Book 3 Chapter 32: Outmanuevered

Book 3 Chapter 32: Outmanuevered

I lay prone, a cerberus in my hands, as we waited for the Remnants to pass. Nix had picked a perfect position for our attack. We were close enough to be in range with our weaponry, far enough away to be difficult to spot, and near enough to a deadzone that our retreat would be covered. There were around twenty of us, with some of our people remaining in Medina to aid with its defense and fortification.

Our attack was, in many ways, the most dangerous one. The Horde took the first ambush and so was able to take the initiative from the enemy and maximize their damage. When the Kaijin attacked, the Remnants had been expecting more Horde attacks that they didnt think would be possible in the swamp. As the third assault, we were likely expected. The Remnants would now almost certainly have their guard up. Still, without ability to follow us into the deadzone, we had a distinct advantage.

We sat, and waited. I began to see the dust being kicked up by the enemies movements, and borrowed a set of binoculars from Nix to watch their approach. I could tell that the enemy's numbers had been well reduced by our attacks, and their pace was now slower, and more deliberate. There were more of the power armored troops toward the front to act as a bulwark against assault.

There was to be a final attack by the Horde before they reached us. I could see the smoke and dust from their vehicles starting to begin their approach. I watched as they reached the Remnants lines. They strafed them once, then twice, then a third time then they very suddenly seemed to get stuck. I watched a number of vehicles come to a complete stop, and start unleashing all of their munitions all at once. They were circled around something, but I couldnt tell what. I saw one car explode, then another, then just as suddenly as theyd stopped, the vehicles started back up, and drove at what I assumed was their maximum speed, back toward Medina. Something had gone wrong.

I handed the binoculars back to Nix, and she assessed the situation. She wore a grim expression, but turned to her men.

We follow through with the attack. Whether or not something went wrong, slowing them down and softening them up can only help.

We settled back into position, waiting for them to pass within range. Once they were close enough that I could make out individuals, I grabbed the binoculars again and searched for the most beaten suit of power armor and was surprised when I couldnt find it. I looked again, but Graves was nowhere to be seen. That made my teeth itch. I searched the area around us, and took a deep breath to use my enhanced sense of smell to detect him, but I didnt sense or see any sign of him.

I returned the binoculars to Nix for the last time, and began lining up to shoot my cerberus. The others were already in position. I looked across them, recognizing a few faces from our initial attack into STAR territory. They looked sure, and focused. Deadmen and women whod seen combat, some of them even still wearing the black robes of the Undertaker, marking them out as veterans among veterans. I was in good company.

Just before the bulk of the enemy forces reached us, something changed. The forces split into two, with the bulk continuing forward toward Medina, and the rest of them starting to move directly on our position. I exchanged an uneasy glance with Nix, then returned my attention to the enemy lines.

I watched as fifteen suits of power armor took up a spot on the vanguard. Behind them, I saw what must have been nearly one hundred normal soldiers start to place masks on their faces. I took the binoculars from Nix and looked through them, feeling my heart rate speed up. I recognized those masks, and looking closer, I could see that under their clothes were full black bodysuits that I recognized. Id first met Leah when she was wearing one in a deadzone full of high rads.

We need to move.

Whats wrong? asked Nix.

Whatever ammo anyone has left, explosives, anythinggive it to me.

Nix looked at me, continuing her march even as she took a moment to close the deadwomans remaining eye. You running into that groups is a death sentence. She said.

It is but just for me. Give me what you can, and Ill cover everyone elses escape.

She looked at me, incredulous.

Youve seen me fight. Its the only chance to maximize your chances of survival.

She gritted her teeth. Everyone, all remaining power packs, and explosives. Give them to Donovan. No more stopping to focus fire. Now we focus on marching.

They all nodded, and looked at me confused. One of them. The one who had sobbed, stopped moving and approached me.

No, Ill stand with him. He shouldnt do this alone.

I shoved the body into his arms. I shouldnt, but Im going to. You get this body back to Potts. She deserves to be buried in her home.

He grimaced, but nodded. Nix brought me a backpack. Five power packs, a handful of grenades, and an extra laspistol. I laid it next to me, placed my other pack on the ground, and drove my sword into the ground in front of me. The others hesitated.

GO! I yelled, raised the cerberus and aimed at the approaching forces. There were maybe one hundred and two or three left. Wed done a good job whittling them down.

You heard him, double time! yelled Nix.

I heard them bound away, moving much faster now. I aimed, and got ready to squeeze the trigger. I smiled, showing my teeth. How many could I get through before they took me down?