Lanna's War

39

Lanna called for help in spite of Jer's wisdom. Her squad was effectively crippled and an Atrayean army was massing to the west.

"Repeat. Sector 7, Parcel 88, Grid G-89. Over."

We have you at Sector 7, Parcel 88, Grid G-89. Confirm. Over.

"Affirmative. Need air retrieval immediately. Over."

Lieutenant, your position is deep behind enemy lines. Air retrieval is not possible. Keep moving. We'll send reinforcements. Out.

She nearly missed her pocket as she slipped the radio in. She thought for a moment about what to do, but quickly realized there was only one option.

"Keep moving! C'mon!" She yelled to the group.

As they ran, Lanna couldn't keep her mind off her strange panic attack. She had never been debilitated like it before and wasn't sure why it happened. The worst part was it prevented her from saving Bryce.

"I see three transports. They have Lunar markings!" Jer shouted.

Two land cruisers and one large truck pulled within twenty paces of her crippled force. Martin and Prizada, who was armed with a rifle, hopped out of a cruiser. They also brought a dozen Lunar soldiers.

Jer helped Hart limp to one of the cruisers. Martin debriefed with him quickly then told him to accompany Hart back to Last Fjord.

"Kuzzins, you look exhausted." Lanna said after noticing his fatigued demeanor. "You and Tanis go to the rally point. Help Norland and Odenkirk." Lanna ordered.

"I want to come with you." Tanis stated.

"Help them instead." She insisted, dismissing her.

Martin and Prizada approached.

"Where's this enemy army, Lanna?" Martin asked.

"Fifteen kilometres to the West. They landed next to the Lang compound."

"Take us as close as you can. Let's hope they aren't heading to your farm." He replied. The soldiers hopped back into their truck, as did Martin and Prizada. Lanna turned to Tanis.

"We're heading back to the enemy compound. The likelihood of us seeing action again is high. Are you sure you want to come?" Tanis looked tense but nodded.

"I'm sure."

"Alright then." Lanna and Tanis followed Martin.

"I'm coming too." Kuzzins said, appearing from behind. Lanna studied him.

"Okay, join the party." She said, not bothering to resist their help anymore.

Lanna entered the cruiser and sat behind Martin who was in the driver's seat.
He hit the accelerator and the vehicle jolted forward.

Lanna kept Martin on course through the muddy roads. Twenty minutes into the bumpy drive, Martin asked Lanna,

"Where's your brother?" Lanna sighed.

"The Langs took him."