Chapter 10: A Lush Horror

As the ship transports landed and doors opened, rows of soldiers rolled out. Marching in formation, Dutch and Suvi walked out. There were 4 transports in total. A total of 200 Star Corps soldiers.

As they marched further into the troop carrier, there were coordination officer's. Guiding soldier's to the squad pods.

Suvi and Dutch had walked to the head direction of the ship, but remained on the underside of the carrier with soldiers.

An coordination officer approached the 2 and saluted.

"Captain Tvankiv! Lieutenant Bulov! I have your designated pods numbers! Your assigned teams are being sent to them as we speak!" he said as they saluted.

Dutch gave a nod and began following the officer. As they walked up to the rows of squad pods, the officer turned around and pointed individually.

"Captain, pod 86. Lieutenant, pod 105. Safe travels!" he said cheerfully.

As Dutch and Suvi separated to their own pods. Dutch walked in to find his squad, each and every one is a pre recruitment. No newbies. Corporal Vall was one, the others he recognized but didn't know them by heart. There were 2 other men and a woman.

Vall laughed, "Ha! Stuck with me again Captain!"

Dutch chuckled and began to settle in.

The female started to ask Dutch something, "Where exactly are we landing sir?"

Dutch looked around the pod before latching, "We will be dropped roughly 30 klicks away from the Gola infestations. We will not have any support from the other 4 regiments. Well besides maybe some artillery, but I am sure we won't need it. Once we land, we will spread out and move to assigned areas."

The female soldier had no more questions and stood there. Awaiting to be deployed.

Comms started to get loud on all channels.

Channel 5-

Motherbird 4: This is motherbird 4, LZ is clear! Dropping off units.

Team Leader of 7: This is team 7 and 10, LZ is clear and we have formed a small perimeter on site 3. Bring in the support!

Support dropship: Understood, 2 M-200's coming your way.

Team member of 11- Shit, Gola coming from the entrance! *multiple shots* We need to form a wall!

(Screeching can be heard along with sounds of thuds. Gola bodies hitting the ground)

Swarmer gunship: the 243rd are covering the entrances. Use laser guidance for danger close explosives.

Channel 2-

Motherbird 7: approaching entrance 1, I have teams 9 and 14. LZ is not clear! Hey, Swarmers. There are some stragglers, I see an armored one, might wanna birage the area.

Swarmer 10: OK Shelly, I'll show you a birage!

Motherbird 7: Use what's necessary dumbass!

Swamer 10: You're no fun!

Channel 9-

Swamer 5: I need assistance, these fuckers keep pouring out! Even after the bombing!

Swarmer 7: God damn! Swarmer 7 to fleet!

Entrance 4 is very hot with Gola! They seem to be guarding something!

Motherbird 2: I will circle around and await further instructions.

One of the male soldiers in pod looked at Dutch.

"Hey Captain! Why are they using M-200 mechs? Those fuckers are ancient!" He said with a laugh.

Dutch shrugged, "M-200's have thick armor, definitely outdated but useful. They can take serious hits and can't be easily breached!" Dutch replied.

The soldier knodded and proceeded to reply, "they have only 3 weapons mounts, no arms, and only 2 support modules. Those aren't even much help! A cooler and a thrust pack! Nothing more that damage soakers!" He laughed.

"Gotta respect classic, those fuckers were the major forefront against the Ento on the first contact battle with them!" Vall spoke up.

Buzzing went off.

"Well, they cleared the 5 entrance sites. The Spartans are moving in now!" Dutch announced.

The 2 male soldiers began talking.

"Spartans? They don't usually get deployed for stuff like this, is it just me or do the Spartans seek like a boring job?" One said.

"Hey, they got shit they're responsible for! Don't forget, they push and fight in some of the most deadly of battlefields!" The other replied.

"Don't forget, the Spartans pushed and liberated the Kons Colony when the G.T.M.I. and Draco Empire was attempting to cease it!" Dutch shouted.

Everyone laughed.

"What about the armor division? The 182nd Armor Division?" Vall asked.

"Well, they have been reliable and definitely saved my ass a few times!" Dutch said with a laugh.

A 2nd buzzing went off and the comms turned on as doors shut.

"Phase 1 and 2 have been completed. Prepare for drop! 3… 2… 1… release!"

Dutch's team felt a shaking throughout the pod and felt of the force. They were dropping. The floor lit up and a feed showed up.

A computer began calculation for projectory and designated LZ coords.

The pod was shaking and other pods came into the feeds visual.

As the feed showed a thick layer of entry fire, Dutch closed his eyes. As the entry burn reminded him… of that day. The wall of fire.

He took deep breaths and kept his eyes closed. Flashbacks were appearing.

He's 12 again and being carried through a screaming crowd. A roaring sound can be heard and a large wall of fire was approaching them. Screams and panic filled the air.

After a few more deep breaths, Dutch returned back to reality.

"Brace for impact!" Shouted Vall.

The feed showed they were only moments from the ground. Dutch gripped the support system.

The pod thrusters activated. Slowing the pod down, the impact was still hard.

The feed shut off and the light went red, a beeping sound came on for a few seconds and then the support system raised and all 5 soldiers stepped away with their weapons. Dutch put a hand signal up, hold. They waited for the door to open, as it opened Vall took point and exited first with the female and Dutch right behind him. The other 2 men followed behind Dutch.

As they began to clear the area and formed a small formation. They looked around and see a beautiful lush jungle. A lively jungle, most of the plants where light blue with red bugs flying around.

"This is team 1, we have landed safely! Expedition teams of area 4, call in!" Dutch barked over comms.

"Team 2 and 4 here! We landed near each other and met up!" Stated Sergeant Revan on comms.

"Suvi and Sergeant Krell, do you copy?" Dutch asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine! Sergeant Krell here! Suvi's pod landed close by but it doesn't look open!" He responded while moving to it.

"Lieutenant Suvi here! I'm fine! We went off the path a little, landed wrong but everyone alive! " Suvi shouted into the comms.

"Okay, everyone. Use your TIC's and follow set paths to the closest AOI!" Dutch ordered.

"Expedition crew for area 7, Teams 11,12, 14, and 15 have met up. We have lost contact with team 13, they landed near a ravine and went dark!" Said one of the team leaders.

Dutch had signaled for multiple column formations and to push forward. Suvi's and Krell's team were delayed by Suvi's pod issue. They would follow soon.

Dutch looked at his TIC, soon they would be at AOI 4.

They were silently moving through the jungle, a few minutes from the AOI. Suddenly a few branches snapped and all the soldiers had pointed their weapons and slowly began to approach the area of the noise.

A bush was rattling, Vall stepped forward first and had everyone else stay back.

He slowly pushed up with his SCEV-53 smg, as he slowly gripped a branch. Sweating and nervous, he quickly pulled it away to find a 35th recon member.

She was on the ground, bleeding and badly hurt.

"Fuck! What happened to you?!" Vall said shocked as he quickly got down to help her.

"W-We landed a-an-d were am-busshed by na-ative wildlife… it… it…" she passed out before speaking.

"Shit, Vetra's LZ wasn't far from here! Team 4, stay here with her! Shoot anything that doesn't respond or that moves! Team 2, with us. 'Team 3 and 5, be aware the wildlife has attacked a recon team and we have a wounded here. Team 1 and 2 are pushing the known LZ' Come on! Let's move!" Dutch shouted.

Most of the team members were equipped with FMR-23 rifles.

As they approached area 4's Recon team's LZ, they came upon a horrid sight.

One recon member ripped in half and spread across a section of a grass patch and another hung from a tree. His upper body looked mauled and eaten.

One of men began to puke.

"God, this is almost like Vernon 8!" Dutch said to himself.

There was a small shout behind them, they turned and a member of team 2 was missing. All there was, was their FMR-23 rifle.

"Shit! Everyone form up and stay close! These fuckers are fast and are probably in a pack!" Dutch barked to everyone.

They pushed further to the LZ, the end of of the jungle line came into view and smoke was in air.

Vall pointed up, "Smoke Captain! A pod was damaged!"

Team 2's Sergeant approached Dutch, "Ok, So we are missing one of my guys, but I have a plan. How about my team stays in the treeline while you approach the pods. A form of cover!" The Sergeant said.

"Alright, by the way. Is the tracker on our missing soldier working?" He quietly asked.

"Yes, he… isn't far but I'm pretty sure he's KIA." He said quietly.

"Let's have a little hope! He might be alive!" Dutch said trying to be optimistic.

"Yeah, Captain. You saw those bodies, he isn't Alive!" He said firmly to Dutch.

Dutch knodded, the Sergeant got his squad positioned in the treeline as Dutch and his team pushed up.

There were 2 pods in the clearing. Both smoking but 1 was open and the arm of a dead soldier was hanging out.

They were in a wall formation as the approached.

"Is anyone alive in there?" Dutch shouted at the pod.

No response, "I repeat! Is anyone alive in there?" Dutch shouted again. The door opened, a wounded Vetra fell out with 2 recon members behind her.

"Holy fuck Dutch! I'm so glad to see you!" She said as she got back up.

"Team 2 and 4. We have found what seems to be the remaining recon for this LZ for area 4. Coming back! Copy?" Dutch announced.

No reply.

"Team 2 and 4! We have found what seems to be the remaining recon for area 4, we're coming back! Copy?" Dutch announced again.

He turned around to see the 4 members of team 4, were gone!

Suddenly sounds of gunshots could be heard. Multiple shooters, in the distance.

"You! Help her up! You 2, with us! Shoot anything that moves!" Dutch ordered.

"Ca-ain! Team- are pushing forwa- to AOI! Request- now!" The soldier said over comms.

"That was team 3! Shit! MOVE! DOUBLE TIME!" Dutch barked. As they ran back into the treeline, they found blood splotches where the members of team 2 were.

They began to move back to team 4's last known location. As the group approached it, they surprisingly didn't find bodies but they heard more shots. In the direction of the AOI.

They began their way to the AOI, seeing tracks. Foot prints and bullet casings. They were being chased. Dutch went back onto comms.

"This is Captain Tvankiv of the 163rd Star Corps, I am reporting back to fleet. We have come across a very hostile wildlife. It is taking soldiers out rapidly! We have lost many Recons and Star Corps! Copy?" Dutch began to breath heavy, worried it wouldn't get through.

"This is Admiral Saud! We copy Captain! Do you need support?" He asked eagerly.

"Thermal oversight! Ordnance danger close! Confirm code RSC-091078!" Dutch Quickly spouted.

Moments later, Dutch got a reply.

"Captain Tvankiv, confirmation code authorization. Confirmed. Wait, we are seeing multiple targets in the area and around the AOI. 2,3, and 5. Recon team's are south of your current position. Star Corp teams. 3, 4, and 5 are at AOI. You have multiple groups approaching you and surrounding AOI, we will be dropping nova decimaters around you. Please hold tight." With a calm voice said the ordnance officer.

Roughly a minute later, a roaring sound could be heard and blue balls of fire dropped from the sky.

The ground arrupted hard upon impact, large glows of light appeared above the jungle trees. More light appeared ahead of them.

"Captain Tvankiv, you need to move now! The original targets were taken out but multiple large creatures are moving your way!" The officer said anxiously.

They all began to run, the soldier who was carrying Vetra, pulled her onto his shoulders. Rumbling could be felt, something big was not just coming. Many large creatures were charging in their direction!

As they ran fast as they could, thumping and trees being knocked over right behind them!

Dutch turned around for a moment, to see 5 large rhino like creatures running their way, in an enraged frenzy. Determined to get them, they looked ahead to an opening ahead, with a building and Suvi!

"Hey! Get the damn door open! FUCKIN NOW!!!!" Dutch screamed.

Suvi hadn't realized what was behind them, so she looked through her scope. Shocked at the sight, she ran up and to the other soldiers at the door.

"Get these doors opened now!!" She shouted.

As Dutch and the others closed in. Dutch, Vall, and one of the other soldiers. Turned around and threw some frags. Hoping to slow them, as they exploded. The creatures halted for a moment in shock. Not even moments later, they began charging again.

Revan was at the door. Interacting with the interface.

"This fucker needs power, 1 sec. I can activate it from here!!" Revan shouted and he quickly moved in the network.

Dutch and the others reached the door, the beasts not far behind.

Suvi saw Vetra on one of the soldiers shoulders and quickly grabbed her while shouting.

"I got her! Just provide cover! Hey, sister! What the hell happened!?"

Vetra weak but awake, "A swarm of bugs. Lots of them, faster fuckers but they have super sharp claws and teeth! They instantly cut through soldiers and they traveled in packs!" She said rapidly.

A powering sound turned on and the large door opened, a gust of dust shot out. Luckily their helmets filter and prevent any from entering their lungs.

As they rushed in and the doors closed, one of the giant beasts, charged and ready to ram.

Suvi set Vetra against the wall and Dutch put himself in front of them. Gun up and ready to shoot. The door was only inches from being shut.

Dutch let out a few shots at the charging creature, doing nothing but pissed it off. The door closed just before impact, the beast left a giant impact dent in the giant doors

"Captain Tvankiv to fleet. We are at AOI! Do you copy?" No reply.

Everyone was testing comms, nothing. The building was blocking signals.

They looked around as light began to turn on, an old forward outpost. The wall on the right said "New Horizon Forward Outpost Zeta 3" Dutch shook his head.

"The remaining Recon and team 5 will stay here. Attend to the wounded and the rest of us who aren't wounded, the rest will search the outpost! Anyone who is actually injured, stay here and get tended too!" Ordered Dutch.

A total of 5 people were wounded and stayed behind.

unfortunately, no one in the outlsot was getting the signal from the fleet.

"All planet side forces! You will be without support! An unknown fleet has come out of warp and are approaching in a attack formation. Prepare for battle 6th fleet! We will not taste loss today, we will taste… VICTORY!!!" Suad said on all channels.

Not everyone could hear them though…..

20 hours earlier

A man with a suit and tie is sitting at a desk, he is looking looking out a near by window as a TTF officer walks in.

"Sir, I have bad news. The C.F.M. found the system and the Board is pissed! Them and the representatives of allied Avage factions. Want to speak to you, right now."

The man at the desk stood up, "Get a connection in my holo comm."

The officer knodded and walked away as he typed something into his TIC.

The man walked into the holo comm room.

5 figures appeared.

"CEO and family head owner, Greg Taunis. We need to discuss your failure and how you plan to take care of it…" one said.

The next chapter will show whats going on in the G.T.M.I.

The Gola Hivemind- a hyper evolving species of hive bugs. Capable of space travel, by launching hive filled rocks into space via large exhaust vents on their home planet. Rinol in the Yuimo system. Noted: not all launched rocks make it.

They are common quadrapedal creatures, but higher evolution elites can go from 6 to 8 legs. With each varient have different features.

FMR-23- the C.F.M. made this weapon for their soldiers, it is a highly customizable gun. Even in field. It can be turned into many different weapons, different calibers. And many different attachments.

SCEV-73- a medium caliber weapon, close to medium range. This was originally made by the C.F.M. MP's and security.