In his dreams he could hear them outside, trying to get in, scratching and howling at the doors. Even now it sounded like the behemoth that had attacked the gates was knocking at the doors of the shelter. The great sound thunks against the doors like glass being struck. Wait? Why would blast doors sound like glass? Why was he the only one in the shelter? WHERE WERE THE OTHERS?!
He started awake, head snapping to the source of the sound. Instead of a monster from his nightmares, he found a figure in all black armor looking in. An Onyx Guard. Blinking to clear the blurring round the edges of his vision, he reached over and opened the door. The Onyx gave a curt nod as he stepped out, looking around. This was definitely not the staging area at the Air Field.
'Welcome Sir, I'm Corporal Figueroa. Please follow me. Second Lieutenant Myers is this way,' said the Corporal. Pointing to a modular building that was against the wall.
As his eyes adjusted, he could see they were in a tunnel, probably one that went under the curtain wall surrounding the city.
'He'll be briefing you and then you'll get kitted with your sidearm and armor before we head out,' The Corporal continued.
'Sidearm? Armour? Corporal, my instructions are to meet my team and travel to New Ephyra Air Field. It's only a few minutes drive from the wall,' Emmerich replied.
As he spoke, the corporal had turned and walked towards the office. Emmerich began to follow and found that to his left and right two more Onyx appeared. Looking back, there were now four of them around him.
Walking into the modular hut, two of his new escorts stood at either side of the door. As she entered, the Corporal called into the room and saluted.
'Corporal Figueroa reporting with Governor Emmerich as ordered, Sir.'
Inside were more Onyx; this was far more than confusing at this point. These were the elite of the COG armed forces. So why were they here not clearing the swarm out of the ruins of Old Ephyra? Wait… what did the Corporal say "We head out." That would mean they were his escort and if they were guarding him. Why did he need body armor and a gun?!
Looking around the room, he counted about ten Onyx in the space. Two of them were leaning over a display table, and the rest were about the room. At Figueroa's announcement, they looked at the newcomers in the room.
Whilst they were all helmeted so he couldn't see their faces, there was no hiding the fact they were all sizing him up. The two at the table either had just finished their discussion or ended it upon seeing him. One of them walked out the other side of the hut, the other moved towards the Corporal and Emmerich. He stopped a few steps away and returned Figueroa's salute.
'At ease, Corporal, I'll bring the Governor up to speed from here see to your squad. If everything is ready we'll be moving out shortly,' The officer replied walking over.
Figueroa nodded and moved back across the room speaking with some of the other Onyx.
'Governor, I'm sure you have quite a few questions, but we are short on time, so we'll have to stay brief. I'm Second Lieutenant Myers. My platoon is your assigned security detail for the time being,' The Lieutenant said.
As he spoke, the rest of the Onyx had filtered out of the room, one who approached carrying a box that he set and opened on a nearby desk. Inside was a light set of armor and a belt with a holstered Snub pistol.
'Are those going to be needed?' Emmerich asked on the verse of hyperventilating. He'd only been to other settlements before, never into the wilds or anywhere slightly dangerous except… A momentary stab of terror shot through him, the sounds of echoing screams just at the edge of his hearing.
If he was this messed up, then he should decline. There was no way he would make it through this at all. Better to just say it now, back out, let someone who could keep their head go.
A heavy gauntlet pressed softly on his shoulder breaking his train of thought. The Lieutenant was looking at him, one hand holding his shoulder, the other now holding his helmet. When had he taken it off?
'I'm going to guess that you've suffered already with this war. You've no doubt seen things I think no one should have to, and this is most likely the last thing you ever would have wanted to be doing today. Or any day of your life for that matter,' The Lieutenant said with surprising softness.
He was definitely old, like the gear from the desk at Government House. Up close Emmerich could tell he was more bulk than lean like the newer recipients of gene treatments. It was his eyes that stood out the most, though. They looked weathered, like the horrors of the last war were just inside, but there was still a measure of worry as the man looked at Emmerich. More like a parent might rather than a soldier.
'Right now, though it seems you are one of the few people the COG has that meets the criteria for this assignment. Now my unit's been torn to shreds and most of the people we used to consider as close as family are either fighting outside this city, near death at an aid station or out of the fight. If we're lucky their tags will be collected. But there are still Swarm forces in the ruins. And my orders are to get where you're needed with all speed,' The Lieutenant said before he leaned in.
Now whispering into Emmerich's ear the Lieutenant continued, 'If it comes down to it. My platoon will go down to the last bullet, the last blade and even the last body to get you onto the Condor and away safely. But if I'm going to ask them to do that. I have to know. Are you ready?'
He removed his hand and stood back, 'If you don't want to go. Just say the word I'll have you taken back to your residential block and you can shower, get some sleep and forget all about this. We'll call back and report you're not well. Someone else will get the job and we'll watch over them.'
That would be fine. He could get some rest and- Wait... Jin said this was his assignment. The COG wouldn't have just picked anyone. He knew only a few people who had the training and knowledge of how to run a settlement.
If the First Minister chose to place him in charge and he backed out, who else would be left to do the job? Anyone else ahead of him should have been more qualified. That would mean his replacement would be in even worse straits. How could he walk away knowing that someone else would be left to carry on his task?
Emmerich thought back to the day he swore himself to the COG and the ideals passed down through the Octus Canon. He had a responsibility to his fellow citizens. If he was unfit to lead then it was his duty to step down. But he also was bound to do all in his power to fulfill his role. If he was all that there was then he had to go.
Emmerich took a breath bracing himself. 'No.'
The Onyx with the equipment took a step back. Seems they hadn't been prepared for that possibility, interesting. They had seen the scruffy suit, the bags under his eyes and the sway as he had stood there and thought he would buckle under the pressure. Here they thought was a pen pusher, a bureaucrat. Who no doubt thought he should be living it up in a nice comfortable apartment. Did they think he would choke? The stress of the last few days washed away in an instant. A familiar sense of focus returned as he committed himself.
'Lieuten-' He paused and started again, names. He had to remember names. 'Second Lieutenant Myers, as much as appealing as your… Offer may be. I'm going to have to decline.'
Myers tilted his head . 'Any reason, sir? If you need, I can call you a proper taxi rather than send you back in the Packhorse.'
Emmerich shook his head. 'As I understand the situation, we'll be heading though... enemy territory. The rest of the Governors will have to follow or wait for the area to be cleared before they head out. They could even have to wait until the trains are running again. That could take days perhaps even a week more before they head out to their sites.'
'That is true sir, but why would you be sent out now? Why not wait with the rest?' Myers asked. Nodding slowly with a curious gleam in his gaze.
'Because the site setup has stalled. If we wait, then the Outsiders and UIR settlers will show up at the site before we're ready to receive them. We'll be at a disadvantage. And I… Um, I should have a rough idea how to use one of those.' Emmerich said pointing to the sidearm in the holster. 'Which is more than I can say for nearly everyone else in the Ministry of Settlements.'
'You're qualified for Snub?' Myers remarked, 'This was the only kit we have available. Normally the survey teams use this kit in case of trouble outside the walls.'
'After certain... events... of Settlement 2, concerns were raised that government staff may come under attack,' Emmerich explained, 'A very, very short lived training program was offered. For those interested in learning self defense. I'm trained for Shock Snub only but if it works the same as our instructor said. I should be able to use it without blowing my foot off. But some remedial training would be welcome.'
Myers kept his face still for a few moments before cracking a small smirk, 'No time for training, I'm afraid, sir we need to move ASAP. Corporal Chen please see to getting the Governor armored.'
Myers turned to leave then stopped and looked back, 'Oh before I forget your call-sign will be Bauxite. I hope that won't be a problem?'
Emmerich put his arms out as Chen began to fit the vest. 'As in the Ore? I don't see why that would be. But... can I ask why there are so many of you I've only been aboard a few, but I can't see us all fitting into a Raven together'
'No Ravens for this trip.' Myers shook his head. 'Too many were lost or damaged during the battle. What's left is needed to support the mop up outside. And there are still Flocks roaming around and it'll only take a small group to bring down a Raven. We're driving there unless you prefer to walk the whole way'
'As much as the exercise might be tempting I'll have to refuse that particular offer, I'm afraid,' Emmerich said. The humor was light, but he hoped it would help ease the tension from the room.
If the slight upturn of Myers' mouth was any sign, he had made a good call.
'If that is all, then I'll see to it the convoy is ready to move out as soon as you're set.'
Emmerich nodded and raised his arms to let Chen fit him into the vest, 'I've nothing further to add. Besides, how can I go back now if my luggage is waiting on the other side? You don't expect me to go back without my toothbrush, do you?'Hudson
Emmerich heard a noise that had become rarer to all their ears in the last few months as Myers replaced his helmet and left. The sound of laughter.
'Something's got you in a good mood. He folded yet so we can get back out there and get some payback?' A voice called.
Myers turned to see Sergeant Durham, his second in command, walking around what was to be the lead Minotaur of their convoy.
'No Durham, it seems we have a fighter in him yet,' Myers said.
Durham stopped and looked over at the office, 'You're joking, right or did another career clerk turn up for us to babysit? The last two didn't even turn up.'
'He seems to have more depth than we gave him credit for. Are we ready to move out?' Myers asked.
`We've been on standby here for three hours. Waiting for something to do.'
'Yes or no, are we ready?'
Durham looked about before walking over, not wanting to be overheard.
'The kits set and vehicles have been checked over so much we may as well go on parade, But the troops are uneasy. Don't get me wrong, we're Onyx, but. We've lost people, friends, comrades,' Durham said solemnly.
She turned, tilting her head to the second to last Minotaur in the convoy. 'Hell, squad four is all DeeBees now bar Hudson. I liked them in yellow, tolerated them in white and blue. I could really stand nearly any color. But Onyx, that's just not right.'
Looking back up the convoy at their new squad 4, the familiar sting returned. With the casualties of the last few months and the last battle especially Onyx, were fast starting to become a rare breed. The DeeBees were only there to add more numbers to their force, but even he had to agree seeing them in Onyx colors still felt wrong.
'Not like they've got much upstairs still so we can count on keeping our jobs a little longer.' Myers said. Trying to pull the conversation back.
Durham seemed more at ease; she had a good head so long as it was still on the mission the last few days had thrown everyone. Even the COG's finest.
Speaking of mission, he clicked his comm to the platoon command channel, 'Black-13-Actual, To all Black-13 lead elements group up for briefing.'
They formed a rough circle looking round he had served with them long enough he could tell them apart without the HUD icon's from his helmet. Durham his second, Figueroa their up and coming and Hudson their DeeBee handler.
'We're moving out shortly. Bauxite has arrived. Chen is getting him plated up now,' Despite their faces being hidden behind their helmets, they seemed more relaxed now they knew the wait was almost over. Better warn them about the Snub now rather than make it a surprise.
'Bauxite will be armed,' The groans were less than professional but understandable given their cargo was now a threat to them as much as the enemy, perhaps more so if he was a bad shot.
'He's got the training apparently, but let's not put it to use. It's still hot out there. Parts of the Swarm have broken off and fled the ruins but groups of them are still in play and will most likely intercept us as we move to the Air Field. We're moving out once the VIP is set. Questions?'
'Just to confirm we're taking a civie out into an active war zone against an unknown amount of hostiles. That also happens to be an unstable urban ruin that suffered collapses near random. And that we before a monster the size of a building decided to run ram shod across the place. Adding to it we gave this pen head a gun that can actually hurt us?' Hudson asked mockingly.
Specialist Caleb Hudson was many things. A good head for tech and skilled fighter amongst them. A loud mouth and zero filter of what he was thinking when he was wound up or stressed were also some of his many features.
'Bauxite. Will be armored and armed. As you say it is a war zone out there and we can't take the chance that the VIP gets cornered and his head caved in. Remember as of this moment Bauxite is our priority. If he trips and sprains something we carry him through, if he gets hit and bleeds we drain whoever we need to save him. All other concerns are to be considered secondary. Is that clear?'
They responded by rank Durham first with a curt, 'As can be, sir.'
'Affirm on that, LT.' Figueroa nodded.
'So it's too late for us to vote on this, right?' They shot glares at Hudson, and he gave an animated wince. 'Fine, fine I get it we take care of the civilian with the gun. If he scrapes his knee I'll have one of the DeeBees carry his wounded ass to the Air Field'
'Hudson.' Myers' tone was clear enough if Hudson wanted to voice concerns, he could do so without the other squad leader's presence.
'Alright alright fine I get it he's important and we have nothing better to do than babysit him. Hell, we could provide a tour of the old city on the trip.' He declared, throwing his arms wide.
'Black-2, Black-3 you are dismissed. I need to review the operation with Black-4.' Myers said. Looking at Durham and Figueroa in turn.
With a professional salute and a, 'Yes Sir.' The other two squad leaders broke off.
Myers turned to speak with Hudson privately.
'Specialist Hudson, the First Minister of the Coalition of Ordered Governments, has given you this task. Are you able to perform it or should I get someone else to lead four?' Myers was turning the screws on now.
'Sir, I'm aware who gave us this mis-''
Myers cut him off. 'Are you able to follow the orders given to you or should I skip the next part and promote a DeeBee to take over four?''
'No!' Hudson snapped.
'No what? No, you can't do your job? You are the last member of four perhaps your heart isn't in it. Hm? You can let me know if you need to step down.'
'No! I can do this, it's just-'
'Just what? You know better than the leader of the COG now? Or did you become the First Minister in the last few minutes?'
'No.'
'Then will you do your duty to the best of your ability even if it costs you your life, Specialist Hudson?'
'Sir. Yes. Sir,' Hudson responded. Even though the helmet one could tell he was gritting his teeth.
'Good.
'Sir, I-'
Myers cut him off with a wave of his hand. 'Save it, Hudson I know what's wrong. I know you want to get out there and have some payback. Hell we all do but this is no time for you to buck the chain of command. Especially in front of others.'
'I know I know I'm a mess but...' Hudson's words died in his throat. He held out his hands as though to seize the words from the air.
Myers looked at the man before him. Regulations said that Hudson should be deemed non combat effective and be sent back to the rear. Perhaps given a job that would allow him to get a full psychological evaluation before he got cleared for front line duties
But that was the same for the whole of Black-13 at this point. They had all lost people close to them. During the last engagement squad four had gotten pinned down and Hudson had been near death when the rest of the unit had reached them. The rest of his squad had been killed, and now, instead of being on a mission that would let him try to state his need for revenge, they were on one that seemed far below the Onyx. The cracks in his state of mind had started to show.
The regulations however allowed an officer in the field to have final say during a time of war and with no medics let alone proper doctors around to pull the medical authority card it was Myers' call on if Hudson was getting sent to the rear. Part of him worried if Hudson would make it that far with the state of his head running four was about the only thing keeping him together.
Myers knew that despite his insistence that the DeeBees were pointless and four should be flesh and blood. He had kept his objections quiet until now. Hudson could still be an outstanding officer, probably even a great one, but that would only be true if he could keep it together.
'I know you can do this and I know it's not what you want to be doing, Hudson. But right now this is the mission.' Myers said. Pointing over to the now armored Governor walking out of the office with Chen.
'He is, the mission. We get him where he's going and it will hurt the Swarm in all kinds of ways and more than we can do alone,' Myers said.
Hudson looked at the figure over, clenching and unclenching his fists, 'You really think that a walking zombie is going to turn this war around?'
'He may not look at it from here, but I can tell you now if he seemed damn near ready to walk out those doors once he got his head on straight. I'm not asking you to follow him into battle, just keep him alive. This may be his first taste of the fight.'
'Hmm. Well, then we better make sure he doesn't get it blown off. Sir.'
'Good to have you back with us, Hudson. Get your squad ready, it's time we gave our honored guest the tour like you said,' Myers said. Giving Hudson's shoulder a light punch.
'Yeah yeah. I'll get him a magnet or something from the gift shop,' Hudson replied.
He walked over to the DeeBees, calling out commands to them to make ready. Hudson already seemed more focused, with a sense of purpose about him again. Making one last look at the convoy, Myers' eye's rested on the young man being helped into squad three's Packhorse. A thought flicked through his mind. You better not make a liar out of me, Governor.
Myers boarded his transport and opened the platoon channel. 'Black-13, we are a go. Remember your duty to the COG to the fallen and to your oath.' He declared.
The response came from all those present bar a bewildered Governor and the silent DeeBees. 'No retreat! No surrender! No defeat!'
With their spirits up and their minds focused on the task ahead, Black-13 drove out into the ruins of Old Ephyra. Within the shadows of a ruined building, orange eyes gazed upon each of the vehicles before settling on the one towards the center. The being cocked its head and teeth drew apart, and a hissing voice met the air. 'Prey sighted.'