File 10.1 - Urban Confusion

“Why the hell isn’t the city evacuated yet?” snapped Ansgar, having to dodge around citizens while fighting. “The evacuation order should have been sent the moment of the attack!”

A video feed through the comm. window appeared for the communication officer. “According to the logs, an alert was declared, but it seems that it wasn’t broadcasted to the city.”

“I need the street clear! I’m already having trouble navigating the streets!” The Njord staggered forward having trouble with the tower shield. Ansgar cursed to himself about the frustrations. The enemy took advantage of his limited mobility and handicapped him even more taking the fight into the city. He had almost no chance of being able to get close. The smaller size and maneuverability made it the superior machine within the city.

An alert came up on his screen with a sound that started to become annoyingly familiar to him. He tilted his head to see what was coming. The Ormt already disappeared behind the building, trying to lure him away. “A new energy source?” Quickly, his machine linked the Skadi’s view to his with the better angle. “What is that?”

Computer analysis had trouble figuring out what the actual installment was. The only thing that could be easily determined was a high energy source of weapons grade intensity. Calculations from the computer found that it was being targeted on the Skadi. “Air! Get out of there!”

“Already moving, sir.” The Skadi started strafing to the left leaving the projected blast zone. Enough notice came through so she could get out safely. However, it turned out to be a trap placing her exactly where the enemy wanted her. A massive explosion erupted through earth violently tearing up everything. Large chunks of debris flew in all directions smashing into buildings and the landscape. Engulfed in the red and orange glow of flames and smoke the Skadi disappeared from sight.

“Air?!” Leaping out of the city, the Njord landed nearby the raging flames from the triggered mines. “Air!”

“I’m fine, Ensign.” Stepping out of the fire, the Skadi emerged with little apparent damage. “Slight damage to both legs, but I can still move.”

Sighing with relief, Ansgar turned towards the city taking in all of the chaos. It had become a maze to hunt their enemy rather than something he protected. They turned the tables on them completely. “They’re playing us. Even the energy spike was a feint.”

“Damn, it’s a real demon!” Wells reluctantly gave up some praise for surviving their attack. He checked with the city layout and all of their traps that they placed.

Elle manipulated her Jiao through the tight streets coming to a stop finally seeing that the Blue Devil pulled back. “Sorry, the Blue one’s back out!”

“It’s fine, Elle. Follow us or not, they’re severely handicapped and now they’re understanding it.” Monitoring the scene from a terminal outside of a rooftop, his Peng remained behind him in a powered down and camouflaged state. “We need to keep slowly peeling away their defenses. One shot isn’t going to finish them! Show them the intensity of a real battle!”