Cpl. Rulf ducks beneath the opening of the dull red metallic structure as the blast from the G77 sonic grenade washes over him and Lt. Barrett. Rulf covers his ears though he knows their shielded battle suits provides more than enough protection, something his squad never gets tired of giving him shit about. The effects of the G77, depending on its setting, ranges anywhere from rendering an enemy unconscious to liquefying their organs, including the brain, and death.

    Lt. Barrett activates Ex-Mode on her iGoggles to survey the interior through the wall. Four of the Ancitian soldiers lay still on the floor. The fifth was operating the Rapid Fire Beam turret, or RFB, and was partially protected in the control pod from the blast. Its appendages flail about as it fights to stay alive. It too will soon be dead. The iGoggles, not standard issue but an invaluable birthday gift from her mother, records everything and transmits it back to the squad’s data node. After the enemy soldier in the RFB stops moving Lt. Barrett stands. Leading with her RailShooter or Clapper (nicknamed for the distinct sound the weapon makes when fired) she crawls into the opening and crouches against the inner wall. Rulf follows and lands with his back to her. He re-checks the ammo count of his Clapper and adjusts the setting to Sweep.

    “I really want to get a dog.” Rulf said.

    Lt. Barrett shoots Rulf a look and then shakes her head.

    “You should.” She motions for Rulf to check the bodies as she the scans structure for any hidden caches of weapons or techware.

    Rulf stands and kicks the nearest dead Ancitian soldier with his boot - a general if he identified the emblem on its carapace correctly. Its massive shell is surrounded by a gelatinous pool of opaque yellow goo.

    “I want to save enough to get a house, and then get a dog that won’t eat my bird.”

    “You’d be living the American dream.” Lt. Barrett points at Rulf and motions again for him to continue checking the bodies.

    Rulf taps the photo icon on the multi-comm on his left forearm. A 3D image appears of his green and gold Macaw simulant - Uncle Grandpa.

    “That’s all I want.” After several seconds Rulf closes the image and gives the general another kick.

    A molecule spreader, a safeguard embedded in all high ranking Ancitians, destroys the structure and everything in a 100 meter radius.

    Cpl. Rulf’s last thoughts are of Uncle Grandpa eating a slice of rehydrated apple from his hand, the bird’s favorite treat.