The weapons in this were taken or were based off units from the game, Tom Clancy's Endwar and as such belongs to Ubisoft.
The individual chars however are property of me and Cydra.
Collins was originally the property of KnightCommander who helped me testrun this story when it was being test posted on a forum and is used with his permission
Third energy chronicles
Chapter 6
'It doesn't seem possible. My own countrymen are causing this. If I hadn't seen the footage...or been at Fort Teller I'd have called the Commander a liar. As I write this entry, I'm sitting in the basement of a truck stop...
Outside, the rift storms that the...thing that we saw at Teller is raging. I've been listening to Enclave comm traffic...it sounds like a nightmare...
Extract from Log of Lt Cmdr Christiphor Anderson, Enclave 21st Recon...
Everyone was having trouble coping with what they had seen. It wasn't so much as feeling despair as they were feeling denial. I mean, who would admit to themselves that they saw a real live fire-breathing dragon?
"Ok...maybe it was just a mutant...something cooked up like those hybrids," said Matt.
"Maybe it was just a robot wearing an organic-looking shell or something," said Techo.
"I don't think so. I doubt there's enough post-black months tech around to make something even half that size," said Matt, remembering how close he'd gotten, "Anyway...robots don't breathe."
"Ok, so maybe it's some sort of dinosaur-mismatch-monster-thing," said Wilson, "But then how would it be able to breathe fire?"
"I don't know and I don't care. I think we can safely say the Enclave is up to something," said Matt, in a shaking voice.
"Oh, no question about that," said Collins, "They're probably breaking every rule set by the Geneva Convention now."
"The Coalition'll have to listen when we throw this in their face," said Matt. Striker made a whining noise as another crack of thunder that more resembled an explosion was heard, even through the roof of the basement. Matt turned to Chris who had been silent, "I know you're listening to your radio. What're your mates up to?"
"Hard to say," said Chris, "The storm's messing up the signals."
"What can you make out? Are they after us?" said Matt.
Chris shook his head. "All I can make out is that most of its coming over the emergency frequencies," he said
"Why would they need to be using emergency frequencies in their home country? Unless..." started Wilson.
Chris said, "Don't say it. That overgrown gecko won't beat us. Hell, I doubt whatever was going on the fort was legal anyway."
"Then why were the big bosses landing there?" asked Collins.
"Maybe they were shutting it down? Hell, I dunno," said Chris angrily.
"I hope so," said Techo, "Fighting that thing's gonna be hard enough without the Enclave backing it up."
Matt looked over at where Striker had curled up next to Megan. "We have to get out of here. If this is gonna turn into civil war central, we want to be well out of the way," he said
"Way ahead of you," said Techo, "As soon as the storm lets up, we are motoring back to Seattle and getting back to the safe side of the Pacific."
Matt looked at Chris before pulling him aside. "I've heard about the Enclave's view of ghost town looters...what'll they do to Megan?" he said
"I think that'll come second to how they'll react to her...you know," said Chris, waving a hand in front of his eyes.
Matt said, "Well, that's settled. She's coming too. The Coalition are much more welcoming of her...condition and have doctors who might even be able to cure her."
Chris nodded, "Never had a thought about leaving her behind anyways."
"Glad to see we're on the same page," said Matt, before picking up his rifle. "We should try to make a move soon. That storm won't let up before whatever's going on catches up with us," he added.
"You think that storm will hold it back as well?" asked Collins, "I mean, nothing's invulnerable to that kind of storm, right?"
"I have a feeling about that flying...thing. I don't think it'll be bothered by the storm," said Matt.
…
Meanwhile, Malefor was conversing with his new generals. They were smaller and lankier than he'd like, but that will soon change. "These humans...so weak," he said, looking at a crystal that showed an image of his resurrected grublins and new 'drakid' humanoids rampaging into a Enclave base nearby.
"They will be harder to defeat then the Elders were," said one of his generals, Shard. As if on cue, the drakids in view shuddered before falling soundlessly, an Enclave 'Razorback' APC driving into view and firing its cannon.
"Sir, if I may be so bold," said another of his generals, Raptor, "We should focus our forces on the Enclave headquarters in New York City. They're bound to be trouble at one point, more likely soon than later."
Avarona in the corner said, "Yes...That is their center of power. Their remaining leaders will be there. It would also allow you to send your...control throughout their entire communications. You would win without even a shot fired."
"True, but there's no glory in that, is there?" said Malefor.
"It is sadly, quite possible that, once they get over the storms and the fact of reptile men, that they will take decisive steps," said Avarona, "It will be simpler to cut the head off the snake before it can strike."
"Preemptive measures should be taken," said Malefor, "Specifically, to squelch any chance of rebellion surfacing or perhaps from news leaking across the sea."
"That may be hard. Your control spell even if transmitted won't reach all their civilians. We will need to take steps to control the countryside...as well as find those humans who escaped from the fort," said Avarona.
"Yes, those humans," said Malefor thoughtfully, "Those were soldiers from the other nations, were they not?"
"From across the sea. My host's memories refer to them as a scavenger nation called Vulture Brigade...extremely well equipped but they rely on their neighbors, the Coalition, for their food and water," said Avarona.
"Then it would be for the best that do not return to tell others about us before we are ready," said Malefor.
"They will be swept up once we have control of the Enclave. It will take several days for them to get to the closest dock," said Avarona.
Malefor said, "Then that is more reason to crush the current resistance."
"Sir, are you certain this is the most prudent course of action?" asked Shard.
"I will not leave loose ends this time," said Malefor, getting up, "Let us visit this 'New York'."
…
Eventually, the group decided to have a look outside, just to see how bad the storm was. The storm had stopped discharging rift lightning but the rain had continued to fall. "This rain won't be stopping any time soon. We need to move," said Matt.
"Well, at least it's ordinary water," said Techo, "Not any freaky radioactive rain."
There was a yell from the direction of the truck stop and the group turned to see Megan being dragged back. "We caught her trying to slip away, sir," said one of the troopers.
Matt sighed and said, "We don't have time to play 'cops and robbers'."
"Hey, I just don't want to be caught in the crossfire," said Megan, "You do realize that you're on the top of the Enclave's most wanted list now, right?"
"Yeah...tell me. If they can remember our faces, what about yours?" said Matt with an evil grin.
"Like it's welcome in society anyways," said Megan sourly.
"Well, here's your choice. Come with us and only probably get shot escaping...or stay and definitely get shot or eaten by the flying gecko with attitude," said Techo.
"I'm better at hiding than you think," said Megan, "Besides, how do I know I won't get shot back where you guys come from?"
"The Coalition'll welcome you. They've done alot of research into reversing Third Energy mutations," said Techo.
"Did they ever see anybody as bad as me?" asked Megan, gesturing with her extra arms to emphasize, "Look. Just let me go. I'll just slow you down."
Matt said, "How do I know you wouldn't sell out our route for a good deal?"
Megan hesitated for a minute before sighing and saying, "You can't."
"Then you're coming with us..." said Matt before glaring and raising his rifle, "Or going nowhere." Megan may not be able to baldface-lie, but Matt certainly could. Of course, he wasn't that great with following up bluffs, but Megan didn't know that.
Megan glared at Matt. "Looks like I don't have a choice...do I?" she said.
Matt nodded, "Yeah. Now everyone in the truck. We got a long ride ahead of us."
As Megan got into the truck, Chris marched up to Matt and said, "I thought we were going to treat her properly."
"We are," said Matt.
"And threatening to shoot her is counted as proper?" demanded Chris.
"I never actually said I would fire," said Matt, "And practically any place can be called 'nowhere'."
Chris rolled his eyes as Matt climbed into the truck. "Fine line you're treading," he said to himself before checking the comm, only to hear a strange shrieking noise. Chris winced and said, "That'll give you an earache," before switching it off.
…
The gang was naturally jumpy as they drove through the countryside. They couldn't shake the worry that it was alot more...populated then the first time they had driven through.
"Say Chris, have they set an APB for us yet?" asked Matt.
Chris sighed. He and his men were probably already listed as traitors so... "Sure, why not? You only get executed once," he said, plugging his comm. into the trucks radio and tuning it in.
'...and all divisions are to send in their damage reports ASAP...' said a voice.
Chris said with a grin, "Hmm...looks like Mr. Lizard will be supplying the Enclave with boots for many years to come."
"Hope so," said Matt, "Hate to see what it would have done back in Russia."
The voice continued, 'All units are reminded that pacification of any units that missed our lord's transmission is to be completed by 15:00 hours.'
Matt said, "What's with 'Our lord'? I know that the Enclave leadership have ego's the size of a seabase carrier but that's new even for them."
"I'm a bit more worried about that transmission," said Chris, "All I got earlier was that shrieking static."
"I think we should try to go much faster. I have a bad feeling who this 'lord' might be," said Matt.
"Oh please," said Wilson, "You don't think that lizard thing has mind control powers, do you?"
Just then, a deep voice spoke through the radio, "My people, I am your Lord and Dark Master. Repent your discrepancies against nature and you shall ascend to a greater race."
Matt and Chris exchanged looks. "Dark Master? Who does this guy think he is, Darth Vader?" said Techo.
"There may be some among you who may doubt my power out of ignorance. Your doubts shall be put aside as I prove myself by claiming your forsaken cities," said the voice.
Matt said, "Oh boy...Collins..." he said, turning to Collins who was driving, "Pedal faster...I think we should end this field trip."
"Pushing it to the limits," said Collins before flooring it.
...
The highways weren't exactly in top condition, but they served the small convoy enough for them to gun it to Seattle as fast as they could. The locals were surprised to see them in such a hurry. Sure, the newcomers had helped deal with the gun runners but they were still suspected. Kala and a small group watched as the newcomer's camp at the docks was suddenly a hive of activity.
"Huh...wonder what's spooked them?" said a member of the Seattle Fishers, a group who lived further down the coast area of the city.
"Considering how well-armed they are and the way they took care of the Gun Runners, probably nothing we want to tangle with," said another.
Another person, part of a tribe that lived in one of the old communication centers, said, "Huh...maybe they're spooked by this 'dark master' guy who was spamming the airwaves all night?"
"The dark what?" asked Kala.
"Some total nutjob," said the guy who had mentioned it, "Apparently he's promised to retake the old cities."
"Doesn't Seattle fall under that category?" asked Kala.
"It's probably just big talk. We don't need them stomping about. They had their chance to help," said the Seattle Fishers member.
"They've got rid of the Gun Runners. Isn't that enough to know they're trustworthy?" asked Kala.
"Bigger fish feed on big fish," said the Seattle Fisher, "Doesn't make the bigger fish any tamer."
One of the group said, "Huh...maybe they bit off more than they could chew with the Enclave. They are using Russian tech...damn commies."
"If that hadn't come here, we would still have to put up with the Runners," said Kala.
"Huh...I suppose," said the 'commie' hater.
One of Kala's clan ran up at that. "Kala...the clan leader wants everyone back. Something's coming up the old highway," he said.
"More trucks?" asked the Fisher, "Traffic's started to pick up, suspiciously fast."
"No...looks like an army...choppers, tanks...and there's...something weird about their leader," said the messenger.
"I think we need to hear it as we go," said Kala.
"That's the problem...some of Carver's old men are talking to them," said the messenger.
…
Avarona was waiting in her military humvee for the residents' representatives to present themselves so she can enlighten them to the better nature of the dragon. Her master had fully enlightened her and even now she felt the heart of a dragoness in her. She squirmed a bit, feeling uncomfortable in this lowly human form.
The radio on the humvee's dashboard buzzed and a voice from a scout said, "Armed civvies...coming up the highway. Looks like S.W.A.T issue assault rifles...orders?"
"We shall give them a chance," said Avarona, "If they have any sense, they'll surrender to us. Otherwise, we shall roll over them and into their city."
The lead figure walked into view. "Who goes there?" he called out.
"The emissaries of the Dark Master and one of his Generals," said Avarona through a loudspeaker.
One of them turned to the other and said, "I thought that was just some mumbo jumbo junk."
Andrews had been one of Carver's lieutenants. "I don't care who they are. I say we point them towards those assholes who killed the boss," he said, "You see the kind of boomsticks these guys have? Why settle for sitting back when we hop aboard the power wagon?"
"I dunno, man. These guys are government. I don't think..." said one of them.
Andrews said, "Exactly...you didn't think...that's why I do that for you," before he walked forward. "Man, I'm glad you're here," he called
"Is that so?" called Avarona.
"We used to be in charge here till some people from Europe came and took over," said Andrews.
"They wouldn't happen to bearing the insignia of the Vulture Brigade, would they?" called Avarona.
"Vulture bri...yah, I think that's what their leader called his little group," said Andrews.
"Ah, we have been pursuing a group like that," said Avarona, "Do you know where they are?"
Andrews said, "What's in it for us?"
"What is your name?" asked Avarona.
Andrews said, "Andrews...what's yours, sweetie?"
"I am General Avarona, second-in-command to the Dark Master," came Avarona's reply with a notable trace of annoyance in her voice.
Andrews sighed, "You military are so uptight. You should learn to unwind. Now what about this reward?"
"There is a new world order dawning and you can secure yourselves a roster within it," said Avarona.
"Hmm... how good would this 'roster' be?" asked Andrews.
Avarona got out of the humvee and said, "You would be...what's the human word 'at the top of the pile'...so to speak."
"Looks good, er, sounds good to me," said Andrews, "Sign us up."
Avarona smirked. "I'm afraid only the leader can...ascend...but all higher ups need people to command," she said, coldly. If Andrews had paid attention, he would have seen how Avarona's men were giving them...room.
"Well, as the leader of the Gun Runners, I think I could provide a big advantage," said Andrews.
"Very well..." said Avarona before pulling what looked like a shard of crystal from a pouch on her belt.
"What's with the rock?" asked Andrews.
"Your ascension," said Avarona before smashing the crystal at the feet of Andrews and his men.
…
Some distance away, a small group of people were watching the interaction from afar. "What are they all doing?" asked one of them.
"I don't know, I was expecting to see fireworks three minutes ago," said another.
"I dunno...maybe we should go to the fireballers...tell em about this?" said another.
A third said, "Are you nuts? We don't want anything to do with the tri..." They were cut off as a blaze of energy came from the group, hiding them from view.
The energy wave soon faded away, revealing several reptilian beings who stood where the humans formerly did, wearing what remained of their clothes. It also revealed a larger quadruped version. "Bloody hell," said one of the trio.
The dragon shook his head and said, "Man, that was some flash."
The human in the uniform said, "Very good... This city now belongs to our master. Prove your worth and take these men, purge any rebellion from this place. And remember...they're only human."
Andrews paused as his personality was altered to better suit his new life. "As you command, General Avarona," he said.
The trio gulped as the creature Andrews had become began looking around before focusing on them. "Oh god," said one of the trio faintly before Andrews opened his new jaws and spat a fireball at them
…
"Get those tanks onto the ship...NOW!" Matt yelled before turning to see Kala and the elder of Kala's tribe. "Look...not a good time."
"Matt, we think your presence may be further required here," said the elder.
"No...we gotta leave. This info we got has to go to the Coalition otherwise we're all in trouble. You can handle those thugs now Carver's dead," said Matt.
"Carver may be dead, but he's left a big legacy," said Kala.
"You can handle him. Most of his gang surrendered and they're leaderless anyway. Nothing's going to..." began Matt before seeing a flash behind the skyscrapers and feeling the ground shake. "What the hell?" he said before his radio buzzed, one of his tank units on the other end.
"This is Manticore...we got Enclave tanks coming up main street...they're shooting everyone."
"Oh great," said Matt, "The one day the Enclave decide to be busy."
"Sir...most of the civvies are headed for you," said Manticore's team leader.
"Uh, is that heading for me in an 'angry mob' fashion or 'seeking the biggest guy to hide behind' fashion?" asked Matt.
"Could be both. So far we've only had UAV sightings of the enclave units. Requesting permission to engage," said Manticore.
"Permission granted, but only target hostile forces. Civilians are to be given wide berth," said Matt.
…
In downtown Seattle was utter mayhem. Avarona's forces were shooting at anyone they saw on the streets and firing rounds into buildings. Avarona watched with certain pride as the newest convert used a fire blast to clear out a building before she saw two APC's roll round a corner...and be blown apart as the tanks waiting round the corner fired point blank.
"It's almost a pity that happened," said Avarona, "Conquest without contest does not content."
The rest of the APC unit tried to get into range before a missile blew them apart. Two choppers, sporting VB insignia flew past before spraying the enclave infantry with machine gun fire. Avarona barely had time to block a hail of rounds. "Of course...it can also be annoying," she said angrily as her men tried to prioritize the new targets, ignoring the civilians who took the opportunity to run.
"Those vultures have the arrogance to attack me?" snarled Avarona. She glared as another chopper flew overhead before realizing what the attackers' main objective was as her men let a half dozen civilians escape from a building and run in the direction of the docks. "You idiots!" she yelled.
...
At the docks, things more or less had devolved into total pandemonium. Every tribe in the city was scrambling for shelter here, particularly in the ships.
Alot had also flocked to the only working ship there...Vulture Brigade's. Matt's men had their hands full, keeping them from mobbing the ship. Matt was yelling over the noise, "We don't have enough room for you all! The ship will sink if we try to carry you all on board." Naturally, most of them did not listen and tried to push on anyways.
Matt finally snatched a rifle off a trooper and fired into the air in an attempt to get some attention. That made the civilians back off, if nothing else. "We do not have enough room for everyone on the ship! It will be easier for you to head down the coast away from the city! They are heading up through downtown and have probably left the southern exits unguarded!" yelled Matt.
A large majority of the mob started heading south, pushing as fast as they could. A large group however wasn't going, either injured in the rush or unwilling to leave those who were injured. Matt sighed as the remnants looked worried as the sounds of battle got closer.
"Matt, not everyone's lucky," said Kala, "These people have nowhere else to go to."
A trooper said, "We could manage this number on the ship."
Matt sighed before saying "Open the gates..."
The trooper nodded before sending the message through the comlink. In a few seconds, the ship's cargo bay doors opened up. The refugees began running aboard as fast as they could, Matt's men trying to keep order. It quickly descended into more madness as there was a crack and one of Matt's men crumpled...an Enclave sniper team having opened fire.
Matt growled and said, "I am so not dealing with two crises at the same time today."
One of the squad's choppers quickly homed in on where the shot had come from...but not before a rocket shot out and hit the boarding ramp, cutting off a good third of the refugees. "Crap," said Matt, "I suppose they're not great jumpers, right?"
Several Enclave tanks rumbled into view and began firing. The choppers quickly took them out but it was clear that if the ship didn't leave now...it never would.
"Uh, Kala, you familiar with a certain ship named 'Titanic'?" asked Matt.
Kala stared at Matt. "You're going to leave them? Are you crazy?" she said in shock, not surprising given that a fair number of the people on shore were from her tribe.
"Kala, if we don't leave now, no one's going to make it out of here," said Matt, "I hate leaving them here too, but half a loaf of bread is better than none."
Kala glared, readying a fireball. "Not a..." before being knocked out by one of Matt's troopers.
Matt looked down at her guiltily before saying, "Get us out of here...Now."
The people on the docks cried out to the troopers as the ship pulled away. Unfortunately, the troopers had no choice but to turn their backs on them.
...
Coalition Council Building
Copenhagen.
"...We barely made it back to where we set off from," said Matt, looking at the assembled council who had just heard of what had transpired in the U.S. He had brought Chris along to confirm what had happened.
"Are you...positive that this so-called 'dragon' is what you thought it was?" asked one of the councilmembers.
"It flew...had scales and breathed fire...and killed 100 of my best men and countless civilians," said Matt darkly.
"The Enclave could have created some sort of facsimile of such a creature to provoke superstitious terror against enemies," said the same councilman.
"I don't care. All I know is that whatever that thing is, it's now calling the shots over there...and they could be looking at us next," said Matt.
"The Enclave could not be dealt a coup d'état, at least not easier than we could," said another councilor.
Chris said, "I saw Enclave troopers I knew gunning down their fellow countrymen. Are you blind to this?"
"This new tactic is rather alarming," said a councilwoman, "If anything, it shows how dangerous the Enclave has become."
The doubting council member said, "Then we should open negotiations. We all know how often 'leadership' changed during the black months. This is no different."
Matt yelled at that, "LORD SAVE ME FROM POLITICIANS!"
"I'm not surprised to hear you say that," said the doubting councilman, "After all, the Vulture Brigade has such a ramshackle method of making decisions."
"Yeah...but it gets the job done," said Matt.
Chris however said, "Are you mad? This Malefor took over the entire Enclave military in a day...people like him aren't happy with just one country."
"This 'Malefor' may simply be a figurehead persona," said another councilman, "A mask to intimidate and influence the weaker-willed into obedience. For all we know, it could be the Enclave attempting a new way to insure loyalty."
Chris sighed and said, "You really are a fool."
"In any case," said the councilwoman, "the Enclave has become a more active threat and we must strengthen our defenses in the great likelihood that they will attempt to invade our borders."
The doubting councilman said, "I vote that we send a diplomatic team to New York, ascertain the truth of these accusations. I also vote that we cut off trade with the brigade until then...after all they disobeyed our ruling to even go to the U.S."
"Diplomacy should be sought before conflict becomes necessary," agreed another councilman, "But cutting off trade with the Vulture Brigade is disproportionate. They would starve without our supplies."
The councilman looked annoyed at that, "They should be punished for their..." before the council head said, "That is enough! We will organize a diplomacy team but no trade sanctions will be posted against Vulture Brigade...AM I CLEAR?"
There was a few moments of silence before the doubter said, "Agreed. The trading shall remain unaltered."
Matt opened his mouth too late as the council head said, "This session is over."
…
Outside, Chris found Matt looking at the city. "They have no idea what's going to hit them. They just think the storms were accidental and that we're nuts." he said as Chris came up
"You have to admit that this threat is rather...unconventional," said Chris.
"Yeah...and if that Malefor does to the coalition what he did to the Enclave?" said Matt
"Malefor had a home field advantage, sort of," said Chris, "I don't think he'll be able to take over the Coalition just as fast."
"I looked at him from WAY too close. He's not from here...the Enclave didn't make him...I'm certain of it," said Matt, shuddering as the memory of his close up with the creature's mouth came back to him
"That's going to be even harder to convince the councilors than the fact that he's the new leader of the Enclave," said Chris.
"I have an idea who they'll send. I think we should keep a close eye on Ambassador Devina when she gets back," said Matt.
"Oh, sure no problem with that," said Chris before Matt elbowed him, "Ok, ok, actually watching over her."
"No point about watching her now. She hasn't even gone there yet," said Matt before sighing, "...I get a horrible feeling...that something bad's coming..."
End of Chapter 6