Clouds Of War, page 11
part #3 of The Descendants War Series
"Pretty sure you're right. I was chased. When you ran for it, they blasted in front of you. Dunno if they're not used to fighting sentient things or if the ones they do shoot at stand around and take it like old Earth colonials." Hans sighed. "I think it's time we move again though."
Gunny barked in the comm, "Shut the hell up and move, you assholes! This isn't time for speculation and jaw jacking!"
"Yeah," Hans muttered, "that's exactly what we were doing. I'll go again."
"And I heard that!" Gunny added. "Those comms are sensitive, ya bastard! Now move your asses!"
Hans took a couple shots before making a run for it. Alon kept his focus on the building Vesper couldn't see. He didn't catch any silhouettes this time nor any muzzle flashes. He didn't get it. They were firing projectiles. They should've been discharging some kind of flammable material.
I'm looking for the wrong thing. Alon laid down fire from left to right, tearing at the surface of the building in an effort to keep the enemy back. Then he caught sight of smoke coming from one of the windows. Aha. That might be one of them. But he got the impression they were constantly switching positions.
That could help to establish the sense that there was a larger force than expected.
"I'm almost there!" Hans shouted. He took some shots of his own. He was less than twenty paces from the awning when he took a hit to the shoulder. The blow made him stumble, he hit the ground, rolling until he came up behind one of the pillars. Once there, he rose to a crouch. "That hurt like a bitch."
"What's your HUD say?" Gunny asked.
"Pretty serious kinetic force," Hans replied. "Looks like I got a compression cut. Shit, that stings!"
"Okay, stay put," Gunny said. "Alon, maintain your position as well. Andrews, I need you to take these buildings."
"Sir," Alon spoke up, "if you have him open up on those, they're going down. I guarantee they can't stay up if he starts in on them."
"Appreciate it," Gunny said. "There are too many of them for us to take so it goes down."
Additional blips appeared on the scans, this time behind them in the buildings they were moving away from before the ambush. Shit, do they have reinforcements? Alon checked himself. If the newcomers got into a firing position, he'd be in the open for them. Vesper too probably.
"You see this?" Vesper spoke up before he could. "I'm counting twelve new targets on the scan."
Hans asked, "Why the hell aren't they checking out the downed building? How are we so interesting?"
"They probably think we did it," Essa said. "I've seen this happen before in the hills of--"
"No!" Uldin interrupted. "Come on, Essa! We need to move."
"I'm taking the VIPs," Gunny said, "there's a building over here. We'll take cover inside. Vesper, change position. Scans show you've got an entrance nearby. Hit that. Alon, get to Hans. The two of you make your way around to flank our original problem. We'll regroup... I'll give you a waypoint when I can."
"Fantastic." Alon sighed. "Hans, you'd better be ready to lay down some serious cover."
"Run evasively, pal." Hans opened fire. "Go!"
Alon gritted his teeth, charging away from his position. His body remained tense the entire time, waiting for an impact. Bits of debris slapped his legs as he ran, shots cutting through the ground all around him. The fire became so intense, he couldn't imagine anyone was shooting back.
A couple quick shots to the side didn't help anything but his nerves. He had to do more than nothing, even if it was ultimately ineffective. Another thirty feet... twenty... a big hit on the ground in front of him made him slow down, sliding to a halt next to a small pothole.
Panic set in. Stopping was stupid and he knew it but he couldn't help it. Picking up the pace again, he moved in time to avoid at least three more shots. Hans shouted something he couldn't hear. Blood pounded in his ears, blocking out most sound around him. Pain danced through his back. Something caught him just above his hip like a battering ram.
It compelled him forward, making the last few feet to cover more of a stumble than controlled motion. He slammed into the opposite wall, spinning around. "They got me!"
"Check the HUD," Hans ordered. "Look! How bad are you?"
Alon's eyes flicked to the vitals reading. His heart rate was understandably escalated. The wound itself appeared to be little more than a big bruise. It hurt like hell though. He let out a sigh of relief. "I'm good. I'm okay."
"Yeah, settle down." Hans waved at him. "And get your ass over here. We've got a long way to go."
Looking forward to it. Alon drew a deep breath before joining Hans. Can't wait to find out how many of these bastards we have to take now. This is going to end poorly. I just know it.
***
Vesper hustled through the door, stepping to the side for some rear cover. She scanned the area, looking over the open room. Twisted bits of metal poked up from the foliage here and there, remnants of the ancient society refusing to be totally forgotten. Moss covered the walls here and there but the mound in the opposite corner caught her attention.
I wonder if that's one of those things Lysa and the others dealt with.
"Andrews," Gunny's voice in her speakers made Vesper jump. "Abort attack on those positions. We've got people in the buildings now. Hold off until we have a clear shot. I'll call it as soon as I can."
"Affirmative," Andrews replied. "FYI, I see a lot of movement. Armed figures. Dressed... somewhat normally. They aren't exactly wearing rags. Carrying long rifles and packs. Head coverings like... like hoods I guess. Movement suggests at least some training together but they're moving fast."
"How far away?" Gunny asked.
"They are one mile from your position and on fast approach."
That's great news. Vesper didn't want to speak. Even with the helmet suppressing sound, she didn't want to risk making any more noise than necessary. She started across the room, heading for what appeared to be a hallway. That would put the weird mound of moss at her left and she'd pass by within fifteen feet.
Should be far enough away to not attract... whatever they saw. The brief description she received seemed like something out of a nightmare. A monster from old horror movies. We don't need one of those rampaging around with hostile elements at the same time. One or the other works for me.
"Vesper," Alon said, "are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Vesper whispered. "I'm proceeding toward the enemy position on my side. Looking for some stairs. I think they're on the fifth floor."
"Remain cautious. We won't be able to get to you if something happens."
Yeah, I know. Vesper bit back the snippy reply. I saw what was happening out there. Both the others took a shot in their dash. The enemy didn't get lucky. They were good shots. She wondered if that came from hunting or warfare between the different pockets of Kahl survivors.
Did they brawl for resources? I can't see them cooperating for some reason. Not if they decided to settle so far apart.
Yet the different camps were still within a half day's walk to the others. Which meant to her that they used the city as a means of collecting resources. Whatever technology they maintained at their bases probably required parts. She couldn't imagine they were collecting food anymore.
How long does it take to strip a city bare of all useful items? The bits of metal sticking up in the first room suggested they hadn't taken it all. I wonder why. Maybe those monsters have claimed large enough sections that they can't get to them. If these things did it fast enough, then there could be caches of items waiting for them.
A set of stairs went up a single floor. Sunlight beamed down on the top few steps. She moved over to the base, aiming her weapon before proceeding. The structure seemed sturdy enough, at least until she reached the halfway point. A large crack gave her pause. She gave it a scan, which proved out twenty kilos would be enough to make it crumble.
The edge provided enough integrity to continue. She pressed against the wall, making her way to the landing. There, she found an old office space. The desks remained there though none of them were standing properly. Most were tilted on their sides or rotten to the point only vaguely resembling their previous form.
Vesper continued into the room, staying near the wall while still glancing out the windows. On the opposite side of the courtyard she saw movement. Silhouettes moving about, probably looking for a firing solution on Hans and Alon. She figured if she drew closer she might see them but any higher and they'd be covered by the awning.
"You've got a lot of movement above you," Vesper muttered. "They're darting about all over the place."
"Thanks," Alon said. "Yours seem to have stayed in their position on the fifth floor. Check your scan before you proceed again."
"The stairs only go up one floor at a time," Vesper replied. "At least so far as I've found. Weird structure. These might've been offices at one time. I guess even ancient civilizations had to have cube farms, huh?"
Essa spoke up. "If you are referring to workspaces for several people to collaborate and be together, various creatures across the galaxy have always found that to be a positive environment to tackle projects. You'll find it in literature from long dead cultures that at one time found themselves--"
The line cut off. "You don't need that," Gunny said. "Focus on your task. I'll deal with the Pargon."
Thank God. I don't want an archaeology lecture right now.
Vesper reached the end of the room. A flight of stairs to the next floor went back the way she came. She glanced, waiting five seconds before advancing. These proved stable, unlike the others. There weren't any cracks or telltale signs that they'd collapse at the slightest amount of weight.
With five steps to go, she got a view of the next floor. It looked like a hurricane went through a department store. Shelves littered the area along with more broken up desks. She made out some regular looking furniture, chairs with no arms, even a couple metal bed frames pressed up against the walls.
Two of the windows to her left remained intact though she doubted they were regular glass. She approached, pressing herself against the wall before glancing outside.
Muffled shots reached her, both from energy weapons as well as the projectiles the enemy used. She let clung to her rifle with her left hand while tapping the computer on her wrist with her right. The camera on her helmet zoomed in on the wall across the way, giving her a good view of enemy activity.
One figure in particular remained close, the barrel of their weapon poking out. She aimed, pausing before pulling the trigger.
If I shoot that guy, I reveal my presence down here. Vesper turned back to the empty room. I'd better serve by moving. Our opponents don't seem to have scanners. They have no idea where I am. She lowered her weapon, continuing on to find the next flight of stairs.
"Listen up," Gunny said, "the new arrives are engaging the other aggressive force. Maybe the enemy of our enemy is our friend right now but don't count on it. I also have no way to identify them from one another so take care. Engage only the opponents you find in your current vicinity. Over."
"Got it," Vesper muttered. "Over."
"Yeah, we're on it," Hans said. "But I'm going to tell you, we've just entered the building. This place is trashed. It's slow going to get up these stairs too. And by the way, we're seeing a lot of moss out here!"
"Don't step on it," Gunny replied.
Sound advice. Vesper rolled her eyes. She stepped over a clump of debris, rotted wood and rusted metal. Sounds from the floor above brought her back to the moment. Those enemies she was creeping up must've been on the move. If they left the fifth floor, they could be on her at any moment. And they likely know the area.
Quick stepping to the wall, Vesper took cover behind a clump of debris. From a crouching position, she could easily make out the rest of the room. Placing her rifle at the top of the rubbish, she waited for the approaching dots, wondering exactly how they might descend.
Movement from the left caught her attention. She shifted her angle, noting three forms moving behind some of the trash. They came into view, sweeping their projectile weapons around the area in a search pattern.
Each wore cargo pants of differing colors and hooded tops. Packs hung heavy on their backs and sidearms were strapped on their left. Combat boots finished off the look with knives on their thighs. She'd seen militia look less like a unit than these guys, rough as they might've been.
"Contact," Vesper whispered. The helmet absorbed the sound even as the comm easily caught it. "Engaging."
Her targets walked in a staggered column spread out to cover the most terrain. They wouldn't get to her for a good thirty seconds at their current speed. Once she pulled the trigger, the flash from her weapon would give away her position but she still had the advantage. Especially since they were not armored.
She took a moment to get a solid bead on the rear opponent, ensuring a headshot. When she pulled the trigger, the gun barked loud enough to make her wince. The victim's head popped, blood splattering behind as his corpse dropped to the floor.
The one in the middle turned to look. That was her cue to put him down. Three shots to his gut and chest tossed him against the wall. The last one returned fire, two shots coming dangerously close to her face. She ducked, shifting five feet to the right before popping up. Her opponent had moved as well, dashing for cover of his own.
A metal frame acted as his defense. He crouched, blind firing at her previous position. Vesper blasted his weapon, catching it right in the center. Whatever it had been made of reacted poorly to an energy bolt. It popped, partially melting before the entire front assembly dropped to the floor.
He went for his sidearm. Vesper gave him a moment, keeping her aim where she figured his head had to be. When he peeked out, she pulled the trigger instantly, an instinctual twitch. Half his face melted instantly. He dropped with a gurgle, his flesh sizzling into his skull.
Dots around her stirred up, likely moving in to intercept the sound. The cover worked for three people, but a larger group could overrun the spot. Vesper hustled away from her position, heading down the stairs again. She rounded the corner, slamming into one of the armed aggressors.
This one was dressed differently, wearing all black. There was something more put together about the look, as if he might've come from a professional group of soldiers rather than the less specific uniform of the ones she just fought.
Vesper shoved him back, lifting her rifle to aim at his head. He held his hands up, shouting at her in another language. Her translator couldn't keep up with how fast he spoke which led to her having no idea what to say in response.
"What do I do?" Vesper asked. "This guy seems to be trying to surrender or... I don't know. He's got his hands up and is yelling."
"I know that!" Essa came back on the line somehow. "That's ancient Kahl. He's saying I'm on your side! Tell him Galla Desh."
"Uh... Galla Desh?"
The man lowered his hands, nodding once. He gestured with his head before moving off.
"What do I do now?" Vesper asked. "I think he wants me to follow him."
"So do it!" Essa shouted. "He's very likely leading you to safety!"
All the dots above meant she had to do something. Vesper hurried after the guy, keeping an eye over her shoulder. Movement made her hit the wall, spinning in place. She laid down suppressive fire, blasting the wall near the newcomers. They fell back, getting out of her line of sight.
Vesper fired on the wall guarding the stairs next, blasting holes in the structure. Crumbling stone collapsed onto the floor, leaving a pile. It would slow them down a little even if it didn't stop them entirely.
Their projectiles barked, casting shots down the way. Dust popped into the air from where their bullets struck the walls and floor. Vesper picked up the pace, moving to the next set of stairs. Her strange guide waved at her to follow him down. They stayed close to the edge, getting to the next floor.
He rushed over to a pile of moss, kicking it three times. After the third, he dashed outside. Vesper followed, keeping an eye on the green mound. It began to quiver, shaking violently before exploding outward. A silvery, eel-like head popped up letting out a high-pitched scream.
"What the hell was that?" Gunny asked. "What did you do?"
"That wasn't me," Vesper replied. She got outside, pressing her back against the wall. Her pulse raced. Seeing one of those monsters up close and personal scared the hell out of her. She fought to catch her breath. "One of those things they found... this guy summoned it up for some reason."
"Probably covering you," Hans said. "Where's your buddy now?"
Vesper looked all around. The black-clad soldier was nowhere to be found. "I don't know. He's gone."
"Stay put," Gunny replied. "We'll get you out of there."
"That thing is on the other side of this wall!" Vesper replied. "I'm not exactly thrilled at the idea of being eaten by this thing!"
"I think it's going upstairs," Essa said. "Yes! Listen!"
Screams and gunshots from inside filled the air. Vesper risked a look, watching as the waddling, fat body made its way to the next floor. The enemy seemed to engage it. Shots hit the walls around it but whatever they were up to didn't seem to deter the monster all that much.
Jesus Christ... no wonder this place is deserted. Vesper looked around. She seemed to be alone in the courtyard. No other enemy forces were around. At least I'm safe for the moment. Part of her wanted to join Hans and Alon. If they go in the building, they might have to face that thing eventually.
"I'm on the move," Vesper said. "Rendezvousing with Hans and Alon."
"Seems clear," Gunny replied. "Make it fast, kid. Don't get caught out in the open longer than you have to. We'll catch up to you soon."
Yeah, maybe. Your burden is worse than mine. Vesper drew a quick breath and left her cover, running across the way. If that monster's distracting them, this should be a piece of cake. As bullets ricocheted off the ground near her feet, she cursed. Well, never mind. Goddamn bad luck!
