Prologue 

 

The snow bashed against the wind screen of the cockpit window leaving a howling of sorts to echo within the vessel itself .It hit like bags of flour and dispersed in flurries around the sides. Both Pilots dashed their hands across the consol, steering the shuttle through the thick and raging blizzard.

The shuttle rocked from side to side, whilst the violence of the wind raged at its hull, putting an overwhelming force of stress on the vessel as a whole. The ship butted and shuck under the torment and stress from the unforgiving and unrelenting elements.

 

Deacon the pilot; tried hard to see through the incessant raging snow bashing its way onto the windscreen.

 

"Damn this I can't see a god damn thing in this blizzard." He moaned allowed.

 

Turner his co-pilot turned to greet his bare face and smiled, before turning back to his console. "I can try to plot the navigation into the auto-pilots system, but with this blizzard it might not work properly." He explained.

 

Deacon leaned back in his seat. "No leave it. Even if you manage it, it could be dangerous and take us into a mountain or something."

 

Turner turned to grab his cup of hot coffee sat in a cup holder, by his worn seats edge. He took a sip letting the warmth of the liquid flow down into his cold stomach.

 

"How's our passenger doing?" Deacon asked.

 

"I'll take a look." Turner said un-strapping from his restraints.

 

Deacon watched his co-pilot leave the cockpit then turned back to the windscreen, for a blitz of a second he could have sworn he saw something orange outside. He turned his attention to the sensors flicking some of the switches above his head with his gloved hand. A small screen popped up on his consol.

 

"Fragg. Turner Brace for impact." He bellowed through.

 

The Small vessel shuddered from an explosion blowing both its engines out. A trail of black smoke emerged from the impact of the missile launched into the aft. The dark of the smoke tinged the white of the storm, sullying its cleanliness.

 

Deacon head butted his console with the shock forcing him forwards, he felt the blood swell up into his mouth, and the pain come rushing to his head from the impact, before he realised he'd spat the blood out in anger but, had no time to wipe it away, his pain would have to go on hold a while.

 

The alarms began chiming as the shuttle began its spiralling descent to the Snow covered dune below. The wind threw the ship from side to side knocking Turner off his feet hard on to his back. He felt a force of pressure through his head and blacked out. The ship continued its descent, oblivious to its inhabitant's predicaments within.

 

Deacon pulled his head back fighting the g-force of the descent trying to gain some control over the vessel. His fingers darted across the console but to no hope.

He glanced at the windscreen as the ship tilted forwards. And within seconds the glass shattered and smashed throwing shards into his bare face moments before his head slammed into the console. The explosion blew out parts of the hull from the starboard side, leaving a trail of smoke drifting up into the raging winds. The fire soon burnt out from the constant snow falling, a snow that fell regardless of the destruction it fell on top of, like a cover of protection, only this was no protection, and just like heat the cold can kill.

 

Turner began to pull himself up from the floor feeling the aches and pains from the crash. Blood dripped from his head onto the floor. He rolled over to his side resting his back against the wall. Sparks flew about dancing in wisps above his head dripping down to his bruised face. He looked up at the sound of a laser cutting the hatch open. The door blew open with a sudden explosion and slammed across the floor followed by a gush of snow. Turner looked up to see armoured soldiers enter, all holding rifles, the first one looked down on him pointing his gun at his head. The last thing Turner saw was the smoke come from the barrel as the bullet hit his head.

 

Deacon rose his blood covered head from the console at the sound of gun fire he turned to see three armoured masked men pointing rifles at him. They fired their guns killing him instantly.

 

The armoured men turned to the cryogenic tube one pushed the controls in to release the passenger.

 

 

1

 

 

The dark sky was filled with thick black smoke drifting away in trails from the tall chimneys that towered over the tall and large buildings. Lights flooded the city some blinding to look out at, and others small little dots. The buildings within the city were tall and clumped together. Fires of chemicals raged high into the dark smoke filled sky from factories through out the metallic dirty looking buildings. There were landing platforms on every other corner and the streets below lay hidden from the height of the towering buildings and black smoke that linger across the city. This city had a purpose, the dirt and gritty grime that clogged up its inhabitants airways however, did not.

 

Saul Rybok looked out of the window at each passing building smoking his thick fat cigar. Occasionally he'd brush his Bionic hand through his short cropped hair and smooth the metallic fingers across the skin tight shaved sides. His eyes remained covered by blue tinted shades. Smoke from his cigar filled the compartment he sat in. It swirled around him, giving him the centre of attention. He liked the comfort of it and the musty aromas. This was his one constant companion, a cherished moment of comfort, the crack of the lighter, the tall yellow flame, the first inhalation of the cigar and then that first slow breath out. Then the craving is quenched, the beast is tamed.

 

"Five minutes colonel." Came the pilot's voice from the cockpit.

 

Rybok merely grunted in acknowledgment. He took the cigar from his lips releasing more smoke as he did. He wondered how high up the tallest of these buildings actually were. Considering they were passing through the clouds and skimming past some of the lower buildings as they did. No time for contemplation now though, he had his cigar and thoughts to prose's.

 

The city amazed Rybok in its depth the sheer size was astronomical and overwhelming. The factory fires looked as though they could burn the city to the ground. Yet the smoke that became thicker the lower the vessel began to drop looked more like a black fog. He watched smaller vessels zoom by. Large bill boards advertising their products. Zeppelins floated by with large widescreen monitors advertising more products from drink brands to cheap plastic surgery. It amazed Saul because this was Earth the home world and it looked unclean. But everyone wanted to be here all crammed together, maybe they found a sense of togetherness and belonging he thought and smiled slightly.

 

The shuttle jerked forwards slightly taking his stomach with it. Rybok looked again out of the long window at the building they approached. Large guns were positioned on the four corners of the top giving the gunners a high view across the city that surrounded. Guards armed with long guns walked up and down. On the adjacent buildings snipers stood watching the building itself observing for unwelcome guests. This was a high security place of residence, you only docked here if you really had to.

 

"This is Alpha one A2 requesting permission to land." The pilot said speaking through the com.

 

"Submit you're code now." Came the reply, nothing else was needed to be said.

 

There was a short wait, leaving the shuttle hovering just above the building.

 

"Request granted." Came the reply.

 

As the vessel lowered to a ramp Saul noticed the large dirt stained golden words on the side. Officio Colonial Federation.

A smile graced his face as he stubbed his fat cigar out on the window, letting the ash drop down.

 

He felt his stomach wrench again from the shuttles impact on the landing platform.

 

Rybok turned his head at the sound of grinding metal pistons and hissing, he watched the ramp from behind lower with an aching grinding noise.

 

"We're here Colonel. Your free to leave they're expecting you." The pilot said.

 

Rybok rose to his feet patting his large custom made pistol sitting in its holster at his waist. He then went to step down the ramp and onto the landing platform. He instantly felt the cold chill of the wind bite at his bare flesh. Two guards approached, both armed with bulky guns, and both wore black helms covering their heads and chins and adorned long grey coats with the trails flapping from the blowing of the wind. Behind them came an officer.

 

"Welcome to Earth Colonel." He said with a broad smile to his youthful face.

 

He wore a green beret atop of his head and green standard uniform dress. And like Rybok he wore his pistol holstered at his waist. For a moment he pondered why they had to be armed at all times. He knew full well why but, the thought still came to him from time to time.  

 

Rybok took another Cigar from his front pocket of his black army issue uniform. He flipped his zippo lighter and lit the cigar in the grizzle of the wind as it gave a sudden brush across the platform. He may quit one day he thought, then he inhaled and looked up.

 

The officer held out his hand to greet the colonel. Rybok just looked at his empty hand. He was wasting precious smoking time here he thought, considering the wind was making short  work of his beloved cigar.

"My name is Lieutenant Kashmir. I'm here to escort you to the command room. If you'd be as kind as to follow."

 

A large roar echoed through the wind followed by a mighty brush of warm wind with the smell of promethium, then a louder roar.

The Colonel looked back with his cigar resting on his cold lips and watched the shuttle rise up and quickly disappear in the dark sky.

 

"Colonel this way, if you would." Kashmir motioned pointing across a long and narrow bridge leading into another building.

 

Saul followed the Lieutenant across the bridge, each step he took clanged with a slight echo. The wind blew fast and hard between the two buildings and The Colonel felt the strength push into him. He stopped putting his bionic hand onto the railing, he peered down. All he could see was mist and more bridges and balconies followed by an endless stream of lights.

 

"We're seven miles high colonel. You might want to watch your step." Kashmir explained, looking down while standing by the Colonels side.

 

"Patronising s o b" Saul said under his icy breath releasing cigar smoke too.

Both men carried on and stopped at the large door that loomed over the narrow bridge. On either side stood two guards attired in long grey coats wearing helmets and face muzzles, clenching their long guns tight to their chests.

The doors opened.

 

"After you Colonel." Kashmir said, gesturing Rybok in.

 

 

***

 

General Crane stood looking at a hologram of Colonel Saul Rybok in the centre of the conference table. Crane wore his medals with pride on his chest and his five stars on each shoulder. Stood next to him Brigadier Wilson, also wearing his medals with pride. Sat at the centre chair of the conference table was Senator Anderson. Anderson was attired in his black pin striped suit. The three looked on at the hologram of the Colonel.  

 

"Why him." The Senator asked, rubbing his chin.

 

"Because he's good at what he does." Brigadier Wilson answered.

 

"Wasn't he a Black Beret? One of the Colonials elite of the elite." Anderson asked.

 

"Was. Yes. But make no mistake he is still the elite of the elite." Wilson explained.

 

"That's why he's still in use and why he's need for this operation." He added.

 

"What did he do?" Anderson asked standing from his chair.

 

"He broke the law." Judge Peterson answered entering the room.

 

 

General Crane turned the Hologram off as he watched Rybok enter the conference room escorted by Lieutenant Kashmir.

 

Saul put cigar to mouth and inhaled then exhaled, there was no way he was about to down valuable smoking time, not for this bunch of pansies anyway. He knew he had them where he wanted them, otherwise why would they send for him, why now?

 

"Cards on the table gentlemen, how much and what for" He asked.

 

"Not sure I appreciate you're uncouth mouth." Senator Anderson grimaced.

 

"Wait outside Lieutenant and could you close those doors as you leave." Brigadier Wilson burst in.

 

Kashmir bowed turned and left followed by the two guards closing the door as they exited.

 

Rybok took another drag of smoke from his precious cigar, then exhaled and watched the smoke drift up into the clean conference room.

 

"You sent for me. You get what you get. Or you request someone else. Now I'll repeat what I said. How much and what for." Rybok grunted.

 

"We need you to select seven Penals and take them to Xiberia." Judge Peterson began to explain.

 

"I'd appreciate you putting out that cigar." Senator Anderson said interrupting the Judge.

 

Rybok squinted his eyes in looking Anderson square on in the eye. He took another drag then walked towards the table and stubbed the cigar out on the clean and freshly varnished table. 

 

"We have a situation. One that requires" Shall we say you're expertise on the matter." General Crane said stepping in on the conversation.

 

"One of our shuttles has disappeared from radar, and we suspect foul play." Crane continued.

 

"And." Rybok interrupted with a grunt.

 

"And Colonel the shuttle had a passenger. One important enough that we want back."

 

"And you need me for this crud. I think not. Use your rangers."

 

"Colonel you forget you do as ordered and go were ordered. Besides. This Passenger is a soldier that we think has fallen into hostile territory. And requires that special kind of retrieval." The General turned to the table and flipped the hologram back on this time showing the planet Xiberia.

 

"We have a scientific base there under the protection of Colonial Rangers. Commanded by Colonel Jonathon T  Collinson. You will be dropped off there and then make you're way across the snow dunes and retrieve this soldier." The General explained.

 

"You're to go to The Penal Prison on Mars and select seven Penals." Brigadier Wilson added.

 

The four men watched Rybok rub his chin with his Bionic hand. The hand was like a bulky metal glove over were his hand once was. His wrist and up to his elbow the bionics were covered by synthetic flesh, yet at the elbow the bionic joints could still be seen were the synthetic flesh failed to meet the joint.

 

"You'd better prepare another shuttle for departure then." Rybok grunted. What he really wanted to say was ,do your own crappy work for once.

 

Rybok turned to leave the room looking back at the four men but stopped just short of the doors as he'd opened them when General Crane called after him.

 

"Colonel pick wisely and don't fail us."

 

Rybok smiled taking another fat cigar from his pocket.

"I never fail." He said exiting the room. His thoughts were all over the place, what was he up against this time. He wanted to go back and tell them to shove this mission but, he had to wonder if that would show a weakness and thus give them pleasure ,damn his cursed pride.

 

Brigadier Wilson taped the intercom at the tables edge. Lieutenant could you come in if you please."

 

A minute later Lieutenant Kashmir entered.

 

"Go with Colonel Rybok and keep your eye on him." He said as the Lieutenant entered.

 

 

 

2

 

 

The Penal prison stationed on mars was well fortified with large guns watching the outer perimeter, and guards armed with large and just as menacing guns patrolled the outer and inner walls. The red sky above always gave the impression a sand storm was looming and created a dull light within the atmosphere.

 

The huge bulked Dragonfly carrier descended from the dull red sky landing perfectly on one of the landing platforms. A manoeuvre done many a time. No amount of bad weather stopped this ship from the job in hand.

 

Rybok stepped out followed by Lieutenant Kashmir at his side. The two men were greeted by the Prison governor. He looked a bit flustered and angst at what was about to unfold in their hands today.

 

The three entered the building followed by armed guards.

The governor led them into the heart of the prison, entering the operations centre were Rybok took his seat by one of the monitors. He did this like he owned the place, were he trusted more, he could do.

 

"I have prepared a list for you to look through colonel." He said gesturing for Rybok to look. Rybok looked at Lieutenant Kashmir and asked dryly "that ok with you?"

 

The screen became active.

"Thank you. There are a few I have already decided to take."

 

Rybok looked on the screen the first name that came up was Animal.

 

Name: Animal

Sex: Male

Age: 27

Crime: Mass serial murder, acts of cannibalism and mutilation of his victims.

Sentence: Death

Sentence Served To Date: 1 year.

 

"Prepare him." Rybok said.

 

Name: Pastor Rigby

Sex: Male

Age: 23

Crime: Refusal to obey orders.

Sentence: 12 years hard labour

Sentence Served To Date: 2 years

 

"And him."

 

Name: Jared Slovnyk

Sex: Male

Age: 27

Crime: Terrorism, Murder

Sentence: Death - Currently on 4th appeal

Sentence Served To Date: 3 years

 

Name: Ghost

Sex: Female

Age: 24

Crime: Several successful assignations of world leaders.

Sentence: Death, although she claims that she was set up by the Alliance.

Sentence Served: 2 years

 

Name: Jackson "Brute" Quishu

Sex: Male

Age: 33

Crime: Mass Slaughter of civilian targets, stealing from his dead comrades, illegal boxing.

Sentence: Death

Sentence Served: 5 years

 

Name: Alexandra Elizabeth Harringford.

Sex: Female

Age: 33

Crime: seven accounts to murder and multiple frauds

Sentence: life imprisonment under "mentally unstable" claims

Sentence Served: 5 years

 

Name: Sven Regalson

Sex: Male

Age: 35

Crime: theft of Federal Gunship's, weapons, supplying class a drugs to new recruits.

Sentence: 40 years

Sentence Served: 3 years.

 

"These are the scum rat bastards I'll be taking." He said, with a fresh cigar hanging from his lips filling the room with its incessant odour.

 

"I'll have them ready within the hour. When will you be leaving Colonel?"

 

Rybok took a drag back from his cigar then exhaled the smoke. "By the days end."

 

Kashmir lent down next to the Colonel. "My orders are to go with you."

 

Rybok blew smoke into his face. "Oh I didn't doubt it."

 

 

3

 

 

The warm wind blew through the seven penal convicts who stood in a line by the large well armoured Dragonfly shuttle as the gigantic dome fans spun around keeping the oxygen flowing. All seven had their hands cuffed and their feet in shackles around their ankles.

 

Colonel Saul Rybok stood in front of them a cigar hanging from his lips and smoke drifting away from the fan made wind.

 

The line started with Sven Regalson; in appearance he was more scrawny than the others wearing thick glasses over his eyes and three days of stubble. His shaven hair was the same in length as that of his stubble.

 

"A thief aye. Well I'll tell you this rat boy. Steal from me and I'll gut you're innards clean out."

 

The man merely kept his gaze on the dirty platform daring not to eye ball the tall Colonel.

 

"Well boy lost you're fragging tongue."

 

Sven looked up. "Me no sir. Just nothin' that needs sayin' at this time."

 

Rybok stepped past him and towered over Ghost. "Little bitch we meet again then."

 

"Well I guess we do Colonel. So will this be the mission that sets me free."

 

Rybok laughed allowed.

 

"Only in death."

 

Ghost spat at the floor by his boots.

 

Rybok grabbed her by the neck with his thick bionic hand and lifted her from the ground. "Dare me scum, fragging dare me." He dropped her back to her feet.

 

He looked straight into Alexandra's eyes. "Well pretty girl keep me alive again and we'll talk about dropping 10 years from your sentence aye."

 

She smile and he coughed up phlegm as he took a drag from his half smoked cigar.

 

Though Rybok considered himself a tall and well muscular man compared to Brute he was a dwarf. Brute was tall full of muscle and dense as the muscle in his arms.

 

"So you like to kill the civvies do yeah. Well were we're going the only killing you'll be doing is that of the enemy targets."

 

"Dun unless you git in my way you cud live a day longa."

 

Rybok stepped up to Rigby. The man had the looks of an officer and had kept himself clean while behind bars he wore a grin on his face that seemed a little too permanent for Rybok to take him seriously.

 

"Jared." The Colonel said allowed while stepping up to the man.

 

"Still smoking your fat turds then."

 

"Still behind bars then." Rybok retorted.

 

"How's the hand."

 

Before Jared knew what had happened he found himself bloody nosed on his backside, looking up at the angered Colonel.

 

"Just fine." Rybok returned.

 

And finally he stood facing Animal. Animal was half naked covered in dirt, his long hair hung from his head in a top pony tail from his scalps centre. The mans teeth seemed a little sharp and his eyes full of rage. The Colonel un cuffed his restraints and turned to the armed guards behind him. Remove their restraints.

The colonel stumbled forwards as Animal had launched into him. Quicker than the eye could catch Rybok spun around with his leg high landing his boot in Animals chest then stopped facing the crazed inmate and landed a fist in his jaw, to finally raise his knee in the mans neck.

 

Animal dropped hard to his knees with his chin coloured red from his own blood and spat more out.

 

"Try that again scum and I'll end your frag spit of a life here and now."

 

The guards had stopped and pointed their guns at the mans head, ready for the order to execute.

 

"Stand down. Get them on the dragonfly."

 

 

4

 

 

Jared sat in silence at the table in the recreation room of the vessel they were being transported on. He watched the others do the same all of which were waiting for their mission briefing. The air felt heavy with everyone's anticipations of what was to come.

Lieutenant Kashmir entered the room neatly dressed wearing his green beret with pride, and leaving the two armed guards that followed him like a hawk stood on guard outside the recreation room, with their guns pressed tight to their chests.

Jared watch him in his actions taking note of his characteristics, and learning all he could from his actions. He felt that this man lived for the job and enjoyed his position too.

 

"So what's the Op?" Ghost asked.

 

Kashmir ignored her and carried on towards the kettle and poured  himself a cup of the boiling liquid. He took a sip and leant back against the cabinet.

 

"Hey ignorant bastard I asked you a question." Ghost bellowed out in anger.

 

Kashmir took his pistol from the holster on his waist, and then pointed it at her head. "Do not talk to me unless I address you, you runt."

 

In those short seconds Jared had learnt all he needed to learn about this man. Unlike the Colonel this man was cocky and an un-trustable lethal threat. Jared wondered if he had different agendas to the mission or even if Rybok  knew himself.

Jared was no fan of Rybok but even he knew in battle he'd rather have Rybok watching his back, after all the good Colonel was kind of like them.

 

Ghost took her seat spitting on the floor in disgust at the Lieutenants actions.

She gave him an evil glare. Oh she would take her pleasure in slaying this frag moth.

 

Kashmir returned the gun to its holster and began to drink his coffee; silence filled the room leaving the seven penal inmates watching the Lieutenants every movement. I f he could do that to her, then what were they worth to him.

 

All seven inmates and Kashmir watched Colonel Rybok enter the room, he stood tall a cigar resting on his lips smoke following him attired in his black uniform. The Penals looked at his Bionic hand. It was like a big metal glove over his hand. The fingers and palm were  silver and underneath his fingers it was black. His eye's remained covered by his metallic blue shades and his black cap sat proud on his head.

 

"So Colonel what's the Mish?" Sven asked.

 

Rybok smiled removing the half smoked cigar from his lips.

 

"We have to retrieve a soldier from the cold depths of Xiberia. And incase your wondering. Yes Lieutenant Kashmir will be joining us on this mission"

 

"And they want us Penals for that. You're shitting me what's  wrong  with their own on the ice rock doing it." Rigby butted in.

 

"I smell a rat." Alexandra said allowed.       

 

"As do I. But we have a mission and we will carry it out." Rybok replied.

 

"So Colonel when do we get our equipment." Jared asked.

 

"When you need it." Rybok answered with a grin.

  

"So what's our ETA Colonel? And is this Frag moth coming too?" Rigby asked.

 

Rybok kept his eye on the still cuffed Animal a good choice for a suicide mission but a complete psychopath. He turned his attention back towards the group.

 

"ETA a week in warp travel. And Lieutenant Kashmir is as I'm told to be accompanying us." Rybok explained trying to hide his displeasure of the babysitter.

 

"Great fragging wonderful frag command wants some insurance is my guess." Rigby moaned with a scowl to his face.

 

"Enough! You will be spending the next seven days on full combat training and fitness. Early jogs before Brekkie and a good few hours on the wait lifting."

 

 

5

 

 

Seven days later.

 

Sven fastened the restraining straps from his pilot's seat tightly looking across as Colonel Rybok did the same in his co-pilots seat. The Dragonfly had a low ceiling and the cockpit only housed three seats. The feel of the whole craft was claustrophobic in design, and darkly lit. It was not a new ship either.

Opposite the Colonel sat Alexandra who'd also made sure her straps were tight. It was always common practice when a penal Rat Pack team went on a mission one of them piloted the vessel, but then the Federation deemed them highly expendable so using other pilots would have been seen as a big waste.

 

Sven flipped a few of the switches letting the cockpit consoles light up slowly. One by one they felt the systems come online with the vibrations from the armoured craft shudder.

The intercom rang with a low pitch buzz, Rybok flipped the speaker.

 

"We're in the system. This is where you depart." Came the Commodores voice.

 

"Thank you. Just powering up systems now." Rybok replied.

 

"Happy hunting Colonel, out." The intercom fell silent.

 

"Set course for Xiberia." Rybok grunted.

 

Sven let the aft thrusters ignite creating a flotilla of vibrations across the ship. Then with a final raw began to rise up from the hanger deck. The three watched the hanger doors open giving them a new view of the darkness lit up by the stars that surrounded. Sven pushed forwards on the flight stick taking the Dragonfly out of the hanger deck.

 

"Course plotted. Should be in orbit of Xiberia in three hours." Sven announced.

 

Rybok took a cigar from his pocket gently placed his precious luxury in his mouth and gently flipped the lid of his gold lighter letting the flame release, he lit the cigar. The smoke filled the cockpit as he took back his first drag of smoke. The lowering his cap over his tinted shades he made himself comfortable for the next three hours putting his feet up added to the pleasure.

 

The smoke wafted across to Alexandra who became most annoyed by the smell that lingered.

"Do you mind?" She moaned with the distaste.

 

"Frag off." Rybok replied.

 

***

 

Jared sat at the crew eating table in the lounge of the armoured Dragonfly carrier. He sat playing with his deck of dirty cards. Opposite sat Ghost and Rigby holding their cards.

In the far Corner Animal sat still restrained in his cuffs keeping his eyes firmly fixed on Brute who sat gnawing on a raw carrot.

 

"Whadda you want." He said looking up at the long haired man staring at him.

 

A smile graced the cuffed mans face.

Brute rose to his feet bending down from the low ceiling. Both men eyeballed each other for a few long seconds before Brute broke out into laughter.

 

Kashmir sat alone at the other corner watching this intimidating behaviour with a wild curiosity. This was something he wasn't used to working with Penals. Each one of these convicts was as dangerous as the next. But yet highly skilled in different fields, he could understand why the Federation would use them. Because they were the added bonus of expendable soldiers with highly alert skills.

 

***

 

The orbit sensor alarm awoke Rybok from his deep slumber with a startle. Sven slowly brought the Dragonfly to a full halt letting the dragonfly slowly drift.

Rybok sat up rubbing his eyes under his tinted shades and replacing his cap in its position on his head.

 

"We're here boss." Sven said in a low whisper.

 

"According to my scan there's a blizzard raging on down there boss." Alexandra explained.

 

Rybok looked out at the stars then back at the planet Xiberia below.

 

"Take us in. Slowly."

 

"Its gonna be a rough and bumpy ride boss." Sven explained checking his restraints were still tightly fastened.

 

***

 

The snow slammed hard into the windows of the dragonfly armoured craft as it descended from the dark grey blizzard filled sky. The wind put enormous amounts of pressure on the hull forcing the vessel to rock from side to side, battling to remain in control. Each time Sven would level the dragonfly up the violence of the wind would knock them about again blowing large gushes of snow across the cockpit windows making it almost impossible to see were it was they were going. The floor of the vessel shuddered and vibrated across the whole interior of the vessel.

 

Rybok gripped the arm rests of his seat with utter tightness shaking from the vibrating from the violent weather outside.

Alexandra closed her eyes and began to slow her breathing and preying the Dragonfly would get them down safely, but then she hated the descent no matter what the conditions.

 

Sven felt the vibrations run up his arms and into his chest as he mustered his strength to keep the Dragonfly on a reasonable descent course towards the Colonial Rangers base.

 

The interior lighting flickered from dark to bright back to dark again. Then the three looked at each over from the sudden sound of something shattering. Then they realised it was the lighting from behind them.

 

In the rear of the Dragonfly the others had firmly strapped themselves into their drop seat restraints.

Rigby watched Lieutenant Kashmir's face turn from the normal colour of his to a pale white. Sat next to him was the weary looking Animal who seemed to be in a deep slumber. Lucky bastard he thought. A small smile graced his face watching Ghosts arms and chin vibrate from the shaking. He turned to his left and eyeballed Jared, who also looked a pale shade of white. Sat to his right Brute seemed bemused by the descending drop.

 

"How long now." Alexandra asked her voice shaky from the constant vibrations.

 

Sven looked at his console trying to read the navigation display through the shuddering movements. They would all rather be anywhere but here right now in this uncertain moment.

 

"A"about te"..n, ten minu".tes." he replied trying to speak above the echo of the howling wind.

 

The dragonfly began to speed up on its descent from the sky still baring the brunt of the raging storm that surrounded the armoured carrier. The lighting throughout the vessel went out creating a dark séance feeling, almost too eerily under the howling from the outside winds.

 

"Frag." Sven bellowed.

 

Quickly engaging the aft thrusters for forwards burn. The Dragonfly barely missed the snow covered ground below scraping its belly kicking up large specs of snow in its wake shooting forwards at two hundred and fifty miles an hour.

 

Both Rybok and Alexandra flung back into their tattered leather seats from the g-force of suddenly shooting forwards. The Colonel felt his cheeks pull back on his face as did Alexandra.

Sven pulled his hands back on the gear stick slowly the dragonfly forcing the carrier to shudder more as he did so. Then using both hands again, he pulled back on the gear stick, to bring the carrier higher but not too high. Still he had to battle for control through the blizzard, but at least this low down to the white layered dune it was easier to handle.

 

Rybok hit the com switch above his head. "This is Colonel Rybok. I believe you're expecting us."

 

The com came to life from the reply.

 

"Understood Colonel we've picked you up on our sensor arrays. Slow your approach and your clear to land on platform six."

 

"Understood. Slowing approach now."

 

Sven reduced the Dragonfly's rapid speed and watched his navigational tracker for the landing co-ordinates. A second later he saw them and rose the Dragonfly nose upwards then slowly hovered the large armoured carrier over the ice covered landing platform on the edge of the Sonox base. The thrusters died out and the aft engines fell silent followed by the clang of the landing legs released as the Dragonfly landed with a thud. Inside the crew wrenched forwards slightly before the ship died out.

 

Rybok undid his restraints and rose from his seat.

 

"Sven remain here."

 

Rybok tapped the team com in his ear.

 

"Ok scumbags time to leave."

 

 

***

 

The loading ramp lowered into the wild winds with the Rat pack crew stood at the centre all attired in thick coats with silver shades covering their eyes apart from the Colonel whose shades were blue. His coat was also longer than the others and flapped like a waving flag from the blowing of the cold icy winds.

 

Once the ramp clanged to the ground he stepped off to greet the commander who came to greet him followed by several armed guards.

Jared wondered if they were for their benefit or just routine. And he doubted it was routine.

 

"Good to meet you Colonel." Commander Dyson bellowed above the raging wind covering his face from the snow fall.

 

"We'll need to rest up the night then we can track this soldier in the early hours." Rybok explained also shielding his face from the storm

  

"Yeah, yeah I figured as much. We have prepared quarters for you and your men."

 

Dyson led the Rat Pack team away from the landing platform and into the compound, followed by the armed guards attired in their long grey coats and woolly hats. Each step the group took was hard fought not to trip on the icy steps, into the bulky building.

 

 

6

 

 

The next day early 0600am.

Commander Dyson stood with his pointer tucked under his arm looking at the cadre of Penal soldiers before him in the briefing room. At the far doors stood his two armed guards. But even he wasn't naive enough to think they were needed. Although the long haired sinister looking soldier gave him the creeps and that fact he still wore his cuffs restraining his hands was also thought for concern.

 

Colonel Rybok entered the briefing room followed by Lieutenant Kashmir.

 

"Ah Colonel we was just waiting for you." Dyson mentioned matter of fact.

 

The Colonel had one of his oversized cigars trailing smoke hanging from his lips. Dyson also noted the Bionic hand. Though it looked more like a metal glove.

 

"Right my men are ready for departure. We need the coordinates for the crashed fighter and we can take it from there." Rybok said speaking allowed.

 

Dyson pointed his pointer at the map.

 

"Well my guess is about 100 miles to the south thirty clicks from the watch tower out post we lost contact. After that nothing. It appeared they just dropped off radar. Either they crashed or were shot down."

 

Rybok studied the map watching the Commander show them and explain all he knew.

 

"It's about two days travel via snow kat. Or in you're Dragonfly about 3 hours from here. However we will supply you with a snow kat for the areas you're carrier won't go. Anything else you need just ask."

 

"The snow kat will do just fine Commander." Rybok said with a smile.

 

***

 

Jared sat preparing his explosives and ensuring he had enough sticky bombs in case of emergencies while he left his newly cleaned laser pulse rifle propped up against his chair. Opposite him Brute clunked his heavy stubber machine gun onto the table. He forced the bullet chamber into its holder. Jared looked on at the weapon thinking it was far too clumsy, but then for an idiot it was the ideal weapon.

 

Ghost swung her sword from side to side feeling its light weight in her hands.

She moved across the landing pad swinging it from side to side stepping to the left then the right.

 

Rybok watched the orange dressed workers load the snow kat onto the loading ramp. The long well armoured vehicle clambered about clumsily until in place.

 

Rigby sat on the icy steps loading shot gun shells into his black and silver coloured shot gun, noticing the three armed Rangers watching him with hawk eyes. The three men were attired in long grey coats with chest armour covering their chests.

Rigby smiled to himself in the knowledge he could bring fear to those that were considered soldiers. He mused on that thought for some time. 

 

Alexandra sat up in the cockpit cleaning her long sword and her shorter 7inch sword. She always liked the keep both blades pure.

Sven's weapon was the dragonfly but on the occasion he'd have to fight he carried a standard M19-A2 machine gun with him.

Then he focused his attention onto the Dragonfly that sat there in owe. Its wide eagle spread wings boasted some fine weaponry from missiles to two heavy stubbers on each wing. Even the tail wing stood high with pride. The armoured carrier was certainly a force to be reckoned with though the dark green coloured yet covered in thick snow still stood out like a black dot across white paper.

 

"Rigby get on board you scum." Rybok bellowed above the early morning howling of the wind.

 

The three rangers stepped back watching the Sonox crew leave the Dragonfly after loading the large white coloured snow kat on the ramp.

Rybok and Rigby jumped on the edges and remained there whilst the ramp rose up to finally seal with a load clang of metal grinding.

 

"Fire her up Sven." Rybok called.

 

The Dragonfly began a slow shudder as it came back to life slowly igniting the belly thrusters then hovering upwards steadily. The landing legs raising could be heard from grinding pistons.

 

Kashmir looked at the snow kat sat in the centre of the loading area clutching his M19-A2 assault rifle. The vehicle would seat four and carry six. And from the size of the large caterpillar tracks it would no doubt plough through the thickest of blizzards.

 

The Dragonfly flew across the snow dunes fighting the raging winds that howled through the thick armoured hull. Sven had become used to piloting through the loathsome storms of Xiberia. Too used to it.

 

"What's that?" Alexandra rose up nearly banging her head on the low ceiling pointing to a black dot just short of their destination. She kept her eyes on it, like if she did not it would vanish.

 

Rybok took a closer look noticing a shuttle tail wing poking out from the snow fall.

"Bring us down there. And lower the ramp we'll go out in the snow kat." Rybok turned to see Kashmir stood with both hands clutching the head rest of his co-pilots seat. He smiled as he wondered what connection his companion hides why would the Lieutenant even be assigned to a Penal Rat Pack unit.

 

The Dragonfly stopped and slowly released the ramp with the snow kat still sat in its centre. This machine looked ready for action.

 

"Lieutenant Kashmir remain here on the Dragonfly." Rybok ordered stepping away from his seat allowing the lieutenant to take his place.

 

"Rigby, Ghost, Animal, Brute, Jared, Alexandra, with me drop down the ramp. Rigby take the controls of the kat. Jared remove animals restraints, and arm him with his flamer. Brute I want you out first, taking up the parameter with that stubber of your's." Rybok bellowed as he dropped down into the winds below the belly of the Dragonfly.

 

Brute dropped behind him with a clang as his heavy stubber clanged from the bullet chamber slamming the bullet pack on his back. Brute then ploughed his feet through the icy wind taking up a covering position. Tensions ran high, what were they to encounter down here.   It was like nobody dare breathe as every breath could be heard by the others. Could who they were after hear them could they see them, where they being watched right now"..it sure felt like it. Their every move felt too big it was like they should keep themselves small, there felt no cover out here, and they were literally out in the open.

 

Jared took a careful grip of his Pulse laser with both hands pointing it forwards he swiftly passed Brute. The wind howled and the snow fell fast and bounced of the thick coats of the rat pack team. Jared gripped the weapon too tightly it was his only defence against what was out there ,it meant the difference between him getting out of this alive and being without any control over any of this situation at all, that and he was not about to relinquish any control to any of these untrustworthy scum bags.  

 

Rigby climbed up onto the snow kat and sat at the steering controls. With a clucking sound the all terrain vehicle came to life, letting the forward lights come on a high beam. They shone onto the snow like glistening jewels were spread out before them.

 

Ghost and Alexandra approached the crashed shuttle with caution; Alex held both her blades tight in her hands. She wanted to use them, to rush head long at what was out there ,to see it face to face ,to have the unknown become the known, to have it finally out in the open, to see what its metal was. She felt like she was being toyed with and that it was calling the shots.

 

Jared slowly stepped up to the snow covered and half buried shuttle, he noticed the side hatch had been blasted open by some kind of explosive device. He pulled the hatch fully open. Still holding his pulse laser in one hand he stepped inside.

The wind howled through the hull of the dark shuttle. He looked about and noticed the frozen corpse of the co-pilot laid by some kind of cryogenic tube. Slowly he investigated the tube first. The front had been opened, leaving smashed glass across the floor. Jared peered inside to make sure its passenger was gone.

Behind him he heard Ghost enter holding her gun tightly. She knelt by the frozen corpse and noticed the impressive puncture wound in his chest. His blood must have spilled out like a fountain and then froze across the floor. They looked at each other as if to say what the hell are we dealing with here.

 

Behind her Rybok entered.

Jared looked up at the Colonel and watched him brush past and enter the cockpit. Rybok looked down and saw the pilot still in his seat with bullet holes from the back of his chair through to his stomach and chest. The controls were smashed to hell and the glass had been shattered, proberly from the crash. This ship was made sure by someone that it would never fly again. Something wanted to get out and get out it did and not by the conventional way either.

 

"Looks like someone took the passenger." Ghost said stepping over to the tube.

 

"Possibly but looks like our passenger here broke out all by himself." Jared explained pointing the nuzzle of his rifle at the spread glass.

 

"Why is this soldier so valuable?" Ghost added.

 

Rybok cocked the chamber of his custom built pistol. "I'm not sure. But I have a feeling we'll soon find out."

 

"Sven, take the Dragonfly up ahead and scout for possible activity. Use the sensors and be invisible. Fly high." Rybok ordered speaking through the com in his ear.

 

The three exited the shuttle. All of them wanted to look tough and ready for anything, yet all of them were unsteady in their steps right now.

 

"Jared blow it up." The Colonel ordered.

 

Jared threw a small demolition charge into the hatch, the others moved back and watched the shuttle explode across the snow. The flames soon died out from the surrounding blizzard. This could surly be seen for miles when it went up. The heat hit their faces for a moment then dissipated away, the heat was welcoming in the searing cold. the flame was a welcome break from the now dismal and monotonous ,endless white that fell all around.

 

Once the group had climbed aboard the snow kat Rigby began to steer them away from the smouldering remains of the shuttle. Nobody was unhappy to see the back of it.

 

"Take us to the watch tower." Rybok ordered.

 

"Why there boss." Rigby asked.

 

"Chances are our soldier boy will have headed out there for shelter from these blizzards."

 

"What if he hasn't? What if he's gone of planet?" Alexandra asked.

 

"Doubtful any off world travel would have been picked up and Dyson said nothing." Rybok replied.

 

 

7

 

The snow kat stopped once they'd reached the tall watch tower. Jared was the first to vacate the kat followed by Animal and ghost.

Rybok and Rigby jumped out the other side followed by Alexandra and Brute who jumped down into the snow clutching his large heavy stubber. The snow on the ground became disturbed  at this and shot up from the force and met the snow falling to meet it.

 

The group looked up at the size of the tall watch tower. The base had four legs that joined together at the centre then a tall scaffolding dome stood tall with a large box compartment at the top. Small lights shone on from each of the scaffolding looking legs. This place looked like it could get up and walk on its own recognisance. If it was meant to look mean, menacing and unforgiving then, it did its job well.

 

"Jared take the lead, ghost follow him. Rigby with me. Alexandra Animal take the furthest leg. Well meet up on the top. Sweep the place carefully.

Rybok turned to Brute who stood breathing heavily from the weight of his heavy stubber. No matter how heavy this thing got, he was not about to relinquish it, no not at all.

 

"Stay here." He ordered.

 

Jared followed by ghost entered the first entrance.

"Damn warpspit bastard. Damn I'd love to kill that turd smoking frag head." Jared moaned allowed.

Ghost smiled.

 

"Time will tell." She replied to his moaning.

 

Both looked up at the long steps. Their legs hurt enough from trudging through the snow so the prospect of climbing all these steps just hurt them at the thought.

 

***

 

Brute stood watching the others disappear then turned back to the fog of the snow blown about by the strong grizzly winds. The icy winds got everywhere and were unrelenting in how hard they whipped his face.

Brute trotted about through the snow feeling itchy from his thick padded jacket keeping him warm. The cold began to bite at his chilled face as the wind would pick up, and suddenly he saw two yellow dots. He titled his head to look again then a red dot appeared on his left arm.

 

"Uh."

 

He pointed his stubber at the two dots that began to take shape and eventually turn into two eyes from a tall figure fastly approaching. Even though nothing could be heard in the blizzard he swore the figure made no noise.

 

"Oy stop you." He bellowed trying to be heard above the loudness of the wind.

 

Suddenly the red dot turned into a red beam followed by pain, forcing him down on one knee. A second dot followed by a beam appeared across his knee, then more pain.

 

"Arrrrgh."

 

Brute took firm hold of his stubber taking it into his head that the figure was hostile. He let his finger pull back the trigger and let out a howl of fire. Hot shells flew from the discharge chamber dropping into the snow. As they did they melted into the snow and sunk within the ground like they were never there.

 

The stubber blazed in an array of fire that sprayed its shots across the wind and into the figure yet the incessant firing was drowned out from the loud howling of the blowing winds. Once he released his finger he looked to see the figure stood tall. He could not comprehend this had he wounded it or was it wearing an armour thick enough to penetrate heavy stubber shells.

 

It had a set of yellow glowing bionic eyes and from its head, what looked like dreadlocks were wires pumping liquid into a pack on its mechanically tentacled back. Its legs were cybernetic and tall and its chest covered in black armour. Across its mouth was a silver muzzle. Its arms were also mechanical. The arms, legs and neck appeared to be telescopic, meaning that they could at any given moment stretch to any length greater than that at which it now stood before him. It did not look human, nor did it try to. What was its purpose, what was it originally built for and what were its true intentions, all of this was going through Brute's mind. One thing was for sure it was menacing in its appearance and stealthy in its actions, very stealthy.

 

Brute felt a tremble through his chest forcing him to point the stubber at the figure again.

 

The figure pointed its left hand at Brute and before he knew it its hand shot out as its arm extended forcing its blade like fingers into his neck. Before Brute could scream he was on his knees Stubber dropped and hands clutching his blood flowing neck. The figure retracted its hand and let a small gun emerge from its shoulder. The gun fired a shot into Brutes head combusting it in a small shower of blood bone and brains.

Brute's headless corpse dropped chest down and sunk into the thick layered snow. The red of the blood was something not even the ever falling thick snow could cover easily.

 

The figure looked up igniting a set of jets on its back spiralling it up towards the watch towers top .Did it know it had just killed a man once very alive, did it have any feelings about this act, was it just a mindless expensive toy that got dreamt up in someone's mind, made into reality in a secret lab. Did it have a mind of its own after all. Was this a flaw that could prove to be a dangerous one for all those that chance upon it and yet to have ones own mind is what we all want in the end or was it programmed to kill certain intruders.

 

  

8

 

 

Ghost looked down from the balcony down at the snow below, and too her horror she watched as Brute was slain by some kind of strange soldier. She felt her stomach wince at the sight of Brutes head exploding across the white snow that surrounded. That wincing worsened when she watched the figure ignite some kind of jet pack spiralling it upwards to the watch tower's peak.

 

Jared stood at her side pointing his gun upwards from the sound of passing thrusters.

"What the hell."

 

"I don't know. But we're gonna find out what that thing was very soon." Ghost muttered.

 

Jared wondered about his chance for freedom. They hadn't been injected with nano-bots. Could this be his chance to vacate. He would have to see the Colonel dead first though. One thing was for sure he knew Rybok was no fool nor was he to be crossed so foolishly. He took a look at ghost eye balling her figure from foot to head. She like him wore a thick padded warm coat.

 

Both stopped from the echo of clanging above. Jared took tight hold of his Pulse laser turning swiftly to his rear then back to his front and finally above. Unfortunately his vision above was clouded by the fog of the snow falling.

 

Ghost carried on ahead of the balcony clenching her gun in a tighter than tight grip hating herself for the wincing vibrations her stomach was suffering.

Jared slowly followed her.

 

***

 

Animal grinned after watching the strange figure fly up past him. His excitement forced him to jump up and down and gripping his flamer tighter than before.

Alexandra watched this Psychopath with intrigue, although she kept the grip of her blades tight just incase he turned on her.

Animal looked up to see the figure disappear over the towers peak point. Then he darted off towards the opened elevator his tongue hanging out in a mad pant.

 

"Great I got paired with the psycho maniac." Alexandra moaned with a grimace to her frozen face.

 

Rigby reached the elevator first closely followed by Rybok clenching his bulky custom made pistol. Alexandra found herself wondering if the man slept with a fat cigar glued to his lips after noticing once again he was consuming the smoke.

 

"Oy what the frag was that supposed to be." Jared bellowed with his gun aimed at the tower.

 

Rybok turned to face the man. "Fragged if I know but we're going up to discover its meaning. And too teach it a damned warpspit fragger cannot piss on my parade." Rybok barked back.

 

Jared took the thought of over powering his Colonel but then wondered would this bunch aide him. Ghost he doubted would, having served with her before under the Colonels command. However Animal the psycho maniac would proberly aide his cause.

But then there was Lieutenant Kashmir would her be a match, doubtful. Thought Jared.

 

Rigby entered the elevator followed by the panting Animal Alexandra and ghost. Jared watched the Colonel turn to face the doors. Was this his chance should he shoot the turd smoking Colonel in the back and claim his freedom here. And then his thought pattern was broken by the clanging of metal on metal.

 

"Get in scum frag." Rybok barked through gritted teeth.

 

Jared had no choice, so therefore entered the elevator. Rigby pushed the buttons for up, letting the doors close; the elevator began to rise up towards the peak.

 

Damn Jared pondered to himself had he missed his chance for freedom or was it foolish thinking, men such as the Colonel would die as easily as that. Damn him for wanting his freedom. Each of these Rat Pack Penal's must be considering these thoughts.

 

Rigby looked out the elevator glass and watched as they rose up and up towards the watch tower observation block. Damn it was cold he mused. He glanced down at his shot gun thanking the lord for allowing him another chance to hold a weapon of such force.

 

The doors opened and the group emerged into the block tower observation habitat. Rybok looked about the compartment five seats and a bunch of control consoles a lounge and three separate rooms. The floor was layered in bullet holes the glass was smashed from something letting the snow drift in. Jared moved past to the ladder leading to the peak. Behind him stood Animal still panting like a rabid dog.

 

Alexandra picked up the scope and took a glimpse through the eye piece.

 

"Colonel I think you're going to want to see this." She said stepping back with a shocked yet surprised look pressed upon her face.

 

Rybok took a glimpse for himself, and to his surprise who was looking at another tower in the distance looking on at him and his team. He looked again to see a dozen figures watching from the safety of the glass protecting them from the cold.

 

"What the frag spit." He said dropping his half smoke cigar to the floor at his feet.

 

The intercom then chimed.

He put it on speaker.

 

"Yes." He said in a tone that was barely louder than a whisper.

 

"Hello Colonel."

 

Instantly Rybok recognised the voice as that of Brigadier Wilson from back on Earth.

 

"I see you've made you're way here ok. Well by now you must be thinking what on earth is this. Well dear Colonel I'll tell you. You and you're boys and girls are here to play a part in our test. That thing as you'll be wondering which killed you're fellow Brute is called Malkos. It's a new breed of soldier and we need to test it on a worthy opponent someone cunning. Well there is none more cunning than that of you and you're scum. If you survive you mission has been accomplished and if you fail well we'll know our soldier is just what we want."

 

Rybok and the Rat Pack looked stunned, Jared thinking maybe it was wise keeping the Colonel alive a while longer after all his survival no depended on it. Ghost took a seat in one of the chairs.

 

Animal began to climb up the ladder to open the hatch and take the battle to Malkos, gripping his flamer tight in his left hand.

 

"And Colonel just a final reminder. Malkos is also a psychic soldier with the capability to use psychic energy. Well good man I bid you a fair well and do die well won't you." The intercom died.

 

"Bastard." Alexandra groaned in disgust.

 

"Lock and load people Lets frag this thing up." Rybok barked with the look of wrath across his face.

 

Then the banging of the hatch slammed about in the wind. The group looked up to see Animal had already left to fight Malkos.

 

 

9

 

Animal looked up at the tall soldier Malkos, he admired its strange appearance its telescopic legs made it grow bigger and its arms looked deadlier than a Verdian viper. Animal removed his thick padded coat, though he instantly felt the chill of the icy wind on his bare arms. He took his flamer in a firm grip and aimed the nuzzle at Malkox.

 

"Haaaaaargh." He screamed.

 

The nuzzle came to life as the flames came speeding out and across the wind into the Malkos soldier.

 

Suddenly and without warning Animal was blown back scrapping his back straight to the edge of the compartment. What Animal did realise was that was not the wind. He looked down and saw only fog. Stepping back to his feet and took aim again and fired. The flames raced through the wind and across Malcos's chest. The soldier looked down at the flames.

 

Its arm flung out and into Animals leg splitting his knee joint away. The rabid man dropped to the other knee groaning and wincing from the pain. Blood gushed out from the arms retracting. Again Animal pointed his flamer at the soldier. And again flames burst out and across its chest.

 

Malcos rose up from his legs extending upwards. It looked down on Animal then kicked him in the chest. Animal flew across to the other side reaching the edge gain only this time he felt most of his ribs snap from the kick. He also found his breathing was harder with the cold worsening his actions.

And in that moment Animal realised he'd been beaten.

 

Malkos through another burst of psychic energy into Animal crushing his chest, and forcing him into a ball wincing from the fierce amounts of pain swelling up inside him.

 

Malkos retracted its legs and slowly approached the wounded man, ever watching him for signs of aggression. Using its foot it rolled Animal onto his back. The Penal soldier still clutched his flamer in his left hand. The moment he slide onto his back he realised more flames into Malkos, across his face. Malkos grabbed his neck and threw him like a broken rag doll over the edge and watched him fall to his death.

 

 

10

 

Brigadier Wilson stood with his eyes on his enhanced binoculars watching the fire works that blazed above the tall watch tower. The window that protected him and the operations crew fought the pressure of the banging winds outside.

 

The sky above began to change to a darker shade of blue as the night came in followed by the grizzle of the icy winds. The sound was so loud it echoed throughout the operations centre on the second watch tower.

 

Stood at either side of Brigadier Wilson were two long coated guards holding their automatic machine guns with pride. Their faces were covered by a silver visor attached to their grey helmets.

 

Manning the consoles was a crew of several operations men keeping an eye on their consoles. Another man attired in a black suit white shirt and black tie stood watching with his enhanced binoculars watching the fight between the Penal soldier known as Animal and the super psychic soldier Malkos.

 

Both men stood watched eagerly as Malkos fought the psychotic maniac and eventually toss his limb body from the tower down to the snow covered ground.

 

"I believe that's two targets now." The suited man said allowed.

 

Wilson forced a grin to brace his devious face at the mere thought his psychic trooper was passing the test.

 

"The real prize will be that Colonel though." Wilson explained trying hard to hide his excitement at watching that fight.

 

"We'll see I've heard that Colonel is more than he's cracked up to be." The other man said.

 

 

***

 

Jared took a firm hold of his pulse rifle and aimed it at the back of Ryboks head cursing him for this situation.

 

"Damn you to hell." He called out.

 

Rybok turned to face the mans barrel.

 

"You'd better not miss scum." Rybok snapped.

 

Rigby took his hand and placed it over the barrel of Jared's gun nodding his head.

 

"Not gonna help bubba." He said.

 

Jared shook the gun away from him and returned the barrels face to Rybok's forehead line.

 

"This turd smoking bastard has damned us all. And if I'm gonna go down like this he's going first."

 

The next thing Jared felt was the cold hard fist of Rybok's bionic hand clenched tight to make a fist brace his jaw. Jared flew threw the door on his back and landed hard on the ice covered metal panels.

 

The group turned to watched the hatch were Animal had left ripped open with a loud tear.

Ghost jerked back with shock banging into Alexandra knocking her from her balance.

Rigby took aim with his shot gun and began to fire. Bang, bang, bang, shell after empty shell flew from the discharge chamber of his shot gun with each shot that flew through the roof. The group scattered from the sound followed by the bullets of Malkos's midi gun punchering through the roof.

 

Rybok jumped through the open doorway landing on the now confused Jared followed by Ghost and Rigby.

Malkos jumped through the now tattered roof of the watch tower and landed up-right facing Alexandra.

 

She felt a strange sensation breach her tighter than tight stomach yet she tightened her grip on both of her swords wondering if this was finally it. Was this the way she was going to meet her maker. Malkos slowly approached her with its head tilted watching her movements with curiosity anticipating her next move.

 

Alexandra leaped forwards both swords held out to slice into the volatile soldier.

Malkos let his eyes glow bright yellow for a blitz second before Alexandra felt a force of psychic energy slam into her and threw her backwards and into the glass windows of the watch tower shattering them as she fell out words.

 

Rigby rose to his feet watch as Alexandra fell to her peril from the towers operations centre. He turned back to glimpse Rybok Jared and ghost enter the elevator closing the doors behind them.

He fired off another two shots at the soldier that approached him before turning and running for the long stairs stumbling with each step.

 

Alexandra watched her short blade drop down the tower below into the ever white ground. She hung with her life on the one free hand she had. While still keeping a arm and tight hold of her long blade.

Damn that thing was dangerously powerful she thought to herself. Slowly she pulled herself back up and into the operations block of the tower.

She looked about to with relief see Malkos was gone, proberly chasing the others, but then while it chased them it was not after killing her.

 

11

 

 

Jared ,Ghost and Rybok watched the scenery from the elevator descending from the tower wonder what to do next. Rybok found himself lost on words and Jared wondered if this was how he would meet his maker. Ghost however had her mind set on killing that thing.

 

The elevator shuddered from the impact of something heavy landing on its roof. Ghost looked up drawing her sword. Rybok aimed his pistol at the top. The three stood in horror watching Malkos rip the roof from the descending elevator and peer in. Jared fired laser shot after laser shot. But Malkos simply looked on at the three then dropped down into the elevator with them.

 

Jared slammed his fist on the stop button stopping the elevator with a sudden stop, throwing the three to the ground. Ghost rose first kicking the door open and dashing through onto the long balcony.

 

Rybok grabbed Malkos by the ankle with his bionic hand and squeezed until he saw blood drawn. Jared watched with curiosity. Then slammed the butt of his gun into Malkos's face. Once the soldier had been distracted he planted two of his sticky bombs on his chest then pushed Rybok out of the elevator. Both men rolled across the balcony with Rybok rolling over the edge from the explosion of the sticky bombs destroying the elevator in a loud roar. Jared reached his hand to help pull the Colonel to safety.

 

"Only because I need you to keep me alive understood." He explained while hauling the Colonel on the balcony.

 

Ghost joined them, and the three stood watching the smoke evaporate from the desecrated elevator. Rybok spat his half smoke cigar over the edge of the balcony, and cocked his pistol ready for attack.

 

"Is it"" Ghost tried to say.

 

Two hands sprung out from the shaft followed by Malkos pulling himself up.  The three fired their guns at the chard opponent.

 

"Stop." Bellowed The Colonel.

 

The three stood watching the psychic soldier stagger from side to side, losing its balance momentarily.

 

Rybok aimed his pistol and fired it again, letting the sound echo through the metal structure on which they stood. Malkos staggered again.

 

Jared took a daring step closer aiming his pulse rifle at the soldiers head, anticipation gripping at his senses. He fired. The shot streaked through the air and into the flesh part of Malkos's shoulder. Blood spurted out in a quick rush then began to clog reducing the flow.

"Looks like we can hurt it after all." Jared cheered.

 

Rybok took a second shot only this time aiming his pistol into the air. Jared watched with curiosity.

 

"What the frag?"

 

The echo of the shot flooded throughout the tower forcing Malkos to stagger again before regaining his full posture.

 

"It's the sound that slows it. Loud noise to be exact." Rybok began to explain.

 

A blaze of midi gun fire sprayed across the balcony at the three forcing them to drop for cover. Ghost looked on at the glass covered corridor to their rear and charged for cover. Rybok and Jared followed keeping low to avoid the spray of midi gun fire from the weapon attached to Malkos's shoulder.

 

Malkos leant forwards and let out a blast of psychic energy throwing both Jared and Rybok forwards and into the glass. Both men stumbled forwards with a total loss of balance and crashed through the glass that covered the next corridor. Jared fell face down with gritted teeth and glass embedded into his face. Rybok followed suit landing on his knees.

 

The entourage of bullet fire shattered one of the metal boulders knocking in onto the metallic floor with a shattering echo that screeched. Malkos staggered again this time placing both hands on his head.

 

 

12

 

Ghost peered above the wall were the glass had been torn away from Malkos's gun fire. She then leaped over the wall and landed feet down on the railed walkway standing forwards of Malkos.

 

"AAAAAAAAAAAAA" She bellowed as she charged towards him swinging her blade from side to side. She knew this was it for her but, she had to give it a go.

 

Malkos stopped staggering and extended his left hand on a telescopic pole. The sharp fingers stabbed into Ghosts stomach knocking her from her feet. She stumbled forwards with the hand still embedded in her stomach. Blood gushed out as Malkos retracted his hand forcing her down to her knees through the pain.

 

Malkos then began to approach her aiming his gun directly at her head.

Ghost released her grip on her blade letting it fall to her side and winced as she took hold of her stomach. The wound was beginning to bite at her senses hard especially with the added bonus of the cold. Slowly she looked up to see the soldier approach her and raised her gun. She fired two shots the first missed but the second hit Malkos in the neck, forcing out a spurt of blood. It hit the snow, the contrast only added to the finality of this horror that was coming to a hopeful end.

 

Malkos then staggered forwards from the shotgun blasts impacting in his back from Rigby as he dropped down behind the soldier.

 

Rybok rose up and took aim with his large custom made pistol and fired a volley of shots. Malkos staggered back then forwards from the rear and frontal assault. Were this not a monster ,ghost had to wonder if they would show some mercy for this creature. 

 

Rigby slowly walked towards the staggering super soldier firing shot after shot off. Malkos stopped staggering once Rigby needed to reload. And taking advantage, Malkos jumped down to the next level by taking a leap off the banister. This move was unexpected and sodden without any warning.

 

Ghost rolled onto her side gripping her chest with both her arms, wincing through the pain from her wound. Blood pumped out across the floor and over her chest and arms forcing her to curl up into a ball. She told herself that this was not the end, it was not going to end this way not for her.

Rybok stood over her watching as she would wince with each rush of pain that flowed through her. He was glad it was not him for a moment, then he realised it could be in the next few moments"..who knows

Behind him stood Rigby with his fully loaded shit gun.

 

Jared began to pick himself up from the shattered glass he laid in. Blood dripped down from his face reminding him he had pain on his cheeks and forehead. He pulled himself up to his knees and began picking bits of glass from his cut face. The left side was wet with blood seeping out from the slits made by the shattered glass. He looked about for his Pulse laser and saw it laid across the floor covered by more shards of glass. He moved over to pick it up and rose back to his feet.

A realisation came to him that he may not live to witness another day let alone escape.

 

Jared approached Rybok and Rigby standing over the pain stricken ghost curled into a ball on her side with blood pumping from her wounded stomach. Jared was still slightly dazed from his stumbling through glass. The left side of his face bore a series of cuts were the glass had scrapped the flesh. He also felt the cold biting at his face giving him more chills. Great conditions to fight in he had to muse to himself.

 

Rybok turned to face both Rigby holding his shot gun tightly and Jared who was now peering down the next level, watching the Malkos soldier retreat to another cubical station on that level. It was wounded; finally something was in their favour he hoped.

 

"Both of you go after it. Make as much noise as possible it doesn't seem to like noise all too well. I'll follow in a minute." He said looking back at the wounded Ghost.

 

Both Jared and Rigby vanished in pursuit of Malkos.

 

Rybok knelt down by Ghost with one foot stood in a puddle of her own blood. He looked on at her wound and watched as the blood seeped out onto the metallic floor she was laid across.

 

"Is it bad." She asked with a weakened tone.

 

"You can survive the wound girl. I'm just not sure you can survive the cold as well."

 

"I-I'm i-innocent the federation s-set me up and left me to r-rot in prison." She began stating.

 

"I don't doubt it."

 

"I-its true."

 

"Why are you telling me Ghost?"

 

"Because if I'm dying I'll be damned if you think I'm guilty."

 

Rybok handed her, her gun and sheathed her blade for her, and finally helped her to her feet.

 

"If you lay here you'll die. I need to contact Sven and we can get you in the warmth of the dragonfly and use the ship to destroy this soldier."

 

"I think your lying I'm wounded bad."

 

Rybok stood up feeling sadness looking down at the badly wounded ghost. Who knows maybe she was innocent but the sad fact was rat pack unites seldom survived their missions and why should she be any different. But he knew that Malkos had to be stopped.

 

"Wait here. I'll be back." He sad with a grimace looking at the woman sat with her back against on of the boulders, sat in a puddle of her own blood.

 

 

***

 

 

Rigby and Jared ducked and dived firing off shots at the super soldier as the ran across the metal platform based at the towers centre.

 

Jared aimed his pulse laser at the things head and fired off a shot then dropped to his knees letting Rigby do the same before he rose up and repeated his actions. This thing was forcing them to unite and work as one ,weather they wanted to or not. Survival was the key. Alone they were weak and none of them wanted to admit that.

Malkos turned to face both men and opened fire. A spray of bullets flew through the air bouncing off the railings with an echo.

 

"Damn that fraggers hard to kill." Muttered Rigby under his breath as he fired a shot off from his shot gun.

 

Jared ignored his ramblings and kept on moving forwards towards the soldier firing shot upon shot. The trick was to keep on coming at it with all they had.

 

Rybok jumped down from behind the soldier and charged towards it once on top he used his bionic fist and punched it in the back of the head, then ducked as it swung back.

 

Suddenly Malkos screeched loudly as Alexandra also dropped down from above using her blade to slice on of the wires implanted in its head. Once severed red fluid poured everywhere spraying across its back and over Alexandra.

 

"Bastard." She called.

 

Jared also took it upon himself to charge towards the soldier smacking it head on in the face with the butt of his gun.

Malkos spun quicker than Jared realised and knocked the penal flying through the air. Jared landed hard on his back at Rigby's feet with a clang across the metallic floor.

 

Malkos then opened fire spraying bullets in all directions Rybok ducked then dropped to his chest as did Alex and Rigby.

 

Ghost staggered down the steps holding her gun aimed at its head.

"C'mon you bastard." She screamed. Malkos staggered forwards towards her firing its mounted gun from his wrist at Ghost.

The bullets flew into her chest forcing her body into convulsions of bullet fire impacting across her legs and chest. She dropped down the steps still aiming her gun at its face and took one final shot. The bullet flew hard and slammed into Malkos's head knocking him back slightly. She forced herself up, pain flowing through her body as blood pumped out violently. She fired again this time the shot slammed into the barrel of his wrist mounted gun. He fired and the gun exploded in an ore of sparks.

 

Ghost staggered forwards clenching her gun tightly.

Malkos extended its left arm on its telescopic pole straight into her face splitting through her skull, then clenching his fingers retracted its arm ripping out Ghosts brains in a violent burst. Ghost's lifeless body dropped face down on her chest in a pool of dark coloured blood.

 

Rybok then picked up one of the metal pylons that had been snapped in the onslaught and slammed it hard on the railing. The sound of clanging metal echoed loudly forcing Malkos to its knees holding its hands on its injured head.

 

***

 

Brigadier Wilson watched in horror as the Rat Pack team began to defeat the creature.

The crew surrounding him stood in shock at this new revelation.

 

"Well I think its safe to say the Malkos project was a failure." The man attired in a pin stripped suit said allowed for Wilson to here.

 

"Corporal what's the statistics of Malkos." Wilson bellowed in anger.

"Sir Its readings are going haywire. Irregular heart beat and its brain activity is doing over time. Sir it looks like Malkos is affected by sound vibrations."

 

"How can this be. We tested it and it ran fine." Wilson yelled.

 

"Well Brigadier it looks as though you didn't test it correctly. You do realise if this fails your career is over. How can you explain the Murder of these Rats."

 

"It wont fail."

 

"I beg to differ." The men put his binoculars on the table and turned to leave.

 

"I think it's safe to say your on your own now." The man said before leaving the room.

 

***

 

Rybok slammed the bar onto the railing again watching as the sound forced Malkos to its knees.

 

Alexandra used her blade and brought it down swiping through the soldiers neck decapitating it.

 

"I guess we're done sir." She said looking down on the fallen body as it fell over the banister and down below.

 

Rybok gave her a glance then looked down himself, before tapping the com in his ear.

 

"Sven pick us up at the Watch tower."

 

"Aye sir." Came the reply.

 

 

13

 

 

Brigadier Wilson stood watching through his binoculars as the Rat Pack team decapitated Malkos's head, and then watched the super soldier drop from the watch tower's balcony.

 

He put the binoculars down on the table and stared at the operations crew anger building up inside him with a fury that burned at his heart.

He turned to the man in the suit who stood by the door ready to leave watching him talk with one of his guards.

 

"We can build another." He finally said to the man.

 

"Too late for that Brigadier. You failed and the Coalition will not support your efforts any longer." The man replied looking up.

 

"That was just one. We can build more soldiers." Wilson explained.

 

"From what I can gather of this Colonel Rybok, he'll come for you."

 

"And I'll be ready for him."

 

The man looked out at the long window watching as the snow began to fall again creating a mist that began to freeze up on the windows edges.

 

"You're a liability Brigadier and one we will not support. You assured me this soldier was invincible yet he was defeated. No I think its time we cut ties with you. I prey though for your sake that one day you'll learn not to be so haste in your experiments. That is unless that Colonel kills you." With that the man was gone.

 

Wilson looked back at the window then picked up his communicator.

 

"Sergeant have your team ready We'll be expecting company. Great them as they deserve."

 

 

***

 

Rybok stepped away from the steps taking a fresh cigar and placing it on his lips. He gently pulled out his zippo lighter, taking a moment to admire the carved eagle on its side, and then flipping the lid he let the flame ignite and placed it to his cigars tip shielding it from the gentle breeze and slow snow fall.

 

Behind him to his left stood Rigby clenching his shot gun with both hands looking out at the gentleness of the falling flakes. Next to him stood Jared, holding his pulse laser over his left shoulder musing his life and how once more he'd survived. Though his face was scared from the broken glass down his right cheek and chin.

Alexandra stood to Rybok's right holding both her blades tightly in her grip she also admired the new clam of victory surrounded by the falling snow flakes.

 

The four stood and watched as the Dragonfly descended from the sky creating a loud roar of engine noise followed by a strong wind of warm air from the thrusters heat and the smell of Promethium. The Dragonfly tilted its nose forwards slightly as it released its landing legs before levelling out and final coming to rest in the snow.

 

The centre hatch lowered with Lieutenant Kashmir stood at the centre in his thick padded jacket wearing his tinted snow goggles. He held onto his standard army issue automatic rifle with both hands.

 

"Well done Colonel Mission over." Kashmir bellowed over the strong guzzle of wind blowing between the ground and Dragonfly's belly.

 

Rybok removed his blue tinted glasses and took a precious drag of smoke from his fat cigar.

 

"We're not done yet." He said.

 

"Yes you are Colonel." He said raising his gun to point at the four.

 

Jared quickly went to aim his Pulse rifle but stumbled back from the impact of a bullet cutting through his thick coat into his shoulder followed by a splurge of blood, finally forcing him to land on his back in the snow.

 

Alexandra ducked and dived away from the vessel while both Rigby and Rybok aimed their guns at the Lieutenant and fired.

 

Kashmir dropped down to one knee taking aim at the Colonel and firing a second shot off.

 

Rybok dropped to his belly firing off another missing shot towards Kashmir.

 

"You traitorous bastard." He bellowed.

 

"No not really my orders were to follow you and not allow you to leave." Kashmir replied firing off another shot, watching the bullet slam into the snow by Rybok's side.

The Colonel rose up to one knee and took another shot this time hitting the Lieutenant in the knee cap. Blood flew out as Kashmir dropped down firing off another shot towards the Colonel but missing.

 

Rigby charged towards the Lieutenant firing off two shots both hitting him in the chest forcing him backwards.

 

Rybok followed suit and charged onto the Dragonfly ramp kicking Kashmir in the head with his heavy boot knocking blood from his mouth and forcing his head to slam hard onto the metal of the ramp. Then Rybok dropped to on knee with his right foot carefully placed on Kashmir's neck.

 

"Why me?" He simply asked.

 

Kashmir spat blood from his mouth and looked up at the Colonel knelt over him.

 

"Because you are expendable as are those runts. The Soldier had to be tested. And who better than a black beret expendable soldier."

 

"I can't see the Federation risking me or a team of rats on that."

 

Kashmir laughed.

"Not the Federation. The Coalition commissioned the experiment shot the shuttle down and took Malkos so it looked like an accident. That way we knew they'd send a Rat Pack unit to retrieve it."

 

Rybok took his pistol and pushed the barrel into the side of Kashmir's face forcing the pressure of the gun hard on the mans cheek bone.

 

"What's you life worth you spit bastard." Rybok barked.

 

"You cannot kill me I am a soldier of the Federation."

 

Rybok pulled the trigger of his custom made pistol letting the bullet disintegrate Kashmir's head in a shower of blood skull and brains. Then took a puff on his cigar.

 

"Wrong you're a traitor of the Federation." He said allowed while kicking Kashmir's corpse from the ramp.

 

"Rats to me we're going after the good Brigadier." He bellowed.

 

Rigby, Alexandra and Jared joined Rybok on the ramp all sharing the thought of vengeance. The only shame Rybok thought was Ghost Brute and Animal would miss out on this chance. Yet the three had served and died well. He would see to it that they will be honoured on his Return.

 

 

14

 

Rybok took his seat in the cockpit and strapped himself into his restraints. He took a glance to his left and watched as Alexandra did the same. Slowly he took in the comforts of the chair while listening to the sound of the Dragonfly powering up once more.

 

"Sven get me a channel to Commander Dyson." He said.

 

Sven adjusted his spectacles and danced his fingers across his controls panel.

 

"Comm link open Colonel."

 

"Rat to the wolf. Do you receive?" Rybok said, speaking through the com over the sounds of revving engines from the g-force of the Dragonfly rising back up into the sky.

 

Suddenly the com channel came to life from the sound of crackling soft whistles.

 

"Wolf Base here. How can we be of assistance?" Came the reply.

 

"We have a traitor at Tower Beta I need to speak urgently with Commander Dyson."

 

"Understood." The com sizzled out then went silent.

 

Rybok Alexandra and Sven watched the snow fall bounce from the cockpit windscreen from the force of the vessel travelling on a forward vector.

 

"Can I assume we're not finished yet Colonel." Sven finally asked.

 

"Adjust your course and settings to match that of Watch tower Beta. Sven and make it quick. Short answer we have unfinished business and also prepare for hostile flight vector." The Colonel explained.

 

The Com sizzled back to life. Rybok switched to speaker.

 

"Commander Dyson here Colonel what is the situation." Dyson said, his voice fading slightly in and out of clarity.

 

Rybok took a drag of smoke from his cigar exhaled the smoke across the cockpit, then stubbed it out on the console, watching the ash from the end crumble and spread across the panel before disappearing off the edge.

 

"This whole operation has been a set up. Brigadier Wilson has been working for the coalition. They created an experimental soldier and used us as bait. Luckily we destroyed it and are now on our way to watch tower Beta which is were the Brigadier is. I have no doubt the task will be of a hostile nature. But as you will agree my duty now folds on taking the traitor down."

 

"Agreed. I'll despatch a force of my rangers to watch tower Beta."

 

"Understood. Also General Crane will need informing of the situation."

 

"Don't worry Colonel I'm already having this message channelled to piggy back from out sat system and reach the good General. My men will reach the tower within the next few hours. Best speed and good luck."

 

The com fell silent.

 

 

***

 

Sven, Alexandra and Rybok watched the tall tower come onto view the sheer size created a dark shadow across the snow covered ground below. Instantly Sven had to manoeuvre the dragonfly to its side while dodging gun fire spraying up, raging shells across the hull of the vessel. The Rat Pack team felt the vibrations shudder through the vessel. Jared placed both his hands across the chair arms in sat at tightly and watched Rigby's face turn to white.

 

Sven danced his hands across the console forcing the ship into a dive then swooped up and opened the gun ports. Using the targeting system that appeared across the screen in front of him us flipped the fire trigger of the dragonfly open and took an accurate shot, destroying one of the firing cannons in a direct hit. Again Sven manoeuvred the vessel down diving away from the spraying of bullet fire from the firing auto guns sat at the top of the tower while still battle the vessel against the wind. And again Sven swooped the dragonfly up and took another direct shot destroying the second auto gun leaving only one. Using all his skill Sven pulled back on the vessel forcing it to manoeuvre to his port side through the wind and released a rocket. Rybok and Alexandra watched in owe as the rocket plummeted into the final gun annihilating it in a ball of flames followed by a puff of black smoke.

 

"Take us down Sven." Rybok ordered.

 

Sven slowly lowered the dragonfly from the sky releasing the landing legs and gently thudding into the thick layered snow. The vessel landed with a thud crunching its four landing legs into the snow.

 

Rybok rose up from his seat and turned to great Rigby and Jared in the doorway behind him Sven and Alexandra rose up.

 

"If it holds a gun kill it." Rybok grunted as he moved to the opening rear ramp letting in the gentle howl from the outside wind followed by a few speckles of snow flakes.

Slowly the ramp lowered followed by the hissing noise of the grinding pistons and a short release of steam. Behind him Jared followed clutching his pulse laser in both hands ready for immediate fire. Alexandra clutched her blade tightly in her hand, Sven held a standard automatic followed by Rigby and his thick shot gun. The crew stepped off the Dragonfly into the snow.

 

"Where the frag are the spit bastards." Rybok muttered looking about around the tower.

 

Jared looked down at the layered snow and caught a glimmer of movement.

 

"MOVE" He bellowed.

 

The next thing an explosion threw them all flying through the air. Rybok hit the ground hard losing his vision forcing him into darkness then into unconsciousness.

 

***

 

Finally Rybok opened his eyes feeling groggy and still to weak to move all he could hear was a slight buzzing in his ears, it felt as though the volume from his hearing had been turned down. He looked up to see Jared dragging him by the shoulder while using his other hand to fire his pulse laser at the traitor marines. 

 

"Bastards, bastards" He almost heard Jared bellowing.

 

He looked to his left and watched as Sven was gunned down trying to flee back towards the dragonfly. He watched how Sven dropped to his knees drenched in his own blood then fall forwards face down. He turned to his left and saw Rigby laid on his back again covered in his own blood eyes still open. Finally he watched as Alexandra jumped and dived swinging her sword into the advancing of the Marines. She moved with such passion and skill cutting her blade into any who advanced, until finally he watched a hole appear from the back of her head followed by a shower of blood. She was gone.

 

Again Rybok looked up at Jared dragging him to the corner of the tower, then drop to one knee.

 

Jared then moved off throwing his explosives across at the last of the marines.

 

Finally Rybok regained his strength enough to sit up, slowly he shook his head and the sound returned to his ears with a sudden impact from the loud roar from the explosions of Jared's explosives.

 

Slowly he used his knees to rise back to his feet and took hold of his Customised pistol. The main door of the watch tower opened and Brigadier Wilson raised his gun and shot Jared in the shoulder, forcing the man down to his knees. Again he took another shot, this time hitting Jared in the thigh. 

 

At this point Rybok realised Wilson had thought him dead.

 

"Drop it traitor." He bellowed.

 

Wilson turned to see Rybok holding his pistol at him and pointed directly at his head.

 

"I'm sure we can come to some sort of agreement. Wouldn't you agree?"  Brigadier Wilson said his voice shaky showing his nerves

 

"No." Rybok fired.

 

The bullet flew from his pistol and into Wilson's head exploding inside and combusting his head across the clean white of the fallen snow, staining it red then followed by the heavy slump of Wilson's lifeless body.

 

Slowly Rybok staggered over to Jared and dropped down to one knee beside the injured soldier. Then Rybok forced the barrel of his customised pistol into the right cheek of Jared's face.

 

Jared looked up into the Colonels eyes.

 

"I should kill you. But you saved my life and returning you to a penal prison well that's just insultive to both of us. You're free to go Jared. You need not worry about nano's in your blood none of you had them injected. Well there just wasn't time."

 

With that Rybok rose back to his feet holstered his pistol and began to walk away. Then turned back to Jared and took out another of his fat cigars and lit it with his golden Zippo slowly he took a long drag and exhaled.

 

 "As you can understand you cannot come with me. Should you survive you're free. I'll tell them your dead like the others."

 

Jared slowly sunk down into the snow releasing the grip of his pulse laser then looked back at the Colonel.

 

"I guess I should say thank you. Only thing is should our paths meet again."

 

"Good luck Jared and all the best." Rybok said cutting him off from finishing his sentence and placing his blue tinted shades back over his eye's.

 

Jared watched Rybok enter the Dragonfly and then he watched as the dragonfly took off and rose up into the gentle falling snow and disappear into the sky, leaving a slight trail of smoke in the grey sky.

 

 

~Raven