Resistance Chimeran Allies Ch 05

Chapter 5.

The rest of the walk back to the tower was uneventful, the company not being met by anymore Chimeran dropships, or any ambushes.

As the company got ever closer to the tower the soldiers got more and more light into their eyes, and when they made it around the final corner and the tower entrance came into sight they were greeted by several allied Hybrids, the creatures running forward and covering the rear as the weary soldiers slowly made their way forward.

Signs of combat could be seen, more Chimera had fought here in the time the company had been gone, but it appeared the defenders had won, the bodies of several more Chimera around the area indicating that it had been a fierce fight.

The entrance they had come from had two elevators, one massive one for heavy equipment to be hoisted up, and another smaller one meant for infantry. X-Ray 4 watched as several Chimera waved for the Sabertooth tanks to move onto the elevator platform, X-Ray 4 noting that the Stalker stayed at the entrance.

He looked around more, seeing that several of the other Chimera that had been with them were also staying behind to defend the entrance, only fifteen or so still staying with the company, the soldier feeling relieved to see that the Type-2 was still staying close to him.

The elevator was too small to hoist up the entire company at once, so most of the American company went with the tanks, X-Ray 4 noticing that the Captain and the other wounded had finally woken up.

He also noticed that the Hardfang was among them, and she seemed to be interacting with one of the Rangers she had saved earlier, Osborne, if he recalled correctly. A call from the Type-2 had the Hardfang turn and start making her way back, but she turned back when one of the Rangers yelled for her, the Hardfang promptly catching a small can thrown by the Ranger.

She turned around and quickly made her way back to the elevator that X-Ray 4 and the Type-2 Hybrid were in, along with the rest of X-Ray team, Sergeant Hale, and the British soldiers.

As the Hardfang got into the elevator X-Ray 4 could see what she was carrying, a C-Ration metal can, and it looked to be a meat ration, based on what X-Ray 4 could skim off the writing. With the Hardfang now in the elevator the Hybrid at the controls activated them, the lift lurching up.

The room below quickly disappeared from view, along with the rest of the American company. As X-Ray 4 watched them disappear he realized he should have gone to some of the soldiers to ask for some rations.

He had already eaten most of his rations, along with the rest of his squad, and he wasn't sure if the option to resupply was going to come any time soon.

His squadmates seemed to also have the same thoughts in their mind, X-Ray 6 speaking up. "Sir, are we able to hook back up with that Ranger company? We could use some more ammo and supplies."

X-Ray 1 looked over his squad, taking stock of their situation, and the British could be seen doing the same, and they seemed to be in even worse shape, the months long conflict draining their resources down to almost nothing, some of the men greedily wolfing down some food offered by their comrades.

He then turned to X-Ray 4. "Well, Corporal, are we able to get back to that company?"

X-Ray 4 was not expecting the question, turning to look at the soldier in confusion. "Sir?"

"You've had more contact with these creatures than anyone else here, that Type-2 especially seems to have taken a liking to you. We're in uncharted territory, and you're the only one here who has any understanding of what's going on. So, are we able to get back?"

X-Ray 4 turned towards the Type-2, silently asking the question.

"Yes, we can take you back to your company. You will have time to rest and regain your strength, the tower is locked down and there are guards stationed at every entrance."

X-Ray 4 leaned up against the wall of the elevator upon hearing that, the constant alertness and adrenaline from the combat slowly fading away, leaving him tired and weary.

The other soldiers could also be seen relaxing, the men grateful to still be alive after all the combat they'd been through.

The Type-2 even seemed to be relaxing too, X-Ray 4 opening his eyes and looking over when he felt her move closer. He watched her turn around and slowly lean back towards the wall, letting her heatstacks slowly lean up against it.

X-Ray 4 had seen how the enemy Steelhead from earlier had recoiled when it landed on its heatstacks, the devices seemed to be a weakpoint for the Chimera, and when he thought about it it wasn't very surprising, it probably didn't feel very good to have massive implants in your back get shoved around.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he felt the Hybrid slowly push her arm closer to his. He could feel the Hybrid's body heat bleeding through his suit, slowly warming up his arm, and it was then he realized just how cold he was. A shiver went through him and he looked up to see that the Type-2 had been watching him.

She moved to get up off the wall, pushing her arm past his to push herself off the wall, but just then the elevator slowed down, jolting to a stop. She looked at the door for a second then back to X-Ray 4, staring at him, then drooping her head and letting out a grown, proceeding to push herself off the wall and head towards the exit.

The rest of the group was also leaving the elevator, and X-Ray 4 found himself at the head of the group, standing next to the Type-2.

They were greeted by a group of Advanced Hybrids, the creatures standing guard over the entrance. They shared a quick conversation with the Type-2 before parting to let them pass.

The elevator had taken them to an area with three passageways, and the Type-2 made her way to the one furthest to the right, the group quickly following along.

As they walked down the hall, it didn't escape their attention that a small group of Advanced Hybrids had formed up behind them, and just before they came up to another intersection another group came up from the side, proceeding to turn in the direction they were going.

X-Ray 4 was keeping pace with the Type-2, or, more accurately, she was slowing herself down so that the soldier didn't have to jog to keep up. He looked ahead at the Advanced Hybrids, then behind, seeing that the other soldiers were also glancing around at the Hybrids.

He turned to the Type-2, speaking in a low voice so the group wouldn't overhear them. "Are they following us?"

She glanced at him for a second, perhaps wondering why he was speaking in a low voice, before she turned around and looked at the humans behind her. She thought for a second before she turned back around, speaking in a whisper too. "We are near the Queen... the Angel is what you call her I believe. The defenders are here as a precaution."

X-Ray 4 nodded. He knew there were likely none in their little group, or in the American company they'd rescued who would want to try to harm the Angel, but the Angel did not know that. He wondered if he would even see the creature again, considering he'd almost ended its life earlier.

He grimaced a bit as he thought about it, knowing that if he hadn't missed his shot he would have doomed everyone, the Chimera in the tower, the Americans and British attacking it, and this Type-2 that had saved him countless times now.

So much had happened in so little time, he was barely able to wrap his head around it, and he had a feeling it was the same for the rest of the soldiers in the tower, likely several of the Chimera too. Command likely had no idea what to make of it either.

His thoughts were confirmed as their walk brought them to a massive hanger, the group seeing the American company, most of the Rangers were just milling about, but X-Ray 4 was able to see the Ranger captain along with several other officers standing off to the side, with three radio operators near them.

He could tell they were frustrated, and as they got closer, he could hear the radio operators constantly asking for information to be repeated, and getting grainy, distorted audio in return. The thick shell of the tower appeared to be very good at blocking radio signals, and it was making coordination hell for the human soldiers inside it.

The Ranger captain noticed them coming closer and he gave his radio to a nearby officer. "Wasn't expecting to see you guys again, what're you here for?"

X-Ray 1 walked towards the captain, nodding at him. "Our unit is low on rations and equipment, do you have anything to spare?"

The Ranger captain pointed back towards where the Sabertooth tanks were idling. "Those tanks are crammed full of food and ammo, feel free to help yourself. You Brits can go along too."

The soldiers began to head towards the tanks and Rangers, X-Ray 4 looking back behind him to see that X-Ray 1 and Lieutenant Cartwright were staying back with the officers, likely trying to coordinate and get in touch with command.

The American company already appeared to be settling down, many of the soldiers were getting supplies off of the tanks, or setting up defenses in the area. Some Hybrids were mingling in with them too, and X-Ray 4 could even see that a few of them were given some food rations.

The group was quickly spotted by Osborne, and he made his way over to them. After a quick greeting and being told what they were here for the Ranger led them over to a nearby tank where boxes were being taken off.

"We loaded these tanks up heavy before we shipped out, we've got plenty to spare. There's ammo off in the boxes on the right, I believe you Brits use the same caliber our Carbines do so you won't have a problem with ammo. The boxes on the left have got a shit ton of C-Rations, canned crap it is, but it's better than nothing."

X-Ray 4 had no need for ammo, he still had several magazines of ammo for his Fareye, not that they had any Fareye ammo anyway, so he went for the food instead. The Type-2 was still following along with him, and he could see she was eyeing the boxes eagerly.

None of the boxes had been opened yet, and when he looked at them he could see they were nailed shut. He sighed and pulled out his knife, preparing to wedge it into the lid of the box, but he was stopped by the Type-2.

She lightly laughed as she stood next to him, and the soldier watched as she shoved her claw tipped fingers in between the lid and the box, effortlessly wrenching the lid off, letting it fall to the ground.

"It always surprises me how lacking in strength you humans are."

X-Ray 4 laughed at that as he looked into the box. "Ya, we don't got much going for us on that front."

The box was crammed full of cans, forty eight total, and there were three types in there, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all arranged randomly. As he looked at the cans his hunger began to kick in, and he pulled out two cans, putting them in his pocket.

He looked over at the Type-2, seeing her staring at the cans, unsure what they were. She looked up to him, wondering what to grab.

He nodded, looking down into the crate, pulling out some cans and looking at them. "Hmm, I'm guessing meat is the main thing you eat, no vegetables?"

She cocked her head to the side, looking at the cans. "I wouldn't know, I don't think I've ever eaten... vegetables."

"Guess we'll find out." He slung his rifle behind him then took two cans in his hands and turned around, looking around the area. A lot of the soldiers were just sitting around, chatting and opening their rations. Many in his group were rearming themselves, X-Ray 4 watching several refilling their magazines.

He wanted to relax and eat his food in relative silence, but there was activity all around the hanger. He turned towards the Type-2 and he saw her gesture to follow, and she began to walk to one of the pathways out of the hanger.

X-Ray 4 quickly followed along, and the Hybrid led him down the hallway, turning down the first corner they came across, X-Ray 4 seeing that it was a storage area, weapons and ammo lying around, along with several canisters of Sym-Bac.

The Type-2 let out a heavy groan, and X-Ray 4 watched as she dropped her rifle on the ground, the Hybrid quickly following. She rested her heatstacks up against the side of the wall, and X-Ray 4 followed, sitting next to her left side.

He set the two food cans down next to the Type-2, then he put his rifle down towards his left, proceeding to pull out the two cans he'd put in his pocket for himself. The Type-2 picked up one of the cans and stared at it, studying the words on it.

"What do these say?" She handed one of the cans back to him.

"Oh, you're not able to read? Let's see..." He turned the can to look at what its contents were. "This one is meat stew with beans, and I believe the other one I grabbed is chicken and vegetables. Let's get these opened up for you." He flipped the can over, grabbing a little pin that was attached under it.

"I'm sure I can open them perfectly fine on my own." She picked up the other can, examining it for a bit. She flipped it over and took the pin off as she'd seen the human do, but she soon sighed in defeat as she didn't know what else to do with the can.

X-Ray 4 smiled and took the pin to a small tab on the side of the can, making sure it was angled so the Hybrid could see. He stuck the tab through a little notch in the key and started twisting, the can slowly opening as a metal strip attached to the tab began to get peeled back, opening the can.

The Hybrid followed along, and soon her own can was opened up, the creature looking down at its contents curiously.

X-Ray 4 set the other can down next to the Hybrid and then grabbed the other two cans he'd taken for himself.

"Haven't eaten in a little bit, it's not the most appetizing stuff, but it's better than starving. Let's get this crap off first though." He set the cans down and he began to take his gloves off, the Type-2 shifting her attention to him.

He slipped his gloves off, revealing light, pale skin, the Hybrid slumping a little when she saw the blood staining his hands, a reminder of how close he'd come to dying. He noted the blood too, rubbing his hands for a few seconds, trying to get it off. He soon gave up, and he then reached up towards his helmet, the Type-2 perking up, waiting to get her first real look at the person she'd saved.

He slowly took the helmet off his head, feeling relieved to finally have the stuffy thing off, and he turned to see the Type-2 taking in his features.

His skin was pale, and he had some light stubble and a thin mustache around his lips. His eyes were a light blue and his hair was black, beginning to grow out a bit due to lack of time to keep himself in regulation.

He set his helmet down and looked back at the Type-2, finally having some time to also take in her features. She was a head taller than him, and he was already just short of 6 feet tall. Her face was completely alien, a sensor device taking up the entire front of her face, and a wicked set of fangs just below that.

She had three eyes on each side of her head, but they were also completely alien compared to his own. He could see the heatstacks jutting out from behind her back, the device having a pulsing glow as it slowly pumped coolant into her body, helping to keep her cool and stop her body from rapidly overheating.

As he thought about that he shivered. The tower was kept at a frigid temperature to help keep the Chimeran creatures from overheating. The American Rangers and British had uniforms capable of tolerating the cold, but his uniform was woefully inadequate, designed more to keep Crawlers out than to keep heat in.

The Hybrid saw him shiver and she moved closer to him, pushing her shoulder up against his, the soldier shivering again as he could feel her body heat slowly warming him back up.

"You feel so cold compared to me. What I wouldn't give to be able to have the natural temperature you humans do. To me the temperature of this tower is almost perfect, it seems like you're in danger of freezing to death though."

"Ya, it's a bit colder than I'd like it to be. I'm glad for the extra heat though." He leaned back and sighed, relaxing for a few seconds before he looked down at his two food cans. He picked up the first one, quickly opening it, eager to get some food in him.

"What's that?" The Hybrid was looking at the can too, and at the top was a small, dark brown object wrapped in plastic.

"Ohhh, nice. It's a dessert. It's some fudge... Though I guess you wouldn't know what that is." He pulled the thing of fudge out, then he pulled out three wrapped sugar cubes, and a small tin can with coffee grounds in it. He looked at the two latter things for a few seconds before grumbling and pushing them off to the side, not wanting to turn his entire canteen to coffee.

The last items in the can were three decently sized biscuits, and he upended the can, dumping them out onto his lap. He picked up one of the biscuits, taking a bite out of it, happy to get some food in him.

"Surely you plan on eating more than that?"

"Oh ya, if this was all the military gave us to eat there'd be riots, the main portion of the meal is right here." He grabbed the other can, opening it up, revealing his own meal, chopped ham, egg, and potato.

"There's not really very much to choose from, but I grabbed the best stuff there was for us. A typical ration is supposed to be one meat ration and then the crackers there, I figured you'd appreciate two meat rations a bit more though. Speaking of which, how are they?" He looked over to her, seeing that she hadn't touched her food yet.

She looked at the first can, raising it up. She brought it above her head, opening her jaws wide, giving the human a good view of her intimidating set of fangs as she let half of the can's contents fall.

He watched her eyes go wide as she quickly swallowed the portion, quickly going for the rest of the can. "I've not eaten anything in two days, this tastes absolutely amazing right now."

The soldier grimaced upon hearing that, and the Hybrid decided to elaborate.

"The Queen would try her best, she would have parties sent out to recover food from the buildings, but there's a lot of Hybrids in the tower, and food production wasn't something the towers were ever intended to do, so we had to make do."

The soldier nodded, turning back to his food. "Well, if we win this fight, I guarantee you, a lot of things are going to change for the better."

She let out a low, pur-like growl and she pushed herself closer to him, pressing her leg against his, leaning her head back and closing her eyes as she listened to what he said. "You have no idea just how happy I am to hear those words. I cannot wait to see those changes."

She opened her eyes and turned her head when she felt him moving, seeing him reaching into his pocket. She watched as he grabbed the other food can, revealing the main meal. He then pulled out a small metal spoon, setting in to his meal.

"A shame we can't heat these up, they're a hell of a lot more tolerable when they're warm."

The Hybrid looked at his food can, then back to hers. "Hmm..."

The human jolted when the Hybrid's hand shot out, grabbing his can out of his hands. Before he could utter a word of protest he saw the Hybrid drop the can down between her legs, the Hybrid then grabbing her own food can and doing the same thing.

"There."

As he looked at the Hybrid, he could swear that if she had lips she would have been smiling.

"They won't get hot, but eventually they'll warm up enough to be a bit better. One of the few benefits we have with our body temperature." She leaned back, slowly relaxing, but she turned her attention back to the human when she saw him bring his now free hands up to his chest, rubbing them together.