Last time, on The Will of Resistance…

Coalition's forces prepare for the assault of Ektrim capital city of Trar. However, not everything goes according to plan, as Alantians quickly orientate in the situation and decided to perform a pre-emptive strike, which forces Coalition's hand to start the operation earlier than scheduled. How will this play out? Let's see.

But first, reviews.

To Supreme Supra: 'Senator Armstrong liked that'.

Okay, with this done, let's go with it.

Chapter 45

,,…survives the first contact."

November 15, 2151

15:24

FOB Santa Maria

"I can't agree, this makes no sense."Larik tightened his teeth, looking at the computer screens with cloudy eyesight.

"I insist."

"What do you want to achieve? We have trained personnel. Let them deal with it."

"I fear that their motivation is not enough. It would be best, if I took care of the attack by myself. I'm not needed here anyway. All our forces are on the move and can't do much more."

Larik still didn't dare to look at Halt. There currently was a stalemate in battle. Nor side was able to break through other one's defenses. All batteries continued firing at their own pace. Now, everything depended on the equipment. Finally, more dropships and fighters appeared, firing their missiles at good distance from Trar, but even this did not change the result. Enemy constatly eliminated most of the effectors. The landing forces managed to get some beachheads, but force was too small to get into the city itself. They were killing the enemy, but this still wasn't enough. Maritime Corp basically ceased to exist; only good thing was that only after finishing most of ther tasks. But because of that nine hundred, or rather now seven hundred, soldiers had no way of getting back. There was only Daredevil left. They had to use it, if they even thought of survival.

"I would rather have you in reserve, but sure, I'll allow it. But please, be careful."
"Of course."Halt saluted and dashed towards the whirlwing, zipping up his HAZMAT suit. Gas mask hanged on his belt. He was going to put it on only before dropping, right after they touched the ground.

He was completely sure, that they will get there. The only problem was unchecked team he joined. He didn't know them and vice versa. Supposedly, it was a gathering of people from UNSA Navy SAELs, Tertan Alpha Detachment and Nashini Phantoms. They were commanded by a bald African American captain by the name of Lawton, a heck of a man with face covered in scars. His deputy was ensign Fregtum Lokrot. As he expected, they were not particularly pleased to see him. He wasn't surprised, but he didn't care about their opinion.

"Everything ready?"he asked, after getting in voice's range.

They looked at him with grim faces.

"I asked you a question. Captain Lawton, are you deaf?"
"Yes, sir. I mean, no, I'm not. Machine ready to fly."
"Get in and we're going."
"Alone?"
"We'll be accompanied by Fearless."
He barely stopped himself from pushing them inside. He was already pissed, but still stopped himself.

All places were taken. Halt exchanged few words with pilots and took off.

Daredevil shot forward at full speed. They were not going straight for Trar, that would be too easy. They had to do a small loop and get onto the island through the back door.

They will play some other Alantians. He just hoped that this would work. They didn't find any kind of IFF device on the machines. Alantians didn't need it, so they could just try and say, that they are a vanguard of incoming help.

He carefully looked at all soldiers around him. Probably all of them seen themselves as super heroes. They had the basis for that, but battle will determine everything. He was seeing them for the first time. He knew what Will, Maddie or White Squadron were capable off, and here were only question marks.

Closed inside the cargo hold, they didn't see anything. Only him and Lawton were equipped with access to tactical network, so they could orientate in the situation.

He just learned, that they just knocked off the tip of the spire towering over the city.

What was the result?

Nothing.

If they hit lower, so the entire spire would crumble, it would be symbolic, but measurable success. Chipping a piece of metal was not enough. Even if it was gold.

"Fifty kilometers."he heard navigator's voice in his communicator.

Last minute to get prepared. They'll start spreading the poison after they get over the city. First, harbor and landing pad-two strategic places, without destruction of which, taking over the island was impossible.

Halt was still worried about the fact, that they still had no idea, where Ektrim command center was. Under the spire or in one of nearby palaces? Even Diablo, their biggest source of knowledge, didn't know that.

"Major."This time, the call was directed right towards Halt."Some vessels are approaching from the South."
These were surely none of theirs. He could count all their vessels still afloat on one hand.

"Zoom."

On his hand terminal, a photo of objects with hulls joined with superstructure with sloping walls and completely black, appeared. They looked like obsidian knives, cutting though the sea waves. Fascinating in their terror. He saw something like that for the first time.

"Send to the HQ."
"Already ahead of you."
They didn't have enough trouble? He had no idea, who these ships belonged too. Surely some other Alantian clan, but what was their purpose? Where they coming to help the Ektrims? Or they just happened to be here completely by accident? Only thing they knew, was that second strongest clan after Ektrims were the Taurs, so maybe these were them? What an unlucky coincidence.

"What do we do?"the pilot wanted to know.

"Nothing. We're continuing according to plan."
At this point, they could stop the attack. Decision was not canceled. Sure, he would prefer them not to be here, but they were.

"Ten kilometers to LZ."

Halt focused. If these were his final moments, he didn't want them to go in vain.

XXX

The vein on Tyrranius' neck pulsated.

His beloved home, the dream of numerous generations, was exposed to a devastating attack, and he was slowly running out of defense measures. They didn't prepare.

"Father."

Heart almost jumped out of king's chest. He did not expect his son. Not here, not now.

"Son."Tyrranius said coldly.

Tereus was higher than he was, higher than other Alantians. He seemed to be a giant, but not today. Today, he was slouching, coal-like eyes didn't show anything. Just like Tyrranius, he was scared of death.

"Who are these…invaders?"Slightly mumbling voice showed, that prince already treated himself to some wine.

"They're Otherworlders, son. They came to destroy us."

"Where did they come from?"
Of course, he was aware of the fact that Otherworlders came through the Gate on Falmart. The thing he asked, was how did they get so close to the city, right under their noses, loading avalanche of fire and steel into Trar.

Tyrranius threw up his arms. What did he had to say? It was pretty obvious.

"Can we push them back?"
"Of course?"he replied, trying to put all his bravery into his voice.

The help was should be on it's way. Two days ago, Tyrranius sent a messenger to the Kiari, a small clan of very warrior-like people. Each of them was worth at least twenty Otherworlders and ten Alantians. If they won't turn the tides in Ektrim favor, no one will.

XXX

"First object will be in range in two minutes."

Voice of the pilot was shaking from emotion, what major couldn't understand. When it came to action, he was cold as stone.

Halt was still looking at the live transmission from cameras placed outside of the machine. Harbor was almost empty, there was only one machine standing there.

Standing was too much to say. During flight, one of the engines of Heavy Dropship was shot off, making the machine ram into the ground, with half of it being on land and half in the water. Assault group took position near a long building, bringing warehouses to mind.

He hoped all of them had HAZMAT suits on, otherwise may God have mercy upon them, when they start spreading the gas.

He didn't see Alantians. Bastards hid in their holes. Soon, they will get them out. Or no. Let them die in pain and agony. They deserved it thousandfold.

"Major? Could you take a look?"

What now? They were one step from performing their task.

Halt rushed to the cockpit, wondering, what did the pilots want this time.

"Take a look."pilot said, when former Ranger leaned on his seat.

Yeah, they had something to worry about-silver disc was approaching them at outstanding speed. Just few more seconds and they will be annihilated.

"Continue."
"But…"
"Do as I say. No sudden maneuvers."

If they start scheming, they will be marked as enemy. By keeping calm and going forward confidently, they could make it out.

Drone stopped just fifty meters in front of them. It seemed as it tried to look inside with it's sensors, because the fact that it was scanning them, was obvious.

What did it get-friend or foe? They were soon to find out.

Fearless was keeping position just behind them. Giant object stopped midair, awaiting the end of inspection.

"Shoot it down?"Weapons operator already aimed the guns at it, using the joystick.

"Don't you dare."

They're destroy one and soon, a hundred will get them.

Drone jumped a meter up, completely surprising them, after which he fell back down and left.

"I thought we were goners."
Pilots crybaby voice irritated Halt.

"Don't say stupid things."he snapped."T minus 30 seconds to start."
He didn't came back to the hold. He decided to observe the operation from here.

"Go."he said casually, fully aware of the consequences of his words. This everything was completely different from anything he did during his times as a Royal Ranger."These buildings first."He pointed a building where, as he hoped, Alantians were hiding.

Mist slowly started leaving the tanks attached to the machine. Halt, together with Nashini scientist responsible for it, made decision to fill the Klofor. If Larik didn't like it, he could move his ass and do something.

"Now there."

In that area, the buildings were more cramped. All information and estimations they had calculated, that there were at least two hundred thousand of their enemies living there. Not much, actually. Entire populace could be put in three skyscrapers surrounding the central point of the island, which was the spire.

Local architecture was like nothing he ever saw. It seemed, that nothing limited the local architects. He saw skyscrapers shaped like tubers, flowers, sails and all possible shapes, as well as streets joining under the spire, with substance falling on them. Anyone outside would be poisoned and have a painful death.

The most important was to get them to the outside. Let them die in pain. They worked hard for it after all.

"Landing pad."he pointed another target.

Fearless trailed them like a shadow. How long could it continue? Defenders would finally notice, that these were not Alantian allies. Luck wasn't eternal, doom could come from any direction and at any point.

"You'll put us there."

From landing pad to the spire, there was a straight forward path. In the middle of it, probably on electromagnetic pillow, moved a tram shaped like a cucumber. It will probably lead them to glory or to death.

He put the mask and pulled the hood on. A shitty thing to fight in. He could barely see anything in it, breathed heavily and sweated even before he started to move.

Ramp fell down and he, in charge of assault team, went to attack. He had fifty men and women with him, next one hundred and twenty were getting off of Fearless. Not much, but he couldn't count on more. Teams still fighting on the beachheads, had to work alone.

He didn't had support of any armored vehicle, but he had something better-a battle whirwing, which like a giant bug, hovered over them, shielding the concentration point with gunfire. Later, it will clear their way to the center of the city.

With corner of his eye, to the left, he saw one of the glass houses falling apart. He rejoiced, because this meant, that the defense was not as tight as previously thought.

"Follow me!"he shouted and ran towards the 'station'.

The planet would become a better place without Ektrims and Alantians as a whole.

He truly believed in it.

Did he have any other choice?

XXX

"We're out."

South American captain swept the sweat off o his forehead and knelt between Dora and Ester. The crews of Selva Tigres followed in his footsteps. True, they gave their all. The missiles were divide equally between two launchers and used to the last. For defense, they only had riffles, some rockets for rocket launchers, Rory's axe, Lelei's magic, Tuka's bow and Yao's sword.

They won't make a lot of hurt with it.

Far away, they were seeing smoke covering the blue sky, clear sign of damaged ships, which crews were fighting for survival. If until now they could hope, then now they were fully sure, that they were alone. They didn't even had a reason to bother the HQ. SAR dropships were too occupied with taking the survivors, while they were on dry land, warming in the sun and smoking cigarettes. At least Selvas' crews were. They were not taken by hunger yet. They had enough MREs for a week and additionally, some of them managed to smuggle things in backpacks, like a bottle of tequila, which one of the crewmen decided to empty, without thinking of others.

"Maybe Larik is not such bastard as he looks."Fatima said."I mean, he committed war crimes, but Pina had to know what she was doing."
"I think so too."Liz pulled out a mag to check, if there was any sand in the chamber.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you two might be idiots."Dora drawled, squinting her eyes. She did this every time she wanted to provoke someone.

"You probably know better."
"This motherfucker is as much of a moron as anyone with shit on epaulets. Just like the others."
"Dora, you're getting irritated again."Ester said."Don't make me discipline you."

Dora just growled and went silent.

"If only I could, I would go there and…"Rory said, tightening the grip on her axe.

"What?"Arlette asked."Get your head blown of?"

"No."the Apostle pouted."I would simply get their king and it would be over."

"Poor chances."Lelei joined."The drones would smash you to pieces."
Ester didn't pay attention to the discussion that happened behind her. For now, she just hoped, that everything is going well.

XXX

Halt's ears started itching from surrounding sound of machine guns.

The door leading inside the building were blasted by Fearless' guns. If there were any Ektrims hiding in there, they had to be killed in direct fight. He didn't worry about himself. He was running in the front, cursing the steamy glass in gas mask's eyes. He was seeing less and less. Movement on the left made him send a short series in that way. He didn't stop for a second. He knew he hit and knew the effect of his actions.

The hall was spacious, built in classic style, with columns, wide stairs leading to upper level and much thinner leading down.

"Lawton, check what's in there."he said to the microphone.

One of the soldiers, which forced his way in front of the major, got hit by some kind of a fiery shot. The screaming of burning man was terrifying. Solidarity told to go there and help, but how to do it, when in a minute, you could also become a living torch?

"Move! Don't stop!"

In this fight, they had the advantage. Bullets and plasma leaving the barrels were biting the enemies like hornets and there were many of them. Surviving defenders didn't give up, they were standing their ground with stubbornness nobody expected from them. Inside, they were pretty safe. Klofor did not get here yet and-in contrast with Humans, Tertans and Nashini-were not trapped in shells and suits barely allowing them to see anything.

Adrenaline in major's vines made him unable to feel fear. He was the first to reach the stairs and made it up them, jumping over few steps. He pulled the trigger, seeing a shadow appearing from the side. Riffle shook in his hand and suddenly-the end. Empty ammo chamber. Alantian appeared in all his glory.

He was wounded but regardless of that, aimed at Halt. Time slowed down.

Former Ranger knew, that he won't be able to put a new clip in the weapon and reload. He didn't want to die on these damn stairs. He still had things he wanted to do. He tensed his muscles, as if it could help in anything. Streams of blood gushes from Ektrim's head.

It was Lokrot, putting the bastard down with one shot. Clever Tertan, he deserved a praise, but this later. They still had the rest of the hall and towards the platform, before the tram arrives.

It was almost too late.

He defeated few last stairs with difficulty. He fired into the figure, which blinked behind the glass door. The glass shattered in millions of parts and blood poured on the floor. It had nowhere to soak into, the floor was made of marble plates, so it spread wide, defiling the pink-white floor.

Halt felt like in a real palace here. All around him were artifacts of days old. That amphora could be a treasure of any collection, but it won't anymore, as it was shattered by a stray bullet.

Former Ranger got overtaken by anger. What is he worrying about? A fucking vase? Who needed it anyway?

Their job is to kill and destroy. He wasn't some professor, worrying for the artifacts.

If they won't take the city in pretty good state, they will hit it with air-fuel bomb and done. There will be no them, but there will be no Ektrims either.

The platform turned out to be smaller, furiously lighted version of the station. The tram was just getting in there. He took position behind one of the columns, preparing to open fire.

Silver wagon stopped with no sound. Now, Halt was actually happy because of the suit. Passengers were already contaminated and sentenced to death. But they will save them from pain, by giving them the thing, which was already unavoidable.

Lack of movement continued for few seconds, which started irritating the major, just like the lack of any holes in compact structure of the vehicle.

Where there living people inside, or some androids, like the ones used by Humans from Milky Way? What will happen, if he shoots it? Will the bullet penetrate the external layer or simply ricochet?

Trigger finger was itching. Finally, the tile of liquid metal opened like cut and warrior poured out of it.

They didn't see the likes of these before. Dressed in full body armor, with high orifices on their heads and some different weapons in their hands.

"Fire!"he ordered, as it seemed, completely unnecessarily.

The ones, which reached the platform with him, would start shooting anyway.

It was face-to-face encounter. Both sides were separated from each other by ten meters. Already after first shots, major realized, that this time, it won't be easy. Thier bullets and plasma did no impression on the Alantians, as even the normal weak points were covered. Ten enemies will squish them. He had to take it into consideration, looking at the situation.

But Ektrim weapons did their job well. Napalm-like substance attached to anything and suits didn't protect from it in any way. Just few drops were needed and appearing burns eliminated people from further fighting.

There was only one thing left-retreat.

The stairs were just few meters way, but getting to the lower storey seemed impossible. Exactly in the middle of the way, was laying a soldier, twisting in pain.

Halt looked at him with disgust and fascination alike. Ow much can Human body withstand, when it's being consumed by fire?

If he won't come up with something quick, they all will end up like that.

Massacre was stopped by Lawton. Clever bastard brought with himself a minigun. The damn thing weighted a lot, but right now, they experienced a miracle. Captain leaned his head to assess the situation and his weapon spewed fire, before Alantians could realize what was happening. Nothing could stop the spinning barrels. Warriors were mowed down like a wheat. Mechanism went silent as suddenly, as it came to life.

"Grenades!"
The ones still alive didn't play around anymore. Frag, flash-bangs and even gas grenades flew towards laying Ektrims. They detonated for ten seconds, before a deadly silence fell in the air.

Halt left the safe cover, running up the defeated. If they were still alive, it won't last long. He found a free space between the breastplate and helmet, pulled out a Saxon knife and plunged the steel into the body. Blood poured out. This is how the ones thinking they are better than the others died. He stood up, shaking. He needed a few deep breaths, to ease up his mind.

They took over the station, what was just a beginning for further action. He heard, that the best commando is the one, which can adapt to changing circumstances. He made a step forward towards the tram, wondering, what will happen now. Liquid metal opened as if it was magic.

"Get in!"he shouted with hoarse voice.

He got first and quickly went to the front, or back, of the tram.

Golden lever could only be moved forward. He waited for the tram to fill up and pushed the lever to it's limit. They started moving, quickly taking speed. Entrance to the tunnel under the spire was just one and a half kilometer away.

The warm up was behind them. Now, they were going into a real battle.

XXX

Polyanos saw himself as a god of war for a reason.

He had it in his blood and soul. He spent whole days on trainings and reading the works of old leaders. He performed numerous campaigns against other clans since he became the leader of the Kiari-a clan, which admired bravery above anything else.

It wasn't a mystery for anyone, that Polyanos was bored. Until now, nobody was stupid enough to attack their capital, Wodaabe, and it didn't seem like it had to change soon. So he accepted King Tyrranius' invitation without hesitation. He didn't took part in first attack, but he knew how it ended-Otherworlders got their asses kicked.

Kiari ships, loaded with volunteers, were on their way to Trar, when they heard sudden call for help, which somehow managed to get through the jamming, which was problem for all clans. Trar was attacked! At first, he thought that by stupid Saderans or Soutlanders, which didn't like the alliance conditions, but was quickly proven wrong. The attackers were Otherworlders, clearly unaware, who are they raising their hand on. Transmission through secure link onto his bridge showed the truth. Their cousins were dying in agony and enemy horde already was in the streets of ancient center of their world. These rats were surprisingly strong, but were only rats.

Polyanos smiled under his breath and ordered the flotilla to speed up and activate offensive systems. A disc hanging over the armada was giving pretty good situational overview. The battle seemed really fierce. It was a great time to show how much are Kiari worth and let Tyrranius know, that their help is as costly as it is worth.

First, they'll deal with anything that was flying. Energy beams quickly made it through the air, eliminating pointed targets. The island appeared just in front of the fleet. Broken tip of the spire didn't show the way for the travelers anymore, it was even sad to look at it. The barbarians have committed a sacrilege.

Now, they will pay for it in only way known to Polyanos-by death.

XXX

The spire towering over the island was bigger, than Halt initially thought. It had to be at least five hundred meters tall and made perfectly geometrical shape, with surface flat as a mirror. For former Ranger, it looked like Aridian obelisk. A world wonder. Even with this broken tip, it seemed to be a true, unsurpassed miracle. He could look at it for hours.

And now…barbarians got into the paradise and are trying to make their own, primitive order. It will never be the same here. Death already poured with wide stream. He had no idea, if Alantians had ways to deal with combat gas.

Halt swallowed. When they realize what they were treated with, they will be pissed. That's why his mission was so important. They just started going deeper into the tunnel, leading to the center of Alantian world.

The tram was moving quietly, first through the complete darkness, and then through intensively lighted corridor, ultimately leading to a monumental hall, the size of several colosseums. Canions of trackways cut through a forest of columns, milk-white light was coming from the ceiling. End of the tour, ladies and gentlemen. Now, they had to climb to the top of combat prowess and this building, taking it floor by floor.

He led almost sixty soldiers. Rest couldn't fit inside the tram. They might do a second turn. He'll send Lokrot for them and take Lawton with him. He didn't knew others.

He stopped the tram in a place where, as he hoped, they wouldn't be surprised. Wherever he looked, everything looked the same. He didn't see any stairs nor elevators, anything he could turn into orientation point. The tram also disappeared, together with Lokrot. Soldiers looked, dumbfounded. Fucking maze.

He send scouts. He wasn't surprised, hearing their worries. In all of his career as a Royal Ranger, he never saw a place, where you could get lost so easily.

Fatal results of action without scouting, by gut feeling, in completely unknown environment, with people he didn't even know.

They got inside and got stuck. There had to be a way to move on. He looked to the sides, hoping for enlightenment to fall upon him.

Lawton, standing next to him, also had worried expression.

"We're stuck."captains voice sounded in the headphones.

"Seems like it."he agreed reluctantly, wondering, what would happen, if he freed himself from HAZMAT and the mask.

He didn't know, if there was a poison on the suit. He didn't thing so, but these were only guesses.

Well. Even if he gets poisoned, he won't die instantly. It would take time, but he won't take it any longer.

He removed his hood and mask, but stopping himself from wiping the sweat off of his face. Lawton did the same. Their well-being improved, but mood didn't.

XXX

The most important thing was to separate friends from foes. Theoretically, it shouldn't be hard, as Otherworlders' machines were completely different from Alantian. This is why all freaks were destroyed once they were targeted and entered range. The ones already on the island would be killed in direct combat.

Polyanos was rather surprised by a whirlwing, circling over the city in strange pattern, which he couldn't understand, and second one, the bulky Ektrim combat machine, attacking ground targets. Machine circled around, spewing from it's weapons like a mythical beast. Warrior's surprise had no limits when he realized, who was this machine supporting. Suspicion that Otherworlders managed to turn some Ekrims to their side was ridiculous, but it seemed like that. They'll explain it in time. They just entered the harbor. Vibrations went through the vessel, when invisible beam fired by the operator hit the long warehouse on the coast, completely demolishing it. Inside, were thirty Araluenian soldiers. Nothing was left of them.

Sudden attack surprised the invaders. Just like Kiari leader wanted. When the whirlwing will appear in the line of view, he will be met by the same fate as it's companions.

The smaller object, seemingly unaware of what just happened, appeared in the crosshair.

The cannon, similar to parabolic antenna, came to life for split of a second and beam pierced through Daredevil from one side to another. Before the crew realized what happened, machine started falling apart. Whirlwing spun around around it's axis and in few pieces, it fell on drone production facility, setting it on fire.

Such loss had to be avenged. Pilots and weapon operators on Fearless immediately noticed, that the danger was close.

They weren't sent here only to immediately run away once danger appeared. Frontal attack was out of question. Ships had to be destroyed one by one, but for this, they needed an appropriate tactic.

Energy beams were not missiles, capable of locking onto targets. They could hide from them, by hiding behind buildings.

Genius patent didn't withstand the meeting with reality. Polyanos never liked Ektrims, seeing them as selfish and full of prejudices, worrying only about their own well-being and greed. So he didn't care, what will happen to Trar and ordered to deal with whirlwing as fast as possible, not worrying about anything. The order was performed quite literally, in only known way-the beam went straight through the building, hitting left frontal rotor. Whrirlwing shook. Before the flight was evened, the tail became visible for the gunner on the ship. Rest was just a formality.

Shredding the whirlwing gave the result of it setting down on the street. By losing two rotors and power, it was unable to escape the attackers.

In this place, he wasn't dangerous, showing effectiveness of Polyanos' tactics. He'll leave the survivors for Tyrranius' guardsmen.

Strategos decided to deal with another challenge by himself. Something bad was happening near the Throne Room. There was a worry, that Otherworlders could break through the security and could endanger the king and his son. If something happened to the ruler, alliance would be on edge. Before the oligarchs would choose a new leader, the proposition of Otherworlder hunt would not be current and new conditions would be negotiated.

It didn't pay off for anyone.

The debt was growing. Kiari would soon become the only defenders of Ektrims, rising over other clans.

Was there something more satisfying?

XXX

"I'm starting to think, that we hit a dead end."

Lawton didn't let go of his minigun, treating it as a lifebuoy. It was understandable.

There had to be a way to higher levels, but they didn't know it. They got into trouble by their own wish.

"Captain."Halt made a decision."Take the first company and go back to the station. We're gonna try attacking from the front."
"You think it's gonna work?"Lawton nodded toward the ceiling."Can I?"
"Have at it."

They had nothing to lose.

Short series made a hole, which resulted in one of the plates turning off.

"Enough."

"Maybe spraying killed them?"Lawton suggested, lowering his weapon.

"All of them? Alluring, but not possible."
"Then why didn't they come down and try to kill us?"
"Honestly, I don't know. I fear they have something up their sleeve."

Lawton shook his bald head, additionally licking his dry lips. All of them wanted something to drink.

Short curse came out of his lips, what could be interpreted in many ways. He corrected his harness and started calling people over.

"Be careful for you and them. Who knows what's happening outside."Halt advised.

"Of course."
Lawton got into the tram as one of the last, hurrying the less decided ones. Rest looked at them with jealousy. None of them liked the idea of staying here for much longer. The vehicle started moving, carrying the lucky ones away. In three minutes, the others would join them.

Whistle and then sound of explosion made Halt freeze. The tram was torn apart as if it was hit by an axe. Inside the vehicle, a truly hellish sight appeared.

Cramped commandos had no ay of surviving that. Parts of Human, Nashini and Tertan tissue, equipment and parts of the tram flew around, changing the snow-white marble into inside of a slaughterhouse. A head, torn from the rest of the body, landed right at Halt's feet. It was unbelievable, but it was Lawton's. Captain's eyes were still open, looking at former Ranger as insolently as in life.

Lokrot got hit with torn off arm so hard, that he was pushed back and fell over, unable to catch breath. Blood and meat sprayed faces and suits of several commandos.

Then, lights went off and slaughter started.

They were not ready for such situation. Not all of them had night vision. Before major pulled out his, many soldiers died around him. Enemy was hiding in the dark and concentrated, focused on only one thing-kill them all. It seemed, as if it came from all directions.

Until now, Halt was the one with the initiative. After retiring from Ranger Corp, he never thought of coming back to service again. He felt old and unneeded. The fate mocked him cruelly and led him to this place.

Finally, he put on his goggles and tried to orientate in the situation. From two companies he used to lead, there were only wretched remains. This was an elite group, best of the best, trained for such tasks, but how to defeat an enemy, which cannot be seen?
Flash of shots mixed with wailing of wounded and shouted orders, making terrifying chaos, which could not be controlled.

Three Tertan Alphas, covering each others backs, tried to break through to the tunnel and further out, only to get out of the hell they were given. They worked as one, perfectly oiled machine. In other situations, their success would be more than certain, but not here, not today. They died from one load, which detonated between them. Coordinated actions lost all meanings, when fire started burning legs of one and back of the other. Third, least damaged, tried helping them. He was thrashing between his colleagues, until he fell, killed by nobody knew what and who.

A bit further, female corporal of Phantom Commandos was firing her sniper riffle, changing position every second. They got her too. Halt could see it clearly-an object the size of a fist appeared and fell on her.

Was it drone or living creature? He did not know and will never know.

Finally, he saw the attackers themselves-dressed in armor from head to toe, in spherical helmets, with mirror-like visors. They were unmoved by being hit by grenade launcher, eliminating Halt's soldiers like in a video game. They won't stop, before killing all of them, that was sure.

The reality of failure fell on major's arms with heavy burden. Lack of Will, Maddie or anyone else didn't bother him anymore. They wouldn't help in anything, they would just die for no reason, like many others.

If this was to be his last fight, let it bring some benefits at least. He'll take as many bastards with him as he could.

At his belt, he had a small, cumulative charge, with ability to change from timer to manual detonation. He picked the second one. He saw the delay of three seconds as enough.

Now, to find a suitable target.

The closest Alantian was just twenty meters away and would soon pass him, he just had to play dead. He'll additionally get used.

"Sorry, Pauline."he whispered.

He hid behind a body of dead soldier and waited, watching the enemy. His finger was on the trigger. He stopped thinking about everyone he knew, he focused on the task.

Did he regret something? No. He didn't regret nothing. He was a warrior, which would not be broken by anything. He just hoped the explosive would pierce that damn armor. He barely stopped breathing. He waited, until that one stood to him with his side, and then jumped forward, almost knocking the enemy over.

Some sublime battle cry?

Nah.

No one will pass it further anyway.

XXX

Anton Larik was being eaten by impatience. His knowledge of what was happening in Trar were minimal. From three beachheads they created, one was eliminated and two others held their ground, but it was clear, that it won't take long. Halt vanished and this was the worst. The last transmission he got from him, was about trying to assault the place, where Ektrim HQ was.

They went and were never seen again. There also were these three vessels which shouldn't be here, complicating the situation. From all maritime ships, only Durban was trying to enter the harbor and do, what seemed impossible.

The plan fell apart completely and with it, the chance of getting Ektrim technology. If only he knew what was happening with Halt and his men…Everything was telling him, that they were gone, but deep in Larik's soul, there still was a spark of hope. It just couldn't end like this.

On screen he was looking at, more and more Coalition's signals were vanishing. They had only five aircraft and two dropships left, missile batteries went silent long ago, only three cutters were still afloat, ground forces took seventy percent loses. Full-out failure. And all responsibility was on him.

As it seemed, attack ended before the arrival of mysterious ships could be successful. The worst feeling was, however, that effort of so many good people was in vain.

"We've got a hit!"Operator's shout almost made Larik jump."And another!"

Durban did it's job perfectly. Shame, that so late. These black ships should be sent to the bottom of the sea right after they were spotted. Hell only knew, who arrived on them and why…
"Durban?"
"Not responding."

"And this third ship?"

The look of a man with long face and glasses showed everything. Bitterness, irritation and contempt.

"Never mind."Larik said silently."Never mind."

At this point, there were two, or rather, three ways. First, was fighting to the last man. For obvious reasons, he didn't want that. Second: evacuation, which could go two ways. First, they could fall back to Secure Valley and dig in there and fight to the death, if Ektrims attacked. They didn't do that when they were strong and now, they got their asses kicked and they will get more of that. Before Ektrims would recover, if that ever happens, long weeks would pass. Planning and preparing forces for another counterattack would take a month and by that time, anything could happen.

Second option after evacuation was spreading out and basically returning to guerrilla warfare. They would destroy a drone there, whirlwing there, jerking Alantians as much as possible. They will be everywhere and nowhere. They won't win, but also won't lose, gaining time. They will show them.

Ektrims wanted war? They were gonna have it.

XXX

Once again, we're gonna end here.

Coalition's attack basically fell apart and for now, this is all they can do. So, what are they going to do? This will be a story for another chapter, which will also (probably) be the end of Crisis Arc. We shall see.

For now, I bid farewell and I hope to see you in the next chapter. See ya!