Chapter 3

"Here, take this." 019 handed 099 and 105 each a small chrome device with blinking lights. He then pointed at a dirt mound at the rear of the landing area, "Take these and wait for my signal, it should buy us around five minutes or so."

Both of them nodded before disappearing into the darkness, while the two were getting into position 076 went over the plan once more with the members of Grey squad. 

Setting up behind the mound the pair felt a strange sensation, the uneasy feeling of many of the members continued as waited. Before long the Landing zone was surrounded by a an army of Vrax Soldiers, their wariness was proved correct as they were heavily outnumbered by what seemed to be not your ordinary batch of soldiers. Having the devices given to them at the ready they were prepared and waiting for the moment the target appeared as they'd have only a few moments before losing the element of surprise.

As the army maintained it's ranks ready to show the visitors a display of power and discipline, the long awaited shuttle finally arrived. Emerging from it was two Vrax soldiers, clearly the high ranking members and with them was a tall elegant figure which released a soothing pheromone as it left the shuttle reaching all the way to humans laying in the surrounding darkness.

The two Vrax soldiers met their subordinates paying their respect before introducing the tall unknown xeno covered in a silk like dress covering. As they had their guard down 019 gave the signal over the radio prompting 099 and 105 to toss the devices after quickly activating them. The devices hit the shuttle sticking to it like a magnet and as it did the lights being provided by it suddenly shut off. Magnetic waves were released from the devices further taking out the lights and electronics of the vehicles which accompanied the army.

"Switching to nods, remember beside the target no survivors." 019 said as his visor mode switch

The others followed his lead, quickly moving to cover and swiftly taking out as many Vrax as they could, the loud bangs accompanied by the sound of flesh being exploded was all that could be heard over the yelling and panicked Vrax. The weapons attached to the vehicles which accompanied them had to be turned manually meaning that by time they had finally shifted to the humans position they were already gone, 099 and 105 used this to their advantage and caused even further confusion to field as they lobbed grenades beneath the hovering vehicles. 

Everything was going to plan and the Squads were now closing in on the target, 022 being the first to close the gap quickly gunned down the two high ranking Vrax soldiers infront of the target xeno, despite it's tall stature it was surprisingly light as he lifted it over his shoulder with no resistance.

"Target secure heading to coordinates for extraction."

"Copy that, we'll take care of things here." 076 replied to which the members of Grey Squad acknowledged by leaving with the target.

"I count about 15 left, you take the right-" as 076 radioed for 099 he was abruptly cut off. 

Zzzt

A bullet from an unknown location struck him in the throat as the light's and electronics came back online. He grabbed his throat while slumping to the ground, 099 rushing to his side while firing in the direction of the shooter.

076 Tried to talk but his throat was gushing and filling with blood, as 099 kept firing he looked down once more while reloading to see his friend unmoving.

"Chris?" after pausing for a moment and without hearing a response he connected to the Grey Squads channel. "Grey Squad, watch your back. There were more hiding, I think this might've been a setup."

"What do you mean, and where's 076?" 019 asked in confusion as he and the rest of Grey Squad slowed down.

"He's dead, a sniper got him. I'm pinned but I'll try buy you some time so just make sure you get to extraction before they catch your tail alr-" before 099 could finish a loud explosion could be heard over the radio and in the distance. 

After stopping for a moment the remaining members silently continued running however as the deaths of their friends they left behind filled their minds.

099 lay beside the burning shuttle, his whole body was in pain. It was a rare feeling he didn't get to experience often, he used the little strength he had to drag himself away from the wreckage but as he moved away he felt the shattered shards of bones moving in his body, tearing his inside up and as he looked to the lack of feeling in his left arm he saw that it was hanging from a few threads of flesh. Grabbing his blade he sliced off the hanging flesh which was his arm and struggled to his feet which were mostly charred flesh. As he removed his helmet to get a better view from his one good eye he saw the mess he caused and in a strange chaotic way he was proud.

"I hope this was a good send off for you brother." he painfully smiled before stumbling into the tall grass field where he then dragged himself along to the treelines, finally finding a small hole under a large tree he collapsed before falling unconscious due to the pain.

~~~

"There he is, quickly call in 019." 

099 regained consciousness only briefly and looking up he saw the bright sky as he was being moved on his back, a worn out looking 105 was towering above him as the members of Grey Squad lifted him into an old world van before speeding off. Somehow he managed to survive but only time would tell if he would live, 019 in the drivers seat looked back at the torn up 099 flinching slightly before turning to 034 who held the scorched tags of 076.

'Fucking hell.' He thought as he drove back to the hideout, looking back on how he shouldn't have left November behind during their retreat and becoming so confident that he'd neglect to expect the worst...

Target Secured 

One KIA

One Critical Condition