Shadows of Reform (Probably being edited)

Chapter Seven

Despite the widely believed theory that Debts were actually worthless in general, they were highly sought after by those who knew the true value of the shiny, bluish-black metal. Strange, according to scientists, as the material used was not known to the world prior to the Events. Tentinium, they called it. Such an astounding mineral, composed after the shift in magnetic poles caused a molecular switch-up in the planet's crust, and was now used in everything from weaponry to building supplies. There was nothing more valuable than this new, and seemingly limitless, piece of metal.

Jason returned the mission summary to his breast pocket. It appeared that his team would be sent to secure the mines around the city of Edging, while Ryan and his team secured the other town of Whitly, across the river. Already, as they sped across the endless desert, Jason could smell the acrid smoke and dust emanating from the pits. His rifle was built to fire projectiles made of the same material he was going to defend. With the bullets he had, he could make about... ten Debts. Not that that would matter on the battlefield, but Jason liked to train himself in such matters. They also happened to be about fifty six miles away from home right now, so Jason felt just a bit out of place.

"Hey buddy, you think you've got what it takes to handle a couple o' rebels? I know I do!" The man next to him was just trying to get some encouragement in before they arrived. Jason did not reply, instead he chose to sit silent as the others joined in a chant, simple and short.

"Strike fast, strike hard, let the bullets fly!" Jason knew these men would be hard to control. He wanted the Order as dead as they did, but revenge must be served with caution, with patience and cunning. And passion, of course.

Jason definitely had the passion.

"Be patient. We will have our chance." The others looked at him as if he had just appeared.

"So you're saying you would rather let Ryan take them out, 'stead of us?" The rest of the team grumbled in agreement.

"No such thing. But charging forward without surveying the land before you is the definition of stupidity. You men are not stupid, yes?" The soldiers nodded. "Then we wait."

The transport arrived at the city gates. They were large, much taller than that of the capitol, with small spires jutting out from the top in places. What looked to be a strong defense turned out to be nothing more than metal walls held up by wood supports, which Jason witnessed upon entering through the gates.

"A false hope, then."

"What?" the oldest of the team, Reynold, was more alert than the rest, likely a property of being in battle before.

"Nothing. Just don't expect to use the walls to defend this wretched place."

"Affirmative."

The BASOP, abbreviated for Base of Operations, was directly ahead. Jason looked out the back of the canvassed vehicle, watching as many looked on in awe. Most had never even seen a moving vehicle, let alone one this big. He could see the children crowded around the moving machine, getting as close as they could without touching it. One of the kids, a bit older than the others, and obviously their leader, reached just an inch closer, touching the back rail. The truck bucked, and the children ran, screaming. Jason chuckled, for a moment. Then they entered inside the BASOP, and it was back to business.

Instantly Jason returned to his leader role, and began barking orders. There were a few things that were required to set up once they arrived, including setting up the main radio, and the armory. The weapons were stored in crates near the middle of the transport, for ease of access. Jason walked with the two heavyset men who were carrying the boxes, and had them set the crates down near the shed.

"You two begin guard duty. Your weaponry will be over shortly." The soldiers left him alone with the containers. Jason used his knife to pry off the lid of the first, and found ten MA-36 blast rifles. The blast rifle was quite important, designed by Standard, of course, since they supplied all Reform equipment. Standard was practically a label for anything the Reform used. The stock was a bit light, as it was hollowed out. The front was top heavy, which he realized had been designed to help reduce recoil.

The second crate contained extra items, explosive charges, a couple handguns, and some additional communicators. Since Jason was the only Agent among these soldiers, he was the only one who was allowed choice of armament. Even if it meant his rusty old Hi-power and the Pincer.

"Jason! Come listen to this!" the voice came from behind him. He put the crates aside, and walked over to the source of the commotion. The radio had been started up, and they were receiving some strange information.

"What is it?"

"Some sort of... message is coming through. I can't hear all of it, but it sounds like an attack is being directed our way!"

That was enough to send Jason into a whirlwind of activity. The eleven of them were going to have to be enough. There were other Security groups, of course, but they were more for guarding the camp than actual defense. For show.

"Make ready! The gates need to be sealed now! Nobody in or out! Let's go! Get everyone out of the mines and to shelter! NOW!" Jason pulled the Pincer from his back, and made sure his nine millimeter was loaded to capacity. It carried ten rounds in the magazine, and one in the chamber. He was ready.

"Sir! The rebels are advancing from the mines!" The south wall. Jason directed the two heavyset men toward the main gate. They charged forward, already brandishing the shiny new MA-36s.

The rest of the forces were making their way to the advancing rebels. Jason shoved his way through the conglomerate of miners and civilians rushing away from the fight that was about to begin. Some of the men were trying to run, but they were unhealthy looking, and stopped every few seconds to cough. One of them dropped to the floor as Jason raced by, dead. There was little space for remorse now, as the battle ahead was in full swing. Jason ensured the scope of the rifle was sighted correctly, and then continued forward. The main wall around the fighting came crashing down on the nearby houses.

"Looks like my hunch was correct." Jason spotted the first rebel to step onto the wall, and fired. The hammer came down on the ignition of the weapon, causing an ounce of metal to sling itself out of the barrel, careening towards the target. Upon impact, the slug vaporized, flinging shrapnel into the body. Jason watched as the Order trooper's head exploded in a shower of metal and blood. But there were more. Jason maintained fire, popping off rounds downrange to the enemy. The other soldiers were busy taking care of the buggies and vehicles that appeared to be attacking the main gate. The 'special' soldiers were attacking him, then.

"Not very special, then." Jason advanced forward as he continued. They seemed not to know where he was firing from. So it surprised him to see a grenade roll down the street towards him. He dove out of the way, and climbed onto the roof of a shack to keep his attacks coming from everywhere. Jason threw an explosive of his own out, and waited for the charge to blow. After the ensuing blast, he dove in. No one expected him to move in closer, which he enjoyed doing. The look of disbelief as he rammed the bayonet through one opponent was enough to push him to kill again. And again, and again...

Jason realized he was alone now. The remaining soldiers were retreating. He walked away from the men as readily as he had run towards them. The men around him now were his own, and he knew what they wanted. Jason wanted that too.

"Tomorrow, we head for their camp. They obviously live close by, so we will move in without support."

This time, he joined in the cheer.

"Strike fast, strike hard, let the bullets fly!"