Bummer .. no noe reviewed, I was hoping someone would, I know it's old but still, I think it's halfways decent ^^
I dont' own anything it's all owned by the people who made it' and Ted Turner shoudl burn for maknig it go away ^^
Seige part 2
Marcus shielded his eyes from the morning sun as he craned his neck after the departing jet, "What was that thing? Looked big enough to be a transport, but rigged out like a fighter."
Feral said in a low voice that was more like a growl," That was the SWATKat's, a pair of dangerous vigilantes."
Marcus noted the tension in his friend's voice and decided to feel it out some, "Looks like they have good equipment, I'll say that for 'em." Feral was around to the driver's side of the Squad car before he answered, "Nifty gadgets, and flashy planes, but no discipline, and no regard for public safety."
Marcus popped open the passenger's door and scooped up his modified rifle before getting in, "They'll get there way before we will." He offered. The result was slightly unsettling even though expected. Feral turned quickly to him and said simply, "And?" But the look in his eyes said it all to Marcus.
"Son." Marcus dropped his voice to that calm reasoning near whisper that worked so well, "Let them have it this time. You know it's the right thing to do." The obvious internal struggle lasted longer than Marcus would have liked, but the result was the same. Picking up the radio handset Feral keyed it open, "This is Commander Feral calling the SWATKats." Putting down the radio for a second Feral started the patrol car and reached out the window, motioning for the preassigned squad cars to follow.
* * *
"This is Commander Feral calling the SWATKats, respond." Even the second time it was still strange. Razor opened the channel after a moments hesitation, "We hear you Commander."
"That thing you're about to go up against has a weakness. Shoot for the blossom, then destroy the brain inside."
A bit stunned Razor closed the channel for a moment, "T-bone, you think this is for real?"
"Feral? Giving us help? I don't buy it."
"Still, he is a pompous jerk, but I don't think he'd deliberately set us up."
"It's your call Sure-shot."
Razor opened the channel again, "Roger that Commander, we'll take out your monster."
The reply banished any worry from Razor's mind, "Good, and try not to cause too much damage to the city while you're at it."
Closing the com again Razor chuckled, "That's Feral all right."
* * *
T-bone dipped the TurboKat down between the buildings and turned onto Bryne, "Krud!" T-bone jerked the controls around, and navigated more by instinct than pattern as they jetted full burn into a mass of writhing tentacles. By the time he saw blue sky again T-bone wasn't sure whether the TurboKat would come apart first, or he would. Pulling into a steep climb he circled around, "You okay back there Razor?"
"I am, but my breakfast is gonna come up and strangle you personally in a minute."
T-bone chuckled, "All right, hold on, we're going back in," he leveled off and turned back towards the intersection. There in the middle of it was a creature at least twice the size of the ones the Enforcer's had fought and still growing! "We always get the fun ones."
"Keep her steady T-bone.... Cutter missiles away!" Razor fired off a pair of the special make claw like missiles at the thing. Striking dead on target they shredded the purple blossom, revealing the pulsing green brain.
"Eww. Is it a law that every giant monster has to ooze something nasty?" T-bone let the TurboKat's path cross over the thing's body again. It wasn't difficult to avoid the tentacles this time, especially after the hit it just took. Bringing the 'Kat around he leveled it off again, "Take your shot buddy."
"SWATKat speedy monster removers, just one mega-missile away." Razor triggered the triple payload missile and sent is streaking off right on target. It hit dead on obliterating the brain mass. The thing lurched once upon impact then fall to the street again.
"That is one Dead monster." T-bone dropped low for a final flyby.
"Yeah T-bone, but what bothers me is where did these things come from? I'd say they look like the work of Dr. Viper, but where is he?"
"Maybe the sight of the enforcers actually winning something scared him off?"
Razor let out a chuckle at that, "Could be. I dunno though. I'll check with Callie when we get back."
"Right on Razor. Heading for home."
* * *
The only thing that Greeted Feral and the Enforcers when they arrived on scene was a huge mass of plant mess spread across the street. Stopping the car Feral hopped out and Marcus did likewise on his side.
"Looks like they did okay work Sir."
"This time Marcus, this time. They're a menace, untrained, undisciplined, and lawless."
"Well, get them into Enforcer school. We could sure use a few more with skill like this. And that plane of theirs..."
Feral looked around to be sure none of the other Enforcers were within earshot, "I've tried Marcus. They won't go for it."
"Balancing law vs. order again Sir? Always was your specialty." Marcus grinned over the top of the Squad car at Feral. He got a grin in reply and only a moment before he would have really started to worry about his old friend.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Feral agreed. Then turned to bellow out orders for control and cleanup crews.
* * *
One week had passed since Marcus Kaque had come to MegaKat City. Felina couldn't deny the change in her uncle that had occurred. As she sat in the passenger seat of his Hum-vee Felina stole another glance at her uncle. A far cry from the lock-jawed fuming demon-kat she was so used to. He was loose, relaxed, yet still held a poise that would never leave him. Felina was snapped from her contemplation by Marcus' fingers tickling her right ear.
"Hey, Felina, still with us cadet?"
He called her cadet, despite the fact that she technically outranked him. It seemed to be a thing for him. He and her uncle had nicknames for each other too, "hmm? Yeah, I'm here."
"So tell me, what's this party gonna be like?" Marcus slouched back across the back seat of the hum-vee.
"Just like any other city holiday the Mayor has made up for publicity sake. Bar-b-que, park sports, and several long winded speeches."
"eehh, I'm just glad we're all off duty."
Feral spoke up as they turned into the park, "I'd like to think that I had some influence in that soldier." Feral's chuckle was shared by the others as he parked the car.
* * *
"Heads up buddy." Jake nudged Chance in the ribs and pointed, "Felina sighting at 3 o'clock."
Chance turned to look where Jake was pointing and sure enough, there was Felina. "Damn..." the word slipped from Chance's lips with a bit of awe in it. Felina in her uniform was a sight in itself. Felina in a tank top and jean shorts made his fur stand on end. Chance knew she was tough, you didn't make it in the enforcers without being tough, but ....Damn! Toned didn't cover it. Her fur was a nice dark cream except for a dark patch of black that ran from the top of her chest all the way down into her shorts. Chance had seen women like this in Ms. Fitness competitions around the world. But he never thought... damn! Another elbow in his side woke him out of his daze.
"Hey buddy, get your tongue back in your mouth." Jake teased.
Chance shook himself once and grinned, "Hey, what can I say? I know what I like."
"Yeah, just try not to toss up a hair ball when you talk to her."
"Talk to her? Here?" Chance felt his stomach tightening up already.
"Yeah Chance. T-bone isn't gonna be able to go on too many dates with her. So you better try and get to know her as yourself."
Chance felt the knot in his gut pulling itself in three directions at once and wished on all nine of his lives that he had his mask on right now, "Well." He was surprised his voice didn't crack, "Guess you're right."
Jake chucked him on the shoulder, "Good luck pal. I'll catch you later."
* * *
Jake picked up a soda from one of the many hawkers around Megakat park and made his way towards the stage where the Mayor would be making his speech later today. Looking around the area he tried to spot Callie among the crowd of Kats. The face he spotted was quite a different one. Moving quickly Jake weaved his way through the crowd towards the Kat. He was a Kat with a medium build and a face that was neither old nor young. When he was in range Jake tested his hunch, "Mr. Kaque?"
The other Kat turned to Jake, from watching a volleyball game and nodded, "That's me. Whatcha need?"
Jake grinned and held out his hand, "Jake Clawson sir. I've seen your shooting at the nationals and I'm a big fan."
Marcus chuckled a bit in good humor, "That was a while ago. Surprised anyone remembers."
"Are you kidding?" Jake heard his own voice, filled with all the enthusiasm of a kitten. Appropriate, since he'd idolized this Kat ever since he was one, "I watched every one of your shoots. It's what made me work so hard on my own marksmanship. I wanted to be able to do half of what you could."
Marcus raised an eyebrow and might have blushed if his fur weren't so dark, "Really? Well, Glad I did something useful other than help reduce the clay pigeon population. So, you're a marksman?"
"Actually..." Jake shifted a bit, he was kind of hoping to avoid this, "I'm an Enforcer."
"Really? I haven't seen you around head quarters."
Jake was glad he almost swallowed his tongue at that. It kept his jaw from dropping, "You're an Enforcer?"
Marcus grinned a warm grin, "Yep, Special forces, Sniper specialist. But that doesn't explain why I don't see you around Headquarters."
"Well.." Jake tried to find a way to make it sound less bad than it was, he didn't find any. "My partner and I were the scapegoats for an accident. Now we're stick working the scrap yard until we can pay off the damages."
"Krud." Marcus sounded genuinely disturbed, "That sounds like a bum rap. This before Feral took over as Commander?"
"Actually, it was Feral."
Marcus' expression clouded a bit with concern, "Maybe you better tell me the whole story."
* * *
Chance screwed up his courage even though his knees felt like he's just pulled a double Immalmen at full thrust. A couple passed between him and Felina, giving him one last moment to run through opening lines in his mind. 'Hi, what do you think our kittens will look like?' 'Hi would you put your drink down so I could carry you off into the sunset?' 'Hey there, what're you doing for the next 80 years or so?' oi vey, was he in trouble.
Fate decided to kick him in the groin just for measure too. Just as he was coming up to her Felina turned around towards him and took a step plowing smack dab into him.
Thud
"Ooff, oh I'm sorry." Felina shook her head once to clear it from the all out collision. Chance made like his name and tried to turn disaster into opportunity," No, it's my fault, but hey. Aren't you Lieutenant Feral?"
Felina focused more on Chance and nodded, "that's right."
"It's good to finally meet you. I've seen you on the news, sort of followed your work. (not far off the mark on that one) I was kind of hoping someday to talk to you about it." 'Okay, that was lame, I am so dead' Chance thought. He braced for the brush off.
Felina paused for a moment, as if looking him over for the first time again, "Sure. Why not now?"
"I guess you're... wait... you said yes?"
Felina's laugh was sweet and husky. Chance thought he might melt on the spot, "Yeah I said yes. It's definitely better than listening to one of the Mayor's speeches."
Recovering enough to function, barely, Chance nodded and offered Felina his arm. She took it with a joking grin and they headed for someplace to sit.
* * *
Feral levered himself up from the bench as the Deputy Mayor's car pulled up. He waited at the head of the parking space as Callie pulled in. She got out of the car, reaching back in to get her briefcase. As she approached Feral he straitened up just a little taller, Enforcer T-shirt tightening up just a bit more across his chest. Then, as often had happened recently, he let the tension go. Relaxing he put a smile with his words, "Good Afternoon Ms. Briggs."
Callie's return smile was tentative, but not from lack of emotion as much as uncertainty of reaction, "Afternoon to you too Commander Feral."
Feral realized he was standing at parade rest and forced his hands to his sides, he probably should have worn another T-shirt, "Captain Chavez coming with the Mayor?"
Callie nodded, then said with a rueful smile, "Don't you Ever go off duty commander?"
Feral coughed to buy time, "Well, I." The first answer that came to mind was 'There's never any excuse not to be vigilant' but another part of him caught that line in his throat and told him Callie of all people knew that. She'd been through a lot with this city. This new part of himself came up with a new line, "I think I've forgotten how. Maybe you could lead me through retraining?"
It took all the stoicism and discipline in him not to die on the spot laughing when the briefcase fell from Callie's fingers and broke open. It hit the ground only a second before her jaw would have. Feral had to admit he was surprised at the words himself. But also to some extent thrilled. An excited warmth tugged at him that he hadn't felt in... in a long time. Settling into a crouch he helped Callie gather up her papers but held the stack in his hand when she tried to take them until her eyes met his, "Well?" he asked quietly, forcing all semblance of command from his voice for this one question.
It was Callie's turn to stall, shifting her grip on her case enough to right her glasses, " I don't know if I'm exactly the best teacher on having a social life." She replied.
"Then neither of us will look like an idiot in front of the other." Feral found the words coming faster than his mind was registering the events.
"Allright." That teasing rueful smile was back," Tuesday, 6 o'clock?"
Feral finally let go of the papers and replied, "I'll pick you up at Town Hall. Bring a set of casual clothing."
Callie nodded as a response and put the last of the papers in her case and closed it up,"Well... I better go make sure everything's ready on stage for the Mayor's performance." She sounded almost, reluctant?
"Then I won't keep you any longer." Feral replied. He felt a smile cross his face again and found his feet carrying him away quickly, back towards the last place he'd seen Felina. With each step his heart pounded louder in his chest his mind finally catching up with the rest of him. Kat's alive! What had he just done?
* * *
Feral didn't have time to find Felina before a piercing scream rang out in the park. Quickly joined by several more. Coming out from under a copse of Trees Feral turned and looked up at the sky where Kats were pointing. There in the sky was a, well, a dragon. Twisting and spiraling as it flew. It belched out a gout of flame as it dove for the park. Lighting trees and grass afire, "Kat's alive!" Feral thought fast, "Felina! Marcus!" he called out, but didn't wait for a reply. He instead made a fast run for his hum-vee.
Marcus was already there when Feral got to his car, piecing together his personal sniper rifle. Feral gave him a brief nod before grabbing the radio handset, "This is Commander Feral, Captain Chavez, respond, what is your location?"
The response came crisply and in only seconds, "This is Captain Chavez Commander, I am en route to the park with Mayor Manx's procession."
"Abort Captain, send the Mayor back to City hall with an escort and bring all available units with you to the park, we have a crisis on our hands." Feral paused to look to the skies but kept the send button depressed. The dragon was there and chose this moment to let out a titanic roar and dive for a grove of trees.
"Bring any knights you can find with you too Captain." With that Feral put the handset back and popped the glove compartment. He took out his pistol and spare energy pack and turned to see an 'ate the mouse' grin on Marcus' face.
"Son, was that a joke I just heard outta your mouth?" Marcus tightened the stock on his rifle, finishing its assembly.
Feral paused, then shrugged, "Might have been soldier, I'll let you know when they debrief me." Marcus nodded, still smiling and shouldered his rifle, "What's your game plan on this one son?"
"We'll keep it busy until backup arrives. I'll have Felina work to evacuate the park once I find her."
"Gotcha uncle." Felina's voice came from behind both Kat's. She had obviously been running a good distance herself.
"Start with the Podium Felina, be sure to get the Deputy Mayor to safety." With that the three Kats broke into action, each running in separate directions. Feral for one flank of the airborne menace, Marcus for the other, and Felina for the podium.
* * *
Marcus slid his rifle off his shoulder as he ran. Pulling off the safety as he angled to the right of the dragon's aerial show. Oddly enough it didn't' seem to be ranging far, just making a scene. Marcus crested a hill and a quick glance let him know the ground beneath the thing was clear. Flipping off the safety Marcus pulled the rifle up to his shoulder and drew aim with the speed and precision that had earned him his reputation. With a loud crack one round of CAP ammo speed for the dragon. The solid slug hit dead on. Tearing into the right side of the thing's head and taking most of that head with it in a gory gout of brains, bone, and blood. The dragon stopped mid twist and plunged towards the earth. It wasn't more than half way down however when a greenish good burst out of the wound and sealed it up. Reforming the creatures head in a mockery of the original shape. This new head was nastier looking as well. The teeth longer, several more horns, and each horn dripping a most likely unpleasant substance.
"Kat's alive," Marcus swore, then realizing the Dragon had righted itself and was flying in his direction he lifted his rifle snapping over to burst fire. Three rounds hit the dragon across the chest creating three more gouts of blood and gore. Marcus didn't' wait around to see the results, turning tail he ran for the nearest cover.
* * *
Feral finished 'doctoring' his pistol just as the Dragon's regeneration brought it back from it's second certain death at Marcus' hands. Taking aim he fired, the coherent blast of light stuck the Dragon mid flank. It did nowhere near the damage Marcus' rifle had but it did what Feral had hoped. It draw the Dragon's attention. Firing off a second blast too soon after the first Feral made sure the dragon was following him, but also made Feral drop the searing hot pistol as he turned to run.
Feral ran full tilt, using every once of speed he had in him, which was quite a good deal for a Kat of his size. The heavy beat of wings behind him let him know without a doubt that the Dragon was still following. The pounding was so loud in his ears that when it vanished into complete silence the hair on the back of Feral's neck stood on end. Instinctively he threw himself to the right and to the ground. Not a second later fire blasted through the space he had occupied. The roaring torrent still singed his fur but otherwise left him alive and well. Scrambling to his feet Feral got ready to run anew. The triple crack of Marcus' rifle was a welcome sound. However the shower of blood bile and intestines that rained down from above was not. Barely keeping his feet and surging through the mess Feral got clear before the unkillable creature could recover from having it's chest blown out a second time.
With a luck that had plagued him his whole life the Dragon chose still to lunge after Feral. Gagging from the noxious bath he'd just been given Feral made for a pavilion. Feral leaped the first row of picnic tables and hopped up onto the second before whirling to look back at his pursuit.
The Dragon descended at the edge of the pavilion and hooked a clawed hand under the edge. With one heave it tore the roof clean away.
"So much for cover." Feral gritted to himself as he looked up at death looming over him. A shot rang out, striking the creature in the head.
Followed by another, then a set of five in tight formation. Looking towards the origin Feral saw Chavez and Felina standing side be side with a 10 man enforcer squad. The first rank took a knee for the second to fire. The shots also hit the dragon, doing little more now than upsetting it though, especially since the inhibitors were still on their weapons. Still Feral took the opportunity to make a break for their lines. Under order from Captain Chavez the squad broke into 5 man teams, each heading in a separate direction and staging a fighting retreat. Felina took the squad nearest Feral so he headed for it as well. Scenarios ran through Feral's mind as he ran, none of them good. They had to find some way to put this thing down. Just as he reached the squad the roar of a jet sounded overhead.
* * *
"Ugh, why can't MegaKat city ever get attacked by Amazonian she-kats?" Razor groaned as the now deformed dragon came into view.
"Look at it this way Razor, as long as the badguys stay ugly then no-one else will try and take our jobs." T-bone brought the turbokat in low for a flyby then banked back around, "So, what're you gonna use on that thing?"
Razor keyed up the weapons panel and looked over his options, "Let's clip it's wings first." Razor selected the cutter missiles and brought up the tracking display. The outline of the Dragon was clear, as were the enforcers shooting at it, ineffectuality as usual. Razor eased the crosshairs into alignment, "Cutter missiles... Away!" Razor thumbed the firing studs just a hairsbreadth before T-bone pulled up sharply. Razor blinked at the shift in G-forces, he sometimes forgot about positions when he was targeting, like the fact that the Turbokat had almost done a nose-dive into the Dragon's back. Coming back around The SWATKats surveyed the Damage from their attack, two wings, neatly severed at the bases; both oozing a thick green ichor.
"Bingo." Razor grinned, "Now, a quick round of swarmer missiles to finish it off."
"Look again sureshot." T-bone pointed to the scene below. The Dragon's head half exploded, hit by some form of weapon. Then in a heart beat the shattered head reformed, even more twisted than before.
"Kat's alive!" Razor said with open disbelief in his voice.
"So, now how do we take it out Razor?"
* * *
"Scatter!" Feral dove to the right as the rest of Felina's half-squad each ran in a different direction, each evenly spaced and all heading away from the dragon. The SwatKat's missile had hampered it's mobility by severing it's wings, which didn't seem to be growing back, but it was still very much a threat.
Feral got a moment's reprieve as a three round cluster from Marcus' rifle struck the Dragon, tearing a gaping hole in it's flank. The Dragon began to heal almost immediately but Feral used those precious moments to try and reassess the situation. His eyes scanned the park, almost empty and ravaged by this running battle. The stage torn to pieces, the only thing left standing was the refreshment stands...
Feral turned a bit and took off, none too soon as the Dragon reared up fully healed and quite pissed off again. a wave of Cement rounds struck along it's head and neck, stunning the beast and buying Feral a few more seconds, "Chavez! Felina! Form up on me." Feral didn't look to see if they followed, he just kept running for the refreshment stands. His ears picked up the sounds of the others falling in alongside and behind him in moments. Feral dropped from his run and threw out an arm, "Form up, two lines, fast firing retreat." The Squad fell in, with Chavez in first rank, calling off time to keep the retreat even. The dragon was coming at them again. Pulse rifle shots ringing off it's head and neck. The shots did almost no damage, but they slowed it up a bit, and kept it focused on the enforcers and not the rest of the city.
"Uncle what're you planning on doing?"
"Me? Nothing Felina, let's just hope those SwatKats are as smart as you think they are. Now, get in rank." Feral didn't have a sidearm so he settled for guiding Chavez, hand on shoulder, moving her and by default he whole line slowly to the left, getting in line with his objective. Time passed too slowly, each round of shots seeming an eternity apart. The dragon looming closer after every burst. Feral heard the Turbokat overhead, at least three times as he backed the squad up. C'mon SwatKats, follow our path. Feral looked up as the TurboKat passed overhead again, right down the line his squad was traveling,
"I hope that means you figured it out." Feral mumbled under his breath. The Rear rank had their backs to the stand and the Dragon wasn't more than a handful of meters away, "Allright, Break and run!" Feral barked out.
The squad ran on command but Feral stayed. He snatched a rifle from a passing trooper's hands and fired it right on target at the Dragon's snout. The ploy worked and the Dragon focused on him. Feral ditched the weapon and waved his arms once more to make sure then turned and cleared the stand's counter. Feral weaved his way past prep stands and pushed out through the back of the tent. His caught the white cylinder that all of this depended on out of the corner of his eye as he felt more than heard the dragon his the stand behind him. The cracking of would and tearing of cloth was joined by another higher pitched sound. Feral had heard that sound enough to know what it was. match head missiles. Three more steps was all that Feral dared then he dove for the ground and not a moment too soon. The missiles stuck center target behind him, rupturing the Propane tank and igniting the contents. The concussion picked up Feral and tossed him through the air like a doll. The effect on the Dragon was much more satisfying though. Caught in the middle of the blast the Dragon was annihilated. Blown limb from limb and scattered in messy lifeless clumps.
* * *
Marcus watched the finale unfold from his vantage point high in a tree.
Just as the SwatKat's made their final pass he slapped one last round
into his rifle, this one slightly different from the others, took aim
and fired. The shot hit a little off target, it only tagged the TurboKat's wing, Marcus hoped that would be enough. The explosion happened just as he'd figured it would. Feral was always good on his feet, and at his best when working with nothing. Marcus climbed quickly down from the tree and made his way to the scene. The TurboKat flew over once more then didn't return.
* * *
Captain Sierra Chavez saw Commander Feral tossed by the explosion and her stomach twisted in a knot. She ducked as debris blew past the upturned table she'd used for cover then vaulted it, running for where she'd last seen the Commander. She found him, another ten feet away and out cold. She could tell He was in bad shape as she took a knee beside him. Her left hand went to her collar mike as her right pulled the emergency medkit from her pants cargo pocket. Keying open the mike she snapped off lines that sounded so distantly cold and mechanical they made her sick, "This is Captain Chavez, we have an officer down South side of MegaKat North Terrace Park. Situation Critical, send immediate assistance with full mobile ICU. Look for the blast Crater."
When her hand left the mike it went right for Feral's neck, there was a pulse, barely, and weaker with each beat. Chavez ripped open her medkit, "Jenkins! Get over here, man down!" The squad's real medic was at her side so fast he must have already been on his way. Felina and the rest of the enforcers were there before Chavez had opened the syringe package.
"Uncle!" Felina cried, pushing her way to the front. This was what Chavez had feared, forcing the fear form her own voice she spoke almost icilly, "Lieutenant, take these men and establish a perimeter. We'll need someone to keep the press out and guide the medical services people to us when they arrive."
The trauma of seeing her uncle laid out and dying could push Felina one of two ways, thankfully it was the way Chavez needed her. With a stunned numbness Felina replied, "Yes sir." And motioned for the squad to follow her, they moved out properly, if somewhat slowly until only Jenkins and Chavez remained, "Break out your Stim too Jenkins." Chavez directed as she drew the potent steroid into her syringe from its bottle.
"You sure what's wise Sir?" Jenkins asked even as he opened his own medkit and followed her lead, "I know he's banged up bad but, two?"
"The Commander's a big Kat Jenkins, let's hope big enough to handle two doses, because the rate he's fading one just won't cut it." Chavez traced Feral's corodid artery with a finger until she found the right spot. She slide the needle in and pumped the Stim into Feral's body. She kept her finger in place as she withdrew the needle and Jenkins handed her his syringe. Chavez unloaded it into Feral too, slightly slower than the first.
"Check him for any serious externals." She said almost as an afterthought. Keeping pressure on the insertion point Chavez monitored Feral's pulse. True to Stim's purpose it rose quickly again, not too fast, but strong, almost pounding through the veins as the Commander's heart went into forced Chemical convulsions.
"No serious Externals Captain, just some second degree burns and some cuts."
"What I figured." Chavez mumbled more to herself than anyone else, "It's all inside."
Chavez felt a shadow fall across her and looked up to see Marcus standing next to her, not one to sugarcoat things she said straight out, "It's not good."
"He'll live." Marcus replied, and with such simple confidence that Chavez felt slightly reassured herself, "Tell him when he comes around that I went off to follow a lead." Marcus turned without waiting and strode off. Leaving Chavez to wait for the ambulance to arrive.
I dont' own anything it's all owned by the people who made it' and Ted Turner shoudl burn for maknig it go away ^^
Seige part 2
Marcus shielded his eyes from the morning sun as he craned his neck after the departing jet, "What was that thing? Looked big enough to be a transport, but rigged out like a fighter."
Feral said in a low voice that was more like a growl," That was the SWATKat's, a pair of dangerous vigilantes."
Marcus noted the tension in his friend's voice and decided to feel it out some, "Looks like they have good equipment, I'll say that for 'em." Feral was around to the driver's side of the Squad car before he answered, "Nifty gadgets, and flashy planes, but no discipline, and no regard for public safety."
Marcus popped open the passenger's door and scooped up his modified rifle before getting in, "They'll get there way before we will." He offered. The result was slightly unsettling even though expected. Feral turned quickly to him and said simply, "And?" But the look in his eyes said it all to Marcus.
"Son." Marcus dropped his voice to that calm reasoning near whisper that worked so well, "Let them have it this time. You know it's the right thing to do." The obvious internal struggle lasted longer than Marcus would have liked, but the result was the same. Picking up the radio handset Feral keyed it open, "This is Commander Feral calling the SWATKats." Putting down the radio for a second Feral started the patrol car and reached out the window, motioning for the preassigned squad cars to follow.
* * *
"This is Commander Feral calling the SWATKats, respond." Even the second time it was still strange. Razor opened the channel after a moments hesitation, "We hear you Commander."
"That thing you're about to go up against has a weakness. Shoot for the blossom, then destroy the brain inside."
A bit stunned Razor closed the channel for a moment, "T-bone, you think this is for real?"
"Feral? Giving us help? I don't buy it."
"Still, he is a pompous jerk, but I don't think he'd deliberately set us up."
"It's your call Sure-shot."
Razor opened the channel again, "Roger that Commander, we'll take out your monster."
The reply banished any worry from Razor's mind, "Good, and try not to cause too much damage to the city while you're at it."
Closing the com again Razor chuckled, "That's Feral all right."
* * *
T-bone dipped the TurboKat down between the buildings and turned onto Bryne, "Krud!" T-bone jerked the controls around, and navigated more by instinct than pattern as they jetted full burn into a mass of writhing tentacles. By the time he saw blue sky again T-bone wasn't sure whether the TurboKat would come apart first, or he would. Pulling into a steep climb he circled around, "You okay back there Razor?"
"I am, but my breakfast is gonna come up and strangle you personally in a minute."
T-bone chuckled, "All right, hold on, we're going back in," he leveled off and turned back towards the intersection. There in the middle of it was a creature at least twice the size of the ones the Enforcer's had fought and still growing! "We always get the fun ones."
"Keep her steady T-bone.... Cutter missiles away!" Razor fired off a pair of the special make claw like missiles at the thing. Striking dead on target they shredded the purple blossom, revealing the pulsing green brain.
"Eww. Is it a law that every giant monster has to ooze something nasty?" T-bone let the TurboKat's path cross over the thing's body again. It wasn't difficult to avoid the tentacles this time, especially after the hit it just took. Bringing the 'Kat around he leveled it off again, "Take your shot buddy."
"SWATKat speedy monster removers, just one mega-missile away." Razor triggered the triple payload missile and sent is streaking off right on target. It hit dead on obliterating the brain mass. The thing lurched once upon impact then fall to the street again.
"That is one Dead monster." T-bone dropped low for a final flyby.
"Yeah T-bone, but what bothers me is where did these things come from? I'd say they look like the work of Dr. Viper, but where is he?"
"Maybe the sight of the enforcers actually winning something scared him off?"
Razor let out a chuckle at that, "Could be. I dunno though. I'll check with Callie when we get back."
"Right on Razor. Heading for home."
* * *
The only thing that Greeted Feral and the Enforcers when they arrived on scene was a huge mass of plant mess spread across the street. Stopping the car Feral hopped out and Marcus did likewise on his side.
"Looks like they did okay work Sir."
"This time Marcus, this time. They're a menace, untrained, undisciplined, and lawless."
"Well, get them into Enforcer school. We could sure use a few more with skill like this. And that plane of theirs..."
Feral looked around to be sure none of the other Enforcers were within earshot, "I've tried Marcus. They won't go for it."
"Balancing law vs. order again Sir? Always was your specialty." Marcus grinned over the top of the Squad car at Feral. He got a grin in reply and only a moment before he would have really started to worry about his old friend.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Feral agreed. Then turned to bellow out orders for control and cleanup crews.
* * *
One week had passed since Marcus Kaque had come to MegaKat City. Felina couldn't deny the change in her uncle that had occurred. As she sat in the passenger seat of his Hum-vee Felina stole another glance at her uncle. A far cry from the lock-jawed fuming demon-kat she was so used to. He was loose, relaxed, yet still held a poise that would never leave him. Felina was snapped from her contemplation by Marcus' fingers tickling her right ear.
"Hey, Felina, still with us cadet?"
He called her cadet, despite the fact that she technically outranked him. It seemed to be a thing for him. He and her uncle had nicknames for each other too, "hmm? Yeah, I'm here."
"So tell me, what's this party gonna be like?" Marcus slouched back across the back seat of the hum-vee.
"Just like any other city holiday the Mayor has made up for publicity sake. Bar-b-que, park sports, and several long winded speeches."
"eehh, I'm just glad we're all off duty."
Feral spoke up as they turned into the park, "I'd like to think that I had some influence in that soldier." Feral's chuckle was shared by the others as he parked the car.
* * *
"Heads up buddy." Jake nudged Chance in the ribs and pointed, "Felina sighting at 3 o'clock."
Chance turned to look where Jake was pointing and sure enough, there was Felina. "Damn..." the word slipped from Chance's lips with a bit of awe in it. Felina in her uniform was a sight in itself. Felina in a tank top and jean shorts made his fur stand on end. Chance knew she was tough, you didn't make it in the enforcers without being tough, but ....Damn! Toned didn't cover it. Her fur was a nice dark cream except for a dark patch of black that ran from the top of her chest all the way down into her shorts. Chance had seen women like this in Ms. Fitness competitions around the world. But he never thought... damn! Another elbow in his side woke him out of his daze.
"Hey buddy, get your tongue back in your mouth." Jake teased.
Chance shook himself once and grinned, "Hey, what can I say? I know what I like."
"Yeah, just try not to toss up a hair ball when you talk to her."
"Talk to her? Here?" Chance felt his stomach tightening up already.
"Yeah Chance. T-bone isn't gonna be able to go on too many dates with her. So you better try and get to know her as yourself."
Chance felt the knot in his gut pulling itself in three directions at once and wished on all nine of his lives that he had his mask on right now, "Well." He was surprised his voice didn't crack, "Guess you're right."
Jake chucked him on the shoulder, "Good luck pal. I'll catch you later."
* * *
Jake picked up a soda from one of the many hawkers around Megakat park and made his way towards the stage where the Mayor would be making his speech later today. Looking around the area he tried to spot Callie among the crowd of Kats. The face he spotted was quite a different one. Moving quickly Jake weaved his way through the crowd towards the Kat. He was a Kat with a medium build and a face that was neither old nor young. When he was in range Jake tested his hunch, "Mr. Kaque?"
The other Kat turned to Jake, from watching a volleyball game and nodded, "That's me. Whatcha need?"
Jake grinned and held out his hand, "Jake Clawson sir. I've seen your shooting at the nationals and I'm a big fan."
Marcus chuckled a bit in good humor, "That was a while ago. Surprised anyone remembers."
"Are you kidding?" Jake heard his own voice, filled with all the enthusiasm of a kitten. Appropriate, since he'd idolized this Kat ever since he was one, "I watched every one of your shoots. It's what made me work so hard on my own marksmanship. I wanted to be able to do half of what you could."
Marcus raised an eyebrow and might have blushed if his fur weren't so dark, "Really? Well, Glad I did something useful other than help reduce the clay pigeon population. So, you're a marksman?"
"Actually..." Jake shifted a bit, he was kind of hoping to avoid this, "I'm an Enforcer."
"Really? I haven't seen you around head quarters."
Jake was glad he almost swallowed his tongue at that. It kept his jaw from dropping, "You're an Enforcer?"
Marcus grinned a warm grin, "Yep, Special forces, Sniper specialist. But that doesn't explain why I don't see you around Headquarters."
"Well.." Jake tried to find a way to make it sound less bad than it was, he didn't find any. "My partner and I were the scapegoats for an accident. Now we're stick working the scrap yard until we can pay off the damages."
"Krud." Marcus sounded genuinely disturbed, "That sounds like a bum rap. This before Feral took over as Commander?"
"Actually, it was Feral."
Marcus' expression clouded a bit with concern, "Maybe you better tell me the whole story."
* * *
Chance screwed up his courage even though his knees felt like he's just pulled a double Immalmen at full thrust. A couple passed between him and Felina, giving him one last moment to run through opening lines in his mind. 'Hi, what do you think our kittens will look like?' 'Hi would you put your drink down so I could carry you off into the sunset?' 'Hey there, what're you doing for the next 80 years or so?' oi vey, was he in trouble.
Fate decided to kick him in the groin just for measure too. Just as he was coming up to her Felina turned around towards him and took a step plowing smack dab into him.
Thud
"Ooff, oh I'm sorry." Felina shook her head once to clear it from the all out collision. Chance made like his name and tried to turn disaster into opportunity," No, it's my fault, but hey. Aren't you Lieutenant Feral?"
Felina focused more on Chance and nodded, "that's right."
"It's good to finally meet you. I've seen you on the news, sort of followed your work. (not far off the mark on that one) I was kind of hoping someday to talk to you about it." 'Okay, that was lame, I am so dead' Chance thought. He braced for the brush off.
Felina paused for a moment, as if looking him over for the first time again, "Sure. Why not now?"
"I guess you're... wait... you said yes?"
Felina's laugh was sweet and husky. Chance thought he might melt on the spot, "Yeah I said yes. It's definitely better than listening to one of the Mayor's speeches."
Recovering enough to function, barely, Chance nodded and offered Felina his arm. She took it with a joking grin and they headed for someplace to sit.
* * *
Feral levered himself up from the bench as the Deputy Mayor's car pulled up. He waited at the head of the parking space as Callie pulled in. She got out of the car, reaching back in to get her briefcase. As she approached Feral he straitened up just a little taller, Enforcer T-shirt tightening up just a bit more across his chest. Then, as often had happened recently, he let the tension go. Relaxing he put a smile with his words, "Good Afternoon Ms. Briggs."
Callie's return smile was tentative, but not from lack of emotion as much as uncertainty of reaction, "Afternoon to you too Commander Feral."
Feral realized he was standing at parade rest and forced his hands to his sides, he probably should have worn another T-shirt, "Captain Chavez coming with the Mayor?"
Callie nodded, then said with a rueful smile, "Don't you Ever go off duty commander?"
Feral coughed to buy time, "Well, I." The first answer that came to mind was 'There's never any excuse not to be vigilant' but another part of him caught that line in his throat and told him Callie of all people knew that. She'd been through a lot with this city. This new part of himself came up with a new line, "I think I've forgotten how. Maybe you could lead me through retraining?"
It took all the stoicism and discipline in him not to die on the spot laughing when the briefcase fell from Callie's fingers and broke open. It hit the ground only a second before her jaw would have. Feral had to admit he was surprised at the words himself. But also to some extent thrilled. An excited warmth tugged at him that he hadn't felt in... in a long time. Settling into a crouch he helped Callie gather up her papers but held the stack in his hand when she tried to take them until her eyes met his, "Well?" he asked quietly, forcing all semblance of command from his voice for this one question.
It was Callie's turn to stall, shifting her grip on her case enough to right her glasses, " I don't know if I'm exactly the best teacher on having a social life." She replied.
"Then neither of us will look like an idiot in front of the other." Feral found the words coming faster than his mind was registering the events.
"Allright." That teasing rueful smile was back," Tuesday, 6 o'clock?"
Feral finally let go of the papers and replied, "I'll pick you up at Town Hall. Bring a set of casual clothing."
Callie nodded as a response and put the last of the papers in her case and closed it up,"Well... I better go make sure everything's ready on stage for the Mayor's performance." She sounded almost, reluctant?
"Then I won't keep you any longer." Feral replied. He felt a smile cross his face again and found his feet carrying him away quickly, back towards the last place he'd seen Felina. With each step his heart pounded louder in his chest his mind finally catching up with the rest of him. Kat's alive! What had he just done?
* * *
Feral didn't have time to find Felina before a piercing scream rang out in the park. Quickly joined by several more. Coming out from under a copse of Trees Feral turned and looked up at the sky where Kats were pointing. There in the sky was a, well, a dragon. Twisting and spiraling as it flew. It belched out a gout of flame as it dove for the park. Lighting trees and grass afire, "Kat's alive!" Feral thought fast, "Felina! Marcus!" he called out, but didn't wait for a reply. He instead made a fast run for his hum-vee.
Marcus was already there when Feral got to his car, piecing together his personal sniper rifle. Feral gave him a brief nod before grabbing the radio handset, "This is Commander Feral, Captain Chavez, respond, what is your location?"
The response came crisply and in only seconds, "This is Captain Chavez Commander, I am en route to the park with Mayor Manx's procession."
"Abort Captain, send the Mayor back to City hall with an escort and bring all available units with you to the park, we have a crisis on our hands." Feral paused to look to the skies but kept the send button depressed. The dragon was there and chose this moment to let out a titanic roar and dive for a grove of trees.
"Bring any knights you can find with you too Captain." With that Feral put the handset back and popped the glove compartment. He took out his pistol and spare energy pack and turned to see an 'ate the mouse' grin on Marcus' face.
"Son, was that a joke I just heard outta your mouth?" Marcus tightened the stock on his rifle, finishing its assembly.
Feral paused, then shrugged, "Might have been soldier, I'll let you know when they debrief me." Marcus nodded, still smiling and shouldered his rifle, "What's your game plan on this one son?"
"We'll keep it busy until backup arrives. I'll have Felina work to evacuate the park once I find her."
"Gotcha uncle." Felina's voice came from behind both Kat's. She had obviously been running a good distance herself.
"Start with the Podium Felina, be sure to get the Deputy Mayor to safety." With that the three Kats broke into action, each running in separate directions. Feral for one flank of the airborne menace, Marcus for the other, and Felina for the podium.
* * *
Marcus slid his rifle off his shoulder as he ran. Pulling off the safety as he angled to the right of the dragon's aerial show. Oddly enough it didn't' seem to be ranging far, just making a scene. Marcus crested a hill and a quick glance let him know the ground beneath the thing was clear. Flipping off the safety Marcus pulled the rifle up to his shoulder and drew aim with the speed and precision that had earned him his reputation. With a loud crack one round of CAP ammo speed for the dragon. The solid slug hit dead on. Tearing into the right side of the thing's head and taking most of that head with it in a gory gout of brains, bone, and blood. The dragon stopped mid twist and plunged towards the earth. It wasn't more than half way down however when a greenish good burst out of the wound and sealed it up. Reforming the creatures head in a mockery of the original shape. This new head was nastier looking as well. The teeth longer, several more horns, and each horn dripping a most likely unpleasant substance.
"Kat's alive," Marcus swore, then realizing the Dragon had righted itself and was flying in his direction he lifted his rifle snapping over to burst fire. Three rounds hit the dragon across the chest creating three more gouts of blood and gore. Marcus didn't' wait around to see the results, turning tail he ran for the nearest cover.
* * *
Feral finished 'doctoring' his pistol just as the Dragon's regeneration brought it back from it's second certain death at Marcus' hands. Taking aim he fired, the coherent blast of light stuck the Dragon mid flank. It did nowhere near the damage Marcus' rifle had but it did what Feral had hoped. It draw the Dragon's attention. Firing off a second blast too soon after the first Feral made sure the dragon was following him, but also made Feral drop the searing hot pistol as he turned to run.
Feral ran full tilt, using every once of speed he had in him, which was quite a good deal for a Kat of his size. The heavy beat of wings behind him let him know without a doubt that the Dragon was still following. The pounding was so loud in his ears that when it vanished into complete silence the hair on the back of Feral's neck stood on end. Instinctively he threw himself to the right and to the ground. Not a second later fire blasted through the space he had occupied. The roaring torrent still singed his fur but otherwise left him alive and well. Scrambling to his feet Feral got ready to run anew. The triple crack of Marcus' rifle was a welcome sound. However the shower of blood bile and intestines that rained down from above was not. Barely keeping his feet and surging through the mess Feral got clear before the unkillable creature could recover from having it's chest blown out a second time.
With a luck that had plagued him his whole life the Dragon chose still to lunge after Feral. Gagging from the noxious bath he'd just been given Feral made for a pavilion. Feral leaped the first row of picnic tables and hopped up onto the second before whirling to look back at his pursuit.
The Dragon descended at the edge of the pavilion and hooked a clawed hand under the edge. With one heave it tore the roof clean away.
"So much for cover." Feral gritted to himself as he looked up at death looming over him. A shot rang out, striking the creature in the head.
Followed by another, then a set of five in tight formation. Looking towards the origin Feral saw Chavez and Felina standing side be side with a 10 man enforcer squad. The first rank took a knee for the second to fire. The shots also hit the dragon, doing little more now than upsetting it though, especially since the inhibitors were still on their weapons. Still Feral took the opportunity to make a break for their lines. Under order from Captain Chavez the squad broke into 5 man teams, each heading in a separate direction and staging a fighting retreat. Felina took the squad nearest Feral so he headed for it as well. Scenarios ran through Feral's mind as he ran, none of them good. They had to find some way to put this thing down. Just as he reached the squad the roar of a jet sounded overhead.
* * *
"Ugh, why can't MegaKat city ever get attacked by Amazonian she-kats?" Razor groaned as the now deformed dragon came into view.
"Look at it this way Razor, as long as the badguys stay ugly then no-one else will try and take our jobs." T-bone brought the turbokat in low for a flyby then banked back around, "So, what're you gonna use on that thing?"
Razor keyed up the weapons panel and looked over his options, "Let's clip it's wings first." Razor selected the cutter missiles and brought up the tracking display. The outline of the Dragon was clear, as were the enforcers shooting at it, ineffectuality as usual. Razor eased the crosshairs into alignment, "Cutter missiles... Away!" Razor thumbed the firing studs just a hairsbreadth before T-bone pulled up sharply. Razor blinked at the shift in G-forces, he sometimes forgot about positions when he was targeting, like the fact that the Turbokat had almost done a nose-dive into the Dragon's back. Coming back around The SWATKats surveyed the Damage from their attack, two wings, neatly severed at the bases; both oozing a thick green ichor.
"Bingo." Razor grinned, "Now, a quick round of swarmer missiles to finish it off."
"Look again sureshot." T-bone pointed to the scene below. The Dragon's head half exploded, hit by some form of weapon. Then in a heart beat the shattered head reformed, even more twisted than before.
"Kat's alive!" Razor said with open disbelief in his voice.
"So, now how do we take it out Razor?"
* * *
"Scatter!" Feral dove to the right as the rest of Felina's half-squad each ran in a different direction, each evenly spaced and all heading away from the dragon. The SwatKat's missile had hampered it's mobility by severing it's wings, which didn't seem to be growing back, but it was still very much a threat.
Feral got a moment's reprieve as a three round cluster from Marcus' rifle struck the Dragon, tearing a gaping hole in it's flank. The Dragon began to heal almost immediately but Feral used those precious moments to try and reassess the situation. His eyes scanned the park, almost empty and ravaged by this running battle. The stage torn to pieces, the only thing left standing was the refreshment stands...
Feral turned a bit and took off, none too soon as the Dragon reared up fully healed and quite pissed off again. a wave of Cement rounds struck along it's head and neck, stunning the beast and buying Feral a few more seconds, "Chavez! Felina! Form up on me." Feral didn't look to see if they followed, he just kept running for the refreshment stands. His ears picked up the sounds of the others falling in alongside and behind him in moments. Feral dropped from his run and threw out an arm, "Form up, two lines, fast firing retreat." The Squad fell in, with Chavez in first rank, calling off time to keep the retreat even. The dragon was coming at them again. Pulse rifle shots ringing off it's head and neck. The shots did almost no damage, but they slowed it up a bit, and kept it focused on the enforcers and not the rest of the city.
"Uncle what're you planning on doing?"
"Me? Nothing Felina, let's just hope those SwatKats are as smart as you think they are. Now, get in rank." Feral didn't have a sidearm so he settled for guiding Chavez, hand on shoulder, moving her and by default he whole line slowly to the left, getting in line with his objective. Time passed too slowly, each round of shots seeming an eternity apart. The dragon looming closer after every burst. Feral heard the Turbokat overhead, at least three times as he backed the squad up. C'mon SwatKats, follow our path. Feral looked up as the TurboKat passed overhead again, right down the line his squad was traveling,
"I hope that means you figured it out." Feral mumbled under his breath. The Rear rank had their backs to the stand and the Dragon wasn't more than a handful of meters away, "Allright, Break and run!" Feral barked out.
The squad ran on command but Feral stayed. He snatched a rifle from a passing trooper's hands and fired it right on target at the Dragon's snout. The ploy worked and the Dragon focused on him. Feral ditched the weapon and waved his arms once more to make sure then turned and cleared the stand's counter. Feral weaved his way past prep stands and pushed out through the back of the tent. His caught the white cylinder that all of this depended on out of the corner of his eye as he felt more than heard the dragon his the stand behind him. The cracking of would and tearing of cloth was joined by another higher pitched sound. Feral had heard that sound enough to know what it was. match head missiles. Three more steps was all that Feral dared then he dove for the ground and not a moment too soon. The missiles stuck center target behind him, rupturing the Propane tank and igniting the contents. The concussion picked up Feral and tossed him through the air like a doll. The effect on the Dragon was much more satisfying though. Caught in the middle of the blast the Dragon was annihilated. Blown limb from limb and scattered in messy lifeless clumps.
* * *
Marcus watched the finale unfold from his vantage point high in a tree.
Just as the SwatKat's made their final pass he slapped one last round
into his rifle, this one slightly different from the others, took aim
and fired. The shot hit a little off target, it only tagged the TurboKat's wing, Marcus hoped that would be enough. The explosion happened just as he'd figured it would. Feral was always good on his feet, and at his best when working with nothing. Marcus climbed quickly down from the tree and made his way to the scene. The TurboKat flew over once more then didn't return.
* * *
Captain Sierra Chavez saw Commander Feral tossed by the explosion and her stomach twisted in a knot. She ducked as debris blew past the upturned table she'd used for cover then vaulted it, running for where she'd last seen the Commander. She found him, another ten feet away and out cold. She could tell He was in bad shape as she took a knee beside him. Her left hand went to her collar mike as her right pulled the emergency medkit from her pants cargo pocket. Keying open the mike she snapped off lines that sounded so distantly cold and mechanical they made her sick, "This is Captain Chavez, we have an officer down South side of MegaKat North Terrace Park. Situation Critical, send immediate assistance with full mobile ICU. Look for the blast Crater."
When her hand left the mike it went right for Feral's neck, there was a pulse, barely, and weaker with each beat. Chavez ripped open her medkit, "Jenkins! Get over here, man down!" The squad's real medic was at her side so fast he must have already been on his way. Felina and the rest of the enforcers were there before Chavez had opened the syringe package.
"Uncle!" Felina cried, pushing her way to the front. This was what Chavez had feared, forcing the fear form her own voice she spoke almost icilly, "Lieutenant, take these men and establish a perimeter. We'll need someone to keep the press out and guide the medical services people to us when they arrive."
The trauma of seeing her uncle laid out and dying could push Felina one of two ways, thankfully it was the way Chavez needed her. With a stunned numbness Felina replied, "Yes sir." And motioned for the squad to follow her, they moved out properly, if somewhat slowly until only Jenkins and Chavez remained, "Break out your Stim too Jenkins." Chavez directed as she drew the potent steroid into her syringe from its bottle.
"You sure what's wise Sir?" Jenkins asked even as he opened his own medkit and followed her lead, "I know he's banged up bad but, two?"
"The Commander's a big Kat Jenkins, let's hope big enough to handle two doses, because the rate he's fading one just won't cut it." Chavez traced Feral's corodid artery with a finger until she found the right spot. She slide the needle in and pumped the Stim into Feral's body. She kept her finger in place as she withdrew the needle and Jenkins handed her his syringe. Chavez unloaded it into Feral too, slightly slower than the first.
"Check him for any serious externals." She said almost as an afterthought. Keeping pressure on the insertion point Chavez monitored Feral's pulse. True to Stim's purpose it rose quickly again, not too fast, but strong, almost pounding through the veins as the Commander's heart went into forced Chemical convulsions.
"No serious Externals Captain, just some second degree burns and some cuts."
"What I figured." Chavez mumbled more to herself than anyone else, "It's all inside."
Chavez felt a shadow fall across her and looked up to see Marcus standing next to her, not one to sugarcoat things she said straight out, "It's not good."
"He'll live." Marcus replied, and with such simple confidence that Chavez felt slightly reassured herself, "Tell him when he comes around that I went off to follow a lead." Marcus turned without waiting and strode off. Leaving Chavez to wait for the ambulance to arrive.