The Red Leopards of Zaxon B (Galaxies Collide Book 2)

by McGregor, Andrew

  Debra’s gaze followed her outstretched arm, seeing the few remaining Trevakian marines fleeing towards them, their bodies lowered in fear. Snowflakes billowed across the airstrip, the dark grey clouds gathering overhead as the running soldiers zig-zagged, their combat uniforms responding to their heightened body symptoms with adrenalin.

  Shrieks of hatred echoed across the terrain, Debra straining her eyes as she heard the metal legs of the mechanical walkers, the smooth sloped steel emerging over the brow of the slope in the distance as camouflaged Morgon grenadiers ran to the rock edges. As the upper hull of the walker emerged, glows forming on the front guns, the airport supervisor’ visor flashing and glowing red in warning alarm as she stared at the running marines coming towards their position.

  The armoured helmets of the Morgon gunners moved from side to side, tongues slipping across scaled lips in anticipation as they viewed the fleeing enemy soldiers below on the track. The gun muzzles glowed red hot, automatic targeting choosing the first victims as the barrels began to spin, sparks shooting across the length of the guns.

  Debra gasped as the intense light shot outwards, the first two running marines simply disintegrating as the high powered energy swept through their bodies. Several of the runners glanced back in terror, their pace increasing in desperation as the upper hull of the walker shunted round, the guns belching again as a further two bodies shattered and collapsed downwards, dark blood spurting to the sides and across the rocks.

  Riaz screamed in hatred, bullets flying from his assault rifle as he fired in bursts beyond the frantic Trevakians. Shino dropped to her knees, raising her weapon, the rifle juddering as she squeezed the trigger, bullets splattering across the rocks at the top of the track as the Morgon grenadiers ducked back into cover. Debra Hardie threw her body to the ground, the rifle rising in her hand as the darkened walker emerged further, her bullets sparking off the upper hull, the gunners instinctively lowering below their armoured plate.

  The forward lasers shot again, static and steam spurting from the barrels as two more Trevakian bodies disintegrated on the track, one corpse’s limbs shooting outwards as they separated from the running body, the intense heat and energy tearing through the protective uniform and flesh. Melted shoulder armour and bloodied body parts fell to the snow covered track, Shino shrieking in despair as she fired again at the rocks, emptying the ammunition clip. Shaking in terror she fell backwards, her body jolting uncontrollably in shock as Riaz fired next to her.

  Debra’s visor glowed intense red, the top of another walker emerging behind the first as the remaining Trevakians sped past, throwing themselves against the rocks, another body disintegrating as laser beams shot past. Blood splattered across Debra, her body beginning to tremble in almost overpowering shock as the walker stepped over the rise, the large armoured metal feet crushing a body beneath the steel, the corpse exploding outwards under the immense downward pressure.

  Bullets zipped past them from behind, numerous Trevakian marines regrouping and forming a desperate defensive line. The intense laser lights shot past, shattering rock and bodies behind, the return bullets sparking off the armoured plate as Debra struggled sideways in fear, Shino grasping the back of her uniform and half dragging the supervisor’s body towards safety.

  Riaz’s weapon clicked empty, a squeal of frustration emanating from his lips as he snatched another clip from his belt, slamming it into the rifle, the muzzle flashing once more. The second walker’s muzzles began to glow, Riaz screaming his frustration through a red visor as explosions shook the rocks above, showering them in debris. Morgon mortars now firing on their pinned prey, the only retreat and escape exposing anyone who ran into deadly accurate fire.

  Their body armour inflated automatically, attempting to protect the user from harm, the suits pressed to their maximum usage. The first walker advancing down the snow covered track as bullets sparked and ricocheted against the upper hull and mechanical legs, the laser muzzles glowing once more as the targeting system engaged. Morgon camouflaged grenadiers and black armoured infantry emerged, advancing cautiously behind the second walker as another came into view behind, its acid guns dripping from eliminating any final remaining Trevakian resistance in the mining colony behind.

  Muzzle flashes swept across Riaz’s visor, the dense protective plastic glowing and flashing red as his body shook, his mind blocking the excruciating pain in his muscles and shoulders as the walker clamped its heavy metal and polymer feet down onto the snow and dirt further up the track. Explosions rocked the terrain, the mortar rounds flying in towards the beleaguered defenders as they fired desperately up the slope. A couple of the Morgon infantry fell, bullets piercing between their advanced body armour as Silakian infantry surged in behind, using their allies and walkers as cover.

  Debra Hardie shook her head in despondent defeat, turning to Shino as the walker crunched a skull beneath its armoured feet, the sickening sound resounding around the defenders. Shrieks poured across the enclosed landscape as the Morgons closed on their prey, the desire for blood and skulls urging their thirst and scaled bodies forward as they spread across the airstrip, dropping to fire on the isolated defenders.

  Electronic and mechanical screams suddenly filled the air, the defenders ducking instinctively in fear as their heads spun upwards. Eyes widened as the shimmering objects swept over the rocks and barren low trees behind them, Tregan dropping to one knee next to Shino, his rifle muzzle flashing as the weapon bucked in his hands.

  The silver objects flew overhead, swooping toward the Morgon infantry and walkers as the Trevakian drones sought out their prey, two flying directly at the high armoured vehicles. The explosion rocked the first high walker, the mechanical beast shuddering as the flash exploded across the terrain, one crew member beheaded by the high velocity shrapnel from the exploding vehicle as the other ducked down. The second explosion caused the mechanical legs to buckle, the upper body collapsing downwards as the supports gave way, the armoured piercing detonation slicing through the command optics, blue lubricating liquid spurting outwards as the heavily armoured vehicle lost power. The upper crew console crashed onto the track, the machine shattering upon impact as the surviving Morgon leapt from the wreckage.

  Short laser blasts shot across the snow covered landscape as the drones fired on the enemy infantry, several bodies collapsing as the intensely powered heat seared through their armour. The numerous drones swept across the terrain, circling and firing on the armoured Morgon infantry below. Pulsing flares rose majestically into the air from beyond the brow of the track, the countermeasure beginning to confuse the targeting systems of any drones that flew too close.

  As rockets swept upwards, explosions ripped against the furthest drones, the small craft crashing from the skies. Tregan lifted his weapon, slapping Shino next to him, shouting at the three of them, ‘Time to move back…the Red Leopards are about four clicks behind us…we need to get away! These drones were sent to delay, not stop the Morgons!’

  Two more of the small flying armoured craft crashed to the snow, the remaining five circling and firing down as more flares rose into the sky. Riaz scrambled upwards, pushing Debra before him as Tregan pulled Shino, the four running as the remaining marines sprinted south, their boots twitching against their feet as the soles reacted to the colder and icier terrain, maximising grip.

  Bullets flew past them, Riaz’s eyes widening as he glimpsed the muzzle flashes ahead, Captain Dugachard standing upright at the next set of rocks near the base of the airfield with six marines, their assault rifles firing back up the slope either side of them. The four sprinted forward as explosions rocked the terrain behind, the remaining drones falling from the sky. The second walker staggered, one of its legs buckling as the last drone smashed against the steel outer armour, detonating on impact. The remaining walker at the top of the slope slowed, its crew awaiting the acid cannons to automatically reload, fearful of advancing without firepower. The Silakians and remaining Morgon grenadiers and in
fantry rose up, their shrieks of hatred spurring the four breathless figures on further as mortar shells burst behind them, directly on the position they had vacated.

  Nearing the Trevakian captain, Shino realised the female officer was splattered in blood, her visor cracked and uniform dirt laden. As they passed, Captain Dugachard shouted for her soldiers to withdraw, shrieks on the airfield indicating the Morgons and their allies were commencing their pursuit. Bullets cracked against the rocks behind them, their heaving bodies surging past the obstructions as they pushed harder, the combat uniforms adjusting to help their tired frames continue.

  The track slowly turned to the left, the jagged rocks now beginning to cover their retreat. Running through low and broken bare trees, the snowflakes flurried and blew around them, the wind rising and whistling as they progressed. The narrow rough snow blanketed road began to wind through the barren forest, the rocks rising vertically and high around them. Crystallised leaves and bushes lining their route as the temperature dropped further, their exhaled breath beginning to form in clouds and swirl as the running bodies broke through.

  Tregan shouted encouragement, his head spinning round towards the rock opening behind as bullets ricocheted off the frosted surfaces. Captain Dugachard pushed her soldiers forward behind them, grasping one as he fell forward, a bullet cracking into his shoulder armour. Riaz slowed, turning and dropping back to help the Trevakian as the commander struggled to keep him upright, grasping the injured soldier’s uniform as blood wept from the wound, the soldier groaning in pain as his legs sagged.

  The Asian stumbled, wincing, the soldier’s weight off-balancing him as they struggled forward, Captain Dugachard glancing round in fear as they fell behind the others. Shrieks of anger filled the woods, the Morgon pursuers gaining on them as the armoured infantry approached the opening in the rocks.

  Ahead, Shino fell to her knees, the cracking of splintering wood to their right causing her to jump, her panicked body scrambling from the track to the left. Debra followed as two Trevakian marines ran past, their bodies lowered as explosions whipped through the air above.

  More shrill cracks and splintering sounds followed, the barren and freezing wood shattering as heavy overwhelming force was applied to the exterior of the virtually petrified wood, the oxygen starved trees succumbing to the elements some months previously.

  Shino scrambled behind an iced tree, her exhaled breath hanging in a cloud as she raised the assault rifle, her combat suit thickening and hugging her petit frame tighter in attempts to protect the Philippine against the elements as it senses her follicles shiver. Staring out as Debra dropped to her knees next to her, Shino noticed the low freezing mist beginning to curl round the petrified tree trunks, her eyes straining as he attempted to penetrate the shroud.

  She gasped, seeing a couple of silhouettes in the thickening mist, her breath held as she hissed, ‘They are behind us!’

  Debra winced, urgently beckoning Riaz towards them as he, the three neared, the Asian officer dragging the wounded man and Captain Dugachard towards the two lowered figures. Shino stared out, her body stiffening as Debra readied to fire next to her. Shrieks filled their ears, the Philippine rising slightly as the first figure became clearer through the rising mist, the cloud swirling around the silhouette.

  The Trevakian gradually emerged from the cloud of frozen fog, the body encased in armour, the shoulder and main frame moulded around the physical shape for ease of movement. The shoulder plates were complimented with chest and torso moulded bubbled polymer, bright red piping surrounding the contours of the hardened protective screen. The helmet differed from their own, lowered and overlapping the neck and angled outwards at the base, the camouflage transforming as it emerged into the dim light.

  The cracking of the trees intensified, causing the defenders to stiffen as two massive armoured hulks broke through the frozen shroud, the tracked tanks crushed anything before them. Long muzzled high calibre guns probed forward as the armoured vehicles smashed everything before them, more trunks and frozen ferns and vegetation crushed under the wide tracks as the lumbering metal and alloy beasts advanced.

  The angled hulls pushed the crippled tree trunks down, crushing them under their tracks, splinters sweeping out to either side as they advanced behind the three armoured figures before them. Long gun barrels thrust forward as the tanks smashed through the petrified trees, splintering bark ground further under the wide resin tracks, the hulks shattering any foliage and wood obstructions. Shino’s eyes widened, her breath held as her arm rose to point, her mind seeming to recognise the hard metal outlines behind the shadowed silhouettes, her voice hushed in utter shock, ‘My god…Tigers?’

  Debra squinted into the mirk, taking in the spectacles and glancing at the Philippine, ‘What do you mean?’ They ducked instinctively as the lead tank fired through the gap in the rocks ahead, the deep bark of sound resonating across the woods as flames and smoke belched from the barrel muzzle, the shell sweeping forward, the explosion rocking the terrain.

  Shino spun round in exasperation, her face curling in confusion, an exhaled breath forced from a trembling chest as more trees cracked and collapsed behind, ‘They are very angular, similar to the tanks we have on earth!’ She glanced at Tregan inquisitively, ‘Are these the Red Leopards?

  The Trevakian nodded, indicating to the lead soldier, ‘That will be one of their officers…once the tanks and infantry have moved up, we should have a briefing with him.’

  Riaz stared as numerous silhouettes then figures emerged behind the tanks through the mist, their bubbled and red lined armour similar to the lead officer.

  Chapter Three: Alexion One Space Station

  Admiral Shadian grimaced as he stared across the three dimensional holographic display, the planet’s surface glinting as small dots flew across it above the console, the fighter battle below intensifying above Trevakian held areas. He leant forward across the wide desk, running a hand nervously through his hair as he pointed to the two flickering enemy warships, his voice low with anticipation, ‘How long before they engage us?’

  The station shuddered as the massive upper guns fired out, their laser projectiles sweeping towards the oncoming enemy craft. His first officer looked up, wide eyed, ‘A matter of minutes Sir…they are advancing slowly…I suspect they are attempting to try and understand our capability.’

  The Admiral straightened, shaking his head in frustration, ‘We need more support or they will overwhelm us…the only thing on our side is their lack of knowledge of this station…’ He licked his lips nervously, straightening his cap as he glanced across the bridge, the increasingly alarmed operators and crew members staring intently at their screens and electronic boards as their hands nervously ran across the surfaces.

  The commander looked round, seeing his communications officer enter the bridge and indicating to him, ‘I want the heavy laser guns in Morasat brought on line immediately…targeting these Morgon vessels…with them and the station we may give them a sense that they might not win…or at least convey doubt!’

  He spun round, staring defiantly at his first officer, ‘Full shields…the guns fire continuously…all weapons target the warships.’ His eyes lightened, ‘The heavy bombers we had…how long before they are operational and ready to fly?’

  The first officer shook his head despondently, ‘We transferred the pilots into fighters…most of the bombers are on the surface in hangars…we will never get them into the air in time! Not all the guns on the surface are online yet!’

  Admiral Shadian winked, ‘Oh we will get them online…and those bombers up!’ He turned to his comms officer, ‘Get the reserve pilots ready…and you get to the surface…I want those bombers in the air with fighter escorts as soon as you can! Act independently…you have command of the bombers…only target one warship, concentrate your fire! Damage it!’

  The startled Communications Officer nodded, raising his fist to his chest in response and lunging towards one of the operators, his v
oice rising, ‘When is the next fighter landing and on which deck?’

  The operator ran his hands across the panel, inspecting the computer’s responses, ‘There is one on ‘D’ deck now…being rearmed…I will temporarily delay his departure.’

  The admiral shouted across the bridge, ‘Run! I want everything against those monsters…’ He glanced at the viewing window, seeing the distant vessels now larger, his eyes widening, ‘We will take heavy damage, but if we can drive them off…’

  The dark blue uniformed Communications Officer darted from the bridge, his rubber boots squealing on the shining floor as he ran.

  Admiral Shadian placed his hands on his hips, his teeth gritted, ‘Upper reserve torpedoes…have them armed and ready to fire on my command!’ Staring back to the viewing window, he indicated forward, ‘Zoom please…let’s see what they have!’

  The large window screen flickered, the operator behind touching several options on the controls, the station shuddering again as the upper laser turrets fired out. The first officer grimacing as he turned, his voice rising, ‘The nearest warship is powering forward torpedoes Sir…they will fire as soon as they get within range!’ He hesitated, staring at his screen, his eyes narrowing, ‘There is also a power surge from their flight decks…they are launching fighters and bombers!’

  The admiral stepped forward towards the screen, a hand rising to his chin impatiently as he awaited the image to clear, ‘Move the lower laser turrets from planetary support to engage their bombers…further power to the laser shield and use the suicide droids at will! Deploy all blast screens!’ The screen shimmered as the heavy protective screens closed around the bridge and external windows, the picture reforming onto several camera images, providing differing views from across the station.