survivor.
“We found your jeep, thought you were goners.”
“Almost, Captain, much longer out here and we’d never have made it home.”
Jones looked down at the splint on his leg and back up at his blood soaked face.
“You look like hell.”
“Better than those bastards.”
He gestured to the body of a Mech. Jones’ eyes widened at the sight of one of the creatures out of its armour. At first he thought it was the body of a dead human.
“Christ, so that’s what they look like! They don’t look so tough.”
“Believe me, Captain, you don’t want to get to blows with them.”
Jones nodded and smiled. He could see from the Major’s state that he spoke the truth. He reached forward and pulled Taylor up. Silva staggered to his feet but wobbled and fell against a shelving unit.
“Give him a hand!” Jones ordered.
Monty leapt in and took the Sergeant onto his shoulder.
“Let’s get the hell out of this shithole, Captain.”
They moved out of the shop across heaps of smashed glass and rubble.
“Remind me if we get through this, to check Paris off as a city ever to visit.”
The Captain chuckled.
“With you there, Major.”
They hobbled out into the street to be greeted by the other paras and Dubois. She was sticking half out of the driver’s hatch and gave the Major a mock salute. He returned the gesture.
“Good to see you again, Sergeant. I wish it could have been under better circumstances than last time.”
“At least we’ll be driving out of here, Sir.”
Taylor nodded as Jones helped him around the vehicle and in through the rear door. He winced in pain as he lowered himself into a seat. There was barely a part of his body that didn’t hurt. Green hauled the thick door shut behind them.
“Let’s get moving, Sergeant!” shouted Jones.
The vehicle lurched forward and quickly gained some speed. They struck the debris from the building, shaking the vehicle around but easily overcoming it. Taylor looked at Jones with relief. He had accepted that they would die out there; yet again his companions had come through for him.
“Don’t stop for anything, Dubois!” Jones ordered.
He reached forward and tapped the power button to the display monitors attached to external cameras. They passed through one empty block after another until they were just a kilometre out from the defences. The armoured car took a bend and their jaws dropped as the sight before them. Ten Mechs stood in front of the bridge they needed to pass.
“Monty, get on that gun!” screamed Jones.
“What do we do, Sir?”
“Go through them, Dubois!”
Jones didn’t like the idea, but he knew that they’d likely not have any better luck if they diverted to another bridge.
“Go!”
The vehicle surged towards the bridge as Monty opened fire. The first few rounds landed short. The Mechs were lifting their weapons to fire. They all knew that the vehicle wouldn’t stand up to much against the enemy fire. The next shots from the turret struck one of the Mechs, smashing it to the ground. A second later, the area around it erupted with an explosion, quickly followed by several more.
Muzzle flashes littered the rooftops of the buildings either side of the bridge. The Mechs spun around in a desperate attempt to return fire against the overwhelming onslaught. Rifle fire, rockets and grenades pounded their position, quickly ripping the aliens into twisted metal and burning rubble.
Dubois didn’t slow and rushed towards the burning scene. They didn’t want to linger in hostile lands for a second longer. They reached the bodies of the Mechs, and one was thrashing about on the ground, trying to get to its feet. Dubois headed right for it, striking the beast at speed. The crew didn’t even notice the impact as the armoured hull smashed it to the ground.
Taylor and Jones looked at the display screens. They could see friendly soldiers standing up on the rooftops. They could make out a mix of British and American uniforms. Sergeant Dubois drew the vehicle to a close as they got over the bridge and to safety. Taylor reached for the door and swung it open, clambering out on his splinted leg.
Chandra was stood in the doorway of the building beside them. She was leaning on her crutch but was in full combat attire with her rifle slung across her chest.
“You haven’t been cleared for duty, Major.”
She smiled in response. Taylor limped over to her position.
“No chance you were authorised to come find us.”
“Nope, but that didn’t stop one of your Sergeants convincing me, and she has as much respect for authority as yourself.”
Taylor’s eyes lit up. Chandra knew what his next question would be, and she pointed back to the bridge. Taylor turned to see Eleanor walking at the head of a group of troops returning across it. She caught sight of him and ran all out.
Eleanor let her rifle fall to her side and jumped at the Major, embracing him with a firm grasp. She pulled her head back and rubbed it against his, not caring for the blood and grime. She kissed him quickly, provoking whistles from the troops.
“I couldn’t lose you,” she said.
“Likewise.”
Taylor let her go and turned to Chandra. They both knew he was breaking many rules pursuing a relationship with one of his team. He wanted to ask why Chandra had not enforced disciplinary action, but she had already read his mind.
“We’re at war, Major. Some rules simply don’t apply.”
He strode over to her as quickly as he could on his leg and grabbed her with a strong hug, lifting Chandra off her feet, much to her surprise.
“Major!” she shouted.
He put her down with a broad grin spanning across his face. She blushed slightly as they both knew she should not encourage such activity.
“You saved our asses, Major, thank you.”
“Glad you made it. Clearly you have by now realised that the northern districts are no longer safe. We have trying days ahead of us, Major. We need you rested and ready to fight.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
He saluted her with a smile.
Chapter 4
Taylor awoke to a dark and drizzly morning. Parker’s head was resting on his shoulder. Chandra had managed to secure a room in a hotel for them near the main assembly area. The mattress was soft and cushioned, and the duvet smooth and thick. He’d not known such luxury, even in his own officer’s quarters.
He pulled the duvet back and sat up at the side of the bed. His leg had been reset and was held in an articulated leg brace. It allowed him full movement and strength while it healed; making him ninety-five percent combat effective already. He’d had a hot shower and was now clean, but his body was bruised and scarred.
The Major stood up and walked across the room. Despite him being able to walk, his muscles and joints still ached. He pulled back the curtains and looked out across the vast assembly and command area. It was long past sunrise. Chandra had kindly allowed them to sleep till they woke up naturally. He doubted it was all due to kindness
