O'Connor was running to the Command Center. He'd been in a meeting about integrating Huntsmen into standing COG units. The notice about an attack on the most northern mine sight had made his blood go cold.
The news that both a field Fabricator and one of the JACKs being taken was deeply concerning. The former would have been under guard and they had several casualties reported. For the latter its cloak should have been enough to avoid attack let alone capture.
But both were gone. Taken in a raid larger and better equipped than ever before. He rounded the corner and the guards at the doors held the doors open for him. Internally he cursed the lack of radar coverage but knew they had been building systems as fast as they could make the parts.
The old joke about running officers flicked through his mind for a moment. It seemed they had opted to get out of his way. He passed the main area full of control officers crewing their stations. Entering the Situation room he took his seat at the table. The sound proof doors clicked shut behind him and he took in the holo-table.
Icons for the security detail were a mix of wounded and non-combat effective.
'How bad?' O'Connor asked the duty officer, a lieutenant.
'Most are walking but we've already directed reinforcements to the site,' The lieutenant said.
'Good work. How about the Huntsmen?'
'Preliminary reports say they were a great help. But only once the enemy was inside the site. The preliminary strafing by Bandit aircraft prevented them from engaging prior to the battle moving inside.'
O'Connor looked at the icons for the Huntsmen team and noticed two extra pips on the squad count.
'Did they get reinforced as well?'
'Yes. During the battle two other Huntsmen who were out on patrol struck the Bandit landing area.'
'Two of them attacked without support?' O'Connor asked, surprised.
'That is what we've heard so far, sir.'
'Good, get their names noted down. That kind of initiative should be encouraged. And once this is over I'm sure the Ministry of Propaganda will want us to pin some medals on them.'
'Yes, Sir.'
O'Connor's eyes tracked on the set of lines showing the Bandit aircraft's exit vector. They would likely be changing course to avoid pursuit. That meant they had a limited window to get a fix on the escaping craft.
'No distress beacon from the JACK?' He asked.
'Not yet sir,' the lieutenant said, shaking their head, 'The Reports say it was forced into a container and they must be using something to block the signal.'
'Tell me we have something in pursuit.'
'We dispatched a KS-O at maximum speed. We know they'll turn for the island chains to the north at some point. We just need to be ready for when they do.'
Several kilometers off the northern shore of the Dragons Tail the KS-O was holding its engines at a sustained sprint. Its systems noted it would need a full inspection after this mission. But the priority of its orders demanded maximum speed.
The machine had once been a KS-A, Kestrel Attack. The COG had started overhauling the Kestrels to the new modular MK2 frame. But given the lack of radar coverage not all of them were getting the new rocket launchers. The DBI team had been trying to solve the issue of tracking incoming attacks and found the design for the KS-AWE.
When the interference the Swarm put off had been noted Baird had suggested fitting Kestrels with high gain antennas to punch though. They had also planned on using them to search for hives from the air by tracking the Swarm signature. Jinn's insistence on evacuation rather than seek and destroy had stalled the hunting mode at the drawing board.
But the concept was solid. If they couldn't make enough radars to cover their territory at all times they could use a few mobile units to cover more ground. Their advantage was they didn't need to figure out how to rig a sensor array to the Kestrels. They just needed to have it fit onto new modular mounting. The idea had been greenlit, not surprising given how desperate the COG was to prevent more attacks.
A few days work with the AI tools to help with the design and using the lab fabricators gave them the parts needed. The only issue was that only a few could be made with the airframes on hand. So the COG had to use them sparingly, most were assigned to guarding the local area for fear of another raid. As the new radar sites were brought online they would push the KS-O's out further.
The issue now was the other traffic it was picking up. Heading north from the Dragon's Tail was a major transit way for shipping, both on the water and in the air. The Kestrel was tracking dozens of craft, some in groups others alone. Most local craft were broadcasting their IDs, a few were not. But those broadcasting could be sending fake information and any not doing so could be decoys.
Its on-board AI was able to analyze the data from its new sensors. But that didn't make its task easier. The attackers could have split up, be flying low to the water or any of a dozen means to hide their identity. The machine had partial signatures for the attackers but would need to check each aircraft with a matching hull to find its targets. At this rate it had a very low chance of finding them.
Inside the hold of newly christened Storm-Rider Capitan Tempest cheered with his closest crew. They'd done it. Hit the COG and made out like champions. Yes a few dozen new hires had been lost but they could be replaced.
That little bot had been such a pain. Even with the goggles once they tried to grab it the machine had fought back. Small blades, both sharp like a surgeon's knife and motorized saws in miniature had left a few marks.
'Hey Capitan, that robot's been quiet for a bit. Should we have left air holes in the box?' One of the dumber crewmembers asked.
'No we don't need to give the robot air. That box is the only way we're hiding that thing. It's like all of the androids from Atlas. The moment it's out, it will start calling its masters in on us.'
'Oh right. Good,' The crewmember said sniffing the air, 'Do you smell burning?'
Their eyes turned to look at the crate. A patch of the metal was glowing bright. Right on top of the lock.
'Get ready,' Tempest said. He pressed the switch to close the hatch to the cockpit.
The crew members picked up their nets and electrified prods. Fighting this thing in a room was a bad experience. Now they were going to fight it inside an airship in-flight.
'Remember it's going to be more afraid of you then you are of it,' Tempest said. Hoping to steady their nerves, and his.
The lock glowed brighter and brighter. Then it started to run slightly. The door popped open and the machine burst out. There were screams, both organic and robotic as the two sides fought. But more importantly was the scream that human senses could not detect.
Skip's distress signal reached the KS-O and it relayed the heading and speed back to New Phoenix. The craft snapped around on its new heading and locked onto the small flight of craft. The source of the signal was flying erratically but showed no sign of being a diversion. It was also not heading due north. It was heading west out over the sea.
'Bring the spare crate,' Tempest commanded.
A pair of the crew brought the box over. Those pinning the machine to the deck pushed it towards the open mouth of the container. A few stepped over the broken parts that had been the cutting tool the machine had used to escape.
Skip's signal was cut off but the Kestrel maintained its lock on the craft. The enemy must have blocked the signal again but that was no issue. It had its targets now and there was nowhere they could run.
Green watched from the deck of the cargo ship. It had no real markings and the crew were the sort you found at Mistrals lower levels. Trustworthy until you ran out of lien.
'Where are they?' The first officer asked at her elbow.
'They'll be here. We're still far enough away and you're being paid more than enough. So stop whining,' Green said firmly.
They'd been out on the deck for a few hours now. While she was starting to get nervous the first officer had been complaining constantly. She had half a mind to threaten his cut but knew he would just demand more or turn her over. Before either of them could make further comments a small set of lights appeared on the horizon.
'That must be them. I'll be getting my ship ready. Have your crew prepare to help with the cargo,' Green said walking away.
The First officer spluttered for a moment before relaying her orders into his scroll.
Several minutes later the Bullheads landed on the deck. An area had been cleared in advance and as they settled onto their landing gear their ramps lowered. Bandits started carrying boxes and bags full of equipment out.
Green met Tempest at the bottom of his Bullhead. He and his crew all looked worn out.
'You look tired,' Green said.
'You didn't mention the thing had all those tools,' Tempest snapped.
'It's a utility robot, some tools should have been expected. How much trouble could it be?'
Tempest rounded on her, 'How much? We lost both the shielded crates we brought. Damned thing only stopped fighting back once we tore most of its tools off.'
Green felt a wave of panic run though her, 'You lost the crates and you damaged it? How badly? We're paying for an intact unit.'
'Have a look,' Tempest spat. Waving a hand as his crew carried a pile of nets and placed it on the floor.
Green lifted up the net seeing the machine underneath. One of its eyes was hanging out. Both its arms seemed to be hanging out loose. It gave a feeble tone as it looked up at her before its body shimmered and stuttered. Parts of it became see through but most just shuttered in and out.
'I don't know we can pay for this,' Green said standing up.
As she did she felt a blade press against her neck.
'You'd better think twice about crossing me girl,' Tempest said coldly, 'I've lost a great deal trying to get this machine. So what if we had to knock it around to get it here. You should be grateful we did. Two of mine are getting stitches to the bone because of that thing.'
Green batted the sword from her neck turning to face him.
'I'm not going to pay out for damaged goods. If you want to make the rest of your money then take this,' She snapped, pulling out a folder and tossing it to him.
Tempest caught it with one hand and examined it for a moment.
'And what is this? Another wild chase to get us killed?'
Green snorted, 'Nothing of the sort. There's a village on the mainland. We need three people who live there killed. There are some old photos inside the file. Do that and I'll get you the lien.'
Tempest thought for a moment more then passed the file to one of his crew.
'Fine but if this turns out to be another screw up I wil-'
He was cut off by a shout of alarm.
'Something's coming in fast!'
They all looked up as a light shot over the horizon. It flew fast and high but there was no doubt it was from the Dragon's Tail.
'You were followed?' Green hissed.
'Not by choice I remind you,' Tempest responded.
'Never mind. Just get out of here,' Green instructed before waving to one of her pilots.
Back inside the COG Command Center the wall mounted screen was showing the video from the Kestrel.
'We have eyes on them. One cargo ship. With multiple aircraft landed on the deck,' The Kestrel controller reported.
'Damn it. Do we know where the Fabricator or Skip are?' O'Connor asked looking at the feed from the camera.
'The Fabricator is mixed in with the other equipment. They seem to still be unloading at the moment. Skip is being moved,' The controller said panning the view.
A hooded figure was leading a second wearing a flight suit. They were making for a sleek looking craft. The net they were carrying had a small icon pulsing inside it.
'ETA on the Ravens?' O'Connor asked.
'Ten mikes sir,' The lieutenant reported.
'We're not going to make it. If they take off we risk them getting out of range of pursuit.'
'Sir?' Lieutenant asked, looking worried.
'Shit. Ramos is going to kill me for this,' O'Connor said, typing a code into his PDA.
The system asked for him to confirm and he entered his credentials and then biometrics. Then a simple question appeared on his screen.
Activate command disable? Y/N.
He pressed Y on the pad.
Skip received the signal and shut off. It was a mercy given what the JACK's software and hardware was about to do. Skip had been built by the COG as a military asset. One with access to cyphers and other data that could not be allowed to fall into enemy hands.
A small sub-program booted and overwrote all onboard memory to zero. Everything from codes, system schematics and Skip's AI construct were digitally shredded. Then several small thermal charges activated. The main computer core, cloaking system and other key systems all melted as the anti-capture system activated.
Green didn't know what the hell happened. One moment they were lugging the machine into their escape craft the next the man behind her cried out. She turned to see small drops of molten metal trickling out of the machine.
'No. NO! Stop it! Do something!' She cried.
'Do what. The thing just started boiling itself,' The pilot said, trying to avoid any drops landing on his feet.
Green snarled. First the machine was delivered damaged. Now it was destroying itself before they could make off with it.
'Just get it aboard,' She snapped as they made it up the ramp.
She would have to salvage something. Her handler would not be pleased.
O'Connor sighed as he watched the sleek craft shoot of skimming the waves. He had made the right call out of the bad options. It still didn't feel right. That bot had been at its post for years without any contact. It had made it through two wars and now he'd killed it because some jumped up criminals managed to steal it.
He glared up at the screen. The sleek craft would get away no doubt about it. The others were trying to take off and head back north-east. The KS-O would track them back to their home as best it could. He almost convinced himself this was a good outcome as the Ravens arrived and began to size the ship. Almost.
O'Connor heard his PDA ring and looked at the caller ID. FM Emmerich. Time to let the boss know about his screw up. He stepped out and into a smaller office for privacy.
'Sir I take it you've been made aware of the situation,' O'Connor said keeping his voice level. No doubt Myers had been giving him a minute by minute update of the events.
'I've been advised yes,' Emmerich said, 'From what I've been told we will be able to recover the missing Fabricator but lost Skip.'
'I'm afraid so sir. I take full responsibility. I should have posted additional personnel at that site given the assets we had there. And I'm prepared to offer my resignation.'
'I'm not going to accept that at this time. We had no prior information about the Bandits having access to this kind of equipment. Nor have they ever attacked like this before. Make no mistake you retain my full confidence at this time Colonel.'
'Thank you, sir,' O'Connor said, hoping to keep the relief out of his voice.
'Don't worry, things were going well. Something was bound to go wrong sooner or later. I'll see what I can do on my side.'
'Sir?' O'Connor asked, confused.
'Don't worry Colonel. You focus on getting control of what's on that ship. I'll see what I can do from the political side of things. Oh and that includes letting Ramos know about Skip.'
'Thank you again, sir,' O'Connor said, not managing to keep the relief out of his voice this time.
'Carry on Colonel. You have your mission. I have mine,' Emmerich said before hanging up.
O'Connor took a moment to collect himself then returned to the Situation room. The First Minister had made it clear he had faith in O'Connor's abilities. He was ready to prove that faith was well placed.
Major Čierna checked her equipment off then did the same for the UIR Elite in front of her. The call had been urgent and direct. The COG had been hit harder than ever and they wanted their attackers to pay. Part of her still thought they were getting their just desserts. But this mission would be quite useful in getting leverage over them. Governor Široký had made it clear the First Minster wanted this to be a message. A clear warning about what happened when you attacked them.
They were following the last known trajectory of the craft that had been a part of the attack. She had called in all the captured airships they could muster. All were now proceeding on the same heading sweeping for any sign of their targets. One of the crew at the helm called out heading and she felt the craft lurch as they homed in on the nest of these flying rats.
'Major we have a signal ahead but it's nothing we've encountered before,' The lieutenant called.
'How so?' Čierna asked as she walked over.
'It reads like a cliff face. But we can only detect the upper portion of it. It's like a floating island.'
She looked at the radar display. As the lieutenant had said there were several returns coming from what looked like a mass of solid rock. As she watched the display began to pick out ships landed on it.
'A flying base. No wonder they could keep attacking even with their camps destroyed,' She said before speaking into her radio, 'All troops get ready. This is no longer a pursuit mission. We are now seek and destroy. Let none leave this place alive.'
Tempest grumbled as he marched along the docks. His first job with the new gear and it had turned into a bloody rout. He'd lost people, weapons and airships. For what? Another job from some hag pretending she was a spy?
He heard a commotion and looked behind him. A new wave of airships was arriving. Quite a few from the look of it. Perhaps they were a new outfit trying to make an impression. A few of them circled around the cove as others moved towards landing pads. That was strange how had they got so many pads arranged that quick? Perhaps the Bandits running the place were desperate enough for new business they were flouting some of the few rules they had.
He dismissed the thought and turned back to the path ahead. This whole venture had gone bottom up. Part of him said to throw the sodding file over the edge and forget about the deal. To hell with Gre-
Then he heard a sound that chilled him to his bones. An explosion erupted on one of the far pads. An accident? It had to be didn't it? Some fool with a load of dust blowing himself and any soul to close because of a slight fumble. Then a second and a third blast came.
The alarm was sounding now. Cloudy Cove was under attack? How? His hands dropped to his weapons and he ran for his ship. All around him others ran to their own. Shouts and cries of alarm and confusion. This was their sanctuary, their safe harbor, how could it be under attack?
He watched a schooner try to lift with some of its crew hanging onto the ramp as it took off. Moments after it cleared the pad it was struck amidship and began to lose altitude. It crashed down on anyone unable to flee the inferno.
The path back to his ships was blocked by burning wreckage. He tried to head around only to find a one-sided gun battle taking place. Bandits were firing along one of the piers seemingly at nothing but shadows. Before he could try to call out for them to stop one of them jerked and fell to the ground. Then another followed.
He couldn't see any arrows or bolts flying but they must have been fighting something. What the hell was this? What kind of attackers had managed to find them? The rumors about monsters hunting them rose in his mind and he stamped them down.
Whatever this was, it was just a trick. Some deception from the COG hew was sure of it. He called out to rally what fighters he could. They would need the numbers. All he had to do was get them fighting. Raising and firing off one of his storm rounds to draw their attention he called out to the Bandits around him.
'Looks like an officer to the rear. He's firing off some kind of signal round,' Čierna said, surveying the battle.
'I see him,' The marksman behind her said, drawing a bead.
'Good make sure to aim low. I have questions for that one. All units on the south side go quiet. Squad three you're the bait. Lure them in,' Čierna said as she slipped away.
Tempest was rallying them. They had managed to push the attackers back to a single pier. It was perfect. One more push and they would drive them off and let these scum fall into the sea. He raised his cutlass to order the attack and felt his aura be struck twice one after the other.
Dropping to one knee he grunted as his aura broke. What kind of attack was that? He hadn't even seen a muzzle flash from ahead. He turned to call the others forward but found he was alone? What happened? They had been winning. Hadn't they?
He forced himself to stand and had a moment to steady himself before he took another round to the leg. Screaming in pain he fell to the floor. It had been years since he'd been hurt like this. He pushed himself to his hands and knees then noticed where the others had gone.
They were all lying on the ground dead. He glanced over at the other piers. Flickers of movement darted along them. A trap. He'd fallen for a trap. The enemy hadn't been running; they had lured them all into one place then cut them to pieces. And he'd helped them. He cursed and tried to crawl back hoping by some miracle they would think him dead.
A pair of boots appeared before him. He looked up into a snarling skull mask. It had two eyes on the left side and a pair of hoses snaked away from the mouth. The figure raised a knife into view.
'I have questions,' The figure said, their voice distorted.
'I'll tell you everything,' Tempest said, fear reaching into his heart.
'I know you will,' The figure said, reaching down, 'They always do.'
Čierna wiped her blade off and returned it to its sheath. That officer had been worth talking to. Till the blood loss made the conversation grunts and sighs on his part. But what really interested her was the information about his jobs.
Someone had supplied his band with COG equipment. Enough to find and capture a JACK. The UIR had tried many times but had been thwarted at every turn. The fact that these criminals had managed to pull it off meant they had all they needed handed over on a platter.
Only someone inside the COG would have been able to do that. The information and equipment meant whoever it was they were highly placed and well connected. She filed that thought away for a moment as she lifted the file she'd retrieved.
Opening it she examined the images inside. A small village on the mainland, a map with the location and three COG standard file photos. Things were getting interesting, very interesting.
Who were these three? Why would they be on the mainland so far from the COG's new city? And why were the dates stamped on the back of the photos decades old?
She had quite a few questions now. But this information should go to the Governor. He would bargain it away to the COG and they would be grateful all the while.