Khan had explained how she'd met up with the DeeBees from her Condor. How they had detected the sounds of gunfire. Meeting Miss Azure Sees who was some sort of security contractor called a Huntress.
The creatures they had been fighting were not the latest form of Swarm. They were called Grimm. They would not stop coming so long as people were afraid more would come. Emmerich felt that the sounds of combat were likely what was drawing the creatures to them. But then again the storm was still raging and those things were still appearing. He'd have it investigated later.
Of greater concern was the situation in the harbor. Not their harbor. One now occupied by a transport ship named Journey Bound and a cruise liner called Pearl of the Sea. Both had been damaged by the storm and forced to seek shelter. Unfortunately they were now trapped inside the harbor. There was no way to clear the exit and they were under constant attack. Their stocks of ammo were going to start running out. And once they did it would be a massacre.
Their own position was apparently only possible due to the garrison troops already being on alert. And the automated defenses that Miss Sees had run into. If they allowed those bunkers to run dry of ammo they would have to fight even more of these things.
Sees held up a tablet she called a scroll. It was a light glass thing with a worn exterior. He could see an older woman with white hair speckled with brown. She was wearing a white uniform that he'd never seen before. He watched the video with the intercom on.
'To whoever receives this message. This is Captain Sandy Shell of the Journey Bound. We've been struck by a storm and forced to take shelter. We're currently anchored inside the old Blue Tide shipping harbor of the Dragon's Tail. The Pearl of the Sea has taken shelter with us.
Grimm attacks are low but consistent. We need immediate assistance. If you are unable to help please forward this message to the nearest Huntsman lodge. We can't survive the night if these attacks keep up. I've sent this message with a member of our Huntsman detail. If possible please send us a sign you've received our message. Any sign would help lift our spirits.
May the God's protect us.'
Emmerich stood for a moment looking at the screen as the video reset. Grateful for the helmet hiding his face. It gave him a level of privacy as he tried to think of what to do. These people were in trouble. He'd caused this storm when he made the deal. Even if he felt some small level of happiness that he was not insane. It was balanced out by the knowledge that any deaths were his fault.
He looked to Khan
'Lieutenant. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.' He turned, nodding to Sees. 'Miss Sees. I want you to know I'll be seeing what assistance we can send.'
'Thank you.' Sees said with a nod.
Durham tapped him on the shoulder. Turning his head he saw the medics trying to decide what they should do. On one hand they wanted to enforce quarantine. On the other they couldn't just detain him with the Onyx Guard protecting him.
'Let's not make a scene.' Emmerich whispered.
Durham nodded, getting the Onyx ready to leave.
Emmerich took a recording of the video and a picture of a local map Sees had been provided with.
'I'll have your network access restored, Lieutenant. If you can get some notes together. Whatever else you two think will help.' Emmerich said, moving away from the door.
'Will do sir. Thank you for believing me. It sounded kind of crazy.' Khan said. Rubbing her head.
'Don't worry Lieutenant. Today has been one of those days.'
They were moving though the Medical area. Emmerich's mind spinning. What could they do? He needed to contact O'Connor and get a plan put together. But any plan he could think of was a risk. What about that thing back at the Admin Center? If he wasn't insane then he had seen… Something. He couldn't say the future. But last time he collapsed. Doing that in a public place or in front of the Onyx wasn't an option.
'I'll need a moment.' Emmerich said seeing the sign for a toilet ahead.
'Of course sir.' Durham said with an understanding nod.
He slipped inside and locked the door. Sitting on the toilet with the seat down he paused for a moment. How did he do this? He focused for a moment. Trying to follow the same train of thought. Options? It was like a switch in his mind.
He was in darkness. Why? Last time he saw what would happen. But last time he was thinking of Myers' question. Worth a shot.
What can we do?
A set of lights appeared each linked by a line that flowed from one to another. There were large lines and small ones that sometimes crossed between them. It was like looking at a vast web of light. It was confusing. Last time he just got images. He moved towards one, he wasn't walking, just... moving.
At his approach the light seemed to expand. He saw himself talking with O'Connor. He walked along the thread of light. As he did so he watched the events proceed. Until he reached the next junction. He could see two bright paths ahead. He looked along their length.
In one O'Connor seemed to relent. Nodding to Emmerich.
In the second O'Connor would refuse. He was shouting. Clearly angry.
He could see the outcomes. The possibilities.
At the corner of his eyes some of the lights dimmed. Why? He moved over looking at one of the dimmed lights.
He was speaking to Gaos.
No, not just outcomes, options. He'd nearly settled on speaking to O'Connor. If he didn't this future wouldn't happen. The other lights brightened again. So the level of light meant the possibility?
There was a system to this. What if he could figure it out and make the right choices? He felt an urge to keep looking to keep trying to find the best option. No, that would be a waste. He needed good enough not perfect.
Moving forward he looked at the sequence of lights near the end.
Most showed the ships in harbor being overrun. Passengers and crew trying to hold off more monsters with every passing moment. Untill some forced their way in. He watched people try to flee and be run down. Hundreds died. Some made last stands but their deaths were simply drawn out. Once the creatures finished with the ships they began to move inland. They would fall upon the camp and lay waste to it.
He focused on the other lights. Some were variations of the first. COG forces fighting their way towards the harbor. But there were too many creatures. Their numbers were overwhelming.
They needed to reduce them. He was glancing through futures trying to find common threads. A few less here. More there. He was filtering down and sorting the possibilities.
In the best outcomes a messenger went first. That was the key. If those people knew help was on the way there would be far less fighting. They would all have a chance.
Who to send and how?
He watched hundreds more die. Some were driving Packhorses, Minotaurs or Track Mules. He saw UIR APC's, Armadillos. Some would make it there but not back. The ground wasn't a good option.
What about the air? He saw a series of Kestrels try and fail to make the trip. They all met a fiery end. Their programming wasn't good enough. They all made the same errors.
Ravens then? He watched as the aircraft made the flight out. Some crashed inside the valley, the weather beyond what they could handle. Others were torn apart by flying monsters. Then, there!
One Raven was making it. It flew with the storm making it look easy. When it was attacked it fought back or simply fought through its attackers. It would reach the ships and returned. But what sets it apart? Why this one? He focused on picking out the details.
This Raven wasn't blue. It was more grey. The design was different yet familiar. Then it clicked. He had a plan.
Emmerich came to consciousness with a splitting headache. He staggered off the toilet hitting the flush and braced himself against the sink. Would it always hurt that much? He removed the helmet and splashed some water on his face. Looking up he froze.
Blood was leaking from his nose. He wiped it away quickly. He was an idiot. Of course there was some kind of cost for this. He made a mental note to get checked once this was over. And not to use this ability until he had.
Emerging with his helmet back on he nodded to Durham.
Change of plans. Are the Ravens still grounded?
'Sir?' Durgam said. Confusion showing in her tone.
'We need an experienced pilot. I recall the Outsiders had a Raven and experienced crew. We'll be needing both.'
The Onyx weren't asking questions. That was good in some ways and bad in others. He wasn't sure if it was just the fact he seemed to be doing something. Or if they just defaulted to him as a force of habit now.
It was a quick run to the air-strip. It had been built near to the Medical area to permit Ravens to drop off wounded and then return for resupply. Right now the Ravens were tied down, crews were tending to them. With the storm above only slightly weaker, taking off would have been insane. Emmerich knew both O'Connor and Gaos were going to be pissed. But he didn't have time to explain.
'Who's in charge here?' Emmerich called as they approached the Raven pads.
Several dozen people in a mixture of uniforms were trying to fix the Ravens.
'That be me.' A voice called. The speaker was big and bulked up. Clearly a veteran and made the larger for his armor. It was dull green but thicker with a raised collar.
'Staff Sergeant Stevens Engineering Corps. Can we help?'
Emmerich was looking over the aircraft. 'Which Raven is least air worthy?'
'Sir?' Sevens said. Confusion in his voice.
'The Ravens. Which is't going to fly any time soon?'
'KR-56 is down a turbine. Why?'
'I'm going to need the emergency radio from the crash kit.'
'You can't strip the crash kit.'
'Its not going to be flying and we need a military radio.'
'Is yours broken, Sir?'
'No. But we need to get in contact with someone who doesn't have one.'
'I'm guessing you're not going to file for it?' Sevens said. Pointing one of the crew to retrieve the radio.
'Send me the paperwork. Where's the Outsiders Raven?'
'This way.' Sevens said. Turning to lead them past the lines of helicopters.
The Outsiders Raven and its crew were already looking at the odd group approaching them. A few were exchanging glances. Of the four two were checking the guns either side. The others checked the air frame.
'I take it you're the crew.' Emmerich said as he looked at each in turn.
'I guess we are. Not doing rides at the moment though.' One of the crew inspecting the front of the helicopter said.
'And you are?'
The figure turned revealing a woman long in years but who seemed totally at ease. 'Carolina Maddox. Pilot of this masterpiece of engineering.'
'I'm Governor Emmerich. I-'
Maddox cut him off. 'We know. Not sure what you're here for though.'
'I need you to fly a mission.' Emmerich continued.
'Don't take orders from the COG. You got your own birds. Make them fly it.' Seemingly done she turned back and resumed her inspection.
'Hey.' Hickman started forward.
Emmerich held up a hand stopping him. 'I'm not ordering you. I'm asking on behalf of several hundred people. Who are all going to die in the next few hours if you don't help them.'
That got a response. All of the crew turned to look at him.
'Sound's serious. Perhaps you should send two of your Ravens.' Maddox said. But she was listening now.
'I would. But I'm betting you have a good lead on flying hours. Both in weather and at night.'
'I can't say you're wrong. But what makes you think we'll do it?' Maddox said. Turning to face them.
Emmerich looked each at each of the crew. 'My Father flew Ravens. I remember him always telling me that he didn't care about the danger. That the people chosen to fly Ravens were the ones who always answered the call.' His gaze fell on Maddox. 'So either you'll help. Or my Father was a liar. Or you're lying to yourselves.'
There was a moment of quiet broken only by the storm.
'Your Pa.' Maddox said, nodding. 'How'd he go down?'
Emmerich took a breath.
'Supply run. He was taking medicine out to a camp of Stranded. Some plague had people dropping dead. He got the medicine there in time. Saved them... But a windflare caught him on the way back. They were still new and no one was ready for them. it just popped up and... They never found enough to bury.'
Emmerich was very happy to be wearing a helmet right now. They were all looking at him. Onyx and Outsider.
'Shit. I'm sorry for your loss.' Maddox said.
Emmerich shook his head. 'He died doing what he knew was right.'
'Fair enough. So whats the mission.'
'There are two ships trapped in a harbor north of here. They can hold out for now but if we don't help they'll be overrun.'
Maddox shook her head. 'I don't see how one Raven is going to help. Need a lot of runs to save all these people your talking about.'
'You don't need to evacuate them. I need you to take a radio so we can talk and coordinate with them.'
'You'd need more than a Radio.' Maddox gestured to the clouds above. 'With all this weather anything more than a few clicks out is just white noise.'
'You could relay the signal. Your set should be strong enough to punch though.'
'We're a transport, not a command craft. You'd need a-.' Maddox paused for a moment. 'Actually I know just the fella to help.'
A few minutes later KR-73 was pushed onto the runway with an extra passenger. The Condors were gone and they would need the space given the weather.
Carolina adjusted her helmet display. Looking around the cockpit she could see all around her as the ground crew began to clear out. Old Seven Three had seen better days but still had a few years left. The new cameras from the COG were working nicely. She kicked switching to low light vision. Then radar imaging. With this mess she would be flying by instruments for the most part.
'All set boys?' She called over the intercom.
'Left gun set.' Darrel replied.
'Right gun set.' Jones called.
'Passenger is strapped in.' Rick called from the passenger bay.
'Ok then let's ride this nightmare.' Carolina declared beginning to lift off.
The wind smashed into their rear. Throwing the Raven forward. Carolina held firm and brought them up over the first air currents. Every few seconds the wind shifted and tried to yank the helicopter around. She fought some and gave to others using her intuition and experience as a guide.
They came about and made for the north. She could see a few people gawking at them.
'That's right. Some loony is flying in this mess.' Carolina muttered. 'And that loony is me.'
As she flew she saw a cluster of shapes of to their left. They looked like large bunkers.
'KR-73 to Control. Is there a second camp out to the east?'
'Control to KR-73. Negative. We don't have anything out there.'
'Might want to got have a look control. Must be at least a dozen large structures over there grouped together.'
'Copy KR-73. We'll get someone to take a look.'
Carolina headed north passing the line of pill boxes and flying low to keep the road in sight. The pattern of steps from the titan that had attacked looked like some pattered carpet. Massive prints following a road.
'Coming in at 3 O'clock.' said Jones. 'That is one big bird.'
'Quit yapping and pulp that thing.' Rick shouted.
There was a roar from the right gun. The familiar vibration of the door mount was oddly calming. Perhaps she had flown for too long? Or was it the fact she was doing something that was putting Carolina at ease?
The flight went on the same pattern. Ride and fight the wind as needed. Follow the road. Kill anything else in the air. A close calls when one of the guns was cooling. But they had flown for decades. If Indies, Locust, COG and Swarm couldn't down them some pissed of animals weren't going to.
There was a flicker of red ahead. Carolina squinted. Then flicked to radar. A small smile crossed her lips.
'There you are.' Carolina said. She clicked the intercom. 'Eyes up were almost there. Get that sucker ready to drop.'
'You got it.' Rick called. There was a loud thunk as the door opened.
'Captain! Somethings coming from the valley!' One of the watch standers called.
Shell sprinted to the window raising her binoculars.
'What is that thing?' Another crew man asked.
It looked like some old gyro-copter. The kind that a few Kingdoms had used for air scouts in the old days. Shell had never seen such a craft outside of a museum or the odd air show flown by enthusiasts. But this thing was massive compared to them.
A bulbous nose with what must be a slit of glass for the crew to look out form. It had two sets of rotors stacked one on top of the other. Its tail was a large H.
It was definitely armed. The head of a crew man leaning over a gun on the left side. The weapon was clearly some kind of heavy weapon. A similar looking barrel was pointed out the outer side.
Its color scheme was unknown to her. Perhaps it was some security company or could it be owned by a huntsman team?
It was nearly there a few more seconds. One of the doors rolled open. Were they planing to land? In this weather?
'Murder!' Waverly called.
Shell's tore her eyes from the craft. A Murder of Nevermore had erupted from one of the warehouses. The Grimm flew straight for the craft.
'Ah hell. Some kind of Flock coming fast front. Buckle up!' Carolina called.
A round of affirmatives came back.
She changed coerce making for a head on approach. Running wouldn't work. These things would catch up and tear them apart. Only way to survive was to fight through.
Carolina triggered the forward gun. She didn't have a fancy modular forward turret like the MK2's back at the camp. Her bird was built for war. The rapid report of the forward fixed machine gun started. It was joined by the two door chain guns as Darrel and Jones leaned out adding their fire to the torrent.
What ever that flock thing was it came apart under the hail of rounds.
'I'd say we out stayed our welcome. Is he ready?' Carolina asked. Head tracking around for any new threats.
'He'd better be.' Rick called back. As they passed over the ship he grunted over the intercom. 'Ok he's out. Let's get the hell out of here.'
'Copy. Lets hope he knows what to do.' Carolina said. Bringing the Raven about she set a heading back to the road.
'Are they just going to leave?' One of the crew asked.
'I'm sure they were just checking on us.' Shell said. Trying to calm them all.
'Why didn't they call? They must have been close enough.' Another crew man said.
'We don't know. But clearly someone knows we're here. We just need to hold out until they come knocking.' Mahogany said.
A moment later there was a knock on the bridge door. They all looked at each other for a moment.
'Who's outside?' Shell asked.
'No one.' Mahogany responded.
The knocking repeated. Both of them drew their pistols. The other crew picked up whatever was around them. Waverly drew Cutting Tide's and crept over to the door. Looking though the porthole there was nothing outside. Some water must have landed on the glass since the view was sort of wavy. She looked back then pressed the control on the door lock. A bolt snapped back and she drew the door open slowly. Nothing. She turned to face the captain.
As she was about to speak he heard a crackle from behind her. The others faces changed to shock. Waverly snapped back to see... a floating black shape with four blue glowing points facing her.
She cried out and jumped backwards. The shape drifted into the bridge. It emitted a few soft beeps. Then unfolded.
Panels on either side popped out. Arms appearing from the once covered compartments. The four lights were revealed to be its eyes as the head slid forward and began to look about the room. It let out a few more beeps. Then it saw the captain and flew over to her. A few more beeps higher toned. One of its arms reached to its belly. There was click as some small compartment opened and it pulled out a device. It looked like one of those old codex devices that scrolls had replaced. It held the device out to Shell.
'You want me to take this?' Shell asked looking at the strange robot and its device.
The machine beeped giving a nod of its head and tried to give shell the device again.
'Ok.' Shell took it from the machines hand. The thing was heavy and felt quite solid. It had a keypad and a few buttons on the side.
The machine let out a few quick beeps.
'I do-' Shell said.
Before a voice came from the device in her hand. 'Control to Otis. Signal received. Confirm delivery?'
Shell had never heard that voice. Even with the static that tinged it this had to be someone inland. They had sent a radio by air.
Otis let out another beep.
'Confirmed delivery. Are you receiving us Journey Bound? Press the large button on the side to send.'
The crew shouted in excitement. Mahogany got them to quiet down.
Shell found the button and pressed it. 'This is Captain Shell of the Journey Bound. We are receiving you, thank the gods.'
'Good to hear how is the signal?'
'Some background noise.'
'Ok then. Otis try to get us a clear signal.'
The machine beeped and moved back though the door. They watched as it vanished from view with another crackle. A few crew members gasped at it. Waverly closed the door behind it.
'That bots got quite a few tricks.' Shell radioed.
'You don't know the half of it.'
'Did you gyro make it back?'
'Gyro?'
'The craft that dropped...' She looked at the door the robot had left though. 'Otis off. We saw them leave.'
'KR-73 is still on its way back. They're fine though. Wh-' The other side cut off for a moment. 'Wait one.'
There was a pause. Followed by a click from the radio a new voice came though.
'This is Governor Emmerich. Am I speaking to Captain Shell?'
He must be the leader. Shell thought.
'Yes This is Captain Shell.'
'I'm sorry for interrupting but felt you should know. Miss Sees has reached us.'
'Yes! That's my Azu!' Waverly shouted. Noticing the looks the huntress coughed lightly.
'And how is Miss Sees?' Shell asked.
'She was injured on the way to us. Some of our people found her and brought her in for care. She showed me your message. We can't get your message relayed but don't worry help is on the way.'
Another cheer went up.
'That's good to hear.' Shell said once the sound had died down.
'I'll be passing you over to Colonel O'Connor and his staff. They're putting together a team now.'
Lieutenant Davis looked at their convoy. As rescue forces went they looked like a child toy box had been tipped over and any toy snatched up and put in a line. They had Packhourses, Minotaurs, Armadillos, two Centaurs and an ASP from the UIR with them.
Report from the scout mission said they just needed to follow the road to the harbor. Easier said than done. The big elephant looking things foot steps had torn the road up. They rounded foot prints that would have totaled any of the vehicles. Someone would need to get a crew out here to fill in those holes. Or their route would be choked if they tried to push any more though. Not his department though.
Contact was light as they approached the bunker line. They had a pause while the engineers dismounted and checked the guns.
A few minutes later the report came back. Guns had reset to their prior targeting parameters free for all if you didn't have the right codes. The Sappers were getting them programmed again and reloading them with fresh ammo. A report came in noting the south team had found the same and were digging in to hold the line there.
Davis and his troops were heading on to their objective however. They left a detachment to hold the bunkers and headed out north. Contact picked up. Every few minutes someone called out an attack coming at them.
The worst was some massive bear the size of a car. The thing was covered in spikes and charged right at them from the trees. Unfortunately for the bear it picked the Sappers truck. Once it got close enough they doused the thing with a pair of Scorcher's. It roared and tried to roll out the flames. The other vehicles unloaded onto its underbelly the thing vanished in a could of smoke. Both from the fire and its body as the thing began to flake apart.
After that it was mostly the same. Report, turn, address and repeat.
They reached the harbor drawing up on a hill overlooking it. The Gears dismounted with the DeeBees taking up positions. The vehicles circled forming a ring around the base of the hill. As they prepared a wave of roars, snarls and howls came from the harbor. The locals didn't seem happy to see them. Well some of them at least. Davis could see some people waving from the ships in the harbor. His radio chirped with the sound of a call request. It was the radio they'd given to the civilians. He connected to the call.
'This is Lieutenant Davis send traffic.'
'This is the Journey Bound. Captain shell speaking. Are you sure you want to be there?'
'Any reason why we wouldn't want to be here?'
'You'll be surrounded if the Grimm attack.'
'That is part of the plan.'
'If you're sure.'
'I'm sure. Now we're set and ready it's time to call out the competition.' Davis lifted a flare gun. 'Deploying illumination.'
The squad leaders copied Davis each firing a flare over the position arcing outwards. The wind snatched them carrying the lights off and away but it had the desired effect. The Grimm emerged from around them. Some had hidden amongst the trees. Others came from caves and burrows. Most came from the Harbor.
A dark tide rose and rushed towards the hilltop. Tracer fire lit the night. Claws and teeth met metal. The dark closed on the hill side as the flares died in the wind.