the buildings either side of the bridge. The Mechs spun around in a desperate attempt to return fire against the overwhelming onslaught. Rifle fire, rockets and grenades pounded their position, quickly ripping the aliens into twisted metal and burning rubble.

Dubois didn’t slow and rushed towards the burning scene. They didn’t want to linger in hostile lands for a second longer. They reached the bodies of the Mechs, and one was thrashing about on the ground, trying to get to its feet. Dubois headed right for it, striking the beast at speed. The crew didn’t even notice the impact as the armoured hull smashed it to the ground.

Taylor and Jones looked at the display screens. They could see friendly soldiers standing up on the rooftops. They could make out a mix of British and American uniforms. Sergeant Dubois drew the vehicle to a close as they got over the bridge and to safety. Taylor reached for the door and swung it open, clambering out on his splinted leg.

Chandra was stood in the doorway of the building beside them. She was leaning on her crutch but was in full combat attire with her rifle slung across her chest.

“You haven’t been cleared for duty, Major.”

She smiled in response. Taylor limped over to her position.

“No chance you were authorised to come find us.”

“Nope, but that didn’t stop one of your Sergeants convincing me, and she has as much respect for authority as yourself.”

Taylor’s eyes lit up. Chandra knew what his next question would be, and she pointed back to the bridge. Taylor turned to see Eleanor walking at the head of a group of troops returning across it. She caught sight of him and ran all out.

Eleanor let her rifle fall to her side and jumped at the Major, embracing him with a firm grasp. She pulled her head back and rubbed it against his, not caring for the blood and grime. She kissed him quickly, provoking whistles from the troops.

“I couldn’t lose you,” she said.

“Likewise.”

Taylor let her go and turned to Chandra. They both knew he was breaking many rules pursuing a relationship with one of his team. He wanted to ask why Chandra had not enforced disciplinary action, but she had already read his mind.

“We’re at war, Major. Some rules simply don’t apply.”

He strode over to her as quickly as he could on his leg and grabbed her with a strong hug, lifting Chandra off her feet, much to her surprise.

“Major!” she shouted.

He put her down with a broad grin spanning across his face. She blushed slightly as they both knew she should not encourage such activity.

“You saved our asses, Major, thank you.”

“Glad you made it. Clearly you have by now realised that the northern districts are no longer safe. We have trying days ahead of us, Major. We need you rested and ready to fight.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

He saluted her with a smile.

Taylor awoke to a dark and drizzly morning. Parker’s head was resting on his shoulder. Chandra had managed to secure a room in a hotel for them near the main assembly area. The mattress was soft and cushioned, and the duvet smooth and thick. He’d not known such luxury, even in his own officer’s quarters.

He pulled the duvet back and sat up at the side of the bed. His leg had been reset and was held in an articulated leg brace. It allowed him full movement and strength while it healed; making him ninety-five percent combat effective already. He’d had a hot shower and was now clean, but his body was bruised and scarred.

The Major stood up and walked across the room. Despite him being able to walk, his muscles and joints still ached. He pulled back the curtains and looked out across the vast assembly and command area. It was long past sunrise. Chandra had kindly allowed them to sleep till they woke up naturally. He doubted it was all due to kindness as he was more valuable to them in a fully recovered state.

As he felt a warm hand touch his shoulder, Taylor flinched a little. He was always impressed at Parker’s stealthy agility. She wrapped her arms around him and braced her body against his back, resting her head against his shoulders.

“If only every morning could be like this,” she said.

“Add room service and I’d agree.”

She turned him around to reveal a bag of rations on a small table at the end of the bed.

“Got what I could in the night, but it’s a far cry from a fresh breakfast.”

Taylor smiled. It was a thoughtful gesture. He turned to look out of the window. In the distance, he could see the energy pulses striking their lines. They were only a kilometre or two back from the bombardments, but it was far enough to enjoy the rest period. He strolled over to the table, taking a seat. Eli joined him and reached forward, resting her hand on his. He looked up into her eyes.

“You risked everything for me,” she whispered.

“As did Jones for me, we are all in this for each other.”

She smiled. Taylor had not seen such sentimentality and love in her face before. She surprised herself and quickly took her hand back to reach for the food.

“You think we’ll make it through this?” she asked.

Taylor coughed to clear his dry throat, still surprised at how much he had learnt about their relationship, and what it meant to both of them.

“I’ll be damned if I’m going to let some alien bastards take our planet.”

“Doesn’t really answer the question.”

He looked back up at her with a serious glare as he reached for a ration pack.

“Every day is a harder struggle, and we’re at the forefront of it. I can’t say our chances are good, but at least we’ll be fighting it side-by-side.”

She nodded, satisfied by his answer. They both knew there was little more they could ask under the circumstances. Before they could say another word, the comms on the dresser spluttered to life.

“Come in, Major Taylor.”

The two of them sighed, knowing that their time in peace and luxury was over. Mitch stood up. His body ached, but it was a relief to be so active after the vicious previous day. He strode across to the comms link. Eli lay back, putting her feet up as she opened her food packet.

“This is Taylor.”

“Sir, Commander Phillips is requesting your presence,” said Captain Friday.

“Where exactly?”

“I’m outside your building, Sir. I’ll take you to him.”

“I’ll be out shortly, Captain.”

He put the communicator down and looked back to Eli with disappointment.

“Guess our vacation is over.”

She huffed as she dropped her feet down from the chair and stood up briskly. They watched each other as they pulled on their clothes and armour, mesmerised by one another. The Major’s armour was scratched and battered, and his clothing torn in a few places. They had no spares to replace it, but at least it had been cleaned overnight.

Taylor ripped open the door and stepped out into the hallway. It was alive with activity. It seemed the hotel had become one of many desirable locations for the officers of all the armies in the area. Most were high ranking and had clean uniforms. Many of them stopped and stared at the battle worn marines, humbled by the signs of their recent combat experience.

Nobody said a word to them as they made their way out of the luxury quarters. Friday met them at the door, and Ortiz and Campbell were sitting on the wall outside. They turned and looked in with shock at the Major’s recovery. The last time they saw him he was a wreck, but now he looked ready to go right back into battle.

“Phillips wants my balls, I take it?”

“No idea, Sir, but it sounded urgent.”

“When isn’t it?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Alright, lead the way.”

They marched through line after line of temporary structures and vehicles. Even on their largest training exercises, they had never seen such an assembly of forces. Friday led them to Phillips’ command vehicle. They stopped outside as the Major stepped in. He was greeted by Phillips stood at his briefing table, alongside Chandra and Jones.

“Welcome back, Major.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

Phillips waited for a moment, expecting Taylor to speak, and leading to an uncomfortable silence.

“You know very well that you have caused utter chaos to the Inter-Allied Company, Major. I would have you disciplined for it, but I cannot afford to lose any soldier that can still carry a rifle.”

Taylor ignored the Commander’s ridicule of his actions, only angering Phillips further.

“It still exists then? The Inter-Allied Company?”

“For now, but your troops will remain under the command of Captain Friday.”

Taylor shot a glance at Chandra, trying to understand the circumstances.

“Sir, my marines were sent to assist you and we’ve done a damn fine job of saving your asses. You can’t relieve me of my command!”

Phillips smiled with an amused grin. He had been put out by the insubordination of his officers, and he was now enjoying seeing Taylor suffer a little.

“These aren’t my orders, Major. General White has ordered you to re-deploy to Ramstein Air Base. Apparently, there is some equipment being trialled there which could make a major difference in this war, and he wants you to pursue it.”

Taylor was initially shocked at the news. It was not the disciplinary action or punishment that he had been expecting. That surprise quickly turned to concern and anger.

“Sir, I can’t just leave my marines out here!”

“You’ll do as you are ordered, Major!”

He dipped his head and shook it in disbelief. After having narrowly survived and got back to his companions, he was once more being dragged away from them. He looked up to Chandra and Jones, but he could see that he had no choice but to comply. Deep down he knew it was the right thing to do, but it saddened him to leave his friends once more.

“Alright, Commander, fill me in.”

“As you can imagine, Major, our leaders are not confident about our situation in this war. Holding Paris has been our only major victory yet, and it may not last. The enemy is enveloping the city, and we believe they are building up to a major offensive. While we are going to need every soldier we can get, your task may be more vital than any one of ours.”

“This technology, what is it?”

“I only know a little, Major, but from what I hear it could greatly increase the combat affectivity of our units.”

“If it’s experimental, then how can we hope to get any of it into production fast enough?”

“You leave that to those who manage such things, Taylor. If we can hold out, then this war could go on for some time, so we need to pursue every avenue that could give us an edge in this battle.”

“When do I leave?”

“An Air Force transport is putting down as we speak. I want you to take Sergeant Silva with you. He’ll be a valuable asset, and it will give you both a chance to heal up.”

“And the rest of the company, Sir?”

“Chandra will remain in command in a non-combat role from this location. The company will be deployed at the defences of the city.”

“And these orders come directly from General White?”

The Commander could see the doubt in Taylor’s eyes. He didn’t much like his tone and questioning of authority.

“I haven’t got time for your games, Major. You’re shipping out and that’s final.”

Mitch nodded as he knew there was no merit in arguing further. After all his struggles, he felt that he was letting his friends down to leave them at the greatest battle that had been seen in their lifetimes.

“This better be worth it,” he countered.

Phillips stared at the Major. He hated his lack of respect, but could not help but give him some leeway after the brutal days he had seen.

“That’ll be all, Major.”

Taylor turned to leave but stopped and looked back at the Commander.

“I assume no actions will be taken again Captain Jones and Major Chandra for their hand in yesterday’s events?”

The Commander glared at him, and he was fuming inside.

“I do not have a choice in the matter, Major. You and your colleagues are reckless and subordinate, but you’re also some of the finest combat officers. As much I hate to say it, Major, we’re stuck with each other.”

Taylor grinned wickedly. He had the Commander over a barrel. All he wanted to do was get the job done and he didn’t need anyone getting in his way.

“Fall out, Major, you’ve got places to be.”

He nodded and strolled out from the room. He felt in part relieved that they were all okay, but also saddened to be leaving them once again. He walked out into the daylight to be greeted by Friday and the other two marines, all eager for the word. He looked to Friday.

“Captain, you’re taking charge of the marines, so I suggest you get in there to receive your marching orders.”

He turned to the other two marines, but the Captain interrupted him before he could speak.

“Where are you heading, Mitch?”

Taylor could see the concern in the Captain’s eyes. They had been good friends for a long time.

“To Ramstein. Those are our orders, and this time I want you to stick to them. You’ll remain under Chandra’s command. Good luck, Captain.”

Friday nodded and stepped past into the Commander’s vehicle. Taylor turned back to Ortiz and Campbell who were hanging on to his every word. It occurred to him that he had absolutely no idea where their troops were.

“Where’s the company?”

“Just around the corner, Sir,” replied Ortiz.

“Lead on.”

“Sir, if you don’t mind me saying, this is bullshit. We’ve lost enough already, how can we be split up now?” asked Campbell.

Taylor sighed, and their faces showed despair at losing the Major they had only recently got back.

“We’re marines. We go where we are told, fight when ordered to and die when called for. Where I am going, and what I am doing, could change our fate in this war. Stay the course, follow Chandra as you have me, and we may get through this.”

Campbell nodded, but he felt no happier about the situation.

“I don’t like it either, but we have a job to do, so let’s do it.”

The marine dipped his head, a little shamed at his doubt in their orders. He lifted his head up with a smile, pulling himself together.

“Semper fi, Sir.”

Taylor nodded in appreciation. They’d come from a long heritage of combat soldiers, but none of them could ever have predicted that they would themselves see such dire times. He gestured for the two men to lead on.