Strickland's Order

I was correct in my assumption that Strickland's team was behind all the fire power being launched toward the spider-machine that is the largest of the machines I've seen so far. Rockets, Gauss Rifle shots and even the alien gun Prophet found have not put a single dent in this beast. Still, Strickland's team is dedicated on taking the machine down.



After clearing the area of the smaller machines, we were clear for a VTOL-craft landing. The spider-machine was heading in this direction, but we still had time to load up and evacuate - since that appears to be our only option.



We jumped into the VTOL and and waited for Strickland to board along with us. In the background I could see the spider-machine getting closer. I looked into Strickland's eyes. I knew this look. I had seen it once before, just within the last year.



Strickland was one who didn't like to leave any loose ends ... or any incomplete missions. So, when we were on a mission together in a remote part of Asia, our situation appeared to get out of hand very quickly and unexpectedly. Our orders came through to cut and run from the area before a larger situation occurred. We all knew that "a larger situation" did not involve more enemy troops, but the worldwide media.

The last thing the world needed to know is that the US Special Forces were in this remote section of Asia. The consequences would be devastating to world politics. Still, we were there for a mission, that was a very strong mission. In fact, in all my years with the US military, not one of my missions has been categorized as a bad mission. I've always agreed with the task at hand ... because I knew my superiors were always watching my back.

We had nearly reached our goal when complications began to arise. As I noted above, the orders came through to cut and run, so we started the evacuation procedures. We had to abort immediately and we had to leave no trace of evidence behind us. That day, Strickland was the last to board the VTOL. That day, he failed to board with us and sent us up in the air.

When the enemy noticed we were evacuating, they put their focus on the VTOL and tried to take it down. They didn't realize that Strickland was still on the ground. His gamble paid off, as he was able to complete the mission and evacuated the area under the cover of darkness. He must have ran at high speed for over an hour, because when he radioed for a pickup, we were amazed at the amount of separation he created between the hot zone and himself. I still wonder if he didn't hijack a vehicle to make up time. Inside, I knew he did it all on foot. That is just the kind of guy Strickland is.

So, that look Strickland gave me is the same look I am seeing now. He's not coming on board this VTOL, he is going to try and take the spider-machine down.

As the VTOL lifted, we left the door ajar, so that we could provide support, if possible. The spider-machine was close now and was shooting its bright blue laser in our direction. Check that, it was firing toward Strickland. I wonder if he realizes what he's up against at this point. That machine is huge!



Strickland raced over to one of the heavy machine guns and took position to place some serious lead into the machine. He began firing just after the blue laser stopped blasting. Maybe he saw a way to take the machine down. The bullets were firing. Just then, we saw something we had not seen from the spider-machine. It took one of it's legs and stomped the machine where Strickland was stationed.



The explosion was massive and rocked the path of our VTOL. I could feel the heat from the explosion warm my Nanosuit. The heavy machine gun was destroyed. There was no sign of Strickland when the dust settled. I hoped that he survived, but I am pretty sure he was gone.

I paused to remember Major Strickland and everything he taught me. He will be missed. I said a prayer for his graceful soul. I said a prayer for his family, now with one less seated at the dinner table.

I will be back in touch soon.

Nomad ... signing out.

Turbulence

As we departed toward our escape route, my remorse for Major Strickland was interrupted when more of those machines attacked us without warning. I guess the cure for the sadness of losing a fellow soldier is to be attacked by some unknown entity. While we tried to take down the machines we saw from behind our ship, the pilot of our VTOL was taken down. We were beginning to head toward the ground quickly. There's no way I want to stay on this island and deal with the spider-machine!

I panned our room within the VTOL. I didn't see anyone who was probably more capable than myself to navigate this craft. What didn't make things better is that all my flight hours in the VTOL happened in simulation. True be told, I had not flown a real VTOL in my entire military career. That really didn't matter at this point, because no one else was stepping up to the plate. Did I mention that I didn't want to have to face the spider-machine?!!!

So, I moved into the cockpit and assumed the controls.



The initial mission is to escape from the island to one of our carriers out at sea. However, we needed to clear the area of these machines first. The machines were attacking not only us, but another area filled with US forces attempting to escape in their own VTOLs. Until the machines are eliminated, the other VTOLs are stuck on the ground - stationary targets!

Using the rockets and the guns on board the VTOL I was able to take down the machines that weren't destroyed from my fellow soldiers either in the back of my craft or on the ground still waiting to board their escape pods.



With the area clear, the VTOLs were able to head in the direction of the carrier. I followed their path, since I was certainly the slowest of them all given my lack of flying time.

To be honest, the controls were identical to the simulators. What was missing in the simulator was the reality of feeling the craft navigate through the sky. Also missing was the wicked turbulence that I was dealing with now. The simulator adjusted for wind conditions, but I never remember dealing with this kind of resistance, followed by immediate anti-resistance!



Before me the open sea finally was in the distance. I felt like I was going to make it off this island after all. Landing this craft might be a different situation all together. Heck, I will just be happy to get near the carrier. We can swim the rest of the way, if needed.

I noticed more machines attacking troops near the beach. There was an industrial park of some sort at the edge of the island. I wondered if this was an area I had navigated through on foot. I didn't think so. Nothing looked familiar, at least.

With my damage reasonable and machine gun still full of ammo, I decided to clear out the area of the remaining machines before heading toward the carrier. I figured the more I take care of now, the less we have to deal with later.



The area was clear and my map showed no known enemies in range.



I asked the team in the back of the ship if we should head toward the carrier. No one opposed. So, we are finally off this island ... at least for now.

I am going to focus on landing this craft on the carrier. I will be back in touch soon.

Nomad ... signing out.