Muzzle flashes littered the rooftops of the buildings either side of the bridge. The Mechs spun around in a desperate attempt to return fire against the overwhelming onslaught. Rifle fire, rockets and grenades pounded their position, quickly ripping the aliens into twisted metal and burning rubble.
Dubois didn’t slow and rushed towards the burning scene. They didn’t want to linger in hostile lands for a second longer. They reached the bodies of the Mechs, and one was thrashing about on the ground, trying to get to its feet. Dubois headed right for it, striking the beast at speed. The crew didn’t even notice the impact as the armoured hull smashed it to the ground.
Taylor and Jones looked at the display screens. They could see friendly soldiers standing up on the rooftops. They could make out a mix of British and American uniforms. Sergeant Dubois drew the vehicle to a close as they got over the bridge and to safety. Taylor reached for the door and swung it open, clambering out on his splinted leg.
Chandra was stood in the doorway of the building beside them. She was leaning on her crutch but was in full combat attire with her rifle slung across her chest.
“You haven’t been cleared for duty, Major.”
She smiled in response. Taylor limped over to her position.
“No chance you were authorised to come find us.”
“Nope, but that didn’t stop one of your Sergeants convincing me, and she has as much respect for authority as yourself.”
Taylor’s eyes lit up. Chandra knew what his next question would be, and she pointed back to the bridge. Taylor turned to see Eleanor walking at the head of a group of troops returning across it. She caught sight of him and ran all out.
Eleanor let her rifle fall to her side and jumped at the Major, embracing him with a firm grasp. She pulled her head back and rubbed it against his, not caring for the blood and grime. She kissed him quickly, provoking whistles from the troops.
“I couldn’t lose you,” she said.
“Likewise.”
Taylor let her go and turned to Chandra. They both knew he was breaking many rules pursuing a relationship with one of his team. He wanted to ask why Chandra had not enforced disciplinary action, but she had already read his mind.
“We’re at war, Major. Some rules simply don’t apply.”
He strode over to her as quickly as he could on his leg and grabbed her with a strong hug, lifting Chandra off her feet, much to her surprise.
“Major!” she shouted.
He put her down with a broad grin spanning across his face. She blushed slightly as they both knew she should not encourage such activity.
“You saved our asses, Major, thank you.”
“Glad you made it. Clearly you have by now realised that the northern districts are no longer safe. We have trying days ahead of us, Major. We need you rested and ready to fight.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
He saluted her with a smile.
Chapter 4
Taylor awoke to a dark and drizzly morning. Parker’s head was resting on his shoulder. Chandra had managed to secure a room in a hotel for them near the main assembly area. The mattress was soft and cushioned, and the duvet smooth and thick. He’d not known such luxury, even in his own officer’s quarters.
He pulled the duvet back and sat up at the side of the bed. His leg had been reset and was held in an articulated leg brace. It allowed him full movement and strength while it healed; making him ninety-five percent combat effective already. He’d had a hot shower and was now clean, but his body was bruised and scarred.
The Major stood up and walked across the room. Despite him being able to walk, his muscles and joints still ached. He pulled back the curtains and looked out across the vast assembly and command area. It was long past sunrise. Chandra had kindly allowed them to sleep till they woke up naturally. He doubted it was all due to kindness as he was more valuable to them in a fully recovered state.
As he felt a warm hand touch his shoulder, Taylor flinched a little. He was always impressed at Parker’s stealthy agility. She wrapped her arms around him and braced her body against his back, resting her head against his shoulders.
“If only every morning could be like this,” she said.
“Add room service and I’d agree.”
She turned him around to reveal a bag of rations on a small table at the end of the bed.
“Got what I could in the night, but it’s a far cry from a fresh breakfast.”
Taylor smiled. It was a thoughtful gesture. He turned to look out of the window. In the distance, he could see the energy pulses striking their lines. They were only a kilometre or two back from the bombardments, but it was far enough to enjoy the rest period. He strolled over to the table, taking a seat. Eli joined him and reached forward, resting her hand on his. He looked up into her eyes.
“You risked everything for me,” she whispered.
“As did Jones for me, we are all in this for each other.”
She smiled. Taylor had not seen such sentimentality and love in her face before. She surprised herself and quickly took her hand back to reach for the food.
“You think we’ll make it through this?” she asked.
Taylor coughed to clear his dry throat, still surprised at how much he had learnt about their relationship, and what it meant to both of them.
“I’ll be damned if I’m going to let some alien bastards take our planet.”
“Doesn’t really answer the question.”
He looked back up at her with a serious glare as he reached for a ration pack.
“Every day is a harder struggle, and we’re at the forefront of it. I can’t say our chances are good, but at least we’ll be fighting it side-by-side.”
She nodded, satisfied by his answer. They both knew there was little more they could ask under the circumstances. Before they could say another word, the comms on the dresser spluttered to life.
“Come in, Major Taylor.”
The two of them sighed, knowing that their time in peace and luxury was over. Mitch stood up. His body ached, but it was a relief to be so active after the vicious previous day. He strode across to the comms link. Eli lay back, putting her feet up as she opened her food packet.
“This is Taylor.”
“Sir, Commander Phillips is requesting your presence,” said Captain Friday.
“Where exactly?”
“I’m outside your building, Sir. I’ll take you to him.”
“I’ll be out shortly, Captain.”
He put the communicator down and looked back to Eli with disappointment.
“Guess our vacation is over.”
She huffed as she dropped her feet down from the chair and stood up briskly. They watched each other as they pulled on their clothes and armour, mesmerised by one another. The Major’s armour was scratched and battered, and his clothing torn in a few places. They had no spares to replace it, but at least it had been cleaned overnight.
Taylor ripped open the door and stepped out into the hallway. It was alive with activity. It seemed the hotel had become one of many desirable locations for the officers of all the armies in the area. Most were high ranking and had clean uniforms. Many of them stopped and stared at the battle worn marines, humbled by the signs of their recent combat experience.
Nobody said a word to them as they made their way out of the luxury quarters. Friday met them at the door, and Ortiz and Campbell were sitting on the wall outside. They turned and looked in with shock at the Major’s recovery. The last time they saw him he was a wreck, but now he looked ready to go right back into battle.
“Phillips wants my balls, I take it?”
“No idea, Sir, but it sounded urgent.”
“When isn’t it?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Alright, lead the way.”
They marched through line after line of temporary structures and vehicles. Even on their largest training exercises, they had never seen such an assembly of forces. Friday led them to Phillips’ command vehicle. They stopped outside as the Major stepped in. He was greeted by Phillips stood at his briefing table, alongside Chandra and Jones.