Prologue
"Humans… what blundering idiots we are. The first contact we have with another sentient race? We blow them out of the sky. Now we sit here as the Turians pound us into submission and we cannot do anything about it. Guess who has to deal with all this? Me. In a matter of days, they will overwhelm us and take the planet and the blame will fall on me for this failure. No, I will not be viewed as a failure. Shanxi will not fall."
General Williams dug his fingers into his palms at the fact he could do nothing to sway the war into his favor, this fact alone stressed him more than anything. Running his fingers through his hair attempting to hide the grey streaks that shown through the blackness. His hands working down and straightened out his gig line; systematically checking his buttons, creases, and folds making sure everything was in their proper place. Pulling his face closer to the window he examined his features, crows feet stretched out from his eyes as wrinkles made their impressions across his face almost as proportionate as the scar that ran from his forehead to his jaw line barely missing his eye.
"I hope these Turians burn in hell," he growled out to himself.
As he was perfecting the last bit of his appearance, Commander Adoster burst into the war room holding a data pad. His pale complexion and frantic demeanor, he attempted to speak in between his gasps for air to no avail. Williams watched as the Commander pulled at the bottom of his blouse and slowly began to make his approach.
"Out with it, Commander!" Williams boomed.
Adoster quickly pulled himself together and gave his report.
"Sir, we have reports from our scouts that the Turians are preparing for the final stage of their campaign."
"So they believe they can finish us off that quick do they?" Williams mumbled to himself.
"Sir?" Adoster questioned seeing the generals lips move.
This cannot be happening! First we lose Fenyang two days ago to those bastards and within hours they have established a base. In just 30 clicks lies the last standing defensive position on Shanxi at Pingyoa. If we lose Pingyoa we lose the planet and in turn forcing me to surrender. I will go down in history as the first human to surrender a planet, I cannot let this happen!
"Commander we will have to meet them face to face. I have no intentions on surrendering this planet," Williams stated as he turned to face the Commander.
"Sir, what is your plan?"
"Honestly I do not know," Williams breathed out. He leaned over the holomap as his weary eyes began to search for any hope of survival.
Williams had to find a way out of the corner that he was in now. He scanned the map for what felt like the umpteenth time, looking for an oversight on the Turians part. To the north of Pingyoa lay Fenyang was a vast no mans land that stretched for roughly 25 clicks. If we could cross this, what could we do?
To the south of Fenyang lie thick forest, which would provide excellent coverage for his troops to launch an ambush however he knew an ambush on a Turian army that probably numbered in the thousands would only be scratching the surface. He needed something with more power to blow them away.
"Damn it there has to be a way," he thundered, breaking melodic stride as he slammed his fist on the edge of the holomap.
Ha! Mortars will do. They are mobile and we can deploy them very quickly however where can we place them so they can do the most damage? He continued to nurture the idea as he scanned the terrain over and over again. Then something caught his eye looking back to it he saw a small clearing on a ridge that over looked Fenyang shrouded by thick forest.
As he continued to analyze the features of the surrounding area the idea solidified more and more. It was enough of a clearing to set up three mortar teams and lay waste to the Turian stronghold. The position itself was easily defendable if the Turians attempted a frontal assault; they would have the higher ground and would easily be able to hold them for awhile. In conjunction with the thick grove in the under lying area the marines could fortify themselves from a rear assault making it hell for them to be flushed out.
"Commander! Here is where we will strike,"
"Sir, you will probably need to elaborate more for me," the commander stated as he bet over to study the holomap more thoroughly.
"4 marine fire teams will take Makos over the dead man zone to mitigate detection. As they secure this ridge we will send 3 mortar teams to bombard the Turians forward base," he soundly stated as he rubbed his fore finger and thumb across his chin marveling at his military brilliance.
"Sir, we will need at best a garrison to take to ridge," the commander shot back, not completely sold on the plan.
"Who's in charge of them?" the general asked dismissing Commander Adoster's question entirely.
"Sir, that would be Lieutenant Kratt he's in charge of what's left of the 52 expeditionary strike group," he muttered out, completely baffled by the general's drastic oversight on this.
"Bring him here; we will need to debrief him," he proclaimed wanting to share his new brilliant plan with others.
"Pin him!" the crowd of on looking marines roared as two men squabbled in front of them.
The only way they could release their frustrations and not kill each other was though sparing. Most of the garrison would show up, at least those who were not on watch, to indulge in something to separate themselves from the war that they were losing. Anticipation mounted as the Kane lifted Thonan high into the air. Since Thonan was the smaller marine, he clung to any part of Kanes shirt he could grasp as he braced for his violent descent back to the ground. Kane smiled at the Thonan as he left his feet, allowing gravity take full effect on his weight. Upon impact a muffled thud was heard as all the air in Thonans lungs were instantly purged.
To the roar of the crowds the Thonan quickly recovered, grappling with the Kane, and locking his ankles behind the marines back, pulling his head close to his chest not allowing him to gain advantage from inside his guard. With every passing moment the Kanes breath became more and more labored as sweat and dirt clung to their skins.
"Jaysh, did you hear what the Turians did?" Gunnery Chief Chandler whispered, nudging the Lieutenant to draw his attention.
"No but apparently you're going to tell me," he simply stated, chuckling at his witty remark as he witnessed the bigger marine pick up the smaller one slamming him to the ground break his lock.
"They are preparing for their final assault it's only a matter of time before Shanxi falls," Chandler hissed though his teeth, pressing the issue but attempting to keep it at a whisper.
"Well I'll believe it went I see it," Jaysh replied, it was just smoke pit nonsense and he quickly dismissed it.
Kane became more and more winded as his defenses began to break down, affording Thonan an opportunity to slide onto his back to gain an advantage. To everyone dismay, he successfully shot for the gap under his arm wrapping his arm around his neck locking his feet around his waist, pulling back with all his might. Scrapping at the smaller marines arms, attempting to free his neck, as his breathes became more and more shallow.
As everyone was on their feet, witnessing the marines face turning bright red surely succumbing to unconsciousness, someone from the crowd shouted "attention on deck!"
Instantly, everyone snapped to attention as the commander Adoster approached the group of marines. "I guess this spineless ass will tell me then."
"Lieutenant, it's nice to see that your keeping your men occupied," with sarcasm in his voice, as his eyes ventured over to the muddy marines that were previously sparing.
"Sir, it's just what we marines do when we have down time keeps us motivated."
"Very well, general Williams request your presences in the war room immediately," Commander Adoster crisply stated, as he returned the salute.
"Very well sir," He said, dropping his salute and falling into pace with the commander as they made their way towards the generals war room.
What the hell does the general want from me? It was well know that general Williams did not enjoy the company of people strictly speaking with his higher ups, allowing them to delegate his commands to his subordinates. Maybe he's trying to consult with me on what he should do next since all of his previous plans have been disastrous. Breaking his thought, as oncoming marines saluted the officers; they had finally reached the war room.
As Jaysh's eyes adjusted to the rooms lighting, he spotted the general hovering over the holomap. To his disbelief, the general did not look like the man in all the holovids. This man was haggard; the holomap illumining the hard etched lines in his face. Still hunched over the holomap he paid no heed to the men that entered.
Seeing that the commander wasn't going to say anything, Jaysh cleared his throat and mustered an authoritative voice, "Sir, you requested my presence?"
"Yes, I need you and your marines for a mission," the general coldly stated, his eyes never venturing to far from the map.
"What do you need the 52nd to do, sir?" Jaysh questioned, something about this made him squirm in his armor.
General Williams pointed to a spot on the holomap where an objective marker materialized, "I need you to capture this ridge here; this will allow the opportunity to strike before the final assault."
'I'll be damn Chandler was right!' To his own dismay, the Turians were preparing for the final assault, and they were a hell of a lot closer than he would of like. Seeing that it was time for action, he noticed the ridge that the general had previously pointed out. Tracing it back to where the base was, he could see about 25 clicks of dead man zone.
"General… sir, how are we supposed to get their across that?"
"Lieutenant, you and 4 fire teams with traverse across this patch of land in makos until you reach this point," as he finished his statement, Jaysh witnessing a virtual play through of the mission on the map.
"Here you and your fire teams with clear the forest, until you reach this ridge and radio back to base that it is secured, copy?" Williams questioned, fixing his eyes upon Jaysh gauging his reaching.
"Sir, with all due respect, that's madness, it will be a slaughter, I can't condone this we have no cover, no intel, and on top of all that how are we going to cross 25 clicks of open terrain and not be noticed," he shot back, as his voice began to fluster a bit, giving away his idea of the general's plan of lack their of.
"Lieutenant, it's a necessary risk, we have to take I need this ridge so we can launch our mortars onto their position, hopefully buying us some time to regroup," the general retorted, pressing the issue trying to convince the Lieutenant and partially himself.
"Sir, I will not send my men to their deaths, my job is to keep them alive," Jaysh shot back, not suppressing his tempter.
"What do you think I'm doing? I'm trying to save a planet, if I have to sacrifice a division I will," Williams growled, turning to the lieutenant causing the tension climax.
"I will not do it, sir!" Jaysh snapped, causing his finger to fly up into the general's face.
"Attention!" He bellowed, with pure rage, as he was flabbergasted by the lieutenant's gesture. Jaysh and the commander Adoster instantly snap to attention, as Jaysh now to into account what he just did.
"Lieutenant, must I remind you of your goddamn military bearing," Williams iterated his voice emotionless, as a pistol appeared in his hand.
"I need that ridge or I will I have to find someone that will," Williams coldly stated, resting the barrel on his chest.
"Sir, it will be done!" crisply saluting, seeing that he would rather die fighting than being shot for saying no.
"You are dismissed, lieutenant," Williams harshly grinded out, turning his back to him continuing his studying of the holomap, setting in the message that there will be no further discussion on this matter.
Jaysh taking the hint turned and stormed out of the war room. 'How the hell am I going to break the news to my guys?' The severity of the situation and weight of the lives that he will have to sacrifice tormented his concisions. Pressing his fingers into his temples, attempting to alleviate the insuring headache he left the building making his way back to his unit.
"What did the general say?" Chief Chandler questioned, noticing his discomfort.
"Gather the troops I need to debrief them," Jaysh retorted, waving off chief's question.
"Will do, sir!" With a sharp whistle, he grabbed the marine's attention he wave for them to come over.
The marines quickly made their way over forming ranks in front of the lieutenant. Jaysh began to study every face in the formation noticing trepidation in many their eyes. Word spread fast and they all knew their situation was bad the Turians have been driving them back without a single victory to call their own. 'Like hell that's going to change!'
"Marines, the general have tasked us with securing a ridge that overlooks the Turians forward camp, this is where they are staging the final assault," the last words resonating in the air, as it carried an unbearable weight, as he saw his troops shifting uneasily or looking at each other with defeated looks.
"Those bastards have been pushing us back since day one. This is the first intelligent race that humanity has encountered and they are kicking our ass!" Jaysh blared, the sharpness in the voice drawing the marine's attention back to him.
"Are we not marines? The best trained soldiers the alliance has to offer, so why the hell are we getting our asses kick by these bastards? I'll tell you why, it's because we have not been giving the opportunity to strike back, now we have that opportunity, and I am going to take that goddamn opportunity. Let us show these Turian bastards, that we will not go out quietly that we will die swing. As marines, no no as humans, let's show these Turians our tenacity, that they picked a fight with the wrong race!" he roared, as his marines echoed with their cheers; it was a fight they wanted, he was sure as hell going to give them one.
The following morning the marines made their way out of camp. The crispness of the night still hung in the air, as they prepared for the up coming battle clearing their weapons and donning their armor. Stillness was the prominent feature of the morning, as no one uttered a word, as they piled into the makos that would take them to the edge of the forest. Jaysh taking the opportunity to clarify the commands, clicked over to a private channel for the chiefs and himself.
"Chief Chandler, you will take Foxtrot fire team up the south side, about half a click and secure point alpha, make have a wide berth so we can spot any Turian movements. Chief Vicster, you will take Echo fire team up the north side, about half a click and secure point bravo do the same as foxtrot. I will take Zulu and Hotel up the middle sweeping the area of Turian patrols. You are free to release weapons, good luck gentlemen."
The makos thundered over the dead man zone, hitting every blast cavity, and debris along the way making the ride much more arbores. The marines inside attempted to brace themselves the best they could, as they bounced and shook violently. Jaysh noticing the faces of his men, defeat was painted across each one this only instilled rage in him.
"Marines, why the hell do you already look defeated, and we haven't fired a single shot. Take this opportunity to stand, and fight, instead of dyeing on your knees. I know if I die, that I'm taking as many as those bastards, as I can I implore you to do the same," he roared over the machines, fuelled with rage as the marines began to feed of it preparing for the ensuing battle.
The roar of the engines began to die down; as did the violent shaking meaning that, they were close to the drop off point. His palms began to sweat, as his head began to swim. Taking in deep breathes, in an attempt to prepare himself the best he could for deaths embrace. Gripping his rifle, he glared at the light at the loading bay door waiting for the green.
As the green light flashed into existence, his heart leapt to his throat. The anticipation coming to a climax as adrenaline began to course through his veins, "Let's give them hell, marines!"
Kicking the door mechanism, ejecting the bay door, marines began to pour out keeping their heads low. With their war cries the broke for the tree line waiting for all hell to break lose. To their dismay, nothing happened looking flabbergasted at each other, spirits began to rise at the ease of the mission so far.
Jaysh ordering his troops into formation; slowly they formed a line, and began to press forward to clearing the forest of enemy troops. Inch by inch they scanned the forest looking for any Turians. Jaysh notice the eerie stillness of the forest, as he scanned the canopy, his subconscious screaming at him to get the hell out of there!
"Chiefs, have you spotted anything yet?" Jaysh whispered into the mic, trying to confirm his suspicions that something was amiss.
"Negative sir, we are almost to our objective point, about half a click away," Chandler reported.
"Echo is the same LT, nothing to report; however I have a bad feeling though," Vicster reported.
"I know keep your heads on a swivel, they could be anywhere."
As the sun reached its climax in the sky, it shone through the canopy bathing the forest in an eerie orange glow making the mission that more ominous. Only a couple meters away were the ridge line, Jaysh began to search behind him for any signs of distress This was way too easy. He contemplated to himself over his thumping heart beat.
"You three secure the ridge, and get eyes on the base I need to know movements," he ordered, pointing to the ridge.
As the selected marines busted through the tree line and began to ascend the ridge, Jaysh wheeled around and began to order marines into defensive positions. There was nothing about this mission that gave him any warm fuzzy feelings. As all the marines took their places, he made his ascension to the ridge.
Once he was at the ledge with his fellow marines, he pulled out his binos and began to survey the base. He spotted scores of Turians in formations moving about as ones on massive war machines ordered their subordinates about. Damn, they are mobilizing faster than we anticipated he thought, the general was right, now was the best time for them to strike.
"Radio in for the mortar teams to arrive, we secured the ridge," Jaysh ordered, pointing at one of the marines on the ridge.
"Will do; sir!" As his data pad flared to life, he began systematically punching in the proper encryption keys.
As Jaysh was about to turn, and take tabs on the enemy's movements, an ear shattering wail came over the net. Ripping his helmet off, he began to frantically rub his ear, to elevate the pain, broken screams were heard emanating from his helmet. The other marines on the ridge with him stared at him, with sheer terror in their eyes, as they too must have heard the screams.
"We are… being… shelled…. I repeat… shelled!" Was all he could make out, between the blood churning screams, and curses of his fellow marine's.
"Chief; was going on status report!" Screaming into his mic, as he frantically looked about trying to make sense of the situation.
"It's… ambush… fire team… wiped out… waiting for us," after that, static was all that was heard on the line.
"Chief Chandler report! REPORT DAMN IT!" Nothing was heard, disbelief shrouded his thoughts at how quickly this had turned, and then something clicked that they were next.
As he wheeled around to order his marines to take cover, a shell went off in front of him sending him into the air. Upon his return, he hit and bounced to the ledge. Digging his fingers into the soil, he tried to slow his decent as gravity took a hold of him. Clawing frantically as the ground gave out, he felt the vice grip of someone on his hand.
"Sir, you're not going to die that easily," Corporal Thonan shouted, over the ringing in his ears.
As he pulled him up, Jaysh tried to scrap for purchase attempting to speed up his retrieval. Once his mid-section was over the lip, he rolled onto his back adrenaline coursing through his veins, as he looked at the marine, and tried to say thank you.
The marine only nodded in acceptance of Jaysh's thanks. As he was pulling him to his feet, his head violently turned as blood sprayed Jaysh's face. Whipping his head away to avoid the plethora of blood, he felt the marine's body go limp dropping him to the ground.
"Nooo damn it!" He cried out, as he turned the marine to face him.
Jaysh immediately regretted his decision, as gazed upon half of corporal Thonan's face, and the void that was ripped apart in the latter half. His cold lifeless eye bored into his soul, as did the image of the marines face. His stomach immediately turned, as it spilled its contents next to where he laid.
Still dwelling on Thonans death, his head was hammered by a stray round, jarring his head. Pulling his head back together he grabbed his rifle and broke for the tree line through the blasts of the incoming shells. Leaping over a fallen tree he slid into a crewed foxhole dug by a couple of marines.
They jumped as he landed at the bottom bring their rifles to bear on him. His hands shot up praying that they would not shoot him. Luckily they were still clear headed however there was fear in their eyes as they ducked at every explosion around them. He could see that they were trying to tell him something but all he could hear was his ears ringing and explosions.
"Sirrr… attack….don't know… nowhere!" Was all he could make out but that was all he needed.
Pulling his rifle to his shoulder he moved towards the front of the foxhole hoping to see one of those Turian bastards that slaughtered his men. His efforts were fruitful as he spotted one a couple of meters away searching for his targets Jaysh gave his trigger a squeeze as a burst flew out of his rifle.
The Turians head whipped towards the sound of the rifle to his demise as a round passed through his chest and another his shoulder. As the Turian violently turned opposite directions the final round passed through his head as a spectacle of blood and gore bestrewed out the back of his head instantly making his body go limp.
That one was for you Thonan. A slight grimace appeared on his face as he remembered his fallen marine. Searching for his next target he noticed out of the corner of his eye one of the marines taking position next to him. Looking the other direction he noticed the other holding his rifle shaking his head.
Jaysh reached down and seized the marine's armor and ripped him up next to him. He was violently shaking as he became petrified from the events that were unfolding around him. Jaysh had enough and slapped the marine upside his head hoping to break him of his terror. This apparently worked as the marine shook his head and began to put rounds down range.
With every Turian that passed through their vicinity meet their demise as round after round passed through their body. As they began to feel that they were making a dent more and more Turians began to bear down on their position. Their barrels were glowing red as more and more Turians fell to their onslaught.
One successfully rushed their position leaping over them. Jaysh rolled onto his back spaying the Turian with a hailstorm of rounds. His body violently convulsed as the Turians blood painted the area. Returning to his position he noticed one of his marines was lying very still. Grabbing his armor shaking him as he shook his face rolled up revealing a massive void in the middle of his forehead.
Slamming his fist on the ground cursing for losing another marine under his watch letting his guard down for only a split second. It was all the time the Turians needed as they swarmed their position. One managed to get close enough to rip his last marine out of the fox hole by his armor.
A bone chilling scream could be heard as he rose into the air and was instantly silenced as round after round torn his body asunder. Jaysh in horror witnessed helplessly as his marine's final breathes passed his lips as they dropped him to the ground. As he hit his blank stare fell upon Jaysh as he met his eyes he had failed them.
At that moment he was ripped up by his armor as a Turian seized his throat. Staring him down he wanted to show no fear has he stared into the Turians cold blue eyes. The Turians mandibles flared as he produced a knife from his back. Before he was about to plunge it into him he heard a Turians voice causing his executioner to yield.
"Leave him alive we will have use for him later," the other Turian that appeared ordered.
The Turian that had his throat let out a muffled swear as he returned his gaze to him. Pulling him close he produced what Jaysh could believe to be a smile before he spoke.
"Here's something to remember me by," his voice was as cold as ice as he drove his knife deep into his side.
Authors Note
Please comment and review be it positive or negative. Also write if you like my idea and want me to continue!