Battle of Thessia Part Three

Thessia, Athame City, University of Athame

August 7, 2156: 0600 Hours

It was all quiet on the Western Front or whatever front Ryder really wasn't sure what direction he was facing. With that thought in mind he dug into his vest pocket and pulled out his trusty compass. It was spinning of course it was Thessia's magnetic poles were different than Earths so of course it wouldn't work. Ryder threw the compass aside and shouldered his sniper rifle. They were on the 3rd floor patio of the main campus building. They had a good view down the massive courtyard before them. Perfect for a sniper and for Ryder this was what he had trained for. But what killed those around him most was the waiting, the anticipation of an attack that had yet to come. It was driving them all nervous. Especially Liara. Poor girl would cover her head every time a distant gunshot was heard. OB was acting as his spotter a position Chips would usually fill and was on his right in prone position like everyone else and kept his eye down the spotter's scope.

"Anything?" asked Ryder keeping his eye down his scope. For the past hour, there had been nothing in his scope. It's been driving him crazy.

"Not yet and I'll tell you when I do. And Ryder don't ask me again." Said OB slightly annoyed.

Ryder took his eye out of the scope and rubbed his eye "that damn sun is rising in our face".

"That'll be problematic."

They sat there for a few more minutes until they heard someone crawl up beside them.

"You guys have the MRE bag? I'm getting hungry." Asked Pike in the prone position

"No" stated OB simply.

Pike didn't look to convince and looked towards Ryder. Ryder groaned and looked back at him. "We sent our 'friend' to go get us some food she'll be back in a minute."

"That's if she doesn't get nailed by a sniper" muttered OB.

Ryder refused to respond to that and Pike gave up and crawled his way back over towards Stacker on the right side of the patio. We were on the left side. The patio was covered with sandbags, turned over tables, and anything else that could be used as cover.

"You should apologize."

"Say what?" asked Ryder slightly confused.

"I said you should apologize. To Pike I mean" Said OB.

Ryder had thought they had gotten over this.

"Fuck Pike. I saved his life. Asshole should be more grateful and apologize to me." Said Ryder in a low angry voice.

OB took a deep breath in and looked at Ryder with a harsh glare.

"What you heard that son of a-" Ryder was unable to finish his sentence before OB went all Sergeant on his ass.

"Boy I don't give a fuck what he said. What's important is unit efficiency and trust. I can't ever leave you two alone for even a second without you going at it. So, here's what's going to happen you are going to go up to Pike and apologize for being an asshole and then you're going to hug it out."

Ryder was about to continue arguing but stopped himself. There was no point in it why waste the energy. "Ok I'll do it".

"Good" said OB as he turned his attention back down towards the courtyard.

A sound came from behind them and a voice called out from inside the building.

"I'm back and I've got the food. Is it safe for me to come out now?" asked Liara hiding behind a wall just behind Ryders position.

Ryder turned his head around and spoke up. "Yeah your safe just stay low and don't move to fast."

Liara got down in a prone position and crawled her way over to Ryder taking cover behind an overturned table. She leaned her back up against it and grabbed her backpack. Opening it up she grabbed out a couple of MRE's and a few bottles of water. Ryder turned away from his rifle and leaned up against the table next to her.

"What you got?" he asked as he inspected the laid out MRE's. There was chili and beans, some sort of soup. But what caught his eye were the packets of beef jerky. 'Fucking score!' He thought to himself as he grabbed one and ripped it open and took a big bite out of the jerky. He tapped OB on the shoulder and handed him some jerky before looking over towards Pike and stacker. "Staff Sergeant. Pike. You guys want some jerky?" he offered. Stacker shook his head no and asked for the chili and beans. Pike on the other hand face lit up in joy over the thought of beef jerky.

"Yo, Ryder I want some of that jerky. Throw me some will ya." Asked Pike.

"Sure thing" said Ryder and he tossed the last package of jerky to Pike who caught it with both hands. "Oh, and hey Pike I'm sorry about before I acted way out of line. I'm just stressed that's all."

Pike gave a grin as he ripped opened his jerky package. "Ain't no problem man I understand. Were all stressed this is after all our first real combat deployment and not one we anticipated." He said back with understanding.

Ryder gave off a laugh as the realization hit him. This was their first real experience in combat and it wasn't against the Xeno Scourge as the drill instructors promised them. Ryder gave off a small chuckle but stopped when he heard a stomach growl. He couldn't tell who it was 'they had all gotten their food so who-' he looked over and saw Liara clenching her belly and eying his jerky. 'Oh, that's right I forgot about our tag along. Well shit.'. "You not get anything for yourself?" He asked her.

Liara kept her eyes trained on the jerky for a few seconds before she even realized she was being spoken too. "Hello Earth to Liara? I'm talking to you." Said Ryder as he waved his jerky in her face.

That brought Liara out of her trace and back to reality. "Oh, yes what… sorry I wasn't paying attention." She said with a nervous smile but still eying the jerky.

Ryder noticed this and rolled his eyes. 'Like feeding a stray dog' he thought as he broke of a piece of his jerky and handed it to her. "Here take this you look hungry".

Liara took the jerky from him and stared at it. "Thank you" she said as she continued to stare at it.

"Well aren't you going to eat it?" asked Ryder confused by her current state. Liara then took a bite out of it and spate some of it out in disgust. Ryder and the others who had been watching all laughed. Ryder gave her a friendly pat on the back and kept laughing.

"Ha-ha! Your supposed to eat it not cough it out. Have you ever had jerky before?" said Pike with a chuckle. He had gotten into a much friendlier mood than from before and Ryder was happy about that. An angry Pike could ruin anyone's day.

Liara coughed out a sorry and took another bite out of the jerky this time chewing it first than swallowing it. Her eyes lit up and it appears she enjoyed it even if she didn't know what it was that she just ate. "That was good what is it? She asked curious.

"Asari" said OB and everyone but a wide-eyed shocked Liara all laughed. Liara began trying to throw up her meal as she tried to get away from the Humans.

"Were just fucking with you Liara. It's not actually Asari its beef" said Ryder still laughing giving OB a high five for the cruel joke.

"Are all Humans this cruel in humor?" she asked.

"Pretty much better get used to it" said OB answering her question.

The laughter began to die down when suddenly Stacker who had remained all but quiet spoke up.

"Just got of the horn with command were pulling out." He said as he got up and packed his things.

"What the hell do you mean were pulling out. Aren't we surrounded" asked Pike asking the question we all wanted to know.

"We were." Stated Stacker before leaving the patio than steeping into the building leaving the rest of us behind.

Ryder raised his hands in confusion and OB just shrugged. He didn't have a clue what was going on. They all quickly packed their gear and went after Stacker. Once inside the building they noticed that everyone else was packing up to and in a hurry. They followed Stacker down towards the command room. When they entered, it they saw the battle map showing their positions and the enemy's. The enemy was bugging out and engaging a yellow colored force to the East. The General was on the radio relaying orders and gestured for Lieutenant Raimi to speak to us.

"Lieutenant any idea what's going on? Why are the Marines bugging out? Hell, why are we?" asked a confused Ryder. With his arms, out wide, helmet off and in his right hand.

Raimi looked at him than turned her attention towards Stacker. "Apparently, the Resistance has decided that now is the time to strike. Their hitting us on all fronts all over the planet. The General wants to put all CDF personal into orbit and lit the Marines waste their manpower on the Asari." Said Raimi glaring at Liara.

Pike pulled at his hair and walked back and forth "This is just great. Fucking-tastic everyone! Were fucked! Royally fucked!" He screamed.

Stacker grabbed him by the shoulder. "Stow that fear Ranger! Lieutenant what are our orders?" asked Stacker.

"Staff Sergeant, you and your men are to provide evacuation cover while Pelicans evacuate us. The Resistance has drawn off the Marines but that won't last for long. If we don't act quick well be surrounded by some very pissed off Asari who won't take any prisoners. Your men will be the last ones out."

Ryder couldn't believe his ears they were being left behind essentially. No one ever comes back for an evacuation protection force. They'll be overrun by the time the last Pelican leaves the ground and they won't be on it. "Fuck this shit!" he yelled.

"Corporal! Calm yourself" said Stacker turning his attention back towards the Lieutenant. "Understood Ma'am well carry out our orders. Do we have any support?"

Raimi got quiet and stared at the ground. "N… not at this time Staff Sergeant. I'm sorry. Your men are welcome to use any gear left behind." She then walked away.

They all knew what that meant. They were fucked. No one was coming to rescue them and the Resistance would kill them as soon as they got their hands on them. Ryder was scared more scared than he ever been. He didn't want to die. Not yet. This wasn't what he had signed up for. His thoughts were interrupted when the General walked up to them.

"Calm yourselves lads. It isn't over yet." He said putting a hand on Ryders shoulder and looking him in the eye.

"My apologies sir I acted un soldierly" said Ryder as he lowered his head in shame. The General patted his shoulder and laughed.

"It's ok to be afraid. Fearing death is what keeps us alive and fighting. It's what will keep you alive. The trick is to not show that fear. You'll all make it out for that I am certain." He than turned his attention towards Liara. "If you wish to leave you may do so I will not force you to fight against your own people."

Liara stood there for a moment and looked down. Ryder knew what she was thinking it wasn't her fight. It was his fault that she got roped into this mess in the first place. Liara then looked up and stared at the General then at all of them. She then muttered something that they all missed.

"I'll stay".

They all froze in shock. "What?" said Ryder dumb folded.

"I said I'll stay" she said this time with determination. Even the General was shocked but didn't show it only giving a smile. Stacker remained his stoic self and eyed her but you could tell he was shocked by her answer. OB's eyes had widened and he stared at her before giving off a chuckle. Pike's mouth had dropped open and he spoke to say something.

"Your one crazy Asari you know that?" Said Pike with a shocked face.

Ryder looked at her with concern "Are you sure you want to do this if other Asari see you you'll be branded a collaborator. Your life will be forfeit to them. You'll die."

Liara thought for a moment and gave another determined answer "I'm sure."

"Why? Why would you do this for us our people have done nothing but harm to yours. Why don't you hate us?" Asked Ryder looking her in the eyes.

Liara walked up to him "Hate only leads to more hate history has proven this over and over. Humanity is not evil and although your race has committed great injustices I cannot drive myself to hate an entire species. My time with you has shown me that your all just people like the rest of us. Your capable of good and evil. But I know that deep down there is kindness inside all of you and deep inside me I have hope. Hope that there is a possibility for better future, a brighter one. A future where we can all coexist together no matter our race. That is why I will fight beside you. All of you." As she finished her speech she became aware that everyone in the command room had been listening. They were all quiet. Some had regret in their eyes and turned away. Others including the ones who yelled at her from before were shocked.

Ryder meanwhile looked down towards the ground with a feeling of regret. 'How can she believe this after everything we have done. After everything I have done. How can she forgive us? How can she still have faith in us?' Ryder looked up to stare into her eyes. "Ok then" that was all he said as they soon went about preparing a defensive plan.

The plan was to use an old mass effect powered sky car located in the engineering lab as their getaway vehicle. Liara said that she could drive one. And so, there they waited as they watched the Pelicans evacuate the CDF personnel. Ryder and Pike had set themselves up on roof while Stacker and OB guarded the room where the sky car was with Liara.

"Here they come" said Pike as he pointed towards the far end Courtyard where a group of armed Asari came into view.

Ryder got on the radio and messaged everyone. "Enemy Contact. North-west of the engineering lab in the Courtyard. Count 20 foot mobiles. Asari. Everyone get ready."

[Copy that] radioed a soldier from the CDF heavy weapons platoon that was the second to last to be evacuated. They would provide support until they had to be evacuated.

Ryder was back to what he did best. Sniping. He flicked the safety off his sniper rifle and waited for Pike to call out targets. As Pike marked down the targets the sniper rifles advanced scope highlighted them in a red color. All that was left was the order to engage.

"Targets marked. Waiting on permission to engage." Said Ryder over the radio. The Asari fighters had spread out across the courtyard and made their way down towards them. They were still far enough away that they could not spot our forces. But they were in range of Ryders rifle.

[Wait till they get in the kill zone] radioed Stacker. The kill zone was where they would be in range of the HW platoons machine guns. After waiting for a few more seconds, they entered the kill zone. [Pick your targets and wait for my go] radioed Stacker.

Ryder lined up his scopes crosshairs on the lead Resistance fighters head. He took a deep breath and his finger slightly pressed down on the trigger.

[Fire!]

Ryder Pulled the trigger and the rifle kicked back into his shoulder. The bullet spoon through the air and went throw the Asari's head blowing out the back of it. Soon the courtyard turned into a firefight as the Asari dove for cover as the CDF HW platoon opened fire killing seven fighters. The Asari quickly recovered and forced out biotic barriers that they used as cover. Three massive biotic bubbles appeared and the Asari grouped up within them. They soon started to advance slowly down the courtyard. They pointed their guns out of the bubble only to fire at their Human adversary's.

The CDF HW platoon came under fire and did the best they could to return fire. But those biotic shields were deflecting their bullets and protecting the Asari inside.

[Fuck! We can't get through that shield.] radioed a CDF Sergeant.

[Hit them with rockets it will overwhelm the shields concentrate on only on target!] responded Stacker

[Affirmative! Rockets away!] two rockets fired off from the HW platoons position and hit one of the three Asari biotic shields. When they hit, the shield flickered and died. The Asari quickly tried to get off from the ground and rush inside another biotic shield.

[Quick! Before they get inside cut them down!] Ordered Stacker.

Ryder shot two more Asari killing one and wounding another in the leg. As the Asari came out of cover to aide their comrade two more were taken out by the HW platoon. However as soon as we developed a strategy to counteract the Asari biotic shield the Generals voice came over the radio.

[Sigma Platoon your evacuation shuttle is here get out now. Rangers keep enemy at bay!] he announced.

[Yes sir, Good luck Rangers] radioed HW platoon's LT as they pulled out. Leaving the Asari virtually unopposed on their advance. What was worse was that they apparently knew where Ryder was and were approaching the engineering building.

"Aww shit looks like the gig is up" said Pike as he grabbed his assault rifle and started peppering the biotic shields.

"You know what that means let's get the hell out of here!" shouted Ryder as he and Pike ran over to the service hatch on the roof. "Liara get that sky car ready to fly were bugging out!" Said Ryder as he opened the hatch and climbed down.

[Understood engines hot and ready] she responded.

Ryder and Pike were making their way towards the garage when they ran into two Asari fighters. The Asari shouted and opened fire on them using captured Human weapons. Pike threw a grenade down the hall and it exploded taking out one of the Asari. Ryder came out of cover and finished of the serving Asari with a burst to her unarmored chest using his SMG.

[Be advised we have hostiles in the building] Radioed Ryder he then turned his attention towards a slow running Pike. "Come on were almost there."

More gunshots could be heard throughout the building as a mix of UNSC weapons and Asari weapons sounded off. When they made it down to garage they found the others taking cover while Resistance fighters shot at them. Liara was firing of her pistol as she took cover behind the skycar. Stacker and OB were doing a good job at keeping the enemy suppressed so that Pike and Ryder could come in and ambush the Asari from behind. Once the Asari were taken care of they all regrouped around the skycar and took defensive positions.

"Are we ready to go?" asked Stacker as Liara hopped into the driver's seat.

"Yes Sir, were ready" she responded.

"Ok Everyone in. Go! Go! Go!" shouted Stacker as we all piled into the car. Ryder got shotgun while the others climbed into the backseats. Liara touched a few holographic controls and the car lifted into the air. However, they weren't moving.

"Uh why aren't we moving?" asked a nervous Pike as he frantically searched for a seatbelt.

Liara gave off a nervous laugh and stared at the controls. Uh oh. "What's wrong?" asked Ryder.

Liara looked at him "Did I ever mention that I only drove in my Mother's lap." She than gave off a nervous laugh as they all went ballistic.

"WHAT!" shouted OB as he started cursing to himself over why he should never have reenlisted. As they all continued arguing Pike who sat in the middle seat stared out the rear window and tried to get everyone's attention.

"I could be back home drinking Margaritas but now I had to reenlist!"

"Uh guys."

"Why the hell didn't you say you couldn't drive this thing! Dammit Liara!" Yelled an angry Ryder.

"Yo guys." Said Pike again starting to panic.

"Well I never said I could drive it I said I could get it working!" screamed back Liara.

"GUYS!" shouted Pike at the top of his lungs.

"WHAT!" They all shouted at him in anger. Pike pointed out the rear window and sure enough was a group of Asari setting up a heavy machine gun to take them out.

"Oh shit!" shouted Stacker as he tried to lower the window and shoot back at them.

"Liara get this car moving!" Shouted Ryder as he slapped her shoulder.

"I don't know how! I don't know where the accelerator is!"

"Start pushing buttons I don't know! But do something or were all going to die!"

Liara started pushing buttons and suddenly the car dove to the right and hit a pillar. "whoops" she said. She pressed more buttons and suddenly the car went into full reverse and slammed into the Asari behind them destroying the gun emplacement. "I'm so sorry" shouted Liara as she found the button that put the car out of reverse and into drive. The Sky car sped forward and approached the garage doors. Which were closed.

"Shit we forgot to open the garage doors! Brace!" shouted OB as he braced for impact. Everyone braced and the car crashed through the garage door and went spinning into the air. The windows were busted and smoke was coming from the engine but the sky car was still hovering. However, there were a dozen or so Resistance Fighters surrounding them and firing.

"Steep on it!" Shouted Pike as bullets pinged all over the car. Liara accelerated the car and it drove off away from the campus and into the urban jungle of skyscrapers. The car dove in between the massive structures as it narrowly avoided many collisions.

"I'm gonna be sick" said Pike as he threw up in the back seat all over himself, Stacker, and OB.

"Aww gross!" shouted OB as he slapped Pike on the back of the head.

The sky car continued to weave through the city until the car finally rose above the buildings. They were safe for now. They all took a breath of relief and Liara left the car hovering over the city as she hyperventilated. Stacker suddenly started to laugh and everyone followed suite and the entire car erupted into hysterical laughter. Ryder looked out the window and took in the sights. The city was in ruins and explosions rocked the ground bellow them. Missiles flew out from the Marine Occupied Airbase and hit targets around the city. As Ryder watched this he noticed an object flying towards them. He looked harder and his eyes widened. It was an anti-air missile.

"Move the car! Move it now!" He screamed pointing at the approaching missile. When they all saw it, everyone tensed and screamed at Liara to move the car. She hit the accelerator and the sky car went forward at full speed. The missile flew past them but turned around and pursued them slowly catching up to them.

"Shit! Shit! Not like this man!" said Pike as he started to tear up at their approaching death.

"You regretting your decision now Liara?" asked OB as he tried to keep a frantic Pike from crawling all over him.

"I want to go Home! Fuck this shit! I should have listened to my Dad and gone to College." Cried out Pike as he completely broke down. As he kept blabbering out Regrets Stacker had enough and put the crybaby in a choke hold forcing him to pass out. We all stared at him.

"What I wanted to die in piece not listening to this fools regrets." He said.

By this point they could no longer outrun the missile. "Any last words?" said OB.

"Stacker you're a tough piece shit but I love you as a father. OB I Love you in a brotherly sort of sense. Pike I hate you. And Liara sorry you have to die with us." Said Ryder.

Suddenly another missile came from in front of us and collide with the missile behind the car. Before we could register what happened a Short sword fighter zoomed past us. "Ha-ha! Bless those flyboys!" yelled Ryder as he punched the roof with a fist pump. Stackers Radio then came to life and a CDF Charon class Frigate marked with the name 'The Burden is Ours' came out from the clouds in front of us.

[Rangers I saw you needed a pick up. Get aboard] Said the Generals voice through Radio.

"Yes, Sir and you came just in time." Said Stacker with a smile.

The hangar bay of the frigate opened and Liara drove the sky car inside and attempted to land it. It was more of a crash landing but it worked. They all relaxed in their seats.

"Is it over? Are we dead?" said Pike rejoining the living. We all laughed and gave a heavy sigh of relief. 'Chips is not going to believe this' Thought Ryder as he closed his eyes.

Ok so new chapter hope you guys and gals enjoyed. I'm still looking for a Beta Reader so if you know anyone let me know. Not much to say this time but sorry for the wait. Whenever I get writer's block I usually go ahead and write a future chapter or something. Anyways please REVIEW.

Also, Happy New Year's let's hope 2017 isn't a complete shit year and fewer celebrity deaths. The death of Carrie Fisher really hit me hard.

READER RESPONSE

SpacePotato117: Anytime I'm always willing to answer questions.

Fernix13: These guys are stressed and don't like the Idea of an alien on their team. Keep in mind they have never seen combat before so while they are well trained they are not experienced. Also, the General is a reoccurring character so you'll learn more about him.

Reading Rainbow: Thanks for the reviewI don't always have confidence in my writing skills. By saying that you made me feel much better.

James: I am actively seeking a Beta Reader but no luck yet.

As Always leave a REVIEW and remember to have a Great Day and a Great 2017!