Author's Note: All properties are the rights of their respective owners, Marvel, Respawn Entertainment, etc.
Let the record show that this is about the time (April 29, 2020) that my sanity is starting to fray from this lockdown. Christ I don't even get out that much and I'm losing my mind a bit, probably not helped by the fact I saw Terminator: Dark Fate out of morbid curiosity, my god that movie was shit. How is it possible that in the 25+ years since T2 the best Terminator film is Salvation?
Blaze1992: Good to see I got my point across, and I'm curious to see if you still hold that view by the end of this chapter.
A fan: That line "this isn't a democracy, it's a dictatorship" is a Jeremy Clarkson quote from the old days of Top Gear, specifically the Cool Wall segments (as an aside, I want a DB9 fridge). To explain the joke, he would ask the audience where on the wall a car should go (how cool it was) and then ignore them and put it where he thought it went, saying "this isn't a democracy, it's a dictatorship" so that's where that came from. As an odd contrast, Clarkson is like 6 foot 6 or thereabouts. All I meant by the Underground DLC was the atmosphere and claustrophobic feeling, not exactly the structure of the activity, hence why there was no subway train. Say what you will about the Division, but it had one of the best atmospheres of any game.
As always, feel free to review if you have something to say, good or ill. Especially with this significant deviation from the main story I want to know what y'all think.
The title, Wehrmact, was chosen as much for its sound as its subject matter. If I didn't need songs to have lyrics then I would have put 'The March to War,' the Star Wars 'Imperial March,' or 'Brothers In Arms' from the Halo: CE soundtrack. A good military march, take your pick, was the sound I wanted, and this track off of Sabaton's 2010 album Coat of Arms fits the bill. The subject matter is delicate, to put it lightly and so I recommend that if you're interested, go to the 'Sabaton History' youtube channel and watch their video on this subject. As for the basics, the Wehrmact was the combined German military command during WW2, overseeing the Heer (army), Luftwaffe (air force), and Kriegsmarine (navy). That leads me to the second reason this is the title, the Wehrmacht showed the world what mobility warfare and combined arms operations looked like in the mechanized age. Early in the war, the didn't have the monsturous Tiger and Panther tanks they would become famous for, in fact the greatest advantage of the earlier Panzers was that each one had a radio. The British and French tanks did not.
I want to make it clear that I do not overlook or ignore the war crimes the Wehrmacht committed during the war. I am of the opinion that one set of actions should not cancel out the other and that goes both ways. Still, no matter your view, and discounting the madmen at the top who issued the orders, the men who carried them out, for whatever reasons each may have had, fought hard and fought well, and for that they should be respected.
Power Without Question – Chapter 45: Wehrmacht
Time and again the battle rages on beyond the gates of misery
As casualties rise and millions die around them, Did they see it all?
Crazy madmen on a leash, Or young men who lost their way?
Grand illusions of the Reich, May seem real at times
Panzers on a line
Form the Wehrmacht's spine
Lethal grand design
What about the men executing orders?
Even after 8 years as the one and only Webslinger, Peter Parker found that he would always have new experiences. His current situation was simply another bizarre one to add to that ever-growing list of incredible things that happened to him in costume. "Follow me Spider-Man" ordered the Sable International trooper curtly, but still polite, before he turned and led the wallcrawler into the Sable International Camp in Central Park.
Only, unlike the last time he had been here, the place was a beehive of activity. Vehicles flowed in and out in concert while foot soldiers in their units moved with purpose and intent as the colorfully dressed hero was guided through the controlled chaos to his destination. Late last night he had gotten a text from Yuri ordering him to arrive at the Sable Camp at 9:00 am. Try as he might, he couldn't get anything more out of her, but it was clear something was up. "So what's the deal? Going to give me a medal for doing your job and taking down Li?" he asked brightly.
"No sir" responded the Trooper curtly. So, I'm a 'sir' now? Wow, this is serious mused Spidey. "You'll be briefed by Sablinova shortly" he informed, causing a chill to go down his spine as he remembered their last meeting. But that shock was quickly replaced at the shock of seeing who else had been granted entrance to this briefing as Peter saw the vehicles parked neatly in the middle of the compound. An NYPD squad car and Interceptor, Widowmaker, and Norman Osborn's chauffeured Rolls Royce. It was clear that whatever was happening was serious enough to warrant the Mayor's presence, and not even Li had managed to force a meeting like this."Here we are sir. The briefing will begin at 0915 hours" said the Sable Trooper before he gave Spider-Man a crisp salute and returned to his post, leaving a shocked webhead in his wake.
"Just what is going on?" he wondered as he walked inside the high-tech room and took stock of the small but important group of people gathered as he quickly singled out his best friend. "Marauder, what's going on?" he asked as the Pilot was reading through something on a tablet and looked up.
"Officially, I can't tell you" answered Cooper, "but unofficially I can say that shit's about to go down. We got more bad guys coming and these are desperate times. Which means we are the desperate measures" explained the Texan grimly. "We're going to have a thirty-minute briefing, Osborn will stage a press conference at ten o clock, and then after that we have maybe twenty four hours to prepare."
The white eye lenses widened at the words before narrowing, "Prepare for what?" he asked.
"For war" replied the Marauder simply before excusing himself with a nod and making his way to speak with Mayor Osborn. For war? Thought Parker as he just stared blankly at the back of his friend. The SRS Commando did not exaggerate when it came to that word. It wasn't something he used lightly after his experience, and the fact that he was using it now did not bode well.
But now the webslinger had more questions than when he started as he looked for another familiar face and soon saw two women speaking to each other, one was a blond, suit blazer over a bullet proof vest while the other was equipped like a pilot, though while her gear was new, the face was familiar. "Yuri?" asked Spider-Man as he walked up, "You rob the Marauder or something?" he asked, trying to make light, though judging by the grim looks both women had, he had failed miserably.
"Good to see you actually showed up on time for once" replied the blonde sarcastically, thought there was a hint of mirth in her voice, a stark contrast to the gloom and doom that permeated the room. "Damn fine work taking down Li, and I'm sorry to have to ask you to help us again Spider-Man, but chances are we'll need all the help we can get" admitted the woman, her badge read 'DeWolff' as Parker recognized her as the acting commissioner.
"Happy to help, if whatever the problem is managed to get all of us together, then it must be serious" he responded.
"And this isn't even everyone" interjected Yuri. "I just hope it will be enough" she murmured as her eyes narrowed on the doorway and Peter turned to see who had arrived. His jaw dropped behind his mask at the man who walked in wearing combat trousers and boots, his chest covered by a skull painted ballistic vest and a pistol in the holster on his hip. They were reaching out to the Punisher of all people!? He thought with a mix of shock and horror.
It was clear the two lawwomen weren't happy either, but it was the person behind the Marine that caused Peter to dart across the room. "What are you doing here?" he whispered lowly as he pulled the redheaded reporter off to the side.
Mary Jane Watson shook her head, "I honestly don't know" she admitted lowly as she was busy looking past him, clearly taking stock of everyone else in the room. "I just got a call half an hour ago from Commissioner DeWolff that told me to get here, a cab ride later and here I am. All I know is that they want me to cover it for the Bugle, the Mayor gave me the green light to publish whatever happens" she explained. So this wasn't something Osborn was trying to hide? Meaning Devil's Breath probably wasn't it. Did Osborn just want Watson to be his mouthpiece to paint him in a good light or was there something else going on?
"Okay, but I still don't know what's happening, only whatever it is has everyone seriously spooked" he revealed before Silver Sablinova marched into the room and everyone began to automatically make their way to the simple folding chairs arrayed before the screens showing maps of the city and Sable International Troop locations. Peter noticed that they seemed to have shifted completely, now forming a defensive line from east to west instead of being dispersed throughout Manhattan.
"I'm sure many of you are aware why you are here, but I will summarize the events of the last twelve hours" began the Symkarian as the room fell silent, everyone paying rapt attention to the mercenary. "After two NYPD officers went missing, a platoon of Sable International Operators, led by myself and accompanied by the Marauder and Captain Watanabe, investigated their last known location in the Manhattan underground to determine the cause of their disappearance" she explained before the screens changed to show several different humanoid robots and one much larger one, all standing on two legs. "We encountered forces belonging to the 74th Infantry Division of the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation, they were operating under the direction of that factions Archaeological Research Division. Intelligence obtained from the enemy's forward position suggests they have a force numbering some 4000 men and are preparing to move on Manhattan in as little as twenty-four hours to complete unknown objectives."
Peters head was spinning, and while he spared a glance at MJ, he found she was furiously scribbling down notes about what was happening, though she spared him a shocked expression to let him know he wasn't alone. The IMC was here, in New York, the same IMC that tried to blow up a planet was poised to invade his home. "Sable International forces are preparing to meet this new threat and the advanced capabilities they possess. The Marauder is more familiar with the opposition and has been cooperative in giving us an assessment of the enemy…" she began before explaining in detail what they would be going up against.
Their infantry, standard foot soldiers, would still be better than anything Peter had dealt with that was in the same weight class. Well trained and equipped, the grunts would put up a real were backed by two types of 'automated mechanical infantry' dubbed 'Specters' and 'Stalkers' with the latter being bigger and stronger while the former had better combat AI. Both were tougher than standard infantry. Lastly were the heavy hitters, the Reapers and footage of a Reaper in action gave Parker cause for concern, they were strong, adaptable, and had a lot of weapons at their disposal. But even they paled in comparison to a Titan, the 40-ton war machines would be a serious threat and were something Spider-Man was wholly unprepared to deal with.
The sole good news was differing IMC doctrine, their Pilots would rarely, if ever, operate outside of their Titans. So the defenders wouldn't have to worry about the most Elite IMC soldiers harassing them outside of their mechs. But that was the sole good news.
"We are outnumbered, Sable International has 1500 combat personnel ready, while the NYPD has mustered just over 500 to assist. As a result, we will be enacting a defense in depth. Civilians will be evacuated northwards while combat personnel defend from prepared positions, falling back when required" explained Sablinova calmly. This was a numbers game, and the numbers didn't favor the good guys. "Our aim is to deplete their forces and force them to call off the attack before they achieve their objectives. The United States Armed Forces are aware of the situation and are preparing a response, but the soonest we can expect reinforcements is in 48 hours. Until then, the best we will have is limited air support, the usefulness of which is lessened by the potential for collateral damage" she explained before pausing to look at every single person seated in the room, Peter instinctively straightening as he felt her gaze fall on him before moving on. "Everyone is here because you have a role to play, prepare in whatever way you must. You will receive your assignments and it is expected you will do your best. Report to your assigned defensive positions at 0430 hours tomorrow morning. Dismissed."
Immediately, it seemed as if the tension that had been building up throughout the briefing finally snapped as everyone sprang into action, everyone moving a different way as if they seemingly knew exactly what they had to do in order to contribute to success. Everyone, that was, except Spider-Man, who was still overwhelmed by the task before them. But he wasn't left idle for long, as he was grabbed and guided to a corner of the room by his best friend. "What do you think?" asked the Renegade Gunfighter calmly, his tone said that the Pilot was as worried as he was since it lacked a cocky drawl.
"It doesn't look good" admitted Peter with a sigh. "This is a lot worse than anything else, and after the whole saga with the Demons? We're not in a good position." Cooper didn't respond, but it was clear to tell he didn't have a different point of view. "We're still in with a chance though, right? You've beat the IMC before, they're tough but they aren't invincible" reminded Peter, trying to get the Pilot to keep his head up.
"I suppose" conceded the SRS Commando as he looked over his shoulder before whispering lowly. "Listen, I was the one who called Frank, I got some more calls to make. We're going to need all hands on-deck if we want to make it through this" he began before trailing off before finally meeting Peter's gaze. "You need to call her, have her and her people get down here. I'll clear it with Sable" he said suddenly.
Cocking his head, the webslinger took a second to figure out who the Marauder was referring to before the eye lenses widened. "What? No way. I mean we got everyone here already, who else is there to call?" asked Peter, though as soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realized he was tempting fate. Indeed, all the Pilot had to do was point behind the webhead, after taking one look at the new arrival, only one word came to mind, "Seriously?"
Three men wearing purple shirts and ballistic vests, the name 'Fisk' proudly emblazoned on them, met with a Sable International officer who was giving them assignments. "Seriously" replied Cooper, "I talked to Fisk this morning, he's directing all of his shooters to take their heavy weapons and help us. They'll be providing the bulk of the manpower on the east side of our defense. NYPD will be in west, and Sable Troopers will plug the gap in between. Fisk's men bring our total manpower up to just under 2500, and we need every gun we can get." The Pilot took his friends silence as Peter meaning he didn't like it, which was true. But there was little to argue, these were desperate times indeed. "There's one more friend I'm trying to get ahold of, but I'm not feeling to optimistic, it was always a long shot but…wait" he said as he pressed a hand to the side of his helmet and turned towards the displays. "Damn fine work BT! Patch her in!" he shouted happily as he pumped his fist in excitement.
The sudden outburst caught the attention of everyone else in the room as they turned to the large screen as the static slowly receded to reveal a woman's tanned face, a short unkempt head of dark hair held back by a red bandanna, and a stern expression. "Renegade 9? Is that you?" she asked, squinting at her end of the feed. "You had better have a good reason for coming back from the dead."
"You expected someone else to pull off the impossible Commander?" answered the Marauder before turning to the rest of the room. "Everyone! Allow me to introduce Commander Sarah Briggs of the Special Recon Squadron, my CO" announced the Texan as everyone focused on the woman's image and she did the same.
"Pilot" she began as her gaze settled back down on her subordinate. "You had better explain what the hell's going on because I don't have a goddamn idea."
The Marauder chuckled wryly, "Well…" he began, "we don't have time for the whole story, but the short version? When the Fold Weapon went up, I didn't die. Instead I wound up on Earth, an alternate dimension Earth in the year 2017. Been here a little over a year doing…well let's just say I've been busy" he answered cryptically.
Yuri, Peter, and MJ all sputtered at trying to contain their laughter, causing the Commander to glare at them. "I thought I had left the Frontier behind, but that's changed. The IMC is here, I managed to get BT into their systems and he's piggybacking to make this connection. I need you to trace the source and hit them hard. If you can take the pressure off of us over here, then we might have a chance."
The room was silent as Briggs contemplated the request, knowing that she would be putting the lives of her men at risk for complete strangers that weren't who it was her duty to protect, who weren't from her dimension even. "I take it you all there are going to fight the IMC? Some of you are probably fighting to protect your homes…" she mused as the native New Yorkers all nodded. "We know what that's like, any enemy of the IMC is a friend of ours, and we take care of our friends. I'll mobilize the Marauder and Ranger Corps immediately, Bish! Do we have a location for this broadcast? We do? Then get some recon drones headed that way, we're on the clock!" she barked, her authoritative air remarkably similar to Yuri or Sable as she took control of the situation. "We'll be there, give the IMC hell, all of you" she said, something telling the wallcrawler that was the warrior's way of wishing them luck before she added, "one more thing for you Pilot. After Typhon you were granted posthumous promotions, but they still stand. Congratulations Major" she finished before the line was cut and the screen reverted to the Sable International logo.
After the shock wore off, Peter turned to his friend, who still stood as still as a statue as he digested the news. In response, the webslinger did his best to snap to attention and salute the newly promoted Gunfighter. "What are your orders sir?" he asked half seriously.
That seemed to get to Cooper as he shook his head and gave a half salute back, "They stand Private Smart Ass: Call her" he stated before striding off.
Sighing in defeat, Peter scrolled through his contacts until he finds the one, and heads outside for some privacy until he hears the call get accepted. "Hey Kitty it's me. Listen, I need some help, could you put the Professor on?"
"That is none of my concern mercenary. I am paying you to deliver the individuals I have specified. How you go about delivering them to me is for you to decide" answered the hologram coolly, clearly unconcerned about his questions. Growling in frustration, the Apex Predator ran his thumb along the reverse edge of his knife before looking back up at the hologram. "You have 72 hours; I suggest you don't waste any more time with trivial inquiries. Good day" finished the head of ARES, General Marder, before summarily cutting the connection as the hologram of the good General fizzled into nothing.
Growling in frustration, Kuben Blisk sheathed his knife and turned to his subordinates, three of the finest and most ruthless Pilots he could find. "Oi" he barked, causing all of them to turn to the grizzled head of the Apex Predators, "you all heard the General, we have our deadline. I want all of you to begin preparations to join the main attack tomorrow morning" he ordered in his Afrikaans accent as he looked over the trio.
Psycho was the most physically imposing, and more than once had Blisk wondered if the man was actually stable. Despite these concerns, the man did his job and did it well even if he rarely spoke, and calling his various grunts and grumbles speaking was being generous. There was little subtle about him, he dished out pain without remorse, using a Softball on those rare occasions he was found outside his Scorch Titan.
On the opposite end of the spectrum was Ice, a small woman of slight build but incredible speed. Her skill with a sniper's rifle was only matched by her unflappable demeanor on the battlefield. That skill extended to her Titan operation, using a custom tuned North star class Titan with a heavily modified Plasma Railgun that supercooled the projectiles as they left the barrel, freezing their targets instead of melting through.
Finally, was Crimson, the youngest of the group, the kid was a golden arm. He was self-taught, having never received any formal training, and while usually Blisk would look down on such people, Crimson had done what few could claim: he had gone toe to toe with Blisk and survived. He had rebuilt an old Atlas class mech by himself and kept it maintained, he was a true mechanical prodigy. But that didn't prevent him from being efficient and mechanical when the bullets started flying. Rounding out the antique equipment was an Arc Cannon and Slave Warhead launchers for that old Atlas chassis, though as Crimson proved, they were no less deadly.
Backing them up was an entire IMC assault battalion, which should have been enough to steamroll the unfortunate inhabitants of this backwater planet. Marder had gone out about the new technology derived from another ark like discovery for the best part of an hour. Blisk didn't care, none of the technical babble pertained to what he was being paid for. Still, the result was a foe that wasn't even worth his time, he would be using the IMC troops to do this mission while he and his Apex Predators sat back and collected their paycheck. Only if the regular forces got bogged down would Blisk risk the lives of his men, but if he did use them, he wanted to remind them what was expected of them.
"Your objective is to get to this 'RAFT' and secure the 'enhanced individuals' inside for the boffins to play with" reminded the head of the outfit sternly. "I don't want anyone playing around out there, this should be a simple mission, get in, get the objective, and get out. But the primitive locals do know we're coming, so kill anyone who gets in the way." Taking one last look, Kuben added one final thing, "they kill you, and they're better. You kill them, that means you're better. You are Apex Predators! You are the best!"
Just outside the Sable International camp, one combatant had extradited himself from the frenzied preparations himself atop an office building, he had his head uncovered as he looked off into the clear skies and towards the horizon to try and savor a few moments of peace in the face of the oncoming storm. Knowing they were the last ones he would get before all hell broke loose, the newly minted Major Cooper was of two minds. Neither of them were asking questions about how the IMC got here or what their intentions were, he was a Pilot first and foremost, he was worried about surviving tomorrow, and then maybe he would worry about surviving the day after. Even while removed from the hectic preparation for battle, Cooper wanted to get back down into it, the rumble of the engines and the trundle of the wheels was music to his ears. There was a grim familiarity to the symphony of war tuning up their instruments that cleared Matthew's mind in preparation for the concert to follow. It had a way of trivializing all other human endeavors, drowning them out with deadly song.
Despite the overall clarity in his mind, there was one issue he had to grapple with, and it sat down next to him. Like him, Felicia Hardy was dressed for a fight, but her head was uncovered as the afternoon sunlight lit up her elegant features and reflected off her mane of platinum hair. In profile, she was exquisite, and seeing her only caused that flaring issue to spring to the forefront of his mind.
He was staring, and she knew that he was staring, and he knew that she knew, but that didn't change the silence between them until Cooper swallowed and took a deep breath. "It's scary" he began quietly, though the Black Cats ears perked up at the words, "I thought that chapter of my life was over. It was left behind a year ago" he mused before chuckling humorlessly, "but now that it's back it feels like I never even left."
The Thief shrugged, "Maybe because it's your calling" she suggested softly. The Marauder bristled slightly, though he tried not to show it, the thought that going off to war was what he was meant to do was not one he wanted to be true. Felicia took notice of his plight and smirked knowingly, "Don't be afraid of who you are Cowboy. Embrace it" she advised. "When the time comes, and you're doing what you do oh so well, all of this will be the farthest thing from your mind. All the worrying will have been for nothing." The SRS Pilot nodded but continued to look at her as he pondered her words, even if they only alleviated some of his worries.
"Sorry" he apologized sheepishly as she finally turned to look at him, "just enjoying a bit of beauty while I can. Won't be seeing much of it for the next few days" he explained, the half truth still dancing around what he was thinking. Still, his words affected her, drawing out a devilish grin from the woman.
"Be careful with that silver tongue of yours stud" she threatened with a gleam in her eye, "or I might just make you use it." With that she gave him an intoxicating kiss that sent Coopers heart and mind into overdrive as he savored her flavor and battled for dominance. But the action was a tipping point in his mind as he slowly pulled away and got to his feet, taking her by her hand and pulling her up.
Leading her across the rooftop, he soon scooped her up as she instinctively wrapped her legs around him while hooking her arms around his neck as he used his grapple to rappel them both down to the loading dock below. Waiting for them was BT-7274, who turned to face the couple. "Status BT?" asked Matthew as he looked up at the Titan.
"BT-7274 status: fully operational. All system checks complete, energy reserves at 93%, ammunition load at maximum" reported the Vanguard Class curtly. "I am ready for battle Pilot" he finished as the Titan Jockey nodded.
"Good" he said before biting his lip, "but there's one last thing, update the succession protocols" ordered Matthew finally.
Felicia gave him a questioning look before it turned to shock. "Matt, what are you…" she began before the Renegade cut her off.
"Just in case" he said with the most charming smile he could manage before turning back to the machine. "If I am rendered unable to perform my duties as your Pilot you are directed to transfer control to Felicia Hardy as soon as reasonably possible" spoke the Gunfighter calmly. He had made sure to retrofit the neural interface hardware into her hood that morning in preparation for this command. "Authori…authorization code" he said as he choked up a bit, his emotions finally getting the better of him, "bravo tango seven two seven four."
"Succession protocols successfully updated Major Cooper" replied the Titan, light still blinking in time with its speech. "Though I have no intention of losing another Pilot" he reminded as Cooper nodded, smiling weakly.
A pair of hands spun him around as Felicia bored into him with her sharp green eyes, blazing with determination. "I'm not going to lose you either Matthew." she stated as if it were fact, "You will not die. Don't you dare think otherwise."
"Listen" he interjected; a bit louder then he intended before he paused to reign in his emotions before continuing. "BT is the one thing we have than can stand up to the IMC. No matter what happens he has to be in the thick of it. I need someone I trust at the controls and I sure as shit ain't giving him to Sable or her people." There was then a pregnant pause as he lowered his gaze and added lowly, "and I need to know you'll make it out alive."
Following that admission was a tense silence before BT interjected, "Protocol 3 will be upheld Major" assured the Vanguard.
Quirking an eyebrow, the Thief's expression all but demanded an explanation from Cooper. "Protocol 3 is to protect the pilot" explained the Pilot, "meaning that BT will put his pilot's safety above his own." Only now did he meet Hardy's eyes, "I'm not letting you die because of me" he vowed.
Felicia stood up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss, "I know you won't" she answered quietly as he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in close. Placing his other gloved hand on the back of her head and embraced her as she reciprocated, her chin on his shoulder and arms wrapped tightly around his torso.
The moment struck Matthew as one that had occurred millions of times, loved ones sharing one last romantic moment before one went off to war. Only here, for him, it wasn't just him who would be heading to the fight, the woman he cared about would be coming to. While that caused new worries to arise, one last internal reminder of the woman in question brought with it a spur of confidence because of her exceptional abilities. While this moment brought concerns, he also admiration and respect for Felicia in it.
But it wasn't destined to last, disturbed thoroughly by the sound of someone clearing their throat as the two quickly separated and turned to see the Webslinger clinging to a wall upside down and looking at them. "I'm sorry to interrupt…but Sable wants you two to head back to the Central Park. There about to hand out our assignments" informed Peter. Exchanging one last look, both lovers placed their respective headgear back atop their heads when Spider-Man spoke up, "Oh, and I called Kitty, they'll be here soon to help" he added before swinging off.
The hulking form of the Marauders Titan strode into the staging area in central park as Sablinova watched the machine come to a stop and crouch down. With an acrobatic flair, the Black Cat dismounted from her position on the machine's back while the hatch at the front opened and the Marauder exited the Titan. After her last encounter with the Vanguard, the Symkarian would have never imagined she would be so happy to see it, but knowing it was on your side was a comforting thought.
Less comforting was the estimation that the IMC would have six of them, but Sable International had been given a crash course in Anti-Titan warfare that morning by the SRS Major. The mercenary leader was confident in her troops ability to fight, even when faced with the superior numbers the enemy possessed. This confidence wasn't unfounded either, her men were well trained, well entrenched, and knew what was coming. They knew their enemy and exactly what he could do and, even more importantly, what he couldn't. But perhaps the greatest comfort came from their location. New York City, a massive metropolitan area, given the fact they were facing an army, Sable couldn't have hoped for a better location.
Because cities were where armies went to die.
This mantra was only aided by the fact that the defenders possessed the IMCs plan of attack. While they didn't have the main camp, they did know the main thrust would be through the Lincoln Tunnel and make straight for Park Avenue before turning north. Their objective was on the north side of the Harlem River. Using that, Sable had her forces stretched across a defensive line spreading east to west across the thin island. The rivers protected her flanks, and the underground would enable forward operating bases and secure supply lines.
Even if the NYPD and Fisk enforcers weren't nearly as capable as the Sable International troopers, both possessed knowledge of the terrain that exceeded even hers. Fisk had even gone so far as to hand over caches of heavy weapons to the NYPD. Even further had been the civilian response, since the Mayor had announced what was happening many had volunteered to aid in the battle to come. Doctors and Paramedics had prepared triage centers closer to the front lines while staying behind to treat the wounded in select hospitals. Subway operators had almost unanimously agreed to keep the trains running, ensuring reinforcements and supplies could be brought up while wounded could be taken to the rear.
All other civilians had been evacuated to the north and east into the Bronx and Queens. That operation was being supervised by the NYPD mostly, but with the bulk of their efforts focused on preparing their defense it was slow going. Everything within Sable's control that could be done either had been done or was a work in progress. That only left the things beyond her control, which had caused her the most concern to begin with.
One by one, the individuals gathered in Central Park looked to the sky to see a contrail snake towards them before a black dot at the front began to take shape. A long slender body with two sleek engine nacelles, one on either side flushed cleanly into the gently swooping curves of the delta wings, painted nightmare black. The jet slowed, the blue exhausts turned down until the Blackbird began to hover and landing gear extended. On the tail fins, a reflective silver 'X' logo shone in the sun as the jet turbines spun down and the craft came still on the ground.
The corner of Sable's mouth downturned as she strode towards the jet and the ramp at the back dropped down and the occupants began to exit. Leading the way was a poised man with short hair, a red tinted visor covering his eyes, a black uniform providing full body protection and padding and shaped to have a 'X' across the chest. Behind him was a mocha skinned woman with a long head of flowing white hair and a slimmer more skintight outfit with a cape of all things. Third was a man in a wheelchair and three-piece suit, a bald head contained blue eyes that scanned the area and were seemingly all knowing before finally resting on Sable as he gave her a small smile that only unnerved her.
Spider-Man, the Marauder, Black Cat, and the reporter, who's name Silver couldn't be bothered to remember, all approached as the last two occupants emerged. One was a short young woman, shoulder length brown hair in a pony tail and wearing a similar black uniform but with yellow embellishments. Lastly was the most imposing, a broad shouldered and muscular looking man, mutton chops on his face and mangy dark hair, his face set in a permanent scowl. His gear was much more rudimentary, a leather jacket over slim Kevlar vest and black combat pants and boots. Clearly, this one valued function over form.
As the mercenary got closer, she could make out the conversation. "Thank you again for coming Professor" said Spider-Man candidly as the bald man smiled in response. Quickly, Sable noted some interesting dynamics as the reporter edged closer to the spider themed hero while the younger looking brunette seemed to be glaring daggers at the redhead.
The others either didn't notice or didn't care, and when the oldest replied, Sable focused on him. "Of course Spider-Man, you know we would never hesitate to aid you. I am only sorry that we couldn't bring more help. The situation you presented us with seemed dire" he admitted with a hint of skepticism.
"You're wrong Professor, 'dire' doesn't come close to describing what's happening" answered the Marauder with collected tones. But his words only caused the entire group of new arrivals to bristle as they looked at him wearily and it didn't escape Sable's notice that every magazine on his person was wrapped in red tape, and she knew what that meant.
The man with the visor clenched his fists as he squared up to the SRS Pilot. "And what's that supposed to mean? Are you just going to solve this problem with your gun? Kill your way out of trouble?" he hissed venomously. Sable found herself moving closer to the Gunfighter as a sign of support.
"Yes" deadpanned the Marauder as he stepped up and went almost toe to toe with the visor wearing man, "because tomorrow morning we will be fighting an army that will give no quarter and show no mercy. We will be at war" stated the Pilot before looking past him and at the others in the group. "And there is only one rule in war: survive."
The tension held thick until Sable cleared her throat and the Marauder stepped back out of respect as she addressed the new arrivals, the Pilot's move not going unnoticed. "I will see to it you are adequately briefed on the enemy's capabilities…"
"You can call us the X-Men Ms. Sablinova" supplied the oldest man with a kind hearted smile. "I am Professor Charles Xavier, Headmaster of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters" he introduced. "We are a group comprised of mutated individuals who seek to use their gifts for the betterment of both mutantkind and humankind, so that we my coexist without discrimination" he explained as Sable dug through her numerous briefings and soon placed the others in the group. Cyclops, Storm, and the Wolverine, the only one she paused at was the youngest until she recalled her moniker as Shadowcat. Just what she wanted, more so called 'heroes' with silly names.
"I don't think that will be an issue Professor" she assured, "those kinds of things tend to be forgotten on a battlefield." The group collectively frowned, except for the Wolverine, who seemed to nod in agreement, his eyes distant as he seemingly remembered events from times past. "I assume you all have experience working together and would prefer to operate as a unit?" she asked, getting a nod in reply from both Cyclops and the Professor. "Then I will assign you to work with Spider-Man, since you seem to know each other. I want you to support the east flank" she ordered. "You'll receive your assignments within the hour, be in position no later than zero four-thirty hours tomorrow morning…" she began before she was cut off by the thunderous footsteps of the Titan.
"Attention" intoned the machine in its warbling voice, "I have received a communique from Commander Briggs. Militia reinforcements have successfully bypassed the IMC defenses and navigated the interdimensional device, they are en route" he announced to the visual elation of the Marauder as he pumped his fist. "Their arrival is imminent."
"BT" began the reporter, "how soon is imminent?" she asked only for her question to be immediately invalidated as winds began to pick up and heat filled the air. Sable narrowed her eyes as she looked for a source as the air rippled until the blue sky turned to grey steel that took the shape of a ship. The stocky looking craft was built around a bank of four engines at the back, had a large cargo bay in the center, and narrowed at the front towards a gracefully curved nose and visible cockpit. On either side, forward swept wings extended from the rear of the craft while dark green paintwork broke up the shape, and the name on the nose read MCS MATTHEW COOPER.
From the bay at the center of the 140 meter long craft, a smaller ship dropped down and approached the ground, coming to a hover before landing alongside the X-Men's Blackbird. Sable was genuinely interested, wondering who the organization that created the Marauder would be like. Would there be more Pilots? Were they all mavericks or would they be more like the stoic Commander Briggs? Whatever they were like, Sablinova was confident they would be formidable and intimidating, a boon in the battle to come.
The door on the side slid up to reveal a man with thinning grey hair and wearing a filthy and ill-fitting jumpsuit. "Heya kid!" he called out jovially as he took a swig from a large flask, "you look good for woah!" he shouted as he tried to step down and fell flat on his face. He then pushed himself back up and held up his still filled flask triumphantly and took another swig, "Look good for dead!"
"And you still look like shit Barker!" returned the Marauder happily as the took shook hands, "I hope you got more than that one flask. You're going to need it" he advised as the older man grinned and opened the satchel to reveal several more flasks packed inside. "Who all agreed to this crazy trip?"
"Well why don't you meet them" he said before he turned to the craft. "Though you already know one of them. Alright fellas! It's go time!" he called out as five more figures emerged from the craft and Sable actually sighed in relief. The five figures that emerged all were armed to the teeth, the distinct packs on their lower backs signifying them as Pilots. "This is my crew now, meet the Angel City Elites!" he announced proudly before one of the female Pilots stepped forward and cleared her throat, "oh, and Gates is helpin' us out, from the 6-4."
The woman, Gates, slugged Barker, "thanks for remembering, ya wanker" she drawled casually, a noticeable English accent making its presence known. "And you managed to not die Rookie, hopefully you still have the moves you showed on the Malta. I'm lookin' forward to riding with you again."
"I'm afraid that isn't going to happen" interjected Sable bluntly. "I'm going to need you to bolster the flanks. Barker, take your men west. I want you to meet Captain Watanabe, you'll be under her command" she ordered before narrowing her eyes at the man as he was about to take another drink before he noticed her gaze and slowly lowered the flask.
"Yeah" he said absentmindedly as he turned to face the Symkarian. "Whatever the pretty lady says, Barker does." Sable rolled her eyes only to find that he was grinning stupidly as she sneered his way and he threw up his hands in defeat, "Alright boys! Go find this Watanbe while I get briefed by her" he said as he stepped up. Only for Sable to react instantly, stepping forward and throwing a punch in his gut to stagger him before her other fist threw a quick uppercut and sent him up as she jumped and spun, planting a kick square in his jaw as he slumped to the ground.
The other pilots, the Marauder, Black Cat, Spider-Man, and the reporter, all burst out laughing before Gates finally spoke up. "Whoever you are, I like you, put that tosser in his place" she said as she got herself back under control. Sable slowly stood down as the Marauder helped Barker to his feet as he slinked off to take a drink and nurse his wounded pride. "Though, if I could go somewhere else, I'd rather not put up with him anymore than I have to. The trip here was long enough."
There was a moment of silence, "I think she would be useful in aiding my X-Men" said Professor Xavier sagely. "She knows the enemy, and there is no greater edge in battle" he explained to the mutant super hero team who were shocked at the suggestion from Xavier.
"Very well" agreed Sable as she nodded her approval before sneering towards Barker. "If you were one of my men I would have you shot" she said flatly as she stared the ex-Pilot down with icy eyes.
Barker, for his part, seemed unfazed as he simply took another swig and replied without missing a beat. "And if I were one of your men then I would shoot myself!" he declared proudly despite the slur in his speech as he staggered drunkenly.
The Symkarian shook her head in exasperation. "Though there is one more thing I wish to know" she said before pointing up at the ship above them. "Did you bring any more Titans?"
Before Gates could answer, Barker called out from the back, "We're Pilots! What did you think! That we flew transports for rubber dog shit? Of course we have Titans!"
For Master Sergeant Francis 'Frank' Castle, USMC (Ret.), war was something he had grown accustomed to, that he had embraced as a way of life. Afghanistan may have been his first taste, but the 'war on crime' in New York had been the one he had been fighting in for almost half a decade. But now, his home was faced with a war unlike any even he had fought in. This would not be a counter insurgency fight, nor a guerilla campaign, not even a peacekeeping mission. The IMC would incite a pitched battle on a scale not seen since Desert Storm in the streets of his hometown.
Perhaps the worst of all, he would not be fighting the battle alongside Marines, but cops. Many of the same cops who had wanted him taken dead or alive. They were good cops, Castle would never say otherwise, but they weren't soldiers, and they definitely weren't Marines. Still, that didn't mean he hadn't asked to be placed where he thought that he would be needed. Sable didn't want him, and he figured the capes could handle themselves, but these normal people, his people, they needed all the help they could get.
That didn't mean that the NYPD liked him.
"Let me make myself perfectly clear" began Captain Watanabe sternly, "I am in charge out there, so you don't get to pull your usual stunts and you will follow orders. Nobody gives a shit that the fucking Marauder practically begged to let you in this fight because all they see is that big damn skull." Frank nodded, he could follow orders, so long as they weren't stupid, and he hadn't been expecting hospitality. Watanabe was one cop he would respect; he had dug into her and found that the only things she had been reprimanded for were a few instances of 'excessive force.' Meaning she had actually used her gun and hit something with it, stopping would be rapists and robbers, this only scored her more points in Castle's book. "Do you understand me Castle?"
"Yes ma'am" he responded crisply, even going so far as to stand at attention, it seemed old habits died hard. "And I know, this doesn't mean we're friends" he added dryly as he lowered her chin to look at the shorter woman. "Don't worry about me Captain, I know the score out there" he assured as he opened the back door of the van. "And I was talking to the kid, said he wanted to get you a new gun since he wouldn't be able up to givin' you ammo for the one you had" he explained gruffly as he got in and retrieved a rifle and the box of loaded magazines that went with it from the rack inside, "so here you are."
The Captain took possession of the Sig Sauer MCX-MR and inspected the Swiss designed rifle that Frank had outfitted for the marksman role. A S&B 3-12 power optic sat atop the rifle and the stock had an added cheek rest fitted, a red dot was mounted at 45 degrees as a backup on the right, while a combo of red light and IR laser emitter was on the left rail. On the bottom was a bipod towards the muzzle with a potato style grip set further back. Overall, it was a lightweight, accurate, and deadly package. Satisfied, Watanabe slung the rifle over her shoulder and grabbed the box of ammo, "Well when you see him, tell him I said thanks."
Darkness had fallen over Manhattan, the last night of peace as the preparations continued, though most of the combat troops were rotated out to allow them a full night's rest. Engineers were still busy preparing the defenses, erecting roadblocks, laying minefields, placing surveillance gear, anything that they could do to bottleneck and slow the IMC advance. NYPD who hadn't volunteered to be on the frontlines were busy evacuating civilians and scouting out strongpoints with good lines of sight. Weapons, ammunition, medical supplies, food, water, and equipment was stockpiled in subway stations so that trains could ferry them to where they were needed in relative safety.
Central Park, in stark contrast, was lit up by the unrelenting lights as the last of the equipment was moved to Roosevelt Island where Commissioner DeWolff and Professor Xavier would be in charge of command and control. That left those who would be leading the charge on the frontlines as the only ones present and in their current situation. Barker, because who else would ask, had managed to convince everyone that he had some very important info to share, so his Pilots, Gates, Sable, Castle, Watanabe, the Marauder, Black Cat, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Mary Jane were all gathered together. Matthew had not been at all surprised to instantly have a shot glass shoved into his hand as soon as he got out of the Widowmaker.
"To the craziest and bravest sons of bitches this side of the Frontier!" called the old pilot jovially as Matthew joined the circle of amused, and in the case of Sable, scowling, faces as the founder of the ACEs raised his glass, followed by those under his command.
"May our powder stay dry and our aim true! May we have willing foes and plenty of bullets!" added Gates, her own helmet removed and face exposed.
Castle raised his glass next, "A toast to our brothers and sisters in arms, those gathered here. Semper Fi" he said in his gravelly tones.
Wolverine was the next to speak, "To the poor sons of bitches who have to go up against us" he added roughly, "my god have pity on them." The rest of the mutant heroes followed suit and raised their shots.
Surprisingly, Spider-Man spoke up next, his voice wavering a bit in the face of the bravado on display as he had his masked tugged up to expose his mouth, "To the people of New York!"
"And to their story" added Mary Jane as she moved next to the webslinger, "To our story!"
The sole lawwoman there added her own words, "To justice! May her will be done!"
"To us heroes, villains, and thieves!" called out Felicia from her position next to Matthew, "May we live long enough to come to regret this!"
At that, Cooper removed his own helmet, showing his face to many there for the first time as he gave them a cocky grin and raised his own glass, "Adversor et Admorsus!" he shouted, "To resist and bite!"
Finally, all eyes fell on Sable who muttered a curse to herself before reluctantly raising her glass, "Ad Victoriam" she called out finally. "To victory!"
"To victory!" chorused back the rest of those gathered as they downed their shots before immediately coming to regret it, with all but Wolverine and Barker choking slightly on the harsh burning sensation of the liquor, "Barker" said Cooper as he finally got air back in his lungs, "If we survive this, I'm giving you a bottle of Tennessee whiskey so I never have to drink that again!" he shouted, getting a round of agreements.
"Now that's my kinda bonus!" he shouted back happily, completely ignorant of the reason for the offer as he tossed a device to one of his subordinates. "Now gather round! I want a picture!" he shouted as he tried to get close to Sable, only to fail and fall on his ass two thirds of the way there while the rest reluctantly agreed.
Cooper stood in the middle, SMG in one hand while his other was around Hardy as she struck a sexy pose, back arched and one leg bent up at the knee. Spider-Man crouched in the middle, hands out and in the iconic web shooting position. Mary Jane was sitting casually next to him, turning to show off her good side. Crouched opposite Spidey was Yuri, on one knee with her rifle resting on her leg. Frank stood at parade rest next to Cooper, arms behind his back and skull on his vest standing out. Gates was next to him, hands on her hips. On the opposite edge was Silver Sablinova, standing at attention in her combat gear, looking as stern as ever. The X-Men were on the end, Shadowcat crouched next to Yuri with Wolverine behind her, while Storm and Cyclops stood on Gates' left.
The ACE Pilot who had been given the camera took aim and snapped the photograph, "That'll look nice in the bar" he commented as he looked at the viewer before tossing it back to Barker, who promptly failed to catch it as it slammed into his head and knocked the alcoholic out cold. "Ya know, assuming it ever gets there" he muttered.
Cooper's Logbook – Heavy Automated Infantry: Reaper
You could not give these ultra-heavy mechanical infantry units a more fitting name if you tried. A terrifyingly brilliant piece of design that is designed to wreck regular infantry units, the Reaper is one of the most formidable units the IMC has at its disposal. Almost completely invulnerable to small arms fire, these miniature titans are a force to be reckoned with for those without heavy weapons or any sort of well armored vehicle.
Doubly so because of the vast array of weapons the IMC managed to cram onto this seemingly top-heavy robot. The hands are actually plasma launchers, based on the EM-4 Cold War, these powerful weapons are capable of massacring exposed infantry or light vehicles, though they have been dubbed, somewhat inaccurately, 'Reaper Rockets.' If you do manage to find some cover, then the Reaper can give you something else to think about in the form of Ticks. Ticks are spider like autonomous robotic anti-personnel mines. Even if those don't get you, the Reaper itself is highly mobile for its size, quicker than it should be on its feet, able to jump with its thrusters.
In a bizarre twist, the IMC gave these things a terrifying roar as an intimidation tactic, and with all of the firepower the Reaper has, it works a lot better than I care to admit.
Closing Notes: So that was a lot of setup and hopefully it wasn't too confusing. Obviously the defenders forces got bulked up as everyone comes together to stand against the IMC, this is intended to eventually serve as a contrast with later on when everyone is faced with an internal threat instead of external. But that's then, as for now, what do you all think of who has come to help? I know Blaze said Militia, and I went with mercenary pilots including the group I rep in the ACEs, along with Gates for the 6-4. Both Gates and Barker are here for specific reasons which will become more obvious later on. The X-Men likewise were picked for more than just starpower and firepower, and that was teased a long time ago. Anyone remember back in chapter 27, Peter and Matt talk about Peter dating a 'Katherine' from upstate? That was in fact Katherine 'Kitty' Pryde, or Shadowcat. She's here for a reason, Logan is here because he's cool, Storm is here becuase her powers are useful and fun to write around, and Cyclops is meant to be the field commander.
If anyone is wondering about what MJ is doing here, I have plans for her based on Joe Galloway at the Ia Drang Valley, so please bear with me.
Review if you have somthing to say, especially if you have feeling towards this story arc with the IMC. Is it something you all are looking forward to? Does it seem like a waste of time and you just want to get back to the game? Now that you have a basic idea of the structure of what's coming does it sound promising or do you wish I had gone in a different direction? I do wonder what everyone expected or imagined when you heard 'Spider-Man vs. the IMC' and if this is what you had in mind.
Next time, the Battle of Manhattan gets underway, and few will fight for all until the bullets are gone, they will Resist and Bite.
Stay Frosty, Misfit Delta out.