Flame Rider II: Rise of Chaos

Planning for the Worst

I jogged towards the hovercraft that was sitting in the middle of the airfield. It was one of the few that had been repainted with a non-regulation colour scheme, as it had the red flames on a night-black background that was most commonly known as Shadowflame black and red.

I jumped into the seat that was closest to the cockpit, as I had been trained to do. Monster was standing outside, making sure that everyone was present and accounted for.

“First in, last out ladies,” the Hungarian shouted, “Keep your head between your legs, and be ready to kiss your ass goodbye.”

Price sat down opposite me, and hefted her F16 Assault Rifle. I started to check my own equipment, making sure that the squad’s explosives were all placed in the correct spots. I then started to check the flamethrower that had been issued to me.

“All units, all units, this is command,” a voice stated over the com-link that was in my ear, “Here’s the sit-rep. enemy forces are advancing up from the beachheads. Light infantry have engaged, but are being pushed back.

“We have civilians stuck behind enemy lines, I repeat; friendlies are being stranded behind enemy lines. We are not evacuating fast enough, I say again, we are not evacuating fast enough. Command out.”

“Son of a bitch,” Stephen swore, looking out the front view screen.

I looked out front, and saw several ‘meteorites’ falling into the harbour. When they impacted with the water, large plumes of smoke went flying into the air. I watched as three of the rocky objects smashed into several of the skyscrapers that dominated Wellington City, one of them even destroying the ancient Westpac Stadium.

“How the hell are we gonna to get anywhere in that mess?” I asked.

“I don’t know Chaos,” Monster stated, “But keep your head together, and watch each other’s backs and we will be fine.”

I groaned as I realised that I might not make it out of this particular battle.

*-*-*-*

I jumped out of the Hovercraft, being the third one to the exit of our trusty transport. I landed on the ground, and started to jog across the hard tarmac, towards a command and control centre that had been set up within one of the many hangers that occupied Lower Hutt Air Force Base.

When I got there I noticed that several of the Marines that were inside had taken a step away from me. I shrugged it off as part of the rumours that had been going round the past year that we members of Shadowflame could, and would, snap anyone in half if they gave us grief.

*-*-*-*

I was standing with the other members of two-five’s first platoon, as we waited for our orders. All eleven members of Shadowflame were inside as well, and it seemed that they were getting their orders at the same time.

“Alright here’s the situation as it stands,” a Colonel stated, “We have managed to set up a defensive line from Island Bay to Kilbirnie. The enemy has advanced through Lyall Bay, but our artillery at Petone has been able to hold them back for now.

“Lima Company, you’re stationed at Houghton Bay, Foxtrot Company, you’re at South Gate, second company, you’re at Kilbirnie, and Oscar Company, you’re at Melrose. Major Corner.”

I snapped my head up, looking directly at the Colonel’s face.

“I want you to take First Platoon and a SAW,” The Colonel ordered, “Break off from the main defence, and head towards Wellington Airport. Once there, proceed along Broadway, until you get to the Airport Motor Lodge.”