“Major, I am sure you are both now familiar with Brigadier Dupont.”
They turned to see that Commander Phillips was stood off to his side.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Major, you are clearly aware that I have lost all but the last few kilometres of my country. However, I have not yet lost my people. France has been occupied before. We will fight on in this war.”
Taylor turned to White, knowing that he must have something important to say.
“Sir, please cut to the chase.”
“Last time we spoke, Major, I mentioned that the enemy forces were manufacturing something big in France.”
“Yes, Sir,” replied Taylor.
“We already knew they were starting the construction of drones and other hardware. That is a concerning fact, and one which we are trying to counter at all times. However, this is of greater concern.”
A map projected before them. The General tapped a few buttons on his screen and a red box lit up towards the west coast of France.
“Surveillance has shown us that without a doubt a major facility is being constructed not far from Poitiers, as is highlighted on your map. Our experts have identified increasing amounts of highly dangerous radiation in the area.”
“You think they are creating a super weapon?”
“You already saw it coming, Major, as you told me in our last communication. Our scientists say, that based on the information we have, they are creating a contagion and device that will spread their creation across the globe.”
“What kind of device, Sir?”
“You’re asking the wrong man, Major, but that is not important. This structure is a few clicks wide, and it is what will enable them to spread their poison.”
“What are the effects?”
“Death within days. Only those in sealed suits or purpose-built facilities would survive. If they get that weapon active, there will not be enough people left on this planet to fight them off for another day.”
Chandra gasped in horror.
“Have you made any attempt to destroy it, Sir?”
“Taylor, we have launched two air attacks already, and both have failed.”
The Major knew that meant heavy casualties, but it was another tragedy he didn’t want to consider.
“We can’t get troops on the ground, and we can’t get bombers near. Any missiles we direct at them are intercepted.”
Taylor turned away in disbelief and could already see where this was going. His marine unit had been tasked with exactly these kinds of assault missions in the past, but never during serious wartime conditions. He turned back to the two officers.
“You want us to go in?”
“What?” Chandra shouted. “It’s suicide.”
“Possibly, but it is suicide to do nothing anyway,” replied Taylor.
“Major, if this super weapon is allowed to be completed, it will be the end of us all,” said Dupont.
“I don’t doubt it is of the utmost important, Sir, but what are we supposed to do about it?”
“Lieutenant Rains has by now reached you, I assume?” asked White.
“Yes, Sir.”
“The Lieutenant has been working with his crews to not just make his copter fast, but also to blend in. The enemy engine technology he has fitted emits the same signature as the enemy craft. We have additionally fitted it out with their onboard identity transmission signal.”
“You’re saying that ship can blend in behind enemy lines?”
“Up to a point, yes. On any scanners or defence systems the enemy have it will show up as one of theirs, but under visual inspection it will clearly not cut it.”
Taylor turned to Chandra. They both knew that a suicidal mission was being asked of them.
“This vast construction of theirs has been built to withstand a substantial strike from the air. We’re not even sure if our bombers would have done damage if they had got through. We need you to get a device within the complex and strike at its core.”
“You really believe it’s possible, Sir?”
“I believe it’s the best chance we have. Your combined Company has seen more action than most and had more successes than any force its size. You have the best training and new equipment we have to offer. If anyone can do this, it’s you, Major.”
“And if we fail, Sir?”
“Then we will do everything in our power to get the job done. Major, I know I am asking you to undertake a suicidal mission. If I thought there was any other way, I would take it. If you do not succeed, it could well be the end of us all.”
Taylor nodded his head. He knew from their tone at the very beginning they were going to ask such a thing from him. After all their sacrifices it was a tall order, but one he had come to expect. As one of the most successful front line units, the commanders had come to rely on them, no matter the cost.
“I won’t order you to do this, Major. I know what you and your marines have given up already.” He looked to Chandra. “The same goes for you, Major. You’ve both done a damn fine job. But the work is far from over, and I cannot state how vital this mission is to the survival of us all.”
Taylor dipped his head and eye contact from the General. He’d expected to die so many times in the last few days. A suicidal mission seemed little different to any other battle they had faced of late. He looked back up.
“If it needs to be done, we’ll do it.”
The General sighed with relief and nodded in appreciation.
“Should you fail, Major, you will not be forgotten. Your Inter-Allied Company has become a symbol of hope for our forces back home. I only pray you survive long enough to continue to inspire us all.”
“What’s the plan, General?”
“I will pass you over to Brigadier Dupont who will be overseeing the mission, along with Commander Phillips. I needed to know you were on board Major, but now I must focus my efforts on our own soil. Even if you should succeed, we face an uphill battle.”
“Sir, this new equipment,” he asked as he lifted the weapon from his side, “any news on production?”
“The factories are working all out across the world to get it to the front line. You can be assured that it will be with every marine and soldier as quickly as is humanly possible.”
“That’s what worries me. We aren’t facing humans, Sir. We have to raise our game.”
“I hear you, Major, over and out.”
The transmission cut out and they turned to face the Frenchman and Chandra’s commanding officer.
“Firstly, can I thank you both for your hard work. You have shown remarkable courage and ability in the battle for my country.”
“We’re in this together, Sir. The aliens don’t recognise borders or nationalities,” replied Taylor.
Dupont nodded in agreement.
“You will have just one aircraft for this mission as the General has noted. You’ll be limited to just thirty soldiers which you will be allowed to select personally. Major Chandra will stay in charge of the defensive lines at Ramstein. There are substantial re-enforcements heading your way.”
“Appreciate it, Sir,” she replied.
“This operation will take place overnight to allow you maximum protection from visual recognition.”
“You think they don’t have night vision technology, Sir?”
“From the reports I have seen so far, Major, I would say no. For all of the enemy’s advanced technology, they are also arrogant. They have underestimated our strength and resilience.”
“I pray that is the case, Sir,” snapped Taylor.
“I suggest you select your team and then assemble them all here for a briefing in one hour.”
“Affirmative, Sir, out.”
The screen faded to black as Chandra turned to face Taylor. He was still staring at the blank screen.
“Wow, I knew we didn’t have much chance of survival in this war, but I didn’t think they’d be asking you to get your head blown off so soon.”
Taylor chuckled.
“Isn’t it what we’re paid for?”
“Thirty men against a highly defended base?”