Fire at Will [Mech Sci-Fi Military]

CLOSING THE NET

Snow crunched beneath their boots as Will and Becca marched alongside Team Zeta, their breath fogging in the frigid morning air. The wind whipped against their faces, the snow swirling around, enveloping them in a white haze. They could barely see two feet ahead, making it crucial to keep an eye on their fellow marks as they trudged through the snow.

Will clenched his teeth to stop them from chattering as he scanned his surroundings. The low visibility gave them the advantage of keeping the operation covert, but it also allowed their prey a chance to slip through their net.

The command center was well aware of this predicament, and the comms were filled with chatter, coordinating everyone. Will kept a keen ear out for the constant updates as they traversed narrow alleyways — their relentless march steadily closing the net.

A few minutes later, a burst of static broke through the comms.

"Command to all units — possible sighting of Captain Jorg. Target has entered the northern refinery district. Repeat, Jorg is confirmed in Sector 9C."

Will's heart skipped. That was close. He and Becca exchanged glances.

"Move in," came the order.

The squad surged forward with renewed vigor. Now that they had a sense of direction, they closed in, maintaining close communication with the other teams.

Will and Becca ran through the snow, their breath fogging in the cold air, as the team headed for the northern districts. Updates kept pouring in, and they were finally able to zero in on the Captain.

The comms crackled once more, and Damian's voice came through.

"This is Striker Lead. We have eyes on the target entering a four-story red-brick structure, next to the Altaven power substation, grid 43Q MS 215 837."

"All teams, seal off the target and establish full containment. Breach in four minutes."

Will clenched the pistol hidden in his coat as they rushed to their designated location.

"All right, you heard him, folks!" the team leader spoke over the howling wind, her husky voice barely audible. Will recognized Natalia's voice despite the tightly wrapped shawl around her face. "Tighten up the formation, squad. We must reach the objective in two minutes."

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Before she could give further orders, she was interrupted by the RTO. "Ma'am, word from the scouting team. An unknown vehicle is approaching from route 240. High-profile SUV, possibly armored, no visible markings. Speed is moderate. Negative PID on the occupants."

Natalia cursed under her breath. "We can't afford a delay. Move fast, double time."

The team zipped through the district, everyone on edge, when more bad news arrived.

"The vehicle is continuing down route 240. If the trajectory holds, it will enter the Objective Zone in approximately three minutes."

"Damn it," Natalia cursed again.

"I can delay the vehicle," Will said, his voice tense.

"Wait, what?" Becca exclaimed, but Natalia stopped her.

"All right, Recon 1. The trigger is yours," said Natalia. "Godspeed."

Becca looked uncertain, but Will patted her on the back. "Go on. I'll handle it."

She gave Will one long look before breaking off. He watched her and the rest of the team disappear into the snow before changing his direction towards route 240.

Once he broke onto the main road, he spotted it. A dark, jet-black shape emerged from the snowstorm—a sleek, armored SUV rolled up the route, shredding snow off its sides.

Will gritted his teeth and sprinted toward it, blending his form with the scattering snow. Just as the vehicle was about to pass him, he threw himself in front of it and slammed against the hood.

The car skidded to a halt, and Will was thrown into the snow, groaning. Silently cursing, he clutched his bruised rib.

"That was stupid," Will groaned. But it was all he could think of to stop the car. Feigning his injury to be a lot worse than it actually was, he slumped into the snow, waiting for someone to approach him.

Sweat drenched his brow despite the cold. Hopefully they won't just drive off performing a hit and run. Now that would have transformed his stupid idea into a truly moronic one. Will waited with baited breath But no such thing happened.

The SUV glided to a stop right beside him, its engine humming quietly. The tinted windows began to lower, and Will felt a change in the air.

It was so faint it defied description. A feather-light touch came from a field unlike anything he had ever felt. It was everywhere—within the land, the air, the breeze, the snow. A mountain moved, shifting its gaze toward him, and Will froze.

The feeling passed as quickly as it had come. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead, and Will was left staring at the steadily lowering window of the SUV.

The smiling face of an old woman greeted him, dressed in orange robes, her gazed filled with with amusement.

"Now, what do we have here?"

"All Mother!" Will gasped.

"It's not the first time someone has thrown themselves at my feet," the old priestess continued, "but none have done so with the vigor you've displayed."

"I... didn't—" Will began, but the story he was about to weave fell apart, still stunned by the appearance of one of the temple's highest figures.

"Oh, stop gaping like a fish, child, or birds might take roost in your mouth."

Will snapped his mouth shut, composing himself.

"It's winter," he said. "There are no birds here."

The All Mother smiled. "Is that so? I could've sworn I saw two fly by just now."

Will's heart skipped a beat. Was she talking about the Condors?

"On your feet, gosling." She swung the car door open. "We have much to talk about."

Will stared at the open door with apprehension. How much does the temple know? Did they find the bikes in the tunnels and trace it back to him?

It was possibly the only evidence tying him to the terrorist bombings.

The open door stood waiting. Will gritted his teeth. Whatever it was, he had to see it through.

Will stepped forward and entered the SUV.