Renegade (Ministry of Paranormal Research & Defence) (31 page)

I scrambled over to the fallen Marines and checked their missile launcher. It was a broken, twisted mess. I probably wouldn't have a had a clue how to use it anyway. I looked around desperately. There, strapped across the back of one of the dead marines was a smaller missile launchers, one of those throw-away one-shot deals. That, I knew how to use. A quick look towards the runway showed that the last tank was firing on our position. I yanked the rocket free, snapping the strap, and clawed at the end, trying to pull it out into the ready position.

“Open!” I yelled. “Open up you vicious bastard!”

At least, that's what I tried to yell. What came out was an incoherent snarling scream. Claws are great for disemboweling vampires but useless for anything that needs digital dexterity. Finally, the tube slid out and clicked into position. I fumbled with the sight and managed to flip it up. Right, put the sights on the target, squeeze the rubber trigger.

Nothing. The rocket didn't fire. I squeezed again, same thing. I was literally staring down the barrel of a tank's main gun, holding a rocket launcher which was about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

“
Oh…
fuck!
”