The Phantom came down hard on the Lowman Assault trooper. From a general physiological understanding he knew something would break – just not what – so the crunching sound upon his landing was one he didn't dwell on. He didn't have the time either. Chaos reigned everywhere, all adversaries on edge and the trooper next to him was already mid-swivel with his blaster raised, barrel glowing.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKTbn4UaOr
He caught the wrong end of Layla's thrum-staff however, which smashed his helm in and knocked him backwards to the ground. The surprised trooper let go some stray shots from his automatic blaster as he went down. One of them took out a class one vector drone. Standard issue--for all League frigates.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oWr4BEaTN
Well that was just wonderful. If the League had brought a whole entire frigate then this wasn't a regular run off the mill such as had been implied by his client. He would claim an extra fee later but first...557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg45L4veTPa
“Layla, how'd you miss an entire frigate?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnm3P24CxP
“Oh come on they have shields most people can only dream of. Besides it probably arrived after we made land fall and I won't pick up anything from down here, what with all the signal jamming. Now quit your whining and watch your back.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXN353qofF
“Why, when I know you've always got it covered” he pulled out his sonar disrupter and shot two League paratroopers in rapid succession that had sought to intercept them. They went flying into the heap of rubble that was once a building. He finally got his bearings and headed left along a back alley whilst she took the right. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87WeJYr9Kf
He was headed towards the yawning cavernous entrance where the main event was taking place. Hopefully he would get there without much hindrance. His combat gear had a cloaking mechanism for sound, visibility and heat, but it wasn't so effective when one was running through an active war zone. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuwd9jsbrB
It bought him a little time though. Enough to zip by or take out a threat before it registered and reacted. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLihDCurXhG
The chaos and carnage was for now working in his favour, but clarity as to who fought who, was somewhat obscure. There seemed to be 4 different adversaries, including the actual defenders, and they were all shooting and blowing each other up. The details of their objectives were unclear. Everyone here was here for the same target, that was clear.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDQm1IDGxK
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwWytTif0W
Gorann Kalenko had joined forces with the mercenary from Valguard. Together they had managed to recruit a small contingent of militia from the local inhabitants of Clato. Unfortunately things went downhill after that. Half of them were either lost, dead or quit while tracking the two targets up this blasted, too cold for sanity, mountain range.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgxYsfDGlP
In fact, with the way the mission had so far progressed, he had been glad when they had caught up with the target and seen him crest the ridge, vanishing beyond. All hell broke loose later on, however. One of the broadcaster droids had followed them up and survived the trip long enough for federal ships to get a lock on their position and movements, after they made it over the ridge bordering the hanging valley. Just long enough for a hidden gun turret to pick out the droid. The droid's cloaking device was fully functional. Heck, he didn't even know it was there until it's burning parts and shards struck three of their party. If the town hadn’t already been warned of their approach now they were. It was easier to shoot a cloaked droid when you were looking for it.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LCmKNCfef
The first problem with hiring amateurs is that they panic under fire. They fled in all directions like Paria hens and the combined cloaking failed. That's when he realised the entire valley was a death trap. Gun turrets along the entire vale picked them out from all directions. If it hadn't been for the frag class assaulters that flew into the scene, he would have been lying charred, back there in the dirt. They made for an excellent diversion, and together with Mirza and the operative from Valguard, they harried what few they still could and made it to the town proper.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt514f6sVo
By then the sky was filled with all kinds of aircraft. Some were firing at the turrets, some dropping troops, some doing bombing runs, plenty were burning out of the sky but a lot more were coming. Then the League came into the picture and the entire battlefield turned upside down.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMS2mlnyj5
The second problem with hiring amateurs is the emotional attachment. Kalenko realised this the moment his exile militia crossed paths with federal assault troopers. Exiles were one of two . They were either born on the Four Brethren or fled to them. Both had a personal score to settle with the Federation. The two were firing at each other before he could even formulate a counter measure. To make it worse the commanding officer's orders were most likely to apprehend, and eliminate where necessary, any and all exiles. No amount of badge flashing would get him out of this situation fast enough. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOGNFIrsg9
Mirsa had already come to the same conclusion and more. The League troopers, which Kalenko had only come across in Dosiers, weren't actually there to aid the federal host. When it seemed witnesses were few enough, they fired at federal and exile units alike. The result; everyone was fighting everyone.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kYziuRLyr
The home team had still not made an appearance but drones were pouring out of the huge cavernous opening at the far end from whence the town seemed to sprawl out from. Also, from this distance, it seemed all units there were facing heavier resistance than most. League units hadn't made it that far. He couldn't tell from what, but as yet the laser turrets and GTA cannons were doing plenty of damage everywhere. It was there, that he was certain he would find the target.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nSy8T5rxF
He shot an assault trooper in the back and rolled to take cover next to the mercenary. The heavily armoured league trooper near him was a little too preoccupied with the ion cannons pelting him. Another distraction and a little more time.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgaOaNsKsS
“Still alive, Mr Discreet?” She shouted over the din of nearby explosions.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBMjKRIkiV
He grinned “What? Me die and leave a fine lady such as yourself in all this fun alone? Not gonna happen.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2EKHg1iZq
“Glad to hear that. So what new game had you in mind seeing as we're fresh out of 'toy soldiers'?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe230Bz23v3
“Who needs toys to play soldier?” He winked. “This one is called 'duck duck go'! The target is the cave on the other side of town. Just ten blocks away. Are you game?” 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ1LvHEgpk
She finished checking her newly acquired weaponry, courtesy of the bombed League trooper a few feet away, and slung out a compact mine launcher. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB6DglSNBb
“Ready when you are.” She smiled seductively. He returned her smile and crawled over to the dead trooper to relieve him of the few hand grenades Mirsa hadn't already done so. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4hDVTjU6J
“Ready” he declared when he got back and threw the plasma grenade back into the street. As the Astral class League trooper was lifted of the ground, Mirsa turned and stepped out onto the street. In the two seconds before he followed she had already planted mines on four turrets, their motions already setting the charges off. The lady made guns seem alive, she did. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouoRLNBgcd
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT1usJ4gT3
Layla was the first to reach the cave. Unlike the others she had opted for the roofs. The turrets there were designed mainly for airborne and large enemy units. They had difficulty with fast targets that scaled walls and kept low. Her cloaking device was an added advantage but as an added insurance policy she left timed charges on every turret she passed.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddCmbFzJJQ
She lay back against the low, slanted roof and calmly surveyed the scene before her.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFoldPA5v8
The mouth of the cave was littered with corpses. Some Nebulon troopers had managed to erect barricades and were returning some fire, but theirs was a hopeless cause without heavy artillery, she didn't even think they knew what they were firing at.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiODwMIGuTg
She pulled out a pair of scopes and zoomed in into the dark cave.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHaXExG2RP
“Where are you?” She spoke calmly. Her ear piece crackled to life with a lot off background noise.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfG1q9N2lx
“Not far.” Another explosion went off nearby that fed back through the comm-link.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jWceJBxVS
“Having fun, I see.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMRk4g752w
“Well, I guess that's one way of putting it.” the Phantom replied, “What you got?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUjAXx4V4g
“Blast doors 500 paces in and open. Some kind of heavy artillery gun. I'm counting ten of those and manned.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuFmS3s8yG
“I can't tell whether those are battle suits or droids. I've never seen anything like them. There are dozens of them and that's what's been using the assault troopers as target practice.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTXw7kWjmP
“Great!” He shouted as another chorus of explosions rocked a few buildings closer now. "We need a decoy. Any chance you can borrow a few rides for us?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfBhBVhfl9
“Already on it boss.” She had already unclipped a slender case off her back and was in the midst of assembling a rather long rifle. She spied a retinue of some League Crawlers coming into the foray from her right “Decoys coming up. EMP override in 20 seconds. Infiltration in 60. Be ready for your ride then. I'll be right behind you Ghost.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8GT9G6qQF
“Roger that Psycho” and another explosion went off 2 buildings down from a different direction. She eyed it for a moment, thinking, then went back to her business of setting up her rifle. Which she finished a few seconds later and loaded the cartridge with the ammunition.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tfdVbeeMR
She propped herself up a bit and took aim. “Here goes”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMp9DwLobK
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NJRsUfZFp
Mirsa saw the three crawlers veer suddenly towards the cave and accelerate just as they cleared the streets and came to the large open space in front of the cave. Their Shields were at full power and visible from their distance. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdTU2zXrmp
She acted out of pure instinct and ran towards them. Barely managing to scream for Kalenko to follow. It took him a split second to realise what was happening, and he was soon beside her sprinting across the battlefield under heavy fire.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0RLntiV1x
They sprang on to one of the crawlers as it veered left to right and held on for dear life. The impact at those speeds was jarring. He thought it wondrous he hadn't been thrown off or crushed as the crawlers swept into the cave with a rush. He was exhilarated and, for some reason, glad to see Mirsa was in her element.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zq8Kmtuo2
His moment of euphoria was abruptly cut off as he heard the whine of thrusters behind them. They both turned to see 4 drones from the defence, fly in right behind them and open fire. His blood went cold and he thought his time had finally come.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtn2meuxDY
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9P4xEL4Cj
“Dammit Layla, can't you fly these things nicely. You'll throw me off”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIL7bBHc8k
“Give me some credit here!” She screamed back. “ I'm controlling seven alien military units with one hand whilst holding on for sanity. What more do you want from a girl?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQi946qwSC
“That she fly straight!” He grit his teeth.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yg4xUivok
“You whine too much.” she said as the drones did another evasive manuever and fired at the battle suits and manned gun turrets.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c0rWNZbLT
"Remind me again why I finally let you tag along for a field mission?" He yelled557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ON05YqyTx
"Because I'm bored and I might die before I step out of that tin can ship of ours!"557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YdsGh77P9
"Then why do I have the feeling I'm the one who should be worried about dying!?"557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcWc4YhDI3
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ezN2AuoW
The bulldozing crawlers didn't fare so well. One veered straight into the strange ray the turrets were shooting. The shields saved it but they also failed, whilst it lost control and veered left and right to crash into the other crawlers. They too swerved about, but at those speeds and that distance, there wasn't much the defenders could do to stop it.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFnYqP7WJh
They made to retreat and abandon their stations, but that too was too little too late. Turrets were torn, battlesuits were either swatted aside or crushed as the crawlers bulldozed, flipped and careened through the tunnel and the drones flew in tow ,where they crashed past the blast doors. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot86hrYK1M
Kalenko and the mercenary let go when the ride got choppy, rolling as they hit the ground. They quickly came to a stop thanks to all the wreckage. They had to duck, though, as the drones flew by low and fired another hail. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9czIVWB2wY
A few shots must have finally hit the spot because one of the crawlers exploded and the drones flew into the blast a second later. They too exploded taking with them more battlesuits and infantry.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vj4ubPz2H
Kalenko and Mirsa got up slowly, shakily and painfully. The blast doors were still open, and for a moment he could see both worlds, disoriented and trying to make heads or tails out of what just happened. Even Mirsa's confusion was apparent.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4t6Z31EiK
They decided to ask questions later and get a move on before everyone else recovered. They slowly began to limp and walk off the pain , onwards through the carnage of broken turrets and mangled battlesuits, towards that ever elusive target.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yQIiSQW9U
The aggressors recovered first, and advanced into the cavernous tunnel when they were just a few paces from crossing over. Their front line made up of ATS disrupter vehicles, accompanied by those ever imposing League Astral class battlesuits, and covering ground at a rapid pace.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeNyfxVChB
Another blast went off inside. It must have been another one of those drones. It had started a fire, the inferno spreading to all the wreckages and making a small barrier. Then the huge blast door started to slide down and close. Someone on the defence had their head back in gear. They certainly understood the meaning of haste and urgency.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfNnDk44KU
They ran but didn't stop when they got through, those disrupter vehicles were fast on their heels. Quite a few units would make it through but that blast door was simply too vast to hold up. It would have been almost akin to holding the mountain itself and any that got in would be cut off from the outside. Either way they didn't want to be caught in the cross fire. So on they ran.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUtuVqBK6U
Onwards, jumping headlong through the fire, where they came out on the other side in two identical rolls, and got up running. They stopped themselves short however, as they took in the scene before them.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpOFEBcXNk
Behind them they heard the steady whines and thrummings of moving military vehicles and personnel, as they came rolling over and around the burning wreckage. The two had to backpedal further into the gigantic cavern, for fear of being run over. The assailants stopped short as well, as they took in their adversaries.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU4IvULWnA
A long silence fell across the cavern broken only by the sound of more marching as more units made it into the cavern. The attackers from Nebulon and the League were staring at every gun and every able body that yet remained in battlegear. At every drone and droid remaining in Ode. The defenders were still outnumbered but no-one looked inclined to give any quarter. Behind them the rest of the town was holed up behind another closed blast door.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmISuOfE4QF
With deafening finality the blast door closed, echoing throughout the cavern, then silence fell. Both sides roared and surged forward to clash. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDlphvHC9I
Then a searing bright white light from the podium off the left The Phantom came down hard on the Lowman Assault trooper. From a general physiological understanding he knew something would break – just not what – so the crunching sound upon his landing was one he didn't dwell on. He didn't have the time either. Chaos reigned everywhere, all adversaries on edge and the trooper next to him was already mid-swivel with his blaster raised, barrel glowing.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRfjPjBIIw
He caught the wrong end of Layla's thrum-staff however, which smashed his helm in and knocked him backwards to the ground. The surprised trooper let go some stray shots from his automatic blaster as he went down. One of them took out a class one vector drone. Standard issue--for all League frigates.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gi0UqMqLv
Well that was just wonderful. If the League had brought a whole entire frigate then this wasn't a regular run off the mill such as had been implied by his client. He would claim an extra fee later but first...557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxfdb47PQp
“Layla, how'd you miss an entire frigate?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGMHWFZRTE
“Oh come on they have shields most people can only dream of. Besides it probably arrived after we made land fall and I won't pick up anything from down here, what with all the signal jamming. Now quit your whining and watch your back.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBzwt9rOmZ
“Why, when I know you've always got it covered” he pulled out his sonar disrupter and shot two League paratroopers in rapid succession that had sought to intercept them. They went flying into the heap of rubble that was once a building. He finally got his bearings and headed left along a back alley whilst she took the right. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaEiVRE3o5
He was headed towards the yawning cavernous entrance where the main event was taking place. Hopefully he would get there without much hindrance. His combat gear had a cloaking mechanism for sound, visibility and heat, but it wasn't so effective when one was running through an active war zone. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGI46OAlmE
It bought him a little time though. Enough to zip by or take out a threat before it registered and reacted. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4dC99ye4O
The chaos and carnage was for now working in his favour, but clarity as to who fought who, was somewhat obscure. There seemed to be 4 different adversaries, including the actual defenders, and they were all shooting and blowing each other up. The details of their objectives were unclear. Everyone here was here for the same target, that was clear.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFl80sy3ah
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpM5nL4Udi
Gorann Kalenko had joined forces with the mercenary from Valguard. Together they had managed to recruit a small contingent of militia from the local inhabitants of Clato. Unfortunately things went downhill after that. Half of them were either lost, dead or quit while tracking the two targets up this blasted, too cold for sanity, mountain range.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lRkyfamEv
In fact, with the way the mission had so far progressed, he had been glad when they had caught up with the target and seen him crest the ridge, vanishing beyond. All hell broke loose later on, however. One of the broadcaster droids had followed them up and survived the trip long enough for federal ships to get a lock on their position and movements, after they made it over the ridge bordering the hanging valley. Just long enough for a hidden gun turret to pick out the droid. The droid's cloaking device was fully functional. Heck, he didn't even know it was there until it's burning parts and shards struck three of their party. If the town hadn’t already been warned of their approach now they were. It was easier to shoot a cloaked droid when you were looking for it.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9sRA8mGLd
The first problem with hiring amateurs is that they panic under fire. They fled in all directions like Paria hens and the combined cloaking failed. That's when he realised the entire valley was a death trap. Gun turrets along the entire vale picked them out from all directions. If it hadn't been for the frag class assaulters that flew into the scene, he would have been lying charred, back there in the dirt. They made for an excellent diversion, and together with Mirza and the operative from Valguard, they harried what few they still could and made it to the town proper.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMX7rXMn4e
By then the sky was filled with all kinds of aircraft. Some were firing at the turrets, some dropping troops, some doing bombing runs, plenty were burning out of the sky but a lot more were coming. Then the League came into the picture and the entire battlefield turned upside down.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxNLiVw3u3
The second problem with hiring amateurs is the emotional attachment. Kalenko realised this the moment his exile militia crossed paths with federal assault troopers. Exiles were one of two . They were either born on the Four Brethren or fled to them. Both had a personal score to settle with the Federation. The two were firing at each other before he could even formulate a counter measure. To make it worse the commanding officer's orders were most likely to apprehend, and eliminate where necessary, any and all exiles. No amount of badge flashing would get him out of this situation fast enough. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVkrtuSJ0H
Mirsa had already come to the same conclusion and more. The League troopers, which Kalenko had only come across in Dosiers, weren't actually there to aid the federal host. When it seemed witnesses were few enough, they fired at federal and exile units alike. The result; everyone was fighting everyone.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCA7GNdpWv
The home team had still not made an appearance but drones were pouring out of the huge cavernous opening at the far end from whence the town seemed to sprawl out from. Also, from this distance, it seemed all units there were facing heavier resistance than most. League units hadn't made it that far. He couldn't tell from what, but as yet the laser turrets and GTA cannons were doing plenty of damage everywhere. It was there, that he was certain he would find the target.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscIIure2Yb
He shot an assault trooper in the back and rolled to take cover next to the mercenary. The heavily armoured league trooper near him was a little too preoccupied with the ion cannons pelting him. Another distraction and a little more time.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQty6kx6g6f
“Still alive, Mr Discreet?” She shouted over the din of nearby explosions.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T7fR3i0EF
He grinned “What? Me die and leave a fine lady such as yourself in all this fun alone? Not gonna happen.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny83maLhhF
“Glad to hear that. So what new game had you in mind seeing as we're fresh out of 'toy soldiers'?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3nqnzV7dh
“Who needs toys to play soldier?” He winked. “This one is called 'duck duck go'! The target is the cave on the other side of town. Just ten blocks away. Are you game?” 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCcmlQvwUe
She finished checking her newly acquired weaponry, courtesy of the bombed League trooper a few feet away, and slung out a compact mine launcher. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDVdPP05hk
“Ready when you are.” She smiled seductively. He returned her smile and crawled over to the dead trooper to relieve him of the few hand grenades Mirsa hadn't already done so. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTexoKv7BFh
“Ready” he declared when he got back and threw the plasma grenade back into the street. As the Astral class League trooper was lifted of the ground, Mirsa turned and stepped out onto the street. In the two seconds before he followed she had already planted mines on four turrets, their motions already setting the charges off. The lady made guns seem alive, she did. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQwu9V4ypM
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR61Vd1XAa
Layla was the first to reach the cave. Unlike the others she had opted for the roofs. The turrets there were designed mainly for airborne and large enemy units. They had difficulty with fast targets that scaled walls and kept low. Her cloaking device was an added advantage but as an added insurance policy she left timed charges on every turret she passed.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexwg7puOMA
She lay back against the low, slanted roof and calmly surveyed the scene before her.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgr10zrt6C
The mouth of the cave was littered with corpses. Some Nebulon troopers had managed to erect barricades and were returning some fire, but theirs was a hopeless cause without heavy artillery, she didn't even think they knew what they were firing at.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU66PwUgW8
She pulled out a pair of scopes and zoomed in into the dark cave.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqmr3SBaTp
“Where are you?” She spoke calmly. Her ear piece crackled to life with a lot off background noise.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wjgRaGmHK
“Not far.” Another explosion went off nearby that fed back through the comm-link.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8BWbQQr6e
“Having fun, I see.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEmdiQLEfX
“Well, I guess that's one way of putting it.” the Phantom replied, “What you got?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuve2Nb6MsF
“Blast doors 500 paces in and open. Some kind of heavy artillery gun. I'm counting ten of those and manned.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmJXrbHNHt
“I can't tell whether those are battle suits or droids. I've never seen anything like them. There are dozens of them and that's what's been using the assault troopers as target practice.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFTbAYDvMn
“Great!” He shouted as another chorus of explosions rocked a few buildings closer now. "We need a decoy. Any chance you can borrow a few rides for us?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpUBdGiDK9
“Already on it boss.” She had already unclipped a slender case off her back and was in the midst of assembling a rather long rifle. She spied a retinue of some League Crawlers coming into the foray from her right “Decoys coming up. EMP override in 20 seconds. Infiltration in 60. Be ready for your ride then. I'll be right behind you Ghost.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk99vbYvYTS
“Roger that Psycho” and another explosion went off 2 buildings down from a different direction. She eyed it for a moment, thinking, then went back to her business of setting up her rifle. Which she finished a few seconds later and loaded the cartridge with the ammunition.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa88xhCva7B
She propped herself up a bit and took aim. “Here goes”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPMfWE2DFp
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Zg1CGqCs
Mirsa saw the three crawlers veer suddenly towards the cave and accelerate just as they cleared the streets and came to the large open space in front of the cave. Their Shields were at full power and visible from their distance. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUPBLUaqjy
She acted out of pure instinct and ran towards them. Barely managing to scream for Kalenko to follow. It took him a split second to realise what was happening, and he was soon beside her sprinting across the battlefield under heavy fire.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5uVD9NOdj
They sprang on to one of the crawlers as it veered left to right and held on for dear life. The impact at those speeds was jarring. He thought it wondrous he hadn't been thrown off or crushed as the crawlers swept into the cave with a rush. He was exhilarated and, for some reason, glad to see Mirsa was in her element.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0HMpUxwCE
His moment of euphoria was abruptly cut off as he heard the whine of thrusters behind them. They both turned to see 4 drones from the defence, fly in right behind them and open fire. His blood went cold and he thought his time had finally come.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnk3QcaOQF
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHJmAtcAwt
“Dammit Layla, can't you fly these things nicely. You'll throw me off”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafCvfFxg3k
“Give me some credit here!” She screamed back. “ I'm controlling seven alien military units with one hand whilst holding on for sanity. What more do you want from a girl?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxveVHWeww
“That she fly straight!” He grit his teeth.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcXtMwunO3
“You whine too much.” she said as the drones did another evasive manuever and fired at the battle suits and manned gun turrets.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kdwm5fzLh
"Remind me again why I finally let you tag along for a field mission?" He yelled557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzvYQ8TYhO
"Because I'm bored and I might die before I step out of that tin can ship of ours!"557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mIif94oDy
"Then why do I have the feeling I'm the one who should be worried about dying!?"557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKWowolcoe
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8B7nxGYyF
The bulldozing crawlers didn't fare so well. One veered straight into the strange ray the turrets were shooting. The shields saved it but they also failed, whilst it lost control and veered left and right to crash into the other crawlers. They too swerved about, but at those speeds and that distance, there wasn't much the defenders could do to stop it.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5t9RNNJ5f
They made to retreat and abandon their stations, but that too was too little too late. Turrets were torn, battlesuits were either swatted aside or crushed as the crawlers bulldozed, flipped and careened through the tunnel and the drones flew in tow ,where they crashed past the blast doors. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD68RXO5xsT
Kalenko and the mercenary let go when the ride got choppy, rolling as they hit the ground. They quickly came to a stop thanks to all the wreckage. They had to duck, though, as the drones flew by low and fired another hail. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RGYKZfKHo
A few shots must have finally hit the spot because one of the crawlers exploded and the drones flew into the blast a second later. They too exploded taking with them more battlesuits and infantry.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg6w6mT5il
Kalenko and Mirsa got up slowly, shakily and painfully. The blast doors were still open, and for a moment he could see both worlds, disoriented and trying to make heads or tails out of what just happened. Even Mirsa's confusion was apparent.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJT81V1leF
They decided to ask questions later and get a move on before everyone else recovered. They slowly began to limp and walk off the pain , onwards through the carnage of broken turrets and mangled battlesuits, towards that ever elusive target.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudiipIpKGC
The aggressors recovered first, and advanced into the cavernous tunnel when they were just a few paces from crossing over. Their front line made up of ATS disrupter vehicles, accompanied by those ever imposing League Astral class battlesuits, and covering ground at a rapid pace.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu37bov59iY
Another blast went off inside. It must have been another one of those drones. It had started a fire, the inferno spreading to all the wreckages and making a small barrier. Then the huge blast door started to slide down and close. Someone on the defence had their head back in gear. They certainly understood the meaning of haste and urgency.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaIWpjOH8d
They ran but didn't stop when they got through, those disrupter vehicles were fast on their heels. Quite a few units would make it through but that blast door was simply too vast to hold up. It would have been almost akin to holding the mountain itself and any that got in would be cut off from the outside. Either way they didn't want to be caught in the cross fire. So on they ran.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGYoitpop5
Onwards, jumping headlong through the fire, where they came out on the other side in two identical rolls, and got up running. They stopped themselves short however, as they took in the scene before them.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIMKjI2xoD
Behind them they heard the steady whines and thrummings of moving military vehicles and personnel, as they came rolling over and around the burning wreckage. The two had to backpedal further into the gigantic cavern, for fear of being run over. The assailants stopped short as well, as they took in their adversaries.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDeazMJIhg
A long silence fell across the cavern broken only by the sound of more marching as more units made it into the cavern. The attackers from Nebulon and the League were staring at every gun and every able body that yet remained in battlegear. At every drone and droid remaining in Ode. The defenders were still outnumbered but no-one looked inclined to give any quarter. Behind them the rest of the town was holed up behind another closed blast door.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9hV9Bh1Sr
With deafening finality the blast door closed, echoing throughout the cavern, then silence fell. Both sides roared and surged forward to clash. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEWtH0ukrN
Then a searing bright white light from the podium off the left wall lit up the entire cavern.
He caught the wrong end of Layla's thrum-staff however, which smashed his helm in and knocked him backwards to the ground. The surprised trooper let go some stray shots from his automatic blaster as he went down. One of them took out a class one vector drone. Standard issue--for all League frigates.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oWr4BEaTN
Well that was just wonderful. If the League had brought a whole entire frigate then this wasn't a regular run off the mill such as had been implied by his client. He would claim an extra fee later but first...557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg45L4veTPa
“Layla, how'd you miss an entire frigate?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnm3P24CxP
“Oh come on they have shields most people can only dream of. Besides it probably arrived after we made land fall and I won't pick up anything from down here, what with all the signal jamming. Now quit your whining and watch your back.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXN353qofF
“Why, when I know you've always got it covered” he pulled out his sonar disrupter and shot two League paratroopers in rapid succession that had sought to intercept them. They went flying into the heap of rubble that was once a building. He finally got his bearings and headed left along a back alley whilst she took the right. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87WeJYr9Kf
He was headed towards the yawning cavernous entrance where the main event was taking place. Hopefully he would get there without much hindrance. His combat gear had a cloaking mechanism for sound, visibility and heat, but it wasn't so effective when one was running through an active war zone. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuwd9jsbrB
It bought him a little time though. Enough to zip by or take out a threat before it registered and reacted. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLihDCurXhG
The chaos and carnage was for now working in his favour, but clarity as to who fought who, was somewhat obscure. There seemed to be 4 different adversaries, including the actual defenders, and they were all shooting and blowing each other up. The details of their objectives were unclear. Everyone here was here for the same target, that was clear.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDQm1IDGxK
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwWytTif0W
Gorann Kalenko had joined forces with the mercenary from Valguard. Together they had managed to recruit a small contingent of militia from the local inhabitants of Clato. Unfortunately things went downhill after that. Half of them were either lost, dead or quit while tracking the two targets up this blasted, too cold for sanity, mountain range.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgxYsfDGlP
In fact, with the way the mission had so far progressed, he had been glad when they had caught up with the target and seen him crest the ridge, vanishing beyond. All hell broke loose later on, however. One of the broadcaster droids had followed them up and survived the trip long enough for federal ships to get a lock on their position and movements, after they made it over the ridge bordering the hanging valley. Just long enough for a hidden gun turret to pick out the droid. The droid's cloaking device was fully functional. Heck, he didn't even know it was there until it's burning parts and shards struck three of their party. If the town hadn’t already been warned of their approach now they were. It was easier to shoot a cloaked droid when you were looking for it.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LCmKNCfef
The first problem with hiring amateurs is that they panic under fire. They fled in all directions like Paria hens and the combined cloaking failed. That's when he realised the entire valley was a death trap. Gun turrets along the entire vale picked them out from all directions. If it hadn't been for the frag class assaulters that flew into the scene, he would have been lying charred, back there in the dirt. They made for an excellent diversion, and together with Mirza and the operative from Valguard, they harried what few they still could and made it to the town proper.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt514f6sVo
By then the sky was filled with all kinds of aircraft. Some were firing at the turrets, some dropping troops, some doing bombing runs, plenty were burning out of the sky but a lot more were coming. Then the League came into the picture and the entire battlefield turned upside down.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMS2mlnyj5
The second problem with hiring amateurs is the emotional attachment. Kalenko realised this the moment his exile militia crossed paths with federal assault troopers. Exiles were one of two . They were either born on the Four Brethren or fled to them. Both had a personal score to settle with the Federation. The two were firing at each other before he could even formulate a counter measure. To make it worse the commanding officer's orders were most likely to apprehend, and eliminate where necessary, any and all exiles. No amount of badge flashing would get him out of this situation fast enough. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOGNFIrsg9
Mirsa had already come to the same conclusion and more. The League troopers, which Kalenko had only come across in Dosiers, weren't actually there to aid the federal host. When it seemed witnesses were few enough, they fired at federal and exile units alike. The result; everyone was fighting everyone.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kYziuRLyr
The home team had still not made an appearance but drones were pouring out of the huge cavernous opening at the far end from whence the town seemed to sprawl out from. Also, from this distance, it seemed all units there were facing heavier resistance than most. League units hadn't made it that far. He couldn't tell from what, but as yet the laser turrets and GTA cannons were doing plenty of damage everywhere. It was there, that he was certain he would find the target.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nSy8T5rxF
He shot an assault trooper in the back and rolled to take cover next to the mercenary. The heavily armoured league trooper near him was a little too preoccupied with the ion cannons pelting him. Another distraction and a little more time.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgaOaNsKsS
“Still alive, Mr Discreet?” She shouted over the din of nearby explosions.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBMjKRIkiV
He grinned “What? Me die and leave a fine lady such as yourself in all this fun alone? Not gonna happen.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2EKHg1iZq
“Glad to hear that. So what new game had you in mind seeing as we're fresh out of 'toy soldiers'?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe230Bz23v3
“Who needs toys to play soldier?” He winked. “This one is called 'duck duck go'! The target is the cave on the other side of town. Just ten blocks away. Are you game?” 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ1LvHEgpk
She finished checking her newly acquired weaponry, courtesy of the bombed League trooper a few feet away, and slung out a compact mine launcher. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB6DglSNBb
“Ready when you are.” She smiled seductively. He returned her smile and crawled over to the dead trooper to relieve him of the few hand grenades Mirsa hadn't already done so. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4hDVTjU6J
“Ready” he declared when he got back and threw the plasma grenade back into the street. As the Astral class League trooper was lifted of the ground, Mirsa turned and stepped out onto the street. In the two seconds before he followed she had already planted mines on four turrets, their motions already setting the charges off. The lady made guns seem alive, she did. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouoRLNBgcd
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT1usJ4gT3
Layla was the first to reach the cave. Unlike the others she had opted for the roofs. The turrets there were designed mainly for airborne and large enemy units. They had difficulty with fast targets that scaled walls and kept low. Her cloaking device was an added advantage but as an added insurance policy she left timed charges on every turret she passed.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddCmbFzJJQ
She lay back against the low, slanted roof and calmly surveyed the scene before her.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFoldPA5v8
The mouth of the cave was littered with corpses. Some Nebulon troopers had managed to erect barricades and were returning some fire, but theirs was a hopeless cause without heavy artillery, she didn't even think they knew what they were firing at.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiODwMIGuTg
She pulled out a pair of scopes and zoomed in into the dark cave.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHaXExG2RP
“Where are you?” She spoke calmly. Her ear piece crackled to life with a lot off background noise.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfG1q9N2lx
“Not far.” Another explosion went off nearby that fed back through the comm-link.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jWceJBxVS
“Having fun, I see.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMRk4g752w
“Well, I guess that's one way of putting it.” the Phantom replied, “What you got?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUjAXx4V4g
“Blast doors 500 paces in and open. Some kind of heavy artillery gun. I'm counting ten of those and manned.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuFmS3s8yG
“I can't tell whether those are battle suits or droids. I've never seen anything like them. There are dozens of them and that's what's been using the assault troopers as target practice.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTXw7kWjmP
“Great!” He shouted as another chorus of explosions rocked a few buildings closer now. "We need a decoy. Any chance you can borrow a few rides for us?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfBhBVhfl9
“Already on it boss.” She had already unclipped a slender case off her back and was in the midst of assembling a rather long rifle. She spied a retinue of some League Crawlers coming into the foray from her right “Decoys coming up. EMP override in 20 seconds. Infiltration in 60. Be ready for your ride then. I'll be right behind you Ghost.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8GT9G6qQF
“Roger that Psycho” and another explosion went off 2 buildings down from a different direction. She eyed it for a moment, thinking, then went back to her business of setting up her rifle. Which she finished a few seconds later and loaded the cartridge with the ammunition.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tfdVbeeMR
She propped herself up a bit and took aim. “Here goes”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMp9DwLobK
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NJRsUfZFp
Mirsa saw the three crawlers veer suddenly towards the cave and accelerate just as they cleared the streets and came to the large open space in front of the cave. Their Shields were at full power and visible from their distance. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdTU2zXrmp
She acted out of pure instinct and ran towards them. Barely managing to scream for Kalenko to follow. It took him a split second to realise what was happening, and he was soon beside her sprinting across the battlefield under heavy fire.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0RLntiV1x
They sprang on to one of the crawlers as it veered left to right and held on for dear life. The impact at those speeds was jarring. He thought it wondrous he hadn't been thrown off or crushed as the crawlers swept into the cave with a rush. He was exhilarated and, for some reason, glad to see Mirsa was in her element.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zq8Kmtuo2
His moment of euphoria was abruptly cut off as he heard the whine of thrusters behind them. They both turned to see 4 drones from the defence, fly in right behind them and open fire. His blood went cold and he thought his time had finally come.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtn2meuxDY
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9P4xEL4Cj
“Dammit Layla, can't you fly these things nicely. You'll throw me off”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIL7bBHc8k
“Give me some credit here!” She screamed back. “ I'm controlling seven alien military units with one hand whilst holding on for sanity. What more do you want from a girl?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQi946qwSC
“That she fly straight!” He grit his teeth.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yg4xUivok
“You whine too much.” she said as the drones did another evasive manuever and fired at the battle suits and manned gun turrets.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c0rWNZbLT
"Remind me again why I finally let you tag along for a field mission?" He yelled557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ON05YqyTx
"Because I'm bored and I might die before I step out of that tin can ship of ours!"557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YdsGh77P9
"Then why do I have the feeling I'm the one who should be worried about dying!?"557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcWc4YhDI3
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ezN2AuoW
The bulldozing crawlers didn't fare so well. One veered straight into the strange ray the turrets were shooting. The shields saved it but they also failed, whilst it lost control and veered left and right to crash into the other crawlers. They too swerved about, but at those speeds and that distance, there wasn't much the defenders could do to stop it.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFnYqP7WJh
They made to retreat and abandon their stations, but that too was too little too late. Turrets were torn, battlesuits were either swatted aside or crushed as the crawlers bulldozed, flipped and careened through the tunnel and the drones flew in tow ,where they crashed past the blast doors. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot86hrYK1M
Kalenko and the mercenary let go when the ride got choppy, rolling as they hit the ground. They quickly came to a stop thanks to all the wreckage. They had to duck, though, as the drones flew by low and fired another hail. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9czIVWB2wY
A few shots must have finally hit the spot because one of the crawlers exploded and the drones flew into the blast a second later. They too exploded taking with them more battlesuits and infantry.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vj4ubPz2H
Kalenko and Mirsa got up slowly, shakily and painfully. The blast doors were still open, and for a moment he could see both worlds, disoriented and trying to make heads or tails out of what just happened. Even Mirsa's confusion was apparent.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4t6Z31EiK
They decided to ask questions later and get a move on before everyone else recovered. They slowly began to limp and walk off the pain , onwards through the carnage of broken turrets and mangled battlesuits, towards that ever elusive target.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yQIiSQW9U
The aggressors recovered first, and advanced into the cavernous tunnel when they were just a few paces from crossing over. Their front line made up of ATS disrupter vehicles, accompanied by those ever imposing League Astral class battlesuits, and covering ground at a rapid pace.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeNyfxVChB
Another blast went off inside. It must have been another one of those drones. It had started a fire, the inferno spreading to all the wreckages and making a small barrier. Then the huge blast door started to slide down and close. Someone on the defence had their head back in gear. They certainly understood the meaning of haste and urgency.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfNnDk44KU
They ran but didn't stop when they got through, those disrupter vehicles were fast on their heels. Quite a few units would make it through but that blast door was simply too vast to hold up. It would have been almost akin to holding the mountain itself and any that got in would be cut off from the outside. Either way they didn't want to be caught in the cross fire. So on they ran.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUtuVqBK6U
Onwards, jumping headlong through the fire, where they came out on the other side in two identical rolls, and got up running. They stopped themselves short however, as they took in the scene before them.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpOFEBcXNk
Behind them they heard the steady whines and thrummings of moving military vehicles and personnel, as they came rolling over and around the burning wreckage. The two had to backpedal further into the gigantic cavern, for fear of being run over. The assailants stopped short as well, as they took in their adversaries.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU4IvULWnA
A long silence fell across the cavern broken only by the sound of more marching as more units made it into the cavern. The attackers from Nebulon and the League were staring at every gun and every able body that yet remained in battlegear. At every drone and droid remaining in Ode. The defenders were still outnumbered but no-one looked inclined to give any quarter. Behind them the rest of the town was holed up behind another closed blast door.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmISuOfE4QF
With deafening finality the blast door closed, echoing throughout the cavern, then silence fell. Both sides roared and surged forward to clash. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDlphvHC9I
Then a searing bright white light from the podium off the left The Phantom came down hard on the Lowman Assault trooper. From a general physiological understanding he knew something would break – just not what – so the crunching sound upon his landing was one he didn't dwell on. He didn't have the time either. Chaos reigned everywhere, all adversaries on edge and the trooper next to him was already mid-swivel with his blaster raised, barrel glowing.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRfjPjBIIw
He caught the wrong end of Layla's thrum-staff however, which smashed his helm in and knocked him backwards to the ground. The surprised trooper let go some stray shots from his automatic blaster as he went down. One of them took out a class one vector drone. Standard issue--for all League frigates.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gi0UqMqLv
Well that was just wonderful. If the League had brought a whole entire frigate then this wasn't a regular run off the mill such as had been implied by his client. He would claim an extra fee later but first...557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxfdb47PQp
“Layla, how'd you miss an entire frigate?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGMHWFZRTE
“Oh come on they have shields most people can only dream of. Besides it probably arrived after we made land fall and I won't pick up anything from down here, what with all the signal jamming. Now quit your whining and watch your back.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBzwt9rOmZ
“Why, when I know you've always got it covered” he pulled out his sonar disrupter and shot two League paratroopers in rapid succession that had sought to intercept them. They went flying into the heap of rubble that was once a building. He finally got his bearings and headed left along a back alley whilst she took the right. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaEiVRE3o5
He was headed towards the yawning cavernous entrance where the main event was taking place. Hopefully he would get there without much hindrance. His combat gear had a cloaking mechanism for sound, visibility and heat, but it wasn't so effective when one was running through an active war zone. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGI46OAlmE
It bought him a little time though. Enough to zip by or take out a threat before it registered and reacted. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4dC99ye4O
The chaos and carnage was for now working in his favour, but clarity as to who fought who, was somewhat obscure. There seemed to be 4 different adversaries, including the actual defenders, and they were all shooting and blowing each other up. The details of their objectives were unclear. Everyone here was here for the same target, that was clear.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFl80sy3ah
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpM5nL4Udi
Gorann Kalenko had joined forces with the mercenary from Valguard. Together they had managed to recruit a small contingent of militia from the local inhabitants of Clato. Unfortunately things went downhill after that. Half of them were either lost, dead or quit while tracking the two targets up this blasted, too cold for sanity, mountain range.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lRkyfamEv
In fact, with the way the mission had so far progressed, he had been glad when they had caught up with the target and seen him crest the ridge, vanishing beyond. All hell broke loose later on, however. One of the broadcaster droids had followed them up and survived the trip long enough for federal ships to get a lock on their position and movements, after they made it over the ridge bordering the hanging valley. Just long enough for a hidden gun turret to pick out the droid. The droid's cloaking device was fully functional. Heck, he didn't even know it was there until it's burning parts and shards struck three of their party. If the town hadn’t already been warned of their approach now they were. It was easier to shoot a cloaked droid when you were looking for it.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9sRA8mGLd
The first problem with hiring amateurs is that they panic under fire. They fled in all directions like Paria hens and the combined cloaking failed. That's when he realised the entire valley was a death trap. Gun turrets along the entire vale picked them out from all directions. If it hadn't been for the frag class assaulters that flew into the scene, he would have been lying charred, back there in the dirt. They made for an excellent diversion, and together with Mirza and the operative from Valguard, they harried what few they still could and made it to the town proper.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMX7rXMn4e
By then the sky was filled with all kinds of aircraft. Some were firing at the turrets, some dropping troops, some doing bombing runs, plenty were burning out of the sky but a lot more were coming. Then the League came into the picture and the entire battlefield turned upside down.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxNLiVw3u3
The second problem with hiring amateurs is the emotional attachment. Kalenko realised this the moment his exile militia crossed paths with federal assault troopers. Exiles were one of two . They were either born on the Four Brethren or fled to them. Both had a personal score to settle with the Federation. The two were firing at each other before he could even formulate a counter measure. To make it worse the commanding officer's orders were most likely to apprehend, and eliminate where necessary, any and all exiles. No amount of badge flashing would get him out of this situation fast enough. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVkrtuSJ0H
Mirsa had already come to the same conclusion and more. The League troopers, which Kalenko had only come across in Dosiers, weren't actually there to aid the federal host. When it seemed witnesses were few enough, they fired at federal and exile units alike. The result; everyone was fighting everyone.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCA7GNdpWv
The home team had still not made an appearance but drones were pouring out of the huge cavernous opening at the far end from whence the town seemed to sprawl out from. Also, from this distance, it seemed all units there were facing heavier resistance than most. League units hadn't made it that far. He couldn't tell from what, but as yet the laser turrets and GTA cannons were doing plenty of damage everywhere. It was there, that he was certain he would find the target.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscIIure2Yb
He shot an assault trooper in the back and rolled to take cover next to the mercenary. The heavily armoured league trooper near him was a little too preoccupied with the ion cannons pelting him. Another distraction and a little more time.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQty6kx6g6f
“Still alive, Mr Discreet?” She shouted over the din of nearby explosions.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T7fR3i0EF
He grinned “What? Me die and leave a fine lady such as yourself in all this fun alone? Not gonna happen.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny83maLhhF
“Glad to hear that. So what new game had you in mind seeing as we're fresh out of 'toy soldiers'?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3nqnzV7dh
“Who needs toys to play soldier?” He winked. “This one is called 'duck duck go'! The target is the cave on the other side of town. Just ten blocks away. Are you game?” 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCcmlQvwUe
She finished checking her newly acquired weaponry, courtesy of the bombed League trooper a few feet away, and slung out a compact mine launcher. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDVdPP05hk
“Ready when you are.” She smiled seductively. He returned her smile and crawled over to the dead trooper to relieve him of the few hand grenades Mirsa hadn't already done so. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTexoKv7BFh
“Ready” he declared when he got back and threw the plasma grenade back into the street. As the Astral class League trooper was lifted of the ground, Mirsa turned and stepped out onto the street. In the two seconds before he followed she had already planted mines on four turrets, their motions already setting the charges off. The lady made guns seem alive, she did. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQwu9V4ypM
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR61Vd1XAa
Layla was the first to reach the cave. Unlike the others she had opted for the roofs. The turrets there were designed mainly for airborne and large enemy units. They had difficulty with fast targets that scaled walls and kept low. Her cloaking device was an added advantage but as an added insurance policy she left timed charges on every turret she passed.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexwg7puOMA
She lay back against the low, slanted roof and calmly surveyed the scene before her.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgr10zrt6C
The mouth of the cave was littered with corpses. Some Nebulon troopers had managed to erect barricades and were returning some fire, but theirs was a hopeless cause without heavy artillery, she didn't even think they knew what they were firing at.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU66PwUgW8
She pulled out a pair of scopes and zoomed in into the dark cave.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqmr3SBaTp
“Where are you?” She spoke calmly. Her ear piece crackled to life with a lot off background noise.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wjgRaGmHK
“Not far.” Another explosion went off nearby that fed back through the comm-link.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8BWbQQr6e
“Having fun, I see.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEmdiQLEfX
“Well, I guess that's one way of putting it.” the Phantom replied, “What you got?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuve2Nb6MsF
“Blast doors 500 paces in and open. Some kind of heavy artillery gun. I'm counting ten of those and manned.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmJXrbHNHt
“I can't tell whether those are battle suits or droids. I've never seen anything like them. There are dozens of them and that's what's been using the assault troopers as target practice.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFTbAYDvMn
“Great!” He shouted as another chorus of explosions rocked a few buildings closer now. "We need a decoy. Any chance you can borrow a few rides for us?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpUBdGiDK9
“Already on it boss.” She had already unclipped a slender case off her back and was in the midst of assembling a rather long rifle. She spied a retinue of some League Crawlers coming into the foray from her right “Decoys coming up. EMP override in 20 seconds. Infiltration in 60. Be ready for your ride then. I'll be right behind you Ghost.”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk99vbYvYTS
“Roger that Psycho” and another explosion went off 2 buildings down from a different direction. She eyed it for a moment, thinking, then went back to her business of setting up her rifle. Which she finished a few seconds later and loaded the cartridge with the ammunition.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa88xhCva7B
She propped herself up a bit and took aim. “Here goes”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPMfWE2DFp
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Zg1CGqCs
Mirsa saw the three crawlers veer suddenly towards the cave and accelerate just as they cleared the streets and came to the large open space in front of the cave. Their Shields were at full power and visible from their distance. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUPBLUaqjy
She acted out of pure instinct and ran towards them. Barely managing to scream for Kalenko to follow. It took him a split second to realise what was happening, and he was soon beside her sprinting across the battlefield under heavy fire.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5uVD9NOdj
They sprang on to one of the crawlers as it veered left to right and held on for dear life. The impact at those speeds was jarring. He thought it wondrous he hadn't been thrown off or crushed as the crawlers swept into the cave with a rush. He was exhilarated and, for some reason, glad to see Mirsa was in her element.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0HMpUxwCE
His moment of euphoria was abruptly cut off as he heard the whine of thrusters behind them. They both turned to see 4 drones from the defence, fly in right behind them and open fire. His blood went cold and he thought his time had finally come.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnk3QcaOQF
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHJmAtcAwt
“Dammit Layla, can't you fly these things nicely. You'll throw me off”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafCvfFxg3k
“Give me some credit here!” She screamed back. “ I'm controlling seven alien military units with one hand whilst holding on for sanity. What more do you want from a girl?”557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxveVHWeww
“That she fly straight!” He grit his teeth.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcXtMwunO3
“You whine too much.” she said as the drones did another evasive manuever and fired at the battle suits and manned gun turrets.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kdwm5fzLh
"Remind me again why I finally let you tag along for a field mission?" He yelled557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzvYQ8TYhO
"Because I'm bored and I might die before I step out of that tin can ship of ours!"557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mIif94oDy
"Then why do I have the feeling I'm the one who should be worried about dying!?"557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKWowolcoe
#557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8B7nxGYyF
The bulldozing crawlers didn't fare so well. One veered straight into the strange ray the turrets were shooting. The shields saved it but they also failed, whilst it lost control and veered left and right to crash into the other crawlers. They too swerved about, but at those speeds and that distance, there wasn't much the defenders could do to stop it.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5t9RNNJ5f
They made to retreat and abandon their stations, but that too was too little too late. Turrets were torn, battlesuits were either swatted aside or crushed as the crawlers bulldozed, flipped and careened through the tunnel and the drones flew in tow ,where they crashed past the blast doors. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD68RXO5xsT
Kalenko and the mercenary let go when the ride got choppy, rolling as they hit the ground. They quickly came to a stop thanks to all the wreckage. They had to duck, though, as the drones flew by low and fired another hail. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RGYKZfKHo
A few shots must have finally hit the spot because one of the crawlers exploded and the drones flew into the blast a second later. They too exploded taking with them more battlesuits and infantry.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg6w6mT5il
Kalenko and Mirsa got up slowly, shakily and painfully. The blast doors were still open, and for a moment he could see both worlds, disoriented and trying to make heads or tails out of what just happened. Even Mirsa's confusion was apparent.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJT81V1leF
They decided to ask questions later and get a move on before everyone else recovered. They slowly began to limp and walk off the pain , onwards through the carnage of broken turrets and mangled battlesuits, towards that ever elusive target.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudiipIpKGC
The aggressors recovered first, and advanced into the cavernous tunnel when they were just a few paces from crossing over. Their front line made up of ATS disrupter vehicles, accompanied by those ever imposing League Astral class battlesuits, and covering ground at a rapid pace.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu37bov59iY
Another blast went off inside. It must have been another one of those drones. It had started a fire, the inferno spreading to all the wreckages and making a small barrier. Then the huge blast door started to slide down and close. Someone on the defence had their head back in gear. They certainly understood the meaning of haste and urgency.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaIWpjOH8d
They ran but didn't stop when they got through, those disrupter vehicles were fast on their heels. Quite a few units would make it through but that blast door was simply too vast to hold up. It would have been almost akin to holding the mountain itself and any that got in would be cut off from the outside. Either way they didn't want to be caught in the cross fire. So on they ran.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGYoitpop5
Onwards, jumping headlong through the fire, where they came out on the other side in two identical rolls, and got up running. They stopped themselves short however, as they took in the scene before them.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIMKjI2xoD
Behind them they heard the steady whines and thrummings of moving military vehicles and personnel, as they came rolling over and around the burning wreckage. The two had to backpedal further into the gigantic cavern, for fear of being run over. The assailants stopped short as well, as they took in their adversaries.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDeazMJIhg
A long silence fell across the cavern broken only by the sound of more marching as more units made it into the cavern. The attackers from Nebulon and the League were staring at every gun and every able body that yet remained in battlegear. At every drone and droid remaining in Ode. The defenders were still outnumbered but no-one looked inclined to give any quarter. Behind them the rest of the town was holed up behind another closed blast door.557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9hV9Bh1Sr
With deafening finality the blast door closed, echoing throughout the cavern, then silence fell. Both sides roared and surged forward to clash. 557Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEWtH0ukrN
Then a searing bright white light from the podium off the left wall lit up the entire cavern.
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