The monorail rumbled quietly out of Talos Airport. The magnetic sled that bore the dozen or so passengers hummed its own little tune, accompanying the sounds of suspension as the vehicle made its way into the tunnels that penetrated the citys warwalls.
Paul stood facing the window, blackness staring back at him, carrying his reflection in a surprisingly favourable light. He looked down at the hispanic woman who sat to his left, a toddler perched burbling and happy on her lap. She returned the glance and smiled.
Hell be three next week.
Sorry, Miss?
She nodded at the child she held. Hell be three. Say...thats a funny accent you got there. You on holiday in Paragon?
No, Miss. Wish I was. Strictly a business trip. Flew in from London this morning.
Now thats a shame. This citys a sight to behold. If you get the chance, Id advise the Airship Skytours.
Thanks, Miss.
The car hovered clear of the tunnel. Paul smiled as sunlight bathed his face. Gingerly he ran his hand over his face, finding the latest scar in his collection running over his right eye. He had been lucky to keep the eye. Gritting his teeth he leaned on the backrest of the seat in front of the mother. He looked down over the rolling streets below, thinking about his briefing the night before. His attention fell upon the strangely garbed figures that pointed at the car. One, following his colleagues directions, rose something thickly cylindrical onto his shoulder...
EVERYBODY GET DOWN!
The impact shook the car, destroying the track in front. Luckily the destruction also stopped power feeding into the car, stopping it dead. Paul looked around the car. Everyone okay? He pulled his jacket off, laying it over an elderly gentleman who sat shaking.
Youre gonna be fine, mate. Listen! I need everyone to stay calm!
The attackers fired grapples onto the wrecked line, pulling themselves up in twos. Paul cursed loudly before kicking the window out that overlooked the rocket launchers position. Pulling himself onto the roof he grabbed one of the ascending figures and pulled him up sharply, kneeing him in the face. The blow knocked out any chance the figure had of retaliating, Instead he hung limply on his line. Paul took hold of the line and rappelled downwards. Gunshots bounced around him, sending metal sparks skyward. A few feet from the ground he let go, landing with a crouch.
The rocket launcher raised his weapon again, this time aiming it at Paul. The rocket burst free from the weapon, hurtling towards the sprinting Paul. He ducked and rolled, looking back as the rocket hit a parked car, sending the vehicle upwards in a frighteningly erratic spin. Before it hit the street again, Paul reached the rocket launcher. Bringing his head up under the masked chin, he punched him hard in the throat crushing his windpipe. The launcher dropped to his knees, dead. His companions sprayed machine gun fire in his direction. Paul grabbed the dead man using him as a shield as he charged the remaining attackers. Throwing the corpse at them they were toppled over and pinned by the sudden weight. Paul kicked one in the face, chopping the other to the throat.
A gunshot rang out from behind him. He turned and looked in horror as the climber hed forgotten about tried to shoot the monorail passengers.
Son of a...
He pulled a rifle from one of the figures grip. Turned, dropped to one knee. Took aim and fired.
The last of the attackers fell from the car, landing on the street with a sickening crunch.
Paul turned his attention to the two men at his feet. The insignia on their uniforms was dangerously familiar.
Requiem!
Sirens approached fast. Paul pulled a small communications device from his trouser pocket.
Bravo One to Sabre control. Bravo One to Sabre control. Come in control.
Control receiving Bravo One. What is your status?
Have reached destination. Contact has already been made with enemy. Proceeding to rendezvous point. Over.
Message understood. Good hunting, Bravo One.
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