Into the Base
The research facility rested within in a wide but relatively shallow part of a miles long canyon. The base was built around a large bunker of some kind. Surrounding it was a large fence equipped with razor wire. In between the fence and the bunker were various trenches and proximity defense mines. Next to bunker was a partially constructed communications tower. Jehal remarked to Rasczak, "Well, they certainly invested a lot of hardware into this but this canyon is not exactly an ideal defensive position. Why build a base there?"
"I'd say because of the weather. Judging by the landscape, I'd say this planet gets some particularly strong winds and storms, probably on the scale of those on Mars. So in that regard setting up operations here would make sense."
Jehal nodded and turned on his motion detectors and began to scan the compound. Rasczak did the same with his heat sensors.
"Motion detectors are negative, sir," Jehal said to Rasczak when he finished."
The Lieutenant replied, "So are the heat sensors, but I wouldn't stake my life on it. It wouldn't be the first time bugs evaded our sensors. So we're going to go though that facility with a fine tooth comb to be sure. Coles," he called out the executive who broke rank and came up to Rasczak, "that compound looks awfully fortified. Any suggestions on entering it?"
Coles answered, "Well, the fences are electrified and are equipped with razor wire. But I'd guess that's the least of your worries. I'd be more worried about the proximity defense mines which you can see. They are motion sensitive and there are also buried mines which are pressure sensitive. In a lock down situation, they are supposed to be activated. They're extremely sensitive so I don't think walking through them is an option. Incidentally, if you're wondering why your motion and heat sensors aren't picking up anything, it's because the bunker is shielded from them."
"Thanks for the heads up. Anyway, what about the bunker's roof? Anything dangerous there?"
"Not that I know of."
"Good," Rasczak said and then turned his attention to Corporal Mohammed Khan, "Khan, get your squad on the roof of that bunker. There are mines around it, so advance by leapfrog."
By leapfrog, Rasczak meant that they were jump from the cliff edge all the way to the bunker, a distance of a thousand yards. As daunting as this may seem, it was perfectly within Khan's squad's capability. After all, M.I power suits were designed to not only match any movements but also amplify them. Jump, and the suit jumps, but higher than you would in your own skin. Jump really hard and the suit's jets kick in. As for the landing itself, it was a soft as a feather since the suit automatically cushioned it.
Khan and his squad leapt into the air and effortlessly reached the bunker. Higgins had his camera rolling to capture for posterity this feat. Coles glanced at him and then asked Rasczak, "Lieutenant, does Private Higgins really have to film all this? He does realize that none of his footage will made public?"
"Mr. Coles, please rest assured that he does and don't ask me to stop him. I've found that he is calmest with he's focused on his work. Anyway as soon as Corporal Khan finds an entry point, you and I will be following them along with Corporal Greene's squad. So I suggest you get ready."
Coles turned and rejoined Greene's squad. As he did he glanced at Rico. He had seen his name stenciled on his helmet and ever since they had landed on this planet he had wondered what was so familiar about that name. Then it hit him. He came up to Rico and asked, "Excuse, Mr. Rico, you wouldn't be perchance of any relation to Roberto Miguel Rico, would you?"
Rico surprised replied, "Why, yes. He's my father. Why do you ask?"
Coles smiled, "Of course, I remember you now. I met you during a business dinner with your father. I believe you were in your senior year in high school. I believe he mentioned that he had managed to convince you not to join the military. Look's like he was wrong."
Rico answered somewhat half-heartedly, "Yeah, sure looks like it," half-heartedly because his father hadn't spoken to him ever since he enlisted.
Coles seemingly oblivious to that said, "Well, if you ever see your old man, tell him Nestor Coles sends his regards."
As Coles returned to his place in the formation, Higgins, who had been listening to this exchange, thought to himself, Yeah that'll happen. Rico had told him about his strained relationship with his father. Rico would be lucky to even be able to talk to him.
Meanwhile Khan and his squad were busy searching the roof of the bunker for a way in. They soon found a hatch. Made of reinforced silk steel, it was securely locked from the inside. Private Eddie Jackson pulled out a plasma torch and got to work. Five minutes later he cut a hole in the hatch big enough so he could fit through. When he was done, Private Jessie Arieti tossed in a flash grenade. When it detonated, Private Francis Bruto quickly entered followed by Private Tom Sturgill. They quickly scanned the interior, and after determining that there were no immediate threats, gave Khan the all clear signal. Khan acknowledged and reported to Rasczak, "Sir, we're in and no hostiles detected yet."
"Very good, Corporal, we'll be right there," the Lieutenant answered and then turned to Jehal, "Sergeant, form a perimeter around the base with squads Alpha and Charlie. I'm taking squad Delta with me into the base. Report every thirty minutes."
"Yes, sir"
Rasczak then called out, "Squad Delta! Into the base! By leapfrog, apes!" and jumped towards the bunker. Greene and his squad followed suit. When the six M.I troopers landed on the building, Corporal Khan said to Rasczak, "Sir, Bruto and Sturgill are searching the top floor and so far they have found nothing."
Rasczak replied, "All right, then. You and your squad will stay here and keep an eye on this entrance."
"Yes, sir."
Rasczak then entered the bunker followed closely by Delta squad. As they made their way into the base, Rasczak couldn't help thinking that there was something odd about the facility: no signs of forced or attempted entry, no indication that any of the mines had already been set off, or any indication of a bug presence at all. In fact there was no real evidence that any battle of any kind had occurred. Everyone just seemed to have disappeared. Maybe that toxin they were working on is responsible, Rasczak thought to himself, but for some reason he had a nagging feeling that somehow the toxin was going to be the least of his worries.
