Release, release orders Ling Fei.

A second later the remaining forces of Echo team dart out of the free-falling shuttle.

Three thousand, two thousand, one thousand, check canopy say the members of Echo team as they fall. Their air canisters were used up on the first jump, so Echo team release small gliders that bring them down safely.

Echo team is now scattered all over, though Internal locators in their Exo-suits display the position of every member to each other.

Ling Fei charts a course for every man to rendezvous.

An hour later, the remaining members of Echo team finally assemble.

Ling Fei, Tomb Stone, the DC sniper, along with thirteen Stormtroopers, including Captain Julius, remain alive.

Sit-rep asks Ling Fei to Captain Julius.

Ammo count reasonable. Three sixty-eight's, Tomb stone's three rocket's, and a dozen HE grenades. Two flashers. Enough water for two days plus two twenty-four hour ration packs each. Basic medi-supply.

It will take five days for the heathens to reach us on foot. The enemy has one IFV, one anti-Infantry Grimm Reaper mech, two attack buggies, and three Delta Force bikes.

Estimates, they have four hundred feed and rested infantry. Their Commander now will be Colonel Grimmline, plus Sergeant Major Deadshot. Last but not least, they have a section of Death Guard, lead by Watch Commander Brutius replies Julius.

I have enough fuel for a couple more blasts indicating her mini flamer. And the sniper's will be full. Best course to take asks Ling Fei?

There is a village twenty-five-k from here with a Doctor, moat, and walls. City is a few hundred K out replies Julius.

Ok, our main priority is finding the priority Red device. Now, we have no idea where it is. Two, find Oscar, also, no idea where they are. So, if you were Oscar, where would you go says Ling Fei.

The village says Julius.

Likely, but the village may have been compromised. If Oscar does know the ILI is DF'ed, then they would acknowledge that the settlement presumably has been too. Now we're low on supplies and feeling the ache, but we have a job to do.

What about the villager's Sister, if they're unaffected, then they are in danger, and unprepared for what's coming. I know the device is our priority, but leaving the villagers to die, doesn't swallow nicely. I also recommend holding up at the village, would be our best defense, from what I can see of the terrain, it has good vantage points, and is more natural to defend as the enemy will have no cover while they cross the open fields states Julius.

Tomb Stone asks Ling Fei.

My priority is you, and the village does have a Doctor, so we need to get you fixed up and back in fighting order if we have any chance of stopping these infidels.

Ling Fei scans her thoughts in deep concentration for a second.

Right, we're heading to the village: Scran, and good sleep. Julius you'll head out at first light with a fireteam, find Oscar says Ling Fei. We will hold up at the fort. I don't like dividing our troops, but getting ahold of Oscar will be ideal in the long run.

Copy that says Julius.

Primachus, check the drone. At least we will know when the bastards make their move she says coughing up blood.

Primachus Tomb Stone checks his internal display.

Drone online, little static he reports.

His drone speeds towards the enemies last known position, but then from low in the high grass, a spark comes zooming towards the drone then nothing but static.

Da Feck he says. Something took out the drone.

Dead Shot says Ling Fei shaking her head.

That manky Vag took it out snarls Tomb Stone

Ling Fei nodes, then her troop start to speed march.

Echo team makes their way through a dense forest. Finally, a small village surrounded by a five-yard tall stone wall, and moat come into view.

After scanning the area, they approach the village. Several farmers look shocked, as the blood-spattered, and armor-damaged warriors make their way inside.

The town Governor makes his approach alongside a few ILI third Company Rifles.

Confusion, excitement, and fear register on their faces as they look at Echo team.

Do you have any weapons asks Ling Fei to the Rifles Corporal?

The weapons we carry plus a dozen pistols, and ten additional SLR rifles.

We were here to recruit replies Corporal Chibs.

Well, you're lucky you were here when the Void hit the base states Captain Julius.

I have one hundred villagers, and the Corporal has eight men. How can we expect to survive against an army trembles the Governor?

Do you have Oil asks Ling Fei?

Yes a few barrels replies the Governor.

Ok, get everyone into the town center. We're going to train them. Julius, you set the traps orders Ling Fei.

Sister, let me deal with this. Governor, get the Doctor. Sister, you get your arse fixed up says Tomb Stone.

The village Doctor sees to Ling Fei's wounds, while Tomb Stone gathers wood, steel, and anything else useful.

Inside a small hut, the Doctor sees to Ling Fei's wounds. Her body is black and blue and covered in sticky blood.

I'm surprised you're still alive, never mind able to walk informs the Doctor. You need to get to the city as I don't have the necessary equipment, but this is the best I can do; it'll hold you together for a while. Just don't be going wild or the stitches will come loose.

Ling Fei's bruises and cuts begin to heal shortly after rubbing her advanced healing cream, as well as the Doctor's microsurgery that stitched up the nastier wounds.

She attempts to stand, I'll be fine Doctor, I need to get back, but suddenly she stumbles over into bed and passes out.