Ashes to Ashes Chapter 9
Hello people !
I apologize for not updating sooner : schoolwork ( and the Watch_Dogs game ) prevented me from working on Ashes To Ashes.
I also reached what is ( for me ) an important milestone in my writing career : I had my first flame ! I won't expand further on it because that guy/girl isn't worth my time ( don't get me wrong, I have nothing against criticism but it has to be constructive... )
But enough with my ( usual ) ranting.
On to the story !
Disclaimer : I hereby state that I DO NOT own the Inheritance Cycle or any of its characters. It is the property of Christopher Paolini. The military gear / weapons / vehicles that are appearing in this story are the property of their respective owners. Make love, not war ^^
There's also a person that is mentioned. It is just a small reference and this name is belonging to its owners ( sufficE to sAy that it's a BIg cOmpany With A veRy succEssful and famous game... )
PS : "speech", thoughts/telepathy, \\ Computer script \\, description
** (Max's Mind, Unknown person PoV, Outside of Max's hometown) **
"Good, good. I'm inside his mind now. I'm one step closer to my revenge. I just have to destroy the tiny defenses that he already put in place and then he will suffer a thousand deaths."
He then chanted a spell that was known to be very effective when you wanted to weaken your foe's mental defenses.
The spell took the form of a sickly green mist and advanced towards the fortress walls...
** (Max' Mind, Max's PoV, Central Synapse Node) **
Max was just sitting on the floor of the CSN main room, staring at the live video feed of the green mist.
He could have stayed there for a much longer time if it wasn't for the message that popped up on the holoscreen.
\\ Warning !
\\Unknown life form detected !
\\ Course of action advised ?
What ? How am I supposed to choose a "course of action" ?
Hmm, let's think about this : Computer, establish defensive perimeter
\\ Error ! Command is missing required unit and grid locations parameters.
\\ Please choose currently available defensive units from the following list. Additional data will be shown when a unit is selected.
\\
\\ - Artillery
\\ - HMGs
\\ - Launchers
\\ - UAVs
\\- Air vehicles
\\- Infantry
Let's set up some artillery guns first.
\\ Available artillery guns :
\\
\\ - CAESAR self-propelled howitzer
\\ - AMX AuF1 self-propelled artillery vehicle
\\ - TRF1 towed howitzer
Let's settle for the CAESAR.
\\ CAESAR self-propelled howitzer
\\ Technical data : The CAESAR is a wheeled, 155mm 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer that holds 18 rounds. It is capable of using standard Extended Range Full Bore shells and rocket assisted shells. Maximum range with the ERFB Shells is 42 kilometers. Maximum range with Rocket-Assisted Shells is 50 kilometers.
\\ Ammo types, both available in ERFBS or RAS : HE; HEDP; HEAT; SMK; GAS
\\ Grid location of unit ?
Put it on the central plaza
\\ Command acknowledged. Do you want to add another unit ?
Yes. Show me the HMGs.
\\ Available HMGs :
\\
\\ - M2 Browning machine gun
\\ - XM806 Lightweight .50 Machinegun
\\ - AA-52 Machinegun
Let's use the AA-52.
\\ AA 52 Machinegun
\\ Technical data : The AA-52 is a machinegun that is using 7.62x51 NATO rounds. It is belt fed and is very reliable, capable of firing for long periods of time before overheating. Its rate of fire is around 900 rounds per minute with an effective firing range of around 600 meters.
\\ Currently available configurations : Automatic Area Denial System turret Mark 1
\\ Grid location of unit ?
I want these to be set up at key locations around the town. Create choke points to halt the advance of this unknown life form and prevent it from accessing the tower if it ever manages to breach the outside perimeter walls.
\\ Command acknowledged. Should other units be added to the defensive perimeter ?
Yes. I'd like to add some rocket launchers.
\\ AA or AT ?
Show me the AT launchers first.
\\ Available AT launchers :
\\
\\ - FGM-148 "Javelin"
\\ - RPG-30 "Kryuk"
\\ - APILAS
Use the APILAS.
\\ APILAS rocket launcher
\\ Technical data : APILAS stands for Armor-Piercing Infantry Light Arm System. It is a disposable one-shot 112 mm recoilless AT weapon. Even though it does not have a Fire-and-Forget system like other launchers such as the FGM-148, it is still a very reliable rocket launcher with an effective firing range of 350 meters.
Hmm, that's going to be a problem, their range is too short...
Use them in conjunction with the AA-52 Turrets.
\\ Acknowledged. Do you want to add AT launchers with a longer range to the defensive perimeter ?
Yes. Add FGM-148 launchers on the outside walls of the town.
\\ Acknowledged. Should AA turrets be added to defend against possible airborne threats ?
Yes. What are the available AA launchers ?
\\ Available AA launchers :
\\
\\ - Mistral
\\ - FIM-92 Stinger
\\ - 9K38 Igla
Use the Mistral.
\\ Mistral
\\ Technical data : the Mistral is a long-range Fire and Forget AA missile launcher. It has an effective firing range of up to 6 kilometers. It is found in MANPADs and in air vehicles such as the Eurocopter "Tigre". When a Mistral detonates it creates a shotgun-like blast because of the high density Tungsten balls that are ejected along with the detonation of the standard High-Explosive warhead.
A shotgun rocket ? Awesome !
Put them alongside the outside walls Javelins.
\\ Acknowledged. Next unit ?
Add air vehicles.
\\ Helicopters or Close Air Support jets ?
Helicopters. There's no use in hi-speed aircraft in this situation : I'm on the defensive, not on the offensive. Even if I use CAS jets such as the A10 Warthog or the Su25 Frogfoot they will still speed past the enemy. A fighter jet that is capable of supersonic speeds is useless against a dragon unless said dragon is capable of reaching that speed which I frankly doubt, magic or not.
It's like trying to kill a mosquito with a minigun : it's a complete waste of ressources.
\\ Available helicopters :
\\
\\ - RAH-66 "Comanche"
\\ - AH64D "Apache Longbow"
\\ -EC665 "Tigre"
Hah ! I remember the Comanche : I've played the entire series of those "Comanche" games. They were pretty fun even if they were a little difficult sometimes.
I won't need the details for this one.
Put them on the central plaza along with the CAESAR, I want them to be ready to take off at any moment : things will probably get hairy really quick.
\\ Command acknowledged. Do yo w... t. a..
What the fuck ? What's going on ?
Suddenly, the window for the defense system disappeared. Instead there was a holo screen that was showing the advance of the green mist alongside with a message window.
\\ Warning ! Unknown anomaly detected ! System firewall is being breached !
\\ Entering safe mode...Done
\\ Rerouting power from non-essential systems to the CSN defenses...Done
Suddenly the screen distorted for a moment. When the screen stopped flickering, there were some stragne glyphs on the screen that were starting to take the shape of letters...
\\ Notice to Reclaimer : all non-essentials systems have been shutdown to isolate the CSN from the outside. The only way to access it is by using the main console. To make it short : defend the fortress at all costs ! The data that is stored here must NOT fall into the hands of the natives of this world !
\\ Good luck Reclaimer
The screen then went back to its normal state, displaying security warnings and alerts across the screen.
\\ Safe mode activated. Only defensive units will remain active.
** (Max's Mind, Unknown person PoV, Outside of Max's hometown) **
"Hmm, that's strange. Normally this puny hatchling should already be on his knees, begging for mercy.
I'll try a more direct approach".
He then started to wave his hands through the air, drawing a flaming circle. When the circle was completed a black void appeared inside of it. He then muttered a spell that would allow him to directly communicate with the hatchling that he wanted to kill.
When the spell was finished, he casted it and the black void that was inside the circle disappeared, leaving the image of a very strange room instead.
Inside this room were very strange images moving alongside the walls.
In the center of this room was his target : the hatchling was in front of some sort of transparent image. He appeared to be very focused on something and he didn't notice the flaming circle until the mysterious figure cleared its throat, immediately gaining the hatchling's attention.
-"So, this is where you are hiding."
-Huh ? Who the fuck are you ! Stop jamming my systems immediately !
-"What are those systems you speak of ? You are naught but a hatchling ! Stop babbling nonsense !"
-What do you want ? Who are you ?
-"That is none of your concern. However, know that I am here to make you suffer for what your master has done !"
-What Master ? I've got NO Master !
-"Lies ! You know Her !"
-You mean Aylin ? Why don't you talk to her directly ?
-"Oh I will, believe me. But for now you will suffer a thousand deaths because of what She has done !
-The fuck you're talking about ? She hasn't done anything !
-"Stop with your Lies ! I will silence you ! Even in the afterlife you will fear me for I am the Harbinger of your Doom ! And now, die !"
-... Harbinger ? Come on ! And after that you'll tell me that you are preparing the Reapers' return ?
-"Stop babbling such nonsense ! I will kill you but not before I pick you mind apart, piece by piece."
The mysterious figure then put its hand on the ground, making the earth tremble around it.
"Ezekiel ! Come forth and destroy this city but leave this hatchling to me !"
The earth then shook with such intensity that bits of stone started to erupt from the ground. However, instead of falling back to the earth, the bits of stone stayed in place. Slowly, something was starting to take place...
** (Max' Mind, Max's PoV, Central Synapse Node) **
"Ezekiel ! Come forth and destroy this city but leave this hatchling to me !"
Max was staring blankly at the live video feed from his recon UAV. He was in such a state of shock that it took several seconds for him to process this information...
What the fuck ?! Is that a friggin' Golem ? It's twenty meters tall ! How am I supposed to beat that ?
Hmm, let's see if this CAESAR is as effective as it looks but first...
-Hey !
-"What is it ? Are you begging me for mercy ?"
-Hell no ! I just wanted to give you a chance to surrender before you get hurt...
-"Bwahahahaha ! How funny ! It is YOU who should be surrendering ! Any last words ?
-Me ? I don't have anything left to say to you. CAESAR on the other hand...
It was then that a computerized voice started blaring out of the room' speakers
"CAESAR artillery system online.
Coordinates received.
Firing ERFB HEDP shell in 3 , 2 , 1...
Firing..."
-"What is the meaning of this ? What is a caesar ?"
It was then that the mysterious figure known as Harbinger heard a loud booming noise in the distance. A few seconds later, something impacted the Golem, completely destroying one of its arms...
-"What devilry is this ? You are supposed to be a hatchling ! You should not be able to defend your mind with such intensity ! What are you !"
-That is not of your concern
Immediately after Max completed his sentence, another shell impacted the Golem's face, completely obliterating it...
However, the Golem was still moving after that...
-"What ! Nobody managed to damage Ezekiel that much before. You're not the only one with powerful magic you know..."
Harbinger then started to mutter another spell. When it was done, he casted it and immediately after that hundreds of sstrange winged creatures started to appear out of thin air : they looked like winged snakes with four legs. They had a weird looking maw that was filled to the brim with small jagged teeths that looked like they could easily tear through flesh and even chainmail armor.
-"Go forth my Guivres ! Bring Me that hatchling !"
With a loud screech that was horrible to Max's ears but like music to Harbinger, the Guivres started heading towards Max's fortress, ready to tear him apart.
Shit ! There are too many for the AA-52s ! I've got to use my Comanches... I didn't want to use them so soon but well, he forced me to do it. The look he will have on his face when he will see them !
Computer, activate all of the air vehicles in the vicinity as well as the AA-52s.
\\ Command acknowledged. Deploying RAH-66 squadrons A1 to A7. Activating AA52 ADS 1 to 66.
Good, good. Harbinger's in for a world of hurt...
** (Max's Mind, "Harbinger"'s PoV, Outside of Max's hometown) **
-"Are you ready to give up now ? Beg me for mercy and you shall have a quick and painless death instead of being slowly torn apart by my Guivres. Just imagine how you will suffer, hundreds of teeths will slice through your scales and you won't be able to call for help, not even magic will be able to save you."
-That's good !
-"What !?"
-I'm perfectly good with that. For one reason.
-"What is it ?"
-Because I don't need magic to kick your ass... The only things I need are Science and Willpower !
Just as the hatchling finished his sentence, strange contraptions started sprouting on the fortress walls. They looked like long barrels with boxes attached to them...
Harbinger also heard some strange noise coming from the center of the fortress. Slowly, strange dragons started to come up from wherever they were hiding. These dragons were very strange for Harbinger because he hadn't ever seen dragons like these : they seemed to have some strange wings that were not flapping but rotating in place. Their skin was also out of the ordinary because it seemed to be made of some sort of metal.
Harbinger would have kept musing on these strange dragons if it was not for one thing : there was a strange object poking out of the dragons' mouths. This object was looking like the barrels that sprouted on the fortress' walls except that this object was composed of 3 barrels that were welded together.
Just as the Guivres were about to fly over the fortress' walls, the barrels in the strange metal dragons and in the strange contraptions on the walls started spinning. After a few seconds, the dragons started unleashing their breath.
And all hell broke loose...
END OF CHAPTER 9
Well well, it looks like Harbinger is about to get stuffed with lead... or not ….
Stay tuned for the next chapter ! You'll be in for some serious action !
Also, I once again apologize for the lack of updates but you know what school is like.
Thank you for your patience and see you next time !