"We still not got coordinates?" asked Ryan.
"Nope, you're to follow the 5th Marine ships, and we'll be given operational details as and when they are available and needed."
Ryan looked out to the Marine regiment mounting up. Their ships were brand new off the line and gleaming, the next generation on from the Deveron.
"Don't let their good looks fool you, Colonel. They're bigger than this girl with a bigger payload and more guns, but we can still outrun 'em any day."
The 5th Marine Regiment had dozens of ships and was beginning to lift off, despite the fact no orders had been passed on to Taylor.
"No take off authorisation or orders?" asked Ryan.
Taylor shook his head with a smile.
"The 5th haven't seen action in some time and are eager for glory. They won't share any information unless they absolutely have to. You just tail them till we know otherwise. If they want to lead the way into the enemy, let 'em. Makes a change. It's usually us having to take the flack."
"Power up and lift off."
Ryan felt awkward not having any coordinates to give to his crew, and he refused to tell them to follow the 5th Marine.
"Plot a course for Southern Italy, Cozenza."
Taylor turned in surprise. He'd never been to the country and was surprised to hear Ryan even know the name of any towns there.
"That place mean something to you?"
"I knew a girl there once," he replied.
"I bet you did."
Jafar stepped up onto the bridge. Taylor wasn't sure if he was going to join them at all and must have got on just before the doors shut.
"Good of you to join us."
"I told them I will help all I can, but where you go, I go."
"How'd they take it?"
"Why should you care?"
"Mmm… fair enough. Good to have you with us. This ain't the strike I was expecting, but atleast we're heading in the right direction."
Chapter 7
"2nd Inter-Allied, you are to report to Italian Authorities in Naples to establish a base of operations south of the city. The coordinates are being sent to you now. 5th Marine is continuing on to Potenza where they will engage any enemy presence."
Ryan looked around and to see the pissed off expression on Taylor's face.
"Looks like we just got benched."
"I said they wanted their glory."
"Let 'em have it. You have nothing to prove, and chilling out and taking in a few rays can't do any of us any harm."
"They're going in hot headed, and without intel on the area and enemy deployments, not smart. I want as much info as you can get me in the next twenty minutes on enemy movements. Something tells me we're gonna be called for soon."
"And this order to head for Naples?"
"Go with it. We'll be a short distance from the fight."
"Sir, I have an incoming transmission from Colonel Harney for you."
"Put him through," Taylor said through gritted teeth.
A projection of the Fighting Fifth Commander appeared before them.
"We're glad to have you aboard this mission, Colonel. The 5th is heading right for the enemy targets to eliminate them quickly. I understand you are accustomed to being at the head of the action, but I want you to secure the area at our backs and take it a little easy. Your people have been through enough."
"No easy life for a marine when the enemy is at our door, Sir."
"You have your orders, Colonel, good luck."
They came down quickly onto a field where Italian forces were assembling south of the city. The country had been brutally ravaged by the first war like most of the Mediterranean, and Taylor knew their military was a long way from recovering. They had mustered just a two companies at the staging area, which meant the elite 2nd Inter-Allied outnumbered the local forces they were going to assist.
The Deveron and the two other craft put down just twenty metres in front of the group of soldiers and their lightly armoured vehicles. Taylor stood and studied them from the bridge for a moment after they had made their landing.
"They're young, inexperienced," Jones finally said.
"Are you surprised? Few of their soldiers survived the last war. Most of what they can muster are barely out of training, and with few experienced officers and NCOs to see them on their way."
"I guess that's why they sent us."
Taylor turned to face the other officers of the Battalion standing at the back of the bridge awaiting his orders.
"Let's get something straight. We may be on their soil, but we are not under their command. You follow my orders or those of our own command. Commander Phillips is en route to assume HQ duties of both us and several other units in the area. I don't care if there's a General out there. This command is mine. I will not have any of our own put in harm's way because some freshman wants to make a name for himself.
"You think that's what we'll face?" asked Jones.
"Probably. Jackson, dismount and have the Battalion form up. Jones and Jafar, you're with me. We're going to meet whoever thinks they're running this thing."
Jones smiled, he could only imagine the humiliation an unsuspecting young officer was about to receive. They stepped down the ramp to find a greeting party awaiting them. The man at the centre wore the rank of Major, and he appeared to be the highest ranked among them.
"Colonel Taylor!" he shouted rather informally.
There was no salute, and he rushed up to Taylor with his hand outstretched. He quickly stopped, realising his mistake. His arm shot up into a salute, but the smile still adorned his face. He stretched his hand out once again which Taylor could not rightfully refuse.
"Colonel Taylor, it is such an honour to meet you."
The man tried to shake his hand vigorously, but the strength provided by the exosuit made for little movement. It was clear to him that they had never been equipped or trained with the Reitech gear. They had been entirely equipped from pre-war stores.
"The Immortals standing before us. I could never have imagined it! I am Major Gallo, and I welcome you to Naples."
Taylor looked out across to the Major's men who stood casually about. Many were leaning against the vehicles for the shade and few looked eager to work.
A lazy Italian? Who would have thought it?
He smiled at the sight and just refrained from saying what he saw.
"Have you boys encountered the enemy yet?"
"Uh, no, Sir. We have had a few reports of fighting breaking out further south, but we were ordered to assemble here and await further support."
"Well, we're it. Don't take this the wrong way, Major, but have you or any of your troops fought a Mech?"
"No, Sir, but we have been in training for a year and are eager to do so."
Taylor nodded and groaned in doubt.
"We are here to fight for our country, Colonel, ready and prepared."
"It is not your courage or determination I doubt, but this gear you have. When the first war started, we needed to outnumber them ten to one to stand a chance. They have superior weapons, armour, and strength to anything that we had in use at the time. If you're going to go to war with that gear, better ensure you never try and take on more than a platoon of the Mechs."
The Major was taken aback by his words. His instinct was to defend his abilities and those of his men, but his respect for Taylor stopped him. It cast a heavy shadow over his optimism.
"Then you believe we are close to useless without this equipment you have?"
"Not far short. If you had witnessed the losses I had early on in the war, you would understand where I am coming from."
"What do you suggest we do?"
"Talk to your commanders. Arrange for Reitech equipment to be issued immediately through whatever urgent operational requirement facility you have."