Battle Earth II

Chapter 3

The truck pulled up to the forward command base. Vehicles were pouring in and out as Jones leapt from the vehicle. He recognised uniforms from around the world, but few faces. They were gathered at Concorde Square. It was a vast open ground at the heart of the city. Military vehicles were lined up as far as they could see. Jones looked around to get his bearings and to find anything familiar.

“Captain Jones!”

He peered through a line of camouflaged soldiers to see Commander Phillips break through to greet him and his unit.

“Sir, Major Taylor is still out there, and we have no time to waste.”

“That’s not your concern any longer, Captain! Follow me.”

The Commander turned to lead them away, and when his back was turned, the Captain shook his head in astonishment. The Commander had no concern for anything or anyone but his orders. He turned to his troops and gave them a hand gesture to stay put, and that he didn’t anticipate being long. Phillips led him into a mobile armoured command vehicle where Brigadier Dupont and several other officers were sitting before a digital overlay map of the city. Lieutenant Colonel Girard stood as he entered.

“Captain Jones! Welcome!”

He outstretched his hand to the British officer in friendship.

“Colonel, good to see you.”

The siege of Brest had been a bitter battle that both men would gladly have forgotten, but it was still fresh in their memories.

“I do hope you have replaced your armour, Sir.”

The Frenchman nodded with a pained expression about his face.

“As much as could be hoped for.”

The room went silent as Jones turned to his Commander who was awaiting him.

“Captain Jones, I have been authorised to award you with the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of your services to the crown and our allies.”

The Commander held out a polished box with the medal. Jones knew that it should have been handed out officially at a ceremony, but he could forgive them in their current situation. What concerned him more was that it was clearly being given in part as a bribe.

“A formal award ceremony will take place following your return home. Congratulations, Captain.”

Jones’ eyes shot up from the medal to the Commander’s face. He could already see what was happening. He was being sent home.

“Sir, thank you, but we surely cannot leave here?”

“French forces are being bolstered by European and Eastern allies, so we must now look to our own lands.”

“Sir, we were combined with Major Taylor’s marines, and we have a duty to him and his troops. He is overdue from a reconnaissance mission. We can’t leave him out there…”

“Captain, this is not up for discussion. You have your orders. All British forces are to return to UK soil immediately. We have aircraft inbound. Expect pick up in under an hour.”

He turned to a map of the area and pointed to a marked out section.

“The designated landing zone is here at the east end of Concorde Square. Make sure you are on the transports when they leave.”

Jones turned back to the French Colonel who he had become so close to.

“We all have our orders,” said Girard.

The Captain could see Dupont wipe his brow behind the other men. The Brigadier was not happy with the state of affairs. Jones wanted nothing more than to question the Commander and reason with him, but he knew it was not just unprofessional and ill-disciplined, it was also futile. He turned back to Phillips.

“Somewhere we can get some grub, Sir?”

“A ration point has been set up. You will find it marked on the map outside. That will be all, Captain.”

Jones nodded and turned away without a salute. He strode out from the command vehicle to be met by a familiar face, Chandra.

“Colonel?”

“That’ll be Major, the promotion was only temporary, and we have more officers than we need now.”

“Sorry to hear that, Major.”

Chandra walked with a limp and was using a crutch in one hand, but she wore full gear with a rifle sling around her back and a helmet hung from her belt.

“Major, we are being sent back home.”

“Yes, unfortunately, I already know. They want us back to keep the country safe. After the government saw how quickly the Mechs rolled up to Paris, they want to avoid that state of affairs with London.”

“Can’t the Navy and Air Force handle that?”

“In theory, yes, you would hope so, but they want us back all the same.”

“You know Taylor is still out there? He went out on a recon mission on the northern outskirts and has been out of contact since. He should have been back by now.”

“I hadn’t heard, you think he’s found trouble?”

“In my gut, I know it.”

Chandra turned and headed for their men who lay about the truck. She gestured for him to follow.

“We move out in one hour, Captain.”

“Yes, the Commander has already made that clear.”

“Then you have one hour to burn.”

He stopped and looked at the Major, making sure he had heard her right.

“Major, Phillips will have my balls if I leave this base.”

“And if Taylor needs help, and you aren’t there to give it, how would you feel?”

“It is still a blatant breach of orders.”

“I cannot force you to do anything, Captain, but I would not leave a friend out there. You find the Major and get back here within the hour, then there’s no problem. Get out there and find that he needs help, and then we’ll deal with the circumstances when we have to.”

“The Commander…”

“The Commander works behind a desk. He’s a decent man, but he has no care for the troops in the field.”

Jones nodded, it was all the confirmation he needed to do what he knew was right. He strode up to the troops.

“Commander says we leave in one hour, time to get some grub.”

Green looked up at the Captain. They had eaten recently. Jones turned back to the command truck to see the Commander watching them from the door. He spoke to his men quietly.

“Taylor needs our help, and as far as Phillips is concerned, we’re getting a meal. So, on your feet.”

They enthusiastically got moving. The British paras had become close friends with the marines over the last week, thinking of them all as the single unit they had been amalgamated into. Chandra smiled as she watched them troop out of sight from the command truck. Jones watched to see that they were clear, and then put his hand out to stop them.

“Most of you will have to stay here to cover for us, so I want three volunteers.”

“I’ll go,” said Green.

Jones nodded in gratitude. The Lieutenant had been more than useful.

“We’ll go,” said one of the Johnsons.

The two brothers would rarely be separated. Even the Major referred to them by their nicknames, Monty and Blinker.

“Alright, let’s do this. We head on together. The four of us will fork off as soon as we have mixed with the other units. It’s vital that Phillips has no idea of our intentions until long after we have gone, or at all if possible. Matthews, I’m leaving you in charge.”

“Got it, Sir,” replied the young Lance Corporal.

“Alright, let’s move out.”

The group of paras ambled towards the ration wagons, giving every indication that they were relaxed and ready to settle down. Jones looked to Matthews. The soldier was completely unfazed by the situation, having absolute confidence in his team.

“If we are caught, there will be hell to pay. Do what you can to give us a clear run, but don’t put your neck out.”

“Don’t worry about us, Captain. You just find the Major. We’ve lost enough brothers already, don’t let that tally increase.”

Jones nodded in both agreement and gratitude. They reached a swarm of troops from different regiments and nations who were scattered across an area the size of a football pitch. As they dispersed into the mass of camouflage, Jones surveyed the situation. The command truck was out of view, so they were well covered.

“Alright, that’ll do, break.”

He split off from the others towards the northern perimeter, the other three men following suit. Moments later they were at the rim of the square and winding their way through lines of parked vehicles. They found a small jeep, similar to what they were used to.

“This’ll do, get in.”

The Captain leapt into the driver’s seat and looked down at the controls, trying to find the engine start.

“Going somewhere, Captain?”

Jones jumped in his seat and shot a look up above the screen as he reached for his sidearm. Sergeant Dubois stood in front of the vehicle. He gave a sigh of relief and relaxed his shoulders although his pulse still raced.

“Can’t imagine you were given the authority to commandeer this vehicle?” she asked.

“No.”

The Captain replied with an exhausted tone and dipped his head. The French Sergeant had done them a good turn back in Brest, and he felt shamed at having been caught by her taking one of the vehicles.

“If you’re going out, you’ll want a little more armour, Captain.”

He shot a glance up to the woman, hoping he had heard her right.

“Come with me.”

“You could get in major trouble for this, Sergeant.”

She turned back to them as they walked.

“The world is already in deep trouble, Captain, so it can’t get any worse.”

Jones smiled in response.

“So you are going after someone, I take it?” she asked.

“Why would you think that?”

“A small team without permission going into unprotected territory, why else would you risk your lives?”

The Captain could not hide it. Dubois had a sharp mind and had already proven to be a fine soldier. She still bore scars on her face from the wounds sustained a week ago, and several of them would never fully heal.

“Major Taylor. He went out hours ago and hasn’t returned or been in contact. He was investigating some peculiar readings from surveillance images.”

“And you think he found trouble?”

“I bet money on it. We’ve been ordered to return across the channel within the hour. If we can’t find the Major, nobody will.”

She looked at him. “You’re a loyal friend.”

“Without men like Taylor, we wouldn’t have got this far. I am not willing to give up on him.”

The Sergeant stopped at a vehicle they had reached and tapped the hull.

“Here’s my girl.”

It was a medium weight, six-wheeled armoured car with small turret and light cannon.

“After we lost our armour in Brest, the survivors were reformed as a reconnaissance and infantry support battalion. These were the only vehicles that could be spared to replace it.”

“That’s a bit of a step down.”

“Hey, we’re still alive, that counts for a lot.”

The Captain wished he could take the words back, but it was too late.

“True, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

“Enough of your apologies, Captain. We have a job to do, climb aboard.”

She hauled open the rear door allowing the troops to clamber in. The vehicle had seating for six as well as its three crew. Jones climbed through into the commander’s chair next to Dubois’ driving position.

“Where are your crew, Sergeant?”

“Nowhere you need to worry about, Captain, so where are we heading?”

Jones looked at the map displayed on a screen in front of him. Paris was quickly becoming familiar from such a view. His hand stretched across the map, tracing the steps Taylor had explained to him before he left.

“Here, the Major saw a small anomaly on surveillance photos, and that’s the area.”

“That’s about half an hour’s drive from here, if we are quick.”

Before the Captain could respond, Dubois planted her foot to the floor and the vehicle rushed forwards. The crew watched as they stormed out of the base without opposition. Nobody questioned troops that were heading anywhere but east. It was not long before they were free of the war-torn centre and driving among peaceful and intact neighbourhoods. Jones had begun to forget anything but the devastated rubble of the west.

“You got ammo aboard?”

“Of course, Captain.”

He turned back to Monty. “Get on that gun.”

“Got it, boss.”

The man weaved his way through the cramped seating to the gun position.

“We expecting trouble?” he asked.

“Always,” replied Jones.

The Captain turned to Dubois. She rode towards danger with no fear or regard for her own life at all.

“Will this armour hold up to their weapons?” he asked.

“I haven’t found out personally. I’ve heard they can take a few hits from the Mechs’ guns but nothing from their heavier weapons.”

“It’s an improvement over soft skin.”

They heard a heavy clunk as Monty loaded the turret-mounted cannon.

“Think you can handle that?” shouted Jones.

“Looks pretty simple, Captain!”

“Fuck!” Taylor screamed through clenched teeth as Silva reset his leg.

He spat out the block he’d been biting down on and took a deep breath.

“We should never have come out alone.”

“We didn’t, Sir,” replied Silva.

“Should have brought the whole battalion out for this.”

Silva helped lift the Major’s foot and rested it on a stool as he winced in pain. The Sergeant picked up two metal poles which he had collected from the store and placed them either side of the leg.

“It’s gonna hurt like hell to walk, but at least you’ll be on your feet.”

“Right now, anything is an improvement.”

Silva picked up a packet of duct tape and ripped it open. He quickly wrapped the silver tape around with some pressure along the length of most of the leg.

“That should do it.”

Taylor lowered his leg and winced with pain as it dropped to the ground. He pulled himself up. His wounded left leg was at least now useable. The splint had given the strength for him to walk. He hobbled a few steps and was glad to be back on his own two feet. Mitch stopped and froze at a sound from outside. Silva reached for his gun, but Taylor put his hand up to call for silence.

The two marines stared intently at the glass front of the shop, trying to identify the noise. Seconds later they heard footsteps that were too heavy to be human. Silva’s eyes widened as his hand slowly reached for the rifle on the table. They both knew that they were woefully under equipped to take on any kind of attack, but neither would they go down without a fight.

The footsteps grew louder until their source came into view. It was one of the taller and more bulky invaders they had become so familiar with, and it strode past. They stood silently, hoping to go unnoticed. The Mech continued on, but neither man relaxed as they knew that the enemy soldier would not be alone.

A moment later a second Mech passed the window next to them. They could hear the footsteps of another following, but little else. They rightly came to the conclusion that it was a three-troop scouting party. With the brief gap after the two Mechs, Taylor hobbled quickly back to the table where his launcher rested, snatching it up. He couldn’t kneel and so took up position behind a broad support beam.

Taylor held his breath and peered around from the cover to the street. The shelving units of the hardware store obscured much of the view. The third Mech strode into sight. They waiting patiently in the hope that it would pass them by, but they already feared that they would not have such luck. The beast stopped as it got towards the end of the shop.

Taylor slipped back behind cover. He looked down at Silva who huddled behind a counter. He noticed a hand grenade hanging from the man’s armour, remembering he had one also. He looked down and gripped it, thankful of any advantage they could get. He pulled it from his vest and took it in two hands, letting the launcher rest on its sling.

The Sergeant watched Taylor and waited for his signal. They both listened intently for any sign of the Mechs. The nearest one came to a stop, turned and took a few paces back. They both knew that the beast was suspicious and was therefore investigating. Taylor looked down at the floor. They had walked dirty and wet foot prints into the shop. Mitch wanted to kick himself for leaving such crumbs for the enemy, but it was too late.

The door of the shop opened, and their hearts raced as they heard a Mech stomp inside. Taylor looked down at Silva and nodded. He twisted the grenade and leaned out from cover just enough to see his target. He threw the grenade and ducked back behind cover before the Mech could respond. The explosion was deafening, shaking everything in the room and sending boxes and shelving flying.

Taylor then lifted his launcher in readiness, but his ears were still ringing. The building fell silent once again. They had expected to come under a hail of gunfire, but the shots never came. Mitch peered around from the cover to investigate, just catching a glimpse of a Mech in the street looking around for enemy positions. They must have assumed it was a trap or a mine.

He looked across the shop entrance. Most of the glass had been blow out from the building and littered the street. He stayed utterly still, watching from his hidden position. The enemy soldier was hunched slightly with its weapon ready to fire. It was still looking around in all directions. Another strode up to it and relaxed slightly. Taylor could tell that they were communicating by their body language, but he could hear nothing.

He turned his head just a fraction and peered down at Silva. The Sergeant was still hidden from view and awaiting his orders. Mitch could see no fear in his eyes, and he was ready for anything. The Major turned back to the street. The two Mechs were looking at the site of the explosion and their fallen comrade. They moved cautiously towards the rubble. Taylor’s grip on his weapon instinctively tightened.

As much as he wanted to avoid a fight, Mitch knew that they stood little chance of moving freely with the Mechs walking the streets. The odds were not in their favour, but at least they had maintained the element of surprise. He watched as they stepped up to the twisted armour of the Mech that was scattered across a three metre area.

He looked back at the Sergeant and gave him the nod. Silva leapt up and trained his rifle on the closest enemy, firing a long burst into the mirrored armour that protected their heads. The continuous stream of bullets into the weak visor caused it to crack, and the bullets smashed through. The Mech went limp, dropping with a heavy smash to the ground.

Taylor leapt out from cover before the body of the creature had landed and fired his launcher from the hip. At the close proximity he couldn’t see where the shot had struck, and it blinded them as it exploded. The blast threw the Major off his feet, and he landed hard on the store floor. Items crashed around the shop as the merchandise was tossed to the wind, along with Taylor’s weapon that was thrown from his hands.

The shock of falling briefly disorientated him. The wind had been taken out of him and pain surged down his back to the wound in his leg. He was thankful for his armour softening the blow, but it was little relief at the time. For a few seconds he lay flat. He didn’t have the willpower or energy to get to his feet. Each battle he fought seemed to wear his body and mind down a little further, and he wondered how much more he could take.

“Sir, you okay?” asked Silva.

Taylor did not respond. He was still stunned.

“Major?”

The Sergeant appeared above him, looking down with first concern and then a smile. He reached out his hand to help Taylor stand up. The Major gladly accepted and was hoisted back upright. He patted the Sergeant on the shoulder, and a puff of dust burst from it. Taylor grinned at the Sergeant, amazed that they still lived. He caught a glimmer of movement, and the smile quickly turned to fear; a change the Sergeant immediately responded to.

Silva turned quickly on the spot and lifted his rifle to the hip. A humanoid-shaped creature bore down on them at great speed. It was extremely thin at the waist but had strong and broad shoulders. They immediately recognised the thing as an enemy from the blue blood dripping down its face and into its clothing. The beast wore some kind of snug compression suit, but it was covered in dust and blood.

Not waiting another second, Silva let out a burst with his rifle. The shots ripped through the beast’s abdomen, but it didn’t stop coming at them. The thing rushed at them like a raging bull. It took hold of Silva’s rifle and ripped it from his hands. The two men reached for their sidearms, but the monster smashed the Sergeant vigorously with the rifle, launching him two metres across the room.

Just as the Major got a grip on his pistol and drew it, the beast quickly turned and gave a fast back handed strike to his face. The fist felt like iron crashing into his jaw. The pistol flew from his hands as he twisted and crashed to the floor face first. He put out his hands to break his fall, but he still landed hard.

He knew his life depended on it, so he twisted onto his back and reached for his combat knife. The monster rushed towards him and leapt onto him. He had little time to think or act. Mitch thrust the blade into the beast’s stomach. It let out a screech, but he couldn’t tell if it was in fear or anger.

Taylor tried to pull the knife out for a second strike, but it was firmly encased by the beast’s flesh. Warm blue blood trickled onto his hand. On his back, and without a weapon, he realised how helpless he was and accepted that he’d finally met his end. The beast struck him with a hammer fist, breaking his nose with a single strike. Blood burst across his face, and his vision blurred slightly. His head twisted to the side from the force as he caught sight of a large iron wrench.

The Major knew it was his last opportunity to save his life, and that of the Sergeant who was unconscious across the floor. He wriggled slightly from the beast’s grip and quickly grasped the wrench. As he swung it, the creature lifted its arm in defence. The wrench struck its arm like metal on metal. It smashed the arm down slightly, and Taylor didn’t hesitate to strike again.

The second hit from the large wrench caused a sickened crunch to emanate from the beast’s arm and forced it down. He hit a third time against the creature’s face with all the strength he had. The force sent sharp pains all through his arm and body, but the stunned the creature was sent tumbling over beside him.

The wounded and bloody Major scampered to get on top of the alien before it could recover. He raised the wrench to strike. The beast lifted its wounded arm as if to protect its face, and he recognised fear in its narrow eyes. The creature’s skin was a dark glimmering blue, almost black. It was so similar to a human, and yet still so far apart. It had a broad jawline and wide eyes. The nose was flat against the face but with a very narrow bridge.

Taylor stopped briefly to see the beast’s emotion before crashing the wrench down onto its face. The strike was met with a deadening crunch. Mitch lifted and struck again, and a third time. He had little idea about the constitution of their enemy, but it was clearly stronger than theirs. He threw down the wrench and looked down at the result of his labour.

The alien lay lifelessly beneath him, its face mangled and disfigured. Blood ran down the wrench and the Major’s arm, mixing with his own and the layer of dirt. He put the end of the tool onto the floor and used it to support his weight to stand up. Taylor stared at the creature. He was intrigued and also concerned to be sure it was dead.

He staggered over to Silva. The Sergeant lay partially propped up against a chest of drawers, but he showed no signs of life. Taylor checked his pulse and sighed in relief at feeling the life still pulsing through the Sergeant. Taylor knelt down and picked up his weapon, hauling himself into a seated position on the table beside Silva.

Taylor knew he could do nothing but wait. He had no means of transport and couldn’t carry the Sergeant, nor leave him there. He rested back against the wall and propped up his splinted leg on the table top. Mitch laid the launcher to rest across his thighs and rested his head back. He wished for sleep, but the pain would not let him.

Chandra looked through the glass into the room where Sergeant Eleanor Parker was resting and recovering. She had not met the Sergeant before, but she was well aware of her importance to Taylor. The Major had been willing to disobey the orders of his commanders in order to save the Sergeant. She knew that relationships amongst troops were not allowed, but she also appreciated that it had led Taylor and his troops to their assistance.

She wondered if she would still be alive if it were not for Major Taylor. It humbled her to know that he had led to the saving of so many lives. This made her compelled to do what she could for Parker. Still using a crutch, she could do little to help Taylor himself, so this was the least she could do.

Parker’s head turned. Her hair was loose and spread across the pillow. Her blue-grey eyes were piercing. She appeared to recognise the Major, but they had never met before. She didn’t move another bone in her body, but her eyes invited Chandra in. The Major stepped through the doors into her room.

Eleanor lay in her regulation marine shirt and boxers. Across the room lay a clean and pressed battledress uniform and it was obviously newly issued. Beside it on the counter lay a battered set of armour and a well worn but impeccably clean rifle.

“The Major was able to find me a new uniform, but the rest had to be sourced from the field, Ma’am,” said Eli.

Chandra nodded, but she knew that meant they had come from dead or severely wounded marines.

“We have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, Sergeant.”

Eli studied her rank pips and name patch. It was clear that she knew of the Major. Chandra looked uneasy at addressing the Sergeant, and she could see it.

“Ma’am, you wouldn’t be here if Taylor was alright. You have your own people to take care of. What has happened to the Major?”

Chandra stubbornly nodded and sighed.

“I don’t have a lot of news right now. Taylor headed out with three of his marines on a scouting mission earlier today, but he has been out of contact and has yet to return.”

“Where is Captain Friday?”

“Still at the front line, I’m afraid.”

“Then the Major has been left out there?”

“Not quite. We have been ordered back home, but we have a little time to kill. Captain Jones is out there now.”

Parker smiled a little. She had gotten to know the Captain from their joint training missions and had always liked him.

“How many troops has the Captain taken with him?” asked Parker.

“Just a handful, it is already a breach of his orders.”

Parker’s eyes widened. “If Taylor has got into trouble, then do you really think a handful of troops will make a difference?”

Chandra gave the Sergeant a scornful look. She had never been spoken to in such a way by an NCO. She quickly calmed down as she gave further thought to the Sergeant’s words and her situation, but she was left speechless. Parker sat up wincing in pain and swivelled her legs over the side of the bed.

“Where do you think you’re going, Sergeant?”

“To find my Major, Ma’am.”

She dropped off the side of the bed and painfully stood up. She had clearly only just begun to walk again. Chandra could tell that she was a fighter, more so than most.

“I cannot let you do so, Sergeant.”

Parker stopped and righted herself, squaring up to the Major. She had no care for the authority of her rank.

“You are being sent home, Major. Then I am assuming the Inter-Allied Company has been disbanded? You have no authority here anymore.”

She moved to step past the Major and towards her weapon, but Chandra outstretched her hand and stopped her.

“Sergeant Parker, I have no desire to boss you around. Major Taylor cares greatly for you, but he would not want you to throw your life after his.”

She turned and stared into Chandra’s eyes.

“Then help me, Major. Help me get him back safe.”

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.