Prologue

 

The rain fell hard bouncing of the swamped field creating splashes of dirty water bouncing about like jumping crickets. The sky above was dark and cloud covered hiding the stars away from visual sight. Colonel Fischer surveyed the long road ahead which had been ploughed through the drenched and swamped field. Behind him the sound of grinding and revving motors echoed through the mass of the long field. A division of tanks trudged slowly through the dirt covered road, kicking particles of mud and dirt from their tracks whilst they crunched down across the road.

Long beams of light shone out across the darkness from the moving armada of armoured vehicles. Behind the tanks the sound of marching feet could be heard from the Marines that followed the division.

 

Fischer held his hand up to signal a full stop, the armada behind ground to a sudden halt, whilst leaving their engines still revving.

 

"Rybok give me the map will you."

 

Captain Rybok handed the Colonel a damp map and folded it open for him. Both men watched the rain patter off the paper and bounce across the green jeep they sat in. Sat opposite Fischer was the driver and behind sat Sergeant Mkoll, who sat a kin to Captain Rybok.

 

"According to this were here in the dungle fields." Fischer began to explain pointing his finger at their location.

 

"Another ten clicks is were the resistance planned the meet. Captain I want you to take your special ops team and scout the area. As soon as you come across hostiles radio it in."

 

"Sir." Rybok answered looking at Mkoll

 

"Besides its you who organised the meet with resistance forces yes. So it should be you they greet first. Also might I remind you its vital we don't lose Cantabile."

 

"Understood." Rybok said looking Fischer in the eyes.

 

The Captain jumped down from the jeep followed by Mkoll and jogged down the side of the division until coming to a halt by the first armoured troop carrier. He pulled the cloth cover of the rear back himself.

"Colonels got a scout out for us. Come on we're on double time here, move it." Rybok bellowed at the five man team sat in the ATC.

 

One by one the team dropped off the vehicle splashing their feet in the water logged road below, all carrying their weapons tight to their chests.   

Within seconds they'd circled around Captain Rybok and Sergeant Mkoll.

 

"Scope you take point. Halls you take up the rear. The rest of you pan out and we'll cover the ground. Watch out for claymores and trips." Rybok explained.

 

The Black beret team began to move away from the armoured division and into the tree's disappearing like ghosts in the mist.

 

***

 

Rybok stopped and pulled out his chrome compass flipping its lid open he watched as the rain bounced from the glass cover, covering the dial.

 

"How far." Asked Mkoll.

 

Rybok stood silent for a moment studying the arrow and watched how it suddenly stopped to face north/west.

 

"Ten clicks North/West." The Captain replied.

 

"Damn the magnetic field of this damned rock aye." Mkoll sniggered

 

Rybok smiled and looked on at the surrounding trees they'd entered. The grass was ankle high and drenched from the down pour as were the leaves from the tall trees that towered above hiding any hint of light. The noise of distant animals that dwelled within the trees seemed to echo somehow, yet the team had been trained to ignore such distractions.

 

The Captain felt the rain drop onto his beret and drool down his face to finally drip from his stubbled chin. He put the compass back in his chest pocket behind his flak armour. Taking a firm hold of his gun with both hands he began trudging his feet through the ground once more squelching every step he made.

 

Mkoll followed close behind looking downwards just forwards of his feet constantly watching for trips or any sign of claymore mines.

 

In the distance a bird fluttered through the trees above, forcing the team to come to a sudden halt. The seven men raised their guns upwards then to the side and taking a slow sweep across the woods in unison.

 

"Scope see anything up there." Rybok gently asked through his com line.

 

"Nuthin' but the dicky." Scope said.

 

"Butch take point we'll hang back. Scope come down and bring up our rear. Mkoll take Burch's rear. The rest of you keep formation seven clicks before meet."

 

Butch was a tall man carrying an axe strapped to his back and holding his standard M17 auto with laser sights pointing forwards of the barrel dashed up to the front of the team and swiftly but with caution moved through the drenched plants and in between the trees keeping his gun trained dead ahead. Occasionally he would stop hold up his hand to signal a stop then carry on. Behind Butch Mkoll the dark skinned Sergeant would follow occasionally glancing from left to right.

 

The rain fall began to slow and then eventually stop leaving a chilly wind to howl between trees. The team came to a stop as they reached the end of the woods and looked down the hill the last trees greeted. Below was a small village.

 

Rybok crouched down and took out his Binoculars to take a closer and more detailed look.

 

"Well this is the place." Butch explained looking down.

 

"What now." Asked another Sibyl from the team.

 

"We wait." Rybok replied.

 

***

 

Scope moved swiftly and silently as though he were a ghost through the trees to find a good position too cover the team with his long rifle. He stopped in front of a tall tree that seemed to look down on the hill and into the village. He used his camo cape for cover and began to climb the tall tree until finally finding his advantage point. Once he was comfortable with his position in the tall tree he began to rest his long rifle on an adjacent branch then slowly he fixed the cross hairs of his scope to a more magnified view. He was ready and had a good vantage to cover the team.

 

"I'm fixed." He said softly through his com.

 

Then settled in for what he decided could be some long hours ahead. Yet that was his game patience. He was proberly the best sharp shooter this side of the galaxy. He had the skill to fire a shell through strong winds moving east west or south at a 99 percent accuracy.

 

***

 

Rybok, Butch, Sibyl, Glamour Mkoll and Lightener slowly moved down the slippery hill breaking from cover of the trees and down towards the village. Rybok walked up front followed closely by the others. They stopped as the came the first hut and surveyed the surrounding area. Mkoll stepped out to the open garden he crouched down by the end fence and peered other the top.

 

"Who are you?"

 

Mkoll turned quick pointing his gun ready for attack. As soon as he saw his intruder he lowered the gun. A small child knelt down in the damp mud attired in dirty rags watching him with big blue eyes. The child was female no older than twelve and her hair was covered in dirt and rain fall. Rybok and Lightener appeared from behind the hut guns at the ready.

 

"We are looking for some friends little one." Mkoll explained.

 

"They are in the church." She explained.

 

"Remain here Mkoll." Rybok said stepping past him followed by the tall Lightener.

 

***

 

Rybok stepped up to the open church doors and entered. Inside was well lit and a group of three men and one woman attired in rags carrying shot guns greeted them with pointed barrels.

 

"Who the frag are you." The woman asked.

 

"Stand down I know him its Captain Rybok Black Beret special ops Colonel Federation." Came a voice from behind. The group lowered their guns and stepped aside for the other. Rybok grinned watching another step up into view.

 

"McNeil." Rybok said allowed with a grin to his stubbled face.

 

"Reurne Resists." McNeil said.

 

"Rybok to team. Alls well take up covering positions on the village's outer rim." The Captain said speaking through his com link.

 

"It's been a while Captain Saul Rybok." McNeil said. Both men entered the main hall of the church. Rybok looked up and looked on at the resistance fighters stood up on the balcony men women and some children across the benches to the lectern he noticed all the resistance fighters were pale skinned and thin proberly a lack of food supplies.

 

"Its great to see you've come. I take there are more of you." McNeill asked.

 

Rybok looked into his green eyes. McNeil was tall pale and like his fighters thin. He was attired in what could be described as rags a standard auto slung over his bony shoulder. The marble floor tiles blow their feet were all cracked and stained from dirt.

 

"We have an armoured division waiting about ten clicks back. I'll make contact shortly. First I need to know how many you number and the situation here in Cantabile."

 

McNeil led Rybok to the lectern were a map was laid out flat covering the entire area of Cantabile. In the Map were red markers locating Coalition forces strong points.

 

"As you can see we are very active but we are low in numbers. We've regrouped at this village Monsoon. Coalition forces are less than three clicks up the road from out west east and north. Our southern exit is only free because we had to fend a full force off. But it's the northern count that concern us. They have a division of armoured vehicles large enough to flatten this village. Here we number about one hundred and sixty five. It's the children we need to have removed. Now you're here I want them extracted to the blue safe zones."

 

Rybok looked up from the lectern and suddenly realised many of the resistance were made up of children.

 

He stepped down the few steps away from the lectern and switched his com link back to active in his ear piece.

 

"Colonel. Rybok here. We have a fixed location of resistance fighters."

 

"Coalition forces are where."

 

"About 2 clicks around the corner."

 

"Sounds like a trap."

 

"With the division not really we can fight them back and take Cantabile."

 

"Negative Captain."

 

"Understood. I'll begin the evac of the village."

 

"I repeat Negative."

 

"What."

 

"Negative your orders are to fall back and we'll air strike the place."

 

  "Sir we have too many young here."

 

"Understood Captain fall back will you. Fischner out."

 

McNeil stepped down and placed his hand on Rybok's shoulder. What's the plan then Captain?

 

Rybok looked up at Lightener who he knew had just heard the order. "Have your people ready to pull back within ten mins. We going to air strike the area."

 

McNeil disappeared into the church to prepare the resistance of Reurne to move out.

 

Lightener slowly approached the Captain cradling his gun in both arms.

"Sir Orders were to drop and ditch."

 

"Yeah well who says this lot can't follow. We cannot leave them here after what they have been through and the fighting they have done for us. No we take them."

 

***

 

Scope watched as over a hundred men and women and children began to enter the woods all armed with guns and attired in dirty rags that once resembled clothing.

 

"Sir." He said speaking into his come.

 

"Move on up take point scope." Rybok ordered.

 

Scope slid down the tree and moved on under the cover of darkness clenching his long rifle with both hands.

 

***

 

Colonel Fischer watched as Captain Rybok and his unit emerged from the woods and back onto the swamp covered field. Rybok led his men from the front still they used their weapons and trained them for possible targets.

 

It was when Rybok approached the division closer that the horror sank across the Colonels face.

 

Over a hundred resistance fighters women children and men emerged from the woods dressed in rags and armed with their weapons. And what a dirty motley crew they looked.

Fischer opened his private com to the armoured vehicle s.

 

"Train your guns on them and fire. Spare none kill the bloody lot." He said through gritted teeth.

 

***

 

Rybok watched in sheer horror as the entire armoured division opened fire on the resistance fighters.

 

"Nooooooooooooo." He bellowed as he raced to the Colonels lead jeep.

 

The resistance fighters dropped like flies to the fire. The women children and men were all cut down through the spraying of heavy gun fire. Scope Mkoll and the others dropped to their knees in horror watching the massacre of the fighters that had sacrificed everything to hold the line.

 

Two young children a boy and a girl tried to flee back into the tree line but found no escape as the gun fire cut them down in volleys of shells and a spray of blood. Mkoll covered his eyes and Scope sank deep onto his knees horror stricken.

 

After a few minutes none remained alive leaving a long line of corpses covered in the swamp water many face down some face up all of them had been cut open by the gun fire. The women children and men laid in a swamp of their own blood soaked bodies.

 

Rybok approached the Colonel who was on his radio just finishing ordering the air strike.

 

"Why?" Rybok asked with a defeated tone.

 

"Because they could have simply been coalition forces." No they weren't

 

Fischer smiled.

 

"Well maybe not. But if they were they can't do us harm now can they."

 

"You bastard." Rybok said as he un holstered his pistol from his waist.

 

"You bastard you just butchered the young and the weak. They held the line for you. You Scum fragger." With that Rybok shot Colonel Fischer in the head killing him instantly with his execution. He stood still and watched as the Colonels body dropped to the floor in what felt like slow motion.

 

Suddenly he looked up to see twenty guns all aimed at his head.

 

Mkoll rushed up with his gun aimed at the marines that surrounded the Captain.

The Marine Lieutenant turned and shot Mkoll in the face killing him there and then. Scope took careful aim and fired his long rifle at the Lieutenant. The bullet pierced his skull killing him instantly.

 

 

"Drop it." More Marines bellowed as they approached the team.

 

Rybok released the hold on his pistol letting it fall into the soaked road. Then watched as Major Donahue approached.

 

"Colonel Saul Rybok I'm placing you under arrest for the murder of a senior officer. I have called for a pick up and you'll be transported back for trail conviction and sentence." The Major said as he placed a set of cuffs over Captain Saul Rybok's wrists.

 

 

Two Weeks Later

 

Captain Saul Rybok sat on the edge of his single bunk covered by a blanket of darkness that shrouded most of the cell up to the bars. The walls were basic no decorations no pictures just brick work. The stone floor was cold to the naked touch and hard.

Outside the sound of waves bashing against the wall echoed in his cell, followed by the sound of the wind howling throughout the corridor outside his cell.

 

He looked up to listen to the sound of approaching feet marching down the stone floor of the corridor followed by that distinct sound of rattling keys. Rybok new they were coming for him, this would proberly be when his fate was decided.

 

He took a deep breath and flexed his arms out wide to stretch his muscles and arch his back to niggle out the slump of been sat too long in one position. And then the feet stopped. Rybok looked up to see his tubby jailer and three armed guards attired in long grey coats armed with standard M17 machine guns. He always admired the design of the gun short with a smooth barrel and a long nuzzle front loading weapon.

 

"Up." The Jailer said. His face as tubby as his stomach.

 

But Rybok knew better than to argue and rose to his feet, watching whilst the jailer opened the cell door and entered followed by one of the guards. The three men had long expressionless faces.

 

"Hold you're hands forwards." The jailer ordered.

 

Saul Rybok watched the guard circle him keeping his M17 pointed towards his head, then finally he held his arms forwards. The jailer took out a set of chrome cuffs and locked them around his wrists.

 

"Is he ready?" Came another voice.

 

Saul watched a young Lieutenant emerged from the corridor. The man was attired in standard DPM camouflage urban style uniform.

 

"He's all yours Marsh." Replied the jailer.

 

The guard nudge Rybok on the back of his neck with his gun. The Captain moved out of the cell and into the long corridor.

 

"Follow me Captain." Marsh said sarcastically

 

The five men walked down the long jail corridor and out up the steps and onto a landing platform were a dragonfly shuttle waited for them. Rybok walked in the middle followed by two guards on his rear on forwards and following the Lieutenant.

He looked across the landing platform and out at the thrashing waves of the prison island surrounded by the sea and the howling grizzle of the wind.

 

Before Saul Rybok knew it he was sat on the dragonfly in the crew compartment and sat a kin to him were the three long coat guards and opposite Marsh.

And then it wasn't long before he felt a slight lift to his stomach from the Dragonfly.

 

***

 

It must have been just over an hour when Rybok found himself escorted from the Dragonfly and onto another landing platform. The sky above was dark and the stars were out. Greeting him and his escort were another set of guards about seven in total. He was led inside another building and into another long corridor though the floor was well carpeted and pictures of judges hung from the walls. Guards in suits took control of him and un-cuffed his wrists. He flexed his hands out from the freedom of the cuffs. And followed the new guards into a room with five judges sat at a long table. He was escorted to face them from the opposite side of the table.

 

"Do you know why you are here Captain?" The centre on an oldish man with receding hair and a white goatee asked.

 

"I do."

 

"Then we will begin Captain." He said.

 

One of the guards brought a wooden chair and placed it behind Rybok, who in kind took the seat and sat down.

 

"You were charged with the execution of a superior officer named Colonel Fischner. In that act your Sergeant was also executed for killing the leading Marine Lieutenant. And another named Scope was also taken to cuffs for this betrayal. Because this act carries a serious wait amongst the Colonial Federal forces, it cannot go un punished. Is that understood?"

 

"It is." Rybok replied.

 

"Under the normal rules it carries the wait of death. However. We have decided due to the nature of your training and expertise you will not face execution. Nor life in Prison. Instead we will promote you bypassing the rank of Major and promote you too Lieutenant Colonel. However you will no longer serve with the Colonial Black Berets. Nor any other regiment. Instead your punishment is you will lead Rat Pack units on the most deadly of missions. Make no mistake Saul Rybok you are expendable though you carry the rank and full privileges your life could be less than a year. Or longer depending on your skill. But you will lead the worst of the worst. You will lead the Colonial Penals known as rat packs."

 
Chapter One
The Siege Of Canitble Bay

Like the force of a Tornado and hiding in the blinding light of the rising Sun
You'll know we have arrived.


Six years Later


Satyrian
Positioned in the Delius System


The sky was turning from night to dawn with the sun rising and the dull grey turning to a shade of pink. Slowly the fields and mountains and forests lit up under the new dawn. The tall standing fortress sat on the main cliffs overlooking the sea began to lose its shadow, daylight crept up lighting the tall wall that went the far length of the steep cliffs battling against the thrashing of the sea down below.

As the clouds began to move with the new dawn sky hundreds of vessels appeared using the rising sun to blind them from sight, but not hide their sound. The red sky filled with attack vessels all with their courses set for the fortress and its long wall sat at the steep cliffs edge.

As the fighter's became closer the defensive battery guns opened fire releasing tracer's across the sky leading up to the attacking vessels. Once the tracers reached their designated targets, defensive missile launchers opened up barrages of Missiles streaking across the sky leaving long trails of black and grey smoke. Once the missiles and Tracer shots spread out across the sky some of the attacking fighters began to combust into balls of flames across the red sky. In some cases the crews could be seen falling from their transports yet their screams were blocked out by the deafening sounds of gun fire screaming across the new dawn sky.

Colonel Donahue stood behind the two pilots steering the Falkland leading the assault on Cantible Bay. The sight was magnificent if anything the turning sky was lit up in what could only be described as a firework display. Orders and voices from the other craft echoed from the com of the cock-pit. Donahue was attired in green camouflage with his chest covered over by thick padded flack armour. An ear piece with a long thin needle looking piece led its way down his right cheek ending with a small speaker resting just below his bottom lip. His arm he cradled his M17 auto gun with the front loader magazine resting just short at his waist. He brushed his fingerless gloved hand through his short cropped hair.

From the cockpit he watched pieces of the long tall wall crumble away from the explosions of the attacking missile fire. Large flames erupted in a volcano style explosion spreading flames and debris across the wall and dropping down into the thrashing of the waves.

The sky turned a sour white that gradually turned to a dismal yellow from the explosions that began reeking havoc across the wall and deep behind. A series of new explosions began to erupt, many of which spread across the enemy targets engulfing hundreds of enemy soldiers and ripping apart their defending battery guns and missile launcher pods. The ground began to quake from the impact of barrage missile dropping from newly-appeared bombers making a high bombing run. The sound of dropping bombs sounded like a most dreadful whistle that finally ended with loud roaring explosions.
Suddenly steam rose up from the ocean creating that evaporating feel and rising up the cliffs like climbing spider plants.

The wind was harsh and each of the vessels and fighters had to battle the elements forcing them closer together. Below more big cannons began to raise their barrels, each one trying to target the quickly approaching attacking Federation fighters.

A second series of strikes screamed out from the federation attackers, they were like rods of molten glass Blue hot and gone again in a nana second, leaving a wound in the clouds they'd come from.

The strikes graced across the sky creating wounding marks throughout the clouds and began to force the long wall to crumble and disintegrate revealing the military compound behind. The wind forced the now tall raging fires across much of the compound, causing them to engulf hundreds more in flames.

And suddenly the attacking of missiles slowed and the sky filled with hundreds of thousands of Federation soldiers, dropping by parachute into the compound. The defence guns still blazed killing hundreds as they fell, and even bracing more ships.

Colonel Donohue watched in horror as the neighbouring Falkland vessel was torn in two, pulling its waiting paratroops soldiers prematurely down. Many of them flapping about, covered in flames. Donohue looked away, expressing a moment's grief for their poor souls.

"Lieutenant take us close to the main fortress. We'll make our drop there." Donohue ordered pointing to the smoking fortress.

The attacking fighters started launching series upon series of missiles into the walls of the tall fortress. Suddenly, the foundations must have given way because much of the fortress began to buckle and crumble dropping down in a fog of dust and flames.

Donohue watched as another fighter was hit forcing it to spiral across the sky leaving a trail of black and orange smoke to eventually crash into one of the gun batteries.

"Frag poor beggar." Muttered Lieutenant Brown.

Without warning, Donohue was thrown from his feet and smoke and sparks began fizzing out of the cockpit. The Falkland shook violently. Donohue began to pick himself up from the smoke filled bridge wiping the blood from his nose.

"What the frag was that." He bellowed.

"We're jumping now," Brown called out above din of the alarms

"What about you?"

"We'll be following you, sir."

Donohue charged from the cockpit of the smoking Falkland and into the long narrow troop compartment that had filled with thick smoke.

"We're jumping now," Donohue yelled over the loud noise from the outside wind and grinding of the wounded engines.

"Brown, open the fragging rear drop door. Now!"

The rear drop door began to open, as it did, the troops stood up and began approaching the grinding of pistons from the door. And then the vacuum entered the compartment.

"Go! For frag's sake, jump!"

One by one the soldiers took the leap from the burning vessel until Donohue was the last one left. He watched as each of the parachutes opened up carrying his men down safely. And then leapt. Once outside he looked back at the Falkland and watched as flames began to spread across its grey hull.

"C'mon on, jump will you," he muttered to himself as he released the clip and his stomach wrenched upwards from the opening of his chute. Once open his stomach eased slightly to the down pull of gravity. And then the chute was fully opened and Donohue was dropping safely down himself.

"C'mon you fools, fragging jump," he said to himself again

Suddenly the Falkland exploded in an orange ball, spreading its pieces of torn hull across the sky to drop smouldering from the explosion. He said a quiet prayer for both Brown and the co-pilot. As he dropped down to the ground he watched below grow closer and closer until he arched his feet and felt a sudden sharp shock from his clumsy landing. He rolled to the left through some tall grass narrowly avoiding his chute covering him over.

It didn't take long for his ears to pick up the sound of gun chatter nearby. Quickly he cut the cords releasing him from his chutes restraints and picked up his M17. He checked the gun was intact giving it the once over. Better to be safe than sorry. The gun was ok and fully loaded. He then took the time to look around and the taste of metallic filled his mouth, from all the explosions and small arms fire.

He cut the last of his restraints and turned to see two soldiers advancing on his position. He looked closer and realised they were not Federation drop troops, and both of them had their guns aimed towards him.

"Frag." He muttered.

Donohue rolled to his left watching as gun fire impacted across the ground he'd just evaded. The soil kicked up from the impacting and thudding sound. He reached for his M17 cocked the side bar back jumped up to one knee and took aim. Once he had the first in his line he fired a volley of three shots. The bullets flew through the air followed by a long arrow streaking tracer. The first hit the closest attacker in the knee the second thudded into his other knee and the third into his stomach. The soldier fell forwards.
Donohue moved again dodging another series of shots aimed his way. Again he returned fire. This time the shots missed the second soldier, instead the men stumbled forwards giving Donohue a second chance. He fired another short burst aiming for the mans forehead. His shot was accurate.

"Team to me." He said speaking through his com link.

Seven men came jogging up to him all carrying M17 auto's and training them for possible targets. The lead man aimed at the down soldier wounded in the knees and fired killing him as he passed by.

"Sir the fields under our control. But our unit is split. The wind blew most of us over there towards Cantibles fortress." Sergeant Deli explained, while wiping soot from his face.

"This is Colonel Donohue to all units. We need to be forcing the Coalition troops into a corner. Most of them look to be at the main fortress. So sweep your areas while heading up to there. Many of our brothers are dropping in there by now. So lets get us some glory today." He said speaking through his com link.

***

Donohue watched the fighters above tear the main fortress part forcing most of it down into the thrashing waves. The sound roared across the area with a horrendous cry. Most of the soldiers were beginning to flee from their positions. His team had reached group of mettle barrels and engaged more coalition troops forcing his team to use the barrels for cover.

Occasionally he lifted his gun above the barrel and fired off a volley of shots then waited for the return fire.

Sergeant Deli approaching keeping his body crouched and holding his gun with both hands.
"Sir we can rush them Trooper Mark seems to think there are more of us."

Donohue dared himself a peep above the barrel he crouched by. A chatter of gun fire bounced from the mettle with a tingeing echo forcing him back down.

"Frag it do it." He said.

Deli looked across raising his hand in a fist facing the overs ducked down behind the blue mettle barrels.

"Flash Bang." He bellowed.

One of them took out a grenade and threw it up high aimed at the coalition soldiers.
A second later everything went white blinding the retina's of the soldiers eyes. And deafening them by momentarily stunning their senses.

Deli and the team rose up and jumped over the Barrels firing their M17s on full auto and charged towards the coalition troops that had, had them pinned down. There were about six of them covering their eyes and slightly off balance.

Donohue followed.
The gunfire came to a sudden halt as Deli and the team killed off the six men that they fought in a quick blood bath emptying an entire magazine into the soldiers.
Donohue approached using caution towards the Sergeant who had his foot placed on the grey uniformed chest of one of the coalition soldiers. Deli had his pistol pointed directly at the mans head.
Donohue looked down on the fallen soldier. Across his left cheek was some kind of tribal tattoo.

"Sir." Deli said with a side glance to the Colonel.

"Kill the bastard."

Deli fired his pistol. The bullet flew into the centre of the mans forehead killing him there and then.

"Sir the fortress and compound have been taken. Orders." Came the voice of Major Dawson through his com link.

"Good good Major. Have a command centre set up. And get someone to clear up that landing platform." Donohue ordered.

"Understood sir."

Donohue looked up and watched as some of the dragonfly vessels began their landing vectors to release the tanks and armoured divisions.

***

Donohue stood in the newly set up command centre looking across at the map folded out across the table. Stood opposite him was Captain Ryker who stood opposite Captain Brooks. Opposite the table was Major Dawson standing next to both Lieutenant Goldman and Lieutenant Watts. Watts was female and a good looking woman at that. She can't have been older then 30 and had a face covered in black soot. She wore her long hair tied neatly back but her hair was as greasy as an oily rag. Goldman also had a young looking face and a series of scars across his chin. His green camouflage uniform was covered in blood spatter.
Dawson was a big man and built well. His bold had was covered in the black soot that had obviously come from the explosions. His face was an oval shape and his chin and cheeks had a weeks worth of stumble, he was also using his pointer on the map.

"Sir we've managed to take Cantible Bay and the surround fields. We've also been able to strengthen up our eastern and western sides and sent the Tank Division out on the roads. Commander Holston has already reported in on engagement."

"How far did he get." Asked Goldman.

"Thirty clicks up the main road." Dawson answered.

"Also the air support has made an attacking run on a nearby coalition base about 40 clicks to our east. The problem is here." Dawson explained pointing to a series of roads ending by a large patch of green on the map.

Donohue looked at the map taking in the information.

"What your saying is our forces are a little thinly spread there. In the yelly hills."

"Yes sir." Dawson replied.

"Well that's not a problem send in Holstens armoured division. We've another twenty battle cruisers enroot in orbit. Lets be honest this wars going to take us a good year before we can take full control of the planet." Donohue was explaining

The sound of vessels above drowned out their voices for a moment some of the loud roars came as close as could be thought drowning out Donohue's voice.

"The problem is Colonel the northern hemisphere of Satyrian." Dawson butted in.

Donohue gave a side glance to outside the opened tent they resided in then back at the table.

"What about it. That's going to take us sometime to reach." Donohue said occasionally looking out at the opening.

"Sir the Northern Hemisphere is were we've discovered the Nuclear arms base."

Donohue turned his full attention on the table and his command team.

"What?" Donohue hit the table with his soot coloured fist.

"We'll have to air strike it then."

"Sir our sat navs have discovered its well armed and well positioned. Even by air we can't take it the missile guidance equipment would make a slaughter of any approaching craft and the cost would be way too high.. We'd have to send in a small team to sabotage the missile sites surrounding it."

"Then we'll have to organise a small team that can penetrate the area." Donohue said.

"We've also picked up Resistance fighters in the area. And after previous encounters I'm not so sure they'd welcome us."

"So."

"Colonel we're going to need a team of very experienced specialists and well there are not many willing to take on that kind of mission." Dawson explained.

"Oh I think you'll find that there are." Came a new voice with a deeper tone.

The commanding officers looked out the tents opening to see General Crane emerge. The General was oldish in age proberly early sixties a bold scalp with short hair around the sides and a smooth face. He wore green camouflage carrying the six stars on each shoulder of his ranking.

"I'm not sure I'm with you sir." Donohue questioned watching the General approach the table.

"I know a man who is capable of this task and he will be working with the best. Have faith Colonel. The man I'm thinking of could do this is his sleep." Crane explained with a smile.

 

Chapter Two
Rat Pack

Convicts Lunk Heads Psychos Maniacs Aggressive Compulsive's
Yet They are the only ones who can be counted on
To reek hell upon our foes


Two Weeks Later

Chapter Two
Rat Pack

Convicts Lunk Heads Psychos Maniacs Aggressive Compulsive's
Yet They are the only ones who can be counted on
To reek hell upon our foes


Two Weeks Later


Earth
Somewhere In The Alaskan High Hills.

Saul Rybok sat on his oak wooden man made porch looking up at the blue sky above, admiring the birds that flew through the small clouds, wishing he had the same freedom the birds he saw fly by.
He took a drag from his previously started fat cigar to stop it going out, inhaling the thick smoke then exhaling enjoying every moment of it. he rubbed his stubbled chin with his Bionic hand and flexed the metallic fingers. The hand looked as though he wore a thick metal glove, a reminder of the incident on the space station Orion 66.

From a distance his ears picked up the noise of engines from above, he rose from his seat and removed his blue tinted shades and looked closer to the sky. He glimpsed a small black dot gradually become closer and closer until he could make out the wings and shape. Instantly he new they'd come for him again. They always did he never could escape from their consistent wanting his presence. God only knows what they wanted from him this time; one thing was certain he would have to kill again.

The quiet he was enjoying soon faded away as the loud roaring engines from the descending vessel blew a strong wind towards him and his log cabin overlooking the clean lake that faced the porch. Ripples appeared in the water and the strong wind blew through the short cropped hair on his scalp. He placed his shades over his eyes again and took another drag from his precious cigar. The wind faded away as the engines ground down and the sound faded away. He watched the side door open up and a small set of steps unfolded from the white hull.

A man attired in a black suit and white shirt appeared from the open hatch taking his time descending the steps onto the grass below. Behind his two others followed attired in green army style uniform with the standard pistols holstered at their waists. The three men approached the cabin.

"Colonel Saul Rybok." The man in the suit called once he was close enough.

"Who's asking." Saul replied.

"Jonathon Corbin sir." The man said in reply.

"Nice to meet you. Now piss off." Saul turned away from the men and went to open his cabin door using his Bionic hand to take hold of the handle.

"Sir your presence is required with an immediate effect." Jon Corbin said.

"Piss off."

Saul turned the handle of his door and began to enter the cabin, when Corbin placed his hand on his shoulder to stop him. Saul turned ready to punch him head on in the face, but stopped as Corbin began to speak.

"Sir General Crane has sent me to collect you."

Saul was now facing the three men and removed his shades from his eyes and took a final drag of smoke from his cigar. Flicking the ash down to the ground he finally flicked the Cigar on the mans chest.

"Show me the signed orders." He then said.

Corbin slowly put his hand inside his black Jacket and pulled out a set of papers and handed them to the Colonel. Saul took the papers from him and unfolded them. He looked down and saw the sealed mark of General Crane. He then turned and went into the cabin leaving the door open. Once inside he walked over to a steel cabinet and slowly opened it. Inside Hung two golden Custom made pistols of a large calibre. He removed them and reached for the black leather belt below and strapped in around his waist holstering both Pistols, then closed the cabinet. Corbin had followed him in the house.

"Sir it's imperative that we go as soon as possible."

Both men left the cabin and stopped by the two soldiers Saul looked past them at the vessel parked on the neat grass.

"So were am I going." He asked.

Corbin smiled and relaxed his tense shoulders and escorted the Colonel followed by the two guards onto the Vessel. Once aboard they closed the hatch bringing up the steps. Saul Rybok took a seat in one of the comfortably looking seats and placed his blue shades on a small table by the side.
Corbin sat in the seat opposite him with the two soldiers sitting further away.

The vessel shuddered slightly giving a wrenching feeling into their stomachs and the engines made a low pitched howl gradually becoming louder until finally they felt a rising feeling. Saul looked towards the window by his seat and watched his log cabin on the ground suddenly become smaller and smaller until there was nothing but blue sky and slow moving clouds.

"I believe I asked you a question Jon Corbin." He said taking a fat cigar from his chest pocket and lighting it."

"Sir it's a no smoking vessel." Corbin said watching the Colonel blow stale smoke into the compartment.

"Blow me." Saul replied.

"Now were am I going and why?" He asked again.

"The first place is New Oceania Prison to collect your team and then. Your going to a planet called Satyrian."

Instantly Rybok new the place, he closed his eyes, he knew one day would come when he'd return. Damn that planet. The planet that had destroyed his career condemning him to serve his time out leading Penal convicts on the worst of the worst. Was Crane insulting his intellect returning him there or was he really needed. Finally he wondered would that really be his death bed. All this because one Bastard of an officer murdered so many innocent.

"Sir, sir."

He snapped back into the real world painting the birds he'd watched over the visions of Satyrian the planet that may as well have sentenced him to death.

"What." He finally answered.

"Sir General Crane will brief you on your Mission parameters when you reach Satyrian. But for now we need to take you to fort Olsten and get you loaded up and onto a Dragonfly. Then collect your team of twelve. Transport the lot of you up to the Blackbird. You will be in transit for four weeks."

Twelve that's a full complement, he then realised that Crane wasn't insulting his intellect this could also spell the most dangerous assignment of his career. He sat back closed his eyes and puffed on his Cigar.


***

Once Rybok had stepped off the shuttle he glanced across the landing platform and admired the surrounding scenery of open fields. He then glanced across the Dragonfly vessel admiring the smooth design of the large carrier. Both its wings lay extended boasting its missile compliment and the two large guns on the wing tips. He recognised this with a happy thought. This was his bird the ship that had brought him home too many times to count.

"I thought that my bring a smile to your face sir." Corbin explained stepping besides him.

Rybok shot the man a glanced and took another drag of smoke filling his lunges.

"Indeed." He replied.

Both men walked across towards the vessel and began to board the ship with Rybok admiring what was his.

"Let's collect your new team shall we." Corbin had said.

***

From the windscreen of the cockpit Colonel Saul Rybok sat watching the towering Oceania Prison grow ever closer. The island was somewhere out in the Atlantic ocean far, far way from any nearby land making it neon impossible to escape. The shear structure of the building that practically took up the whole island was something of a magnificent design. At the four corners stood tall for watch towers with large calibre heavy guns ready to defend. Each of the side walls house large Missile launchers that the Colonel noticed had already targeted the Dragonfly by following its flight trajectory. Guards walked up and down the steep steps leading up and down.

The Prison itself was tall tower high up overlooking the surrounding sea ever watching the deadly waves that thrashed against the rocky base of the island.

The Colonel looked down at the control panel as the com began to buzzing into life.

"Colonel Saul Rybok here. I'm ordered to collect a team."

"Please submit your id codes now." Came a stoic reply.

Rybok transmitted from his console the required level of codes required to land without been shot down.

"Codes received. Stay in position while we check for validation."

The pilot steering the Dragonfly turned to face the cigar smoking Colonel.

"This is the part I hate. One wrong number and were dead." He said.

A few minutes went by and the Pilot Fairburn began to sweat wondering why it was taking so long. He felt his hands tense and almost wanted to dive and turn away, but decided against after seeing the glare the Colonel had just given him.

"Approval granted you may land on platform three and await your escort Colonel Saul Rybok."

"Understood Rybok out."

Fairburn glided the dragon fly above the prison and glimpse the five landing platforms looking for the third. His eyes ever watching the mounted armaments following his course. He glimpsed his destination and slowly cut half power to the rear thrusters and ignited the belly thrusters for a descent. Once the vessel shudder from the ignition he began to take her down easily and slowly making sure not to alert the defences to sudden movement. And then touch down with a bump that rocked the Dragonfly from front to rear.

Rybok un-strapped his restraints and left the cockpit.
***

The belly platform lowered with Rybok and Corbin stood in the centre looking on at the two heavily armed gauds and the prison Governor waiting for them.

"Welcome to Oceania." The Governor said greeting the Colonel as he stepped from the ramp and onto the platform.

"The men are ready for your approval and now waiting for you to ship them out. All provisions I'm sure have been met. Although some of them should remain on death row if you ask me."

Rybok ignored him and stepped past heading for the door leading into the prison. At the door stood another military men waiting to great him.

"Sergeant Collier sir." He said holding out his hand as a gesture of good faith to the Colonel.

Rybok took his hand.

"Good to meet you Sergeant." He said while stubbing his Cigar out on the door frame.

"Sergeant Collier will take you through and show you down the selected twelve. I'm sure you'll understand I have other pressing matters to attend." The Governor explained patting his arms on his grey pin stripped suit and trying to stop his long black tie from wrapping around his neck.

Corbin stopped by the door way and watched as the Colonel was lead away by the Sergeant and two armed guards.

***

Collier opened a series of steel doors before they reached the long corridors with Eleven closed cell doors.

The two men followed by the guards approached the first door. Collier took his keys and unlocked it opening the door. Sat on the single bunk looking up was a man neatly dressed with neatly combed black slick hair.

Rybok smiled.

"This is Nathanial Scoursee. Alias Scope." Collier said gesturing to Scope to stand.

Rybok looked down on the sheet of paper listing his crimes.

Name: Nathanial Scoursee (Scope)
Age: 29
Sex: male
Crime: Execution of Commanding Officer
Sentence: 12 years hard labour
Sentence Served: 6 years attached to three deadly Missions
Speciality: Sharp shooter. Highly trained sniper.

"Sir is it really you." Scope said with a broad smile looking up at his old commanding officer.

"It's good to see your well Scope."

"It's been what six years. Hell sir I always wondered what become of you. Man its good to see you and work by your side once again.

Rybok patted him on the shoulder. After all the sights and places he'd been he never expected to see Scope alive again let alone serve under him.

"Moving On." Said Collier Gesturing the Guards to escort Scope out.

They came to the second door and again Collier opened it. Stood in the centre facing the outer wall stood a tall brute of a man, dark skinned muscular very short black high tight to the scalp. The man turned to face the Colonel.

"This, well this is Steelle. As you can see he's no wimp."

Rybok looked on the chart.

Name: Steelle
Age: 30
Sex: male
Crime: Destruction of Military property, assault of senior officer, caught illegally pit fighting.
Sentence: 15 Years hard labour. Plus additional 5 years added for assault on prison guards and Prison property and other prison inmates.
Sentence Served: 2 years

"Your try assaulting me grunt and I'll frag you up in ways you wont ever imagine." Rybok said with a heavy tone.

Steelle smiled.

"Moving on."

Collier opened the third door.

"Oh your going to love this nut fragger."

"Adam Smith." The Colonel butted in.

Collier looked up.

"I've worked with him before one a previous mission."

Name: Adam Smith
Age: 33
Sex: Male
Crime: Detonated 400 pounds of heavy military grade explosives near his commanders tent, resulting in massive destruction and loss of life.
Sentence: Death
Sentence Served: Three Rat Pack Missions Under Saul Rybok within a four year period.

"Will it happen this time? You promised on that train. Remember." Smith said.

Moving along Collier said again.

The fourth door opened. Susan Hayler stood attired in her under wear only. Her hair was long and golden and her body was the perfect figure from an attractive woman. Down her left arm was a long tribal tattoo consuming the whole arm shoulder down and ending at her wrist. Sweat dripped from her chest down to her flat stomach.

"Howdy sir. So do I frag you to get out of this stink pit they call a hotel." She said with a taunting voice.

Name: Susan Hayler.
Age: 25
Sex: Female
Crime: Seduction of senior ranking officers then slitting their throats.
Sentence: Death
Sentence Served: Six Months.

"Get dressed love. You ain't in my league." The Colonel said gesturing to the fifth door.

Both men approached the next cell Collier opened the door then stepped aside for the Colonel to enter.

"I believe you also know this one." He said gesturing the Colonel in.

"Traya." Rybok said with a smile.

"Colonel. I guess I should be grateful for a second chance to fight."

"Fear not. You'll have as many chances as you stay alive. Are your ready for this.
"Of course." Traya said with a gracious smile.
The next penal convict Rybok met was a Pilot named Pertwee.
Rybok greeted the man with a grimace after reading his crime paper.
Name: Pertwee
Age: 31
Sex: Male
Crime: Theft Of Blackbird transport shuttle, attacked a medical ship undewr the influence of alcohol.
Sentence: Life
Sentence Served: 1 year 6 Months

As The sergeant led Rybok past each cell he read out their names and crimes

Name: Lyon
Age: 31
Sex: Male
Crime: Theft of Federal property destruction of federal property. Exercution of higher officers.
Sentence: Life
Sentence Served: two years.

Name: Wash
Age: 27
Sex: Male
Crime: Desertion
Sentence: Death
Sentence Served: 1 year

Name Abigail Kash
Age: 27
Sex: Female
Crime: Theft of military weapons then selling the same weapons on the black market.
Sentence: 10 years hard labour
Sentence Served: 2 years
Previous skill (Black Beret Special Ops)

Rybok smiled at this lady if anything she was going to be a true asset to his team of scum bags. An ex black beret meant the same thing as him highly skilled and very professional in the field.

Abigail wore her hair long halfway down her back, her face was still youthful maybe too youthful for the style of soldier she was. Her eyes were blue, something of which Saul admired about her. She also had the perfect physique her body was certainly shaped for attraction. Plus the sweat pouring from her didn't help considering she was doing sit ups as Rybok glared into her cell.

Name: Clancy
Age: 33
Sex: Male
Crime: Murder of ten wounded soldiers (claimed he was helping them from the pain they were in. Injected all ten with Morphine)
Sentence: Life
Sentence Served: 3 years
Occupation: Medic/Doctor

Name: Nash
Age: 23
Sex: Male
Crime: Destruction of government property killing of prisoners held captive awaiting interrogation.
Sentence: 12 years hard labour
Sentence Served: 2 years

Rybok was finally led away from the main prison house and to another building across the yard known as the shoe. The shoe was tightly guarded with a watch tower looming over holding two heavily armed guards.
Outside were more armed guards and inside there were even more heavily armed guards.

At the centre was a bared cage holding a large man sat at the centre, his structure was very muscular. His head was completely shaven bold and he wore a tribal tattoo on the back of his scalp. Collier opened the cage and let Rybok enter alone.

Name: Harry Page
Age: 35
Sex: Male
Crime: Destruction of Military property, execution of seven Federal officers murder of 17 federal soldiers theft of a Falkland troop carrier then crashed the carrier into the main bank on Mars. Theft of the money murder of 12 more civilians. On his escape he also killed 22 police officers attempting to capture him before he was finally shot with a stun gun.
Sentence: Death
Sentence Served: 3 Years.

"Evil bastard ain't yeah. Try fragging with me and I'll frag your arse." Rybok said through gritted teeth.

Page rose to his full height towering over the Colonel. He then took the smoking cigar from Rybok's lips and placed the cigar in his own and blew smoke into the Colonels face.

"Frag you." He said.

Rybok looked him up and down before clenching his Bionic fist tightly then punched Page in the chest winding him. Page spat the cigar onto the floor coughing for air. He then dropped to his knees coughing again. Rybok raised his knee into Page's jaw hard knocking the man to the floor literally.

"That's what I like to see. Scum at my feet on the floor. I warned you."

Rybok turned and left the cage and building walking out into the yard to listen to the gentle sounds of the blowing wind, followed by the crashing of waves of the rocks of the prison island.


Three Hours later
Aboard the Blackbird battle cruiser.


Rybok sat at a large table with Commodore Fenner a dark skinned man sat akin along with Corbin sat opposite him. The three man sat at the head of a long metallic table with a hologram of general Crane and Field Marshal Macogg. At the table's projectile centre.

"So whats the Op General." Rybok asked.

"Good to see you too Colonel." Crane answered.

"Your Op is simple we need you and Rats to spear head on the northern Hemisphere. We've located a Nuclear base. But because of its defences we cannot get near." The Field Marshal took over the explanation.

"We cannot nuke it from orbit because its using a dampening shield so we can't get a lock on and we think if we attempt to our nukes will be diverted away. So that's were you come in. As I said you'll spear head in and destroy it." Macogg carried on.

"We believe they haven't fired yet because they are powering up. My estimate is a little over four weeks before its ready to launch." Crane continued.

"It will take the blackbird four weeks to get there." Commodore Fenner explained in his deep voice.

"We cannot get near the place so we'll have to pray." Macogg said.

"So what's wrong with your own units spear heading up." Rybok asked.

"We're fully stretched laterally. We're waiting on the Blackbirds reinforcements. To bolster up. And you're team will be prepared more for this task." Crane explained.

"You mean we're more expendable than you're average Joe General." Rybok butted in.

"This time its down to skill Colonel. And those rats are our best hope. None can get near."

"Understood. So were to we rendezvous."

"We want you to rendezvous at Aires Air base. Its still in coalition hands but we'll reach it in two weeks so we'll be ready and waiting for you there Colonel. Commodore your to rendezvous with the main fleet and prepare your forces to drop into Cantible bay. There they will be given their new instructions. Macogg out." With that the Hologram fizzled out.

 

 

~Raven