RIFTS Short Story - Out West

[MrMartin232322]

Greetings gamers,
During the COVID era my son and I played RIFTS with just the two of us. We enjoyed the group a lot and I wrote a short story about it.

OUT WEST

Preface 1

Location: Winsted Lake, Minnesota. Roughly 10 miles west of Tolkeen
Date: February 3rd, PA109
Time: 1845 TTI (Tolkeen Time Index)

“Hay fur face. You going to get that armor done in time for me ta join that action?”
Big Grey stopped with his welding and looked up at the guy in his unkempt pilot jumpsuit with a look of disapproval. He sighed, smirked and put down the portable welder rod. He motioned with his large hands, palms up, that the guy could continue the repair for him. The pilot smiled in response and gave him a thumb up.
“Thanks Big Grey. You always have me back buckaroo. See you in ten.” The pilot walked away continuing to thank him.
He adjusted his welding goggles and continued working. Everyone his whole life has called him Big Grey. The main reason was he is a rather large bi-pedal race called wolfen. He stood just over seven feet with massive muscles that pushed his weight to 315 pounds. Just as the racial nametag he had a long muzzle and short grey fur covering his whole body. He did not keep up on his physical appearance with hair that was unkempt to the point of looking mangy and several scars across the muzzle. Even in the very cold temperatures of February he liked to wear only baggy cargo shorts with a utility belt that sported all manner of tools and trinkets. Big grey was an operator by trade. Trained to modify and repair electrical, mechanical equipment and weapons. His assignment was with the Tolkeen Mobile Tech Support that provided field repair to military units. He liked the freedom of the job. To just be able to stay out in the open doing what he likes best.
He stood up and looked at his work on the Sky King Rocket Cycle. The damage that was inflicted was patched up and even hardened in some vital areas without compromising the weight for flight. Big grey stretched his head to the sky to get the kinks out. His current surroundings were beautiful to him. The lake was calm and had a perfect reflection of the blue magical ley line that was suspended over the surface. It was not a very big one, only around ten feet in diameter. Blue white light emanated from the magical wall just enough to cast shadows for twenty feet. This one ran east all the way back to Tolkeen itself, while ending just short of a mile west of the lake.
His keen hearing picked up the back of his armored personnel carrier (APC) opening up and someone walking over to him. He side glanced over to look at the gorgeous figure of Jasmin. She was a psi-stalker that helped Big Grey out with all manner of work. Plus she had a thing for wolfens that was a mutual benefit. She was wearing her black skin tight leggings and top that had all the intent of showing off her curvaceous figure.
“Well, well. Looks like you got that jackassas jet fixed. Again.” Jasmin’s punctual emphasis of the “again” was not lost to him. He has fixed the reckless pilots equipment almost every time it went out on a mission.
“Guess we will see if the new modifications will assist his lack of tactful flying.” Big Grey responded. He then took one stride over to her and wrapped her in a great hug. She hugged him back and let out an audible hum of pleasure.
Jasmin kept on holding the hug. “I had a sight of precognitive flashes while I was resting. Something is going to happen soon. Might want to pack up just in case.”
As a psi-stalker she had a large amount of psionic powers that have proved her ability in the past. Over time he has learned to listen to her when she spoke of such things out loud. He let her go and gathered up his tools. While Big Grey stored his equipment into the APC, Jasmin walked over to the lake shore to study at the ley line. She knelt down to feel the cool water run over her hand. At that same moment her psionic sixth sense assaulted her in such a great quantity as to render her stunned. Blindingly white light cascaded through her mind. It carried faint images that blurred fast across her perception, but she captured a few. In what seemed like hours her conscience mind finally seized ahold of reality. Jasmin was on all fours and breathing hard. She looked up to focus her vision on the now pulsating white ley line.
“How can that be?” she silently said while tears formed.
Big Grey just completed strapping down the last of his equipment when a bright flash that was bright enough to come from everywhere lit the inside of the APC. As he ran back outside he had to shield his eyes from the light over the lake. He could barely make out the ley line was at least three times as large while it pulsed with a light that emanated from inside. With that it started to come alive with thick tendrils of energy that randomly shot out for tens of feet and sharply arced to the earth like a circuit ground. His vision adjusted to the light and viewed Jasmin running from the lake shore and yelling something at him. Big Grey hurried to get to her. The ley line then flashed again with another searing pulse that released dozens of the energy tendrils. He watched in slow motion horror as Jasmin was sprinting to the APC and an energy arc swept across her path. In that moment time stopped. Her face was one of surprise as she just vanished. Not the vanished type when someone is hit by energy weapons, she just ceased to exist in that instant. He was howling in rage while reaching out for where Jasmin used to be.
All went dark after that. Almost pitch blackness like someone turning off a light in a windowless room. He could hear the lake nearby and many voices yelling in excited tones. No light came from the ley line as it was no longer there. A rumbling got the attention of his keen hearing from the distance to the east. His natural night vision started to fade in to look upon the great city of Tolkeen. Even at 10 miles away anybody could normally see the lights of the city and pyramid beacons of nexus light. This time there were no magical light of any type. Only multiple flashes of explosions could be made out. Also streaks of many flying vehicles buzzed around the city like angry hornets.
This is not happening. Big Grey pondered.
The immediate camp came alive with activity. Many troops were starting to move out, including the pilot from earlier who jumped in and started his Sky King. Thrusters lifted the vehicle into the air twenty feet and the rockets burned to life as he headed to Tolkeen. His hand radio was alive with jumbled talk of people crossing over each other. He ran back into the APC closing the rear doors as he made his way to the driver’s chair. Completing a quick start to the gas hybrid engine and base radio at the same time, he listens into the traffic. Somehow the Coalition has disrupted all of the ley lines around Tolkeen and launched a massive offensive. Magical energy turned on itself and decimated the city protection system. Frantic information of magic acting wild or not at all filled the radio airways. Lastly, confirmations of Coalition armored units and troops were actually reported inside the city. It took about eight minutes for Big Grey to gather all this and seconds to make up his mind on what to do. Strapping himself in the drivers chair he gunned the APC to leave. He grabbed the base radio microphone and programmed it for general transmission.
“To all units that can receive this. This is TMTS bravo heading mark 6 point 3. Tolkeen compromised. I say again, Tolkeen compromised. Anyone who wants to meet with me and survive is welcome. General beacon 55 megahertz active.” He replaced the microphone in its cradle and increased speed west.
“Well now. This day turned to ******** real quick.”

Preface 2

Location: Tolkeen air space
Date: February 3rd, PA109
Time: 1845 TTI (Tolkeen Time Index)

Vlard "Sickel" Navaeski was currently on flight patrol in his SAMAS PA-06A power armor. The combat computer was displaying on his heads up display the programmed route of patrol he was assigned. Cruising at a height of 300 feet at 120mph in a great circle around the city was far from exciting for the Special Forces trained warrior. He was actively serving the 5th year of a 6 year tour for the Tolkeen Civil Militia. In just less than a year Vlard will have his choice of what branch he gets to transfer to. He wanted to be a commander of a search and destroy armored squad. Engaging the daemons and monsters that pose a threat to Tolkeen was a thrill he craved. As a member of the Tolkeen Special Forces he already had perks available to him. Like the one in which he gets to paint his SAMAS all red with the Russian black star on the chest. He was very proud of his Russian family history.
The SAMAS’s HUD brought up his chronometer alarm to signal that the patrol was up. Vlard banked high right to thrust up and hit freefall to turn around. Ahead his HUD picked up Cpl Jacks in his Triax Predator Power Armor flying straight for Vlard. Vlard boosted his speed up to 200mph and inverted. The Predator also increased speed and went sideways while holding his left arm up in a high five. Power armor elite pilots are far more daring than they need to be and love showing it off. They both pass each other to give an expert high five at an angle that will not break each other’s hand. Although, Vlard did put a slight more strength into the gesture that caused a high ping of metal upon contact.
“OUCH! You *******!” Jacks yelled over the comm.
“*****.” Vlard returned and then gave a hearty laugh. He aimed the SAMAS at the robot bay open doors where all of the power armors for his sector are stored. A Northern Gun M56 Multi Assault Robot was exiting the hanger. The 26 foot tall robot stopped and stepped back as Vlard streaked down fast and flipped over to engage the jets for rapid deceleration. Jet wash fanned everything out for 30 feet. Even items near the doors on technician’s carts blew all over. He somersaulted the armor over at the last possible point and killed the power to the jets causing him to land on the feet a little hard but in style. He turned to the Multi Robot and gave them thumbs up. He walked the SAMAS down the main aisle ignoring all the people around that were visibly upset over the landing. The storage gantry was open waiting for Vlard to park his power armor. He back in, locked it down and shut the reactor down. The center section opened up allowing Vlard to step out onto the concrete pad.
As soon as Vlard’s feet touched down he had a lighted cigarette handed to him by a very young male elf.
“The right jet is twelve percent off thrust Squirt.” He addressed the boy in between drags.
Squirt replied without looking up from his data pad accessing the armor through a cable he plugged in. “Surprised you know fancy words like that.” Vlard walked past the elf and flicked him on the tip of his pointed ear, causing Squirt to wince away.
He sat down on a rolling chair and reached into the bottom chest of the tool kit to pull out a bottle of hard spirits with two glasses. He poured both glasses full and emptied one only to refill it again. Squirt might look very young, but he was an elf. He has lived several lifetimes more than Vlard already. The kid was a good operator and the only one he trusted around his equipment. Plus he liked taking time off to do the work himself and the kid made him look like a big guy. Vlard took off the top of his pilot’s uniform. He was kind of a big guy at 6ft 8in and a 240lb frame of muscle. He liked to be in shape and practice physical workouts often. Both arms, chest and back were covered in Russian themed tattoos.
Both of his parents were refugees from Russia thirty years ago. His mother was pregnant with Vlard when they boarded a Tolkeen refugee transport to start a new life. He was born in transit. His father was a natural with power armor and joined the Tolkeen Air Force upon arrival. Many years later they had another son and daughter while Vlard was entering Tolkeen military service. Then, right as he was graduating, his father died in a mission that involved fighting Tolkeen enemies. That was all the information they got from the courts as the mission was labeled top secret. Vlard wanted to continue doing his father’s name good and exceled in military training. It made him confident and some would say arrogant, but it was worth it.
Alarm klaxons startled Vlard to conscience suddenly in his apartment room. He sat up quickly and was met with a foggy vertigo that comes with drinking too much. Holding his head with both hands he focused on getting his world to stop spinning. An empty bottle of alcohol was rolling across the floor and he centered on that to clear the effects. It took a few minutes for Vlard to understand the alarm process and think sort of clearly. He grabbed his flight suit and emergency go-pack and stumbled over to the door. It opened up while he was putting on the flight suit. A male security guard looked at Vlard inside.
“Sir. We are under attack. Please get to your armored squad as soon as you can.” He then moved away and left the door open.
Vlard’s head was throbbing like mad, but he knew he had to get back to the hanger. He managed to stumble into the hallway that was crowded with personnel running everywhere. There were several people he knew that said stuff to him in a rush and then left. Most of what he heard was echoes of nonsense with the alcoholic daze he was experiencing. After many retracing of steps he managed to get back to the main hanger access. He hardly recognized the area.
It was pure chaos.
The entire bay was dark with no power being provided. The only light was the multiple fires burning in several locations all at once. There was active weapons fire coming from the entrance. Both outgoing and incoming, there was a large battle inside the city walls. It looked like a good portion of armored units made it out due to the empty bays. Several did not and had absorbed so much damage the metal for the remains of twisted frames was on fire. Plasma caused that, not any type of accident. Plus the coloration and intensity suggested one word back to Vlard on munition identification.
Coalition.
“It’s about Narthesis sake that you finally made it here Sickel.” His elf operator addresses him from the shadows to his right. Squirt walked up to Vlard, he looked tired and dirty. “Oh for goddess sake. Your still hammered you idiot.” He rummaged around his knap-pouch around his waist and produced a hypo-gun used to deliver various chemical substances. Squirt quickly touched Vlard’s arm and activated it. The indicator flashed showing that the yellow liquid in the cartridge was emptied.
In seconds the world came to a steady halt and Vlard could think clearly. He hated those anti-hangover shots, but this time he was willing to let it happen. During the few minutes it took to affect him, Squirt was informing him that he performed maintenance and prepped his SAMAS for combat with new loads of ammunition.
“What the hell happened out there kid?” Vlard slowly questioned. “The whole bay looks like hammered **** in here.” He finished suiting up the proper way and made his way to where his SAMAS was stored.
“The Coalition hit us. Don’t know how they did it but they did. They are in the perimeter and even took down the magical protection grid.” Squirt proceeded over to his data pad and entered the codes to start up the SAMAS. It started to hum to life in response. He then pointed to the back of the armor. “I placed your bug-out equipment bag on the support struts between the jets.”
Vlard realized that he only did that because he knew it was time to go and not come back. The elf was a smart one and had access to information that surprised anyone at times. He had the common sense to let it sink in. He completed the final adjustments on his flight suit and climbed up into the waiting SAMAS. As the middle section closed up he shared a stare and a nod with Squirt.
“Better have fixed that right jet or I’m coming back to kick your little ass.” Vlard joked over the loudspeaker.
Squirt crossed his arms and had a grin. “You are an ******* you know that right?”
“That’s what they tell me.”
Jets forced the unit up into a hover. The C-40R Rail Gun was already in his right hand and loaded with a full complement of ferrous slugs. Vlard gave the command to silence the general comm chatter since it was packed with noise of combat. The combat HUD filtered out the light from the fires and searched for targets. He hit the accelerator and set his altimeter to keep it no more than 10 feet off the ground. If the Coalition States (CS) were in the city then they would pick up on his armor in the air. He left the bay quick and turned left immediately to stay near large buildings. The HUD started providing data of information of a host of targets. At a glance it was all CS armor, cyborgs and troops. That was bad news.
Vlard landed around a corner to gain intelligence. There was fighting in the air and on the ground. The Tolkeen energy grid seemed to be random in providing power to sections. There were random missile explosions along with energy discharge everywhere. He used the optic system to zoom in on a group of movement several blocks from his position. His heart sank at the ID tags his HUD provided. An armored group of four strike cyborgs, at least twenty soldiers and one Mark V APC were on the patrol and armed for heavy engagements. There was not even close to being a line between being confident and being stupid as a Special Forces member. He was good, but that was not a fight he could possibly win.
The wall opposite of him exploded in a hail of laser and plasma fire. Vlard figured they picked up on his SAMAS signature. He fired up the jets and stayed in between buildings heading to the outer limits of the city. According to radio chatter the west area was the most likely survival odds on getting away. Running low and fast he avoided firefights and started to formulate a plan to survive. Once he got clear of the city he increased altitude to 400 feet and speed to 200mph to leave his old home behind.
That’s when Vlard’s HUD picked up a signal on the comm. “General beacon 55 megahertz active.”
Vlard set the coordinates to the location of the signal.
“Sounds good to me.” He said to himself.

[MrMartin232322]

Preface 3

Location: Control and Containment Pyramid, Western Quadrant, Tolkeen
Date: February 3rd, PA109
Time: 1845 TTI (Tolkeen Time Index)

Adria Starr looked up at the huge structure of a pyramid that collected ley line energy and distributed it along natural and artificial transmission lines through Tolkeen. The Atlantean constructed device was made out of a dark grey stone that took to the mystical energies. She studied the base up to the tip 80 feet up. She liked it here. As a trained Federation of Magic Battle Magus she knew how to open herself to absorb and feel the energies provided. She watched the multiple white-blue arcs of pure ley line energy cascade around her arms. Adria felt power and security at that moment.
The Atlanteans at least knew where their craft truly lies. She thought. Even if they are distant relatives they still have a station below the true fey-kin.
The fey-kin reference was to her race of true elves. So far Adria has lived 145 years, but only had the appearance of a 19 year old female and a very good looking one as well. She used it to her advantage a lot of the time. Looks can be deceiving when it comes to being trained as a frontline warrior that uses invocations and natural abilities in concert with battle magic to be the perfect fighter. With a height of five and a half feet and 120 pound frame, she did not look the part outside her battler body armor with a demonic visage helmet. Her strength and toughness were hidden below and she loved to surprise enemies when the time came. She was very proud and arrogant when she was in her black, magically enhanced armor that formed to her natural curves.
“Greetings Battler.” Came a deep voice from behind Adria.
She barley turned her head and viewed a human male Ley Line Walker while keeping her right hand on the pommel of her magical death bringer sword on her hip. The speaker seemed not to care as he usually does.
“A good night to you master Hardin.” Adria slightly bowed to give the man the respect he has earned by right of title.
“We do not have to be so cordial to the manners of station Adria.” He walked up to her with his hands clasped behind his back. His blue ornate flowing robe flowed around him like it was guided to do so. Even without having to sense magical properties, Adria could feel the power he contained. “I just wish to converse with you on your duties as an appointed envoy from the Federation of Magic.”
“My teacher, Lord Gorkinda sent me along with a company of seek and destroy armored units to assist our kinsmen in the treaty of defense from the Coalition invaders.” She replied in a matter of fact tone.
Hardin gave a slight laugh while looking at the energy above. “Yes, you have made that statement previously.” He looked right into Adria’s eyes with a stare that felt like a commanding presence. “But, I am asking why are you here exactly.”
“I feel that my destiny is somehow linked here.” She answered quickly.
“Destiny handed down from your parents?”
“No. From my training at the Federation. My parents are not from this realm and I have not seen them for 100 years. I was brought here by accident and trained from that time at the martial academy in Dweomer.” She wondered why she let that information out so easily.
Hardin nodded his head like he agreed. “You will do your teacher proud. The problem with destiny is it can be misdiagnosed and you do not know it until it is too late. Reflect on that young battler Adria.”
She tried to read his expression and got nothing. How in the realms does he know all this? He has to be more than just this persona he shows. As if in answer he looked right back at Adria and smiled again.
“I have matters to attend to. I enjoyed the company and conversation. I hope at some time in the future we get to have another.” He held out his hand and shook hers when she gave it to Hardin. “I just love the western sunset”. He winked and started to walk away.
The last comment set Adria back a step. She just did not understand how Tolkeen functioned with leaders that make no sense like that. She knew she would have to be on her guard around Hardin. If he were to steal thoughts from or on her real mission it would put the treaty in jeopardy. Her teacher had chosen her because he knew she was a purest to the Federation of Magic. She will not stray or betray her home. Adria will learn and engage the Coalition forces in battle to defeat them. At the same time she will be reporting on inner policy makers and city forces for Tolkeen.
She continued to walk the path from the pyramid. Off to her left was Meadow Lake Farms that had some of the best home cooked food and it had been awhile since she ate. She decided to head that way to have a long dinner.
Adria was taking her time and enjoying this fabulous meal. Sipping on her third glass of local red wine she was just being lazy. She could tell it was getting late and the serving staff wanted her to leave so they could close up. She finished her wine in one large gulp, stood up and put on her helmet very slowly. She had to send a message to those beneath her not to rush a superior being. She pulled out several small gems that was more than worth the meal and left it on the table. Standing next to the table with arrogant purpose Adria just dared any of them to approach to hurry her off. They did not. After a few minutes she proceeded to confidently walk away.
It was a calm night tonight. A little bit too calm for the average weather pattern this time of year. Adria was contemplating the night sky when some movement ahead and to the right caught her notice. It was late enough where not many official people were out and around the city. She did not think he was a working class citizen. This guy was not dressed as such and had the body language he was sneaking around. Adria stayed in the shadows of the surrounding building to close the distance. Being the prepared combat mage she quickly muttered the power words for a protection spell around her. She stopped just around the corner from where the sneak has stopped moving. She could hear this human talking to himself in whispered tone.
Adria created a magical translucent shield in one hand and drew her death bringer sword in the other before addressing the human. “Let’s not play game here buddy. Just get straight to the point on who are you?”
Surprisingly, he did not get startled by Adria. “You are not police so you do not have to know.” He had an electronic device in one hand and the other was beneath his coat. A slight hint of light armor could be viewed under his coat as well.
“Let’s pretend I am.” Adria raised her sword level to the face of the intruder.
A laser burned through his coat and impacted with her shield. Battle reflexes kicked in while Adria took one step and cut up with her sword removing his hand holding the device. The guy did not even cry out, it was then very obvious he was a trained soldier of some type. She stepped back with the shield in front and her sword poised to thrust.
“It does not matter mage. You are too late.” Then his body exploded in a ball of fire.
Adria ducked behind her shield just in time. The force of the explosion did destroy her shield and body protection, but absorbed enough where her personal body armor took only minor burns. There was nothing left of the human at all as he left a small crater in the floor and building next to them.
She renewed both of the protection invocations immediately. Sirens filled the air all around and shortly after there were explosions within the city. More sounds of jet flying machines seemed to permeate everywhere. She kept low and looked around the corner to see at least twelve coalition SAMAS buzzing around the Meadow Lake Farms while shooting down onto buildings and people.
“How in the dragon’s name did you filthy radicles get in here?” She told herself. That human must have been an advanced scout for the CS.
Another large explosion around the location of the pyramid caused the ley line to flicker and then go dark. They have done their homework. They know Tolkeen’s weakness. Tonight, this city falls. Screaming mixed with energy weapons firing came from all around. Adria then turned to the west to try and get to the city limits. She could then summon her pet and get out of the way. This was not her fight and she would be vastly outnumbered very soon.
As she was making her way between two residences she spotted a couple of coalition soldiers at the front of one house. They were cutting loose with laser and plasma energy from their rifles through an open door. She started sprinting across the street while creating a ball of ice in her right hand. Adria cast the ice softball out, striking one CS solder in the side. The soldier’s armor turned white with frost all over the entire side. The other soldier turned to face her and shot at her with multiple beams from the laser rifle. Some missed their mark while a couple was defeated by her shield. When she closed the distance she stabbed the soldier in the chest with the death bringer sword. It pierced completely through with hardly any resistance and she lifted the body above her head. She then pivoted to remove the sword and behead the remaining solder in one fluid movement.
A troop carrier hovered overhead. Its skull eyes had searchlights spotting the ground all over. She could hear multiple ground troops converging in her area. Quickly, she ran through the house ignoring the cries inside for her help. She used a spell several times to unlock some doors as she made her way through the neighborhood. After running for several minutes she could tell she was away from the Tolkeen city. Adria then pulled out a small, slender tube and blew into it. It made no audible noise, but it was not supposed to. She waited for about ten minutes when the ground tremored from an approaching fury beetle with a saddle on it.
She walked up to her pet and stroked the side of its head. The great beast returned the affection by grunting and almost knocking her down with its head trying to nuzzle. She then jumped into the saddle and checked to make sure the rest of her personal gear was stored in a duffel bag. The beacon light was flashing on her hand radio. She switched it on.
“To all units that can receive this. This is TMTS bravo heading mark 6 point 3. Tolkeen compromised. I say again, Tolkeen compromised. Anyone who wants to meet with me and survive is welcome. General beacon 55 megahertz active.” The deep voice stated.
“And I thought this assignment was going to be boring. Thanks master Hardin.” Adria laughed. She spurred her fury beetle west to meet up with survivors.

Preface 4

Location: North Point Dimensions housing, North Quadrant, Tolkeen
Date: February 3rd, PA109
Time: 2100 TTI (Tolkeen Time Index)

Satchel Camryn was startled awake by the local alarms sounding off. He sat up quickly and took notice of his surroundings. All the fluorescent lights were off along with the rest of the power. The only illumination he had was the bright red emergency light above the door to his apartment. This did not follow the regulation of an exercise so now he started to get nervous. He grabbed the communicator and paused over the flood of information. Apparently the coalition states has launched a surprise attack and was in the city. The innocent would be hurt and had to be guarded. It was the third credo of nobility for the Code of Chivalry: Protect the innocent. It was the cyber-knight rules that governed the respected warriors that he was trained along with.
He vaulted gracefully out of the bed to head over to the refresh room. Even in an emergency he could not look like he just got out of bed. He had standards to maintain. He splashed some water on his handsome face and took the time to style his short, jet black hair. He turned his torso side to side looking at his much defined muscled body. Accented with gleaming cyber-armor that was formed with his physique at the training monastery covered his torso and lower legs. Satchel just could not help admiring himself. At a tall 6ft 4in, perfect looks, great body and on top of that he flaunted the Atlantian heritage he was the best catch any maiden was looking for.
Finally, he snapped his fingers with both hands while pointing at the mirror. Time to go to work and show the gods why I was destined for this great life. Satchel proceeded into the living room and turned around to back into his heavy cyber-knight armor hanging on the wall. The plate and banded metal acted like it was alive at closed around his body and fastened automatically. He hooked on the TX-25 ion pistol and the TX-45 particle beam rifle along with energy cells onto the armor. He then spun around in a fast circle and grabbed his magical claymore sword roughly by the scabbard. His movements were graceful and with purpose as he headed out the door.
Satchel ran fast out of the building and was seemingly thrusted into a war scene he has only viewed on vid disk. His psionic ability of sixth sense immediately warned him of incoming fire. He performed a rolling dodge to his left. High density slugs tore a deep gouge in the pavement to the right of him as a CS SAMAS flew by trying to strafe his location. He thought about drawing his pistol and returning fire, but the agile power armor was already jetting away. Besides, there were many more SAMAS, robots and infantry in the surrounding area. Dodging more energy beams he made it to the cover of a large building. Having a bit of time finally, Satchel pulled out his has communicator.
“Knight errant Satchel checking in. Anyone have command on com?”
“About time young knight.” He recognized the female voice as Tamera, a fellow knight of the order. “Take your time primping yourself again?”
“I woke up alone.”
“Some of us had early duty.”
“Clear the air of non-command interaction.” Satchel winced at the sound of his commander and teacher Sir Hasman. “Satchel, can you make your way to meet up with the company at our beacon? Label it evac point Charlie. We have a number of citizens to escort away from the city.”
Satchel checked his com and locked in the signal. They were about a mile west of him. If his company was escorting then that was their direction. It made sense to move away from the CS invasion. That also means the CS must have launched an attack from south, east and somehow north.
“About eight minutes teacher, depending on if I have to pick up rescues on the way.” He informed Sir Hasman.
“Double time young knight. We cannot wait long. Coalition is all over the inner perimeter.” The com cleared out the signal so it would not be traced.
Satchel secured his hand com away and held his magical claymore with his left hand. He plotted the route that would take him the least amount of time. Looking off to the left he saw a grounded Iron Warhawk juggernaut exchanging fire with several CS cyborgs and an IAR-3 Skull Smasher robot. Energy cannons, missiles and magical fire mixed in close quarters covering at least a 30 foot area. He picked what he thought was the best time to sprint across the main street and seek cover along some more buildings. He had to constantly block out screaming mixed with explosions and flying units of all type overhead, it was completely surreal.
As he was making his way next to a burned out husk that used to be a grocery store, one again his psionic sense screamed out at him. He hit the ground as an armored body dropped down from above and rolled into a summersault. It was a Coalition trooper in sleek, new styled armor and had a weapon gauntlet on his left hand that extended three serrated vibro-swords. Satchel recalled that this was a CS Juicer. A chemical enhanced, special forces combat expert that has very fast reflexes. He had just enough time to draw out his claymore from its scabbard to parry a swiping attack from the juicer. His powerful overhand attack completely missed but did create some space between them. The juicer ran along the wall and performed a jumping slash at Satchel. He put his large blade in the way and forcefully pushed it aside trying to trap the juicer against the wall. But the juicer nimbly ducked to avoid the attack.
Satchel’s legs were swept out from under him in a swift sweep from the CS juicer. He hit the ground hard but his armor absorbed the impact from having the wind knocked out of his lungs. He knew the juicer would be jumping down on him so he lifted his sword where the blade was parallel to the ground and spun it around. The juicer landed straddling Satchel and stopped the massive blade instantly with his vibro-blades. Satchel smiled as he viewed his opportunity. He curled up both feet close to his body and pushed out in a double thrust that connected right in the chest of the juicer. He might not be as strong as a chemically treated warrior, but he was far above normal human still. The impact made a loud metallic crack and while the surprised juicer was thrown backwards; his chest area trailed a bright green liquid that was way too thin to be any type of blood. I think I just damaged his bio-computer unit. The CS juicer bounced a couple of times and laid still face-down in the road. Satchel did not want to push his luck so he grabbed his scabbard and ran. He recalled the fourth Code of Chivalry: Fight with Honor.
He tried not to stop too much and not run in a predictable manner just in case that juicer had dog boys to track him. Satchel could not get past the chaos that was evolving in the heart of the great city of Tolkeen. He was trained here at the cyber knight Lord Coake Monastery from the time he was a very young boy. His father brought Satchel and his three brothers over to Tolkeen after their mother was killed on Atlantis. He was destined from the moment he saw the glory of the cyber knights that he was going to be one someday. It never entered his mind that a major power like Tolkeen could be razed. But, here it was. By the Coalition no less. The damage looked like it was going to be a total route to the cities infrastructure. The bright ley lines were dark, stone pyramids were in ruins and civilians were escaping the carnage.
Satchel was making his way through a supply store trying to gather any stragglers that might be in need of help. As he was exiting out a back door, directly across from him another door opened to another large building. From that door was a CS Special Forces Commando in his spiked armor carrying a C-27 plasma cannon. Along with him were six CS dead boys with all kinds of ranged weapons. Satchel froze. He did not know why, but charging was out of the question with that many troops present. The coalition squad was just as surprised to see a cyber knight. All of the dead boys started to react and bring up weapons when the commando put his hands out to stop them. He pointed down the alleyway and the squad reluctantly obeyed and moved down. The commando then nodded his head at Satchel with both his palms open. It was a universal sign of no enemy recognized. Satchel returned the gesture and started to move to the right slowly while the commando did the same the other way.
After passing through several buildings he came to a clearing that had a group of cyber knights present. He checked his com unit. Seven minutes and 42 seconds. It should hurt to be as perfect as I am. He trotted up to his teacher.
“Knight Satchel reporting as requested sir.” He nodded to Sir Hasman.
His teacher did not even show an ounce of looking up from his datapad. “Thanks for joining us finally.” He pointed just over Satchel’s shoulder. “Assist knight errant Tamera in keeping those citizens in their assigned pods. We move out west to Dodge in five.”
Satchel walked over to where Tamera was standing. He was eyeing her body filling out her form fitting light cyber armor.
“Well, well. Look who found his way back to us.” In her usual sarcasm tone.
“Did not find any damsels in distress so I came over to rescue you.” Satchel held out his arms inviting a hug. Tamera instead backhanded him in the chest in a playful manner.
“Knights Tamera and Satchel report to my location.” Broadcasted over the both of their com units. Satchel rolled his eyes and both of them started to make their way to Sir Hasmen.
They both waited a bit when they arrived as not to interrupt his orders to others to start moving refugees. Sir Hasmen looked at both of them.
“Change of orders.” He brought up his left arm and hit the share switch of a transmission to both of the young cyber knights.
“To all units that can receive this. This is TMTS bravo heading mark 6 point 3. Tolkeen compromised. I say again, Tolkeen compromised. Anyone who wants to meet with me and survive is welcome. General beacon 55 megahertz active.” It was a deep and gruff voice talking.
Sir Hasmen continued. “I want both of you to get on your mounts and track down this operator. We could use someone with that skill and equipment on the way to Dodge. Get going!”

[darthauthor]

I like it.
Favorite is preface 1
Then preface 4
Next preface 3rd.

I struggle with some scene discriptions.
I feel I come across to simple or too complicated.

Your writing moved me.
I felt sad for the Wolfen that his lost Psi-Stalker.
I feel curious about the Elf Battle Magi. I hope to see her in action and dialogue.
The Atlantean Cyber knight, more please!
I did wonder why he didn't use his psi-sword with the CS Juicer.
I loved the part about the CS Dead Boys and their squad leader who nodded and sort of walked away.
It is telling of the recognition of cyber-knights and the high regard they are held in.

My compliments to your creativity and writing.

[MrMartin232322]

My compliments to your creativity and writing.

Appreciate your comments. I just wanted to share an idea and give it a try.

[darthauthor]

More Story Please

[MrMartin232322]

More Story Please

Appreciate your comment. Maybe I will continue.

[darthauthor]

I am anxious to read more of your story.

I grow restless.

I want to read what happens when the main characters meet up for the 1st time at mark 6 point 3.

[MrMartin232322]

I am anxious to read more of your story.

I grow restless.

I want to read what happens when the main characters meet up for the 1st time at mark 6 point 3.

I super appreciate the comments. I was not figuring to continue with this, but knowing that there are some people who have intrest.... Just might have to re-evaluate that thought. Thank you much.