"Well, what are we waiting for, lets go!" Mikhail said enthusiastically,
pulling a pistol from his belt.
"Ha! Do you really think you'll do anything with that?" Mike laughed. "Here, take this. Belonged to one of my men." Mike handed him a C-10 Canister rifle, the same model that he had, then turned his head away. He was obviously upset at having his whole unit slaughtered by the Kolorians.
"Don't worry," Mikhail said, gently placing his hand on the Major's shoulder. "We'll get them back."
"Yeah, we will." Mike said, a little bit of moisture pooling in the corner of his eye. He gathered himself together and stood up. "I would like to wait until night falls to strike, so we're covered by darkness, but we don't know when Miller is going to attack." He took out his scanner. "According to this satellite image, there's a high ridge that extends for a couple hundred yards and stops about a forty yards from the Command Center. There are only a few buildings, but only one or two Sunken Colonies."
"Plus we'll have high ground."
"Exactly. Should the need arise, we'll be in a much better situation to defend ourselves if they have to shoot up." Mike stomped out the fire and grabbed his equipment. "Let's go. We've got about a two-hour walk till we reach the ridge, and the Zerg base extends almost to the tip of it. There's one Sunken Colony about fifty feet from where the ridge starts, so we'll have to press tight to the other side, and hopefully we'll be out of its range."
"Ok, let's get a move on." Mikhail said. They began their long walk across the barren lands, occasionally coming into contact with a small herd of Rhynadons, but both parties left the other alone. They walked consistently for the estimated two hours, then the ridge came into view. It was a small cliff, about twenty-five feet high. The edge leaned out, extending for about ten feet, under which was a small cluster of Zerg buildings. Aside from a few patches of crab grass, some small tufts of yellow weeds, and a dead tree that had fallen long ago, the cliff was totally barren, making it all the more difficult to remain unseen.
"This would be a lot easier if there was some trees." Mikhail remarked. Mike merely nodded, he was busy looking through a pair of binoculars.
"I see it." Mike said, passing the binoculars to Mikhail. He peered into them, following the cliff until it ended. The scanner image told the truth, the Center was only a little bit away from the edge of the ridge. A Sunken Colony was nearby, along with a few Hydralisks. An Overlord circulated overhead, long vines extending nearly to the ground. The technology the binoculars incorporated was very advanced, and was able to detect heat signatures. There was a small cluster of burrowed Zerglings, Mikhail estimated about six, but the binoculars could not detect depth, and a Zerglings heat signature could be concealed behind another's.
"There's no Ultralisks. That's definitely a good thing." Mike remarked, taking the binoculars back. "I've had some rough experiences with Ultralisks." Seeing that this was a tender bruise for the Major, Mikhail didn't probe for more in-depth information.
"Oh crap." Mike said, looking again through the binoculars.
"What is it?"
"Hydralisks, about eight of 'em, burrowed at the foot of the ridge." Mike cursed under his breath, this definitely was an unwelcomed turn of events.
"What do we do? You can get by with your cloak, but I'll be spotted immediately. I was never trained in stealth; when you fly a Wraith, you are stealth."
"Hmmm...there is one thing that might work." Mike said slowly, deeply in thought. "There's a hive about two hundred feet from the ridge. I got a grenade with me, and if I 'nade that building, they'll all come running. They lose a hive; they lose a major part of their operation. Those Hydralisks will come as well, but they won't see me."
"Won't they send an Overlord?" Mikhail asked.
"Ha!" Mike laughed, slapping his thigh in hilarity. "Have you ever seen an Overlord move? They're about as fast as a Zergling once you cut off its legs!"
"Good point." Mikhail said, a small smile finding its way to the corner of his mouth. It was good to feel joyful, relieved some anxiety of the impending mission.
"Alright, lets get this pitiful two-man show on the road. Is your com-link still working?" Mikhail asked, tapping the small piece of machinery in his ear.
"No, got fried in the EMP." Mikhail said, remembering the radio still in his ear.
"Here take this one," Mike said, passing him an extra. "Set it to frequency 18.322.865, and don't bother trying to call to base, the radio waves can't penetrate the dense atmosphere." Mikhail took it and placed it in his ear.
"Computer, set frequency 18.322.865." Mikhail spoke as if to no once.
"Alright, lets move. On the right side of the ridge there is a small patch of bush. Hide in that until I radio you. I'll watch for the Hydralisks, don't move until you hear from me."
"Check. What about you?"
"I'll swing left and draw their attention as planned, then run back here as fast as possible. Once you get on the ridge, cover your self with some branches and lie flat until I reach you." He loaded his gun and looked up. "Good luck soldier."
*****
"Greetings Terran, I suggest the operation went as planned." An eerie voice spoke a long, slow moan.
"Yes, flawlessly. All Volamose forces were eliminated, with very minimal casualties on our side." A human spoke, very uneasily.
"Good...good...what now?" They first voice droned.
"We are to carry out the planned assault on Kadnor VI. They have no evidence of our turning and will be completely unprepared for an attack by their own brethren." The human voice responded.
"Excellent...but don't forget whom you serve, General Miller."
"My loyalties lie squarely with the Overmind." Miller said.
"And don't you ever, ever forget that."
*****
Mikhail crouched low, hastily bidding his way towards the small bush at the foot of the ridge. No Zerg were around, and fortunately no Overlords floated above. He made it to the bush without incident, bushing away the thorny branches with his hand. Ignoring the pain of the needles. He scrambled into the center of the bush, and sat back on his feet. His heart was beating like mad in his chest, he feared the echo of each beat would bring a rain of Zerg upon him.
"Mikhail, do you read me?" A low, raspy voice came over the radio.
"Loud and clear, I'm under cover in the bush." Mikhail whispered back, not wanting to draw unwanted attention by speaking too loud.
"Good, I'm about to hit the Hive, stand by." Mike responded, followed by some static. Suddenly Mikhail heard a loud explosion that thundered through the air, violently shaking the ground he sat upon. The sudden vibration caused him to lose his balance and he fell forward. A thorn jabbed through his palm, causing him to cry out in sudden pain. He quickly clasped a hand over his yelling mouth, fully expecting to see a Hydralisk head appear. None came, they had probably already gone to investigate the explosion. He waited for a few moments for Mike's transmission, meanwhile pulling the long thorn from his hand. It had almost gone clean through, and he grimaced as he yanked the wide needle out. Ripping a strip of clothing off his shirt a sleeve, he made a quick bandage to stop the bloodflow.
Suddenly a bit of static came over the radio, followed by Mike's hushed whisper. "Alright the Hydralisks have left the ridge your clear to move. Go now, before they come back." Not even bothering to respond, Mikhail tore out of the bush, paying little heed to the thorns that scratched along his skin. Once again bending low, he scrambled towards the ridge, quickly ascending the incline. He hastily made his way towards the log. He threw his body to the ground, rolling up against the log in an attempt to conceal as much of his body as possible. There were plenty branches around, and he piled them on top of his body. Ripping handful of grass from a nearby tuft, he covered his face, save his eyes, and lay very, very still.
Then he heard what he had most feared. What sounded like three Hydralisks were coming in his direction. They stopped right next to him, their massive bodies looming ominously in the sky. They argued back and forth in the strange Zerg language as Mikhail held his breath, fearing to breathe. It looked as if they were going to leave when the worst thing happened.
"Mikhail? Are you there?" Instantly the Hydralisk conversation hushed, and they came over. -- Oh god no, this is the end! -- However, the Hydralisks made no movements! They didn't notice him, shoved up against the side of the log. Then, without notice Mike tried again. "Mikhail, respond, what's going on!?"
Instantly three Hydralisk heads snapped in his direction.
*****Authors Note- This took me a looong time to get out, I had run out of ideas on how to script the next scene. Sorry, but hopefully you enjoyed it. At this time I'd like you to direct your attention to the "Review It" button at the bottom of your screen! Please click on it, and tell me what you thought of the chapter :)*****
"Ha! Do you really think you'll do anything with that?" Mike laughed. "Here, take this. Belonged to one of my men." Mike handed him a C-10 Canister rifle, the same model that he had, then turned his head away. He was obviously upset at having his whole unit slaughtered by the Kolorians.
"Don't worry," Mikhail said, gently placing his hand on the Major's shoulder. "We'll get them back."
"Yeah, we will." Mike said, a little bit of moisture pooling in the corner of his eye. He gathered himself together and stood up. "I would like to wait until night falls to strike, so we're covered by darkness, but we don't know when Miller is going to attack." He took out his scanner. "According to this satellite image, there's a high ridge that extends for a couple hundred yards and stops about a forty yards from the Command Center. There are only a few buildings, but only one or two Sunken Colonies."
"Plus we'll have high ground."
"Exactly. Should the need arise, we'll be in a much better situation to defend ourselves if they have to shoot up." Mike stomped out the fire and grabbed his equipment. "Let's go. We've got about a two-hour walk till we reach the ridge, and the Zerg base extends almost to the tip of it. There's one Sunken Colony about fifty feet from where the ridge starts, so we'll have to press tight to the other side, and hopefully we'll be out of its range."
"Ok, let's get a move on." Mikhail said. They began their long walk across the barren lands, occasionally coming into contact with a small herd of Rhynadons, but both parties left the other alone. They walked consistently for the estimated two hours, then the ridge came into view. It was a small cliff, about twenty-five feet high. The edge leaned out, extending for about ten feet, under which was a small cluster of Zerg buildings. Aside from a few patches of crab grass, some small tufts of yellow weeds, and a dead tree that had fallen long ago, the cliff was totally barren, making it all the more difficult to remain unseen.
"This would be a lot easier if there was some trees." Mikhail remarked. Mike merely nodded, he was busy looking through a pair of binoculars.
"I see it." Mike said, passing the binoculars to Mikhail. He peered into them, following the cliff until it ended. The scanner image told the truth, the Center was only a little bit away from the edge of the ridge. A Sunken Colony was nearby, along with a few Hydralisks. An Overlord circulated overhead, long vines extending nearly to the ground. The technology the binoculars incorporated was very advanced, and was able to detect heat signatures. There was a small cluster of burrowed Zerglings, Mikhail estimated about six, but the binoculars could not detect depth, and a Zerglings heat signature could be concealed behind another's.
"There's no Ultralisks. That's definitely a good thing." Mike remarked, taking the binoculars back. "I've had some rough experiences with Ultralisks." Seeing that this was a tender bruise for the Major, Mikhail didn't probe for more in-depth information.
"Oh crap." Mike said, looking again through the binoculars.
"What is it?"
"Hydralisks, about eight of 'em, burrowed at the foot of the ridge." Mike cursed under his breath, this definitely was an unwelcomed turn of events.
"What do we do? You can get by with your cloak, but I'll be spotted immediately. I was never trained in stealth; when you fly a Wraith, you are stealth."
"Hmmm...there is one thing that might work." Mike said slowly, deeply in thought. "There's a hive about two hundred feet from the ridge. I got a grenade with me, and if I 'nade that building, they'll all come running. They lose a hive; they lose a major part of their operation. Those Hydralisks will come as well, but they won't see me."
"Won't they send an Overlord?" Mikhail asked.
"Ha!" Mike laughed, slapping his thigh in hilarity. "Have you ever seen an Overlord move? They're about as fast as a Zergling once you cut off its legs!"
"Good point." Mikhail said, a small smile finding its way to the corner of his mouth. It was good to feel joyful, relieved some anxiety of the impending mission.
"Alright, lets get this pitiful two-man show on the road. Is your com-link still working?" Mikhail asked, tapping the small piece of machinery in his ear.
"No, got fried in the EMP." Mikhail said, remembering the radio still in his ear.
"Here take this one," Mike said, passing him an extra. "Set it to frequency 18.322.865, and don't bother trying to call to base, the radio waves can't penetrate the dense atmosphere." Mikhail took it and placed it in his ear.
"Computer, set frequency 18.322.865." Mikhail spoke as if to no once.
"Alright, lets move. On the right side of the ridge there is a small patch of bush. Hide in that until I radio you. I'll watch for the Hydralisks, don't move until you hear from me."
"Check. What about you?"
"I'll swing left and draw their attention as planned, then run back here as fast as possible. Once you get on the ridge, cover your self with some branches and lie flat until I reach you." He loaded his gun and looked up. "Good luck soldier."
*****
"Greetings Terran, I suggest the operation went as planned." An eerie voice spoke a long, slow moan.
"Yes, flawlessly. All Volamose forces were eliminated, with very minimal casualties on our side." A human spoke, very uneasily.
"Good...good...what now?" They first voice droned.
"We are to carry out the planned assault on Kadnor VI. They have no evidence of our turning and will be completely unprepared for an attack by their own brethren." The human voice responded.
"Excellent...but don't forget whom you serve, General Miller."
"My loyalties lie squarely with the Overmind." Miller said.
"And don't you ever, ever forget that."
*****
Mikhail crouched low, hastily bidding his way towards the small bush at the foot of the ridge. No Zerg were around, and fortunately no Overlords floated above. He made it to the bush without incident, bushing away the thorny branches with his hand. Ignoring the pain of the needles. He scrambled into the center of the bush, and sat back on his feet. His heart was beating like mad in his chest, he feared the echo of each beat would bring a rain of Zerg upon him.
"Mikhail, do you read me?" A low, raspy voice came over the radio.
"Loud and clear, I'm under cover in the bush." Mikhail whispered back, not wanting to draw unwanted attention by speaking too loud.
"Good, I'm about to hit the Hive, stand by." Mike responded, followed by some static. Suddenly Mikhail heard a loud explosion that thundered through the air, violently shaking the ground he sat upon. The sudden vibration caused him to lose his balance and he fell forward. A thorn jabbed through his palm, causing him to cry out in sudden pain. He quickly clasped a hand over his yelling mouth, fully expecting to see a Hydralisk head appear. None came, they had probably already gone to investigate the explosion. He waited for a few moments for Mike's transmission, meanwhile pulling the long thorn from his hand. It had almost gone clean through, and he grimaced as he yanked the wide needle out. Ripping a strip of clothing off his shirt a sleeve, he made a quick bandage to stop the bloodflow.
Suddenly a bit of static came over the radio, followed by Mike's hushed whisper. "Alright the Hydralisks have left the ridge your clear to move. Go now, before they come back." Not even bothering to respond, Mikhail tore out of the bush, paying little heed to the thorns that scratched along his skin. Once again bending low, he scrambled towards the ridge, quickly ascending the incline. He hastily made his way towards the log. He threw his body to the ground, rolling up against the log in an attempt to conceal as much of his body as possible. There were plenty branches around, and he piled them on top of his body. Ripping handful of grass from a nearby tuft, he covered his face, save his eyes, and lay very, very still.
Then he heard what he had most feared. What sounded like three Hydralisks were coming in his direction. They stopped right next to him, their massive bodies looming ominously in the sky. They argued back and forth in the strange Zerg language as Mikhail held his breath, fearing to breathe. It looked as if they were going to leave when the worst thing happened.
"Mikhail? Are you there?" Instantly the Hydralisk conversation hushed, and they came over. -- Oh god no, this is the end! -- However, the Hydralisks made no movements! They didn't notice him, shoved up against the side of the log. Then, without notice Mike tried again. "Mikhail, respond, what's going on!?"
Instantly three Hydralisk heads snapped in his direction.
*****Authors Note- This took me a looong time to get out, I had run out of ideas on how to script the next scene. Sorry, but hopefully you enjoyed it. At this time I'd like you to direct your attention to the "Review It" button at the bottom of your screen! Please click on it, and tell me what you thought of the chapter :)*****