THE IRON SHIELD

Chapter XXXIV

XXXIV

The squadron turned around to make another pass at the ever growing army that Jones had sent from Central Park. Since they were stealth tanks and possibly other stealth technology on the other vehicles, cyborgs, and soldiers they were invisible to radar and were not visible due to the trees in the park. Rowe led the squadron by flying low between the buildings. He aimed his weapons and prepared to fire.

The tanks, cyborgs, and soldiers were then distracted by the squadron coming in low after them. They began to concentrate all of their fire on the jets. Lowes plane was struck and he immediately ejected. He flew high and deployed his parachute. He landed on a building overlooking the enemy. He watched in horror as the jets in his squadron were being taken down before they could even deliver their payload. Three of the jets managed to drop a few bombs that destroyed a couple tanks, several cyborgs and soldiers. The rest of the squadron was shot down and not a single pilot was able to eject. All the jets crashed into the street below them. A few of the pilots managed to guide their planes to crash into the enemy. Rowe made his way from the roof down through the building to get back to the Knights.

While the jets were being shot down, Powell and Kruger arrived in the Suburban behind the Knights. The Knights were awestruck at the sight of only the two of them. Kruger and Powell shook their heads while the Knights hung their heads in silence. Two more of them were dead. "Was it him?" asked Eckhart. Kruger nodded his head as he leaned on the Suburban for stability. Eckhart was now in a fit of rage. It was then that a shot came from the roof from a building in the north. The bullet took off Grant's right arm. It was torn away at the elbow. He wrenched in pain and grabbed the joint. Scheider ran over to him and tore part of his shirt away and began to wrap it tight around the joint. Blood soaked the shirt, but the blood flow was slowed to a stop. The Knights took cover behind the wreckage of the X9 to avoid anymore stray shots from Skullcrusher. Eckhart knew what he had to do.

The Knights were five men down, three were injured, and they were running low on ammunition. Two-thirds of the army in front of them still stood before them. It would be suicide to keep fighting like this. All of them would be killed and Eckhart would be the only one alive to deal with the defeat. All of their dog tags would hang in the conference room at Phoenix and their bodies would be displayed as trophies for Jones. Eckhart made a decision and he made it quick. "I'm making an executive decision," said Eckhart. The Knights all looked at him. Rowe arrived and he too caught what Eckhart had just said. He also took cover behind the X9 with the others.

"We are five men down, three of us are inured, and we are low on ammo. If we stay, we all will die. You're retreating and heading back to base," said Eckhart as he removed his helmet so they could see his face.

"What about you?" asked Shorrock.

"I'm staying to finish this."

"We're a team," said Scheider.

"I am not going to let you stay here and die before my eyes when I can save you all right now before anymore of you die. I'm saying this as a friend and your commander." The Knights knew Eckhart was right. They respected his decision and obeyed his command. The Knights got up and made their way into the stealth plane. Eckhart provided cover for them to get inside. Powell helped Kruger inside. Scheider carried Grant inside. Allen and Shorrock carried Shark and Nantz's bodies into the plane as well. Rowe helped Patton as well. The Knights made it inside. They assured Eckhart that the launch had been not only deactivated, but also self destructed. Eckhart understood. "Thank you," said Patton.