Black Legion: 02 - Assault on Khorram by Michael G. Thomas Read Free Book Online Page B

stabilise himself in readiness for the inevitable attack on their position. The sight used a special overlay system that incorporated a simple optical sight as well as a projected tactical overlay. Sadly, it seemed to be non-functional, so he was forced to use just the mechanical optics.
    “That way!” replied Marcus, pointing to one of the oval entrances that led up. He grabbed one of the many discarded weapons and moved for the ramp. The others did the same, picking up the nearest weapons they could find. The sound of battle became louder the closer they moved to the next level. Another two blasts shook the ship before they reached their destination. It was more spacious than before, and a number of fires were spreading smoke. Glaucon looked around the corner and pulled himself back.
    “I don’t get it, how did this happen so fast? We weren’t in the brig that long?”
    “Stop!” It was an odd shout from further back in the tunnel.
    They spun around to spot their adversaries, but at this distance and with all the smoke, all they could see were dark, armoured shapes. They advanced slowly but methodically towards them.
    “Run!” shouted Xenophon.
    They abandoned the tunnel and rushed out into the open. Marcus moved ahead and waved his hand to point out the evacuation deck. Green and red emergency lighting marked the route. It was disordered chaos as they rushed in the direction he’d pointed out. They almost made it as more dark shapes appeared ahead of them. A volley of shots rattled out, and they were forced to spread out and take cover along the widely spaced side walls. Streaks of fire from pulse weapons ripped passed them, turning the corridor unto a deadly maelstrom of fire.
    “What now?” Tamara shouted. She held her carbine in her right hand and shielded her face with her left. Roxana looked about and spotted the wide open archway that was signed to the observation deck. She nodded with her head in the direction of the door. Xenophon, Glaucon and Marcus were pinned down on the other side of the open space but conveniently closer to the arched entrance.
    “Through the archway!” she shouted, but more gunfire blocked out the sound of her voice.
    A group of stratiotes, the light infantry of the Legion, ran passed them all. They seemed completely disinterested in their small band and made it nearly twenty metres before the massed gunfire tore them to shreds.
    “Why?” screamed Tamara.
    Roxana grabbed her by the arm and braved the pulse rounds to rush across the corridor. Round after round blasted passed them both, but they miraculously made it and ran through the archway. Xenophon watched in awe as they moved through the hail of fire and disappeared. He looked back to Glaucon who just grinned at him.
    “Go!” he cried, and the three men jumped around the corner and followed the two women. The gun battle continued behind them as the survivors of the stratiotes fought for a few more seconds before being silenced by the enemy guns. The archway led to a small open space and three doors. Roxana and Tamara disappeared through the largest door and out of sight. Xenophon chased after them and jumped into the room, his carbine at the ready. Instead of bodies, he found he was in one of the most luxurious parts of the ship. Glaucon and Marcus arrived close behind him.
    “What the hell is this?” asked Glaucon. The room was wide, and many chairs and comfortable seats were arranged to face one side of the room. Roxana had already shut the door behind them and was busy sliding furniture against it to create a further obstacle to the enemy. Marcus placed his hand on a switch and flicked it. With a soft mechanical whirl, the entire side of the room seemed to vanish. It was all an illusion, and the metal of the wall slid away to reveal a thick, transparent skin, much like glass.
    “Wow!” exclaimed Xenophon. He could see scores of spacecraft outside, some in battle formation and others circling their Titan. Large