Walker Brigade - Book of Incidents

"Just fucking great."

"What?" asked Jo.

"The commander of the second armored battalion - he's only a Major but he has at least twenty on the list who serve under him. But looking at the list, half of them are off planet."

"We can take care of ten, eleven counting the Major," said Jo.

"If we have Captain Brooks as our backup, we can," Becky retorted.

"I'll go to comms and see if he is available. Then we can plan on doing the Major and his crew first," I told Becky.

"Good idea, Simon, go, go." I went.

* * * Becky Latham

I stood at the head of the squad bay waiting for everyone to show up for the briefing. Michelle was late, but I knew she would be since she was coming from the hospital. Simon was also late. Why I didn't know. Sam was telling another of his famous stories about his adventures on Konos V. He had spent a lot of time there in his youth. Konos V was a middle-class vacation resort where anything went as long as it involved pleasure. I had been there once, working as a barmaid.

I was propositioned by a group of guys from Agro IV to come up to their room for a little party. When I got to the room, they wanted to tie me to the bed and whip me. I turned around and walked out. Two of them tried to stop me, they wound up with broken arms. I was fired for hurting a guest. No, the hotel I worked for didn't expect me to submit to what the guest wanted, they had dispatched two security officers to the room, but they thought that I should have just waited for them to get there, instead of taking care of it myself. Other than that, it was a fun place.

Michelle came into the squad bay all out of breath. When she saw we weren't quite ready to begin, she nodded at me. I waved her up front to sit next to me.

"How's Max doing?" I asked.

"He's doing fine. He missed you yesterday, but I took care of him for you," she said with a sly grin on her face. I poked her in the ribs, smiling back at her.

"Hey, Chief Latham, how's Max doing?" Sam asked for the squad.

"Michelle will give you guys a briefing on how he's doing while we wait for Simon."

Michelle stood to address the squad, "Max is doing just fine. He's past the worst of it and we will wake him for the last time in ten days. He will be ready then for limited duty for three weeks, then full duty thereafter. His wounds have healed and the regen equipment is now toning the new muscle, along with all those muscles he hasn't used the past month. So, expect to see his ugly mug around here in two weeks."

A cheer went up from the squad. Simon was standing at the back of the room, waiting until Michelle had finished. He came forward to sit on my other side, leaned in, and whispering to me.

"It took me some time to track down Captain Brooks, but I did. He's off-world already. I talked to Admiral Jones; he says we are on our own this time. I would suggest that we put our two most experienced people in walkers for the first round."

He stopped talking and sat looking at me. I agreed with his suggestion. I now had to turn it into a plan of action.

"Sam, Chuck, go suit up. You will be our armor for this morning's pickups." They both stared at me.

"Are you sure, Chief?" Sam asked.

"Yes," I said. "We'll meet you outside the bay doors." Sam and Chuck jumped up and headed for the door. I waited until they were gone to begin.

"Now, our first pickup is a Major and several subordinates. The trouble is this Major is the commander of the second armored battalion. Only half the battalion is on planet at this time, but they could still cause us some trouble. That is why Sam and Chuck will be in their walkers to lend us heavy weapons support if we should need it. I hope that we won't. I hope the mere presence of walkers will scare the shit out of everyone." I stopped as my com buzzed in my ear. It was Sam.

"Becky, you know we only have that Class II armor they issued us for the Earth mission?"

"So?"

"It's not legal here on Pacifica. You can only use Class V or higher. They should have re-issued us our old armor when we got here."

"We have been using it all along for training, what difference does it make now?"

"For training is fine, but to go out and about the base is another thing," Sam replied.

Well, the Admiral must have known we would need it here. Put it on, I'll take the heat, that's an order trooper. Clear?"

"Crystal Ma'am." I turned back to the squad. As long as we didn't go off base with the armor, we should be all right.

"Alright, Chris, Jolene, Ellen, I want you armed with particle beam projectors. Marg, suit up, armor only. You will be using a pulse rifle. The rest of us will carry slugthrowers. Now mount up. Grav-lev transports outside the bay doors in ten minutes. Go."

I stood and started for the door to the bay trailing everyone else. Michelle and Simon were beside me. Michelle gave me a pat on the butt as she headed for her weapons locker next to her walker. Simon gave my shoulder a squeeze. I walked to my locker, opened it and picked out a pulse rifle. I grabbed a bandoleer of ammo, ten clips, each holding ninety-five rounds of ten-millimeter caseless ammo. It also had twenty rounds of twenty-millimeter grenades. I slammed a clip home, then flipped the weapon over and started shoving grenade rounds into the loading port.

I set the weapon down, pulled my flack vest out of the locker and put it on. Then I slung the bandoleer of clips and grenade rounds over my vest. I picked up the pulse rifle and slung it over my shoulder. I picked up my helmet and tucked it under my arm. I looked around and saw that the slug thrower of choice for those using them was the pulse rifle. Except for Simon who had chosen a needler sniper rifle, a unique weapon which accelerated steel needles shaved off a bar of high carbon stainless steel. It was a second-generation rail gun but was able to fire a single needle at a time at hypersonic velocities.

The bay doors were open already as Sam and Chuck mounted up and moved outside. As I walked out, two grav-lev transports, pulled up in front of the doors. Standing by the first one, I waved Simon to get in the back, along with Michelle and Marg. The rest climbed in the second one. I climbed up in the back of the first one and slapped the side letting the driver know to move out.

"Echo One to GL One, head for the second armored battalion headquarters building. Echo Eleven and Echo Four follow at fifty meters and try not to damage too much."

"Aye, Chief," Sam answered.

* * * Sam Westerboc

Chuck and I headed down to the walker bay to suit up. When we got there, our armor was still the Class II they had issued to us for operation on Earth. I called Becky, but she told me to suit up anyway. Shrugging my shoulders, I started to suit up. Chuck did the same. I then climbed into my walker, starting the plugin process. Just as I was finishing, Marg came trotting in and started to suit up. Powered up and ready to go, I opened the bay doors and headed outside. Chuck was close behind me.

I was standing there waiting when, two grav-lev transports, showed up. Looking in the bay, I could see it filled with my squad mate's donning their equipment. Marg came trotting out, carrying a shoulder mounted plasma rifle. Next out was Becky with a pulse rifle. It looked like things might get serious. The squad mounted up and the grav-lev headed out.

"Echo One to GL One, head for the second armored battalion headquarters building. Echo Eleven and Echo Four follow at fifty meters and try not to damage too much."

"Aye, Chief," I answered.

It was difficult trying to keep up with the grav-levs at first without chewing up the streets. Then they slowed down a little and we could keep up easier without the damage. The roads here were not made for walker traffic. As we left our compound, the cadet guard at the gate halted us. Standing just to the right of the gate, were four platoon size grav-lev transports. As the Chief dismounted, Admiral David stepped out of the gatehouse. It looked like we were going to have some help with this detail, after all.

* * * Becky Latham

Our transports stopped at the main gate of the Academy compound. As I dismounted, I saw four platoon size grav-lev transports off to my right. I stepped around the back of the transport and saw Admiral David step out of the gatehouse. I double-timed it up to him, snapping to attention.

"Sir," I said as I saluted him. He saluted me back.

"Chief, I am sending Cadet Du Page and his company with you. They're short a few slots, but I think they can be of assistance."

"Sir, I would rather not..." the Admiral waved me to silence.

"Chief, consider this an order. Do I have to put it in writing?"

"No, sir. It's just that a lot of these cadets are inexperienced, sir."

"Cadet Du Page knows that I believe he has the foresight to plan for that. Don't you?"

"Yes, sir," Du Page answered.

"Then, mount up. They will follow and take direction from you, but if the need arises, don't hesitate to call on them. Is that clear, Chief?"

"Aye, sir, crystal." I saluted him, holding it until he returned it. Then turned and headed back to my transport. Cadet Du Page was waiting at the tailgate.

"Cadet?"

"Ma'am, will I be riding with you or would you prefer that I ride with my company?"

"Get in, and stop that ma'am shit."

"Aye, Chief." He hopped up into the transport with me close behind. I slapped the side of the transport to let them know it was time to go.

We moved out at the pace we had found was good for the walkers. The cadet transports fell in behind the walkers. The Second Armored Battalion's compound was about ten klicks from ours. At the rate we were traveling, it would take us about ten minutes to get there. Ten not so inconspicuous minutes, ten minutes in which anything could go wrong.

"Cadet Du Page, how are your men armed?" I asked him.

"As I am, Chief, a flack vest, sidearms, and pulse rifles. We also have two mobile plasma cannon, just in case."

"Very well. When we arrive, you will deploy with us. Your men will remain in reserve. Have your transports stop on my mark."

"Yes, Chief."

"The proper response, Cadet, is 'Aye, Chief', is that clear?"

"Aye, Chief." He'll learn, except he will probably be promoted to a battalion commander when he graduates and I'll be saluting him.

When we were two minutes from the compound, I signaled Cadet Du Page to have his transports drop off. We continued to the compound gate where our transports stopped short. I signaled for everyone to dismount. As I rounded the transport, I stopped short as I was looking down the muzzle of a fifteen-centimeter cannon attached to a Mark VI heavy tank.

* * * Simon Eckles

As I rounded the back of the transport, I hit the ground. There were four tanks blocking the gate. The lead tank commander was out of his hatch, sneering down at us. I lined my sights up on his nose, pressing the button that turned on the laser. His head suddenly disappeared into his tank. Getting up, I moved forward under their guns, pulling four demolition packs out of my backpack. Running up to the first tank, I slapped the pack on the driver's hatch. I moved to the next tank and then the next, and the next. Three of their ground troops ran up and grabbed me. I just smiled as I nodded towards Becky. There she stood with the dead man switch in her hand, standing defiantly in front of the lead tank.

The three who had a hold of me let go, I sprinted to Becky's side. Cadet Du Page was already there, as was Jolene. The lead tank commander popped his hatch and tentatively stuck his head out. When it wasn't blown off, he climbed out of his tank and made his way to Becky. He stopped in front of her, stood there looking into her eyes, then he looked at the dead man switch and back to her eyes.

"Ok Colonel, what can we do for you?"

"These men will be produced post haste," I told him as I handed him a list. He looked the list over, then shook his head.

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

"Under Federation Proclamation and the signed warrants I have here," Becky said holding up the warrants, "you are hereby directed to produce these troopers for us. The penalty for refusal is ten years at hard labor. Is that clear, Captain?" Becky told him.

The Captain looked unsure of what to do. An NCO, staff sergeant by his insignia, came up alongside the captain. He glanced at the list, then at the warrants in Becky's hand.

"Captain, I would suggest you comply with the request made by the Colonel." The captain snapped his head around to the sergeant, glaring at him. "Once word gets out that there are Federation Warrants for their arrest, the men will not protect them, sir."

"All right, all right, Sergeant, take a detail and get these men. Colonel, if you and your men will follow me, we will get the Major."

"Lead on, Captain." He turned and walked past his tank with Becky, Jolene, Cadet Du Page and me close on his heels. Becky handed me the dead man switch to disarm, being careful not to let go of the button until I had secured it.

* * * Becky Latham

"Sam, follow us," I told Sam, waving my arm. His walker started forward, stepping gingerly over the fence around the compound. The men on the other side of the fence hurried to get out of his way.

"Colonel, there is no need for..."

"Captain," said Simon.

"What?"

"I would suggest that you just continue leading us to the Major," I said. He scowled at me, but turned and led the way.

As we approached their headquarters building, ten men stopped us. Ten men who stepped aside as the Captain signaled them. Ten men who probably would have given us trouble if it wasn't for Sam in his walker. We continued up the stairs, and into the building, only to find another ten men wanting to block our way. The Captain waved them aside. A Lieutenant stepped in front of him.

"Lieutenant Shields, step aside." The Captain ordered.

"Sir, in good conscience I cannot."

"Sergeant Billings, arrest Lieutenant Shields for insubordination."

"Aye, sir." The sergeant stepped forward, pulling the Lieutenant out of the way. The Lieutenant batted at the sergeant but was ineffectual at gaining his release.

The Captain continued past the Lieutenant to the back of the building. He stopped in front of a door marked 'Battalion Commander' and stood to the side. I stepped forward and opened the door, then went inside. Shots rang out from inside the room. I was thrown back into the hallway, two holes in my armor vest. Jolene and Cadet Du Page stepped into the doorway, spraying the interior with their pulse rifles. Jolene switched to her grenade launcher and popped two rounds into the room. She and Du Page stepped aside as the shockwave passed through the doorway.

"Shit! Oh, god, that really hurts," I yelled from the floor. Jolene was beside me, ripping my flak vest aside to see if the slugs had gotten through. I was slapping at her hands as I tried to sit up. "Someone, check on the Major," I yelled.

As I reached a sitting position, I saw Cadet Du Page standing over the prone body of the Major. I groaned as I stood with the help of Jo. I stumbled into the office to stand beside Du Page and looked down at the body on the floor. Bending down, I turned the left hand of the Major so I could see the gang sign he wore. Once confirmed, I dropped the hand and stood.

"Captain, detail four of your men to carry this body to our vehicles."

"Aye, Colonel." He disappeared down the hall.

"Okay, let's get out of here, we have work to do." I turned and started the long walk back to our transports. The other gang members were waiting for us at the transports. They were all neatly cuffed, sitting in orderly rows in the dirt.

The rest of the day was easy compared to what we had just been through. We were finished by thirteen hundred hours. Once word of what happened to the Major got out, most of those on our list turned themselves into the cadets at the Academy. By fourteen hundred hours, I was sitting beside Max's bed holding his hand.

Michelle stood beside me, checking over his chart. I had detailed Jolene and Du Page to finish up at the Academy. I would see the Admiral tomorrow to be debriefed. Tonight I was spending with Max.

9.25.0093/8

* * * Admiral David

I was waiting in my office for Chief Latham and her Second, Jolene Akers to arrive, sipping my morning coffee. I was looking over Cadet Du Pages' report on the incidents that occurred yesterday at the Second Armored Battalion Headquarters building. Du Pages' report praised Chief Latham and her squad. As a matter of fact, he not only praised them, he suggested that they all be awarded the Walker Service medal. Little did he know they had been awarded that particular medal no less than twenty-one times as a unit. They each had been awarded the same metal ten to twenty-five times individually.

I turned to my comp-term and brought up Chief Latham's file. Parts of her file were classified, even to me. That shouldn't be. I had the top security clearance available. Mine was even higher than Admiral Jones'. I typed in a special command, I found out who had placed the block on her file. When the information was displayed, I wasn't surprised to see his name, 'Commander Lester Karlov', her last commander. I typed in the override command and the hidden parts of Becky's file were now visible. That's why he wanted her file classified.

I closed Chief Latham's file and brought up Jolene Akers file. Nothing classified here. Exemplary record, she had been with Echo Squad for three and a half years. She is a veteran of the Logic Wars. What a nasty mess that was. She was awarded the Meritorious Service Ribbon twice, the Silver Plasma Bolt once...very impressive. She received very high evaluations from Chief Jones for the past three years. She turned down a promotion to squad second twice.

I closed Akers' file and opened Trooper Santos-Tomas'.

"Admiral, Chief Latham is here to see you," my Yeomen told me over the intercom.

"Show her in, Yeomen," I told him, closing Trooper Santos-Tomas' file. My Yeomen opened the door and Becky and Jolene marched in, took a position in front of my desk, snapping a smart salute. Rising, I returned the salute just as smartly.

"At ease, ladies. Take a seat," I told them as I sat back down. They sat at attention, waiting for me to start. I opened the file folder on my desk in front of me and pretended to read.

"Cadet Du Page has some very interesting critiques in his report," I said, looking up at Becky.

"He does, does he?" Becky retorted, raising her left eyebrow. Jolene stifled a giggle, when I looked at her she was staring straight ahead.

"Yes, he does. His report was very thorough. He included his thoughts and impressions on each and every squad member that was involved in the operation. He even went so far as to recommend what action should be taken to remedy the situation that his critique uncovered."

"And, what does the Admiral think should be done to rectify the situation?" Becky asked.

"You've read his report, haven't you?"

"Yes, sir," Becky answered with a smile.

"Damn! And I thought I could pull a fast one on you. Okay, enough joking around. Tell me your thoughts on the operation."

"Well, sir, except for the death of the major at the Second Armored, the operation went quite well."

"That was my assessment, too, but Admiral Jones has one more list for you, along with the accompanying warrants. Unfortunately, these are civilians. I doubt they will be back on base, with what has happened yesterday and today, so you will be going into Capital City to pick them up. No walker back up. There are five names on the list. They were in positions of authority, able to redirect equipment and munitions. That's probably how the gangs in New York got their armor and weapons.