The Cairo Saga, Book 2: The Solaris Irregulars

by JA Baker

The Word of Blake Jihad has begun, and Steven Cairo must form a band of MechWarrior dedicated to stopping the deadly fanatics. But, in a universe full of plots and intrigue, who can you really trust?

32. Fighting fit

The Cairo Saga, Book 2: The Solaris Irregulars
Chapter 32: Fighting fit

Tukayyid City
Tukayyid
Free Rasalhague Republic

The Shadow Hawk moved at top-speed across the open grassland. A Wolfhound appeared from behind a hill and fired its ER Large Laser at the heavy Mech. The Hawk hit back with a blast from its twin Clan ER Medium Lasers, and then closed the range to bring its Rotary AC/5 into play.

The high-speed stream of depleted-uranium slugs tore the Wolfhound's right leg off, sending the Mech to the ground. As the light Mech tired to get into a sitting position, the Shadow Hawk fired its Clan Streak SRM-4. The missiles hit the Wolfhound in the center torso, ripping away the armor and levering its gyro exposed, and a blast from the ER Medium Lasers melted it to slag.

Leaving the downed Wolfhound behind, the Shadow Hawk continued until it reached a wide river. Without breaking its stride, the Mech took to the air on plumes of fire, easy clearing the water. The rocky nature of the far bank made the going tough, but the Shadow Hawk took it in stride.

Eventually the grassland gave way to forest, and the Shadow Hawk was forced to slow. Picking its way between the trees, the Hawk was set upon by a Star of Elementals. The battle-armored infantry jumped in, firing their Lasers and SRM's at the Shadow Hawk. The Mech responded by sending stream of RAC/5 rounds through one of the Elementals, effetely cutting it in half. Another died when it was hit by both of the Medium Lasers. The Shadow Hawk was able to grab one of the Elements in its huge battle-fists, and squeezed the life out of the struggling figure.

All of this was in vain though, as the last two Elementals where able to get onto the Shadow Hawks back and rip-away the armour protecting the rector. A few well placed laser blasts, and the containment-shield cut in, saving the Mech from a catastrophic rector overload, but cutting power.

The screen dimmed, and the simulator pod opened. Sinead took off the neural helmet, and unplugged her cooling vest. As soon as she had removed her safety harness, she climbed out of the command couch and onto the gantry outside.

Cairo stood against the safety rail, a huge grin on his lips, "The doc says you pass: you're fit for duty again."

Sinead ran at him, and he lifted her up in a tight embrace. She throw her head back and screamed, "YES!"

"No more getting yourself hurt though." Cairo let her down onto the gantry and kissed her, "I can't go through this again: you're nasty when you're not allowed to pilot a Mech."

"Watch it mister. I may be your executive officer, but I'm also your wife." Sinead kicked his shin, "Any more taunts like that and you're sleeping on the sofa!"

TBC…