The Pacific Storm Conflict

The Colonel's Escape - Chapter 17 - Middle of Nowhere

Ch.17 – Middle of nowhere

Two days passed since the five vehicles crossed I-5. Ever since that time, the aliens worked tirelessly to drive as far out as they possibly could. Water was dwindling, rations were meager, and things didn't seem good. Now, they were driving in the arid regions of Oregon. A good thing was the lack of humans, and the Aliens loved that. The vehicles drove in a V formation, and behind, dust flew out of the wheels.

"And so, that's why I don't miss her." The Sythian soldier sitting on the passenger seat of the SL234 truck said to Cpl. Raesan.

"Not the worst thing I've ever heard." Cpl. Raesan said as he drove the truck over some bushes, which made the truck jump up.

"Damn, these things are just as worse as the bushes in the Sythian Highlands." The soldier laughed.

"Yeah, let's hope I didn't bust a tire there. Heh, we'd be fucked."

As the vehicles drove through the noon sunlight, Colonel Ousib got a message as he peeked out of the leading Sythian APC. The dust covered his face, and he was dirty as ever. Col. Ousib got the radio out and looked forward as he pressed the button.

"What is it, Arrow?" The Colonel asked.

"Fuel is running low. I bet we only have 50 klicks left before it dies." Lt. Hylogys said. "What do we do?"

"Ok, wait one." The Colonel switched to all channels. "All units, do we have an engineer who uses mines?"

"Ah! I am!" a soldier said. "Part of the second squad of the second platoon."

"What mines?" The colonel asked.

"I have some bounding and anti-personnel mines with me."

"Ok. When Arrow stops, we'll rest and you will plant mines all around the tank. Be sure to mark them for later."

"Yes, sir."

An hour later, Sgt. Quno looked at the gauges as the engine overheated and the fuel gauge was almost empty. He pushed the two control sticks as far forth as he could, but the engine began to sputter, and a few seconds later, it slowed down to a halt.

"Bingo fuel... whatever that means." Sgt. Quno said as he tried to push the control sticks forward.

"Guess this beast is gone." Lt. Hylogys groaned. "Let's get out."

As the tank crew got out, they saw the rest of the vehicles halt just in front of them, and a man ran out from the AWFT-4 Lancer. It was an Iatici soldier, who had a sack on him. He ran towards the crew, as Lt. Hylogys helped Cpl. Bissno out, being careful not to touch his wounds.

"Hey! I'm here to plant mines all over here!" The soldier said as he shielded his face against the sun. "Anything you need before I start?"

"Mines? Wait, give me a moment! I have something to help." The Lieutenant smiled devilishly as he got down into the tank.

The Lieutenant got out a High Explosive energy shell out and got out of the tank carrying it. When he hopped down on the sand, he walked by an open area, and dug the black-colored shell casing into the sand.

"Ok." Lt. Hylogys looked at the soldier. "Put a mine by the shell. It'll make a massive explosion!"

"Ha! Can't wait." The Iatici soldier said as he approached the shell.