Hunter's Moon: Blitzkrieg
#5 of Hunter's Moon
Author's Notes: All the people in the story are fictional. Most places are works of fiction, and as such do not exist. Any similarities to places and people are purely coincidental. Jason Fern is JasonWerefox, Aries belongs to WereFox on FA. Barney Zhou and Paul Schumann belong to me.
Disclaimer: Contains blood and gore. Some scenes are not suitable for minors. Some bad language as well.
Hunter's Moon: Blitzkrieg
03.32 hours
July 30th 2016
Forward Operations Base: Zulu
Fort Childers
Manitoba, Canada
Rogue One
"Jesus, when will the attack take place? I'm becoming an old man just waiting" spoke one of the waiting soldiers.
They had been placed at this FOB for the better part of three weeks. With the faux pas conducted by the United States Air Force last June 12th 2016, they no longer had free reign in Canadian airspace. It was fortunate that the task force members had their own aircraft with them before the massive bombing run flattened sixteen square miles of forest.
"We will wait until we receive orders. Quit belly-aching, Robbie" an officer, who seemed to be in charge, fired back.
"Easy for you to say, you're not the one going on a pathfinder mission. You'll be in the transport until my team gives the all-clear" the soldier, identified as Robbie, answered.
"Shut it, the both of you! Your constant bickering has given me a headache. If you two won't pipe down, I have no recourse but to make you jog through town in nothing but your skivvies. Are we clear?" Major Richard "Doggy" Gogh addressed the two infighting soldiers.
This shut up both soldiers to such great effect that Richard was able to finish reading War & Peace. He was already halfway when both buggers started to quarrel about the minutest things. Shaking his head, the executive officer for Rogue One put his head in his hands and prayed for a miracle.
He got one.
"Rogue One, this is General Sawyer. Combat mission is a go. I repeat, combat mission is a go" the radio in the cabin squawked.
The transmission from Schneider electrified the FOB. With their orders, they could now assault Alert by air. The sea mission would take too long.
"Copy that, do we have any CAS or CAP for the mission?" Doggy replied into the radio set.
"The RCAF has agreed to dispatch three squadrons of Eagles for close fire support. We also have AWACS and AC-130s going in. The RCN has also dispatched three destroyers and three frigates to provide naval support. Use your laser designators to call in strikes against hostile targets. Good luck, gentlemen" Sage said.
"That's affirmative, sir. Who will be the command ship for the RCN?" Doggy responded earnestly.
"It will be the Annapurna. Contact her when you're in range of the base. I am not interested in prisoners, except Canid. Are we clear, major?"
"Crystal" Doggy replied. He then turned to the assembled troops. "Get to the transports, we're heading out."
A cry went up from the rear "FOR ANUBIS!"
"OORAH!" was the response from the troops. Doggy stayed by the radio to listen for any last-minute changes to the mission orders. Hearing none, the ex-SAS commando headed for one of the available transports.
Outside the assembly area was twelve V-22 Ospreys. These and the UH-60J Blackhawks would be the backbone transports of the mission. Failure was not an option.
They would swoop in low under the radar and offload troops inside the compound. Simultaneously, the RCN would bombard the facility from the sea. The RCN would also stage an amphibious assault diverting attention from the main force rushing from the south. RCAF fighters would fly CAS and CAP to prevent untoward casualties on the side of the task force. The facility would be damaged, but it was of little consequence. What mattered most was the neutralization of the rogue units once and for all.
Major Gogh and his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Gerhard von Eich, made their way to the transports. Both were in full combat gear, each equipping a G-36 with ACOG sight and 30-round magazine. The load-out of most of the troops was similar. Only the CQB and AT squads had a different load-out.
The CQB had M4 Carbines with M1014 shotguns as secondary. They also had a batch of C4 to destroy any locked doors. The AT units were carrying an SRAW with MP5s as standard. If the troops had a wide berth, they would call in the AT. If none or little, the CQB would go in with their C4.
The major and his CO took separate transports. The major had an Osprey while the lieutenant colonel had the Blackhawk. This scheme came about because the major would be going in with the first wave. The colonel would follow in the second.
The transports had already started their engines when the green light was given. Now they just waited for the last of the assault troops to board.
"All right, we're good to go" the crew chief informed the pilot by intercom.
"Okay, we're Oscar mike" the pilot replied, pulling on his control column. The gray craft lifted into the early morning sky. In the pitch-black, it was gone immediately. The only sign of its presence were its blinking strobes. These would be extinguished when they were fifty miles from Alert.
The initial Osprey was followed by three more. The remaining nine followed suit and were trailed by the Blackhawks.
05.32 hours
Bay of Fundy
Ten minutes to target
Romeo 3-2
"Vasquez, you ready to let the big dog out?" Captain Hollister "Holly" Wesson asked his squadmate.
"WOOF WOOF WOOF" barked Private First Class Leonard "Leo" Vasquez. This was his third mission with Captain Holly. He had served in Afghanistan and Baluchistan under the same CO. The twenty-one year old had faced both Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists. It would be his first time to engage Lycans.
"Good boy" the captain said, patting Leo's helmet.
"Check your weapons, we are going in hot!" the crew chief shouted.
In the cockpit, the co-pilot was trying to contact the AWACS.
"Dragon, this is Rapier. We are ten minutes from the target area, please advise"
"Rapier, this is Dragon. Drop to five hundred feet. You're approaching the radar beacon of Alert" the controller said into his mike.
"Roger, dropping down to the deck" the pilot answered, pushing on his control column. In an instant, the Osprey was nearing the ground. The pilot leveled off and made some of the soldiers turn green.
05.32 hours
Bay of Fundy
Ten minutes to target
Major Richard Gogh, Falchion
"Annapurna, this is Falchion. Request naval bombardment on priority target" Major Gogh said, giving orders to the naval fleet.
"We copy mate. Firing now" the gunnery officer on the Annapurna said as the destroyers and frigates started lobbing shells at the research facility. Each hit barely registered on the reinforced concrete structure.
"This is Annapurna. Target is still standing. How many more do you want?" the officer asked politely.
"Keep hitting them. We need to draw their attention away from us. Keep their heads down, so to speak" the commando requested.
It was then that a new voice came on the channel. It was from the USS Kearsarge stationed twenty miles due east of the task force.
"This is Captain Thomas O'Brien of the USS Kearsarge. How can we assist, over?" the captain asked of the task force lead.
"Thank God, it's you Tommie. Listen, if your naval boys can fly a CAS for us; we'd be in your debt. Target bearing is 085 north magnetic. It's a heavily fortified bunker so those hard-noses of yours will be useful" Major Gogh informed the ship's commanding officer.
"Copy that Gogh, I'll see what I can rustle up. Mark your targets with lasers and my boys will take care of the rest. O'Brien out"
"Thanks Kearsarge, Gogh out" the grateful major responded. Switching frequencies, he contacted the CO of the assault force "Sir, we got the Kearsarge ready to lend a hand. Where do you want those jets? Hehe"
"I'll take them with a siding of fries. And some ice-cream as well" the commanding officer joked. Seriously now, he asked what he wanted to happen "Get them to fly a CAS at 4,000 feet. We will call on the Eagles when we hit a hard target we can't disable. Their bunker busters may prove to be the turning point of the battle"
"I'll send that on to the Kearsarge" replied Doggy.
"See that you do. Eich out"
"Patch me through to Schneider. I need to inform them of the latest development" Gogh turned to the flight engineer.
"You're live, sir"
05.38
Tactical Operations Center
Schneider AFB
"Schneider, this is Falchion. We are receiving naval support from the Kearsarge battle group twenty miles east of the target. How do we coordinate without casualties on our side?"
"Falchion, accept their aid. We were the ones who rang them to assist you. Keep us abreast of any developments" replied the controller.
"Jolly good, then. This is a welcome surprise. I'll keep you informed, Doggy out" Doggy reported back.
General Sawyer and his subordinate, Colonel White Foley, were listening to the radio traffic. While they had requested for naval support, they were not aware that the USS Kearsarge, Kitty Hawk and Constellation were in the area. The USN was not receptive to the idea that it would be used to supply CAS for a non-sanctioned mission. Such a thing was unheard of, officially.
Both staff officers looked at each other. They shared the same thoughts as they pondered who had allowed the Kearsarge to break off from her sister ships and steam towards Alert.
"Canid?" White asked Sage.
"Can't be. He's been classified as a rogue. Anubis is KIA and Senator Conway doesn't have enough pull with the military. Someone high up must be pulling the strings" answered Sage.
"How about your friend, Secretary Michael Jackson? Isn't he the head of the Defense Committee?" Maleek spoke up, startling Sage and rattling White.
The Lycan captain had stayed in his quarters for most of the time. He rarely came out of there, only to eat and exercise. To General Sawyer, the soldier was expressing the signs and symptoms of clinical depression. To Colonel Foley, the Lycan was about to crack soon. White could only pray that Anubis would be resurrected soon. The strain was slowly killing the task force. The Lycans were getting restless without an Alpha.
"Captain, have a seat. Have you been sleeping well?" General Sawyer addressed the Lycan carefully. No blood needed to be shed, not here.
"Quite. I still have dreams or visions of Anubis. He always appears out of a portal and tells me that everything will be alright. How can that be when he's dead?" Maleek sobbed the last part onto the hard, glass table.
"No body was recovered. DNA analysis suggests that he wasn't at the forest floor when it was nuked to death" Dr. Compton said, appearing out of nowhere.
Contrary to what anyone thought, the abilities that Anubis left were permanent. It still caused confusion among the newer members of the task force, Sage included. The memory of White appearing in Sage's shower without clothes on still startled the senior officer.
06.00 hours
USS Kearsarge
Ten miles due east of Alert
The sound of general quarters sent all personnel scrambling to their battle stations. Non-essential flight operations were cancelled and the deck was cleared. Two F/A -18 Super Hornets were ready to launch from the catapults. Behind them, eight more were being marshaled into position. The first two carried 1500 lb. JDAMS and AGMs, as well as drop tanks to improve their range and flight time.
"Cougar, Cheetah; you are cleared for take-off" the air boss said.
Immediately, the catapults roared to life and brought the jets to the end of the carrier flight deck. Seconds later, they were airborne. The catapults returned for the next pair of jets and the cycle began again.
06.05 hours
E-3 Sentry / Dragon
Commander Edward von Eich
"Cougar Lead and Cheetah Lead, this is Commander Edward von Eich onboard Dragon. I'll be your AWACS support for this mission. Check your HUD for available targets and mark them for your respective squadrons to follow"
"Cheetah Lead, take your birds and station them 2,000 feet above the target. You are to target the radar and radio installations. The task force moving in has his own set"
"Cougar Lead, take your birds and destroy the southern and western walls surrounding the base. The frigates and destroyers of the Royal Canadian Navy are having a hard time cracking them"
"Copy that, Dragon" both flight leaders said simultaneously.
"Dragon, we are encountering heavy resistance from the rogues. Suggest you have the naval boys switch to their cannons?" Major Gogh called on the horn. "Fire mission danger close. IR strobes on high"
One of the radar operators took a look at the screen and saw mixed combatants. IR strobes were flashing furiously on the ground interspersed with those without. It was a mess. There was no tactical coherence.
Earlier...
05.42 hours
Alert Research Station
Major Richard "Doggy" Gogh, Falchion
Captain Hollister "Holly" Wesson, Romeo 3-2
The bombardment from the naval frigates took attention away from the assault force. The Ospreys had cleared the walls and had disgorged their combat units inside when the rogues launched a counter-attack. Most of the squads were caught off-guard.
Falchion and Romeo 3-2 found themselves cut off from the rest of the main assault force. They were surrounded by Lycans and they were hard-pressed to keep their defenses up.
"Up on your right" one of the soldiers from Falchion shouted, alerting his comrade to fire a burst in the direction indicated. As he did so, a black blur grabbed the rifle and pulled the soldier with it. Opening his mouth to scream, he met the eyes of a black jackal. The jackal placed a solitary finger to his lips and vanished, leaving the stunned soldier in the middle of a firefight. Surprisingly, neither side noticed the distressed person on the ground. Looking to his right, he saw an SAS commando waving to him. The soldier got up and made his way towards the commando. When he arrived, the soldier was unceremoniously kicked into a portal.
"What the hell was that for?!" he asked when he landed. The scenery around him was not the arctic tundra. It looked like a tropical plain. In front of him were the missing SAS WolfPack unit, all accounted for.
"We needed a test subject. Anubis was nice enough to secure a live person" a lioness said on the soldier's left.
"What?" the incredulous soldier asked, being served iced beer by one of the furred servants.
"You will be the first human to experience a biologically impossible transformation. We intend to make you into one of us" the lioness said softly. Inwardly, Sahkmet wasn't sure about what her nephew had told her. It might go horribly wrong and the human might commit suicide. Even if it went right, there was no foretelling what would happen to the human consciousness. Still Anubis was adamant that they test it; the battlefield outside the portal would be where the human would be returned to as a warrior.
Back at the battleground that was Alert.
"Anyone seen Smitty? He was right here" his buddy, Pfc. Roy Stallion, asked one of the weary soldiers.
"Didn't see him. Maybe one of the rogues got him?" was the reply he got from most of the soldiers.
"Think he was with the cut-off platoons. We still have to make our way over there. No promises if he's still alive" Lieutenant George A. Lysander told the private.
"I'm going with you guys. It's the best chance I have of finding him" Private Stallion replied.
"Ok. We wait for a lull. The RCN and the Kearsarge are about to bring down the hammer. Stay put" the lieutenant informed the worried private.
It was at that moment that a jet screamed overhead and released its deadly payload. The napalm canisters exploded when they contacted the ground. The jelly-like mixture coated several Lycans, burning them to the bone. To the astonishment of the platoon, the badly burnt Lycans charged at them.
"OPEN FIRE!" yelled Lysander. The area erupted with noise as the first wave of soldiers let loose with everything they had. As the bullets left the barrels, these made contact with the Lycan flesh. The bullets were silver rounds, specially formulated to induce maximum damage. None of the task force knew they had been issued with such rounds. They were only human, after all.
"CEASE FIRE! CEASE FIRE!" a human voice cut above the din of bullets. The smoke from the barrels and the smell of cordite was testament to the amount of expended ammunition. The wall behind the Lycans were riddled with bullet holes.
"Check the bodies. I want to know if they were Canid's. You, you and you, go. We'll cover" Lysander directed three personnel to find the tags if they were military.
Dashing forward, the three soldiers stopped at the bodies and began to inspect them for any useful ID. Roy was one of those selected to dash forward. He was covering his buddies as they searched the bodies.
Lycan behind the pillar
Roy picked up his rifle and chambered a 20mm rifle grenade. Aiming it at one of the concrete pillars, he let loose the grenade. This exploded and caused a rogue Lycan to stumble backward, mortally wounded. As the beast made to get up, Roy loosed off two lethal rounds. A double-tap. The creature collapsed onto the soil, bleeding from its wounds and now dead.
Tell the lieutenant to form a defensive perimeter. Protect the incoming helicopters. Your supplies are on board. Set up triage when you recover the wounded with Romeo 3-2 and Falchion.
Wait, who are you? Roy thought back.
I am Anubis, god of death. You will see me soon. Just go!
Roy did not need to be told twice. He hustled his buddies and sprinted back to the lieutenant. Vaulting over the low wall they used for cover, he informed the lieutenant of what had to be done.The rapid draining of color from the officer's face shocked the private.
"Sir, what's wrong?" Roy asked his superior.
"Not possible, not possible" mumbled Lysander over and over. A slap brought him back to reality.
"Sir, forgive me, but what's not possible?" asked Roy.
"Anubis is, or was, the callsign of the task force commander. He died last June 12th 2016. There was a memorial held for him but no corpse was ever recovered" Lysander breathed out. Could it be?
Yes, it could. Now, get your asses moving. I don't want to waste time in rescuing the stalled platoons. Secure the landing pad and detach a squad to assist Falchion and Romeo 3-2. They are just around the corner and could use the help.
_Of course, sir. Good to have you back._Lysander replied.
Major Soap McTavish and his platoon will assist you in securing the cut-off platoons. Get moving, he'll meet your squad halfway.
"Second squad, form up. I need you to grind the Lycans between two fields of fire. You will link up with an SAS unit partway there. Any volunteers?" Lysander addressed the nervous crowd.
"I'll go, sir" Roy answered.
"Anyone else? No? Good, the rest of you will secure the pad and wait for the second wave to arrive. In the meantime, keep up the traffic to the AWACS. He needs to know who to call down fire on" Lysander said, indicating that he would be leading the second squad.
06.05 hours
Tactical Operations Center
Schneider AFB
All Lycans in the control center bolted upright. They felt a surge of energy sweep through them. It was similar to the one Anubis Schumann let off before he vanished. Instead of sex, all of them wanted to help their Alpha fulfill his task. They would find out what it would be soon.
"What happened? Did a ghost pass by?" Sage inquired from his Lycan counterparts. The energy made him alert. Despite going two days without sleep, he felt refreshed and ready to bring hell.
"It was Anubis. He's alive and well. And he's at Alert" White informed his mate. Sage swallowed past the lump in his throat. If Anubis was alive, where did he go for the past month and a half?
"Rush, get on the horn. Tell Kearsarge that we have an HVI inside the rogue unit. They are not to flatten the base" White instructed the younger werewolf.
"I'll get right on it" issuing the command to one of the operators who then forwarded it to the Kearsarge.
"This is Kearsarge. Are we hearing this right? You want us to stand down on destroying the base?" Captain O'Brien asked.
"That is correct, captain. Concentrate on the ground units until our man can achieve his goal" Sage responded.
"And that would be?" replied the captain.
"Classified. I don't have that kind of clearance" Sage said, cheekily.
"Okay, we will just resort to strafing runs. Inform your HVI to move fast"
"Will do. General Sawyer out" Sage said, looking at the operator to cut the line.
"Kearsarge copies. Over and out" O' Brien stated, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.
06.05 hours
Unknown Location
Private William "Smitty" Saumarez
I'm strapped to a strange contraption that reminds me of Dr. Frankenstein's table. The chills I'm getting are not helping my situation at all. The kind lioness, Sahkmet, informed me that I would be infused with part of a god. It would increase my stamina, endurance and strength. She seemed unable to tell me something and I fear it would mean the loss of my sanity. She also failed to tell me why I had to go on the table half-naked.
The private was sweating so much from fear that one of the SAS approached and wiped the sweat from the soldier's brow.
"Why me? I'm not suited for this task" he whined.
"Because we all went through with it, once. I'm Colonel Jack Price of His Majesty's SAS WolfPack unit" the SAS who wiped Smitty's brow replied. "Just relax and it won't hurt much" Jack continued.
"Great way to inspire confidence, chief. Is there a less painful way?" Smitty answered.
"There is. It's called having sex with one" Jack replied, morphing into his wolf form. "Doubt you would enjoy the feeling"
"Aurum, please stand clear. We will begin in one minute" Sakhmet informed Price.
"Yes, my lady" Jack said as he moved away from the table. Good luck, he mouthed to the private.
Don't let it hurt. Don't let it hurt. Don't let it hurt, the private chanted in his head over and over. Tugging at the shackles, he was aghast that they did not give an inch. He was bound to the table until they had finished. Only a miracle would save him now. Sadly, his miracle was too late. For his human state, anyway.
The first energy wave washed over the soldier, making him grit his teeth in pain. His muscles began twitching as they were stimulated. This faded as the energy dissipated. A second wave triggered even more twitching, muscles were beginning to spasm. The soldier was now gasping for air as his diaphragm was moving irregularly. The heartbeat was also no longer in sync. If this continued, he would wind up with cardiac arrest.
A third wave of energy made the former SEAL cry out in pain. It was evident that the changes to his body had begun. His face felt like it was being pulled forward. The human teeth fell out and were replaced with something more fitting. Muscle groups that were toned from five years in the Armed Forces bulged outward, adding considerable bulk to the soldier's physique. The sound of cracking bones could be heard throughout the chamber as the skeleton broke and reformed. The pectoral and abdominal muscles became more clearly defined. The pectorals were each large enough to carry a porterhouse cut. Round bulges on the abdomen signified the hypertrophy of the muscles in that region. The rather significant six-pack was replaced by a well-defined eight.
With the head and torso completed, the changes moved down the thicker biceps and triceps muscles towards the hands. The slender human fingers thickened and the cuticles blackened signifying the color of the talons. Sensitive pads formed on the palms and the ventral portions of the fingers. The nails extended until three inches in length.
A fourth wave struck the canine hybrid, accelerating the changes that had already begun. His legs bulged visibly, creating tears in the sturdy material. Growling loudly, the soldier wanted to kick off his boots to free his enlarging feet. The tough leather gave way as new claws tore their way from within. A tearing sound signified that the leather had undergone too much shear and failed completely. The tattered remains of his pants and boots bestowed the appearance of a monster if the observer had merely walked in just now. The shackles holding the soldier onto the table popped off his wrists and ankles, their original job finished.
As the soldier made to stand, a fifth energy wave flattened him onto the ground. His ankles were raised off the ground, altering his stance. He no longer had to balance on his heels; this had shifted to his toes. Moreover, tiny hairs made their appearance known causing an intense itch to pervade the soldier's senses. Using his claws, he scratched himself to alleviate the itch. This succeeded in intensifying the sensation as pieces of skin were torn off, exposing jet-black fur underneath. He whined in pain as something was making its way out above his anal ring. He did not wait long.
A piece of the sacro-iliac vertebra uncurled from its position and straightened out. The coccyx pierced the flesh until it met the outside air. Slowly, more bone matrix was produced and the tail extended. With the tail now out of its former home, blood vessels and nerve fibers grew along its length. This was followed by muscle and skin. Fur from his lower back and inguinal regions met on the dorsal and ventral regions of the tail, coating it a lovely jet-black.
Panting from his exhausting transformation, the newborn Lycan howled as internal changes started to take hold. Within Smitty's brain, twelve figures from the pantheon made themselves known. Deep within the soldier's subconscious, a choice was made.
Opening his now amethyst eyes, the choice he had made reflected in their crystalline orbs, the black wolf howled his acceptance and his role. Stepping towards the watching SAS, the wolf fell on one knee and proclaimed his allegiance.
"I, William Saumarez, proclaim my allegiance to the pantheon and their general, Anubis Schumann. I will serve him faithfully and with every breath in my body until he no longer needs me. Furthermore, my loyalty to the pantheon cannot be swayed by any authority, Lycan or human. Let it be so"
_So be it. I accept_a voice echoed around the silent chamber.
While the transformation was taking place, an energy barrier surrounded the test subject. This was to prevent untoward injury towards the observers. While immortal, they could still feel pain. And regenerating limbs was a bitch, no matter who you ask.
When the allegiance was spoken, Sahkmet breathed a sigh of relief. "Set will be pleased to learn that he has a "son" to call his own. Too bad, he promised to serve Anubis" the lioness chuckled to herself. Oh well, time to send this one out into the mortal plane.
06.10 hours
Alert Research Station
Col. Paul "Anubis" Schumann, MIA
The demigod felt another just like him link up mentally. Anubis broadcast his acceptance of the service that the new Settite would perform. Thinking up of a name came easily; the Set clone was able to wield the fire element. Pyro would suit him just fine.
_Pyro, when you leave the portal. Take position to the west of mine. We will slice the rogues into ribbons. Soap's platoon and a human squad will assist us. On my mark, we cut a swath through their ranks. Soap and Lysander can mop up the others. Are we clear?_Anubis ordered the new recruit.
_I shall do as you command, my Lord. It shall be done. Thank you for accepting._Pyro replied.
Take care of the lead elements and we will be having a breeze. You're welcome as well. Anubis replied, taking up position twelve meters behind one rogue element.
I'm in position. They do not appear to know we are here. Pyro said calmly. The former human enjoyed the grace his new body bestowed. He had dispatched three rogues on his way to the RP, his silvery claws tearing out their hearts.
It is because we are cloaked. Only one of the gods or one such as ourselves can detect another cloaked figure. the demigod replied.
I see. I will ask no further questions until we clear the rogues from the humans. I'm at the rendezvous.
Good. Now, we strike!
06.15 hours
Courtyard 300 meters from the landing pads
Alert Research Station
"Take no prisoners! Slaughter the humans!" the Lycan rogue shouted to his fellows as they fell on the human personnel.
"Keep up the fire. We can win this!" an unidentified officer shouted to his demoralized troops.
"Vasquez, how many mags left?" Captain Wesson called out to his LMG gunner.
"I got 100 rounds left. None of them silver" the gunner shot back, firing in short bursts to conserve ammo.
In a bizarre twist, Romeo 3-2 had not been issued with silver rounds. They only carried the normal brass rounds. Compounding the problem was that Falchion only had enough silver for a surgical strike. They only had enough for a twenty-minute firefight, at best. Since the soldiers had sprayed bullets all over the place, the scarce ammunition was wasted on non-essential targets.
"Kearsarge, we need a fire mission danger close. Friendlies mixed with tangos. Bring it down right on top of us" Major Gogh broadcast to the carrier. He was met by static. Their frequency was being jammed.
"Captain, we're being jammed. Unless we can be rescued, this is the end" the major informed the weary captain.
"Sir, we will fight until we drop. I pray that the wounded make it out safe" the captain replied to his CO. It was the look of sheer helplessness on the major's face that caused a slight chill to descend over the captain. Holly knew that look well. He had seen such on soldiers who had given up hope of ever being relieved. He was always able to rally the troops though, now was no different.
"Pick your targets. One shot, one kill. Save your ammo" the captain yelled to his comrades. Even with that measure, it could already be too little, too late. He needed a miracle, and he knew it.
He got one, though not what he intended.
One of the Lycan rogues screamed as he was set ablaze. Another collapsed without a head. Four more died in much the same manner that the rogues split their forces. Half would concentrate on the humans; the other half would kill the interlopers.
"Gogh, it's Lysander. We are fighting our way to you right now. Hold your positions. We're almost there" the lieutenant's warm voice came over the radio, breathing new life into the downcast major.
Nice one Pyro. Now, concentrate on a large wall to separate the human platoons from the rogues. Divide and conquer.
Okay. Pyro licked his lips. The black wolf concentrated on a massive wall of fire to separate the humans from the Lycan rogues. He partially succeeded. The wall wasn't high enough to prevent some of the Lycans from jumping over the fire wall. Those who did met the poisoned blades of Anubis initially, waiting on the other side. The humans were safe.
Anubis removed his cloaking and startled the two human platoons. Planting himself between the humans and the fire wall, he cut open any Lycan who dared leap over the wall. Three Lycans had leapt over the low wall in different places and were cut down simultaneously. Two more units removed their cloaks and made themselves known.
"Sergeant McMahon? Captain Roland? What are you doing here?" Major Gogh asked the two new appearances.
"Saving your asses, that's what" Stu answered as he parried a strike from one of the Lycan rogues, before slicing the body in half.
"Don't just stand there. Here," Roland tossed a rapier to the stunned ex-SAS "make yourself useful".
Grabbing the sword, the stunned Dutchman took up a classic fencing position. "En garde!"
With fluid movements, the three humans made short work of any enterprising Lycans who dared leap over the barrier. Anubis was therefore freed to pursue Canid.
"Get on the radio. Inform the base of our thanks for the quick relief" Doggy informed his radioman.
"Dragon, I need a patch to the base. We are being jammed on the frequencies for the naval support. Dragon, do you copy?"
"Go ahead, Falchion. Reading you five by five" the AWACS answered.
"Inform the base of our thanks for the quick relief of our forces. We had our backs to the wall, literally"
"Uh, roger that. Forwarding your message to Task Force GHQ" the bewildered radio operator on board replied.
06.25 hours
Tactical Operations Center
Schneider AFB
"Falchion and Romeo 3-2 send their thanks in helping them out of a sticky situation. They praised the quick response of the other assault teams in halting the Lycan attacks on their respective units" Commander von Eich informed the room.
"That's good to know. Thanks for the update. Schneider out"
"Sir, if you don't mind my asking. Whose units assisted both platoons? We had nothing on our radar and nothing on thermals until Falchion spoke up" Commander von Eich inquired, long after being dismissed.
"A special unit that we trained for infiltration missions. They are the crème de la crème. That's all I can give you for now" Sage announced.
"Okay sir. We're contacting the Kearsarge task force on re-establishing naval support. The teams on the ground received jamming and they want it lifted"
"See to it, commander. Your brother is bringing in the second wave due in fifteen minutes"
"Ja, Ich will keep an eye out" von Eich unknowingly switched to German upon hearing that his brother would be going in as well.
06.25 hours
Secure bunker, 50 meters below the surface
Alert Research Station
Anubis had peeled away from the battle area and dragged Pyro with him. Stu, Rogers and Doggy could handle the minimal influx of rogues. He and Pyro had bigger fish to fry. Making their way over to the heavily defended entrance to the bunker, Anubis merely snapped his fingers and the guards dropped dead. He had directed Pyro to melt the steel door, if he could. When the smaller demigod failed, Anubis balled his gauntlet-carrying hand and wrenched the five ton door out of its socket. He had tossed it to one side and made his way down into the very bowels of the station.
Pyro stayed outside, amusing himself by creating and juggling balls of fire. It was here that elements of Falchion, Claymore and Charlie 1 found the eight-foot tall Settite. The humans had been ordered not to open fire unless attacked first. It was this order that spared them from becoming target practice.
"Hey, uh, wolf...thing. Mind making us a fire for a spot of tea?" one of the British members of the task force told the bored wolf.
The metal jug that the Briton was carrying boiled over, with the water enough for twenty-eight cups. As they sat on the ground, it never occurred to the humans that they made an incongruous sight; sipping tea with a pyromage. Three of the soldiers each opened a packet of biscuits and distributed the contents amongst themselves and the juggling wolf. Munching on the rations, the humans missed a Lycan hiding in the shadows. Pyro had not.
When the Lycan rushed at them, Pyro cast a white-hot flame that burnt the Lycan to ashes. The momentum just carried ash into the tea of the British and Canadian members of the task force. Pyro went back to juggling fireballs as if nothing had happened.
Deep within the bunker, Anubis noticed a large number of Lycan dead. The closer he approached to Canid's safe area, the greater the number of bodies. Canid appeared to have gone mad and killed his own units in fits of rage. Chuckling softly, the jackal demigod reanimated the corpses to serve as guards if anyone made a break for it. He removed the smell of decay so he could take a deep breath and gauge the vicinity of Canid and anyone else.
Canid was close, he could feel it. There.
Anubis placed his palm on a wall panel and stepped into a brightly-lit room. In the very center, he saw a fretting Canid poring over escape routes from the doomed fortress. He coughed to get the Lycan's attention. When Canid turned around, Anubis simply smiled at the rogue and knocked him unconscious.
"Mortal bodies are so fragile. Not to worry, you won't be one for long, after I'm done"
Lifting the rogue like a sack of potatoes, he carried him up and out of the bunker. On his way up, he deanimated the corpses and let these turn into dust.
"The fighting ends now" Anubis spoke, dropping Canid onto the ground. The rogue just grunted out when he made contact with the earth. He did not wake.
The astonished British and Canadian contingent drew a bead on Anubis when he stepped out of the wrecked bunker. The sound of metal brought Pyro to full attention.
"Rrrrr" growled Pyro, his fire balls hovering behind him.
Easy, Pyro. Their weapons won't harm me. You should know that by now.
My Lord, it is the principle of the matter. You must not allow yourself to come to harm.
"Lower your weapons. I mean you no harm. All I want is Canid and here he is" Anubis spoke softly, shocking the Falchion element.
06.45 hours
Entrance to bunker
Alert Research Station
Sergeant Denny "Buck" Rogers
His Majesty's SAS
We were enjoying a cup of tea with the fire wolf when a large jackal appeared in front of us all of a sudden. He set his package down and said 'the fighting ends now'. What the devil did that mean?
It was when the package let out a grunt did I realize that it was still alive. I immediately shouldered my rifle and chambered a round. The sounds caused the placid wolf on my left to growl at me and cease his juggling act. Friendly or not, the safety of my team came before he did. As he did not move to attack us, I watched for any hostile activity. It was only after a while did I realize that he was conversing with the jackal, if only the growls could be translated into human speech.
Soon enough, the tall jackal spoke to us. He said that all he wanted was the rogue leader and asked us to lower our weapons. I believed he did not pose a threat to us and ordered the men to stand down. When I had done so, he picked up the rogue and leaped over our group towards a door of sorts. The moment he had done so, the door closed and left all of us staring at a blank wall.
When he had vanished, I felt a sharp pain spread across my chest.
"Why must I have a heart attack here of all places? Why not closer to home?" I moaned out, clutching my aching chest. I had no way of knowing that the entire task force, excluding our naval support, was experiencing the same thing.
My vision blurred as I felt hot tears run down my face. I placed my hand up to wipe them away and felt fuzz on the back of my hand. Turning my hand over, I saw that my nails had blackened and sharpened. Both of my hands had soft pads emerging from the palms and the digits.
"Sir, what's hap..happening to us?" a voice called out to my left. I was rendered speechless by the pain and just moaned. My face felt like it was being pulled by an unknown force. I saw my reflection from one of the metal panels and noticed the formation of a muzzle on my face. To my right, Corporal Taz was writhing on the ground with most of the transformation finished. His torso and lower body was reminding me of a dingo with white belly and stockings.
I blacked out after that.
Corporal Thomas A. Zacharias or Taz, as the squad knew him, was trying to stymie the changes to his body and mind. The six-foot six-inch, 200lb. Australian corporal was putting up a feeble resistance to the physical change. His mental resistance was much stronger; resembling the one St. Nick had during the Borzoi Massacre. Each time the primal part of him rose to the surface, he forced it back down through overwhelming pain. Just then a voice rang clear within the Aussie's mind.
Why do you resist the transformation? It will only make you weaker in the long run. The longer you fight, the more painful it gets. Just relax and allow it to finish.
I WILL RESIST FOR AS LONG AS I AM ABLE! I WILL NOT SUBMIT TO THIS PAIN!
_I'm glad you see it that way, cousin. You have proven yourself worthy of joining my ranks as one of my lieutenants. Take my hand and the pain will stop. I promise._Anubis' mental projection told the corporal.
And willingly become a monster? NO! I will fight this as long as I draw breath. This I swear!
It was at that point that Taz felt someone or something caress his fur. Opening his eyes, he saw the same jackal that had carried the rogue Lycan away. Without thinking, he relaxed and allowed the transformation to finish. Panting softly, the dingo nuzzled against the clawed hand rubbing his chest, belly and head. A low buzzing sound emanated from the gauntlet that the jackal was wearing, but he did not mind. All he wanted was the sensation of inner peace that the larger male generated.
Anubis smirked as the dingo lay down in his lap, allowing himself to be stroked like a pet. Too easy, the demigod thought to himself. He looked at the rest of the squad. They were nearly done with their own transformations. He counted twenty-one within the immediate vicinity.
Sniffing the air, he lamented the spilt tea on the ground. It was Orange Darjeeling, his favorite when he was still human. Taking a bird's eye view of the entire facility, the demigod was pleased at his handiwork. It had taken one-tenth of his energy reserves, but he had successfully converted the entire task force into his servants. They retained some semblance of free will; independent thinking was a must on the modern battlefield.
"Modern?" he said softly, chuckling at the very essence of the word.
He had used ancient magic, magic that was forbidden to use by any mortal. The very penalty for it was death by a thousand cuts in Nepthysis' torture chamber. The naga was not a pleasant goddess to deal with. If the mortal survived, he or she (most often a he) would be sent before Osiris. Before the Lord god Himself, the plea of the mortal would be heard and acted upon swiftly by Anubis Sr. If the use was accidental, as was often the case; the mortal was healed of his wounds and released back into his world. A sharp reprimand and a more severe punishment were in the offing if the practice was repeated.
If it were intentionally used, the consequences were dire. The mortal's soul was taken from him and his body filled by a demon. There was no shortage of demons that wanted to wreak havoc on earth.
Though associated with Set, these demons had found that the younger Anubis so unlike his father that they regularly invited him for bacchanals. Tactfully turning these down, Anubis merely wanted to observe and study. The feasting on human flesh was frowned upon by the elder gods but tolerable. They also had partaken in such when they were not focused on their duties.
"Sir, why have we not been transformed into anthromorphs?" Sergeant McMahon asked, saluting the demigod.
"Yes, sir. I am curious as to why we were allowed to go out unscathed" Captain Roland spoke as well on the right of the sergeant.
"I'm good" a voice called out groggily behind the duo. It was Major Gogh. The Lab just rubbed his eyes with his paws, yawning. When the troops around him started transforming, he shifted as well to match. He was not expecting the wind to get knocked out of him. Nor to feel very sleepy, afterwards.
"Das ist gut" Colonel von Eich said as he approached the demigod from behind. Unfortunately for the colonel, he tripped on a rifle butt and was sent sprawling. "SCHISSE!" he cried out.
A large, black paw appeared in the German's field of vision. Grasping it, he was pulled upwards and dusted off by an amused jackal.
"Why am I also still human?" he asked, looking longingly at the snoozing furs on the ground.
"Well, I'll be damned" a new voice spoke up. It was Captain O'Brien, commanding officer of the USS Kearsarge. He had teleported onto the base by accident. He had finished a tour at Schneider a few months ago.
"Whoeee, you sure know how to make a mess" the captain whistled. At the patronizing look Anubis was giving him, "I still outrank you and you know it major. Don't give me that look".
"We would have been equals if you stayed long enough at Schneider. I was promoted two ranks to full colonel. And also gifted you the ability to teleport short distances" the demigod grinned, exposing two rows of sharp, canine teeth.
"Nah. Think I'll pass on growing fur. It's hard to remove from clothing and furniture, if you know what I mean?" the captain said, wiggling his eyebrows. Turning to leave, the captain was struck by a thought. "By the way, where is Canid?"
"He's being taken care of. He'll be docile enough for a pet show this November" Anubis remarked, making the carrier captain shiver.
Pointing a finger at the demigod, the captain responded in kind "Stay out of the elections, the campaign is murder without you showing up".
"I will stay out of it. Their circus means nothing to me. Though, I think John could use Rhode Island, California and Texas to vote for him" Anubis half-joked, implying the states he would swing for his friend.
"Uh, how do I get back to the carrier? I'm new at this teleport stuff" O'Brien cut in.
"Just imagine your suite and you'll get there. Don't appear on the flight deck, I might just strip you of your clothes there and expose you to the world"
"Thanks for the tip. I'll see you later Paul" the captain bid his goodbye and vanished.
"Gentlemen, would you like the long version or the short version of why you're not furry?" Anubis asked, facing the remaining humans.
Elsewhere...
"You should see your face Vasquez. Now, you really DO look like a big dog! Hahahahaha!" the familiar voice of Captain Holly Wesson boomed over the silent facility.
"Shut up! At least I don't look like Lassie" the Irish wolfhound said to his commanding officer, who was currently rolling around on the ground from laughter.
"Oh, you're just jealous and you know it" was the remark.
"Romeo 3-2, what's your status? This is Zulu X-ray, do you copy?" a voice buzzed from one of the discarded radio sets.
Both canines looked at each other and shrugged. Maybe if they both ignore the set, the voice would go away.
It didn't.
"Romeo 3-2, answer me. What is your status?" the voice repeated, with an irritated edge to it.
A striped paw reached for the radio and answered for the two snickering Lycans. "This is Lieutenant Lysander. Go ahead Zulu X-ray"
"Eltee, this is Panther. Give us a sit-rep on the status of the takedown" the voice said, using the identification code for the Pentagon's Tactical Operations Center.
"Takedown went well?" the tiger said in disbelief, looking at his furry paws. What just happened?
All units, cease radio traffic. I am sending you back into the snake pit. Shift back into your human selves. George, inform the Pentagon that Canid was "neutralized". I'll hand you his dogtags.
"Panther, Canid has been neutralized. Threat extinguished" George said with more confidence.
"Copy that. Any casualties on our side?" Panther asked.
"We have ten dead, eleven wounded. What time is it anyway?" the dazed lieutenant asked.
"It's already 9.30 EST. You guys went dark for three hours. We got worried and tried to contact you, we got no response. We assumed the worst and dispatched a Predator drone to assess. Look up, will you?" the voice on the other end requested.
When the lieutenant gazed upward, the Predator's lens zoomed in and recorded the tiger's reaction. The entire Tac-Ops received a shock when they beheld the creature on the other end.
"This is Rear Admiral Lysander. Where you always a tiger, lieutenant?" the admiral spoke into the mike with disbelief.
"Pretty much, mom. Never knew I could manifest physically though" the figure scratched his head on the monitor.
"Just come home. We'll work something out" the rear admiral said.
"I just know I'm going to win best costume for Halloween" the tiger snickered, hanging up.
09.35 EST
Tactical Operations Center
Pentagon
Arlington, Virginia
"Keep that drone on station! Tell NORAD we have a Condition One" Rear Admiral Elizabeth A. Lysander informed one of the staff when the drone switched off and RTB'd.
"NORAD to Panther. What Condition One? There is no such authorization administered by the Joint Chiefs or the President. Stand down. General Helmsley speaking" the male voice on the other end stated quite clearly.
"You don't understand general. My son is still down there! Just one more minute..." Beth pleaded with her superior.
"Now see here, you are out of line! Either stand down or be relieved right now! Am I making myself clear?" the general hotly stated.
"But...but...what would you do if it were one of yours?" Beth continued, tears brimming in her deep blue eyes.
"As a father, I would want the drone returned. As a general, it is not priority. My son died due to friendly fire in Canadian airspace. You of all people should know that. Helmsley out" cutting off the video feed.
The rear admiral fled the bunker to retreat into her office on the third floor of the Pentagon. It was there that she wept openly. She wept for the son she watched grow into a man; the very same one now standing in Canada as a bipedal tiger. She shed bitter tears as she knew that society would not accept a 'Freak! Monster! Or Animal!' amongst them.
Even a mother's love does not shield totally. What happens when she is dead and buried? Who would take care of her son? With these depressing thoughts in her mind, she reached for another box of tissues.
A knock sounded on the door as she was halfway through the second box. She just shook her head at the closed door.
"Go away. I'm not in the mood" she said. Whoever it was would have to wait.
The knocks persisted, nonetheless. After fifteen minutes of rapping on the door without a response, the person on the other side called out to the occupant.
"Mom, let me in! I'm home from Canada. Please open the door?" a familiar voice spoke up from the other side. "Mom, I know you're there. I can smell your salty tears" he continued.