Author's notes: Well hears the update if anyone is reading this. I hope
you enjoyed the first chapter and if there wasn't enough violence in the
last chapter I can promise you there will be no shortage of action in this
chapter. So strap yourselves in and get ready for a battle that will blow
you away. I know I wasn't a hundred percent accurate about the fight seen
in the first chapter but you can't be a complete copycat. You may also
notice that when some of the characters talk the word choice is poor. Well
they are British so they're wording is naturally a little different than
ours. PS. Please review.
The embassy looked like a fort. It was completely walled in by a thick concrete wall with four guard towers, one for every corner. The embassy itself looked almost like a church. It had a high steeple painted red. The wall was painted white inside and outside. The courtyard was always swarming with red coated soldiers, like a swarm of bees protecting they're queen, who hide in the center of the hive. The Ambassador's office was in the middle of the building. The Ambassador was in his office as usual, filling out his report and signing proclamations, and requests.
It was a Friday morning. Private Cook was assigned look out duty in the west guard tower. Within the past year the Japanese sects were growing more and more violent to foreigners, particularly the diplomatic military forces. Cook had been on look out duty before and most of the time he just stood there looking at the streets, boring. Cook was a well-experienced combat veteran. As a young man in Northern Ireland he always admired the military. When he was sixteen against his parents advice he ran away and joined the British army and was sent into the Irish Brigade. Him and his brigade were first stationed in China to put down a brewing rebellion in 1866, which they were able to stop non-violently. In 1875 they were sent to South Africa to fight the Zulus, there he learned the true griping experience of war. {FLASHBACK} They were assigned to hold a farm in the middle of valley surrounded by jungle. The Zulus could attack from any front. Off in the distance they could hear them coming, the Zulus marched carrying large shields that doubled as drums, which they constantly banged on in a motivating tune, it sounded like a train in the distance. Finally the Zulus were seen, surrounding them on all sides crying they're war chants while beating their shields with their spears. Captain O'Riley, the commander of the Irish Brigade began simple battlefield procedures. "Brigade, fix bayonets," shouted the Captain. The men did as they were commanded. O'Riley knew they would never make it if fought on all fronts. He had nine hundred men and a two hundred yard area to hold of against thousands of bad tempered Zulus. He turned to Color Sergeant Connor, a combat veteran and specialist on the field of battle. It was clear they were forming to attack the south flank first, he knew he had better think fast. "Color Sergeant, form a double line on the south flank, take men from the east and west flank if you must but I want two lines ready to give independent volleys. "Yes sir," said Connor. He then ran down to the southern flank and began barking orders. "Double line lads! Form double line! You there on the east get yer arses over hear I want two lines ready two fire two separate volleys!" "Good old Connor, he's at it again," remarked Cook to his friend at his side, Burke, who were both on the south flank. "Have ye ever heard such a supreme racket in all yer life?" he asked. "Aye, don't he know he's to loud when talks plainly?" Burke responded. "Aren't ye awarded a Victoria cross for injury in battle? Cause my ears are about to burst," he asked. "No ye won't be comin out that lucky," said Cook. Sides what would ye be doin with a Vicky cross anyway." "Well it'd be good for pickin up lasses back home might even get me two of em," remarked Burke. "Aw would ye listen to ye what would ye be doin with two lasses?" asked Cook fully knowing the answer. "Nothin me mother would appreciate," he responded and they both laughed. "Aye, but two of them?" said Cook. "Cookie lasses are like Rum, the more you can get the better it tastes," said Burke and they both laughed even harder. "SCILENCE IN THE RANKS!" Connor bellowed into both their ears. "No more comedians," he ordered and walked down the line with his hands behind his back. "Is school out already I think I can hear bells ringin!" said Burke recovering from the sergeant's bellowing. "Naw I think I'd be time for church," said Cook also recovering. With loud marching chants the Zulus advanced on the farm walking at first then running at full speed while grunting like apes. By then both lines were ready on the south flank. The captain was there waiting for the right moment. When they were in range he gave the command, "Firs rank, FIRE!" The first line fired then ducked down and reloaded. About ten Zulus fell to the ground bleeding. "Re-rank!" shouted O'Riley. The second line ran in front of the first and took position. "Second rank, FIRE!" shouted O'Riley. Bullets whistled through the air and brought down another hand full of Zulus. "Re-rank!" he shouted. The first line did as the second. "First rank FIRE!" at one hundred yards the volley was like a wall of bullets taking down at least a dozen more Zulus this process repeated for a full minute by then the Zulus were fifty yards away from the soldiers. Then O'Riley gave the order, "Fall back behind the barricade!" they did not have to be told that order twice. They quickly climbed over the nearby barricade wall put up by the soldiers; they were five feet high, to high for anyone to jump over. The Zulus bunched up behind this wall while the Zulus at the front fought hand to hand with the British soldiers. More and more of them continued to come charging down the hill towards the south flank. It was clear that this was where they were determined to penetrate the line, probably to show off they're power in numbers but they're arrogance would lead them to they're doom. "Leftenunt O'Callaun! Order some of the men from the North flank to bring out the new mortars and lay down a bombardment on the hill to the south," ordered O'Riley. "Yes sir," responded O'Callaun with a salute. He proceeded to the north line and gave the order. Forty men ran to the supply carriage and brought out the four mortars mortars. It took them less than a minute to set it up and initiate firing. Explosive shells obliterated dozens of Zulus at a time as they ran down the hillside and did not stop coming. At the front line the fighting was most brutal. Cook was constantly dodging stabs from spears while trying to stab the Zulus with his bayonet at the same time. Several of his fellow soldiers were already dead, accept for Burke. More soldiers were recalled from the east and west flank to take up continue the hand-to-hand combat. Once in a while a Zulu warrior would manage to climb over the top and stab one or two men before being shot. One climbed over and killed the man to Cooks left and almost had Cook if he had not turned at just the right moment. The Zulu and Cooked stared at each other for a moment trying to predict what the other was going to do. Suddenly the Zulu charged him with spear forward. Cook parried the attack with his rifle and lunged at the Zulu's belly. His spear penetrated the shield but didn't hit his skin. The Zulu then knocked him to the ground with his shield then tried to run him through with his spear but Cook rolled to the side and slashed at his legs the Zulu broke down in pain and Cook ran his bayonet through the Zulu's throat. Cook did not see the Zulu coming at him from behind but Burke did. Cook heard a shot from be hind him and turned to see a Zulu fall to the ground. He then looked up to see Burke give him a smug smile. "Good show mate, but watch yer own back next savvy?" said Burke. "Aye mate," responded Cook. Color Sergeant Connor fired his pistol three times and killed three Zulus who were coming up behind Cook and Burke. "Come on ye lads get back in the war!" he shouted. Cook and Burke promptly returned to wall to jab at and dodge from the Zulus this fight continued all through the night with no let up. Their only light was the burning barn, which was right next to the south line, set on fire by Zulus throwing torches. By sun up three quarters of the Zulu's forces were dead or dying and about half the Irish brigade was fit for battle, uninjured. At noon the Zulus retreated and fell back over the mountain. Two hours latter the patrol sent by the Captain returned and reported that the Zulus were gone. One of them saw through a telescope that the Zulus were retreating in disorder across the river ten miles south of them. O'Riley took a deep sigh. "It is done." {END FLASHBACK} Cook stared moodily at the roads of Yokohama Japan it was made in of stone like most roads in Ireland and the surrounding buildings were a combination of American and British architecture. He looked down the road where he saw one of his fellow soldiers having a smoke. When suddenly a large group of men came striding down the road. They walked up to the soldier said a few things to him that he apparently did not understand then one of them came up behind him quickly drew a samurai sword and cut off the soldier's head with god like speed. Cook knew exactly what to do. "ALARM!!" he shouted. "Soldier under attack," he continued. Color Sergeant Connor rushed quickly to the foot of the tower. "What in hells goin on soldier?" asked Connor. "One of our men has been attacked and killed by a gang of bandits," he responded. "How many?" asked Connor. "About thirty," said Cook. Cook looked back at the street and froze with shock when he saw the initial group had nearly tripled in numbers. "Sir there is about ninety men are comin down the road and heading our way, I think they are goin to attack sir. Just then one of the swordsmen on the ground took out a grenade lit it and threw it with amazing strength up into the tower where Cook was standing. Cook looked down and saw the Grenade at his feet. "Oh bugger!!!!!!!!!!" he screamed as he jumped out of the tower just before it exploded. He landed face down in the dirt. Connor quickly helped him to his feet and promptly began screaming. "Close the barricade doors!!" he shouted. Without a second thought all soldiers in the area came and pushed the barricade door shut. It was a heavy wooden pair of doors lined with iron. They quickly placed a heavy wooden beam on the door to lock it then pressed other heavy objects against it to further seal it. That was the only way in or out of the Embassy, they had intended to put in a secret underground back exit but it was not finished yet. Leftenent O'Callaun rushed out of the Embassy building. "You two," he motioned to two soldiers doing nothing. "Find a safe place for the Ambassador to hid and escort him there, do not let him out of yer sight!" "Yes sir," said the two soldiers. They ran swiftly into the building "Color Sergeant whats the situation?" asked O'Callaun. "It appears we are under attack sir according to mister Cook a force of over ninety men have killed one of our men and blew up the tower he was in with a grenade sir," he said. "Have the men form a triple line over looking the gate," he ordered. A shot was heard from the man in the north tower firing his rifle down on the band of swords men. A few seconds later the tower exploded along with the soldier in it. "Yes sir. Form a triple line the lota ye. I want ten men two a line," shouted Connor. "Have the rest of the men take shooting positions in the embassy building, and get those men down from the tower!" he ordered. The men in the last two towers were firing down on the swordsmen as well in the next few seconds both towers exploded. "I don't belive that will be a problem sir," stated Connor.O'Callaun scowled as if offended by the Color Sergeants sarcasm. The triple line was ready and waiting in the middle of the courtyard, about twenty yards from the gateway, with rifles at the ready. "Color Sergeant, take the rest of the men inside the building and take firing positions. I will command the main line. Stand ready to give us covering fire," said O'Callaun. Connor nodded and with a quick salute he ordered the rest of the men inside then gave the order to send a distress signal. Only to be told that the lines have been cut. He then gave the order to fire the signal flares to call for help. The soldiers fired the signal flares then took position inside the building. Cook was back on his feet and at his side was Burke. Both had rifles and were in the fist rank of the triple line. They stood nervously waiting for they're next orders. They could see that the swordsmen outside were ramming the door. "Fix bayonets!" ordered O'Callaun. They all did as they were ordered. Seconds later the door exploded and sent fragments flying everywhere only a few heavy obstacles stood in the gateway that could be push aside with enough strength stood between the swordsmen and them. O'Callaun swallowed hard. All they could do was hold as long as he could until reinforcements arrived. But how long could they hold?
The embassy looked like a fort. It was completely walled in by a thick concrete wall with four guard towers, one for every corner. The embassy itself looked almost like a church. It had a high steeple painted red. The wall was painted white inside and outside. The courtyard was always swarming with red coated soldiers, like a swarm of bees protecting they're queen, who hide in the center of the hive. The Ambassador's office was in the middle of the building. The Ambassador was in his office as usual, filling out his report and signing proclamations, and requests.
It was a Friday morning. Private Cook was assigned look out duty in the west guard tower. Within the past year the Japanese sects were growing more and more violent to foreigners, particularly the diplomatic military forces. Cook had been on look out duty before and most of the time he just stood there looking at the streets, boring. Cook was a well-experienced combat veteran. As a young man in Northern Ireland he always admired the military. When he was sixteen against his parents advice he ran away and joined the British army and was sent into the Irish Brigade. Him and his brigade were first stationed in China to put down a brewing rebellion in 1866, which they were able to stop non-violently. In 1875 they were sent to South Africa to fight the Zulus, there he learned the true griping experience of war. {FLASHBACK} They were assigned to hold a farm in the middle of valley surrounded by jungle. The Zulus could attack from any front. Off in the distance they could hear them coming, the Zulus marched carrying large shields that doubled as drums, which they constantly banged on in a motivating tune, it sounded like a train in the distance. Finally the Zulus were seen, surrounding them on all sides crying they're war chants while beating their shields with their spears. Captain O'Riley, the commander of the Irish Brigade began simple battlefield procedures. "Brigade, fix bayonets," shouted the Captain. The men did as they were commanded. O'Riley knew they would never make it if fought on all fronts. He had nine hundred men and a two hundred yard area to hold of against thousands of bad tempered Zulus. He turned to Color Sergeant Connor, a combat veteran and specialist on the field of battle. It was clear they were forming to attack the south flank first, he knew he had better think fast. "Color Sergeant, form a double line on the south flank, take men from the east and west flank if you must but I want two lines ready to give independent volleys. "Yes sir," said Connor. He then ran down to the southern flank and began barking orders. "Double line lads! Form double line! You there on the east get yer arses over hear I want two lines ready two fire two separate volleys!" "Good old Connor, he's at it again," remarked Cook to his friend at his side, Burke, who were both on the south flank. "Have ye ever heard such a supreme racket in all yer life?" he asked. "Aye, don't he know he's to loud when talks plainly?" Burke responded. "Aren't ye awarded a Victoria cross for injury in battle? Cause my ears are about to burst," he asked. "No ye won't be comin out that lucky," said Cook. Sides what would ye be doin with a Vicky cross anyway." "Well it'd be good for pickin up lasses back home might even get me two of em," remarked Burke. "Aw would ye listen to ye what would ye be doin with two lasses?" asked Cook fully knowing the answer. "Nothin me mother would appreciate," he responded and they both laughed. "Aye, but two of them?" said Cook. "Cookie lasses are like Rum, the more you can get the better it tastes," said Burke and they both laughed even harder. "SCILENCE IN THE RANKS!" Connor bellowed into both their ears. "No more comedians," he ordered and walked down the line with his hands behind his back. "Is school out already I think I can hear bells ringin!" said Burke recovering from the sergeant's bellowing. "Naw I think I'd be time for church," said Cook also recovering. With loud marching chants the Zulus advanced on the farm walking at first then running at full speed while grunting like apes. By then both lines were ready on the south flank. The captain was there waiting for the right moment. When they were in range he gave the command, "Firs rank, FIRE!" The first line fired then ducked down and reloaded. About ten Zulus fell to the ground bleeding. "Re-rank!" shouted O'Riley. The second line ran in front of the first and took position. "Second rank, FIRE!" shouted O'Riley. Bullets whistled through the air and brought down another hand full of Zulus. "Re-rank!" he shouted. The first line did as the second. "First rank FIRE!" at one hundred yards the volley was like a wall of bullets taking down at least a dozen more Zulus this process repeated for a full minute by then the Zulus were fifty yards away from the soldiers. Then O'Riley gave the order, "Fall back behind the barricade!" they did not have to be told that order twice. They quickly climbed over the nearby barricade wall put up by the soldiers; they were five feet high, to high for anyone to jump over. The Zulus bunched up behind this wall while the Zulus at the front fought hand to hand with the British soldiers. More and more of them continued to come charging down the hill towards the south flank. It was clear that this was where they were determined to penetrate the line, probably to show off they're power in numbers but they're arrogance would lead them to they're doom. "Leftenunt O'Callaun! Order some of the men from the North flank to bring out the new mortars and lay down a bombardment on the hill to the south," ordered O'Riley. "Yes sir," responded O'Callaun with a salute. He proceeded to the north line and gave the order. Forty men ran to the supply carriage and brought out the four mortars mortars. It took them less than a minute to set it up and initiate firing. Explosive shells obliterated dozens of Zulus at a time as they ran down the hillside and did not stop coming. At the front line the fighting was most brutal. Cook was constantly dodging stabs from spears while trying to stab the Zulus with his bayonet at the same time. Several of his fellow soldiers were already dead, accept for Burke. More soldiers were recalled from the east and west flank to take up continue the hand-to-hand combat. Once in a while a Zulu warrior would manage to climb over the top and stab one or two men before being shot. One climbed over and killed the man to Cooks left and almost had Cook if he had not turned at just the right moment. The Zulu and Cooked stared at each other for a moment trying to predict what the other was going to do. Suddenly the Zulu charged him with spear forward. Cook parried the attack with his rifle and lunged at the Zulu's belly. His spear penetrated the shield but didn't hit his skin. The Zulu then knocked him to the ground with his shield then tried to run him through with his spear but Cook rolled to the side and slashed at his legs the Zulu broke down in pain and Cook ran his bayonet through the Zulu's throat. Cook did not see the Zulu coming at him from behind but Burke did. Cook heard a shot from be hind him and turned to see a Zulu fall to the ground. He then looked up to see Burke give him a smug smile. "Good show mate, but watch yer own back next savvy?" said Burke. "Aye mate," responded Cook. Color Sergeant Connor fired his pistol three times and killed three Zulus who were coming up behind Cook and Burke. "Come on ye lads get back in the war!" he shouted. Cook and Burke promptly returned to wall to jab at and dodge from the Zulus this fight continued all through the night with no let up. Their only light was the burning barn, which was right next to the south line, set on fire by Zulus throwing torches. By sun up three quarters of the Zulu's forces were dead or dying and about half the Irish brigade was fit for battle, uninjured. At noon the Zulus retreated and fell back over the mountain. Two hours latter the patrol sent by the Captain returned and reported that the Zulus were gone. One of them saw through a telescope that the Zulus were retreating in disorder across the river ten miles south of them. O'Riley took a deep sigh. "It is done." {END FLASHBACK} Cook stared moodily at the roads of Yokohama Japan it was made in of stone like most roads in Ireland and the surrounding buildings were a combination of American and British architecture. He looked down the road where he saw one of his fellow soldiers having a smoke. When suddenly a large group of men came striding down the road. They walked up to the soldier said a few things to him that he apparently did not understand then one of them came up behind him quickly drew a samurai sword and cut off the soldier's head with god like speed. Cook knew exactly what to do. "ALARM!!" he shouted. "Soldier under attack," he continued. Color Sergeant Connor rushed quickly to the foot of the tower. "What in hells goin on soldier?" asked Connor. "One of our men has been attacked and killed by a gang of bandits," he responded. "How many?" asked Connor. "About thirty," said Cook. Cook looked back at the street and froze with shock when he saw the initial group had nearly tripled in numbers. "Sir there is about ninety men are comin down the road and heading our way, I think they are goin to attack sir. Just then one of the swordsmen on the ground took out a grenade lit it and threw it with amazing strength up into the tower where Cook was standing. Cook looked down and saw the Grenade at his feet. "Oh bugger!!!!!!!!!!" he screamed as he jumped out of the tower just before it exploded. He landed face down in the dirt. Connor quickly helped him to his feet and promptly began screaming. "Close the barricade doors!!" he shouted. Without a second thought all soldiers in the area came and pushed the barricade door shut. It was a heavy wooden pair of doors lined with iron. They quickly placed a heavy wooden beam on the door to lock it then pressed other heavy objects against it to further seal it. That was the only way in or out of the Embassy, they had intended to put in a secret underground back exit but it was not finished yet. Leftenent O'Callaun rushed out of the Embassy building. "You two," he motioned to two soldiers doing nothing. "Find a safe place for the Ambassador to hid and escort him there, do not let him out of yer sight!" "Yes sir," said the two soldiers. They ran swiftly into the building "Color Sergeant whats the situation?" asked O'Callaun. "It appears we are under attack sir according to mister Cook a force of over ninety men have killed one of our men and blew up the tower he was in with a grenade sir," he said. "Have the men form a triple line over looking the gate," he ordered. A shot was heard from the man in the north tower firing his rifle down on the band of swords men. A few seconds later the tower exploded along with the soldier in it. "Yes sir. Form a triple line the lota ye. I want ten men two a line," shouted Connor. "Have the rest of the men take shooting positions in the embassy building, and get those men down from the tower!" he ordered. The men in the last two towers were firing down on the swordsmen as well in the next few seconds both towers exploded. "I don't belive that will be a problem sir," stated Connor.O'Callaun scowled as if offended by the Color Sergeants sarcasm. The triple line was ready and waiting in the middle of the courtyard, about twenty yards from the gateway, with rifles at the ready. "Color Sergeant, take the rest of the men inside the building and take firing positions. I will command the main line. Stand ready to give us covering fire," said O'Callaun. Connor nodded and with a quick salute he ordered the rest of the men inside then gave the order to send a distress signal. Only to be told that the lines have been cut. He then gave the order to fire the signal flares to call for help. The soldiers fired the signal flares then took position inside the building. Cook was back on his feet and at his side was Burke. Both had rifles and were in the fist rank of the triple line. They stood nervously waiting for they're next orders. They could see that the swordsmen outside were ramming the door. "Fix bayonets!" ordered O'Callaun. They all did as they were ordered. Seconds later the door exploded and sent fragments flying everywhere only a few heavy obstacles stood in the gateway that could be push aside with enough strength stood between the swordsmen and them. O'Callaun swallowed hard. All they could do was hold as long as he could until reinforcements arrived. But how long could they hold?