SOMETIME LATER, NINE MONTHS AFTER THE LOCUST CIVIL WAR'S START-

In the early morning, as a thunderstorm was roaring ferociously the rain continued to pound down on their backs, Delta squad, led by Marcus Fenix, trudged through the muddy trench, their movements slowed by the weight of their gear and the knee-deep water, tension hung thick in the air as they kept their heads below the trench-line, avoiding losing their heads.

Every step was taken with caution, their senses heightened as they scanned the surroundings for any sign of the elusive sniper. Each splash of water and every distant sound seemed amplified in the eerie silence of the rain-drenched battlefield. The bodies of the slain locust were everywhere, their weapons sunk into the mud as Delta carefully made their way towards the massive column of smoke that rose above the rainfall. Three snipers were killed by this point however the last one, by Delta's estimation, was very smart and quick on the trigger.

McKenzie's Foxtrot squad were separated from Delta in the chaos, when the captain signaled for the soldiers to halt then they ducked behind cover just before a sniper killed one of their younger gears. Delta were Crouching low, they huddled together, their breath misting in the cold air as they discussed their next move. They knew they couldn't afford to remain stagnant for long, exposed as they were to the Locust sniper's line of sight.

Anya: -Trying to get radio contact with Foxtrot-... McKenzie, this is Stroud, we're pinned down southeast of in the Trench line by a Gulf-Gulf Sniper, we have one KIA, we need assistance! -she says through the radio before another sniper round exploded by her head, fluttering her wet blonde hair-

Marcus: Keep your heads down! -he says to Anya as he pulls her down back to the trench-

Meanwhile Foxtrot was pushing towards the Trench from the opposite direction, a Boomer fired at them as more locusts kept firing at them from the cliffside; McKenzie and Corporal Clark fired back at the Locusts while Private Esteban, Sargent Bland and Baird moved towards the right flank of the locust force, Esteban made quick work of the Boomer then three more locusts were killed by SGT Bland's grenade. They hurried up through the area, up the hill where the snipers were spotted earlier when the firefight started.

Dempsey [Radio: Gears, another massive wave of locust is moving towards the area from the Southwest!] -he broadcasts while watching from afar with his Sniper-... [Sixty-six Gulf-Gulfs with heavy forces in the rear, Get out of there, now!] -he says as he aims his sniper towards the cliff, he spots the sniper who's firing at Delta but before he's able to take it out, an explosion hits by the area he's at, knocking the rifle off his hands-... [FUCK!] -he shouts as his sniper falls down the cliff with a violent clatter-

Foxtrot charged forward, Esteban led as Point man as more locusts, two grenadiers charged at them quickly opening fire at them; The Gears took cover quickly then in record time Bland and McKenzie killed the grubs. A crack echoed through the air as a bullet whizzed past, narrowly missing one of the soldiers, instinctively, they dove for cover, seeking refuge behind whatever shelter the cliffside rubble could provide. The sniper's presence was now undeniable, a lethal adversary lurking somewhere in the shadows, watching their every move just after they fired and disappeared, repositioning to get another shot out.

With hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins, the soldiers knew they had to act fast. They communicated silently, using hand signals to coordinate their movements as they attempted to outmaneuver their unseen assailant, Foxtrot charged carefully before another shot rang out, hitting Esteban in the shoulder plate but nothing lethal, it simply teared the armor clean off his uniform. McKenzie picked him up quickly then opened fire at the first glint he saw up that hill.

One of McKenzie's shots exploded in sparks and blood however another round rang out, SGT Bland ran besides him till they mere feet from the Sniper, wounded from their face to their shoulder as the captain's round exploded through the scope and out the back of the locust, without mercy the Gear crushed the sniper's head underneath his boot. He lifted his hand to his ear, and he spoke through the TAC-COM:

"Jinx" McKenzie: Sniper down, Delta you're clear, get out of there before those grubs get to you -he orders as he picked up the sniper and laid down to provide support fire-... I got you covered boys; Bland get the others ready to extract, Esteban you're with me! -he orders around before he fires, killing a Grenadier from the reinforcements-

Esteban: -he drew his sniper and laid prone by Jinx, firing at the reinforcements and watching them scatter for cover-... Down three Captain.

As the COG Snipers continue to take down the locusts, Delta quickly makes their way out of the trenches then flank right, quickly cutting down sixteen locusts; The two groups of Gears continued to cut the grubs down till Mortar fire rained down on both sides of the fight, forcing everyone to run away from the sky-fire. As Delta ran back towards the initial ambush's area, Foxtrot was not far behind covering their retreat. Locusts were hot on their heels, even as they kept firing the locust forces just kept coming.

Baird: Holy shit! -he shouted as a round grazed the side of his armor, he fell to the ground, but Cole pulled him up as they reached the Trucks-... Fuck, thanks Cole.

Cole: Don't thank me yet. -he ducked behind the Command Center to return fire-

Jinx: Dempsey!... -he shouts-...EMCV NOW! -he covered their retreat with his lancer-

Anya and Sam were getting the Packhorse Humvees and the trucks ready while everyone else were returning fire, Foxtrot were throwing smoke grenades to cover their escape, a boomshot flew by them and struck the side of the mobile center where the injured were inside, McKenzie shouted for the HQ to get the hell out, Anya drove Delta's Packhorse while Dempsey drove the massive truck through the wall of locust, running many over if they didn't get out of the way. In the chaos, Foxtrot piled up into the Humvee and drove right behind Anya and Delta riding on the armored Humvee, Marcus was on the gun, and he wasted no time tearing the locust to ground beef.

Travis: WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK IS THAT!? -she shouts through the radio as a massive convoy of Savage Locust appeared from the flank side road, now having the "Grunt-Grubs" which were RAAM's Forces on their six and the Savage locusts now joined the chase from the three o' clock-... Are you fucking kidding me with this bullshit! -she stuck herself out the window with a Boomshot in hand, she fired it, and it flew two feet above Delta's Humvee, striking one of the Savage's Sandcrawlers-

McKenzie: We got to shake the Grubs or none of us are making it back to Mercy. -he says before looking at Jackson who's holding Travis by her pants, so she doesn't fall out of the Humvee-... Fuck you Grub! -he squeezed the barrel of his lancer out the door window so he could fire, just then he was saved by Sam who yanked him back in before a sandcrawler could crush him, smashing onto McKenzie's door and exploding the bulletproof glass into pieces-

Savage Theron: DIE ONMINID! -The Theron tried pulling Jack out the Humvee, but Esteban just barely squeezed his arm by the side of the seat, cranking the lever and trapping the Theron's hand on the remmants from the window of the door allowing McKenzie to take Jackson's boltok, putting two rounds into the Theron's face killing it: its body rolling down the road, becoming an impromptu speed bump for another sandcrawler-

Their engines were roaring like thunderstorms, the Humvees flew across the dirt roads and in a matter of a few harrowing minutes the COG arrived on the Blacktop leading to Mercy, sparks exploded onto the asphalt made contact with Delta's back bumper, Anya looked out the rear window as the ever-nearing rumbling of some giant thing coming for them; Reavers flew above the sky on hot pursuit behind the Gears and a few Gasbarges joined the battle too. From the side were a few Siege Beasts lobbing bombs in the attempt to stop them but the Gears managed to run out of their range in no time.

Jackson: Who the fuck did we pissed off?! -he yanked Travis back into the Humvee as sniper fire from the Reavers began to explode against their Humvee's rooftop-... There are two fucking armies on our asses! -every ducked thanks to the bulletproof back glass window was starting to give way from the excessive damage sustained by now, a round flew by and grazed across Jackson's cheek; He contacted Delta's Humvee with his TAC-COM- Delta!... There's too many of them, we can't let them chase us to Char, we got to stop them at Mercy! -he says to them as few more sandcrawlers sprayed the HQ with fire from a mounted flamethrower and machineguns, Jackson opened fire at that sandcrawler to get their attention-

Sam: At this rate we won't make it past the fucking airport! -she says past the deafening ruckus from all the bullets and explosions-

As the armored Humvees of Foxtrot Squad and Delta Squad thundered down the tattered roads, Ahead the massive mobile headquarters lumbered along, still getting pelted from every direction, If the Gears were to lose this vital lifeline, they wouldn't be able to survive. A cluster of massive explosions nearly shoved the HQ-EMCV out the road, but Dempsey kept it on the road like an absolute trooper.

Meanwhile, the Gears inside the Humvees were locked in a tense battle for survival. They leaned out of windows, firing rifles and grenades at the oncoming threats, their training and instincts kicking in as they fought tooth and nail to protect their convoy. The Massive Trucks, one driven by Henry while the other is being driven by Clayton, drove past the Packhorse Humvees, bulldozing a few Sandcrawlers and repurposed Packhorses in the hands of the Locusts.

Explosions rocked the convoy as rockets and grenades detonated around them, sending shrapnel flying and rattling the armored vehicles. But the Gears pressed on, their determination unwavering as they pushed through a barricade that the EMCV plowed through like a battering ram just ahead of them. Three Gasbarges swooped in closer and tried bombing the convoy. On the lead Gasbarge Marcus saw General RAAM absolutely livid and staring at the Legendary Veteran with hellish hatred, ordering his forces to destroy Marcus's Packhorse.

Marcus was so ready to kill every single grub in his way that at some point he ran dry on the gun on top, getting pulled into the already crammed Packhorse by Cole who passed him a Torque Bow from their looted stash; The trucks were forced to drive side by side to the EMCV to protect it as particular explosion ripped a large chunk out from the right side of the mobile HQ's roof, losing a comms-dish which became burning ball of scrap metal.

Dempsey [RADIO: To all forces hearing this message, MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, Gulf~Gulf Battalion on their way to Mike~Tango from Alpha~Bravo-Tango!] -he relayed the message through the radio-... [We have multiple Whiskey~Charlies on board, I repeat multiple Whiskey~Charlies on board!] -he relays just another explosion rocked the EMCV-... [This is not a Drill, Evac Mike Outpost ASAP, retreat to Charlie~Hotel Outpost!] -he cuts the transmission before another rocket struck the truck to its right-

The Convoy passed through the main gate of the airport then took their designated route however Marcus told Anya to broadcast the change of plans:

Anya: Dempsey change course towards the hangars, plow through them and use them as cover from the Gasbarges and the Reavers! -she ordered through the radio, a second later the massive Mobile HQ turned to the closest hangar, it was closed but Dempsey did not hesitate and ram through it, clearing the path for the rest of the convoy-

Three reavers and a few sandcrawlers smashed into the small impromptu doorway, blocking it which forced all the locusts to change their pathing in order to continue to chase the Gears; After being hindered momentarily, the air forces were now high above the sky providing the ground troops live updates on the Gear Convoy's location. Reavers swooped low trying to get their co-pilots to fire at the convoy but were forced to back away by incoming fire from the EMCV, repelled before they could do any significant damage aside from a few rounds hitting them.

Marcus: When we get to the tunnel, those barges are going to be on our ass even if we seal it behind us. -he says to McKenzie via his TAC-COM-

McKenzie (Jinx): Split up their forces and we'll crush them or at the very least fucking off fast enough to regroup in Charlie~Hotel. -He responds to Marcus-... Fenix, I trust you and your team, we won't lose another soul. -he adds as more rounds ricochet off the Packhorse-

As the convoy approached the last stretch of road, the sudden appearance of two towering Brumaks from the wood line sent a shockwave of apprehension through the COG ranks. The massive beasts, towering over the landscape, blocked the path ahead, their heavy footsteps shaking the ground with each stride. RAAM's Gasbarge moved closer to the convoy, spraying massive hailstorms of Troika fire and boomshot explosions at the gears as the long highway to Mercy, once on it their Packhorses and the rest of the convoy would be able outrun the Grubs.

Foxtrot and Delta Squad, Sam and Anya looked across the road to one another for a second before both cranked the Packhorses to full power and blew past the rest of the convoy, McKenzie orders the rest of the convoy to follow close behind, the Packhorses aimed their attacks at the leading gasbarge, Marcus fired his lancer at RAAM, the general was absolutely pissed as he blocked the rounds with his forearm's bracers, his eyes staring daggers at Marcus; RAAM roared before heading to the Boomshot turret, shoving the gunner out of the way, he got on it and started firing at Delta, complete irate and committed to his need to kill Marcus.

Marcus: That's right asshole, I remember you too. -Marcus smirked at him before reloading his lancer, ducks from a stream of fire from another sandcrawler, without missing a beat he killed the driver then turned to lock eyes with the Locust General-... Bring it Motherfucker! -he shouted at him before shooting at RAAM, the general did not bother recoiling or blocking it, the rounds exploded into sparks against his armor as he reloaded the gun-

Anya: All forces All forces! -she contacted every available COG radio frequency broadcasting to everyone-... General RAAM is here! -she informs everyone through the TAC-COM-... We have confirmation that General RAAM is on one of the Gasbarges! -she was going to continue but gets interrupted by a massive explosion that nearly flipped their Packhorse-

McKenzie: HQ crew, Open fire on those big fuckers, draw their attention while Fox and Delta break their line, everyone else focus fire on the left Brumak while we take on the right one. -he orders before they fly by the convoy's side until they were ahead of the EMCV-... If you think you can get a lick in for RAAM, take it!

Dempsey: You hear that folks? -he says to the Gears inside the EMCV-... If you can still fight, shoot that Big Grub! -he says before using the EMCV to smash a too-eager sandcrawler out of their way, sending it straight into a ditch, destroying it-... FUCK YOU! -he yells out the window as the wreckage explodes into a smoldering pile of rubble-

The EMCV's crew and even the wounded returned fire through the small openings on the sides, SGT Bland is the Co-driver to Dempsey, much of their wounded were Gears who fled the Fall of Anvil Gate by Hoffman's Final Order, members of Echo, Lima, Sierra and Romeo Squads; All hands-on deck and none of the sides were letting up. McKenzie and Marcus noticed that the savage locusts were cutting down the Grunt Grubs in a quick pace, unintentionally giving the Gears a window of opportunity to put some space in between them and the convoy.

SGT Bland: Folk, not to sound like a downer... -she says through her TAC-COM-... We still have two brumaks up front! -she ends up shouting as Dempsey swerves out of the way from a barrage of rockets from both Gasbarges and the Brumaks-

Baird: McKenzie! -he shouts over-... I have an idea!... -he yells as they're getting closer and closer to the Brumaks-...Throw me your Slave cable, let's breaks its ankles.

McKenzie: -The members of Foxtrot pulled the cable from the back, scrambling to pass it to their leader, as he holds it, he opens the door while Jackson holds his belt-... Jackson please don't let me fall, for the love of God. -he says as he sweats profusely-... Get ready Baird!

Cole: WATCH OUT! -They swerve as a rocket barrage nearly destroys them, a round strikes the side of the door ricochetting and swiping Baird in the arm-... Throw it, we got it! -He yelled in assurance; Marcus and the others covered them with their lancers and looted torque bows as Cole and Baird were ready to catch it-

McKenzie throws the thick cable over, as they catch it Marcus quickly ties it to the Packhorse's frame just in time, Jackson and Jinx recoil as gunshots hits them Sam swerves as the captain's blood struck her cheek; He yells "NOW" and the two humvees swerve to opposite directions, straining the cable as tight as they could and drove into the first Brumak's legs, sweeping the beast onto its belly. The sheer force of the impact rented the cable into shreds, ripping out Anya's door out of the side of the Packhorse and it nearly flipped Fox's Packhorse, but they managed to get away.

McKenzie: ALL UNITS, THIS IS IT! -He shouts through the radio-... Use the downed Brumak for cover! -he shouted as Anya whipped a full 180 degrees and they ran towards the other Brumak, firing at its face, Sam did the same with Fox's packhorse successfully getting the Brumak to chase them, allowing the Convoy to cross into the tunnel, escaping the locusts-... Convoy is through, Gun it! -Sam drives in between the Brumak's legs, nearly getting crushed by the beast-

RAAM angrily roared as the Gears used this opening to leave the locusts in the dust, forced to engage the savage forces now attacking as well. While Delta and Foxtrot were escaping the Locust's chase, Engineers from the stranded and the COG were already preparing the contingency plan, setting up explosive charges all over the half-way point of the tunnel, after they're set up the engineers mounted their track-mules quickly taking off back to Mercy before the Gears arrive here.

SIMULTANEOUSLY IN THE SKY, RAPIDLY APPROACHING MERCY-

A few Reavers fly across the land, upon them are Korr and Táäl leading a group of Palace Guards while right behind them was Raku's Gasbarge; The two locust veterans charged towards the action as soon as they realized something was off which was a few dozen Reavers flying past the abandoned city. From where they were they could see three Gasbarges firing at something that was running away, Táäl quickly realized that they were pursuing humans.

Korr: [Whomever that is, they pissed off the wrong commander...] -he says to Táäl as he also spots the carnage- [Three Gasbarges?, that's bloody beautiful...]

Táäl: [Not a Commander, General RAAM] -he corrects as he points at the leading Gasbarge, which is marked with the Uzil Brand on a banner upon the deck- [Let's get in there Brother, Uzil RAAM wouldn't waste his time to hunt some unnamed human, he's hunting a SPECIAL human] -he turned to Korr as they sped up their flight-

Korr: [Special human?... You mean "THAT" human, huh?] -he smirked before looking at the chaos-... [I waited long to hunt Marcus Fenix, a worthy opponent!]

Táäl: ["Worthy Opponent"?] -he turns to Korr-... [Don't respect him, he's to die slow and in view of all other humans so they see that even their so called "Heroes" are as weak as the rest of their pathetic race...] -he chastises Korr who turns to Táäl with a smirk-

Korr: [I respect his skills; don't you feel it brother?] -he asked him-... [A human who's killed more our kin than any other, doing battle with him will prove who among us is strong who is weak, when I strangle the life out of him, All will know that I'm the Mightiest of our kin] -he says to Táäl-... [...Plus, I never backed away from a Challenge]

Táäl: [Try to not die, it would be a shame if you to kill him but I claimed victory] -he smirked back at him-

Korr: [Don't worry I'll leave him alive enough for you to plunge you knife into him, your humble contribution] -he joked before both turned to the task at hand-

The chase kept following the same pattern, essentially Yo-yoing back and forth from having the locust smashing into their rear-bumper and being left in the dust by the Gears; However even as the ground vehicles were going back and forth, the locust air-force has remained bombarding the Gears even as two of the Trucks peeled off to draw away some of the locusts. The packhorses were blaring through the roads and were close to the tunnel to Mercy. By this point in time the gears have been on this deadly chase for survival for nearly two hours and most Gears in this chase have gone black in ammo, aside from explosives and their pistols.

Sam and Anya pushed the Packhorses to their absolute limit as right behind them were four gasbarges, a dozen reavers and over a hundred locusts hot on their heels in various vehicles ready to rip them apart. Burning rubber as RAAM roared in absolute rage ordering the locusts to kill the humans, they had a dozen or so sandcrawlers right next to them just as they enter the tunnel, one of which smashed onto the side of Jinx's Packhorse, jamming itself to its side, it co-pilot drew a lancer and revved the saw trying to rip into Sam. Jackson drew his Lancer and clashed the saws together inches from Sam's face, she screamed as sparks sprayed across the dash and her face. She roars while turning the wheel to the right, shoving the sandcrawler against the wall of the tunnel.

A loud bloodcurdling crunch led to the Sandcrawler's threads jamming up from the weight of the Packhorse crushing it, it began to get pulled underneath till its pistons exploded, and the entire thing caused the sandcrawler to flip itself and the Packhorse in a raucous crash; From the chainsaw clash to the flip's end, it took exactly seven seconds: Just before the vehicles flipped Jackson's grip waned and the Theron's chainsaw tore into Sam's shoulder, then said locust was split in half when the Sandcrawler flipped and crushing it's legs and its torso, which was still in the window of the packhorse. For half a second Fox ran upon two wheels before they rolled across the asphalt in a violent crash, a crash that completely annihilated the Sandcrawler and ripped the front axle from underneath the Humvee.

Anya and Baird howl in surprise from the crash, unable to drive past the locust wreckage, plowing through it killing the driver who was pinned inside, splattering the viscera across the windshield and the hood, with a ear-piercing shriek they braked, just smashing into the side of the tunnel, past the Deadline, the zone of the tunnel rigged to blow. Delta was shaken and a little banged up, but they were alive, enough to see the Brumak lumbering towards them.

From some repurposed packhorses came Grenadiers Elite and Therons, alongside a few squads of Drones, from afar the Savage Locusts were charging towards the Militarized Locust and the Gears; Many Ravagers and Savage Drones charged into the fray, firing at everything that had a pulse and feeding the chaos. Marcus turned to see a group of Ravagers getting trampled by one of the Brumaks while the second one limped close behind.

Marcus and Delta quickly go to help foxtrot out of the destroyed Packhorse, then they open fire at the charging brumak, Cole and Marcus fired boomshots at the beast's face to push it back while Fox runs behind the Deadline, dodging gunfire and returning it as Locust's approach closer and closer, right behind the Brumak. Delta ran away behind the line as another set of vehicles arrived, more gears coming to provide backup. Foxtrot and Delta retreat behind these vehicles to repel the locust forces while the Engineers start the detonation sequence for the tunnel. As the explosives turned green and they began beeping all the Gears that could fit mounted rode away while others rode on top of the vehicles or ran away from the blast.

As they raced through the darkened confines of the tunnel, the sound of explosions echoed behind them as the COG engineers triggered the explosives, sealing off the entrance and cutting off the pursuing Locust forces. In the chaos that followed, the Savage Locusts and the militarized Locusts, now trapped on either side of the tunnel, turned on each other, their ranks descending into chaos as they fought for dominance.

On the COG side, a few of the defenders were wounded but made it to the entrance to Mercy where they were mounted into the other vehicles for the evacuation, Assault Derricks and other retrofitted cars and trucks started to abandon the destroyed remnants of Mercy, where for the last three months they've been living in as their base; As they left the head engineer of Anvil Gate Fergus had opted to remain behind to keep the locust occupied for the rest to escape, he was quite committed to this role specially as he threatened to shoot McKenzie if he disagreed to it.

As the reavers flew over Mercy, Fergus activated all the turrets in the city and began firing at the Reavers and the Gasbarges, he takes no time in taking out three reavers followed by a Gasbarge being pelted by High Caliber fire, shredding through a few locusts; Six reavers then bombarded the town, trying to kill the attacker. Fergus kills two more Reavers till the beasts are forced to land and charge into the city, that they presume is filled with humans. Korr landed down and was eager to kill some humans, so he ducks in between buildings to flank then destroy the sentry guns, carving a path for the others to push forward.

Táäl was on the opposite side clearing the sentries on his side till the group made their way into an armored-up building where the gunfire was coming from, the Veteran Theron commander orders the locusts to destroy the gun emplacement so Korr shoves his way past the other locusts and gets next to the welded door; He knocks on it to test its sturdiness then he drew a pair of frag grenades and tied them to the door handle, he gestures the other locusts to back away before he those the same and fires at the frags with his shotgun causing them to explode and annihilate the metal door's handle.

As the locust began breaching the building they were blasted by these makeshift auto-turret, Korr used their deaths as method to pinpoint their spots, he destroyed them then kept ducking into cover to avoid the fire, a few locusts kept pushing towards up the stairs till Korr got impatient by the grunts being too scared to push forward, he pushed past them and used his shotgun to destroy the last turrets before reaching the main gun. He presses his hand against the door to the main gun, feeling the AA destroying reavers so he roared and began ripping the welding on the door, starting to yank the door out.

Fergus: Oi, Grub hurry up and peel that door before Ol' Fergus fucks your grub buddies harder! -he taunts Korr as he tries to rip this heavily welded door, more locusts came to rip the door with lancers and their bare hands-... Yea!... show me you care grub! -he shouts it at the only grub he could see: Korr; He drew his boltok and fired blindly at the door, unable to hit Korr while simultaneously shooting the AA gun-

Korr squinted and chuckled quietly at this human's boldness, he cocked his shotgun and roared at Fergus as the others locust pulled the door clean off, before the locusts could kill the human, The massive locust fired his shotgun at Fergus which blew a chunk off the human's shoulder forcing him to drop the boltok revolver then with two quick steps he closed the distance he clubbed the man in the face and yanked him out of the gun, alongside the wheelchair crumbling onto the ground. He left the man flat on his chest, Fergus was surrounded by ten rifles, yet Korr could tell he was ready to continue to fight, which he smiles at.

Fergus: Smile you sonoffabitch, let me remember your face so when you join me in hell I know who to look for... -he says as he slowly pushed himself up to look at Korr in the face-... now... -he spit the blood in his mouth at Korr's feet-...fuck you, fuck you rat-ugly pigface buttbuddies and fuck your queen too.

Korr: If only all humans had your fight... -he shot Fergus in the head with his shotgun and his smile faded-... Pity... -he heads out of the room as Táäl returns, following a few elites and Uzil RAAM; Korr knew by the look on the general's face, he was pissed-

Táäl: [This is Korr, Uzil, I trust him with my life more than any of our brothers] -he gestures to the Grenadier Ravager who salutes RAAM-

Uzil RAAM: [You stopped the Anti-Air, soldier?] -he asked with absolute authority, glancing at the dead human-... [Good Job, at the very least this wasn't a complete waste of my time... Seems like Queen Myrrah has received my message, come...] -he orders as he walks towards the Barge floating above the destroyed pumping station, walking past the charred remains of a human truck- [I believe you're aware of the Savage Revolt?] -he asked them, a clear obvious question, both Korr and Táäl glanced at each other as the General walked onto the deck of the Gasbarge-

Táäl: [Yes Uzil, Queen Myrrah authorized me to handle the situation, to send reinforcements to your forces, all three thousand of our warriors are under your command however I have control of my own personal unit, under my command alone, Uzil] -he says to General RAAM-

Uzil RAAM: [As long as you do the Queen's will and show me you're worthy, then I have no qualm with your unit] -he responds to Táäl-... [Let's waste no more time, your orders are to eliminate the Savage Revolt and execute the Traitor Skjall, put it to an end as soon as possible, is that clear?] -he says to Táäl, who nods in response-

Korr: [Methods are our own then, Uzil?] -he asked before he looked at Táäl who returned the silent gesture-... [Then I have a request upon you, Uzil] -Táäl seemed to be against this but remained quiet as his gaze was fixed upon his comrade-

Uzil RAAM: [And what do you request from me then?] -He asked with a stoic face-

Korr: [To place the Hunters under my command, so we can crush this rebellion swiftly and efficiently...] -RAAM seemed to be contemplating the request, he turned to the map splayed out on the table- [I fought alongside them in countless of battles, together, there will be none who will oppose you, Uzil RAAM, our weapons will be yours to command if you would have me...]

As RAAM thought about the request a reaver flew by and posted next to the deck of the Gasbarge when Azrák dismounted, his helmet hanging from his waist and a serene expression, one of controlled anger hidden by his determination; Korr and Táäl knew Azrák from the attack on Ephyra but this version of him was vastly different, unlike the eager and impressionable maag he was back then. Táäl saw the scarring, massive and poorly healed across his face and down his neck, the armor cooked and stained with a charred soot like color down to his thigh, where a gorgon pistol sits.

Azrák: [Uzil...] -he bowed respectfully to RAAM before he handed the General a slate with a field report-... [Savage numbers have been quelled in the surrounding areas of the Maw, however we've been unable to pierce their defenses as of now.] -he reports without looking at the two other locusts here-... [Skjall has been consolidating his forces and slowly making his way towards our stronghold as we speak, planning to push us out] -he places his hand upon the table before staring at RAAM-... [I'll die before I let that traitor take anymore ground!] -He adds before letting the fury in his eyes be unleashed-

RAAM: [And you shall not, Zamil, you will not fail me] -he says before standing up and staring at Korr and Táäl- ... [You want the Hunters?] -he turns to Zamil Azrák then back to them, pointing at the scarred theron-... [Give your arms to the Zamil, destroy Skjall's attack force and then I'll grant your request, if you prove yourself, to Zamil Azrák and me] -he commanded as he calls for the Gasbarge commander to come to him- [Commander Gul, you'll be serving Zamil Azrák, Vurl Korr and Krav Táäl till our return with victory, now off with you, you have your orders] -he says before departing the Gasbarge and stepping onto the firm ground-

Táäl: [We will not fail you, Uzil] -he says as RAAM disappears into the city of Mercy, now being ransacked and scavenged by his forces-

Azrák: [Now, "Krav", Let's not waste time, we have a traitor to tear apart...] -he says to Táäl who nods in response without a word as the Commander of the Gasbarge calls the crew onto the barge- [It has been too long brother, hasn't it?] -he asked Táäl while standing by the edge of the barge, not paying attention to the troops searching and ransacking whatever they could find in Mercy-

Táäl: [Unfortunately, as it stands we've changed quite a lot since we fought the Lambent and dare I say plenty since the destruction of Halvo Bay] -he responds, getting the Zamil to turn around, remove his helmet, showing his severe facial scarring; Luckily the eye was spared but the cheek, the jaw and his temple were completely scorched, if not removed entirely giving him a partial Two-face look- [Your wounds, how are you recovering brother?]

Azrák: [As well as you can assume...] -he casually says while gesturing the Krav to come closer and stand by him-... [During the best days, I lead as expected of me but when I'm meant to rest, the Kantuses and the sawbones try to assist in the healing, unsuccessfully, the pain is almost unbearable but in turn makes me focus on our goal, to kill Skjall] -he says before turning to look at Korr-... [Korr, is it?]... -he asked before moving up to face him-... [I've heard stories of a mighty soldier that crushed the spirit of humanity in Gorasnaya, under the command of Zamil Karn, if the memory doesn't elude me that one soldier destroyed countless fortifications and killed hundreds of humans, am I correct?] -he asked the Grizzled old Grenadier-

Korr: [Any of my fellow Grenadier would have done the same, I just happen to be the only survivor of my original squadron, the loss of Zamil Karn was regrettable but we completed our mission. Krav Táäl has given me a new purpose, to train and lead his forces if the need arises but my goal of hunting down the Human Marcus Fenix will always be top priority] -He responds to the general who seems pleased by the answer then looks at Táäl who nods in response-

Azrák: [Then I trust that we will not fail the Queen or Uzil RAAM.] -he simply says before heading towards the Gasbarge Commander now that all 20 passengers have taken their positions- [Head to our fort, commander, we have traitors to kill] -he orders to the Gasbarge pilot, with a quick lunge the barge began to fly towards their objective-

The duo looked at the Zamil then turned to direction that they're heading in, near the horizon they could see the skeleton of a tower, the fort that they have heard was under construction; A metaphorical "fuck you" from RAAM to Skjall, this fort was been rapidly built in a speedy two months in order to stop the Savage from advancing further by forcing their attacks upon one target which is this Fort. 3,000 Locusts had been stationed on the three-by-three-mile fort however constant savage attacks have been lowering their number down to less than half. Thanks to Zamil Azrák's planning, the main locust force on this fort would soon be reinforced in order to strike the Maw, the Beating Heart of Skjall's rebellion.

The last week of traveling from Korr and Táäl didn't go well, most of their soldiers had been ordered to head towards other forts and strongholds in order to pass the Queen's word to as many Therons and assigned leaders as possible, this was done in case Táäl or Korr were killed on the way to meet General RAAM. A costly decision that slowed down their travels, mostly as their navigator has succumbed to Blood-Rot on their way here, they buried him and moved on with their mission. Korr had made himself quite clear to Táäl that if he ever got sick like the others, he would die in combat by his own choice not to fate.

After departing from Mercy, the trip of to the fort was uneventful, till they were near a half mile from The Tower when they were attacked by Savage mounted Reavers, in a blitz style where a dozen of them swarmed the Barge and knocked it out of the air, kicking off a massive air battle as other friendly gasbarges engaged the Savage locusts' barges and reavers. Korr wasted no time in charging forward in mad dash towards the Maw, his impressive aim with his shotgun was demonstrated when he began repelling Savage who were rappelling from their low flying barges.

Azrák roared into the sky in storm shaking fury as he returned fire using a looted retro-lancer, with a mighty swing he gutted a charging Savage Grenadier then when the lancer dried up he lobbed it like a spear before ducking at a Sandcrawler that tried ramming him, he growled at this situation as he drew a boltok off one of his grunts; Táäl was wounded but alive, he and a few other Elites were ripping metal sheets off their destroyed barge and using as improvised shields to push forward the incoming waves of Savage locusts, keeping themselves in a defensive line around the crashed barge. The surviving duo of Boomers stayed close to Azrák, who commanded their targets. From four hundred meters away, another savage barge landed and unleashed more troopers, among them were the animalistic warriors, The Savage counterparts to the Hunters. Their hideous skin masks were as haunting as their Bestial, guttural War-cries which the Zamil knew all too well.

Azrák: [HUNTERS!] -he shouted as he pointed at the incoming savage, his forces immediately focused their fire upon them yet even as rounds struck their bodies they kept pushing through undying rage and resiliency- [Aim at their heads you fools!] -he ordered before ducking behind the barge avoiding the incoming salvo from a pack of reavers-

Korr roared as he charged the Hunters head-on, quickly and efficiently dispatching of one by turning its head into viscera with a point-blank blast of his shotgun; He tried doing it again but his weapon was taken off his hands when he used it to block an axe swing, he quickly drew his massive, curved blade and fought the Hunters as the elites were shooting at those who tried to ambush the Marauder. Korr ducked underneath a second hunter's knife swing, striking him down to the ground with his armored fist then without skipping a beat he drove his knife up and through the first hunter's jaw, brain and top of his head with a blood-cuddling crunch. He laughed and then roared in excitement as more hunters and savage drones began exploding out of the ground, he pulverized the second hunter's face, nearly driving his fist through him before Azrák appeared next to he, handling his Custom Gnasher:

Azrák: [We're clean targets here, we need to regroup at the tower now!] -he ordered as he gestured Korr to retreat to where Táäl and the crash survivors were holding their position-

Korr: [Then let's take their crawlers...] -he responds with a wicked smirk, using his armored arm to cover his face as he aimed his Gnasher at one of the circling Sandcrawlers, missing the first two shots before striking the driver in the face forcing the vehicle to stop-... [Zamil, to me!] -they both mount up, Korr taking the gunner seat after ripping the former gunner out, leaving his mangle carcass to be ripped to shreds by the threads- [Let's show these animals who's in charge!] -he begins to rip apart any infantry that was charging towards the downed barge-

Táäl: [Let's go brothers, the tide of this battle tips in our favor!... CHARGE!] -He leaps to his feet and dashes forward, disarming a charging drone with his scrap shield then taking his weapon, executing him and moving towards the Zamil's Sandcrawler- [The reinforcements are sure taking their time to get here!]

Azrák: [We are the reinforcements, Krav] -he corrects as he pulls the Veteran Palace guard into the Co-pilot seat, with one hand he retrieves his torque bow and hands it to Táäl-... [Now show me how's your shot] -he ordered, revving the engine and driving around, getting targets for Korr and Táäl-

While they were focusing their fire upon the other sandcrawlers, the surviving locusts from the Gasbarge crash finally found and fired flares into the air, after it burnt out the most veteran among those locusts rush out to a few meters behind the Zamil's sandcrawler, returning fire to the other sandcrawlers, among them was two boomers firing at any sandcrawlers who stalled or had their driver killed. Even as they kept fighting the Savage kept coming in waves, from the Horizon were dozens of Reavers and many gasbarges filled to the brim with Savage reinforcements, Azrák knew that they had to retreat, Skjall's entire force was here and ready to destroy them all.

Azrák: [All Forces regroup at the tower, take their vehicles and hurry!] -he ordered, Korr and Táäl angrily nodded at his order knowing that if they stay, they would be butchered, they echoed his orders, and their forces quickly began retreating in the damaged by functional sandcrawlers used by the fallen savages-

As all the surviving Elites retreated into the Tower Stronghold, The Zamil and the two veteran locusts headed far west, away from the stronghold, essentially leading the savage away from the fort or at the very least buying their troops at the tower time to put up defenses. Táäl showed off his immaculate accuracy with the torque bow by taking out reavers as they flew meanwhile Korr kept the Gasbarges from getting too close with the sandcrawler's double-troika turret, only able to take one of them done when he caused their ammo to explode. The Trio drove around in a large arc around the battlefield and headed into the hills, using the rocky terrain to blend in and eventually reach a small mesa with a narrow pass in between it and a jagged ridge, around this time their sandcrawler had burnt all its fuel leaving them stranded but hidden from the now patrolling reaver squads.

As the two Veterans checked their ammo and equipment, Zamil Azrák was observing the direction where the Gasbarges were coming from, he knew that the Maw was a little way east from where this air-force was coming from, he estimated thirteen miles from where they were currently and if reports suggested this location has to be sixteen miles off the Maw; He huffed then picked up his helmet, he put it on and began pacing as he was trying to make a plan. he looked at the retreating gasbarges among the increased reaver traffic then turned to Korr who was reloading his shotgun while keeping an eye out for more incoming hostiles, Táäl was counting up all ammo that was at their disposal which included a few grenades and a very old looking retro lancer.

Táäl: [We must put an end to their air support, so I say we head to their little air base and destroy those barges] -he says while he was counting the Gasbarges that flew by towards their point of origin, just little over their view range-... [We aren't getting reinforcements, that's for sure with these Savage patrols prowling about, Thoughts?]

Zamil Azrák, Krav Korr, and Theron Táäl stood silently amidst the sandy rocks with the winds picking up, their faces starting to get sand stuck on their scales, only by the faint glow of the setting sun filtering through the hills and the jagged rocks they could see what remained of their equipment. The remnants of their disabled vehicle lay behind them, a stark reminder of their newfound isolation deep within enemy territory without any spare fuel. The mission that they had now weighed heavily on their shoulders, a task they knew that needed their upmost attention.

Zamil Azrák: [We need to move quickly and quietly; the patrols will start soon...] -he says while ripping off one of the crawler's banners and strapping it around himself like a shroud against the sandy winds-... [The longer we linger, the greater chance of these savages of finding us, I hope you two know what to do...]

Krav Korr: [I can create a distraction, using my bombs to buys some time, but we'll need a plan to navigate through their defenses...] -he looks to his last three bombs on his waist then turns to his belt pouches-... [I can make more but they'll take time...]

Theron Táäl: [Your initial explosion will be enough but only if we get inside first...]

Krav Korr: [Sure me and the Zamil can but you?... not a chance, your armor will give us away] -he points out to his comrade, who seems like he just remembered that he's covered entirely in shiny golden armor-

Zamil Azrák: -He assessed their options, his mind racing through potential routes and obstacles- [We'll approach from the west, by where the Gasbarges depart from, using the cover of darkness to our advantage.] -he urges the two to follow him as they start moving towards the Savage Air Base-... [Krav, your distraction needs to be enough to draw their attention away from our entry point.] -he says to Korr before handling him two black cannisters with a chain on each, grenades that Korr did not recognize-

Krav Korr: [What are these?] -he asked the Zamil-

Zamil Azrák: [Ink grenades, a special new version that Uzil RAAM was testing out, he handed me some to use if needed... use them when the fighting begins]

Krav Korr: [Yes Zamil, I can't wait to destroy these traitors once and for all...] -he says as he stuffs the grenades in his pouch and continues on their way-

Theron Táäl: [Those fools will never see us coming...] -he adds as he slings Azrák's Torque Bow and follows close behind-

With their plan roughed out, they moved out swiftly, each step measured and deliberate. The night was their ally, masking their movements as they navigated through hostile territory. They encountered ground patrols, but with their combined experience in combat they stood no chance against the three locust veterans, so they continued to evade detection as they got closer and closer to their current target.

WITH DELTA AND FOXTROT, CHAR'S OUTSKIRTS-

It's been hours since the Gears have escaped the Locust Force, leaving the reavers and the gasbarges behind but putting as much distance between themselves and the locusts, hell and high water was now in between the two forces. Jinx ordered them to stop on Char, but Marcus and Anya belayed the order, choosing to drive past the city and to head deeper into Tyrus, towards Speyer where Baird had suggested to go. It was ways to go, however Baird knew a good route to get there quickly.

For a while the gears continue to travel through in silence, avoiding much of Ephyra's main streets as the city was taken over by the Locusts a long ago, so airing in the side of caution they were avoiding much of the buildings and eventually they stopped near a cluster of collapsed buildings leaning on one another forming an arch, giving them cover from the air. Foxtrot, Delta and the other gears quickly set-up a perimeter then make camp here, allowing Baird and the other engineers to assess the damage taken on their vehicles; Delta is still ready to fight which was enough reason for the gears to keep themselves alert.

McKenzie: Bring me a Sit-Rep as soon as you can, one of those Packhorses has to be operational in one hour. -he orders before heading towards Dempsey who was shaking his adrenaline on the side of the EMCV, SPC Travis was next to him, sitting down next to the tire, relaxing-... You two did good... -he said to them, trying to soothe their nerves, more so Dempsey's-... Calm yourselves and take easy you two.

Jack looked around, the arch made of rubble that once were a bunch buildings, long collapsed probably since Emergence day still standing like this ever since; Their vehicles were being tended by the engineers, checking for damage and anything in need of repairs, Cole was with Carmine checking on the wounded alongside a few medics.

This entire "strategy" of leaving one of their own behind doesn't sit well with Jinx, it didn't

when it was suggested by the man himself and now that he is most likely dead, it bother the young officer even more. Not only that but he's still hesitant to believe the voice in the radio and his promise of help.

Two months ago, Baird and Dempsey were scavenging and repairing old radios when they discovered a encrypted broadcast signal attempting to communicate, Marcus and Jinx both agreed to listen to it despite their trepidation and the message wasn't recorded but it was on a live feed: "This is Prowler 0-1, are you friend or foe?... I Repeat, This is prowler 0-1, are you friend or foe?...can anyone hear me?...", Jack was the one who responded with a single word: "Friend".

"Fucking finally, some life... hphm... This is Prowler 0-1, identify yourself, over" with a nod from Marcus, he responded back:

"Jinx" McKenzie: This is Chaos 0-1 of Foxtrot company, Commander McKenzie of... of what's left of the Anvil Gate's Forces and Delta Squad, over. -he says to the hand radio, waiting for an answer-

"So the reports were true, Anvil Gate has fallen... fuck, condolences from me to your boys Chaos 0-1, as things are now we stand in similar situations, Camp Raphael is und-... fuck the secrecy Danny... ugh!, Camp Raphael is getting hammered and our Ravens are in danger of falling into enemy hands, we need back up as soon as you can get up here!"

Ravens, still operational were at stake but also the lives of this "Prowler" group who were clearly Gears. However this "Camp Raphael" was something none of them had ever heard, so Jack needed to know more if the slim chance of saving some lives was possible:

"Jinx" McKenzie: Prowler send us your coordinates and we'll see if we can give you a helping hand... -he says to the voice before grabbing a notebook and a pen-

"Fuck the hand, bring us all your guns!... are coordinates are Sierra Sierra niner niner fower fife fife... BREAK... Six Six Zero Won... fuck it!... were fifteen mikes off south of Ephyra, we have resources and munitions for about four months for at least 300 people, hurry before these cocksuckers breach of defenses, Chaos 0-1 we need your help-"

Back in the present that was their task now, to reach Camp Raphael, now around 15 miles away from their location; The old COG capital was eerily quiet as the sun was setting, Jack had heard from Marcus that before the lightmass bombing of Tyran Pillar, the night was haunted by Kryll swarms but now the city sat as still and lifeless as a corpse. No lights, no signs of life, not even the wind blew in this desolate place. Terrible rainfalls and harsh weather had peeled away at the city's structures like a scab, without people to maintain and repair, the city was becoming a tower of cards with each passing day.

As he stepped lightly on the broken concrete, his boots kicking up dust, he couldn't help but admire the faded glory of a place he had only ever heard about, he noticed COG Banners which once flew proudly in the wind were gone, glass windows were no more and any form of dynamic beauty that city once proud itself of having was now a dull and gray wasteland full of empty homes turned into monuments of war's consequences. Jack felt at ease, the stillness of the city was perfect for a sniper as himself, he could hear a pin drop from a mile away in this city, if anything was alive out here, Jack and by extension the rest of his people would hear it come long before it would reach them.

The only pity in Jack's mind was that he wasn't alive to see the city in its glory, but he was determined to finish the mission and see people retake and rebuild it. He took in a soft breath and moved across at tattered coffee shop, barely creating any noise as he moved through it, then as he left through the back he found a service ladder up the next building. He paused for a moment, crouching low as he reached the edge of a rooftop, and raised his sniper rifle. The scope pressed against his eye; Jack scanned the horizon. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the city, turning the dust-filled air into a haze of oranges and purples. Almost fifteen miles away, the objective came into view—Camp Raphael.

However, he moved the crosshairs of his scope subtly west then traced the skyline, lingering on the ruins of what had once been a towering building, now in its final moments of collapsing, crumbling under its own weight. He watched as the structure gave way in a blink of an eye, the stone and metal groaning as it crumbled, sending up a cloud of dust and debris. The sound reached him a second later, a distant rumble like the earth itself was groaning in pain.

But Jack's attention shifted quickly. Behind the collapsing building, movement caught his eye. A small group of figures, almost imperceptible in the smoky haze, was advancing toward Camp Raphael. His finger hovered near the trigger as he zoomed in for a closer look: Locusts.

Jack: Shit... -he says under his breath as he counts them, a team, then a squad then two squads-... Way too many, fuck...

These weren't just any Locust grunts. Their armor was thicker, their movements more disciplined, almost military in their precision. These were Elites, the best of the best that the locusts have and among them were Black armored Therons and fully decked out Grenadiers with weathered horned helmets, and they were moving with a purpose. Jack's sniper instincts kicked in, his mind already calculating the distance, the wind speed, the time it would take for the bullet to reach its target but he didn't fire.

He knew that taking down even one of them would give away his position. These Elites specifically were too close to each other, too coordinated; if he missed or even if he hit, the others would be on alert. Worse, they'd know where he was. That would put not just him, but his entire troop at risk. Even with Delta, there's going to be casualties.

His heart rate stayed steady, his breathing even. Jack watched them through the scope, tracking their movements as they moved in the direction of camp Raphael. Every instinct screamed at him to take the shot, to do what he did best, but he held back. Instead, he committed their positions to memory, noting the paths they were taking, the cover they were using. He would relay the information to his troops once he returned. For now, he remained a silent observer, hidden in the shadows, just another ghost in the ruins of Ephyra.

Jack: -he reached for his radio and pressed the button three times, a silent signal to his best friend and longtime squad-mate Jackson-... Doc, this is Jinx, you there?... return code if you can. -he waited in silence till he heard the sounds of the three button presses, the code-... Won-tree Echo-Lima hoofin' towards Prowler's AOP, how copy?

Jackson: Doc to Jinx, Danger close, over -he responded back-

Jack: Scout work, deets later long-op, over and out. -he said in their code words for their own privacy in the radio and security-

As the Elites moved out of sight, Jack lowered his rifle, his gaze returning to the distant fires of Camp Raphael. The chaos there raged on, but his mind was clear. There was a time to shoot and a time to wait. Today, he chose to wait but when the time came, he would be ready.

WITH THE TRIO OF LOCUSTS, A FEW HOURS LATER-

They had walked for hours, the afternoon Deadlands heat bearing down on them, but now, as they neared their objective, their fatigue was replaced by cold focus. Finally, they reached the outskirts of the air-force base. The perimeter fence loomed ahead, illuminated by sporadic floodlights and torches. Krav Korr silently went to work, expertly planting and they then moved to the opposite side of the base. Korr waited till Azrák gave him the signal, shortly after the explosions rocked the base and diverted attention long enough for the trio to breach the fence and slip inside unnoticed.

Inside the base, they moved quickly bypassing the now empty barracks and hangars until they located the communications hub. With efficient brutality Krav Táäl killed two of the snipers with his knife as the Zamil took out the other two, then the duo destroyed the communication equipment while Korr ensured their escape route remained clear. The Palace Guard picked up a sniper and got into overwatch, ready to neutralize any threat that emerged.

Zamil Azrák and Krav Korr began to move towards the next tower where they spotted a Savage Theron sending out orders, Krav Táäl glanced at his comrades, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Korr had his shotgun while the Zamil was using a boltok and a knife, both carefully got into the stairwell then when the Savage Theron spotted them, Korr bashed him in the face, stunning him then the Zamil stabbed him over and over, tearing his face apart before the duo tossed the corpse aside.

Zamil Azrák: [Let's move Korr, time to clear these fools out, get ready Táäl.] -he says to them before he takes the grenades off the nearby table, glancing over the tower's railing and spotting the corpse upon a crumpled pile-

Korr took point as the second set of explosions rocked the base, Zamil Azrák stayed close to the grenadier as he prepped the grenades for their ambush while Táäl gave overwatch by spotting targets for their knives to silence; Both quickly made their way towards the nearest Gasbarge where Korr rigged it as Azrák killed the pilot and tossed his body aside and then both charge into cover as Boomer walked by them, nearly spotting them then after he walked away. Both stood up afterwards and moved to the next two gasbarges, repeating the steps till they reached the fourth gasbarge where the Zamil lifted the anchor and allowed it to fly off, shortly after tossing in six ammo boxes and rigged them to explode:

Korr: [So we're going to start this with a good blast?... I like your methods, Zamil] -he says with a cheeky grin as he cocked his shotgun then he readied himself for the fight-

A few seconds later a massive explosion rocked the air base as the charges detonated the ammo boxes and completely obliterated the Gasbarge, launching wreckage and burning rubble all over the area, this led to Korr opening fire and quickly taking out two savage drones, Azrák used his boltok to take out multiple stunned savages and simultaneously Táäl killed a Savage Theron with a headshot in less time it took the savages to return fire. As the firefight against the larger force continued, the other rigged explosives went off, destroying many savages in the blasts and creating massive fires across the Air Base, which began funneling the savages towards a small area were the trio were essentially shooting fish in a barrel, outnumbered but they were not in immediate danger as they kept moving and gunning these savages with ease.

A few Marauders on fire tried charging at the Zamil but Korr killed them with his shotgun, Táäl took out a few more savages with his sniper until a explosion rocked then caused the entire tower to collapse, he fell hard against the ground with a loud thud, his sniper was destroyed on the fall; Korr charged through the fire then went towards Táäl who was stunned, he began dragging him away towards the Zamil while firing his shotgun at charging savages till they were forced to retreat as more Savages began charging and tossing grenades at them.

Zamil Azrák, Korr and Táäl began to retreat with a few modified ink grenades being tossed behind themselves to cover their escape towards the still grounded Gasbarges, all three get into the nearest barge where Azrák started getting it airborne, Korr and Táäl kept repelling the Savages back till they began to fly off into the air were both immediately mounted the Boomshot turrets and started bombarding the burning air base:

Táäl: [Is this part of your plan Zamil?] -he asked sarcastically as he felt three bullets tearing into his shoulder pauldron apart, forcing him to turn the turret towards the gunfire-

Zamil Azrák: [We crippled their base, now we must regroup back with our forces and strike at them at once before they can regroup themselves.] -They began to fly away from the air base when Korr pointed at the horizon towards their travel direction, catching the Zamil's attention-

Korr: [Seems our little show of fireworks brought us some back-up!] -he shouted as Elite piloted Reavers flew by them like bullets, rushing towards the air base, bombarding the burning outpost even further as the trio kept going even as the General lit a ink grenade then tied it to the back of the Gasbarge's deck as a signal to the Reavers-... [Zamil, let's return, let's finish these traitors!] -he shouts as he looked towards the Air base as it was bombarded over and over by the Elite Reaver Pilots, getting their revenge over the death of their comrades by the occupants of this Air base-

With a nod Zamil Azrák turned the Gasbarge around and began to rush back, they reloaded the guns and were getting ready to destroy the savages once and for all; As they approached, the General adjusted the barge's trajectory as they got closer and closer, the reavers kept rocking the already burning air base with relentless abandon. Korr strapped a few big ammo boxes with the last of his Demolition bombs, he and Táäl pushed them to the edge of the deck getting ready to use them as large improvised bombs.

Korr: [Payload ready...] -he says while he finished chaining the heavy ammunition boxes together-... [We've got a clear shot at the command center and the hangars, they're still standing, those traitors are holed up like the vermin they are!] -he pointed towards the still standing outpost's main building where the Savage were entrenched inside, firing at Reavers with turrets and small arms fire-... [Let's end this!]

Táäl: [Death to this traitors!] -he shouts as Azrák ordered them to drop the bombs on the target-

The explosion tore through the airbase, a eruption of insane proportions that sent shockwaves rippling outward in every direction, launching balls of fire and a hailstorm of shrapnel all over the air-base. The sheer force of it was so powerful that it nearly boiled the air, deafened all those who were in range of the air-base and Gasbarge shuddered violently as the blast's shockwave and wall of fire hit it, spiraling out of control; The General struggled to regain command, but the damaged craft plummeted from the sky as it's deck were nearly split in half by the blast then violently crashed hard into the tarmac.

The impact was brutal. Metal crumpled and twisted like they were made of paper, and the Gasbarge Beast caught fire, being nearly instantly cooked by the blast. The trio was thrown around like ragdolls, disoriented and gasping for breath almost being tossed onto the landing strip, ultimately being buried in the wreckage, saved just barely in the chaos. After it got quiet they managed to claw their way out of the wreckage, singed and bruised but alive.

They stumbled into the open, the air thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burning fuel, burning corpses strewn about, shredded and charred thanks to the contents of the improvised bombs, the shrapnel had turned many of the savage locusts into nothing that minced meat, scorched and almost converted into charcoal. They looked towards the remnants of the headquarters and hangar now a smoldering, ruins upon a massive crater. They were disoriented, bleeding and their pale scales were burning from the blinding flash of their bombing run, Korr felt onto his knees as they failed to hold him, he felt his ribs broken and blood dripped down from his mouth as the mushroom cloud finally dispersed, ash rained down and began to cover much of the area.

Táäl: [Move! We need to get to cover... now...] -the theron shouted, scanning for enemy troops amidst the eerie silence; They moved then took shelter behind a flash-burned crumbled wall, ignoring the sounds of distant explosions still rumbling around them-... [Korr, you alright?]

Korr: [Still alive...] -he says as he slides his back down the wall, sitting down and resting-... [Ribs... don't know how many but... ribs are broken.] -he grinned with some satisfied but pained smirk as he looks towards the remnants of the Air-base-... [Zamil, if this is the least of what to expect from you...] -he coughed-... [then you'll be one great ally to kill alongside with...] -he says as he's assisted up to his feet by the Zamil-

Zamil Azrák growls as his burns scars are once more hurting fiercely, the feeling of fire eating away at his flesh was not alien to him but he's used to the pain, his scarred flesh had severe nerve damage so this new set of burns felt like a sunburn to him, while Korr and Táäl were not so lucky; The two veteran locusts were trying to ignore the pain but it was seriously blinding pain, both tossed their armor aside as it was very hot, the gold on Táäl's shoulder plates had started melting at one point.

As they began to try to treat their burns and other wounds, Korr heard the sounds of many reavers landing all over the place, Elite locusts arrive and quickly begin scouring the destroyed the air base, securing the area and checking the bodies that were scattered around the place. The trio walked towards the area where Reavers had landed; The trio saw a cluster of Black Therons marching towards them while they're ordering the other locusts around, armed with bayonetted sawed-off shotguns, torque bows and one of them carried a larger crossbow covered wrappings and painted a tar black color.

A dark green ink covered Reaver landed and High General RAAM stepped down from it, his eyes were fixed on Azrák who stood still awaiting the General's judgement. The massive general walked towards them with his knife drawn, two Elite Therons decorated in similar armor to the Uzil and wielding Lancers and sawed-off shotguns holstered on their hips alongside large daggers, mirroring the Uzil's own knife. The two therons wore no helmets, revealing their scarred and grizzled faces, stoic and silent not even their breathing was heard.

Korr: [Aren't those two a sight to see... Elite Sentinels, thought they were a myth.] -he says quietly to Táäl who seemed focused on the approaching Uzil-

RAAM stopped ten feet from them, his eyes seemed to look past them, scanning the sight of the destroyed air base and the burning ruins that remained, corpses strewn about, he snorted and looked at them with what looked like a subtle grin then he silently pass his respect to the trio:

Uzil RAAM: [You three have shown remarkable initiative...] -he says to them-... [I wasn't expecting this great of a success from you, this destruction is commendable.] -he continues before turning to look towards their next target-... [This blatant demonstration of your cunning, your strength and ferocity deserves recognition, now you have granted us the perfect opportunity to finally crush Skjall and his traitors.] -he says to them-... [However, I believe that only with your leadership and... creativity can we finally butcher these animals.] -he says to the trio-

Zamil Azrák: [Truly an honor to serve the will of the queen, The Maw is the next target, when it falls it shall break the Savage's strength.] -he responds to the High General's words-... [When the Savage fall, Skjall will be left powerless.] -he moves towards the same direction of The Maw-... [So I ask you, Uzil, when will strike Skjall's den of traitors?]

Uzil RAAM: [We shall burn these animals at Dawn, ready yourselves and your new troops.] -he says to them while looking at Korr directly-... [The Hunters are yours to lead and to you, Táäl, my elite vanguard are under your command, you three have proven yourselves worthy of my respect, now you are dismissed, I expect your battle plans before me begin our attack.] -he turns around then mounted his reaver, he roared in victory prompting the Locusts to shout, yell and recognize the trio of Veterans as mighty warriors-

The trio, still reeling from their injuries, gathered upon a gasbarge from the many that arrived by RAAM's order, they ordered all the Therons and all the veteran locusts to join them in the planning for the attack upon The Maw; They began to lay out a tactical plan to exploit their newfound resources: the Hunters, The Vanguard Forces and all the soldiers that can join the battle against the Savage, this took all night, a productive night, one that will lead to a massive battle.

TO BE CONTINUED...