Jared-12 became conscience, he could not remember much about where he was, or what had happened. He slowly pushed himself up, as he was flat on his face. He was in a desert and at first could not remember how he had gotten there. Jared looked around and saw he was surrounded by bodies in every direction. There were bodies and body parts, everywhere he looked, and something about the sight pleased him, a pleasure he had not felt in a long time. A deep pleasure of someone with an irrational fondness of death started to surge through him.1
Jared could feel an electronic impulse in his head, almost a soft pain but a pleasant pain. As the pain increased never more than light his thoughts of how pleasant the sight was. Soon the thought and feeling were gone, then the impulse soon went. The impulses were designed remove un-needed thoughts by the cybernetic suit he wore.2
Jared could remember nothing of his life before he was encased into the cybernetic suit. The suit was now as much a part of him as was his own skin. The cybernetic suits were a punishment for the worst of criminals, and made serve the rest of their life as a servant to the people they had committed their heinous crimes upon. It was the ultimate in passive severe punishment; the person lived, and could serve time in a way that would actually help better the lives of the people they hurt.3
Jared, had been one of seventy in an experiment to see how well the cyborgs could do in a combat situation. There now were two hundred in operation with in the military. They had been given a different set of programs than the regular cyborgs, this one would allow the bodies inside the casing to use some of their memories, only in combat. The programs in the computers, also increased their ability with the weapons they used, as well as helped them focus on the task at hand. The computer also had information on the use of over two hundred weapons, tactics, and useful skills, like skydiving.4
The computer inside these suits were more advanced that they had a higher mind reading ability, and five times faster. The computer system in the suit ran over three hundred subsystems used to aid the combat cyborg. 5
Jared could not remember how he had gotten here, and found his suit sluggish in movement. The suit’s static servos were needed to move efficiently, as the suit weighed right at four hundred and ten pounds. Jared himself was no small person, weighing two eighty, at six foot four inches, he had played football in high school, as a lineman. Before he was caught, he would still work out at the neighborhood gym, where he liked the free weights. He had benched regularly 340, and when arrested, it took a dozen police to wrestle him down, three of which went to the hospital. Jared did not remember any of this, as the computer did not allow any memories but what was necessary.6
Jared could now focus on the exact amount of damage, and it looked like he was the only one alive. The suit worked off from his thoughts, and he now told it to scan for life.7
“Life sensors at 10%, unable to comply”, was printed on his faceplate as he looked over the area.8
“Scan for movement”, Jared thought to the suit.9
“Motion scan at 57%, scanning”, the suit replied. “Scanning range 25 meters”10
Jared slowly got to his feet, so he could walk around the area, and see if he could find any signs of any one alive. With the greatly reduced range of the scanner, he would be able to see further than he could scan, but the scanner, could see everywhere around him, at once.11
Jared was on the planet Simn 7, in the Orion 2 system. It had been thought for many years that the Orion belt was just a cluster of stars, but two had been found to have planets around them. Orion 1, had three planets, all lifeless, and Orion 2 had four, one was able to support life, and had a diverse collection of terrains on that planet, but it was smaller than earth. Where Earth was 39960 miles in diameter, Simn 7 was 29000.12
He could see the green fleshy battle armor of the Kelvian’s, the race trying to take over the Planet. The desert camouflage of the human’s armor that covered their lighter and less effective bodies. He could also see the black armor of the other cyborgs that had fought here. They like himself, had better armor than the regular Army troops, but the cyborgs could never remove their armor, they would die with out the suits. 13
The army’s armor, was easily portable, and was only worn during combat. The cyborgs armor, was bulky, and took care of every need they had. The people in side the suits could not breathe the air without it being filtered any more, as the one side effect of the suit, was it controlled the bodies immune system. The suit could shut it down, or activate it, or boost the immune system whenever needed. The suit was also given a supply of nutritional supplement every three days, so after a year in the suit, the person had almost no stomach left, as it shrunk with the lack of use, and would not be able to handle the necessary needs for the body. Jared had been in his suit for six years.14
Jared walked through the vast field of blood and gore, with dead bodies, and scattered body parts tossed around like a collection of a child’s toys after a tantrum. Jared looked in front of him, to see where he was putting his feet, but also scanned with his eyes and turning his head right and left. When he had risen, he had found the remains of his rifle, so now only had his side arm, a .45 cal pistol as his only defense. 15
On the battlefield he walked through, covered some three hundred and fifty meters, wide and two hundred and ten meters long, with some fractional additions. On his search he found a small clearing that would work for a temporary safe zone. He checked the place out carefully for any hiding survivors. Cautiously he entered the cluster of rocks looking in all directions for movement and in places that could conceal an enemy soldier. After twenty minutes of searching he found it empty except for three dead bodies, two humans and one Kelvin.16
During the long search, Jared did find a large number of operational rifles, pistols, and even some of the alien’s weapons. He stored the battlefield spoils here and decided this would was also a good place to defend while he waited for help to arrive, if the alien’s reinforcements came.17
Jared had also moved three full humans into the defensive rocks, and one other Cyborg. All were in need of serious medical attention. Now after checking his surroundings and finding it clear, determined it was time to call for pick-up.18
“Jared 12 to Command base Charley X-Ray 2. Jared 12 to Command base charley X-ray 2.”, he spoke to the suits transmitter, as with all the cyborgs, their suits had a voice activated transmitter.19
“Radio System at 00%, no transitions possible”, was printed on his visor.20
“Activate systems repair programs, Alfa one J 12”, Jared thought to the computer in his suit.21
“Data corrupted, unusable”, the suit printed on his visor, a second later.22
Jared now realized he should have had a total printout of all the damage the suit had taken, and he had not.23
“Is system scan running?”, Jared asked in thought.24
“System scan is off line, do you wish to activate it?”, the computer printed on his visor.25
“Put system scan on autorun.” Jared answered the computer in thought.26
“Autorun for system scan not found.”, the computer printed on his visor.27
“Run system scan”, Jared thought to the computer.28
A few seconds passed, and a list of system failures was made and printed on his screen.29
“Static servos at 37.5%, life support at 72%, data memory 1, at15.2%, data memory 2 at 89%, data memory 3 at 41%, data memory 4 at 92%, data memory 5 at 11%, servo power generator, at 55%.”, and the list continued, listing over three hundred bad or failed systems.30
What hurt the most about the data memory unites, was each of them contained over 750 gigs of data, that could be used and may be needed.31
Now was the time to activate the emergency data memory unit, that had been mounted inside in abdominal wall of his body. This was a 1 terra memory unit than housed many of the programs that had been damaged and other emergency programs that he had access to. 32
“Option J12 emergency data unit, activate.”, Jared thought to the computer.33
This command had been installed in many areas of all the five memory units as a redundancy in case of such a problem should arise. 34
“Emergency data unit is now active.”, the computer returned on his visor.35
“Activate systems repair programs, Alfa one J 12”, Jared commanded.36
“Auto repair program is now active”, the computer printed on his visor.37
For the next hour, the computer ran tests and reloaded information to the best of the memory chips. This would allow the computer to be able to function better, in this surroundings, but it would need some repairs it could not do, and this it would talk Jared through. In three more hours, Jared had the servos at 40% and life support back up to full operation, and was now working on his radio system. This proved to be unrepairable, as the unit had taken a direct hit, and the outer hull of his suit had been breached. This meant it would not take much to penetrate to his own body.38
This was not a problem for the computer, it just told him to cannibalize one of the other dead cyborgs. Jared now eased his way through the battlefield, not knowing if there might be any of the enemy still alive that he had missed. Nor did he know who would be the first to arrive to check on the battles outcome. It all left Jared in a bad position, and he had no choice, but it was getting dark, and that was to his advantage.39
The first cyborg body he found was face down, and inactive. He rolled it over, and the two-thirds if the abdomen was blown way. It had once been a woman inside, but that was only barely visible, as most if the contents in the armor were just a gory mess. 40
Jared kept looking around for a useable body to scavenge from. He found a headless body, but that had damage to the radio unit as well. Then found a useable body. There had been close to forty dead cyborgs in the field. Jared drug the body to his safe zone, where he could work again on his own body armor. 41
He removed the radio unit, as this was a one piece unit that was bolted to the hull of the armor. Then using the scanner 3d unit was able to see how to work on his suit. He first unbolted his own radio pack, then removed it from the armor. After this he disconnected the wires, and reconnected them to the newer radio. Then bolted the unit onto his own armor. One of the things in his own supply pack was a small repair kit, that had most of the common tools he would need to do repairs.42
Jared now had to let the system power up before he could try to use the radio, so he looked through the salvageable parts on the dead cyborg to use on his own body. Although he needed a few servos to replace the damaged ones, these he was not able to be replaced here in the field, as they were covered by his armor. There were holes in his outer armor, and could be replaced had he the tools for that type of operation, but again this required special tools.43
There was an access hatch to his servo generator, this was on his left hip, and he could do some work on this unit. Jared opened the hatch and looked for the first time at the damage. There was a breach right beneath the hatch and some of the generator had been damaged. The generator on the dead cyborg was in tact, and he could remove this and use it. Jared now removed the hatch and the servo generator from the dead cyborg. He would use the hatch to cover the breach in his armor.44
Jared removed the damaged servo generator from his suit, and replaced it with the good one from the dead cyborg, then used a tube of weld composite, to weld the hatch over the hole in his outer armor. The good thing about the composite was that it took very little to go a long way, and he had only a small tube, but that could do a lot of welds.45
Jared now walked around the safe zone, and looked over the Battlefield for any activity. It was quiet and inactive out there. He also hoped the generator would hold until he could get to some where, where he could get some better repairs done. 46
“Servo Generator at 99%”, The computer printed on his visor.47
This was better than the original 65%, from after he woke today.48
Jared kept walking around the safe zone, to watch for any movement, and to generate enough power to charge his radio. He made checks on the injured humans, there was little he could do here, besides the simple first aid he had already done. He needed help to save these people, and he needed the radio to get the help. He adjusted and replaced bandages, and checked to see that they were still alive. It was plain to see that they would not live much longer if he could not get any help for them. When he checked the other Cyborg, this one was already dead, she had not made it through the night.49
The suit used the static-servos for more than just the movement of the suit. The servos also operated with tiny motion generators that kept the batteries charged, mixed with solar cells this is what powered the suit. The combination worked so efficiently that no suit had been recharged manually in the years of this design advancement. The older suits tried to use the motion generators, but they had to be recharged after a week of use. And a change to use only solar cells allowed the suit to operate until heavy use was performed, and then the cyborgs would often run out of power during the fight if it was a long battle. The combination had held for both time and heavy usage, and had proven the best working system. 50
Jared now took one of the rifles he had collected and tried to target a rock in the field. At first he saw four target crosshairs, and had to work at redefining the target. 51
“Targeting program is functional to seventy meters, due to program error”, Jared was told.52
”Just what I need now, another error or problem with this damned thing!” Jared thought. 53
Jared now looked for a target with in the range of the targeting program. The program had to figure the range of the target, as well as the trajectory of the bullet, to mark the target for Jared to hit. Jared was using the M-91-D, a .50 cal. Simi-auto rifle, with a range of four kilometers. Instead of using the old style powder in the casings, this used a safer and more powerful jell that did not crystallize if it got moist. But the barrel was heavier than the older .50 cals as this had more power to be controlled, and the older barrels could not stand the excessive use of the cartridges.54
The M-91-d’s had a penetration of six inches of steel plate at 2 kilometers, using a depleted uranium bullet with a full Teflon coated titanium jacket. Jared found a target, a dead Kelvian leaning on some rocks. Jared now had a good bead on the target, and only one cross hair. He focused on the target, trying for a head shot, as this was to be the hardest part of their armor. The rifle erupted when he pulled the trigger, and the bullet shot forth with a shower of blue flame from the end of the barrel. Then the head of the target exploded as the bullet hit.55
Jared knew the shot could be heard for a long distance, but one shot was not enough to locate him with. It would only give a vague direction to try to find him. He knew there was a chance someone could have been close to get an accurate area, but the chance was slim, and he needed to make sure the targeting system was working.56
It worked perfectly at twenty-four meters, so that was something he could rely on. This was great, he could see something before he could target it, in his area. And the scanner system was to complex to work on in the field. 57
The radio system now showed it was now powered up, and could be used.58
“Jared 12 to Command Base. Jared 12 to Command base.”, he spoke into the mic.59
“Radio system at 62%, effective range is 100 kilometers.”, the computer printed on his visor.60
After five minutes, of no response, he tried again, “Jared 12 to any Simn 7 forces. Jared 12 to any Simn 7 forces.”, he called.61
There was a two minute wait, then, “This is eleventh Marine Armor, go ahead Jared 12,”, a male voice returned.62
“I have three wounded humans, and am in need of repairs. Request pick-up.”, he informed the speaker.63
“Unable to comply. We are under heavy attack.”, the voice returned.64
“Need pick-up, and have only short range abilities, can you forward. The humans may not last much longer.”, Jared requested.65
“Can do. Coordinates.”, the voice asked.66
“Jeremiah was what?”, Jared asked the id code.67
“How the hell should I know.”, the voice answered.68
Jared now knew this was a false response. Had it have been a real Marine, they would have known the answer. Jared now terminated the communication, and worked on a way to move the survivors out. He knew the Kelvians would now know a good area for him to be. They would have detected his general location, and could work from that, even better than the shot he had fired earlier.69
Jared looked at the remaining survivors, and made a check on them. He needed to see if they would be able to make the move out. One of the humans had died while he was talking to the enemy. This left two of the humans left, and neither would make the trip. All they would do would be to slow him down. But if he left them, the enemy might be able to save them, and interrogate them later. This also was a bad choice, and staying with them would only get him killed protecting four dead bodies.70
No matter how hard Jared looked there was no good choices. The only thing that made reason, was to leave, and that would mean leaving the survivors at risk. Or he could terminate them mercifully, and it would be easier for all. This was not a good choice, but it did register in article 24 point seven c. The rule in interplanetary war, said that if there was no way to safely move wounded out to terminate them in a peaceful, and quick manner. 71
Jared removed his fighting knife, and targeted the most effective place to perform this gruesome deed. He killed the two men, and buried the four in the rocks. He now looked over the supplies he had collected, and packed what he could move quickest with. He loaded one rifle, and one extra belt to carry extra rounds, and one grenade launcher with ten rounds and an extra clip of ten rounds also. He knew he would have to cover two hundred kilometers to the front line, then he would have to see where the closest base was. The bases behind the line, moved frequently, and had to be checked on. There was advancements, and retreats. There were also bases lost to enemy attacks, so Jared would have to find out what was where after he crossed the front line into friendly territory. 72
Jared packed two weeks of supplies for himself, including the nutrient packs he needed to survive. He also packed some spare parts for the rifle and the pistol, as well as two first aid kits and some rations incase he found any other survivors that could make the trip. He found a few anti-infantry explosives, these used an explosive charge and three pounds of rod bearings, that shredded anyone passing their placement. He took two of these.73
Jared now took a compass reading, and determined which way he had to go. He knew he needed to go south, and when that direction was determined, he looked in that direction. He could see a small rise of hills in the distance, using his starlight goggles, that were built into his suit, and was able to tell that if ha maintained a good pace, the should make them by early sun up. That would offer him some protection until the next night when he would travel easier. He could use the cover of night to help him hide, and it was also cooler, even though the suit kept his body at a constant temperature, it would still be easier to travel by the cloak of darkness.74
With his pack set, and supplies ready, Jared left the protection of his rocks, and headed out into the open desert. It was now about midnight, and he had almost six hours before daylight, to make it to shelter. It was sixty-five degrees out side, now, but after the sun rose it would climb to around one hundred and ten quickly. Even though his suit kept his body at an even 98.2 degrees, and never let it climb or fall, it would be easier to make the trip by the cool of dark, than try to fight the heat.75
Jared started out slowly at first, not by choice, but because walking through the battlefield was still a hard thing with all the bodies. He picked his way through, and then went on towards the hills. Out and away from the dead battle area, he could make better time, even walking. As Jared knew he could make around ten to thirteen kilometers in an hour. He relized he might be slowed due to the damage to his suit, as he was now carrying more of the weight and physically moving it more now then he used to.76
There was still little memory of the battle, as much of the data was lost with the damage. But he did slowly regain some from his own memories. The shock and amount of damage he had taken had done a lot to him as well as his suit. But then his suit was interfaced with every part of his body, so when one took damage, both did. Normally when he went to move an arm or leg, the suit picked up the impulse and move itself with him, now he had more to move without the suit’s assistance.77
The desert was quiet here in the night, something Jared had thought was more active at night, but so far he had seen little signs of any life but his own, and the few survivors, who had never regained any conscience. He walked in the silence of the dead, even though he had left the dead behind him. But the desert was as silent as the grave right now, and he could hear no sounds save the sounds of his walking in the sandy soil.78
An hour passed before Jared heard the first sound of life, the screech of a Trynaca Bird. The Trynaca Bird, was one of the scavenger animals that flew only at night, It was big, with a wing span of fifteen meters. It was literally the size of a small plane, and a voracious animal. Two things that made them a feared animal, was they could see one and a half kilometers at night, and could smell possible food at a range of twenty kilometers. They were the most effective carrion eater on the planets surface.79
Jared walked and continued toward the hills, as he knew there was nothing to fear from the bird, there would be too much food for it tonight. The radio was also silent tonight, and there seemed to be no activity going on. If there was a battle, there would usually be reports and other activity filling the airways. But tonight, the radio was dead, unless it was all out side of his reception range. That did make more sense, as there had not been many days where there had been no activity.80
When light of the morning started to break over the horizon, Jared was at the base of the hills, and still had a short way to safety. The hills, were rocky, and the type that offered many caves. Jared would need to find one to excape the suns heat, and possible observation, by patrols. Another good thing about the type of hills these were they offered little in the line of tracks, and could be easily lost if the walker was alert. Jared now looked for ways he could lose his tracks in the hills, and thus any followers that he was sure would come after him.81
Half way up the first hill, Jared found what he was looking for, a series of large boulders that were close enough he could walk on the top of them, with just the occasional short leap across the separations. The boulders would offer no tracks after he was on the top of them, and thus be hard to follow, and the number of them, also let a number of ways he could go. This meant the enemy would have to split up and search the area to find out which way he did go, and that would slow them down.82
Jared now traversed the rocks, and was now again back on the rock and sand surface of the hill. At least it would slow down the ones who would be following him sooner or later. He continued further in it the hills, and was on the way down again, after leaving two more sites where he was able to loose his trail from anyone following him. These were he knew only temporary deterrence’s, but they were all he had to use.83
Half way down the hill, Jared found a nice sized cave where he could hold up for the day. He would be able to sleep and rest for the nights travel. He would also be hidden from watchful eyes here. Here was also a good place to try to signal some help, but he would wait until just before he left. If he did attract the wrong people, then he would be on the move again, and he the chance to avoid being found. There was a lot of rocks and caves around here to hide. Jared went into the cave, and followed it back and was soon using his night vision lenses and a dim light to able them to see.84
Jared walk for another ten minutes back into the cave, spending a total of fifteen minutes walking. He looked and found a spot to set his gear and lay down. His human body would sleep, but the mechanical body that incased him would not, it would watch and wake him if there was ever a need. Unless that ever happened, Jared would be able to sleep and rest his body. Which was in serious need of rest.85
Jared lowered his pack and gear, and started to set up a resting area, a camp as such. As long as his presence was not detected, he should be able to rest till dark, and go again. Darkness would have to become his ally, and shield. It would be the best way to travel, but it would be better it this was a wooded area, instead on open hills. 86
The day was hot outside, but it remained cool in the cavern. The darkness was a relief from the light with the prying eyes somewhere above, not knowing if he was being watched as he hiked or not. The Kelvians had placed satellites around the planet, and these could observe and defend themselves automatically. These were a night mare to the humans, as the range of the weapons were further than that of the fighters, and more accurate than any ship.87
Jared rested until early that night, and then went to the mouth of the cave, just out of sight, and tried another call. A few minutes wait, and no reply, he returned to gather his equipment and ready to head back out again. With the sun setting, it would soon be dark, but the sooner he was moving, the sooner he could get to a friendly base.88
Jared thought about how nice it would be to find a vehicle that he could get components for his radio, and get it to be working better. He might even be able to get some help this time. But as things stood, he would have to wait till he could get to a friendly base to get the repairs he needed, more than the radio, and himself working more effectively. Servos either out or only working at a limited ability, radio only able to operate at short range as the scanner could also. He would be in trouble if a major attack was to happen here.89
Yes repairs were definitely needed, and he could do few in the field. Some of the damages, like the servos, needed a cybor-clinic, a place where cyborgs could be repaired and upgraded. They had a machine shop, and hospital with Operating rooms, functioning like a cross between a hospital’s OR and a garage combined. A Cyborg Technician had to know how to work metal and be a doctor and work on complex computers at the same time.90
The need was definitely needed, and Jared wanted to be put back into full working order. He felt so vulnerable in his present condition, and wanted to be relieved of this feeling. 91
Standing at the mouth of the cave, Jared-12 scanned around as far as he could see. Since his eye sight was still further than his scanners he had to rely on his vision. As far as he could see, it was clear, so he slowly started off, and up the hill. It was dark, but well lit with the moon’s light. His night vision did help to make the surroundings as clear as daylight, in a forty-five degree wedge in the direction his head faced. It would at least allow him to move freely about.92
Jared headed out, moving in the direction he knew to be towards the front lines. Once he passed this line, he knew it would be easier to find friendly assistance, and this is what he needed. With the suns almost out of view, and the sky a mired of shades from deep red to pink and orange, it would not be long before it was dark, and a few stars were already beginning to show. 93
Jared set a good pace, and finished walking up the first hill of the mountains. He had a long ways through the range, but it would give good coverage, plus the night. Jared had been able to tell that this range would be rocky, and he would have to watch his footing in some places, as these types of formations could have loose gravel close to some edges if he had to walk steep inclines or on edgeline trails. An edgeline trail is a trail that follows the edge of a cliff, or on the cliff facing, such as a goat trail.94
The trail Jared was walking on now was smooth and even, with a steady climb, and easy walk. This was good for him as his legs were not moving as they should be, with the servos damaged. Moving the weight of the suit and his body was made much harder. This morning it seemed they were working less for him, as if there was more trouble with them.95
It took a little over an hour to reach the top of the hill. Jared was more tired than he should have been, but he had to work more to move and this drained him further. He had made some repairs, but needed a clean room and techs to finish the job. So he continued to hike further.96
Jared stopped at a ledge, not high, but with a good view, and rested where he could watch the surrounding area around him. He had walked for two hours, and had rested for half an hour, when he was about to leave. Jared made a final scan with the night vision, as this was better than his scanners, he had only his vision to scan with.97
When Jared was about to leave, two silhouettes walked out from behind some boulders. They were not human, although they had a human shape. It was clear they were Kelvians, and they were hunting. He was in a place that was hard to see him, but gave him a good view. 98
Jared laid down in a prone position, and sighted the two Kelvians. Putting his sight in the one in the rear first. Now three more of the enemy walked out from behind the rocks, giving five targets to fire at. Jared knew there would be more, but could not risk being seen or giving them the first shot. He shot the target, and blew the head apart as the bullet passed through.99
Jared quickly targeted the first person, and fired, chest shot, and the Kelvian dropped like the first. He got two more shots off before the soldiers ducked behind the boulder again, dropping one, and winging the other through the arm. The Kelvian’s now had cover, and a way to try to find him. But Jared would let them stay there for a while, while he moved out and backtracked to find a different route to take. With the grenade launcher, he fired one round as close to the rocks as he could.100
The grenade landed where he had aimed, short four meters, but close enough to damage a few of the Kelvians if there were any still there. This would give him a few moments to move away from the area, and get away safely. Jared crawled back from his position on the edge, before he raised up to move out. 101
Two explosions hit the edge of the cliff as Jared eased away, but the rocky edge shielded him from the energy shots. He did not fire any return shots but eased away and headed out to the trail he had come. He went down the trail to the first side pass he found, this making a right fork. He took a new heading from the stars to locate his new route.102
Jared walked the new route till morning, without another sighting of the Kelvians. He knew he was definitely in unfriendly area with unfriendlies still around. He knew this was not going to be easy getting out, and this turn of information proved he was right that the person who had answered his radio call was Kelvian. His suit was set to only receive signals now, until he was sure the signals were friendly.103
He reached the base of the mountain when the first sun started to break over the hills, casting daylight on the ground. He had not seen a cave or good hiding place in some time. This would be dangerous if he was seen, and the chance of being seen grew every second now. He now had to cross an open expanse that he would have preferred to cross in the dark, as his suit gave little heat signature to be seen, but was easy to spot in full daylight.104
One last scan before he went, to see if he had missed any good hiding places to rest for the day. He saw what looked to be a good place, a small cavity under a large boulder, that he could slide into and rest. Jared checked out the cavity and inside was larger than it looked, he would be able to rest there easier than he thought, and it was hidden and deceiving. This would be good place, as the Kelvians would likely miss it, or not find him in it if they did see it.105
Jared slid into the cavity, then turned around and pulled his equipment in behind him. He crawled in to a large cavity off to the side and stored everything, making room for himself. He then crawled back into the entry and outside and covered his tracks into the cavity. With himself securely hidden, he now shut down, leaving his scanner watching for anything entering the area with him. He checked the time, it was already eight-forty AM Jared had his pistol readied to be easily grabbed if needed.106
Jared slept until the night, and was not disturbed. He had hidden his resting place successfully to keep the Kelvians from finding it. But if there was ever a full search, his chance of hiding to rest would drop steeply, and he knew this. His best chance would be to move as quickly as possible and get across the front line, or if lucky enough, find assistance across the lines.107
Jared checked the time, it was now four-thirty PM, this meant he had a little under eight hours sleep. The sun would still be up, and he would still be an easy target. He would have to wait until it grew close to dark before he left the hiding place. He moved to where he could see out of the small cavity, and glance around to see what the condition was like. It was void of any visible life, and especially from the enemy. At least they were not camped outside his hideout.108
Five-thirty came and there was still to much light to leave, so Jared had to wait another hour before leaving. Then six-thirty came, and the outside remained clear, but the first sun had not dropped yet, but could be seen now through the opening. At seven-thirty, the first sun was behind the mountains, and the bottom of the second sun could be seen through the opening. It would be two more hours before this sun dropped, but Jared decided to go anyways. It would be risky, but he had a better chance to move further if he did not stay to long in any one place.109
Jared eased out of the opening, and scanned around, looking for anything out of place. With the scanners out on his suit, he again relied on his enhanced vision. He could see nothing around him at this time that was good. He would now pulled his gear out of the tiny cavity, and start out again. He would have to again move as close to the rocks and brush to keep himself hid as much as possible. The suits defense against scanners would only work effectively as long as he could meld his signature in with the surrounding environment.110
Looking at his compass, in his visor display, he set his course for this night’s travels. With his two rifles, Grenade Launcher, and packed supplies, he was loaded up for the trek. It would be so much easier to head in as straight of a line as he could, but that would offer him no protection. In his state of condition, he needed all the protection he could get. For the direction he was going, it would take him another additional five days. This was not good, but he might by chance pick up and patrol and get a lift back to a friendly base.111
As he started his hike, Jared tried another call, “Jared 12 to Simn 7 forces, Jared 12 to Simn 7 forces, please respond.”112
Jared hiked for ten minutes before trying again, “Jared 12 to Simn 7 forces, Jared 12 to Simn 7 forces, please respond.”113
No response came back from anyone, this told Jared he was still out of range from any friendly forces. With only his short range radio working, this was going to hamper any contact with help.114
Jared continued his trek through the rocky hills, looking for all the lesser-traveled paths where he would be less likely to be seen. Traveling slowly over the loose rocks, and speeding up through the more stable paths, he weaved his route through the hills. This particular set of hills stretched almost a third of his way to the front lines, with a few open areas he would have to pass through carefully, but it was far safer than the standard paths that were heavily patrolled. He would like last night try sending a message out around midnight, and see if he was lucky enough for someone close to hear him.115
Jared hiked well into the dark night, with no moon tonight, a rare thing on this planet, it was harder to travel without leaving a traceable sign of himself. Sending up flares would be a sure way of saying “here I am”, and using infra-red night vision was not much better. His scanners only let him see a short distance, working with damaged equipment was not easy. 116
A little after midnight, he reached the top of one of the higher peeks, and decided this was as good as anywhere to try to contact his base. 117
Jared 12 to Simn 7 forces, Jared 12 to Simn 7 forces, please respond.”, he called to his base or anyone close enough to hear.118
There was no response, and after a pause of waiting for ten minutes, he tried again.119
On his third try he was rewarded with a response.120
“Jared 12, this is recon 9, what is your situation?” a female voice responded.121
The signal was strong so Jared knew they had to be close.122
“Jeremiah was what?” Jared asked the id code.123
“Bullfrog” the woman responded.124
“I have taken a lot of damage, and traveling on foot. I have limited radio, scanner, and many other functions are damaged. I have done what repairs I can but still seriously hindered by damage.” Jared reported.125
“Understood. How many is in your party?” she asked.126
“Solo.” Jared reported.127
“We are tracking you signal, and will be there soon. Do not give you position away. We have relayed your situation to Simm 7 Command, and should have you help there shortly.” She informed him.128
“Thank you Recon 9” Jared returned. 129
“Have you had any encounters?” she asked.130
“Three” Jared told her.131
“Are you being followed?” she asked.132
“Unknown at this time.” Jared answered.133
Jared could now see the lights of the craft approaching him, six aircraft flying in from the west. 134
“Can you deploy retraction equipment?” she asked.135
“Negative. System unfunctional.” Jared responded.136
“Understood” she returned.137
“We are close, you’re in a hot spot. Fire one flare.” She ordered. “Number four will make a quick touch and lift, be ready to get on when he lands.”138
“Firing now, will do.” Jared told her.139
Jared loaded a flare into the grenade launcher and fired it into the air, towards the incoming craft.140
“We have spotted your flair, be ready.” She spoke.141
Two craft dove to make a strafing run, while a third dove towards his area.142
The first two craft opened fire on the ground, and received return fire.143
Two more craft dove on the same area. As the first two lifted away, a series of explosions lit up the area of the enemy’s position.144
The craft approaching Jared’s location was heavily fired on, as he maneuvered his craft in. Jared could make out the shape of the craft, a FR-109, a commonly used fighter-recon craft with long-range ability, and vtl (vertical take-off and landing) abilities. Just as the craft was changing to vertical landing, it was hit by three heavy plasma rounds destroying the craft. The blast knocked Jared back and on the ground. 145
As Jared rose he heard, “Four’s down, Four’s down.” A male pilot was calling.146
“Three, this is heavier defended than we thought. Try an approach from the backside and see if you can get in.” the wing leader ordered.147
“Yes ma’am” the woman replied.148
“If you start taking heavy fire get out of there.” The Commander called.149
“Affirmative ma’am.” The pilot answered.150
“Jared we are going to try again.” The wing commander told him.151
“Yes ma’am.” Jared replied.152
“Same thing, be ready this will be quick.” She said.153
“Understood” Jared answered.154
The four recon fighters remaining in the suppression coverage, kept laying down 40mm machine-gun fire and dropping 200 lb bombs. The second rescue plane swung around the mountain, and tried to approach from the other side. She met up with light fire and rockets. The pilot made a quick climb and tried evasive maneuvers to loose the three rockets following her. Jared saw the explosion, then the burning wreckage plummeting towards the surface of the planet.155
“Jared, I do not have enough craft to get you out of here. We are taking a lot of damage and loosing to many craft.” The Pilot informed him. I will have to abort this, but I have notified command and they will get you out of here. Stay calm.”156
“Understood ma’am. I will move on and keep communications open.” Jared returned.157
“Understood. Good Luck Jared 12” she said as her craft limped back to their home base.158
Jared saw roughly where the second craft went down. He set his direction towards that craft, to see if the pilot had survived. Jared knew the chance would be good she had ejected from her plan, but she would not have much of a chance out here on her own. He knew he would have to go through one of the enemy’s positions, but from the look of it, it was a light position, and he might be able to skirt it. He would have to be very careful, and take as few chances as possible.159
Jared moved slowly and low to the ground, as he knew not far away were more of the Kelvians just off the ridge. As he closed on to the edge, there was a good safe trail to hike down, but he was more interested about what was at the other end. AS he looked over the edge, keeping close to the rock as not to be seen, he studied the path below. He was looking for any sign of movement, or Kelvians posting sentry duty.160
Jared held the position for a minute, seeing no sign of anything below, then eased his way down to the next cluster of rocks. This second set was only twenty meters, but that could be through a firing gallery too. 161
Jared held this position and scanned around for any sign of the Kelvians. Just as he was about to move to the next set of rocks, thirty plus meters further, he saw a group of three patrolling. He froze to the rocks, hoping not to be seen, as they passed into the darkness. The three had crossed the trail, and did not follow it, so he was lucky so far. Jared waited two minutes and noting else moved in front of him.162
Jared quickly moved to the next set of rocks, and took a position there. He scanned the area around him, and it looked clear. But knowing that the three had passed not far behind him, he placed one of the anti-infantry charges there, and set the 3-d trigger for one hundred eighty kilos and a three second delay. The charge, like a claymore when assembled, was in two sections, one the 3-d trigger that used a dual scanning microwave sensor that read size mass. The trigger could be set for a weight area so that only moving creatures that weight and over could trigger it off making the charge safer and more effective. The second part was the charge, this was either an anti-infantry or anti-vehicle charge detonated when the trigger found something the right size to hit.163
The anti-infantry charge would have a killing range of 200 meters in a ninety degree spread. This would send the three pounds of rod bearings in a solid coverage chewing up everything in its path.164
The next set of rocks was only ten meters away, but this one offered very poor coverage. But it was some protection, even if not much. 165
In an hour Jared finally made it to the bottom of the hill, and was in open terrain. Not really what he wanted, but he knew he needed to find and rescue the pilot if she still survived. Running low to the ground, he made it to a small cluster of trees, if cluster was a good word. He needed to figure out the best path to take from here to have a chance in finding her.166
Jared went through his records of the explosion and tried to use all available data to figure where she might have landed. This was not accurate, but it would give him the best starting points. As he went through the data and worked on the trajectories she might have gone to the ground, there was a loud explosion in the hills. 167
“Oops someone found my notice of passing.” Jared said to himself.168
He figured if the wind was not to bad up there, and if she was conscience when she ejected, that she would have placed herself towards the safest place to land. That would be close to the creek bed where she would have good cover and could move quickly. Setting the direction of travel by his compass, Jared headed out in that direction. It would be about four kilometers from where he was, and she would likely be gone. But he could still catch-up with her.169
The good thing was it was still in the same direction he was going, just meant traveling in the open. Jared moved as fast as he could through the open field, watching to see that he was not being followed. The nice thing about traveling solo was you left a smaller trail to be followed and easier to hide. 170
By four in the morning he reached the creek bed and scanned to find any trail or sign of the pilot. At first he had not found any sign, then within half an hour of searching he picked up the signal from her ejection seat. That meat she landed close. 171
Jared followed the signal to the seat, that would be where he would find some sign of her. The seat rested in the creek bed itself, dry this time of year, but he could at least see where she had gone. Her tracks led through the ravine, following the creek bed, that would take her to the crossing that Jared had planned to cross before morning if all had went right. But he instead encountered the recon group, and was now out chasing down one of the Pilots.172
Jared followed her tracks in the soft sand. She had made a quick run and did little to hide her tracks, thus making it easy for him to follow, as well as any Kelvians that might be close. So far there had not been any sign of the Kelvians in this close, but that was a deception Jared knew. They were around and likely looking for her too. He needed to find her, and quick before the suns rose or he would have to leave her and find a place to hide before he was found. He was already spending too much time in the open and needed to get back where he could move in cover.173
The Pilot’s tracks ran close to the ravine wall, where she would have been hard to see. This was a good move Jared knew. She could hide in the shadows making herself hard to see.174
Jared followed the tracks, moving quickly to towards a shallow rise where she had ran out of the ravine. ‘What the hell was she doing?’ Jared thought seeing that she was now heading back towards the enemies position.175
He followed her path up the rise, and saw where she had been heading to, a cluster of bushes to hide.176
Jared’s short range scanners could pick her up inside the cluster, crouched down with weapon ready. 177
“Pilot” Jared called with a voice just audible across the short distance.178
“Jared-12?” she answered.179
“Yes. You’re to close to the enemy, follow me out of here. Quickly!” he ordered.180
“Alright. You lead then.” She agreed.181
Together they went back into the ravine and followed it until Jared found another rise twenty meters further on the other side. Then continuing back towards the rocky hills to move freer from sight. It was now getting close to sunrise of the first sun, and they had not yet found a place to hide for the day. Jared knew the caves and crevasses were sparse in these hills. Jared tried to keep a steady pace, but the woman was slowing down.182
“We have to keep a solid pace here until we can find a place to hide for the day. You need to keep up.” Jared told her.183
“I’m trying but I twisted my ankle when I landed.” She informed him.184
“It will be a lot worse if they find us and you get a blaster round in your back.” He replied.185
“I’m trying damn it! I don’t have your capabilities!” she replied harshly.186
“Well I don’t either right now.” Jared returned.187
They continued to travel in the dimming shadows as the sun started to rise casting a dim light over the land. He pushed the Pilot as they moved through the rocks and faint paths looking for a place to hide for the day.188
With the first sun breaking in the east, and casting light through the landscape, it made it easier to find caves and crevasses, but it also made it easier to find the two runners. Jared was getting nervous when he saw the second sun start to break over the northeast horizon an hour later. It was then he saw what he had been looking for. A small-mouthed entrance, that offered a place to hide and rest for the day. The two made a quick stop and Jared quickly scanned and looked the small cavern over. The space inside was just big enough for them, even though it would be slightly crampt.189
Jared pulled his equipment inside with him, then signaled the Pilot to enter. 190
“I suggest you sleep and just rest, as soon as it becomes dark again we’re off. It is just to dangerous to try and wait for any one, we have to move as much as we can.” Jared told the Pilot.191
“I know that Jared-12” she returned. “How bad are your damages? I heard you had taken a beating.” She asked.192
“Serious, do you want a full listing?” Jared answered.193
“How is your com system? You should have been able to call for help sooner.” She answered.194
Jared looked at her, wondering why she was not able to figure such a simple thing out? He noticed then the Major insignia on her chest.195
“I have short range communications only Major. I cannot reach any of our bases as they are all out of my range now.” Jared answered.196
“Is it repairable?” she asked.197
“I don’t know for sure, I took this off from a dead cyborg, as mine was destroyed.” Jared explained. “This has more than mine was able to do, but it is still damaged and unable to reach anyone at the bases.” 198
“OK I have my ECD, I called the base and let them know I survived and made a safe landing. I need to contact them now and let them know You are with me and we need recovery.” The Major responded.199
“You can do that now, just hold the dish close to the opening and you can contact them. It should be able to contact the closest satellite from here, there is only light covering.” Jared said.200
The Major reached into her lower leg pocket and pulled out a cylinder eight inches long and three inches in diameter. She opened the top letting the spring loaded fibermesh dish pop out and expand. The dish expanded to a full six inches with the antenna already in place, the full dish antenna was compressed with expansion joints allowing it to fit into a tight four inch compartment in the top of the tube. She then opened the bottom of the cylinder and removed the clip-on headset and activated the radio. 201
The radio only had a usable time of four hours, but when a craft was down, sitting and talking was not something there was much time for. In most cases four hours would be more than sufficient. The battery could also be recharged when the pilot returned to a friendly base. The system was nicknamed “ECD” by the Pilots when they referred to it, this stood for “Emergency Compact Communication-Devise”. 202
The Major contacted her home base, code named ‘Alfa Delta two’, one hundred and fifty kilometers in front of the line. She talked to the Communication Officer there and identified herself.203
“This is recon nine, number three. I am in a safe zone with the cyborg Jared 12.” The major said.204
“Number three, what is your code?” the Communication Officer asked.205
“Alfa zebra tangle down in hostile mountains.” The Major replied.206
“Confirmed.” The Communication Officer responded. “Hold for info on recovery”207
“Will do” the Major stated.208
“Number three, what is your location?” another voice spoke, she recognized as General Dooran.209
“I am roughly forty clicks from the attempted rescue point north east.” The Major replied.210
“Plotting hold.” The General responded.211
“Ok you are still to close for a safe recovery. You will need to move fifty clicks north east and we will recover you tonight.” The General stated.212
The Major told Jared what the General had directed, letting him know where they were going to have to go.213
“Negative.” Jared stated solidly. “To dangerous during the day to move. We should move by night only, the coolness of the rocks will hide our heat signatures.”214
“I relayed the directions to Jared twelve, He says to dangerous during the day to move out here. Recommends night movement only.” The Major informed the General.215
“Understood. What is his reliability?” the General asked.216
“High, even with damages.” The Major replied.217
“Ok then, we’ll follow his info. We’ll move pick-up to four AM” the General returned.218
“Understood. Four Am pick-up” the Major returned.219
“Confirmed.” The General stated.220
The major quickly closed her ECD and stowed it back in her pant leg, then crawled back to rest. While they rested, Jared ran his maps of the area to find the best route through the hills to the pick-up area. Jared knew they were about four to six kilometers from the Kelvian outpost. This was to close but they would have an easier time moving out tonight. 221
The only problem Jared saw was that the Kelvian’s would likely still be out looking for them tonight. So they would have to travel quietly and quickly through the night. They would have to be alert to avoid the patrols. 222
They day passed as the two rested. Occasionally a patrol was heard outside the small cavern, but they would soon pass. The rocky entry held little sign of a path with the soft winds moving the occasional sweeps of dust over and off the entry. Jared’s normal commands would have been to take out as many of these enemy soldiers as he could, but right now he was operating on a survival mode of operation.223
The first sun started to descend behind the horizon when Jared woke. The Major was still asleep curled into a fetal shape to keep warm on the cold rock surface. He knew that could not give her a comfortable rest but it was rest. Jared could tell it was cool in here, as his thermal unit had went out and inside his cybernetic suit, he was cold. This was something he had not felt for years, as the suit always kept him comfortable no matter what the outside temperature was.224
When the first sun had fully descended and the second sun was close, Jared woke the Major. She would have enough time to eat a meal from her survival rations before they left to head towards the pick-up area. The Major rose and Jared told her to eat her meal, then they were going to start on the trail to meet the rescue ship.225
The Major opened a sleeve pocket and removed a small pouch then unrolled it. She opened one of the fifteen pockets and removed three huge pills. She ate one and swallowed it with a small drink from her canteen. She did the same with the next two, always showing a sour expression on her face.226
“We had to spend a week in our training on nothing but these so we would know we could survive on them. I hated them then and still do. They taste like shit.” She said after the last one was swallowed.227
The Pills contained all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients the body needed. The problem was they lacked taste, or a pleasant taste. They could keep a downed pilot alive, but it was very unpleasant to eat the pills and they were to big to swallow whole. Fifteen pockets allowed two meals a day giving the pilot the supplies for eight days.228
With the Majors meal ate, they were now ready to travel. Jared looked out the entrance of the cave, seeing no one around they started their hike. They both knew they had to move fast to cover the distance. It was now slightly past five in the evening and they had to make fifty kilometers by four am. Jared had seen a way to cut down their actual travel by twenty kilometers, but this had one draw back. They would have to cross a path of ten kilometers in the open.229
This was not something he liked as they were not in an area where moving in the open was safe. They should reach this start of the detour about midnight, and they would have the cover of darkness to help minimally. This would mean that they would be easy targets for the Kelvian’s satellites would spot them easily, but they would also be able to move faster and cut a large piece of distance out of their trip. A dangerous trade, but the General set the pick-up so far away that Jared was forced to make this route choice.230
Everything was found to be clear for the moment, and the two left the small cave. Starting on their route to where they would be picked-up. For now they followed the trails through the rocks in the hills moving quickly following the path Jared had pick out. They headed towards Iron Bluff, an open stretch of land that was named because of the high amount of iron ore found there a few years ago on a geological survey.231
Jared wished that had been malginite, a mineral found on this and a few other planets that was like iron but radiated a high magnetic field that played havoc with scanners. That would have made an excellent cover for them, but he had not been so lucky. Malginite was a good mineral, twenty-five percent stronger than iron, but an atomic structure very close to iron.232
For the first two hours of travel they moved without any sight of the enemy. Covering a lot of distance and making the first nine kilometers in that time. Jared spotted a patrol of twelve Kelvians moving through a cross-pass below them. They had stopped checking out the area, and were blocking the path Jared and the Major had to cross. Jared could see them easy enough, but they were just out of scanner range to target them. Besides to use the guns might bring more down on them.233
The best thing for now would be to try to wait them out, and hope they left without checking the trail above them. This was a slight chance and he knew they would likely send a couple to check for any sings. He could handle a couple quietly, but this would mean that others would come to find out what happened to the first group. Trying to back trail would risk them being seen also. This was not a good position to be, he would have to play it carefully and the Major would have to as well.234
Jared stayed low, crouching in a small recess in the rocks out of sight, but where he could see the patrol beneath him. He watched as the Kelvians talked and communicated with their base. The thought of firing a couple of grenades into their group crossed his mind, but the possibility of bringing in more to help them was just to much a risk. Jared scanned his map to see if he could find an alternate route around the patrol, but from where they sat, all possibilities were found on the just past their position unless they backtracked two kilometers. 235
Soon the Kelvians moved off without checking the path above them. This made Jared wonder if there was another patrol coming in from another direction? Without his equipment working effectively this left him without a lot of needed access to obtaining valuable intelligence he could use right now.236
Jared signaled for the Major to come forward, as the Kelvians moved out of sight. He told her that they would have to move quickly and be alert through this area. He told her quickly that with the Kelvians not doing a heavy patrol, they must have some coming through here soon as well, or the group that was just down there would have looked where they were hiding. They needed to get through here as quick as possible, Jared knew, and knew the Major would understand.237
The two moved quickly but quietly hugging the rocks, then darting across the intersecting paths. They continued down the trail in a hurried pace, but not so quick they were not watching around them. The two hiked two kilometers without seeing any signs of intelligent life. Another hour and Jared could make out a recess in the hills that he knew he was near Iron bluff. 238
Jared made a quick check on his computer maps, and could see that Iron Bluff was about two kilometers in a straight line from them, but about six kilometers as the trails would take them. That would mean if nothing else happened, they should make the bluffs in less than an hour. But ifs were a risky topic to rely on. He led the way making as much time as possible, still figuring in for any delays that might come their way. They had made up the time lost to waiting out the patrol earlier. 239
The two topped the next and smaller hill in thirty minutes. They were now looking over the bluff, and its vastness.240
“How the hell are we going to make it across that without being seen?!” the Major asked, irritated by seeing just how wide the bluff was.241
“We could have stayed in the hills and made the General’s rendezvous in two days to two and a half days. This is the only way to make it now.” Jared said.242
“His point to meet was fifty kilometers through some of the roughest area on the map. I am not even sure I could have made it myself in my present condition. I was planning to skirt it myself on the other side, and that would have taken two extra days, but been a safer route and concealed.” Jared explained.243
“So now we just tramp across that in the open, for all to see?” the Major asked.244
“When we get to the bottom of this hill we rest for half an hour, then move as quickly as possible across it. No stopping, no breaks, nothing but move as fast as we can.” Jared answered.245
“Shit!” she cursed angrily.246
“Major, I know, but he sat the point and I had no choice.” Jared explained.247
“Understood. Jared-12. Just a standard SNAFU with headquarters” she returned.248
Jared and the Major continued down the hill to where they would take a short rest. It was easy to tell the Major was getting more angry the closer they got to the rest point. As they closed on the base of the hill, Jared stopped. He heard something ahead and was trying to identify the sound. 249
“Down now!” Jared whispered directly.250
“Three, maybe four coming our way.” Jared added.251
The Major dropped and pulled her pistol, Jared crouched down and with drew his fighting knife from his scabbard in his right leg. They stayed low and quiet, Jared told her not to shoot unless she had to. Just let him take care of the Kelvians, quietly and they might get out of here.252
The first Kelvian was ahead of the others by ten meters and never saw the two hidden in the rocks. As he past Jared, with his back to him, Jared sprung up and took the lead scout with his arm over the creature’s mouth and his knife quickly slashed a deep cut in his throat. The knife went so deep, Jared nearly took the head off from the scout. Then Jared drug the dead soldier in the rocks just out of easy sight.253
A greenish yellow ooze covered Jared’s chest plate where the Kelvian had bled on him. As Jared returned to his place of hiding, the rest of the patrol came into view. Three more Kelvians walked into Jared’s reach. As the last past him, Jared sprung up and took the scout like the first and slit his throat. There was no need right now to hide the soldier, so he let the creature drop. Jared saw the other two turn as they saw his attack, letting the dead soldier fall to his side, he thrust his blade with blurring speed up into the closest ones lower extended jaw forcing it up into his brain, killing the soldier.254
The blade was stuck I the Kelvian’s skull and with no time to fight it free, Jared let go and followed with a quick left hook into the fourth Kelvian’s face. The dropped his plasma rifle as he spun into the rocks. Jared jumped into the back of the enemy soldier with a speedy right and left lower punches into the softer flesh of the back. He then grabbed the reptilian head of the creature and attempted to twist it off.255
Normally this would not have been so hard to do, but with his arms not working properly, the soldier was able to wrestle free of Jared’s hold. The Kelvian spun with an elbow to Jared’s encased face, sending Jared two meters back. The Kelvian released a battle cry reverberating off the rocks with his high pitch scream.256
A loud report silenced the scream ending with a hole in the creature’s neck and exiting through the upper spine.257
“I know you wanted this kept quiet, but his squeal was loud enough to notify anyone within fifteen kilometers.” The Major spoke before Jared could say anything.258
“Yes and your report could be heard twenty-five kilometers away.” Jared returned.259
“We’ll have to move immediately across the bluff, before anyone that may have heard that responds. Hopefully none did, but that other patrol could have.” Jared said. “We might have company crossing the bluff, so keep your wits alert and be ready for anything.”260
“Understood.” The Major responded.261
Jared quickly sat his last Clamor in place, in front of the good sized bolder. He ran a trip wire from the clamor across the path, and sat the charge with a four second delay. This would allow any followers to get a small distance in front of the clamor when it went off and sent its many metal bearings flying into their backs.262
Without a rest, the two picked up their pace and headed across the flat expanse dividing the mountain range. They would have to travel fifteen kilometers across Iron Bluff, and in the open. Even with the reduced distance, their present situation was now compromised and they had a higher chance of being spotted. Nothing involving luck and planning had gone right on this mission, not even now with a rescue so close. 263
Jared knew there had to be one outcome here, and that was he and the Major would get out. His biggest fear was that they would encounter the Kelvians would intercept them in the bluffs. It would be hard to defend themselves in the open. If this was the hills, then they could use the rocks and embankments of the hills as their defense. 264
* * *265
Jared had tossed one of the Kelvian’s plasma rifles to the Major, and a few of their power packs.266
“This will give you a better defense if they show up over that pistol you’re carrying.” Jared had told her.267
She said nothing but accepted the weapon and checked it to quickly learn how it was used.268
The plasma rifle used a trigger very similar to the type used on the human’s rifles except it was larger for the Kelvian’s hands. The Kelvian’s had a larger hand with three fingers, each as wide as two human fingers. The size was close to the m-91-D designed for the hands of the cyborgs. 269
What was not understood at first was the slide control above the trigger. She quickly figured out it was the power adjustment for the plasma. When it was pushed forward the rifle vibrated and hummed with a set of dim lights slowly lighting up as the intensity increased. There was seven lights, and the first three had been lit, now six were by the time she pulled the selector back to the third setting.270
In the butt of the stock, a small pressure plate was set in on the right side. The Major examined the area around the button and found under the butt of the rifle the power pack was inset inside the stock. The Major deduced this had to be the ejector for the power packs.271
She also found a small green button on the side of the rifle above the selector lights. This she figured had to be a safety, but was not overly sure, as there were still other switches and buttons on the weapon. Filling best to hold with the info she had figured out, she was ready to go. She would not activate the safety in case she was wrong, but carefully carry the rifle at ready.272
The Major had also noticed the power packs had small buttons on them, that when they were removed from the pouch a red light came on. When the buttons were bushed back in the light went off. This was likely a warning that the pack was active, she figured.273
“When you pull a clip, do so only when you are ready to use it. Do not keep it out more than twelve seconds.” Jared told her flatly.274
The humans had captured a few of these before and knew the power packs were also grenades. When the light was active the grenade was also. If the side button was pushed back in that deactivated the power supply, thus removing the threat of the explosion. One power pack was as powerful as one hundred and fifty sticks of explosive. A drained power pack was as powerful as twenty sticks. Either way they were dangerous and deadly.275
* * *276
Jared and the Major hiked across the bluff, nothing more than another desert on this dry planet. The temperature had dropped from what they had slept through in the upper sixty degrees centigrade to the upper twenties. This meant they would stand out on the open bluffs through any heat-seeking camera, at least in the rocks the coolness formed a shield that made them hard to see. The cool air around the rocks was enough to totally hide Jared, but out here he was very visible.277
The first half of the crossing went smoothly, although they were depleting their energy quickly. Time and distance was taking a toll on the two, as they had been moving all night without a rest. Where they had planned on a rest stop had been compromised by the Kelvian patrol. Jared thought they might be able to rest on the other side, if all went well, as nothing had done so far.278
The two had traveled about seven or eight kilometers when they had been found. Jared saw the movement behind them, but just beyond his accurate scanner range. A quick look back and he knew what the moving creatures had to be, the Kelvians searching for them. They would now know where they were and would soon open fire. The worst part about the pending attack was not his equipment, but the lack of anything to get behind. They would be easy targets to the Kelvians.279
“They found us, lets move now!” Jared ordered with a heavy emphasis on the “now”.280
The Major and Jared picked up their pace to almost a sprint. They were already beyond tired, and felt the pain of the push dig deep into their muscles and spirit. Jared’s scanners could easily tell the Major was close to collapsing and would not go much further at this pace. He himself knew he was about out of energy and was tiring fast.281
“Go Major I’ll hold them off. If we keep this pace neither one of us is going to make it.” Jared ordered.282
“If you don’t make it I will never find the rendezvous. You’re the only one that knows how to find it.” The Major replied with a labored breath. “We stay together.”283
Jared could tell the Kelvians were catching up with them. Jared’s and the Major’s pace was dropping and the Kelvian’s had not been pushed as long and had more stamina to keep them going. The first shot missed Jared by only inches, but close enough to know they would soon hit.284
“Hit the ground and fire at anything that is moving!” Jared called out.285
The two quickly went down and turned to face the oncoming attackers. The next shot went directly over the Major as she dove for the ground, leaving a greenish-yellow trail over her. They could not hear the plasma rifles at this range, but the quietness of the night was quickly disrupted by Jared’s M-91-d. A dark blue flame erupted from the muzzle as the depleted uranium .50 cal was shot forth at 2952 feet per second.286
The lead Kelvian did a quick backwards summersault as his chest cavity was ripped open by the bullet. Jared knew they were out of grenade range, but not the M-91-d. Two more shots from Jared and both missed as he could not use the targeting scanner in his suit due to the range. The major fired her Plasma rifle three shots also and had one shot miss.287
The attackers were now down three of their group. Jared could see the remaining six coming their way. Now shots were being traded with anger as greenish-yellow trails lined the air and the sound of Jared’s rifle echoed in the night. 288
Jared was having a hard time hitting any of the enemy with his rifle without the targeting scanner. After a few minutes, he quickly changed over to the M-47, a standard issue 30-.06 rifle, and switched it on three shot bursts. The M-47 used a 100 round drum and could fire 900 rounds a minute when in full automatic. Jared fired short bursts into the position of the Kelvians weapons bursts, who had also dropped to the ground.289
For five minutes the firing continued without anyone hitting the other. Many close calls on both sides, but no hits. Then the firing of the Kelvians dropped to five firing as one received a head shot from one of Jared’s bursts. With the aid of the added weight of the armor and the increased strength, Jared had been able to keep a close pattern of a one-meter spread. Most people firing this way at this range would have had a much greater spread with the three round making it a useless waist of bullets. If Jared had tried this on full automatic, and fired more rounds then the spread would have been larger and a waist of rounds.290
The Major was firing from a prone position with the Kelvian’s plasma rifle targeting the origins of the plasma trails. She was not having much effect as she often hit the ground meters in front of the Kelvians. She then tried raising her target area to around a meter over where she thought the shot had been fired. On her fourth attempt she succeeded with a hit.291
The both of them were being pelted all around by the plasma shots sending showers of sand and rock pieces over them. Jared’s face was protected by the helmet of the cyber-suit, but the Major was not so lucky. Ever now and then Jared would see her wipe debris and dust from her eyes. 292
The fighting lasted for ten minutes both sides plastering the ground around each other’s area with many spent rounds. In the end, Jared and the Major had been pelted by the debris fairly good, but they had survived. The Major had a little blood on her face from the showers of rock chips, but otherwise unhurt. They rose and quickly started towards the far side again.293
Jared and the major made it to the rocks on the other side of the Bluff before the next encounter happened. Coming from behind, the first of three shots hit a large boulder in front of Jared sending a shower of chips bouncing off his armor. The second hit close to the Major, sending her sideways in a shower of rock debris.294
Jared turned and quickly fired into the group of Kelvians with three quick bursts from the M-90-d.295
Jared could make out about forty troops charging their position.296
“Move out Major. We’re not going to be able to hold off on this one.” Jared called.297
“Major” Jared called after a lack of response and no sign of her.298
Behind the boulder that Jared had made it to, he could see the Major’s body laid out on the ground. He could not see any movement, but his scanners told him she was barely alive.299
Jared made a quick run over to her and saw she was unconscious He could see her side ripped open by the effects of the blast. The Major was bleeding seriously from the open wounds and Jared had no time to wrap them. 300
Jared had to make a quick choice, to leave her and let her bleed to death here, or try to carry her out and lat her bleed to death on the way. Either way she would likely die, but if he took her, he would have the defense that he tried. If he left her, he would have to shoot her to put her out of her pain and stop the Kelvians from capturing her, and they would save her and torture her to death afterwards. 301
“Hell!” Jared said aloud as he picked her up and started to run off with her.302
He was sure he would not make it out with her alive, and would likely be captured before he could make the pick-up point. Time was losing quickly, as it was now three-thirty, and he still had a long ways to go. 303
Jared figured what would it hurt to try and see if any of the rescue vehicles were around early. 304
“Jared-12 to rescue. Jared-12 to rescue.” He called.305
After a few minutes of traveling with the heavy burden and no response, he tried again. Again there was no response.306
Jared could feel himself draining of all his energy, the constant movement and the added burden he was wearing down. It was also getting hot inside his suit without the thermal control system working, his body heat was making the inside hot. Trying to slow down the advancement of the Kelvians, Jared lifted the grenade launcher and fired two rounds mortar style to place them where he figured the advancing enemy should be. He then turned and moved towards the pick-up point as fast as he could. Jared knew he had to make up time and quickly.307
Jared was loosing to fatigue and quickly, he could feel himself slowing and ebbing away. He tried another call for the rescue team after fifteen minutes had passed. 308
“This is rescue to Jared-12” a voice responded. “We are almost to rendezvous. What is your ETA?”309
“Maybe twenty minutes if I make it.” Jared responded.310
“How is the Major?” the voice asked.311
“Wounded seriously. I am carrying her.” Jared answered.312
“I saw two flashes, were those yours?” the Pilot asked.313
“Yes, two grenades. I am hot.” Jared reported to the pilot.314
“Hold on” the Pilot responded.315
Jared kept his pace as much as he could, with every step a stain and hard to lift.316
“Jared-12, we are moving the rendezvous to meet you. Can you identify your position?” the pilot asked.317
“Affirmative I will drop a phosphorous smoke grenade” Jared answered.318
“Understood, we will watch for it.” The pilot responded his comprehension319
Jared reached into his supply pack and removed a small cylinder and removed the yellow thumb cap and depressed the igniter. After holding it for a second he tossed the canister to his right about four meters away. The canister bounced a couple of times ending up around six meters and the top flared and sent up a lightly glowing smoke cloud showing his position.320
The Pilot of the rescue craft seen the glow and called his flight group to fly nap-of-the-surface. This was to reduce the enemy to see their crafts and call in support. As a group the aircrafts reduced speed to mach 1 and rolled into a downward dive recovering when they reached twenty meters, and then lowered easily down to three meters. At this level the flight group continued towards Jared and the Major.321
The rescue craft had an escort of two squadrons of fighters to make sure the craft and the people being picked up had the best chance. Many times laying cover fire and defending the rescue craft was essential to the mission. 322
Jared looked for the crafts as he continued to run with his load. Jared’s running now was more like a fast walk, as his stamina was so depleted he could not fully run. Every step required extreme effort. As he looked for the crafts all Jared could see with the night sky. 323
As he continued on, he slowly made his way through the rocks. Jared knew the Kelvians were somewhere behind him, but where he did not know. Nor did he know where his rescuers where. Jared only knew to continue in the same direction he was going.324
“Rescue one to flight. I am slowing down to half, you continue and lay down anyone following Jared and the Major. I will come in behind and grab the two, and will get our asses out of here.” The Pilot ordered.325
“Understood Rescue one. We’ll last anything moving behind them.” The Fighter leader responded.326
The rescue craft slowed down falling behind the fighters as they maneuvered past. Letting the fighters past and delay the following Kelvians, would buy him enough time to set down and pick up the two runners. They would be able to keep them busy as he took off with them back to base.327
Jared did the best he could to keep his pace, but he was beyond his endurance. The weight of the suit, the heat inside, and his waning stamina were all taking their toll. What was keeping him going was only his knowledge that he had to. Then he saw just crowning the ridge above him, a lone fighter burst into view.328
As soon as the first came into view two more then more, until all fourteen fighters had cleared the ridge. They used their air breaks and quickly slowed down as they went into a vertical climb. Then dived back down and quickly located the Kelvians. Their were not the forty Jared had said, but now over two hundred. The first four fighters launched two surface missiles each into the middle of the group. 329
The Kelvians split up running in different directions trying to dodge the incoming missiles. The fighters then turned back upwards and split up into a maze of swarming aircraft. The missiles hit the ground sending some six Kelvians high into the air, and killing them. Next two more fighters dove down strafing the ground with twenty-millimeter fire. Each fighter had two twenty-millimeter Vulcans in their wings firing fifteen hundred rounds per minute. The Fighters strafing was only a few seconds, but the fighters carried enough rounds to fire each Vulcan for three minutes.330
The Kelvians had one desire now, and that was to avoid the aircraft. As the first two aircraft left the area two more dove in firing their guns as well crossing the area the first two had just saturated. Then two more fighters dove in and dropped two bombs each. They dropped two eleven hundred incendiary kilogram bombs into the area the Kelvians had hid from the fighters. The Rescue craft now came over the hill and swooped down over the area the pilot thought Jared and the Major to be around.331
The fire from the incendiary bombs lit the area for a distance of one kilometer. The Pilot could see Jared and the Major clearly in the fires light. He located a clear spot as close to the two as he could and sat his craft down.332
Jared saw the first two attacks on the Kelvians by the fighters, then the two bombs dropped on them. The blazing light blinded his scanners but he could still see with his eyes even though they were soar from the flash. He did see the rescue craft crown the hill and head directly towards him and the Major. Then two more fighters dove on the Kelvians and dropped two more incendiary bombs on the Kelvians.333
Jared turned to intercept the landing rescue craft, and lost his balance and went down. He found he had not the strength to lift himself off the ground, nor could he move the Major.334
“Jared-12 to rescue one” Jared called.335
“Go ahead Jared-12.” The pilot returned.336
“I am down and cannot lift myself. I repeat I am down.” Jared informed them337
At this time return fire was being shot at the fighters, and the blasters could shoot down the craft.338
“We have help here we will come and get you.” The pilot returned.339
“Jared-12 what is your status?” a new voice called.340
“Servos are not responding effectively, and overheating. Systems are damaged.” Jared returned.341
“Ok we will go through your systems when you get on board.” The new female voice replied.342
“Thank you ma’am” Jared returned.343
The Rescue Craft landed and discharged three cyborgs to retrieve Jared and the Major. They jumped out of the craft before the loading ramp could be lowered and headed towards the two. 344
The fighters keep their attacks on the Kelvians, firing their Vulcans or dropping their incendiary bombs. Two of the cyborgs grabbed Jared and one lifted the Major and then all three ran back to the rescue craft. They entered through the ramp carrying the two in and strapping them into the gurneys, as the ramp was raised and the doors closed.345
The onboard doctor went to the Major and checked her out. Seeing her injuries, he knew it would be hard to keep her alive, but it was possible. He started cleaning her wound and closing bleeders. He then hooked up an IV and plasma bags. Doctor Jenny Moors, a Cybernetic doctor, hooked up a reader to Jared’s helmet and scanned his computer and operation systems.346
“Damn Jared! How the hell did you make it this far?” she asked, stunned by the list of system failures and damages. “You have next to nothing working here. I will have to get your suit ventilated I see you are overheated in there.”347
She quickly opened the back of his helmet where there was a collection of ports and tiny hatches. She connected a ventilation hose to his suit and started the cooling down. The reader had showed it was one hundred and fifteen degrees inside the suit.348
Jared would now get to his base and be repaired. He would no longer have to operate in a broken down suit. He would survive, which was the most important thing he had worried about.349
Pierre Richards 10/2003350
I Cyborg, Alone
by Pierre RichardsOn Sep 5 12:48 PM 2004Last login March 26, 2006
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