The Good & The Bad

Posted on Sun Jul 7th, 2024 @ 12:11am by Colonel Jason "Jack" Frost

589 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Ethics, Morals & The Prime Directive.
Location: Colony Central Plaza
Timeline: Just after Sam's rescue.

Jack was kneeling behind a wall looking upon what he understood to be the only entry and exit to the lower labs, there were still pockets of fighting around the colony complex, but he was confident that his teams had it under control. The fighting was heavy and there had been casualties thanks due in no small part from raiders masquerading as civilians and then attacking the marines. Jack didn't know how many captives had been taken, casualties suffered to this point because he focused on the objective right in front of him.

The entry way was ringed by the fountain, the water almost casting a sort of umbrella of cascading water almost like a willow's drooping canopy. On any other day it might actually be something beautiful but tonight it was the scene of a pitched battle. A marine made his way over to the command group behind the wall with a report.

"Colonel, Sir. Raiders regrouped they are trying to circle the outskirts and flank." A panting marine reported.

"Who do we have in that area?" Jack asked.

"Section Delta-2 and Fireteam 5-3."

"Force size?" Jack questioned.

"Unknown, but enough. Some air support would help stem the flow and add fire support to hold the advance and the engagement until other units can be reallocated."

It wasn't a pretty picture but one that Jack knew he couldn't afford to have painted. An enemy force moving in behind was dangerous at best, fatal at worst as they would be fighting a battle from two directions. Looking to his communications officer he had them contact the ship for air support. Everyone ducked as stray weapons fire hit the wall they were hiding behind and small rocks and debris rained on them.

"Colonel." Another Marine rushed over. "We found Major Snyder and her team, a building came down on them. Major plus 1 survived."

That was good news, news that Jack could do with right about now too. The loss of so many marines was a saddening factor though, they were good marines. Jack then started relaying orders that would essentially rotate the battle. Squads would clear buildings in turn, moving from one to the next like sections of a clock face. He did this to stem the flow of enemy movements but also provide additional security by clearing areas and leaving them secure. He started with every marine under his command on the surface, he was confident he had the numbers to secure the area but he had to pin the enemy down. A stationary foe was one easier to beat.

Next he had to secure the entry way. Anyone down there could stay down there, one way in, one way out, starvation would bring them out eventually. He ordered two marines to fire upon the fountain which spouted the water into the air and down again thus removing the vail of cover some raiders were using to hide behind. Without cover, the raiders would fall in short order to focused and determined fire from multiple angles.

For Jack news came in different flavours and tonight would be no different. "Colonel, Barn has been attacked, severe damage, air support is doubtful at this time, they will advise."

"Of course they will." Jack mumbled now accepting they were on their own and if this was going to be done it would be the marines doing it.

"Secure the entry, fan out, take and hold surrounding buildings, do not advance until the neighboring section is secure and then move up in squads."

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