FEDERATION COLLECTION #2
AZARIUS UNDER FIRE
Storyline By: Steve Nolan
Scenario By: Chuck Parrott
Published By: Modern Day Publishing Co. Inc.
3223 Silver Pond Court
Charlotte, NC 28210
From The Author
I would especially like to thank the thousands of you Squad Leaders out there who have undoubtedly made The Azarius Incident a smashing success. Hundreds of orders have been pouring in weekly with no apparent end in sight. Without question it is our goal to make each disk of the Federation Collection one success after another, each out doing the last and giving you the ultimate in Breach 2 scenarios.
After completing The Azarius Incident, I realized that's its sequel had to be a block buster of a hit. The storyline needed would not only have to develop the under tones of the scenario design, but it would also have to set the stage for the next disk of the Federation Collection, Testimony of Courage. Together with the combined talents of Rob Ballantyne and our newest edition, Chuck Parrott (Scenario Designer of Secrets of Anforra and the Advanced Tactical Training School), we have created one hell of a campaign disk for you! Throughout the story, you will be asked to play several different Squad Leaders, Sergeant Steiner, Corporal Kim, and Lieutenant Kreiger (who are already included) as well as your present Squad Leader. We feel that this method not only adds to interesting reading, but challenging game play as well.
I cannot tell you how pleased we were with your overwhelming response to the Federation Collection. Thousands of orders are pouring in monthly, wanting not only the Advanced Tactical Training School, but also Azarius Under Fire! So far, about 75% of our new members have elected to join the Elite Club. When compared to the individual $19.95 price tag for each module, the cost for the Elite Club membership more than justifies the investment, especially when you get a free yearly subscription to VidComm! So if you haven't yet joined, think twice, while memberships are still available.
Kleptnir,
Steve Nolan
President and Executive Publisher
Modern Day Publishing Co., Inc.
11/14/89
Prologue
The thick, dense jungle awoke in a shrouded mist of gray fog as the large, burly trees of many shaded colors blended in the distance to form blurs of green and black. Rising amongst the shadows were nine tired figures. The morning's vapor swirled around them as they slowly rose from the jungle floor and stood motionless. Each of the nine were dressed in Standard Issue Federation exosuits of the Special Forces. One of the men took several cautious steps forward. A faint beeping sound, barely audible to the naked ear, sounded off as the scout proceeded closer towards the stream bed. The small hand held movement detector registered nothing. Still one could never be too sure.
Corporal Kim, slowly dropped to a crouching position and sat the detector on the ground. Taking several steps forward he began to realize that they were not alone. Holding his hand high over his head, he made a fist, In a instant, each of his comrades disappeared into the fog. Reaching inside his heavy rucksack, Kim took out a stun pistol. Switching his helmet's sensors to infared he slowly scanned the immediate area, again nothing.
The Scout's instincts told him that someone was out there, but all his equipment told him otherwise. As the Corporal slipped the stun pistol back into his rucksack, the forest around him suddenly erupted alive in wild frenzy of leaves, bark and the mad rush of dark blur. A moment later, before the scout could react, the rushing figure slammed into him, knocking him backwards to the ground. Kim struggled as he tried to get a grip on his weapon, that lay several inches beyond his reach. About the same time Kim realized who had attacked him, he heard the high pitched squeal of a nearby laser pistol.
A bright burst of energy raced across the forest and smashed into his attacker, knocking it over on its side. Kim for the first time, saw the thick leathery hide of the wadgel. Knowing he had only a second or two of time to react, he immediately rolled over and leapt over a fallen log. He ducked behind the protective covering of the log, as a massive wave of poisonous stingers raced out of the wadgel's tail, stitching the air where he had been. Two more sounds of laser fire echoed off in the nearby distance. Kim quickly made his way back to the edge of the log as he could make out the silhouette of Sergeant Steiner approaching from the nearby trail.
"You okay Corporal?"
Kim got to his knees and looked over at the small pile of glowing ashes that had once been a wadgel. "Yeah, suppose I am." replied the oriental scout Reaching up taking a hold of the Sergeant's hand, he hauled himself up from the ground. "Thanks Sarge. I must be getting too old for this shit."
"Relax, it happens to the best of us."
"I can't explain it, the sensor and detectors registered nothing on the scopes."
"I know, I saw you. If it wasn't for that sixth sense of yours, we would have all walked straight into that wadgel."
"Well, we got to keep moving. Those rebels will for sure have heard the laser shots."
"Right, " replied the Top Sergeant as he turned back towards his hidden unit, "Krantz..." he shouted out into the fog behind him.
"Right! You heard Top, get off your asses and move out." shouted Staff Sergeant Krantz.
"Corporal, I want you to hang out behind us, cover our trail and hide our tracks, start off to the west and form a new trail. Don't make it too obvious, but I want them circling around a bit to buy us that lost time. Meet up with us a click north from here."
"You got it Die Weed."
Steiner smiled and turned back to the assembled group. "Beletsky, you got point."
Kim quickly gathered up his rucksack and began covering up the foot prints of his unit as they proceeded north. He knew he had to act fast The rebels were only two clicks behind them and closing fast They had been on the go since they pulled out of the base camp an hour ago. Kim's mind was racing back to what seemed like an eternity ago, when the camp had come under attack. The loud reverberating sounds of the general alarm rang out into the late night air as explosion after explosion ripped into the night, lighting up the camp in distorted shadows of light He could still remember the utter feeling of helplessness when he saw the hundreds of silhouettes of rebels pouring into the camp from all four sides as the very earth shuttered under the continuous pounding of artillery and rocket fire. Armed with only a laser pistol, Kim somehow managed to link up with Sergeant Krantz as the camp quickly became overrun. The two of them both fought off the rebels resorting to hand to hand combat as they miraculously managed to secure the armory long enough to grab supplies.
Kim stood up and took off his helmet. Beads of sweat began to roll down his forehead. The thought of seeing those two rebel sappers running by him towards B platoon's barracks made him feel sick to his stomach. He could remember dropping to his knee and aiming his rifle. One, two, three shots streaked out of the end of his barrel smacking into the back of the sapper. Four, five and six shots were needed to bring him down. The other sapper was nearly half way there. Taking a deep breath, Kim steadied his aim and fired once again. The shot was as always, on target. The sudden impact knocked the rebel forward, but the sapper somehow managed to retain his balance. Kim fired his weapon but this time it had locked up and overheated. Throwing his rifle down in disgust he stood up and began to run towards the sapper in hope of tackling him to the ground and stopping him.
Kim replaced his helmet and switched his view to infared, making sure all would look perfect The trail was now totally hidden, turning around being careful not to disturb the dirt trail, he turned and headed west. Every ten or twenty meters he would stop and break a small twig off of a nearby bush to lead the rebels down a false path. Kim's idle mind kept returning to the base camp's attack...
He could still make out the image of the sapper as he burst into the barracks open doorway. The sapper had a neutron satchel charge on him. His intent was strictly one way, wipe out the barracks and the marines sleeping inside. The bright silhouette of the explosion flashed the image of the sapper as his body erupted into an inferno of bright light. A moment later it was dark once again. Kim fell to the ground and pounded his fists into dirt. Seventeen of his fellow comrades had ceased being in a matter of micro seconds. He had felt that it was his fault, if he hadn't overheated his weapon, he would have been able to stop the sapper.
Kim slowly came out of his revelry as something off to the right caught his eye. Dropping to the ground, Kim managed to remain undetected. Inching his way into the dense undergrowth next to the trail, Kim simply disappeared into the jungle.
Play AUF 01
Use the Squad Leader Corporal Kim for this scenario.
CHAPTER 1
The men were assembled. It took too damn long, but at least you were now on the way. Lieutenant Kreiger was back at the garrison to defend the city if the rebels made a push for Freeport. Then again, how could thirty-nine men be expected to defend an entire city? Looking around at your eight men you can tell that they are scared and nervous, but who wouldn't be? They were asked to go in on an operation where they knew they'd be up against 10 to 1 odds. They were brave men, but they sure weren't the same caliber of marine that you were used to, but they would have to do. The distant sounds of the shuttle's engines beginning to whine told you it was time.
The question was, where to chose the LZ. Chances were, the choice would make or break the mission. If you picked the wrong LZ, you could land directly on a patrol. The thought of landing directly in the middle of the camp might prove to be the best, but you were now using men who you weren't familiar with. How would they perform? God what you would give for just a handful of Special Forces Marines. These men were about to be sent to their death, yet you knew that they would have to be baptized under fire. You had to rescue your men. The nervous notion that maybe some of your men perhaps wouldn't make it seemed to unnerve you. Would it be a waste? There was no telling until you tried it. It was all or nothing....
"Okay people listen up. I am the Commanding Officer of the Special Forces detachment that has been assigned on this planet. I have asked your C.O., Lieutenant Kreiger for some manpower to assist me on some upcoming operations. I know that all of you men are volunteers and I can appreciate that. As you know, little over a two hours ago, our Special Forces Base Camp was attacked by a large detachment of Rebels. We estimate their strength to be close to one hundred or so. We have no definite numbers or fire power estimates, and on top of all that, we have lost all communications with the survivors. We are going in on a rescue operation to bring my men out of there. I can not tell you how many enemy have entered the compound. I can not tell you how many of men have survived. I can not tell you whether or not you will be making it back alive either. I can however tell you, that you men are soldiers, and you all have been trained for missions like this one. Just remember to think fast, and chose your targets carefully, I don't want us hitting our own people. If you should get separated from the unit, don't call out, we'll come looking for you. Lock and load. Let's go in there and kick some ass."
(Note. Use your own Squad Leader for this upcoming Mission.)
If you decide to pick the LZ south of the base camp play AUF 02.
If you decide to pick the LZ north of the base camp play AUF 03.
If you decide to pick the LZ east of the base camp play AUF 04.
If you decide to pick the LZ west of the base camp play AUF 05.
If you decide to pick the LZ in the middle of the base camp play AUF 06
CHAPTER 2
The chill of the slowly setting sun began to announce the arrival of night. The jungle's dark mysterious shadows, now stretched out and elongated, blanketed most of the small clearing. The distant glow of the campfire flickered the light to and fro with each crackle of the fire. A small group of rebels huddled around the fire's warmth, unsuspecting that they were being watched.
Steiner inched his way closer as he crawled through the dense undergrowth. He was so close he could make out the quiet sounds of snoring. Switching to infared mode, he counted six men sleeping and five standing by the fire. Where there any more on guard? They couldn't possibly feel that confident not to place some guards nearby? Forming his hands into quiet gestures he asked Simms if she counted the same. Holding her head into the moonlight, she spotted four more by the stream. Switch to frequency seven Steiner gestured.
"You on Simms?" he whispered. He knew that whispering made no difference over a secured comlink channel, but it only seemed natural when he was only a stone's throw away from the rebels.
"Yes sir. I spot three, maybe four more by the brook. I can't see what they're up to."
"Okay, inform Beletsky to tune to seven."
"She already has Die Weed." came his reply.
Steiner smiled to himself, his people were damn good soldiers, the best of the best. "Good, what do you see from your position?"
Beletsky inched his way up the tree to check out the camp site one more time. "Looks like they have some supplies with them. I can't make out the crates, but it looks like explosives."
"Good, then we got to take these clowns out and recover anything we can get our hands on. Beletsky, switch to infared and cover me and Simms, we're goin' in. If anybody comes from the stream, waste them."
"Roger, anybody who moves over there is dusted."
"Good, Simms, you and I are going to sneak in there close and hit them with our stun pistols. Remember we're here to snatch up as much food and supplies as we can carry. Don't use your laser unless we're discovered."
Simms reached into her near empty rucksack and adjusted the weight evenly. Grabbing her stun pistol she checked its charge. "Okay Top lets do it."
Play AUF 07
Use the Squad Leader Sergeant Steiner for this scenario.
(Note: Food and supplies resemble Data Packs for this scenario.)
CHAPTER 4
The thought of losing your entire unit took its toll on you. Throughout the entire night, the faces of all your men came to haunt you in your sleep. You should have been with them. Now all you can do is hope that some of them had managed to escape and were somehow trying to make it back to Freeport.
Waking up in the middle of the night, you slowly get out of bed and get dressed. Walking down the dimly lit hallway of the marine garrison you begin to wonder what you would do if you were with Sergeant Steiner and the others. God they had to have escaped, you mutter to yourself.
As you enter the down shaft you realize that the only way you could help Steiner and the others was to somehow find them and evacuate them out of the jungle. As you make your way into the operations center you slowly walk by a marine sitting in front of a terminal. For a brief moment, you were about to ask Corporal Simms for a cup of coffee. Realizing that she wasn't with you anymore, you felt a large lump begin to form in your stomach.
Simms was a good soldier. She was your communications expert, as well as being one hell of a marksmen. The image of her soft face comes to mind as you stop in front of the operations map. Her short cropped brown hair reminds you of one of your old academy romances. You let out a brief smile and decide that if you were to help Simms, Steiner and the rest, you would have to find them before the rebels did.
Marking the map with the a red circle you easily pinpoint the camp's location. If they traveled east it would take them to the highlands. They very well could have headed that way, but if they had any wounded, the walk would definitely be too slow and dangerous. If they headed North, it would eventually take them to the main road, towards one of Maxim Dynamic's old processing plants. But to get there they'd have to cross the marshlands. If they headed West, it would simply take them across the plains. They'd have hardly no cover what so ever... Steiner was too smart for that. They sure as hell didn't head South towards the rebels... or did they?. Pounding your fist on the table you realize that there were too many possibilities. You knew that your man power was limited, and that you couldn't afford to check out all the possibilities. Time was against you.... soon it would be first light.
Looking at your watch you realize that throughout the ordeal of the past twenty four hours, you haven't informed High Command of the situation. "Trooper, I need a patch into High Command. Place a priority call on ninety eight-A frequency. I need to talk with Admiral Williamson."
"Just one moment." replied the sleepy voice of the operator as he entered the frequency. "Should be coming in at that terminal over there." he said pointing to the screen beside you. Admiral Williamson's face appeared on the screen. His bloodshot eyes easily told you that he's been under some stress lately. Then again, haven't we all.
"Commander, finally.... what in the devil is going on down there?"
"We got problems. The Special Forces Base has been overrun. In the last twenty four hours, the camp came under heavy artillery and rocket attack. Casualties are extremely high. I've just returned hours ago from a mission to see if there were any survivors. We were able to retrieve only three of my men, one was severely wounded, and he's in critical condition. Unfortunately my report is sketchy at best. The rebels must have attacked in full strength and totally overrun the camp within minutes. It looks like we got penetration at all levels. Judging by activity reported in the immediate area, it looks like the rebels are mustering up a massive manhunt in the area. I have strong reasons to believe that there may be survivors from the attack."
"What about the data?"
"From what I could observe inside the camp, it looks like Steiner and his men managed to get all the data packs out before he pulled out. That's why I think the rebels are searching for him."
"You've got to find Steiner and his men before the rebels do."
"I know, we are planning a search operation at first light."
"I don't have to tell you this Commander, but if the rebels catch up to Steiner and retrieve any of that data, the Zollanti will be able to discover the secret location of our listening post that's under construction. Not only would it directly violate our treaty with the Zollanti, but it would set back our intelligence network years. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir. I do. I will find Steiner and resecure the data. But I'm going to need more resources. I'm stretching the small detachment of marines at the garrison to the limits. I need men to defend the city in case the rebels push for Freeport. I don't have enough resources to protect any of Maxim Dynamics processing plants. I've had to recall all security guard patrols and hope to hell the rebels don't strike at the plants."
"I don't know how soon I can assemble anymore reinforcements and get them out to you. You will have to make do with what you have. I know that's asking a lot, but once word gets out to what has happened on Azarius, I may find more support from the politicians."
"Screw the politicians sir. We need manpower down here or we're not only going to lose the secret listening post, we're going to lose the damn planet!"
"I understand son, believe me. You just worry about finding Steiner and those tapes and I'll worry about the reinforcements."
"Aye aye sir. I'll be transmitting from this location from now on, until I get a grip of the situation."
CHAPTER 5
After the little run in with the rebel patrols earlier, Kim had to hump more lost territory than he expected. He could have easily decided to back track and head back to the main unit, but he knew that he would be jeopardizing their positions. Choosing the more difficult route seemed the only logical choice. Humping an extra four or five clicks, he was sure that he had lost the pursing rebels. That's when he spotted more. Luckily he had seen them long before they had an opportunity to take his main unit by surprise.
Staying off the trail, Kim weaved in and out the trees. Switching to infared he could make out the images of his own comrades laying amongst a small clearing down inside a ravine. The rebels about fifteen strong, were headed directly towards the others. Didn't they spot them coming.? It looks as though they were resting, waiting for him to eventually join up. Suddenly from out of nowhere, a hand reached out, took hold of Kim's mouth and forced him up against a tree. Kim struggling with the invisible assailant, quickly managed to switch off his infared scanner and lift up his faceplate. The faint odor of phosphorus permeated the air around him. It was a camo-suit!
Suddenly the operator turned off the suit's power pack. It was Blaine. "Relax China-boy it's only me man."
"Where in the hell did you find the suit?"
"Oh, man you missed it. We ran up on a small patrol of rebels last night and took them out. Steiner and Simms were able to get two suits off them as well as some proxes and remotes."
"Excellent. Where's Top? I spotted a rebel patrol coming this way." he said pointed back over his shoulder.
"Relax, Top's already taking care of business. He's out setting up an ambush with Krantz, Beletesky and Simms. Come on man, let's join up with the rest, they got work to do. We even managed to get some C-rats off the rebels, so follow me and get a bite of eat."
"Sounds good to me. 0l' Die Weed ought to be able to handle the ambush, I'm starving."
"That's the spirit."
Play AUF O8
(Use the Squad Leader Sergeant Steiner for this scenario.)
CHAPTER 6
Dawn's early rays slowly rose over the distant highlands to the south. The planet's six hours days and six hour nights were still hard to adapt to. Rising slowly off your cot, you stand up and get dressed as a soft rap knocks on your door.
"Enter." you command aloud.
Lieutenant Kreiger, garbed in full battle gear appears at your door and enters. Immediately you think that the city is under attack. He senses your apparent fears and holds up a hand for you to relax.
"Good morning. Just wanted you to get an early start and offer a hand in help to lead some search parties for your missing men."
Letting a small sigh of relief out, you suit up. "At first I thought we were under attack. Good, I will need every willing soldier I can get my hands on."
"Yes I know. You can have every one of my men at your disposal."
"Very good, thank you Lieutenant. I will make a note of it in my next report to the Admiral."
"No that won't be necessary. I just want to volunteer my services and that of my men to you. I want to get out there, rifle in hand and find those boys of yours.
Not even willing to hide your feelings you smile as you slip on your boots. You quickly realize that this young green officer wants to be baptized under fire with his men. "Have you ever lead a squad into combat?"
"Seventeen times, but of course they were all simulated?"
"How many actual combat missions?"
"None."
"So then why should I let you lead a squad into a potential fire fight and jeopardize the operation?"
"Because you need every Tom, Dick and Harry you can get your hands on. And besides, you got to start sometime. You can't physically be everywhere at once Commander."
Standing up you pat the Lieutenant on the back. "Good point lieutenant,
"Let's go check out the map and plan your mission. We got six hours of good sunlight, and I don't intend on losing anymore than I have to. Steiner and his men are out there somewhere, and we got to find them."
"I know, I've been studying the operations map. I have a hunch, he might have turned west towards the crosslands, hoping to cross the river."
Shrugging your shoulders, "Your guess is as good as mine. Tell you what, assemble a small patrol and transport out there. I'm going to get a quick bite to eat and go out on another patrol. Maybe they are trying to get to one of the processing plants?"
"Good, then I'll see you this afternoon." grabbing his rifle he walked to the door, "Oh and Commander, I have put Sergeant Farber in charge of operations, he's a good man. He'll watch the base when we're out"
"Very good," standing up you walk towards the door, "Oh and Lieutenant, good hunting."
Play AUF 09
(Use the Squad Leader Kreiger for this scenario.)
CHAPTER 7
The news of Lieutenant Kreiger's death was a shock to all. Not only had the rebels managed to destroy your Special Forces Base Camp and more than two thirds of your own men, they had managed to kill the Commanding Officer of the Marine garrison, wipe out one quarter of the men, and demoralize the remaining men. Now not only the responsibility of finding your men and recovering the lost data packs was on your mind, now you were thrust into the uncomfortable position of commanding Kreiger's marines. They were obviously shocked to hear that their commander had fallen earlier this morning. Looking up from your cold cup of coffee, the larger bulky figure of a marine garbed in full battle dress exosuit walked into the Operations Center.
"Sergeant Farber reporting as ordered sir."
"At ease Sergeant, I just wanted to meet you personally and give you my condolences about your CO. I know the two of you were rather close."
"Thank you. Yes we were close, the L-Tee and me got along real well."
"How are the men taking the news?"
"Not to good. I think that they are pissed off more than anything. It will do them good to get out in the field and give those rebel scum some pay back."
You turn around and stare hard into the colored sergeant's dark brown eyes. He was good man, but could he be depended on?
"You were in Operations when Kreiger reported in last. What went on out there?"
"Looks like he stumbled upon the lead elements of an armored column."
"Damn," you mutter to yourself as you walk over to the map. "Where was his last reported location?"
"Right about here." he says pointing west of the river.
"What was there reported strength?"
"Don't know."
"Which direction were they headed to?"
"He didn't say sir."
"Damn it, don't you people know proper procedures?"
"I guess he had only enough time to die."
Calming down you lean up against a nearby table. The lieutenant was green. It should have been expected. But nevertheless, the rebels had moved that armor column and regrouped it. Perhaps they were waiting to attack the city again? You can only hope that they were having refueling problems and it would be a while before the major push for the city would come.
"Are the men ready for the patrol?"
"Yes sir, I have assembled the men and they are waiting for you in the transporter room. If you don't mind sir, I would like to accompany you and the men on this next search party."
"Oh, that won't be necessary Sergeant."
"Beg your pardon sir, but I think it would be best"
"Best for who? You or the men?"
"Best for you sir."
"I don't follow Sergeant?"
"Sir the men are scared. First you come out of no where and start taking over the show. Then the L-Tee buys the farm. Why? My men are a little unsure of you and what all this means to them. I just think it would be beneficial for you, the men and the mission, if I accompany you on this next search party."
"Are you trying to tell me Sergeant that the men don't trust me."
"I guess you could say it that way sir." he said with a smirk.
"I see..." you stand up and walk over to the door and shut it quietly.
"Sergeant have all the men in the garrison assembled in the transporter, I want you to even pull the men on guard duty and have them assemble there as well, I think we'll be safe for a few minutes."
The black Sergeant stood to attention, saluted and walked out the door. The silence of the room fell over the place like a wet blanket on a fire. It was time you cleared the air between the men and yourself, regardless of how they presently felt, you would have to set them straight, hoping to get to at least some of them.
Chapter 8
The small ragtag group of men proceeded down the overgrown path. Sergeant Steiner raised his hand into the air and halted the column.
"Okay take two." he said setting down his rucksack on the ground. Walking in front on the group he motioned for Sergeant Krantz to come over.
"What's up Top?"
"We have to hump through the marsh if we even hope of getting back."
"I suppose well need a recon team to go out first and check things out?" asked the Staff Sergeant.
"Right, have Beletsky and Kim put on the camo-suits and check it out."
Krantz pointed to Kim and Beletsky. The two men, tired and cold stood up and tried to shake off the fatigue. Kim, hopping to his feed first, reached down and helped Beletsky to his feet. The two marines walked over to Krantz.
"We need a team to go out into the marsh and recon the area. Its going to take hours to cross this shit, so Top wants to make sure we don't have any surprises when we head out."
"All right, give us a minute or two to get our gear and we'll move out."
"Good, take the camo-suits with you."
"Right, but let's hope we won't need them."
Play AUF 10
Use Squad Leader Kim for this scenario.
Chapter 9
The hushed whispers of the men grew silent as you entered the room. Some of the men continued to talk as you stood patiently by waiting for all of them to silence. "Men, these are hard times we are experiencing. I'm afraid we are going to be facing even harder to time ahead. I have been forced to take command of this garrison, and I am now, from this minute forth, your new commanding officer. I will not hide any information from any of you. The rebels definitely have the upper hand. Since the attack of the Special Forces camp, they seem to feel that we are beaten. They have another think coming, if they think we have given up. Because if we give up, you will die. You bet your next pay check that the rebels aren't going to let up on their attacks."
Again some of the men in the back of the room began to talk quietly. Waiting you wait for their cooperation. "Lieutenant Kreiger died in combat a couple of hours ago. He and his men stumbled upon a large column of Zollanti Tanks, about 12 kilometers from the city." The sounds of disbelief filled the room. "He felt that it was his duty to engage the tanks, he sacrificed himself and that of his men, to save you. He has bought us time. Time to regroup, find the remaining marines that are being pursued in the jungles and come up with some sort of defense of the city. We are not pulling out, we have orders to defend the city to last."
"That's bullshit man," called out a marine. "how do you expect us to stop tanks with these?" be said holding up a laser rifle.
"I don't know. We will have to find a way, or we die. Its as simple as that Private. We will have to all pull together and share the burden. Now I want both Bravo and Charlie Group assembled in five minutes, we're going out into the marshlands."
The men stood still, unsure of themselves and your leadership. Some of the men looked over to the door at Sergeant Farber. The colored NCO looked back at you, then over to the men and nodded his approval. The men quickly disassembled and exited the room. As the last of the men left, you walk over to the Sergeant and point to this face, your finger inches away from his nose.
"You ever do that again Sergeant and I'll lay a section eight on your black ass so fast you'll never know what hit you. Am I understood?"
The Sergeant squinted his eyes in disdain.
"Am I understood?"
"Yes sir." he said. Turning around he walked to the door and muttered under his breath. "It's your show now... don't screw it up."
TO BE CONTINUED...