Dethrone Tyranny

[wainwright]

Wainwright gathered his men around him.

"Right lads, this is where things are no doubt going to get extremely dangerous. Fauk, Daniels, Mitchells, get these prisoners onto Mactan, you lot get to be safe." They nodded, and headed off immediately, the prisoners, tightly bound, a few paces ahead of them. "The rest of you, we're heading for the engine room. This is not going to be easy. Understand this, we will suffer casualties in this little run. If you see someone go down, just get them out of the line of fire if you can. But do not, I repeat DO NOT expose yourself unnecessarily. Take out a target when you can, otherwise play it safe. I don't want any bloody heroics from any of you, right? That's a job for me and Joyeuse!"

The remaining Legionnaires shared a chuckle at that, and they headed out. The corridors became shadowed as emergency lighting started to dominate. Dislodged panels showed burnt out wiring, and sparks showered occasionally from ceiling relays. Wainwright reflected that this was just like a scene from one of the many low budget shows hed seen on the entertainment channels over the years.

They reached the main entrance to engineering without mishap. Looking up at the closed doors, Wainwright called the men to him.

Okay, this is it. From here on in, expect every square inch you step on to go boom. Theres two routes to the engine room from here. Major Kraven, you take Hopkins and Keller and head left once were through these doors. Major LeBlanc, Hendrick, youre with me. Were going right. The Legionnaires nodded their understanding. Major Kraven, get us through these doors.

Kraven moved up to the doors. Carefully he started to remove the control panel.

Booby trap! he called. Dont worry though. Whoever set this is either an idiot, or wanted it found. Ill have it safe in just a..

He reached gently behind the panel. Ever so carefully he withdrew a small metallic device, which he then threw to Wainwright.

Triggering device. If wed tried to open the door, something goes boom. Probably up there. He pointed to the ceiling above the door. Give me a boost up. Need a closer look.

Wainwright moved over and cupped his hands, offering Kraven the stirrup. Kraven rose up to ceiling level, and carefully pressed at the panels there. One moved. As Kraven looked at what lay beyond, he whistled gently.

What do you see, Major?

Not good, sir. Not good. Theres an mix of plastique and ball-bearings up here. If this goes off, you can kiss your haircut goodbye. And pretty much everything below it. Its crude, but viciously effective. Dont move, sir. I think I can see the wiring. Now, if I can just Kraven went quiet as he reached towards the explosives. The seconds ticked by. Sweat beaded on Wainwrights brow as the strain increased.

Major?

Nearly there sir.this should do it..there!! Kraven dropped down, the explosive device held in his hand. Thats it clear. There was another triggering mechanism, attached to the doors I think. Doors open, this goes boom. He walked to the control panel and pressed a button and the doors slid open.

Flashing red lights lent the scene a hellish glow, as a synthetic female voice announced:

"Warning, engine core critical. Heatsink integrity destabilizing. Advise immediate evacuation."

The Legionnaires shared glances. Time was running out.

Right lads! I don't know about you, but Ive no intention of dying today. To the engine room, double time. Wainwright headed right, followed by LeBlanc and Hendrick. The rest went left. They reached the main doors to engineering at exactly the same time.

All clear, sir. called Major Kraven. No sign of anyone or anything.

Same for us. I guess whatever is waiting for us is on the other side of that door. Major Kraven, check for booby traps again, Major LeBlanc, set a charge on the door.

Wainwright pulled out the communicator again.

Sir? Were at the engine room, and about to go in. Any further orders?

A burst of static, overlaid by a rhythmic ticking, was the response he recieved. Wainwright was sure he could hear Joyeuses voice in there, but it was too distorted to make out what was being said.

Damn! Short range jamming device! Kraven, LeBlanc! Are we set?

Yessir! they responded in unison.

Right, blow the door!

The Legionnaires moved up against the walls of the corridor and covered their ears, as Major LeBlanc drew out his detonator.

Fire in the hole! he called, and there was a deafening crack. As the smoke cleared, they could see the doors to the engine room hanging loose. Wainwright peered past the doors, trying to see what waited beyond. A hail of small arms fire from the engineering team within filled the short corridor that led into the main engine room, and Wainwright jerked his head back.

Hendrick, Keller! Chuck a couple of stun grenades in there. Lets shake things up a bit!

The two PFCs threw a grenade each down into the engine room. The grenades went off, but the small-arms fire kept up. There was no way they were getting into the engine room by this route, not without most of them dying.

Bloody hell! Wainwright shouted to LeBlanc, as rounds ricocheted all around. I bloody well hope Joyeuse gets here soon!

Yessir! And lets hope he uses a different door, eh?

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All the old knives, that have rusted in my back, I shall drive deep into yours.

Betrayed