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  “How do you know they’re taking humans?”

  “My brother saw it during his last mission. He’s a pilot, and he said they were transporting prisoners west from Saarbrucken.”

  “You sure? You’re sure they were alive?”

  “Positive, Sir. He said they were mostly soldiers. Some were wounded, but they all looked alive.”

  “Alright, thanks.”

  Taylor turned back to Chandra and let the two soldiers continue on their way.

  “You know what this means?”

  “Let’s not jump to any conclusions here,” replied Chandra.

  “Jones is alive, and you know it. I’d bet good money he is wherever those prisoners were being taken.”

  Taylor lifted a pocket on his combats and pulled out his Mappad. Seconds later, he had the map of the area and zoomed in to the city of Saarbrucken.

  “We know Saarbrucken has become a major enemy staging point.”

  He tracked west along the main highway.

  “There, Metz. It’s the obvious place to hold prisoners. Far enough away from the front line but with easy access.”

  “That’s a whole lot of maybes,” mused Chandra.

  “Come on, this is Jones we are talking about. We can’t just leave him to die!”

  Chandra shook her head. She knew that she should never entertain such an idea, but her feelings for Jones had clouded her judgement. She wanted him back just as much as Taylor, maybe more so. She lowered her head as she thought over the situation, until finally she looked back up to Mitch. It was clear he was not going to let it go, and she prayed that Jones was alive as they hoped.

  “Even if he is alive and imprisoned, what are we going to do about it?”

  “We’ve pulled off far greater tasks. If we can get some intel on his location, then we have the equipment and troops ready to get him out.”

  “Schulz will never agree to it, risking equipment and troops for the rescue of one man.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting we went just for the Captain. Walker is held there too, and God knows how many others. If we can pull off a rescue mission, it will not only bring back troops, but it could provide a massive morale boost to everyone here.”

  “I am not sure the General will see it that way.”

  “Then to hell with him. We’ll do it on our own!”

  “It’s worth us at least putting it past him before we go it alone. If we do this without authorisation, there will be hell to pay even if it is a total success.”

  “Whatever the price, it’s worth paying over letting our people be at their mercy.”

  Chandra smiled.

  “You know, I remember a time when Jones told me that you were a man to never break the rules. A marine who obeyed every command to the letter.”

  “We were not at war then. It gives a new perspective.”

  “And if you had heard about troops being taken captive, and they weren’t friends of yours?” she asked.

  “We’ll never know. So what, if my personal friendship is affecting my judgement? We fight for each other, otherwise what is the point of it all?”

  Chandra turned away and looked around the base at the hundreds of troops coming and going. She knew that General Schulz and Brigadier Dupont would likely not authorise it, but she had to ask.

  The room was silent. The Major had outlined the information she had to the Generals, and they all sat awaiting Schulz’s answer. He was in charge of all operations in the area, and they all looked to him. They didn’t seem surprised that prisoners were being held, nor show much compassion for the soldiers’ fate. They already knew and they do nothing, she thought. She panned around the room, looking for support from any of the officers, but they did their best to look away.

  “No, I will not risk our people in a suicidal mission based on sketchy information. Your request is denied. I understand your desire to save your men, but this is not the time. You have done a fine job in this war, Major, and we need you to keep up the good work. With officers like you on the front line, we are bound to win the war. Your efforts will be greatly rewarded.”

  Fucking medals. My people are out there fighting and dying, for this? She was disgusted by the General’s attitude, but she knew she was foolish for expecting anything else. He only cared about figures, not soldiers. She turned and strode out of the room without a salute. It was an insult to her superiors that she knew they could do little about. In a time when they needed every capable soldier they had, she could get away with a lot.

  The Major stormed out of the Headquarters to find Taylor awaiting her. He could already see she had failed in her attempt to get the General’s approval.

  “Bastards,” he muttered.

  “I shouldn’t have wasted my breath,” she snapped.

  “What now?”

  “I won’t leave our people there to rot. Find Phillips, he’s the only one who can get us what we need.”

  “You think he’ll help?”

  “He’s our only chance.”

  Chandra squinted as she peered over Taylor’s shoulder.

  “There he is.”

  She brushed past Mitch to confront the Commander. He could already see that she wanting something from him and wasn’t in the mood to accept anything less.

  “What can I do for you, Major?”

  “Glad you asked, we need to talk, now!”

  She led the Commander back to their bunkhouse where she knew they would get some privacy. The Company was busy getting chow, and nobody would dare invade their space. Phillips was already restless by the time they reached the room, and he didn’t like being led around. When they were finally shut inside the dorm room, the Commander opened his mouth to talk but was cut short my Chandra.

  “The enemy are taking prisoners, and we think we know where. Captain Jones is almost certainly among them.”

  Phillips shook his head. It was clearly something he had heard before and had been the subject of much pressure from those around him.

  “I have already heard this from the mouths of other officers who want to rush headlong into enemy territory to get them back.”

  “You knew and have done nothing?” shouted Taylor.

  “What can I do? We have been losing ground since the day this war began, and we are lucky to ever hold on to anything for long. We have endless lists of dead, wounded and MIAs. General Schulz will not risk any more troops to pursue this. I am guessing you already know this, as you would only be coming to me if you had already failed with him.”

  “Damn straight!” snapped Taylor.

  “What do you expect me to do?”

  “I don’t give a damn who’s in charge of this base. Your responsibility is to us. We have people out there left to the mercy of the enemy, and that includes at least two of your own. I expect you to do whatever you must to get them back!” shouted Taylor.

  Phillips looked insulted and put out by Taylor’s sudden lashing out.

  “Must I remind you of the chain of command, Major?”

  Chandra stepped forward. She could not take anymore.

  “Don’t give us that shit. We’ve been getting our arses blown off since this war began while you sat comfortably at command. We don’t expect you to pick up a weapon and join us, but we do expect you to give us the support we deserve.”

  Phillips gasped as he lowered his head in shame. He knew it was wrong to leave troops behind, but he had treated the losses as pure statistics. He looked back up and spoke softly.

  “If I help you, the General will have my balls.”

  “And if you don’t, soldiers will die. We are going to find Jones, and any other prisoners, with or without your help. Without you, we go in blind and will likely pay a high price for it. With your assistance, we may just pull it off.”

  The Commander knew he was between a rock and hard place, but they had made a solid case. As much as he stuck to the rules, he despised both Schulz and Dupont.

  “Alright, to hell with it. With the way things are go
ing, there’s probably little they can do to me anyway.”

  Taylor smiled as he patted the Commander on the shoulder.

  “You’re doing the right thing, Sir.”

  “I hope so.”

  “What intel do you have on this?” asked Chandra.

  “We know prisoners are being kept in a facility in Metz in small numbers. What we don’t know is why.”

  “What have we been doing since they arrived here?” asked Chandra.

  Phillips looked up to the Major dumbfounded.

  “We have studied them. We have tried to understand our enemy,” mused Taylor.

  Phillips nodded in agreement.

  “You really think that’s what they are doing? Studying our soldiers?”

  “I’d be amazed if they weren’t,” replied Chandra. “Something tells me that this invasion has not resulted in the blitz success which they had hoped for. We are starting to slow their advance and adapt to better fight them. They may now be looking for every avenue to exploit.”

  “That would explain it. From what we can tell, they have only taken military personnel from the front lines.”

  “How many prisoners do you figure they have?”

  “Maybe a dozen or more.”

  Taylor nodded. “Alright, few enough that we should be able to make this quick and quiet.”

  “Do you really believe you can get them out?” asked Phillips.

  “If we were able to take out the Poitiers weapon, we can do anything. With accurate information of their location, it is more than doable.”

  “Okay, I can get you maps and heat signature images from the area. I can authorise you on a mission to the west, but not for this purpose. Once you head for Metz, you will be on your own. You must be aware there will be repercussions for this even if you succeed.”

  Taylor nodded, but he didn’t care what might become of them when they got back. He stared at the Commander until it became clear he had no desire to hear any more about it.

  “I will help you get to Metz, but once you return, I cannot admit to any involvement. We cannot afford to have it know that command level officers have been subordinate in the face of such a conflict.”

  Taylor sighed. Typical fucking politician, he thought as he rubbed his brow. He looked over to Chandra to be certain he had her support. He knew she would take the brunt of the flack as the Company commander if she went along with it.

  “You should let my marines do this alone, Major. You are needed with the Company. Better still, we’re Americans, and there’s only so much Schulz and that idiot Dupont can do to us.”

  It was clear that Chandra wanted more than anything to go on the mission, but she held her tongue and thought a little longer.

  “As much as it pains me to say it, you’re right. I would never have you take this risk alone, but it may be the only way of keeping this Company together. With the reputation you have earned, you hold a lot of weight around here. A platoon of gung ho yanks going on a suicidal mission without orders is far easier to justify than the entire Company being implicit in the affair.”

  Taylor chuckled.

  “For once our reputation may be what keeps us from the brig?”

  “The Major is right. If you can pull this off, then the punishment will be minimal,” Phillips added.

  “Alright, that’s it then. Taylor, you are now in command of the rescue mission which we will designate Operation Dead Stick. You will need to get Eddie Rains on board along with a second copter. He should be able to get another of the modified FVs if you ask nicely.”

  “I’m sure he’d be more than capable of the task and happy to help.”

  “Commander, I need all the intel you have on their location and enemy positions in and around Metz, and I need them before sundown. We are doing this tonight.”

  “Tonight? Don’t you think that’s a little hasty?”

  “You’re damn right it is,” snapped Taylor.

  “If command hadn’t arsed around and waited on this, we could probably have succeeded with a rescue attempt weeks ago and with far less risk. If we wait much longer, who knows where they will be or what situation the front line will be in.”

  “Major, are you sure it’s worth all this risk? You could be throwing away your commission and many lives.”

  Chandra sighed. It was clear the Commander still did not understand the comradery that kept them together and made them one of the most effective fighting forces on the front.

  “You just get us what we need, Sir, and let us worry about the rest.”

  Phillips nodded and stepped out of the room. He still didn’t understand why they would rush headlong into such danger. It was a prime example of why they were both glad he was not on the front line with them.

  “Phillips is a paper pusher and number cruncher,” growled Taylor.

  “Yep, and he’s just the man we need right now. He has got to this level because he’s suited to it. He’ll come through for us.”

  She stopped and looked into Mitch’s eyes. She was always fascinated by his utter lack of fear, or at least the appearance of it. Taylor had not hesitated to lead a rescue mission for troops who were not even his countrymen.

  “You sure you want this?”

  Taylor nodded.

  “And your marines?”

  “Damn straight, they’d have volunteered just as quickly.”

  “The Commander is right. Even if this mission is a success, there will be hell to pay for it. We are directly contradicting General Schulz’s orders. On top of that, the aliens aren’t going to be too impressed with us snatching up their prisoners from under their noses. There could be major retaliation, and that retaliation will be blamed on us.”

  Taylor shook his head in astonishment at how spineless their leaders were.

  “I don’t give a shit about Schulz. He’s not the one out there fighting and dying for this planet. Those creatures are coming for us whatever we do, so this will only reinforce the fact that we are still well in the fight.”

  Chandra nodded with agreement. She was finally convinced beyond all doubt that it was the right move. She knew her close friendship with Jones could cloud her judgement, and it would be the first target of any inquiry. She didn’t care any longer. British forces were amassing for an action, and the worst that Schulz could do would be to send her back home; where her own forces would be more than happy to gain such a combat-experienced officer.

  “This is your mission, but if there is anything I can do, you only have to ask,” stated Chandra.

  “I need the Reitech suits and gear. Beyond that, it’s best you stay out of it. Continue on with your posting to base security and rest up. I’m heading to find Rains and convince his crazy ass to give us a lift.”

  “Alright, we’ll be at the western perimeter defences from 1800 hours on. You can collect the gear from there.”

  “What do you want, Major?” asked Eddie.

  Taylor smiled as he watched the pilot make adjustments with a long bar spanner beneath the fuselage of his prized custom Eagle.

  “Why would you think I’d be after anything?”

  Eddie looked at the Major with a suspicious and knowing grin.

  “Because you don’t hang out at an airfield. You’re only ever here when you have a mission or those few times after too many drinks.”

  Taylor coughed. He’d hoped Eddie had forgotten those drunken escapades.

  “It’s alright, Major. I’ll be the last one to shop you. So what can I do for you?”

  “You are aware that Captain Jones is MIA?”

  “Yeah, I heard that, damn shame.”

  “Well, we believe that he is alive, along with Private Walker who was with him, and a few other missing troops.”

  “They find refuge somewhere?”

  Taylor shook his head with a serious and taut face that made Eddie curious.

  “Not exactly.”

  The Lieutenant put down the tool and got up onto his feet. He stared into Taylor’s
eyes as he tried to make some sense of the situation and the Major’s intentions.

  “Give it to me straight, Mitch. I’m a busy man these days.”

  “The enemy are taking prisoners. We don’t exactly know why, but we have good intel they are alive and where they are being held.”

  Eddie shook his head as he smiled.

  “Oh shit, you’re not serious?”

  “We have our orders.”

  “Bullshit! You’d only be coming here, personally, if you couldn’t get this green lit by the brass.”

  Taylor smiled back. “You’re a hard man to fool.”

  “So come on, you want me to fly you in and out on some crazy bitch mission to save POWs that you have been expressly forbidden from doing?”

  “That about sums it up, yeah.”

  Rains turned and sighed as he paced up and down for a moment.

  “Well, hell yeah, I’m your man. We’re needed more than ever, not like they can fire us.”

  He thrust out his greasy hand to shake, which Taylor gladly accepted.

  “Just one other thing, we’re going to need two of these birds.”

  “Not a problem. General White has sent over two of my squadron to run equipment back and forth. When do you need us?”

  “Tonight.”

  “I’ll have to fix some paperwork, but we’re in.”

  “Just to be certain, you realise the kind of shit you are entering into. We will have no chance of backup or recovery should something go wrong. Even if we succeed, General Schulz will want our balls.”

  “Hey, you gave me my orders, and I carried them out. How am I supposed to know who’s in charge in this whole fucking mess?”

  Taylor nodded in gratitude. “You’re a good man, Eddie.”

  “Don’t you forget it,” he replied.

  “Be ready for 2000 hours.”

  “We’ll be here.”

  Taylor nodded and gave a grateful smile before quickly turning to go about his business. As he walked away, he shook his head in astonishment for what he, of all people, was about to undertake. He was gaining a reputation for disobeying his superiors, but the troops continued to love him for it. I’m doing it for all us, he thought to himself. He knew it was more personal than that, but it was at least some justification for his actions.