//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: First Contact - Kansas City // by Shadow Walker //------------------------------// Chapter 6 “Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.” Sun Tzu Location - Radio station outside Leavenworth Time - 0158 As a lone Griffon watched from his perch on the building of concrete, steel, and wood his teal eyes wandered over the courtyard filled with his brethren. He noted that the Minotaurs were having another sparring match, most likely to see who could take the most hits without succumbing to unconsciousness. A useless endeavor; as the creatures of this world could not even offer a real fight, if anything they would make for great target practice. Shifting his view he noticed the Zebras tinkering with one of the metallic contraptions the hairless apes had abandoned in their frantic attempt to escape. Why they found the need to fiddle with the machine he could not fathom, they could easily leave the technical duties to the Zenocoras, they often found pleasure in dismantling new and old technology, after all if not for them this new world would have been left to their own devices and if the Ponies were so desperate as to look for help on other planets then that meant they were close to collapse, and if the counsel was correct in saying that the ponies already began dealings with these creatures; then all the more reason to put them in their place. Continuing to survey the land, the sound of beating wings and rushing air alerted him to his replacement for guard duty of the abandoned building. “Hail Adelardus.” “Hail Zephyr, come to relieve me of the this foreign night?” “Indeed, I have come to take part in watching the sport that is the Minotaur’s pleasure.” The small Griffon joked as he sat himself next to Adelardus and pulled out a stick of dried meat. Examining his replacement, he noticed how different their features were from each other. Adelardus’ plumage was light brown with hints of speckled red in the tips, while his fur was a heavy grey, common with Griffons from the frozen north of the Kingdom. Zephyr’s plumage was of a red coating with orange tips, most likely dyed, while his fur was a light brown common with Griffons from the blistering heat of the south. “So.” Zephyr began between bits of the dried meat. “Did you hear the fireworks Fourth Echelon was giving off earlier?” “How could I miss it. The weapons these creatures use give off more noise than a Hydra in mating season. I fail to understand why the Ponies would try to enlist the help of these creatures, they are not very capable at fighting and their weapons don’t even leave any damage to a target. All they do is release a small projectile that goes through the target and out the other end. I fail to see the practical use of such a weapon.” “Hmm, yes I to have seen fallen weapons of these Ape-like creatures, even witnessed a Minotaur fire one at a tree, no destruction to the tree at-all, only a small hole appeared where he fired. Still I wonder what could be taking the Fourth so long to return? I know they like to collect their trinkets, but still, they need to act more civilized than those flea ridden Diamond Dogs.” “Oh let them collect their spoils, it gives use more time to relax before they return.” “Yes, and when they return all they will prattle on about how many heads they claimed.” Falling further in to the conversation, the two Griffon warriors began discussing matters home. As time began to drag on Adelardus finally succumbed to the sweet embrace of sleep, allowing his mind to wonder into the dream world. In his dream he was surrounded by members of his Echelon in what appeared to be a tavern in the new world. His friends drinking to the sound of music from the home land, he began to notice that some of the faces in the tavern were obscured from his view, like they were covered in a think fog that refused to show him who they were. Walking over to the counter where a Minotaur was pouring drinks he felt something heavy land on his back, turning to face the offending object he was met with another clouded face and a drunken voice. “wHaT’s tHISss?” He said through a slurred tongue. “ITS A $#@$# DEFENSIVE GEAR.” The voice said through a murky face. “IT’S MUCH ETTER AT STOPPING #@$#$ WEAPONSSS THAN OURSSS." Properly lacing the protective device on himself, Adelardus felt the full weight of the heavy gear. Naturally it was to small for him; only covering his upper chest, constricting his wings to his side. “I tHInKssSS I’ll kEEp My oOLd arMoR thAnNkK yOOOOOOu.” He said as he tried to remove the offending piece of gear. Spinning around in place thanks to the massive amount of sprits he consumed before finally falling back in to a bar stool where he made to order another of the alcoholic beverage. Grabbing the largest glass he had ever seen, Adelardus started to pour a “healthy” amount into his mouth when a towering roar filled with unimaginable rage shook the tavern. “TO!!!!!!!!! FIRE!!!!!!!!!!” No sooner had the words reached his ears the air around Adelardus began to fill with the thunderous sounds of explosions and the screams of his Echelon as they were ripped apart by unseen forces. Bodies were thrown against one another other like rag dolls, the life leaving their eyes as they fell to the floor. Soon, blood and bodies littered the floor, while screams and profanity filled the air as Adelardus could only watch with wide eyes and unspeaking horror as those around him fell. Then, out of nowhere, he felt a sharp pain in his lower chest, and then another and then another. Counting up to five sharp kicks, one finally landed right on the heavy vest knocking the wind out of his lungs and throwing him to the floor to rest in the growing puddle of blood. Finally, the screaming ended and the continuous cry of explosions stopped, the front entrance of the tavern collapsed from the destructive abuse. Light flooded into the room, bathing the wounded Griffon in its warn rays forcing Adelardus to cringe as the light and the taste of blood became to much for him to bear. Waiting in the pool of blood; a shadow finally moved in front of the Sun’s warm view, sealing off the light and replacing it with a towering monster. Forcing his eyes open nine figures walked amongst the dead, kicking away weapons and stripping others of knifes and swords. One brave Griffon struggled to reach a Energy Caster in front of him until one of the shadows placed a massive foot on the Griffon’s talon keeping the weapon from him. Looking up with a gargled breath the figure drew a sidearm from its leg and ended the Griffon’s torment, letting his head land beak first into the pool of blood. Another figure walked up to where a Minotaur had miraculously landed to where he was sitting on the edge of a table with his head hanging low and his arms limp at the side. Grabbing the Minotaur by the shoulder, the figure pulled him down to the waiting pond of blood and body parts, making sure he was dead before moving on. Wading over to the barely breathing Griffon another figure, much smaller than the others, rolled Adelardus onto his back, causing him to cough up an unhealthy amount of blood. Bending down the figure put its sidearm between his eyes. Barely able to hold his eyes open Adelardus finally closed them for the last time. “Wait.” One of the figures said, his voice breaking through the fog beginning to cloud Adelardus. Forcing his eyes open once more the bleeding Griffon looked up to find his own reflection staring back at him through the tinted glasses of one of the figures, most likely the one who spared him. Standing up the figure gave an unseen order and two of the other figures began to wade over to him. Grabbing the wounded Griffon by the front and back legs they began to lift Adelardus out of the pool of red and into the now harsh bright light of day, all the while screaming out of intense pain. Adelardus awoke to a stinging sensation across his face as Zephyr stared down at him with a concerned look and a raised talon. “Finally, I was worried you would never awake. What was so terrible that you would scream into the night?” Zephyr asked as Adelardus moved to stand. “I am not sure of what I have just witnessed. Perhaps it was something I ingested earlier?” Adelardus answered wiping away a generous amount of sweat from his forehead. “Whatever the cause may be I think it would be best if you returned to the main barracks for a proper rest. Sleeping on this roof is like sleeping on hardened rock.” “That I shall, I thank you for keeping me company through the night. Have a peaceful watch.” With that the Northern Griffon flew off into the night sky completely unaware that he was being watched by the very creatures that plagued his dream. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Location - Hilltop overlooking the Radio Station Time - 0230 As Isaac watched the lone Griffon fly off into the night sky he counted his blessings that he only had to deal with a single Griffon. He didn’t want to imagine what it would be like trying to hit multiply flying targets. Shifting his vision down to the courtyard he noticed that the Minotaurs had finally settled down and fallen asleep while the Zebras had finished taking the Ford Escape apart and laid the pieces down in a nice, neat, row. “Sir, Wilcot is almost in position.” Fernando said from behind, handing Isaac his A4. “Right, time to go to work.” Isaac said grabbing the M16 from the Sergeant. Isaac and his two stripped down HWMMV’s where parked on the top of the hill leading down to the radio station, the area surrounding the station was clear of trees and any heavy foliage in a two hundred yard spread, allowing the humans a clear picture of the area. The area around the station though was covered with plant life so think the Amazon would be jealous. Isaac and his men though had a clear view of the station and were now waiting for 25mm hail to fall on the station. Suddenly Isaac’s radio sparked to life, Wilcot’s voice coming in over the light static. “Alpha Actual, this is RAINMAKER. We are beginning our assault. Over.” “Understood RAINMAKER, make ‘em holler.” “Roger, brace for the fireworks. Out” Minutes later Isaac could hear the unmistakable sound of a Bushmaster chain gun being fired. Soon enough Isaac could make out the sight of cars exploding, bodies being thrown through the air like kites without a controller, and pieces of the building falling from the 25mm High Explosive rounds. The bodies that were tossed through the air were landing in every position imaginable while body parts were removed completely and burned in the ensuing Hell fire. Isaac watched one Minotaur get hit dead center with an H.E. round, causing the upper portion of its body to disappear in a cloud of red mist. Within fifteen minutes the only structure was the station itself and the gate leading into the courtyard, the landscape dotted with burning car parts and broken bodies. “Looks clear.” Fernando said turning to walk back to the HWMMV’s. “The gate is still intact though, so we’re gonna to have to ram it.” “Fine by me.” Isaac said walking over to the HWMMV’s “Get Wilcot on the phone and tell him he can stop shooting now.” Stepping into the HWMMV; Isaac pulled the charging handle on his rifle, loading a fresh round into the chamber. Rodriguez and Lee readied their weapons as well. “OH shit! I completely forgot that.” Isaac shouted causing his two passengers to jump out of their seats. “What, what did you forget Sir?” Rodriguez asked straightening her vest from the scare. “Uh. You wouldn’t happen to know how to shut off the signal would you?” Isaac had completely and entirely forgot to ask for someone who could handle the radio equipment in the station, he certainly could’t do it and he was not sure if Fernando could either. “Oh. Is that all? Well, I have some experience with radios and I would be willing to try. Sir.” Rodriguez said more calmly than necessary. “Really? Ooookay? That worked itself out. Let’s go.” Isaac said grabbing the wheel. “That is far to convenient to be a coincidence. She’s hiding something.” Rolling down the road Fernando picked up speed, bursting through the front gate sending the offending metal constructs flying with one slamming in to the front of the building and the other in to a burning wreck that was once a red Buick. As the two vehicles slide to a stop the six person team dismounted, making sure to secure the parking lot for extraction. “Good luck to you Temple, just make sure you come back in one piece.” Wilcot’s voice came in over the radio. “Same to you, out.” Isaac replied. “Alright! Secure the front and move in!” As the group moved they cleared the courtyard and made their way into the reception room. The area was a total mess with papers strewn about, broken chairs, and barricaded doors. “Okay, the broadcasting room is on the second floor, Sergei, Hernandez keep this area locked down until we return.” Isaac said tossing a radio to Hernandez. “Call if anything happens. Lee, Rodriguez, you take point.” Moving ahead Lee and Rodriguez checked corner after corner to clear the path ahead. The immediate peace they had could change at any moment with the sound of automatic fire and plasma rounds impacting around them. Coming to the stairs; Lee bounded up them two at a time completely ignoring the shadow looming over him. Reaching the top; the face of a Zebra greeted him instantly firing its shoulder-fire weapon right in to his face. Falling backwards Lee narrowly missed the deadly energy as it flew over his head. Pointing his Mossberg in the four-legged creature’s general direction, he pulled the trigger as the Zebra tried in vain to move out of the way of the deadly buckshot. The force of the blast sent the small Asian man flying back, Fernando barely having enough time to stop him from tumbling down the stairs. The Zebra however was less fortunate, as the back of its head had been completely blown out leaving a gapping hole and a caved in face. The Zebra’s body went rolling down the stairs, landing on the first floor with a sicking thud, Fernando set Lee down so he could review his carnage. “Yeah, Rodriguez you’ve got point now.” Isaac said turning his vision away from the dead body as blood began to pool around it. Continuing through the building the four made it to the control room with no more surprises jumping out at them. “Okay the broadcasting room should be here.” Isaac said stopping at a door in the middle of the hall. Grabbing the handle, Fernando tried in vain to open the door, finding out that it was locked. Nodding to Lee, he handed the Sergeant his shotgun while he took the larger man’s M16. Placing the muzzle on the doorknob Isaac and Audrey stacked themselves on opposite sides of the door, ready to breach the room. Bracing himself Fernando let loose with a round of 12 gauge into the locked frame causing the knob to collapse in on itself, sending the offending piece of metal in to the room. Kicking the wooden entryway in, Isaac and Rodriguez stormed the room, making sure it was clear before letting the others inside. “Okay I found what we’re looking for.” Isaac said motioning to a computer terminal. “Rodriguez, get to work.” “On it.” Just then a large explosion caused the building to tremble as the sound of gunfire and animalistic roars filled the air. Through the sound of explosions Isaac could make out the sound of an M240 and the occasional crack of a slow firing rifle. “Sir?” Hernandez’s hurried voice came in over the radio. “We got a little problem down here.” “What’s going on?” Isaac could hear Sergei’s M240 in the back ground and a continuous string of Russian, most likely very colorful profanity. “Do you want the good news first or the bad news?” “Surprise me.” “Well bad news is that our little plan has drawn the attention of the locals. Good news is that our rides are still intact.” Two explosions soon followed with a new string of Spanish swearing along with Russian swearing. “Uh, forget what I said about our rides.” “Shit. Tell Sergei to save his ammo and get both your asses up here, we got work to do.” “On it, see you top side.” “Rodriguez, how much time do you need?” Isaac asked looking over at the short brunette. “About ten minutes give or take. This tech is older than me, though that’s not saying much.” “Make it seven and you got a deal. Sergeant, the way I’m looking at it; we have two entrance points.” Isaac said motioning with his hands down both halls. “Take two grenades, some wire, and electric tape and place a tripwire at the corner of the hall to our six. I’ll head down the hall to our twelve and do the same.” “Sir.” Fernando saluted and ran down the hall to set the trap. Running down the hall; Isaac noticed a floor plan of the entire building. There appeared to be a parking garage under the first floor. Filing that information away for later, he turned the corner just as Sergei and Hernandez shot up the last stairs. “Ve have about ninety seconds before they crawl over us.” Sergei Said as he sprinted past Isaac. “Perfect, take up positions by Lee and wait for my instructions.” Isaac said pointing down the hall. Sergei and Hernandez ran to the center of the hall where Lee was crouching and set up their weapons for maximum effect. Bending down Isaac unrolled an length of tape and attached the grenades to the wall, making sure they would stay in place. Next he threaded a thin wire through both pins and tied the knot making sure not to pull the pins out by accident. Lastly he tied off the line to the railing on the opposite wall, leaving just enough slack to make it unnoticeable. Hearing the sounds of the alien tongue; Isaac hurried back to the others and ordered Fernando to kill the lights, the only light source was from the corner halls that the enemy were rushing through. With Isaac, Hernandez, and Fernando laying on flat their stomachs facing the hall to the right of the door, Lee and Sergei both stood in the dark facing the left hall. With any luck the Minotaurs and Zebras would pass up their shapes for furniture being left out of the rooms. Lee and Sergei’s hall suddenly filled with the sounds of screams and a miniature explosion as the Minotaur’s entourage fell face first into the limb breaking trap. Seconds later, the trap at down Isaac’s hall went off and more screams filled the air along with the sicking crunch of something hitting the ground. Peeking its head around Lee and Sergei’s corner a Zebra motioned its compatriots as a Minotaur peeked its head around Isaac’s corner. Amazingly, both groups didn’t notice anything odd with the hall so both signaled for their teams to move in, unknowingly stepping into the line of fire. Waiting for the right moment; Isaac and his team held their fire for as long as possible as the hallway continued to fill with Minotaurs and Zebras. Checking the rooms to make sure the area was clear; the alien fire teams moved closer to the human’s position, some keeping their eyes on the ground, most likely looking for more booby traps. When the search party of mythological creatures were only twenty feet away, Isaac fired a shot into the head of an unprotected Zebra killing it instantly. Before its body even hit the floor the hall exploded with the sound of automatic fire, Minotaurs shouting orders, and bodies hitting the floor. The death toll quickly began to rise as the human firing squad had to change to a crouching position to get a shot off. The miniature battle raged on around the humans with scorching plasma impacted the walls, lead rounds connected to soft flesh through armor, and the hall continued to fill with the dead as the seconds continued to tick away. “RELOADING.” Sergei shouted as he detached the empty magazine box, giving the Zebras a chance to move up to cover. Changing positions Isaac began to cover for the hole Sergei left in the line quickly racking up kills. Falling back, the Minotaurs and Zebras began to favor the better cover of the corner as more began to fall. “MOVE UP.” Isaac shouted as he ejected an empty magazine and popped in a fresh one. Moving up in a defensive style Isaac covered for Fernando and Hernandez, then Fernando would cover for Isaac and Hernandez and then Hernandez would cover for them, rinse and repeat. Lee and Sergei each covered for the other as they moved up. This continued until both teams occupied the corners of the hall, effectively trapping the ancient myths on the lower and upper halls. “Sir! I got it!” Rodriguez yelled as she ran out of the room, making a mad dash for Isaac. “All right, we need an exit. Fernando, Hernandez, clear the hole.” Isaac Yelled as Sergei and Lee came running down hall, superheated energy flying past them. remembering the building map Isaac decided to take the chance and ordered everyone to head down the stairs and make a sprint to the garage. Tossing a smoke grenade to cover their rear, the team of mismatched humans sprinted down the stairs surprising the defenders at the bottom, allowing the Isaac, Fernando, and Lee precious seconds to get the first shot off, killing everyone at the bottom. Reaching the garage a lone white van greeted the retreating humans as they blocked off the doors with anything they could. “That’s not going to buy us much time.” Fernando said as the door began to shake from the impact of Minotaurs and Zebras. “Quick, does anyone know how to hot wire a car?” “I do Sir.” Rodriguez motioned to his side, frantically waving her arms around. Moving over to the van, Sergei and Hernandez began to haphazardly toss out the radio equipment, giving the others more space to pile in, while Fernando and Lee moved to the controls to the massive door blocking their escape. Backtracking to Rodriguez Isaac kept a watchful eye on the door as it began to splinter, the creatures on the other side must have thought they were trapped, that would explain why they weren't shooting the door down. “Okay time to come clean.” Isaac said to Rodriguez, keeping his eyes on the doors all the while. “Sir I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. I’m just an average Missourian from an average small town.” She answered with a response that sound like it had been read from a script. “Yeah, bullshit. There is no way you are just a civvy, not with the weapons training, knowledge of radio equipment, and now hot wiring a car. Just who are you?” “Sir I promise once we get out of here I will explain everything, but for now we need to leave.” She replied a little exasperated as the engine sounded with a roar. “Fine, but I’m not dropping this.” Isaac replied stepping into the back as Lee and Fernando came running up to them as the garage door slowly opened. Shouting for Fernando to take the wheel, the humans shot through the garage just as the door to the building burst open with a Minotaur landing on his face while the rest poured in, firing at the paper thin van as the humans speed away.