The General drew his last breath of this forsaken planet. He took in the foul stench of the Jungle around him and turned back onto the Storm gunboat. The cargo bay door shut and he slumped down onto one the benches and strapped himself in. Glancing right and left, he noticed that very few men had made it out alive. The gunboat's engines powered up and it roared up back into space. He tapped the communications piece in his ear.
"Mission report. Target eliminated. Hostile base eliminated. 70% causalities. New combat armour has lower effectiveness against massed enemy fire. Recommend termination of lead scientist on said project. End of report."
The failings of the newer technologies being implemented were obvious. In it's hurry to expand, the Coalition was cutting corners. Since he took on the role as a General to the Marines - It was paining to see the contempt those in power had for them. Seemingly a man in the cockpit was more important than a man on the ground.
The gunboat drew along side the Trotsky class destroyer. General Xu and the men remaining in Detachment 47 would no doubt be hurriedly debriefed by the Major General in charge of the entire Coalition Marine Corps. Following the debriefing would no doubt be another suicide mission to another base the Corsairs were building. It was then that Xu's mind sharpened. The airlock opened onto the Kronstadt, the ageing Command hub of the Marines. A Lieutenant appeared before him.
"Congratulations on another successful assault General. Major General Dubujik will see you in his stateroom." "I'm sure he will." He grinned at the Lieutenant. "I think the General would be most gracious to allow the heroes of D47 to personally honour him for this victory. Would he not?" Fear struck the heart of the Lieutenant. "Such.. honour.. would..." "Out of the way. We can't keep the General waiting now, can we?"
As one, the six men left of D47 followed Xu to the elevator. No words were spoken, simple nods sufficed. As the elevator rose from the airlock to the CIC - Xu looked at the men and knew that they were with him. He raised his assault rifle, the squad raised theirs at the same time. The door opened and they charged forward into the CIC.
"Make no move, make no sound, drop your weapons! Where is the Major General!?"
The squad was greeted by silence as the terrified watch standers pointed at the stateroom. Xu pointed to four of his squad to watch over the operators and watch standers. The marines guarding the CIC dropped their weapons and smirked at their fellow men. Xu opened the door of the stateroom.
"Ahh Xu, well timed - I'm currently on the line to the Premier. Would you like... wait.. Why are you armed.. Why are..."
Two gunshots followed, hitting either side of the Major General's heart.
"I'm glad you saw that Premier Katz. The man was a fool. Incompetent, lazy and had a complete disregard for the men under his control. I will change that, should you approve. If not, I gladly turn myself in to the marines of this ship."
The General settled into his command chair on the Kronstadt. Watch standers busied themselves with minor tasks, daring not to look directly at the new self-appointed Major General. A Sub-Lieutenant produced a report, which Xu studied and stared at intently.
"I require an urgent, secure transmission to Commissar Litvenko, direct the channel into my stateroom."
Even a secure transmission could be monitored and intercepted, so he would keep this brief.
The image that greeted him was of a rough looking officer, one whom had seen far too much action and had not a lot of sleep, ever.
"Commissar. We have a problem. I have a high ranking officer who has.. detracted.. from his duties. I require his urgent.. location.. and swift.. extraction.. I trust I make myself clear?"
Litvenko accepted the communication request and stared at the man demanding his attention.
I'll be right there, General. There are resources I need that only you can provide. I will have the required orders when I arrive.
Litvenko stood up, adjusted his uniform and stepped out of the door. The Commissariat facility on Zvestapol was small but had everything he needed. He entered an office and handed over a small data crystal to the dour looking woman there. Minutes later he exited with two simple black envelopes.
Hours later, Litvenko arrived on the Krondstadt, avoiding the jarheads playing games in the docking bay, his shuttle had nearly crushed two when it made its docking sequence. Litvenko disembarked to be met by two marines in dress uniform. They escorted him to the General's presence.
Commisar Captain Litvenko, reporting as requested.
Litvenko handed over one of the black envelopes.
Inside are the requisite orders from His Watchful Eye. Ten Marines, five of your best, all of whom will be expected to survive, five of your worst, expendable. Emminently expendable.
Litvenko waited for the General's reply.
Saint Del is considered a holy healer of diseases of children, but also as a protector of cattle.
The General gazed briefly at the envelope in his hand. He wondered what was in the other, but deemed that to be too much information.
"Very well Commissar. I will have the remains of my old detachment - D47 - to accompany you. I believe you will also require the men of D29. A mishmash unit of leftovers from the previous command. Excellent grunts."
He leaned over to whisper.
"You must be aware, The Premier must hear none of this. There are too many factors to go wrong here. Especially with the involvement of Liberty."
Litvenko smiled. All according to plan so far. Not that he suspected the General was stupid, more that the General was merely ignorant of the full scope here.
My job involves keeping the Premier's conscince clear General, I do not intend to fail in that task.
Litvenko smiled again.
As for your ship, I asked for ten marines, not all of them.
Litvenko turned and walked out. Heading to the Warrant Officer's office he turned over the General's orders.
I need these Marines available inside the hour, His Watchful Eye does not expect to be kept waiting.
An hour later Litvenko boarded his shuttle. Ten Marines waited for him aboard. Ten of the finest fighting men the Coalition had to offer, in the latest armour from that mad fool Xaoi Bei's laboratories. Well Litvenko hoped it would work for at least five of them.
Your orders will be given to you when we reach our destination. You will be split into two teanms, Neither team will be aware of the other's actions, this is to prevent leaks. This mission is of the utmost importance. You serve the Ikon. And you will serve him well.
Litvenko sat down, the trip to the Radek would take some time.
Saint Del is considered a holy healer of diseases of children, but also as a protector of cattle.