Battle Earth VI

Chapter 3

Taylor sat gazing out of the window at the flagship Washington they were approaching. Rains was at the helm. It almost felt like the Lieutenant had become Taylor's personal pilot since it had all begun. The trail of vessels from the Moon had stopped now. He could only imagine the evacuation was complete. They had fled to Earth for safety, but he wondered how safe they really were.

"You ever seen such a grand fleet?" asked Eddie.

It was indeed something to marvel at. The combined human fleet was over three times the size of what set out for the fated Tau Ceti expedition. The Earth Defence Grid was equally as impressive; a chain of gun satellites and missile silos floating in orbit. Earth had become a fortress, and rightly so.

"Bloody fantastic," replied Taylor sarcastically.

"Hey, you don't want a chance to give those alien bastards what for?"

Eddie turned back to look at Jafar sitting beside the Colonel.

"No offence," he added with a smile.

Jafar didn't respond to either comment. It was as if he didn't see himself as anything but human anymore. Within thirty minutes, the two of them were sitting in the officers’ briefing room aboard the Washington. Key Naval and Marine officers sat around the vast conference table. Many empty places were filled with projection devices so that those on Earth could partake remotely.

Taylor laid out everything they had experienced and all the information they had learned from Jafar. He simply nodded in agreement with each statement. Admiral Huber was orchestrating the meeting and was the first to speak.

"This Planet Killer must obviously be stopped. That is not an option. We therefore have no choice but to engage the enemy in space. We cannot fight them on the land as before."

There were grumbles in agreement. Nobody could see an alternative.

"What strikes me here is that we still have a great many things to learn from you, Sergeant… Jafar. You would be far better stationed on the Washington, or even sent back to Earth to assist with our intelligence gathering and understanding of the enemy."

Jafar shook his head.

"We could order you to do as such."

"And I would refuse. My brother and I allied ourselves to Colonel Taylor and gave our word to protect him. I cannot perform that duty anywhere else."

"You're in the Marine Corps now," spat Vega.

"Yes, with a responsibility to my fellow marines. I will not leave Inter-Allied or cease to serve the Colonel through any means but my death."

Vega opened his mouth to continue, but Huber stopped him.

"Captain, it seems to me that these are exceptional circumstances. The Sergeant has proven invaluable to us in the field and continues to provide vital intelligence from his current position. As a member of the fleet, he can carry out all that is required of him. Jafar has taken a leap of faith for us. Let us do the same for him."

"Thank you, Admiral," replied Taylor.

"Is that what you desire?" asked Huber.

"Yes. I am a warrior. All I know is how to fight, and that is what I will do."

"Okay, then tell us what we can expect from the fleet which is bearing down on us."

Everyone in the room had their attention on Jafar. Many had never seen an alien with their own eyes before, and yet now they were fixated on one.

"To Lord Demiran, the Gezgen K'til is everything. It is the unique feature of his family and their reputation. It is his symbol of power and control among the other Lords. It would also be impossible to replace. The Gezgen K'til will not be an easy target to strike. It will be preceded by a wave of far smaller ships. Skirmishers if you like. But these ships, they are a power unto themselves. If you want a shot at the Gezgen K'til, you must destroy them quickly, before the Planet Killer reaches Earth. If you do not, you will never withstand the onslaught of their combined power."

"How many ships are we talking about?"

"I grew up on stories of the Gezgen K'til. I have never seen it being used. From my knowledge, I would expect ten to twelve cruisers, of which I have encountered. They are collectively known as The Purge, and will carve their way through everything in their path to make way for the Gezgen K'til."

"Then we should make an impassable wall with our fleet," stated Vega.

"No, you will not stop them. Not like that. They will smash through anything. You cannot use a barrier defence. You need a tiered defence. Allow them through a weak frontline and funnel them into a gauntlet of mines and warships."

"We are familiar with the strategy," replied Huber. "One that has been employed many time in our history."

"For their size, their armour is thicker than anything you have ever seen. Reinforced prows to cut through other ships and reinforced hulls with their bridge at the core, much like this ship. They are almost unstoppable."

"Then how do we stop them?"

The only weakness of The Purge vessels is that they have few crew. Their massively thick armour compromises them in that way. Each ship is crewed by just thirty or forty. If you can get near them, and breach with marines, they are finished."

"Sounds like the exact opposite of what anyone would expect to do. You see something like that and you keep your distance," replied Huber.

Jafar nodded in agreement.

"How can marine parties get so close if they are so heavily armed?" asked Taylor.

"The Purge does not consider fighters and smaller craft a threat. They have relatively little defence against such."

"Maybe that's for a good reason," replied Huber.

"Yes, it is true that the hull of these vessels is almost impossible to breach. However, I did once go aboard one in the fleet. They have only one weak point; one thin point in their armour, the Captain's quarters. A view out into space is a valuable thing, and something no Krycenaean would go without."

"Why don't we just hit that point with our guns?" asked Vega.

"Because in itself the area holds no importance in combat. A breach there will do nothing to slow the cruisers down, nor cause any damage to the crew who will be deep in the belly of the ship. But breached at that point, marines would be able to blast their way further in."

"Mmm, so through their own vanity they present a weakness," replied Huber.

He turned to Taylor.

"What do you think, Colonel?"

Taylor was taken aback. He knew why they addressed so many questions to Jafar, but he was just another marine in the fleet.

"Sounds like a job the Corps will happily see to the end, Admiral."

"Latest reports suggest we have just twenty-four hours before their fleet reaches us."

"The Purge will be ahead of the rest of the fleet, which you can expect within an hour of their arrival."

"Doesn't give us a whole lot of time to get them out of the way. It seems to me they are sent as a diversion to make way for this Planet Killer, and we are actively seeking to be diverted by it," stated Huber.

"Sir, if I may," replied Taylor. "Nothing of what Jafar has told us has ever been anything but spot on. If he says this is the way it should be done, I believe him, and would be willing to put the full backing of the 2nd Inter-Allied behind him."

"That is high praise indeed."

The room fell silent for a moment. Taylor could see they were all looking to the Admiral to make the decision.

"Colonel, I have almost a hundred and fifty ships at my disposal, but the lion’s share must inevitably remain with the defence grid here for the defence of Earth. I will give you thirty to advance a hundred kilometres and attempt to make this plan work. Vice Admiral Bailey will command this enterprise from the Neptune."

Huber pointed to the Admiral, but Taylor was already well aware of who the Admiral was; a woman newly appointed to the roll and who had served throughout the war. She had done her job well, but not yet with distinction.

"I will give you everything you need to make this mission work, Colonel, but know that every ship we have is needed for the defence of Earth. I don't want to compromise anymore ships and personnel than is necessary to get the job done."

"Understood, Ma'am."

"Good. The rest of your Battalion is awaiting you aboard transports. I'll have them despatched to rendezvous with the Neptune immediately. From now on, I will be concerning myself with defence of Earth from here. You and Admiral Bailey have complete control over the operation to take on this Purge fleet," said Huber.

That's no small ask, thought Taylor.

"We have much more to discuss here. Bailey, Taylor, you have a big task ahead of you and little time."

The two rose from their seats and left the room with Jafar close behind. Bailey spoke as soon as they were out into the corridor.

"Seems to me what you need from the Navy is a deep defensive column that will put down as much chaos and confusion as possible while you get your thing done."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Then I'll leave you to make your plans. All I'll need to know is timings and flight paths, in order to give you clear runs at the Purge ships and fighter support to go with it. Let me know when you have it planned out. You have two hours. I'll see you aboard the Neptune, Colonel."

She split of from the two of them with her own escort. Taylor stopped for a moment and stared into Jafar's eyes.

"You really think this plan can work?"

"It has to. It will take Huber's fleet hours to get the better of the Purge. In that time, the Gezgen K'til could be in position,and it would be over for us all."

Taylor gestured for Jafar to follow him as they made their way back to Rains’ ship.

"Say we can pull this off and get marines aboard every one of these Purge ships, what then? Set charges and blow them sky high?"

"I was, as you say, going to think outside the box."

"Go on."

"The Purge ships are heavily armoured, even by Krycenaean standards. Why not use them against the enemy? Destroying them would be advantageous. But we could use them to our advantage."

"Yes, yes. Load 'em with nukes and send them right into the Planet Killer."

Jafar nodded.

"Do you think it could work?"

"If we can take them, yes. The ship commands will have to be input from the bridge of each ship individually after they are taken. I can create a command string which will make it quick and simple for each team."

"Sounds crazy but might work."

Taylor couldn't believe what was being suggested, but their entire situation was beyond belief.

"It's a simple plan, but if we can make the first stage work, why not? I hope you're right about boarding these things."

They reached the ship. It was already waiting with the engines fired up and ready to go. They lifted off the second they had gotten through the door and before they'd found a seat.

"Everything in order, Colonel?" asked Rains.

"You ready for the craziest mission you ever heard of?" asked Taylor.

"After the shit we've been through, nothing would surprise me. Does it involve sticking it to the bastards?"

"Damn straight," replied Taylor.

"Well all right then, let's get this show on the move!"

Taylor strode into the temporary briefing room he’d been allocated aboard the Collingwood. All the key officers of 2nd Inter-Allied were gathered, along with Silva and Parker. All stood upon his arrival. He palmed them off as if embarrassed by the sentiment.

"Be seated!"

It took just ten minutes to explain the plan to them. They did not question it nor seem at all surprised.

"I am assigned a single platoon to the task of taking on the task of each ship in this Purge fleet. I know that spreads us thin. However, with the element of surprise, it should be all that is required to get the job done. It will also leave us a few platoons in reserve which will fill any holes if they arise."

"You mean if we get blown out of the sky on the way to the target?" asked Jackson.

For a moment Taylor was concerned the Captain doubted their mission, but Taylor could see the sarcasm in the Captain's face.

"I'm not saying this isn't a dangerous mission, but when have we ever known any other kind? This Purge must be stopped. I can't say I'm enthused about having volunteered for the task, but if you want something done right and all that."

A few laughs echoed around the room.

"As you all know, we have comms working again in spite of their jamming technology. This is a major breakthrough for us. When the battle begins, we will be hidden in the minefield and debris around it. This should easily conceal our craft until the last moment. Fighters from the Neptune and her support ships will provide further cover for our movements. Each assault craft will be allocated a target as they are identified. Lieutenant Ota, your Company will be the reserves for this. I pray you are not needed, but be ready for anything."

"Where will you be, Sir?" she responded.

"I will be with the first platoon to go in, with whoever volunteers for the job."

"I'll go!" replied Jones without hesitation.

Taylor thought for a moment. Risking a Company and Battalion commander in this first wave was a risky strategy, but he could see the confidence boost it gave to all who had heard it.

"Okay. Each platoon will be issued a command module that has been arranged by Jafar. The platoons must get in, neutralise all targets, deploy the command module, and arm a nuke before getting the hell out of there. Were this to involve a single ship, it would be a walk in the park. However, the logistics of this operation are such that timing must be impeccable. I will allocate each of you a target vessel before I begin the first assault. That could be the last communication you have from me once it all begins. Any questions?"

"How longer after this Purge fleet arrives can we expect the rest of the enemy?" asked Grey.

"From what we understand, it will be about an hour."

"Doesn't give us a whole lot of time to get this done," added Jackson.

"Nope, as always, time is not on our side. However, the element of surprise is. They may be coming for us, but we're gonna hit them in ways they could never have imagined. Anything else?"

"Assuming we get this done and get back off the cruisers, what then?" asked Jones.

"We return immediately to Bailey's fleet and join the rest of the fight."

"And if this fails?" asked Yorath.

"Be under no illusions. If this Planet Killer is able to fulfil its mission, it will be the end of Earth. Everyone on it will be dead, and it will be uninhabitable for centuries. If we cannot stop it, what remains of our fleet will be the last remnants of humanity."

Gasps and whispers filled the room and began to rise in volume.

"All right! Listen up. This is bad, and there is no doubt about that. But we can beat 'em, just like we have before."

"Sir, if this so called Purge fleet is so God damn important, why aren't we getting more resources to deal with it?" asked Jackson.

Taylor took in a deep breath and sighed. He felt just the same.

"The reality is we don't know a lot of intel on the enemy fleet or tactics beyond what Jafar has told us. Admiral Huber is understandably concerned about diverting too many of our forces away from the Planet Killer. There is a possibility that this Purge fleet is merely a distraction to make way for it, in which case we will handle that distraction. I want to turn that on its head and turn their own weapons on them."

"If we can take out this monstrosity, what else can we expect after it?" asked Jones.

Taylor nodded in agreement. That’s the kind of thinking I like.

"That is a valid point. Right now we are concerned with the immediate catastrophic threat to Earth. Even if we succeed in our mission here, there will be no shortage of enemy to fight. The hope is we can do enough damage to break them here and drive them away."

"You think our Navy has that kind of power?" asked Ota.

"I think we have a hell of a chance, yeah. Whatever we do or don't have, the time has come, and we have to make it work."

They all went silent.

"Any other questions? Okay. You know what to do. Get to the boats. Everything you need will be issued at the docking bays. Make sure you have a full compliment of shields. They'll provide more than useful for this boarding action. Good luck to you all."

He stood up and left the room with Parker and Jafar trailing him.

"Permission to accompany you on the first assault?" she asked.

"Denied."

"Mitch?"

He stopped, turned to face her, and replied in a whisper.

"Look, what we choose to do in our own time is one thing, but we must stay professional in our jobs. You have a duty to your platoon. Be there for them like they are there for you."

"But…"

He lifted his hand and put his finger to her lips lightly to stop her.

"But nothing. I'll see you when it's all over. Report to your station, Sergeant."

She knew he was right, but it pained her to have to part from him once again.

"Aye, aye, Sir."

Taylor and Jafar arrived at the docking bay just in time to see the nuclear weapon being carried aboard. Rains stood with his arms crossed, watching with a smile. He looked immensely pleased with the new model craft he had so recently taken delivery of. It was a Stallion class, and despite the pristine body, he had already decorated it with a hand painted half naked lady.

"Woo hoo! Gonna blow some shit up today!" he yelled.

"Taylor smiled. Even in the face of apocalyptical destruction, the Lieutenant was his same cheery self.

"You know whatever pills you’re taking sure would be popular right about now," replied Taylor.

"Oh, come on, Colonel, we're living exciting times! We're about to witness the biggest mothership of all time; big enough to kill every living thing on a planet. We're gonna see it, and then we're gonna blow it to hell!"

"That's certainly the plan. Have you been brought up to speed on what we are doing here?"

"We got it. Fly you in to breach the ships coming our way. All we got to do is deliver you safely and pull you out at the end."

"That about sums it up."

"Easiest thing in the world," replied Eddie with a wide grin.

Taylor lifted his arm to speak into his comms module.

"2nd Inter-Allied. Emplane immediately. Lift off in five."

Jones appeared at his side, ushering their platoon aboard. Among them were some of the Brits that had been with them from the very beginning. Monty and Blinker strode past, greeting the Colonel.

"Shame Colonel Chandra isn't here to see us blow the bastards to hell, Sir," shouted Blinker.

Monty shook his head in shame.

"You remember her when you see the enemy again," replied Taylor.

"Sure will, Sir."

"Load up, Rains."

"You got it."

Taylor was the last aboard. The plan was set now, and all they could do was wait and hope the Purge fleet came as Jafar predicted. The alien was glued to his side throughout.

"Still confident about this plan?"

Jafar nodded.

"I served Demiran for many years. He is predictable. If he is using the Gezgen K'til, then he will do so in the exact manner it was used last and the times before that. No planet has stood against it and the Purge combined."

"Good to know," he replied sarcastically.

The ship lifted off within seconds of him sitting down behind Eddie and his co-pilot.

It gave the Colonel a sense of security to have Rains at the helm and keeping them safe. He had got them through hell many times before. He thought back on all the times they had survived against all odds.

I wonder how much longer our luck can hold out.

Jones could see the lost look in his eyes and quickly responded.

"Hey, it ain't all bad."

Taylor smiled cautiously.

"How'd you figure?"

"We're the Immortals, remember? Failure is not a possibility."

Taylor laughed.

"Whoever named us that can't have seen our casualty lists."

"Maybe it isn't important. It doesn't matter who lives and dies from the Immortals. Only that they struggle on, no matter what. Soldiers from around the World are spurred on by our victories. Their resolve holds because ours does."

"Mmm, but at hell of a cost. Isn't it time someone else took on the mantle?"

"We aren't the only ones fighting. I am sure plenty have had it just as bad."

Taylor nodded in agreement. He knew Jones to be correct, for he had seen the evidence with his own eyes. Thirty minutes later they were in position spread amongst the minefield before Bailey's fleet. The thirty ships she had were staggered into several lines of defence. To reach Earth via a direct path, the enemy would have to go right through them.

"You still sure they won't avoid us all together?" asked Jones.

"Positive. Demiran despises you and will accept nothing short of a full frontal attack. Anything that stands in his way must be crushed."

"Well, allright then. I sure hope you're right."

"He's not wrong," replied Rains.

"What is it?" asked Taylor.

"The Neptune has made visual contact."

"Put it on the display."

A projection came up front of them all. It wasas Jafar had described, hulking, heavily armoured vessels all matching. They had never seen such vessels before.

"Twelve of the bastards. Just as you said," said Jones.

"It's a good start," replied Taylor.

"Not sure that's how I'd describe it," Jones retorted.

"They're coming right for us. There's no doubt about it!" Eddie added.

"Strike two. It's going our way so far. How long till they reach the fleet?"

"They'll be in range in a few minutes," replied Eddie.

"Right, then it is a waiting game for us."

They did exactly that. The viewing screen was a projection from a camera aboard the Neptune. It was not long before the guns raged from both sides, but the enemy made no sign of slowing down. The hulking cruisers still soared towards the fleet, as if to smash through as Jafar had said.

"You were right," Jones said quietly.

"Yes, breach the defences and cause utter chaos. That is their job."

"And they're rolling right into our trap," Taylor said.

Two of the human ships were destroyed before their eyes. It brought a sober tone to them all, but only hardened their resolve to make the enemy pay dearly. As the Purge cruisers reached the fleet, another of the humans’ ships was ripped apart by heavy pulses that tore it into four sections. The Neptune gave a vicious broadside from its guns as a cruiser passed. The salvo smashed the hull of the enemy ship and tore metal from its armour but did little to slow it down.

"Still sure we can breach that?" asked Jones.

"Yes," replied Jafar.

Glad someone is so optimistic, Mitch thought.

"Not long now till we kick their teeth in!" yelled Blinker.

Taylor smiled as the Private's brother shouted for him to be quiet. But in all honestly, he didn't mind it. They needed some rousing words and fighting spirit. He looked around to see that he was the only marine in their unit. Inter-Allied had become so closely knit since it all began that he had not given it a moment's thought.

"What are you thinking?" asked Jones.

"How I'm the only full blooded American here."

"You're the token yank," Jones replied with a smile.

Taylor could do nothing but laugh as he turned back to the viewing screen, checking the enemy’s progress. They had to make light of the situation. It was the best way to calm their nerves at the realisation of what they were about to attempt. The first enemy cruiser struck a mine at the opening to the field. The device tore a chuck from the hull, but it continued on all the same until its power failed and it floated off as one more wreck in space.

"Got to be close now!"

"Wait for it, Eddie," replied Taylor.

He watched as the fighter wings from the Neptune soared through the enemy fleet, creating a wave of confusion and firing everything they had at the weapon ports of the cruisers. Taylor lifted his Mappad and allocated a ship to each platoon that was waiting before hitting the submit button.

"That's it, we're in place and good to go. Punch it!" he shouted.

Eddie was quick to respond. The engines were already running at minimal power and within a second were roaring. They lifted off from a rock that they and several other craft had been using for concealment. With full power down, they were rushing towards the lead enemy vessel at an immense pace. Eddie only let off the power at the last second, giving it full reverse thrust. They hit the hull of the cruiser hard, rocking all aboard, but they knew the impact would not have been felt inside the massive armoured beast.

Jones and his team got to work immediately. They opened the hatches and set the charges. Taylor was still doubtful they'd get through the thick skinned hull, but he was glad to have made it there alive, as they all were. There was a dull thud as the magnetic shaped charges were thrown against the hull of the enemy ship.

"Fire in the hole!"

They turned away as the button was pressed, and a sharp but short explosion erupted. It sounded more like a shotgun going off. Taylor turned in amazement to see a clean hole in the hull. They had gone through the inch thick blast doors that protected the windows to a cabin at the outer skin of the cruiser, as Jafar had said.

"We're in business!" Jones called out.

"Go!"

Jones was the first through the breach, and Taylor followed him. They had their weapons at the ready and shields held out to take an impact, but the room was peaceful. It reminded Taylor of the quarters he had occupied while on the Deveron. Some kind of workstation lay in the middle of the room, and an archway led to what appeared to be a bedroom. The layout was not unfamiliar, only the decor. A rack of what appeared to be either relics or trophies lay on a wall as prized possessions. Aside from a few weapons, Taylor did not recognise any of the items. Several appeared to be rifles and close quarter weapons, not of Mech origin, but he had little time to study them.

"We won't have long. The hull breach alert will already have activated," Jafar said.

"Lead the way," replied Taylor.

He stayed close to his alien friend as they were led down a long corridor that obviously led deep into the underbelly of the ship.

"Jesus, no wonder our guns can barely touch these things. The depth of this armour is like nothing we have ever seen," said Jones.

They finally reached a set of secure blast doors.

"Get these open," ordered Taylor.

Before the troops could act upon the order, several lights flashed and the doors before them prized open. Four Mechs stood in front of them with their weapons held low and unprepared. The eight members of the platoon at the front opened fire with vicious effect. The creatures were dead before they had known what hit them.

"They really underestimated us, didn't they?"

"This is the last thing they could have expected from us, Colonel," replied Jafar, as he stepped through the dead. "We're not far now."

They reached a four-way junction and stopped for a moment.

"The bridge is just up ahead."

Taylor turned back to the platoon.

"One section each way, as we planned it. Go."

He leapt forward with Jafar and Jones. This made Jones' section the strongest, but they were also heading for the main entrance. The corridor had only small strengthening girders each side, providing little cover. They were glad of the shields, or they'd be badly exposed. Taylor caught a glimmer of movement up ahead and realised it was the shape of two enemy soldiers guarding the doorway. They were raising their weapons as they too realised the threat.

"Fire!" he shouted.

Taylor didn't know if any of the others had spotted the creatures or not, but he knew the command would tell them everything they needed to know. There were thirty metres of open corridor between them and the enemy, but they did not slow their advance.

Holding their shields as barriers, they advanced with guns blazing. Taylor felt the heat of a pulse smash over his shield. The impact jolted his arm and reminded him of the pain from the shot that had blasted through when they had been boarded. It was also a pleasant reminder of how they were returning the favour.

A dozen or more shots pierced each of the Mechs’ armour as they continued to cover the ground at almost a sprinting pace. Jafar got ahead of them and reached the doors first. He smashed his fist into the entry button, and the doors slid open. They were greeted by half a dozen of the enemy, waiting with their weapons at the ready. Three wore Mech armour that they were familiar with, but the others wore no armour at all, only their skin fitting body suits.

Pulses smashed into their shields, and the platoon split across the corridor, trying to hide from the volley of rounds coming through the open doorway. Taylor saw Blinker lifting a grenade from his webbing.

"No! We need the controls intact!"

It was too late, the grenade was launched through the air, and they couldn't risk trying to stop it. The explosion sent vibrations through the deck, and Taylor could only pray their plan had not failed at the pivotal point. Never before had he been so relieved that the enemy weapons continued to fire. The grenade must have bounced to the edge of the room.

"Wait for it! Wait!"

A few seconds later, another blast rang out from inside the bridge and another soon after that.

"Now!"

Taylor took the bend first and charged through the doorway, almost falling over the dead Mech on the deck. A single pulse rushed past his head, but the other targets were already occupied by the breaches in their bridge either side from the other sections. He let go of his rifle, allowing it to drop to his side, drawing out his Assegai as he continued his rush towards them.

The Colonel hit the first creature at full speed with his shield and sent it tumbling to the floor. He jumped onto the stunned alien, thrusting the weapon into its throat before it could recover. The lack of armour made it all the easier for the Assegai to pierce the skin.

A few cries and shots rang out around him. By the time Taylor had pulled the weapon from his bloody victim, the bridge had been seized. He got to his feet and looked around in shock that it had gone so smoothly.

"You weren't wrong, Jafar."

The alien merely nodded as if surprised there was any other possibility.

"Jones, have a section set up defences here. Have the other two sweep and clear the ship."

As the Captain rushed off, the nuclear weapon was carted in and dumped at the very centre of the bridge among the enemy dead. Jafar pulled out the control module he had organised, twisted the power activator, and placed it onto a table beside one of the main consoles.

"How do you know how to do this?"

"High-ranking officers and Lords have wireless override keys which allow them to control a ship once on the bridge."

"But you are neither," replied Taylor.

"No, but information is power."

"Ain't that the truth?"

"Armed and ready to go, Sir."

"All right, good work."

He lifted his comms device up.

"This is Taylor. You have five minutes to complete your sweep."

"And us?" asked Jones.

"We stay with the nuke until everyone else is clear. It's got an anti-tamper device, just in case we missed anyone on the sweep. Once we have left it, I want to be getting as far away as possible."

He sat back against the nearest console with a sigh.

"What is it?" asked Jones.

"Even if this works. If we somehow destroy or disable the Planet Killer and this Purge fleet all in one, we still have a long way to go."

"Yep, but that's not news to any of us, is it?”

Jones lay up opposite the Colonel with his rifle resting across his knees.

"You know when I was held by those bastards back so long ago, it was the hope of days like this which kept me going. Days when we would get to stick it to them."

He slapped his hand down on the nuclear weapon.

"Ramming a nuke down the bastards throats, that's just the ticket. They took almost everything from me. Not only that, they have taken Chandra as well. Until I find who was responsible for her death, I lay blame on their entire fucking race. Gone are the days when we run in fear and fight to their schedule. Today's the day we show them who's running this war."

Taylor nodded in agreement. He thought of Chandra.

I know she'd be gleefully smiling at the outcome we’re heading for.

"Times up, everyone out now."

"You're right. I am gonna find out what happened to the Colonel before this war is over, and I will not rest until I do. Leaving her out there is the biggest regret of my life."

"And yet you know all we could have done was followed her to her death."

He nodded.

"Yes," he whispered in return.

"Then let's honour her memory by blowing these bastards back to the hell they came from."

Jones turned to see Jafar had unintentionally heard everything from where he stood.

"You know what I said about those bastards doesn't extend to you? You are not one of them any longer."

"No, and I too lost that day. Tsengal was killed along with the Colonel, and I have no doubt he was with her at the end."

"All right, we'll have plenty of time to reflect when this is over. Or we'll all be dead and it won't matter," replied Taylor. "Let's move!"