This podcast may not be suitable for young listeners. Co named Wild Hunt,
Operation Blood Eagle, written by Da Roberts and read to you by Cameron Buckner.
Chapter eleven, Where Eagles Dare, fourteen thirty hours, fifteen May,
Lake Nawelapi. Clark landed the plane and brought it back to the dock outside
the hotel. Gregel had not only located the hidden layer where the creatures hid
by day, but he also located a massive clearing large enough for the teams
to use as a landing zone or LZ for the target for the teams.
Clark had been in contact with all Father and been advised that tem Odin had
landed in Buenos Aires four hours ago and prepared the choppers to bring in the
mimic units. They were already on their way to deploy the mimics and secure
the LZ. Tim Odin would be the first to arrive in the last to
leave. There was a reason they had all earned their Pathfinder badge. Tim
Orian, one of the West Coast teams, was going to come in right
behind tim Odin and establish another landing zone on the outskirts of the village,
complete with another set of mimic units that would be General Dalton's command center.
They would hold that landing zone to prevent any escape by the Nazi personnel through
the town. Since an Alco was on a peninsula, it was going to
be key that they blocked both directions to prevent them from escaping. Clark doubted
that they would try to escape by water due to the danger posed by the
Shark men. It was possible they could escape by air, but thus far
they had been unable to locate a landing strip where they could lift from.
They'd seen no sign of any aircraft. Although Clark knew that Hendry and collected
World War II aircraft, the question was where were they. In addition to
the fleet of Chinooks who were bringing in the mimic units, eight Apache helicopters
were accompanying them. They were to help establish air superiority before the assault on
al Lalco. If any aircraft lifted from there, the Apaches had orders to
shoot them down. The assault would launch immediately after the teams reached the ground.
Team Uller was already cut orders to locate and eliminate the cat creatures.
It would be their job to make sure the other teams weren't fighting Henderman's security
forces and the cat creatures at the same time. Ty Asaft, said Clark,
nodding at Gregel. Gregel went out through the cockpit hatch and jumped across
the dock. He tied them off and knotted at Clark, who shut down
the engines and let Gregel pull them the rest of the way to the dock
before completely securing the lines. The others began climbing out the side hatch onto
the dock. They had all changed back into their civilian clothes and stowed the
weapon back in their bags. All of them were carrying the fifty gi clocks
concealed inside their waistbands. Too many things were in motion now for them to
be caught off guard. As Clark was preparing to leave the cockpit, his
phone buzzed. He checked it and found that the intel promised to them by
Hints had just been emailed to his account. He forwarded a copy to Saunders
in General Dalton. They would immediately begin disseminating the information to the units that
were committed to the assault. Crawling out of the hatch, he tossed his
bag across the greygle. He saw movement in the water. It was only
there for a second, but he was certain he'd seen a head sticking out
just above the surface. It occurred to him that the sharkmen were watching them,
trying to figure out what they were up to, and while they kept
showing up, where the fighting was. What's next, asked Gregel as Clark
jumped on to the dock. We get ready for the others to arrive,
said Clark. TM modin and the mimics are in the air as we speak.
They should arrive at the designated LZ in the next two hours. There
to get the mimics online as fast as possible and hold the LZ for the
others. Won't that alert Henderman and the others, asked Valkyrie. Yes,
said Clark. We're hoping that we can contain them at an loco by cutting
off both directions they could escape. Their only remaining options will be in the
air or water. The apaches will own the air and the shark men on
the water. I think we'll effectively have them hemmed in. Well, let's
hope, so, said Runstone. If they escape into the mountains, it
might take years to find them. The Andes is one of the biggest mountain
ranges on the planet. Then we have to make sure it doesn't happen,
said Clark. And if it does, then we're going to have to find
them. We can't let them escape so they can rebuild and do this again.
We've opened a can of worms, said Gregel. If they established a
Nazi stronghold here in Argentina, then where else have they done it. Someone
is going to have to start scouring the earth looking for them, said Valkyrie.
It's going to become a full time job. I feel sorry for whoever
gets stuck with the job, said Clark. Honestly, I just want to
get back to hunting monsters. You and me both have, said Runestone.
So how are they going to deal with the sharp men in the water,
asked Valkyrie. I gave them the name of a friend of mine, said
Clark. He's a former Navy seal who runs a private security company now.
He's an expert on underwater threats. He came up with the method of using
ultrasonic hydrophones to push them into a certain area of the lake. Once we
know we've gotten them trapped, we're going to use depth charges to either eliminate
them or force them to come up onto land. Then We deal with them
the same way we would any other monster. Yeah, said Runestone. We
put enough lead on our target to put them down hard. By the way,
who's your friend? That was a seal? His name is Clinton Bruce,
said Clark. I met him right after I got out of the army
the first time. He asked me to come to Dallas to talk to a
group of people, and he offered me a job, but I turned him
down. I've heard of that guy, said Runestone. I never met him,
but he's pretty well known in the community, got a hell of a
reputation. He played in the NFL for a while. I think he's one
tough motherfucker. If he can help us eliminate those things, said Valkyrie,
then he's my new best friend. All right, what's the plan now,
asked Raven. We get our gear together and we're rendezvous with the rest of
Team Odin when they hit the LZ, said Clark. After that, we'll
be part of the assault. I thought it was going to take them a
few days to mobilize, said Gregel. Well, it was, said Clark,
until they found out who was behind the creatures and Potus got involved.
Now it's a much bigger priority. They want this target taken out and the
rest made if we can, won't they alert them by coming in with choppers,
asked Valkyrie. They're coming in through the mountain passes on the west side
of the lake, said Clark. If everything goes right, they won't know
anything's going on before the team is on the ground. Well what do we
do then, asked Valkyrie. We get more mo and equipment, said Clark,
and then we lead Team to and Team four to secure the intersection on
the road just north of Analco. Teams two and four of Ol Ryan will
blockade the road into town. If we time it right, we should effectively
contain them. Then we hold them there until the rest of the team hits
the ground. Well, who's going after the cat creatures, asked Raven.
Tim Uller is going after them as soon as they hit the ground, said
Clark. All right, said Gregel. We have a battle plan in place.
I would love to be dropping in with TEA. It's historic, man,
said Runestone. I don't think it's ever been done, much less with
this many jumping. I've never heard of an OPT taking nine teams to beat.
We're making team history, said Clark. If this ever goes public,
which I doubt, then we'll be changing world history. I don't care about
making history, said Valkyrie. I just want to get through this mission.
This is so far beyond anything we've done before. We're effectively invading part of
Argentina. Well, we do have their permission, said Runestone. We have
part of their permission, corrected Valkyrie. We still have factions that are openly
moving against us. That military intel team that met us at the airport had
to have been sent by someone. If we're lucky, they're being arrested as
we speak, said Clark. Let's not forget about the bugs in our hotel
rooms too, said grey Eagel. I'm willing to bet those bugs belong to
the other government factions, said Clawk. Factions of the government, said Valkyrie,
more than one type of monster in the Survivors of the Third Right.
This mission is insane. We need to get our gear together, said Clark.
We need to load it into the suv. I'll tell Ernesto that we're
going back to the beach we went to yesterday. We could meet with the
teams at the crossroads. Five minutes later, they all met at the suv.
Clark got behind the wheel. Once everyone was inside, he drove out
of the parking lot and headed for the highway to Amalco. Immediately, Valkyrie
opened the bags and started handing out weapons. Gregel took Clark's AA twelve and
checked the load before sliding into the seat next to Clark. Clark nodded in
appreciation and then glanced at the message he'd received on the sat phone. Fifteen
minutes until boots on the ground said, Clark, get your game faces on
people. Clark accelerated and kept the speed just above the posted limit, not
wanting to draw too much attention. He hadn't seen any local police today,
but this would not be a good time to get pulled over. They would
have no choice but to shoot their way out of it. They couldn't allow
themselves to be taken into custody. Too much was riding on their making the
rendezvous. They drove without passing another vehicle for several minutes before Clark noticed something
seemed off. He glanced around and saw the entire village seemed empty. No
one was on the streets, and the open air market was abandoned. What
the fuck's going on, asked Clark, nodding at the village. Looks like
the place was abandoned, said Gregel. How would they even know what was
about to happen. I don't think it has anything to do with us,
said Rhnstone, pointing at the lake. They all turned in that direction and
saw several boats were floating empty on the lake. They were local fishermen who
would not risk swimming in the frigid waters without reason. Clark slowed down and
saw that one of the boat was sitting low in the water. It was
lower in the stern than it should be. Then he realized what he was
looking at. It looked like the small outboard motor had been ripped off the
boat, allowing it to slowly fill with water. It's the sharp men,
said Valkyrie. They've started attacking boats on the lake. Then where's everyone in
the town, asked Raven. They're at the church, said Clark. At
least that's my guess. This place is still Roman Catholic. They're praying for
God to remove the evil from the lake and for the souls of those who
have been taken, whispered Runestone. Raven looked at him with concern on her
face and put her hand on his. You know, he said, softly.
Despite all the shit we've seen, I'm still Catholic. I was raised
that way. I didn't know you were religious, said Raven, looking at
runestone. Most of the time, I'm not, he replied, But with
everything that's happening now, I think prayers might be a good thing. I
would not disagree, said Gregel. From the highway. They could see the
beach that ran in front of Enloco, but they couldn't see the house.
Clark knew that was intentional to prevent too many curious eyes from watching what they
were doing. Everything about the Analco estate was built around privacy. Eta ten
minutes, said Gregel, checking his watch, Clark pushed the accelerator down harder
and headed out of town on the highway that would take them past the entrance
to Analco. They wouldn't make any acknowledgments to the gate, continue to the
rendezvous point. Time was quickly running low and things were about to start moving
fast. When they saw the intersection come into you, Clark began slowing down.
All right, said Clark, I'm going to pull to the side of
the road and put the hood up if anyone stops. Were just having engine
trouble if anyone comes from ANALCO, we might have to engage them. You
heard the man, said Gregel, his old voice coming out loud and clear.
Let's move, Valkyrie, said Clark. I want you to find a
position where you can watch the way we just came in. Stick close to
us because I'm not convinced the cat creatures are out of the fight just yet.
Until tim Uller neutralizes them, we can't assume they want attack. You
got it, boss, she said, studying the area in search of a
good place to set up her rifle. We're close enough to ANALCO that they're
going to hear the roads, said Clark. Once team's two and four hit
the deck, we have to consider this is an active theater of operations.
I don't think we've got anything that can punch through those armored cars they drive,
said Valkyrie. Nothing I've got can punch it. Maybe the glass if
I'm really lucky. We need to start factoring that into our planning, said
Clark. We might want to upgrade your rifle. You always know just what
to get a girl, said Valkyrie, grinning. Clark rolled his eyes and
started to say something. When Runestone broke the sun contact right he screamed and
brought his rifle to his shoulder. Clark spun quickly, bringing his AA twelve
into firing position when he froze. Standing at the tree line was the same
creature that had asked him for mercy during the fight at Almalco. It wasn't
rushing toward them or making any threatening movements. Seeing it in the light for
the first time, he wasn't certain, but he thought the creature might be
a female. It was difficult to tell with all the thick muscle. Hold
your fire, roared Clark. Gregel was already facing the creature, his weapon
hanging from the single point strap. Clark could see the muscles in his arms
cording up and straining against the skin. His fingertips were already sprouting claws.
Somehow, Gregel was holding the transformation in check, but it seemed like it
was just by the thinnest of strings. The smile of dyn creature cocked its
head to the side and held its hand out in front of it, palms
facing them. It took a hesitant step forward, keeping its hands open where
they could see them. Clark considered it for a moment before deciding cover me,
He said, lowering his weapon. Moving toward the creature, Clark let
his a twelve dangle from the strap around his neck. The creature watched him
with caution, but didn't react. As he grew closer, Clark stopped when
they were still more than ten meters apart. I've got you covered, said
valkyrie. I wouldn't get any closer, though. Clark stared at the creature
for a moment before speaking. Do you speak English? He asked. The
creature nodded affirmatively. Good, said Clark. The creature nodded slowly in agreement.
You came to talk, right, asked Clark. All Right, said
Clark. Let's talk. The creature nodded and took any deep breath before releasing
it slowly as it closed its eyes. Clark watched in surprise as the massive
beast began changing back to human form. It was a smoother transition than he'd
seen with Gregel and Kodiac. He could see that his assessment had been correct
and it was a female. After a moment, a naked woman who looked
to be of Native American descent instead of Hispanics, stood before him. She
stood roughly five feet five inches tall, with dusky skin and tribal tattoos on
her breast, thighs, stomach, and upper arms. They appeared to be
different animals, but drawn remarkably like the Mayan artwork he'd seen in museums.
She was shockingly beautiful, with long black hair that hung to her slender waist.
The nudity was distracting, and it took Clark a moment to recognize her.
She was the waitress from the hotel restaurant. Clark quickly took off his
uniform shirt and handed it to her. She smiled but seemed unfazed by her
nudity, excepting the shirt. She put it on. It was big enough
that it covered everything, leaving her legs bare from just a few inches below
her waist. Thank you, she said, smiling. Uh Okay, said
Clark hesitantly. How can I help you? My name is Rayan Huikapan,
she said. I'm the last of the Mapuche Indians. Could all of you
change forms, asked Clark, No, said Raven. My grandmother was a
powerful Jinmachi, a shaman of the spirits of nature. She passed it to
my mother and then to me when my mother was killed by the ek Balum.
What are the ek Balum, asked Clark. Do you mean the panther
creatures panthers, asked Rayan. They are black jaguars, not panthers. That's
right, said Clark. They're not native to South America. There were four
clans who could change, said Rayan. Two were pure evil, the ek
Balum and the Boom both are jaguars, but the egg Boom are black.
The other two clans were fighting against them. They both were jinnin my clan,
and another who became El Tiger Soombre, the shadow tigers in your language.
They were wiped out by the Akbalum. So why are you here,
asked Clark. I am the last of my kind, she said. I
wish to fight beside you against the darkness that came to our soul when my
grandmother was young, the evil ones that call themselves Nazis. Clark thought about
it for a moment before speaking. Is that why you were at the restaurant?
No, she said, I just happened to work here. That's how
I caught the big ones scent the first time. She nodded at Gregel.
Things are about to get very bad, said Clark. There will be soldiers
arriving soon, and we plan to take on those invaders at analco. You
might not want to be anywhere near this place when it starts. I thought
you were like the others, she said, ignoring clark suggest But when you
spared my life, I knew you were different. You are my only chance
to help rid this place of their evil. If I agree, said Clark,
you will have to follow our lead. If you don't, there's a
good chance you could be killed in the cross fire. I will follow you,
she said, nodding. I know you can work with my kind.
She nodded at Gregel. This magic is strong, she said, but it's
different. Gregel said nothing, but stared intently at Ryan. She met his
gaze and held her head up high. Use your senses, she urged.
You can tell if I'm one of the bad ones. You can sense if
I'm lying. Is she lying? Said Clark, glancing over at her.
I do not believe, so, said Gregel, but it is too late
to question it. I hear the helicopters coming now. Clark glanced at a
SAT phone and saw the message. One minute, folks, he shouted,
turn on your calms. Everyone activated their radios and heard the clicks as the
encryption system linked up with the rest of the team. It was the clearest
indication that tim Odin was close. Thunder God to all, Father, said
Clark. Go for all, Father, said Saunders. We're in position and
ready to begin, said Clark. The road is secure. We can confirm
target is in the nest. Over copy thunder God, said Saunders. Blood
Eagle is a go, asgard to all units, said General Dalton. Blood
Eagle is a go. Say again, Blood Eagle is a go. Above
the trees, two chinut helicopters came screaming in at barely above tree top level.
They both flared out and hovered over the intersection. Clark could barely hear
his own voice with the two twin rotor choppers hovering right above him. The
only indication of trouble was when Greegel dropped his weapon and started to shift forms.
Turning in the direction he saw close to fifty of the egg bottom and
the bottom erupting from the trees and racing toward them. Rayon stripped off her
shirt and began transforming. Gregel roared loud enough to be heard above the choppers,
and Clark could feel the power of it in his chest. Not for
the first time. Clark was grateful that Gregel was on their side. Thundergud
to all Father, shouted Clark into his MIC. Troops in contact, Say
again, troops in contact. He wasn't sure if they had heard him,
but it was too late to do anything about it. Anyway. They were
on their own with enemies on both sides. Fuck, he hissed, not
hearing a response from the radio. Rayon transformed and stood beside Gregel facing the
charging cat creatures. She was ahead shorter than him, but matched his ferocity
with her massive fangs bared. Clark knew that they had to hold off the
cat creatures long enough for Teams two and four to get on the ground.
It was almost possible for them to fight from inside the chopper. Valkyrie rolled
over to face the attack instead of the road and began lining up targets.
Clark began firing as he moved toward the creatures, keeping them at bay while
the teams deployed. Using the coms or shouting commands was useless with the choppers
directly overhead. He just had to trust his team to do what they were
trained to do. It wasn't worried because he trusted them all with his life.
Two creatures were rushing right toward him, and he emptied the AA twelve
into the first creature, punching a hole in the middle of its chest large
enough to see daylight through, and when the weapon clicked empty, Clark knew
he was now in Meleey range. In an instant, he drew the bounty
on his hip and yanked free his boarding acts. With the axe in his
left hand and the bounty in his right, he launched himself at the second
creature. Above them. A thunderous roar shattered the cacophony of battle. Clark
slacked the creature across the abdomen, nearly disemboweling the creature as he slid past
it on his knees, narrowly avoiding the creature's claws. Glancing up, he
saw something that he would never forget. He wasn't even sure he believed what
he was seeing. At the back of the first chinook, the ramp was
fully extended, and at the end of the ramp stood staff Sergeant Cody Tapuki
call signed codyak. He was wearing a loincloth and had two of the massive
packs for the XM two to fourteen mini guns Strapped to his back. With
one weapon in each hand, he stepped off the platform and shifted to his
bare form in mid air, landing with an earth shaking boom. He was
fully transformed and holding the XM two fourteens like pistols. Roaring in fury,
he began advancing toward the cat creatures using the miniguns with deadly effect. Ropes
dropped from the choppers and troops began deploying as fast as they could say go.
The creatures were pushing closer to them, but so far they had managed
to hold them back. The element of surprise was gone. Now. Everyone
at Aenolco might not have heard the choppers, but there is no way they
wouldn't hear the firefight that had just erupted a few miles down the road from
their gate. Pushing back, screamed Clark. He wasn't sure anyone heard him.
Fuck, he hissed, ducking another creature that had just swiped at his
face with its claws. Time seemed to stand still as he saw the tableau
unfolding in front of him. Two creatures were bearing down on him like freight
trains, but another movement caught his eye Valkyrie was siding in on a target
and didn't see the creature that was leaping at her from the trees, and
in that instant, Clark knew he could save himself or save her. Doubt
never entered his mind as he decided. Whirling to his left, he threw
the boarding axe with all the force he could, and it flipped end over
end through the air, as if in slow motion. His aim had been
good, and he watched the blade berry to the handle in the side of
the beast's head and it fell in a heap and slid to a stop just
three feet short of Valkyrie. She was so focused on her shot that she
never saw it coming for her. Clark felt the claws of at least one
of the beasts dig into his ribs as it landed on its back and took
him to the ground. Shifting the large blade of the bounty as he fell,
he tucked it beneath his right arm. The force of the fall drove
the blade through the chest of the creature on his back, just as he
felt the hot breath and sharp teeth touched the back of his neck. He
grunted as he hit the ground with so much weight on his back and he
tried to free himself, but couldn't force the heavy creature off his back.
He was pinned and only barely able to move his head, and out of
the corner of his eye he could see the second creature reaching for his face
with its claws extended, and just before it reached him, there was a
boom and the beast head exploded in a fountain of gore and bone. Valkyrie
had just earned another kill. He recognized her handiwork. Shoving with all his
might, he was starting to painfully lift the creature when it came off him.
Suddenly. He rolled onto his back and he drew his gunners mate knife
and prepared himself for an attack, but instead of a creature, he was
looking up into the grinning face of Staff Sergeant Franklin Moorhouse. Marglin, goddamn
boss, he said, holding out his hand. You okay, say something?
Cat got your tongue. Clark had no choice but to laugh as he
took the extended hand and was hauled to his feet, and he shook his
head, and he retrieved his bounty from the chest of the creature and nodded
his appreciation to Marglin. Margolin casually put two rounds into the creature's head,
just to make sure it stayed on the ground. Bad Kitty, said,
Margolin, stay the FuG down there. Clark suddenly realized that the roar of
the rotors was now fading away, and both teams were on the ground and
the tide of battle had changed. A few remaining cat creatures were trying to
escape, but were being taken down by the precision fire of Valkyrie and Sergeant
Alejandro de la Cruz of the Peruvian Special Forces call signs Scald. Clark glanced
around and he could see that fighting was all but finished. It was time
to secure their object and blockade this road. He looked around and saw there
were several wounded, but it didn't look like there had been any fatalities.
Most of the wounds looked like they would just likely be interesting scars. Kodiak
walked out of the trees, cradling Ray and in his thickly muscled arms.
She'd taken a nasty wound to her left thigh and abdomen. They were healing
slowly, but he wasn't taking any chances. He carried her to a medic
and lay her on the ground, kneeling beside her. Are you all right,
he rumbled, looking into her intense green eyes. I am now,
she said, her voice purring. Thanks to you. My grandmother told me
that my fate was tied to a bear. I never knew what she meant
by that. She's healing rapidly, said Cadusius. She should be fine in
a few minutes. Kodiak nodded his thanks and continued to stare into those strange
green eyes. All right, folks, shouted Clark. Let's get this road
block. Kodiak and gregel see if you can knock a few trees down and
block off this section right here, duty calls, rumbled Kodiak, I'll join
you in a minute, Pert Rayan Kodiak stood and headed for the trees,
looking for trees large enough to block the road and to provide cover for the
team. Would you look at that, said Gideon, lighting up a cigar
and nodding at the sky. They all looked up to see numerous mammoth aircraft
flying over out of the back of a C sevent ti Globemaster. They watched
as paratroopers launched themselves into the sky. Moments later, their shotes began deploying
they weren't jumping with the traditional round chutes. They were using the Army Advanced
Air Ram Parachute Systems r A DASH one, using their superior mobility to guide
them to the l Z. Clark noted that the weather was perfect for an
airborne drop, and with the mobility of the shutes and the large LZ,
they should all be safe on the ground within minutes. He couldn't help but
feel a twinge of jealousy at the men and women who got to jump today
over such a beautiful scenery. Fucking' a, said Margoline, pumping his fist
in the air. If that's not the most beautiful sight you've ever seen,
then I don't know what is. Greygel and Kodiak stacked several large trees,
cutting off all access to the road, and immediately Teams two and four began
setting up firing positions behind the trees. Thunder God to all, father,
said Clark. Objective is secure over copy. Thunder God, said Saunders.
Stand by to initiate Phase two out Chapter twelve. The Eagle has landed eighteen
hundred hours fifteen May, Lake Nawilapi. Clark and other senior staff of Teams
two and Team four stood behind the barricade. Although this was several of the
new member's first deployment with the team, they had already proven themselves in battle
with the cat creatures. Both mimic units are online, said Clark. We
have full command and control functions. Once the command is given, we're to
proceed to the gate and breach the perimeter. Just us, ask Murdoch.
No, said Clark. We're meeting up with two elements from Team Orian.
I've got operational command, Hernandez, your team XO, got it, said
Hernandez. Mind if we join your little pow wow, asked Matthias Giovanni,
walking up with his brother the priest. Would it stop you if I said
yes? Ask Clark. An ote of anger in his tone. Probably not,
said Matthias, smiling. By the way, Major said father Marcus,
our sister told me to give you something. Clark looked quizzically at the priest.
Despite being a priest, he was wearing a full combat load, except
that instead of carrying guns, he was loaded with his sword, along with
numerous knives and throwing blades. Clark was more than a little concern since he
knew their sister was psychic. They called her an oracle, but it amounted
to the same thing. She could predict events even before they happened. What's
that, asked Clark. Father Marcus handed him a playing card. Clark glanced
at it with a confusion on his face. It was just a simple card
from a standard deck. But flipping it over, he noted that it was
the Ace of Spades. Is there any kind of explanation, asked Clark,
giving brothers Giovanni an annoyed look. He said, it would be your new
nickname, said Father Marcus. Clark shook his head and casually slipped the card
into his shirt pocket, whatever he said, turning back to the group,
My apologies for the interruption, aren't you the slightest bit curious about that?
Asked Matthias. Look said Clark, his temper flaring. I don't have time
for this. The only reason I'm putting up with the two of you at
all is the Vatican rammed it down our throats. Neither of you are trained
military. You refuse to follow protocols and seem to think that you can come
and go as you please. You don't even pay cursory attention to the chain
of command. If I can't trust you, to follow my orders in the
field, then neither of you is worth the shit to this team. Does
that clear things up for you? Father Marcus stepped back as if he'd been
slapped in the face. But Matthias just smiled that strained, sardonic smile.
Of his women seem to find it irresistible. It just made Clark want to
punch him in the mouth. He resisted the urge, but it took some
effort. My apologies, said Father Marcus. It was never our intent to
undermine your authority. We're just used to operating with a certain degree of autonomy.
Well that might work on the Vatican team, said Clark, but this
is a military unit, and in the field we all depend on each other.
Whenever one person or in this case too, don't follow orders and just
do their own thing, that endangers us all, so that leaves us at
an impasse. I need to be able to count on you doing as I
tell you. If that is something you fail to understand, then I have
no use for you. I will not endanger this entire operation because the two
of you want to do things your way. I thought your orders were to
accommodate us, as Matthias, Clark started to take a step toward him,
anger flashy on his face. Now now, said Matthias. Temper temper.
Gideon stepped out from behind Clark and drove a fist into Matthias's face with a
blow that cracked like a baseball bat striking a side of beef. Matthias flew
nearly six feet before he hit the ground, his nose broken in blood pouring
from both nostrils. Listen to me, you little shit, snarled Gideon.
He might not be able to hit you, but I damn sure. Will
you two better get your shit together, and I mean right fucking now,
or I swear I will send you both back to Rome in a goddamn suitcase.
Everyone froze. That was the most profanity they had ever heard Gideon use
at one time. He rarely swore, let alone, let his temper flare.
Matthias just lay on his back, holding his nose. His eyes were
wide open and shot. Father Marcus quickly stepped between Gideon and Matthias. That's
enough, he said, holding his hands out. Please a pa Jos for
my brother's behavior. He likes to push people's buttons. He also has the
uncanny ability to push things too far at the worst possible time. Get your
shit together, snarl Clark. I've got half a mind to put both of
you on a chopper and send you back to base. Mattias spat bloody phlegm
on the ground as he slowly got to his feet. He was glaring death
at Guineon. Pradatoris facto, said Martam. Matthias said, glaring at Gideon.
I j quiet ajas, replied Gideon, meeting his gaze. Mattias went
for his gun while Gideon reached for the hilt of the Gladias on his hip.
Before Mattias could make a move, massive hands wrapped around his wrist and
throat. It was Malachi Beer, the gigantic Israeli lifted Mattias off the ground
like he didn't weigh an ounce. I think it is time we were formally
introduced, Yes, he said, glaring into Mattias's face. I am Beer.
I was fortunate to be chosen for this assignment. My code name was
translated so that I could use it as a call sign. Here banamore means
executioner. That was what I was in my own unit. I was who
they sent when terrorists needed to die with absolute certainty. Many perished at my
hand, and the last thing they saw before death was the view you are
seeing now. There was silence in the group. Matthias's feet were easily a
foot off the ground and his eyes were wide open in fear. Malachi narrowed
his eyes and glared directly into Matthias's. To Matthias, it felt like they
were boring into his soul. Our mission, said Malachi, is to finally
put an end to some of the worst Nazi filth that ever lived. I
do not plan on letting you ruin our chances. Now you can watch your
mouth and do as you are told, and if you choose to do anything
else, I will put you to sleep and you will not wake up for
many hours. The Major's trying to lay out our battle plan. You can
listen quietly, but do not interrupt. This kind of behavior is exactly why
Israel does not work with the Vatican. You arrogantly assume that you're in charge
in all things. This simply is not the case, do you understand.
He glared into Mattias's eyes for a few moments before setting him on to the
ground. There, said Malachi, patting Matthias on the cheek like a child.
We can all be friends now we have an understanding. Yes, Mattias
said nothing. I told you something like this would happen if you kept pushing,
said Father Marcus, glaring at Matthias. If you get us thrown off
this team, the Archbishop will not be happy with you. His Holy Eminence
will not be happy either. Gideon never moved a muscle, his hand was
still wrapped around the hilt of his Gladias, and his gaze didn't falter.
Gideon said, Clark, stand down. Gideon narrowed his eyes at Matthias before
releasing his grip on the Gladias and stepping back. My apologies, Major,
said Gideon, nodding at Clark. Do you wish to file charges against Sergeant
Major Gideon for striking you, asked Clark, gritting his teeth. No,
said Matthias, wiping blood from his nose. That's good, said Clark.
I'll consider the matter dropped now. Is there's something I can do for the
two of you again, said Father Marcus. I apologize for our behavior.
We want to be part of this team. I will make sure we do
a better job of adjusting to the structure of this unit and you, asked
Clark, glaring at Matthias. No, Sir, said Matthias through gritted teeth.
I'm sorry I pushed things too far. Clark stared at him for a
long moment before speaking fine, he said, you're dismissed. You will be
briefed. When I finished discussing our orders with the senior staff, the brothers
moved away and headed toward the rear of the group. As they were walking,
Matthias started to say something when he was cut off by father. Marcus.
Don't you ever learn, he demanded, glaring at Matthias. We're here
under direct order from the Secretary General of the Order. If you screw this
up, they might throw us out of the order. Well is that such
a bad thing, asked Matthias, giving Marcus a dirty look. Only if
you think they won't revoke grandfather's indulgence, said Marcus, you might not only
ruin everything for you, you could do it for all of us. Matthias
looked like he had been struck again, and he stopped in his tracks and
looked at his feet. Though he said, I never thought of that.
That old bastard would do it too. That's the problem, dear brother,
said Marcus, you never think of the consequences of your actions. You,
of all people, should know that hell is a real place. You were
just punched in the face by living proof. He is no demon, countered
Matthias sourly. No, he just stabs Christ in the side, snapped Marcus.
That kind of makes faith irrelevant. Don't you think he's proof that Christ
was here? Do you want to tempt that kind of fate? Why would
you even try? Christ cursed him to remain here until he returns. Do
you think you can interfere with that? Are you so arrogant that you think
you can undo what Christ himself wrought? Matthias looked like he was going to
say something else when Valkyrie walked up. She tossed Matthias a single round from
her rifle. It was a large, heavy, solid core a round etched
with magic ruins and coated with silver, packed in the tip with tungsten and
silver and nitrate. What's this for, he asked, looking at her confused.
Just a friendly reminder, she said, smiling darkly. If you make
a move on Gideon and her Clark, then I promus you won't see the
next one coming. She turned and walked away. Without another word. Way
to go, Moron, said Father Marcus. That woman can put a bullet
through a gopher's eye a thousand yards. You really do have a way with
people, you know. Matthias looked at the round in his hand, turning
it over slowly. It occurred to him that he'd pushed his luck with a
lot of people over the years. He'd been threatened by some of the nastiest,
most dangerous people on the planet. None of the threats scared him as
much as the one laying in the palm of his hand, not just because
of her reputation, but because he could never know when or where that round
might come for him. My apologies for the distraction, said Clark, turning
back to the others. We'll have to work on team cohesiveness before our next
deployment. Getting glassed at Clark with an apologetic look on his face, but
said nothing. The rest of teams Odin, Uller, Scottieier, and Frea
will be moving into position along the boundaries to Alalco, said Clark. Team
Uller found that most of the cat creatures were gone when they arrived at the
coordinates that Gregel gave them. Looks like we wiped out most of them when
they hit us. Teams Orion, Apollo, Artemis and Diana will be covering
the south end of Analco. That's good, said Murdoch. That gives us
another entire team to throw at these assholes. It's time to put an end
to them once and for all. It will not be that easy. Caution,
Malachi, do not underestimate this foe. They are responsible for the deaths
of six million of my people. They have had more than seventy years to
fortify this place. He's right, said Clark. I know for a fact
they have an underground safe for him as well as the scientific facilities. Since
we never saw a building that looked like it was used for that, I
think it's probably safe to assume that it's underground too. This entire area could
be riddled with underground bunkers and strongholds. We know from the intel that Heinz
gave us that they're at least five hundred security personnel, or as he called
him, the wormocked. There's no way they're all above ground or we just
seen them on the satellite images. Thermal imaging agrees with that assessment, said
Hernandez. The entire compound is not only connected by tunnels, but there are
also extensive underground facilities. One section even seems to connect to the lake,
an underwater excess point, asked Clark. It appears so, said Hernandez.
Possibly an escape route. We can't rule out the possibility of some sort of
submersible vehicle. They'd be fools to use it, said Clark. With the
sharp men out of control, going out into the lake in a sub would
be suicide. There's more, said Hernandez. Thermal indicates an underground airstrip.
It looks like they can long retrieve aircraft from an access way in a cliff
face on the far side of the compound. The apaches are covering it just
in case they try to escape that way. All right, said Clark.
We've got them bottled up inside their own perimeter. We need to make our
move before they decide to punch their way out. Major, if I may,
said Gideon, nodding at Clark, Go ahead, said Clark. According
to the satellite images, said Gideon, there should be a bunker about three
hundred meters due west of here. All right, said Clark, What are
you proposing that we take a team and hit that bunker, said Gideon.
It'll have to be a smaller team. All the bunkers are connected by tunnels.
If we can crack that bunker open, we can get direct access to
the underground facility while the rest of the team hits the gate, said Clark.
That's what I was thinking, Sir, said Gideon. I think that's
a good idea, said Clark. Let me get on the horn and run
it by All Father. If they like it, We'll leave most of Team
two and Team four here at the roadblock and let Team Uller lead the assault
on the gate. I'll take Team two into the complex. I have to
agree with the plan, said Hernandez. It's going to be a nasty fight,
but I think it gives us the best shot at penetrating their facility before
they have time to move their troops from the perimeter. If I know All
Father, said Clark, we're going to get a green light start making the
preparations. Yes, Sir, said Hernandez. All right, let's get the
ball rolling, said Clark, dismissed. We'll meet up again after I talk
to All Father. Talk to me about what, said a voice from behind
them. Clark glanced back to see All Father leading the remainder of Team Odin
and all of Team Uller into the perimeter. It's nice of you to join
us, Sir, would miss it for the world, said Saunders. Besides,
Colonel Boudreau has operational command of the Mimics. He's got a security team
of Army rangers assigned to him from JSOC. Tim Odin started this fight,
We're going to finish it. So what did you need to talk to me
about? Clark spent the next few minutes briefing Saunders on the plan. While
he was talking, they were joined by CSM Hammond, who simply nodded and
held out his hand. Clark tossed him a can of chewing tobacco without missing
a beat. When he finished, Saunders looked at him for a long moment.
And you're going to take Team two into the rabbit hole, said Saunders.
Well that's the plan, sir, said Clark, grinning. I hope
you realize just how heavy the fighting is going to get down there, said
Saunders. That's where they'll have all the hvts. Are you sure team two
is enough? Well, if we could take Team four with us, said
Clark, might get a bit crowded, but that would double our firepower.
Then do it, said Saunders. Make that happen. Everyone gets with the
armorer and re equip you'll won't suppress weapons below ground. Copy that, said
Clark. We'll be ready to move in thirty minutes. All right, said
Saunders. We're going to cut the perimeter fence at the same time you do,
and follow the road that runs along the perimeter right to the main gate.
We're leaving the heavy weapons teams here at the roadblock. Do we have
all teams in place, ask Clark. We're blockading every possible exit except for
the lake, said Saunders. The apaches are covering that. Unless they try
to launch a submersible. We can cover everything. Using a submersible wouldn't be
useful since they can't control the shark men. I don't see that being a
viable option for them. The risk is too high. Gideon walked up and
handed Clark one of the cig ngswars with the L three LWTS optics mounted.
The barrel was already fitted with a suppressor. Clark nodded his appreciation as he
clipped the weapon to a single point sling. The teams are all outfitted,
said Gideon. Hand Clark a CIM seventeen pistol that had been fitted with a
suppressor. Clark clipped the holster to his plate carrier and kept the fifty gi
clock conversion on his belt. Think I'm going to hang on to this fifty,
said Clark. You never know when you're going to have to have something
with a little more punch to it. I'm sending by Frost with you,
said Saunders. You're going to need a combat engineer to blast through the concrete
on that bunker. That's good call, sir, said Clark. We're ready
to roll on your command. Saunders nodded and turned to the team. All
right, folks, yelled Saunders. You've all been briefed. Form up and
let's move out. There was a line of heavy machine guns interspersed with Mark
nineteen grenade launchers along boat directions of approach on the road, with enough riflemen
to cover any angle. The road was closed and they weren't going to breach
it with anything less than a tank company. Team Odins split into two groups,
with Clark leading Teams two and four. Saunders took command of Team one
of Odin and Teams one, two and four of tim Uller. As they
were starting to head in different directions. Clark caught the attention of Tim Muller's
commander. Hey Slayton, yelled Clark, Major Nicholas Slayton call signed Archer turned
and walked over. What's up, thunder God? He asked, watch Saunders
back for me, said Clark. Keep him safe. I thought that's what
I was for, said csm Hammon with a rasby chuckle. Clark reached into
his cargo pocket and tossed Hammon a can of chew. You think that'll last
you until this is done, asked Clark. Maybe, said Hammond. But
I've got a few good cabanos for us to smoke when this is over and
we're back together. Well that's a deal, said Clark. I've got a
bottle of bourbon in my bag that'll go great with those cigars. That's why
you're my favorite, said Hammond, winking at Clark. Do I get invited
to this party? Asked Slayton. Hell, yeah, said Hammond. You're
almost family, kind of like Odin's bastards stepchild. And they both chuckled.
You all be careful, said Clark. This is going to be a hell
of a fight. Watch your ass, son said Hammond, You're going into
a snake's den. What's that quote from Ricky Ticky Tavy, asked Clark,
with a wide grin and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may
be. Care to follow a cobra into its hole. Don't get bit,
said Hammond. Clark clasped hands with Hammond and Slayton. See u assholes on
the other side, said Clark. They headed their separate ways, moving into
the trees. At the edge of the road, they found the perimeter fence
less than ten yards inside. Clark nodded at by Frost. The staff Sergeant
Paul LeBlanc was a US Army trained combat engineer from the fifteenth Engineer Combat Battalion.
He was also incredibly good at his job. In seconds by Frost,
bypassed the electrical current and cut through the section of fence large enough for the
team to pass three at a time. Clark and Gideon went through the first,
with Murdoch on their heels. They instantly took up defensive positions to cover
the others as they passed through. Once the team was through, Clark nodded
at by Frost, how long until they know the fence has been breached,
He asked if I did it right, answered by Frost, they won't.
All right, let's move, said Clark. Murdoch, you've got point with
Gregel and Marglin. Go. They slipped silently into the forest and only took
a few moments before they reached the patrol road that ran around the entire property
of Analco. Gregel and the others went to one knee. When they reached
the road, Clark slipped up beside them, glancing at the map redoubt on
his risk computer. If the map is right, said Clark, The bunker
should be about three hundred meters to the right if we follow the road.
If we follow the road, caution Gregel, they'll see us coming. But
if we go through the trees, I can bring us up on their blind
side. We've got cameras on the road, whispered Murdoch. If we take
them out, they'll know that we're here. Wait one, said Clark,
reaching for his mike. Thunder God to all father, he said, we're
in position. Ready on my mark was the reply. Clark motioned for both
Valkyrie and Sergeant Alejandro de la Cruz call Sign's skull to come up on my
mark. He whispered, take out both cameras suppressed weapons only. They both
nodded and brought up their rifles, siding in on the cameras. You ready,
whispered Clark into the mic, Go, said Saunders. Now said Clark,
loud enough of the shooters to hear him. The two suppressed coughs erupted
and you could hear both bolts come back. Both shooters were covered their expended
Brice Clark visually verified that both cameras had been destroyed. A few hundred meters
away to their left, they heard unsuppressed rifles ring out. Saunders was debate
covering the covert insertion of Clark's team, motioning for everyone to take cover.
They watched as two of the armored German ampv's race by, heading for the
sound of the gunshots. They passed by Clark's team without even slowing down.
Clark counted down from twenty, listening as the two vehicles opened fire on the
other team. The firefight was over in seconds, and Saunders had been waiting
for them. Let's move, said Clark. In groups of two, they
began racing across the narrow road and into the trees on the other side.
Gregel navigated by instinct and was taking them on a curved path to the bunker.
If they could get close enough without them knowing that they were there,
they stood a good chance of getting inside without them knowing it. If they
didn't, then Byfrost was going to make them an entrance. Gregel crouched low
and checked the air. There was something different in this area. It wasn't
the same as the cat creatures, but it was oddly familiar. Something not
quite human was nearby. Whatever it was, it wasn't close. He hoped
that it didn't sense him the same way he sensed it. What's wrong,
whispered Murdoch. It's nothing I can explain, said Gregel. It's just a
feeling. Well, whatever it is, whispered Murdoch. Let's hope it's friendly.
That bunker should be right through those trees according to the map. Let's
go, whispered Margolin. I want to get me a German boot knife.
Shut up, Margolin, whispered Murdoch, shaking his head. Chapter thirteen,
Snake's Lair, nineteen thirty hours, fifteen May, and all gray eagle crept
through the trees, making hardly a whisper of noise. He'd motioned for the
others to take a knee and wait for his signal before they tried to approach
the bunker. He crouched low and peered through the branches of a coniferous tree.
He hunkered beneath the branches at the base of the tree, using the
natural camouflage to his advantage. Breathing shallow, he watched for movement. The
bunker was playing to see once you were closed, but they had done an
excellent job of camouflaging it from the air and the front side. They had
planted trees and pulled them with ropes until they grew in the desired formation,
completely covering the bunker from above. It had taken years, but it was
ingenious. Modern thermal technology made it a moot point. But had they been
using the equivalent of World War II technology, they would have never seen it.
The thought occurred to Gray Eagle that despite the Nazis using it ants technology,
they were going to great links to keep things low tech here at an
Alco. That struck him his eyes, since it also limited their ability to
defend themselves. He made a mental note to tell Major Clark what he suspected,
just in case it might be important. Watching patiently, Gregel saw a
movement at the back of the bunker. There was a steel door set into
thick concrete, and it was opening. The man that walked out was tall,
nearly as big as kodiac. He had to be nearly six feet eight
inches tall and was rippling with muscle. His blonde hair was cut militarily short,
and his blue eyes shone like beacons. It was that movement that Gregel
realized the creature he'd sensed was standing right in front of him, less than
twenty yards away. While the man wore military fatigue pants, military boots,
and a green tank topped t shirt, he carried no firearm. He looked
around the area and seemed to either not notice Gray Eagle or failed to detect
his presence. Turning his back, the man walked over to the edge of
the trees on the other side of the bunker and opened his fly. He
urinated into the thick grass, and then the man leaned his head back and
sighed contently. Greegel considered eliminating him. That he hesitated, wondering if the
rounds he had in his rifle would put him down. He didn't know enough
about what he was to make that call. It might only serve to anger
the man. He wanted to be certain of a clean, quiet kill before
he risked exposing them. The man finished urinating and button his fly and turning
around. He froze and stared directly at where Gray Eagle was hiding. Holding
his breath, Greegel froze so no movement would give away his position. The
man cocked his head from side to side, as if studying the spot.
Greegel could see the confusion on the man's face. It was clear that he
scent something but couldn't figure out what it was. Gregel felt sweat running down
his face and onto the tip of his nose, but still he held completely
motionless, painfully slow. He shifted his fingers on the grip of his rifle.
His finger moved a millimeter at a time, slowly moving onto the trigger.
His thumb found the selector lever, but he knew that it was going
to make a noise. It might almost be imperceptible, but he had little
doubt that it would give away his position. Come on, Hans yelled a
voice from inside the bunker. Lock that fucking door before someone gets in the
Man's concentration was broken, and he turned to face the door. I'm coming,
snapped Hans. I thought I heard something. Gregel knew he had to
act quickly before they shut that door. If he could catch the bunker open,
they could get inside the underground facility without anyone being the wiser. Click.
The sound of the selector lever moving to auto cracked like thunder, At
least it did for Gregel. Hans heard it too, and his head snapped
around in an instant. He looked directly at the spot where Gregel crouched,
and before he could open his mouth, Gregel opened fire. The suppressed sig
n GSWAAR began coughing out high velocity death as the belt fed weapon came to
life. The first dozen rounds rocked Hans back on his feet, but he
didn't fall. He only staggered backwards, shaking like he was dancing. Gregel
continued to fire as he stepped out of the bushes and kept the fire concentrated
on Hans's chest. After nearly thirty rounds, it was clear that he wasn't
going down. There was a strange bluish blood oozing from the wounds in Hans's
mouth, but he didn't fall instead. Greg could see the wounds beginning to
force out the projectiles and heal. Hans's skin began to turn a modeled gray,
and he started getting bigger. You're going to have to do better than
that, said Hans, his voice gurgling with blood in his lungs. Hans
began to get bigger, and Gregel saw gill slits forming on both sides of
his neck. His face began to elongate, looking not quite like a shark,
but not like a human either. They had moved quickly into the second
phase, and that meant it was highly unlikely that they would recover Hinz.
Before he'd been put through the experiment, a roar like thunder exploded from the
trees behind Gray Eagle. He expected to see either Kodiak or Raying rush out
of the trees and challenge of the gigantic shark man. It took Gregel a
moment to realize that hadn't been the roar of a living creature. That was
Valkyrie's rifle. The massive forty five seventy rounds lammed into the forehead of the
Hans shark and exploded the head into a fountain of gray matter and bluish gore
Hans stumbled back before falling to his knees and then onto his face. Running
to the door, Gregel opened fire into the bunker just as an arm came
out attempting to pull the door shut. The man was no monster. He
was fleshing blood, and the rounds had no problem shredding him since he wasn't
wearing body armor. Gregel rushed inside and noticed that Margolin and Murdoch were right
on his heels. There was a brief exchange of fire, and three more
of the Germans went down in bloody heaps. As a suppressed weapons fire came
to a sudden end. Gregel could see the carnage around the room and knotted
at the others. Clear, he said, Clear, echoed Margolin and Murdoch.
Go back and tell the major to bring everyone in, said Gregel,
nodding at Margolin. We secured the bunker. Walking outside, Margolin saw the
arms on the shark Man begin to twitch. Fuck me, he whispered,
and put a long suppressed burst into the beast's head. Stay the fuck down.
The others began emerging from the trees and headed for the bunker. Clark
paused long enough to take out his bounty blade and lop the head from the
shark man. He'll that you, son of a bitch, he said,
wiping the bluish blood onto the dead man's T shirt. Soon everyone was filing
inside. Clark looked around and found a small armory. Several sets of body
armor, neatly stacked and helmet sat beside them. It was hot and humid
inside the bunker, making it obvious why they'd taken it off. None of
them expected a direct assault on the bunker. They were complacent and that would
work to their advantage. Murdock said Clark, how's your German next think,
answered Murdoch. Grab all of their radio, said I want a few of
us that speak German monitoring their frequency. If they stay focused on the assault
above ground, they might overlook us until it's too late. Boss, said
Marglin, you might want to take a look at this. Margolin was motioning
at the steps that led down into the connecting tunnel. Clark followed him and
found that it wasn't just a small tunnel that troops could walk through. It
was almost as wide as a road and ten feet high, with a spot
to turn around. It only led back toward the main part of the compound.
This had to be the end of the line for this section of the
tunnel. There were parking nooks where they had two electric passenger carts that could
hold six people. Well, that would only accommodate twelve of them, so
he ruled them out. It would spread the team too thin. They needed
to stick together, all right, said Clark. We've got a clear direction
of travel. We'll follow this tunnel until we reach the hub. Now,
I'm sure that there will be a central hub that leads to all the bunkers
on this end of the property. What do we do about the other bunkers,
asked Murdoch. Once we're clear, said Clark, we give the apaches
to green lights start taking them out. That might take them out of position
to cover the airstrip. Caution Murdoch. I think we can spare one apache,
said Clark. They're eight out there. Surely seven can cover the airstrip.
Unless they're carrying bunker busters, said Murdoch. The apaches might not have
enough firepower to punch through a concrete bunker. Let me see what they've got,
said Clark, reaching for his radio. Thunderguid to Valhalla, said Clark.
This is Valhalla, actually came the voice of Colonel Boudreau. Go ahead,
We've reached our first objective, said Clark, requesting air support. Begin
targeting the bunkers over negative, said Boodroux. Asgard has other assets tasks for
those objectives. Proceed to the next objective and advise when you're clear of the
bunker ghostwriter. Gunships are in bound. Proceed to object to. You have
two five minutes to reach it over a firm, said Clark. Well,
Charlie, Mike, and advise when clear. Thunder God out. What did
he say, asked Murdoch. He said, Asgard has other plans and to
get our ass moving, said Clark. Let's get clear before they bring down
some serious firepower on these bunkers. Valhalla advises that AC one J two ghostwriters
are targeting the bunkers. Fuck, said Marglin with a rye grin. I
don't want to be anywhere close to a bunker when those one O fives click
off. Well, let's move, said Clark, Gregel Beer Davidson take point,
codyak, you're right behind him. Gregel nodded at Malachi and Warrant Officer
Noah Davidson. Gregel knew their files Davidson was on loan to the team from
the British Special Reconnaissance Regiment. Although he was very served, Davidson had proven
to be highly competent during training, remaining cool under stress. There was something
about him that Gregel couldn't quite put his finger on, something mysterious. That
would be for another time, but right now they had bigger problem. Cody
and Rayn moved up behind the point team. Cody was once again carrying the
massive many gun, but only one. He wasn't planning on shifting forms in
this tunnel, and even his incredible strength alone wasn't enough to carry both for
long. He glanced over at Rayn and she smiled at him, placing a
reassuring hand on his forearm. She had been given a uniform and armor,
but she carried no weapons. She assured them that she didn't know how to
use them and was planning on shifting forms as soon as they contacted the enemy.
Let's move, said Malachi. As they headed off. Clark watched them
for a moment. He knew the big Israeli would be highly motivated to complete
this mission. This might very well be the most important mission of his entire
career. Clark just hoped that he'd remain focused on the mission instead of revenge.
That was something he'd have to watch. Murdock, said Clark, nodding,
you take Gideon and Raven and watch our six. I'll stick close to
the middle. I want the Giovanni's with me. Everyone else take your assigned
positions. As everyone began fanning out, Matthias leaned close to Marcus. See,
he whispered. He wants us with him. I think that's so he
can shoot you himself, said Marcus, if you give him a reason.
Fuck, said Matthias. I hadn't thought of that. Let's move, people,
said Clark. We've got a lot of distance to cover in exactly twenty
minutes to do it. Let's move. They proceeded down the long tunnel,
moving quickly. Clark was monitoring the radio that they'd confiscated, but heard no
traffic, indicating that their presence in the bunker had been detected. All radio
traffic was concerning the team that was currently shooting their way through the main gate.
As they approached an intersection in the tunnel's beer faded against the wall.
The team was scattered along the tunnel behind him with an interval of ten feet.
As greygl faded against the other wall, Davidson crouched low and crept forward
to peer around the corner. Wasbatsdu called a voice from the shadows. Davidson
froze in place and slowly looked in that direction, I say, said Davidson
in his perfectly intoned British accent. Is this the way to the main complex.
As the German officer stepped out of the alcove, he raised his weapon
toward Davidson. He never saw Beer step out of the shadows behind him.
As if by magic, a massive hand wrapped around the man's face, covering
his mouth and pulling his head to the left. The shocked guard released his
hold on his weapon and reached for Beer's hand. Before he could grasp the
massive wrist, Beer drove a knife down into the man's exposed throat and deep
into his chest, cavity piercing along with a savage twist of the knife.
He brought it out and sliced through the corded artery as he slashed up and
out, and a fountain of blood erupted in an arc as Davidson deftly stepped
back, avoiding the spray Beer held the man as he felt the resistance grow
weaker by the second, as his blood flowed diminished with each passing second,
and when the body went slack, Beer dropped him and wiped his knife off
on the man's shirt. Davidson and Gregel checked the tunnel but found no one
else nearby. There was a small guard's outpost here at this junction, but
it looked to be a place that wasn't normally manned, and with the attack
on the compound, all stations would be staffed ready to repel intruders. Nicely
done, lad said Davidson approval at Beer. Beer nodded solemnly and returned his
knife to its scabbard, bringing his rifle back up to a ready position.
They continued toward their objective. Grego glanced at Beer and understood the look on
the man's face. How would a Lakota feel if it had been one of
Custer's curse seventh Cavalry that he just put a knife into. He understood Beer
more than anyone else on the team. They were both from the people who
had suffered greatly, and it marked them for all their lives. Moving up,
Clark saw the fallen guard for just a moment. His heart skipped when
he thought it was Heinz. They looked a great deal alike, but once
he was closer he could see the difference. Also, there was no tattoo
on his arm. Margolin leaned down and took a knife from the dead man's
boot and smiled at Clark, who ignored him. As he started to kneel
beside the body. The ground shook eat rapid explosions announced the arrival of the
AC one thirty j Ghostwriters. They were targeting and eliminating the bunkers. Clark
heard a crackle of static on his radio and then a partial garble of communication.
Last call station, Say again, said Clark. You were badly broken
all father to thunder God, said Saunders. Can you read me over?
Hey, firm, said Clark. Looks like Ghostwriter punched us a hole.
Over. We've breached the perimeter, said Saunders, proceeding to secondary objective.
Over copy that said Clark, We're fifteen minutes out. Over understood, said
Saunders. Charlie, Mike, see you on the other side. Out contact
front, shouted grey Eagel. The roar of firearms filled the tunnel as the
team did their best to take cover in the constraints of the tunnel. Most
of them went prone ahead. Clark could see a squad of Germans moving their
way, firing as they approached. Gregel, Davidson, and Beer dropped to
the ground and were returning fire. And that's when Clark heard the unmistakable sound
of a mini gun's motor spooling up to speed. Kodiak stepped out of the
alcove where he'd pushed Rayan when the shooting started, stepping into the center of
the tunnel, he engaged the mini gun. The roar of an enraged Dragoness
seemed to fill the tunnel as Kodiak sent five second bursts into the group of
Germans, killing six of the ten instantly and sending the other four diving for
cover. Clark instantly keyed up the German radio to squelch any call for help
they'd tried to send out. Before the four German soldiers could get to their
feet, Gregel and Beer rushed forward. They quickly dispatched two of the others.
Behind Clark, he heard two suppressed rifles go off almost simultaneously. Valkyrie
and De la Cruz eliminated the remaining two with well placed headshots. Clark glanced
back, but couldn't see either of the snipers due to the darkness in the
tunnel. Fuck me, he thought, that's terrifying. Tangles down, called
greg Or, we're clear. Beer crouched down and took a keyboard from the
pocket of the leader of the German squad. Move called Clark, we've got
a schedule to keep. They pushed farther up the tunnel for another half mile
before they came to a large intersection. There was a massive steel door on
the right side of the hallway. There was also a parking area for several
of the electric transport vehicles, with four vehicles sitting empty. Approaching the door,
Clark looked at it closely before studying the map on his risk computer.
Thunder God to Valhalla, said Clark, we've reached objective too over copy,
thunder God said Boudreau. Proceed with recovery. Don't waste too much time.
If he's not there, move on over as guard actual to thunder God interrupted
General Dalton. Priority one is to recover the asset. Make all attempts to
locate and recover Bower over copy that, said Clark. Thunder God out,
what the fuck just happened, asked Valkyrie, stepping out of the shadows and
tapping her earpiece. Looks like Boudreau just got overruled by the General, said
Clark. That's odd. How's that, asked Valkyrie. It's almost like Boudreau
wasn't concerned about recovering Bauer, said Clark. The General has other plans either
way. We've got to hurry. The last thing we want is for the
others to get away while we're trying to find Bauer. That's a good point,
said Valkyrie. Get that door open, said Clark, pointing beer and
greg Egel started checking the door for a release mechanism. After a moment,
Gregel motioned for Clark to come over. I think I found some sort of
keyboard reader, said Gregel. Try this ball, said Margolin, handing Clark,
and I d card. Where'd you get this, asked Clark. I
found it on that fucker that Malachi gutted back in the tunnel, said Margolin.
Thought it might come in handy. Clark inserted the key card and there
was an audible beat followed by a clicking sound before the door began rumbling open.
Clark motioned for everyone to move back, and he slipped on one side
of the door. Once it rumbled all the way open, Clark peered inside
and saw nine large glass cylinders lining one wall with people inside. Six were
men and three were women. All were attached to oxygen masks and had numerous
leads and tubes running to them. Clark slept around the corner and entered the
room. Nearly a dozen people were moving around in white lab coats, while
one older man sat at a desk and studied a computer display. Even without
seeing the man's face, Clark knew who it was, and when he turned
to see who had entered them, Clark confirmed it. It was Joseph Mingle.
What's his loss, asked Mingola, Looking angry to be interrupted, Clark
raised his rifle and pointed at it. Mingola, moving, you die,
said Clark. Mingolea didn't respond, but Clark could tell from his body language
that he understood English. Get this asshole in restraints, said Clark, motioning
with his left hand. The muzzle of his rifle never moved a millimeter.
Greegel and Beer moved over and grabbed Mingola by both arms and put him into
thick zip restraints with his hands behind his back. Beer looked like he would
happily rip the older man's head off, but he said nothing. The seething
hatred on his face was plain for all to see. Gregel pulled Mingoly roughly
to his feet and began taking him toward the door, and beer followed.
One of the other scientists went for an alarm panel, and Margolin shot him
in the Neck's legs buckled beneath him as he took one last step before collapsing
into a pool of blood. Manos Soriba shouted Margolin. They're German, not
Spanish, you dumbass, shouted Runestone. The scientists all put their hands in
the air well. Whatever works, said Margolin. See they understood what I
meant. Besides, I don't speak much German. Runestone rolled his eyes as
the other team members began putting all the scientists into restraints. Comply and you
will not be shot, shouted Runestone. If you move, you will die.
And for your cooperation, said Margolin, I say, donkey schlong,
that's doca shame, corrected Runestone. I think I like his better, said
Bedford. Get them ready for transport, said Clark, heading for the glass
cylinders. The clock is running, folks, as he began inspecting the tubes.
He saw Murdoch and Henderson fulfilling their orders by grabbing all the research and
hard drives that they could find. LeBlanc shouted Clark, I want charges on
all of these tubes now. We can't let them hatch another generation of these
shark things. LeBlanc took his kit out and started preparing incendiary charges. Clark
located the one shark like creature that had a tattoo of a trident on its
arm. Clark knew this had to be Heintz and Bower. The placard placed
on the tank confirmed it. It read heints Eric. Help me get this
open, shouted Clark. Shield Maiden ran over and helped him begin examining the
controls. I don't speak German, she said, I do, said Clark.
What am I looking for one that says purge or emergency release? She
replied something like that. Clark began examining the controls and found one that he
was looking for, and then hit it without hesitation. Wait, said shield
Maiden, But it was too late. The container began to hiss and the
fluid began to drain onto the floor. That wasn't an issue since The floor
was made of metal grating and had a large drainage basing beneath it. Seconds
later, the tube lifted and Heinz Bower fell out. Clark caught him and
kept him from striking the rough steel floor. I've got you, man,
said Clark. Shield maiden started to move forward to check him when Bower's eyes
flicked open with an audible click. She gasped and jumped back. Before Clark
could react, Bower grabbed him and threw him across the room. Clark slammed
into a bank of computers and shattered several screens. He grunted in pain,
and he hit the floor and cut open his face and left arm on the
jagged grating. All around the room, weapons were trained on Bower. He
was locked in a state between human and sharp, but not fully either.
He had webbed hands and feet, a shark like snout, a shark's tail,
and dictating lenses over his eyes. As he looked around, the look
in his eyes was pure beast. There was no recognition there. Clark got
to his feet with a groan and waved his hands. Don't shoot, he
ordered, let me try to reach him. Moving toward Bower, Clark kept
his hands open and palms outward, making no sudden movements. It's okay,
he kept softly repeating as he approached. Crikey, said Marglin, with an
exaggerated Australian accent. You all right, mate, Shut up, dumbass,
said Valkyrie through her clenched teeth. It's okay, repeated Clark, Ignoring Margoline,
he took a few more steps toward Bower. Oscar said Clark. It's
Daniel Clark. Do you remember me. Confusion crossed Bower's face as he closed
his eyes. Oscar Bower said, Clark, remember me, Oscar Bower.
Bower opened his eyes and looked at Clark. Clark said Bower through a mouth
not designed for speaking. That's right, said Clark. I'm here to take
you home home, repeated Bower. Beer picked Migola up by the throat and
slammed him against the wall. Tell me how to help him, or I'll
crush your fucking throat, he hissed. It's the green vial, wheezed Mingola.
It's on my desk. That will help him. But nothing can reverse
the transformation. Now it's far too lit for that shield. Maiden rushed over
to the desk and found the green val It was next to an air gun
that was designed to deliver shots using a pneumatic dart. She loaded the green
vial and turned to face Bower. He was still staring at Clark. Confused
and straining to gain some sort of control, She aimed and fired, striking
Bower in the middle of the stomach. Bower snarled and started to take a
step toward Clark. When the shot began to take effect, his knees went
out from under him, and he collapsed to the ground. Clark caught him
to keep his face from striking the steel grating. He eased him to the
ground, and Clark watched as Bower revered to human. He was unconscious but
breathing deeply. Clark grabbed a lab coat from a hook and wrapped it around
Bower. Nodding at Shield Maiden, she grabbed an emergency stretcher from the wall
mount and they rolled Bauer onto it. Thunder God to Asgard said, Clark,
package is secure. We have additional assets in custody over solid copy.
Thunder God said, Asgard tasks Team four with getting them to the extraction point.
Team two can Charlie Mike and proceed to your next objective. Over copy
that, said Clark. Thunder god out. Clark looked around the room.
Team four. He shouted, get the prisoners in this stretcher, onto those
vehicles outside, and get to the rendezvous point. Team two, let's move.
Henderson sprang into action, coordinating the movement of prisoners and the wounded.
And as soon as LeBlanc finished placing all the charges, Clark nodded toward him.
LeBlanc said, Clark, go with Team four. Blow this place as
soon as we're clear. Yes, sir, said LeBlanc. As they were
heading out into the hallway, Beer fell into step next to Clark. What
are they going to do with the prisoners, asked Beer, his deep voice
rumbling low in the near darkness of the tunnel. From what I was given
to understand, said Clark. Once they've been debriefed, they're going to be
turned over to the Israeli government for war crime trials. Beer looked at Clark
for a long moment. Thank you, said Beer, You have no idea
what this means to my people. Well, don't thank me yet, said
Clark. We've still got a lot of others to stop before they find an
escape route. Chapter fourteen, aces high twenty one hundre hundred hours, fifteen
May. Beneath en Alco running down the tunnel, Clark could hear gunfire coming
from multiple directions. As much as his instincts wanted to help his teammates that
were engaged with the Germans, he had his own mission directive, thunder God
to all Father, Clark said into his mic status update over thunder God,
be advised. We have encountered heavier resistance than expected, said Saunders. We
have yet to breach the manor house. We will not make the rendezvous.
Over copy that, said Clark. We'll make do with what we have Over
negative, said Saunders. I've retasked Team two from Tim O'Ryan. They'rein route
to your position. Call sign vindicator, contact on alternate frequency. Confirm with
call sign and password. Over copy that, said Clark. We'll have runestone
continue to monitor this frequency. I'm switching now to make contact over a firm
thunder God, said Saunders. Good luck all father out. Clark changed the
radio channel to the specified alternate frequency and check for clear traffic and finding no
active communications, he keyed up thunder God to vindicator, he said, pausing
for a reply. There was a moment of static and he heard a clear
response. Copy thunder God, said a female voice. This is vindicator.
Authentication code nine seven alpha tango three seven six Bravo echo over identity Confirm vindicator,
said Clark, glancing at his risk computer authorization code Delta Sierra three five
five November golf one nine or five over copy that, thunder God said the
voice. Identity confirmed. Be advised, we have your approximate location in can
rendezvous in three minutes at the next intersection. Over understood, said Clark.
See you there out. Clark looked over and made eye contact with Gideon.
Get to the front and make sure our point men don't exchange friendly fire,
said Clark, checking his risk computer challenge and password password is Phoenix. Got
it, said Gideon, Heading quickly up the tunnel, Clark glanced around and
did a quick head count of his team. After a moment, he confirmed
everyone was present and accounted for once. That was the unemotion for Valkyrie and
De la Cruz to come over to him. They both moved up and leaned
in near to him. Listen up, he whispered. Once we reached the
next objective, we're going to come under heavy resistance. I want you too
to hit the deck and start picking targets. Stick to the hvts, leave
the rest to us. We can't afford to let any of these hvts escape.
We want them alive if possible. However, death is preferable to escape,
understood. Valkyrie nodded, and De la Cruz grinned. I won't let
you down, sir, said De la Cruz. Outstanding, said Clark.
Let's move. After a few minutes, Clark heard Gregel's voice up ahead.
Halton said, Gregel, advance one to be recognized. Clark heard another voice.
This is Sentinel, said a male voice, advancing. Clark began moving
forward to double check the exchange. As he crept forward, he saw Gregel,
Beer and Murdoch were each on one knee with their weapons trained on one
corridor. Clark saw a man emerge from the darkness of that tunnel. He
was wearing wild Hunt gear with a marine booney hat on. His face was
camouflaged, and he had a full beard. He also noticed that the man
was wearing a mechanical knee brace on the outside of his pants on his left
leg. Gunnery Sergeant Robert Miller said, the man code named sentinel Tim O'Ryan.
Password is Phoenix password confirmed, said Gregil. Advance your team. Miller
glanced back and made an exaggerated motion with his right arm, calling everyone forward.
Moments later, the rest of the team moved into the intersection. Clark
silently breathed a sigh of relief. The objective was going to be a tough
fight for two teams, nearly impossible if they'd gone in alone. Stepping out,
Clark glanced around. I'm Major Clark, he said, nodding to Gunny
Miller. Guns who's your CEO? Well that would be me, said a
woman stepping out of the crowd. I'm Captain Amelia Nayan, Vindicator if you
prefer. Clark shook her head. She was just a touch over five feet
four inches tall and built like a distance runner. She was lithe and nimble,
with dark eyes and short black hair. She had a firm handshaked and
Clark instantly liked her. It's nice to me, said Clark. Likewise,
Major, she said, you have quite a reputation with the teams, A
good one, I hope, he replied, some of it. We're not
sure it's true. She said, I have a bet going with my exo.
Now, he claims you and one of your men fought a group of
bigfoots using a Roman legion tactic with a sword and a shield. He's convinced
it happened, but I'm skeptical. I promised him if we got the chance,
I'd ask you. Clark laughed and glanced around at her team. Most
of the males had beards, and some of them quite thick and long.
I'll make you a deal, said Clark. I'll tell you if you explain
to me how your team gets to grow beards. Well, that's a deal,
she said. Okay, yes, that happened, said Clark. My
first deployment with the team, we had to breach in the mimic unit and
Sergeant Major Gideon and I improvised to keep them out. Shit, she said,
shaking her head. I oh, skippy fifty bucks and the beards,
asked Clark. They're approved by our commander, she replied, relaxed screaming standards,
so we can blend in where there are civilians around. Most of the
encounters on the West Coast are in places that are full of people. Your
team should qualify to. The approval came from Asgard himself. I might have
to look into that, replied Clark. We'll have to continue this conversation later.
We need to get moving, yes, Sir, said Nayan, team
too, Orion is at your service. Clark integrated the teams and put his
team in front and had naih In bring up the rear. As they were
passing, Clark stopped Gunny Miller. Gunny, what happened to your leg?
Fucking PLF went bad? Said Miller. Wrenched my knee and landed on a
rock. You should be at the mimic getting that knee taken care of,
said Clark. Doc Avalletti would let you deploy like that. I didn't go
see the doc, said Miller. One of our medics grabbed me a knee
brace and I chased a handful of motoring with a ripe. I'll get it
looked at when the mission is over. I'm not sending this one out.
Helping nel Hitler is the biggest shit I've ever done, and I helped hunt
the Taliban in the Marines. Fair enough, Gunny, said Clark. As
we say in the Army, fuck it, drive on fid oh, said
Miller, grinning. That's my motto. I'll finish this if it kills me.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that, said Clark. Urrah urrah sir,
said Miller, heading off with the rest of his team. Clark turned
around and locked eyes with Gregel and then gave him the signal to move out.
Gregel nodded once and turned, heading off into the dark tunnel. They
were now moving farther away from the main complex and the rest of Team Odin.
He'd never been into combat with anyone on Team o' ryan, but they
were a certified wild hunt field team, and he knew they had the same
training as his team. Did have to trust in that training. Fuck,
Sir, said Margolin, falling into step beside Clark. Did you see the
beards on those guys. Some of them look like fucking lumberjacks. Goddamn surfers
out on the West coast. What the actual fuck? Well, it's not
uncommon for special forces to be allowed to relax grooming standards in Afghanistan, said
Clark. I had a beard for most of my tour. Well, that's
the difference, said Marglin. We're in the States. We had beards in
the ship box because all the local men wore beards. It helps you not
stand out. Why do they need them here? Have you ever been in
a Starbucks coffee, asked Clark. No way, sir, said Marglin.
I don't go for that lumberjack beard, flannel shirt, skinny jeans, wearing
manbun, bitch, vanilla bullshit things masquerading us coffee. I do see your
point, though, I mean they're stationed on the West coast. That makes
total sense. Thanks sir, Well, I'm just here to help Clark.
Now get your game face on. We're less than a click from our objective.
The feces are about to strike the pneumatic oscillator, what, asked Margolin.
He means the shit's about to hit the fan, dumbass, said Spinelli.
Huntsman two ten. That drew a few laughs from the crowd. Game
faces people, said Clark ahead. Gregel motioned for everyone to come to a
halt. The signal was passed back and everyone took a knee. Gregel approached
the door, motioning for the others to stay back, and Clark watched with
his hand clenched on the handle of his rifle. Gregel approached the door and
used the key card he'd been given by Clark, and he swiped the access
panel. It beat and then flashed green, and Gregel began opening the door
slowly and gently. Since he couldn't use both hands, he pulled out the
long bladed knife that had been custom made for him by the Mohawk twins who
rode with the Matanaio. The door opened about six inches and Gregel froze.
He saw a guard coming up the stairs. He wasn't looking up from the
noise. He was alone. Gregel whistled softly and the man looked up with
wide eyes, and with a snap of his wrist, Gregel threw the knife
and it struck the man in the middle of his item's apple. The man's
mouth opened and closed as he tried to scream, but both his vocal cords
and his spinal cord were severed. He fell over backward and landed in a
heap on the next Landing down the stairs and bringing his rifle up quickly,
Gregel began sweeping the stairway and looking down. He didn't see a sign of
anyone coming, and he looked back and he motioned for the others to follow.
As he reached the body, he quickly recovered his knife and wiped the
blood on the dead man's uniform. Murdoch picked up a rock and jammed it
under the bottom edge of the door, blocking it open for the others,
and then he shouldered his weapon and followed Gregel into the stairwell. The rest
of the team began to file by, and when Clark saw the dead man,
inspiration struck. He looked around and found one of the Germans GSG nine
personnel that had been assigned to his team. Stops for We will hide,
said Clark in German, come and see erbite. Hyde came down the last
steps and stood rigidly at attention beside Clark. Jole er meager, said Hyde.
Clark gestured at the body. I have an idea, said Clark.
Do you think you can fit in this man's uniform? He looks to be
close to my size, Sir, said Hyde. I think so. What
about the blood? I don't need you to wear it for long, said
Clark, just long enough to buy his time to get through the fatal tunnel
at the bottom of the staircase. All you need to do is stall them
long enough for us to get in the room. You think you can do
that, I think so, sir, said Hide good, said Clark.
Let's make it happen. While Hide quickly stripped the dead man's clothes and gear,
Clark reached for his radio thunder God to tire. He said, go
ahead, said Murdoch. Hold at the door, said Clark, Do not
enter until I give the word. Copy that, said Murdoch. Once Hyde
had changed, Clark led him down the remaining steps to the metal door.
There was some blood on the front of his uniform, but most of it
was on the back where it had pulled beneath the dead soldier. Hopefully the
Germans wouldn't notice it before they could act. Kneeling, Clark motioned for everyone
to lean in that could. On the other side of this door, whispered
Clark is the underground hanger. There will be close to fifty German troops on
the other side, maybe more. We know the hvts are heading this way
as soon as we breached the perimeter. I've been monitoring the command frequency the
apatche He's still on the air, so we know nothing is lifted yet.
That means that hvts are inside waiting for the chance to escape. They'll be
planning a move soon. They have to know we're closing in on them.
There were solemn nods from the crew. Hide will slip in and distract them,
said Clark. Otherwise we're going to be cut to ribbons when we push
through this doorway. It's a fatal funnel that we can't avoid. Hide.
Once you're through the door, convince them that it's just you, and when
they relax and lower their weapons, hit the deck and cover your ears.
We're going to dump as many flash bangs through the door as we can and
hit the room in force. We need to put down the Germans as fast
as possible to prevent the hvts from boarding the aircraft and fleeing. If they
get clear of the apaches will never find them again. Got it, boss,
said Murdoch. Do not fire on any of the aircraft, caution Clark.
If that aviation fuel go and catches the refueling tanks, everyone in this
end of the compound dies, including us, it'll backflush fire up the tunnels
and kill half our teams. Got you, said Murdoch. Don't shoot the
planes. That would be bad, said Margolin, grinning. But what a
fucking way to go. I mean, in a flash your asses in Valhalla.
Fuck yeah, I'd like to hold off on going to Valhalla for the
foreseeable future, said Clark. Fair enough, boss, said Margoline, sounding
a little disappointed. No shooting the planes, let's go, said Clark.
No mistakes, flash bangs only. We can't afford to cook off those fuel
tanks. Watch your fire, make sure you're not shooting toward the fuel bunker.
Selective fire and judicious marksmanship, folks, Now, let's move. Hide
took the key card from Greygel and nodded solemnly. He walked over to the
door and he swiped it and pulled the door open. Nightd Shebin, he
shouted. Stepping through the door, Clark heard the numerous bolts being pulled and
released. Well send thy Americana, yelled a male voice. We have them
pinned down into man house, replied Hyde. That's good, said the voice.
We have lost communication. Clark listened for the ghost signal. Everyone near
the door had flash bang grenades in their hands, with pins already pulled.
Now, screamed Hide, dropping to the deck whilst he is lost, shouted
a voice. Nine flash bang grenades sailed through the door. Instantly. They
all put their hands over their ears and closed their eyes, looking down and
tucking their chins against their chests. After a moment that felt like an eternity
they heard as much as felt it, the flash bangs began detonating. There
was a colossal bang followed by a nearly blinding flash of flight that they could
see through their tightly closed eyes, and as soon as it cleared, Clark
grabbed his weapon and raced for the door. Now he roared, bursting through
the door and opening fire on the nearest group of Dasorian and German soldiers.
As the rest of the team began pouring through the door, Clark could see
that they were rapidly thinning the Germans, who were still recovering from the effects
of the flashbangs, and in seconds the team had cleared the stairwell and were
taking firing positions behind crates and equipment. Valkyrie and Skald dove behind the crate
near Clark and began scanning the area. Clark glassed around for Henderman and the
others, and he didn't see them. However, what he did see was
highly disturbing. A Junker's Ju fifty two was already taxiing into the launch lanes
of the underground runway. Ahead of it was four Messer Schmidt BF one O
nine's and Clark could see that Henderman was piloting the lead aircraft personally. God
to Asgard, shouted Clark, trying to be heard over the firefight. Troops
in contact, Troops in contact. We've reached checkpoint two. Be advised.
Aircraft are preparing to launch. Say again, aircraft are preparing to launch over
as Guard Control acknowlogists under God said a calm female voice, will advise all
air assets to prepare a warm welcome over. Clark looked at his risk computer
and saw that the apaches were all moving into position over the lake, and
just as they all came around to blockade the launch bay, Clark heard the
captured radio crackle to life. Aligufune shouted a voice that Clark recognized as Henderman
slash Hitler's. Clark felt the ground rumble. Striker leader to base, we're
taking heavy fire, shouted a voice on the command frequency. Striker two two,
two five and two six are down in the lake. We can not
stay here. We've got to the line filled with static and then went dead.
Striker Leader, this is Asgard Control, said the calm female voice.
Can you advise over? There was no reply overwatch to Asgard control, said
another voice, All apaches are down. Say again, all apaches just got
splashed in the fucking lake. We just lost our air support. It's those
goddamn eighty eight millimeter flat guns over fuck Hiss, Clark. They're going to
launch those aircraft cover me. He looked around frantically, and Clark saw that
the team was beginning to push the Germans back and thinning their numbers rapidly.
And below him, the floor of the launch bay was close to thirty feet
down. There were more than a dozen aircraft sitting in alcoves. Most were
transport planes. There were a couple of bombers. Six were fighters, but
only one was sitting pristine. The others were in various states of repair,
and Clark's attention focused on the one perfect fighter. Sitting there waiting for him
was a beautiful P fifty one Mustang, gleaming like the day she had rolled
off the assembly line. It had the original markings in place, and Henderman
was nothing if not a historical purist. It was painted in the pattern of
the Shark squadron, with the mouthful of teeth painted on the nose behind the
propeller Instantly he knew that was their only shot at stopping Henderman, if only
it was full of fuel. Cover me, he shouted, Got you,
shouted Clark. Kodiak, shouted Clark. Kodiak turned and headed toward Clark.
Get me on the deck, said Clark, pointing at the flight deck thirty
feet below. Kodiak nodded and dropped his pack and weapon, and then the
transformation began. It took only seconds as he transformed, and Ray and transformed
beside him, and with the roar, Kodiak scoop Clark up like a child
and stepped off the platform. He hit the deck with a thunderous boom and
sat Clark behind a crate, and when Ray landed beside him, they exchanged
glances and charged directly at a group of Germans that had taken position behind a
large stack of crates. Using the diversion to his advantage, Clark sprinted across
the flight deck to the P fifty one Mustang, firing as he ran,
dropping his pack and body armor and rifle. He grabbed his radio in earpiece,
and then he scrambled up the short ladder and climbed into the cockpit,
pulling the aluminum ladder from the side. He tossed it clear the landing gear
and slid the canopy shut. Come on, baby, he said, beginning
the startup sequence. There was a wine as the engine began turning over,
and then a pop as the cylinders and gaged. He feathered the fuel and
choked, bringing the engine fully to life. Moments later, the engine was
running smoothly and slowly, coming up to temperature, and checking his gauges,
he saw that he had a full tank. Fuck yeah, he said,
slipping his earpiece back into his ear and clipping the radio onto his belt.
He began to taxi out of the alcove and toward the launched lanes, and
as he was approaching, he saw Henderman go to full power and race down
the runway. Immediately after Henderman, the other fighters left one by one.
The JU fifty two was the last to lift. It was a transport,
and Clark knew that the other members of Henderman's inner circle would be on board.
Irwin Rommel, Wilhelm Kanaris, Martin Borman, and Carl Donnitz, and
possibly others were on that plane, and Clark knew he couldn't let them all
escape. Justice was going to find them, and he was going to make
sure it was going to happen today. As he began increasing speed toward the
launch lanes, he glanced through the canopy and waved at Valkyrie and Vindicator,
who were watching him from the platform. Please tell me he's not married,
said Vindicator, watching him speed away. He is, replied Valkyrie, cocking
her head slightly to the side as she saw Clark adjusting his controls. It's
too bad, said Vindicator. Get in line, said Valkyrie, as Clark
throttled up and raced down the runway. He can fly a plane from World
War Two, said Vindicator. That is incredible. You should hear him play
the piano, said Valkyrie. Click the video on your screen for the next
part of this audio book. This has been cod named Wild Hunt, Operation
Blood Eagle. Written by Da Roberts, Read to you by Cameron Buckner.
Print copyright by Da Roberts. Audio production copyright by Cameron Buckner. Reproduction of
this audio is prohibited in any form without written approval under the US copyright laws.
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