ICC- Lone Wanders Chapter 2

The rescue

Further away, unnoticed by the defenders at the, another group of desperate fighters gathered. Some were there for loyalty to their comrades, others were there for duty, but most had come for money. Krieg watched them gather.

"Alright, all of you, in a few minutes we're going in." He called out. "We are going heavy armor first along with the borderman. The rest of you keep your triggers easy. Don't want you shooting our boys in the back. Our first goal is the end of the 'El'. We'll hold there and rally, then move for the Fort. Got it?"

The nucleus of the group was formed around the 5 borderman and the 6 stormtroopers of the Tabis Heavy Armor Squad. Sporting power armor the storm troopers were the hardest hitting of the Tabis force. They carried in their arms an assortment of melee and ranged weapons. Supersledges and rippers as well a Bozars and miniguns. But there were few of them, half the squad still being deployed to confront slavers. The borderman were not as heavily armored, carrying combat armor, but likewise they were heavily armed, sporting flamers and vindicators. In addition were a squad of policeman, donning old combat armor, and brought to the battle with the hope of adding a bonus to their salary. They brought with them what weapons they could, but primarily came bearing shotguns. Their fears forgotten they seemed enthusaistic, glad to be joining the heavy armor troops.

In addition were another 20 fighters, caravan men, sporting a variety of armor and weapons, and of indeterminate skill.

Krieg looked over his men. There weren't enough trained fighters to his liking, but war never did come packaged to perfection. It would do.

The sun finally broke the sky, and the men waited until the yellow ball finally emerged from the horizon, huge and glorious if unforgiving.

"Alright. Squadies forward! The rest of you follow!" Yelled Krieg. The policeman opened the gate, and the group fanned through, moving quickly.

Before them the El stretched out towards the burned remains of Wainright Park. Along the ancient stretch of highway, battered cars rested against the curb side and the men could see the deathclaw still eating the dead of the day before.

"Alright, let 'em have it."

The bozars and the vindicators thundered, and the deathclaw that were still on the bridge had only a moment to realize the danger before they were ripped apart by the lethal munitions.

___________________

ICC- At the Fort the men heard the sounds on the "El"

"What do you think?" Asked Rogue.

"Sounds like their coming for us." Said Grim. Yacob had come up behind the small group on the rampart.

"Who ever they are, its the easy part of the journey. Going down that elevated, all the monsters are before ya. Its the town ya got to watch out for. Their probably going to be drawing some of these beasts away. But when they get to the end of the 'El' that's when the fight will really start. "

Ferris nodded. He had lean back away from the rampart and had injected his leg with a stim pack and a antiviral agent. "Once they clear the El' they will be fighting through a sea of deathclaw. That's the hard part." He grimiced at the pain in his hip.

"That's the problem too. This being the second rescue, there's a good chance that's as far as they'll go. We ain't worth risking more lives." Said Yacob.

Caleb listened, impassively. "So its time for us to make our break."

Rogue and Grim helped Ferris down to the cart, followed by Yacob.

To the ghouls, Caleb said. "give us some distance before bailing. And once again, we owe you."

One of the ghouls looked at Caleb suspiciously. "They say you are the one. " Caleb didn't speak. " There's a lot riding on your shoulders boy, and more then a few ghouls won't see shade again cause a you. I hope you're worth it."

"Just keep the door open if we need to hightail back. ya here." Said Caleb impatiently, and then he left before the ghouls could respond.

Jeeva waited until Ferris was on the truck and then looked over the small group. Yet another desperate gamble, he thought.

"Alright. Let's go." He said quietly.

Bear and Knox moved forward and together, unbolted the giant double door. Then Knox, super sledged ready, retreated behind Jeeva. Jeeva moved up to stand next to Bear. A plasma rifle and a Gauss minigun would cut the path forward.

Both men stepped out of the fort at the same time.

And the final battle of the fort began.
 
On the El/ In the graveyard.

On the El, the heavy infantry and the seasoned borderman moved rapidly among the bodies of the dead and the destroyed hulks of ancient vehicles. The men were trained to fight in pairs and threes, covering each other as they advanced.

Krieg was pleased with the progress. He had allowed the heavy armor to advance ahead when they approached a line of destroyed hulks. In their power armor, they were the most protected although hardly invulnerable.

Krieg could hear one of the heavy infantry, a private named Hudson, blasting away at his 20 mm assault rifle in an over-under configuration with a 40mm grenade laucher. The weapon, a relic of an older time, was well maintained hand-down from the units exclusive armory.

"Come on, Come on" Hudson cursed between burst of the weapon. "What? You want a little of this? How about this? Fuck you, Fuck you too!"

The weapon let out a dry burp sound, but the 20 mm fire tore the deathclaw ahead to shreds.

A few more men and this would be easy, thought Krieg.

But there weren't more.

The small squad of heavy infantry fired a half dozen grenades behind a line of derelick cars, before advancing. Their sergeant, a well liked veteran named Orlson (but who was nicknamed Orge) waved his men forward. From the look of his face, Orge was enjoying himself. Krieg felt a moment of concern that the sergeant, sometimes, the battle lust made one unduly reckless.

Most of the deathclaw ran from them. Even these primitive beasts could recognize that the armored infantry meant death.

Krieg held his men up, and checked behind him. The volunteers from the police force were well mingled with his men. The caravan guards were trailing behind, practically the length of the El, preferring to risk little for the rewards they hoped to reap. They either needed to catch up or the forward elements slow down so that the group could remain coherent. Stretched out they would be vulnerable.

Within that group of caravan guards, hidden among them, a smaller man with a slight belly, who said his named was Sancho, moved with deliberate speed. Earlied he had looked for the bounty hunter, Grim, and now he was nearing his quary.

Krieg glimpsed over the side to the town below.
The fire had swept up under the El, and below many buildings were still burning, more were smoldering. Not all the buildings had fallen, but the ground was blackened and burned. Even so, Krieg could see the deathclaw that swarmed below, hiding under the highway, following them towards the place where the El met the street.

Up ahead, Orge stopped on the roof an a damaged automobile while his men advanced. He looked back and saw Krieg, and gave the borderman the thumbs up. Yes, he was enjoying himself too much. In his hands he lifted a radio. Probably calling back to Dobbins who was observing the battle from the gate.

He was still talking on the radio when the hood of the car broke open and a deathclaw swung for the sergeant's feet. Orge had barely time to react when his feet were swept from under him and he fell hard on the hood with an audible impact, then rolled off the car and was hidden from sight. The deathclaw immediately slithered over the car, following the fallen man over, to finish the job.

Orge's men had already advanced ahead and were not aware of the danger to their commander.

One of the borderman lifted a Bozar, but Krieg pushed the barrel down. The weapon's high velocity round would probably penetrate the car's ancient metal, but it was uncertain who it would hit and if the rounds wouldn't impact on the heavy infantry.

Other borderman were quickly to moving to the car.

Ogre was still alive, locked in struggle with the mighty beast and was rolling on the ground. His ripper out, he tore into the creature, probably already mortally wounding the beast, while the creature continued to rip and tear. Most of the beasts attacks where to no avail against the power armor. But a terrible gash against his face and other wounds indicated that the monster had done much damage.

One of the borderman lifted and fell a might super sledge, knocking the beast to the side and over. Quickly, the others lowered their weapons and blasted the monsters, destroying its midsection with a thousand missiles, until the creature finally collapsed.

"Medic! Medic!" Screamed one of the policeman.

Krieg called out to another of his men to tell the infantry to slow up while he did what he could for the wounded sergeant.

Ogre's face was a mask of pain and blood. A claw had ripped a might gash across his cheeck, nearly taking an eye. "Mutha Fucka, mutha Fucka!" he cursed.

The medic quickly tried to remove the armor, inspected the wounds. "Ah fuck, he's got arterial damage in the leg, and it's broken. The arm too. He'll make it but we got to get him back."

"Alright," Said Krieg. "You four." he pointed to four of the caravan men, "You're stretcher bearers. Be quick. Get this men to the gate pronto."

They had only taken one causality, which was light, but they had lost an important leader and now Krieg had to worry about the men's morale.

He picked up the radio that Ogre had been using, it was still functional. "Dobbins, it's Krieg. Your man Orlson is down. Resistance is still light but it's going to get heavy at the gate. Better get medical support ready."

"How's Orlson?" Said Dobbins, obviously worried.

"He's pretty fucked up and will be down for awhile but he'll live. Make sure you have plasma ready. I'm putting Drake in charge of the infantry."

"Good, look you know I can provide you only limited support." Said Dobbins.

"Yeah I know, we're on our own. SHould be no problem clearing the El, it's getting off the 'El' that I'm worried about."

"Keep it hard man."

"Always."

The radio clicked off. The heavy infantry had reformed and were laying down heavy fire. Krieg moved up towards the small pocket.

"Drake" Said Krieg to a big infantrymen. "You're my number 2 now, Got it. This part is going to be pretty easy, so make sure your people don't waste ammo."

Drake was a big, bald infantry man with a long earing and tattoos. "What's with Orge?"

"He's going to be alright. But keep your shit together. It's up to you to make sure the rest of these greasy dicks make it home tonight."

_______________________

At the Fort, Jeeva and Bear stepped out into the grave yard. They could hear the firing coming from further away, and although some of the deathclaw were now moving in that direction, many more remained.

A thin mist was rising from the day as the night's chill mixed with the heat of the rising sun. The mist mixed with the smell of scorched flesh and blood. They could hear the sounds of deathclaw fighting amongst themselves, but none made move towards the cart.

"Should we whistle a tune?" Asked Bear, his Gauss mini gun ready.

"Nah. Better not draw attention to ourselves. " Caleb said. The Blade had moved up to the front for the first inspection of the battlefield.

"Step lightly now, watch the graves. The motherfuckers like to hide underground." Said Jeeva.

A few more steps out, and still nothing. Behind them Knox and Tia and Fury stepped out, followed by Grim and Rogue and Yacob. Yacob and Grim each held a grenade launcher in addition to the other weapons they kept handy. The grenade launchers were sSingle shot weapons, the grenades could provide heavier support in an emergency.

Slowly the bulls stepped forward. The big animals sniffed the air, and instantly were aware of the danger. But their instincts had kept them alive for a long time, and they knew better than to make any unnecessary sounds. Ibis gently urged them forward, Ferris riding shot gun with a large calibre rifle.

A few steps at a time, taken slowly, carefully, they moved through the graveyard, while around them the deathclaw fought and struggled over their meals.

"Any move, any move at all, let them have it." Said Caleb.

A few more steps and they had formed a pocket, with the cart and wounded in the middle, Jeeva and Bear in front, and the others around them.

Horus watched them move, his flamer ready and a shotgun slung behind. On the ramparts the ghouls watched, prepared to cover any retreat in fire. Horus moved quickly, planting mines throughout the building.

They had almost reached the gate when Bear whispered, "Hey, the freaking gate is locked." And stepped forward.

He was barely an arms distance from the gate when a deathclaw launched itself against the metal frame. It held itself there, its claws wrapped around the metal gate, its face a mixed assortment of fangs, glaring down at the gun merchant in a smile of hateful malice.

Bringing up the Gauss Mini, Bear merely laughed. "Time to dance to my tune, baby."

Jeeva, even as he turned to fire his plasma rifle at the nearest of the deathclaw, was surprised to find that the Gauss really did whistle a tune.

The miniature 2mm bullets, tore through the air, shredding the hanging demon and blowing through the gate itself. "YEEEEE HAAAAA!" Screamed the maniacal Bear. "Damn It's been a Long TIme since I did some Ass Kickin'"

Instantly the others launched. Yacob and Grim firing their grenade launchers at the largest concentrations of deathclaws, while the others began firing their flamers and rifles in all directions around the cart. In a moment the cart was encircled by burning napalm.

At the gate, the ghouls fired their last bursts of flamer fuel at the beasts below. Wally had already slipped through the basement exit.

"Alright, let's go let's go." Said Horus, who was also firing now from the gate entrance, but retreating towards the gate to the basement.

"Fuck this isn't working" Said Ozby. "Hold them, it'll be a minute."
 
The escape

"Get the damn gate opened!" Yelled Ibis, who had become painfully aware that any delay increased the small group's vulnerability.

Caleb lowered his rifle for a moment to appraise the situation. 'Go, damn it. Blow the damn gate."

Bear needed no encouragement. Lowering the Gauss minigun he fired one short burst into the base of one of the stone gate posts, and then the others. The bursts pulverized each, which crumbled to dust. Then with a heavy foot, he kicked the gate down. "We're through!" He called back

Quickly Jeeva moved through, plasma rifle blasting, followed by Bear, Caleb, and Knox and then Skik, who was throwing grenades as fast as he could from a pouch slung around his shoulders.

On either side the defenders had layed a wall of fire and from behind they fired desperately to keep, the deathclaw away.

The bulls had gotten through the gate when one of the wheels of the cart hit a groove, and the cart lurched to a stop. The bulk of the vehicle fillled the width of the gate.

"What the hell?" asked Ferris, firing from behind Ibis.

"The damn cart is stuck! We need to push it out!" Yelled Ibis.

Caleb, hearing the commotion behind him, stopped. "Back! Back, defend the cart!" The strongest members of the force were in front of the cart.

Behind them Tia and Fury, both sporting wounds took to the rear, while Rogue, Grim and Yacob tried to work the cart free.

"Give us some help back here!" Yelled back Yacob. His chest now filling him with pain.

______________

On the El-

Drake raised his hand up and then down, as if patting down the ground. A signal to stop and reload.

Krieg waved his borderman forward, passing the heavy infantry.

The advanced had taken a similar pattern. The forward line, the heavy infantry, would advance and fire, and then halt for the second line, the bordermen, to pass through as the heavy infantry reloaded. When the second line rain out of ammunition, the first line would move past them.

Krieg stopped next to crouched Drake, who was busy reloading a Bozar. "How you're doing."

"As long as them fucking deathclaw stay good and far ahead of us, we should be fine." Said Drake. "What about Orge?"

"He's pretty beat up, but he'll make it. Just keep your line moving forward." Replied Krieg.

"A lot of fucking effort for a bunch of freaking slavers, Krieg."

"We fight not only for slavers but freemen, soldier."

"Yeah right, save it for the funeral Krieg. This is a waste of good men and you know it." Said the corporal.

"You don't keep your shit together it will be a lot of funerals, then. How's your ammo."

"We've fired up a shitstorm, but so far we're ok." Said Drake, twisting his neck to get the fatigue out. "We're going to need resupply though if we are to get off the El."

"It'll be here. Keep it together Drake. Your men are counting on you."

And Krieg moved on, catching up with his bordermen.

Ahead a fury of fire, the rat-tat-tat of shotgun and explosion, and even faintly the low whistle of a gauss gun cycling. Whoever was ahead were now in the fight as well.

_________________

Meanwhile, at the gate.

"Get those damn supplies ready! You there, triage!" Nana instructed. Her duty was to arrange for the supply to the breakthrough force.

Dobbins had come down from the gate to check on the status.

"We need more damn ammo and the medical supplies are slow. We have the doctors working." Nana reported before Dobbins could speak. "Hows the rescue?"

"So far moving well. They have advance most of the El. But Orlson's down and is being rushed back." Said Dobbins.

"Krieg is still in charge."

"Yes, Drake has been placed in second. They are still moving forward. But it's a blow."

Dobbins had not needed to tell Nana of Orlson's fall. The word had spread like a wildfire among the police and townsmen gathered at the gate. Orlson, one of the heroes of the police force, was a natural leader and had played a pivotal role of motivating the others for rescue. Without him the others might yet break if the going got too rough.

Nana had also heard the men grumbling. Without Orlson, many of the police were beginning to voice their discontent, careful to keep it out of Nana's earshot. Many of the caravan guards had also slipped away.

Around Nana were a dozen men, the resupply. "Start packing your bags and be ready. We go soon." She called.
 
OOC- good to be back in action....

IC-

The three of them heaved at the cart, straining forcefully as they tried to remove it from its current location. Ibis pushed the bulls on but made little difference.

“Fuck.” Yacob cursed as the three ceased there struggle.

“This aint moving.” Replied Rogue.

Around them the guns were still blazing, firing at anything that even looked in their direction.

Caleb slid over the back of the cart, “Shit, what happened?” he asked looking round to see where the cart was jammed.

“It aint budging.” Grim said in response, “It’s jarred up against the frame.”

Caleb glimpsed at side of the cart coming into contact with the remains of the gates frame. “It’ll move, just needs a little forcing.” Caleb looked up towards the men in front. Bear looked back; he didn’t need to be told. Slinging Lucille onto the wooden cart, he climbed over and took his place at the back with the others. Ibis readied the bulls for the push.

Knox left Jeeva and Skik firing into buildings as they covered the front from attack as he moved to the back, supplying his own cover for those trying desperately to free the cart. He stood tall, an imposing figure between the deathclaws behind and the cart. His size and strength combined with a super sledge made him a powerful opponent, even for a deathclaw.
Hopefully the wall of fire created earlier would be sufficient and Knox would have little to do.

The five steadied them selves, each taking a grip on the cart; they listened to Grim’s count.

“On three, 1...2...3.” Grim shouted as he slammed a soar back against the wooden panels.
The others matched his actions, channelling all their strength into the task combing their might. Ibis whipped the bulls on, the old beasts grunted as they struggled and slid on the spot.

Bear, with his back to the cart let out a cry and gritted his teeth. The huge gun runner’s muscles tensed as he used every ounce of strength that he could muster.

Knox didn’t turn to look; he could hear the infernal noise of the enraged deathclaws from behind the fire, “Come you fucks, I just dare ya.” He whispered to him self. As though psyching him self for battle.

Ferris peered over the edge, “Ha...it’s moving.” His voice was ecstatic. The cart creaked and cracked in protest to the strain, the old wood was sturdy but old and Ibis cringed at each little creek the cart produced.

The creature moved behind the wall of fire, its prey were un suspecting of its presence. Crouching down, the deathclaw readied its self for a surprise attack, inching closer to the flames before using the impressive power in its hind legs to propulse it’s self through the flames towards an unsuspecting Knox

The slaver caught sight of the deathclaw at the last second leaving just enough time to through his weight into a duck roll sideways maneuver to avoid the attack.
The creature roared with anger as it mist its mark, turning the deathclaw eyed up easier pray as Knox gathered himself from the dirt.

Kicking its head back, the deathclaw charged towards the cart at a lightning fast speed. Bear, the only one facing the creature with his back to the cart glared in shock as a beast bigger than he was ran them down.
It didn’t get far though. Mustering all his speed and strength, Knox gathered himself and sped forward in a burst of adrenalin to intercept the demons rush attack.
Swinging the super sledge to gain momentum and force, he pulverised the beast in its hind legs, the deathclaw could only snarl and swipe at the slavers attack but it did little to deter the physco Knox who's blood was pumping adrenalin through his veins.
The force of the super sledge as it impacted on the animal was abnormal, crushing all bone structure through its legs and sending the deathclaw sliding into the wall of fire.

“Get that fucking cart moving.” Knox yelled as he regained his balance.

With the combined strength of Yacob, Grim, Caleb, Rogue and Bear added with that of the Bulls to the front, the cart slowly started to move. Screeching loudly as it grinded against the stone, the pressure on the gate posts too much and what was left of them gave way throwing the cart free. The sudden quick movement sent a un expecting Ferris to the floor; he dropped hard sending dust to the air.

“Fuck.” The young border patrol guard cursed as he hit the ground.”

Bear laughed a deep amused chuckle as he picked Ferris up from the dirt, “you ok kid?”

“Ok, let’s get this meal on wheels moving” Yelled Caleb.

Ibis wiped the sweat from his temple in a sigh of relief and hushed the bulls on.

Bear swiped Lucille and took his place back next to Jeeva at the front of the party.

“Ok people, let’s keep it together, eyes open and ears pricked. There out there and waiting for us.” shouted Jeeva, encouraging the group on.

OOC- Sorry for the mistakes that i had earlier, slight lack of time. There corrected now.
 
on the "el", in the streets.

"Go! Go!" Yelled Dobbins from his point overlooking the El.

Nana needed no more encouragements. "You heard him, let's go."

And she was through the gate and racing for the front line. Alongside, in a tight group came a group of 10 men and women, who had volunteered to bring supplies and help back any wounded.

She had not expected the devestation on the bridge.

The line had become increasingly spread out as it had advanced, and a number of caravan men had already returned, their pockets filled with pilfered loot. What discipline the HAI's, the heavy armor infantry, and the borderman had possessed the caravanmen lacked. Driven for only quick loot and unwilling to risk, they were scavangers, picking at the corpses they found.

Worse then deathclaws, she thought. At least they do it for food, these rats do it for greed.

Further ahead, Kreig was also worried about the caravanmen, now strung over over a mile along the El. He had not counted on their firepower to advance, but to buttress the line, to add their limited firepower and to hold the entrance to the El while the main group made for the fort.

But it was folly. They would never be able to hold the line. As soon as the HAIs and borderman moved off the El, the deathclaw would sweep in behind and take the caravenmen down one at a time.

Krieg looked over at Mark, who was eyeing his campander, and shook his hand. Then he held out his hand, open palmed, and then again. 10 bursts.

Krieg moved out ahead of his men, and then lifted his arm. Hold, his men stopped, dropping to a crouch. Krieg patted down. reload, advance.

The end of the El was in sight. And the highway was crawling with deathclaw.

Drake brought his men up. "Almost out!" He yelled as he passed.

"It's comin'" yelled Krieg.

It better, thought Drake, or this would come down to claws vs. rippers.

________

Ibis wiped the sweat from his head, and that's why he didn't see the deathclaw running up along the metal fence.

The creature's feet latched on the metal bars and held itself aloof and its moves were like a dancer's across a balance beam, smooth and quick, sure of itself.

THe others didn't see its approach, their attention was on movement either behind the fence or in front of it.

The creature didn't stop until it reached the end of the post and it was only Ibis's sixth sense that saved him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the shape running along the thin fence, and he reached for the bangstick.

The creature reached the end of the fence and stopped suddenly , reaching back to wind up to swipe the old man, perhaps to grab him off the cart and into its mouth, a bizarre collection of rows of mishappened teeth.

But Ibis was waiting. He pushed his bang stick up into the creatures face, were it connected with the deathclaw's eye, exploding in a sharp, flechette filled bang.

The creature's head snapped backwards and it nearly fell from the gate, the wound blinding its eye and filling its head with pain.

The explosion of the stick also scared the bulls which lunged ahead, moving Ibis beyond its reach.

Ferris, who had been mounting the cart, was now aware of the creature. He instinctively plunged the bayonet of his rifle into its mid section, withdrew the rifle, and plunged again, firing it in the second plunge. He had barely time to withdraw the weapon when the creature backhanded the borderman. The force of the blow threw him off the cart.

Ferris fell off the cart and rolled, the pain of the fall sending waves of electric pain eminating from the bullet wound in the hip and cascading through his legs. Ferris screamed out in pain as he hit the dirt for a second time.

The scream alerted the people behind the cart. Grim could see the creature claws wall on the helpless Finn and come up bloody as the cart pasted the gate. Tia lifted her flamer to douse the monster.

"No!" screamed Grim, firing his automatic shotgun, filling the creature with flechette rounds.

It was enough for the creature, which crumbled down to fall from the gate. It heaved itself up once, but Yacob blasted at the creature again, and it was stilled.



"No"
 
One rib was almost certainly cracked. Three others were bruised and painful. His torso was taped up and Gabriel hoped that would hold them and prevent further injury.

He was hurrying and pain burned his chest. He'd only had an hour to lick his wounds back at his lodging when the call went up. Supply runners were needed for the rescue team going to Wainwright. Gabriel cursed. He had wanted to join the rescuers but the Darkman had prevented him from making it on time. Still, at least this way he would meet up with the others eventually and besides, right now he didn't fancy his chances as a battle-line trooper. He relied too much on his speed and agility, which could fail him at any moment given his injuries, and when dealing with deathclaws, a moment's hesitation is what gets you killed.

The sound of Nana's voice, loud and stern like it had been in the bar, was blasting out. She was giving the men orders, preparing them for the mission.

"The front-liners have cleared a path but some deathclaws may have slipped through. I want all of you on your guard. You're all going to be carrying valuable supplies and for every one of you that doesn't make it through, that will make it that much harder for everyone else to make it out. Remember that. Your survival means others will survive."

Gabriel saw some men and women nod, understanding and believing in Nana's words. Most though, simply shrugged or spat on the dirt. They were here for the money. Not brave enough or dangerous enough to go in with the first team, they still wanted to make a quick buck. The former were more admirable. They knew they weren't made for combat but they were willing to help. Most folk wouldn't turn up, he knew, but those that did gave back Gabriel a little of his lost faith in people.

"I can carry supplies." he called, slipping his way through the crowd toward the front.

"You again?" Nana replied, giving him a shrewd smile.

"I had trouble to attend to. Now I'm here and I'm going in. I might as well lug some of your stuff in with me." Nana nodded.

"You're a big guy. Think you can take those ammo boxes? Heavy rounds so it's quite a weight."

Without thinking, he replied,

"No problem." bending down to pick them up he grimaced as pain constricted his chest. He gripped the handles and heaved himself upright and nearly staggered as pain rocked his system, his face contorting in surprise and anger.

"Christ, what happened to you?" she asked, concern in her voice.

"Some bullets took a dislike to me." he replied, gritting his teeth against the pain.

"Hmm." she shook her head. These warrior types, she thought. "You're still here, though. Who's in the ground then?"

"Nobody." now anger dominated his face.

"Ah..." she understood. Her husband was a fighter. She knew the feeling of loosing your quarry. Yacob had enough scars for both of them to never forget about the men and women who had fought back and got away. "You gonna be alright?"

He nodded, though the pain was still evident for and searching eye to see.

"They need this stuff and I can keep these rookies safe once we're inside."

"In your state, no way. You couldn't fight off my little sister and she's been dead four years now."

Gabriel's eyes hardened, becoming like frosted blue steel.

"I could kill half the people here before anyone could even think to try and stop me." his statement hit Nana hard. This man was a cold, remorseless killer. He was not her friend, he was just fighting another battle and her husband was a temporary ally.

"Go. Carry those supplies in and help get my husband and his friends out alive."

He nodded and moved toward a group of burly men. Labourers by the look of them, with one or two older men who had the look of aging veterans. If they could be kept in line and stayed cool under the pressure, Gabriel thought they would be the best bet for men to guard the supply train.

Nana watched him move away and sighed. She was glad the young dangerous man was here to help. He would be valuable if the fight was brought to them but his cold hardness unnerved her. She knew he was a killer and in a way, he reminded her of Yacob in his hardy prime. Well, maybe a little brother. Add a few scars, some laughter and a darker stubble and just maybe. But the young man had none of Yacob's incredible humanity. The big ex-lawman was all heart, while Nana doubted a living one even pumped inside Gabriel's chest.

Pushing Gabriel from her mind Nana concentrated on her preparations. She was going to get her husband out of that hell hole.

She glanced over at tall assassin and their eyes met.

They both knew this venture would need all the protection it could get.
 
On the El, in Wainright

On the El-

Krieg could hear the battle commenced in the ruined neighborhood of Wainright and the sound twisted his heart. So close, so damned close.

But there wasn't enough ammo.

They were no more than a hundred yards from the end of the El, when Krieg help up his arm, holding the line. "Hold up! Hold up! Pick your targets!" He yelled.

Drake quickly sent his troopers forward, but when then mixed with the borderman they stopped, everyone crouching.

"Where the fucking ammo!" Drake yelled over the din of automatic weapons.

"It's comin'. Conserve your ammo and hold the flamers ready." Krieg replied. "What are you down to?"

"One reload."

Krieg cursed inwardly, and then gazed back along the El, with his binoculars. All along the line men could be found, moving unhurriedly, in ones and twos. Occassionally one would stop to check a pocket. Closer the police volunteers were moving up to the line, and with them some of the better caravanmen.

They would hold, but for how long. The fear was palpable. If the miniguns stopped their cyclic fire, they line would break. And if the line broke, not only would those they had sought to rescue perish under the claw. But the deathclaw would chase the rescuers back to the very gate of Tabis.

And there had never been a deathclaw that couldn't outrun a man.

________________________

In Wainright.

Grim and Yacob bent down to help the wounded Ferris back up into the cart, but each move brought new screams from the wounded man.

And the screams were a hunting call to the deathclaws. Those deathclaw that might have ignored or fled the small group desperately making its way out from the fort were now drawn to it. The screams were the call of the wounded requesting the kill as the natural order of things, and the deathclaw could only obey that order.

Grim and Yacob grabbed the borderman by the shoulders and dashed for the cart which was rapidly moving away. Indelicately they pushed him into the back of the cart, and his rifle after him. In the cart Talon and finally come out of his daze and glared at them with starry eyes, still under the effects of the painkillers. Finn's chest was a mat of pulverized bone, blood and organs.

"Grim help me with this," Said Yacob, grabbing at Finn's feet.

Both man jerked the dead slaver off the cart and onto the street. With luck this corpse might draw the deathclaw away from the cart.

Tia saw one of the deathclaw race toward the cart, and fired a tongue of flame in the monsters path. The burning naplam momentarily blinded her and she peered away. But the monster had not lost its forward momentum.

Its legs afire and patchs of burning fur across its chest the creature came onward, knocking Tia aside as it raced for the cart.

In front, Skik was laughing as he threw grenades at the concentrations of deathclaw. Those that came to close he blasted with his shotgun. He thought about how the other ghouls were missing the spectacle. If he were to die today, this was a good way to go.

Bear paused. "Knox!" He called, "Cover," as he quickly removed an empty 2 mm ammo box and reloaded.

But Knox wasn't fast enough.

A deathclaw that had charged from under a grenade, rushed the large gun merchant.

"Bear!" Yelled Skik.

Jeeva fired the Plasma rifle missed, fired again and hit the big creature, spinning it around, but the monster came forward. With one hand still holding the flamer, Caleb used the other to pull Vindicator and fire off 6 quick rounds into the deathclaw, but that wasn't enough to stop the creature.

However, both Jeeva and Caleb had slowed, if only for a few desperate moments and it was enough. Bear grabbed for the sawed off launcher, strapped to his hip, bringing it up and letting go the round. The 40mm grenade impacted the monster hard, bursting in its midsection. When the smoke cleared only the creatures legs remained, and then they too fell to the floor.

Bear, having finished reloading, chambered a round and was up again, moving forward
 
On the El, in the streets, at the Fort- Gimme Shelter

OOC- The tune is for you English gents.

Oh and I won't be posting for about 4 days. Sorry, off on holiday to the outer banks of North Carolina. I hope the rest of you finish up the battle and maybe we can move into CHapter 3. Remember just about everyone except the major characters is disposable, but please try to be kind.

ICC-

"Flamers!" Yelled Drake. Two of the heavy infantry immediately doused the final stretch of the El with liquid fire.

"Everyone, check fire, check fire!" Drake instructed.

While Krieg had questions of Drake's willingness to fulfill this mission, he had little doubt of the corporal's leadership.

The fire meant there could be no advance. The reason was that there was insufficient ammunition, and unless they got more soon, they would have to retreat.

Brought his men up to the line of heavy infantry line and instructed them to hold. A glance from Drake communicated the HAI's worry. Krieg nodded.

He gaze back at the line. Further back he could see Nana waving the supply group on, about a dozen all men, holding together well. More interesting, and surprising, a number of caravan men were running towards the forward line. At first Krieg couldn't make out why, but then he spotted a large three dog barrelling down the El. For the first time he smiled. If Ibis' dog was coming to save its owner, then Ibis was still alive.

And if Ibis was still alive, so were some of the others, and this mission was not a waste of men.

Now only for the supplies.

___________________

THe whistle of the Gauss came back and where ever the bullets swept, deathclaw bodies were shredded under the rain of small but lethal bullets, Bear was singing another war tune.

"OH a storm is threatening
My very life today
If I don't get some shelter
Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away."

Jeeva quickly recharged his plasma rifle, clearly aware of a deathclaw looming around him, ducking, as Knox's hammer came swinging around his head, knocking the monster flat and away. The creature was still stunned as Caleb torched it.

"War children, it's just a shot away,
It's just a shot away."

Bullets from the whistling minigun tore apart the head of a deathclaw that had come out of the burned ruins of a building.

"War children, it's just a shot away.
It's just a shot away."

Behind him he could hear the brahma bulls snort in fear and excitement, pushing the cart forward. The men had to trot to keep ahead.

Old Ibis, who had seen so much death, was yelling to keep going.

"Ooh see a fire is sweepin'
our very street today,
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost its way."

Skik yelled "Catch This Motherfucker!" as he threw an acid grenade against a deathclaw. The exploding grenade threw acid amongst the creature which clawed at their wounds, causing even deeper damage, and then the monsters fell upon each other.

"Rape, Murder!
It's just a shot away, It's just a shot away."

Behind them, Ferris's screams of pain turned to screams as horror as he saw a monster, half aflamed, reach its burning claws at him, even as Yacob blasting the creatures legs away in.

Crippled it fell, reaching out and grabbing the borderman's legs, The claws digging into his skin, the burning napalm covering Ferris's legs, scorching the skin. Grim pointed his .45 at the base of the creatures head and fired again and again, until the monster let go, tearing the skin away from the legs as the monster fell to the road.

"Rape Murder.
It's just a shot away, It's just a shot away."

Fury looked back to see the body of Finn, mangled and broken in so many ways, become the feast of a group of smaller deathclaw. Two of the creatures, in a tug of war over the body, each holding an arm, dismembered the fallen slaver. Another ran with Finn's head in its mouth. A forth was having trouble holding the man's vitals which spilled through its claws.

It was too much for Fury.

She doused the creatures with flame. "Burn in Hell you fuckers." She whispered.

Tia screamed to Fury, "Watch out!" as one of the monsters raced towards her. Tia brought up her grenade launcher.

Rogue, hearing the call turned to look at Tia, and saw another monster rise up behind the caravan guard and felt useless with the flamer in her hands.

"The floods is threat'ning
My very life today
Gimme Shelter, Or I'm gonna fade away."

At the Fort, Horus had blasted as long as he could with the shotgun hoping to distract the monsters towards the fort. When the cart had gotten hung up at the gate, he had almost run out to help push it. Only the certain knowledge that his running would have awakened the predatory instincts of the monsters, which would have taken him within yards, had kept the old badge from coming to the others help.

But now the cart was past the gate and in the town. The point of no return had passed, and he was well aware that the monsters were now moving on the fort.

He had barely slammed the door shut when he heard the first pounding on the door. Soon there were more claws bearing down on the door, until they sounded like rain pelting to metal huts of slumville. But under this rain the door began to dent, and the frame began to splinter.

Horus ran back to the stairwell were Ozby was still working the mechanism. Quickly he prepped the trigger.

"Ozby, we got to get the fuck out of here. That gate's not going to hold."

"I've almost got it. Go ahead. Here take the remote." Ozby, without even looking at Horus, reached down and grabbed a remote. "As soon as I'm through, throw the switch and the gate will close behind me. "

"Fuck the gate, man, it ain't worth it."

"Of course it's worth it. " Said Ozby, stopping to look sharply into the old Blade's eyes. "It's the future. If that ain't worth risking for, I don't know what is." Then he turned back to the gizmo. "Go damne it. I need you down there. "

Wally had already slipped back into the sewars but the other three ghouls were waiting, reluctant to abandoned the humans. One of the three, Moses, was half in the passage. The other two Lawrence anda third, female ghouls they nicknamed Curls were coming back.

"Get going! We'll flame it and buy some time."

Horus could only nod as he raced down the stairs to the deep bottom of the basement. He could hear the whoosh of the flamers as they doused the fort in flame. Then they two retreated down the stairs.

Horus waited while the ghouls made their escape, and so he was there to witness the end.

The door, despite the repairs, could no longer hold, and it came down heavy. Ozby could hear this, and in that sound he knew he had no chance.

Likewise he heard the Bam-Bam-Bam-Bam-Bam-Bam-Bam, as the mines he had laid inside the house exploded. Each mine, filled with flechette, sprayed the hall with rounds, criss crossing the rooms with thousands shreds of metal and steal balls that tore apart the first of the deathclaws that came through.

"Got it!" he yelled and went for the gate.

Not fast enough. He didn't see the deathclaw that knocked him, face first into the metal grate. He did feel the sharp tearing as the monster ripped him open from the back. By the time the others had come to rip apart his body, he knew nothing more.

Horus didn't stay to see the last part. Quickly he moved through the thin dark and foul smelling tunnels, squeezing his large body through. He could barely make out the ghouls ahead, moving too slow for his likeing.

And he could hear the monsters on the stairs, the stairs fall under the weight of the creature, dropping them into the basement. He could not hear them pursue, but he had no doubt they were there.

The last part, Horus squeezed through the small hole he needed to crawl throug to get to the sewars. He twisted his shoulders to get through, and felt his fingers try to get a grip on the wet concrete tunnels. And then felt his hips get stuck.

He reached out, desperate, expecting any minute to get yanked back. Reaching out for escape, for salvation.

The deathclaw reached its talons around his foot.

And Horus felt a sudden pull. Horus screamed and screamedm like he had never screamed before.

One ghoul had grabbed each of his arms, and a third had grabbed him by the head and all yanked back.

And it was enough. All three came tumbling through the crawl space and onto the wet floor of the sewar tunnel. Horus face hit the bottom and in a moment he could taste the dirty foul water, He turned, and could see the arm of the deathclaw reaching out, reaching out, and stopping. Horus flicked the switch and in the Fort the old gate threw itself closed.

The monster was trapped.

The three ghouls helped the badge up to his feet. careful to avoid the searching grasp of the monster.

"Come on, This a way." Said Moses.

Behind him Horus could hear the ghoul Curling giggle and say to Lawrence, "Larry, I never knew you were so hot in battle. I need to party with you cowboy."

And Larry, "I tell you love, sister, it's just a kiss away."
 
OOC- ehehehe, enjoy ya holy Welsh. *mumbles* luck, wish i were going on holyday *mumbles a little more* :D

IC-

Fury turned to Tia’s screeching call only to notice the deathclaw, now nearly upon her. The creature drooled in a dog like way; it’s eyed demented and obsessed with its target.

Tia didn’t hesitate as she launched a grenade towards the beast. Fury working on instinct reactions threw her self backwards, turning in the air in a display of agility as she dived for cover. The grenade sailed through the air for all to see before impacting in the creature.

The blast sent flames and debris up to the skies. Fury, still too close to the explosion emitted was propelled even further through the air before slamming back down to the earth.
The women warrior felt the wind dragged from her chest as she coughed in pain.

Rogue watched the entire event unfold before her eyes, what was in matter only a few seconds seemed to take an eternity.
She had barely enough time to shout out in despair but too late.

The deathclaw moving at lighting speed seemed like a blur as it dashed through the rubble to take Tia from behind.
Not slowing its speed as the beast inserted a well placed set of claws into the girls back effortlessly lifting her in a single action before carrying her limp body through into the old buildings.

The cold creams from Tia were the last she would breathe. Rogue glared on in shock. She had watched it happen but was helpless.

The girl had given her life to save Fury’s.

Grim had turned only to see the final struggles of Tia as she was dragged away.

Seeing the dazed Fury struggling to her feet, the old badge rushed out to help.
Dragging the slaver to her feet, he supported her back to the cart and slumped her next to the wounded Ferris who was barely still conscious.

Taking a place next to Rogue, armed with Fury’s salvaged flamer; Grim shot a worried glance to the girl nest to him as deathclaw burst through the damp crumbling rouble of an abandoned establishment before moving to take pursuit.

“Oh shit.” Rogue spat, “Ibis move this piece of junk.” Grim added as he stared at their pursuers.

Lucille blazed in the background as Bear grounded yet another claw as the rounds from the Gauss tore flesh from bone.
Bear whistled on as he killed one after another, singing the song of war which he had forgotten for so long, for too long.

“Let’s go now, it’s time to play
The so long forgotten tune of a war bound day
It’s upon us now as we battle away
On this dark and fear full day.”


Skik snapped the pins from two Fragment grenades consecutively before lobbing them into buildings as the claws immerged from inside. The integrity of the derelict structures gave way with the force of the blast ad toppled down crushing there inhabitants.

Skik cheered hysterically, he couldn’t remember when he had last saw this much action. Oh if only the other ghouls could see him now he thought.

Ibis whipped the bulls on, the animals petrified and fortunately for them had been worked up into frenzy by the sound of chaos and were only too willing to gallop as Bear and Jeeva ploughed the road. The big man could move despite his size, Jeeva followed, the plasma rifle burning its way through.
They two fought to the sound of Bear's catching tune as Lucille whistled away.

"Rape, Murder!
It's just a shot away, It's just a shot away."


Caleb, working side by side with Knox covered anything that made it past Lucille’s tune.
The big slaver dealt with the monsters first, dealing out deadly crushing blows to each one, Caleb finished the animals with a harsh burst from the flamer.

Grim watched along side Rogue, the rear defences to the cart had taken the most casualties’. With Tia dead, Fury down and Ferris nearly un conscious this left only Grim and Rogue as rear guards.

Rogue watched in disgust at the deathclaws in pursuit. Yanking a pouch from around Ferris waste which contained the left overs of there grenades from earlier.

“Grim, catch.” She shouted, throwing a him a greande as he whirled round.

Catching the grenade with one hand, Grim flicked the pin and launched it at their pursuers. The two watched as the grenade went flying through mid air before causing chaos amongst there persuers as it detonated infront of the deathclaws.

The creatures emerged from the cloud of dust two less in there number.

“Keep them coming.” Grim yelled catching yet another grenade before lobbing it in at the enraged beasts.
 
The supply team was running slow. Gabriel could hear the laboured breathing as the out of shape packmen lugged their cargo with grim determination. They needed to pick up the pace but these people weren't all up to it and he knew that if they spread out to much, any deathclaw could hit the train of runners as it thinned and they beasts could wreak havoc before any of the guards could stop it.

The assassin could see Nana jogging at the head of the train, his darkglasses protected his eyes from the harsh glare of the morning sun. Yacob's wife was barking commands to the men around her and the Gauss pistol whipped from side to side, aiming at any disturbance that caught her attention. She held up a hand and the train slowed. She cocked her head and listened, Gabriel did likewise, though he was further from the action up ahead having decided to hold the middle of the line where he thought the deathclaw were most likely to aim for.

Nana shook and her head and Garbriel guessed that distance was not the reason he could hear few sounds of combat. The rescue team was running dry and desperately need ammunition. Up ahead Nana stood and waved the convoy on, speeding back up to the jogging pace she set for the others.

Gabriel was not used to working with civilians and their lack of fitness angered him. He did not want the advance troops and the defenders at the fort die because the townsfolk didn't stay in shape. He turned to call to those behind him,

"We need to pick up the pace. The troops need the ammo we're carrying. Hussle!" he turned back and increased his speed.

As he turned his head, though, he saw the flash of speckled hide race out of the ruins surrounding them. The warning cry was still building in his throat when a terrified scream filled the air, drowning out any shout.

The deathclaw bounded over rubble and reached the convoy faster than most men can draw a gun. It jumped into the air and landed on a muscular man encircled with ammo belts, it claws already ripping at his flesh before the entangled pair hit the ground.

The townsfolk around Gabriel tried to reach for weapons but their attempts were hampered by their desperate flight away from the downed man. Stumbling away from the monster, they were unable to draw their guns.

Gabriel pushed a fleeing man aside, dropping his ammo crates, his coat opening as it caught the wind, revealing the massed array of weaponry concealed beneath. The assassin snatched his twin Berettas as he ran toward the struggling man who was, amazingly, still wrestling with the surprised deathclaw. As the beast reared up, raising a claw to finish the mortal struggle, Gabriel launched himself into the air and slammed both feet into the monster's chest in a devastating drop kick. Delivered to anything human, the blow would have caved in its chest and destroyed its lungs but the deathclaw rolled back to its feet with characteristic agility and roared at the prone assassin who fired into its snarling face without a moment's hesitation. The 9mm hollow-points smacked against the beasts heavy skull but failed to penetrate until one found its eyesocket, piercing to the brain and exploded out through the neck, severing the spine.

The lucky shot killed the beast instantly but it stayed in its feet, swaying on shaky legs for a moment before gravity found a handhold and dragged the giant monster to the ground.

Gabriel jumped to his feet and turned in a quick circle, scanning the area for more attacking creatures. The stunned silence remained unbroken and two townsfolk, a man and a woman who had stayed to fight but had been slower than the assassin reached down and helped the fallen man to his feet. He was bloodied and cut up but he was still steady on his feet, amazing Gabriel once again.

"I'm okay." croaked the big man. Gabriel nodded in respect.

"We've got to move before more figure out lightning stikes might work if more of them try at once." the assassin said. He looked up toward the El and saw that Nana had stopped the convoy and was staring back at him, checking on the commotion. Gabriel held up a hand and waved forcefully forward. Then he looked at the big man for assent before moving off, leading the train at a faster pace. Stopping quickly to retrieve his load of ammuntion.

"Christ Hal, that was some fight you put up..." Gabriel could here the called congratulations from the other runners. He was impressed with the big guy. He'd never heard of a strong labourer standing up to deathclaw before. Hell, first time form everything.

Gabriel smiled to himself. They just might make.
 
OOC- sorry this took a little long, been having trouble getting on the forums.

IC-

Kreig span around to hear the thud of fire from behind.
Looking out over the Elevated he could make out the situation occurring in the distance. Unable to see exactly what was happening apart from the deathclaw rush on one of the men and another run to his aide. He grimaced at what he saw.
The last thing they needed was for the suppliers to come under heavy attack from deathclaws.

The loud sound of fire from the heavy arsenal upon the front line brought him back to the current situation as the heavy infantry blasted yet another attacking deathclaw. The creature was blown from this world within seconds.

“I’m out.” Another one of the Heavy infantry fighters yelled out.

Drake looked over at Krieg in despair who in turn turned to look at the ammunition bearers. If they didn’t hurry up there wouldn’t be many people left to supply by the time they got here.

Another burst of fire went out as more deathclaws charged there position.

“Conserve you ammo.” Commanded Drake, “Concentrate it with precision.”

..................

Grim yanked the pin from yet another grenade before tossing it into the midst of the pursuers. As the grenade exploded on impact, the creatures bodies were tore to pieces as the fragment grenade shredded all in its surroundings. Both Grim and Rogue glared at the cloud of smoke produced by the explosion, both waiting with anticipation to see if there were still any deathclaws alive to give chase.

Grim sighed a sign of relief as nothing followed out from within the dust.

Up front, the five men were advancing fast. The majority of the group’s fire power had been pushed into the forward position of the convoy in order to pave the way.

Jeeva glanced around; this part of the town had been heavily populated by the deathclaw when he and the slavers had first passed through. It was here that many of his best men had fallen to the Claw.

Jeeva shuck the horrid memories of that day from his mind. This was not the time or place for morning his fellow slavers and slight mind lapses such as that got you killed when fighting deathclaw.

“Speak of the devils.” He whispered as two deathclaws slid from inside an old store building.
Levelling the plasma rifle, the rifle's roar joined that of Bears as both unleashed hell on the beasts.
Lucille causing the destructive damaged as the rounds shredded both creatures forcing the hammered carcasses of the deathclaws to dance on the spot before dropping to the dirt.

The whistling sound of the gauss mini gun changed tune to a sickening empty sound as the empty chambers continued to rotate.

Caleb raised his hand signalling a stop, well aware of the danger they were in but couldn’t possibly continue with Bear on empty. Looking around, everyone seemed to be still on alert yet exhausted.

Bear moved fast to reload Lucille; the gun was amazingly powerful, great against large creatures or crowded situations but sure as hell ate ammunition faster than any weapon he’d ever used.

Jeeva prepared to supply cover fire for the huge gun runner if needed.

“Fuck, after this I’m all out.” Bear cursed aloud. Bear was key to their survival. His use of Lucille was what paved the way through the deathclaws in front. With out the supreme fire power of the gauss mini gun they would have little chance against the mass of deathclaws.

“We aint far from the El now.” Jeeva responded, “If we can make it there we should be all right.”

“That’s if we make it.” Knox replied leaning on a blood soaked sledge hammer trying to regain his breath.
The group listened as a whole burst of gun fire came from up ahead. The familiar crack of an assortment of heavy support weapons filled the air.

“Looks like it gets worst up ahead.” Said Skik reloading his shotgun.

Caleb moved up to where Ibis was sat.

“You guys holding up back here?” He asked looking over Ferris’s mangled body and Fury who was still laid on the cart clinching her chest.

“We got some casualty’s here and we lost Tai.” Grim replied looking both sadened and worried.

Caleb looked down; he had hoped that no more would die on this trip, especially not someone such as her.
Caleb turned to face the others, all were now ready to move out once again as Bear snapped the last reel of rounds into Lucille’s feeder.

“Ok, this is gonna be the final push, were low on ammunitions and wont have enough to defend the cart if we get stopped. Our best bet is to run through, shoot only at the closest Claws and those that pose the most threat, conserve as much ammunition as possible.”

Caleb looked round at the handful of men that were left. They were brave no doubt about that. They had to be just to be out here in this hell.

“Ok, lets do this.” He said in a commanding voice.

Bear started a new song from that moment on, one with a different tune than the others as they moved out.

OOC- Eeeeq, i can't think of any lines for a differen't song. I'll try and think of some and then add them later.
 
Another hundred yards.

Nana was breathing hard and she only glanced back occasionally for fear of falling. When she did, she saw the black-clad stranger running along side the convoy calling encouragement to the others.

Who the hell is this guy? she wondered. He appeared in the bar claiming to be one of the fort survivors who her husband was risking his life for but apart from that, she knew nothing. He was dangerous, she knew that much but every one living in the wastes had to be dangerous if they didn't want to be something or somebody's prey.

"We're almost there." she yelled at the men running close behind her. All were nearly ragged with exhaustion but they could could see the struggle up ahead as the rescue team tried to hold off the deathclaws. The knowledge that if the front troops were overwhelmed, the the deathclaws would swarm over the defensive line and rip the convoy to shreds, spurred them on better than any slaver's whip.


Kreig turned to look at the convoy. Close. Another eighty yards.

"Drake!" he bellowed, turning back to his troops. "Ammo's almost here. One Minute, minute thirty. Hold the line!" The big Captain held his .223 pistol out and fired into the face of an advancing deathclaw, blinding and infuriating it. He moved in swiftly with the Ripper and opened the beast up, dodging back away from the spurting entrails. The monster howled in pai nand tried to limp away. Kreig ignored the mortally wounded animal and moved further forward toward Drake.

The corporal emptied his last clip into a charging beast, dropped his heavy weapon and pulled his sidearm, firing at the deathclaw's face. It was already running out of steam as it bled from a dozen wounds and the small calibre rounds were enough to slow its advance before it reached Drake. The monster growled and slashed forward but the corporal dodged the clumsy attack and pressed the gun against the fallen beast's head. Brain matter exploded onto the ground and splashed his boots.

"Fucking beasts." whispered the unphased Corporal. He had two clips left for the pistol but he knew that wouldn't hold one deathclaw. "Sir," he called, turning to see Kreig coming towards him and spotting the supply convoy fifty yards from the rear line of the rescue team. He grinned and his eyes flicked back to his Captain but Kreig's expression made him falter and then he heard the bloodcurdling rasp of breath accompanied by suddenly heavy footfalls. He turned in time to see the small deathclaw read up and swipe his claw toward him.

As the heavy claw flashed through the air, a .223 bullet smacked the monster's head. knocking t sideways and the talons missed their mark, slamming down into Drake's leg. The corporal screamed in pain but jammed his pistol into the deathclaws writhing mouth and pulled the trigger until the hammer clicked on an empty chamber. The beast sagged. shifting the claws and the sudden pain made Drake pass out and all became darkness.


"7.62! I've 7.62!" bellowed Gabriel as he reached the rescue line. The men showed discipline, the few with ammo restrained themselves from retreating immediately fro supplies. A handful of men held their ground, continuing to fire controlled bursts at the thinning number of deathclaws. Nana began organising the distribution and ordered the supply men to sort the ammuntion by calibre.

Gabriel snatched a belt of ammo from one of the boxes he was carrying and dropped the others to the floor with other supply team members and pushed his way forward through the ammuntion starved rescuers.

"Drake!" Gabriel heard the angry cry and saw a big man standing over a fallen comrade. The casualty was still attached to his assailant, a small deathclaw whose claws still pierced the man's leg. Gabriel hurried over to the pair na observed that the downed man was still alive. "Fucking wake up!" the big man ordered and Gabriel noticed the Captain bars on his helmet.

"He'll come to in a minute." Gabriel informed hte captain, Kreig he assumed.

The big man turned and the anger was palplable in his voice,

"I fucking, goddamn well know that you little sunovabitch but I need him awake now! He's my corporal. Do you understand that," his eyes swept over Gabriel apparel, "civilian?"

Gabriel nodded,

"Where's your sergeant?" he asked.

"A stretcher somewhere. Now I need another soldier to lead the frontline." his eyes took in Gabriel's impressive assortment of weaponry but continued on toward a short stocky man in combat armour who was still holding the line. "Rockson!" he called. The man looked up and nodded, turned back toward the other troops and signalled another trooper to take his place on the line then jogged to where Kreig and Gabriel stood.

"Sir?"

"Field promotion. Effective immediately. You're my new corporal."

"Sure thing chief." The short trooper, who looked to Gabriel like a small army tank, nodded and jogged back to his position on the line, accepting some ammuntion from two returning soldier who had already grabbed some supplies.

"I don't care who you are but you're a fighter so get a bigger gun than those sissy pistols and join the line." the Captain ordered. Gabriel considered saluting but he had left that life a long time ago so he simply holstered his weapon and jogged to a fallen soldier and picked up his SAW M249, which Gabriel knew used 7.62 ammunition.

Moving forward to join the line, staying near Corporal Rockson who looked reliable, Gabriel joined the battle.
 
IC-

To the sound of Bear’s song, the group marched forward through the old abandoned relics of buildings that once stood as they entered the final stretch. The El wasn’t in view yet but the repeated sound of heavy fire could be heard not far in the distance. They were close now, very close.

“The sound of battle is beating
Prepare for the fight
The honoured warrior will bask in his holy might.”

Bear lead the way along side Jeeva, The huge gun runner grasping Lucille hard as he swung the gauss from side to side searching for targets, all the time singing the tune of a forgotten war song.

“Gird on your bright weapons
Your foe men are nigh
And this be our watchword
We conquer or die.”

Close behind the front two followed Caleb and Knox; they shadowed the front end of the cart closely in case of any quick side attacks from the Claw.

Skik was now perched high upon the cart, grenades ready, his uncommon skill with grenades made him a perfect guard of the cart. He was positioned next to the flamers of Grim and Rogue who served as support for those slithering deathclaw that always seemed to find away through grenades despite the odds.

Ibis slowly controlling the bulls, they would need all there strength if they were to end up making a final gallop for the El.

In the cart, Ferris laid still, the young border man was un conscious now, the pain of his accumulative wounds too much for the young fighter to support.
Fury lay next to him, she bore Ferris's rifle in hand and was ready for fight.

They were ready for battle as they marched on to the drumming tune provided by the gun runner ploughing the way.

“March on through the battle field,
there to do or to dare
With shoulder to shoulder
All danger we share.”

Bears tune was drowned out as the gauss span into action, the deathclaw made it barely 2 meters from the building from which it came before being dropped to the ground by both Jeeva and Bear.

And let your proud watchword
Ring up to the Sky
Till the blue arch re-echoes,
“We conquer or die!”

The gauss leapt into action again as more claws came from the ashes, Bear letting leash a hail of rounds in the direction of the deathclaws, Jeeva followed, pounding shout after shout of super heated plasma into the brown hides of the huge beasts.

Caleb watched on as the claws were mowed down by the forward men’s superior and devastating fire power. One after the other the deathclaw fell as there bodies were riddled by Lucille.

His attention pulled away from the show in front by the thud of grenade detonating from behind.

“Yeeeehhhaaaaaa” Skik yelled ecstatically throwing his hands to the sky. The grenade throwing the chasing monsters of there feet.

Fury ruggedly snapped the working parts of the high calibre rifle back before firing at the downed creatures.

Caleb waved a motioned hand gesture to Ibis signalling to get moving, the old man didn’t need asking twice, hushing the bulls to go faster till they broke into a steady trot forcing the others to pick up pace. Giving the age of the bulls and what they’d been through already and not to mention the mass of weight they were pulling, they were pretty fast moving.

“Building to the left.” Jeeva yelled over his shoulder, spotting the roaming creature just before it burst through an old window frame taking part of the wall with it.

Caleb brought the flamer up to chests height and let out a tongue of napalm that reached out in all directions before engulfing the deathclaw in flames.
Not stopping to finish the creature Caleb kept on moving leaving the burning monster trying to smother the fire out. By the moment the beast had time to look up, the cart was passing it at a steady speed leaving the beast with the chilling last sight of Grim’s flamer as the animal was yet coated in another burst of flames as they moved past.

As the group moved through the old buildings, the attacks were becoming more and more frequent, the claws dashed from there cover in ferocity at the cart only to be nailed by one of the defenders.

But now, beyond the mass of rubble and old buildings, Caleb could make out a picture that made him both relieved yet anxious. The sight he saw was that of the El. Gradually the others could see it also, the sight of what they had been hearing earlier was now evident, the sight of a battle that raged on yet lay before them. A small army of men were defending there position; deathclaws could be seen throwing them selves upon the front line in numbers.

Knox was the first to voice the thoughts of the rest.

“Holy shit.” Were his words. Plain and simple yet shared by them all.

Caleb was about to comment but was cut off by the snarling of a deathclaw as it pushed it way up through the rubble, another came from Bears side taking the power of the gauss full on.

Caleb made a quick action attempt to get the flamer up but was forced to duck sideways in order to dodge the long talons or risk being shredded.

Knox squared up to the beast, he was a big guy but dwarfed by the Claw as it made an attempt to run the slaver down, as they collided, Knox slid to the ground, dodging the swiping attempts of the creature before thumping the hammer into its gut. The power of the super sledge knocked the creature back sending shock waves through its body. Caleb spat as he drenched the animal in liquid napalm.

Caleb turning, noticed Knox was clenching his side. His dodge hadn’t been fast enough to miss the deadly paws which had cut through his flesh.

Looking at the blood which spilled freely from the gaping wound in his side he clenched hard biting down as he did so.

“Oh shit, that motha fucka!” His voice was frantic.

“Fuck this is going to need a medic.” Jeeva hissed inspecting the wound.

Another deathclaw made a quick attempt on the occupied fighters but Bear made quick work of the beast, taking off a leg before it even got close.

“Fuck, I’m coming on empty.” He yelled still covering the rest.

“Ok, we better make this good and quick or we’re all going to di...” Caleb’s words cut off again as another Claw pounced through the buildings on to there position, this time halted by two shots in quick succession well placed to the head by Jeeva finished by Calebs flamer.

"Ok, move it, run like hell and keep running. Hopefully if we can get close enough they’ll provide us cover.” Caleb commanded taking control.

“Remember, we protect the cart, if we have to die trying then so be it.” Jeeva added.
 
Blood sprayed everything as bullets tore through deathclaw flesh. All along the line, the troops were firing at the beasts as they made a fresh attempt to storm the human lines. The air was filled with the thunderous roar of machinegun fire, ecstatic warcries, screams of pain, shouts of warning, and the constant ripping and tearing of flesh, human and beast alike.

Gabriel wiped the blood out of his eyes and turned to see Corporal Rockson slam the butt of his rifle into he jaw of a wounded deathclaw, knocking back slightly, he quickly reversed his weapon and fired an efficient three-round burst into its face. The battle was going the way of the humans. Against such overwhelming firepower the deathclaw had no chance but there were so many of them. The assassin had thought that with the fresh supplies, victory was assured. A few more bullets to keep the rescuers going and that would be it but he was wrong. The beasts were coming in droves and no one had suspected that Wainwright had become the nest to huge population of these deadly creatures. They weren't a pack, they were an army.

"AAHHHH!" came the battle-frenzied cry and the assassin could see the soldiers along the line trying to press forward. Blasting a path through the charging deathclaw but it seemed that everytime one of the creatures was riddled with bullets, another was there to charge through the bloody mist and take its place.

Gabriel opened fire as two deathclaw charged him and Rockson. The stocky corporal fired low, destroying the first beast's knees and crashed to the ground, neutralised for now. The assassin sprayed the second attacker with the M249 and the deathclaw exploded in a sequence of bloody entry and exit wounds that left it looking like a skeleton. Gabriel checked his ammo and saw he was running low.

"We need to get them now or we'll run dry again!" he bellowed, trying to be heard above the noise of battle and hte ringing in his ears. Rockson nodded and turned to shout over to Krieg who was blasting away with an old minigun. As the horrible whine died as he stopped firing, the Captain heard the shouts from his Corporal and moved toward them. Another soldier took the captain's place on the line and was immediately engaged by deathclaws trying to take advantage of the momentary opening.

"What?" Kreig was shouting. Everyone here would probably have permenant hearing damage, thought Gabriel.

"We need to push ahead." Rockson motioned to Gabriel, "This guy is right. If we don't get them out now, we'll be in the same shit we were in before the convoy arrived."

Kreig looked at Gabriel Sternly.

"THis is a military operation, son. I haven't got time for heroes. Of course your right. You think I don't know that. We've been trying to push through since you showed up with the ammo," he paused, turning to hose a sneaking deathclaw who was trying to creep through the heaps of his dead comrades. "but there are too many of these fuckers in the way."

Gabriel nodded.

"The line is too spread. We just a wall here. The deathclaw are throwing themselves against us and they can't break through but we're already running low on ammo so it won't be long before they find a gap and then we're fucked."

"I know that." replied Kreig.

"The only way we are going to get through is to drive a wedge into those things and cut a narrow gap and join the others on that side. With heavy weapons on both sides we should be able to cut another hole on our way out. The survivors from the fort are gonna be fucked if they try to get out and get stuck behind a wall of deathclaw." Rockson considered this but Kreig looke pissed off.

"You think I'm going to sacrifice good men on a suicide run into the park without the full backup we have here?"

"I'll need your best men and your backup won't mean anything when you're out of bullets." Gabriel replied calmly.

"What makes you think we could get through them now anyway? We've been trying that since we got here."

"You didn't have me." the assassin knew it sounded arrogant but he didn't have time to explain that he was probably the deadliest man standing here. He continued, "You know men who would come with me?" Kreig stared at him with his veteran eyes and nodded slowly.

"Rockson, I wanted you here but you know the men well. You were long overdue for promotion. Gather the best and meet back here."

Rockson nodded, his face a picture of adrenaline fueled excitement, then jogged off along the line.

"Thank you. You can hold here while we get the survivors." they both peered over the heaps of bodies and through the cordite smoke, they could just make out the cart rumbling toward them, fighters battling tenaciously against the attacking beasts.

"You need to go now. If you don't bring my men back, I'll kill you."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from a good CO." Kreig smiled at that.

"Get your gear and prepare to move out."
 
Krieg and Gabriel stood side by side, the big Captain taking Rockson’s place in the line. The pair blasted more of the attacking deathclaw as the creatures continued their relentless assault.

To Krieg it seemed as though the beasts knew that if the heavy troops broke through the bestial barrage, they couldn’t hold their land. The deathclaw acted like a fighting detachment, delaying the re-enforcements while the real attack continued behind their lines. The wagon.

He had fought slavers, raiders, bandits, radscorpions, all manner of enemies but these deathclaw were well nigh unstoppable. It was only the sheer firepower at his disposable that kept them from arm’s reach. Any force smaller or less well equipped would have fallen by now. He was glad that he brought some high-grade troops and not left all the cream to hold the town. Without the battle-hardened veterans here like Drake, Orlson, even Rockson, a ten-year career front-liner, the defensive line would have crumbled under the deathclaw’s furious siege. Stuck up here on the edge of the El they seemed to so close to their goal but Krieg knew that the distance to the advancing wagon could not be measured in feet and yards, but in blood and death.

Could he sacrifice his best on this killer’s charge? He looked capable but he hadn’t seen thirty winters yet. Only the best would do though. Krieg knew that Gabriel’s plan could not work unless the elite of his team, limited as it was, joined the assassin in the driving of a wedge into the beasts.

Next to him Gabriel’s weapon clicked in horrific emptiness, leaving the assassin open to attack. The predatory nature of the deathclaws around zeroed in on his momentary panic but they failed to take into account the tall human’s own predatory instinct.

The black-clad man swiped the empty machine gun round in a tight arc, throwing it low and taking out the legs of a bounding deathclaw. As it landed heavily, Gabriel snatched his prized pistol and fired the SiG into each of the creature’s eye, spraying blood and brain matter across the ground. More beasts honed in on the scantily armed warrior but Krieg stepped forward with the minigun and shredded the nearest beast with the tiny bullets. Appearing through the bloody mist hovering above the shaking body, another deathclaw leapt toward Gabriel.

Krieg, standing almost directly in its path, reacted on impulse and pulled back out of the monsters way. Gabriel knew the captain would do so; no human could help reacting that way. The assassin, his fighting instincts taking over as they always did when battle was joined this close, dived forward, under the deathclaws flying charge. As he rolled, Gabriel drew a knife in each hand and raked the blades across the beast’s passing stomach, letting the creature’s own momentum disembowel it.

Dodging the falling guts, Gabriel jumped atop the felled deathclaw and slammed his panga down on its neck again and again, cracking through the tough vertebrae and slicing into the spine. The now paralysed deathclaw lay still, now unable to feel itself bleed out.

The assassin wiped his blades clean on the speckled hide and sheathed them, turning back to see the astonished look on Krieg’s face.
“That was…” he was taken aback but he assassin’s lightning fast reactions and deadly precision. He had never seen a human move that fast.

Gabriel sat down hard holding his chest as the pain of his injured ribs cut through the sudden burst of adrenaline and constricted his lungs, choking him of his previous vigour.

“Stims.” Breathed Gabriel.

“Christ man, what is wrong? That monster didn’t even touch you. Damndest thing I ever saw.”

“Ribs hurt.” Huffed the assassin. “Need stims. I can still lead the team but I need stims.” His face was pale and beads of sweat ran down his face. He had not realised how the sudden burst of activity would effect his injuries. No, he had realised but the survival side of him, the animal side had taken over and that part didn’t care about the future, it only cared about now and living through it.

Krieg opened a pouch and handed Gabriel three of the miraculous healing packs.

“I can’t let you lead my men to their deaths.” He said, his eyes scanning the carnage still unfolding around them.

“Their deaths are not my concern. They will live or die…” he stabbed one stim into his arm and let the soothing cocktail hit his system, “The strong and the lucky will survive, the weak and the unlucky will perish.”

Krieg nodded. That was the way of war.

“Right.” The Captain said finally, reaching down and helping the recovered Gabriel to his feet.

They both knew he wasn’t recovered but the mask of pain was no longer covering the assassin’s face. For now the drugs hide the damage from his body and his brain, while the active healing agents tried to mend his broken body. They had no chance of fixing him now though. The damage was too severe for a stim to heal; even three would only keep him moving and battle ready while the continuing movement only further injured the ribs. A week in sickbay would do it but base was a long way away.

Much further than it had felt the day before.

Rockson ran up to them and called out the success of his mission.

“I got who I could, chief. King, Hicks and …well me. Can you handle this lot while we try to break through?”

Krieg looked around.

“We can hold, but three men? Come on? You three and this guy.” He indicated Gabriel. “No fucking way.”

“Chief, I got four volunteers from the townies. They heard me looking for King and joined up. That okay?”

“If they can handle it, sure. You’ll need ‘em.” He turned to Gabriel, “Cut through the bastards, hook up with the wagon and haul ass up to the El. We’ll try to keep the hole open but I can’t promise anything. Just remember you may have to punch though on the way out.” he looked back to see Nana shouting at the monsters, firing her Gauss pistol, the characteristic howl audible even at distance. “Get some ammo for the wagon team. You’ll need their guns to get back or else you’re just eight more corpse on the wrong side of the line.” He turned back to Rockson, “Get the men here and get moving!” he ordered.

Rockson saluted and called back to the small group re-arming themselves. The six fighters jogged up their position and but continued to attack more munitions to themselves.

“Right her Captain.” Rockson now looked even more like a tank. Low to the ground, he was festooned with weaponry and tough looking pockmarked armour.

The two Border guards looked tough. King was big and impressive, his bloodstained power-armour shining crimson in the morning sun. His Bozar hung lazily on a shoulder strap. Hicks was chewing something in his mouth and carried a big assault rifle and had a simple pump-action shotgun strapped to his back.

“Cocked, locked and ready to rock.” The chorused.

Gabriel smiled when he spotted Hal standing among the volunteers from the townsfolk. He was till bloodied and two gashes ran across his chest but his bulging muscles and unphased grin gave the impression this was a picnic compared with his normal life. He probably wrestles mutie bears in the woods, thought Gabriel. The other irregulars looked reliable if not spectacular. Two older men who looked like old lawmen. The revolvers holstered at their hips, reminded Gabriel of Caleb.

Thinking about the brave Blade made Gabriel feel uncomfortable for a second.

The last volunteer was a woman with a jagged scar running down the left side of here face.

“Ain’t you a pretty one? Look at those baby blues.” She said looking Gabriel up and down. The cold stare he gave her, corrected her poor judgement. “Cold though, cold.” she muttered. Ignoring the bump in their early relationship, she extended a hand, “I’m Valentina.”

“Gabriel.”

“Like the angel. Explains your looks.” She chuckled, swinging her heavy rifle off her shoulder. “We going to dally all day or are we gonna kill some mutie fucker?” this question was repeated in the eyes of the all the soldiers standing there.

Krieg looked from the expected eyes of his troops and the irregulars to Gabriel’s inscrutable, cold blue mirrors.

“Move out.” This time Gabriel saluted the Captain and he moved off, leading the column of warriors behind him.

They waited until there was a momentary lull in the fighting along the line and as the troops beside them stopped firing as no targets presented themselves, the group drew a shared breath and charged.

Weapons bristling from the small team, gun barrels flicking out like rattler tongues, they ran and Gabriel led them into the only place they could go.

He led them into hell.
 
Finishing up?

OOC-
Ok folks lets wrap this up already!

This is going to close up some loose ends, as well as explain why Skik really took the group to the fort. Remember, the other characters don't know this.

ICC-

Further away, back in Tabis, a tall black man watched the battle unfold through a pair of binoculars and chuckled. Nearby a slaver stood waiting for order. Since the dark man, whom the slavers knew by the name Marcus, the slaver had often been his assistant, relaying messages to the other slavers or anyone else Marcus demanded.

Rarely had he heard the man chuckle, and when he did it normally meant bad tidings for someone.

"Ah, so there you are, my young friend." He whispered.

On the El, Gabriel was rallying his troops to break through the deathclaws. Further away, he could see Krieg ordering his troops about. All along the El, the remaining borderman and heavy infantry were in a skirmish line, and slowly moving forward, foot by foot. The police regulars and townies had finally caught up, and the line was thick and strong. The smoke of gunfire blurred the his vision, but he could see the deathclaws some meters beyond. Some rushed at the troopers, others fought among themselves, and a few, nursing wounds, crept away.

Gabriel, it had to be Gabriel that the League had chosen for this particular message. Gabriel who had aligned himself with the Blade Caleb, and Caleb's associates, would be the weapon chosen for Caleb's destuction. At first Marcus had been surprised that he had been called back when he seemed so close. But this was perfect.

And of course there were the Others. Somewhere in town, he could practically smell them. That their agents had advanced this far would complicate things, would advance the schedule. It would be as it had to be.

"Tell the clans that they should consider departing from Tabis unless they want to tangle with the local constabulary. And tell them to continue business as usual. There meat is still desired to the East."

"Aye, and will that be all."

"No, remind them that we have an appointment to keep in Red Waters. Now go, and be careful."

The assistant quickly moved away. Marcus listened to his feet descend the flights of stairs down, until he could hear them no more. Then he picked up his bag, and followed, down and then out into Tabis. Minutes later he was through the gate and moving in the direction of Gray Cliffs.

_________________

Meanwhile.

Lawrence, Curls and Moses led Horus through the dark foul sewars of Tabis until they came to a stop. Above them the could see light descending down through a metal grate and down a long narrow tunnel going straight up.

'This is it, you're home.' Said Curls.

"Home, what?"

"Home, the place you rest your head at night? The place they can't turn you out?" said Lawrence,

"Home sweet home? There's no place like home? Where the heart is?" Chimed in Curls.

Moses slapped Curls and Lawrence on the heads. "Cut it out you knuckle heads." To Horus, "Just climb up here and you're in Tabis, a block or two away from the Rusty Nail."

"Thanks, I owe you."

"No you don't, we're what you call partners." Said Wally, emerging from the dark.

"Partners?" Asked Horus.

"How else do you plan to get the eggs from the pen. Surely you'll never find your way through the sewars. Besides, the deathclaw don't like ghouls much. We can get in and out with barely any notice. We can also extract the blood you need for the weapon Kowalski has envisioned, as well as the fat and oil needed for the other product."

"I'll need to talk to my brother." Said Horus.

"Of course, but there is no other deal available. Either he agrees or you get no deathclaw. No eggs, no blood, no oil." Said Wally.

The ghoul doctor had spoke with final authority and Horus had little doubt that he was serious. The ghouls, who had so far seemed so generous obviously had their own interests to consider.

"What is it you want?" Asked Horus.

"We want a fair share, and I mean that, just fair. What we really want is to be part of the community, not the underclass of this town, not the untouchable riff-raff that you humies would confine us. We want a stake in this town, an investment in the future, and the respect that comes with that. And this is how we are going to buy it."

"I'll speak to Yacob. It's his and Kowalski's deal. In the end you'll have to negotiate the specifics. But if this works, then I think its fair to say that there will be plenty of profit to go around." Said Horus.

"I know Yacob will agree. And with him agreeing, the council will follow. Besides, with our know-how and Tabis's trade, we are all looking to do very well. Travel well my friend. ANd expect that we will have the blood that Kowalski needs before next morning."

Wally watched as Horus climbed up the stairs, removed the grill and remerged in the sunlight of Tabis and into a new future. THen he glanced over at his comrades, who didn't fully understand.

But Wally understood. If the ghouls were to have a future they would have to share it with the humies, and through that relationship bring greater changes. The ghouls had lost valued members of their communities, but that was the cost of securing the future.

Clever Skik to bring the humies to the Fort, setting into motion the events that followed. Nothing like a common enemy to forge a friendship.

The ghouls had known about Kowalski's intentions with the deathclaws, and Yacob's goals of the egg hatchery. It was a dangerous endeavor, but also one that offered a unique opportunity. The ghouls, with their technical know-how and access to the sewars, as well as their ability to move comparatively at ease among the deathclaw would be able to accelerate the process that would provide Tabis with a new food source as well as the potential for a new energy source.

Now was the time. Wally had listened patiently to Ibis's prophecies, but unlike many, Wally understood what the prophecies meant.

There was a storm coming from the South which would take all of them, human and ghoul, to weather.
 
Through the clouds of cordite smoke, blood-stained mist and kicked up dust, Krieg and his rescue team saw the blurred shapes of Gabriel's strike force battle for their lives. Ghostly shadows in the death-filled cloud only gave the men on the line hints of the bloody carnage occurring within.

Muzzle flashes silhouetted the warriors, giving the watching troops snapshots of the brutal combat. The hulking power-armoured men turned this way and that, spraying bullets at anything that approached. The tall figure of Gabriel could just be made out firing tight bursts from a salvaged assault rifle. Battle cries and gunfire cracked through the haze of battle, chilling the watchers to the bone. Everyone wanted to help them, but none could move into the terrible hell.

A blood-curdling scream tore the air, slicing through the other sounds of battle, as the strike team took their first casualty.


Gabriel whirled to see one of the old lawmen hoisted from the ground by a yellow-skinned, dust-coated deathclaw. Its handy camouflage had allowed it into the driving wedge and its claws were tearing the screaming old-timer in half. Ignoring the gore, King twisted, bringing his bozar to bear on the cocky beast. The beast hit the ground with a thud. Seeking company on the road to hell, the deathclaw took its victim with it, pulling him in two as the creature fell.

Hicks banged his companion on the shoulder, jogging the big man back to the present and drawing his eyes away from the bloody remnants. The two heavy troopers again took point, laying down a tight field of fire to clear a path. At their sides, Gabriel took the right and Rockson held the left. Both men blasting the creatures aiming for the flank. Completing the wedge, Valentina moved along behind Gabriel while Hal watched the stocky Corporal's back. A massive club was strapped to his back, a big shotgun cradled in his big hands. The last member, the other old lawman held the rear, moving from each side of the wedge to the other, following the heat of battle, adding firepower where it was needed. It was an effective tactic so far but the single casualty already sustained was a grim reminder that the heavy firepower blasting a path for them, could keep everyone member safe.

Still, the strike force was cutting through the beasts. The creatures were falling back from the lightning attack. At first Gabriel took heart from this early success, until he realised the deathclaws were just waiting for re-enforcements.

Stepping over another bestial corpse, the wedge continued to battle through the thick line.

Then the next wave hit them.


Bear knew he was almost out. Half a drum at best. He was glad Lucille had been given a work out but he hadn't anticipated quite such a protracted fight. Leading the wagon team with Jeeva, the slaver had eaten into his ammo and now it looked they were going to run dry just 200 yards short of the El. The massive gunrunner could see the rescue team holding a line up ahead, just on the edge. Bear couldn't blame them for not coming down to get them. From the looks of it, the deathclaw had realised what they were up to and were pounding the rescuers in the hopes that the leathery bastards back here could take the brahmin and the tasty meals on legs moving ahead. Most important of these was of course Bear. Well he thought so anyway.

Then the giant man saw the small group, driving through the deathclaw line. Cutting a gap in the wall of teeth and talons. Two glinting human tanks at their head, leading the warriors. All were fighting like demons. Guns blasted in every direction from the small wedge, creating a fence of bullets and muzzle flame. Every beast which tried to break the driving wedge was smacked back to the ground, like a wave crashing against a cliff.

“Well, I’ll be damned.” Muttered Bear. With renewed vigour, the huge man focused on his own battle. Moving alongside Jeeva, he was determined to make every shot count.


They were almost through. Hicks and King were keeping the way clear and Rockson was holding his side well. Gabriel felt hope rise in his chest the slow the dawn of the sun in the east. With luck it would soon clear the horizon and bathe him in its full glow.

Then a metal clang rang out. A terrible scraping of cruel talons on metal followed.

King was down. The armoured knight battled against the huge creature perched atop his huge chest, clawing at his helmet with bestial ferocity. Hicks swung to fire but his rifle clicked on empty. Dropping the weapon on its sling, the heavy trooper reached behind him and drew the old shotgun. As he rammed the barrel forwards, toward the maw of the thing threatening his comrade, Gabriel saw the other deathclaw charging at Hicks’ back. His eyes snapped to Rockson but the Corporal was firing out to the left as more beasts came at them from the flank, Hal peppering the advancing creatures with shotgun pellets but to little effect.

The assassin leapt ahead, shoving Hicks aside and out of the beast’s path. Gripping his rifle’s pistol grip in one hand, Gabriel squeezed the trigger and emptied the magazine into the charging beast but it was just too big. The massive deathclaw had been waiting for the group to lose their momentum and the first deathclaw had thrown them off enough for this massive beast to make his move.

Hicks turned to curse at the passing assassin as he knocked his aim off, making him miss his target on the beast still on top of King. The blast from Hicks’ shotgun impacting on the deathclaw’s shoulder, barely moving it. A howl of pain escaped the big man trapped below the beast as it claws finally found a weakness in the armour. A talon pierced the shoulder joint and sliced into King’s flesh.

Ignoring Hicks, Gabriel dropped his empty rifle and snatched his blades. He had promised himself that he would not go head to head with another deathclaw, let alone this huge fucker, but primal instincts were taking him over and he could not resist the call to battle. His blood was up and the stims, combined the fierce flow of adrenaline kept him oblivious to the pain lancing his chest and so his charge continued. He swayed to the left as the wounded, but still formidable, deathclaw made it first move. The claws swiped past Gabriel’s face and he lashed out with a quick cut at the beast’s armpit. His bowie knife found flesh and left a shallow cut in the sensitive patch of hide. The deathclaw growled angrily and brought its still moving swiping arm back in a reverse punch. Surprised by the attack, Gabriel tried to dodge but the heavy taloned fist smashed into this stomach, knocking his breath out. Fighting nausea, the assassin struggled to stay on his feet and pushed his feet into the ground, trying to get behind the angry deathclaw.

The deathclaw’s wounds slowed it just enough and Gabriel slammed his panga into its arm, cutting into the thick upper-arm bone. The cleaver lodged tight and the assassin knew he did not have time to pull it free. Relying now on the smaller bowie knife, he lunged, jabbing the blade into the deathclaw’s back, aiming for where he hoped the kidneys were. He hoped this thing had kidneys anyway. It grunted in pain as the knife slid in but the creature showed no signs of giving up yet. Yanking the blade out before the beast could turn and wrench it from his grasp, Gabriel snatched his punch dagger from his belt and rammed it into stooping creature’s neck. He knew the short blade couldn’t penetrate the tough vertebrae but the more wounds he inflicted, the faster the thing would bleed. Still moving, Gabriel continued his lightning fast dance around the deathclaw, jabbing and slicing its thick hide. Then it right rear leg snapped out, trying to trip him but the assassin nimbly dodged the clumsy attempt and used the creature’s momentary lack of balance to knock it the ground by slamming his shoulder into its side. Howling in surprise and pain, the deathclaw landed in the dirt and Gabriel crawled toward its face.

The creature looked into his eyes with a malicious, pained, look of surprise and hatred. It was beaten and it knew it. The deathclaw never expected to go out like this. Losing to some two-leg thing in personal combat.

Gabriel rammed both his blades into its chest, sliding them over the ribs and into its heart.


Jeeva watched the display of unnatural speed and grace, shocked by the sudden hand-to-hand battle between man and beast. He was even more surprised by the outcome. Gabriel’s tactics would have brought a smile to his face if the circumstances weren’t still so grim. Assassins, always backstabbers, he thought.


Hicks shoved the dead deathclaw off his comrade and saw that King’s visor was hidden beneath a mask of gore.

“Up and fighting soldier!” Hicks commanded, “We need that Bozar firing, now.”
He pulled his comrade to his feet and the two once more joined the fight, blasting at the beasts.

The sudden attack had sapped the strike team’s previous momentum. They had pushed far into the deathclaw line and now some were peeling away to feast on their fallen comrades. Preferring a meal than facing the human’s weapons and steel.

But they could not drive through. The wagon was almost there and if Gabriel and his team could not cut through in time, the rear of the line would fall upon the wagon and the numbers would tell against the defenders with their limited ammunition.

Gabriel had yanked his panga from his dead opponents arm and was now slashing and cutting anything that came close, King and Hicks were hosing the surrounding beasts, Rockson making every shot count, displaying the discipline a life in the military had given him. The irregulars were keeping a steady defence on the flanks, Valentina was screaming at the beasts, the old-timer was firing accurately, going for headshots and impressing with his skill. Hal was swinging his club with remarkable effectiveness. Not as big as Bear, the large volunteer was still strong enough to lay out a few growling attackers.

All this counted for nothing, though as the deathclaw had finally made the strike team grind to a halt. They needed to break through, now before it was too late.

A barking came from behind them and the appropriately named three-headed dog, bounded through the team, moving like the fires of hell were behind him.

The massive dog’s sudden appearance surprised both human and deathclaw alike but knowing the beast to be an ally, the humans continued their struggle with barely a pause. They knew no normal dog would face this carnage for love of battle. It wanted something on the other side of the deathclaw line.

Cerberus leapt over Gabriel who was standing between the two steel warriors, the assassin only managing to duck in the nick of time. Its astonishing weight took a confused deathclaw to the ground and the three ferocious jaws did their bloody work.

The new team-member’s immediate success brought new vigour to others and they pushed harder, battled tenaciously and ripped an entrail soaked path through the clawing beasts.

The hole opened and the wagon was almost with them. The groups were almost linked and their route was there for them.

Now they had the final dash toward freedom and survival. Another day was guaranteed for no one.
 
Meanwhile

OCC- Ok back to the battle. This was submitted and deleted so Reaper could post, now its being reposted. Hope you don't mind Cerebus coming back into play for a critical part in this battle. Would appreciate it if you don't kill the pooch.

Afterall what is Fallout without a giant, killer dog.

ICC-

"Burn it! Burn it all!" Yelled Yacob.

In the cart Fury quickly reloaded the flamers and shotguns that the others passed back. Besides her Talon and Ferris bounced about, both mercifully unconscious. Fury tried not to look at Ferris, whose skinless legs made her think of barbequed flesh.

Grim, with a flamer and a shotgun slung over his shoulders was back tracking behind the Cart, next to Rogue, who was blasting the flamer in all directions.

'What?" Yelled back Rogue, who couldn't make up her mind if it was a worse getting in or getting out of Wainright.

"Burn it all, in all directions. We can't go back. The fire will keep the deathclaw off our ass and away from our flanks. That might give us a chance to punch through." Yelled Yacob.

Grim watched his old friend, who had paused more than once on this escape, clutching his chest. Wounded from before. Grim nodded to Rogue and the two began torching a wall around the back three sides of the cart.

The fire would keep the deathclaw from attacking from the rear, and so the small group could concentrate forward.

"Yacob, get in the fucking cart, you're slowing us down." Yelled Grim.

"Bullshit Grim, it was you that was laid up like a dieing man." Replied Yacob.

"You stubborn old fuck. If you die Nana will kill me. Get on the damn cart and watch our ass. You're too damn slow anyway."
Replied Grim.

"Yacob," said Rogue, being more diplomatic, "We need someone to watch the rear just in case. Fury is wounded and can't do it. So we need you."

"Aye, good thinking Rogue." Said Yacob, who painfully climbed on the back of the cart.

Both Rogue and Grim moved forward to join the forward group.

Bear was loading the last of his ammo. "Damn it, we are too close to the El. I can't use Lucille for risk hitting the cops."

Caleb could see the police line before him, and beyond that, Gabriel leading a small knot of men into the heart of the Deathclaws. Figures the slayer wouldn't miss an opportunity to show off.

Jeeva, still blasting away with the plasma rifle at any deathclaw that came near enough. "Their too damn thick, we'll need to blast through."

Caleb nodded as he helped the bleeding Knox onto the cart. "They got us cut off, but we also got them in a crossfire. If we hit them from this direction, we might break through or at least scatter them."

In fact, the deathclaw had eased up as they had neared the El. Most of the monsters were either facing off against the mixed force on the El or were fighting amongst themselves. They had left the escaping cart largely alone. But a sudden attack from the escaping force might break the line.

After reloading the mini with another box of Gauss ammo, he placed it on the cart next to Ibis and removed grenade launcher. "We'll need to blast. Use the grenade rifles I brought up." Bears own weapon was a short ugly six barrelled weapon.

The others had needed no urging. They had taken advantage of the respite to reload.

"Ibis, wait till we fire then go like hell." Said Caleb, "You on the cart, keep the monsters off. Use the shotguns, but be careful not to hit the brahmin. The rest of us will have to keep up. Blast a hole and go through."

Ibis could only nod.

The forward line formed in front of the cart. There were only six still standing. Caleb in the middle flanked by Jeeva, Bear Grim, Skik and Rogue. With the exception of Skik, each held a grenade rifle. In each of Skik's hands he held grenades.

"Now!" Said Caleb.

All six blasted at the line with their grenade launchers. The line of deathclaws suddenly was obscured in a cloud of dust and fire, as the grenades exploded amongst the creatures.

The deathclaw were caught largely unprepared for this new attack. The explosions tore shrapnel through their line and among them. Many turned and fled from the scene, others turned and raced for the El, only to be cut down by the fire of the rescuing force.

"Ibis go!" Yelled Caleb.

Ibis whipped his brahma hard, urging them forward, through the dust. The people in the cart blasted in either direction at what ever deathclaw they could. Behind him, he could hear the fire as the others raced behind.

The deathclaw before him, seeing the terrified Brahma and the heavy cart bearing down, desperately tried to get out of the way. One deathclaw that did not was hit hard but one of the bulls, knocked down, and then trampled underfoot. Ibis felt the bump as the cart rolled over the creature, crushing it under wheel.

But it wasn't enough. The hole was already closing.

The rescuers, directed by Krieg, poured fire at the two sides of the El and at any deathclaw that tried to rush out. But even Krieg could see that the deathclaw were encircling the cart.

Gabriel, his melee weapons out, slashing and cutting at what ever came close, tried to reach the hole with his tiny force. He would not have enough time.

No one saw Cerebus coming.

The big dog, which had chased so many over the El, and which had been delayed as it fought a deathclaw that had managed to climb up to the El, had caught the scent of Ibis. Instinctively the three headed monster had rushed for the cart, prepared to die defending Ibis if necessary.

Almost as large as a full grown Brahma bull, a fury of muscle, tooth and claw, the big animal had often defended Ibis from lesser dangers and had tangled with deathclaw on more than one occassion. Like his predecessors, it knew not fear of deathclaw, but instinctive blood lust.

In the middle of the line, the large three head dog tore and bit, ducking claw and fang, tearing out the throat of one deathclaw, dodging another, while the teeth of another head tore through the a deathclaw's ligaments. The three heads operated like a quick hydra, and its legs danced away from the slashes of the deathclaws. All the while trying to get closer to Ibis, to protect its master and friend.

The deathclaw, often considered the ultimate killing and eating machine of the wasteland, had suddenly become another creature's prey.

Cerebus, rushing about, snapping at any target, dodging, kept the hole open long enough. Soon Ibis was and his cart were there, as were Gabriel and his small group of troopers.

Finally the groups were linked.
 
They were filling the hole in the line. The escapees ran alongside the cart in their mad dash to get through. The massive dog, Cerberus, was bounding along with them, his growls and snarls, with their terrible threat of the fury of jaws and teeth he could unleash, helped keep the reeling deathclaws at bay.

King and Hicks moved to the sides, letting the wagon and its protectors through. The two men stood like silver colossuses, grim statues, guarding against evil. Their weapons continued to pour firepower into the more courageous beasts who tried to get close. Gabriel dodged the Brahmin and vaulted up onto the wagon, swiftly moving up beside Ibis.

“Keep going!” ordered the assassin, once more forgetting himself. Ibis turned and gave him a withering look,

“Actually I thought going back would be a good idea.” Gabriel turned away, knowing this was not the time to apologise or be understanding. All their lives still hung in the balance.

Yacob was firing his shotgun behind them, knocking a few chasing deathclaw to the ground, adding his firepower to the two heavy infantrymen. The tall assassin drew his SiG and took a place alongside the big ex-lawman. The two men continued firing, trying to make their less effective weaponry aid the escape in anyway possible.

Caleb pushed his wiry frame hard, keeping up with the speeding Brahmin through sheer determination. Rogue ran beside him, her breath labouring from the desperate run. Skik was jumping along with them, lobbing grenades into the recovering deathclaw masses, his whoops of delight joining the tumultuous noises of the battle.

Glancing back, Caleb saw the two infantrymen executing a controlled withdrawal. A short, muscular man in uniform was jogging closer to the wagon calling back to the power-armoured pair. The stocky trooper stopped and added his fire to theirs to help them catch up a little. Bear, also noticing the human tanks dropping behind, turned and poured his limited ammunition to their left, hoping to cover their flank and stop any deathclaw coming between the heavy infantrymen and the wagon.

Rockson stopped firing and shouted another order,

“Move your asses. You want me to get demoted on my first day you gung-ho sons o’ bitches.” He began firing more controlled bursts to their right, observing Bear’s good tactic on their other flank. The corporal thought he recognised the massive framed bear of a man, the bear image jogging his memory. But it couldn’t be. That big bastard from the service must be long gone from this par t of the wastes. Hell, the troublemaker should have been dead by now, the number of fights he used to get into. Rockson would have shrugged but his body was on autopilot, ignoring his mind’s wandering thoughts and focusing on keeping the corporal alive.

More deathclaw were beginning to close in but the cart was close enough that between the loud bursts of gunfire, the escapees could hear Krieg bellowing orders to his men,

“Cover their flanks! Don’t let any…go…amn…claws…get near those…ing bulls.” The troops on the line obeyed and the hail of fire they sent sweeping across the deathclaws and the gory effects was more impressive than anything most people there had every seen. The show of concentrated killing power was a testament to man’s ingenuity and long, close relationship with death. They were probably on first name terms by now.

The cart rolled up onto the El, slipping between the twin walls of bullets. Gabriel leapt off the rear and landed just behind the line. Moving back to gap he passed the runners. Caleb, Rogue, Skik, Jeeva. All of them looked exhausted but relieved. The old Blade gave Gabriel a look as the young assassin rushed past him but Gabriel looked away. His mind could not deal the ‘Caleb’ problem right now, that would have to wait until later and the fighting still required all his attention. The assassin joined the line and again started firing, knowing his pistol, though powerful, would not make that much difference. He used to be a soldier, a trooper just like these men and women. He could not turn his back on them after they had fought so hard to save him and his companions. The old Slayer recruit was still in there somewhere, buried beneath his murderous training as a Nightblade.

Rockson paused on the lip of the El, waiting for his two men to reach him.

“Cease firing and stay on my ass!” he called. King and Hicks turned toward their corporal and ran.

Rearing up beside them as the heavies passed a mound of corpses, a leathery, injured deathclaw lashed out at Hicks. The trooper let out a howl of pain as the claws slid across the hard metal of his thigh plates and slid into the knee joint. Bear who was just ahead of the two troopers turned to see Hicks crash to the ground and he moved quickly, surprisingly so for a man of his bulk. He slammed a foot into deathclaw’s spine and, letting Lucille hang on her sling, he grabbed the beast’s wrist and wrenched the claws free of Hicks’ leg. King grabbed his partner and dragged him to safety, Rockson laying covering fire over their heads. The deathclaw flailed in Bear’s monstrous grip and he yanked the arm behind its back, jerking it out of the socket. The beast wailed in pain but Bear was not finished. Reaching forward, he wrapped his hand under its jaw, his hands moving too quick for the thing to bite him. Then, he yanked back hard until the reassuring snapping sound convinced him the beast was dead. The sudden bloodlust fading from his eyes, Bear stood and scrabbled back over the lip and rolled down behind the line of troops.

They had done it. The were up, onto the El and passed the deathclaw masses. With the overwhelming firepower of the rescue team between them and the beasts, it looked survival, might, for the first time to in days, be a moderately likely outcome.
 
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