Mana in the Modern World non illustrated version (28 page)

Medics quickly attend to those that were
burned and had inhaled smoke. The IMS Mage is unconscious and her
hands sustained second degree burns. The SWAT shield bearers are
only slightly burned and wonder how she was able to handle the pain
for so long.

One of the guard PFCs radios the Command
center informing them about the flame thrower, that the tunnel is
definitely Kaput and collapsed. The Mage is unconscious and her
hands are severely burned. Otherwise the force reports only minor
wounds, some burns and smoke inhalation. Also that all vehicles and
personnel are returning.

Everyone checks again their sandbags are well
placed and get to their positions for the expected visitors. Soon
the sound of footsteps, talking and clanking of equipment is heard
getting louder as the culprits approach the exit. Heard is: “I’m
telling you, I think they must have found this exit!”

“Bullshit,” says another voice, “They would
be coming in by now. You’re just scared so shut up and pop another
pill! Now unhook the explosive on the gas barrel; then unlock and
ease the door open.” “OK boss; but I think you are wrong. Say; how
about you open the door?”

A muffled shot is heard and the boss says,
“Two of you drag him out of the way. You there, in the red shirt,
get up here and open the door or do you want to argue to?”
Evidently red shirt decided not to argue as the door is slowly
opened outward. “You first three go check the area.”

The two men and a woman quickly duck walk out
about eight feet and spread out slightly. A loud voice says,
“
FBI
! Drop the weapons, lay on your stomach and hands to the
back of your head! You are surrounded and under arrest.” At the
first words the three drop and open fire with more firing coming
from the tunnel mouth. Then the tunnel erupts with running and
firing figures that scatter, taking what cover they can find. About
twenty make it to cover leaving at least six dead or wounded. Heard
over the listening devices is, “Mable, get up here and fireball the
bastards and Baker you fire one immediately after hers.” “You got
it Boss, be happy to cook some feds,” Mable replies.

A figure is seen inching slowly up to the
exit but only lower portion part of the legs are in clear view. CnC
tell the probie’s to each Streak a leg. As they rise to fire their
spells a fireball explodes about five feet to their right and
several bullets bounce off rocks next to them. CnC had set up their
twin shield which stopped the magical fire but the near misses by
the bullets and fireball unnerved the young probie agents and they
dropped down, wide eyed and trembling.

CnC step closer together as they stand and,
hands together, point fingers at the tunnel entrance. A large beam
of sizzling red leave their fingers, join together and streaks into
the entrance. Then with a loud ‘Whump’ sound, blossoms into a
fireball about six feet inside. As the tunnel constrains the thirty
foot fire blast, the fire goes a good distance down the shaft and
about ten feet of fire comes out the opening. Screams of short
duration are heard from the tunnel. Suddenly another burst of flame
erupts as the gasoline barrel explodes, spreading flaming gasoline
down the tunnel and outside the entrance.

The experienced guardsmen make short work of
the remaining ‘suspects’. Only five surrendered and all those are
wounded with three not expected to make it to trial. Checking the
tunnel shows the bracing continues to burn and is giving way. The
Guard Lt radios his report to Command and that one mounted APC will
be returning immediately with the prisoners.

Neither of the outside assaults have
encountered opposition as they approach the bridges over the ditch.
Not even the dogs previously seen make an appearance. Fred looks at
the Major, Jack and Anna and says, “I do not like the feel of this.
Especially the dogs being absent. Bet they are waiting until we try
the bridges before they blow them.” “Well we could send the sappers
to check them but I vote for discretion. They would probably send
the dogs then,” says Jack with Anna and O’Neill nodding
affirmative. “How about we go ahead as planned? Time to unload a
few troops or so and bring up the Wolverines?” says Fred looking
over at the guard Major.

As he reaches for the mic Major O’Neill
replies, “Yes, I think we should stick with the plan. I’ll direct
one of the APCs at each bridge area to dismount troops and provide
cover fire for the Wolverines. This is also a good time to place
the cloaked mage atop their APCs so watchers will not realize one
is up there. Maybe this will be a simple exercise.” With a grim
look Anna says, “I don’t think so Major, you didn’t see their boss
man. I fairly sure he is a bit touched to say the least.”

The Wolverine at both locations move up to
the ditch and begin emplacing the bridges. As the bridges are
lowered 30cal machine guns open up from three of the closer small
domes. Two men step out beside one of the other domes and launch an
RPG at the Wolverine but missed high. The 50cal on one of the
covering APCs, Xena, opens fire on the men as they try to reload.
The fire hits both men and explodes the container at their feet.
“Not too bright be they?” says the gunner laughing. He walks his
fire into that dome’s firing slit and then the other with similar
results. Minor explosions and fire erupts inside both. “E yap, not
too bright a-tall. They be acting a bit drugged up don’t yous
think?” as he spits tobacco over the side.

The Major says over the radio, “Both Wolves
are to stay back with four men each from Xena and Gabriella to
cover the bridges and Wolves. APCs are to hot foot it across and
spread out twenty feet and dismount troops once the bridges are
down. Watch for their dogs. Also that firing into the slits may
cause nice explosions inside the small domes. Footers; watch for
RPGs and cross as soon as the Wolverine gets the bridge down. Gun
it driver!” Once across the APC’s provide covering fire while the
rest of the troops disembark and spread out. The third dome must
have had more and different ordnance as it completely blew apart
when the that APC’s gunner hosed the slot. The gunner could be
heard shouting with glee over the firing.

All are safely across and spread back out
when the radio suddenly crackles to life with a message from the
Command tent saying that a news helicopter reports tanks and
vehicles towing men in trailers are moving fast up the road toward
the compound and triage tent area. A moment later another call
reports the chopper pilot reports being fired on when he attempted
to check it out.

Then Fred’s phone rings playing the theme
song of Charge of the Lite Brigade. “O SHIT!” he exclaims. “This is
not good Jack, that’s the Directors ringtone,” as he answers.

He listens and says, “Could have used the
info sooner Sir. We will handle it but hope we won’t need the A10’s
but get them here ASAP. Major, Jack, Anna…. My director just got
some news about the armament this nut has available. He has armored
hummers and technical’s with mounted machine guns, over 100 armed
men and at least one damned Sherman tank with ammo!” Major, this
has fallen completely into your area of expertise so what actions
do you advise?” states Fred.

“I suggest we send Xena and Gabriella back
and with ten troops each. Their 50cals may do something to a
Sherman and the 30cal back at the tents will be able to take care
of the hummers and technicals. Wish we had brought Stingers. About
the only good thing about those tanks is their aim is very bad when
moving so usually they stop to aim and fire.”

“So far most of these people do not appear
very good militarily or even somewhat disciplined so I seriously
doubt they have much experience with firing the cannon. Plus with
the other attacks I think they may not have that many men here now
so the rest of us need to continue the assault and cut off the
snake’s head. Questions?”

Anna says, “You guys can do that but I am
flying back with the two returning APC’s. Cloaked and flying cover
over them I might be able to help them fight the tanks. Carol is
back there with only two relatively inexperienced agents. The
attackers are bound to have at least one strong Warlock with their
troops.” “Sounds like we have a plan. Let’s get it on!” states
Jack.

Just then Anna’s phone rings. Anna puts it on
speaker as it is a call from Carol. Carol quickly fills them in
about the west tunnel caving in and that the east tunnel is on
fire. All the ones at the first tunnel and one loaded APC; Alf; at
the other are also heading back as fast as they can. Only minor
casualties and at least two dead enemy Warlocks. Anna hangs up
after telling Carol she is on the way back and with two mounted
APCs and more help. The Major says, “Excellent; that gives them
more three APCs and another forty or so men. Captain Connors should
be able to handle the situation. Although he will probably want to
add a Sherman or two to his war collection,” he says with a
smile.

As she begins to fly thru the open back Anna
hovers and looks back saying, “To bad Susie Q isn’t here Jack. Be a
chance to try out her machine guns!” and fades from view. Fred
starts laughing and has to quickly explain to the Major and the men
inside who also laugh releasing the tension. “Anna!” yells Jack,
“Wait a moment; give the twins a call and have them leave the
probies at the exit and for them to get over here ASAP; I have a
glimmer of an idea!” “Will do Jack, I’ll have them call n tell you
how long ‘fore they will get here.”

“Jack, is this another of your wild ideas?”
asks Fred. “Maybe, but I think the Major’s demo guys will love it!
Major, do we have some C4 or other go bang materials along?” asks
Jack. “Well we weren’t tasked for it but knowing the guys someone
probably did. I’ll check.”

“Catty Cat six Actual to all APCs. We have
just received conformation information from the FBI Director that
Sherman tanks can be expected. A10’s will be dispatched with
Mavericks but it is unknown how long before they arrive. The tanks
with maybe over 100 of hostiles loaded in vehicles with trailers
have been spotted moving up the road in toward the command
area.

We will continue our attack here but Xena and
Gabriella, minus only the dismounts covering the Wolves, will head
back down the road to assist Captain Connors’s force. There cannot
be many hostiles remaining here so we will continue our assault but
do not, I repeat; do not take chances. If the hostiles have human
shields let the IMS Mages handle it if at all possible. Meanwhile
APCs Viola and Vireo disembark your troops in case foot cover is
needed and then go to the right n left of the big dome to take out
the other small dome pillboxes. The 50s are needed against the
tanks and .30cals will be adequate here. Keep a sharp watch for
footers, especially ones with RPGs. Xena and Gabriella move on out
and let’s have some fun!”

“Xena and Gabriella; I want you both to head
down the road side by side but separated as much as possible. Agent
Anna will be cloaked and flying cover for you. Try not to go off
the road into the sand unless necessary but if you must to avoid
tanks then move erratically; which should be simple, especially for
Gabby. I don’t remember for sure but the tanks may or may not have
to stop to aim and fire accurately. The key words are maneuver,
maneuver and then maneuver some more.

Target the engine and track areas if
possible. They may be vulnerable to the 50’s. I will notify Captain
Connors that you are under his command when you arrive there. Both
tunnels have been handled with only minor casualties so Ares, Izzy
and Alf are fully embarked and returning to assist. Let’s make it
happen people!” orders the Major.

“Now; do we ‘happen’ to have any C4 or
materials that go bang as IMS wants to know. From the eeevil grin
on his face he has something nasty on his mind.” Silence………. Then,
“Sir this is Sgt LaForge in Vireo. I think Ares may have accidently
left a few items with us when they visited.” “LaForge, one of
days…. OK hot foot it over here while the others circle. Bring a
quick inventory of what Ares ‘accidently’ left.”

On the sand beside Chatty Cat Jack draws a
rough map of the large dome with the two large doors. “OK,
something smells about this. I think they in all probability have
trapped both these entrances,” pointing to them. He then draws a
small rectangle inside the dome, “This is the general area where I
saw the people descending. I propose we blow a nice size entrance
over here and give them a nice surprise and maybe cover their exit
there. Sgt, can you blow one large enough so the APC can get in? I
think her .30cal will be handy inside.” “Yes sir as long as the
walls do not cave in but from the plans we saw there shouldn’t be
any problem.” Major O’Neill says, “Sounds workable. We can block
one entrance and ‘demonstrate’ at the main one to draw their
attention.”

The radio set for the news helicopter’s use
erupts with a message, “News 611 to Command. Are you bringing in
tanks and more men? Over.” The radio operator looks over at Captain
Connors who shakes his head no. The operator quickly answers the
call, “News 611 this is Command and the answer is a negative. Why
do you ask? Over.”

“News 661 here - just coming back from
refueling and saw what looks like tanks and trucks pulling trailers
loaded with men about ten or twelve miles out and heading up your
way. Wait a moment, I’m going back for a closer look. SHIT! Mayday,
Mayday; they just put several holes in my bird and I have caution
lights. I will head east a mile or so then south toward town in
case I have to ditch. I think they just hit my ra…….”

“Captain, I think we just lost him,” the
corporal calmly stated. Captain Connors turns to a Lieutenant
saying, “Get the choppers cranked up with nonessential personnel
aboard and in the air. Corporal Lesley, radio the Major what’s
hitting the fan and tell Lone Wolf to setup at the northeast corner
so he can monitor both directions. Master Sergeant Moore; man the
berms, weapons loaded and send someone to notify the reporters,
they might want to head east afoot till this is settled.”