Attack on NYZ
Friday, 14th of June 2019, 02:38:17...
X - X - X
Invasion of Europe had begun nearly two hours ago. The entire frontline quickly fell to the enemy's hands thanks to multiple infiltration done to softened the way. The DDF forces have penetrated deep into the European countries. The country that suffers the most currently is Germany as the capital, Berlin, is nearly in the enemy's grasp.
Dresden has fallen about half an hour ago while Slovenia and Croatia has fallen entirely. The entire coastline of Italy is in grave danger from sea invasion but currently still holding strong. But the main concern is due to Italy's geographical location, Randall had ordered a dozen of divisions to maintain a defense line from Venice to Munich to ease up the tension and allowing the defenders in Italy to hold on longer so they can evacuate as many resources as they can.
But deep down they know it would not last forever.
There are multiple defectors, or should they say, infiltrators that continously disrupting their defensive plans. Suspicion shrouds over them like a thick veil, making them distrustful to each other as they could not expect what someone would do next. They were just hoping that either they or them are not the infiltrator.
Copenhagen sector was less threatened thanks to Øresund Strait that slowed down the DDF's advances significantly. Moreover, the presence of MRLS and SPGs enabled them to hold their grounds longer. They have also destroyed the E20 road on Øresund Bridge to prevent it from being used by the DDF as an easy way to enter Copenhagen.
The presence of large military forces on Saltholm Island also deters any kind of movement from the Strait coupled with the presence of several naval fleets stationed there long before the invasion started. All in all Copenhagen is safe for now.
Further up north in the city of Oslo, Norway is in critical state. DDF forces had just claimed the town of Lillestrøm and now are just several kilometers from the capital city of Norway. Evacuation using E18 highway was rendered impossible due to the enemy had overrun the position all the way to E134 near Drøbak. The bridge nearby was also destoyed to ensure the enemy would not utilize it as a mean of ground pathway.
This also means everyone in Nesodden was immediately cut off from the main evacuation road. Their only option was to use the water transportation to transport them to the nearest fortified area which is Sandvika. It was chosen due to the geographical location allowing itself to be heavily fortified with multiple layers of defensive line. The town next to it was also taken into consideration but was dropped because it lacks of advantageous defensive positions should an invasion occured, which is exactly what is happening right now. Defenders in Norway are in grave danger. They are almost cut off from every single option of evacuation. Their only hope was to retreat all the way to Westernmost part of Norway if they are using waterway transportation. Airway transport is very risky considering the numerous suicide diving from Flyers that often proved to be fatal. UDF is slowly but steadily losing grounds in Europe.
Across the North Atlantic Ocean, in New York, in the main UDF HQ - now dubbed as The Grand Eagle Fortress or (unofficially) The Prototype's Lair -, Red Crown dispatchers are working non stop to answer and relay orders and requests. The uprising created by the People's Resistance still hasn't died yet. Fightings inside the base still occured although now lessened after hearing the invasion of Europe. They realized it was just a ruse to pave the way for the DDF to the European mainland. Most of People's Resistance called a truce or downright surrender for the greater good.
UDF forces in American continent are now fighting a three way war. And two of them are active. They are fighting the remnants of People's Resistance and DDF at the same time. The inactive one was the defected forces in Canada and Alaska. Although they were mostly on a neutral position, they cannot let their guards down as the current situation could allow them to gain initial advantage by catcing them off guard. Most of the UDF forces in North America has been in the process of being transferred to the European mainland to aid the retreating forces and prevent them from losing more grounds.
But this was done with visible traces of reluctance.
The remaining forces on North America were just slightly above 20 million. And all of it were stationed to defend around 6.4 thousand kilometers of frontline. This would not be enough to hold an oncoming invasion when the invading force is outnumbering them nearly thirteen to one. They just pray that no invasion in North America would happen soon. The main force must successfully repel the invasion in Europe and a significant number of them must return to North America to strenghten the defender at Canada - US border.
Either way, tension is rising on the quiet border.
The streets on Manhattan was fairly busy with military presence makes up the majority of it. Civilians are present as well, doing their daily activities as usual. UAV patrols here and there, Super Soldiers acting as mobile sentry stationed on the road, rooftop, etc. Tanks and APCs coupled with a team of soldiers as ground patrol littering the streets.
Everything seems to be normal in NYZ. Nothing out of ordinary. Just a normal pleasant day as usual.
Or so they thought.
X - X - X
"Wait. Do you hear that?" A Ranger asked his fellow teammate who's a Blackwatch soldier. "What did you hear?" The Ranger did not answer. He kneels and lay his head against the road. He listened carefully to any kind of noise coming from below. "I swear, i heard what's seems like a roaring and drilling noise down there" He admitted.
The Blackwatch soldier scoffs. "Bullshit. I hear nothing. Now get up on your feet and-" The ground below him erupts. Before he could even fall, he was devoured by a Leader Hunter in one clean motion. The Leader Hunter roars. "F-Fuck! How could you-" The said Ranger found himself to be pierced in the stomach by a Hydra's spear like tongue.
He is immediately reeled back to the open mouth of the Hydra and eats him alive. More explosions occured as more and more infecteds flooding the streets.
Within seconds Red Crown was alerted of the sudden attack on NYZ. The UDF leader were left speechless.
"How the fuck they bypassed our defense?! Let alone crossed the Atlantic Ocean in an hour?!" Randall slammed his fists to the table. Rook, Riley, Cross and Taggart found themselves in an uneasy situation. If Randall was furious like this, it could only mean one thing.
"Rook! Riley! I want you to be with me coordinating every single plan to get rid of those ugly bastards!. Cross, Taggart! You are in charge of field commander. Do whatever it takes to keep those fuckers at bay! Understood?!".
An affirmation in unison was all that Randall needed before they went into action. Randall, Rook and Riley goes to the main room to start coordinating. Taggart hopped into his own heavily modified Thermobaric Tank while Cross boards his own Pave Low with several Project Orion Super Soldiers. These Super Soldiers are specifically the second phase of it. More powerful and durable, they are the next generation of Super Soldiers.
"Cross, Taggart, be advised. Multiple reports suggest that the hotspot of the invasion was located at Central Park. Go there and try to contain the infecteds as long as you can while we will try to find out the source. Good luck." Randall spoke through the radio.
"See you at Central Park Taggart" Cross said through the comm. "Save some fuckers to kill. Don't get too greedy" Taggart replied. "I'll try" He smirked. The Pave Low lifts off and head to Central Park.
X - X - X
"Shit! They won't stop pouring out!" A Blackwatch captain yelled. The largest opening was almost two hundred meter in length and one hundred and ten meters in length. So far the deadliest form of infected to come out was Supreme Hunters. But they know that could change if a Goliath or Mother surfaced.
"Kill that Juggernaut! It's killing our men!" A soldier points to a Juggernaut who has just crushed several unfortunate soldiers with its large, heavy, bulky hands. The Juggernaut was irritated upon feeling the barrage of bullets on its back. Before it could do any more harm, its head was destroyed by a burst of fire from a 30mm autocannon. "Good work saving those soldiers" A Delta Force corporal sighed in relief.
"INCOMING! FIRST GOLIATH!". A powerful and terrifying roar shakes the ground. The first Goliath made its entrance with a devastating slam to the ground using its bulky hand. All combat vehicles in its vicinity were immediately alerted and redirect their attention to the towering monstrosity.
"Looks like we got company!".
"A big ass company if i have to say!".
"Readying HE shell. Let'e decorate that ugly face with shrapnels!". A Leclerc gunner grinned. The Goliath was readying itself to start a slaughterfest. It takes one step forward and a roar before he was greeted by two thermobaric missiles.
"What the- who fired those?!" A major asked in surprise. The Goliath toppled over and landed on its back. Another two thermobaric shells meet with the Goliath's head and chest, delivering a critical hit to it. Half of its head and torso is blown to pieces. It tries to get on its feet but staggers back.
"It's Captain Cross and Colonel Taggart!" A Blackwatch captain exclaimed. The crowd in Central Park cheered as the two of some of the most important people in UDF make their way to the battlefield. Cross's Pave Low was fitted with two thermobaric missile pod beside the tube shaped part on the helicopter. The Pave Low fires again to a group of airborne hostiles, effectively killing them.
Taggart's heavily modified Thermobaric Tank, which was an M1A2 Abrams fitted with dozer blade on the front, applique ERA plates on the side, a remote controlled 20mm autocannon on top of the tank, an upgraded engine to make it more mobile and agile and with the most prominent feature, two thermobaric cannon on each side of the turret.
Taggart fires to a growing Hive from a crater nearby. The Hive itself is at its infancy state. Creating a Hive without a building as a host will take a considerably longer time to form and stabilize itself. Taggart's shell hits a gaping hole on the Hive's thin wall and meets a solid biomass behind it. The shell explodes and destroyed the baby Hive in one hit.
Cross immediately disembarks from the Pave Low, followed several Project Orion Super Soldiers. "What's the situation here major?" Cross asked. "Fighting in Central Park is in full swing sir! We really need to seal the largest hole ASAP!" The major reported. Cross nodded and goes to Taggart's tank.
He climbs the side of the tank, vaulting over the barrel of the thermobaric cannon before knocking on the reinforced hatch. "What's up Cross?" "We need to seal that gaping hole. It's the largest spot for the infecteds to pour out" Cross informed. Taggart turns his head around to take a look at the said hole. It was large, with pulsating, glowing tendrils coming out of it. The said tendrils pose no physical threat but once it converges with others, it could create another Hive.
"Yeah but how are we going to do that?" He asked. Before Cross could answer, a loud voice brought their attention to it. "TWO MOTHERS INBOUND!".
The large, towering behemoth made entirely out of hardened biomass emerged from the ground. It wails and screams, flinging its large arms around. One of the Mother ejects several green orbs from its body, the said orbs orbiting around its head.
"KILL THOSE SON OF A BITCH NOW!". Salvos of shells and rockets and missils rain upon the two Mothers. It thrashed around, spewing high velocity stream of rocks from its mouth. Several weakly armored vehicles got caught and sustained moderate to heavy damage. The crews abandoned their vehicle and make their way to the safe place.
The two monsters lean back, a surge of glowing yellow ripple makes it way from the bottom all the way to the top of the head. The UDF forces realize what that means.
"CRIMSON WAVE DEVASTATOR! TAKE COVER!".
The two screams at a ear drum shattering tone. Simultaneously, the two releases its deadliest and most powerful attack. The combined Devastator from the two makes it even deadlier. Vehicles that are in close proximity were immediately destroyed. For humans, it was an instant kill. Their bodies immediately blew up due to the extreme force behind the wall of surging energy.
Cross, unable to take cover in time, was pulled inside by Taggart. The deathly surge clashed against the tank, the power behind it was great enough to cause mild concussion to everyone inside.
"Dammit. I always hate that" Taggart muttered annoyedly. "Gunner, target that bastard's spinal cord!. Fire two shells simultaneously!" Taggart ordered. The gunner readjusts the turret and the thermobaric barrels. "Calibrating... Loading thermobaric shell... Acquiring target... Fire!".
Two thermobaric shells were fired, it quickly travels across the air, Making contact with the exposed spinal cord. The shells explode, two large bright explosions caused the Mother to roar in pain. The Mother's spinal cord was weakened, the Mother topples over to the ground.
Now completely vulnerable, UDF forces concentrate their fire to it. The other Mother, realizing the imminent death of its brethren, decides to help by summoning several Hydras and dozens of Hunters and Brawlers. Leader Hunters in nearby area roar into the sky, summoning additional reinforcements. Juggernauts throwing boulders to any enemies in their vicinity.
"Get that immobilized Mother first! Keep your eyes peeled and don't get killed!" Cross ordered. Several SPAAs redirect their firing target from the downed Mother to the approaching hostiles. Firing a large volume of high caliber shells towards them, dead bodies quickly fell to the ground.
Several tanks also took the initiative to circle around the Mother. Equipped with the latest stabilizers, shooting on the move isn't much of a problem. Their fast movements allow them to be a harder target to take down.
The knocked down Mother finally found its strength again. Heavily injured, evident from the large holes and gashes around its body with the most prominent one encircling its spinal cord. It dives underground to escape the relentless assault. Several Leader Hunters emerge from the ground. "Keep your eyes peeled! That Mother could emerge anywhere!" "Target the second Mother for now".
The second Mother was releasing many homing green orbs to target foot mobiles and lightly armored vehicles. It also shoots several high velocity stream of boulders from its large maw. More than often dozens of soldiers were crushed underneath a pile of it.
"Cross! Taggart! Status report!" Randall's voice came from the comm. "Copy that Randall. We have reached the largest opening in the city. Looks like they dug down deep and hard. If we want to get rid of them we gotta go underground". "Then so be it. Destroy them all the way to the core. Do whatever it takes to erase their presence from here" Randall gave a stern order.
"Understood Randall. Taggart out" Taggart motioned Cross to come closer. "We need a battalion to enter the infected underground system". "On it. Red Crown this is Captain Cross requesting a fresh battalion under my command in Central Park ASAP". "Affirmative Captain a fresh battalion has been re-routed to your position, callsign Spearhead 6. Over." "Roger that Red Crown. Out". Meanwhile Taggart had ordered to increase the bombardment volume along with several dozens of Bunker Buster missiles.
"Spearhead 6 this is Captain Cross. Who's the acting commander of the battalion?" "Lieutenant Colonel Evans acting as commanding officer of Spearhead 6 at your service sir" Evans stated. "Evans! How long until you arrive at my current location?" "Approximately one minute sir" He replied. "Solid copy. Out". The Bunker Busters ordered by Taggart seemed to have considerable effects to the opening as the enemy flowing rate out of the opening diminished significantly.
"Looks like those missiles collapsed several paths to the surface. Well done" Cross remarked. Taggart chuckles and pats Cross's shoulder. And as promised, Spearhead 6 arrived a minute later. "Spearhead 6 ready for tasking" "Evans! With me! Rest of you follow our lead!" Cross said. The battalion of 500 men move out to approach the opening. The military presence in the area also approaching the opening, while neutralizing any kind of threats around the area.
"We have to go deep and dirty. Ready your masks". The battalion stops and pull out their masks to mitigate any kind of hazard to their respiration system. Cross and Taggart also pulled out their own masks. "Alright. Everyone ready? Let's go".
Several soldiers with flamethrower were burning corpses littering the ground while some of them were seen loading up the corpses to trucks, probably for extensive research by Gentek scientist.
The battalion and their three leaders entered the vast opening that leads to a complex underground cave system. No doubt this was mostly Hydras work seeing from the diameter of the tunnel save some that was probably made by Goliaths. While most of the tunnel's diamater were similar to a Hydra's, some were larger than a Goliath, proving that they brutally carved the tunnel with pure brute strength rather than precision.
This allows Cross and Taggart to deploy some IFV to aid them in the cave network. Moments later IFVs rolling in and go deeper to the tunnel system that were large enough for them to travel. "Follow their lead" Evans said to his subordinates after seeing Cross and Taggart tagging along behind a BTR-82A.
"All clear Captain. Moving deeper to the tunnel network. Watch out for hostiles lurking" The BTR-82A gunner warned. The soldiers neutralized Flyers that were stalking them with a quick burst of headshots.
The sound of endless footteps coming from somewhere in the tunnel network shrouding the battalion with fear and raise their alertness in case one of those snealy bastards decide to pull an unexpected ambush.
"This place is creeping me out man..." One of the soldier whispered. "Damn right man. We don't know where they are and they could strike anytime". "Let's hope this won't take long. I already got goosebumps" Another soldier retorted. "Ooahh..." "sergeant cut the chatter. Eyes peeled everyone" Taggart ended the little conversation. The BTR suddenly stops right on its track. "Did you see anything?" Cross asked. "No sir but it seems like there is a large tendril blocking our way" "What does it look like?" "Glowing as usual sir, pulsating. Funny, i don't remember a tendril have white spots and looks like it's mo- OH SHIT! FALLBACK!".
The BTR-82A instantly crushed with the said tendril. But it wasn't a tendril. It was a Goliath that stood motionless bidding its time to strike. Taggart and Cross immediately order their men to disperse and start attacking the Goliath. Fortunately for them the tunnel where they were had lead them to a rather large cavern perfect for them to escape and attack the Goliath. The said cavern also leads to dozens of tunnels varying in size.
"I want everyone stay vigilant while continously pouring firepower to the fucker! Evans! What's the status of the backup?" "I can't get a clear signal sir! The earth is blocking the radio signal from reaching Red Crown! I have to go back to the surface!". Before he could do so, the Goliath slams his bulky arm to the roof of the cavern, not a second later the said roof collapsed raining the unfortunate Goliath with tons of dirt and rock, and to top it off, a skyscraper. The Goliath was buried in a large pile of debris, while giving the cavern sunlight that provide abundant lighting to the surrounding.
"Looks like you don't have to do that. Forget ground support for now! Call in the Death Angels! Rain death from above!" Cross ordered as he fired a grenade from his Milkor M32A1 MGL. Taggart killed 4 Walkers with his SCAR-H Holographic Sight before redirecting his attack to a weakened Brawler.
"Roger that sir! Red Crown this is Lieutenant Colonel Evans acting as commanding officer of Spearhead 6 requesting two AC-130 to my location ASAP! Over!" "Copy that , two AC-130 callsign Firestorm 4-3 and Firestorm 4-4 would be redirected to your location once it's refueled and rearmed. ETA 10 minutes. Red Crown out" Evans quickly move to Cross's position which was behind a boulder while he was reloading his grenade launcher. "Sir the AC-130 is already on the move but won't be ready for another 10 minutes due to refueling and rearming" Evans stated.
Cross was annoyed. "Dammit! Ready the rocket launchers! Fire at that ugly bastard!" He ordered. Evans nodded and through his radio, order his men to fire all available rocket launchers to the Goliath.
"Firing AT-4!"
"RPG ready! Fire!"
"Reloading SMAW"
The same Goliath had finished brushing off the last debris from its body, now angrier than before, pound its arms to the ground before tossing its bulky arm to the front, its body follows and its coming to Cross and Taggart's location. "Incoming!" Evans shouted. The Goliath narrowly crushed Cross and Taggart if it wasn't for Evans to shove them out of the way. "That was way too close! Thanks Evans! Evans?" Cross asked. Evans was nowhere to be found.
Looking downward he sees an arm sticking out of a pile of rubble. Realizing who that arm belongs to he quickly shove the rubble away from Evans, only to find that Evans was killed. His eyes were closed and a small smile decorated his face, knowing that he and Taggart would be safe even though he knew well it'll probably cost his own life. Cross leans down and salutes him, in honor for his brave sacrifice to ensure his and Taggart's survival.
"May your soul rest in peace, brave soldier, i shall let your spouse know that you have lived an honorable life" Cross said. "As for you..." He trailed, his eyes locked upon the roaring Goliath. "I will make you suffer before you die".
Seeing a lying M249 with ACOG Sight nearby, Cross picks it up and mount it to a pile of sturdy rubble nearby before begin firing to a flock of Walkers. The battle became more and more heated with each minute passing. The Goliath had received reinforcements as well in the form of Hydras, Juggernauts, Brawlers, Hunters, Leader Hunters, and Supreme Hunters. Spearhead 6 soldiers were holding their ground pretty well thanks to unexpected aid coming from the ground on top of them in the form of barrage of missiles. But as of now, even with the said aid, their numbers had dwindled to three fourth from the original number.
Without any external help aside from random barrage of missiles, they would be annihilated within minutes. They have to act fast.
Without warning, a salvo of two 105mm shell and dozens of 40mm shell rain down upon the Goliath and several group of infecteds. "The Angels of Death are here!" A soldier exclaimed. Cross looked upward and saw two AC-130 circling the large opening. "Captain Cross this is Firestorm 4-3 and Firestorm 4-4 ready for tasking". "Roger that Firestorm 4-3. Engage the main target AKA the Goliath. Rain death from above! Danger close!" Cross ordered. "Affirmative. Targeting the Goliath. Firing 105 mike mike. Danger close".
Firestorm 4-3 and Firestorm 4-4 fired two 105mm shell which hit directly on the Goliath's back. The Goliath roars in pain but quickly silenced by a salvo of 40mm shells. The 25mm shells quickly follow as it become the death for weakly armored foes. "That's gotta hurt" Firestorm 4-3 gunner commented when they saw several Brawler and Hunter got shredded. "15 plus KIAs good hit good hit". The camera operator continue to asses the battlefield.
"Gun ready!" Firestorm 4-4 loader announced. "Firing" The gunner replied. "Splash out". "Good effect on target, that fucker's pissed" "Heh heh i second that 4-4" Firestorm 4-3 gunner chuckled. The Goliath cannot do anything due to the fact it was receiving from multiple direction.
"Whoa! Looks like we are not alone 4-3" Firestorm 4-4 stated. Indeed as multiple Flyers are inbound. "Uhh... we might need some backup up here these guys won't stop bugging us out. Requesting air support. Over" "Copy that Firestorm 4-4 we hear you. Callsign Talon 6-4 and Talon 6-5 at your six. Two AH-64 helicopters. Requesting permission flying hostile in your vicinity" Talon 6-4 pilot requested. "Affirmative. Permission granted. Neutralize all hostile in the area. Out".
Talon 6-4 and 6-5 immediately go to work. With their devastating chain gun they almost effortlessly cleared the sky from hostile Flyers. Both AC-130 then resume their fire onto the Goliath. Dumping yet another salvo of 105mm to the Goliath's back, they surely slowly making progress. The Goliath was weakened to the point where nearly all of its limbs are dismembered. The only limb it still have was the bulky arm thay managed to absorb a lot of damages.
"Come on! Just a few more and she's a goner!" Cross stated. "Firing 105 mike mike danger close". "Splash over". "Splash out". "Standby waiting for a clear sight. Captain Cross this Firestorm 4-4. Goliath threat is neutralized i say again, Goliath is neutralized. Permission to relocate to Penn Station, over" "Copy that 4-4 permission granted. Relocate to Penn Station to assist the forces there. Captain Cross out".
The Goliath's corpse was blocking the majority of the path but luckily there are some left big enough for a single line of vehicle to go through. "We'll need more IFVs. Send them in" Taggart stated as a matter of factly. Cross nods in agreement and requested several more IFVs to assist them inside the cave system.
"Affirmative captain. Five IFVs would be at your disposal within 3 mikes. Red Crown out". "Looks like we'll be having some additional firepower. In the meantime, rearm yourself with the supplies. I have a feeling this'll turn into a bloody battle" Cross announced. The soldiers around him began moving to the nearest supply crate. The medics arriving on the scene also began moving the deceased away in order to give them a proper burial.
Taggart sits down on a large boulder followed by Cross. "Water?" Taggart offered his water canteen. Cross chuckles. "Nah, this'll do me just fine" He pulled out a cigar and lit it up with his trusted customised all titanium Zippo lighter. The lighter itself had the word 'The Specialist' engraved onto it.
"You will die to a cigar faster than die to an enemy at this rate Cross" Taggart commented. "And look who's talking. You think taking more than a dozen shot of alcohol wouldn't yield the same result? Don't talk to me like that if you are leading yourself to the very fate you said i am heading to" Cross countered with a victorious smirk. Taggart grumbled but smiled at him nonetheless. "True but then again, life is short so we gotta make the most of it". The two enjoy their small peaceful moment before a rather short interruption came in. "This is Lieutenant Riley reporting in from Harlem. I have successfully contained the attack and will proceed to execute extermination to all kinds of hostiles". "Copy that Riley. This is Colonel Rook wishing you the best. Rook out".
"Out of all the times they had to ruin, they ruined this moment" Taggart sighed. Cross blew a puff of smoke before replying "Well that"s what they do best. We gotta deal with it". Soon they began enjoying their little moment again before it got ruined. Again.
The requested IFVs have arrive and they stop right before Cross and Taggart. Both sigh as Taggart placed his canteen on his hip while Cross finished his cigar and tossed it away. "You're our reinforcements?" Taggart asked. "Correct sir. Five of us" The commander answered. Glancing to the back, Cross sees another four vehicles ready to move.
"Alright. All units ready up! We are moving deeper into the cave system. Eyes peeled. Watch for the slightest movement" Cross announced. A shout in unison was heard before they all started walking. The IFVs drove around the giant corpse while the foot mobiles easily walked on any path big enough for them.
"Taggart, Cross be advised. A care package is heading your way ETA 20 seconds. Be on the lookout" Randall suddenly warned through their private comm. Taggart immediately orders them to halt and wait for further instructions. Exactly 20 seconds later a care package was parachuting down through the gaping hole. It firmly landed on the ground waiting to be uncovered. "Let's unbox this big guy".
Cross and Taggart, with a couple of soldiers lift up the metal lid and place it against the side. The content inside make them whistle in surprise.
"I'll be damned. Looks like we have a sharp turn on our plan" Cross commented. Taggart nodded in agreement.
Before them, was a thermobaric warhead. The casing was ash gray and there was a small screen on the side along with a small keyboard below it to enter the password and the desired time. They also notices there was a note attached to it stuck with a tape.
"Have fun smiley face. Randall, we are not just going to have fun. We are going to have a party down here!" Cross grinned evilly. Taggart just shook his head when he heard Randall drew a smiley face to the note. That was the most un-Randall thing to do. The Randall he know is cold and serious.
"We have to find the source of their seemingly never ending flow of reinforcements. They must have an underground spawning ground filled with Infected Pustules" Taggart stated. "But how are we going to find that sir?" A sergeant asked. "We'll try to find a tunnel that goes straight down instead sideways. If they wanted to safely create fresh troops they need to be far away from the ground to minimalize the detection rate. We'll just hope this tunnel would lead us to such place".
"Right, load this S.O.B into that IFV. It should fit nicely with rooms to spare" Cross ordered two Super Soldiers to lift the warhead to a Stryker ICV. After it was securely placed they start moving again.
The tunnel they are exploring is pretty much abandoned. Only several weak hostiles launched a whimsical ambush on them as they were immediately gunned down. However, they can still hear the sounds of the infecteds in another tunnel even though they know those creatures are faraway.
"Those sounds were creeping us man. I get goosebumps" A soldier confessed. "Me too. Damn, it'll be a very bad luck if we meet face to face with those ugly hordes" Another one said. "Fuck me even i am shivering a bit" A sergeant admitted. Cross finally say "Alright that's enough. Steel yourself and be ready for anything. These bastards are sneaky".
The IFVs suddenly stop on their track. Cross and Taggart look at each other in confusion before they jog to the front. "What's the situation soldier?" "Sir. It appears we have found our target" The driver said. Both of them looked forward and saw the very thing they were hoping to find, a hole that goes straight to what seemingly an endless bottom. One can see the tunnel was massive as it could probably fit 10 Mothers with rooms to spare. Around the tunnel there are multiple smaller tunnels. They have hit the jackpot.
"Right soldiers, rappel down. For the IFVs, guard the perimeter from above. We don't need any fuckers come raining down upon us" Cross said. "Affirmative sir" The Styrker driver replied. The soldiers came back with rappeling equipment. They throw down the rope all the way to the bottom. Both Cross and Taggart whistled once they realize how deep it was. "Down the rabbit hole" "More like down the black hole" "You mean your asshole?" Cross joked. Taggart narrowed his eyes. "If only this wasn't an important mission i would gladly throw you down there and report back to tell that you slipped over a Hunter's eyeball". Cross smirked at him. "Point taken".
Both securely placed their carabiner on the rope and peer down, gazing right at the dark bottomless pit that would probably lead them to hell directly. Or worse than hell. "Right here we go. No radio contact until we resurface once more. Spearhead 6, going dark". And with that, they push themselves from the edge and begin descending.
10 meters...
20 meters...
30 meters...
60 meters...
150 meters...
"Ground is visible, be ready" Cross said after they rappel down for 200 meters. They touched the bottom of the tunnel. They widen their perimeter to secure a larger area. No hostiles for now. Greenlight.
"All clear, send in the package" Cross ordered. The warhead, suspended above them for about 10 meters, resumes its journey. Then the package arrives at the bottom where several soldiers quickly remove the straps around it. "You two, can you lift it?" Taggart asked two Super Soldiers. "Yes sir! Right away" The two grab the warhead and hoist it on their shoulders. The front soldier gives them a thumb up. "Okay let's move".
With the aid of NVGs they slowly carve their way deeper into the tunnel system. The sound of trampling, which is higher and louder, indicates that they are near something. So far they have not have an encounter with hostiles. But that, is about to change.
"No sign of hostile. They must be building up an ambush" "They won't. They are busy dealing with us above. Just deliver our present to their nest and we- ACK!" The soldier was pulled by an unseen opponent. "Above us!" A soldier yelled. They all look up and see a dangling Hydra upside down with its long tongue out, trying to reel back the caught soldier. "OPEN FIRE!" They began firing onto the hostile. Unfortunately, more Hydras, also "upside down, join the fight.
"How the hell they learn how to hang upside down like that?!" A soldier screamed. "They may be ugly but they're not dumb! Throwing semtex!". "Protect the warhead at all cost! Do not let it get damaged no matter what!" Cross said. Super Soldiers also began climbing against the tunnel wall and grab hold onto the Hydras and begin punching them.
The Hydras roar in pain and quickly retreat. This raises some confusion for the soldiers. "Keep your eyes peeled. They are playing dirty now" Taggart warned. The crowd continues to move. The tunnel suddenly turns right and the diameter broadens. They all stacked up against the wall. "On me. One, two, three!". They all run out into the open and ready their weapons.
They were not ready for the sight before them.
Countless infected pustules, ranging from all kinds of size, laid in front of them systematically. Lines of tendrils pulsing on the ground linking to one pustules to another. This is not a hive. This is far worse. A spawning ground. Hidden deep below right under their nose for so long. They had free reign in this dark underworld. A massive pustules suddenly ruptures, a fresh Goliath have just been freed from the mammoth pustule. It roars and begins stomping its way out from the ground to the combat zone above. Smaller pustules, containing from simple Walkers to deadly Supreme Hunters hatch more frequently. They hatch at a different rate according to what type of infected they are creating.
The spawning ground is big. Really big. This must be the reason why they are able to hold their ground above. An unrestricted, untouched, undisturbed factory that its sole purpose is to create and procreate more army.
This is their target. The gold mine. The hornet's nest. And they're about to stir it up violently with a large firework.
"Alright. From what i can see the tunnel that we went through was already abandoned. In this dark environment they can only use their hearing and smelling ability. So i want all of you to stay quiet. Get the warhead into the center and start the countdown. We go back where we started and we are hauling ass from here. Got it?" Cross explained.
The soldier did not dare to speak. They opted with a simple nod and a thumb up. Cross salutes them and gives the warhead carrier the 'follow me and stay silent' gesture. The Super Soldiers nod and walk beside him.
'Keep quiet. Stay sharp' Cross gestured. They nodded and walked slowly through the spawning ground. With their NVGs they could see ths infecteds around them clearly. Though the stench of rotten flesh and dried blood masked their scent. The infecteds cannot see them due to their inability to see in the dark. This means they currently have the advantage. But only for now.
They finally arrive at the center of the spawning ground. Around them, all they can see are infected pustules. The Super Soldiers slowly put the warhead down. Cross and Taggart simultaneously place their right hands on the bio scanner. They type in the codes and initiate the countdown timer: 180 seconds.
The light on the screen turns from blue to green to indicate that the sequence has begun before returning to blue with the digital clock displayed with red color. "Alright mission completed. Let's head back" Cross whispered.
The small group slowly make their way out of the spawning ground. But unfortunately, fate decides to take a sharp turn to a dangerous path.
"This is Thunderstorm 4-1 requesting a strafe run immediately over! We are being overru-bzzzzz...".
They froze. It was loud. Very loud. As if a volcano had just erupted right beside them. This is not good. A roar was heard and it was coming from a fresh Goliath. It had heard the sudden intercom. Several Leader Hunters had heard it as well. They also roar to summon nearby Hunters to come to their aid.
"OH SHIT! RUN!".
They immediately start running. The majority of the forces that stayed behind immediately spring into action. They provide cover for the retreating group. "H-Hey put me down! I can run with my own feet you know!" Cross yelled when he got swooped by a Super Soldier onto his back. "Apologies sir but this is for your own good!". Taggart had also been lifted onto a Super Soldier's back. "You better get us out of here alive and in one piece soldier!".
They zoom past the defenders and run to the tunnel they rappeled earlier. They slowly retreat back to where they started. But the amount of hostiles flooding onto them them.
"Go go! Rappel up!" Taggart ordered. The soldiers begin securing their carabiner onto the rope. "Go! Now!". The Super Soldiers, along with the Evolved, have no need to use the rope. They could climb up using their own bare hand thanks to their superhuman strength. But that was nearly not enough against the infected's ability to climb. They were better suited for this job.
Some unfortunate soldiers were snatched and eaten alive. The soldiers who guarded the tunnel from above began firing to the oncoming hostiles. They have opted to go with anti materiel sniper rifle with thermal imaging for better detection. And thus, infecteds from all range of size and strength began to fall back into the darkness below, dead.
"40 seconds before detonation!" Taggart alerted the retreating forces just as they arrive at the top. They run back to where they started in such hurry. The infecteds were not fat behind but they got pushed back thanks to the IFVs providing covering fire while reversing.
"10 seconds!".
"I see the exit point!".
10...
9...
They reached the exit point. All of them scamper to random directions. "Get out of here it's gonna blow!".
3...
2...
1...
A large booming sound shakes the earth. They all are forced to lay prone against the ground. The shockwave continues for several seconds until a geyser of fire bursts out from the opening creating a spectacular fire display for everyone to see. Throughout Manhattan similar fire erupted from any opening that it could find. The unfortunate infecteds trapped down there were burned and incinerated alive by the sheer temperature of the fire.
The spawning ground was no more. It had been destroyed completely by the explosion force. The cave had collapsed creating a significant depression on the Central Park. Both Cross and Taggart are finally able to catch their breath.
"Well done Cross! Taggart!. The reports are coming in like a flood now. Looks like that parting gift you gave left a pretty deep impression on them. Infected flow rate has decreased along with the fighting intensity. Return to HQ ASAP. Randall out" Randall congratulated them through the comm.
The two look at the horizon. Helicopters and jets still flying in the sky. Soldiers around them celebrating for the successful mission to stop the invasion. Medics are rushing in to treat the wounded and to carry the deceased back to be given a proper funeral. Cross lights up his cigar and blows a puff of smoke while Taggart crouches and gaze to the scenery.
"You know what Cross?" He asked. Cross raised an eyebrow. "I think i need a drink after this" Taggart stated. Cross chuckles and holds his cigar between his thumb and index finger. "Count me in. My treat by the way". The two continue to enjoy the moment in silence waiting for their transport to come.